"Forealsies Friday"

Okay I am going to list a bunch of stuff that is FOREALSIES about me... and ONE thing that is for FAKSIES...

You can enter your guess in the mcklinky at the bottom of the post.

I am coming up on 200 posts (next week)- and will be doing a give-a-way so I want to learn how to use mcklinky before then, b/c I can use it for contests).

Have fun guessing!!

- I have an obsession w.hair products
- I am allergic to shrimp, there for all shellfish too
- I birthed a left handed child
- I am a cracker fiend
- My bachelors and (in process) Masters are completely unrelated
- I could eat chicken every night of the week
- I despise ham, even the smell makes me want to gag
- I Have been to all 50 states & have a magnet from each one
- I love reading, I can read a book in a day on my Kindle, but it takes me twice as long hardcopy, no idea why
- I don't like lettuce
- I have never been on a ferris wheel
- My favorite color is purple
- I am allergic to latex
- I was a [classical] dancer for 20+ years
- My desire to teach special needs children stems from my beautiful & talented nothing stands in my way, special needs niece
- I can not feel my middle finger on my right hand b/c it was almost severed in HS by a juice cup
- My bestfriend and I have been besties for over 20yrs
- I am a republican and proud
- I am pro-life
- I am glad its FRIDAY!

Only ONE is fakesies! The rest are forealsies!

Now tell me in the comments... did you learn something about me?

In the MCKLINKY take your guess... WHICH ONE IS FAKESIES!!! [head over to the BLOG to do so]

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***Exciting news peoples! Next week will be posting my 200th post!! Oh Em Gee!! So I am going to be doing a give away! But Im not telling you which day it is, you will have to come back next week to find out!!!***

Stay tuned!

Till then have a great weekend!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Toddler Thursday"

So as most [all] you know I am in grad school. Well we are in a unit on EARLY literacy, in my Early Lit. class. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Well for this particular class, I had to go observe a toddler class at a child care center, to look at all the different modes for early literacy in a toddler class room.

I was reluctant, seeing as I have my very own toddler at home. Haha. But its for a grade & it was a chance to get out of the house for a few hours.

I chose to do my toddler observation at the learning center that is affiliated with my college.

Lets just say when I got there it was NOTHING like I was expecting.

**Sidebar... the following was not included in my observation critique that I turned in for a grade... this is all blog fodder for my lovely freders!! /end sidebar**

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I was in the T1 room, these kids were 12-23mons of age- Minus one boy. He was 15 mons and in the INFANT room?

I was perplexed. -- Why was this TODDLER still in the infant room (Infants in child care are 6wks- 11 mons)? He came to the T1 room for snack, b/c they couldn't have solids in the infant room, and b/c the infant teacher used to teach toddlers for 22yrs (shes was 6mons from retirement) and thought he needed to socialize with other kids his own age; seeing as for the time being he was the ONLY one in the infant room. The other 2 children are 10 & 11 mons & are both sick.

I took it upon myself to ask his teacher. I figured I could ask just about anything, I was here 'learning' and they knew that and would prolly ask just about anything because of that.

Me: Ms. B, is it too forward if I was too ask why Samuel is still in your room?
Ms. B: No honey, he is in my care still, b/c of his mothers request, as you can see I think it is silly-
Me: Mother's request?
Ms. B: yes, apparently when he moved up to this class from infant he got hit on day 1, so she requested to the director he move back down.

[while she is telling me this story- Sam is in the middle of beating the crap out of Olivia w.a rubber hammer (!!!)]

Me: Is that so?
Ms. B: Apparently [while rolling her eyes]
Me: Well HE is beating Olivia with a hammer right now [points to the said action]

He is being held back socially by being in the infant room. It is terribly sad.

According to the director, who I spoke with before I left, told me by law he can ONLY be in there until they get another infant, which will be in 2 weeks. They will be getting a 5 month old and at that time they will be moving him to the MT [mixed toddlers] room. That room varies in age from 16mons- 3 yrs.

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I was excited, after I got past my hesitation, to see how other toddlers act. It was nice to know that E is not the only one who has listening "issues".

Example #1:

Ethan hit Jade-- the teacher says to Ethan "Ethan we don't hit girls, please say you're sorry" (keep in mind these children are ALL under 2 yrs old, they barely talk, and if they do, it isn't well. Which surprised me b/c E talks very well & she isn't quiet 2 yet) Ethan mumbles something I am sure is supposed to be sorry and walks away... not longer then 3 minutes later he hit Lukas! In his defense, He did not hit a GIRL this time.

Miss Lisa should have said: "Ethan we don't hit our friends (thats what they call ALL of their classmates "friends"- as to not single anyone out) it's not very nice"

I am the only adult who saw him hit Lukas, so I walked over to the boys and I had a little quiet talk with them about hitting; Before I walked away I asked them if they understood me, they both said something that resembled yes. I was pleased. So were both of their teachers. They both praised me (so did Ms. B, who was still in the room with her "infant")

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Example #2:

Miss Lisa [ML]: Alrighty kiddys!! Lets line up by the gate (babygate) for snack!! [Not a single child moves]
Miss Lisa's Aide: [Physically putting children in line] Snack time!!

I asked ML if I could try something b/c I used to work w.toddlers in child care in 2007. She said of course.

I sang this little song about snack time. I felt 9 pairs of eyes immediately on me- good sign.

Then I asked "Who's belly's want snack?" (not every child will know what the word hungry means yet)

Everyone but Maggie raised their hands. I said "Okay lets get line so we can wash our hands... we don't want our germs to eat snack with us, do we?" They all shook their heads no.

Success~

The two teachers were in awe! They kept saying "Can we hire you, NOW?" It was a great feeling.

I didn't realize how much I missed working [in childcare till I was in that setting]. I know that I could never work doing anything else unless it was with children. I am so lucky I found my calling. I just want to speed this process up!!

They are short a few teachers, I would gladly work there, but there are two factors... 1) They wouldn't pay me enough to put E there (or anywhere else) full time 2) Or enough to make it worth my while. All my pay would go to pay for E's childcare. I would get a discount for being a student at the affiliated college -or- being an employee, not both.

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Example #3:

During Snack time Judas was sitting next to Olivia. They were having apple slices & milk. Yum. Well apparently Jude eats extremely fast, like nascar fast. Well even if the children finish they are still expected to sit at the table with the rest of their friends. I guess Jude was still hungry b/c he took it upon himself to help himself to Olivia's apple's, but he hadn't touched his milk!!

ML was engaged with Maggie who was not interested in eating but very thirsty. I nudged ML as to not draw too much attention to the situation at hand. ML sent her aide to deal with Jude, this seems to be an everyday occurrence (!!!).

Aide: Jude please don't take Olivia's snack
Jude: Mine
Olivia is drinking her milk, doesn't seem to care
Aide: I think that we might need to talk to mommy about this if it continues. Please don't take Olivia's snack, anymore
Jude: Mine

As I am watching this situation unfold, I say to ML, "Maybe he is just very hungry. There are extra apples. What is the centers policy on more snack?' "There is no policy, its by class" -Very enlightening...

ML walks over to jude

ML: Jude would you like some more apples of your own?
Jude: tes
ML: Okay [gives him 3 more]

Problem solved.

