This week has been a rough one, to say the least. I have had not only one dear friend pass away, but two. They both lived long, wonderful lives and have touched so many people through their witness for Christ over the years. I usually don't handle my emotions in a healthy way- I tend to hold everything in, pretending to be strong, and eventually break down over something unrelated and insignificant. I want to try and grieve for my losses in a way that's healthy and in a way that brings the glory to God, because I know that's what Dolores and Oshall would have wanted.
My first friend's name is Dolores. She passed away Sunday night after being ill for some time. I've already blogged about her a little bit, so some of this might be a repeat...I have so many fond memories of this wonderful woman. She was one of the friendliest ladies I've ever known. She would always welcome anyone into her home with a smile and a hug, no matter how long or short of time it had been since you'd last seen her. She loved to laugh. She had all sorts of silly cards, plaques or pictures of cartoons or jokes that made her laugh. Something else I (can't believe) forgot about was the M 'n' M's! Dolores always had a bag of those mini packs of M 'n' M's with her. She handed them out to kids and adults and anyone she could get to take them. I remember when I was younger and went through a phase where I didn't like them, she would carry mini bags of skittles to give me. Last night I attended her visitation, and right next to her casket was a small table with her camera and a big basket of M 'n' M's! I couldn't think of anything more fitting. One of her family members made sure I didn't leave without a bag, and I took them. In my mind, I could see Dolores pushing those M 'n' M's in my hand until I took them. (O: It will be sad without her, but I'm thankful she's no longer in pain. She's with her love, Frank, and they are whole again, praising our Lord!
The other friend I lost this week was Jason's grandpa Oshall. I call him my friend because that's exactly what he was. Of course, he was my grandpa (in-law) also and we were very close for only having known each other a few short years. Oshall has been sick for about the past 6 months and we all knew this was coming. He has had hospice care for 3 weeks now and so it's almost a relief that he has passed. I hate saying it that way, but it's true. Oshall has been praying everyday for several weeks that God would bring him home...and now his prayers have been answered and he's dancing on the streets of gold! I will truly miss my dear friend. We have always had a special bond. For as long as I can remember, he has told me every time he sees me, 'I've loved you since the first time I met you' and I so look forward to hearing him say that. The last time we went down to visit, when we knew his time was running out, he told me that again. I smiled and told me the same. It's hard to imagine only knowing someone for a few years and having such an empty space left after they are gone. He was such a stong man of God. He spent his last days witnessing to everyone that came to visit. And signing. Oshall loves to sing- hymns. Before meeting Oshall, I knew maybe 3 hymns well enough to sing along, but now that number has grown. He's right that there's beauty in those old hymns and I will always remember those times of singing fondly.
I love you Dolores and I love you Oshall. You will be deeply missed.
As I sit here at work, trying to hold it together, I keep thinking that neither of these wonderful people would want any of us to be sad- for any reason, least of all because of them. I know they would want me to remember that they are no longer in pain, no longer suffering in their worldly bodies. Today they stand before our God whole again, in the only place they have ever wanted to be. I know they have to be hugging the feet of our Lord, thanking and praising the one who has called them home. AMEN!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Long nights
Poor Emilia is having a hard time and it's starting to wear us all down...
Starting this past Friday night, she's been waking up several times throughout the night screaming this high-pitched, ear-piercing, blood-curdling shriek. Our daycare provider put it best when she said it is like someone's trying to murder her. I've never heard her make this sound before and it's very, VERY unsettling.
Friday night through Monday night were the worst. It was about every 2-3 hours all. night. long. So, the first couple nights I just thought it was a growth spurt thing and she was extra hungry. So, I'd sleepwalk myself into her room and nurse her. She'd fall asleep and I would put her back in her crib. Sleep. Shriek. Repeat.
Well, come Tuesday morning I was starting to really look worse for the wear- blood-shot, droopy eyes, no pep in my step, etc. So, I was telling our daycare provider about it and she said Emilia had done the same thing during Monday's nap. She woke up during nap time screaming. But as soon as they picked her up, she was fine. That got me thinking that it wasn't just hunger.
I started thinking about how she would scream if she woke up laying flat out....like it might be an ear problem that was relieved, somewhat, when she was more upright. So, I took her to the doctor yesterday...nothing. The Dr. checked her lungs, ears, throat, everything...and E's perfectly fine. She doesn't have a temperature or anything. So, she told me to come back if she developed a fever or if it got worse.
