Well, good! I'm so glad you called and talked to Ona! I can't get them off my mind, and this news helps me to feel better about it all. The fact that Ona feels ok with it says a lot to me! Bless their family, they have been through a ton and are doing great! I know he will make amazing progress at Baylor! How awesome is that! That's all just so scary about the 'showing up later' thing! I mean, is there anything else that they will need to watch for in that category? I hope not! As for all the other stuff, it's great! Molli being able to go see Ona, Judy flying to see Brittney, Jason having such a great prom planned, Jamie getting it all packed up! Great stuff! We did go to Chris's cabin today. As per Chris, it is amazing what all he's done! The child astounds me---really. If ANYTHING needs doing, I swear he can do it or figure it out. They have worked so hard on the whole thing---making a yard, a drive, fixing the 'trail' that leads there, redoing the inside, adding a well, building a bathroom with running water and shower, and on and on and on! It was overcast and drizzling up there today, but the kids didn't care! LOL! They waded the creek on his property for a long distance up and then back down. I'm talking 'accidentally' falling into the creek and getting totally wet!!! LOL! It was really nice. Jeremy went, but now Maggie is sick, too. She has strep throat! Probably got it from Macie. Fara took her to the doc this morning, so neither Fara or the girls got to go. Maggie was so upset. She wanted to see Dylan and Pepper so badly. Right now Makenzie is sleeping here, too. She wanted to spend the night with the girls. LOL! Insane to the membrane is what my house is! LOL! Ok, I'm off to bed! Love you all, Jeanie

Jamie, no Brittney and Frank don't have a house yet. They offered them one but it was the pits! There are lots and lots of empties and they're not sure why they wanted them to take crap! They chose to stay in the lodge on base for 90 days unless they find them something before then. The Diablos games are a fun thing for sure! We went when we were there and took Mom and Dad. We have pictures with your family and Mom and Dad. We got hats that matched--purple! Remember? I called and talked to Ona today and she was in good spirits for now. The doctor--which she loves by the way--told her that she was happy because it was a fixable thing. Ona is so relieved that they are at Baylor and doing it there rather than having to have it done in Amarillo. The doctor told her that sometimes they don't show up till later and since it was 9 months it made sense that he would have it now. Ona said that she now knows that the doctor knew something wasn't right when they first got there but she wasn't sure what it was. Something about him being slow at times and that was why she suspected the fluid. Ona had called Jerry Caulder too and talked to him and he assured her that it was normal and not a problem. It will be permanent but not visible or anything. The Colostomy that he has won't be reversed till AFTER they leave Dallas and the doctor told her that Ona would have to learn to take care of it until it was reversed by the original doctor that did it. Ona is dreading it but she knows that she can do this because it has to be done. The goal is for him to go home from Dallas and the doctor told her that she would be amazed at the progress he makes. They will probably stay there for 6 to 8 weeks and maybe even longer. She just wants him well enough to go home and that's been the goal all along as far as Ona and kids are concerned. I told her that I would call Tuesday to check on her and she will have a couple of their friends there with her since they were coming anyway. Denita won't be able to go till Mother's Day which is the 8th isn't it? I guess this next Sunday? Anyway Ona said that Denita would leave school on that Friday before Mother's Day around 10 a.m. because the principal told her that she should leave ASAP on that day for it to count as a full day. She said that he is eating great--he had eaten 6 oz of fish for supper last night and 6 oz of beef today which is a LOT! She said that the nutritionist is working with his proteins so he can gain muscle. I'll let you know if I hear anything else. I hate all of this for her! Love to all, Judy

Pat that's so great that Molli and Marty are going to see Ona...I know she'll appreciate it so much. That Molli is so sweet and funny, that will be good medicine for Ona! Yes, my Jason graduates on the 20th of June at 6 pm. The invites and such have not come in yet...I thought they said the end of May! He's got prom on the 21st of May...his girlfriend just bought her dress yesterday I think, so now we've got to go tux shopping!! We're going to rent a car for him that night as well so he doesn't have to drive the ghettomobile!! He made reservation at this great restaurant that Jerry and I went to in Tacoma...it sits way up on the mountain and has glass walls that look out over the city...breathtaking! I told him his date would be impressed!! Can't believe my baby is a senior in high school, but what can you do?!! We're supposed to be mostly sunny today...it's not sunny yet however...I'm going to slip out a do a couple of errands and try to walk if it warms up! Tomorrow they're saying we're suppose to be 67!! A freaking heatwave!! Judy so glad you're going to see the Cheatwoods in July...lots of hot weather and blowing sand...paradise!! Are they going to get housing or just rent an apartment? Hey Diablos baseball will be in full swing then...great family fun!! I'm going to make myself some cheerios and hit the showers! Hope everyone has a great weekend....wish I had a cabin to go to!! :) Love you, Jamie

Pat that is awesome that Molli can go see Ona in the absence of her side of the family being unable to go this whole 9 months! What a shame!!! Glad she's finally close enough we can at least think about going ourselves! I hate the surgery too but obviously Baylor thinks he needs the fluid off and I KNOW they know what they've talking about. Extra prayers for sure! I think Jason graduates on June 20 but I haven't received my invite yet!lol Brittney and Frank made it to El Paso with the 2 babies in tow. They are awaiting a house. I plan on flying out for Logan's birthday on the 29th of July. We'll see if plans are changed! It's going to be freaking HOT there at that time of year---like it won't be here!!!lol Love to all, Judy

Just checking in! I read the blog several times a day, but don't usually have much to contribute. Anyway, Molli and Marty are going to see Ona and Randall tomorrow. I hate that he has to have surgery, but maybe that will help him improve even faster. I know Ona has got to be so scared. Jeanie, have fun at the cabin! Poor Macie! Maybe this surgery for her is what she needs to stay well! As for me, I have 5 weeks of school left and then I'm free for the summer. Unfortunately, my nasty house awaits me! Also, Jerrod has done great in school! He has all A's!! Okay, I will write more on Sun. after I see Mom and Dad. Love you, pat
Jamie, hang in there! When does Jason graduate?

Hey, you are all nuts! Good grief! Get those minds out of the gutter and up here on reality Earth! LOL! Good grief! I did go see Mom and Dad today. They were ok. Dad actually looked really good and was eating really really good---his fish wasn't ground up like normal. He'd eaten all three pieces of fish, his slaw, his bread, his fruit cocktail and about half of his pinto beans by the time he was finished! Good! Mom was 'sleeping' in her chair but ate all her lunch, too. I wonder if she keeps her eyes shut on purpose. When she did open them today, it's almost like she can't see. I know that sounds weird but just notice her eyes next time you visit. I sat and talked to them for quite a while. Dad loves the big roses out in that little patio area. He's always mentioning them to me. I'll be so glad, Jamie, when you can visit. He mentions you nearly every time, too. I told him today that Pam would be there tomorrow and Pat on Sunday. He asked when Judy was coming, too. I told him Judy had just been there but would be back soon. Anyway, he was ok. Macie doesn't act like she feels bad--she's kind of hoarse and still snotty. Bless her heart, she's really a sweet little girl. I'll be so glad for this to be done. I do NOT like the surgery stuff, sorry! Randall is having surgery Tuesday, too! Looks like a day of extra prayers being needed for sure. Jamie that is AWESOME that the guy is from Murray! Makes you feel like he'll do a really good job for sure! Ok, I'm off to bed. We're going to Chris's cabin tomorrow, but the road to it through Portia is closed! We've got to go the LONG way around through Batesville, etc. Normally it's a little over an hour drive. Tomorrow it will probably be around 2 and 1/2 to 3 each way!!!!!!!!!!! Not good! What we do for love, huh!?! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie

Ok girls the missing word was COFFEE!!! See what one little word missing gets you?? In trouble!!!Actually you're all lucky you got a note at all because that was late Wednesday night after driving home in storms all day!lol I'll try to do better! Love, Judy

Ok, Pat I'm so glad you said something because I thought the exact same thing when I read Judy's post! I even went back and read it again thinking surely that didn't say what I thought it said. I cracked up, pulled my mind out of the gutter and gave it a good scrub and then went on!! Too funny Judy...it was kind of like one of those auto correct things!! Jeanie, do you have seasoned salt or meat tenderizer? If you make a paste out of these with some ice water and let it sit on the sting site, it actually pulls the "poison" out...Don't know if it will help much now, but you'll know for next time...I hope there's not a next time, but just in case!!! It's an amazing homeopathic remedy!! Happy Belated Birthday to Bruce!! Hey, I hope I'm as energetic and full of life as you and Bruce when I get to be 65!! I think you guys are awesome!! Hope you have fun with Ryan and the girls and I hope Macie gets better! What a horrible thing...baby's being sick is just not right!! Good job on cleaning out that garage Judy!!! It's therapeutic! Talked to my moving company today...got my pack dates of the 18th and 19th and load on the 20th of May! I asked when they expected delivery to Murray..he said it must be delivered by 6 June...OMG, but thought it would be earlier!! They are going to crate the Grandfather clock, the wall clock and both mantel clocks...I'm so relived! Get this...the guy's family is from Murray and he knows where my house is...it's a sign!! Ok, back to the grindstone, work to be done!! Love you all....Jamie

Good grief Jeanie!! Is that the first time you've been stung by one? Maybe you're allergic! Keep a watch on it! Poor Macie! The child has been sick since day number 1 almost! I hate little kids being sick! Have fun with the grands and activities for the weekend. I'm working in the morning and Bryan is picking up my old microwave to put in the trash for the "Spring Cleanup"they have every year. One more thing out of the garage! Yeahhhhhh!~ Love to all, Judy

