2013 - March and part of April. . .

 It was a very, very busy spring.  Still depressed over losing my little Tristin - I had to stay busy or go totally nuts.  So stay busy I did!  After our move across the 'street' to the park model trailer - I followed my neighbors suit and put in a 'drip' sprinkler system so that I could keep everything watered while we were gone for the summer.  I potted new plants and transplanted cactus that were actually splitting out their old pots.  The boys really loved having the deck and front windows that they could 'see' out of! :)

 About two weeks after our big 'move' April, Elizabeth, and Brennan got to come out for their promised visit!  April is getting a little bit of a 'baby belly' but not to much of one :)  So excited to be expecting a brand new grandson in August.  Elizabeth is real excited to have a new baby - of course!  Brennan is rather blase about it - like boys seem to be when it comes to "girl" stuff!

 While they were there we did the River Tour that was provided by the Riverside.  It was a great boat ride.  It toured up to the Dam and down beyond Harrahs giving details, history, and a lot of fun facts about Laughlin, Bullhead City, and the Colorado River.  Of course we had lots of great food, a soak in the hot tub, and a great gab fest!  Evie's family was also here to visit this same week - so we were all busy going and doing!  April and kids also visited Lake Havesu City and the London Bridge, and went over to Oatman to see the ghost town.  We didn't do this trip with them as Keith had an appointment as I had to get him ready to travel back East with April.

 Just before the kids and Keith were due to leave for the trip back to St. Louis we got some really bad news about Aunt Nita.  She had earlier been diagnosed with an inoperable 'growth' - and time was getting closer than anyone had realized.  Dad and I decided that we needed to make a quick trip up...  Here is how we traveled...

We got to Myrtle Point and spent Easter and Aunt Nita's birthday with her.  S'te and Brayana came down on a flying trip from Bremerton to see her.  We were all there the same day that Michelle and her girls were over from Eastern Oregon.  Aunt Nita was up and down most of the day - we just visited and waited until she felt up to being awake.  Just before we left - we all sang a bittersweet happy birthday to her.  She seemed to enjoy that :)  

Aunt Nita's 83 Birthday

Before leaving Myrtle Point, we stopped down at the Assisted Care Center and saw Aunt Peggy and Uncle Homer.  They were just finishing dinner and were happy to see us.  We visited for just a few minutes before Aunt Peggy said she was tired and ready to go back to their room.  Everyone there was very nice to us.

Keith was due to be fly into the Las Vegas Airport on April 2 - so Evie flew into Eugene on Friday.  Her and Dad will stay here in Coos Bay for as long as they need to.  I left on Monday, spent the night with Mom and Teri, and did a long day drive on Tuesday (of course, with the boys) to be at the airport by the time Keith landed.                         Aunt Nita went to be with Uncle Jim on April 3.   Susie and Debbie were with her.  Dad and Evie had spend the afternoon over there with her.  She was surrounded by love. my Aunt Nita Robertson

On April 4 we celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary.  It was a very quiet day - we just kind of unpacked and got resettled after our trips and recent loss of my very dear Aunt.

In memory of Aunt Nita and Uncle Jim . . .  Clear back in 1975 when I first got back to Myrtle Point (I was 20) after living back in the eastern part of the USA most of my life, Aunt Nita kind of took me under her wing.  She acted as tho' I had never been gone.  She was a bit rough on me (or so I thought at the time) at times but she helped me immensely.  I had no car or transportation - so she took me over to SWOCC to get my GED, took care of Jeremy while I took (and passed ) the tests.  She helped me get situated with a doctor, loaned me funds to get an apartment (right upstairs from Mom on Ash Street) for Jeremy and I, and always welcomed me at her house.  I spent many, many hours over there - never tiring of the conversation and learning about my father's side of the family.  Uncle Jim also took me right in - like the lost that I was...  All through the years, Aunt Nita and Uncle Jim championed me - during some very hard times - and through some even harder times.  I worked for them for several years at the Casino.  I sometimes felt that she expected more from me than anyone else and I pushed to try to produce.  Sometimes I failed.  Sometimes I didn't.  But I always felt close to her. There was a time of a massive misunderstanding and we went several years without contact - even though we lived in the same community - but Jeremy's disappearance in 1986 completely dissolved and overcame that.  Aunt Nita immediately flew into high gear and did everything she could think of to do - to help me find him.  Her efforts (as all of our efforts) came to naught - but I know - in my heart - that she tried her very, very best.  To this day - I love and thank her for all she and Uncle Jim did for me, S'te, and Jeremy.  I know that she will find a way to help Jeremy let us know where he is and what happened.  I just know she will.  Rest in Peace Aunt Nita and Uncle Jim.  I think of you often and always with good and loving memories.

So that was my March and early April...

Intermission - Part II

We went back to Bullhead on the 15th of February (or thereabouts) and settled in as a childless couple.  I finished putting together all the parts and pieces of Tman's stay with us that didn't go with him - but I WILL see him again and take his things to him.  

