Hurray for playdates and good friends!

Well, today I met two of my friends at the mall with their kids. We had a blast in the play area. The kids had so much fun. Wow, there were a lot of kids. And having three kids running around, it helped having 6 sets of eyes on them at all times. then they were starting to get crabby so we left a little before 11 to go to Noodles and Co. I have never been there, and that place is good. I know I didn't all my meal, but I did take it home. I just wasn't starving. What I had was Mushroom Stroganoff with braised beef. I will try next time what Becky and Jen order. That looked good. It was so cute. Isaiah held my hand when I was eating, and then put his head on my shoulder. What a sweet little boy. Ryan definitely has competition with that little one. ;)

He doesn't care, I have competition with three little girls. Their names are Casey (my second cousin), Kathleen (she adores Ryan), and then Kamryn. Oh wait! There will be a fourth one added to that when she gets older. That will be Mallory. But that is okay. I can take them all! ;) JK! It is sweet how they act around him. Very cute. I don't mind it, and Ryan doesn't either.

Tonight we went to church so Ryan could play dartball. I am the honorary scorekeeper. So tonight the first game went to 15 innings, holy crap that was a boring a$$ game. I was getting sick and tired of making zeros all because it was tied up. Ryan's team won. Then the second game only went 9 innings, and Ryan's team won again. Now it is 8:43 and the third game is starting. We are usually done by 8:30 with dartball. Then the game started and it went 9 innings and the other team won. Wow! That was a long nite. So now I am off to do the dishes, and then go to bed. I have lunch tomorrow at my grandma's with her and my aunt's. Fun times. This weekend will be fun. I get to get away finally since before bow season started last year. We are going to Ryan's parents house this weekend. I was going to go with him the day after my mom died. He told me no, and so did my dad. Good thing I didn't. I wasn't ready to go there then. I would have been a mess talking to his parents. So tears might flow this weekend between his mom and me. Which is good. We are close that way. I can talk to her about anything, and she can the same. She is an awesome lady, and his dad isn't too bad either. He is awesome as well. As well as his sister. His whole family is awesome. They are a good family. I can't wait for most of you to meet them over Easter. Off to do the dishes now, put them away tomorrow morn, and then go to my grams for lunch. Talk to you all on the flip side.

Jodes

Busy Busy Bee!

Well, hmmm were did I leave off last? Well, here is an update from Thursday until now.

Thursday I helped Melissa re-number some Cabin Fever baskets for Cabin Fever this past weekend. Then I skipped out on bible study with Diane to watch Josh and Krista's kids Jacob and Wyatt. After that I went over to Ryan's to spend some time with him. I wasn't supposed to go over by him, but he was happy for me to come over. I got done earlier than I thought I would. After that I left Ryan's I went to water aerobics to meet a friend who has never been there. We had a blast, and to all our suprise a blast from the past was there. Actually, a blast from the past this past summer at Erb. Yup! Amy taught us water aerobics. It was fun. She was home for Spring Break. Some of you are probably confused why she taught us, normally we have Sara. Well, Sara isn't teaching water aerobics anymore. It was becoming too tough for her with two little one's at home. See is a teacher and with that and having little one's, and teaching us water aerobics. So she was missing her kids bed times. So obviously she is no longer teaching us. Which is okay. We had a good night on her last night, and that was two weeks ago.

Friday, Ryan and I went to The Checkered Flag for a co-workers last day at the warehouse. He is working at the store in Minneaoplis in the lot at that Fleet Farm store. His wife got transferred out there for her job. Our friend that Ryan and I have known from his days in the store came to The Checkered Flag to hang with me, not Ryan ;). Tehehe! It is amazing she started out as friends with Ryan, then it merged into her and I becoming good friends. Which Ryan thinks is awesome. She is a good girl. Just ask Tanya. Tanya thinks she is hilarious and so do Ryan's co-workers. I am trying to get her to come to GNO if she ever can make it.

Saturday I woke up at 6:30 to get ready to go freaking ice fishing with my beloved. I went so he wouldn't go by himself. I was told, by tweedle dumb ;). That the weather conditions were prime for catching fish. Yah right! I prayed that we wouldn't have to go back to the lake the he went to with Ken and Tim, and the one that Tim, Ryan, and our friend Matt went to two weeks prior. I was so happy when I saw a truck that was parked blocking the path to walk back to the lake. I hate walking back to that damn lake. I don't care if I will catch a butt-load of fish, I am so pooped after walking to that lake. Ryan was so cheesed off that they were there. Didn't hear the end of it all day. Blah blah blah! So we went to another lake, not far for me to walk to. Yah! :) Okay, now onto the fishing. Ryan drilled I don't know how many holes. Didn't count. Was going to bring my camera, you know for his scrapbook, well forgot. Anyway's, I planted myself by a hole, and had a hit. Spring went down hard, damn thing was teasing me. I had like 10 hits, then nothing, so moved to another hole. Nothin'! Ryan the same way. So we only had hits, didn't catch a crapping thing. Then he dropped me off at home. I sat for a little bit, changed, went online for a minute or two. Then left to go to Ryan's, he made supper, then we went to my cousin's house to watch his kids. They are so much fun. Picture will be at the bottom of them having fun at a time a while ago when I took pictures.


