Well, I haven't made much progress on my Spools projects since my post on Wednesday, but I did get a picture from Stephani, who is sewing along with us. This is what she shared:
Cute little guys, aren't they? Sorry, I couldn't seem to enlarge the photo, but aren't her colors fresh?
The reason I haven't been getting much done the past couple of days is because my husband, in his infinite wisdom, made the decision to cancel Grandpa's morning caregiver. He has had one caregiver come in the morning, who got him up and breakfasted, made his lunch, and tidied up the cottage. She also did things like make sure the air conditioner is turned to "cool" so it doesn't get to be 90 degrees in his cottage during our hot days. But she is just a memory now. I am the new "morning girl" it seems. We still have the woman who comes in the evening (my savior), who cooks his dinner, gets him showered and does some light housekeeping for him. I say a prayer for her every night. Stay healthy, be happy, keep coming.
We will give this new system a try, but I tell you, it isn't easy to get his morning chores done with Baby E on my hip. Talk about a handicap. "Oh, you don't have to do that", my husband tells me. Right. Honestly. He is 150 miles away all week. He has NO idea what goes on here. Between feeding baby her breakfast and her morning nap, we bomb over to Grandpa's and get the job done there. Yesterday while I washed his kitchen floors, made his lunch and filled his hummingbird feeder, Evangeline pulled all his dvds out of his bookcase and all the cushions off his sofa. It was 10:30 in the morning. And when I had the lunch all made, Grandpa said, "But I already ate". What? You ate your lunch before 10:30 AM? Grandpa, are you losing your marbles? Ack. But don't feel sorry for me. (Yes. Do. I am having a "who's in charge here" moment).
They don't call my generation "the sandwich generation" for nothing. We've got the grandbabies and we've got the aged parents, and sometimes we have to dig deep for those inner resources to keep on going.
Honestly, I didn't mean to go all on a rant. But that's my life right now. I shouldn't get personal in my blog I suppose, but now you all know me just a little bit more. And besides, I have a couple of vacations planned this month and next, and will they ever appreciate me when I am gone. (Evil laugh, heh heh heh).
Here is something fun I worked on this week in my spare moments–
Eyeglass cases!
Zippy cosmetics bags!
And a zippy lap top bag that is going to Ireland!
68 responses to “Spools Sew Along Friday Update and a Small Rant”
What a power house you are – if you can do this in your spare I can’t bear to think of what you could accomplish if you had more time.
What a power house you are – if you can do this in your spare I can’t bear to think of what you could accomplish if you had more time.
Nicole, I care for my 95 year old mother and try to juggle all the other things in my life, and I know just how you feel. You amaze me with all that you accomplish, and how beautifully you do it. But maybe you need to lighten up your load wherever you can, even if it means not sewing every day. Sometimes I skip a week and it does help me cope with everything else. And I am so happy when I get back to my sewing machine.
Nicole, I care for my 95 year old mother and try to juggle all the other things in my life, and I know just how you feel. You amaze me with all that you accomplish, and how beautifully you do it. But maybe you need to lighten up your load wherever you can, even if it means not sewing every day. Sometimes I skip a week and it does help me cope with everything else. And I am so happy when I get back to my sewing machine.
You have reason to rant! I think it’s great when others rant…makes the rest of us feel normal 🙂 And as medicine gets better,and we live longer, our kids will be a sandwich generation also. Maybe in YOUR infinite wisdom, you should cancel something of HIS lol!
You have reason to rant! I think it’s great when others rant…makes the rest of us feel normal 🙂 And as medicine gets better,and we live longer, our kids will be a sandwich generation also. Maybe in YOUR infinite wisdom, you should cancel something of HIS lol!
One of the pod casters I listen to calls it the Panini generation because you are squeezed and smushed between the two generations! Hope the arrangement changes soon. Beautiful projects that you’ve finished! And, will you be accompanying that bag to Ireland? Now that would be a great vacation!
One of the pod casters I listen to calls it the Panini generation because you are squeezed and smushed between the two generations! Hope the arrangement changes soon. Beautiful projects that you’ve finished! And, will you be accompanying that bag to Ireland? Now that would be a great vacation!
Right there with ya girl! If you can,cherish the moments as they are so soon gone. We all need a reason to get up in the mornings……beyond our own indulgences. Praying for you. G
Right there with ya girl! If you can,cherish the moments as they are so soon gone. We all need a reason to get up in the mornings……beyond our own indulgences. Praying for you. G
Wait! “And a zippy laptop bag that is going to Ireland.” …would that mean “going to Ireland as in ‘taken to Ireland’????” Now THAT would be some very good news!! Just wondering…
Wait! “And a zippy laptop bag that is going to Ireland.” …would that mean “going to Ireland as in ‘taken to Ireland’????” Now THAT would be some very good news!! Just wondering…
I’m feeling for you girlfriend!! I hope they get a taste for it and rehire the morning help!!! It is just too much, physically and emotionally!!
