Monday Memories With My Mom

The Adventures of Caring for a Mom With Alzheimer's Disease
     Well, I'm going to try to play catch up in this one post...so here we go. 
     First, I kind of have to mention that I was sick for a few weeks.  Yes, weeks!  It was not fun at all!  The quick version is I started feeling sick New Year's Eve (and it wasn't from "celebrating" too much).  The first week was terrible.  I was "coughing up a lung".  It was also a holiday and a holiday weekend...and we had new health insurance effective the first of the year, but my husband did not have the ID cards yet so even if I wanted to go to urgent care wasn't sure how that would work... 
     Week two I felt better, but it was not really going away.  Went to the doctor.  They thought I had pneumonia and gave me the antibiotics, etc. pending the radiologist's reading of the x-ray.  Turns out, no pneumonia.  Kind of a bummer because by then I kinda just wanted the antibiotics. 
     Didn't leave the house for a good ten days.  Only started feeling completely better last week.  Worse yet, I can't even count it as "the flu" as the doctor said it was just a bad virus.  I had not seen my mom since Christmas Day and certainly was not going to go over there sick as I was.  In fact, I went to the doctor the day before my mom's birthday in hopes of getting the "all clear" that I was ok, or getting antibiotics.  Well, I didn't get the "all clear" or the antibiotics.
     Not only did I have cabin fever, but I realized I couldn't even see my mom on her birthday.  The thought of her not even knowing for one minute that it was her birthday left me feeling a bit sad.  Also, my brother was working that day with plans to visit the next day.  I know...some would say it's ok because she doesn't realize it (but I do!!).
     In the end, my husband kindly offered to visit my mom on my behalf.  Unfortunately, it was a Friday and he and the kids were not able to get there until about 8 pm.  My mom was just getting settled into bed.  I told them to bring a birthday balloon and a smoothie -- which they did.  I was thankful for technology -- Jacob "Face Timed" me with his phone from my mom's room and I was able to see her and wish her a Happy Birthday.  I felt better!
     They even took a couple pictures for me.  It was cute to see her with the cupcake balloon all comfortable in bed.  To be honest, it also was not the "birthday picture" I was hoping for.  Here is my mom on her birthday two years ago -- we went to Olive Garden which you can read about here.  The "comparison" pictures of the last few Christmases or birthdays bring mixed emotions as the changes are evident.

 

     When I finally got over to see my mom it had been a good 2 1/2 weeks since I had been there.  She had just finished up a lunch she must have loved because her plate was clean!  I was told it was some kind of seafood fettuccine -- so no doubt she probably loved it!!  She had a new friend -- this little bulldog who seems to have different names.  I believe she called him "cutie pie" when I was there.  It appears my mom is getting comfortable without having "Muffin" with her 24/7.  I am taking this as a good sign that she also feels perhaps more "secure" with where and how she is living, but not quite sure.

 

 

     I helped her go through a few cards I found in her room that she had received for her birthday -- her 71st Birthday!!!  After all we have been through, I do not take her birthdays for granted.  That is probably why it bothered me to miss this one. 

 

 

     A few days later, I finally got out for lunch with a girlfriend.  We were not far from my mom's senior community, so I decided to take a chance and do a quick check on her.  It's funny, because although I try not to worry...but I still sometimes do.  Next time I'm worried, I am going to try to remember that this is how I found her on my most recent visit...  Having more fun than many of us!!

Mom...the Party Animal

      I was especially surprised by the little "shot" cup in her hand.  Mexican hat, music, little white cup....  I quickly then realized not everyone had a "shot" -- only my mom who had managed to get a quick "shot" of the flavored coffee cream that was on the table in the dining room.  If it's on the table, she's probably going to take it!!

     I believe it was "National Hat Day" and they were having a good time and even had cake!!!  I watched my mom eat every...single...bite...of a huge piece of cake that I thought for sure was going to end up on her shirt about ten times, yet somehow never did!!! 

     I had the chance to talk to the activities director and found out she had been very sick recently as well.  She also told me that when she talked to the residents on my mom's birthday she always tells them the date and on that day my mom said, "that's my birthday".   So, she did know afterall... 

    

 

    Sadly, I also learned of a couple of residents who have recently passed away.  Never easy to hear news like that.

    So, as I was talking to my mom and scanning the room looking at the other residents...  My eyes fell upon this guy -- and I did a double take...  Does anyone know why I did a double take????

