Off we go trick or treating

The evening started off a little rocky. Levi was scared of Maddie, I arrived not on time at Pooh's, and Bonnie & Clyde were having their moments. But nonetheless we were off and moving. Mom met us up in Berlin Heights to go trick or treating. Mom was all smiles. Me and Pooh struggled with those smiles at first.

Maddie spent the evening being worried about her projects due Friday. Mom spent the evening giving hellos to everyone. Brandon, and Sierra spent the evening trying to get away from us. Sienna was busy trick or treating. Pooh spent the evening keeping track of EVERYONE, she was the coordinator of the evening. Levi enjoyed the people and costumes. He was very well behaved. I spent the evening pushing the stroller (except for the small time out Pooh gave me from the stroller, which I didn't deserve), and enjoying the evening. I thought it was a lovely evening. It was Pooh's 2nd trip out trick or treating, since she did the one on Tuesday by herself I'm going to let her post all the pictures of the kids trick or treating. Look for her upcoming post to see more pictures of Halloween.

Photographs with Dad

Before you ask...yes Mom we will be doing some pictures like this with you the next time we all get together. It's very hard to get us all together, and it's even harder to get the kids to corporate with picture time.

Brandon Alexander

Brandon's weekend was fabulous. This is the kind of weekend that he lives for. He had everything he needed to make for the best weekend ever. He had his cousins, his family, his Papaw, games, an all terrain vehicle, and topped off with the last football game of the season. I could go into all the little details, but this sums up Brandon's fabulous weekend in a nutshell.

Madeline's Weekend

Madeline's weekend started off concerning me as I have already stated in an earlier post. She made the basketball team, but got sick right before practice and I had to take her in to the doctors. She had a virus, but was having breathing problems. The doctor had to change her medicine for her asthma. The dose was uped yet again. I don't like the medicine, but it works. Her hardest times of the year is spring
and late fall. Come December we may be able to bring some of the medicine down. The doctor encouraged her to still be active this weekend so that was what she did.

She enjoyed all the company this weekend, and enjoyed having so much fun with her cousins, but was very tired come Sunday night. She had so much fun, but kept worrying about her projects she had due later in the week. She is the type of kid that has color coded note cards, an agenda filled with exact details, and keeps goal dated records of how far she needs to be by this date and so on.

I tried including everyone this weekend, and making it fun for each and every one of them, but MY children try to disappear from me when we have company over. It's the way it's always been. If I'm spending time with someone my kids take off with the other ones. I asked my kids if they had fun this weekend, and they said of course we did. I say but I feel like I didn't get to spend enough time with you. The response usually goes like this "of course you did" or " you spent plenty of time with me". I guess as they get older they want to do fun things, but are cool with you not being right on top of them. I'm not sure I agree with that statement, but I'm learning.

Mr. Levi

Mr. Levi, well he didn't get to spend the night with Aunt Shell, but he did get to do a little visiting this weekend.

One of Levi's favorite stops at Aunt Shell's is the make up area. He likes to pull the items out not put them on. I think he sees the girls over here so often he has to stop and check it out.

Another favorite stop is Aunt Shell's kitchen. He really tries to spend as much time here as possible. He wanted a pickle, and I couldn't resist taking a picture. For some weird reason I love seeing a baby (or little one) eating a pickle.

The last photo is of Bub and Levi with Aunt Poohie. I like to get as many pictures of Bub and Levi as I can. We have so many of the girls together, but so little of the boys.

Sienna Pearl

Sienna's weekend at Aunt Shell's started a little later on Saturday. She did a little riding, but it started to sprinkle and Aunt Shell brought her inside. She was fine with that. She cheered for the other kids, and if she needed to tell them something she cracked open the window to talk to them. She was so funny.

She waited till the rain was almost over and said "Aunt Shell can I please have one more ride". I couldn't say no, so we double coated and off we went.

Sienna loves to play by herself, but it drives me crazy. I try so hard to play with her, and only sometimes does she allow this. She went ahead and tried to play cards with all of us, but lost interest quickly. So I let the rest of them play, and went to spend time with Sienna. She picked out some books for us to read, and we were off and reading. It may not be playing, but we still got to spend time together, and I was honored she allowed me to enter her imagination world. She stopped along the way of the book to tell me her own stories of the pictures in the book.


The last picture is of them dancing. Sienna danced with them for awhile, and then moved away from the group to dance. I asked her why she wasn't with the other kids she said "they mess me up". A true Wendy Jo child.