Ryan and Casey


Riley

Sunday was Christian Education hour at 9:15 or 9:30, then church at 10:30, I went home to change, then bought two bouquets of flowers for my cousin Lauren and one for Taylor. Then Ryan and I chilled out on his couch before me made us a quick lunch. Then we went to their dance recital. It was titled "Teacher's Picks." It was at Xavier High School's Auditorium. So fun! I enjoyed it, Ryan not so much. Sorry babe! But you ahve to take one for the team.
FYI: please don't tell him that. I don't need to start WWIII. Like I almost did at Intermission. Wow, pushed the boys buttons a little to far. Don't really know were it came from. I guess that is what happens when two people are tired, and he says something that sets me off. We made up once the recital was over. Trust me! ;) Don't say anything to him. We are passed it. After the recital we went back to his place, hung out ;), slept, and then I left to go home. I think my reason for going off on him was dealing with the loss of my mom. See in church they sang "Amazing Grace" and I couldn't even sing one word. It brought back memories of her funeral. And have been reeling from her loss since Friday of me telling a co-workers of Ryan, wife about my mom. She gave me a mom hug which almost pretty close brought tears to my eyes. And Ryan did notice that I couldn't sing the song at church. He kind of figured out why. He is so observant (sp?). It hits me hard at times. So if I all of a sudden get quiet or down, that is why. I will never be without two coins that I got at her funeral. One from my aunt, and the other from a friend at church with the John 3:16 verse on it. I will show you all both of them when I see you.

Today, I went on the internet and read that my good friend Tanya sent me a message. She told me that her and K would be in town form today until Wednesday. So I called her once I read it, and I came over to her house and what do you know. Peanut freaked out when she saw me. Brings back old memories. She thought Tanya was going to leave. Yah nope. She didn't leave, the three of us left. Then K was fine. We went to Bellvue to pick up her friend Robin and her kids, then Tanya treated us to lunch at Micky D's, then we went to her old school to see everyone. The last time I was there was VBS last year. Man good times, good times. And we toured the new school that is being built. Pretty cool.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting Becky, Mallory, Isaiah, Jen, Kam, Tanya, and K at the mall to hang out before she leaves and goes back to Idaho. Tanya and K haven't met pretty princess yet, ie Mallory, and to catch up with her girls. Can't wait. We will have fun.

Oh, and didn't have to get labs done today or this week. I will get them done next Tuesday when I go down to Madison for my follow-up appointment. Which is okay with me. I don't like being stuck more than once and Madison lab techs would have a hard time pock. So I will be drinking more water this week than I did when I 'supposedly' gave up soda. Yah, that didn't stick. I feel bad giving in to temptation. I couldn't do it. Maybe eventually I will. But I am not drinking as much soda as I used to. Which is good, I am going to the bathroom like I did after transplant. I know TMI. Sorry, I am just happy about that and that it is clear. Which is another thing that I am happy about. I know, "big dork" right? Well, when you don't go to the bathroom much prior a transplant and when you do it is dark yellow. You get excited after a transplant when you go and it is clear. It is also good when you get woken up at night to go. I am easily amused when it comes to my health. Darker colored 'you know' means you are dehydrated. Lite Mt. Dew color or clear, that means you are perfectly hydrated. And it helps to lose weight the more you go as well. You lose all the water weight then.

Okay, enough of the dork talking. :) I am so happy I can pock fun at myself. Talk to you all later.

Love,
Jodes

Update for the week!

Sorry everyone that I haven't been blogging like I should about what is going on. I am and have been somewhat busy at night when I think of blogging, I plum forget. And then I am lying in bed, not being able to sleep and am like crap I forgot to blog yet again. Well, here is a recap from last week. I don't remember where I left off. So I will start with last Monday.

Last week:
Monday-had labs done in the morning, everything still is turning out great. No problems. Woo Hoo! Ryan's demand is working. His demand after my last transplant was no more hospital stays. So that is working and God seems to be on the same page as Ryan. That's good. Then that night Ryan came over and I made him supper. I don't really remember what we had. Oh, I remember it was so simple that I forgot. I made him scrambled eggs, toast, and fried potatoes. The man is easy to please. Remember the saying, "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Well, that is how I clinched onto Ryan. ;) Not really though.

