Monday, November 12, 2012
Veterans Day
So...of course, we are grateful to our veterans for their service to our country, and therefore, to us. But, I am wondering...how are our veterans feeling about what is happening to our country now? A political party in power, from President on downward, whose platform was "normalizing" immorality: abortion; homosexual behavior; etc. We certainly know that judgement is coming. God have mercy on us.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
A Living Hope
May? really? I haven't posted since May? Sigh. Really must get better at this. So...life is intense, as is common to the Christian Life. (see James Chapter One)...to consider it all JOY WHEN you encounter various trials.
Mom is doing well. Summer was taken up w/getting her situated at home, after realizing that Assisted Living was not a good situation for her. To keep it "affordable" at all, I was still doing her bathing, meds, and laundry...and, it quickly became apparent that she was stable enough to go home. She has been home since 6/21, and, at the end of Aug, we got help 3 mornings/week for bathing and housekeeping help. I am grateful.
Anneka is home!! After much thought, she has decided to move back home and find a job to build a little next egg, so that she can move to California and see if she can make connections to sing on Movie Soundtracks. What an adventure! I love having her here. I love her cooking! I will love her pursuing her dreams...we shall see how that goes.
And, Derek is home, too: taking this quarter off from WWU after a sudden hospitalization: he is on emergency medical leave from Western; doing well, and we are quite hopeful that all will return to a "new normal" in the next few months.
The situation w/Derek has shown us again how God walks with us thru the unknown's of our journey: and how, the prayers of the saints uphold us during the crisis of life. We are deeply grateful for love, support, and prayers of many of you.
Gretchen is doing well at Joint Base Lewis-McChord...it has been great to see her in the previous 10 days.
Sasha is a Jr at SHS: first boyfriend! First play! Trying to keep her room clean! Aaaggghhhh!!!
Fall is always a wonderful time: so contemplative; so beautiful w/the falling leaves, changing colors, and the shortening of daylight. Time to adjust the timers on lamps, and look forward to candles twinkling in the windows.
So...just trying to be more disciplined. Trying to be a servant to our Most High God, who has blessed us with his glorious salvation, by His sacrifice. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!
Karla
Mom is doing well. Summer was taken up w/getting her situated at home, after realizing that Assisted Living was not a good situation for her. To keep it "affordable" at all, I was still doing her bathing, meds, and laundry...and, it quickly became apparent that she was stable enough to go home. She has been home since 6/21, and, at the end of Aug, we got help 3 mornings/week for bathing and housekeeping help. I am grateful.
Anneka is home!! After much thought, she has decided to move back home and find a job to build a little next egg, so that she can move to California and see if she can make connections to sing on Movie Soundtracks. What an adventure! I love having her here. I love her cooking! I will love her pursuing her dreams...we shall see how that goes.
And, Derek is home, too: taking this quarter off from WWU after a sudden hospitalization: he is on emergency medical leave from Western; doing well, and we are quite hopeful that all will return to a "new normal" in the next few months.
The situation w/Derek has shown us again how God walks with us thru the unknown's of our journey: and how, the prayers of the saints uphold us during the crisis of life. We are deeply grateful for love, support, and prayers of many of you.
Gretchen is doing well at Joint Base Lewis-McChord...it has been great to see her in the previous 10 days.
Sasha is a Jr at SHS: first boyfriend! First play! Trying to keep her room clean! Aaaggghhhh!!!
Fall is always a wonderful time: so contemplative; so beautiful w/the falling leaves, changing colors, and the shortening of daylight. Time to adjust the timers on lamps, and look forward to candles twinkling in the windows.
So...just trying to be more disciplined. Trying to be a servant to our Most High God, who has blessed us with his glorious salvation, by His sacrifice. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!
Karla
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sometimes....
I would rather play solitaire than write. I would rather sleep than sew. I would rather vacuum than fix dinner.
I am in a bit of a low state...I think it is stress related...anyone want to join me there?!
On a more positive note, my 86 1/2 yo mom is leaving Re-hab after three and one-half MONTHS....when she first went, we thot it was going to be three WEEKS. Home for the long, Memorial Day weekend, then, to an Assisted Living for some "transition" time...then, we will re-evaluate.
