WeekendNews WheezeBoxStu PhoneLove WomensGroup

Wow... its friday...and I'm find less and less time to blog here lately.... Last weekend was a pretty good weekend... easy going night for me and the kids while Daddy was at wrestling in Van Buren... Saturday... was a failed mission in itself... I was invited to a High School friends shower that I really wanted to go to...Like a silly young Mom I thought I could take both my kids with me and control them.. lol ....shower started at 1pm... I was gone before it even started....man..I really wanted to go... as defeated as I felt I thought I would go to van buren for wrestling. John was going to have a chance to get his 100th win! So I wanted to be present. and if you know me and how much I hate driving on the fast road (75) you knew it was a big deal I was even contemplating driving to Van Buren by myself. So we went.. and I was happy to see John get his 100th win..but as soon as he did..I left...and left Sondra b.c. she thinks she is a "wrestlerette"... and I gained a heavier passenger in Austin! :).. we had some good quality talk time and just some down time of hanging out...Stuart came home with us too b.c. he was so irritable. I knew he was getting a ear infection most likely. He had a cough for a couple weeks but seemed like it got worst and of course his nose was dripping more than usual...eehh... so I put him down after we got home from Van Buren knowing he would be waking up...I would go and check on him..and sure enough..he was wheezing...eventually he woke up wheezing and gave him a breathing treatment to open his airways... hoping it would him over till Monday to get him into the doctor..b.c. by goodness gracious I sure has heck didn't want to take him to the doctor for a ear infection.... Sunday was filled with the usual..but with a Sick Baby Stuart... which leads me into Monday's drama... 

So to make a long story short...I couldn't get in to see my regular doctor and ended up seeing someone else who works in his office. after the nurse checked his pulse ox it was 93...which she said they like it to be higher...I'm thinking go goodness no.. I hope they don't send me to the ER...the doc comes in to see Stuart..comments she can here him Wheezing... ohh goodness..no not the ER....I ask if I could get more Albuterol until I go back to his regular doctor just in case he gets sick again and needs it... she dumb founds me with "Well I don't think he needs any set regular treatment schedules"...alright?... lol... did she not understand I only give it to him when he is sick and his wheezing is much worse?... either way I walked out of that doctor office completely dumb founded...he of course had a ear infection and was sent home with a script for the pink stuff.... but no Albuterol. So only having 3 more sticks of medicine...I was freaking a bit..b.c. what if for some reason I went through those and he gets sick before I see Dr. Tran...so after listening to my sister Jess...I decided as early as possible I would take stu to see Dr. Tran to address his wheezing. And after thinking about it...I should have done this sooner. I just am/was never concerned about it until he gets sick...and even when he did get sick I had a nebulizer and breathing treatments that it would hold him over till Monday so I  could get him into the Doctor's office...but after this last time...I decided 1 or 2 things needed to happen. 1. I could have a script for Albuterol (he already had one but it wasn't refillable b.c. he still had lots left over and dumb me told the doc I didn't need a new yet). But I wanted a script so like usual when he started to get sick and if it was on the weekend we could treat his wheezing at home till we could get into the doctor. Or 2. Address the wheezing and take steps to solve problem. ...and this is what happened....after telling him and the nurse everything...he assured me my concerns were understandable and there wouldn't be a problem with getting a script for breathing Treatments. Then he would like to start Stu on a decongestant (allergrey med). Also Get Stu a chest X ray and see him back in 2 weeks.....  I love my family doctor and his Nurse...I love that I can tell him what is going on..and he tells me what we can do and he is genuinely concerned. Not to mention he loves my kids...loved that Stuart growled and hissed at him...

on to my next thing..hmm.. oh my Phone Love...so I got my new phone last friday..and I had a little bit of a moment where I was like... was this a good idea b.c. I couldn't even figure out how to activate it or insert some sim sam card... but after a little help I got it going...and yes..it is  a huge adjustment...but its so worth it.. I love it...I'm newly addicted to Words w/Friends game..although I seriously really suck at it..its fun... I love the apps... and yes my battery does drain... but very worth it... just have to get a extra charger.. 