Tuesday-we had a BOE (Board of Family Education) meeting that night. I have no clue why we met. We really didn't discuss any new issues. Then after that Ryan and I walked down to the gym for Dartball. Well, it was dark and the dartball board wasn't set up. So Ryan and I went in the youth room and played pool. He beat me only because I accidentially sank the 8 ball. I caught it, but we kept playing. He is such a good guy to let me keep playing. Then we played Foosball, he wooped my butt like normal. I kept bumping my butt on the heater, but I could put a spin on the handles. But that really didn't help me much. Then we went in the gym and the boys played Dartball. I watched them, I am the offical scorekeeper on the chalkboard.

Wednesday-Lenten supper at 5:30 for the 3 Cheers group (young adults), then we cleaned up and then went into Lenten service. Once again we ran out of bulletins. Woo Hoo for the attendance. Then we had choir practice, and Ryan went to Safe Haven. I joined him after choir was over.

Thursday-went over to Ryan's to spend some much needed alone time with him. Then he made me supper and after that we went to Diane's for bible study on 1 Samuel. Then when we got back to his apartment I went home.

Friday-was GNO at Franks Pizza Palace with my girls. Jen and I shared the most amazing pizza. I had a small glass of wine, and we had good fellowship with girl talk. After that, I went over to the Johnson's house to close up their blinds and make sure lights were off. Then I called Ryan, and went to spend some time with him.

Saturday-Ryan went ice fishing with Tim and Ken. From what I hear they had a fun time. They must have, they got back around 8 pm. During the day I went to my future cousin's bridal shower. The bride is marrying my cousin on Father's Day. So I am just going to call her my cousin. After that Ryan and I went to The Bar to meet his old co-workers from the store at Fleet.

Sunday-we went to early service because the choir at that service. Then Ryan and I went to Education hour, and we just hung around talking while late service was going on. While they were collecting the offerings, we went to the Youth room to hang out there for our Board of Youth meeting after church. Then we went back to Ryan's, I picked us up Mickey D's. Since Ryan would be too tired to cook. Then we crashed on his bed to take a much needed nap.

Now I am listening to Napster "You are my all in all" which my favorite song for this season at church. And then also listened to "The Easter Song" by the Veggie Tales. Look it up and those of you in choir will notice that it is from the song we are singing on Easter. Well, that is all for now. Have a great week. Ryan will be coming over tomorrow night for supper and i will be making an amazing chicken dinner with the slow cooker helping me. Talk to you all later!

Jodes

More pages of 'A life of Memories' continued

Here are more pages that I promised you of the scrapbook I did for my mom. Hope you like them. Enjoy!

Go away Cold season!

I can finally say that I am finally starting to feel better with my cold. Which is good, now my dad and I just have to not share getting sick. But the plus side is we both are sick with the same thing at the same time. And we are both ticked at my brother for getting us sick. But that is okay. My stuffiness is going away, but the tired feeling is still there. It doesn't help much when that visit from your 'aunt Flow' comes. Damn woman! ;)

Now onto what we were up to this past weekend. Friday Ryan and I did nothing. We had a low key night at home. I made us supper, and then we just hung out. Felt nice from a busy week. Saturday I was supposed to go and visit Becky and her kids, but stayed away since my cold wasn't better. I didn't want to get her or the kids sick. So I stayed away and rested up for our get together with Ryan's co-workers.

Ryan, Pastor Tim, a college friend of ours, and his cousin went ice fishing up north. They both told me that they murdered the fish. Okay, not literally. We in a way they are murdered. They are dead, and we eat them for a fish lunch. I mean though that they did very very good. They didn't have enough time to clean them up. So they are going back up this Satuday and our friend Ken is going with them. Now those that went or go fishing with Ryan should feel privledged. He normally doesn't take many new people to his lakes that he finds. He likes to go to lakes that are hard to get into, and not many people fish. So if he tells you the name of a lake or takes you there. You should feel damn lucky. He normally doesn't do that. Reason behind it is he doesn't want too many people to find out about his lakes so it doesn't get fished out.

Then that night we met up with his co-workers and had a blast. We went to Holidays Bar and Grill, then we moved to The Checkered Flad to watch the UFC Fight. Was not that into the fight. For me it is way too violent. Then came home, and went to church the next day at early service. I sat with Becky and the kids to help her out since Ryan ushered. I felt so sorry for Becky, she looked so tired. Poor mommy! Then after church we just slept and vegged. Felt nice. This week is somewhat busy, but not a lot. My brother and his wife should be either on their way home or home from their honeymoon. Until next time!

Jodes

What an emotional roller coaster that I am on!

