Ok Jamie I got out the copy of the newspaper article when Dad got the "Orchid from the Gideon Newspaper" and it says that he taught in the rural schools of Gideon district for two years prior to WWII and that he was engaged in farming and later in the feed and hardware business in Kentucky before returning to teaching. So evidently he taught originally without a degree?? Hope this answers one more of your questions!lol Love, Judy

Jamie, I'm pretty sure that Dad and Gaston BOTH worked in the Gideon School System. Dad rode a bus out into the country and taught at a rural school--he's talked about walking in the mud and about his students being not much younger than he. I always thought it was out around Hartzel---where Randall grew up. I don't know if you had to have a degree to teach back then. I figure he went to Gideon because of Gaston. Pat and Pam were born in Nov 1951---they definitely were living in Murray then. I'm thinking Dad worked on his Master's that second semester (Jan-May) and then that summer before moving to Gideon. I know we moved to Gideon just like a few days or that weekend before school started on that Mon of my 1st grade. I was still 5---fixing to turn 6---1952. I'm thinking that he must have finished his degree that next summer + took some correspondence courses during that school year. I do know that we did not move back to Murray again as a fam. Ona did marry in June of 1963 after graduating in May of 1963----she finished in 3 years. No idea on the docs for Pat and Pam other than the Dr. Houston or whatever his name was. I'm so excited that you'll be back in KY! WHOO-OOOO! Hey, we'll make some BIG plans as soon as you're ready and available! FUN!!!!!! Ok, I'm off to bed---I'm pooped and I've got a nasty cold! GREAT! What a way to spend a vacation! LOL! NOT!!!!! Love you all, Jeanie

I thought Dad was already teaching school in Gideon before he left for WW2. I know Ona was born in Miss Gertie's house across the street from our Gideon house... When Dad was drafted he left Missouri to go back to Clay in hopes he's be sent out with Kentucky boys he knew. So he had not completed college prior to WW2....what was he doing in Gideon then? I know he worked at the mill...I thought that was at night to help make ends meet. Did he go there with Gaston? Did Gaston ever work in Gideon? Keep those answers coming!! Love you, Jamie

Good grief sister Jamie!lol I have no clue about any of those except that I couldn't start to school the first year we moved to Gideon because I wasn't old enough and it was Jeanie's first year of school. Since I was born in 1947, it had to be 1951 or 52. Pat and Pam were born by then too so what year were they born? I think it was November 1951. I'm HORRIBLE with dates and stuff!lol I do know that Gaston was the principal at Mayfield and that they thought they were hiring him instead of Dad. Don't know about his education though. In 1947 Mom and Dad were living in the apartment on top of the feedstore in Clay is something else I know!lol Dad was getting his masters at Murray when the twins were born, so again, what year was that? Okay, called Jeanie and she said that she had made copies of Dad's diplomas for all of us===is she smart or what???lol Okay, according to the copies of stuff, Dad graduated from Clay High School on May 13,1937. He graduated from Murray State College with his BS on January 26,1952. He graduated from Murray State College with his Masters on July 30,1953. So Pat and Pam HAD to have been born in 1951 while we were living there and Dad getting his BS. We may have stayed there until summer 1952 while he worked on his master's before moving to Gideon. I know for SURE that we moved there in 1952 and Jeanie started 1st grade. He evidently worked on his Master's with correspondent courses and perhaps went over for a summer school in 1953 before receiving his Master's degree because we definitely did not move from Gideon back to murray for him to finish in 1953. Jeanie said Ona graduated from Murray in 1963. She married in 1963 too in June maybe?? before you were born in 1963 on Sept 1. Okay, that's the wealth of all my knowledge! lol Hopefully helped some. Love to all, Judy

Questions....Dad graduated from Murray the first time in what year? 1940? And then with his master's in 1952? Was it still Murray State Teacher's College then? Also, Pat and Pam...Mom and Dad always said your doctor was a Dr Houston in Murray...his son, also Dr Houston, was a friend of Jerry's in college..but I thought I recalled you saying that Mom always told you it was a Dr Cook? maybe. Maybe Dr Houston was Mom's doctor at Murray...any light would be wonderful. Also, what year did you all leave Murray...1952? Dad had the farm for a couple of years between WW2 and going back to Murray for his masters and then eventually back to Gideon in 52....close? Really the principal job was suppose to be Gaston's right? Did Gaston graduate from Murray as well? He was a principal in Mayfield right? Any answers would be super!!! Oh one more...Ona graduated from Murray what year? Love you brainiacs...Jamie

