My Visit With Jake

Somebody was happy to see his mommy...


And he even let me kiss him a few times...


When I got there, my sweet sister Debbie was already there. Bless her heart, she's been to visit Jake 3 times already. Debbie said that all 3 times Jake has not uttered one single sound. He just stares are her. Well he must have been saving up all of his crying for his momma. The poor thing would look at me and cry and whine. Not a painful cry but a cry for sympathy...it didn't take much for him to get my complete sympathy either.

At one point later in the day Jake was in alot of pain though and he cried and cried, loudly. I almost had to leave because it was just so hard to take. Finally the Morphine kicked in and he quieted down.

I left at 6:00pm and didn't get home until almost 10:00pm. I had completely forgotten about the Friday night and Los Angeles rush hour traffic darn it. Oh well, no biggie...at least I got to spend the day with my little Jakester.

My husband Howard will be driving down to visit with him tomorrow while I'm at work. As far as an update on Jake's recovery...everything is pretty much the same. He still has no feeling or sensation in his legs and only time will tell if he regains use of his legs and bladder function. I spoke with the surgeon twice today and he said this will be a very long and hard recovery, around 12 weeks. He will be in the hospital until at least Wednesday but it could be longer. He is not eating and is having alot of pain. Hopefully as each day progresses, he will feel stronger and better, and the pain will lesson. Like Howard just said, we need to get that little guy back home because "this house just isn't the same!"

I did want to mention that the Dr. said that 10% of dogs that have this surgery suffer a cardiac arrest within one week! Jake is not out of the woods yet but I know you are praying for him and keeping him in your thoughts. Thank you so much!

Thank You!

I just wanted to say "thank you" to all of you for keeping Jake and our family in your thoughts and prayers these last few days. It was a tough day at work today but I feel so surrounded and comforted by your prayers and well wishes. My co-workers adore Jake and were so wonderful today too. I saw no less than 20 people actually cry at the thought of what Jake must be going through right now and also at what lies ahead. It's all such a shock.

But Jake will get better and be able to walk again...I choose to believe this! With all of the love and prayers that are being said on his behalf, how can he not heal and have the long life that he deserves!

My sweet sweet sister Debbie visited him twice today at the vet hospital. He was still pretty groggy and also had been given pain medication but she said she was sitting on the floor, had the door of his cage open and was kissing, kissing, kissing him. She said finally he just turned his head away...yep, that's my Jake. He's not much of a kisser.

Debbie said she told Jake he'd better feel better because his mommy was coming tomorrow...and you know what, like it or not, he's getting lots and lots of kisses!!

P.S. Thank you Bren for your telephone call...I love you friend!
P.S.S. Happy Halloween!

Will The Tears Ever Stop!?!

This has been such an emotional day for me. I've often told friends and co-workers that if anything ever happens to my Jake, I'll have to take a leave of absence from work to recover. I haven't taken that leave of absence and I am going to work tomorrow but I wonder if I'll be sent home...I.CAN'T.STOP.CRYING!

Jake's recouperation, rehabilitation, and new life ahead of him are in God's hands and as a christian I am well aware that I needn't worry, yet I do.

What is it going to be like when I bring Jake home next week and he can no longer walk? Will he just be sitting around all day, unless I'm carrying him which of course I will be happy to do.

What will it be like for Jake not to be able to go to the bathroom by himself. I'll have to press on his bladder every so often to empty his bladder for him.

Will he be depressed? Will he eat?

My questions go on and on and my heart is so heavy.

I'm hoping that it's just tremendously hard right now because of the fact that Jake is in a Vet hospital 3 hours away...3 hours away from his mommy! (My sister lives not far from this vet hospital so she will be visiting Jake tomorrow. I'll go back down south on Friday, Howard will go on Saturday while I work, etc.)