Last night was Women's Fellowship. The ladies that were there I was proud that we got City Farmers its a fund raiser where we do a meal and serve it to this group of farmers... but anyways..we got all that squared away and just need more volunteers to help us. :) I'm hoping we get some help. It always goes smoother when there are more hands... with Women's fellowship..I enjoy it. I like not having the kids for a night and just hanging with the girls. although it is only monthly...I still enjoy it..my only problem is..I wish we would have more people come to the regular meetings... we get good numbers for the retreat and other "fun" stuff..but how to we get good steady members that will help year long..which we had a good talk about it lastnight at the meeting...but if you are a member..and reading this and have a idea or something... call message me... one of the main reasons I accepted the president role was b.c. I wanted to rejuvenate Women's Fellowship....turn it back to what it once was.and a lot lately here..I just feel like with me being president I just have scrambled it up..and set it back... whats a girl got to do?.... hmm....

This weekend... I'm excited for. Tonight.. like usual...its a easy going night..while Daddy is at wrestling @LCC me and the kids are going to go to Alfred's bball game... we don't get to those very often..and when they are home.... that means its free for me to get in (cash in on that "employee" discount from Jake).... so I'll stay for as long as I can wrangle my kids... Saturday I am taking the kids to get their pictures taken by a High School friend Chad Hughes who I absolutely love...this guy is living his dream! :)... he is running a special for Vday pics..so how can I not snatch up a spot?....lately its just tough taking pictures b.c. one its old and 2.. although I think my pics do just fine...but as far as the picture quality I can tell.. I really want to get a SLR Camera...even a used one..I want to learn how to shoot and start taking some pictures other than my 2 brats..I have some family members counting on me to take baby pics... so I'm hoping sometime soon I am able to do that... but anyways!... that was side tracked..anyways... so we are going to be doing that saturday...and then hopefully... my nerves allow us to go to wrestling maybe for the finals..

Welp...I must be going..I got things to do..people to see... 

PhoneExcitement-14yrold-Austin-weekendplans

I'm here! Its Thursday!...It might as well be Friday b.c. I am that happy... my phone fingers crossed hopefully should be here friday..or..like usual they come early..so maybe today??...Me & Jake decided to merge lines with another couple...and so I'm OK w/spending extra money on a smart phone..heck..we are still saving money...As much as I love my Kin...after the water incident its just not the same... it powers off when it feels like it..and then its tricky to turn it back on... then I miss my alarms....and something I have notice these past 2 weeks...my texts and picture messages are so slow...like Jake sent me something and I didn't get it till a day or 2 after...but Jake usually always texts me to tell me he is on his way home..and lately I'll get it when we are in bed about to go to sleep....I just have had enough!... so I hope I love my new phone.... also..I had much debate on what to get... as much as I love my Ipad...I didn't get a iPhone..they are just so expensive...why would I spend that kind of money on something that I will want to get rid of in 2 years...b.c. I'm that way.. I love getting a new phone... but FedEx...come on already...this will be a big adjustment!

also...I was listening to the radio the other morning...and on KissFm they were talking about if you present day wrote a letter to yourself 10 years earlier what would it say...wow.. it got me thinking... I would have been 14.

Jonelle,
            its you 10 years later..and let me say..we are not the bragging type...but you have turned into something very special. Joie...enjoy 14 because this is your last year of pure innocent ignorance. Ya, you think you have done some pretty "crazy" things...but girl..you really make some pretty dumb decisions these next few years... decisions that will rock you to your core and still does to this day. And as much as I want to tell you specifically not to do one or two things- I don't think I can. Something you don't think about but do try- your irresponsible actions not only hurt you but the people that love you too and once you give something away- you never get it back. As much as I want to scream DON'T DO THIS OR THAT...honestly....I sadly and terribly regret that without those past experiences- I don't feel like I could be the mother I'm going to need to be when my own children become teenagers. I will however remind you not to put your Jesus in a box. He loved you from the beginning- and he will pull you back to him at your lowest low. You will question even his existence- but for some odd reason he won't give you up- and throughout these next 10 years- you will fall for him and away from him several times- and experiences will make you want to live better and better for him. You will have a great moment when you hold your child for the first time- and then you will realize that is what your meant for. Also..through high school when you tell yourself you need to lose weight...just forget it..you are beautiful and no guy that doesn't tell you that isn't worth it. Also- unbeknownst to you... rock on quitting basketball- because of that sole reason alone- you meet your high school sweet heart that turns into husband, and the best Daddy to your babies. Just keep on Going girl!

