Thursday, June 18, 2009

Stop the world I want to get off!

Has it really been a week since I posted? Yikes! Where does the time go? I literally hit the ground running when I got home from NY. And of course, my well-laid plans have changed. It's weird how time seemed to stop while back in NY, but once I got back on the merry-go-round here in MD time is disappearing at an alarming rate!

DS has finished his last test and is offically on vacation, his behind firmly planted on the sofa. What's a Mother to do with a couch potato during the summer months? *Evil grin* I have solved SOME of that problem. I mentioned in the last post that an old boss of mine has offered me my old position back. (He really MUST be desperate!!!) In that offer, he asked how old DS was and then offered him some easy work to do at his shop. DS is interested, but want's more information, I think I'll just say "YES" for him, what else is there for him to do? And he can earn his own spending money for the trips he has planned for this summer. He'll start after his missions trip next week.

Did I mention that I agreed to go back to work? So that means I won't be able to get back up to NY until the beginning of August sometime. It's amazing how the Lord works, because the "stuff" I was going to help my Mom with has been addressed by others in the small town she lives in and she is getting more expert help than I can give her. That takes tremendous pressure off me, I'm so thankful I can't begin to express it in words. I will get back up there to visit her later on. She seems to be doing well whenever I call her (which is as often as I can).

That only leaves one problem, DH and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year in August. DS was to be out of town the last week in July and we were going to take a trip, just the two of us, to celebrate. My boss is taking a trip that week also and that's why he wanted me to come back to work (told you he was desperate! LOL). So....we changed our plans AGAIN. Somehow I wonder if we'll ever take that trip. *sigh*

With birthday celebrations and Father's day coming up, there are cakes to bake, presents to buy, and special events to plan for each of those days. I'm turning in circles just thinking about where to start. If things don't calm down soon I'll be a candidate for the funny farm! *starting to drool and babble* In case you were wondering, I really haven't had much time to stitch (I did squeeeeeeze in a little time) so therefore no pictures...but I'll do my best to get something online soon.

One last thing to share...DS was chosen to "steal 2nd base" for the Orioles game on the 28th. With that came 4 free tickets, a free team jersey and $75.00 worth of gift certificates to use in the park. I thought DS would jump out of his skin when he heard the news. He'll run from the farthest outfield point to 2nd base, pick it up and run back to where he started during a certain time in the game within a given time period. I'm not sure what he wins if he makes it back before the time is up, but just being chosen was prize enough in his eyes!

I start back to work a week from Monday, anyone need anything framed? LOL I'm psyched because I have a stack of things I put off framing and now will get a discount. Can it get any better than that? The only thing is, I won't have as much time to stitch BUT I will be able to afford my stitching habit now. DH is relieved! So, my new song is.... "I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go"... I know a lot of my buddies who depended on me for cheap entertainment will be disappointed, but they can always visit me at work! LOL

That's all that's fit to print at the moment...I'll do my best to get pictures posted soon. *Hugs*

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Thank you for your prayers...

Hi Everyone...

I don't know where to start, so I guess I'll start by thanking those who offered prayers for my family and me. They are what carried me through this past month. I know that because I couldn't have endured or had the strength to manage all that I've been through this past month, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

It is exactly one month ago today that I left to visit my parents in New York. The day after I arrived my Father fell ill again and was rushed to the hospital. He was in the hospital for a week where we learned there wasn't much they could do for him so we brought him home and he was placed in hospice care. I cannot say enough about the care he was given in the hospital or with the rescue squad that helped us when we needed them. The caregivers were wonderful and didn't just care for my Dad but for my Mom and me as well. They were angels in disguise.

I cannot say enough about Hospice either. The people they sent to help deal with everything were wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I'm thinking of volunteering for them as soon as I'm emotionally able. They provided for every need and were with us through the whole thing, we never felt alone. My Mom and I did everything we could to make his last days peaceful and comfortable and even that made his passing less difficult to deal with. I know the Lord held us in His hand the entire time, He gave us the physical and emotional strength we needed, and I will never regret being there, even though it was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

I am planning another trip home in a few weeks to help my Mom sort through some things and file more paperwork. I do have to say that most of the people we've had to deal with so far have been so kind to my Mom and have gone out of their way to make this stage as stress-free as possible. Many thanks to those people who have reached out to comfort her. I just pray that she has people all along the way to help her not feel alone during the months ahead.

You may not realize, until something like this happens, how well loved or well known you are in the community and even in your own family. We offered people a chance to speak at his memorial service and so many stood up to tell funny stories or fond memories, things I never knew or had forgotten. It was a wonderful way to celebrate his life.

Sorry for rambling on, but I know many of you have been wondering where I've been. I'm back for a little bit now, and haven't had time to stitch or even think about stitching so no new pictures for a bit anyway. I am so behind in so many things (not just stitching!!). Ironically enough, a previous boss of mine called in the midst of all this to ask me to come back to work for him. I'm still trying to sort that out in my head. It is a job that I love to do (picture framing), but it is demanding work (he has a very busy shop) so I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back into that line of work...although the money would be nice! LOL

DS was busy while I was away, attending his Chorus Concert, his Band concert (where he performed a solo!! and got an award for excellence), a Chorus Competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania where their school won 2nd place as well as Esprit d' corp award, and his advancement ceremony from Middle school to High school where he won a Presidential Award for academic achievement. I've been told I have 3 1/2 hours of video to watch (without commercial interruption...yikes!) Break out the popcorn! (*Sigh* I missed all the fun stuff!! ) He was able to skip two finals because no matter what he got on the test he would have gotten an A in the course, he pre-tested in Spanish and will have his Math final tomorrow. Thanks to his wonderful Principle and teachers who helped rearrange his schedule so he could attend his Grandfather's funeral! He leaves in two weeks for a mission trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to help with a Vacation Bible School. He's a busy boy!!

Ok, time to get off this machine and get my life back in order...so much to do I don't know where to start, but I think clean clothes is the order of the day! I'm so happy to be back...I missed everyone! Take care....and thanks again for your prayers. *Hugs*