They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This picture is representative of what my parents are like these days … except Dad’s not singing anymore. That in itself is a sad, sad truth. Mom is looking on with tears in her eyes at Dad, which about sums it up lately. He seems to be taking another turn for the worse, and she had a really bad time with him this past weekend. In addition to his goofy and child-like behavior, he also has these angry outbursts where he calls people names (using ‘bad’ words I’ve NEVER before heard him use) and now has started throwing things. He pounds his fist into his head – hard enough where it looks like it would really hurt! He says he’s just going to take a gun and blow his brains out. Mom has now moved their gun out of the house into the safekeeping of a friend.

I’m so torn when I think of them – worried for Mom and sorry that her husband of 42 years is disappearing right before her eyes, sorry that Dad is creating memories that she will never erase, and worried for her mental health. And then I think of Dad and I only want the best care for him and want to (selfishly) keep him around as long as possible, and I miss him so much, the real him that’s already mostly slipped away. If you’ve never watched someone you love be lost to dementia, whether it be Alzheimer’s or some other form, you cannot know the specific pain it brings. I watched my beloved grandmother die from Alzheimer’s slowly and now, to know some of the things that lie ahead for Dad … it’s heartbreaking.

Please pray for my family, and pray for me especially that I would be that good child that takes care of her parents, both of them, and doesn’t turn a blind or ‘too busy’ eye…

Cast Off Day

Well, tomorrow is the day I have been anxiously awaiting for 44 days now - the day I get my last cast off and see my leg again! Well, actually I'm not all THAT anxious to see my leg - I'm sure it's the same fat leg it's always been, with some extra hair (EWWW) and two new scars. But I'm Definitely anxious to get this 20-lb. cast off and wear TWO shoes and get a little more back to normal. Can you believe I've been sleeping downstairs ALONE in a hospital bed in my office for over 6 weeks? And using my cell phone as an alarm clock? I can't. I freeze every night and finally resorted to the Lunesta the doctor gave me to get some rest, but thank goodness for my trusty lap top. It's been my constant companion. Anyway, only about 17 more hours until the big pink fiberglass cast is GONE for GOOD!
Logan is enjoying 3rd grade so far - but it's only been 2-1/2 days. His spelling words are harder this year and now we even have to learn weekly definitions! I know I'm lazy, but I think the school year is rougher on me & Artie than it is on Logan. LOL Logan definitely needs his medication adjusted, but we have to wait until September 1st - Insurance Day!
I had Mom & Dad over for dinner tonight. Don't worry - I didn't cook. Just stopped at KFC and bought a $37 family meal. ($37! For that we could have all gone somewhere good!) I told Mom that with everyone dying around me, I wanted to spend some time with my aging parents in case they keeled over. :( Sad, but true.
While we were eating, one of Dad's teeth just fell right out. It was GROSS. He's lost like 4 teeth off the bottom now and it's kind of disgusting to look at. I'm forcing him to go to the dentist. He said they spend 3 seconds pulling one tooth and charge $4000 and he will just take a bat and bash them over the head. (Mom said to me, "Okay, YOU take him.") LOL Just another day in life with Dad. I got to hear a new word from him tonight too - "whorehopper." Don't ask. LOL
Hey - at least HE doesn't know he's sick, so HE's not stressed about it.

The Things You Think About When Mourning

Have you ever noticed how your thoughts turn when you are in mourning after a loved one has passed away? Sara & I were talking yesterday on the way to or from Zane's burial about how it makes you think about your own mortality, or your parents' age and mortality. I think most of the things Zane's death has made me think, other than the profound sorrow that he won't be a part of my life anymore and the thoughts and prayers for the family, is that I wish I was a person more like him in several ways. He was always the same, people who went to college with him say he never changed - over 40 years of law practice, single parenting, and wild success - he was still the same old Zane he was back in high school and college. I think about how I've changed over the years, molded myself to fit in with whatever group I was with, hiding my true opinions sometimes just to fit in or else trying to be the "class clown" in order to fit in. I don't know if the "true Kim" is all that great or not, but the Kim I've become today has definitely lost some important facets along the way.
I also think about how fun Zane was, how he never seemed down and always had a smile for everyone - even after he was diagnosed in February. He still told his hilarious stories and made everyone laugh until their bellies hurt - how we will all miss that! It seems I am much more of a pessimist than an optimist, always sad or down more than happy and positive. I don't want to be that person that brings everyone down. I want to be one of those people with a smile and a kind word for everyone. Which brings up another point ...
During Zane's memorial service, someone said that Norma said she had never heard Zane say an unkind word about anyone! Can you imagine? Do I ever have a kind word to say about anyone? LOL I always think the worst of people, it seems. I don't want to be that kind of person either.
Seems like I have a lot of issues to talk to my therapist about in the coming weeks, huh? I hope that losing someone as special as Zane will make me strive to be a better person. I want to be more sunshine than rain.

Trying to Catch Up

There is so much to talk about and I am so behind on my blog that I don’t even know where to start. One of our firm’s attorneys, the founder actually, passed away last week and we are all still shell-shocked. Zane Daniel was one of the most brilliant attorneys this town has ever seen, but more than that, he was the most lovable man you could ever meet. Generous and funny, intelligent and kind, devoted to his family … I could go on and on. His two sons are attorneys here and we are all grieving along with them.

On a much happier note, my friend Sara, who miscarried in her 10th week of pregnancy early in the summer, is now pregnant again and all is going well. She heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time last week and the doctor says everything looks good. So YAY, a new baby to look forward to.

As far as my leg goes, I’m in my walking cast now – since July 26th – and getting around pretty well. I get the cast off on August 16th and we’ll see how I do without one. I’m really looking forward to that, but nervous as well – wondering how my ankle will hold up, how it will look and feel, etc. I certainly will be watching my step for a long while!!

My dad seems to be getting worse little by little, and my mom is so overwhelmed by it all. I can see new wrinkles on her face every day, bags under her eyes. She tries to keep a cheerful façade, but that’s just mom’s way of dealing with things. I’ve been trying to spend more time with both of them, but it’s been harder since I broke my leg.

Logan’s big birthday bash went very well last month. He had a huge turnout, lots of presents, and the kids all had a blast. I can’t believe he’s 8 years old. It seems like only yesterday …

Artie found a used hot tub in the paper for $200 and we went and got it. It needs to be cleaned up, but it seems to be in good shape. Believe me, I’m going to soak in it the minute I get this cast off! Logan calls it the “hot pool.”

That’s about all I can make myself write for the moment. Sorry I’m so behind. Say a prayer for the Daniel family, for our office staff, and for my parents.

I'm Alive

Yes, I'm still alive. Everyone is calling me to see if I'm dead since I haven't posted in 3 weeks. As everyone knows by now, I broke my leg & ankle at Splash Country on July 3rd and have been in a cast ever since. The x-rays above show the 3 different fractures. I had to have surgery to place screws & pins in my ankle and am going back for a recheck and new cast on the 26th. Supposedly I'll be able to walk in my new cast and can ditch the walker & wheelchair that have been my constant companions. I have to thank all my family & friends for taking such good care of me and not complaining about it. :) I'll try to post more later. We're getting ready for Logan's big birthday bash this weekend. Please continue to pray for me and send good thoughts my way. This is no picnic!! (whine, whine) LOL

Counting Down to Vacation

Only 3 more work days until vacation starts, and I am certainly ready. This will be my first vacation since I came back to work at the law firm almost 4 years ago. The most I've taken off up until now was 3 days off during Logan's spring break. I'm taking off all next week and we're staying at the huge cabin in Pigeon Forge with Artie's family. Artie is dreading it so bad, bless his heart. He's so disappointed that our first real vacation in years ended up being "just Pigeon Forge" and not the beach. :( Oh well - I'm just glad to be off for a week - and to be close to SPLASH COUNTRY. LOL
I also have news on the job front. I did give up my 3rd job a few weeks ago and honestly don't miss it at all. I have also taken a temporary leave from my 2nd job to see how I like only working one job. Of course, that one job is a killer - lots of hours and lots of stress. I am just getting tired of working all the time, even though it means extra money and extra opportunities for us, it's very hard on me physically and mentally.
Mom and I are going to Spa Visage Saturday for 90-minute massages, and I can hardly wait. It's mom's first massage ever - can you believe it? I think it will be a great kick-off to my vacation. After that, Artie, Logan and I are taking off to Pigeon Forge to stay Saturday & Sunday night just the 3 of us before his family starts arriving on Monday. We can never get a minute alone with Logan anymore because his friends are constantly over at our house. I'm glad he has a lot of friends, but I'm also looking forward to some family time, just the 3 of us. (Well, the 4 of us counting Bonnie).

Turning 40

Well, my birthday week is coming to a close, and it's been a lot of celebrating and a lot of cake! The big day started off with presents from the office girls and a fabulous lunch at Agave Azul courtesy of the Boss. Steve & Evelyn, Sara & Meryl, and surprise - Barbara - all came to eat lunch with me courtesy of Steve. We had a great time. Then the office girls had cake and ice cream for me in the afternoon - a fabulous "Better than Sex" cake baked by Christy. Wednesday night Artie made my favorite Mexican dinner and had ANOTHER cake for me. He & Logan got me a quesadilla maker and the new James Patterson book - Beach Road - which I read in three nights. (It's terrific, by the way). And Artie is paying for my 90-minute massage at Spa Visage next weekend. I'm taking Mom along for her birthday present, too. :) Thursday night Logan finally stayed with Mom & Dad again - after a long drought of several weeks where he wouldn't stay, so Artie and I had a very romantic evening alone. Friday night Mom & Artie cooked ANOTHER fabulous meal for me - a fish fry - and MORE CAKE! And Saturday, Sara and Barbara took me for their incredible birthday surprise - a girls' day out. We started at the Nail Bar for pedicures and manicures, which was a great new place we had never been. Then we lunched at my choice - Olive Garden at Turkey Creek and had some fabulous food and drinks! The next item on the agenda was supposed to be shopping, but my mommy guilt kicked in when I found out Artie had been called in to work and had Logan with him while dealing with 50 employees. I abandoned my dear girlfriends for a mommy rescue, but then took it easy the rest of the day after that. It's been a lot of fun, a lot of celebrating, and a lot of great gifts. My friends and family made turning 40 a lot easier than I thought it would be. :):)

My Family

I am so proud of my husband and son. They are two of the cutest guys! These are some pictures taken of us at Hannah's birthday party over the weekend. For an old married couple approaching our 20th anniversary in a few months, we still look pretty cute together. LOL - well, at least HE does.

