December Catch-Up

• My dad, recently diagnosed w/Stage 4 lung cancer that's spread to his brain and liver, is hanging in there. He has moments of "fog" but has had more conversations where he is able to stay focused vs. foggy. He fell yesterday morning after using the bathroom at his home. Ironically there was a set appt for yesterday morning for the people to install grab bars, adjust the toilet, discuss ramps, etc.  I leave on Thursday to visit. On Friday is my dad's radiation appt and a lung cancer doctor appt. My dad and Darlene will get married on Saturday and I come home on Sunday.
• My grandma, recently diagnosed w/Alzheimer's, has been having overall good days (she actually remembered her son calling her 2 days ago!!). Today she kept thinking it was Wednesday (it's not) and she called wanting to know why I put stuff in her freezer (I didn't) and she hadn't paid a bill that was due 3 days ago so we took care of that together. I am waiting for everything to happen between the bank guy and the lawyer to have full control of her financial affairs. I have her son coming to hang out with her while I'm in Arizona.
• "Moose" had a neurologist appt today (Biomom and biograndma were there - another story). Anyways, the doctor diagnosed him w/ Craniosynostosis - he needs a 3D Cat Scan, then will most likely need skull reconstruction surgery. The social workers finally found a new home for him and the family came over tonight - loved them!! They will come back tomorrow to hang out then bring him home. So very happy for his happily ever after.
• Steve's hips (he's had 3 total hip replacements) are having more problems - w/scar tissue, arthritis and bursitis. I am concerned about leaving him home for the 4 days I'll be in Arizona but he refuses to have me schedule respite.
• The kids are doing well - Shane's improved his grades (thanks in part to him, an increase in his ADHD meds and study hall) and Shelby's plugging right along w/her special ed classes.
• We've had an abundance of crazy little things happen - ants in Shane's room, the van battery dying, Shelby's bus breaking down, etc...
• It's been wild but we are praying our way through each and every moment!!!