The weekend...

We have not been able to mow...rain.  Yard looks horrible and Im about to go nuts!  Steve changed the filter and the oil, we plan to wash and clean it up. It was acting up the last time we mowed. Our grass is high..I attempted to weed eat but a rock flew up and hit me in the eye. Sucker still hurts. Then the rain started...so Steve and cleaned out garage and attic..we threw away a lot of stuff and enough appliance and miscellaneous boxes you would think we had an appliance store.

Later Steve and I went to Chilis and the grocery store. Sam watched mom...he took this picture of mom tucking our dog, Barney in...

 

This morning mom shared her morning coffee time with her babies....

Today I faced tons of laundry... And I have two more loads to take care of.

 

 Praise The Lord for our washer and dryer! I had to wash mom's precious sweater...so she is wearing a sweatshirt. She is cold natured!  Here she is after a bath.....

And in all her days she's never painted her fingernails red! Here they are red! She loves them and is quite proud of them. I had so much fun painting them.

And then she and I took a nap...took this one before we both nodded off!

We are still sitting and watching TV, I'm enjoying the quiet.

Go Tori!

Tori won a scholarship! Another year debt free for college! Yay Tori!

Go #60

Sam's 1st high school game  tonight!

Prayer

Much is needed. 

Hello 9th Grader!!!

Sam a freshman at Brighton High School

BOXING MATCH....WELL SORTA..

Alzheimer's kicked my tail today to one end of the county and back.  Whew.  Mom kept me super busy.  I am exhausted beyond belief.  I can't even relax yet.

A funny...after giving her a bath - I gave her an outfit to put on - she said she hated it - oh well.  Finally at bed time - PJ time - she said - don't touch those - that's my favorite outfit.  Bahahahaha.

She totally got mad at cold sandwich at lunch with fruit and milk.  She is spoiled!

But she was literally into everything - and I mean everything.  Much like a toddler with energizer batteries in her pocket to keep her going!.

Praying for a good week!

Saturday!

Today mom slept later than usual. I think because it was cloudy...the clouds led to rain.

I cleaned part of the house last night after we arrived home from shopping. I just went through my closet and dresser ... Two bags headed to Goodwill. I am about to clean our room. It needs it. I gotta get Steve out for a bit so I can move things.

This afternoon after all of us snoozing..I went to grocery store...it was packed... I was so stressed! Steve sat with mom so I could get out...I enjoyed Happy Hour at Sonic. 😄

We ate sandwiches for dinner. Mom not too pleased...but she ate a hot breakfast and lunch...so she survived. 😁

Tons of laundry! How does that happen? We wash everyday!! I think elves come in at night and mess up clothes and towels

Overall mom had a good day. She was calm. She mopped for a little bit...puttered in her room. Grateful for that!

Tori is working and Sam is at his friends.

 

Is it selfish to enjoy normal?

Back to school...

Sam goes back to school Monday.

Steve and I met right after work and got busy. $10 jeans at Old Navy! Whoo hoo! And shirts 97 cents and up. I zeroed in on clearance fast. I was so excited. Then next door at Rack Room shoes it was BOGO 50%...we had already bought tennis shoes but Sam asked for some "dress" shoes for his khakis. Soooo with a coupon I found I was able to get him and Steve a pair of shoes for literally the price of one pair! (Sam and I went Tuesday he tried on clothes to give me size and style ideas)

We ate dinner at Jim and Nicks - I spilled my tea..so I looked like I wet my pants. Bahaha.  

Then to Kohls found belts and polo style shirts on clearance! 

So glad we finished and so blessed with God's provision. 

Oh, on Tuesday when we went on our trial run at Old Navy...took this pic of mannequins...do you see what's wrong? Ha ha!

Mom at football meeting...

Last night I had parents meeting for football. Mom went with me and brought a guest.  Kept her calm and happy.

RED 2

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

 

WELL WORTH THE TICKET

 

(Steve and I managed to get out last Saturday night late!)

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT CAST!  PRETTY CLEAN MOVIE!

 

AND OF COURSE...

 

BRUCE WILLIS!!!!!!

MOM'S HANDS

Mom's hands fascinate me.....

