New Van and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I am off a few days to posting this.  I try to do it on the weekend.  But I am still doing better than I was before. So there's that.

Been quite a week.  So let me rehash...

I got a van!!!!  I am so happy!  It is beautiful!  It is a 2015 Kia Sedona White with grey and black interior.

God is so good to us. I looked all over the internet for a van.  I wanted room.  And I checked CarMax and Craigslist and many car dealerships for the right van, white, with under 50,000 miles, no wrecks, maintained, one owner, a good price and voila!  God provided.  Not only did He provide but He held it for us until we could get down to Larson Toyota in Tacoma!  We test drove it and bickered with them and got the price down and some extra's and a full tank of gas and I drove it home!!!  I was scared spitless because 1. it was Tacoma, 2. the van was new to me, 3. the traffic was busy, 4. we weren't really sure of directions, 5. it was Tacoma (bared repeating).  But we made it home!  I went and showed Karla and Madi first. Then I went and picked up Lauren from school because Papa was hurting and gave her a ride to Central Market and then to her house.  That was on Thursday the 15th!  What a great day. But my foot sure was swollen from all the driving.

Saturday was our family Thanksgiving.  We stopped having holidays at our house last year when it got to be too hard on Papa and me to get the house ready and cooking and baking and hosting. We would really rather just sit back and enjoy.  So Amanda volunteered.  She is an amazing hostess and cook too!  We went to Amanda's on Saturday and Aaron, Andrew, Joel, Karla, Dylan, Madi, and Kevon were all there and we had a fabulous dinner.  Lauren was a an overnight Debate contest. Tara and the group were having a birthday party for Riley. Heather and Jared came over for her party but we didn't see them because we were at dinner.  Later me, Andrew, Manda, Karla, Dylan and Madi played a game.  Kevon slept on the love seat,  Joel went home, Papa and Aaron were watching tv and us. NO one likes me to take pictures. People only like to take selfies but I did it anyway.  Karla and Dylan let me. lol

andrew

karla and son dylan (home from UW)

Madi hiding from my camera

taking a selfie sense no one else taking pics

dylan

amanda, karla, dylan (aaron in kitchen)

manda gave me pumpkin pie with a little whipped cream 

 We went home and our animals were very happy we were home!!!!

We didn't do much of anything else the rest of the week. Yesterday I was having low back spasms.  That always scares me because of my history with them.  I never want to go there again. My mammogram came back normal.  Paid off my Dell card I have had for about 15 years. That felt SO good!!!

We have Mac for a house guest for about a week.  He likes our big fenced yard so much!

Papa worked on putting up some outside lights yesterday and paid for it in pain today.  His knees have trouble with ladders.  He even had Rich, our neighbor guy, come over for the high spots.  We need to downsize this Christmas.  We are downsizing in the house.  I ordered a 4 foot tree to put on our table in the corner.  It was funny the other morning when I didn't wake until 8 a.m. and when I did Papa was pumped up. He is talking about all he is going to do by putting hooks way up all over the house to hang lights and all these plans he had!  After I woke up more I told him I didn't want him to do it.  I don't want lights up there. It would be beautiful but the ladder would kill papa.  It is strange how our body gets older but not our mind.  I always think of things I want to do and then find out I can't anymore.   I didn't know my back would end up so bad.  I didn't know Papa's knees, legs and hips would hurt like they do.  I am only 62 and papa is 69.  Sucks.  The saying is true that aging isn't for sissies.

Well, I will share my blessing from last week with you all!
On Monday and Tuesday I was thankful for our Veterans! And the ones in our family!

Tuesday the 13th I was thankful to God for Kevon, my blue eyed baby boy!  Unfortunatly when I posted on facebook I confused everyone and they thought it was his birthday and started posting happy birthday and contacting him. Manda called me and told me I should probably change what I wrote. Lol!

On Wednesday, the 14th my pick was my eldest grandson Andrew!!!!  I love this boy.  We have such a close relationship.  We know so much about each other, share our faith, problems, happiness, etc... Great young man!

NOVEMBER 15th thankful for Joel! Great son, husband, dad, and worker!

Nov 16th we are so blessed with our baby boy, Scruffy!

We've had him 5 years ago on Friday!

The 17th I chose for our grandson Parker to be our blessing! He is so sweet!!!

The 18th was picked for Riley because it is her birthday!!! She turned 16 today and I am so thankful for her and adore her!

Not only am I thankful on the 18th for Riley it was also her 16th birthday!!!

