The winners….and another update
Posted on: Tuesday, November 11th, 2008I am SO sorry! You guys must have thought I fell of the face of the earth….. I suppose in a sense I did. Frankly though, it feels like I’ve been off the face of the earth since last April when we first bought this house and put our old house up for sale. Since April it’s been like a roller coaster ride - one thing after another that has kept life from being far from normal. As if things haven’t been busy enough dealing with a move & renovations while having a newborn, we have had no end of troubles with our new-to-us house. It appears as though the previous owners did absolutely minimal maintenance on this house and left just before everything started falling apart. Almost every week I have been discovering something else wrong with the house that needs to be either repaired or replaced. It’s so scary because we’ve had to pour thousands of dollars beyond what we budgeted and planned for. Our latest in the ongoing saga, was getting our house re-painted. We had done the main level of the house and just needed touch ups and trim work done. However, the entire upper level had to be re-painted. There were holes in the walls, and the paint in pretty much all the rooms and the hall was in terrible condition. Since we just didn’t have the time to do it ourselves, we hired a wonderful painting company to come and paint. They started last Monday – and figured it would take them about 3 days. Instead, because of all the damage they had to repair to the ceilings in the bathrooms, and along the edges of the ceiling in the hall – it ended up taking 5 days. So, for five days, I had the contents of virtually every room in the house piled in the center of each room and covered with plastic. We had one playpen set up in the ensuite bathroom at night, and the rest of us sleeping on the couches and floor (with the basinette alongside us). Instead of having the 2 days I had anticipated to get the house in order before my grandparent’s moved in, I was trying to get as much moved and organized as possible the morning of the move (Saturday). So, tired already, imagine my shock when a tractor-trailer pulls up! Yup, not a small or medium-sized truck, but the BIGGEST truck you can possibly get. My grandparents had brought virtually the ENTIRE contents of their 3 bedroom apartment with them.
All day I felt like crying as the movers would come in with thing after thing "where do you want this?", "where should I put that?" Half the time my response was "I have no idea – just put it in the front hall for now." By the end of the day you could barely walk on the main level of the house there were so many boxes piled one on top of the other. I think there were 15 boxes just for the kitchen alone – and not small boxes either – the big ones that are waist high! Because my grandparents (who are 87) have been struggling with their health so much recently, they did not have the strength or energy to purge ahead of time. Since Saturday, from the minute we wake up, to the minute we collapse in bed, we have been unpacking and attempting to do some purging (thank the Lord, my parents are here to help). I say ATTEMPTING to purge, because it’s been like pulling teeth. It doesn’t seem to matter that my grandmother has 20 pots, or my grandfather has 40 short sleeve shirts, because they’re "worth good money", she’s reluctant to part with them. Some of you may be wondering why I don’t just put my foot down and say "there’s no room!". It’s just that I understand their struggle. They came to Canada from Hungary in 1956, during the Hungarian revolution, with only the clothes on their back and $5 that the Salvation Army gave them. Everything that they own has been hard earned, so it’s very emotional for them to give it up. Not only that, they’ve left behind the city they lived in for over 50 years to come here, and from their perspective, they are essentially leaving their independence behind. Although we constantly reassure them that our home is their home, I’m sure they can’t help but feel displaced. I’m trying to make the transition as easy and as comfortable as possible. Which of course means trying to accomodate as much of their prized and loved possessions as I can. Where there are duplicates, we’re giving away our own. Whatever of our things we don’t really need, we’ve gotten rid of to make room. So, since Saturday that’s what I’ve been doing.
I’ve also been getting ready for the Demonstrator Stampfest this weekend. WHAT I was thinking when I planned that I don’t know. Certainly I thought we’d be more settled than we are. Things are coming along well, and I’m very excited for the event, but it’s a lot of extra work that it’s hard to find the time for. In terms of stamping, other than designing the projects for Friday’s stamp-a-thon and the Make and Take for Saturday, I haven’t done any stamping at all. In fact at this point, I’m feeling like I’ve forgotten how 
( ! I have all sorts of beatiful things I bought from the catalogue when it came out in August that are still sitting untouched and unused. At this rate, I’m worried they’ll retire before I get to them!
Anyways, I’m sorry to talk your ear off. It’s actually been kind of cathartic to write to you about this as it’s all been really weighing me down: facing problem after problem, being incredibly busy, and having no release as I have no time to spend doing what I love. Okay, enough blabbing….
ON TO THE WINNERS OF THE BLOG CANDY.
Congratulations to Kay Mespelt (comment #15) and to Priscilla Aguilar (comment #353). These names were drawn using www.random.org. If you guys can please email me at andrea@demotodemo.com with your choice of class planner or stamp class by email – I’ll send it out to you.
