My schedule with Grandma....

I feel like I manage my time pretty well.

I am no where near perfect... but I try to make the best use of my time everyday.

If I talk on the phone...I am usually cleaning.

Multi-tasking.

I have a set Schedule for Grandma.

I make lists... and I prioritize.

 I told myself that I couldn't look at Pinterest or read my friends blogs until my room is completely clean.. and... so I haven't been to either place for almost 4 weeks.

My life is... way busy.

I had a neighbor call me last week and ask me why I don't answer e-mails.

I try to...  I really do. 

 In fact....I don't delete your e-mails.

 I save them in my inbox... so I will answer them.

  But.. then they sit.. and all of my good intentions go down the toilet.

Often times... I sit for a minute to look at Facebook throughout the day.. or read my e-mails.. and then get called by my children, the phone or my husband -- to another task.

And then I come back to my computer 2 hours later... and it's still sitting there -- exactly where I left off on Facebook 2 hours earlier.

I feel like I need to journal these experiences with Grandma.. and when I don't get to it.. I stress.. so while dinner is cooking tonight.. I am going to sit for a minute and write.

(When I should be cleaning my room.)

This is how my day goes -- in general for the last month.

******

7:30 am. Wake up.. put my hair in a ponytail, get dressed and head out the door for a walk.

8:30- Eat breakfast - Do back exercises.. make my bed.

8:45- Wake up Grandma

9:00 am - Julie arrives.

We like Julie a lot.

Julie and I change Grandma. 

Mon, Wed and Friday Grandma has a sponge bath, and we wash her hair.

Everyday after she has been changed.. we move her into the wheelchair and I change the sheets on the bed.  ( I know.. that is very often.. but I know when I have been sick and laying in bed all day.. my sheets feel gross.. and I want to give the kind of care that I would hope and love to have. )

We wheel Grandma into the kitchen or onto my deck to enjoy the sun.

I make breakfast and feed her.

After breakfast.. we brush and curl Grandma's hair. 

 Usually the kids are eating breakfast when she does.. and starting their chores for the day.

  ( Yes.. I have no make-up on.  Sometimes I am too busy -- even for primping. )

10:30-11:00 am - I call a neighbor to help me lift Grandma back into bed. 

I have awesome neighbors!  So very willing to serve!

Grandma rests for about an hour and I get ready for the day.. and do chores.

12:00- 1:00 - Lunch.  I feed the kids.. and then I feed Grandma in bed.

From 1:00 - 5:00 pm - it is different everyday.  It's either Grandma watching movies, me reading to her -- ( her history ) and brief changes. ( as needed )

5:00- 6:00- Prepare dinner and feed family and Grandma.

Somewhere between 6:30 and 8:00pm.. Grandma is begging to go to sleep for the night.

I try to keep her up until at least 8 if I can ( because she is without brief ( adult diaper ) changes for a longer period of time... but sometimes I give into her pleas for sleep.. and she goes down for the night at 6:30.

8:00 pm - After 8 pm, Go for a walk, clean kitchen and house, and by 10:30 I get in the bath tub.

 ( I hope! )

I check on Grandma every 1/2 hour until we go to sleep for the night.

The kids are usually in bed by 10pm.. and I am usually in bed by 11:00 pm.

Chad and I try to attempt a movie..or even catch up on a TV show... but I usually fall asleep.

* Repeat the Next Day *

I also do:

Shopping 2 times a week

Laundry at least 3 times every day

Take out the garbage 4-8 times a day

During  this last month, there  has been a lot of growing... adjusting.. and learning.

It has also been extremely heart-warming and happy.

I know it sounds cheesy-- but each day that we have with Grandma has brought me  comfort, joy, and has been filled with Tender Mercies and much love.

It has helped the intense grief I have had over my Father.

Truly.. the key has been to forget myself and Serve.

I am Grateful.

Today I am Grateful for:

Lunch and a few hours visiting with Monica!!

A most gracious friend calling me -- to invite my kids over to her home for the day.

The fruit at Costco.

Friends being patient with me

Any of YOU who read my blog. 

 I can't understand why you are here right now.. when my life has been such a roller coaster for so very long.. but I love you for your true friendship.

  I will be back to visit you.. and answer your e-mails one day. 

 I promise. 

 ~ All I have to do is clean my room.

PS: Grandma got a haircut!  Thank you Lynn for your house call and services!!