The Lord is my Shepherd!

Now this doesn't mean the worse has happened to my mom. Nope! It is just the our Lord is our Shepherd in the hard times that we go through and the good times that happen also. Okay, when i heard a week ago yesterday that my mom had a bad stroke, I thought the worst right away. And was struggling within, I mean with all I have been through I know what God can do, but this time was having a hard time letting it all go in his hands. I was that scared. If it is about me, I can do it. If it is about my mom, it is harder when you are freaked out. It felt like it was looming over my head all week, and I was not looking forward to Christmas. At all! I saw my mom go from talking and knowing who I was, talking and yelling for my aunt Barb and me, and then went to mumbling not being able to understand her but when I would ask her to take a nap and relax she would say I am trying. Then, it was time for Christmas Eve service. Okay, before service I went up to visit my mom. Walked in the room and she was still mumbling. Squeezing my hand hard. I think she was communicating to me that she is still here. And not going anywhere. Anyway's, left the hospital, was kind of thrown back with what seeing my mom like that it was hard, I was in my car and started to get tears. Then went to church, and with being at church and among my church family. It made me feel better. With the Christmas sermon and with talking to Becky made me feel so much better and ready for Christmas to come. Until I saw my mom Christmas Day. That day sucked. I went into her room, and she had a mask on that you can attach an inebulizer to and wasn't breathing steady. She squeezed my hand. And then her nurse told me that in the night she was having troubles, so that is why she has this on. And she also has fluid around her lungs. I thought okay fine. Then her nurse said this that freaked me out. Fluid around your lungs can lead to congestive heart failure. Okay, I didn't need to hear that on Christmas. Then her Neurologist came in and we had pow wow about my mom. Now what she told me, with all the damn OPTIONS that she was giving me didn't help me at all. Basically was staying that they aren't confident that none of this will work, she have to get put on the ventilator, or we can let nature takes it course with making her as comfortable as possible. That part freaked me out. I told her I can't make the decision you have to call my dad. So I gave her my dad's cell phone number. And then I left when they were doing an EKG (seeing how much fluid was around her lungs).

I left the hospital, started to drive out of the parking lot, and lost it. I started to cry damn near all the way home. I was scared badly. I pulled myself together. So when I got home, I could give my dad the report. Then the doctor called and said the same thing. Christmas at our house was fine. I would have rather just stayed in our house or disappear for a day, but I didn't. Everything was going great. Then when we are sleeping we got a call at 2:45 am from my mom's nurse that my mom is having a hard time breathing, she is grabbing her pillow (basically struggling to breathe), asked if we were coming up that night, I said no tomorrow morning. They gave her lascix, and more of the inebulizer. Then fell back asleep. now it is 3:30 in the damn morning. Doctor calls, freaked me out. I woke my dad up, handed him my phone. And he basically told him my mom was still having problems breathing, and asked my dad if he wanted them to put her on the ventilator to help her breathe more normal and can help her rest. Also, was giving him worse case scenario things. In the long run, they put my mom on the ventilator. Oh, doctor also said that if they don't put her on ventilator, she will only make it 24 hours. I only got about 4 hours of sleep.

Now, went up Friday around 10. Before we left I called my aunt and uncle that live next door to me, Ryan at his parent's house, and left a message for another aunt. Went in by her, she held my hand, moved her arm up, and squeezed my hand. Then, mine and Ryan's good friends Tim, Becky, and Isaiah came up to visit us, and also said a prayer with us. Then went back in by my mom, and my aunt and uncle came to visit us. After that my brother and his fiance came and we had a family conference. Doctor came out, and gave us more damn options but the same ones. And more also.

Now happy to say this. No she has not opened her eyes yet. But they gave her a blood transfusion and iron yesterday. She grabbed my hand and raised her arm. She didn't do that all day. Then today, we got there her blood pressure was normal. And then when my grandma, 3 aunts, and uncle talked to her. Taking their turns, her blood pressure shot up. And she literally squeezed your hand hard. Her nurse said today that he thinks she is aware we are there, and trying to communicate with us because she didn't have blood pressure problems all day. She is moving her right arm, leg, and toes more on command. She only was doing it by reflex before. And she had a bowel movement. I would talk to her and tell her to relax and nap. Then she would calm down. After a while, seeing my grandma cry and an aunt or two. I had to walk out. I broke down twice in the hospital. And only had tears in my eyes until my aunt would hug me, then they would flow.

