Sunday, September 7, 2008
Fun At The Fair
We went to the TN Valley Fair last Saturday and had so much fun! Here are some of the pictures. Katie and I were pretty excited that there was a PINK roller coaster! How funny - we had a great time riding it until I realized it was on wooden blocks! Ack!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Long Time... No Post
Wow, I can't believe it's been a little over two months since I posted on my blog. The first part of the summer was so chaotic with getting Gran moved and settled and resources in place to help financially with her care and then getting her condo cleaned out, painted, cleaned and on the market.
I was so determined for Katie to have some summer fun because she did so much to help with the condo and with Gran. She's such a little trooper!!
We did get to do a few fun things this summer. We went to some fun movies with friends and as a family. Took in a Smokies baseball game with Katie and her friends and it was right at July 4th and there were GREAT fireworks after.
I did an amazing photography workshop with Rob Heyman. He is awesome and so talented and it was a fun two days meeting 10 other fun local photographers. Rob is from Brisbane, Australia and he and his wife did four workshops in the states. One of my favorite teachers at UT hosted the workshop in his home and it was just a great time. One fellow photographer was hilarious... reminded us all of Jim Carey in his personality and mannerisms and he kept us in stitches. Rob being from Australia has that great Australian accent and he was just so fun to listen to. I learned more from him in two days than I have at UT in 18 months.
I also got to have a little scrapbooking retreat with my dearest friend on the planet. That was in the midst of some of the hardest things I've ever done in my life so some quality time with her was definitely what the doctor ordered!! I don't know what I would do without her.
We went to North Carolina for a long weekend and Katie stayed with Mom and MomMom and Don and I got some alone time in a hotel. It was nice to visit with Mom, MomMom, Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Linda and we went out to dinner and hung out with my cousin Ronnie and his wife Stacey one night, which was a great time. The trip was great for all of us. It got us out of town at a much needed time and it was a great visit.
Katie loves spending time with my mom, MomMom and Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda is just the best with Katie. She always gets the best books, toys that are right up Katie's alley and then she plays with her. They have so much fun! She's just awesome!
Don and Katie had a lot of fun with MomMom's golf cart. The sun was too hot and too bright while we were there for MomMom to be the one out driving them around but that's what she loves to do.
We went and had a picnic with my close friend Sheila and her daughters at the Splash Park, where Katie fell and cracked her head on the concrete and then we spent the rest of the day at the doctor's office. What's childhood without some injuries though, right? Katie only remembers the fun from that day - not the scare!
And, we spent a week in St. Augustine, FL with my dad and Marilyn the week before Katie started 3rd grade. That was a mixed emotion packed week. Dad was really struggling emotionally and physically having come off that month long intensive treatment of interferon. He was to continue it at a lower dosage for 11 months but he only made it two weeks into the reduced treatment and had to stop. It was just too much for him.
I know of a 36 year old woman who was healthy before being diagnosed with stage IV melanoma just like my dad. And, just like dad, she had two surgeries and a month of radiation and then she started the month of interferon. She only made it two weeks and had to stop. It's tough stuff!
But, we did try to have some fun at the ocean. Katie has turned into such a great swimmer and her and I got boogie boards and man, did we take advantage of the awesome waves that week. We had so much fun in the ocean. I don't even think I ever had that much fun in the ocean when I was a kid.
Now Katie wants to learn how to surf. I have to loose this last 30 or so pounds so I can learn to surf with her! :)
We also did some fun touristy stuff in St. Augustine - which we fell in love with. I wouldn't mind living down there in 10 or so years.
And, Katie got to play dress up in Marilyn's wedding dress. She loved that! Marilyn is getting pictures of all five of her granddaughters in that dress and then putting them on her fireplace mantel. It's a neat idea.
When we came back from St. Augustine, something happened to my back. I had gotten knocked down right as we moved Sunny to STAR. Actually, I got knocked into the air and then landed on my ass. It hurt then and I was really sore for a few weeks back in June... but life had to go on. That's when we were finishing the condo.