They have loved and worked all their lives.  She would tell the story picking cotton at age five.

ONE TALENTED WOMAN

MOPPING WHILE SITTING - NOTE THE PURSE ON HER ARM.  AND OF COURSE HER SWEATER.

My other babies.....

Kylee and Barney - mother and son



 

Barney - either the smartest dog or the most oblivious

 

Kylee - the sweetest dog ever.....



A WHOLE LOT OF FEELINGS.

GOING TO BE HONEST - THIS IS ME.....

HELP HELP HELP

Took mom and  Sam to eat at Red Robin after a check up for Sam.  Mom needed to go to the restroom - she went in her little stall.  I went into mine. 

All of a sudden - I hear. "Help, Help, Help.. I can't get out"  Mom could not open her door, I managed to get it open with a quarter - but employees rushed in - thankfully mom was decent!

But we enjoyed Red Robin - we had never ate there before  - kind of pricy - but it had to be the best hamburger I have ate in a long time - and you don't leave hungry.  Sam couldn't even finish!  And that is rare!

 

Mom totally enjoyed her burger and really loved their fries

 

Sam's burger - he couldn't finish - you have bottomless fries!

 

I couldn't finish mine - and was full at dinner time - no cooking for me!

LIFE....

Mom is thoroughly enjoying her baby dolls.  She talks to them, coos, holds them.  It is sweet and touching to see.

Sam brought up today his bag from last week's camping trip.  I thought we had everything!  Oh my word - stuff has been in a camper for a week.  ugh ugh ugh.  Add Tori's laundry from her manager training - oh boy.  I so appreciate my washer and dryer. And in my opinion Tide Pods are a gift from God - I love those things.  And Cascade pods - the extra cost - well worth it!

Much is on my heart and mind - I am restless in many areas. Hurting to the point I ache inside and out.  I know God has a plan - however why do I try things my way? 

Work was hard this week...Busy.  that is all I can tell you.  There are no words to describe the call volume, emails and chats! 

This week Sam goes for a checkup and physical for football.  We will buy school clothes next week - we bought shoes and cleats last night.  And we survived!  whoo hoo.  The clerk said we were the funniest pair she had in a while - plus we had mom with us!  I am sure we provided comic relief.  ha ha.  Mom hugged everyone - they hugged her back.  I am so appreciative of them.  I call myself being frugal - Sam calls me being cheap.  I used a $25 coupon code and bought sale items - so now then!  And we were able to get out of the store without buying the slinky pink neon shorts mom thought were underwear (do girls really wear those?  hmmph!)

I am in need of some hang time with friends. And in desperate need of worship service.

Please pray for our pastor - he and wife were expecting a baby - they went for a sonogram - there was no heartbeat.  Services are tomorrow.  A little girl.  Mercy Grace.    I know they are hurting - but their sweet baby is in the arms of Jesus.  I am sure they will appreciate all prayers.

VENTING

Ok, I am taking this moment to vent.  Phones at work are non stop.  People yell, fuss, and scream over the weirdest things.  Very frustrating.

I was so darn proud of myself last night - I cleared literally 150+ emails - only to come in to 79 new emails.  Arrrrrgggggghhhhhhh.

And I have my shoes off under my desk..and I got my feet caught in a drawer...lovely.  Call me LUCY.

Mom and her new babies....

It is not often real sweet, quiet moments happen in this house.  My sister, Judy, bought mom two little baby dolls. We had read that baby doll therapy is good for Alzheimer Patients - tonight - it was just  mom and the two dolls.  They are in her room right now, close to her -on a pillow covered up.  Tonight their names are Elizabeth and Lynn. I say that because in Alzheimer world - their names could change.

 

 

Here are some pictures of mom and her babies..... I apologize if some are dark and fuzzy.

 

 

 

I have a video - for some reason......technical difficulties or operator error........ I cannot post it.  It has to be one of the sweetest things I have ever seen.  No words or sound needed.  I can't stop watching it...I tear up. 

 

Thank you Lord, for baby dolls.  Thank you for ideas and articles. Thank you for Judy who picked up the dolls....thank you for the instinct mom has to love and care for a baby.  Thank you for quiet, tender, calm moments.  They truly are a blessing. Thank you for my mother.