Addicted to that Splash Country!

Yes, we went back to Splash Country this weekend, our new favorite hangout. We took another of Logan's friends this time, Andrew, who is the same age as Logan. Andrew wasn't quite as brave as Logan's older friend, Blane - so Artie & I didn't have the same relaxing experience as the first time we went, but it was still a lot of fun. They open one hour early on Saturdays for season-pass holders, so we were there in line at 9:00 a.m. Unfortunately, once we got in the part, only one slide was open until 10:00 a.m., the regular opening time. So that slide got old quick. However, Logan declared around mid-day that he wanted to try Fire Tower Falls, the new 70-foot STEEP plunge. I went with him to stand in line - neither Artie nor I thought Logan would actually follow through. But surprise - he did, which meant since I was at the top of the tower with him, so did I. Other than the wedgie of a lifetime, it was fun - FAST and kind of scary, but fun. Artie rushed over and took his eyes off Andrew long enough to see Logan and me come down the twin slides. He was very proud of Logan and me - usually both chickens - for trying the most "frightening" ride in the park. I don't know if we'll get to go back before vacation in 2 weeks or not, but I hope so. I actually wanted to go back again Sunday, but since it was Father's Day, I let Artie decide how to spend the day. BIG mistake - he chose to spend the day cleaning house. ICK! Needless to say, I cleaned my office and bathroom and then went and got in the pool and floated around alone, unbothered, while Logan played at a friend's house. It was very nice, but Splash Country would have been better.

Splash Country

We enjoyed Splash Country so much last weekend that we are going again on Saturday! This is a picture of Logan & Blane last weekend at the kids' section. They had just come out of the wave pool, which is why they are wearing life jackets. Can't wait to go back!!

Birthday Blues

I think I must be getting the “Birthday Blues” or something. I hadn’t really thought much about my big 40th birthday coming up until the last day or two. I know 40 isn’t OLD, but I like being in my 30s better. LOL
I think my birthday will always be overshadowed now by Hannah’s, which is one day before mine. Her big 1st birthday bash is this weekend at mom’s. But that’s how it should be. Birthdays are about kids, not grown-ups. I told Artie not to get me anything, because I know he’s broke from changing jobs. What do I possibly need anyway? A day off? Can’t buy that! LOL And vacation is coming up in 2-1/2 weeks anyway – woo hoo!!!
Anyway, just feeling my age today I guess. I can still be fabulous at 40, right?

Fun Weekend

I always know I’ve had a good weekend when I’m headed to work on Monday and I can’t remember what’s on my desk from Friday or what’s on the schedule for today. That means I’ve totally “escaped” work over the weekend, and that rarely happens – but it happened this weekend. Friday night we rented a couple of movies and stayed in. Saturday morning early we headed to Splash Country and spent six hours in the water and sun. It was truly a BLAST. I enjoyed every moment of it, and so did Artie, Logan, and his friend, Blane. Saturday night we all 3 fell asleep on the sofa watching another movie. Yesterday we were SO lazy and didn’t even leave the house except Artie went to get a few groceries. We slept in until 10:00 and then later me & Artie still took a two-hour nap while Logan was at a neighbor’s house!! Logan and I were in the pool at 9:30 last night. It was a nice, family weekend and I’m thrilled with myself that I actually wanted to get out of the house and do something (Splash Country was my idea). Here’s to more fun summer weekends where work is totally forgotten!! Hip-hip-hooray!!!

