[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #51468

I have a moment so thought I would drop by and check on how all of your Thanksgiving prep is going. I could just reach right through here and slice myself a big piece of any one of your pies, Adele. What a delicious meal you are preparing. Good you have some Minion help on its way. Just take time for you too and don’t get too tired. Everyone has such nice plans for the day. Hope it turns into one of everyone’s best days ever. Joey asked if I would mind making a banana pudding for him to take to work on Thursday night for the employees potluck meal. Someone else is making pies. I told him of course, and he said he was going to NOT eat the turkey; since he was saving his “turkey taste buds” for our meal on Saturday. ha ha Really miss Neal this year. I know we will talk to him, and I think the young ones will do the Skype thing talking to one another, but it will be so strange for him to be in Oklahoma and all of us here. Sarah and the baby will be here on Saturday. She called this past Saturday and said they were going to stop by; but I had to tell her that I was sickly and was still in my gown. It was around 3 when she called. I felt so bad from that infection that I was just resting in bed all day. She said she understood; so I asked her to come by tonight if she could. I made dinner and she brought the baby and Joey came up. We had a good time. I really could see her watching poor Jerry every time he held the baby. He would be so crushed if he knew this, and I know he is so careful with little Colin. He is such a precious little thing. He was just smiling and cooing.
Jerry and I had Thanksgiving dinner with his Mom the other day. They do it early at assisted; so the staff can celebrate with their families except for a few who have to work the holiday. We are picking her up to come home with us on Saturday and eat with us here too. She will love that I think. We take her out for day trips; but have to be really careful. She is more “wobbly” now and I am so afraid she will fall; even using her walker. Her memory is still fuzzy. But I tell Jerry that a lot has to do with her fall; and the doctors tell him that too. Well, have a great day with your loved ones. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #51330

Just 5 days until Turkey day for almost everyone! I just cannot believe it. By the way Gail, welcome home! So glad you had a wonderful safe trip. Glad your son is doing well too. I hope his new relationship turns out to be just the right thing for helping to heal the hurts he has experienced in his young life. It sounds like you all had a fabulous time together. I am like you; just scared silly in all that fast heavy traffic. Jerry asks me to just close my eyes or to read because it makes me so nervous. (I think this is one of the results of caring for those horrible accident victims all my work time). It sounds like you ladies have some good plans for T day. I am thinking we will do ours on Saturday this year. I want Joey to be good and awake and I believe that is the day Sarah and Mr. C are available ha ha. They are going to her grandparents on Thursday. They live about 75 miles away. I called and invited her and the baby the other night but she said she was a little tired and thought they would just rest at home. I offered to come over and watch Colin but she said they were fine. Our son Joey has made me promise not to say a word; but she told Neal, who told Joey (which is why I can’t say anything) that she doesn’t think Jerry is safe with the baby. If Jerry knew this; he would be so hurt. The only thing I can possibly think of was the one time she said to him not to hold the baby up like he was that he had to be careful with his neck. That hurt Jerrys feelings then; but he just smiled at little Colin and said Poppy would rather hurt his neck than this precious baby. So with sorrow; I really think we will have to take this one day at a time, and hope for the best.
Adele; I bet your house is sparkling. Sounds so nice and it makes you feel so good when everything is dusted and cleaned. I say this from memory; since it has been a while for me since I’ve had that experience LOL Did I tell you all that I had to see the doctor? Woke up the other morning desperate to “pass my water” as the old folks around here used to say; and shall we politely say I had nothing but lots of bright red and pain. I knew I had a urinary tract infection. I felt fine the night before but thank goodness was able to get in to the doctor that day and have been on an antibiotic for several days. I am feeling much better. The medicine is strong; so my tummy gets not too happy, but I can live with that over the other.
Sorry you are having family “issues” with Stephanie. This is a long time to hold on to something, but my heart just tells me almost daily that I look at things so differently and love life so much, and I know you ladies do too. Our young ones sometimes just turn right instead of left and once they get on that path they just can’t say or do the right thing that would make it all better. So you may need to set a couple of plates for Jerry and me, because I don’t have a clue where we will be on Thursday LOL
That little Piper reminds me so much of Joey. He never met a stranger, and talked all the time. In fact; I spent quite a bit of time when he was in the first couple of years of school listening to his teacher tell me how he talks too much, and is a day dreamer, and looks out the window too much, you know, all the bad stuff. I would always tell the teacher “Joey does talk a lot, but he says good things, like he tells me what a good teacher you are all the time’ and he really would. That usually shut them up, if not I just listened. We are all so fortunate to be here to see and hear their cute little things aren’t we?
Better go for now and get that big pill down. Take care and enjoy the week with your families. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #51144