I went and saw him today before we left to come home. He was sedated and laying quietly until he heard me talking to the vet tech. He turned his head and looked up at me. I got down on my hands and knees and gave him a kiss on the lips and told him I love him. Friends, it broke my heart because he started crying and moaning. I had to leave because I was crying so badly. This dog had some very serious, and expensive, surgery this morning and I didn't want to disturb him anymore. It broke my heart.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

I'll tell you more about it later today hopefully but for right now I am asking for urgent prayer for my little dog Jake...he is the dog in my header.

After stepping off the plane yesterday in Burbank, we received a call from the Vet's office where Jake was being boarded while we were away in AZ. She indicated that she thought Jake was suffering from a ruptured disc and needed immediate attention. We rushed to the Vet's office and from there drove 3 hours away so that he could been seen by a Vet that specializes in neurology.

Jake had emergency spinal cord surgery this morning and will be in the hospital for about a week. He did have a ruptured disc, some slight bleeding into the spinal cord area, and will only have a slight chance of ever walking again or being able to urinate on his own.

If you know me you will know that I cannot hardly write this as I'm crying so hard. This dog is my heart. Please pray for his recovery and that he will indeed be able to walk again. I would appreciate your prayers for my little guy. The vet stated honestly that he would put the dog to sleep if it were his dog. This was out of the question...Jake is everything to us and just the thought of it literally breaks my heart.

We're heading back home right now as we haven't even been home yet. We stayed in a hotel last night. It is going to be so hard to walk into my house without him there. If you will, please pray for me too...I'm having a very very difficult time. I'm feeling so guilty for having been away and not being there for Jake when he was in pain and scared. I know many of you are prayer warriors so please keep Jake in your thoughts and prayers. It would be so appreciated.

52 Blessings

Today is Sunday...and I am blessed!

We have had a wonderful time here in Arizona with family and friends. We had an early breakfast this morning then had to say goodbye to my parents as they headed back home to Colorado. We will be here in AZ until Tuesday.

With all of us decked out in our ASU gear, we attended a tailgate BBQ and the ASU football game last night. The Oregon Ducks killed the Sun Devils. Last year's football team was unbeatable and such fun to watch...this year's team is awful! Here are a few pictures from last night.


This is my mom, step-dad Jim, Brandon, and Courtney. My two children are the only grandchildren my mom will ever have and they are her heart! She has always been very involved and interested in their lives. Brandon and Courtney are fortunate to have grandparents that care about and love them so much.


Howard, myself, Brandon, and Courtney as we were heading out to the tailgate BBQ.


This is a picture of Courtney and Mackenzie. Courtney and Mackenzie have known each other since elementary school, been best friends forever, and are now roommates in college. Mackenzie stayed home last year and finished up her first year of college at our local junior college. This is her first year at ASU.


This is Mackenzie's mother Robin and myself. Robin not only sent off Mackenzie to college in August, she sent off her other daughter Macy as well. Talk about being an empty nester.


Like Robin mentioned, this is a picture of my 3 kids! We consider Mackenzie one of our own.


The beautiful grandmothers Rachel and Delores with their beautiful granddaughters.


I love this group shot. Although the food left alot to be desired, the company was excellent. Here are Rachel, Jim, Howard, Linda, Brandon, Courtney, Robin, Delores, and Mackenzie relaxing at dinner before walking to the stadium for the big game.

As you can see, we are ALL proud of our 2 girls. They are good girls who are thriving and becoming independent young women here in AZ. Courtney and Mackenzie, keep up the good work. We love you!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: My theme song for today is "I'm leavin' on a jet plane...and I don't like flyin' the friendly skies!" I do not like having no control over a situation and when you are a passenger on an airplane YOU HAVE NO CONTROL...period...dot...the end.

Granted, I don't let my fear hold me back or limit me but let me just say I'm praying from the moment I get on the plane until I place my feet firmly back on the ground (I do take a break from my praying if there's a good movie in flight however!)

My sister LOVES flying and always wanted to be a flight attendant. I always thought she was crazy!

How does flying affect you? Do you enjoy flying the friendly skies or are you in non-stop prayer (non-stop...get it!)

