Sunday Seven
A list of seven things I am thanking God for this week. 1. Son Derek had a party at our house last night. I came downstairs this morning to find that my house was just as I had left it!!! Those little rascals CLEANED UP after themselves! I'm positive Sarah (the girlfriend) was responsible for this ... I LOVE that little girl!
2. I finally got Mom (MIL) in to see a doctor this week. It was not as productive as I'd hoped because her old doc had failed to get her files to the new office in time -- but we both liked the new doctor and SHE (the doc) is going to set me up with the home health care/adult day care people -- and that way insurance will pay for it. I don't know when it will be happening -- but I do know HELP is on the way!!!
3. Hubby took us all out to dinner last night! We were going to try the new Green Turtle that just opened a week or so ago -- but the wait was about an hour long. (too long for Mom!) So we went down the street to a place called Mom's In The Kitchen - we really like it and the food is excellent! It was fun.
4. Mom and I spent the afternoon with Luz & Amanda on Friday... had lunch and then went to the mall, where I bought Luz a good rubber bouncy ball - the kind used for 4 Square. She proceeded to bounce it through the mall, and we stopped in center court (the middle of our mall, where the fountains and such are.) There is a HUGE open space with about 40 foot ceilings - and you're down several steps all around so it was a GREAT place to play ball! Luz and I played, bouncing it back and forth to each other -- she was VERY impressed with Nana's SUPER Bouncer abilities! It was so much fun! I LOVE it when fun "just happens" like that! We never could have PLANNED for that... it just happened!
5. Daughter Krysti completed orientation at the BOE this week and as soon as all her paperwork and background investigation are complete she will be ... you'll never guess ... a new SUBSTITUTE teacher in the county! LOL! This is just for this semester until she returns to college in the Fall... but I have to laugh! After the stories I've told through the years, I never figured one of my kids would follow THAT path! hehehe... but then again... they also SAW me enjoy it! She's pretty sure she'll do it BETTER than I EVER did anyway!
Of course she is! She's 18!!!
6. Mom and I were back at Paint & Pottery yesterday. Krysti has me on this new adventure of painting all new dinner wear ... one piece at a time. I was determined NOT to make Mom paint this time... but her things from last time were ready to be picked up - and when she saw them, she decided she DID want to paint something else. This time she did a little salad plate -- all blue with 3 tulips on it! Okay... I helped by drawing the tulips for her -- very simple ones! But she did all the painting! She enjoyed it this time! *Quilly - you're sO smart!*
7. I've discovered that Mom really really REALLY likes BOWLING! She used to bowl on a league with husband years and years ago! (Back when Dennis was just a kid!) She was a little discouraged that she doesn't do "as well" as she did back then -- cuz yea - she REMEMBERS bowling! She even remembers lane courtesy and everything!!! -- but she still enjoys it! I am sO going to have her doing this on a regular basis! I'm not sure she could handle the speed of a league again -- but I definitely want to find her some playmates!!! LOL! I'm workin' on that!
posted by Melli at
7:23 AM
12 comment(s):
I'm thinking a bowling league for Alzheimer's patients would be interesting. Who knows where tha balls might end up? The staff would have to wear protection and padding.
Seriously, Melli, you are too cool. Do you know how many people would just keep your MIL at home (or in a home) where she -- and they -- don't have to expend too much effort? You are keeping her stimulated and involved, maintaining a quality of life for her, rather than just existence.
By
Anonymous, at
2/10/2008 8:41 AM
You sure do have a lot of blessings!!
xo
LBC
By
Ladybug Crossing, at
2/10/2008 8:55 AM
Sounds like you had a much better week than I first thought. So glad you had some "spontaneous fun moments with Luz" Why am I surprised it would be doing something bouncy...my bouncing off the the ceiling friend.
Bowling sounds like an excellent sport for MIL...especially since she still remembers it. Who knew she would really like pottery.
Sounds like both of you are having some big adventures. Miss you but gotcha all prayed up especially come this Friday.
By
Lazy Daisy, at
2/10/2008 9:33 AM
You had a nice week better then mine anyway, with my caughing like an old raven ! what a surprise that Krystie follows your steps, I am sure she will be good ! (already to show you, lol !) Today it's unusually warm we have 60 F ! and this in February ! the sun is shining and I could even put my nose outside.
