Merry, merry Christmas!!

Lots has happened in the last two months. Shawna is buying her own house and got engaged today. She is enrolled in school to finish up her nursing and actually go farther than she had originally planned. Lee is counting the days until May 11th. He will then really "retire". Yay! Going to SD for Christmas but will celebrate with the family on New Year's Day. We did this last year and we both enjoyed it so much more. Lee's good friend's wife, Carol Garmon, is falling apart and she' my age. I think after speaking with him, he has realized we must do what we want for the rest of our lives..... We plan on traveling all summer and really only being here long enough to check on the house and do laundry if necessary. We will spend some time in Colorado with good friends, a month on the Oregon coast (which we both love) and a month in the SF Bay area as well. Lots to see and do. All the kids are well and doing fine, YES!!!! I can finally say that. Looking forward to a wonderful, peaceful and loving new year in 2011. Hugs the ones you're with and love the ones that aren't here to hug....

Another month has passed ARGHHH!

It's been busy like others. My mother's bp is up and she decided NOT to go to the cardio. She wasn't speaking to me or Carol for a couple of weeks because David asked if he could have the opportunity to take her. I was supposed to but didn't think it was a big deal for David to take. It was made into a "mountain". Aunt Rose called me (her sister) and asked what I was thinking???? Stymied I really didn't have an answer. Anyway, life goes on.......... Shawna is working!!! She sits in foreclosed open houses on the weekends to forbide stealing of appliance or wiring. She has researched and made the decision to go back to school and get a BSN. Yeah!!!! She will do it on her own = no help here. Lee has decided to officially retire Jan 15, 2011!!!!!!! We plan to travel and just enjoy each other for the rest of our lives. Will be heading back to the valley within the next week or so. It's a bit cold in Prescott. Picked up the AZ mile in memory of Lee's dad the past two Saturdays. Dang!!! people are slobs!!! I found everything from a cell phone to money. Ready for a relaxing eve with my hubs.....

It's been a month!!

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. It's been a busy month. My birthday, Christian's birthday, Lee's mom's birthday, Megan's birthday and the passing of our beloved Blue. Lee's heart was very heavy and I had a had time with the loss, as well. Sooooo we now have TWO new puppies. German short-haired pointers, 12 weeks old. Blue II named for Blue and Hunter, named for our first GShpointer. I am a busy Mama with some help from Dad. Already house broken and learning their names.

ARRRGGGHHHH!!

After Kirk moved out he decided he preferred living "here" (after all it's been free for 8 months) and wanted to move back. Lee said absolutely not. The time has come for him to relocate and be responsible for himself. Of course, Shawna has been insistant, I'm not moving out!!! She thinks she does have a job "again" and I'll let you know when I first paycheck I see. LOL Tomorrow is a B I G day. Will celebrate with my honey and then with Carol on Friday when she comes up to her "new Prescott digs". Scott planted new cat's claw for me around the bell tower. YAY!! Chris will be 40!!!!!! next week. Hard to believe. I'm gettin' old oh yeah!!

OH the drama!!

Up north to relax LOL LOL LOL Shawna and Kirk split up last night sooo he decides to move out at 2:30am. ARGHHHH! Actually, glad he's out of her and hope she can get on with her life without the bottle. It's questionable??? This seems to be the first place she turns when things get rough. She is still unemployed but I have to say has really looked for the last couple of months. Mom is improving FINALLY!! Her bp is down to 160, much better than 198!! Dave called to spend the weekend with her and give us a break but Carol was going to be in the valley this weekend anyway. Mom still can't be alone but we seem to working it out. Carol does her final walk thru on her Prescott condo Mon and then down to pick out new carpeting. Soooo excited for her. She's worked hard many years to reap these benefits. Now off to the grocery - ummm what to fix for dinner?????

Mom's home.....

It's been a rough few days. Mom is home and very displeased with Carol and me. She thinks that we should be available to her around the clock. Carol says she didn't work 45 years to be mom's caregiver. She is willing to share in this but with both brothers out of town or state it's me or Carol. I'm in Prescott so that leaves Carol. She's hoping to get her condo and be up here too. We have come to the decision that she needs someone to live with her but no one even has a key to her house. She doesn't trust anyone to be in her house, not even family. She says she changing the will and will cut out all the grandkids and possibly Carol and me. It's her money and that part is okay except she really only has us in the valley. IDoen anyone out there have the same problems with aging parents???? If so please let me know. Hugs......

L O N G week. . . .

Mom started with dizziness and then would fall. this happened 4 xs before I finally talked the ER dr. into admitting her and solving the problem. She was terribly upset and really didn't agree but something had to be done. She had been in the ER three times in three days. Ughhhh! She had an MRI on the brain, echocardiogram on heart and carotid artery ultrasound. The drs. found NOTHING wrong. This is somewhat disturbing because it happens with no warning. The dr. said she could start driving and resume her normal activities on Sunday!!!!! They say maybe just a slight virus UMMMMM! That could be anything. Anyway the four of us kids are going to have to set aside some time and make some decisions for future occurances. She is very negative - doesn't like the drs.; doesn't like the hospital; etc. and wants to move to TX so she can be closer to Bill. Fine with me, lets put the house on the market tomorrow. Bill spends half his time in WashingtonDC for lobbying so who would be around????? Whatever.

Annivsary week to celebrate!

Yep, for those of you who gave us six weeks we are celebrating 33 years on the 16th LOL More in love today than the day we married. It has been an amazing life with my best friend. I look forward to many, many more years and experiences with him. We are planning a Cruise America 4 month trip next summer. Going to the states we are not familiar with and haven't really visited other than stopping at the airport. It should be lots of fun. Not something I would have considered earlier in life but have rethought it and think it will be a fantastic experience. Scott is doing great with his teeth and looks soooo handsome these days. I can't bear the thoughts of going to the valley heat even though I do have to get my well woman check. I have put it off until it cools off.

June 24, 2010

My honey is back up north and that makes me happy. Had baked chicken for dinner. Shawna says I guess we're on a chicken menu for the rest of our lives since you can't eat beef. I guess so LOL Getting ready to spend some time in Colorado and excited to celebrate the 4th with good friends there. Baby Reece has improved and doing much better. Been busy catching up on card making. I was completely out of male birthday cards so I hoped on SCS and cased some. I also needed a special one for my MIL's 91st birthday and my twin sister's in Aug. It's been very relaxing and peaceful -- lovin'every minute.

Update on my stomach...

Had my endo last week - went fine, I was OUT! Just the way I wanted it. I go this Wed. for the full results. The Dr. did find polups in my stomach and sent to pathology. Still definately cannot eat BEEF it makes me sick immediately. I eat small amounts of chicken. No large meals at all. That might not be soooo bad actually except my stomach aches. I am on new meds so hopefully that will help. Scott gets his new teeth Tues although it isn't going to be a picnic - he has been in horrendous pain for months and finally, ins. approved. He'll feel so much better. He's been in the ER 4xs in just the last two weeks for excruiating pain. Plan on going to Durango for the week of the 4th. Linda and Charlie are having a big party and should be fun. Shawna has a new sponser in AA and they communicate and help each other very well. So thrilled and feel so blessed.

Still having stomach issues....

Unfortunately, still tummy aches. I will go in for an endo as soon as I get the consult with the GI dr. I hate to complain but I am very limited to what I can eat. Shawna did NOT go to her job ARGHHHH! I think she's sneak drinking spradically. She continues to go the AA mtgs. every day but according to Kirk she doesn't have the determination to stay away fro it completely. I put her on the prayer list at church yesterday. Lorri, thank's soooo much telling me about Brooke. Reece is still at St. Joes in the NICU but up to 4.5lbs. Still can't suck and breathe at the same time. He'll be 35 weeks on Friday. Lorri, I can't thank you enough for your prayers. I am a HUGE believer in the Power of Prayer. Hugs to YOU!!

Up North for the next 5 months!!

Yep! I have escaped the Phoenix heat. It is lovely up here and just soooo much cooler. I'm much better but on meds for my stomach. I really must learn to stay away from "beef" and it's my very fav. There's something????? in it that I just have difficulty digesting. Everything else seems to agree with me. My neice had her baby 9 weeks early and he was flown into St. Joseph's NICU. He was born May 1 and he's progessing but very slow. He now weighs 3lbs6ozs and is being fed thru a fed tube. He doesn't know how to suck yet. Unfortunately, she's not sure if any insurance will cover because this was a pre existing cond. within her probation hire time. It's very, very expensive. I read on the net it can be up to $100,000 a WEEK in the NICU. They are excellent and I do feel he's in the best place with the best care. Shawna got a job at Sam's Club, $11. per hour 22 hrs per week to start. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! It will be very good for her. Scott's waiting for ins. approval to have his crumbly teeth extracted and new ones put in. He's really suffered with exposed nerves, toothaches, etc. I'll be thrilled when it's over. The llamas will go to pasture tomorrow up here. We take them to the same farm every year and they LOVE it. Looking forward to a great weekend with Lee.

Been sick ugh!

My stomach was funny during the day on Wed and by Thurs. nite. Lee took me to Scts. ER. I hadn't been able to even keep nausea med down. Man I was sick. Once they took my vitals, started an iv, i was shot with morphine and then thought I could walk on clouds LOL I had never had it before that I know. Then 4 injections to stop the vomiting, belly CT scan and cultures and blood workup. Hours later . . . . . . the dr. says I have diverticulitis (inflamm.of the intestines) and go to my PCP Mon. Soooooo will try to get in tomorrow and then will have to have a much dreaded endoscopy. I'm such a chicken and I just hate this kind of stuff. Must find out what is going on. This is my first day "out of bed". I have live on broth and popsicles and ginger ale. Far from 100% but at least comfortable enough to get to the tv room. UGH!!! I'll keep you posted.

Almost May 1st yeah!!!

I am sooo ready for spring and me to get to Prescott. It's been in the 90's last couple of days and that's when I'm ready to move. Lee and I surprised Shawna with a birthday dinner in Prescott. She actually thanked me about 6 times. Was very surprised and dinner was awesome. She's not huge into sweets so I fixed a new strawberry cake recipe and it was to die for!! Lee has told Kirk to get his own insurance and he should. It's just easier to hook on to ours. They plan to get their own place by June 1. Looking at houses now. She's still sober!!!! over 120 days and thanks so much for all the prayers. She says she doesn't even think of alcohol anymore. Good sign! Scott will be going to get the rest of his teeth extracted this week (due to excessive drug use). Like Lee says "you pay now or you pay later!" He will be fitted with dentures in about a month. His teeth simply decayed in his mouth. Lee and I are doing great and I feel so blessed with some of my closest friends and family having troubles. I'm working on Mother's Day gifts and still need to run to the grocery so off I go.....

Post Easter

Had Easter in Prescott. It was a beautiful day and the food delish. We celebrated Scott's birthday the following Tues. He chose Olive Garden as his choice to go eat. We gave him cash so he could use it for his teeth or whatever. Shawna's birthday is tomorrow. Since I have been paying her court fines, car insurance, cell phone, etc. her birthday will be rather slim. She decided and took it upon herself to "add" Kirk to our insurance without asking. That added $150. mo to our premium. She assured me that he would pay, it came out of my account this week, no $$$ from him. I'm within a hair's breath of cancelling him but need to talk to Lee first. All Shawna seems to be able to do is "tap" others for her lifestyle. Still no job. She says she wants to find something she can do from home????!!!! Mark was down and left this evening to go back. He had classes for security driver like Loomis or Wells Fargo. Tim will be in tomorrow, so busy now changing linens and going to grocery. Tim's over for the cabin and downed trees on the acreage. It seems it's always something.... Oh well, such is life!!

Blue day..

Today hasn't been a terrific day. Got new meds for my knees and sent the rx to Canada. Can't wait to see if it helps. Had a great evening with the girls but things just weren't lively. Charlie was the only one that had her homework. I just didn't get it done. I feel tired tonight and need to get busy on this house tomorrow. Connie is going thru tough times and I think that makes me feel sad too. Had dinner with jean, connie at CPK - it was good. Lee goes back to midnights on Monday UGHHHH That shift is soooo hard on him and I really hate it that he still has to put up with the bull. Ready for bed Sweet dreams..............................................

ACHY KNEES. . .

OMGosh!! have my knees ached in the last few weeks. It's not a sharp, searing pain - it's just a constant ache and difficult to stand and oh!!! stairs are next to impossible to conquer. I have been diligently attending water areobics to help with the flexibility. Went back to dr. thinking I was doing more damage than good NO- keep up with the exercise. I am on new meds so hoping that they will be some!!! improvement.
We are starting a new financial prog. around here. Write down what you spend ARGHHH! daily. I know that I have been guilty of not watching but with Lee considering REAL retirement within the next few months, the time has come. We plan to try to sell PineLakes this spring IF at all possible. That will leave us with just two places to keep up.
Going to get in a HOT bath and my knees with get instant but temporary relief. Thank heavens I have figured that one out.

How time flies. . .

