Mommy Confessions.

We have moved

2010-02-15T13:10:00.002-05:00

Sorry to all those that read this. We have moved and forgot to post the link on where we moved to. Please come over to the new blog and check us out. Visit HERE...

What to do when your sense of security is Gone.

2010-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you live in the comfort of all people are good? I do. Most of the time I do truly believe that people are good and that good will always win. Every once in awhile I am shown differently. Normally I still don’t give into people are nasty but I really should.

I lost my sense of security and I am not sure how to get it back. You see it started on Christmas eve of 2008. Yes you read right Christmas eve of 2008. My dad had been storing some important Santa gifts at his house and I was out doing some last minuet shopping with my mom and stopped by his house to pick up the gifts and I walking into this.

At first with it being my dad and the holidays I thought that he had thrown a temper tantrum. Yes my 60 yr old father still throws them. That was until I walked into the bathroom. Seeing that the medicine cabinet had been gone thru I knew something wasn’t right. I ran out to the car to get my mom because right then I didn’t want to be in the house by myself and get my cell phone. I called my dad to make sure it wasn’t him and told him he had been broken into. I called the cops and went back into the house. The stole random things not to much of high value. The stole a laptop, small plasma tv, cameras Oh and the best thing is they stole the trashcan out of the bathroom. That is why all the trash is on the floor. They freaking stole a trash can. But they stole 2 things of family value. I had been keeping my grandmothers mink stow there and then a old rifle that didn’t work but had been passed down from generation to generation. Merry Christmas right?

I came home that night freaked out. I begged Tommy to put a security system on the house. I begged for a big mean guard dog. I cried that I was scared. I didn’t realize that I would never be the same after this. I never knew that my sense of security was stolen from me. Over 1 yr later I still hide things of importance around my house. I still beg for an alarm system and a big mean guard dog or maybe 3 or 4. When do I get my peace of mind back. When do I get what was stolen from me back ( I am not meaning the items.) My dad knows how I feel he thinks I am a bit silly when it wasn’t even my house. But my point to him is it could have been. I could have walked in when they were there. I have a lot of coulda woulda shoulda’s on this one. (I know those aren’t words) I just want my peace of mind and sense of security back is that really to much to ask.

They never found my dads stuff. There were several break-ins in that area that day. The cops said that there were all probably linked. It didn’t make me feel any better then and now I still don’t feel any safer.

So my question is do you ever get to feel safe again? Or do you live in the land of it can happen at any time?

Mommy Confessions #2

2010-02-05T12:57:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi
I'm so late on posting these, but with luck they won't look too silly (explanation below)

I confess...

...that Chuck is working from home today, so I'm trying to type this out on my iPod. NOT fun or easy!

...that the snow is coming toward our area and I'm pretty excited!

...the snow excites me, but getting out in the ice this morning to go and get diapers, not so much.

...yesterday was open house at Audrey's school and she took great pride in showing me and Chuck all around. It was too cute!

...after open house we took Audrey to eat at Olive Garden. Silly as it sounds, all our "major" announcements and celebrations in life happen there. Chuck gave me my engagment ring there, I announced Audrey, Ren and Courtney were coming there. Yeah, Olive Garden is kind of special to our family!

...that these confessions are going to be short at the length of time it's taking me to type them now...yikes!

...changing from Blogger to Wordpress is taking WAY longer than it should. Maybe I'll get some "forced" time to work on it this weekend. Especially with the snow!

...my Mother drove me batty this week, but that's really nothing new.

...I was worried beyond belief about Andrea and am soooo thankful she is okay. (ps, I can't believe Declan is over a week old either).

...I'm done for this week. My new laptop can't get here fast enough!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, whether it brings rain, snow, ice, wind or sunshine give thanks you are here to see and marvel at it!

mommy confessions.

2010-02-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

I would love to say this week has flown by but that really just isn't the case. It has really just drug by.
I confess that.

I can't believe that Declan is already over a week old crazy.

His 1st week went by with me half drugged.

This has been the hardest recovery after having a baby.

New things pop up every day with trying to recover.

I am truly blessed to have 4 healthy children.

All to often I forget to thank God for the blessings that he has given me.

I had to learn to step back this week and release the control a little.

I am actually glad that there is going to be a lot of snow this weekend.

I am so jealous of all the bloggers at Blissdom.

Even more than them being at Blissdom some of them get to see my man. Harry Connick Jr. Life just isn't fair sometimes.

It is almost 9am and I still haven't done the dishes from dinner last night. It is going to be a mess.

You know what else. I have no plans on doing them in the near future.

The kids have been doing great with the baby.

Paisley is very jealous of him. When I feed him a bottle she wants to lay on me with one also.

I am perfectly OK with it.

I am weaning her off of formula during the day. Yes I have lost my mind to start this.

Well that is about it for me. I have a few others but I will keep those to myself. I hope you all have had a great week and take some time to enjoy the little things this weekend.

Really I didn’t just run away.

2010-02-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Honestly I am telling the truth. I didn’t just up and run away.

As Kandi mentioned last week I had our newest baby. Declan Alexander was born on Wednesday January 27 at 1117 am. He was induced. His birth was pretty easy 15 minuets of pushing and he was here. The problem was they gave me 3 epidurals and not one of them took. Within about 5 minuets of him being born I started complaining of a headache. Not your normal headache this insanely painful let me crawl in a ball and die headache. As the day went on it kept getting worse. Thru the night I could barely get out of bed due to this electrical shock going down my spine and my head. They mentioned at that point in time that I most likely needed a blood patch but I wasn’t willing to try it at that point in time. So they drugged me up with some lovely meds and gave me the craziest diet I had ever had. Pepsi and chips. NO JOKE. They forced this stuff. Now I am not a soda drinker it made me want to puke after they forced the 1st 6pack down me. Well the headache kept getting worse. I was released on Friday and spent the weekend in bed. Every time I got out of bed my head was killing me. On Monday morning I couldn’t take it anymore. I was in tears, throwing up and all that fun stuff. I called the Dr and they sent me to the hospital. Well we got there around 1130 am. They got me into the surgery room pretty quickly it seamed like forever but it was really about 5 minuets. When I got back there my blood pressure was 177/115. Needless to say they started freaking out but it was that high due to the amount of pain I was in. They got me into the surgery room around 4pm and did my blood patch. Instantly the headache started to release. The dr said that the amount of fluid that was coming out it looked like my spine had 3 holes in it due to the epidurals and that was causing the headaches. So all 3 spots were leaking. Lucky me. Well I got home around 9pm and was put on bed rest for 2 days to let it clot and heal so that I wouldn’t have to go thru it again.

Now normally I am a freak about having people take care of me and my family. Not this time. My mom spent the past few days taking care of my kids and laundry. I didn’t worry about my house getting clean or anything else. I just laid in bed most of the time sleeping. I would get up to feed the baby only when my mom would hand him to me.

Today I am on my own and feeling a whole lot better. I have even managed to clean 2 of my rooms in the house. Slow and steady is my motto for the week. What doesn’t get done will still be here and the world will not fall apart.

Kandi sorry I didn’t let you know what was going on. Needless to say I felt like I had been run over by a train. I have the bruises to prove it.

The baby is doing great. I can’t ask for more. He eats sleeps and poops. The kids are great with him. Paisley is a little on the jealous side but that wasn’t a big shock.

We're Moving..an update.

2010-02-01T12:25:00.002-05:00

posted by Kandi

I realized this weekend that I haven't given an update about our "big move" over to Wordpress. In the off chance that someone reads this and thinks "what?!?". Andrea and I have decided to move the entire blog over to Wordpress. For a number of reasons, but the main one being ease of use.

Blogger has been our home for almost a year, but Wordpress offers things that Blogger just can't. It's no problem and we get it. I think when we started this joint venture we knew we'd have to move at some point. That "some point" just happened a bit sooner than expected.

So, we're almost ready over at Wordpress. Don't worry though. Nothing will change as far as addresses go. Our blog address will remain Mommyconfessionsblog.com, so you'll still be able to find us!

So now you're updated. Don't you feel *loads* better...teehehe.

Mommy Confessions #2

2010-01-29T08:24:00.002-05:00

posted by Kandi

This week Andrea won't be posting confessions. She's still at the hospital snuggling baby Declan!

As for me, here they are!

I confess

to being very worried about some test results I am getting this morning.

my kids have been wonderful this week! Love them!

my Mother in law showed up Sunday and left Wednesday.

She didn't okay the visit so I felt guilty about having plans already made.

Audrey turning 5 really hit me hard. I have no idea why though.

I have several friends having medical issues & procedures this week.

I've been praying and sending good thoughts their way!

I finally got my copy of Erins book! Yay!

I felt guilty for buying myself some items this week. Have you ever felt this way?

I'm done for this week. I wish everyone a terrific weekend!

What's Happening Wednesday

2010-01-27T12:15:00.004-05:00

posted by Kandi

Well, this post originally started out being about Andrea. See, this morning she left for the hospital after getting Evan onto the school bus. I anticipated writing about sending her well wishes and luck in the birth of her new little man (name to be revealed later).

Here they are. The vitals everyone wants to know! He weighed over 8 pounds, is 22 inches long and his name is Declan! Love the name!!

So, as I'm writing this message pops up on Twitter the same time my Facebook page alerts me to something as well. Being the super nosey person I am I stopped to look.

Guess what?? He's here!! Really! Talk about a short labor! Wow! Yet again, he IS number 4, so they do tend to be shorter labor times.

That being said, a huge Congratulations to both Andrea and Tom on the birth of their new little boy! Such a blessing and miracle all rolled into one!

ps. I will post the stats and such as I receive the information. Congrats Andrea, love you all very much and I hope Evan has the best day ever now that he has the little brother he's been asking for!!!!

Happy Birthday Audrey!

2010-01-26T06:11:00.002-05:00

posted by Kandi

I can't believe this day is upon me. It honestly seems like yesterday that I said "Honey, it's time to go". 10 hours later we welcomed a 8 1/2 pound, blonde hair, brown eyed baby girl!

Today my baby girl turns 5! A milestone around here. It means she is heading to Kindergarten this fall. Old enough to get a big girl bicycle (shhh, that's her birthday present!). Old enough to make this Mom tear up when she gets told no and runs into her room, drama oozing out, slams the door and says "you're a terrible Mommy". She's growing up so fast right before our eyes.

Yet in so many ways she's still so small. She's terribly shy until you get to know her. She loves to snuggle and thinks her Dad still put the stars in the sky just for her.