I am so much better now. Ryan is finally home. I love him so very much. So happy that he can go down this road with me, and make sure I am taking care of myself. And also to be my buffer with some people. He is such a good guy, I couldn't get through this without him. Believe me. And without his family, and mine. Also, couldn't get through this will all my awesome friends, and prayers. I am finally having more happy thoughts now than bad.

Like Beck told me. There are bumps in the road of recovery. Well, I can say DUH to that. I have been through some helacious bumps, and so has my mom. Also, I keep encouraging her, telling her how proud we are of her, that there are many people praying for her, and that we, her immediate family I mean, love her a lot. I mean my whole family loves her, but you know what I mean. Also, asked her to keep fighting for me. So far so good. I hope. Until next time. Love to all.

Tonight when Ryan got home finally, he tooke me out to eat at Good Co. He told me he would have come home sooner if something would have happened. But it didn't. He also said that I made his mom, sister, and him cry. With saying that if she wouldn't have been intibated, she would only make it 24 hours. Ryan said he was fine seeing his mom cry, then his sister started, so Ryan lost it. I said I am sorry. I didn't mean to make you all cry and worry. Aww! So I will be sending his mom and sister an email telling I am sorry about the happy news thus far. So now I am done. Love to all!

Jodes

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well, hope you all have a happy and heatlhy Christmas with your loved ones. If you can't be with your loved ones, they are in your hearts. Don't forget that. I am getting the house ready for family coming at 3 or so. Cleaning the bathroom and doing the dishes at the same time. And also sweeping and using the Swifer Wetjet. So that is my day thus far, except seeing my mom. I am not going to post her status right now. I am still not handling this all that well. So if you want to know please email me. But there is no change at all with her hemorrhage at all. But other things are going on now. So just email me to ask and I will tell you. I will try to answer your email tonight. I know she will be fine, I hope so at least. It is God's hands. Only he knows what is going to happen. Which with going through this really sucks. The whole not knowing sucks. But I am keeping positive thoughts, and only lost it when I was driving home. Now I am fine, but might faulter when my brother and his fiance get here. Or if my family all asks how I am doing. I might tell them with tears in my eyes ready to flow. But holding them back. That is how I was when talking to her doctor this morning. I think she could tell. Not sure. Well, have to go and finish the dishes. Then I can sit and relax before the chaos starts. Will post tonight with how thigns went and how I handled everything.

After I am done here on the computer I will be turning it off so my second cousins don't play with it.

Until next time. Merry Christmas to all! God speed!! :)
Jodes

Update thus far on my mom!

Well, everyone nothing has really changed. She is the same way she has been for the past several days. She is making sounds, but it is more like mumbling not talking. Have no clue what is being said. I am trying really hard to listen and try make out her words. Not working so far. When I was by her yesterday I held her hand and I swear she didn't want to let it go. Man she had a grip on it. I was going to get a chair so I could sit, and had to ask her for my hand back. She gave it back, then I gave it back to her. She would hold it, and then every once in a whilt squeeze it. She is getting another Cat-scan done this morning. So hopefully that will show that the hemorrhage is shrinking. I hope so. If not then it is wait. We already know that this will be a hell of a waiting game for her recovery. We also know that she will be in the hospital at least for 6 weeks. And that she might not fully recover in months it might be a year or so. So we have a long road ahead of us, and have to be patient. It won't happen like Now! For her to improve. That isn't how it works with stuff in the brain.

I am better now, just drained. I did break down a night ago. And with that it seems like the tears just come more freely now. And we canceled my dad's party so that is some stress relief there as well. It just did't feel right going ahead with his party. So like my uncle said we can celebrate this summer when my mom improves in health and for my dad. Then we can have it at our house. And my mom can come out. That would be nice. See I am looking to the future. I also have in the back of my mind that she won't be back fully 100%, but you never know. Miracles do happen. I just hope that with visiting her this afternoon, before I go to church, and with going to Christmas Eve service, I get my Christmas spirit back. Let's hope. I really don't care if my dad's side comes or not. I am not in the mood. I just don't want to deal with my cousin's kids. Who are pains in the butts. They see a toy or trinket laying around in our house, and they ask my dad if they can have it. I am like no. Stop being snoops. We have to turn our computer off so nothing happens to it. Stressful on my part. But I can hide in the house. That is were I told my dad, brother, and his fiance were I will be if I am not in our garage. But I will get through it. I have to. My mom would want us to go on as usual. So I will try really really hard to. Well, I am off to make my dad's chili and put it in our slow cooker. So I can have supper waiting for me when I get home from church. See you at church! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jodes

Is it the New Year yet?

