"2010"

I will be back in FULL SWING IN 2010. I have far too much going on to worry about my blog right now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR.

See you in 2010!

Much Love-

Kelli

"Christmas Meme"

Here it goes...

1.) Have you started your Christmas shopping? I have started & finished. Minus stocking stuffers.

2.) Tell me about one of your special traditions. On Christmas Eve my dads family, all gather @ my grandmas and we eat, visit/hangout & exchange gifts. Sometimes we walk around the block & look at lights. Up until 2 yrs ago the entire church came over for an "open house". Have been doing it since I was born.

3.) When do you put up your Tree? It usually goes up the Saturday/Sunday after Thanksgiving.

4.) Are you a Black Friday shopper? No. However, I have WORKED black Friday.

5.) Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home? We stay at home. Well, we stay in our hometown. We travel to my dads house, about 20/25 minutes down the road.

6.) What is your funniest Christmas memory? Taking E to see Santa and her freaking out, but as we were walking away her say "Bye CaCa and blowing him kisses and when he waved she screamed!" Then when we got home she saw last yrs pic and said "Mama where my caca?" Thats all I can think of... Lame?

7.) What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time? Miracle on 34th St. the newer one -or- It's a Charlie Brown Christmas && I like all the girly ones on Lifetime...

8.)Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat? I love to bake. I love to make dark chocolate & white chocolate chip cookies, Teeses (snack mix), Chocolate Covered Pretzals w/Red & Green sprinkles & I want to try Red Velvet Cake Balls this yr...

9.) Fake or Real Tree? We are fake tree people. My stepdad is allergic I think. M says we will have a real one next yr b/c I won't be living here any more. I am game!

10.) What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? I am not panicking I got it ALL done early this yr. Ask me that next yr while I am in grad school & trying to do Christmas too!!

11.) Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Most definitely. "Santa"

12.) What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? I love Christmas Eve. It is a laid-back night. It is so fun to be with family.

13.) What Christmas craft do you like the best? I have a different fav. every yr I like to switch it up.

14.) Christmas music. Yes or No, and if yes what is your favorite song? Yes. I love em all. Sadly I am obsessed w.Lady Gaga's "Christmas Tree" its kinda dirty. haha. Not for little ears.

15.) When do you plan to finish all your shopping? I am sure it will be Christmas Eve, when I have all stocking stuffers.

I tag anyone who just wants to play along!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

PEOPLE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

I NEED A NEW NAME FOR THE BLOG. URBAN COWGIRL, Just ISNT fitting any longer.

SUBMIT:
YOUR "NAME" IDEAS.
You can submit as many names as you can think of.
The one I LIKE the best WINS. Easy as that.

Im not quite sure of the prize yet but I PROMISE its gunna be schweet!!! If you have questions for me, feel free to ask.

Here are some quick facts to help:

-I am a young single mom.
-My daughter is my LIFE
-I am moving for grad school (and to be closer to my long term b/f)
-I want to teach 1,2,3 grad prolly 1st or SPECIAL Ed.
-I am quirky
-I usually say what's on my mind
-I care.. usually TOO much
-I love to read
-I LOVE MY FAMILY

GOOD LUCK.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun. (please stick around even during the hiatus)
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

“Three Trees”- ( also known as “Not The Way You Planned”)

Pic courtesy of Lachlan McDonald.

I got this is an e-mail & I got goose bumps. I thought I would share. I think, It's fitting for almost anyone.
------------------------------

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a great Treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with an intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'


Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my Hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said,'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying Kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.


When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us.. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best..

If you want to....pass it on, so God may inspire more people on their way. if you don't nothing will happen, but if you do this might just be the inspiration another person needs this day to carry the heavy burden they are struggling with, as we all must shoulder the crosses we have been required to carry along this journey called our lives...

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun. (please stick around even during the hiatus)
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane"

...In 16 days. Thats just a lil over TWO WEEKS! AHHHH.




I just started packing and realized that there really isn't much that I can pack this early. But I am limited to packing during E's naps & after bedtime. Usually by then I am exhausted and Im ready to relax.

If you notice a slight slowdown in my blogging you know why. --- Please stick with me.

I have a few ideas up my sleeve but these next few weeks I am going to be BUSY BUSY BUSY.

I promise once I am settled in up north, pending my fingers don't snap off b/c they are frozen, things will pick back up and get back to normal around here.

I did mention, last week I would be starting a contest, this week. It will run from today until the end of the month [[PENDING]] I find a winner.

I NEED A NEW NAME FOR THE BLOG. URBAN COWGIRL, Just ISNT fitting any longer.


SUBMIT:
YOUR "NAME" IDEAS. In my comments section.
You can submit as many names as you can think of.


The one I LIKE the best WINS. Easy as that. Im not quite sure of the prize yet but I PROMISE its gunna be schweet!!!

Quick Facts: (I hope these help but, If you still have questions, to help you come up with a name feel free to ask)

-I am a young single mom.
-My daughter is my LIFE
-I am moving for grad school (and to be closer to my long term b/f)
-I want to teach 1,2,3 grad prolly 1st or SPECIAL Ed.
-I am quirky
-I usually say what's on my mind
-I care.. usually TOO much
-I love to read
-I LOVE MY FAMILY

GOOD LUCK.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun. (please stick around even during the hiatus)
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Its a Mom Thing..."

"...Real World Insights for Profoundly Imperfect Mothers"



Its that time again... for some more insight from Mrs.Neidlein.

Enjoy & Happy Friday!

-Children are a gift. A gift where you're like, "Wow, who knew a gift could make you so lumpy and tired?"

-Changing Diapers... Folding Clothes... Making Dinner... It's so cute when husbands reach a new developmental milestone.

-My friend. My partner, My rock... my portable DVD player.

-You can fool some of the people all of the time, but it's damn near impossible to look cool carrying a diaper bag.

-Parenting Magazines are perfect for those times when you're not feeling inadequate enough on your own. [NO KIDDING!!!]

-SHOULDN'T RUNNING ERRANDS COUNT AS EXERCISE? HELLO... IT'S CALLED "RUNNING!"

-I try not to offend other moms, because you never know who's carrying around an arsenal of scrap-booking scissors.

And lastly this is perfect:

-Kids grow-up too fast! Unless they're throwing a fit in public. Then-- Geez... grow-up already! Get a move on! [um hello!]

Have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY! & A good weekend. I move in 18 days and HAVEN'T started to pack. I am going to start today & all this weekend. That is my "project". I am also going to try to go to a Christmas Party for a College & Career group @ my church. We shall see. I really want to go, but I don't know how Saturday is going to pan out.

See you back here bright & early MONDAY... I am going to be running a short contest next week so check back for that!
Bye lovers.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Convo w/a Toddler"

As E is nearing 2yrs old she is becoming more defiant. Pushing the envelope more and more. I find myself face to face with a fussy, bratty little toddler & a lot of 1 minute timeouts (what?! shes not even 2 yet).

I also find myself trying to decipher what she is trying to say, just to keep her little majesty happy. I am not only a mommy, but I am now a toddler translator. I am actually quite good, yes I am going to toot my own horn. But... If you're in the market for one, I charge by the tantrum. Trust me that can get quite pricy, so keep that in mind. Moving on.