So, thank you Audrey for making us into a family. Thank you for testing the waters and pushing the boundaries so that your brother and sister have it a tad easier. Most of all...thank you for just being you!

Happy, Happy Birthday Peanut!!

Blissdom 2010

2010-01-25T22:14:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

I know, I know. There is a LOT of buzz around the blogging community about Blissdom and one more blog might just make you hurl! Here's hoping that's not the case! I mean, from my understanding Blissdom is a conference filled with fun, excitement, and opportunities for learning and networking that is second to none!

So, why am I writing this then? Shouldn't I already HAVE my ticket? Well, the simple answer is no. No, I don't.

I really wish I did though. That's why I'm taking writing about the "Escape to Blissdom" Conference pass that is being given away at Blissfully Domestic! One of the ways to enter is to explain why I would like to attend. So here goes.

I would like to attend the Blissdom conference to learn! I have been blogging for about a year and still feel like a new fish in the sea. While our blog is growing, we are struggling. Struggling to move it from Blogger to Wordpress. Struggling to gain readership. Struggling to find our little niche in the great big 'ole blogesphere. I am hoping that attending something like Blissdom would help us conquer those struggles.

You see, there is a chance to network there. There are also workshops and speakers to help out people like me. Those who have a blog but are looking for ways to enhance it. I have also read about and been told that the networking at Blissdom is like no other. That some of the best learning is done outside of the workshops when people are just in small groups chatting and helping each other out. Both ways of learning are great for me!

So, I would LOVE to attend Blissdom to learn and see things in a way that just can't translate on a screen. Here's hoping this little post may help me get there, but if not there is always next year! I hope everyone attending this year has a total blast and one way or another I'll see you there next year!!

Confession of the eternally pregnant woman.

2010-01-25T16:31:00.001-05:00

Confession of the eternally pregnant woman. At least it feels like I have been eternally pregnant. As of now I have been pregnant for 78 weeks of the past 86 weeks. CRAZY. After the first 38 weeks I was so done being pregnant then add on another pregnancy and you would feel the same way as I do. So right now I am at the point where I will try just about ANYTHING (except the “S” word) to get this baby OUT. Well I found this recipe for labor cookies. They are supposed to put you into labor after you eat them. We will see. I made some about an hour ago and ate 3 of them (they say eat as many as you can) They are the spiciest cookies I have EVER had in my life. I mean I think they ate the lining off my stomach. I had to drink milk as I was eating them. Scarlett ate some dough and was like mommy these are spicy. Lets see if it works. Do you have any ideas on ways to put you into labor. Please do share. I am up for just about anything except…….

Conversation between me and the kids.

2010-01-25T06:31:00.000-05:00

So let me give you the setting. I am just stepping into the shower. I mean I am not even in there yet. A knock at the door comes. I step into the shower and the door opens. It is Scarlett.

Scarlett :“Mommy can I do Evan’s homework?”

Me: “What?”

Scarlett: “Can I do Evan’s homework?”

Me: “NO! it is Evan’s homework”

Keep in mind she just turned 5 a couple weeks ago.

The door shuts and she runs off.

I still haven’t gotten my hair wet yet and another knock at the door comes now my husband is out on the couch not sure why they kept coming to me while I am trying to get a shower. This time it is Evan

Evan: “Mommy why can’t Scarlett do my homework?”

Me: “Now Evan why do you think she can’t do your homework?”

Evan: “Because she can’t spell?”

Me: “That is 1 good reason, now why else do you think?”

Evan: “Because it is my homework.”

Me: “Good answer now go do your homework.”

Really do I need to explain why the 5 year old that doesn’t know how to read can’t do the 1st graders homework? Guess I do.

Do you ever day conversations like this with your kids or am I the only one out there?

Mommy Confessions #2

2010-01-22T12:31:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

Well, for the first time in a LONG time, Andrea had to remind me what day it was on Twitter. This was her tweet:

daisiesforu @shevigirl it is friday.
30 minutes ago from TweetDeck in reply to shevigirl

So, I'm a slacker today...hahaha. Onto the confessing!

I confess...

...that I jumped by almost 100 followers overnight on Twitter! Who knew?

...to feel a little better about no laptop. Yes, I'm still whining about it.

...this week's potty training ended horribly! With one very wet kid and bed my morning has been great (here is where I would insert that sarcasm icon!)

...that Once a Month Mom posted the best tweet today "Friday, a SAHM's Monday. Blah!". She sure hit the nail on the head with that one!

...going to plug a blog site here...for a good laugh check out Doritos for Dinner! She cracks me up!!

...I locked 2 of the kids and myself out of the house this week. It was cold and we were stuck outside. Thankfully the van was unlocked! I will post more on this next week. It's dripping with drama I tell you!

...my Grammy had a knee replacement this week and everything went very well!

...I posted something about a rental house for a friend on my Facebook account this week and within a couple of hours I had 3 bites! Not bad. Go me!

...That I am hoping I can get more done on our new site over on WordPress today.

...that the above statement will only work IF the kids nap for at least 2 hours (crossing everything, even the cats toes on this one!)
...that I'm done confessing for the week.

Do you have any confessions to share? Link up! We'd love to read yours too!!

mommy confessions.

2010-01-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

Hey there Friday again and somehow I am still here.

I confess that.

I am still here at 38 weeks. Miracle I think not. It is God playing a silly trick on me.

This baby better come out soon. Or I may just have to throw a temper tantrum.

I went to the dr on Wednesday. I had an U/S the baby is 7.7lbs already and sunny side up OH goody. I went to the Chiropractor last night and here is hoping he was able to shift the baby.

I have been working on this post for about 3 hours now. I keep getting interrupted.

I am doing my cooking for the insanely lazy today. IE cooking for my father.

I am tired of hearing people complain about not having money but not willing to make the sacrifices to achieve a goal.

I actually got around to cleaning my house yesterday.

My son is very upset that he can't come visit when the baby is born.

Every day my kids ask if the baby is doing to be here today.

I am not happy with the name that is chosen. Don't get me wrong I LOVE the first name it is the middle name I don't want. But I gave that to Tommy and said I wouldn't complain. So my kids initials will be DAM.

I confronted my hubby the other day about being a complete jerk and he has been better since then.

I have wonderful friends.

My grandmother is having surgery today to remove knot in her breast and 2 lymph nodes that are cancers please pray that her surgeon makes the right choice in radiation and has a steady hand also for fast healing.

My Paisley slept all night last night. YEAH.

That is it for me I hope you have had a wonderful week and continue to have a great weekend.

What Happened Wednesday

2010-01-20T09:51:00.004-05:00

posted by Kandi

This week's edition of What Happened Wednesday s actually a What's Happening! My little man is using the potty!! I know, nothing too exciting about the potty...usually.

See, Ren is quite opinionated when it comes to well, everything. He's either a yes guy or a no guy and there isn't an in between. Since he turned 3 (yikes) in the summer we have been talking up going to the potty. Several times he got really interested in it, only to melt down when it came to the actual act of doing it. So, we gave up. Yes, you did read that correctly. We just gave up.

Finally around Christmas (of all the times, my son picks the busiest!) we were given some advice on how to get him started. The advice was to allow him to go to the rest room with Chuck and use the urinal. Maybe it wasn't he didn't want to potty. Maybe it was he didn't want to sit down and do it. Hmm, brilliant! So, we went to our local Wally World and let him do it. Lo and Behold it WORKED!!! I would have never in a million years guessed that would work.

Fast forward to the past 7 days. Ren is in big boy undies and getting the hang of the potty thing pretty well. We went from having the timer set for every 45 minutes to today not having to set it at all! I'm elated to say the least!

Now that we have conquered the potty (well with #1's at least) maybe just maybe we can conquer the "I never share my trains with my sisters" issue. Then again, maybe not....

Do you have any What Happened Wednesday stories to share? Feel free to link them up below or just post a message and share.

**The potty picture at the top is the the LATTSAM potty from Ikea. We have it and LOVE it's portablility, ease of use and that it can easily be stored without taking up too much room! They are sold for around $4 and this Mom recommends it! Also, I was not ask to recommend. I just purchased it last spring and it works well for mine so I thought I'd share!**

Best baby products.

2010-01-19T04:49:00.000-05:00

Did you have any baby items that you were just head over heals about and couldn’t live without. We would love to know what items that is.

I haven’t really bought to much stuff for my kids since my oldest was born. We bought so much stuff that I didn’t need anything else. Well when my 2nd was born we were living in storage so she didn’t get any of that stuff. When the 3rd came around we figured why buy anything new we still have the old stuff and the 2nd didn’t need much neither will this one. So now that the baby stuff is almost 7 years old I was wondering what kind of cool stuff is out there. What are your must haves?

I have a few personal must haves for any mommy and baby.

1. A great rocking chair. I personally like the puffy comfy ones. With a high arm. I spend so much time in mine. I need to buy a new one since the baby will need one in his nursery and Paisley will still need one.

2. A great carrier. I have a moby wrap but I am in the market for a beco carrier. I love my moby but sometimes it would be easer to just have a good front carrier that will hold the babies weight as they grow.

Now there are a few things that i would love to try.

Beco Carrier butterfly style.

a great nursing tea.

a new medela breast pump

A smaller double stroller. I haven’t been able to find one but I saw one when out shopping. It was a double stroller that the older child is basically in the basket. It was awesome. Tandem strollers are so bulky.

Anything you are just dying to have for you or you little one? Share Share Share. Or is there anything you wish you had?

Hide & Seek

2010-01-18T06:40:00.000-05:00

My kids have been playing a lot of hide & seek. They find funny places like inside my cupboards so Paisley has to go find them. In my shower, and jump out right before you step in. (yup nothing like wet rats jumping out at you as you are wanting a relaxing shower.) You know the normal places for kids to hide. Normally i find it cute and funny not so much today.
You see Tommy and I were in the nursery taking down cribs and putting them back up all the fun stuff. The house got really quiet. Normally when it is to quiet you know to watch out. Well we decided it was way to quiet and went on a hunt to find out WHY. 45 minuets later of searching the house we found them. I was to the point of almost panicking. The only reason I didn't was I checked all the doors and unless they were able to lock the dead bolts from outside they were safe and sound in the house. I went back into the basement for the 100th time and turned out the lights and a few minuets later I went to go back down there again and the light was on. I knew then that they were down there. I yelled out man I hope that huge kid eating mouse isn't hungry and turned the lights out and shut the door again. I went and got Tommy and told him that they were down stairs. He quietly went down stairs with the lights off and found them. They were hiding in the entertainment center because they wanted to camp out in the basement. They said they were going to sleep in the cupboard even though it was cramped in there. Even though they about put me into labor it was funny. We gave in and said they could camp out in Evan's bedroom as long as they were quiet and stayed in the bed.
Ah to be a kid again and think hiding from mommy and daddy is funny. Well I guess it is when you look back and know your kids are safe.

mommy confessions.

