Monday, November 29, 2010

Catching up - Finally!


I am so sorry it has taken me so long to update you on things around here - especially DC's post-surgery status. The surgery went very well, but was more than I knew it was going to be. He ended up staying two days and nights, which to me seems quite unusual these days. He went to my folks' place for the next three days for some quiet recuperation. My mom's super at this sort of thing - DC says she has a servant heart, which is true. Both his mom and mine are that way. We are so blessed.

We brought him home just in time - my dad looked absolutely horrific when I went to pick DC up. His face was red and his one eye was almost swollen shut. He didn't want to go to the doctor - thought they'd do an MRI and he didn't want that. He thought it was some backlash from a fall - two weeks ago (which he didn't tell us about, BTW). I told him that seemed unlikely to me and he REALLY needed to get to the doctor. Later that afternoon they finally took my advice and went to the ER, because their doc was out of town. Diagnosis - shingles! Two weeks later, it was worse yesterday. Poor Dad.

DC spent the rest of the week in bed, with lots of loving attention from the littles - he missed them so much.




DC returned to work the next Monday, and was pretty tired the first few days. But he's doing great now. He can't lift over 10 pounds for another month at least.

Things are going as well as they can with the chaos. It's hard work getting the big girls to school in the morning, getting homework done in the evening, getting them to bed once and for all (the littles are great bed-goers!), doing all the baths, etc. etc. They're wonderful kiddoes - but pretty loud! There's not much listening to lovely Christmas music and relaxing with a cup of tea this year. We did get the tree up last Friday. That's all so far. They are so excited about the tree. Feisty asked me in a whisper during church the other day if Santa would find them this year.

The littles are growing up before my very eyes - their language is increasing every day. They are incredibly smart, just like their big sisters. It's amazing to me what they can do at such an early age. Care Bear's hand-held Leapster game system is a big hit with Katie --






She's also quite the little builder with Legos.




Last Tuesday was Grandparents' Day at the big girls' school - doesn't seem possible it's been a year since I posted about it. I doubt there are too many of us grandmas who had to arrange for babysitting in order to be able to attend this event! I forgot my camera in the morning for Feisty's turn, but had it with me in the afternoon for Care Bear's. CB told me she was in a skit and needed some props and a costume. We spent the evening putting it together - but in actuality, there was no time for the changing needed, so she just used a makeshift cane. There were 13 - yep 13! - skits. Most kids didn't project very well and it was a LONG hour. But CB and her partner were the grand finale and they were the only ones who performed without a script and who really used their voices well. The class also sang a great Thanksgiving song.









Kev was here for Thanksgiving, thanks to the gracious gift from an uncle that enabled him to get a horrendously priced ticket. It was great to have him here, even briefly. His trip back was not fun - beginning at 1:00 am (only ticket we could find), and ending with his luggage back in Philadelphia with him in Maine. Thank the Lord, they delivered it to him the next afternoon. That's always so scary, because he has lost luggage before when he went to Mozambique and never did get it back.


On December 9, Sema is going to Africa for a month to visit her family. Guess what we get to add to the mix? Yep - their dog! The fact that all the girls are scared of dogs adds a bit more drama than I'm looking forward to. Hopefully they'll bond quickly!




As usual, I've been reading at the gym, and some early in the morning during my quiet time. Here's what I'm enjoying right now --




Our pastor has been quoting from this book, Crazy Love, and others by Francis Chan, so I thought I'd better get on board and read at least this one. It's stirring and convicting. Kevin says he got to hear him speak when he was in school at Biola University. I'd love to hear him.




I'm really looking forward to getting into this one and learning about Kirk Cameron's spiritual journey. I have a lot of admiration and respect for this young man.





Mary Beth Chapman has written an autobiography that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. I don't know why I always end up on the machines at the gym when I get to the tearful parts - people must be really wondering about me as I sniff through my routine. The part about the loss of their sweet little Maria will really get your heart. Highly recommend this one!

