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Wednesday, September 21, 2016 11:11 AM CDT

Hi all...

I'm sure no one is reading this - its been so long.

Thinking of the cancer journey and all we've been through as a family, it makes me smile and my heart sing to know that I DON'T need to write on CB. That we are stable, we are happy and most importantly we are healthy.

Yesterday was my Mom and Dads 69th wedding anniversary... that is, without my Mom. Dad will be turning 91 next week and I am flying to Florida to celebrate it. He is talking about going to heaven.... I predict my wonderful Dad will not be around too much longer. I love his voice, his laugh, his smirks, his twinkly eyes and the constant teasing. Right now he is but a shell of himself. I can barely think of this

DARREL
Is getting married next year! 9/30 with Bekah. They have a townhouse and great jobs. Darrel is an IT manager for a virtual school. They recently bought their first new car and enjoying life with a cat and 2 dogs. They will be honeymooning driving down the east coast camping.

DAVIS
Is getting married ... when? Heard Mexico and the date is not set (as far as they tell me anyways) to Kaylin his childhood friend. They bought a house recently and I'm happy to say... he is enjoying his 20's FINALLY. They are having a wonderful time just being a couple. Kenzie the black lab is still around - she is 8 now. Davis works with Jeff - they formed an official company and are co-owners

KILIAN
Is in first grade ...can hardly believe he is so old! He is a little Davis through and through. Smart as a whip, and he knows it. Davis's visitation is only every other week and wed.... wish it was more or that they were more open to extra time. We make the most of it with that little cutie pie. He is my joy

BRETT
Bought his first house with his long time girlfriend Megan. She is finishing her last year of law school. Brett is working as a hydrogeologist and working mostly the light rail lines that are being constructed. He bought an australian shepard pup and finding fun in his 20's while enjoying adulthood experiences!

JEFF AND I
This summer was a lot of going up north to the cabin and finishing our addition (screen house so we can make the old screen house living area). We added internet and phones so I can work from the lake which is precious time up there!

We are renting a house in Florida in February - I will work from there and Jeff will get jobs in Florida. Giving it a whirl just for fun. It is very expensive so not sure how it'll work out in the future. We will be staying very close to his brother and will be on a strip island - there is gulf on the left, bay on the right. Driving down and taking Cleo the pup....

That is all in Shandland.... we ARE carrying on!
LUV Mary Lee

Sunday, August 9, 2015 7:34 PM CDT

Good evening!

O my... long long time since I updated.

DAVIS
He is doing fantastic! He and Kaylin (his long time girlfriend) are enjoying life. They are very social - she has a lot of friends and he has been going out, boating, fishing, etc. This is compared to a time where he wasn't able to be with his friends. It does my heart good!

He is working out, eating holistically... which basically means he cooks all his own whole foods and doesn't eat junk. He loves to grocery shop and loves to cook! He Tries new recipes every week. Davis is working with Jeff and this is their busy time... so no rest for the wicked

I do notice... his stamina still isn't what I consider "normal" altho he can work circles around most. Cancer still leaves its mark.

KILIAN
Starting KINDERGARTEN !!!!! He is such a social child - talks to anyone, very bossy (haha) and WILL be a leader one day for sure. He still loves everything about life and is always a joy to be with. Davis is a fantastic father... sets boundaries and sticks with them. Takes K fishing, camping, zoo, plays (they've seen 3 plays!)

We spent a week up at the cabin with Kilian and Davis, one of the 2 weeks Davis gets Kilian. What a fun time! To see K for 7 days. During this time, Davis came home with a tree - and said he was planting it with his son, like we did with our sons. Pretty cool

DARREL
Darrel has worked hard to get what he calls "an adult job". He was hired to be the general IT Supervisor for all of Richfield Virtual K-12 education. I'm very proud of him! He is excited and it pays very well.

shhhh... he bought his long time girlfriend Bekah a diamond and is proposing to her sept 20, their anniversary date- which is or should I say was my parents anniversary! they were married 66 years.

BRETT
He also got a big boy job - he is a hydro geologist for a large engineering company in St Paul. He manages a million dollar camera - and only 3 people in the usa can run it - to look at infrastructure. He took this job to be able to transfer to the environmental side when he gets more experience. They are training him in both heavy civil and environmental. Very exciting!

Brett is moving back home for 6 months to save for a house - he is also bringing a new puppy - Australian Shepard... and we are all waiting for that experience to begin! o boy haha

I've been very busy at work - they did hire an extra cancer nurse, but unfortunately... we are all very busy.

My sister called me a month ago and asked "I'm going to italy, do you want to come?" HECK YEA! So I'm leaving next week for 9 days. rome, tuscany, venice, varenna (Lake Como) and Milan. One more item off my bucket list.

I will try to be better at updating. Davis hit another milestone a few weeks ago. It has been FOURTEEN YEARS since he was diagnosed.

That is all in Shandland.... carry on!

Monday, February 9, 2015 10:10 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He is still fishing - caught 20 crappies with his 2 brothers this weekend on a local lake. I'm so proud that my boys do things together! They actually like each other - who knew after 18 tortuous years while they were growing up.

Poor Brett... being the youngest - he got the brunt of 2 brothers preying on him.

Davis and Kaylin are going to the Dominican Republic next weekend and we'll have the dog. The "evil ones" were not willing to change weekends for Kilian so Davis won't see him for 3 weeks. What is WRONG WITH PEOPLE.

They deserve a much needed time away from stressors here at home and I'm happy they are going. They will be going with another couple so double the fun!

KILIAN
Had the grunge - which he gave to Davis - which he gave to Jeff - which he did NOT give to me - and then back to Kilian. Lots of snot going around and that COUGH - can we say kennel cough?

The only thing I can think of is for the first time I have been taking vitamins daily - and I have NOT been sick yet!!! Felt a little off, but no colds. YEAAAAAA

Other than that, Kilian is the sunshine of our lives! He is turning from that cute toddler into a preschooler - into an almost kindergartner - which brings on all those annoying traits little boys can have. Lucky for me, I can send him home to Dad!

DARREL
He is leaving this weekend with his girl to Colorado. They are very excited to take a vacation together. She is very good for him and they are pretty right for each other!

BRETT
He just informed me that he too is going to the Dominican Republic with his girlfriend and another couple.

What am I doing wrong? haha

Jeff and I? We get all the dogs.

We are going to dinner on Valentines Day with my best friend,my sister and their guys - couples night!

My job is still going strong with cancer patients, and that is good and bad. I feel honored to do something for others in this world, but feel sad that my job security is based on someone having cancer. It gets me down sometimes - all sickness. And then I have that one wonderful call that makes it all better.

Please keep prayers for Davis going and the continued abnoxious custody issues. A Dad that WANTS TO BE A DAD... and how the system fails him.

That is all in Shandland - so far - so good CARRY ON!

Sunday, January 25, 2015 1:08 PM CST

Good afternoon!

I miss Judy's comments.... she always wrote something which made me smile, knowing someone cared so much.... RIP my friend that I never met.

DAVIS
He has been going ice fishing, with and without Kilian, depending on the weekend. They caught a few fishies last weekend - unfortunately I still cannot add pictures to this CB site. It is the old classic site, makes me wonder if I should just close down.

If you come on to see how we are doing - thank you! If you could leave a message - even one that is just signed a friend, I would at least know whether I'm talking to myself or not!

I am on FB and share more pictures but I do not go into the personal side there. If you would like to be my friend there, message me first so I know where you came from - I only except friendships from people I know - keep a pretty tight FB ship if ya know what I mean. I have several people from around the world that I have friended from my CB site here....

Davis does not do FB.

BRETT
Is working and enjoying his days outside of college - he was so done!

DARREL
HAPPY 28th Birthday my eldest son - Mama can not believe she has a son that old! HA. We will have a nice dinner this weekend with family. He is going to Colorado with his girlfriend for Valentines and is really excited.

Tax season.... time for a few depressing months. I really hate tax season.

On that cheerful note, that is really all in Shandland - carry on my friends!

Friday, January 9, 2015 11:59 AM CST

Good Fine COOOOLD Morning!

DAVIS
He is doing pretty well. He has taken Kilian ice fishing athough the little stinker stepped into the hole and had to be carried back to the car.

Luckily Davis had his sleeping bag in there to warm him up! They had a fish and he was so excited that he didn't look where he was steppin. I can say, all of my boys have done something like that at some point of time.

I remember my Dad taking me ice fishing on Medicine lake... I thought I was so cool because I had NEW Waffle Stompers - remember those? I refused to wear real boots and lo and behold, we had to leave very early because I was freezing. Lesson I did NOT forget!

Davis and Kaylin are very busy people and its fun to see Davis with a smile on his face!

DARREL
He is helping his girlfriend get her house in order - new bathroom, kitchen. All good things to learn and do. They have a Colorado trip planned in February for valentines Day - we get their dogs to watch... should be interesting!

BRETT
He has a luncheon date with a large geology type company. A very dear friend of ours was able to set it up - he works at the same company. Not an interview, but an informational luncheon... I say.... you just never know. Brett recently stayed in a "yurt" in Wisconsin. I would describe it as a canvas igloo. He enjoyed it... so he says!

FAMILY
We are planning my Dads 90th birthday. Sometime this summer/fall. Not sure. I'm hoping to get all 3 boys and anyone else that wants to come - to Florida. We'll see how it all pans out.

Thats all in Shandland...carry on!

Friday, January 2, 2015 11:11 AM CST

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

So sorry it has been very long since I wrote. It has been a difficult winter for me so far - brought it on myself, no one to blame. Just didn't handle the stressors very well.

DAVIS
He is doing fantastic. He has been dating Kaylin for a year, have known her for 17 years. They have been through a lot this last year and are stronger for it. They support each other no matter what - Davis is very lucky to have someone who loves him so much - AND he deserves it.

The custody issues have been... well... NOT nice. He has Kilian every other weekend and one day a week - just like anyone else who didn't pay 10K for lawyers. That is how hard this has been - the judicial system stinks for Dads where the Moms won't negotiate. This will be re-evaluated in June - some hoops have to be jumped right now for both sides and the final hoop will be in June when it is looked at again.

What a racket our system has going for them - SOMEONE is making money.

KILIAN
The program is not letting me upload pictures - I'm working on it!

DARREL
He is working FT at one of the largest liquor distributors in MN - as a level 2 IT and being trained for higher positions. He has a delightful girlfriend of 4 months - Rebkah. He looks very happy

BRETT
Has a job on the light rail doing geology stuff.... it is a contracted job ending in the spring. Everyone likes him so much that we are hoping a permanent position happens. He and Megan have been going out for almost 2 years now - she is a law student.

CHRISTMAS
We were blessed to see kilian all of Christmas Eve - what a magical time that was! He was sooooo excited as any 4 yo can be. The magic in his eyes - wow. How fun

We had all 3 boys and their girlfriends over on Christmas Eve - gift gathering and giving was extremely hectic and was one of the funnest times I've had in a long time. GIRLS in the house! yeeeeha (oops, sorry Davis this is your site)

The boys go ice fishing, canoeing, camping together. When your kids actually seek each other out for company - I feel that is when I have done something right as a Mom.

My work is ubba hectic. Being a cancer nurse, you hate to be ubba hectic. We recently hired another cancer nurse, but she is slow in learning the ropes - which is perfectly OK and natural considering the subject matter, so relief is short in coming our way.

FLORIDA
Got to visit my Dad and brothers, Jeffs brother a few weeks ago - we had 1st class ticket to FL and THAT was my birthday and christmas gift. We went from Orlando to Ft Myers. I will put on paper right now that I will never go at this time again - it made work crazy when I got back and christmas preparations even crazier...hence - the most stressful xmas I've had in a long time.

Can't wait to go back!

Suppose to be working at the moment so I'll end with praying that you all have a blessed, peaceful and uneventful 2015.

SAD DAY
Davis's greatest supporter and writer of the guestbook earned her angel wings in october - shortly after she told me she was going on hospice. I didn't know her face to face but her encouragement and love shown through all of her guestbook passages and my heart is terribly sad that earth has lost her.... I will miss her words of kindness


That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, September 14, 2014 7:01 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Not sure what is going on, but my photos won't upload - tried 3 times - o well, will put some up another time.

DAVIS
He went to the boundary waters with his 2 brothers and cousin. That is FOUR 20 somethings going canoeing. It got down to 29 degrees with some snow - prett dang cold for a tent.

They fished for all their dinners, and had a wonderful time! They are already planning next years adventures. It pleases me greatly to have 3 boys able to plan and do things together.... even as 3 KINGS! haha yep, makes for an interesting anything when they are around.

KILIAN
We had a great time at the Apple Orchard - and I gave Kilian a "mickey bag o crafts" for a fun day. There was a dry erase board, coloring books, scissors, paints, large pen, and 15 capsules that you put in water and they turn into sponge animals - he really liked that.

We are trying to teach him about Mickey Mouse - Jeff and I are flying to Florida in December for Jeff's birthday celebration - 55 ya know! And visit my 2 brothers and my Dad. If we bring him a gift back, we at least want him to know who Mickey is! One day... he'll come with us.

Jeff and Kilian went out the backyard and set up a "trap for van pelt" the bad guy from jumanji. They put a box snare up with a potato for bait -- he set up a tent and they sat in it watching for the bad guy - they had a rope and they can pull to drop the box.

We went to the apple orchard and when we came back the box was down and the tent was blown over - Kilian was adoreable cause he thought the bad guys triggered the trap and knocked over the tent - actually was the wind, but hey, who needs to tell? haha

DARREL
I guess he was the one who fell out of the canoe when another was getting in - lost his hold on the canoe and tipped it. Luckily he wasn't wearing his boots - and he had on his rain gear and didn't get wet!

BRETT
He will start his new job in a few weeks in hydrogeology. It is a 3 month contract. I'm excited that it'll be a start into his career! Jobs are tough sometimes, so I say go with the flow and network network network. His diploma FINALLY arrived too.

Judy - I just want to give you a HUGE HUG - you are Gods gift to US with all your CB support.

That is all in Shandland today... CARRY ON!

Sunday, August 31, 2014 4:42 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Looks like the site is now secure...

DAVIS
He is having a wonderful time with his new gal - she is so wonderful for him! They travel, socialize - she doesn't have any odd neurosis to flying, going out, having FUN.

They moved into their new townhome and busy decorating it to suite them both. Kilian has his own bedroom which is adoreable!

KILIAN
Custody is still in process - it was pushed out to November now. Guess they can do that - go figure. He has so much fun when he is with us - we expose him to many positive fun things plus a lot of family! Can't wait until a real schedule is set - until than we are still stuck with every Saturday 9-5 only.

DARREL
Working FT for a liquor distributor as a level 2 IT. He loves it - getting his life in order so he can move out this winter.

BRETT
DONE with college and moving out tomorrow with his friends and is excited! He has a temporary 3 month job doing hydrogeology stuff for the new Vikings stadium - it hopefully will lead to something permanent.

SUMMER
Is almost over! I have 29 days of vacation so going up north to the cabin - many times by myself and the dog! since this is Jeff's busy time (commercial painter ya know). Spending time reading, painting, movies..... I don't hike by myself after Cleo the lab flushed up a bear on our property - I was on the dock reading and here her hair was all standing on end - she ran back inbetween my legs! We ran the videocam to see a baby bear walking up our driveway at 2:00 in the afternoon!!! First time we ever saw that - heard they are in other areas and perhaps was just passing thru... haven't heard or seen any since.

Thats all in Shandland - resting before the move tomorrow for Brett - so... carry on!

Saturday, August 30, 2014 12:45 AM CDT

Hello!

Long time no update, for a variety of reasons.

PLEASE let me know if you can get into this message with the OLD sign on. It means the security still isn't working.

Email me at
mleep@msn.com

I changed the password AGAIN - they did not respond to my pleas for months now to help me with this issue - so I was trying to have some time go by before I tried to change it again.

Hopefully it is working!

If not, I will update with a benign update

ALL IS WELL!

Sunday, June 22, 2014 11:31 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Password - I've changed it but heard the old one works. I've changed it twice.

Could someone please sign in with the old password and let me know if you were blocked? Thanks!

DAVIS
He is such a great help around the house. We got ready for Brett's pig roast - and Davis is always there to lend a physical hand.

The party was very nice and we had so much food, family and friends. What an honor to have people who love us so much

KILIAN
What can I say? My heart breaks everytime we have to bring him home..... When we tried to get him ready to leave yesterday, he had a huge meltdown. "I DONT WANT TO GO...." He cried and sobbed... we unfortunatly had to leave and return him early because he was sobbing so hard and with everyone around, he was getting hysterical.

Knowing the "other side" they'll will probably say "he doesn't like his kid so he returns him early" Little do they know that it is for KILIAN that we brought him back.... my SIL actually went in the house she teared up and couldn't watch his sobbing hysterical "Daddy I want to stay with youuuuu"

What is WRONG WITH PEOPLE that little boy is suffering.

Up to that point, Kilian had a wonderful time, got to play with his young cousins and it was very fun to watch

BRETT
He had lots of friends stop by and they had a bonfire until late - the backyard looks like a bomb went off! He has now had his pig roast!

That is all in Shandland.. recovering.... carry on!

Sunday, June 15, 2014 4:40 PM CDT

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

And with that said.... someone published the password and sign in - it seems the person I gave it to did not have a secure site so it showed up on google. My sight has not been secure.

If you want the new name and password, email me, FB me or text me.

I will be shutting this password down Friday.

mleep@msn.com

Monday, May 26, 2014 4:34 PM CDT

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! God speed..... vets

In honor of my Dad, a "torpedo man" on a WWII US Navy Destroyer. A war almost forgotten by the young. Thank you Richmond Pierson for serving our country!

KILIAN
Man o man - that boy just glows when he is with his Daddy. Since we didn't get to see him at Christmas, we gave him a huge bday party. Lots of balloons, crepe paper, lots of food and wonderful family and friends. It turned out exactly how it should be - he had so much fun! He and Davis made a camoflaage cake, homemade ice cream, food food food.

The fun for me? Was Davis and his adorable girlfriend Kaylin, Brett and his adorable girlfriend Meghan cook in the kitchen while I watched - I can really get used to girls being around!!! Darrel helped in other areas, bonfire set up, which made it such a fun family affair. It ended way too soon.

DAVIS
Last week Davis had his court date - from when her Dad tried to say awful lies about Davis.

HER DAD LOST - Davis lawyer had a recording which proved Davis innocent.... THANK YOU for all your prayers. Now he can go forward to get his boy longer which entails a $5,000 evaluation - which is court ordered when you have 2 sides that won't play nice. Her Dad just won't let this go the easy route. So.... everyone gets interviewed and then in August the evaluater gives her recommendations. So... that is another prayer request - the truth shall come out! Note I am taking the high road here and not telling the sordid details of how bad it really was.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND
This has been a beautiful weekend, full of family and friends and seeing my boys happy. HAPPY

DARREL
Got a new PERMANENT JOB!!!! Happy dance. He so far love love loves it.

BRETT
Done with college (except he has to take a 3 week course in the "field" - only time it is offered is summer) and we are having a celebratory PIG ROAST for him June 21 when my DAD is here from Florida! Can't wait.

LOVE and HUGS to you all

That is all in Shandland - carry on!

Saturday, May 24, 2014 7:24 PM CDT

What a wonderful day!

KILIAN - 4th birthday party!

Not going to write much - pretty tired out.

Kilian, Davis and our whole family had a pretty darn fun day - and Kilian had the time of his life.

will update another time with details.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers - I can say that they are working

Monday, April 14, 2014 9:22 PM CDT

Will update later - this has been a very emotional week.

God Bless you this Holy Week.

Jeff's 44 yo cousin was in a car crash last Friday and taken off life support a week later and she died Saturday morning.

May God wrap his arms around the whole family as they try to make sense of this.....

Saturday, March 29, 2014 6:55 PM CDT

Good evening!

FINALLY we are getting some temperatures outside over 30. We will be almost 60 tomorrow. Maybe most of the snow will go away. This is the most miserable winter/spring I can remember.

The sunshine part? Well of course seeing Davis with a big ole smile on his face as Kilian connects with his Dad

"Saturday is Daddy day!"

Picked up Kilian and he came running down the drive way and gave me the biggest hug and squeeze - it really melted my heart. You can't fake that love.

Funny story
When we went over to Davis place, we had a cup of coffee - our new custom. Kilian wanted to "go to my room and play with toys". I told Davis I'll take him. We sat down and started to play with his castle (by the way, the other side doesn't allow him to play on the floor - "too dirty" quotes Kilian - how sad)

Anyway, Davis walked into the room and Kilian says
"Dad is here Gammie, you have to go now"

haha... what a stinker. We decided not to go to the science museum - it was a bad Saturday due to spring break.Instead we had Jeff's parents come over and got the bbq ready for when they came back. Davis said they were there for an hour and Kilian said "Lets go home daddy and play with toys" The attention span of a 3 yo

We bbq'd burgers, brats and chicken. Had chocolate fondue - my new go-to - LUV and it was nice to watch Kilian once again run around with family and play with the dogs. The hardest part was he wanted to be outside ALL THE TIME, the grill was hot and it was only in the 40's. SOON we'll be able to sit outside and let him play. waaaaay too muddy right now

When I dropped Kilian off and got out of the car, he hugged me and didn't want to let go - I put him down, he slowly walked up the driveway and detoured off to a snow mound instead of going to the other side who was waiting for him... so telling, ya know?

That is all in Shandland... prayers are still needed, this is not easy and I don't trust them AT ALL. Carry-on!

Saturday, March 22, 2014 8:03 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
We picked up Kilian and delivered him to Dad. He was in such a great mood! Was excited and very talkative.

"Saturday is Daddy Day" he sang all the way there.

He so misses his Dad. They had a great day of playing ball, toys and for a finale - going to the toy store and buying legos.

Had pizza, went home and built lego animals. Davis has some phone cute pictures, but my camera battery WENT DEAD and I don't have any pix. He spends about 45 minutes at our house before he has to go home which is fun for us, but flies by way too fast.

Next week we are planning on all going to the science museum to see the dinosaurs - Davis, Kilian, Jeff and I and Darrel.

BRETT
He is still in guatamala with school - hopefully the volcano is cooperating. He is scheduled to be home Wednesday. No communication except the first day he arrived he emailed me - at a very high rate - to tell me his phone won't work and that he is safe, having a great time and that the scenery is "BEAUTIFUL"

DARREL
He is going to ju-jitsu 3 days a week - just listening to what they do is pretty scary stuff. I wouldn't want to do that. He has started jogging and is enjoying his job. It could turn permanent next month -- hopefully it does!!!!!

Work for me has been very busy. I think we have over 100 new patients this month alone. Good for job security - bad because it means someone has cancer. The joy of my job is when someone tells me I'm making a difference in their life. Very rewarding and humbling

We are getting new siding from the storm LAST August. Our insurance company FINALLY approved it. We are dropping them as soon as we can. We are looking at colors - yikes. We want to add windows on each side of the fireplace... going to salvage yards and restoration warehouses looking for some stain glass or leaded glass windows. Fun but exhausting and just makes my head spin.

That is all in Shandland... calm... much calmer. Carry on!

Saturday, March 15, 2014 5:54 PM CDT

Good Day!

And it was a beautiful day.

DAVIS
The reunion was priceless.... Kilian said "I want to stay here forever" and that about sealed it for Davis!

I, on the other hand, got a "your my favorite gammie" which of course sealed it for me!

It was difficult saying goodbye and having him understand we will be back.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers - I added some photos.

GOD BLESS

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 6:12 PM CDT

Davis and baby Mama are just not compatible. period. She pulled some shenanigans after she picked a fight with Davis - ran to her Dads - who is a lawyer and he hates davis so much that they made things extra difficult. Her Dad knows how to do things with the courts to tie up and complicate matters. Its actually criminal in my eyes.

So without details, that is how it happened that they broke up and apart. Not surprising, they have been tolerating each other for quite a while trying to make it work... and it didn't.

So....

Davis gets visitation one day a week - NOT supervised. I tell you, the fathers get the short end of it. I almost burst into tears when I heard about it.

We are now seeing if we can get a visitation day as grandparents.

This whole thing makes me sick to my stomach.

Court is in August.

Thank you for your prayers, and we could still keep using them!!!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 6:12 PM CDT

So....

Davis gets visitation one day a week - NOT supervised. I tell you, the fathers get the short end of it. I almost burst into tears when I heard about it.

We are now seeing if we can get a visitation day as grandparents.

This whole things makes me sick to my stomach.

Court is in August.

Thank you for your prayers, and we could still keep using them!!!

Friday, March 7, 2014 6:11 PM CST

HAPPY Heaven BIRTHDAY MOM! 87. Can't believe you've been gone 2 years. I ate spaghetti for dinner in her honor - she loved a good plate of spaghetti and my Dad hated it. haha

A part of me thanks God that Dad doesn't have the memory capacity to know how long it has been. Maybe not having a concept of time is good? He talks about her now and than, but mostly just goes on.

DREAM
I had a dream the other day that I saw Kilian - he ran up to us and hugged us and we got to play all day. I know it hurts Davis not being able to see him yet. Play the game of lawyers.

Still have not heard, thought maybe since its Mom's birthday she might have some divine edge for us on earth. I'm trying hard to believe there is a greater reason somewhere.

I promise to post when we hear what the temporary custody will be. It will be a joyous moment when Kilian is reunited with his Dad.

That is all in Shandland....

Monday, February 24, 2014 8:55 PM CST

Judge still hasn't given ruling on temporary custody - ANY PRAYERS would be so appreciated!

** Thank you Judy for always signing Davis' guestbook. I really appreciate it!


Good Evening!

First... thank you for coming to visit Davis only to find it isn't updated. I know your love and prayers are for Davis always.

It is difficult to type an update when my heart is broken in tiny pieces for my sons heart, my grandsons heart and everyone one else close.

The evil that comes out of her Dads mouth constantly stops me in my tracks.

Custody hearing #1 is Wednesday - Davis has NOT seen Kilian since November. He still wants to keep all this private, and I'm trying to honor his request.

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER... that the judge sees thru his evilness and grants temporary part time custody to Davis so he can see his little boy.... and that she'll agree to arbitration vs judge... which would drag permanent ruling out a long time.

How can anyone be so weak to fight the evil one threatening the life of a tiny innocent one
How can anyone be so self centered, evil, controlling and corrupt

I don't get it, I never will.

Kilian - We love you, we are fighting for you to come home to Dad and visit us soon!

Your Dad is fighting as hard as he can to be there for you.

THANK YOU for your thoughts, prayers and good juju

Thats all in Shandland... we are working on carrying on!

Monday, February 24, 2014 8:55 PM CST

Good Evening!

First... thank you for coming to visit Davis only to find it isn't updated. I know your love and prayers are for Davis always.

It is difficult to type an update when my heart is broken in tiny pieces for my sons heart, my grandsons heart and everyone one else close.

The evil that comes out of her Dads mouth constantly stops me in my tracks.

Custody hearing #1 is Wednesday - Davis has NOT seen Kilian since November. He still wants to keep all this private, and I'm trying to honor his request.

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER... that the judge sees thru his evilness and grants temporary part time custody to Davis so he can see his little boy.... and that she'll agree to arbitration vs judge... which would drag permanent ruling out a long time.

How can anyone be so weak to fight the evil one threatening the life of a tiny innocent one
How can anyone be so self centered, evil, controlling and corrupt

I don't get it, I never will.

Kilian - We love you, we are fighting for you to come home to Dad and visit us soon!

Your Dad is fighting as hard as he can to be there for you.

THANK YOU for your thoughts, prayers and good juju

Thats all in Shandland... we are working on carrying on!

Sunday, December 29, 2013 8:10 PM CST

Happiest of days this end of December time until the New Year!

We had a lovely Christmas. Unfortunately, due to custody issues, we did not have Kilian which made it sad if we thought about it too hard. Long story which Davis wishes to be private and that is why I have not written in a while. It hurt too much.

Christmas Eve was a quiet brunch with my sister and her family, and a friend "Missi" who also has a christmas eve bday.

Off to the Shands for ham dinner and a few games and presents of course. Too much food all week long, thats for sure! Davis Grandpa had fallen and broke/cracked/sprained/strained his shoulder a few days ago and was in a bit of pain. He struggled thru it tho.

Christmas Day included a beautiful mass ... lots of pointsettias on the alter - one of them from me in memory of my Mom and my grandparents. It made me feel peaceful. We continued the day with king crab legs at the table.

Brett leaves for a 3 week "field camp" in New Mexico so his home from college will be cut very short.

I was able to visit my Dad in Florida last week, Jeff and I had a fantastic trip - warm skies. It is important to see my Dad as often as I can - you just never know. His memory was iffy at best, but he knew I was his daughter. Coming home was a rude awakening - Now its way below zero - but a crisp white Christmas it was!

HAPPY NEW YEAR my friends. Please say a prayer for Davis and that this custody fiasco gets settled - his way - very very soon. God speed

Thats all in Shandland - carry on!

Monday, December 23, 2013 8:53 PM CST

MERRY MERRY Blessed Christmas!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 8:36 PM CST

Good Evening!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVIS...yesterday 24 yo

Can't believe I didn't write here yesterday. Didn't see Davis on his birthday, we did a celebration on the weekend because Jeff's was Saturday. I have to brag that I made the BEST peach cobbler! Davis's favorite.

My son is 24.... we are blessed to have him.

This month has been so busy for me at work that I can't think. No end in sight until the first of the year.

Jeff and I are flying to Florida to see my Dad on Wed and we'll get back late Sunday. Can't wait!

Jeff doesn't know but I booked first class on the way down - a birthday present for us both! We plan to go the Disney for the Mickeys Merry Christmas celebration which runs 7pm to midnight - lots of lights and fireworks. Haven't been to a light show and electrical parade for many many years

God Bless you all this season - Please include Davis in your prayers for a private prayer.

Love to all....Merry Christmas Season!

Monday, November 4, 2013 6:18 PM CST

Good Evening!

Winter weather advisory.... don't believe it'll happen I HOPE
3-6 in our area supposedly

DAVIS
Working with Jeff and doing some after hour work. Work while there is work when your in construction. He moved successfully into his new town home which is very nice. Kilian loves to run up and down the hallways to hear his feet make those loud noises of course.

Davis will be going hunting along with Darrel and Jeff this weekend. I... will not. Too much testosterone for my liking. I just may get a massage while they are gone.

CRAFT
Signed up and had my first craft show at a local church - and it was pretty much a bust - the show was lame. 20 tables only (wish I had known that ahead of time!). I did 130.00. I'll be doing another one at a hospital atrium in December and hope to do much better. I have about 35 scarves left to sell and they are more of the holiday ones... black, red, winter white, white with sparklies. They make any outfit look very festive while being light and airy.

I hope to raise enough money to fix my grandma's ring I inherited. It has 8 tiny diamonds going around a solitaire, and one is missing. I will take 4 or 6 of them out and mount aquamarine ones in their place. It'll match the bracelet Jeff gave me. It should be very pretty and not look like my grandmas old wedding ring (to her 2nd husband after my grandfather died, so the ring is not that old, late 1970's?).

HOUSE
Our siding, roof, screens, gutters are FINALLY being done in a few weeks. Our roofer disappeared so we had to scramble. We found some wonderful people to do the work for us for quite a bit less. We are also replacing 2 sliding glass doors - which should complete all our windows and doors with Andersen windows. The doors are buy 1 get one 40ff so we could not resist that offer. They are booked out until January!

The door in our sun room will have the extra sun preventing glass on it since our sun room can get to be 100 degrees in the summer cause it faces west. We did this to our other windows and it made a BIG difference. Can't wait! We've put it off waaaay too long. One of our bedroom windows on the 2nd floor was shot out a few years ago and that finally got replaced. Things are moving forward. Not sure who shot it or when... somebody was mad at us for something? It was about the time Jeff was doing all that basketball volunteering so who knows.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, October 26, 2013 8:38 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Time… flies. Summer into fall for such a short time and snowflakes already. Love fall and hate fall. It goes so fricken fast.

DAVIS
Hmmmm…. Last I think I wrote he was working as a carpenter building houses. And then Jeff got so sick that Davis quit and is working full time now for us. Jeff got a LOT of contracts along with a friend of his - they split the contracts. So we had to hire a few people, which luckily for us were our own children, and Jeff’s friend has the bulk of the help. Saves us workers comp.

If I were to honest, Davis’s carpentry - climbing ladders high in the air - was not safe and scared me. I’m happy that he is so happy doing what he likes. Working blue collar commercial painting and hopefully we’ll have enough of a business that he can take over and run with it. He is learning so many valuable life lessons, I’m proud of how it’s going. Plus, how can you go wrong learning so many trades? It has saved us a LOT of money over the years.

All the boys have learned many things, and they all have more to learn.

MOVED
He and Britt moved into a 2 bedroom townhome today. I had Kilian while they loaded up and moved in. It is a very nice place with a fireplace and roomy deck. Kilian likes “to go home”’ and he was getting very nervous when I brought him over, but he found his toys, his familiar stuff and relaxed right in. He has so much more room -- and the high ceilings and great light coming in just feels very healthy, warm and inviting!

KILIAN
He started daycare - the same one my boys went to. “Mary” is a lovely woman and she has a heart of gold. He is thriving with her and all the “kids”. Potty training is slow - he doesn’t have time. He is a puzzle fiend. He is very good at figuring them out. Mary had a hard time finding him puzzles that would challenge a 3 yo.

DARREL
He got a job still consulting, but could be a hired on position. It’s with a dental lab company and he was given freedom to do what is needed - wear a lot of hats - and he loves it. So pray that pans out - he so deserves it. He has a knack for seeing a head of the game and figuring out how to do it all easier - I just hope this company uses his talents and it all works out.

BRETT
He is here this weekend and helped Davis move. It was really nice having him home. We celebrated his 22nd bday a few weeks ago and had Bubba Gump. He is going thru the senior “I am soooo done with college”.

CRAFT
I learned to make ruffled scarfs and a coworker talked me into doing a craft fair with her. Two as a matter of fact! I’ve sold 2 at work and the sale begins on Saturday. In December I will be doing one at a hospital. So… this next weekend will tell me how off I am with my pricing and if my scarfs are even something people want. If not, I’ll have 50 scarves sitting around my home! The funny thing is I’m enjoying doing it just for fun - never was going to sell them - and thought, what do I have to lose besides my feelings getting hurt? Haha

CABIN
Our boat is still in the water up north, it turned cold very fast and Jeff had promised our truck out this weekend so we are crossing our fingers that the boat isn’t iced in. Jeff is going next week to get it out; I can’t take any days off of work since I’m so dang busy.

WORK
There are 3 of us that do cancer patients. I have 150 or so and over 100 came in this last month and one of my coworker had to take a medical leave all month. So I’m doing my work, her work plus was asked to be on a “project” that is time consuming. I’m honored to be on it, but it sure takes up man hours.

We are expanding the cabin by closing in the existing screen porch to living space, pouring a new slab for a new screen porch. We have the slab now poured! It'll be so nice to expand those walls.

BOW
The boys have been bow hunting for deer - unfortunately for them... nothing

WORK AT HOME
I was approved to work from home and will be starting 12/2. Mondays only thru winter and during any snow storm. I just wanted the ability to do it if needed. What a process. Mondays are usually bad traveling days so it made sense to pick that one day to stay home. We’ll see… it just kinda doesn’t feel right! I do like going into work, I think it is important to keep visual.

That’s about it, seriously too tired to do much and my weekends fly so dang fast.

Thanks to all who check in - you’re all lovely people!
That is all in Shandland… carry on!

Saturday, October 26, 2013 8:38 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Time… flies. Summer into fall for such a short time and snowflakes already. Love fall and hate fall. It goes so fricken fast.

DAVIS
Hmmmm…. Last I think I wrote he was working as a carpenter building houses. And then Jeff got so sick that Davis quit and is working full time now for us. Jeff got a LOT of contracts along with a friend of his - they split the contracts. So we had to hire a few people, which luckily for us were our own children, and Jeff’s friend has the bulk of the help. Saves us workers comp.

If I were to honest, Davis’s carpentry - climbing ladders high in the air - was not safe and scared me. I’m happy that he is so happy doing what he likes. Working blue collar commercial painting and hopefully we’ll have enough of a business that he can take over and run with it. He is learning so many valuable life lessons, I’m proud of how it’s going. Plus, how can you go wrong learning so many trades? It has saved us a LOT of money over the years.

All the boys have learned many things, and they all have more to learn.

MOVED
He and Britt moved into a 2 bedroom townhome today. I had Kilian while they loaded up and moved in. It is a very nice place with a fireplace and roomy deck. Kilian likes “to go home”’ and he was getting very nervous when I brought him over, but he found his toys, his familiar stuff and relaxed right in. He has so much more room -- and the high ceilings and great light coming in just feels very healthy, warm and inviting!

KILIAN
He started daycare - the same one my boys went to. “Mary” is a lovely woman and she has a heart of gold. He is thriving with her and all the “kids”. Potty training is slow - he doesn’t have time. He is a puzzle fiend. He is very good at figuring them out. Mary had a hard time finding him puzzles that would challenge a 3 yo.

DARREL
He got a job still consulting, but could be a hired on position. It’s with a dental lab company and he was given freedom to do what is needed - wear a lot of hats - and he loves it. So pray that pans out - he so deserves it. He has a knack for seeing a head of the game and figuring out how to do it all easier - I just hope this company uses his talents and it all works out.

BRETT
He is here this weekend and helped Davis move. It was really nice having him home. We celebrated his 22nd bday a few weeks ago and had Bubba Gump. He is going thru the senior “I am soooo done with college”.

CRAFT
I learned to make ruffled scarfs and a coworker talked me into doing a craft fair with her. Two as a matter of fact! I’ve sold 2 at work and the sale begins on Saturday. In December I will be doing one at a hospital. So… this next weekend will tell me how off I am with my pricing and if my scarfs are even something people want. If not, I’ll have 50 scarves sitting around my home! The funny thing is I’m enjoying doing it just for fun - never was going to sell them - and thought, what do I have to lose besides my feelings getting hurt? Haha

CABIN
Our boat is still in the water up north, it turned cold very fast and Jeff had promised our truck out this weekend so we are crossing our fingers that the boat isn’t iced in. Jeff is going next week to get it out; I can’t take any days off of work since I’m so dang busy.

WORK
There are 3 of us that do cancer patients. I have 150 or so and over 100 came in this last month and one of my coworker had to take a medical leave all month. So I’m doing my work, her work plus was asked to be on a “project” that is time consuming. I’m honored to be on it, but it sure takes up man hours.

WORK AT HOME
I was approved to work from home and will be starting 12/2. Mondays only thru winter and during any snow storm. I just wanted the ability to do it if needed. What a process. Mondays are usually bad traveling days so it made sense to pick that one day to stay home. We’ll see… it just kinda doesn’t feel right! I do like going into work, I think it is important to keep visual.

That’s about it, seriously too tired to do much and my weekends fly so dang fast.

Thanks to all who check in - you’re all lovely people!
That is all in Shandland… carry on!

Thursday, August 29, 2013 8:34 PM CDT

Good Evening!

It has been very hectic - kinda like "the sky is falling the sky is falling!" following me around the last few weeks.

BRETT
Cut his arm to the bone falling on a putty knife sticking out of his back pocket while working - he is doing fine, but it was very traumatic for him.

JEFF
It is week 3 of him being sick. 13 days of high fevers - 7 days of strong antibiotic that we found out today is most likely causing his severe muscle seizing. He is miserable. Hopefully he is getting better and nothing serious is going on. Lots of tick/mosquito borne diseases out and frustrating figuring out whats up. I've never seen him like this.

HOUSE
Needs siding, gutters, screens, roofing... all from the storm which is a pain in my ass, excuse my language. Check mailed to the mortgage company to sign off - haven't seen it back yet. Just more to do!

STOVE
Yes, it died. An expensive stove like that should live more then 11 years - what a joke. No longer make it - can't get the parts.

CARS
Darrel needs a 450 bearing, Davis needs 850 frame arm thing. Never seems to go away. Both our cars are working thank GOD

SATURDAY
Need to move furniture up to Bretts college since he could not move it with his cut on his forearm. WI here we come! Of course Jeff is too sick to help so it'll be.... me.

Thats all I can muster. My brother is coming tomorrow from FLA. First time I'll see him since he moved in May. We are going to the MN state fair! Haven't been there since 2002??

Enough of my Shandland downer. Life goes on - this is just irritating stuff that doesn't define life.

No worries No hurries! HAVE A safe LABOR DAY and here is hoping it is truly labor-less

Saturday, August 10, 2013 9:17 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Goodness.... this summer has flown!

DAVIS
He is still building houses with his cousin Nick. Davis is getting so strong looking. The manual labor has made him buff and healthy. But I worry with all the heavy and tough work he does for peanuts. He almost fell off a roof yesterday, altho they are harnessed well, it scared him. His neck is sore from falling at a weird angle.

Of course he won't see anyone about it.

He and his cousin will be going to the lake with me next weekend to put phase I of a new roof on the cabin. It needs it BAD. We have to extend the eves 2 feet. They just pschaaaa the whole thing like its nothing. It'll be an interesting weekend.

KILIAN
Davis says he is so friendly that he might as well have a tag on him that says "please kidnap me". He goes up to anyone and everyone. "Hi, thats a very nice shirt your wearing" haha He is really funny. "Hi, whats your name, I'm Kee-ian" (can't say his l's) Such a charmer

DARREL
Is forever permanently job hunting. He has an interview Monday. PRAY HE GETS IT. Such a nomad, looking for his nitch. IT and contracting can kinda suck.

BRETT
Working with Jeff - they are BUSY. He has made enough money to pay for all his rent at school. He bought a 700 bike which Jeff just didn't understand! But he rides his bike everyday at school and he is ecstatic.

For the next 2 weeks I'm going to take vacation days to go up north. This is by far my favorite time of year (except fall) up there. I may be going by myself since Jeff is crazy busy. Crazy busy is a GOOD thing financially. FINALLY

Had my 35th class reunion last weekend. It was nice to see people but it really isn't my thing. I had to go tho, for some reason you just get sucked into it.

Our summer is ... well... weird. We had NO summer in June, July was extraordinarily hot, August has some record LOWS for HIGHS... go figure. We swing from 100 to 60 in a day. The last few weeks have been outstanding at 70's - I love that. Too bad the mosquitos are horrible - can't sit out in the evening.

HAIL
We got hit by a very bad hail storm. We have holes in our siding and screens. Our roof will be inspected. Yep the 8000 roof we JUST PUT ON. That will make me a sad person if it has to be replaced. Not sure what is going to happen with the siding. It was replaced in 1995 (from another storm)its a sage green - not sure how it'll be matched. The damage was across the back of the house, not the front. We have a 2 story so it is a lot of siding.

Been a fairly calm summer. Not too many panic attacks :}

That is all in Shandland - carry on!!!

Monday, July 22, 2013 10:01 PM CDT

Good Evening!

THE ROYAL
Ok,going to say it - Royal baby boy is born to William and Kate. Future Kind of England.... nice positive thing to talk about!

PICNIC
My Mom and Dad used to take us on picnics.. all the time. Whether it was post road to watch airplanes, Flying Cloud airport, various parks, rivers, side of the road, camp sites in the forests of MN.

I remember my Mom would cook hotdogs at home and put them in a thermos to keep them hot - and it worked! I miss those days, I miss my parents. We were poor in money but rich in family.

BEACH
Tomorrow my kids, Kilian and I are going to Crystal Lake after work to have a bbq on the beach. I can't wait. The beach is quite lovely with shelters, picnic tables, grills. We had my Dads 80th birthday there, but that day was hotter then a pistol! Tomorrow is suppose to be just shy of 80. All week is going to be beautiful!

Jeff is out of town for a week working in Michigan with Brett. He was so bummed driving there yesterday - 12 hours - 4 more then normal due to storms and horrible traffic. That leaves me, the dogs and Darrel on occasion, when he is home.

Tomorrow is salad day at work - I made Tortellini with poppy seed dressing - num. Put a bunch of fruits in it - grapes, mandarin, pineapple, almonds. I'll bring the left over on the picnic.

It felt so good to do pretty much NOTHING this weekend, although I did weed my flower and vegetable beds and several loads of laundry. But it was on my time and that makes all the difference.

I'm thinking of going to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad.... we'll see.

Girls weekend Friday to the cabin! JoAnn and Lisa (best friend) and I will paint the woods red! HA

Thats all in Shandland - CARRY ON!

Thursday, July 18, 2013 8:11 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He led a "crew" of construction workers the other day as his boss was out of town and he is next in line. He said he had a lot of fun and was proud of what they got done, of course the boss would never admit that he did well!

He has been outside building houses in 90+ degree humid weather. Honestly, I don't know how he is doing it. He certainly is a hard worker. He is building "bulk" and looks very healthy

KILIAN
He is still funny, challenging.... I felt so sad hearing of the 2 yo boy who got lost yesterday in WI and died in the elements. That little boys face reminded me of Kilian so much. He is always a joy to have around and keeps me smiling... well, most of the time.

DARREL
He has moved back in... temporarily. He seems to go forward 2 steps and back 1, but he is learning. Life is tough with the economy, but I'm proud that he is working FT and keeps trying to better himself

BRETT
He is working a LOT with Jeff - they are doing tons of construction work which is very good. Brett has been a wonderful help for Jeff and it is a win win situation. Unfortunately, they too don't have much in a/c with the job sites.

It was not too bad going back to work altho I had several of my patients pass away and several more on hospice which is always hard. I get really tired after work but sleep great. Hopefully I pull out of the fatigue slump by the weekend.

Greece - It was lovely. I can't even talk about it because where does one start? I just wish I had many more suitcases to bring back sandals, olive oil and various other fun items including jewelry! I bought myself a necklace and earrings that hang down with an aquamarine type stone at the edge. The part that hangs down is delicate and has the greek swirl on it, earrings match. LUV THEM. Jeff gave me a bracelet for valentines day and they match it perfectly!

My suitcase got pillaged at customs in the US - I had to wait until they were done - at the time I didn't know what happened to it until it suddenly appeared with stickers all of it saying it had been accosted. THANKS ALOT

It is always good to be home

My 35th high school reunion is in a few weeks. I'm going to the lake with my sister Jo and my best friend Lisa next weekend. This weekend is cleaning up the garden now that our temperature should be in the 80's vs 90's. It is crying for help! This summer is flying

Jeff is leaving for Michigan to paint a new Target store. This year has been good for his work - and it has been a long time coming. He is exhausted tho.

That is all in Shandland - carry on!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 8:11 PM CDT

Good Evening!

GREECE
I'm back - whirlwind time.

What a wonderful trip from the 5 star hotel, the 5 star restaurants to the 5 star people

We yachted, kayaked, shopped at the Plaka, rode bikes around the acropolis...... and ate a LOT of fruits, and salads made from tomatoes, cukes, feta and greek olives.

We bought a LOT of olive oil, ouzo, wine, limon and kumquat cello, sandals made right there.

I'm very tired - still figuring out how to gain back my 8 hours I lost!

HAPPY SUMMER

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:43 PM CDT

Good Evening!

A lovely time up north - all 3 boys, 4 with Kilian and Britt. And that is in SPITE of the cool weather, the rain and the thousand million trillion mosquitos that were hanging around.

DAVIS
He had his new tool pouch which I do believe weighs as much as me. It came in handy while replacing the dock this last weekend. Our dock does not get brought in the winter out of the lake - even when it freezes. Which is fine except about every 10 years it needs to be overhauled.

DARREL & BRETT
and thats what they all did, even with very cold waters, mosquito monsters all around and a fine rain falling. Of course they got over the 14 hours of manual labor with a little beer-ski around the bonfire.

Darrel and Brett made chicken fajita tacos for dinner and Davis and Britt did dishes for Father's Day. We did not have phone service, so did not call our own father's.

HUMMINGBIRDS
We hung the hummingbird feeders and watched them for hours - they sure can eat!. Luv those little birdies

KILIAN
Jeff and I are betting who is going to get sick first - that poor kid had a cough and yuko nose. yea for us. He was excited to catch his first fish (Jeff set the hook, he reeled him in) He also caught his first frog. He had a good time.

Trying to catch up with work - hope you all enjoy the pix.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, June 8, 2013 6:35 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS.
Busy busy busy.... He took a class on fork lift and bobcat type training. He is licensed to officially run into anything in front of him! ha.. He is very busy being that they are a crew of 4 working with 3. They put up houses which is pretty amazing stuff and life long capabilities which will always be with him. His cousin joined his company but will be on a different crew.

KILIAN
Smarty pants likes to use long sentences now instead of the cryptic 3 or 4 worders he usually pops out. Recently Brett was holding the back of his chair and Kilian turned around and stated "Let go of my chair, I'm trying to eat my dinner"... Yah Brett... he is trying to eat his pnut butter "toast"!

LUNCH
Had a lovely lunch with my inlaws and Jeff and Brett came too from work. I had to take a long lunch at work, but since I put in overtime every week which I'm not paid, I just told them I'm taking it and I'll be back. Totally worth it. It was nice talking to my inlaws without all the chaos of hosting a meal and many others milling about.

LAKE
We are planning on a long weekend to the lake next week, my first this year and hopefully all the snow is gone! If all works well, the boys will be with us. Otherwise we are going 4th of July and they should all be able to make it then, at least for a few days.

It is a double edge sword for me, taking days off makes me work ubba hard beforehand because my patients don't go away. I will be putting in long hours I think.

GREECE
My sister and I are going to Athens in July. She is going for work and I'm tagging along! I just had to pay airfare and the rest is paid. FIVE star hotel, personal guides.... It WILL be a great time! Since my grandfather came from Greece, it'll allow me to see some of my roots.

Jo - she is dark and brown eyed. Me - well, not so much. She looks more greek then me thats for sure. I take after my polish grandma - eerily actually. Her name was Mary too, so I feel she is a big part of who I am and always close from above. She died when I was 6, I don't remember a lot of her except when she came after me with a rolling pin for jumping on her couch! haha. Her story and my grandfathers story is fascinating. Perhaps one day I'll tell about it.

Rain rain go away... good lord, record breaking cool and rainy weather. We are all going bat crazy. After all, we are NOT SEATTLE. There,please stop raining and sun shine upon us! I'm done whining on that.

ZUMBA is kicking my butt every Wed. It pretty much makes me a vegetable the rest of the week. Tomorrow, between rain drops, I have to get my bike and fill the front tire so I can FORCE my lazy ass to ride it daily. My lovely sister put reservations to RIDE BIKE in greece - doesn't she understand it is 94 degree average in JULY?? I told her to bring along an AED to jump start my heart. Good lord!

But honestly, my old war wound of an ankle is giving me issues. Dam gopher hole in 8th grade. Even my toes ache. It never follows a pattern when it'll act up - it just does. I'm sure jumping around like a maniac during zumba doesn't help. I have NEVER sweated that much on a daily basis - NEVER and I hate to sweat. I'm waiting for the hop that will land me on my ass so gracefully because thats what it does - it just quits holding my weight up and I crumble like a doll. The last time it happened I was standing on the back of Jeffs tailgate while he was moving the trailer (for weight). Jeff said one minute he saw me and the next he didn't - well thats because I was in a heap on the ground by his wheel! Didn't do THAT ever again.

NEST
Excited that i got my garden planted - beans are coming up, 6 tomato plants, a dozen different pepper plants. Today I finally trimmed the front bushes - so you can see over them and planted my 8 large flowering geranium pots - I was about to tip one over to take the pot off and there was a nest with an egg in it. While it was raining we had it on our front stoop hanging. I put it back there, but haven't seen a bird yet. It was a very nice nest.

GARAGE SALE
I sold about 150 worth and bought black iron fence panels I've been wanting for the patio. They are 3 feet tall and you buy how many you need. I have it in front of my hostas bordering the cement patio - and looks fantastic! Very expensive looking and really wasn't. At least the hostas are happy that they will be saved from the dogs wrapping around them and ripping into shreds. Stupid dogs :}

Thats about all in Shandland.... so... CARRY ON!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013 8:20 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Yikers.... time flies

DAVIS
He worked hard getting ready for Kilians bday yesterday - yep on Memorial Day. He made 3 pies - peanut butter cream cheese fluffy stuff with lots of chocolate. Peach, blueberry cheesecake. A few different salads and he bbq dogs. Very nice.

KILIAN
He was soooo excited! Nothing like having a little one make you laugh and smile and bring joy. He had all his cousins and great uncles and great aunts and Great grandma/pa... he is a very lucky boy to have so many who love him.

DARREL & BRETT
Brett moved back from WI - college is over for the year and Darrel went with me to WI to help him move. It just happened to be on the weekend Jeff was out of town and we kinda made a mad dash to move him out. On Thursday he told us he had to be out by Sunday noon.... really? The rental guy was a jerk, these kids had finals all week. Who thinks about moving out?

No storage available, we had to beg for a uhaul trailer.... totally sucked. PLUS it was during the monsoon rains we had over the last 2 weeks. The coolest part was it stopped raining 10 miles from Eau Claire. Now THAT was a miracle

With the massive rains we got some water in the basement - Jeff was gone, Brett wasn't back with his uhaul till the next day, so I had to take care of itmyself . That carpet was HEAVY. It doesn't happen often, everything has to be just right... and it was. bummer... sooooo bummer

Its dry now - but Bretts furniture is stacked all over the basement. chaos makes me chaotic... truly

FULL MOON
I had a rough last week mentally, one of my patients died unexpectedly, chaotic home, memorial day, Kilians bday, my brother is moving in 2 days to Florida. Ok, then I find out their was a full moon. I SWEAR I truly get weird during this time.

Gardens in.
Flowers are not planted

Huge garage sale Saturday - neighbors are using our driveway for the 100+ neighborhood sale. I'm trying to find stuff to sell, but it takes TIME and ENERGY, something I'm definitely lacking in. I either have time or energy but not both.

All in due time.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, May 11, 2013 3:36 PM CDT

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY WEEKEND!

DAVIS
He is finishing off his 'community service" dictated by the courts. On Mother's Day too.... grrrr. He has been working 16 hr days - construction is booming and their supervisor on the job got a different job and they are trying to do his work too!

KILIAN
His bday is coming up the end of the month - on Memorial Day! We brought him a curious george lunch box - remember those? and he thinks he is pretty special with it. hahaha, so adorable.

DARREL & BRETT
All status quo - nothing new or exciting. Brett has finals over the next few weeks and I won't see him this weekend.

TRIP
Our 30th Anniversary trip to Orlando, Savannah, Charleston was absolutely lovely. Even if it rained everyday but two! It was still very do-able. My favorite is charleston - it had the big ole houses and tree lined streets I thought savannah would have but kinda didn't. Savannah was pretty and fun in its own right, but for the "Tara" experience - definitely Charleston!

