Calling all Fireman wives!!!

[slo]

Tonight is a basketball game where the daughters vs. the moms I, and many other mom's I've talked to, are not looking forward to this Many mom's say it's because they don't know how to play basketball, for me, it's because I don't have a comfort level with these ladies, and now I'm playing basketball with them (I didn't tell them that of course). I'll have to let you know how it went.


We got a couple of inches of snow around here yesterday. Our town can't afford much salt, so it's going to be a very icy winter around here. There'll probably be a lot of accidents because of it, so that means I won't see Kevin much this season Apparently, it costs less to pay the FD for tons of calls, than to buy salt, which I guess is good for us, but bad for those that Kevin has to respond to calls for. Plus, it makes it very dangerous for when Kevin drives to get to the fire station, because he does have to exceed the speed limit to get there.


Kathy - How are your children doing? How's A.J.? I was going through my desk last week, and I came across that picture you sent me a couple of years ago, and I started thinking of you and your family.


Well, I must go and get this day started - have a great day everyone!!!

 

[Idroveallnight]

Just a quick post today because I have to drive carpool.

sandy - for me the non-excitment would come from my complete lack of athletic ability!! Although it would be better to be embarassed with friends! Good Luck!

kathy - I am glad you stopped by!

sam - are you recovering from the holiday rush?

 

[slo]

It's the middle of the week!!!!

The basketball game yesterday was pretty fun!!! The game lasted 1 1/2 hours, and 5 girls w/ their moms, played at one time for 6:30min. The score was on going, so it got pretty excited at the end. The girls ended up winning 37-36, and a big part of that is because of Stephanie. When we were playing, a mom had the ball, and Stephanie fell down (I don't know why It wasn't a hard fall, she just fell (maybe she tripped over her own feet) ). Anyway, the mom started asking her if she was okay, and another girl stole the moms ball, and then had a clear path to the hoop and made it. When all this happened, I was right under the mom's basket, and would of made it, if the other mom would have thrown me the ball. The whole thing was quite funny, and almost looked planned, but it obviously wasn't. So, I told Steph, that her little fall may have won them the game


Well, I better go and get some hairdye in my hair. We have Kevin's work Christmas party this weekend, and I figured I shouldn't go with my grey roots I don't people thinking that Kevin is married to someone much older than him

Have a good day today!!!!

 

[Idroveallnight]

Good morning!

sandy - I am glad you had a good time at the game! That does sound fun!

Not a lot to report here. Yesterday was pretty wild at work. Things have settled down with the kid's schedules. Emi is having alot of stuff still, but some of it is after school, so we aren't driving all over the place. James will have a break until baseball starts up.

Have a great day!

 

[CelticBelle]

im so happy to hear you guys are doing well! No sickness or injuries at the moment. haha I talked to my mom for almost 2 hours last night and it was really fun.
THe night before I got to talk to my BFF from high school. I havent seen her much since I left for college but were planning a "family reunion" when I get back to CA. In high school we had a huge group of friends but we were all really close. there was about 16-18 of us with only about 6 girls. Our current boyfriends/fiances came from this group also. We always ended up joking about getting married to our best friends and all living next door to each other all our lives. We never really thought we would end up that way, but it actually has been leaning that direction haha. We were called the aussie possie, and I cant wait to see everyone.


Would you guys PM me your addresses? Im going to send out xmas cards from florida and I would love to send you guys some also!

 

[slo]

There's saddness in my family this holiday season. My mom has found out that her beloved dog may be dying of cancer The freaky thing about all this, is that her last 2 Beagles were diagnosed with their fatal illnesses at Thanksgiving time (this dog started acting ill last Friday) and then died at Christmas time. My mom is so upset!!!! Her and her dog have done so much together. They belong to a dog club where they have competed in tons of dog trials, and they have won a HUGE amount of ribbons. Daisy is also a "service dog" and up until last year, my mom and her would go to nursing homes and hospices to visit the sick and dying, so they've done alot together. My dad is going to take this worst of all. He has, what we think, mid-stages of Alzheimers (he refused to see a doctor, so he keeps getting worse and worse), and he's very confused about this whole thing. Daisy was all he had anymore to make him truly happy. They would nap together all day (Daisy on his lap), and she would keep him company when my mom would be gone. When Daisy does die, my dad is going to go from bad to worse, and my poor mom is going to have to deal with that (I feel so bad for her, she's 61 and my dad is 76, but acts like he's 86). This whole thing is just bad

