Thinking of you

From my house to your's.
Sending warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
May the memories last a lifetime.
Love and Hugs,
Mr.Brian
and the dogs.

Winter is here!!!

With winter not officially here until Sunday we have had a good pre-winter so far this December.
We have had at least 20 inches of snow already with more on the way today and next week.The weatherman said average snow fall totals for our area is 34 inches so we are well on our way to set records this winter.
To add to it we are under a blizzard warning for the next 24 hours,(till noon Sunday). winds up to 50 mph should make for some huge snow drifts.
Oh well one thing we can never control is the weather.I look at it this way,at least Becky is happy.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Prayers are needed

It is with a heavy heart I write this post.
Sadness struck one of our residents at the nursing home.
A very dear sweet lady who earlier this year had a son die from brain cancer was told today of the death of her 3 year old great granddaughter.The mother of this child (granddaughter of the resident and step daughter of the man who died) backed over and killed her daughter yesterday in Austin Minnesota.This tragic event comes in less then a year after the son/father died.
I do not remember the name of the child or the parents,but we can pray anyway.Such a sad thing and even more so so close to the holidays.
I visited with the great grandma for a short time today and she just cried.She said the mother is such a wonderful mom who loves her kids so much.I cannot begin to imagine the pain this family is feeling at this time.
Lets all say a prayer for this family.
Thanks,
Mr.Brian

Guess who has a birthday ?????

Happy birthday to a wonderful and dear friend.
Becky you are a great friend and an all around wonderful person
I thank God that you and Joe are a very special part of my life.
Happy Birthday!!!

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 "Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is 'Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?'
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says 'You better not cry'
JESUS says 'Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2008
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year."
May your Christmas be special1
Hugs,
Mr.Brian

They live among us! Scarie!!!!!

Now I have never claimed to be a rocket scientist, or any extremely smart person,but some things are very clear.Or so I thought until today.
We got a new resident in the home earlier this week.He came from the assisted living home in town via the hospital.
Today his son come over with the new residents telephone from his old place.The son plugged it into the phone jack,took out his cell phone and dialed his dads phone number.He looked at his phone looked at me and said it's ringing but not here,do I have it hooked up correctly? I checked things out and soon confirmed all was correct.I then went on to ask if he had contacted the phone company to have them switch over the phone.He told me it is the same phone, and the phone number is the same so it should ring here. I tried to explain to him that he needed to contact the phone company and let them know about the move.He went on about but the number should be the same.Again I explained to him....yes but you have to have the phone company switch the phone from his old place of living to here.
Ohhhhhh I guess I will call them then.
Duhhhh!!!! And I think the demented are off at times.
Yes these people live among us.

It hit and hit hard

As feared my usual dread of the holidays hit today.My mood has gone from happy to leave me alone in one day.
The holidays have been hard for me for many years now.I make myself go through the motions,put on my happy face and buck up.
So if I do not post or leave many comments that is why.
Not to worry I'll be fine, I go through this every year and always make it.
Come the new year I will be back to my ornery self.
Mr.Brian

Heart Broken

Lets all let out a big Ohhh poor Mr.Brian!!!!
Some of the staff and I were joking with one of our residents the other day and just having some good times.One of the gals told the resident to tell me (Mr.Brian) that I was handsome.This lady looked at me looked at the other gal and said...
that would be a lie!!!!!!Ouch!!!!So maybe she is not so demented after all,
Later that morning the same resident was sitting in the hall and I was pretending to be singing along with Christmas carols being played in a room.This fine lady just looked and looked at me.I said to her Mildred you look at me like i am crazy.
She rolled her eyes and just said well!!!!!!
Old people and little kids.... they speak the truth!!!
Have a great weekend.I need to go wipe tears from my eyes.

A happy day for many.

Change the caption to he and you have me.
Yes for the second day I have had on and off laryngitis.My voice squeaks,cracks and just plain sounds funny.Sounds more like I am 13 again and going through puberty.I feel pretty good other then that.
It has not stopped me from doing any talking tho, NOTHING keeps me from talking!!!!
A major disappointment for many.LOLOL Yeah So I am known to be a motor mouth.
I have the day off on Tuesday so maybe just maybe I'll rest the voice box.But then again....
So far I've avoided the flu that has been making its rounds.Hope to keep away from that.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.
Mr.Brian

I can'r believe you asked that.

Now admit it, we've all had it,the stupid questions.
I always remember being told there is no such thing as a stupid question.I always tried to hold true to that until a few years ago.When I worked my factory job before going into Sr.Care I worked with a women who gave a new meaning to the word "stupid question".It would never stop.
Here are a few examples....
We are sitting at break at 9:30 in the morning,it is almost dark as night,it is thundering and pouring down rain.She asks.... is it going to rain today?????
2.One of the women shared a recipe for chicken bundles.Chicken w/cr cheese a few other things wrap in crescent rolls and bake.The lady kept asking what kind of chicken????Umm lets see maybe a German chicken raised by a Polish family???? I always thought chicken was chicken.

