Michelle's Adventure in Life

I went to my first couponing class

2012-01-20T07:47:00.002-05:00

Our local library was holding a free couponing class this week. I thought maybe I can learn a thing or two...so I went. That was 2 hrs of my time I will never get back, lol. One of these classes would have been extremely helpful when I first started. But in true me fashion I've learnt the hard way on how to do couponing. I've even went over some friends houses to teach them what I know. I pay less than a dollar on all health and beauty products that includes make-up and my cabinet of first aid. My cabinet of first aid is huge. It has every type of band-aid, gauze, wraps, heating patches, ointments, things to help with minor colds to things that help with congestion and allergies. My family gives me a symptom and I go to the cabinet (we are all in shock and awe of the cabinet).

Okay so moving on I'm going to give a few tips that I've learned that might help someone else out there:

Shop ahead of time not when you're out of the item. Plan, plan.
A coupon is most valuable when you combine it with a sale. Bonus is if an item is on clearance or if your store doubles coupons/and has a sale.
It's okay to have multiply transactions. Examples: Some stores have a 12 cpn. limit per transaction so at these stores I divide my items up and usually have 4 transactions., The stores that have register rewards or extra bucks (which is cpn that prints out say $4 off your next purchase) again multiple transaction so I can use them in one trip but multiply transactions.
I have a list ahead of time for each store and I check each product before I go to see if there is any mail in rebates for the items.
I enter at least one giveaway a day, and I sign up for free samples at least once a day.
Donate. This has become one of my favorite things.
Don't clear a shelf, be courteous. If you need multiply of a said item order it online and have it shipped to the store so you can still get the sale but not clear a shelf.
Just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it. Remember you're trying to save your family money not use coupons.
Stacking coupons is simple it is a store coupon and a manufacture coupon. A coupon will say manufacture next to the expiration date or have a store name. Example dollar general has $1 off say shampoo plus there is a manufacture coupon in Sunday's paper for $2 off the same shampoo you can use both of them to get a total of $3 off combine that with a sale you are talking pennies for shampoo.
Have fun and don't get frustrated. Every store has a coupon policy check their websites and if you are confused about something go to customer service and ask them.

The Pre Holiday Plan

2011-11-22T08:44:00.002-05:00

Okay the blog post will probably be all over the map so try to bear with me. My coupon world is out of control...kinda. It's gotten huge! I donate my expired coupons to a military organization that gives them to military families and can be used for up to 6 months. I send an entire manila envelope every 2 wks. I also talked to our local food bank to see items they are low on and donate there once a month. (I can get so much food for free anymore or super cheap like less than a quarter.) A side note here: the local food bank is at the church I meet at for my weight loss group. Some of the ladies were paying attention to me (of course I didn't notice) and asked how I was able to donate so much food every month. I told them about the coupons and that almost all the food I donate is pretty close to free. They have now began to donate all the Sunday paper coupons to me to continue helping with the food bank. Because I have so many of the same coupons I have to do multiple transactions at almost every store I go in. Which means more time has to put into planning.

With Maddie being involved in so much with the royalty court there is more people involved in our lives, which brings up Christmas gifts??. It's too hard to narrow down so we made a list of people and searched the homemade gift ideas and have included 24 people the total price for the homemade gifts was $7. (Pat Catan's had a great sale at the beginning of Nov. plus me & Heather combined our purchases to be able to use a bigger coupon.) We decided to go with clear bulbs paint their names on them and add scrap ribbon inside them. I think they turned out really cute. She is also attaching special name cards with why they are special to her. One of her teachers is also on the list. The kids don't usually do teachers at the high school level, because one there is too many teachers and two it's not cool. But this one teacher has made a big impact on Maddie and she feels it's important to acknowledge that. I found a Christmas mug on clearance for 46 cents and we filled it with hot chocolate packets (free) and some of my peppermint chocolate coffee stirrers that the kids say taste great with the hot chocolate and wrapped it in cellophane. Looks cute!!

On the line of saving and coupons Brian and Brandon love the auctions in their free time. Me and Brandon do the auctions online @ Listia, which is super cool. It's with credits not cash. The seller usually pays the shipping (postal service and the flat rates are awesome right now).

All the extended family shopping is done for Christmas and the plan is to finish my kids and the grandbaby up on black friday.

I found a really cool Thanksgiving idea on pinrest with a thankful tree and adding leaves everyday in November for things you are thankful for. The kids weren't hip on the idea at first but they've come around. I love it!! I'm thinking of doing a Christmas tree for December of giving. With the idea of giving of your time, giving a word of encouragement. That type of thing. I think it's especially important as they get older to focus on others sometimes instead of all the holiday rush rush.

An additional side note that I don't know if I previously mentioned was the weight group that I previously belonged to left our town because of a business decision. It was hard on those of us who attended regularly. We were able to form our own group that isn't as structured but helps one another by discussing healthier choices talking about different exercises yet still weighing in every week. It's completely different but is still working.

I Need To Write A Book

2011-11-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I think I should write a book. Not one of those profound insight books, or wise wisdom books, and definitely not a fairy tale book either. I think I'll title it "Not For The Faint Of Heart" by yours truly. The book will contain the crazy things that roll into my life and I push back out of my life. It will have the crazy things that kids say and do. I know there are tons of books out there like that. Those are the cute things that children say and do that have innocence to them. Mine will focus on the crazy little stunts that teenagers try, and conversations that we have to repeating have that they should know better.

So many people say "we've all been there". I agree that anyone with teenagers have traveled down a raising teenagers path; however there are so many detours that the path looks slightly different for everyone. I've been keeping a journal lately of "conversations, stunts, moments that make me proud, moments that I want to pull my hair out, moments that make me say where have the years gone, and above all are the questions these bright minded children come up with."

As always the teens are keeping me hopping. My weight loss is back on track. My migraines have returned with their little counterpart shingle pain and I'm doing my best to deal with them and keep stress at bay. Holidays are creeping up and time seems to go by faster and faster.

Sharing some of the rest of my daily life

2011-10-19T00:29:00.002-04:00

It's easy to type about the festivals and I always have plenty of nice photos to go with that. This post will be about the rest of our daily activities.

Maddie...yeah her schedule is packed. She got her driver's license on her first try had more than her needed hours and had been driving on her permit for almost a year. (That being said my insurance is insane now.) Yes, I have let her drive alone since she got them. Here is how it works: she takes me on a "qualifying" trip, as long as she does fine she's aloud to drive that far without me. So at this point I let her drive to norwalk, oberlin, and amherst. Route 2 still freaks me out, and Sandusky she might have to "qualify" with her dad. One step at a time (for me). She has a full class schedule that she's struggling with, and of course let's not forget about the boyfriend.

Brandon...oh my lovely 14 yr old son. He will argue with me about anything. He has all honor classes this year. He works hard IF there is something he wants in return, any yard work or outside work he's your young man. If it's in the house forget it. He's super smart and talks over my head a lot. He started shaving, and that deep voice keeps getting deeper. He's breaking out of his quiet phase slowly. He's turning into a young man, and to be honest I'm in uncharted territory. He is my child that likes to discuss and even debate topics. He constantly keeps me thinking. He's trying out for the freshman bb team this year and has been conditioning for it for months now, we'll see how that goes.

My spouse...working, working. His new thing is attending auctions. Him and Brandon go as often as they can. I think they like being at these things more than actually buying things, which is okay with me.

Me...exhausted. The shingles returned again, and I'm just now coming off the anti-viral. They think they may have returned so quickly because of "stress" yeah okay. I was able to start weening off my bp medication, so far so good. My weight loss is maintaining nothing additional to report. My couponing is a stress release at this point. On average I'm able to save at least 50%, and have freebies rolling in the mailbox daily. I have quite a bit of Christmas shopping done, and even started wrapping already. My daily planner is full constantly, since the latest shingle out break I have entered in "rest" time slots even "rest" days.

Antique Festival

2011-10-18T23:58:00.002-04:00

The Antique Festival was held in Millerburg. It was on the same exact day as the Wollybear Festival. The original plan was to "split" the court, meaning half go to one and half to the other. The Wollybear is so close that the rest of the court attended that one, and Maddie, myself, and the director attended The Antique. It is located in Holmes Co. in the heart of amish country. It was a beautiful autumn day! All the colors were in bloom. The rest of the court had the float for the day, and the local car dealership was having a huge sale that day so we were out of a convertible. So in true Maddie fashion we took good ole "Bertha" the pick up truck with some hay bales in the back with a blanket over them and off we went.

We are starting to rotate the dresses...or simply put each dress speaks for itself and depending on the weather, the day, and the festival we pick. The blue dress wore only once for the basket festival has a train with it, and Maddie got sick the day she wore it (so she thinks it's bad luck for now) so it hasn't been let out of the closet. If the day has bad weather or Maddie has a lot of walking etc to do she will always pick the purple one. (She says she can move in this one) The day had lots of walking and most of the girls would be wearing "the hoop" dresses, so she going against the grain picked the purple one.

The day started with a tour of a historic Victorian house (amazing), and then we went to this ranch that reminded you of anything but a ranch. (There were no animals, only scenic views and a gorgeous lodge) One of the highlights to the food menu was this insane cinnamon roll (that I should have passed on). It tasted like a pastry. It looked like a large cinnamon roll, but didn't taste like anything I've ever baked. This festival she was able to meet royalty from more of your southern towns in Ohio.

The parade was a lot shorter than the previous ones we'd been too, which was great. This was my first parade that I've drove in. (Just my opinion, but I think throwing candy at a parade should be done away with) I've never felt that way before, but constantly stopping because children are running in front of you scared me to death. I had "the ladies in red hats" float in front of me which is always my favorite. The float behind us was comical. It was for "the rooter man" (plumbing) and it was an old fashion out house with a clothes line on it and everyone dressed in overalls doing some type of jig dancing. I had a hard time not laughing seeing them out my rear view mirror, Maddie had an even harder time keeping her royal smile and wave without busting out laughing.

Needless to say we made it back home to start resting before the wollybear parade even ended.

Grape Jamboree

2011-10-17T13:21:00.003-04:00

The grape jamboree...beautiful. I posted previously about the free rooms we got on this trip. Now here's the rest of the trip. The grape jamboree was held September 24 in Geneva On The Lake...now I stress the on the lake part because onstar directions had to be very exact. It was an enormous festival. The parade itself was 3 1/2 hrs. long. There was courts that traveled more than 4 hrs to attend this festival. Since it was an 1 1/2 for us we decided to spend the night and make it a little get away. (Great choice) My darling son stayed out home with Grami staying with him and popping in and out throughout the day on Sunday. This trip was a battle with him all the way. His best friend was having his belated birthday party and EVERYONE was going to be there, so in the end we caved in and let him stay at home and attend the party with Grami in charge.

Maddie was joined with her 1st attendant so they were able to hang out and have a good time. The breakfast was this lavish affair with the works served. Each girl was given a complimentary bottle of grape juice from one of the local vineyards, which they got to tour after the breakfast. The breakfast was at this gorgeous lodge overlooking the lake. Now I've seen the lake my whole life and for some reason it looked amazing that day. It wasn't dirty and yuck like I've seen it so many times before.