Reading and singing are therapeutic for me, as you all know. The community concerts will be next week on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night, and Sunday afternoon. Then the next week we'll go sing for two senior citizen groups - including the place where my MIL lives. That will be fun.

The church cantata is the same Sunday and this one is causing me some stress - never before have I stressed over the church music! Our new director thinks we can all memorize the 9 songs - and quite a few of us are proving her wrong. But she's not giving up! I'm actually a wreck about this, and am feeling quite inadequate at this moment. No amount of listening to the CD, singing along with it, singing with the choir has made those words stick in my overloaded hard drive. It's taking the joy out of the music for me. Please pray for me if you think about it!

Have a wonderful week!



19 comments:

Unknown said...

Busy, busy, busy!!!

I think you should ship the dog to Kevin. :)

Dawn said...

He'd like that! Wish we could, too! I'm not fond of her - but she is a sweet dog - just so big!

Linda said...

You definitely have a full plate these days Dawn. I'm glad that D.C. is doing better and so sorry to hear about your poor Dad. We have a terrible time getting my Dad to go to the doctor too. It can be frustrating.
I will pray about the music. We get to "cheat" with the words on a screen for us to see.
Praying for you my friend, during this very busy season.

Amy said...

Dawn, one of the tricks I learned with music and performing was that if I worried about forgetting the music - I was sure to forget something. If I relaxed and just enjoyed the music, I did fine. Hard to train yourself to do I know and in high stress situations (like when I played to record an album) then it was even worse, but you sing and play because its in your heart. Raise your voice in joy and never forget to enjoy the music.

Glad to hear DC is recovering well and I enjoyed the pictures of the kids as always.

*hugs*

Gigi said...

So much, so much!

Glad DC's home and on the mend!

Your poor Dad...shingles are so painful. I'm glad he went to the ER and got treatment. Hopefully, he will have a short course.

What a CUTE pup!! I know it's extra work, but seriously - how sweet! You know how I feel about dogs... <3

The girls are all getting so big...I know you're enjoying your time with them. And I know you'll be grateful when it's just you and DC again! ;)

I think your struggle with the music is just a symptom of the overload in other areas of your life right now. I will be praying for the peace that surpasses all understanding to surround you, fill you and calm you.

Needled Mom said...

You know that you have my thoughts and prayers. You are amazing!

Glad to read that D is doing well, but I am so sorry to read that your dad has shingles. That is such a horrible disease. Make sure that you get the vaccine as that is one thing that you DO NOT need.

Adding a dog to the mix??? Is there no where else they could leave it? That is just terrible.

I, too, think that your music problems are coming from the stress in your life right now. I wouldn't even be able to remember my name. Bless you for all you have on your plate right now.

jmckemie said...

Glad you found at least a few minutes to update us all. So glad that DC is getting along so well. The girls are growing up so quickly!
The music will come. Sometimes what we know in our hearts just does not find its' way to fruition out of our heads. You have so much on your plate right now. Remember that it is God that is being glorified trough the music and He will use you to do it. Turn it over to Him. Resolve to do your best and let Him take care of the rest - and not just the music part of things right now.
The dog is a cutie but it does add to the responsibility. Maybe a blessing in disguise that the girls will spend more time with him and gain more confidence in being around dogs.
Praying for you.

Glenda said...

Oh my goodness!! How do you do it all?? I know . . . God gives you strength moment by moment! I'm glad your husband is doing well and hope your dad's shingles heal soon.

Your girls are so cute and Iknow it will be an exciting Christmas for them. Hope you will have peace about the choir performance; I'm sure when the time comes, you'll do just fine.

I read Crazy Love recently and want to read it again - slowly this time. It's very convicting and challenging for me, too.

Hope you have a great week - and get a bit of rest now and then!

Linds said...