Overdue Update

Okay, okay, I know my blog is behind. I’ve actually been busy living life instead of writing about it and now I’m behind. LOL A few updates: I actually finally quit my third job – transcribing for the private investigator. I had put it off and put it off and finally I just did it. I’m also cutting my hours on job 2 – the medical transcription, but I’m not letting go of it for several reasons. So hopefully I’ll have a little more free time now that I only have 2 jobs (paying jobs, that is).
Also, we had a fantastic yard sale Saturday and were very successful. Even Kristi made money, which never happens. The weather was great, the customers were friendly and bought tons of stuff, and I’m glad it’s over.
Logan and I went to see X-Men III on Friday and took a friend of his. The movie was really good, but had some sad parts. It was very cool to be off on a weekday and let Logan stay home from day care. He really enjoyed the extra play time!
Saturday after the yard sale we went to El Chico’s and took one of Logan’s friends again. We were laughing so hard during lunch that Logan’s friend (Andrew) blew Sprite out his nose and mouth and that made us all laugh even harder. Saturday night about 6 of Logan’s friends came over to swim and had a blast. I made snow cones for everyone to maintain my status as favorite neighborhood mom.
And – believe it or not – we finally have a vacation plan! Artie is much less than thrilled, but I think he’ll come around. We are going to “action-packed Pigeon Forge” for five nights with his family. I’ve booked a big loft apartment for us all right on the Parkway. His parents and his sister are all very excited – Artie is underwhelmed because it’s “just” Pigeon Forge instead of the beach, but I think by the time we try Splash Country, Dollywood, the NASCAR track, putt-putt, bumper boats, outlet shopping and tons of eating out, he’ll feel like it was a “real” vacation after all. J
I’m still neglecting my girlfriends and for that I’m really sorry. But I’m thinking of all of you and hoping you still love me anyway.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great Memorial Day weekend, even if I was sick the whole time (sinus infection and then stomach bug). Bonnie was well-behaved in the car for the most part. She and Logan slept most of the way down there. We got to Artie’s parents around 9:00 Friday night and sat out on the porch talking to them for a bit. Then we went to the motel and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the cigarette-free zone. LOL Saturday morning we had an interesting continental breakfast at the motel. Logan had Fruit Loops, two chocolate donuts, a dry waffle, and a piece of white bread. At least he enjoyed their sampling. Saturday Logan and Bailey stayed in the swimming pool all day and I remembered around 4:00 p.m. that he didn’t have any sunscreen on. BAD mommy!! He got quite sunburned. Saturday night we grilled out steaks and they were SO good. We were all exhausted from being out in the heat ALL day and Logan fell into a coma-like sleep when we got back to the motel. Bonnie enjoyed playing with Patti’s dogs, but she didn’t too much enjoy being outdoors all day in 90-degree weather. She went inside every time someone opened a door. Sunday it was more sun and pool time, but I lathered Logan up in sunscreen and made him keep a t-shirt on in the pool. We left around 6:00 Sunday night and got home around 9:30. There was more drama, of course – as always the case in Union. Monty (Artie’s brother) and his on-again-off-again fiancé, Melissa, were feuding and she left 19 messages on his cell phone in the space of about 8 hours. She also called Artie’s parents house I think we counted 28 times on Saturday. Finally Artie picked up and um … blessed her out and told her to have some respect for his parents and quit calling all the time. We didn’t hear from her anymore after that.
Yesterday we were tired and “lazy” and spent most of the day either on the couch or in the pool. We did get some yard sale stuff together for our big sale coming up Saturday, but not as much as we had planned. It was nice to be lazy for a change.
Poor Logan is still sunburned and his little shoulders are just blistered. He can’t stand for his clothes to touch him, so I’m worried he’ll have a hard day today at Beaver Dam.
Artie starts back at Labor Ready today after his big job drama last week. And Dad is going to let Bonnie out around lunchtime today for a potty break. Dad and I are taking turns letting her out during the day until we can get a doggie door installed. ($400 to $500 for Bonnie-sized dogs!)
I’m looking very forward to my day off on Friday. I’m going to get everything ready for the yard sale on Saturday and take Logan to see X-Men III. Should be a fun day, I hope.
I hope all of you had a fun Memorial Day weekend, as well.

Bad Doggie News

Well, I guess maybe Bonnie wasn’t the one after all. It was a fun 48 hours or so anyway. When we got home from work last night, she had pooped in the den three times and peed once. And when you have a huge dog, apparently they have huge poop, as well – like the size of a computer monitor. The house stunk SO bad it was almost impossible to stay inside. Artie cleaned it all up and finally had the house smelling normal again by about 9:00 last night, but let’s just say he wasn’t happy. I didn’t have to clean up the poop and doggy diarrhea, so I can’t really say anything. But now Bonnie is banned to the outdoors and can never come in the house again. And of course today it’s raining …
And Charlie, our Yorkie that was never housebroken right and peed in the house all the time, was supposed to be going to a new home Monday night, then Tuesday night, well, he’s still here and now he’s outside too. Artie said either we have outdoor-only dogs or no dogs at all. I think I’m going to be sick.
I think maybe it was an accident and Bonnie got sick or couldn’t help it, because it was mostly diarrhea-like and we have been feeding her steak, hot dogs, Krystal hamburgers, French fries, lots of treats. But as sure as I talk Artie into giving her another chance, she’ll do it again and I sure don’t want that to happen.
So … I think maybe it’s just not meant for me to have a dog. Even though I love dogs and I think Logan needs a pet since he’s an only child and he loves animals too. I’m just so frustrated and sad and upset and mad and disappointed and tired of it all.

More Bonnie Pictures ... isn't she adorable?

New addition to the family

This is Bonnie. She joined us this weekend after I drove 90 miles one way to get her. She is half Dalmation, half Great Dane and was rescued by the Washington County Humane Society from an abuse situation. She had been shot, beaten, starved and was on the verge of death apparently. The lady who I adopted her from has had her for about six months and couldn’t handle a dog this big inside the house, so she searched for a loving home and found me. Bonnie is housetrained, which is the #1 requirement for us. We’ve had several dogs who are SUPPOSEDLY housetrained, but once we get them home they start peeing everywhere - that's been a nightmare. But so far, Bonnie really seems to be the real deal. Of course, she is huge – she is about an 85-pound dog and very tall. But she is a gentle giant. She lays around, doesn’t like to be outside except to do her business, and she wants to be around her people all the time. She is very loving and very gentle and calm. Hopefully we have found a perfect match in Miss Bonnie. Today will be the first day she has been left indoors alone for any length of time – while we are at work – so we are hoping she will do well. Artie fed her steak and hot dogs last night, so she is already queen of the palace.