Other stupid questions I've been asked you dropped a plate with food on it and someone walks by and asks.... did you drop something.???? No I just decided I was going to eat off the floor today!LOLOLOL!!!
A gal I worked with had twins a boy and a girl someone asked if they were identical?????Now that is stupid!!!!!
Now it is your turn share with me your favorite stupid questions.
This could be fun.If you want you do not need to leave your name ,post anon.
Just have fun.
Hugs,
Mr.Brian

Happy Thanksgiving friends

Let's not forget our many blessing this Thanksgiving.
One being great friends.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Mr.Brian

New Look

Many thanks to Verna and Becky and their Christmas Cheer.
Let me rephrase that their Christmas Happiness and decorating my blog for me.
I've got my lights up outside. I am going for the Griswold look this year.
I'll try taking pictures and posting them.
Hope you all have a great Turkey day Tomorrow .
I will be going to my sister with my parents.Friday I plan on decorating inside.
Whew I dread it already,but it always looks nice.
Mr.Brian

Did you see it?

Rather exciting for our town of about 5,500 people. The gal who won the competiton is from our small Iowa town.This was on the Rachel Ray show.
I thought that was pretty special.
Her mom goes to my church and we had fun trying to get her to spill the beans last night,with (NO) luck at all.
She won some great prizes....
Congrats.Madison!!!!!

Sunday thoughts

Nuf said.
Have a wonderful week!!!
Go out and be a blessing to others.

Over heard at work

I am posting just a few of the things my co-workers and I have overheard in the past from the residents.Some gave us have a hearty laugh.
1. Conversation between two people one a retired pastor.
Pastor to a lady resident.I have not seen your husband around for a while where has he been? Lady responding...He has been dead for ten years you dumb ass!!!!

2.Please let me sleep,I do not want to dance the JIG!!!So nice of you to offer but my legs no longer work.

3. One resident called and told her daughter that a staff member was fired for beating up her roommate.The daughter called her sister to ask if it was true.(mmmm excuse me but mom is demented).

4.Lady who is very hard of hearing talking to her daughter as a nurse leaves the room.(She is much nicer then she looks.)

5.Residents talking shortly before the election.So who do you think the next president will be,McCain or Osama Bin Laden????

6.After a man who will very very seldom go to any activity was to one.That man (not me an other worker)should be hung upside down for 30 minutes a day for making me sit through that with all those old white haired ladies in wheel chairs.

These are just a few that come to mind at the moment,but I know there are and will be many more.There is seldom a day where we do not have a few good laughs.

Have a great weekend all!!
Hugs,Mr.Brian

Do your thing

I got my flu shot today.Have you gotten yours?????Play it smart.
Dont have this happen to you this winter.
After all I need to take care of the old folks.And you are needed too.
Go out and get your shot!!!!!!!

Thought for today

Sorry sick nursing home humor!!!
I just had to.
Has it ever happened to you?? Come on be honest!!!!!

Plenty of food

Today and again tomorrow (Sunday) myself and about 7-8 others are preparing a meal to feed about 375 people at our church.It is our annual Harvest Supper and this year our small group decided to prepare the meal.(well 2 decided and the rest of us agreed to help.
We started by peeling around 400 potatoes.others chopped carrots,celery,onions and other things.After this it was time to prepare the 12, 20lb turkeys.Rinse,,butter stuff,get into cooking bags.After a break for lunch we got the Cole slaw ready.Around 50 lbs of Cole slaw followed by the dressing with the (top secret) ingredient.SHHHHH I will never tell,but it gave it a great flavor.We ended the day around 4 p.m.
Jump to tomorrow morning 8:00 a.m.we return to debone the turkeys that cooked in roasters over night.Start boiling the potatoes and boil and boil some more potatoes.Make stuffing, gravy,mash the 400 potatoes....
It has been soooooo much fun to prepare this food.The fun we all had together and will tomorrow is all worth the busy weekend.
The meal is set for 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
After the meal we have a wonderful time of praise and worship with testimonies of thanksgiving for ways we have been blessed this year.
It is often a tearful and emotional time,but a wonderful time to see how God has worked in many lives this past year.
Please join in the fun and share with me how God has blessed you this past year.It will be fun to read all the ways God has been at work.
I will start it off for you.

