Together again at CascadeTerrace

Last night after some logistics were taken care of we surprised Pops by getting Mother moved into Cascade Terrace down the hall from him. I went right after work to get arrangements ready, then Tony drove her in time to join Pops in the dining room. We left them together while I marked and unpacked Mother's things so she would feel settled when she got done with dinner. I guess all went well considering all Pops wanted to do was lean over and kiss her. She said at home they might kiss once or twice a day, but now he wanted to make out in front of others in the dining room. Ok, whatever. I know he missed her, and just wasn't going to be happy until he could be back with her. I'm not sure how long this arrangement will work, or if they will end up moving them together at some point, but I did assure the people in charge that it might be nice for them to have other roommates, then they could be more apt to socialize with others, or have meeting time together each day. For now, I am just grateful for getting over this hurtle. We'll deal with the next later. It is so convenient being close by so people from the church can stop in to see them.
This past year Tony and I have enjoyed the close relationship with Lonnie and Sandy. Something that has been long overdue I'm afraid. Life always seemed to busy, and Lonnie really doesn't like gatherings, so needless to say we never saw them, however he invited us to bring the 5th wheel to their place at the beach to get away to, and we decided to take him up on it. It became a once a month escape. I don't think that we were mentally aware of the importance of building this timely relationship, however the way things have ended up, they have really been a big help and support. I'm afraid however that they have the hardest job of trying to make heads or tails of the financial end of things. If anyone could do it however, it would be them.

Changes for Pops

This has been a very challenging week for Pops having to deal with health issues, and relocation. Due to the circumstances however it has forced both mother and Pops to realize that it is time to make some permanent changes for them.
Monday Pops fell two different times, both of which 911 was called to help him back into his chair. They were told at that time that next time he would be taken to a facility that could help care for him.
Tuesday he stayed in his scooter, rather than rely on his walker, however was confused how to turn the speed down, therefore turned it up full blast, which caused him to use the walls, cabinets, and anything in the way as bumper cars. Needless to say the two days events have left him very sore, and unable to move much on his own.
Wednesday his Dr. made a house call and ordered an ambulance to admit him in the hospital for an evaluation. He seemed to do well for the three days, but by Friday just talked of wanting to go back home. He was told by all that his next move would be into Cascade Terrace for assistance, until we could get things arranged to move mother and he together. That didn't settle to well. He became very sober, and not his jovial self. Yesterday he seemed to be in a little better spirits and was able to lift his arms better without allot of pain, but they still hadn't been able to get him up, and he is unable to do so on his own at this time.
I see many changes in their future, but also in ours. Allot of uncertainty. I just pray that I can be a strength to them, and keep my spirits held while dealing with my own uncertainty. Truly a time to rely on a loving Heavenly Father for the strength to endure all things, and endure it to the end.

Reflections

I had a great time in Arizona trying once again to reacquaint myself with Brennalyn. That is the bad part of living so far away. When we got there she would look at me and wasn't quite sure who I was, but then she would warm up and react with smiles or laughter.
















It's very interesting and fun when we have children to see such a resemblance at different stages of life, but now when I see Brenna, the next generation, I can see similar features in her to the baby pictures I have of myself.

When we returned home from Arizona and downloaded the pictures that I took, it made me go to my photo album from childhood to confirm my memory.













It may be the rounded face, or fair complexion that I have in common with both her momma and daddy, but I have enjoyed reflecting on what it means to be a family and how each of us are made in the image of, or have characteristics of our ancestors, whether we know them or not.

This I believe is part of the joy of life, that Our Heavenly Father lets us experience here on this earth.

Time spent with the future in laws

Three months ago when Tony and I booked our flights for Arizona we thought JoAnna would be preparing to go on a mission, but didn't know it would be the mission for marriage. As it worked out since Tony was busy with Brent, I was able to help get some things done in preparation for the wedding in April. It is coming quickly, and with her so far away it is a bit of a challenge for me to help out much.
Saturday morning JoAnna and I prepared to go into Tucson for wedding shopping. Randi decided to stay home with Brenna so it wouldn't mess up her sleeping schedule. I felt bad leaving them, but understand how difficult it is when you have a tired baby to keep her content.

We both ended up matching our shirts and JoAnna mentioned that Cindy, (JoAnna's future mother in law) will feel bad to see us matching and her not, however when we arrived to pick her up she walked out with the same color shirt on. We all had a good laugh over that and proceeded with our shopping. At one point another shopper came up to us and stated the obvious. "Did you know you are all matching?" I just said it was the color of the day, and she must not have gotten the memo.
In our shopping excursion we were able to buy the dad's ties, boys shirts, info for printing the invitations, which later got completed. Toward the end however JoAnna was getting a bit overwhelmed and ready for a melt down, so we called it a day. Sometimes its hard to focus on one step at a time, rather than the whole journey, which usually is very discouraging.
















We all had a great day as well as the time spent one with another.
Its amazing how we can set out in life with one set of plans, then so quickly every thing changes. I know that JoAnna is excited to be part of the Cindy & Russ Donkin's family, and we are excited for her also.

Joy in parenting

There is no doubt in my mind of the love that Brent & Randi share as parents of there sweet Brenna. It is evident in everything they do for her, and with her.

Whether it be feeding time, changing time, cuddle time, play time, scripture time, or family prayer time, it is always treasured time, which I really appreciate seeing.

Too often in this world we live in, children are a burden to their parents, and never have the chance to feel total comfort or love. Therefore they grow up not knowing how to love or nurture, so its hard for them to understand the great love that our Savior has for each of us, or to truly realize that this life is to experience JOY.

Grampa's Girl

This trip proved to be quite a bonding time for Tony and Brenna.

I'm not sure if it was grampa's beard with mustache, his animated facial expressions, or just the total comfort and love that was felt that drew them both so close to one another, but it was truly tender to watch.
And I know it really made Tony feel great to have such a reaction from her.

Auntie JoJo

JoAnna has been in Arizona now for 6 months caring for Brennalyn while Randi is at work and as you can see enjoys the time they spend together.
with kisses, laughter, tickle time, and lots of playtime.
I enjoyed watching the interaction they shared with one another. You can really tell how much Brenna loves her auntie Jo.


In all the excitement with JoAnna preparing for her upcoming wedding, I think that having Brenna to care for will help her to enjoy the journey even more.
But then comes the time of separation in April that I know will be very difficult for her to be so far away. The sad part is Brenna is so young she won't remember the special times they have shared with one another, and will need to rely on pictures to bring back memories.