SC Trip

Here's a picture of Logan and "the nieces" (Bailey is behind Logan, she's 4; Mackenzie is in the back, she's 5). Our trip to SC this weekend was very nice. We hadn’t been since Christmas, so a visit was definitely due. We stayed at a hotel in Hendersonville, NC on Friday night after driving halfway. They had an indoor pool and indoor putt-putt, so it looked like a fun place. Unfortunately we only stayed in the pool about 10 minutes because Logan wanted to play putt-putt and video games and check the place out.
We spent the day Saturday just visiting with everyone and catching up. Artie helped his sister put up a pool for Bailey. I went to the hotel and worked a little while on job 2 just to check out the internet connection. We had a cookout Saturday night and had to move indoors because the wind was practically tornado level. It was blowing the food off the picnic table! LOL
Sunday morning I got up and worked while Artie & Logan slept in. We went over to Mumma’s and had a big yummy dinner outside. Patti makes the BEST macaroni and cheese in the entire world and I’ve tried to imitate it but just can’t get it right. Nobody got into an argument this time and it was a nice peaceful family visit. I really enjoyed it. We got home around 6:00 Sunday evening and collapsed after unpacking everything from the car. “The nieces” had such a great time playing with Logan, and of course he didn’t want to leave them either. But he was also excited about coming home to play with his friends. He fell asleep on the couch Sunday night before he even got to play with anybody.

Planning a Vacation!

Who knew that planning a vacation was its own brand of stress? I guess I haven’t taken a vacation in so long I had forgotten … or maybe it’s because Artie’s mom or my mom always planned our vacations and I’ve never had to do it before… Anyway, it’s stressful! It all started when Artie called me at work one day and said hey, I found this Universal Orlando vacation package online for only $500. Let’s check into it. From there it proceeded to us both getting time off from work (amazing for me!) and then checking further into the Universal deal. Of course, once you add a couple of things to the trip it’s more like $1,000 than $500. And then we spend some time with my parents and talk about how fun it would be to have an extra-long weekend trip to the mountains for the whole family before Dad gets any worse. And then we spend the weekend with Artie’s family and start talking about the old Davis family vacations to Myrtle Beach and how fun they were. So then our Universal trip is competing with trips to the mountains or trips to Myrtle Beach.
And then there’s the decision of whether or not to take a friend for Logan. Oh, the joys of an only child… His best friend (of the moment) is an 11-year-old who lives next door to us. Of course, the Universal trip free kid stuff is for 9 years old and under, so if we take the friend, there’s more expense. If we don’t take a friend, WE have to entertain Logan 24/7. Is that a vacation? I think not. Why pay $1,000 just to do what we do at home every day? LOL So then we think, wow, he has fun playing with “the nieces” (our 4 and 5-year-old nieces in SC) so maybe we could take them with us. They’re both so young they would be free! But we’d have to drive to SC to get them and take them home … so there’s an extra day’s travel. And a road trip with a 7, 5, and 4 year old. Is that a vacation? Whew! Sounds more like day care to me. LOL
So before it’s over with, I’m going to need a vacation from planning my vacation.

Catching Up

Okay, obviously I’m a little behind on posting. It’s been a busy few days. I had no idea everyone was faithfully reading this until people started calling or emailing saying where are you? Why aren’t you blogging? LOL I’m just thrilled everyone is reading it.
Sara is back at work now. She had a D&C procedure Friday and obviously had a difficult weekend. She is still in need of our love and prayers and compassion.
We went to SC this weekend to see Artie’s family. It was a good visit. I’ll post more about that later.
Mom & Dad are in Panama City this week with some of her relatives. I’m glad they are getting a nice vacation, but I’m worried about Dad. I’ve become accustomed to calling and checking on him every day and now I can’t talk to him and it bugs me. I hope they are having a good time.
That’s a brief synopsis of the last few days. I’ll post more specific topics later today.

My dear friend Sara is suffering today, so I just want to post to say I love her and I’m sorry for what she’s going through. Please say a prayer for you if you happen to stop by my blog today. Today was her very first obstetric appointment and she found out she has lost the baby. She is scheduled for a D&C in the morning.