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Finally-

since the playground is snow covered... screw you snow! & it was raining... Outside play was not permitted... ya think? They have this area called the "Village". This place blew my mind! It was incredible. It is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a miniature village and everything is labeled in big bold lettering.

There is: a beauty parlor, a home environment, a bookkeeping & law office, Doctor’s Office, A mechanic’s garage and a police and fire station. Numerous ride-in cars and a road to ride them on, a telephone booth, building blocks and risers to sit on that surround a tumbling area.

It was really a great place for the children to run and get their energy out, esp after snack time.

But... theres ALWAYS a but... it was chaos, pure chaos! The MT room and the T1 room where in there and right before I left the T2 room arrived! 20 TOODLERS ages 12-36mons & only 5 teachers (not including myself) in ONE area!!!

I could not believe my eyes. As the MT teacher who is a 21y/o undergrad said "Talk about BIRTH CONTROL". I chuckled and told her I have one at home, she looked at me wide-eyed and said "You must be joking" I just looked at her. She said that I was brave and walked to brake up a mini-wrestling match. Srsly!

I can't even begin to tell you ALL of the things I saw for the 30 mins I stayed in the Village- I wish I had a video camera- it would've gotten a bazillion hits on youtube.

But I can say this... I was glad to come home to MY TODDLER.

When I walked in the door she ran up to me and said "you home mama" and huged my legs. I melted in to a pool of love right there.

I LOVE children. I am glad I found my calling & I do miss childcare.

I am going to TEACH and MOLD young minds, but I am going to teach and mold America's 5 or 6 year olds! K or 1st grade for me!

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Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned... Its full of FUN & WIN

Next week we will be back to our normal "Convo w.a Toddler"

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"The What-Ifs Wednesday"

The 'what-ifs' in life can cause someone to go crazy!

Always wondering.

"What-If...

-I wouldn't have gotten pregnant by HIM...
-I wouldn't have chosen this career path...
-I would have said yes to that offer for GNO & not stayed in...
-I went to a different college...
-I never married Him/Her...
-I never said that...
-I never walked in on them...
-I never OVERheard that conversation...
-I was a smaller/larger size...
-S/he said no...
-WHAT IF LIFE WAS DIFFERENT


After something in your life happens [good or] bad, sometimes, I am sure you have found yourself wondering... "What-If".

I have also found myself just thinking about random things thinking... "what-if", but I try not to think about the "what-if's" and just do what I feel is right for me, but its hard not to wonder, its human nature. I also try to make the decision that won't leave me wondering "what-if"...

I want to hear from yall... if you're in a reader you will need to click here to go to blogger to participate.

Okay!

Glad to see you over here... No head on down to mcklinky and leave your most recent -or- your most nagging "what-if" moment.

I want to hear them!! I love hearing what yall have to say!!!

As I get more of ahang of mcklinky I will use it more often!! I love interacting w.my lovely readers!

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I just love sounds, b/c I am a huge dork, so this week all my blog titles are all alliterations!!

Tomorrow I am going to veer off from "Convo w.a Toddler" a little bit, so make sure you check back in too see how its been altered!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Temptation Tuesday"

When someone tells you not to do something it makes it even more tempting and appealing. Just like when God told Adam & Eve not to eat from the Garden of Eden & that he would provide for them... what did Eve do... yup she ate that apple. Temptation has been around since the beginning of time, its not a new thing.

Temptation is everywhere. Wether it be that delish bakery up the street, when you're trying to shed 5lbs, that adorable pair of boots when your trying to save some dough or cheating on a spouse/SO with that hawt new coworker or new neighbor that just moved in down the street.

It is everywhere. esp with all this Tiger Woods BS. He gave into the many temptations that were laid at his feet b/c of his social situation.

I feel like he made it okay, when it clearly is not.

Temptation is the desire to do something, esp. something wrong or unwise.

[Usually] after you give into the temptation you feel horrible, asking yourself, "Why did I do that?" "Why did I eat that or spend that money"

Nothing is worth that feeling.

-As for the sweet treats at the bakery, maybe limit yourself... to half.
-The shoes try to find a cheaper version, b/c lets face it, theres always a cheaper version.
-But when it comes to adultery I have very strong feelings. IT IS WRONG. If you are no longer happy in your relationship you have two choices: FIX IT & get happy again or leave. DON'T CHEAT. There's NO grey area when it comes to cheating. I myself have been hurt by being cheated on, I have seen cheaters hurt my friends & I have seen it not only hurt the cheater and the victim as well.

This has been a topic of discussion before on this blog and my freaders had alot to say, thats why I LOVE YOUR FACES SO MUCH, keep the comments coming!!!

This is not just about cheating. It's simply about giving into temptations & the lessons learned after giving into said temptations.

Maybe you feel so tempted you remove yourself from the situation to keep from giving in. You stop driving by the bakery or going to the shoe store.

Just because it seems attainable does it mean you should do it? Just because you think you wont get caught cheating on that big midterm paper, should you and your buddy cheat?

Temptation is everywhere we look nowadays, esp. with iPhones & Blackberries, FB & Twitter.

I am not perfect, I have given in to things i know I shouldn't have, but I have learned from those mistakes. I am a Christian, I know that temptation is the devils work, as hard as it can be to say no, I pray for strength. Although not everyone has the same beliefs as I do, and that is fine. So someone might deal with temptation in a different way than I do.

Just when you think the grass is greener... you 'hop the fence' & realize that the grass really isn't greener, it was just a mirage. You find yourself wishing you were back on the other side of the fence, sometimes going back, just isn't an option.

EVERYONE has given into some kind of temptation at one point in time, as no one is perfect.

**Feel free to leave an anom. comment, tell me what kind of temptation have you given into that you wish you wouldn't have? Did you learn a lesson from giving in? I would love to know**

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I hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday...

I'm gunna get yall involved tomorrow, I'm pretty excited, so make sure to check back then...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not have multiple breakdowns last week that started with my toddler deciding that getting naked during her nap and going pee & poop in her crib was a stellar idea! and Then getting it everywhere was an even better idea. This was NOT THE SECOND TIME SHE HAS DONE THAT. It was gross, I did not cry while having to clean it up or while bathing her.

-I did not STAND in front of the coffee pot and wait and wait wondering why it wasn't brewing only to realize after a good 7 mins that IT WASN'T PLUGED IN that I had plugged the iced tea maker in instead. (!!!) I am way sharper then that!

-I did not spend ALL day saturday searching my college's online library looking for 4 professional journal article's for 4 assignments in ONE of my classes. After searching & searching, success did not FINALLY ensue me. I then did not spend the rest of the day reading 1 of the 4 articles and then writing a critique and part of Sunday. It feels good to be done with it. I am going to edit it today and possibly start the second one which isn't due for over a month, I don't want to stay ahead.

-I did not call M by his first name repeatedly to get a point across, forgetting that our adorable toddler REPEATS everything, and she DID NOT then proceed to call him by that ALL WEEKEND instead of "dada" it was NOT as cute as it sounds, I assure you.

-I did not beg M (& Andy) to take me to Chick-Fil-A before going to Hooters for the UFC fight Sat Night, so I could get a CookiesNCreame Milkshake, I did not walk-in to Hooters like I owned that joint being like the only girl (besides the waitresses) with my shake. No one said a word to me, for I am sure, fear of their life, b/c I am THAT ferocious.