The parade was divided up with the royalty based on who belonged to the Ohio festival committee and who didn't. We didn't (the cost to belong to the organization is out of our courts budget). Some of the breakfast/luncheons you must belong or can't attend. So with this lovely divide it was nice to see the festivals we can attend with no hassle.

It was a long day, but worth it. It was the first parade besides our own that Brian was able to attend, which made it even that much more delightful. After the parade we snagged some homemade grape ice cream, that was really good. (Kinda like the cantaloupe ice cream at the melon fest, but in grape.) Me and Maddie slept all the way home thanks to onstar being my husband's co-pilot.

Volunteering and donations

2011-10-17T11:45:00.002-04:00

Madeline is not a stranger to volunteering, and donating items or time she's great at. Asking for donations is a whole other ball game. Part of her job as queen is to do just that, but now she wears crown and sash to do these things. She doesn't like to draw attention to herself at these events, but it goes with the territory. We try to get as many family and friends involved as we can. Some of the recent things were the breast cancer walk, buddy walk, pumpkin donation drive, family fun fest, and the quick ten minute phone calls that say " I need help doing....".

Catching up on some of the festivals

2011-10-17T11:13:00.003-04:00

I feel the need to try and catch up on a few of the festivals we've hit in the last month or so. I know there seem to be little or no pixs of Brandon. He's going through that I don't want my photo being taken phase AGAIN, and a lot of the festivals lately he has been opting out of. He's uses his alone time to catch up on homework, help me out with laundry, and from the looks of things when I get home pretty much relax.

Moving on to the festivals...first up after melon fest. was the Clyde Fair. The rest of the court was busy doing other commitments that day so it was just Maddie & I. They had this insane breakfast that was all southern cooking...that's right gravy & biscuits were there. It was a smaller breakfast meaning only a handful of courts were there that day. The festival itself was very laid back and had a racing theme to the day. There was so much hay and straw bails that I'm convinced that I'm allergic to one of these. By the time we left my eyes were puffy and I sneezed all the way home.

This was one of those festivals that next year we as a family will probably attend.

Another thing that I'm picking up at these events is ideas...when I leave these things my mind is racing with hundreds of ideas for all sorts of things. (I started carrying a small notepad just to jot some of these down.) Maddie is starting to make friends with a lot of these girls that she sees over and over again. One of these is the queen from Brunswick court Maria. The other picture is her and the Clyde queen, Hailey.

The Free Hotel Rooms

2011-09-28T10:31:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know some of you cringe when I say I got anything for free. And yet others want to know how I get some of these things for free. While yet another small percent constantly say if I didn't have to work full-time I could do that too. Whatever. For those of wanting to know how I did this read on.

Part of the freebies come from "points". I collect points every time I use my debit card as credit, I collect points for entering codes from my husband's soda pop, and my husband collected points on all his over the road lodging. These points programs take about ten minutes of time to enroll if you read everything and ask questions, otherwise it would be about 3 minutes if you type fast.

That being said my husband had collected enough points for items or free hotel rooms. We figured we would use these for vacations or get aways. So this weekend we used his points for 2 rooms, both of them were free.

They were beautiful rooms at the Holiday Inn. I couldn't have asked for a better stay. They were not like so many of the hotels around here, and the staff was actually nice.

Some other freebies or great deals of the weekend was my gas that again I used my giant eagles cents off and was able to get gas for 3.02 a gallon. A 16 x 20 poster of the the court for free w/a coupon. 20 free pictures w/a sale and coupon. Plus all the free samples I received in the mail.

All that being said I'm still paying on the hospital and doctor bills from the shingles episode this summer.

Taking A Deep Breath

2011-09-28T07:14:00.002-04:00

For some reason lately I have been going full steam ahead. I feel like I have to remind myself to breathe. With everything going on my priorities are changing, meaning that I have to get one thing done right now and push other things back. I have always been the type of person to work on several projects at a time so that I don't have things hit deadlines back to back. It has always been simpler and less stressful for me. Lately I have so many things needing the right now attention that I can only focus on literally one thing at a time. It's a very different mindset for me.

People always say "enjoy" this or that. I'm trying...oohh I'm trying. I have less time it seems everyday. I'm hitting deadlines, but barely. Everything has a calendar time and appointment expect my workouts (so I gave it a time slot on my calendar, and a nap time.) A good night sleep is great, when that can happen. I use to say when the kids were little "oh when they get older I will be able to sleep through the night" blah blah. It's not the case. They are teenagers!! They come alive when the sun goes down, so every bump in the night I'm constantly waking up to just to make sure they are sleeping etc. The weekends exhaust me, so come Monday I am wiped out.

I have so many things to blog about, hopefully I'll get to them sometime this week. (I speak as if it was Monday, and it's already WEDNESDAY). Well I'm off to spend the day in the service department, just for the standard maintenance on my car. (I'm carrying my bag of things I need to do with me) Have a great day all!!

Milan Melon Fest

2011-09-16T02:26:00.002-04:00

I know I'm a little behind on this post, but sometimes it takes awhile for things to settle in. I haven't been to the melon festival in years. I'm not a big one for having little mini reunions here's why. For some reason unknown to myself I have a terrible problem recognizing and remembering people from twenty years ago. And it seems that I come off as being snobby and rude, which we all know I'm not. Usually when I run into someone and they recognize me I spend the conversation trying to figure out who they are.

So I returned kicking and screaming to the melon fest this year, because of my dear daughter. It was a very long day. The morning started off with a tour of milan for the royalty followed by a luncheon, and the parade. The surprising thing to me was the way my daughter viewed a town that I ran around in my youth. She was fascinated with Thomas Edison's birthplace, delighted to see the festival in a town square, everything seemed 'fancy' to her. (A huge sigh from me here) Are you kidding me??? So I paused, put everything I always knew and viewed this riveting town through her eyes. (I can not begin to tell you how hard this was for me.) I did get excited to see the band, but being in a different phase of my life I cheered and hollered when our school's band came through.

How am I getting free stuff at stores?

2011-09-12T01:50:00.002-04:00

I'm getting some emails lately asking me how am I getting free stuff?

Well first off I sign up for a ton of free samples and get them through the mail.
If I really like a product I send the company an email saying just that, and sometimes they send me coupons to use on the said product.
I belong to a few sites that I actually get a voucher for a company's product try it and send them my review of the product.
The big question is how am I getting free things at the everyday stores. The answer is kinda simple I have coupons I know all the sale prices and coupon policies at the area stores making a lot of the products "free".

Now I'm starting to get at a point where I'm making a few cents on some of these products. At certain stores I will have a $1 off coupon and the item will be like 94 cents making a profit of 6 cents to use towards other items I'm purchasing. The other big thing right now at a few of the drug stores that have money off coupons they give you towards the next purchase. For these stores I usually have 3 different transactions and these extra vouchers left over. Today I was on my game and had $60 worth of products that I ended up paying a little over $8 for.

I know it seems hard to believe, but if you are in doubt ask my kids. For that matter mom has went shopping with me and it does exhaust her, but even she is impressed at the savings.

The other question is do I use all my coupons? Nope, not even close. When they expire I send them to military families that can use expired coupons for up to 6 months after the expiration.

In The Land of Teenagers

2011-09-11T02:02:00.003-04:00

I have great kids...that being said they are still teenagers. My hair has to be dyed faithfully (the hair that isn't falling out) some would say it's because of my age...I say it's because of the teenagers. I journal more now than when I was a teen, sure it relieves stress, but I also can't wait to show it to my grandkids about how their parents behaved, lol.

It was never a big surprise to me that I raise my kids differently than a lot of parents. That being said I think they tell me way too much about the teenage world. Some things I think I'd be better off not knowing. I am constantly reminding them at the start of their stories "remember I am your parent first not your school buddy". I am preparing them not just to survive this world, but to thrive in it. I'm teaching them to deal with disappointment, life's unfairness, finding balance, working hard, and about a thousand other life lessons that I never thought about.

It's easy to get swept up in their drama, life's drama, and all the other craziness of life. Usually I can keep the balance pretty good making sure to find some workout time to keep stress at bay and have some me time. Lately I got a little less me time, a little less cleaning time, and a standstill at my weight loss. I am a huge organizer and when my schedule gets out of control it shows all over my life. I was able to fill in all the calendar events times and places and said 'no' to events I just can't fit in right now, gave the fridges a deep cleaning and have started my fall cleaning. THIS has somehow put a much needed balance into my world and doesn't make all the teens drama get to me nearly as much.

The photo is a paddle-boat rental at the wellington metro park. My friend had her son & daughter in law's baby shower at the park. I was blown away with how beautiful it was. It was indoors in the air. The room had full size glass windows to see right out at the paddle-boats and the beautiful scenery. I didn't know any of the parks had a place like this, and that it was so close to us.

Twilight Zone...or so I think

2011-09-04T03:59:00.002-04:00

The last two weeks seem to be straight out of one of those old black and white Alfred Hitchcock movies. When I watched this as a kid it did a couple of things one half way through I was like "what?, huh?" or it took me to the very end and left me shaking my head. This in general, now that I think about it, describes teenagers.

We've had festivals left and right, exciting things happening at school and not so exciting, we've cried through most of the drivers ed which ended up just fine (as I said it would), we've seen huge growths and some immature moments that leave you thinking 'are you 5 yrs old again?', I've had some couponing trips that leave me impressed with myself which of course get squashed by a larger bill here and there, and we've thrown in some unexpected trips to JoAnne fabrics for sewing items that walmart just doesn't carry.

Now all of this being said I've been catching myself capturing some brief moments in time to see some great things and meet some great people that ordinary don't ever come up in the middle of crazy busy life. I met an 85 yr. old man today with his walker and stool sitting alone in the shade waiting on the parade. I stopped and took a sip of water and began talking with him. It was one of those conversations that make you stop and listen to every word like you were a child listening to a great story. The other day I got a phone call from a lady from book club asking me if I had a few hours to spare to help her set up a lunch she'd already prepared for the workers out at habitat for humanity. I went with her and was blessed from start to finish, within those blessings I met a 93 yr. old man...he asked me to hand him his pliers that he'd left on the truck...he was up on a ladder.

Through all the crazies there is a spot of shade or a glass of tea that brings time to a small stand still to let you enjoy a moment of "awe".

The return of the chubby girl posts

2011-08-28T01:10:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know. I'm not as chubby as I once was (still have the 50lbs off, but no more than that) but I still fall in the chubby girl group. Here are some new revelations that I've observed particularly in the exercise world:

Just because you are working out doesn't mean you can wear spandex. Here's a guideline if you can still see the cellulite pockets on your back side don't wear them period.
If you are going to the gym wear your good bra...I don't want to keep my eyes closed the whole time I'm on the treadmill.
Know your limits. Just because skinny girl can run 5 miles doesn't mean you can...yet.
The floaties at the pool are for working out not to save your life. Before you float to the top chubby girl will take on a lot of water and sink.
And basically because it bears to be repeated leave those holy sweatpants at home before going to the store.

