Looking Up When Life is Looking Down

This is the name of an inspiring little book by Beth Moore.  Here's a little excerpt that caught my eye as I was asking God for His guidance [hopefully she won't mind me sharing some of her thoughts and the scripture with it]...

"While you wait for God to work and to manifest your sure deliverance,

wrap yourself around Him as tightly as you possibly can.

Ask Him to make you more God-aware than you have ever been in your life.

Bind yourself to Him with everything you've got so that you will ultimately -

inevitably - go anywhere He does.

Hang on for dear life and never let go.

No matter how long it takes, He'll never run out of breath or

stop to soak His aching feet.

Pin yourself so close to Him that you can almost hear Him whisper.

His words will live in you and you will live in Him.

God does not make His home in a pit.

Bound to His holy robe, neither will you."

'But those who wait on the Lord,

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary.

They shall walk and not faint.'

                                             Isaiah 40:31

'He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.'

                                          Psalm 40:2

"Without hesitation God offers you a firm place to stand,

but your feet are not firmly set in place

until you've made up your own mind that's

where you want to be."

Mrs. Moore and I are not from the same "church", but I believe we share a love of the Lord.   Some things she may say/write aren't exactly how I view or believe, but she is a very gifted writer, speaker, teacher, and I have no doubt in my mind that she loves the Father and His Son with all her soul.  

May it be the same for each of us.  May we study scripture more deeply and love the Father more fully each day and importantly, strive to be more Christ-like in everything we do.

By His grace...



It's almost here...

Can't believe today is December 1st!  2011 has literally flown by and I'm just not ready for 2012 to be here!  That sounds so futuristic, as I've probably posted before...being born in 1953, well, let's just say 2012 would have sounded impossible at that time.  But, here we are!  And the chill with it!  Tallahassee was actually colder than most of the New England states this morning!  How crazy is that?!  It is beautiful outside and right now, it's not that terribly uncomfortable.

Our Thanksgiving was great.  We started out with lunch at Broadview with Carl's mom. They had everything decorated nicely for the fall, and prepared a nice turkey dinner.  Mrs. V was so happy to have her boys with her!

not the best of pictures, but all we had of this...



Later that afternoon, we had a second gathering of all the family, along with our son's future in-laws, for another meal and time of fellowship.  We had visited before this time last year, but this year was even more special, since we had definite plans in the mix. 

The Daviduks

Charlie just would not be serious in any pictures...

If you'll notice the cap...might tell you something.



Carl & Mike after another great meal!



And to add a little punch to the evening, it was decided to go ahead and set the date for their wedding.  Hold on to your hats, it's Christmas Eve...yes, 2011!  Nichole's sister in California will be here for the holidays, and would not be able to come again for nearly a year.  And, since the two of them had decided on a small, family wedding anyway, they just thought, why not?! 

So, quick as a flash, laptop in hand, research was completed on finding a house to rent at the beach that would hold the entire family, and presto...it's set!  Noon on Christmas Eve on the beach between Destin & Ft. Walton.  Beautiful location, and though it's coming up fast, all is great and everyone is happy! 

Can't wait!

More to share on the big event when the time comes.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wow - it just cannot be possible that Thanksgiving is only two days away!  Where has 2011 gone...it's almost 2012.  And doesn't that just sound so futuristic?!

I've taken this week off except for some work bank deposits and then the bulletin on Friday or Saturday, and have I been busy!  I knew the house wasn't as tidy and clean as I would love for it to stay, but I've really put in some hours and muscle to get things looking nice.  That's not to say a couple of rooms will be "locked" from any visitors we may have! Ha!  Those will come in time.  But even though I'm already pooped, it is sure a great feeling knowing that our home is clean.  Even got the outside pressure washed by a neighbor (he could use the extra money and it was less than renting a washer and taking the time to do it).  Also had a dead limb cut down that was threatening Carl's car and Mike's truck...so we're on a roll!  Think we can even put up Christmas decorations next weekend! How sweet is that!?!

Since I won't be posting anything else before Thanksgiving, I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful day/weekend with family and friends.  We will all have lunch with Carl's mom at her assisted living facility, then will have a family meal at our home in the late afternoon with our in-laws-to-be, who will be in town. 

Don't think we'll worry about shopping on black Friday, but anything can happen!  Enjoy your shopping to those who will!

Blessings to all!  I am thankful for you and my dear family and for our Father who has shown me so much grace!

Excitement in the Air!

