Mom's Birthday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Wind Storm

As most of you are aware we had one of the biggest wind storms Sunday that Ohio has ever seen in my lifetime. The power went out for us a little before 6pm and didn't return till around 2pm on Monday. We were extremely fortunate compared to so many others who are still without power. School was even closed for my kids on Monday because of it. Being without electric in today's day and age is something that I definitely wasn't use to. The kids melted down at about 7pm (that's right they only lasted an hour). I spent the rest of the evening trying to come up with things they could do by candle light, and keep them calm with the wind howling outside. They played board games, dominoes, and cards. It was good seeing them play together. It had been a long time. (They usually have different interests or choose to fight instead) Around 9:30 I started getting a little restless. The boys went out to the truck to listen to the football game on the radio, and Maddie and me found a battery powered radio that mainly got AM stations no FM (you heard me right). We got to stations an oldie country station and a jazz station. We listed to the jazz. We really enjoyed ourselves. It really clears your head when you can't make phone calls, can't do no cleaning, can't work on laundry or any other projects, no computer, no tv.....just family. I'm grateful that my power is up and working, but I'm glad it went out for a little while.

First Game of the Season

Brandon had his first game Sunday before the big wind storm, and won against New London. He got lots of playing time. He is in the sixth grade this year so this is his last year playing for the league. Next year he plays for just the school. (complicated I know) He is number 50 I didn't post up any pictures that you can see him in really well, but I still can pick him out. He's directly behind number 82 in the top picture. I used Brian's camera and that thing has all kinds of settings (which I don't know how to use) so some of the pictures are different to say the least. I love the black and white one, but have no idea how it has green grass. (technology and me need some more time to get acquainted) Brandon is having fun with football, but it definitely is getting harder for him. I notice as the kids get older the sports get harder and they start picking just certain sports they really like. They also start finding other interest as well. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Shoes

A good pair of shoes can make anyone feel like a princess. I strongly think my nieces feel the same way. My own daughter likes shoes based on comfort, and the appropriate shoe for whatever sport she is in. I wear most of my shoes based on comfort. However, I do own a pair based on looks alone. With fall approaching and a new job coming any day now (I can feel it) I needed some shoes for interviews, job, etc. So I ventured out to the buy one get one half off sale. I picked up FIVE pair of shoes and a pair of trouser socks for $34. I was more than proud of myself. Most of the shoes were comfortable heels. One pair stood out from the crowd my black heels (which I'll post a picture of as soon as I find my camera). I was excited about these heels so of course I showed them to my mother. She asked a question that now has me worried. She said are you sure those type of skinny heels can hold up a chubby girl? Now she used fancier words, but you get my point. I said of course they can, but after she left I started thinking about this. Is there a weight limit of shoes? I checked the box there was no warning labels. Most of the time I wear block heels, but what if the skinny heels won't hold a chubby girl. You know me, I will wear those shoes proudly and keep a back up pair close by.

Festival Weekend?

Labor Day Weekend! The sign of summer being at an end, and fall approaching. The first picture is of a cake that I couldn't pass up. I thought it was a perfect fit for the weekend. The ants are plastic just in case you thought differently.

Emily and her family came up from Chicago this weekend and we were able to visit with them on Saturday. I took my camera, but spent too much time talking and forgot all about taking pictures. (Sorry about that) It was great to catch up with her.

I had almost made it through the weekend without having to attend the melon festival. I was a little excited to tell ya the truth. And then like a twist of comical fate the kids friends and Grandma showed up to invite them to the New London festival. I had dinner on that I'd been preparing for hours so I said 'no'. The Grandma wouldn't hear of such a word. So we decided to meet them at the festival after dinner. We all went, the kids got to be with their friends and we got to walk around and visit. The festival was very similar to the Melon Festival but the lay out is a little different (more roomy). The festival was $5 a piece to get in and included parking, rides, the special event (which happen to be the tractor pull last night), and the fireworks after the festival (which we did not stay for since it was a school night). The kids had a great time and especially enjoyed being with their friends. Friends always make a festival better. They since a bunch more friends from school, and friends that had moved away. It made me think of this....The melon festival was where I always met up with friends and socialized. Now my children are going to festivals to meet up with friends and socialize. So even though we didn't go to the melon festival this weekend, the same tradition of going to the festivals and meeting up with friends and socializing is still the same for us on Labor Day weekend, and obviously not something I'm going to be able to skip out on.