So, last night Jason and I went to see 'Inglourious Basterds' (OK movie...VERY gorey) with our friend Jay. I was really worried about leaving Emilia with Grammy and Poppy. More for their sake, because I was sure Emilia would be cranky and uncomfortable. We got home around 11 and Treasa was still rocking Emilia in her room. She told me she ate around 10-10:30 and had just fallen asleep. Treasa (Grammy) said she tried a couple times to put her in her crib but Emilia would immediately wake up and start screaming again. So, Jason rocked her a while and I went to bed. (I knew it was going to be a long night and wanted to catch a few Zz's before she was hungry again...) I'm not sure when Jason put her down, but she didn't wake up again until 1:30ish. And it wasn't nearly as bad as it has been all week. She still cried, but not the mind-numbing shrieks from earlier this week. I went in there and got her out to nurse. When it was time to switch sides she started screaming that scream again, but calmed down once she started nursing again. After she started to fall asleep again, I pulled her off and was going to rock her. She started freaking out. But, she quickly calmed down, resting her head on my shoulder (how I miss those cuddles!!) I rocked her for about 15-20 minutes and she was OUT. I put her back in her crib, fully expecting to be woken up again very soon. Much to my surprise!! I didn't even hear her moving around until almost 4:30! And that was just kind of talking to herself (which is usually what she does when she wakes up). So, around 5:00, she started to sound like she was ready to have some attention and eat. I went in and was greeted with a smile. The screaming still occurs when we switch sides during nursing, but she seemed happier today.
I hope the doctor was right and there isn't anything wrong with her...but I think Jaime and my family might all be right that it's just stress. She's got a lot of changes in her little life right now and I'm sure it's a lot for a baby girl to handle. She's in a new house, new smells, extra people and no dots on her walls anymore. :-(
I hope today was a sign of moving towards adjustments to our new life. I'm just going to love on her as much as she needs until then. (I say with a yawn).
Starting this past Friday night, she's been waking up several times throughout the night screaming this high-pitched, ear-piercing, blood-curdling shriek. Our daycare provider put it best when she said it is like someone's trying to murder her. I've never heard her make this sound before and it's very, VERY unsettling.
Friday night through Monday night were the worst. It was about every 2-3 hours all. night. long. So, the first couple nights I just thought it was a growth spurt thing and she was extra hungry. So, I'd sleepwalk myself into her room and nurse her. She'd fall asleep and I would put her back in her crib. Sleep. Shriek. Repeat.
Well, come Tuesday morning I was starting to really look worse for the wear- blood-shot, droopy eyes, no pep in my step, etc. So, I was telling our daycare provider about it and she said Emilia had done the same thing during Monday's nap. She woke up during nap time screaming. But as soon as they picked her up, she was fine. That got me thinking that it wasn't just hunger.
I started thinking about how she would scream if she woke up laying flat out....like it might be an ear problem that was relieved, somewhat, when she was more upright. So, I took her to the doctor yesterday...nothing. The Dr. checked her lungs, ears, throat, everything...and E's perfectly fine. She doesn't have a temperature or anything. So, she told me to come back if she developed a fever or if it got worse.
So, last night Jason and I went to see 'Inglourious Basterds' (OK movie...VERY gorey) with our friend Jay. I was really worried about leaving Emilia with Grammy and Poppy. More for their sake, because I was sure Emilia would be cranky and uncomfortable. We got home around 11 and Treasa was still rocking Emilia in her room. She told me she ate around 10-10:30 and had just fallen asleep. Treasa (Grammy) said she tried a couple times to put her in her crib but Emilia would immediately wake up and start screaming again. So, Jason rocked her a while and I went to bed. (I knew it was going to be a long night and wanted to catch a few Zz's before she was hungry again...) I'm not sure when Jason put her down, but she didn't wake up again until 1:30ish. And it wasn't nearly as bad as it has been all week. She still cried, but not the mind-numbing shrieks from earlier this week. I went in there and got her out to nurse. When it was time to switch sides she started screaming that scream again, but calmed down once she started nursing again. After she started to fall asleep again, I pulled her off and was going to rock her. She started freaking out. But, she quickly calmed down, resting her head on my shoulder (how I miss those cuddles!!) I rocked her for about 15-20 minutes and she was OUT. I put her back in her crib, fully expecting to be woken up again very soon. Much to my surprise!! I didn't even hear her moving around until almost 4:30! And that was just kind of talking to herself (which is usually what she does when she wakes up). So, around 5:00, she started to sound like she was ready to have some attention and eat. I went in and was greeted with a smile. The screaming still occurs when we switch sides during nursing, but she seemed happier today.
