Future Winterhawk!

We have been meaning to go and watch Hunter at his hockey practice and haven't been able to make it until this week.  Alison had to work on Thursday (she usually has it off) and so, she needed us to watch the kids and take Hunter to Hockey.  It was perfect!  I had a Special Olympic meeting which I told them I couldn't make, this was important.

Unfortunately, I had a migrane which didn't go away.  At the ice rink, the cold didn't help it either but I was stubborn and bound and determined to watch my little guy.

He was awesome!  I can't believe how good he has gotten!  It is hard to believe that he will be six next month and here he is skating with the big boys!  One proud Nana here!

He is so happy out there on the ice, definitely in his element!  He is the youngest in his group but the tallest!  Soon he will be doing games on Sunday (I hope it is in the afternoon!).  Hunter is definitely working on his lifetime goal of being a Winterhawk!!

Granny McGrevy

I have been going through old pictures--I love old pictures!  The sepia tones and black and white ones are the best.  One of them has my Granny McGrevy hanging on to me, Nana is holding my brother and my Aunt Hilda and mom are standing behind us. 

 

 

 

I loved both Nana and Granny "Grevy".  I remember Nana and me going to visit her at her home in Barrow-in-Furness England.  We would board the bus and ride all the way to Granny's house.  I remember roses that were in her yard and how her eyes lit up when she saw us.  I was only three at that time.

 

Me at three.

 

Granny adored me and I adored her.  I never understood why Grand-dad wouldn't go with us to Granny's house and she would never come to Nana's house. I didn't find out the reason until I was a teenager.  Granny was Catholic Irish and Grand-dad was Protestant British.  They never got along but it didn't stop us from visiting Granny.  To that I am grateful!  Their religious differences were apparent at their death, too.  They were both buried in the same cementary.  Granny in the Catholic side, Grand-dad in the Protestant side.  So sad, they were both beautiful warm people.  They could have had so many wonderful memories if not for their man made barrier of religion.

When I was a teenager, we were stationed in Germany.  Granny hadn't seen me since I was young.  However, I was a teenager and it was all about me and boys.  I didn't have time for family.

We went to visit our British family for about a week. I saw Granny once only once....I have always regretted that.  I should have spent more time with her since she passed away shortly after that.  I carried guilt for many years.  My foolishness cost me precious time with her.  Sigh, my only hope lies in Heaven, when we will have all eternity to visit!

My Brother



Lately I have been doing the Circle Maker 40 Days of prayer. Basically it is forty days praying a circle around individuals, your family or others.  I chose to pray a circle around someone and their family.  At the time, I didn't think about adding to that but the LORD gently nudged me to pray a circle around my brother too.

Me and Jim

Jim and I were close growing up.  I was his big sister and he, my baby brother.  There were alot of good times until we became adults and then we drifted apart.  We both had families of our own, went through divorces, and other life experiences thousands of miles apart.

I haven't got enough room to go into everything but let's say that Jim took a different path than me.  He used to date a Christain whom I can't remember her name.  Their breakup was a nasty one and one that may have shaped his anti-Christain stand now.  He found that the world owed him everything and it was all about him.  He turned to alcohol and became an alcoholic. Years ago, I remember calling him crying for him to get help. He didn't.

I do still love my brother, I do not love what he has become and how he treats others.  Every year I send him a card on his birthday, February 22.  This year is no different.  When I called mom (I call her every week), I heard his voice in the background thanking me for the card but where is the $57? He just turned 57.  On his 50th birthday, I sent him $50, now he expects it every time.

Jim and I don't talk unless I happen to call for mom and he picks up the phone.  He is usually drunk and our conversation isn't long.  I have been called all sorts of names to my face and behind my back by my brother.  Yes, it hurts, enough said on that.

On February 21, the phone rang--it was my mom's phone number.  I feared something happened.  She doesn't call except on my birthday maybe.  I was definitely surprised to hear my brother on the other end. Drunk of course but hey, I'll take it.

He was thanking me for the card.  It was a humorous card.  My sister said he was grateful it wasn't religious.  He talked about he won't live to see another birthday because of his health though later he said he wants to stop the medications he is on since he is feeling better.  I told him he says this every birthday, according to mom and my sister.

He rambled on about nothing really.  At the end, I told him that I loved him.  He shrugged it off with a grunt and said good bye.  I didn't expect a miracle but I felt better saying it since I can't remember the last time I told him that--I think it was in high school, maybe.