Hi friends. It is cold here tonight and it is only about 7 pm and I am fighting sleep. LOL I hear Jerry in the kitchen; so that means he took the hint from me leaving a store bought pizza in the fridge. Guess he is heating up the oven. I told him when he got back from his Moms that I was just beaten down; since I had to go to that dad blasted grocery store and walk the whole thing; go to the post office, and go pick up our medicines. I surely remember when that would have only taken me mabey an hour or so; and now you would think it is a major accomplishment. ha ha. His Mom is getting really confused here lately. She is doing so well physically; but she has introduced Jerry as her brother a couple of times in the last two weeks; and of course; that upset him so badly. I tried to explain that this happens, but it is so hard for him to see her change like this. She hugs on us and laughs and talks. We fixed up a wreath on her door this weekend, and have added some Christmas lights around her door. She really liked that. I need to get a little tree for her room next. I did take her a Quacker Christmas sweater in red with paw prints on it. She loved it. One of the aides has polished her fingernails a bright red; so she really looked like the holidays. I am in a pickle when it comes to the Smith Thanksgiving. Neal has asked us if we might could come to Oklahoma the day before Thanksgiving, do dinner the next day, and then he has to be in school on Friday; but then he wants us to let him and Sarah has some time on Saturday, and us all leave for home on Sunday. Now mind you; he can’t tell us until next week if he will be able to do this or not. He has so many tests that it will depend on this. So I really can’t make any plans. And then of course; there is Joey to think of. Could it get more complicated? Jerry said he is going to tell him no, that it is just too hard for me; but I have asked him to just wait a few days more, and let us see how things go. By the way; Neal did come home last Thursday night after school since he had Friday off and no test until Tuesday. Colleen, I am trying so hard to do the right thing with Sarah and Colin. I do call and check on them, but she is usually feeding him or “busy”. I feel like a doofus (don’t even think that is a word) but I am trying. I just feel that someone should cut me a little slack sometimes, and worry about pleasing me for a change. There; I said it so now I will go to my happy place. ha ha
I am not hardly ordering anything right now. I don’t have a clue what to do for Christmas. With some of my moods here lately I may just decide to take Mr. Smith on a week long adventure somewhere. ha ha You all are such good grandmothers. What happened to me?
Take care everyone. Hope everyone is bearing up to the change in weather. Even Jerry complained about his bones hurting more. Take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #50854