For Instance:
Going to see Santa. We park the car I get out, open the door:

Me: E, you took off your shoes & socks?
E: yes mama. Bow!! [holds up her red hair bow, too]
Me: Annnddd your bow too. Okay give it to mama, I will put it back in for you.
E: No!! Nana.
Me: You want Nana to do it.
E: No. (very whiney) [Holding to bow to her hair, Almost trying to do it alone]
E: Meee!! Meee do it!!
Me: You want to do it?
E: Yes. [struggling. grunting]
Me: Would you like help? [I anticipate a tantrum very soon]
E: [making a frustrated face] NOOOOOO meee do it, no baby!
Nana: Your such a sweet baby, would you like Nanas help.
E: NOT BABY!
Me: Here hold mamas keys and give mama your bow Santa is calling your name... [my mom made a faint call for E to distract her... she was getting very mad]
E: Ok.

Once inside, my mom is holding her.

Me: Look! Honey its Santa.
E: CakaCaka [thats how she says santa]
Me: You want to go see him now?
E: [clinging to my mom] No...no.
Me: Come on baby, go see Santa.
E: Terrified. No way. [whiney now]
Me: Come see mama. [she comes to me]

We walk up to Santa. She freaks. After numerous tries we leave.

My mom is holding E.

E: ByeBye CakaCaka!!! [Waves!]
Me: You want to go back to see him?
E: No!!!! down...ooowwn [down] balk [walk] mama peese [please].
Me: Mom, E wants to walk, let her down.
Nana: How did you get that she wants dow from that? [Puts E down]
Me: Hold my hand or Nanas hand please. Thank you.

Then we left. On to Target. Oh we should have just gone home. ::shakes head::

This is where the tantrums come in.

Try to put E in the cart. Kicking & screaming happening in the parking lot. My mom gives in and lets her sit in the back. -Strike one. "Mom we need to talk to her versus just giving in"

Once inside E stands up after being asked to sit down more then once, try to move her to the "baby seat", doesnt happen. Mom gives in & holds her. -Strike two. "Mom tell her NO. firmly, then put her in the seat, don't give in"

E wants to walk in BUSY CHRISTMAS TARGET. No way. I get her in "baby seat" Bribe her with ice, horrible but works & its not candy or sweets of anykind.

I walk away for a second to go get something and I hear a blood curdling scream and I think to myself "I hope thats not mine" IT WAS MINE. My mom took her by the TOYS!! Then tried to walk away. Yah, shes almost TWO. she knows what they are. Smooth move. -Strike three. I finished quickly & we left, quickly.

As she was kicking me in the parking lot, b/c Mama is now the bad guy, b/c Nana bought her a bouncy ball. I am not opposed to a spanking, just not in public & not 20 mins after it happened, when we got home. She got put down for a nap. I think that is punishment enough for someone under 2.


I love E so much. This doesn't change how much love I have for her, this is part of being a parent. It is wonderful. Everyday is and this is just a preview of what I can expect in the next couple of yrs and proof that she isn't always the prefect angel I portray her to be. No child is. Although she is PERFECT FOR ME!!

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"For Someone Else"

Have you ever wanted something for SOMEONE else so badly, that you almost forgot that you were hoping/wanting that for SOMEONE else?

That it wasn't for you.

Well this recently happened to me. M says I get way too involved, in everything. The news, missing children, women cases, murder cases & now he says I get too involved in peoples (some I personally know, some I don't) blogs.

IDK why this happens. I just think its part of who I am. I care. A lot. Somethings just hit me more then others.

I read Katie's blog yesterday & I was so sad for her and her husband. There was a noticeable change in my mood. My mom asked me what was wrong & I told her. She told me about a friend of hers who went through something very similar and my mom was also very sad for them. She also told me that I couldn't always let things that are out of my control effect my mood. Just do my best to be there if she [Katie] needs me & have a good attitude & try to help if I can.

I hadn't even realized my mood had changed. How strange, huh?

I don't know Katie personally but my bestie, Hayls , does. Although I don't personally know her I feel as if I do. I have gained a lot from reading her blog. I don't know how I will ever thank her. I know she doesn't write for other people, she writes for herself, as a outlet & to document her journey. But surely I am not the only one who has gained something from her writing?

I just didn't realize how badly I wanted this for her and her husband until yesterday. I felt like such a horrible reader, virtual friend if you will, b/c I had no words of support for her, except that they [her and her husband] were in my thoughts & continual prayers. I didn't know what else to say. What can you really say?

Sometimes thats all I can offer, my thoughts & always my prayers. I know that she is a kind and loving woman (Hayley tells me so). So I know she appreciates every comment and tweet that comes her way, but I don't know what she is going through. So I don't know what it feels like to be in her shoes.

I know how badly they want this & maybe that is why I wanted it for them so bad?

But yesterday I was very saddened, by something I was wanting, for someone else. That I almost forgot that I was hoping/wanting for someone else.

Does this make any sense to yall? b/c it makes perfect sense in my crazy jungle of a brain -or- Has this ever happened to any of you?

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"My Roots Run Deep"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.

I originally was going to post today letting you know I was going to take a few days "off". I have been in a funk, lately. But while I was in the shower earlier, where I do a lot of good thinking, I felt myself kind of come out of my funk, if you will.



I have written posts about religion before but this is different, I have neaver been this open before, until recently; I wasn't very open about MY life. Anyone else life, yes. Mine, no.

I was born & raised @ First Baptist Church of Pine Castle [FBCPC] . I was then baptized when I was 8 years old. I attended church every (other) Sunday, as my parents were divorced since I was a baby & I only went on the weekends I was at my dads, b/c at the time my dad life with my Gran & FBCPC was "her" church. I went to sunday school & children's church & then on to evening service w. my Gran. I loved it. Since my dad got me EVERY Wednesday & everyother weekend, that meant that I was also at church EVERY Wednesday night, too. It was who I was, I loved my savor, my Lord in heaven. I continued to attend for the next 4 years, until I hit 12 years old.

I wanted to be a rebel. I decided to become a Methodist. Which is VERY similar to a baptist. I attended Conway UMC b/c that is where my bestfriend, Amy, at the time & a lot of kids from my middle school went. I think it was more of a social thing then anything. But in my head I was rebelling again my baptist upbringing.

I found out that you had to go through what they call confirmation, so I did that & had a really shoddy mentor, it was my friends mom. She had another girl as well and let me fall to the way side so I basically did it on my own. I had a lot of questions but had to do it on my own. This did not make me like the denomination very much but I pushed on. I attended for two-ish years. It wasn't for me. At least that church wasn't.

I felt lost. I didnt feel like I was connecting with God anymore. I needed to reconnect.

I couldn't hear what he was trying to tell me. I needed things to quiet down so I could hear God better.

My sophomore year of highschool I decided to give my dads church a try. He no longer attended FBCPC. He was a FOUNDING MEMBER of Fellowship of Orlando . It was non-demnominational but the pastor was raised in TX, and his father was a BAPTIST pastor. Nevertheless It was okay, a little to "hip" for me but I "followed" them all over Gods green earth. They were just starting out so they didn't have a permanent location. They were at the YMCA in Lake Nona, a movie theater, DPHS, a few other locations ETC... I realized by my SR year it wasn't my scene. I stopped going to church altogether.

I lost sight of bigger picture. I still read my bible, not enough but occasionally. I still talked to God, but I became a "holiday" church goer & when that happened I would go to FBCPC or with my mom to Northland . I dislike churches that large. NO ONE knows ANYONE. Where is the Familiarity? How can someone feel like they are welcome if no one knows their name?

