The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Monday, October 27, 2008

Centerpiece ideas?


This Wednesday we are hosting our annual, "Pumpkin Carving Party" where we have two families over for dinner and then carve pumpkins while enjoying hot apple cider and apple pie! We invite different families every year, (for the past 8 years!) just so we have an oppportunity to get to know new friends! I was setting the table tonight to see how everything is going to fit, and there is no room for a centerpiece. I have little acorn and pumpkin candles at each person's seat, but it still seems as if a centerpiece is needed. Any suggestions?

My mom was in a great mood the last time I talked with her. She has been sleeping well, and all "body systems" are a go now, so she was happy about that! We're trying to find ways to keep her somewhat active and moving from her wheelchair. I read an idea about blowing up balloons and playing "balloon volleyball" where she could kick at the balloons and bat at them as they come to her. If you have worked with someone wheelchair bound, please share any ideas you may have about movement and activity.

Gayle (my mom's daytime caregiver) took her out for a drive to see the fall colors and she was so happy to enjoy that time out. They went to Jack-in-the-Box for lunch and ate their meal overlooking the Sacramento River so that was also a mood lifter. My mom hadn't been for a drive in 3 weeks, so she was happy to get out and enjoy a drive through town. Gayle takes her for a daily wheelchair ride, and the other day my mom "gave permission" to Gayle to pick a pomegranate from a neighbor's tree. Gayle felt so embarrassed when the neighbor came outside and commented! It's funny as my mother has always been the most honest person, so for her to tell Gayle to pick the fruit was a rare sign of rebellion! hee hee :-)

All is well on this end. Kyle had a dentist appointment today and he has two cavities, which he was disappointed to learn meant a trip back next week! Ashlyn got stung by a bee at her riding lesson and almost fell off her horse, but she managed to stay in the saddle and hold back the tears until she could get off. I made the mistake of doing a quick "rip" with the tape that was bandaged around the sting last night, and she has still not forgiven me for inflicting "terrible pain on me Mom!"

Off for now to work at this evening's Brownie Meeting. We hope you are all well, and I will update you again soon on my mom's status. Happy Monday! :-)

5 comments:

stefanie said...

I'm not a decorator...how about one of those fancy new pumpkins - the turbans or the white ones or the warty ones? Or maybe a plain old fashioned orange one?

When I worked in the nursing home, the residents did enjoy playing balloon volleyball. They also liked 'bowling' with a bouncy ball and the light plastic toy pins.

Enjoy carving!

Kim said...

Stefani's idea about the funky pumpkins sounded good. I also saw one of the blogsites where they had used fancy Martha glitter and covered mini pumpkins in it! Very cute. Sometimes it is hard to see over centerpieces though and your table looked great without if you decide to go with a more simple look.
I am doing good to get all the plates and silverware on the table...ha ha!

Liz Harrell said...

This year I used one white pumpkin in the middle and bought some orange carnival glasses from a flea market and added tea lights inside. The orange/pink glass really looks fallish, and I can use them for Thanksgiving too... so that's a bonus.

Lory Howlett said...

Hi Denise, isn't Longmont great? I have checked out your blog, too. It's lovely!
Lory H.

Sue said...

Wish I could help, but sadly I'm the one who uses paper plates and serves pizza every Christmas Eve. ;-) I have no doubts you'll come up with the perfect centerpiece.

I'm so glad to hear your mom is doing well, and I love that she's got a little vinegar flowing too. Too funny about the neighbor's tree. Way to go Mom!! haha

I look forward to hearing what you decide for the centerpiece. Enjoy your dinner!!