Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hoop Mama Two...
Anyone else see this?
Obituary from the Commercial Appeal:
IDA MAE RUSSELL SILLS began this world as Betty Jean Cherry, the daughter of Howard Cherry and Betty Thompson of Middle Tennessee. In the 1930s it was unthinkable for a child to be born to a single mother. The Thompsons contracted Georgia Tann at the Tennessee Children's Home. Georgia, now famous for selling babies, found a couple who was willing to purchase the child. Everett and Elsie Russell were chosen, who had already adopted one high profile Memphis baby. The Russells renamed their new baby Ida Mae.
Ida Mae had a rich but strict childhood. Ida graduated from Messick High School in 1950 and attended Memphis State University. Ida married High School friend, Karl Hadaway. On January 31, 1953, a child was born named Mary Denise. The marriage decayed and the couple divorced in 1954. Ida's marriage to Karl was a three ring circus, engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.
Ida met and married Albert Sills in 1960. Ida said "I never knew what real happiness was until I got remarried, then it was too late." Ida Mae and Albert settled down in Fox Meadows area of Memphis. Albert wanted a son, Ida wanted a dog. Ida quoted "with my way we just ruin the carpet." But on March 6, 1966, a son was happily born named Lee.
Albert and Ida owned several dry cleaners and restaurants. Owning your own business with your spouse in the best of times is challenging. Ida worked all day as a Supervisor at the phone company, she would come home and prepare a home cooked meal for the entire family. She managed to pay all the bills, balance the books of the family business and at the end of a long day still be a supporting mother and loving wife. Ida said "Children grow up so fast they're like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers."
Ida grimaced daily with anticipation of what her gifted children would bring home and ask "Mom can I keep it" For Lee it was stray animals but Ida's daughter Denise, well she brought home a steady stream of poor hungry musician friends (are there any other kind). No one was ever turned away or left hungry. It is still a mystery how Ida fed, supported and influenced so many individuals on her budget. At Ida's house gravy was a beverage.
Albert retired in 1985, Ida said "great I now get twice the husband and only half the income." Lee went off to college and Denise got married and had a son named Josh. Ida retired from Ma Bell in 1989. After a long illness, Albert passed away from Lung cancer.
In Ida's spare time she became an assistant coach to the University of Memphis Tigers, The Memphis Grizzlies, The LA Lakers and The Miami Heat, if not in reality in her mind. As a professional armchair consultant to the NBA, Ida was nick named Hoop Mama Two. Ball handling and dribbling was Ida Mae's biggest weakness.
If Albert was the frog prince, Ida was certainly the frog queen. Ida loved and collected frogs from all over the world. Ida moved to Waverly Gardens with her dog Raven where she made a lot of new friends.
Ida developed a cold that progressed into pneumonia. Now Ida was a smoker. She said "to quit smoking well that's easy. I ought to know. I have done it a thousand times" but the years of smoking left Ida's lungs damaged and beyond repair. On this Good Friday March 21, 2008, Ida Mae Russell Sills slipped away and joined her beloved daughter in Heaven. Fortunately her husband Albert preceded her and joined his mother in a much warmer climate.
Ida leaves behind a best friend Betty Brown of Memphis. Few people in this world are privileged to have such a beloved sister. They had many adventures, loves and tragedies over their 70 years of friendship and sisterhood. Ida also leaves one of her greatest joys, her grandson Josh. Josh has been the light of her life since his birth. Ida regrets not being here to influence his future children, but she will be watching.
Ida lost her daughter Denise Sills Barnes 2 years ago. Denise was a successful local Memphis singer and musician and was a manager with Nike for 15 years. Ida also leaves her son in law Roland Barnes, an engineer with Federal Express. Roland has been devoted when many would have moved on after their wife's death. And finally she leaves her son, her baby Lee. Lee lives in Orange County California and is President of Kredit Banque.
Ida influenced so many people, too many to list. Ida is now a falling star who has finally found her place next to her daughter in a lovely constellation, where she will sparkle in the heavens forever. In Lieu of flowers please give the gift of life to Saint Jude Children's Hospital in Ida's name. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday April, 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Waverly Gardens on Knight Arnold Road.
Here's the link to the commentary regarding the obit: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/18/colorful-death-notice-takes-on-life-of-its-own/
Obituary from the Commercial Appeal:
IDA MAE RUSSELL SILLS began this world as Betty Jean Cherry, the daughter of Howard Cherry and Betty Thompson of Middle Tennessee. In the 1930s it was unthinkable for a child to be born to a single mother. The Thompsons contracted Georgia Tann at the Tennessee Children's Home. Georgia, now famous for selling babies, found a couple who was willing to purchase the child. Everett and Elsie Russell were chosen, who had already adopted one high profile Memphis baby. The Russells renamed their new baby Ida Mae.