Ok, I'm going to try this again, and IF it all disappears---I'm so out of here!!!! You all are cracking me up---Pat, you're a mess! You obviously needed a good laugh in the worst possible way! LOL! Glad I could be of assistance! LOL! Anyway, today was Bruce's birthday---he's 65 today. Are we getting up into those big years or what!?! Anyway, I was working on getting stuff ready for Ryan and the girls to come this weekend. I went to Kroger's to get the last of my groceries. As I was putting the LAST bag into my jeep, a red wasp nailed me right in the pad of my ring finger on my right hand. I grabbed him when I grabbed the bag of groceries. I mean, that's the worst pain I've had in ages. I truly thought I was going to faint and be sick at my stomach! My whole finger turned red and was swollen to the point I didn't think I could get my ring off by the time I got home. It has hurt like the dickens ever since. It's still swollen from the last joint to the end of my finger. I took a benedryl, and it's helped. It has just about done me in today! I can't imagine if I'd been a little kid or if I'd gotten more than one sting. It's crazy. On another note, Macie is sick again. Fara took her back to the doc today, and he's going to take her tonsils, adenoids, and replace her tubes on Tues. IF this doesn't work and she stops having infections, he told Fara that they'd need to have her immune system checked! Good grief! She is such a sweet little girl baby. Ok, I'm off to bed. I'm going to try to go see Mom and Dad early tomorrow before the Fox's get here! Love you all, Jeanie

LOL, no problem Pat! I'm not sure what she gave him because her back was to me but I don't think it's what you're thinking!!!!lol Jamie, good job on all the stuff you've found and shredded and repaired! Geez, I'm jealous! On a positive note, it's absolutely gorgeous here today! My plants that Frank planted for me seem to have weathered the storms and are growing already! Yeahhhhhh~! Still need to plan a roadtrip to Dallas to see Ona---who's game besides Jeanie and I??? No plans yet on date or anything but we're thinking through the week and not the weekend because there is something going on every weekend till June! Love to all, Judy

OMG, Judy, I laughed out loud when I read your post! You wrote something about Dad was asleep but Jeanie got him some and he woke up!! I'm wondering what she got him! Hopefully, it wasn't what I was thinking! hee hee! I absolutely cracked up and I guess I needed to laugh, because I sure couldn't stop!
I did not like Mother's hair either. I told ya'll it was short when I went Sunday! She just didn't look like herself!
Okay, Jamie, I have exactly what you need for your new barn and farm - a llama! hee hee! Just think how many people would stop and stare at your place!
Okay, I gotta get off here, just wanted to share my laughter - Judy, you made my day! love you, pat

Judy so glad you got to go see Mom and Dad...I'll be glad when I'm only a 3 hour drive away...sometimes the days seem like they're crawling, but I'm making progress!! Jeanie, in my cleaning out, I found the receipt for 2009 Craighead County Taxes for Mom and Dad...would you like me to send you this for your records? I paid it on April 21, 2009. I'm still cleaning out and sorting and prepping...Oh My!! Surely, I'm nearing the end!!haha Glad you all survived the storms. Jerry said we lost some large branches, but no trees...and my barn is safe!! The grass is pretty soggy,but everything else weathered the storms just fine! Scary!! Gale emailed me yesterday telling me all about the damage Murray suffered...she ended her note with tell your Sisters hello for me! She's so nice! Jerry's doing great and loves his job...last night when he called he said he was having so much fun...kind of ticked me off a little because I'm not having much fun these days(joking), but I'm truly glad he's so happy with his retirement choice!! :) Ok, I'm off to fill out my letter to vacate quarters on the 20th and do more moving stuff...today, I'm re gluing Jerome's bed, a shutter and a chair plus, a have a new stack of stuff to shred, 2 more boxes to go through and a few more things to haul to the thrift store!! Love you all, Jamie

Dodged the storms and drove to Jonesboro yesterday to go see Mom and Dad today. Dad was sleeping when we first got there and seemed pretty out of it but Jeanie got him some and he came around a bit. Then when I walked up he said "Well, hi Judy", so he knew me at least!Mom of course was sleeping in her wheelchair and never opened her eyes more than half way the whole time. She's pretty pitiful for sure and I didn't like her hair either. It was NOT like this a week ago Jeanie said but now it's cut almost like a man's! Jeanie found out too that they were taking her to the beauty shop and cutting it every week and now it's just too short for my liking! Jeanie didn't like it either and told them Mom didn't need to go to the beauty shop for quite a while! Hopefully it will be back to the "right below the ear" do before Jamie gets here!lol She is a great eater though and her face is really filling out. They were so sweet today and asked if we wanted them to bring their trays to the big common area and we could eat at the table there with them. We did and it was really nice. Jeanie fed Mom and she ate practically everything and Dad fed himself of course most of everything. I got his fork and gave him bites of stuff too and he made the comment that I had stuffed him!lol I kept trying to get Mom to wake up and once she scrunched her shoulders and did that wrinkled nose face. It was adorable. When we left I hugged hrer and said I love you and she said "I love you too" which totally made my day. It was all in all a good visit. I drove home after we survived a Jonesboro tornado today that dropped out of nowhere! It was cloudy, black, gray and then blue skies all the way home and sometimes it was every shape and color of cloud imaginable! I'm sure there were some tornadoes in them but at least I made it home safely! The stars are out here tonight! Just weird is all I got about weather/clouds! Everyone stay tuned for weather changes. It's been a busy week with the weather channel! Love to all, Judy

Yes my storms were horrible. If any of you do facebook, go to Leisa's profile pics and look at the one of a tornado over the Sonic by her house. SCARY!!! I may shower and drive up today because tomorrow afternoon is suppose to be ok. I'll post when I have a report for you on them! Jeanie, that's scary to think you could sleep through a tornado but then why am I surprised by that???NOT!!!lol You are the sleeper in this group for sure! Love to all, Judy

Ok, so I'm not good with the drug stuff! LOL! It may have been another 'flex', but whatever, girl!!!!! LOL! It's med, and that's good! I am so glad, Jamie, you got out for a while! Good! Pam, I'm so glad Casey seems to be doing good. I'm glad his family came to see you all at Easter, too. That was nice. Pat, I am so glad Molli is in Dallas with Ona and Randall. I know she isn't right next door or anything, but she's a lot closer than any of us. Hopefully we can make a road trip soon to see them. I'm so glad he's doing better! Judith Ann, the storms yesterday for you were HORRIBLE! I could not believe how many warnings were stacked around Hot Springs and Little Rock! YUCK! By the time they got to Jonesboro last night, we were so tired we went to bed! Bruce woke up about midnight, got up to check the tv, came back to bed and I never even really rolled over! Thank goodness we weren't destined for tornadoes! As for Mom's hair, I liked it short. That's just me, but I thought it looked cuter on her than the long way. I guess because she's worn it short for so long. Anyway, I need to go see them today, but I really don't want to get caught out in the storms AGAIN! The storms are becoming a horrible habit !!!!!!!!!!! Ok, Love you all, Jeanie

I agree we did have a wonderful life at home...I have so many great memories! I remember the new clothes at Easter as well, but my favorite memory is walking to church on Easter Sunday with dye stains on my fingers from coloring eggs and the daffodils in bloom all along the route. Mom always made ham and deviled eggs and Fern's coconut creme pie..sometimes those buttery yeast rolls...Mom was such a great cook! Today was a good day for me...I went to lunch with some of my former Madigan ladies and we wound up eating and talking for over 3 hours. So good to see them and catch up on how much they miss me!haha I hope you all survived the horrible weather that hit Arkansas today...wow, one big storm!! We've had rain...shocking, I know, today, but then the sun tried to come out and it wasn't too bad! Jerome said they'd had quite a bit of rain in Murray, but no bad weather!! I worry about my barn!:) Ok, off to shower and finish up some laundry and try to get to bed early...transportation appointment at 8:45 in the morning!! Love you all, Jamie...ps, glad they got Dad's meds started..although, I though Keflex was a "skin" antibiotic!

Here it is 8 at night and we have had tornadoes and thunderstorms off and on all day long!!! It's like this isn't ending! I think they are saying we will have them till Wed afternoon! How fun is this? I think it's headed toward Jonesboro now. Hopefully you all miss them! NOT fun! Love to all, Judy

Major thunderstorms at my house this morning with a tornado in Arkadelphia! 80% chance of storms through Wed morning. I think I'll wait till Wed and go see Mom and Dad on Thursday now! I hate putting my visit off but don't want to die on the roadway up there either! I'll post when I finally make it there! Love to all, Judy

I went to see mom and dad on Friday, and they were exactly as Pat said. Dad even asked me about Jamie, too. I had asked the nurse about the UTI, but she didn't even know they were testing Dad for one. I hate he has another one. I don't like mom's hair that short, but I understand why they would cut it like that. She is so sad. I remember the Easter clothes, too. Pat, are you surprised that I remember the Easter you're talking about!lol My children have always gotten something new to wear for Easter. We still do! We had a good day. Donald and Wanda, Cary, Jody and Peyton, all came to church, then stayed for lunch. Then, egg hunt, baseball, and croquet! It was a beautiful day. Judy, I loved the pics on facebook. I hope you all had a great day! Corissa stopped by with Haley and Cole. She is having a really hard time with Casey being gone. She teared up yesterday. She really misses him. I just hope she's brave when she writes and talks with him. Pat, as far as I know, he's ok. Ft. Benning has a website. Jim and Cary have been on there, but I haven't yet. We've gotten one letter and one phone call, and in both, he sounds great. We are really praying for him, and writing him just about every day. We get to go down in mid June for his graduation, but then he stays another 9 weeks for his specialist training. I just hope it all works out for him the way he thinks it will. Love, Pam

Oh and yes absolutely about the Easter dresses and stuff. I vividly remember one where I got a white sweater with a gold sparkly crest of arms on it. I loved that sweater. Lots of hats were had by us too along with those little white gloves and sometimes purses. We absolutely positively were soooooooo lucky and even though I always knew we were, it takes adulthood before you truly appreciate it the way it should be appreciated. We are one very lucky family! Love, Judy

I'm glad Dad was better because he's not been doing very well lately. Mom on the other hand is just the way she's going to be from now on unless we get another gift like at the hospital. It's sad for sure but at least they're together in a clean place with food to eat and someone to watch them 24/7. They don't do as good a job as one of us would do but the reality is that none of us could watch them 24/7 without hired help and that's what LNC is. It's a no win for sure! We had a really good Easter with both my girls and all 4 grandkids. It was nice to be together. I'll post a picture or two when I get home from Jonesboro. Love to all, Judy

Hey, we really did have a great childhood. I remember so many great times and normal kids' stuff that we did. Easter was really always so special with the new dresses, shoes, gloves, purses and/or hats! LOL! We were really fortunate!