I can't believe how much you have on your plate, Dawn - you take care of yourself, and can't the dog go to kennels? I am sure she is sweet - but you have too much else to cope with. Great DC is doing so well though.

grammy said...

Great Christmas background. Do you do that yourself?
sounds busy and hectic as all get out around there. It will take a while for your hubby to get his strength back. Your poor dad. That is suppose to be so painful. Yikes. those girlies make your day as mine do... but we are only human...old (well me anyway) human at that (o: Love to catch up on you and yours. Too much music to memorize.

A Hint of Home said...

So glad your hubby is doing well. I'm not sure what happened to him but glad to see he's home.
Do you have the girls full time now?
You have a big servants heart yourself.
I hope your Dad is on the mend soon. I know shingles can be painful.
My son-in-law is a pastor in CA and he was just with K. Cameron at a conference.

Sue Seibert said...

Man, what a time! Glad DC is doing so well.

Shingles! We got the shingles shots last year...won't keep you from having it, but it will make it easier.

You all take care...sending love and prayers!

nancygrayce said...

Oh, Dawn! You have my upmost respect for all you do and the love you show! I pray the girls will just fall in love with the dog. The dog is sure cute and maybe he'll win their hearts!

Glad to hear D.C. is doing better.....the shingles are awful...I haven't had them but know people who have.

As far as memorizing....that's pretty much over for me, I'd just say it's music or I can't sing! Oh, wait, I can't sing anyway! :)

Hootin Anni said...

Girlfriend?!!! You have had [and still do have] so much on your plate. How you handle it all is beyond me. I'd be a nervous wreck having both grandsons for a week...with Irene at hand...I'm not good at stress, and I'm so used to having a clean house, I just would go bananas. Kudos to you, and your sweet, giving and kind heart!!!! I hope things'll settle down for you and your family soon. But, I know from past experiences, when it rains it pours. Your strength will get you through it all to be sure, but it's always tiring. ALWAYS!!

Your little four legged family guest will get along just fine, I'm sure. Again, Dawn and D C have big hearts...the size of Texas if you will.

Your Thanksgiving was super, I'm sure. Your parents and in-laws can't be better...wish I had mine with me again.

Well, I think that's covering it all....LOL...

LOVE the photos!!! Hope to see photos of your tree that the little ones love so much.


Oh, I almost forgot...your book choices sound inspiring. I did, tho, have to laugh at you tearing up while always in the same spot at the Gym.

Hugs to you, and you know I always have you in my heart and prayers.

Sharon Lynne said...

You have a lot on your plate, Dawn. God knows it, and he is right there helping you through. I will definitely be praying for you.

I read an article today saying that if we focus on being thankful (for the little things.) it helps our brain cope with stress. Try to write down some blessings each day.

Oh your poor father. I know those shingles are painful, as a friend of ours has them.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when you mentioned your latest addition...the dog. Well...maybe he'll be a blessing somehow. (Entertain the girls?) The picture is hilarious.

Ms. Kathleen said...

So happy DC is doing so well and yes those kids are sure growing and so cute. I love the Christmas season.... The most wonderful time of the year!

Unknown said...

I'm glad DC's surgery went well and that he has recovered well. That was smart to recover away from home for awhile. :-)

Do you ever get tired of hearing me say how wonderful you are!! Kristen is so blessed to have you and DC so close and so willing to help her out. You and my own mother are the same that way. As a daughter of a generous, helpful mother I can say that you are appreciated and loved!

Good luck with the choirs and memorizing the songs. I will be praying for you. :-)

Hootin Anni said...

PS on Friday....yep, just read your comment. I can only imagine the 'clutter'...but then, girls just gotta have lots o' clothes!! [the clutter?...we ALL could do without that. LOL]

Rec'd your email, and replied. :) Also, there is a question for you.

groovyoldlady said...

Oh Dawn. (((((HUGS))))) I don't know what to say except God is Good and I am praying for YOU!!!!!!!