I hope the doctor was right and there isn't anything wrong with her...but I think Jaime and my family might all be right that it's just stress. She's got a lot of changes in her little life right now and I'm sure it's a lot for a baby girl to handle. She's in a new house, new smells, extra people and no dots on her walls anymore. :-(
I hope today was a sign of moving towards adjustments to our new life. I'm just going to love on her as much as she needs until then. (I say with a yawn).
Monday, August 24, 2009
You'll be missed, Mrs. Dolores
I found out this morning that an elderly lady from my church passed away last night. Dolores has been a family friend as long as I've gone to Cornerstone (17 years). She opened her home to the Singles Bible study group my mom started and took us in as family.
I remember going to her house every Friday night and all the yummy foods she would have for us. We would barely make it in the door before she's offering to fix us this or that. She was relentless- there wouldn't be an empty mouth in the whole house if she had anything to do with it. And you always had dessert. Not just cookies either- there was always a cake, ice cream with all the fixin's and anything else she thought up. She spoiled us like we were her own grandchildren.
She also had a big pool with a slide in her backyard that Clare and I thought was amazing! Even as we grew up and weren't always at small group, we were still allowed to come over anytime to swim or lay out or just to visit. Our youth group used to have Youth parties at her pool at least once or twice a summer and it was her joy to have us.
Dolores was never seen without a little disposable camera flashing away. In later years, someone did finally get her an actual camera, which she could turn off and on, but that was about it. She had loads of pictures of ANY event that ever took place at church, her house, or anywhere else she was invited. Anytime someone needed a picture of someone or from something specific, Dolores was the one to call! Most of the pictures I have from the time we moved here until I went away to college were from her.
I have such fond memories of Dolores and she will be truly missed. (I can't say much else right now because I'm trying not to bawl at work...) Today is a sad day for us, but a joyous one for her. She's in Heaven praising our Lord!!
I remember going to her house every Friday night and all the yummy foods she would have for us. We would barely make it in the door before she's offering to fix us this or that. She was relentless- there wouldn't be an empty mouth in the whole house if she had anything to do with it. And you always had dessert. Not just cookies either- there was always a cake, ice cream with all the fixin's and anything else she thought up. She spoiled us like we were her own grandchildren.
She also had a big pool with a slide in her backyard that Clare and I thought was amazing! Even as we grew up and weren't always at small group, we were still allowed to come over anytime to swim or lay out or just to visit. Our youth group used to have Youth parties at her pool at least once or twice a summer and it was her joy to have us.
Dolores was never seen without a little disposable camera flashing away. In later years, someone did finally get her an actual camera, which she could turn off and on, but that was about it. She had loads of pictures of ANY event that ever took place at church, her house, or anywhere else she was invited. Anytime someone needed a picture of someone or from something specific, Dolores was the one to call! Most of the pictures I have from the time we moved here until I went away to college were from her.
I have such fond memories of Dolores and she will be truly missed. (I can't say much else right now because I'm trying not to bawl at work...) Today is a sad day for us, but a joyous one for her. She's in Heaven praising our Lord!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hooray for being homeless!
(**Disclaimer: I know actual homelessness is no laughing matter and I don't mean to offend. I have just been referring to myself and my family's sitation as being homeless because we are, in fact, without a home due to selling ours. Thank you**)
WHEW!!! That's all I can say. I'm SO GLAD to have this house closing business over with! We packed and moved everything like mad men this past week (thanks to Mom, In-Laws, Audrey, Big Daddy and Kev Daddy for all the help!!) We have moved in with Jason's parents for now...well, I use 'moved in' loosely at this point...that house is in shambles bc we hardly know where to begin putting things away. But, it's there, we are there, and that's that.
