
You see, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in July. She's only 68...that's not that old! In July, we were just concerned about some subtle & kind of vague memory issues. It rather quickly progressed to her not remembering to take her meds or even eat unless we (I'm one of 5 siblings) are there to take care of those things. On top of that, she began falling in November & isn't able to get up by herself. Anyway-- to make a super-long story short, I've been spending a great deal of time, energy, & stress taking care of my mom. Over Christmas Break, I created a calendar & my sibs & I now have specific days & times that we are "on duty". It's really been a blessing...I now find that on my 'off days', I no longer feel guilty. I also learned from a work-friend about a day adult service in our area that we tried out over break. I 'officially' registered her on Monday. As I was driving home, it hit me that I had just signed my mother up for day care.

I am really looking forward to getting back to/finding my new normal!
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What I've been up to....One of my most popular products is my Calendar Math Pack. It's truly made a great difference in my kiddos' math skills! At the end of the first semester, my teamies & I took a look at the skills that the kiddos had seemingly mastered & the ones they still needed to practice. As a result, I created a "baby" Calendar Journal (as my kiddos call it!). Just a half-sheet journal page that has these skills:
- 100s Chart Puzzle - though my kiddos seem to do okay when the numbers are within 100, they aren't nearly as confident when the numbers are in 300s, 500s, or in the 1000s. We now do daily practice with these types of puzzles.
- Money- we are still working on counting $!
- Function machine - this continues to be a skill that kiddos will need. It's really a great algebra-readiness activity. Right now, we are doing machines in which the rules are half or double.

I'd also like to give away a copy of the Calendar Math Pack...just leave a comment & make sure you include your email so I can send it along to you! I'll draw randomly Tuesday evening!

Your stuff is so cute!
ReplyDeleteIrene
mrsleeby@gmail.com
Learning With Mrs. Leeby
Thank you! That's very sweet!
DeleteIt sounds like you are going through a really difficult time Brenda! It's so smart of you to be so informed about Alzheimer's. I'm glad you have siblings to help you out and to lean on. You need time for yourself too! I'm sending you prayers and hugs!
ReplyDeleteYour calendar unit looks great! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! :o)
œKaryn
A is for Apple B is for Blog
Kideducator@comcast.net
Thanks, Karyn! I truly appreciate it!
DeleteIt is so hard to be dealing with the illness of a parent (I know first hand). Hopefully for you your decision brings piece of mind.
ReplyDeleteLaureen
Teach With Laughter
Thanks, Laureen!
DeletePrayers for your mother (all all of you), Brenda.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI am so sorry. My godmother was diagnosed at an early age. I will be thinking of you and your family. Glad to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you godmother. Alzheimer's certainly is a disease like no other.
DeleteI am sorry to hear about your mom. My hubby retired and moved to Hawaii 2 years ago to take care of his mom. I fly over on my breaks, every 4 month to see him and he comes home once a year to see the kids and grandkids. We, also, put his mom in a day care to give him a break during the day. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteTerri
The First Grade Princess
Oh my goodness, Terri! That must be very difficult. I really admire you for the sacrifices you are making. Blessings & prayers to you & your family!
DeleteI hope things go well with your mom!
ReplyDeleterebeccanemecek@gmail.com
Thanks, Rebecca!
DeleteI heard someone say that Alzheimer's is the cruelest disease and I have to agree. My husband's grandmother was diagnosed about four years ago and it's been rough on the whole family. But you must make time for yourself no matter what. You have to stay sane and happy in order to be able to help your mom. No guilt. Take care of yourself :)
ReplyDeleteMaribel
I think that is true..it is very cruel. It can get very ugly. I really appreciate your reminder that you have to stay sane & happy in order to help others. Thank you so much!
Delete