Good morning. Yes, I'm at home this morning. It's so exciting! A morning at home. Doesn't take much to make me happy! Yesterday, we spent the whole day at home as well. As a family. It was so wonderful. We haven't had time together like that for too long. We napped, cleaned, did laundry, played games, ate.........Yes, it was wonderful.
This month has gone by very quickly. I'm going to try to recap it very briefly. The boys have been in school. And they've played their regular hockey. Del has been working and I've been working. How's that??!
Seriously, tho.
Jayde-is now on a new semester at school. He is now taking math and social studies, along with gym, drama, and ????, can't remember! Last semester turned out okay with mother not being quite satisfied with those final marks. I guess I expect too much. I have full expectations of 80% or above, across the board. And for the first time in Jayde's life, not all subjects met those standards. A couple below, just a bit, and thats how it is! So, this term he will pick up his grades. He is fully capable, but has a bit of an issue with organization. But, he informs me this term will be much better, because these are his favorite subjects. I guess we'll see. His hockey team is doing alright. They are hosting provincialsin 10 days. They've not skated much the last two weeks, as other teams are needing ice to finish their league and MAHA games. They get a bye in the first round of playoffs, as well.
Kyle-has dealt with the flu this last weekend. Upset stomach, and lots of aches and pains, and headache. No vomiting or diarrhea, thank goodness. But, sometimes that seems to pass quicker than this. But alternate the Tylenol and Advil, and life carries on. Kyle's age group on hockey gets to join regional teams this year, and the interested kids met for skates on Saturday. Teams were sent out by email yesterday, and Kyles so excited. He gets to be on a team with his best buddy, as well as other kids he knows. It's been so good for him to have skated with other kids from other areas, before this. This experience will be so much fun for him, after the season his team has had. Another coaching perspective, different drills, positive attitudes, and kids that want to be there for the same reason. He's very excited. School carries on for Kyle as well. He always surprises me. He seems to need more studying and effort, but in the end, his marks get above mama's standard. You may think I'm hard on my kids, and maybe I am, but they are capable, and they need to know they can push themselves on this. Life is not just about hockey. Almost, but not quite! :-)
Del-working full-time and maintaining the farm. Thankfully, the farm isn't busy right now. But the cattle still need to be fed, and the cows are getting ready for their calving season-so that means immunizations and such have to be kept up.
Me-working full-time. Plus. At work. There are a couple of nurses off with injuries/sick, and we just have one part-time nurse, and one casual nurse. And they're in those positions by choice. So, they're not available for all the hours that are available. I'm on vacation this week, and we'll see if it stays that way. They are going to pay me well, if I'm required to go to work! I miss my family, and they seem to miss me. Or maybe they miss my cooking skills, cuz my cleaning skills aren't the best! I'm also helping out for Jayde's provincial tournament prep. Actually, I'm putting together the booklet that will be available that weekend. that means I'm trying to get business support, and then putting everyone's ads/sponsorship together into this book. It's kind of fun. Just need the time to enjoy the process! The parent group has worked well together, so far, in pulling off this event. And of course, it will be a success! A friend of mine and I went for a trip to the city last Thursday. Had a good time. We went for consultations for laser hair removal. I've wanted to do this for awhile, and finally we did it!!! Had my first treatment. Going back in 3 weeks. This facial waxing is done on my face!! Hopefully it will be all its said to be!
Mom & Dad-well, they're plodding along. Mom is entering her 4th week of oral chemo. Her rash seems to be under control. She still has no appetite. Other than that, her spirits seem to have improved in the last month. Dad is still really struggling with acceptance. He is not accepting any of this. He is so caught up in this craziness, and its making him crazy!! (Like that play on words??) Laureen has made arrangements for him to get out and volunteer at the Thrift Shop. I'm so happy for him, and grateful for these arrangements. He definitely needs time out and away from all this, and mom can use the down time as well. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right??? Everyone needs a break now and then. So, I think he'll get out a couple of afternoons a week, which will give him a much needed change of environment. 5 more weeks of oral chemo for mom. She is busy sewing/quilting baby blankets for her churches sewing group. They apparently send these blankets north to needy families. It helps mom to have something to do, and still be able to make a difference in someone's life. Spring can't come soon enough for mom. I can hardly wait until the sun shines, and we can put chairs out on the deck and she can look at flowers and green grass. Those house walls seem so enclosed.
I'm catching up on paperwork these next few days. And I think I'm going to bake something for everyones lunches. Kyle has a hockey game tonight, and if they lose they're done their league playoffs. If they win, they play again tomorrow. It's only winning after this, cuz the next loss, eliminates them out of playoffs. Jayde has practice tonight, so someone will stay home to take him where he needs to go.