I'm Getting Excited!

Today will be busy, busy, busy in preparation for this upcoming weekend and I've got a to-do list a mile long.

My hubby, handsome son, and I will be flying out early Friday morning to Phoenix for Parent's Weekend at Arizona State. We went last year and had a great time. We are all excited, but especially Courtney! She's excited because this year my parents and her brother are coming too. They've never been to Phoenix and she's excited to show off her new apartment and her school campus to them.

My parents are flying in today from Colorado and will get to spend some alone time with her before we get there on Friday. Saturday I'm sure Courtney will want to give them a campus tour and I know we'll hit up the fabulous bookstore for more t-shirts. Saturday night we'll be going to a tailgate party and then to the ASU football game. These college football games are a blast. I love watching the cute college kids all decked out in their school colors, cheering for their school. Most of all, I love watching Courtney and seeing her in this new adventure. I took loads of pictures last year so be prepared!

I will be working tomorrow so I've only got today to get packed and finish my errands. First things first, pack the Halloween goodie bags...those college girls are waiting for them!

(Bren and Lene...I'll be there until Tuesday. Maybe we can get together Sunday night for dessert or sometime Monday?)

Birthday Greetings!

Saturday was my good friend Kathy's birthday so I thought we'd help her celebrate at work today. I brought in some treats to share, and if you know me, it won't be hard to guess what I had in mind...


My motto is that you can never go wrong with cupcakes. Cupcakes make everybody happy. I also made Kathy her own special cupcake cake. This is about the 4th one of these that I've made and the recipients always seem to love them because really, what's better than getting your own giant cupcake!?!


I have known Kathy for almost 6 years and I have never known her to decorate her home for any holiday, ever. She doesn't even decorate her Christmas tree, she leaves that to her husband and kids to do. I'm at the point now that I'm determined to get her into the spirit of decorating, so guess what I gave her for her birthday. Yes, I sure did...I gave her Halloween gifts. I made her one of the Fall/Halloween swags that I've made this year and I also gave her one of my Boo plaques. She seemed to enjoy them and made the comment that her daughter will be thrilled because now they'll have some decorations for Halloween. Mission accomplished!

I think 15 people must have asked Kathy to open up her gift today so that they could see what she had received. I'm not quite sure if our co-workers wanted to see her cute gifts or if they actually just wanted to "see what Linda made!" I'll admit it, I'm not known for my crafting abilities and their curosity was getting the best of them. I'm happy to report that everyone loved Kathy's gifts, especially the ribbon swag. I hope Michael's has their Christmas ribbon on hand because tonight many of my co-workers were making a pit stop at Michael's on their way home. They all want a Christmas swag!

52 Blessings

Today is Sunday...and I am blessed!

This song, Heart of Worship, has been a long time favorite of mine.

Lord, please help me to always remember that it's not about me, but that it's all about you, Jesus!

Can We Expect Our Goodie Bags!?!

I just got a call from my daughter a few hours ago (she is a sophomore in college at Arizona State)...she's wanting to know if I'm going to be sending her and her roommates "goodie bags" for Halloween.

Yes, they are in college but they.want.their.goodie.bags!

I have been making my kids and their friends little treat bags for each holiday since they were in elementary school. I know I probably enjoy making them more than they enjoy getting them but it's just something fun to do.

Why should this holiday be any different from any of the other holidays except now the goodie bags arrive by mail. Sure kids...I'm on it! Only this time I'll be delivering them in person next week!

Oh and by the way, my daughter tells me that Tim, a longtime friend has inquired about his goodie bag for Halloween. I've been instructed that I can just send his to his dorm at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo where he is a sophomore too! Like I said, I'm on it!

Boo Sign Tutorial

A few of you asked how I made my Boo sign so I thought I'd take a minute and give you a little tutorial. Believe me, it was so simple that it really will only take a minute to tell you how I made it.

Supplies I used:

1 8x10 frame
1 can of flat black spray paint
newspaper
boo sign (Michael's)
1 can spray adhesive

First off, I spray painted an old frame that I had at the house. I gave it 2 coats. I cut out a piece of newspaper the size of the cardboard backing from the frame and with the spray adhesive, glued it to the cardboard.

I also spray painted the Boo sign that I got from Michael's. I paid about $2.00 for it. It originally had a spiral metal handle on it so that it could be hung up but I took my metal clippers and cut it off.

I put spray adhesive on one side of the Boo sign and placed it directly on the newspaper. I then placed the glass to the frame in back of the cardboard for more support. There is no glass in the front of the frame as the Boo lifts up off the page a bit.

That's it. It really couldn't be any easier. I hope these instructions are easy enough to follow, if not, let me know.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Each and everyday I see more and more incredible ideas for Fall and Halloween decorating ideas. There are so many creative and fun ideas floating around in blogland that I'm finding it hard to tear myself away from the computer!

I've seen so many great creations that what I have done so far has included none of my normal decorations. I haven't brought out any of my old decorations yet, everything I've done to date has been the result of talented, creative bloggers!

Here are 3 of my favorite things I've done so far...


One of the first things I made this fall was this ribbon swag. It was so easy to do and I just love it. I can't wait to make one for Christmas.


These BOO signs have been all over blogland. I'm on the lookout now for more frames so that I can make up a few more of these to give to some girlfriends and family members this Halloween.


I just finished my "spooky" tree yesterday (I'm sorry it's blurry). I brought these branches home with me from our recent trip to the mountains. I forget what type of bush they come from but I know your not allowed to cut any of the branches off of these bushes. I picked up these fallen branches while on our hike down the mountain. I spray painted them black and viola!

So for our Friday question I'm wondering what ideas you've seen in blogland that you've tried out for yourself this Halloween season? I'd love to see and hear about them!

Am I The Only One Who Has A Problem With This?

There is a blog that I visit occasionally that has been on my mind for a few months now. In fact, I can't get it out of my mind. Let me tell you a little bit about it and then I want your opinion.

She is married to a professional husband, mother of 6 (college age down to preschool), and blogs about raising her family and the joys/heartache that is involved in doing so. She writes about her everyday life just like the rest of us. Although she didn't talk about it much, from what I can tell she developed a weight problem after having her children and it bothered her...it bothered her enough that she had surgery for it over a year ago.

Unbeknownst to us in blogland, she again went in for surgery, down in Mexico, and she did not survive the surgery. Out of the blue, her husband wrote a post stating that it was with sadness that she had passed away on August 14th.

I.was.dumbfounded.

Not only have I not been able to get her out of my mind, and constantly thinking about her poor husband and children, but now I'm bothered by what I'm reading. Her husband has taken over her blog and will post from time to time.

Only 6 weeks after his wife's death, he told us that he felt it was time that he start dating...yes, dating.

And.he.has!

Am I the only one who has a problem with this? Come on...6 weeks. I find this highly disrespectful to his late wife. They were married for almost 20 years and he only gives it 6 weeks. He met a woman and as of a few weeks ago had gone on 4-5 dates with her that week alone. He feels good that he knows he can "feel something for someone again." He thinks he has feelings for this new woman. As of his last post, the new woman had gone back to her old boyfriend but he's ok with it because he knows he can "feel" again.

This man's life is obviously none of my business but I am so bothered by his behavior. Am I wrong? Are you happy for him...happy that he is moving on? Of course I want this total stranger to move on and be happy but I feel he should give it time. What happened to the idea of waiting one year, grieving, before starting a new life? Everyone who leaves him a comment gives him praise for taking this step. I haven't left a comment because I'm afraid I'll speak up and say "what are you thinking?" Is he already trying to find a new mother for his kids? I worry about the ramifications this will have on his family.

Please give me your thoughts, I'd love to hear what you think about all of this.

