Welcome! We are a Christian family who cares for elderly individuals in our home. There are so many quotes, stories, and photos that we wanted to share with our precious "Golden Girls'" families, which they could view quicker and could be updated easier on this blog than we would ever have time (and memory!) to share with them personally. We also thought others might enjoy reading and viewing along with the families on this great adventure of their loved ones' golden sunset years. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your visit with us and "The Grandmas"!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Good Times

Johanna is not only our little therapist, humorous clown, & compassionate friend here in our home, but also quite the helper, always wanting to do the "big" things she sees Mama and sisters doing.  The other evening she determined to take charge of assisting Gram-Gram in her pudding escapade.  The result?...


Ahh...we do so love our Grandmas!  Getting up close to dear Helen and drawing out a bold whistle results in her own pucker and blow, followed by a full-body chuckle together.  What fun we do have!

Some quotable quotes in Helen's thick southern drawl:

"Hi, honey.  Have you seen my little girl (Johanna) anywhere?"

"Hey ya good lookin'.  What ya got cookin'?"

"Who's that good lookin' man out there?  Come on over here!  I wanna have a word with you."

"I'm a good Christian woman."

Say Hi, Helen: "Hi Helen!"


Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Case of the Missing Laundry Basket

The Case of the Missing Laundry Basket
Based on a True Story :)

She walks tremulously, her breathing coming in short, anxious gasps.  The door is pushed back...the sound, oh! the sound is unmistakeably dreadful, and the smell!  quite obvious in it's scent.  Her hand slowly, hesitantly makes its way to the switch.  She senses the thundering beat of her heart, terrified, yes, all the more terrified because of her awareness, her utter repulsion of just what scene she will find...

Yes....It's Laundry Day!!!  AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!


She looks to her left, then cautiously to her right, desperately searching; high, then low...O where, O where has the laundry basket gone??  The search is on, a great and terrible search.  One which will be the determining factor on whether the clothes will be wrinkly...or...not....

Stealthily she makes her way into the first place of suspicion...
                                                       ...to find naught but The Scholar studiously tackling her work.


On she goes, ever watchful, always anticipating; the search for the laundry basket is resumed...
                                  ...the living area holds here not our character's basket - life line of wrinkle-free clothing - but none other than The Exerciser!  Dutifully, skillfully, does she stretch out her muscles.

Back into the previous room of suspicion, being sure to cover all bases, she discovers...
  ...The Lipstick Lover artfully plastering yet another glob of shine onto her invisible little lips.
The anxiety and suspense of this treacherous situation has taken it's tole on our desperate detective.  Sweat pours down her face; pale, trembling, she sets off to the next destination...
                
                                            ...The Napper!  However, finding naught but pretty curlers in our suspect's hair, the sighing, yet determined detective moved on her way, intensely scrutinizing every nook and cranny, never wavering, never doubting; hoping, believing, to find the one lost treasure she most desires for accurately accomplishing the duty of laundry -- the basket.

Suddenly, out of the blue, a light bulb flickered on.  The one way of finding something, a way which had always worked before, always helped her find those objects always lost...prayer!!  Closing her eyes, the launderer offered up to her Heavenly Father a quick, yet sincere prayer of help to find her laundry basket.  Opening those eyes again, a new look, a new picture was seen on her determined detective face.  No longer was she panicked, no longer bathed in nervous sweat.  A look of serenity, peace, and entire trust stole across her face.  Now she was ready.  Now she was not desperately searching with her own simple wit; she carried with her the eyes, the mind of Christ.  He could help, He would help; and she knew it.

As she stepped into the next room, a quick glance confirmed her suspicions -- not there.
                

And yet, no trembling was made, not a groan was uttered from her resolute lips.  On she went, each step taken in sureness, faithfulness.  A turn in the room, the light flashed on.  And there, beneath piles of folded clothing, sitting quietly, patiently, was her laundry basket.  Lost treasure...
            
                                             ...Found!  Praise the Lord!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Gray Head is a Crown of Glory

You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged,
and you shall revere your God;
I am the LORD. ~ Leviticus 19:32 NASB



A gray head is a crown of glory;
it is found in the way of righteousness. ~ Proverbs 16:31



The glory of young men is their strength,
and the honor of old men is their gray hair. ~ Proverbs 20:29



Wisdom is with aged men,
with long life is understanding. ~ Job 12:12


Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. ~ Titus 2:3



Grandchildren are the crown of old men,
and the glory of sons is their fathers. ~ Proverbs 17:6

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009

1st Anniversary Celebration!



