We had such a nice last few days. On Christmas eve, I stayed in my pajamas all day long until it was time to dress for the 11:00 pm service. We were the advent readers for that service and lit the candles. It was something new for us and something we really enjoyed doing.
Let's go back a couple of days, though.
Tuesday was a wonderful day for me. I got to finally skype with Eric and hear his voice. That was wonderful. I got one brief glance of him before the computer crashed. We did get to talk though.
On Wednesday, it snowed again. Not much, but we were hoping for a white Christmas. That was not to be. Wednesday was a quiet day. The snow seems to make it that way. I finished shopping at lunch time except for groceries. Dean and I did that in the evening.
As I said Thursday was a nice day. I cooked and cleaned, but it was so nice to be home. Joy Anna got out and visited her friends off and on during the day. She and Clay went to a party in the evening and met us at the church. Last year, Joy Anna and I went to the Christmas eve service at Western Hills. We only knew Marie, Megan, and Kali then. This year, it was sad they were not with us, but we knew so many people. It has become our home church. Leaving the church in the crisp, cool stillness of the midnight hour is just so awesome after the service. Makes you so aware of the meaning of the night.
We had communion at the service. After a lifetime of the Lord's Supper in a baptist church, communion is so different. At first it was awkward. I have always been taught that you only take the Lord's supper after your heart has been made right with Lord. You pray and confess your sins, get things right with Him. The way we had always done it - pass the bread, pass the cups, etc- gave you plenty of time to pray and get things right. At first, I felt hurried to get things right before going up front for communion. Now, I prepare ahead of time. When you get to the front of the church and are handed the bread, they say "Jesus' body broken for you" when you dip it in the cup, you are told "Jesus' blood spilled for you." It is so personal. When you know the person who is doing it- Christmas eve it was the pastor and his wife - they put your name in front. Talk about personal. It was for me. It is for me.
Christmas morning we got up early- not too early, though. We stayed in our pajamas and got breakfast in the oven before we opened gifts. It was odd to just have three stockings and three piles of gifts. There have not been just three of us at home for Christmas since 1991 and I think we had grandparents with us. It was okay, though. We had a good time opening presents and enjoying one another.
The Richkoskis came down in their pajamas to open gifts and have brunch. We had a lot of fun having little ones here for Christmas. Aunt Anne and Uncle Jiggs came a little later to have brunch with us. We all got in the den and called Eric on Skype. he couldn't see us, but we got to see him. We all were excited. Olivia asked him lots of questions. She has been concerned that he didn't have a place to sleep since he left his bed here. It was fun to hear him chat with all of us and to actually see him. He looks good.
We had a nice brunch and enjoyed the company so much. After everyone left, we got dressed and ready to go to the Wallace's for lunch. We enjoyed lunch with them, the Richkowskis and Amy & Katie, and a coworker of Andi who just moved to El Paso. Having us all together was a lot of fun. After a while, Joy Anna took the little ones home so they could nap. We were all lazy after that. We took naps, watched tv, and just chilled. Clay came over late and hung out for a bit. Over all, a really nice day.
Today we went to the outlet mall. It was too crowded to shop. Joy Anna needed a smaller wallet. We basically did that and headed home. A very quiet day. I decided today that I am bored. I have never been one to sit and watch tv without doing something else. Since we don't have a working laptop, I cant haul a computer in there to sit with Dean and me work on photos or something. I get so bored while he watches football or those dumb cop shows. I need something to keep my busy. Tonight I have hung out in the den where the computer is, but I don't like being in here and him in there. I don't have photoshop at home either. I hate spending money on books. I miss the Library at MBC. I went to buy yarn, but it was not on sale, and I refuse to pay full price. So, I guess for a while I will just have to be bored.
Tomorrow we are going to the movies and see Avatar. Joy Anna saw it twice, so hopefully it will be a good movie.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
3 months and so much has happened
When I posted last we really didn't know what was wrong with Joy Anna. We were waiting to see Eric in the brief time he would be here before leaving. We were struggling along.
Since then, Joy Anna had two more tests and ended up having her gall bladder out in late October. She turned 17 the next week. She is still very thin despite being able to eat.
Eric came home for about 10 days. They were good. They seem so long ago now. We have not heard his voice in 2 and half months. Despite him having very nice housing, they just don't have internet. We are so excited that we are going to actually get to skype with him this week.
