Well, I came home from work this week to find Jonathan and these beautiful flowers waiting for me. I was definitely surprised and happy to see them. I got a little nervous thinking maybe I had forgotten some important day. But Jonathan said "nope".
He just felt like giving them to me.
Jonathan isn't exactly an over-the-top romantic guy, so these moments are extra special to me. Sometimes he really surprises me. Love ya babe!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
His Last Haircut
This past weekend was kind of a sad weekend. My step-mothers father, Keith, passed away last Wednesday and we had the services on Sunday and Monday. He has been in my life for for over 20 years and I pretty much considered him my grandfather. It's only been in the last few years that I really got to know him. His wife, Esther, passed away 4 years ago and he was no longer able to fully take care of himself. He then stayed with my parents off and on over the next 4 years. This is about the time that I had moved to Kentucky, but was still coming home on weekends to see Jonathan. I had the opportunity to talk to Keith off and on and heard allllllllll of his stories. Every conversation reminded him of a great story of the past. Then he would aways tag the conversation at the end with some sort of joke to make us laugh.
Well, this past spring, Keith needed to be put into the nursing home because he needed much more care then the family could give. He spent a lot of time traveling back and forth from hospital to nursing home due to Congestive Heart failure. He would do well for about a week or so and then end up back in the hospital for another week. He also had the opportunity to speak with the Pastor of his church while he was sick. She stated that she enjoyed visiting him and assured the family that he felt that he had the chance to get "right with the Lord".
He knew his time was rapidly approaching.
His final days. On Monday he was at the hospital and very tired. He told the doctors that he had had enough. That he was tired and ready to go see his Esther. So on Tuesday, he went back to the nursing home to be as comfortable as the nurses could make him.
On Wednesday, after he woke up, the nurses gave him a bath and cleaned him up good. In the afternoon he told the nurses that he wanted a haircut. That he wanted to look good when he saw his Esther. The beautician arrived to his room and gave him a snazzy haircut, trimmed his eyebrows and gave him a good shave. She finished up at about 330pm.
Keith passed away at 4:30pm, about 1 hour after his last haircut.
I can only assume that Keith new exactly where he wanted to be and was trying to get himself presentable to meet his bride, Esther.
Over the weekend, the family spent a lot of time together crying and laughing. I think we were all comforted knowing that the Lord had taken him home to see his Esther and the rest of his family.
Well, this past spring, Keith needed to be put into the nursing home because he needed much more care then the family could give. He spent a lot of time traveling back and forth from hospital to nursing home due to Congestive Heart failure. He would do well for about a week or so and then end up back in the hospital for another week. He also had the opportunity to speak with the Pastor of his church while he was sick. She stated that she enjoyed visiting him and assured the family that he felt that he had the chance to get "right with the Lord".
He knew his time was rapidly approaching.
His final days. On Monday he was at the hospital and very tired. He told the doctors that he had had enough. That he was tired and ready to go see his Esther. So on Tuesday, he went back to the nursing home to be as comfortable as the nurses could make him.
On Wednesday, after he woke up, the nurses gave him a bath and cleaned him up good. In the afternoon he told the nurses that he wanted a haircut. That he wanted to look good when he saw his Esther. The beautician arrived to his room and gave him a snazzy haircut, trimmed his eyebrows and gave him a good shave. She finished up at about 330pm.
Keith passed away at 4:30pm, about 1 hour after his last haircut.
I can only assume that Keith new exactly where he wanted to be and was trying to get himself presentable to meet his bride, Esther.
Over the weekend, the family spent a lot of time together crying and laughing. I think we were all comforted knowing that the Lord had taken him home to see his Esther and the rest of his family.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Whirlwind Weekend!
Well, we made it back safe and sound from Pennsylvania. We started out early on Friday making the 8 1/2 hour drive. With 2 guys driving as if we were winning the Indianapolis 500, we definitely made good time.
Our first stop was to Belleville PA, where Jonathan's grandparents live. I absolutely love the drive every time. We have to first drive through the mountains before we reach Big Valley. You can tell immediately when you have gotten to Big Valley. You go from heavily wooded to a great valley opening. Big Valley is a 32 mile long valley that sits between the Kishacoquillas mountains. There is one main road in and out that goes through each town in the valley. If you head off the main road, you are likely to be on a dirt or gravel road. Each town is small and heavily populated with Amish people. And there are non-Amish who who live there that love the Valley just as much. We arrive to Jonathan's grandparents and were treated to a homemade pizza dinner by his grandmother. The guys had to help chop wood first. With 3 of them working, it really didn't take long.
In case you didn't already know, Jonathan's dad was raised Amish as a young boy. His family later left the Amish church but stayed in Big Valley. As adults Jonathan's dad and his 2 Uncles later moved out of the valley. After our hearty meal, and a bit of visiting we had to move on.