-I did not have to get up early Sunday b/c the fighter I picked to win, lost Sat. Which is totally effed up, b/c he was totally 'favored' to win. I NEVER go for the favored guy, I ALWAYS go for the underdog and was going to but M (and the general male population of hooters) told me I was dumb so I went against my gut & LOST, did I mention out of ALL the fights I did not only pick 2 loosers- ugh. Ended up waking up w.@ 2,4 & finally at 6, after getting home at 1. It sucked, I made SURE the coffee pot WAS plugged in.

**What did you NOT do this week? Let me know** -- Use the little Linky thing there at the bottom and LINK yourselves!! I want to know what you didn't do this week!!



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I just love sounds, b/c I am a huge dork, so this week all my blog titles are all alliterations!!

Check back tomorrow... You know you're curious now to see tomorrows...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Judgments"

Have you ever been guilty of judging someone the minute you looked at them?

I know, as a woman, sadly, I have. Do men scrutinize other men as badly as women do other woman? [My male readers please step-up and let us know!]

I started grad school last month & due to illnesses (of teachers) & my first ever SNOW days we missed 2 consecutive weeks.

Last night when I went to my last class of the week I looked around at all the faces, by at this point in the semester, should be familiar to me aren't.

I remember a month ago, on the first day of class, being the first person I in my class, so I like to be early... But as the other students... females walked into the room I found myself judging them, without even realizing it.

I immediately thought to myself "I don't like her b/c of X, Y & Z" WTF is all that about? I was raised NOT to do that. As a christian you are supposed to love everyone no matter what. I didn't know these women from Eve, yet I already was forming opinions from their "covers".

I am not proud of this. But it happened, I am by no means perfect. I work very hard daily to make myself a better person. I want to be the best person I can be, not only for myself, but I want to be a positive role model for E.

But after we did our introductions, of who we are & where we came from & why we came into this profession; I found that I was very off base on my judging & that I in fact shouldn't have been judging those woman to begin with.

Last night was entirely different, knowing what I know about them, there was no judging, just understanding & curiosity. We got a small peak into their lives a month ago w. the introductions, but as the class unfolds and we go about the semester you learn more and more about your classmates (b/c with only 7 people in my class, it makes it easy to get to know them).

I hope now that I am conscious that I did this I can stop it from happening in the future.

**Can you relate to doing something similar to this too? Or Maybe you were the one being judged? Let me know!**

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I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend, I will be starting on a 15pg research paper & some professional journal "responses" THANKS Grad school for all the homework & trying to cram 2 weeks of missed school all in... really thanks, we DON'T have lives outside of school!

Come back on Monday b/c you know that means "Not Me Monday" ...!!!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends, if not we should be

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Sharing is a habit I want to instill in not just E but in all my [future] children, its a good habit & teaches good life skills. Normally she is pretty good at it, but she is still learning, being that is isn't quite 2 yet (yes that is my excuse for EVERYTHING, when she is doing something less then stellar). Anyhow These next 3 "convos" all 'highlight' the little issue we've been having with sharing lately.

As most all of you know I am an only child by birth. I have 2 step-sisters & 1 1/2 sister (for more info on the ppl that play a role in my life go here ). Well Jessica doesn't children she just got into OSUCOD & Des is too young @ 10 y/o!! So the only other child E has had to "compete" w.for attention from grandparents is MG, Alicia's 4 y/o daughter. My dad & Jane have custody of her, so MG see's them 24/7, so when E would come over she would 'stand-down' so there really wasn't a competition for attention. Well... this past weekend I went w.M's family (His mom/dad/sis/BIL& their 2 kids) to their beach house in DE to check it for damage from the two snow storms that had just passed (none- Thank goodness!). Needless to say competition/jealousy (even though E sees them 24/7 she doesn't understand to 'stand-down') was at an all time high between E & Jori.

-While bop was holding Jori-
E: NOOO!! My bop! [pulling on his legs, almost crying]
Me: [shocked by her jealousy] E you need to share Bop...
Bop: I have room for both of you girls... come here
E: Bop walk... walk bop!! pay meme pay
Jori: Lets play with our baby dolls
Me: Thats a good Idea honey. E go get your baby dolls
E: [grabs the 2 babies that we brought down with us] My 2 babies (2 is her favorite #)
Me: Would you like to share a baby with your cousin?
Jori: Its okay I have a baby, see
E: TWOOOO babies!!! Baba? (baba= pacifier)
Me: Your baba is in your purse over by boobo over by the fire place.
E: My car!
She forgot about her 'baba' when she saw booboo playing with the tractor
Me: E you can play with the backhoe, okay?
E: K mama pouting. Me want up. [starts to grunt- boo got picked up by grammy]
Me: Your a big girl you don't need to be held
E: Bop... up

She knows where/ who to go to, to get her way. She always had to be in the center of the action. Here's a shot of Bop & all 3 grandkids:



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Sunday M purposed. I accepted w.out a second thought, but being a single mom I did tell him that he needed to ask E if it was okay, if he married me. The only problem? She was at a hockey game with M's parents. So when she got home I took E from Grammy & said E dada has to ask you something:

M: Can I marry mama?
E: No! My mama!!! [hugs me tight]
Me: Oh honey I'll still be your mama
E: Oh
Me:Yah, I will ALWAYS be you mama. NOTHING will ever change that sweet girl.

a little later after her bath

M & Me: Would you like a new last name? [M will adopt her after we're married]
E: YESSSSS mamadadamama!!!!!
Me: Well then you have to let me marry dada
E: Ok
M: So I can marry your mama?
E: Yes dada

I am glad we have her blessing! What a silly girl. - We only had 478 days to convince her-

& Lastly:

Yesterday afternoon she was having her snack, goldfish. She LOVE LOVE LOVES goldfish. This kid could prolly live on them. I was putting the dishes away and the box was sitting on the counter and I grabbed a few (like 3) and kept on with the dishes. Then decided "man I want some of these" After I was done with the dishes I got some goldfish:

E: NOOOO mine uhhhuhh!!! [if outsiders heard this they prolly thought I was killing her]
Me: You have some & so does mama. It's okay to share your crackers E. There are plenty
E: No mama... Memmy's!!!
Me: E you know how to share. When you're done with those [pointed to her tray] you may have some more
E: Yes mama [shoved all of them in her mouth] More peeese
Me: I think you are done. You need to just drink your juice and get down and play
E: Meme's Cup

The same thing happened after dinner when M had some [regular] crackers & PB. We had a serious talk, It seems to be better today. I can only hope. This is not a phase I am enjoying.

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Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"We All Can't Be Rock Stars"

I am annoyed. There I said it.

Lately I have been coming across blog[gers] who have been talking/blogging about how they dont like hate reading about emo or downer blogs.

Well guess what?! E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E has bad day(s). It's inevitable. I'm not saying you have to write about it, but I am saying that not everyone is a frigging rockstar 24/7.

This isn't the fist time this has bothered me; Remember a few weeks ago how I mentioned here , about internet identities.

I personally don't care either way, If you're a rockstar good for you- I'm not.

I prefer to read blogs that are real. I know people have good days and bad. So when I read an "emo/ downer" post I can relate, b/c I too have days like that.

I have stopping subscribing to a few bloggers b/c I just couldn't take their constant complaining & whining. I have a toddler for that.