Jamie is was great to talk to you today and I personally can't wait for you to be closer! I like it a LOT. I'll pass all the info you gave me on here and on the phone today to Brittney. I think it is a cumulative (sp?) thing from 2 tours in Iraq but the trauma was from the 1st one evidently since he lost his hearing for a while. I just didn't realize he had encountered so much. Not sure about the wounded warriors either but will ask. Ok, off the finish my cake. Jeanie and Bruce are coming to spend the night. Will be good to have some company! Love to all, Judy

Correction,the last four of Jerry's cell is 0170...I was tired and thought about this after I went to bed!! :)

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!! I had a great one...thank you Jeanie for letting me talk to Dad...best present ever and yes he made perfect sense and carried on a totally normal conversation!! We spent a quiet day at home together...opened presents that morning, ate breakfast and dinner together...a rarity and worked puzzles and watched a movie..and ate some more...just family time..it was great! I know it was hard for you guys who live close to Mom and Dad and were use to getting together...some big changes this year...but we still have them and I think we worried a lot if that was going to be the case this year...so life is still good!! Judy, I'm sorry to hear about Frank...are they moving him to the wounded warrior battalion for the year? Is the diagnosis PTSD or MTBI(mild traumatic brain injury)? Did he suffer a head wound or concussion while deployed this last time or is it cumulative from the 2 deployments? I know it seems like overkill, but unfortunately, with all the crap that happened with Walter Reed and the crap that has happened since with both active and reserve and national guard troops, the medical side is afraid not to do something for fear of further bad press. I'm sure they'll watch him closely, but we're here if they feel like things are not happening like they should! Was Frank referred to behavioral health as well? I'd encourage Brittney to read up on all the side affects of whatever meeds they have Frank on and check out the military's websites on recognizing signs TBI and PTSD...www.army.mil and www.military.com/PTSD Again, if she has any concerns or questions about anything...call Jerry 253 968 4055 is his private line at work 253 318 0107 is his cell. Keep us posted. I agree with Jeanie, we need some sister time for sure...one way or the other we will be Kentucky starting in June...even if it's meeting in Nashville for the weekend..when is the big Heart of the Country Antique show? or Louisville or Paducah or Little Rock or Memphis...just a few days to eat out, shop and just hang out...I could sure use some of that right now!! I'll have a better handle on my life very soon and we can start making some plans...maybe by Spring!! Ok...I've got to get in bed...everyone's asleep but me and 7 am is going to come pretty early. I love you all

Well, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my sisters! I love you all! I went to see Mom and Dad today---well, technically it was yesterday---gosh, I'm still up at nearly 2:00! I'll be wiped out today--tomorrow, whatever!!!!!!!!! They were ok. Dad was just getting up and was kind of groggy at first, but he read your card, Jamie, and said how nice it was. He opened his presents and kept saying it's just what he needed, etc. Mom was out in the commons area and sleeping in her chair. I went out there after Dad opened his presents to let her open hers, and she was good. She loved the bright red of the throw and wouldn't put it down. She kept saying is this yours, and I'd say no it's yours. She'd give that surprised face and just smile. She carried your card around for the longest time and even carried it to lunch! I told her it was from you and she said something about you would. Anyway, they were ok. I had a really hard time and told Judy I nearly lost it a half a dozen times. It was so touching and sad and everything all at the same time. I was so glad that Dad got to talk to Jamie. He made a lot of sense on this end---I couldn't hear what Jamie was saying. Anyway, I hope Jamie that it all works out like you want. I know that this has been a hard year on all of us. We've managed to make it through the holidays---I knew they'd be tough. I want us to all get together and spend some time together this coming year. We've got to plan some sister times---period!!! Ok, I've got to go to bed. The fam will be here in about 5 hours for breakfast! LOL! Keep the faith sisters---our lives ARE good. We can't forget that ever. I love ALL my family---those near and far, big and small, old and young. How blessed is THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!! Love you all, Jeanie