We could almost move to one of those cities...... one decade!

BBQ this weekend for Mother's Day. In about 15 minutes I'm leaving to put a orchid corsage on Mom's grave - she loved her orchids and I used to get her a corsage for Mother's Day. Just a symbol of love.

Work has been crazy since I was gone almost a week - and came home Monday at 1am because for some reason - some one decided to shut down the light rail - which was our mode of transportation to get our car! What a mess that was. Lack of sleep, walking non stop for 5 days, and getting a lovely virus (thanks lady behind me coughing in my hair) its been kicking my butt this week and I'm definitely not at the top of my game. I couldn't figure out why I was so fatigued - heck I've traveled much more than this! But as my throat got sorer, my headached more and stomach queasy... I figured it out.

Thats all in Shandland - gotta go deliver a flower! CARRY ON! and... HAPPIEST of MOTHER's Day to all you Mom's - give someone a hug and a smile!

Saturday, April 20, 2013 5:45 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Jeff just made some nummy fajitas.... They are my favorite. Slice a nice steak, peppers, onions - saute, top with sr cream and taco sauce.... sigh

DAVIS
It has been a brutal spring for working outside with all our cold, rainy, snowy, blowing weather. Not a nice spring. Don't even know when we can get flowers out - which are usually mostly out by now! Nothing new.... yea

KILIAN
Nothing new either... yea

DARREL
Nothing new.... applying for permanent jobs... yea He quit smoking - almost - and is starting to figure out that life means you should take it seriously SOMETIMES. I think he is even thinking of SAVING money! wow

BRETT
Has a terrible cold. Studying hard as always. He didn't make it for Easter with his mid terms and he hasn't been home yet either.

EMOTIONAL MONTH
April 27 - my Grandma died 10 years ago - I was her caretaker

April 28 - my Mom died - can't believe it has been a year. a YEAR! Doesn't make it any easier, altho I don't dwell on the memories as much, makes me too sad.

April 29 - Our 30th Anniversary. Sunshine at the end of 2 hard days.

CROCHET
I self taught myself to crochet a ruffled scarf. It isn't too hard, BUT my hands still don't have all the dexterity they used to so handling the slippery thinner hook is both frustrating and good therapy for my hands.

Look out relatives! Your all getting one!

BOSS
It was a very difficult week. One minute my boss who hired me and whom I admire - very positive person - was there and the next minute they are telling us she no longer works for us. Don't know why... think it might have to do with getting her work done .... hard week.

My year review was suppose to be this week. Now her boss will be giving it, but I heard my boss had gotten it finished before this happened. Never liked getting reviews. YUK - but it is the only way I'll get a raise, if any. Retro back to 3/6 my start date.

I guess, from what the other supervisor told me, I'm still holding the highest "engagement" rate. They keep asking me what my secret is..... to be honest - I don't know! I just ask like a human and treat others like I want to be treated instead of a robot.

That is all in Shandland = carry on!

Sunday, April 14, 2013 10:28 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Well.... Kilian looked out the window this morning and said

"SANTA CLAUS!"

Why? Because it is the end of April and it is SNOWING, BLOWING and... pretty disgusting.

WE NEED SPRING!

DAVIS
Davis is doing his "community service" this weekend and for the next 2 weekends. He worked at the salvation army "picking Goodwill stickers off books and putting salvation army stickers on it". Even tho he works construction, he said his hands ached from all the picking.

KILIAN
We took K for the weekend. He talks non stop and half of it is 2 year old thoughts. His favorite thing to do, besides books and puzzles is going on the computer and looking at animal images. We'll type "rabbit images", and a whole page of them will pop up. He thinks that is pretty cool. He tells stories about what they are doing.

We are going thru the "big boy" and "little boy" right now. When he "can't want to" do something we ask him if he is being little K or big K and he'll think.... hmmm.... and then say Big K and do what he is suppose to. At least half the time. Sometimes he'll say... "I want to be little K"

He sure is stubborn.

TRIP
We are getting ready for Orlando/Savannah/Charleston trip in a few weeks. I finally secured tickets - that was nerve racking. I'd be ready to hit purchase and they would go up 150! So it was a big ole game of buying one way tickets one day... then the return tickets another to get the best fare.

I was nervous the B&B in Charleston would not have the room we can afford :} available, but they did! The whole trip is booked and I'm getting excited.

HAIR & TOES
So, my sister and best friend and I had a girls sleepover about 4 weeks ago. They decided to color my hair and highlite it, which was ok, because it was getting so blond. Well... it was pretty dark, but after 4 weeks - my color is almost gone and the grey is all back! It was $30 in color products - which I won't do again if it only lasted 4 weeks.

I got my hair trimmed and colored yesterday (it was in my eyes), my toes colored next week, and I'll be cute to go - EXCEPT I really don't have a dress. I'll have to see what I can find, but too cheap to spend much. As long as I can wear it to work too, it'll be ok.

PAINTING
The home page is showing my sister and I painting. Every month a group of restaurants have "wine and canvas". We choose this picture to do. As a part of Britt's birthday present, I let her choose one and she choose "Date Night" which includes your significant other to do half the picture on their own canvas. The two should line up.

Jeff and I, Davis and Britt will be going - I think Jeff and Davis should paint together! haha.. Jeff keeps saying "I'm a professional ya know" O man o my. It will be INTERESTING to say the least! The picture is of a lake. He'll do the left half I'll do the right half. I'll make sure and put the pictures up when we are done.

PICTURES
My brother is moving to Florida which makes me very sad. He sold his house in 3 days. My parents house ALSO sold this week. Lots of changes.

My sister and I went to his house and looked at all the "stuff" shipped from my folks house. We divided up all the memories. I took the pictures and putting them in scrap books - I have my Mom's high school, my grandmas high school stuff....and a lot more - tons of history.

Not easy - like playing lottery with your Mom's life. Hated it. But I'll be honored to make it into scrapbooks for the generations to come - if they care ? I hope so.

That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, March 31, 2013 5:20 PM CDT

Good Evening!

HAPPY EASTER!

For a blustery day, it was very relaxing and nice!

BRUNCH
That was delish. I think I kinda like a nice breakfast served on Easter! Perhaps this will start a new tradition??

KILIAN
He spent the night since we didn't get to see him today in his spiffy suit. Last night he was pretty funny, and found this "beautiful hat" from Brett's room. Why not, huh?

EGG
Well, Davis won the egg game - and he should have a year of good luck! PLEASE EGG WORK! haha It was very strange not having Brett here this year, first time my little chicks were not all together.

Kicking back at home now, getting ready for tomorrow. It is pretty cold out - snow flakes earlier. I have a heck of a sore throat and not so good tummy over the last few days so here is hoping I'm NOT getting a viral something something. Can't afford to take days off for that!

HOPPY EASTER!

Saturday, March 30, 2013 7:44 AM CDT

HOLY Saturday and BLESSED EASTER!

This was my Mom's favorite time of year. Easter meant so much to her. I think that is why I'm having a hard time with embracing the rituals and engulfing myself in the wonder by going into myself. It is still very painful.

DRESS
My Mom bought us new Easter dresses every year when I grew up. We were poor, so this was very special. Shiny white shoes with buckles, bonnets. I have a picture of us when we made bonnets at school that were made of bunny ears and crepe paper flowers in them. The 3 of us were on our front steps on Lyndale Avenue. Even tho there were 5 of us kids, the last 3 of us were within 3 years and you could say - 3 musketeerisc-like. Partners in a lot of trouble! haha

MOVING
Yesterday I found out that my brother, who lives a few blocks from me, sold his house in 3 days and is moving to Florida with his wife. She is from there and has never embraced MN... and I know where the push came from. I'm sad that I'll be loosing a close friend and that our 3 some is now 2. Because lets face it, Florida is 1770 miles away. I am glad for Rich cause he can see my Dad and brother Marc who live there, but not so for myself and JoAnn who are here. My brother Jeff lives here but we never see him.

REMEMBER THE REASON
So... this day is a bit hard for me, and when I get my head out of my own self centered arse, the wonder of it will not escape me. The true meaning of this time has nothing to do with me or my emotional issues. Yet Easter is one big emotional rollercoaster. It is meant to give us hope out of the darkness that the light is wonderous and to be patient and never loose the faith of it being there, to keep going forward until it is present.

Jesus? Now, if you want to talk about someone who didn't follow the norm, brave enough to say it like it is and willing to die for his cause Jesus shows us a wonderful testament to follow! (even if your not catholic). What a lesson in humility.

MN is engulfed in gray skies and it is suppose to be blustery out tomorrow. We could use a bit of sunshine! I think I just may go buy myself an Easter dress today in honor of my Mom and wear it proudly because she was such a testament to being a "good catholic". Never missed a mass, and dragged us 5 kids every Sunday by herself (my Dad was not a church goer).

BRUNCH
Tomorrow we are doing something different, we are having a restaurant brunch. I have only done that once before in my life, it was to the "Jolly Troll" buffet. It was not a good experience on my part. I'm glad I had some family over for a china and crystal sit down last Sunday for my side of the family. It feels good to have my family near. I don't celebrate a lot with my own side of the family. We are dwindling fast. Since I don't have aunts, uncles or cousins, my siblings are my only connection to my Mom and Dad and the Pierson name.

KILIAN
And at last Kilian. Britt and I went to our first ZUMBA dance class together. I've wanted to go and she graciously went with me in case i needed CPR. It was really fun, and I still can hardly move! We are going to try it every Wednesday. After ZUMBA I took Britt over to the store and had her pick out an outfit for Kilian tomorrow. She choose a 3 piece vest and mint shirt and tie suit. It was ADOREABLE. I asked if she was able to try it on Kilian who doesn't like to fuss. She said he has been carrying it around saying "THANK YOU I LOVE IT!" well, thats a start!

We won't see him this weekend, Davis is allowing him to go to the evil peoples house since they have not seen him for pretty much any holiday (her family really doesn't celebrate) But I hope he takes a picture so I can enjoy him anyway! At least I know I brought a piece of me, my traditions and my heart to him this special day.

EGGS
I also was able to share my Greek heritage of Egg Cracking with him which he LOVED. You take your egg and hit the person next to you egg and so on until there is only 1 person left with at least one side of the egg not cracked. Kilian thought this was so much fun and everytime he cracked an egg he would laugh and laugh. After we were done he fed his hard boiled egg to his plastic "shark" who had an open mouth and it sure looked like a fun place to place chopped up egg, doesn't it?

That is all in Shandland, a little all over the place, but hey, thats what keeps life interesting! HAPPY EASTER and ... carry on!

Saturday, March 16, 2013 9:37 PM CDT

Good Evening!

geeschz, been pretty lazy about updating.

DAVIS
He is mega relieved to have all that behind him. He is very angry about how cruel this man is, and is trying to deal with those emotions. He has to go to some class this week as part of the "deal". He and Britt are trying to keep a relationship going, but to be truthful, they have a lot of cards stacked against them. Pray that what will be will be and guide peace and calmness in their lives.

He is working hard. Too hard. He builds houses. Funny thing is he does love the work. He is a lot like his Daddy who to this day has to be physical with his job. He'd rather work for minimal wages then be rich with a job he hates. Good for him but it is a hard life. We live this hard life of feast or famine, paid or not paid.

He is continuing counseling. He quit for a while after cancer treatment, but it is an important part of survivorship. He has gone twice - found a place near his house with someone he saw when he was younger and trusts.

KILIAN
We have Kilian tonight. We have him over every week or so, depending on all of our schedules for a night or two. He is really getting funny. He is a complex machine of pure joy and happiness and terrible twos. He is a do-er for sure. Jeff was putting tabs on the bottom of our wooden kitchen chairs and he was there with the pliers and hammer helping along. Every time he sleeps, we have to build a "tent" with a sheet.

Today he made chocolate chip cookies, and has decided he loooves cookie dough, but not the cooked cookie - go figure! I've had 3 already. There is nothing more joyous then to see him jump up and down happy to see "poppy and gammie" - the unconditional love of a toddler.

DARREL
He has applied for a few jobs, and not gotten them. He is on "reserve" for the last one and hasn't heard from the other two. I think it is frustrating for him, but hey, there will be more.

He moved to another city near by, and lives with his good friend.

BRETT
Is here for spring break. He gets so stressed out at school that it almost makes him sick. He gets fierce headaches. He is such a peacemaker, that i think he lets little stuff really get to him, and is certainly hard on himself with school. He isn't the best student, but he works really hard. I thinks that is whats so tough on him.

30
Jeff and I will be celebrating 30 years next month. We are planning on a trip to Savannah to see my nephew get married in one of the old houses there. I've never been and really excited to see the city. We decided to take a few more days and make a celebration of it. So if Jeff ever gets paid.... sigh... we'll fly out Wed night the first of May, see my Dad, drive to Savannah, wedding, drive to Charleston and fly out from there.

I've picked out a few "Tara" type B&B's to choose from - and good LORD they are expensive!!! But its only for 1 night. Heck, there aren't many hotels in Charleston under 200. Anyone been to a B&B out there, please let me know!

I'm excited to go.

JEWELRY
I took my Mom's brooches and such to a lady who deals with estate pieces costume and good. I have 2 pieces that surprised me of what they are worth, and the ones I thought would be worth are not. So it comes down to keeping because they mean something to me or sell to clean house.

A really neat discovery was a cameo ring I've always been attracted to and wear it alot. It just called out to me and my sister had no interest in it. When I had the lady look at it I asked if there were any descriptions on the inside of the ring. It said "MS to AS.

Mary Savaides to Amelia Savaides. My Grandma (whom I look like and always feel near) and my Mom. It was meant to be on my finger! What a gift! It has to be 70 years old.

I had a necklace I wore on my wedding that is my Mom's. Of course I have it and Jo has the one she wore. The big surprise - it was considered costume and there wasn't even gold or silver in the chain. It is a beautiful blue stone drop necklace with an ornate chain. The stone is a sapphire blue and I always felt like a queen in it. Now that I know it isn't worth anything, I will wear it more! I love it still.

It is hard to see a stranger toss your things around with no heart.

That is all in Shandland for now... carry on!

Saturday, March 2, 2013 4:57 PM CST

**** UPDATE
Davis's court is over - the cockroach was called out for what he was.

What the cockroach wanted was Davis to have 30 days in jail, 4 years supervised probation, 400 hrs community service and 5000 fines.

There were basically 2 choices. Plead not quilty and go to jury and spend MINIMUM 5K in lawyer fees for trial and who knows what lies the cockroach would "hire" to get Davis.

The 2nd choice was to "deal". Our attorney said the cockroach was so manic and wanted everything thrown at him BUT the DA made up his own deal, even if it meant pleading quilty, was probably the easiest all around, unfortunately it meant pleading quilty.

So, Davis did - to trespassing for a "deal" of 500 fine, 4 yr probation and 40 hr community service.

At one point, when Davis was out in the hall with his attorney, the cockroach went up to the DA at the table and said.... did you read the
case? DA "yes" Cockroach did you read the letters I wrote" DA "yes" Cockroach "so why didn't you hit him with 30 days in prison, 5K. fine, etc?" DA "there is NO warrant for it (and DA was getting REALLY annoyed!) Cockroach slithered back to his seat.

The judge (a WOMAN!!) has to look at the deal and approve.

She took one look at it and called both attorneys up and stated what the hell is going on here? She said from what she can see he picked up his son!" He works FT, supports his child and girlfriend without being on any assistance and never had any prior issues with the law. What the hell was REALLY going on here?

The DA said... well.. I'm not sure, but there are extenuating circumstances. So the judge asked what they were? DA said I don't know but there is someone in court here who would like to speak on it (the cockroach)

They called cockroaches name and when they turned around.... the cockroach had LEFT the court !!! hahaha No where to be seen!

the judge said, you mean that guy who has been sitting here all this time? Either the cockroach thought the deal was set and left, OR felt stupid for being an ass and left (doubtful), either way he was gone and the judge ended that.

The judge asked why Davis didn't plead not guilty if this was all it was about. The attorney said its because the cockroach wanted blood and take it to jury, Davis doesn't have 5K to pay for an attorney. The judge was very sympathetic and said that's really too bad..... (Jeff said she looked like she was inches from throwing the case out)... ALMOST DID

Judge said there was no warrant for this type of "deal" and she threw it out. But since he pled quilty, she said he had to pay court fees of 100, do 40 hrs community service and 1 yr UN-supervised probation.

THERE IS JUSTICE!!!




Well it is done, the security is on.

PLEASE if YOU want to share the password name I give permission! Your welcome to share with anyone you want.

The ONLY reason why I put it on is because Kilian's grandparents are hacking in and using the information against Davis, and had the gall to call us unfit grandparents.

These people are very evil, sick, controlling and out to ruin Davis and what absolutely shocks me is that they are hurting their grandchild! WHY??? Poor Kilian. Britt... how sad to have no control over your sicko parents.

PRAYER REQUEST
Her Dad pressed trespassing charges on Davis when he picked up his son a few months ago. He is a criminal lawyer and used his knowledge to try and press burglary, breaking and entering and some other trumped up charge with the DA, and the DA threw it all out. THEN he pushed for trespassing and managed to get it passed. The first day Davis went to court, her Dad walked past Davis and went up to his prosecutor friend, whispered in his ear, shook his hand and patted him on the back.... well, you can imagine how THAT went. That is how much they hate him.

We hired an attorney, who stated "that's bullshit" and I pray it'll all work out - we'll see next week. He is scared and could use some prayers in hopes he doesn't get fined or jail time (this charge worse case scenario is 90 days in jail and I think 5000 fine). It is very very sad. Davis is very stressed out.

He has court 3/6

Really... can he just catch a break to be a good Dad? He works building houses - carpenter - 6 days a week to support them - he rented a townhouse to get Kilian and Britt out of that house. It takes every penny he has (he makes a whopping 13.00/hr) The night the cops came over, after talking to and seeing how manic her Dad was, told Davis to do whatever it takes to "get his family together and out of that house, even if you have to work 3 jobs".

Well, that is what he is doing, and it is costing him a LOT both mentally and physically. I'm very proud of him.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:38 PM CST

LAST 2 DAYS without a password

My internet is down until Sunday - so the password protection will actually take place then.


EMAIL: mleep@msn.com for password!

Saturday, February 16, 2013 9:21 AM CST

PASSWORD PROTECTION STARTS Friday 3/1/13

** LURKERS part II
***NOTE: if you didn't get the password, your email MAY HAVE GONE TO JUNK - please re-send if you haven't received a return email from me! - I just found out about that. My junk only stays around for a short time and I'm afraid I've missed someone!

LURKERS part I
I do a lot of "lurking" on other CB sites. I love to follow along, but many times have nothing to say, but for some reason the CB site makes a difference in my life.

I am INVITING all you LURKERS to PLEASE email me for the user name/password. I promise I will not stalk you haha

I understand being shy, and not wanting to "bother" someone. I would feel terrible if I miss giving it out to all who have been with me and been my silent support. I love you silent ones! I'm a lot more like you then you know.


Good Morning!

DAVIS
Davis loves to cook, he likes to eat. Probably because for 4 years he could not taste anything and when he did he usually threw it up. His favorite is spice spice spice since his taste buds were burned out from chemo. He has learned to tone it down so anyone can eat it vs just him! haha, it was a long time coming tho. He now cooks very delish meals. Love that my boys will eat anything put in front of them!

All the men in the family can and like to cook - Darrel prefers to bake altho he feels you don't REALLY have to measure anything - you know how THAT turns out! He is learnning slowly haha. Davis makes heavy meals for an army and he can bake a mean cookie(got that from me, no one will EVER go hungry at my house!) and Brett likes the odd stuff - octopus, alligator, etc. yuk Sitting across from Brett and Darrel in Florida where "odd" foods abound, made me gak up a few times! :}

OCTOPUS
I'll never forget coming home to Brett and his friend in my front yard trying to break open a "durian merah or stinky fruit", can't even remember what he was using - I want to say a machete ? This fruit is the one that smells like someone died ten times over... and to top that off, an octopus was on my grill - yep a WHOLE octopus. double yuk. He sure keeps life interesting!

COOKIES N CREAM
DAVIS came over to our house and baked Britt something special for valentines day.... Not sure what it was but it entailed a HUGE cookies and cream candy bar - I know because the wrapper was on the kitchen floor... haha, almost made the garbage can! He may not be rich, but he does have an imagination!

PAINTING
There is a program where artists go to restaurants and you pay a fee to paint a rather large canvas of the picture of the day. Really cool, I'm trying to go and do it. I used to be very crafty and a painter wanna be. Time or lack of time has changed that a bit altho I've painted a few things at the lake. I take drift wood and paint a wildlife picture. Pretty bad, but it amuses me!

SEA
I remember when the kids were little we had 2 bedrooms for the 3 boys. So we put all three in one room with triple bunk beds - one slept on the floor, one a third of the way up and one on top - Jeff built it. Very cool.

The other bedroom I painted the walls to look like the sea. I had coral, sea weeds floating and fish swimming. It felt like you were in an aquarium. I loved that room. The boys had NO toys in their bedroom - that was to relax and sleep. But the "playroom" had everything they wanted. It was a great decision to separate the play from sleep.

Davis talks about it and I think he has plans for something similar in his townhouse. Britt likes to paint and I got her a complete artist paint set for xmas. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out. There is something soothing about painting.

WORK
A few more have gone to hospice, I sure wish it wasn't so. I had a big compliment from an guy who was very gruff and frustrated and rather clipped in nature. I calmed him down and helped him find some support where he needed it... the next morning I received an email from him thanking me for taking care of his needs - that he now had HOPE. Now THAT my friends, is what life is about!

PANDORA
I listen to pandora at work when I'm not speaking to patients. I heard this song and found itappropriate in many ways - I'm putting the lyrics down, but it is called "Daughter" by John Mayer. It is about a guy who loves a girl, wants to be everything to her, but because of her father and mother, she has some obstacles to go through to feel like she is truly a special person. I admit, my childhood wasn't always rosie, and those scars certainly are hard to go forward with. But it IS possible once you figure out - it really isn't ME - that I'm a wonderful person and I deserve to feel like I'm special. This song is for all the "daughters" out there who may have had a rough upbringing mentally and physically!

DAUGHTERS by John Mayer

I know a girl she puts the color inside of my world
She's just like a maze, where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can to stand on the the steps, with my heart in my hands
Now I started to think maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers, who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters too

Oh you see that skin, it's the same she's been standing in
Since the day, she saw him walking away
Now she's left cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers, who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughter too

Oh
Boys you can break find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong, boys soldier on but
Boys would be gone without warmth of a womans good good heart

On behalf of every man looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of the world

So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters too

Saturday, February 9, 2013 4:41 PM CST

*** UPDATE
Just so you know, I do a lot of "lurking" on other CB sites. I love to follow along, but many times have nothing to say, but for some reason the CB site makes a difference in my life.

I am INVITING all you LURKERS to PLEASE email me for the user name/password.

I promise I will not stalk you haha

I understand being shy, and not wanting to "bother" someone. I would feel terrible if I miss giving it out to all who have been with me and been my silent support. I love you silent ones! I'm a lot more like you then you know.

EMAIL: mleep@msn.com

Thank you all who have already contacted me - HUGS!

Good Evening!

REMEMBER TO EMAIL or FB for PASSWORD mleep@Msn.com

DAVIS
He is working hard, and that is that. The kids are having fun doing things around the townhouse and going to friends houses for dinner and social time. It was fun to go with Britt to get our massages - I think she'll have to get used to them! It is a little intimidating at first, no doubt

KILIAN
He is always a joy. Very happy, you can tell his life is settled and now that there isn't disruption every day of his life, you can tell he is doing much better. He isn't a yo yo anymore - I can't understand why some people would enjoy seeing a 2 yo live in turmoil. I don't regret getting him settled in his new home for one second!

Now if those around him can just let this family be a family and not try to bring hardship and sadness at every turn.

DARREL
He has had 2 job interviews, altho he may not want either. We'll see how that pans out.

BRETT
He is back to college doing collegie things. 3rd year is pretty tough, but he always does super fantastic

I was promoted to a window office - it is such a wonderful place to sit and work.....

That is all in Shandland... March 1 the password will be in effect!

Carry on!

Sunday, February 3, 2013 11:52 AM CST

Good Morning!

*** contact me for user name and password - this site will be protected in a few weeks. either facebook or email mleep@msn.com

UPDATE: Look at bottom of message for a wonderful benefit - and a link - to this amazing mans song he wrote and sang.... and a link to the benefit!

DAVIS
He painted their townhouse colors Britt picked out. I'm heading over to see it. I heard its pretty nice! I'm picking Britt up and we are going for massages. We both received gift cards. She deserves it! Hell, I deserve it... :}

KILIAN
He was a little king at Rudy's Red Eye Grill Friday. It was Darrel's birthday dinner and Kilian was rockin with the guitarist. He was so good! We were there over an hour and at the end when our fantastic server brought Darrel a birthday molten chocolate thing, they brought Kilian a kids dessert FOR FREE - and it kept him even happier!

The food was delish! They have THE BEST servers! She was there and we wanted for nothing. Davis ordered prime rib, Britt coconut shrimp, Darrel rib eye, Jeff steak medallions, I had meatloaf and the little popovers! MY FAVORITE. Kilian called them "muffins".

After Kilian and I made "monkey bread" he wouldn't let anyone else have one - he stated they were HIS muffins! haha - he is pretty funny.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Here is the link to the video that Mike Rominski produced of the making of Zach's song "Clouds". We are so grateful.

http://vimeo.com/53561921

Enjoy! And please pass it on. Below are the lyrics.
CLOUDS
By Zachary Sobiech

Well I fell down, down, down
Into this dark and lonely hole
There was no one there to care about me anymore
And I needed a way to climb and grab a hold of the edge
You were sitting there holding a rope
And we’ll go up, up, up
But I’ll fly a little higher
We’ll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won’t be long now, it won’t be long now
When I get back on land
Well I’ll never get my chance
Be ready to live and it’ll be ripped right out of my hands
Maybe someday we’ll take a little ride
We’ll go up, up, up and everything will be just fine
And we’ll go up, up, up
But I’ll fly a little higher
We’ll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won’t be long now, it won’t be long now
If only I had a little bit more time
If only I had a little bit more time with you
We could go up, up, up
And take that little ride
And sit there holding hands
And everything would be just right
And maybe someday I’ll see you again
We’ll float up in the clouds and we’ll never see the end
And we’ll go up, up, up
But I’ll fly a little higher
We’ll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won’t be long now, it won’t be long now

Peace

BENEFIT LINK: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/217171-up-up-up-benefit-for-zach-minneapolis

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 10:15 PM CST

Good Evening!

I've decided to put security on this site. I'm sad to say I've had a hacker and I do not feel safe on my own site.

I don't want to loose any of my friends who have been with me and LOVE DAVIS vs those who have hate and menance towards Davis!!!!

Please email me or facebook me (if you are my friend on FB) and I will tell you the password.

I am not setting it up for a month, so plenty of warning!

My email is mleep@msn.com. PLEASE my true friends and family - please email me for the password!! I would hate to loose you all after all these years - do you know it has been over 10 years?? What miracle!

LUV
Mary Lee

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 12:29 AM CST

Please copy, paste and watch this, video (I hope it plays for you) - what can I say? God bless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaQdwTsVtCY

Afternoon!

At work lunch....

It is always weird for me to sign in to my site here as a "classic site" vs what they are using now on CB. Like.... we've been around so long on CB that we are now a "classic"? Not sure how I feel about that except we are a SURVIVING classic! Too many write about how they are doing after their loved ones have died. It still breaks my heart to think about that and to think I could have been one of them. How would I have handled it?? I don't ever want to know.... but anyone reading this that have someone who has died from cancer - God Bless and many many hugs

TRIP
Freezing out in MN and I had to work ubba hard to go on a 6 day vacation to Florida. We were blessed to have 83 weather - a full 10 degrees above normal! Full sun, lovely lovely skies.

My Dad looks good, the sparkle is back in his eyes. The boys had a good time teasing him and he of course teased right back! What would my Dad be without the sparkling teasing man he is? It was either Brett or Darrel (I think Darrel) who stated that he has a beautiful voice - like an announcer.

I told him my Dad was an announcer in the 1940's for radio in Hartsville SC and Muskegan MI. I remember my Dad sing O'Tannebaum at christmas - such a baritone and beauty. He doesn't sing now, but his voice is always a pleasure to listen to! My boys were very impressed about his past DJ'ing so to speak. We have glass records of him that we used to play on a victrola!

UNIVERSAL - I must say, Harry Potter (I've not read the books) was done outstanding. Very clever. Except the ride made me want to puke. I rode the Mummy, Jurassic Park, and a few others - but the soaring of Harry Potter on the back of a broom did me in.

The frozen "Butter Beer" was able to revive me (It is NOT an alcoholic beverage, rather like cream soda) The boys rode every ride while I hung around with my brother on those that I could not due to my neck fusion, he and I were on the same page for rides.

Kennedy Space Center - or what others sometimes think of as Cape Canaveral. I was surprised and impressed that my boys actualy liked this better then Universal! I too was impressed with the new tour which takes you right up close. We had an extremely nice time.

All too soon, back to the below zero weather. It was also hard to see Brett go back to college, altho, our house is much cleaner with him gone!

Thats all in Shandland, lunch is over. Carry on!

Saturday, January 5, 2013 8:43 AM CST

Good Morning!

Going to the Army's 34th combat Aviation Brigade "Change of Command" today. Colonel Huddleston is one of our best friends and he is going forward!

Besides being a fun guy, Mike is a great person to know - especially if you have people in your life who are not nice. He knows people who know people who can help you out in many situations. Having an actual Colonel as a friend is way cool. He commands the Black Hawk helicopters that keep our country safe. CONGRATS MIKE! and thanks for all your help, but can't say what the help is at the moment,but will let you know in a few months. He is certainly one person I would never want mad at me! haha

DAVIS
He is still getting over his crud. It is hard when your working 6 days a week. He said that was the worse he has felt since he had cancer altho every day he is feeling better.

KILIAN
It is also a little hard when your son has Influenza "A" and is very very sick. My guess, from all their symptoms, is that both the kids had Influenza and actually Kilian is the last to have it. He is getting better but hated his anti-viral meds and it has been hard to get him to take it. Influenza A is actually a bit rare in kids, it is usually the B strain but Kilian followed the criteria to a "T". First the ear infection (which he has never had in his life)and then to be taken over with the A flu.

The incubation time is anywhere from the day before to 5 days after - I'm am very glad he wasn't at our house during that period. I hope he wasn't anywhere around the New years time period - that would have been peak to pass it on!

I had influenza a few years ago, and I know how it plays out. It is a lot of hanging out for days so the virus runs its course. Kilian is at day 5? or so and he is at the exhausted stage. The meds make his tummy hurt so that is hard on the little one. I stopped by last night with some special food for the kids hoping something will entice Kilian.

I will be watching him tonight at their townhouse so the kids can get a break by going to the GREAT VIKING football get together at Davis's bosses house. They have become very good friends and his wife and Britt get along and have become friends too, which is fun for them to have NORMAL people surrounding them! Get rid of all the drama, yea baby.

FLORIDA
Leaving Friday with the 2 boys to see my Dad and brother. We have plans on Universal Studio and Kennedy Space Center. It will be fun time off and hopefully some good Vitamin D will fall upon us!

Work is crazy busy which is never good when your a Cancer nurse. I've had a few of my patients pass on to a better life, but it is always hard to loose someone you have grown fond of. But, that is life. Having a child with cancer, watching kids die for 4 years, all the funerals, well.... it is never easy, but it makes cancer what it is, never know if you'll beat it or not, just make the best of every day that you feel well, and LIVE for POSITIVE and HEALTHY relationships and live LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!! Treat everyday like it is your last because really, you never know. And that is why I've simplified my life. I have weeded out all the negativity, and keep only the positive near. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify.... has been my motto since Davis had cancer. I have never regretted it for one minute, and wish I had adopted it earlier in life.

That is all in Shandland, carry on!

Saturday, December 29, 2012 4:38 PM CST

HAPPIEST OF NEW YEAR... almost

DAVIS
Yikes, first Britt, then Davis, now kilian - all have the grunge. First ear infection for the tyke ever - which is pretty darn good for 2 1/2 years old!

XMAS
What a lovely week. First, the Saturday before was Shandland Christmas at the inlaws which is always wonderful. The whole family was able to come! It is a little funny that the family pix does NOT include Kilian.... he was not in the mood to be held AT ALL, so he will be photo shopped in :} He was getting sick, so it all made sense!

Xmas Eve
My gift - I woke up early and looked out the window as I was making coffee - no one was up yet, the tree was lit and the lights were a twinklin. What did I see? The biggest, fattest, sparkliest most beautiful Birthday present EVER.... SNOWFLAKES! My Mom KNOWS that all I ever want is pretty new snow on Xmas. THANK YOU MOM!! I sat and watched it for an hour, and as fast as it started, it stopped and the sun came out.

We had a lovely brunch and lots of family. My brother, sister, their kids, my nieces and nephews and their kids.... we listened to music, ate, and ate some more.

Went back to the inlaws for a nice dinner

Came back home to open presents with the kids. I felt so bad that Davis, Britt and Kilian were just not feeling the best, altho they were great troopers! I had the kids play BINGO for their presents - that lasted about 3 games. Kilian decided ALL THE PRESENTS were his, and it was "interesting" trying to keep him focused in a chaotic room! He did great tho and seemed to enjoy everything around him.

Look in the picture page and look at the picture where we are around the tree with gifts stacked around ... can you see the orbs? It is the ONLY picture they are in! hmmmmm......

Then the games begun! Brett's girlfriend came over, Darrels girlfriend came over and we sat around the table and played Fact or Crap, Quelf and Family Guy operation, along with some other games. At the point where I had to sniff my nephews sock 3 times is when I thought I should bow out!

Xmas Day
Went to mass early.... beautiful as always. My favorite part is singing the songs of old

Kilian got to put baby Jesus in his manger. He loves to see Jesus, Mary and Joseph on the buffet, and was proud to know where baby Jesus was "hiding" until Xmas Day when he was born! Altho he made us laugh when he said baby Jesus needed a diaper! haha

Of course we had some MORE food, homemade BBQ beef, and Jo brought salads. All three boys and their girlfriends came over and we played games until I had to go to bed for work. The kids had a blast. It was a very very nice Christmas!

May 2013 bring happiness, calm, peace, positive people and a simple life of joy to you all!

That is all in Shandland... carry on the ringing of the NEW YEAR!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Merry Christmas!

That is Blessed "Christ"Mas!

Another birthday, well at least I will be able to have one after the end of the world didn't end!

GIVING
The 3 Kings came bearing gifts, gold... myhrr, francensis... giving, they started Christmas tradition as far as I am concerned. Give to those you respect and pray for those you don't. I myself admit to probably taking it a tot extreme. Not monetarily so much as, well... ok I'll admit it. I love wrapping paper and bows! I love sparkly lights and the magical feeling you get when the fireplace has a lovely fire and the tree and mantle are glistening all around you. And when the snow falls? My heart melts

TRADITIONS
It is amazing how many presents appear under the tree when there are 7 people represented! I like to use a lot of boxes to fool the kids. I think the boys had a good time buying/making/imagination each other something, using their minds as resources due to no... resources!

We had a lot of fun last night while celebrating xmas at the Shands a little early due to Jeff's brother being in town. Kilian was a ball of energy (found out he found the fudge compliments of Darrel). His Aunt gave him a tool box with plastic tools - OMG, he carries it around and tries to wrench, screw drive and hammer everything. He was even using the wrench to "fix his cousins hair" it was quite hilarious! Now he can "fix" things along side his Daddy.

GAME
Everyone brought 2 ten dollar gift cards, wrapped and put in the middle of the room in a pile. When it was your turn you pick one out of the middle OR steal from someone. Once you take a card out of the middle, you unwrap it and thats how people know what it is to steal or take a chance with a wrapped one instead. Of course you have ONE freeze so no one can take it if you say so. (Show sound familiar?) At the end, everyone ends up with 2 gift cards, and hopefully one that you want! haha it sure can be interesting what people buy.

Darrel was accused of being a "Pierson" which I totally find as a compliment, because he wrapped each card in a whole roll of wrapping paper and taped up solid.... it took quite a bit of imagination to open those! We had a good laugh. My family always did silly things - freeze a note in a pail of water which you had to chip to find the next clue and eventually get your present. My brother once got an airport van and we had to all get in and drive from place to place to get the clues.

It is nice to teach the kids and Kilian the "Pierson" way of how I grew up - be a kid, fool around have fun,laugh and play games. I can only imagine what my boys have in mind for me tomorrow OR my brothers and sister when they stop by.

MISSING
On Christmas Day my brother and sister asked if we can get together which we usually don't on this day. They are coming over to play games and eat... of course eat! It is hard on all of us with Mom gone, we are a little lost emotionally. Dad in Florida with my brother, my other brother doesn't come over because he adopted 4 small children and is going crazy! My family is very small..... and we are all trying to smile thru this holiday.

MASS
I went to mass today and burst into tears as I was dedicating the mass to my Mom, all of a sudden it hit that Mom is having Christmas in heaven and it'll not only be my first xmas without her, but my first birthday too. A two-fer I don't want. What is heaven like on Christmas? Is every day Christmas? What is Mom doing? I do know she is exactly where she always wanted to be - close to her Mom and God. What a gift.

I am not one to dwell on sadness..... at least I try not to. I have to say that our tree has never smelled so lovely for so long. AND we are having snow tomorrow and I KNOW that is a birthday gift from Mom because she KNOWS how excited I get when it snows on Christmas! It is magic... and beautiful... and makes me smile.

Merry Christmas Mom! I miss you and all you did to make life so special for all of us!

MERRY MERRY Christmas to all my family and friends! May the most magical sparkly snowflakes fall upon you and your family as you are rejoicing "The newborn King..."

Sunday, December 23, 2012 9:04 PM CST

Merry Merry Christmas!

That is Blessed "Christ"Mas!

Another birthday tomorrow, well at least I will be able to have one after the end of the world didn't end!

It is amazing how many presents appear under the tree when there are 7 people represented! I like to use a lot of boxes to fool the kids. I think the boys had a good time buying/making/imagination each other something, using their minds as resources due to no... resources!

We had a lot of fun last night while celebrating xmas at the Shands a little early due to Jeff's brother being in town. Kilian was a ball of energy (found out he found the fudge compliments of Darrel). His Aunt gave him a tool box with plastic tools - OMG, he carries it around and tries to wrench, screw drive and hammer everything. He was even using the wrench to "fix his cousins hair" it was quite hilarious! Now he can "fix" things along side his Daddy.

GAME
Everyone brought 2 ten dollar gift cards, wrapped and put in the middle of the room in a pile. When it was your turn you pick one out of the middle OR steal from someone. Once you take a card out of the middle, you unwrap it and thats how people know what it is to steal or take a chance with a wrapped one instead. Of course you have ONE freeze so no one can take it if you say so. (Show sound familiar?) At the end, everyone ends up with 2 gift cards, and hopefully one that you want! haha it sure can be interesting what people buy.

Darrel was accused of being a "Pierson" which I totally find as a compliment, because he wrapped each card in a whole roll of wrapping paper and taped up solid.... it took quite a bit of imagination to open those! We had a good laugh. My family always did silly things - freeze a note in a pail of water which you had to chip to find the next clue and eventually get your present. My brother once got an airport van and we had to all get in and drive from place to place to get the clues.

It is nice to teach the kids and Kilian the "Pierson" way - have fun, kid around, laugh and play games. I can only imagine what my boys have in mind for me tomorrow OR my brothers and sister when they stop by. On Christmas Day my brother and sister are coming over to play games and eat... of course eat! It is hard on all of us with Mom gone, Dad in Florida with my brother, my other brother doesn't come over because he adopted 4 small children and is going crazy! My family is very small..... and we are all trying to smile thru this holiday.

MASS
I went to mass today and burst into tears as I was dedicating the mass to my Mom, all of a sudden it hit that Mom is having Christmas in heaven and it'll not only be my first xmas without her, but my first birthday too. A two-fer I don't want. What is heaven like on Christmas? Is every day Christmas? What is Mom doing? I do know she is exactly where she always wanted to be - close to her Mom and God. What a gift.

I am not one to dwell on sadness..... at least I try not to. I have to say that our tree has never smelled so lovely for so long. AND we are having snow tomorrow and I KNOW that is a birthday gift from Mom because she KNOWS how excited it has always been when it snowed on Christmas! It is magic... and beautiful... and makes me smile.

MERRY MERRY Christmas! May the most magical sparkly snowflakes fall upon you and your family as you are rejoicing "The newborn King..."

Thursday, December 20, 2012 6:39 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Unfortunately the germ bug hit their household. I heard it came from an outside source. But do you know, this child gets up, even with a raging fever, and goes to work? He works OUTSIDE. "I have to support my family"

How could anyone say anything negative about a 23 yo who has the work dedication and ethics to keep on going?

From cancer, he had pneumonia every year at this time. He has been pretty healthy the last few years. I'm afraid when you cough up green and orange gunk, it means there is something pretty significant going on. Off to the doctors.

Kilian
He has NOT gotten it THANK GOD, bad enough his Mom and Dad are sick. He is over tonight for an overnight so those two can get better. He calls Jeff "Poppy" which is pretty cute. They are currently, as I type, in a blanket "Fort" with flashlights reading a book.

I got the CUTEST video of Kilian trying to keep up with his cousins who were doing cartwheels. He would bend over and touch the floor, flip over... stand up... put his hands in the air and shout with a big ole grin "I DID it!!" It was really cute!

Darrel
Out and about....

Brett
HOPEFULLY he will NOT be driving in the blizzard home from Wisconsin. I haven't heard from him yet today..... yikers, scary stuff.

Work was hard as I lost another patient.... and yet, another patient had a successful transplant to live. The best part of my day was kidding one of my patients that their day was bordering boring.... because in the cancer world, boring is definitely where you want to be! We had a good laugh and if you can get your cancer patient to break out in smiles - you had a beautiful day!

I thought I'd write before the end of the world.

So... That is all in Shandland... CARRY ON! ... or not?

Thursday, December 13, 2012 3:43 PM CST

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
He is doing fantastic! The child is strong and can rise above those who prey on others and become stronger for it. I admire him for being the great Dad he is and for being better then those who are not, even at age 23.

Kilian
He is a little monster right now! haha, but a cute monster. O those 2's. Yikes. The hardest stage ever... except perhaps when they drive. The first thing he did was tear off an ornament and hand it to you.... find the timer on the xmas light switch and try to figure out how it works... you have to be careful of anything you do, because he'll try to repeat it. I love that little tike

Jeff went over to their house the other day and Kilian was sitting in his sled (the one we bought him last year) watching TV winding down for bed. He is truly funny.

I had fun buying his ornament this year. I bought a miniature of one I bought Davis. It is so cute. Not that he'll EVER touch it - maybe when he is 30! haha

XMAS
Did you see the tree picture? LOVE this tree. They do it every year and I drive by it daily. Always puts a smile on my face and makes me think lovely thoughts. Calm, peace... loved ones.

MOM
I have been struggling with missing my Mom. Xmas was always special as I've said. Tears never far away. Today as I was feeling sorry for myself, I received a text from a friend I haven't had contact with for over a year, it read:

"I met a woman at work who said she worked with your Mom at LaBelles".... hmmm,

OMG in 1976??

And.. how ever did THAT conversation come up? WHY would that conversation ever come up? I look at it as my Mom saying hi in her way.... it was a true gift this morning.

GRINCH
My head wants to be very angry, my heart says to say prayers for those that are not right in the head, vindictive, abusive. THIS IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR IN ANY SENSE!! I have to remember to pray for the family that surrounds an individual who is like this, what hell hole are they living in? And with that said, I would support anyone ANYONE who would like to get away from abuse.... OCD abuse, controlling abuse, verbal abuse. You don't have to live like that. God Bless

SMILE
Give someone a smile today... buy their McDonalds in line (pay for the persons behind you)give someone you judged the benefit of the doubt. Give someone a 2nd chance, or perhaps a 3rd. LOVE. How do you want to be remembered one day when you die? What do you want people to say about you?

Time to be the REASON for this SEASON

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, December 9, 2012 5:18 PM CST

Good Evening!

Tomorrow Davis 23.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my son, Mom and Dad love you to heaven and back.

May God grant you a peaceful, prosperous, healthy year with your family.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 8:15 PM CST

WHO IS IT GOING TO BE????

And how cool that SOMEONE will be the 275,000 visitor!!

AND... Davis's birthday is on Monday - 23 yo.... how cool that it is happening at a time when we are celebrating his LIFE in his 20's vs praying he lives till he reaches at least 16. PRAYING that he'll see his later teens at all.....


I'M SO EXCITED! AND ... please let me know who it is and to go with that I need an ADDRESS if you wouldn't mind - cause I always mail out a thank you package for being.... MY gift from God.

EVEN if its a relative or close friend OR someone who has been the recipient of one of my packages. The only people I would not want to hear from are those without my families best interest in their hearts. I will say a prayer for you!


FUN FUN FUN!

DAVIS
He and Britt are having a fantastic time with the new townhouse except poor Britt has had the week long FLU. We all went out to get our live xmas trees Sunday (and came home in time to drive by that horrible accident on Cedar - we were diverted due to the debris and sadly someone died on the scene)There had to been 30 squads, ambulances and fire trucks.

Jeff helped them put the tree in the stand - Britt held it, Davis cut the branches so it fit in the stand, and Kilian was throwing tinsel on the branches - all at the same time -what mayhem! He was soooo excited for the "christmas tree" and it smelled lovely.

Britt picked out her colors for the walls and Jeff/Davis will be painting this week hopefully. With Jeff's bday on Friday, Davis on Monday - party on Sunday - its going to be crazy time. Jeff's brother had furniture samples from some very swanky furniture manufacturers (he sells them) and stopped by their townhouse and dropped off a table and 4 chairs. What a nice surprise!

Sad note
Sadly, the man who was run over by the taxi and died in St Cloud was my husbands cousin, and his Moms nephew. His funeral is on Jeff's bday. Her brother is not doing well with the death of his son.

Hard Year
I start to decorate for christmas and break down crying, xmas was very special in my growing years. Maybe because its my birthday and my Mom always and I mean ALWAYS made the holidays special. We were dirt poor, and my Mom managed to save all year for santa to visit. I now know she made all the barbie clothes and such, and to tell you the truth, I still have it! My brother stopped by Sunday and we were putting our tree in the stand...it was a very pretty tree - just like when I grew up. My brother and I stepped back and we looked at each other and our eyes misted. We didn't even have to say a word because we knew what each other was thinking.

Every year the 5 of us kids would plan and put on a xmas program. At the end of the program we would have a procession carrying baby Jesus on a pillow and lay him in the manger - he was finally born! We would sing carols and end the night with games of all kinds. Xmas morning was awesome cause we would play games and eat, go to mass in our finery and do crazy family stuff.

My favorite memory is my Dad singing O tannenbaum (sp)in german.... he would mispronounce the words and we would all fall over laughing. He really had a beautiful voice tho. Did you know my Dad was a DJ for 2 radio stations in the 40's? We have glass records with him on it.

I miss my Mom.... this birthday will be very hard, I just try not to think about it, but that seems wrong too. I guess I need to give myself permission to be sad, but that also seems so wrong.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Monday, November 26, 2012 8:04 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
I've never seen such big smiles and relaxed faces. Britt and Kilian moved into the townhouse this weekend and they are having a riot picking out paint and setting up house.

They went over to his new employers house and they had a wonderful time meeting new couples... that are NORMAL. No drama. They have kids too which makes it fun.

They are going out to get a live tree with us next weekend when we get ours. I gave Davis the ornaments I collected for him every year when he was growing up so they will have nice things to put on it. They are making a "fake" chimney to hang stockings.

We are all about tradition, and you can see they crave to have it for their son too!

Thanksgiving was very nice - food great. Of course Kilian was the life of that party!

He was all about the whipped cream can and pushing the button to get it out! The kids had a lot of fun playing with their 2nd cousin.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Monday, November 19, 2012 6:17 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Working very hard. He loves what he does! He has always been good with his hands, and his new carpentry job is buffing him up! I think his tools are heavier then he is! He is getting Britts new townhouse ready for her to move in with Kilian after Thanksgiving. She is VERY excited - she picked the place out herself and its perfect for them. I'm extremely proud of her! I've always believed in independence and to be able to be yourself and make your own decisions about yourself and your children. I'm glad she'll be able to do that finally.

She wants a pink bathroom and by god she'll get it! I won't let the "men" of my household dictate neutrals. hmmm.... maybe I'll try a pink bathroom?

Living at her own place will allow her to be the Mom she wants to be and allow Kilian to have a stable family life Now he'll have his Dad and Mom available at all times. He has been absolutely beaming as he can now hold Momma and Daddy's hand every night as they tuck him in bed. It is adoreable to watch. Her townhouse is close to us, it allows Davis to be there every night to say goodnight to Kilian

One day she'll realize what a wonderful Mom SHE is!!! No one can ever take that away. I can see her confidence and self worth grow daily, and I'm extremely proud of her. She is always welcome in our home and I hopefully will always make her feel like she is a beautiful person with a mind of her own and give her space to let her grow more beautiful everyday.

KILIAN
I bought this book for him that has chickens in it. It is a pop up book so whenever you open every other page a huge chicken pops out - one with a big belly, one with big feet, one with a big beak... he actually rolls on the floor laughing at it. He makes me smile daily. While Davis and I were cleaning the backyard this weekend, Kilian was "hiding" in the long prairie grass we have planted in the back with the dogs "hiding" along with him. He thought he was pretty cute

DARREL
He was over last night and the kids were playing around the table laughing and having a great time. I love the sound of laughter! He applied for a permanent position and sure could use a few prayers that a way! Lots of competition

BRETT
Is looking forward to seeing everyone and we can't wait to see him!!!

I'm almost healed from my surgery, and getting my stamina back. I joined SNAP and hopefully can get back in shape.

Thats all in Shandland.... isn't it enough? Carry ON

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 7:45 PM CST

Good Evening!

Bearing down on the 250K visitor. I'm very very excited to see who it will be! Friends, stranger.... it matters not. Even if its a relative or someone I see all the time!

DAVIS
That kid is the hardest worker. There is not a lazy bone in his body. I'll never worry about him not being able to provide. Jeff taught him to work hard and not be afraid to get dirty. Builds character.

Kilian is sooooo like his daddy except he is much more extroverted. A wild bundle of energy. I laugh to my self sometimes because Kilian is all about TWO. That is, everything is two. There are TWO trees, TWO sandwiches, TWO this and TWO that. Davis was always about 5 when he was young.

We were reading the Nite Nite Dinosaur book today. The book is full of little pictures. He will see a duck, and if there is a smaller duck... he states here is the Mommie duck and here is the baby duck. He'll point to the hanging lamp and say its a light. What 2 yo knows what a light is in a book? He'll count the number of bulbs and tell you. Very very observant and very very clever.

NITE NITE
When I was little along with my 4 siblings, my Mom used to say "nite nite, don't let the beddie bugs bite" and we would always say... "I won't don't you!" I passed it on to the boys, it was our ritual and now I started that tradition with Kilian and when I say it he puts on that beauteous smile and says "No bugs!"

HUNTERS
The hunters are going out again. Hopefully no one gets hurt. I heard there will be 8 of them. Lord o lordie!

INDEPENDENCE
My philosophy of being a parent, or for that matter a friend, is to nurture independence. Life is about growing from the inside out and being there to help each other with their growth. There is nothing more rewarding than to see someone blossum and shine, a big beautiful smile and peace and calmness in ones eyes.

There is so much beauty in this world. One must put aside pettiness, darkness, selfishness, judgement, criticism. Embrace and acknowledge differences. Stand in their shoes for just a minute and acknowledge you don't know or understand everything.

HOLIDAYS
I love the holidays... LUV the holidays and hate the holidays. All the ugliness of people come out. Yet all the goodness can too. Its your decision. You are the owner to your decisions and how you act towards others.

I'd love to go through the next few months where everyone smiles at each other. No one gossips about one another, pettiness is gone. There is pure joy and celebration to the birth of kindness and goodness (aka like the birth of Jesus, the true meaning of xmas).

SIMPLIFY
I made a vow to simplify my life when Davis had cancer. And that meant not hanging around negative people. Negative spurs negativity. Positive spurs positivity. I won't waste a precious moment of time on ugliness.

I watched my Mom die. I'm watching my Dad die little by little inside. Really... who the hell cares if someone shows up late? If someone forgets something, if something isn't "perfect". Let your hair down! SMILE LAUGH do something silly and weird and feel yourself shine from the inside out. HUG someone. Today will never return. Your experience with loved ones can never be repeated. Don't let these valuable times end. One day... they will die and it'll be too late...

Get your hearts and minds ready for the holidays! Make a deal with yourself to not say ONE thing negative, judge not and instead be calm and peaceful, loving and kind.

That is all in Shandland.... carry on!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 8:17 PM CST

Good Evening!!

Once again.... it is time.....

drum roll

to acknowledge which lovely soul, the supporter of my sanity since 2001, to acknowledge that they are the.....

275,000 person to visit Davis's site.

275,000?????

OMG. Truly, I am not worthy for all the love and support, you all poured over me and our family throughout the years. You have no idea how this sight gave me the strength, the energy, the hope that my son would survive cancer and beyond. That I would survive his cancer and beyond. Cancer tears you and your family apart heart and soul. YOU, YOUR love, support and positive thoughts and prayers ARE responsible in putting us back together every step of the way during crisis and during peace - will never ever be forgotten.

Gift from Mom
I was putting one of my Mom's books away that I brought from Florida and out fell some money. Not alot. I was uncomfortable with what to do with it. It seemed wrong to use it for a hotdog and coke. At the time I knew it was for something special - I felt it in my heart. So I put it aside.

The next day, I got an email that one of our co-workers husband was diagnosed with Myeloma. Not a good cancer and unfortunately he isn't doing well. Cancer soooo sucks and my heart broke for what they are to face.

Pay it Forward
When Davis was in the hospital and I wasn't working, Jeff worked as much as he could - and as you know, when he didn't work, there was no pay. We were just plain broke Counted the can goods, dividing them up during the week for meals and counting our blessings for the dinners being delivered by neighbors.

Then one day there was an envelope in my door. It held enough money for my kids to have new underwear for the start of school - yep, underwear. You know? They grow and its a necessity and I remember being so sad that I couldn't even give my kids underwear. It was hard enough not being there for them physically and emotionally as the roller coaster of Davis life and death dance was unfolding. I wasn't sure how we were going to purchase clothes for the school year let alone supplies.