Gary and Jeannette Daviduk

and

Carl and Melissa Vinson

are thrilled to announce the engagement

of their children,

Nichole and Charlie

[became official at sunset on the beach

in Pensacola, November 5, 2011]

 

beautiful, 1+ caret, princess cut diamond, in a
four-prong platinum setting



We are so happy for Nichole and Charlie and pray for a wonderful life's journey.  No specific date has been set for their wedding, but their choice is to have a small family ceremony.  For now, Nichole has to focus on studying for her Boards coming up in January.  She will graduate December 9th with her CRNA - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist!  [She has been an RN for over 10 years and decided to move into this field, which she will share with her father!]

We are very proud of Charlie and Nichole and are looking forward to their future together. Decisions on job locations and further plans are being determined and once the plans have been put into motion, we'll share a post on what is to come for them.

[please NO wall posts on Facebook to either of them...only "Message" if you wish to send them greetings...they want to be able to tell some more of their close friends in person]

Veteran's Day

We pause to salute and honor our Veterans - past and present - for their sacrifices over the approximate 235 years of our country's history.  May we all reflect on our blessings of living in this country - with the good and the not so good that we hear criticized - thankful to all who have served in any capacity to keep us safe.

My family has been honored to have had several members who have served in the armed forces over the years...let's see if I can recall at least those in the immediate first line family...

My Dad tried to enlist, but he was color blind and could not serve [he was a member of the Alabama Highway Patrol for several years, so thank you for that service, Daddy!]

Dad's brother, Howard (Mutt) Baker was in the Navy in WWII.
Dad's niece Jan Davis Cole, served stateside as an RN in the Air Force during the Viet Nam era.
There may be more on the Baker side, but as Dad was the baby of five and had nephews/nieces older than he was, I just don't know others... :)

On Mom's side, we had my uncle John Dee Pinkerton in the Army (WWII, I believe).
Mom's brother, Curtis B. (Bud) Pinkerton, was a career Air Force pilot in WWII, Korea, & Viet Nam, and was a retired Colonel at his death.

My brother, Philip Baker, served in the Army National Guard in Alabama.

My sister's husband, Carl Edward Kirkley (Ed), US Air Force career.  They had the honor and pleasure of serving in Italy, Germany, and several bases across the U.S.  Thank you, Eddie!

Carl's Mom had a younger brother, Barney Stroud, who served in the Army during WWII in Italy.

Carl's dad, Cecil E. Vinson, was in the Navy and was a Chief Machinist Mate on the USS Downs in Pearl Harbour.  We are grateful he did survive the attack and made it home to later become Carl's father!  Here's a couple of pictures...

Carl's mom was an RN and worked as a nurse

in the various cities where they were stationed.

So, you see, we have been blessed with a number of honorable service men and women in our family.  Here's the newest generation...Lance Corporal William Theodore Baldwin (Theo), 22...a US Marine, currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.  He has recently returned from a tour in the Far East and is scheduled to deploy again in February.  God bless you with safe travel, nephew!  (He is actuall a great nephew, the son of my niece, Renee' and her husband, David, from Lake Blackshear in Cobb, GA).

Here's a couple of my favorites for closing out this posting today...God bless America!

"An American Soldier"

"God Bless the USA"

Olene Pinkerton Baker

I still miss my precious mother.  Today is the 16th anniversary of her death and it seems like it was just yesterday.  She was only 73 and loved deeply by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  It's hard not to question why she was taken from us much sooner than we wanted, but God also knew she was tired and would not want to live longer or be a burden to her family if she could not be the active, giving person she had always been. 

She loved working in her yard - and the yards of her children and grandchildren...it was therapy for her, she said.  She could talk to God and pour out her heart, then be ready to face whatever came her way. 

Mom always tried to do something for someone else every day.  We witnessed her cutting a neighbor's yard when they were sick or out of town for an extended time, she would take elderly friends to the doctor, take a disadvantaged co-worker to the grocery store or to buy clothes for their children, find resources for a single mother to be able to get glasses for her children, send cards to those who needed encouragement, visit her out-of-town children and clean their houses or work in the yard.  Meet half-way so her grandchildren could visit more. Quit her job to stay at the hospital with her daughter-in-law after a kidney transplant so her son could keep his job and insurance.  Prayed for her children to find love and happiness, and the Lord.  She loved and supported us unconditionally and was there whenever we stumbled or made really dumb mistakes. Always in our corner, loving us.

So many "Precious Memories" of the love and wisdom she gave us. We love you and miss you so much, but God has an awesome angel in His presence.