First Week of School Done

2011-08-27T06:53:00.003-04:00

It was a lot more trying than I anticipated. Not to mention completely exhausting. Let me try to paint the teenage picture for you from my point of view:

Monday...no school, but no added extra break either. We did the fair thing. Now I mention this because getting her ready for any event isn't a 5 min ordeal. Yes she's older so she gets herself ready of course. My part comes in on helping find the right shoes, necklace, earring, etc. Plus me helping with the hair and still yet the make-up. For these events she wears more make-up but doesn't want it to look that way. See how all this plays out. Now after the day is done getting the teens to bed isn't even close to easy. An added bonus we got to see Heather & Gabe so it made the fair a lot better for me.
Tuesday...first day of school. They run on pure adrenaline, I of course take an immediate power nap. They come home filled to the brim of high school "stuff" for lack of a better word. Brandon seems to have a good first day; he is my child I worry about with social skills. Maddie did not have a good first day, oh happy happy day. I had book club that night, and I couldn't have been happier to get there.
Wednesday...the question comes up why do they have to sit us alphabetically? I have no idea. Homework starts coming in. Brandon has all honor classes so he actually pulled out books, I was impressed seeing how I've not seen him actually study before. Maddie does some hw before drivers ed and the rest when she returns. Drama has been present for two days so it didn't surprise me that she didn't want to talk about it.
Thursday...I wanted to bury my head in the sand. I had to reschedule a driving appt. I followed all rules and gave more than a 24hr. notice but it seemed that they gave Maddie a hard time the night before and when I called they gave me a very very negative report on her driving. Now if it was her driving so to say fine, but they reported on her attitude. After they replayed the previous evening I was not convinced that it was Maddie's attitude as much as the instructor. I was polite, but it was a touchy subject all day. I explained to Maddie on what was expected of her and told her that you were going to find people like this out there in life, sadly. Then we had to quickly get ready and go back out to the fair. It was a long night and she didn't get her hw done to well in the night. Bub had spent the evening at the vet with Grammy & Lily, but his hw was done.
Friday...everyone was super tired but quiet. We were all in bed early.

It was an emotional roller coaster ride all week. I'm hoping for better results this week. The week looks full already, but hopefully we learned some things last week that worked and didn't work. Plus I'm putting crock pot meals back in since they all have different evening schedules. Next weekend is labor day and we are packed full all next weekend with festivals, but we will have a good time. Have a good week everyone. On a side note this is our bean tree I never knew it was there till the other day, how sad is that. The kids favorite apple tree was hit by lightning the other night and had to be cut down, very sad.

First Day of School

2011-08-24T02:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was the first day of school. I thought it would go smoother...I was wrong. I tried to be organize, but I missed the mark here a little bit. The teenagers just kept throwing one obstacle after another. By now we have a school routine in place from years and years. This year is obviously about change...I missed that memo.

My baby boy started his freshman year yesterday I was so busy that I forgot to stop and have that little moment of "where have the years gone". I don't have little kids anymore...Maddie is a junior this year, and Brandon is a freshman. It's funny how you blink and lose 5 or 6 years.

Almost every year on the first day Brandon wears a sports jersey. He's always cared about his appearance, but now he fights for bathroom time and mirror time. He is my kid that will want jeans ironed and uses a lint roller before walking out of the house. His change this year is he want up earlier....5:15 am instead of 5:45, bigger lunch, and finally after all these years doing homework right away. When he tells me about his day he goes class by class and tells me one good thing and at least one bad thing. Then right before bed any situation he encountered throughout the day and retells me and asks what would you have done mom.

Maddie will stress about any new rule that the school has added on. This year she has her first study hall. I thought with her added college class she might want it. She's not super impressed at this point. This should have been a walk in the park kind of year. So far not quite the case. She's upset that her brother has the same lunch as her, upset that over half of her friends are at ehove or bg. She is my child who likes to be super organized, and if her organization isn't just so she freaks out.

Sometimes when the kids are talking a million miles a minute, I stop them tell them to take a deep breath and continue. I found myself saying this last night, but it was me taking the deep breaths and them continuing. I did find a lovely alternative to covering the books...a roll of packaging paper. This worked out so much better. I was flying through covering them books. Yes, they should cover them themselves, but the first week of school I still do it.

Freebie Week

2011-08-18T09:27:00.002-04:00

After all the shopping, paying bills, etc. there is no room for the extras. (Sticking to a budget is the phrase that runs through my mind every time I leave the house) So this week is 'freebie week', only purchase the items I can get for free. Now some items of course have tax, so only money spent is the loose change. Here is what I got for free this week: 2-12pk. rolls of cottenelle toilet paper; 2 huge bottles of pert plus shampoo/conditioner; revlon nail polish; 6 protein bars; loaf of bread; osu men's t-shirt; 4 folders; 300 printed address labels from a copy place; cpn organizer; 4 sharpies; 6 notebooks; package of pb to go (loving this item); plus all my samples that are coming in the mail. Now I have some more free items to pick up, but sticking to the budget also means that I double up on gas trips. Meaning if I go into Norwalk there has to be multiply stops to make not just getting my freebie stuff, lol. So these additional items can wait.

The Fesitval With Rain

2011-08-18T09:03:00.003-04:00

I am not a huge rain fan as an adult. Most of the time heavy rain brings on my migraines, of course since the shingles I haven't had a migraine (knock on wood). I seen rain of the forecast and bought some golf umbrellas just in case. I was told over and over again that rain didn't get in the way of these parades. (I knew better) My husband kids me all the time about Eeyore rain cloud stays over me a lot w/the rain. So when we all meet up and I ask about the rain everyone looks at me like I'm crazy says there hasn't been rain all morning. (WHAT?) I even confirmed with the kids about the rain, they agreed. (I thought I might be going crazy)

So off me went to North Ridgeville for the corn festival. Everything went well except for the downpour during the parade. A lot of walkers during the parade didn't participate, but the floats followed though. Some of the other floats were highly prepared with matching umbrellas and those clear slickers. Our girls smiled through it and didn't act like it was raining at all....until they got off the float and w/their parents. Dresses were wet, complaining of course, and the ever so nice run to the car yelling behind them 'mom unlock the doors'. (Back in my day there was no button that automatically unlocked the doors I tell this to the girls, but they act like I'm talking about the dinosaur time period) Now because of the rain most of the activities were shut down which is Brandon's favorite part of a festival day. Not only that Brandon didn't even get any corn at the corn festival.

The start of the the morning before we left I made chili and had it slow cooking in the crock pot for when we returned. Brian had went up the road to get corn and when we arrived home the house smelled great. Everyone changed grabbed their plates headed for the table and was talking a mile a minute. It's the little moments like that that make me smile.

School Shopping & Coupons

2011-08-14T01:04:00.002-04:00

I'm exhausted. It's been a full weekend with shopping etc. and I still have to attend a festival tomorrow.

I have two teenagers 16 and 14. A junior and a freshman. The junior has a college class this year and the freshman has expensive taste. That being said let me tell you about the school shopping part of the weekend.

Maddie I started a couple weeks ago I found great deals and purchased quality bras, undies, socks, jeans, and a few tops for $50 (I've never done that good before). Today she picked up a pr of sneakers for $18 and a jean skirt and top for $20. A book bag that I'd never seen before for $11. She needed a graphing calculator this thing has been driving me crazy looking for deals. I priced matched one from Target to Staples. $125 originally priced matched it to $90 and used a 15% off pass to make it 76.30.

All pens, pencils, folders, binders, white out, notebooks, and paper I've been watching and using coupons all summer. The total after today is $15 and that should last all school year.

Now for Brandon my expensive taste child. He hit a growth spurt mid summer and required all new jeans so for the time being he didn't require any new ones. One pair of jean shorts $7. He doesn't like fancy book bags he wanted a plain duffel bag cost $10. He purchased some jerseys this summer so I only needed to buy some plain color t-shirts cost $6 for two. Price matched and couponed undies & socks $14. The shoes which had to be bought at the mall I checked ahead of time and downloaded cpns for possible stores he wanted. Total with tax $62. Bonus signed up for email and get a $10 coupon that I can take the receipt back in w/in 7 days and use that cpn. so brings the total down to $52.

I did better this year than ever before. My kids are getting older and even though their things cost more they take care of their things and make them last longer. Growth spurts never come when their is a sale, and losing weight only makes clothes hang on you. So I do the best I can along the way.

My little coupon world

2011-08-10T10:56:00.002-04:00

Couponing is a staple for me as of late. I discovered a very relaxing time of day when I'm printing and cutting my coupons, lol. I'm not an extreme couponer not even close, but I do like to save at least 50% every transaction. That includes everything from groceries, household needs, make-up, clothing, and extra activities. If I don't have a coupon it usually doesn't get bought. I'm a couponer of the next generation. Yes I still get the Sunday paper and clip, but I also print them off from online. (I even coupon my printer ink) I even price match from store to store. So for example when I go to Walmart I have about 5 other store ads in hand to price match items at the register. The kids love the benefits from coupons they even want store coupons when they go to the store for themselves, but they hate going to the grocery store with me and my coupons and price matching. I do spend some time with this, but so far I think it's worth it.

I also am getting to the point where I get free samples in the mail, and by watching the ads and clipping the coupons there is a lot of items I get for free right at the store. Some highlights this month have been free full size toothpaste (I don't pay over a quarter for toothpaste anymore), free lotion again don't pay for lotion anymore, name brand make-up for less than $3, hair dye for less than $3 a box, most of my laundry detergent is free or pretty close to it, I have enough school supplies for the entire school for less than $10.

The groceries are down to 50% but I have to really watch here because I have to stick to things my family will actually eat and not be tempted by prepackaged foods.

My extended family (mom & pooh) are not embracing my couponing mind set. I call them the anti-coupon, lol. They tease me something fierce, but I keep on beating to my own drum.

Some of the festivals

2011-08-10T09:45:00.003-04:00

Since Maddie became queen we spend a lot of time on the weekends at festivals. The irony to this is we are usually not a festival kind of family. Since we all started eating healthier the food at these places are not as appealing as they once were. We get up super early on a festival day to dress in full gown and try to prepare for the day the best we can. There is usually a breakfast, lunch, or dinner to try to attend followed by a parade line up, the parade itself, a introduction and thank you speech, and then more meet n greets. Now so far I'm able to swing back at some point and pick up Bub, but at some of the farther out festivals Brandon will be traveling with us. It is a long day with several sunscreens reapplications. I was worried that we may spend a lot of money at these festivals, but I was wrong. The kids take the festivals as a job and have fun with their friends.

The pictures are from our firemen's festival, basket festival, and the erie co. fair. It was a special treat for Maddie & Sierra to meet Miss Ohio and Miss Vacationland. Maddie is looking forward to watching the Miss America pageant in Jan. to see Miss Ohio.

Lots of New Things

2011-08-07T11:37:00.002-04:00

There is lots going on at our house lately. I have jumped head first into couponing and freebies. Saving lots of money and loving the freebies and activities we are getting to do very cheaply. (which I will be posting about)

Brian has been jumping all over the place with different shifts so it keeps things a little complicated with time slots in family life.

Brandon is a growing teenage boy who is eating me out of house and home. He will be a freshman this year, where has the time gone. He is growing into a young man that I am very proud of. I was worried with Maddie getting queen and going to all these festivals that there may be some jealousy. It's quite the opposite. He asks like her big brother not little brother and goes out of his way to help her and me. He does a lot of observation at these festivals to give ideas and such.

Madeline well she's my busy bee right now. The tomboy is still in her, but I am seeing the lady qualities that I've tried to teach her her whole life coming out now. Besides the festivals she's working on getting her license (we are almost there w/her hours). She's also checking on different scholarships that she needs to apply for her junior year.

We are meeting all kinds of wonderful people and learning so much lately. (I feel like I'm a preschooler absorbing the world around me like a sponge.) I will be blogging much more just because there is so much to share w/my extended family, and I don't want them to miss it either.

It's been some time

2011-07-09T22:17:00.002-04:00

It's been quite awhile, but let me try to summarize the last few months. The kids finished up the school year. Maddie will be a junior this fall and Brandon will be a freshman. (where have the years gone) Maddie past her Ohio Graduation Test which we are so pleased. She is working on getting her license but is dragging her feet. She has no drive about getting her license. Brandon is growing like a weed lately, he's almost taller than Maddie. The summer time has drove me crazy. Maddie can't be in the sun at all, even with the highest amt. of sunscreen she blisters if she's out 30 min. So she tries to focus on the night time activities (which I think every teenager does anyway) Brandon has started lifting in the weight room, which makes me realize I don't have babies anymore.

My weight loss journey has been hard fought all year. I have been on added meds for my migraines and they have weight gaining side effects so I'm fighting an uphill battle. I'm breaking even but no gaining any headway. The other lovely thing with these meds is a sun issue. When I go out in the sun sunblock or not I burn in patches. It's horrible so I really monitor my sun exposure.

It's been another whirlwin year so far, but I think I'm gaining a little more wisdom with life this year than in the past. I'm a little calmer, a little less quick to respond to stress.

The Children's Year In Review

2011-01-05T19:08:00.006-05:00

The only ones missing in the first photo is Wendy & Dave, but I still love the photo. Heather & Casey are still working hard with their jobs and trying to finish their college degrees. They are expecting another addition to their family in September. Our little grandson is starting to grow up on us at the ripe age of 2 1/2. He is so smart. They have really worked hard with him. His vocabulary is most impressive how many 2 yr olds can point out a hexagon and get every sound correct, unbelievable. With this advanced vocab, he has picked up reasoning skills which is good and bad. He reasoned why he didn't think Santa needed to visit him this year..."why can't my family buy me gifts?"

Brandon turned 13 this year, and although he is our baby he has brought brand new teenage challenges for me. He didn't do football this year, but is still doing basketball. He decided to focus on his academics to the fullest. He has advanced classes for his last year in junior high that will transfer over for the start of high school next year. Thinking that my baby boy will be a freshman next year still takes my breath away. His voice is starting to change, peach fuzz (that I just want to shave off in his sleep) is starting to grow, he's almost as tall as me, and lets not forget the attraction to girls is starting to set in heavily.

Madeline turned 16 this year. She has her permit to drive but is still dragging her feet about leaving the driveway in the car. She decided not to do basketball this year, which I think was harder on me than anyone. She is doing wrestlerettes, which is the girls that do the wrestling stats. For the first time ever Maddie is getting all A's in school. She is my child that has to work at her grades, so this is a huge accomplishment for her. She is boy crazy as most 16yr girls are, so we are doing the screening (meet the parents, talk with parents) before we let her go out on dates. This whole process is why I have to dye my roots faithfully every 6 weeks.

Overall we are very blessed with a great family. I couldn't be happier of all of them.

Year In Review

2011-01-04T08:09:00.003-05:00

I guess it's really been awhile since I blogged last. In case any of you are still out there. Here's my year in review. I've lost 50 lbs, and 67 inches. I've done numerous 5K walks. I've enjoyed life more than I ever have before. I am amazed and blessed to have my children all growing into fine young adults. My next post will be about them. For this one, it's about me. I have grown as a person this year. I still stumble, but I've learned to keep getting back up and not get stuck in why me's or self pity. It's a huge growth step. I hope you all had a great holiday season!!

The Blankets

2010-08-15T12:28:00.002-04:00

I posted some pixs of the fleece blankets I've made recently. Bub's is the football for his birthday in April, and the neon green for Sierra for her birthday. They keep getting bigger. Sierra's is the biggest I've ever made thus far. They are the so much fun and easy to make. No sewing involved, the kids are ready to make them which will be so much fun over the winter months.

The lost photos

2010-07-21T07:09:00.003-04:00

That's right I'm titling this post the lost photos. These are the Christmas photos I didn't want no one to see. I had gained the weight back over the fall and winter. I didn't want to believe it myself so I denied it, and stayed away from the scale. I joined weight watchers in mid January. I have lost 39.4 pounds, and 58 inches. It quite possibly could be the slowest weight loss possible for me, but it's staying off, and I'm losing slowly. I've gained an entire new group of friends, and I'm more active than I've been in years and years. All the health benefits are showing up again as I knew they would. I'll keep you posted.

Bub's New Haircut

2010-07-14T06:06:00.004-04:00

As most of you know we are huge Ohio State fans at my house. Brandon couldn't wait till Uncle Matt got up here to work his magic on his hair. He was so excited, he made me drive him around town just to strut his new haircut. His dad was just as happy he emailed his picture to all of his friends. Brandon is now hitting me up to get a new Ohio State jersey to go with his haircut....of course he is.

The 5K

2010-07-14T06:00:00.004-04:00

This is my group who walked the 5K with me. A great group of ladies. I can't tell you how happy this whole 5K made me. I had a good pace and a flowing stride going. The next walk is the 3 day breast cancer walk in Sept. or Oct. I'm not that far ahead on scheduling yet. I'll get back to you on that.

Getting ready for 5K

2010-05-03T23:46:00.006-04:00

Yes, you heard that right I'm getting ready to walk my first 5K. I am very excited about it! If someone would have told me a year ago I would walk a mile I would have said no way, but here I am walking a 5K. There is a group of us walking on June 5, we are all pretty excited. We are actually kinda training I guess you could say. We walk everyday except Sundays. At first it was just walking a little more each day now we are starting to pick up the pace. I'm very proud of myself!!

This is a picture of a veggie pizza recipe I got from Pooh. It's not loaded with cheese like the picture looks it's really cauliflower shredded up.

Spring

2010-03-30T07:23:00.004-04:00

Spring is finally approaching!! Spring is one of those seasons that by the time I figure out it's really here, it's gone. I have been really heavily cleaning lately, opening the windows on really nice days, etc. It amazes me how much stuff can really accumulate over such a short period as winter. Spring is the one time a year that I get rid of a lot of stuff, and really get outside to clean up the damage of winter to our yard. This winter has taught me so much though about myself and the world outside of myself. I have joined a book club which I LOVE, learned a lot more about quilt stitching and actually following patterns, became an active member of weight watchers (for the first time in my life I really love the meetings) and the group of women that are there look forward to seeing me each week, and have picked up a ton of healthy recipes that have become new meals for my family. I'm glad to see winter go this year, but I will always treasure what I learned this winter.

Slacking

2010-03-30T00:58:00.007-04:00

I know I know I have been slacking on the blog for a couple months now. My deepest apologies. Basketball season has ended for the kids. Brandon had a rough season, and Madeline's season made history for the varsity. The grandbaby is growing bigger and bigger everyday, and is a real blessing added to our lives.

The Little Things

2010-01-22T06:59:00.004-05:00

I refuse to get stuck in the yuck of life!! I like enjoying the little things. I appreciate the fact that my son still loves to build snowmen, and my husband doesn't complain at going out in the cold temps to help our son build that snowman. I still laugh and smile about my teenage daughter enjoying an old tire swing. Life is good, sometimes we just need to open our eyes and smile at the little things.

No Smiles

2010-01-03T17:07:00.002-05:00

These photos are rare. Sienna Pearl is the most smiley happy child I know. She always shines in front of a camera. The other day I was going through trying to organize some of my photos, and stumbled across these. I couldn't resist to post them. The scary thing is I remember exactly why she was upset in each of them. The first photo was at Sierra's princess pageant, and when I took the photo she quickly let me know it was sissy's special day not hers. The next photo was at safety town and for some reason she didn't want her picture taken that day, and when I had already taken a zillion she had had enough. The last one was Easter and it was cold. She still looks beautiful in all of them.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T05:47:00.006-05:00

This year was extra special because Gabe was a little older, and it w as super fun having him around for Christmas. Heather, Casey, and Gabe came over Christmas Eve to celebrate with us. It was a wonderful time all the way around I couldn't have been more pleased. On Christmas day we still woke fairly early to open gifts with the kids. They are much older now, but they still get very excited. We focused more this year on all the things they needed more so than wanted. The kids are growing faster than you can believe, so there was a need for more clothes and shoes that fit, basketball gear that they needed replaced asap for their current season, school materials that had already been put through the mill since the start of the school year, etc. Brian's brother, daughter, son-in-law, and grand kids came over for awhile which is always so nice to see them. We then got ready to go to my sisters for Christmas dinner. I was to bring a dish, and I didn't have my fried onions for the green bean casserole so Wendy came up with a different kind of idea which was to slightly bake crushed croutons and use those. It didn't turn out to bad. Dinner was excellent as always, and the family being together was a welcome treasure.

Family Photo

2010-01-02T05:29:00.004-05:00

Mom has been asking for years and years now for a family picture. There has been so many things that come up that we just can't coordinate everyone being together for a family photo. Well this year I guess she'd had enough so she got one the best way she could and had all of us get together on Christmas for a photo. This is the best we could do.

Refridgerator Drawings

2009-11-30T19:13:00.004-05:00

A few weekend ago I kept Pooh's kids for the afternoon while she moved. I enjoy having the kids and letting them be kids and play. My house is usually turned upside down, but we all have so much fun. Anyway I happened to be in the bathroom and Sienna asked me if I had a dry erase marker. I did. I came out of the bathroom and Sienna had began drawing on the fridge. I told her how beautiful the drawing was. (Dry erase marker comes off the fridge just like it was on one of those special boards). A week later Pooh had stopped by and was getting ready to say something about the fridge, and realized it was her daughters drawing. She went out to her car grabbed her cleaning supplies and began cleaning off the fridge. I tried to stop her, but there is no stopping a woman with a bag of cleaning supplies. She was mortified that I let her child draw on my fridge. It wasn't that I was lazy about cleaning the fridge, and it was because I loved the picture Sienna drew and didn't want to clean it off.

Thanksgiving Day Meal

2009-11-30T19:06:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving Day 2009 was a beautiful family event. We had most of the family here, and I was more than blessed with such a spectacular family!!!

My Favorite Thanksgiving Photo

2009-11-30T18:52:00.004-05:00

This photo captures my heart. A child's smile over the dessert plate!

Art Club

2009-10-30T08:15:00.003-04:00

Madeline is finally old enough to pick art class back up (freshman). She couldn't be happier about this. Her art teacher talked her into joining art club as well. Art club for her is an extention of art class, unlike what it was like for me back in the day. Well the teacher selected a few of them to go and decorate the windows of a fast food restaurant in the area. Madeline was one of the kids that went, and she wanted to come up with an original idea (of course she did), so she talked it over with her Spanish teacher and this is what they came up with. She had a great time doing the windows, it's something she will always remember.

Beautiful

2009-10-28T02:56:00.003-04:00

Some days are just breathtaking. In the busy hustle of our lives take just a moment, and thank God for the beauty he created...you know that includes us too. You are all beautiful!