Sierra Rose

Sierra's weekend at Aunt Shell's started early Saturday morning. Papaw brought her over first to ride with the kids. She had some coat issues right away. "Aunt Shell mom couldn't find my regular coat, and gave me this one." I said okay. She replied with, "please find me another one." She ended up taking Papaw's coat and was quite happy. Sierra cares a lot about how the coat looked. She didn't care if it was warm or not. They rode most of the day with hot chocolate breaks when their noses got cold.

As Sierra and Bub get older I've been calling them 'Bonnie and Clyde' mainly because they are always together and are constantly coming up with things to do, good or bad. Bub has gotten to the point that he knows if Sierra had a good day at school or not depending on the look on her face and the wave she gives him at the end of the day. After 4 wheel riding they instantly brought out the board games. We ordered pizza the kids ate, and then it was dance time. The girls love to dance. They will dance and dance, especially if the grown up are watching. I'm sorry I didn't get one of the best moments caught on camera. It was when Sierra started singing Respect by Aretha Franklin. She had the attitude to go right with the song. They loved
singing and dancing.
The next line of business was Aunt Shell promised to play 'spoons' with the kids. Sierra had never played before, but was eager to learn. The kids LOVED this. There was so much laughing, and carrying on. Sierra wanted to know why we hadn't taught her sooner. The next morning Papaw taught her and Bub new card games to play, and magic tricks to do. Sierra loved this. She did these magic tricks over and over, and was so proud she could do them. She wasn't about to tell Aunt Shell the secret to the magic tricks. I have been wanting to know them since I was a kid. Dad would never teach them to me, but Sierra he taught them to. I guess grandkids are different than your own kids.

I know how to drive....it's just like my barbie jeep

I have so much material to blog about, and post pictures from this weekend. It was a great and busy weekend. This video is of Sienna driving the four wheeler. She didn't want to take a ride until she knew she was going to be able to drive (like she does in her Barbie jeep). Look carefully Dad even has his hands up to prove she's doing some driving. She's getting older, and she wants to do what her cousins do. I'll post more about my weekend with Sienna later today.

Papaw is in town

Papaw came in to town today, and the kids were very happy to see him. (and so was I) Dad brought up the 4 wheeler and was teaching Maddie how to drive it, and letting us all have some fun. Dad took me out before the kids got home. I didn't really want to, because it really wasn't my thing, but I did. I had a really good time. Of course I wouldn't take it over 10 miles per hour, that was plenty fast for me. I hadn't rode one since I was a kid. It was fun. I had to take Maddie to the doctor tonight as soon as she called me from practice (she made the team by the way). She was not feeling real good, and she was complaining about her chest. The doctor changed some of her medicine, and we are going to see if that helps. Anyway, when I got back Brandon was already driving himself on the 4 wheeler. He respected it enough to not drive
super fast. He was doing a great job. Papaw convinced Maddie to go for a ride. She loved it, but Papaw said she's not ready to ride by herself yet. She goes way to fast, and isn't paying attention to where she's going. (We ran into this problem with her with the lawnmower already) We had a great evening with dad. It was nice having him around tonight.

Carved Pumpkins

These are Brian's and Brandon's carved pumpkins this year. The boys always try to get creative, and this year they out did themselves. Brian actually drilled holes in his pumpkin to give it that disco ball look. Brandon added the blue light touch. I was very proud of them both. Madeline and myself plan on working on ours this weekend. I'll post more pixs when we get them all done.

Updates on what's going on

Madelines basketball try-outs are going fine. She loves being with the girls, and playing her heart out. She's always went at it being worried about doing things right. This time she is having fun!!

Brandon has only two practices, and one game left.

Brandon's lunch issue was taken care of nicely by his teacher....I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how well the teacher did.

My diet is going well, I'm still sticking to it. I've lost six pounds. They didn't come on overnight they don't come off overnight. Determination is the key NOT what diet you are on. My blood pressure is beautiful, and I still haven't had one migraine. I went to the gyno today to continue on my health self improvement. Let's just say there was one point that I seriously thought about grabbing my clothes, and walking out with my half of paper cloth covering the front. I didn't though. I have to go back again Thursday for additional things, but I did learn that magnesium(?) is a natural muscle relaxer for cramps and any other kind of pain.

Aunt Poohie Jr.

Here is some pictures of Bub cleaning out his pumpkin. He has a lot of his Aunt Poohie's qualities. Namely in the picture "the rubber gloves". She is a big rubber glove wearer. He didn't like the smell of the pumpkin. He couldn't imagine touching the pumpkin's insides without the gloves. He needed a towel over his lap just in case some of the pumpkin touched him. Normally the rest of us clean Bub's pumpkin out, but this year I told him he would have to do it himself. Brandon has always been the type of kid that wouldn't go in the kitchen if he didn't like the smell of what you were cooking. He wouldn't wear certain shirts if he didn't like the feel of them. Certain sounds will drive Brandon nuts. Sunlight will instantly make Brandon tear up. These are just some of Bub's quirks. So I know it was a big

step for Bub to accomplish this task. I was very proud of him conquering the pumpkin.