Ever wonder how justice is served through health issues?? There are so many schools of thought regarding this. I really have trouble accepting the line of thinking that 'your health is a sign of God punishing you'. Yes, there are some people that believe that! Unbelievable. Or, that 'if you believe enough, you will be healed." Seriously, don't people know that they'd cut off their right arm for being healthy?? There are people suffering from terrible things they would never choose to suffer from, and don't ever deserve to suffer from. Not that I think people 'deserve' any illness. But sometimes, it seems the 'best' people suffer from the worst things. What's with that?? It actually makes me question the pros and cons of euthanasia. My heart breaks for the patients and families who tolerate un-imaginable suffering. There is no justice in that. There is no 'rightness' in that.
Time to take the roast out of the oven. Get lunch and supper organized. Take the boys to the dentist this afternoon. It's been good to get some of these thoughts out........
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy valentine's Day!
Saturday afternoon, and I'm at work. I was doing up some paperwork here and thought I'd quickly check if the internet status had changed. And yes, I can once again log onto blogs. Don't know how they decide when its allowed!
This week has been one of those weeks. Work, and more work. I worked 3 nights to start the week. Then Thursday morning, I went along with Del to the city. And while he attended mtg's, I did some business, and I browsed. Then, we went out for supper to celebrate Valentine's Day. Friday, I took the boys to school and brought baking to the store, for the PAC bake sale. MMM, so many wonderful contributions. And the bonus for me was I didn't have to stay and work. I've really slacked off on this committee this year. From there I went to the next town, to do some business, and keep soliciting funds for our provincial tournament that we're hosting this year. I stopped and chatted with my mom, and then I met Del for lunch. Home to do some cleaning, laundry, supper, take Jayde to town for youth, home to carry on with other housework, and then it was bedtime. Back to work today. 1st shift of 4 twelve hour day shifts.
Work is having its issues. There are a few nurses off with injuries, and that makes it difficult for the rest of the crew to pick up shifts. We are so limited in staffing!!! Anyone know someone who needs nursing hours??? The sickening thing is, if there is no one to work after us, like for the next shift, they can 'mandate' us to stay. And that means working more than your original shift. so, yes, 24 hours consecutively at work is too long. But they are allowed to do that!
Mom had her 68th birthday on Thursday. She had a quiet day at home. The rash to her face and scalp may be looking worse to some, but its actually improving. Its reddenend, but drying up. Her pain seems to be fairly well controlled at this point, with meds. We switched her nausea meds a week ago, and that seems to be much more effective. But she is still extremely fatigued, and will continue to be so, I assume. She is due for her IV Pamidronate in 10 days, and is quite reluctant to agree to that due to the nausea she had the last two times. Maybe we can find a solution for that too. ??
Kyle is at a local hockey tournament today. 3 games between 9 & 530. A bit much for a big kid at that level of hockey. Oh, well, he will sleep well tonight. Jayde has his last league game this afternoon. Hopefully that will go alright;this will probably make a difference in where their final standings will be, and therefore determine playoff positioning. Kyle's teams last regular season game is on Tuesday evening. Playoffs, here we come....... Jayde's regional team has its first skate on Monday morning. He is excited. I am nervous.
There's my update. Oh ya, I purchased a new camera cable, and so next week, should I actually get a day away from here, I might even post some new pictures. We'll see.
Aunt Violet, I did get your phone call and the letter, thank you!!!! I am not forgetting about the pictures. As you surmise from my posts, I'm barely keeping up to my life, never mind with anyone around me!! :-)
Happy Valentine's Day!!!! Enjoy the people around you. Extra hugs and kisses to those you love!!!!
This week has been one of those weeks. Work, and more work. I worked 3 nights to start the week. Then Thursday morning, I went along with Del to the city. And while he attended mtg's, I did some business, and I browsed. Then, we went out for supper to celebrate Valentine's Day. Friday, I took the boys to school and brought baking to the store, for the PAC bake sale. MMM, so many wonderful contributions. And the bonus for me was I didn't have to stay and work. I've really slacked off on this committee this year. From there I went to the next town, to do some business, and keep soliciting funds for our provincial tournament that we're hosting this year. I stopped and chatted with my mom, and then I met Del for lunch. Home to do some cleaning, laundry, supper, take Jayde to town for youth, home to carry on with other housework, and then it was bedtime. Back to work today. 1st shift of 4 twelve hour day shifts.