So, I have been busy getting mom's house ready for her: to have it more walker-friendly...re-arrange a bit of furniture, etc. I'm sure that more "tweaking" will take place as we see how she does. She is anxious to sleep in her own bed w/her own pillow and snuggle her own kitties.
I remember when my two eldest girls were little, how hard it was sometimes to find good, trustworthy babysitters that I could trust (and afford)...and now, at the other end of the spectrum, I am finding it hard to find good, trustworthy companions for my mom that I can trust (and that she can afford!). Selfishly, I want Mom to be able to be in her own home...but, w/the minimum amount that her Long Term Insurance pays, it may be that Assisted Living would fill more of the "gaps" than in-home care. She will also continue w/Physical Therapy two or three times/week, so, I will still be busy.
My gas mileage has been horrible w/all of the start-and-stop-driving!
And, "Spring...when a young man's fancy turns to love"...(or something like that...)...well...it may be that, for us, Spring is when a young WOMAN's fancy turns to the possibility of love...hhhmmm....interesting journey, this one.
And, I just want a new Civil War Tea Dress to perk up my days...appropriate, as this coming weekend is "Decoration Day"?!
Karla
I am in a bit of a low state...I think it is stress related...anyone want to join me there?!
On a more positive note, my 86 1/2 yo mom is leaving Re-hab after three and one-half MONTHS....when she first went, we thot it was going to be three WEEKS. Home for the long, Memorial Day weekend, then, to an Assisted Living for some "transition" time...then, we will re-evaluate.
So, I have been busy getting mom's house ready for her: to have it more walker-friendly...re-arrange a bit of furniture, etc. I'm sure that more "tweaking" will take place as we see how she does. She is anxious to sleep in her own bed w/her own pillow and snuggle her own kitties.
I remember when my two eldest girls were little, how hard it was sometimes to find good, trustworthy babysitters that I could trust (and afford)...and now, at the other end of the spectrum, I am finding it hard to find good, trustworthy companions for my mom that I can trust (and that she can afford!). Selfishly, I want Mom to be able to be in her own home...but, w/the minimum amount that her Long Term Insurance pays, it may be that Assisted Living would fill more of the "gaps" than in-home care. She will also continue w/Physical Therapy two or three times/week, so, I will still be busy.
My gas mileage has been horrible w/all of the start-and-stop-driving!
And, "Spring...when a young man's fancy turns to love"...(or something like that...)...well...it may be that, for us, Spring is when a young WOMAN's fancy turns to the possibility of love...hhhmmm....interesting journey, this one.
And, I just want a new Civil War Tea Dress to perk up my days...appropriate, as this coming weekend is "Decoration Day"?!
Karla
Monday, April 23, 2012
Viewing the Circle of Life...
So, again, it's amazing to me how fast the time flies. Had the great priviledge of being a servant to my friend on March 28, 2012 for the birth of her fourth child, a daughter! She and her hubby now have four children: two boys and two girls. Blessed they are!
On April 2, my 86 1/2 yo mom, got pretty sick (she had been in Rehab since February 10th)...short story, she had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics they had to use for her pneumonia, and so, after trying to deal with it for 9 days, on the morning of April 15, she went to the ER (I followed in my car). She was in CCU from Sat-Wed, then, transfered to ICU on Wed-Thur, and came back to Rehab on Friday. All were amazed.
She is doing much better, but, we see certain progressions taking place...she used to have a good appitite; now, she's not eating much. But, she still loves to see me and see her grandkids, so, it's fine. She is awake and aware and conversant, does not have any pain, so, that is a blessing for sure.
So...beginnings of life...my kids are in the young adult part's of life....my dear hubby and I are in the "they are almost all launched" part of life....and, my mom is nearing the end of life. God's grace is upon us all.
Amazing Grace!
Karla
On April 2, my 86 1/2 yo mom, got pretty sick (she had been in Rehab since February 10th)...short story, she had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics they had to use for her pneumonia, and so, after trying to deal with it for 9 days, on the morning of April 15, she went to the ER (I followed in my car). She was in CCU from Sat-Wed, then, transfered to ICU on Wed-Thur, and came back to Rehab on Friday. All were amazed.
She is doing much better, but, we see certain progressions taking place...she used to have a good appitite; now, she's not eating much. But, she still loves to see me and see her grandkids, so, it's fine. She is awake and aware and conversant, does not have any pain, so, that is a blessing for sure.
