Changes and Fact Finding

Today was good. We finally have gone into have the second cat scan for a comparison of how much progress we have done in the cancer treatments. I will say that I feel a measure of holding my breath. He needs the positive feed back to build him back up.

Took my second exam. Sigh. As usual I studied and focused on what I thought would be on it...and missed the professors focus. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

The tool guy has fixed our trailer up and we will begin moving my nursery. I have lost my garden. The new location will be a wholesale lot that will sell plants retail also. I am disappointed, but the owner is the boss and I will give in to his request. The goal now is to increase sales and make it somewhat better.

Have enjoyed visiting with my granddaughter on the phone. She remembers me. Can't wait for the holidays!

Can life be just too much?

I have been so engulfed with dealing with my hero's absorption of his pain, and trying to find time to do my school work that I have become numb. My poor nursery has become a disaster; because one, I am not there and two, the workers became disheartened when the decision was made by corporate to move it to a new distant site. I am in a dilemma as to how to pull both myself and my nursery through this challenge.

I know it is possible, I just need to stop and breathe, and think. Right now thinking is difficult because the needs are overwhelming.

Sigh.

Showing off the newest addition

This is our new princess. Of course, the GrandmomE has to be in the picture too. I want her to know I was there when she was born. As you can tell she is full of expressions and animation.

What a joy.

Steps forward and Steps backward

My daughter had been having abdominal pain since last Thursday. We called the doctors message service, because I could not feel her fundus. No one called back. Since she had left the reason for having called, she did not think to call back when there wasn't a response. Early Friday she felt a bit better and decided it was her over reacting. However, by midnight the pain had increased and on Saturday she was in bed. Her husband had gone to a special session at their church and would not be back until 5pm. She wanted to wait. At 4pm, she began to feel hot and the pain increased. Her temperature was 100.4 F orally. I had her call the doctor again. She called and since her temperature was a raised, they asked her to come into the hospital. Her husband arrived at 6pm to find her packed and ready to go. His parents were here....his mom thinks the baby is "BEAUTIFUL". She is...
They admitted my daughter for postpartum endometrosis. [The doctor said one in 10 of their patients come back with this problem. I think that is a lot and a result of lack of post partum instruction.]
As for the rest of us, well while the couple "languished" in the hospital, the two grandmas' had a blast caring for the granddaughter. The grandpas' doted and shared funny stories. The grandmas' also spent time working on family history.
While we missed them, we did have a fun time together. The other grandma makes wonderful cookies and spaghetti.
Love to all
Oh btw, my hero had excellent treatment results last night. After the treatment, for the next two hours he sloughed off dead tissue and related cancer cells. It is working, but today he is tired and feeling sore from the tissue slough off
HUGZ

Reunited

How wonderful it was to see my hero walking out of the terminal to meet us at the car. I could tell the week long IV treatments had taken their toll. He looked tired. Of course, only 2 hours of sleep the night before had not helped either. Our daughter does not have a regular bed. She has a queen air mattress. That sounded okay, I knew though since I had to sleep cross wise to keep the sheets on that there would be trouble when there was two of us. Besides being challenging to get up....hold on the the side and pull or dump yourself off..., turning over in the night resulted in the mummy affect. The sheets let go of the side of the mattress and curled themselves around our legs and bodies, now getting up was more complicated. When I went into the kitchen and my hair was like it had been in a light socket, everyone knew the answer to "did you have a good night?' Mostly it was just good to have his presence back beside me.
Things are better today. He had a treatment last night that helped. He also loved holding the new bright star for the future. She is a cutie. We have been giving her subliminal messages when she is a sleep...."When you hear this voice you will smile" " When we call you will want to talk." Hope it is not too obvious that she is special to us. : )

I am enjoying talking with him about my class, the environment around here, and just sitting and watching the hummingbirds. Tomorrow we will help the kids put up a hummingbird feeder. Good thing to do as they are running low on flower nectar right now.

I was listening to my professor lecture today. The pictures of improperly planted trees are so real. When I drive through older neighborhoods in the Houston area, there are many examples of what she said was NOT a good thing to do, ie. plant a large tree too close to the house, sidewalk, septic. We have had many people come in to our nursery looking for answers to their now challenges...a referral to an arborist is usually the best answer. Our new customers are advised of how important it is to consider the height, and width before placing a plant. At least we are on the right page so far.