The actual loan closing was 3-day nightmare! It was supposed to happen on Monday, so I planned for a doctor's appointment afterwards in hopes of only missing 1 day of work...they didn't have what they needed to close so we moved it to Tuesday. I still had to take a few hours off for the doctor's appointment, so I wasn't too pleased about that. But, oh well. Tuesday is filled with MANY phone calls from our realtor...still don't have what they need and it doesn't look like today's the day either. UGH. Finally, Wednesday rolls around and I don't hear anything almost all day...so I call her around 2. She said they have almost everything they need at the title company and it might happen today at 5:30p.m. Something gets caught up and that doesn't happen...she calls back to say we might be closing around 7, I'll let you know. And WOO HOO!! She actually calls and says come on over!
Those were 3 stressful days for me. I try to always be a positive person, always looking for the good of any situation but I was completely spent because of this. Tuesday and Wednesday were not good days for me. I was grumpy and cranky and a little rude. It made me glad I only have to really talk to one person (my office mate) unless I choose otherwise. I was pretty much holed up in here those days for fear of offending someone when I didn't care to hear their latest story or if I didn't laugh at their joke.
BUT, all is well! That part is done! Now, we move on to trying to find some sort of organization in a home that isn't our own. My in-laws are wonderful people and have done so much to make sure we feel welcome and at home. So, that is not what I'm talkign about... I mean more of the fact that there's just not that much space to fit two whole families' lives. There just isn't. We are cramped and crowded. Emilia's stuff is everywhere and there are boxes galore. Most of which I dread unpacking because I know I don't have enough shelf space for it all...But, that's OK. That's another day's problem!
Tonight I'm taking my second (hopefully final) load of yard sale stuff to Jaime's house and J's coming with me to bring tables in his truck. Tomorrow will hopefully be a fun day. I keep thinking that I should have just donated everything because I've got a lot of stress rumbling around in my brain. But, I love yard sales! And I love spending time with good friends. So, I keep reminding myself about those things. Maybe I'll even make a little money! (O:
WHEW!!! That's all I can say. I'm SO GLAD to have this house closing business over with! We packed and moved everything like mad men this past week (thanks to Mom, In-Laws, Audrey, Big Daddy and Kev Daddy for all the help!!) We have moved in with Jason's parents for now...well, I use 'moved in' loosely at this point...that house is in shambles bc we hardly know where to begin putting things away. But, it's there, we are there, and that's that.
The actual loan closing was 3-day nightmare! It was supposed to happen on Monday, so I planned for a doctor's appointment afterwards in hopes of only missing 1 day of work...they didn't have what they needed to close so we moved it to Tuesday. I still had to take a few hours off for the doctor's appointment, so I wasn't too pleased about that. But, oh well. Tuesday is filled with MANY phone calls from our realtor...still don't have what they need and it doesn't look like today's the day either. UGH. Finally, Wednesday rolls around and I don't hear anything almost all day...so I call her around 2. She said they have almost everything they need at the title company and it might happen today at 5:30p.m. Something gets caught up and that doesn't happen...she calls back to say we might be closing around 7, I'll let you know. And WOO HOO!! She actually calls and says come on over!
Those were 3 stressful days for me. I try to always be a positive person, always looking for the good of any situation but I was completely spent because of this. Tuesday and Wednesday were not good days for me. I was grumpy and cranky and a little rude. It made me glad I only have to really talk to one person (my office mate) unless I choose otherwise. I was pretty much holed up in here those days for fear of offending someone when I didn't care to hear their latest story or if I didn't laugh at their joke.
BUT, all is well! That part is done! Now, we move on to trying to find some sort of organization in a home that isn't our own. My in-laws are wonderful people and have done so much to make sure we feel welcome and at home. So, that is not what I'm talkign about... I mean more of the fact that there's just not that much space to fit two whole families' lives. There just isn't. We are cramped and crowded. Emilia's stuff is everywhere and there are boxes galore. Most of which I dread unpacking because I know I don't have enough shelf space for it all...But, that's OK. That's another day's problem!
Tonight I'm taking my second (hopefully final) load of yard sale stuff to Jaime's house and J's coming with me to bring tables in his truck. Tomorrow will hopefully be a fun day. I keep thinking that I should have just donated everything because I've got a lot of stress rumbling around in my brain. But, I love yard sales! And I love spending time with good friends. So, I keep reminding myself about those things. Maybe I'll even make a little money! (O:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Momma Bear rears her ugly head!
Well, it's official. I'm a Momma and I will defend my baby girl no matter what.