2010-01-15T11:08:00.002-05:00

Yup I know I am a little late today. But you will see why in my confessions.

I confesses that.

I am 37 weeks today.

I am just not myself lately. My sweet little Paisley was up until 6:40 am this morning. She started running a temp for no reason. Thank God for Tylenol.

I really thought we had the sleeping thing down with her but I was wrong.

I am still really nervous on how anybody will deal with her while I am in the hospital.

My house is a complete mess. With not getting sleep the last thing I want to do is clean my house. Anybody want to come help me clean? LOL.

I still have NOTHING for the new baby. I did buy a couple outfits for him over the weekend but 2 outfits don't go far.

I am worried about being a good mother to my children. I feel like the worst mother of all lately because I am just so tired all the time. I worry that my older kids just aren't getting enough attention (the are regressing a lot) and I worry that Paisley will get lost in the shuffle when the new baby comes.

Tommy and I have NOT been on the best terms all week. He got really pissy with me this week when I went out a few times and did stuff for just me NOT the family and that is normally me. I NEVER do me things it is always something for the family.

I have tons to do the next few days. I really need to get my dads menu together, shop for him and get the cooking done. All before I have this baby.

Mixing groups of friends just isn't a good idea. Just because they are my friends doesn't mean they will mix well. You would think I would have learned along time ago but I didn't.

My ex is sending me messages on Facebook asking why I haven't confirmed him as a friend. Really I just don't feel like it right now. LOL.

I cried yesterday when my washer overflowed all over the laundry room and I still can't do any laundry. HELLO I only have so many maternity clothes.

Despite my worries and hectic week I am excited to be able to meet my little boy very soon.

I hope everybody has a great week. Please keep the Hatian people in your thoughts and prayers. If you feel the calling to help please see Kandi's confessions on ways to help with the Red Cross.

Mommy Confessions #2

2010-01-15T08:58:00.004-05:00

posted by Kandi

Well, another Friday is upon us and it's that time again! Here goes...

I confess...

...to feeling very, very lost without my laptop. Yes, it's material and replaceable, but I feel like I lost a friend.

...that Audrey's first full week (with no snow days) of school and she was thrilled!

...Ren may be officially potty trained! I say may. It's not official yet...lol

...Ren still won't go #2 on the potty because he refuses to sit down. Is there a way to stand and do #2? Enlighten me if so!

...Courtney has learned to say "I love you" instead of just "wuv you". Now she says it to everyone, including the cashier at Kroger!

...I try to shelter my kids from the news, especially disasters.

...I realized that sheltering doesn't work when there is a nosey child in you home...umm Audrey.

...the best part is that she is asking questions about Haiti, praying, and asking what she can do to help the kids out. That's my giving little girl!!!

...Chuck feels terrible about dropping the laptop. He's apologized sooo much this week. To the point of suggesting I go shopping for some new scrapbook items. I KNOW he feels bad now!!

...I'm seriously thinking of taking Chuck up on his shopping offer. Yet, I feel torn about it. Don't ask me why, I just do. Silly guilt!!

...I'm finished confessing for the week!

On a side note I'd like to take this time to say I am really upset by the disaster in Haiti. If you have the calling and need to help please give to the Red Cross. I volunteered as a disaster team worker up until I had kids and can vouch for the services they provide! Even something as simple as a prayer can help. I don't attempt to push people towards giving. I feel that's something each person needs to do on their own, but I CAN promote the Red Cross. They do great things across the world! If there is a disaster, the Red Cross is there. You can count on that!

Okay, off my soapbox about the Red Cross....have a great weekend everyone and see you next week for more Mommy Confessions!

oh, and feel free to link your confessions below! We'd love to hear from others!

My Life is in Shambles...

2010-01-14T05:32:00.001-05:00

posted by Kandi

Maybe shambles is a harsh word, but that's how I feel. While I was away at a super fabulous Build-A-Bear birthday party for Scarlett (Andrea's), Chuckie was at home working tirelessly on the beginning stages of moving our website. When we arrived back home he starts walking up the stairs, my laptop in his hands and open. Lo and behold there was a toy on our steps (shock and surprise there). Well, when his foot met the toy and he slipped he chose to save his own balance. Meanwhile my entire life (slight exaggeration here) fell from his hands and tumbled back down the stairs....AAAAAAKKKKKKK!!!!! He ran back down the stairs with me close behind. Sadly, laying at the bottom was my laptop. The screen was shattered, buttons popped off and well, it was dead. Crap!! I immediately started crying. Not so much for the laptop, but every single picture of my kids that has been taken for the last 2 1/2 years was on it!! All of them!!

Thankfully the hard drive is fine and Chuck was able to pull that out and retrieve everything! I say thankfully because well, he's an awesome computer guy like that!! Sadly, for the time being I have to go ALL THE WAY downstairs to use a computer. In the man cave. Where it's cold, usually dark and smells like a giant fart mixed with men's deodorant and sweat. Lovely aroma let me tell ya.

The best part of it all....I get a new laptop!! Woohoo!! We already have it picked out and Chuckie is just waiting for it to come in so he can reload all of my schedules, addresses, planners and all the other important things that make this Mom happy (you know, like Facebook, TweetDeck...the truly important stuff...haha).

Moral of the story: Don't walk upstairs with your laptop open. Kids toys are dangerous things!

Best part of the story: new laptop..woot!!

What Happened Wednesday.

2010-01-13T10:20:00.003-05:00

What happened Wednesday is here at last. I know it is exciting but you must calm yourself.
This weeks is....What happened yesterday with Paisley.

I took Paisley to the Dr yesterday due to her STILL not sleeping. This whole thing of 2-4 hrs of sleep was really getting to me and my concern of how is my hubby and mom dealing with her while I am in the hospital was making me crazy. I called on Monday since our new insurance kicked in to schedule her an appointment. We went in yesterday and the Dr had full intentions of calling the ENT Dr to have tubes put in her ears today. But her ears were PERFECT. Sigh of relief and disappointment all at the same time. I was relieved no surgery but disappointed because it didn't explain why she wasn't sleeping. So the Dr just told me to let her cry and keep night time strictly nighttime. Then a medical student walked in. Normally I am not a fan of the medical students but this one was really nice. She and I were talking and it came up that Paisley sometimes wakes up for a puddle of formula in her mouth. Big signs went up for her. She read thru her chart and checked Paisley's throat. Paisley ALWAYS has a red throat and NEVER strep. She and the Dr decided that it might just be reflux that is causing all of these issues. So we are going to go that route. Paisley is on meds 2x a day. I started it last night and within 5 minuets she was burping, farting and had the hiccups. I thought it was a little odd but maybe just maybe this might be the answer. I mentioned it last night to a few friends and they all agreed that it could very well be it.
Paisley fell asleep last night about 130am and slept until 1010am. My prayers were answered we both got some much needed sleep.
I hope that we have finally came up with a solution but I don't want to get to excited it may have just been a coincidence. We shall see.
I did mention to the Dr that is she didn't start sleeping I was going to just get my OB to release me the day I deliver. She said that she would refuse it. I was like you are my kids Dr not mine. She said it didn't matter she could refuse it and force me to be there. She said that she thinks that I need the rest there and that a sleepy crying 10month old can wait at home and other family members can deal with her. I was like OOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKK. It was odd but I can see where she is coming from.
Thank you so much for your prayers and concerns. It has been a rough few weeks. I hope this is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Breast Cancer Hits home again.

2010-01-12T08:11:00.001-05:00

As many of you know I am a huge supporter of Breast Cancer awareness. Many members of my family have had it. I take it pretty seriously. As we all should. If you didn’t see my blog on breast cancer check it out.

Well it has hit close to home once again. A few weeks ago my grandmother had her yearly check and they found a spot. They sent her for further testing and last week she had a biopsy done on it. The results came in today. The words we all dread to hear it is cancer. Right now it is a tiny spot about the size of a pencil eraser tip. They are going to go in and remove it along with 2 lymph nodes. After that they will decide on the type of radiation that they are going to go with. My grandmother is about 86 yrs old. I pray her body can handle all of this. Her health has been decreasing over the past few years. A couple years ago she was hit by a car and things haven’t been the same since. Then over the spring/summer she started showing signs of Alzheimer's. If you have been following the blog you will know what has been going on with this. Can her feeble mindset and body handle all of this? I love my grandmother dearly even with everything that has gone on this year with her and continues. I don’t want this to be the end. I pray that she will make it thru and everything will be OK.

My sister and I have been talking about the what if’s a lot the past week. The what if’s dealing with my grandmother. You see my mom has been speaking with a neurologist about her and he is going to get her in to check her out for the Alzheimer’s. If she would be diagnosed with it along with cancer will she want to fight it. Can she handle both of these HUGE battles all at the same time. I don’t know.

I had this blog written in my head a few weeks ago that was I pray for you. It was all reasons that I pray for her daily. I never wrote it out because it felt so personal. But I do I pray for her daily. I pray for her because I LOVE her even with all that has went on. Now I pray for her to have the strength to fight this deadly disease. I pray for her to find peace with her choices in life. I pray that they find a cure for this disease. I pray for her for many reasons. I hope you will also pray for her. She needs all she can get.

Slight changes ahead

2010-01-12T03:46:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

In true Mommy Confession fashion, we wanted to give everyone a heads up. We are in the process of moving our blog site from Blogger to Wordpress. Chuck (Kandi's hubby) is working on getting the move taken care of as swiftly and uniterrupted as possible. You will be able to come to the old web address for a while, but once on Wordpress our domain will be www.mommyconfessionsblog.com. Please give us some patience through the transition and we'll see you soon!

Oh, you can still catch us here for the interm!

Thanks,
Andrea and Kandi

Are you super MOM?

2010-01-11T17:05:00.000-05:00

CASTING: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPER MOMS!

Are you a super mom to an elementary schooler???

Do you take an active role in your child’s education and extracurricular activities at his/her elementary school?

