Tuesday, August 31, 2010

"30 Days of Me- Day 2"

30 Days Of Me!



Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.

Well my blog name has changed alot. It started out as The Kelli-Sue... Every Day thoughts from a mother to be. Because thats why I started my blog, As a way to keep everyone, friends & family updated on my little E. There were some issues and it got old making the same phone call 8-10 time. So I started the blog, there was no pretty header or anything fancy. I was new the blogging thing and it was plain-jane. Kelli-Sue was a nickname I was given in college, it was a southern, I am southern. Get it?

 Then Erin spiced her [older] blog up... I asked her to do the same. So over a yr later it/I became The Urban Cowgirl... Thoughts from a country girl stuck in the city. I stayed the Urban Cowgirl for a while over a year or close to it, I do believe. It was fitting and my blog was beautiful. I loved it. It was so me. But then I moved to PA. It needed to change b/c again I changed. 



So It/I became Kandid Kelli... From Southern Belle to Yankee doodle. Again fitting at the time & adorable to boot. Kandid Kelli is perfect for me b/c I am so candid (adding the K was a way to make it me) and I don't care what I say. It gets me in trouble. I had made the bog move from the South to the North. When I moved the plan was for 2ish yrs so I figured this was the last blog change for a while. 



WRONG. PA & I didn't Mesh.

So here we are today. Still Kandid Kelli but I am BACK BELOW THE MASON-DIXON!!! That explains itself. I am glad to be back and this should be the last change for a while. But I am notorious for change & what I love about my blog is it change and molds with me & yall just mold with me!



...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli





Monday, August 30, 2010

"30 Days of Me- Day 1"

30 Days Of Me!

Day 1: Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself


1. I don't have any [recent] pictures of myself, alone, without E in it. I guess thats what happens when you become a mother. You forget to take pictures of yourself. Before "Mommy & Me" Monday's I didn't have many w.the 2 of us either. Haha. 

2. I love to bake & I am pretty darn good at it. I prefer to bake fro scratch but its hard to find the time but when I do, I usually don't need a recipe. I don't know where I got the baking gene b/c my mama isn't a baker, she does "slice & bake" or "boxed".

3. I love to cook. This is along the same lines as the baking but when it comes to cooking I do need a recipe, the first time then I don't need it again. 

4. I can remember recipes, and things that aren't important but when it comes to apts, grocery lists, meetings or the like if its not in my iPhone or written down in multiple places you better believe I will forget.

5. I am an adrenaline junkie. I love roller coasters (esp the ones at Cedar Pointe... yes ive been and my sister is going to Ohio St. now I have another reason to go to CP), I love going to the range to shot or just shooting in an open field; I love the way a gun feels in my hands, although I haven't been shooting since 2006. I love going fast be it on the back of a bike or in a car. I want to bungie jump but I could never actually jump so I would have to go tandem and the other person would have to pull me.

6. I am allergic to shellfish... well I am assuming shellfish, I know for sure shrimp. If eaten in large quantities, like the time I found out, I get an ichy feeling on my tongue and get short of breath and usually pass out. NOT FUN. If the same tools are used to cook my food and shrimp, like at a hibachi, so in small quantities, I get swollen eyes & a rash. Also NOT FUN. I am also allergic to latex... I just get a burning sensation and rash (NO COMMENTS ON THIS PLEASE), latex is in alot more then you think. and a medication that is rarely used but could kill me in a matter of 1 dose. 

7. I love to read. I have a Kindle and he goes everywhere with me. I can now read a book in about 1.5-2 days. before it took me longer. I still buy regular books, depending on the author. Some I have to have the actual book. I am weird. I hope this is a trait I pass to my daughter (and future children). I read to her alot. I just bought her 50books (k-2nd grade level so she can grow into them, some will be used in my classroom in about a yr, depends on my grade level) & just had about 20 given to us that she can also grow into. She seems to love her books. I honestly don't know where I am going to put all the books I have just gotten. EK!

8. I am in the midst of getting my Masters in Early Childhood Development, which allows me to teach birth- 3rd grade (age 8). When I am done I will be certified to teach in FL and I will have my Masters Degree. I think education is so important. My dream is to teach kindergarden or first grade & I hope my passion and love emulates to my students. I should be done with my program in about 18mons and teaching shortly there after, pending I find a school to hire me (maybe where I student teach?).  

9. My Bachelors degree is not in Education. It is in communications, specializing in Public Relations. I relalized I was in the wrong field when I got a job as an after school teacher at a local Daycare. I never wanted to leave to go to class and I slowly resented PR. I could not see myself sitting at a desk all day. I wanted to be with my kids. I needed to change, but with one semester left I pushed on and decided to get my Masters. A better plan entirely. A higer degree means higher pay & FL teacher already don't get paid well, as a teacher w.a Masters I will at least get that little bump in pay and have some extra knowledge to my name.

