Today was Doug and my 26th Valentine's together, and it was definitely one of the quietest ones. We stayed home for most of the day unpacking from yesterday, cleaning the house and doing laundry. We did step out for lunch at Mad Anthony's around 2 p.m. Mom and Dad came up then to hang out with Cameron. We had given the Heinisch children their gifts before we left. Each one got a book that they had wanted and Ghiradelli's with $20 hidden in them. Meg wanted a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet. Cam is reading a series based on the Thorn rooms at the Chicago Art Museum, so we got him the second one. Cal started reading Stephen King, so we bought him my favorite collection of King's short stories that include Shawshank Redemption. Doug found a beautiful pair of amethyst earrings for me. He also gave me a Jane Austen blu-ray. Cam and Meg picked out Doug's gifts. He now has new Rubbermaid containers for lunch and Spectre on blu-ray.
Preston came over at 3 p.m. to hang out for the afternoon. Cal left around then to take HM to South Bend. They ate dinner at Outback Steakhouse. He didn't get back to her house until after 8 p.m. He said the roads were bad. They had Doug's CR-V with new tires, so they made it without a problem. Cam headed to bed early with one of his new books and Meg went to Kaitlin's to spend the night. Doug and I spent the end of the evening working of the Renoir puzzle and watching Casablanca. It may have been one of the quietest Valentine's we have spent, but it definitely was a lovely day.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Happy 21st Brett
Cam woke up fever free this morning, so he, Doug, Meg and I started off for Bloomington. As a surprise I bought Goosebumps for him and he watched it most of the way down. We met Parce and Brett at Oliver Winery by noon. Parce invited Brenda and Chokey to Brett's celebration and we were all glad that they came. Brett tried his first wine and shocked everyone by chugging it down. After that he went more slowly with samples and decided that the ciders were his favorite.
Once Doug and Brett were down taste testing Oliver's set us up in a room to have lunch and try some more wine. Doug bought two of his favorites and I even had a glass. Parce was entertaining as usual and everyone had a great visit. My favorite moment was when Brenda stood up and asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Brett on his 21st. His reaction was priceless.
After the winery Brett opened his gifts. He then decided he wanted to go shopping. We stopped at the College mall. Brett found a game he wanted at Game Stop and Cam found one at Target. From the mall we went to Barnes & Noble. I bought a book to take with me when we go to Houston. I am almost halfway through Anna Karenina with a plan to finish it by then.
Our next stop was the union. We had planned to go bowling, but they were packed with families with the same idea. Meg, Brett and Cam wanted to walk down Kirkwood from there. Meg found a Star Wars Hoosiers shirt and Cam purchased a mug that said, "They didn't have my name - Indiana University." He was pretty proud of that. We ate dinner at Buffalouies as that was Brett's choice. He wanted to try a beer and Doug got him a Bud Light. It definitely wasn't his thing. He decided that he would stick to the ciders after that.
While we were at the union I saw that there was a winter storm warning for Bloomington and Indy in the morning. Doug and I talked to everyone and decided that it would be best for us to head back that evening. We had planned to take Brett to breakfast in the morning, but didn't want to get caught in a storm. Parce was sick anyway and we hated putting him out. Cam had a horrible asthma attack once we left Buffalouies, so we knew it was the right decision.
We did stop by Parce's before we left to thank him for the offer to stay and visit for a little while. Doug bought breadsticks for the ride home. Cam started running a fever again - 101. We filled him with medicines and had him use his inhaler. He started Jurassic Park, but within 45 minutes he was out for the rest of the ride home. We made it back by 11 p.m. in time for Cal to fill Doug in on the All Star Dunk contest. Although I was sad that we didn't get to stay for breakfast with Brett, I was thrilled that we were there to celebrate Brett's 21st birthday. It was a special day for all of us.
Once Doug and Brett were down taste testing Oliver's set us up in a room to have lunch and try some more wine. Doug bought two of his favorites and I even had a glass. Parce was entertaining as usual and everyone had a great visit. My favorite moment was when Brenda stood up and asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Brett on his 21st. His reaction was priceless.