I left for college in Jacksonville. I found myself "wandering" I needed to get back in church- ASAP. My roommate and GREAT friend, at the time, Kristen, was Methodist. Wonderful. I found myself attending with her as to not be alone. We had our own bible study in our dorm. It was great. I felt more connected with God & with myself. But something still felt "off". I had a few other friends ask me to go w.them to their very upbeat non-demnom. churches, but that just wasn't my scene.

Kristen and I parted ways as friendships sometimes do (another blog- maybe) and I found myself stepping WAY WAY out of my comfort zone & going to church by myself. gasp. I know. I went online and googled the BAPTIST churches in my area. I knew that is what I needed.

After a few weeks of trying out different ones I found Kernan Blvd. Baptist Church [KBBC]. I ended up spending over a year at KBBC I never became a member, though. I don't know why. It was down the street from my school and eventually across the street from my condo. It was exactly what I needed. It was a great substitute until I could get "home".

Now a few years and a bachelors degree later, I have returned to my home, FBCPC. It is bitter sweet for me. I just recently re-joined, found my way back home if you will. Yet I am moving in 21 days. I SOOO MANY memories in that church. Mainly the sanctuary. Its sad to think that LAST service I will attend in there will be Dec 27 2008.

My Gran used to be the wedding director for FBCPC & I used to run up & down the aisles w.my cousins- Amy, Dani & Bubba, with lace tied to us- idk where tomtom was. while Gran set up for the weddings. Or we would be upstairs playing hide & go seek in the dark. SOO SOO many wonderful memories.

That church, which I will always and forever refer to as 'Grans Church' has changed so much- has grown so much. Which is wonderful. I am elated for the new sanctuary but I will miss the old one.

Either way. I am glad I found my way HOME. No other church has helped me connect with the Lord like this one. Once you find a church that is HOME, you should never leave.

My roots are at FBCPC. They always will be. I am moving for Graduate school, but trust that when I am home for breaks or for a visit I will come HOME for a visit.

I am going to try to find a church that meets my needs up near me, but I always know I have this one back home to fall on. Thank you for being such a strong and loving church home. I love you all dearly.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Worth Thinking About"

"The right decision isn't always the easiest decision"
This can be applied to all of aspects of life.

I watch "Brothers & Sisters" on ABC & this was the main topic for Justin & [mainly] Rebecca. I wont go into for those who have it DVRed. No spoilers here.

It is worth thinking about. I know I have been.

Ask yourself this: Have you been making the RIGHT decisions? -or- Have you been making the EASIEST decisions?

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Christmas Crazies"

Ever notice how crazy people get around the holidays?

Not just about decorating but about gifts for so & so. Then there's the parties & the food etc...

People to me just seem uber stressed from a few days before Thanksgiving till AFTER New Years. That is just way too much time to be stressed, esp. during such a wonderful time of yr too!!

I used to be that way, too. Im not gunna lie, I used to run around like a chicken with my head cut off, everything had to be just so. I needed this recipe for this party & I needed to get my shopping done. Who have I bought for already? etc... Jackie remembers those days, she lived them with me!!

But idk when/what came over me & I stopped wasting my time stressing over it all & started to enjoy it more.

The holidays are a time to spend w/friends & family. Guess what?! If they are your friends (or family) they already know how NOT perfect you are & yet they still love you. They love you for your tiny flaws.

I know you have soo many ppl to buy gifts for, parties to attend or throw, cards to mail out, food to cook, etc.. Heres how I de-stressed myself:

-Christmas Cards: I ordered them before Thanksgiving. One less thing to worry about. Crossed off my list.

-I wasn't cooking Thanksgiving dinner this yr & it was not at my house. Just making a pie. Easy! Made it the night before after E went to bed.

-While the pie was baking I sat down & made a list of everyone who I was sending Christmas cards too & on the other side who I was buying gifts for & ideas of what I wanted to get them (makes shopping easier, if you have an idea)

-Then I called M & asked If he minded doing his family so It was a few less things to pack in the move. We talked about what we were getting everyone & then all he had to do was go buy it. Easy.

-I addressed cards one Saturday while E was eating lunch, dropped them in the mailbox the following Monday. No need for the post office or its crazy lines!

-The shopping. I decided that this year I was going to do it all online. So once I figured what I was getting everyone, I went on a virtual hunt for the best deals. This is so much easier then dragging E to the mall & in & out of a zillion stores. Fighting over parking spots and dealing with sick, flu-y people. No thanks. Plus most places were running great deals Black Friday-Cyber Monday.

-The parties. I have 3 to go to this yr. I decided what I was going to wear to them all last week & besides my presence (& maybe a bottle of wine) I don't need to bring anything. I am not throwing one this yr. (next year for sure!!) My parents are but Thats their stress. Not mine. I have offered help & been denied, I only offer once to keep stress to a minimum. Take it, or leave it.

I understand that if you're doing the cooking for Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner and having a house full of people all holiday season long, due to relatives staying or parties its harder to de-stress, but there is always a way to have less stress in one's life.

Make lists so you don't have to make multiple trips to the market.

Know who/what your buying for Christmas gifts so you don't over buy & set price limits, that usually helps too.

These are all just suggestions. Everyone's lives are different. What worked for me may not work for you. I wish you the best of luck in de-stressing this holiday season....

And remember "tis the season to be jolly"-- Try to relax a little more & enjoy it and don't get so "Christmas Crazy"

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Yesterday E was playing with her My Little Ponies (like the ones above) and then she has a few larger ones with actual hair. Those are the "mommy" pony's.

She would line them up on the top of her slide and push them down saying:

"wee!!"
"Mama, wook!! Wee!!"

Then she decided to put her "babies & mamas" in her shopping cart and push them around the play room... well she was running at full speed & her little body was going to fast for her legs. She tripped and fell.

Noticeably startled, she looked at me [I was sitting on the floor a few feet away reading]:

Me: Are you ok hon?
E: I okay yah (love how little kids talk backwards)
E: uhh uhh [pointing @ her babies in the cart]
Me: Are your babies okay?
E: No!! Owwwie!
Me: Your babies have owies?
E: Yah mama (very whiney)
Me: Want me to kiss em and make em feel better?
E: No baby mama! [holds up the big 'mama' pony]
Me: Oh you want her mommy to kiss it. Okay.
E: [making a kissey face] muuuah
Me: Your such a sweet baby.
E: Yah. [makes her 'pretty face']

Everyday she amazes me. Sometimes I have no words for how amazed I am by her & how much she knows & learns on a daily basis. She is such a little sponge. Talking up a storm, I hope yall enjoy these little blurbs, b/c w/her talking as much as she does I see this being a pretty permanent feature here @ The Urban Cowgirl (I NEED A NEW NAME!! HELP PLEASE!!)

We are going to see klanta Asuse (Santa Clause) Next Mon/Tues so Nana & Papa can go!! Excited.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Cheaters..."

...Never prosper.




I had a completely different post for today (hence the lateness of this one).

But after ALL of the Tiger Woods nonsense on the actual NEWS, I feel the need to voice my opinions.

I understand the news coverage after the WORLDS BEST GOLFER is in a car accident. But once we found out he was alright, it should have been left alone. Left to ET, Access Hollywood, TMZ, etc... The 'gossipy' style shows that air AFTER the news casts are over.

He has been cheating on his wife with not ONE but TWO women. One in LA and one in NY. Why are people so surprised? Honestly.

I think this is a family matter and needs to be left to the family, but when you are Tiger Woods (or any other sports SUPERSTAR), that won't happen. I feel the most for his wife and children.

BUT there is ALWAYS two sides to every story. That does NOT by any means give him the ALL CLEAR to cheat though. I will never understand why men (or women) run around on their boyfriends/girlfriends/fiancees/wifes/husbands/etc..