Love,
          Me <3

Also- I'm sure all of you have heard my cousin Austin has been home for a few weeks now. He is doing great..still continuing therapy. I am very proud of him and love the kid. I was a bit hesitant with Sondra seeing him like normal now. When he was in the hospital she didn't have a problem making cards sending him stuff and all that..but seeing him She wasn't too sure about him at first. After we seen him- we were in the car I asked her what was wrong- and her reply was simple but oh so true..she says Mommy- Austin just makes me nervous right now. But with Austin's persistent hey girls.or.Hey Rapunzel come heres..and when he is fast enough to smack her butt and chasing after her like he use too..now she runs around him yelling you can't catch me...lol.. (kick a man when he is down Sondra)...soon enough he will be catching her again....But with some little drop ins here and there she is getting use to him again. That does make me smile a lot. Stuart on the other hand- goes right to him like normal..which I think Austin appreciates!

Also..concerning Stuart...he is so much trouble...he is a male version of Sondra and then times it by a million. He is so bad. He growls..he hits..kicks..hiss... HE climbs on everything...my personal favorite though this week....so monday night we are home... he comes out of his room with a binky...I was brushing Sondra's hair..and I tell him to give the binky to Mommy....he was so close and all of a sudden takes off to their room..and comes back a few minutes later... then I got him in bed later I seen he had thrown the binky in his bed- what a brat..he didn't think I would see it or what?? nonetheless I didn't take it I thought maybe he would stay in bed longer in the morning....and a few minutes later I hear a big thud- I go into his room..He climbed out and was laying on his sister's bed covered up with that dang binky in his mouth! lol...

whelp I got a good weekend coming up... IDK..good??..whatever...It will be good b.c. I won't be at work... anyways..Friday Jake has Van Buren wrestling- which me and the kids are staying home..Saturday I have a baby shower for a high school friend and then we will probably end that day maybe...weather permitting....a trip to Van Buren finals.. who knows.. wish us all luck!

I must be going!...I'm still waiting on my phone..I'll post later this weekend or next week on my phone love..hopefully phone love.. :)

Responsible weekendupdate KittyByeBye MLKJr

You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.
Martin Luther

this week as I was looking for quotes about responsibility... this one stopped me... a lot of times (not all the time but) I choose my words carefully.. because you can not unsay a word...no matter how many times they forgive you... its still in their memory of what you said....even if I don't agree with something and I may think what they are saying is totally asinine... I'll just not say anything and not ruffle the feathers...well with that quote... maybe I should speak up on things that I know are wrong...

I have had a easy going week you could say... the weekend was nice. I spent Saturday in Spencerville sitting  in a coaches room "helping" my MIL...more like running after my 2 kids... it was nice though seeing the family...and getting to hold the squishy littlebig Ainsley! Here are the Clum Grand kids :)  .

Stu, Ainsley, & Sondra

Also like I said last week about Winnie's days being numbered..I meant it...me and Jake talked about taking the cat to my parents and not telling Sondra and saying Winnie must have got out. and then once she seen her at my parents we could just say she ran away to Grandma & Grandpa's Farm... well Saturday morning arrived and Sondra was too scared to get back in her bed b.c. Winnie was in and she would scratch her legs... I had it...I fumed... I yelled the cat was going to live at the farm...even with Sondra's persistent cries- I was done..I have never had a cat be so mean...I don't know if it is b.c. Stuart terrorized it all the time like would hit him w/Sondra's mini bat...and also..my personal favorite Stu would put the cat in Sondra and his play kitchen and fridge..and she didn't know who to trust...or maybe b.c. Winnie was really a boy cat..and we referred to him as she ..maybe pissed him off who knows..but this cat is really a Ahole lol.. really..it liked me..and sat on my lap and kept me warm..but when I would go to pet her....she would attack my hand after a minute or 2...anyways... so she went packing...and the Monday night after I really start kind of missing the cat... I get this message from Jake which I should have got when he took it over there but for some odd reason it didn't come until Monday night:

"It realizes it messed up" is all Jake wrote in the text w/Poor Winnie

what else??.. Hmm... this weekend.. should be a pretty easy going one... wrestling tonight... Saturday..who knows...hopefully nothing..and Jake doesn't have anything for himself planned... Sunday the usual :)... I found the cutest valentines for Sondra to pass out today... She likes to pass them out to her Daddy's wrestling boys and her Sunday School friends too...can't wait..

