Britt and Brian Visit

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Gershwin, Brian, Britt and Tovah

Britt and her boyfriend, Brian, stopped by for dinner and a visit tonight. I hadn't seen Britt since 2009, when we first became friends through Carrie, and I hadn't met her boyfriend yet. I'm happy to report that it was great to see Britt again and Brian gets the 'stamp of approval' as her boyfriend. :) We also appreciate how much Britt and Brian liked the puppies.

Penn State vs. Wisconsin

Britt and Brian were traveling from Massachusetts back to Wisconsin and made a stop on their way home. It also happened to be the Penn State vs. Wisconsin football game today, so she wore her Badgers socks and I wore my Penn State gear. Note: Penn State won. :)

We share a lot of common interests like organic farming, food, books, movies, NPR, and TV so we really enjoyed seeing Britt and Brian, and are excited to be on the 'rotation' of people they will come visit again on future trips back and forth between Massachusetts and Wisconsin. 

Thanks so much for the visit, Britt and Brian!

Blessings,

Emily

Thanksgiving

Winter Wonderland

I have been resting all week so that I could go to Dad and Abbie's for Thanksgiving. It was a winter wonderland out where they live--with all of the trees covered in ice.

Back Row (Left to Right): Jon, Bill, Monica, Francine, Abbie
Front Row (Left to Right): Meredith, Riley, Me, Gershwin, Dad, Reese)

Dad and Abbie had quite a crew for the noon meal: my stepsisters (Meredith and Monica),; their husbands (Jon and Bill); Meredith's two sons (Reese and Riley); Abbie's long time friend, Francine; me and my 'date',  Gershwin. 

Reese Reads to Pop Pop

Reese adores his Pop Pop, which is absolutely adorable. I sometimes feel a little wistful watching my dad with Reese and wondering what it would have been like to see him as a grandfather to my own children.

Abbie and her daughter, Monica

Abbie is looking at the camera and smiling! 

Gershwin, Dad, Me

I was really grateful to be able to go and see everyone, especially Reese, who declared that he has changed in hundreds of ways! :)

Riley is Worn Out from that Big Meal!

Abbie goes all out for the holidays and made a wonderful meal.

Meredith and Riley

I really enjoyed being able to bring one of the puppies along--this year Gershwin got to go. Maybe next time Tovah Rose will get a turn.

Bill and Gershwin

Bill and Gershwin became fast friends.

Dad, Gershwin, Me and Tovah Rose

Mom snapped this nice pic of Dad and I with the puppies when he brought me home. Asher was right at our feet. 

I think I am still full from our meal. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Emily

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

Waiting for a Bedtime Snack!

We just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and/or Happy Hanukkah from Our Home to Yours. Or, Happy Thanksgivukkah!

We hope these holidays are filled with love, peace, laughter, and of course, lots of goodies. If the holidays are difficult for you, we send you extra hugs, warmth, love and comfort.

Blessings, 

The GREATs

Sick on Top of Sick

Lantana at the Arboretum

I have no idea why, but for most of my illness I have not gotten other bugs on top of what I already have. This is unusual. But I have no complaints about it because I don't tolerate the flu shot and I don't really need to feel worse than I already do.

I am not writing this post because anything dramatic is going on, but because I've been much more quiet on my blog, unable to keep up with my grateful posts, and many people have noticed my references to feeling more poorly lately. So, here's a little medical update. 

I often get asked for medical updates…I'm just so bad about making time to write them!

Love this Color Combo!

About three weeks ago, I finished a round of heavy duty antibiotics (Cipro) to treat possible Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which can contribute to gastroparesis. During that time, I started to feel worse: more fatigue, more OI symptoms.

I just assumed that as I got farther away from being on the antibiotics, I'd start to feel better.

I didn't.

A week ago, I developed a sore throat. Then hoarseness. Then a cough.

Pink and Yellow! :)

It's often so difficult to tease out with me what is going on. At first we thought I was reacting to the new cholesterol medication I'm on (and I still may be because of the increased fatigue for three weeks), but it appears I may actually just have something COMMON this time. :) Ha! Whatever virus that is going around town right now, I seem to have caught.

So, I've just had to lay extra low and cancel all of my appointments so my body can use its energy for healing. 

