Resident Council

Today we held our monthly Resident Council, where we chat with the residents at each home and ask how they are liking Beehive Homes. It was great to hear how much each resident enjoys their time here and fun to learn even more about their lives.

While visiting a newer resident, Bonnie, for Resident Council, she shared a sweet story of her time here at Beehive Homes. While reluctant of the thought of leaving her past home, she quickly warmed up to Beehive Homes and was able to feel comfortable right off the bat. 

She went on to share that she had been gone this past weekend and upon her return, her room had been beautifully decorated with her many intriguing artifacts and paintings. For Bonnie, it has made her feel even more at home and she is able to reflect on the memories that some of her things bring to mind. 

This painting is just one of Bonnie's gorgeous pieces of art. She told me it reminded her of time in Apple Valley, California. Amidst the setting sun, Bonnie looked over and saw a jack rabbit perched in nearly the same position as this one. With the sunset backdrop, it looked just like the painting, but of course not nearly as red.

We love having Bonnie with us at Beehive Homes and it was wonderful hearing how her experience with us has been!

Name That Song

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice flashback to the 1940's as we played, "Name that Song" with the most popular hits of the decade. "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller was the most well-remembered song of the 40's. Another one that really got us taping our toes, clapping our hands, and even dancing around the room was "Buttons and Bows" by Dinah Shore. We've included a nice clip of the song so you too can enjoy the catchy tune. 

 

Many people seemed to remember most of the lyrics and it was great hearing various memories they brought to mind like school dances and learning about music from parents. Inspired by the great music, Ferrell sang a couple songs for us afterwards while John did some backup singing. It was a fun time and great way to spend a snowy January day.

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone was able to enjoy ringing in the New Year and that it is off to a great start! Here at Beehive Homes we plan on making 2014 the best year yet. What are some of your New Years resolutions?

This past Tuesday we got a nice arm workout while playing a game of Beanbag Toss. With candy as the incentive, it was a hit and many were able to show off their rocket arms and precise aim. Who knows, maybe by the end of the year we'll be prepped to give some Major League Baseball players a run for their money. ;)

Then again, with beanbags as cute as these ones it might be hard to let them go too far out of our sight.

Gingerbread Houses

We had a great time decorating gingerbread houses together this week! Some of the residents shared their memories of making gingerbread houses with their families; others shared other traditions. It is so fun to learn more about how everybody celebrates Christmas.

Oreo Turkeys

To follow up the Oreo spider cupcakes we made for Halloween, we couldn't resist using Oreos to create turkeys for Thanksgiving! The ingredients were simple enough--candy corns for feathers, licorice for legs, and Whoppers and a little frosting for the face.

Apples to Apples

Two seventh-graders came to volunteer at Beehive Homes this week and brought some of their favorite games. They were a hit! At one point, we had 13 people crowded around one table to play Apples to Apples. The game was filled with a lot of laughter and we are excited for the boys to come back!

Rummikub

Our Friday Rummikub Club has quickly become a favorite activity! Some of the women have fond memories of playing Rummikub weekly with their friends for many years, so it is fun to continue the tradition at Beehive Homes. We look forward to it all week long, and enjoy the time we spend together playing the game.