Well this angel, (I found out it was a neighbor I hardly knew)left it anonymously. She unselfishly put a chunk of change in an envelope and gave it to people she hardly knew. That day is when my heart melted and I knew that whatever the outcome of the hell world we were living in, we were richer and better people. There truly are gifts of God living amongst us.

The meaning is clear
When I got that email, thats when I knew what I had to do. I could pay it forward just like my neighbor did, the reason for the found money was clear. I added some of my own money with Mom's and donated it to the family anonymously. I can only pray and hope the money will somehow give them a little peace of mind.

Paying it forward.... you, all 275,000 visits of you, are MY gifts of God. Thank you.

LUV: The Shands... in Shandland

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 6:55 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Imagine my surprise to hear a name of a young man who I have followed on CB. On Channel 5, the Gopher Football team were shaving their heads for Connor.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorjohncosgrove

Raising money for childhood cancer. What began as a challenge between friends has grown into the world's fastest growing volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity benefiting childhood cancer research. If you want to donate or read more about this - go to www.stbaldricks.org

DAVIS
The boys are all going up north for opening deer Hunting. There will be 6 of them. Once again, I have the whole weekend to myself!!

Davis got Kilian a pumpkin and he will be carving and going trick or treating tomorrow. He has a "Bear" costume since bears, mooses, deers are his favorite. Jeff makes up and reads all kinds of stories to him.

The kids take him around the house to say "good night" to all the wild life pretending they are out the windows. He goes to bed like a charm afterwards.

His favorite book lately is a "Visit Alaska" booklet full of wild life pictures. He is pretty funny.

My work is going great. Yea!!

Thats all in Shandland... Carry on!

Thursday, October 18, 2012 12:41 AM CDT

Good Afternoon!

On my lunch hour....

DAVIS
He is getting Kilian ready for Halloween. I'm not sure what he'll be but they picked up a pumpkin pail for him to carry around the neighborhood. He is really excited to take him. They will be walking down the block to the corner where they are selling pumpkins to pick one out this week to carve. Last year Darrel, Davis, Brittany and Brett all carved pumpkins. It was verrry scarrrry

Nothing new on the boy front. I do believe Jeff is going hunting this weekend, not sure if any of the kids are going,of course I will not be. I can't even get my laundry out of the tub let alone go to the northern tundra! haha.

Stitches out next week - can't wait so I can bend my thumb. My wrist cyst was wrapped around an artery (NOT expected) and it was not an easy excision for the hand surgeon - so its ubba sore to touch and quite swollen. But all in all more comfortable.

I can type without an issue, which is good since my job requires it!

Was a little frustrated to come to work and find that my work was not being covered like it should have been. I didn't expect to have a dozen patients to call that if done properly, would have been at least started on. The stress forced me to stop at Chipolte for dinner. Nothin like good ole Chipolte burrito bowl, no meat, both beans, flowing in sour cream and cheese.... to make one feel much much better!

Davis made dinner - but it was a dish I could not eat. It sure looked good! It is very nice to see my son being so domestic with keeping the house clean, cooking, working, going to school and helping me as needed. Of course being a Dad is mixed right in!

I smile when I go downstairs and Davis and K are wrestling around on the floor - they are soooo much alike its scary. K has a memory and a mind that you can just see ticking. He is evaluating every situation and figuring out how to manipulate it! That kid is very smart and he knows it. boy o boy... those two are going to have their hands full! I have to say, it brings back wonderful memories of the boys playing and being boys.

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!

.... and if a certain person is still reading this when its none of your business.... go get a life - YOUR OWN life and leave the young ones alone to make their own decisions - thats how you learn in life. Its our job to be supportive no matter what the decision is, whether we agree or not. Its what "family" and "unconditional love" means. I don't believe its what "manipulation" "controlling" and "threatening" is suppose to mean.

Monday, October 15, 2012 6:52 PM CDT

Good Evening!

I can't believe its a Monday. The last few days have flown by mentally, physically and emotionally.

DAVIS
Status quo. He was kind enough to help me this past week with housework, meals and general running around. I am not allowed to lift, stretch, bend, reach..... sucks to be me. He was invaluable to me!! Kilian has been my mental joy. He loves to sit with Gammie and play with his toys, books. He likes to help fold clothes, help with dishes, sweep and dust.... Kilians way!

DARREL
He and Davis took Brett out for his 21st birthday Friday night. They had a great time, especially Brett who doesn't remember being at his own bon-fire in our backyard hahaha.... O boys.

BRETT
21.... Headed back to school. I know they get sick of me asking if they have remembered everything... I always get "YES MOM, I HAVE IT" or some such sentence. Imagine my surprise (NOT!) when I found his toothbrush and toothpaste still on the bathroom sink.... HONESTLY, there are REASONS I ask!!

SURGERY
Thank you to all who wished me luck and quick healing. I had both my hands worked on - a cyst in my wrist that was wrapped around all kinds of stuff, a thumb that had bone spurs and a cyst around the spurs. All painful. I had a third area by my chest wall which had a benign growth removed which prompted excision on the opposite side to keep things even if ya know what I mean. HUGE surgery. I'm proud to say, I did not take ONE narcotic after I left the hospital. I'm not sure what they gave me when I spent the night, but I asked to not give me any. Hate those.

I came home with a lidocaine pump. Really way cool. It was threaded into my chest wall and delivered lidocaine constantly. On postop day 2, I pulled the tubes out and dam near fainted and felt faint for about an hour. It did not hurt so I could not figure it out until Davis and I discussed it and decided it must have irritated my vagus nerve which "wanders" from the brain and extends to the abdomen. It can make you a bit wonkie if irritated.

I went out today for the first time by taking Donna to her birthday lunch and she got her bday present bought! It was a fantastic time! I just love my MIL. Most generous soul you'll ever encounter. I certainly hit the jackpot for inlaws. Too bad others don't get that luxury.

Tomorrow I get my stitches out for my post op visit and Wed back to work.... it shall be... challenging for sure. I still have numbness in my thumb and the stitches pull, so I'm hoping it'll resolve after they are removed. My wrist is actually what hurts the most - it is quite puffy from all the pulling and digging they had to do. It will be a looooonnnnggggg week! I've compacted my 6 week recovery into 1 - so much for NO Paid time off!

Sometimes... I should just plain admit I am NOT superwoman! haha, I will never admit defeat!!! Hmmm... perhaps there is something to the ADHD thing?

The boys are gearing up for deer hunting as grouse hunting is winding down. I fear I shall be a hunting widow for the next month.

So, that is all in Shandland, carry on!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 7:58 PM CDT

HAPPY HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY my little baby BRETT-ie

Mom and Dad LUV LUV LUV YA!!!

Can't wait until your home on Saturday.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:50 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Time is flying... leaves are turning (LUV it) nights are shorter and cooler. ALMOST turned the heat on last night, instead I found some polar fleece to wrap in.

Went up north last weekend and was surprised on the lack of leaves which have turned. It was in the 70's, a warm spell for the northern tundra, and Jeff and I went grouse hunting. Well.. I walked with the GPS, he hunted with the 2 dogs.

7 birds, 2 shot - 1 eaten (not by me) the rest got away!

ANNIVERSARY
Tomorrow would have been my parents 65th wedding anniversary. It was always very important to my Mom. I remember when they had their 60th, they were suppose to fly back to MN for a big ole party - a few days before the flight, Dad fell out of bed and cracked his hip. He was never the same after that. It was at that moment when his memory started to slip.I do believe he had a TIA and also suffered oxygen issues when his kidney shut down and his heart went wonkie from the nursing staff NOT noticing he had 2 LITERS of pee in his bladder!!

It backed up to the kidney, the kidney shut down, and in turn the kidneys shut the heart down. I flew down to find him in Cardiac ICU. It was the beginning of the end of my Mom's normal. The last 5 years took 20 off of her vim and vigger.

Damm Florida doctors and that horrible Transitional Care Unit. (Sorry floridians!)

They never fly back to MN again.

My brother will be with my Dad tomorrow. Hopefully he won't even know what day it is, we are not telling him since he does better without being reminded of Mom.

sigh....

I gaze at the lovely picture taken in February of my Mom and Dad together - the last picture of them together. Dad has his arm slung over Moms shoulders (like always) and Mom's arm is around his waist. She has an angelic smile and he has his quirky smart alec smile but with tenderness. What a gift.

I love you Mom!
I love you Dad!

Gentle hugs both across the miles to Florida and to heaven, too many miles separate the two.

Thats all in Shandland.... trying to carry on!

Friday, September 14, 2012 12:53 AM CDT

GOod Afternoon!

Actually typing this from lunch at work. Busy busy busy

DAVIS
Plugging along with school, working some with Jeff - gotta earn room and board ya know. Many nights he cooks us dinner. He really likes to cook. And I'm not saying hotdogs, I'm saying roasted chicken and elaborate side dishes, steak wrapped in bacon stuffed with cheese, last night he made a tuna ring salad with cheese, peas, all the stuff I love! It was nummy at lunch today.

KILIAN
There is nothing cuter then to hear a little voice come running to you shouting "Gammie!" Or a little hand bringing you his favorite book to read, or when he grabs your hand to go outside and play in the sand. The kids are doing a great job with him. One thing I know is that he LOVES his "gampie". Jeff always talks about animals, goes to the zoo with him and Davis, has him "help" whatever he is doing. That boy is ALL boy! He is very like his papa at that age. Davis was tireless, interested in pretty much everything and copied everything you did with a smile.

I remember Davis singing the whole song "Take me out to the ballgame" before he was 3. He was such an articulate speaker. And memory? He could beat me at memory cards at age 3. Quite the picture memory that boy has. Still does.

DARREL
Has his "meet and greet" at his new job today. Starts Monday. This company is fascinating and is all over the world, so maybe or maybe not something will come of it. It is only for 3 months, but it would be a nice "in" if they decide to hire. I guess they are working on a specific project.

BRETT
Going on his first "field trip" this year to Wyoming in a few weeks. He turns 21! WHAT? My baby is 21?? on the 10th. We were getting him a new 1 man tent for his trips, and had to order it early since this field trip is on the 4th.

He sure has fun at college - now that his bestie friends are his room mates. He's a great kid. I can always count on him to call me just to say he loves me. How great is that?

My job is fun, taxing, emotional. Putting people on hospice or talking them thru the grieving process isn't always fun, but it sure is rewarding.

Sometimes they just want to talk.

MOM
My brother is going this weekend to Florida to help close down the folks house, Jeff and I are going the week afterwards. It'll be difficult to walk in there when my Mom is gone... same furniture, same essence, but no presence.

Seeing my Dad the same weekend for his 87th birthday and I hope to do something fun with him. Very strange to do it without his other half. Last night I woke up and for some reason was thinking about making gravy at thanksgiving. I was trying hard to remember how my Mom did it - she made super gravy. I got to a point where I just couldn't remember and thought - "I'll call her tomorrow and clarify" and then... I remembered. These are the hard times.

This might sound weird, but if the times are not hard any more, does that mean it isn't as important? I know in my head no, but my heart kinda wants to say yes. Does one harden themselves so it doesn't hurt to look at a picture and think about how it all went down? Is that what happens?

Just some interesting thoughts.

Thats all in Shandland, carry on!

Monday, September 10, 2012 7:46 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He is the most fantastic, generous, real child. You will always know where you stand with him. He does not play petty games with words and actions. I respect him for that and many others can learn from it. He will mature his techniques - don't we all? I remember when I was his age, I didn't say 2 words. I was extremely shy and my head screamed what I wanted to say, and nothing came out. I wasted a lot of years hiding.

My kids were raised to be themselves, advocate for themselves and to stand up for others who could not. They were allowed to tell us if they didn't agree BUT it had to be done respectfully. Sometimes it was, sometimes not. It was a learning curve and kids are emotional machines. Thats why its OUR job to be the adults, to calmly guide, to calmly redirect and to step back and let them live their lives, even if we can see it may not be whats best (at least according to our eyes). In the end, the boys have minds of their own and are not afraid to stand up for themselves and those they love.

My childhood was stifled. You did not talk, you did not compromise, you did not discuss an opinion. We had fun doing family things, but there was no communication. It was not healthy. I'm proud we raised our kids to be themselves and to nurture their independence. The world is tough out there. People are not always what they appear to be and unfortunately there are people who's whole life is to make others miserable.

CONTROL... to control every aspect of another - to not advocate independence and nurture with love and positiveness... use control and pettiness. I see parents who do nothing but control every movement, every thought, every breath. What satisfaction does that give a parent? How does someone grow to be independent with that control? I'm suffocating just thinking of it.

Our priest said Jeff and I will probably not make it - we met when we were 16. We married at 23. We started a family at 27. and.... we lived through our son's cancer. Did you know most parents get divorced who have cancer kids? A true statistic. What I'm saying is that NO ONE has the right to say who's relationship is right or wrong. If that was the way of it, we never would have been married, we never would have had 3 beautiful boys.

Do not judge....

My boys have all choosen "interesting" girls over the years. Some I cringed, some I loved, some I respected, some pissed me off. Bottom line - it was none of my business. If it was right, it would be right. If it was wrong, it would be wrong. They had to learn themselves.

My boys have gotten stronger and better at learning what they want in life, out of a relationship, out of a friend. It is a process we all go thru, learn, live, love.

I'm proud of every single one of my boys. I'm proud of their choices and their ability to roll with the choices. Heck, I'm still making choices and rolling with the choices..

It is what life is about.

I am here to pick up pieces if ASKED
I am here to listen and keep my mouth shut
I am here to be their parent for the rest of my life

But most importantly, I am here to let them be who and what they want to be

The hardest and most important thing I ever did for my boys was to step back and let them grow into adults.

It is also the most rewarding.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 7:51 PM CDT

Good Evening!

I feel kinda sad and betrayed today. I recently found out that people are reading this sacred CB site, which was created because my son was dying at one point and we needed every prayer we could get.... some people are using what I type on this site against innocent others.

I feel violated, I feel Davis is violated due to this being his site, and one day will be printed for a record of his cancer journey and the hardships and wonderful-ships he and the whole family has endured

Why do I continue to write? Because cancer is forever. Cancer haunts you every day. Cancer changes things in your body that can never be fixed. Cancer changes things in your emotions that can never go back.

Childhood cancer especially. Cancer makes these children loose their childhood. Cancer makes kids face adult situation, see death, see suffering daily. Why should an 11 yo see his new cancer buddy/friend die before his eyes? How can this be alright? Have you ever seen actual suffering in ones eyes? Because its there. Have you actually seen what pain looks like in a childs eyes? Because its there.

How does one recover from those horrors. The war of cancer, not much different then any other war. Innocents die. Innocents suffer. Innocents watch their family change. Grief is everywhere as you make a new normal.

So... for someone to violate my site - I say - I hope God has somewhere special for your evil heart. I hope you can look at yourself, I mean actually LOOK at yourself and your heart and ask - if I replayed this on TV and had to look at my actions, would I be able to go to bed and say I'm proud of what I did, I'm proud of who I am, and God will look at me and say... I'm so proud of the POSITIVE difference you've made in other peoples lives. Why do some people find it so hard to be POSITIVE

You should be ashamed of yourself and if your not, God help you and all those who'se lives you touch.

Sunday, September 2, 2012 1:51 PM CDT

UPDATE: Darrel got a JOB! Not the big kahuna one, but better then his last. 3 mo contract - in a medical facility. Hopefully it'll give him a boost of experience to get him into my company? He needed the medical experience. YEA YEA YEA


HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Good Afternoon!

Gotta be honest, wrote this twice and lost it twice and got fed up with typing it, so that’s why the update is so late.

DAVIS
He is up north with Britt for the weekend and Gampie and Gammie have Kilian. He is teething…. Just how many teeth can this kid get??? And drooling, a tiny bit 2 ish if ya know what I mean. Very fun watching his active imagination!

This kid can PLAY - he has his cars, his “guys” his animals, likes sto play outside at every turn. Jeff set up his hunting pop up tent and K thinks that’s the bomb. Davis is back to school and is over over over anxious to be DONE, but he has 1 more year.

DARREL
Unfortunately lost his job to Best Buy for by lay off. Not a surprise, it actually took longer then I thought. He has a few irons in the fire and could use SOME SOLID PRAYERS that he gets the one that actually has benefits and PAYS what he is worth! Its for a larger company. I wish this so much for him!

BRETT
Starts school Tuesday. He is looking for a job too. I had to laugh just a tiny bit because he thought he was going to be rich with student loans/grants until I told him that total was for the whole year… he thought it was for 1 semester! Burst his happy bubble.

JEFF
Started college Wednesday. He is going for commercial building inspection. He has a very good friend who is in the business and if the moons line up with the stars lines up with jupiter, he’ll have a REAL job within the year! I’m talkin job with benefits and pays ON TIME!! O I can’t even begin to tell you how much that would mean to me. Feast or famine gets very old.

I love my job. I do. We recently merged with Park Nicollet, not sure exactly what that means. Probably more work. I currently have almost 200 cancer patients. It was very hard this week to get a call at 8:00 am from my patients wife of 3 weeks to say he died last week. I had been leaving him messages because I couldn’t get a hold of him. It was hard - she was devastated.

She told me something, that makes this job so what I love, so worth it

“When my husband got off the phone with you, he was glowing and he spoke a mile a minute about things you discussed. I think he told you things he wasn’t able or willing to open up about with others. I know he was looking forward to talking to you again. I want to thank you for giving my husband what he needed before he died”

Wow… wow…. Thank YOU. Its not me, its all of us being advocates and support for those who need it. He could have spoken to any of us cancer coordinators and it would be the same. I was the lucky one.

Going up north almost every weekend. Its so beautiful. I was up there last weekend with my sister, sister-in-law, and adopted sister (best friend). We laughed, drank, laughed, played games, ate, hiked, talked about ….. things borderline SHOULDN”T be talking about! Haha

I am one lucky lady. I do believe Jeff and I will be going next weekend. End of September he and I will be flying to Florida to close my parents house and be with my Dad for his 87th birthday and what would have been his 65th wedding anniversary. I pray his dementia keeps him from being sad, I don’t think he’ll even know its his anniversary unless we say something. But I KNOW.

I bought a flowering plant for my MIL, its her birthday. I was carrying it back to my car and the thought struck out of the blue, I will never be able to buy my Mom anything again. My Mom loved flowers. It’s these moments that take your breath away and tear you up.

Miss Judy - valid point! In the great northern MN woods, its a tradition to bring up cigars.... not sure why its such a man thing up here. They buy them on the way up and sit by the fire .... I'm anti smoking!

That’s about all in Shandland… Carry on!
 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 10:01 PM CDT

Update will come.... hey, got the pictures done, ok?

Saturday, July 7, 2012 8:38 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Got to take Kilian to the lake last week for the first time this year! He so loves the outdoors - just like his daddy. They played and had some good bonding. He sure loves his Daddy! He is very cute, when he is hungry he points to his belly "get in my belly" and says "hungry"

DARREL
Has a new girl - her name is Amelia - and she is very tall and nice. They compliment each other! She is bubbly and talkative and they seem to speak the same language. The only hard thing was saying her name... its my Moms name and I've never known another Amelia.... and especially this week - it was very hard at times

BRETT
O my... what a traveler! He really had a great time. He is now trying to figure out how to pay for that Ecuardian and West mountain range school trips. It seems Financial Aid didn't calculate right and gave him bum info so he owes quite a bit of deniro. He is getting a job and should be able to get it squared. It only dampened his wonderful time a tiny bit! He took over 1000 pictures and they were very fun to see.

He thinks he'll minor now in biology and his professor said if she gets this grant next summer, she would like Brett to go with her to Cambodia to help her out...

CABIN
Been up north 3 weekends now - 5 days over the 4th. It was gorgeous weather - still hot up there for the great north but in town it was 100's. SO we lucked out being in cooler weather! Sunny days.... warm breezes.... great books

Moms funeral is Saturday. Finally. Its bittersweet. There is a reason I've been so sad the last few weeks. Can't seem to shake it. Keep reminding myself its only been a couple of months. Every time i talk to my Dad I want to cry. He is planning a trip to Hawaii - I told him I'd take him but he had to plan it. I know we'll never go cause he is afraid to fly. A horrible phobia he developed. Thats why he won't be at the funeral.

Today Brett and I did a little 1/2 price book shopping. we both love books. I found 2 books on tape for 3.00. Jeff and I started to listen to them now when we drive 10 hours to the lake and back! Its pretty fun. We then went to Sams and I printed off the 2 pictures for the funeral and got a vase for the flowers. Brett choose the borders and pictures. It made him feel good and was important to him. He is always there to give me a hug because he is sad along with me. I'm trying not to feel like I failed her somehow... I suppose thats natural, I could not fix her and truthfully she did not want to be fixed.

I spoke to Mom while sitting on the dock up north as the water was lapping and the breezes blowing - very serene and peaceful. whenever I see a butterfly I think of Mom and there were alot of them floating around me. She had a few butterfly brooches and seemed to really like them. I bought a willow tree angel holding a butterfly in remembrance - I collect them and now she is amongst my angels.

After next weekend, I'm hoping to go forward and to live my summer, as short as it is. My brother Rich wrote a short booklet with pictures about my Moms early life. I can't wait to see it! He is very good at that stuff. My mom was born at home and her mom was 45 yo at the time. It nearly killed her, no hospitals at that time I guess. Her Mom from Poland and her Dad from Greece - what a combo!

That is all in Shandland, carry on!

Monday, June 25, 2012 8:21 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Heard from Brett!!

Hey Mom! I´m in a Galapagosian internet cafe! okay, so yestererday we went snorkeling and i cut my back on a reef cave and was bleeding a lot and five minutes later we found a black tipped shark! it was coooooool. I´m having a great time and have a lot of stories. I was going to call but you and dad are so hard to get ahold of i figured i would just say it on facebook. i haven´t gotten kidnapped ...or sold into slavery yet. also i haven´t gotten tourista (which is when you get the hershey squirts from drinking the water) but i do have a sun rash and i got stung by wasps that crawled into my swim suit and i have a really itchy rash on my foot that will not go away. I think its from my sandals... oh well. i´m having the time of my life and i miss you and dad and i´ll see you in a little over a week! love you


ahhhhhh what a nice note from a super nice young man!

The lake was really beautiful and peaceful.... love the loons, and we saw a family of grouse. The babies look like little snowballs floating around. There were snow hares baby and mom, hopping in the yard during the mornings. There was one who tried to run around and mom turned around - hopped a few steps and gave it "that look" and that was the end of that. Leaving again friday and will be back on the 4th.... can't wait.

Putting my Moms obit in this week - it'll be published on 7.8. so very hard still

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Thursday, June 21, 2012 9:07 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Those poor lil animals at the Duluth zoo.... who would have thunk that a city on a mountainous hill would have flooding when it all leads to LAKE SUPERIOR! Very very sad

With that said, we leave tomorrow for my nephews graduation party - then instead of spending 200/night, we will drive a few hours north to the cabin. Good excuse to go!

Not sure what the detours will be with all the flooding....

DAVIS
His only school day this summer is Mondays - from 8 till 10pm. He spends the rest of his time working and being with Kilian. Gramps took Kilian to the zoo the other day, I think he enjoyed it just as much as Kilian! O I remember those days!

BRETT
Is in Ecuador and the qalapogos islands. He'll be back 7/4. No cell phone - no email.... we miss him.

DARREL
Saw him a few days, it was really nice to see him. Hopefully we can all go as a family up north - its very hard to get all together.

SCIENCE
My job is going great - its getting easier as the days go by! I have 107 patients to help out. Can't talk about them, but I will say this - having esophogeal cancer - they take your esophagus out - and route one in its place by pulling somethings down and others up to connect a shorter pipe - amazing!

SQUITO
I read where you can email your local "authority" and complain about squitos (thats mosquitos for the non locals) With all the rain, they are nasty. So... thinkin, sure, they give a rats arse, I emailed them that our neighborhood area, which backs up to the park,is being invaded by the little rat finks. Today I received a call on my cell phone from the squito man saying he sprayed our neighborhood and park and hopefully we'll get some reprieve and be able to enjoy our time outside! COOOOOL! Neighbors, I'll take donations for your thank you very much! Gosh, I hope the SPRAY doesn't kill us!

HITCH IN MY GIDDY=UP
I've gotta hitch in my giddy-up if ya know what I mean. I had a viral issue 2 weeks ago which has not quite resolved I think. It started on Friday night we drove to the lake. I was thinkin I ate something bad at lunch.... but it never went away...hmmm, not lunch. Made for a bummer truck ride wanting to barf all 5 hours. At the lake, all I did was read and sleep. Walking across the yard made me exhausted! I'm never sick in the summer! If that wasn't bad enough...

I think it settled in my lower back - few days ago I could not get out of my chair - it hitched and I was like frozen in pain - spasm after spasm - tried stretching, binding, sleeping.... and unfortunately working... SLOWLY eased up the last few days. Got to the chiropractor on a cancellation - she was able to get the muscle to relax, hopefully that'll do the trick. Never had something like that happen before and would prefer someone else enjoy the giddy up.

There was a girl who was out of work for a week - thinkin having lunch with her a few times might not have been in my favor, ya know?

Thats all, o that and lots of rain. My garden wants sun - heck I want sun!

SMOOOOTHIE
Love my smoothie maker Donna gave me. My fav so far is a concoction of fresh blueberries, frozen strawberries, sometimes a banana, and one of those individual chocolate puddings. Milk if necessary. Twirl.... and drink! The pudding and frozen strawberries make it very thick. NUM NUM NUM

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Friday, May 25, 2012 7:10 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Wedding is over....

DAVIS
Kilians Bday is Sunday and Davis does not have him this weekend. We will celebrate him turning TWO 6/2/12, well thats what Davis would like.

Kilian is funny funny boy - wish he'd sit still for a photo! He is a water kid - loves to swim. He is an outdoors kid - would never come in if he was allowed!

DARREL
Still living on his own, never see him.

BRETT
He is in phase 1 of his summer school - Wyoming today, badlands, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone - for his Geology class. He said there was suppose to be SNOW

DAD
He is moving into his new "apartment" Wednesday, and the facility is a very pretty two story rambling housing structure a few miles from my brothers house. It has a nice courtyard and veranda to sit on. This place is geared to brain health and stimulation,its their specialty. Dad will be well taken care of here. They can accommodate him as he gets worse. He has his own apartment and will be living independently to a point, they will make sure he is escorted to 3 meals, house cleaner, laundry, etc. Nursing staff available in case of need.

He has had such a personality change - some days its ok, somedays not. I truly suspect later stage alzheimers. At first I thought infact induced dementia from his TIA's, but with his eratic behaviors, even the death of my Mom doesn't excuse it. I feel doubly sad, like I lost my Mom and my Dad.

At least the good times outweighed the sad times at the wedding. We had a really fun time, and made my Dad play 18 holes of putt putt - he came in 2nd place! He also beat Jeff at poker, altho I think there was a bit of Jeff being nice thrown in there. I could see my Dad's eyes sparkle as he beat Jeff over and over. THANKS JEFF for making my Dad happy for a little while.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND
It is fitting that my brother Rich and my Dad picked up Mom today. He will be driving her back home and her funeral should be the 2nd week in July when my brother will fly my Dad down. I'm having a hard time getting a date with the church due to all the weddings and vacations. We also had to iron out where she can be buried. I'm meeting to order her grave marker in a few weeks. We can finally start the healing process after that.

The sun and sand was very healing for at least that week. I was able to laugh and frolick with my family in a happy moment. When I picked my Dad up Friday to take him to Daytona Beach, I nearly burst into tears. It was very hard to be with him ... alone, because it just wasn't right, and of course he wasn't the Dad I know. Mom would have made it complete, altho I do know she was with us every step of the way, it was terribly obvious that we were all trying to put on a happy festive face for Rich and Pam - and actually, so was he. He had a picture of my Mom on the table and stood up and toasted her saying my Mom should have been here, she died 3 weeks ago. Its ONLY been 3 weeks! No wonder we were so raw.

Today was difficult at work because I had a woman who was my age and was recently hospitalized with cancer complications. I had to call her for a follow up discharge at home. Her daughter answered and stated she was talking to Hospice and could not come to the phone. I asked her if she was the daughter who Mom wanted to stay healthy long enough to see her wedding in a few weeks.... she stated yes.

Deja vu... my heart broke for her, because it was still breaking for me and my brother Rich. I told her I'm terribly sorry for all she had to go thru at this time which should be happy and celebrating. She choked up and said, she is taking what she can and trying to be happy. What a brave woman at a young age... I'm her Mom's age and not so brave, cancer wrecks havic again.

Be safe this memorial weekend. Hug your kids, Hug your parents and make a difference in someones life! This weekend is about remembering all the wonderful times you enjoyed with your loved ones. About honoring their memories and whispering how much you miss them and letting those around you know just how lucky you are they were in you life.

Thats all in Shandland - carry on!

Saturday, May 12, 2012 7:44 PM CDT

Mother's Day Eve...

I can't believe its been 2 weeks since my Mom died. In some ways its been forever, and in others like yesterday. Going to the store to choose a Mother's Day card for my wonderful 2nd Mom, was very very difficult. Now... I only had to buy 1 card, not 2.

I've always considered my self pretty strong, have a good clamp on my emotions and crying isn't a norm. I felt that I would be the one who was stoic and able to get things done. Surprising to me, I am the one who is a mess and not dealing with my emotions well. I laugh and joke, and want to burst into tears the next minute. I'm not sleeping well, and feel sad.

Being the one who was with Mom the most lately - that is, weeks at a time this past year - really getting to know how she was, and what she was hiding, I'm not surprised she died in her sleep. BUT, I didn't think it would be this soon. My head knew, my heart resisted.

I'm leaving Wednesday night for Rich's wedding in Daytona Beach. He gets married on Saturday. Jeff and I are doing NASA on Thursday.... and .... now I found out that Mom's cremains are ready to pick up. Friday, I will pick up Mom. I was suppose to pick up Mom anyway on Friday. Dad too. We were heading to the wedding. Now she will be at the wedding but in a little different way. It will be another sad day.

MOTHERS DAY
Tomorrow I'm celebrating a dual day. I'm doing things my Mom loved which in turn makes my day. We are going to Eau Claire to see Brett and have lunch, the other 2 boys are working.

I made BBQ Beef - homemade with Moms recipe - num
I'm eating rice pudding - she used to make when I was a kid - num
My Mom gave me a butterfly pin - she also had several at home. I'm wearing one tomorrow
I'm making chocolate drop cookies - Mom made them for Dad, his favorite, and I'm bringing them to Florida for him.
I received a 100 gift and was "told" :} to spend it on me. I used it for several things that mean a lot to me. I collect willow angels - I bought an angel for me as a Mothers Day gift which represents my Mom - she is holding a butterfly. I also got a massage.

BUTTERFLY
While Jeff and I planted the garden today in that beautiful sunshine, Jeff said "Hey!" There, on his head, sat a butterfly. The butterfly flew over to a stake near by us and sat there for a long time fluttering her wings.

DOG WHISPERER
I like the show. On May 5th, they were having "Ceasar De Mayo" which was a lot of Ceasar shows in a row. As I was watching, it dawned on me that I was like those dogs. At first, they are emotional, high strung, upset. Then they avoid, look away and pretend it isn't bothering them so they won't react. Eventually they are calm and join life happily once again.

Yes, there was a reason I sat and watched 25 shows. It wasn't until the end that I figured out.... I too need a Dog Whisperer to show me its ok. Right now I'm in the "I want to avoid, be alone and hide" stage just like the pups. I kinda thought that was funny in my quirky way and very clever!

When I returned to work, my new boss who's name happens to be AMY like my Moms, also lost her mom and really had a hard time. She gave me a hug and some advise .... "Don't let anyone dictate how you grieve, when to grieve and how to feel, do what you have to do, when you have to do it" Give myself permission to not be ok sometimes.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!! Truly... I couldn't be happier that you are in heaven breathing clean huge deep breaths of holy air. Now your with your Mom whom I know you missed for almost 50 years. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift for YOU!! And for that, I will be happy this day, after all, Mother's Day is all about you!

Love you Mom

Saturday, April 28, 2012 6:26 AM CDT

Today is very sad for me...

I don't know when it happened. Could have been 4/27 during the day, last night?

My Dad called to say my Mom passed. His concept of time is not very good.

Rest in Peace my beautiful Mama.... You can breath now,

I love you so.....

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 6:43 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Life.... busy. Its hard to go from part time, make up my own schedule, work the days I basically want to.... to a schedule of working 8-5.

Yes, I was spoiled. Yes,it wasn't my doing not having a full time job most of the time. Yes, it came with its own set of hardships.

But.... I loved the freedom of shopping when no one else did. Of going to appointments at any time I wanted by arranging my work schedule. To go on vacation, up north, visiting my parents.

I miss that.

What I love - benefits. My o my is that nice. What I love is a full time pay check. My o my is THAT nice. I DO work my little fanny off for it. The days fly by and I'm only at half capacity. And the meetings? yuk I can't believe how many hours my arse has been in a conference room.

66 cancer patients I'm coordinating. 60-80 more coming on a registery next week - it comes once a month - and I have to call all of them. Most will opt out, some will not. It will add to my 65. After this month I should be over 100.

Then there is the sad part - putting 2 people on hospice today. Their spirit? THEY were not sad! I still learn so much from the positive spirit of those with cancer. It is why I'm where I'm at, life has so many lessons. I hope I become a better person for it.

I'm one lucky girl, in many ways.

Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:29 AM CDT

HOPPY EASTER!!!

What a gorgeous sunny day..... its beautiful

Yesterday we had a "Pierson" Pre-easter. 29 people.

My brother Jeff brought over his 4 newly adopted children. First time we met them. He is 56, with a family of 3 boys and 1 girl ages almost 2 to 9 with abuse issues from their previous life. PLEASE say an Easter prayer for them. He looks exhausted. Welcome: Jacob, Jason, Jordan, JayLee

My brothers other children and their children came. My brother Rich and fiance pam, sister JoAnn and her boyfriend and son, my childhood best friend Lisa (who is having a hard time after the death of her brother and husband) and her Mom is terminal, trying to bring some joy to her..

And of course my crew.

We had BBQ shredded turkey with everyone bringing a dish to share.... what fun!

Today - Shand annual Easter. What a beautiful weekend. Wish my Mom, Dad and brother Marc and crew were here.

LUV to you all....

Sunday, March 25, 2012 9:01 PM CDT

Good Evening!

WOW, what a nice weekend, altho I did have to turn the furnace back on today, it only got to 65. Can you believe MN in March with 2 weeks in the 70's? I have never ever experienced this here, and it was pretty nice. The only problem is the mosquitos are out... yep... already ick

DAVIS
Really, not much to say except he has his yearly Cancer Check 3/29. He has been a naughty boy and hasn't gone since 2009. Last year was because he lost his insurance and we haad to wait until now.

He is getting an echo too. His heart was damaged a bit from the chemo.

KILIAN.
As you can see from the pictures he is getting big. The other side is demanding his crib (they have one...) which means we'll have to find him somewhere to sleep. Sigh... Lets punish the child.

He is SOOOO boy. It is very obvious that they are truly born boys - he is very good at entertaining himself. He loves to play and has a pretty good imagination. He also really likes books. Thats where I come in! :} I taught him patty cake this week and he thinks thats incredibily funny.

BRETT
Was here on spring break and I'm sad to see him go tonight. We had a nice dinner. He'll be here for Easter, and I'm having a Pre-Easter dinner on Saturday - for my side of the family. We are just going to have some fun foods and chill.

DARREL
His car is broke - my brother lent him is extra junker. Hoping its the serpatine belt.. pray, no one has any money to purchase a car of any kind! He is pretty stressed out, but... thats part of life.

Trying to make arrangements for my brothers wedding in Orlando May 19. YIKES. With my new job, taking some days isn't so cool... but they are letting me. Its by our 29th Wedding anniversary so Jeff and I are going to look at it like that - its been a long time since we had a vacation out of state.

My job is going fantabulous so far. I've been in training for 3 weeks. Tomorrow I start my preceptorship for a week I think, then they turn me loose. I've been waiting for this week so I can put the training to use. It won't be till that time for it all to come together. I have 2 monitors on my desk because you have to run 4 programs at the same time for every call.

Thats all in Shandland.. carry on!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 7:31 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He received his student loan so is a happy camper. He and Brittany have worked out a visitation schedule. She is now at home and they split Kilian time. She is trying to get her self in a place thats independent, and needs this time. Sometimes just because you love someone doesn't mean your right for each other.... still hard

KILIAN
His vocabulary is increasing. He is discovering new things like switching on lights, crawling out of his crib, opening front doors, and brushing his teeth.

My job started today and I have to say..... the people have been super nice, my "cubicle" is fairly roomy and they said - do with it what you want. MY OWN SPACE. For 3 weeks I'm in orientation training. I listened in to the other cancer nurse's phone call, and if thats what its about - it'll be a breeze. Just like triage, but opposite.

Now if I can find some clothes to wear and shoes that don't kill my feet....

Thats all in Shandland! Thank you for the kind words my friends! Cary on!

Saturday, March 3, 2012 7:29 AM CST

Good Morning!

Been up since 4 am... sigh

There are many things bouncing around in the tiny recesses of my mind. Some of it pretty big, some fluff. This journal, my RN license and what it signifies, the book I started (note started)lifes direction both hardships and blessings. What am I really looking for? Where do I really want to go and... am I ready since I just started nursing?

Finding some hardships are shaping my blessings. Some hardships make me question my lifes direction. In the end I give it up to God and what will be will be. I trust his direction, I trust when I actually empty my thoughts and tell him to do what he thinks best and I stop thinking and worrying about it,just go with the flow. Deep down I know I have no control of my fate, its how I get there, roads I take and decisions I make that decide how long it'll be before it arrives. How do I know when I'm there?

Today I find myself a little scared. Scared he put a big project in my lap that perhaps I'm not ready for. That I feel might show me up for being a bullshitter. Yes I have passion, but do I have the talent? Instead of the talent, do I just have the ability to make people THINK I have the talent?

A week ago Monday I was sitting in Brooklyn Center doing my OB/GYN triaging with the Lead RN of that clinic. She had the job board up because she had put a job in it for her department and was checking on it. Since my last job fiasco of having a "failed trial period" I've avoided the job board like the flu. But I was kinda curious what was out there for RN jobs.

I glanced over at her screen and jokingly asked if there was any exciting RN jobs out there? As I glanced over I saw the word "Cancer" on the first job board line and I caught my breath. She said there weren't a lot of RN positions mostly LPN. I asked what that cancer one was (she knows my passion) and she read the title. I turned back to my monitor and continued my triaging of women asking for help.

Later that day I felt a virtual slap on my cheek. A knuckle to my forhead and a rap on my jaw. BOOM, the word cancer danced in front of my eyes... my mind started to wander and wonder what this cancer job was.

I took a deep breath and opened it up to read. My heart pounding remembering how the last job made me feel like a failure in mind and spirit. The job was looking for an RN with 3 years experience to coordinate care for cancer patients - its a free service from HealthPartners. WOW, cool.... unfortunately I didn't have 3 years, too bad for me.

I closed the board.

A few hours later the same virtual slap happened again, and I opened the job back up and re-read it. Perhaps I can apply and perhaps they MIGHT just overlook the 3 years. This job was CALLING me, it was BEGGING me to apply. So I did. It was a very difficult thing for me to do, I felt I owed so much to my supervisor for taking me back nurturing me to the RN I needed to be. She was a gift from God at a time of hurt. So, with a smile and a laugh of what difference does it make if I apply, they'll never ask for an interview, I hit submit.

The next day I received an email inviting me to an interview in 2 days.... o boy, what ever did I do?? Now I'm really in trouble! I wrote my supervisor and told her what happened and told her I had to check it out - I could not let it go. And she told me to go seek my heart with her blessings. God I love her.

The first woman I interviewed with we clicked, man we CLICKED. She and I were the same age with the same type of life story. We got each other... and I was happy just being there. She brought me to the next interviewer with a wink... hmmm, the head of the department gave me a wink? what did that mean? She told me she had several more candidates to interview. The next person was young, and had this BeBe shirt on with sparkles. I was so distracted over the sequins I had a hard time concentrating and thought, o well. I tried. That was on Thursday afternoon.

Monday I got word that 3 of my references were contacted... my heart pounded. Thats good, right? My references were 3 women whom I work closely with now. They are a lovely set of women and I respect so much that I would clean toilets for them if thats what they needed. All three gave me the gift of a good reference, and, because of them I was offered the job the next day.

O. MY. GOD - literally

They offered me money that was a LOT more then what I was making now and asked if "that was acceptable". Really?? Hell yah! I would have worked for half that amount! So not only was I blessed with a job I needed but with money that would put us back on the map, it was a job that I WANTED and dreamed about! and.. am scared about. I start Tuesday.

It feels good typing this out - I keep thinking I'm not worthy for this job - its too big for me, I haven't earned it and perhaps not qualified. Maybe the money has me thinking this? How can they pay me for something I WANT to do? It puts it into a category of pressure. YIKES.

So, with this said, I ask that you pray, send good juju, smile and say its ok, follow my heart, follow Gods plan and suck it up! Pray that this job IS a great fit and I can finally make a mark in someones life thats cancer related and in a way that I hoped I could one day achieve. I NEED to pay back. I NEED to use my talents for cancer. After Davis, it is my calling because we were given a second chance on life with our son because of those that gave all of themselves to cancer kids. I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I OWE it to be there for others in some capacity. Davis should for all purposes be dead. He was dead for a few seconds. But for the talent of people in the field, for doing something thats damm hard to do (work with kids that die on a regular basis) they saved my sons life.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on and I will too!

Sunday, February 26, 2012 9:51 AM CST

Good Morning!

Killing time before I start to tackle taxes. Worked 2 weeks in a row and my motivation is low for something that is annoying to do!

DAVIS
Work, Kilian, School. He seems to be doing alright. He likes delivering pizza.... and our garage is filled with pizza boxes from the pizzas he brings home. Jeff said he doesn't care if he ever sees another Pizza Hut pizza! It doesn't seem to slow Davis down tho... yuck

KILIAN
He is getting bigger and his personality is too. His favorite word right now is "no". Everything is "no" even when its yes.

When he brushes his teeth, he wants to stay in the bathroom and play, everything is play play play and to get him out is no no no

He is an outdoor kind of kid. The other day when Jeff was watching him, Jeff ran out the front door to get his phone out of the car, he shut the 2 doors behind him. When he turned around, there was Kilian - bare feet - standing in the snow next to him. Needless to say, the front door is now always locked! How the heck did he learn to open two doors???? at 21 months sooo clever

Then came the other day when Jeff put him down for a nap upstairs on the 2nd floor (Davis was home in the basement) After about 20 minutes Jeff said he heard little pitter patter of feet, and Jeff thought Davis had Kilian, but oh no, Kilian had crawled out of his crib and came down a whole flight of steps to play... yikes. We do not have carpet on any of our floors.... hardwood. Can't believe that kid didn't break his head getting out of the crib or slip coming down the steps.

So thats to say we've been busy.

DARREL
Do not see him since he moved out - getting his grown up groove in

BRETT
After reading about the 4 girls going back to college and getting into a car crash and die -- my heart squeezes everytime he travels in WI. You just never ever know. He assured me he won't travel in the snow. thats how those girls died.

I had a job interview Thursday for a "Cancer Care Coordinator" at corporate. Its a job in an area I want to be. I'm 50/50 about it. I know they interviewed several people and I didn't have the best qualifications RN wise. (you have to be an RN) but if its meant to be - it will be!

Thats all in Shandland - carry on!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:15 PM CST

Good Evening!

Sorry no update, been a little busy which of course is good and bad.

My Mom's angiogram went superbly - catscan shows 80lockage, angiogram shows 0... ??? I'd like a little of those prayers sent my way! Someone has an in with the big man upstairs!

She was a trouper with the biopsy of her thyroid - 10 needles put into her neck, into the thyroid and tissue removed.

YIKES

I could not even watch. My Mom has a pain tolerance like no other. Probably where Darrel gets it and to tell you the truth I think I'm pretty darn good to, if people only knew.

The week in 80 degrees was healing in many ways. It was great to see my Mom looking better if not frailer, yet her color and sparkle was back in her eyes. She has "spells" and I'm not sure where that'll lead to. Quality of life, thats all I wish for them both. They are 85 & 86 living by themselves with a house.

They take care of that house - with some hired help - but its still a house with a yard.

Will update later - wanted to get this in fast. My Mom's 85th birthday is March 7th. She picked out the pretty outfit for her birthday (my gift) because all her clothes hang on her - 119 lbs

Thats all in Shandland that I can squeak out - carry on!

Saturday, January 28, 2012 4:41 PM CST

Monday, January 30, 2012

** HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY my lil Dare-Bear, Mom can NOT believe my lil boy is all grown up at 25.... LUV YOU!!! **

Good Evening!

It sure was windy cold today, made me shiver....

Went to my sister JoAnn's daughters hockey game. She is a high schooler. She played our city. My brother and his fiance came and we met for lunch before hand. It was very fun. We got to see her ex-husband whom we had not seen in a while. He's a nice guy and it was nice to talk to him and his parents. It was a sad divorce situation, but they are friends.

I lost the pin my Mom gave me in the shape of a butterfly - made out of antique metal, with a purple stone in it. I feel horribly sad. My Mom hasn't given me a lot of things and this was one thing that meant a lot to me. I had it on my winter jacket and just noticed it was gone.

Packing my suitcase - leaving Monday a.m. for Florida - looks like its in the 70's :}

Going to see the movie One for the Money tomorrow, can't wait!

Darrel had a nice bday dinner last night with us. Jeff out did himself with his ribs and such. It's been a nice few days!

Thats all in Shandland - Carry on!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 4:24 PM CST

Good Evening!

WOW, 2 updates in 1 week.

DAVIS
Making loaded baked potato soup today with baguette bread, veggies and dip. He sure likes to cook. So does Jeff - you never know what he'll concoct. Sometimes soup and grilled tortilla sandwiches, sometimes meatloaf, sometimes spaghetti pie, mexican....

I'm kinda liking it, and getting lazy

AND they both clean the kitchen up!

KILIAN
He continues to make us laugh. Jeff got him to sit in his sled last night and he pulled him all over. We finally got enough snow on the grass to do it.. he thought he was pretty darn cute. He also likes to go into every drawer. I recently found 2 spoons, a cap to my blender in the garbage. Jeff found 2 more spoons and another cap in his boots. Sneaky little one

DARREL
25 years old Monday. We are celebrating Friday since he has to work Sunday and Monday night. Saturday I'm sure he is "celebrating" his way. Didn't want to interfer with that! Jeff is making bbq ribs, waffle fries, beans, green fluffy marshmellow pistachio stuff and a mini cheesecake. Who needs a large cheesecake? Not MY butt

He downloaded some books on my kindle so I'm all set to go with that, I'm hoping he can transfer some music off my laptop on it too.

BRETT
Delivered his truck yesterday and got my car back. We had breakfast at Perkins. He said his first day of geology class was a 20 point quiz - oops He also stated he sits next to the smartest kid in chemestry - which is good! That and math - not his strong point, altho he does ok.

Leaving Monday, returning Friday from Florida. Mom is having her fine needle aspiration of the thyroid aka biopsy. Heard they do like 14 areas. The next day she has her 4-5 hour angiogram so we know the extent of the blockage and exactly where it is. Answers will dictate a lot of things. I had them tell me what her TSH was, thyroid count, and altho it was high, it was high normal. so THATs good.

Mom was very relieved to hear I'll be there. I paid more for this flight then I've EVER paid to go to Florida. Here I thought the price would drop the closer I was and in fact it rose quite a bit. I probably am paying 100 more then I should have if I had jumped on it last week. The only problem was I didn't know what I was doing on which day last week.

I had a man at work have somekind of episode on me the last 10 minutes of my shift Sunday. The aid got me - the man was on the toilet, eyes rolling back, not speaking, passing out. His vitals were all normal except for his breathing was rapid.

After he was stable and was back to normal - the other nurse and I poured over his chart - going page by page from the hospital. His hx stated he had MRI of the brain for TIA's and a hx of all kinds of cardiac problems. Could have been a TIA, seizure.... ?? Not sure the outcome of that one. The other nurse stated she hates that room... she had a woman die in her arms when she just... died. Her heart stopped and she was a DNR/DNI - so no CPR.

Not much else to bore you all with - Thats all in Shandland - carry on!

Monday, January 23, 2012 8:39 PM CST

Good Evening!

I've read a few CB sites lately, new ones... always new ones. WHY? Ryan, the newest... chemo no longer works for him, he is the age Davis was, and he has T-Cell like Davis. The doctors told him he will die. I'm copying something he wrote on his FB site.... "Rooting for Ryan", how tragic is this???

"My chemo us not working anymore and cancer is getting worse again. I don't know how much time I have left but it's not long."

What child should have to write something like this? What child should have to even THINK of this vs playing basketball? video games?

It literally breaks my heart in pieces....

DAVIS
My son survived and believe.you.me... not a day goes by that I don't forget that. That I don't re-live part of those dark days, that will always be a part of me.... and my son survived. How do those Moms do it? Pull themselves together?

Davis started back to college, was there one day and then they had a holiday break. Kinda funny. We have Kilian today/night - he is just too dang adoreable!

He is learning how to actually play, interact with amazing intelligence. At 20 months he likes to mimic. Putting on lotion - he'll analyze that lotion bottle until the cap is off and he is putting it on YOUR hands, not his! Then he tries so hard to screw it back on. Pens... Knows which end is which - pulls the cap off and tries very hard to recap it. I thought I could pull one on him and I capped the writing end - he took one look at that - turned it over and looked at me like... really? do you think I'm that dumb? Promptly pulled it off and started to write on his paper.

An analyzer... o boy. Look out electronics! and everything else not nailed down.

Davis is working at Pizza Hut - he decided he can't wait for a student loan, can't stand being flat broke ALL THE TIME. He is soooo much happier with a little dinero in his pocket! He makes anywhere from 40 - 100 a night in tips PLUS 7.50 an hour. Not a bad gig.

BRETT
His breaks went totally. The mechanic didn't get to it on Saturday and informed us that he will NOT let anyone drive it out of the lot. It had NO breaks. 400.00 later, the lines and drums and whatever they said had to be replaced - they burst I guess. So Brett took my car to WI because he started back on Monday, his car wasn't done until today - so Jeff will be driving to WI tomorrow to trade my car for his truck. What a pain.

DARREL
He is really enjoying being out on his own again. I saw his apartment (had to jump his battery went dead) and its really really nice. He is doing great. His battery made 2 in 2 weeks - Brett also needed a battery. CARS grrrr

My Mom has 80lockage on both sides of her carotid, and when they did that scan they found a mass on her thyroid. She needs biopsies and heart angiograms. My Dad's dementia dictates someone has to be there. I'm flying out Sunday and will be back Friday. Only miss 2 days of work thankfully.

If she needs surgery, I'll fly down in March when I have more time to give - and her cardiologist stated that would be fine. We'll know more about her thyroid then, if she needs that surgery, we'll do it all at once or close to all at once.

Thats all in Shandland for now, not updating much, this time of year is hard for me to be social - tend to hide a lot.

Carry on!

Saturday, December 31, 2011 6:00 PM CST

HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS! May God bless you and your family with peace of mind, peace of heart and that you share God's gifts bestowed on each of you to make this world a peaceful place!

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH

Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
We are family.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

(child)
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
We are family.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 8:54 PM CST

Merry New Year!

What a wonderful holiday.

DAVIS
Getting over a bad head cold, so he was a little bit miserable. He raked in some hunting gear, computer gear and candy, lots of candy.

KILIAN
Unfortunately it hasn't snowed for his Grammy gifted sled. It still makes a cool climbing apparatus. He really didn't care about presents - at all. Didn't unwrap any of them. Dad got him a cool basketball hoop - he can ALMOST reach it.

DARREL
He raked in a variety of things for his new pad. I was thrilled that his favorite gift was a large picture album I put together of him as a little tyke. He glowed reading it. I think the other favorite was his Kindle Touch

BRETT
Hiking gear was the theme with a camera to have proof he did all the hiking. I can not believe how much a hiking waterproof pair of pants cost.

My Birthday was quiet with my brother, his fiance, my sister and a birthday-sister (we share the same day) came over for quiche, biscuits and gravy with sausage and baoon. Jeff out did him self!

We went over to the Shands for a honey baked ham dinner which was ubba delish. We had some great conversation and read the Night Before Christmas. During the story, everytime you said the word "the" you passed a gift card to the person on your left. At the end of the story is the gift card you get.

We went downstairs for the annual pictures - which were not very successful this year - at least not for me. Kilian hated every minute of it! So... we got what we got.

After a great evening, we came home and the kids present opening began - 2 hours worth!

I always have the kids open one gift at a time. Of course we have Brittany with us too, so we add another kid! :}

For their last present, they got a box that looked like a small house. Inside were 2 notes apiece. It was the lyrics to the "red solo cup" song. In each stanza there was a clue highlighted. They had to solve it, find the envelope where a piece of a picture was. After collecting all 8 pieces, they had to put the picture together and solve where their gifts were (outside on the deck)

The gift from their grandparents in Florida was hidden in the trunk of my car, mainly because I could not lift them. Grandma/dad got them each a fireproof security safe to put their valuable in - at college and at the new apartment for Darrel. Davis - from Kilian!

My Kindle Fire has me shaking my head trying to figure it out. But once I do - movies, books.... music... all mine baby! Wii Fi too, so its a little computer. That and an electric start for my car - I can't be smug about that until it gets cold and snows!

We had 52 degrees on Christmas.... a record!

Thats all in Shandland - Carry On! and...

HAPPIEST most PEACEFUL most MEANINGFUL New Year! 2012

Thursday, December 22, 2011 7:13 PM CST

Good Evening!

Two more days till xmas eve. It came very fast this year. Brett and Davis are done with the semester, Bretts on his way home tonight.

Darrel is settling in his new apartment and seems very happy with it.

Jeff is making me a nice brunch for my birthday, than we'll go to his folks for dinner, and back home for family time.

I work on xmas day.... booo

Tomorrow I work and get double time, which is weird since its Friday! I'll take anything :)

Have a Merry Safe Peaceful Caring Christmas. Remember the reason for the season...

C H R I S T - mas

LUV & HUGS to all from Shandland.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 9:25 AM CST

*** Pictures (you can see the exhaustion on that poor boys face)

Good Morning!

DAVIS
22... twenty two.... two two
When Davis got cancer he was 11, one one.

Double digits.

He has come so far. He is becoming a wonderful young man. He is using the gifts God gave him, when he saved his life, to save others.