I've missed writing my grateful posts and hope I'll be back at it soon! We're keeping our fingers crossed that this is no more than a common virus and I'll bounce back to the level of functioning I had so been enjoying.

Blessings,

Emily

Monday Dog Blog: Our Problem Solver

A Soft Spot Just for Me.

Gershwin seems to sense that I'm not feeling well, as he's been sticking extra close to me, especially today. He's really all about a lap and snuggle time. And if there is not a lap, he will find a pillow or a blanket! :)

If you're receiving this post in email and want to see the video clip, you'll have to click on over to my actual blog.

This post is probably for those of my readers who lean towards the 'crazy about dogs' category, as I do.

We like to watch the dogs like TV. 

Tonight while I was eating dinner, G was determined to get his favorite bone off of the top of his crate. (We are huge fans of this website, and all of the dogs like this brand of bones in case your dogs are still making their Thanksgivvukah and Christmas lists. :))

He spent about seven minutes, I think, trying to get the bone. He never succeeded, but I was very impressed by his problem solving skills and his persistence! As you know, I just love watching these guys explore their world.

I'm wondering about some other activities we can give him to help nurture his problem solving skills, if any of you have suggestions.

Happy Monday!

Blessings,

Emily

West Side Story

Program

We went to see West Side Story this week!

Oh, how I have missed musicals. For the first time in fifteen years we attended a musical, and what a perfect one to see. It's amazing how relevant West Side Story is 40 years later. I grew up listening to the vinyl record of West Side Story (and many other musicals)--singing and dancing around the house. 

Program

Growing up I was able to actively participate in the arts--whether it be through community theater, dance (modern, tap, ballet), playing musical instruments, or performing in thespians productions (always in the chorus...). I never excelled at any of these things, but I loved them deep in my being and I still miss them. A lot. 

I'm so thankful to my parents for instilling in me a love of the arts from such a young age--we always had music playing and attended performances and I was always encouraged to pursue my interests in dance, music and theater.

It's truly a gift that keeps on giving.

I couldn't believe how, after so many years of not listening to the music of West Side Story or seeing a performance of it, the words and melodies flooded my memory as I watched.

View of the Stage from Row ZZ!

To be honest, I haven't been feeling as well as I had been, so things have been a bit more difficult. I was a little nervous about how I was going to be able to handle such a long performance. But I did it! (I'm just crashed out now!). 

As I clapped and clapped and clapped some more at the end of what was a wonderful show, I remembered back to my first concert outing five years ago to see Wynton Marsalis. I remembered how my arms were so tired and weak that I couldn't keep clapping as long as the rest of the audience did. I remember how hard it was to get to the performance at all. 

I thought about how we had to park far away this time (thank goodness for The Rolls!), wait in line for the elevators, and generally leave more time and energy for arrival to and departure from the sold out performance. I couldn't have managed those extra 'spoons' in previous years.

Even though I feel worse now than I had over the summer, I'm still so overwhelmed by the new blessings that life is allowing me to experience. 

My Special Set-Up

In the past, I've discussed in detail my special set-up in the back row of the auditorium. It's a little easier to understand with a photo. So, here's my specially built platform, reclining chair, and a spot for Mom right next to me. Plus, there's the secret potty right nearby! 

As always, we were greeted, spoiled and taken such good care of by the Lisa and her staff. I think half of why I go to performances is to hug Lisa (and her daughter, Brianna). :) Knowing that we can arrive at a performance, and not use one single energy point thinking about whether I will have what we need makes me want to go more and more often.

This outing was a special victory, and I am celebrating while I recover in my PJs!

Blessings,

Emily

Monday Dog Blog: Snuggle Time and Working Hard

Brothers

Mom and I settled into my bed the other night to watch some TV (Broadchurch). Our ever anxious Asher wanted to be up on the bed with us, so Mom had to lift him up and down. All FIVE of us snuggled together. While we were watching TV, I glanced over to find Gershwin had snuggled up to Asher. It melted our hearts.

New Beds

Our dog beds had seen better days. Two new dog beds arrived this week--a smaller size for Tovah and a larger one for Gershwin. Well, as you can see, the little diva decided she preferred the red bed and Gershwin settled into the smaller bed.

The Smaller One is Okay for Me...

This bed fits me just fine, doesn't it?

At His Post

Asher is the most fiercely loyal dog I've ever had. He can be found every morning and every nap time faithfully 'keeping watch' outside my bedroom door--waiting for me to get up or waiting to alert Mom if anything is amiss.