Halloween 2011

October has come and gone in a flash!  It's been a busy month, and ended just as busy.  But quickly, I'd like to share some pictures taken yesterday afternoon and evening as we enjoyed some Halloween fun.

Fun Pumpkin by the door - reversable to "Happy Fall, Y'all"

Carl and Mrs. Vinson on the porch at Broadview

Some residents on the porch waiting for the "Trick or Treaters" parading by.

Would have taken children's pictures, but with the privacy issues, decided not.

But, there were lots of cute costumes and precious little ones.

Bettie Lemley (95) with Mary, the Broadview Activities Director

(Mrs. Bettie is a Timberlane member, too)

Me with sweet "Brice". His mommy was giving a tour of

Broadview, so I had the pleasure of dog sitting a while.

Some of the great staff at Broadview!

We enjoyed our little party at Broadview Assisted Living!  The staff always works so hard to help their residents enjoy any holiday or special event!

After a quick trip to the store and even quicker supper, we were ready for the "Trick or Treaters".  We didn't have very many this year, even though we live in a good neighborhood for such...we enjoyed the ones who came by.  

This makes Buddy's 8th Halloween.  When he was tiny, we'd hold him and let him greet each group of children.  Now that he's grown (and a bit heavier), he has to watch from ground level...and this year with A.J. too, we had to put up the doggie gate to keep them in the house while giving out candy.  This sad little picture remains the same each year....

Sitting at the gate waiting for more children...

no more came   :(

Happy Fall Y'all!





God is Good

No pictures, no profound epistles, just simply....God is Good!  So often I find myself forgetting that fact or turning to Him when things aren't going like I think they should.  But, I'm working on turning that around.

There have been so many sad, tragic, uncalled for events that have come to light recently -- things and circumstances that have happened to friends or acquaintances of mine -- that could have been me, my family, my loved one.  How are these folks going to cope...how are they going to carry on without that loved one in their life?  Parents having to bury a grown child much too soon.  A Mother having to leave her precious family long before she has been able to enjoy her grandchildren growing up.  Sons laughing with parents one morning and that afternoon...their parents are with God. 

We all know someone affected by grief and sadness - of all kinds.  Fortunately, a good number of these friends know the Father and His Son...that is the only way they will be able to keep going.  It will be hard.  There will be days and nights of endless tears and heartache.  But they will go on.  Others may not know the Creator.  They are the ones who lose out on having a church family and friends to lean on and their Father to dry their tears.

So, this means there is still lots to do about sharing our Father with those around us.  How about you?

S.O.S. at Broadview Assisted Living

How wonderful to serve God and our fellow man...this is what 23 of the Timberlane church family did Sunday afternoon.  Carl and I were proud to be a part of this great group of folks.

As most of you know by now, Carl's mom, aka Mrs. V., is at Broadview Assisted Living, as is long-time Timberlane member, Bettie Lemley.  Mrs. Bettie is now 95 and Mrs. V is 93.  They, along with approximately 76 other residents have become content in their new home at Broadview.  Men and women of all ages of adulthood and various means of mobility and health, congregate daily in the beautiful main hall, centered by a two-story, double sided fireplace.  Always decorated to compliment the season, the fireplace is currently flanked with pumpkins, fall garland and decorations, with a cozy fire burning to calm the soul. 

Sunday afternoon the Timberlane group, consisting of young professionals, singles, young couples with young children or no children, and others in the not-as-young-anymore category, joined together, singing hymns, sharing smiles and love with those unable to get out and attend worship services any longer.  The college and young professionals class also prepared and brought with them, small orange pumpkins with a joyful tag with scripture and/or greeting on them.  After singing, everyone in our group went around and gave out the pumpkins and shared a moment with residents, who especially enjoyed the little children.  I believe both groups benefitted from this special time and we plan to go back - especially during the Christmas holidays and sing carols and share a little something again.



Some of the "givers" Sunday afternoon.

Serving...this is Jesus' example and command to us.  Let's remember His example and "do unto others...".   I need to try harder to do as my mother did before her heart problems and death...she tried to do some random act of kindness for at least one person every single day.

[note to self: start taking the camera whereever you go, THEN remember to take pictures DURING events, not just when they are over...will try to do better next time!]

90 years and Counting!

Good intentions aside, I finally have gotten pictures together and want to tell about my dear Dad's 90th birthday, October 6.  He is the only surviving uncle on either side of my family -- that's counting spouses of parental siblings as well.  He says it kind of gives him an errie feeling to be the lone survivor!

On Dad's actual birthdate, October 6th, my nephew Brett, who works in the Gulf with oil rigs, went through Mississippi, loaded up Dad and his wife Carole, and took them to good ole Alabama.  They stopped off for the night in Tuscaloosa, where he lives on the river in a beautiful home.  Friday they went to Wetumpka, where my older brother lives, and where Dad and Carole stayed the night.  Those of us who had arrived early had a great time Friday afternoon, setting up for the big party/reunion. 

On Saturday, the 8th, everyone gathered at the fellowship hall at the Wetumpka church of Christ for a day of fun, food and fellowship.  All four children & spouses/friend, all seven grandchildren and spouses/friends, and eight of 10 great grandchildren were on hand for the festivities. Theo, the older of the great grands and a Marine, had just returned to Camp Pendleton from a tour of duty and Hope, a high school senior, was heavily involved in a band function she could not get out of.  

Here's some pics of the families and then candids from the day.  So many of the cousins were unable to attend and wanted to so badly...so view & enjoy and we pray there will be another opportunity soon for all of us to get together!

Some of the spread...yum!

Yummie cake....so glad Publix is in Alabama now!



Man of the Hour ~ doesn't look bad for a 90 year old!



The Bakers (L to R): 
Cathy Baker Kirkley, Tip Baker, Max Baker, Philip Baker, Melissa Baker Vinson

~ Pa with the Grands ~
L to R - back row:  Brandon Kirkley, Jason Kirkley, Mike Vinson, Brett Baker, Charlie Vinson
front row:  Rochelle Baker Knighten, Tip Baker, Carole Baker, Renee' Baker Baldwin

~ Pa with Great Grands ~

L to R (back row):  Megan Mathew, Kayla Baldwin, Allie Knighten, Jared Baldwin

(front row):  Dalton Pierson, Tip Baker, Carole Baker, Matt Baldwin

(the Baldwin triplets are 18 years old now - can you believe it!)

Max Baker & daughters:  Rochelle Knighten & Renee' Baldwin
Tip & Carole


[didn't find a picture of Rochelle & Allie - Billy, Rochelle's husband, is
working in Mississippi and was unable to attend; Hope, a senior, was in a band function]

L to R:  Kayla, David, Tip, Jared, Carole, Renee' & Matt   [Baldwin]
(can you believe the Baldwin triplets are 18 years old!)

L to R:  Connie, Tip, Brett, Carole, Philip  [Baker]

(thanks to Brett for getting the ball rolling on this party and his efforts

to get Pa and Carole to and from Mississippi!)

L to R (back row):  Charlie, Nichole Daviduk (Charlie's girlfriend), Mike,
(front row):  Melissa, Tip, Carole and Carl  [Vinson]

L to R (back row):  Ed, Tiffany, Jason, Brandon, Christy,

(front row): Cathy, Tip, Carole, Megan, Dalton [Kirkley]

Tip & Carole with neices and nephew:

Jan Davis Cole (seated), Lori Cole, Charles Davis, Lynda Carroll Hyde

Here's the group!

And, here's some candids to finish the day...

Three CRNA's:  Lori Cole, her mother, Jan Cole, and Nichole Daviduk (Charlie's girlfriend)

(for those who do not know, that's a registered nurse anethetist!)

Pa during a "Tango" video chat with great grandson, Theo,

our Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, who just had to call and wish

Pa a Happy Birthday!

Blowing out the candles...

also enjoyed some sour cream pound cake (his fav), and banana pudding!

Opening presents - he racked up:  cash, lots of gift cards from various stores,

framed family picture from Rochelle & framed picture of Dad's family - his parents,

brothers and sisters, and.....

...his favorite, a custom ALABAMA football jersey with "90" and "Baker"

across the back!  (Great job, Brett!)



What a great day and visit with our dear ole dad, Tip Baker!!

He received a basket full of cards from friends and family, and was

overwhelmed with the love and attention he received!

On Sunday, the weekend was topped off by Dad getting to worship at his former congregation in Montgomery - Dalraida Church of Christ - Brett, Carl and I went with Dad and Carole and he so enjoyed getting to see his old friends there!

We love you, Daddy!  Blessings for many more years to come!



Fantastic Friday

     Sort of what Annie says, I'm a 'write what you feel' kind of blogger.  I don't have grandchildren or design or style or culinary skills to share with everyone, but when I take a whim, I'll just write what I'm feeling of or thinking of for the day. 
     After discussing house cleaning with a friend a bit ago, I decided I'd get on here and see if any of my few followers had suggestions that work best for them.  I need some motivation, some tried and true routines that help you get out of the recliner and clean!  Be it timers, list making, breaking down the full house into smaller jobs, etc....share with me anything. I'm game!
     Have a great weekend everyone...Roll Tide, Go Noles, War Eagle, Gator Nation (what do they say?)...happy Fall Y'all, Football War Cries and family.  That's a great weekend!

World Alzheimer's Month

Hello everyone!  Hope you're having a great day.  I was sent this link and wanted to pass it along.  I posted it on Facebook yesterday, and thought I'd post it here as well. 

Helping to care for Mrs. V, we're learning more about dementia [not a disease] and the disease of Alzheimer's.  As we age, we notice more and more people who have some form of dementia affecting their lives and the lives of those who love them. 

Have a blessed day and say a prayer for those researching to find a cure for this disease and for those families affected by dementia-related affects.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Nips of fall have been showing up in the last couple of weeks - and oh, how I love the cooler weather!  Football is on TV again -- "Roll Tide, Roll" and "Go Noles" is all about us!  Love it!

A quick update on Mrs. V - she was released from rehab and we were able to get her an apartment at a very nice assisted living facility here in Tallahassee - Broadview, and though she's only been there since Tuesday afternoon, I think she's going to like it!  She does have some demenished memory issues, and of course, is better at times than others.  But, we visited yesterday afternoon during a "family night" which was also celebrating "National Assisted Living Week" -- complete with live music, dancing by the staff - who pulled in some willing residents, Mrs. Valeria included - and great refreshments.  Keep praying she adapts and adjusts to life "on her own" again (with some assistance, too).  We want her to be happy, and I think she will be once she gets use to things and the new surroundings and residents/staff.



A very happy birthday to our youngest, Mike, who turns 30 years old tomorrow (17th).  Time has surely flown by - can't believe he's all grown up!

Have a fantastic weekend and I hope to post a bit more regularly...

Fall is in the Air! Ahhhh!

Can't believe how long it's been since my last post.  Fall is now definitely on the horizon - early mornings are the greatest, in the high 50's or low 60's and daytime highs in the mid 80s!  Love this time of year!

Things have changed slightly since the last post.  Yes, Mrs. V came home on August 11th, but things were so stressful and she was in misery, we made the decision to take her to the ER on August 17th. After some "cleansing" by the doctors (putting the procedure nicely), and no pain meds in her system for several hours, she was just about back to the woman we use to know!  So, we've decided when it comes to meds, less is more, and she has to use a "softener" every day...the following morning, 18th, Mrs. V was picked up and carried to a different rehab facility.  This time, we've seen some improvement, though not completely, and she will again be released on Monday, September 12th.  For the time being she will come back to our home.  We are going to look into sitters from a local agency so Carl and I can still work and have respite (even though it's our jobs we'd go to), and if she will agree, we'd like her to go to adult day care to get socialization, games, hot meal and care during the day.  She wants to stay in the bed, but she needs to be up and active as much as possible.  Should all this not work out, we will have no choice but to find an assisted living facility for now and eventually, she most likely will need skilled nursing (nursing home).  As her funds are not bottomless, we are just trying to hold off doing these most expensive choices as long as we can.  However, from past experience, we know we can't hold out forever ourselves and must look out after our own well-being too.  Keep us in your prayers and I'll try to keep the updates more regular.

We have cleaned up the front beds of the house and pulled out some old holly bushes.  Carl transplanted four small azaleas into another bed and then planted 10 new boxwood-type plants in their place - It looks so much nicer and they are actually living and doing well so far.  Wish I had thought to do before and after pictures...  Carl also planted a 7.5 foot magnolia tree out front - a reminder of his childhood "1st base" tree in his front yard.  So far, she's also doing well! :)  Once cooler weather truly sets in, we have to hit the backyard beds - would need a backhoe, it's grown up so badly...but, all in good time.  And, as all homeowners know, there's an endless chore list...we've been in this house unbelievably for 7 years now and it's beyond time to paint the trim!  Maybe in the next couple of months.  You're not supposed to paint when it's really cold, I've heard! LOL

Can't believe it's aleady September, 2011!  Seems like it was just January! And, it is incredible that 10 years have passed since the fateful day in 2001 when things pretty much went crazy!  We will commemorate that day with our friends from Woodmen of the World, raising a beautiful, grand 6' x 10' flag on a new 30' flagpole at the new-to-us lodge building at 2pm Sunday afternoon...if you want to be around some patriotic folks for this day of remembrance, come on over to 1919 Welby Way!