But, the second night after we were back from St. Augustine, the night of Katie's first day of school, I started really hurting. Could barely move. By Wednesday, the pain was affecting my breathing and I couldn't do anything. Turns out I had/have a slipped disc and it probably stems back to that injury on the farm in June and it was aggravated by waves in the ocean, carrying suitcases, doing some things for my dad and marilyn, etc. So, I have been sleeping on the couch (not happily) since August 12th. It gets better and then I forget and do too much so it's like three steps forward, two steps back. I'm just so limited in what medicines I can take for injuries now.
Slowly but surely, I'm spending time with Belle on the new farm. It's much closer and the trainer, barn manager and boarders are all my age or older which is a nicer environment for learning. Plus, Katie has ended up with yet another grandmother like person who loves her. Now that Katie is back at STAR after our busy summer, we get to see Sunny once a week definitely. She seems to be doing well at STAR.
Katie successfully started the third grade and is working very hard. She is (after debate) doing 3rd grade level work that is modified. She just doesn't typically complete the whole assignment. If the typical student has 30 problems - Katie will do 15-20. She has her first book report to do this weekend.
Gran's memory has continued to rapidly decline. She is truly "living in the moment". She's seemingly happy, semi-pleasant but as soon as a question is out of her mouth and the question being answered, she repeats the same question - word for word. I've eased up on myself about visiting her weekly. I'm working hard to ensure that her care is paid for - Don and I have been paying the deficit and she is being well cared for. It's almost an hour down and an hour back and she has no "real" sense of time so we are only visiting her every other week now. That has taken some pressure of... but initially left me feeling guilty.
I never, never could have made it this summer with out Don. He's truly my pillar of strength. He never got overwhelmed or frustrated at me when I got overwhelmed. He did what needed to be done and never complained. He's an amazing guy and I'm glad "he's my guy". Hmmm, where have I heard that statement lately? He's been so busy with his business... busier than we ever hoped for, which is great but it was another thing to juggle this summer. Don't knock your blessings though, right?
Dad has his PET scan tomorrow and then gets the results on September 15th. Please keep him in your thoughts. If the cancer has spread, he wont be able to fight it because he's all out of fight. The interferon absolutely did him in.
Phew... I think that covered most of it. Katie did have a very in depth appointment with a neurologist this summer that I will cover in a future blog.
It's good to be blogging again.
LA :)
I was so determined for Katie to have some summer fun because she did so much to help with the condo and with Gran. She's such a little trooper!!
We did get to do a few fun things this summer. We went to some fun movies with friends and as a family. Took in a Smokies baseball game with Katie and her friends and it was right at July 4th and there were GREAT fireworks after.
I did an amazing photography workshop with Rob Heyman. He is awesome and so talented and it was a fun two days meeting 10 other fun local photographers. Rob is from Brisbane, Australia and he and his wife did four workshops in the states. One of my favorite teachers at UT hosted the workshop in his home and it was just a great time. One fellow photographer was hilarious... reminded us all of Jim Carey in his personality and mannerisms and he kept us in stitches. Rob being from Australia has that great Australian accent and he was just so fun to listen to. I learned more from him in two days than I have at UT in 18 months.
I also got to have a little scrapbooking retreat with my dearest friend on the planet. That was in the midst of some of the hardest things I've ever done in my life so some quality time with her was definitely what the doctor ordered!! I don't know what I would do without her.
We went to North Carolina for a long weekend and Katie stayed with Mom and MomMom and Don and I got some alone time in a hotel. It was nice to visit with Mom, MomMom, Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Linda and we went out to dinner and hung out with my cousin Ronnie and his wife Stacey one night, which was a great time. The trip was great for all of us. It got us out of town at a much needed time and it was a great visit.
Katie loves spending time with my mom, MomMom and Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda is just the best with Katie. She always gets the best books, toys that are right up Katie's alley and then she plays with her. They have so much fun! She's just awesome!
Don and Katie had a lot of fun with MomMom's golf cart. The sun was too hot and too bright while we were there for MomMom to be the one out driving them around but that's what she loves to do.
We went and had a picnic with my close friend Sheila and her daughters at the Splash Park, where Katie fell and cracked her head on the concrete and then we spent the rest of the day at the doctor's office. What's childhood without some injuries though, right? Katie only remembers the fun from that day - not the scare!
