Thursday, June 30, 2011

Mom's recovery and cottage news

HAPPY CANADA DAY

and
Merci beaucoup.
Reading your comments has helped me get through some rough weeks.
It's been a slow recovery for my mom, but she's doing extremely well. Everyone is surprised.
This picture was taken the night before she fell and broke her hip.
We were celebrating my BFF Lucie's home coming with her hubby Rich.
Mom even had a glass of pink champagne.
We also celebrated Rich's 69th birthday.
I made him a chocolate fudge cake, his favourite.
Rich is a Wisconsin boy.
 Lucie is Canadian just like me.
Lucie and I have been friends for over 40 yrs. 
They live in Palm Desert now, and come home every 2 or 3 yrs. to escape the heat and be with family.
I had them at the cottage to meet up with Brittany, who is their godchild,
Riley and Colt. 
Missing was my mom, my sister and Bill.
My sister couldn't leave my mom alone at the hospital.
She's still a bit confused. She's down to 85 lbs., frail, but doing okay in rehab.
It was a beautiful hot summer day so what better things to do but this...
and this...
and this...


This is mom's room. She is taking baby steps to the bathroom and across the hall to rehab.
She cannot walk unassisted. 
She doesn't remember what to do first at times. 
She hates the nights.  
Her whole body is black and blue from falling.
Her leg is infected with big blisters and the swelling is unbelievable.
Today was a better day.
Walking up the stairs and down was a tough one on her, but she did it.

I had to visit Sister Lolotte on Friday. She let me cry my eyes out, listened and consoled me like no other. She's such a loving, beautiful soul in my life.
She's my mom's 1st cousin, which makes her my 3rd cousin right? 
I felt better after our visit.
My sister Deb is the true force in all of this. 
She's only minutes away from the hospital, as I am an hour away. She goes and spends most of her days with mom. My mother cries and panics when she leaves. Deb would have made an excellent nurse, not like some of them that are taking care of her : (
They just don't seem to get that she's 92, fragile, and broke her hip only 2 weeks ago.
Riley is back home for the summer. Not by choice, but necessity. He was laid off and had to move out of the house he was in, so here he is with P.J. his old buddy. 
Riley's been a BIG help along with his brother Colt. It's not easy having your kids back is it?
Randy and I like our space, since its so small now, so having a party boy around... well let's just say it's a little stressful at times. He's messy too, but we love him. This wasn't suppose to happen.
Life takes a turn when you least expect it. 
We just have to stay on the right track.
Jenna had her PROM last week, so Colt was her date of course. Tux, and very shiny shoes accompanied her.
Congrat's Jenna. 
May all your dreams come true.

I've been painting the town RED as they say.
I've gone through SOOOOOO many cans of 
red and yellow spray paint.  
Did I tell you I LOVE WIND CHIMES? 
I DO. 
Found this one for $1.00
Now I do NOT have a green thumb, but low and behold my garden is looking up. 
Even my little sun flowers are saying hello.
This year my clematis is also beautiful.
And the yard is coming along. 
The patio's are just about done.
But it's been raining SOOOOOO much that we keep having to dodge the heavy rains.
WET WET WET
The sky has also been crying.
My swing is waiting for my 
"Summer Breeze Girls" to get here.
 They start arriving July 24th, Randy's  birthday. What better present than 6 beautiful blogging ladies attending the BIG 50!


Pepper is excited to meet all of them.
I keep watching the time.
Only 24 days to go.
Bonnie is wondering what all the fuss is about...
while Pepper keeps a watchful eye on the comings and goings at the cottage.
Things are always changing on the inside too. 
I'm actually re-painting that yellow frame to pink as we speak.
Audrey moved over to this wall, but I think she deserves to be back on the main wall. Centre stage.
That's where she belongs ; )
Randy's favourite Guinness glass 
with  peonies and lilies.
Found this sweet wall pocket too... cute oui? 
This little poodle lamp is always smiling. Comforting these days. 
Added yet another pair of drapes. 
Let's see, that would be 4 sets on one poll.
Who does that? MOI, that's who.

Thank you for keeping my mom and our family in your prayers and thoughts. 
My mom knows you have been praying for her.
I'm hoping for brighter days ahead. 
Today we took her for a ride in the car, to her apt., and we had ice cream at the Dairy Queen.
 She had her hair washed and cut.  She doesn't want to go back to that stupid hospital at night, but it's a safe place for her right now. I don't blame her.
I'm afraid she will need long-term care after this, but you never know.
Her heart is the strongest organ in her wee body. That's what's going to keep on ticking, her mind will not.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your caring comments and concerns.
There's nothing like my wonderful blogging friends to help me smile,
 and a loving sister.
 
That's better mom ; )
There is light at the end of the tunnel...