I knew there was a reason he lived. I also knew I would not know what it was until it was placed before us. When Davis was 12, he wrote that "Ten things I want to do before I die" list. He had being a fire fighter on it.

So... that is where he started. He had to take his EMT first, and, discovered he was good at it - he liked it and was GOOD at it. He saw how he changed other peoples lives and it made him feel great.

I think the clincher was last year when he was doing a hospital run and they brought a small child to the hospital for some emergency. Davis did his thing helping her and left the room. Later that night as they were getting ready to leave for another run, Davis heard his name called

He looked up and a little girl came running across the room and grabbed his knees and gave him an ubba big hug thanking Davis for helping her. Davis melted.

DARREL
Moved out....I miss him already in many ways, but finding a box full of missing dishes, being able to get at dust thats been around for years and seeing the inside of the garage - I DO NOT MISS! He moved in with a friend girl (not a girlfriend) in a nice 2 bedroom place in Apple Valley. O boy - will she have a rude awakening! We tease Darrel for being like pigpen... he always leaves a trail of crumbs behind him. The being neat gene was lost on my eldest...

BRETT
He quit his job and will be home this weekend to study for his finals next week. We have to find him a bed! His job said he could only take 2 weeks off for xmas break... um... that would mean he would have to drive 3 hours a day to work and he promptly said no thanks. Really? These people KNEW he was a college kid from MN?

KILIAN
Discovered chocolate. I mean he LOVES chocolate. That child is a very picky eater, but obviously is all norwegian, because they Looove their chocolate! My grandma lived to 98 on chocolate and nuts. She only died because she got pancreatic cancer.

We will have a busy weekend. Continue to move Darrel, volleyballers party here on Saturday (couple friends when we USED to play volleyball!) and Sunday we are celebrating Jeff and Davis's birthday with the families.

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 9:25 AM CST

*** Pictures

Good Morning!

DAVIS
22... twenty two.... two two
When Davis got cancer he was 11, one one.

Double digits.

He has come so far. He is becoming a wonderful young man. He is using the gifts God gave him, when he saved his life, to save others.

I knew there was a reason he lived. I also knew I would not know what it was until it was placed before us. When Davis was 12, he wrote that "Ten things I want to do before I die" list. He had being a fire fighter on it.

So... that is where he started. He had to take his EMT first, and, discovered he was good at it - he liked it and was GOOD at it. He saw how he changed other peoples lives and it made him feel great.

I think the clincher was last year when he was doing a hospital run and they brought a small child to the hospital for some emergency. Davis did his thing helping her and left the room. Later that night as they were getting ready to leave for another run, Davis heard his name called

He looked up and a little girl came running across the room and grabbed his knees and gave him an ubba big hug thanking Davis for helping her. Davis melted.

DARREL
Moved out....I miss him already in many ways, but finding a box full of missing dishes, being able to get at dust thats been around for years and seeing the inside of the garage - I DO NOT MISS! He moved in with a friend girl (not a girlfriend) in a nice 2 bedroom place in Apple Valley. O boy - will she have a rude awakening! We tease Darrel for being like pigpen... he always leaves a trail of crumbs behind him. The being neat gene was lost on my eldest...

BRETT
He quit his job and will be home this weekend to study for his finals next week. We have to find him a bed! His job said he could only take 2 weeks off for xmas break... um... that would mean he would have to drive 3 hours a day to work and he promptly said no thanks. Really? These people KNEW he was a college kid from MN?

KILIAN
Discovered chocolate. I mean he LOVES chocolate. That child is a very picky eater, but obviously is all norwegian, because they Looove their chocolate! My grandma lived to 98 on chocolate and nuts. She only died because she got pancreatic cancer.

We will have a busy weekend. Continue to move Darrel, volleyballers party here on Saturday (couple friends when we USED to play volleyball!) and Sunday we are celebrating Jeff and Davis's birthday with the families.

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 8:50 PM CST

Saturday..... Davis has his 22 birthday - WOW is what I think every year, and very grateful and blessed

Sad yet fateful story, a young woman was pregnant and had a blood test as usual when your pregnant. While the platelets were being looked at - the lab noticed some unusual cells - and I can only imagine that the lab tech was a wonderful lab tech to see something they were not even looking for.

Turned out to be the first state of leukemia... they found 15f her cells had blasts (Davis had over 80 by the time we knew)

Her baby was induced at less than 30 weeks.

She started chemo right away.

If she had not been pregnant - she probably would not have found out until it was late in the cancer game. Fate is funny sometimes. She has AML - a very tough cancer. I pray for her...

Saturday, December 3, 2011 7:59 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Had a 12 hour stint at Mercy Hospital. It snowed ice pellets just enough so it was very slippery at 5am but not enough for the sanders to come out and treat.

He was coming down Cliff Road, tried to stop for the red light.... slid out in the highway.... and was sliced in the front end by a medium size truck.

Davis states he was literally stopped when the guy hit him - I'm thinkin the guy wasn't paying attention otherwise he would have changed lanes. Oh well, thats what no fault is for I guess.

He ran to the truck and asked if he was hurt - Mr. EMT status mode. The man came out of the car swinging and swearing at Davis. Davis told him to back off, "I'm an EMT, are you hurt anywhere?" The man shouted NO, so Davis told him to call the BPD w/o injuries so they would not send out an ambulance.

The cop asked Davis if it was possible he fell asleep at the wheel. Davis absolutely denied that happened. That intersection has had many deadly accidents. The cop said his nephew was a paramedic student - and fell asleep at the wheel after a clinical and died.

Davis has finals - mock trauma sites and skills. He'll be doing clinicals and finals for the next few weeks. We do not have a car for him yet. It'll be interesting to say the least.

CHRISMASIE
The lights are FINALLY up outside - I do it every year, but this year it didn't happen by Thanksgiving as usual. They look very pretty and I feel like normal once again. Went out with my brother and his fiance to cut a tree down. It will be put in the stand tonight to decorate tomorrow. I think we'll skip glass ornaments this year!

Kilian is cuttin his molars and his cheeks are red and he is once again in teethin mode. That kids is FINALLY getting his molars! Hope they pop out soon.

MOM
My Mom is slipping again, not listening and her doctor is a piece of crap. At this rate, she'll not be around long. God I hate that doctor and they REFUSE to switch. "I know his weakness" she says. She's been in bed again for a few days, I got her to get to the car to the doctors, which to me is basically seeing no one. Her blood pressure went from extreme low to high... at least thats what I HEAR. What is true? God only knows. So they put her on FOUR BP meds. Really??? How about ONE at lets see what happens. Thats how I found her on the same 4 meds - falling and confused cause her BP was 60/39.

So.... I'm a little sad over that and I'm very grateful Davis is fine!

Almost finished sewing Kilians stocking, and I'm making a quick one for Brittany. Darrels is being re-enforced with new felt on the back. He made me chuckle when he told me tonight "I'll never give up that stocking forever" Compliment for sure, but honestly don't think it'll last another 10 years let alone forever!

Thats all in Shandland today... carry on!

Friday, December 2, 2011 7:42 PM CST

Good Evening

Lots of hustle and bustle - not all good. I'll post pix later of Davis's wrecked car.

THANK YOU GUARDIAN ANGELS!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 7:25 PM CST

Clarice seems to have it all figured out -

From Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

There's always tomorrow,
For dreams to come true,
Believe in your dreams
Come what may.

There's always tomorrow,
With so much to do,
And so little time in a day.

We all pretend
The rainbow has an end
And you'll be there my friend someday.

There's always tomorrow,
For dreams to come true,
Tomorrow is not far away.

We all pretend,
The rainbow has an end,
And you'll be there my friend someday.

There's always tomorrow,
For dreams to come true,
Tomorrow is not far away.

Friday, November 18, 2011 8:52 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Is doing another long 16 hour paramedic route off and on until his semester ends mid December. He also has a hospital stint on his bday 12/10, I have to work too. We'll have to find a date to celebrate his and Jeff's. This is a busy time in his academic life and he's doing great. He went hunting with Jeff last weekend - his only weekend off. He has been planning this for a year. No bambies tho (YEA for me) sad for Davis

KILIAN
Haven't seen a lot of him, he goes to the other house every now and then, a lot more lately with Davis's school and hunting. We miss the little "crapper" as Jeff calls him. He goes to bed at 7pm which doesn't allow for a lot of cuddle time.

DARREL
WOrk work work. Going forward in life!

BRETT
He is so proud of his tips at Red Lobster. He makes between 70-90 a day in tips. Actually, I think thats a half day/night. When the holiday gets going, he'll be a little rich boy.

Continuing working like everyone else. The only hard part is when my days link into one another. 11 days in a row beats my bum. I take what I can because you never know if it'll slow down. I'm trying to fill my hours at the TCU. Its nice having some options.

Sewing Kilian a xmas stocking. I made all the boys, Darrel's is starting to fall apart - the felt was not quality I guess. He won't let me make him a new one. If possible, I want to re-enforce it with new felt. We'll see.

I'm also experimenting with making a 3 tier cake for my sisters birthday Sunday. I bought the pan on-line from LTD, it looked really cool. I'll keep you posted. Key: get it out of the pan! She wants lemon. I thought I'd mix vanilla frosting with cool whip and lemon curd. Should be tasty.

I'm contemplating going to Fla for New Years. Brett wants to come too to say hi to his grandparents. Especially with my Mom... is it her final year? Brett is such a family guy. Its more money then I think I can master for the tickets with xmas on top of it. We'll see. I'm watching the ticket costs.

Mom sounded pretty good, but she also is slurring her words a bit which tells me she is not using her oxygen as much as she should. At least her memory is a tat better altho she told me she had to retire from her volunteer duties because her memory is so bad, she can't remember if she has done something or not. At least she is admitting she has a problem - perhaps she IS doing her oxygen at night??? sigh tears me up just thinking of my parents and how much they are changing. I know what that means. I see it everyday at work. Dad's memory is getting a bit worse.

I had a neighbor friend (from our couple volleyball team) who's Dad died last week. 4 days later his Mom died. I can see that happening with my parents. They did and do everything together. My Dad would be lost without my Mom.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 8:38 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Status quo. A CB friend had a relative murdered in Minneapolis.... without answers why. If it had happened a day earlier, it would have been Davis's call as a paramedic. That is his route. Perhaps he could have given some light to the situation.... first time I feel bad that Davis wasn't working that horrible route.

Dam gang-bangers

KILIAN
He is now sleeping upstairs, and sometimes likes to get up at o about 4-5 am. The kids have a monitor so I don't have to go, except it wakes me. No biggie. That kid does not like to sleep all night, how hard for them!

DARREL
Is working hard

BRETT
Is working hard at school. He surprised me by stopping by yesterday. He asked if I would go with him grocery shopping. He says he gets distracted and doesn't always buy what is needed/wanted. It was cute he almost begged me to go with him. Interesting watching him price items, decide what really is important and not.

I did buy him flannel sheets - his room I hear is very cold.

It made me chuckle to point out how it hurts me when I buy boo-ku bucks worth of food and the boys graze all the dinner items for their midnight snacks, pre-dinner snacks, post dinner snacks and when I go to make a meal - nothing is left. It was nice to see the light go on Bretts thoughts.... now to work on the other 3.

BAMBIE
Jeff shot a 10 point buck AND a bambie.... yuk. I will give it a try tho. I'm terribly happy for him. His first deer - ever. He is super thrilled.

INTERESTING SITUATION
Work is BUSY for me. OB/GYN - what a huge weird week I had. First - one of the LPNs got called for a liver transplant. I didn't even know she needed one! The girls and I are not that close due to me working here and there. So they gave her a liver ... and it had CANCER on it!!! They did not find it out until they took it out. She was put on the 911 list for a liver and did get one 2 days later. I was asked to work for about 2 months at this clinic doing her LPN job of rooming pts with some triage. They use RN's to do the LPN jobs when desparate. I on the other hand - have little to no experience rooming! It is a totally different animal

Day 2 of being there - the RN working with me started having heart pain - radiating to the jaw. We called ambulance and off she went = she does have some heart issues - but is ok, just not working... so we are short 2 nurses.

Day 4 of being there - the OTHER RN started feeling ill - went to the primary part of the clinic - and next thing we know an ambulance is being called.... so we are short 3 nurses.

Here I am rooming patients - I don't room patients... I do TRIAGE What we did was have the 3rd RN do triage while I and the nurse in TRAINING roomed patients for 2 doctors - on Friday - one every 1/2 hour. Now this may sound like a lot of time.... but when you have to do vitals, fill out questions on the computer - run the labs - order the labs - put OB pts on the NST to measure contractions - take care of the walk-in pts on the nurse schedule for depo shots, pregnancy tests, urine samples .... GYN pts - we have to set up endo biopsies, colposcopy procedures, LEEP procedures, wet preps, pap smears, STD's....

Set up and tear down rooms.

Those LPN's work their ASSES off - so next time you go in, think of this ladies!

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 12:15 AM CDT

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Taking little king off the bottle - yes, the little king loves his bottle. Never took a nuk, so perhaps this is his nuk? I think Davis decided he has had enough after K bit the nipple off the bottle and thru it on the floor. haha - yea... ya think its time? :}

He also is STILL teething - that child is missing all his 1 yo molars and his canines. The poor thing is always teething.

After the little King woke up in the middle of the night, Davis decided its time he had his own room - right next to ours - 2 floors up from his. I'm proud of the kids for setting up the monitor and being overly alert to his noises. I'm honestly ok with him waking up and getting used to the room - of course he'll cry. I think its a good idea he has his own space. Now if I can get Darrel out of the 2 rooms he's taken over before Thanksgiving so Brett has a place to sleep!

DARREL
I swear, if Darrel was a millionaire - he'd spend all his money on others. He has a penny in his pocket - he spends it on ... well... anything. Davis and Britt are, how does one say, down and ugly poor. So Darrel takes Britt to Walmart and buys all 4 of them a pumpkin to carve, 2 bottles of wine and doesn't blink an eye.

Then there is proud Davis who bites his cheek trying not to say no. He did say no to Darrel paying for them to see Underwater World at MOA.

BRETT I think is a little sad he wasn't here for that fun. he hates school this semester. He is having a hard time in many ways. Loves his geology class... hates the others. He'll be fine, he is pretty stressed out right now.

CARDIO
ALL GOOD!! It seems its more my lung capacity vs cardiac = thank GOD. I was feeling faint whenever I tried to go up hill, over 3 flight of steps, etc. My heart would pound hard with pressure and I'd get dizzy. Scared the crap out of me. Seems I'm just out of shape :} Might be a little asthma - my Mom has it and my sister has it. Not going to worry ANYMORE its been haunting me for a few years.

One thing I want to make clear I REALLY DO LIKE WORKING FOR HEALTHPARTNERS and I'm very impressed with their philosophy. I do HATE my old RN lead who made me miserable and forced me to go to the union. I'm writing a rebuttal letter to send to HR, but everytime I think of it and start writing it I want to throw up, and get a fierce headache. She has that much affect on me even now. I even wake up with nightmares about it. How is that right?

I celebrated going back to OB/GYN by getting my hair colored, my eyebrows plucked, 3 chiropractor appts, cardiac, OB/GYN appt, eye appt and today I just might get a massage. My insurance runs out Tuesday. Leg is feeling much better. The chiropractor looked at it and she stated the fibula was a little jammed and she helped straighten it out.

It hurt like hell when she touched it, but when she was done, it felt a lot looser and I was able to walk easier. I love the chiropractor. They have saved me from myself for a long time. To think at one time I would never dream of seeing those "quacks"... and here, after all the medical others were exhausted, I find they are the ones that helped me the most. Slow learner I guess.

Thats all in Shand-land. THANK YOU for always being by my side with my family and supporting me in this journey. Isn't it funny? Its my journey with Davis's cancer. It still amazes me how long post traumatic stress can last and what it does to one for the rest of their life. Good and bad. Highs and lows. Its brought me beautiful people in my life.... God Bless

Sunday, October 23, 2011 6:15 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Toilet fixed... check
(Thanks to Kilian throwing something in it making water come thru our kitchen ceiling)

Dishwasher replaced... check
Note to self - 2 drawer expense dishwashers clean worse than cheapo dishwashers. Never buy another one EVER. Cheapo is doing a fantastic job!

Kitchen faucet replaced... check

Pumpkins carved.... check

Kids staying up until 3 am...
Fun watching the kids hang together, carve pumpkins eat pizza and play video games all night!

Leg feeling better.
Cardiac appointment tomorrow. Must bring brace and strap my leg up well if they make me run the treadmill for a nonstress test. Timing rather sucks.

Depression: Went to the pharmacy to find out the migraine meds I've been on for o... a decade or more are no longer being made. Seems way back the FDA had different rules and they don't comply with the new rules. So instead of spending the money to comply - they took it off the market. Extremely sad. It was a cheap med that worked wonders for me with NO reactions. sniff sniff

Jeff made killer nachos for dinner. NUM. Added up the fat grams in the bowl of ice cream I just ate - 22 grams of fat. shhhhhh don't tell the cardiac guy that, ok? Goood lord, who knew? Hardly ever eat that stuff

Have the next 3 days off, well sorta of. And work all weekend. Hope to get some long overdue things done. MAYBE I'll even can something!

Davis moved Kilian upstairs today - hmmmm... how convenient since he woke up at 4:30 AM last night screaming. hmmmm.... they better have the monitor on, thats all I can say.

Kilian was a riot today. He hung with "Gram Grams" as Davis calls me and Pappy - Jeff. He was really cute and devilish. I'll try to get some pictures downloaded soon. He was fascinated with the pumpkins.

Jeff states Kilian called me "grammy" as Jeff calls me, but I think he was burping or something. Poor kid, everyone has a different name, no wonder everyone is called Mama.

Thats all in Shandland... Carry on!

Thursday, October 20, 2011 6:53 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Has a few days off and he is spending it with Kilian. There is yard work to be done, and he is volunteered to do it. Kinda swap room and board, ya know?

Kilian is mastering the spoon. He still prefers his hands, but its kinda fun picking things up with the spoon and dropping it o so expertly on the floor.

His favorite foods is anything thats italian and mexican. He has Davis's palate thats for sure... and his carbs? hmmm.... Carbs and sweets. Can he be related?

I've had a pretty stressful week. Could be why my blood pressure was thru the roof yesterday when I was at urgent care for my leg bone. I saw the doc again today for girlie reasons and she is ordering a cardiac workup. Guess she wasn't too impressed with what I told her. I've never had high BP in my life - always 110/70 tops.

I've been having chest pressure when I go up stairs and up hills. Me thinks its because I'm aerobic dense, but it needs to be at least checked out per doc. I've been putting it off for about a year. Can I be that out of shape? I also know pulmonary is big in our family so it could be that. Just another fun thing to figure out. I have insurance for exactly 1 week. So it has to be done by then. Honestly not worried. I'm thinkin out of shape. I don't do aerobics because it really bothers my neck fusion.

That and ending my full time job at my current position, going to the union because my beeatch coworker (who incidently rumor has it was fired from her last job when all the nurses got together and ran her off) has made my life bleeding hell. So... I went to the union and told them I need out.

Now I'm back with my OB/GYN position which I missed, loved, but unfortunately doesn't come with benefits. I can earn the benefits, but it'll probably take me until December/January to do it.

... BP high? Heart palpations? ya think? But as long as its paid for - what the heck. I've been thinking about it for a few years with my Dad's strokes, my Moms hypertension/mild heart attack and my 300 cholesterol (which is now under 200 I might add) Doc told me that I'm doomed from my family history and not to wait.

We'll see.

Thats all in Shandland. Carry on!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 7:49 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
That boy is teaching ME things in the medical world. Its absolutely unbelievable how much he is taught hands on - nurse, not so much. Its all about the bigger picture.

He was telling me about his IV start... how he lost it... while they are bumping along on the road. I can not imagine how hard it is to start an IV on the road let alone with an arm that DOESNT move!

Im so proud of him

KILIAN
Little punkin has been staying at the "other" house lately with Davis gone so much. We miss his little footie steps around here... but at least everything is safe on shelves and in drawers! :}

DARREL
He is working very hard. I'm also proud of how he is finding his nitch, making it work. This working world is pretty suckie. They want everything for nothing and the sad part is we have to conform in order to work.

BRETT
He called me but I haven't been able to connect. He is finsihing up his field trip in the black hills. I can't wait to hear.

JEFF is hunting....

I made some very important decisions about one of my jobs. It unfortunately includes a union, which actually is FORTUNATE for me. Didn't realize how much of an allie they can be. I will never ever put myself in a position where I'm disrespected, and made to feel like dirt on a daily basis. I've never known such negative mentoring... how sad. I've spent the last 3 weeks feeling like I want to throw up and fall apart.

When I worked for Honeywell, I had a boss who rated your work on your pantie line. Who would jump up and down in the isle to get his cup of coffee delivered to him, who cheated at every turn on his expense report. His boss would take turns taking the ladies "out to lunch". You got a head with whom you slept with (will explain why I never got promoted). When I left that company, I vowed my morals, ethics and well being will never be compromised for any job again.

One day in person I'll tell you more about it, but right now I can't. What I can tell you is that a previous boss is an angel and saint - it will save me in the end, especially mentally. No matter what happens, the benefit package is not worth it in the end.

BROTHER
Brought his bride to be back. What a fiasco! It was of course an emotional roller coaster for Pam and it was Rich's 50th bday to boot. When they arrived here in MN the furnace was out - it was in the 40's and Pam was a frozen bundle. It is 3 days later and the furnace still is not working. It will be 40 as a high today... I wish them better ju ju than this!

When I was helping him move a couch, Jo was on the other end, I stepped up the steps and promtly fell to the ground. Obviously my leg is not healed. I worry about it. It just gave away. So now my limp is back quite a bit when it was starting to feel good. I'll just wrap it back up and hope for healing muscles! I THINK its the knee tendon, but not sure.

Did a flu clinic yesterday which included standing, and I mean STANDING in one place for 3 hours. It nearly killed me ol bones. It felt good to see the youngster working next to me complain more than me! haha

Thats all in Shandland.... Carry on!

Thursday, October 13, 2011 8:11 PM CDT

Good evening!

DAVIS
The stories he tells of his ride a longs. Unfortunately they are sad because thats probably the most likely reason why you'd call a paramedic. Medical workers... see. a. lot. I don't think people realize just what all we see and hear and do. Davis especially. He does a good job of it.

KILIAN
He is really cute lately. Starting to learn boundaries..yet.. he loves to push those buttons! Poor Britt, running herself ragged. She is doing a great job of keeping up with the little guy

DARREL
Work is doing well. He is plugging along hoping it'll one day lead to bigger and greater things. In the mean time, he has a job in the field he needs a job in!

BRETT
Going on his field trip to the black hills. Geology really does have its benefits! My baby turned 20 over the weekend and we had an extremely nice time up at the lake. What are the chances of having tshirt/sweatshirt weather up north in October? Lets put it this way... I've seen it snow many times. Just fantastic.

Job is going forward. Still on pins and needles altho knowing the job better really helps. You sure could tell it was a full moon!

I work this weekend and Monday, my usual day off, we are having a flu shot clinic and my partner in crime is having surgery and gone for 3 weeks. so for 3 weeks I work mondays. Makes working weekends pretty dam tough.

Not much else to report. Still tired as all get out. Have some kind of dumb cold/allergy/headachie/flu shot? stuff. Really hate getting the flu shot.

I also managed to fall off the back of Jeff's pickup while trying to get at the dog. I Stepped up on it and my momentum didn't cut it. So.... dingbat me fell backwards and I landed bad on my leg. Didn't realize one could hurt in that area. Must have pulled one of the many muscles on the side of my calf. Makes walking interesting... but I can not show weakness! Best part is I work with about 8 doctors and I asked one if I should be concerned...she said give it 5 days. Its better so glad I don't need to get some idiotic muscle reattached... I really thought I was heading that way!

I've come to the conclusion... I am accident prone. Obviously I just plain ole don't take the time to take the time.

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:18 AM CDT

Good Morning!

It's early, had my flu shot yesterday and my shoulder hurts like a son of a gun along with the Flu-shot headache I always get! So I thought a cocktail of java and tylenol would help.

Record 88 degrees yesterday! Having that Indian summer amongst the beautiful leaves.... the record was 132 years old. Veri veri nice

DAVIS
This is his "off" week which means only school. Its nice when he is around more since he likes to cook! Between the two kings - aka Jeff and davis - I'm ousted from the kitchen. O too bad, huh?

KILIAN
He is fun. He goes from naughty to naughtier. He sure likes to push those boundaries. It'll get him far? in life vs sitting back and doing nothin. Trying to figure out who he looks like. Since I don't know Britt's family...

He has a jawline like my Dad - the norweigan clan. He has the profile JUST LIKE DAVIS, it still makes me look twice when I see it. If he had dark hair and dark eyes I do believe it would be much more obvious. His hair has a red tinge like Brett's. His actions are a combo of Darrel and Davis and Britt - which, as you can imagine - makes life ubba interesting.

When he comes upstairs he makes his round of naughties. First he sticks his hand in the toilet/dog water. Which ever is closest. Than he heads for the heat register on the floor - which comes up very easy. Of course the TV plugged in the kitchen gets unplugged and onto the living room where books on the bookshelf are terrorized.

AND... he learned how to open, yes OPEN the front door. So it has to be locked at all times... which leads us to the stairs. Now the circuit has been accomplished. Poor Britt - scrambling around the circuit trying to get there before the little tot.

DARREL
Has a terrible cold - coughs all night but my eldest never goes to the doctor. Rather cough up a lung or be almost dead before he drags himself in. I don't see him much since our schedules are opposite. He works the 2 to 10 shift - which is usually around midnight.

BRETT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY on SUNDAY BRETTIE! My baby will be 20. 20??!!?? No, NO more teens? How did that ever happen?

JOB
I'm down to 2 jobs, my every other weekend at TCU and HealthPartners working with 4 docs. That job is proving to be a mix of fun and stress. One of my bosses watches me like a hawk and it seems like anything and everything is fair game from a spot on my shirt to a variety of little tiny things.... it puts me on edge thats for sure. I keep thinking...whatever can be brought to my attention today?

Other than that, the job is excellent, the people wonderful. I still love the TCU because I'm able to keep my skills up with medications, wound dressings, a lot of psych. The other job is a lot of administration type work with interactions with pt in a different way.

We are "Health Coaches". If the pt agrees we set up goals and plans - than follow up with them. Its growing and I think when it really takes off it'll be a good thing.

We are going up to the lake this weekend for Brett's birthday - all of us except Britt and Babe - they had other plans with her fam. It'll be wonderful to have my babies all together for at least a few days.

A HUNTING they will go!

That is all in Shandland - so... carry on!

Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:18 AM CDT

Good Morning!

It's early, had my flu shot yesterday and my should hurts like a son of a gun along with the Flu-shot headache I always get! So I thought a cocktail of java and tylenol would help.

Record 88 degrees yesterday! Having that Indian summer amongst the beautiful leaves.... the record was 132 years old. Veri veri nice

DAVIS
This is his "off" week which means only school. Its nice when he is around more since he likes to cook! Between the two kings - aka Jeff and davis - I'm ousted from the kitchen. O too bad, huh?

KILIAN
He is fun. He goes from naughty to naughtier. He sure likes to push those boundaries. It'll get him far? in life vs sitting back and doing nothin. Trying to figure out who he looks like. Since I don't know Britt's family...

He has a jawline like my Dad - the norweigan clan. He has the profile JUST LIKE DAVIS, it still makes me look twice when I see it. If he had dark hair and dark eyes I do believe it would be much more obvious. His hair has a red tinge like Brett's. His actions are a combo of Darrel and Davis and Britt - which, as you can imagine - makes life ubba interesting.

When he comes upstairs he makes his round of naughties. First he sticks his hand in the toilet/dog water. Which ever is closest. Than he heads for the heat register on the floor - which comes up very easy. Of course the TV plugged in the kitchen gets unplugged and onto the living room where books on the bookshelf are terrorized.

AND... he learned how to open, yes OPEN the front door. So it has to be locked at all times... which leads us to the stairs. Now the circuit has been accomplished. Poor Britt - scrambling around the circuit trying to get there before the little tot.

DARREL
Has a terrible cold - coughs all night but my eldest never goes to the doctor. Rather cough up a lung or be almost dead before he drags himself in. I don't see him much since our schedules are opposite. He works the 2 to 10 shift - which is usually around midnight.

BRETT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY on SUNDAY BRETTIE! My baby will be 20. 20??!!?? No, NO more teens? How did that ever happen?

JOB
I'm down to 2 jobs, my every other weekend at TCU and HealthPartners working with 4 docs. That job is proving to be a mix of fun and stress. One of my bosses watches me like a hawk and it seems like anything and everything is fair game from a spot on my shirt to a variety of little tiny things.... it puts me on edge thats for sure. I keep thinking...whatever can be brought to my attention today?

Other than that, the job is excellent, the people wonderful. I still love the TCU because I'm able to keep my skills up with medications, wound dressings, a lot of psych. The other job is a lot of administration type work with interactions with pt in a different way.

We are "Health Coaches". If the pt agrees we set up goals and plans - than follow up with them. Its growing and I think when it really takes off it'll be a good thing.

We are going up to the lake this weekend for Brett's birthday - all of us except Britt and Babe - they had other plans with her fam. It'll be wonderful to have my babies all together for at least a few days.

A HUNTING they will go!

That is all in Shandland - so... carry on!

Monday, October 3, 2011 8:34 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Long time no journal.

DAVIS
He is back into doing loooooong hours He starts his job at the hospital end of october - he is doing his internship where he already had 3 gunshot victims, and school FT. Busy guy

DARREL
His job is going well, status quo

BRETT
He is back at college. He has 2 field trips scheduled for his geology class. One to the black hills, and the other was northern Michigan. Field trips sure have changed!

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY BRETT... on Sunday.

KILIAN
He is very, um, busy. He is exactly how a 16 mo old should be!

My new job is going well... honestly too darn tired to write much.

MOM
My Mom is hangin.g in there. I don't think she is complying to the oxygen so ... well... one day I'll get that call.

DAD
Is doing better - funny thing. He is taking on more responsibility, as much as his short term memory allows. He is healthy as a horse. He lives in the moment - we all should take note! haha Has a pretty good long term memory

Will write later...

Monday, September 5, 2011 9:32 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Full swing into school. He even had an orientation today, labor day. Such is the life of the medical field :{

Brittany and Davis stay up late, after the "monster" is asleep (new name for K) and she has his text book asking Davis questions and he is answering.... great teamwork! Davis got 100n his test, only 4 of 30 did. He really is good at his job! He learned intubation and placing trachs this last week. He was asigned Allina in Brooklyn park, their main ambulance building, for his internship. Its funny, I work right next door to that building.

The kids are spending free time taking K walking and down to the park. They are finding out that living behind a park is NICE... and they are learning to get out of the house and let K run amoke. Sometimes the transition from baby to toddler is a learning curve. Its scary tho, wondering if its ok for the little ones to run and touch and do.

Kilian
hmmm... yep a toddler. He is in the stage where he runs and runs and runs.. o, and touches and touches and touches. From one naughty thing to the other. He is also wanting only Mom and Dad, which is hard on the 2 kids. K does fine when they are not around, but if they are in sight, forget it. He is learning his world and understanding those around him.

DARREL
Its fun watching him blossum and grow. He started at Best Buy Corporate IT department in Level 1. 2 weeks later he is in Level 2. Now he is an "unofficial" team lead which he is hoping to be official. His new manager actually goes to him for technical support. He loves this level because its more of a retail IT support end. He is great at problem solving and thats what this job is all about. Other employees told him if they had a say in who the team lead should be, they will give his name. They came to HIM with this! His self esteem is growing and he deserves it. That kid is smart. All my kids are smart in their own worlds. Darrel would be useless in the medical field, Davis in the IT field. Kinda cool.

BRETT
Moved in into Eau Claire in the 100 degree heat. It was MISERABLE. They live in a house, he has the dormer on the 3rd floor! man, first thing i did was go to Menards and buy a "close out" window air conditioner. It also has a fan on it so he can use it for double duty, plus take it withhim for future years. Jeff and I were sweat from head to toe, pretty disgusting. Actually not pretty at all!

Bretts first visitor was a nice bat. Guess he has more than himself in that dormer! He calls the place haunted, not sure why yet. Brett bought a bread maker at a thrift store and made his first loaf which he called "a success". He took our rice maker, but not so successful at that yet. All my kids like to bake and cook.... some woman will be lucky.

JOBS
Gave my notice for the homecare. Next week is my last and it will be a relief, yet, I'm going to miss a few terribly. BUT, looking forward to starting my full time HealthPartners position! Keeping my weekend (every other) at the TCU to keep my skills up tho.

I'm a Primary Triage RN for 2 internists and 2 physician assistants. I also have 2 LPNs and 2 Medical assistants under me. Not sure I'll like that role, not good at supervising any one except my husband and kids! :}

You have to carry a phone around with you just in case someone gacks out on the main floor of the clinic - than you go and assess and lead. Usually its the lab - someone faints.

FULL BENEFITS!!! I'm extremely excited. First time in over 20 years we have benefits that are not major medical. Can't tell you how long my list is for things I haven't done due to having to pay for it all out of pocket.

Jeff is gearing up for hunting.... lord help us! haha, he currently is hunting pheasants. Now thats a new one in this household.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, August 20, 2011 10:01 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Brett, Britt, baby and I went to Davis's Paramedic picnic for the kickoff of school. Then the staff spoke to the family about how hard this will be and the absolute support the students will be needing. How when the first head you pick up and put on a body will change you forever (obviously). How family will be important to Davis to keep him stable.

Dave, the instructor, introduced himself and spoke to us about what a great student he is hands-on and they see him going far in the land of paramedics.

You could tell how proud Davis was, as he should be! Brett was impressed with the whole thing.

BRETT
Getting ready to go back to school. We are trying to get all the finances straightened out while out of state. Its a nightmare most of the time!

DARREL
First week of his new job done, and he is getting used to being a working 5 day a week man! I think he is having a good time! Don't see him too often.

Why is it the more you work, the less ahead you are? I swear it seems I work all the time and nothing is paid off. sigh...

I interviewed at the Apple Valley clinic to start doing "primary care" triage. its right down the road from me and will allow me to fill in more days that are open from OB/GYN. Things are starting to slow down a bit due to school starting and people not needing time off.

The Eagan and Apple Valley clinics will give me another edge and more hours. I also applied to Regions hospital for a few positions and thru out HP system to get some guaranteed hours so I'll at least know what I have on a permanent basis. Its a tough world out there, everything is by "bid". In other words, if someone has more senority than mwaaaw aka me, they get the job. It could be a long process securing guaranteed hours. In the meantime, I'm loving what I'm doing.

Presbyterian Homes Transitional Care PHS (step down from hospital) is where I've been spending a lot of time lately. Helping out with a leave of absence from one of the other nurses. Its dam hard work on the back. I thought I'd be clever and work a few nights, than go to HP in day and go back to PHS for the evening. 16 hours in on day was outright dumb.

Signed up to do flu shots just in case my other 3 jobs slow down and I have open days. I really really want to edit my working to ONE job! We'll see what the future holds!

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, July 31, 2011 6:55 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He got the job at St. Francis Hospital as an EMT. This is the place he interned with and she really liked davis. She actually called him and told him to apply (she was doing the hiring) Its a full time position (I think FT is over 25 hrs) and flexible for his schooling. He is going to school M-F but the only day thats filled is Wednesday. the rest of the week he could go to school a few hours and work the rest of the day.

She said that he'd be perfect, once he gets settled, to be part of the trauma squad. They are called when someone crashes. I pray he can handle it all... its tough to go to school and work and be a new dad. This job, will be what he needs when he gets his EMS in the spring/summer. We all grow up at some time!

KILIAN
Man.. forgot what a toddler is like. He is EVERYWHERE and into EVERYTHING. We are going to the lake for about a week, Davis is heading up Thur-Sun. They are leaving K with the others so Davis and Britt can fish, shoot, go to town to the "Fisherman Picnic" days. K is just too little at this point unless "someone" ahem... stays behind all the time. I did that in July and I'd like to NOT do that altho i would if they asked. Davis has been in summer school since May and this is his first week off this summer to enjoy himself and his school starts back up 8/16. I don't blame him a bit!

K is very funny, very intense and very smart. He is 200appy and 200rabby.

DARREL
His job starts sometime over the next few weeks and so he doesn't know as of yet if he can go up north. He is very excited about this opportunity to grow in a job at Best Buy in IT. He still is finishing his Certification and will be a busy boy too!

BRETT
He is up at the lake right now with "his crew" of 4 guys and 1 girl (she is like one of the guys). They went up last year too. Crazy but good kids... did I mention crazy?

NORTHERN SKIES
So, all the Shands, except K, will be up north with us from Fri - Mon. Grand Marais on Lake Superior will be having fireworks on Sat, food booths, lumberjacks, charter fishing... it should be a blast. In all, we are a group of 20. Thank God the boat was fixed. It was a simple fix altho a 250 starter is not a simple MONEY fix. It sucked but it works fantastic. Thats what we get for having a lake place in the BWCA-like area.

WORK
Job is going well, but busy. August is filled. I'm happy if I have a day off. Taking advantage of it tho. I applied for two other positions hoping one of them will take. I'll still be able to do what I'm doing in HP but I'd be guaranteed enough hours to have benefits. My boss suggested i do it cause she knows how important that is to me. Unfortunately, its all about seniority. Don't know beans about unions, but learning. You have to "bid" for the jobs.

feeling "off' the last week with some mini panic attacks and the feeling of unease. It'll pass - soon i HOPE!

All is well at Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, July 31, 2011 6:55 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He got the job at St. Francis Hospital as an EMT. This is the place he interned with and she really liked davis. She actually called him and told him to apply (she was doing the hiring) Its a full time position (I think FT is over 25 hrs) and flexible for his schooling. He is going to school M-F but the only day thats filled is Wednesday. the rest of the week he could go to school a few hours and work the rest of the day.

She said that he'd be perfect, once he gets settled, to be part of the trauma squad. They are called when someone crashes. I pray he can handle it all... its tough to go to school and work and be a new dad. This job, will be what he needs when he gets his EMS in the spring/summer. We all grow up at some time!

KILIAN
Man.. forgot what a toddler is like. He is EVERYWHERE and into EVERYTHING. We are going to the lake for about a week, Davis is heading up Thur-Sun. They are leaving K with the others so Davis and Britt can fish, shoot, go to town to the "Fisherman Picnic" days. K is just too little at this point unless "someone" ahem... stays behind all the time. I did that in July and I'd like to NOT do that altho i would if they asked. Davis has been in summer school since May and this is his first week off this summer to enjoy himself and his school starts back up 8/16. I don't blame him a bit!

K is very funny, very intense and very smart. He is 200% happy and 200% crabby.

DARREL
His job starts sometime over the next few weeks and so he doesn't know as of yet if he can go up north. He is very excited about this opportunity to grow in a job at Best Buy in IT. He still is finishing his Certification and will be a busy boy too!

BRETT
He is up at the lake right now with "his crew" of 4 guys and 1 girl (she is like one of the guys). They went up last year too. Crazy but good kids... did I mention crazy?

So, all the Shands, except K, will be up north with us from Fri - Mon. Grand Marais on Lake Superior will be having fireworks on Sat, food booths, lumberjacks, charter fishing... it should be a blast. In all, we are a group of 20. Thank God the boat was fixed. It was a simple fix altho a 250 starter is not a simple MONEY fix. It sucked but it works fantastic. Thats what we get for having a lake place in the BWCA-like area.

Job is going well, but busy. August is filled. I'm happy if I have a day off. Taking advantage of it tho. I applied for two other positions hoping one of them will take. I'll still be able to do what I'm doing in HP but I'd be guaranteed enough hours to have benefits. My boss suggested i do it cause she knows how important that is to me. Unfortunately, its all about seniority. Don't know beans about unions, but learning. You have to "bid" for the jobs.

feeling "off' the last week with some mini panic attacks and the feeling of unease. It'll pass - soon i HOPE!

All is well at Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, July 17, 2011 9:58 AM CDT

*** More July pix

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Was excepted into the EMS program! This is momumental. He has always been in the EMS AA degree program but you have to be ACCEPTED to continue the final leg. He hasn't heard back from St Francis on the EMT position but it needs to be posted for so long, we'll see on that front. The good thing is THEY called HIM... so....

I'm proud of Davis and his ability to be a great trauma medic - thats NOT for everyone. His personality is more rote thinking rather than abstract... and I think that is what makes him so special in this field.

This is a very good example of someone who struggles with books (unfortunately tourettes interferes with his reading) and how one can take their visual learning and exceed a lot of expectations! NEVER GIVE UP!

DARREL
He'll hear in August about the IT Level 2 job at Best Buy. He has to finish his 2 certificates to get the job. He is on track for finishing.... PRAY PRAY PRAY he keeps his head out of his arse and does what needs to be done. I love Darrel so much... but he is such a hippie that I worry about him so much.

BRETT
Cut his finger at LeAnn Chins (work) but its healing nicely. He is taking another summer course online - MATH, trig actually. ugh. He worked on it marathon style yesterday and came down to say with a big ole grin he is 2/3 done. He has to go to Eau Claire for the final - so no cheating with math wiz friends and his homework ALTHO they have been tutoring him - even THEY said they can't believe how hard that format is and they have been a fantastic help for him. (math is NOT his thing yet he gets B's in it) He'll be applying for jobs in WI when he goes and takes that test for this fall.

KILIAN
He had a weird rash/bite/?? on his foot, face, hands.... docs say it is an "unknown etiology" but most likely he is very allergic to bug bites. Poor kid. He is getting his 1 yo molars and he is CRABBY and than happy and than irritable, than happy.

Work is fun and a lot of work - go figure haha. Still doing the same 3 jobs. Had some kind of flu virus last week and didn't figure it out until it was at its peak- at work of course - Last time I threw up in my car was when I was prego. HATE throwing up. Massive headache is still hanging around tho. Why wouldn't it with the 10000 degree temperature out?

Someone owed us money so in trade they made a beautiful fire pit out back. It has an apron of 20 feet around so you can sit in a chair on the patio part. Maybe we'll try it out when the fricken heat won't take you down!

He also poured a slab behind the garage which needed to be done. Very very happy. Now if we can find someone to replace our roof. All the shingles are curled up... not good. We have the shingles that are faulty but its a process to get any money out of it and than it'll only cover the shingles... maybe We have 2 rotten sliding glass doors too. When it rains it pours! It hurts the ole non existant pocket book!

Can't complain. We are all heathly, working, in school, fairly uncomplicated lives... money is tough like everyone who is trying to get thru this depression. We are blessed to be able to let the kids come home and try to survive.

I actually have to talk Darrel INTO accepting some money for medications and gas when he needs it. He just hates taking anything from anyone. He actually was doing craigs list handyman jobs for a few bucks and was considering a UofM study.... will never be able to tell him what or what not to do - that boy is stubborn.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:45 AM CDT

** Pictures

Good Morniing!

DAVIS
St Francis called him and let him know an EMT position is opening up.... hopefully??? The one hiring is the one who called him, she liked him when he interned there.

KILIAN
Had a total blast at the lake, yet... it was also a bit hard on a 1 yo.

DARREL
Has 2 job interviews - hopefully???? He needs a good break

BRETT
Starting his 2nd summer course in... math.. yuck

Our time up north was really nice. Its been a few years since the whole family was able to be together and I miss it terribly.

All 3 boys were always hectic, tiring, amazing and never a dull moment. That continues on 20 years later.

Our boat is in the shop. Our neighbors who are not up north very much - they live in NY - always said we can use their canoe. So the boys took it out. Unfortunately, we were not aware of a few things. 1. Darrel could not get a fish license due to the government shut down 2. The canoe tabs were expired. 3. You can not use a boat cushion for a life jacket and 4. The DNR is not part of the government shutdown.

Dang... 90 ticket for lacking 1 life jacket on the canoe - multiple warnings for expired boat license and Darrels non-fish license. He has to buy it as soon as the shutdown is over or else he gets mailed another ticket.

O well.... they at least got pulled over the last day and not the first... at 8pm, don't these DNR guys have anything better to do???

Our best find was a fire pit ring with a swinging cook top. You can build your bonfire, and swing the cooking grate over it. We fried fish, made fajitas, corn... it was very fun.

Hope you all had a safe 4th.

Thats all in Shandland for today... carry on!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 7:18 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He is trucking along with his schooling. He is trying to finagle taking a few tests early so he can enjoy going up to the lake for a week. He is having a fun time with Kilian, playing and running around with him. Its fun to see

KILIAN
You can see him develop and his mind going around and around. His vocabulary is starting to increase altho pointing is his favorite thing. He is like a little ghost whisperer... he whispers as he speaks like "pup pup" is for the dogs, "ouch" "pappa" (both Jeff and I are pappa altho he knows me as grammie (as jeff calls me) or nannie.
He does say Dada and Mama quite loudly tho. If he thinks he is being naughty he'll turn around and give you this full tooth smile like... hey... I'm really cute! He loves to grab all the naughty stuff and hand it to you... kinda like I know I'm not suppose to have this but i'm REALLY giving it to you! Such a little helper...

DARREL
Has a job interview Friday.. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

BRETT
Hates LeAnn Chins but its money. He is also working on decks for moola. Nice money but its rained and rained as you all know

My jobs are keeping me busy. Still hoping to cut back, but until I feel secure I'm holdin on!

We are all going up north for a week, altho Darrel and Davis have to drive up separately cause they can't leave today.

All... have a SAFE and PEACEFUL 4th of July! Love and Hugs to you all...

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Friday, June 17, 2011 9:37 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Been a long time. I'm trying to get used to being "normal" and working like big people. Still doing the 3 jobs which means my free time is not free. From what I'm seeing, I don't think I'll have a lot of trouble keeping busy at HealthPartners so I think I'll be giving up my homecare by the end of July. Or else I'll give up 2 more pts and just keep the rest.

I enjoy working at Presbyterian Homes in the transitional care unit, so I don't want to let that go. It keeps my skills up. We have 2 out of town weddings, both on the weekends I work so I had traded with another girl which means i work on Fathers day. I'm also missing some grad parties we were invited to and I always enjoy those.

Tomorrow we have a couple shower to go to and a grad party. Than I work Sunday.

I worked for the first time by myself, and I mean BY MYSELF at Bloomington OB/GYN triage. Of course many women decided they were going to have miscarriages, pain, low lab results, and one was in labor in the office. Quite the interesting day. I congratulated myself for keeping up. I made one stupid mistake - when I hooked a poor 41 week pregnant Mom to the nonstress test I couldn't find the heart beat - got another nurse - probably scared the crap out of the couple - to find I had the sensors on backwards... duh. She was the one who was in labor

Jeff got free tix to the Twins game in August - by the dugout. I'm kinda excited to see the new stadium. Gotta go at least once!

We are leaving for a week over the 4th and going to the cabin with hopefully all the boys. We invited the boys cousins to come - they are their age. I need and want a lovely kick back week at the lake. It'll be another month before I'll get there.

DAVIS
Still going to school, and doing well from what i gather. If he finishes these 2 classes, he should be a shoe-in to the paramedic program - they hand pick them but he had these 2 required classes to the program to get thru first so they can't say he's actually in the program yet.

KILIAN
Is ALL over the place walking like a little king - and just adoreable. I have the best time watching him waddle down the sidewalk in his unsteady gait. Its fun because I can have fun - and give him back!

DARREL
Doing Darrel things .... sigh

BRETT
I just plain ole never see the kid. Social social social

Jeff is keeping very busy and we should have a good summer FINALLY.

Enjoy your week! That is all in Shandland... so carry on!

Friday, June 3, 2011 8:02 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Started summer school - anatomy - ouch. That class was a pain, a lot of busy work. Other than that, pretty much status quo.

KILIAN
Had his 1 year check and is in the 50% ht and wt - no surprise there! He will probably be about as tall as Davis or a bit taller. He is still chewing on all his fingers and that tooth is elusive. He is walking almost all the time and thinks he's pretty darn cool.

DARREL and BRETT are still in school. Brett took an accelerated summer class which I think he is regreting! I think its a good learning experience that life is not all about play.

Going to get my flowers at the nursery today and after that get the final coordination for the mega garage sale tomorrow. This is the latest I've ever gotten ready. Not used to working so many hours. At least my mojo isn't used to it. I'm disappointed in myself for the lack of energy when i get home.

Bought new shoes - so hopefully that will help. I literally almost crawl into the house at days end. My feet ache so dam bad. Yesterday I sat in class which surprisingly had some interesting aspects to it.

Thats all in Shandland now - need to shower and get my day jump started. It looks like rain so I was waiting a little, but can't wait any longer! Carry on!

Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:01 AM CDT

*** PICTURES

Good Morning!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KILIAN!!

DAVIS
Did a lot of cooking for the little one. He made the cake, he made potato salad, coleslaw and the infamous "green fluffy stuff". He BBQ'd the burgers and brats and was very proud of his little guy.

KILIAN
He is teething... AGAIN. so every pix he has his hands are in his mouth. He was pretty crabby in the day (from rumors I heard since i was at work) and he was adoreable at night. He was fascinated with the cake, but HATED THE CAKE. He took it out of his mouth when tasted it... DEFINITELY not of my blood...

Family came, and it was nice. The day was crappy rainy, but what the heck, right?

MIA
Sorry I've been MIA. Doing 3 jobs is pretty much wiping me out. I've been training 40 hrs/week at HealthPartners OB/GYN - what a blast! Than i leave there and see my homecare people and get home around 7-8 just to do it all over again the next day.

I work this weekend. That makes 2 weeks of straight work which I definitely am too old for. Hence the men in the family cooking and cleaning.

We have a big community garage sale next weekend and you can't get into the garage. Jeff promised to clean this weekend so I can tackle it monday - my only day off. Altho rumor has it I get friday off? The kids have baby stuff to sell, and we need to slim down.

At work I've been learning and helping with things like colposcopies, IUD placement, biopsies. I get to do Non-stress tests on Moms and Depo shots in the gluteus maximus. Lots of paps that are not normal and calling those that need more tests. Answering questions that I would never have thought of.. .and... learning the computer (my computer training is NEXT week - go figure) new terms, ways of the office.

In 2 weeks I go to another office to learn those ways - in an area which, lets just say, most likely needs interpreters... nough said.

Jeff's family is wonderful - they always show up to things and are generally there for us. THANK YOU

My family is on/off with showing up.... grrrr

I drove my brother Rich to the airport last night before the party - he is asking his sweetheart in Florida to marry him! It's a good distraction since his puppy of 4 year, a golden retreiver named "Trixie" his best friend and confident... got hit by a car in front of him and died. I cried and cried - it was terribly sad. And, unfortunately my son Brett was there too. Trixie saw him walking in the street as he was going to his friends house and ran to him... just as the car came... and it was pretty devastating for all to see.

Thats all in Shandland... need to wash socks/underwear - good lord, where does the time go? Can't go commando to work... carry on!

Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:01 AM CDT

Good Morning!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KILIAN!!

DAVIS
Did a lot of cooking for the little one. He made the cake, he made potato salad, coleslaw and the infamous "green fluffy stuff". He BBQ'd the burgers and brats and was very proud of his little guy.

KILIAN
He is teething... AGAIN. so every pix he has his hands are in his mouth. He was pretty crabby in the day (from rumors I heard since i was at work) and he was adoreable at night. He was fascinated with the cake, but HATED THE CAKE. He took it out of his mouth when tasted it... DEFINITELY not of my blood...

Family came, and it was nice. The day was crappy rainy, but what the heck, right?

MIA
Sorry I've been MIA. Doing 3 jobs is pretty much wiping me out. I've been training 40 hrs/week at HealthPartners OB/GYN - what a blast! Than i leave there and see my homecare people and get home around 7-8 just to do it all over again the next day.

I work this weekend. That makes 2 weeks of straight work which I definitely am too old for. Hence the men in the family cooking and cleaning.

We have a big community garage sale next weekend and you can't get into the garage. Jeff promised to clean this weekend so I can tackle it monday - my only day off. Altho rumor has it I get friday off? The kids have baby stuff to sell, and we need to slim down.

At work I've been learning and helping with things like colposcopies, IUD placement, biopsies. I get to do Non-stress tests on Moms and Depo shots in the gluteus maximus. Lots of paps that are not normal and calling those that need more tests. Answering questions that I would never have thought of.. .and... learning the computer (my computer training is NEXT week - go figure) new terms, ways of the office.

In 2 weeks I go to another office to learn those ways - in an area which, lets just say, most likely needs interpreters... nough said.

Jeff's family is wonderful - they always show up to things and are generally there for us. THANK YOU

My family is on/off with showing up.... grrrr

I drove my brother Rich to the airport last night before the party - he is asking his sweetheart in Florida to marry him! It's a good distraction since his puppy of 4 year, a golden retreiver named "Trixie" his best friend and confident... got hit by a car in front of him and died. I cried and cried - it was terribly sad. And, unfortunately my son Brett was there too. Trixie saw him walking in the street as he was going to his friends house and ran to him... just as the car came... and it was pretty devastating for all to see.

Thats all in Shandland... need to wash socks/underwear - good lord, where does the time go? Can't go commando to work... carry on!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011 7:19 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Last final today... GOOD LUCK Bubba Davis!

KILIAN
All quiet on the baby front

DARREL
Working hard at Subway - not his dream job.. haha, but it DOES pay for gas! He's not home very often. That child could live in a commune! He has that mentality. He was born in the wrong era altho without technology, I'm sure he would have been really bored.

BRETT
Gearing up for his finals

Found out I have to get a license in WI, which was strange. At least they pay for it! Need to wear scrubs, and I don't have that many so I guess I'll be hitting the racks. This week I'm shoring up the patients and hoping they find a nurse to take my place at the homecare front. The next 2 weeks are going to be a killer until I figure out what my schedule will be.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Friday, May 6, 2011 6:20 PM CDT

** Pictures

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He has finals this week... than done.

KILIAN
I've noticed in pictures that his left eye turns in. With Darrel's many surgeries to correct his strabismus, I got a little panicky. If Darrel had been 6 mos later with the diagnosis, the doc said he would of had permanent vision loss.

So... I made the appointment.

Visit: Doc said he is far sighted (normal for babies but they should grow out of it) and that strabismus usually follows being farsighted. He wasn't too concerned at this moment, but wants him checked in 3 months to make sure the farsightedness goes away. If not - glasses to correct.

JOBS
I've secured 3 jobs, non of which are full time or have benefits. I'm TRYING to go forward with my limited experience to get both. I was excited to be hired by HealthPartners for on-call work. Its a HUGE stepping stone to full time with benefits since they hire within FIRST.

sooooo excited!