Andrea Walford 
Sophia Landry 
For details & to sign up for this class click 
For details & to sign up for this class click 
For details & to sign up for this class click 
For details & to sign up for this class click 
53 Comments
November 11th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Wow Andrea, what an ordeal! My heart goes out to you as you work through this transition in your families’ lives, and I hope in the end, it all works out. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
November 11th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Oh my gosh-you have been through SO much and still find time to treat us with ideas and blog candy!!! I am SO THRILLED to be a winner! Thanks for ALL you do for us! Hugs Kay Mespelt
November 11th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Wow, you are going through soo much right now, my heart goes out to you. I hope things will settle down for you soon. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas and I am so excited about being a winner!!
~*Priscilla*~
November 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Oh my – you are surely earning angel points! What a good grandaughter you are and I’m sure that when the dust settles it will all be alright. Hang in there! ~chris
November 11th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Andrea,
What an overwhelming job you’ve taken on in the midst of your already overwhelming life. I only have three kids and can’t imagine taking on all that you have. You are so patient and loving toward your grandparents. I know you are a blessing to them and what a wonderful example you’re setting for you kids! I pray that God will multiply the hours in your day and patience to meet every demand of your current circumstances.
{{{{Hugs}}}}
Britiney
November 11th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Andrea:
You, like so many of us women, are the “do-ers” – we extend so much of ourselves to everyone that sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves and do what we love. I think I speak for all of us…we LOVE LOVE LOVE your samples, classes, techniques, but those of us that know what it’s like to be mom’s and move and work and stamp and everything life throws at us…….It’s OK if you take a break from stamping. You’ll never forget how to do it. It’s OK if life has to be the priority! I feel your pain, I truely do, but once you get back on track, things will fall naturally back into place. In the meantime, get your family organized, help the grandparents feel “at home”, THEN worry about us, your daily blog readers. Family first Andrea. We all love you and your work but we also understand the need to settle in your loved ones (and yourself for that matter!) Hang in there girl! you ROCK!
November 11th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Oh, Andrea…I feel for you! I hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that your life will slow down soon.
November 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Been thinking about you, Andrea! I really miss reading your posts but am just in awe of all you have on your plate. You really should be so proud of yourself for all that you do and all those you care for. They are lucky people!
Take care of yourself too!!
Best of luck and hope things get better!
November 11th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I don’t know what to say aside from I’m thinking of you and all you have to do. My stuff seems minamal in comparison. If you need anything in the way of help from a blogging buddy, let me know.
Brandi
November 11th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I feel for you. I hope you see the light at the end of this tunnel. One thing is inevitable in this life, everything changes. So this will not last forever.
November 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Andrea ~ the least of your worries should be us. If the rest of your “stalkers” are like me, then they are just thrilled when they see something new pop up on your blog. This life is all about loved ones so take care of your own and know that we appreciate everyone has a few blips on the radar ~ we know you’ll be back…
November 11th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Andrea,
You will never forget to stamp, once you get thing settled and discover the new “normal” with the baby, kids, husband and grandparents, it will all come flooding back. Just like we won’t forget you! Good Luck!
November 11th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
WoW you have been really busy and dealing with a lot of emotional things in your life. Just remember God never gives us to much that we can’t handle. Hopefully really SOON things will start going back to normal. Just remember to turn everything off for you FUN stamping time this weekend. It will all be waiting for you when you return. Just enjoy what you love and have had to push a side.
November 11th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Hang in there!
hugs,
Elizabeth
November 11th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Wow! I cannot imagine how you are still standing! I am praying for you — for strength and patience and rest AND for an end to the undiscovered problems with the new house. It sounds like you’ve had enough of those unpleasant surprises!
November 11th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Sending you hugs and prayers.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Andrea, you are the poster child for Murphy’s Law! Please remind your grandparents that anything they donate to charity makes a fantastic tax deduction! I’ll be saying a prayer tonight for your continued sanity
November 11th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I just had to chuckle as I read about your life. You have to have a sense of humor to make it through all that chaos. My husband’s parents are in their 90′s and living alone 11 hours away. We worry about them but they refuse to even consider moving out of their home. I know you will be glad to have them close and they will be thrilled to be there with your kids and the new baby. I love your hearing about your life…it makes mine seem really calm…ha! Take care of yourself during all of this.
November 11th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Just wanted to say hang in there! Sending good thoughts and hugs your way!
November 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Let me tell you… you have some good karma headed your way.
November 11th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
At the moment everything seems chaotic but in a short time you will be back in order and enjoying every moment with your granparents making memories so hang in there. I think it is a wonderful gift you are giving your granparents. I had to go back and read it twice to make sure it said grandparents not parents. You a a very special person Andrea. See you Saturday.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Andrea,
I do/and don’t realize what you are going through. My parents were difficult in some respects; however, the plans for any of them to move in never came to fruition. However, my husband’s mother, who’s 90 and living with my husband’s sister is to the point where something has to happen. I appreciate what you are going through and wish you well through the process.
janet
November 11th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Wow. Your story about your grandparents touches my heart and soul. You are an amazing and giving person. Your grandparents are very blessed to have you. Thank-you for sharing this story.
Christine
November 12th, 2008 at 12:24 am
bless your heart… hugs to you – this too will pass – keep a journal, someday when you need a good laugh you can look back and wonder how you survived it all – good luck – you have BIG angel wings waiting for you in heaven!
November 12th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Andrea,
My thoughts are with you. Thanks for sharing, I’ve been thinking of you quite a bit lately. In reading your story, I feel so much better about my own predictament…I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer…I had so many plans for the holidays and now all I’ve committed to is a craft fair in early Dec before my chemo treatments. I thank you so much for sharing since I’ll be facing some bumpy days ahead of me. Believe…it’s just a detour…life will be all better soon, not only for myself but you too!
November 12th, 2008 at 4:57 am
I totally understand how you feel! We moved over 3 months ago and are still sleeping on the loungeroom floor because of the “minor” renovations to our bedroom that were only going to take 2 or 3 weekends worth of work!
Hang in there and cry when you have to! A good cry makes it all feel better somehow
November 12th, 2008 at 6:45 am
I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through. I’m a silent subscriber but felt compelled to respond to this heartbreaking post. I know how you feel. My place seems to be in the same state since my husband and I got together and merged our two separate households together. It’s been almost four years, yet I’m still in a mess.
Sending you hugs and well wishes.
Beth
November 12th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I wish I lived closer to you, well not really since I have a very hard time dealing with the cold…..but wished I could be there to help….like babysit, unpack, clean or whatever. This is what friends do for each other and I feel like your my friend for all that you do and share. Love and long distance hugs….
November 12th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Andrea, you are so kind to open your house up to your grandparents, especially with having a newborn and a new home. Any one of these things by itself would be stressful and time-consuming, but all three . . . wow! Sharing your thoughts helps others to know how to pray for you . . . my prayer is for your peace of mind!
Nancy
November 12th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Wow, I see already that you are being deluged with sympathetic replies and this is yet another of them but I just wanted you to know that my heart really goes out to you on this and I can’t begin to imagine trying to assimiliate the entire contents of a 3 BR home into your new home along with all of your existing household goods! I think you are showing amazing compassion and calmness in dealing with this and yes, I would have wanted to cry when I saw that truck pull up as well! You poor thing!!! Added to the painting fiasco AND a new baby? OMIGOSH, I don’t know how you are coping at all! Bless you!!!
It’s funny reading your comments about 50 plus years of accummulation as we are traveling with our family to my parent’s home (out of state)over Thanksgiving week-end to help them get moved out of the house where my father (in his late 80′s)was born and his parents lived there for their entire adult lives and after they passed, my parents remodeled the home (somewhat…but that was almost 50 years ago and it definitely needs some more “updating”) and our family moved in when I was in 4th grade. Considering I am 50 plus now, you can imagine the overwhelming concept of relocating for them. Anyway, for some strange reason (probably the “Depression Era” mentality that your grandparents have) they don’t feel they can afford a moving van to do this so between the 4 of us and my elderly parents we will do our best but seriously, moving is one of the most stressful things ever so I am thankful your lovely grandparents have moved in with such a wonderful and supportive family member. I’m sure there have been plenty of opportunities for tempers to flare and bless your heart for everything you are doing!
Hopefully you will get the headaches of painting and assimilating households behind you soon and settle into a routine which includes stamping! Jan
November 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Oh dear, I just read over what I posted and my high school grammar/English teacher would roll in her grave if she ever saw the terrible run on paragraph (so much more than a sentence!) that I just posted.
Anyway, hang in there….it will all be behind you and you can laugh about it later. Hopefully that will be soon! Jan
November 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Oh, Andrea! Hang in there:) Good news is-it can only get better! Try and get a minute just for you just to stamp one card for yourself. Have fun with your StampFest!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
You certainly have a log going on right now and I feel for you. You are such a thoughtful person in the way you care for your grandparents feelings through what has to be a hard transition for them. Such an inspiration. Remember to take care of yourself too. God bless.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Andrea, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What an amazing woman you are! I’m sure your grandparents know how lucky they are to have you. Take a deep breath…smell some rubber…ink up your fingers…and know we’re patiently waiting for you!
November 12th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Andrea, I am sending hugs. Your grandparents are very fortunate to have you in their lives. One day, when the chaos has subsided, you will look back to realize how fortunate you also are to be able to give to them. You are so unselfishly showing them such respect and love, something that our elders are not always shown in today’s world. Though I’m sure it will take awhile for all the dust to settle from their move, the house updates, the baby’s needs, and all else that life sprinkles into a day, you will be making treasured memories that you can be proud of and that will bring you joy and peace of mind in the future.