Girlfriends

I’m not really the type of person who has a lot of close friends. I tend to keep people at arm’s length and not let them too close. I’m not sure why that is, but I have some theories – maybe because I got burned badly by friends in high school, maybe because I’m so busy with all my JOBS that I don’t have time to tend to friendships like I should, or maybe I’m just too selfish with my time to be a good friend to others. Anyway, I was reflecting this weekend about some of the best girlfriends I have ever had and wanted to share some of my thoughts, in no particular order. There’s Candice, my most underappreciated friend. We were together constantly during around 1998-2001. She was there when I was going through the new mommy phase and the very trying mommy of a toddler phase. She was there when I moved from a 3000 sq.-foot house into a trailer about the size of a matchbox. And she was there at all the family functions so faithfully that my family thought it odd if Candice was missing. We went to church together and did VBS together, she was my right hand. But when she had her first child and started going through the new mommy phase, I moved away, like 200 miles away, and let her down. I never appreciated what a faithful and available friend she was while I had the opportunity. I’ve not had a friend like that since. One of my favorite things about her: Her SARCASM. She should really bottle her eye-rolling technique and sell it. LOL
There’s Lula, my most entertaining friend. She could always (and still can) make me laugh at the drop of a hat. We’ve been friends for over 10 years. Wow! I can’t believe that. She is sensitive, like me, and funny and caring … and one of those fabulous friends you can always pick up with right where you left off, whether it be six minutes ago or six months ago. She was a great mediator between me & Artie when we used to have disagreements. She is mature beyond her years and I wish I had the opportunity to see her more. There’s Joanne, my wise and frank friend who is not afraid to tell it like it is, like it or lump it. She married one of my best guy friends several years ago, and I remember the first thing I thought when I saw her for the first time: “Oh my God, she is so beautiful!” And then … “Obviously there has to be something wrong with her to be so pretty, she must have SOME flaw.” Well, 9+ years later I haven’t found the flaw yet. She is beautiful inside and out, and one of the most spiritual persons I know. She inspires me with her honesty, faithfulness, and still, her beauty. I love her and am just as happy for ME as I am for David that she married into the ‘clan.’ There’s Barbara, my most outrageous friend and my biggest cheerleader. She is a relatively new friend, over the last couple of years, but she is such a joy to talk to – she makes me laugh so hard my belly hurts. We have the same wickedness in us – I don’t know if that’s a good thing, but it’s fun. She has slowly learned all of my terrible secrets and yet she seems to love me anyway. Go figure. I love her independence and her energy and her sarcasm. She encourages me and cares about me and I’m lucky to have found her. And of course, there’s dear Sara, who’s supposed to be my other boss (or my ‘girl boss,’ as Logan calls her). She has ended up being the best friend a girl could ask for. We have the luxury of being at work together every day so we can talk more often than most friends. She believes in me! What a rare thing. She sees me as I really am and yet she still wants to be my friend - ??? I don’t get it, but I’m glad. We laugh at stupid things together and get angry at the same things. We know WAY too much about each other’s business, but we also know our secrets are safe. I think God sent Sara to me to soften the blow of coming back to work for Steve. LOL
So overall, for someone who doesn’t “have a lot of close friends,” I seem to be pretty blessed with girlfriends, huh?

I’ve had my dad on my mind a lot today – probably because I had a heartbreaking dream about him last night and I can’t shake it. I talked to him on the phone earlier today and we were both laughing because he couldn’t remember my birthday (not that uncommon for dads of adult children, I know that!). He’s going to run an errand for me today and he still does a lot for me – yesterday he mowed my yard and took off my trash. Sometimes if you’re talking to him you forget there’s anything wrong with him, but then he stumbles in the conversation and it all comes crashing back to you. I think maybe I’m kind of in denial about him being ‘sick’ because he’s not like, in the hospital or wasting away before my eyes. I try to call him almost every day just to hear his voice and chat about whatever I can come up with, but those days of meaningful conversation or advice from dear old Dad are pretty much gone for good. Dad used to be the most single-minded person I’ve known – it was ALL about singing and the group. That was his #1 priority in life for as long as I can remember. I used to resent that, but now I like to think I can see a little more clearly.
Here are some random memories of Dad, some funny, some serious, that have popped into my mind today: Him making up ridiculous rhymes in the car like “Let us all together go, ‘t will make our feet and fingers grow;” introducing me on stage and telling people I was interviewing boyfriends; trying to be a used car salesman (and failing miserably – he was too honest) when Plasti-Line went on strike for 18 months back in the 70s; listening to me talk, cry, argue about boys until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. after Mom & Kristi had conked out; driving the bus full of a sleeping or rowdy band (or both) at all hours of the day and night (without ever having one wreck!); the look in his eyes when the church would bring us food baskets during the poorest of the poor days; taking Kristi to drum lessons and drooling over all the latest sound equipment; hearing him tell Logan “I love you” when he never could really say that to me & Kristi; watching him chase Logan around the house in a black shawl and mask; coloring Easter eggs every year; seeing the house where he grew up and how far he had to carry the water bucket every day; the white gloves I made him wear on my wedding day; catching me watching an adult movie I brought home when I worked at the video store; teaching me to drive my stick-shift Mazda RX7 in the driveway… there are a million more, but those are off the top of my head today. I love my dad, and I miss the part of him that is already gone – but I’m thankful for what is left of him that I will treasure for as long as he’s here.

Artie's Handiwork

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

My Husband

I have the most wonderful husband (most of the time) LOL. He has worked so hard on our new house (new to us) over the past 6 months since we bought it ... it's truly a work of art in my opinion. Anyone who knows him knows what a great decorator he is. After he finished the inside of the house, he has tackled the outside jobs that we didn't hire out and has made the yard and our backyard "oasis" so beautiful. I love to sit out on our back patio and enjoy the scenery. He's such a handyman, never afraid to tackle any new job no matter how big or small. Well, actually he WAS afraid to work on the roof. LOL I just want to brag on him because I don't do it enough. He runs the household, inside and out, while I work all the time, and I appreciate his work and admire his many talents. :) (oh yeah, and he's still VERY cute after 20 years!)

Another Weekend...

