Dad's Birthday!

Yesterday, April 8th was my dad's 91st birthday. The end of January, dad had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. His oxygen levels were very low and then his kidneys weren't working. He was in the hospital for over a week and we almost lost him one night. Then he had to go to rehab for weeks. We really didn't think he was going to see his 91st birthday. At the time, it was hard to go through all of this with him once again. God just wasn't ready to call him home. After the virus situation began, our family sure was thankful that this happened at the beginning of the year! To think of him in the hospital and rehab without any of his family there to be there with him and to talk to nurses and doctors just seems horrible. Yet, that's what families are experiencing now. Our hearts go out to them.

Dad lives in an assisted living home called Russellville Park.  He has lived there between both buildings for 11 years now. It's hard to believe. He has been in lockdown due to this virus. We didn't know how to celebrate his birthday. So my sister Alisa called Russellville and they allowed him to go to the window in the dining room (it's not being used now as everyone has to eat in their room)to see us. Better than nothing!

This is Patrick, my nephew, holding the sign his family made. If you look very closely, you can see my dad in the window. We all waved to him and then sang Happy Birthday, but I don't think he could really hear us. We all waved our hands in the air and told him we were singing!

This is my niece Maria with her pink hair. It changes colors all the time. She is a senior this year and sadly, she will be missing all the senior activities as our governor Kate Brown, canceled all in person school for the rest of the year. The education department is working on a plan so senior can graduate. I just feel so bad for all of these kids and their plans for continuing education. Marie is scheduled to start beauty school the end of June, but who know if that will really happen at this point. You can see my dad a bit better in this photo.

My other sister Debbie. She is waiting for her face masks to arrive. Everyone is encouraged to wear on now. We stayed apart from each other....social distancing.

My nephew Markie and his girlfriend Jessica. She made face masks for them. I really couldn't get a photo of everyone and the ones I got are not very good. It's hard to stay back and not get close.

Alisa brought us all a little cake and extras for dad's helpers. These little bunt cakes were from a bakery called Nothing Bunt the Best. Oh my...too good. I had chocolate chip and Jimmy had lemon. I found recipes online for the different cakes. I might have to give them a try.

I realized that I don't have any recent good photos of dad. I need to take some as soon as I can be with him again. This is pretty much how he gets around these days. Thankful for his scooter that gives him mobility.

I am thankful that we got to make him feel special on his birthday. Not an easy thing these days.
Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

My Dad

A week ago, we were sitting in the hospital, waiting to have my dad transported to a rehab center. He took some really bad falls in his independent apartment and found himself hurt and in such bad shape, we had to rush him to the hospital, via an ambulance. It was really scary. This is my brother John, trying to make dad laugh.

Here we are getting him settled in his next home for awhile. He will be in rehab for 2-3 weeks. Hopefully, he will gain enough strength to be able to go into an assisted living apartment back at his retirement home community.  My sweet hubby Jimmy has been such a help...what a blessing he is to me and to my family.

Dad is at the Marquis at Mill Park. It's a beautiful facility and the staff is great.

My brother John and my his wife Ginger....I don't know how we would have gotten through everything without them.

So, we are waiting and praying now. I'm not sure what's ahead. We have good days and bad days. I just feel bad for my sweet dad. 

Papa John's 88th Birthday

April will soon be gone and I wanted to be sure that I get my dad's 88th birthday party pictures posted! His birthday was April 8th. My dad is so blessed to have his siblings close by and they just are the cutest family. Steve is the baby and dad is the oldest. My "Uncle Steve" is actually two years younger that me. I think it's funny that my mom and my grandmother were pregnant at the same time. My brother John and Steve are just months apart. Uncle Steve is so good about helping his older siblings get together. He drove down from Spokane, picked up my Aunt Dee and her husband and they stayed overnight at my Uncle Ray's house. He is always so happy to do it and he makes me smile. In this photo, you see my Aunt Dee (my godmother), Uncle Steve, My dad (Papa John) and my Uncle Ray. We had 29 family members show up for dinner at the Vancouver Spaghetti Factory. My brother John and his wife Ginger had a family funeral on her side, so they were the only members who couldn't attend.

My sister Debbie and my brother-in-law Bill.

Uncle Steve, nephews J and Patrick.

My daughter Angie, and my niece Anna with her hubby Matt.

My sister Alisa, my brother-in-law Marcos and my niece Desi.

I was sorry the lighting was bad on this photo...my nieces Maria, Amanda and Jenny.

My niece Jenny and my daughter Gina.

My son-in-law Chris and my grandson Otto ( couldn't catch him).

My nephew Markie and his girlfriend Jessica.

My great niece Bella and great nephew Peyton.

My niece Desi's hubby Don and his kids!

Some of the gang.

My Jimmy.

Jimmy and Linda with Uncle Ray and Papa John.                                                                              

The balloon guy with my sister Debbie and niece Amanda.

Aunt Dee and her big brother John.

All my dad's grandchildren. Anna, Angie, Amanda, Markie, Maria, J, Jenny, Desi Gina and Patrick.