Ida Mae had a rich but strict childhood. Ida graduated from Messick High School in 1950 and attended Memphis State University. Ida married High School friend, Karl Hadaway. On January 31, 1953, a child was born named Mary Denise. The marriage decayed and the couple divorced in 1954. Ida's marriage to Karl was a three ring circus, engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.
Ida met and married Albert Sills in 1960. Ida said "I never knew what real happiness was until I got remarried, then it was too late." Ida Mae and Albert settled down in Fox Meadows area of Memphis. Albert wanted a son, Ida wanted a dog. Ida quoted "with my way we just ruin the carpet." But on March 6, 1966, a son was happily born named Lee.
Albert and Ida owned several dry cleaners and restaurants. Owning your own business with your spouse in the best of times is challenging. Ida worked all day as a Supervisor at the phone company, she would come home and prepare a home cooked meal for the entire family. She managed to pay all the bills, balance the books of the family business and at the end of a long day still be a supporting mother and loving wife. Ida said "Children grow up so fast they're like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers."
Ida grimaced daily with anticipation of what her gifted children would bring home and ask "Mom can I keep it" For Lee it was stray animals but Ida's daughter Denise, well she brought home a steady stream of poor hungry musician friends (are there any other kind). No one was ever turned away or left hungry. It is still a mystery how Ida fed, supported and influenced so many individuals on her budget. At Ida's house gravy was a beverage.
Albert retired in 1985, Ida said "great I now get twice the husband and only half the income." Lee went off to college and Denise got married and had a son named Josh. Ida retired from Ma Bell in 1989. After a long illness, Albert passed away from Lung cancer.
In Ida's spare time she became an assistant coach to the University of Memphis Tigers, The Memphis Grizzlies, The LA Lakers and The Miami Heat, if not in reality in her mind. As a professional armchair consultant to the NBA, Ida was nick named Hoop Mama Two. Ball handling and dribbling was Ida Mae's biggest weakness.
If Albert was the frog prince, Ida was certainly the frog queen. Ida loved and collected frogs from all over the world. Ida moved to Waverly Gardens with her dog Raven where she made a lot of new friends.
Ida developed a cold that progressed into pneumonia. Now Ida was a smoker. She said "to quit smoking well that's easy. I ought to know. I have done it a thousand times" but the years of smoking left Ida's lungs damaged and beyond repair. On this Good Friday March 21, 2008, Ida Mae Russell Sills slipped away and joined her beloved daughter in Heaven. Fortunately her husband Albert preceded her and joined his mother in a much warmer climate.
Ida leaves behind a best friend Betty Brown of Memphis. Few people in this world are privileged to have such a beloved sister. They had many adventures, loves and tragedies over their 70 years of friendship and sisterhood. Ida also leaves one of her greatest joys, her grandson Josh. Josh has been the light of her life since his birth. Ida regrets not being here to influence his future children, but she will be watching.
Ida lost her daughter Denise Sills Barnes 2 years ago. Denise was a successful local Memphis singer and musician and was a manager with Nike for 15 years. Ida also leaves her son in law Roland Barnes, an engineer with Federal Express. Roland has been devoted when many would have moved on after their wife's death. And finally she leaves her son, her baby Lee. Lee lives in Orange County California and is President of Kredit Banque.
Ida influenced so many people, too many to list. Ida is now a falling star who has finally found her place next to her daughter in a lovely constellation, where she will sparkle in the heavens forever. In Lieu of flowers please give the gift of life to Saint Jude Children's Hospital in Ida's name. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday April, 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Waverly Gardens on Knight Arnold Road.
Here's the link to the commentary regarding the obit: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/18/colorful-death-notice-takes-on-life-of-its-own/
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Crazy Bird
This crazy mama bird decided that the best spot to build her nest was on the wreath right outside Mamaw's front door. She built it in a day. There are 4 big babies crammed into this little nest that teeters on the top of the wreath.
If we invade her space, she stands in the driveway and squawks until we leave.
If we invade her space, she stands in the driveway and squawks until we leave.
Friday Morning Fun
TGIF - Friday morning stretches
Talking to the baby on the wall
All dressed up and ready for school
"WHAT!!?? I know my momma didn't just dress me in a skirt"Thursday, April 17, 2008
On the Mend...
Ellie is much, much better.
And I am much better also :) Tomorrow is Friday...wooohooo. The TCAP testing is over...wooohooo times 2. And NO tutoring on Saturday...triple wooohooo. Jason might have some wooohooo's of his own to add soon, but he is trying to finish up this semester at MSCC.