I also called today and talked to Tony. He looked in the chart and told me they were giving Dad K-flex 500mg for a UTI. He too said that sometimes the info doesn't get out to them as quickly as it gets to LNC. Anyway, I'm glad they got the results and he's getting the med. As to why so many UTIs, it's something that does happen more because Dr. Hodges said the distance the bacteria has to travel gets shorter as we age + the disposable briefs, etc all add to the possibility. The amount of fluid they take in makes a big difference, too. Lots of things.

I'm glad Jamie that you're feeling near the top of this heap! That's great! You'll feel so much better when you get it finally all organized and the list made to take to the hotel/motel, etc. It will all work out just fine. Ok, I'm fixing to sit down with Bruce for a few minutes and then hopefully go to bed kind of early. We didn't sleep well last night (either one of us) and then got up at 5:30 to go to sunrise services at Craighead Forrest. The funny thing is we wound up with the wrong church group! LOL! I don't know where the Methodist Church was having theirs, but it was raining and there was a group at the pavilion right in front of us. We just assumed it was ours----wrong! LOL! We stayed anyway! Love you all, Jeanie

We went to LNC this morning. Nikki said they got the results back from Dad and he does have a UTI and they were starting his medicine at noon. When we got there, they were both in the big room. Dad actually looked really good. I couldn't understand a lot of what he was talking about. He said, "Jamie's supposed to be here today." I told him no, but she would be here before long. I told him Judy was coming tomorrow and he said okay. Mother, on the other hand, is just so pitiful. They have her hair cut really short! She was in a total other world. She was grinding her teeth and every now and then would make a sound. She never really opened her eyes. Nikki said that her skin tears were all healed and she was stopping the medication for them. She said about the time they get them cleared up she gets another one. They still have her wearing the arm protectors and there are orders to be very careful with her.
I was thinking today about Easters at home when we were growing up. We always had a new dress and shoes. The Easter I remember most was the one where Pam and I got to wear hose and we had shoes with little heels. We sure felt grown up! Easter was always an important day for us and I'm thankful that I have those memories. We had a great home for sure! We are all very fortunate to have had great childhoods! Happy Easter to you all and love you!
p.s. Pam, how is Casey doing?

Our weather was gorgeous here today and Jason and I had fun at the zoo...we even went to Red Robin to eat afterward!! Can't believe my child actually wanted to spend some time with his old Mom...it's a rarity these days!! When we got back, Jason headed off to the girlfriends and I went for a walk..just wanted to soak up the sun and warmth before our rain comes back tonight...YUK! I finished cleaning out my yard and got boxes and 2 huge stacks of paper products ready for the recycle center. I'm just about done I think...Jason's room we'll do last because he can't seem to get it or keep it clean! ha ha I've started my list of things needed to live in the hotel for a month and my list of things to be mailed to Jerry and Jerome...I'm just about to the point where I'm ready to just getter done!! Can't believe it sounds like Dad has another infection...is this just part of living in a nursing home..UTI's I mean? Is there anything that can be done to prevent them better? I hope they can get them started quickly...I just hate it for him!! Ok, time for contacts out and a little ice cream.. Happy Easter to everyone and Judy tell Brittney and Frank to be careful as they start to Texas..glad you're going to see Mom and Dad! Love you all...Jamie

Happy Easter indeed! I'm going to church with Leisa and family, then her family, Brittney and family and I are going to Laura's for dinner and egg hiding. Brittney and Frank will leave early Monday and I'll head to J'boro to see Mom and Dad. Then home ASAP to clean my house!!! It's a major disaster!lol Love to all, Judy

Judy and I both called today to check on the urine culture at LNC. They didn't have any results according to Donna. Nikki would have been the one to pull the info on them, but there wasn't any. I really will try to call Nikki tomorrow and check. Today, Jeremy brought me Macie a little before 1, I went to the mall with Fara to get their pics made with the Easter Bunny and then to Jon's for supper with the fam. By the time we got home it was nearly 9:00! Anyway, HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!!!!!!! Love all of you so much, Jeanie

Hey, I'm telling you, getting out of the house will really help! Going to see the white tigers sounds awesome! How special is that! You will finish, trust me! When we sold Flint the week of Thanksgiving and had to move on Dec 19, I thought no way! I got to work and packed that sucker up in 3 weeks! The whole thing including hauling two loads to Jeremy, one load to Ryan and one HUGE load to the dump! You'll get it done with time to spare! You're good!

I called Debbie today to check on Mom and Dad. We were going to try to go see Belle today, but after checking the weather last night and this morning, we changed our mind! Theirs is even worse than ours! I wanted to know about the preliminary results on the urine. She didn't have anything, so I called Becky about 1:30. She had the results and it indicated that he did have an infection. She said she'd have to wait for the culture results to be sure---those will be back tomorrow she said. I also took the stuff to Chad today about the income stuff for Dad. I talked to him about all of this. He doesn't know when the phone conference for the appeal will be, but he said I would have to testify, too! I'm like NO, I don't WANT to talk to them! They're like the IRS and everything you say they turn it around or inside out. YUCK! He also thought that I'd get another letter from social security about the payments being taken out of their social security. He said too that we weren't libel for Mom and Dad's bills. I find that hard to believe, but he said no. Now IF LNC has a clause or something that said that we were and I signed it---then yes, but he's thinking that no. I told him regardless, we were going to pay their bills. They've been here a long time and did the right thing all along, and we're not going to change that now. I would hate that for them. Anyway, I really like them. He wants me to write a letter to the Department of Human Services and tell them how bad this whole thing is---I said fine as long as it is AFTER it's all be settled! Oh, yeah, he said! I got two more letters today from DHS. I can't make heads or tails out of them. One says something about NOT closing out Mom's Millers Trust unless we repay ALL Medicaid benefits they've paid. Hummm.....I don't recall them paying any yet! The other is about Marquis Dental Services and I can pay it out of his May funds. I don't know. I'll take them to Chad on Mon and seek advice! Chad did say that Mom's penalty runs out April 29th and they will take over. We'll see. I can't believe it will ever happen, but who knows! He also is VERY confident that they'll move her eligibility back to Aug 1. That would be great, but we'll see on that one, too! Oh, Pam sent me a message that she went at supper and they were fine, the same, the usual.

Ok, Jeremy and the girls just left. They're precious, but they wear us out! LOL! Happy Easter weekend to all and love you all, Jeanie

Yes you will get here Jamie so repeat, repeat and repeat! It's suppose to be 80 degrees and warmer all week here with a few thunderstorms thrown in. I keep telling myself "April Showers bring May Flowers" so I know it's a temporary thing and we'll be beggin for a rain soon!!! Love to all, Judy

We have sun and almost warm..52 degrees...temps today! I'd already decided that I need to escape this "dungeon" I've been trapped in cleaning so I'm going out to TJMaxx and look around for an hour or so. When I come back I'll work on a couple of boxes and then take a stress relieving walk. Tomorrow, Jason and I have planned a day out..his girlfriends Dad is a special forces soldier who's leaving for a 6 week school on Saturday, so she's having family time! It's suppose to be upper 60's and sunny..so we're heading out to the Point Defiance Park on the Puget Sound and going to the zoo. They had white tigers born there last year that were featured on the Today Show and I've wanted to go and take a peek ever since. It'll be nice to take a few hours off and just relax. I've done so much..I'm stunned really. We've hauled one huge load of stuff off already..another ready to go this afternoon and then just the big stuff left after that. Some progress...but still a lot to coordinate! Ok, I'm hitting the showers and out the door. So glad Daddy seemed better today...I just keep clinging to the fact that I'll be there soon...but most days it feels like I'll just never get there...Love you all, Jamie

Jeanie, I KNOW you're being way too hard on yourself! You want it perfect and you think it's not (the quilt blocks I'm talking about!!lol) but I'm positive they look fine. Today when I was taking a turkey to this place that has awesome food for them to smoke for me, I saw this place that is called "The Quilting House" or something along those lines and the next time you come, we'll go check it out and see what that's all about! It was like in a log cabin too! Jamie, I hate all of this for you but you will come out on the other side before too long! It's just "a little inconvenience" for now! That's the way I try to look at obstacles in my path! We all have our ways of "dealing" with things and you're obviously moving along with yours. So glad Jeanie is back at least! Can't have but 1 of you/me depressed at a time! I'm anxious to see Mom and Dad and will certainly post when I do! Love and Happy Easter to all! Judy

Hey, Jamie, your turn! I'm much better. Had a long talk with myself, got away for a few days twice, got some sunshine, gotten back to thinking about others and not myself so much. It's all helped. I still get sad, but I'm definitely better. I wish you were closer and we'd make a trip to see/help you. Unfortunately, we're not. Do like I used to tell Ryan when she'd get down and stressed-----get out of that house for a while---------go shop, go look, go walk---just go somewhere and do something other than what you have to do. I know you have a mountain to climb with going through and packing/sorting an entire lifetime of a house, but you still have nearly a month. You will have it done long before the movers get there. Dad was better today when Judy called. That's good news. I also called Beth today and she still wasn't sure about any of the questions I'd asked. Her gut feelings is that it's all tied to the suspension of Medicaid benefits that Dad got for March. She really thinks that there'll be another letter soon saying that they will pay his premium and the social security will go back to the amount it was last month. Basically she said to just wait and see what comes out in a letter next. She did say that neither of them knew why Mom's would now be less (social security if they deduct her medicare premium). She said I could call the social security office and just ask. I'll see if I get another letter in the next week and if not, I'll call and ask. Ok, I've now finished 1/2 of the first row of my quilt---8 blocks! OMG! I thought this will be a primitive quilt for sure. Going up a block and across the top and bottom of the blocks, I can keep a pretty straight line of stitches. Going down the other side----forget it! It looks like I'm wandering drunk! I'm leaving them, too. I figure, hey, that's the way I sewed it, so there! LOL! I thought a couple of times about what some of teachers used to ask me about my writing on the board. They'd ask if I'd written all of that. Sure. Why? They'd always say it looked like several different people had written on the board and couldn't believe it was all my handwriting. Well, that's kind of the way the quilting looks. It looks like several different people are sewing on it. Hey, maybe they are. Maybe I have different personalities and they're coming out in this quilt! Good grief! It's sad in places! Oh, well! Love you all, Jeanie

