Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Help from the blogosphere is needed...

For those of you that have read my blog for some time, you know that I lost my pastor earlier this year. You also know that it has been clearly the most difficult loss I have faced to date. Firstly, it was so unexpected...secondly, it was something that I had never,in my wildest dreams, prepared myself for. I always envisioned Pastor Kerr, old and gray, presiding at my funeral. Along with my personal struggle, I know that his family continues to struggle as well, and I continue to pray for them daily.

One thing that I may or may not have shared with you through all of this, is that my Pastor's son William and my big girl were born on the same day, at the same hospital. They were raised in our church family together...and on Monday they will be 17. Here's where you come in. I want to share a letter with you from William's mom...


Hi e-mail buddy's :o)

The 26th of Oct. is my son William's birthday (he'll be 17). I worry about him this year for many reasons, so I need your help. I want to do something special for him but he's a guy so he says "no way". I would like to surprise him by giving him a Birthday Card party. Please send him a funny birthday card and please send this e-mail to ANYBODY in the world. I would love to see him get cards from all over the world (it won't matter if they're late). I know I'm thinking kind of big but I'm a mom who loves her son and I need to do something. All of those "first" this year have been very hard on us just as any family who has lost someone as important as my son's father. So please help make this a day that he will remember, a day that people cared.

William Kerr
4522 Galleon Dr.
Loves Park, ILL. 61111


Thank you from a Mothers Heart,
Debbie Kerr


So there you have it....Please send this to everyone on your blogrolls and your email contact list and lets see if we can't get this boy thousands of birthday cards from around the world. Send your today. I'm counting on you!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Please stay tuned...

I know it's been the longest blogging break in history for me...but here's the thing. The computer wizard is coming to town this weekend (Thank God his grandaughter is having a birthday) and I should be back up and running! Thanks for your patience

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The computers are winning again...

We.Have.Issues.

Computer Issues.

Our current status includes the following...

One computer out for repair...needs a hard drive scrub, but has hundreds of pictures on it I need to remove first.

One computer has my beautiful new camera software but no internet.

One computer has no software but internet

One computer is a laptop and is doing the best it can.

So...

Still no pictures.

I'm trying to figure out a go-fight-win song, so that I, for a change, can win against the computers. That day is not today...

Sunday, September 20, 2009

It's windy, can you feel it?

The winds of change are a blowin here at the Ruchus...it's time to buckle down, and get some stuff done. In just a few weeks I hope to have photos for you of my scrap room's amazing transformation, from a relativly useless storage space, to MY space. My space to contemplate and to create. I can't wait! Among other things...I have decided October 3rd, is diet day for me...back to Weight Watchers...it is SO time. I've been working ever so slightly on changes in my life and have decided it is time to kick it into full gear. It is becoming evident to me how much growing my kids have done and what a short period of time I have left with them. It is important to utilize every day to the fullest!

My fabulous boss is helping me with one of my primary weaknesses...organization. Everyone marvels at how much I accomplish, but it is usually at a price to me. I have not been sleeping well lately, often waking up throughout the night with the never ending to do list on my mind. My work load is astounding, add to that household responsibilities, a second job, aging parents, grad school, three super busy teenagers and a marriage and wow! Organization is really the key to keeping it all together. As you know from previous posts, I was hit with quite a sever bout of depression recently. For whatever reason it seems to be lifting and the clouds are being replaced with sunny hopeful skies. Thanks for everyone's love and support.

I have some fabulous pictures to share, but I'm still having a few computer issues. I have camera software on one computer but not internet, and internet on the other computer but not software! As soon as we become resynchronized around here computer wise, I'm sure you'll be wowed!

We are super busy preparing for homecoming, fall, the family reunion, and three birthdays the month of October. I've also put together a committee to plan my class reunion yet this year, since no one else stepped up, and it's our 25th! Brennan has his x-rays on Wednesday, has been cleared to wear a shoe, but still isn't able to walk on his foot. Hopefully Wednesday's x-rays will give him the all clear to begin physical therapy and he can begin to move on with the recovery process.

We have had to make some rather painful decisions around here regarding our pets. I have an older dog that has begun having potty issues and I'm pretty sure I cannot deal with that. We've tried doggie diapers but that seems to be humiliating to him and frustrating to me...so time will tell. He has joint issues and is getting quite old. I'm thinking before the weather gets really cold, which is really hard on him...perhaps it will be time...what a great sadness. His beautiful eyes and gentle ways will be so missed. He has been my napping companion for the past 8 years. When I'm really stressed and can't sleep, I call him up onto the bed and with his warm self and snuggles, I almost instantly fall asleep. This decision leaves a definite ache in my heart. I hope by beginning the process now, I'll be able to work through the sadness and send him to heaven in November. (sighs heavily)

It also seems I need to begin letting go of my big girl. With dance, working, social life, and academics, she hardly has time to be helping around the house. Is it time to remove her from the chore list? I'm not sure. PSAE's are coming, ACT's, class rank, college visits...wow! Where has the time gone? As she transitions out of high school, my precious one begins. I absolutely love that my children are so close together and treasure the time when they will all be in high school together. I think the most special part is because I am on the school board, I'll be able to hand them their diplomas when they graduate. Many tissues will be required on those days!

So, you're a little caught up now with all things Ruchus...oh wait...I was in Arizona last week caring for my mama after her most recent surgery. I am so grateful everyday that I have a wonderful job that says...you need time off? Go! ...no guilt, no questions, just support. When I return there are genuine questions of concern about my mom. Even from our CEO! I know I've said it before, but I am SO truly blessed with the amazing job I have and with the amazing people I work with. When I was praying last year...God was listening and he surely went above and beyond my wildest dreams when I landed this job. God is so good!

The Ruchus is wishing everyone a bountiful fall. Enjoy the crisp air, the beautiful leaves, and try to take a moment to relish in all things wonderful. If you know someone who's suffering (and I know far too many people right now) lend a hand...say a prayer...let them know you care.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A funk so low even Arby's can't fix it...

Yes, I'll have...well, let me see...that, that, that, that, let's just say one of everything on the left side of the menu...plus a chocolate shake. What's that you say? $402? Let me rethink that a minute...small rootbeer, fabulous turkey sandwich, no onion, no mustard, no cheese, cheese sticks...yes I know I ordered no cheese on the sandwich and oh yeah...one of those dreamy chocolate shakes with the chocolate syrup stuck on the sides. Yum.my.

42,812 calories later...I'm still in a funk. It may be time to call in the professionals.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Congratulations, I have officially become a firefighter

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks,spans of time, careers or something else where you discover you have officially gained your self a red truck and an unattractive hat? Welcome to the world of firefighting...let me tell you those California wildfires got nothin on me (Before you get your panties in a bunch, it's just an expression, I'm not downplaying the seriousness of the fires) Now. Seriously. You've heard the expression the best defense is a good offense? Meet me...on the offensive. Tomorrow begins a new day. A day of planning, prodding, and purposeful actions to regain the offensive...at work, in life, at home. It. Is. Time. There will be a terrific fire fighting party at 8AM sharp. Bring your hoses.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Surgical Update

My sonshine had his surgery 9 days ago. In laymans terms, he had about a 1 inch piece of bone removed across the top of his foot that had grown across and fused with other bones that prohibited the moving of his foot from side to side. Add this to his incredible flat footedness and he was in pretty constant pain. He got throught the surgery fine and missed about a week of school. He returned for 1/2 day last Wednesday, then went all day on Thursday and Friday. Friday afternoon we went to the Dr., where they removed his initial packing. He has about 0 range of motion right now and couldn't even move his toes. This week his assignment is to be able to write the letters a, b and c before his next appointment on Friday...we'll keep you posted.