And, speaking of time rushing by, our "baby" boy, Mike, will turn 30 on the 17th and also on that same day, precious Mandy Dennard will have been gone from us 17 years -- the equal amount of time she was allowed on this earth.  Remember Suzanne, Brad and the entire family next week! [oh, and those of you who know Daryl Greer, it's his birthday that same day!]   Then in October, my sweet Daddy will turn 90 years old!  Can't believe how the time, she is a passin'!

Before I get totally down here, I'll close out and wish everyone a safe and wonderful weekend!  Roll Tide, Roll!

God Bless!

Back at Home

     We have enjoyed the last couple of weeks back in our old routine of doing whatever we wished when we wanted, and getting to attend worship together.  Come Thursday night (11th) Carl and I will be back to full-time caregivers.  Mrs. Vinson will be released sometime that day.  I'll go back to working from home.  Keep us in your prayers for patience with her and with each other, compassion and the ability to give her the care that she will need.  Rehab is still saying they are working on trying to get her an appointment regarding her "H" issues...they are on their 3rd doctor and we're not sure if that one will come through.  I don't know whether it's her age (93 come Aug. 20), or just what the problem is, but two have turned it down.  I just know we can't live with her constant pain with those pesky "rhoids" (guess we could, but sure don't want to - I'll be nuts within a month if we don't have her some surgery)...
     If anyone just really enjoys planning menus, that's one area where we could use some help.  We're use to just grabbing something to eat or opening the cabinet and figuring out what we want.  That is one thing I can say for the facility she's at, she was given three very nice meals and she has been eating pretty well.  She'll not be happy going back to our hodge-podge meals.  Need simple, but nourishing meals and Carl and I will be grateful for suggestions.  She refuses things like Boost or Ensure, that will give her extra needed nutrients for her body - doesn't like the taste.
     Hope you all have a good rest of the week - Blessings...

Finally Friday!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week.  Carl and I have worked hard at our jobs, then worked hard while visiting his mom in rehab after work each day.  According to reports, she is doing well in her rehab, but she is still not about to absolutely get herself up from a laying position in bed, stand up and walk with her walker - with assistance, she can do all of this.  Our hope, however, was that she would be able to do this by herself once she gets home.  We have another week, but she is actually in a weakened state from her nemesis, dastardly hemorrhoids! Sorry folks, just a fact!  A surgeon consult is to be scheduled (maybe today??) to see if she is a candidate for surgery to help her situation.  Please pray hard for her - seriously, please pray she is able to have surgery and that it would be successful.  This problem is really her only issue at present.  We feel she would be able to function pretty well if this one problem can be taken care of.
     Have a great weekend and more reports next week!

It's a Good Day!

          Who would have thought that going to work on a Monday morning would be a good day?  Since this is my first official day at my desk during a weekday morning since June 17, it's a good day.  I've been allowed to work from home, which has been a true blessing.  Then I'd come in on Saturday mornings to type up and copy our church bulletin and create the power point presentation for Sunday's worship, but it's just not the same.  God is good and I'll take what precious moments I can, as they come.
          Carl's mother had to go into the hospital last Wednesday, July 27. We thought she had a couple of "infections", but turned out it was mainly dehydration.  She was admitted that late afternoon after about 7 hours in the ER getting fluids.  Her doctor talked with her that evening about agreeing to rehab after her hospital stay and she actually said she would go.  So, Friday afternoon she was whisked away by a local transport company and taken to Health South, and admitted there for a few weeks (we hope).  We allowed them to do everything (per advice from the precious case manager at CRMC), and did not even go to the facility to see her until Saturday afternoon.  She is doing pretty good at this point, and we just keep praying she will improve each day and be able to get stronger and more stable.  Rehab said she will be very busy throughout the day and they discourage any visits until late afternoon.  We were told to resume our lives and come see her after work each day.  So, she will begin actual full-scale therapy this morning and will probably be pooped when we get there this afternoon.  She has a good bit of swelling in her feet, so we hope that will not prevent her from getting the therapy she needs.  A doctor was to check on all that today, so we'll be anxious to see what they tell us.  Everyone reading this is asked to please pray for her to improve and become more independent.
          A huge thank you to all our family, church family and friends who have been so loving and supportive during this time.  It's been hard, and patience has not been a premium lately, and for this I apologize...but, we know the prayers have gone up for Mrs. V and for us, we've had food brought to our rescue, cards, calls, texts, emails, and we know God is keeping us sane.  As an only child, Carl and I are the only ones to get his Mom through all this.  But with those we love supporting us, we're surely not alone.
          Have a blessed week!

