Monday, July 13, 2009

A birthday to remember

Joanie, Mona, MJ and Tina enjoy the lake view
and then the fireworks

THANK YOU one and all for all the facebook greetings, phone calls and e-mails. Not to mention the balloons, the cakes, the flowers, the cards, the e-cards and the fireworks! We have been celebrating my special day - for an entire week! :-). I am soooooo glad so many remembered and I am tremendously blessed with incredible friends and family! I look forward to this new year with hope and anticipation of the furtherance of His plans and destiny for my life in the nations.

Mom in the new place

A little bit out of town but a beautiful ride and setting
Granddaughter Sarah comes to visit - note mom's new pixie hair cut
Daughter in law Sue and mom enjoy the wonderful patio

The latest change with mom

Notice the 3 cakes :-)
Enjoying the sun
Jim as Uncle Sam

This last week has been quite the roller coaster of a week. The condensed version is that we moved mom into an extended care facility last Monday July 6. The roller coaster part has been all the realities of that and coping with the emotions of the new reality.

The Lord had repeatedly told me not to take matters in my own hand and to wait and see what would happen and indicated I would look back and say - truly it was the Lord. When the boys decided now was the time and talked with mom, she replied that "Yes, it is time and she was ready." What a relief that was to hear. Last Sunday we had unusually wonderful weather and had a grill party on the deck and most all the family was able to come. Mom loves sitting on the deck in nice weather and loves even more having her family around. We celebrated the 4th of July, my birthday and being together.

On Monday the 6th we took mom to the facility. Now we are all in that time period of coming to peace with the decision and the realities of the move. We are sure she will get good care and the medical attention we could not give her but the other aspects of the change have unsettled all of us. Specifically, the trauma of the move has caused her to be very sleepy and at times even more confused. All the sights and sounds are distracting as she was used to a quiet, peaceful house (until the family all showed up :-). Bells, alarms, whistles, talking that has nothing to do with her is a big distraction. The facility is good about us being there whenever we like. Even Libby, my brother's dog can and has visited which was great fun.

Thanks for praying as you can.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Let freedom ring!


Let freedom ring! God bless America and God Bless you!!

Friday, July 3, 2009

A great surprise!

It was only an overnight but we got a chance to make chocolate chip cookies, enjoyed "Red, White and Blue" French Toast for breakfast, hugs from greatgrammy and time for the boys to play catch with dad not to mention falling in love with a stray dog.Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Could we be a TV reality show family?

A couple of my nieces think so and since they told me that I have seen some moments that would have been viewer worthy. So, here is the latest episode -
Saturday, June 27 was the 25th anniversary of my dad, "Bits" death. Mom had been wanting to go up to the cemetary to see how the plants were doing so we scheduled 2.30 on Saturday....of course it was pouring down rain but hey, we had the help - MJ, Kathi, Jim & Rhonda so off we went. We then kidnapped David for the "visit". Mom was so excited to be out for a ride even in the rain.

The "dry" run - Jim & Kathi trying out the ramps
How many Irishmen does it take......

I rolled the car window down for this shot :-)


We miss you Bits! - On the tip of the flag - Jim has placed his "Callery for Fulton County Treasurer" badge - don't miss mom in the car

The plants are looking good and we added a bouquet of roses



Recent Happenings




"No rules for kids" Uncle Jack tried to back the riding lawn mower out of the garage. The door actually hit his head and he was flicking glass out of his hair. He is ok, the lawnmover is ok, (David is glad because it is his!) he did the lawn so that's ok and now we wait for the repair.


On the deck

Is mom a Maxine look alike or what?

Forgot to show you the beautiful peonies


and the strawberry shortcake - fresh berries and from scratch shortcake - yummy!




Check out the painting
on the wall - MJ original 1992

Monday, June 22, 2009

Jilly bliss


For the past 3 summers I have enjoyed special trips with my grandchildren. Michael just sent me this photo from 2 years ago. Do I look happy or what. Friday, the grands (and their mom) finished school for this year and the whole family flies to Florida tomorrow with their "Nana" and aunt, uncle and cousins for a week in Disney. Have a great trip!

Many years ago...

Mary Katherine and Mary Jill sit with their brothers Jack and Michael

Aren't we sweet :-)

My Hungarian "grands"


and their new bikes!

Monday, June 15, 2009

My son and his family come for a short visit- YEAH!!

Mikhaila and Great-Grandma
Raelene and Michael

Great-Grandma Jill with her oldest grandson Michael and her oldest great-grands, Bryce, Mikhaila and Austin who will be 13,12 and 11 this year

A computer bonding moment between dad and son
What a joy to have Michael and Bryce come and spend a night and the rest of the family join them the next day. Then Michael even spent an additional night and we had lunch together.before he hit the road Jilly's happy! and so was Great Grandma Jill

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A visit from a special friend

Carol and I met in Budapest, Hungary a number of yoears ago. We quickly became fast friends. Four years ago she moved to Capetown, South Africa but we were able to catch up in Holland at a conference 2 years ago. Now we are amazed to find ourselves in the USA at the same time. She graciously drove up from her mom's near Philly to spend 3 days with me. We had a great time together. Carol got to meet 99% of the family including the dogs (to her delight!) even in this short of a time. Mom just loved her and Carol & I even got a day out together. What fun renewing sweet friendships.
At our favorite ice cream store

Together again!! and the weather is rainy but we managed to breakfast with a friend in Caroga Lake, check out a cabin for summer rent (with the grands) and drive to Cooperstown with great stops on the way


Saying so long to mom