We are all working our tales off, can't figure out why it doesn't show except for the exhaustion.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Monday, April 25, 2011 5:03 PM CDT

** Pictures of Jeff's surprise thank you

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He is looking forward to this semester being over! I got a call on the phone today... "Mom, what time are you coming home? I have a surprise for you"
... ah..... you brought home a puppy? "no"
....ah..... your not having another baby, right? "no"

Ok, those where the last 2 you sprang on me... and I could hear brittany in the background saying "I had nothing to do with it!"

O my...

Got home, and Davis was excited to show me.... 2 pet turtles in a big ole glass aquarium. grrrrrr... just what he needs - 2 turtles. sigh...

KILIAN
Took his first steps today!! He now sports 5 and 2 half teeth. Its going slowwwwwly

DARREL
Was HAPPY to pay him a bit of money to remove TWO horrid virus's on our computer - and the jackpot of the day - he installed something on my laptop so I CAN PRINT anytime to our printer! That, in itself, was worth every penny. I guess my laptop now talks to our main computer using its guts to print - the printer is installed on the main computer.... o how it makes my head spin

BRETT
Home - happy - has 3 weeks left of Eau Claire and trying to start a deck refinishing business with 2 other college friends with Jeff helping. He knows his stuff, he can start with OURS!

Life here is hectic and topsy turvey as always. Don't know my head from me arse, but hey, could be worse, right?

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Sunday, April 24, 2011 8:28 AM CDT

GOOD EASTER MORNING!

After a week of clouds and rain.... the sun couldn't be anymore sunshiney! Its gorgeous out! What a way to celebrate the rising of Jesus?

Reminds me of waking up early in the morning and running downstairs with my sister and brother in tow.... my 2 older brothers too when they lived at home. We would search and search... until we finally found those baskets!

My child eyes, those baskets where incredibly huge, overflowing with sweetness! In actuality my basket was very tiny. Being poor? I guess it makes you appreciate the wonderous candy, the goodness given. It WAS a treasure chest! I still have my tiny basket. It is falling apart, but will forever be in my heart.

We would put on our easter bonnets, mine was a white meshy sort of thing, with a little flower on it. No matter how little money my folks had, we ALWAYS got a new Easter outfit. We were so proud to wear new white shoes and a pretty dress.

I remember making easter bunny ears at Annunciation. You take those squares of tissue paper and crumple them like a flower and paste it on the ears. haha, we even have pictures of us wearing them - all 3 of us - on the front stoop in our big ole house in Minneapolis. 50th, and Lyndale, by the Minnehaha Parkway which led to the lakes. We may not have had much money, but our neighborhood was rich in beauty. We lived in a big ole 1904 house with a monster furnace like an octopus in the basement - used to scare the hell out of me! The "coal" room was next to it - you used to have to scoop coal in the furnace to keep it hot.

My childhood years were full of wonderful memories. At the core of it was going to church every Sunday, going to a catholic school and celebrating Jesus. I have to give all of that to my mom who was the catholic and raised all 5 of us going to church without my dad's help. that in itself is a miracle. KUDO's to my Mom! She always said Easter is her favorite church celebration and reminds her of HER Mom.....

Made a basket of sandbox items for Kilian with a box of mini cookies. The boys, of course they all got their chocolate bunnies and other goodies.... they never grow up!

Off to the in-laws today, I had twice baked potato duty, and they look scrumptious!

HAPPY EASTER and the rising of Jesus for US! Rebirth ... spring... has truly arrived!

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on! p.s. do they still make "white" shoes anymore??

Sunday, April 17, 2011 8:42 AM CDT

Good Palm Sunday Morning!

I want to start off saying.... I LUV MY BOYS, so much. They are all my reasons to live! They keep my blood flowing, my heart racing constantly, and my hair keeping that natural highlight!

DAVIS
Everything is very quiet. He has his job interview tomorrow for North Memorial hospital. We'll see and letting what will be will be!

What most don't know about Davis, is he loves to cook. He gets up, and cooks massive breakfasts for anyone who wants to eat. Not good for the girlish figure but extremely tasty. He made a sirloin tip roast, real mashed potatoes and gravy, crab bake and saute'd mushrooms. I have to watch the men in the house cause they tend to eat heavy foods while forgetting there ARE such things as fruit and veggies! Davis likes to saute fruits in brown sugar... guess that counts?

KILIAN
Has a croupy cough. Not all the time, so hopefully it goes away soon. He is so funny, if he doesn't like something he eats he makes that ... face... and promptly digs it out of his mouth and hands it to you. If you mix say... rice with a banana chunk, he'll dig for the rice and hand just that back and eat the banana. I'm afraid he likes his sweets like his Grandmary!

DARREL
Passed his final in the 90% and is ubba happy. He has a girlfriend and spending lots of time with her. I think I like her since she forces him to STUDY.... haha, Darrel needs someone who structures him! As long as he's happy... its all I could wish for.

BRETT
Lost his check card.... I guess it isn't a good idea to leave it on your McDonalds tray, huh? He'll be out of moola until a new one comes! No more fast foods.... gee, darn Brett.

Just to shake conversation up a bit, we'll talk bathrooms. As you can imagine, 4 boys makes for 4 boys using a bathroom. My boys are pretty neat compared to MOST boys, I'm happy to say... BUT, why is it instead of CLEANING the bathroom, they will buy room freshner and use it instead? Like.... now it smells of pee-a-la-flowers? Really? Pick up the dam toilet brush and than you won't HAVE to have a stink freshner.

Like... do people really think that if they stink up the bathroom... if you know what I mean... and they spray a freshner - that it makes it better? To me, its like poop and freshner. Really... it makes it WORSE. Disgusting.

Nice Palm Sunday conversation.. haha

Thats all in Shandland... Carry ON! And think of the reason for this season!

Thursday, April 14, 2011 3:38 PM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Has his job interview Monday. Time will tell if its meant to be or not.

KILIAN
Getting more teeth which means he is running a small temp and very upsetable. He goes from giving you a cheesey cutest smile to crying big tears. His favorite thing to do is look at you and pose a big huge smile showing his teeth. Then he'll pick up all the naughty stuff, put on that cheesey smile and bring it to you. Its so dam funny. O how young they learn to be cute.

BOYS... ??

Its kind funny that when I was whinning about my dizzy spells and stuff, that 2 hours after I wrote that I went from the bathroom to bed with the flu..... guess I could have waited to find out WHY I felt that way! haha. At least it was the 36 hour kind, so I was able to reschedule my patients till the next day - my day off.

My references are being checked! The job JUST might be mine?? waiting waiting waiting....

Thats all in shandland ... carry on!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 5:07 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Decided to take some tough summer classes. Its good because the class is only 6 weeks vs 12. His life has been pretty status quo, so not much to say. He needs brakes if thats exciting?

KILIAN
He is the smiliest little one. He is so intent on peoples expressions. He looks like he disects what your doing, he stares at you and trys to mimic. He thinks he's pretty cool showing you nose, eyes, mouth. He trys hard to say the words. I think thats pretty darn good for a 10 month old!

DARREL BRETT
Doing college things and girlfriend things. So far, uneventful - don't get me wrong, I'm GRATEFUL!

I think I jinx myself sometimes, but I had my 2nd interview yesterday with HealthPartners. The woman who interviewed me was a lot like me and we spoke to each other like we were friends vs potential boss/employee. What a nice woman! I feel it went well - but you never ever know..... She said she'd call in a few days, so.... what will be will be! She said they had to call references, but asked if I'd be ready in a few days to make a decision. Thats good, isn't it? She even walked me to the parking ramp! haha... we both talk... alot

I think I've figured out my headaches. I have ringing in the ears, and vertigo on/off which sets off nausea. I've had the ringing for decades. I'm not stuffy, but if I take a decongestant it gets better - for a little while. I've been reading about a few reasons and I hope its not the permanent reason! All related to head trauma, and well, you know I've had a spinal cord injury fixed. I just don't like the vertigo, I can deal with the rest. Might have to resort to drugs if it doesn't clear up.

haha Seems this site is cheap intervention to get all the frustrations of life out! If I talk about it - it'll go away, right?

It'll be a difficult day at homecare today, doesn't help that I awake at 4am and can't sleep, so I guess I'll get off now and start my day on a few cups of java!

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!

Friday, April 8, 2011 7:42 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He has a job interview with North Memorial Ambulance service on the 18th. Its a good/bad thing because the shifts occur on some weekends (good) and on-call (bad). The reason its bad is because the job is in Redwood Falls, about 2 hours from home. They know he is in school and that he's up for the EMS program this summer. They still want to interview him.

If he works this job, than a great job will come after graduation. It will be more stress of course because of the drive. All in all I think the good out weigh the bad. So we'll see what God has in store for him. Let him guide.

Davis is really excited about it and had me type his cover letter and redo his resume.

KILIAN
The funny little tyke. He really is clever. He knows to throw the ball for Kenzie. He knows how to say "hat" and actually says it when he sees one. He can say "hot" and "mama". He is working on nose and book. Davis was just like that - a very very quick and early talker! I remember when Davis sang "Out to the ballgame" at age 2. The WHOLE song at the top of his lungs!

DARREL
He is doing fantastic. Took his big test (4 more to go) and received his MSCDST certificate. The school said rarely does a student get all 5 at once...... guess who is trying??

BRETT
Coming home this weekend!!!

I've been plagued with daily headaches. Probably all the snow mold. I'm meeting my childhood girlfriend for breakfast today. Than I'm meeting a Case Manager nurse at a clients house where she will teach me how to do a wound vacuum since i have to do it 3 times a week. Its pretty cool - you cut a sponge the size of the wound. Put it in the wound, tape it airtight. Cut a hole above the sponge and attach a vacuum and tape it airtight. Turn the machine on and it sucks all the goo out... for days, weeks, what ever it takes.

Had my first blood draw yesterday and got 1 of 2 vials. I have to return today to get the other one. I felt very bad that I could not get 2 vials. I didn't have the needle secure enough and it slipped out. LESSON learned! his vein runs sideways so it was hard for me in the first place!

Since I wasn't able to secure the HealthPartners job because I was in Florida and they wanted someone yesterday, I had another phone interview at an ob/gyn clinic as triage. I'm hesitant about it because of my lack of experience. I'm sure it'll go to someone who has worked there before. But it felt good to be called!

Continue to work 2 jobs, hoping one day it pays off. I've seen my share of psychotics lately and it definitely is not my favorite. I have a new one next week... sigh

Taxes done - what a relief! We had a really bad bump to jump over, and hired someone good and they got us threw it. Davis is going to do great because of Kilian. Our tax guy moved all the kids around to see how it affected all our taxes since there were 3 people that could take Kilian as a deduction including us since we support them (in theory - even tho Davis is working with Jeff to help pay room n board). It all worked out in the end - so thats all we can pray for! Guess it helps to have 6 people living under one roof!

Not much else to say in Shandland.... so carry on!

Friday, April 1, 2011 7:18 AM CDT

Good Morning!

There are 2 songs that make an impact on my life. One is "Over the Rainbow" - love love that beautiful song. I'm basing my book on that song.

The second song I remember from my childhood - it playing on the "phonograph" and me loving the tune! "Would you like to swing on a star" by Bing

I'm leaving you today with the lyrics.... hopefully it puts a smile on your FOOOOOL's Day face!

Would You Like to Swing on a Star: Bing Crosby

Would you like to swing on a star
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather be a mule

A mule is an animal with long funny ears
he kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny but his brain is weak
he's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
and by the way if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule

Oh would you like to swing on a star
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather be a pig

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face
his shoes are a terrible disgrace
He has no manners when he eats his food
He's fat and lazy and extremely rude
But if you don't care a feather or a fig
you may grow up to be a pig

Oh would you like to swing on a star
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather be a fish

A fish won't do anything but swim in a brook
he can't write his name or read a book
to fool the people is his only thought
and though he's slippery he still gets caught
but if then that sort of life is what you wish
you may grow up to be a fish
(music)
a new kind of jumped up slippery fish

And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo
everyday you see quite a few
so you see it's all up to you,
you could be better than you are
you could be swinging on a star


That is all in Shandland... Carry on!

Sunday, March 27, 2011 9:54 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
It's fairly easy to loose sight of how far Davis has come over the last 9 1/2 years. NINE and HALF YEARS! Last night I decided to go to journal 1, start reading. I can't believe how long it took me to get through one year of journals, and how much happened during the first year.

What struck me the most was how little of me I actually shared. It was so surface, like a coat of dust on a table. Perhaps that was a way to survive - don't go too deep, don't think too much. I can remember all those deep searing emotions. The gut wrenching throw up pains. I remember not being able to stand up straight because my stomach hurt in an incredible way.

Putting on that happy face for the other boys, who in their own ways internalized more than I'll ever know. How did that moment of time shape their lives? How did that moment in time make them better, worse, stronger, weaker, tormented or even quilt ridden.

I know when the thought to share comes, I will hold back, because I get the feeling of complaining, whining, lack of strength to do it without having to speak about it. If I feel that way, how deep does it go for the boys? For Jeff? How deep are the feelings buried?

Honestly? I try not to think about it too much, because that isn't me. I'm a survivor, I'm a do-er, I'm a go forwarder. It's what I see in my boys too.

Davis - over came intense fright, anxiety, incredible nightmares to go back into a hospital, to actually embrace the medical field and find a love of it. Who would ever have guessed that possible? I've never shared the intense night terrors he went through for almost a year. The extreme panic in those eyes whenever the word hospital was spoken. The absolute words of I'll never ever take another pill again unless I have cancer. This child was traumatized beyond the word beyond. Yet...... he went forward and grew finding the nitch God had planned for him. It still amazes me as he shares stories of school how much he is growing to love this field.

He shared the other day how he and another girl were picked as the top of their EMS class - to be the ones who ran a simulated tragedy. It involved a fire and explosion and 40 people lying in different kinds of medical trauma. They had to come on scene, do what needs to be done to secure the area of safety and than those two had to work together to set up a trauma unit to organize and have their work force do what is needed to get all 40 people out of the building and off to the hospitals using 4 ambulances with 5 personnel in each ambulance.

This scenario had real people acting as the hurt, with blood on them (fake of course) and different levels of hurt. Davis was proud of the fact that they secured and organized all 40 patients to be analyzed, sorted and physically brought out of the building and to the hospital (they use real ambulances!) in 45 minutes. Thats almost a minute per patient! The scenario didn't give them any information of what the situation was, how many or what their expectations were except they were the leaders of the trauma when they came on scene. Good lord - this child excels in this! One who had panic attacks when he saw the hospital door, is now analyzing the hurt and getting them the care needed to live.

How absolutely amazing. Fate? Planned? Miracle? Reason for cancer?

Darrel - He was 15 when this started. Old enough to see, old enough to sense, old enough to hear and be aware. The food cubboards were bare. All "fun" and money spending stopped. No clothes for school. This child got it into his head that he had to be the man of the house since we were gone so much or distracted. He got a full time job at Best Buy Corporate doing a job he never should have done at age 16. Put in way too many hours so he could take the burden off of us supporting him and we were not even aware he was so deeply engrossed in this thought process.

Sadly, when I think back, I do believe I was a bit relieved when he could pay for his expenses that cropped up - like football, a pair of shoes, a dance. What was even sadder was that we had no idea of what he was really doing - taking himself out of our picture so we didn't have to worry about him and his needs. YIKES, how that tears me apart as a parent. How much did he resent? I'll never know. What I do know is that young man has a lot of compassion for others, and he'd take a broken bird in to nurture anytime, any place, with his last dime. I can only make myslef believe that the experience was for a purpose and helped rather than hurt him in the long run.

Brett: He was barely 9, 3rd grade. So very young. He didn't understand, know, comprehend any of it. Just that Mom and Dad were gone - a lot - with Davis. He admits he was a little jealous of the fact that Davis had so much attention. That he was pretty much shuffled to other families for sports and such. He told me that he feels so guilty for not knowing that Davis almost died and what the word cancer really meant. He felt some resentment towards his brother and sometimes wished he would just go away. So in actuality when we were trying to shield him from the intense pain and scariness of the siutation, it may have just done the opposite by him not knowing.

When he knew what it all truly meant, he was eaten up with sadness for how he felt back than, and what he thought. Hopefully, after we spoke, his guilt and sadness over that period of time is gone. Davis, was a pain in everyones butt, even before he got sick. He was that intense child that stirred the pot at every turn. And of course, Brett being the youngest, was picked on the most. He is a very strong and focused young man now, and although he probably still thinks Davis is a pain in the butt, he no longer resents that period of time. He does know that he is afraid of needles, blood, and anything that might hurt. haha, thank GOD it wasn't Brett because truthfully, I think he never would have endured the intenseness of cancer. Brett has learned a lot from his brothers, what NOT to do, and how NOT to do it! He will go far in life! And that child loves life, people and appreciates family.

I plan on reading more of my journals, I'm taking things I said and experienced and incorporating it into my book. My goal this summer is hopefully to write and complete more chapters. I think I can make a difference in a parents life, perhaps even a teens geting through the chapter of cancer. To find a new normal, to embrace the new normal and to make it a positive in the future. To beat cancer and never let it beat you.

May God bring direction and clarity into your lives during this lenten season, Make the reason for this season count!
That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Monday, March 21, 2011 7:01 PM CDT

** PICTURES

Good Evening!

Yep, updating!

DAVIS
had his spring break and is now back to the grind. He is keeping busy being a Dad. They went to the zoo the other day and Kilian was mesmerized by the HUGE lifesized fish tank at the MN zoo - which held of course all kinds of colorful fish and sharks!. He enjoyed it and so did the kids

KILIAN
is getting more vocal - lord help us. He is all over the place but has not taken that.. step.. yet! He does everything 200% including being happy or pissed.

BRETT
Is here now for spring break - doing brettie things

DARREL
has rediscovered playing video games with his cousin - not sure what it is but he speaks to him on a headset - don't want to know either

I'm working hard, had a lovely time for the most part in Florida -the weather was fantastic and it was way too long since I saw my folks. LUV and MISS them terribly.

The HealthPartners job was unfortunately taken by an internal when I was in Florida - she called me so apologetic - I felt like I had to make her feel better! haha, but the supervisor wanted to start yesterday and I was not there... another time I HOPE soon.

Thats all for now in Shandland. Carry on!

Friday, March 4, 2011 11:54 AM CST

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Since I'm in Florida, I haven't heard what they are up to. I'm ASSUMING he is going to school - he hasn't had to do any ambulance driving this semester. It was funny, for a child who said when he got out of cancer treatment:

I will NEVER go to the doctors, hospital or take pills unless I get cancer again...

..... To telling me the other day, that after he gets his paramedic, he thinks he wants to work as a trauma doctor. WOW, has he ever grown up. I always knew there was a reason he survived, that one day he'd figure it out. Between him getting his EMT/EMS and me turning into an RN at age 50, God had our course all mapped out.

Hopefully where ever he settles when school is over - he'll love it!

KILIAN
Wonder if he'll be walking when I get home - he was letting go of furniture and standing when I left. He is a little crapper - he JUST turned 9 months and you would think he was 2.

Thats all in Shandland for now - Carry ON!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 7:56 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Came back in the middle of the night for what I can only describe as a multitude of reasons - I THINK the ice cracking was un-nerving, plus they forgot ooops the blankets and finally, their camera - with all of Kilian's pictures from birth to now - went down the ice hole. REALLY, what are the chances of THAT? He is sick. They THINK they may have the pix downloaded on the computer.

KILIAN
Saw great Grammie today. Heard he was wavin bye bye to all the ladies at Fongs, and He showed them all how he can do the "TOUCHDOWN" look - hands both up in the air like a goal post. Sooooo clever and intelligent! haha

THE WORK OUT
Worked out at the gym at work for the first time in a loooooooooong time. I did the weights and treadmill. It felt fantastic. Right when I'm in the groove - I take a trip. Maybe I should cancel the trip? NOT

KARMA - FATE
Funny story, which I may have told you before. But I was called to give a reference for a friend of mine for HealthPartners (HP). She wanted to know how I knew her, and one thing I did was mention nursing and how she helped me out - at the end of our conversation the HR person asked "this is off subject, but would you be interested in working for HP?" huh? That was kinda funny..... and weird

LATER
She followed up with an email and suggested I apply on their site for any jobs I was interested in... so I did

Than I received an email yesterday from another HR person at HP asking for a phone interview - which I gave today - and was asked for a 2nd interview with the manager - which I set up today. The only bummer part was they really wanted to do it right away except I'm flying out tomorrow. I HOPE it won't hurt my chances.... and I'm EXCITED. It could mean INSURANCE for the first time in 10 years!! The job is a new job they just put together coodinating medications for their company. I'm not sure of all the details, but can't wait to find out!

Here's hoping~ Thats all in Shandland - carry on!

Saturday, February 26, 2011 1:34 PM CST

Goodness Morning!

DAVIS
Workin today, will be leaving tomorrow to ice fish. I have the dumplin all day tomorrow.

DARREL
TRYING to get his finances all straight for school. Could they make it anymore complicated??

BRETT
Is here at the "ville" !! for the weekend

Gettin ready for Florida - will be there Wednesday to Wednesday. I crammed all my patients in on Mon and tue so I can leave. Can't wait for some Vitamin D!

Thats all in Shandland... carry ON!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 4:16 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
I'm calling him last minute Davis - all my kids are last minute do-ers. They just can't be my kids! I'm always 15 minutes early... yet... all my boys do everything with seconds to spare. Could it be a MALE thing??? DRIVES ME CRAZY! Other than that - nothin new

KILIAN
Toothie number 3 is about to pop on top.

Boys boys boys... Lord help me!

BUT, there is hope.... between patients, I decided to take advantage of the $1 beverages at Mickie D's. While I drove up to the drive thru, I met intimately with the island curb that was covered with snow.... and... a nice little pswissssssssss sound immediately met my ears! I quickly uturned into a spot and landed.

Lord, do my boys EVER answer their phones? Especially in the morning when they loooooove to sleep after staying up all night? NOT.. except, the Gods where with me and Darrel actually answered! And as I was gently reminding him of room and board, he happily sprang out of bed and drove to meet me in the Mickie D's lot while crystal sparklies shone in the early morning light :}

HOPE
I was duly (sp?) impressed with a few elderly gentlemen, enjoying their cuppa inside, came out to lend their expertise in helping, and I was quick to thank them and let them know my son was on the way - and a delivery guy also stopped. I suppose it had something to do with me lugging the 5000 lb spare tire out of the trunk and hooking up the jack... it warmed my heart in mankind!

300 dollars later, I'm sporting 2 new tires! Could not put only one on since there was only 50red... I'm blessed to have a car with nice pretty wide tires which are basically one step below gold - dintcha know that?

Thats all in Shandland... Carry on!

Saturday, February 19, 2011 11:05 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Going ice fishing with Brittany this next weekend, actually Sun-Tues. I'll be taking K on Sunday (my w/e off) and as for Monday? I don't know - I do homecare most of the day. We'll see..... perhaps Jeff can take another day off. They had a blast a few weeks ago, altho Brittany was very wigged out by the cracking of the ice - felt she would be sucked down in the lake! It is an extremely eerie sound.

KILIAN
He has been really happy and I'm just waiting for more teeth to blast through. Will probably get them alal at the same time! Which would be ok, get the crying over with. His food world is expanding and he loves to eat.... just like everyone else in our household!

DARREL
hmmmmm.... MIA

BRETT
MIA too!

My first w/e by myself is tonight and tomorrow night. I have one client who is "end of care" and I have not handled that on my own before. So altho I hope she passes peacefully and quickly for her sake, I'm not sure if I would like to deal with it on my first night alone. God Bless her and her family.

BEAT is the best word for me. I was "honored" to escort my brother for one of those "FUN" tests. You know, the one you clean yourself out for. We went to a great breakfast afterwards and decided that next time he and my sister should have a 3 some and get it done at the same time! Haha - weird, huh? But thats us... weird. Because of my Dad's colon cancer, we need to go in every 5 years...yea

Thats all in Shandland... CARRY ON!

p.s. Full moon fricken snow = crabby me :}

Friday, February 18, 2011 7:58 AM CST

Good Morning!

Quick note before I trudge off to work

DAVIS
Honestly? Nothing much to say! He is doing what he needs to do to be a productive college boy/father/son.... Its stressful for him, no doubt about it. I hope our encouragemnt and support helps these kids go forward.

KILIAN
The crawl monster! He made me laugh the other day - I was putting up the gate as he was tooling around the kitchen floor after the... dog food bowls ... of course. As I was putting the gate in the door, He would grab the bottom and throw it away ... I'd readjust and he would grab the gate and MOVE IT with quite a bit of force... out of the way. It was actually a huge power struggle and it surprised me how INTENT he was to get through that doorway! haha I had to finally remove him so I could get it latched.

BRETT
He is pounding the pavement for a job. It ain't cheap being a college boy

DARREL
He too is looking for a better job.

My training is ALMOST over this being the last day. Tomorrow night I'm on my own! I have this one person who keeps calling me "girlie" and "why are you in my room!" "Listen to me!" "Do what I tell you!" etc.... Very challenging. He takes a certain medication that was ordered for 8pm. He "requested" he take it at 4pm, otherwise he has dreams that take him away.... and more gibberish that I totally could not decipher.

Problem? I brought it at 4:20 (we have an hour window) and he flat out refused it because "it wasn't 4:00 and the halluciations will take him away"... oh yea, we were also experiementing on him too. sigh....

I'm honing up on psych 101, and wasn't too successful last night.

That is all in Shandland... Carry on!

Sunday, February 13, 2011 11:31 AM CST

** A few Kilian Pictures **

Good Evening!

Not much going on over here. Pretty tame Valentines Day - Jeff and I went out for a quick dinner, and the boys also had a kickback night.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 7:52 PM CST

Good Evening!

Just to throw it out there.... I love ginger snaps (frosted) and I think I'm addicted! With that said, its been a long time friends!

DAVIS
He and Brittany went on their first trip away from Kilian this weekend. They went ice fishing... and Jeff... yep, my husband Jeff took care of kilian for 3 days!! I was not home almost that whole time at work, which of course is another story.

They caught only 3 fish, but truthfully? I think they were sleepin in late, eating all day, and enjoying being alone for 3 days.

KILIAN
He is funny. That is about the best description I can give. He is into EVERYTHING and thinks he's pretty darn cute. Good lord, our house looks like a freakin daycare!!

He has us all on our toes - the king of this castle, or at least little prince. He is officially over his 1st cold, and received 5 shots. He is in the 30% height (surprise surprise with all us shorties) and his weight is a bit higher. The doctor was "impressed" with his strength and abilities!

DARREL
Starting his Microsoft IT college, but haven't seen him long enough to see what he thinks.

BRETT
Called to tell me he cut off a hunk of his heel from a door shutting on it. But what upset him the most was not the chunk of flesh hangin, no... it was having a shoe "full of blood" and the sight wigging him out. "Mom, I have to get new shoes... I can't wear these! and... How do I get blood out of my socks" ... umm huh.

GIRL TIME
I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 days with the girls doing creative memories in the middle of "Garden City, MN" corn fields. I made Kilian a Creative Memory photo album - about 60 pages worth!

WORK WORK WORK
My job(s) are exhausting me. I work homecare during the day - usually anywhere from 8:30 to 5. My new job at PHS, Transitional Care Unit (TCU), is requiring "orienting" or training for about 3 weeks. This means I work homecare 1st shift and PHS 2nd shift! 15 hour days.... I'm too dam old so my body tells me! HOPEFULLY this is my last training week.

TCU is way different from homecare.

TCU - man, you just never know what to expect. In the 2 weeks I've been there, I've experienced a woman getting off her bed - alarms going off (they wear these at night to alert us if they get up due to confusion, medications or dementia) to run in her room and find her missing. Great, how am I gonna explain THAT to the family!

Imagine this newbie nurse frantically running around, sweat pouring off her face, new crisp scrubs going swishi swooshi swishi... flying thru the 20 bed hallway with the holy shit terror in her eyes. LUCKILY we found her a short time later in the "laundry closet" buck naked staring at....something. Or another setting off the bed alarm to find her squatting next to the toilet on a wastebasket.

Homecare... well you get the drug seekers/sellers who could be the patient, the family or a neighbor coming over to "visit" those with pain drugs. Usually my patients are 1 - 3 times a week, long term and short term. Occasionally they feel my time is theirs and call me 4 times a day. Most likely to tell me another body part "feels funny". The rules are, if I'm not there visiting, they should be calling their clinic or family if they don't feel well, since that is what I would tell them anyway. I do believe some are just plain ole lonely.

I get paid to visit them as the doctor orders (usually 1 x week) and I don't get paid to talk on the phone and absolutely can't come back for another visit. I know this being paid stuff sounds petty - but the amount of gas I spend driving from home to home..... well, you can imagine! I admit I've gone over to a few clients homes when they accidently spill their meds - I just can't leave them like that! What if it was my Dad or Mom? I'm suppose to make the family deal with it, but truthfully some don't have much family or they feel stupid asking them or they are too confused to figure out what to do.

I like both jobs and sorta kinda dislike them both - well parts of them anyway :} My back and feet vote dislike. What I do know is that I'm proud to be an RN and trying very hard not to kill anyone! Man... it would be so easy to make a mistake and...... scary scary scary

Working a million hours this week, and tomorrow being my ONLY DAY OFF... I decided to get my long over due hair cut and prettied up, visit the back cruncher than visit a Masseuse which I do believe I'll choose as the favorite part of my day! Well, maybe my favorite part should be finally getting my laundry clean so I don't have to wear Jeff's underwear!

COLD
Do you want to know how cold it is? I was trying to throw my diet coke out the car door when it slipped and spilled on the inside of the door, by the time I grabbed the napkin - it was frozen solid, a dark icey disgusting mass of frozen coke..... wait till spring, I guess?

That is all in Shandland... or as much as my tired brain allows! Carry on!

Saturday, January 22, 2011 5:09 PM CST

Good evening!

DAVIS
He still has a head cold and I found cipro in a drawer and he is taking it.... but...

KILIAN
Has a bad head cold - his first one! So I'm knocking my head on how and what to do about that... I dug out the ole Vicks, but since he stands up and moves around, raising one end of the bed may not be a solution. Humidifier? Never had one but I do believe they've improved them over the last 20 years! Poor little one

DARREL
Well... drum roll... transfering to ANOTHER college - PC Pro technology Institute. He took a test and scored in the uppeer 3% and they were all over him after that. Its a 6 month crash course with a 75% placement, especially those who are good, they get top priority. He is getting 19,000 in scholarship money, but we have to find money for the rest of the tuition. Not sure what we are going to do if I can't co sign for him... It usually all works out! He starts Monday, and on Tuesday I'm going with Darrel to the school.... to have them squeeze water out of a rock :}

He is terribly excited and bought a Kindle to put his textbooks on! duh... never did it enter my mind that he could do that - 1200 page book poof... on kindle. On a tiny screen you can download ALL you textbooks! I'm going to give him a cover for his bday next Sunday.

BRETT
Heads back tomorrow night... sniff sniff I do believe he'll come back next Sunday for Darrel.

I'm feeling better although I felt pretty sickly over the last few days - things getting looser makes one feel worse. Didn't change out of my pj pants all day - except to take a shower. Hoping it'll help somewhat. I switched my Keflex with the cipro because I think the Keflex is making me feel sick

Monday I have my first day at work to train in. I'll have 10 patients at the most, and will be responsible for LPNs, medical assistance and aides. Its a 2:30-11pm shift. I have to see patients for my homecare all day before that so it'll a ubba long day - glad my sickiness is getting over with cause I would NOT have been able to do it a few days ago.

Leaving Thursday noon for a girls trip. Will be gone until Sunday - in time to celebrate Darrel's bday. My girlfriend invited me to scrapbook out of town... I'm going to make a new book for Kilian and I'm excited to start.

Kilian is waking and sounds miserable.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 11:38 AM CST

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
He started school and all that entails. Still has his head cold, getting him to see a doctor is like... well... a pain

Had to go find a fence yard/play thingie to corral Kilian. Our house is just not child proof enough to feel safe with his wandering. PLUS he'll find whatever he can to stand up on and the hardwood floors are HARD. At least I know he's safe from electricuting himself or strangling himself on electronic cords which he bee lines for immediately. He picks them up and turns around and looks right at you! Little bugger. VERY very smart tykester.

BRETT leaves Sunday and I'll miss the heck out of him although if I was to be honest, I probably see him 1/10 of the time he's been here. He gets his friend as a room mate and hopefully that will be fun for him. His last one just didn't work out. He kept unplugging Brett's stuff.... and refused to have the fan on.... Brett stayed pretty darn patient.

DARREL is offering his computer services for $50.00 for virus and basic mayhem fixer uppers. If its something more, negotiable on price. He's darn good at it too! He'll even come to your house, so PASS IT ON! He answers texts better than phone since he sleeps at really odd times - its 952-412-6228. For you out of towners - for the cost of an airplane tix - I'm sure he'd love to come to your house! :}

I finally broke down and went to the doctors yesterday. When I went to my 8:30am client and felt the floor at a tilt, could not remember my head from my butt nausea and pressure on my ears and face... decided it was time. I actually got in between my clients. Ear and sinus infection - and I can't believe how much better I feel after 24 hours on antibiotics with the pressure. Altho the doctor didn't really want to give them to me..... hmmmm... try having sinuses in your maxillary (cheek) area ONLY and see how you feel with green snoze trying to find a way out. (born without all the other facial sinuses)

One thing happened at the doctors which really disturbed me besides the RUDE LPN that did my vitals and took my information. That is UNCALLED for and gives the medical personnel a bad name. Anyway I gave her all my symptoms and she said - your now going to have a blood test and sinus xray.... HUH? I just told her I have had chronic sinus problems in mylife and know what the symptoms are and I'm an RN for crying out loud. As we walked to the lab I turned to her and said "Are all these tests necessary?? I have to pay out of pocket.

Her reply? "You should have told me that in the first place!" She harumphed back to the room and told me to sit down. Hmmm.... can you say unnecessary testing done and testing being used because insurance pays for it? And than as soon as I say I don't have it she cancels it without any further discussion? Not even - "you really should have this..." type of conversation? Leads me to believe they are being done when they don't NEED to be done. Especially xrays of the head - HELLLOOOOO!!!! Can you say radiation?

I got very pissy.... was going to say something to the doctor (one I really never liked because he basically is a BAD doctor) and decided that it just wasn't worth one second of my time and energy.

Done blabbering. Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, January 15, 2011 8:59 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He's been helping Jeff downtown - they had to bring in a big ole lift - which I guess weighs A LOT and it barely fit thru a double door.... Davis hopped right in to go 40 feet in air painting. eye yi yi....

He and Brett are back downtown today. Davis has to work off the repair on his car and his tuition.

KILIAN is standing, scooting, crawling..... I need to find a gate yard - one of those 6 panel things that you can spread out or put together in a circle.

PHS
I had my orientation and it was wonderful! I just hope I keep feeling this way. The Director of nursing had me go thru the 3 hour orientation (a LOT of quizes and computer info) and she spoke to me about the job and what is expected. She was a calm soul... who was adament about their mission of christian social interactions with the patients. You can pray... Their motto is to put smiles in the eyes of your residents. Its a MINISTRY acting as agents of God instead of a job - how cool is that???

The hardest part of this job is that I'm the leader and manager of LPN's, medical assistants, aides..... I admitted to her that I have little experience in that and she stated that it was a step forward to admit a weakness and to be able to grow with it.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 8:13 AM CST

**PICTURES

Good Morning!

I'm sitting in my monkey fuzzy pj's and I'm not getting out of them! After stupidly bragging about not being sick when the whole house has it... yep, I got it. The head cold started when I woke up, but the waves of feeling good/horrible/fevery have been going on for a few days. At least its my day off.

DAVIS
Started school yesterday. His financial aid still is messed up so we have to pay for his semester in cash... not sure how, but it'll happen! We always manage! He wanted to take the semester off, but that was a big "no" from us. He's taking EKG classes, communications (I feel all my kids should take this class!) and ambulance ops.

MIRACLE?
Davis tried to get out of our driveway the day before yesterday and he got sideways and the car wouldn't move. It would not drive or reverse.... and made an aweful crunching noise in park. Called several shops and they all said transmission... $$ and moaning with a few tears came from me.. why do we have such BAD luck with cars? How many more do we need in our driveway besides the SIX there???

So we called a transmission shop that Jeff has seen before and they came out and towed the car. He called me and said Davis was extremely lucky that he wasn't driving when the car went out of commission... it wasn't the transmission. Seems the ball joint snapped - hit the transmission axel (either put it out of joint or broke it - can't remember what he said) and when he lifted the car on the tow - the TIRE FELL OFF in our driveway! That could have happened if he had gotten it on the road driving.... o surely the heavens were watching on that one! I'm putting it in the "miracle" category!

This shop is WONDERFUL and I'm putting their name out here because I highly recommend them! They got the car up and running in 24 hours... they do much more than transmissions.
The Transmission Shop TSI (many locations)
6958 Cedar Ave. S. - Richfield

DARREL is feeling better on vicodin. It started on day one of skiing he fell hard on his hip off a jump. He said after that he had a hard time with his balance which resulted in landing HARD on his tailbone.... its either broken or badly bruised. Not much you can do about it tho. I've NEVER seen him in tears before - that boy has an unbelievable pain tolerance. Perhaps he was madder at not being able to ski? he said when he heard the snowmobiles coming to get him- he forced himself up and got down the hill... he had been lying on the hill for about 10 minutes cause he was in so much pain.

BRETT hit a tree mid jump in an area he was NOT suppose to be skiing in... he has a tiny cut on his leg which he ranted and raved about! haha... so I took a picture of his HUGE cut. These boys! Can't believe they make it thru each and every day. No wonder I have grey hairs, as my parents used to say. Davis had landed on his arm under his ribcage and couldn't breath for a while - he has bruised ribs.

Besides all that, we did have an enjoyable time even though Kilian was a bit of a butt head. He's into "patting" everything from the plate of breakfast in your hand, to the coffee in your hand. He is FAST and its pretty scary.

KILIAN
Has now learned to pull himself to a standing position! Lord help us all! So now he climbs stairs and stands... and he hasn't even gotten the crawling down well.

I have my first training on Friday for my new job at PHS (Presbyterian Homes) and I'm excited to get started. I'll be in TCU (Transitional Care Unit) with the people who need extra care before they are released home.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 5:13 PM CST

*** PICTURES

I will update soon - I just lost a whole page and I'm not feeling well enough to retype it all out AGAIN right now....

Monday, January 3, 2011 7:00 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He has a terrible cold, Brittany has a terrible cold, Brett has a terrible cold, Jeff has a terrible cold....

Darrel hasn't been home enough to get sick, Kilian is starting to sniffle a tiny bit and I feel GREAT. knock on wood.... this year has been fantastic with my health - and now that I said that? I'll come down with the "revenge" if ya know what I mean.

We HAVE to be all healthy - doing our snowboarding weekend THIS weekend. We are all going - baby and all - to Spirit Mountain for 2 nights! It has a kitchen so I'll make chili, lasagna, hot cocoa.... The kids can all ski and we'll play with K. We are all soooo excited!

JEFF decided on his last year of basketball to not only again take on the 2nd graders coaching (the whole grade at once), but to also take an 8th grade team who didn't have a coach and would have been disbanded. Crazy crazy year! No concession stands for me tho! yiiippeeeee

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, January 1, 2011 2:27 PM CST

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Stayed home last night and they had a little bubbly.... Jeff and I watched K when we got home from the movies so they could have some "them" time.

KILIAN
Managed to climb 2 steps the little crapper. He wanted the speaker cord and worked at it until his knees were on the first step... than worked and wiggled and worked till he was all the way up.... cord in hand.

BRETT
Went over to a friends house who's Mom died this summer from cancer. Its their first xmas/new year holiday without their Mom. So, I guess a party helped take his mind off of it, so I'm glad he had his friends around him.

DARREL
I guess the party they were suppose to go to got cancelled.... but I still didn't see him until 6am! At least he waited to drive - he's always been smart about that, but its all the idiots on the road I'm afraid of the most.

360
I have "Trixie" duty (golden retreiver) this weekend for my brother is in florida. I drove across Cliff road and down a slight incline and curve to the road when it happened... first time in decades I got the thrill of losing control and doing a 360 in the middle of the road. Who ever said turning into the slide is nuts - it did nothing except make me go around in a circle. Either way, it was very slippery and thankfully no one else was on the road.

My brother has almost all our old decorations from our childhood so its fun seeing the good ole days on display. The decorations are all from the 30's and 40's. Pretty cool. He even has the stocking my Mom made, and mine? It disappeared in our last move. I also got some of the old glass ornaments. I divided them up and gave them to the boys to go with their yearly collection. A piece of history.

MOVIE: TRue Grit
Gosh... I really hate writing this because I was excited to see this movie and couldn't wait to love it. I unfortunately was disappointed in the movie. It was about 1/2 hr too long. There was so much more they could have made into the story instead of the long ride on the horses which took up almost 1 1/2 hours of the movie. The story of why she is going and who Rooster really was would have made this excellent.

Also Matt Damon whom I love as an actor? He did not make a very convincing Texas Ranger and was not cast well, Sam Elliot would have been perfect. The rest? The girl Hailee Steinfeld - was absolutely fabulous and made the movie. As it was, I can only give it 3 Shandstars. Interesting, as I was looking up the girls name I saw the "Huffington post's" review and it said: "There isn't enough substance to provide real insight into the characters; the curious among us will have to keep looking." Almost took the words right out of my mouth!

Tomorrow I'm seeing The Fockers. Hopefully my Shandstars will be better! Another movie I'm looking forward to laugh at/with. I'm not expecting much with this one, just some good times. Perhaps that was my mistake with True Grit?

NEW YEARS
So New Years Eve had me working, but I ordered online Chipolte for everyone when I was done at 4. I was right out there so picked it up and we all ate... alot. Man, I got 2 meals out of the one veggie bowl - my point of mentioning this is it was VEGGIES and it was tons of food - can't imagine what the meat ones would be like - would weigh like 10 lbs.

Than Jeff watched the Gophers and we headed out to the movies. I had a free tix and so the 9.50 for Jeff and the 8.00 popcorn pretty much nulled the free tix. No complaints - could have been another 9.50! Such a rip off... no wonder I like the redbox! We got home to watch Robin Hood BluRay... and I promptly fell asleep - right a long with Kilian totally missing midnight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR all... that is all in Shandland... carry on!

Friday, December 31, 2010 8:02 AM CST

HAPPY NEW YEAR... friends and family.

Be safe PLEASE....

Thursday, December 30, 2010 7:42 AM CST

Good Morning!

Rain... lots of rain on top of 8 feet of snow .... than freezin temps tomorrow = OMG Lord keep all safe!

DAVIS
Working with Jeff which helps us which helps him. Room and board ain't free! :} He is a very hard worker and it helps Jeff's back out a LOT. Win Win for sure.

90 DAYS
I finally read this because I received it as a bday gift along with Forever Ours by Janis Amatuzio,MD a MN forensic pathologist from HCMC hospital here in Minneapolis. Thanks Donna!!

The Janis book - what an interesting story of how she made a difference in so many lives plus how the lives of those she crossed made a difference in HER life. She is a well know speaker and it was really neat to see how we can actually listen to someone who we may be frightened of in a way.

90 Minutes? Man, it gives you great anticipation and hope that heaven is so wonderful and that its just right there waiting for all of us.... it made earth seem so insignificant! A wonderful read.

I stole this from Colleen because its what I believe whole heartedly:

Take chances... alot of them. Because honestly, no matter where you end up - and with who, it always ends up just the way it should be. Your mistakes make you who you are... you learn and grow with each choice you make. Everything is worth it. say how you feel - always . Be you, and be okay with it. It doesn't matter what any other person thinks.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010 4:17 PM CST

** pictures

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He & Britt are getting ready to use their new ice skates! Since we have an ice rink in the park behind us, its cheap entertainment for sure!

BRETT, Davis and Britt turned our backyard into a sliding "luge" ... they put a jump in there which Darrel called "scary" and coming from him must mean it was not a safe adventure! They were out there until midnight hooting and a hollering.

DARREL - no cavities! Finally got him to the dentist.... my last free visit for the family.

We gave the boys a snowboarding adventure at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. I was able to secure the "villa" right on the skiing hill - they go out the door and ski down! WIth that came free lift tickets, and the next days tix were half price thru a xmas deal! It was a super gift for all of them... and exciting. We go 1/7-8 Jeff and I will stay at the villa with Kilian - or go visiting his brother who lives there.

I DON'T MISS CLEANING TEETH... surprisingly! My friend at the office text me today, and I quote: "be happy u got out of this hell hole, everybody lately is either bitchy, fake or all about themselves..." harumph... don't I know it!

I got a hold of Presbyterian homes. I'm supppose to be working every other weekend there in TCU (transitional care unit) where people go between the hospital and home to recover. I get 2 weeks of training - and she said I could have more if I wasn't comfortable yet - now THATS a company who CARES! They are restructuring (hmmmm - good or bad?) and thats why my manager hasn't called to start me out - they don't know WHO my manager is yet! haha

It's all good - I didn't have to work at all during December, and I'll be able to go to the villa without having to take time off a new job... fate.

I think this job may be it... it may be what I'm looking for. I hope so - they at least have benefits. i'd like to transition to full time when something opens up. I really like homecare BUT its a lot of driving and thats hard. I also feel the company I work for isn't too supportive - they are basically too darn cheap and that I DONT like.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, December 25, 2010 2:04 PM CST

Merry Christmas!!! or as Sean says MARRY CHRISTMAS (he is so clever!)

The joy in my heart at Christmas Mass... how can anyone miss such a humbling experience? I love our church - they have this 50 foot picture of Mary holding Jesus and Joseph looking over her shoulder - an oil painting. Than there is this HUGE wreate encircling it... it is breathless... white lighted Jesse trees under it with a crib.

That and my whole family living under my roof... these memories? you can not replace... even if its crowded, 6 vehicles in the driveway when there is ANOTHER 6 inches of snow on it... Watching my kids open their presents and little Kilian LOVING and i mean it was like he KNEW what it was all about. He was awake until midnight crawling around the presents.... holding the bows. My heart sang.

This truly is a time about life

THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT....
I HAVE to tell you this story. My Mom was given an old wicker rocking chair when she was 16 yo. Its been hanging in the rafters for about 8 years because Davis accidently stepped on one of the rockers and broke it off.

Well.... Darrel, on his own, made a new rocker for me and fixed it! (pictured on photo page) I choked up so much I could barely speak. This gift... was truly from his HEART.

MERRY CHRISTMAS my friends and family.... HO HO HO

Thursday, December 23, 2010 2:21 PM CST

Good Afternoon!

It's Christmas Eve Eve....

I have an hour to kill before round 2 clients start. Round 1 was very busy today.... all the shit hits the fan ya know before a holiday! Still waiting for doctor call backs.

DAVIS
He went shopping for gifts - that ought to be interesting! He and the boys are all trying to figure out what to get each other and its pretty entertaining to listen to them.

DARREL
Is working and doing his ju-gitsu-kamakazi whatever it is called. He really likes it as i've mentioned before! The boys keep planning on going snowboarding - they've been to Afton recently and Davis told me sheepishly how they went down a place they should not have been at, went over a jump with a rock ("it was really cool seeing the sparks" - sigh...) well he didn't make the jump and landed on his side/back/board which knocked the breath out of him - and had some tingling in his arms.... BOYS

BRETT
He is running around with his friends or sleeping... Earth to Brett! Earth to Brett! seems the only time I speak with him is on Facebook! haha

Jeff isn't feeling well today, but better than last night so there is hope he'll be ok for tomorrow. He tried to tell me we are having 6 inches of snow - but i think he's snowing me... I heard 1 inch to a dusting... we'll see what birthmas present we actually receive tomorrow!

Thats is all in Shandland.... carry on!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 8:31 PM CST

Good Evening!

All is well here, we are very busy doing all the last minute things we do at this time of year.

Be safe, Be good, Santa is watching!

Sunday, December 19, 2010 3:55 PM CST

** Some pictures

Good Evening!

We had such a wonderful time at the Shandland Annual christmas... with Aunt Margaret and Cyndi doing a lot of work to set up.

It was Aunt Muriel's birthday (HI JIMMY!!) and a lot of cousins.

Kilian had his first taste of Santa and by the time Santa came, he was falling asleep and was quite put out on his lap. The picture was pretty funny. cousin Jeff did an outstanding job as santa.

Darrel had to work and unfortunately couldn't come. Actually, everyone of us worked and it was a long day, but good food and relatives made up for it! I was so busy taking movies, that I didn't take many picture... pout

Next year? We are having the Ugly xmas/outfit contest - Brett said he'll have it in the bag. If you want to be a part of it - dress up, um... xmasie, put a buck in a bowl. If you win - you get the money and the trophy compliments of Santa.

For FUN!

I want to personally thank Denise for reminding me of something important. I had an incident at work which made me very upset. Actually, I wanted to tell the unprofessional dentist to kiss my ... my... well, you know. Than I read Denise's CB site, which I haven't been on for a while. You see, her son Kyle died last year. He had what Davis had and didn't survive. It was terribly sad. Well, she wrote something Kyle had taught her and it reminded me of what is indeed important in life - and a butt headed dentist is not one of them. It is quite simple

"....You taught me to love with my whole heart. You taught me to forgive and move on. You taught me compassion and to live each day to the fullest. You showed me determination and strength..... You taught me that the little things do not matter and to choose my battles wisely. You taught me faith and hope...."

Thank you Denise, and may God bring peace to you and your family as you go through another Christmas without Kyle.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:54 PM CST

Good Evening!

Not much to say lately - we are all working so thats a great thing!

Brett made it back safely - wants to go to torture and cut out your heart Cancun and I'm just not buying it right now. Mexico - I've lost all faith in ya

Davis and Jeff are working daily somewhere - doing something

Darrel was qualified to go for his gold belt - he's excited

Me? Too boring

Busy week in Shandland LUV ML

Sunday, December 12, 2010 1:06 PM CST

Good Afternoon!

WOW, that was some snow fall.... We had basically grass coverage before it fell, and well, you can see how much is there now! The worse part was the drifts which was a losing battle.

DAVIS is shoveling/snow plowing out the mail box and the neighbors after he plowed our very large driveway. Jeff did it 4 times last night.

My poor bushes! All my xmas lights - ruined. Oh well... you can't see in them over the snow banks anyway! I pulled some muscled in my hip/lowerback area and I'm sitting on ice as we speak. Not a good thing and I obviously shoveled wrong but I was trying to save our bushes. They were all bent over and buried.

It is pretty out....

Friday, December 10, 2010 7:37 AM CST

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY MY SON!!!!!

Once we thought there was little hope you'd reach 12. I remember thinking - if only he could reach sweet 16 ....

We are blessed and humbled that God choose to keep you healthly, for some reason you are only starting to realize..

21... wow. Brings many tears to my eyes - tears of wonderful joy and happiness!

LUV ya Bubba, Bubb-ula, Peanut, Chubbs, Davis Donald Shand!

Mom & Dad, Darrel & Brett, Akaela (in spirit), Cleopatra and McKenzie

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 11:12 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Has 1 more day of school... than... freedom!

KILIAN was very funny for most of the day/night and than decided that his top teeth must follow his bottom teeth by popping out and he cried and cried and cried.... poor pumpkin. He's so funny - he is trying to "chew" things. Can you imagine learning to chew? Tonight as I had him in his upper playpen, he turned and looked at me... and o my... there was Davis 21 years ago! It was a look, a twinkle... it took me right back to that gorgeous child that he was! Difference? Blue eyes, not deep brown.... a little chubbier cheeks and definitely not his nose! But that expressive twinklie eyebrow scrunching "look"... :}

BIRTHDAY
We had a lovely, and I mean lovely dinner tonight. Jeff got lasagna from Brianno's and bought me some handmade large cheese ravioli so I could eat too! A salad and baguette bread. I found the best cake from... ready? WALMART bakery! It was a german chocolate cake - and it was like a chocolate trufflie germanie chocolatie piece of heaven - all for 4.88

We sat around the table and sure missed Brettsie. Even Kilian ate his fill.

And...

I got to use my NEW XMAS GIFT from My parents!!! I got a Canon teenie tinie camcorder!!! And... its RED... and... it fits in my purse its so little. I picked it up yesterday from National Camera, bought the SD card today... and took a few shots at dinner. You can switch it over to still photo too, except I rather use my camera for that. I'm sooo teribly excited to use it Friday on Davis's 21st and on Christmas to see the excited faces! I love to get memories on tape, or pictures. Always have. Its a legacy. I haven't had a camcorder since JVC had the first "mini" recorder which was the size of a basketball! haha Can't wait to interview my parents in March - it'll be something I can show my grandchildren - what their legacy is about.

TREE
Is up... Darrel cut the bottom, 3 of us stuck it in the stand and screwed it down.... and it smells like I'm sitting in the middle of a dense forest - its the pinest smelling tree! This is why I love real trees! It just says... Christmas! It won't be decorated until it fully opens, and it has a ways to go! I think its going to be a LARGE tree.... oops It brings back childhood memories of walking down from our 2nd story old 1900's house in Minneapolis - down the big steps and smelling that piney tree as your descending... than looking around the corner to what looked like a HUGE tree and it was decorated simply with old glass ornaments and the lights were those big old fashioned snow globes.... light bulbs with colored styrofoam on it. All the rage I'm sure, and a fire hazard to boot

I'm going to enjoy this calm... I know it can't last and there always is some type of chaos around the corner... but for now?

Thats all in Shandland! Carry on

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 4:16 PM CST

HAPPY 51st BIRTHDAY HONEY BUNNY! or is it just bunny? Oh, he would hate that I said something dumb like that! :} hehe

250,000!!!

It was very nice to "meet" you Vicki from Maryland!!!

Gotta go and get things going for the birthday boy.

Monday, December 6, 2010 10:05 PM CST

CONFESS!!! Who was 250,000????? WOW, I'm humbled....

WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO???

mleep@msn.com - email me!

Sunday, December 5, 2010 4:22 PM CST

Good 2nd Sunday of Advent Evening!

DAVIS
Tonight... yep, its his FINAL ride along for the semester!!! He is walking dead, thats for sure. Mr. Zombie slept (got home at 6:30am) to leave by 3 for his last shift.

DAVIS WILL BE 21yo ON FRIDAY!!!

KILIAN
Is so darn funny. He is starting to crawl and has so much personality. Can't wait for xmas this year!

XMAS
I love love love this time of year. I think it started out being my favorite time of year because, well.. of course it was my birthday. SO why wouldn't a child/teen/young adult be thrilled with this day?