So...beginnings of life...my kids are in the young adult part's of life....my dear hubby and I are in the "they are almost all launched" part of life....and, my mom is nearing the end of life. God's grace is upon us all.
Amazing Grace!
Karla
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I'm honored to share this Blog Posting from my friend.
Had the great priviledge to assist at this mom's 1st home birth, and to be an extra set of hands (camera!) for her 2nd home birth...enjoy her witty writing!
Love, Karla
http://joyousmom.com/ Read her entry titled "My long and winding road to hippie birthing".
Love, Karla
http://joyousmom.com/ Read her entry titled "My long and winding road to hippie birthing".
It has "not" been a quiet month in our home!
So....quick update.
Mom is doing well in rehab...a few minor setbacks (ie: pneumonia), but, there is talk that she might be getting "out" soon...(we shall see). Still dealing w/some cognitive stuff. Will try to get help so that she can be at home for a bit...
The boy-man moved up to Bellingham to attend WWU (http://www.wwu.edu/) Sasha and I are headed up in the morning to spend a few day's w/Anneka and with Derek.
Had an amazing birth...mom's 4th baby, 1st home birth, she was/is amazing. She has some very unique health issues, so, it was a good learning expierence for me. 7#2oz baby girl on 3/28/12....the family is now mom and dad and 2 boys and 2 girls! How perfect is THAT!
Learning a lot at my new job...which, I will enjoy more when I learn it all! (hahahah!)
Love, Karla
Mom is doing well in rehab...a few minor setbacks (ie: pneumonia), but, there is talk that she might be getting "out" soon...(we shall see). Still dealing w/some cognitive stuff. Will try to get help so that she can be at home for a bit...
The boy-man moved up to Bellingham to attend WWU (http://www.wwu.edu/) Sasha and I are headed up in the morning to spend a few day's w/Anneka and with Derek.
Had an amazing birth...mom's 4th baby, 1st home birth, she was/is amazing. She has some very unique health issues, so, it was a good learning expierence for me. 7#2oz baby girl on 3/28/12....the family is now mom and dad and 2 boys and 2 girls! How perfect is THAT!
Learning a lot at my new job...which, I will enjoy more when I learn it all! (hahahah!)
Love, Karla
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Handball-golfball-robin's egg.
Well....sort of.
Ok, I think I need to post more often, if for no other reason than to de-stress, if that is at all possible!
January's Epiphany Party went very well, I hope to make it an annual event. Loved having Russian food and Russian people to celebrate Russian Christmas!
On Jan 18th, my 86 yo mom broke her ankle....lot's of soaking, Ibu, etc,...finally got an x-ray, a boot, and all was good...until...
Feb 7th...I went over to her house, per her request by a phone call, and found her in a pool of blood....called 911...8 hrs in the ER: 4 bags of fluids, 2 bags plasma, 2L blood (B- for those of you who might be interested....) lowest b/p that I observed was 32/64. Yep. You read it correctly. Admitted to CCU that night, after having her head stitched up...16 stitches over a handball-sized hematoma.
ServiceMaster of Sequim billed me for a "crime scene"....(and, because they left blood on the walls and counters and mom's dresser, etc, I am in negotiations with them re: the amount of the bill. Seems excessive to me, given that, after leaving our local hospital at midnight, I had to CLEAN UP AFTER THEM...took me an hour to wipe up all the remaining blood. *Note* "Negotiations" are not going well.)
Mom was released from the hospital to Sequim Health and Re-hab on 2/10...she is getting Physical Therapy, (Zane! Take note!), Occupational Therapy, (Leanne Summer, take note!), and strength and balance training.
Ever heard of "Sundowner's Syndrome"??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundowner%27s_syndrome I am concerned that mom may have some of this, which, is going to put some different parameter's on her being able to be at home by herself safely. More to come on that as we get more information.
So, for now...she is stable, she is with us, and I'm exhausted, and I have the best family in the world...Lex and Derek and Sasha have been wonderful. I go over to mom's in the morning to get her newspaper, feed her cats, etc...then, I go over to Re-hab and give her her paper and any mail from the previous day...then, try to take care of my own "stuff", (ie: house, marketing, laundry, work? ha!), then, back to mom's in the evening to get the mail, do the cat's, etc...
So, "That's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the men are good looking, all the woman are strong, and all the children are above average."
???? HA!
Hope to be back sooner than another eight weeks!
Karla
Ok, I think I need to post more often, if for no other reason than to de-stress, if that is at all possible!
January's Epiphany Party went very well, I hope to make it an annual event. Loved having Russian food and Russian people to celebrate Russian Christmas!
On Jan 18th, my 86 yo mom broke her ankle....lot's of soaking, Ibu, etc,...finally got an x-ray, a boot, and all was good...until...
Feb 7th...I went over to her house, per her request by a phone call, and found her in a pool of blood....called 911...8 hrs in the ER: 4 bags of fluids, 2 bags plasma, 2L blood (B- for those of you who might be interested....) lowest b/p that I observed was 32/64. Yep. You read it correctly. Admitted to CCU that night, after having her head stitched up...16 stitches over a handball-sized hematoma.
ServiceMaster of Sequim billed me for a "crime scene"....(and, because they left blood on the walls and counters and mom's dresser, etc, I am in negotiations with them re: the amount of the bill. Seems excessive to me, given that, after leaving our local hospital at midnight, I had to CLEAN UP AFTER THEM...took me an hour to wipe up all the remaining blood. *Note* "Negotiations" are not going well.)
Mom was released from the hospital to Sequim Health and Re-hab on 2/10...she is getting Physical Therapy, (Zane! Take note!), Occupational Therapy, (Leanne Summer, take note!), and strength and balance training.
Ever heard of "Sundowner's Syndrome"??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundowner%27s_syndrome I am concerned that mom may have some of this, which, is going to put some different parameter's on her being able to be at home by herself safely. More to come on that as we get more information.
So, for now...she is stable, she is with us, and I'm exhausted, and I have the best family in the world...Lex and Derek and Sasha have been wonderful. I go over to mom's in the morning to get her newspaper, feed her cats, etc...then, I go over to Re-hab and give her her paper and any mail from the previous day...then, try to take care of my own "stuff", (ie: house, marketing, laundry, work? ha!), then, back to mom's in the evening to get the mail, do the cat's, etc...
So, "That's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the men are good looking, all the woman are strong, and all the children are above average."
???? HA!
Hope to be back sooner than another eight weeks!
Karla
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A New Year...
Started w/ a new baby! First time mom...16 hrs of labor...8# 13 oz baby boy. Sweet new family. Almost was the first baby of the New Year for Clallam County!
Had a wonderful Christmas...all the family was here, at least for a bit...now, we are having a Russian Orthodox/Epiphany Party on Friday night...a nod to Sasha, and a nod to me...I "hate" taking down my Christmas nativities!
One of the things that has been bothering me a lot the last few days is how complacent we have become regarding the freedom's we have had here in the USA. Listen to the last two days of recordings on this site (for Tues 1/3 and Wed 1/4) regarding the terrorist movement here in the US. www.familytalk.org It's a wake up call, to be sure.
And...I need some feedback. I would like to post my opinions on OB/GYN's "yelling" at their patients...keeping your baby safe...proper toys...taking them OUT of their plastic buckets...the difficulty of being a good parent to adult and almost-adult children...care-giving older parents, adoption, music, Living History and Re-enacting...reading good books...etc, etc, etc.
What would you like to read about? Let me know!
Happy New Year.
Karla
Had a wonderful Christmas...all the family was here, at least for a bit...now, we are having a Russian Orthodox/Epiphany Party on Friday night...a nod to Sasha, and a nod to me...I "hate" taking down my Christmas nativities!
One of the things that has been bothering me a lot the last few days is how complacent we have become regarding the freedom's we have had here in the USA. Listen to the last two days of recordings on this site (for Tues 1/3 and Wed 1/4) regarding the terrorist movement here in the US. www.familytalk.org It's a wake up call, to be sure.
And...I need some feedback. I would like to post my opinions on OB/GYN's "yelling" at their patients...keeping your baby safe...proper toys...taking them OUT of their plastic buckets...the difficulty of being a good parent to adult and almost-adult children...care-giving older parents, adoption, music, Living History and Re-enacting...reading good books...etc, etc, etc.
What would you like to read about? Let me know!
Happy New Year.
Karla
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