Man, I honestly thought that with my brother's wedding coming up was going to be a good healing time for me and all of us. Well, I can honestly say NOT! to that one. Friday when I was getting my nails done, and at the rehearsal I felt like something was missing. And obviously that person was missing. She was supposed to be there in person, not in spirit. Friday I was in a daze, and felt that way when we were getting ready on Saturday. I tried to snap out of it, but didn't work. Until I got distracted and forgot about it. Then it hit me at the ceremony. And she should have been in our family picture. It was only the four of us. Don't worry ladies, Ryan was not forgotten we got one taken at the hall of the five of us. With my persuasion on that one. I am a good girlfriend, future fiance, or future wife. Geez, there are times I feel like we are married, but then I remember nope we aren't. Not yet.

So if you happen to see me, I may look happy or smiley on the outside, but on the inside I am hurting to say the least. Last night was a bad night when I went to bed. I have been dealing with an issue the past couple days that I had to pray about last night. And with doing that, I broke down. Literally were I couldn't breathe. But I needed it, I feel like God gave me the answer and guidance that I needed. Which is good. You can ask me in the comments or in an email and I will tell you. I just don't want to get into it wit this blog entry. I might at a later date. A handful of you know what this issue and I am finally not conflicted or torn as I was before. Now I have probably got most of you intrigued, but that is okay. If you ask I will tell you.

So I am better after I talked to many wise people at church, friends, and family about this, and also feel better after a good cry. Isn't it amazing how refreshed one feels after a good cry? I can't believe it. I personally don't like to cry. It gets my eyes all red, and my nose extra stuffy and right now I don' need that. It is stuffed enough. Then it is hard to breathe and finish praying or talking when are having a good cry. But I will get better! It will just take time. It is still fresh and I am taking it one day at a time.

So on a lighter note, I will post a couple cute pictures from my brother's wedding this weekend. The rest of them are on my facebook page and I have copies with me in my car. Enjoy the snipets!


Me walking down the isle with my groomsmen Ed who has known me for over 15 years. I think! It has been a long time.


My sister-in-law's two nieces and nephew. The flowergirls and ringbearer. They are brother and sister!


Tilt your head to the left and you will see the bride and groom. Thanks to my cousin Lauren for this shot!


My handsome brother!


Ryan and I slow dancing looking at two different camera's.

Jodes

Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married......

Not sure of the rest of the tune, but I only know it if I hear it on the radio, on my CD, and when we sang it on Saturday getting ready.

Wow, what a fun time. Friday we met for lunch, then got nails done, after that went to Los Compadres for a Margarita or two or three. I only had one, a Raspberry Margarita and it went down way too smoothly. And of course chips and salsa. Then Ryan and I went to Todd and Tanya's, and snowblowed them out, well okay Ryan did, I went inside to light candles and open the blinds and everything to get it ready for their showing on Sunay morning. Tanya told me last night that the couple that saw their house said 'maybe' they are just not crazy about a corner lot. But at least they said maybe. Which is better than a flat out no. So I will keep you posted on that end. After we were done at the Johnson's house, I went home, Ryan went to his apartment and changed, I went home to get ready, okay just had to change my shirt. Then talked to my brother for a bit, he picked up my dad, and then we all left to go to the rehearsal. It was fun and hilarious. We had plenty of laughter. Then we went to Franks for the rehearsal dinner and we were all starving by the time we got their. Good food!

Saturday woke up at 6am to get myself ready, then got picked up at 7:30 to go get hair and make-up done at the hotel. We left there by 11:15 and got to the chapel. And we immediately got ready. Then my issue with my damn dress came into play. I was tightened up, and you could literally pull it down to see the girls. It was way too lose. Trust me. And then once the ceremony started. Wow, I told the Groomsmen that I was standing up with that my dress feels like it is going to fall down. He said well then just walk slow. See he has known me since I was in middle school, for at least over 15 years. I think. It has been a long time. So I started to laugh and that made me smile. Then got told by the Usherette to lower my bouquet so they aren't covering the girls. Then got to my brother and he winked at me. Everything went great until they said lets pause for the loved ones that aren't here today. So I lost it, and my family did. Was a seemingly smooth wedding. No tears until the bride had to do her vows. My brother didn't even cry. I was so proud. Then we had 20 million pictures taken. I swear. Then it was time to load onto the party bus. Woo Hoo!

Fun times! Fun Times! Then the reception and we partied until the DJ was done. I will tell you all more when I see you. I will be picking up pictures that I had on my camera today. And just have to wait to see the one's my family had taken. So good times. Oh, they had a memorial candle in honor of my mom. Which when I read it, I had chills. Sorry I didn't take a picture of it. I should have but I didn't. I will see if someone else did. If not, I will ask them to see it and then take a picture of it.

Now they are in Puerto Viarta, Mexico. They flew out of Appleton at 6 am and went to Chicago. That was an hour, and then it was 4 hours from their to Mexico. So that is all for now. I have to get ready and am meeting Melissa H. for lunch today.

Jodes