Than you have kids, extended family, parents moving away, and well... its sadly not the same. I miss my family and how we would play games, tease each other and eat non stop all the goodies Mom made. We gave each other presents that were goofy, and sometimes scary. We would have each other search for their gifts - sometimes on a bus to other cities. (My brother... you NEVER wanted him to have your name!)

Now I do a fast version of my birthday with a brunch, but thats ok, I don't seem to mind. My MIL always makes xmas eve special. She makes a wonderful xmas eve dinner and I really don't have to do much which is very very appreciated! Jeff's side always gathers and we have a nice time. Its actually much more relaxing than it used to be when the kids were small. Now, Grandkids are coming and life as I knew it for a few quiet years I'm sure will be over!

I can't explain it but I'm very excited this year! What a difference from the last 2 years when I was not in a good place. Today I made 2 kinds of cookies, got the tree (not up or trimmed yet, but its in the garage waiting for that male tlc) We won't decorate until after Jeff and Davis's birthday this week.

I haven't baked in probably 4 years, perhaps even longer. I baked molasses crinkles - MY FAV, russian tea cakes - NUM again, almond joy fudge, peanut brittle and brown sugar cookies. Will be doing some biscotti varieties and I'd like to get another 2 different kinds of cookies made, but not sure which kind yet.

BUSINESS CARD
I designed and ordered my self some business cards from zazzle. Love that website. They were pretty cheap and I got to design it, make it colorful and put whatever my little heart desires on it. That way, when I see my clients, I can give them my card (not paid for by my employer so they are genetic so i can use them anywhere) and they'll have my name and phone number. This beats writing it on a sticky note. My company is so dam cheap to buy you any. Just sticking it out until I get a year experience in so I can go OTHER places with benefits!

That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Friday, December 3, 2010 7:41 AM CST

** Getting closer..... don't be shy!

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Not much to say cause he is either riding an ambulance or sleeping. He came home at 6am and is now in bed. I'm SOOOOO glad he's not riding tonight during the snow "storm".

I have one client today, than 2 good friends are coming over and we will make peanut brittle and other goodies. Their my nursing buddies.

Truthfully? I'm pretty boring today. My thumb looks good from where I closed the door on it. The blood under the nail bed calmed down to settle at the moon area. MAYBE I won't loose it, but it feels deep and right at the nail junction. Time will tell! I don't bruise easily - it takes a whoooole lot of ouch to make a bruise so I'm hoping it'll just look interesting as it grows out vs loosing the nail.

Rented the Movie "The girl with the dragon tatoo". hmmmm, should be interesting. I heard its terrible and compared to the book, graphically violent. I'll keep ya posted.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 10:45 AM CST

Good morning!

Getting ready to beautify myself... much needed trim. Its cold... very very cold. Wait a minute, what am I saying? Its above 0 out silly me....

DAVIS
He is back, gone for 2 days with ambulance rides and school inbetween. He hasn't slept in 2 days and I'm sure he's exhausted. I haven't seen or talked to him yet, but his car is here.

We miss Kilian..... he's staying at the "other" side.

BRETT
He's is plugging along, chinese is still kicking his butt. He registered for math, chemistry, english and some other god aweful class for next semester. But I think when compared to chinese, he'll take them with out a blink.

DARREL
what would I do without my computer wizard? He truly has an extraordinary intelligent mind. Its one of those brains that see what no one else sees... can you imagine doing equations in your head without paper? can you imagine looking at something and seeing all the dots and lines where it looks blank to everyone else. He truly amazes me.

ME
DAY OFF! Homecare is fun, yet is challenging keeping it all straight. If you were not an organized person, you would sink quickly. Learning alot - hate to say it, but 90% of your learning is hands on. You see things everyday that you've never been confronted before. The difference is I have the knowledge and background to figure it out or seek the answer. People are unique - no one mold fits all.

I think thats what I love the most about nursing. I'm not an eloquent speaker. I struggle for words every day that sound normal. My brain, my thoughts and what comes out sometimes don't match. I consider it my learning disability. I struggle for words, I struggle for pronunciation (*spelling too, haha). Its strange how ones mind can be saying so much, yet the signal doesn't always get out. Kind of like hand/eye coordination sometimes doesn't jive. Its been that way ever since I was a kid - my brothers used to tease me on how I said words - they were always pronounced wrong, or I could SEE the word in my mind, yet could not say it. Never said this before, guess its bothering me today for some reason. I know whenever I have to say medical terms or medicine names, I sound sooooo dumb. I always apologize and tell them its not my strong suit, don't let it color my intelligence!

I have to meet with the couple again tomorrow who accused me of doing something unprofessional. The daughter came and saw things that were not true and was told things untrue. She wants to meet me at her parents house and have me continue care and she apologized for what transpired because she found out it was NOT true. Not sure yet how I'm going to handle it tomorrow.... I DO know everything will be in writing and SHE will sign it before I treat her parents.

Thats all in Shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 7:21 AM CST

**** getting closer to 250,000!!!! WHO will it be?

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Left to do a 30 hour shift. He has a 16 hour, than a 2 hour break before he has to meet up with his instructor and preceptor with her for another shift. Than he has school right afterwards. I worry for him.

It seems that everytime he has a ride a long our weather goes crazy scary. Thankfully it was not what they predicted. We had pouring rain for most of the day yesterday. My fear was it freezing into a skating rink. The truck dumping guys did a really good job laying salt to keep that from happening (from what I see on TV).

DUST BUNNIES
Do you ever wonder where all the dust comes from that sits on your ceiling fan blade? Man, I sure do. I was appalled that I had very large bunnies sitting on my kitchen blades. Seriously... I've resurrected the wonderous ways baby wipes can make your life easier! I forgot about there versitilty... afterall, its been what, 16 years?

BOOK
I actually got to read Sunday and yesterday. Finished the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo... it was a great book from the middle to the end, and I'm going to start the next book today. I have a client this morning and than nothing until I defunk teeth tonight :} Due to weird circumstances, my Tuesday clients were moved to Thursday so I get a break.

Thats all in Shandland. Carry on!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 5:22 PM CST

Waiting anxiously to find out who is 250,000! Can you imagine? a quarter of a million visitors? Some I know, some don't. Some are family, some are strangers. Some are friends old and new.

a.m.a.z.i.n.g

DAVIS
Did pretty much absolutely NOTHIN today getting geared up for his loooong internship over the next 5 days. He is ALMOST done for the semester. The family stayed downstairs all day, only seeing a peep of Kilian. I'm sure we'll see him for a few hours tonight.

BRETT is getting ready to head out to WI. Miss him already! Didn't see him much with me working, him working and of course all the socializing inbetween. Can't wait for the holidays! This year, I'm ubba excited. The last 2 years were so hard on me, the family and such. No money, no time... pretty hard. This year we can actually breath a little. What a difference. Praying God keeps smilin down on us!

Work last night brought me a very sore back. So I thought I'd clean house to make it worse, but hey, its only wear and tear. My house appreciated the clean floors, dusted furniture, sparkling mirrors, and de-pee'd toilets. I guess I do too!

I'm sending Burnsville my bill for a new water softner. Their horrendous water, without the use of our broken water softner, nearly ruined all our dishes and dishwasher, not to mention every faucet we own. We didn't have the moola to replace it over the last 2 years, but finally broke down and did cause we could not take everything else we own getting ruined.

I now have SPARKLING DISHES! That made me happier than anything else could. Dishes without a coating of calcium - white, thick and disgusting. Can't believe that a little salt can bring such giddy-ness.... yet... what is the sodium doing to us as we ingest THAT? hmmm....

That is all in Shandland.... carry on!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 8:45 AM CST

** Pictures!

Good Morning!

We had a wonderful thanksgiving and now we are winding up for the holidays of Christmas!

Can't write much, leaving for work.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, November 25, 2010 7:44 AM CST

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

I am thankful for all my loved ones, that they give me unconditional love and support.

I am thankful for health in our house!

I am thankful I live and breath today to enjoy.

I am thankful that we all have jobs.

May God grant you peace, health and surround you all with loved ones today!

THANKS for GIVING your selves.

The Shands

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 11:07 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Panic sure set in when he was suppose to be home at 6:30am after a 16 hour shift during that horrendous ice storm... and no car in the driveway when I looked.... I called him and he was smart enough to stay at the station until his next shift started at 3. He said it was a pretty terrible weekend and I think it bothers him more than he'll admit.

BRETT
I'm nervous for him driving from Eau Claire during our NEXT storm tomorrow and all others driving in this ridiculous mess!

DARREL
Working on school projects... there was lots and lost of video equipment in my house - thats for sure. Not sure what his final project will be. He always keeps me wondering

Baking 4 pies tomorrow. All pumpkin for the 2 houses I'm visiting. Gotta love pumpkin pie! and it MUST be homemade!

That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Saturday, November 20, 2010 10:25 PM CST

Good Evening!

Home stretch for 250,000 guests! WOW, that is amazing and I mean AMAZING! Sad part? That we even need a Caringbridge.... so very very sad.

DAVIS
I found the COOLEST ornament for Davis (I buy the kids ornaments every year). Its a glass ambulance! I found it in a little store at MOA. I thought it was very fitting and he really seemed to appreciate it.

DARREL
Got a cheeseburger ornament - when ever we went out to eat - no matter how old he was or is... he orders the same thing. Cheeseburger and fries. It's become the running joke around here. So I saw this glass cheeseburger... and it was PERFECT for mr. Darrel

BRETT
Has always wanted a VW van - yea like the 1960's kind. Guess what? Yep, I found a VW van ornament with peace signs all over it. It too was a very nice glass one.

Last year their ornaments came from the dollar store. It sure felt nice to get them something a little more classy! Although picking those out last year provided us many belly laughs.

I have to work a tons this week despite it being a holiday week. My only day off is Thanksgiving day - except it really isn't my day off cause I have a client in the morning. sigh.... goes with the territory I guess!

Jeff did not get a deer - again. YEA oops

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 3:52 PM CST

*** WHEN AND if YOU ARE 250,000 - I WANT TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!! It's very important to me to recognize my friends, family and those who support me and my family. I've sent a token "Thank you" gift to all my milestones... except... ahem.... "Sean" who refuse to give me his address!!!! :}

Good Evening!

Spent the last 6 hours making candy and fudge with a friend. I haven't used my molds in about 10 years and it was fun... AND exhausting! I'm covered with sugar from head to toe. Almond Joys, peanut butter cups, mints, chocolate covered cherries.... etc. I think Kim and I will sleep a long long time!

We are doing fine here, getting ready for the holidays and trying to stay ahead of the game.

Thats all today in Shandland... carry on

Saturday, November 13, 2010 11:57 AM CST

**** LOOKING FOR MY 250,000 guest!

Good Morning!

WOW, what snow! The neighborhood pain in my ass lost part of his tree.... hmmm, darn. oops, I didn't say that! I have to be charitable on such a gorgeous LOVELY snowfall gift from heaven day!

PICTURE
Darrel is holding Kilian - I almost feel that Kilians eyes are exactly like Darrels. He has the china blue eyes and big - just like K's.

DAVIS
Week off and he is enjoying it! Kilian is so darn funny right now. He plays in his "office" as Davis says. The saucer. He spins around and uses his command center as he sees fit. Its really funny. I laughed hard when Davis said it was his office - it was sooo appropriate and clever!

Davis cleaned the garage - which was a nightmare - for a little cash-o-la.

DARREL
is now in the garage making me a birthday present. He came home with a jigsaw, four 3 foot boards and has been making all kinds of noise in the garage ever since! hmmmm.... He is really excited about it.

BRETT
Got a job at Target in Eau Claire. Problem is he has to drive back to WI for black friday... and I work all day Sat and Sun (sucks to be me) and I won't see him! Just on Thanksgiving.... sigh. He needs the cash to enjoy the lifestyle he wants at college.

JOB
I got another job at an assisted living - with a company that is large and has benefits. Its pt, but hopefully will lead to ft - only if I like it tho. I can't compromise that. So working every other weekend will be perfect for me to begin with!

SNOW.... is here, gets one in the mood for the holidays!

Thats all in Shandland...carry on!

Saturday, November 6, 2010 9:13 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Starting his hectic week... and that brings a hectic household! Lack of sleep is tough especially when your days and nights are mixed up.

Other than that - its the same ole same ole

People wonder why I don't write much about Brittany, and its actually very simple. She is not my family and I have no right to write about her. I would never cross that line of speaking of someone on CB when I have no right to. My kids and husband and close relatives? They are fair game! haha.. Its just that I don't feel its my place to, but rest assured she is around and very involved.

BOYS are fine. Gosh, I just don't have much to say right now and thats probably a good thing

JEFF is deer hunting.... bambi shooting. urg

I have several new clients and keeping pretty busy. Today I have a client who is temporary (a week) and today is Kathy's birthday

Tomorrow I'm watching a client for 9 1/2 hours at his home. Its the first "extended" visit I'm doing. I'm not sure if I'm cut out to do it to be honest. This client is a teen but acts like a very small child and isn't very verbal. going to be interesting. I'm working with this client on and off this month, including the whole weekend of thanksgiving..... and there is going to be a lot of hours in December.... but I'm playing it by ear how many days I'll actually do.

O... have a super recipe. Its simple, fun and fantastic

Bake a cake 9x13
while its hot, cumble it up with a fork to shreds. Put a canister of frosting in it and stir until it resembles mush.

Let cool - roll into balls - let cool again.

Melt chocolate of your choice and dip them - roll them in anything or sprinkle sprinkles on them. THEY ARE AWESOME

I just made some lemon ones and stirred lemon frosting, coconut and nuts into it. I melted white chocolate and dipped it... OMG I have this brainstorm to make german chocolate ones with appropriate pecan frosting in the middle... cause thats always what Jeff wants for his birthday BUT I had this vision of stacking them on a round plate so they pyramid up for a birthday cake.... than you can pick off how many you want... hmmm... whatcha think?

Have a wonderful day - Its calm here in Shandland

Saturday, November 6, 2010 9:13 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Starting his hectic week... and that brings a hectic household! Lack of sleep is tough especially when your days and nights are mixed up.

Other than that - its the same ole same ole

People wonder why I don't write much about Brittany, and its actually very simple. She is not my family and I have no right to write about her. I would never cross that line of speaking of someone on CB when I have no right to. My kids and husband and close relatives? They are fair game! haha.. Its just that I don't feel its my place to, but rest assured she is around and very involved.

BOYS are fine. Gosh, I just don't have much to say right now and thats probably a good thing

JEFF is deer hunting.... bambi shooting. urg

I have several new clients and keeping pretty busy. Today I have a client who is temporary (a week) and today is Kathy's birthday

Tomorrow I'm watching a client for 9 1/2 hours at his home. Its the first "extended" visit I'm doing. I'm not sure if I'm cut out to do it to be honest. This client is a teen but acts like a very small child and isn't very verbal. going to be interesting. I'm working with this client on and off this month, including the whole weekend of thanksgiving..... and there is going to be a lot of hours in December.... but I'm playing it by ear how many days I'll actually do.

Have to hop in the shower to start my day!

O... have a super recipe. Its simple, fun and fantastic

Bake a cake 9x13
while its hot, cumble it up with a fork to shreds. Put a canister of frosting in it and stir until it resembles mush.

Let cool - roll into balls - let cool again.

Melt chocolate of your choice and dip them - roll them in anything or sprinkle sprinkles on them. THEY ARE AWESOME

I just made some lemon ones and stirred lemon frosting, coconut and nuts into it. I melted white chocolate and dipped it... OMG

Have a wonderful day - Its calm here in Shandland

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 9:45 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Starting his hectic week again. House will be pretty quiet this week! Davis helped me with a lot of yard work, especially since the mower we borrowed was a dang push mower and we have a large yard - with long grass from not mowing for a month - wet..... it was miserable and I thought I might of had a mini heart attack.

Davis did the back which is hilly, plus moved the large limbs which fell in the wind storm. We tarped up the back and deck furniture and other stuff which needed to be tucked under for the winter months.

KILIAN
Starting on solids more consistantly. I made sweet potatoes and apple sauce for him. He liked the applesauce, not so keen on the sweet potatoes!

BRETT
Liked his mid term grades, except he kinda bombed his chinese test and is feeling really miserable about it. He had one word wrong - "that" for "than" or something like that so he got 0 points on those questions. I said he should speak with his instructor and Brett said "Why bother, he doesn't speak english" so... there ya go

DARREL
Plugging along. He is gone more than here, but he is lookin good when I do see him!

JEFF
Is up north putting the boat away and getting ready for next weekend - deer hunting! yuk

I'm getting more patient clients. I'm excited to get my career going forward and upward. I just got a couple - which means I get paid double because I'm seeing them both at the same time! Plus they live close by... NOW YOUR TALKIN!

Hope your day is wonderful! Thats all in shandland. Carry on!

Sunday, October 31, 2010 4:24 PM CDT

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Be safe.

Thursday, October 28, 2010 11:44 AM CDT

** photos

Good Morning!

Yep, that was a pathetic update yesterday, but gosh I've been fighting the tired beast! Had my flu shot yesterday so I think I'll blame it? Or the record barametric pressure LOW? Yep - that too

DAVIS
He's plugging along - not much to say actually. Life is somewhat calm - so I'll take it.

He cut up the large branches/limbs in our yard from the "storm" yesterday... or should I say the last few days!

KILIAN
I watched him for a few days - and it killed my back - o to be 30 again! haha. He is so happy and lovely half the day and pretty solemn in the afternoon/evening altho I can get him to laugh if I want, its fast and than he just looks around and takes in life. Most of the pictures I take are in the afternoon when I'm home - hence the solemn faces! Need to get some of those happy bubbly smiles in the morning. He's getting easier and easier to please and play with cause he loves to DO

DARREL
Working - School....

BRETT
Was very excited over his mid term grades - and I'm very proud of him! He is working hard with very hard classes - anthropology, geology, math and chinese. yuk

He is also feeling oooo so much better - happy dance

JEFF wanted to go pheasant hunting but it got cancelled - he is taking a good friend who helped us build the cabin - and actually hasn't been there since! up to the lake this weekend to pull the boat in before it gets snowed in! The starter went out ($250 part) and we are going to wait until spring to spring for that little baby. So they have to tow it over to get it out. Than I'm sure they are going to do a little tiny bit of hunting? o yea

This is my last week of flu clinics - gave myself one yesterday :} I'm builing up my patient load, and also applying for work in other areas. I really want to go full time, and its like pulling teeth. If I can get a couple of part time jobs to equal full time - so be it!

I DO know that hygiene has got to end soon - this week when I was scaling - my middle finger was popping in and out of the socket - and it really hurt. Its just plain worn out.

Excited for the holidays - unlike last year when I was so stressed I couldn't think sraight. Even excited about decorating and maybe even baking cookies!

Thats about all in Shandland - carry on

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 7:11 PM CDT

** Some new pix

Good Evening!

Life is running smoothly..... so I'm trying NOT to jinx it!

That is all for now - quite boring.

Saturday, October 23, 2010 7:38 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Waking up before I make the trip to Rochester for Flu Clinics....

DAVIS
He has his killer week this week. 4 ride alongs. And of course it has to be on a weekend WITH a full moon!

KILIAN
He thinks he is so smart. Getting stronger all the time. He weighs 16.5 pounds now. I offered to watch him tonight and all day tomorrow so Davis can get some sleep and Brittany still isn't feeling all that well - so it'll give her a chance to sleep for a full night too.

Whatever this viral bug that hit our house is, sucks. My ears are still roaring and I feel the equilibrium go haywire about every other day along with nausea. Whats it been... 3 weeks now?

BRETT
Speaking of ill... brett ran a fever the night of his birthday and still has it. It was 100 degrees with tylenol at the doctors yesterday. I made him come home to go to the real doctors after he told me he has been too sick to go to class on one day cause he felt like throwing up - than he threw up the next day. He said his throat feels like its closing..... ding ding ding

Glands mega swollen - she checked his liver to make sure he didn't have mono - normal. She gave him 72 hours for improvement.

So he laid in bed all evening studying for his chinese test. I told him to sleep and he very promptly said no - need to study chinese.

DARREL
Don't see him much, but he's around!

US
I'm plugging along. I have a lead on 2 jobs. Of my 3 currrent jobs, one will end in November. 1 is slowly building clients (now have 6 patients!) Hygiene - want to phase out of.

One lead is memory care 3 days a week 2nd shift - that would be perfect for me! I could still do my homecare on that schedule since its mostly days. I have to finish a math test with a pediatric homecare company - if I pass I'm a shoe--in for that job. EXCEPT - its a lot of extended stay (long shifts) with ventilator kids, and to be honest, I'm not sure if I'm ready for that!

I think I'll take the test next week - than really think about it. If I fail the test - no need to think of it. You can only get 2 wrong - and the equations are pretty tough. I used to be awesome at math, now I struggle... darn brain.

A girl at work had the GALL to email me and ask when I'm quitting so she can take my hygiene job.... cause she is "planning" her return to work. Too bad so sad sucker!! You just irritated the crap out of me!

JEff wants me to go up north again next week to hunt - but I have too many loose ends and it would mean cancelling my last week of flu clinics and that would hurt financially - so he'll have to figure out something else I guess. I hate to have him hunt alone, but he would do it.

Men - stubborn illogical beasts! and I'm blessed to have 5 around me..... thank GOD for the few females who bless my doorstep! ie Brittany and 2 dogs (not to lump those 2 in the same category!!)

Thats all in Shandland... carry on

Saturday, October 23, 2010 7:38 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Waking up before I make the trip to Rochester for Flu Clinics....

DAVIS
He has his killer week this week. 4 ride alongs. And of course it has to be on a weekend WITH a full moon!

KILIAN
He thinks he is so smart. Getting stronger all the time. He weighs 16.5 pounds now. I offered to watch him tonight and all day tomorrow so Davis can get some sleep and Brittany still isn't feeling all that well - so it'll give her a chance to sleep for a full night too.

Whatever this viral bug that hit our house is, sucks. My ears are still roaring and I feel the equilibrium go haywire about every other day along with nausea. Whats it been... 3 weeks now?

BRETT
Speaking of ill... brett ran a fever the night of his birthday and still has it. It was 100 degrees with tylenol at the doctors yesterday. I made him come home to go to the real doctors after he told me he has been too sick to go to class on one day cause he felt like throwing up - than he threw up the next day. He said his throat feels like its closing..... ding ding ding

Glands mega swollen - she checked his liver to make sure he didn't have mono - normal. She gave him 72 hours for improvement.

So he laid in bed all evening studying for his chinese test. I told him to sleep and he very promptly said no - need to study chinese.

DARREL
Don't see him much, but he's around!

US
I'm plugging along. I have a lead on 2 jobs. Of my 3 currrent jobs, one will end in November. 1 is slowly building clients (now have 6 patients!) Hygiene - want to phase out of.

One lead is memory care 3 days a week 2nd shift - that would be perfect for me! I could still do my homecare on that schedule since its mostly days. I have to finish a math test with a pediatric homecare company - if I pass I'm a shoe--in for that job. EXCEPT - its a lot of extended stay (long shifts) with ventilator kids, and to be honest, I'm not sure if I'm ready for that!

I think I'll take the test next week - than really think about it. If I fail the test - no need to think of it. You can only get 2 wrong - and the equations are pretty tough. I used to be awesome at math, now I struggle... darn brain.

A girl at work had the GALL to email me and ask when I'm quitting so she can take my hygiene job.... cause she is "planning" her return to work. Too bad so sad sucker!! You just irritated the crap out of me!

JEff wants me to go up north again next week to hunt - but I have too many loose ends and it would mean cancelling my last week of flu clinics and that would hurt financially - so he'll have to figure out something else I guess. I hate to have him hunt alone, but he would do it.

Men - stubborn illogical beasts! and I'm blessed to have 5 around me..... thank GOD for the 2 female dogs and Brittany!

Thats all in Shandland... carry on

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 10:08 PM CDT

** BURF DAY PICTURES

Good Evening!

Been really busy - trying to make a living :}

DAVIS
Still doing Davis stuff. No change. He and Brittany are tag teaming the baby care. She stays at her parents house when Davis is gone for a few days.... it seems to work pretty well, so far.

Kilian is doing so much. He rolling over and ALMOST sitting up alone. He is only 4 months old! Well.. he'll be 5 months on 10/27.

Unless he is teething, he's been pretty happy. He reminds me so much of Davis. When ever he is around people he doesn't know - he's very solemn.... just watches with those Davis eyes. Davis was JUST like that... o boy

BRETT
Called me tonight - still running a fever on'off - he definitely has a sinus infection and is going into the nurse tomorrow. Our insurance doesn't cover WI, so he'll have to pay that bill to get some meds.

DARREL
Started a new quarter - doing fine

I've been very busy trying to be busy. Getting used to homecare and all it entails. Working 3 jobs, one will be ending in November.

Thats all in Shandland for now. Wish I had more energy to write more....

Sunday, October 10, 2010 7:51 PM CDT

10/10/10.... love that date!

DAVIS
He is doing his 16 hour drive along in the ambulance - he had a 12 on friday night and has worked with Jeff in between. Brittany is staying with her parents for a few days until Davis gets some needed sleep. He said he saw some horrible violent things - mostly psych - on Friday night.

He sure is getting valuable schooling from his internships!

KILIAN
He was the hit of Brett's birthday yesterday - he was being cute, and I had him "walk" over to the guests. He doesn't really walk, but if you stand him up and hold him under his pits - he is VERY strong and loves it - he'll "step" all the way over to anyone who has their arms up.

Like I said, as soon as I get the camera software uploaded, I can download a few pictures. I have to manipulate them - crop - quite a bit to fit on CB thats why it isn't easy to just upload and publish.

BRETT
Wasn't feeling very well yesterday and ran a fever today. He had to head back to Eau Claire for class tomorrow, and I worry about him driving. I liquored him up on tylenol and got the fever to 99.... hopefully he'll go right to bed!

He had a wonderful birthday. I hate to admit it, but I've eaten waaaaay to much pie - couldn't get him to take any with him!!!

DARREL
Earned his next belt in mixed martial arts - his arms are STRONG and as big as my legs! That kid sure inherited the strong polish stock! or... german? or.... greek?? He looks like my side so I'm guessing polish! He absolutely loves the discipline and is looking quite dapper.

REST OF US
I had my first "meet and greet' A 16 yo boy who looks like he's 6. I'll be taking care of him in a few weeks for varying hours. My first RN patient in homecare!

I was also assigned 3 more... they will start probably next week - will find out tomorrow. I also have an interview for a pediatric home healthcare company Tuesday - I really want to work full time, and hoping this will get me there.

I think I'm experiencing a slight relapse - I've been kinda dizzy today. Wish the viral bug would LEAVE us ALONE! I'll be doing flu clinics at Xcel in Welch, and a few days in cities near by - don't have to go back to Rochester until next week.... that'll help with gas especially since its so darn high right now.

That is all in Shandland - where o where did my babies go??? I guess thats one reason why you become a GrandMary - right? to be able to cuddle that sweetness once again!

Sunday, October 10, 2010 8:03 AM CDT

Good Morning!

As soon as I figure out this cameras downloading ...... hopefully, we'll have a few pictures sometime this week!


10/10/10 - HAD to write that!

Not only was it a gorgeous day out, but everyone had fun, enjoyed themselves and there was plenty of happiness - which is always nice.

The food turned out pretty darn good cause all food allergies, avoidances good be addressed with one buffet .... Chix fajitas with veggies, beef taco meat, beans, mexi rice, fresh veggie trimmings, green pluffie salad, homemade garden black bean/corn salsa, tom salsa and the crem de la crem - PIES!

Took Kilian for a walk in the stroller Kathy was kind enough bring over -- we went to the park with the kids and us women folk for about an hour.

I do believe Bretts favorite gift was a Favre jersey from his grandparents! It was a verie nice jersey....

Off to have a breakfast fajita! and find more coffee.....

Friday, October 8, 2010 10:41 PM CDT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE 19 yo IN THE WORLD!

LUV LUV LUV you my little Brett-sie

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 9:22 AM CDT

Good Morning!

I guess when one is sick.. they have time to update things like... a CB site!

DAVIS
He is doing the same school stuff, and having fun being a Dad. That kid sure is cute and getting to be a lot more fun to "play" with. Davis and he bond in the fact that they are a lot alike - and I point these little things out on a daily basis! haha

We laugh that Kilian likes 2 things... the TV (fascinated with BIG images and lights that dance in front of him) and the remote control. Davis went to his cousins birthday with Kilian and Kilian was a bit overwhelmed by all the people and only watched... not a smile to be had. Of course it was in the evening when its his decompressing time, so I guess I'm not too surprised!

I'm very proud of Davis - how he handles everything and keeps plugging on.

Davis is experiencing life like he's never imagined with his ambulance internship in the northern suburbs... he says "I see a lot of shit". Life is very precious and important and although he does know this from his cancer journey, it reinforces it.

BRETT
His 19th birthday is Saturday having family and a mexi dinner.

DARREL
Doing his mixed martial arts - lost a bit of weight with it and he is feeling quite well! I'm proud of his continued obsessiveness (haha) with it. After all, my boys get obsessed with whatever they are in and do it 200% until they are bored... than go "NEXT" WIth that said, I hope he continues - cause its really good for him and he seems to love it.

FLU
I hate to say I have the flu when I've been working the flu clinics so religiously! Its not "the" flu, but a virus thats kicking my butt. How ironic tho! My ears hurt - yet I'm not stuffy. Sigh... if that continues I guess I'll have to have it checked out, but for now - lets hope it stops TODAY since I have a huge work week ahead.

Rochester tomorrow
XCel Energy downtown Thurs (9 hours!)
Sam's apple valley Fri - which is GOOD that I'm finally doing some local areas.

Company on Fri and Sat.... of course Brett's birthday Sat and we were invited to a 10/10/10 party Saturday night until midnight!

Need to do yard work - the lawn mower broke - and it sounds like its not fixable. Good? God's been looking after us with work - so that means we have some money to purchase one! Bad? The money could go somewhere else if ya know what I mean!

I have another homecare job interview Tuesday - I do have a homecare job now, but the patient census is low so I haven't been assigned anyone yet - I need to work somewhere else too so I can add up to full time. I just keep plugging away in hopes that something full time emerges. This new homecare sounds a bit more promising for more patients? Time will tell. I'm not afraid to work - hard - if need be. Hence the working 50 hours a week - hence is probably why I'm sick :}

Enough of all that - geeschz...

Thats all for now in Shandland.... carry on

Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:24 AM CDT

Good Morning!

What a great start to the fall!

DAVIS
He is doing the same, busy times. Kilian is getting bigger, smilier, loves to use his hands now and sleeps less!

The boys are all doing well....

Its fall time and time for hunting season - they can keep what they get tho!

Hope your day is filled with wonders

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 11:12 PM CDT

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

HAPPY SWEET 16 BIRTHDAY KELSEY!!!

Good Day!

Borrowed a camera, kinda like it and just may purchase it. Mine is dead and I love taking pictures!

Not much to say, its late and I'll have to chat another time.

Enjoy your fall - its really getting pretty out.

Until later

Monday, September 20, 2010 8:41 AM CDT

HAPPY 63rd ANNIVERSARY Mom & Dad!!

I love and miss you both so much, wish I was there or you were here~

Working hard to fly and see ya both.

LUV Mary Lee - your #1 daughter

Friday, September 17, 2010 7:19 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Status quo....

BOYS
Ditto.... we CAN be boring sometimes ya know!

Jeff is heading up for the weekend to do grouse hunting while I slave away all weekend.

I haven't had time to do much of anything except gulp a few sips of coffee. I was ubba busy at Rochester Walmart yesterday - go figure! I gave 61 flu shots, and I'm sure thats NOTHING compared to the month ahead of me when people get panicky.

But... working with people can be challenging, especially with forms. Insurance, Medicare, self pay.... and they are all different and 2 sided which seems to confuse the general masses.

Or... they will flip their card at me.... AT ME and say - you fill it out... where I am challenged to be nice and flip it back at them and say do it your self you bugger! And the one or two dupa-faces who yell in my face that we don't take their insurance or that they need to put a visa card number down just in case their insurance is charging a co-pay which we are unaware of..... I have to hear their whole political views of life and its draining.

No... not really. I would never do that to someone even tho the evil thought lingers in my mind. or would I? hmmm.....

I redeemed my self yesterday by giving a few kids shots and not having them scream holy hell in my face. That was kinda nice! I get up early and drive the 1 1/2 hours and get off late and drive the 1 1/2 hours. I am beat with a paycheck! hehe

Thats all in Shandland. Need to take off, had my few minutes of me time!

My Mom and Dad's Anniversary is Monday! They've been married for 63 years!

Monday, September 13, 2010 8:11 AM CDT

** I GOT A JOB!!! **

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Alternating 12 hour nights with 16 hour nights in an ambulance up north (Mercy and Unity Hospitals) and going to class and taking care of his son - can you say he looks exhausted?

KILIAN
Is teething - yep. The little monkers. He is into grabbing what he can with his little fists and mashing them into his mouth gnawing away. Look out fingers! I'm sure he has quite a ways to go to pop any out - but the process has begun and he is NOT HAPPY. I do believe that little monkers will do everything 200 like someone ELSE closely related to him!

BAPTISM
They have their class on Saturday, Baptism should be November 20th.

BRETT
Playing Rugby - was in Milwaukee - he said he has never seen so many homeless in the park and was quite appalled!

FLU CLINICS
How can ones back hurt so much from sitting in a folding chair for 3 days? And I've scheduled myself for 40 hours a week doing just that.

I'm working hygiene Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday - 8 hour shifts in Rochester Sam's Clubs and Walmarts if your that way.
Sunday in Litchfield

BONE
Yep, I hit the little arm bone of a 4 yo yesterday. It was a horrifying experience. For the little ones, you really need to grab as much fat and skin as you can since the needle is 1".... well... this 4 yo decided as I put the needle in that he was NOT going to have a shot and MOVED - screamed, ranted, throwing his back, arms legs all over - needle almost went flying out of his arm but I got it out before it happened.... and... the mother made me DO IT AGAIN (different needle of course) as the poor kid was screaming bloody murder, kicking (She and her daughter held him down) and the injection was a horrifying experience for both he and I. I dam near cried and was shaking for an hour afterwards.

PEOPLE - take your little ones to the peds office for nasal mist - do NOT have them subjected to that in the middle of a Walmart store isle!!!

I'm sure I scarred him for life. Afterwards I gave him some gloves and told him he was so darn brave that I thought he was 5! He gave me a smile.... a hiccup high five... and than told me he needed to call his Dad.

Thats all in Shandland

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 10:37 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Started his internship ride-a-longs in an ambulance last night. His shift is 6pm - 6am, and he also has a 16 hour shift on Friday nights (o my - friday nights! YIKES)

Haven't seen him since he came home and went to bed. He really loves his work tho. He has class at 3:00.

KILIAN
I laugh when Davis says he exhibits "compound Whaa's" A string of whaahs in different pitches - almost like he's holding a conversation. He sure is a cutie, and is ruling the roost.

BRETT
Came back this weekend - I only saw him for about 10 minutes since he decided to go back Sunday instead of Monday and I didn't get back from the cabin until after Sunday late. Such a busy guy.... and loves college life - so far anyways!

DARREL
Seems happy and plugging along. He's taking a mixed martial arts class with his cousin Nick. Good for both of them!

DaVITA
I had a phone interview today with DaVita. They are looking for a new grad nurse. Can you BELIEVE THAT? It went well... I think. This job would be perfect for me and my personality! PRAY that it happens. I should know by Thursday if I get another chance for a face to face interview. sigh...

Thats about it here in Shandland. Trying to figure out how to utilize Davis's camera on my laptop to download pictures. Hard to get him to set me up, the rat fink.

Enjoy your week!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:53 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Busy busy busy....

DAVIS
He is going to school and working for us. I bought him his netbook laptop for school with what we owed him in wages. It worked out pretty well! Its a newer version of my laptop and I'm jealous... windows 7 and all. Funny how "VISTA" disappeared. When I bought my laptop, it was one of the only ones left with windows on it.... now they figured out VISTA sucks, and viola! Windows 7 now on all laptops!

KILIAN
Is adorable, babbling, smiling... and the little "Monkers" (my pet name for him cause he LOVES his mini monkey huggie blanket)is keeping us all on our toes! Davis and Brit found this really funny monkey halloween outfit! tail and all, and we had a HUGE laugh of him in it. Since he IS the monkey boy of the house! Unfortunately my camera is not fixable - software problems and I'm terribly sad about this.

BRETT
Off to college! Only a few glitches one being he needs an ethernet cord for his laptop. ooops. They sell them at his dorm, so hopefully he solved that problem! We have "points" with Hirshfield where you can get freebies.... we cashed them in and got Brett a 24" TV flatscreen for the dorm and having it sent to him... shhhh, its a secret! he'll be shocked! All the TV's in our house are either 13 inch ghetto's or 40 inch ghettos which weigh 10000000 lbs. We are just not up on the new electronics of society! Well... at least our pocket books are not hehe.

COFFEE
Brett's room mate is from Indonesia. He is like a 6 foot asian and adorable. I was surprised on how tall he was! He gave me a present of Indonesian Coffee in a carved box. I was "honored" to receive this gift. It reminded me that the asian culture always gives gifts when they meet you. I felt a little dumb about it. We are going to make a basket of goodies for him to welcome him to America.

DARREL
Work... school.... thats about all

I took 2 weeks off, except for my "normal" work hours. I'm trying to relax before the big 50 hr work weeks of Sept and Oct come up. Trying to get Brett moved out, Davis moved around the house - its crazy around here with furniture being moved up 2 flights... down 2 flights... thrown out.... in garage.... shuffled between three bedrooms. sigh.... and relying on 3 men to do it... um, yea.

Hoping to get to the lake this week. No... I AM going to the lake this week - just depends on which day I go and which day I decide to come home.

That is all in Shandland... well, not really but who has all day to type?

Saturday, August 21, 2010 2:17 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Has been working with Jeff the last month. He is painting the United States of America on an elementary school playground... with Jeff... and Darrel.. and Brett. They asked if I wanted to help, and of COURSE I had to watch Kilian because Brit is also working.

He is getting very fun, smiles more, laughs, watches things and starting to find his hands can do stuff too! He managed to pee and puke on me.. twice. I think he's grown out of his diapers!

Life is going rather smoothly... KNOCK ON WOOD

Getting things organized to drive Brett to college next week.

Thats all in Shandland...

Monday, August 16, 2010 11:50 AM CDT

** 1 new photo

Good morning!

DAVIS
Everything is pretty calm around here... to a point. Davis is still suffering from his ID stolen - lets just say... its a pain in MY ass helping him straighten it all out.

KILIAN
Is doing fine, he is much happier now he is feeling better, altho he likes to eat... alot... and is chubbing out like all babies should! Growing, thats for sure. His attention span is non existant! haha

FLU CLINICS
I scheduled myself out 40 hrs a week doing flu clinics. From Apple Valley to Rochester to Cambridge to Litchfield. I go where work is available.

I'll be at Walmarts and Sam's Clubs. Maybe you can visit me for your shot?

Enjoy your day - it is gorgeous out!

Saturday, August 14, 2010 8:17 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He's doing great, didn't see Kilian cause he's at the other Grandparents house. Our house was actuallly CLEAN when I got home - stove scrubbed, dishes washed, carpet vacummed.

Brett whispered to me as he gave me a big I LUV YOU HUG - its so much cleaner when your home! So it probably was a pigstye hours earlier haha

Davis made a homemade delicious pizza - me a tortilla one using fresh tomatoes out of the garden. Picked my first cantaloupe but it was "hot" from being in the sun so I haven't tried it. It sure is pretty!

The last few days at Y camp really clicked for me. The kids run up to you and hug you, they say thanks, gave me a standing ovation at the final campfire night(which was held in the lodge due to the tornadic weather! grrrr) and the art work was precious. One of the girls made me a pipecleaner doggie - its hanging off my rearview mirror.

I hung all the art work up during the week and the counselors said no one had ever done that before! How could they NOT?

All in all... its wonderful to be HOME!

Thursday, August 12, 2010 8:38 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Spoke with him yesterday and sounds like the house is in one piece. He said Kilian was really great for a few days and had an "off" day yesterday.

Thats how I'm feeling today... "off". My stomach, head, hope its temporary. I loaded myself up with pills, and now waiting for them to kick in.

I know I ate something i should not have last night. For dinner we had these really cool sandwiches. They were Square croissants - never seen that before - and they had turkey and roast beef, cheese, tomatoes lettuce... and I ate one.

Croissants and yeast, unfortunately go together. That with my already iffy stomach from last week - well.... should not have. (I have a yeast allergy) So, bearing the brunt of that decision today.

We had "sleep in" day... but they forgot to tell us that. Go figure! haha

Thats ok, reading The Count of Monte Crisco - having a cuppa java, and planning the day. Had a lot of kids yesterday with headache, stomachache and bug bites. Got some supplies so now we are back in the saddle so they say!

That is all - carry on!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 2:09 PM CDT

** Good Evening!
Sorry I cut my update short, we've had a lot of stomach issues here at camp, and I can say it all rings what Davis and I had last week. Feeling nauseous, crampy, comes and goes. Lots of tums being given, a few bug bites, turned ankles.... one heart patient which is a little scary. They are spending the night here and hopefully feel better with A/C and rest.

The Y's program, altho sucks for me, is WONDERFUL for these kids. The counselors are fantastic... just wanted to clarify that. I'm impressed with the counselors caring and how much effort and time they spend with the kids - KUDDO's for them! The office staff? I take the 5th.

We had another storm go thru and so much rain you could not see anything. It literally poured buckets! Of course, dinner can't be delayed so we toted across the way with meds in our egg crate getting soaked in minutes - even with jackets and umbrellas! But..the meds were dry.

It's 8pm, I'm watching my patient and the doc is doing a drug run. We do it 4 times a day.... and the kids are spread out all over cause its "campfire" nite!

Good Afternoon!

Thought I'd take advantage of possible internet connection!

DAVIS
Working for Jeff as Jeff is in Canada fishing compliments of a friend. Heard Kilian is feeling better! I know I am, and hopefully Davis is too.

YMCA Camp.
Survived a funnel cloud - miles from where we were. Now round 2 storm is brewing. What can you expect with this kind of heat wave? At least there is a beautiful breeze blowing today! LOVE IT.

I hate to whine, but I'm very disappointed in the Y - and how they stock, help and be there for the health staff. It's like they all are lacking in the happy department, and I feel like this is not taken as seriously as it should. They have meds in the cupboard, bandaids and stuff but NOTHING to help you actually carry out your duty.

I brought my own cooler. They use an old water container for the water jug. There wasn't any paper, bags, crates, etc to actually separate the kids medications by child, bunk house (there are 22 bunkhouses) and its very frustrating.

I actually snuck up to the kitchen and "Borrowed" 6 egg crates (there were about 10 leaning on the outside of the dining hall unused) and "borrowed" a handfull of ziplock bags so we (we as in Dr. Chris and I who are the volunteers) could actually get organized. Than I got my hand slapped for doing that - but I put on my stare for the guy who said I probably should return them... like ok, what are you going to give us instead???

Besides that, food is great - and I mean REALLY good. I haven't eaten so many salads in a long time... like every meal.

Will update another time... a sickie is coming for help.

Sunday, August 8, 2010 7:16 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Feeling better. He registered for his fall classes FINALLY as his monies were returned to him and he was able to pay his summer balance off. He is feeling better, but mornings are the worse with stomach cramps and feeling like throwing up. Kilian is also getting better altho he is very fussy during the day and needs constant walking to calm down. Poor little guy

Life is tough when your little ones feels bad. Brittany has returned to work so a lot of the care is falling on a sick Davis (and me, probably why I got sick). Brit is adjusting to the physical part of Von Hansons. I remember Davis coming home exhausted. There was a big bruha there last night where 2 people quit at 3:00..... for the same reasons Davis quit last year. Because of the same woman who happened to be his past landlord..well... you get the picture of how well THAT went and why Davis moved out.

DARREL
Is never home. But thats ok for him. He is staying a lot at his cousins pad, cause he lives closer to his work and his girlfriend. Wendy's told Darrel he could be a manager this year if he continues on - we'll see if he can stick it all out while going to school too!

BRETT
Is staying another day up north - he said they are having a blast... is that good??? haha there is a big weekend festival at Grand Marais and the kids are enjoying every minute of it. Brett said he wants to register for the "HOT DOG EATING" contest. Um, I sure hope not! ick

Heading off to camp this morning. My camera crapped out so no new pictures to post. This really upsets me cause I paid good money for it a few years ago and I take care of my stuff. I'm having a neighbor look at it cause he fixes cameras.

HEAT wave this week with tropical humidity. I'm a little worried about 165 campers ages 7-14 at camp and heat exhaustion. Hopefully I won't be too busy. I packed a fan - for ME!

That is all in Shandland... cary on!

Friday, August 6, 2010 4:32 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
He, Kilian and I have some kind of viral stomach bug. Feel crampy and nauseaous (sp??) all the time. No wonder he feels so poorly! I took him to the doctor last night to make sure it wasn't his ears. Davis had the heaves all night and I didn't want him to go out. I was starting to feel crampy (thought I needed to eat.... ) and today its the same.

Kilian does not have ear or chest issues (yea) but she said he has a bug and to watch to make sure he continues to make wet diapers.

Need to shake this for Sunday - the day I start "Band Camp"... remember that line? Hated the movie, love the line. (original american pie)

Packing tomorrow, Jeff is pretty beat from all the hours he is working, and I actually am getting more used to 5 days a week.

BRETT
Took off for the lake with some friends - his 1st Year of College get away - we let all the boys do it.

DARREL
Working full time, school too.

JOBS
I took 2 more jobs. I will be a manager of a "Flu Clinic" but not sure where yet. I'm doing it for 2 separate companies. I'll work 7 days a week if needed to get some moola. Hate moola.

Did you know you can get 3 shots at once? 2 in the right deltoid, 1 in the left. WHo knew? Sounds like a lot of stuff going into the body at once. I think I'd wait a few weeks between em.

Thats all in Shandland...

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 10:07 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Is working with Jeff, almost has his credit all back and couldn't register for his class until it was cause he had to pay a small fee - but no account to pay it with! It was a crazy ride.

K is a pill... Krabby Krabby Krabby. Since he had his shots, well, over the last few days. He is sleeping thru the night, or pretty close, so thats good. He is drooling so perhaps he is teething? At this young age? I suppose its possible for the process to begin!

JOB
I'm working as a "FLu Clinic" nurse for 3 months. Should be kinda fun and I can still work hygiene at the same time. Win Win

Job market still sucks

CAMP
I'm camp nursing starting Sunday. Need to really sit down and get that all sorted out so I'm ready. I think the choosing of clothes will be key. Weather? Bugs? Hot? Steamy? Pockets a MUST.

I'd like to bring my rolling bag to tote my stuff around, but I don't think thats realistic at a camp - but I'm bringing it anyway just in case.

Thats about it. Working everyday, for at least half days, trying to bring some cash o la in. Jeff is really busy - God is answering many prayers!

Carry on.... Thats all in shandland!

Saturday, July 31, 2010 10:27 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Feeling better. Still getting his ID straightened out, and its reeking havoc with the bills he paid and are now being returned.... grrrrrr

Hopefully he finds out Monday if the EMT job is open.

K
He is getting so fun and funny.... he is smiling, "talking", and the poor little guy received 4 shots yesterday. He feels a little warm today but came for the BBQ at a neighbors and everyone loved him up and he was perfect! His new "Aunts" could not get enough of him.

The new formula is working so much better, and he is sleeping larger chunks of time.

Got a lead - a really GOOD lead on an RN job... pray it works out since the other 3 did not. All wanted a year experience, this new one does not.

Did hours of yard work today - sweat off about 10 lbs. Everything is weeded and trimmed. My tomatoes are starting to turn red, onions are up, dill, parsley, beans. Peppers cukes and canteloupe growing nicely.

I picked a bunch of green beans and Jeff cooked them up with almonds and a touch of Tamari sauce and butter for the picnic. Exxxxcellent.

That is pretty much all in shandland... carry on!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 9:04 AM CDT

DAVIS
Is sick... chest, head... and yet he gets up with K and goes to work. And won't listen to his Mama about seeing a doctor... MEN

He is almost moved back, set up a large man cave addition to Brett's in the basement. It has 3 couches, 2 TV's... o my. There is bassinets cribs, diapers, all kinds of stuff at every turn. But surprisingly in a not so invasive way - yet.

Davis is such a great Dad.. I'm very very proud of him and how well he takes care of K... he is 200% there and does what needs to be done.

and life goes on and on and on...

Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:39 AM CDT

Good Morning!

And life goes on and on and on.....

DAVIS
Still trying to get his life back after someone stole his ID and charged up some fun. It was virtually stolen, not actually stolen.

He is not renewing his lease, so.... yep, he'll be moving the family here. A new job isn't in time for him to stay there. I had a patient who also worked at Mystic lake for years, and was also "laid off".

I'd like the kids to save some money, altho they will have to pay rent to some degree. Daycare is expensive, so I figured with all of us here at any given time, Brit will be able to work, and it'll allow Davis to keep a full school schedule which is #1 in my mind.

Will this be easy? Absolutely not. I'm actually not looking forward to the crowd in a lot of ways. The house will be tight until Brett goes to college and than I'll move the trio downstairs, but until that point, Brett deserves to keep his "man cave" cause he's a great kid and earned it.

It WILL allow for many pictures ! :} and all the "K" time I could possibly want...

WORKing hard
I've booked myself to a ridiculous schedule at work- hope it all pays off in the end. I have a 13 hour day tomorrow, than a normal Tues and Wed..... with 2 job interviews mixed in there a bit. One job is PT, every other weekend, which would give me RN experience, and allow me to work as a hyienist... which really? I want to get out of before my fingers actually fall off! But, its an option. Its also practically in my back door for a good company.

The other interview is in an area I'm not so crazy about, but its FT.... The 3rd, I'm waiting for a call back, I know they had some big hoopla last week and were not in the office, so hoping to hear from them this week... one can hope, right? This job would be ideal and is one I'd really like to have.

And life goes on and on and on......

Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:39 AM CDT

Good Morning!

And life goes on and on and on.....

DAVIS
Still trying to get his life back after someone stole his ID and charged up some fun. It was virtually stolen, not actually stolen.

He is not renewing his lease, so.... yep, he'll be moving the family here. A new job isn't in time for him to stay there. I had a patient who also worked at Mystic lake for years, and was also "laid off".

I'd like the kids to save some money, altho they will have to pay rent to some degree. Daycare is expensive, so I figured with all of us here at any given time, Brit will be able to work, and it'll allow Davis to keep a full school schedule which is #1 in my mind.

Will this be easy? Absolutely not. I'm actually not looking forward to the crowd in a lot of ways. The house will be tight until Brett goes to college and than I'll move the trio downstairs, but until that point, Brett deserves to keep his "man cave" cause he's a great kid and earned it.

It WILL allow for many pictures ! :} and all the "K" time I could possibly want...

And life goes on and on and on......

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 10:43 AM CDT

Good Morning!

It's been a pretty tough week for the household.

Downers:
Davis loosing his job
Friends and neighbors dying - funerals
Jeff's back getting bad again
Someone stealing Davis's bank ID and charging 500 at walmart.com..... and all the crap that entails!
I work 7 out of 8 days and my fingers are popping in and out of joint as I scale and I'm trying sooo hard to ignore the fact that they are shot. I bandage them up to give them extra support and that seems to really help!

Uppers:
Jeff has more work - hence the back sucking
Davis can apply for a job in a week for a hospital
I have 3 job interviews next week..... Can you believe that?
The competition for said jobs has waaay more experience - I need to bullshit well!

And at this moment and time I want to extend my LUV and HUGS and THANK YOU's to the most generous, loving, woman in the world - my MotherInLaw Donna! She is always there in our ups and downs and willing to do anything without hesitation or question. We don't deserve a woman in our lives who is soo special - and we certainly don't tell her enough or show it enough!

LUV YOU DONNA (and of course Don....)

Monday, July 19, 2010 11:24 AM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Nice weekend with Little K, he is getting bigger, of course, and with that comes....

I want to do stuff and I can't syndrome.

DAVIS
Was laid off from mystic lake along with 32 others - not cool.... and is working with Jeff for a few weeks now. Pray he gets the EMT job at the hospital! He NEEDS THIS JOB or we'll have a family of 3 housing back with us!

sigh......

Sunday, July 18, 2010 9:31 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Hope everyone is safe from the weather... it was bumpy! Pretty cool pictures on TV on the shelf clouds and wall clouds and actual tornados!

DAVIS
Caught up on much needed sleep as Jeff and I got some K time. He slept the last 2 nights for 6 hours but has fussy time for several hours before this happens! Nothing makes him happy.. its like he's frustrated to DO something.

He is getting very strong - tries to bat and grab things but can't get his hands coordinated enough. The fists are finding his mouth tho, and it helps soothe him when needed. He will stand on your lap for a little bit. He is in constant motion.... o my, karma is a .....

Thursday, July 15, 2010 7:44 PM CDT

Good Evening!

What a super gorgeous day today!

DAVIS
He was 1 of 2 people who aced his ambulance and catastophe simulations... using real ambulances and dummies set up in hostile situations. He did so well, he doesn't have to test anymore for the course. He lead a team of medical workers to the site and lead them through the scenario.

GREAT JOB DAVIS!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 11:24 AM CDT

Good Afternoon!

I can't resist giving you my camp schedule... I am the "Official" YMCA camp nurse in Loretto MN a week in August for 165 kids. Here is the schedule they sent me!

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:00 Flag raising, Breakfast - Pass out medications, Chapel skit time

9:00 Medication Readiness for Lunch, dinner, campfire, breakfast

10:00 Nurse visits all cabins and rate cleanliness, tally points for both boys and girls

12:15 LUNCH - Medication pass
End of Lunch: kids bang on table chanting "NURS ES CHOICE" for me to come up and announce cleanest cabins: 2nd place boy and girl than Announce 1st place… with a DRUM ROLL for boy and girls cleanest cabins

1:15 REST HOUR(??) Staff meeting in staff room

2:30 Specialty camp - Check and Prepare health Kits for the cabins going on overnight with trip director including Waterproof bags matches, TP, band-aids, basic first aid, medications for Dinner, campfire, breakfast for that cabin and Save envelopes to make sure they are empty of medications

4:50 Flag lower/DINNER - Medication pass

7:15 Food Store - free snack for me and snacks for campers

7:30 GAMES - be available at place of games and Gather medications for campfire

8:30 CAMPFIRE - Med pass, Bring jug of water and cups

10:00 snack available in dining hall

Now if you made it through all that, the FIRST day I have to do "lice" checks of each camper! YUCK. Meet all parents and record all medications, go through water safety drills and tour the facility so I know where the hell everything is!