My mom has already decided that she is going to take Daisy to The University of Illinois where they are going to do a biopsy of the tumor that is in her lung, but most likey it will be cancerous (the vet said that the majority of all tumors in the lung are cancerous). When she gets that news, she will have to decide what she wants to do, if there's anything that can be done. She's got a long road ahead of her, and I feel so bad that I can't go to this university with her, but there's no way with my store. My MIL, God bless her, called my mom yesterday, and told my mom that she would go with her - I thought that was so nice!!!!!! I'm so glad we have a close knit family

So, if you would all keep my mom and dad in your thoughts and prayers, I would really appreciate it. Please keep her dog in your thoughts and prayers too. Obviously, I want Daisy to get better, but I don't see that happening. Right now, my biggest thought and concern is for my parents, because they are going to be devostated when she is gone This whole thing is just so sad at Christmas time



Karen - I"m glad things have settled down for you, so can relax a little this holiday season.

CB - That family reunion sounds really great!!! What a great thing to look forward too.
**I will PM you my address




Well, I gotta get going and get to work early today - I have alot to do, because I need to leave a little early today (6pm). Stephanie has a Christmas program at 7pm, and my one highschool employee (the one that's been with me for over a year) is coming in special so I can go - I just love this girl!!!!!

Have a good day!!!

 

[slo]

Stephanie's Christmas program last night was really really nice!!!!! I'm going to buy the DVD ($2) so I can watch it again, because most of it was hard to see because of where we sat. The kids did a great job, and they sounded awesome!!!!


My mom said that Daisy was breathing even harder yesterday, and her underbody keeps getting larger (she has fluid in her lungs, and it must be getting more). The whole thing is so sad!!!!


Well, I'm off to workout - have a great day today!!!

 

[grannywishes]

I am so sorry to hear about Daisy. We inherited/adopted my mother's little terrier when my mother died. This has got to be devastating for the whole family including you especially at Christmas. My heart and prayers are united with yours so it makes us a "powerfully praying people". Love, Grannywishes

 

[Idroveallnight]

Good Morning!

sandy - I am so sorry to hear about Daisy! When does your mom take her to the University? What a horrible experience for all of you! I am glad the program went well. Emily's chorus show is coming up.


Sunday is my yearly shopping trip with my best friend. This is a tradition we both enjoy! We are having people over Saturday to watch the SEC championship game. Florida has a great team, but I really want Alabama to win! No matter what happens they have had a great season!

Well, I am off to finsih getting ready for work!

sam - Hi!!

eeyore - Hi! Just in case you are peeking in!

 

[slo]

Yawn...............I would love to still be in bed!!!!!

I"m up because I need to take Stephanie to Santa's Workshop by 9:30am, and then I need to go to work for awhile, and then I need to come home and get ready for Kevin's works Christmas party (we are leaving by 3:30pm because it's past Oak Brook somewhere, and that's far for us). So, it's a busy day for us.


Last night I went to a Pampered Chef party - I love those!!!!! I wasn't invited, but when my friend, Jennifer, said she was going to one, I asked her if I could go, and she said I could, because she could bring a friend (she was so happy to have me go, we never get to do to much together with our work schedules). The party was fun, and I met some nice people Jennifer goes to church with. At the party we made some fun receipes (Cranberry bark, and pretzel wreaths) that will be great for the kids and I make for Christmas. For those familiar with PC, I bought the food chopper, ice cream scooper, garlic press, and a nice paring knife for Kevin's stocking (he told me to get this before I left for the party). I had a great time!!!!!


Thanks for all your continued kind thoughts about my family's dog and my family - I appreciate it!!!!


Grannywishes - You are like my cyber mom!!!!! Whenever I have something difficult, you are always there to say sometime inspiring and loving. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Karen - I love your mom!!!!
**My mom is planning on taking Daisy next week (I hope she makes it that long ). My mom took her back to the local vet yesterday, and they gave her some more mediciane, so we are hoping that it helps Daisy breath a little easier. This is making my head spin, just like when we found out my Sampson had lymphoma. Everything with Daisy is drudging up such terrible memories of when my beloved dog died unexpectedly 6 years ago, and is making me sad about him all over again (does that sound weird???)(he would be 10yrs old today if he were still with us). I definitly know what my mom is going through, emotionally, and all I can do right now is be there for her when she wants to vent anger, guilt, and saddness, because you do have all those emotions. Your sad because it's happening and losing something you love, your mad because it's happening so fast and unexpected, your guilty because you didn't see it coming and you feel you should have seen it coming - so many emotions, and I understand them all!!!!!
**Have fun shopping tomorrow!!!! I remember how you look forward to this every year - sounds like a blast!!!!




Well, I gotta get into the shower, and get ready for this day.
Take care all, and have a good Saturday!!!

