Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you, God, for a hundred things-
for the flower that blooms, for the bird that sings,
for the sun that shines,
and the rain that drops,
for ice cream and raisins and lollipops.

Thank you, God, for the gift of time-
For the clocks that tick, and the bells that chime,
for days gone by,
and future cheers,
For seasons, and moments, for hours and years.

Thanks for the people who give life pizzazz-
for folks who play sports, those who act and play jazz,
for friends and for families,
For folks of all races,
for hands that give help and for bright smiling faces.

Thanks for the planet you give as our home-
For the sky with its clouds, for the oceans white foam,
For the creatures and critters,
The lakes, falls and fountains,
For hills and for valley, for canyons and mountains.

Thank you, God, for the gift of your Son-
For the love Jesus shared, for the battle He won
Over death, for the promise
That He would be near
To lead and to guide and to hold us so dear.

Thank you, God, for a hundred things-
For autumn and pumpkins, for dragonfly wings
For Thanksgiving dinners,
For seasides and shore,
For a hundred things, and a thousand things more.

My brothers are facing major changes in their lives. I thank you, God for giving me the chance to speak with them, laugh, and joke with them, and reassure them that their lives will be better when these crisis are behind them. My oldest bro has had a mild heart attack. He refused to stay in the hospital when they wanted to do further tests, even a possible cardiac catherization. He is worried about the costs, the time off work, the procedure itself.
My youngest bro is having major surgery on Tuesday-bypass surgery to correct all his clogged vessels. This is only 2 years after having 7 stents put in. Both need to totally change their life styles-no smoking, being the #1 change. I'm praying for them both. Their lives are precious to me, and I love them both. That's three of us having heart problems this year.

Despite the bad news, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving for me. Earl and I spent time, helping our community, being able to provide a meal to our neighbors, celebrating the day with Mass and Eucharist, enjoying a meal with Earl's brother, and wife, bringing communion to a hospice patient, and fixing a dinner for our daughters, and grandchildren. Life can change so quickly. I am ever grateful for each moment I am given. May God bless us all with his grace and peace.

My Week in October.

I've been so behind on blogging, and reading everyone else's, but decided to try to do my week of my life. I'm not to sure I can do a daily one. So here goes....
I'll start with last Sunday, working, as I traded with a co-worker, who needed the Sunday before off. She, luckily, got an on-call, as we had a quiet weekend. That all changed during the week, and the following weekend. The full moon hit! So up @ 5:15 am, and was assigned the postpartum...three moms, and three newborns. One had a prolapsed cord with an emergency C/S, another, visiting from out of town, had premature breaking of her bag of waters,and was breech, so she had a C/S, and the third one, pushed for 3hrs. and baby stayed wedged in there, so she was a C/S.
And me, I was moving like I had a C/S, as the day before, my back went out on me. But I managed to make it for most of the day, then told them I had to go sick because of my back. Relaxing @ home with a warm pack to my back was heaven. It gave me the few hours I needed to face the rest of the week.