I'm excited Jamie about a real good future for you! I like it a lot! Hopefully it's really really close to home. I think next year I'm going to rethink my Christmas time since this year seems sadder to me than any since Dean died. Why? I think it's because I always went to Pam's and didn't and this is the first year with Mom and Dad in Lake City and I missed them today. I wish I had driven up yesterday, visited today and then home. Next year hopefully Brittney will be in the lower 48 and that will be awesome too. They diagnosed Frank with, he/she said traumatic brain injury but I'm think post stress disorder maybe. I didn't realize that he had some dangerous situations happen the first time he was in Iraq and after being shot at one time he lost his hearing for several days. He's having trouble sleeping, doesn't remember as well as he use too and things like this. They put him on medical something and he won't be getting out for at least another year. Will he get to go to Texas or make him stay in Alaska that year--kinda like you Jamie in no one knows. Hey he could come to your hospital and be evaluated next! lol They started him on Adderall! Not bothering him yet. I'm a little concerned in this being overkill but I may be wrong. Time will tell. Okay, off to church, then to Leisa's to open presents. Merry Christmas to you all. I miss the good old days of our family! Love to all, Judy

Thanks for trying to deliver my card Jeanie...just whenever is fine, no worries...sorry to add one more thing to your list..I owe you big time!! I think I'm finally ready for Christmas...although nothing is wrapped...and it may get handed out that way as well...Santa's has been too tired to care here lately!! Jerry woke up sick this morning...kind of scary because we visited in patients yesterday and several were non contact or contagious...there was a WW2 soldier recovering from pneumonia and a child with an infection...let's hope it was just coincidence!! We have church services tonight and then a real day of rest tomorrow...except for all the cooking and eating..and then Jerome starts back to work on the 26th with a snowboarding trip for 130 soldiers...Jason's going too..he'll just be snowboarding...that kid doesn't work unless he's backed into a corner!! :) We are hoping to have news on our future very soon...I'm thinking within the first 10 days of January. It will be nice to know "for sure" what we're doing and where we're going so I can begin to make some plans...seems like we've been in limbo for a long time and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel now. If it turns out as we hope...life will be good..really good!! I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!! Post some pics if you get the chance.......I love you, Jamie

Just posting a note Jeanie so you'll have something to read instead of just being the writer!lol I really do read this all the time but of course I'm not there very often to make notes for you. I'm so glad that things are looking up for Mom and Dad since they have some good workers again. They went through a rough spot but it seems better. I'm going to try to come up between Christmas and New year for maybe just the day but at least I'll get to see them again since my Christmas visit was pretty much a bust!lol Keep up the good job you're doing. The sisters owe you BIG time! Love to all, Judy

Sorry this is after midnight, but I went to see Mom and Dad today (Wednesday). Dad was sound asleep and Mom was laying in her bed talking about ????. When she saw me she said Hi, Hon, and then something about it was going to be ok in the form of a question. I told her everything was fine and talked to her a while. She looked good and so did Dad. I asked Nikki how they were doing today and she said fine. She and another worker were laughing about what a mess Dad was yesterday. They said he kept taking off his shoes, and they'd put them back on. He'd take them off again, etc. Finally they just put on his house shoes and he STILL kept taking them off! LOL! Pretty cute. Anyway, Jamie, I did not leave your card today since Dad was asleep and didn't want to leave it with just Mom. I'll take it Fri when I go back and if I have too, I'll wake Dad up to give it to him! Love you all, Jeanie

I still haven't gotten the form from GenAM for the surrender of Dad's life insurance! I called them the 7th and it REALLY needed to be finished and spent by the end of Dec. Ain't goin' happen! I called again today and they supposedly sent the forms out on the 7th even though the lady told me on Fri the 17th that they'd mailed them the day before! Anyway, she's going to resend the forms. Chad is still planning on asking for Medicaid for Dad beginning Jan 1. We'll see. No further word on Mom's case, so I'm thinking it will be a go. Who knows!?! I won't believe any of it until they make those first payments. I'll keep you posted. I'm suppose to get with Bob Haun tomorrow on the house ins. I had talked to him a month or more ago, and he's changing their policy to a 'not owner occupied' policy. It will be much cheaper, but it won't give Mandy and Sammy any coverage for their stuff! Ok, off to bed. Full day tomorrow---LNC early, walking Annie, making cookies and picking up Maggie from school! Awwww...that all sounds like fun---FOR REAL! Love you all, Jeanie

I got your card for Mom and Dad, Jamie. I'll take it to them tomorrow when I go down to see them! You're sweet to send the card. They'll love it. Love you all, Jeanie