By
Ingrid, at
2/10/2008 10:25 AM
I am amazed that you MIL remembers bowling. i bet she had a good time when she used to bowl and that has just stuck with her. Who knows.
Glad that you had a good week..fun is always the way to spend it if you can.
I have heard of a place called Respite that helps a caregiver take time off while the patient goes with them for say a morning. i am hoping that is what you are talking about. You do need to get time for yourself.
My dad is doing great. i still do not think that he has alzheimers. He is just doing too well.
Sandy
By
Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess, at
2/10/2008 1:58 PM
What a fantastic list, Melli! I must say that I am SO HAPPY to hear that help is on the way. I think this will be so good for all of you.
And I love it that she liked painting this time. It does look so different after it's in the kiln, doesn't it?
You are one great person for making fun wherever you are. Luz is a blessed little girl!
Love ya!
:-) Susan
By
Susan, at
2/10/2008 5:32 PM
Oh yes, for sure get her involved in bowling. Obviously, she enjoyed it and it'll be good exercise for her! :D
By
Leslie:, at
2/10/2008 8:19 PM
Quilly -- Don't give me TOO much credit! I'm keeping MYSELF stimulated and involved too! I can NOT just sit around at home with her!!! She's much happier when we are out pottin' around!
LadyBug -- Thanks LB! Indeed I DO! God amazes me daily with his AWESOME goodness!
Lazy Daisy -- Luz has a tendancy to bring out the "bouncy" in me! I call her my Mexican Jumping Bean! Thanks for the prayers, Babe!
Gattina -- I would give my eye teeth to be in Belgium with you today! (had to say that one more time while I still have eye teeth TO give!) We had upper 30's and HIGH winds today! Tonight we are in the teens! Brrrrrr!
Floozie -- I was AMAZED Mom remembered bowling too! But she rattled off her old average and never ONCE tried to bowl while someone else was up on the lane next door! She did GREAT!
Susan -- Yes - I will be very happy when I can get out a bit by myself -- but then I wonder ... what will THEY do with Mom? She HAS to get out and DO something every day! If we stay home for a whole day she is BUGGY by night time! And apparently Church doesn't count - cuz I took her with me this morning and then Dennis kept her all afternoon while I went out ALONE! Tonight she was a mess! She really NEEDS our field trips! As for the pottery stuff -- I think if I go in with an idea of something "simple" she can do - but that really is SOMEthing - then she likes it. That FIRST plate we were just trying to tell her to "be creative" ... that doesn't work! She can barely think - creating is waaaaaaaay beyond her! So, I'll come up with some simple designs - and she can make all my salad plates while I make dinner plates! LOL!
Leslie -- Hi! Thanks for stopping by! She DOES enjoy exercise! Our IDEAs about what constitutes exercise differ a bit - but she enjoys the outdoors - and doing things! So that's all good!
By
Melli, at
2/10/2008 9:01 PM
What a good week! Blessing on you with your MIL. I know it is not easy. Mine lived with us for 18 years; while our time together was not always smooth, love always overcame the problems.
By
Joan, at
2/11/2008 1:25 AM
Melli, you are too hard on yourself! You ARE a missionary. Being a missionary has NOTHING to do with location....it's just about being all God created you to be in the place where he puts you.
Now, when you are READY to change that place, I can arrange a little trip to Venezuela for you!!!
I think what you are doing for your mother in law is wonderful. I don't have one of those pottery places near me. But it sounds like fun!
By
Jane, at
2/11/2008 9:05 AM
I'm amazed at your #1 there! My middle son has a girlfriend now, and she's a good influence in many ways. he's done more volunteer helping around the house since she has started coming to visit. :-)
The new dr. sounds great! I think the help will be good for everyone.
It's neat that your mom still likes bowling! I'm glad she found an activity that she remembers to some degree and enjoys.
I have a little award for you today. :-)
By
Anonymous, at
2/11/2008 11:21 AM
Joan - Thanks Joan! 18 years??? You MUST qualify for Saint! Did yours have alzheimers?
Jane - I will start saving my pennies NOW! SOMEday I'm gonna take you UP on that!!! (though I don't know what in the WORLD I'd have to offer...)
Barbara - #1 Amazed ME too! Derek is 18 and the GF just turned 19 -- I'm SURE it was her! HE's impossible! LOL!
By
Melli, at
2/11/2008 10:32 PM
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