I’m feeling for you girlfriend!! I hope they get a taste for it and rehire the morning help!!! It is just too much, physically and emotionally!!
I’d be ranting too- and to be honest I don’t think they are being very fair to you….you already do a lot and you can’t do everything. What happens if it’s all too much and you fall apart? I think you need to put your foot down (I would!!). Take care and stay strong!
I’d be ranting too- and to be honest I don’t think they are being very fair to you….you already do a lot and you can’t do everything. What happens if it’s all too much and you fall apart? I think you need to put your foot down (I would!!). Take care and stay strong!
I am a sandwich too…three grands to babysit during the week and an almost 90 year old Mom who needs to be transported all week long. No complaints from me, because I am blessed that the little ones fill my heart with JOY and my Mom is an angel. May I add that I teach three quilt classes ( this week four) per week!!!
Always tired, but always grateful that my family loves and needs me. I will pray for your strength too. We need to lift each other UP!!!
I am a sandwich too…three grands to babysit during the week and an almost 90 year old Mom who needs to be transported all week long. No complaints from me, because I am blessed that the little ones fill my heart with JOY and my Mom is an angel. May I add that I teach three quilt classes ( this week four) per week!!!
Always tired, but always grateful that my family loves and needs me. I will pray for your strength too. We need to lift each other UP!!!
First of all Nicole the bags are beautiful. you are very talented. Grandpa appreciates everything you are doing for him everyday and someday Eva will too. You can only do what you can do. Keep quilting. That is your therapy and keeping you sane. I have a twenty minute rule. Twenty minutes in the morning of quilting NO MATTER WHAT! It adds up.and some days that is all I get. I fall asleep in front of the tele with handwork in hand. BYW, the two naps a day is going to come to a halt soon. Two ways to look at it. Oh NO or you get a long one in the afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for sharing your reality. It helps all of us with our own! Mary
First of all Nicole the bags are beautiful. you are very talented. Grandpa appreciates everything you are doing for him everyday and someday Eva will too. You can only do what you can do. Keep quilting. That is your therapy and keeping you sane. I have a twenty minute rule. Twenty minutes in the morning of quilting NO MATTER WHAT! It adds up.and some days that is all I get. I fall asleep in front of the tele with handwork in hand. BYW, the two naps a day is going to come to a halt soon. Two ways to look at it. Oh NO or you get a long one in the afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for sharing your reality. It helps all of us with our own! Mary
Well, I have not yet experienced the sandwich generation….. but my time is coming. All I can do is send you big cyber {{{HUGS}}} and all the positive vibes I can muster.
All your spare time goodies are adorable! I do believe that “uncle Brobo” will love that laptop case!
Well, I have not yet experienced the sandwich generation….. but my time is coming. All I can do is send you big cyber {{{HUGS}}} and all the positive vibes I can muster.
All your spare time goodies are adorable! I do believe that “uncle Brobo” will love that laptop case!
Been there, done that, and now that mom’s gone, I wish I could do it again. But it was hard, hard, hard. I hope you get some relief, and it sounds like you have vacation planned…… good. Me too. Alaska!
Hang in there my friend…..and hug grandpa for me.
Blessings……….
Been there, done that, and now that mom’s gone, I wish I could do it again. But it was hard, hard, hard. I hope you get some relief, and it sounds like you have vacation planned…… good. Me too. Alaska!
Hang in there my friend…..and hug grandpa for me.
Blessings……….
I think your husband made a BIG MISTAKE! You have a right to rant and no audience like your quilting friends! I am sending prayers and hugs your way. I have absolutely no idea how you get so much done!!
I think your husband made a BIG MISTAKE! You have a right to rant and no audience like your quilting friends! I am sending prayers and hugs your way. I have absolutely no idea how you get so much done!!
Your bags are beautiful and inspiring!!
I help a lot with my grandson and now that he’s so mobile he really needs to be watched 100% of the time. If only we could capture just 10% of their energy for part of our day.
Sounds like your husband needs to rethink Grandpa’s caregiver needs or he might need to get one for you 🙂 Make sure you are taking care of yourself!!
Your bags are beautiful and inspiring!!
I help a lot with my grandson and now that he’s so mobile he really needs to be watched 100% of the time. If only we could capture just 10% of their energy for part of our day.
