We had Santa’s helpers busy this holiday season! Residents created beautiful projects such as homemade ornaments, stunning paintings, and even winter sock gnomes. The residents continue to surprise themselves with their creative abilities and all our wonderful creations make lasting memories.
Our staff Christmas Party was a riot of laughter and camaraderie! Silly games and guessing contests brought out the playful spirit in us. Our Resident Wellness Director, Kimber, game some fierce competition in our musical chairs themed game! In a hilarious twist, staff turned each other into Christmas trees, spreading joy and festive cheer!
What is your passion? What makes you so excited and filled with joy and life that you can hardy keep your feet on the ground? Remember the passionate interests that you had when you were young? Find time to pursue those passions once again or develop your natural inclinations, the things that fill you with a sense of peace and satisfaction every time you put them to work. Do you love to draw? Draw with everything you have. Do you love to manipulate numbers? Calculate with enthusiasm. Above all else, instill excitement into what you do. Jim
Elf on the Shelf is a newer family tradition, but we brought it here to the cottage! We had a contest to name our elf – and we named him Jingle! Residents had fun waking up each morning and trying to find where Jingle hid himself overnight. Did you see Jingle anywhere?
It’s the holiday season – and we’re all decked out! We began decorating trees and decking the halls to create a festive experience. Residents have also been hard at work crafting and cooking. We made 2 types of Christmas cards, a few paintings, and some homemade cookies. We even made a few gingerbread houses which a few residents said they have never done before, but everyone did an amazing job!
We kicked off the holiday season with an evening of hot cocoa and cookies! Residents and families enjoyed homemade hot cocoa and Italian cookies while listening to music brought to us by Michael Oelschlager.
On November 20 th, we had the privilege of celebrating a 100 th birthday with our very own Ruth Edes! We honored Ms. Ruth with a harpist, a beautiful and tasty bakery cake, and a framed card signed by all of us. It’s not every day you get to celebrate a century with someone!
Taking Control Many of us seek out the opportunity to step in and take control of a particular situation or event. Whether it is leading a sports team to the World Series, running a fast-food restaurant, or even caring for an elder family member, when things are going smoothly, it’s easy to feel as if you’re in charge. The more you perceive yourself as your own master, and the more comfortable you become in this role, the harder you will fall as it is said that storms will come, and uncertainties will loom on the horizon. If you cling to control and feel entitled to having things go your way, you are likely to sink when difficulties surface. I believe that we are encouraged to enjoy times of smooth sailing and to be thankful for them, but we need to be equally warned not to become addicted to this sense of mastery over your life as we are being trained to always trust in Him – for He is your Refuge. He uses adversity to set you free from the illusion of being in control. When your circumstances and your future are full of uncertainties, look to Him. Therefore, we are encouraged to find your security in knowing Him, the Master who is sovereign over the storms of your life – over everything.
Residents frequently ask us when “those cute puppies” are coming back. Lucky for us, at the end of October we had a puppy party just in time for Halloween! We were visited by 3 puppies who were all full of love and energy. Residents loved reminiscing about dogs they had in their families and how much love they’ve always had for animals!
In the month of October, residents got fall festive and took on a new flavor challenge: pumpkin spice! We learned about the history of the flavor and tried some interesting snacks that were pumpkin spice flavored. The overall favorites were the pumpkin spice hot cocoa and pumpkin spice pretzels! In addition to the pumpkin spice, we celebrated National M&M Day by trying out some new flavors of M&M’s. We tried 6 different flavors, and the overall favorites were the plain Jane and the peanut M&M’s!
We showed a little patriotism this July with a red, white, and blue celebration! We had some tasty snacks, talked about the history of our country, sang some songs to honor our country, and honored some of our service members. Residents loved reminiscing about memories of how they used to celebrate the Fourth of July and we talked about ways to celebrate at the cottage as well. They also loved talking about our beautiful country and learning some new fun facts.
In continuation of our cultural immersion series, we took the opportunity of National Hawaii Day to learn about the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands! Did you know that superstition in Hawaii says that if you take rocks from volcanic lands and other sacred areas you will be cursed?? Apart from learning about the culture, we celebrated with food, drinks, and silly pictures. Aloha!
