On August 2, 2019, my Mom, Frances, gained her wings. She had spent the last 6 years of her life at Lake Forest Park, her last 5 months in Memory Care. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Staff. They are all truly phenomenal caregivers. From the receptionist, to the hairdresser to the laundry staff, to housekeeping, to maintenance, to the kitchen staff. They are all just such wonderful, caring people. I have to mention here the extremely kind gesture from the kitchen staff who came to mom's room to see her just before she passed. Mom passed soon after. Just after the Crisis Care nurse called me, she held the phone to Mom's ear and I got to tell her for the last time that I loved her, and my 2 sisters loved her. One half-hour into my drive over to see her, she passed but heard those last words "I Love You". Also, I want to give a big thanks to Ryan, Virginia, and Stephanie who made sure mom was taken to any activities she was able to take part in. Last, but not least, the kind, caring and loving nursing staff who treated Mom as if she was a member of their own family. All the CNA's (sorry I have forgotten names and apologize) are all exceptional people whom I've gotten to know and love. It meant the world to me and my family. Again, thanks to all. I will never forget your kindness to me. It is absolute proof that angels walk among us. I will keep you all in my prayers, and may God bless you abundantly.
Christmas Crafts For You and A Friend Back
Merry Christmas! It’s the hap-happiest time of the year, and that means spending time with those you love doing things to create memories and bond you closer together. Making Christmas crafts with a friend is a wonderful way to spread cheer to others as we enjoy the holiday season together. Invite a friend to make these crafts together to decorate your homes with or give as presents this holiday season!
Sock Snowmen
Idea Courtesy of Ciao-Mama.com
What You’ll Need:
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Pair of calf-length tube socks
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Pair of cute patterned girls socks
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Rice (or beans or lentils)
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Rubber Bands
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Twine
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Felt for shirt/eyes/nose
Directions
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Cut the foot off of one tube sock and toss. You will only need the top of the sock.
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Turn the tube part of the sock inside out and wrap one end tight with a rubber band. Then, turn it right side out again and begin to fill with rice. Push the rice down into the sock so it will stretch out and become a chubby little snowman body.
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Once you have filled the sock almost to the brim, wrap another rubber band around the top to secure.
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Take out your patterned socks and cut the heel and toe off of one sock, so you have just the middle section. This will be the snowman’s shirt. Then take the other sock and cut off the heel. This will be the snowman’s hat.
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Shimmy the “shirt” over his plump belly. Take some of your twine and tie it around the top of the sweater.
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For his hat, take another piece of twin and tie a cute bow near the top of the sock toe. This will make it look more like a hat, and less like the end of a sock. Place this on top of his head for his hat.
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For the face, make little eyes and a carrot nose out of black and orange felt. Hot glue onto his face area and enjoy his cuteness!
Painted Wooden Clothespin Snowman Ornaments
Idea Courtesy of Craftingmom.com
What You’ll Need:
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Wooden Doll Pins 3 ¾” (pkg of 30 sold in craft stores)
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Red or Green felt for hat
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Acrylic paint: white, black, orange, red, green
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Clear Gloss Varnish
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String or ribbon for hanger
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Thin ribbon (to tie on hat)
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Paint brush
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Black Ultra Fine Sharpie
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Glue (hot glue preferred)
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Scissors
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Optional: small jingle bell, sequin snowflake, glitter paint, fine sandpaper, toothpick, q-tip
Directions:
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Paint the wooden pins white. It will take 2 or 3 coats of white paint.
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If needed, sand with fine sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
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Using black paint, make 2 eyes, and with red paint, make a simple scarf. Do this with one stroke from the right side, and one stroke from the left. Make a small circle (for the knot in the scarf), then two separate strokes down to make the tales to the scarf.
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Using orange paint, make a carrot nose and let it dry.
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Add rosy cheeks by mixing red and white paint to make a soft pink. Using a q-tip as a brush, gently add the cheeks.
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Using a fine line sharpie, add a smile with just 4 or 4 little lines. Don’t forget to use your sharpie to add some cute eyebrows.
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Add some detail to the eyes by dipping the end of a toothpick into white paint and place a little dot in each eye.
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After drying, paint with a coat of glitter paint.
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Let dry and paint with a coat of gloss varnish.
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For the hat, cut a piece of felt 2” by 3”. Fold up one side of the 2” side and glue, glue hat on the snowman. String a small jingle bell onto a thin ribbon and tie tight with a knot around the top of the hat. You may need to trim off a little of the hat.
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For the hanger, slide or glue thin ribbon on the strong tied around the hat. Glue a sequin snowflake on the hat and you are all done!