Birthday Goodness - Part 2

My blogging friend Jan sent me the greatest gift package for my birthday last month. Each and everything she picked out is something that I would buy myself. She also sent along a bag of carmel corn with cashews that was amazing. The carmel corn didn't make it into the picture because, well...it was long gone way before the picture was taken! Jan, thank you again for everything.


Another wonderful blogging friend, Janiece, sent me this special treat and I love it. I didn't have a "Home Sweet Home" plaque so when it arrived I was thrilled! Janiece and I have been blogging buddies for a few months now and like I've told her...if we were neighbors, I know we'd be fast friends! Thank you Janiece for my very welcomed and special gift.


Now I'm sure all of you know Kacey from Doodle Bugs Paper, but if you don't, you need to check out her blog soon. She has such talent! Kacey sent me a birthday gift that I truly just about screamed out loud when I opened it up. She sent me the most darling little pouch with stickers inside and as you can see they are just about the cutest stickers around! Kacey, I hope you're making and selling these now because I know I'm going to need more real soon!


Kacey's sister Kim Sue is a blogging buddy too and was sweet enough to remember my birthday as well. Kim Sue sent me these adorable gift cards that will certainly come in handy. Being a lover of all things paper, this was the perfect gift. Thanks Kim Sue!


When I got home from vacation there was a sweet package waiting for me...a package from blogging friend and fellow RN Jennifer. Jennifer sent me something that is a favorite of mine and something that I like collecting. I love dish towels and put a special one out for all occasions (just ask my family!) Thank you Jennifer for my special fall dish towel!


Last, but not least, thank you blogging buddies Jennifer H, Lene, and Patti for the birthday cards you sent my way. They were so appreciated!

As you can see I was spoiled rotten this birthday by wonderful, thoughtful friends that I've met through blogging...women I adore and whose friendships I cherish. Thank you to each and every one of you. Also, thank you to all who left a kind and loving birthday comment. I should have started blogging years ago...bloggers made this one of the best birthdays ever!

52 Blessings

Today is Sunday and I am blessed!

This has got to be one of the best videos ever...to a very beautiful song. It's amazing!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Target or Wal-Mart...which one do you prefer?

If you know me at all, you know I'm a Target girl all the way. Not trying to be snobby or anything but I don't go to Wal-Mart...ever! The aisles are to stuffed and we call it the throw up store. My sister-in-law was shopping at Wal-Mart a few years back and my niece slipped and fell. Guess what she slipped in!?! Yep, you guessed it!

Birthday Goodness - Part I

Generally, I don't like it when my birthday rolls around...in fact, every year I dread it! I really don't know why except for the fact that I hate getting older! I feel much younger than I am and I don't like being over the hill!

But this year was different!

This wonderful group of blogging buddies that I have come to know and love showered me with so much kindness, generosity, and love that it turned out to be one of the best birthdays ever. I'll take some time over the next few days to show you the wonderful, thoughtful gifts I received.

A box filled with awesome goodies from sweet Bren was the first to arrive. You could tell with each item that she really thought about things I may have said and then picked up on it, even down to the pink packaging it was all bundled up in. She knows I love pink! She also included photos of 2 children, a boy and a girl. She said she thought this was maybe what my 2 kids looked like when they were younger. Now really, how thoughtful and special is that!!! At some point soon, I'll dig out some older pictures of my 2 loves and you can judge for yourself (I'll tell you though, Bren did a pretty good job!)


And you gotta love the candles..."31"...just too cute! You can't tell by this picture but she also sent some biscuits for my little Jakester and a book which I forgot to include in the picture, it's a devotional and entitled "Footprints in the Sand." I've always loved the Footprints in the Sand poem...it can bring me to tears just thinking about it.

Thank you Bren for everything but especially for being the person that you are! You are loved and so appreciated!

What Type of Blogger Are You?

What does your blogging style say about you? Mine says...

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends. People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support. You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone. You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

I don't know about the best looking blog on the block but I truly do love anything beautifully decorated...even blogs.