also..with MLK JR Day coming up..I've seen people's status about how great it is the schools are teaching their kids about racism and how it wrong and so forth about it not just being another day off school.... you know a ironic happening this week...one of my foster brothers was called a nigger by a freshman girl. I guess he was sitting   in lunch and somebody threw a carrot and it hit him in his face..he stood up and said who threw this at me?..and this girl stood up and said one way or another that she did and ended the sentence with nigger... wow.. she also went on to telling him to go pick cotton... I don't even know all the exact details.. b.c. he was talking so fast b.c. he was still mad about it when he was telling me later that night about it....best part is a cop ended up coming to the school wanting to press charges on him for the whole thing..but after looking at the tapes.. it showed he didn't touch the girl or her brother... that is all just too sad...I just don't get it...Go on and don't like the kid b.c. he is mouthy, loud, bratty, a player, lazy, irresponsible, messy, or anything..but do not go on and insult the kid with racial slurs...I hate that those small minds are still around today... I even hate I'm related to some of them..... I guess that is a advantage of being raised with a colorful family... since 4/5th grade we have had a assortment of children coming in and out of my life..that stay with us for maybe a short time..or some for a very long time..and some that I will always check up on and pray and worry for.....and a long the way I have learned the weight of throwing around words like that. the one day I can remember in 5th grade was a day we were in lunch and we were sitting at the lunch table and we were all sharing a cookie icing thing..like you dipped graham cracker cookies in this icing..but we were all eating the icing with our fingers..and this boy..makes a comment about not wanting to eat after Joie the nigger lover.... I was so embarrassed... looking back on that..he didn't come up with that on his own... he heard his Mom/Dad say it...was it coincidental that he said it to me and I had black foster sisters living with me... or maybe he just always used it?..I'm not really sure. But I do know I will not instill that kind of behavior in my kids. They will not learn that kind of hate from me.
and this got all too way serious all of a sudden... sorry!.. that stuff just fires me up!

I'm so happy it is Friday... I like having a daily routine but on the other hand I really like having the weekend to do whatever we want...welp I better get going!..I'll update you soon :)

   

MadWomen NewsYears Deductible GIrly

so Yesterday wasn't a very good day..I even started writing a blog and didn't end up finishing it and saved it as a draft..rereading it..man I was pissed off..which brings me to my first point... Women are crazy..or maybe just this one! but when I get in my "crazy" moods- this always comes to mind..its "vulgar" I guess you could say or humorous or to some not very funny at all..but it always makes me smile lol.. " I don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die." - anonymous.... I wonder who said that first.... Women are crazy strong creatures..physically emotionally..they very likely hold together families...Men are strong.. supportive... and are suppliers..but a woman...you can't ever really replace a good woman... and you don't ever want to piss off a good woman..... my day was just filled with year end stuff to get done...and I was super busy..woke up late..which isn't ever good..and then lunch time came around which I had pizza hut in the fridge from the day before..I saved half for yesterday...and what do I find??..Some jackass ate it...some other series of unfortunate events happened..and I just decided to call it a day..took kids home.. made "crock pot lasagna" that didn't turn out too well.. kids bathed...and once they were in bed..I took some Tylenol PM and did absolutely nothing for the rest of the night..played on our iPad..which..that thing is a regular fixture in hands now..lol..wow seriously..its bad... I just love the thing.. today...though is a much better day..


So my New Years weekend was pretty "eventful"! On New years eve I told all members on my health insurance plan that if you need to go to the hospital you better make it today..b.c after the new year our deductible resets...like all plans do.....well Jake must have really wanted to go..b.c. he comes limping in telling me he thinks he is going to die.. here he stabbed himself with a pitchfork through his rubber boot...and his biggest complaint...he was upset b.c. he just got the rubber boots for Christmas... lol..that was mine too.rubber boots are not cheap.. after a trip to the ER which we didn't even get seen b.c. the check in nurse asked when he last had a tetanus shot and it was during fair a few years back when we were dating..and that was in the last 10 years so we wouldn't need one and that is the only reason we were going to the ER...which I had forgotten all about that... Jake remembered...which on the way home he had told me he was pretty sure he did get a tetanus but wasn't sure..but..hey he has lived a good life and he knows I just want to remarry..lol.. he is so nice.. 


