Monday, May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Relaxation. That's what we have on the agenda today. I've been up since 5:45. I did sleep well. I'm starting to think that I don't require as much sleep as I once did. I seem to wake early nearly all of the time now.

We arrived at the house around 7 PM. After oohing and ahhhing for a while, Verne and Mac carried all of the luggage in. Then we played musical rooms. The house has four bedrooms. Three king size beds, and a queen. When I reserved the house, I figured that Verne and I would take the master suite. The girls could have one king bed, the boys could have the other, leaving Grandma with the queen. Well, Grandma immediately complained about the steps.

After using the potty, she looked in what was to be her room. I was in the boy's room, when she came in and exclaimed, "My room does not have a chair. Everyone else has a chair but me! I need a chair to sit and read and watch TV."

"Okay Grandma. I noticed that too. We'll give the girls the queen bedroom, and you can have theirs. It has its own bathroom anyway. That will be better for you. "

So I showed her around her new room, and discovered that in God's providence her "new" room even had a built in shower seat just like her room at home. Perfect for her. I thought that she would be thrilled. She doesn't have to climb over the tub edge to get in, as there is just a small lip to step over. I was feeling very satisfied when:

"There's only one problem!"

"What Grandma?"

"Every other bedroom has a TV, and this one doesn't!" She looked like she was going to bawl.

"Yes, Grandma, it does."

"NO! It doesn't!"

"Yes, Grandma, it DOES!"

"Well then, where is it?"

I opened the armoire at the bottom of the bed. "Oh," she muttered.

"Anything else I can get you?"

"No."

I left, but brought her a set of sheets a few minutes later. "Grandma, I'm setting these here. Verne and I have to go to the grocery store before it closes. I will put them on for you when I get back."

Verne and I left the kids to play air hockey, and Grandma was watching Sunday night baseball. I also gave the kids their sheets and told them to make their beds. Grandma wandered to find Autumn.

"This king size mattress is too heavy for me. I need help. Your mother didn't put my sheets on for me." My back hurts, and I CAN NOT do it myself."

Autumn made the bed for her.

When we returned from the grocery store, we all pitched in and put away groceries. Then we had air hockey tournaments.

Grandma didn't want to come downstairs. She was content to watch the baseball game in her room. When I went to check on her, she asked, "Are all the bedrooms on this floor?"

"No. Ours is upstairs off of the living room."

"Oh. Don't you want to be down here with the kids?"

"No. We want the master suite upstairs."

"Oh."

Everyone was in bed by 11.

And so, today we plan on hanging out at the house. By the pool. In the hot tub.

11 comments:

Susan said...

Older age is no excuse for Grandma becoming cantankerous. Sounds like you and your children are very patient and loving with her. "Love is kind" :o)
Susan

Lifelong Learner said...

Hey. I've come your way via Anna's blog. I see you have Shane and Shane in your playlist. I got to meet them in Thailand. They are SO good.

Great blog. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

I feel as if I'm reading a script from my own family dramas... :o) prayer heavenward.

So glad you've arrived at your destination and are nicely settled in. Enjoy the coastal air and sound of the crashing waves for me.

Rachel said...

Glad to hear you arrived safely!!
Aren't grandmothers awesome - I really mean this. She reminds me of my own dear Grandma, and I just loved her to death. Hope she settles in well, and you all have a relaxing day.

Unknown said...

I guess when we get old we can darn well tell everyone else where to get off if we want to ... hehehe.

By the way, I do believe we are on our way to that old age thing. Early rising is one symptom :) And I'm there with ya!

Ruth said...

I hope Grandma settles in and you are all able to relax, have fun, and make some memories today!!

Cherish the Home said...

Oooh Tracy, LOVE your new blog look!

And I hope your vacation is glorious! (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Emily said...

It's so much fun reading what you're up to on your vacation Tracy. Your grandma sounds hilarious - in a kind of unfunny way...! Hope you continue to have a wonderful trip. I'm so jealous! After weeks and weeks of glorious sunshine and warmth, it's suddenly turned cold and rainy here in England, and I'm stuck with my studies to finish - but summer fun will come soon enough!

Karen said...

I'm sorry but I'm laughing "with" you not "at" you ;0D
That could be a conversation right out of my own family! LOL
Gotta love 'em! AND, you have the patience of a saint, Tracy.

I am also an early riser these days. I have to take my medicine at 6, so my body has become so adjusted to it that my restless legs won't allow me to stay in bed any longer. I've started using that time as my own personal prayer and coffee time before Gordon comes down to join me. If I have to be up at that time, at least I'm in GREAT company!

I'm very glad your family arrived there safely! Have a wonderful time!

Lori said...

Enjoyed reading about your arrival.

So wonderful that everyone can be kind and patient with one another in deciding on which room which person gets to stay in.

Barbara said...

Thought you were going to say "Today, we plan on hanging Grandma" - just kidding.
Have been reading your last several posts. Fun to read about your life and vacation. The house looks stunning. Wonderful to pass the miles posting on your lap top. I bought my husband a computer for his birthday - why did I not buy him a laptop! Missed your visits.