I am sitting here watching In the Kitchen with David and he has those towel pot holders in Christmas designs, and Yes, I called and got me the one with the cute reindeer with presents that says kitchen buddy on it and has Christmas trees. I really think I am going to get a lot of use from them. I can only find one pot holder when I need it and having them both together will help me. Gosh, all that food on there is making me hungry LOL We are having cold cuts, crackers and cheese and just lots of condiments to go along with it for our luxurious dining tonight. Oh, gosh, now he is showing tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. I am going to have to turn the channel Ha Ha. Gail, I love the photos of our friends Temptation dishes too; but honestly, I just do not have a place to put anything else. I should just take a day and throw out all of these dented scorched pots and pans and save only the good ones. I remember having to scrub for HOURS when I was so tired and just wanted to lay down after I used the pots and roaster that we had for years. I join you wholeheartedly Colleen in saying that whomever thought of the throw away pans is nothing short of pure genius LOL I just love how festive the Temptations are. I bet you girls set a beautiful table. We have a bar with stools around it between the den and kitchen so I can visit and cook at the same time; and even though we have a nice dining table; no one uses it; they just sit at the bar or in the den with trays. We are not very formal around here. I remember once when the boys were small that I said to Jerry that I would love to have just ONE meal without having to jump up because someone had spilled something; and now that I have it; I would give so much to have those little fellows spilling something around my table. My how the years have flown. Okay; I will stop or find myself getting all nostalgic again. But I will say that I truly admire all of you for how you face your life changes with such dignity and I am nothing short of being a glob of mush about change.
Neal called to check on us and tell us about his school. I know it is hard; but so far he is keeping up and he wouldn’t complain even if it was just awful. I know that he can feel that I am really missing Colin; but I am very upbeat when we talk and tell him we are here for them for whatever they may need. He said Sarah had tried to call us one day but didn’t get any answer. I didn’t know since there was no message from her. He said it was okay that she just was going to exercise and “thought we might like to keep Colin for an hour” unquote. I want that baby all night like her MaMa has him; but I kept my mouth shut except to say that I love little Colin so much and I am so proud of how hard he is working to make a good life for his little family. I would not dare say anything that would cause him any more stress than he is already under; no matter how hurt my feelings are. And girls, they are hurt. Did I tell you all that Sarah and Lisa are doing pizza nights and things together? It seems to me that Jerry and I are the grinches and what do I say or do at this point? Sarah posts a photo every week of little Colin sitting in the corner of a chair in her parents house with the block number of his week of life next to him. They are so sweet. Okay, I’m stopping. Sorry girls. I just need to cuddle with him so badly.
Does the cooler air hurt you alls knees, foot, shoulders Etc? We are creaking around here ha ha Oh, I love the 20 piece Temptation set that is on now. I have always meant to ask, is it easy to clean? This is just beautiful. I am SO tempted. Even has measuring cups and spoons with it. It has acorns and stripes on it.
Better close and go fix our dinner. Those scalloped potatoes look so good. Colleen, you just keep doing the best you can with your weight. Your little body is just adjusting to getting better; and you didn’t lose the weight overnight, and you will not gain a few pounds overnight either. They just want you to level out on your weight, and you will get there, I know. Gail, how is your foot? Are the grandchildren staying well? I surely hope so. I hope Tillie is doing well, and your Mom too Colleen. What a blessing for them to have such good daughters. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #50775

Hello Ladies. Been cloudy and overcast all day here today. We did our voting early today with Joey as he was getting off work this morning. Crowds were already forming here. Jerry has been literally upset over some things (and I won’t go into it; because I know that each of us have our reasons for voting the way we do) but I told him that I have said a prayer that we will all come together as a nation and heal our hurts that we have all done to one another. He just got quiet and I asked him what was he doing and he said praying. So we rode in silence for a while; and then I said, “lets get some doughnuts!” and he and Joey and I really enjoyed them. Adele, they were fresh and warm from the oven and the aroma was wonderful. Our kitchen has been missing that smell lately, and it needs to get it back LOL
Colleen, I am so sorry that you got your feelings hurt. It is so very hard for some people to relate to someone who is not feeling good. Are you by any chance able to drink milk? If you do; I was thinking of how when my Dad was having a hard time I would add malted milk powder to his milk or his milkshake for added protein and to add weight. You can buy it here in the same aisle that they sell cocoa powder or dried milk powder. It tastes so good. I used to just eat me some right out of a spoon when MaMa wasn’t looking when I was a child. And I think they sell some protein powder that you can put in food at Walmart in the health food store inside there. Just do the best you can and hang in there. I really believe that you will turn this around soon and be like me fussing about how you can just look at food and add ten pounds LOL I remember one of my SIL’s coming to our house one day with two paper bags filled up with clothes and she said she was giving them to me since I was the only person she knew who was big enough to wear them.. She had weight loss surgery and had lost a whole lot of weight. It hurt my feelings so badly. I knew I was big; but it just hurt to have someone just blurt it out in front of everyone.
Jerry and I did go out for the evening. We had a nice dinner and went to a movie. He started to talk about some family things about us and the baby; and I just said no, I wasn’t going to even think let alone talk about anything that evening except him and me. So that is how we spent our evening, and to tell the truth; it was fun. We laughed about times of long ago and only mentioned the boys when telling something funny they had done or said as children. It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening.
Lisa came over to Joeys this past weekend. It has been a while since she has been over. She of course won’t even look at us since Jerry told her she has to do something about that bloodhound eating his trees up. He now says he regrets ever saying anything to her that he should have just spoken to Joey and let him be the one who talked to her. Joey handled it so well. He told Jerry that he loves him but the whole incident caught him off guard and he just needs a “heads up” if anything like that happens again.
Well, speaking of Jerry, he is calling me from the den so I better go check on him. I hope everyone is doing well. Take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #50575

