Monday Plumbers and Tuesday Treasures!

 My alarm went off at 6:00 Monday morning and I admit to hitting the snooze button FOUR times!!

By 7:30 I was decently dressed. No makeup and I hid my hair under a cap.

I had turned on my fairy lights, made my coffee and read my memory verses by the time the plumber knocked on the door!

I use RWD Services and am glad I have plumbers I can trust.

His name was Mike and he was a diagnostic with a stethoscope 'thingy' that he listened to different places searching for the sound of water running.

He did, indeed, detect a leak that seemed to be coming from the back of the house.

He suspected that the water line between the bathrooms and the main water source had a break or was stopped up.

Within an hour a crew showed up to determine exactly where the leak was.

Louis Dean and I took our coffee out to the gazebo to do our Quiet Time and read.

Lo and behold, the leak was found to be this faucet in the backyard.

They repaired it and it was all a done deal well before noon!!

Not nearly as expensive as I expected!

Praise God!

I made a good dish for a late breakfast/early lunch.

Using my trusty cast iron skillet, I put a large buttered tortilla in it and it was so large that it turned up like a short saucer. I cracked open four eggs and added onion slices, green pepper slices, a couple of sweet peppers, a sliced jalapeno, and seasonings. Then mozzarello and a few spoons of cream cheese and some half and half before I covered it with another tortilla buttered on top and more mozzorella.

Baked at 350 for 30 minutes.

It was so good!!

Served with sour cream, salsa and jalapenos.....

Win! WIN!!

Dinner that night was stuffed manicotti, roasted broccoli and red onions and garlic toast.

I also made steamed broccoli with cheese sauce for Louis Dean.

Tuesday Treasures with Brenda!

I nearly canceled because I woke up in a 'mood.'

I've had a good many things on my mind the last few days and felt totally exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically.

I'm glad I didn't as I felt much better after spending the afternoon with Brenda.

We shopped thrift stores in Lewisville and ate a late lunch at McAlister's afterwards.

Here are my treasures!

Three fall gift bags that I will fill with pumpkin muffins for friends.

A new rug to use in the gazebo for Christmas.

I love games and miss having people to play with.

Next time I have enough people here - perhaps we can play!

This is a metal tin and I plan on putting fall goodies in it.

Ha! I'm going to put ALL my decks of playing cards in this ONE box!!

$1.50 for this candle!

It's burning now in my bathroom and it smells so good!

I immediately fell in love with this soft slinky denim patterned - what do we call it? 

A duster, perhaps?

At any rate, I can't wait to figure out how to style it!!

I'm actually wearing this lightweight chambray dress as I am writing tonight's journal entry.

So comfy!

What a great find in this long green sweater!

Brenda spotted it for me and for $6, I will be wearing this to the hockey games this winter.

A comfy dress to wear around the house in the evenings after my shower...

My best find!!!

A Chico's shrug in the most beautiful shades of green!!!

I will be wearing this many many times!

I keep my eye out looking for something Louis Dean might like.

I found a wonderful wind chime but it needed a little bit of repair.

He does love a project!

And here it is!!

September is over half over.....

but I do love all the 'BER' months!

PS......Personal note to my friend Jodi W in Indiana.

I can't find the note you sent me with your new address!

Could you drop me another one??

Also, if you are not on my Christmas Card list and would like to be added, please private message me or email me so I can get your address. I'm working on my Santas now and will have one or two for giveaways.

Chilren in the Closet....Chapter 29

 Chapter 29

Subconsciously I realized I had been waiting for the ‘other shoe to fall’ and it was with a heavy heart I went out to the den and sat down. I knew this was not going to be good and I was right.

Jesse was grim and said he had to tell me what was happening. The reason the police came that afternoon in February was because he had exposed himself as he was in his truck. He had stopped next to a bus at a traffic light when several people looked down and saw him. The police charged him with exhibitionism and he was required to join a recovery program for sexual addiction as well as secure an attorney in order to avoid a police record and be put on a sexual predator list as there were some children on the bus that day.

I think he would have kept this information from me except for the fact that the attorney was charging $2,500 and he knew he couldn’t hide that.

I listened to him talk and felt numb, overwhelmed, shocked, and scared. I didn’t know what to do…. what to say…how to respond, so I simply sat there. I didn’t ask any questions and he offered no explanations other than what he needed to do to keep his record clean.

By this time the kids were finished with their school assignments and I went in and set up the art table since this was Tuesday and art class for them in the afternoon and for the ladies I was teaching later that night. I was amazed that I could make lunch, teach art and continue to do the things I normally do while my mind was in a complete state of shock.

Art class was from 7:00-9:00 and all went perfectly normal. I made a pitcher of fancy tea, lit candles, prepared some light refreshments and laid out all the paints, turpentine and instructions for that night’s project. No one knew or even suspected what was going on in my mind. Actually, having art class just hours of hearing Jesse’s ‘news’ was about the best thing that could have happened. Art has a way of clearing my mind and focusing on something to the exclusion of all else and I was profoundly grateful for that.

After class was over and everyone had left and Amber and Benjamin had gone to bed, Jesse and I once again went out to the den to talk for another hour or two. I was supportive of his recovery but, to be honest, I had no real idea of how serious an addiction this was. I felt compassion as well as disgust and anger all at the same time.

Really, I felt as if I had no choice. I couldn’t leave him or divorce him. I had no education, no family support system that I could turn to and no job experience and two young children in school. What could I do?? Again, my cope and survival skills kept me going as did my faith in God that HE would see me through. I knew it would not be easy but when I don’t know WHAT to do, I stay still, knowing God will prepare me for what comes next.

So – I did the next right thing. I made meals, did home school, read my Bible, prayed, attended church, taught Sunday School, and related to Jesse as normally as I could. But I was badly shaken in my heart and soul and stressed and depressed in mind and body.

Mainly I cleaned. That’s my go-to therapy. If I can get something CLEAN it will be okay. While I did housework, Jesse worked in the yard designing new flower beds and landscaping. 

    Whenever we were together it felt strained and tense. I still had mixed and jumbled up feelings and struggled to act normal so the kids would not know something was going on. However, I realized I was so disciplined with myself and the kids that I had lost my joy. I was afraid to show how sad and depressed I was that I had gone the other direction in not showing my emotions. It didn’t help that I had not one single person I could talk to. Not one. I desperately wanted somebody to confide in but who? I had lots of ‘friends’ but they were not close friends. I had never had a best friend in my entire life and who could I talk to at church? Jesse was a deacon and head of the bus ministry and clearly did not want everyone to know about his addiction. 

    So, I walked the neighborhood and prayed. I stayed busy getting ready for a swim meet and I took Amber and Benjamin to the library. I read books and tried to keep my mind busy. And I thought a lot about what had happened and what I could and could not do.

    We had been estranged from Summer for a couple of years and I was rethinking that whole thing too. Since it was Jesse’s decision to withdraw from Summer due to what he considered ‘moral choices’ and since he was, himself, guilty of what I considered far worse – I reached out and asked Summer to come to Amber’s swim meet. I could not see how I could continue to live with Jesse and not have my daughter in my life.

    As always, Summer was gracious and we had a good time at the swim meet watching Amber and her team compete. For the first time in a long time, I felt relaxed. So much so that I went out to my van and took a nap during the afternoon. Summer joined us at the banquet as well and we had fun. Life actually felt a little bit ‘normal.’

    As the days went by, I would be fairly cheerful one day and deeply sad the next. I was on an emotional roller coaster and if I made it through the day pretty well, the nights were hard when Jesse wanted to talk. I didn’t want to hear what he was saying and I didn’t want to challenge him, but I wondered if he was doing the work he was supposed to be doing in his recovery program. He did tell me he had talked to the pastor and asked him to be his ‘One on One Friend’ which he agreed to and he suggested I see a counselor. When Jesse told me this, I balked and told him this was not my problem but his and now I was more upset than ever.

    He didn’t say anymore about it so life pushed on and we ‘celebrated’ our 31st wedding anniversary with another couple from church. I felt like a fraud. They had a real marriage and I was coming to grips with just how dysfunctional mine was.

    Jesse was home a lot and on the days he worked, he was in and out several times getting equipment and supplies. I just wanted him to leave and stay gone for awhile so I could think. I desperately needed some alone time but I couldn’t find any unless I stayed up in the middle of the night and sat quietly out in the den which is what I did.

    My headaches were back almost on a daily basis and I became focused on my weight again. At 113 pounds, I felt fat. Controlling what I ate gave me some semblance of power – at least in my own mind. I worked hard every day and was able to sleep pretty well at night.

    We continued to school throughout the summer but not as much as we had been so the kids could play with the neighborhood children.

    For the second summer in a row, we bought season tickets to Wet ‘N Wild waterpark and we spent 2-3 days a week there from opening to closing. Jesse would join us around 5:00 bringing supper with him – usually Arby’s or KFC. Both Amber and Benjamin loved the water and I had some time to myself to read, pray, nap and think. I decided to concentrate on the things that brought me joy – my children, home, travel, art and music. We took field trips to Oklahoma, East Texas to pick blueberries and peaches, Cedar Hill State Park for tent camping and trips to museums and concerts.

    In July, just before we were getting ready to leave for a swim meet in Houma, Louisiana, Jesse had a wreck in my van. It was still drivable but we couldn’t open the back doors – which made it a challenge to get to all of our luggage we had already loaded. Summer joined Amber and me on this trip and she made all the difference. Having her back in my life was such a blessing. She knew a little of what I was dealing with concerning her dad but I did not share much. No need to burden her.

Jesse had another wreck in August – this time in his truck. He was an angry man and drove like one. Both wrecks were his fault and then he was mad that our vehicle insurance went up. On the days he wasn’t angry, he was depressed. He changed counselors twice and continued to pressure me to go to counseling and acted like it was my fault he was not recovering as he should be.

    We all attended the Institute in Basic Life Principles by Bill Gothard in August and what should have helped and encouraged us only made things worse. I think Jesse’s guilty conscience would not give him peace and for the first time I realized how bitter he was against me, and not just me, but Summer and Jesse, Jr, too. No matter what we did, he seemed to resent us.  

    Life keeps going day after day no matter what and pretty soon it was Thanksgiving. I was so blessed to have all four of my children around the table that Thanksgiving Day. Jesse, Jr had spent the night as his birthday was on Thanksgiving that year. He was born on Thanksgiving and now we were celebrating it together again. I loved waking him up to sing Happy Birthday to him.

    It was a good day full of good food and lots of fun. We watched the parades on TV and played Nuts after lunch and took naps and walks and decorated the outside of the house for Christmas! Summer set up the ironing board on the front porch and ironed all the red ribbons to make bows while Jesse, Jr, strung the Christmas lights around all the den windows. It felt good to be ‘Family’ again, although Jesse didn’t join in with all we did. He seemed to be a bit aloof and wouldn’t stay in the same room with all of us. Even that could not steal our joy of the day.

    Christmas was every bit as wonderful that year as Thanksgiving. I served a candlelit Christmas Eve dinner of oyster stew with crackers, fresh fruit, muffins, cookies and spiced cider with all my children. Summer and Jesse, Jr. spent the night and what gift could they possibly have given me that meant than that? Going to bed at night and waking up with the knowledge that all my children were under my roof.

I was the first one awake on Christmas morning and got right up and dressed, put on my makeup, did my hair and made my way to the kitchen where I started cooking breakfast. I wanted the house to smell good when everyone started waking up!

    Mother joined us later for Christmas dinner and it was such a lovely day.

As dark as the year was in places, and as sad as my heart had been at times, and as confused and overwhelmed as I continued to be – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were beautiful gifts from God and I loved every minute.

Another September Weekend!

 The days are passing and I am loving every single one.

I finished embellishing my paper plate pumpkin and I am so glad I'm the Queen of Cover Up because I had a lot cover!

Louis Dean loves Buffalo Hot Wings and I love roasted potatoes!

We save the Spicy Ketchup from Whataburger.....

Here's a happy man!

He was even happier when Kimmy and her sweet dog, Sophie, came to visit!

We talked and laughed and Louis Dean told us all about how he'd been in love with Doris Day since he was a young boy!

I started cleaning my storage building where I store my fall decorations and other things.

It won't be long before I start changing to Christmas. Since I started decorating in late June I will enjoy all things fall until Halloween - of which I gave all my Halloween decorations away - 13 tubs of them!!

This should give me extra storage space for other things.

Ilene joined us for a sandwich supper out on the driveway.

I love weekends like this. Low key, easy going, doing projects and simple meals.

Louis Dean has been working on a fence gate and he slept so long and so hard last night that he was still asleep when I was ready to leave for Trystan's hockey game.

I woke him up to tell him where I was going and he said he would just go back to sleep.

I left the house at 11:50 and didn't return until after 3:00.

I think I will take more small breaks and get out a little more than just on Tuesdays.

After Trystan's game, we walked to the rink on the other side of the building to watch Kailey and Logan practice.

Instead of climbing up stairs, I noticed the penalty box was empty.

Why not??

Best seat in the place!

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon spent with my daughter!

Together time isn't easy to come by as she is busy witih four kids and all are in hockey on three different teams plus school activities as well as band and social engagements, plus I am a 24/7 caregiver - so yeah. Time together is precious.

Here she is later that day with her sweet baby kitty.

He had his first vet check up and weighs 2 lb 8 oz - just 2 oz less than Logan weighed at birth.

Old man Bandit is now Bauer's babysitter. 

He is always watching him and  stays as close as possible.

I can't wait to meet him!

It has taken me a long time to wrtite tonight's journal entry because I found this movie for Louis Dean on Prime and then I started watching it myself! He actually went to sleep on it but I was hooked.

Now I need to get myself in bed.

Louis Dean will sleep in the guest room tonight as the plumber will be here at 7:30 in the morning.

This way LD can sleep in while I will be getting up at 6:00!

It appears I have another water problem and I am hoping this is perhaps an AC condensation problem and not a water leak. 

Goodnight, yall!

Wishing you a good week!

New Water Heater, Tuesday Treasures, Fat Joe's and a Crafty Thursday!

 Monday morning my favorite plumber arrived!

He took out the old water heater....

and installed the new!

He advised us NOT to flush our toilets until he'd turned the water back - so we didn't.

I walked Les, the plumber out to the driveway and said we might not see him again soon.

Alas, when I came in the front door, I could hear Louis Dean yelling about needing a plunger!!!

WHO moved it??? HE didn't! "I would NEVER do that!!"

I went right back out and caught Les before he had even got in his truck!

I said, "Louis Dean's toilet is stopped up!" So in he came and he happened to be in the truck that he had outfitted with every size of augers and usually used this truck for blocked drains.

He said, "This is your lucky day! I have everything I need to deal with this!"

In 5 minutes - he was walking back to his truck and he wouldn't even let me pay for this extra service!

Win! WIN!!

Tuesday was such a better than last Tuesday when I was in bed all day after that panic attack.

I met Brenda at Texas Thrift and my goal was some green tops to wear to the Bell girls' games.

I scored a t-shirt for Louis Dean and two tops for me that will go great with black leggings!

Another Win! WIN!!

And I nearly always find one or two brand new candles.

In other Tuesday news..... Mike had been on a traditional hunting trip with his day and two other brothers.

Look who he brought home!!

A brand new sweet kitty!!

I've been loving the pics and videos from Amber.

We are ALL so excited about him!

And of course his name is Bauer!!

Wednesday afternoon we took the truck up to get the oil changed.

He fussed about it but I put my foot down and insisted!

We love this family owned business and are now their first regular customer.

Ilene told us about them and when I told him who recommended the shop, he said, "YES! She is such a sweet lady!!" We all know that!

The owner said that once they painted the bathroom door pink - no one ever asked again, "Where is your restroom?"

From there we shopped Home Depot since we were in the truck!

Louis Dean needed more top soil for around his new ponds as well as building up the flower bed along the back fence line. I'm hoping to plant some bushes along there later this fall.

All the long flower bed grows are weeds!

At one end we have trumpet vines and at the other end we have rose bushes. 

Only weeds between the two.....

We bought 28 bags and each bag weighs 40 pounds.

A strong young Home Depot employee loaded it up for us from a pallet lifter but Louis Dean unloaded all of it that afternoon and then wheeled it to the backyard where he again lifted 28 bags to the back yard area. That's a total of 2,240 pounds! 

And he STILL has to lift them again to distribute the soil where he wants it!

Soon to be 89 years old and still a man among men!

I made roasted veggies that night to go with.....

BBQ pork from the boneless pork chops from the other night.

I try to use up every bit of food and not waste much. and even with the waste - I feed it to the possums - so that's one more Win! WIN!!!

Today has been such a special one for me.

I made a good fruit salad using amix of canned diced pears, a jar of peaches from Aldi, some strawberries, a banana, two of those small sweet oranges, frozen pineapple pieces and some chopped pecans from last year's harvest! I did add ahalf package of vanilla instant pudding to the juices from the pears and peaches. It was really good!

Shirley got up early - she's a morning person which I so admire - and made homemade cranberry/walnut muffins and they were delicious!!! A good hearty filling muffin!

After visiting while we had our tea time.......

we had a crafting afternoon!

Shirley found this craft on pinterest  using paper towel rolls, fall designed paper plates, hot glue, a wine cork and embellishments!

Shirley is a perfectionist and it comes easy for her.

Hers was better - a lot better than the one on Pinterest.

Mine still needs help and since I am the Queen of Coverup - I will embellish mine and show you later.

At 3:00 we switched to the other end of the table and worked on Santa paintings in oil.

This was her very first painting on canvas and she did an excellent job!

I knew she would be a natural and so she is!

Three of these I have based in and one is Shirley's.

You cannot paint the same thing every single time.

They end up looking good - but a little different.

Tomorrow I will base in my fourth canvas and I know it will be different from the others!

PS...Shirley's is the one on the far right.

We have scheduled the next 3 art sessions and will finish it in early October!

I'm excited to have a new painting partner and it felt good to be teaching again.

I don't remember how many years it's been since I taught art on Tuesday nights.

Art class is back but this time it is on Thursday.

My heart is heavy with the assination of Charlie Kirk.

I want you to know that I am a Christian Conservative and I support President Trump.

That does not mean I am a hater of those who do not.

Some of my family support Trump and some don't.

We can agree to disagree and we do.

We continue to love and respect each other.

Just because I am convicted of certain things does not mean I hate those who feel differently.

I do not understand how we as Americans have lost our tolereance for a difference of opinion.

I will continue to love my liberal friends and I hope they will continue to love me.

In the end, we are all Americans and want the best for our country.