The next day, his birthday, I called him to wish him Happy Birthday.  I thought that I would probably get mom on the phone since he is usually passed out when I do call on this day.  Surprise! He answered.  We talked about his health again but Jim had me cracking up laughing.  He does have a gift in that--there is a good comical book in him somewhere. 

Then he got serious.  He told me that today is the last drink.  Of course he told me he bought three six packs to make it alot.  Still, I was amazed that he was going to do it.  He said he had some pills that will make him not want to drink.  They worked years ago and he is going to try them again.

I know that his son threatened to leave and go home to his mother.  I didn't let him know that.  I told him that I hope that he can do it.  At the end of our conversation, again, I said "I love you." and I did mean it.  He knocked me off my feet because he replied, "I love you too, Dena".  I was speechless.

So I rejoice in the fruits of praying a circle around my brother!  Now I am determined more than ever to continue both circles of prayer.  I am excited to see the LORD work his wonders!

Civil War History Lesson Enroute to the Playground

Yesterday we walked with the grandkids and Misha to the playground.  On the way, Hunter was telling me all about the Civil War.  When I asked him if he learned about it from school, his reply was no, he read it in a book.  Hunter said that "his team" the North won against the South.  It happened in 1864 and a lot of people died.  I told him a little about the reason (slavery) and tried to explain what slavery was.  Interesting conversation.  I asked him if he knew who the President was in the Civil War to which he exclaimed, "Abraham Lincoln!"  Smart kid, so I asked him if he knew who the generals were that led the North and South.  No, he didn't and so we discussed that for a while.
It is amazing how smart this kid is!  Guess I better brush up on my history.

We got to the playground and to Hunter's surprise, his friend "Riley" was there!  He was so elated about it.  Grace, Hunter, Riley and another kid from the other Kindergarten played happily for an hour.  Riley" grandma was there and we had a great time talking to her.  Then she pointed at Riley and Hunter holding hands, to which I said to not to worry, Riley is one of three girls from Kindergarten whom Hunter said he might marry.  He is a charmer!

Not a bad day...I walked, made a friend, and learned about the Civil War from my almost six year old grandson.  :)

Getting Away From Processed Foods



That is my latest goal.  Or at least cut down on how much we eat.  I got two books on making mixes, dressings, etc. on my own.  They have some great recipes and I love not having corn syrup and other additives in my food.  So, once I use up the processed food, I replace it with a mix of my own. 

I made fruit snacks for the kids last week--they loved them!  Gonna make some more with with less gelatin to make it more like the processed kind.  It is just 100% fruit juice and plain gelatin!  I have some candy molds and the kids will help me make some more tomorrow!

Here are the mixes I did today:

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mix...good bye Quaker Instant Oats packages!  Cornbread Mix--no more little Jiffy boxes!  Pancake and Waffle Mix--sorry, Bisquick!  Healthier and cheaper too!  Next is my dressings, bye bye Newman's Own, gonna be "Nana's Own Raspberry Vinaigrette" :)

The ingredients for the Jiffy Cornbread is as follows: Wheat flour, degerminated yellow corn meal, sugar, animal shortening (contains one or more of the following: Lard, partially hydrogenated lard, contains less than the following:  baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate, salt, mono calcium phosphate, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mono nitrate, riboflavin, folic acid.

Mine:  cornmeal, sugar (but I use half) whole wheat flour, baking powder ( I use half of what it calls for) and a little baking soda.  NO LARD!!

I didn't add any more salt because there is plenty from the baking powder but I have control over how much to add and I like that!

Feels good to do this for us and for the grandchildren too! Small steps for good health!

Misha Rae

Misha is our grand puppy.  We have been taking care of her lately since she has managed to get herself in a little trouble at home.  Larry made a "catio" were the cats go out to a caged structure with levels for them to rest on the deck in the sun.

So Misha probably thought "why not me?"  Here she is with Lucy the cat in the catio.  Alison was afraid that Misha might get her collar caught and hurt herself.  Because of her break-ins into the catio, she is at our house.  We don't mind and it has been nice to have her.

Today, I decided that both Wayne and Misha need to get a little exercise.  So, off we went to the school to let Misha go wild.  She loved the fact that she could explore in the field near Baker Prairie Middle School.  She didn't even notice a couple of dogs that walked by.  She was too busy.  Wayne did okay with his knee but we need to make this a habit for him to recover.  Looks like we will have a very happy grand puppy with this decision.  That morning she got a slice of bacon and then this walk---so when we came home, she was exhausted and crashed on the couch (with a pillow for  her head), too spoilt but we love her!