The reason behind my subject is i want this year to be over with NOW!! I was going great until a couple days ago, then family issues happened. Sorry to be vague. I can't be vague you all are my friends. So here it goes. Be prepared it is major! Nothing about me though, I am great and healthy. Kidney is working awesomely.

But it is about my mom. She had a stroke between Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. We were under the impression that it was a minor stroke like before. Well, we were wrong. So wrong. We saw her Saturday night in the hospital and she had slurred speech, left side of her face was slouched, and she was worked up because she was scared. Now onto the real issue.

She had a hemorrhage(bleed) in the center of her brain. And they are hoping that it will heal itself and absorb itself into her body eventually. So she has a massive headache right now, and will still have a headache when it works its way through her. Well, yesterday morning she had a cat scan done to see if it was getting worse or what. Well, it turned out that it is not getting worse and it is not getting better. It is were it was when we saw her cat scan with the doctor Saturday night. Which I don't know if that is good or not. There is a procedure that they can do to releive the pressure and help the hemorrhage out, but that is just way to invasive for her. And she really is not a candidate for surgery. They took her off of coumadin (a blood thinner) to help thicken up her blood. They are giving her Vitamin K and something else. I don't remember what. She is also getting IV Fluid, and IV blood pressure meds. But not eating yet.

But she is doing okay. She gets worked up because she is scared. I can tell that when I hold her hand and she squeezes my hand tight. But she is in the best place possible with an awesome doctor taking care of her. So she is at Theda Clark in the Intensive Neurological Unit. INU in other words. But she knows who I am, and who my dad is. Which is a good thing. It is just a hard thing for me to deal with. But I am handling it to the best of my ability. The reason I can have a positive outlook at this is because I share all my cares and concerns to God. He has been helping me to get through this to the best of my ability. So that is everything in a nut shell.

I don't need anything or anyone to do anything. I am fine. My dad and I are going through this together along with my brother. And everyone else in my family. I am just getting through this one day at a time. That is all I can do. So remember this. Tell your family and loved ones that you love them everyday. You don't know when it is too late. Don't hold grudges! Life is too short. Remember: To smile God loves you!!

Until next time!
Love,
Jodie

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

I just love this time of year. With it snowing outside when you are sleeping, and you can just sleep through the snowing. And then you wake up and sit in your favorite chair or on your couch, and cover up with a blanket. Well, my blanket of choice is a fleece blanket that Ryan got me last year for Christmas it is a fleece Packers blanket. See about 3 or more years ago, don't quite remember when. He got me a New England Patriots Stadium blanket when I was on dialysis. And that was my blanket that I took with me when I was on dialysis. Because I would get cold, it is inevitable to get cole when you are on dialysis. That is just a plain fact. Ask me why in the comments section or in an email.

I am determined to be stress free this season. With cleaning the house a little every day so I don't kill myself, as my dad says, on Christmas Day. Planning my dad's surprise party the Saturday after, deciding if we want decorations or not. Table or two or not, and what kind of food. I know my brother might not like this, but I just want my dad's party to be simple not over done. I would do decorations if it was going to be at someone's house or at a hall. But it isn't, it is at a bar. I just don't want to deal with decorating the place, making sure to take it down, and what not. But it will be a fun night. And everything will come into place. As long as my brother doesn't stress me out. But I love him. He has good intentions at his concerns. But anyway's.

Tonight is a low key night. Our young adult potluck meal got post-poned to January 9th. that will be a fun time. All because of the unpredictable weather that our state has. But I love it. As long as I don't have to go anywhere, and can just stay warm in my house. Well, that is all for now. Talk to you all soon! Hopefully on Sunday at church.

Jodes

Ohhhh! The weather outside is freightful.....