I love my current blog roll. Everyone of them has posted and emo post (myself included) and It didn't even phase me. I wouldn't have noticed till I started reading the bloggers I mentioned in the beg.

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Tomorrow's Thursday... Which means "Convo w.a Toddler"

Check back to see what my toddler & I have been talking about...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Strength"

There are A LOT of definitions for strength, but I am not talking about someone who can bench 500+lbs. This has nothing to do with that, I am talking about someone who possesses the following qualities [according to Oxford American Dictionaries]

Strength | stre NG (k) ; stren |
NOUN
1 The quality or state of being strong, in particular
*physical power & energy
*the emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult.

You might say yah well anyone can deal with "hard times" everyone has them, no biggie. Yah everyone does have them, this has to do w.how people deal with those hard times. This person, lets call her, Hannah, seems to have had more then most, in my opinion, very close together. It not only takes strength, but a whole lot of CLASS to face the situations how said person has.

I have seen her loose not one but two grandparents. Not one but TWO very close friends, one being a BEST FRIEND. One was no older then 19 and was lost to a rare cancer. The other was in his early 20's, lost tragically to a motorcycle accident. Shortly there after his mother who was very ill, passed. From my knowledge she was close to his family. Shortly after his mother passed his father did too. *[I know there are a few other passings, I am sry- I know Hannah reads this; They are not insignificant, I just have a bad memory]

She like other girls has had break-ups over the years. They hurt but she moved on, she was young. Until recently. She & her beau of over 3 years called it quits. There were many reasons, all leading to him. They lived together, they had mutual friends, etc.

Things ended & we all saw a different side of him, a side that we never thought we would see. A side that completely disgusted us. But that also let a side of Hannah shine through. A side I knew was there, but that she had tucked away the past 2 years.

They had been together for over 3 but there in the end her STRONG, INDEPENDENT side had started to peak though like a diamond peaks through coal. She has been such a class act. She has never once lost her cool. she has never once slung mud. When her ex came to gather his belongings with a co-worker an she stayed out of the way. They did not argue, did not cause a scene, b/c she did not pick a fight.

They have stayed cordial b/c of her relationship with his family. After 3+ years they too are like HER extended family. In this case the apple fell and rolled far from the tree b/c he is nothing like his family [expressing my opinion here- Don't hurt my friends!].

I admire how she has handled the situation, and herself. She has not curled up and "died". She has taken steps to re-decorate her home, slowly, as her budget allows. To help her create new memories. She has had a few "get togethers" & house guests (new memories). She has continued to live life, TO THE FULLEST. She even has multiple trips planed.

She has made the decision to 'find herself' before she 'finds someone else'. For that too, applaud her. I am one to not be alone & used to run to open arms. She is looking at herself, and learning herself. She is really doing it, this transition from a "we to me" has not & is still not easy for her. She is taking it day by day. She knows what to do on hard days, she has worked through them & now knows what to do when she has one. They are fewer now. She is doing a wonderful job on her [new] journey.

I don't normally do things like this but, I choose to highlight "Hannah" today, but to keep her identity secret [unless you know her personally], b/c my admiration for her is so tremendously high. I have told her, how much I admire her but I don't think she really understands. I thought this would be a good way to get my point across. I have notified her, to read today.

I have never been in her shoes, so I don't fully understand, I try but can't. I don't even pretend too, it's not fair to her. I have had bad break-ups, but never after a 3+yr relationship. I was happy about my divorce so no comparison there. I know if I was in her shoes I would not handle it as well or as classy as she. I am all about revenge. I'm very spiteful. An eye for an eye. Horrible I know.

We can all learn a thing or two from Hannah. If you know her, as I do, you know what I mean.

*Hannah... I am sorry that you have had to go trough the things you have in your life... you're so young [as am I... not trying to sound older/wiser/etc]. I wish you haven't. You're such a model of class & strength. Thank you. Your parents raised you well. You can only get classier & stronger from here!!!

...

You know what the rest of the week is... W-T-F

See you tomorrow...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not GET ENGAGED, to one of my bestfriends & loves of my life, M (NO ONE will ever bypass my bestie Hayls - ILY) We DID NOT pick a tentative date in June 2011.

...

I have GREAT things planed this week... comeback!!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Why I Love Valentine's Day"

Its not just about couples.

It's not "just a made-up holiday for the card/candy companies to sell cards & goodies.

It's not just about being in love.

It's a reason to make a normal day special.

A reason to wear red & pink; To have hand towels & placemats with little hearts on them.

I Tweeted about being the only person excited about vday... and I got responses about how can anyone afford to be excited? -- To that I say GET CRAFTY WITH THE KIDDOS!! Thats what I did. E & I made homemade Valentines. Not only was it a great way to have some bonding time w/E but crafts are GREAT for children, they get to be creative & use their hands.

We already had: crayons, markers, glitter, paint, paper, envelopes, brushes, glue, & stickers. The total cost of out valentines= the cost of a stamp.

I am also making red heart shaped sugar cookies on Saturday! I love bakinf with E, she has so much fun pouring all the ingredients into the bowl! Cost= $0.00. I already have all the ingredients. It takes like 4 ingredients to make them & most everyone has them already (you might need food coloring if you don't already have it).

I love explaining "my version"(or the version I was taught as a kid) of the "special day" (holiday) to E. I have been doing this since right after she was born. So now its like a tradition, I plan on doing this as long as she will let me & I hope that one day she will do the same for her kids.

I believe that you shouldn't just celebrate love one day a year, that it should be celebrated 365days a year.

I think that Feb. 14 is a day just to highlight not just your better half but YOUR BETTER HALFS. I know that I would not be where I am today w.out my BESTS. So I want to celebrate THEM & I WANT THEM TO KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM & HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO ME & E.

I love my family & friends, more then words can describe. I want my daughter to feel that kind of love... ALWAYS, not just on February 14! E has changed my life & my outlook on life. I love her so much.

I won't even be with M on Vday till Sunday evening (a work night)... I will be in DE w.his family. We're leaving to go to their other house (in about an hr)... to check the damage(s) from the Blizzard & will be gone till Sunday night, so Im not just saying all this b/c "I have a Valentine". Im saying it b/c its how I feel.

The holiday's are more for E now. Its all about making sure she enjoys them! Being positive for her!!

I have ALWAYS loved ANY holiday but I love them even more now b/c I get to see them through the eyes of a beautiful child... what better way?

...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY WEEKEND!

EAT SOME CANDY & SPOIL YOURSELF!

Valentines Day Countdown: [2days]


Come back Monday for "Not Me Monday" ... It a GREAT way to start the week & you can laugh @ me! what's better then that? (Preview: I've already fallen due to 30in of snow!)

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

E is coming up on 24mons [2yrs] eek! She likes to imitate E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G she see us [mainly me] do. Whether it be unload the dishwasher, switch the clothes from one machine to the other. Vacuum, etc. You get it. I am mainly speaking of "homely" duties. She doesn't just imitate those, she dances when I dance, Laugh when I do etc...

