two posts in one day!

I cannot say that my computer had a glitch, more like I had a glitch.  In any case, today was wonderful.   In the pool, two of the ladies were talking going to a Mennonite greenhouse because all the plants and flowers are on sale.  They invited me to go along.  Why not?  

A stop after that to the Dollar General for a bag of ice, and four flower pots, they were buy one get one free.  Home:  an iced coffee, and repotting some flowers.  Paul had the day off of work, and was working hard on clearing out Jonathan's room.  Jon had installed some workout equipment right into the wall, for pull ups, ect.  Paul took it all down, disassembled his loft bunk, and got rid of the dresser.  It was old, and not the kind of old that makes you want to refinish and preserve it:).   The room is now empty, and shh, it's sad.  Jonny grew up and got married and moved out, all in the blink of an eye!   (Don't worry, we didn't get rid of his personal stuff, it's in our storage room).

We are going to spackle, sand, paint, paint the ceiling, clean the trim, paint the closet door...Paul bought a new window, he will install that.  Then I'll be looking for a daybed with a trundle to put in there, I'm thinking it will take up less room yet accommodate guests better.  My hope is to have a nice clean empty room, yet also a place for the grandkids to be able to play in bad weather.  

The projects, right?  

We have the bathroom to renovate soon.  We have the vanity and sink top, and new light fixture.  We need new faucets and flooring.  Paul thinks the tile in there is fine, I do not, so I win:). 

Another project on the back burner, simmering away in my brain, is renovating a big room downstairs.  We have three bedrooms upstairs:  our room, Paul's office, and Jon's empty room.  Downstairs Char and Cam each have their own huge room.  There is a guest room, and two bedrooms that are now used for storage (and the utility/furnace room with the hot water heater and Paul's fishing stuff). The one big storage room has potential.  I think we should just clear out all the stuff, get nice flooring, put a fireplace in at the end, and have a big gathering room.  We could have Thanksgiving here, Christmas here, the kids could play down there...it's a big project, but I would LOVE to do it.  

It was hot out today, 85 and humid, sticky.  Our pool project is on the list too, Paul is going to try to patch her up.   

I was heading out to water the garden today, but glanced at the pool, and it was raining out.  :)

Yesterday, I went to Target with Kathryn and her four small children.  I get in her car, and two year old Jamie starts saying "Grandma!  Grandma!"  It's adorable.  I didn't need much, but got a package of chicken breast that was marked down (their chicken is so well trimmed, and very reasonably priced, on par with Aldi prices).  I got a few things for Evelyn, as we are going to her new place for dinner tomorrow night.  

Home...ahh, home...but right back out the door with Miss Char and Miss Cam, to pick up their friends Amanda and Linnea, and go shopping.  Then through the Wendy's drive through, then home...ahh.  But, not for long, we had to go out to prepare for our summer conference...the girls helped put together furniture for new cabins being built, and I went to the little kids' t-shirt decorating, for the summer conference parade.  There was pizza for everyone first, so that was nice.  

Then...home.  Seriously, ahhh.  

Tomorrow I'm going with Sonja to get a really nice baby swing from Marketplace, then I'll probably work on Jon's room with Paul.  

My days are filled with fun and excitement, ha, but I do keep busy.  I have to rest frequently, put my feet up and give my poor knees a break.  If I don't listen, the consequences are worse, the longer I walk and stand, the harder and more painful to bend that right knee.  I'm learning.  

Ah well.  I hope you all are enjoying the warmer weather, wherever you are.  Have a nice night.  :)

some really good pictures!!!

 These were taken by my niece Susan of strykingphotography, she is so good.  

Twelve of the kids made it to Abigail and Derek's wedding.  Charlotte Claire, Sonja, Camille, Evelyn, Jonathan behind Ev, Paul, me, Benjamin behind Abigail-the-bride, Derek, Sam behind Emily, Margaret, Molly Rose behind Mariel.  (Joseph, Aaron, Kathryn, and Suzanne weren't there)

This is my new favorite picture:), after the wedding...

Paul is getting good at this!