Work is having its issues. There are a few nurses off with injuries, and that makes it difficult for the rest of the crew to pick up shifts. We are so limited in staffing!!! Anyone know someone who needs nursing hours??? The sickening thing is, if there is no one to work after us, like for the next shift, they can 'mandate' us to stay. And that means working more than your original shift. so, yes, 24 hours consecutively at work is too long. But they are allowed to do that!
Mom had her 68th birthday on Thursday. She had a quiet day at home. The rash to her face and scalp may be looking worse to some, but its actually improving. Its reddenend, but drying up. Her pain seems to be fairly well controlled at this point, with meds. We switched her nausea meds a week ago, and that seems to be much more effective. But she is still extremely fatigued, and will continue to be so, I assume. She is due for her IV Pamidronate in 10 days, and is quite reluctant to agree to that due to the nausea she had the last two times. Maybe we can find a solution for that too. ??
Kyle is at a local hockey tournament today. 3 games between 9 & 530. A bit much for a big kid at that level of hockey. Oh, well, he will sleep well tonight. Jayde has his last league game this afternoon. Hopefully that will go alright;this will probably make a difference in where their final standings will be, and therefore determine playoff positioning. Kyle's teams last regular season game is on Tuesday evening. Playoffs, here we come....... Jayde's regional team has its first skate on Monday morning. He is excited. I am nervous.
There's my update. Oh ya, I purchased a new camera cable, and so next week, should I actually get a day away from here, I might even post some new pictures. We'll see.
Aunt Violet, I did get your phone call and the letter, thank you!!!! I am not forgetting about the pictures. As you surmise from my posts, I'm barely keeping up to my life, never mind with anyone around me!! :-)
Happy Valentine's Day!!!! Enjoy the people around you. Extra hugs and kisses to those you love!!!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
February
Monday morning.....still no camera cable. So here is another post without pictures!
The phone rang this morning at 645, and my first thought is why is work phoning so late, and it should have a long distance ring. Answered it to hear the voice of a friend, informing us that school was cancelled for today! Yay!!!! So, the boys went back to sleep. I shall let them sleep in for a bit, and then I will get them motivated to do 'stuff' at home. They are going to wish they were in school. Nothing like a home day for them, for all of us to catch up at home. And the extra special bonus for Kyle is an extra day to study for that dreaded science test!
Our routine in this home has continued to follow the regular pattern. CHAOS! But organized. It is truly -make it work as best as possible with the resources available. Boys are one week away from playoff hockey. Del & I are working. Del & the boys are keeping the farming operation running smoothly.
Jayde attended Directors Cup hockey tryouts, a week ago. And much to his great joy, he and his best friend survived cuts and made the team. This brings with it a gamut of further practices, games, that culminates in a final weekend of hockey-the first weekend of spring break. That final weekend, called Directors cup, is a tournament of teams from regions in this province, that invites scouts and interested hockey personnel to check out the future of hockey. The teams are comprised of boys in the 1994 age group. This is their draft year for junior hockey teams, etc..... So its rather exciting to be attending an event of this calibre. The boys are dropped off at the hotel that Thursday afternoon and available for parents to pick up on Sunday. The team stays together, chaperoned and supervised by team management. The are required to dress up for all team events, including dress pants, ties, and dress shoes!!!! No hats or toques!! Awesome! Every mothers dream-to see her child dress up without having to bribe them! Parents are not allowed to have their child stay with them, but may book a room at a hotel in the same town, and watch the action from afar.
My mom has started chemotherapy. She is taking it in pill form, which she takes every day. She has now taken 9 doses, with the usual side effects. Nauseated, and with this pill, rash. She was informed to use moisturizer to protect against the rash, but of course, she didn't use any, and now she has this angry, red rash all over her face, throat, and entire scalp. And she's exhausted. This is going to be a long road........
Had a wonderful time this last weekend with family!! It started with Thursday evening-Rog and Anita took us out for supper. Then on Saturday afternoon, my cousin, Kathi, and her husband and girls came over for the weekend. And for supper, I had invited my family over for fun. Originally, Kyle and Nathan (Roger's son) had a hockey game scheduled for 3 on saturday, but it got postponed. So I had invited everyone for the game and then supper; so, I went ahead with the supper. Just to get together to have fun. That developed into a birthday party for mom. She turns 68 on the 12th of February. It was kind of interesting. My dad brought a birthday cake, with candles, writing and all. So, I lit the cake for him, set it in front of mom and expected dad to sing happy birthday. well, he started to talk, and talk, and talk! I'm sitting across from them in the living room, watching those candles burn down. They're burnt to cake level, and I'm envisioning the wax puddling across the cake and into the cake. In the middle of his speech, I go across the room and blow out those candle stubs, to see the wax around each candle-in the icing. What a mess. But it ended his speech. And how rude of me. Mom was happy for the end of that!! I ended up picking out those stubs and still serving the cake. The lesson learned for me is, don't light candles if Grandpa is going to speak before singing happy birthday!!!