It was now raining and dark and we were on our way to Smoketown on Friday night. We got lost for about 20 minutes, but eventually figured out where we were supposed to be. We arrived to Uncle Titus and Aunt Charlotte's house about 9:15pm. We were exhausted and ready for bed.
The next morning, while Jonathan's family headed off to a family gathering, Jonathan and I went to have a day out with Thomas the Train. He was located at the Strasburg Railroad just about 3 miles down the road. Thomas was in town for only a short time so we and the rest of the worlds 2-5 year olds were there. I knew there would be lots of kids, but I hadn't expected the huge crowd that was there. With all of those kids, I have never seen so many runny noses and temper tantrums. Oh well, I guess this was all a part of the Thomas the Train experience. We took Thomas the Train on a half hour ride through Amish Country and then came back to Wait for another train. We ended up on the every hour train at 11 am on a 1 hour trip. We chose to ride in the open car, which was refreshingly chilly. Our final destination was to Paradise. Yep, that's right. I said Paradise Pennsylvania. We stopped there and headed back while riding through Amish country. I have never seen corn so tall as it was there. We also saw lots of Tobacco plants, Pumpkin Patches and lots of wild berries. In some parts of the ride, we were actually riding above the corn. We also got to see some of the Amish harvesting corn, which was quite interesting. We saw the Tobacco that was hung in great big barns with flaps open all around the barn. After we got our fill of the Thomas crowd, we decided to go to the Choo Choo Barn. It had a really large indoor train display. A whole town under one small roof. Everything was absolutely clever. Unfortunately we forgot our camera to take pictures of this little town.
We later met back up with the family and headed off to Jonathan's cousin Glenda's house. She and her husband recently got a great deal on a really big house. Perfect for there family with 4 children. We cooked out and visited with the family.
Next, we headed off to some family friends of Jonathan's mother. Fannie and Rhoda. They just happened to be a few towns over from everyone else that we had visited.
Whew! what a busy day.
On Sunday, we packed up and were treated to some of Aunt Charlotte's Baked Oatmeal. WOW! how awesome is baked oatmeal? How come no one told me about this stuff before?? I liked it so much that I came home and made it myself. I think Jonathan and I are addicted to it. If you have never had it, I will give you the recipe.
Anyway, we were on the road once again heading back home. With Mario and Dario at the wheel, we made good time once again.
Our first stop was to Belleville PA, where Jonathan's grandparents live. I absolutely love the drive every time. We have to first drive through the mountains before we reach Big Valley. You can tell immediately when you have gotten to Big Valley. You go from heavily wooded to a great valley opening. Big Valley is a 32 mile long valley that sits between the Kishacoquillas mountains. There is one main road in and out that goes through each town in the valley. If you head off the main road, you are likely to be on a dirt or gravel road. Each town is small and heavily populated with Amish people. And there are non-Amish who who live there that love the Valley just as much. We arrive to Jonathan's grandparents and were treated to a homemade pizza dinner by his grandmother. The guys had to help chop wood first. With 3 of them working, it really didn't take long.
In case you didn't already know, Jonathan's dad was raised Amish as a young boy. His family later left the Amish church but stayed in Big Valley. As adults Jonathan's dad and his 2 Uncles later moved out of the valley. After our hearty meal, and a bit of visiting we had to move on.
It was now raining and dark and we were on our way to Smoketown on Friday night. We got lost for about 20 minutes, but eventually figured out where we were supposed to be. We arrived to Uncle Titus and Aunt Charlotte's house about 9:15pm. We were exhausted and ready for bed.
The next morning, while Jonathan's family headed off to a family gathering, Jonathan and I went to have a day out with Thomas the Train. He was located at the Strasburg Railroad just about 3 miles down the road. Thomas was in town for only a short time so we and the rest of the worlds 2-5 year olds were there. I knew there would be lots of kids, but I hadn't expected the huge crowd that was there. With all of those kids, I have never seen so many runny noses and temper tantrums. Oh well, I guess this was all a part of the Thomas the Train experience. We took Thomas the Train on a half hour ride through Amish Country and then came back to Wait for another train. We ended up on the every hour train at 11 am on a 1 hour trip. We chose to ride in the open car, which was refreshingly chilly. Our final destination was to Paradise. Yep, that's right. I said Paradise Pennsylvania. We stopped there and headed back while riding through Amish country. I have never seen corn so tall as it was there. We also saw lots of Tobacco plants, Pumpkin Patches and lots of wild berries. In some parts of the ride, we were actually riding above the corn. We also got to see some of the Amish harvesting corn, which was quite interesting. We saw the Tobacco that was hung in great big barns with flaps open all around the barn. After we got our fill of the Thomas crowd, we decided to go to the Choo Choo Barn. It had a really large indoor train display. A whole town under one small roof. Everything was absolutely clever. Unfortunately we forgot our camera to take pictures of this little town.