Possible Light at the End of the Tunnel

At this phase of our lives I'm not posting every day as I envisioned when I started this blog!  Working from home and caring for Carl's mom is pretty much the sum total of what is going on right now.  However, after a turbulent past week -- our first doctor visit after finally getting Alabama vs. Florida straightened out (Medicare & Social Security) ended in frustration. Mrs. V's new doctor immediately wanted to put her in Health South and felt she had not received nearly enough therapy in Montgomery.  So, we headed over, wheeled Mrs. V to her new room and...not a private room...she refused to stay, regardless of what the administrator and education nurse tried to tempt her with...she was not so nice, we were frustrated beyond words, and the three of us left in anger...much prayer was said asking for God to help us get through to her the need for assistance.  So, home we went without a word said between any of us the rest of the night.  Of course, Mrs. V was happy as a clam because she felt she had "won".  We have had alot of "confusion" and uncomfortable days and nights due to some "issues" (shall we say - won't go into what has been causing her problems in this public setting).  But finally after some advice/remedy shared via a friend of a friend, we tried it, it worked and PRAISE THE LORD, we have had a couple of better days and night.  And, the doctor, though also frustrated, ordered home health care to do an evaluation, which was held on Saturday afternoon.  We liked the male nurse who came and he helped her see that his coming and physical therapy coming out was to help her and not to try to "get rid of her" - her mantra since coming here.  So, home care will start Monday at 3 x a week and we'll see how much physical therapy will be ordered.  I would surely love to see her mobile enough and doing well enough by the end of the summer to possibly go to some form of day care - i.e., Senior Citizens Center, etc.  She could have more socialization and who knows...fun maybe...and we could start resuming a semblance of more normal life.  Last week we celebrated (not) our 37th wedding anniversary.  Since we were not able to go anywhere overnight or even out to eat, we've promised we will do some sort of celebrating at our very earliest opportunity.  We know God is still in control and there is a purpose in everything we go through.  Right now we are moving through moment by moment and just pray for patience and endurance to run this race of our lives.  Oh, and did I mention my sweet dad has anemia and had to have his first blood transfusion ever...guess that's what happens as you get older...our living parents are also getting older and things happen. God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but feels like it comes close sometimes.  But, we do have so much to be thankful for in other ways and just look to that when we think we've reached the end of our ropes...loved the sermon from Tim today. One point was to "move on" when we come to the waters' edge, step on out there and have faith that God will take care of us. The water will part and we can keep going...and the invitation song keeps running through my head..."The Battle Belongs to the Lord".  Yes it does and He will see us through.  Blessings to all.

Rejuvenation!

Tuesday evening brought some much-needed relaxation and time away from the daily stresses for time with "the girls"...friends who've either been there themselves, caring for an elderly parent, or just some compassionate, caring hugs.  Carol Fisher and Cynthia Poole hosted the mid-summer event at Carol's home with some light, but great tasting goodies, and time for laughing, talking, with the evening concluding with plans for the fall and coming year.  Here's some pics...so sorry for the quality from my cell; will need to start carrying my camera again...thanks, Carol for opening your home and sharing your heart with me and so many others.

Again, forgive the poor quality of pics, but hope the smiles can show through and give you some idea of the good time had by all.  If you're a Timberlane gal from college age on up, feel free to join us beginning in September, second Tuesday nights.  T.W.I.G.S needs more women who wish to participate in food, fun, fellowship and service.  Be watching for bulletin announcements of location and dates!  BTW, TWIGS stands for Timberlane Women in God's Service, and that's what we want to do!

Home is Not Quite the Same

Our home is not quite the same anymore...our office has been partially converted into a room for Carl's mother, complete with a hospital bed.  We are on Day 22 of our new lives with MawMaw in our home.  With her not being able to care for herself, one of us has to be at the house with her 24/7.  With my job being more flexible, here I am.  Carl tries to take over her care when he's home at night and on the weekends.  But I miss my job (never quite thought I'd say that these last few years) and I miss worshipping with my church family.  Carl is in charge of the sound room/audio visual, so it is more important for him to be there than me.  Thanks to those great guys who helps him out on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights though!  She wants a "female" here too, and doesn't like the idea of her grandsons being the ones to help her with certain things, you know.  But we FINALLY will be getting her in to a doctor next Wednesday, the 20th, and will possibly have a better idea at what we're going to be looking at down the road, and hopefully getting in some home health care and possible physical therapy - only if she would even benefit after this long with nothing to help her.  We don't foresee her ever returning to her tri-level house with all the stairs and living alone, but truly, only God knows what we're all in for in the days ahead. I'm trying to hold it together, but am having a difficult time not just running away some days.  God forgive me for my attitude and help me to be more compassionate and caring.

