DDA Chapter 13

[babytrees]

Mom's chemo went OK today. She is on track to finish chemo by Christmas - just 7 more infusions to go!
She still insists that she is coming for Thanksgiving. She has decided to wait until Wednesday to drive down, so that's better than driving down Tuesday night after she works all day. I guess we might get to see her for a bit on Saturday. DS is already uspet that she isn't coming with the intent to see him. If she sees him that's great, but it's not really her main goal. That's not fair to him, and I hate that he feels slighted. DH's mom would have loved him SOOOOO much. It isn't fair that the only grandparent DS has is one who isn't that interested in him.

I am sorry too!!

I finally think I got through to Jim as he was forcing his parents to talk to the girls. If they don't want to get to know 2 of the most amazing kids ever that is their loss and he isn't helping anything by forcing it. The girls know but they also know my mom has love for them in spades.

 

[babytrees]

We got a bill today for $400 from DH's colonoscopy. So apparently it was approved as a covered procedure subject to deductible, which is precisely what I thought it would be. I just didn't know the procedure was going to cost almost $1800 to begin with. I am going to call the insurance tomorrow and ask them to explain it, but I have a feeling we will still owe $400 after all is said and done.

but it's worth it knowing he's got the all clear, right??

 

[tinknme]

Hi Theresa, you are up early or have you still not slept lol

 

[babytrees]

Hi Theresa, you are up early or have you still not slept lol

it's o'dark thirty and I am going to go with the band to perform this morning. Jim kept me up LATE with his hacking so it just feels like I haven't slept.

 

[yellowfish78]

Chanon, congratulations! The pictures are wonderful. I am so happy for you and Bob. Did you get my gift in the mail? I never got a confirmation of delivery from them, so I was worried it didn't arrive.

YES! We got it on Friday when we were leaving for rehearsal - literally as we were walking out the door the mail truck pulled in! I've been using it since we got back - for forgive me for taking the picture from the site!

Thank you Denise!!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am sorry too!!

I finally think I got through to Jim as he was forcing his parents to talk to the girls. If they don't want to get to know 2 of the most amazing kids ever that is their loss and he isn't helping anything by forcing it. The girls know but they also know my mom has love for them in spades.

Mom was much more interested in him when he was little, but I never knew when the Ogre would be around. Even after the Ogre moved out he would show up unannounced ALL the time. Diva was MEAN to DS because she was so jealous of him so it wasn't safe to drop him off at Mom's house. So now DS is older and Mom isn't interested in him, only in the little girls.

but it's worth it knowing he's got the all clear, right??

Yes.

I am moving slow this morning. It is cold! And it is Friday. I am ready for a day off. I am dropping Princess off to Momboss at 3 PM so I don't have a full day today. DS and I are going to a play tonight. It is the one Robyn saw last weekend. They all liked it, so I think we will have fun.

 

[tink2020]

Mel's funeral was very nice. We saw Chuck's cousins and Aunts & Uncle. We saw many of the family members from Mel's childhood friends (almost like family). There were 4 families - the HArtungs, MAlones, MEyers & WEgners where the men were childhood friends. They were like family and every year would have a HA-MA-ME-WE reunion. Mel was the last remaining. We figure he is up there having a Manhattan with his buddies. Mel was a well-respected member of the community here so there were a lot of locals here as well. The pastor read a letter that Mel supposedly wrote to all of us. Not one of us was forgotten. It was very moving. The pastor knew Mel well and did a wonderful eulogy on who he was. Afterwards, there was a luncheon at the Eagle River Inn at Mel's request. It was an open bar. He asked that we all raise a toast to him. Most everyone has left town now.

Chuck's sister and brother are still not talking. Her family has left but she is staying with mom. His brother lives here in town. Chuck & I are staying in the campground at least until Saturday. My girls left and will be back Saturday for the burial. My mom is here with us one more night and is leaving in the morning. It has been great having her here.

I had a little of a breakdown last night when I saw Mel and today at the church during the service. He was such a nice man and will be sorely missed.

Chuck's mom is doing well. I feel so bad for her because she lost her parents before she even met Mel. She has always been one of those people that waits on others. She needed that. Some are worried that she will waste away without that. I think they underestimate her. She will find someone / something else to fill the void. She volunteers in the community.