Then Stuart last weekend had a weak moment and done something really silly... so one of his first words has been hot. b.c. he is around a space heater at Melissa's... also Mom/Dad has a corn burner...and he is fascinated with our oven while I'm cooking...so we are all constantly saying..Stuart that is HOT!... even when any said object is off...its always hot and nobody touches it... well...the corn burner got the best of him Monday night. It had just turned off and it was hot..and he put his little fingers on it... immediately he had blisters on  his left 3 fingers...excluding his pinkie and thumb. He cried..and cried some more..when he calmed down some..he would walk into my parents living room and scream hot at the top of his lungs and cry.. .lol..although at that time I felt like crying for him..but thinking about it...oh man he was funny..then we tried wrapping his fingers up so his blisters don't break and get infected...well that lasted about 5 minutes..and they were long minutes too!...he ripped off the bandages and sock taped over his hand...and it was OK as long as the blisters don't break..which we put antibiotic cream on it to keep it moist and infection free...so far so good...Please pray for him to heal quickly... those buggers have to hurt... hopefully Lesson learned. We'll find out tonight... 


tonight I'm thinking I am going to try a new recipe... its called Sweet & Spicy Bacon Chicken..I found it on Pinterest~!...i looks real good..So I'm going to experiment on my family..I'm also thinking a from scratch Fudge Brownie recipe I found too..looks really good... 


today is the Day Jessy finds out what she is having!...I'm hoping for a girl..I have a feeling that its a girl..but I could be wrong...I didn't have a big feeling for my other nephews and niece what they would be...I just hoped like heck that it was a girl..but with Jess...I just have a feeling its a girl...and maybe b.c. we are sisters I just know..who knows.. we'll find out after 3pm...I'm excited... I'll be pleasantly surprised if it is a boy :)..I'm so excited though... I can't wait to be asked to babysit and if its a girl..have some girly time..and spoil her rotten into a little diva.. and then.. I'll send her home bahahaa.....and ifs a boy... I'll get him high on sugar and then send him home :) ... I love being a Aunt..I get to be a second mother w/out rules...


What else?..hmm...I don't even know... Sondra last night did say a funny... she always gets in trouble when she is taking a bath b.c. she uses my shampoo and conditioner for her hair the dolls hair or for bubble bath.. well against my better judgement I let her take a bath alone...usually I give both kids a bath and take them out at the same time..but Stu is always hard to handle while I wash her hair..so I took Stu out early and let her play. I put conditioner in her hair and said as I do each time..."NO Swimming Sondra".. don't lay down either...well while I got Stuart dressed and ready for bed... I hear her start to scream..and then blood curddling scream..at first I thought it was the cat getting her...I lesiuering walk back..and her hands are over her eyes... and she screams I got soap in my eyes..I got your soap in my eyes... I started splashing her eyes with water and wiping them w/ a towel.. (what are you supposed to anyways when that happens)..and after calming down a bit I get the rest of her conditioner out and I tell her I don't feel one bit bad for her b.c. I tell her each and everyhting time no more soap..yet she always gets into it.... she tells me I quote "Mommy you just can't trust my hands"..showing me her hands.. lol... then while I"m brushing her hair she is telling me she has to stay warm so her eyes heal...and then tells me to call Brittany (Jordan's fiance) b.c. she will know what to do. She always knows what to do. lol... okay?... 

Ipad App I downloaded. I can show Sondra & Stu what Melissa
or Jessy's  baby looks like. It helps Sondra to understand. also
has facts about how the baby is growing.. we love it.

This is from Sondra when we were making the grandparents something for
Christmas..I have yet to clean this off my table...I just may keep it :)

More Ipad Love.. w/my new smart cover I'm able to prop my
Ipad up and I can follow recipes off my favorite site AllRecipes App. Love it! 

Christmas Wrap UP! :) oh Friday I need you now!

Man oh man is Christmas really over? As fast as it snuck up on me it has went away fast too... which I appreciate b.c. I am ready for this weekend of doing absolutely nothing! :) well I'll have to chase my crazy children around..but still I won't be stuck in some gym fighting with my 2 kids about sitting down or telling them no. also I won't be in a car traveling to whatever family thing I need to do next... :).

I had a really great Christmas! I got many things I wanted and many things I was pleasantly surprised and happy that I got!.. I my purse I picked out that Kayla offered to buy me for my gift..which when I seen it again..I fell in love with it again..and still love it... I got a faberware cook set from my In laws which I asked for some new pot and pans..and I am so happy I got!..A new blue plaid pea coat..that I absolutely love...Blue Plaid..I know right... see picture..totally cool... I got the essentials from my Mom and Dad..my perfume..socks...PJs.. One of my favorite things would have to be from my SIL & BIL a picture frame with my kid's hand prints on it and then a bible verse: for this child I prayed :)... and then I even got a new gift card for my kindle..which was great too.. I love to read but hate paying the prices...so I usually stick to my free books..but when I get gift cards I look on my wishlist that I compile and start reading what I have been waiting to read..

Sondra- she started this season w/only
the Belle Doll. She insists sleeping w/all
her Princess Sisters. :)

So... With Christmas parties over..Jake and I talked about getting a Ipad he wanted one for several reasons I really can't remember but I wasn't really sure but with not much argument from me(b.c.I have a itouch and love it)  I forked over my Christmas money and practically had to talk him into then. I never thought I would buy one thinking man they are so expensive..but man..they are pretty fun...oh..and Sondra... she knew how to work it better then me..lol.. we met in town after I got off work..and Jake had to go to a wrestling meeting so I took the kids home and Sondra's first question as we drove off...Mom- I hope you have the iPad!??...I say ya Sondra why...and she says..I sure hope you have MAD BIRDS on it... lol..huh Mad Birds? What is that..You know Mom ..Taylor Brown @ wrestling she had this game that has these birds who are really mad! and you throw them... lol hahaha..Oh Sondra..yes we can put Mad Birds on the iPad..and she breezed through the first three levels like nothing lol... I have had to remind her that she has her own Pad and the iPad is Mom & Dads..

This is how you do it Mom!

Stuart has been one crazy little guy! :) He is so hard to handle and he has one major temper! One new development he has done this week...He bit Sondra on the check. And not a little bite she had a mark on her face kind of bite! I asked Sondra if he did it on accident and she tells me no Mom..he was mad! Wow... Sondra was a crazy biter. She would bite herself she got so mad!... so this.. does not surprise me just don't want to go through this stage again..not with my "sweet" little Stuart! - other than that he had a great Christmas too.. it was so cute seeing him open presents. Starting on Christmas eve he was a little shy and not really sure about tearing the paper open..well by Monday..he was a animal that could not be stopped. It was a bit scary lol... also...on Christmas Morning... he opened up his Lions and tigers figures and he would point it at you and growl... then my over zealous child would get so excited while growling he would throw them at you..not a good time...also..his face..when I took out his Cowboy woody doll..so adorable :). He had the perfect smile making him talk and getting his hat on just right... I love that boy...

MySon- The Monster

What else has been going on??.. hmm..I really don't know.  I am just trying to make it to friday... so I have a three day weekend..through the week I have been trying to put Christmas stuff away little by little. I have the tree down. And some of the presents put away too.....

also..I have one funny story...I don't see much humor in it..but IDK you probably will... well when  I figured out I was having a boy when I was pregnant..I had these reservations as too..will i really be able to handle a boy..they are so different... nasty creatures... my first thought about little boys are...they are always grabbing at themselves or picking their noses... lol... and are always dirty and smelly..well I was right... So as do all boys and little girl toddlers..when you change them their hand immediately goes to their privates..they just do... anyways..We are at my In laws in Spencerville..and Sondra always has her grandma massage her back with a handheld plastic thing that you roll over your back..well for Christmas they got her one like they have but it vibrates..well Stu took it..and you would hear him through out the house where he turned it on and was putting it on things...then it got really quiet... looked for him..and he was sitting beside a chair where we couldn't see him... I find him..and he is sitting on the ground with the present vibrating between his legs lol... STUART!...that nasty little boy..  had a smile on his face the whole time lol..

