Changes

The past couple of months have been full of changes. The first week of May, Mom and Dad moved in. The last week of May, Daddy moved into Skilled Nursing.

The first week of June, Daddy passed away and we began adjusting to life without him.

The first week of August, Mom moved to Deerwood.

Here we are...coming up on the last week of August and we are, once again, turning our extra bedroom into something else. Right now, we are preparing for the new school year and are outfitting the room as a homeschool study room/guest room.

Low camera battery, tired Mommy, lack of accessories...

We are still happy with our room and the possibilities it affords :-)

Time Goes On

I can remember this very piece of furniture in my Grandma's basement when I was growing up. It was painted green (a color green that would be very contemporary now). It held old dishes, newspapers, and various junk of the day. Oh, just look at his beautiful piece of furniture in my living room. Now, mind you...The decanter is also vintage era...I have added pictures of our childrens' weddings, and tea cups from my mother's side of the family.

Complete Family Circle!!

To Grandmother's House We Go

Grandma has a new house now. She is all settled in at Deerwood. I took the boys out yesterday to visit her in her new digs. They both agreed Grandma lives in a mansion! We visited with her in the formal living room after a tour of the house. The boys can't wait to go back. The only downside of the day was when Mom asked me if I have heard from Daddy yet. I had to tell her no, of course. She walked us to the door and thanked us for coming. It felt just as normal and natural as visiting her in her own home :-)

Cook?? Please Don't Make Me!!

After dropping Mom off at Deerwood this afternoon, I immediately went into hibernation mode. All I wanted to do was curl up in bed and cry/sleep. O.K. that was not in the plan ~~ but what was in the plan was Chinese Take-Out. We had the best dinner :-)

After dinner we watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Puppy had her evening walk and then everyone was ready for bed. It's a simple life, but it's "Our Life" as Jon and Kate would say.

Moving Day

Today was moving day for Mom. After her hair appointment we headed out to Deerwood, where

she will live from now on. This wasn't a move without problems. We had key problems, stomach

upsets, confusion about pick-up in the morning...you get the picture. Along the way I prayed for

encouragement. When we finally arrived (I'll spare you the very sad details) and walked into

the kitchen~~I realized just how personal our God is. He sent me encouragement in the form of

a very precious friend who "Just Happens" to work at Deerwood.

There she was, making a rice dish to go along with homemade meatloaf and mixed vegetables!

Thank you Jesus for seeing to the very intimate details of our lives.

I just called over to Deerwood. Mom and her roommate are trying as hard as they can to figure out the nightlight/alarm system!

Sweet Dreams Everyone!!

Family Time?

We have a membership at our local fitness center thanks to my friend Kim. For a fee per month we have access to the pool, fitness machines, gyms, classes, etc.

This has been such an asset to our family this summer when the barometer has hit 100 and above. I can't count the number of times we have relished the cool temps of the pool, either outside or indoors. Plus, Al and the boys have enjoyed the racquetball and basketball courts.

Along with any plus comes a deficit. There is a man who frequents the fitness center...mostly the pool area, who makes us uncomfortable. So much so, that tonight, I just had to call the facility to register a complaint. He is present whenever the boys go anywhere by themselves. Since I can't go into the locker room, I have told them they will leave the pool, wrap up and go to the car.

He makes a point of being friendly to the families. He is a regular, paid member of the facility. He has full access to all areas of the facility. He is always accompanied by a female guest.

So, parents...If you can't be with your children at all times, please, find an alternative activity to enjoy together. We have agreed that our children will leave the pool, towel off and go to the car semi-dry. This may involve extra towels or blankets to sit on but--

so what???

Let's keep our children safe!!

Deerwood

On Friday, August 8, 2008 my Mom will move into Deerwood Residentail Care Facility. This is a beautiful home (mansion) set in the country. Deer frequent the grounds. Each room has a door to a private deck. All meals are home-cooked. All laundry is done for the residents. There is a formal visiting living room as well as a family room for residents to watch T.V. , play games, read, etc.

Because it is a care facility, all medications are locked up and administered on schedule. All in all, every need is anticipated. We are praying that Mom will make the transition without too many problems. Please be in prayer this week.