AND... all this for 40.00 a day! haha, anyway sounds like a LOT of work and a LOT of fun! Except for the lice part....

Ok, back to typing up what I need to know on a daily basis... not that I'm an organized anal geek or anything??

Monday, July 12, 2010 9:30 AM CDT

Good Morning!

LIFE
I stole this off a Facebook site, her words are exactly how I feel about life and have always described it... only she said it much better!

Our lives are journeys. Every journey has to begin and end with a chapter. With the closing of a chapter the next journey begins. Kinda like standing under a weepin willow tree which branch do u start to climb. If I go to the right what will happen, if I go to the left what will happen. At every branch we have to ... See More, make a choice of were to go next in our next chapter step.

Some of those chapters we don't like and wish we could just shread, but even if we were able to shread them that part would remain inside us because it took us to the next journey. We learn many things along the way weither the way is good or bad. We learn about ourselves. It's who u are that matters. People don't love u cause u wear purple shoes, people love u because as u all have journeyed ur own lives u have shown them ur love, kindness, support, respect, courage and u have shown them no matter how rough it gets quitting is not an option for u.

So just keep doing what u have been doing growing. Making new chapters and starting new journeys and should u need a hand to get over a bump in the road I have seen many hands here just waiting to help. So if for today all u can do is hold the branch that's ok do it.......

WOW, She is sooo true in her words, our book of life.

Monday, July 12, 2010 9:30 AM CDT

Good Morning!

LIFE
I stole this off a Facebook site, her words are exactly how I feel about life and have always described it... only she said it much better!

Our lives are journeys. Every journey has to begin and end with a chapter. With the closing of a chapter the next journey begins. Kinda like standing under a weepin willow tree which branch do u start to climb. If I go to the right what will happen, if I go to the left what will happen. At every branch we have to ... See More, make a choice of were to go next in our next chapter step. Some of those chapters we don't like and wish we could just shread, but even if we were able to shread them that part would remain inside us because it took us to the next journey. We learn many things along the way weither the way is good or bad. We learn about ourselves. It's who u are that matters. People don't love u cause u wear purple shoes, people love u because as u all have journeyed ur own lives u have shown them ur love, kindness, support, respect, courage and u have shown them no matter how rough it gets quitting is not an option for u. So just keep doing what u have been doing growing. Making new chapters and starting new journeys and should u need a hand to get over a bump in the road I have seen many hands here just waiting to help. So if for today all u can do is hold the branch that's ok do it.......

She is sooo true in her words, our book of life.

Saturday, July 10, 2010 7:18 PM CDT

Good Evening!

Whew... what a day! Fun, fun fun.

DAVIS
He and 31 others were laid off from work. ouch. The really cool thing? I think a higher power is looking after him, since he received a call yesterday from a hospital he interned at telling him they had 2 casual EMT jobs, and would he be interested in them? Not sure how thats going to go cause it has to go internal first, but PRAY it happens. My heart just can't take much more of this!

Thats all in Shandland!

Monday, July 5, 2010 10:00 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
I'm sure Mystic Lake was a ZOO last night, Davis worked at 10pm, and fireworks were going off at that time.... yikes. Brittany worked all weekend, and Davis was driving her back and forth. I told the kids that I'd take K for a few days so they could get some sleep and one on one time... its hard cause they miss K so much, yet really want to take advantage of the time together. You forget how you have to take a shower, clean, cook, whatever between crys, wiggles and sleep. Its emotionally exhausting!

SMILES THAT BREAK YOUR HEART
K SMILED for us! First Jeff, than me... he has a beautiful smile - no surprises! He is getting a lot more alert now, and stays awake a bit longer and as great grandma says.... a wiggle worm. He definitely loves to move. surprise surprise again with my boys! Karma... He is so strong I bet he rolls over within a few weeks.

Truth be told, Jeff and I stayed home and watched the neighborhood fireworks, cause some houses were letting off ones that were pretty professional looking! The dogs are a mess today. The windows shook a bit, really, thats how big they were!

BOYS
When I see pictures of my boys so young, full of life and with that crazy sparkle in their eyes, my heart melts. I'm not mentally crazy now, so can appreciate the memories! I miss it terribly... than not. I've always loved seeing and experiencing the next chapter in their lives... yet not. We had so much fun together and I miss THAT a lot. They are adults who live lives that don't inlcude Mom and Dad too much anymore. sigh... the days of going as a clan to fireworks, zoos, and such... Now I'm lucky if I see them in passing!

I can truly appreciate now the innocence, the love for life, the boundless energy of those little kid years ... hence being a "Grandmary" (THANKS KIM FOR THE SUGGESTION!) is the perfect balance of being able to appreciate the innocence without being so close that your exhausted to appreciate it! I guess thats what being a grandparent is all about and I wouldn't give any part of it up for the world! Even if it means sleeping on the floor for 2 days! Within the month, this crib will be in the spare bedroom, and than hopefully K will be able to sleep in it... for now its in the TV room and I with it.

Enjoy your week, stay cool!

Saturday, July 3, 2010 10:53 AM CDT

HAPPY 4th OF JULY WEEKEND!!

I was watching Extreme Makeover, it seems when you have a 4 week old who likes to be HELD, you don't get much done of anything else.... anyway, where was I? (He DID sleep great last night tho)

I was watching Extreme Makeover, which tends to make me cry anyway, and there was a family and one of the teen boys collected pop tops to raise money for kids with cancer. It seems he had childhood cancer and that was his way to give back. What made me blubber was when the Mom said.... "unless you've had a child with cancer, been through the process which never ends, its hard to understand.." O my. The process never does end, there is so much that is involved for a life time.

Our family survived cancer and has moved forward in the process. The worries, the fear... are always there, but tucked back a little more every year.

What has cancer done for us?

I am now an RN
Davis is now an EMT going for his paramedic.
Jeff spends many hours with children volunteering
Darrel and Brett have become caretakers

What can cancer never do to us?

Take our souls and our life force and make us weak.

Be safe, be good..... and lite a firecracker for me!

Friday, July 2, 2010 8:00 AM CDT

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Is bringing K over for a day or so since Brittany has to WORK this weekend at Von Hansons - those rat finks. Gosh, I hate that place when Davis worked there - he never ever had time off. They thrive on making you work every dam holiday for hours on end.... but I secretly think getting her out of the house and doing "normal" things will be very beneficial to her overall mental health! After all, speaking baby babble for days and hours on end can drive you a little crazy. :} Even I felt it after a few days!

MAYO CLINIC
I copied this from the Mayo Clinic site - glad to hear its not all in my head and that the Mayo actually supports this. I've fought this diagnosis ever since I sustained that spinal cord injury in 1993. Don't like to talk about it much, its hard to admit you have a spinal cord injury. When I read this, it makes sense that I didn't have the symptoms until I fell into that manhole and sustained whiplash.... since they are saying its a spinal to brain issue.

DOES THIS FIT YOU, PERHAPS?
Interview With a Mayo Clinic Expert

Fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Connie Luedtke, R.N., the nursing supervisor of the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic, answers questions about some of the most common misconceptions about fibromyalgia.

What is the most common misconception about fibromyalgia?

People think fibromyalgia isn't a real medical problem or that it is "all in your head." It's sometimes thought of as a "garbage-can diagnosis"—if doctors can't find anything else wrong with you, they say you have fibromyalgia. Being diagnosed does require that you meet specific criteria, including painful tender points above and below the waist on both sides of the body.

There's a lot that's unknown, but researchers have learned more about it in just the past few years. The brain and spinal cord process pain signals differently; they react more strongly to touch and pressure, with a heightened sensitivity to pain. It is a real physiological and neurochemical problem. (PROVEN ON CAT SCANS)

It's frustrating to people because the traditional treatment approach isn't effective. But there's no easy fix. It takes lifestyle changes and small steps toward achieving wellness. It's a process. (I'VE LEARNED THE HARDWAY WHEN TO SAY MY BODY IS DONE)

Many of the people who come to our fibromyalgia clinic are perfectionists (HAHA, REALLY? WHO ME??) who have very high expectations for themselves; likewise they can't adjust to more realistic expectations after they develop fibromyalgia symptoms. These people have difficulty learning to relax. They may push through the pain and keep doing activities to the point they crash and burn and need extra time to recover.

So the pain keeps reinforcing itself in a never-ending cycle. People report lower levels of pain when they can slow their heart rate by deep breathing and doing other relaxation techniques. (THIS IS WHY I NEED MASSAGE WEEKLY! O IF ONLY...... :}

Can misconceptions about fibromyalgia be harmful?

When people learn they have fibromyalgia, they can go through the stages of grief and loss—including experiencing anger and attempts at bargaining. (YES, I WENT THRU THIS... IT WAS VERY HARD I WENT TO DOC AFTER DOC LOOKING FOR THE "CURE") When they get to the peace of acceptance, There's no magic surgery or pill that can fix this. They need to recognize that it's OK to ask for help with things and that it's OK to give themselves time for exercise and relaxation each day. They need to make their own health a priority. (OK, STILL LEARNING THIS LESSON...

HEALTH TIDBIT
Just a little health tidbit cause this is more widespread than people think! It affects many more women and migraines are also a part of this..... remember RELAX and BREATH!

Ok, need to rush and take a shower for K... hmmmm... did I say relax and breath? haha, I'm my own worse enemy!!!!

That is all in Shandland.

Thursday, July 1, 2010 3:18 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Nothing new.... good, huh?

ENJOY YOUR 4th Of JULY WEEKEND! Stay safe, be good and celebrate USA!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 10:08 AM CDT

** New pictures

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Haven't heard from him since the medi flight he was on - but I'm pretty sure he is ubba busy!

My brother and I helped my sister move Sunday - we didn't get home until 7pm and I don't even remember the ride home I was so exhausted! She had limited help, and very heavy big and bulky items to move. I pray her new life brings her happiness!

I'll have to thank my Mom for the lovely arthritis I have in my fingers (my brother has it too!) - they look like sausages from the lifting, grabbing and moving. Makes scaling at work ... um... interesting! I may even have to break down and see a doctor since I can hardly close my finger - feels like a tight rubberband and been like that for a few months. This didn't help AT ALL, but I love my sister and will do anything for her even if it means being uncomfortable for a little while. Because thats what we do for people we truly love. We move hills, climb mountains and swim oceans for them - no excuses.

I truly believe - one can do ANYTHING at ANYTIME if they really want to... that is, if they really want to. To me excuses are just that... excuses. "I wish I could but.... " drives me crazy. Thats what I admire about my sister, she is a do-er, she will pick herself up, dust herself off and just DO IT. She will be there for you if you ask - even if its inconvenient. My brother too. Its what family should be all about. Her decision was not easy, yet she went forward without any excuses!

I've picked up many hours at work, and hopefully will be able to go on vacation next week - thats still up in the air unfortunately. Jeff needs to work when its here. If I ever see Brett and Darrel, perhaps we can go up to the lake for a few days. Darrel has a job now and is working as many hours as he can.... which is GOOD

Need to do some housework! Never goes away, does it?

Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:07 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS

I texted Davis to call me, and he texted me back saying he is flying right now in a Medic Helicopter for school! WOW, how exciting is that???

He and Brittany had a few days alone, since Jeff and I took Kilian. It was an adjustment to juggle 2 dogs who don't understand a baby, having to work yesterday at 6am, and watching this little gem be fussy in the middle of the night. Brings back memories... but I have to admit, it was a whole lot easier at 27 than at 50.

Any one who knows me KNOWS that I'm not a late night person and need me sleep! haha. So I took him the first night - and tried to adjust to a schedule I knew nothing about, Jeff took him last night. He ate a big breakfast and has been sleeping ever since, but I'm sure that'll change since he's on a 3 hour or so schedule!

Jeff is a napper so I'm not concerned about him loosing sleep where as I can never nap - no matter how long I've stayed up. Never been able to! When I'm up I'm up, when I'm down I'm down.

The dogs are doing really well, just curious at what is being held and a bundle that makes those weird noises! Davis's dog Kenzie is more nurturing and I do believe she'll adjust perfectly well, our pup is a bit put out! Of course Jeff treats her like a baby anyway.... geschz.

Kilian hates sleeping in a crib. Hates being laid out to sleep, and prefers his bouncer where he is more balled up. I got him to sleep in his crib for about 1 1/2 hours, so hopefully we can get him to transition at least a little bit. I can see where doing the easiest is, well, easier. especially when you don't sleep! I lay him down in the crib after I feed him, until he fusses. So far, so good.

I gave him a bath using my lavendar soap.... he smells so good! We will be going to 2 grad parties when Jeff gets home from work, and than we'll bring him back to Davis when he is home from school.

I promised my sister I'd help her move tomorrow since her divorce is now final. She bought a house and needs some sisterly support cause this is a very difficult time for her and her kids so Jeff, Brett and I will be there for her tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be an all day affair, but she lives up north so who knows.

That is all in Shandland... carry on!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 8:18 AM CDT

UPDATE: ** at Eau Claire with Brett killing time on the internet as we wait for "bowling" to begin! haha, anyway

The machine turned off at 75 questions (out of 265 possible). The machine shuts off if you either 1. passed enough to pass or 2. failed enough to fail. sooo.... its a GOOD indication that I passed with so little answered - but.... what if I got all of them wrong? I THINK I can forge the results off the internet tomorrow - but we'll be orientating all day here, so who knows when I can sneak back on!

Good Morning!

In a time where doubt has crept into my mind over and over, with a bit of sadness and despair - a penny brought me back to reality.....

I found a penny on my way into church on Sunday. The first thing I saw when I looked at it was:

"In God We Trust"

Ok, don't need to knock me in the head much more than that! I feel good today! The penny will be ON me in a strategic place, along with my lucky RN socks. We are not allowed any jewelry (not even a wedding ring with a diamond) or sweat shirts or anything else that could hide a "camera" on board. Hence the penny will be hidden well! :}

Taking Brett to Eau Claire for his orientation and testing this morning, than driving back to Eagan for my RN boards, to drive back to Eau Claire for the night to finish up with Brett's college testing and orientation. Jeff was suppose to do it, but got called into work - and money is dictating a lot in our lives! haha, grrrrr..... and it won out. Thats ok, gives me something to think about other than what I don't want to think about.

That is all in Shandland - carry on with God in your Trust!

Saturday, June 19, 2010 9:48 PM CDT

** New Pix

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Finished his first phase of summer classes, he is still working very hard both as a student and a Dad, and of course as a worker bee.....

HAPPY FIRST FATHERS DAY my son... can't believe I'm saying that!!!

and of course - HAPPY FATHERS DAY to my Daddy!

Saturday, June 12, 2010 7:36 PM CDT

Grad pix

Good Evening!

Long long long few days and loving it! Still feel crappy, but the fun and excitement of everything makes it somewhat bearable. Whatever this virus is, its kicking butt.

With that little bit of whining done....

The graduation was really fun, and Brett, well... he just has fun in everything he does. No surprise there!

All night party, was rocking, altho I was in the arcade, and in front of kareoke - which kicked my headaches butt big time! Singing should not be screaming into the microphone!!! :} It was a great time hugging all the kids, saying good luck, seeing them at their finest hour!

Jeff stayed until 5 am, I came home around 1am, was locked out of the house (Brett took his house key off the car ring unbeknown to me) and after hiking my ass over the front window sill... no sirens went off so no one obviously in the neighborhood really cared! haha, thankfully we had a window unlocked! NOTE TO SELF: LOCK WINDOWS DUMMY....

The boys were BEAT today, but not beat enough for Brett to take all the money he's saved and buy a truck! Its a really great buy - an extended cab full size bed and he is SOOOOO excited. The private party he bought it from was the only owner, and he was very kind to Brett by letting him make some payments for the few hundred he was short on ... how many strangers will do that??? Davis has the 4 door car and we can all take a sigh of relief.

Now hope that I get this job next week (they already told me they had an offer) and they pay what I need so we can start going forward in our lives. I hate being where I'm at, and I only see good things ahead! I pray anyway for all of us to land some jobs.

Many parties tomorrow to go to..... lots of good fun and cheer!

Friday, June 11, 2010 12:22 AM CDT

NEW PICTURES

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Got to hold Kilian the other day after work. I stopped by their townhouse. The place is cute, if not bare. Kilian is ADORABLE! Hopefully they'll feel comfortable enough to venture out with him.

BRETT
Graduation tonight!!!!! Jeff and I are working the all night party, altho my all night is only until midnight. Jeff will do the later shift since he is a night owl.

Last 2 days I have felt poorly - some virus or something. Today I feel ok, hope I can make it to the party. If it was yesterday, it wouldn't have happened. I'm gonna blame it on that darn kid who hacked a lung on me the other day. I kept ASKING him to cover his cough - do parents teach their kids ANYTHING anymore??? its the part of my job that I hate. Stupid people.

Thats all in Shandland.... carry on!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 8:49 AM CDT

** Grad Party photos

Good Morning!

Gosh, when I look at those photos, what a gorgeous day we had! God was a smiling!

Brett always has a great time, the easiest child ever! I was a little appalled at how few pictures I took - soooo not like me, luckily they all turned out great. geesczh

Graduation ceremony is Friday

Thursday, June 3, 2010 6:11 AM CDT

** More pix

Good Morning!

DAVIS
They were over FINALLY last night! Kilian is doing great, likes to be held :}.... Mom and Dad are also doing alright if not exhausted. Seems Kilian likes his days and nights a little different than we do!

Davis is so protective in a great way... hopefully no one will be slighted when he censors who gets to hold Kilian at the grad party. NO KIDS holding Kilian - so pass the word! It'll be way to stimulating for him this weekend, he is only 7 days old today, and I appreciate them even coming to the germ infested crowd.

Speaking of germs... they both have a horrible cold, altho Davis is getting better, Brittany's is starting.

I'm gearing up for a hectic next few days and I pray the weather cooperates. Having near 100 people coming and going out of the house would be a bummer on Sunday morning, but we are prepared for that to be.

Of course the success of the garage sale on Saturday dictates a lot of things, so PRAY that its nice on Saturday, long enough to sell our stuff - what it does after o say 1:00? I don't care! Well atleast until evening, than it needs to clear so we can set up for Sunday morning.

Working in a few hours until 7:30pm tonight. Long day, but hopefully it pays off in the end since I'm paid on 100roduction - no show - no payee

That is all in Shandland... carry on.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 1:28 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
Baby coming over tomorrow instead of today.

QUILTY
Yep, the F****tard, as my friend so fondly calls him, who assaulted Jeff... pleaded Quilty to FELONY 1st degree assault - sentencing is in September - and Jeff will have to testify at that time and not tomorrow as scheduled. He is facing over a decade of prison!

JUSTICE!!!!

Monday, May 31, 2010 7:08 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Starting summer session of school - he goes Tuesdays from 9 am to 10pm! A couple of his classes are only 1/2 a semester - thats good! He is now in school 4 days. ouch.

To give Brittany a rest, her energy and healing is slow :{ I get Kilian from 8am to 3... until I have to go to work. He is supplemented enough for this to happen I HOPE.

It's been a fantastic weekend! My brother and I went to our grandparents graves to clean them off, say "hi" and tell them we'll never forget how they were in our lives - a yearly tradition for us.

Thats is all... carry on.

Saturday, May 29, 2010 3:10 PM CDT

** Good idea about the switching cars, but unfortunately Brett's parking pass is only on his car (non transferrable unless you pay a large fee) for school and that isn't a possibility until he graduates in 2 weeks. Then they will switch, and Brett will sell Davis's old truck and try to buy a newer one - hence looking for a better truck! Davis's truck is not in great shape i'm afraid..... runs great in the summer tho! It's a 1987 Mazda. Thanks for the suggestion! Keep them coming, my brain is fried.

Good Afternoon!

DAVIS
They only have a 2 seater truck. It makes for great complications in moving Kilian, Brit and Davis around - they need to make 2 trips. Kilian is now home and they are settling in. Gosh he is a cutie.

Anyone know of a good truck for sale, let me know.... Brett wants to buy one, and than we can give the car to the Davis. O how I wish I had a magic wand right now....

I'm lending them my car till Tuesday when I have to be to work and need it back.

BRETT
Managed to burn his back pretty well at the beach, not horrific, but it is pretty red. He is having such a fun time with his friends.

DARREL
Has finals week right now, he spent the night at the hospital helping Brit with the baby while Davis was sleeping in the chair - Davis has to work all night tonight and Darrel was kind enough to help out (He and Brit are good friends, so she was more comfortable with him there than me! haha) She said she felt so refreshed with her 4 hours of sleep. :{

We had a roofer come and look at the roof, there is hail damage up there along with the ghetto shingles we have. So we have to coordinate with insurance and the settlement from the bogus shingles that were put on. they are on the verge of leaking they are so bald... how can companies produce such a product? 10 years of a 30 year shingle??

Getting garage sale furniture and items together. Hopefully everything sells for a multitude of reasons! My sister is coming for the sale, and I'm giving her the task of finding a stroller and a pack n play bed - one that you can sleep the baby in, and folds up easy and small. The ones that I had when the kids were little were pretty darn big. The new ones are nice and small.

That is all... carry on, and life is getting back to semi-normal!

Friday, May 28, 2010 9:06 PM CDT

** More Pictures

Welcome:

Kilian Dean Shand

He has Davis's widow's peak, and his hair is really darker than the picture. Such a good baby! I got to hold him for 3 hours today - and he settled in with out a peep.

Thursday, May 27, 2010 6:00 PM CDT

** new photos

Good Evening!

BABY BOY! Name TBD

7 lbs 9 oz
19 1/2 inches

Dark hair, looks like Brit and Davis!

Pictures later...when I can download.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:38 AM CDT

*** Wednesday 11pm: Brit's water broke but she isn't dilating much, altho her contractions are starting to get stronger. She is 2 cm, 2-3 min contractions. I predict a morning baby and perhaps they'll induce her to get them going stronger. She is scared of the pain already :{ and it only gets worse I'm afraid, but she looks good and is doing great! Davis is just trying to find a place to sit cause all her family is there and when he gets up his chair is taken All he wants is a place to sit...

** Wednesday: Baby doesn't want to go beyond 10 minutes apart.... so they have a doctors appt today, and will evaluate how much she is dilated at that time... and decide how to handle it from there. Might just be one of those 3 day labors!

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Brittany is in the first stage of labor - but it'll be a loooooong time most likely before that baby arrives. She is at home, Davis just got off of work (he works overnights), so is trying to sleep and get ready for the big arrival. He hasn't been to bed in 24 hours, and its critical he gets rest now so he'll be worth something later!

He is nervous, and happy.... Full Moon labor - haha! figures!

Please pray for a safe delivery and that those young kids can handle what is going to be the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Someone else besides themselves to think about... its a miracle, a wonder, and scary for them.

Heading to work soon - will update when I know more.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 8:05 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
No baby...

BRETT
Playing in state playoffs for Rugby. I was able to see his first baseball game today (he played last in kindergarten, and hated it) and got to see him get a first ever hit! It was pretty darn moist outside and I was sitting in the shadow of a large pole just to keep from melting.

DARREL - not much to say

Friday, May 21, 2010 7:30 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Passed his EMT - now is officially licensed as an EMT! CONGRATS my son... I'm very proud of you!!!! Always have, always will...

BRETT
SCORED! at Rugby tonight - and I got to SEE IT.... it was an interesting game... thats all I'm going to say. They will go to state - undefeated!

DARREL
Is doing Darrel things....

Shhhhh.... I received the following email, and its a SURPRISE for Jeff!

"Hi Rich, I nominated Jeff Shand for the Rotary's Paul Harris Award. I figured he deserves some sort of recognition from the Burnsville community.

Happily, the committee selected Jeff.

...trying to pull this all together (late notice). They want Jeff to come to the awards banquet on May 26th 6:30 to 8:30 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. For some reason, they are asking to somehow make this a surprise for Jeff. Thanks - Lyn" (male Lyn)"

IS THAT SO COOL... or what? I'm actually working that night and trying to get it off, shouldn't be a problem I hope.

PAUL HARRIS AWARD

Paul Harris was one of the Founders of Rotary and was very involved in the development of Rotary which grew from a single club in Chicago in 1905 into the global organisation we know today. The Paul Harris Award was set up in memory of his work to recognise outstanding contributions to the ideals of Rotary. It can be awarded by a Rotary Club to any person, whether a Rotarian or not, who is deemed worthy of the honour. A Paul Harris Award costs $1000 which is paid to Rotary Foundation. The recipient is known as a Paul Harris Fellow, and receives a medallion on a blue and gold ribbon, a special lapel badge and a citation signed by the President of R.I. and the Chairman of Rotary Foundation Trustees.

That is all so far... NO BABY YET - carry on

Thursday, May 20, 2010 10:03 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
O MY Judy! I didn't put his exam and the due date together! haha, yep, that would be about how it works around here.... go into labor while taking the exam.

Brittany is due today, Davis is taking his EMT written exam today... at 10:30 to be exact!

I'm cleaning the garage today...

Planting my tomato plants today...

Poked myself at work with an explorer - it HURT and went deep - and thank God it was a sterile instrument.

That is all in Shandland... carry on

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:22 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Is taking his written test Thursday at 10:30am.... GOOD LUK MY MAN!

Brittany's doc said... "it'll come when it comes" Yep, brilliant, huh?

Brett won a 1000 scholarship award for his essay at school. He received the award last night.

That is all in Shandland.. carry on

Monday, May 17, 2010 8:37 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He passed all his EMT practicals, now is waiting to take the written, which he isn't sure exactly when it is. You sign up a lot like I do.... wait wait wait

Brittany is holding her own, due on Thursday... wow, can't believe thats here already!

Veggies planted
Flowers planted
Lawn mowed - twice (it was horribly long out back from the rain!)
Sunburn planted... ouch
House cleaned

It was a fulfilling weekend!

Saturday, May 15, 2010 9:10 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He is still taking his test, no info on that quite yet.

Life here is going up and down, depending on the day. I picked up several days a week for work, hoping to help in that sense.

My Mom treated me to a deep tissue massage for my graduation.... let me tell you this. If you have any life woes, a massage will cure them all. I am cured of lifes stresses! haha No really, I can't think of anything as wonderful as getting the knots out. "Tara" said... o my God, your back is so tight. um, yep. Perhaps thats why I've felt so crappy? No blood to the brain! It definitely makes sleeping o so much easier.

Jeff is fishing with the dogs, I am planting today, and butchering up my hedges which have grown 5 ft since last week! Definitely have at least 2 days of work in the yard. I told Brett he is all mine tomorrow! (of course he has multiple social plans today which can't be bothered with :}

Meeting my bro and sis tonight for some sib time. LOTS to catch up on.

Applied for several jobs, and one which I would really like - its in organ transplant. Any prayers out there would be appreciated! You guys ROCK with your prayers!

That is all in Shandland... getting ready for graduation parties and a new baby.

Friday, May 14, 2010 9:08 PM CDT

Good Evening!

All is well, Davis takes his big ole EMT test tomorrow - wish him luck!

Thursday, May 13, 2010 10:51 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
We took Kenzie - Davis's pup - in for her shots, and she swelled up. They even premedicated her cause she had done that as a pup - didn't help. We had to drive her back to the vet and they liquored her up with steroids and more benedryl. This reaction happened hours after being at home. It freaked Jeff out seeing her face swell like that.
She is doing great now. Think its the distemper shot?

Haven't spoken to Davis, but he has finals this week and interning too.

BRETT
Has quite the cold. He sounds terrible. Went to school today - its coming to the end of the school year for him! Just starting to get his graduation together - invites are trying to get out, without too much luck :{ but I'm working on it.

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO COME - your invited!
6/6 from 10:30 - 1:30! Its on a Sunday. I MEAN IT!
Man, wish the invites were that easy! haha, but truthfully, if for some odd reason you didn't get one, please come! You can email me your coming, so we can at least feed ya when you do.

If the rain would STOP, we could get the foot long grass mowed - man does it grow fast! We really need to mow every 2-3 days, and its been about 5 and it looks like it. I'm working the yard Sat and Sun to hopefully get a grip on the things that need to be trimmed and the things needing to go into the ground. LORD GIVE ME ENERGY

DARREL
The student loan people didn't get the message he is back at school - so I'm handlin that fiasco with him and the school. grrrrr

Which may be why my ulcer symptoms are back with full vengence (for the last month) waking me up at night. I broke down and bought the 25 dollars worth of prevacid, and it actually helped the first pill I took yesterday. At least I could sleep without pain. Hoping things heal up before this bottle is done! To top that fun, my panic attacks are back.... having trouble shaking those too, and I don't want to medicate that. I'm hoping as my life settles down a bit, they will too. Nothing like genetics! Positive twist on it is that I've lost weight... :}

Yes, I find genetics and the things you inherit quite interesting. And hopefully, by me speaking openingly about these things, I hope it makes any of you out there in CB land feel its OK to discuss it, and feel your not alone or different or strange if your feeling a bit overwhelmed, stressed, panicked. It is part of having a job or no job, kids, grandkids, going thru the stresses of life, having ups and downs - and supporting each other to go forward when times are tough.

That is why I speak about it on Davis's CB site - cause it is part of our lives, the after life of cancer and the stresses we are still struggling with.

Who knew Davis would be a Daddy? A miracle in itself.
Who knew Davis would struggle so much after treatment? Than figure it all out, and work full time and go to college full time?
Who knew Darrel would struggle with college woes? And have to work harder than most to get it solved.
Who knew Jeff's job market would be terrible?
Who knew Jeff would be assaulted and keep him from working?
Who knew there are no nursing jobs?
Who knew my finger joints would go bone on bone and I can't work hygiene anymore?
Who knew about all the many many small things which add up to the enormous things we face because of this economy?

None of us did, we are all in the same type of boat, and we will speak of it, get over it, and go forward, cause that is what we do. We are strong people who face it, work it out, and go on.... with a lot of prayers and drugs! haha

That is all in Shandland, carry on.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 9:04 AM CDT

Good Morning!

brrrrrrr... where is spring??

DAVIS
Now its waiting for that baby to come! I'm excited to see him! They are still mulling over names, and they don't agree on any of them! Sounds like Jeff and I. The only childs name we both had on the same list was Brett... and we jumped on it. Names are tough... very very tough, but its also personal and no one elses business as far as I'm concerned.

BRETT
Finally able to get his invites out. Had to wait for 1. time and 2. money to purchase stamps! haha, but hey, stamps are expensive! He is home sick today... sounds terrible.

DARREL
Hunting for a job that pays.

Picked up some more work days, going to put my garden together this weekend and see my sister to catch up on life. She is also lending me the big ass tent for Brett's graduation party.

That is all, carry on!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:49 PM CDT

** New Photos

Good Afternoon!

Heading off to my paying job... but thought I'd put some pictures up.

DAVIS
I was very proud of him pinning me, and it is the ONLY reason I went into this new career... this ones for you my dear, something positive out of something negative!

LUV Mom

Monday, May 10, 2010 2:35 PM CDT

I'm a nurse graduate!

happy dance....

Sunday, May 9, 2010 10:02 AM CDT

HAPPY MOM's Day Mom!

You've always hated being called "Mother"! I've never called you that since you told me. You'll always be Mom to me in every sense.

You live so far away... its hard sometimes.

I love you Mom.... HUGS

Saturday, May 8, 2010 3:17 PM CDT

Good Afternoon!

Thought I'd take a break from schizophrenia, alzheimers, Hepatitis and many more interesting subjects!

What it means to ME to be a Mom
It starts when you feel that first fluttering... that butterfly affect, which fills you with wonder. The anticipation of having a miracle placed in your hands. The first cry, smile, coo, boo boo, sparkle in the eye over something that made them proud!

To balance stern with easy, disipline with hugs, dependance with independance. To be able to set them free.... and be there when they fall, listen when they are excited and support decisions.

To pray every day and every night that God watches over them and keeps them safe, helps them to make good decisions and to wrap his arms around them and protect them from evil.

To cringe everytime the phone rings, wondering if its bad news... did they crash the car, hit something, lose something, sad, upset, mad. And than sigh a huge sigh of relief when they just called to say hello, ask for help or listen to the story thats making them so happy and excited.

To hide your tears when their hurt, to hide your stress when your concerned, to hide your helplessness as you watch them find their way.

The greatest gift, the greatest miracle, the greatest honor and priviledge, is to be given the present of life, to bare a child, to raise and nurture God's piece of heaven he bestowed to us.

That is what it means to me to be a Mom. I wouldn't trade the ups and downs for anything in the world!

Friday, May 7, 2010 8:35 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
I was sitting in my LAST class.... we were speaking about teen depression and related issues, when I glanced out the door which was open. I was sitting in the back row. There was Davis standing there and said "Hi Mom" and looked like he wanted me.

So I left lecture and went out the door - and he was very very excited and was chattering about how he passed all his next round of practicals (there are stations and you have to pass each one) and that only a few people in his class passed all of them... he was soooo excited!

He told me that a friend of his had come up to him after he left the building, a few instructors (ones he doesn't know, but were testing - and I'm HOPING they are the paramedic instructors) pointed at Davis and said "See that guy? He really nows his stuff!"

Davis was very proud - you could actually see it on his face - he gave me several hugs and I had to regrettably go back in class. His next step is to be accepted INTO the paramedic program, and having instructors recognize you is a GOOD THING!

I'M DONE WITH CLASSES!!!! Finals Monday - and they will be a pain in my dupa. Very hard test, I can't slack. Mother's Day will be a day of studying. O well, guess its about what I, as a Mother, need to do!

Monday is my Pinning Ceremony. My brother, sister, niece and childhood friend are coming to cheer me on! My boys and Brittany too. Davis and Jeff will pin me, and as of Monday, I will be a graduate of Nursing. Long Long 2 years. I am still saddened my parents won't be there to see their daughter, but I know if they thought they could, they would.

That is all today... carry on!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 8:17 AM CDT

Good Morning!

In the hospitals, they call codes in colors. Dr. Red, Code green, Code Blue... etc.

DAVIS
He stopped over and thats the first time our schedules have actually given us 15 minutes to talk! Davis just got off his round of internship at a hospital's ER (Since I'm going to give a few vague details, I'm leaving the hospital name off).

He was really excited to tell me all about his experience and how much he loved it! The passion was absolutely pouring out of him. ahhhhhh, something we have in common. He told me of bones he got to help set, IV's he took out, dislocations he helped with, cleaning wounds for stitches, and an elderly man who fell....

He said the man had broke a few bones and they needed to remove his clothing. Davis said as they were getting him ready, the man coded... Davis called out "CODE BROWN!"

I looked at him and was trying to remember what code brown stood for.... and than the aha moment hit.... Davis said he just couldn't do it, he could not take care of the elderly mans code brown! He managed to log roll him and let someone else remove the code brown.... and he couldn't believe how a man's anatomy looked at that age! O my, I laughed so very very hard... um yea, Davis... just wait till you see a woman! haha Yes my friends, our bodies head south in all areas.

He told me about a little girl, who needed to be worked on, so they semi sedated her. Davis said she was the cutest girl, had these HUGE brown eyes.... and he said she couldn't close them and as he talked to her a large tear rolled down her cheek. He said he looked at the nurse and almost lost it... and the nurse only shook her head in understanding.

Later Davis looked up the little girl to see how she was and saw her running around like nothing happened (ahhh, to be young and to be able to forget, I bet the parents didn't forget!) anyway, Davis said he called to her and said shake my hand goodbye and held out his hand.... the little girl ran right past his hand and gave him a huge hug. Davis said it made him feel so good, and I could see his eyes tearing as he spoke of it.

For a boy who would not step into a hospital, would not speak of it and would not fathom working in one, now is seeking a job in the ER - he loved it. And you know what? He will be fantastic at it! I'm so proud of you Davis for all you've overcome!

That is all, carry on.

Saturday, May 1, 2010 8:16 PM CDT

** PROM Pictures

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Scored a 96 on his EMT test - he is really excited about that!

BRETT
Is off to prom, I included some pictures. The group was adorable, and pictures was at Centennial Lakes, but the poor girls and the 1000 mph wind!

Thursday, April 29, 2010 8:20 AM CDT

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JEFF! 27 Years!!!!

Married 4/29/83
Annunication Catholic Church, Minneapolis

Honeymoon: Harbour Island, Bahamas, Coral Sands Hotel
** PICTURES

- yes, the sand WAS CORAL! It is now a hoity toity resort for those who can pay, when we were there it was owned locally.... we couldn't even afford to go back!

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Finally spoke with him last night, and he is having a lot of final "practicals" which include acting out your trade of EMT - he has a "boards" to take in May. He'll borrow my stethescope (I have a nice one) for his tests. He is still excited about his chosen profession and hopes to secure a job in it this summer! Brit went to the docs this week and all is good.

DARREL
The Kenalog shot seems to be working! He said he can actually walk and breath - I suppose thats a good thing! The inflammation in his lungs is way down, his biggest complaint is his "I look like I'm on drugs" eyes and facial congestion. Soooo much better.

BRETT
Is no longer going to china due to the guy who is running it - isn't running it very well. Good decision on Brett's part.

JEFF is up at the cabin since I have to preceptor until midnight - thought it would be a good time for him to get away for a few days.

12 MORE DAYS!!!!

That is all, carry on

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 7:47 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Is studying for finals. This is a stressful time at school!

THANK YOU's
I wish to thank all who have not only TALKED the TALK but WALKED the WALK... in our lives

Words are easy, anyone can say words, but to take action shows true character, meaning and love to those words! I've learned myself (yes I am quite guilty of this!) that saying "call me if you need anything" is something one should never do... it puts the burden of asking for help on the people who probably would be the last ones to feel comfortable with asking, plus who has the time or energy to think! Gosh, I didn't know which end was up let alone what i needed or wanted!

To those that figured it out and thought on their own how they could make our life easier, without any fan fare or expecting anything back in return.... Amazing! Our family would like to thank everyone who has walked into our lives and shared a part of themselves to make our cancer and post cancer journey manageable. Thank you for teaching me some important lessons in life!

Unfortunately, cancer is forever - it does not go away - it affects your life in many ways that are not even apparent at first, than one day BOOM - its there and you must adjust once again mentally and physically. Not just for Davis, but for all the loved ones around him! Especially immediate family who are close enough to feel and see the pain. Yes, the journey continues in all ways - I know cancer Moms and any caretaker in general, will appreciate this statement!

One of my fondest "walk" memories is of a young woman who made Davis a quilt - she knew nothing of us except what I wrote on CB, yet she took many many hours of her life to make something Davis would love (she asked what his favorite things in life is and of course it was fishing and hunting at the time). Davis uses that quilt to this day.

I remember having quilt squares made up for Davis thru a quilt organization - people I didn't know, people I DID know - went out of their comfort zone to make a square..... sewing is a difficult thing, making a quilt square even more so! I love that quilt - its not perfect, yet it shows personality. And the group of friends and family who put that all together for Davis! AMAZING

And for that someone special who bought Davis a bike when he got out of the hospital, because his was stolen, and we did not have the money to purchase him a new one.... you know who you are! You made me promise not to tell...

Than of course were those who brought 5 weeks of dinners for my family - without me ever asking - because they just knew that we would not be around to make them when Davis was in the hospital. Something so small, yet something so very important. My children being taken care of when we could not - it eased the burden of guilt cause we were not there. Who had time to ask for anything? We were in so much shock.

A very secret someone slipped a 100 bill into a card to help pay for gas... twice... and put it in our door. This person didn't want to be recognized - no need to talk, just did the walk.

The Morning Break for Women group (church group I've volunteered for 15 years) collected 400 amongst themselves in secret, right before school started.. and I remember being able to buy new underwear for all of us and school books for the boys. And i remember bursting into tears when one of the volunteers put 50 into my hands cause she knew the struggle of being too strong to ask for gas money at a totally random time.... right when we needed it. Like God truly was watchiing over us!

When Davis almost lost his life and was in ICU - the first thing that brought a smile to his face was this enormous balloon bouquet - and I remember it had this gigantic smiley face balloon and it made us all happier at the scariest time of our lives. You know, i just thought of this, Davis has always used that symbol in his growing up years - He even wanted his room painted with smiley faces on it! I bet it came from that balloon!!!!

The simple hugs, the simple silence and hand holding, the knowing nod of understanding, means a lot to us! The thing that stands out a lot is when family, friends and strangers continually give us a hug and ask how Davis is doing. WOW, even after all these years!

And of course the prayers. The biggest walk there is from people ... and it, well, saved his life. Its as simple as that. The unconditional, heartfelt words of prayer guided many professionals and non professionals in his healing journey. Please don't stop cause as i said, cancer is forever, it shapes your life in many ways - some difficult, some confusing, some positive!

There are many many more stories.....

THANK YOU to all who walked into our lives and gave a piece of you - directly from your heart and soul. God has a special place for all of you!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 8:42 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Status quo

DARREL
He has some wheezing, but xray was negative (THATS A GOOD THING!). Sooooo, they gave him a shot of a steroid (Kenalog) that'll last 3 months. Never heard of it before, but guess it helps those with severe allergies get over the season. It takes care of the severe inflammation that keeps you from breathing... which is a good thing! If you could see his face during the spring, it literally is swollen, eyes as red as an apple. I'll keep you posted if it works.

13 DAYS LEFT of school..... 13 DAYS BEFORE I GRADUATE....

happy happy dance.

That is all, carry on.

Sunday, April 25, 2010 4:32 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Is busy busy busy.. finals are coming up

DARREL
Has pneumonia.... going to doctor tomorrow to confirm, but when you can feel the fluid in your lungs and sound like he does... I'd be shocked if it was something else

BRETT
We stopped at Eau Claire on the way home - what a NICE college! We got to walk around and check things out - Brett was very excitd when we left.

We attended a wedding by Lake Michigan, and it was fun, nice time being FREE and NORMAL.... great friends! got so see my cub scout get married! O my...getting waaaay to old!

Now, back to reality. Pulling a 15 hour day tomorrow - from internship to my paying job. yipee skipee

Thats is all, carry on.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 8:39 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Without Davis being at home, and he is at school and work full time, there is not much to say cause I don't SEE HIM! Perhaps we can talk them into a bbq here tomorrow night, I'm actually home!

BRETT
Is struggling still, he had a super tough time at the memorial service, he is mad at Man I do believe to leave so many caring people behind. He said the hardest thing in his life was talking to his sister (who found him). As I understood it, the whole school was practically there! I also heard it was the anniversary of the boys Dad's death when he took his life.... so tragic.

DARREL
Helped in the yard - took the lifting off our backs. We got mostly what needed to be mulched, I weeded those pesky dandelions that are already popping up. The cement deck needs to be power washed, and the garden tilled. I'm having Darrel dig up a big ole bush root ball, and transplant my pee gee hydrangea tree since it isn't doing so well in its present location. I woke up to noise at 2am, and there is Darrel with a flashlight digging a hole for the tree.... um, I said NOT to him out the window... he could not understand MY logic! grrrrr

Woke up with a blazing headache. Learned an important lesson - do NOT pull weeds right before work - honestly, my arthritis is acting up the last 2 months in my knuckles and I could barely, and I mean barely hold my instruments! It was an unpleasant surprise to me.... Not sure why or how long this is going to last.

Anyone know about osteoarthritis, let me know! I may have to experiment on aspirin, I'm allergic to anti inflammatories and they told me no to those, but my fingers are getting desparate - perhaps I can get away with aspirin for a little while? Think I'm gonna try it anyway. My reaction was to a prescription anti inflammatory... so much stronger.

It's been a gorgeous last few days. Will take advantage of it today too. I have THE WHOLE DAY OFF! but need to finish my homework for tomorrow, plant some seeds to start the garden, finish the putzing around the yard, wash a million loads of laundry and get the Nursing Pinning stuff done - since I have to hand the tickets out to the students tomorrow! We have 500 people coming!

They are sending me their dedications too, and thats been like working with 50 preschoolers to get it done RIGHT. Sometimes I wonder how these students can do nursing when they can't read directions??? scary scary thought.

I have 2 dressy things coming up. A trip to nylon land is in store! I think I'll wear my black grace kelly to the wedding Sat in WI, and wear my marilyn monroe red polka dot for my graduation. O so much to think about! haha

My instructor paid me a great compliment the other day. I had to submit 3 reflection journals and she told me I should write a book because I had "wonderful insight"... little does she know that I've been writing one - 5 year goal for me. But that gave me the kick in the pants to get beyond chapter 3!

That is all in Shandland... carry on.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 9:47 AM CDT

** new pictures

Good Morning!

DAVIS... nothing new, nothing to report.

DARREL
Attending school

BRETT
First his friends Mom died last week and he attended that funeral. Sunday night they found his fellow rugby school mate (he's on Brett's team) had hung himself... they called him "The gentle giant". Brett was really upset about, well... just about everything. He was quiet, said he didn't feel well, probably found out over FB and didn't sleep. We let him stay home.

Before I left for Hospice, I gave him carte blanc for the grocery store..... to take his mind off and give him something to do. It seemed to help a little bit.

I do believe there is a memorial service tonight.

I got home and settled around 1am, going to do some yard work now that I'm up, and off to my paying job from there!

Thats is all... carry on.

Sunday, April 18, 2010 6:12 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He was over last night and Kenzie is spending the night as a puppy sleepover... geeszch.... when the baby is here I'll be saying the same type of thing except I'll not be talking about a dog! Poor Kenzie, hopefully she doesn't get forgotten....

The boys had a bbq yesterday while I worked away at hospice. So I really haven't seen or talked to anyone. When I came home in my stupor.. Brett said "Mom, I haven't seen you in like 3 days!" and gave me a big hug. He is sooooo sweet.

I stumbled up to the bedroom and don't remember much after that. We had 2 pass over yesterday before I came in, but they were the 2 I was working with. A blessing, even for the family cause they were ready. One family had just buried their Mom 5 days before... it certainly is amazing how a couple can rely so heavily on each other.

I liked the description of a house of cards with one card holding the other up... when you take one card of... well, you know what I mean.

I don't know if this is wrong, but I really do like hospice. Perhaps its getting me ready for challenges I'll have to face one day with my parents. Perhaps its getting me ready for something in my future. Its not scary, its not morbid, its not sad...its beautiful and the people are beautiful.

Off to another day of the same. I think the hardest thing is a. getting up with the birds and b. the almost hour drive to get there.

The other night (I'm done around midnight) I was driving home and I missed my turn and ended up ... somewhere.. still not sure where and had to find my way back to the freeway - my head was fuzzy, I was pretty much driving in my sleep. Not so good. But I made it home. I think if I wasn't doing nights AND days, it would be easier to get in a pattern, but this flip flop is crazy.

I have to write another journal tonight (2 page paper) and I haven't even STARTED my case study for Thursday.

I CAN DO IT I CAN DO IT I CAN DO IT

The kids are all doing great - just plugging along. BRETTS homecoming is 5/1, I'm suppose to intern that day, but will switch to Sunday I hope... whats one more day, huh? I HAVE to see my baby go to prom!!!

That is all in Shandland... carry on.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:10 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Nothing new on the boys front.....

I finally wrote my Nursing dedication for the pinning ceremony. I'm having Jeff and Davis pin me. Jeff for always being there thru thick and thin, highs and lows, and supporting me 100verytime I needed to change career paths....

For Davis because if it wasn't for him, the wonderful, thoughtful, selfless nursing care he received - I never would have choosen this path.

Cancer, in a strange way, guided me in my life. Our normal ended July 17, 2001. Our new normal started from that point on, and guided us all where we are today.... Davis in paramedic school, me in nursing school, Jeff spending many hours with his kids and very involved.

We take nothing for granted.

Thats is all... carry on.

Sunday, April 11, 2010 9:49 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Whew... week almost over.

DAVIS
Working, and we barely see him. I told him yesterday that I'd rather he sleep than see us. He gets more excited as school progresses about his career choice! He is even sending me places to apply to, and who he's talked with and what shows are on TV like "Trauma" haha, like Jeff would EVER watch those! He is starting his internship with ride a longs on ambulances and working the ER in St Francis.

The other boys are running around getting their lives in order.

BRETT
Has a funeral Tues, his friends Mom who died this week from cancer. Cancer truly sucks.... have I ever said that before? I went to my friend/coworkers funeral Friday - man, how can a man who survived a liver transplant get lung cancer BINGO just like that and die so fast... He was my age.

DARREL is back to college. yea.... and looking for a job that PAYS.

JEFF was subpeona'ed to testify at "that persons" trial. He is still struggling with his back, altho its better, but only on drugs - in the morning and night he really struggles.

The U of MN conference was full of information about cancer survivorship and where do you go after cancer.... I was a bit surprised to be on the panel - with only 2 other men - and be in front of so many people... the love in that room, the emotions, the people who came up and said thank you for helping them in their journey! WOW, powerful stuff... and humbling, and a little embarrassing - who am I to help lead this? Who am I to be part of a learning sharing experience???? I am who I am, which is plain ole me, but what I felt was a PART of a WHOLE and was a learning experience for ME! THEY made a difference in MY life!

I have a wedding shower today, and lots of school/work/ preceptorshiping next week. Won't have a moment to breath - but que sara sara - part of being where I am in my school. trying to finalize the pinning ceremony which 3 other people and I are running. 500 + people will be there and thats a lot of responsibility for us to pull this off in a fun, yet NICE way! Have to get the budget straight, buy the decorations, programs run, tickets handed to the students to attend, dedications printed.... equipment ordered (like staging and microphone) making sure the table/chair set up is to our specifications. Its a lot of behind the scene work!

It was unfortunate that the school pulled 300 from our funding and we were not prepared for that - which means our decorating budget is now 300 less - thats a LOT of money! I told the girls, we get over it and move forward - nothing we can do about it, so we figure it out with what we have. Beg, borrow and steal and that unfortunately is taking up valuable time. It should have been easy - now its work.

Thats is all in Shandland... carry on.

Thursday, April 8, 2010 9:10 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
I have not heard or seen him since Easter. I'm sure all is well otherwise I sure would have!

DARREL
Is back at the Art Institute and working....

BRETT
Invited 248 people on facebook to his graduation party... can you say "We need to talk Brett?"

JEFF
Is working, not full days, but working. He is suffering when he is home, but he said... the work is here and in this day of no work - you gotta do it!

ME
hmmmm.... lets stay on the positive. I cleaned out about 1/3 of my gardens! My strawberry plants are already popping up. I need to mulch it quick before weeds start - I didn't get there in time last year and battled that all year. Mulch while the plants are SMALL

My first night at Hospice... I arrived in time to see a client being wheeled out and family around him, and just that ritual takes your breath away. Only 4 out of 8 rooms are filled, and this was a big change from last week. The people I did work with... wonderful... and kinda sur-real. Its hard to describe. There is nothing but loving words, touching, helping, being there. I read the bible for an hour and my client calmed down visibly as I read. Heck, I calmed down visibly as I read!

My friend gave me a gift card and I got an hour facial and a spa pedicure for $22! It was at the local school, and it was fantastic. Ever since tho, my head feels sick and I don't feel well... perhaps it was getting the hidden head toxins to the surface?? Or I was due to get a cold I guess. My week is toooooo busy to feel any slowness of mind or body. I'm used to the head stuff, but the stomach stuff is not cool

I have class and CPR until 8pm tonight, tomorrow is the funeral for my friend, school and volunteering until 8pm.

Saturday I'm on the U of MN annual Survivorship Conference panel for discussion which I was invited to be on! Quite an honor for sure! Sunday I have a wedding shower. Than Monday is Hospice... etc etc etc I actually work 5 days next week at Hospice.

My days are a mixed bag and you have to be available mentally to adjust to the different hats you wear. In otherwards, you need to be ON YOUR GAME and sometimes... thats just hard. But on my positive note.... shut up, pull your big girl panties up and move on with a big ole smile!

Thats is all... carry on.

Monday, April 5, 2010 9:08 AM CDT

** NEW PHOTOS

Good Morning!

What can I say? It was a wonderfully amazing Easter for me. Gorgeous day, fun siblings, lots of good talk.

Ribs were scrumptious and of course we "Piersons" make more food than humanly possible. You'd think we were feeding 30!

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter....

Today, off to hospice for the night shift.

LUV ML

Friday, April 2, 2010 11:29 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He is doing Davis stuff, saw Brittany and she is looking great - altho she is worried she is getting huge - I think she looks adorably pregnant! I can't wait to see that little crapper! The other day at work i picked up a 3 mo old who was howling to no end... he stopped crying and when I was done cuddling, I had the tell tale stinky "Spot" on my shoulder! haha.... o those certainly were the days!

GOOD FRIDAY... Easter.... death, dying, sacrifice, bravery, peace, hurt, betrayal, salvation

During my orientation with Hospice, actually at the Hospice house I'll be working at, I was humbled beyond humble about death, suffering, life, family, and all that entails. During my 1:1 with the manager of the "house" (where there is never more than 8 hospice patients at a time) I had a doubt whether I'd be able to do this..... all the emotions! Deb, who was my orientator, spoke about her daughter who died from ALL - the same leukemia Davis had. Her daughter wasn't so lucky and that was why she was working hospice.... and I looked at her and we connected as I stated that I too was here for the same reason, only we were the lucky ones with treatment cause Davis had survived.

The average stay was 3 weeks.... but expect about 7 days. Not a hotel, not a resort, but a place to die with dignity and I would witness this I'm sure since I'll be there on and off for a month. How humbling to think I could be someones last vision, last thought, last care as we get the body ready for family. And... to be that families last impression and feeling towards care for their loved one.

Yes, Easter and all Jesus did for us was not lost on me. I was with my Grandma as she took her last breath. It was beautiful, haunting, peaceful, fascinating, and numbing. For those who know me - I hate to cry. HATE IT. I'm a wreck for days, and sometimes I'm afraid if I start I'll never stop.

Yes, this clinical will teach me a lot about death, the actual process, the complications of life with the process but it'll teach me especially a little more about myself.

I have to write 4 journals, with 4 goals being my first one. I have yet to write it. I'm not sure what my goals are for hospice except maybe to give someone the peace, dignity and love everyone deserves during their last DAYS and I mean DAYS on earth....

This Easter, as I pray in thankfulness for Jesus suffering and all he gave for us, I will pray for some of that inner strength as I face those with their own crosses and their own fears and their own nails driven deep in the wrist/palms of their hands.

This week and weekend is a time of reflection for me, a time to be alone and give myself emotionally, physically, to God and pray he has mercy on my miserable soul.... and that one day I will be worthy to wash his feet.

May your Easter bring you peace in your hearts and a renewed outlook on life and those around you.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 5:51 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Finally saw him after he got off of work this morning at o... 7:30am. He came to get the pup who was visiting. He is pretty excited about his grades at school and how well he remembers and KNOWS medical stuff... with our conversation, I can tell he is learning some of the same stuff we are. Left sided heart - edema in lung (LEFT-LUNG) is how I remember it, right sided - edema in body. He had it down pretty darn well.