And, we spent a week in St. Augustine, FL with my dad and Marilyn the week before Katie started 3rd grade. That was a mixed emotion packed week. Dad was really struggling emotionally and physically having come off that month long intensive treatment of interferon. He was to continue it at a lower dosage for 11 months but he only made it two weeks into the reduced treatment and had to stop. It was just too much for him.
I know of a 36 year old woman who was healthy before being diagnosed with stage IV melanoma just like my dad. And, just like dad, she had two surgeries and a month of radiation and then she started the month of interferon. She only made it two weeks and had to stop. It's tough stuff!
But, we did try to have some fun at the ocean. Katie has turned into such a great swimmer and her and I got boogie boards and man, did we take advantage of the awesome waves that week. We had so much fun in the ocean. I don't even think I ever had that much fun in the ocean when I was a kid.
Now Katie wants to learn how to surf. I have to loose this last 30 or so pounds so I can learn to surf with her! :)
We also did some fun touristy stuff in St. Augustine - which we fell in love with. I wouldn't mind living down there in 10 or so years.
And, Katie got to play dress up in Marilyn's wedding dress. She loved that! Marilyn is getting pictures of all five of her granddaughters in that dress and then putting them on her fireplace mantel. It's a neat idea.
When we came back from St. Augustine, something happened to my back. I had gotten knocked down right as we moved Sunny to STAR. Actually, I got knocked into the air and then landed on my ass. It hurt then and I was really sore for a few weeks back in June... but life had to go on. That's when we were finishing the condo.
But, the second night after we were back from St. Augustine, the night of Katie's first day of school, I started really hurting. Could barely move. By Wednesday, the pain was affecting my breathing and I couldn't do anything. Turns out I had/have a slipped disc and it probably stems back to that injury on the farm in June and it was aggravated by waves in the ocean, carrying suitcases, doing some things for my dad and marilyn, etc. So, I have been sleeping on the couch (not happily) since August 12th. It gets better and then I forget and do too much so it's like three steps forward, two steps back. I'm just so limited in what medicines I can take for injuries now.
Slowly but surely, I'm spending time with Belle on the new farm. It's much closer and the trainer, barn manager and boarders are all my age or older which is a nicer environment for learning. Plus, Katie has ended up with yet another grandmother like person who loves her. Now that Katie is back at STAR after our busy summer, we get to see Sunny once a week definitely. She seems to be doing well at STAR.
Katie successfully started the third grade and is working very hard. She is (after debate) doing 3rd grade level work that is modified. She just doesn't typically complete the whole assignment. If the typical student has 30 problems - Katie will do 15-20. She has her first book report to do this weekend.
Gran's memory has continued to rapidly decline. She is truly "living in the moment". She's seemingly happy, semi-pleasant but as soon as a question is out of her mouth and the question being answered, she repeats the same question - word for word. I've eased up on myself about visiting her weekly. I'm working hard to ensure that her care is paid for - Don and I have been paying the deficit and she is being well cared for. It's almost an hour down and an hour back and she has no "real" sense of time so we are only visiting her every other week now. That has taken some pressure of... but initially left me feeling guilty.
I never, never could have made it this summer with out Don. He's truly my pillar of strength. He never got overwhelmed or frustrated at me when I got overwhelmed. He did what needed to be done and never complained. He's an amazing guy and I'm glad "he's my guy". Hmmm, where have I heard that statement lately? He's been so busy with his business... busier than we ever hoped for, which is great but it was another thing to juggle this summer. Don't knock your blessings though, right?
Dad has his PET scan tomorrow and then gets the results on September 15th. Please keep him in your thoughts. If the cancer has spread, he wont be able to fight it because he's all out of fight. The interferon absolutely did him in.
Phew... I think that covered most of it. Katie did have a very in depth appointment with a neurologist this summer that I will cover in a future blog.
It's good to be blogging again.
LA :)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
My latest work
I've been working really hard on the last couple of photo shoots that I did. Here are links to slideshows on Midnight Magic Studio's website.
Euro Kids Boutique Photo Shoot
Adam & Allison's Engagement Photo Shoot
Rob Heyman Photo Workshop Family Photo Shoot
I'm loving this! I love working with Don. We made a great team on Wednesday night when we did the shoot for Euro Kids Boutique. He was great with the kids and I loved every minute of snapping the photos.