But what I find the cutest is when she is little Susie home-maker. Monday AM when I was folding her laundry on the floor of the family room, I picked up half of her clothes to take them to her room- when I returned clothes were slung all about the fam. room:

Me: Little miss!!!
E: I do it mama. [Sitting in the middle of the mess of clothes]
Me: You made this mess? After mama folded ALL your clothes all pretty?
E: I pretty, mama. Socks! Socks! [Holding up socks]
Me: Would you like to help mama re-fold your clothes hon?
E: yes mama. I help do it. Peeeese.
Me: Here big girl but these shirts on top of that one there [showing here where to 'stack' the shirts]
E: Meme big gorl! Meme! [stands up and spins in a circle]
Me: E is a big girl. Smooch?
E: [bends down for a kiss]
Me: Want to carry these to your room w/mama?
E: Yes mama. [hands her a pair of jeans and socks]
Me: Thank you doodlee

...

Tuesday afternoon E's godfather Andy came over for & babysat for 2 hrs so I could run out and get a few things done. Knowing the impending Blizzard was on it way and things would be shutdown for days, I needed to get a few things. It was easier & quicker to do it sans toddler. I love how much E loves Andy "Chip". I told her while we were doing our Valentines day crafts [round 2] Uncle Chip was coming to play:

Me: Guess who is coming to play today?
E: CHIP! CHIP! CHIP!!!
Me: Yep thats right. It's bc you've been such a good girl & b/c uncle Chip misses you!!
E: Chip Play Me!!! Yayyyy!!!! [claping her hands bouncing in her booster seat- no longer crafting- haha]

**KnockKnock**

E: CHHHHHHIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! HERE!!!!! Mama!!!!!
Me: Use your inside voice, please
E: Peeese down
Me: Go get him baby girl
E: kank you mama?
Chip: Hey ladies
E: Chip walk
[once playing in E's room- I walked in there to give E kisses & say bye]
Me: I'm heading out, smooches?
E: K bye mama [barley looking up from playing I get a half smooch]
Chip: See ya soon
Me: Bye bye
E: go bye bye mama [waving behind her head]

Im glad she doesnt cry when I leave, but a little something would be nice, geez!

& Lastly:

Wednesday night, as I have mentioned before, I let E be independent, it's part of growing up. With her being soooo picky with her eating/food choices, I have been doing whatever I can to get her to EAT. So when she asked begged me to used a fork at dinner, when up to this point she has refused to use one, I was iffy.

E: mine uhhhuhh [holds up her fork]
Me: You want to use this tonight?
E: Yes mam. Peeese?
Me: Are you going to actually eat or are you going to just play?
E: Yes mama
Me: Yes you will eat? or Yes you will play?
E: Yes mama yummyy!!! Milk?
Me: Okay, fine you can use your fork for your chicken
E: yay!! [claps hands]
Me: Go ahead & ask dada to get you in your chair.

She ate ALL of her dinner & them some...WITH THE FORK... Correctly! Yay for Big Girls!!
...

Tomorrow's Friday- Yay!!

You know you want to check back in b.c ... I am going to tell you all why I love Valentines Day!!

Valentines Day Countdown: [3days]


Check back tomorrow... It won't be TOO mushy... Scouts honor... :)

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"House Arrest"

Two year olds have a ton of energy. I am not quite sure where it all comes from really.

Being from FL originally, after lunch I would open the back door and say "go play". Thats all it took eyes wide with excitement, E would wear herself out. A little climbing on the swing set, maybe a little swinging, definitely some sliding. It was a combination of the heat, humidity and activity that purely wore her out.

Then it was inside for some coloring in her highchair or playing with her ponies while watching a video then NAP-TIME. Nothing is better then the all glorious nap-time. We had it all down to a science, really.

That was until, we moved. We moved to the arctic, better known as PA, a few days after Christmas. We moved because I was starting graduate school in January, as you all know. We wanted to get settled in, get back into our routine, you know how it goes.

Well I forgot about snow that comes up to their waist, blizzards or just plain ole dreadfully COLD weather. E can't go out and play in that! Yes you can get out the snowsuit or layer the kids up but after ten minutes they are miserably cold and are ready to come in. So it's not even worth the hassle.

My child is wired, I see it in her eyes, cabin fever, and I feel as if I am on house arrest. The freezing temperatures and layers of snow are my ankle bracelet trapping me.

We play soccer inside but the fear of something breaking cuts the game short. E is small so she can run, but running indoors is so different from running outside, the fresh air seems to just pull all that excess energy out of children. It stays bottled up inside of them no matter how much they [children] play indoors.

Spring I call to you like a long lost pair of skinny jeans. The sooner you come and bring warmth, melt all this wretched snow the sooner I regain my sanity and the sooner my toddler regains her calm afternoons of coloring and tiredly asks for an early bedtime.

Oh how I feel I have served my sentence, I am ready to be released from house arrest!

...

I just love HOLIDAYS... no matter how BIG or little. I want E to love them too.

SOOO: Valentines Day Countdown: [4days]

Its not just about couples. Its about Love in general. I love my family & friends & I want my daughter to feel that kind of love... ALWAYS!!

Check back tomorrow... You don't want to miss Thursday's "Convo w/a Toddler" -- It seems to have "taken off" & a few ppl are doing it on their blogs & I love it [LINK BACK TO ME] . I am working on a "button" for "CWT" hopefully I will have it ready by tomorrow for yall to use on your blogs when you do your own "CWT"...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"QotD"

I have this great appon iPhone call QotD (Question of the Day) and it randomly gives you "deep meaningful to light playful" questions. Here are two that I came across when I was messing with the app the other day:



...

What Did you used to want, that you do not care about anymore?

This is kind of funny b/c I was just talking about this with my MIL. I majored in PR b/c I loved it [at the time], I was good at it; We ran a campaign for a non-profit & I rocked it on the Exec. team. I got a high being in a boardroom or lecture hall speaking in front of people. I wanted to be a PR executive sooo bad I could taste it. I could feel it. I would daydream about me in my suits on my phone with my briefcase blabbing to MY assistant. I wanted the BIG office, the multiple computers. The title & the paycheck that went with that title. But then one day something changed, I got pregnant earlier then I had intended, but it was part of GOD PLAN. You don't make the plan's he does. I realized, yes I am GOOD at PR but I was going to start a family [I realize you can have a HIGH powered career & a family too] but I wanted to be the one to raise MY family. I wanted to drop them off at school, pick them up, be at the sporting events or recitals/or meets [dance, musical or gymnastics] I wanted to see them grow. Have family game nights. I wanted to make a normal calendar day special, just b/c I love my family. I just couldn't see myself doing PR & being happy. With high power comes late nights, long hours & trips. Sitting in an office would be stifling, when I knew my family was at home, w/o me. Even taking my work home wouldn't be enjoy able to me. I finished my degree b/c there was no reason to turn back when I was 1 class (3 credits) short of finishing & graduated. I was lost. I prayed & prayed. I talked to people I trusted & I realized I wanted to TEACH: the hours are conducive to family life (I can BE THERE), I can help make a difference in the lives of children, No sitting in an office all day, I can be with them for EVERY HOLIDAY no excuses we're on the same schedule for ALL breaks, THIS IS WHERE MY PASSION IS- I can see myself doing this in 20, 30yrs & still be happy. Here we are today, I am in the process of getting my Masters degree in Early Childhood Development & Special Education. More education is ALWAYS the better idea.

...

&

...

If you could "have it both ways" rather then having to choose between one or the other, what would you have both ways? [don't worry about sounding selfish, greedy, materialistic, etc...]