 

[CelticBelle]

hi everyone!

Yesterday was just one of those days, so Im hoping today will be better!

Sandy- ill be praying for our mom. I think everyone here can understand how emotional we can be about our pets. They are members of our family and we always want to do everything we can to give them a healthy happy life. I hope that some miracle happens and everything turns out fine, or at least that daisy isnt in pain. If I had known my cat was dying and in pain earlier I would have helped him and eased his pain ( they thought it was depression), but I get so upset thinking that he had to suffer alone until it got so bad that my parents knew something was wrong, but by that time it was too late for him. He had feline leukemia. There seems to be a lot of these that dont show symptoms until very late on.

Ill be sending all the best of my good wishes and pixie dust.

 

[slo]

It always feel so good to sleep in!!!!!

Today I'm going to my friends house for a Lia Sophia party (jewelry party). I've never been to a jewelry party before, so it should be interesting. I always where alot of jewelry, so I'm sure this is something that will perk my interest. I"ll have to let you know tomorrow how it was.

CB - Thank you!!! I'm sorry to hear about your cat My mom's 2nd dog died of Leukemia, and now this dog may be developing it (according to the most recent bloodtest). It's so sad when these things happen


Well, I guess I should get some breakfast going.
Have a good day today everyone!!!

 

[slo]

Well, it's the start of another week!!!!

The Lia Sophia party yesterday was alot of fun, the jewelry is beautiful, but the prices are They were having a special that you can buy one at regular price (the least expensive item), and then you get 4 at 1/2 off, and if you do that, you get a pair of birthstone earrings for fee, so I did that. I told Kevin that I will give him the items, when I get them, and he can put them in my stocking. The earrings I'm giving to Stephanie in her stocking, because she doesn't have any earrings that are her birthstone. Now, I'm looking forward to getting them!!!!


Well, I have to go get ready for work - I have alot to do around the house before I leave. Have a great day everyone!!!

 

[slo]

What a yucky morning around here!!!!!!!
I wish I could just crawl back in bed and stay there!!!!!

This year I took the extra Christmas socks out of the attic, so I could pre-stuff them, so yesterday morning I did Stephanie's stocking This morning I'm going to Wal-Mart before I go to work, and I'm getting the rest of Katie's stocking items, and then I will stuff her's tomorrow. Now I have 2 less things to do on Christmas Eve Why didn't I think of this in past years????


My mom and dad took Daisy to The University of Illinois yesterday and they did not receive good news Daisy has several tumors and they are bleeding inside her. The university said there's nothing they can do They gave Daisy about 2 months to live As sad as this is, I'm glad that my mom doesn't have to make any decisions about putting her to sleep. Daisy can go home and live her life until she's to sick to go on (I guess eventually this will happen), and then my mom will have to put her to sleep. I'm just praying now that she can make it through Christmas, so my mom and dad can have one last Christmas with her.


Well, I gotta go get ready for work, because I'm leaving early to go to Wal-Mart. Have a good day!!!

 

[Idroveallnight]

sandy - I am so sorry about Daisy! I know your mom must be heartsick! What a tough time for your family!
I am glad you enjoyed the jewelry party. I have been to a few, but not that brand. We got Emily's chastity ring from Silpeda. My boss was having one tonite, but I didn't go.

Tomorrow night is the cheer directors last meeting of the year. We go out for Mexican after that and play Dirty Santa. Daughters come also. Emily & I will both be going. I picked a wallflower with Evergreen refills and room spray from Bath & Body works as my gift. I got a perfume gift set from Victoria's Secret for Emi's gift. I always try to choose a gift I would be happy to take home. I would hate for anyone to be disappointed. There is a cheer competition for Emi this weekend. It is about a 4 hour drive. I got a hotel room for Friday night. It is in Birmingham. They have a really big mall, so we are hoping to shop. Sarah will meet us. Tuscaloosa is only about 45 minutes from there. We will drive home Sat night and Sarah will be coming home until January! Woohoo!

 

[slo]

Karen - Yes, my mom and dad are devostated, but they are lucky to have a little time left. This way, they (at least my mom) can mentally prepare for themselves for the end (I say my mom, because my dad is so confused about what is happening, that he isn't able to mentally prepare). Speaking of my dad, do you know much about Alzheimers? We definitly think that this is what he has - it makes me very frustrated with him that he won't go to a doctor
**The meeting tomorrow night sounds fun!!! I hope you get a good gift
**I bet you are so excited about Sarah coming home - I hope my girls and I are as close as you and Sarah are when they are older. Do you have any plans for when she is home?
**Have you been working out? I"m not working out this week, or probably for the rest of December, because I just don't have time. The mornings that Katie comes to work with me I'm trying to do laundry, gift wrapping, housecleaning, and etc. in the morning before we leave. The mornings that she goes to daycare, I"m leaving early, so I can run errands, or get to work early. I'll resume my workout schedule after Christmas



Well, I gotta run, and get started on some laundry.
Have a good day!!!