More later!
LA :)
Euro Kids Boutique Photo Shoot
Adam & Allison's Engagement Photo Shoot
Rob Heyman Photo Workshop Family Photo Shoot
I'm loving this! I love working with Don. We made a great team on Wednesday night when we did the shoot for Euro Kids Boutique. He was great with the kids and I loved every minute of snapping the photos.
More later!
LA :)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
What a crazy, hectic but good week!
On Monday morning, I started a two-day photography workshop that one of my UT instructors, Steve Chastain, hosted with Rob Heyman from Brisbane, Australia. What a great experience this was! Great for learning - I learned soooo much! Great for my mental health because it was with 9 other great photographers - who all had great personalities and senses of humor so there was A LOT of laughter and fun. We spent the mornings learning and then mid-afternoon on both Monday and Tuesday we went out shooting with Rob and Steve.
Dad and Marilyn got here late on Monday afternoon. So, they spent the evening with us Monday and then spent the entire day in Kingston and Rockwood on Tuesday with Gran and Jack and Sue. On Tuesday, I went strait from the photo shoot that we had at Market Square and downtown Knoxville to my Tuesday night class.
I was pooped Tuesday night!!
Wednesday morning, Don took the day off and went with us down to see Gran and we took Jack and Sue, with Gran out to lunch. We had a great time! Gran got a new haircut and looked great! She is doing so well at Victorian Square! It's truly amazing! She really does consider it her new home and she's getting involved and making friends. But, her memory is still continuing to get worse. At least I don't worry about her ever waking minute anymore.
Dad looked so good from the front but his poor head... it looks so painful and bad. He has some paralysis in his face, mouth and shoulder. He is slightly disfigured but that isn't what matters... what matters is how hard he is fighting this! He brought the custom mask that he had to wear during radiation for us to see. He had to be bolted down... he's done with radiation and he starts the intensive month long - 5 days a week chemo tomorrow and then he continues on with chemo 3x a week for 11 months after that. What a journey he still has ahead of him. Please continue to keep him in your prayers!
It did her and Dad both good to spend some time together!! It did me good to have some good quality time with Dad and Marilyn and to see that they were both doing better emotionally than their last visit the end of April. I've been so worried about them both.
Then, we headed back to the condo and worked to get everything ready for the final estate sale Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. We got rid of so much more stuff!! It was a big relief... a lot of work but worth it! We met some of the neatest people - but also some that weren't so hot! I will do my best to remember the good ones... like this 83 year old couple who were both so sweet and were so very excited about the things that they got. They'd been married 63 years and just sweet good people. Boy, did they drive away with a packed pick up truck full!!
Katie went to Dr. Chris Miller, the neurologist, FINALLY this week. He really didn't tell us much we didn't know already. Katie definitely has mid-line brain abnormalities and all her "connections" are definitely not firing properly. He thought she was doing AMAZINGLY well to have the brain abnormalities that she has and encouraged us to keep challenging her to meet her maximum potential... but she will definitely struggle more as tasks become harder and more complicated with maturity.
We went to see the Smokies play on Friday night! I was so pooped but we had a fantastic time anyway! We had gotten great seats - especially for Katie's vision. But, I am still having some back problems from my last farm related injury so we ended up in the outfield on a blanket - which actually was a little more fun because we got to laugh and giggle more with Katie! It was a great night!!
Yesterday, we met more people down at the condo for moving out some big items and then we all kind of crashed yesterday afternoon. So pooped!!!
Katie is going to a friend's birthday party this afternoon at Build-A-Bear! Thank goodness it isn't Chuck-E-Cheese! YAY!!
I will post some of the work I did with Rob later today or tomorrow. I have a photoshoot scheduled this Wednesday for a local children's boutique - that should be fun!
More later!
LA :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
My Political Go To Guy
My heart broke this past Friday when I learned that Tim Russert had passed away. And today, as I really started to watch news coverage and today's Meet The Press memorial show with Tom Brokaw! My dad and I talked almost every Sunday and compared notes on that Sunday's show... and the topics and guests... which usually turned into a lively conversation since my dad and I are polar opposites politically.