Monday, I forced myself to go exercising. I work out Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays each week through Cardiac rehab. I felt bad that I turned Lorrie down when she asked me to babysit Sawyer, but I was facing four more days of working, and my back was a mess. I barely could get out of the car, but as I moved more, my back loosened up, and I was able to walk gingerly on the treadmill for 20", and lift some weights. It did help my back.
I worked in ICN that evening after rushing home to see Earl, and eat lunch, and shower. The little girl that was in there was about 37wks. along, with some respiratory, and feeding difficulties. Her mom had no prenatal care, and was adopting her out. She had a C/S for fetal distress, and she didn't want to see her, or care for her. It was a sad situation. She had two other children, 2 boys, but told us she couldn't care for another child, even tho she had really wanted a girl. So there she was, in a isolette, alone, but not without attention, that's for sure. One of the nurses named her, another, got a girly girl outfit for her. She was rocked, tube-fed at first, then bottled, talked to, and listened to music playing. Later, she was joined by a newborn boy who was a little shocky @ birth, with his umb. cord wrapped all around him, and he also had a irregular heart rhythm, skipping beats on occasion. But then, his heart rate began to beat regularly, so the Dr. left orders that if he stayed stable, he could be transferred to the regular nursery @ midnight. Well, little girl decided she wasn't getting enough attention, started alarming, and when I listened to her heartbeat, she was having premature beats. I worked an extra 45"at the end of my shift, finishing my notes after notifying the Dr., ordering an EKG, and labs on her. Forget my aching back!
Tuesday morning, I was awakened @ 6:30am, to go with Earl up to St. Cloud for an exam of his ears, and hearing test. He was fitted for new hearing aids, and will pick them up sometime in November. We went out to IHOP for breakfast after that, and had the special: fruit crepes, and strawberry french toast.
Got home, got ready for work, and was assigned as labor nurse, but since we had no one in labor @ the time, I took care of two post C/S moms. The first mom checked out fine @ 4pm-no pain, no bleeding, stable vital signs. The 2nd mom I had on Sunday, and she was doing well with her baby. By 5 pm, my 1st mom decided to bleed profusely when she sat up, and after massaging her uterus repeatedly, and removing a few clots, she stopped bleeding. Her bed and pad was saturated with blood. After cleaning her up, I checked her often, and thankfully no more of that occurred. But then I find out, there's a labor patient coming in for a cytotic induction. After many phone calls, someone came to take my moms, and I admitted the labor pt. She didn't deliver before I left, and I jokingly told her, have that baby before I return tomorrow.
I stumbled into bed @ 1:30pm after being up 21.5 hrs.

It's Wednesday! I slept til8:45 am, got the dogs out of their kennels, and let them outside. They always make a mad dash out the door, like they've been trapped inside forever. I managed to make some coffee, and breakfast, got the newspaper, and sat down to read my daily Mass readings of scripture, and reflections. This centers me for the day. God is #1 with me, and I try to start my day thinking of Him, and thanking Him for this day. I find myself humming a song I heard the night before on the radio on K-Love, a christian music station. It gives very positive messages thruout the day, and very uplifting songs. Then I eat breakfast, and read the paper. Then I get dressed, and take the dogs for a walk to get the mail, after throwing in a load of clothes to be washed. Then I leave for work. I have to be there by 12:15pm for a mandatory inservice about setting up for a emergency C/S. A staff meeting follows that, and then I am working 3-11pm. As I walk on the floor, I see my mom from the night before, walking the halls, still pregnant, I say to her, haven't you had that baby yet? She says to me, I was waiting for you. Did I tell you this is her 8th child? I am assigned a mom who had twins, who are in ICN, for high bilirubin, and are jaundiced, under lites, and having feeding difficulties. I took care of all three of them. The mom was discharged after supper, but remained in her room, rooming in with the twins til bedtime, and then they went to the ICN overnight. It was a busy night, going back and forth, from mom's room to the icn to gavage feed the babies after trying to bottle, and putting them back under lites, after checking the bilirubin levels. There was also two more babies in ICN, the little adoptive girl, and the boy I had admitted earlier, with the same problems as earlier.
I was again in bed after 1 am.

Thursday-I am off work for one day! I did some wash, vacuumed the floors, and tried to do some of my bible study lesson from the week before. I have class today @ 1:00pm. Needless to say I didn't get it all done. I skipped the walk with the dogs, to their chagrin, fixed lunch quickly for Earl and I, and sped to Willmar for our bible study for two hrs. I really am enjoying this class, gathering in group discussion after watching a video, and sometimes discuss our answers to the questions, but mostly talking about how it applies to our life today, and what is happening to each of us. It's great to be open to others about how you feel about things, and your religion.
After that, Earl and I head to the store to get something for supper, and provide a snack for out Area social concerns meeting, which is being hosted by us @ St. Patrick's. We opted for pizza for supper, and halloween cupcakes for snacks.
Our meeting started @ 7:00pm, and lasted til 9:00pm. Earl then took off to bed, as he had to get up @ 4:00am for work. I stayed up to watch CSI which I taped, then headed for bed.