I was so blessed this past year with friends from church who strongly prayed and supported me as I went through tough times at my old job.I returned to my true passion at the nursing home and could not be happier.I have found out how sometimes more money is not as important as happiness is.I also have learned that sometimes you need to step back and see things are not so bad.People who can annoy you maybe are not so bad if you really look for the good in them.
Now please join in and add what you are thankful for.Invite a friend to do the same.Do your own I am thankful for......
Lets spread the happiness.
Blessings,
Mr.Brian

Big winner

This is the amount of money I won today at the local grocery store.
They give you a ticket each time you visit and have a drawing on Saturday.Each week the money does not go out they add an extra 100 to the jackpot.
Today I had the winning number,and won the $700.00.
I was shaking so bad I had to ask someone else to confirm the number was right.
Whoopa I am sooooo excited!!!!!!

Out of the mouth of seniors

I will never get tired of what the pleasently confussed come up with.
Recently as we were eating lunch,one of the funniest things was again said by one of the residents.
She looked at one of our staff members who has gray hair and said...
You need to color your hair.
It just makes me laugh how they say what is on their mind.
Little kids and old people.
I look forward to the day I can say what i honestly think.
Look out!!!!!!!

Almost over the hill.

Tomorrow the 12Th makes yet another candle in the cake for Mr.Brian.It will be the last year in the 40's.Yep I turn the big 49.Oh how time flies,seems like just yesterday I hit the big 40.
Age has never bothered me yet.I figure it beats the alternative.As long as I have my health,can go to work and have at least most of my mind (I struggle some days) I am good.
No big plans,since I do not do well after 9 pm anyway.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Update on sister.....
She is home.Dr's still have not ruled out a slight stroke,but all is well.Again thanks for all the kind words and encouragement.It warmed my heart.

Many thanks.

I can not say enough thanks for all the kind words and prayers offered for my sister and our family.
I talked to my mom after work today and the news is very good.
The Dr.s have not ruled out a stroke but also say it could have been caused by a migraine.They stated there is no permanent damage and she may be released by Thursday.They have several more test scheduled and if all is good she may go home.
It was a big scare for all of us and we are so grateful that all should be good.
Thanks so much for the prayers and kind words,it meant so much to me.
This has motivated me to get serious about a weight loss and getting my own health and weight under control.Motivate???? just so I do it too!!!
Have a great day!!!! And again thanks.

Hard to understand.

I think by now all of you know I work in a nursing home.It is a job I enjoy and feel I have been blessed to do.It has many rewards,but also some hard things as well.
One of the hardest things I face with my job is death.
Now I consider myself to be strong in my faith and know God has a wonderful plan for all of us.However I often do not understand why an elderly person who is very sick,weak and dying needs to suffer so long.It tears my heart to be helping a resident who is so weak and frail and wanting to be called home to heaven and they just keep going on.Deep in my heart I know that in (HIS) time they will be called home.I just ache seeing them suffer and loose so much dignity before they can pass away.Seeing a frail body just hanging on seems so hard.
I have often prayed a pray at night that the Lord calls them home soon.Is this wrong??? I do not know.
Today we had a resident take a quick change in condition for the worse.Family was called, and they always want to know how long?????It could be hours,days.....we do not know.
Yes I am at a job I love,but also a job that brings much sadness and questions.
I will cry with the family as their loved one takes their last breaths, I will be their rock if needed,I will give great hugs.I will just give a warm smile or a friendly word of support.
But I will never understand why one who is so ready to go to their Heavenly home has to suffer so long.
I know none of you will have the right answer to this nor do I expect you to. I think I just needed to write about my feelings and express my feelings I have at times.
Is it wrong to pray that they are called home????I do not have the answers .
Thanks for letting me share from my heart.
As I go to bed tonight I will pray that God is mercifully and soon calls these people who are suffering home.
with a heavy heart.
Mr.Brian
I bet you folks enjoy my funny stories more then the deep thoughts.

As an added note please pray for my sister Sheila.I got a call from my parents that she had a stroke today.She is 50 years old.At this time we do not know how severe it is but please pray for a full recovery.My mom stated she was hving problems with her speach and numbness on lips and tounge.Not sure about left otr right side.
Also pray they mom and dad are at peace when they are worried about their child.As mom stated this is to happen to the parent not the child.
Thanks
Brian

****** An update on my sister.My mom just called again and said the Dr. said it was a mini stroke and thigs look good.He stated thanks to her coming into ER when she did it prevented a full blown stroke.(good thing her husband was persistant in her getting checked out.0
Thanks for all the kind words and prayers.
Brian

To a wonderful person

Happy 40th birthday to a dear blogger friend.
Happy 40th Kimberley.