Emily and Abigail, the two oldest of the family...

She is just lovely...and so happy.  

a good, kind father...

 The Father's Day post might be a day late, but oh my goodness what a good daddy Paul has been...at Sonja and Oscar's wedding...

The dance with Miss Suzanne at her wedding...

He's a pretty good grandpa, too...with Ellis

Evelyn's wedding....(I don't have the official pics from Abigail's wedding yet!)

With Sonja...

With baby Blythe

Bugs Bunny cartoons with Tennyson, Achilles, and Wulf

When we had only four kids at home and I thought that wasn't enough!  Now Sonja and Jonathan are both married....just Miss Cam and Miss Char now...

Story time with Ruth and Rhys

A hug for little Ophelia

This picture, oh dear!  Twins?  Grant in those overalls, SO cute!

Achilles...

With Cam, Abigail, Char, Sonja, Evelyn...

Paul and our oldest son, Benjamin...

An old family picture...

The day we rented a boat on Cayuga Lake, Paul with Emily

This:  one night the girls were talking about Pepperidge Farms cake, which we call Heater Cake.  I don't know why, or who started it, but it's the ultimate.  Next thing we knew, he was coming back from the store!  (This was a few summers ago...Suri was still with us.)

With Kathryn right when she moved back from Oregon, with baby Rhys

With Elise when she was small

When five kids went to Disney with us...Suzanne, Jonathan, Sonja, and the little girls.

This fine day, I called my ortho office and left a message, did not get a call back.  Paul has been in contact with the advocate for our healthcare through his work.  Other than that, no news.  I hobble around and enjoy the heck out of life.   Char and Cam didn't work today, and we were deciding what to do.  I really wanted to stay home and get things done.  When you're a little on the lazy side, when you get these urges, you need to run with them.  

The hall closets got the business today.  The first one, the linen closet....I took every single thing out of it, donated a ton of stuff, washed a two loads of things, then cleaned the inside of the closet.  The other closet has been the game closet.  I so wish I had taken before and afters!  We are donating a whole pile of games, and I threw away so much random stuff.  I took the shelves out of there, and painted the inside of the closet, after wiping it down.  Then we switched closets, won't bore you with the details, but everything is neat and tidy and organized.  

I had to tell myself:  we do not NEED all these extra sheet sets!  I have my sheets, I tend to wash them and put them right back on, but have an extra set.  The girls have their own extra sets, and that's the lot of us.  I have some for the guest room, and some random ones if anyone sleeps on the couch or anything.  I already have my favorite camping sheets in the camper.  I decided to rough it and not wash them between last camping trip and next one, just leave them in there...

So a big pile of old towels and sheets went into the utility room for painting jobs, ect.  

I need to pare down the extra blankets again, too.  We used to need so many, seriously, especially when we had a washing machine that took all the live-long day to do a load, and the kids would blow through clean bedding like mad, especially when there was a bed-wetter, or we had the throw up bug.  Oh, fun times...fun years.  Fun DECADES, ha.

I feel like I've come out on the other side, and am taking that huge breath, still.  I lived to tell about it.   I did learn a thing or two along the way, namely:  I don't know anything.  Children are very unique, and as soon as you figure one out, the next one comes along and is totally different.  There are some basic ingredients to grow good children though:

1.  Patience.

2.  Goodness.

3.  Prayer.  Pray for patience and goodness, and for mercy.  I used to hold my hands straight up towards heaven, and ask God to bless them, that I would be only good with them.  

4. Firmness, kids need boundaries, and they need to be respectful.  (respect your children, and they might possibly respect you!  Treat them well!) (never forget they came straight from heaven!)

But yeah, they do need to learn that no means no.  :)

Anyway.  Life goes by so quickly, and each day is a gift.  Enjoy your evening...:)

feels like bonus time...

 In my plans, these days were to be darkish days, recuperating days, with nothing on the schedule.  Since my plans have been usurped by the insurance company, it's like surprise!  You can do what you want!  (Imagine if I had a job and had taken the time off work!)

