All The Leaves Are Gone

All the leaves have blown away and it's starting to look alot like winter around here. I do have a few roses trying to beat out winter temperatures, but I'm sure they will not last long. It's just 41 degrees out now, at about 1pm MST. I've been freezing for a week now. The sun is trying to make it's presence here today, so maybe we'll warm up some. Gramma was discharged from my facility Thursday, and doing excellent. I visited her before leaving work to go home Wednesday, and it was everything I could do to fight back tears... I found her in our Activities room, full of smiles, in the middle of singing songs along with the guitar player who comes to play once a week. She loves to sing. The day before, I found her playing bingo, reaching across the large bingo cards to mark the numbers called. A week ago, she couldn't even get out of bed, let alone recognize me. She's doing so well. Thursday, Gramma was transferred to yet another Rehab Center now, in hopes of getting well enough to go back to Assisted Living. That's a BIG hope, one we know may not happen, but it is a goal. This bout of too much pain meds about killed her, really taking a toll on her. What a month's it's been for her.

My daughter came to town! I was so happy to see her! I worked until I heard she was here, then arranged to pick her up downtown so we could meet up with my parents for dinner. My daughter's favorite restaurant in Boise is The Olive Garden. My parents picked up my son, and we all met at the restaurant for a wonderful dinner and visit together. After dinner, my son and I joined my daughter and her band for a night of heavy metal sounds downtown. The band consists of five guys and my daughter. She plays the guitar. After the show, most of the band stayed here at the house.

The next morning we visited and took some photos before they took off for their next show in Denver, Colorado. They would be stopping that night in Salt Lake City,Utah, at another band member's family home. Now, everyone grab a dog and smile pretty! These kids are so sweet, I don't know why they have to look so tough! We got up early that morning so my daughter could visit with Gramma for a few minutes before she left. When we left the house, the guys were still sleeping. Gramma was tickled to see her. It was so good to see my daughter. Inbetween all our quick visits with family, my daughter and I had a chance for a deep talk about relationships and family. I believe we came to an understanding of eachother's feelings, something that has been totally untouchable for a year now. I also shared with her, our plans (me and my guy's plans) for Christmas. She was the last of my family I needed to tell.

My son... I love him with all my heart and want the best I can give him. I believe all parents feel the same. (I find it amazing how much love us moms have, always enough for all our kids!) I mentioned before he was in a bad place, a bit of emotional turmoil. He is working through his feelings and doing much better. When a 16 year old knows everything, a mom can only do so much. In the past year or more, I have tried to talk with my son about dropping out of all his sports, letting all his male friends go, no longer playing drums with his band, and being so involved with one girl. This girl has been his whole life for almost two years. She is a very smart, very nice girl. But, they are too young for such a devoted relationship. And when they broke up last week, he took it so very hard. He doesn't have the support group of friends and activities to help him through such emotions of the heart. The good thing is he felt safe in talking with me and talked with me about everything. I shared with him the one thing I've learned in and about relationships; you can never lose yourself, you need to keep involved in what you love to do and the relationship should be the icing on your cake. This week he's gotten back together with his band. I'm hoping in the spring he'll try to get back into baseball... he's so good at baseball.

My guy is still out on this special assignment with his company. We're hoping he will be home next weekend. He will have been out for about four weeks by then. This job was supposed to be just regional routes, home most every weekend. That was a year and a half ago, and now, for understandable reasons (hurricanes, special contracts, etc.), the company has taken him out longer. I'll be glad when he's back on the regional track and home more often.Peanut, Molly & Rodney... aren't they cute! This weekend was doggie wash weekend at our house. All but Ozzy, he's out on the truck with my guy. I take all the dogs into a shop for professional grooming about every eight weeks. This time, the shop being in the Holiday mode already, the dogs came home smelling like Grandma's Sugar Cookies! They smell so good. But, sugar cookies? Believe it or not, the scent isn't bad. LOL In this photo, only Molly had already made it to her appointment, the boys didn't go until today.

So, life is good... My guy's coming home soon. My son is doing better. Gramma's doing great. My mom has finished all her chemo and radiation treatments. My dad, well, he's been good all year. And, I had a wonderful visit with my daughter!

Now, about those Christmas plans... I've finally told all my family I will not be home for Christmas this year. This year, my guy and I are taking a Christmas cruise to Mexico! Just us. We're so excited! We did ask my son if he'd like to go, but he'd rather stay home. At almost 17 years old, I do not believe he should have to go if he doesn't want to. My daughter will be home with him, and together, they will watch the dogs. My brother and his family will also be here for Christmas, staying with my parents. My kids will spend the holiday with my parents. So, it's just me and my guy, cruising to Mexico! Did I tell you how excited we are?