Not..."the Don"

 

     Well, I think this guy has a striking resemblance to "the Don"...my mom's old friend from her assisted living community (take a look for yourself here).  I zoomed in and took a picture to make sure I wasn't seeing things. I realized it was not actually him, but for a quick moment wasn't so sure.

     In other more business type news, I have had two "care conferences" in the last two months.  One in the middle of December and one in the middle of this month.  This is where the nutritionist, social worker, activities director, and nursing staff give an update on my mom.  It is a short 15 minute meeting that I now have learned is automatically schedule "quarterly".  Although I am happy with the overall care my mom has received, there are still many loopholes in "the system" and I just have to continue to do my best to oversee things. 

     The nurses and staff also told me that recently my mom had been leaning down from her wheelchair trying to pick things up off the floor.  They wanted to put her in a little bit bigger wheelchair for comfort and to tilt the seat back a notch to hopefully deter her from getting hurt.  I agreed to it and I actually take her getting into "mischief" as a sign she is doing pretty good.  You may recall, that wheelchair she had was really only meant as a "transport" type wheelchair as a temporary aid to keep my mom from falling.  Now that she relies on it all the time, a more comfortable chair seems like a good idea.

     Thankfully, my mom seems to have been in a good place these last several weeks.  I continue to hear from staff how they love my mom's sense of humor and they usually have some funny stories to share.

     You may recall that when I was in the process of trying to move my mom into this nursing community I ran into a family friend who is the RN for the assisted living part of the community.  I recently got a text that she was taking some time to visit with my mom and she sent this picture.  It warms my heart to see this and I truly appreciate all she has done to help my mom.  She has known my mom for a long time and has shared in some good times with our family.

Tanya Making a Visit

 

     My brother and my niece also visited this past weekend and sent me the picture below. 

As for me, I will be making another visit very soon -- and using lots of the hand sanitizer they provide in her community. 

If you have your health -- you have everything!!!!

 

 

 

Nicole, Mom and Mike

 

 

He's Nice, Not Mean & Now He's 13!!

     As you may or may not know.  I have boy-girl twins, Jacob and Kristin, who turned 13 in June.  We knew we wanted to do something special for the kids becoming teenagers.  You can read about Kristin's birthday celebration here, but now it was Jacob's turn!!! 

     While I was keeping the girls entertained, my husband took Jacob and a couple friends to our place in Lexington, Michigan (on Lake Huron). 

These Boys Are Great!!
Who's Birthday Is It...This Guy's!!!

  The invitations were given out...
 

  

  On the way up north, they stopped at C.J. Barrymore's for some go-kart and arcade fun!!!! 

 

Hunter is gaining on you, Jacob!!!!


The boys hung out in the Lake and on the beach.  They went to the Drive In and saw Fast and Furious 6 and World War Z.  Rumor has it some of the boys fell asleep in the truck!  They also went putt-putt golfing and had lunch at the local A&W, which is still the old style drive in type.  The boys also made their way to the country store and made out with lots of penny candy (which isn't a penny anymore!!).  They had fun being boys!

From what I heard, a good time was had by all.  My husband mentioned he was especially grateful (or not) to me for getting whoopie cushions for the boys -- apparently they provided hours of entertainment.  Some things never get old!!! 

 Sadly, this is pretty much the extent of the pictures -- remember Dad

was in charge of this little celebration!!! 

The Golf Dudes

 One of Jacob's favorite gifts was his remote control helicopter...which I didn't

really realize he would be using indoors!!  He assures me that because of his expert flying skills, I have nothing to worry about -- why does that make me nervous!!!??

The Birthday Pilot

 Jacob also made a point of spending some time with a younger friend who

was out of town for Jacob's birthday.  They had some fast food, did some golfing,

and topped it off with a trip to DQ!! 

 

 

 All is well with this birthday teen!!!!

 

 

Yep, She Was the Queen...Kristin turned 13!!

    Yep, another birthday(s) in our family in June.  June was crazy busy!  It always is, but combined with the struggles we were having with my mom's care, grad parties, Father's Day, end of the school year and then my little big birthday, my head was spinning!! 

     Jacob and Kristin (my twins for those that don't know) had not had "real" kid birthday parties since they were 10.  I had promised them birthday parties when they turned 13 -- they did not forget!!!  Let's face it, 13 is a pretty big deal -- TEENAGERS!! 