It's really not as bad as I'm making it seem, but last night I had my first 'Momma Bear protects Baby Bear' experience. I was a little surprised at how quickly I rose into action. Being a mom definitely changes a person, that's for sure!
We were at Jason's brother and sister-in-law's house for roast with Grammy and Poppy. The evening was winding down and Poppy was holding Emilia on the end of one of the couches. Jason was seated at the other end and Justin (brother) was in a chair next to Poppy. Jason started smacking his hand down on their leather sofa, making a loud slapping noise. Emilia would get a little startled and look around like 'WHO is disturbing me while I'm relaxing on Poppy?!' So, J does this a few times and then Justin decides to join in the action. (Up until now I wasn't actually paying attention to them, I just saw it unfolding from the corner of my eye...)
Justin rears back and SLAMS his hand down on the armrest, right next to Poppy and Emilia. It was really loud! So loud that it scared Emilia into a sobbing cry. Poppy jumped up with her and started trying to console her. I instantly shot Justin a look and said 'WHY did you do that!' Jason said 'I was doing it too'. I said 'I know, but he's right next to her. You can't be that loud...it's not like with Jax where the loud stuff sometimes makes him quiet and then he smiles. Loud stuff scares a 4 month old!!'
So, I go over and take Emilia from Poppy (he was about to hand her off to Grammy, but I wanted to calm my little girl's fears). She buries her face in my chest and is really, really upset. I start doing all the normal things to calm her down, and they begin to work. You know that pitiful sigh sound babies and kids make after a good, hard cry? She was doing that, my poor baby.
Now, I realize that Justin wasn't intending on scaring poor Emilia into this crying fit, so I did apologize for the mean look and harsh words. I then explained that being that loud with her probably wasn't the best idea- saying it loud enough that hopefully Jason and everyone else was listening too.
So, that's my story. I'm officially a Momma who is protective of her daughter. I know it's only going to get worse from here...I can't imagine the day someone hurts her feelings at school or the first time a boy breaks her heart. Please don't grow up too quickly little girl. But, I'll be ready for Momma Bear mode at a moments notice!
It's really not as bad as I'm making it seem, but last night I had my first 'Momma Bear protects Baby Bear' experience. I was a little surprised at how quickly I rose into action. Being a mom definitely changes a person, that's for sure!
We were at Jason's brother and sister-in-law's house for roast with Grammy and Poppy. The evening was winding down and Poppy was holding Emilia on the end of one of the couches. Jason was seated at the other end and Justin (brother) was in a chair next to Poppy. Jason started smacking his hand down on their leather sofa, making a loud slapping noise. Emilia would get a little startled and look around like 'WHO is disturbing me while I'm relaxing on Poppy?!' So, J does this a few times and then Justin decides to join in the action. (Up until now I wasn't actually paying attention to them, I just saw it unfolding from the corner of my eye...)
Justin rears back and SLAMS his hand down on the armrest, right next to Poppy and Emilia. It was really loud! So loud that it scared Emilia into a sobbing cry. Poppy jumped up with her and started trying to console her. I instantly shot Justin a look and said 'WHY did you do that!' Jason said 'I was doing it too'. I said 'I know, but he's right next to her. You can't be that loud...it's not like with Jax where the loud stuff sometimes makes him quiet and then he smiles. Loud stuff scares a 4 month old!!'
So, I go over and take Emilia from Poppy (he was about to hand her off to Grammy, but I wanted to calm my little girl's fears). She buries her face in my chest and is really, really upset. I start doing all the normal things to calm her down, and they begin to work. You know that pitiful sigh sound babies and kids make after a good, hard cry? She was doing that, my poor baby.
Now, I realize that Justin wasn't intending on scaring poor Emilia into this crying fit, so I did apologize for the mean look and harsh words. I then explained that being that loud with her probably wasn't the best idea- saying it loud enough that hopefully Jason and everyone else was listening too.
So, that's my story. I'm officially a Momma who is protective of her daughter. I know it's only going to get worse from here...I can't imagine the day someone hurts her feelings at school or the first time a boy breaks her heart. Please don't grow up too quickly little girl. But, I'll be ready for Momma Bear mode at a moments notice!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Pop-a-Tot!!
OK, so a coworker gave me a website to look up and I've been researching it for a couple days. It's called Pop-a-Tot. It looks pretty neat, as far as child containment merchandise goes!