Dean is working. His job is a just a job. He is still keeping an eye out for something else. We are torn as to whether we actually want to stay here in El Paso. Joy Anna was a main reason we stayed, and she plans to leave in the fall for school. But for now, we are here and making the best of it.
I am still working. It is very different. I seem to be tired a lot of the time. I like what I am doing. I like the people. I just really miss being at home. Dream job for me would actually be doing photos and graphics all day. I get to do it alot, but it is not for me. I am very thankful I do get to be creative. I would just wither if that were not the case.
Christmas is upon us. Last week was hard. It marked a year of Nanny being gone. Add to that Eric being on his mission, and well things have just been different. Joy Anna tried to decorate the tree. She kept crying so she quit. I finally did it yesterday, but I cried too. I hope next year will be easier.
I mailed Eric's Christmas gifts on Dec. 2. He still didn't have them before he left on a 2 week trek to another part of the country. I guess they can have Christmas again when they get back to their city.
Well, I must sleep. Tomorrow is going to be full.
I will try to do better at blogging and being positive when I do
Since then, Joy Anna had two more tests and ended up having her gall bladder out in late October. She turned 17 the next week. She is still very thin despite being able to eat.
Eric came home for about 10 days. They were good. They seem so long ago now. We have not heard his voice in 2 and half months. Despite him having very nice housing, they just don't have internet. We are so excited that we are going to actually get to skype with him this week.
Dean is working. His job is a just a job. He is still keeping an eye out for something else. We are torn as to whether we actually want to stay here in El Paso. Joy Anna was a main reason we stayed, and she plans to leave in the fall for school. But for now, we are here and making the best of it.
I am still working. It is very different. I seem to be tired a lot of the time. I like what I am doing. I like the people. I just really miss being at home. Dream job for me would actually be doing photos and graphics all day. I get to do it alot, but it is not for me. I am very thankful I do get to be creative. I would just wither if that were not the case.
Christmas is upon us. Last week was hard. It marked a year of Nanny being gone. Add to that Eric being on his mission, and well things have just been different. Joy Anna tried to decorate the tree. She kept crying so she quit. I finally did it yesterday, but I cried too. I hope next year will be easier.
I mailed Eric's Christmas gifts on Dec. 2. He still didn't have them before he left on a 2 week trek to another part of the country. I guess they can have Christmas again when they get back to their city.
Well, I must sleep. Tomorrow is going to be full.
I will try to do better at blogging and being positive when I do
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I seem to need to blog when I am stressed out. I am fairly certain it has been so long since I posted that my readership has dwindled to nothing. Oh well. I need it for me and not for anyone else anyway.
Joy Anna has not been feeling well. I think we are all a little worried though she is the only one that puts it into words. She has had one test and has another one scheduled for Thursday. The surgery center requires you to pay up front. I can't even set up payments. On top of that, Dean's blood sugar has been bad. The doctor put him on new medicines today. It seems like every other day it is another 100 at the pharmacy. And we have insurance. This month we have had a visit to the ER, a sonogram, 4 office visits, lab work, and a ton of prescriptions and an endoscopy scheduled for Thursday.
The house has not had a rent paid on it since May. We are sinking. I feel like I owe so many people and am just struggling to pay the basics. The house needs to sell so badly. I had had such big plans of being able to help Eric get the things he needed before he leaves for the mission. I guess that won't happen. I am glad he has gotten paid while he has been gone. He'll have to buy his supplies himself.
Joy Anna is paying for almost everything she needs or wants except the doctor. I hate this. I want to be able to do things for her. She doesn't complain.
I was doing really well for a while with my blood pressure. I think that ended this week. I am really feeling stressed which jacks up my blood pressure. I'm not sleeping well. I can't seem to lose weight. I know I need to for my blood pressure and my feet. Carrying me around is killing my feet. I need to see a foot doctor, but that is not as necessary as Dean's blood sugar and whatever this is with Joy Anna.
Joy Anna has not been feeling well. I think we are all a little worried though she is the only one that puts it into words. She has had one test and has another one scheduled for Thursday. The surgery center requires you to pay up front. I can't even set up payments. On top of that, Dean's blood sugar has been bad. The doctor put him on new medicines today. It seems like every other day it is another 100 at the pharmacy. And we have insurance. This month we have had a visit to the ER, a sonogram, 4 office visits, lab work, and a ton of prescriptions and an endoscopy scheduled for Thursday.