The Lost Quilt

A couple years ago, I decided to make a flannel lap quilt for my dad for Christmas. I worked on it at a quilt retreat. I couldn't get it long armed before Christmas, so I gave it to my dad and then took it back. I didn't get the binding on right away. One day Jim took it over to the store room, not knowing that I was working on it. Well, I am embarrassed to say, but it got lost. This spring, Jim was cleaning out the storage unit and he found my quilt! I started to work on it and want to give it to dad by Father's Day.

I found my photos from the retreat, so you can see the work in progress!

I finished sewing on the binding last night. I still need to make a label.

This shows the machine quilting up close. It's so soft and it's the colors that my dad loves and has in his living room.

The finished quilt all folded up. I know he will like it and be happy to see it again! It will feel nice and warm this fall.

Sunday Thoughts....Second Sunday of Advent

Good morning my friends. Today we mark the second Sunday of Advent by lighting the PEACE candle. There are other names for this week's candle, but i decided to focus on PEACE.

It has been a difficult week with my dad, but we are all thankful for his improvement and  the very kind man from Senior Helpers, Norm, who came to help our family set up some extra care for my dad. I am so thankful for my husband. Talk about a Godly man with a wonderful attitude. I know he is doing this for my dad, but also for me. I am glad that the extra help is arriving tomorrow, as my Jimmy is getting tired. We have seen a great deal of progress with dad. We are hopeful that with extra care, wrapping his foot, more physical therapy and a visit from occupational therapy, we might be able to keep him in his apartment longer. We continue to pray for him and will see where things go.

PEACE seems to be missing in our world today. We live in a difficult time, but we are reminded that Christ is the PRINCE OF PEACE. How we need Him and His teachings.

The other thing that really hit me this week was INNER PEACE....where do you find your inner PEACE, you inner strength to  handle living in this world? I know I would be lost without my Lord, without the prayers of friends. I know my friend's thoughts and prayers have held me up and gotten me through the week.

I am asking my Lord to grand me peace of mind  and acceptance as things progress and unfold.

Blessings to you this week as you we all prepare for Christmas. Many thanks for those who are praying for dad and our family. 

Dad's Progress and My Little Otto

Oh my, it has been such a long week. I am really tired tonight, but need to unwind a bit, so thought I would post some pictures of my little Otto. Gma had a few extra days of babysitting so Papa could take care of Papa John. Otto was such a blessing to me, a break from the concern for my dad. Little Otto is a funny little guy! He is almost 2 1/2 years old now and just discovering the world more and more everyday. He was having some cereal when I arrived and had his new Snoopy PJ's on. He doesn't want to take them off!  You can see his cars on the table...never likes them to be too far away.

 He LOVES to vacuum and was telling me "right there" when he discovered something that needed to be swept up. He never misses a thing.

He is into his hat but won't call it a Santa hat...it's a winter hat. His crib has been taken down, so he takes his nap in mommy and daddy's big bed. He wanted a couple stories before night night which is so fun for me. I just love kids to read and enjoy books. Old primary school teacher here!

He saw a red Santa hat outside on a decoration for Christmas after his nap. He thought it was his and got ALL upset! I had to go get his hat and show him that his hat was still here. Funny funny.

Today was a long day. My sweet hubby is getting worn out being on a morning, noon and night schedule caring for my dad. We met with the Senior Helpers owner this afternoon with one of my sisters. It went well. Starting Monday, he will have a 1 hour visit 3 x's a day, 7 days a week for at least two week. It is expensive, but it has to be done or he will not be allowed to stay in the independent living apartment which he is in right now. We are not sure how long we will have to do this. Norm, the owner, was so nice and so professional. He was so comforting and just a kind person who my dad and my family at ease.
I went back tonight with Jim to pick up dad's apartment and to see how Jim and him are getting him into bed. He has MS and his legs have lost most of their strength now, so after the falls, he cannot get his leg into bed without help. That will be the problem and he may have to go back over to the assisted living building. The problem is that there is no room right now. What is meant to be, will be.
Jim and I were talking how we are being asked to help one little guy to come into the world as we help the older guy get ready to leave this world. Ah, the circle of life.
Thank you all who are praying for our family. It is much appreciated.
Well, Mr Sandman is throwing sand in my eyes, so time for bed. 

Spring Concert at Dad's...An Evening With Friends!

 My long time friends MJ and Molly, met me last night at Russellville Plaza for my dad's spring concert...."Another Opening Another Show". My old high school buddies are so sweet to go and visit my dad and they wanted to attend his spring concert, so we met for dinner before and had so much fun telling stories! We heard a few good ones from my dad that I have never heard! Lots of laughs all night.  I love this photo as it shows how happy everyone was last night. My friends have known dad for over 50 years!

 Here he is with his group....Blending Voices! They all just enjoy the songs and performing. They sing old classic show tunes and we were talking how we just know most of the songs. I don't think kids learn songs like that anymore.

MJ took the next two pictures and sent them to me...pretty cute.

This is Dottie who plays the piano for the choir. She charmed us all with her solo..."Let's Do It' by Cole Porter.

And this is my dad's good friend Marilyn who is the leader of the gang! She is so funny and had fun with this number..."If My Firends Could See Me Now"!

Here's my crumpled program so you can see the selections of songs. It was such a fun evening. Thanks so much MJ and Molly for joining dad and me.