Friday-Breakfast, reading, folding clothes, walking dogs, getting mail, exercising, getting an on call for 10", then being called and told I had to come to work. So I rushed home, eat something, showered, and sped back to Willmar to work. Again, I was the labor nurse. Two moms being induced. One, 18, moving slowly, but handling labor well, with a doula present. The other, having #6, but not having active labor. Meeting her husband, who told me he stopped @ Caribou coffee, and ordered his wife a Chai Tea, but when he mentioned that his wife was in labor, they gave him the tea free. I asked if he knew Earl, and he said yes, he goes there every day. Then we laughed...he said, what a small world, here you are taking care of my wife, and I met your husband this morning. It is a small world. Sorry to say, I sent her home undelivered that night.
Saturday-nice sunny day, so with Earl's help, we raked, raked, and raked for three hrs. the whole front yard, and make two trips to the dump.
Mahlee and Mac loved the leaves, too, rolling in them. This is what it looked like today, Sunday, after the blast of wind, and snow showers came. Did I say we raked, and raked, and raked?

Summer Endings

As I reflect the happenings of the past two weeks, I am acutely aware of the workings of the Spirit within Earl and myself. Three years ago, Earl volunteered to help with the Grief Camp for Kids, and last year talked me into helping, too. This is a one day "camp" for 1st to 6th grade children who have experienced a loss of a loved one-mother, father, grandma, sibling, friend, etc... It is a way for them to express their grief, and help them understand, and deal with the grief they experience. I was reluctant to go last year, not sure what I could do to help, and what it involved. I came away from that day with much joy, and understanding of how important it is to have something like this for children. I saw how it changed their grief from complete sadness, to ways of expressing that sadness, and honoring the memory of their loved one. I was assigned two little boys who had lost their baby brother, who was a stillborn. Through stories, a movie, workbook, and memory box, they were able to express their sorrow and loss, along with all the other children. So this year, I willingly volunteered to help again.
When the two little boys came back again this year, they ran over to me and greeted me with smiles. Unfortunately, I assigned another child, so I directed them to their new volunteer. This time, I had a 6 yr. old girl, who had lost her grandmother to cancer @ a young age of 48. She started the day very quiet and shy, but by the end, she blossomed with talk about her grandma, and how much she loved her. I feel this is such a special program, and so happy to be a part of it. At the end of the day, we release balloons in the air with the person's name attached that they want to remember. It is a wonderful feeling of release.


Then, last friday, Dad finished his last day at the coffee shop. He was really bummed out about it, as he really enjoyed seeing the people @ the hospital, both workers, and visitors. But the bottom line was profits, and the hospital had to cut programs and things that were not keeping the hospital in the black. But as he prepared for his last day, he opened the readings for day from the scriptures, and guess what they were:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens....
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance....
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
As these verses point out so eloquently, life is full of ups and downs. We all go through times when we feel like we're on top of the world, but we also face times of challenge and tragedy. How do we cope with the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job?
Ironically, the key to weathering the storms of life is often found within, and our connection to God can grow stronger, and deepen our faith. But if you are still searching, it can be a doorway that opens our hearts to His mercy and grace. But I think that the most important reason why tragedies can be blessings, is that we can encourage others facing difficulties with the same strength we have received from God.
I am so proud to be Earl's wife, and so glad he is in mine. I have seen the changes he has gone through, and though he doesn't realize the impact he had made on others in his work, I have listened to the expressions from many who came in contact with him.
He was bombarded with gifts, and cards, tears, hugs, photos, and sayings. What a wonderful accolade for his three years there, let alone getting "Employee of the Year" last year. He will be missed by many, and what more can anyone ask for, for a job well done.
But life goes on, and he will start anew with Caribou Coffee in a couple of weeks as a shift
supervisor, getting the hours he wanted, and weekends off.

Weekend of Camping

It's been a very busy summer for us. I can't say we haven't done a lot of traveling, for sure. But, still, we longed to go camping at least once this summer. The camper had been sitting in the driveway all through the warm weather. So, the first weekend in September, we packed it up, and took flight to our campground in Spirit Lake, Ia. The dogs were excited, too, to be going with us, instead of being left behind. The weather was cool, even misty @ intervals, but we didn't care. We took plenty of walks, in the campground, and surrounding areas. It was perfect for relaxing, and enjoying each other.










We all need weekends like this now and then.