Sounds like your husband needs to rethink Grandpa’s caregiver needs or he might need to get one for you 🙂 Make sure you are taking care of yourself!!
Nicole, your zip bags and eyeglass cases are so cheerful. Everyone will want one. Your stresses are making your creative efforts stack up there. Love it for us blog readers, but hope the tip-up in your pressures comes to a steady level soon.
Nicole, your zip bags and eyeglass cases are so cheerful. Everyone will want one. Your stresses are making your creative efforts stack up there. Love it for us blog readers, but hope the tip-up in your pressures comes to a steady level soon.
Those bags are so cute. How do you do it all?
Those bags are so cute. How do you do it all?
So glad to hear you rant, you need to vent! My parents are very close to being in the same situation and I feel very guilty for not working full-time all the the time (I work on call). Even though I take care of bills, cleaning, making sure the house runs smooth, it is assumed this is part of the wife’s job (or they just don’t care about it). If it is a financial issue for canceling grandpa’s caregiver, then I guess you have no choice. If not, however, I would start interviewing morning caregivers and pay them from your own account (if you have one) I have several 🙂 This way you don’t need to worry about them getting cancelled. I’d also make sure I made an itemized list of all the things that you do or “responsibilities” while you are on vacation. I’m sure your list is terribly wrong, but when he runs out of clean underwear he’ll start to appreciate what you do more 🙂
So glad to hear you rant, you need to vent! My parents are very close to being in the same situation and I feel very guilty for not working full-time all the the time (I work on call). Even though I take care of bills, cleaning, making sure the house runs smooth, it is assumed this is part of the wife’s job (or they just don’t care about it). If it is a financial issue for canceling grandpa’s caregiver, then I guess you have no choice. If not, however, I would start interviewing morning caregivers and pay them from your own account (if you have one) I have several 🙂 This way you don’t need to worry about them getting cancelled. I’d also make sure I made an itemized list of all the things that you do or “responsibilities” while you are on vacation. I’m sure your list is terribly wrong, but when he runs out of clean underwear he’ll start to appreciate what you do more 🙂
Oops I meant to write your list is terribly long, not “wrong”…although it is all wrong you doing everything. Grandbabies are great, but so is alone/quiet time 🙂
Oops I meant to write your list is terribly long, not “wrong”…although it is all wrong you doing everything. Grandbabies are great, but so is alone/quiet time 🙂
OMG you get more done in your “spare moments” than I get done all week and I don’t have grandbabies or grandparents to take care of. Just horses and cows.
OMG you get more done in your “spare moments” than I get done all week and I don’t have grandbabies or grandparents to take care of. Just horses and cows.
Don’t feel bad for ranting, Nicole. I know first hand how you feel. When we were still in California, I had my Mom, my hubs, my grandsons AND my sister (who didn’t seem to have a life except to call me and ask me to lunch.) Now I just have my hubs and I miss the others so much. You never know what you have till you lose it!
Just keep making time for yourself!!!
Don’t feel bad for ranting, Nicole. I know first hand how you feel. When we were still in California, I had my Mom, my hubs, my grandsons AND my sister (who didn’t seem to have a life except to call me and ask me to lunch.) Now I just have my hubs and I miss the others so much. You never know what you have till you lose it!
Just keep making time for yourself!!!
Nicole, if it were ME…i’d call the person who was the morning shift and rehire her. I would also tell her/him that she works for ME and GRANDPA and only WE can dismiss her. She/he is to ignore any calls from my hubby because he is 150 miles away and doesn’t understand the situation!
I’m being totally serious. You’re gonna end up jeopardizing your own health and that’s not good.
Now go make that call! ;p
Nicole, if it were ME…i’d call the person who was the morning shift and rehire her. I would also tell her/him that she works for ME and GRANDPA and only WE can dismiss her. She/he is to ignore any calls from my hubby because he is 150 miles away and doesn’t understand the situation!
I’m being totally serious. You’re gonna end up jeopardizing your own health and that’s not good.
Now go make that call! ;p
We all need to rant once in a while, and the way it sounds, you are/were long overdue. Try and get some ME time in. Thanks for sharing.
We all need to rant once in a while, and the way it sounds, you are/were long overdue. Try and get some ME time in. Thanks for sharing.
Don’t feel bad about complaining or about being stressed-out! It is a healthy thing to let off steam to those who care about YOU and your well-being. I work in a nursing/rehab facility and I understand the struggles that you are going through, both mentally and physically. You do not have an easy job being the caretaker of the weak and the helpless on either side of the human lifespan. I am glad that you are talking about your distress because you will find that there are soooo many others out there who are able to sympathize with you and that may help you to continue on with your journey. I am glad that you are getting some “time off” this month and hope that it will rejuvenate your spirit!