If you are that UNHAPPY, I believe that you NEED to try to get happy by fixing it. If after a REAL honest to God effort on trying to fix what you think was causing your unhappiness & you're still unhappy & you honestly don't think it can be mended & you have exhausted all your options to fix "it" (whatever it may be) then you need to talk to your S/O about what the next step is. If its some time apart to clear your head, see what it is like w/o the other person (set boundaries- ie: no seeing other people etc), ending the relationship, taking the steps to getting a divorce, etc... What ever you feel works best for you & your s/o.

Whatever the case may be There is NEVER EVER a reason to cheat. If you feel you need to cheat then you shouldn't be in the relationship you are in.

I am sure everyone has been cheated on, if not you are lucky. It doesn't feel good when you find out that your s/o has been running around on you. I think the signs were there and we just don't want to see them, am I right? The same is probably true for Mrs. Woods.

Someone once told that the more you try to make someone love you or be with you the more you end up pushing them away (this is about a past relationship, I just didn't want to let go). I think this holds true about cheaters too, yes?

Like I said we don't know what went on behind closed doors @ the Woods' household, nor should we. This is a family matter. I personally think that after one affair she should leave him but now there are two... GOODBYE. I was raised by the mantra: Once a cheater, Always a cheater. (I know this isn't true for everyone- but for most it is)

The WORST part of it all? The affairS have been going on for the entirety of BOTH of her children's lives & b/c he's TIGER WOODS every step he or she for that matter, makes from here on out will be scrutinized by the public (people like me... yes I said it) & the Media (they fuel the publics fire).

You can read one of the MANY stories here

I do hope this is the last time I have to post on something like this.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Project Runway"

Hayley, over @ Blue Eyed Blonde loved the show and would talk about it. I had never watched it. I didn't even watch the season premier of the season on Lifetime. I told myself that "I didn't need another show I watched enough already"

One night I was watching a movie on lifetime and it ended at 11. I wasn't tired so I decided to leave the TV on, guess what was on after? The season premiere of Project Runway season 6. I watched it. I got sucked in. I GOT ADDICTED.

Plus Tim Gunn Rocks my world.

While visiting Hayls in jacksonville one weekend, Bravo was doing a PRW marathon of season 5, the season Christian won. I watched that too. LOVED it.

**Spoiler ALERT** (if you haven't seen the Season Finale of season 6)

Right off the bat I loved Carrol Hannah. I wanted her to win. I love how girly her style was; I think it's b/c I am pretty girly, or try to be.

I also liked how she NEVER started drama on the show. She seemed so real as well & she was just so nice to everyone.

When she didn't win I was so mad I declared on Twitter... FB & Myspace that I would NEVER EVER EVER watch PRW again! and I won't watch next season. I am still angry. Irina was 1) A Horrible bitch 2) Not a good designer 3) A Bitch

Last night I was bored and was surfing the web and in doing so CH tweeted (yes I follow her (don't judge me!) and it had a link to her Etsy store !!! Which had a link to her Website. Which Linked to her blog .

Basically I was all up in CHs biznaz last night. Yah Im a huge dork. But I really like her designs. I also decided that Its between her and one other designer for my wedding dress!! Yay. Now M just needs to ask. But I think every girl picks out her dress before she has a groom? yes?

** Did you watch Project Runway? Who was your favorite contestant? **

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.

-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Its a Mom Thing..."

"...Real World Insights for Profoundly Imperfect Mothers"

(shotty iPhone pic)


I got that book from someone at one of my babyshowers. Im sorry to say I can not remember who got it for me, seeing as E is almost 2 (WOW how time flies).

Anyhoodle- I totally forgot about this FANTASTIC book until a few days ago when I found it while I was doing some slight cleaning, in preparation for all the packing I will be doing for my impending move.

When I got it I remember flipping through it, but I was still in school and E was born very soon after my shower so with the hustle and bustle I got busy and the book got pushed aside.

If you have a babyshower for anyone coming up I recommend this as a gift for mom, its a cute lil something. I got this book for a friend of mine b/c I remembered thinking it was funny. I know she enjoyed it.

Well a few days ago when I found it I decided to re-flip through it & I couldn't stop laughing. Even if you're not a mother, you will find some of these "insights" funny. Over they next couple of weeks I will be posting more from the book so keep checking back.

Enjoy: (you dont get the full effect w/o the cute pics)

-I still buy cute underwear, but not too cute because what do you think got me into this mess?

-There's no place like home, unless you can get a baby-sitter. Then, Go! Get out! Hurry!

-The longest distance between two points is a 2-year-old who wants to walk all by herself. (my fav)

-Moms need friends, because you gotta have someone you can cuss in front of. DAMMIT!!!

-Those last 5 post-baby pounds are IMPOSSIBLE to Lose! Especially when you haven't lost the first 20.

-Weird how having a baby makes you remember to take that birth control pill. And sometimes TWO, just in case.

-Yeah, I'd say being a mom has changed my style. Obliterated is a change, right?

-So, if I become a stay-at-home mom, does that mean the kids have to stay home, too? -Just checking.

and lastly (for this week)...

-Wow... I must've kidproofed the cleaning supply cabinet a little too well. Apparently my husband can't get into it.

Hope everyone is having a great (cyber)monday...

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"The Day After..."

Also known as:




For retail workers thats exactly what it is. This is quite possibly THE WORST DAY OF THE YR! Yes the sales numbers are great but the people & the level of crazy is enough to drive some workers into hiding.

I think retail workers should be getting HOLIDAY PAY on this horrendous day, but unless you work a double your not getting anything extra.

Back in early 05 I worked at the Starbucks located inside of a Target, so there for making me a Target employee, not Starbucks. Everything was made the same etc but I was paid by Target b/c they owned that franchise of Starbucks.

So my first BLACK FRIDAY experience was in 2005. OMG. I opened in Starbucks I had to be there at 5a. Store opened @ 6am. There was none of this opening at 5 nonsense.

This was back before the economy sucked ass, don't forget.

The parking lot had a good number of cars in it when I got there @ 5!! What the heck you crazies! GO HOME! Well by opening time people were lined up.



Guess where they come FIRST. To get COFFEE. I wanted to shoot myself. That was the longest shift & shortest lunch of my life.

Then as I am clocking out one of the Managers, Brian, asks me if I could work a cash register, someone called in sick. It was just until they could find a replacement Brian assured me that it would only be for 2 hrs MAX. Okay, how could I say no its only a few more hrs and its extra $$.

When 3 or so hrs had passed and I had barely had time to breathe I see Brian coming towards me. "Can you work the last 2 hrs of this shift? We couldn't find anyone, but we're covered later" Yah sure what the heck... I was there making money and I didnt have plans after work but to SLEEP.

OMG if something didnt ring up w.the sale price ppl freaked out like it was the end of the world. I swear I had my blinky light on for help soo many times. I had to keep telling myself "Kelli this shift puts you over, you will get OT for this" Or I would have lost it.

Seriously people come into the store with this crazed look in their eyes.

I left Target not long after BF & went to work in a REAL Starbucks, thinking it would be more low key and such, plus I got paid better & we got tips.

Well the store I applied for wasnt hiring but their "sister location" was, awesome. Well turns out the "sister LOCATION" (not store) happened to be located in a MALL. I took the job, it was Feb. Thinking I would request BF off well in advance.

WRONG.