Anyway.  The days do get filled up, and of course I am enjoying the heck out of them.  All day long the birds singing, the fresh air coming in the windows, walking around the yard (or limping, rather) in bare feet.  

We are opening the pool.  The cover had a small tear, so some of the yucky water got in, but not much.  Paul rigged up a pump to get the water from the top of the cover, then used a big bucket to scoop the rest, from inside the pool as we were up on the deck ready to haul the cover up.  It's uncovered, the hose is in there filling it up.  I added some shock, but will wait until the water level is high enough for the filter to work to put more in.  We are also going to get new sand to put in the filter, it makes a big difference.  I'm also trying to get some steps/stairs to put in the pool, so when I'm all healed up, whenever that is, I can get in easier.  If I don't have the surgery in the near future, it sure would be easier to get in with stairs instead of a ladder anyways!  

Today I am going to go sweep off the back patio, and the pool deck, and putter around the yard.  We're having everyone over on Father's Day to celebrate Rhys' fourth birthday!  (And maybe say cheers to the dads too!). 

Yesterday, I drove down to to Target all by my lonesome.  The girls were at work, and I wanted to get out of the house.  I had a library book to drop off, and I needed a few things.  I found fresh burger patties, four packs, half price.  Sirloin steaks were half off, then buy one get one 20% off.  By the time I hobbled out of there, I dreaded the drive home because my achy knee is my driving leg, but it was not too horrible.  

There was time to put things away and get some sunshine before Margaret and Adrian brought over their kids, as they were going out to dinner.  Wulf, Tenny, and Blythe came in and the fun began.  Paul brought the boys out on the deck and lit some firecrackers from Jon's room.  Yes, Jon still has stuff in his room.   We played on the deck and blew bubbles, Char was out in the yard with the boys, when the mosquitos came out we all came in.  

Ah well.  I'm going to get moving.  I like to do as much as I can, take a break, and move again....get those steps in!  Have a really good day!

living in limbo...

 Well, since yesterday's post, I got a call from Abby at the dr.'s  office:  Did you eat or drink anything?  Me:  yes, one coffee.  Abby:  Are you okay with not eating or drinking anything else?  Dr. is trying to call insurance company and if approved will fit you in today.  Me:  I can definitely fast for a few more hours.  So.  I fasted.  I didn't drink anything.  Then, I decided two little sips of water would be okay.  A little before four, I called and asked some questions, Jolene did not even know that Abby called and told me that, she seemed a bit annoyed that I had been asked to do that.  Her update was the the dr. was not able to get in touch with any medical professional in person all day, from United Healthcare.  

So.  When and if he does, and when and if it's approved, I'll be notified.  Until then, live my life, and keep my hair clean, I guess!  He usually does surgeries on Tuesdays, so there is that.

It was a good day.  God does know the beginning and the end of everything.  And if we believe in the Bible, we know that all things work together for our good, as it says in Romans 8:28.  

One good thing:  I was able to go to the end of the year party for the activity club.  I went to Dollar General and got hot dogs and buns and marshmallows and a couple of cases of water. (Someone else was going to get it but I volunteered, easier for me as I do not have small children)  (And for me, the cutest little springtime printed plates and napkins...not even sure what I want them for, but they are so pretty!).  

So we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, I helped make the fire and get some sticks and helped kids get their hot dogs on the sticks, and generally kept an eye on them. Some of them had been playing in the little pools and with water guns while we got the fire ready, one little boy leaned over the fire with a dangly towel around his neck, nope!  They played on the playground and had ice cream and ran around and had too much fun.  I'm glad I was able to go.

This fine morning, I find myself able to go to the pool...I had mentally prepared to not be going back for a while, so it's a treat.  :)

Yesterday I vacuumed and mopped and did more laundry and sat in the sun and talked to my sister on the phone.  It was a good day.  :)

Right now I have a purring Old Kitty on the arm of my chair, totally leaned against my right arm.  She loves me.  When we went to Delaware for the weekend, we left her in here with tons of cat food and several bowls of water, so she was fine, but she was so clingy to me when I got home.  She follows me around, and no lie:  when someone pulls into the driveway, she looks out the window and growls.  She actually alerted me that someone was here the other day.  She is a very smart kitty, and I love her too.  