Among the things we did was - buy a nicer "park model" trailer that is 2 doors down from Dad.  So I took photos of the travel trailer and set about getting it ready to sell - after I got all moved out of it.  About this time we found out that April and the kids were going to be able to come visit us for spring break (YAY) in March.  I was so happy to get that news! 

And we planned a trip to Algonadones, MX for a long overdue visit to the dentist.  Dad and Evie went with us - we took the 'boys' and stayed in Yuma (I'd only driven thru there).  Cinco didn't care much for the whooptee of the up and down roads and ended up carsick... The drive through the desert was beautiful!  I love all the different scenery that God has provided us with :)  I did the driving - so I didn't get many photos -  but here is one I took during a rest stop.

We  stayed at the Best Western in Yuma - really nice rooms and a nice breezeway to sit out in.

 The boys settled right in - as they had their choices of laps - it seemed that they both always chose the same one at the same time :)






Of course, Chato had his bone that he wasn't taking any chances on losing.  He looks so funny with that stubby bone sticking outta his mouth!

We headed for the dentist on Tuesday morning - got our appointment all done and found out that my partial wouldn't be ready until Saturday morning.  What to do???
We sat down to tacos and burritos and discussed the impending several day wait.  And Keith said... "How about we just run on over to San Diego?  Jackson said we are always welcome!"  Dad didn't disagree or say he wouldn't go - so - we went back to Yuma - got our 'stuff' loaded while Keith made arrangements with the Best Western to return on Friday - and off we went!  Evie had never been over the I-8 to San Diego or to San Diego itself - so she was ready!!

 Jackson was suprised to see us, to say the least.  He came home from his doctor appointment - and there we were!  Teach him not to have a cell phone and go somewhere the day Keith tries to call him!!  We had a great visit and werer very well welcomed.  Evie and I cooked dinner (well, the first night we reheated the pounds of food that was left over from our Dave's BBQ visit the night before).  Then Jackson cooked a huge roast.  

 We went up to Channel 1 and visited with friends there while Keith, Jackson, and Dad played pool.  We took a day and went sight seeing - over Coronado and had ice cream.  Dad just about froze - of course - we went the coldest 2 days of the year!  But he was a great sport about it!  I ran over and bought him a fleece to keep some of the chill off!  I do believe that Jackson was unhappy to see us go.  We had a lot of laughs and a great time.

  Heading back over the hill to Yuma - we hit SNOW!!  and it was terribly cold in Algonadones.  But - we had a road trip and it was great fun.  

 On the way back we stopped at Lake Havasu so that I could take a closer look at the London Bridge.  It's been there for a while - and we've driven past it a few times - but this time I was determined.  SO I didn't ask anyone - I just stopped.  Dad and Keith didn't want to get out of the pickup - so Evie and I took our own little wander and snapped a few photos.

We managed to get Dad and Evie back to Bullhead all safe and sound! 

Now I get to start packing and getting ready to move across the street!  :)  And looking forward to the visit from April and the grandkids! 

A long intermission - Part 1

It's been a long intermission since the hopeful Christmas posts - and a LOT of devastating things have happened.  It's taken a while for me to be able to find the words.  Even thinking of telling my story brings the tears on.

On top of our list was the loss of our baby Tman to an adoptive home.  I know in my head that God made the right choice when He brought Tman's-siblings-adoptive family into the picture.  After all the months that no one had stepped up - we went to court in January for the preliminary show cause for termination.  No one showed but us - and we were ecstatic when the judged ruled for tpr right then and there and we were able to head out on our way to Arizona.   Little did I know that just 3 short weeks later - my life was going to get torn up again...

But, we headed south - and spent the night with Mom.  Tman just loves his Grandma JJ!   His little face just lights up (as does hers) when they see each other!  It is funny how a little person that is of absolutely no relation can bring so much joy to so many people!  I somehow cannot put much faith in people that use the 'not my blood' or 'is my blood' as excuses for bad behavior...  anyhow...   Here is the man at Grandma's house...  He is learning to use that spoon (not always the right end even goes into the mouth - but he knows it goes there!)    Grandma and Aunt TT took him to the playground and they totally wore him out!  Worked out great for us to load up and leave towards evening to head over to Arizona. Thought it would be a good idea to do the long part of our drive while he would be sleeping since he hates the car seat so much!  btw... we even bought him a new Cadillac style carseat since we knew he'd be in it for so long!

Well,  12 hours later we pulled into Bullhead.  I was so glad to get there!  Tman decided about 4 am that he was done, done, done with that seat so the last couple hours were touch and go.  We stopped several times for rests - but still had to keep going.  He was also very glad that we FINALLY made it to where we were going and he didn't have to get back into that seat!

 He is such a happy boy!  We fixed up a special area for his bed and toys - a spot to call his own - and he loved playing in it.  Of course, being in a travel trailer for 2 weeks - we were all pretty close all the time :)

 Tman is having himself a great breakfast - he is doing so well at feeding himself.  Even the pink cheeks lets us know how happy he is!

 Dad and Keith gated and boxed in the end of the deck so we wouldn't have any inadvertent 'run-aways' - of either kid or puppy!  Tman, Chato, and Cinco all had a blast in the nice dry climate and being able to run in and out, and out and in!