Well, we had another busy but fun family weekend. Friday night we ordered pizza and tried to get some yard sale items organized for our big upcoming sale. Saturday morning we were up early and gone to Kristi’s neighborhood for a subdivision full of yard sales. I got some great paperback books and lots of clothes for the nieces. We also got some oak 5-shelf bookcases for $2.00 each!! Yes, that’s $2.00 and not $20.00!! Unbelievable. Then we rushed home and picked up one of Logan’s friends to take them to a neighbor’s birthday party out west at Pump It Up. It was our first trip there and Logan loved it. It was a neat setup. We picked them up at 3:00 and rushed back home again for a family cookout I had planned for Mother’s Day. Mom & Dad will be gone to Panama City during Mother’s Day, and we’re going to SC that weekend, so I had Mom & Dad, Kristi, Pig & Hannah over for a cookout. Six or seven of Logan’s closest friends showed up and jumped in the pool, so it was definitely a houseful! It was fun, though and the food was good, even if I did grill it myself. LOL After everyone left, I collapsed on the couch and couldn’t feel my feet.
Logan’s BEST friend, Blaine, spent the night Saturday night and went to church with us Sunday morning. I got up and worked 3 hours before church on job 2. It was homecoming service, but we didn’t stay for lunch. We went home and ate leftover pizza and burgers. Artie and I collapsed on the couch while the kids played outside ALL day until past dark. Logan sure does enjoy the subdivision life. Our house is always brimming with kids it seems … but if it makes Logan happy, then it’s worth it, of course. Sounds kind of mundane typing all this out, but I’ve really enjoyed the past two weekends of fun family times. This weekend we’ll be going to SC for Mother’s Day, so we’ll have some fun family motel time. That’s always a blast – Logan loves motels. And I like getting away from the phone and the constant kids in the house. J

Useless Blog?

I don't think anyone is reading this blog, so I'm not going post for a while. I thought it would be fun, but it's a lot of work if no one is reading it. LOL

Amen!

Well, we finally made it back to church this morning ... what a great feeling. We went to Dante Baptist, where we are still members, even though we haven't attended regularly for over 5 years. Everyone seemed happy to see us, and they couldn't believe how Logan has grown. The service was really great, and we got to see a new performance team that was AMAZING!! They did sign language as a group and were dressed in all black. It was very moving and a whole new church experience. Overall it was a great feeling to be back at our "home" church and all 3 of us really enjoyed it. I think we're about to head over to Levi's Field to watch the more athletic members of the congregation play a little softball. This has turned out to be one of the best weekends I've had in a long time - and I've spent it all with my family. Who woulda thought? LOL

Fun Saturday

Well, we had a fun Saturday too. What an anomaly. We got up early and went to a subdivision sale. (For those of you yard sale novices, that means several houses in one subdivison all having yard sales at the same time). It was fun and we found several neat things. Then I went to have a pedicure and Artie & Logan continued yard-saling. They found a computer for Logan for $50! It's a good one too, a new Compaq Presario with a lot of bells & whistles. I've already set it up and it works perfectly. :) After they picked me up from my pedicure, we hit a few more sales and loaded down the back of the car. We found a scooter for Logan, some candles and decorative items for the house, and as always, clothes for the nieces. We also bought some antique Christmas ornaments cheap - since we have 5 Christmas trees now, we need all the help we can get.
After a yummy lunch at Austin's, we headed to the Great Smoky Mountains Flea Market and found more cool stuff, including a new laptop so I can work while on the road. (Yippee, more work!) LOL It was a fun day. We then headed home, made a couple more pit stops, and called it a day. Last night Artie and I tried to make our own "queso blanco" at home, but it didn't quite turn out great. It was edible, but it didn't taste like El Chico's cheese dip, that's for sure. It was a fun and productive day. We came home, hooked up the new computers and recovered from our busy day. It was a fun family day - the first time the three of us have spent all day together without anyone else in a long time! :)

Fun Friday Night

Well, I had a more fun than usual Friday night tonight. I got to talk to my friend Candice on the phone, whom I hadn't talked to in about a year and a half. That was very nice. And then me, Artie & Logan went to the movies and saw "RV." It was a cute family comedy with Robin Williams and we had a good time. Simple things can be so much fun and so rewarding. It was a very good night. :)

Need to Perk Up

I'm feeling a little down and out this morning. I think I have a sinus infection or something because my sinuses and head have been bothering me all week. And I'm very tired this morning - I think some days my crazy schedule catches up with me more than others. My senior boss at job 1 is out of town for the next couple of days, which usually is a little bit of a stress break for me - but he leaves me so much work to do 'so I won't get bored while he's gone'! It's been raining for days and days, we're still waiting on the gutter guy to come and the concrete guy to repair the pool pad so we can put our pool back up ... and I still have to deal with all these stupid health insurance issues, the alarm system needs checked, the dog needs groomed, I need to reschedule Logan's dentist appointment ... I'd love to just go to bed for a whole day and turn off the phones, the tvs, the computers and the lights and just hide. Maybe I just need some caffeine ...