 

 





"C-U-D-P-Y"

Yesterday, we needed to pick up a couple of things in Oregon City so, we swung by to see Alison and the kids.  When we got there, Alison was trying to organize her pantry with little luck.  So, Wayne and I volunteered to watch the kids while she got the pantry done at the other side of the house.  It was a joy to do so.

Hunter was actively engaged in a bowling game with the pins and ball we gave him years ago.  He was meticulously writing down his score and tallying it.  Though he didn't have the right calculations, he had the jest of it. 

Grace was organizing her cookie cutters by color.  Ah, she is definitely her Mama's and Nana's girl!  Love organizing and Miss Grace does too!

When she was done with that, Grace laid out her alphabet cookie cutters.  Wayne has been helping her read by sounding out letters, so, this time the table was reversed.  She laid out the letters, "C-U-D-P-Y" and told us to sound it out to figure out what word it was.

Well we tried and couldn't get it.  After several attempts and several helps with Grace helping us sound it out.  It finally hit! C-U-D-P-Y! Cu--t--pie-- Cutie Pie!  Beaming, Grace said "Great job, Nana! You got it!"

OK, maybe she didn't get it spelled right but by George, she has the concept and very well at that!  Not bad for a three year old!  Wayne has been doing a good job teaching her but telling her that she is teaching him.  Hunter smirks since he knows the truth but doesn't tell Grace. Smart kid--he knows this is working and plays along.

I love books and so does Alison!  I am so thrilled to have both grand kids excited about reading. So proud of both of them :)

My Valentine's Flowers

Hunter and I walked home from the school after the Valentine party.  Timing was perfect!  Mama just pulled into the driveway.  Hunter was excited to tell her of his valentines.  I went to get my hug from Grace and she handed me a beautiful bouquet of flowers!  Happy Valentines Day!  I was tickled to have them--they are so nice!  I know Alison bought them so I hugged her thank you. Alison doesn't buy me flowers too often....that is why I love them! 

Thanks, daughter and grand-daughter, they along with a visit to Hunter's classroom, made this the best Valentines Day ever!

Valentines Day with My Prince of Hearts :)

Two Valentine Parties!  What's a mom to do? Bring in help, of course!  Grace's started at 10:30, Hunter's at 9, so Alison was able to stay the first hour and half at Hunter's then go to Grace's.  I came to Hunter's class in time for Alison to go to Grace's party. 

Hunter was thrilled that Mama could make it.  Originally, it was just going to be me.  I am glad she made it. 

I was there about recess time to set up the "party-party".  Mrs. Rogers is really organized and there were three parents besides me that were there to help.  Each child received a plate with a big heart cookie and a pile of decorations to decorate it with.  Hunter was quick to decorate his cookie and partake of it!  

When it was time to open the folder with his valentines, he had to read each one and holler "Thank you!" to each individual that gave him one.  Soon, I heard, "Thank you, Hunter!!" back and forth.  The kids really loved the valentines.  Wayne gave each one of them a tiny box of candy valentines which many read "from Gramps" on it.

Hunter had an awesome time and he was very well behaved despite the sugar, I was quite proud of him.  I enjoyed visiting his class and surprised that a few of them remembered me from the Thanksgiving party. 

Brooklyn's dad and I were talking when I found out that Brooklyn's brother, Cole, has autism.  So, naturally, I asked if he was in Special Olympics and found out that they have been wanting to have him participate but don't know how. Amazing how we got put together!  Needless to say, they do now and it looks like Cole may start in track and field!

I always appreciate getting to know the kids' parents and seeing just how small our world is.

 

 

 

"Help, Thanks, Wow!-The Three Essential Prayers"

That is the title of book that Ken (aka Pops) gave me.  I have breezed through it a couple of times but didn't sit and read it until waiting for Wayne in the waiting room during his surgery.  I got alot of encouragement from this little book-thanks, Ken!

The first essential prayer-Help seems to be the one that we pray alot.  It happens most often when we hit bottom.  According to the book, there is freedom in hitting bottom, in seeing that you won't be able to save or rescue a situation,  You come to the point of "Help, Help us walk through this, Help us come through.

I can't tell you how many times I have prayed that prayer.  I haven't always had the answer I want but the one I need and have learned that He is the best one to take control and it is best I let go.  I listen for the answer and follow His small voice.