I thought you said

As I was helping one of our more confussed residents today she gave me a huge laugh.I was taking her to the bathroom to toilet her and wash her and dress her.I was getting ready to have her sit down on the toilet,so I had taken her panties down and was getting her nightie pullend up.I had her lined up with the toilet and said okay now sit Mable.Without missing a beat she spit on the floor.Fighting back a huge laughter I bit my lower lip and said no Mable I said sit.She replied OH I thought you said spit.
Sure am lucky she did not think I said the sh first followed by the it.
For you slow ones out there put the sh and the it together.Ohhh now you gewt it right????
Anyway just one more adventure in the saga of All in a days work.
And you think you have a fun job!!!!!

More laughs

"WOMEN'S REVENGE
'Cash, check or charge?' I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet , I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
'So, do you always carry your TV remote?' I asked.
'No,' she replied, 'but my husband refused to come shopping with me,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."

Just for laughs

A man said to his wife one day, 'I don't know how you can be
so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time.
'The wife responded, 'Allow me to explain
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you !"

Whoopa

Loving it!!!!
Fall is in the air.Warm,but not hot days.Cool evenings.Leaves changing.High School football on Friday evenings.Leaves falling.No need to run the A.C..Bon Fires.
Take time to look around at the wonderful colors on the trees.See the fields (for those of us with country side close.)The beans are turning,as is the corn fields.
If you winter haters try not to think of what is to follow ,fall is a great time of year.
Take the time to enjoy the colors!!!!!
Take time to enjoy the day!!!!
Take time to play ball with the kids!!!!
Take time!!!!!!
Take time before it is to late!!
Life is short my friend tomorrow we may not have the chance.
Forgive those who wronged you.
Smell the coffee.
Play in the leaves!!!
Let the dirty dishes sit in the sink,go play tag with the kids.
Take a day away from blogging and enjoy the day!!!!(gasp,oh myy can we (I) do that)???
So what am I saying????
Enjoy life!!! We have no idea what tomorrow brings so live today to the fullest and enjoy it.
May you be as happy tomorrow as I am today!!!!
May you be as blessed with friends as I have been.
May God bless you as I have been blessed.
May you be as loved as I am loved.(just not sure who she is)????LOLOLOL
Wishing you happiness to flow over and spread to others>> Make it happen.
Smile and watch others smile with you!!!!
Now go out and make the day special for others!!!!!!!!

The hurting.

Over the past several weeks my heart has been going out to many families who are hurting.Without going into any details our church has seen a rapid growth as many families have been greatly hurt by an other church that was their church home.
It brings such a vivid memory of what brought me to the church I presently attend.
As I was sitting in worship today seated next to one of these families a flood of emotions flowed through my mind.
It is my hope and prayer that we will be able to reach out to these families and help heal their hurts.They may be with us for a long time or maybe just until some issues are settled.What ever it is it is my hope and desire that we be there with open arms to lift these people up.I pray that God uses me in a special way to step out of my comfort zone and talk to these people,and to make them feel welcomed.I only hope I can make them feel as welcomed and loved as I was when I was hurting and started attending .I pray that God gives me the right words and to refrain from sticking my foot in my mouth.( I've been known to do that).
It is almost like loosing a loved one when you leave family and friends from your church.Let us be their new family.
I encourage you if you see a new visitor in your church to welcome them and shower them with Gods love.They may just be in need of a warm smile, or just a friendly hello.
Gee there you had your second sermon of the week.
Hugs
Mr.Brian

prayers are needed

Sadness struck our town this week.A 7 year old boy died very suddenly this week.He was at school and had asked to get a drink of water because he was not feeling well.As the teacher was taking him for a drink of water he fell into her arms.He was taken to the office where the ambulance was called.He was rushed to the local hospital where he died a short time later.(An autopsy is being done).
I do not know the family at all,but I ask you to pray for them.He comes from a single parent home and has two older siblings.
His mothers name is Maria.
I just ask for prayer for her and her family as well as the staff and students at the school.
I talked to my neighbor who is a teacher at the school and she said it has been a very hard time for everyone.
So please say a prayer for all of these people.
it is my hope and desire that as a small town we reach out to this Hispanic family and shower them with love and support.
Mr.Brian

The chicken across the street.

I know I use the following expression often but it seems to fit so many residents so well.

One of our more pleasantly confused residents sits by her window looking outside most of the day.When we enter her room she is always talking about the chickens across the street by the barn.Now mind you, our nursing home is smack dab in the middle of town just on the edge of the business district. When she first said this I figured she was just seeing some lawn ornament that was a chicken so I looked to see it.No nothing, no ornament,no chickens nothing at all.
Now this has been going on for several weeks and again today she pointed and said look at the chickens.And like a crazy darn fool I looked out the window to see if there were any.And again NOTHING,NOT A ONE NO CHICKENS!!!!! So i decided to ask some more questions,I had some free time and I wanted to know more.
I asked her ,so how many chickens dare there?She told me around twenty of them.I then asked what were they going to do with them,to which she responded,well butcher them!!Like I was to know????LOLOLOLOL
As some of the staff was eating today we were talking about this and one of the house keepers admitted she too keeps looking for those chickens too.
I should know better.This comes from the same women who one day showed me a picture of a cockier spaniel and said that was her new grand child and she what a cute thing she is.
Yeah I know some people (myself included) think of their pets as children.However I kinda wonder about this one.
Oh the fun of work. Seldom a day goes by without at least one good laugh.