He's been working on getting those blocks to 'build' for quite a while now - and by golly - He's got it!! :)

By this time, we've had contact with Tman's 'other family' and have learned that they are leaning towards taking him into their family.  In conversation, I totally understand why they stood back so far, for so long.  And really, as much as I love him, I do understand her reasons.  He is a very, very lucky little boy to go to a family that has so much love in them - and to have siblings that aren't 35 years older than him - and to have parents that are young enough to be parents instead of parents old enough to be his great-grand-parents.   After a lot of discussion and a LOT of prayer, Keith and I decided that it is best for him to us be his foster grandparents - if his new family will let us do that.  Plans were made to meet with them when we arrive in Eugene - and then transition on his 18 month birthday.  A sad day for sure - heartbreaking to drive away with him watching me with the questions in his eyes.  So many prayers for him.  I have photos of him with his new family but hesitate to post them due to sensitivity and security issues - so I will just leave it at - they've said that we can stay in touch and will be able to visit.  I just have to trust in God and their word that it will be so.

T-man - we all love you and miss you more than you will ever know...

2012 Christmas

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandma's house we goooo!!!  LOL  We had another ludicrous VA appointment.  Another date to go and have another doctor to tell us the very same thing - another waste of government time - boy - it is frustration at it's peak!  And to think - this is what all our healthcare is going to come down to - Government meddling at it's finest!  So nothing was done, AGAIN, another appointment for another facility was made. And we headed off into the white world of our first snowstorm of this winter...

After driving through our whiteout conditions we made it to Grandma's.  Tman did extremely well in his carseat this time... He took his socks and shoes off about 3 times - since I put them back on every time we stopped - and he had something to do! :)  I'm learning.

Grandma was so very happy to see her man - She loves him almost as much as I do!

So we had a wonderful Christmas.  We headed back on Christmas Day for yet another VA appointment and to make sure we were home when our 'travel papers' said we would be.  We spend the night at Canyonville - and again - our little fellow charmed everyone he saw.

Uncle Tim babysat and Keith and I actually went out for New Year's Eve!!  First time in several years that we've done that!  Not that we did anything exciting - but we went - together - just the 2 of us!

I have almost reached my goal.  As of New Years Eve I have lost 95 pounds.  Went from a size 18W down to a size 8.  I took 2 huge garbage bags of clothes up to S'te's so that she can share them with others.  Keith says I still have 20 pounds to go - I don't know if I'll be able to make that goal - but certainly intend to try! :)

Happy New Year to All!!!

2012 Thanksgiving

We were able to take Tman and travel up to Bremerton for Thanksgiving.  The carseat still isn't one of T's favorite places - so we stopped for the night at St. Helens.  That is where we discovered that T can open a door - as long as it has the 'lever' type handle.  We spent most of the evening in great fun chasing him up and down the halls!  T had a blast showing off his new found skills ;)  Of course, as always, he charmed our dinner waitress, all the other guests' at Best Western's breakfast, and us during our overnight stay!  I so love having this little guy around :) 

 Cavelle showed off his wonderful computer skills - he is growing up so way to fast!

 Jaleel is now a tall, tall young man with a deep voice and a fantastic sense of humor.  He is so excited about being 15 and old enough to get his permit (as soon as he can figure out a way to get to our house).

 Brayana is working hard on her chats with music blaring!  I didn't get to visit much with her - but enjoyed every minute that I was able to spend with her!  She was anxious for dinner to start - here she is carrying around her fork - just in case a taste test is needed!  She's such a cutie!

The day after Thanksgiving we had a 'girls day out' and went for pedicures.  Taniyah had a great time getting her toes done! S'te and I got our Duck colors (green and gold) while the other girls got snowflakes put on theirs.  We had a lot of fun!!

Tristin basked in the attention for the entire weekend :)  He has continued to bloom and brighten my days - It has been so hard feeling so cut off from the world, S'te being so far away, and the sense of loneliness that has seemed to cut clear to the bone!  It has fallen on his little shoulders to make me smile and laugh - and he does an awesome job of it.  Just looking thru his photos and watching him run across the room to me  - makes my day!

Ladaria and Destini went with Jeanne the night we got there and didn't return until just before we left - so we didn't get to spend any time at all with them.  The sad thing about the kids growing up - is that they seem to leave all the good memories behind and forget that no matter what - they are loved.  I guess there comes a time in every grandma's life when it's time to realize that contact with you is no longer needed - or wanted.  Seems that this is the choice that both of these girls have made.  It has been tough - in the days since the visit - but I have come to accept it.  And I will no longer bother them with cards, gifts, or forced conversations.  Maybe when they become grandparents (or sooner) they will realize the pain and hurt these decisions have caused.

On the way home we stopped in Portland for another VA appointment - boy if this brings any sort of omen to what Obamacare has in store for us - look out world!!!!

We soon have another hearing for Tman's status - As no one has claimed any interest in taking him to their home - my hopes of us being able to add him permanently to our family are looming.  It looks better and better every day!  Yippee!!!