The 19th is for Heather, our daughter!

The 20th is for my brothers and sisters!!!

today~~~~ David, libby, lois, douglas and rick!!!

Well, I guess that is all I have to write about!  Papa takes the van to tacoma tomorrow to get a coating on the van inside and out and to check why the "pulse" I am suppose to have on mine isn't working.  What it does is the brake lights flash 5 times if I am stopping to alert cars behind me. I want that!!!! I am so paranoid since I was rear ended thus the bad back.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! Ours will be quiet with just papa and I unless Kevon shows up.  But we are still making the works!

Rough and very sad week

Wow!!!!  What a week.  Where do I begin?  The weeks plans did not end up as I had thought they would. I didn't get my mammogram, I didn't have breakfast with my friend, Lauren didn't start driver's ed, and we suddenly finished our favorite Netflix show Heartland.

Our Monday (the 22nd) started out rough.  Papa went to get Lauren for band practice and didn't make it there.  He drives my van when it is dark out because he has trouble seeing. It was very dark and very foggy that morning.  Everyone was talking about how bad it was.  I found out I really hate fog. Papa was on Stottlemeyer heading towards Lincoln. He got a bit disoriented what part of the road he was on and he couldn't see the stop sign and went through it. Across the street from Stottlemeyer the owner has a jersey barrier (cement block) there because so many have ran into his place. Papa hit it at 40, airbags went off, windshield shattered and the front end is totalled. Thank God he is ok, just pretty bruised up and sore from the neck down to his left knee. He also got a fat lip and it looks like a cut on his stomach and his right breast has a dark purple bruise. Since he was bleeding it made us nervous because he is still on blood thinners. He called me and then 911. They came and checked him out but he didn't want to go to the hospital. Karla was the first one there. Then Amanda came and stayed with papa and called the tow truck to have them take the van to Kevon's work. The sheriff was there and said there were more cars in ditches he had to check out after us so papa wasn't the only one. Busy morning for him. I took Papa to the hospital as he was getting sorer. We were there getting him checked out for about 4 hours. Jordy and Tyler came for a bit, Amanda came, and Tara came and stayed the whole time. He had xrays and ct scan. They didn't find anything real serious so that was good. We are thankful for so many things. Got home and filed the claim.  Got everything started. Lanny apologized to anyone and everyone for everything.  Especially me for wrecking my van. He knows how much I love that van.  But I love him more and am happy he's ok.

fat lip

Tuesday we picked up a rental car. It is a nice vehicle. A 2017 Nissan Rogue. White exterior and black interior. I decided I don't like black interior. This car has all the bells and whistles but I am a nervous wreck driving it.  Probably because it is not mine or because of Papa's wreck. We are taking it back soon because it sits in my garage. haha! 

His car was making noises so we had to take it in for new tires and alignments to the tune of $700 after we got the rental. ouch! Then we had to go to Kev's shop and clean out the van. I didn't think it looked that bad now. Tires look good and all the doors opened. We got everything out. I am really hoping it is not totalled. I love my van. I don't want a new car or payments. We've had our cars paid off for awhile and proud of it! Don't want any more!!!!! 

Got home and we missed lots of phone calls. oops. I called his doctors and told Beth Belgarde (our friend and nurse) what happened. She was very glad we called. He will go for a follow up on the 30th.
God is good. 

We got everything done Tuesday so we could rest on Wednesday. This is all emotionally exhausting (especially for Papa!) I'm on auto pilot and trying not to think. He is a thinking and worrying which keeps him from sleeping. Plus he is sooo sore. He is the gross picture of where the seatbelt was. That's got to hurt.

People have been great.  Calling, texting, facebooking, being there for Papa. All 5 of our kids were calling and checking on him!!! And the grandkids have been calling. Touches Papa's heart. Thanks all!

More bad news to post:  My sister Lois and family lost their dog to pancreatitis this week. It came on very sudden and she passed away in the night.  They had taken her to the vet and gotten antibiotics and pain killers for her.  She just didn't make it.  Holly was a super dog.  She especially loved Don (daddy) and was his shadow. She was such a family dog and so attached as they were to her.  It is such a big loss for them. I never had the honor of meeting her but you can tell what a sweetheart she is!!!

