Special note: Please take a moment today and drop by Sheri’s blog. (Sheri is Meagan’s mom and a close friend of mine.) Her family is going through so many transitions right now; some joyful and some challenging. Read her inspiring post and then leave a comment of encouragement for her and dear, dear family.
Steve and I have a busy two days ahead of us as we get ready for the arrival of some special house guests. And just how special are these house guests?
Well, do these people look familiar to you at all?
Yep. We are getting to host the Fabulous Floridian Mister and Missus for a few days.
They are flying in on Wednesday which just happens to be my 61st birthday. Wednesday night we will have a birthday cookout with our four kids and Steve’s brothers, Jeff and Dana, and Dana’s girlfriend, Angie. Nathan will be putting together his fabulous burger recipe, Sarah will make the birthday dessert, and Meagan will contribute her famous green beans.
On Thursday we will go with Nathan and Meagan to look at as many houses as we can possibly fit in. And then from late afternoon Thursday and on into the evening, my favorite part of the week will arrive: getting to hang out with just my five favorite people in the whole world. (In addition to the grands.) Best birthday present ever.
Friday is total hip replacement day. (As it turns out, if my case of Covid had hit even three days later than it did, they would have canceled Steve’s surgery. Whew!)
Steve will be at the surgical center for at least eight hours and I am the only one allowed to be there. And I can’t leave the premises the entire time. The day won’t feel very long for Steve since he’ll be snooze-y for most of it but it’s going to feel pretty long for me. I’ll bring my laptop and work on projects I never have time for; I will also be sure to update you at least once or twice as the day goes on.
What boggles my mind is that they will have him up and walking before he leaves the hospital that day. After a total hip replacement! That is just incredible to me.
The nurse was talking to Steve about two different kinds of walkers he should have (for various times in the recovery period) as well as a cane. He just went down to the garage and took his pick of all the assorted items that Ken and Vernie had accumulated over the past few years. Nothing like getting to shop at the Ken and Vernie Healthcare Store!
I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know that I will have four adult children in the vicinity following the surgery. What’s really cool is that Nathan and Meagan had just planned this trip around the few days they could get childcare. But it just so happened that those few days also encompassed my birthday party and Steve’s surgery. How wonderful is that?
I am so grateful to know that I will wake up Saturday morning with my strong son in the house. He can help me with getting Steve up and about so I won’t have to do it all alone right off the bat. (Nathan and Meagan will fly back home Saturday afternoon.)
Of course, we will miss the other four Floridians this week but since they’ll all be staying with us a bit during the house transition, we’ll get in plenty of time with the grand treasures.
In closing, there are three things to tell you about this picture:
From this season in our lives . . .
to this season . . .
we have been blessed by the years.
What about you?
Do you have a busy week ahead of you or is it a little slower?
If you were in a room with a few of your favorite people, who would they be?
What blessings have the years brought you?
Happy Birthday Becky! May the years continue to be blessed. Prayers also for Steve as he undergoes his hip surgery. Recovery is hard work but he is an active man and will do well.
My greatest blessing has been my sweet husband and children ( and spouses) including my nephews who I had a part in raising. I am thankful to do life with them and anticipate doing that for all of eternity. We have been through all the ups and downs of life together.
This week will be the normal busy, but I am thankful for each day.
Donna,
What an amazing journey in “having had a part in raising your nephews.” I know a statement like that may carry some difficulties with it but beyond that is the joy of knowing what a difference you have made in the lives of those young men.
Bless you as you continue to walk in thankfulness for each day!
Have to say Happy, happy birthday on the actual day!!! I hope it’s a wonderful one filled with love, laughter, and some cake!
Suzanne,
Thanks for the happy, happy birthday wishes! A double wish is always better than a single one, right? 🙂
Becky, I hope you felt loved and celebrated on your birthday! May this be a year of joy and blessings for you.
I hope that the house-hunting proves fruitful today!
Will pray for Steve tomorrow as he gets a new hip. May recovery go well!
DeLynn,
House-hunting went well. Nathan and Meagan narrowed their choices down to two homes. It was fun to be a small part of that.
Thank you for the birthday blessings!
Happy Birthday!
Sharyn–thank you! 🙂
Happy Happy birthday blessings!! Hope you have a wonderful day!! Enjoy your family!! Prayers all around!!
Eswim,
I’ll certainly take “prayers all around.” Thank you!
In a way this week will be busy, just got back from vacation and there are winter items that should be taken down – Christmas ones – those did go down before we left but am hoping if I replace the winter items with springy type ones it might hurry spring along. Have a blessed and Happy Birthday Becky. Oh, did you find the birthday hat yet? Have been praying for Steve and his surgery and praying he will heal quickly. He is such a Jack of all trades around your home and to see a lot of stuff get done before surgery – What a guy!. What great pictures, especially those 4 toeheads!
Sharyn,
I think it’s a great idea to hurry spring along up there. And just maybe, replacing those winter items will do the trick. Love it. 🙂 We are at 75 degrees and sunny here; absolutely beautiful.
Yes, the birthday hat did show up and we also have an alternative hat so we are good to go!
I know. I love that picture of the grands, too.
Happy birthday tomorrow and good luck on finding the Florida Smiths a house on Thursday. I know how stressful finding a house in another state can be. Best wishes to Steve on his hip replacement.
My week isn’t terribly busy although I have something every day from Monday to Thursday. Yesterday I counted offering at church and took deposit to bank. The staff at my church was all leaving for a planning retreat at 9 yesterday morning so I was asked to do a few extra things that I normally don’t do when counting offering. Today was a meeting with my financial advisor, haircut tomorrow, and care plan meeting at nursing home for my parents on Thursday. I also need to go through my cookbooks and decide which I’m saving and which are going to the charity shop as well as cleaning the glass on my curio cabinet and putting things back in it after the painting last week.