SPT - 100 Things About Me

Lelly's challenge this month: we will consult our 100 lists. it's quite simple, really. on the 7th of the month post an spt about item #7 on your list. on the 14th of the month, post an spt about item #14. and so on. and so on.

#7 on my 100 Things About Me list says:

"I've been married over half my life...to the same man"

Yep, it's true...and you know, I'm really proud of my #7! It's so easy to go in and out of marriage these days that people don't take it seriously. But we did...and we still do.

My husband and I have tried our best to be good examples for our two children, in all areas of our lives, but especially when it comes to marriage vows. I know it makes my kids proud to have both of their parents active in their daily lives (even at 20 and 23 years of age) and proud that we all have a history together. Marriage hasn't always been easy or fun, but one thing is true, we've always stuck together...for better or for worse.

If you'd like to see more of my 100 Things About Me list, I have a link on my sidebar.

(I'll try and get hubby to take a self-portrait with me today and add it in...but we'll see how that goes. He's not a camera loving guy.)

We're Back Home

As much as I love to go out and explore this big beautiful country of ours, I truly love getting back home too. In some ways, I'm such a homebody.

We arrived home late last night and boy there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed! This last week of being in such close quarters with a husband that snores loud enough to raise the roof was completely exasperating...and exhausting. He did go out one night and buy some of those nose strips and some throat spray to help with the snoring, and it did help a tiny bit, but not much. It got so bad that one night Brandon slept in the car. I really wonder if Howard realizes how much his snoring affects others because it's pure torture for anyone who sleeps in the same room with him!

I don't go back to work until the end of the week and it's a good thing because I've got so much to do around here. I've got bills to pay, birthday good mail to acknowledge, laundry and unpacking to do, posts to write, Halloween decorating/organizing to start...and most importantly, sleep to catch up on!

We're also moving forward with getting our house ready to sell so we'll be having some of the inside painted and the complete exterior painted too. We got the bid done before we left and will be organizing this over the next couple of weeks. Our house is in really good shape but there are always things that need to be done when you want to put your home on the market. We know it's not the time to sell a home with the market as bad as it is, but we want to be ready. Wait, I should rephrase that...I want to be ready. Howard is fighting me tooth and nail about moving, but that's another post completely!

I also can't wait to catch up with all of you, I feel so disconnected! I hope your all settling in and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. It's glorious isn't it!!

Heading Home

I'm still on vacation...not sleeping much, but still going strong. We will be heading for home today. As much as I love vacations, I love getting home too.

This has been a very productive trip. We've gone to many cities that I've been curious about and even have found a business venture to consider. We've been able to pretty much narrow down areas/cities that we are interested in moving to within the next year or two. Although I love Oregon, I liked Washington the best. Of course, my hubby likes Oregon better...figures, sometimes we are just on the opposite ends of the spectrum. It will be a miracle if I can get him to move out of California at all. Only time will tell.

We're in Hood River right now, with a great view of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Yesterday it just rained and rained. It feels good to finally enjoy cooler weather instead of the constant heat of home. I'm loving it! How's the weather in your part of the world these days?

(Have any of you read about the O.J. verdict? It looks like the law finally caught up with him...finally!!)

Lack of Sleep

We've been on the road since Monday and we've already got some serious sleeping issues going on...or should I say "lack of sleep" issues.

My husband snores so loud he could wake up the neighbors, yet Brandon and I are sharing very close quarters with him in hotel rooms while we're on vacation.

Brandon is frustrated, I am frustrated, and we're both TIRED!

It was the middle of the night last night when Brandon loudly shouted "DAD, STOP SNORING!!" Finally, super early this morning Brandon just got up, got dressed, and headed downstairs. He said he had no idea his Dad snored so bad. Believe me, I warned him.

I can already tell this is going to be a lovely trip. I seriously think I should have gotten a prescription for some sleeping pills before we left the house. Brandon bought himself a glass of wine last night. We both need something.

Better yet, maybe Howard should just sleep in the car!