House of Estrogen

Simple Woman's Daybook, Memorial Day, 2011

For Today...

Outside my window... the sun is going down, and it is finally tolerable outside. It has been so hot and humid today.

 I am thinking...that it really, really, really, really hurts when you step on 10 staples that are pointy-side up on the floor and they go all the way into your foot. Also, it bleeds a LOT when you yank said staples out of your foot. Having experienced this first hand today, I don't recommend it. If your children have left staples on the floor, go ahead and yell at them now, so they will pick them up. That way you can avoid the yelling that includes curse words when you step on them.

I am thankful for...my dad getting out of the hospital. Things really seemed iffy there for a while. He is home though and doing well. His appetite is better than it has been in a month. He is weak but manuevering around well. I think he likes their new house too. He is enjoying the screened porch.

From the kitchen...chicken pot pie, biscuits, fruit salad, and bean salad. Note: if you make chicken pot pie using leftover barbecue chicken, it makes for rather odd tasting chicken pot pie, perfectly edible, but odd nonetheless.

I am creating... still working on Elise's room. We did a lot this weekend, and it is really coming together. I'll post some pictures when it is done.

I am going... to lie down and relax when I finish this post.

I am reading... Queen of Babble in the Big City, by Meg Cabot, or at least I was reading it until I lost it. I took it to the pool yesterday and haven't seen it since.

I am hoping... that Dad's doctor appointment goes OK tomorrow. He has gained some weight this week, and that can be a sign of more congestive heart failure.

I am hearing... the dryer.

Around the house... wet swimsuits and towels on every hook, door knob, and towel rod.

One of my favorite things... lazy summer days at the pool. Our neighborhood pool opened yesterday, so we spent much of yesterday and today there. This evening was a "dessert potluck" at the pool, so we pigged out on desserts. It is nothing short of a miracle that nobody threw up.

A few plans for the rest of the week.... the end of the school year frenzy - plays, teas, parties, picnics, etc. The girls just have 9 more days of school.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... On this Memorial Day, remembering my grandfather, Lt. Cmdr. John Eldridge, Jr. who bravely fought for our country in World War II until his death when his plane was shot down over Guadalcanal in 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Gold Star.

 

And this is my grandmother christening the U.S.S. Eldridge which was named after my grandfather.

 

 


 To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Clearly, She Has Older Sisters

We were in the car this morning, and I was singing along with Shania Twain on the radio when I had this conversation:

Addie: Mom, is this Justin Bieber?

Me: No, this is a woman named Shania Twain.

Addie: Is she singing one of Justin Bieber's songs?

Really... I can't imagine any other three year olds are concerned about Justin Bieber who don't have older sisters. I certainly never would have had that conversation with my first born. <Sigh> We're going to be in trouble with this one.

Photo Post Mashup

Things have been a bit busy and stressful lately, and my blog has suffered. My parents are mostly moved in though, my dad is finally out of the hospital, and while he is definitely weaker, he seems to be getting around OK, so it is time to lighten things up around here. This post is a mashup of all the photo posts that have gone unpublished in the last couple of weeks... a little bit of everything from House Of Estrogen life. I promise no hospital or moving truck photos though... just the fun stuff.

First, a little family bike ride on a rail trail. J.C. got a flat tire soon after we started, so this ride ended up being just the girls.

 

It was great family time on a pretty spring day.

 

 

We were all pretty wiped out when we got home.

 

Next up... hanging out with our cutie-patootie friend S at the company picnic,

 

and a ride on the carrousel there.

 

Next, Nina's Girl Scout troop went mining for gems which is like Nina's idea of heaven. The girl loves rocks and gems... little budding geologist.

 

 

 

Last, Elise and Nina had Field Day this week on a blistering hot day, but it sounds like they had a great time. A friend sent me this picture of Nina and two of her good buddies.

 

See... we aren't all doom and gloom around here. I think we're finally coming up for air after a rough couple of weeks. Again, I really appreciate all the emails, comments, prayers, meals, phone calls, and thoughts through all the crappola we've been through lately. Thank you. It means the world to me.

Open Letter to 20-Somethings

Dear 20-Somethings,

You are on your own, living it up in college or your first apartment. You don't have to answer to mom or dad about where you are going, what you are wearing, or what time you come home. You are loving the independence. I get that. I was 20-something once too. That said, being independent and being an adult comes with some responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is knowing how to dress appropriately for a funeral or memorial service. You clearly haven't mastered this one yet, so let me help.

1. Choose something classic, tasteful, and at least a little dressy. If you see a dress or skirt that you would describe as "something my mom would wear" and roll your eyes, then you're probably going in the right direction. Black is fine, but a modest and classy style is more important than color. Think Princess Kate, not Katy Perry when looking for inspiration.

2. While shoes like this may seem ideal because they are black, they really aren't appropriate for a funeral. Try going a little understated... more Lady Di, and less Lady Gaga.