When I first married Chuck, his mom wasn't thrilled with me. No one would have been good enough for her baby. Going to visit them was always very stressful. Once my girls were a little older (3 & 6), she realized that I was raising such wonderful kids that there must be more to me than she was giving me credit for. Ever since then, we have been very close. She trusts me and will vent to me when she needs to. She tells me things that the others don't know - like when she quit smoking but didn't really (and when she finally really did quit - hooray!!!!!), she closed the curtains when Chuck was home so that he didn't see the scuzzy neighbors, that she got up every morning a couple of hours before Chuck & Mel so that she could hack up the crud in her lungs from her smoking, how frustrated she was with Mel over something (that usually was one of the things that I would get upset with Chuck over), etc.

Thanks for listening to me. It is nice to be able to share my feelings with my DDA friends. There are so many things floating around in my mind that I can't really share with Chuck right now. Thanks for ALWAYS being there.

 

[tink2020]

Mom's chemo went OK today. She is on track to finish chemo by Christmas - just 7 more infusions to go!
She still insists that she is coming for Thanksgiving. She has decided to wait until Wednesday to drive down, so that's better than driving down Tuesday night after she works all day. I guess we might get to see her for a bit on Saturday. DS is already uspet that she isn't coming with the intent to see him. If she sees him that's great, but it's not really her main goal. That's not fair to him, and I hate that he feels slighted. DH's mom would have loved him SOOOOO much. It isn't fair that the only grandparent DS has is one who isn't that interested in him.

I'm so sorry you and he are made to feel that way. I hope the visit is better than expected, all around!

 

[marcij]

It is approaching halloween. The happy haunts are materializing.

I like that!

Mel's funeral was very nice. We saw Chuck's cousins and Aunts & Uncle. We saw many of the family members from Mel's childhood friends (almost like family). There were 4 families - the HArtungs, MAlones, MEyers & WEgners where the men were childhood friends. They were like family and every year would have a HA-MA-ME-WE reunion. Mel was the last remaining. We figure he is up there having a Manhattan with his buddies. Mel was a well-respected member of the community here so there were a lot of locals here as well. The pastor read a letter that Mel supposedly wrote to all of us. Not one of us was forgotten. It was very moving. The pastor knew Mel well and did a wonderful eulogy on who he was. Afterwards, there was a luncheon at the Eagle River Inn at Mel's request. It was an open bar. He asked that we all raise a toast to him. Most everyone has left town now.

Chuck's sister and brother are still not talking. Her family has left but she is staying with mom. His brother lives here in town. Chuck & I are staying in the campground at least until Saturday. My girls left and will be back Saturday for the burial. My mom is here with us one more night and is leaving in the morning. It has been great having her here.

I had a little of a breakdown last night when I saw Mel and today at the church during the service. He was such a nice man and will be sorely missed.

Chuck's mom is doing well. I feel so bad for her because she lost her parents before she even met Mel. She has always been one of those people that waits on others. She needed that. Some are worried that she will waste away without that. I think they underestimate her. She will find someone / something else to fill the void. She volunteers in the community.

When I first married Chuck, his mom wasn't thrilled with me. No one would have been good enough for her baby. Going to visit them was always very stressful. Once my girls were a little older (3 & 6), she realized that I was raising such wonderful kids that there must be more to me than she was giving me credit for. Ever since then, we have been very close. She trusts me and will vent to me when she needs to. She tells me things that the others don't know - like when she quit smoking but didn't really (and when she finally really did quit - hooray!!!!!), she closed the curtains when Chuck was home so that he didn't see the scuzzy neighbors, that she got up every morning a couple of hours before Chuck & Mel so that she could hack up the crud in her lungs from her smoking, how frustrated she was with Mel over something (that usually was one of the things that I would get upset with Chuck over), etc.

Thanks for listening to me. It is nice to be able to share my feelings with my DDA friends. There are so many things floating around in my mind that I can't really share with Chuck right now. Thanks for ALWAYS being there.

I'm glad it went well. I hope that the next few weeks don't bring any more stress than is already there. Share when you need to anytime!