Take care and know that we out here in blogland are thinking of you!
Tricia
Don’t feel bad about complaining or about being stressed-out! It is a healthy thing to let off steam to those who care about YOU and your well-being. I work in a nursing/rehab facility and I understand the struggles that you are going through, both mentally and physically. You do not have an easy job being the caretaker of the weak and the helpless on either side of the human lifespan. I am glad that you are talking about your distress because you will find that there are soooo many others out there who are able to sympathize with you and that may help you to continue on with your journey. I am glad that you are getting some “time off” this month and hope that it will rejuvenate your spirit!
Take care and know that we out here in blogland are thinking of you!
Tricia
On a happy note today, I see you won a blog giveaway! Congrats! I would also love to make eyeglass cases as well as yours, so I could sell them in my father’s Optometrist office. I think they would be big hits. Yours look so perfect – but I have to admit I haven’t even tried to make one yet. Very intimidated by it for some reason. “This too shall pass” is something my mom keeps saying to me as I am raising my little ones. I really hate that saying… 🙂
On a happy note today, I see you won a blog giveaway! Congrats! I would also love to make eyeglass cases as well as yours, so I could sell them in my father’s Optometrist office. I think they would be big hits. Yours look so perfect – but I have to admit I haven’t even tried to make one yet. Very intimidated by it for some reason. “This too shall pass” is something my mom keeps saying to me as I am raising my little ones. I really hate that saying… 🙂
Boy, it’s tough having to handle aging parents, but also provide support to the children/grandchildren. I’m not quite at your stage yet, my dad is 79, but I have to go with him places to make sure things are okay, he has a cleaning lady for the house – THANK GOD! I do also get it from the other end with a 2 year old granddaughter who I watch frequently….hang in there!
Boy, it’s tough having to handle aging parents, but also provide support to the children/grandchildren. I’m not quite at your stage yet, my dad is 79, but I have to go with him places to make sure things are okay, he has a cleaning lady for the house – THANK GOD! I do also get it from the other end with a 2 year old granddaughter who I watch frequently….hang in there!
You needed to rant. We’re happy to read/listen. Good luck with all that’s on your plate. Certainly lots of hard work, but also JOY! And you still manage to get so much sewing done. I’m impressed. There’s definitely some super-woman in you!
You needed to rant. We’re happy to read/listen. Good luck with all that’s on your plate. Certainly lots of hard work, but also JOY! And you still manage to get so much sewing done. I’m impressed. There’s definitely some super-woman in you!
You must rant so you don’t go insane. I just want you to know how much I appreciate that you do all this and still have time to blog. First thing when I get home is grab dinner and then go read your blog. You’re inspiring with all you accomplish. Love the little bags!!
You must rant so you don’t go insane. I just want you to know how much I appreciate that you do all this and still have time to blog. First thing when I get home is grab dinner and then go read your blog. You’re inspiring with all you accomplish. Love the little bags!!
Sending BIG hugs and understanding sighs. It’s difficult and exhausting to be the hub of all home and family life. Wonderful, but tiring.
I have to agree that if the cost of the morning caregiver isn’t a problem, she needs to get back to work. She’ll be glad to hear from you and you’ll be glad to be able to just visit Grandpa.
Love the cute fabric bags!
Hugs!
Sending BIG hugs and understanding sighs. It’s difficult and exhausting to be the hub of all home and family life. Wonderful, but tiring.
I have to agree that if the cost of the morning caregiver isn’t a problem, she needs to get back to work. She’ll be glad to hear from you and you’ll be glad to be able to just visit Grandpa.
Love the cute fabric bags!
Hugs!
Maybe you should relook at Assisted living,for us ,it was a much better solution. My mother had every meal prepared,help with showers,daily activities and exercises,field trips,medications delivered at the right times and gentle reminders as needed. It was cheaper than daily caregivers. For us,the peace of mind was priceless and we could enjoy our time together rather than try to be in charge. Also let your husband be in charge some weekend so he gets the whole picture.
Maybe you should relook at Assisted living,for us ,it was a much better solution. My mother had every meal prepared,help with showers,daily activities and exercises,field trips,medications delivered at the right times and gentle reminders as needed. It was cheaper than daily caregivers. For us,the peace of mind was priceless and we could enjoy our time together rather than try to be in charge. Also let your husband be in charge some weekend so he gets the whole picture.