Hard at Work

It doesn't matter how much pain he is in himself or what's going on with him--he still keeps close tabs on me. Sometimes if I'm restless and not falling asleep, I'll hear him come to my door and plunk down in front of it. That sound seems to serve as a mental reminder that I'm safe and I often fall asleep shortly after I hear that sound.

Happy Monday!

Blessings,

Emily

Story Corps with Dad

"100 years from now, what will it mean to have recorded and preserved the voices and experiences of everyday people?"

--Story Corps Website--

Our Story Corps Pic

Our local NPR station has been doing its own version of the national project known as Story Corps. 

In August, Dad and I traveled to one of the agricultural exhibitions in town to record an interview together--me interviewing him about what it was like growing up on a farm in Iowa.

NPR has been a part of the fabric of our lives for so long,, and Story Corps is such a special project. When Story Corps has traveled to other places near us, I've not felt well enough to even consider going. But this year, I was able to go! And, the topic was a perfect one to do with Dad.

I so loved interviewing Dad for 45 minutes about growing up on the farm. He has so many good stories to tell and such a good memory for his life experiences.

Our interview will be airing on our local station on Monday. For privacy reasons, I have not posted the link to the interview, but if you'd like to hear it please shoot me an email and let me know, or check out the family website and check under 'News' for the link.

Father's Day: Asher Won't Hold Still!

Dad and I have had a good year together, filled with some really special bonding. I don't know what it is about girls and their dads, but sometimes these relationships can be hard. Dad and I are sticking it out and trying to be better in our father-daughter bond. He keeps sticking by me, supporting me so much through this illness. I'm very blessed to have parents who can and will financially support me--not only my medical needs but my enjoyment of life as well. I always worry about being a bag lady!

I Guess I Wore the Same Dress for Both Events?!

For Father's Day, I was able to take him out to lunch at a Japanese restaurant, and for his birthday we were able to go to lunch at a fun little local coffee shop. This is the first year I've ever been able to go out to eat meals! 

Blessings,

Emily

Neighborhood Book Club: The GLoL's

Ladies of Literature: Anissa, Jennifer, Me, Andrea, Jeannine

I have always wanted to be part of a book club, and now I am!

By now you might be able to anticipate my reason for not forming a book club--the whole 'I'm too sick to make it work' thing. 

Even though I was still in the midst of my gastroparesis flare last Spring, I decided that a neighborhood book club with a group of women who understood my illness just might work. It did! And I had no idea how much fun it was going to be!

We decided to meet on Sunday afternoons four times a year, which makes it manageable for all. I knew that we could meet at my house, where I would always have a recliner. This past Sunday, I was well enough for us to meet at Jennifer's house! Mom never gets the house to herself, and the break was good for both of us. 

I have also discovered the amazingness of audible.com, which has a selection of books that far surpasses that of our library and offers the ability to bookmark and make notes while listening. This means that our book group isn't tied down by what is available on audio from the library (which I still use and love!).

So far we have tried to choose a diverse selection of books: 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Defending Jacob by William Landry

Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

At each meeting a different person comes with a list of 2 or 3 books she is interested in reading, and we democratically choose the book we want to read. 

Book Journal from Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC

Growing up, I wasn't much of a reader. Mom jokes that I stopped reading once I got to chapter books., which worried her! :) I spent so many hours studying or engaged in after school activities that I tended to gravitate towards socializing over reading in my spare time. 

It wasn't until I got sick that I discovered the true blessing of books and reading. After my gallbladder surgery in 2005, I could no longer focus to read a book. 

Mom's close friend was (now retired) a librarian at one of the elementary schools. One day, she arrived with a large box of books on cassette, hand-picked as favorites of hers. She introduced me to the world of children's literature that I had missed out on growing up and to the world of audiobooks.

My life has never been the same since I first placed one of those cassette tapes in the player and escaped my suffering, if only for a short while. It's not that I hadn't listened to books before or hadn't read them before, but I had never needed them the way I did at that moment. 

Now, books are one of my very favorite things to talk about, my list of books I want to listen to is longer than I can ever get through, my book group is full of delightfully kind, smart and funny women, and my world is richer.