New on the Home Front

This weekend was full of life changes and emotions.  On Friday we went to see Carl's mother in rehab in Montgomery.  We had been told she would be released on Tuesday...so, we thought "good, she'll be doing great".  Not so.  Our thoughts of how she would look and be able to maneuver were totally not reality.  She was being released, but she was not/is no where nearly prepared to be on her own.  She's very weak and unable to even get up on her own or go to the restroom alone...so she has come to our home now for an undetermined amount of time.  And now after her traumatic ordeal, she does not want to be alone for any length of time.
 
The future is always unsure, as God tells us we should not plan for the morrow...and this holds a totally different meaning to us now.  Carl is an only child and his father has been gone for 23 years...we're it..we are her family and we will fulfill what the Bible teaches us to do.  Whether that means a few weeks or months, or for the remainder of her life, we will take care of this soon-to-be 93 year old, former Registered Nurse. Valeria Vinson loves to share with anyone who will listen, that she graduated from The University of Alabama, Bryce Hospital Nursing School June 1, 1941.  Worked her way through nursing training so she could make her own living...she would never have to depend on a man to take care of her.  She has nursed hundreds of people as a floor nurse, director of nurses, charge nurse, private duty nurse, head of recovery rooms.  She's traveled the United States while Carl's dad was in the Navy and wives were allowed to follow...she's now the widow of a Pearl Harbour Survivor and the mother of a wonderful son. 

She has become a more frail, humble, appreciative, less independent version of her former self, but she is family and we'll do our best to see her through this new journey of her life...and ours.

And to Other "Fathers" in My Life

David was the first "in-law" to come into the second generation of the family, when he married my niece Renee. But he quickly became a nephew with no "in-law" attached.  He is a strong husband, father and supporter of all that is right.  He has also taken on the role of patriarch of the Baldwin family since the death of his father and brother, and looks out for his mother, sister & family and runs a successful insurance business to boot!  I love you, David!

David, Kayla, Jared, Matt, (triplets) Renee, Theo, Janay (T-g/f)
The Baldwins

Next came Billy, my nephew by way of marrying my niece Rochelle.  Now, Billy, I haven't been able to be around nearly as much as David, but he's a great guy. Christian husband and father as well, he's a sports enthusiast and also loves his girls.  The last few years, he's had jobs that have had him working out of town, separating his family for months at a time, but he's been a trooper.  I love you, Billy!



(this picture is REALLY old - Hope will be a Senior this year...)
Billy holding Hope, Rochelle holding Allie
[I must say Billy & Rochelle haven't changed, her hair is just longer]
The Knightens

Next, I guess will be Jason - he's my nephew via my sister.  Jason is an awesome Dad and I am so proud of how far he has come.   I certainly won't go into all his struggles, but he is a strong young man, a hard worker and great husband and father. We are so happy he found Tiffany and the family they have been able to form together with his sons.  I love you, Jason!



Jason, Tiffany, Donovan, Logan
The Kirkleys

Then we have Brandon (always Heath to me) - he's Jason's younger brother. In the last couple of years, Brandon has become step-dad to some great kiddos - Megan and Dalton.  Also a very hard worker, Brandon has been considered the "quiet" one, but he has opened up so much since having Christy in his life.  We look forward to getting to know these sweet children more and enjoying happy times ahead.  I love you, Heath!

Megan, Dalton, Christy, Brandon
The Kirkleys

I was unable to get a picture of Brian and Alec. Brian is the step-son of my brother Philip, and he's a great dad as well.  We haven't been able to see or be around Brian since he was younger, but I keep up with him through his mom and through pictures (sorry I couldn't get my hands on one for this post).  Hopefully, we'll be able to resolve that issue and have more family time again.  I love you, Brian!

This post was dedicated to "fathers" within my blood family...if you're just joining my little blog world, be sure to check the earlier post on Father's Day, highlighting my own father and father-in-law, brothers, husband...

But here's also to those wonderful fathers and friends - some we see weekly, some just every now and then - but know you are loved and thought of fondly.  I was going to start listing names, but just knew I'd leave out someone unintentionally, so it's safer to just send out greetings to you all for a fantastic Father's Day 2011.  I love you all!