Congratulations to all the Cubs fans girls! I know you all are besides yourself with joy. My FIL was such a baseball fan. He and Joey used to watch the games together. Joey mentioned that the other day. I know he misses him so much; they were so close. I really miss Jerrys Dad too. I remember how he would just “listen” to someone talk; and then always say “how do you think/feel about that?” instead of offering some kind of solution. He was a very wise man.
Thank you all for the good advise on my “hurt feelings” about the baby. I just love him so much, and I had my hopes all ready for spending real time with him, and as awful as it sounds, just by myself with Jerry and not sharing the time with Sarah and Neal. I really do know how Sarah is spreading her Mommy wings and certainly has the right to chose what she feels is best for her baby, but honestly girls, she just outright tells Jerry where he is wrong and tells me that things have changed since I had a baby. I wish with all my heart that it didn’t bother or hurt me; but it does, and I have to make myself seem like it doesn’t. I know there will come a day or time when she needs us; but gosh, Jerry and I can’t be 20 miles from where we live at 5 am so her Mom can do what she needs to do. Her Dad won’t be alone with the baby, so that is an issue. Okay; gotta quit. I really do know this will smooth itself out; and I know in my heart that we will do whatever is humanly possible to help little Colin; but girls, this is heart breaking for me.
I have told Jerry not to make any plans for Sunday that he and I are going to go somewhere for the day. I want us to start early and stay out as long as we feel like it. We SO need a little alone time. I miss Jerry, and we are beginning to pick at one another; and that is usually a sure. sign that we are being stretched too thin.
It sounds like you all are beginning to plan your Thanksgiving dinners. We are still waiting to hear if we are going to spend the day in Oklahoma or not. I have a feeling we are not. Joey has to work on the holiday. He loves Thanksgiving; so even if we do go to OK. we will still do a dinner for Joey the next week. It is his absolute favorite meal of the year. I just can’t leave him out.
Sure hope you are finding some food that will help your appetite. I remember when I wasn’t feeling well it was like everything I would try to eat just seemed to taste like a cardboard box to me. Our son Buddy would fix me oatmeal with fruit in it and some nuts because they told him at the hospital that this would be really good for me. It was so hard for me to get it down, but I knew I had to do it. So whatever you find that you can eat you do. We are all pulling for you.
Cloudy here today, but still warm. The leaves are really falling. I love this time of year. Take care all. Sue, hope you are enjoying your retirement. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November-Time To Count Our Blessings. #50514

I guess I will try again today to send you all a note. Jerry has been gone most of the day. The VA is working with his Mom about some kind of benefit she is eligible for and so Jerry has been busy going back and forth with papers and things. Nothing seems simple; does it? On top of that busy project; one of our neighbors called him and asked him to help order some gravel since he knew that Jerry had gotten some before for our drive. Jerry said yes of course; even though he was literally on his way out the door to take care of other things. I really feel for him because he just won’t say no to people, and he gets so many projects going on at one time. While he was gone with all of this; the bloodhound that belongs to Lisa actually chewed all around one of Jerrys most expensive trees; and I think he has killed it. This tree was so beautiful, and Jerry has babied it for over 20 years. Why he did this is beyond me. Jerry is so upset about it. I keep trying to help him to put this in perspective; but his trees to him are like say a golfers most prized club; and then the dog chews it up beyond repair. Joey came and they sprayed it with all kinds of things to keep bugs from eating the bare bark and wrapped it in some kind of wire to try to keep him from chewing on it. What a mess.
I invited Sarah and Colin over for dinner. He was a little fussy. I honestly think he didn’t feel good. He did take a nap lying up on my shoulder. He is just so precious. Next week is to be her first night back at work. You know we were asked several weeks ago to watch Colin at night and we said of course. Well I asked her last night what time would she be dropping him by on Monday, and she said, well, actually my Mother is going to spend the night at our apartment and keep him, but I may need you to watch him between 6 and 8 since she has to go to school then *crossing guard) I didn’t answer. Honestly; I was so hurt. She then said she has some “friend” who will watch him so “she can get some sleep”. Jerry just looked at me, and didn’t say anything. When I could say something, I completely changed the subject to Buddy and Stacey being in Las Vegas. Any advice? In my heart I knew this was going to happen.
Colleen, Gail did have a good idea of you eating six small mini-meals instead of trying to eat 3 regular sized meals. I know you are happy that you are in the smaller sized clothes but we just want you to feel good and if eating more will help; you know we think you are great no matter what size you are. It has been so long since I was small (I consider a size 14 small to me LOL) that if I ever got out of the X+ size I would think I had accomplished the impossible. You just take care of yourself, and eat as much of something that you like that you can; even if you eat it everyday.
Gail, you have been doing a lot of reading. We difinitely need that cozy spot for us all. I have been so sleepy today. Just think I had too much on my mind to sleep good last night. I hope I can talk Mr. Jerry into a “date night” soon. We need to leave our “problems” at home and just relax.
Take care to all and now we begin the Thanksgiving meal planning! Hugs everyone, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's October! Spooky Nights, Falling Leaves, Football and Pumpkin Carving… #50355