Blessings,

Emily

Monday Dog Blog: Pre-Washing, Dead Squirrels and Big Girl

Gershwin Pre-Washes the Dishes
December 2012

      At a very young age, Gershwin took on a very important responsibility in our household: pre-washing the dishes. 

When Mom dreams of a dish fairy, I'm not sure this is what she has in mind?                                  

Still Pre-Washing
October 2013

As soon as Gershwin hears the dishwasher open, he is read to work!

Let's just say we haven't successfully broken this habit, maybe because it's so endearing even while it's a little annoying.

Dead Squirrel

Gershwin works hard at catching squirrels too.

No Bone is Too Big for Me!

Tovah my be littlest in size, but don't underestimate her ability to tackle Gershwin or toys meant for dogs twice her size. This photo doesn't exactly do it justice, but she is often seen carrying the 'big dog' bones around instead of the one that's hers.

Three Musketeers
June 2013

In Asher news, we're starting to really see significant improvements! Hooray for our guy! He's home with us for a while, seems to be in less pain, walks more easily, is happy, wants to play with his little brother, and is hungry. 

Happy Monday!

Blessings, 

Emily

The Evolution of Lana

Look We're Color-Coordinated!
October 27, 2013

Getting to see Lana is one of my very favorite things--and I got to see her two weekends ago when Sarah generously came home for my birthday/celebration of life/girls afternoon party. 

Little Acrobat
July 6, 2013

At 3 1/2 Lana is full of joy, smiles, hugs, kisses, 'cheese' for the camera, songs, dances and imagination. We have three Tupperware's filled with my old dolls, books, coloring books, crayons, etc. and Lana knows exactly where to go when she arrives.

Dancing Star
July 6, 2013

When Lana was here two weeks ago, we played imagination games with her Dora dolls, played with the doll I grew up with--changing her clothes, diapering, feeding her, etc., and even did a round of Ring Around the Rosie. 

Here's How You Do It, Auntie Em!
July 6, 2013

Being able to engage actively in play with Lana is something I cherish so deeply, because much of the time she has been in my life, I have been too sick to play with her much--often lying on the sofa or in my recliner just watching her.

She LOVES to "Say Cheese" for the Camera!
July 6, 2013

Sarah and Bob have worked so hard to make Lana a part of my life--sending me cards signed by Lana, sending me drawings by her, praying for me at night with her, texting me photos and videos (just got a video of Lana singing and dancing today!) and teaching her who Auntie Em is. 

This means that when Lana arrives for a visit she is eager to see Auntie Em and gives hugs and kisses freely. She's no longer shy at all around me! She asks for her special cup with water in it and asks to go play with her special toys. :)

Recognize the Cabbage Patch Doll Next to Us? Yup, That's Mine from the ''80's
July 6, 2013

When Sarah first became pregnant with Lana, she called me to tell me the news, worried that it would upset me because she knew how much I wanted to be a mom. But Sarah waited a long time herself to have her little girl.

Meeting Lana
November 26, 2010

Lana was born during the Year of the Pajama. And I admit, with deep regret and sadness, that my own grief over not being a mom and my feeling so awful made me a not-so-great or supportive aunt. It was physically painful to know friends were having babies. It was physically painful for me to try to even be a part of Lana's life. She didn't get a true baby gift until she turned two.

The Chair Tasted Good!
November 26, 2010

It's difficult to even look back at these photos Sarah took of my first meeting with Lana. I remember how I was dressed in my PJ's and how hard it was for me to hold Lana for long. I couldn't comfort her when she cried. I couldn't engage with her in the ways I longed to.

Lana Does Not Care That I am in My PJs on this Day!
May 26, 2013

Sarah is a woman of deep faith, grace, and patience. Although mostly unspoken, she knew I was in pain. She waited. She kept sending me cards from Lana. She kept making sure Lana knew who Auntie Em was. 

Always Ready for the Camera!
May 26, 2013

I'm so grateful she waited for me to come around. I'm grateful Lana didn't really know who I was yet during my selfish period, and that she can see the Auntie Em who loves her to the moon and back. 

Beautiful Family

Thank you, Sarah and Bob, for the blessing of your grace, patience, understanding and visits and for your faith in me to be an aunt to your precious daughter. Thank you, Lana, for lighting up my world with your hugs, smiles, drawings, singing, dancing and joy for life.

Love you to the moon and back,

Auntie Em