I called LNC this morning to check to see if the urine had been sent on dad for the test to see about a UTI. Debbie said yes it was sent this morning. She said Dad seemed pretty normal to her, that he was up and about and rolling all over the place in his wheelchair. He was pushing Mom around even though Mom was asleep. She sleeps pretty much all the time I'm thinking. I just hate it for you Jamie that you missed the small glimpse of "normalcy" for Mom when she was in the hospital because it is day and night apart from today. It was so sweet and such a gift to see Mom in the most normal she's been in a long time. I felt even at the time that it was a gift and I still believe that. I'm driving up on Monday as soon as Brittney and family head to El Paso. I'm anxious to see them and want Dad to know that I'm ok since he worries about me for some reason. Worry about me?? Well why would he think I needed to be worried about? Guess that's been the norm for him for almost 64 years! Some things never change!lol Love to all, Judy

Poor Daddy...it seems like he's changed for the worst so quickly...it is just so heartbreaking! I hope he doesn't have another UTI ,bless his heart...I get so angry at the unfairness of being old...I know it's not rational, but I'm not always thinking so rationally these days. I agree Jeanie, the blood sugar at 250 would not cause his symptoms, there's definitely another issue. I hope they can get the results quickly and get him started on meds if it is a UTI...the inpatient person in me gets very frustrated with feet dragging...of course I get frustrated very easily these days....I'm not a good person to be around right now. I don't do well with limbo and I'm neck deep in it right now... Speaking of limbo..I've got to get back to cleaning/sorting..today is Jerome's closet...scary!! Love you, Jamie

Ok, I went to see Mom and Dad today. Mom looks good. I don't think Dad does. He was SO tired and so worried/confused today. He looked pale and has dark circles under his eyes. I asked Nikki how he'd been: more confused, more agitated, etc. No nothing she said. I finally asked her IF they'd check him for a UTI for me. She said the last time they wound up having him stand up and use a urinal to get some urine. That's what she wrote down for orders. IF they got a sample this afternoon before supper, then they'll have the preliminary results tomorrow and the culture results in a couple of days. Hopefully it's nothing, but he just doesn't seem right to me. He was SOOOOO tired. I asked him if he wanted to lay down---yes. He was worried about Mom, so I got them to lay her down, too. I sat there until he went to sleep. He'd close his eyes, and I'd think he was asleep. He'd ask me something about what were they going to do tomorrow and how were they going to find their way home, etc. He did this for over 30 minutes before he finally went to sleep. Nikki said his blood sugar was really high at lunch: like around 250. I told her that that would not make him act so confused, etc. Anyway, we'll see. I'll just feel better if they check it and it's fine. I thought about it Mon and so had they. Time to check it. On another note, I really think the earpieces on his glasses are too short: aka Walmart! I'm going to have Judy check them when she comes up. I was going to take them back today, but Dad did NOT want to give them up. I also got a letter today from DHS. They have taken Dad's Medicaid out of suspension as of 4/1/11. No idea what all this translates to! I'll have to call Beth back again tomorrow since she didn't call me today. Ok, I'm off to eat a sandwich. I got to thinking, I've had nothing good for me all day except a handful of grapes! Not good! Love you all, Jeanie

I'm a little confused about your taking the money out of their account when I come up, but whatever!lol Do you need me to walk you through how to do that since you are so much older than me??lol I had the storms here too but unfortunately or fortunately maybe, not sure, I didn't get any calls on my phone when they are suppose to notify us that we have a warning. Guess they deleted me! I did have the tv on though and knew it was major lightning out and raining like a big dog! Ona called me yesterday too for us to all know that Randall is going to Baylor in Dallas on Monday. She's a little bit apprehensive about him going somewhere else but knows it is for the best. Check out the CaringBridge for details but it sounds like they have it under control. Say an extra prayer for them since they're flying commercial--she, Randall and Howie. Ok got to clean on my house while Brittney and Family are going to Little Rock to meet Frank's grandparents. Love to all, Judy

Sorry I didn't post last night. Bruce didn't get home until about 7:00 (their computer system went down) and by the time we ate, watched a little tv and were fixing to get ready for bed---here came the storms. We had tornado warnings twice last night. Good grief! When that ended, we went to bed! Slept like a rock! Anyway, I called Beth yesterday to ask about the state not paying Mom and Dad's part B now and why Mom's total Social Security was going to be less than before. She was TOTALLY confused! She said she had no idea. That usually when you get the premiums returned that that's the end of it and Medicaid takes over. She said she didn't think she'd heard of the premiums being returned and then turned around and started taking them out of their social security again. She didn't know if that meant they were NOT covered by Medicaid now and NO idea why Mom's would now be $19 less than before! She said I've just got to ask and find out. She's suppose to call me. I also called LNC twice yesterday to check on Dad. Debbie said he'd eaten good at breakfast and was just getting up for lunch. When I called back yesterday afternoon, I talked to Donna. She said he was in the dining room fusing at Mom and eating. I asked if he seemed to be agitated or irritated like he was getting a UTI and she said no. I'm going down there today. I got his glasses fixed yesterday. Bless his heart, those frames were so old no one thought they'd have any other frame that his lens would fit into. Sears didn't. Walmart had one that left a small gap but would work. She put the lens in and it cost $1o1.99. I just wrote a check for it and will take it out of their funds when Judy comes up. Ok, I think that's it. Jamie, having all that behind you and 'just camping out' will be great! That will be so much better than the bulk of it hanging over your head. Having your other half of your family working on things on that in is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Progress being made all around while you all work yourself to the middle of being back as a family! You've got to like it! Love you all, Jeanie

Hey living in my car sounds pretty good right now...less mess to be around!!! Once my stuff gets out of here on the 20th(if that's the day I go with) then I'll have to clean the appliances and blinds and sweep, then turn in the keys and officially check out of housing. I've made reservations for us at the Rainier Inn..hotel...on post! It's clean and has a microwave and refrig and 2 queen beds, wifi and large bathroom. The washer/dryers are free and there's a large community kitchen with oven and stove top if you want to cook. I'll probably take a couple of crock pots, spices, canned goods and some kitchen utensils so I can still "cook". We'll take one computer and laundry basket full of stuff plus clothes....it'll be like camping...kind of!! It's within walking distance of the commissary and PX and library..we'll just rough it for that last month and this way the day after graduation (June21st) I'm on the road. I think we can make it in 3 days easy...which will give me 5 days before Jerry's retirement walk on 30 June. It's more a hassle NOW, but will be easier on all of us LATER. Hopefully, Jerry and Jerome will work that 3 weeks and get a handle on furniture and boxes...but I'm not counting on much...but at least the upstairs will be done by the time the furniture gets there...supposedly!! Keep me posted on Dad...I worry that he's got or is getting a UTI...that's not good. Ok, back to shredding and piling...and I may have found an organization that will come and get my stuff...YEA!! Love you, Jamie

So if they pick all your stuff up on May 18, then what? I thought Jason didn't get throught till June 20 or so. Are you living in the car?lol I worry about Mom and Dad both but I worry most about Dad because he knows just enough at times! I'm going down on Monday as soon as Brittney and her family head to El Paso. Not sure what time that will be, but assume early. As far as the DHS and Medicaid stuff goes, I try not to even think about it! Mom is suppose to be covered though starting April 28 or so, right? Wonder if that's still pending too!!! Geez, it takes an act of congress doesn't it? Oh well! Off to shower. Jeanie, PLEASE get some rest!!! You worry me! Love to all, Judy

I made the same statement about a UTI to the girl and she said she'd said the same thing to Debbie! I guess we're all worried about that obviously! I'll call and check today if I don't get down there with Dad's glasses. I am worn out---to much weekend, I guess, and last night and this morning! LOL! Anyway, how you're getting by on 5 hours a night is a miracle! Hang in there, you are definitely on the downhill run of this whole thing! May 18 will come FAST!!!!! Love you all, Jeanie

Checking in late today...I worked all weekend down in my basement going through boxes. I now have a pile of shred stuff almost a foot high and this is just round one. I've also increased my donation pile, but found out today that my local Salvation Army does not pick up in my area...not sure what I'm going to do now...may just do a bulk pick up through the trash company...honestly, I don't care anymore, just want it gone!!!! Poor Daddy, first his teeth and now his glasses. I worry a little about the agitation..he does not have a UTI now right? I'm so anxious to get to Murray so I can see them...I'm on pins and needles! I went to transportation for the 2nd time today...finally got a briefing date next Tuesday and then I can set up my moving dates...right now I'm leaning toward packing on the 18th and 19th of May and loading the truck on the 20th. I figure my stuff should arrive to Jerry on the 27th (Friday) which would give them the weekend to get a good handle on things..Monday then is Memorial Day. Pam I'll keep you posted so Jim can get the piano. Unfortunately with Jerry's bad back, he won't be much help to Jim, but Jerome will be there and if Jim gets there the day the movers are delivering, they'll probably help roll it right on the trailer. Ok, it's late, but I still have papers to shred and I haven't even showered yet. I've got to try and get some sleep...since Jerry's been gone, I'm averaging about 5 hours a night and it's killing me!! Love you all, Jamie

