Is a Nursing Home in my future?

A lot of my friends and I are beginning to realize that as we get older we might not be able to take care of ourselves any longer.  The prospect of going to a nursing home is not a happy one.  We know folks, family, or friends have gone to homes and the limited opportunities due to costs is daunting.

I think of my own Mom who lived with me for 3 years and then when she got so sick went to a nursing home where she lived for 6 months before she died. I found a letter she had written to a friend and I could hear in the letter the frustration she felt it not getting her favorite foods or being able to go fishing.  She was also so glad that we came often to see her and tried to bring her things but I must admit I have always been sorry I didn't take her fishing.   All that makes me wonder about myself and the loneliness of it all if I have to go to a home.  A good friend of mine died recently after several months in independent living facility. She went to hospice.  Seeing her, remembering my own Mom's experience, and listening to friends only amplifies how lonely life can be.

My family is very thoughtful about coming over and checking up on me.  I am so lucky to have the boys around and Matt and Ashley.  They help me deal with all the old age frailties by bringing joy and life into mine.  I will always be so grateful.

I keep writing in my head

I haven't been very good about writing every week in my block but am going to try and be better.   I write lots of blog entries in my head and even write a few down but somehow they never reach the blog itself.   I've been sick again.  A couple of weeks ago the family got a stomach virus and were all sick with the "throw-ups" as the boys call it.  I stayed away from them which is hard but then in spite of all the handwashing and good efforts I got it last week end.   Finally getting over it.  It's these little set backs that drive you crazy.   So I decided it was time to get back to writing and quit feeling sorry for myself.

Independence Day

Its been quite a journey since I last wrote in my blog.  Sickness, packing, moving and returning to Austin Texas were in the cards.  I am now in an apartment about 4 blocks from the gang who are within walking distance from the cousins and the elementary school Cooper will attend.  We are back closer to family and friends and are adjusting to the new arrangement.   Cooper and Cole spent the night about a week ago and that was special. 

So I am now independent and getting use to being by myself again.  Ashley and Matt found the apartment and had everything set up which was a huge help.  It's been 5 years since I lived alone and while I had forgotten that way of life it is all coming back to me.  I miss the day to day contact with the children but they come over quite a bit and we get together every Sunday.  Going with the flow is really important.  Cooper is getting older and pretty soon he will want to do his own thing. Life keeps changing and while I miss living with them I am realizing I have a few friends in Austin and life is good.

Family

Its wonderful to live with your family and see what good parents Matt and Ashley are and to see the love they have for the boys and the love the boys have for them.  Today was Coooper' s 6th birthday and he is quite grown up.   It was a great day. Star Wars and Legos filled the day.  He is quite grown up and I am learning a lot from him. Who would have thought children could teach you so much.

Santa Clause is Coming

It's always fun to see the pictures of the boys with Santa Clause.   This year there were no tears.  Every year we get the Jackie Lawson Advent Program and count down the days to Christmas and the birth of Christ.   The boys come running down in the morning to see what the day brings.   Sometimes its trees to decorate or a parade and the music and activity are delightful. It's a fun way to prepare and a great opportunity to discuss a lot of different things.  I treasure this moments with the boys.

October came and went and so did November

You would think I was the busiest person alive. Why I haven't written in my blog is beyond me.   It just goes to show you how time really does fly.   Anyway here it is November 28 the day after Thanksgiving and I have had a wonderful November.  On the 2nd of November I flew into Houston and visited with friends for three weeks. It's one thing to talk to your friends on email and the phone but it is nothing like being with them and sharing old and new times.  Ashley and Matt and the boys were coming to her parents for Thanksgiving and also to celebrate Christmas since there will be no flying because little Townes will arrive on January 5.  The boys also love to see there Cousins, Hank, Maryella and Hill so it's a great time for the whole family to get together and play and laugh.  So this was a great chance for me to come early, fly into Houston and come home with them after Thanksgiving.   It also provided a nice break for all of us to be away from each other.   I missed the boys so much but it was still good to see old friends.

If you're happy and you know it...

These Crowley boys are the happiest guys.   They wake up happy and go to bed happy,   This morning I heard them trying to talk Mom into making pancakes.  Cole is really singing and talking now and of course repeats everything his brother says,

Clap your hands...

Right before Cooper left for Kindergarten he came down to my apartment and let me know that I shouldn't give Cole any snacks or let him watch TV while he was gone.  He said it wouldn't be fair.  It's amazing what they come up with.

Stomp your feet

I wish I could remember every precious thing they say.  Somedays my heart swells because they are so precious and such fun.

Shout Horray!

We sing this song a lot fun but it's really true.  You can't help but do all three when you are so lucky to hear them call your name or want you to read to them or realize you have something wonderful.  Just to see them grow and change is worth it all.

If your happy and you know it let them know.