We got a letter stapled to our tip envelopes in the the END of SEPT/BEG. of OCT. saying that NO ONE (if they hadn't already requested it) can have BF off. If they "called out" or missed their shift as a No call/no show THEY WOULD BE FIRED. Gasp. We even had a meeting/setup for BF the day before Thanksgiving.

Yah. Im serious.

Do we even need to ask how that day went down. LONGEST 8.5 HOURS of my life. Target was a cake walk compared to that. To top that off my boss asked me to stay after my shift was over. Hell no. I learned my lesson the yr before @ Target.

That was my year WORKING BF. I left Starbucks before the next one came around. I couldn't handle that... plus my boss, Lori, was a little overbearing and bitchy. No thanks. I loved working at Starbucks but I didnt love some of HER antics.

I would rather spend BF relaxing or shopping in the AFTERNOON... I will never be one of those AM crazies. I'll leave that up to the more seasoned shoppers, esp now that I have a child. Sleep is essential.

Hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving... You may NOW start decorating for/ celebrating CHRISTMAS. Thanksgiving had its day. Although it was very much overshadowed by and [not appreciated] overbearing Christmas.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Convo w/a Toddler"

I GOT PEED ON TODAY!




I haven't been peed on in OVER a year!! E is almost 2 yrs old. Keeping that in mind [we've been back and forth w.the potty training, at first she was all about it, the lost interest so I was not going to push it well these last 2 weeks she re-gained her interest] this is how I GOT PEED ON:

After breakfast while playing & intermittently watching playhouseDisney:

E: PeePee Mama.
Me: You have to go peepee?
E: Yah [in her super whiney voice]
Me: Okay, lets go to the potty. [I lean down to pick her up]
E: NOOOOOO! [shaking her head violently]
Me: You said you have to go peepee baby?
E: No ore [ore=more] mama.
Me: Okay honey, Mama loves you. [she kisses me and runs off to play w.some noisy toy...lol]

**Not even 2 minutes later--

E: Peepee!!
Me: Did you go peepee?
E: No mama, peepee!!
Me: You need to go peepee?
E: [running to the babygate] Yes.
Me: [as I am leaning down to pick her up] Okay big girl, lets go doodles.
E: No ore, no ore... I want down... down!!!
Me: You need to go to the potty baby.
E: No ore.
Me: Let me check your diaper baby. [I wanted to see if she went in her diaper & thats what she was trying to tell me, I can understand her words but not always what she is trying to get across]-- Diaper checked... DRY.
Me: Okay baby. Your good to go.

**About 3 mins pass--

E: Mama?
Me: Yes E?
E: ook (either look or book im not quite sure)
Me: Oh yah!! [shes bringing me a book to read her, she climbs up on the couch & I start to read to her...ONE PAGE IN:
E:Peepee
Me: Okay, lets go. [at this point I am past the questions, I figure she either has gone, has to go or has to go and is learning how to hold it and that is NOT good at such a young age]
E: LOUD SIGH... mama [very whinny] mamma...
Me: We're gunna go to the potty so you can peepee.
E: Okkkkkkkkk

**We get to her room and I put her down and she stops in front of the changing table, grunts & points.
E: UP UP UP UP UP
Me: You don't want to go potty? [[she has a bathroom in her bedroom [baller, right?]]
E: No mama, up up up!!
Me: Okay, do you need a new diaper?
E: Yah mama.
Me: Big girl for telling mama!! [like I said we're just getting back into the potty training so if we have accidents, its no big thing, brush it off & try again later,shes not even 2]

**I pick her up and put her on the changing table, as I am pulling down her pants:

E: Peepee mama peepee.
Me: I know baby, We're gunna get you a new clean diaper.
E: Peeeeeeepeeeeee

**I am unfastening her diaper and I wipe her and her diaper looks pretty dry, but I don't want E to think I don't believe her. Plus the "peepee" thing had been going on for a while, so I pull the old diaper out and Emmy exclaims "PEEEEPEEE!!!!" and Goes... ALL OVER MY ARMS/HANDS, the changing table. She bursts out laughing.

All I could do is smile. Im sure she finally felt better. Got it ALL out. Part of being a mommy is getting peed on, thrown up on, etc... I love every second of it too.

WIth this witty tale... Go enjoy your TURKEY, STUFFING & CRANBERRIES!!!




Don't forget to come back next week for more Convo's w/a Toddler!

***HAPPY THANKSGIVING SWEETPEAS!***




Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"It's MY birthday NOT theirs!!!"

Yes you read that right... no need for a double check.




Hayley over at Blue Eyed Blonde & I have noticed a trend lately... Not only buying a gift for the birthday person but their siblings as well.

This has always bothered me but it really got to me when I was at my family Wal-Mart last week, getting my little cousin Luke his b-day gift (no i didn't buy anything for his sibling, who is still in mommys belly). Just Luke.

Well while E and I were Looking at all the toys, it was just her and I in the isle when all of a sudden this family comes flying down the isle. This woman had 4 kids under 6 (give or take?) and one on the way. Her husband? Boyfriend? whatever he was, was on his phone chattering away not helping, not paying attention. She says to him:

Her: We need to get Sammy's birthday gift.
Him: Okay. Pick something, I am busy.
Her: What should we get him, hes your bestfriends son.
Him: Woman you pick.
Her: How old is his sister? We need to get her something too.
Him: Why? Its not her birthday.
Her: You can't just get him something and not her, she will feel left out.

He rolled his eyes. She asked her son to help her pick a gift:

Her: What do you thin Sammy would like Jesus?
Jesus: This Elmo boat toy here...
Her: Okay. We'll get that.
Jesus: I want that Yo Gabba Gabba toy mom!!
Her: Okay, sit down. [now the other two that can talk join in- one is a baby and unable to speak]
Daughter: Mom if Jesus gets that I want a doll...
Mom: Fine, just be quiet, we will go get it in a second & we will get one for Sammy's sister too.
Younger son: I want chalk mom.
Mom: William, no that is too messy.
William: Then I want legos.
Mom: Okay, here [hands him the legos].
Daughter: What does Mark-Paul get ma?
Mom: Well hes a baby. Nothing.

She finally turns to the man:

Her: Mark! Okay we got a gift, we just need to get a bag for this and a card and we can go.
Him: Why do they all have toys?
Her: They are quiet aren't they?
Him: We came for ONE thing, why are we leaving with 5 toys?

[[I can tell him why! He wasn't helping with his kids.]]

We picked our toy and squeezed out of the isle. Im not one to stick around for domestic issues. No thx.

But anyways I don't get this trend of buying for siblings. It makes the birthday person feel less special & doesn't teach the sibling that you wait till your day for special gifts & special "spot-light attention".

Well you might ask what if someone buys a gift for the sibling, what do you do? You say thank you, don't give it to the child at the birthday party or on the birthday persons special day. Don't take away from their day. Also tell that person that the only person who gets gifts on birthdays is the birthday person. Then when enough time has passed you can give the sibling the gift from the gift- buyer & explain who it is from.

-OR-

you can say thank you but no thank you & explain about how birthdays work in your home and kindly ask them to return their gift.

If I remember correctly every kid leaves a party with a little something? The "goody" bag. Give the sibling one of those bad boys! They are loaded w/tons of goodies!

**Birthday gifts for siblings= A BIG NO**... that might go on birthday invitations when I have another child... right by the RSVP.

Until then I will continue to only buy for the child whos birthday we are celebrating. It is THEIR special day.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!

-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Book Worm"

I read. A lot.




It's not news to yall I am sure. Remember I got a Kindle for my birthday back in June.