I have had people praying for me, Wayne, Alison, Larry, Hunter, Grace, my mom, brother and sister.  As the book states..."And as it turns out, if one person is praying for you, buckle up.  Things can happen." And they will.  It may take time, but it will happen.

Hunter

I've been meaning to post about Hunter.  I love my punkin and love watching him grow into a young boy!  He has a tender heart that makes us smile and gives me hope for his future. 

It appears that Hunter has been worried about Wayne and me not having enough money. We haven't related our financial situation to the kids except when they want us to buy something; we respond that we don't have enough money for it.

The other day I was taking Wayne and him to school when he asked how much money we have.  I told him enough.  He asked again and said that when he wins the Stanley Cup, he will give us a lot of money--$200!  I had to laugh.  I told him that money isn't that important to us--being with family and friends and those who love you is better than being rich.  He frowned his "I have to think about this a bit more" look.

Wayne walked him into the school.  When Wayne came back he shared that Hunter told him that Gramps needs to go to college and learn geology like his Papa and then he will have a lot of money!  To which Wayne replied that he did go to school and learned engineering.  Hunter said that he should really learn geology and get more money.  Wayne told him that money isn't everything, we are rich in love from you and your sister and money can't buy that!

A couple of things:  We were both touched by our grandson's concern for us.  That is precious, I won't devalue this gift.  However, I need to show my darling grandson that happiness doesn't come from money.  It never has and never will.  In earlier years of my life, I had always thought if we had more money we would be happy.  One more thing, one more trip, one more this, one more that. 

With age, I have learned that I can be content with less.  In fact, I am happier. No stress.  I have to save but with the mindset to survive not to get the newest thing.  I have to figure out how to convey this to Hunter.  His parents are working hard on paying off their bills (and already have done an awesome job!), this is different than working for more material things.  That is why Larry is up in Canada. Once everything is paid off, they sell the house and move into a bigger house, I pray that the LORD bless them with a 8-5 job for Larry near family in Oregon and no more traveling. If not in Oregon just somewhere were they all can be together.  I just want them to be happy together.

It is done...well, kinda.

I finally have all my books in one location!  After gleaning out a three boxes of books, I still have a little room for more!  I love reading--does it show?!  Two boxes went to Goodwill and one will go with me to TOPS--it is mostly Weight Watchers and other good for you cookbooks.

I have wanted to do this for years!  Now, the whole art room is color coordinated in white.  White table, counters, cabinets and now bookcases.  Hunter and Grace will love that they have two short shelves of their books....and room for more!  Looks like I go book shopping soon!

I said it is done..kinda because Wayne has to spray paint white three red magazine holders that I will put with the other four I have on the bottom shelf.  I copied the title of the magazine and glued it to the spine so I know what it holds.

This inspired me to organize my piles of documents that are all over the place.  When I hunted down the documents that the lawyer wanted, I was so frustrated!  So, I bought a box of large brown envelopes and filled the living room with all the documents.  I sorted, threw out, put in bags for shredding and put things in labeled brown envelopes into three bank boxes!  I even pulled out the mess in our safe and organized those documents!  I told Wayne that now if I should go to Heaven, at least Alison and he can find the correct documents when they need them.

That was another project that I have avoided and I am so glad to get it done!  Next project: organize my computer software boxes (I have old programs that I never use).  Maybe Saturday, maybe not.

Trusting Him

Today I dropped off the copies of all the paperwork required by the attorney.  This morning, when I opened my Bible, I had this quote/picture stuck in the front.  I thought it very appropriate for today and the days to come.  I  don't know the outcome of what is going to happen but I will not let it rob my joy in the moment. 

When I got to the lawyer's office, I thought I just needed to drop off the copies but she had me sit down and we went over some things.  Mostly my questions and clarifications on the paperwork.  She handed me Wayne's ex-wife's paperwork that was requested.  Our lawyer will review both sets of documents this weekend and get back to us next week.  I pray for wisdom for her for the correct path to go down.  I give this to the LORD, I let it go, I will trust Him no matter what happens.

After that, I went to Michaels for post-stress therapy!  There was a big sale on what Grace calls "projects", so, I loaded up!  It felt good to save and to release the stress.

When I got home, I was just sitting looking out the window when Wayne pointed out that our birdfeeder has five birds feeding on it!  I watched for a long while and took a couple of pictures.  No wonder Edna loved to watch birds on her porch, it is calming.

I have often thought of her when the birds come into our backyard.  They are fascinating to watch as each group comes to the feeder.  The big ones first then the smaller ones.  Even smaller ones pick up the seeds on the ground. 