Is being involved in PTA, PTSA, PTO and/or similar parent groups at the top of your to-do list? Are organizing bake sales, packing lunches, scheduling activities and lobbying for better school facilities part of your hectic day? If so, we may want you for a New Show!

A major cable network is looking for an outgoing and dynamic super mom who can show us how fun, busy, exciting and hectic it is to be an elementary school mom.

If you have a fun, outgoing personality and are immersed in your child's education and school activities, we want to hear from you!

Please email a family photo, names and ages of you and your kids, location and contact info. Tell us about your involvement with your child's school and how your responsibilities make a difference.

Send your information to the Casting Director at:
JShaktacasting@yahoo.com

I disagree....

2010-01-11T11:18:00.003-05:00

I disagree that the days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter. Maybe it is just me and my crazy world but it really feels as if the nights are so freaking long.
Paisley still isn't sleeping. She is normally awake from 1am to around oh btwn 4am and 5am. I normally fall asleep around 12:30 or so and then I get up around 7:30 with Evan. These couple hours of sleep is really starting to catch up with me. It isn't like I can just go take a nap when ever I want. I have a 5 yr old that is home and also Paisley. Can I continue this? I know I can I am just really concerned on what am I going to do when I have the new baby ANY day. How will my mom and husband deal with the lack of sleep. Since I am the only one that deals with her. I thought about having my dr release me the day I have him so I can come home and deal with her on my own and it wouldn't affect anybody else. But then I would have to leave my baby there and I don't know if I can do that. Matter of fact I don't think I can.
I have tried really everything. I have fed her a bottle, fed her food, let her cry, let her play, rocked her, prayed about it, cried about it, I have even spoke with the peds about it. Nothing. It started when she had RSV but she is better now. So what gives.
How do I get thru these LONG nights? I clean, I do laundry, I watch TV, I blog, twitter and facebook are DEAD. So I don't mess with those. But most of the time I sit with Paisley and rock her and play with her. Don't get me wrong I LOVE to have alone time with her. But I would much rather it be in some normal hours.
My new idea is when Tommy gets home to go to bed and sleep until she wakes up at 1ish. But is that the answer. I really doubt that. But it might just be what is needed.

The Kandi Bar

2010-01-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

Well, this is kind of a promo post. I'd like to introduce you to the other blog Andrea and I write called The Kandi Bar. I started the blog almost 2 years ago. A while back I kind of let it go stale, but one of my goals for this year is to get it back up and running. It's never been anything super exciting, but I do post my weekly menu and grocery savings there. Along with the occasional product review (none of which have ever been ask of me to do). I thought I'd give it a little snippet here and maybe someone might take an interest there.

So, if you get a chance check it out. You might find a recipe or something you would like!

Mommy Confessions..

2010-01-08T07:19:00.001-05:00

It is Friday and Mommy Confessions is back in the running after the crazy Holiday season.

I confess that.

You must read this blog. Kandi and I met this young lady a couple months ago. Since then we have become friends. She wrote a blog yesterday that was so heart felt and touching about abuse, depression and strength. Please take the time to visit Katie’s blog. It took a lot of courage for her to write this I am so glad that she was able to share and maybe it will get in the right hands and help another child or maybe even an abusive parent and make them STOP. Keep in mind it only takes 1 person to change the world.

I have no other confessions this week. I want Katie’s blog post to be the focus of this week. I am truly so proud to know such a strong woman.

Have a great week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kandi here. I completely agree with Andrea this week. Go and check out Katie's post. I'm so thankful every day for all the blogging Mommies we've met and are able to call our "real life" friends as well as online/blogging friends.

Have a great weekend everyone as we around the Mommy Confessions area are digging out of some serious snow and cold!

Happy 5th birthday Scarlett

2010-01-07T20:42:00.003-05:00

Wow I can’t believe my little girl is 5 today. It is crazy how time flies and how much the kids change. It seams like yesterday we were living at my moms having just had her waiting for our new house to be built. 5 years later we are still waiting for that same house to be finished. HAHA. Scarlett has grown into such a sensitive caring young lady. I am so blessed to have her and all her 1 billion imaginary friends.

For the kids birthdays they get to choose their birthday dinner. What did Scarlett choose you ask. Spaghetti and meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and peas. She had ice cream and Hannah Montana cupcakes (it would have been something different but my choices were limited last night at Sams club.

Happy Birthday my sweet sweet Scarlett. I love you more each day and my life is richer having you in it.

My Savings of the week.

2010-01-07T06:45:00.001-05:00

posted by Kandi

This post is a little different than most of our other ones. I just had to share though. I went to the grocery store for the first time in a while to "stock up". I haven't had to go to the store in quite a while for more than the milk, bread, diaper stuff.

One of my goals for this year is to get back into couponing and stocking up. Honestly, I had so much shampoo, deodorant, soap and laundry stuff I haven't had to purchase anything for at least 6 months. Longer on some items. Sadly though, as the latter part of the year unfolded I started just buying whatever sounded good and was easy. Neither of those things are good shopping/saving habits to have.

Today was my first foray back into couponing. Here are the results of my first trip out. Here is a breakdown of what I got (with pictures because I'm a cool dork and all..haha).
Kroger

I purchased everything in these two pictures plus a 12 pack of Ivory soap, 4 bottles of Dawn, a pork loin, salad mix and 3 lunchables (that were being consumed at the time...haha). Grand total = $85.02. I saved $69.72 by using my Kroger Plus Card and coupons. That's a 45% savings!!

Target

I picked up these two pairs of shoes for the kids for a total of $12! The tennis shoes were $8 and the cute little brown shoes were a whopping $3 on clearance!!

Now, I still need to hit Aldi for some odds and ends but otherwise I'm done for a while. I just wanted to share my savings. If you are ever interested in learning about saving or couponing there are several sites out there. The one I use the most though is Mommysnacks. She is my go to site for savings!

What Happened Wednesday

2010-01-06T12:50:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

Well, it happened. I failed. Actually that happens more often than I care to admit, but I digress.

The kids and I decided it would be loads of fun to make Daddy (aka Chuck) a cake for his birthday. Not just any cake mind you. A layer cake. Yeah, should have stopped at the thought. The plan was to make a cake with a layer of pudding in the middle and then frost it. I've never attempted something like that, so I thought, eh..why not? How hard can it really be?

Early results were good. The pudding was mixed and chilling. The cakes were baking and cooling. The problem started when we put it all together. Having never made a layer cake I had no idea you needed to freeze the thing BEFORE you attempt to put icing on. That way the pudding doesn't squeeze out of the middle layer.

Wait, go back a couple steps. While the first cake was cooling and the second baking I ran to change the laundry and add another load into the washer. I thought the cake would be safe....OH NO!! The kids saw me head downstairs and each one ran to the cooling cake and pulled a hunk off. I came upstairs to find all 3 of my kids with their hands covering their mouths to "hide the cake". In reality all I had to do was follow the crumbs and chocolate smiles...ugh!

So, back to the cake disaster. I had no idea how to conceal the kid catastrophe, so I thought I'll just go with it. I cut the bottom layer to match the top. Round on one side and flat on the other...perfect! Right up until the kids and I started adding the icing. Then the pudding smooshes out of the middle and starts running down the side. Crap! How do you fix that?? Needless to say, after about 20 minutes of trying to figure out how to fix it I just threw my hands up and said "oh well, Daddy will love it because we made it with love". That seemed reasonable to the kids. Then Audrey said "why don't we add some nuts to make it pretty?". That is exactly what we did to make it beautiful...at least in the kids eyes. In mine, it was the worst cake experience in my life! A disaster!! To Chuck, well, he said it "was the best cake he ever had".

So, here are the pictures of this "wonderful" cake! Enjoy my failure!

Happy Birthday to my hubby!

2010-01-05T06:23:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

Today is my hubby's birthday! He's such a great guy that I had to share it with everyone. Having been together for 11 years I know all about his quirks, his ideals, his odd sense of humor and his need for everything computer related. So, in honor of him here are some pics of my guy.

Happy Birthday Honey and I love you!!

We're back!!

2010-01-04T21:23:00.001-05:00

Yay!! Just wanted to post something to say that as of today we are officially back from our holiday lull. More Mommy Confessions to come this week!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:40:00.002-05:00

Photo Courtesy of Zazzle.com

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Welcome 2010! May your new year be filled with joy, peace, fulfillment, laughter and generosity!

Thanks for making 2009 and the start of Mommy Confessions such a hit!

We have been hit and miss the last couple of weeks, but starting Monday it will be back to the normal Mommy Confessions you all know and love!

Happy New Year to you!
Kandi and Andrea

What happened Wednesday.

2009-12-30T00:58:00.001-05:00

What happened Wednesday is here and WOW what a week it has been. This WHW is what has happened in my house since Christmas or should I say around Christmas.

Last Tuesday I went out to lunch with my friend we had planned on lunch and shopping but my plans got shot when I received a text from my husband. It was pictures of my middle daughter. She was broke out in some kind of rash or hives. I rushed home by the time I made it home it had spread to her belly and arms. By the time I made it to urgent care it had spread everywhere. Once at Urgent care we got the worst care EVER. The idiot Dr told me that it was from medication that I had given her the night before. YEAH so NOT true. The Dr didn’t even bother looking at her he walked in with his mind made up and that was it. So I gave her some Benadryl and home we went. By Thursday I called the pediatrician to find out if she could call in some meds for Scarlett since she was sick and was telling her about what went on and she wanted to see her since she still had the spots and was sick. I took her in and the fun all began again. The Dr was concerned about some stuff so she sent us with scripts in hand to the lab to get some blood work done. That didn’t go over to well. Scarlett was very upset. I felt so bad for her. She was drugged out from the meds that she was given for a few days.

We had a lovely Christmas. My father came and spent the night with us so he could watch the kids open their presents in the morning. Scarlett was still drugged out from the day before but she was able to open her presents and play then head back to bed. While I was cleaning up from them opening their presents I walked by my ottoman trying to miss the toys and cracked my toe on it. My mother said she could hear it across the room. Yup I broke my freaking toe. Have you ever noticed that you don’t drop things or have people kick your toe unless it is hurt. It instantly turned colors and has been hurting since. I sucked it up and finished the day. I made dinner for my family. My dad decided that he didn’t want to stay and left before dinner. His loss more Honey Baked ham for us right. My grandparents came over and we had a great dinner.