But the fire is so delightful, and since we no place to go, LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW! I am back to my crazy, silly, and goofy self. Thank the Lord, Praise Jesus. I was beginning to doubt that I would ever feel better again. Sunday sucked major a$$, just ask the people in choir and everyone at church who saw me. I felt like crap, not sure if I looked, but I sure was flipping warm. The tenors had to fan me down in the balcony. Thank you guys! I owe you one. They aren't that bad for all the picking they do of Tracy and me. But standing up, sittin down, standing up, sitting down, then going down for communion, then climbing the stairs again, then stand up again, sit down. My Lord I was pooped. Takes alot of energy out of you when you are not feeling good. Went to Ryan's after the potluck meal we had at church, and slept from 12:30 until 5p. I was beat. Ryan slept as well. Then I woke up and moved out by Ryan. Came home, Told my dad that if there is ice on Monday not getting labs done. Going on Tuesday. I woke up Monday and no ice. I was like "what the hell?" Were is this ice that we should have had. Damn weather men! Then Felt like crap, majorly shivering, and badly stuffed. Also, a really bad headache. So I emailed my transplant coordinator at 7:45a and told her that I won't be getting my labs done today. She shot me a note back, said good call. My labs would have been off if I did get them done.

I know for sure my White Blood Cell number would have been really flipping high, but not sure what else would have been high. Okay, I do know. I looked back at my levels of when my WBC number was high and my Hematoctrit (HCT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)would have been affected. Hope I didn't lose you. They all measure my kideny function. I know I am getting sick when my WBC number comes up, if it is lower then I need a blood transfusion like I needed right after transplant. Back to what I was talking about.

So I forwared the email onto my dad. Left him a note, since he was sleeping, telling him that I am not feeling good, and am sleeeeping. Shhhh don't wake me. :) So I did nothing but sleep, and veg. Ryan came over and took care of me. What a sweet guy. He refilled my glass of water I don't remember how many times. After the last time he said you are going to pee a lot. I said, "Really?" I never would have known that. I have been peeing alot since I got sick. I have been pushing the fluids drastically.

Now update on me. Today labs got done, they are still awesome, and feeling way much better. Finally back in the land of the living. Tonight went with Ryan to the dreaded mall. Man I hate shopping there this time of year. But we got Ryan finished with his Christmas shopping. Now all I have to do is go to my grandma's and get 9 gifts from her that she makes. Will let you know what they are if you email me. I will be happy to tell you. Talk to you all soon! See most of you tomorrow if not then Friday at church.

Jodes

Feeling Better

Just like Becky, I am starting to feel better. Damn it Ryan! Well the fever bought I had was a long night Friday night. It got as high as 102.2, so I went into action, slightly. Very slowly, I was feeling pretty dizzy, crappy, and pukish. Well, the pukish feeling was from me being a little hungry but didn't feel like eating. So I drank some olive juice.

Minor side track: For those of you whose blood pressure drops, either dump a little salt in your hand and put in your mouth, drink some olive juice, or eat something really salty. Trust me. This is an old dialysis trick.

Okay now back on track. I put a cold compress on my head, and covered myself from head to toe since I had massive chills. Then fell asleep. Woke up when my dad came home, and we talked for a bit. And had to make him feel better that this has nothing to do with my kidney. My left leg isn't swollen, I am still going to bathroom (more now that I am sick trust me), and no pain over the kidney sight. So he felt better. I woke up every hour once he went to bed. Then about 5:30 I went to bed and feel asleep. I then woke up at 11:30 with fever broke. Now I just have congestion, and minor sore throat. Now off to bed so I can get better. Night to everyone. Hope everyone doesn't get this miserable cold that is going around. It really sucks. Nighty night!

Jodes

My house 4!

I swear this is the end. I hope. The one's that have the manger in them. The manger was made by my late grandpa, and so was the hutch that it is sitting on. And also, the one of the mirror. My grandma etched that one, the block next to the Christmas tree my grandma did that for last year's Christmas gift, the saw blades my grandma painted, the one of a church used to me old St. Edward's in Mackville were I used to go to church, also there is a colage of my family pictures and me (can you find me?), the rest of the pictures were painted my grandma, and the deer head is my brother's you also see my baby picture to the left of the deer. I was so cute and still am. Have fun.

My house 3!

Sorry for all these photos.

My house 2!

Continued.....

My house!

Now I know you are singing the song, "My house." Well, I took some pictures of our manger scene, tree decorated, and just things we have in our house that my grandma has either painted or made. So enjoy. Now you can all see were I get my crafty gene from. I will have to put the pictures in several more blogs. So enjoy them! I apologize for the one's of the manger, I was and still am shivering. I have a fever of 99.9. So back to the photos.