Now it's time to get up out of my chair and break kitty's heart, and get into my suit for the pool...you all have a good day, and thank you SO much for all the encouraging comments.  I think it's a sad state of affairs how much power these insurance companies have, raking in money hand over fist and dictating our health care.  My girls have stories about cancer patients, patients who NEED inhalers, ect., who have to deal with these things...they never tell me names or ages or details, don't worry, they are very HIPA conscious.  :). 

Okay...thank you again for kind words and words of wisdom....  

we shall see!

 As of right now, one hour before I am due at the hospital for my total knee replacement, United Healthcare has NOT approved the surgery.  The hospital and doctor's office are in contact with them, pushing and pleading and whatever else they do.  The hospital loses money if the surgery is cancelled of course, and it IS all about money.

For me, it is all about being able to walk.  Honestly, even if it goes well and heals up and gives me a brand-spankin'-new knee experience, let's not talk about the other knee, or the bursitis in my hip, because I am thinking only positive thoughts.  I know I won't magically turn Spring Chicken, but hey, it'll be a huge improvement, and for that I will be extremely thankful.  

I cannot have coffee this fine morning, nor even a sip of water.  If I were a lying person, I would take a sip anyway, but when they ask me later if I had anything to eat or drink, if I had sipped, I would fess up.  Imagine if the insurance approved, and it was cancelled because I was so thirsty.  

Yesterday I cleaned up the house and went to three stores with Sonja, Char, and Cam.  We Target-ed, where I found some half price sweatpants and a pair of big comfy shorts.  The girls wanted a drying rack, for things that can't go in the dryer, as our old one broke.  

Aldi to stock up on easy healthy food, like eggs and bacon, for afterward.  It was a quick trip, I didn't even peruse the Fun Aisles.

Costco...heavy cream, a rotisserie chicken because Sam and Grace were coming for dinner, some frozen chicken strips, healthy-ish snacks (UnReal bars, the coconut ones...very low in sugar, if you have only one or two, a very good snack).  By the time were were done in Costco, I was in a world of hurt.  We got hot dogs and Diet Pepsi (me), and the girls a slice of pizza, and enjoyed some people watching.

Home...I did some more cleaning, made my bed with clean sheets, got dinner ready, which meant opening salad kits and tossing into big bowl, and making a whole sheet of hamburger bun garlic breads.  Grace had made a wonderful lasagna, so we had a feast.  Grant was dubious about my garlic "bread", which I made last minute because we had so many leftover buns which were still in date, but I won him over, he determined they were as good as the best in the world that his mom makes.  

Ruth, Maeve, and Grant...and me underneath ha.  

As I sat here typing, all ready for the hospital, I got a phone call from Jolene at the dr office, she handles insurance and scheduling.  No surgery for me today.  The hospital has the status as "neither confirmed nor denied".  We could very well be on the hook for the bill by that terminology, so we are not going forward. The hope is to get them to confirm within the week, but who knows.  Insurance has known of this since March, and last Wednesday I got this email:

So it was DEFINITELY on their radar that I was having this done.  

Here I am, all showered and disinfected and ready for my surgery, bag packed and...not going.  

It changes things.  I had things I was hoping to be up for, like a wedding in July, and three more camping trips.   "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Prov 16:9).

"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that take a city." (Prov 16:32) (start reading Proverbs, I guarantee you'll be encouraged!)

So life twists and turns, and we either kick and scream about it, or deal with it.  (I will leave the kicking an screaming to Jolene, pray for her that she is strong and prevails! and shh, if it were necessary, I would join her!)

So let's change the subject, some camping pictures: 

When you unzip the bunk and there is the lake!  It was hazy due to Canadian wildfire smoke.

The solar lanterns!  And my Aldi rocking chair, comfiest camping chair ever.

Our first night there, it was just the two of us, so steak:). It was a little overdone, but so tender and good.