Hi everyone. I just finished writing a book on here, and poof off it goes and I am so aggravated about this; that I am just going to let you all know that we all are doing okay. We have been very busy, but I know you all have too. I hope you all are okay, and that everyone is well including the children, grands, and puppies/kitties. This just makes me so irritated; I have to go for now before I say more. ONe whole hour and gone and I had so much news to share with you all. Miss you and will TRY to talk to you soon. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's October! Spooky Nights, Falling Leaves, Football and Pumpkin Carving… #49884

Hello ladies. I had just written you all a nice long note; and caput; off it went somewhere so this will probably be short ha ha. That makes me so mad when it does this; but I;m sure its something I did. So glad to hear that Greg and Gary are better. Adele, I am sorry you had such a hard time with the long walks you had to take. I remember once a few years back when Jerry and I were on a short trip and we were about 3 hours down the road and I had to stop. When I went to get out of the car to go inside; I could barely walk. I mean, it really scared me. My legs were hurting so badly with each step that I didn’t think I could make it into the store part. I was so embarassed and afraid at the same time. That is truly a lot of steps. I know its probably just me; but when I hear those sales ladies on the Q who are no bigger than a stick go on and on about their fit bits or how many steps they made that day; I just want to spit.
I think I got Debra and Sue’s names all mixed up the other day on one of my notes. So if I did; sorry girls. Just know it was one of my “moments” ha ha
I know Nancy has been absolutely out of her mind with worry over her sons throat. I thought I had heard of most everything in medicine; but that is new to me. I know we have had patients contract extreme inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) to the point of it bleeding and it is very serious; but not actual clots. How scary. Praying he is getting much better each day. Do they have any idea what brought this condition on?
Colleen, try not to be too discouraged about not getting much information from your tests. I went through so much worry and wondering when I had the stroke and no one could tell me what had caused it to happen to me after all those tests they did on me. I was so happy that the MRI’s that they kept doing on my brain were good, but I just needed someone to tell me what I had done or not done that caused this to be happening to me. But to this day; no one has been able to. So I have had to make myself think of each test as a puzzle piece, and since you don’t make a puzzle with just one piece that each test brings another piece to the puzzle and that one day the puzzle pieces will all fit together and then they will have the answer. So mabey it will help you to think of it this way too. I had gotten to the point right after where I was too scared to be out of sight of anyone; I was afraid to Jerry to walk outside where he might not be able to hear me if I called for him; just things like that. And then I knew if I didn’t stop worrying, and the worry wasn’t changing anything. I hope you can understand some of this giberish of mine, and that somehow it will help; because you certainly deserve to feel good so you can love on those grandchildren like the wonderful grandma I know you are. Here’s hoping you are feeling better each day.
I called and asked Sarah is she has her schedule for work so we can begin to see when she will be needing us to help with the baby. I really don’t know where her Mom and Dad are in all this; but won’t be asking about any of that. It is a full time job just to keep Jerry calmed down and on track for what we need to do to help out and keep his head and heart in the right direction.
Better go for now before I lose this one too. DD, so happy you weren’t involved in that explosion. What a terrible thing, but thank God for those rescue people who come in and do so much. Goodnight everyone. Barbara

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