I wish I could be both a SAHM/SAHW & Have my [as soon as I am done with the masters program] teaching career. I love keeping a house, making coffee every morning, doing the dishes while it brews & switching the laundry, folding it with NickJr or PlayHouse Disney in the background. I love making fun lunches for E & planning what's for dinner every night while I make my grocery list on Sunday's (back when I had my own place).

I have LOVED every single [even though I complain sometimes] second of raising E for the last [almost] 2 yrs. It has been BEAUTIFUL to watch her grow & learn. To watch her become her own little person & develop her own personality has been an amazing & breathtaking journey. I am excited beyond words for the next stage(s) in her life. I am so blessed that I am getting to be here for the tea parties, dress-ups, bubble-baths & bake-offs. I am so excited for all her life holds. The possibilities are endless.

But I am also thrilled that I have started a program that I love with all my being. Something I am so passionate about. I want to teach. I want to make a difference in the lives of many. I can't wait to walk into a classroom & that room be MINE. I can't wait to look into the faces of children who are so ready to learn. I can't wait to have the certification to teach children who have special needs. The children that God choose to be his extra special angels on earth. This is the path that after a lot of prayer and soul searching that I know he has chosen for me to go down. This is where god has lead me.

While I am teaching & making the difference in the life of someone else's beautiful gift, my angel will be in the hands of someone else. That is hard for me as the only "hands" she has ever been in have been mine, a few family members, her godmothers & godfathers (Andy), and 1 or 2 close "aunties". I know that I have 2 more yrs before I have to "let go" & when I do she will be 4 y/o & in preschool... Maybe closer to 5. 5 means KINDERGARDEN... Oy! No matter what she will go to preschool, before the big K- so its coming. Its part of [her] GROWING UP. Can I have a "stop time" please?

If I could only "have it both ways"...

Now freaders... Its your turn to answer the QotD...

What Did you used to want, that you do not care about anymore?

&

If you could "have it both ways" rather then having to choose between one or the other, what would you have both ways? [don't worry about sounding selfish, greedy, materialistic, etc...]

...

I just love *HOLIDAYS*... no matter how BIG or little. I want E to love them too.

SOOO: Valentines Day Countdown: [5days]

Its not just about couples. Its about Love in general. I love my family & friends-- I want my daughter to feel that kind of love, She will know how much she is loved... ALWAYS!!

Check back tomorrow... You never know what kind of shenanigans I have planned...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not think doing Valentines Day crafts/Homemade cards with paint, glue and GLITTER with E a good idea. It ended up being an epic FAIL.

-I did not suit E up & take her out to "play" in the snow & she did not cry when I plopped her down b/c she couldn't move b/c that snow did not come up to her waist. It was not over 2 feet of snow...

-I did not slip & fall right after watching E slip on Ice on the sidewalk, in front of the kitchen nook, "flashing" my MIL & FIL my "tramp-stamp" tat on my back. Classy. Real classy.

-I did not drink in, loving every second laying by the fireplace, cuddling with my 2 lovelies, while we didn't watch 4 epis of Go! Diego! Go!

-I did not switch from yahoo to gmail & love every minute of it. I did not realize that I would have to change my Email address on every site that I have EVER VISITED in my whole life. That did not take forever. I still am not convinced that I have gotten them all.

-I did not squee excitedly every time I placed a piece of wood in the fire Saturday... Sunday My FIL then did not think it necessary to teach me how to start MY VERY OWN FIRE! ::SQUEE::!!!

-I did not taste french toast for the FIRST TIME EVER & love it. Delish.

-I did not BUY my plane tickets for SPRING BREAK, to go hm & see my family, Sunday, when it's ONLY the 3rd week of school. I mean SB is not 33 days away. I am not counting. I would not do that.

-I did not enjoy a cup of vanilla joe by MY FIRE w/my honeys looking at the paper at different places to live; Talking about maybe buying and then when we move back to FL in 2 yrs, after I graduate, renting it out. We ARE moving back so don't freak out ppl. Its a great investment. Esp. when it's a BUYERS market. But M has to work for a few more months, at his new job before any serious decisions about moving are made. We knew we would live here till [late] Spring/Summer, so thats no surprise. We are more than welcome & we are happy & thats ALL that matters.

**What did you NOT do this week?**

...

I hope everyone had a delightfully [full] warm weekend, I DID. & has a wonderful week ahead, leading to Valentines day.

Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow. I have a FULL week planned.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Your Way... My Way"

Different Parenting Styles... are to be expected.



No two people parent the same way. The only problem with that is well... I'm [& E is] used to parenting alone.

M & I have only been living [& parenting] together for about a month and a half. Eek. In FL we didn't live together. He 'helped' but in the end I had final say, & even though E was younger then, she knew what was up.

We have been having little arguments tiffs about how I always step-in when M is doing something (ie: trying to calm E down when shes crying in the middle of the night, throwing toys, not eating, etc)

I know I do this, and I have been trying not to, but when I hear my child screaming bloody murder at almost midnight, for "mama". I am not going to just stay in bed. I am going to go intervene. He gets pissed & says "you're doing it again." I know he wants feel like daddy, w/o me stepping on his toes [all the time].

I have my way of doing things. I have been doing it that way for almost 2 yrs & E is used to it that way. I am very routine/schedule oriented. I had E on a routine by the time she was a month old, so its safe to say she is schedule oriented, too.

She [usually] gets up within 5mins of the same time everyday, including weekends. Takes 2 naps a day, at the same time(s) [w/in 5/10 mins]. She is in such a routine that, that is when she is tired, she doesn't fight me on it. We run our errands between her naps. Thats just how we've done things.

M thinks she should only have ONE nap a day b/c she is almost 2. We 'discuss' this the most on his early Saturdays and Sundays, when he's off.

I look at it this way: If she will still take 2, with out fighting it, then I don't see the problem with it. She is growing and she sleeps GREAT at night! So WHO IS IT HURTING? NO ONE!!! If she wasn't sleeping at night I would cut out her 3:30 nap but she sleeps great at night. As she always has.

When I worked at the daycare (back in mid-07, for 41/2 mons, before I was put on bedrest) the 2y.o room took 2 naps a day.

Im not [so] rigid that I let her naps run our lives. If we have plans w.friends or family & we miss nap time its no biggie. She will sleep in the car or go to bed early that night. But I do like to keep her on schedule as much as possible, if we are home. Its something THAT M HAS TO ADJUST TO, that's a first. So far there hasn't been much HE has had to adjust too.

He's also not used to getting up "early" (remember same time everyday, even on weekends) on Sunday's, his only day off. He's such a sweetheart & we switch off Sunday's (his idea) as to who goes & gets her up, so each of us gets to 'sleep-in' but either way you hear the monitor.

But I find myself groggily reminding him to change her diaper & brush her teeth. To that he replies "Either you go get her yourself or you leave it to me b/c I am fully capable hon"

I know I have to realize that HE IS FULLY CAPABLE & stop "doing it again", Its just so hard. He does things his way & I do things mine.

I leave E with him 2 nights a week when I am in school (I mean is parents are here too, but I know he makes her dinner, makes sure she eats it, bathes her*, puts her jams on, brushes her hair*& teeth & rocks her to bed). I don't worry [too much] while I am in class. I only send one "check-in" txt.

E loves her daddy, more times than not she will want him [over me] but she is used to it being just me her. It's gunna take longer then, a little over a month for her [& me] to get used to having two parents. So if she wants mama, he can't get mad, that I come in. But if she's not calling for me or he's doing it differently than I would I need to step back & let him do it.

When I made the decision to move I remember telling BB "Having another set of hands, eyes, HELP will be awesome. I will finally get to see what it's like to be part of a "team" She said "Uh huh if you LET HIM" Except It's been harder b/c I have been going behind him/ looking over his shoulder & I HAVE TO STOP.

Last night in bed during a Private Practice commercial he said "If E was mine, biologically, would you act the way you do?"

I didn't need to say anything, b/c we both knew the answer.

Like I wrote here , either he is dada or he isn't. This has been a lot harder for me than I thought it would be.



*He bathes her & brushes her hair afterwards, every night, thats part of their Daddy/daughter time. :)

...

I hope everyone has a great [WARM for those UP here in the North] weekend!!

Make sure you check back on Monday for "Not Me Monday" , It's a great way to start the week!!

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

xo
Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Toddlers are like sponges. They just soak up everything they see and hear.



Tuesday night M was putting E's little bookcase, for her DVD's & books together. It is very small, we are staying with M's parents for the time being, we've started looking for a place since M's new job rocks our world! I digress... her bookcase is small since E's room is what used to be her aunt Michelle's/the guest room. So In her room is a full sized bed and a dresser, all E's toys, all the toys that were already here for her cousins, Jori & Will- That includes the FULL kitchen set. Not to mention E's crib.

And while M was putting it together E wanted to help, naturally. So M told E to go get her Handy Manny tools, & with a quickness she did. She helped her daddy. Now all at once... AWWW.





Well this Morning I was drinking my coffee catching up on Y!News. Laughing @ some of the wacky headlines , when out of no where E said:

E: I fix it mama!! [grabs her toolbox & takes off for her room]
Me: [Calling from the family room to her room] You fix what hon?
E: My tools. I fix.
Me: [hearing banging & pounding- I get off my lazy butt & I peak in her room, she was fixing to bookcase like the night before with M] Oh you fix your bookcase?
E: yes mama. I fix it. [pointing to it] My dada. My dada.
Me: Yes you put that together with your dada, last night.
E: Meme big!
Me: E is a big girl.
E: [held her arms up like a big girl]
Me: I love you.
E: Yes mama. hug. hug.

...

Wednesday AM is when my WeightWatchers [WW] meeting is. I am not sure why I choose that day, but Wednesday was chosen back almost 2yrs ago when I decided I NEEDED to loose 65lbs. Going to WW is nothing out of the ordinary for E, as she has been going with me since she was 2wks old. It had snowed over night so when I woke up Wed. there was snow on the ground (about 1.5in) but I was in a hurry so I didnt mention it to E like I normally do. I just got her up & dressed so we [I] wouldn't be late. Once in the car on our way to the center:

E: Mama lookkkkk KNOW! KNOW! KNOWWWWWW! [how she says snow]
Me: Yep thats snow, Jack Frost decided to come for a visit last night.
E: Play know!! Play know... Me play! Uhhh uhhh!!!
Me: Use your big girl words, please.
E: Peeese play know.
Me: Thank you. Maybe after we get back home.
E: Ome now mama?
Me: We're going to Weight Watchers for mama then we will be going home, is that okay?
E: [I hear a HUGE sigh] Okay mama [in a very pouty voice]
Me: [pulling into a 15min parking spot] We won't be here very long. I promise. Ready to get out?
E: I walk? I walk?
Me: If you hold mama's hand.
E: No.
Me: If you don't hold my hand, you don't walk & you won't play in the snow when we get home.
E: hold mama!! I Hold. [makes kissy face.]

She wins, again.

This kid KNOWS how to A) WIN B) melt my heart... Her hugs & smooches get me EVERYTIME!

-She wins.

& Lastly:

I let E be independent. So when she runs off to another room in the house, I don't follow her. No need. The house is "E proofed"- Or so I thought. Out of no where E stood up and ran off. No big deal.

E: Bye mama
Me: Bye E

I hear her playing in her room, loudly. Then silence. I give it a minute or two before I go in there. When I go in she is "reading".
Me: You like that book?
E: Yah mam
Me: You want mama to read it to you?
E: No mama [gets up and runs away]

An hour later:
Me: Nappy time honey. Who do you want to sleep with you?
E: My car.
Me: Okay lets get one of your cars & try to go potty.
E: No potty, I peepee [points @ her diaper]
Me: Its okay , lets change your diaper and lay down.
I go to grab her wipies but they are empty. WTH? I had just filled it up. So I look and look and look and then BAMMM!!! There they are in the top of her Diaper Champ.

Me: Oh boy look at all those wipies!!
E: ::giggles::
Me: How did those get in here? [as I am salvaging what I can of said wipies]
E: [still giggling]
Me: Did you [poking in belly] put those in there?
E: yea [giggle]
Me: Wipies are not toys. Please don't do that again.
E: Ok mama. [very whiny]
Me: Def nap time
Since it happened more then an hr back I wasn't going to make a fuss or punish her. Children have short memory spans.

Shes a sneaky one!! That's what she must've been doing when she got all quiet; Used the book to trick me.

E- 2 Mama- 0

...

Tomorrow's Friday!!

Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

"Wacky Wednesday"

Today is all about the waked headlines, fashion & parenting trends, etc... Hayls Over @ Blue Eyed Blonde did something similar to this last week, check it out, here , I decided to branch out from her idea & take it one step further...

Headlines:

I know living in PA I should really care that yesterday was "Groundhogs day" but I didn't. If you follow me on Twitter , you saw me tweet this to my friend Katie: "Yes, I want to cry. Stupid, fat ugly, good for nothing, groundhog. He didnt even want to come out. He knew it was too cold!" b/c:
Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter . ***Yah screw you Phil.

Lack of "excellent" coffee blends: Consumer Reports *** That isn't seriously one of the MOST POPULAR HEADLINES!!! Why yes, yes it is. Americans need to realize that coffee does not rank among things that are important. I mean I HAVE to have my coffee in the morning to get going but I would not have clicked on this story if it wasn't for this entry. Sigh. I feel bad for the reporter, Marcy Nicholson & the editor Lisa Shumaker.


Doctor casts new light on cat that can predict death *** For serious?! This is the MOST ridiculous thing I have EVER seen... IN. MY. LIFE. I have heard of this cat before a year or so ago, but I CAN NOT believe I am "seeing" about him again & that he is one of the MOST POPULAR stories on YAHOO! today, seriously.

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Lets move on to wacky parenting trends that I (as a mother, of a toddler) just shake my head at...


I get (usually) bi-weekly e-mails from Parenting.com. I usually glance @ them and move on. Sometimes they have useful info, most of the time NOT. Well yesterday this "article" was in there & It BLEW my mind. I could not believe what I read.


Could Your Child Be Gay? *** I have nothing against gays or anything but seriously! I think we as a culture worry about things prematurely (I do sometimes). PARENTING.Com. is supposed to focus on babies, toddlers & early childhood. The second paragraph was about a 4y/o wearing a pink shirt. Thats a little much. I read [almost] the whole article but still, they have my daughters age... she is almost 2. Get with it.