Also this week there was a tragic loss at Kingston High School when a student took her life this week.  Such a beautiful young lady and it is so very sad.  Our grand daughter, Lauren took this really hard. They were friends.  Lauren had a sleepover here with Ella and a girl named Maddy for a weekend and Ella was such a polite and sweet person.  She would have stayed longer if she could have.  She was one year older than Lauren. They met in band in middle school, Ella was an amazing drummer!   Ella quit the band this year. Lauren said she was bored.  She was doing running start at Olympic College.  This is where she chose to end her life.  I just know it is so painful to lose someone so young and in that fashion. Amanda held her and cried with Lauren. I went over the next morning and sat and listened to her.  She had band practice and got together with the band. They cried and consoled one another and had a football game. Had Ella's drum sitting there with flowers on it. Her parents were there. After the game the band, cheerleaders and football players met in the middle of the field for a time of silence for Ella. Then they held a candlelight vigil after the game at the Indianola dock.

Click here to support Gabriella “Ella” Smith Memorial Fund organized by Louisa Wales

gofundme.com

Someone started a Go Fund Me account for the parents to help with all that needs to happen.

Madi came over and papa made her breakfast. She enjoyed that alot. She was a happy girl eating her favorite breakfast and watching an interview with Roger Waters.

Lauren had a band competition down in Sumner this weekend. While Lauren's knee is healing she can't march but she can play in the box and she learned the music with the xylophone in just a few days... which is amazing. And the percussionist won 1st place in their division.  Their band got second place! Very proud of them. They won it for Ella the drummer and cried when they won.  A weekend of tears.

Ella's drums, purple ribbons kids wore during performance and plaque they won.

Percussion Team

Lauren, Ella and Maddie

Halloween is this week.  That means Halloween stew for dinner! Every year we have it.  Nummy!  Can't wait!  Last year we had no kids come by. It will probably be the same this year. That is ok.  Keeps Scruffy calm.

My house phone isn't working. People can call me but when I call them they can't hear my voice.  Frustrating.  So I had to order a new phone.  Simple and to the point for papa.

 Speaking of simple and to the point.... here is my brother this Halloween. Mr. Incredible.  He called me yesterday so I could make fun of him. lol!!!

And my sister Libby went and got the gray washed out of her hair! She looks great!

Here is a great picture of our beautiful daughter Tara with husband Brad. We love these guys!!!!

And one of Don and Heather!!!

Well, that was our week.  I rescheduled my mammogram for next month. Madi got her driving permit!!!  Lauren decided with everything going on last weekend to wait and take drivers training in January. 
Praying for a better week to come with a peace and a calmness. Amen!   And Happy Halloween!

PS .... I love my girls so much! My 15 year old beauties! And their crazy, protective, loving Uncle Kev!!!!

good bye for now....

Edit

The first week of October was busy and great!

This post is for the 28th...Friday:

It was mom's birthday today.  She would have been 91 and has been gone 7 years already.  Miss her every day. 

This was also the day we got Kitkat from a girl from Craigslist. We met her and her boyfriend at Target (he didn't want the cat). This cat is so awesome. We've had him 7 years. Such a blessing!

SAT THE 29th:

Dylan's birthday!!!  21 years old.  Seems so hard to believe he has grown up so fast. 

For his birthday we chatted for awhile on the phone. His family went over and went to lunch, showed Madi UW, and went to the Mariner game together.  Then Dylan went home with them to spend the night and watch the Seahawks win with his dad.

They had a great time, I hear. 

My sister, Lois, came over.  Don dropped her off and Libby and Kevin came and picked her up.  She stayed long enough for us to learn not to talk politics.  haha!  It was nice to see her again.  Here is a picture of us but we didn't get one this trip:

She went to spend the week with our other sister Libby.  Thursday I met them at Chimicum Cafe for lunch.  Libby's treat and we had a nice time.  I got Lanny a burger to go and took it home to him.

Josh and Jared had a game. They won 67-0 and Josh got 3 touchdowns!

Saturday night Lauren went to her Homecoming Dance with a group of people.  Nowadays they go in group. Some still date but many kids like to go with their friends.  She looked so beautiful. We ran over there to see her before she left. She said the Greek Restaurant in Kingston was terrible.  They forgot there was a reservation for 18. They were slow. And the disk jockey was not great either.  But Lauren had fun dancing etc....

Moving on to Sunday and the Seahawks won!  Which was good because we are in the middle of rebuilding. Sunday was a really mellow day. Lanny and I enjoy our life together.  We laugh so much and get each other.  We think alike and rarely argue about anything.  I love my days with them and hope they continue for a long long long time!