Paisley started getting sick that night. She had a little cold starting I wasn’t shocked since the other 2 had, had one then she started vomiting. YUCK. As Saturday came Paisley was getting it pretty bad. She was up till 5am on Saturday and that means I was up. I was about to loose my mind. Sunday came and the same. Monday came and yup the same. I took her into the Doctor on Tuesday and she was diagnosed with RSV. She had it when she was 2 weeks old and now she has it again. Paisley was given 2 shots 1 steroid and 1 antibiotic. And as if RSV isn’t bad enough she also has an ear infection. Poor baby. Along with that she has lost 5 lbs in 2 weeks. The Dr said she should sleep better tonight but no such luck. Since it is 12:50 AM and I am up writing this looks like it is going to be another all nighter.

I have learned a few things while staying up all night with the baby. Tommy is useless. I was sitting on the couch crying one night and he got mad at me when I asked for him to take her for 15 min. I learned not to ask for help. I learned that Mommy can’t always fix everything. I learned that if I keep myself busy in the crazy hours of the night it makes it go by much faster and I don’t freak out as much. I learned my house gets cleaned in the night. Along with laundry and dishes, some blogging, emails that I have been putting off, shopping on craigslist, among a few other things. I learned to bite my tongue when my husband makes comments on why am I so tired. OH I have no clue I work on 2 hours of sleep a night and I am pregnant.

That is my WHW. I am hoping for a fresh start for the new year. How about you. Please keep my Paisley in your thoughts and prayers that she can get healthy and get back to her usual self and start sleeping again.

I need a Baby Whisperer.

2009-12-28T11:24:00.001-05:00

I am so exhausted. I need a baby whisperer or Super Nanny to come to my house to figure out what is going on with my Paisley.

For 2 nights straight she has been up until between 4:30 and 5am. She screams most of the time and throws her body around, she acts as she is possessed. I don’t know what to do with her.

Last night I tried to rock her but she was throwing herself all around I thought I was going to drop her. So I brought her out in the living room and she played for a few hours. She would cry and play cry and play ALL NIGHT LONG.

She honestly acts as if she is hurt but I don’t know what is wrong. She will act fine during the day and then insane at night.

Any ideas on what to do? I am going to try to make her stay up all day. But I am not sure how well that one is going to go over.

I actually at 1 point in time she was screaming so much that I just put her in her bed and shut the door . I came in the living room and just cried. I am at my end. I am not sure if it is the combination of her being up for days straight along with me. Or the fact that I am exhausted, sick and pregnant. I am afraid that this is going to send me into preterm labor. Probably a silly worry.

Part of me is like should I let her cry it out. But I am not that type of mom especially with my baby. How long do you let them cry? When I was having my pity party last night I let her cry for about 15 min. After that I had to regain myself and go get her.

On the bright side of things at least I am getting caught up on my house work. I have to keep myself busy to stay awake so I have been cleaning and doing laundry. I wish I was sleeping but none the less I do it so I don’t feel to sorry for myself.

Any ideas? Anybody want to come spend the night at my house to deal with a screaming baby. Yeah I didn’t think so either.

Mommy Confessions is OUT…

2009-12-26T17:15:00.001-05:00

Well at least half of us is out. Kandi is left this morning to spend Christmas with her in-laws in PA. To be honest I have no clue when she will be back. But I for one will miss her. I hope you have a drama free visit with the family. Enjoy your trip.

I will be trying to post here and there but I have some really sick kids we have spent the week at urgent care and the dr’s office and the pharmacy has gotten way to much of my money lately. I will keep everyone posted.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and was able to take some time to remember the real reason for the season. Have a great weekend.

Andrea

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T06:08:00.002-05:00

Andrea's kids. Evan, Scarlett and baby Paisley.

Kandi's kiddies! (Audrey, Ren and Courtney)

From our homes to yours, we wish you all a very Happy, Safe and Blessed Christmas! We hope you were all good boys and girls so you got some nice presents from Santa!

Merry Christmas!
Andrea and Kandi

The Best Christmas present!

2009-12-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

This event actually took place last week, but due to the holidays I scheduled it ahead of time. Enjoy!

Well, it happened. This is the first year Audrey is in school and she brought home a present for me and Chuck. Now, I was expecting a drawing or something similar. Something cute to tuck away and save for, well, ever. Something that all the kids did and would say "hey Mommy or Daddy, here". I never would have thought of something like what I received.

Audrey loves to give gifts. It's in her nature. So, when she came running out of her class today and handed me a gift I was surprised! Then, with her hand on her hip, she informs me that I had to wait until "Daddy" got home to open it "cause it's for bof of you". Okay, I *guess* I can wait, if I have to. Talk about a LONG wait. I completely forgot Chuck had a haircut and dentist appointment tonight. My anticipation of opening my first "real" kid present (meaning not bought by Chuck for me) was overwhelming. I was practically pacing by the time he got home.

He did his normal hugs/kisses and asking everyone about their day. I was about to go nuts..seriously. He knew I was waiting to open the gift, so he made me wait longer. Just to be a turkey!!

Let me say though, the wait was worth it! When we opened the card I got misty eyed.
When we tore open the gift (quite like small children ourselves) I got very teary very quickly. It was Audrey's hand print. She had made it, painted it and put a penny with the year 2009 on it!
On the back was a poem that I have read before.
This one had a holiday twist to it. I bawled like a baby!! Really. Chuck started, well, chuckling I was so teary.

It was the best Christmas present I have ever received! I plan on hanging it in a prominent place with some room so that the other two can add theirs to it someday.

What Happened Wednesday.

2009-12-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

What happened Wednesday is here again.

What happened to my little girl. Scarlett is 4 she will be 5 in a few weeks. She has learned so much this year just not always the things that she should be like reading and ect. Well lately she has learned something that is Oh so entertaining. Notice the sarcasm? She has learned the art of snapping. Yup she can snap her fingers. She has also learned how to snap with attitude. Think ghetto girl snapping when she is talking to get her point across. Yup that is my Miss Scarlett. She is pretty funny when she does this. “Mommy I want toast” as she is snapping. She moves her arm and shakes her head as she does this. OH my she is only 4 and giving me drama. I guess her name does fit her. DRAMA.

The kids photos are here and we LOVE them.

2009-12-19T20:11:00.001-05:00

These are my kids. We had found someone to come out to our house and take photos of them. It was a great experience. The lady did a wonderful job on them. We couldn’t be more pleased.

Hope you enjoy.

View Full Album

Mommy Confessions #2

2009-12-18T06:09:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

No chit-chat this week, onto the confessions!

I confess...

...that it is actually Thursday morning and I'm writing this for Friday.

...Audrey is on Christmas vacation and so is Chuck, let the chaos begin!

...I am no where near done with Christmas shopping.

...The above is basically talking about with Hubby's family, which we won't see until after the holiday.

...Since it's this way with his family every year, I wait until after the 25th to get their gifts. When stuff is on clearance!!

...I hope no one tattles on my little secret..haha.

...This week has been super busy!

...I honestly don't know how the "super Moms" of the world do it.

...I melted the chocolate for my Christmas buckeyes in my fondue pot and it worked well.

...While the fondue pot worked well, it took a lot longer for the chocolate to melt.

...that while it did take longer to melt, the upside is that I got other things done instead of "watching" the double boiler!

...Ren has been a terrible guy to put into bed recently. I don't know what's up with that.

...Courtney has also started waking up in the middle of the night...again. Please someone tell me this ends someday?!?

...Audrey gave us an awesome Christmas present yesterday! More on that in a post scheduled for next week.

...to wondering if anyone else has noticed that Kashi GoLean Honey Almond Flax cereal tastes a lot like Super Golden Crisp..except with good stuff in it?? I am really loving this cereal lately!! Had to plug it!

...I swear I just heard George Lopez's voice in an episode of Dora the Explorer. I could be wrong, but how cool is that?? I love George Lopez!

...on the topic of comedians, I've found a new funny guy! Well, he's not new, but new to us. Jim Gaffigan cracks me up! I love his clean humor based on real things. "Bacon pieces are the fairy dust of the food world"...hahaha

...that I'm rambling.

...the reason I'm doing the confessions on Thursday is due to Papaw's funeral and burial. If you have no idea about that check out this post.

...I'm finished! Lots to do today and tomorrow! Have a wonderful weekend everyone and feel free to share your confessions with us!

mommy confessions

2009-12-18T05:08:00.000-05:00

YEAH. I am excited it is Friday. OK not really but hey positive thinking right.

I confess that…

This has not been a good few days. My oldest is sick with something. He went to the Dr yesterday on the way home he started barfing and explosive diarrhea. I know just what you wanted to know.

I know have a blue stain on my white couch from the above.

I am not really looking forward to him being off work ALL next week.

Since he is going to be off work ALL next week I am heading out to lunch BY myself with a good friend.

I am not even close to being finished with my Christmas shopping.

I can’t stand it when my kids are sick and everybody and their brother need me to do silly things.

I really didn’t expect for Franklin Covey to see my blog. They have been so helpful I will post on that later.

A fellow twitter lost her child this week. It is so sad. It has really made me rethink things and make sure my kids know that I love them even more.

I am not really sure what to do with the situation with my Grandmother. Do I just give in and act as if nothing is wrong or do I continue to stand my ground.

My grandfather forced me into his house last week and I am still upset about it.

My mom didn’t do anything about it.

I really wish I had a maid.

My kids have a new LOVE. I am ashamed to say they love Pee Wee Herman. EWW I know.

My house has this foul smell from my kids being sick. See this post if you are confused on why.

The next few weeks can’t seam to go any quicker.

We are finally going to start Paisley’s new room this weekend.

Since the above will be completed this coming week we can start on the baby’s room. HEY BABIES R US you can come do the room if you would like. LOL. Worth a try right.

That I got my new computer this week. I love it. I am so excited it works right and I have refused to allow my hubby to touch it.

I put a password on it to make sure he can’t use it.

It is MINE and ONLY MINE. Is that selfish of me?

Well that is about it for me. I hope everyone had a great week. Many people are having their Christmas over the weekend Please be careful and enjoy your loved ones. Keep in mind when someone in the family says something stupid just smile and nod don’t give in. Life is to short to argue.

Please keep Kandi and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they are going thru this tough time of loosing a loved one.

Welcome to the Sewage Plant.

2009-12-17T15:28:00.002-05:00

Yeah it isn’t always skittles and rainbows around here. Some days I just really want to pretend it doesn’t exist. Today is one of those days.