It's basically a portable exersaucer-type thing. It folds up to about the size of a fold-up lawn chair, and comes with a carrying bag like one too. It looks to be made of the same type of material as one of those chairs and just pops itself open. There are 2 clips that make sure it doesn't fold back up with a kiddo inside. Also, there are 4 or 5 clips on it where you can attach baby toys and 2 cup holders for drinks or snacks or whatever. The are listed at $49.99 or $59.99 with an umbrella. I was giving serious consideration to getting one for Emilia.
And THEN!!
There was an interview posted on FB about it! An old highschool friend is a reporter for Channel 4 News and they had and interview the co-creator! My friend had her 10-month old son in one and he really seemed to be enjoying it! I'm also considering getting one for my sister-in-law for her baby, due in December. Justin plays a lot of softball, so she would probably LOVE it at those games!
Click HERE to check out the interview!
It's basically a portable exersaucer-type thing. It folds up to about the size of a fold-up lawn chair, and comes with a carrying bag like one too. It looks to be made of the same type of material as one of those chairs and just pops itself open. There are 2 clips that make sure it doesn't fold back up with a kiddo inside. Also, there are 4 or 5 clips on it where you can attach baby toys and 2 cup holders for drinks or snacks or whatever. The are listed at $49.99 or $59.99 with an umbrella. I was giving serious consideration to getting one for Emilia.
And THEN!!
There was an interview posted on FB about it! An old highschool friend is a reporter for Channel 4 News and they had and interview the co-creator! My friend had her 10-month old son in one and he really seemed to be enjoying it! I'm also considering getting one for my sister-in-law for her baby, due in December. Justin plays a lot of softball, so she would probably LOVE it at those games!
Click HERE to check out the interview!
It's not gossip...it's TRUE!
OK, so anyone who knows me knows that I do enjoy my fill of gossip...I'm trying to be better, but it's not always that easy. Take, for instance, my office. I work with the most un-stereotypical accountant I've ever met and she's a hoot! Her stories are always interesting and I would definitely sit by her at a party is there was an empty seat. She's sarcastic and real, just like me.
So, anyway. One of our bosses told her that she gossips too much and that in our new building our room is going to have all glass walls so we might get some work done. I don't see what the biggie is- everyone here spends part of their day talking or something other than 'work'. We would go crazy in here if we didn't speak all day. Too much number-crunching and data analyzing to be silent all day. Sheesh!
In other news, we will *hopefully* FINALLY be closing on the house tomorrow at 5:30...fingers crossed! This is one roller-coaster I'm ready to be done with!! But, still praising God for sending someone to purchase our home...that should make things easier when/if Jason is offered a position in a church somewhere other than GC! (O:
So, anyway. One of our bosses told her that she gossips too much and that in our new building our room is going to have all glass walls so we might get some work done. I don't see what the biggie is- everyone here spends part of their day talking or something other than 'work'. We would go crazy in here if we didn't speak all day. Too much number-crunching and data analyzing to be silent all day. Sheesh!
In other news, we will *hopefully* FINALLY be closing on the house tomorrow at 5:30...fingers crossed! This is one roller-coaster I'm ready to be done with!! But, still praising God for sending someone to purchase our home...that should make things easier when/if Jason is offered a position in a church somewhere other than GC! (O:
Friday, August 14, 2009
I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life!
While not all of these words describe my life at the same time, I still love the lyrics of that song. Even when things are crazy and out of control (happy, sad, etc.), I can usually still say that I love my life.
Right now, life is CRAZY! We are smack-dab in the middle of a horrendously-unorganized move. Since we spent last weekend with Jason's family, we have found ourselves super short on time...of course, we wouldn't have it any other way. We were so blessed to spend those few last days with Grandpa Oshall, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
That being said, this week has gotten increasingly stressful because everyone is worried about when Grandpa may pass away. This means that we have been busting tail all weekend, in case it happens. We are SO THANKFUL to our friend Jon and our family who have been hugely helpful. We couldn't have gotten as much done without them, THANK YOU ALL!!!
So, last night Jon and Jason got our living room, our bedroom and Emilia's room all moved to Mark & Treasa's house, as well as our fridge, washer and dryer to the storage unit. Woo Hoo!! Tonight will be so much easier with almost all of the big stuff taken care of.