Since then, I have read 2 books on my lovely & 4 regular books. Some books I just want the actual books, if its by a certain author or if its a book like PostSecret or Cake Wrecks

When I read I let myself get completely lost in the book. I feel like I know the characters & I think about who would play them if it were a movie. I think that is the best way to read... to loose yourself 100% in the book.

Once I start a book I must finish it, no matter how slow the book is when it starts or how boring I think the book is. I can't not finish one, usually I am not disappointed & when I am, I always say I will never do that again. I always do anyways.

When I was in school, it used to boggle my mind how quickly I could fly through a book of my choosing but a book assigned to me (or a textbook) I dreaded & would get tired and fall asleep. No matter how UN-TIRED I was.

I think my daughter is becoming quite the book worm too... she has tons of books, for someone under the age of two. Loves when I read to her and you can catch her at any given time sitting on the floor or in her chair "reading" on her own. They say children learn by example. I guess that is true, she sees mama reading so she reads. Smart girl.

It has become a lot harder to read since E has gotten older, but it is something I love so I make the time for it. Less TV at night or during the day E and I will have "reading time" where we will both read. She loves that time of the day, usually after lunch. I will read to her first then she will 'read' on her own and I will read too. But just b/c I have a toddler does not mean I have to put something that I love and that relaxes me on the back burner, you learn how to make time for it.

I have a couple of authors that I just love. For example, I have read all of Nicholas Sparks books except his newest one "The Last Song" ( its on my list of "books to buy") he is an author I have to have the actual book. No reading NS on the Kindle.

Another author I love is Elin Hilderbrand , I have read 2 of her 8 books and I am working on a third. I read her on my Kindle. I like her style of writing and will continue to read her books in succession of how she wrote them, until I am done with all eight. I stumbled upon her by accident, I am glad I did.

Thats just two of my many favorites, we don't have all day for me to go on & on. Thats another post for another day. :)

While I was on bedrest with E I read 13books. I was also in school. I would rather read then watch TV.

I guess I like to leave reality for a while, but hey! who doesn't. I will read some books more then once but that is rare, but I also WILL NOT get rid of books either. I am a "book pack rat" in that sense.

One thing I love about books is you can tell where I was and what I was doing in that time of my life by the types of books I was reading & that is how they are on my bookshelves. By my "life-periods". I don't discriminate. I will read all kinds of books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Biographies, Auto-Bios, etc...

I love to share and swap books w.my bestie Hayls ... I esp like it when we're reading the same book so we can gossip about it... our own little book club.

Right now I am reading: Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand

**WHAT ARE YOU READING?***

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Wire-hanger to the Rescue!"

If you follow me on Twitter (or even if your my friend on FB b/c my incessant tweeting goes to my FB) you might remember back on Nov 11 (last week) seeing this:

"E broke a toy she rarely plays w.yestdy and now she is freaking out bc I havn't fixed it yet... GO PLAY WITH THE MILLION OTHERS YOU HAVE!!!"

Well I have been trying to fix said toy.



Emmy shoved one of her little people



Into the curve of the toy. After I put her to bed, I got scissors and since my hands/wrist/lower arm is so small I stuck my hand in there with the scissors slightly open and tried to grab the little persons head to pull her out. GREAT LOGIC, right? WRONG! My hand slipped and I pushed her even further in!

This is where little person started out:


After I the scissors pushed her further in:


& I gave it a second try & this is where she ended up:


Then she was stuck, b/c of her little arms that stick straight out to the side!! OMG. What do I do now? E plays with her little people all the time. She has like 5 of them and a little dog & loves them.

So then after trying numerous things I took the ball popper apart and turned it upside down and started banging it on the ground. She was stuck. DAMN IT. I was video chatting w.Hayls and she was like use a wire hanger, duh. Why hadn't I thought of that.

So I took a wire hanger... (stock photo)



and I bent it to look like this:



and I GOT THE LITTLE PERSON OUT!!! She is FREE & Back w/her friends! & E is one happy little girl.

Happy Family...



It took some finagling but I got that sucker outta there. When I told M the story after he was done laughing he told me Im "supermom" < I'll take that title, with pride. Till I mess something up.

Have a great weekend & I will see yall back here, bright-eyed & bushy tailed MONDAY AM.

Bye lovvers!!


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Convo w/a Toddler" && "Thanksgiving Thursday"

After E's nap yesterday I changed her, per the usual routine. As we were walking out of her room for lunch, we walked past this hanging above the light switch by her door:


(ultrasound pictures of E for those who don't know- 1 from each trimester to show the amazing change/growth)

E points to it and says her name. This (saying her name) is no big feat, but the fact that she realized that, that was her was! Granted we have been walking past that frame numerous times EVERYDAY for 19 mons & everyday I tell her "thats baby E, when you lived in mommys tummy" and we walk on, b/c she never seems to interested.

Well NOT today. Oh no. E was interested. She wanted to talk. So talk we did. Hayley , over at Blue Eyed Blonde, witnessed this convo via the speakerphone feature on the iPhone:

E: Memmy!!! Memmmmmyyyy!!!!!!! [pointing at said frame bouncing while I hold her].
Me: Yes baby that is you. That's when you lived in mamas tummy.
E: Yah.
Me: Do you remember that?
E: Yah baby. [hugs me].
Me: Did you like it when you lived in mamas tummy?
E: YAH!!!! YAH!!!! [rubs my hair...roughly, but she is trying to be nice, I hope]
Me: Was it comfy and warm in my tummy?
E: ...[quiet like she is thinking]... umm... NO mama. No [shakes her head].
Me: It wasn't?
E: No ma.
Me: [clearly thrown, I said bye to Hayls as she was cracking up like it was the funniest thing, ever.] Baby you want lunchies?
E: Yah juicey juiceyyyy!!!!
Me: Okay you can have Juice too honey.
[[She hugs me again and we are off to the kitchen]]

E & I have tons of fun convos daily. She is at the age where I can finally start to understand 85-90% of what she says. Her words are clearer, she says a lot more words now. 2-4 word sentences and she repeats [almost] everything. I love when she toddles up to me and just starts going on & on.

A few hrs later during tubbies I said:

"you know what? I love you." "Can you say I love you?"

E: Yes. [she made a kissy face]

I gave her a big wet hug and took my kiss. Now when I say E I love you... she makes a smooches face!!! I love it.

------------

Instead of posting TWO blogs one day, I am trying a two-in-one... I started a "series" last week called "Thanksgiving Thursdays" and said it would run till Thanksgiving... and I need to follow that through. So without further ado:

"Thanksgiving Thursday"

I have been so blessed my entire life. So this week, 7 days Thanksgiving, I want to go traditional in the listing of things I am thankful for:

- My toddler, I can't call her a baby anymore, b/c she isn't a baby. Although she will ALWAYS be my baby she isn't a baby, shes a BIG girl. She is my reason for waking up every morning.

-To be a mom. It has changed my life, for the better in ways I never thought possible.

-My family. They can be crazy, eccentric (ily you Aunt Pam) at times but they raised me right. I was raised by a wonderful beautiful SINGLE mother, a strong southern baptist grandmother (who was also helping to raise my 5 other cousins about the same age as me) she also raised her son (and 2 other children), my dad, a United States Marine.

-My friends who ARE family. W/O yall I would be lost.

-The fact that I "found" myself over the past 20 mons while being back home and now know what my true calling in life is: to teach, to help. (69 days!!)

-My boyfriend, My bestfriend, my everything. M I love you baby! You are helping me make so many of my dreams come, you're the best. I can't wait to see what's in store for us!!