Only two more days and we will be going back to Texas. It has been a most pleasant break. ; )

California has its pretty spots

All my life California has been mostly large cities in my mind, because that was all I read about. Between earthquakes and fires, when my daughter said that they were moving to a town about 1 hour from LA, my heart sunk. But here I am. Last night, we went looking for land for their future. I was amazed that 10 minutes out of their town, we were in the mountains and it was beautiful.
The trees and flora are interesting and appear in spite of the dryness to be flourshing. (Must be from spring thaw.) When I got out to walk, the feel of the land was soft from mounds of decaying pine needles. I love the conifers here. [There were shrubs I must look up and perennials that worked great in the dry climate. I can tell I have some homework to do in California flora, if I am to help my daughter landscape when they build.] I could tell that the land has never been worked where we were. However, my son-in-law felt it too far and too primitive for them to achieve a home before their lease ran out, so it was back to looking for them. It was helpful to me to drive around with them looking at the surrounding area. The area is nice and with more flora will continue to be prettier. Definitely, it is not what I expected from all the newspaper and news media information. Interestingly, the people in the mountain area were all fire conscious. They had firebreaks and store a certain amount of water for fire fighting. They appear to be provident in their planning. There is wind energy used for most of the area. I love the wind mills they use for energy. They fascinate me with their size, movement, and utibility. Many though use solar energy for their homes. If it weren't for the earthquakes, I would consider coming here. But for now...a week visit with my sweet granddaughter and her parents will do. Plus, I don't feel so bad about where they live.
More later

Several New Beginnings

On Monday, August 27, I began my horticulture classes again. The subjects are Urban soils and Arboriculture. Information easily applied to life. My professors are very nice and patient with me. I will finish.

On Friday, I flew to California to be with my 4th child for the birth of her first child. A beautiful (even if I say so myself) little girl. Taking online classes makes it so much easier for me to juggle my life. My hero is lonesome though. He will fly out on Sep. 6th. I have missed him a lot. It will be nice to be reunited after a week. I just don't sleep as well when he is not there.

My first daughter has decided to start writing again. She has a blog that is fanfiction on Alias Smith and Jones. She says she needs the practice.

So far the site looks good.

My second daughter is working hard to hang in at work until her dad comes back from California. She is having her third child. However, it has been 12 years since her last child. She is so excited. Her sons have been working hard to adjust to a new step dad and new schools this year. The boys are liking where they are. The oldest was moved up to advanced band because he does so well.

My son got to have his first do nothing labor day. He laughed and said for the first time, besides when he went on a mission, he did not have to work on the farm with dad on Labor day. He slept in and watched old movies. His wife sent out a help email...Funny bunnies.

Life is not easier nor is it overwhelming. Things are good and are best when done with a smile and some laughter. My hero said he hasn't had a good laugh since I left. How sad...he and those around him should be able to find light hearted jokes or conversation that can be uplifting. I love to laugh and enjoy life to the hilt. I sat on my daughter's patio looking at the mountains and desert in the distance thinking how wonderful it is to be alive and how beautiful our surroundings are. I think that is why I find learning more about horticulture exciting. As I studied about climate, etc., I could see how just a little more attention to the plants around us can do so much for the next generation.

Now don't think I'm going political or environmentalist. I think it is all about stewardship and that involves everyone.

Update on the treatments

I began saying we were choosing an alternative treatment. I should say that it chose us. We were in the process of trying to be accepted by John Sealy UTMB when all processes of communication with them was stopped by the offices and no appointments were made. I had found from a wonderful herbalist friend of a Doctor in Italy, Dr. Simoncini,who has a very informative website. I started trying to implement his treatments at home but began to have questions. I emailed him when what to my surprise, he emailed me back. What a blessing in our lives. He hadn't any reason to communicate with us...we haven't paid him any money, but he has continued to assist me in making decisions along the way. Two weeks ago we began the treatments of Bicarbonate of Soda IV. At first we were not sure that they were being effective, however, we began noticing that there were definite changes going as the week went on. Although Dr Simincini did have us stop for 2 days when my hero's temperature raised to 100 degrees. The 6 days of IV treatment was followed by 6 days of enemas of warm bicarbonate of soda solution. This treatment is what causes most of his discomfort. We have seen tumor passed and a continued increase of strength so he has only missed two days of work. Not to say he hasn't been stressed. He has lost 35 lbs, most of which he was able to do without! But has started lifting small bar bells to restrengthen his arms.

A Continued Journey

The family has fussed at me for not posting enough...They are right I have been amiss. There is much that I have not been good at documenting.

This last spring my daughter won a major battle in her effort to stay sober from drugs. ( At present she has been sober for 1 year and 3 weeks.) She got her little son back that had been denied her by an unrighteous in-law. Bryan is a jewel. He can twist you around his little finger with just a glance. Yes, I am a proud grandmother. We love having him with his mother and
being able to spend time with him.

In April, my Wonderful husband, who is so much a real part of me, was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer. Apparently considered stage 3 to 4. We had Cat-scans, biopsey, etc. done.
We do not have insurance. With this consideration, and the knowledge of the sloooowness of the medical paper work system ( I am a retired RN), we decided to seek assistance from our friends who have knowledge of natural treatments.

