It’s been quite a while since I’ve done an update post so I thought I would take today and fill you in on all of the crazy going on around here. We’ve just returned from a long weekend in KY and had a great time. My husband’s family had a reunion and we had another reunion of sorts with our friends. It’s always nice to catch up with everyone face to face vs. Facebook.
The babies are growing up like weeds and starting to say things that are remotely recognizable. Things like Papaw and mammaw, cup and of course, the always popular, “No!” They are 19 months old now and I can’t believe how far they’ve come in such a short time. From 2.1 and 2.5lbs to 22 & 25 lbs respectively.
Their personalities are changing as quickly as their little bodies and it’s such a kick to see glimpses of the people that they will eventually become. I never understood the pull of a grandchild until I had my own. When you raise your children as a momma you would kill to protect your children. When grandchildren come along you would kill those same children over those grandbabies any day. It’s amazing how quickly they grab ahold of your heart and hold on for dear life.
My niece is here for the summer (the reason we went to KY) and we’re excited to have her with us again finally. She stays every summer and Christmas break with us. You may remember her guest post back in 2014.
There are some big changes coming up for our family. The first and most important is the fact that we will soon be moving. We haven’t found the right place yet and we’ve only just begun to look, but I’m confident we will be able to find the perfect house to fit all of our needs. We thought that we would be staying here longer than we will, but circumstances change and the owner no longer wants to own so he’s selling. We aren’t interested in home ownership again at this point in our lives. My husband only has a few more years until retirement age and we’re not sure where our forever home may be if anywhere. Traveling well into our senior years has always been the plan.
We don’t want to be tied down to a piece of property that we no longer want. So we’ll find the perfect rental and try to make the move as easy for momma as we can. I don’t have all of the answers on how to do that just yet, but it’s something that I am striving for. I remember the downward spiral she made when we first moved here and I’m in no hurry to go back down that road again.
Moving for someone with Alzheimer’s is a terrifying experience, to say the least, and the easier I can make it for her the better. We’re lucky in the fact that we are able to pick and choose until we find the place that will make us happy. We love this house we’re in now and we’ve had a lot of good memories over the last four years, but my husband and I both feel that it is time to move on. We want somewhere safe for momma to take her walks, we want plenty of room to move around (preferably a 4 bedroom since I need an office space desperately), and I would also like to have a pool. The pool isn’t a make or break deal but if I am listing all of the things I want then I have to add in a swimming pool.
I love to swim and would do it every day if I could. Here I go to the lake which is only about a half mile away. The benefits to my body and my RA make it something more than just a want and sticks it pretty close to the “I need” column. Being able to jump in a pool when my bones get so stiff and sore would be amazing to me. Maybe that perfect home is just out there waiting for us. I know we won’t have a problem finding the right place. We are every landlord’s dream. We want a long-term lease, we don’t have kids or pets, and we have always left a place looking better than it did on move in day. We have excellent references. So, I’m not worried at all and I’ve been guaranteed a 4-month window if it does sell.
The Blogging 911 has been up and running since Feb 1st of this year and if you haven’t checked out my site over there you really should! I love it and am very proud of the work I’ve done over there. Right now, most of my clients are either maintenance clients or V.A. clients and I am enjoying the different assignments. I have worked on a few design jobs and you can check out my latest work on my friend, Pia Savage’s, site called Courting Destiny. I’m not completely finished with it but most of it is ready. If you know of anyone who is in need of a migration, design, or maybe they just need a few extra hours in their week and would like to hire a great Technical V.A. then I am your girl! You can email me at either Rena@thediaryofanalzheimerscaregiver.com or Rena@theblogging911.com
Last but not least, we’re getting set to do another Walk To End Alzheimer’s and in the next couple of weeks I’ll start my annual pitch to donate to our team for the walk. I’ll let you know when that gets a little closer. I’m getting ready to do another redesign here at TDAC. I get bored easily so seeing the same site day after day grates on my nerves and after a while, I have to attempt something different. I’m already working on the new logo and wireframe so it won’t be long before we get another whole new look.
I have some wonderful guests posts on incontinence coming up next week and Friday is this month’s Use Your Words post where we are each given some random words and we then craft a story from those words. There are 14 bloggers that take part and if you are interested in joining us then contact Karen over at Baking In A Tornado. It’s a lot of fun and she has several creative writing challenges to choose from!
That’s it for me this week. I hope your summer is fun and exciting. Until next time…
No wonder why I lost track of you! Wow, you’re a busy girl, and all good stuff. The grandbabies have grown – I only remember their newborn photos. Wow. About renting and all the rest, after having our house on the market for 2 years I have to hold out hope that all will eventually fall into place.
My cousin moved his mom (also my cousin!) clear across country when he decided to move. Of course it was a little easier for him than most people b/c they have $$ so he hired a nurse to fly with them. The plane ride was a disaster, especially when she had to use the bathroom. I won’t go there. Eventually everyone settled in and was happy in their new digs.