I'm not one to ever be very "star struck" or to think that people in entertainment or the media are overly special... however, Tim Russert was my go to guy on politics. He had iritated me a few times during this primary season, however, I continued to think that he was one of the few journalists left with strong ethics and a determination for truth and answers.
He was vibrant and his enthusiasm came through the TV. Anytime anything major was happening in politics, you better believe that I was setting my Tivo for Meet The Press.
Jon Stewart provides me with comic relief in politics and world events! Who will I turn to now for the real scoop with politics...? The election in November wont be nearly the same with Tim Russert and his little white erase board.
I called my dad today to wish him happy father's day and my dad has been emotional lately with his battle... but he really got choked up when we talked about Tim Russert passing away and the very young age of 58!
I don't know who could possibly fill his shoes!
LA :)
I'm not one to ever be very "star struck" or to think that people in entertainment or the media are overly special... however, Tim Russert was my go to guy on politics. He had iritated me a few times during this primary season, however, I continued to think that he was one of the few journalists left with strong ethics and a determination for truth and answers.
He was vibrant and his enthusiasm came through the TV. Anytime anything major was happening in politics, you better believe that I was setting my Tivo for Meet The Press.
Jon Stewart provides me with comic relief in politics and world events! Who will I turn to now for the real scoop with politics...? The election in November wont be nearly the same with Tim Russert and his little white erase board.
I called my dad today to wish him happy father's day and my dad has been emotional lately with his battle... but he really got choked up when we talked about Tim Russert passing away and the very young age of 58!
I don't know who could possibly fill his shoes!
LA :)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Our Sunny Girl Has A New Mission In Life
She is now a part of the herd at STAR. We've been so very busy with Gran's care, the condo, just LIFE in 2008... we haven't been able to spend near enough time at the farm to justify the boarding expense... not to mention that Sunny and Belle haven't been getting any attention hardly.
So, we approached STAR to see if they would be interested in both Sunny and Belle because we wanted to try and keep them together! Well, they were immensely interested in Sunny because she is a big girl since she has Belgian in her and they have adult riders with special needs... some being larger and Sunny can definitely accommodate larger riders!
They went to look at Sunny a little over a week ago and they picked her up this morning. They had planned to look at Belle this morning before getting Sunny and Don had told me about what they put Sunny through when they looked at her. The rode her (obviously) but they also danced around her like Indians, flailed their arms and acted crazy. You have to remember some of the kids at STAR have behavior problems and act kind of wild...
Well, so we went out early this morning to do some preliminary work with Belle and try to get her kinks out before they got there. Belle is only five and tends to get freaked out much easier than Sunny. Again, Don and I were not communicating well and I thought he was done acting like a crazy person and I went to put my arm and hand up on Belle rubbing her back when he flailed his arms again and she knocked me over trying to get away from him.
Don said when he saw me - I was airborne - my entire body and I landed hard on my butt! At least she didn't step on me when she was trying to get away from crazy, arm flailing Don. :)
Needless to say - I'm sore AGAIN!
I have to go get my hair cut and highlighted this afternoon... that should be fun! Sitting is not very comfortable after that fall this morning.
But, Sunny made the short trip to STAR just fine. I just called to check on her and they are THRILLED to have her. They told me that she's just hanging out in her stall wondering why so many people keep coming and staring at her. She's going to be treated wonderfully - stalled, grain fed daily, turned out in the pasture at night, groomed daily... she's gonna love it. She loves attention and she's going to get a lot!!
And, since we got Belle's spookiness worked out before they arrived - she was PERFECT for them. She didn't flinch - so they are VERY interested in her. They currently have a 20 year old TN Walker that is starting to have soundness issues - so Belle will probably replace him sometime in the coming months.
They are still ours - we just don't have to pay boarding and now - at least Sunny so far - will be getting so much attention and we can see her anytime we want. Hopefully, Belle will join her soon.
More later!
LA :)
PS - Gran's Living Estate sale was a semi-success. I deposited $1100 into her account - that's the good news. All that sold seemingly was junk... that's the bad news. I guess it could also be good news. I still have a TON of furniture to sell.
Gran was doing GREAT this weekend when I visited her. She is getting involved and continuing to make friends! What a BLESSING this place turned out to be. It's amazing!