NEED I SAY MORE????

Dignaty

Before you read this post,I want you to do me a favor.Sit back close your eyes and think of some person (still living) you knew in your community that was well respected,classy,or maybe an important figure in your or others life's. I am talking maybe 10-15 or more years ago.Do you have that person in mind????

Now I want you to picture them as you see them today.Maybe 15 years older, more dependent on others for help.


Having grown up in a small town I know many people.I have been involved in community and church programs so I've met many people.That can be a great thing and I am thankful to know these people some whom i still enjoy talking to.
The down side to this is also seeing them get older and coming to live in the Nursing Home where I work.Seeing behaviors or hearing them say things that you know they never would have said.Cursing at you, Standing in the doorway of their rooms half dressed and not caring.Hearing them yell at their spouse and say nasty things to us staff.Having to be fed,changed, bathed.... I can go on and on.
If I have learned anything thing it is to try my darnedest to still let these people have dignity.To other staff who never knew Mabel who always was made up with the nicest dress,hair always done and a warm smile and a kind word to everyone, who now does not want to dress, fights with everyone,curses you when you offer to help her my heart breaks.For I know if Mabel knew how she was behaving she would want to run and hide.When good old Barney from down the street is sitting in a wheel chair yelling things, I try to remind myself he would NEVER have done that before.
As I was helping one very kind 93 year old man get dressed today he summed it up great. I have often thought this but hearing him say it hit me hard.
Now these were his words so excuse the language.
He said," We come into the world as babies, and we wet and shit our self and wear a diaper.Then you work hard for years and take care of yourself and for what,you get old and you piss and shit in your pants because you just can't control it any more or it just comes out.And you have to have someone take care of you again.
They call these the GOLDEN YEARS,bull shit it is not.You just wish you could die.Who ever wants to end up like this."
How to you respond to this tough old farm boy???
I just said,yes ________, you come into this world like a baby and often you leave like one too.It just does not seem right.
I felt like he knew I UNDERSTOOD his frustrations,and I felt that maybe I made just a small difference by showing him I cared and understood.
So I often remind myself that Mable and Old barney would never have done that before and to understand their behaviors.

I gues what I am trying to say is just because a person shows change in personality and looks, they are really the same sweet person I once knew.It is not always to remember that as you are getting yelled at,pinched,slapped or what ever.

I do ask that you pray for more workers.Our staffing is a major problem (just like any other nursing home) and we are always in need of CNA's.It scares me to think of the future of our elderly and the shortness of workers in the Sr.care.

Reflections

I feel my parents deserve a huge award!!!!!


Let me start by saying this was not the picture I wanted.Ever have it when you have an idea in your head and you just cannot find what you want????? That was me preparing for this post.

Over the past few weeks I think my age must be starting to show or I am becoming even more of a softy then I ever was.As I look back over my life I think of how lucky I was as a child.True,there were many heart aches growing up in a home with a father who is (now was) an alcoholic.(Still remaining sober PTL)!!!!However I still had a good life.There was always food on the table.I always had clean and good clothes to wear.I lived in a nice home with running water,TV,I had a bed to sleep in...... You get the picture.
I was never a very good student in school.I HATED school. And made it very hard on my mom by crying before school almost through the 5Th grade.After that the crying stopped,but I still hated going.
I seldom gave my parents a hard time and was usually respectful.
I think of the heart aches I caused my parents throughout the grown up years as well.
A broken engagement, a failed marriage,major emotional problems.But through all of this they never stopped loving me!!!!!What a great thing.

I think of you who are reading this now who have children of all ages at home or grown up.I know you too will love your kids no matter what they do in life.What ever they do as a career, choose for a spouse, or go to continue their education.You will always be there to pick them up when and if they fall.

It is sad that we so often fail to tell our parents how much they mean to us.How much we love them or how thankful we are for all they have done for us over the years.Sure we give them a hug and a kiss and say "LOVE YA",but maybe we need to tell them why before it is to late.(I know for some of you who have lost parents it is to late).
Why is it so hard for us to tell a person what they mean to us, a friend, a family member, a teacher from school.We can put it in writing as I am now doing,but to say the words face to face seem so very very hard.WHY???????
Is it because we are to proud to share our feelings???? Are we afraid to express ourselves?????