Mom's chemo went OK today. She is on track to finish chemo by Christmas - just 7 more infusions to go!
She still insists that she is coming for Thanksgiving. She has decided to wait until Wednesday to drive down, so that's better than driving down Tuesday night after she works all day. I guess we might get to see her for a bit on Saturday. DS is already uspet that she isn't coming with the intent to see him. If she sees him that's great, but it's not really her main goal. That's not fair to him, and I hate that he feels slighted. DH's mom would have loved him SOOOOO much. It isn't fair that the only grandparent DS has is one who isn't that interested in him.

Glad the chemo went well. How old are the girls? Maybe she's just more interested in younger kids. But that's not right for your DS. I hope she realizes what she's missing before it's too late. He's a great kid.

We got a bill today for $400 from DH's colonoscopy. So apparently it was approved as a covered procedure subject to deductible, which is precisely what I thought it would be. I just didn't know the procedure was going to cost almost $1800 to begin with. I am going to call the insurance tomorrow and ask them to explain it, but I have a feeling we will still owe $400 after all is said and done.

Oops. I wasn't too excited about paying for those braces this week. I hope expenses for the DDA are significantly reduced!

it's o'dark thirty and I am going to go with the band to perform this morning. Jim kept me up LATE with his hacking so it just feels like I haven't slept.

Good luck to the band.

YES! We got it on Friday when we were leaving for rehearsal - literally as we were walking out the door the mail truck pulled in! I've been using it since we got back - for forgive me for taking the picture from the site!

Thank you Denise!!!

That is very cute!

Partners card starts today and goes through next weekend. It's that card I've talked about before where you pay $60 and the proceeds to go the Family Place, then you get 20% off of all the retailers that participate, and there are a lot of them! I get most of my Christmas/birthday shopping finished and a lot of other things done as well.

Andrew has his first middle school party this afternoon. It's from 4 - 5:30 at a bowling alley, and it takes the place of a Halloween party. I think I'm helping chaperone, but they never really got back to me if they needed help. I'll run errands after that, tommorrow is soccer and errand running, and Sunday is Church and possibly more errands, but I might just stay home in the afternoon and crash.

Have a good weekend everyone.

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

I had this huge post typed up and then my laptop crashed. Let me see what I remember.

Denise- Lots of 's and prayers headed your way for John, you and the kids.

Vicki- I am so glad that yesterday went well. You can hear your love for Mel in your words. 's for all.

Elizabeth- 's for DS. I feel sad for him, he's a great kid!! I am glad that your mom continues to handle her chemo ok. I got a reminder in my email, dated yesterday, to remember my free night of tickets for the show on 10/17.

Elin- Belated birthday wishes for Kathrin. Lots of 's and headed her way.

Marci- Sounds like Andrew's party will be fun.

Theresa- Enjoy your day with the band.

Steffy- Sorry the grandpug got sick on your carpet. I think they know it's harder for you to clean. Our dogs always do that kind of stuff in the worst possible place.

I know I missed more 's and all around.

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

Our church does a Christmas play that Emma really wanted to have a speaking part in. Well because practice falls at the exact same time as her Girl Scout meetings she can't have a speaking part. She does however get to sing in it and some of the kids have been picked to play the handbells. Since that practices on Tuesday nights she is going to do that and is very excited!!


While she was at the church I went up to her GS meeting to get all the stuff I needed for the Cookie Booth sale we are doing tonight. Please pray that I survive 3 hours in the cold with the girls, the first 1 1/2 of which I will be by myself with 4 or 5 girls! Oh and the most fun part~ I get to drive a full size, 9 passenger van that has all the cookies in it. The one mom has the cookies loaded up in it and since she lives on my street I get the fun job of driving it. She can't get there to later as she recently started a new job and can't ask for time off. I hate driving my mini van so I imagine driving this big of a van will not be fun at all.

I am off to work on Emma's costume a bit more. I am almost finished with it.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Our church does a Christmas play that Emma really wanted to have a speaking part in. Well because practice falls at the exact same time as her Girl Scout meetings she can't have a speaking part. She does however get to sing in it and some of the kids have been picked to play the handbells. Since that practices on Tuesday nights she is going to do that and is very excited!!


While she was at the church I went up to her GS meeting to get all the stuff I needed for the Cookie Booth sale we are doing tonight. Please pray that I survive 3 hours in the cold with the girls, the first 1 1/2 of which I will be by myself with 4 or 5 girls! Oh and the most fun part~ I get to drive a full size, 9 passenger van that has all the cookies in it. The one mom has the cookies loaded up in it and since she lives on my street I get the fun job of driving it. She can't get there to later as she recently started a new job and can't ask for time off. I hate driving my mini van so I imagine driving this big of a van will not be fun at all.

I am off to work on Emma's costume a bit more. I am almost finished with it.

I love hand bells! I am sure she will do a wonderful job!
I got an e-mail reminder this morning, so maybe DCT just forgot that their free performances started last week!

Marci - My sister's kids are 1 and 3. Mom probably does like younger kids better, but she also can't stand to be outdone by the other set of grandparents. (The ones who completely subsidize everything for my sister.) Since DH's parents died before DS was born Mom doesn't have to beat anyone to be the "better" grandparent where he is concerned.
I called the Dr's office and the insurance company this morning. We get to pay $400 to the surgical center (which they wanted in a lump sum, but they agreed to take in 2 payments) PLUS $132 to the doctor himself (that's 20% of his contracted fee! ) PLUS whatever the lab fees on the biopsies are. DH also thinks there might be a bill for anesthesiology coming, too! Good thing we are made of money or this might really put us in a pinch!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Marci - Tell Andrew to have fun at his party!

Robyn - Good luck driving the cookie mobile!

Stephanie - I am sorry to hear about the grandpug! I hope any ill effects are over! The cats always puke on the carpet. They do it on purpose because they are evil.

DS looked quite handsome in his new jeans this morning. I am glad we found some that fit because they almost NEVER get to be out of uniform, so today is a special treat.

 

[bear74]

I am a Great Aunt again! I went to the hospital earlier to meet my new niece, she is so tiny & sweet I wanted to bring her home with me

Congratulations! What a cutie!!!!

 

[bear74]

Glynis wasn't kidding when she said her mom was going downhill fast:

Theresa,

My mother passed away tonight at about 8:00 p.m. My brother and father were with her at the end, and said that she was very peaceful. I'm leaving first thing in the morning with my sister to help make arrangements for the viewing and funeral. I'd be grateful if you could pass this information along to the DDA for me.

Glynis

Glynis I am so sorry. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.

 

[bear74]

Kyle passed his Step 3, with a wonderful score no less!

way to go Kyle

 

[bear74]

As horrible as this is to say (and I haven't said it out loud to him), I am very thankful that he still has his job. When we went through this back in 1990 he was one of the first ones to be cut. I do not want to go through that again. We are still recovering. I am not sure we could do it a second time.

On another not so good note... today is Kathrin's 30th birthday. Last night some friends took her out to dinner and coming out of the restaurant she slipped on the wet pavement and fell. She has a nasty shiner but more importantly she has a broken tooth. She called me in tears this morning. She asked what more could possibly go wrong in a week's time. I was afraid to discuss this with her at this point. Please send some good thoughts her way. I think she could really use them.

for Kathrine and tell her Happy Birthday from me

 

[bear74]

Hi, everyone....remember me?

Thanks for all the PMs and e-mails recently. I'm sorry that I was AWOL for so long (and I know I sound like a broken record), but it's just been general craziness in my life right now. It's all pretty much work-related - just had a lot on my plate, my assistant took a job oppty. she couldn't pass up at another firm a couple of weeks ago, etc. I'm hopeful, though, that I'll be able to be around more in the weeks ahead. Know that you've all been in my thoughts and prayers!

Just in reading back over the last few pages, it sounds like everyone could use a big collective . For all those that have lost loved ones so suddenly, please know that you're in my prayers.

Elizabeth did a great job catching me up to speed on Friday, so I'll just jump back in and try to keep up as I can! I've missed you all.

Lindsay have a great Halloween trip drop in when you can.

 

[bear74]

Hi, Denise!
Good thoughts for John as he deals with his grandmothers' declining health.

ditto

 

[bear74]

Happy Birthday Virginina!!!

thanks