Tonight I'm working on throwing more crap into boxes, without looking and taping it up. I probably won't even label the ones from the basement...isn't that awful?! That's how down-to-the-wire we are! Monday's closing day and it'll be here SO FAST!!
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Have a great weekend...I'll be packing and moving and unpacking! (O:
Right now, life is CRAZY! We are smack-dab in the middle of a horrendously-unorganized move. Since we spent last weekend with Jason's family, we have found ourselves super short on time...of course, we wouldn't have it any other way. We were so blessed to spend those few last days with Grandpa Oshall, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
That being said, this week has gotten increasingly stressful because everyone is worried about when Grandpa may pass away. This means that we have been busting tail all weekend, in case it happens. We are SO THANKFUL to our friend Jon and our family who have been hugely helpful. We couldn't have gotten as much done without them, THANK YOU ALL!!!
So, last night Jon and Jason got our living room, our bedroom and Emilia's room all moved to Mark & Treasa's house, as well as our fridge, washer and dryer to the storage unit. Woo Hoo!! Tonight will be so much easier with almost all of the big stuff taken care of.
Tonight I'm working on throwing more crap into boxes, without looking and taping it up. I probably won't even label the ones from the basement...isn't that awful?! That's how down-to-the-wire we are! Monday's closing day and it'll be here SO FAST!!
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Have a great weekend...I'll be packing and moving and unpacking! (O:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Funeral Clothes...
So, this might be stupid, but I cannot stop worrying about what to dress Emilia in for Grandpa Oshall's funeral. He hasn't passed away yet, but we all know it's coming. And seeing as we're right smack dab in the middle of moving (as in, Jason and our dear, lovely friend Jon are packing and moving our junk as I type), I need to start thinking about what we'll all be wearing to make sure it stays accessible. Jason already has his suits ready to go. I think I've decided on my navy and white dress for the viewing and a black skirt/shirt combo for the funeral. But, they don't really make black dresses for babies...It's not that Emilia has to MATCH J and I, but I feel like I shouldn't be dressing her in bright polka dots or anything too cheery. Even though this really is a good event, we're all so glad Oshall is going to see Jesus, I just feel like I should be dressing her a little more formal.
I think I've let my mind concentrate on this silly little problem so much because it keeps me from thinking about the bigger issues. I can't cry about losing my dear friend if I'm caught up in Emilia's wardrobe. I also can't get too overwhelmed with life, because this is so important to think about.
So, even though that's boring and you probably don't care, it's what is on my mind and has been for days. And that's that. (My Grams used to always say that...) (O:
I think I've let my mind concentrate on this silly little problem so much because it keeps me from thinking about the bigger issues. I can't cry about losing my dear friend if I'm caught up in Emilia's wardrobe. I also can't get too overwhelmed with life, because this is so important to think about.
So, even though that's boring and you probably don't care, it's what is on my mind and has been for days. And that's that. (My Grams used to always say that...) (O:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Let's Catch Up! (O:
I'm sorry, I know I've been absent for a while...life has gotten pretty busy lately and I'm barely keeping up!
Jason's grandpa Oshall has taken a turn for the worse and could go any day now, according to Hospice. We spent this past weekend with the family at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Oddly enough, it was a good weekend. Thankfully, we all know where Oshall is going, so we were able to spend our last days together praising our Lord, laughing at old memories and also crying together. We spent some time each day singing old hyms (one of Oshall's favorite things to do) and on Sunday, we all shared in Communion in their living room. I know this is exactly how Oshall would have asked to spend his last days on this earth and I'm glad we were able to share in this time. From the updates I've been receiving, he is starting to get worse each day- taking in less fluids and only taking one or two bites of food. At this rate, it will probably be any day now that he'll be standing before his God, and he WILL HEAR "Well done, good and faithful servant". I'm so sad to see him go, but I'm so happy that he will feel no more pain and gets to praise our God forever.