Those babies. Those BABIES! Growing up fast. Best of luck with the move. I know if anyone can be sensitive to the needs of an Alzheimer patient, it’s YOU. xoxoox
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Hit me up for a Walk donation at roswarrenATgmail.com when you start raising $$. I work at a public library so I’ll only be able to kick in $20, but Im happy to do that. LOVE the line about killing your kids for the sake of those grandbabies. (I’m not a grandma yet, but I’m looking forward to it.) I also want to support your desire to swim every day. I’m lucky enough to have a sister with an indoor pool who lives in my neighborhood. (It’s one of those Endless Pools where you swim against the current.) So I get to swim EVERY DAY. And it’s just wonderful for my health and spirit. (And I can swim at our outdoor community pool all summer at the incredibly cheapo rate.) So definitely — seek out that pool. Daily swimming will change your life.
What cute kids. Best of luck with the move, that sort of thing is always stressful.
I didn’t know you had RA. So do I. What meds do you take? Grandbabies, oh how I can relate. Mine are the joy of my life and when they leave I miss them like crazy.
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Hi Rena! It sounds like you’ve been juggling quite well these days–good for you. And yes, I know that moving is a hassle even in the best of circumstances but I’m sure that you will manage it well. And I also applaud your decision not to buy a home right now. Looking forward to the future and knowing what is important to you is so very critical. You are indeed a rightsizer! Good luck with all your upcoming adventures! ~Kathy
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Thank you so much Kathy. Things seem to moving a lot faster than I had anticipated. I’ll tell you all about it on Friday.
So much fun and excitement. Those babies are gorgeous, love that you have your niece back, I’m so proud of all you’ve done with The Blogging 911.
I didn’t know you were going to have to move, I hope the move goes well.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…I’m Begging You, Sun
Oh yes, Karen I gotta fill you in! I’ll email you.
I totally understand the idea of not being tied down to a piece of property. We downsized into a mobile home and love it. No maintenance. It makes it so much easier to travel and not nearly as expensive.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Mouzon House, Saratoga’s Winning Longshot
I just want to be free to go where I want when I want, hopefully one day. Thanks Rebecca for your comments
Adorable babies. Good luck with the move I know how they are with kids
Thank you Jasmine. Luckily, they don’t have to go through it other than adjusting to a new space to spend their Friday nights with mamaw and papaw.
Such adorable Kiddies! I love that you are supporting great causes like Walk To End Alzheimer’s! Thank you for that.
Thank you Kari for your kind words.
I am so sorry you have to go through this. Finding a spot this safe for someone with a medical issue can be hard. I hope you can find the right home and it goes smooth for you.
Your grandbabies are adorable! Good luck with the move and enjoy your special time with your niece 🙂
Linda Wolff recently posted…Preparing Your Kids For College Is Not A Feat For The Faint Of Heart
Lots of changes. I know exactly what you mean about grandchildren. They open your heart to a love you never knew you had! Wishing you much success as you find your new home WITH A POOL!
Cathy Lawdanski recently posted…Gifts For Elderly Fathers
I loved this post Rena – it’s amazing how much those grandbabies of yours have grown and you have been soooo busy! I hope you find the perfect place to move to in the months ahead and the swimming pool becomes a reality (the kids would love it too!) I’ve missed reading your posts (you’ve been a bit quiet) but this one made up for it! xx
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I cannot believe those lil miracles are already 19months old and talking and you are so right, grandkids are heart stealers.
Good luck with finding your next home. I hope the transition is a smooth one. Keep your eyes on the end result:)
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Hi Rena,
Great to see you! Glad things are going so well for you both personally and in the blogosphere. Good luck with the move!
Janice
So glad to read an update on your life Rena – your grandbabies are the cutest things ever! I’m so sorry I’ve been out of the loop – I miss talking to you.
I can’t believe how big your babies are getting! I still remember them with their little oxygen masks. Miracles, both of them!
Wow! Moving. You, girl are one brave lady! I’ve done it too many times myself, but never with RA and with your sweet Alzheimers sufferer in tow.
You are always so upbeat about everything, it is always a pleasure to read your posts. I have a hard time finding all of my favourite bloggers since the Midlife site was taken down. I’m so glad I thought to subscribe!
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Great pics! Love their dandelion heads of hair! Please email me when you do your walk so I don’t miss the opportunity to support you. My next month is going to be out-of-control and I might not be online as much. Email is mithraatthebubblejoy.com.
The twins are growing so quickly! Good luck in the house hunting.
My dream is to have an indoor lap pool with a maintenance person.
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gotta keep moving! Thanks for the update 🙂
As you look at those grandbabies now, it is hard to believe how terrifying it was when they were born. But you maintained the right attitude and knew they would be fine and LOOK at them NOW.
I was glad to hear that your Blogging 101 is doing well. I took a look at your creation at Courting Destiny – nicely done.
I know that when the time comes for the move, you will have the grace and patience needed to help Momma through the change.
A very busy life you have – a LOT going on – and the babies are adorable! 🙂
Andrea recently posted…What Are You Thanking God For This Week?
sounds like a wonderful life I suffer from a few afflictions as well but for the most part it sounds like you are like me and enjoy what you have been blessed with in life
my daughters love the park, always a good time for everyone.
OMG they’re so adorable! I’m happy to see Rena that you’re doing fine and it was really exciting learning a bit more about your life. Good luck with your move. Thinking of you and your family! xx Abby