Also, Dad is having his next-to the last radiation treatment today. The radiation is going well - his recovery from the lymph node surgery is not doing so good.
So, we approached STAR to see if they would be interested in both Sunny and Belle because we wanted to try and keep them together! Well, they were immensely interested in Sunny because she is a big girl since she has Belgian in her and they have adult riders with special needs... some being larger and Sunny can definitely accommodate larger riders!
They went to look at Sunny a little over a week ago and they picked her up this morning. They had planned to look at Belle this morning before getting Sunny and Don had told me about what they put Sunny through when they looked at her. The rode her (obviously) but they also danced around her like Indians, flailed their arms and acted crazy. You have to remember some of the kids at STAR have behavior problems and act kind of wild...
Well, so we went out early this morning to do some preliminary work with Belle and try to get her kinks out before they got there. Belle is only five and tends to get freaked out much easier than Sunny. Again, Don and I were not communicating well and I thought he was done acting like a crazy person and I went to put my arm and hand up on Belle rubbing her back when he flailed his arms again and she knocked me over trying to get away from him.
Don said when he saw me - I was airborne - my entire body and I landed hard on my butt! At least she didn't step on me when she was trying to get away from crazy, arm flailing Don. :)
Needless to say - I'm sore AGAIN!
I have to go get my hair cut and highlighted this afternoon... that should be fun! Sitting is not very comfortable after that fall this morning.
But, Sunny made the short trip to STAR just fine. I just called to check on her and they are THRILLED to have her. They told me that she's just hanging out in her stall wondering why so many people keep coming and staring at her. She's going to be treated wonderfully - stalled, grain fed daily, turned out in the pasture at night, groomed daily... she's gonna love it. She loves attention and she's going to get a lot!!
And, since we got Belle's spookiness worked out before they arrived - she was PERFECT for them. She didn't flinch - so they are VERY interested in her. They currently have a 20 year old TN Walker that is starting to have soundness issues - so Belle will probably replace him sometime in the coming months.
They are still ours - we just don't have to pay boarding and now - at least Sunny so far - will be getting so much attention and we can see her anytime we want. Hopefully, Belle will join her soon.
More later!
LA :)
PS - Gran's Living Estate sale was a semi-success. I deposited $1100 into her account - that's the good news. All that sold seemingly was junk... that's the bad news. I guess it could also be good news. I still have a TON of furniture to sell.
Gran was doing GREAT this weekend when I visited her. She is getting involved and continuing to make friends! What a BLESSING this place turned out to be. It's amazing!
Also, Dad is having his next-to the last radiation treatment today. The radiation is going well - his recovery from the lymph node surgery is not doing so good.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Still feeling overwhelmed by junk
It just keeps multiplying... Just when I feel like we are making a dent - we uncover more! Well, the dumpster is full and they are picking it up today. Who would have ever thought that there could be so much stuff in a 1500 sq. ft. condo... especially when there is so much stuff still left inside that wasn't "trash".
So, onward and upward!! I am trying to get the inside organized today - grouping all similar or like items together.
Then I will spend all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday pricing items and then HOPEFULLY a majority of the contents will go flying out of the condo on Friday and Saturday with the Living Estate Sale.
Thank goodness I have some experience at this from having attended estate sales as a buyer! But let me tell you something - being on the seller end is not nearly as much fun! :)
Lisa - you have been a Godsend!! I'm so blessed by your friendship every day but you've been such a help and encouragement the past week!
Keep your fingers crossed for us that the sale is a success! We definitely need the money for her care until the VA benefits kick in.
LA :)
So, onward and upward!! I am trying to get the inside organized today - grouping all similar or like items together.
Then I will spend all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday pricing items and then HOPEFULLY a majority of the contents will go flying out of the condo on Friday and Saturday with the Living Estate Sale.
Thank goodness I have some experience at this from having attended estate sales as a buyer! But let me tell you something - being on the seller end is not nearly as much fun! :)
Lisa - you have been a Godsend!! I'm so blessed by your friendship every day but you've been such a help and encouragement the past week!
Keep your fingers crossed for us that the sale is a success! We definitely need the money for her care until the VA benefits kick in.
LA :)
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