The house has not had a rent paid on it since May. We are sinking. I feel like I owe so many people and am just struggling to pay the basics. The house needs to sell so badly. I had had such big plans of being able to help Eric get the things he needed before he leaves for the mission. I guess that won't happen. I am glad he has gotten paid while he has been gone. He'll have to buy his supplies himself.
Joy Anna is paying for almost everything she needs or wants except the doctor. I hate this. I want to be able to do things for her. She doesn't complain.
I was doing really well for a while with my blood pressure. I think that ended this week. I am really feeling stressed which jacks up my blood pressure. I'm not sleeping well. I can't seem to lose weight. I know I need to for my blood pressure and my feet. Carrying me around is killing my feet. I need to see a foot doctor, but that is not as necessary as Dean's blood sugar and whatever this is with Joy Anna.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
I used to be so faithful about blogging. It isn't that I don't have anything to say. I think that maybe for a time I should just journal- the old fashioned way- pen and paper or even a word file. So much that I want to get out is probably not for the general public. Writing has always helped me process emotions.
Joy Anna is in California. I really miss her. She seems to be having a lot of fun. She did get her driver's license on Monday. She is not real confident yet. I registered her for school today. It is so dumb that they start registering 6 months in advance. Because of that, it was a real ordeal to get her in any classes. I finally ended up having to get her a 7 am class. She was not happy about that. Hopefully, there will be some people drop and she can get in a later class.
I have hardly gotten to talk to Eric at all. Tomorrow he might go to DC for the day. I think it would be a great opportunity to do that.
I have been working a lot at church on getting rid of things that have been there and have now worn out their welcome. Tonight Dean went with me and helped rearrange my office. My office walls are all at angles that are are not 90 degrees. Makes arranging interesting. I think it looks better. Lauren says it is more welcoming when you walk in the door. She was home by herself tonight. She was a little scared, so she met us there and then came home to spend the night.
I messed up tonight and drank real tea. You know the kind with caffeine. Not a goo thing. Here it is nearly 3 and I am wide awake.
Dean and I went to look at computers tonight. I really need one. After his job at the border is complete, we will not have a computer at all. It is going to be hard to run a photo biz with no computer.
Joy Anna is in California. I really miss her. She seems to be having a lot of fun. She did get her driver's license on Monday. She is not real confident yet. I registered her for school today. It is so dumb that they start registering 6 months in advance. Because of that, it was a real ordeal to get her in any classes. I finally ended up having to get her a 7 am class. She was not happy about that. Hopefully, there will be some people drop and she can get in a later class.
I have hardly gotten to talk to Eric at all. Tomorrow he might go to DC for the day. I think it would be a great opportunity to do that.
I have been working a lot at church on getting rid of things that have been there and have now worn out their welcome. Tonight Dean went with me and helped rearrange my office. My office walls are all at angles that are are not 90 degrees. Makes arranging interesting. I think it looks better. Lauren says it is more welcoming when you walk in the door. She was home by herself tonight. She was a little scared, so she met us there and then came home to spend the night.
I messed up tonight and drank real tea. You know the kind with caffeine. Not a goo thing. Here it is nearly 3 and I am wide awake.
Dean and I went to look at computers tonight. I really need one. After his job at the border is complete, we will not have a computer at all. It is going to be hard to run a photo biz with no computer.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
eric is off on the first part of his journey
We did most of his packing on sunday. That left most of last night for fun. We went to eat bbq just the 4 of us. He bought a camera. Then Clay and Lauren came over for some apples to apples. Dean even stayed up and played with us.
Joy Anna and I made a walmart run at midnight. She is going to be in a commercial today. Her friend Jordan is going with her. That will keep her mind off Eric leaving. Maybe. Everyone got to experience the hiccups last night. They were really really bad. After 2 pills and a chocolate shake combined with lying on the floor, they eased up. Clqy is taking her to do something fun tonight. He really is sweet to her.
Lairen and I are going to go to the gym. I have a lot of stuff to do like yearbook and photo stuff. Keep busy.
Dean has taken him to the airport. I only got 3 hours of sleep. Wish I could go back. Doesn't seem likely.
I am not doing too bad. I cried when he told Ranger goodbye. Poor boy just doesn't understand.
I know he is doing what he needs to do.