This is me in my pretty coat I wanted to show you...when I hear
"blue plaid" good thoughts don't come to mind..but this coat..
its just way too cute :) 

PS I still Love my hair...  :):)..I went out before the sun came up Monday and bought a new straightener b.c. I just couldn't wait no more..and am very happy..I straightened it that morning... and didn't need to straighten it till I washed it again....Love it :)... next..Sondra is going to get her hair straightened... :)

HairDrama and Christmas RoundUp

So- these last few weeks I had been contemplating cutting my hair. Not that I really wanted to...but it just felt like it was time... It was getting very long..and would get ratty very easily.. which I know brushing solves that problem..but who hey...I don't like doing that lol... anyways..It was last Thursday that I decided I at least needed to get a hold of my cuz Megan for at least a trim..then..push come to shove I just decided...you know what Hair grows back. There was a reason why I started growing it out and now I'm just too comfortable feel too safe..I use to at a whim would whack my hair completely off..I remember one time...I had Megan cut my hair and I said take it all off..I don't want no length lol... so how did I get so hung up on my long hair...I'll have to say it was so easy...I'd wash it and let it be..Or if I wanted to be fancy I'd wash it and blow dry it lol...or if I was moving on up that day I'd straighten it too.. lol... oh well... and another point...I don't think nothing is sexier on a woman is a head of Long Dark Hair..you light heads...ya its cute I some days wish I had it..but dark hair is sexy! :)

so I find this picture of what I would like my hair to somewhat look like and send it to Jake...and ask what he thought about it... he said No... lol.. my reply..."Its happening..the date is set!"... lol... told him not to tell anyone..b.c. I didn't want to be talked out of it..and when I say talked out of it..I mean somebody would be like oh I just love your hair and that would talk me out of it...long hair is sentimental lol.. so... as the days passed...I really tried hard not to tell anyone..lol.. I couldn't take it... I knew my sis in law had said before when I was contemplating cutting my hair that if/when I did..she wanted to come along.. lol...and then I broke down.. needed more advice and called Lace my girl that says..that will good or oh no Joie..don't even fall in love with it..it won't look good...I get her approval and then I'm so so excited.I even straightened it for the last time last weekend b.c. I knew I wouldn't do it during the week.. I didn't want to say anything to anyone b.c. I was a bit nervous to cut it...and didn't want to make a big to do and then chicken out lol.I even lied to my mom when she asked me what I was doing lastnight..told her I had lots of baking to do lol......

in all its straight glory lol 

really loving it!

and let me tell you ..last night as I sat down to get it cut..I was nervous and thinking in my head..is it too late to turn back now lol...

One big thing though..I love it :)... I played with it all night..and had such a weird feeling of how light it feels. I loved how Meg straightened my
 hair and have decided I need a new straightener but I knew I had to wash it... I didn't want to b.c. I'm always afraid I'll never be able to make it look like how she did it..but anyways I took my chances... and I'm washing my hair...barely had to put any shampoo in it or 

I even like it with glasses..even better

conditioner.. amen..save money there..and it                                

was super fast to wash..no soaking my hair in conditioner and brushing it and leaving it in for a while... I dried it..only used one towel last night :)... and played with it.as mentioned before my flat iron isn't up to par..so I'm going to go shopping for a better one..but I was amazed this morning after taking a few minutes to run a flat iron through my hair that I still loved my hair cut :) ...I'm usually in such remorse the morning after..lol..that doesn't sound good...anyways..but today I still loved it.. that's a big step! lol.. also worth mentioning I am able to donate 13 inches to locks of love :) 

I'm a dork I know

So Christmas time is here..I haven't got one present wrapped lol..how sad is that...I'm afraid to b.c. I know Stuart would open them..so I have waited. But tonight I have to get all the homemade stuff done because tomorrow we are going to Jake's parents to have Christmas. Which makes me super nervous because they will be my first experiments on the whole home made gifts go. I've spent close to what I normally spend- put I think its more thoughtful. Instead of meaningless stuff they really don't want- at least I know the things I made can be something they can enjoy :). I go both ways....I love homemade stuff and then I like it when people just surprise me and I end up really using what they got me. :) and for my Niece and Nephews I bought them toys or clothes..b.c. lets face it...its what they want lol.. So after Jake's parents we will head on over to my Grandpa's for Christmas Eve as usual...

Stu @ Allen County Tourney 12/17

 It will be nice seeing the family.... Then On Sunday.. we will get up..do presents and gifts... then.. head to Sunday school... go home for a bit I imagine..go to Reffitt's @ my Aunt Lavanda's and Uncle David's around 1pm... then finish at my parents house for their Christmas..and when I say Finish I mean for the day...b.c. then Monday we head to Greenville for the afternoon for Christmas with the Clum's :).. how fun :) ...I can't wait to see everyone... We have one busy weekend ahead of us..Please pray for me that I get all the wrapping and baking done...and also...that I survive :) 

This is Winnie our cat... sad to say but her days are
numbered here lately..hopefully she survives... lol

Funny Pic my Bro sent me of Stu & Jude during the week..