These are from today:
And I am much better also :) Tomorrow is Friday...wooohooo. The TCAP testing is over...wooohooo times 2. And NO tutoring on Saturday...triple wooohooo. Jason might have some wooohooo's of his own to add soon, but he is trying to finish up this semester at MSCC.
These are from today:
Ummm...yummy strapsThursday morning
Bath time with our new sink sponge
Thursday evening
All cleaned up and ready to watch ER
Blech...ER was kinda boring
Settling down after guzzling 8 oz.
Quick paci shot...she spit it right out!
Out :)Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Still Sick :(
Wednesday morning:
Although she is still congested, she is not as sick as she was on Monday. We've been giving her some Benadryl every 4 hours. Her eyes are much better.
We have a doctor's appointment at 3:15. More later...
Wednesday afternoon:
The trip to the doctor was a waste. He touched her with a stethoscope 4 times and said that her lungs sounded clear. I explained what had been going on and he pretty much said..."I see that her eyes and nose are crusty" ... "We don't usually give them anything for this" ... "We don't like to give babies any medicine if it is not needed" ... "She appears to be getting better."
I told him that I had given her Benadryl, and he told me to stop it. He said there is a risk of overdosing a baby with the medicine. He also said that over-the-counter medicine usually quits working after 2 or 3 days. We were giving her 1/4 teaspoon every 4 hours. I guess we were just supposed to let her suffer.
So for my $20 copay and the $135 he will bill the insurance, we left not knowing much. When I picked her up from daycare to take her to the doctor, she already looked much better, and I thought about calling and canceling the appointment. We should have just skipped the whole trip and not wasted the 2 hours.
The nurse did weigh her. She now weighs 12 lbs., 8 oz. She measured 23 inches. She is right in the 50th percentile for her age with these measurements. The nurse said that this was good.
Here's the link to chart: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set2/chart%2002.pdf
Although she is still congested, she is not as sick as she was on Monday. We've been giving her some Benadryl every 4 hours. Her eyes are much better.
We have a doctor's appointment at 3:15. More later...
Wednesday afternoon:
The trip to the doctor was a waste. He touched her with a stethoscope 4 times and said that her lungs sounded clear. I explained what had been going on and he pretty much said..."I see that her eyes and nose are crusty" ... "We don't usually give them anything for this" ... "We don't like to give babies any medicine if it is not needed" ... "She appears to be getting better."
I told him that I had given her Benadryl, and he told me to stop it. He said there is a risk of overdosing a baby with the medicine. He also said that over-the-counter medicine usually quits working after 2 or 3 days. We were giving her 1/4 teaspoon every 4 hours. I guess we were just supposed to let her suffer.
So for my $20 copay and the $135 he will bill the insurance, we left not knowing much. When I picked her up from daycare to take her to the doctor, she already looked much better, and I thought about calling and canceling the appointment. We should have just skipped the whole trip and not wasted the 2 hours.
The nurse did weigh her. She now weighs 12 lbs., 8 oz. She measured 23 inches. She is right in the 50th percentile for her age with these measurements. The nurse said that this was good.
Here's the link to chart: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set2/chart%2002.pdf
Monday, April 14, 2008
Lucky Long Enough...
Well...we have not had any sickies until now. Starting last Thursday, we noticed that Ellie's nose seemed congested, and she was coughing some as the junk drained into her throat. On Friday, she had more of this, and her left eye was watery. We used some nasal spray to help relieve the congestion, and we put Vick's on her feet and chest. Her left eye was still watery and was really junky on Saturday and Sunday. She was still congested. I started giving her some Mucinex yesterday. She was not running a fever.
This morning, she was really congested so I gave her some more Mucinex. The daycare folks gave her more of it during the day.
Here's Ellie this afternoon once we got home:
This morning, she was really congested so I gave her some more Mucinex. The daycare folks gave her more of it during the day.
Here's Ellie this afternoon once we got home:
Not her finest hour
She hasn't even been crying...
Even though she looks miserable, she is still smiling and laughing. Poor baby...
I called and made an appointment with the ped., but we can't go until Wednesday afternoon.
Jason just gave her a bath and she is conked out right now. More later...
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Another Week...
Saturday, March 29
Um...yeah...no comment :P
Sunday, March 30First time in the Johnny Jump Up...
still a little big for her
This is about 4 minutes later. She got tired of the jumper,had a quick bottle, and fell asleep sitting up.
Tuesday morning...ready for daycare in her new ballerina shoes.Yep...you read right...PINK BALLERINA shoes :)
She doesn't look too happy with them, huh?
Wednesday morning smiles
Thursday morning smiles
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