Basketball Try-Outs

Today starts basketball try-outs. They will last for two weeks (I think). She is nervous to say the least. There is 24 girls trying out, and only a maximum of 14 will make it. She has a very positive attitude about it, but knows the possibility of not making it. She wants this pretty bad, and has quite the determination with this. However, she isn't looking for a guarantee in making it. She says worst case mom is I will get some more exercise, and get to play with my friends some. I'm crossing my fingers, but I know that she will be right where she should be come the end of try-outs. Whether that is on the team, or not.

Some lessons can only be learnt through experience

Brandon learnt a valuable lesson yesterday... never tell the coach that he 'sucks'. Bub has not agreed with his coach much of the season. Last week at practice he had enough, and thought that he was big enough to voice this opinion to the coach. Big mistake. I have taught my children to stand up for what they believe in, NOT to defy authority. I explained to Brandon the huge error in his way. He let me know he knew I wouldn't approve. So the coach doesn't say anything to me, but I knew what was coming. Brandon was benched for the majority of the game. Brandon of course wasn't happy, but played his best anyway. He made his quarterback sacks had his name over the loud speaker, and to him yesterday that was enough. He said maybe I shouldn't have told the coach he 'sucked', but he still would have played the line how he wanted weather I said that or not. They won, and he can't wait till the season is over.

Sleep Over

Sierra spent the night Saturday night, and went to the game with us yesterday. We never do anything super fly fun, but Sierra always acts like it's a great time. She stayed up late with us to go pick up Maddie from the party (she loves getting the inside scoop from Maddie and her friends). She got scared at the railroad crossing (she never gets scared). Her and Bub played board games half the night, and the next day (thank goodness she was here to play with him) She went to the game where she did much better with the bleachers, and Aunt Shell let her sit with her friends. (She thought that was awesome)

So I go to drop her off, and who do you think is there to let me know the score? Little Miss Sienna. Aunt Shell why did you take sissy? Why didn't you take me? When is it my turn? Sienna is now officially old enough to get spend the night trips to Aunt Shell's. When they can let you know, and call you out on leaving them out of the loop they are old enough to get that spend the night time and make their own memories with Aunt Shell. I am so sorry Sienna for leaving you out of the loop.

The Halloween Party

I know many of you don't like the costume I have allowed my daughter to wear. At this time I am not going to justify or explain my reasoning. I will however, debate all you want at another time. She wanted to look scary it was just a costume, NOT who she is. She is more loving, caring, and compassionate than many of us. She had a wonderful time. SHE ALSO WON BEST COSTUME!!! She is growing up more everyday, and I'm glad I'm part of it.

Combine Season

Here it is combine season. What does combine season mean to me? I'll be happy to tell you. My allergies go crazy when the combines begin harvest picking. Combines are everywhere, right along with tractors, huge wagon looking things, and semi trucks..... everywhere meaning my driveway and backyard. These combines may look small in the photos, but they are huge! I won't even let the kids outside when they are out. Now when the photos were taken it was there last day out (I think). Mainly they run at night. These things have lights! Last year was the first year we had moved back to the country, and I was alarmed when I seen these things out at night. When they run at night they all come in our driveway to load the harvest into the semi's, and use the barn hoses to clean off the combines. It looks like a carnival of lights outside at
night. Of course the farmers are not the quietest at night. I think they think they are not being loud. This year it was refreshing seeing them come. They had a good harvest, and were excited. They waved more this year, and tried to be a little quieter. It was all good. My allergies are better this year than last, which is great. Country life is getting better, and I'm not half as scared as I use to be. It's okay that the cows moo, and that there isn't a sidewalk out front, and the combines harvest at night. It's a different life, not a bad one.