Eating Green *** I never jumped on the organic bandwagon. I don't plan too. E is healthy. Always has been, since birth. I have nvr been one to follow fads anyways.


The Secret to Your Crazy, Adorable Toddler *** Gues what!!! Kids will be KIDS!!! I just spent the last 2.5 days reading all about development and blahblahblah on children ages infant-toddler & this article just makes me chuckle. Toddlers like to explore, thats how they learn & how their brains grow- that is why they do what they do. Period the end.

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Moving on to things I like to call fashion "NO-NOs"


We ALL know I LOVE me some leggings but these are HIDEOUS:
Cutout Leggings *** PPL seriously pay for these things?




Im not sure if I missed the memo this one or what but BIB necklaces?! ***Seriously. My toddler doesn't even wear bibs anymore. These look like something I would see on a Disney Ch. star.



Booties ***are next on my list, of "fashion trends" that have me scratching my head. Are we taking cues from infants now? Has it really come to that? SO SAD.





The last trend MOST all will agree with me on is GAGA... ***I just dont get her... I think she is a little over the top...



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I hope everyone has a good hump day...

See you back here tomorrow for "Convo w/a Toddler" @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

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Two-fer Tuesday... If I was:

If I was a month, I’d be June.

If I was a day of the week, I’d be Sunday.

If I was a time of day, I’d be 7:30p.

If I was a planet, I’d be Earth.

If I was a sea animal, I’d be a Mermaid-psssh THEY ARE REAL.

If I was a direction, I’d be South.

If I was a piece of furniture, I’d be a Sectional.

If I was a liquid, I’d be Sweet Tea.

If I was a gemstone, I’d be a Pearl.

If I was a tree, I’d be a Willow.

If I was a tool, I’d be a Screwdriver.

If I was a flower, I’d be a Lilly.

If I was a kind of weather, I’d be Warm and sunny w.a breeze.

If I was a musical instrument, I’d be a Drum.

If I was a color, I’d be Purple.

If I was an emotion, I’d be Love.

If I was a fruit, I’d be a Raspberry.

If I was a sound, I’d be a Child's Laugh.

If I was an element, I’d be Water.

If I was a car, I’d be a Mustang.

If I was a food, I’d be anything Mexican.

If I was a place, I’d be Hawaii.

If I was a material, I’d beCotton.

If I was a taste, I’d be Sweet.

If I was a scent, I’d be Honeysuckle .

If I was an object, I’d be a Book.

If I was a body part, I’d be the Eyes.

If I was a facial expression, I’d be a Smile.

If I was a song, I’d be Im From the Country- Tracy Byrd.

If I was a pair of shoes, I’d be a Pair of cowboy boots.

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{via Erin @ MyWayThisTime]

See you back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

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"Things Im Swooning Over"

My iPhone- Clearly this isn't a new development. I have been in love since Hayls had the ORIGINAL "brick" & brought it over when I was still preg. with E. I had to have one. Yet I was not an iPhone mama till I graduated from UNF Aug 1 08- I love him more & more every time I use him.




Clear American Sparkling Water- This stuff rocks my taste buds. I am not particular on my flavor choice but recently I have been drinking black cherry. I love the nutritional facts label b/c its all ZEROS even the sodium. I have been trying to cut back on my DIET soda b/c of my sodium intake. So these are awesome. I get the carbonation I crave from my d.soda but no sodium. FTW!!!




My Dark Brown High UGGS- I live in PA. It gets COLD FRIGID here. Over the weekend it didn't top 20*. I think we hit MAYBE 19*. I am a FL girl & I got these UGGS as a gift when I was attending college. They were nvr worn, as it nvr got cold enough for my high ones (I have the original low ones that have been worn & worn). In the one month I have been here, I have been trying to find reasons to wear/match things to brown. I love the look of [these] boots over jeans. <3




Scarves- I have always had a love affair with scarves, but being from & always living in FL "The SUNSHINE State" it was nvr cold enough to wear them, or if it was "chilly" you just looked silly in one. So I had a few but nvr wore them. Well they are getting worn now & I love it. Trendy with a purpose. just forget to wear them sometimes b.c I am new to this cold climate thing.




HULU.Com- Since moving I no longer have my beloved DVR. Gasp! Well I heard about Hulu.com through Twitter.Com & through my family trainer & friend Ric. Since then I have been hooked. I just "told" Hulu.Com what shows I watch and it automatically puts them in my queue. Its fab. I can watch them W/OUT commercials whenever I want. I no loger worry about shows "overlapping" & my DVR freaking out about it. Needless to say I am IN LOVE.



iGoogle- I had no idea what this was until yesterday when I read Hailey , over @ Be Serious "Not Me Monday" & She was talking about this so I did some research & needless to say I am loving this & its my new homepge. It has my Reader, Facebook, YahooMail, Weather.Com, Cnn.Com & a Calendar. I spent wayyy to much time yesterday playing with it but oh well. I will prolly change what I have on it but I am new to this iGoogle thing, but I am always LATE to the party.




**What are swooning over this week?**
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I have a lot of fun things planned for the rest of this week...

See you right back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

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"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not hear E, AWAKE through the monitor & look at the clock and see that it was only 650a & tell my toddler "10 more mins mama's tired", through ESP of course. It totally DID NOT WORK. Blues Clues isn't even on then... Ugh.

-I did not [dig out of the back of the closet &] wear a maternity shirt b.c its one of my all time favorites & b/c I was feeling lazy [& tired] on Friday and love it b.c of how soft [and worn in] it is.

-I did not go to bed before 9:00pm friday night. I am not that lame. I just got under my snuggie & Ms fleece blanket to warm-up for a few minutes the next thing I knew it was 10:45 & E was fussing. I went & calmed her down got some icecream ate it asked M to come cuddle w.me...he said okay he had to make sure the fire was out (close the fireplace doors) & in 10mins "SwampLoggers" was over, I said okay... The next thing I knew it was 6:00a and his alarm for work was going off. Oh well, I needed it & IT FELT GREAT!!!

-I did not open every single drawer in our bedroom, bathroom & kitchen when my sweetie was 5mins from being home to make a point that HE NEVER SHUTS a drawer or cabinet when hes done. I wouldn't be that immature. Did I make my point? No. He thought "I was cleaning" Ugh. men boys.

-I did not forget that it was 19* outside, b/c it was BEAUTIFUL & SUNNY, when I went to check the mail, BAREFOOT & with out a jacket in just a shortsleeved shirt.

-I did not go to the grocery store not once NOT twice but THREE times w/a list EVERYTIME, as to not forget anything & still forget something, each & every time. I still need a pack of pull-ups!!! But we're good in the cracker & granola bar dept. :)

-I did not lie to lil miss sassy pants & tell her that her raisins were candy so she would eat them. They are "natures candy".

-I did not ask a non-pregnant woman when she is due as I was leaving the convenience store of a gas station. She replied with "my ass of a 6yr ex-husband didn't want kids, Im not pregnant, but thanks for reminding me that I'm THAT fat." As I tried to apologize, she cut me off and said "You're probably one of those damn girls who can eat whatever you want & don't have to diet..." (I had stop to get M some chips for his lunch for the next day) She got in her car & left. If she only knew...

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I hope everyone had a fab weekend & has a wonderful week ahead.

**I have a great week planned!!**

Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

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