Grandma Love

There was a housewarming social for this month's new residence at Mom's new place. While she was clearly nervous about any attention, she sure loved showing these three off. The bigs loved dancing on stage while the piano player played. The Baby flew into Grandma's arms and was upset when we had to leave her. He did try stealing all the walkers he could find and snuck up behind many a old people. I don't know why some of these places don't consider having an on site daycare with a giant glass window. Seniors and babies are magic together.

Mom seems to be adjusting a bit more. I talked to the Resident Liaison today for a while and came up with some ideas to help her a little more. I was also about to let her know about some Mom things (behaviors, anxieties, likes, dislikes, etc.) which helped her out.

I'm headed down to see my grandparents soon and it's nice knowing she will be taken care of while I'm gone. I've been mentioning it every time I see her because I know me leaving causes her some serious anxiety. I can go three days without seeing her but as soon as I mention actually going somewhere, she panics. I guess I am her rock as she was mine.

I can't get over that picture. Four extraordinarily beautiful people. I'm so glad they have each other and I hope to capture as many moments like this as possible while I still can.

Bacon Popcorn, Joe Joes and Fleas

What do these things have in common? I had all of them today.

Mom's place got off to a slower start than I had hoped for. I finished the area I was hoping to but every time I turned my head half an inch, I was instantly overwhelmed with what was left. Mom was a bit of a hoarder. She liked collecting and hated tossing. Over the last year, she started 'going through' everything which really ended up being her moving things from one pile to a next. The end result of that is a pile that consists of 50 pieces of scrap paper and trash and 3 very important documents mixed in. This is going to take me a year, especially when I'm trying to keep The Baby from sticking his finger in pencil sharpeners and VCRs. Mom also liked having multiples of things. Anyone need a printer or three?

Anyways, midway through the day I went to trash some of the stuff in the bathroom. I saw something jump out of the corner of my eye but I assumed it was just movement from me dropping something in the bag. Nerp. That would be too easy. Within seconds I had three fleas on my legs. I yelled for Aunt B to come grab and toss the bag I had so I could kill all the fleas on me. Mom had a problem a few weeks ago but we hired an exterminator and she hadn't had any issues since. I called the exterminator hoping they might be in the neighborhood but they're not available until next week. Our next solution was to bomb the place. With foggers, you guys, but don't think the thought didn't cross my mind. I dropped the baby off at the BFF's after thoroughly checking him for fleas, grabbed a venti of sanity and prepared to go to war against the evil little blood sucking jerkholes.

Sadly, this meant that we didn't get nearly enough done today and most likely wont be able to get much done tomorrow either. The Baby is my almost constant sidekick and I don't want him rolling around in pesticides quite yet.

I got a call from Wayne from Mom's new place. He's one of the activity guys and they're throwing Mom a housewarming party tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to dress the kids up in dresses and button down shirts. I may even brush their hair. Appetizers and non alcoholic wine, here we come.

Off to gorge myself on Joe Joes and Bacon Ranch popcorn (thank you S!). One of these days I'll find my self control again. I assume its under one of the piles of laundry.

66 Years in 3 Days

Tomorrow is the next 'Big Day'. We've had quite a few of these lately. I'm hoping after this last thing gets taken care of, things can slow down a bit. I want to have movie nights with the kids and bake things. I don't know what I want to bake or even how to bake but I want to do it. I also want to learn to knit. I have high expectations. All of those things require being home early enough and long enough. Tomorrow I start cleaning out Mom's old apartment. My incredible aunt, who I've been lucky enough to have a wonderful relationship with, came up from Southern California to help me. We have 30 days to finish but I only have her for three. Dad is in Southern California helping his parents out. They recently went on hospice and I know he wants to be with them for as many moments as he can. That being said, the next three days of cleaning will be done with a wild 1 year old in tow and a crazy 4 year old. Mom's iPad will only work for one of them. Hint: not the one who can be reasoned with and bribed. Play dates are a godsend. One day I will find a way to thank my community (especially my tribe) for everything they have done for me. I'm normally a decaf coffee drinker but I think I may need the leaded stuff tomorrow. Have I mentioned I have terrible ADHD? I could use all the lucks you have to spare.