 

[Idroveallnight]

sandy - My grandmother had Alzheimer's and it's terrible. I know they make medicines now to help, but I don't know alot about them. I will ask my mom - she works in geriatrics, so will have some good insight (as usual).
My work out routine is very hit and miss. I am not a morning person. I went Saturday because I got to sleep in first! I went last night and did cardio. I am trying not to force myself because I don't want to dread it. I want to look forward to going (at least a little) to the gym.

I will just enjoy having Sarah home. I don't have any big plans. It will be nice to have her here more than a couple of days. She was looking for a job while she's home but not having much luck. I told her I would give her a little cash for helping with the baking and the kids and some other projects.

Well, I am off to get dressed. Lots of rain today and tomorrow and that really is a highlight of home health!

 

[slo]

It's almost the end of the week!!!!

Karen - My dad refuses to believe that he has a problem - he tells my mom she is the one that's crazy He won't take an medicianes, even an aspirin, because he claims they make him sick My mom is at such a loss on what to do. She took him with her to the animal hospital, and she said it was a terrible experience. He was so confused in the hotel room, and could never find the bathroom (which my mom showed him multiple times), he was very disturbed that he couldn't find the kitchen, and even started to leave the room to go find it. My mom ended up staying in her clothes all night, and not sleeping, because she was so afraid that he was going to leave the room, and wander the hotel in his underwear to find the kitchen. His short term memory is gone, but his long term memory is still intact. When my mom was driving him home, he said they were going home to his childhood hometown. When my mom told him they don't live there, he got angry, and said they did, my mom finally agreed with him just to make him be quiet. I feel so sorry for her. She's only 61, and he's 76 going on 96 - she's much to young for all this!!!!! I could go on and on about this, but I need to get going and get ready for work.

That's nice that you don't have any big plans for when Sarah is home - this way you can relax a little.


Well, I'm off to get ready - I"m leaving early again today to run errands before work. I need to go buy my Christmas cards, at the cheap card store - no Hallmark here, to expensive (I'm so cheap sometimes )

Have a great day!!!

 

[grannywishes]

Sandy-the very, very best thing your Mom can do right now is to get her support team ready. She has a tremendously difficult journey ahead of her. Your father is not able/capable to help her one iota. Some medicines might slow the progression of the dementia but there is no cure right now. So many caregivers feel guilty about seeking help until the very end. It is so like when flying and they tell you "put your own mask on first". You may have to help her identify resources. Remind her dementia patients do better on established routines. They aren't into surprises or new adventures. Never confront on any issue--just redirect the conversation as quickly as possible to safe territory. See if your Sheriff's Dept has the bracelet with the built -in GPS in case he wanders outside. Tell your Mom to watch for any signs of aggression and to remember his reality is so distorted he could do serious harm thinking he is doing the "right" thing. There is so much on your Mom's plate right now but she has "you". So now-you start getting "your" support team ready and somehow with an abundance of grace from God we can all be there for your family. Love, Grannywishes

 

[slo]

Hooray for Friday!!!!
Outside of no school tomorrow, I have no reason to be excited, because I have a very busy weekend ahead of me. I have mountains to do at work (well it feels like mountains, because I'm the only one that can do it ). Not only do I have physical work to do at work, but I also haven't sat at my desk to pay bills in forever - the piles keep rising!!!! I really wish my college employee was back to help me out, but she doesn't return until 12/22


Karen - I saw New Orleans had snow Did you get any? I didn't think you all got cold weather like that. I thought we were the only one that suffered with yucky weather in the winter

grannywishes - Thank you so much for your post, and it is very informative. If I can ever get my mom to write you to ask questions, would you mind? When the time comes, would you mind PMing me your email address so I can give it to her? She used to take her Daisy (this current dog that is sick) to Hospices and nursing homes (Daisy is a licensed "service dog") and she's seem many Alzheimers patients, but she's never had to deal with one for more than a couple of mintues, so she must be very confused on how to handle my dad. I don't really feel bad for my dad, because he thinks he's fine, so he's not suffering, it's my poor mom who is suffering!!!!!


Well, I must get going and get started with some work around here.
I'm going to wrap some presents this morning, and get some of that over with
Have a good day!!!