-My blog friends. I LOVE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!! You all know what to say and when to say it. Yall seriously rock my corner of the interweb.

-GOD. He made all of this possible. With out him I would have nothing.

**We are one week away from Thanksgiving... Share with us-- WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?**

------------


**Look for MORE Convo's w/a Toddler next week!**


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"No Need to be Nasty"

Yesterday I wrote a very personal blog that I felt needed to be shared. I thought It might get some attention due to its nature.

I have the option for anon. comments for 2 reasons. 1) so my non-blogger friends can comment (thx guys! love the support) 2) for those who like to comment w/o leaving a name b/c they are private people (usually they are nice comments or constructive or a question...) Until yesterday!

In yesterday's post, in case you missed it you can click here , I mentioned in the LAST little blurb, about how I want to be a surrogate. My blog was about PPD, NOT being a surrogate, but it tied in at the end. Just read it if you haven't.

Well anyways I got one of the meanest comments,which happened to be anon. from someone who seems to think surrogating is disgusting. This is the comment:

"First of all I have a child. From adoption. I think this "PPD" stuff is a bunch of crap, so you cried a little after you had a kid big deal, I think you were pill searching. As for the women who kill or hurt thier kids or themselves- they are just weak. Or they just realized they don't want the kid. Its plain and simple. Then you jump subjects at the bottom to how you want to surrogate. DISGUSTING. If a couple can't have a baby, adopt. Why in God's name would you want some other woman's fertilized egg implanted in YOUR uterus? The thought makes me ill. That really is sick if you think about it long and hard and why would your husband want to watch you carry another couples baby? You are nothing but an incubator to the people anyways, they will probably treat you like crap and put you on some crazy diet because that is THEIR baby in YOUR body. They couldn't have a baby for a reason. Adoption is the way, I chose it for a reason. I couldn't have a child with my boyfriend of 9 years. We didn't try fertility treatments or anything, adoption was always what I wanted anyways and we would never consider a surrogate, thats gross beyond belief. You should really think about it you should young and uneducated."

After I read that I cried for about 45 minutes. Then I had to re-read it bc there is no way someone can be so rude, cruel.

She calls me uneducated, she sounds uneducated herself. She also sounds bitter about not being able to have children. I feel bad for her child, lord knows how she treats him/her.

I think it takes a special person to be a surrogate. I am not saying everyone can do it or should do it, but I feel I can and if I can I want to help a family have a child, biologically.

Adoption is wonderful. My daughter is eventually going to be adopted by M after we get married (he has to purpose first) so I am all for adoption!! But some prefer biology. Its all PERSONAL preference.

Grow-up people. Don't leave mean comments on my blog anymore.


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"PPD"

Why are some most women looked down upon for admitting they have or feel that they have postpartum depression or the "baby blues"?

I will be the first to admit that after the birth of my beautiful little angel I had a little case of the babyblues [bb]. I cried, alot. I had anxiety attacks that kept me from sleeping & I had hard time asking for help (my aunt had come in town for the soul reason to help me out for a week) I felt overwhelmed. I was a SR in college, so this was an issue.

I called my Dr, he got me right in & told me it was perfectly normal, praised me for actually calling him. Gave me some meds for my anxiety & monitored me.

After 2.5 weeks, I no longer needed meds and I was sleeping on my own again.

I don't think that the little bout of PPD/babyblues makes me any less of a mother. I think I am a stronger person for 1) calling my Dr. 2) getting it under control 3) being strong enough to talk openly about it.

I know Brooke Sheilds has a book out about her struggle with PPD called "Down Came the Rain" . Her Struggle was far far worse than I can ever imagine. She contemplated suicide and didnt bond with her daughter, Rowan, at first. I never had suicidal thoughts and I instantly bonded with E. I have heard wonderful things about Mrs. Sheilds book and when I am done with the book I am currently reading I plan to read hers.

PPD or the BB is nothing to be ashamed of & I feel that a lot of women feel that they should be ashamed of it and not talk about it.

I plan to have more children (1 maybe 2), God willing, one day. Then if my health & age permits (& If my husband is okay with it as well) I would like to be a surrogate, once. Its not a guarantee that I will have the same experience with all my pregnancies & I am not going to let the fact that for a few weeks after delivery I was "sad" deter me from having more children and helping another family achieve their dream of having a child in the future.

For more info on PPD & how to get help you can visit this website


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Tag! You're It!"

So the rules for Kreativ Blogger are:
1. List 7 things about myself others might not know.
2. Award 7 people with the award.

So I have gotten this award before... But I am honored to have been awarded, again!! Thx Jess .

1. I am ALWAYS cold... it can be 90degrees outside & I will more than likely have/be in a sweatshirt... That's the truth.

2. I like OJ w.LOTS of Pulp.

3. I want to see the shuttle launch in person at KSC before they do away w.the program.

4. I would rather wash dishes (by hand), mop the floors, vacuum, dust, etc then put away laundry.

5. I make lists (almost daily)... and hate when I don't cross everything off by the end of the day.

6. I hate change but I am about to make the biggest change ever and I am excited about it.

7. I believe happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

**I am going to Tag: Hayley , Katie , Elizabeth , BB (Courtney) , The Urban Cowboy , Ashley & Erin ENJOY YALL ;)

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NEW MOON COUNTDOWN: 4 days - Just sayin is all :)

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!

-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Thanksgiving Thursday"

There is ONLY 14days (2 weeks) till Thanksgiving.

So for the next 2 Thursdays I want to do a list of the things I am thankful for.

This week I want to do it with a twist.

The twist: @ first I did not quite see it as blessing, but in the end it was.

- Not finding a [fulltime] job after graduating college... this was a blessing b/c it led me to look into GRAD school. I start in 76 days!!! God works in mysterious ways. :)

- M moving back to PA... this was a blessing b/c it brought us so much closer together and showed us how strong our relationship really is.

- Moving back home when I was 20+wks preg... I know this was almost 2 yrs ago now but @ first I was mad about this but now I am more than THANKFUL I had a great support system when I needed it the most. My daughter got to know her family (and extended family... ie my friends who are her aunties and uncles) & I got to REALLY discover who I am as a person.


I am going to stick with three for today...

Now its YOUR turn!!! Give me some things your THANKFUL for but with the TWIST... G-O-!


Stay tuned to see how we do it next week!!! When the count will be t-miuns 1week till TURKEY and FOOTBALL & MACYS TGIVING DAY PARADE!!!!


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"I was bawling like a baby"

...When I saw this video... this reminds us that even the littlest of us are affected too... Grab some Kleenex!!!



HAPPY VETERANS DAY to all that have served & THANK YOU to all currently serving.


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Love Letters"

Dear Veterans,

THANK YOU for your service to this wonderful country. My words can't even come close to how thankful I am for you. I was raised in a military family so I do know how much you really do give. Today is YOUR DAY!

Lots of love,

KS

ps- baby I LOVE you soo much!! Thank you for being my HERO! Thank you for your service to this country!! Thank you for "just doing your job" the day you got shot. You deserved your Purple Heart. I love you. Happy Veterans Day!!!

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Dear Swine Flu,

You scare people, me included. But your vaccine scares me even more, for some reason I don't trust it. My gut says no way jose! So please stay far far away from me and my family!

Onk Off,

Concerned Citizen

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Dear Head Cold,

You hit me like a moving bus Sunday night/Early Monday AM & you suck so bad. You make me irritable, my taste buds are all out of whack & my head feels as if it might explode. Trying to keep up w.a toddler normally is exhausting, but doing it while sick is even more exhausting. I would like for you to politely go away & with out getting my baby girl sick. I don't need her sick.

