Wrapping Up The Week

 Hello, my friends! Labor Day Weekend is here! For some, it means the end of summer. For others, the beginning of fall. Whatever September is for you, I encourage you to embrace this transitional month with all the cozy you can. September is many things, among them a respite from the many summer activities we love, as well as a deep breath of calm before we are immersed in celebrations from October through January. September isn't pumpkins, turkeys, gifts, or noisemakers. Although I, of course, love all those things. September just is. And I am here for it. And so is Mocha.

The past week went quickly, as they seem to do. I caught up on a long to-do list and crossed off several things, like getting my driver's license renewed and mailing out a few packages. The highlight of my week was a truly happy visit with my mom. 

Madison and I spent time with my mom one day this week, and I want to remember every moment. Since moving her to this new assisted living facility, she has flourished! The love, care, and stimulation have seemed to slow the progression of her Alzheimers and have vastly increased her peace and happiness. She is living. She does not merely exist as she did before. A lesson to be shared? Advocate for your loved ones. Don't assume that because someone tells you something, it is true. Ask questions. Get answers. And act upon them. I am thankful every day that we did and that God led us to her new home, where she gets the care and love she deserves.

Madison and my mom played a memory card game I had made for her. You upload photos, and they are printed on cards for a memory game. My mom loves it! Seeing her recognize our family members and try to match them is so fun. 

I also brought in some new clothes to supplement her wardrobe for fall. She loves these comfy two-piece outfits, which are easy for her to get into with minimal help. My sister got her a couple pairs of jeans like these, and Mom loves them!

My Madison and my mom. My mom was there the day she was born, and they have been together ever since. My mom cared for Madison; now, Madison can do the same for her. What a blessing, right?! 

Well, that is all for now. I could write more, but I am starving, so I need to get up and get some Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl Toast and a cup of coffee. Or two. Have a wonderful long weekend, my friends! Enjoy!

Billie Jo

September Eve

 Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy this.

But I really, really, love this.

And so it goes, my friends. It is September Eve. I start getting the itch for this time of year in mid-July. Just a few thoughts of cozy afternoons, earlier evenings, soups, hoodies, and pumpkin spice. I wait patiently through those beautiful summer days and long summer evenings. I enjoy the fresh fruits and morning lake swims. I really do. I love mornings on the deck as the world awakes to the sound of birds. And yet, my heart will always yearn for fall. September. A new school year. Cooler days. Colored leaves. Cozier clothes and pumpkin spice. It is here, my friends. The promise of all that and so much more is here. Join me for a cup of cozy this morning.

 Happy September Eve! Cheers!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee Talk

Good Monday morning, my friends! Welcome to the last few days of August! I am patiently waiting for September to pull out the autumn decorations, but you bet I am all ready to go! I am pretending it is not 90 degrees outside today, by the way. 

Yesterday, I did some deep cleaning upstairs, especially in my bedroom. Suddenly, I needed to scrub, dust, wash, and shine. This does not happen often, but when it does, it is productive. The kids always know I am in the zone when I head upstairs with all my things and a Bluetooth speaker. In case you are sitting there wondering what I have on my fall playlist, and I am sure you are, I am sharing it below. LOL! When I was done, I set a few decorations on my bedside table. You know, just a ceramic pumpkin. And a candle. And my autumn books. : ) 

That is about all for today, my friends. The rest of the day will involve lesson plans for homeschool next week, laundry, and some stuffed peppers with mashed potatoes for dinner. We will finish the day with our guilty pleasure, The Bachelorette because although I would not want my daughters to find their husbands on television, I am not above watching others who do. 

Have a wonderful Monday. And thank you to all who commented on my last post. I am always so thankful for the support. I read and appreciate them all! This blog world is a fantastic place, isn't it? We have a place to share ideas, encourage, and support each other in a safe and cozy place. Thanks for stopping in!

 

Billie Jo

 

Check It Off

 

Hello, my friends. Today was the day. If you have read here for some time, you are familiar with my OCD and Health Anxiety diagnosis. My annual mammogram is a trigger for my anxiety. It is just what my mind decided to latch onto. This year I handled the anticipation much better than in years past, partly due to the tools my therapist and psychiatrist have given me. Partly because of the medication I take to treat my OCD. And partly because of the love and support from family and friends that helped me look at this annual appointment differently. 

I dread my annual mammogram. Not the test itself, but rather the fear of what the results could be. My friend Danielle helped me to change my thinking about it. Now I try to think of it as maintenance for my body, as something I can do to keep myself healthy. I liken it to my annual physical, dental, or eye doctor appointments. None of which give me anxiety, by the way. I go to it, and I can cross off my list. And so today, I went. Danielle and Steve went with me. It was quick and painless. And the results were good. Thank You, Lord. I made another appointment for next year, said a prayer of thanksgiving, and got some lunch and a coffee.

I am home now, showered, and on the couch. Relieved, thankful, and happy that I did it and didn't let my anxiety stop me. If you have a concern about any medical test, I get you. Try to look at it a different way. You are taking care of yourself. And you will be relieved and glad you did! 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo