Transitions

Sometimes life gets hard and complicated. My mother has been failing in small but important ways the last year. She is having troubles cooking for herself, having the energy to clean, keeping appointments straight, and is having vision problems. This has led to her mental health declining rapidly. She was not doing well living with her daughters, so it was decided that she needed a higher level of care. We started looking at assisted living facilities and Mom's mental health declined even quicker and with force. It has been a hard ugly winter. She did not want to move to assisted living.

After countless emails, phone calls, and assisted living facilities visits, we found a place that seemed like it would work. This led to more phone calls, emails, and a lot of tears from a lot of people, but eventually a room was secured and a move in date was planned. We spent an afternoon moving her most necessary possessions into her new room and arranging it in a welcoming manner. We then helped Mom move in. It was rough. There were a lot of emotions. I think that's all I'm at liberty to say.
 

Once mom moved in, and realized that yes, she was free to come and go as she pleased, she felt better. She has taken walks with her neighbors, went on outings, participated in group meals, and even watched the BINGO games. She is settling in and starting to enjoy having her own space and the ability to make social connections with her neighbors. I don't know what the future holds, but right now, things are stable. Stable feels really, really nice.

Why Don't You Love Me

How I imagine Appa's thought process, "Mom I want to cuddle with you but the scary cat is in the way. Please help me."

"Why don't you love me?"

"Fine, I'll just be over here, cold and alone."


 

Coffee and Cousins

Cousin Isabelle works at Dutch Bros. Cousin Amanda was in town for Christmas. Libby was in town for Christmas. The boys were at our house. It was determined that everyone must meet up at Dutch Bros and spend some time with each other. 

Little guy isn't a fan of hot chocolate, or smoothies, or soda. We finally found a "drink" he likes. A cup of whipping cream with sprinkles and a straw makes him incredibly happy. Isabelle did chastise us for referring to it as a pup cup, despite it being exactly what they will make (minus the straw) for your canine friend. It doesn't matter what it was called. He loved his drink.

Older brother was quite content with a hot cocoa. And with running around by the picnic tables. It doesn't take much to make him happy.

It also doesn't take much to make these girls happy, either. 

 They have cousins. They have drinks. Life doesn't get much better. 

*Grace was also there, but did not wish to have her photo taken. Just know she was there and she was happy as well.

Christmas Day

As my children have gotten older, I've taken less and less photos. It seems I only managed two picture for all of Christmas day. Someone should fire me.

Christmas morning we got a quick picture of everyone and then started the gift exchange. I'm not sure why Appa needed to be included. Neither is Appa.

We opened presents and stockings and everyone felt very loved and appreciated. The kids almost forgot to give me my present. It wasn't until we were heading out the door to go to Grandma and Grandpa's that we all realized I hadn't unwrapped the wall they had so carefully wrapped. I was just expecting a few updated photos and frames but they went all out. You can see in the first two photos that they all got dressed up and got professional photos done. They also scoured the thrift stores and found a ton of picture frames. My wall is beautiful now. What sweet, thoughtful monsters I raised.

 The rest of the Christmas day unfolded as all the previous ones. We went to the grandparents in the morning and had my family over in the afternoon. By evening we were all ready to seek the comfort of our beds.

Ethan's Birthday

Despite now being a full legal adult, Ethan opted to spend his birthday with us! 

We had a homemade dinner of mashed potatoes and hamburgers. Libby was home for the holiday. It was so amazing to have everyone gathered around the table for dinner, even if we barely fit now that everyone is adult sized and adding significant others. It still makes me happy to have everyone together.

If they all spend too much time together, the childhood bickering starts up again, but an evening of cake, presents, and food, and sometimes magic happens. 

I love watching them crack each other up.

Ethan's cousins bought him presents for his 21st, and he was very excited.

Honestly, it was just an amazing evening. 

Even when the exhaustion hit.

I can't believe he's 21. Sometimes I want to gather them all up, read them a picture book or two, tuck them into bed, and watch them sleep again. These babies just keep growing no matter what. That is the blessing and the curse.