Pumpkin patch with recommendations

Okay first let me tell you the back story to the pumpkin patch. While we were visiting Uncle Laymon and the family Danielle was telling me about going to Burnham's. It had been along time since I even heard that name. Growing up we would always go to Burnham's for apples, peaches, pumpkins, and don't forget fundraisers that they were always generous enough to donate to. So a couple of weeks have went by and we still didn't have our pumpkins yet, and Burnham's was still on my mind, so off we went. The first thing Brandon spotted was the wagons, he wanted to know what they were for. Sadly I had no idea. Brian said they were to carry your pumpkins back from the
pumpkin patch. I always remembered getting my pumpkins from the boxes out front. I didn't even think about there being a pumpkin patch. I thought pumpkin patch was just something cute on the famous Charlie Brown Halloween special. So off we went. It was even more spectacular than Danielle had said. I felt like I was a kid again looking for that perfect pumpkin. The kids thought it was amazing too. That pumpkin patch was magical. I know you think I'm kidding, but I'm not. All teenage attitude was gone, all wining was gone, all talk about Brian's bad driving was gone, all insults about me nagging was gone... all that was left away from the pumpkin patch. Upon entering that pumpkin patch was my family....the best of my family. It was
magical for me. Each of us even got our picture taken with our own pumpkins that we picked out. (of course I only put up the kids and their pumpkins pixs though) I can not say "thank you" enough for Danielle sharing her story with me. The pumpkin patch was exactly what I needed.

PS. I do apologize for posting similar pumpkin pictures on my post the same day Danielle has.

Progress is being made

Okay as some of you know I've been making a determined effort on some much needed self improvement. I have done some soul searching and come up with some inner things I'm working on. I've went as far as to make a doctor's appt. as a little kinda check up (my blood pressure as been a little up lately). Not only did I make the appt., but I went to the appt. I didn't hold anything back, I was HONEST with the doctor. Have even made an appt. for a long overdue gyno visit. And hold on to your seats for this next one.... even doing some weight watchers. I have even received and read the literature on quit smoking. (One step at a time)

The inner improvements my kids are quick on keeping me in check about. The doctor prescribed me some medication for daily treatment on my migraines, and it also should help my blood pressure. (Last night my blood pressure was 123/80) I was extremely pleased to say the least, and I didn't have one headache yesterday which means no ibuprofen was used. (which makes my liver happy). I have faithfully stuck to my weight watchers diet plan for four days now, and have even exercised. I have even filled out the checklist, and questions to ask myself in the smoking literature. (This is a huge step for me. Asking myself questions that I have never even wondered about before is a good step).

It has become very real to me that I am not invincible. I am starting to get a touch older, and need to be somewhat more responsible with my health. As a mother when your kids are born you start becoming more responsible in all kinds of areas in your life. Most of us drive a little safer when our babies are in the car (you know who you are that don't). You try your best to be more secure, and stable in choices, finances, picking the best schools, etc. for your children. You focus so much on what's best for your child that sometimes you get lost yourself. I have put others first for so long that I thought my day would come eventually. I can still make good decisions for my family, and do a little maintenance on myself. It's just taken me awhile to realize that it can be done.

Boy/Girl Party

My little ray of sunshine has a halloween party to go to this weekend. I have checked it out parents will be there it shall be supervised, so why am I having a hard time letting her go. I'll tell you why.....because I focus too much on the what ifs, and this could happen, etc. I am letting her go, and praying for her the entire time. I have raised a good daughter she has the ability to make good decisions. It's a little scary though trusting that your little girl will make the right decisions. This isn't her first boy/girl party, but I still get nervous anyway. I'll post some pictures of her Saturday in her costume if she doesn't hide my camera again.

Family Medical History

In the top picture is the Bledsoe clan. My great grandmother Sadie is in the back row (L-R) fourth one from the left slightly in the back. My great grandfather Lloyd is in the bottom row I believe he is right in the middle. (I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong) I wish I could tell you who everyone else in the picture is, but no one has let me know that yet. My great grandparents, the Bledsoe's spent lots of time with me. I still have very fond memories of spending time going over Mamaw Bledsoe's frog collection asking her about each one of them, and I remember the first time she let me thread a needle at the grown up quilting parties they had. Papaw Bledsoe used to sneak me a cookie every chance he got, and would take off with my dad to look at something or fix something so the women could talk.

The next picture is my great grandparents the Payne's. The woman is Nelly(I think) (I never met her). The man is my great grandfather Lonny Payne. Sadly my only memories of him was him being very sick, and letting my sister have a piece of his candy and not me. (I know selfish, I was a kid what do you expect)

Now all this being said brings me to the point of this post. While working on the self improvement thing I decided to have a check up at the doctors. When she asked me for family medical history I processed on down the list, and the doctor told me that very few people are able to go that far back in their family medical history. (This was on my mom's side). When we got to my dad's side I was able to go as far back as my dad. Even sadder yet I seem to get a lot of inherited medical genes from my dad. I may look a lot like my mom I may even act a lot like my mom, but my medical genes are seeming to come from my father.