The State Fair, 2008

Earl and I got tickets thru the hospital, discounted and included a bus to the State Fair. We had gone last year, and decided that it was the only way to go there. We also asked Alaina and Jonnie to go with us. So Friday after I worked my 12 hr shift, I asked Lorrie to bring them to the hospital, and I brought them home to spend the night, so we could an early start. The bus left @ 7 am., and the children got to sit in the front seat, which was good for Alaina, who gets car sick easy.
It was a beautiful sunny day, in the mid 80's by afternoon, tho a little cool in the morning, so the kids borrowed our jackets to wrap up in on the way to the cities. Of course, the first thing Jonnie wanted to do was get on a ride. But he patiently waited til we checked out a few things, and sampled some food. Throughout the day, of course, there was more sampling...snowballs, ice cream sundaes, cheese curds, cherry pepsi, wine ice cream(adults only), cheeseburgers, fries, corn dogs, bubblegum swirl cones, water, water, water, Sweet martha's choc. chip cookies.








Finally, we went to the Midway to check out the rides. Jonnie jumped on the first one he saw.

As he swirled around and flew in the air, Alaina and I watched him close his eyes, and bend his head down. I think he was a little scared, but when he came off, he was so excited and said it was really fun. Next he went on the tilt a whirl. Couldn't get Alaina to go with him. Then he went on the bumper cars.

Grandpa and him also went on the river raft ride. Again, I asked Alaina to join them. No way! So her and I watched them get wet, along with all the others on the rafts.

We visited the Miracle of Birth barn, a pioneer scene, a Sham Wow demonstration, the butter sculptors of the Dairy Princesses, watched a parade, seen the train display in the Ag Building, bought Grandpa a hat, watched a dog obedience show, and finally, after walking and walking, we took the Sky Glider back to our starting point to catch the bus home.
Our self portrait on the Glider. Alaina loved the ride in the sky!

The Wedding

It was a beautiful celebration of Adam and Maja's love and commitment to a life together, and a fusion of two families who love them both. It was personally an emotional experience for Earl and myself, seeing our only son, and last one getting married. During the tears, and lumps in our throats, I saw Jonnie nudge Aidan, and heard him say, "Look at Grandpa, he's crying!"
With temps @ 107 degrees, yes, it was hot, but it didn't seem to matter during the Mass, and exchanging of vows, and rings, and pledges of love. Even little Luci was an angel, and I was very proud of my son. He won't have an easy road to travel for awhile, going to college, working full time, and moving in with the In-laws, and caring for his family, but pursuing his dreams will help him get through in all. I love Maja, and am so happy to have her part of this crazy female-dominate group.
And then the fun began @ the reception. Our crazy dance loving family dominated the floor most of the night. We can't help it, we all just love to dance, and enjoy the music. Maja's brother, Peter, did a great job, playing his guitar, and singing for the wedding couple's first dance. I loved the song I danced with Adam, Josh Groban's "You raised Me Up". And Jonnie's slow dance with his Grandma was so special. It was over too soon.
The next day, we had to pack up and leave early to head back home.

Our trip to Out West and Spokane

What a week, and what a trip! We drove two days out to Spokane, and wouldn't have it any other way. The 1200+ miles was worth it, to see all the beautiful scenery up north, and west. It was our first time this far west, and honestly, I wasn't looking forward to driving so long, esp. after our two day drive out east. But as we got to the Badlands in North Dakota, the wheat and sunflower fields in eastern Montana, the mountain views in western Montana, and Idaho, and the crystal clear lakes, I couldn't get enough pictures.We heard it was going to be in the 90's that weekend. I thought, Oh great, as I thought about our dress attire for the wedding-Earl, in a tux, and me in a long sleeveless gown with a 3/4 sleeve jacket. But it wouldn't be that bad, as surely the church would be air-conditioned, and the rehearsal dinner @ Maja's parents had air-conditioning.
I made reservations for hotels on the way, while we were in Spokane, and on our way home. All in all, they were good choices, esp. where we stayed in Spokane.
So, Saturday, before the rehearsal, and dinner following for my son, Adam's wedding, we were invited to the community pool near Maja's parents. Yes, it was hot out, and the pool was refreshing, though not everyone got in. Too bad! Adam relaxed some, too.
Then , the rehearsal was @ the university building upstairs, three flights, in the chapel, as there was a wedding taking place @ the church. No air-conditioning! upper 90's!
Afterwards, we were invited to Maja's parents, Priscilla and David, for lasagna, salad, garlic bread, cheese, grapes, and pie/ice cream. Again, no air-conditioning! They were re-modeling their house, and the air-conditioner went up. Who could have guessed it would have been that warm this weekend? But we all survived the heat, and had a good time. They were so warm(no pun intended), and welcomed us all. I really felt comfortable with all of them.
We relaxed in the hotel pool the next day in the morning, before the wedding which was scheduled @ 3pm. We were asked to be there @ 1pm for pictures. And believe it or not, it was 107 degrees that day, and not air-conditioning in the church, or in the room that was used to get ready. I sweated in places I didn't know I could. But what can you do about it. We were all going through so many emotions, seeing our baby, and only son, getting married.
As we waited in church, for the Mass t0 begin, my batteries went dead, and I couldn't take any more pictures. I could just kick myself for not being prepared with extra batteries. So I have to depend on my daughters getting some good photos of the couple, and pics of the reception.
More about that later.