In my job now I see how important it is to be able to tell mom and dad how we love them.It breaks your heart when you see a child visit their parent and the parent does not know who they are or if they are there.I've taken care of parents of classmates and think this could be my parent. Yet I still am guilty of not speaking up and sharing my true love I have for ole mom and dad.Why????? Maybe it is because sharing your feelings shows weakness,(or is considered uncool for a man to do.

I have no idea if any of this makes sense to you or how it sounds as you read it but I was just speaking from the heart.

As I read stories of things in your life with your children,I can only hope and pray that some day they too will feel as blessed as I was to have wonderful parents.


I cannot encourage you enough to continue to have those special times to make those special memories in their minds and in their hearts.
May you be a blessing to them and forever hold a special place in their hearts.

And may you feel God's presence surrounding you as you do your parenting thing.

Tough Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument ...

Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument ...: "Tough Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument

Most of the American populace thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control kids when they have one of 'those moments.'

One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.

Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc.

Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot too.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my nephew, in case you would like to use the technique.

Tough
Sincerely,
Your Friend
Ran across this and made me laugh.
I am sorry but I come from the old school where I feel a good spanking does much better then a time out.Maybe if I had real kids instead of dogs I would feel different.So am I right or wrong mom?
I hope I did not offend any of you with this.I would (NEVER) do this to any child.






This works with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well."

TWO LITTLE BOY'S

TWO LITTLE BOY'S - : "After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys,
a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle through her
kitchen window.

The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his
head and shoved his face into the water hole.

As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother runs to the
yard in a panic.

' Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!' she asks as she shook
the older boy in anger.


'We were just playing 'church' mommy, ' he said.
'And I was just baptizing him.....in the name of the Father, the Son and in...the
hole-he-goes..'"

I know I had e-mailed this to some of you,but it was just to darn cute to pass up and not share it with so many more.
It makes me laugh at how misunderstanding words can really cause problems.Just as when we mess up our lives it can cause problems,and upset others.
Wishing you all a wonderful week.

Just to make you smile

Ran across this and thought it was worth sharing.I figure it will give you the smile you need to brighten your day.
Reason enough NOT to wear a thong.
Have a great day.
Mr.Brian

Uninvited house guest

Monday evening as I was playing on the computer I saw what I thought was a shadow on my wall jumping getting up from my chair I looked up and saw a bat flying around in the room.Being the chicken shit I am I quickly ran from the room and closed the door behind me.I called my neighbor and asked what was the best way to get a bat out of the house.Within a few minutes he along with his two sons were on a mission.They searched high and low but were unable to rescue the darn thing.I decided to close the door and try going to bed.As I lay in bed reading I soon saw my flying friend again. I flew got out of bed and again called for backup help.Again my neighbor came over minus the two boys and we began our shooing exercises.It was heading for the opened front door but decided it wanted to tour more of my home so it flew into the dining room.Getting closer to capturing the little ugly thing he was in the window.I was looking from the outside in telling my neighbor more to the left, more,no now to the middle.He was so close to getting it caught in the towel I so graciously supplied, but then decided he wanted to tour more of the home.So becoming more annoyed by the minute I not so graciously allowed him to go view my not so large bathroom.Taking cover in the shower curtain my hero neighbor again had this annoying but fast house guest almost ready to be escorted from the residents of a rather upset Host,who was NOT planning on guests in the first place.Not wanting to be thrown out,the miserable ,annoying,ugly, (did I mention annoying)guest decided my laundry room was the next place to visit.Being there was an open door leading to the outside we were elated.As soon as Mr annoying flew into that room we quickly closed the door behind him.
We can only assume he flew out the open door.Or he is waiting for nighttime again to start flying around the house. I was busy cleaning and doing wash today and if he was in there he did not make his presence known to me.
I am just hoping none of his relation feel the need to visit as well.
Nothing personal,but I prefer people guests instead of a bat.
So the waiting begins!!!!!!!!

Grrrr

Ever had a time in your life when you feel like a big ole grizzly bear?You just want to lash out at anyone who who crosses your path?Well that would be me these past few weeks. And I get so dang mad at myself for feeling this way.
I look around at the many blessing around me,and do not have to look far either.I read post of you out there who are frustrated with the slow process of adoption.The challenges of ropes to jump through.And I think what do I have to be unhappy about.
I have a job I enjoy, great friends, a nice home.So why the pity party.
I just pray that God continues to bless me and I think of one of my favorite songs
You are my all in all.

You are my strenght when I am weak.
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

TAKING MY SIN,MY CROSS ,MY SHAME
RISING AGAIN I BLESS YOUR NAME
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
(now the words that almost always leave me in tears)
WHEN I AM DOWN YOU FILL ME UP,
WHEN I AM DRY YOU FILL MY CUP
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
Think of it, when I am down you pick me up,what a great and wonderful gift that is.
I so often feel I am so undeserving of his love.However he is with me always.He will fill my cup.Fill me with his love.He forgives me when I turn my back on him.He loves me unconditionally.Do I deserve this????? No,but what a great gift it is.
May he pick you up when you are down,like he does me.
May your weekend be as wonderful as you are.
My you feel the love of God surround you like it surrounds me.
Blessings..........
Mr.Brian

Hope.

So I am thinking ahead some,but if it helps!!!!
At 4:30 p.m. on this Sunday afternoon it is 97 degrees with a heat index of 117 degrees.
I know I should not complain as I got an email earlier in the week. We need to be thinking of our troops in Iraq where temps were to be in the 120's.And with all their gear they wear I guess I best not complain as I have my a.c. on and a fan blowing on me.
We never need to look far to know there are others who are in a worse predicament then we are.
Wishing you a fresh new week of joy and happiness.

Dedicate to Becky

With heat indexes in the upper 90' and predictions of temps in the upper 90's by the weekend and heat indexes higher I spend much time inside.So along with Miss Becky you will fund us near this.
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Ohhh wait I better reword that.Becky will be at her place and me at mine.Do not to get any rummors going and make Steffie mad at me.
Sending cool thoughts your way.
Mr.Brian

Breathing easier now.

Any one who has ever worked in health care will sympathize with this post.
The annual state nursing surveyors just left today after being here since Monday.They come once a year,(unless called for a complaint)and are normally here anywhere from 3-5 days.Usually it is 5 so we were lucky they left in 4 days,actually they left around noon today.
They come in unannounced,and put the fear of Barbra Walters in you.They are there to find errors in cares,charting,documentations you name it they look for it.Some times it can be as simple as touching a door and not washing your hands before you go on to the next resident.They will pay extra attention to several resident and want to see all the cares we do from bathing to putting them on the toilet,to the nurse passing their medication to making sure the food is at a specific temperature.
The first few years I was scared stiff when they came around, now I just chat with them, and find out about them and schmooze em as much as I can.
Lucky for us the three that came this time were all very nice and friendly,and not intimidating at all.
I chatted with one about her dogs and joking she started her job when she was 10 years old since she had been doing it for 12 plus years.(Hey I told you I was schmoozing them).
Over all we did a great job,they were impressed with the good friendly staff, and commented on how well the residents spoke of us.
Out boss left for vacation after they left with a huge smile on her face and a even bigger weight lifted of her shoulders.
So until around this time next year we can breath a little easier now.
One funny resident storey....
One lady who is often sleepy and does not talk much rang her call light the other day.When the aid went in to see what she wanted the resident told her she was going on a train ride.a little while later she rang again, this time I went into the room only to be told she was going in the buggy and would not be back until tomorrow,without missing a beat she looked at me and said..... SEE YA LATER!!!!
How many of you can say your jobs bring you so much enjoyment.

ON a sadder note one of the residents passed away Tuesday.Talking with the family and hearing their praises for what all the staff did for her made me so proud.Talking with her children and being at the visitation last night to pay my respects left me feeling so good.Knowing I made a persons finally days on this earth respectful and peaceful makes me so proud.I know God lead me back for a reason and I am so grateful.Having this ladies son hug me tightly and with tears in his eyes thank me and tell me if he were around when my parents died he would be there for me too gave me chills.For my goal in this job is to treat these residents the way I would want my parents treated if they were in a home.
May each of you find a blessing in your works at your job or at home.May you be as richly blessed as I have been.Wishing you joy and happiness and courage to face each challenge God places on your door step.
I think of all of you people waiting for the green light to advance in the adoption process,or those of you who have recently gotten a child and face the struggles that come with the adjusting time.
God will and has placed these children in homes where he knows how greatly they will be loved.May you feel his ever presence each and every day.
Sending my love,
Mr.Brian

The horse and the old man

What am I talking about you may ask? Allow me to tell you.
I was sitting eating my lunch today when our administrator was chatting with us.She was saying sure was funny what happened yesterday.Not knowing what she was talking about I asked her to explain.
Seems one of our elderly male residents was walking the halls and was letting the horse get some fresh air!!!Yep, a nurse was walking down the hall and met this man and thought she saw something hanging out,thinking she was seeing things she looked again.Sure enough after going to the bathroom he forgot to put the horse away and close the barn door.
Guess it was a good thing I missed it,I think I would gave been laughing to hard to help him get it put away.
Pretty sad when this is the best I can come up with to blog about.Sorry folks!!!!

Six word memoir

K1 tagged me some time ago to do a six word memoir to tell about me.Not wanting to make a cop mad I decided to play along.(Better late then never)

So here it goes.
1.Always wanting to make others happy.
2.Love playing practical jokes on others.(fun not hurtful)
3.Waiting to have my weekend off.
4.Hoping K1 is happy I obliged.
5.Head hurting from thinking these up.

And there you have it!!!!
Hope you have a great day.
And remember always smile..... it makes people wonder wheat you are up to!!!!
(TRUST ME IT WORKS)!!!!!!!!!!!

Back in time

I had said some time ago I was going to post about this and after reading an other blog I felt I needed to.

I want to tell you about a true friendship.But in order to do this I need to go back many years.So lets set our time capsule back to about 1989-1990.(Hey i said it was a long time ago).
I had some close friends Hobie&Kathy whom I had gotten to know very well.We shared many good times and bad.
I was finding myself to be very withdrawn and unhappy.I felt that life had no purpose and I had no reason to live.And if I were gone who would care!!!!I was to the point that I honestly wanted to kill myself.I felt such pain and figured no one would care any way.Was I ever wrong.
Out of total desperation I picked up the phone and called Hobie and said PLEASE PLEASE come right over I need to talk.He came right over and we began to talk.However being a typical male he was very uncomfortable talking about this and called his wife over right away.After several hours of talking I had sworn I would not harm myself and they were going to help me get some much needed help.The following day they had made arrangements with a Doctor friend of theirs to see me on a Saturday afternoon.They came to pick me up and take me to the doctor.Sat in the office with me for a short time to help go over some stuff and then stepped out.The Doc and I talked for some time and he got me started on some medication.With a sworn promise again that if I got to feeling to bad I would call,he allowed me to leave.(He wanted to have me admitted to a unit for help).That part comes later.
They took me back home checked in on me several times and I slowly was able to function and got some therapy and was doing OK.Fast forward 2 years.Again when I had a relapse my ex wife and the friends were there to help.(Actually the friends more then the ex)She was mad at me for this and wanted me to snap out of it!!!Hello if I could I would.
These friends have since moved away,but I know in my heart that God brought them just at the right time to help me.
I remember asking Hobie once why he kept sticking bye my side even when I could be so mean and hurtful to them.His reply,because I know there is a great guy who is inside there wanting to get out!!!!That is a true friend.
Are you that kind of a friend???If you were busy with your family and a friend called and said I need you right away what would you do???
I think God kept me on this earth to be an encourager to others who deal with this as well.To let them know there is hope,there is light at the end of that dark tunnel.
My hope is that you too can be that light,you can be that glimmer of hope if you are called upon to do so.
If any of you have ever helped a friend like mine helped me God bless you.You may have saved them from making some very bad choices.
The sad part is after they moved away we slowly lost touch,but I know I will always have a place in my heart for them.

Sunday Thoughts

May the spiritual gifts God has given you be a blessing to others.
Do not be afraid to use them.
I see the work of his hands through so many of you.
May God bless you the way I have been blessed.
Have a wonderful week.

My laugh for the day

I had a great laugh at work today, thought I should share it. Please ladies (Steffie) do not get jealous!!!!!
I went into a room to answer a call light today.Upon entering the room I asked the female resident what do you need? She has been very confused and not making to much sense lately, so I had no idea what she would want.As soon as I asked her what she wanted she replied..... I want a kiss!!!!I said what???? She repeated I want a kiss.
So I decided I would go along with it, after all I often give them a hug or a peck on the cheek.So I started to lean over to give her a peck on the cheek.....but she went for my lips!!!!!I then said do you need anything else? She said NO!!!! so I left the room in stitches. One just never knows what will happen.
That is why I named my blog ..All in a Day's work!!!!
Did I ever mention how much I enjoy my job.How many of you can say you get paid to be kissed by someone???
Hope all of you have a safe and Happy 4Th.I'll be working but have the weekend off.
Hugs!!!!

YouTube - Orange City Fire, Iowa

YouTube - Orange City Fire, Iowa

Sunday happenings in town

A big loss to our down town Sunday evening when a Historic landmark building was destroyed by fire.
I was sitting outside reading last night when I looked to the west and thought I was seeing a big wind gust blowing dust around.Being about 1 1/2 blocks from there I soon saw it was smoke not dust. About that time I also heard the fire department being paged out as well.Being the curious person I am I walked uptown to see smoke pouring from the building.
These pictures were taken early into the blaze and do not show how heavy the smoke became.Soon flames were shooting out of the second floor windows.
I have no idea how many departments ended up helping with the blaze but I know it was nonstop sirens coming into town.
The building was home to a Curves for Women and a wonderful Hallmark store.A clothing store suffered heavy smoke damage but the structure was saved. Also a near buy grocery store was continually watered down to keep from catching fire.
This historic building once was home to a hospital,Hotel and apartments.
Happy to report I have heard of no serious injuries.
It is sad to know a huge space will now be left on our main street in our small town.