10. I am a carb-a-holic. I would eat crackers & bread-y food all day long if I could. But with my body type, theres no way. It used to all go to my thighs, now since having a child it splits between my "pouch" and my thighs. Thanks nature!

11. I not only love country music but I am a country girl stuck in a bustling city. Majority of my family is from a VERY SMALL town with a blinking light in SC. I was raised like we lived in the country. I spent many of summers on the dairy farm chasing, herding and riding cows (yes you can ride them, not recommended) and tipping bobcats over- ask my cousin about that. I don't feel the need to dress like I live on a farm b/c I don't. But I own a cowboy hat, its black and its real, there are fakes and reals. If you don't know the difference then obvi. you need to move on. I own 3 yes 3 pairs of boots; 2 brown and 1 black. 2 belts w.my name on the back and multiple buckles. Its NOT a trend. You can tell who thinks its a trend and who was raised that way. Moving on.

12. I was a [classical] dancer since I was 3. I did Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-hop (i sucked) and Pointe. I loved it. I just never grew tall enough to make anything out of it. I had good feet but I was short w.short legs & short lines. It was fun while it lasted.

13. I am barely 5'1... So I am really 5foot. It's hard to find stuff that isn't too long. 

14. I am a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Not a Brett Favre fan, a PACKERS fan. Lets get that straight before the season starts. I have been a fan since I was 7 or 8. My stepdad was a huge cheesehead and it rubbed off. I have been loyal ever since (hes not around anymore and Im still a fan, thats dedication)

15. I am looking forward to this "30 days of Me"-- I think I will get to know myself again. I hope yall enjoy.

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli



Thursday, August 26, 2010

"Starting Monday"

So a few of my wonderful and blog-y friends have started a little blog thing called "30 Days Of Me". 
I've seen this done before & I think the topics for each day vary slightly.  

I think it's a great idea and am going to steal the idea jump on the bandwagon, starting MONDAY, Aug 30th, and do it myself. 

Thanks Leila, Erin B. Inspired  & Whitney for leading the way.

Come back Monday for ALL the fun!

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Wordless Wednesday"

*I realize its after midnight; therefore making it Thursday but Ive been trying to post this all day my computer/ Blogger have been giving me grief all day.

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

"Tick-Off Tuesday"

Sometimes I wish my ex-husband and I didn't hate each other so much.

He switched jobs over 2 months ago without notifying me, he is now behind 2 1/2 months with his child support payments. I depend on his child support, to help support E, I am FINLLY moving into my own place within the next week (I should get the keys Friday, if all goes as planned) when I found this place & was figuring out my bills I was figuring in CS as well- As of right now I have not received close to $1,000 in CS. Not to mention I have ENT bills & Surgery bills from her surgery last week. 

I finally found out where he was working and sent them his IDO (Income Deduction Order- where the CS is removed from his paycheck & sent to me directly from the STATE, b/c I didn't trust him to pay on his own, so the judge ordered one). The woman I have been dealing with in the payroll dept @ his company is not so nice & I want to go through the phone and SHAKE HER! She talks to me like I am a moron and all I want to know is what the problem is, I called two different entities yesterday and they said everything is fine, but what's her deal?

I never had a single problem receiving CS from his previous employer for over 1.5yrs, by the time this all gets sorted out, if it ever does, he is going to be more then 4 months behind. I am filling out forms today to try and receive at least what he is behind on but I think even that will take sometime. 

Its days/weeks like this when I warn any of my readers, both the anon. and the ones I know of... BE FOR SURE, BEFORE YOU BRING A CHILD INTO THE PICTURE! ONCE YOU GET DIVORCED & A CHILD IS INVOLVED THINGS ARE SO COMPLICATED & IT SUCKS.  

I was not sure, I actually wanted an annulment and the day I called my attny to start the annulment process, happens to be the day I found out I was pregnant & couldn't annul it, I needed an actual divorce with a family attny.

-Wow this was a lot longer and way more info then I intended it being. Basically I am TICKED OFF @ MY EX-HUSBAND FOR BEING BEHIND ON CS, HIS JOB FOR PUTTING ME THROUGH THIS NONSENSE & THE STATE OF FL (im not sure why but I am sure there is something they are doing that is causing his job to be complete morons). 


This is probably why I have been so angst-y lately.


...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

Monday, August 23, 2010

"Mommy & Me"

hosted my Krystyn


...