After the winery Brett opened his gifts. He then decided he wanted to go shopping. We stopped at the College mall. Brett found a game he wanted at Game Stop and Cam found one at Target. From the mall we went to Barnes & Noble. I bought a book to take with me when we go to Houston. I am almost halfway through Anna Karenina with a plan to finish it by then.
Our next stop was the union. We had planned to go bowling, but they were packed with families with the same idea. Meg, Brett and Cam wanted to walk down Kirkwood from there. Meg found a Star Wars Hoosiers shirt and Cam purchased a mug that said, "They didn't have my name - Indiana University." He was pretty proud of that. We ate dinner at Buffalouies as that was Brett's choice. He wanted to try a beer and Doug got him a Bud Light. It definitely wasn't his thing. He decided that he would stick to the ciders after that.
While we were at the union I saw that there was a winter storm warning for Bloomington and Indy in the morning. Doug and I talked to everyone and decided that it would be best for us to head back that evening. We had planned to take Brett to breakfast in the morning, but didn't want to get caught in a storm. Parce was sick anyway and we hated putting him out. Cam had a horrible asthma attack once we left Buffalouies, so we knew it was the right decision.
We did stop by Parce's before we left to thank him for the offer to stay and visit for a little while. Doug bought breadsticks for the ride home. Cam started running a fever again - 101. We filled him with medicines and had him use his inhaler. He started Jurassic Park, but within 45 minutes he was out for the rest of the ride home. We made it back by 11 p.m. in time for Cal to fill Doug in on the All Star Dunk contest. Although I was sad that we didn't get to stay for breakfast with Brett, I was thrilled that we were there to celebrate Brett's 21st birthday. It was a special day for all of us.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Flu Round #2
Cam woke up with a fever this morning. He wasn't feeling the best yesterday, but it became dramatically worse today. He really wanted to go to school today as it was his Valentine's Day party and he was bringing Jello Jigglers, Kool-Aid Bursts and wall walkers. He decided to take Ibuprofen, his inhaler and cold medicine and lay down for awhile to see how he would feel after that. At about 9 a.m. my Mom called and said he really wanted to go to school, so I told her that he could. She sent in his medicines with a note of what to take and when.
Meg and I picked Cam up at 3:30. He made it through the day and had a great Valentine's party. We got him an Icee, brought him home and he spent the rest of the night on the couch. We rented The Bridge of Spies from My Vudu and he hung out with us while Meg and Cal went to the basketball game. After dinner Cam overheard Doug say that he wouldn't be able to go to Bloomington if he was still running a fever. That perked Cam up. He decided to take a cold shower and it seemed to do the trick. By 9:30 his fever had dropped drastically and he was zonked out. I hope that this is the end of it, but we will see what the morning brings.
Meg and I picked Cam up at 3:30. He made it through the day and had a great Valentine's party. We got him an Icee, brought him home and he spent the rest of the night on the couch. We rented The Bridge of Spies from My Vudu and he hung out with us while Meg and Cal went to the basketball game. After dinner Cam overheard Doug say that he wouldn't be able to go to Bloomington if he was still running a fever. That perked Cam up. He decided to take a cold shower and it seemed to do the trick. By 9:30 his fever had dropped drastically and he was zonked out. I hope that this is the end of it, but we will see what the morning brings.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
I Can See
This last month has been challenging. I have been having a lot of problems with my eyes and headaches. I have seen the eye doctor and he felt it was the complications of diabetes. My family doctor disagrees. He said that my glucose levels are high, but not high enough to warrant eye trouble. He is more focused on the migraines. After a lot of tests, cutting down on my carbohydrates, and a considerable amount of prayer I believe that I may have figured one of the problems. I realized yesterday that my eyes are extremely dry. Thus, I made an appointment with Grossnickel's and bought rewetting drops. It definitely has already helped. I plan to still keep my MRI appointment for Monday. Dr. Mulry has been on me for years to do that because of the migraines. I am positive that nothing will come of that test. I am also sure that the ophthalmologist will say no more contacts. That will be an adjustment, but if the double vision stops for good I am willing to try it.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
One Crazy Day
Meg texted me as soon as I got to school. Her fever had spiked to 103 and she wasn't sure what to do. Cal had suggested that she have Grandma take her to the doctor. Once I got ahold of her I agreed and they made an appointment for 11:30. School was busy but went on as usual with my 7th graders trying their hand at homemade spaghetti sauce. The sixth graders were disappointed that their ski trip was cancelled today. There was enough snow for skiing, but too much for the busses to travel to Michigan.