It's been three weeks since I posted last ??? Where has the time gone??? Glad to repost "All is well" within the Smallsreed household YEAH!!!!! It's been a long time since I could say this. Shawna is doing 'fantabulous' (if that's a word), still sober and back to our old little girl. Lee and I are loving it. Scott and Megan are fine. Struggling financially like many others. Chris still employed and living with them. Carol has officially retired from AmExp. another YEAH!!! We are doing water areobics together -what fun at this age. Lee is considering another retirement which I would welcome from TransPac (PanAm Flight Academy). Working on my Easter cards, each card seems to get a little more difficult but that's what I love. Movies every Tues with Linda, Carol or mom. Life is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Valentines Day Ummm..

Had a great one!! Lee went overboard with the gifts. I got a dozen roses, a bouquet of daisies, a huge stuffed dog, beautiful lingerie, out to dinner. It was just wonderful. Doing water areobics 3xs a week and hoping my knees will start to feel better. Carol is retiring YEAH!!!! Shawna is doing GREAT!!! We saw her today briefly and she looked better than she has in years. So very happy with Kirk and living in Prescott. Scott and Megan are doing fine so my heart is particularly happy this Valentine's Day. Looking forward to a better year than we've had in many years.....

Life is still good...

The most news is: Shawna's ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend went on a "beer run" two nights ago. He was driving and ran red lights, hit an innocent man and killed him. Thank you Sweet Jesus that he was out of Shawna's life!!! It could have easily been her as the passenger. She is doing fine in Prescott. Will be 60 days sober on the 16th. YEAH!!! What a different person she is!!! Carol is retiring from Am Express on the 26th of Feb. another YEAH!!! We are going to do water aerobics together - yep! we've both made the commitment. Sooo on m,w and f we will be exercising together. Mom has also joined but not interested in the water. Found out my ex has developed and trademarked* a skin tightening procedure called Therma Peela' - who would have guessed ----not me! Also on his EIGHTH wife!!!! That tells you something. Been working on genelogy if you didn't guess LOL Life is good and lets keep it that way....................

More Rain for the soaked desert!!!

Yep!! More rain but shouldn't be the storm we had last week. Driving up north for Lee's birthday, we were shocked at the raging usually dry creek beds and rivers. When returning on Sunday, there was still a lot of water but not rushing. Now with more rain, lets pray it doesn't flood us. Lee had a great birthday and I managed a few pics. It's funny how some aren't as comfortable with pics as others LOL You look how you look and pics don't lie sooooooo if hesitant for a pic, take one of yourself, right????? Murphy's has the best prime rib I have ever put in my mouth so you can guess what I had for dinner. HA! Will be staying down in CC for a while, it's just too snowy and cold for my aching knees in Prescott. I love it but I use every gel, cream, lotion and spray I can but to take away the ache of arthritic knees - BTW it's all the same in my opinion. I will start with injections OUCH!! (I detest them) next month. It does help for about six months. Such is life as one ages - look out you young ones HaHa!

Expecting loads of RAIN

This is great news for the dry desert. My knees ache but I'm so thankful that rain is on it's way. Lee's birthday was great. I got him a new fancy Leatherman and a new jog suit. The kids got him a couple of books and then I fixed dinner up north. It turned out awesome sooooo yummy. He had his fav German Choc cake and ice cream provided by Shawna. Shawna celebrated 30 days soberiety. We are cautiously optimistic. She is such an entirely different person sober. She's sweet, considerate, thoughtful and everything we want but boy!!! when she's drinking she's horrible. Hopefully, this new guy that's big into AA will be a good influence and as time goes by she becomes more and more stable herself. Will go up for Lee's birthday again next weekend. His siblings are flying in, just for the day and night, to celebrate the big 65!! He's anxious to see them but wishes it was for a longer time. I am going to be the photographer. Soooo wish me luck. Ha!!

The sick bay is here!

After celebrating Christmas on New Year's Day everyone got sick. As it turns out Lee picked up the bug from someone at work and was contagious with everyone here. YIKES! So thankful that Mom is the only one that didn't come down with it. I've been in bed for 4 straight days and hoping that after the weekend I will feel better. Carol's went to her lungs, as usual, and was just thankful it didn't go into pneumonia. She fights this every winter. Scott and Megan are sick as well with fever and chills along with the cold. I really hate it that that all go sick. I have a mountain of things to do here at the house as well as Prescott, like take down decorations, clean cupboards, laundry, etc but no energy. I'm really hoping that by the following week I can get up to Prescott and at least do the decorations. ARGHHH!