This was taken on my Besties birthday, we made the 2hr trek for her special day b/c for the last 2 yrs, she's done it for me! We went to a hibachi grill for her birthday dinner, it was good, minus the slight allergic reaction I swore I wouldn't get (but did) to the shrimp & chicken cooked on the same surface. It wasn't too bad, a rash of sorts & really red/swollen eyes for 2 days.
My girl was scared outta her mind, again, like last year but that is to be expected. Over all I think she did well. We had a great time, as always, visiting Aunt "Hayhay". We hope she is having a great time in NJ! 

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

Thursday, August 19, 2010

"Happy Birthday... Danielle"

Happy 24th Birthday to my lovely cousin, Danielle, to whom I once tried to glue myself to. 

I wish I could find a picture but things are hectic right now. I love you Dani! Have a safe trip home w.our Marine! & A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Happy Birthday... Hayley"


...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

"Not-at-all... Wordless Wednesday"

So a week ago, out of NOWHERE, E , wanted to jumprope. Okay I say. Lets go to Target & get one, right? WRONG! They tell me its SEASONAL! They only have them early Spring- early Summer (at best). WTH- It's 100* outside... IT'S STILL SUMMER! My kid wants to freaking jumprope!

E crys b/c I made a HUGE, MONSTROUS deal on the way about her jumprope (bad idea!).

Off to Walmart... They have everything... always (or they have what Target doesn't, Im not a fan of Walmart, I only go when Target pisses me off).

They too were out! again SEASONAL. Now E is having a freaking breakdown.

All my poor baby wants is a freaking JUMPROPE! Until... she sees a SHINY, PURPLE... HulaHoop. "I want dat mama!" "You don't know what that is honey" "Me want purple" "Instead of a jumprope?" "Okay Mommy purple!!"

So I got it for her. She has never seen one, ever. We got home I get her out of the car and she did it! I didn't show her what to do, she knew. GENIUS! For being 2, shes pretty dang good. She loves her "hoopiehoopie"

As you all [most] know E is PICKY when it comes to food. Well I am sick & Tired of that! So today MOTHER OF THE YR bribed her child with what she really wanted with what I WANTED her to eat. 
Applesauce for goldfish. Fair? I  think so. I thought this was to freaking cute NOT to share.  


...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli




Tuesday, August 17, 2010

"Tick-Off Tuesday"

Thanks to Hailey for showing me the ways of "TOT"

Dear Un-named Health Insurance Co,
I have never had a problem with you in over 2 yrs. You cover all my Drs. I pay for my Rx out-of-pocket (almost $500/mon) then you mail me a check, about 2-3 wks later, to reimburse me! How Great. In 2009 you paid me back, for all 12 mons. It's 2010 and I have hit my MAX? Actually I hit it in July? Only 7 months? I HAVE to take this Rx MONTHLY. WTH happened? I am stressing, I JUST STARTED my job, I move into my house in about 2ish weeks, and still have things to purchase. Time to find a cheaper alternative. It May be time to find a new insurance co. too. Just sayin' is all.  IDK how you can go from 12 mons of Rx coverage to only 7. Thats BS. what if I was 88y/o? or (Godforbid) had cancer? HUH? Thats all.

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli





Monday, August 16, 2010

"Mommy & Me"


This was taken two weeks ago when my mom stepdad, Hayls & I all took E to see Nickelodeon presents Storytime LIVE! (KaiLan, Backyardagans, Wonder Pets! & Dora) It was a lot of fun & E is STILL talking about the show. So I would say that it was a success.


...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli


Friday, August 13, 2010

"Five Question Friday"



Questions for Friday, August 13th: (Special thanks to PamDeanna,JulianneJill, and Renefor their question suggestions! If YOU would like to be linked in a future 5QFc'mon over to my community and offer up your best question suggestions!)

1. Have you ever visited another country? I have, On cruises and such. but thats it. Never directly. I do want to go to Bora Bora on my honeymoon, if I ever actually get married [again].

2. Where is the strangest place you have ever been? Um thats a good question & I wish I had a good answer but I don't I will think about it and if I think of a good answer later I will blog about it.

3. What is your favorite season? I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer. But I am a FL girl & summer is about yr around here. While I was in PA [for 6 mon] I experienced winter. The snow sucked. But I enjoy FL winter's & I enjoy Halloween-Christmas... I like to decorate, esp. b/c I have a child now. So I guess I like em all.

4. What one song will always cheer you up? I have a few playlists on the pod that always make me smile but they are 'summer' lists and now that summer is wrapping I need to make a few new 'fall' lists.

5. What Disney character do you resemble most? IDK. You tell me.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

"Good Jealousy"


Usually when you hear about jealousy its in a bad context. Not this time.

Being in my mid-20's all of my friends are the same age, give or take a year or two. We are all at the stage in our lives where we are looking to, or are, starting our CAREERS, not just some job. As we've been graduating from college, like dominos falling since late 2008. 