Well, I only have one slice of the sandwich and still get overwhelmed. I think you are amazing and simply wonderful! It’s true no one really understands unless they have ‘been there’. I love the sewing projects you have managed to squeak in there. Very cute and lovely! Hope those getaways coming up are refreshing!
Well, I only have one slice of the sandwich and still get overwhelmed. I think you are amazing and simply wonderful! It’s true no one really understands unless they have ‘been there’. I love the sewing projects you have managed to squeak in there. Very cute and lovely! Hope those getaways coming up are refreshing!
Everyone needs a chance to vent and share what is going on in their lives. You may have helped someone in a similar situation feel like they are not alone. I have not yet had the experience of caring for aging parents, but I have cared for my small kids on my own while my husband was deployed. Being a caregiver is not an easy job. You do so much 🙂 And sew well too 🙂
Everyone needs a chance to vent and share what is going on in their lives. You may have helped someone in a similar situation feel like they are not alone. I have not yet had the experience of caring for aging parents, but I have cared for my small kids on my own while my husband was deployed. Being a caregiver is not an easy job. You do so much 🙂 And sew well too 🙂
You are allowed to rant and feel angry/frustrated/exhausted etc! What you do is amazing. My own mother has gone through the difficult decision making time of putting both her parents into aged care facilities over the past 6 years. And whilst this was the hardest decision her and her siblings made, they knew they could not care for her parents as you are doing for yours. I (a gen x) have refused to used Mum as childcare for my children because 1) she still worked until 6 weeks ago and 2) because I don’t think it’s fair to her to be locked into such a demanding role when she’s only just retired after 38 years of teaching. She deserves to do her own thing for as long as she chooses. I hope you get some alternative options sorted out so at least you and Grandpa get some respite. Good luck.
You are allowed to rant and feel angry/frustrated/exhausted etc! What you do is amazing. My own mother has gone through the difficult decision making time of putting both her parents into aged care facilities over the past 6 years. And whilst this was the hardest decision her and her siblings made, they knew they could not care for her parents as you are doing for yours. I (a gen x) have refused to used Mum as childcare for my children because 1) she still worked until 6 weeks ago and 2) because I don’t think it’s fair to her to be locked into such a demanding role when she’s only just retired after 38 years of teaching. She deserves to do her own thing for as long as she chooses. I hope you get some alternative options sorted out so at least you and Grandpa get some respite. Good luck.
OMG – Hubby let the morning help go … BEFORE you had you little vacation times?!?!?! So what was/is his plan for morning care while you are gone? Maybe he was thinking you will be needing the vacation times. Hope it all works out. Having taken care of my mom before she passed I know how much time and work is involved. Good that you have afternoon help etc.
Take care of yourself too.
OMG – Hubby let the morning help go … BEFORE you had you little vacation times?!?!?! So what was/is his plan for morning care while you are gone? Maybe he was thinking you will be needing the vacation times. Hope it all works out. Having taken care of my mom before she passed I know how much time and work is involved. Good that you have afternoon help etc.
Take care of yourself too.
Feel free to rant – this is the perfect place for it. I was not a “sandwich” person…my son was in high school when my parents got sick, but I did care for both of them while working full time an hour from my home. After Dad passed away, my Mom’s health deteriorated further and by that time my sister had moved back to the area and took more of a charge of Mom – and she had grown kids who helped and she didn’t have a job, which made it so much easier for me to help and to spend fun time with Mom!
You feel torn. You want to help because they are your parents, but it’s tiring, especially if you work (and caring for a grandbaby is work!) I think you need to have a serious talk with your husband and if it isn’t financial, hand him that list and ask him to go over, with the grandbaby, and do what you do. Even if you can get the morning person back 3 or 4 days a week, that would help. I’m sure your Dad appreciates everything you are doing. Take care of yourself as well. Sending you good thoughts.
Feel free to rant – this is the perfect place for it. I was not a “sandwich” person…my son was in high school when my parents got sick, but I did care for both of them while working full time an hour from my home. After Dad passed away, my Mom’s health deteriorated further and by that time my sister had moved back to the area and took more of a charge of Mom – and she had grown kids who helped and she didn’t have a job, which made it so much easier for me to help and to spend fun time with Mom!
You feel torn. You want to help because they are your parents, but it’s tiring, especially if you work (and caring for a grandbaby is work!) I think you need to have a serious talk with your husband and if it isn’t financial, hand him that list and ask him to go over, with the grandbaby, and do what you do. Even if you can get the morning person back 3 or 4 days a week, that would help. I’m sure your Dad appreciates everything you are doing. Take care of yourself as well. Sending you good thoughts.