I went to see Mom and Dad today. They were ok. Mom was sleeping in her chair---the usual. Dad of course had no glasses---I'm getting them fixed (hopefully) tomorrow. I'll need to get totally new frames. His have the part that holds the screw broken off. The one girl I like was telling me that Mom has been eating and drinking really good. She said this morning she was worried about Daddy. That's what she calls him, too! Anyway, she said yesterday and the day before he was SO wound up--was up most of the nights, etc. This morning when she was giving him a bath he was like so limp, etc. She said she told Debbie she was worried about Daddy and for her to contact the doc. She said he looked good now (when I was there), and she thought maybe he was just worn out! He was talking today about somethings that made not much sense, but he was talking about Judy again. He kept saying she'd locked herself in the house with all the stuff, etc. Who knows. On the financial end, I got another letter today from Social Security. This time they're telling me that the state of Arkansas would NOT pay the premiums for Mom and Dad and that they were behind in paying this premium. Therefore, they'll be docked for March's payment on their April check and then go back to their regular amounts of $236 for Dad but only $288 for Mom---$19 per month less. Why? Who knows! I'm going to check with Chad and SS to see what all this even means--does it mean that Medicaid will NOT pay for them? I don't know. Since the state of Arkansas won't pay their premiums, I'm thinking that that means they're not getting Medicaid. I'll try to find out. Ok, I'm off to clean the rest of my kitchen up. The Little Moore's: Jeremy, Maggie, Macie and Fara ate here + I gave the girls their baths + they played, too----lots of cleaning. They're precious though. Ok, Love you all, Jeanie

Checking in to see if there was a note from the weekend. I know Jeanie is going today and will post. Pat did you go Sunday? How were they? Love to all, Judy

Just checking in to let you all know I'm reading the blog. I'm sorry I didn't make it to see Mom and Dad this weekend. I probably won't get to go this week until Friday. If I get to go sooner, I'll make sure I post about it. Love you all, Pam

We had a good time at Hot Springs this weekend. Aaron and Shelby are really just such good kids. They liked the horsetrack and that whole thing! LOL! I will go see Mom and Dad tomorrow. LNC called Fri morning before we left and said Dad's glasses were broken. It's the earpiece. I'm going to try to get them fixed. I don't know if I can because they're so old! If not, I'll just get the lens put into some new frames. Ok, I'm off to bed, I think. I'm tired tonight! Love you all, Jeanie

Just checking in to see if anyone has made a note. Jeanie and Bruce are here for the weekend so she won't be back to see them till Monday. Hope they and everyone are doing good. It's gorgeous outside today after a frigid night! It felt like winter had returned! I like winter though much better than summer but I had put the long sleeves away! Grrrrr! Stupid Arkansas weather!lol Love to all, Judy

I forgot to tell you all that I did call Marquis Dental. They did an exam on Dad---everything looked good. I asked the cost and why we hadn't been contacted. She said it had been billed to DHS because she thought he had Medicaid. I told her we weren't sure yet about the payments from Medicaid and to please contact me before they did anything else. The exam was $129. So, I guess, we'll find out IF Medicaid will pay! Hey, this may turn out to be a good thing because then we'll know if they pay anything at all! We missed the storms last night---I think! We worked outside all day and were so tired we don't have a clue what it did last night! Ok, off to see Chad again today and give MORE info for Dad to send to DHS!, and then off to Hot Springs for the races and Judy! Aaron and Shelby (his girlfriend) are going with us! LOL! Should be an interesting weekend to say the least---talk about a generation gap! I think we'll be it! Love you all, Jeanie

Jamie, Frank saw the pictures too and he was like WOW! I told him that if he could believe it, it was even MORE gorgeous in person! I'm all for a fishfry and I'll even scarf up the fish! Love fish! Eating and catching equally!~lol As for Jason and Jerome--awesome!!! They will both love college life I'm thinking! Katilyn sure does!~ More the fun than the study but she's making all A's so it's ok. She has changed her mind too about her major and now wants to go the route of physical therapy. It's really competitive but we'll see. Storms are heading my way I understand (Molli said it's already hailing in Texas) so I'm going to bed to cover my head. Love to all, Judy

OMG! Jamie Jerome sounds like my Ryan----where's the adventure and where do I sign up! Definitely graying hair kids. The thing is she is still like that!! LOL! He will LOVE college. Really, the whole scene and the challenges and the new things to do---he'll really like it, I'm thinking! That's awesome! Jason will fit right in. He's just not the experience Jerome has had this last couple of years. Hey, at least you'll be in the same city (Maybe!) with them! I know you are so ready to get to KY. I showed Bruce the pics last night and he was like ' OH, MY, that's LOVELY!' It really is, too. A fish fry on Labor Day sounds good! That'll give Jerome plenty of time to snorkel down and spear a few! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie

Hello Sisters...checking in and reading the blog! I've actually gotten some stuff accomplished this week and feel like I have a little bit of a handle on things!! We to transportation and spoke with a counselor...got lots of good info but still haven't chosen days for packing yet...still working out a few schedule details, but I'm still shooting for my stuff to be out of this house and heading toward Kentucky the end of May!! Did my taxes yesterday...painful...I sent a check to Obama for $602! I'm glad I waited till the last minute now...Next year will probably be even more painful...but that's for another day!! Jason passed(no grade just a pass or fail) his Senior presentation!! So glad that's over for him..what an ordeal. He passed his Senior paper on the first try and his presentation on the first try...only a 1/3 of his class did this...shocking!! "Do you want fries with that?" might be a phrase he won't have to use in life after all!! :) I think he's looking forward to college...not the reading and studying and having work to turn in part...the hanging out with friends part...not sure how well this will translate to grades, but we'll see!! Jerome went to Murray's All Campus Sings yesterday and had a blast...it's a glee like competition amongst the greek organizations and other groups associated with Murray that's held once a year. The Pikes did okay, but the Lambda Chi's killed I thought...they streamed it live on Murray's website...Jerry's friend is really pushing Jerome to pledge Pikes and introduced him to a bunch of them yesterday. He'd probably fit right in if they're like the Pikes of Jerry and my day...that's what scares me...On the other hand..Jerome got invited to be in the Honors Program...he loved the idea of getting to study abroad! Of course he wants to go to Australia, New Zealand or Africa...my hair is turning grey just writing about it!! I asked him to let me get there first before he starts killing me!! Pat, I'm glad you liked my house. It's really nice and we're so excited. Once I do some things to make it me, I'll really love it. Everyone will have to come for a fish fry after I get everything settled...maybe we can shoot for a Labor Day reunion!! Ok, I'm off to do more laundry and more sorting....I had the plumber here for 2 1/2 hours this morning...showerheads were clogged and I'd lost pressure in all the radiators and no heat!! Love you all, Jamie

Sounds like a really good visit with Mom and Dad! I hope to come up right after Easter because Brittney,Frank and boys will leave that Sunday. I miss them! I'm ready to get back to my 2 weeks schedule. I'm so glad you're feeling better Jeanie--I felt like I was losing my best friend! I and all the sisters need you. You're the strong one! You're our surrogate Mom!~lol Love to all, Judy

Thanks, Patsy. I am doing better today. I literally worked all day today on just my upstairs part. It's great therapy for me, really. I take my time with no pressure and clean and do side jobs of whatever I think of. I just need some time to tie it all back together. I'm getting there. On the other hand, I did go see Mom and Dad today about 5:00. They were both in the dining room with their food. I really thought they didn't eat until like 5:45. Anyway, both of them had gotten haircuts today! Dad's is nearly a buzz, and Mom's is short----looks so cute on her! Dad didn't have his teeth in either. Which reminds me, I have a message on my answering machine from Marquis Dental about needing to talk to me about the work they did on James Shelton on April 8th. Do any of you know anything about this? They're suppose to check before doing any work. Hopefully, they did. I don't like not being asked since we're paying out-of-pocket for it right now, I'm guessing. I will try to call them tomorrow---didn't want to today, so I didn't. Anyway I asked about Dad's teeth and they got them for him. He thought that she was giving him a pill, and he kept yelling what is that pill for. Finally he understood about it being his teeth and he said he was sorry for yelling. He then told me that he still hadn't done his income tax and needed to get it done. I never cease to be amazed at times at them. Mom ate really good---everything but a little slaw and I was afraid she'd choke on that which is why she didn't eat it! Dad ate the majority of two bbq's and his cake and part of his beans. Anyway, they were ok. Mom especially looked so clean and good. Dad looked good, too, and told me about his haircut and shave! Ok, I'm waiting for Bruce to come in. Tomorrow we're going to go get him some new glasses and work in the yard! Sounds like fun! I did check out Jerome's pics on Judy's facebook, and they were wonderful. He has a great eye for that! OH, and an article in the Jonesboro Sun today was talking about scouting and extreme sport stuff. It seems that scouting is growing again with all the new things they've added. Murray is a big scouting area---well it used to be---Jerome might look into that for the summer if he's looking for work. Ok, Love you all, Jeanie

Here's hoping your 7 weeks of work fly by Pat! I on the other hand are already dreading the summer months! I hate summer!!! I have lots of books to read inside by the air conditioning however!lol Love to all, Judy

Hey, everyone! I'm still here! hee hee! Jeanie, I hope you feel better and better! Remember your favorite shirts: "Life is Good"! I know you've had a lot to bear in the last months and sometimes it just seems overwhelming, but the good thing is that it always works out one way or the other. Most of the time, all we can do is hope for the best! You're the rock that holds us all together! I love you, dear Sister!! Jamie, your house and land are gorgeous! Can't wait to see it in person! Judy, enjoy those grandkids! I have 7 more weeks of school and then I'm free for the summer! Woo hoo!!!! Unfortunately, my nasty house keeps calling my name! Okay, it's back to work time for me! Love you ALL!! pat

Jeanie, I like it that it at least sounds like you're less stressed than you were! I love it!! Keep those good things and good thoughts coming! Was this a return look at the place they looked at last year? I still think you should buy a condo in Hot Springs and then I could see you more and you'd have water!!!lol Looking forward to seeing you this weekend for the Derby! Jamie, your house pics are absolutely gorgeous that Jerome posted on facebook. He did it proud!!lol Pat and Pam, hope all is well with you 2, too!lol One more week is about all I have with the grands! Sad!! Love to all, Judy