Jodes

Awesome Christmas Movies

Okay. Becky you will happy and proud to know this. Last night when I was working on my "butt load" of Christmas cards. I was watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Okay, I know I said my all time fav is A Christmas Story. That is my other fav. My number one is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I ordered in on Classic Movies on Demand on TW Cable only for a $1.99. Okay, now Becky will proud of this line that I picked. "Why is the carpet wet Todd?" "I don't know Margo?" Hilarious. And you have to love Cousin Eddie. I love Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis. They are hilarious. How she says grace, wraps up her damn cat, and puts cat food in the jello mold. Nice funny movie. I also love it when Cousin Eddie, Clark, and the kids go sledding. That is my favorite part. I can't think of anything else to wrie about this movie. I got a full blown cold now, so my head is plugged. It feels like my brain is in a fog. But thank God for Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain, and also juice.

Now it is your turn answer the question in the blog.

Jodes

Christmas Spirit!

Okay, question to ponder. How many of you have the Christmas spirit right now? Please let me know this. I have since it snowed significantly the first time. That totally made me feel awesome inside. I have learned not to let the small things bug me. I am letting things roll off of me. I have even noticed that some people that would get under my skin before. Now, they don't because I don't let them. I don't pay attention to what they say or do, and just have an awesome attitude around them. It is either because I am getting wiser, Ryan is rubbing of on me more and more, or it is God working in me. Every week at church I ask him to give me patientence to deal with the one's that bug me. Well, obviously he has answered that prayer. And answered many of my prayers. And your prayers that you have said to him, and have sais to him for me. Thank you so very much for praying for me when I was in the hospital last year. And also while recovering. I know I am still in your prayers, and you are all in my prayers. Writing this part has made me tear up. I am really thankful for all of you in my life. I couldn't asked for better friends to have in my life, and in my support system. Love you all. I know you are probably sick of hearing how thankful I am, but I can't help it. I am so thankful for everyone's support when I was sick, and now.

Ryan told me after my last hospital visit. That I will no longer be admitted to the hospital. He forbids it. So God was listening to him. He is so sweet to say that to me. See when I am in the hospital in Madison, Ryan is lost without me up here. He has nothing to do, and he is bored. So that is why when I am in the hospital my main concern is taking care of Ryan up here. Like by calling Nate and Jill, and with asking some of my friends at church to take care of him for me. Normally Nate and Jill take him under their wing, and Nate keeps him busy. I usually tell Jill. And she tells Nate that he should Ryan out to the bars so he can have a couple. But that doesn't happen. The last time I had a scare of being in the hospital was when the lock-in at church was going on. I was so looking forward to going to that. And I have to say. I am tearing up now. This is really sweet what they all did. Jessie Gritton got a card for me, and had everyone there, the adults and the kids, sign it. I got it that Sunday when I was at church. And I opened it, an tears came to my eyes. She came up to me after service, and I opened it. It totally was awesome that they all think of me when my health goes south. Very sweet kids we have at church. Some of the kids I had no clue who they were. And they didn't know me, but they signed it. That is totally awesome. Well, enough of getting you all teary eyed or crying. And back to my subject of this blog. Sorry for vearing off course. Please forgive me! ;)

Now to my song on my slideshow. I have heard this song every Christmas time for the past two or three years. And fall in love with it every single time I listen to it. I actually heard it on the way home from church tonight. The song is done by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, title of song is Christmas Canon. Now, the main reason why I love this song so is because this will be my wedding march for when Ryan and I get married. I love Canon In D. Hopefully the choir can sing the song that goes along with this song. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the song. But that is why I have it on here. I was going to put Sleigh Ride, but nope. Had to search for this song. Read my comment under slideshow. Until next time! See you either tomorrow night at church, or Sunday at either service. Will be there all day almost. Pretty much all day. See you all on the flip side.

Remember to answer this question.

QUESTION: How many of you have the Christmas spirit right now? Let me know in your comments. Love, until next time.


Jodes

Baby it's cold outside!