To all my wonderful 
AMERICAN BLOGGING FRIENDS
XOXOXOXO




25 comments:

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ma chère et belle amie,

I am tearing up here as I have read your beautiful comment on my post, and now as I carefully read each and every tear drop that has spelled out your emotions. What can I say but that there is a certain beauty that is born from pain. Beauty and most of all, LOVE is the only flower in the garden of life that never fails, never dies. Amongst the circumstances, you still shine with the brightest of hopes and love for everyone in your life my dear....the colors of your soul, the colors of your HOME, everything is speaking LIFE. I am crying as I read and write this, for I wish, I SO WISH I COULD BE THERE WITH ALL OF YOU and extend my heart and arms to you for asking ME, MOI, to join in on an important gathering in July. I feel honored that you would ask me to come see you, and this will be an especially memorable gathering, for I know that each lady attending has a special place in their hearts for YOU and your family, as I DO AS WELL. I know that LOVE and sisterhood will caress you, and get you through this time of uncertainty and pain. To watch your BEAUTIFUL MOTHER struggle is hard,I KNOW. But what a woman...what a SOUL! She is fragile of body, but of spirit? INVINCIBLE. AND I WILL BE PRAYING that her spirit will become stronger every day, as should ALL OF US, no matter how strong of body we are. May the LOVE of CHRIST the LORD lift you to the knowledge that there is NO GREATER THING on, below or above the earth than the LOVE OF GOD....it will carry us through these earthly days and sustain us throughout eternity my friend....OUI, it most certainly will.

With all my heart and love,

Anita

Jori said...

Happy Canada Day Claudie! Your home is so lovely. You make it beautiful. I am so happy that your mother is doing better. I have been worried about her. Hopefully she can leave the hospital soon. I will keep praying. :)

Grace said...

Happy Canada Day sweetie! You have such a beautiful family. I am so glad your mom is getting better. She looks like a sassy chic and with you and your sister and family all around her she will do great!! I will keep you all in my prayers. Hugs Grace OOOOO

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Claudie I am so happy to see your Mom up and around. It is so hard to recover but you and your sister are there for her! Praying continues for all of you. Love the changes in the cottage and hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Canada Day! Many hugs and kisses to you my friend. Linda

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hello my sweet friend!

I'm so glad to see your post. I have been thinking of you and your mom, and was wondering how she was doing. Glad to hear she is doing better. Love seeing all of your great pictures, and the kids prom!
Your your looks so pretty! Take care sweetie, and I'm sending a hug to you and your mom. I will pray that she continues to improve.

Love to you,
Debbie xxoo

Rita said...

Bonne Fête du Canada.
What a beautiful post you have for us today. I have been thinking about you and your mom because many many years ago;my mom fell and groke her hip; she was 80 and I remember what a difficult time it was for all of us. I undestand Claudette and sending you and you sweet mom une caresse.
Rita

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Claudie... I'm sooooo sorry about your Mom. It's so hard to see our parents deteriorate..... as you know, my Mum passed away 2 1/2 years ago now. I just went to a Dr. in the same building where she took her first fall.... it was like it happening all over again... all those emotions. Your little Mom looks like such a sweetheart, and I'll add alllll of you to my prayers. ....

I don't know what happened about the old post comment.... brother. I just am NOT on top of things. :-)

I have My Boy all summer... well, every week from Sunday night until Friday night. I'm enjoying him so much....but not left with much time to blog, that's for sure. I just want to enjoy this time with him while I can....they grow up so fast.

Sending huge huggies!

xoxoxo

Spence

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

HI Claudie,
Oh we do have similar tastes!!! Love what you've been doing inside and outside, so charming just like your darling lakehouse!
I am so happy to hear your Mom is improving even if they are baby steps! What a hard time to go through and I worry about my Mom too. I am 54 and my Mom is only 75 but she has Parkinson's and that is such a difficult disease.
I will say prayers for your sweet and beautiful Mom.
Now I am so excited for you with all those bloggy friends coming to visit! And aren't they the lucky ones too! I bet you Sheila will be in the mix, just thinkin and CC too!
Oh I can't wait to see the pics!!! Please keep us updated. You know my Granddaughter spends about 40 hours a week with us while my daughter works so I know what you mean about going from an empty nest to back again. We have gates now and netting and toys everywhere, things have changed but she is so worth it and the joy of our lives!
Hugs friend and Happy Canadian Day to you!
Cindy

wendy said...