Thanks guys, you're all so sweet, and I love you all so much. It's really helped me to just step back a little---I think just getting away was good and talking to Bruce was good. Today I drove to KY Lake to meet Ryan and looked at condos with her---that was good. The sunshine's good. I just needed to clear some cobwebs out and I guess it's been long overdue. Anyway, I'm trying to 'chill' more and worry and plan and scheme less------that'll never happen because I have to feel like I have a handle on things------thus the plans and schemes and lining up my ducks all the time. Anyway, I'm planning on going to see Mom and Dad tomorrow at supper. I'm going to get up in the morning and clean house----this helps me, too, unfortunately! LOL! Bruce plays cards on Wed night and usually goes straight from work to Dale's house. I can go at supper and it won't matter because Bruce won't get home until about 10:00 tomorrow night! YIKES! for him! Thanks for all the kind words. Love you all, Jeanie

Jeanie, so glad you and Bruce had a chance to get away and "forget" about stuff for awhile..I know it was something you NEEDED! I hate that you've had to shoulder so much of everything with Mom and Dad...where would we all be without you...just know you are appreciated and loved so much by us! I have to say it scares me to read about you being stressed...you always have it so together and never seem flustered about anything or any situation...it's your one annoying trait ha ha...if you need to talk..or gripe..or cry..or yell...or whatever...I'm a phone call away for just a few more months and then after that a quick drive away...we don't have beaches, but we have ponds with fish and a fountain that makes a water swooshing sound kind of like the beach! I know you've been dealing with a lot and I don't mean just Mom and Dad..for a long time...that's quite a weight to be lugging around..maybe it's time to sit some of it down and lighten your load. Again, I'm a phone call away, I DO have a master's degree in counseling...ok, it's elementary school counseling, but still counseling...I'm here for you.....Love you...Jamie

Jeanie, I know this has all been so hard for you and I hate it! I guess all of us deal differently and some of us let it pile up and some of us try to drop balls as fast as we can. I know you'll figure out your happy medium but I wish there were something/anything I could do! I know I can't though but I'm here if you want to talk! I know you know that too! I'm just so freaking ready for the DHS stuff to be over. I wish to goodness we had just left all the money in, let it run out and then we would have been done with this a while back! Grrrrrr! I'm glad it's Chad's conference/appeal phone call at least. That's a positive! Brittney,Frank and the boys have gone to his Mom's to spend the night and I've been cleaning/picking up my house, running errands and doing laundry. They will leave a week from Sunday and then I'll be up to see Mom and Dad. I miss them! I hope better days are ahead for all! Love, Judy

I went to see Mom and Dad today at lunch. Dad seemed to be so glad to see me: he kept saying did you just get here? eat some breakfast with us? He was drinking coffee and 'waiting' on breakfast. Mom was asleep in her chair. They didn't bring them lunch until between 15 and 20 till 1:00! Dad kept yelling 'help' and 'where's my food?' and 'I'm hungry' and saying it was the d....mess he'd seen. When they did bring lunch, I fed Mom all of her food and Dad ate about 1/2 to 2/3 of his. He then rolled off and went to bed! Some of the stuff he said made sense and some didn't at all. Mom never said anything. As for how they were, I asked Debbie how they were doing and she said she'd been off all last week. Anyway, they were ok. About the same. As for me, I've really just had a hard time of it lately. I think I finally have let everything finally just crash in on me----I think everything that's happened the last several years that wasn't good/happy I've just locked away and didn't really let myself deal with it. With the death of Annie, it's just kind of opened everything up for me. I've got to just get myself back together and it will be fine. Bruce and I had a good time in Florida---we neither one wanted to come back. It was so peaceful and I LOVE the ocean and the beach/water. On the money situation, I got another letter from DHS. I assumed it was THE final one. I took it to Chad today and Beth said 'no' it's DHS's reasoning for 'why' the lady ruled as she did! Don't even get me started on her!!!!!!! Anyway, I said do I just need to get a final number and let the sisters know the amount. She said that Chad has filed an appeal and is waiting for them to contact him with a time. They'll do a phone conference and I won't have to be there-----good thing! So for right now, we're still in a holding pattern on that. I did ask that worse case scenario would DHS begin to pay April 29. Yes is the answer. I also asked about keeping AARP and Humana for both of them right now, and she said she would. So I mailed in AARP's payment for April today. Nothing like being 1/2 month late! Anyway, we are getting close to the end of this segment----we'll still have the battles to fight about Dad's, I figure, even though he has a Medicaid card, etc. Jamie, sorry, this is my turn to be depressed! You'll have to wait a little while. Only one of us at a time, and I was here first! Love you all, Jeanie

That is weird about the diarrhea for Dad and hopefully it's because of something he ate. I'd be sick if HE gets Cdif now! Gosh don't want to go there or I might get stressed myself! Did Mom eat ok at lunch? Hopefully yes. I'm still in grandma (Nanny) myself for the week. They leave Easter, so that's 2 more weeks. Love to all, Judy

We went to see Mom and Dad this morning. They were both in the big room. Daddy seemed so glad to see us. He is still mumbling a lot so I couldn't understand a lot he said. He kept looking at Mother and saying, "Pat's asleep. She's been sleeping all day." He also didn't have any shoes on and told me that he'd lost them. One of the girls said that this morning he went to the bathroom and then after breakfast he had liquid diarhea (sp) and that it had gotten all over his shoes and she had washed them. She said he didn't act like he was sick and he didn't while I was there. She said he hadn't gone anymore, so I don't know what's up with that. I asked Nikki about his sugar and she said it had been fine. I asked him if Pam had been there yesterday, and he said yes, so I know he remembers some things. It's just so pitiful. Jamie, hang in there and you will be in Kentucky before you know it. I know it must be really hard to be all the way across the country from half of your family. Everybody have a good week. Love you all, pat

Yikes stressed sisters make me stressed! I don't like it at all when stresses are crashing on my family members. My only stress is my house is a disaster but it's just clean up and pick up stuff. Frank has been doing amazing things for me! He unloaded 3 metal shelves and put them in my garage and put the boxes that I've yet to go through since moving on them. He installed a new microwave for me since mine died, planted a rose bush out front after adding topsoil, powerwashed outside, cleaned out my gutters, fixed 2 doors for me that now shut much better, put screen under my porch out back where the wasps can't get it and is going to powerwash out there for me so I can actually use it. He is mowing this week and adding 3 rosebushes to the side of my house for me. I bought an electric powerwasher (I had a gas one that is at Leisa's but I'm not strong enough to turn it on!) that I can actually use myself. I have more projects yet but he's doing a great job. I'm babysitting tonight while Brittney and Frank went to the Blue Monkey to eat. The least I could do!lol I hope all get unstressed soon! I need all of you and unstressed is nice! Love, Judy

Just checking in and reading the blog...I'm having kind of a crappy time right now with everything. I'm wanting out of here, but I know I can't leave. I miss the other half of my family. Jason is no help unless I just have a fit and then that's miserable for us both..plus I know he's got Senior stuff to do so I'm trying to be understanding. I still haven't made it to transportation because we're juggling the car and days didn't coordinate. I still haven't done my taxes..Jerry's working on trying to get into his "My Pay" thing through the Army to get his W2, but his account was messed up when his retirement papers went through! My house is in total disarray and I don't do chaos well...I'm just stressed...it's hormones too which is NEVER a help!! I'm hoping this week to knock a few things off my list, plus Jason does his Senior presentation this week and if he passes that then that's a huge load off of him. I've been walking to try and keep down the stress, but I like eating to help with the stress more...then I'm even more stressed...vicious circle!!:) Ok, I feel better now that I've gotten that off my chest!! On the positive..Jerry met with the builder on Saturday and got things started about possible plans for the porch, installing all hardwood upstairs now instead of carpet(I really just didn't want carpet) plus crown molding in the upstairs, finishing out the bathroom upstairs and plans to finish the bonus room and reconfigure that bedroom/bonus room and closet for a smoother lay out. Should have some plans/costs in a few days! That's good. Ok, I'm off to do laundry and work on Jerome's closet and the next part of the basement...joy!! Pam, glad you went to see Mom and Dad...I hope to see them soon myself...Love, Jamie

That does sound like a good visit today considering their overall condition. At least they ate which is always a plus and Mom didn't cook it over the coffeepot! That's always a plus!lol I hate that Mom is in her own little world but at least she doesn't mind where she is the majority of the time. That's great that you got Dad his tobacco because I know he loves it even though he doesn't seem to know exactly what to do with it anymore. When I was there last we got him tobacco but he tried eating the papertowel and couldn't totally figure it all out. I hate that they make them wait at the table!! Why does that have to happen? Because they want everyone in there at the same time? Wish they could be first instead of last! Guess that's not going to happen though??? I'm glad Casey is doing good and hopefully that's the worst! Hope all are well!!! Love, Judy

Went to see Mom and Dad again today. Got there around 5, and Mom was at the table asleep. Dad was in the other dining room looking for his food! I got him some coffee and asked them to get their trays and they brought them immediately. They both ate great. Dad much better than last night. They had a chicken salad sandwich, some kind of pea salad, fruit cocktail, and a chocolate chip cookie. Mom's chicken salad was pureed, plus she had yogurt, a vitamin drink, & ice cream. I'm thinking that is way too much sugar for Mom, but whatever. She loved it. I would touch her, or rub her back, and she would open her eyes and look at me. She was cranky. She told me to shut up, and made mean faces at me. lol But whatever, she ate well, so it doesn't matter. Dad says some things that make sense, and then his next sentence you can not understand. It's weird. I always make sure I get him tobacco before I leave. They were fine. Mom had on a long sleeve shirt tonight, so I didn't get to look at her new cut on her arm. Wish I could visit them everyday, but just not possible. I'm so glad I could see them these last two days. Casey is doing fine. He's called Corissa twice, and even sent her a picture of his new hair cut.lol Thanks for your continued prayer for him. The worst is yet to come!lol Love, Pam