Bruce and I went to see Mom and Dad this morning. Today, Daddy looked good! He was back to the sparkle in his eye and just his general talking, posture, etc---he was good. He looked SO clean, too! Mom had already gone back to bed, but she looked so clean and so peaceful laying there. There was a new girl working. She introduced herself and said how much she'd enjoyed taking care of Mom and Dad. She said Mom had been SO funny this morning in the dining room---that she'd giggled and been so cute. Good visit! One of the AmLegion auxillary groups had come by and left a bag of fruit for Dad, Pat Wallace had sent them a card (never opened! LOL!---we got it for Dad to open and read), plus several other cards from other AmLegion Posts had brought cards. It was nice. I took several shirts out of Mom's closet and put them into a paper bag. I'm going to sneak them out and pitch them---they are so stained. Anyway, it was a nice pleasant visit. I took cards today for all the residents and will carry our bags on Wed and their gifts on Fri. Bruce kept saying how decorated LNC was, etc. It felt good down there today. YEA! Love you all, Jeanie

Called to check on Dad---no diarrhea today +he ate his breakfast and seemed to be doing good! That's great news! Hopefully it will continue! I'll go on Mon if nothing else happens in the sick department. Love you all, Jeanie

I am so sorry that we couldn't go. I've already been twice this week and just felt like 3 times was pushing it for me. I tend to attract stomach stuff easily anyway, and I really don't want to be sick over the holidays. Fara said that you can carry the virus for 7 days---perfect timing already! I'll go back on Mon and check on them. Judy and I have little bags of stuff to deliver to the residents on their hall. We've called and checked on Dad (them) again this afternoon, and Debbie said no more diarrhea for Dad. That's good. Ok, love you all, Jeanie

I hate that Mom and Dad are sick...and all of LNC it sounds like. Dad has been sick for awhile now hasn't he? It just scares me to death...diarrhea and stomach flus are so dangerous for the elderly. I'm assuming they are bleaching/sanitizing everything trying to stop the spread, but it sounds like it is still pretty active. Was their Christmas party today? What a major bummer for sure! I hope Dad gets over this pretty quickly...again, it just scares me. I was at the pharmacy today picking up a script and there were so many elderly folks of various degrees of wellness...one woman reminded me so much of Mom the way she was walking and there was a man sitting down with his legs crossed just like Dad and rubbing his forehead like I've seen Dad do so many times....it just made me kind of sad and have a pit in my stomach...I'm so anxious to get back closer...it's a constant thing on my mind. I'm so glad you all are close to each other and Mom and Dad...I miss that. Post if there's anymore info. I love you, Jamie

Ok just talked to Debbie again and Mom and Dad are up but we (Jeanie, Pat and I) decided that we wouldn't go to the party because none of us want to be sick at Christmas and we don't want to expose any of the stuff to our families since someone has come down with it today there and Dad had diarrhea. I asked Debbie if she would try to get a picture of them and she said she would. I could just cry over all of this since I won't see them before Christmas now but that's life I guess. At least they are in a safe environment and someone is looking out for them. She said that Dad didn't eat much lunch either today and no breakfast. I told Debbie to take care of them and she said she would. Sorry for all of us to miss the party but nothing we can do either. Love to all, Judy

Just a quick note--Debbie called Jeanie early today that they had put Dad to bed with "a touch of diarrhea". I just called and Debbie said they had "finally managed to get clear liquids down him at breakfast" which means Dad didn't want to eat breakfast. Mom has a scratch by her eye too which she said they think Mom did in her sleep. They did get Mom up today and showered and cut her nails. They were both in bed a few minutes ago (It's 10 a.m.) because Debbie said in case Mom wanted to get up for the party they wanted her to be rested. Her comment to Jeanie early this morning was "you might want to re-think about coming to the party" because someone had gotten sick this morning pretty much instantly and was running a fever and they weren't taking any chances on Dad getting this since he had diarrhea on Monday with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and now has diarrhea again. Jeanie and I are thinking that if Dad isn't going to be up for the party, we're not going to go expose ourselves again since we were there yesterday. I'll write a note later. What a huge bummer!~~ Debbie said she put their gifts in the office so that they wouldn't get mixed up with all the others and we could give them to them ourselves if we got to come. Love to all, Judy