Another Summer trip

I'm getting excited about this trip. We are headed to Washington state to see our son, Adam, get married to a wonderful woman, Maja. As I pack again, I have tried to plan out this trip, as to where to stay on the way there, and back. The time will go back so fast. Our daughter Sharyn is coming with us, and we plan to leave very early in the morning, to drive the 1200+miles it takes. I tried my dress on for the wedding, and it fits perfectly. I hear it's suppose to be in the 90's all weekend, and sunny. Can't wait to see everyone. Will get lots of pictures and post them when we get back. Chris, have a safe trip on Friday. Thinking about Lorrie and Danielle...they should have arrived @ Glacier by now. Love to all.

Our Anniversary

As we headed home, seeing the girls, and Julie & Greg, waving goodbye, we reflected on our trip. It's hard to go back, and see the family for such a short time, knowing you won't see them again for a long while, but with the help of the internet, we all try to stay in touch. And even though, things were tense at times, with the baby coming, Mara's food issues, I admire the challenges Julie and Greg face daily And the girls were a delight to be with, and we'll miss that daily interaction with them. And, of course, baby Rose... So we drove to South Bend, Indiana, where the national baton twirling competition was taking place, and hotel rooms were booked up. Luckily, the first hotel we stopped at, checked with a hotel down the street, and got us a room. We made it home safely the next day. We really enjoyed this trip...the Envoy was very comfortable, we stopped when we felt like it to rest, and stretch, and we enjoyed each other's company.

So Sunday was spent unpacking, and catching up on mail, and news. Then, after working the rest of the week, we again packed, and headed for Duluth. Steve and Kory, who were going with us, purchased a 2005 Toyota Sienna, and offered to drive us up there. We did fine til we got to Superior, and couldn't find Barker's Island, where we booked our hotel. So I called my youngest, Danielle, and she gave us directions to the place, and we then met her and her family for dinner @ The Shack. We've eaten there before, and they have good food! Seems the whole area around Duluth is booked up, and reservations for dinner were hard to come by at the popular restaurants. It was a nice relaxing time, and I finally was able to give Nevie her birthday presents, as she turned 3 on July 10th. Danielle, Shawn, and the kids were heading to Hayward camping with friends the next day. We did drive by their house on the way back to the hotel to see Shawn's new paint job. Nice!

So the next day, we decided to get up early to see the Tall Ships, as we heard there was a 5 hr. wait in line the previous day to get on the ships. Here are photos of the ships:
We decided it wasn't worth standing in line to actually board the ships after seeing them all being packed on board, but not going below deck. so we just took lots of pictures.

Then, we walked, and walked, all around Canal Park...watched a ship leave the harbor, and saw the lift bridge go up and down.

It was the most perfect weather that weekend, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other, and all the activities despite the crowds of people. Happy 40th Anniversary.
Now I know Earl wanted so much more for our 40th, but it was special because we spent it together. Maybe this winter, when the temps are below zero, we can escape to warmer climates and celebrate our 40 yrs. together again.
That night we had reservations at the Barkers Island Inn, and then walked around the marina. I even had Maryland crab cakes, which were delicious, and tasted just like home!