It is funny how just a little sentence or a smile from Mom or Dad can make your day but it sure does! I love it when I get something that makes me feel it's personal and they actually are with me. I'm glad you got that yesterday Pam! Hopefully you'll get another today! Dad does seem more mumbly in his speech for sure than he use to be and I wonder if it's just the process of getting older or is there a reason. Guess we'll never know. Hopefully Dad's anger has nothing to do with a urinary tract infection! He just got over one! Everything at my house is status quo with everyone. My stupid microwave crashed and burned but luckily Frank is here and he and Brittney installed a new one yesterday for me! I was SO impressed! It looks awesome and didn't take them but maybe 45 minutes to get it all done! Kids can sure come in handy! Kaytilyn's home from college this weekend to see Brittney and family. We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for supper last night as a big group! Bryan and Leisa are cooking burgers outside tonight for all of us. They hope to stay till Easter and then leave for El Paso. I'll miss them! Love to all, Judy

Yes, I went by and stayed and fed Mom. When I got there, they were at the table waiting to eat. I wonder how long they have to wait if someone is not there for them? Dad was not happy and even yelled a couple of times. It made me laugh. I finally got someones attention and said if she'd get me the trays, that I would stay and feed Mom, so she did. Dad said he was hungry but didn't eat that much. I got Mom to eat all of her yogurt, pudding, mac & cheese, a couple of bites of broccoli and ham, and all of her ice cream and protein drink. Oh, and a glass of water. She had her eyes closed the whole time I was feeding her. But after they ate, I wheeled them down to the nurses station to get Dad some tobacco, and she opened her eyes, and said, "I'm so happy!" That made my day. Dad just mumbles and you can't understand half of the stuff he says. He did tell me Jim came yesterday, so that surprised me. It was a good visit, because they were actually up and awake. I'll go back tomorrow and check on them again, and Pat said she'd go Sunday. Love you all, Pam

I know Pam went to see Mom and Dad cause she texted me that she would blog later. She stayed to feed Mom. Hopefully it went ok. I worry about them even though there isn't anything that I/we can do about them. They are where they need to be--unfortunately. Love to all, Judy

Oh and ditto for me about the Donald. If he can fix the problems America has, I'm all in!lol Love, Judy

That Molli is as smart as they come! She has a good gene pool!lol Look at her Mom and Aunts--excluding this one!lol Jamie that's awesome that Jerry is loving the house! I knew he would because there is nothing NOT to love! Pam said Jim went by to see Mom and Dad today and they were about the same. She's going tomorrow but I'll let her post for herself instead of stepping out of my area of knowledge!lol Brittney and I went to bingo today-no we lost but had fun-and Frank babysat with the boys. Katilyn came home today from college to go for an interview at St. Joe tomorrow for a job for the summer. All is well. Love, Judy

Way to go Molli!!! She's such a special girl Pat...I know you're so proud of her!! Jeanie, have tons of fun at the beach...send me a picture of you in your bikini...I CAN'T wait to see it! :) We have a chance of SUN on Friday and for an hour or so on Saturday...I'm going to attempt to get out in it and walk...maybe open the basement doors and try to dry things out a little!! I'm working on projects again today...gluing a door on a piece of furniture, putting wood filler in a piece of furniture and gluing Jerome's old bed! I've also got to walk to the commissary today...since I have no car..and pick up a few things. That will be my combined exercise/errand activity!! Talked to Jerry last night...he's loving the house...came home and fished again last night. He was laughing and telling me a story about Jerome looking out the window yesterday morning and seeing 2 dogs swimming in the pond!! What? Don't know where they came from...no dogs in the neighborhood...just 2 country dogs out for a play day I guess!! Anyway, back to chores...Love you all, Jamie ps Donald Trump is thinking about running for president...I'm not a Trump fan per say, but I think he's sounding pretty good!

That Molli is amazing! The girl needs to run for ????????????! She'd get it hands down. She is just really special! Go Molli! Congratulations to her and you! Love you all, Jeanie

Hey, Jeanie, the beach sounds like fun! It's so nice to just get away. Got your bikini packed? hee hee! Pam and I will both go see Mom and Dad this weekend. Oh, Molli won another award last week - volunteer of the year for the United Way. That girl is social! Okay, I'm tired and soon on my way to bed. love you all, pat

Hey, definitely save the guitar! That will give me some incentive for that item on my bucket list, as Judy called it! As for the book, you're right. It's like a 1996 copyright with a 'soon to be major motion picture' note on the back. I guess I've missed this all along. Jeremy said he'd hear of it and thought it was a movie, too. Oh, well, it is a GREAT book---kind of one of those that takes your breath away in a bad/sad sort of way. Really good. There's a follow-up book called ''Tis'. I'm going to try to find it. Ok, I'm working on two blocks of my quilt before we leave in the morning. Why I need away so badly, I don't know. I do know that I need away so badly! I'm sure that makes no sense, but that's the way it is. I did call Beth today to ask about the letter for Mom saying that she's approved as of 8/1/10 and about the money in one of the two accts that DHS wanted print-outs on. She said that there's no way one of the accts won't be over the $2000 amount because of the size of the deposit, and that that will be ridiculous if she doesn't understand that! (Hummm......what else is new here about the ridiculous part!?!) I also asked about the AARP and Humana policies and if I needed to keep them. The 'no vendor payment' refers to the nursing home facility only---not other medical charges. Of course, IF they're going to keep Dad in suspension, we can't drop AARP because Dad will have nothing to cover what Medicare doesn't. She was going to send an email to Faith (DHS) and ask for clarification and get right back to me. Needless to say, I haven't heard back. I'll take a check with me on Mom's acct and write/mail it while I'm gone if it needs to be paid. Ok, Love you all, I'll take my computer and check in while I'm gone----I'm guessing there's wifi there! Oh, for the sun and sand!!!!!!!!!! Bring it on! Jeanie

Jeanie I've got a student guitar that I found in my basement still taped in the box from a move. I was going to donate it because I'm not sure where it came from...thought it was Brittney's or Frank's, but it turned out not to be...do you want me to hang on to it for you? I have no idea what condition it's in...it may not even have strings, but if you want it, it's yours!! So glad you're going to Florida...just to feel some warmth and walk along the beach does a body so good!! Have fun!! We're cool and rainy here...I know shocker....I get so angry at the weathermen here when they're giving the forecast. They act just like they can't believe they're forecasting rain for here...like it's some sort of weather phenomenon that they're predicting rain everyday for the next 7 days..like it's so rare!! Being a meteorologists here is the easiest job ever..you don't even need a degree...rain, wind, cold, cool and mountain snow...just mix those words around and you've forecasted the weather here for 355 days out of the year!!! There was a guy mowing in the pouring rain yesterday and he acted just like it was 80 and sunny. I had this sudden urge to want to put the window down and yell "Don't you realize it's raining? That's not normal to be mowing in this weather!! Hello??? Do you hear me??" Seeing this place in my rearview mirror will be such good therapy for me...I may start driving and not stop till I get to Murray!! My chair looks awesome (almost done), my cushion for my wicker rocker fits perfect and my iron chair is going to cost me $30 more than I paid for the whole set, but it will be too cute once it has a new coat of paint sitting in my new yard!! Today I'm off to get some new paint for my next project...painting/staining antique wooden bowls. I also have a basket that I'm going to try to paint as well!! I hope paint fumes are not toxic!! :) Ok..there is a sun out today...I'm going to try and get in a quick walk and then off to Michaels!! Jason has the car tomorrow and Friday, so I'll be homebound with my projects for the next 2 days. Can't wait to get a car of my own...another purchase for Kentucky...good thing Jerry will be making good money cause we'll be spending good money!!! :) Love you all, Jamie

Jeanie that's an old book isn't it? Seems like they might have made a movie out of Angela's ashes even. Hey sometime the old books are so much better than the new ones that it isn't even funny! That list of things you want to do Jeanie sounds like a bucket list to me!!lol Write a book? For real?? All I got, is you go girl!lol I'm glad you're getting to go to the beach Jeanie cause I know you do love the water. I personally hate to be hot and in the sun!lol I'm guessing I'm an Alaska kinda girl! I am dreading the hot weather already and it's barely April! Gee it will be a LONG time till my birthday when I know cool weather will be around the corner. I'll need prayers!!!lol Keep all those "to do list" notes coming. I love people being productive!lol Love to all, Judy

Pam, I've thought about you all and Casey today. Hope you're doing ok. He'll be fine---it's just hard to let them go---period! Jamie, I can't wait to see all your projects. That house will be an amazing place once you finish all of the things the group of you want to do! My oh my! As for the quilt, trust me I have a LONG way to go. I've gotten three 4 x 8 'blocks' quilted out of 160! LOL! It looks so good draped over that frame of Mom's you wanted to keep! It may be a while before that can go to your new house---for real! I have so many things I'd like to do. I want to finish this quilt, paint a quilt square, take guitar lessons, remove two popcorn ceilings, make scrapbooks for my kids, write a book myself---LOL! long list! LOL! Today, I got to none of the above---bummer! I did go see Mom and Dad. They looked good. Dad was talking about a lot of stuff, and a lot of it made sense -- just didn't fit in with what's going on. Mom slept. She ate good and so did Dad. Mom has a new skin tear on her upper right arm and a 'blister' on her back about an inch long. The guy that was the nurse on their wing said it was from where Mom laid on the call button. I said that burned a blister on her back. Well, he said, not a heat blister but one where you lay on something for a while. I said like a bedsore? Not yet, but they don't want it to get infected either---has the fluid on it. I don't know. I was pretty frustrated in general today. It was a melt-down kind of day for me. I am just worn out really. Bruce and I are leaving Thurs morning and going to Florida to stay in Jeremy's condo until Sun. I NEED the beach and the warm air and the water----I NEED IT! I really think it will help me in general. I went to deposit Dad's checks and Mom's today and to get the print-outs for DHS about Dad's acct's. Well, the way the dates fell, the money didn't get 'bounced' from one account to the other in time. I went to see Chad and Beth today, but they had already left. I left the papers with the girl that was there and will call in the morning to ask a couple of questions. I still haven't gotten the other letter about DHS and Mom's date of 8/1/10. Don't know if that's a 'yes' or 'no' either. Don't know if we owe for Mar and Apr or if Medicaid began to pay 2/28/11. I paid LNC more for Mom and Dad both today---Michael Smith sent me another letter saying that Mom still owed like $576 that was more than 30 days past due. Hello, she owes a hell-of-a-lot (excuse me Pam)more than that, but WHATEVER. He told me I needed to take care of this! I had just paid him $579 like a couple of days before. It's just 'stuff' all the time about the money and all. I will be SO glad when this whole thing is settled, us paid up and life going on without all this red-tape! Anyway, I'm reading an awesome book: Angela's Ashes. It is both so awful and so good at the same time. LOL! Great reading. Ok, Love you all, Jeanie