Ok the post for today is probably just for Jamie but here goes---Jeanie and I went to LNC this morning. Mom was in bed but only about half awake. She only said "bye bye" to me and/or Jeanie and was basically just sleeping. Dad had just gotten out of the shower and was chewing tobacco. He looks so good to me! His color was good and he had just gotten out of the shower and had been shaved really good. We commented on he needed a haircut and the girl there went down to check. She was in and said she'd cut it before noon today! Yeaaa!~ We'll go back tomorrow for the party at 2. Pat is going to be there too. Pam can't make it because Jody gets her RN degree in a ceremony at West Memphis. Good job Jody!! Jeanie and I started the day with a trip to Walmart to get Mom a top and dad some houseshoes for Santa to give them at the party. I had gotten dad some diabetic socks, a bag of Russell Stover sugar free candy, Mom a throw and we decided Mom a new top and Dad some houseshoes would be good since especially Mom's tops are pretty sad. When we were there we found 2 tops for Mom we liked and decided to go ahead and get Dad a new long sleeve teeshirt too. Well the really cute top that was soft and fleecy (lol) turned out to be $5!! We spent a total of $30 for the 2 tops for Mom, a top for Dad and houseshoes!lol Well we went back again later this afternoon and bought 2 more tops for Mom since they were only $5 and will give them to her eventually. For the party Dad will get houseshoes, tee and candy and Mom will get candy (I went by and got her a box of candy too)and 2 tops. The socks and scarfs Jeanie will take later because they generally get one Christmas. The four sisters met tonight at Chili's and exchanged our favorite things and ate. It was so nice to get to just sit and visit. Jody came by to visit too and took a few pictures. I'll try to get them on here in the next few days. Okay, will write again tomorrow. Love to all, Judy

Jamie, we're taking little gifts tomorrow for Mom and Dad for the Christmas party---Mom a sweater and Dad some houseshoes. We've got a throw for Mom for next week, and we have socks + candy for Dad. We'll put from all of us on the tags. Really it's not that much and don't worry about the money. If you want to send them a card, that will be great. We've got little gift bags for next week for the 12 people in their unit, too, so they'll have some things for Christmas. There's just not a lot they want, need or can use. Clothes become community property, I keep Dad in tobacco and hard candy---I just don't know what else to do for them. Hey, next year when you're closer, maybe we can come up with something else, but for this year count it done. Pat, Judy and myself are all going to the Christmas party on Fri. and Judy and I are going in the morning to see them, too. On another note, GOOD JOB on the two boys getting into Murray! YEA! You'll do fine! Love you all, Jeanie

I know I'm probably behind the curve here, but are we getting Mom and Dad presents for Christmas? If so, what should I send? If something's already purchased, can I contribute some money? Mom seemed to get over her flu kind of quick...is it hitting Dad a little harder? I hate that he's so sick he didn't eat breakfast...he must really not feel well. Are you all still getting together tomorrow? I think that's so nice...I'll be there in spirit...next year, count me in. I'm attempting to get cards in the mail this week...they might actually get to your houses BEFORE Christmas...hopefully! :) I hope you're ready for Christmas...I'm still trying to get a few things for my boys...harder to buy for now that they're older! On a positive note, both got their applications/transcripts, etc into Murray and all's a go for the Fall semester. Jason's best friend from Fort Drum, Brandon, also got accepted to Murray and we're working on connections to get them all in the same room...actually, they'll know several military kids from several different posts that will be starting at the same time...kind of neat! I'm not really looking forward to the empty nest...kind of scary! Ok, I'm off to get errands done while it's not raining...I love you, Jamie

Today is Tues and I went to see Mom and Dad today. Mom basically slept all through lunch! Regardless, I fed her all her mashed potatoes, ice cream, cake, milk, tea and all but one piece of her fried squash! LOL! Not bad for someone sleeping. She finally woke up some just as they were going to put her down for a nap! She looked good and clean. Dad didn't look so good. He told me he'd thrown up yesterday and today just felt kind of shaky and like he had indigestion. He ate maybe 4 bites of his lunch. I asked Debbie and she wasn't there yesterday. She looked at his book and it had nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting on his notes. No fever. I asked the aides and the one told me that he didn't feel good at all yesterday. She'd given him a shower and then put him in bed with two blankets. She went back to get his watch from the shower room and he was already out! He also didn't eat one bite of breakfast yesterday but did eat all his lunch. He has what's been going around. They actually said that both of them just didn't feel well today. Mom didn't seem like she felt that bad, but Dad definitely did. He was asleep as soon as they laid him down. I went over to give him a kiss and tell him bye, and he didn't even move---out! I'll check on him tomorrow. Love you all, Jeanie