Well, it is flipping cold outside. And oh my crap the snow has accummulated. My dad already hates plowing our driveway. And I hate shoveling the crap. I went out last night about 9 or 10 to clean off our porch, and then shovel a path to the garage. Thank God I am not recovering from surgery anymore. Because one, I would get yelled at by everyone of my family and friends. See when you recover from surgery you realize how many muscles you actually use. I mean were you have incision on your belly. See last night making the path to the garage, the shovel would get hung up on something on the black top. And shovel would go right into my belly. Right by the belly button. If some of you remember my incision starts about 6 inches to the left of my belly button. And second, there was a major a$$ butt load of snow at like 9 or so I don't remember the time. I know this because my dad called from work about 8:50 (looked at our Caller ID to find out) to see if I stayed home last night. Yuppers I did. But there was a lot of snow.

Okay back to my number one. I remember when the first kidney went south, and then it was removed. Well, I was recovering. I was fine or so I thought. I just pushed the snow with the shovel to the edge of the porch, that is what I normally do, and ticks my dad off right tight especially if it is the heavy stuff. Anyway's, I did that. Stomach muscles were sore. Gave up, and then told my dad what I did. And then Ryan. Got yelled at by them, my dad told me he would take care of the shoveling and stuff. Ryan told me not to do it again or he will kick my butt. And then of course my family found out. Man I never realized how much I could everybody in a tizzy. Man I ruffled feathers. They all said that if we need help while I am recovering they will help. So life lesson, among a butt-load that I already have learned, was learned.

Life Lesson: Don't drive yoru car a short distance if you are recovering from any kind of surgery. Even if you think you are fine. Not! Hurts like hell bumping up and down on the road in the car.

Life Lesson: Don't shovel snow when recovering from surgery.

Life Lesson: Always smile because if you don't. Someone will think you are pissy, in a bad mood. Or that you and your significant other are having troubles. Ask me about this one. This has happened to me with people at church. I will explain if you ask. Some of you already may know because I think I have told people or complained about it. I know I told Ryan. Ask about his response. And for more info if you woudl like to know.

Have many more, but can't remember all of them. These are only a small handful. Sorry!

Well, that is it for now. Make sure to look at my slideshow. I have added new pictures from this weekend, and of my bridesmaid dress. More pictures to come tomorrow night. I hope. It all depends on the youth, and Ryan. If they take pictures for me. They better the turkey's. Talk to you all on the flip side. Stay warm.

Jodes

It finally feels like Christmas!

Well, for me it finally is starting to feel like Christmas. Listening to the Christmas music, and the snow. Just totally seals the deal with me. I am in the mood for Christmas. Normally I don't feel it until like the week of Christmas. Not this year. I am finally healthy, not recovering from surgery, and just thankful for all the blessings that I have in my life.

Now, I know most of my friends have written in their blogs that they are not looking forward to the up and coming snow storm. Well, I have another approach. I am embracing it. There is nothing we can do about it, but be thankful that Mother Nature is gracing us with the kind of snow most of us remember when we were little munchkins. I miss those years. This makes it were we can go sledding and there will be snow. Also, the latest weather report from weatherbug (WBAY) is we, the Fox Valley, is supposed to get anywhere from 7 to 14 inches of snow. With the brunt of it coming in the night. Tonight into Tuesday.

Oaky and you all can be happy to know that I finally took the pictures of my dress, and of last Friday night watching my second cousins. My youngest second cousin was all about getting pictures taken with Ryan and just taking a picture herself also. I will identify which one she took in my slideshow. Look at that once you read this. Talk to you all soon!

Happy happy joy joy!

Okay, right now are probably thinking I am nuts for saying that. Well, you all know that I am truly nuts and taking you all with me. ;p But the reason I said that is because today I don't have to worry about not having a dress for my brother's wedding. Yes, it finally came in. So the lady called me this morning, and me being Johnny on the spot, went there and picked it up right away so I wouldn't forget about it. You would think I would remember when my brother's fiance took me to Bridal Staircase. Yeah, well no went down the same damn road she did when we were going there. I said a few choice words in the car, but then got back on the road, and kind of remembered were she took me. Well, turned down the wrong damn road again but this time only one road away. I had to go one road over. Damn it! I hate Kaukauna. So went in, got my dress, paid the remaining balance, and man does it look pretty. Now I know it will be pretty in February with the snow as a back drop. I love dark blue and the beading looks so pretty. I will take a picture of it tomorrow. Right now I still have it hanging in my car laid out on my back seat. No worries ladies. I will take several pictures of it. The front and back of it. Can you believe that it is only 3 months away. Man I can't wait. And I know I will be crying. Melissa, my future sister-in-law, looks so pretty in her dress. And we had tears when she tried on for us in the store. And had chills. Of course I will hve tears, we all will. My brother will also. I know him. And when I see him crying or having tears, that will do it for me. Then after the wedding, PARTY! PARTY! PARTY! Woo hoo! See I told you all I was nuts. That is going to be one long, tiring, and fun weekend.