Easter is around the corner and we will be a table of 8. My kids, Brittany (and little Davis) my brother and sister.... I CAN"T WAIT

It'll be so fun to have my family around me - been a long long time - way too long and I'll have to remedy that somehow. Perhaps every other year?

RIBS! BBQ on the grill, twice baked potatoes, beans 2-ways (BBQ and green with bacon) and just to be healthy - salad. and Jo is bringing wine and dessert along with said salad.

And what is Easter without the Egg game??? The greek tradition carries on..... crack your egg end with the person next to you on his egg end - take turns around the table, the one with no broken shell on at least one side has luck all year.

Go figure I never win! haha

Today rejuvinated me (obviously didn't help my spelling!) but the sprint around Lake Harriet, the warm breeze blowing in my face, a packed lunch to nibble on.... man o man, THIS is life. Simple, nature, people scurring by... I love watching people and being out and about around people. I've come to that conclusion. They amaze me, shock me, entertain me and teach me a lOT of do's and don'ts in life....

Like the woman wearing a white TIGHT sweat pant, sweat shirt.... um, and not a cellulite free place on her white assemble. Always ALWAYS look in the mirror - at your backside - before leaving the house.

Yet... she didn't give a crap what people thouht... so GO FOR IT BABE!

Jeff wants me to have friends over for a graduation bbq sometime in May (the volleyball group) - which I think is a pretty darn fun thought. I have a few friends coming to the actual pinning, but I will be parent-less and of course that makes me very sad. Hopefully the kids can make it for the dinner, if not, perhaps the pinning/cake part. Brittany is due at that time, so who knows!

That is all.. carry on.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 8:33 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS - have not seen him at all!

EASTER
Was always a special time with our family. Being poor, we didn't get many treats. But the Easter Bunny was a special guest at our house on Easter, and never forgot our baskets!

When I grew up, I thought I had this HUGE basket - that always had a chocolate bunny in it. In reality, the basket was really tiny... but it seemed so large to my child eyes. I think thats interesting in itself. What do we give our kids? Some large monstrousity?

My Mom would make sure we had a new dress. That was very important, whether she made it or it was a gift from Grandma... hand me down (my poor little sister, I'm sure thats what SHE got!) we got a new dress. And a bonnet! My sister and I each had a bonnet.... and we were very cute.

Mass... very important... as we went to church in our Easter finery. I suppose Karma came back to haunt me as I struggled by myself with my own 3 boys in church - that is exactly what my Mom did - she had 5 of us, but since my brothers were older than me, I really only remember 4 of us sitting in almost the front row - trying to not fall asleep or go crazy during that long hour at mass. I remember Mom reporting back to my Dad, and if we were naughty, we sat in a chair for "mass" at home!

RISE AGAIN!
I love this song, and would want it at my funeral one day. Its lyrics, its tune, always makes me sit up - notice. We sing it at church every Palm Sunday..... I'll put the link below. Let it load a few seconds, its worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBLXcrFndm0

That is all.... carry on. Embrace your Easter week!

Sunday, March 28, 2010 9:14 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Not much happening. It's Palm Sunday already! Easter is right around the corner, a time of year of great reflection.

That is all... carry on.

Friday, March 26, 2010 9:12 PM CDT

Good Evening!

DAVIS
We MAY wait for his teeth - there is missed info about whether they are covered... I guess there was a lot of change since jan 1 with his coverage and not for the good! Brit went into the hospital for cramping, but I guess the baby is moving DOWN! All is well....

DARREL
Contemplating Army Reserves....

BRETT
On spring break and enjoying life! Helping Jeff out at work, it helps Jeff's back tremendously!

JEFF
Is doing pretty darn well, as long as he is on muscle relaxers.

ME
I'm so shocked that I did well on HESI (preboards) Really REALLY thought I'd blow it, I'm out of touch with testing and its so damm hard (very rarely do I feel like I'm going to do horrible, and I did this time). So please don't think of this as bragging... well, maybe a little pat on my own back - I scored in the upper 25f the nation! This is a comfortable score, but I'm not gonna feel relaxed about this at all, I'd be a super fool, just because I tested well today - I need to keep going, keep studying, keep at it. It only takes a bad day to fail that test.... I kinda feel like I guess well today? I don't know. A very good nursing friend of mine did terrible.

Anywho.... had to say it cause I'm soooo happy its over!

Thanks guys for listening.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 9:32 AM CDT

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Suppose to go to the oral surgeon tomorrow for his wisdom teeth evaluation... a formality with his insurance. argh Once he turns 21, they won't pay a penny. He only has 3, but they are not in a good position. They are in a great position to remove!

JEFF
Teeth are feeling much much better! FINALLY. His back is slowly getting better, he is actually at work. He ices/heats it every day. He has been pretty down and sad and a little depressed. He's getting more and more work which makes us totally happy!

BRETT
He is trying to figure out how to pay for his Prom - they want to rent a limo (he doesn't but all his friends are going into it) and its expensive. I figured its his SENIOR prom, and we'll do what we can to make sure its a great one for him! It's so darn expensive. Tux: 125 ish, Tickets: 60, dinner: 60? limo: 150 (75 per person) ... the girls have to pay big bucks for dresses, so at least we don't have that! He's trying to save for China this summer, and he feels trapped that his friends put him in this position with the limo. I guess a girl rented and put money down... not his problem? hmmmm.... perhaps not. But who knows what the plan discussions were up to that point!

Whatever happens, they'll all have a great time and with a group of kids that have known each other since kindergarten!

Thats all... carry on.

Friday, March 19, 2010 10:38 AM CDT

BASKETBAL PIX

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Is doing fine, has a spring cold.

JEFF
still working with physical issues where some are getting worse, some better.

His teeth were put in, and they are feeling good! His neck and back - not so much. Lots of muscle swelling - and the doc referred him to a specialist to see whats up. His arm is really sore - probably between falling and blood clots not resolving from most likely the IV being inserted. Not sure which is causing what. Jaw hematoma turned into scar tissue.... a lump... not much they can do about that.

He's having a hard time working more than a few hours - so could use some prayers.

Hope your day is filled with the excitement of spring! LUV Ml

Thursday, March 18, 2010 10:37 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Everything is... .status quo.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 9:47 AM CDT

Good Morning!

I'd like to say Happy St Patricks day, but I don't have an irish bone in my body! So... have a great GREEN DAY instead!

DAVIS
All settled in his new place and doing well... I'm not sure about his pup Kenzie tho.... I'm sure she is missing Cleo right about now!

Hope your day is filled with NOT throwing up green beer! LUV ML

Thursday, March 11, 2010 4:07 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Moving out..... am I happy? sad? sigh....

DARREL
He is copying our BAC pictures on discs... cheaper to pay him than someone else!

BRETT
Doing Brett things. I can only imagine what he'll look like for his game on Sunday. I do know I got his BAC "buddy" picture and team picture back... o my... o my

FELONY
1st and 3rd degree FELONY plus misdemeanors for interferring with 911 and disturbing the peace. IN JAIL

FUNERAL
O Nick... so sad to be so young...

BAC DINNER
Yeeeee haaaaaa Martini here I come!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:02 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Brit wasn't feeling well, so she went to the doctors today. She had that god aweful diabetes screening.... they are still looking to move out MAYBE this week?? I wish they would slow down but they have to follow their hearts.

She is getting excited for her shower - there will be around 30 people. I have about a dozen friends coming that have known Davis for a long time and I'm excited to "catch up" with their life cause some of them I haven't seen for a while. They are from years of sports.... you know - you get to know parents very well over the years of sports! Its funny how you can be away for a while, than you meet up and it feels like yesterday since you last saw them! I love that! We are all so busy... and than we get together, catch up, until the next time we gather which is usually a shower, wedding, church. The kids friends are all starting to get married and have kids! yikes, makes me feel old! We have a wedding in April for one of Darrel's friends.

THANK YOU Deb, for the lovely words! SOMETIMES what you do when you raise your kids pans out! haha, hopefully they are kind, polite and nice all the time!

I remember when they were young I would walk up to a door - they would run ahead of me thru the door and I would stand on the outside looking at it until they came back and opened it for me!.. o man, those were the days! I was a stickler for manners and chewing with your mouth shut and holding your fork correct. I see adults who I would love to say... um, can you please put all that dangling food back in your lips?? yuk

I'm taking a 10 minute tax break. Lots and lots of work, but hopefully will finish it in the next few days.

Ok, break is over... time to hit it again.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 7:59 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Going to get his crib today, Brittany has a doctor appointment and they are thinking of moving out this month. yikes. Trying to get him to stay put and save money for a few months but he wants to get settled so bad BEFORE the baby arrives. He has this "plan" which is a very detailed plan... pretty proud of him for that! I understand exactly how he feels - I too am one that likes things settled around me. haha.. thats funny! Settled around me!

What a week! Taxes - will take me all week to accomplish, funeral, BAC appreciation dinner on Thur, work, volunteer on Friday, last weekend of concessions - need to buy for that (o to be a concession manager!) I need to make sure it runs smoothly on Sat which runs from 8am to 9pm and we have 3 volunteers and myself. I need to get my powerpoint finished and my 20 page paper finished.

I'm taking my HESI test in 2 weeks - thats the pretest to boards. Have I worked on it? It takes hours and hours of practice testing. I can do that while the kids are working the concessions, I'll just bring my laptop. Usually I can leave the kids working the concessions, but I'm concerned since Jeff was hit - I also witnessed an old man ask for one of the girls phone number and an irate "woman" want to "bitch slap" one of the girls cause her cookies where too dark. Yes, when you work with the public... LOOK OUT. So I feel responsible for these girls.

When I volunteered to run concessions, it was before I was in school. I try hard to follow through with my commitments.

I decided that on Sunday, I'll watch Brett's game until half time, that way I should only miss 1/2 hour of the shower tops. I'm trying hard to keep people happy.... but when it comes down to it, I do what makes my sons happy - both of them. They both gave in a little and Brittany has been wonderful. I do believe there will be about 30 people at the shower so no one will even notice if I slip in a few minutes late! haha

What people don't know is that Brett has felt pushed to the side too many times with Davis and his illness (I know, Davis couldn't help it) but its true, we had to push the other 2 boys to some extent to the side for about 4 years while we were trying to save Davis's life - no ones fault, but to a child.... you feel the pain of parents not being there for THEM at times. He has spoken these words to me and I've seen the hurt and sometimes resentment in his eyes. I could not see that hurt another time because of Davis. I have to be here for BRETT this time..... and Davis too but this time Brett will come first. Enough said.

Rain all week... I'm looking forward to cleansing the ugly snow!

Hope your day is filled with a good strong cuppa java! lUV ML

Monday, March 8, 2010 8:43 AM CST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM.. yesterday! 83 - WOW! Nice to talk to you yesterday and can't wait to see you in May!!

Good Morning!

Man, long weekend. One more long weekend to go....

DAVIS
He has spring break this week. Catch up with his sleep i imagine. He will be picking up a crib from my friend Deb... and make reality set in I think. Brittany's birthday was on Saturday, the day before my Mom's.

DILEMMA
Brett won his game yesterday at basketball.... who knew. His last and final game ever is sunday at 1:30 (IF it starts on time) ... the shower is at 2. The boys are all dressing up to play this game against their friends.

So... for those who are reading this... please understand if I come to the shower a little late. I'll miss the shower games, but will be there for the rest! I talked it over with Brittany and she insists I see Brett's game. That was very sweet of her! My youngest, my baby will play his last basketball game - I've been to every game of his since he started playing - thats a lot of years! I'd like to see the championship at the end, it means tons to my heart.

I set the shower date up myself.... but didn't know about this weekend being part of the season cause it was NOT on the calendar! Men, I tell ya.

I'm excited and sad for this week. Taxes that I'm working on and FINISHING (have to, its the only week I have) but I'll also have Nicks funeral service on Wednesday. I'll start volunteering again on Friday (took 3 weeks off to help Jeff). I missed volunteering. Need to buy concessions for this weekend which will be crazy. And of course the fun and exciting baby Davis shower!

Please make sure you RSVP to Donna for the shower!

Hope your day is filled with puppy luv ML

Saturday, March 6, 2010 5:48 PM CST

Good Evening...

Last year I had a young man speak at my honors project - a cancer survival panel. He was a 20 yo fighting osteosarcoma - and believe me when I say that young man knew how to live and how much he wanted to live!

Sadly, he passed away last night, not expected at this point. It was fast and peaceful. I'm so very glad of that at least.

Please say a prayer for Nick Reamer and his family.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nicholasreamer/journal

Also a 1st grade teacher I know (Her daughter works my concession stand) 6 yo student was hit by a car last night here in Burnsville and killed (on 35W freeway no less!) This teacher is devastated and must talk to her class about it tomorrow. Please keep her and the little girl and family in your prayers.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 7:37 AM CST

Good Morning!

I'm stealing this from a young woman who's life is ending, and it is something she picked for that time.... It is exactly how I feel:

Tangible Love
"Love is often an abstract, even confusing, concept because it's used in so many ways and love comes in so many different forms. The love we have with our spouse is far different from the love we have for our children...which is different from the love we feel for our family and friends. And yet through all of these different kinds of love there is a common thread through all of these...a thread that connects us all. All of us are loved by someone...and we know this through "tangible love"; love that is not just a concept...but love that is tangible through acts of kindness."

DAVIS
Nothing exciting, nothing new... phew....

DARREL
Same.... phew phew

BRETT
Had a flat, and we had to buy a new tire. DARN, he broke the nothing new thing. He went to the capitol for school (haven't a clue which class or club... bad Mom) and the guy who was suppose to speak to these kids pulled out - "He was too busy". Brett and a few of his buddies wore argyle sweater vests... yes thats right... ARGYLE. He actually looked adorable, but thats from a Mothers view point. The kids didn't want to wear a suit so they went to a consignment store for these little gems. At least it was a sedate color, cause Brett is not afraid of color!

Jeff
Just may be going to work today??? He has a DDS appt for his crowns at 4.

I was invited by the Vice Chief of Staff of Children's aka, Davis's doctor - Just like saying that title! haha, to be at the U of M Survivor Conference in April. I guess I'm representing parents of surviving children. I will get details later.

It was an honor to be asked!

I picked up a shift at work today, but have to go to the venue where we are having our nursing pinning ceremony first to iron out details. I made up 88 envelopes of invitations, but am trying to find somewhere I can print off about 270 copies of information that goes in it! Tried to do it at work last night, but they were out of paper. Dang! I stopped at Kinkos and the lady said it was .39 a copy??? For a black/white one side?? I think she was "on crack" as Brett would say.

So today I'm beg borrowing and stealing copies. We need to hand out the invites tomorrow at class. My last chance is at school - we have so many allowable copies we can run - I haven't clue to how many. I'll probably run my months worth on it! But thats ok, I never use it. Davis is going to let me use some of his too.

Need to go forward.... Hope your day is filled with good times! Luv ML

Monday, March 1, 2010 7:21 AM CST

** Pictures

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Getting some good rest.

DARREL
Meeting my nephew Tom tonight for his 21st Birthday.

BRETT
Beat a team in basketball yesterday that is in first place! Brett had a stellar game and the kids looked like they were having a great time. They had their pictures taken (professionally) and Brett decided he wanted a buddy picture so 2 of his best friends and he "posed" for this... can only imagine what it'll look like! That whole team is goofey.

JEFF
Had a surprise when the 5th graders all gathered around in the gym Saturday and presented Jeff and Rich (the co-commissioner) each with a Thank You's on a white board and each a visa for $180! Jeff is going to buy a new reel (hmmm... surprise?) out of that. His favorite one was broken last summer. It made him smile a lot and that was good to see.

He still has a "hematoma" on his jaw - it probably will be there for a few months.

Concessions did about $1200 over the 2 days - thats a lot of $1 hotdogs we sold. I was able to do some of my homework (brought my laptop) while Brett, Beth and Lotty worked it. It also allowed me to actually sit on the side lines and watch Brett's game. My baby only has 2 more weekends EVER of playing!

Next weekend is playoffs, and than he plays his last game ever on Sunday 3/14. Didn't realize they played that weekend (it wasn't on the schedule) when I picked Brittany's baby shower date out. Hopefully Brett will play early enough so I can watch his final game.

I'm scheduling the kids I trust the most to tear down concessions for the year cause that too will be our last day of concessions. The end of an era... the end to my kids playing basketball....

Hope your day is filled with memory makers LUV ML

Saturday, February 27, 2010 7:11 AM CST

** more pictures

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Has today off... he is enjoying his "freedom"

DARREL
Diagnosed our computer problem as the component that keeps your computer running... it has a big ole fan on it and he says he has plenty to fix it.

JEFF
Feels so much better with that tooth gone. Its resolved most of the headaches! THATS good news!

Of course we are at the gym all weekend, I'm helping opening up the concessions for a few hours, than they are on their own!

Interview went very well... but I'm one of many and one with minimal experience.

Friday, February 26, 2010 8:28 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He looks rested at least. He has the next 2 days off.

DARREL
Where does he go when he doesn't come home? I hate to even think.... ahhhh youth. The rat rescheduled his doc appt... to when? I'm sure he won't even tell me!

BRETT
Is a little overwhelmed with the paperwork involved with all the things he's trying to get settled. I'm trying to help and encourage him to be independent. I do too much for these kids, my mistake, my bad... its hard to stand back especially when things don't get done.

JEFF
As his tooth was being prepped for the crown - it literally fell into pieces. Unfortunately these hairline fractures do not show on film. If you think of a tiny fracture on your windshield and before you know it there are thousands of fracture lines all across it. It doesn't take much pressure for that to happen either. The tooth is the same way, a tiny fracture you can't see can expand to shattering the tooth in no time at all.

They had him rush over to the oral surgeon and had it extracted. He is in a lot of pain - hopefully it was the reason he has had soo many headaches on that side. Its a good and bad thing... bad - tooth gone, good - it was discovered so early in the game. Other teeth - jury is still out on how they will behave.

Guy still hasn't been charged - but the detective told me yesterday "justice will be served!"

JOB
Say a BIG prayer for this job interview today. I'm a little intimidated by it when I haven't got my license yet. Those are some large shoes to fit! How can I act confident? How can I show I can do a job I'm not ready for quite yet?

FAITH
I need faith that I can get through these next few months mentally and physically. Davis and his baby and his college/work. Darrel who is working 24/7 without much pay and where he is at - college loans coming due. Brett trying to get ready for the end of high school and beginning of college. Jeff with his lack of work and pain issues. Me with my worry of passing tests and learning... juggling all of the above, trying to let things go without the house falling around me.

Hate to admit it... but I keep this place going. They count on me to do it even if they don't realize it. Yet they fight me to do it too which is draining. Its an interesting dynamic. The struggle between independence and dependence. The lack of seeing the obvious things that need to be done. Males just don't see the big picture and struggle to see the small picture! Or at least MY males do!

BLESSINGS
After I rant and rave about the above, it cleanses my mind to my blessings. We are all pretty healthy. Justice is being served. I'm doing well at school. Davis is on track, Darrels business is doing well. Brett is on track. Jeff is going forward and work is coming and going which is better than going! (one contract was cancelled yesterday ouch) We have a home. Need to stay focused... stay focused and count my blessings everyday!

NICK
After my interview, I'm going to visit Nick. He's at Children's and not doing well. He is the 20 yo osteosarcoma young man who spoke at my Cancer Panel. As of now, his cancer is winning over his body, but not his spirit. These young people really put life into prospective.

Hope your day is filled with blessings LUV ML

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 5:33 PM CST

** Just got a call... I have an interview tomorrow for a job at Childrens!!!! as an RN!! I guess it pays to know the Vice Chief of Staff??

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Still plugging along. He is planning on taking a 3 mo firefighter course this summer, than he can be hired on the fire department at Mystic lake... they are hiring I heard. He'll have an "in" being that he already works there! That way, he'll only work a few days a week and school will be easier.

DARREL
Had his followup today... haven't heard from him on how it went.

BRETT
Man... not a whole lot unless you think of college prep, and all that entails.

JEFF
Is feeling better altho he tried to get up to go to work, and his head hurt so bad that he went back to bed. It seems to be much worse in the morning. Tomorrow he has the one tooth being prepped for a crown - HOPEFULLY that will help end the headaches - altho I fear its not going to be a good prognosis. He had his dr appt yesterday to followup on head, he too says we need to wait for the teeth. He did give him a referral for chiropractor.

I finished my clinicals today at St Joes.... lots of emotions as I was trying to get my "chi" as I say. My flow of work ethic which is HARD when you only come in for a few days a week... doing not only the nurses job, but the aides job (they require you do that) and to tell you the truth, I feel it takes away from critical thinking as a nurse! It takes so much time bathing, changing linen,we don't get to see how they are actually FEELING and what I can do about that and stay on top of the medication changes and the physical and mental changes. Basically it sucked.

I will do my preceptorship in Hospice at the "Pillars" a house in St Paul where you go for hospice care, and its set up exactly like being at home... a really cool concept, and a wonderful learning experience. Not sure when that starts, but thinking April 1st.

Thats about it for now..... plugging on as best as possible.

Saturday, February 20, 2010 8:17 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
I stopped by and talked with Stephanie who is part of the shower planning. She is soooo excited to help host this with Donna! I can't thank Donna enough for stepping forward and taking this on. She is the BEST Mother in law one could ever ask for!

Davis is working hard.

DARREL
Is also working hard.

BRETT
Has a double header tomorrow. Than he's working the concessions for me so I can actually clean this house a bit! Brett ref'ed 3 games today and was told by the head honcho ref that he is to talk to the coaches before the game and inform them that if there is any ruckus, he walks off the floor and the game is forfeited. If there is any disturbance, 911 will be called immediately without a comment spoken. They are crackin down pretty darn hard.

WOMAN
Had the GALL to show up to the gym today.... I did concessions all day as it was Jeff's first day back and he was actually having a problem with that. He finally relaxed and than that WOMAN showed up that started this whole damm thing! Luckily he wasn't in the area she was and other 6th grade parents got Joel - Jeff's partner - and the woman skeedatled out.. without a word. She must have seen or sensed people getting upset and looking at her. She was there without her kids... really? really??

Is she that stupid????

I need to call to get the stitches removed from Jeff's mouth - they wrap around 3 teeth. I also need to call about the 3 that need crowns - those should be in next week. We are offical members of the Crime Victims Unit.... they should pay medical bills and than when this guy gets out of jail, they garnish his wages until it is paid back. A way to get back at the guy without being too involved with the process.

Thursday, February 18, 2010 8:26 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
FINALLY had his car fixed after I sic'ed AAA after it. He was forced to than. Had a loose starter something or another, blown out wiper motor (which he didn't get fixed grrrr) his lights were all out - got those fixed (had a wire short) and his heater fixed! Makes me feel much better except that his wipers still don't work. He thinks that Rain-x works just as well! O MAN

BRETT
He gave up... are you ready.... MEAT for lent. I thought Jeff was gonna die - you see - we are, or should I say JEFF is a total meat person and doesn't get it at ALL. haha. He told Brett he needs to hone his culinary skills now to cook without meat. It would be good for Jeff to be on that same diet.

DARREL
He has a girlfriend which is taking his spare time - thats a good thing. His followup is on Wednesday for his surgery. He has fluid, so I'm sure they will drain that.

JEFF
Is at his highest pain level right now - everything is at its peak swelling. Maxillofacial surgeon said... it'll take time.... haha, really? No, he was really nice. The ear pain is from the jaw being thrust sideways, pulling at the canal - he was given mega strong steroids for the swelling and I anticipate he'll be feeling fine in a day or two. The hematoma on his jaw is turning colors now...

I felt a bit overwhelmed yesterday with school - clinicals - rushing home to take him to the surgeon - and another issue I'm working on. But today I read the newsletter from "Big Sky Kids" where Davis helps out the cancer camp and I was reading one mans quote - this man unfortunately died a few months ago from cancer and was Davis's age. What struck me was his attitude... his answer to the question "How are you doing today?"

"Today is my best day yet!"

That, my friends, is what I strive for.... to look at each day and say just that... Today is my best day yet!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 6:22 PM CST

Good Evening!

Look at this wonderful letter to the editor - from someone who worked with Jeff with BAC.... its a wonderful message for all!

Message: Jeff Shand and the BAC Boys In-house Basketball program deserve better than this. I hope the parents and fans can learn from this crazy and senseless attack. This program is designed solely for the kids. Jeff and his group of dedicated volunteers do a great job of putting this program together.

I know as a fan myself; it can get pretty exciting and sometimes highly emotional in tightly contested games. You may not like the call the referee has made or didn't make. We all have to take a moment, take a deep breath and realize, it's only a BAC game.

As the past president of the BAC, I had the privilege to sit on the selection committee for the $1000 scholarships the BAC provides for graduating seniors that have participated in our various sports. The students submit an essay entitled "What the BAC has meant to me". It is incredibly humbling and heartwarming for the commissioners to read the essays submitted. Very few of them write about winning or losing. They talk about the friendships, the lessons they have learned about sportsmanship and dealing with adversity.

Many have that special coach that taught them more than the rules of the game, but how to become a young adult. These essays should be required reading for all of the parents of the younger kids playing a BAC sport. Then they might understand what is really important to their kids, it's not the bad call of a referee or a game lost in overtime. It is so much bigger than that.

One of the sad parts of this whole incident is that Jeff and his program should be in the news, not for this horrible event, but for the fantastic opportunities they provide for our kids. I think most people would be amazed if they knew how many hundreds of hours Jeff and the rest of his team volunteer each year to make this program what it is. Most of the In-house basketball programs in the area stop in 8th or 9th grade. Jeff and his team provide a program that goes all the way through High School for our community.

Jeff deserves a pat on the back, not a punch in the face. I've seen first hand the passion Jeff and his team have for this program. Behind the scenes, Jeff is always trying to find ways to improve and enhance the program. There are so many issues to deal with; a lack of gym space for practices, issues with overly excited fans and other items too numerous to list. He does it for one reason, the kids.

As long as the BAC In-house Basketball program is in the news, I just wanted to make sure all of the good things this program does get recognized as well. Next time you see Jeff and the rest of his dedicated volunteers, shake their hands and let them know you appreciate everything they do for the boys in our community.

Thanks Jeff!

Monday, February 15, 2010 7:26 PM CST

Gosh.... Channel 5 was in our driveway while we were at the dentist, and Brett just happened to be by his car and they asked about Jeff. He said "my Dad doesn't want to do an interview"..... What they want is a picture of what he looks like... I say GIVE IT TO THEM! haha

He is to go tomorrow to do laser surgery on 1 fractured tooths tissue (crown lengthening cause most of the tooth broke off). He will be put out for that. 2 others were "prepped" today and we are waiting to see if they need root canals or can be saved. In other words, we just don't know - may be months before we know how the other teeth in his mouth will behave. The DDS said that because his jaw DIDN"T break - and it was a "Crush" injury - it made it worse. If his jaw had broken, it would have taken the pressure OFF the teeth and surrounding tissue. He has a small hole in his cheek where a tooth must have punchered it. He is doing much better pain wise now that the tooth broken down the root in half is sealed.

Lots of news reports, report reports, radio reports. Its crazy.... and people are irate at parents who act like this. Obviously there is a lot of it out there.

Got home to messages - channel 4, 5, 9, 11, pioneer press, star tribune, cops, and friends. Its just CRAZY and Jeff wants to hide from it - he is tooooo modest to be interviewed. Wants justice and none of the media frenzy.

Brett will drive Jeff to surgery as I have nursing clinicals at the hospital till 2. I almost laugh in a crazed manner... am I losing it???? Well ya know, laughing is better than crying!

We are really at the beginning of this.

Sunday, February 14, 2010 9:08 PM CST

**DDS at 11:30, stay tuned

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Truck's starter didn't start - Darrel got him from work, he's taking Jeff's truck. We just can't win with cars, I tell ya.

DARREL & BRETT.. seeing girlfriends, watching movies

First, I want to say what an outpouring of support, love and prayers for Jeff! THANK YOU. If you haven't heard, Channel 4 WCCO has the story on at 10pm, and it was on the web. People are MAD that parents do this behavior and NO ONE wants it...

People we don't know emailed cause they were at the game, or heard about it. Wonderful emails.

JEFF
He is swollen, able to close his mouth better today (I gave him some anti spasm meds) but his teeth are messed up. His head hurts bad = he said it feels like his brain is not attached to his skull. As the pain meds wear off, he is pretty agitated and holds his head. Altho this sounds bad, he feels the swelling is better, so thats good news.

Unfortunately I am the "LEADER" for 7 nursing students and 21 patients Tuesday and I have to meet with the instructor at the hospital at 3.... so hopefully we can get Jeff's DDS appt done before than, cause I really want to be there and he can't drive and it would be a pain to drag someone over to do it, and it makes jeff feel stupid.

Here is an UPDATED blurb WCCO put on the web:

Feb 14, 2010 11:26 pm 6th Grade Basketball Game Ends In Alleged Assault Reporting
Reg Chapman BURNSVILLE, Minn. (WCCO) ¯
A man said he wants to press charges after he was allegedly assaulted after a sixth-grade basketball game in Burnsville.

Jeff Shand, the commissioner of the Burnsville boys' in-house basketball league, said he was hit after trying to calm down family members of a player, after an overtime loss.

Shand said he was punched in the jaw and suffered dental damage. He said he had some chipped teeth and went to the emergency room after the incident.

Shand said the family wasn't happy with the outcome of the game and walked onto the court once the game was over to confront the referee.

When the parents started yelling at the referees and others at the game, Shand said he attempted to bring the family members into a separate room to calm them down.

Joel Van Zomeren, with Burnsville Athletic Club in-house basketball, said he was standing next to Shand when the incident took place. Van Zomeren said Shand tried to calm a woman down and when that didn't work he gave her a warning.

"He threatened 911 and said 'I will call 911' and she still didn't like that answer. He asked her to please leave and the phone got hit out of his hand," said Van Zomeren.

Just as quickly as that happened, Van Zomeren said his colleague was sucker punched.

"As one male threw a basketball at his head, the other one punched him and knocked him down," said Van Zomeren.

"Then it became kind of a riot or a melee and we had people trying to intervene and it just was an out of control situation," said Burnsville Police Sgt. Jeff Witte.

Police eventually got the crowd under control.

One person was taken into custody and Shand was taken to the hospital with a dislocated jaw, concussion and chipped teeth.

Shand said he wants to press charges against the father, mother and a third party.

"The players weren't a part of this. It was all the parents and so its really hard to, its really difficult to teach kids when the parents are doing these kinds of things," said VanZomeren.

VanZomeran said his players know the rules and must sign a code of ethics in order to play.

"What I changed this morning is that I put spectators and so this involves parents also," said VanZomeren.

Parents too must sign the code of ethics. VanZomeren said parenting parents is not part of the league.

The Burnsville In-House Basketball Web site also acknowledges the incident and stated that this is "a case of the actions of a few spoiling the opportunities for the majority."

The Web site said the incident puts the in-house basketball league at risk and that it is "not a guaranteed offering."

Burnsville Police are investigating the incident.

We don't know where we are going from here, what charges have been made, what will be done about it... haven't heard yet. Right now we are concentrating on getting Jeff to feel better and can eat normal.

Hope your day is filled with happy memories. LUV ML

Sunday, February 14, 2010 6:44 AM CST

Good Morning!

I will never ever understand the ignorant. I will never ever understand why people can be the way they are and how they can shape their children.

And in a heartbeat life can change.....

Jeff is the commissioner for boys in house basketball. He coordinates about 800 kids from 2nd to 12th grades. He spends thousands of hours doing this for NOTHING except that he loves basketball. He is at the gym every weekend, and is in planning strategy meetings every month of the year for this program.

This year he personally goes to the gym every Saturday and runs a 2nd grade clinic... mostly because the parents don't and they don't know whats going on at this stage. Jeff loves shaping these little boys.

Than Saturday and Sunday he is at the high school opening the gym up, setting up score keepers, monitoring, making sure everything runs smooth....

Until yesterday.

He and his copartner were watching a 6th grade game. The copartner's son was refing the game. He is a high schooler. Well the game went into overtime and one team obviously lost... and that team had a Mom who went biserk and went after the teen ref... hence... Jeff steps in because we have ZERO tolerance for any of this.

He pulls his phone out and tells the lady she has 1 minute to leave the gym or the police will be called (we have an arrangement for just this type of thiing) and a man came up to him and smacked the phone out of his hand... and as Jeff turned towards him a 17 yo (the guys son? nephew?) sucker punched Jeff in the head (he had something on his knuckle.. ring?) and down he went - eyes rolling and he was out. I heard that the 6th grade player assaulted another parent as that parent was trying to get the kids back and out of the way .... but thats a sketchy part.

The copartner had 911 on the phone and the "Dad?" who smacked the phone started to leave... and the adult ref who was there bellowed that it would NOT be in his best interest to go... and the parents crossed their arms and stood by the gym doors, and I followed the man - stayed right near... cause he wasn't going anywhere without ME knowing where that was.

The police came... they were about 30 seconds from tazering him cause he wouldn't listen right away to the cops command... I was moving little kids far away... and another 5 squads showed up.

Jeff was spitting out pieces of teeth, his eyes were still not focused and he was dazed. The paramedics came and he went to ER... had a cat scan and has a jaw dislocation and teeth issues we are are not sure of the extent yet, a "Crush Injury" according to the hospital of the face, and a concussion.

That corn rolled pant slung kid did this.... he learned from someone who showed him well what violence is about. The kid got away - his mother hustled him out during the chaos... but the police know who the whole family is... they have a nice history with Burnsville police. I heard a cop comment about someone just "getting out of..." somewhere and I THOUGHT he said psych ward.

I have mixed emotions on whether to pray for them or dam them to hell..... its still a struggle which way I'm leaning, but hell is pretty close on top.

Jeff is on pain pills, in a lot of pain, but is ok. I will take him Monday to see the dentist i work for... and we'll know more than on the teeth. His jaw doesn't close all the way and his teeth do not touch.... so we'll see.

HAPPY VALENTINES Day by the way... I'm grateful that we are all whole and alive. What more can I ask for?

Thursday, February 11, 2010 6:11 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS Have not seen him today...

DARREL
Is feeling wonderful - went to work all chipper. I know he is relieved to have this all done with. I can't believe the incision was about an inch long... they pulled that thing out of that!

BRETT.. who?

I observed a total hip replacement yesterday. Um... hmmm, wow was THAT interesting and amazing and the brute strength the surgeon needed to wheel the drill, chisel, grinders.... wow. Thats about all I can say. I'll never look at another person with a hip replacement the same!

I caught the cold going around the house... I'm sure that is why I'm feeling overwhelmed, overworked, over taxed. My brain anyway. I managed to pull out an 86% SOMEHOW on my test. I'm serious - if you knew how much wasn't staying in my brain for the last week - it was very scary. Yesterday, while Darrel was in surgery and I was going over my notes... AGAIN... it started to click.

I blew the ethics part. What I studied, was pathetic to her questions. Man, I guess I just don't get the whole ethical part of this. I GET ethics, but I had to put these ethical terms to the questions and I didn't study those in depth. Hence, my meaning of them and their meaning of them didn't jive. I guess veracity and benevolence in the nursing code of ethics is a bit different than what the meaning really is. ooops.

Tomorrow I HAVE OFF! Whatever should I do???? I know! Sam's Club run to buy all the hotdogs candy and pizza we are selling during our big weekend at concessions. This is our picture weekend and huge money maker. Jeff and I are going out to dinner with the neighborhood parents for valentines day tomorrow night. I think there are 8 couples. So the weekend will be busy and tiring BUT it will be fun and I don't have to THINK about school for one minute!

Hope your day is full of nice surprises. LUV ML

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 6:58 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Crabby..... just crabby. Cold and lack of sleep.

DARREL
Had his surgery this morning. United day surgery was filled with the NICEST and helpful people you know love their job. We had a super experience. his surgery was less than an hour, a golf ball sized tumor was removed - and they are thinking it may just be a fibrotic gland. The doctor said benign but its being biopsied. Darrel is doing fantastic!

Yesterday was a 5:30am - 9pm day and it was tough. I finished my clinicals at 3 and went straight to work. When we were meeting for our clinicals after patient care, a code was called for my patient. "Rapid Responder". The patient was on the first bag of 4 chemos to be hung and after the meeting I went back up to check on my patient - and the family was gathered, but the patient was ok. Bad reaction and all vitals bottomed out. This patient was young too.

Yesterday was the first time I doubted my decision to be a nurse. My first HUGE test is tomorrow and I feel overwhelmed and under educated. I pray and hope I get through it ok. A "C" or above would be nice! I'm going to end here and go upstairs and read more notes.

Hope your day has no funky surprises. LUV ML

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:56 AM CST

PICTURES OF DAVIS AND BRITTANY ****

Good Afternoon!

Davis is working hard today - its his long day. He went to school after a night shift to find that the first class was cancelled - could be due to the snow?? anyway, he is there until 4 today. bummer.

Received the most BEAUTIFUL blanket and sweater from Toni!!! THANKS LUV, it is gorgeous! I sure wish I knew how to do that... one day, one day....

DARREL
Has his preop tomorrow and surgery on wed....

BRETT
doing brett stuff, nothing new - yea.

I'm back to studying and going to work in an hour or so, than I have to be at St Joes at 5:30am ... o my NOT.... to prep for my patients. In a snow storm...

Besides that, hope your day is filled with happiness LUV ML

Saturday, February 6, 2010 8:58 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He has a cold... why am I not surprised?? They had their 1 year anniversary with a nice dinner. I pray Brittany doesn't get that cold, yikes, being prego and having a cold is a total bummer.

Expecting 11 inches of snow - so they say. We'll see what happens. Davis's wipers don't work - NOT good. He's a big boy and knows what needs to be done.

Not much to talk about - studying and not studying.... tomorrow night we have a super bowl party to go to, altho I could care less about who plays or wins! Good eats, good friends. I'm torn between cramming and going. I'm sure going will win!

I picked up Akaela the other day... he is now home where he belongs until we can bury his ashes up at the lake where he truly belongs.

Hope your day is filled with belonging. LUV ML

Thursday, February 4, 2010 6:19 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
The boy is working FIVE nights a week.... 10:30pm-7am than heading off to school afterwards. a BIG worry for me. It was kinda funny to have Davis say "Hi Mom" when I came out of my class today. We were having our career Job fair sponsored by the nursing club (so thats why I was there...)and I introduced him to Amanda, who donated all the boys clothes to him. She said..."You never told me he's so good looking!" um, yea, I guess I forget that the student nurses are somewhat younger than me..... I don't even consider that as part of my conversation when I'm talking about my kids!

DARREL
SURGERY WEDNESDAY 2/10, 8am ish. Not sure if his insurance company is paying yet, the doctors said that they have ways around that after the surgery - so they want to get the surgery done for him. Darrel told him that he hopes they have a good way around it cause he won't be able to pay for it at all... they were not concerned, just wanted to get him taken care of. I really like that about this place. They care more about him than the paperwork they'll need to do afterwards, and thats saying something!

Unfortunately, I'm in clinical OR that morning.... I can't miss the hours, or I don't graduate. I wrote my instructor begging for a later OR time.. say noon... is that asking too much???? Why do I need to be there at 7am??? hopefully that's work! I'm a praying, I'd like to be at his surgery.

BRETT
Doing snow week. He also signed up for spring Rugby... rugby? Another new sport I have to learn!! o my. At least its inexpensive... as sports go.

School is hard, tough, confusing, tiring, tons of work. I didn't feel too confident yesterday, I was to give heparin in the stomach by taking the original heparin filled syringe, than taking another empty syringe and remove the fluid out of the original syringe into this new syringe...(because it had a safety needle and they want you to us it... how dumb) than inject it... I felt stupid cause it didn't make sense to me, but hey, who am I to argue? I'll know for the next shot. Then she told me to inject faster.... not in a routine AT ALL.

I have 2 patients starting Tuesday. This weekend is studying for the big test on Thursday. I don't have much of a life... only 3 more months... 3 more months....

Hope your day is filled with the answer to your dreams! LUV ML

Monday, February 1, 2010 6:36 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He had his first day of official work yesterday.

Class in morning than went to work after class until 5am... had class again at 9:30am today.

Came home. He has work again tonight from 10pm-2 with class at 8am

In otherwards, for 2 days he is getting minimal sleep - hope this works out for him! He has promising work experience there for EMT and security so hopefully he can keep it up. If his schedule is only 2 days worth of hell, than thats not too bad.

BRETT
Snow week at school which means all kinds of fun stuff and dances.

DARREL
What happens when you take a day off of work? More work. I guess he got 3 more computers in and hopefully if business stays up, he'll be able to hire some help. 7 days a week... is just too much. They have a 3 day turn-around so the pressure is on!

My work was cancelled tonight - sick doctor. Ouch for money since I get paid now on commission only... Tomorrow I start my clinicals at St Joes - oncology. I'm pretty excited to get started!

I had the nicest surprise today. I emailed Davis's doctor, who is now the Vice Chief of Staff at childrens... asked if she would be open to writing me a reference... and here was her reply... in about 20 minutes of sending the email!

"How wonderful! This is really great news. I am thrilled to write both of them a note (Minneapolis and St Paul hospitals) and hope that we can snag you soon to be part of our team. This is a very inspiring story for lots of folks, I bet. Is it ok if I share this news with others? thanks, Susan"

Could I possibly get a JOB after I graduate?? And how nice was that email??? Made my day for SURE. Which is good cause I'm trying to study for this ugly test and I'm just not feeling the luv..... info going in... and falling out.

What gets me? Isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic HATE IT. It plain ole does not compute. Everything I'm studying is hyper or hypo this or that. cortisol, ADH, calcemia, thyroid, growth hormone. I'm finding myself mixing the symptoms all up and medications..... yikers

Perhaps I... m.u.s.t h.a.v.e m.o.r.e c.h.o.c.o.l.a.t.e?

Perhaps a glass of vino?

I had Jeff take the prime rib leftovers (yes, we had leftovers!) and he made nummy fajitas out of it. Yesterday my leftover dinner consisted of mashed pot/gravy, candied carrots, sweet potatoes and a salad. That was good too, but I had 2 days of it!

Hope your day is filled with sunshine! LUV ML

Sunday, January 31, 2010 6:33 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
Kicking back today with Brittany. Don't blame them.

DARREL
Had a wonderful party type atmosphere with what I call his 3 homeless friends. They used to live on their own as a group until the economy.... so I call them the homeless. They had a few brewskies and watched movies, where I had a glass of vino and went to bed! I think it was the cheesecake that brought me down.

Got my student loan.... picking up Akaela's ashes tomorrow.

Start my clinicals on Tuesday and trying to catch up with school this weekend - it is going alright.

Hope your day is filled with whatever makes you happy LUV ML

Saturday, January 30, 2010 7:49 AM CST

Good Morning!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARREL!!!! 23, WOW.... May God grant you peace and success this year as you move forward in adulthood! Today Darrel has to work... and than he's coming home for a prime rib dinner and cheesecake

Love you soooo much.... Mom & Dad

Thursday, January 28, 2010 7:47 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
Has been going to his works orientation this week because they won't let him break it up or come at a later time. It interferes with school, but he was able to work with the teachers about it. He has his first test today - and they'll let him take it at the assessment office after his work session. GOOD LUCK DAVIS!

DARREL's birthday is Saturday and I think we'll be celebrating it quietly here... altho he hasn't been around enough to even ask. If all works out, we'll go shopping Saturday for his gift (clothes) and have dinner after. We are making the prime roast we got as a gift for xmas.

18 BELOW windchill... its actuall 1 below actual temperature. Hope fully this all goes away after today. It's never fun to feel that as you trapse across the parking lot back 40 at school! Especially that bone chilling wind... goes thru your soul.

Have our first "pinning" meeting at 10, have to go to the lab to print stuff before that, a study meeting at 11 and class at noon which I'm barely prepared for. Lots and lots of stuff.

Managed to type a 7 page paper yesterday after my volunteering at the battered womens shelter. What a wonderful place for those in need. Very proud of our local shelter! Paper had to get done tho.

Hope your day is filled with progress! Luv ML

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 8:05 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
He has applied for housing - and if you think its cheap - its not. 600 for a 1 bedroom. But the 2 bedroom is about the same price. There are brand new townhouses by us that are part of this and hopefully when the baby is born, he can get in. Daviis is making Brit go on WIC, she is pulling a "I'm too proud" thing right now, but Davis is having nothing to do with that. We even were on WIC when the kids were young and I was in school... yes, yet again in school, and Jeff was starting the business up. Its there for us, than later we pay it forward or back. It saved our butts.

DARREL
Is busy with business stuff. His birthday is Saturday and I rarely seen him....

BRETT
Nothing new

I have to leave in 20 minutes to volunteer 4 hours with the underserved and than write another 8000000 page paper about it. I arranged for a group of nursing students to go to the "Lewis House" - a battered shelter for women. I guess we are organizing something or another.

I talked to a man yesterday who runs the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing WWII Hangar in St Paul. They have events there at the musuem in the WWII hangar... its reallly cool. We can get it catered for under 20/head. I know that sounds like a lot, but everything is mega bucks to have a dinner. We are going to be a nursing pinning group of about 500 people.

I told him my name and he asked if I was one of the "Bloomington Shands". Yep I said. He coached Jeff's little brother wrestling at Kennedy high school. Isn't that funny? Hopefully he'll give us a deal than! I'm gonna push that button! haha

I won a 25 gift card at BUCA's at the dinner last week! Man, I never win anything and that was fun! It came in the mail yesterday... now how to spend it... hmmm....

Its butt cheek freezin cold out. Yes, you heard me. Just sit in your car you'll know what I mean!

Hope your day is filled with the wonders of love LUV ML

Monday, January 25, 2010 8:27 AM CST

Good Morning!

I can only say I feel bad for the Vikings - they worked hard, and Favre was physically done harm on the field - poor sportsmanship as far as I'm concerned. Someone can get seriously hurt with that kind of low blow.. literally.

DAVIS
I think they registered for all of target! haha Hopefully someone offers the shower. There is plenty of time and no time to worry about it.

BRETT
Worked the concessions yesterday so I could type my 80000000 page presentation/paper. I'm about 3/4 thru it. I heard he played a great nail biter game too.... darn, I missed it!

DARREL is staying very busy

We are getting 30-40 mph winds and snow on/off, altho I don't see much snow yet. Heard up north is getting hit pretty hard.

On to another week. Hope your day is filled with safe driving! LUV ML

Saturday, January 23, 2010 4:54 PM CST

Good Evening!

DAVIS
He and Brit are registering at Target. They are pretty excited and I told them to make sure they register for what they really need or want and not get carried away by things. They pretty much need to be practical! I wanted them to go out before this aweful rain turns into ice into snow.... I'm hoping Davis's best friends fiance is giving the shower because I won't have time to plan a shower let alone put one on in March. Davis said she had asked him if she could - and if it follows thru, it'll make me one happy Momma!

I have 6 weeks of clinicals at St Joe's Oncology floor starting 2/2 and than I have my Hospice preceptorship right after that and several papers, power points and community service to finish up in March. Let alone study for boards... like I've said, this is the most unbelievablely hectic semester.

BAD ICE
Jeff fell last night on the driveway, he's ok. I darn near fell today and the cars were all parked cock-eyed due to the boys coming home after the freezing. It was BAD. Thank God they are all safe and sound. I heard Davis saying something about putting the parking brake on to stop... I stopped listening.

ANOTHER DAY...
I worked concessions alone, and it wasn't too bad. Kept it simple, was Mary Lee-organized - for those who know me know how Type "A" organized THAT can be! And my system worked. I think I sold 60 hotdogs, pop, candy, chips n cheese, slushies, etc. with half of those eaten before 9:30 am!!! I think the hardest part was the physical part since I was already wiped out from volunteering last night.

OOOPS
It was a busy Friday night in ER. I had to escort a daughter back to ER, cause her mother was being brought in.... her Mom was very old, and I read on the computer that she was listed as "DECEASED LOC" ... so... I felt horrible walking her back as she chattered and didn't know yet that her Mom was deceased.... I got her situated with the waiting room nurse (who brings them in for ambulance arrivals) and left. I sat down at the main desk and said... "I feel so bad for that lady - her Mom being deceased." The other girl looked at me and said... "well, we don't know that". I told her my computer says she's deceased! Than I brought the page up and read..... and focused... and read...

"decReased LOC" which means decreased level of conscience. OMG... I knew what LOC means, but I thought it was the hospitals own jargon for deceased! I guess those "r"'s are pretty darn important! Good thing, is I felt a whooooole lot happier after that.

We are leaving in an hour or so for our BAC 50th Year Celebration dinner.... Buca's is catering it, should be delish!

Hope your day is filled with either rain or snow - but not both, and certainly not this freezing crapiola. LUV ML

Friday, January 22, 2010 10:03 AM CST

Good Morning!

DAVIS
I was studying with a friend yesterday, who had a baby boy last year. She gave me, for Davis, some adorable boy infant clothes, and misc. items for baths and such. She also gave him an infant bouncie chair (where was this when mine where little?) and a really cool high chair that attaches to a regular chair - and reclines or sits up. I had one too, but it was the kind that hooked to the table, they sure have improved the design!

Davis went through the items one by one... you should have seen the soft look on his face, and the compassion in his eyes. I asked him... do you feel kinda weird about looking at baby clothes and what it means? (I was watching for panic on his face) He didn't hesitate to say absolutely not.... he really is excited for this and there is no regret or panic. Davis always had a soft spot for babies and little kids.

He brought the items down to his new home in the basement saying... I better get used to all this stuff all around me. haha, ain't that the truth! I'm thinking thats the worse part about babies... all the STUFF. He wanted to get the crib this weekend but we encouraged him to wait until we finish the basement wall. Have to take things one step at a time!

DARREL's 23rd birthday is next Saturday and sounds like he'll be celebrating it quietly. Thats what being broke does to ya! He said all he wants for his birthday is clothes - so Kohl's will probably be a good present choice! He wants all dress clothes. Can you believe my son wants DRESS clothes? my my

My weekly volunteerism is today, need to stop at Sams club to get food for concessions tomorrow and Sunday. I'm doing them alone, so that ought to be exhausting, but its still always fun. Jeff and I are going to a BAC appreciation dinner tomorrow after concessions. Brett and one of the girls are going to work concessions Sunday so I can get some schoolwork done. Than of course there is the VIKINGS playing!

Weather promises to be interesting this weekend. At least none of my family members were involved in the many roll overs yesterday morning.

Hope your day is filled with safe driving! LUV ML

Thursday, January 21, 2010 8:55 AM CST

Good Morning!

Lots of accidents out my way.... hope Davis made it to school alright.

DAVIS
Has his first test coming up. He is almost a week ahead of schedule! He also is READING his books before doing his workbook. If you know Davis, and how Tourettes affects the ability to read, this shows how bad he wants to do well. He is taking his adderall at school, altho it can make his ticks worse, he said the one day he forgot, he struggled. I wish he had taken his meds in high school - but he was totally ANTI pills after chemo - I don't blame him, but he actually made life harder on himself with that decision. Me thinks he is realizing that now.

DARREL
Was denied surgery... they are resubmitting it. He is working awefully hard. My nephew (Darrel's cousin) came into the shop with a computer to fix...I think thats kinda cool.

BRETT
Has finals this week. He too is working hard

LIFE
I've spent more hours typing and looking up information than I did all last year for this semester and I feel like I've gotten nowhere. I typed up a whole endocrine chart with all the hormones from which half of the pituitary they are coming from and it took me hours- but I'm pretty proud of it.

I have class from 10 - 2 than a study session for our next horrendous case study. Every week its a different topic with many many subtopics that don't seem to co-exist. Today we discuss Blood dyscrasias, next week ethics, last week endocrine (YIKES THAT WAS A HARD ONE!) and our last one before testing is on burns - and I heard its the hardest one.

I have a 30% of my grade, power point to get together and I don't have a clue how to do it. I have some pictures saved, not even sure if thats what I'm suppose to do! I'd like to get it finished before the end of the month. I'm hoping I can find out today how to set it up and than I can work on it - it has to accompany a large paper (of course).

Hope your day is filled with easy driving LUV ML

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 11:10 AM CST

Good Morning!

Procrastinating paying (or not paying) bills.... urgggg

I guess I'll now have things to actually SAY about Davis with his blessing. He has censored me in the past, so ended up talking all about other stuff.

DAVIS
Brit is looking for another OB cause she hated the one she has seen. I guess she is treating her without compassion.... its sad to say, but in dentistry, I have witnessed from my colleagues some unprofessional treatment as soon as they learned they are medical assistance, or a like category. To be honest, I don't know what Brittany has for insurance, but it shouldn't matter!!! but she is a pregnant woman non-married and that does make a difference, unfortunately, to some.

So I gave Brittany the name of my OB (who is wonderful) and hopefully she gets the care she needs.

SCHOOL
Davis actually met a kid he went to daycare with in the same program at college! This kid is Darrel's age and we've known their family for over 20 years. Davis is starting to find areas he likes and doesn't like at class.. one being he didn't pay attention to some instructions and didn't sign up to a group on time and discovered he was put into the "catch-all" group - haha, I can just see that group. All the ones who are, well... um, probably shy - right?

WORK
An exciting thing at Mystic lake is they told him as soon as he gets his EMT in May, he can transfer to security and they pay a minimum of 20/hr. He found that out by accident cause he was wearing his EMT uniform when he went there to get his paperwork filled out and the guy said... I suppose you'll transfer to security as soon as your an EMT... and he proceeded to tell Davis about it. God definitely led that one!

RASH
Davis is on prednisone right now - he has broken out in welts all over his arm and stomach. The urgent care doc ran a bunch of blood tests, and concluded he doesn't know the exact cause.

I know the cause .... its his UNIFORM he bought. That thing is so stiff and treated with some funky stuff... he didn't wash it before he wore it and than he broke out. If my uniforms are new at work, I don't wear them cause they are treated with something and my legs break out in weltie rashie stuff... I wear the old washed soft ones instead. I'm sure he has the same issue. Time will tell!

DARREL
Working really hard and it seems to be paying off. His surgeon called and they are waiting for approval from his insurance (crappy insurance - probably won't approve it) for the removal of his "mass".

BRETT
Now he's talking about going to ND for college....

We put a wall up downstairs and Davis moved in with a few pieces of furniture. I figured it was best when the baby came over, plus I can finally SLEEP without hearing him in the next room..... it was a great decision.

Hope your day is filled with all the encouragement you need to go forward in your life! LUV ML