Kthxbye.

Sick Mommy in need of some pampering

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Dear Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ida,

You are very very UNFASHIONABLY late to the party. Did you miss the memo that hurricane season ended like umm 11 days ago. You are so disappointing, plus you were so fickle, first a tropical depression, them storm then Hurricane Cat 1,2,1 then back to a TS. LAME! If you're gunna come late, do it right, honey. Oh well you seem to be the last one of the season.

You hear that Florida? You can BRING ON FALL now,

FL Resident Jaded by Hurricanes/TS

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Dear Traitor aka Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan,

You deserve to be hanged in public. I would attend. I am disgusted by you. If you were "conflicted" then you should have killed yourself. You should have never harmed anyone else. You are NOT a hero, I don't care what "they" tell you. What made you join the US MILITARY in a time of war if you are radical Muslim? You killed 13 INNOCENT people and wounded 29. This veterans day I sure is very emotional. I hope you get what you deserve.

Signed,

a DISGUSTED daughter,granddaughter, niece, girlfriend, friend & cousin of MEN who served or are serving in the US military

ps- I have not read enough about the Orlando Shooter to write him a love letter. it will come I promise!

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Dear OPI Nail Polish,

I love you & all your options. Esp your darker colors, I feel so edgy when I wear them. Makes me urn for cooler weather even more!! Please Fall come to us!! I officially sick of the 80s.

Missing my Boots & Sweaters,

Kelli-Sue

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Dear Green Bay Packers,

You broke my heart into soo many pieces Sunday. How could you give that game away? TO THE WORST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE?! You had that game! It was yours! What happened? I am sad. Heart broken. Please redeem yourselves. Soon. I will ALWAYS be a fan but please come back to me with a BIG FAT WIN!!!!

Lovingly,

A heartbroken fan in serious need of a WIN

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Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"New Chapter"

45 days till Christmas... 46 till I move outta my parents house, it been 2 years coming... 78 till my first day of grad school.

It hit me like a ton of bricks last night that in less then 2 months I am going to be starting a new very exciting chapter in my life.

Usually I am not a fan of change but I am actually looking forward to this one. A lot of things are going to happen & change so quickly, for both E & myself. But they are for the best.

Not to mention in TWO short years I will have my MASTERS degree in Early Childhood Development & Special Education. I am so eager to get into a classroom both for my studies & to be the one teaching.

People say when you start a new chapter in life you should completely start off fresh & new. I understand the reasoning behind that but there are some aspects of my current life I want to take w.me when I start my new life.

For starters my bestfriend is like my security blanket. I don't want to start my new journey w.out her. I tell her everything as it happens. We have done such a good job staying close when we don't live close & I hope that can continue.

My family is another thing. This needs no explanation.

Other than those two very large things, I feel like I have been in a sort of limbo lately and haven't really been living just kind of going though the motions and in 46days I will begin to really live.

E will have TWO parents full time, versus getting daddy for a few days every couple of months. I am so excited for her to have that, every child deserves TWO parents that love them. I know M is excited about being a full time daddy too.

I am anxious to see how everything pans out, I know there will be an adjustment period. M & I have talked about that, we are expecting it and are ready to take it head on.

Trust me yall, it will all become material for this here blog.

Also on another note, I might be changing my name from Urban Cowgirl soon. My URL will not change but rather my blog name as Urban Cowgirl will soon not be fitting. I will keep you all in the loop. I might even take suggestions. We shall see.

**Have you ever started a New [life] Chapter? How dod you feel just before you began to "write" that new chapter in your life?**

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Happy Birthday!"

Happy 234th Birthday Marines!



For all the [special] Marines in my life:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Normal people have 1 birthday... Marines have 2.

If you have already celebrated I hope you were S A F E. If you are Celebrating tonight or this weekend... please be safe, but have one HELL OF A GOOD TIME! (DRINK 1 for ME!)

SEMPER FI...


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Q&A"

Hey yall. Sorry I have been MIA. I found myself in a funk. I hit a bloggersblock if you will.

But back in Oct. I asked all of my readers to ask me questions. They could have been Anom. or with your name.

I was expecting a lot of questions. Well I got just a few (3) so then I asked my twitterfam too! Well I only got two from them. So below are the 5 questions yall have asked.

Please feel free to ask me anything and I will save them and when I get enough (about 5) I will post the answers.

On to the questions at hand:

**Comment Questions**

-Why do you blog?
I started my blog as a way to update people on the progress of my pregnancy. I was having some placenta/blood flow to baby problems where she was not growing. I was having Dr. apts weekly by 30wks & ultrasounds every other week. It was just easier to blog and have everyone read it then have to tell & re-tell everyone what the Drs were saying about E. At one point we thought they were going to take her 8 weeks early she wasn't growing and barley weighed 3lbs. I was a mess & I was lucky to have this blog b/c there was no way I was going to be able to re-tell that over and over. I was so worried about my baby. But As time has gone on I feel it has morphed into a place I go to express my feelings, vent about different things & throw my opinion in there. I am sure it will continue to grow and change as I grow and change.

-How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging since Feb 2008. So almost 2 yrs!!

-Whats your fav part of blogging?
I have a lot of favorites, some of which re the release I get from writing, I have never been the best writer but I am decent when I actually try and put my mind to it, I mean I have been a "writer" since sophomore yr in highschool when I was on yrbk staff- Although editing is more my thing, I digress. I like to blog b/c I can just let it all hang out good or bad, its really just another way to express myself-- that takes me to my next fav... MY READERS!! Good or bad they still read (I think! Yall do, right?!) Yall make blogging all worth it. Yall pick me up when I am down-- My next fav is reading all my favie blogs, without writing I would not have found all the AMAZING bloggers that I love so much... these are the SAME bloggers that pick me up when I am down & I try to return the love. I love my microscopic corner in the interwebs and I love everyone who drops by for a visit.

**Twitter Questions**

-Whats one regret/ whats one part of your life you could take back?
I have been thinking about this question, a lot. I have thought about numerous things I would possibly change. I keep coming to the same conclusion... NOTHING. NOT A THING. Yes GD was a huge mistake but I got the best most amazing gift from that mistake, E... and she WAS NOT by any means a mistake. Everything I have done & experienced in my life whether I liked the outcome or not. Wether I think "Man I wish I wouldn't have done that" all brought me to where I am today. Without my past decisions I might not have my pretty, I might not have met M, none-the-less be w/him. I might not be 80days from starting GRAD SCHOOL & being that much closer to my dream of teaching tomorrows future. Although I am not proud of everything I have done in my life I am proud of where I am now. So I wouldn't take back a single thing.

-Could you live w/o social media (bloging, twitter, fb, etc)?
In a word- NO. Sad isn't it. I have an iPhone. It is my life line. I almost had a freaking fit when I realized I forgot it at home last week when I took E to swim refreshers! I get a lot of local/national news from social media. I stay in touch w.people who live all over the country via social media. I connect with other mothers, some I know most I don't and get tips and tricks on how to deal with temper tantrums, finicky eaters, etc... All sorts of things. Sometimes it can cause drama but most of the time it is a wonderful tool. If these sites are used correctly there is no limit to what you can do with them or who you can connect to!


I hope you enjoyed this little peak into my head. Feel free to ask more as you think of them or if you were to scared or timid before remember you can do it anom. if you would like.


Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?