November 12th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Your blog post today really touched me. I am so sorry you are going through so much right now. Just remember that this will pass even though it is difficult right now. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy
November 12th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Hang in there. It seems that there are a lot of Prayers going out for you.
November 12th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Bless you for being there for your grandparents! And good luck with all the house stuff —that alone is enough to drive anyone mad!!
November 12th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Goodness. Yes, I’m sure you feel a little better sharing it with your friends. I find that’s a good way for me to get back to dealing with *whatever* if I tell a few frineds.
Lightens the load.
You take care and know of our appreciation of you!
November 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
This is a great forum to vent because so many of us support you and have actually walked in your shoes. On a stress scale test you would be over the top I’m sure. Is there anything you could delegate to someone else? Take a little extra time after the Stampfest for some “me” time alone to restore your batteries. We are no good to anyone else if we don’t take the time to make sure we are fulfilled. So whether it’s a pedicure, cup of tea, stamping with the door closed and a do not disturb sign or a walk alone in the crisp fall air, Just Do It! You deserve it!
November 12th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hang in there Andrea! We are here for you. Wishing you and your family much blessings and aloha.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Andrea -
Here are some cyber-stamping-hugs from Iowa USA!! I can’t imagine taking on what you are taking on, it is just amazing to me the sacrifices you are going through. Hang in there, going through a move is NOT fun, but you will survive! I hope the family is all doing well and adjusting.
Sara Kobe
Iowa Falls, IA
Fellow Demo
November 12th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
After reading your blog today I wished I lived closer so that I could knock on your front door, give you a hug, and tell you that I was there to help you sort through everything. Since I live far far away all I can do is send you encouragement and happy thoughts. What an amazing and loving thing you are doing for your grandparents and such an act of kindness speaks volumes about the kind of person you are to those who are blessed to know you. Your children will see what a family does for one another and I hope that they will have very fond memories of their grandparents when they are older. I hope that everything falls into place for you soon and that you can relax and take some time for yourself.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Andrea, take what time you need to get a handle on things. In your heart you know you can return to the things that you love and will be able to have time for yourself. God will bless you for looking after your family in their time of need.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Have you thought about getting a storage facility for their things for awhile? They will know their things are safe and close by but likely will not see them often once tehy settle in and maybe little by little you can purge as they forget about them. Just a thought. It’s hard for older folks to part with things, particularly when they have been through difficult times. You are so patient.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:27 am
I went through a similar situation with my grandma. When I bought my first house I asked her to move in with me b/c she really didn’t need to be alone anymore. My grandpa was a supply sargeant in the military and has at least 5 of everything!! My granma is also a little bit of a hoarder as well! So I completely understand how you feel with “trying” to get rid of all the duplicates you get from combining 2 households. You have made lots of sacrifices- getting rid of your things to keep your parents and it is also very sweet : ) Good luck with your house-it’s hard to find something broken around every corner. Hang in there and hope you get to stamp more soon. That will make you feel better!
November 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Wow Andrea, you are an amazing woman. I know God will give you the strength to get through this. You don’t need to worry about your blog readers. We’ll still be here when things are more normal again.
Beth
November 13th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Andrea,
I can’t even imagine!!! I downsized my parents when they did their last move and I know just what you are saying about pulling teeth trying to get them to donate or give or toss stuff.
Fortunately they were not moving in with us..LOL I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking of that move!!! LOL
Sending you supportive thoughts!
Sue
November 14th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I’m so sorry… if I were there, you know I’d help you!!! Big hugs going out to you!
November 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
My heart goes out to you. I had to do the same thing in 1997 w/ my grandparents, but my husband and I moved into their house. Oh boy – I found dentures in the top kitchen cabinet from a great uncle who passed away in 1968. We had 2 pick up truck loads of glass jars for recycling….every item that came in a jar, they washed and saved. But enjoy every minute with them – mine are both gone and I still miss them.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Hi Andrea, wow I sympathize with you. Keep your faith and sense of humor, after such long days it appears it is all we are left with
) thanks for all you do!
November 16th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Andrea-
From one SU sister to another thank you so much for everything you do for us. I am always inspired and also tired by the time I read all you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your house is going to be so beautiful and filled with love.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Andrea,
You DO have your hands full and I hope things get settled soon for you. I would be doing the same thing if I were you and having my grandparents live with me. Unfortunately I never got to meet either of my grandfathers….but both my grandmothers lived with us when I was at home in their later years. It is a big adjustment, but no other love compares to one of a grandparent and grandchild, and great grandchildren. God Bless you!