Sunday, January 24, 2016

Thank You's And The Weekend

First I want to thank those of you who commented on my last post and tried to understand and to those of you who talked to me/hugged me. It wasn't a post that was looking for pity, I just wanted to share how I felt, and it wasn't how I expected to feel.
Tomorrow I am off to the cardiologist to see what he has to say. Another ECHO is scheduled. 
In December I signed up for a weekend scrapbook retreat, and this was the big weekend! It's a 3 day retreat but we only stay for 2 days, which works well for us. I go with 2 friends and we share a hotel room. The beds were so comfy, I like those pillow mattress toppers. The retreat is in the neighboring city but it's really nice to be at a retreat and spend the night and not even have to think about housework. The pool is available, our tables are set up and we can use them when we want (early or late), there are plenty of tools and paper available if you need to use/purchase something, lots of snacks are on the snack table, the only downside is that meals are not included. There are restaurants nearby, some within walking distance. Saturday morning we walked to breakfast and to the thrift store where one of the gals got a 'new' swimsuit, we each found something we 'needed'. Saturday night we ordered out for dinner.
To be honest I didn't get a lot accomplished. I was working on a trip from 2008, a trip to Naples, Florida. I've been there a couple of times but had all my photos from 2008 to work on. I started an 8"X8" book several years ago, but after I saw how many photos I had I decided I needed to upgrade to a 12"X12" book. Soooo I put the 8" pages onto 12" paper and went forward from there. 






BUT.....here's the kicker.............Thursday night I get a call from grandson J..........he's pretty happy because he can come over and stay until saturday. He hasn't stayed here since New Year's Eve and he used to come over every saturday night. Hmmm, I'm leaving friday morning for the retreat and coming home Saturday night. I knew he'd cry if I said "No" but I paid for the retreat and wasn't going to stay home. I decided to take a chance and take him along, he was all for it. I thought the worst thing that could happen is that we spend our time at the pool and scrapbook in our room. He scrapbooks also.
I talked to the organizer (Brenda) as soon as we got there and she was OK, I don't think she was thrilled but she said he could stay. After lunch J was able to go swimming with her grandson. Brenda's mom watched the boys for over 2 hours while they were in the pool. The boys are less than 2 years apart and they had a good time. That broke up the day for him. After supper Carolee, Gwen, Jalen, and I did some water aerobics. Yes, we got a workout. Yes, we all enjoyed it.
I'm happy to report that Jalen got along with everyone (I knew he would), got his photos scrapbooked, and wasn't too annoying.....although I had some trying moments on saturday. Thanks Gwen, Brenda, and Carolee for letting Jalen join us. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped but we had a good weekend.

We got home about 8PM on saturday, we waited for J's mom to call and I called Kevin earlier to see if she called the house because  my phone did not get reception at the hotel. No word from mom, even when J tried calling her. We were beat, he was asleep before 9. As usual I couldn't fall asleep, but I did get some good zzzz's in. Jalen stayed another night and was able to go to Sunday School, a good thing. He has to go home tonight because I am leaving early on Monday for my appointment in Milwaukee. Did I mention that he always comes over without any extra clothes? It's not a problem because I always have extra clothes here for him, and swim trunks too.
I have another weekend retreat coming up in March, I'll be working on my Florida scrapbook again. I'll be a little more organized by then (I hope!).
Hope your weekend is going well and not too fast!

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a fun time. I need to get busy scrapbooking soon.

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  2. Linda, Thank you for being a wonderful grandmother to your J.. He will always remember that you were for him . Glad you all had fun. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

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  3. Oh how fun:) I would have taken my grandkids too! Enjoy your day and I will be praying for you! HUGS!

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  4. Hi,
    I am so happy he was able to come along. Good for the both of you.
    This will be a very special memory for him.
    xx oo
    Carla

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  5. I am glad you both had a good weekend!
    Deb

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  6. Thank you for visiting my blog. What fun a scrapbook retreat must be! I've been to "evening" but never a 2 or 3 day retreat. I have two scrapbooks I need to work on and I just have the motivation. I'm glad yours went so well.

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