Reminds me of the scripture about look at the birds of the air, they don't worry about their next bite to eat, so shall you not worry (the "Dena's Can't Remember a Verse Version Bible").  I am always amazed at how He speaks to us.

What A Mess!

I hate to admit but my artroom is thrashed!  I hate it in this stage!  Before the surgery, we bought new bookcases for my room.  I managed to tear out the old bookcases and stacked all of them all over my artroom.  I was hoping that we would get the new ones up before Wayne went in.  Sigh, it didn't happen.  I basically closed the door on the room and tried to stay out of it.

Until today.  This week our lawyer called and wanted to know if we could get our paperwork done soon--Debi made the deadline on providing her documents that our lawyer requested.  I had hoped to wait until after the bookcases up but I told her I would take Thursday (today) to put it all together and get it to her on Friday.

I had found 95% of the items and had to spend a little time finding those and copying the boxful of documents that I had already found.  This wouldn't be a problem but....my copier is my printer in my thrashed room!  I have several bruises from my hit and run eposides with the stacks.  I had to make shift tables on stools and boxes to organize my originals, my copies with redacked info and my copies for each lawyer.  It took all day but it is done. I couldn't find three paystubs of Wayne's, not bad but I figure that her lawyer can calculate how much is missing since there is a running total on each provided stub.  Her lawyer wanted file folders with labels...grrr...I did it...reluctantly.  I have to look at it as if it is easy to find info then maybe they won't ask for more.

I am so glad that I have a printer that can print two sides! I am amazed at all the documents I keep!  I do need to organize the other documents (not needed by either lawyer) but that will be another day--far far in the future--I am exhausted and my back hurts.  Tomorrow I drop off the papers with Wayne in tow (that is so he doesn't try to do something stupid like put up bookcases).  I have to leave him for an hour to have lunch with a friend.  I may have to take tools with me :)

Tomorrow, I will try to put up the last bookcase--should be easy....I hope!  I need to tackle the mess in the artroom.  Olivia is still upset about it, and me too!

Wayne's Knee Surgery

Monday morning, we headed to the hospital after dropping off Hunter at school.  The surgery was supposed to happen at 1:00, we were there at 10:45 just like we were supposed to.  Wayne was a little concerned about the procedure and running late didn't help his anxiety.  When he finally was wheeled off to surgery, I went to the cafeteria for some food--it was 1:30 and I was starving.  After that, I went and waited  in a very crowded waiting room--12 families were there according to the volunteer helping.  I was amazed that the surgeries done were on grandmas with the exception of Wayne.  There was an emergency surgery that put all the surgeries behind. 

Wayne did fine and was anxious to get the heck out of Dodge!  He had the tears removed in his knee and an additional free floater in there.  We got home late that night both tired.  I had to wake him up every four hours for his pain medicine....needless to say, I didn't get any sleep.

So, it probably wasn't too brilliant of me to babysit the next day but the kids were in school in the morning.  Both Hunter and Grace catered to Gramps.  Hunter insisted that his mama should give Gramps medicine and he should have some soup to make him better.  He couldn't look at Wayne's leg without covering his eyes.

Grace was the one to make sure Gramps had all he needed.  She would run between the kitchen and our room to check on him several times.  I never told her to do that, she just did it.  She would climb on our bed and lay next to him "helping him read" (of course this is Wayne's way of getting her to learn to read).  She was quite attentive to him and that was a big help to me.

Wednesday the same thing happened with the kids concerned about their Gramps.  We had Misha too on Wednesday.  We have gotten used to our grand-puppy coming on Wednesdays and it was Wayne's idea to continue having her over.  Olivia ignores her and Sam has words with her occasionally but mostly gets along.

Grace and I went to drop off Hunter for his Mad Science class that afternoon.  Wayne had climbed into bed since his knee was hurting--he had a reaction to the pain meds and had to change to Alleve.  The pain meds were stronger.

When we got home, Wayne told us that his leg was really hurting him while we were gone.  Misha was trying to get on the bed with him--he kept shooing her away and finally gave in.  Misha gingerly laid next to Wayne's hurt knee and laid there quietly until we got home.  Wayne couldn't believe it but shortly after Misha laid next to him, the pain disappeared.  I think Misha is now higher on the food chain than the cats :) !

I am grateful for the prayers--they have worked.  I can't believe how Wayne is getting around.  I am grateful for my two grandchildren who helped me out alot.  And I am grateful for not having to get up every four hours!!!