Well, I have to go. I promise pictures will be taken tomorrow and will be posted on this blog on my slideshow, and also will on my space as an album. So you can see it in both places. Talk to you all on the flip side! Have to go to Ryan's in a half hour, and then we are going to babysit my second cousins. They are 4 and 7. And love ryan, I will more than likely get ditched once again. That is okay, I can watch Frosty then. Ryan is like a kid when he is with them. So I have to keep an eye on all three kids. :) But I love him for helping me out. They get disappointed when he doesn't come with me. I can't babysit or go to family functions without Ryan. They don't love me, they love him. They all use me to get to Ryan. Damn it Ryan! :) Just kidding. But that is how I feel sometimes. Sort of a small part of me thinks that. Very small part. Well, that is all for me talking right now. My caffiene is kicking in now. So I will shut-up. See you on the flip side!
Jodes

Christmas shopping

Hello all! I just wanted to give an update on my Christmas shopping. Happy to report, I have done most of my shopping online and at Walmart.com. Man can't believe how much cheaper everything is that I want to get my loved one's. I am so spoiling Ryan this year. I was only going to get him his annual deer calendar (yes you read it right a deer calendar actually it is a Super Bucks calendar. Jen, Ken might like the calendar. Go to www.georgebarnettphotography.com to view the calendar. Bought it for the first time for my brother and me almost freaked out looking at it. His eyes got wide. So Ken's would believe me. They are all photos shot on a deer refuge that is why they are so big). Also, got him his Three Stooges collection (the one's from the acutal show, all in black and white, and in three volumes. so far only got him the first two volumes). That was going to be it, but I also pre-ordered him The Dark Knight movie from Walmart.com. Man I love that man. I will get him Volume Three of the Three Stooges after the New Year sometime. And finally got Ryan's dads Christmas gift the Rocky movie set. Okay so far here is my list of done one's.

1) Ryan-deer calendar, Three Stooges collection, and The Dark Knight
2) Gary (ryan's dad)-deer calendar and Rocky movie set (all 6 movie's)
3) Jeremy (my brother)-calendar (he is only half done my part is done Ryan gets the other half)
4) Jim (my dad)-calendar (my half again is done, Ryan is finishing the rest)
5) Jan (my mom)-eyeglass chains (that part is done from me and Ryan will get the other part)

Left to go, which will be done next week:
Kathy (Ryan's mom)
Renee (Ryan's sister)
Melissa (my brother's fiance)
Nate
Jill
Olivia (she will be done in a day or two. she is getting an awesome toy from her awesome uncle and aunt)

Then I will be done. yeah for me. I can't wait. I am hoping to at least finish my half, then I can concentrate on helping to assist Ryan. He needs all the help he can get. ;) Just kidding. But seriously he really needs my help. He even told me that. So he knows I plan to be done this week, so I can help him out. I am almost half done. Can't believe it. I love Walmart. Well, that is it for now. Will keep you all posted on my progress over the next several days.

Merry Christmas!
Jodes

Cold Season

Okay, now I can finally say that I have a cold. I think! Last night when I got home from church, and was just relaxing. I actually stayed up until my dad got home from work. And we were talking, and I went to the bathroom. And looked in the mirror. I was like holy crap. Not good! My cheeks were beet red, and so was my head. So I had my dad feel my cheeks and head. And said they are warmer than his hands are. So took my temp. Yeppers, I had a fever. It said 99 degrees. So I sprung into action, not literally for all my smart a$$ friends. ;) Love you guys! I went to my freezer, got out an ice pack. wrapped it in a towel, and went to bed. Man that felt so good having it over my head, and eyes. Then after a while. I crashed. Waking up at 11am. Yes you read it right. I woke up at 11. I normally don't wake up that late. I am usually up by 8 or 9 at the latest so I can take my pills. I guess my damn body had other plans. Now I feel fine, no fever as of yet. And I am just tired. See with the fever last night, that explains why when I was sitting in my dad's recliner did I have the chills. I was literally shaking and shivering. Now I am feeling good, just tired. So I think tonight, if Ryan wants to, he will come here. I have no energy to go to him. I need to just relax at home. Again that is. I feel worse than I did Monday night. I need to rest up, I can't be sick during Advent or for our musical at church. And for the holiday's can't be sick either. Everyone is counting on me.