We later met back up with the family and headed off to Jonathan's cousin Glenda's house. She and her husband recently got a great deal on a really big house. Perfect for there family with 4 children. We cooked out and visited with the family.
Next, we headed off to some family friends of Jonathan's mother. Fannie and Rhoda. They just happened to be a few towns over from everyone else that we had visited.
Whew! what a busy day.
On Sunday, we packed up and were treated to some of Aunt Charlotte's Baked Oatmeal. WOW! how awesome is baked oatmeal? How come no one told me about this stuff before?? I liked it so much that I came home and made it myself. I think Jonathan and I are addicted to it. If you have never had it, I will give you the recipe.
Anyway, we were on the road once again heading back home. With Mario and Dario at the wheel, we made good time once again.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Happy Birthday Seth!!
Today is my nephews 21st birthday. I can't believe it. I was 9 years old when Seth was born and it still seems like yesterday that he was chasing me around the house saying "aunt hummer".
Unfortunately I don't get to celebrate with him today. He is an Army man and is based in Germany. He has managed to make it in and out of Iraq. Right now he is in Germany doing "busy work" waiting for his next orders. He may be getting out this winter but with the military you never really know where you could end up next. He could get out but still be called back for many more years if needed.
He joined the Army at 17 and is now 21. He has seen more in these few years then I would ever want to see. I'm not sure he wants me too, but I pray for him every day that he stays in Germany and keeps up the "busy work" until he gets out. I also pray that he finds a succesful path when he gets out. That the adjustment of military life to life at home is as smooth as possible.
Finally, I definitely want him to know how proud I am of him. I worry so much about him that I sometimes forget that he is willingly serving our country.
I hope you have a very Happy and Safe Birthday Seth.
We all miss you and love you loads.
Unfortunately I don't get to celebrate with him today. He is an Army man and is based in Germany. He has managed to make it in and out of Iraq. Right now he is in Germany doing "busy work" waiting for his next orders. He may be getting out this winter but with the military you never really know where you could end up next. He could get out but still be called back for many more years if needed.
He joined the Army at 17 and is now 21. He has seen more in these few years then I would ever want to see. I'm not sure he wants me too, but I pray for him every day that he stays in Germany and keeps up the "busy work" until he gets out. I also pray that he finds a succesful path when he gets out. That the adjustment of military life to life at home is as smooth as possible.
Finally, I definitely want him to know how proud I am of him. I worry so much about him that I sometimes forget that he is willingly serving our country.
I hope you have a very Happy and Safe Birthday Seth.
We all miss you and love you loads.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Saturday Good. Sunday Not So Good
Well, this weekend was quite interesting. We started out early on Saturday for Plain City for the Shekinah Festival and Quilt Auction at the Shekinah Christian School. I was a little worried because rain was scattered about everywhere. But, we lucked out. It stayed dry for at least the time that we were there. They auction off many items every year to raise money for there school. I have never seen so many beautiful quilts. If you go to www.shekinahchristianschool.com you can see all of the quilts that they auctioned off this year. Plus, all the baked goods being sold. mmmmm.
We were then off to the Greenville Cruise In. Jonathan wanted to put his truck in the show but we knew the rain was on the way. So we went up to just look at everyone Else's really cool cars. I think attendance was down because of the weather, but it was still a good turn out. It started to rain about 6:00pm and that is about when we left.
So, on Sunday, after we went to church, ate dinner, and made a quick trip to visit Jonathan's grandmother we wound up back at Jonathan's parents house. We began to play with our/there dog Brownie. He is such a good boy but a little hyper. I thought this might be a good time to remove the knots out from behind his ears. We have done it before other times, so I wasn't too worried about it. Jonathan tried to hold him and I began the cutting. I cut a small one out and then went after the big one. I had cut a little bit when brownie let out a small yelp. I thought we were just scaring him and then held him again. I finally was able to get the knot. When I looked at the ball of hair in my hand, I saw a small bit of blood and a a small bit of Brownies ear. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!! I HAD CUT MY DOGS EAR!! I had only a small piece in my hand, but when I looked behind his ear I saw a very large bloody opening behind his left ear. WHAT WENT WRONG??? Brownie was in a nervous shock and I was crying. After I gathered myself, we finally determined that he needed stitches. We began the frantic call to all the vets in the phone book. Most vets were not in on Sunday and were referring us to the Dayton Vet Hospital in Moraine. We didn't want to drive that far but we knew that he needed the stitches tonight. We found a vet in Versailles that referred us to an emergency on call vet in Maria Stein. So we gathered up and headed North. Brownie was so good on the way up, he just drooled a puddle in his cage. He was very curious at everything (he is such a countrified dog).
Apparently the Vet had to wrastle a bit with him before she decided to just gas him.