Last Sunday we celebrated the first year anniversary of our business!  On October 9, 2008, we received the deposit for each of our first three residents: Dave & June, and Helen.  On Sunday the 19th, we drove to OK and picked up our sweet little southern belle and brought her to her new home with us.  The next day, Monday the 20th, Dave and June moved in to our ever growing household, adding so much more life and laughter to each day.  We were not only blessed with our precious "Grandpa and Grandmas", but became fast friends and family with their children, Rod, and Vic & Linda.

Soon another blessing was added to our home and heart, that of our very own Grandma M., otherwise known here as Jan, from IN.  We brought her here December 1, 2008, and moved her into our ever-shrinking "Girls' Room", as dorm mom. :)  Eventually Grandma moved into our former office, which moved to our former formal dining area, which moved...into the breakfast nook...:) 

On December 25th, Christmas night, our "Grandpa" Dave peacefully passed into eternity.  His dear and cherished little wife, Junebug, continues to reside with us.  Dave's fight here on earth was done and over with; no more pain, no more cancer.  Although his passing brought heartache and sorrow to those of us left with only photos and memories, we could rejoice in the thought that for him, all earthly cares, hurts, and trials were now done away with.



The new year of '09 brought sunshine and joy as we welcomed our new "Grandma" on February 13th.  Margaret (or Muggs, as she was so fondly called) joined our family circle, bringing with her knowledge, honesty, humor, and love.  She was our delicate flower, who needed that extra, tender care.  Her and Junebug were "roommates"; sharing quite a few nights up together on behalf of one another. :)  Much too soon, however, our dear Muggs was taken gracefully into the arms of Jesus, where, as Johanna often states, she is dancing for the Lord.  On October 1oth, Margaret passed into eternity with her son Scott, and daughter-in-love Judy, beside her, holding her hands and singing those precious hymns to her.  What bliss it is to know a loved one is in the presence of the Lord, and that we will one day meet again!


So, there is our quick overview of this past year with our beloved grandparents, and, although our party was a bit late in the celebrating, we enjoyed ourselves immensely, as we remembered past events, reveled in present joys, and anticipated future delights.


Some Forgotten Photos...






I was recently browsing through our pictures from the Arboretum and realized that I had completely forgotten to put in our scenic photos!!  The fun tale of our escapade and rapturous interest in how sweet our little ladies looked in these quite unprofessional pictures quite stole my interest away from these "scenic only" photos.  So, here are some lovely images of our great Lord's creation!






















Thursday, November 5, 2009

Hold On To Your Seats, Folks!

We have accumulated a large number of pictures between October and the beginning of November which have not been given the coverage others before them have received.  Why?  Well, because maybe they just weren't big enough events to write an entire post on? :)  So, here they are!  Enjoy!!

My first vote!! ~Nov. 3, '09

Linda, Jeff, and June - our brave flu shot victims!!:)






Home-school P.E.?? :)

A beautiful day deserves a patio lunch...

A sister is a gift to the heart,
A friend to the spirit,
A golden thread to the meaning of life.
                      
                          ~ Isadora James


Love the food, love the outdoors, love one another!


A few nights ago, after barbecuing chicken,
we decided to use the hot grill to roast some marshmallows;
s'more anyone??



"I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!..."

"How are you doing, Junebug?"
"Well, I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in!" :)

A sweet friend of June's, Mr. J came to visit and brought a huge, "jolly" smile along!

Johanna has recently been helping us girls put on our makeup and, yes, do our hair. :)

Helen discovered an extra pair of glasses in front of her and...

...thought she might be able to see better with both on. :)

May we have your order please??

Yours truly...

Autumn leaves clean-up!

Anatomy of the Balloon Game



Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!  His love endures forever!!!

Watch out!  Crazy driver and passenger on the move!!

A Beautiful Day on the Patio

Johanna Joy - God's gracious and joyful gift!!

Lunch, anyone?

Grandma M. and Junebug sharing a good laugh

What's so funny?  The camera-girl?

Helen and Debye, taking in the fresh, October air



I love fall! Fall is exciting.
It's apples and cider,
It's an airborne spider.
It's pumpkins in bins.
It's burrs on dog's chins


It's wind-blowing leaves.
It's chilly red knees.
It's nuts on the ground.
It's a crisp dry sound.
It's green leaves turning
And the smell of them burning.
It's clouds in the sky.
It's fall. That's why...
I love fall.

                             ~Author Unknown