 3. Short shorts are never a good choice, even when they are black.

 4. If your skinny pencil skirt is so tight that it is obvious to everyone in attendance that there is no way you could possibly be wearing underwear because there isn't a panty-line or thong-line in sight, then it is too tight for a funeral.

5. If you are positive you have the perfect outfit, please look in the mirror before you leave the house. While that black suit jacket is stylish, classic and very Jackie O, the skirt that barely covers your cootchie is not. Save the skirt for going out on the town, and throw on a pair of black slacks instead. You'll thank me later.

6. While I admit the "control top" part of control top pantyhose does indeed look a bit like bike shorts, that part is not meant to be seen. I realize this is confusing, but just trust me on this one.

 

 

Thanks to your choices in attire this past weekend, I now have a new topic of discussion I need to add to my list of "things I need to make sure my children know before they go away to college." Thank you.

  

 

 

 

Simple Woman's Daybook, May 23, 2011

For Today...

Outside my window... neighbor kids are cutting the grass. I love those kids!

 I am thinking... that I'm still feeling a bit flattened. I need to go to bed early tonight. Yesterday, we left for Chicago at 5 a.m. and didn't return until after 1 a.m.. I told my dad I would try to visit him in the hospital this evening, but I'm just too beat.

I am thankful for... Wow... where do I start?

1. I'm thankful that my mom and I were able to make it to my cousin's memorial service despite all the chaos leading up to it, and I'm thankful that we had a safe trip.
2. I'm thankful for my husband who spent all day at my mom and dad's new house yesterday getting them moved in while we were in Chicago.
3. I am thankful for my mother-in-law who kept my children all day while my husband was moving my parents.
4. I'm thankful that Elise's Girl Scout troop leader was willing to adopt Elise into her family for the family camping trip that we had to back out of. (How could I end that sentence without a preposition?)
5. I am thankful for all the wonderful doctors and nurses who have treated my dad and took care of him while we were out of town. I'm especially thankful to the cardiologist who has been so compassionate and caring with my mom and me.
6. I am thankful to my Mothers and More group who is bringing dinner over to us almost every day this week. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate that.
7. I am thankful for all the comments, emails, prayers, groovy vibes and positive thoughts from friends and family. It means a lot.
8. I'm thankful that my dad's twin sister is coming up to visit him.

From the kitchen... Hamburger Helper and apple slices.... gourmet, baby!

I am creating... absolutely nothing.

I am going... to take some Motrin and prop up my ankle tonight.

I am reading... Always the Bridesmaid by Whitney Lyles... cute book. I read a lot on flights and in airports yesterday.

I am hoping... that my dad continues to be stable or improve. He moved out of the CCU into a regular room last night. He has a lot of heart damage. I'm not sure exactly how we proceed from here. They are beginning to talk about discharging him though.

I am hearing... quiet. All the girls are in bed, and it is just 7:40. I love that.

Around the house... I would like to finish up decorating Elise's room in the next week or two.

One of my favorite things... spending quality time with family.

A few plans for the rest of the week.... hospital, work, sleep, repeat.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... my mom and her sister yesterday.

 

That picture was taken just after we had brunch in this beautiful private dining room in the gazebo at the Herrington Inn in Geneva, IL. It is right on the Fox River and was such a lovely location to sit and visit with family.

 

 
To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Flattened

I'm stealing my post title today from Jen over at ::Meditatio::. She did a series of posts recently titled "Flattened" when her son was in the hospital. I couldn't think of a better word to describe how I'm feeling right now, so this is my take on "Flattened."

This has been my week in the shortened, condensed version:

Sunday: My parents arrived from Texas around midnight for the beginning of their cross-country move. The entire move has been stressful and overwhelming in many respects. We thought we were over the worst of it.

Monday: uneventful day. I should have appreciated it more.

Tuesday: We rushed my dad to the ER with labored breathing. He was having a heart attack, was in congestive heart failure, was extremely anemic, and his kidneys were failing.

Wednesday: He moved from the ER to the Cardiac Care Unit where his kidneys continued to decline, the enzymes associated with heart damage continued to go up, blood pressure dropped, and all news was generally bad.

Thursday: After two blood transfusions and extensive medical management, he stabilized.

Friday: We talked to the cardiologist who explained how he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The treatment he would like to do for dad's heart would destroy his weak kidneys. Another treatment he is doing for his heart can't be done at the dose he would like because it lowers his blood pressure too much. The blood transfusions that help his anemia add more fluid to his body which is accumulating in his lungs. The treatment choices are limited because most of them cause bigger problems. He is still stable though and beginning to feel a little better. Mom got a call from the movers that their belongings that were supposed to arrive mid-week will not be here until Sunday. My cousin's memorial service is on Sunday.  We were supposed to leave for a Girl Scout family camping trip in Virginia on Friday but we cancelled those plans and sent Elise with a friend's family instead.