When he came out he had his tongue still hanging out and was only half awake. SO, after 9 stitches and a hefty vet bill later, we went home. He stayed the night on the porch in his cage and slept it off. We finally made it home about 10:30 on Sunday night completely exhausted. Now he has to take an antibiotic for a week and somehow we have to make sure he doesn't scratch.
We went to see him today and it's as if nothing happened and he doesn't seem to be scratching, maybe rubbing a bit though.
It's amazing at how resilient pets are and how forgiving they are. after I had cut an his ear, he still wanted to love on me. I was feeling terrible for what I had done, but he tried to assure me that everything would be OK.
We were then off to the Greenville Cruise In. Jonathan wanted to put his truck in the show but we knew the rain was on the way. So we went up to just look at everyone Else's really cool cars. I think attendance was down because of the weather, but it was still a good turn out. It started to rain about 6:00pm and that is about when we left.
So, on Sunday, after we went to church, ate dinner, and made a quick trip to visit Jonathan's grandmother we wound up back at Jonathan's parents house. We began to play with our/there dog Brownie. He is such a good boy but a little hyper. I thought this might be a good time to remove the knots out from behind his ears. We have done it before other times, so I wasn't too worried about it. Jonathan tried to hold him and I began the cutting. I cut a small one out and then went after the big one. I had cut a little bit when brownie let out a small yelp. I thought we were just scaring him and then held him again. I finally was able to get the knot. When I looked at the ball of hair in my hand, I saw a small bit of blood and a a small bit of Brownies ear. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!! I HAD CUT MY DOGS EAR!! I had only a small piece in my hand, but when I looked behind his ear I saw a very large bloody opening behind his left ear. WHAT WENT WRONG??? Brownie was in a nervous shock and I was crying. After I gathered myself, we finally determined that he needed stitches. We began the frantic call to all the vets in the phone book. Most vets were not in on Sunday and were referring us to the Dayton Vet Hospital in Moraine. We didn't want to drive that far but we knew that he needed the stitches tonight. We found a vet in Versailles that referred us to an emergency on call vet in Maria Stein. So we gathered up and headed North. Brownie was so good on the way up, he just drooled a puddle in his cage. He was very curious at everything (he is such a countrified dog).
Apparently the Vet had to wrastle a bit with him before she decided to just gas him.
When he came out he had his tongue still hanging out and was only half awake. SO, after 9 stitches and a hefty vet bill later, we went home. He stayed the night on the porch in his cage and slept it off. We finally made it home about 10:30 on Sunday night completely exhausted. Now he has to take an antibiotic for a week and somehow we have to make sure he doesn't scratch.
We went to see him today and it's as if nothing happened and he doesn't seem to be scratching, maybe rubbing a bit though.
It's amazing at how resilient pets are and how forgiving they are. after I had cut an his ear, he still wanted to love on me. I was feeling terrible for what I had done, but he tried to assure me that everything would be OK.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Our New Wheels!
We woke up on Saturday and Jonathan hopped on the cumputer. He just "happend" to come accross some cars on a dealerships website. We have been talking for a long time now about when the best time to trade in my Cavelier would be. We knew we wanted to have something more durable for the winter, but we couldn't decide what we wanted. Jonathan wanted me in a BIG gas hog and I wanted something small and gas friendly. I was definitely not comfortable with anything that was huge.
So, we left on Saturday with 2 ads in had. One for a Jeep Liberty and one for a Ford Escape. The Jeep was the right price but it was very dirty. We then took the Ecape for a ride. We liked it, but I really wanted a moon roof. As we were pulling back into the lot, the salesman waved us over to a different area. He led us to a 2006 Mercury Mariner. This car is just like the Escape except it is much more detailed on the inside. The best part was the fact that it had a moon roof. So, we were sold. We went in looking for one thing and came out with another. It was the same price as the Escape with fewer miles and it had the moon roof.
And we managed to come to a happy medium. Something small enough that I could drive and something that was comfortable enough for Jonathan. I like the moon roof and Jonathan likes the V6.
Now the only thing we need is a name for it. Any ideas??
So, we left on Saturday with 2 ads in had. One for a Jeep Liberty and one for a Ford Escape. The Jeep was the right price but it was very dirty. We then took the Ecape for a ride. We liked it, but I really wanted a moon roof. As we were pulling back into the lot, the salesman waved us over to a different area. He led us to a 2006 Mercury Mariner. This car is just like the Escape except it is much more detailed on the inside. The best part was the fact that it had a moon roof. So, we were sold. We went in looking for one thing and came out with another. It was the same price as the Escape with fewer miles and it had the moon roof.
And we managed to come to a happy medium. Something small enough that I could drive and something that was comfortable enough for Jonathan. I like the moon roof and Jonathan likes the V6.
Now the only thing we need is a name for it. Any ideas??
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