My mind is so full of many thoughts and emotions right now. This was a beautiful post.
I am thrilled to hear your mom is doing better...and HOW FUN, took her for a drive and ice cream. Looks like that wee tiny body of hers could use a gallon of ice cream. I looked at her tiny wrists and she looks like a little bird. I will continue to pray for her well being.
Was so fun to see photos of your house, cottage, yard, dogs. I THINK WHEN I GET THERE I WILL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE.
Everything looks so beautiful and fanciful and YOU.
OK MY DEAR...saw you in the pool, and you look too skinny for my liking (tee,hee) I saw a flat tummy. Damn you.
So I WILL NOT be wearing my swim suit without a t-shirt over it. NOPE
Yes, I believe it would be hard to have kids end up back home for awhile. As they get older, they have their own sense of "LIFE STYLE" and we just want our solitude, quiet, and privacy eh.
BUT.......without seeming morose, Enjoy every little mess and noise, cause YOU HAVE HIM WITH YOU. and that is a blessing.
I was in Palm Desert once. It is really pretty, an oasis stuck in the desert.
this is getting too long......God bless your sister for all her selfless help, Sister Lolotte, and angels looking out for your mom.
Can't wait to see you and "the gals"
LOVE AND HUGS......

Sherry from Alabama said...

I'm so glad you were able to update with this wonderful post! Your sweet little mother is still in my prayers. Beauty sure runs in your family!

Love,
Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

~CC Catherine said...

Sweetie Pie - What a DIFFERENCE a day makes in this world. Wow - I am amazed at the upswing of your Mom's condition. I just got done replying to an email that you sent out on 6/25 and it seemed really bleak back then. Prayers are being answered - I'm NOT surprised one bit! We have an AWESOME God! :) Continue to hang in there sweetie - many are thinking of you, your Mom, and everyone in your family and saying a Prayer, many PRAYERS! I am sure! I just wanna see your Momma so bad while I'm there and give her a really sweet hug and kiss from your GA Peach friend. I "LOVE" what you're doing at the cottage and I can't wait to run in the arms of those puppito's. Especially I need to warm up to Pepper quickly - I tend to be a wee bit scared of German Shepherds, but he looks so sweet. Hey, please tell me that pic of us Summer Breeze girls doesn't have MOI with just my undies on at the top! lol I have some cards to send out to the Summer Breeze gang that look almost identical. Can't WAIT - Wow - Ran's 50th, we will SURELY have to make his birthday special! What a guy to put up with all us women as he rings in the second Half Century of his life! Life begins at the second Half Century onset! :) Love you Sweet PINK Friend...can't wait to fall into your HUG at the airport on 7/27!!! Kisses & Hugs and continued HEART FELT prayers for Momma!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Claudie, I am so happy to hear that ta mère was with you during your July 1 celebration!!!! SHE IS AMAZING! I know you are cherishing every moment with her and the love that is being experienced chez toi will never be forgotten!!!! You know, I think that LOVE lasts forever....I think Sister Lolotte would agree with ya...she looks like such a sweet soul and SHE TOO is "mature"....et elle ne fait pas son âge!!!!!!

SO HAPPY TO KNOW YOU ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL DAY!!! Anita

Teresa said...

Hello Sweet Claudette! So glad to hear that your mom is feeling better. She looks great really. And Brittany, wow, she's just as beautiful as you and your sweet Mom. And i am loving all of the red, white and yellow! I wish I had your flair for things like that. Now that things are settling around here, I plan to get a little decorating done this fall ( with the new sewing room). Maybe you can give me some pointers. Glad you like my new header (I thought about you the whole time I was making it).

I hope your Mom continues to recover nicely. Enjoy your summer, and your lovely garden. Much, much love to you..
xoxo
T

Anonymous said...

Hello! I just came across your blog and after reading it and looking at all of the pictures of your family, your home, and your precious doggies (I have a twin to your Bella, my Jolie!!) I was so touched by the love I feel flowing throughout the words and photos, I just had to write a comment....
First, it is wonderful that your wee little mom is recuperating well and able to be up trying to regain use of her body again. Falls at her age are so scary.....I will add her to my prayers for continuing recovery. You are blessed to have the help of a sister and an aunt, besides your own fanily....
I am sure your up-coming get-together will be so much fun, too. Aren't BBF friends the best!!
I love your house and all of the cheerful colors...I am a pink, yellow and pale green person, but I was wowed by your red, white and blue!! I think you have a new followed (me) I have marked you in my FAVORITES!! So, I'll be back...
One last thing, you certainly are a pretty lady!! Good looks run in your family!!
Francy

Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss said...

So glad to see a post from you, Claudie. And it was good to read the news that your mom is making some improvement. It's so hard to see our parents age and their health deteriorate, isn't it? I know having your sister close to keep an eye on your mom brings you some peace of mind.

We've been a German Shepherd family for 35 years so I loved seeing the photos of Pepper. They are such regal creatures. Sadly, both of our current German Shepherds are rapidly declining; one of old age (14 years old this month) and the younger one from degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease for which there is no cure. :(

jeanne said...