As most [all] of you know when I graduated I was already a mother. My career choices [or lack there of, thanks economy!] were limited, to no traveling. I was am a single mother. 

Jobs that had me traveling were out of the question. Completely. I had family help, to an extent, there was an agreement that I was not to take a job that had me traveling, as E is my child and I was/am the one to raise her.

/SN: I found out I was pregnant about a month after my 21st birthday, E was born 2 months before my 22nd. I have never really known what it was like to be a 'free 20-something'. Although I have never once regretted the decision I made to have a child, young, I have regretted marrying her biological father. endSN/

Anyways since all these graduations I have been hearing: "The world is your oyster..." Over & over. Meaning,  you have the ability to achieve anything you want. 

Not saying that the world isn't mine, it is to a certain extent... but this isn't about me. As much as it may sound like it is. 

I am jealous of my friends/family, but in a good way. Because they aren't 'tied-down' [say with a child] they can literally go anywhere & do anything. 

What an awesome feeling that must be. 

I want them to succeed. 
I want them to do magnificent things & have magical stories.
I want to live vicariously through them. 

But most of all I want them to fulfill their dreams. 

I made the big move to PA earlier  this yr, I tried to be 'free', but I was unhappy. I believe once you have a child family is important. The time to be 'wild & free' is before you have children. 

You've heard that once you have children, you settle down and that is true.

TMy friends & family: I wish you the best on you're new endeavors. I hope you have wonderful adventures & bring back great magical stories. Don't be scared to go, just and go live, live your life while you can! We will always be here, with open loving arms for you. 'Home' is your safe place, you can always come back if things don't work, but how will you know if you don't try. I love you & want you to succeed and most importantly BE HAPPY.   

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli


Monday, August 9, 2010

"Mommy & Me"

A quick update!!

VBS was amazing! I know I promised an update, but the next 2 wks are going to be C.R.A.Z.Y!- E has pre-Op b/c she has SURGERY to have tubes put in her ears b/c she gets constant ear infections, We found a place to live and we have all the fun stuff to do for all that (closing/move-in is in 2 wks) & My besties bday is the 19th & as of right now we are going up to see her! yay.

We play outside barefoot, alot. Here is a pic of our feet. xo

I will be in & out in the next 2 wks, bare with me please!

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

"Day 4 on the High Seas"



Tonight was beyond words amazing!

2 of my VBS kids prayed to accept jesus as their savor tonight. 


I have been praying all week that their hearts would be open & accepting and they (2 of them) were. 


I cried. I was so moved. 


Everyone has been doing such a great job! From "Bible Voyage" (my kids favorite) to Snack time. 


Not only have my children been getting something out of VBS, but I really feel that God has touched my heart as well. 


I sadly will not be there tomorrow night but will be back Friday for family night.



...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli






Monday, August 2, 2010

"VBS- Sailing the High Seas"



I will be in and out this week, as I am a "crew leader" at VBS (vacation bible school) at my church. This is my first time but I am glad I listened when I felt God telling me to do this. Last night, the first night was AMAZING. VBS runs through Friday.

The church looks phenomenal. I was blown away yesterday when I arrived and saw it. But trust me I will have lots to tell, as I already do; from one night, about my experience. I am so excited to dive back in tonight. I had a blast, probably more fun then my kids.

I have a great crew. 3 boys & 1 girl. My girl, Sarah is going into the 6th grade this fall. 2 of my boys, Jacob & Alex are going into 3rd grade and Joseph is going into 4th. Hopefully tonight I will also have my younger sister, who like Sarah, will be entering middle school in the fall. My dad/stepmom forgot that VBS started Sunday night. So Dee only missed one night.

Also this week: 

E has an ETN apt... as she has yet ANOTHER ear infection. That makes 6 since Dec. Can we say "tubes". Poor baby.  She was supposed to start tumbling this week but b/c of her EI and her ENT apt she will miss her 1st tumbling class via the YMCA. I am sad but we will go next week, I need her to get better.

-and-

Thursday E, my mom, stepdad & Hayls (E's Godmother) & I are going to see Nickelodeon Presents Storytime LIVE. I got tickets for this back in June! So As you can tell we are BUSY BUSY this week.

I will try my absolute best to blog/comment this week but being my first time leading a group through VBS, I want to really be focused on God & his word and what he has in store for me and these children this week. I know that I am going to gain a lot from this experience & I hope my kids do too.


SN: Guess what happened?! E went poopoo IN THE POTTY THIS MORNING! After telling us that she had to go! Thats right, she TOLD US she had to go. Folks we are moving in the RIGHT DIRECTION to being diaper free, but I am not getting to excited, yet.


...

Have a great week everyone & HAPPY AUGUST.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli