First grandbaby shower

Yesterday Rachel, Cal and Caitlin had a baby shower for Caroline at the D'addabo's house. I counted 19 people there (including Caroline, not including Noah!) It was a beautiful day and everyone had such a good time. Everyone was so generous with their gifts. Noah is a blessed little baby!

Last College Visits

We are on our way home from a four day tour of colleges. We left Sunday afternoon for Chattanooga. Steve, Garrett and I did a self-tour of campus Mon. morning then went to a Brock's Scholars meeting. The campus was nice-not too big, a mix of old buildings and new construction. I was more impressed than I thought I'd be.

We left there Mon. afternoon and went to Boone, NC by way of E-town on the winding mountain roads in the dark. Tuesday started early at Appalachian State. The honors program and admission people had a nicely planned out morning followed by lunch. Students were separated from parents after the dorm tour which was probably nice for them. It was a gorgeous fall day with early fall color changes in the mountains. Heavenly. Garrett really liked everything he saw.

Today we toured UT Knoxville. That is a big campus. I had forgotten how much was there when I toured with Ryan. It's even bigger with lots of new construction. Once again, a good school with lots to offer.

After these tours plus the open house at CBU last Saturday, Garrett is ready to get down to the nitty gritty of applying. Top picks are CBU and App State followed by UTC then UTK. He's decided not to tour Arkansas which is ok with me!

Exorcise/Exercise

What is wrong with me? I have time and opportunity but zero desire to get off my butt and go to the Y. I am here now and am procrastinating going in and spending a measly 30 min. on the treadmill. I blame the hormones. I blame working full time. I blame the devil. But blaming isn't going to get me back into shape. Grrrr. I need to exorcise this demon off my back!

I haven't given up on the C25k program though I have kept myself in week 6 for the last 2 months. 8 week program-ha! I'm eking out 1 "run" a week, most often on the treadmill to maintain some exercise credibility. I have done some isometric exercises nearly everyday, so I haven't completely given up trying. I need the weather to cool off because this running thing is way better when it's not 90+degrees.

Happy trails!

Gulf Shores

Finally! A get-away trip with Steve, Tim & Steph. 3 days of no plans! Let the relaxing begin!

A Beautiful Day

My baby is having a baby! What an exciting week! We helped Caroline and Greg move into there first home on Saturday then found out on Sunday that they are due Jan. 16, 2014. Blessings all around!
 I'll wait to publish this until after they've shared their good news!

Oh, Baby!

Best news ever! Two weeks ago Caroline and Greg told us that they were expecting a baby in January! The momma/neonurse in me worries for my baby girl--want her to have a wonderful, uneventful pregnancy. I pray for her and the 3 of them everyday--Father, please keep them safe and healthy.

What will I be called? Grandma? Sounds kind of old. After all MY grandma was "Grandma" How about Grams, Grammy, Nana? Caroline is pushing for Nelle/Nellie and she has her brothers behind her. What about Lolly? That was what Grandpa Stanley Romer was called by his friends. It would go well with Steve's "Pops."I
 In the end it doesn't really matter. What does is a perfectly normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, labor and delivery.

C25K

Today I finished week four of a couch-to-5K program called 5K101. I'll be doing a supplemental week next week because I don't think I'm ready to run for 8 minutes at a time. But, I'm actually enjoying this training. I think it's because I'm going nice and slow so I haven't stressed or pulled anything.

Moving Day

Caroline and Greg move into their first home today! We will be leaving in a little bit to help them move. Such a cute house! It is about 70 years old; two bedroom plus a third/office; nice big backyard. Zebbie will now get to be the outside dog he's always wanted to be!

My heart broke twice

From 4/13/13; Edited 7/22/14

Yesterday Pat Romer died around 6:00 a.m. after an extended illness. She was my Aunt--dad's younger brother's wife--with such spirit. No grass grew under her feet! She traveled quite a bit, big trips with family and friends as well as smaller get aways. Pat was quite the crafter with a whole room in her basement bulging with supplies. She also was an RN which gave us a special bond. Like me, she was the only one in her family in healthcare, so we could talk in that way that nurses do--you can understand each other because of the universality of the field. I know my Uncle Joe is heartbroken. No matter how long you prepare or how blessed the relief of death on suffering can be, you never want to say that last goodbye.

With great sadness at 6:45 p.m. on the same day, Aunt Barb died too. Julie Fisher called to let me know that night. I cried and cried. Thankfully, Ann and Mark Stollenwerk, their son Chris and Doug Kohnen were with her. They said there was no pain and she died peacefully. I am just so very thankful that she didn't die alone.

I'll be flying to Ohio Sunday night to attend Aunt Pat's funeral and just as important see my family. I'll ride back with Chris and Mom. This summer we will celebrate Barb's life.

Barb and Pat

The news is not good from Ohio. Chris talked to Leah and Joe on Easter Sunday and they felt Aunt Pat would probably not make it past this week. She had stopped eating last week and barely drinks water with her meds. She is restless and does not sleep much at night. I am so sad for all the Romers especially Uncle Joe because he loves her so much.

I talked to Julie today for an update on Aunt Barb. It sounds like the sepsis has gotten much worse and that last night she went into shock. They loaded her with fluids and she came around. Julie said she seemed to be aware that she, Jane, Ann and Mark were there. Today they are going to do a peritoneal tap to drain her abdomen. They think she may have a small bowel tear contributing to the infection but that she is too weak for surgery.

And all I can do is pray.