Saturday (Today): Dad is stable and should move from the CCU to a regular room tomorrow. The cardiologist felt we could safely be gone for a day. Dad wants my mom to go to the memorial service, and it is important to her to be there. My ankle pain has flared up (maybe from walking hospital corridors? Dunno).

Sunday: Mom and I will leave at 5 a.m. for a quick trip to Chicago for my cousin's memorial service. We are flying out and back in one day. It should be a very emotional day. I'm not entirely sure either my mom or I are prepared for it. Also, I'm a little worried about my ankle with all the airport walking. My wonderfully supportive husband will be hanging out at my parents' new house to greet the movers and get them moved in. Hopefully dad will remain stable.

Flattened.

Yes. Flattened is the best word. I can see why Jen used it. Right now, I don't have any other words to describe how I'm feeling. I think my brain is a bit numb.

If you are the praying type, could you please send a few prayers our way? If you aren't the praying type, could you send a few groovy vibes, healing brainwaves, or positive thoughts? We could really use some right now. Thanks.

Simple Woman's Daybook, May 16, 2011

 

For Today...

Outside my window... we've gotten a lot of rain lately. I'm ready for things to dry off.

     I am thinking... that I've reached a new low. The girls were watching some stupid cartoon recently, and I said, "That character's voice sounds like Spencer from iCarly."  Nina piped in with, "It is! I saw something where they showed him doing the voice."  Being able to recognize the voices of iCarly characters has never been one of my big aspirations, but sadly, I am there. I really need to get a life.

  I am thankful for... my parents arriving safely from Texas last night. Now we just have to hope all their belongings and car make it safely as well!

From the kitchen... nothing today... Nina's Girl Scout troop had a potluck supper tonight. I signed up for "something salty and crunchy" - took the easy way out!

I am creating... plans for camping.

I am going... to bed shortly.

I am reading... nothing now. I just finished Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot. I didn't like it at first, but it definitely grew on me. I might even read the next in the series. It is very Sophia Kinsella-like.

I am hoping... my parents' move goes smoothly.

I am hearing... some British movie J.C. is watching.

Around the house... camping equipment everywhere... sleeping bags on the floor, tent set up on the screened porch, air mattress blown up in the living room. We have a camping trip coming up, so we've been testing out everything.

One of my favorite things... the birthday cake shake from Zaxby's. It is a "limited time" offering, so if you have a Zaxby's anywhere near you, run, don't walk, and get yourself a birthday cake shake. Holy Cow that thing is good!  We were there yesterday with my inlaws, and I decided I never need another birthday cake... just a birthday cake shake!

A few plans for the rest of the week.... a trip to Virginia and a trip to Chicago. Whew!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Addie, looking much too old.

 

 
    To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook. 

Chocolate Fountain Fiasco

This weekend's parenting lesson: Do not allow children to have free reign at the chocolate fountain at an event where the only bathrooms are port-a-johns, so there are no sinks available.

Overdue Easter Post

I'm a little slow on the Easter pictures this year. I suppose a few too many chocolate bunnies slowed me down. We participated in our neighborhood Easter egg hunt the week before Easter, and as usual, Elise was the only one willing to take a picture with the ginormous Easter Bunny. Maybe I should do a post of all the pictures I have of Elise alone with the Easter Bunny.

 

Addie scored big by finding the Golden Egg in the age 0-3 hunt.

 

She got to turn it in for a very cool bubble machine. Sweet!

 

The big kids participated in the age 7 and up hunt. This picture of them waiting for the signal of the start of the hunt is the only one I have. See that steep hill in front of them in the woods? Their eggs were all up in there with the snakes, ticks, and poison ivy. I kept my distance. Fortunately, neither of them found the golden egg as it was apparently hidden under some rabbit poop. Yuck.

 

The night before Easter, Nina kindly left this note out for the Easter Bunny telling him which basket belongs to which girl. I know for a fact that the Easter Bunny appreciated this note since the color assignments seem to change each year based on new favorite colors. Note that Nina also left her requests - some lipstick and something that looks like mascara, perhaps? Or maybe lipgloss? She was disappointed to learn that the Easter Bunny doesn't take requests.

 

These were the baskets after the Easter Bunny visited but before the girls tore into them.

 

The rest of the morning was spent eating chocolate,

 

and hunting for eggs in the yard. The Easter Bunny forgot to count how many eggs he hid, so we may continue to find eggs full of melted chocolate all summer. Lovely.

 

I hope you had a happy Easter as well!







 

 

Balance... check

Now if she can figure out pedaling, she'll be all set!  (As usual, excuse the color issues. I seem to have gained green grass and red brick, but her pink helmet and blue shirt are still black and white. Video should not be this complicated.)

 

(If you can't see the video in your rss reader, click here.)