Jamie I'm so jealous that you have all that energy to even think about projects--much less finish some!lol I on the other hand just sit and think about some and then say "Nahhhhh"!lol I blame it on not having 2 legs and a good back but that's just an excuse! I have a cross stitch I started for Brittney in 2005 or so and it's not finished!lol I'm sure that piano could be put to good use in a facility there in Murray. They would truly appreciate it too, I'm sure. Ok, keep us posted girls. Pam, so proud of Casey but know how incredibly hard it is on a family when someone is deployed! Prayers are coming for you! Love to all, Judy

Jeanie, so stoked about your quilt!! Good job!! In cleaning stuff out of my craft box, I found my second hooked rug that I had started along with the strips that Mom had cut for me...I'm going to attempt to finish it...funny, mine just look so amateur compared to Mom's, but I figure practice will make perfect...like quilting! I kind of like the fact that your stitches are uneven or not quite straight...that way you know it was hand done!! A lot of my old quilts are like that and I love it!! Can't wait to see it!!! Jerome loves the house and land...he texted me last night that he's shopping today for ATV/mowers, zero turn mowers and a dirt bike..this has nothing to do with lawn care, strictly fun for Jerome!! I told him he should take some photography classes in school...that is a field where he could combine his love of the outdoors and adventure with his love of photography and possibly have a career!! Of course, the Mom in me thinks that would probably mean he wouldn't stay around Murray and that makes me sad...I know, gotta let em go...we've just been such a unit, the four of us! The mobility of the Army makes you cling to your family... I guess as a civilian, I'll have to loosen my grip...PANIC!! :) I'm off today to have a foam cushion cut for a wicker chair, an antique metal lawn chair repaired where one of my brilliant children tried to stand up on it and put their foot through it, finish painting/antiquing my chair and get supplies to start my next project which is redoing Jerome's big old cabinet in his room. I'm actually going to repair some wood damage outside and paint/stain the inside and the shelves. This will become a TV/storage cabinet for the bedroom upstairs at the new house!! I'm trying to get these projects done before so that they'll be just ready to go when I get there. I know tons of other projects await me once I get to Murray...as I've said before, lots will have been finished on the pond and yard, but not much will have gotten done inside. If I move the rest of my household stuff early, I will fly there for a week and attempt to get the house basically done...I'll keep you posted, because I will make a trip or two to see Mom and Dad then as well. Good recommendation on the piano...I wonder if the nursing home in Murray could use it or maybe the therapy room in the hospital? If a family member wants it, it's theirs, otherwise, I'll see if I can find a good home in Murray!! One word on the ballgame last night...BORING! Worst final game I'm ever watched (I'm serious and it had nothing to do with KY not being in the game!)...it was the lowest scoring NCAA final game since like 1949! Neither team could hit...UConn just wound up hitting a few more than Butler..it was like watching bad high school basketball! Ok..on to baseball and Albert Pujols! Later gators...love you, Jamie

You'll be an awesome quilter by the time you get that many blocks done! The casserole and cake were both hits. Brittney won $15 for having the losing score! Hey a win is a win!lol As for the piano, I don't have room for it. Brittney said she's already over their alloted weight for moving or otherwise she would love it. She doesn't play though but always thought she would. I'm pretty sure that Leisa would pass too. You could surely donate that to a good home with nursing homes, hospitals, etc. HEY maybe Jerry could get it donated to a great cause at the hospital, nursing home, VA hospital, etc. Awesome to give it to someone would would love it like you did. Well once again my team lost the NCAA team since I wanted Butler. The good news I guess is at least the team that beat Kentucky won!lol Off to bed. Love to all, Judy

Hey, that Dorito casserole is aka Mexican chicken. I'm glad you like it Judy! Jamie, you could actually make it with baked doritoes and no chicken---just the rice and other stuff. As for the corner cabinet---still have it. As for the piano---I will pass, but I'll check with the boys to see if any of them want one. The barn pic is amazing! It looks so professional. Is he going to take some photography classes in college? Hey, there's definitely good vocations in that field! I got one more block on my quilt finished. I'm not Mother on this endeavor! I can't seem to stitches even or straight! Hey, hopefully by the time I finish 160 blocks I'll have improved! LOL! Love you all, Jeanie

UUUUMMMMM Doritos and Applesauce cake...sounds delicious! I had whole wheat pizza with tomatoes and white cheese...boring!! But I am having oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert!!:) I'm painting a chair black tonight...I'm obviously in my "dark period" everything is either dark navy, dark red or black!! Weird question...anyone want a piano? I have my spinet piano from when I was 10 and I just don't have room for it anymore..it's been in my basement here...I go down and play every now and then, but it needs to be in a home where it can be played. Still looks beautiful and plays well when it's tuned. Let me know..free to a good home!! Jeanie, do you still have that corner cupboard that was for sale...the one in the downstairs bedroom? If yes, I'd like to purchase it now that I have a place to put it! Let me know! So glad ya'll liked Jerome's pics...I think he paid like $800 for that camera plus more for an additional lens....he really enjoys taking pictures. I use to think only Jason got my artistic abilities, but I see them in Jerome as well when it comes to photography. That picture of the barn is now my screen saver...I miss my barn!! Ok back to painting and I've got to pop another advil...my upper back is killing me...I don't sleep well when Jerry's not here and I think I'm just sleeping weird what little time I do sleep...last night 5 hours...I don't do well with no sleep!! Love you all, Jamie

Yes Jamie it is sad that he's changed so much and Mom is not even recognizable but that's life I guess. We're all going to be there someday if we live long enough. Not sure which is worse!~ Jerome's pics are amazing!!! I asked him what kind of camera he has and that sucker is awesome! Brittney and I are going to go play Bunko at Leisa's house tonight. Should be interesting. Jeanie, I made your Doritos casserole for her and that applesauce cake that I love. Love to all, Judy

Read some of the past posts...cried...Mom and Dad are so sad...I have to kind of just not think about it otherwise, it just hurts too bad. They're are clean, safe and fed...it could be worse. I was sick about Kentucky losing...sad that Dad didn't even know what was going on. He use to be glued to the tv when they played, read everything about them in the paper and the books and magazines Pat got him and even listened to them on the radio. He lived and breathed them...now that's even come to an end..I never thought I'd see that. I remember in Gideon Dad sitting in the living room, the green glow of the stereo lighting the room and it was tuned to a Kentucky ballgame. He was listening so intently and every now and then a yell or a cuss word...I'd lay on the floor and listen too...I think it made him happy that I liked sports..I hope so anyway. Proud of my Cats! Anyway....cleaned my garage all weekend. Stabbed myself in the eyebrow with a handle off of an old broken rake, got some sort of spots on my arms...probably spiderbites and I think I've got a sinus infection! Other than that...I'm good!:) Check out Jerome's pictures on Facebook...I'm trying to get him to post some more! They fished all weekend...fed the catfish...them suckers are huge and gross! If you want fresh fish, evidently there are plenty of them...I have this thing about fish, birds and monkeys...thankfully, my new homestead comes with only one of those in abundance!! Ok..I'm off to a meeting and then home to cook dinner and paint some more wicker furniture! Love you all, Jamie

Dad asked Jeanie about me last week too! Not sure where he thinks I am! He told Jeanie that someone said I was hurt or sick or something along those lines. I'm not!lol I know what you mean about Kentucky losing! I hated it so bad. I'm kinda like Jamie when she said she felt a win for Kentucky, was a win for Dad. I too hate that they're there but yet so thankful that they are! I don't worry about them every minute of every day since I did when they lived alone and we never knew when we went to bed if Mom would wander off and Dad leave to go look for her! Not to mention that anyone could have gotten in there and done horrible things!! It's a definite win for me even though I hate it. Giving up your bottle Jeanie is so hard! I remember Leisa had to give up hers and she hated it being gone. It doesnt take long at least though. Brittney and Frank don't even let Logan use a sippy cup but he couldn't care less anyway! He drinks out of the water bottles!lol He has changed so much more than Skyler has because Skyler is just more of what he already was but Logan talks up a storm about any and everything! They went fishing today and he was telling me that he used a Spider Man pole and then demonstrated how you wind it up to reel in a fish!lol He didn't have one to reel of course though!lol Okay, that's it for me for the day. I'm tired! Love to all, Judy

Pat, I saw her obituary in the newspaper a while back. There have been several who have died since Mom and Dad got there---Mirul (sp?) and his wife, the lady who sat sideways in her hard wheelchair, and Ms Ruby. I know what you mean about used to them there, it is so hard. I think IF Dad still walked it would be better for me, but he fell a lot and I understand the wheelchair. Dad does look good. Mom is sad. Anyway, it's just hard situation for them and us! No winners here! I thought about the KY game and how much Dad would have been involved in that---he didn't even really know what was going on this year with it. Anyway, new subject! Maggie's party was so cute. There were probably 20 little kids there! LOL! She was still worn out today! It has been a hard week for her with all the excitement AND turning 3! Jeremy and Fara told her that she couldn't have her bottle any more now that she was three! So sweet and so sad! She LOVED her bottle! I love her! Anyway, Macie has cut 4 teeth at the same time in the last couple of days. Bless her heart---she is THE sweetest baby! Real loving and snugly! Ok, I'm pooped. I've had the fam today and tried to walk---if you think a snail can walk that is! Good grief! I'm bad! Ryan and fam are in Jamaica! How fun is that!!!!!! Love you all, Jeanie