Alright, I need to get my work done. I'm looking out the window, watching the freezing rain come down. Should be fun for the boys to work outside today! I hope it improves by tomorrow, as jayde has a doctor's appt in the city tomorrow, and with me working nights I'm going to be short of patience!!!
Off to clean my house, and then to work tonight. Three in a row.......got to find that cable! Take care!
The phone rang this morning at 645, and my first thought is why is work phoning so late, and it should have a long distance ring. Answered it to hear the voice of a friend, informing us that school was cancelled for today! Yay!!!! So, the boys went back to sleep. I shall let them sleep in for a bit, and then I will get them motivated to do 'stuff' at home. They are going to wish they were in school. Nothing like a home day for them, for all of us to catch up at home. And the extra special bonus for Kyle is an extra day to study for that dreaded science test!
Our routine in this home has continued to follow the regular pattern. CHAOS! But organized. It is truly -make it work as best as possible with the resources available. Boys are one week away from playoff hockey. Del & I are working. Del & the boys are keeping the farming operation running smoothly.
Jayde attended Directors Cup hockey tryouts, a week ago. And much to his great joy, he and his best friend survived cuts and made the team. This brings with it a gamut of further practices, games, that culminates in a final weekend of hockey-the first weekend of spring break. That final weekend, called Directors cup, is a tournament of teams from regions in this province, that invites scouts and interested hockey personnel to check out the future of hockey. The teams are comprised of boys in the 1994 age group. This is their draft year for junior hockey teams, etc..... So its rather exciting to be attending an event of this calibre. The boys are dropped off at the hotel that Thursday afternoon and available for parents to pick up on Sunday. The team stays together, chaperoned and supervised by team management. The are required to dress up for all team events, including dress pants, ties, and dress shoes!!!! No hats or toques!! Awesome! Every mothers dream-to see her child dress up without having to bribe them! Parents are not allowed to have their child stay with them, but may book a room at a hotel in the same town, and watch the action from afar.
My mom has started chemotherapy. She is taking it in pill form, which she takes every day. She has now taken 9 doses, with the usual side effects. Nauseated, and with this pill, rash. She was informed to use moisturizer to protect against the rash, but of course, she didn't use any, and now she has this angry, red rash all over her face, throat, and entire scalp. And she's exhausted. This is going to be a long road........
Had a wonderful time this last weekend with family!! It started with Thursday evening-Rog and Anita took us out for supper. Then on Saturday afternoon, my cousin, Kathi, and her husband and girls came over for the weekend. And for supper, I had invited my family over for fun. Originally, Kyle and Nathan (Roger's son) had a hockey game scheduled for 3 on saturday, but it got postponed. So I had invited everyone for the game and then supper; so, I went ahead with the supper. Just to get together to have fun. That developed into a birthday party for mom. She turns 68 on the 12th of February. It was kind of interesting. My dad brought a birthday cake, with candles, writing and all. So, I lit the cake for him, set it in front of mom and expected dad to sing happy birthday. well, he started to talk, and talk, and talk! I'm sitting across from them in the living room, watching those candles burn down. They're burnt to cake level, and I'm envisioning the wax puddling across the cake and into the cake. In the middle of his speech, I go across the room and blow out those candle stubs, to see the wax around each candle-in the icing. What a mess. But it ended his speech. And how rude of me. Mom was happy for the end of that!! I ended up picking out those stubs and still serving the cake. The lesson learned for me is, don't light candles if Grandpa is going to speak before singing happy birthday!!!
Alright, I need to get my work done. I'm looking out the window, watching the freezing rain come down. Should be fun for the boys to work outside today! I hope it improves by tomorrow, as jayde has a doctor's appt in the city tomorrow, and with me working nights I'm going to be short of patience!!!
Off to clean my house, and then to work tonight. Three in a row.......got to find that cable! Take care!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
moving along-i need my camera cable
It's been too long since I've posted. We are so moving along with the flow at our house. Who said I can't do that??? :-) I have one more day shift and then I have a weekend off.
So, If someone can think of where I left my camera cable, let me know, and I will try to post up dated pics, along with a Barkman update in a couple of days!
Now, I'm off to pack for another day away, and get some sleep! Good night!
So, If someone can think of where I left my camera cable, let me know, and I will try to post up dated pics, along with a Barkman update in a couple of days!
Now, I'm off to pack for another day away, and get some sleep! Good night!
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