As the time approached for Cal to arrive at Milford my phone rang. I thought maybe Cal wasn't feeling well, but instead he was calling to tell me that he was in a ditch and wasn't going to make it. This also occurred at 11:30. We kept trying my Dad to come and get him, but he didn't answer. As soon as the bell rang for Warrior Time dismissal I hurried out the door to find Cal. The roads were slick, but I got there easily. He was pretty far in the ditch, but wasn't too shaken. It looked as though the only damage to the truck was a broken driver's side mirror. He said that someone pulled out in front of him and he tried to brake. When he realized that he couldn't stop and was going to hit the car, he decided that the ditch was a better option. He definitely made the right decision. I agreed with him that the woman should have stopped to see if he was alright. I got him back to school by 11:45 and Doug called the tow truck.
I then headed to the doctor's office to see how Meg was doing. When I got there the doctor had just gotten into her room. He did a thorough exam on her and concurred with our opinion ~ a sinus infection. He prescribed antibiotics and she decided that she would go back to school for the last two periods of the day. Meg missed yesterday and was concerned that she would have a hard time catching up. We did cancel tennis for this evening. I felt she needed to get several doses of her medicine in her before she tried exerting herself.
I picked Meg up from school and Dad got Cameron for me. Chess was cancelled for the night, so we decided to have him get his meningitis vaccine. We had to wait about 15 minutes or so. We then stopped at the library and CVS before heading home. This was definitely one crazy day and I was more than ready for a quiet evening at home.
As the time approached for Cal to arrive at Milford my phone rang. I thought maybe Cal wasn't feeling well, but instead he was calling to tell me that he was in a ditch and wasn't going to make it. This also occurred at 11:30. We kept trying my Dad to come and get him, but he didn't answer. As soon as the bell rang for Warrior Time dismissal I hurried out the door to find Cal. The roads were slick, but I got there easily. He was pretty far in the ditch, but wasn't too shaken. It looked as though the only damage to the truck was a broken driver's side mirror. He said that someone pulled out in front of him and he tried to brake. When he realized that he couldn't stop and was going to hit the car, he decided that the ditch was a better option. He definitely made the right decision. I agreed with him that the woman should have stopped to see if he was alright. I got him back to school by 11:45 and Doug called the tow truck.
I then headed to the doctor's office to see how Meg was doing. When I got there the doctor had just gotten into her room. He did a thorough exam on her and concurred with our opinion ~ a sinus infection. He prescribed antibiotics and she decided that she would go back to school for the last two periods of the day. Meg missed yesterday and was concerned that she would have a hard time catching up. We did cancel tennis for this evening. I felt she needed to get several doses of her medicine in her before she tried exerting herself.
I picked Meg up from school and Dad got Cameron for me. Chess was cancelled for the night, so we decided to have him get his meningitis vaccine. We had to wait about 15 minutes or so. We then stopped at the library and CVS before heading home. This was definitely one crazy day and I was more than ready for a quiet evening at home.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Basketball
I used to be really upset about Cal quitting basketball. This was not because he quit. I don't blame him for that. I was upset because a coach took his love away for the game by humiliating him continually. Sometimes he did this with words, other times gestures and in what ended up the most hurtful way - ignoring him. Cal was supported by all who knew him when he quit. His friends and family rallied around him. They knew how much he loved playing basketball and didn't want to watch him be treated poorly anymore. It was unfortunate that those who could have made a difference in Cal's life, however, chose to ignore the situation and ultimately allowed it to happen. That was what upset me. How could any adult watch a child be treated in this matter and just not care?
I have long gotten past being upset with those who could have made a positive difference in Cal's life, but didn't. It doesn't hurt anymore when I read how the team is doing or hear his friends talk about the game. Paula and Jody told me that I should go to a game sometime and see for myself how much fun he is having. I don't know if I will ever do that, but I do know Cal has adjusted to life without high school basketball. He still plays at least three days a week and looks forward to intramurals at IU next year or just pick up games at the rec center.
I knew I would one day get past the hurt of this situation, but never thought I'd find a silver lining in it all. Yes, he learned a tough lesson in life and this will make him stronger in the end. That isn't what put a smile on my face last week, however. It was when Cal came to school and asked me if I had talked to Doug about their Friday morning game with the teachers. I hadn't asked Doug yet, but I could tell from Cal's voice that he felt good about the day. They almost always have a story to tell each Friday ~ a three point hook shot to win that just missed, etc. ~ but this day was special for both. For the first time Doug said that they played on the same team and won all five of their games. Cal took a lead role and played very well. Doug went on to say that he knows his days of playing Friday morning basketball with Cal are winding down. Next year he will be off on his own and playing with the adults on Fridays will be very limited. That's when I realized that I don't have to sit in the crowd for basketball to mean something special to Cal. The memories he and Doug have made are priceless.
I have long gotten past being upset with those who could have made a positive difference in Cal's life, but didn't. It doesn't hurt anymore when I read how the team is doing or hear his friends talk about the game. Paula and Jody told me that I should go to a game sometime and see for myself how much fun he is having. I don't know if I will ever do that, but I do know Cal has adjusted to life without high school basketball. He still plays at least three days a week and looks forward to intramurals at IU next year or just pick up games at the rec center.
I knew I would one day get past the hurt of this situation, but never thought I'd find a silver lining in it all. Yes, he learned a tough lesson in life and this will make him stronger in the end. That isn't what put a smile on my face last week, however. It was when Cal came to school and asked me if I had talked to Doug about their Friday morning game with the teachers. I hadn't asked Doug yet, but I could tell from Cal's voice that he felt good about the day. They almost always have a story to tell each Friday ~ a three point hook shot to win that just missed, etc. ~ but this day was special for both. For the first time Doug said that they played on the same team and won all five of their games. Cal took a lead role and played very well. Doug went on to say that he knows his days of playing Friday morning basketball with Cal are winding down. Next year he will be off on his own and playing with the adults on Fridays will be very limited. That's when I realized that I don't have to sit in the crowd for basketball to mean something special to Cal. The memories he and Doug have made are priceless.
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Flu Round 1
Doug and Meg both made it to soccer last night even though they were not feeling the best. By the time they got back, both were running a fever and ready for bed. They definitely looked the part of two people with the flu. I hope that is not the case.
Cam and I spent the quiet night at home watching the third Star Wars movie "Revenge of the Sith." Cal even joined us for the last forty-five minutes. The more I watch that movie the more impressed I am with it. It brings all six movies together and leaves the viewer wanting more. Glad that the boys enjoy watching them as well. I love hearing what they have to say about the series, their favorite characters, scenes and more. It brings a new perspective to it and reminds me of my love of the first movie almost forty years ago. Cam and I still want one that tells the story between number three and four, but for now we will enjoy the seven that are already made.
Cam and I spent the quiet night at home watching the third Star Wars movie "Revenge of the Sith." Cal even joined us for the last forty-five minutes. The more I watch that movie the more impressed I am with it. It brings all six movies together and leaves the viewer wanting more. Glad that the boys enjoy watching them as well. I love hearing what they have to say about the series, their favorite characters, scenes and more. It brings a new perspective to it and reminds me of my love of the first movie almost forty years ago. Cam and I still want one that tells the story between number three and four, but for now we will enjoy the seven that are already made.
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