Well I'm basically writing for Pat. She has been having some issues with being able to get on here but I wanted everyone to know that Pat and Jerry went to see Mom and Dad on Saturday. Pat called me and said it was the BEST visit she had had with Mom in quite a while. Mom even called her Pat about 5 times! Go Mom! She connected Pat to Jerry and asked what Jerry was doing today even though Jerry was sitting there!lol Dad was a little confused but he did ask Pat about Molli which connects her to Molli which was awesome. Dad said he had hit a jackpot the night before. That's MY dad!!lol Pat will write when she can but wanted everyone to know it was a good visit. I'll be up on Wed to stay till after the party. I hope she's good!love ya, Judy

Quick update again. I just got off the phone with LNC. Mom went to the dining room tonight for supper. She said she didn't eat much, but she seemed to be better. I asked about her temp, and Donna said that she'd had no temp on her shift tonight! YEA! That's much better. I'm guessing then that it was just a virus that was going around. Ok, I'm off to bed. It has been a long day and a long week! LOL! I'll check again tomorrow. Love you all, Jeanie

Quick update. I called this morning (just a minute ago) to check on Mom. Her temp was up to 100 this morning so Debbie gave her some more Tylenol. They got her up for breakfast--liquids---and she drank all of them. They put her back in bed to rest. No more throwing up, etc. Dad still has no symptoms, but he was up all night! She said about 6:00 this morning he decided it was time to go to bed! LOL! They put him in bed and brought him his breakfast to eat there! She was laughing about it. I'll call again around lunch. I asked Debbie how long this lasted with the others, and she said it was like a 24 hour virus. So by today late she should be some better and by tomorrow ok. I'll post after I check next. Love you all, Jeanie

Hey, I say a prayer every night for Molli and Marty to have a healthy baby. They are so sweet. I really like both of them so much. They are such great kids! Jerrod going to Black River Vo-Tech is an awesome idea! Hopefully that will all work out for all of you! That would be great! As for Thurs, that will work for me. I'll have Macie some next week---not sure what days yet---but even if I do have her on that day, Thurs night would be fine!

I'm on here to let you all know that Debbie called me this afternoon to tell me Mom had been sick today. She'd thrown up once---not a huge amount---and had some diarrhea + a temp. They'd given her Tylenol for the temp and had been giving her fluids. Debbie said she seemed to be doing ok--her temp was 99.5. I called back a few minutes before 5 to check on her, and Debbie said her temp had come back up to 99.9. The girls had gotten up her for supper, and Debbie told them to put her back in bed and let her rest. She said that Mom drank cranberry juice then. I called back a few minutes before 10, and Donna said that she seemed to be doing ok. Her temp was back down because of more Tylenol, and she was resting comfortably. I asked about the throwing up and diarrhea---she'd had no more. I asked about any more fluids, and she said that she'd had some, but not much, at supper. I asked about Dad, and she said that Dad was wheeling around calling for Margaret and acting like he normally did. Hopefully, she said, he's missed it. I told you all that Tues the worker said that they'd had a lot of people sick with flu-like symptoms and stomach stuff. I'm hoping that that's the problem with Mom today and that in the morning she'll be much better. Ok, just a head's up! I'm off to bed, Macie will be here with Maggie probably about 6:30 in the morning for the day. Maggie will leave for 'school' about 8:00. We took her to Jeremy's ball game tonight. She was so good and was THRILLED that her boyfriend Aaron was there! LOL! Aaron came across the gym (he was running the clock at the games) and she ran to him with her arms out for him to pick her up---which he did. It was adorable! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie

Woo Hoo!!!! I can finally get back on here. I don't know what the problem has been but for days I haven't been able to post anything! I finally called Judy tonight and voila! it worked. I guess she's magic! Anyway, I do read the blog every day! Okay, as for the 4 of us getting together next week - Thursday night would be best for me. I tried to call Pam but no one was home. I'll try again and see if she can make it then. I will try to think of my favorite thing to bring everyone - I think it will be hot onion rings from Sonic! hee hee! Hope everyone has all their shopping done. I'm very close to being done, if I could just stop buying Addison stuff! I love that kid!! Good news, is that I'm going with Jerrod tomorrow to enroll at Black River Technical College. He's going to take the "machinist" course work. Pray, everything works out okay! Molli and Marty are doing great. They will be trying again for a baby, so pray for that too! They are a precious couple. Guess I've rambled enough. Love you all, pat

