Visited My Mom

My Mom is in the hospital. She was admitted two nights ago and has been in a bit of a decline. When I got there she was barely awake and her voice was only a whisper. The kids helped me make a card for her with a photo of the three of them on the outside and some custom art work on the inside. She really loves making cards by hand and definitely loved receiving hand made cards.

My Dad was in a chair right next to the bed looking worn out. Pretty much as soon as I got there he and I needed to leave the room so Mom could get some care from the nurse. He and I sat in a visitor lounge talking about what has happened and what may happen for about a half an hour. He was really thankful that she is not in pain. So far she has refused medication for pain because she hasn't needed it. He also said she has been with us almost four times longer than the original prognosis expectation. We have all been lucky.

I love my Mom and Dad. This is a hard time. My Mom is having a harder time staying awake and talking is a challenge because of it. I could tell that me being there did cheer her up but she was definitely not her usual self.

The Kids Grow

I spent the majority of my time at home with Abby and Ashton. Abby was with me all morning and she was very fun. It is amazing how incremental changes in her ability to communicate change her personality. She is very good at talking and she is understanding us even more. I know she is going to be a fun person as she grows up.

Ashton has been growing up, too. She is becoming an energetic and fun little girl. When she gets off the bus she plays a mini game of hide and go seek with me and she laughs the whole time. Today we ran up the driveway hand in hand because the wind was bitterly cold.

Allen is coming into his own as well. In the morning he tries to make sure everyone is completely ready and on time. He often tells Ashton or me that we need to get our shoes on and hurry up or we will miss the bus. I remember as a kid really liking camouflage stuff and now he is getting into it too. He picked out a new winter coat that was camo and he really loves it.

Slow Morning

Amber was not feeling well so she and the kids stayed home from church. Abby got up early and Amber really wanted me to get up to watch the kids. We took it easy and played some games like Go Fish and soccer and catch. Allen really got into throwing a football. I never had him do it before because I thought that he would have trouble throwing it but he did really well. He had a spiral and could throw pretty hard. Ashton and Abby played with us and Ashton did really well with the card game. The girls are cute when they get into the games. Often they will get very excited and cheer or yell about it. I love the fun we share.

Getting Gifts

The kids really decorated the tree very well. I woke up this morning to three excited kids proudly displaying the accomplshment. I am really looking forward to this holiday. Hopefully this one will be special.

The Long Day

Obviously my day was pretty long at work. I had some fun and was reasonably successful at taking care of business.

More importantly I got home to a house full of people ready to greet me. It was really great to have everyone yell and scream that I was home. I am very tired but I think we are going to put the Christmas tree up tonight. We have had a small tree for several years but Amber found a great deal on a full sized imitation tree. The kids are very excited to get the brand new tree up. Afterward I will be heading to bed to get ready for another long day.

Thanksgiving

We spent the holiday with my parents. My mom has really needed more medical attention lately and we found out that she visited the doctor yesterday, too. Both of my parents looked pretty worn out and took a nap in the mid afternoon after we all ate the feast. The food was great and everyone seemed to get some of their favorites.

Tomorrow is the big day and I have to be at work at 3 a.m. I am a little excited but mostly dread how I will feel after a long 10 hour (or more) shift. See you on the other side.

Calm Before the Storm

My work centers around Friday. The whole year is preparation for this day and the coming weeks. Thanksgiving is always a little strange with the looming insanity.

Today I played with the kids and we were able to cuddle. All three of the children are getting to be more amazing and incredible every day. Abby is saying more and more words but my personal favorite is "what's up, dude". Ashton is really figuring out how to make it to the bathroom and she is always loads of fun with the imaginative things she says and thinks. Allen is reading more and encourages us with his enthusiasm to read and do word puzzles. Each of them remind me of aspects of my own personality.