Joy Anna and I made a walmart run at midnight. She is going to be in a commercial today. Her friend Jordan is going with her. That will keep her mind off Eric leaving. Maybe. Everyone got to experience the hiccups last night. They were really really bad. After 2 pills and a chocolate shake combined with lying on the floor, they eased up. Clqy is taking her to do something fun tonight. He really is sweet to her.
Lairen and I are going to go to the gym. I have a lot of stuff to do like yearbook and photo stuff. Keep busy.
Dean has taken him to the airport. I only got 3 hours of sleep. Wish I could go back. Doesn't seem likely.
I am not doing too bad. I cried when he told Ranger goodbye. Poor boy just doesn't understand.
I know he is doing what he needs to do.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Hot, hot, hot
Hot is the only way to describe our house and El Paso right now. We are roasting.
I know I have not updated in a while. Bad me. A lot has been happening, but I have been busy. We celebrated Eric's birthday with the Alexanders and the Gambers at Lowreys. We had a lot of fun just sitting and talking. The food was yummy, too. We did that on the 10th. On the 11th, we had a party at Mitzi's to welcome our new staff member, Amy. The whole staff, spouses and families were there. Except Joy Anna. On the 12th she came home. Lauren and Clay went with us to get her. A balloon, poster,a stuffed animal and gifts made her feel really special. She was really glad to see Clay and Lauren.
This last week was crazy at work. No Air condtioning for half of Monday and most of tuesday made it rough. On Tuesday I copied over 1000 pages of music for the praise band. I had it all stacked in the office that several different people use at various times. one of those people came in on Wednesday night after work to do a few things. Because the paper was there on his desk, he didn't know it was good and took it home to recycle. I was sick. I was in tears. Joy Anna, Lauren, and Eric came up and copied everything over for me on Thursday afternoon.
Last night we went to the Alexanders and celebrated Dean's and Teresa's birthdays. We had a wonderful dinner. Mark did an excellent job on the steaks. Two other couples were there. We had a lot of fun just talking and visiting.
Today we joined Western Hills Methodist Church. Lauren cheered. We laughed. It was great.
Joy Anna is going to California and nanny for Shannon. They are meeting Shannon's friends in Newport Beach. She will have 4 kiddos to watch. She is really excited about it. It will be whole new world for her.
Eric leaves in 8 days. I am not having the easiest time with this. Neither is Joy Anna. Lauren is having a bad time with it, too. Her brother is being deployed right after Eric goes. And she leaves for college all about the same time. Joy Anna is going to struggle with Lauren going. We are really going to miss Lauren, too.
Lots of changes.
I know I have not updated in a while. Bad me. A lot has been happening, but I have been busy. We celebrated Eric's birthday with the Alexanders and the Gambers at Lowreys. We had a lot of fun just sitting and talking. The food was yummy, too. We did that on the 10th. On the 11th, we had a party at Mitzi's to welcome our new staff member, Amy. The whole staff, spouses and families were there. Except Joy Anna. On the 12th she came home. Lauren and Clay went with us to get her. A balloon, poster,a stuffed animal and gifts made her feel really special. She was really glad to see Clay and Lauren.
This last week was crazy at work. No Air condtioning for half of Monday and most of tuesday made it rough. On Tuesday I copied over 1000 pages of music for the praise band. I had it all stacked in the office that several different people use at various times. one of those people came in on Wednesday night after work to do a few things. Because the paper was there on his desk, he didn't know it was good and took it home to recycle. I was sick. I was in tears. Joy Anna, Lauren, and Eric came up and copied everything over for me on Thursday afternoon.
Last night we went to the Alexanders and celebrated Dean's and Teresa's birthdays. We had a wonderful dinner. Mark did an excellent job on the steaks. Two other couples were there. We had a lot of fun just talking and visiting.
Today we joined Western Hills Methodist Church. Lauren cheered. We laughed. It was great.
Joy Anna is going to California and nanny for Shannon. They are meeting Shannon's friends in Newport Beach. She will have 4 kiddos to watch. She is really excited about it. It will be whole new world for her.
Eric leaves in 8 days. I am not having the easiest time with this. Neither is Joy Anna. Lauren is having a bad time with it, too. Her brother is being deployed right after Eric goes. And she leaves for college all about the same time. Joy Anna is going to struggle with Lauren going. We are really going to miss Lauren, too.
Lots of changes.
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