 

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY.....BUSY BUSY BUSY... PRAYER NEEDED

Much going on emotionally and mentally.....but life goes on. And I must cling to God's promises, and grasp life and enjoy His daily, hourly...minute by minute provision!  He is so good.

The day began early and busy.  Mom had an accident of sorts - so it was shower time bright and early - which meant doing  hair, make up , etc.  Which turned out to be a good thing - it was done!  Had to clean...scrub the bathroom and her room. Boy I need new carpet/floors - anyone out there please enter me in home makeover!  Whew.  It is a need - not a want.  Then I had to shower up - had to feel clean myself - so I scrubbed our bathroom down.  (see the trend?) - then breakfast - of cereal and toast. 

I have had tons of laundry - Sam returned home from camp - ugh - I think it could have walked to the washing machine.  Tori had a bunch (she lives out of her car) - and of course mom's stuff. 

After getting situated, and laundry started- mom and I snoozed.  A pot pie (Marie Callendar) for mom , one of her favorites.  More laundry - emptied the dishwasher - then we went to the store. She behaved - we went to two stores - one for the exclusive Naifeh's grocery store items - and then Walmart  and I just went Friday - but I missed a lot!   I shopped fast and without a list - and didn't really have a meal plan.  It is hard - because hubby is so darn picky - meat and potatoes guy - the rest of us like casseroles and new things - he won't - and I just can't afford to cook multiple meals.  Trying to think of a resolution on that one.  I get tired of the same ole same ole - and then I lose interest in cooking.  I am enjoying all the summer fruits though.  Yum Yum.

After shopping took her through McDonalds (I do not like the two lane thing - and neither does my daughter) bought her a Happy Meal - she wanted nuggets - the funny thing was trying to explain to her how to eat them in the car - because she acted like she was malnourished and underfed. - she ate ever bit of that meal - apples and all.

I have been walking each day - and really watching what I eat - I am determined!

I ask that you pray for me - much going on..and I have to be honest...I am hurting...

SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!

I am not handling this lady leaving NCIS well at all.  I love Ziva!  What will Tony do?

Lazy Day....

I have been lazy today! 

Mom has been antsy - I have just let her walk around the house - and boy has she walked, piddled, mopped, dusted this whole house. 

Work was very busy this week - unreal!  We would hang up from one call - and it would ring again - our phones would look like a Christmas tree.

I am sorting things in my mind.....God continues to provide.  We are blessed.

Can't decide....

Who argues with me more...Mom? Or Sam?

Arrrggghhhh

You know you are a caregiver...

When you spend almost an hour clipping, filing and painting toe nails. And then have the worst headache afterwards!

White House Down

Good movie.....worth the ticket!!

Sam

What I found in the middle of the floor....with no clue why. He does have a camp coming soon. I guess that's the plan. I hope anyway!

Homemade Hatchet

Bag of rocks

Deerskin 

And then pics from my brother-in-laws birthday party. Those who haven't seen him in awhile were amazed at his size. Tori was at the other end of the table..I need some pics of her!

A good pic!

Mom, Judy and I.

Average phone day...

The number of calls I answered in one day. Whew! Add emails, live chats, etc.

Blue feet

Our little office had Mosquitos the other day....so I sprayed OFF on my feet.

Well, the OFF caused the dye on my sandals to run. Call me an Avatar or a Smurf! Took a long time for me to wash off!

Attitude...

You know how you have to call yourself on your own attitude?  I guess it is better than others calling me on it!

ha ha ha

Monday

Mom is having a tough day!  Melecia is being very wise and just making sure mom cannot hurt herself....giving her space.

I hope she levels off.  I know how nerve racking it can be.

Now that's Alzheimer's #2

Mom is now shredding napkins and tissues.

Or she will fold a stack and bring them to me.

I don't say anything.  It's just paper and she likes doing it. 

Sunday review...

We did not make it to church...mom and I both slept until almost 10. Then after breakfast and freshening up the house we catnapped some more. 