Dear Claudie, don't be shocked, everyone just went to bed and I haven't had a minute to visit anyone. I remembered you had a new post. I so loved your sweet post. Wonderful pics and I am so glad your mom has improved.
I adore the photos of your beautiful family. Randy, Colt and Jenna and Rily Brittany is a carbon copy of you and so beautiful.

Claudie, I love you and can't wait to visit your darling cottage and you. The summer breeze girls too.

Well, I just fell asleep sitting here so goodnight my sweet friend. Your mom is a darling and my prayers go out to her each day.

Love you to pieces,
Jeanne xoxoxo

Claudia said...

I should be grounded! I thought I have been checking to see if you posted but now I realize the "favorite" i had saved was an old post and i needed to update.

*sigh* Well the good thing is that things are looking up! I am so happy for all of you and to know that she is on the rebound! yahhhh.

I am looking forward to all the fun outtings you will all have. I wont feel too bad for myself -- only a little. :)

huygs doll face-- thanks for the note.

Unknown said...

Gosh I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom! That seems to happen a lot- as I've noticed in my field of work. I'm glad she's better now! You cottage is lovely and you are going to have a blast at your get-together! I love all the summer photos :)
Sandy xox

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Claudia...Your sweet mum.
Oh my.
She is beautiful just like you.
That whole breaking the hip thing can be so hard...so unforgiving.
All the changes..decisions...emotions.
Certainly will be lifting you all up and asking for the best.
Have a wonderful GIRL time...
I'm JEALOUS!
Hugs,
Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Anonymous said...

Oh my, I just hopped over here after seeing a comment you left on someone else's blog (of which I have promptly forgotten!).

So sorry for your sweet mother's fall- it is so hard for them as they get older and no longer are able to be the strong one- what a blessing she has in you and your sis lovingly caring for her! God bless you!

bee blessed
mary

(I am just a teensy bit envious of your gorgeous hair!! It is beautiful!)

Holly Loves Art said...

Dear Claudette,
Thank you for sharing the update on your darling Mom. She is so precious and she reminds me so much of my grandmother. Tiny and frail and oh so sweet with her white hair and age lines. What a doll she is. So wonderful to read that she is doing okay. The baby steps are good! No need to rush anything.

I always enjoy your newsy posts! Have a wonderful weekend my friend.

Big hugs,
Holly

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh most beautiful one,

It is an honor to have you step into my home, it truly is. I LOVE YOUR COTTAGE, and I know you love mine. What a joy to be able to look into each other's vision and minds to see what makes us swoon; your world of pink is actually reserved for my BEDROOM that is not featured in my post only because I cannot get enough LIGHT up there to make the pictues POIGNANT...but dearest, it is all pink with splatters of turquoise...you would love it precious. Ohhh, I hope and PRAY that your maman will get the appropriate care she needs NOW and bless YOU and your familie's efforts to find the right spot for her. THANK YOU AGAIN for coming to visit me and I am just so sad that I cannot make it for the GATHERING...but I know you will be thinking of me. HEY, maybe when you are all together at the cottage, WE CAN SKYPE???????????? I COULD JOIN IN ON A GREETING/CONVERSATION OVER SKYPE! It is free, you just need a camera on your computer.

Look into it!!! GROSSES BISES MON AMIE SI JOLIE! Anita

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Claudie Sweetie...
Oh my gosh, I have been out of the loop. So sorry to hear about your sweet Momma. I will be adding her to my prayers and you and your sister as well. It is so hard to see our fragile parents aging at this time in our lives. I have been getting older, and forgot that Momma and Daddy are too. That reality bites does it not?

Your Momma and Sis are just beautiful. You all look so much alike. Beauty runs in your family sweet one.

I loved hearing that you have company coming. Blogger friends, what fun. I know you will all have a fabulous time. I can't wait to see the photos. I know SUNSHINE is coming. Drop me a line when you post will you? Without my dashboard, it has only been gone for 6 months now, I can't see when my friends post, so it is hit and miss for me. I don't want to miss this one though.

Have a gorgeous weekend sweet one. Baby steps with your Momma's progress. Breaking a hip is traumatic and takes SO much time. Remember to smile Claudie. You are SO loved. Many hugs and much love from Phoenix, Sherry

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Hoping all is going even better now...have been having computer and back problems.
thinking of you and your sweet mama (())

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh Claudie, I had to go back and find this to see what happened to your dear, sweet Mother! I am so sorry and hope she will recover fully and fast. Broken hips are the nemesis of us ladies, aren't they? I will be praying for her! I went through the same thing with my Mom. I know how hard this is on everyone. Take care, sweetie! XO, Pinky