One year ago...My how much has changed!

It’s been 1 year today since  we moved my mom into a memory care facility. The last 9 months have been full of many challenges. Today, for the first time since March 15th, I was able to visit my mom, in her room (with a negative Covid test
-in full PPE). The last 9 months have taken an irreversible toll on her and not being able to be with her through much of it has taken a toll on everyone who loves her the most. She is the strongest woman I know. She’s fought through so much in her life with so much grace. Today was quiet. She talked a little.  She asked where the boys were and she told me she loved me a couple times. Otherwise, we just sat together. I told her about everything going on and when it was quiet, I prayed over and over for her comfort, health and safety. We’re going to get through this. We have to.

Snowman and Fred

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas! In true 2020 fashion the day started out WILD! 
Last night Colt was tired and slower than usual. About 8, I found him laying down. He just went to bed (in our room-you know tradition!). No goodnight no excitement of Christmas Eve traditions. Just in bed. I can’t say I wasn’t worried. I asked him a million times if he was ok and he just complained of a tummy ache and said everything else was fine and he was tired. I
took his temp all night long. The morning came and he and Chase were excited to get up and going. After  Santa gifts were opened, he started fading.  His belly hurt and he was just laying on the floor. I hesitantly took his temp and it was 99.9. I took it about 60 more times and got a ton of different readings but he def wasn’t himself and he was warm. 
So the panic sent in. 
Everyone was suppose to be at our house about 1 1/2 hours later. We knew we had to cancel. After some calls, looking around and help from Becky, we found a place in the Med center who could test him with a PCR test and we could get the test back in an hour. They were so sweet and told us to get there before 8. We jumped in the car and we’re there in 22 minutes. Thank goodness no one was on the road! I decided to be tested too. For one, to help Colton’s nerves and two for extra safety. We went right in, we were tested. Shortly after, a DR came in,  asked a couple questions and left. As we were leaving, they ran down the hall after us and tested Colts temp. 98.8. 
About 45 minutes later we got a phone call that we were both negative. Yes!!!!!!!
We called everyone and powered on with plans, just a little later than planned. Unfortunately, the push back in time didn’t allow Gaga to be with us. But, Allen Beck and Liam came over and dad went and picked up mom and she was with us for Christmas morning! It made everything worth it. Having her with us was the best gift ever!!!! She did well. We ate together and we all opened gifts. Mom was exhausted by the end. She was quiet the whole morning but you could see in her eyes she was happy. Everyone left here and we packed up and headed to Gaga’s. We had a nice relaxing time opening  gifts, watching the kids play and shoot BB guns and eating the most delicious dinner. 
By the time we got home around 8pm we were EXHAUSTED! 
It started out crazy but in the end, we were with our family and had the most special day.

The empty seat at the dinner table was a painful reminder of how missed you are. I know PawPaw would have loved to be with us watching his grandkids open their Red Rider BB guns. Bought by Gaga, from him to them. I know he was up there, looking down, smiling that big smile of his nodding his head in approval. 

Waiting on Christmas

Waiting on Christmas...Staying home and staying safe so we can celebrate with family! 

The first week of the break we laid low.  No friends, no gathering.  

We even had a virtual Christmas party with our college friends since we couldn't be together! And, Zak and I won the the trophy for the year! 

On Christmas Eve, we were able to squeeze in our annual Elf watching and Cookie making with Baa! 

November Happenings...

Theres been a lot of hunting going on around here.  No luck yet though...

   

We sure visit here often! 

These outdoor visits are not always perfect, actually never. We have to deal with the weather- hot and COLD! Mom's pretty quiet these days.  She doesn't usually talk back to us and if she does, it's so hard to hear her, even with the speaker. But, were thankful for any time we can show mom we love her! 

Chase had his last game and had QUITE a cheering section.  Even Le Dog came out! 

We went to our first in restaurant dinner in Cypress since March.  We sat outside. 

We get lots of FaceTime calls from Becky.  Liam is usually very busy.  This is what he didn't the whole time on the last call.  Becky says he put himself in quarantine.  He's so cute!

Mom is stilled in the skilled nursing (she leaves Dec 4th).  But with a negative Covid test my dad can go in for two hours a day, m-f.  She loves him being there and after one weekend she even said, "where have you been?!?!?!" when dad walked in.  My dad always brings her a treat and he puts so much thought into what she'll love the most.  

These boys! 

Grandad asked the boys to spend the night and help with decorations so we squeezed in a last minute date night with these two! 

The boys FINALLY got to see Nanny over the Thanksgiving break.  She was very very quiet but Colt hit the nail on the head when he said, "Nanny was good.  It was ok she was quite as long as we can be with her." They miss her very much! 

Today I went in to see mom.  Since it was so cold, we were inside.  I had to wear all the garb but this mask, this mask was AWFUL! It made me thankful for every single other mask I've had to wear.  But for mom, I'd wear anything! 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

And, We've already checked in with SANTA! The last two years, it's been a mad dash to get in so before Lacrosse started up, we decided to try to get in.  We scheduled online and walked right up to Santa.  We could not believe how empty Bass Pro was.  I don't think we've actually ever been when there were that few people there.  Specially when Santa is in the building!

  It was nice, Gaga met us as usual, we had temp checks, sat in front of the big guy,  they gave the boys ornaments and treats for at home,  and we walked around the store for a bit.