This month has literally flown by! Between hospital evaluations, family visits, my birthday, and struggling to keep up with my little family, we've had a ton of fun and lots to be thankful for! First let me back up a few weeks...
My aunt and uncles visited Texas at the end of October. They were only here for a few hours, but we enjoyed all the time we could get with them. Disregard Stella's less than happy face. She had just woken up from a nap. I tell her that her face says things even her mouth doesn't speak. So, I think her face is saying "I'm really tired and cranky, but my mom is obsessed with picture-taking"!
Now, on to my birthday! I took full advantage of having my parents both nearby for my birthday. I made sure to see both of them. My mom chose our dinner selection for the evening - fried fish and shrimp. Delicious! To my surprise, my dad remembered to get me a card with a tiny bit of help from his community. It was an extra special birthday!
And A Celebration of Sacrifice
Our school hosted their very first Veteran's Day celebration. It was an honor and a joy to help out! We have 3 special veterans from our own family. I wish I had thought to get a picture of Uncle Ray and Sally too, but my days just got away from me. I'll be better prepared next year. We were able to invite 2 veteran friends who attended the celebration with us. It was such a sweet time of honoring those who sacrificed so much for us. Our kids need to see these priceless faces!
Anyone recognize Louis?
I only had a recent picture of my dad, but he sure looks handsome!
It's Papa a few years ago - so handsome!
Mr. Ray and Mr. Patrick graciously attended as our guests!
A Busy Weekend of Visitors
We had a busy past week with lots of company. It has been the perfect way to finish up our week at school before Thanksgiving!! We had Dad over to our house, which was the first time I've felt completely comfortable with taking him out of his community. Changing environments is often confusing for him, but he did great at our house and out to eat!
Brothers together again! My dad was literally
speechless that Uncle Louis would drive over 5 hours to visit him!
My Uncle Louis and Aunt Judy spoiled my kids rotten!!
The cocoa and their very own mugs were the hit of the day! We will
be having hot chocolate often...continuing with movie night tonight!
Lots of fun in the sun with these 2!
Julie surprised me with a trip to visit over the weekend to celebrate our birthdays. Strangely enough, while Dad was in the ER for a fall last week, he asked about Julie. How random! It was so fun to tell him that she was on her way to Texas and he asked to visit with her too. So Dad has been overwhelmed with lots of conversation and good brain stimulation!!!
It's all Perspective!
Mom seems to be doing better! Even Joey mentioned yesterday that Hoo Hoo seems happier and more talkative. She's still very very quiet, but the grandkids bring out the best in her! I keep her updated on how Dad is doing and who visits, although she's not yet ready for visitors herself. She has chosen not to have a phone right now and I'm ok with that. I know right where to find her and maybe she just likes the personal visits best. Either way, she's making decisions for herself and seems to be settling in nicely. We sure love having her so close! She came over for dinner after family pictures this past weekend. She likes when Russ cooks for her. I do too!
Dad had a small stroke a little over a week ago. He took a fall in his apartment a few days after he was discharged and went back to the ER for a quick eval. I told him if he keeps showing up at the hospital they're going to put him to work. Thankfully he's still doing good, despite some unsteadiness since that time. He's in good hands at his community and the hospital staff has been wonderful. I've been able to pick him up at discharge and get him settled back in his apartment. That's been a huge peace of mind!
Russ is still my lifesaver as he helps this Trustee with all the financials! He's great at what he does!!! I'm more of the social butterfly making sure everyone gets a little happy for Thanksgiving and passes out candy (shhhh, don't tell the other dietitians)! It's been an overwhelming past couple of months and we're not quite settled yet, but it's been good. So good! It's a gift to have my parents close. And God's already healing and changing the family relationships!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of
one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
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