This morning I had my oldest crying because he was coughing so much. When he woke up it was just a little coughing and a runny nose within an hour it was a struggle to breathe. Guess it was time to take him into the Dr’s. Then my mom called and let me know what the Dr had said to my Grandmother yesterday. (last year they found a spot on her mammogram they were just keeping an eye on it. This year it got bigger and they sent her for a high resolution U/S and it appears that it is cancerous.) She is going in the morning to have a biopsy done on it. They are doing it in the office which I find very odd when I had mine done I was at the surgeons not the family Dr. I am praying that she misunderstood what they said but it isn’t looking that great. We will see I am sure it will take about a week to get the results in with it being a weekend plus next week being a holiday. All of this by 9am.

I took Evan to the Dr we were there for 2 hours. They did breathing tests and treatment for him. He doesn't have pneumonia yet but it would have just been a matter of time. Guess it was a good call on taking him in. He also has an ear infection. While we were there they did the 9 month check on Paisley. Yeah lets add to the fun of the day and give the baby 2 shots to. YUP FUN TIMES.

On our way home Evan started complaining about his tummy hurting. That is when the fun stuff really hit in. EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA. Really do we need to add this onto everything the day has brought? So needless to say the pull-ups have come out and well I am considering just pulling up the toilets in the house and replacing them rather than cleaning them. UGG. And if that isn’t bad enough the baby has got it also. They both keep crying because of their belly and having diarrhea. Not fun. I think huggies is going to get a lot of my money this week. Needless to say my house smells like a sewage plant on a hot summer day. Meanwhile all I can think of is this Hitler parody that Tommy showed me yesterday about someone farting in Hitler’s bunker. I know totally inappropriate but hey some times you have to laugh about stuff. If you want to check it out it is here. Once again it is totally inappropriate but none the less it was going thru my head.

While all of this is going on my mom calls me wanting me to call the Honey Baked ham place to order her a ham. REALLY. NOW. Yup she wanted it done right then. So what do I do. I call and order $150 worth of ham for her UGG.

Yup that has been my day. Sounds like loads of fun doesn’t it. It may be stressful and smell something awful here but I wouldn’t change it for the world. And at least I can find a few ways to make myself laugh thru it all. Even if nobody else finds it funny.

What's up with us....

2009-12-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

Hey all you fantastic people! I wanted to pop in and leave a quick message. See, I've been a *little* busy this week. It's that time of the year though isn't it? Everyone is all caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Same here, with some slight differences.

I was all caught up in the season until this weekend and then I got a call I NEVER thought I'd get. My Dad called me and told me my Papaw has passed away. It was sudden, so that really caught me off guard! I'm dealing with it in my own way. If you know me, you know that I'm a pretty emotionally private person. That's what's going on here. I have cried. I have gotten angry. I have pulled out the pictures of Papaw and felt regret for not taking the kids to see him. I got it all out so that the day of his services I can be the strong one. That's just what I do.

I am still catching my breath and coming to terms with Papaw's passing, yet the season must roll on.

So, if you get a chance call your Grandparents, or allow your kids to call their grandparents for no reason. Just to say "hi!, I'm thinking about you and I love you". People seem to get caught up in the shopping for the kids, seeing Santa, putting up the decorations, etc... Take some time to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you before it's too late. That's my advice this Christmas season. Take it for what it's worth!

Peace and Love in this CHRISTmas season!

Dear Franklin Covey

2009-12-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Franklin Covey.

I have been a devote Franklin Covey user for many years. More than I care to say but I will say that I got my first one as a freshman in high school back in the day it was Franklin Quest. I am sorry to say you have lost me forever. I am sad to say that I went in there with my mother and got the worst service EVER. I was looking at the planners for the PC which I have been looking to invest in for some time. The worker asked me what I wanted it for and I told him what I was planning on using it for his response was unthinkable. What you are a stay at home mom. Mom’s don’t need anything they just stay at home all the time. I have never been so insulted in my life. I replied back to him that a stay at home mom stays busier than he will ever imagine and that he is a complete moron. Needless to say my mom and I walked out of the store empty handed.

I have NEVER been insulted like this in my life. Just because I am a stay at home mom doesn’t mean that I sit around and do nothing all day long. I work harder than most people. My job is 24/7 what is yours? I don’t get sick days do you? I don’t get vacation or personal days either do you. YEAH that is what I thought. I have 3 kids with 1 more on the way. I run a household, do bills, schedule appointments, run errands, take the kids to their activities, help out with my extended family. Just to name a few of the things that I do while I sit at home HA. Just because I don’t get paid to do these things doesn’t make my career choice any less important. Needless to say you can take you little planner enterprise and do whatever you want with it but I will not be buying anymore. For a Christian company you might want to rethink your stance on your views. I am very saddened by this.

Andrea

Mommy Confessions.

2009-12-11T14:20:00.004-05:00

Sorry it is late but I honestly thought it was Thursday. I have been out doing some shopping and well I came home to this little tweet from Kandi.
hey @daisiesforu...not meaning to sound silly, but you know today if Friday right?? Just asking....lol
Is that a hint or what.
So onto my confessions. Since well it is Friday. And better late than never.
I confess that...

It is Friday. How did I miss that one.

I need to figure out how to make a back drop for pictures ASAP since the photographer will be here at 1pm tomorrow and not in 2 days.

I am so tired of Christmas shopping. People are INSANE.

For the first time I have been doing a little Christmas shopping online. Man Amazon has had some kick butt deals.

My 6yr has been manipulating me. He came home Friday from school barfing. Since then he has figured out that if he tells me he is sick to his tummy he might not have to do what he is told. NOT working.

I got my new computer in the mail. I know it is going to cost me for my hubby buying me one and not him. I hate to know how much it will cost me.

He gave me the guilt trip today saying he bought me a new computer so I could play Sims 3. Yes I know I am a dork but I love the game. I just didn't want to drop $50 on it. So I made him split it with me.

I may beat my dog is he pees on my bed or my shower curtain 1 more time.

I really need to check on our pig. I haven't seen him in a couple days.

I am not as active as I used to. Just running to 2 stores wore me out. Am I really that old? NAH I am sure it is just being 8 months pregnant and dragging around a 9 month old and 4 yr old.

I didn't realize I was classified as middle age until the other day a friend said something about us being middle age. How the heck did that one get by me. It really makes me sad. I still think of myself in my early 20's.

Our night out on Saturday didn't turn out the way we had planned. We had a great evening with friends with just a small amount of drama. We walked in the door and my phone rang asking where I was the baby needed to come home. Not a shocker to me she isn't an away from home sleeper. My hubby ran and got her and she went right to bed. She just needed her mommy.

I love rocking my babies. It brings peace to my day. It doesn't matter what else is going on in the house I can tone it out and just rock her. God has truely blessed me with my kids.

I need to remember that more often.

That is about it for me. I hope everyone else has a great Friday and weekend.

Mommy Confessions #2

2009-12-11T09:09:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

Good Friday everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful week.

This week I confess...

...it's freezing! I'm cold just writing it..haha.

...I'm thankful to have a warm house, good (well sort of, I can't cook) food, and cartoons.

...I keep thinking about those who don't have anything when it's this cold outside!

...I have had an urge to bake all week.

...yesterday I scrubbed my kitchen so well that today my back is killing me.

...I should take some ibuprofen for the pain, but I'm out...lol.

...that I'm out of it, unless I want to drink the kids stuff. In this instance, I'll suffer...blech!

...I'm going to introduce Audrey to chapstick today. She keeps picking at her lips.

...we went to the light display in our town and it is wonderful, as usual!

...the kids have ask to go see the lights everyday since we went.

...Audrey got "grounded" for the first time this week.

...I had to be stern for the grounding, something I'm not so good at. (more on that in another post)

...Oh, found the best idea for getting kids to help out around the house! Thanks to Domestic Debacle. Here's the link to go read it for yourself!!!!

...My week has been otherwise uneventful, so I think I'm done.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend. If you're snowed in, enjoy the beauty of the snow! If not, enjoy the sights and sounds of the season! I love this time of year.

Share some thoughts about your week with us!

Baking Day, part 1

2009-12-10T09:35:00.005-05:00

posted by Kandi

It's baking day around here! I do these every once in a while. Today, it's freezing outside and what better way to warm up the house than with smells of good stuff baking! I have read and learned from several bloggers (Mommysnacks, $5 Dollar Dinners, Once a Month Mom, Money Saving Mom) among several others. I do have a goal set. I also have several other smaller tasks to get done too. So, here's my list:

-make/bake banana bread (approx. 6 loaves)
-Egg bread and Brioche in the bread maker
-separate pork chops and freeze/marinate
-make batch of rice in the crock pot (what Andrea @ Mommysnacks did here)
-starting chili in the crock pot
-soak/cook some pinto and black beans for burritos for the kids

So, a big plan. Will I get it all done? Maybe, if I work really hard. I do have several (ahem) distractions. I also have my little cousin's son over for the day so just add another bit of chaos to my day..haha.

I'll let y'all know in another post how my day turned out and hopefully post pictures of everything. Just know that I am by no means a beautiful baker. It's the taste that counts anyway...right?!?!?!

What Happened Wednesday

2009-12-09T09:43:00.004-05:00

posted by Kandi

Good morning everyone! This post isn't going to be a What Happened, but a What's Happening, right now. As I sit here at my kitchen table, I keep glancing over my shoulder. Our kitchen window is behind me and the wind is howling through our little corner oh Ohio. Now, normally, wind doesn't bother me, but today it does. Why? Well, after the wind from Hurricane Ike blew through our area in September of 2008 I've been leery of powerful winds. According to our local weather people we are going to have similar winds to rip through our area today...oh what fun!

Photo by Lerxst Ohio, Courtesy of Flickr

Anyway, I just wanted to basically give everyone our local weather forecast for the day..haha. So, enjoy your snow, wind, rain, hail, sun, cloudy day! By tomorrow I may be blown into Oz...we'll see!

When did being in love...

2009-12-07T06:31:00.001-05:00

posted by Kandi

This is a question I've been pondering lately. When did being "in love" with your spouse become a "bad" thing? I mean, I love Chuck, but I also love my sister. It's not the same love though. Yes, I realize that this topic has been covered many times. I still wonder.