The Original Grandma's Girl

The history of our grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children's children.  It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone.  It is in us that their history becomes a future.  ~Charles and Ann Morse

Today is just one of those days.... 2 years has gone by since Grandma passed away...I still miss her... I can say though it doesn't hurt "as much"... I can say not as many tears have fallen like they did last year.the tears have been replaced with remembrance.....but today they are flowing for some reason... please not at work I beg...why doesn't my body obey me?.... either way..I woke up got ready... put my "armor" on... (doused myself with Grandma's Soft Musk Perfume) and went on my way...  


Before I started writing..I reread my blog a year ago today..and in it I was still very much hurting...badly...I miss her so much...but a lot of times this year...when tears came.. it was when I knew someone else was missing her..or more in difficult times when I knew she would know what to do... and although I didn't cry for her as much this year...I still missed her everyday... there wasn't one day that I did not think of her...one day that I didn't see something. a color, or do something that made me think of her..i would hear songs..and think of her. does that ever end?...  some new stories....


One story I heard about Grandma was when Grandpa and her had a milk cow..and one day she was out milking the cow and someone came to the house...she hid out in the barn and pretended not to be home..b.c. she didn't want the visitor to see her in her good shoes and house coat milking the cow. :) 


I'm not sure If I shared this over this past year...but when we were cleaning out my Grandma's clothes and bagging them up for donation... a lot of her clothes had the sizes marked out and a different size was wrote in with permanent marker. lol....I know her sewing for many years I think she did that b.c. she believed that was the size it actually should be like they were miss marked or something...but for me..I think I am just going to start doing that..I'm going to mark in the size in my jeans that I want to be...Size 6...well yes I am! :) just look at my tag.. lol... 


I can tell that Grandpa has really missed her...he misses her companionship. The calls for chit chat... or times when Jake goes loads hay and he doesn't get home till hours later.....its alright though... we all miss her..but still I can't imagine losing your partner after being together for that long...its going to be tough if Jake goes before me...


I still haven't got the hang of talking about Grandma in past tense you know? Same with my horse Mystery...its so strange still to walk into my grandparents house and she isn't in her chair. And also her house has been changed around.. things different... her desk is cluttered with things that don't belong to her...her shoes are not lining the closest.. she had so many... she had so many wonderful pretty clothes..... 


my biggest hurt or ache...would have to be hearing her talk. I can still hear the sound of her voice... but I wish she could have got to know Stuart. I wish I could have heard her thoughts on him you know. She would say- your mother acted just like Sondra did. Or "Sondra just "sparkles" Joie." Or..my personal fav...."Joie, Sondra is not a bad baby- She just wants to explore and see the WHOLE world. That's it!"... and I know that they will meet someday in heaven... but I wish she was here to experience it the first time around with Stuart or any of my future kids... but hey that isn't how life is... is it!


my little girl and her handy me down name... still doesn't understand it...just in general I feel like my Sondra is pretty special little lady.. but this past year a few people or Grandpa's friends will talk to her...and some have said..hey.. did you know I knew your Grandma Sondra...you guys have the same name! lol..she just kind of grins..like ok? tell me something I don't know... lol..Sondra talks about Grandma here and there..or when people have made comments to her..she'll be in the car..made comments like..Me & Grandma Sondra have the same name..but its MY name! lol.. either way it makes me :)... but I look at her and can't think of any other name that would fit her..I was afraid at first when she was born like what if it just doesn't fit her..but it has....the special smile people give me when I tell them my daughters name that knew her... and we give each other a nod and know :    yup.. Grandma Sondra was one special lady.. 

The Day Sondra Delle met Sondra Ray 6/27/2007

There are many things in life that I have yet to experience and there will be many times..like a little girl...that I will stop and shed a tear or two & miss my Grandma and wish she were there..but that is what life is about. It is what has made me stronger. Made me wiser.. made us as a family accept change better...


Grandma- I am so very proud when people ask me if i'm one of "Sondra's Grand-Daughters"... or ask me which Daughter of Sondra's I belong too...I'm proud of the woman you were and how you handled yourself..nothing but a lady!..I'm proud of the woman you helped me to be! Love you




also stay tuned..I have more to blog on other happenings :) 
Love,
Me