I tell you Jeanie that ALL of us sisters owe you BIG time for all the hard work you've put into all of this stuff in regard to Mom and Dad and the bills. I know I kid you about OCD but all joking aside I want you to know how very much I appreciate you taking this all on. Pat you too have helped with all of this and I want to thank you for your part in this. Us other sisters would be lost without all your help in my way of thinking at least!lol Again, thank you! It does sound like a good visit with them and I'll be up this coming Wednesday and will stay till after their party on Friday. I looked again today for sugar free candycanes and came up empty handed. I'll keep looking though cause we need those for the bags. Okay, off to my church sewing group. OH if any of you haven't read the blog lately about Randall, you need to. They are doing a fundraiser for them in Feb and the newspaper article is posted. It made me cry! What a testimony to that whole family by all those they have touched. Awesome! Love to all, Judy

Ok, I went to see Mom and Dad today. Actually they were pretty good. Mom was SO clean until I fed her and got food on her! LOL! Dad was really clean, too. They were just starting to eat lunch when I got there. Mom said she loved that when I fed her mashed potatoes and good when I fed her the ice cream and that's enough when I had fed her a bunch of salad. She really said quite a bit. After lunch I wheeled her around to the tree and she starts talking about ok, it's time to go. She got kind of fretful like she was worried about the 'going', so I pushed her all around LNC. We came back across Dad back in the dining room. I got him some tobacco and he was telling me how he'd won a jackpot for $500. Anyway, he was kind of confused, but he asked me if I'd gotten enough to eat and told me to be careful when I left. Two of the girls there told me Mom had been really sweet/good all morning. She'd even helped them get her clothes off for her shower and hadn't minded! They also said she'd been after Dad all morning, too, and were laughing about it. Dad came rolling up and said there's my Baby to Mom though and reached out and patted her leg. It was sweet. Anyway, not a bad visit. Their room was really clean with both beds made, too.

On another note, I heard from Chad today, and I've got to cash out Dad's 2 little life insurance policies. I called GenAm today to get the forms sent to me. I have to fill out the forms, send another copy of my POA, and a letter stating when and why Dad couldn't sign his name to the forms. I'll mail those back and she said it'd be about 10 days before I'd get the proceeds from them. I'm then to pay down that amount---no problem---Dad still owes over $4400 to LNC + he has a bill for ? due Central Pharmacy for the months of Oct, Nov, and Dec. IF I can get that done before the end of Dec, then Chad will re-apply for Dad for help starting with the 1st of Jan. I haven't heard from them yet concerning Mom----I'm not holding my breath, but it's been nearly a week since the last info they requested was sent to them. We'll see if she's approved or not for the payments for the last three months. Hopefully that will be a yes, but I'm not counting on anything from DHS until I actually see a check to LNC from them!!!!! Sorry, but it's been a mess and a half as far as I'm concerned. SURELY though we are getting close to the finish line with DHS------SURELY! I'll keep you posted! Love you all, Jeanie

Well, that stinks that they don't/won't tell you about Jerry until March! Hey, there'll be a leak somewhere with someone. I can not imagine that they would NOT pick him up for General. I mean, come on, he's been serving in a General's position for nearly a year and a half! Hello! Hey, it will all work out either way----I just hope that whatever happens, you all are closer to here than you are now! Boy, does that leave a wide margin for moving! LOL! I'm in the same boat with the tree, etc. I just now got my tree finished today! No shopping to speak of and no ideas to take with me to shop! I've laughed to myself lately about just giving g/c this year to everyone! LOL! Easy and quick! Ok, love you all, Jeanie

Well Jamie with Jerry "is or isn't" I guess you're currently no different than you were!lol Hopefully the stress will be lifted soon. I'm kinda stressed at the moment because Auburn is playing South Carolina for the SEC championship game and unfortunately Auburn is stomping them! Yuck! I don't like Cam Newton!!lol Anyway, another story!lol As of right now, Frank is still staying in the Army--good or not? NO clue either way and they are fine either way too. We'll see how this all goes but for now they are heading to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX after the first of the year--probably Feb. Brittney is SO ready to be in the lower 48! I did watch Oprah--not a big fan either but wanted to see GW on there and I also watched Matt Lauer doing his interview too! I just think he's awesome and hate it when he gets badmouthed for trying to be a good Christian guy and they still talk about him. It doesn't seem to bother him though, so that's good. I'll be sure and put my name on the Library list to read it. Okay, good luck with the tree and shopping. Leisa and I went to Little Rock yesterday and I'm pretty much finished except for wrapping.lol Not surprising, right?lol Love to all, Judy