Easter Pictures

Just scanned in Logan & Hannah's Easter pictures. Aren't they adorable? Kristi and I have such cute kids, it's a shame we can only handle one each. :)

Change of Plans

Nope! No Pigeon Forge. Seems as though we're going to S.C. instead. Oh well, there's always another weekend I suppose. And we haven't been to S.C. to see his family since Christmas. It's always fun to see the nieces. Hopefully we'll stay in a motel instead of at his mom's so my back won't be thrown out for 2 weeks after we get back. LOL

Pigeon Forge

I think me & Artie are going to Pigeon Forge by ourselves Friday night. Mom is going to keep Logan and we're going to all meet at Dollywood on Saturday. Artie & I used to go to Pigeon Forge for romantic weekends all the time before Logan came along; now it's obviously harder to get away, but that's okay. The family trips are fun too. However, when Logan is with Mom, we can go to the Old Time Pottery and craft stores without Logan being "soooo bored..." LOL He only wants to hit the arcades and rides. Hopefully we can have a nice dinner alone Friday night and do a little shopping. And then Saturday we'll break in our Dollywood season passes. We added Splash Country this year. Has anyone been? I've never even been there yet. I hope it's fun. Of course, I can't imagine a water park that a 7-year-old wouldn't like.

Making Time for Scrapbooking

As much as I enjoy scrapbooking, it is so hard to find time to actually work on it. I have this great home office that has a dedicated scrapbooking area, a huge table and tons of very well organized supplies. I have a bright lamp to illuminate my work area, at least two ongoing scrapbook projects at all times, and a supportive husband and son who don’t mind losing me to my “creativity” now and then. If I only had the extra time to go with all these other things …. Hmm.
I work until 4:30 or 5:00 on job 1, rush to pick up Logan and get home, change clothes, check the mail, and start on job 2 as soon as Artie gets home. Then I work on job 2 from 6:00 until 8:00 while Artie makes dinner, picks up the house, and deals with homework and the gaggle of friends coming in and out of the house all evening. After that I try to reacquaint myself with my husband and son for a few minutes, and at 9:00 we all head to bed and Logan time until 9:30 or 10:00. Saturdays I work from 8:00 until noon and then its errand time. Sundays is supposed to be for church … we’re trying to get back on that routine. So … anybody got any ideas for me on how to squeeze in scrapbook time?

Nightcap

Well, it's technically past my bedtime, but I'm trying to get my blog off to a good start. It came a quick thunderstorm earlier this evening and knocked the power off for a few minutes. I thought I might have to miss work for job 2 tonight (no power = no computer), but it wasn't off long enough. Oh well, missed work is missed money on that job anyway. I rushed to watch last night's CSI Miami as soon as my shift was over. Thank goodness for DVR. That's one of the best inventions ever! I'm looking forward to tomorrow at job 1. It's secretary's day and they're taking me to lunch at Olive Garden, one of my VERY favorite places. I had a good therapy session today - more talk about weight. But Saroj says I'm making good progress and she's proud of me. :) Artie and I are trying to decide whether to go to Dollywood with mom & dad on Saturday and break in our season passes or go to SC this weekend since it may rain. Kristi has decided to write a fiction story based on The Dunsmores' family travels. She sent me the first page draft and it's pretty good. When our lives are a best-selling novel, I'll let you read that instead of my boring blog. LOL

My Husband

My husband, Artie, and I have been married for over 19 years. I can't believe we're still together sometimes - especially looking back over all we've been through. I'm not sure why he's still around - I'm certainly no "joy ride." Whenever I ask him why he's still around, he usually says "I guess we were just meant to be." How unfortunate for him. LOL

I do have to confess that my busy home & office life would not survive without him, though. He does all the housework, most of the laundry, most of the cooking, and always manages to make our home look like something out of Arhitectural Digest or Better Homes & Gardens. He gives Logan a bath every night while I pass out after my last shift on job 3, and he gets Logan ready and takes him to school every morning while I'm already gone to job 1. Hmmm... now that I think about it, maybe I should stop asking him "Why are you in such a bad mood?"

He's pretty cute, too, isn't he? ;)

Dad's Illness

One of the things foremost on my mind these days is my dad's illness. He was recently diagnosed with Pick's Disease, which is a form of dementia very similar to Alzheimer's. (see my links for more info). Dad was forced into retirement after 38 years of working at the same job after the company's entire retirement fund was embezzled and the company was forced to close down. He did pretty well the first year, staying busy with projects at home. Then we started to notice gradual personality changes, quicker temper, childish behavior, inappropriate comments in public, etc. Finally Mom persuaded him to go to the doctor, where cognitive testing showed a severe deficit. After an MRI, EEG, blood work and further testing, his neurologist diagnosed him with Pick's about six weeks ago.

Dad's temper is getting worse, he's very quick to anger now where he used to be as laid back as they come. It is also very difficult to carry on a conversation with him, as he has difficulty finding words. This is hard for me because he was my debate opponent for so long, the one person I felt safe really arguing with.

This is me & the heart of my existence, Logan. He's 7-1/2 going on 15 and rules the roost at our house. Everyone keeps telling us we will regret that one day, but for now it's just the way things are. We waited a long time for him and had plenty of time as a couple before we became parents, so now we feel like it's his time. No, I'm not selfless, I definitely crave ME time... but Logan is worth the sacrifice.

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