Sunday, July 26, 2009

LIFESTYLE CHANGE...

Good morning gals. I've been away a little more than usual lately, but things have been a little hectic, to say the least, in this neck of the woods.
Last weekend we had a great turnout for our sidewalk sale and sold LOTS of our summer goodies and next Friday night (31st from 5-9) is our p.j.party/fall preview. Everyone has been working like crazy and I've got some wonderful things to surprise everyone with. This will sure be a busy week getting ready though!
As you all know, my wonderful dad had a stroke in May and is in a nursing home nearby. I try to go visit most nights after I close the shop and that leaves my mom on her own. We have made the very hard decision to move to her home (since she would NEVER move) and, at least for now, give up our wonderful old historic home. I had to get down to the fact that it's "just a house". We haven't decided if we are going to sell or rent it, but we have been SO busy getting things ready to move. We are doing a total re-do of her walkout and the contractors are starting this week. I've been helping her sort, pitch and get ready for a garage sale and then I will have to do the same thing here. I'm trying to look at the bright side, our new "apartment" is going to be prim, prim, prim and that part will be fun. I'll share pictures as we get going. There is nothing more precious than family and I have been so very lucky to have such wonderful parents. They both would always do anything they could for their family and now it's my turn to give back. I count my blessings every day that I have a husband that feels the same way. Thank you Dick! We're hoping to have this all wrapped up by the end of the summer and then get back so some kind of order in our lives. Thank you all so much for the support you have shown through this heartbreaking time.
SO, on to the fun. Our Terri has been creating like a wild woman! She has made so many wonderful things for the shop - pumpkins, witches, black cats, silouettes, ornies, make-dos, dolls... (And she has been working on Christmas in between!!!) Kari (our jewelry artist) has been working on Halloween jewelry too, it is so unique! We also have MANY wonderful dolls to offer for fall.
Before next Friday we will also have more antiques in the shop. We have been selling like crazy and have LOTS of holes to fill. Can't wait to see what it all looks like when it's done.
Thursday night Terri is going to come help me put it all out (after hours) so we're ready for Friday night. Many other Holly shops have gotten in on the action for the p.j. party. My Sweet Holly (the newest shop in town) is helping me host this event. So far the other shops that have joined in are Pigeon In The Parlour, Carrie's Delights, the new candle shop and more... Hope some of you can make it - but don't forget to wear your p.j.'s to get your discounts!
On to the shop for the afternoon. Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and "Thanks Again".
Until next time...

14 comments:

  1. Back in 1999, a month after hubby and I were married, we bought my mom's home (the house I grew up in) because she could no longer be by herself. We sold my house, his house, and had THREE houses we had to go through. But it was SO well worth it! I no longer have my mom, but I know the last year of her life she was well taken care of and loved! It IS a big adjustment; I think it is WONDERFUL what you are doing. Family IS everything! :)

    Have a great day!

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  2. Hi Dawn....we should all hope to have a child who cares as deeply as you do for your parents....tis a wonderful thing you're doing for your Mom....hugs to you! Janet

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  3. Hi Dawn,
    Hang in there. I know change is never easy. We too are living with my mom and there are challenges with that, but over all it is good. I am lucky to have a husband that does lots for my mom and treats her like his own.
    So it sounds as if we are two lucky girls to have great husbands and parents. Make it an adventure!
    Laurie

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  4. Hi Dawn.

    That is never an easy decision and some adult children and adult parents just can't co-exist no matter the love they share, so it is wonderful you can do this for your mom. I hope that the whole experience turns out to be even more positive than you could have ever imagined!
    It sure sounds like the PJ party is moving full speed ahead! What fun!

    hugs, Linda

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  5. What a hard decision to make...we have rentals and it can be done if you chose good renters and remember that anything they destroy can be fixed!
    What a blessing you are to your parents. Dianntha

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  6. Dawn, that's such a hard decision to make and such an unselfish one. I admire you so much for doing that for your mom. One of our big problems in dealing with Mom is that she's not very cooperative with any of us. We know she doesn't mean to be contrary, but dementia had caused her to lose some of her reasoning abiliites and not one of us (or our spouses) could live with her, I'm sorry to admit. My sisters and I have all talked to her about the rehab thing and today she said not one person has told her one thing. We're fighting an uphill battle. Good luck with your venture and may God richly bless all of you.

    Kady

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  7. It is a wonderful thing you're doing, Dawn! I think to look back with regret at what we didn't do, but could have done, would be a tough burden to carry. I wish you great joy and patience in your big lifestyle change!

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  8. Hi Dawn,
    I know that it must of been a very hard decision, but I also know that it is a wonderful thing that you are doing for your mom. Family is everything...and it is the reason that I gave my shop up many years ago in Waynesville, so that we could move back to home and help my husband's parents with their small farm. Which is now been sold and they live in a smaller home near his sister...but I would not of changed any of it along the way as we have many great memories of the days we spend together at their place.
    Best wishes as you make this change in your life and I just know that you will have wonderful memories of this time with your mom that you will cherish forever!
    hugs, Cindy

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  9. Hi Dawn! I knew when I met you you were a genuine gal. I wish you the VERY BEST & have the utmost respect for you! Can't wait to see your "prim apartment", it sounds great! Family IS everything, you're so very right...much of the same reason I've decided to close my shop recently. As you know, I'm dealing with a similar situation, but due to the close proximity, fortunately do not have to move. Your plate sounds more full than mine. I love ya my blogg'n friend...you're such a SPECIAL gal! You've got my number if you need an ear or a shoulder! Pajama party sounds like a blast! So glad to hear you're partnering up with other shops...that's great!!! Hugs :) Missie P.S.: We all hope for a daughter like you!

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  10. I hope your mother knows how blessed she is to have you and your husband, so many these days just will not give up anything for their parents. After all our parents gave up things for us. May God Bless you and your family.

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  11. hi dawn....wow....what can i say other then i am just wowwed by all you do....this is one of the sweetest things any daughter can do for their parents and this my friend does not surprize me one bit that you are doing it...you are very special...your dad will find confort knowing you are there with your mom...my heart and prayers are with you girl...what a great thing you are doing

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  12. You are a wonderful daughter. I could tell this the day I first met you in your shop (with Pat, my mother-in-law)as you told us of your decision to move to your mom's and I can tell from this post.

    You and your family are truly blessed to have each other. I will keep your father in my prayers!

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  13. Hi Dawn, I went back and read your post about moving and I am so happy you are doing this - family is all we have in the end and if we don't honor it while we're all around then we have nothing.
    You are doing the right thing and that's all there is to it.

    Hugs, Karen

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  14. Good luck, Dawn. When my dad died two years ago, I made the decision to move in with my mother and give up a primitives home that seemed to be my soul. I grieved for that house so much it wasn't probably right. I am gradually getting okay with it, and I am happy to help my mom, who this year has had to undergo cancer treatment. Life keeps throwing things, but with faith and positive beliefs, we'll all get through it! Hugs... Gayla

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