Kind of in the middle of all of that- I had surgery on my right wrist this past Thursday...I had what is (apparently) called First Dorsal Compartment Syndrome. A lot of words to say that I have 2 tendons in my wrist that were rubbing on each other because they didn't have enough room...very painful and annoying, especially for a nursing mother. So, I decided to have it corrected (my only other option was more cortizone shots, which were only a temporary fix). I was told in my consultation that there was "No Recovery Time", that I would be able to use my hand immediately and that it would only be tender to touch where they cut me open...boy was someone WRONG!!! I couldn't use my hand at ALL Thursday or most of Friday! I had to keep it elevated or it would start throbbing and I couldn't move my thumb or I would have shooting pain in my wrist. So, Jason took care of Emilia Thursday and called his mom to take care of me and Emilia on Friday...it was pretty annoying. We all left Friday evening to head to Dexter, MO (Jason's grandparent's house). I was a little better with my hand by then, but still couldn't nurse or even really hold Emilia unless she just wanted to lay in my left arm. Have I mentioned yet that I'm right handed...and it was crazy hard to not be able to use that hand!! Jason was really great at helping me take care of Emilia and even took care of her night feedings and everything until Sunday when I was finally able to *sort of* manuever to feed her. I'm still not 100%, but it's a major improvement. It still hurts if I type too quickly...so after this post I might be on for a while because my hands can't keep up with my thoughts! (O:
Other than that, what else is there... OH! We are MOVING! Haha. We are scheduled to close on our house this coming Monday!!! Have we had time to pack with everything else going on? Not so much..Jason, luckily, stayed home yesterday and packed out the entire kitchen, which is awesome! Since our bedroom and Emilia's room at going to his parents house, we only have a little in the office, a little in the living room and the basement left! It shouldn't be too bad...but we're trying to get everything done now, so we are somewhat ready to move in case Grandpa passes this week...
Ugh. Too much to think about. I also have the September Ladies' Night and my sister-in-law's baby shower swimming in my head!
Maybe I can bury myself in work and forget about everything for a while...
Jason's grandpa Oshall has taken a turn for the worse and could go any day now, according to Hospice. We spent this past weekend with the family at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Oddly enough, it was a good weekend. Thankfully, we all know where Oshall is going, so we were able to spend our last days together praising our Lord, laughing at old memories and also crying together. We spent some time each day singing old hyms (one of Oshall's favorite things to do) and on Sunday, we all shared in Communion in their living room. I know this is exactly how Oshall would have asked to spend his last days on this earth and I'm glad we were able to share in this time. From the updates I've been receiving, he is starting to get worse each day- taking in less fluids and only taking one or two bites of food. At this rate, it will probably be any day now that he'll be standing before his God, and he WILL HEAR "Well done, good and faithful servant". I'm so sad to see him go, but I'm so happy that he will feel no more pain and gets to praise our God forever.
Kind of in the middle of all of that- I had surgery on my right wrist this past Thursday...I had what is (apparently) called First Dorsal Compartment Syndrome. A lot of words to say that I have 2 tendons in my wrist that were rubbing on each other because they didn't have enough room...very painful and annoying, especially for a nursing mother. So, I decided to have it corrected (my only other option was more cortizone shots, which were only a temporary fix). I was told in my consultation that there was "No Recovery Time", that I would be able to use my hand immediately and that it would only be tender to touch where they cut me open...boy was someone WRONG!!! I couldn't use my hand at ALL Thursday or most of Friday! I had to keep it elevated or it would start throbbing and I couldn't move my thumb or I would have shooting pain in my wrist. So, Jason took care of Emilia Thursday and called his mom to take care of me and Emilia on Friday...it was pretty annoying. We all left Friday evening to head to Dexter, MO (Jason's grandparent's house). I was a little better with my hand by then, but still couldn't nurse or even really hold Emilia unless she just wanted to lay in my left arm. Have I mentioned yet that I'm right handed...and it was crazy hard to not be able to use that hand!! Jason was really great at helping me take care of Emilia and even took care of her night feedings and everything until Sunday when I was finally able to *sort of* manuever to feed her. I'm still not 100%, but it's a major improvement. It still hurts if I type too quickly...so after this post I might be on for a while because my hands can't keep up with my thoughts! (O:
Other than that, what else is there... OH! We are MOVING! Haha. We are scheduled to close on our house this coming Monday!!! Have we had time to pack with everything else going on? Not so much..Jason, luckily, stayed home yesterday and packed out the entire kitchen, which is awesome! Since our bedroom and Emilia's room at going to his parents house, we only have a little in the office, a little in the living room and the basement left! It shouldn't be too bad...but we're trying to get everything done now, so we are somewhat ready to move in case Grandpa passes this week...
Ugh. Too much to think about. I also have the September Ladies' Night and my sister-in-law's baby shower swimming in my head!
Maybe I can bury myself in work and forget about everything for a while...
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