She's small, but beautiful.  I do love her dearly, little miss camper.  

Nice Auntie Evelyn making s'mores...Jamie and Blythe, then Achiles, Camille, Rhys

Nate and Evelyn have a doggo, Mr. Newton.  

The beach keeps kids busy.

Sunny...so sad, the first night down to the beach with her, Paul just looked at me with tears in his eyes, Suri would be so funny the way she let Sunny swim all the way out and retrieve that stick, then she'd join in and chomp onto it and they would bark at each other, then swim back together, with the stick in their mouths.

Wulf and baby cousin Ellis

Camille and Char, with Ellis, who looks like a baby doll.  

So...I am frustrated, and honestly, a bit angry at United Healthcare.  I tossed and turned and wrestled with anxiety and prayed for peace and finally slept last night, woke up every hour or so, dreading today so much, but getting into that mental place where I was like Yes, getting this done!  I am going to feel so much better in a while...  I have plans for going to our church summer conference at the end of the month, knew I would be in semi rough shape, but now?  If I get this done next week, I won't even be able to go.  My sister's granddaughter is getting married in July...all the plans.  Camping trips.  ugh.  

But.  There is not a thing I can do, and that's part of the frustration.  Talk about  All Dressed Up and Nowhere To Go, ha.  The last week or so has been like nesting, preparing for a new baby or something.  We moved our bed over so I get tons of room on my side, even moved some furniture out. I removed my nail polish and toenail polish, took off my wedding band and my mother's wedding band, didn't shave for a few days.  All the prep and preparing and fussing around...I do feel extremely let down.

I suppose that is a natural response, but now I need to make sure I don't let bitter thoughts settle in and make themselves at home in my heart.  :). You all have a really good day, I think I need to go cry a little.  

denied!!

 It makes zero sense.  United Healthcare profits are billions of dollars per year.  We pay premium premiums for the best health care plan that's offered.  I had to go in for a second X-ray, wasting time, money, and some extra radiation, to satisfy them.  I have had bone on bone knees for years now, and the pain in the right knee has been killer, as I've said so many times.  As of yesterday, United Healthcare is deciding not to cover the surgery.

I've had five pre-surgical appointments, and have been cleared by all doctors.  I've got my supplies stocked up here, and am getting mentally ready for this.  So pray they are just being big jerks!  Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies rule the world.  Oh, United Healthcare also specifically mentioned that the robotic surgery is not deemed necessary, as it "doesn't have good outcomes", based on their research.  My research says different, the physician's assistant I spoke to today said it is very specific and precision, cutting what needs to be cut, resulting in quicker and better healing.  

Never a dull moment, right?  The doctor's office called me yesterday and said they are making a "last ditch effort" to get the coverage, but if U. H. doesn't consent, I do not get the surgery.  I do feel like I'm going to cry, but it won't do any good.

Right now we are 95% packed to go on our camping trip, and it's hitting us hard that we're taking only one dog.  Sunny seems so low these days.  I hope she cheers up at the lake, and doesn't miss Suri severely, as it'll be so strange for her to go chase that stick all alone.  

Aww, I did not mean to write a woeful post, I'm actually quite happy.  Life has it's challenges.  God is good, no matter the circumstances, and it's always hopeful, as it is written:  "All things work together for the good for those who love God..." Romans 8:28

It doesn't mean that we automatically are just dumb and happy, but we work hard to be at rest, and fight against the thoughts of anxiety and worry and doom and gloom.  It's called a fight of faith for a reason!  

You all have a good day, off we go camping...(yay!!!!  that alone = happy!!!!). I'll keep you posted!

packing, and packing it all in...

...the camper is being packed...I put my nice heavy clean comforter, my favorite white sheets, some new kitchen towels from Hobby Lobby, a tablecloth, four beach/shower towels, plates, coffee pour overs, s'mores stuff, ect., in the camper.  Char and Cam helped me carry it.  There is more to pack, and I have lists...

This fine day was spent sorting and pitching.  I took every hanger out of my side of the closet, and made a decision.  The bags filled up as I'm in a pitching mood.  The things in my keep pile were either hung back up or put in the wash pile, as I won't wear it if it's been there too long without being washed.  I organized things, so all the wintery shirts are in one place, the dresses together, summery dresses I'll wear after my surgery all in one place, then the shorts and skirts in one place, short sleeved shirts together.  This seems obvious, you all are probably like well duh, isn't that normal?  Not when you're me!  My brain gets scrambled, and I put things away in no particular order, then can't find anything.  I don't like it that way, and I adore and admire organization, but to actually organize things is not my regular, although I do try.

So today I spent my day washing clothes and organizing them, and I'm quite happy about it.  I'll be able to find things much easier next week, and also explain to Paul or the girls where to find things, if necessary.  I haven't packed my hospital bag yet, but don't plan to bring much anyway, so I can do that on Monday night.  

I have packed my camping clothes though.  phew.  I did go out on the deck for a bit, but we have smoke from Canadian wildfires, and it's a coppery colored blue sky, and very humid.  

There are salt potatoes bubbling on the stove, I'm bringing them over to Ben and Ashley's, as I invited myself over to dinner there tonight before activity club.  They're grilling burgers:), Char and Cam are coming too.  (Paul is in Houston)

Tomorrow I am going to a different cardiologist for an echocardiogram, I hope I pass!  :). Thursday morning I have an appointment at the hospital for pre admission testing, then go to the orthopedic dr. for a what-to-expect visit, aka a what-to-dread visit.  Ha, no, I'm working on my attitude.  My knee is killing me today because of all I've accomplished here, so I'm ready for a new one.  

Then, in the afternoon, we're hitching up that beautiful little camper and heading to the lake.  It will be heartbreaking to be bringing only Sunny, camping was Suri's absolute favorite thing, she'd get herself so worked up with excitement, she would pant and smile and follow us around, up and down the deck steps when we started loading up...to be honest, Sunny is very low key now.  She hasn't eat her brekky yet, but she did eat two treats for coming in like a good girl when I called her.  She spent the wedding weekend with Kathryn and Darius, and their kids loved her...I think she misses them now.  

Anyway.  I am not done packing yet, and the hot water heater isn't working.  Sam explained how to ignite the pilot light, I think Miss Charlotte Claire will try it...

Time to get moving again...you all have a good afternoon!

just a little wedding news...

 

Our trip down with our two kids...it's like we're playing family, ha.  We had a good trip, but oh my goodness I was glad Paul was driving, we were rerouted because of an accident, and it was like Go, Dog, Go!, with the stop and go traffic...

Char, Cam, me...

We got ready at the groom's family home, it was so pleasant and cozy there.

Emily was the maid of honor.

Derek and Abigail....

I didn't make the cake this time, but it was a beauty.  (there was also sheet cake!)...I didn't take very many pictures, the official photographer's pics will be so nice!

I cannot describe to you what a wonderful day it was.  12 of the kids were there.  It was beautiful, and encouraging, and we were all strengthened in our faith.  This newly married couple:  each have been such blessings, and together, just wow.  No doubt they'll have a good warm home, and will continue to be good examples.  

In their wedding celebration, we heard from so many friends there in Delaware who have appreciated having Abigail there, from young kids to older people.  With her smile and laugh, along with her faithful life, she is truly a light in this world.  

So now we're home, and another busy week starts.  Tomorrow, the pool then babysitting for some grandchildren, making sure we have what we need for Tuesday's activity club.  Tuesday is activity club, then Wednesday is pool, then an echocardiogram (I went to the cardiologist Friday morning and did not get cleared for surgery yet.  My blood pressure was a little high at the first reading, 142/90, so I asked her to retake it, which she did...126/78.  But then the dr. listened and heard a leaky mitral valve, which probably isn't a big deal, but...it needs to be checked out before I get clearance)

Then Thursday I have to go in to the hospital for pre admission testing, whatever that entails, then leave for camping Thursday afternoon...so I have to shop and meal plan and pack...

We get home from camping on Sunday, and surgery is Tuesday!