New Life

WOW...twins!!!!
My #1 daughter had challenges with her pregnancy and I had to go and stay with her and her family. What fun. There are 3 girls and 2 boys. We have had so much fun. I have never been away from my husband in 35 years for more than 4 days and this has been a whole month and 2 weeks! If it were not for Nextel's and email, I don't know if we would have been able to have made it for the entire time. Technology is great!

On the 19th of February, the twin boys were born. A red head and a blond head. A major adjustment for the 2 year old boys already in the home and the mom and dad. Russ likes to hold both babies at a time and they love it.

The mom had a uterine infection develop 3 days after and scared me to death with 104+degree temperature. We made an emergency run to the doctor's office who ordered IV antibiotic therapy at home. [That was fun doing IV push and IV drip for three days.] The wonderful thing was as we arrived home, her Relief Society members brought by a meal for the family. Since we were so exhausted, that was a real blessing.

This weekend, my husband comes to fetch me home. I look so forward to seeing his loving face.
While I was at my daughter's, I took my first exam and began preparation for my term paper as well as turning my son-in-law's house into a greenhouse full of cuttings.

Life is all good. The Northwest is enjoying rain and snow. The South is enjoying a lovely spring. The best is that, I get to enjoy the best of both.

My #3 daughter has become twitterpated and my #1 son is graduating in May. My #2 daughter's son was dog piled in a physical education class activity and broke his clavicle.
My adopted daughter has lost over 30 lbs and dropped a whole dress size. How cool is that!


[The boy on the right is the one who broke his clavicle. This is a picture of when they visited Idaho. Note the Darth Tater shirts. LOL]










My understanding of life is growing every day. I hope that we will learn the direction that I and my husband are supposed to be moving in as we move into our middle age years. We are praying and seeking guidance so that we can make good decisions and not just act on impulse.
Listening to a living prophet helps more than I can ever explain.

"I believe the meek and the humble are those who are teachable. They are willing to learn. They are willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice for guidance in their lives. They place the wisdom of the Lord above their own wisdom."(Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, January 2001, 2)

The Start of a New Year.

So much has happened in the last 4 months that I haven't had time to sit and write, but then I still don't really have the time. Just guess I will have to work on making some relaxing time.
To bring my time line up to date.
These are 5 of the joys of my life.
I have a new grandson named Bryan Kristopher...I have seen him once. He is precious. The GranddadE has the picture, we need to import it.
My other daughter (the mother of four of these children) has found out she is having twins....It is exciting. My mother is a twin and my husband is a twin. It will be boys. Probably faternal as that is what runs in the families.
I made an A on my first course, and have enrolled in the second one required to start on my masters. I have learned to make woody cuttings. That is great. I could already make soft cuttings.
I am working 6 days a week, president of 180 women in my church's womens organization, volunteering as a family history worker 3 hours a week and taking an online college class, and assisting my mother who has developed anxiety caused false dementia. Don't tell me you don't have time. People need to learn to relax and trust in God and their family. I am an only child. It is hard to feel you have a lost a member of the family when they are physically right there. Working as an RN, I had experiences with different mental health challenges and with brain injuries. It is never easy, even with professional information.
My oldest son who returned from a church mission, is getting ready to graduate this spring. He is struggling with future decisions.
My 16 year old is pressing for his driver's license. He is working hard to assist my around the house which is greatly appreciated... Our goal is for him to get his Eagle in Boy Scouts this year.
My husband is a hard working wonderfully supportive man. He was driving through a subdivision on his way home and a deer charged his pick up. The deer hit the passenger side door and knocked in the mirror and window shattering glass all over my husband. We spent until 1am in the emergency room. He was lucky to only have glass in his ear, abrasions, and a contusion under his eye. He had been looking to see if he could move into the other lane or he might have gotten glass in his eye too.
It is fun sitting here writing and listening to Celine Dion.
Relaxing too.
Will try not to take so long in writing again and will try and be coherent too.

Excitement

Being in the green industry one sees new life at all times. BUT
When it is your child having a baby, it is special! I am a grandmother seven times, but still get excited at the advent of each new child. I am the world's worst at emulating the small banty hens who try to steal baby chicks for themselves. I love children and their special way of looking at life. Each one is so unique and are so full of joy. What a gift it is to have family.
I am also beginning a new phase in my life. I am, at a grandmotherly age, beginning my Master's in college program. I hope to make it through the GRE test. : )

New Beginnings

Sometimes we find ourselves being pushed along even if we want to stay in a comfortable niche.
I not being a technological person, loving the earth, wind, sun and all things associated with the out of doors am reaching to develop a spot in the eworld that I will be comfortable to work with. I will accept suggestions and assistance with gratitude.