We got out of September and into October! The trees and weather are starting to show it too!  So pretty!

October 2nd Papa took Lauren to the orthodontist before school so she got to go in a bit late.  Later Lanny and I went to Applebee's to meet Lester and Cheryl.  I really don't know when the last time we met up with them!  It was so great visiting with them.  We had fish and chips and it was pretty good.  After the visit I went and got a pedicure.  That was past due too!  Felt so good.

Then we went and picked up Lauren after school. On our way home we say the most beautiful rainbow in Port Gamble! I took a few pics:

on the left is the famous haunted house!!!

Wednesday, October 3rd

I went to Silverdale to get my echocardiogram.  The lady who does it is so nice.  While I was doing that Lanny was getting the flu shot.  After I finished I got one too. 

In the afternoon I went and picked up Madi after school and took her down to Linda's salon.  When she was done there we went to Pho Kim Chi (Vietnamese Restaurant) in Poulsbo for Madi's favorite meal: Steak and Brisket Pho.  I had an appetizer of tempura shrimp. 

Dylan's 2nd book has been published!  I ended up ordering both of the books. I let someone borrow my first book he wrote and never got it back. 

http://www.lulu.com/…/til-k…/paperback/product-23819928.html

I am excited to read his next book and I will probably read the first one again. 

Yesterday I talked to Kevon for a while.  The company is moving their office's and shop to Bremerton from Poulsbo.  I hope it works our for them all and he takes care of his back.

Plus, like I said earlier, I went to lunch with Lois and Libby!  Then I went and picked up McDonalds for Lauren after school. She had Debate Club so I didn't get her until after 4.  Papa wasn't feeling well. He had heart burn all day.  

This morning Lanny went to see Dr. Johnson (cardiologist) again and he looks really great.  Doctor seems pleased.  Me, too!  And I got my message from my doctor regarding my echocardiogram the other day. She said:  "Your heart ultrasound shows that your overall heart function is normal. You have some scarring around your aortic valve but this is not causing significant impairment in your valve function at this time."

It has been raining all day. But we need it.  We haven't had a good rain for a long time.  

This morning, 14 years ago, we found out my dad went to be with the Lord.  It was heartbreaking for our family. Especially mom.  Over the past several years before his passing he had some health issues with his breathing. On Y2K night (December 31st, 2000) he stopped breathing and was taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator. In 2002 he they removed his left leg from the knee down due to loss of circulation in the toes.  A year later they had to take his other leg which was terrible for him. But he was always the trouper with a sense of humor. He only made it one more year.  It took a lot out of him. He had been in and out of the hospital and nursing home those years. The last time he went into the hospital we were sure he was coming home again. The night before he passed all us kids called him and said goodnight and told him we loved him and he said he loved us too.  Pastor Joel went to see him and gave him communion and spent time with him. All of us still thinking he was going to come home in the morning.  He didn't.  Mom got called from the hospital to come in.   She knew.  I met her and Libby there. They were in his room and even though there was a sign on his door saying not to enter but go to the nurse's desk first... my thoughts were "that's my dad! I can go in there."  Mom and Libby had their backs to me.  Dad was laying flat on his back which is when I knew he was gone.  Because of his emphysema he couldn't lie on his back. I gasped. Mom and Libby turned around and came and put their arms around me. Libby closed the curtain so I wouldn't be looking at him.  That was really rough. That was 14 years ago and I still miss him so much.  I love him so much.  I miss his laugh, his smile, the twinkle he would get in his eyes, Even his stupid jokes. I miss asking him for advise. On him coming over and fixing anything.  I miss going on drives and vacation with him and mom.  Dad loved going on rides. He didn't care where we were going... we would show up and open the door and we were off! Over the North Cascades, to the Grand Coulee Dam, to the Ocean, Lake Sylvia, to the Elk Horn, Mt. Walker, looking at Christmas Lights and Fall Leaves.  We went to Ricks and Ellensburg Fair, both sides of South Dakota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, singing the whole way and even picking up a puppy for them in Oklahoma!!!  So much laughter and memories of two people who loved us, supported us and were always there for us and the whole family. I guess that is long enough.  Love and miss you dad.  I have a website for him on the left if you want to look!

Finally, this morning Scruffy was a little upset Papa didn't come straight home after taking Lauren to school.  I think animals can tell time.  So he climbed in my lap. lol!  I turned on Animal Cops for him. He likes watching it with me.  

Have a great week!!!!!   Leave a message if you want!  xoxoxoxo