Well, that is it for now. Let me know if you have a cold also. I am just glad I don't have the bad cough and congestion. Just the fever and chills part. So I am pushing Vitamin C and juice and water. Talk to you all soon!
Jodes

What's the Point?

Hmmmm! The point for me to blog or shall I say several points are as follows:
1)So friends and family can view my blog better and know what is going on with Ryan and I
2)Easier to update family on my health status than to email them.
3)It is fun
4)I can speak my mind about anything I want and Ryan can't yell at me
5)Easier for me to post pictures than on my space
6)Much more user friendly than my space
7)Cooler things to add than my space has
8)Can talk about Ryan and he can't say anything to me (hahaha) ;)

Well, just thought I would stick to the topic that my girlfriends at church started. I will try to blog more now that it is more fun. And Jen is right who cares if you spell a word right or have good grammar. I sure don't. Well, sorry I missed the lovely discussion last night at Scrap-n-craft. But I am feeling much better. Tylenol Sinus is my God send. And getting the rest is nice. Well, until next time folks.

Hugs and kisses! XOXOXO
Jodes

Brrr! It's cold outside!

Well, yes it is cold outside. But it is so pretty with the snow. I love this time of year. Seeing the snow gets me in the holiday cheer. I have learned not to let the small things bother me. I mean when getting everything ready at my house for my dad's side to come over on Christmas Day. I don't let family or my second cousin's get to me. I just brush it off. All I do is go in the house, and take a depe breathe. See we have Christmas in our garage which is heated. Very nice. I like having Christmas here for a couple reasons.
1) We don't have to travel anywhere
2) My mom can come home for a couple hours to open gifts with my dad, brother, his fiance, and me.

Coming the week of Christmas I will be busy as all heck. So if I seem a little frazzled when you see me. Just give me some encouraging words. See Christmas Eve the choir sings at the 3 p and 5 p service, go home and eat supper. Very hungry at that time and tired. Then Christmas get house ready and food around for family to arrive at 3p. Day after Christmas, December 26th, we have Christmas at my grandma's house. And then December 27th is my dad's birthday. We have something special to give him that day.

Now back to my topic. It just makes me shutter when I hear the wind. It looks so nice outside with the sun shining. But then I go out and am like I don't think so. Not! Well, that is it for now. Talk to you all later! Hope to be over my cold soon! But feel better than yesterday. Oh, and my labs for this week are still awesome. NO problems everything is going great.
Jodes

Praise the Lord it is Sunday!

I love Sunday. I feel so full-filled once I go to church and receive the word of God. Pastor Tim's sermon was amazing. But I really have to admit, kind of zoned out at the end of it. Sorry Pastor. I have been pretty tired today. Not getting enough sleep the past two days finally caught up with me today.

I feel asleep once I got to Ryan's. I feel asleep in his bed. He was watching the Packers play. Didn't really care about watching the Packers. But I have to say. Sleeping in Ryan's bed was good. Except when the Packers did something that he didn't agree with. I was in a deep sleep when we would literally yell at the tv. I asked him later that why he was yelling at the tv. He said because they didn't do what he wanted them to do. I said do you think yelling at the tv, that they heard you. He said yep, they actually did what he wanted them to do. I said whatever.

Once I left his place tonight. Oh, he cleaned my car off for me of snow. What a sweet man. I am so lucky. The drive home was slow but good. I was the slowest person on the road. But I don't care. I would rather get home or to my destination safely than to end up in the ditch. Not an option. I turned on 104.3 where they were playing Christmas music. And on my way inside from the garage to the house, I was singing "O the weather outside is freightful, but the fire is so delightful, but since you have no place to go, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!" I think that is right. I love this time of year, just not the driving in it.

Please stay safe if you have to go out into it. The highways and side roads are getting worse every hour. The snow is falling harder, and getting more windy. So stay safe. If you do't have to go anywhere, don't. I will have to get out in the morning to get labs done. So I might be using my dad's 4 wheel drive truck just to be safe. Well, this is all for now. Please stay safe and warm.

Jodes