Yes I do love a good battle and wish I was there to do some fighting...I need to burn some steam right now for sure! Can't believe all this crap...it is just disgusting!! Glad Mom was good on her birthday...I thought about her all day and wished I could have seen her. The GO board met this past week. I guess right now Jerry either is or is not a General on paper. The results aren't released until like March...but I think we'll know our plans way before then! It has been a stress filled few months and it will be nice to be able to start making some plans for the future. I think you all should get together and do something...sounds like so much fun...wish I was there! My gift to you would be a copy of George W's new book..Decision Points. I'm almost finished and it has been so good. I've cried and laughed and really gotten a behind the scenes look at the decisions he made and what the media never told us. Don't know if any of you saw him on Oprah...I'm not an Oprah fan at all, but did watch when he was on with her...what a super nice guy! Ok, I've got to get a tree up today and some lights...I've done absolutely no shopping for my guys...could be pretty sad here on Christmas morning if I don't hurry up! This is all I need...more stress!! :) Hope all is going well on your end....I love you, Jamie

I called Chad today and he was not in the office all day. He was in Federal court. I will call Mon. I did go on and pay the portion of Dad's income that would go to LNC regardless of whether Medicaid paid or not. It would go to them either way--$2433.20 per month. I told LNC that the rest would be coming. Chad is suppose to let me know if he's going to file an appeal or if I have to indeed cash in Dad's life insurance policy. Hey, if it's the policy, Dad will be broke the moment I get the proceeds! He still has an outstanding bill at LNC of over 4 grand + a running bill at Central Pharmacy for his drugs! Good grief is right. I did not get Mom's final ruling today---maybe by the middle of next week. We'll see about hers. I did go down to see Mom and Dad today. I got there a little before 1 and went to the dining room. Neither were there. I checked the big commons room---nope. Went to their room and both of them were already in bed sound asleep with mouths open---it was then straight up and down 1 o'clock! Usually they don't even get their trays until at least 12:30--sometimes even a little later. I'm assuming they ate ok. I asked Debbie how they were. She said they were doing fine. Dad's sugar level was 160. I asked about the culture for the UTI. She had no entry in his chart for it, so she's assuming it was ok, too. Anyway, they looked good, but that's all I can tell you today. She did say that yesterday Dad got up at 2:00 and was in full swing until 5:00 last night! LOL! Ok, love you all, Jeanie

This sounds like a battle Jamie would love! She loves fighting with "housing" and maybe it would work on housing Mom and Dad. DHS watch out!lol I know how frustrating this whole thing is for all of us and how RETARDED it is! Good Grief! They want to make sure that they are paupers before they'll pay! Let Michael Smith just TRY to put them out! We're screaming LAW SUIT~~~ That would be asking for punishment! GRRRRRR the whole thing makes me want to scream!!! I'll be so glad when it is all settled, done and we can move forward without having to worry about where the money is, where it came from, where it's going! Good thing we paid for the burial and headstones or we'd be forking up dough! On a much happier note, I did get Mom a throw for her gift at the party, and I had already bought Dad some socks. I plan on coming up there probably on Wednesday and staying till after the party. My hope is that, like Jeanie said, we can get together. I really wanted us to exchange little gifts of our favorite things--anything from soap to toothpaste to candy to a spoon-- whatever is your favorite item you'd want to share with the sisters. I think that they should be exactly the same for all and not a big deal about how much or how little they cost. It's NOT about that. It's about sharing some of your favorite things with each other. If no one wants to do that, not a big deal cause you're getting something from me anyway!lol Let's try to all get together and maybe go see Mom and Dad as a group if possible while I'm there. I can stay from Wednesday till ??? as long as we see each other and do something fun like go out to eat or just sit and exchange our things with dessert! Let me know what you think! Love to all! Judy

I got a letter yesterday from DHS that they will deny Dad as of 12/1/10 due to the fact he has more than $2000 in assets. He has about $4800 in cash value in two small insurance policies. AFTER this is taken and spent (with receipts and verification, etc) then we can RE-APPLY! I'm thinking this whole thing is nuts! I called Chad's office yesterday to ask about this, and they didn't return my call. I'm going by there today on my way to see Mom and Dad. That will be an interesting visit because Michael Smith has also sent me a major dun letter wanting their money! LOL! Anyway, I'll let you know the next step in this oddessy of ours! Haven't gotten Mom's letter---probably will come today or the first of next week. I can't wait to see the reason they're going to NOT pay her bills! Should be interesting! NOT!!!!!!!! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie