Pants, pants, pants

A week or so ago, Dan, Jamie and I went to the 1/2 off -1/2 off store on Manchester to see what we could find. I knew Jamie needed some new sweatshirts and a pair or 2 of new pants. Trying on clothes for Jamie is a job... He feels he has to fully re-dress including belt and shoes each time he try's something on. I have shared with him many times -as I stand outside the dressing room door - just try on the pants- no belt, no shoes. This must have been how he was originally taught to try things on, so he fights doing this every time- and after a 30 minute wait outside the curtin... he still did not have the first pair on. Argh! I again reminded him... Please, no shoes and no belt. So, we finalized the deduction of items. 4 shirts and 2 pants. When we got home... He tried them on again. The one pair of pants- the zipper is totally broken. Dear me! 

Me: Jamie- take that pair off and bring them out to me. We will take them back next week and get another pair.

This was the conversation a week ago. 

This morning... I get out to the kitchen and am doing dishes... Jamie appears in the doorway- looking a little disheveled a little out of sorts....

Jamie: I have had a long morning! I have been trying on all my pants to see which one you were talking about with the broken zipper? 

Me: trying them on? To find the broken zipper? You must be looking for the pants on the dinning room chair- you simply could have asked me. Why did you try them all on?

Jamie: to find the zipper.

Me: you couldn't just look at the zippers?

Jamie: I had to put my brace and belt and then zip them.

Me: Wow.... I didn't know the Jamie process was so detailed in zipper useage. Next time, ask me what pants I'm talking about... Okay?

Jamie: I couldn't remember what color they were.

Me to myself.... OMGoodness.... Thank you Lord.... I have a full brain to use- even though it's said we only use 12% or so. Life is rough and a lot of extra work when you only have parts of one. We all need to be very grateful. 

Today, I have learned to be thankful for my mind. 

Amen.

Make your own Kind of Music

Mama Cass- "make your own kind of music, sing your own special song, even if nobody else sings along".... Hmmmm as I sit in the car waiting for Jamie in the parking lot at church... I wonder if God gives each of us our own special song and somewhere along the line- we let someone tell us- "that's a stupid song" or quit humming you sound like a goofus!" Or some other statement to squash that still small tune... Dream... Vision... We all have one, or 2 or 3... And something happens.... We get busy, we start making excuses, we let others kill our flame. Well, this year is my year to fan the flame! I know my prayer has been for the Holy Spirit to blow on that small ember of a dream that he placed in my soul. 

I'm here doing this job. Taking care of a man who most of the time, okay- a lot of the time seems very ungrateful, very privileged and very uncaring of the "people who live with me". I have been trying to teach a 58 year old man to live graciously, be thankful for the little things, respect people and their property, learn the value of the truth in everything you do. It has not been an easy - almost 2 years... But, we have made it through the fire and the hail. 

Thank you Jesus!

Cousin Visit - Sonic and Minions!

 This past Friday, Jamie and I took his cousin Ami out to lunch and on a quick shopping trip for her grandchildren. Ami is from France and there were some communication gaps- but, overall we did very well. She speaks French and Spanish mainly and some English. We decided to visit and go to lunch at Mimi's Cafe for lunch. 

We all enjoyed our lunch and as we sat as Jamie and Ami sang to each other-we looked at pictures of Ami's children and grandchildren- she says I need an American Toy Store! I said ok we will find one... She was looking for Minions and Sonic.... We found Minions at Walmart... Sonic was a challenge- we found the new Toys R Us Outlet in the valley and they had just what she was in search of for her grandchildren. We had a great visit and she came to our house to see where Jamie lives. We asked her to go to dinner tonight, since she leaves this week. Bon Voyage, Mon Ami!

As you can see Jamie looks a lot like his Mothers side of the family too!

Colds and baking....

This past weekend was Thanksgiving weekend and we enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with Dan, Jamie, my Mom, myself and the 2 dogs (Miss Izzi and my Moms dog Mini). We had a nice time - packed up Mom with left overs and took her back home. Then a day off before Saturday brunch with my brothers and Mom and Aunt at our place. It was a busy day off preparing for our brunch - but we all enjoyed the time together. 

Sunday was church and recovery at home. Monday was.... Miki has a bad cold and Jamie was her watcher/caretaker/hoverer. 

We had quite the day with me feeling terrible and Jamie wiping things down with Clorox wipes. Izzi on my lap under the covers and me just wanting to sleep. Which was never going to happen. 

Tuesday was another day of sickness still feeling terrible and knowing that we had to make something for church on Wednesday night - as Jamie goes to Choir practice, potluck and bible study. We decided on brownies- I knew it would be as fast as we could do. After a quick lesson in thorough hand washing- we were off.... Pulling out measuring cups and mixing bowls. Pans and spoons. Pre heating the oven... I was coaching and he was doing.

Over all it was not a bad day of learning. It did take 1 1/2 hours to make 12 cupcake size brownies - that would have taken me 10 minutes or less. But- he did it. I was proud. Cold and all!