     It's tricky trying to plan a kid's party in June...for all the reasons stated above.  Kids are busy these days, vacation plans, camps, family obligations, etc.  One thing Kristin knew for sure...and never backed down on -- she wanted a party "just like Megan's" 13th birthday party.  To be honest, I had just barely recovered from Megan's 13th -- and that was almost three years ago!!  This year, their birthday fell on a Saturday so we decided to take advantage of that.  My husband took the boys (post to follow) and I was in charge of the girly fun!

     In an effort to "make it her own", we chose a different mall and some of the details for Kristin's party, but the concept was the same.  It was a "Mall Madness" shopping, scavenger hunt, sleepover extravaganza!!! 

 

We decorated...  In fact, we even cleaned up quite a bit.  Funny thing about cleaning up -- not one mom or parent even got out of the car or came in my house to drop the girls off!!!  I did know all but one of the parents, but I still thought it was almost funny how quickly everyone was dropped off.  (Perhaps we all needed a break from our "teens"!!?)  I guess it's never a bad idea to have your house extra clean though!!

 

 

But not before the invites were drafted up sent out...

The favors were put together...



Then the real fun began!  We went directly to the mall, and our first order of business -- a scavenger hunt.  The girls went in teams, maps and cell phones in hand, and were off on a scavenger hunt until they completed the two-page worksheet of questions relating to all things in and about the mall and stores.  First one back with correct answers was declared the winner.  However -- in this Mall Madness scavenger hunt everyone's a winner!!!  Each of the girls received gift cards to three of the stores in the mall.  The only requirement -- they had to spend them right then and there -- shopping together! 

 

Thanks to some great sales and their own treasure hunting skills -- everyone was able to put their own nifty goodie bag together, and they had fun doing it!!!

Then off to Johnny Rockets for some burgers and fries, and a little embarrassing "Happy Birthday to You" tribute to Kristin by the waitstaff!!  They caught her off guard, and it was hilarious!! 



 

 

 

Hours later, it was back to our house for some cupcakes and relaxing...

 

THEN, we made a late night stop at Menchie's for some fro-yo and more good times!! 

 

Once the girls came back, it was time to open presents and to settle in for a movie -- Safe Haven.  Sometime after midnight, I was officially worn out and the girls were settled in.  So, I gave them some space...  When I woke up the next morning, I found a bunch of sleepy heads -- even the balloons were worn out!!!  It was after 10 am so I started putting together some breakfast -- yogurt, granola, bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruit and juice.  They still didn't wake up!  Finally, as the noon pickup time loomed closer, I got Kristin to stir and they gradually came and had some breakfast.  I guess the party went until at least 3am or so....  By all accounts, the girls had a great time and were very polite and thankful!  Kristin was over the moon happy with her day and sharing all of her favorite things with her friends!!!!!

That's what it was all about -- starting the teen years off with a happy-birthday-celebration!!!

 

 

 

 

Fifty...Something to Celebrate!!!

     So, here it is...the "I turned 50" post!!!  As I mentioned here early this year, we have several milestones in our family this year.  MY milestone was turning the big 5-0 -- ya know, the half century mark!!  Beware:  It can and, if you're lucky, WILL happen to you!!! 

     My husband, ("Mr. Living" - ha) was uncharacteristically interested in knowing how I wanted to celebrate the big day.  By that I mean, he asked me several times and would not accept my nonchalant vague answers.  Several months before my birthday, I did have visions of at least having some kind of "Girl's Night Out" or even a small party, but as the day got closer the reality of the timing being the end of the school year and all got the best of those ideas.  I told him I really didn't think I'd be able to pull off any kind of big celebration because everyone, including ourselves, were pretty booked up around my big day (June 13th). He persisted and ultimately asked me to make a guest list for a party. 

     I made a list, but he would not give me any details of what he had planned...just the time and date.  At first that seemed so "fun" and spontaneous, but as the party got closer I was nervous -- ya see, I am used to being the planner/in control!!?  Letting go and not knowing was hard!!

     My girlfriend, Lisa, (the power shopping fashionista) insisted on helping me find something to wear.  She LOVES to shop.  I don't mind shopping, but really don't like shopping for myself and don't really like shopping for clothes.  The trying on, the scouring the racks, the hoofing from store to store -- not really my thing!  (However, I do love a good clearance rack!)  A week or so before my big day, she told me she had like eight dresses for me to try...at her house...already purchased.  A personal shopper -- awesome!  I spent a few hours at her house modeling her finds and ultimately came up with this one! 