Here's why I wonder about this. I have friends who say they love their husbands. I'm not one to question that, but I wonder. Chuck and I have had our share of ups and downs, trials and triumphs. I think every marriage does. The thing is, I am still madly, deeply, school-girl giddy in love with him! I look at him sometimes and just giggle.
Why? I honestly don't know. I could venture to guess, but why? The point is, to me loving someone means one thing. Being "in love" means something different. I guess after almost 11 years together that being in love with my husband isn't a bad thing! It makes me really happy actually!!

Since I'm not a person who thinks too in depth about these issues I just wanted to know if anyone else ever wondered about it? Yes, these thoughts actually do pop into my mind....

Mommy Confessions #2

2009-12-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

posted by Kandi

I'm a slacker today! It's almost noon and I still haven't done my confessions of the week. In reality though, I had an appointment this morning that lasted 2 hours and I also turned off my alarm clock, so I didn't get up until about 45 minutes before my appointment. NEVER a smart thing to do with 3 kids, breakfast and myself to get ready.

The week I confess...

...that Ren's surgery went well!

...this time the hospital didn't give him any meds he is allergic to, thank God!

...the healing is slower this time though, he's still down and feeling icky.

...Chuck went back to work yesterday, after being off for 7 straight days.

...it may sound odd, but I really miss him! He's a great help when he's here, especially with Ren!

...that I'm not sure we are going to Benihana tomorrow with Andrea, Tom and everyone else. We're playing it by ear with Ren.

...to being slightly sad about the last statement.

...that we still don't have a real Christmas tree.

...to having 4 small tress with lights that we are calling our Christmas trees.

...to liking the little trees better, each kid got to decorate their own with homemade ornaments. They really loved it!

...the lights are up outside, thanks to Chuck! He did a great job!

...that compared to other houses in our neighborhood, we look like the Charlie Brown house.

...oddly enough, I'm okay with being the Charlie Brown house.

...to feeling very overwhelmed several days this week.

...being overwhelmed isn't something I'm used to and I really don't like it!

...that I am making eye doctor appointments today for everyone.

...the appointments are because we have a LOT more left on our FSA than I thought!

...that back to the overwhelmed part, it also makes me **slightly** cranky. I really don't like having a short fuse, especially with the kids.

...to thinking I need a day off, but since mothers know that rarely, if ever, happens.

...instead of a day off, maybe a nice hot bath might work.

...is finished for this week. Loads of ironing and spending 1 on 1 time with Audrey awaits.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Do you have any confessions to share? Let us hear them!

Mommy Confessions.

2009-12-04T09:23:00.002-05:00

Since it is Friday and well Kandi and I both somehow let last Friday slip thru out mind we had better not forget today.
So here goes.
I confess.

That I was busy shopping last Friday well not really I took my sweet time heading out and meet up with friends for breakfast and then went shopping.

I still have tons of shopping to do. I really have no clue what to get the kids.

I finally got Scarlett a Zhu Zhu pet. Thank goodness for my mom's friend who works at Target.

That going Dept free is really hard. It sucks. I see my friends buying and doing what ever they want and we can't it sucks. But this should be the last pay period before the sun is shining again.

My life will be so much easier once all dept is paid off.

I am so frustrated that I can't figure out how to get involved in doing more product reviews and giveaways.

I am down to 3 boxes of cereal. I so need to head to the grocery store.

I have let Evan buy lunch at school 3 days this week because I haven't gone to the grocery store.

I am really looking forward to our yearly Christmas dinner with friends. We are going to benihana for dinner. Kandi you better be there.

I have no clue what to get Tommy for Christmas. The other day he had the nerve to tell me he wanted the Columbo series. I bought this for him 2 years ago and he just sold it over the summer. I laughed and said go buy it yourself then.

Tomorrow night will be the first time in 9 months that Tommy and I have been completely kid free. My mom is keeping all 3 kids. This will probobly be the last time in a long long time.

I really hate the look of disappointment in my kids face. Today Evan handed me a paper from school wanting help for the Christmas party. I really want to help I just can't with the 2 girls. I told him I couldn't but I would send cookies or cupcakes. He started crying saying but you helped all the time last year. It really broke my heart. Isn't the benifet of being a stay at home mom getting to help at the school?

Scarlett is so excited to go see OZ tonight at the Dayton Convention Center. My mom is taking her. She is going to wear her Dorthy outfit with ruby red slippers. She can't stop talking about it.

My niece is home she came home on Monday. Thank you for all the prayers that you have sent our way.

I am 31 weeks. I am measuring 3 weeks ahead. My dr said to be prepared to go between 36 and 37 weeks and I have NOTHING for the baby.

I have been a big huge slacker on my family blog. I really need to update it.

Evan lost another tooth. My mom pulled it out. Teeth coming out make me want to vomit. The tooth fairy only have a $5 on her so that is what he got. OUCH.

While putting the tree up on Sunday I broke 2 of my orniments and 1 precious moments. If you know me I am a freak about my tree. I only like certain things that match on my tree. And I have some orniments that I spent WAY to much money on several years ago. Those were the 2 I broke. Tommy can fix them. Evan started crying When I asked him why he said because you love those so much. I tried to explain to him that things happen and they can be fixed when deep down I wanted to cry to.

Well that is about it for me I hope you have a great week and take time to enjoy your family.

I am not prepared.

2009-12-03T02:35:00.000-05:00

I was sitting talking with Tommy the other night and we were talking about the baby. And he goes yeah we have what less than 2 months till he is here. I was like no way. He was right. I am so not prepared. I haven't done any cooking or baking. I haven't even bought new furniture for Paisley's room. I haven't started Paisleys room there for I haven't started the babies room. I have bought nothing except for 2 packs of diapers. OH NO. I hate not being prepared. I like to have 6 months of diapers stashed away several weeks of food so I don't have to worry about cooking. I am seriously lacking here. To be honest I have no clue what I even need. I know a few things that I need to pick up like jammies, new bedding that sort of stuff but crap there is a lot I still need. I know I will have it all done in time but that panic has started in. I have around 9 weeks till my due date and since the past 2 times I have gone 3 weeks early that only leaves about 6 weeks. OMG that sounds even worse.

All I want for Christmas.

2009-12-02T10:18:00.004-05:00

I don't normally make a Christmas list since well I don't normally get anything. See this post. This year my hubby has actually bought me something. He has bought me my computer. I am sure this will bite me in the butt but it should be here on the 17th I am to excited. Anyways there is 1 other thing I want. It really shouldn't be that hard. HA.
All I want for Christmas isn't my 2 front teeth. Thanks I already have those. It isn't a new puppy. I would kinda like to get rid of 1 that I already have. Just kidding. All I want is an Alice.
I want my Alice to cook, clean, do the laundry you know all the stuff that Alice does. Just a few little changes. I want MY Alice to look like this.
I prefer him to be shirtless while cleaning and doing his chores singing. Oh wouldn't it be nice to have someone singing Come By Me, or City beneath the Sea while the cleaning. If he is busy Brad Pitt will do also. Hey now a girl can dream right.

What Happened Wednesday: Conversations with a 2 year old

2009-12-02T06:33:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

I actually wrote this yesterday...December 1, just for a time reference.

This afternoon I was checking my email and responding to things after a long morning. The kids were either napping or in the playroom playing. Suddenly, Courtney comes up the stairs and starts a conversation with me. Here is a small excerpt of it.

Me: Hi Court Court.
Her: Hi Mommee
Me: Whatcha doing?
Her: Want 'nack (snack)
Me: It's not snack time baby, it's almost time for supper.
Her: want sips.
Me: you want your sippy cup?
Her: want sips
Me: huh? what are sips Courtney? (here she points to the counter where Chuck had left out the bag of chips from lunch)
Me: Oh, you want CHIPS?
Her: Yesh, preeze
Me: No, baby. No chips.
Her: want butta (aka Peanut Butter)
Me: No Court, no peanut butter either
Her: But Mommee, I wike the butta.

Yes, I realize it's not THAT entertaining of a post. That said, this a typical conversation between the two of us. I remember when I wondered if this little girl would ever talk! She said barely 3 words by 18 months and I was beginning to think she never would talk. Then one day, she opens her mouth and said a 3 word sentence. I guess she was just waiting for a time to say something. Now she chats, holds pretty good conversations (for a 2 year old...haha), and LOVES to sing!! That's my girl!

New Verizon Droid.

2009-12-01T04:41:00.001-05:00

I really thought that I was going to have to say goodbye to Verizon. While I LOVE their service. I so badly wanted an Iphone. My contract was up and my old orange envy was dead. It would just turn off for no reason or ring 2 days after someone called. I loved the messages that would come up oh about 2 months after they were left. It was just long overdue to say good bye. While I will miss being able to find my phone in the dark while I am driving down the road it was time for an upgrade.
After doing tons of research I found out that verizon had released their version of the Iphone. I researched and fell in love. I headed out Wednesday to get me a new Motorola Droid. They had 2 versions of it but the other one which was cheaper didn't have a keyboard and well I am to old to be using a freaking touch screan to much my fingers just don't work like that. I LOVE this phone. It ended up only costing my $15 more a month to get this phone since I was paying for VCast on my old phone and didn't know it and honestly I don't even know what it does. The new droid has some great apps to help the coupon shopper out there. It also has this app that you scan the bar code and it pops up where the cheapest place to buy it. My dream phone. It is taking some serious getting used to but it is so much fun playing around with it right now. So if you are in the market for a new phone and you are with Verizon I would so get this. It is totally worth it. Plus the fact that it has a twitter and facebook app along with my email is linked up to it oh and lets not forget internet and a GPS built in for no extra charge. Can you tell I love this phone. It also doesn't hurt that I got a pink case for it either.

Where did the past week or so go?