Finding the Humor at the Doctor's Office

2009-10-28T02:26:00.009-04:00

Well here as everywhere else we've been fighting off the germ bugs. A lot of the kids around here are testing positive for type A. Well I'm happy to report we are not testing positive, we are testing negative for all types of flu. While we were at the doctor's office I couldn't help noticing some interesting items, and of course I was willing to share them:

I can smell more lysol in my house than at the doctor's office.
Why when you walk in the office are you not automatically offered a face mask?
Why do they want your co-pay before they even register you?
I also think they should offer the mom a smiley face sticker, just because.
Watching one daddy take his three little girls all under the age of three through the check out process at the doctor's brought somewhat of a smile to my face.
As I was getting ready to leave I happen to look down at the doctor's feet (i don't know why) and he had on one black sock and one navy blue sock again a smile was brought to my face.

I just thought I'd share a little humor about our visit.

The New Kitties

2009-10-16T19:13:00.003-04:00

As most of you know my cat passed away on my anniversary this year from leukemia (according to the vet). It crushed me like I never knew a pet passing could. We've lost pets before, but it never hurt me as bad as losing KitKat did. My husband couldn't bear to see me and the kids grieving so bad so him and Maddie went to get another kitten "CoCo". Well she was so tiny, and mouse season was approaching so I went to get a little bit bigger kitten "Boots" the black and white kitty. I can't believe I have two kitties now, but I do. They are both females and play together all the time. They have already caught a mouse and all the fields aren't even harvested yet. They didn't replace KitKat not even close, but they are a different kind of addition to our family.

Homecoming Dance

2009-10-16T18:45:00.008-04:00

Madeline had her homecoming dance a couple weeks ago. She went with two of her friends Brody & Katie. They all said they had a good time at the dance. As a parent it makes you very nervous to see your babies growing up so fast and all dressed up. It was also a great time to stress the manners that you have taught them their whole lives, and how to act like ladies and gentlemen. Brody's parents did an excellent job teaching him the gentleman role. He had a firm handshake and looked straight in your eye. This is a quality that I appreciate. Katie always acts like a lady, and Maddie well we worked real hard at reminding her she was going to a dance, not a backyard basketball game.

Brandon's Summer

2009-09-19T10:50:00.004-04:00

Brandon has been avoiding the camera as often as he can, so I don't have a lot of photos to post up from summer. He went to the pool as much as he could with my sister and her kids as well as me and Maddie. He loves the pool! He also got into taking things apart and trying to rebuild them as much as I would let him. He's really good at taking them apart, but not as good putting them back together. He spent every Saturday morning at the flea market helping some of the vendors that we know. He also grew quite the appetite over the summer. He's still just as picky, but wants twice as much. He also helped me in the kitchen with some baking. He can make brownies all on his own now. I figured with as picky as he is he needed to start learning to cook some of the things he liked, or at the very least know how they are cooked. He conditioned for football, and then began his practices. It was a lot more work this year then years past, and he had a difficult time making the adjustment. He started 7th grade this fall, and that's our middle school. The middle school is combined with the high school, so yes it has been a HUGE adjustment for him. He's doing pretty good at his assignments. His challenge comes in with all the homework and balancing nightly football practices with a hour plus of homework. Oh and let's not forget trying to spend as much time with his friends as possible. He's had to settle for talking to them on the phone during the week. My phone does nothing but ring after 3:00 when the kids start getting home. I've had to give the phone a bed time of 9:00.

Maddie's Summer Summary

2009-09-18T11:21:00.004-04:00

Madeline started her summer with a heavy schedule with weight lifting, basketball camp, attending any open gym she could, and participating in a basketball session of some quick games against some other local teams. Shortly after the summer began she dropped a weight on her toe and broke it (the toe not the weight). It was pretty nasty, but she didn't want to waste a work out so she continued on and didn't let me even know till after weightlifting. The doctor said she'd be out at least 4 to 6 weeks. She wouldn't hear of such a thing so she continued to go to weightlifting and held back from the rest of her activities for a week or so. Camp was coming up and they wouldn't let her go without a doctor's release....so she convinced me to make that appt. I was almost embarrassed to go into the doctor's office to ask him for a release after only 2 weeks. She convinced him and me to let her go and she passed all the doctor's tests and he released her. She went to camp and I warned her how difficult it was going to be with a broken toe. She drew some kind of inner strength that I don't even know if I have to play basketball from sun up till sun down on that broken toe without no pain killers of any kind.

She proceed through the summer working out 4 to 5 days a week, and putting in as much conditioning as she could. She spent time at the pond and camp fires out back with her dad and brother. She filled every moment free that I would let her going to friends and having friends over. She read books finding new series to read, and we visited the library at least twice a week. We got a rec membership for the summer, but Maddie only used the indoor pool a couple of times the rest was spent on the track or in the weight room.

It may seem like it was a simple summer for her.....and it was. I watched her grow more into who she wants to become, and learnt a lot about who she is right now. The summer wasn't filled with lavish vacations, amusement parks, and parties every day. What it was filled with was family, self growth, enjoying the moment for what it was, asking questions that normally gets lost with the business of life. Out of all the summers to me this one stands out.

It's Been Awhile

2009-09-18T10:37:00.003-04:00

Okay I have a lot to catch everyone up on. Over the next couple days I'll try to post some of the things that my family has enjoyed over the summer and this early fall. Thanks for being patient with me.

Football Season Has Started

2009-09-10T09:31:00.004-04:00

Football season for Brandon is under way. He is playing on the line for both offense and defense. I can't stand it, but he couldn't be prouder that that is his position. In the first picture he is the second one over, in the second picture he is number 24, and in the last pictures that is his game number 66. Football season is one I love and dread at the same time. I love the fall air and watching him play; however I cringe at every play also. It's a hard sport for a mom to watch sometimes. At the same time you can't help but cheer on his team and your son. I've tried to teach Brandon his whole life to be gentler, kinder, softer.....and football season makes me look like a hypocrite, because here I tell him to push forward harder.

Gabe spends the afternoon with Granny

2009-08-23T23:02:00.002-04:00

Heather & Casey enrolled in college this fall to finish getting their degrees. On Thursdays I get to watch Gabe for a few hours so they can get some work done for their classes. It is a real treat for us around here. He is so fun, and so laid back. I had a blast with him and am already looking forward to next week.

Our Sierra Rose

2009-07-18T21:18:00.004-04:00

Tonight was the town's princess pageant. Our local festival is next weekend so they had the crowning of the princess and queen tonight. Sierra did an excellent job!!!!!! She was so grown up. I caught myself holding back tears several times. She had poise, grace, and sheer elegance. She made us all so very proud. She wasn't crowned princess of the town, but she will always be our princess. Way to go baby girl!!!!

Dad's Visit

2009-07-02T19:18:00.002-04:00

Dad came in last week to see all of us for the summer. I didn't get a lot of pictures of his visit, and apparently I didn't get any pictures of him either. BUT nonetheless it was a great visit! Sienna had her safety town graduation that dad got to be there for. He took Pooh and I out for a grown up dinner (that was priceless), and the older kids got to go for rides on the motorcycle. It was great to get to see dad!!

Trip to Washington DC

2009-06-10T16:01:00.004-04:00

Maddie finished out her 8th grade year with a class trip to Washington D.C.. She had a blast!! On day one her camera broke (I sent her with the digital camera and the entire screen is cracked.) She still could use it like a disposable camera so she did. They went on charter buses to see the reenactment of Gettysburg, seen the monuments, Smithsonian, National Cathedral, and a lot of other great things in Washington. One of her biggest things she talked about was the dinner cruise they took on a boat. They also had a DJ on the ship so the kids had a ball. She's growing up so fast. She'll be a freshman this year and it makes me feel a little older. The time flies so so so quickly.

Haircut

2009-05-09T15:54:00.004-04:00

I finally made the big leap and cut my hair. It doesn't matter who likes it or doesn't it is just what I wanted to do. Being a full time mom I make sacrifices for the good of my family. I make most decisions based on what my family likes or dislikes. My hair cut should not be one of those decisions, and thus I made my own choice.

Heather & Casey's Wedding

2009-05-01T20:38:00.005-04:00

Last Friday, April 24, 2009 Heather & Casey got married! I didn't get to make it to the ceremony, but my heart was there. They had a private cermony, and had a reception later on that evening. They did a great job remembering every detail. It was a lovely celebration. And so many of you were asking about the cake that I posted up some extra pictures of it. It was a cupcake tier, very elegant and very detailed. We all had a ball.

Easter

2009-04-23T14:00:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Easter this year, and a couple extra cute ones of Gabe and Levi.

Brandon's Birthday

2009-04-07T13:20:00.002-04:00

Today is my baby boy's 12th birthday. Where has the time gone to? We had his party for his family, and his friends party this past weekend. It was busy to say the least. He had a great time!! An entire weekend revolved around him...who could ask for more. He's growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. Happy Birthday Brandon!!!

Looking For The Birds

2009-03-31T22:22:00.001-04:00

Here is a picture of Levi looking for the birds, and it fits how I feel. Bring on a little summer. A temp of 70 would be nice.

Basketball Banquet

2009-03-09T14:43:00.002-04:00

I know I'm making a lot of post today. Anyway last Monday was the basketball banquet for Maddie. They went undefeated two years in a row and two years in a row conference champions. So it was a big deal for the girls. All the parents were doing different things for the girls asking for a three dollar, five dollar, ten dollar donations for the gifts they were getting the girls. Times are hard yes, but I wanted to do something for the girls that wouldn't take asking for anymore donations, but wouldn't break the bank. So off to Pat Catans I went, I found these bears for less than a dollar with bendable arms and legs. Two spools of thicker ribbon 33 cents each, two gel pens to write on the ribbon without bleeding, a bag of basketball beads for $2, and one thin spool of ribbon for the headband again 33 cents. So for less than $20 me and Maddie made each girl, coach, and stat keeper a memorable bear with their name, number, and conference champions. Everyone loved them and kept asking where we got them done at. I was pleased. Another gift that I loved that one of the parents had done was a small photo album with pictures of the girls in it. A very nice keepsake for the girls.

Birthday Wishes

2009-03-09T14:29:00.005-04:00

Last month was Sienna's 5th birthday. Wendy had her this lovely princess themed party. Each girl was their own princess from tiaras being handed out instead of birthday hats to princess games. Everything went off great. My favorite part was the "birthday song" why...because Pooh gave each girl their own cupcake and lite special candle and when the song was over they each got to blow their candle out and make their own wish. I can not tell you how special it was. I actually got tears in my eyes. Good job Pooh!

Sierra's Program

2009-03-09T14:16:00.002-04:00

A few weeks back was Sierra's school music program. The theme was "school" how appropriate. In picture two you can see Sierra's part...holding the milkshake up. This poor girl is so talented musically I can't wait till the day the music teacher sees it. As usual my pictures didn't turn out as well in the gym with their special lights, and as usual I managed to get the black & white color add. I still don't know how I get it, but I do occasionally. The program overall went wonderfully. It was very upbeat and cute. I had a wonderful time watching my niece perform.

Happy Birthday Pooh!!!

2009-02-22T19:45:00.002-05:00

Today was my baby sister's 33rd birthday! It seems like yesterday that we were fighting over dolls and whose turn it was to go next. She has grown up into a true friend and a wonderful mother of three and aunt that the kids rely on. As we get older it's easy to look back and regret some missed opportunities, but Wendy can look ahead at the legacy she is creating in the children. Happy Birthday Pooh Bear!!!!

Day 120

2009-02-22T18:30:00.004-05:00

Day 120 was this past week. I also received my lab results this week. My total weight lose is 18 1/2 lbs. (not a lot since day 90) but my total inches is 51 3/4. I haven't had a migraine in a month, and my blood pressure was 106/68 at the dr. office the other day. If I continue with these results the doctor said come May she will take me off my blood pressure pills!!!!!!! That my friends have been my goal all along. My cholesterol has also improved dramatically I still need to keep working on it, but she was very very impressed. If any of you follow your cholestrerol my good cholestrol was 9 a year ago this week it was 20. It doubled!!! The ideal number is above 45 so there is still work to be done, but she said the result is excellent. Now keep in mind the doctor is fully aware of the supplements and told me that this seems to be a program that works for me. My liver enzymes was up (its been that way before) she thinks that it might be from my medications we will check it again in May. My exercise program is coming along nicely I made it up to 1.7 miles this week. Again a huge huge step for me. No the weight lose isn't like those people you see on tv, but I am making some excellent progress. It's not one of those crash diets it's real life changes. The lbs. will come, but the health has already started arriving.

Working Out In Public

2009-02-17T22:16:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I went to the Rec. Maddie starts track in two weeks and wanted to keep her conditioning up, and I needed to change my exercise program (none to something). So off we went. It wasn't at all what I pictured. I think I was picturing myself doing these machines as I would have at 18. I hate even telling this next part, but if it helps even one of you it will be worth it. You have to punch your number in and scan your hand to go through the entrance gate. It is then followed by going through the turn style gate (like those at Cedar Point). I again must have thought I had that 18yr old body and tried to go straight through. That would be the point I managed to get stuck or something I was mortified Maddie was laughing so hard, and the kind man at the table decided to let me pass through the open gate instead. That situation alone should have been enough for me, but I had a goal so off I went. I thought okay off to the cardio room. I made it as far as the door those machines looked like more than I could handle, so I settled for the track. I will make it to the cardio room....I'm not there yet. I'm doing all these laps around the track sweat pouring...Maddie nothing. I can barely make it to the end of the lap and down the stairs, and Maddie says Mom I thought that was our warm up. LOL, oh that funny kid.

Animal Cookies

2009-02-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

This picture is from mom's camera. I have no idea where she took this picture at though. The reason for today's post is animal cookies. My children still to this day love these things. They're low in fat, calories, etc. so I still occasionally buy them for them. I buy the generic kind the huge value kind. Well the other day when the kids showed me one I was a little shocked. This animal cookie looked like a CAT. I looked over several of these little things, and couldn't figure out for the life of me what else this animal could be. I was a little upset about this....you know me not focusing on the state of the world or anything just absorbed in this animal cookie thing. If any of you have these particular cookies at home and know what else this animal is please by all means let me know.

Updates

2009-02-11T09:47:00.002-05:00

As per requested I'm giving the updates today. We'll start on what you are all wanting to know...how's the 'wellness journey'. It's not a fabulous picture I posted, but it will do. Again, no make-up except eyeliner. I'm approaching day 120 here in a couple weeks. I'll give stats then. Right around day 90 I gave the 'wellness journey' a little break. I figured I had enough information that I could do it alone. As usual I was wrong. The migraines returned, the blood pressure went back up, and I was watching what I ate, but it still lacked that nutrition that I was getting from my supplements. I still fought three pounds coming on going off you know the deal. So I returned back to my supplements, where I feel more complete more in control, better balanced. You may wonder why I'm even counting those days that I didn't have my diet program...well because those days are still part of my 'wellness journey'. I seen my doctor last week for some blood work (yearly thing) I'm curious to see how it turns up. I'll keep you posted. The kids are doing great! Working hard on their studies. Brandon still has a few weeks of basketball left, and Maddie is getting ready for track season. All is good.

Conference Champions

2009-02-05T16:45:00.005-05:00

Last night was the title game against St. Paul...and we won!!! Maddie was one of the captains last night. (She was happy) They are now the Conference Champions two years in a row. They've also went undefeated two years in a row 33-0. It was a very fun season, but I'm glad some running will be done for mom until track season.

Did We Get Enough Snow?

2009-01-29T07:15:00.005-05:00

Yes I do declare we definitely received more than our fair share of snow yesterday. The kids had a snow day, and for the most part it was a very laid back kind of day. We didn't get shoveled and plowed out till about 4:30 yesterday which was fine since we had no where to be. In the last photo it's a little hard to see, but that is Brandon with his sled on top of the mound of snow. He kept losing the sled over the back.

The Snowball

2009-01-22T10:04:00.003-05:00

Yes I'm aware I haven't posted in awhile, and I'm also aware that the title and the picture are not going together very well. The title of this post isn't about the extreme cold temps we have been getting or the lovely amount of snow all over the place as I look out the window. The title is more of a metaphor. I believe it was last week when I read my cousin Danielle's blog about her washer woes I instantly cringed about her situation and then immediately began praying blessing on her and her husband. The snowball effect is hard one little thing goes wrong and it snowballs. Well a day or so after reading her post I began to have my own snowball effect going on, but I kept thinking I'm not going to let this snowball inside me. I kept visualizing a hot torch melting the snowball of my own pity party inside me. (Yes believe it or not I do have an occasional pity party for myself) For every one thing that happened I forced myself to do something nice, or take a regroup moment. By the time I fell down my front steps from the ice I didn't even think that this event was a snowball, but a weird twist of karma coming back to me after chuckling at my sister last winter. So finally the picture is not me complaining about the weather, but reminding myself that summer isn't far away.

Looking at the Bright Side

2009-01-08T11:13:00.003-05:00

Well it's that time of year....the winter blah time of the year. The holidays are over, and it's hard to find things to really look forward to. (Besides our everyday lives) A lot of us don't have money after the holidays to take little mini vacations, etc. So sometimes the winter blahs seem to hit a little harder. Well even my kids seem to get the winter blahs. They can't go outside a lot because it's so cold, and the sun seems to not shine as bright. It gets dark so early, and for some reason it just seems dreary outside this time of year. All of this being said I realized this year that I had to teach my children to not just survive, but to thrive during the winter blah months. How to do this? Well the first thing I did was organize. I organized their schedules out daily, and have really been reminding them about taking one thing at a time. Meaning this...when you are in math class think about nothing but math. When you are in basketball focus on basketball not math. They don't just survive the boring day, but thrive at each task at hand! As for me I'm back to my 'to do list' it seems to keep me more focused, and I don't have time to let my mind wonder on the things that detour me from thriving during the winter blah. The other part to beating the winter blahs for me and the kids is constantly looking at the bright side of any situation that weighs us down. They are really getting this they are telling me their drama and then say but on the bright side mom. Madeline was bummed about all the other girls getting growth spurts and not her, "but mom on the bright side I get the rebounds before the other girls." I was a little bummed about my entire weekends being consumed by the kids and their sports, "but on the bright side, Brandon choose his own jersey number this year, and picked his sister's number not some pro ball players number".

Finishing Christmas

2009-01-05T21:42:00.002-05:00

On New Year's Eve we celebrated Christmas with dad. He was able to make it in this year for a couple days to celebrate Christmas with us. The kids loved there gifts, and Sienna even used her "Easy Bake Oven" to make us some REAL cookies. She was so excited!! The kids spent the night with Pooh, and I headed home for some shut eye. I make it as far as the ball dropping for New Years and then I'm off to sleep. I hope everyone is getting a great start to the new year.

My Little Ruby

2008-12-29T22:16:00.005-05:00

I don't know if any of you are watching the new show on Style Network called "Ruby", but I love this show. It is basically about a woman's weight loss journey, and the trials and things she goes through. You would think okay that's my life why would I need to watch it, well you know me that's EXACTLY why I watch it. It's a great show. Anyway of course the show has a message board, and I couldn't help myself but to make a post....and wouldn't you know Ruby herself responded to my post. I felt honored. I'm putting the link on in case some of you haven't seen the show. http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/ruby/index.jsp

A Year In Review

2008-12-29T19:49:00.007-05:00

Well let me try to recap some of the highlights for you. Madeline and Brandon keep growing in every way possible. They are really getting older on me fast. My nieces are growing up just as fast. Little Sienna starts kindergarten next year can you believe it! My nephew is communicating with me now, and knows Aunt Shell is cool. (Heh heh heh) My little grandson Gabe is starting to get a little more interactive with sitting up on his own, and playing with his toys. (He's almost seven months you know) Christy and Matt brought a new baby boy Owen Xavier into the world in November. I couldn't be happier for them. My sister started her own business this year, and found a whole new side of herself. My mom is making more and more sense to me with each passing year. I take her advice more like a golden nugget of knowledge now. As for me.....well I learned more about riding a storm out. There's a story in the Bible that my sister refers to often about Peter. The story is about when Jesus walked on the water. I'm sure you all know it. I've learnt to trust Him, keep my eyes on Him, and not beg to go back in the boat (the safety zone). Riding a storm out isn't about just standing there taking a beating while life throws everything it can at you. Riding a storm out is more about trusting God to be there beside you, and learn what the lesson is. It's about finding a morsel of happiness, hanging on to hope, and using your faith to keep believing. It's about thanking God for each and every thing in the storm. I've been blessed with a family that I love more each and everyday. That is pretty much my year in review. The bottom two pictures of my mom, my sister, and me....the first one is us last Thanksgiving, and the last one is us on Christmas. It is one of those rare photos that have us from head to toe. (That's right the skinny girls voted for that, LOL. )

Is that Betty Crocker I see?

2008-12-28T15:15:00.002-05:00

No, it's not Betty Crocker. It is my little sister the chef. She did all the cooking this year, and did an awesome job. She hosted our families Christmas dinner, and hosted Dave's family's Christmas dinner. She was the hostess with the mostess. Thanks Pooh for a great time.

Christmas gatherings

2008-12-27T07:09:00.002-05:00

Christmas was wonderful as always! My family celebrated early Christmas morning, followed by the usual putting things together. We then had Brian's brother, niece, and grandchildren over, and Heather, Casey, a little adorable Gabe over. It was a marvelous time. Then we went over to Pooh's where we got to be with her family and mom. Pooh cooked an excellent dinner, and then told the story of baby Jesus followed by birthday cake. Needless to say me and my house went to bed early that evening.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-25T09:50:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you and your families have a very special Christmas. Lots of love, Shell

"Merry Christmas"

2008-12-23T09:59:00.004-05:00

Well the holidays are upon us. So far my "pre" holiday has been super busy. As all of us are going through the balancing act of keeping up with our daily duties and the holiday duties. For those of you who have husbands helping you wrap gifts, please don't forget to thank them. (Mine is not a wrapper.) Anyway this year just hasn't felt a lot like Christmas to me, so I focused on the reason for the holiday. I tried to keep singing praises every chance I got, and tried to imagine what it was like that very first Christmas. It brought a new light in me about Christmas and returned that special Christmas spirit. All of this being said the stores still carried that same merchandise holiday blah, and everyone would say "happy holidays", but no "Merry Christmas". It bothered me, and I would always respond with Merry Christmas. It was frigid cold out the other night the cold wind kept sending a freezing chill to my bones, and I still returned the shopping cart back into the coral. There was a man returning his also and he stopped to tell me "Merry Christmas". It completely took me by surprise I got tears in my eyes. I replied with "May God Bless you and your family this Christmas". He patted my shoulder all shock up "He already has."

Brandon's Update

2008-12-18T01:35:00.004-05:00

Brandon had Quiz bowl try-outs this week and unfortunately didn't make the team. (It's kinda like Academic Challenge) He had basketball try-outs last week and this week he made that team. (Of course, can you guess which one I would have rather him made.) He has been very grumpy lately I'm hoping Christmas break will give him some time to get some much needed rest.

My Word

2008-12-18T00:53:00.003-05:00

What is our word worth today? I guess that depends on the person. I've tried to teach this to my children, and it's a little more difficult that I once thought it was. Sometimes you can tell your kids we will go here on this day, and when that day comes it's a blizzard outside or something and it doesn't happen. Well things happen right, of course, but if we make habits of this our word doesn't mean a whole lot. So I've went with the approach of saying I promise or I give you my word. An example came up the other night and the kids really seen what 'My word' meant. A mother had approached me at the beginning of the school year about her daughter and choir. She didn't want her daughter to be in choir because she knew she wouldn't be able to take her to all the concerts. So I told her that I gave her my word that her daughter would have a ride to all the concerts. The first concert was Tuesday and Maddie was afraid to remind me about my word to this family because of all the things we had going on that night. When I called the mom to confirm what time I was picking up her daughter, Madeline asked me after I hung up"Mom why did you tell her you would pick her up there's no way you can?" I said to her, " Maddie I gave that mom my word and that will come first and I will figure everything else out." And I did and it all worked out. Later that night Maddie says, "Mom I'm really glad your word is something we can count on" TEACHING LESSON INSERT HERE "Well Maddie your word is all you have sometimes people have to count on it. Why do you think you can count on God's Word? Because His word is something that we can count on, something we can stand on, and believe" LIGHT BULB GOES ON HERE "Oh...I get it."

It was her night to shine

2008-12-17T09:10:00.002-05:00

Last night was extremely busy for us. Madeline had a game, a choir concert, and Brandon had basketball try-outs. At the game Madeline scored a basket, had many rebounds and the part of the game that the crowd went nuts chanting her name was her aggressiveness at blocking. She blocks like a shining star. The games have become very intense with each passing year. Then immediately following the game was her choir concert at the other school. (They are right there together almost like a campus.) She finally got a speaking part in a Christmas concert. (It's only been 14 yrs.) Anyway she was so excited. I will say this for a Christmas concert at the school they had real lyrics about Jesus. They spoke His name (I've never heard that at public school concerts). They sang songs that I remember Christmas to be, about Bethlehem, waiting for the King....it was very nice.

Bertha

2008-12-17T08:52:00.004-05:00

Bertha is the name of my mom's truck that we gave her a long time ago. Mom is not quite ready to sell her yet so Bertha hangs out at my house quite a bit. She doesn't make long trips anymore. She pretty much drops the kids off at a practice or two during the week. However, Bertha is the truck of choice during any ice storm, blizzard condition, etc. It seems that I always have more than just my kids during these types of weather conditions and last night was no different. We got a lovely sheet of ice throughout the county last night, and I of course had another child to take home after the choir concert. I was never so glad to have Bertha for last nights activities.

Day 60

2008-12-16T09:54:00.002-05:00

Well today is my "Day 60" of my wellness journey. My results aren't mind blowing like my sisters, but for me there has been some big changes. First off let me say I have fallen off the wagon a few times, but unlike all the other diets and supplements and vitamins etc. I pulled myself back up on the wagon and continued forward little by little bit by bit. Any other time in my life I would have given up all together. In 60 days I've only had one major migraine. (HUGE step in the migraine world), and even that one I didn't go to the hospital over-big step. My blood pressure never hit 130/90 ever-huge step. My skin doesn't have all the blotching that it use it, I still get pimple outbreaks, but my skin is more even now. My skin seems to be the difference people are noticing and asking me about. As for my weight lose 17 1/2 lbs. and hold on to your seat here 35 1/4 inches are now missing from my body. It seems to have all come off my chest area. I'm even going to share some measurements here to give you an idea. I was a 44DD and now I'm a 40D that could probably even go to a 38. For as long as I can remember I've been in the 40's to even think about going in the 30's just blows my mind. Not only that but the 30 section have bras with hangers on them, not boxes. It's a very scary thought going over to that section. And here is another mind blowing thought 35 1/4 inches is over 2 FEET of me is gone. Pretty impressive to me. Well thank you to my coach, my mom, and my kids for encouraging me. If you're interested in the program send my sister a shout out and she will let you know about the program. Oh yes by the way the first picture is in Sept. at Bub's football game, the sec. picture is the one from Nov. and the last one is me today (a little rough around the edges, but you get the point).

Cutting Corners

2008-12-10T11:15:00.004-05:00

As most of you know I've been looking for work since the beginning of July it's now December. I never looked so hard for a job and not got one before. Yes I know difficult times, difficult economy, blah blah. All that being said it still bothers me A LOT. The self esteem has hit some hurdles to say the least. I've had some great interviews that I thought surely I would get, but none the less didn't. My wellness coach (Pooh) just keeps telling me to work on myself, and keep believing God has the perfect job out there for me. I'm doing that, but some days it still gets to me. I thought once I finished school that my housewife/stay at home mom days were over, and that just isn't the case yet. Don't get me wrong I love my family, and I've been very fortunate to be able to be home with my kids most of the years. So for right now I keep looking for work, and find more corners to cut. Here is a list of things that I found corners to cut when I thought there was no more corners to cut:

We were doing movie rental night once every two weeks-CUT- now we rent movies from the library for free.
Eating out- REDUCE CUT- we are down to once every two weeks with an occasional dollar menu deal for the kids on late game nights.
Snack Items-HEALTHY CUT- more veggies and popcorn, less on chips, sugar treats.
Entertainment-there wasn't a whole lot there to begin with, but we combined entertainment with the kids sporting events, and do more family game night activities.
Nickel and dime items-meaning novelty items from the checkout or gas station-CUT-substituted with the cold hard facts for the kids we don't need this and the money I would spent on that candy bar can be used toward gas money to pick up one of your friends, etc.
Signing up for various things the school needs help with, instead of always being able to donate things I find I'm volunteering my time now.

These are some of the ways to cut some corners in our life. Do you have areas you cut that may be helpful?

Drinking

2008-12-08T07:35:00.003-05:00

Inside the mind of a teenagers head is......? That's right I have no idea what so ever sometimes. As you all know Maddie had her party this weekend, and I was

so fortunate to get to spend the evening with these girls. I know these girls pretty well (most of them anyway), and I know there parents. All the girls come from good homes and are raised with good values. Now having said that I was shocked and awed at some of the things they were discussing over the course of the evening. The big thing that had me butting into the conversation was the drinking. Why? I guess I couldn't help myself but but in. Now keep in mind these are 13 and 14 year olds, and out of four of them one had admitted to already trying a drink. I asked the girls the usual questions why would you want to try drinking, what benefit is there, are your friends trying it etc? What was the answer I got...' I don't know'. That translates to I'm not telling you or I truly don't know. This conversation went back and forth for quite awhile. I felt I got through to her, but that doesn't mean I didn't add her by name in my prayers. Raising teenagers is difficult sometimes to say the least, and one of the major difficulties I think is not just worrying and praying for MY child, but worrying and praying for the children that comes in my child's path along the way. The biggest weapon we parents have is prayer. Yes praying for our kids and the kids everywhere, but also praying for ourselves that God gives us wisdom, courage, and the ability to continue loving.

Happy Birthday Madeline!!

2008-12-07T14:00:00.003-05:00

It was Madeline's 14th birthday yesterday. My baby girl turned 14. I was so emotional yesterday morning remembering the day she was born, and how amazing God is for giving me such a remarkable daughter. She started out having a basketball game, and then having her friends over for a party. It was snowing so bad out last night that we thought for half a second we may have to cancel the party. Fewer friends were able to come because of how bad it was out, but the ones who did come brought fun with them. I took them bowling as promised for the cosmic bowling they had a blast. Due to the horrible driving conditions I decided to let them all stay over. So when we arrived home at midnight safely the girls we're still ready to now have slumber party fun. The interesting thing was it wasn't planned, but me and the parents thought it was best the girls stay put. The girls were beyond happy to say the least. I don't know when or if the girls got any sleep, but I know that I gave my baby girl the best birthday I could give her. Happy Birthday Maddie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report Cards

2008-12-01T10:29:00.003-05:00

These are the pictures I'm getting lately from my lovely eleven year old. Ones that he has in hand in front of his face or quick sneak up shots from the side. Oh the joys of parenthood. The reason I'm making this post is about report cards they both made honor roll which I am very happy about don't get me wrong. Brandon didn't make the all A's honor roll. Now before you start getting on my case hear me out. I know that all A's is extremely hard especially with advanced classes....I get that. Keep in mind I only expect my kids to do their best whether it's honor roll, merit roll, or none of them. Just to do their best. When I seen his report card before I gave any opinion I asked Brandon, "did you do your best?" he replied with, "no mom not even close." Mind you I barely seen homework or a book brought home all quarter. So I have conferences (the normal yearly ones) with his teacher and she tells me that I'm being way too hard on Brandon etc etc. I very calmly tell her my motto on only expecting my kids to do their best. I continue to tell her about our conversation and Brandon's reply. She says I'm sure he wouldn't tell me that. I politely said ask him if this report card was his best. The following day she asks Brandon.....and Brandon's reply was the same. She goes on to tell Brandon how exceptionally good his report card was, and he shouldn't set his standards so high. Brandon replied with, "if I tried even a little harder I probably would learn more." She was speechless.

Scrimmage

2008-12-01T10:17:00.005-05:00

Okay moving back to some of the quick topic updates from last week. Madeline had her first scrimmage in basketball last week and they won. It was a really big deal. She assured me that no other parents were going because they weren't sure on the exact time or exactly what gym was being used, etc. Did you catch the sentence that says it was a really big deal? Yeah that should have been my big clue, because I was one of the few parents not at the game. I was heartbroken for a few days, but as any good parent does I got over it. Her first game is tomorrow night....I will be there!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T16:39:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! The family was all here today...I couldn't be more thankful. We had a beautiful time today. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving as well.

She had the baby!!

2008-11-26T07:18:00.004-05:00

My cousin Christy and her husband Matt had their baby boy yesterday. I 'borrowed' this picture from Matt's myspace. The baby's name is Owen Xavier he was born yesterday at 8:03 am he was 19 1/2 inches long and 5lbs 10 oz. Baby and mom are doing great!

Mom's Birthday

2008-11-21T20:37:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we celebrated mom's birthday. We all had a great time as usual when we get together. Mom picked out her own candles this year so there was a lovely four candles instead of the number candles me and Pooh usually put on the cake. Happy belated birthday mom as always you mean the world to me. Love you!!

Quick Update

2008-11-20T12:20:00.002-05:00

I have lots to share, but it will take several posts to hit on all the topics that is going on in our little world here. So make sure over the next several days to check the blog out, and don't forget to scroll down I may have several posts that will get posted in one day. So without further delay here are the topics that have been going on in our world.

Maddie had her first scrimmage last night, and they won.
We celebrated mom's birthday last weekend, and all of us going through our good nutrition journey declined birthday cake. (Of course the kids didn't mind one bit, because they helped themselves to our pieces.)
Report cards came in some good, some could have been better.
Dad came in for a quick visit.
We survived the dreaded flu season at our house, and yes I'm positively confirming that the flu season will not be back at our house this year.
The kids have had so many questions with all the news reports of the economy and I've done my best to explain them the best I can. My kids are older now and understand more than I'd like them to some days. (I could make several posts about our conversations lately, because for some reason every answer I give spins into another question they have.)
And last tid bit as we all know Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and I'm counting my blessings daily on all I have to be thankful for.

Glasses

2008-11-12T12:29:00.005-05:00

This is an older picture, but it will work for this post. Last week Madeline broke her glasses in basketball. They did have a warranty on them, but nonetheless we just got them back today. And to make matters that much better she had to get either a new pair of goggles or contacts for basketball. Her prescription had changed dramatically in one year. So what does any good parent do....coughs up more money for contacts. Surprisingly the contacts were only $35 more than the goggles. So as I'm squaring one child away.......let me back up a bit Brandon lost his brand new glasses less than 30 days from me getting him a new pair (warranties don't cover lost), and we've been on the look out for them for a month now. As I square Maddie away the school calls me to tell me Brandon's glasses broke. I thought you've got to be kidding me. Nothing happened to them they just broke (worn out broke). Now of course Brandon needs another pair. We have great eye insurance on the kids, but they have both exhausted their limits. Now since my money tree out back hasn't had a good harvest for as long as I can remember he will have to wait a couple weeks for me to get him another pair again. So what is the lesson I've learned here...simple....patience.

Little Pooh Bear

2008-11-10T08:33:00.003-05:00

Since Pooh isn't posting any before or after (as of now) pictures up of herself I thought I'd go right ahead and do it for her. The first picture is of Pooh at Christmas last year, and the next picture is of Pooh this weekend. She is truly 'my coach' right now, and if you'd asked me 3 months ago if I'd ever let her coach me I would have told you no no no no. She's more than my sister, or my coach...she's my friend. It's not often I get emotional about her, because quite frankly we usely spend most of our time laughing about everything. So I will take a moment and say, "Good job Pooh, I'm proud of you."

Let's Talk

2008-11-03T09:40:00.004-05:00

As most of you already know Wendy has started her own business. The best way for me to even try to describe the product that she is selling is by saying nutrition supplement. But even that is such an understatement. I started using the product because of my migraines in a hope that it might help get me off some of the medication I was already on. Of course I would love to lose some weight in the meantime. At the point I'm at in my life I needed to get some of the weight off to help with some of my health issues. Now I was not willing to jump right on board even when my sister started telling me about it. That's just who I am. I called my doctors to check and see if I could even take it with all the medication I'm already on, and yes I can. It's just all the nutrition that body hasn't been getting. Even with my doctors giving me the okay I still researched every last nutrient (just to make sure). And to make me more sceptic about it there was no caffeine no sugars. I just couldn't wrap my brain around how my body was going to function without these two key components. Well I thought okay I'm going to give it a try. Day 1 and I didn't miss either one of those things. I no longer woke up feeling ran over. I am on Day 16 and haven't had to reach for my high level migraine pills, my blood pressure is back in the normal range, I no longer feel guilt for not taking all the cholesterol supplements the doctor wanted me to take, because now I'm getting them all, I've dropped a few lbs., and I've dropped more inches than I have in over a decade. I have energy again to make it through the day without craving a nap, and believe it or not I've started exercising a little. Wendy kept telling me it was a 'wellness journey'. I didn't understand what she meant until now. You learn a lot about yourself one day at a time. And did I mention I haven't touched those trick or treat candies (the two huge bowels sitting on my kitchen table). So anyway the top picture is me a couple months ago (Sept. I believe), and the next picture is me this morning. And the only make up I have on in either picture is eyeliner no foundation no cover up no nothing.

Halloween

2008-11-03T08:58:00.003-05:00

I would have love to have posted some halloween pictures for you, but due to family members still not sending them to me I do not have any. So this post will have some old photos. Anyhow, moving on to trick or treating night. My kids are really too old for trick or treating, but they still enjoy the festivities. Madeline stayed with Grami and Levi and worked on some homework. Brandon was excited, because he also knew this was his last trick or treat year. Brandon dressed up as a caveman, and was ready to go with Aunt Poohie. Aunt Poohie highly encouraged me to go walking with them this year. So off we went to trick or treat. We (Pooh) decided to walk from mom's house to downtown Norwalk, and hit the streets in between. Okay sounds like a plan. There was only about 3 houses between mom's and downtown that we hit. Now if you've ever been to Norwalk you know that it's a pretty safe and low key kind of town. However, as we began to walk we noticed that we were on a street that had no street lights. Pooh being always prepared brought out the pumpkin flashlights for us to carry. Great!!! Well that's we when started to notice all the graffiti on the abandoned building, the broken glass all over the sidewalks, and lets not forget the used pregnancy test also laying on the sidewalk. At this point Wendy and myself decide to pick up the pace and get to downtown as quick as possible. The kids had a delightful time trick or treating and even Lola got to come along. Now after it's all said and done we know we must travel down the dark almost too quiet street, so again we picked up the pace, except this time Pooh was carrying Sienna, and Bonnie & Clyde had decided to complain the entire way home. I was never so glad to see Mom's house in all my life. At this point I must confess I too complained about how tired my legs were. My mistake on so many levels, because what did Maddie say...."Mom I run two hours straight six days a week for basketball, and you tell me it's good for me." I stopped complaining and told her how proud I was of her.

Bring On Monday

2008-10-26T18:37:00.002-04:00

Yes that's right I'm looking forward to Monday. Sometimes the weekends are rougher than other. This weekend was packed as the weekends sometimes get.

The kids got the flu last Thursday night and are still trying to recover. It use to be a lot simpler when the kids got sick. They were sick and mommy took care of them. Now they get sick mommy takes care of them and before they are even better they are trying to negotiate continuing on with their social lives. Both kids had a busy social calendar for the weekend, and as long as they weren't in the bathroom and had fever reducing medicine they thought they should be allowed to go do what they wanted for the weekend.

Brandon didn't go to school Friday, and all plans for Saturday were squashed. Today came along and his last football game was today in the wind, cold, and drizzling rain. We argued about him not going, and he won against my better judgement and went. He played and if he didn't feel good I would obviously be the last to know. Brandon is not keen on the phrase 'I told you so'. He seems to be doing better still not eating meals more like picking a few foods instead. (Popsicles!!, but h
ey I'm just mom)

Madeline didn't go to school Friday, but was holding her own better than Bub. She argued with me Saturday night about the dance at school that I squashed (cuz she wasn't at school Friday), and she won out going to a small gathering at a friends house for a couple hours. She called to have me pick her up because her fever and flu symptoms returned. She was rough so I held off on the 'I told you so' speech. Today she rested at home with Grami looking after her while we were at the game. (Thanks mom)

So by all means bring on Monday!!

Football Season

2008-10-18T13:07:00.002-04:00

Where do I even begin about football season and my son? You know how most parents don't want their kids to sit the bench? I am the exact opposite. I am so excited when Bub is on the sidelines or the bench. Why? Well because it makes me feel safe. In picture one he is the little guy next to the super tall lineman. He loves the line and tackling. I cringe every time there is a pile up, because I know my son will be in it. As a mother it is our job to protect and keep our kids safe. It is one of the hardest things for me to do....watch him play football. Two more weeks till football ends I can't wait. But on the positive note he absolutely loves to play football and is doing well. His grades are great, and other than him losing his glasses (less than 30 days after I bought them) he is on top of his game.

Maddie Update

2008-10-16T11:25:00.002-04:00

Yes I know I'm posting several posts today, I have lots to catch up on. The Maddie update....where do I begin. Maddie is hitting the teen years full steam ahead. She is an amazing daughter who makes me so proud everyday. Her mouth is her one downfall that seems to make me and her clash lately. I know the experts say to pick your battles (they obviously never raised teenage girls). I love the fact that I taught her to stand up for what she believes, speak her mind, fight for the things that are important to you. All that is good enough, but I've seem to lack in the teaching of filter those thoughts before they come out in free speech. Stand up for what you believe doesn't mean lash out at mom when she won't let you go over that never met friend's house that is still on house arrest. And fight for what you believe in doesn't mean yell at your mother till she lets you go to a football game to meet a boy. Obviously I wasn't clear on what those values hold. The phrase 'whatever' should also be banned during the teen years. Other than the little bump in the road things are great for her. Her grades are excellent, and basketball season conditioning has already started. There's no book that comes with your child when they are born, it's more like one day at a time and love them through it all. I wasn't the easiest teen to raise either, but through it all my mom kept loving me and praying for me.

I Know, I Know

2008-10-16T10:54:00.004-04:00

I know it's been quite awhile since I posted. Lots has been going on. I have some blogging to catch up on. This is Brandon's 'Fun Run' day where kids from all over the area including all kinds of schools run almost a mile for fun. (To each their own) Brandon loves this type of thing. He didn't place in the top ten, but he still did better than I expected. He had a good time, and it was something new for me to see (the running for fun thing). I did notice something entirely different from the parents I usely encounter at sports events. There were parents actually running next to their child throughout the race coaching them through breathing exercises, and telling them how to stretch their leg muscles. I was blown away by this. Not that it's bad or anything, just different. We learn something new everyday I guess.

Sample Pictures

2008-09-27T22:51:00.003-04:00

Well well well I'm back. Did you all miss me? Of course you did. The lovely pictures I've posted are the sample pictures my new computer came with. (seeing how I lost all my other pictures when my computer crashed last week.) Yes that brings me to my next favor request. Mom and Pooh I need all the pictures you have as soon as possible.

My old computer had been with us for almost seven years, and it was over worked and under cared for I guess. We did everything we could to save the computer and alas it still said farewell. Going out shopping for a new computer was down right horrible. The biggest difference for me is the Windows. It's different. That's all I'm going to say for now. Lots of pros and some cons, nonetheless different. The other big difference I've noticed is all the short cuts I use to have build in my old computer, and all the programs I have to apply to my new computer. It took seven years to get that computer user friendly for my family, and now my family wants me to make this one user friendly in a day.

Here is the update with us. Brandon is still working with football, and even did a cross country run today for fun. School is changing a lot for him this year with a lot more homework and projects, but he is slowly starting to adjust. He went out for student council again this year and is hoping to be involved with that again this year. (he finds out the results next week)

Madeline is starting her fundraiser to raise money for her Washington DC trip coming up later this spring. She is really enjoying her Choir elective this year, but can't wait to pick up art next year. (they cut out a lot of electives for middle school including gym and art this year).

Heather is planning for her April wedding, and Gabe is still very active for her. Their house is almost done, and she is really looking forward to moving in their new place.

I am still looking for a job plugging away daily. The more jobs I apply for the more people I see applying for the same job. One day at a time. That's the family update.