Nursing Home Week

This past week was Nursing Home Week, so many fun things were planned. The excitement started out on Monday with a limousine ride for some of the residents. What a thrill is was for them, some who had never been close to a car like that. A bowling tournament was also started, using a Wii. Our administrators children are home schooled so were able to come in and assist with using the Wii. The residents really enjoyed this new technology. Our kitchen also prepared many special meals and snacks this week.

Wednesday was pet day. Many animals came in to visit. This is always a fun thing. We have residents who may not respond to much, but will perk up when they get to pet an animal.

Here you see Brady and Sophie. Sophie is my daughter Laura's dog. Heather went and picked her up so she could come for the visit. Brady belongs to one of our dietary aides and he has stayed with Laura and Aaron before so they know each other.
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It's hard to see in this picture, but the animal in the foreground is a miniature horse. She stands about 3 feet tall and is so cute and well behaved. She was actually abandoned and left to die. The women on the left nursed her back to health and now she is somewhat of a therapy animal. Her name is Joy and that is what she brings. Our residents where all so happy to be able to pet her. We also had rabbits, miniature goats, kittens and more dogs.
Thursday there was a picnic that all the residents families were invited to. This is always a big hit.
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On Friday we had an antique car show. The residents really enjoyed this too. I heard many saying they remembered working on them or starting them.
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This beautiful car belongs to our own Dr. He visits every week and calls daily to check on our residents. He completely restored this car and it is in mint condition.
What a fun week - lots of work for the department heads and staff but thoroughly enjoyed by the residents!

My Mom

May 19 marks the 5th anniversary of my Mom's death. She was only 69 when she died, unexpectedly of a heart attack. She was a great Mom and Grandma. She was always so proud of us kids. She loved to introduce us to her friends at church or her work. And - if she thought we were good, she thought her grand kids were even more remarkable! She just loved those kids. I hope her friends didn't get sick of seeing the pictures or hearing about them!
God blessed me with a Mom who was not only a mother, but she was my friend. She wasn't afraid of disciplining me, but we also had fun together. I remember many evenings, when I was a teenager that she and I were up late, just talking. She had a good sense of humor and was good natured about the teasing she endured from my Dad and us kids.
She had a lot of different roles, as I grew up. My Dad was a dairy farmer, and his crazy hours meant lots of juggling with meal times and preparing lunches to go out to the fields he was working in. She did a lot of work gardening, canning and freezing produce. When I was in Junior High she started working part time as a nurses aide in the local nursing home. She later worked full time as a secretary until she retired. I wish I had been able to have more time with her, and I wish she could see her grandkids now. She would still be so proud of all nine of them! I know she was a Christian so I'll see her again - in perfect health!

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This day also marks the death of a friend from church. Tyler also passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack one year ago. I know this day will be a hard one for his wife and 2 young daughters, so please remember Debi and their daughters in your prayers today.

Here's what's blooming

I love Spring! I love warmer weather, no snow, green trees and flowers blooming! Here is what is blooming in our yard this week.

The last of the daffodils
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Some pretty little grape hyacinths
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This is called money plant. It grows wild in the trees behind our house.
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This is a closeup of the money plant. The reason for the name is that in the fall, the seeds form in quarter size, silvery circles that hang from the plant. It's pretty then too.
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This is a bleeding heart that is growing near our front door
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These little wild violets are growing along the tree line on our side yard.
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Don't you just have to smile when you see flowers growing? And - don't you think it makes God smile when He sees us enjoying his handiwork?