 

 

 

     Somehow, all of my favorite people managed to make it to the party which happened to be at my favorite restaurant, Diamond Jim Brady's!!!  Yay!!  My friends and family were there when we arrived and I was so excited and grateful!!!!  Although I am a little uncomfortable with all the attention being on me (my friends are laughing right now, but I REALLY am!!), I decided to embrace this occasion and the fact that everyone had taken the time to be there!!  

Me and My Brother, Mike!



With My Besties, Donna and Nancy!

 

Lisa** Stopped By Bearing Gifts a Couple Days Early



Kristin snapped this pic of me and hubby before the party...she's better at "selfies"
(we are not yellow)!



With my girlfriend, Nancy, and her hubby, Bill

Didn't Realize Until After the Party...Was My Husband Trying to
 tell me something with that beer selection!??
My favorite: The Boursin Chicken Caesar Salad!! 



With Donna and her husband Tom, a high school friend

My Cousin Stacey and Aunt Barbara

     Megan also put together a video of messages from friends and family sending birthday wishes to me!!  So, you see, I have a lot of nice memories from my birthday and I appreciate the efforts of everyone who made it to the party to help celebrate! 

The husband did good -- and no, I don't feel old!!!!!!

    


50 Pink Flamingos on Our Lawn
Compliments of My Daughters!!!

 

**Thanks to Lisa for taking most of the pictures at the party!!

***I doubt you will ever see this many pictures of me again -- yuck!

 

And Then They Were 12!!!!!

     As I indicated in my Flashback Friday last week it was Jacob and Kristin's 12th Birthday!!  For the most part, I have done kid parties until the kids were age 10 and then I told them they can have 13th and 16th birthday parties...and then I'm out for the big parties!  When they were younger, I used to throw some pretty good parties.  I love party planning with a theme and coming up with favors, games and foods that fall into that theme.  Someday, I will have to tell you about some of those parties and Megan's 13th birthday party (which I am still recovering from)!!  Unfortunately, they were all before I started this blog.
     With my family being pretty small and most of George's family living out of state, we don't often have much of a family celebration, especially now with the kids being older.  That said, I know for sure Jacob and Kristin's birthday was very low key last year since my mom living with us made it difficult to make any great plans.  With their birthday being on a Friday this year, it was crying for some kind of celebration!  After consulting with them, we concluded that I would take Kristin and two friends for manicures and pedicures and then to the mall to browse around.  She's all about "beauty and fashion" these days don't ya know!!??
     My husband took the day off work and took Jacob and two friends for 9 holes of golf.  Later, we would all meet up for a pizza dinner at Buddy's and FINALLY.....ice cream at Dairy Queen!! 
     The girls got some very nice manicures and pedicures.  I just had them do polish only so as not to risk and creepy infections or anything like that.  At the mall, we shopped for bargains.  We went to Nordstroms, Pink, Aeropostale, 21 Forever and Bath and Body Works.  I got Kristin and her two friends each a shirt from Aeropostale, two necklaces and some barrettes from 21 Forever, and some body spray/perfume from Bath and Body Works along with some lip gloss.  It was fun to let them browse around although we ended up in a bit of time crunch since we had to allow time to meet the boys for dinner. 
     The boys were sooo cute when we got to the restaurant.  They all had hats on with their "shades" on top of their hats and each was a bit "sun kissed".  I wish I had a picture of it, but my camera battery died and getting them to re-pose is not something most boys are into.  I had also asked my husband to take pics on the golf course, but apparently he had his hands full with his "other duties".  LOL!  It was also fun to watch the boys and the girls laughing and "showing off" in front of each other -- remember when you were 12!!??. 
     We were busy from about 1-8 pm and the kids all seemed to have fun.  That night, J and K thanked us over and over for their "best birthday ever"!!!  They deserved a day all about them -- they are great fun-loving kids and I'm lucky to have them in my life!!!

Oh my gosh, you got me Salon Express...!!??  And you got me a football iPod Touch case!!!

Love ya brother -- Love ya back 'sis!!

Now those are some nail colors!!

Is this gonna be clothes???

 Kristin Got The Toms She Wanted...with Bling!

Jacob Got His Fishing Pole and Has Been Practicing His Casting!

Choosing colors -- the hardest part of the manicure!!

(Kristin, Kaleigh and Isabella)

This is a few days later...the pedicure (with flowers!)

The Golf Dudes

Connor, Jacob and Aiden