I think I read Sheri’s blog last week. I will go over and leave a comment after this one. They have a lot going on for sure!
Phyllis,
Oh my. Sorting through cookbooks is a difficult task. I just opened a box with a bunch of cookbooks and had a very tough time deciding which ones to keep and which ones to pass along. I know recipes can be found on the web but there’s something so nostalgic and comforting about holding the recipes in your hand.
Sounds like a busy, productive week for you. Enjoy!
Wow! You really have a few very busy days ahead!! Praying that Steve’s surgery goes off without a hitch. It’s so amazing that he will go home the same day!!
I will be driving to Iowa this week with my daughter and granddaughter for a dance competition/convention. It looks like it will be snowing the day we go, so I’m a wee bit concerned about that.
My favorite room of people would be my kids, grandkids, brother and SIL and my dad. He is 93, so sharp and such a joy to be around. I treasure the times that the family can hear his wonderful stories and enjoy his witty, fun sense of humor!
I will definitely read Sheri’s blog. I used to read it all the time but since I retired, I no longer had the blog address. Thanks!!
Enjoy the special time with your family. Best of luck in the house hunting and happy, happy birthday!!
LeeAnne,
I hope you have safe and happy travels to Iowa–which happens to be where I was born. Time in a car with a daughter and granddaughter is special time, indeed.
I loved your words about your 93-year-old dad. So often the elderly are not appreciated for everything they bring to the table–wit, intelligence, sense of humor, wisdom. Hooray for celebrating the years he’s been given.
Praying for a great birthday for you celebrating with all those you love most! How fun that the “big kids” get to be there for that.
Praying that Steve’s hip replacement goes great. My BIL did fabulous with his – also home the same day – and he’s never regretted having it done. What a blessing that Nathan will be there to assist immediately following the surgery! God is awesome with the details, isn’t he?
I love Sheri’s blog. I need to make the commitment to comment on hers as well! Baby steps!
Your questions…
Busy week for me but not as crazy as previous weeks. Work is nuts. Home life is busy but good.
My room full of those I love best would look similar to yours – my sweet hubby, my 2 children, my DIL, and my grandson (and about to be #2 grandbaby) and my dear mother. If I were to add a few more in – my BILs and SILs would fill in any empty space!!
Blessings…way too many to count!
Have a fabulous birthday week!
Suzanne,
So glad you stop by Sheri’s blog from time to time; she always has something to say. And comments are such an encouragement to bloggers, too.
Yes, having the “big kids” around for two important occasions is such a grand thing. I feel so very blessed this week. We’ll be glad to get Steve’s surgery over with and get on to the season beyond that.
Hope your work stops being nuts soon! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Some busy days ahead for you all–happy ones to remember.
Enjoy your family time.
Ruth
Ruth,
Yes. Happy, busy days indeed!
So much Happy in this post!
I’m so glad all your kids will be around for both your birthday and Steve’s surgery! God did good to arrange that for you. I admit we’re jealous we can’t be there too, but we’ll sure be there in spirit.
Continued prayers that Nathan and Meagan can find their home this week. It’s sure nice you guys can go on the search together.
I’m very amazed at all the things Steve has gotten done in spite of his shoulder and hip pain. And then to throw dish washing in the mix too–that’s a good man right there!
And that kitchen light and fan? Love!
Happy early birthday and party hearty–well as much as an introvert can– with your dear ones! 🙂
Love, Deb
P.S. I will certainly stop by Sheri’s blog. I enjoy her writing so much.
Deb,
Isn’t Sheri’s blog great? She always has something worthwhile to say.
Yes, Steve has been a veritable Energizer Bunny with everything he has accomplished. I told him that surgery would feel like a vacation!
Wish you could be here, too. Even more favorite people in the room!
When Bill had his hip replaced he came home that day. They called in prescriptions that I picked up before taking him home about 3 pm. After a day or two he switched to aspirin or Advil. The following day he had to back to the clinic to learn some exercises, which he never followed through with. I am certain Steve will do exactly what is ordered. I will be praying that things go smoothly and he is up and around quickly. So excited for you all will be spending time with Nathan and Meagan! Praying they find a house and fall in love with it. I will be praying for you as well the day of Steve’s surgery.
Cindy,
Thanks for your prayers for Steve and me on surgery day. A big day in our lives! We are so hopeful he can get relief from pain and do many things he can’t do now.
It’s good to hear Bill only needed the pain meds for a couple of days; Steve doesn’t want to take them one second more than necessary. It will be so good to have this surgery behind us!
Prayers for a successful surgery for Steve. Our week is pretty quiet and dull, but sometimes that is good. If I could fill a room with my favorite people (I don’t know if I could just pick a few) it would have to be a big room as I have a large extended/blended family and that is who I would fill the room with. My family would be my biggest blessing. Blessing to you as you celebrate your birthday surrounded by your family.
Patti,
You’re right. A dull week is sometimes a nice change from all the busyness, just to give you a chance to catch up with stuff and re-charge. Enjoy the dullness!
And enjoy all those times when you are surrounded by dozens of your favorite people! 🙂
Wow, I can’t believe he is going home the same day! When I broke my hip I was in the hospital for 5 days!!!! I read Sheri’s blog the other day, both your families are going through difficult, challenging times, my prayers are with you all. Good luck with the house hunting….and happy happy Birthday!
Dale,
Yep. If I was in charge of surgeries and insurance, he’d be staying a lot longer than 8 hours. But so far, no one has asked me. 🙂 I know the medical folks have done enough of these surgeries to be sure that a patient can go home the same day so I’m trusting them.
Yes, Sheri’s family definitely has a lot going on right now. Thanks for stopping by over there; I know she appreciates it.