After her bath and lunch....Sam stayed  with mom..I had Kohls cash to spend...I got a free outfit. Whoo hoo. Then Steve and I ate at Memphis Pizza Cafe. They are good and cheap! We had to take some paperwork by his shop's office because he has jury duty tomorrow. 

The key to my "sanity" I believe is getting mom out on the weekend...something small. But out of the house. And then a break away for me. This weekend was better than last. I lefty my laptop alone. I have done nothing work related. And it has felt good! 

I am bleaching tshirts and socks right now. Just got it in my head I needed to do so. Lol. I have another load in the dryer. I  am so thankful for our washer and dryer!!

Please pray. I have been bitten by something...what I do not know. Buy it is hot to the touch and painful.

Mom is sleeping...she was so tired! Not too tired to boss me as I was getting her ready for bed! Ha!

Now that's Alzheimer's

Mom was up, I heard her getting ready. I always try to let her do as much for herself as she can without my help or interference...but it was taking longer than usual.

I checked on her. As soon as I walked in her room...she said "something is not right." 

Well yeah!

Purse on her foot and socks on her hands.

Not totally lazy...

After mom went to bed...I washed living room and kitchen baseboards. Swept, mopped and dusted. 

Washed sheets..the laundry hamper is empty. Whoo hoo. 

We hope to go to church tomorrow...so clothes and breakfast stuff are ready. 

Have a great night!

Diamonds.....pffffffff

Diamonds are not necessarily a girls best friend... My hubby is a lucky man! My friend Carla knows how I feel.

This girl picked this up today....I'm so proud! It was on sale...it is one that uses rechargeable batteries. One is charging now. I can't wait to use it. 

Here it is....a new weed eater!!!!!!

Ta da!!!

 

I went to Lowe's to look at Pompass Grass...but I compared pricing and the weed eater won out. I still want some Pompass grass.

Plus mom and I ate out...we ate at Chili's...she enjoyed it. She wanted a hamburger and fries...ate them with a fork...but whatever works. She ate every bite. I wasn't too hungry. These are the   outings I enjoy. Leisurely--I had a moment of regret on 20 spent...but she was clearer in mind and seemed stronger and less antsy.. so money well spent.. We walked the whole Lowe's store...she was pooped. 

And after the trip....

Sleep

Something about Saturday.  I had good intentions to just get right up and clean baseboards, and I still might. But I've been cat-napping all morning. I'm trying to decide if I'm being lazy.

Last night after I got off work..it was just mom and I. It was quiet, cloudy, and the house was dark. We ate peanut butter sandwiches, fruit and milk. And we fell asleep about 6:00! She on the couch and I was in recliner. I woke up at 8:00- moved her to her room...and I just fell into bed. Slept all night. 

That being said, I can't figure out why  I am so tired today. I need to get moving. I cleaned moms room, washed a load of clothes. And just cooked her and Steve lunch. But I feel like I could sleep more!!!! What the heck!? So unlike the old me. Old me would be scrubbing and cleaning.  I gotta snap out of it!

I know you were worried..

I finally managed to give dogs haircuts and baths yesterday.

Fourth of July...

Fireworks in our neighborhood.

Sam and his friend Ryan setting up for the fun. They truly are best buds! 

Boys being boys. Sam's science project blocking bottle rockets and other fireworks. I didn't flinch this year!

1776.....

I wonder, how would those who labored over and fought for The Declaration of Independence, think of America today?

Light filtering....

P Hoping these new light filtering curtains help mom sleep longer. She liked them.

Ready for the 4th...

Sam's favorite holiday....

Poor Barney....

Tone very mischievous dog, one that will snatch socks, underwear, chew on metal, bounces up and down...

Is terrified of balls! Too funny!

Sleep

I have slept the past two nights!  Yay!  God is so good!

Mom and Fried Chicken

Melecia cooked mom fried chicken today.  Mom loves,loves fried chicken!

Whoo hoo.

God Bless...

Firefighters.

Arizona...I am praying.

Rethinking...

I'm sitting here going back over our weekend.

Mom is like a child. She cannot be left alone, and she has to be kept busy with intervals for rest

I did not  work with mom on the things we found or picked up for her! She needs these things! Needs my attention.

I have much to think about!