2009-11-30T09:00:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the lack of blogging on our part. I can only speak for myself since I have been so busy I haven't even had time to talk to Kandi. I am assuming she has been pretty busy herself.
For those of you that have been asking and praying for my sister the prayers have been felt. My mom flew out to Vegas on Wednesday to help my out my brother in law out with the visits between hospitals. With the H1N1 going around neither hospital was allowing children to visit so he was unable to visit the baby or my sister. My mom was on a plane out there and my sister called and said she was released and on her way to visit the baby. Prayer answered. My mom got there and was able to visit with the baby in NICU also. My brother in law was able to breathe and take a moment to get his bearings again. The baby is doing wonderful she is still in the hospital. She is up to 4lbs now. She has to drink 40 at each feeding for 12 hrs before she can come home. She is in a crib and doing great. She does have a name I just have no clue how to spell it. Her middle name is Schyler and that is what she is going by. You say it like you would Skyler. Not sure where the spelling comes from but I am far from being a person to knock names. Hopefully she will be home soon.
I had Thanksgiving at my house this year. My family is spread out across the US so we don't have big gatherings. My dad came over along with my grandparents. YES my grandmother came over. I was shocked I really didn't think she would come but she did. Lets just say you could cut the tension with a knife. It was great that the kids spent some time with them. My grandpa acted like he hadn't ate for days. He ate 4 helpings without getting up from the table. Tons of food and leftovers to be had. The best part of Thanksgiving.
This past year we have had so many things to be Thankful for. It is sad that it takes 1 day of gorging to rememeber to be Thankful for the many blessings that we have. My family has had many blessing. Paisley started our year off. She truely has been such a joy. It is funny that with each child I have I think that I couldn't get any luckier but then the next one comes and I do. My brother in law returned from a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan safely. We found out we are expecting #4 that was a huge shock but as less than 2 months left we are blessed. These are just a few of my many blessings. Trust me there are more.
These are just a few of the updates in my house. I will write a few more posts to let you know the rest.
Have a great week back to the grind. I am pretty happy to have Tommy back to work and Evan back at school.

Let the purge begin...

2009-11-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

Good Monday everyone! I'm hoping everyone had a super Thanksgiving and ate to their hearts content. We sure did around here. Although, on Thanksgiving day, I actually DID NOT eat ANY turkey. I have no idea how I didn't, but I was enjoying the side dishes a little too much to be honest.

Now time to get to the purpose of this post...haha. The official purge has begun around our house. That time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is when I go through our playroom, each of the kids rooms and my closet. I make a pile of too icky to donate, donate-able (is that a word?) and hand me down. Yes, I did just write hand me down. Having two little girls, I pack up all of Audrey's stuff and label it. Then I put it into our storage closet downstairs. There it stays until Courtney grows big enough to wear them.

I love this purge time though. I actually use it as a teaching tool for the kids. We've always held to the rule of "one toy in one toy out", but this is a little different. This is when toys get organized. This is when outgrown toys get taken to the local homeless shelter. This is when I have the kids go with me to personally give the toys to kids. I love the theory of "paying it forward" and I'm hoping my kids are catching on.

It isn't easy. I won't lie. Audrey sometimes cries over certain things..a favorite shirt she can't wear anymore, shoes she's outgrown, etc. Ren has a really hard time with the toys and Courtney, well, she doesn't really notice...yet...

So, my goal for this year is at least a box of books, one bag of toys per kid and clothes. Lots of clothes. My personal goal is to thin out my ever expanding purse collection. My other goal is to weed through the numerous boxes of tchotkes I have around here. If they aren't displayed, why keep them?

Do you do any purging or things this time of year? What do you do with your stuff? Do you donate it to an organization like the Goodwill or Salvation Army? Or do you take it to local shelters? I'm always looking for new places to take things...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

From our families to yours, Andrea and I want to wish you all a great Thanksgiving! Gobble up the turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie! We'll see you all after the holiday!

A blog about who I am..err, was...

2009-11-23T05:24:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

I'm going to post a very self centered post today. Honestly, it's just to see if anyone else ever feels like this or if I need to seek professional help!

Do you ever take a step back once in a while and say, where in the world did I go? I do from time to time. It never makes me sad, angry or even envious of anything. I just sometimes look at my life right now, in this time and think...wow...what happened?

This is Chuck and me, 3 months into dating.

First off, I've been with Chuck for almost 11 years. We've been married for 7, but dated for almost 4 years. When we met we were both undergrads at a wonderful college (in my less than humble opinion that is). In NO WAY did I think he was the "one" when I met him. Now, 11 years later we're married, have 3 great kids and 2 very spoiled cats!

Secondly, I've always been strong willed and opinionated..ask Andrea, she'll tell ya! When I started college the last thing on my mind was an Mrs. degree. Fate had other plans I guess. I had no idea that 2 1/2 years into studying Athletic Training that I would switch to a Pre-K degree program. I was also clueless to the fact that after finishing my Pre-K degree that I would continue on and be working toward a Social Work degree. Sadly, I didn't finish my Social Work degree. Life happened. More specifically 2 kids. I fondly back and think, can I go back and finish the 13 credits to get the degree (which is a semester)? Sure, I could...BUT...my kiddies are small and I kind of like hanging out with them and not having the stress of school work. I know I'll finish someday. I'm just not sure when that someday will be.

Lastly, I miss being the boss. All that leadership I learned in college combined with a knack for retail and bam! I was a manager. Sure, it was middle management. Sure, it was "just" retail, but I LOVED IT! I truly enjoyed my job. I formed long standing friendships with the people I managed and the ones who managed me. I learned a LOT about drugs (I worked in a Pharmacy). Knowledge that has helped tremendously since having kids!! Every once in a while I look at it and think, wow, that 7-4 gig wasn't too bad when placed up against the 24 hour Mommy clock. Then, a little hand tugs my pants and I remember exactly why I chose to walk away!

So, in a quick snapshot, this is the person Kandi "used to be". Someday I may resemble her again. I will probably have more wisdom and put up with a lot less junk than before though. Who knows...

The one thing that I know is that who I am right now is a Mom, wife and all around crazy person most days. I'm happy with this person. This is who I am and I wouldn't change anything!!

Mommy Confessions #2

2009-11-20T10:02:00.003-05:00

Around here this week has been 95% better than last week even thought about being.

I'm also REALLY late with posting this. I didn't even realize it was Friday until I saw Andrea's post...ooops.

I confess...

...that somewhere during the week, I had 2 Tuesdays or something. I thought today was Thursday

...Audrey is learning how to play certain games on PlayhouseDisney.com and now she wants to take over my laptop...ummm, no.

...Ren has taken every single toy book we've gotten and hidden them in his room.

...He did that only after he circled everything he expects Santa to bring him...he expects a lot.

...I'm really hoping he isn't disappointed.

...Courtney started "wuving" everything this week. She "wuvs" MeeKee (Mickey Mouse), Prrwincess (her baby doll), Dora and Mommy.

...I'm so thankful I made the list of what Courtney loves!!!

...This week at preschool, Audrey's class made turkeys. Each child wrote what they were thankful for..they were cute.

...While reading them I got a **wee bit** teary eyed. They said things like "I'm thankful for my Brother, or Mom, or Dad, or Sister"

...I found Audrey's and it said she was thankful for apples...funny.

...Chuck recently discovered that his employer changed some rules regarding vacations carry over.

...due to this rule change he now has to use 10 PTO days, and 3 floating holidays BEFORE Dec. 31.

...he decided to take off most of December...sheesh!!

...I'm not as stressed out about the impending holiday season as I usually am.

...that the above statement may be a bit premature. Give me a week, that may change.

...I'm done for the week.

Do you have any confessions to share? Let us know!!

Mommy Confessions.

2009-11-20T03:45:00.000-05:00

Who thinks this week has been really slow. I DO I DO. I swear it really felt like it has gone on and on.
With that out of my system we can get on with our Mommy Confessions.

I confess...

That God is such a loving God. He brought my little niece into the world on Thursday with odds not looking well. But as of now she is 100%

That I am so relived that my sister and her baby are doing great.

That my hubby thinks I understand all this computer talk. I DON'T.

That I really don't care what kind of internet service we have.

That I think it is insane to pay $380 per month to have internet service.

I can't wait to go shopping on Black Friday even if I am not alone this year.

That I am dreaming way to much about either an I Phone or an I touch. I so want one.

My house is for the most part clean. I know impressive.

That despite Paisley being a fuss box this week she is so darn cute.

That I called our old gas company to come get their tank that was smelling up my house. I wasn't to nice it has been sitting her for over a month. About 15 min later I went to the end of the drive and was telling Tommy about my conversation with them and realized they had came and got it already. OPPS...

I really feel like I should call and say I am sorry but that just isn't going to happen.

That I am avoiding my car because that mouse freaks me out.

Well that is about it for me. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

More black friday sales..

2009-11-19T13:29:00.004-05:00

Holy cow. Everyday the sales keep getting better. I am so excited to be able to take the day and spend shopping. I guess I can handle no longer doing my shopping alone. My mom is now tagging along.
On for the good stuff. WALMART...OH how I love you.

Walmart

Walmart.com is a lot like your neighborhood Wal-Mart store. They feature a great selection of high quality merchandise, friendly service and, of course, every day low prices on electronics, clothing, home goods, pet supplies, toys, gardening, shoes, and other items that you need around the house.

Walmart opens at 5:00am on Black Friday.

14' Trampoline With Safety Enclosure - $170.00

1.5-Cup Mini Chopper - $4.00 *

2 qt slow cooker $4.00

5-Piece Cushioned Card Table Set - $24.00 *

5-Speed Hand Mixer - $4.00 *

8" by 31" Skateboard - $5.00

Apple 8GB iPod Touch w/$50 iTunes GC - $195.00

Bakugan (Nintendo Wii) - $25.00

Barbie Dress Up Trunk - $19.00

Barbie Princess Doll - $5.00

Cabbage Patch Soft Bodied Dolls - $9.00

Carnival Games (Nintendo Wii) - $10.00

Cricut Cartridges (Select Cartridges) - $30.00 *

Cricut Expression Electronic Cutter - $188.00 *

Disney Princess Fairies Dress Up Trunk - $19.00

Duracell Ultra Advanced AA/AAA 6-Pack - 2 For $5

Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA 2-Pack - 2 For $5

Girls' Graphic Hoodies - $3.00

Girls' Sleepwear - $3.00

Infant And Toddler Sleepwear - $3.00

KitchenAid Stand Mixer - $139.00

Life (Board Game) - $5.00

Life: Extreme Reality (Board Game) - $5.00

Little Mommy Baby Knows Doll - $15.00

Littlest Pet Shop Get Better Center - $9.00

NeoPets Puzzle Adventure (Nintendo DS) - $7.00

Next 20" Bike - $29.00

Nintendo DS Lite - $98.00 *

Nintendo DS Lite Starter Kit - $10.00 *

Over 30 Games For $25 - $25.00

Over 40 Games For $10.00 - $10.00

Over 50 Video Games For $7.00 - $7.00

Power Wheels Ride On - $88.00

Pyrex 2-Quart Casserole Dish - $2.00

Pyrex 9" Pie Plate - $2.00

Rayovac AA/AAA 12-Pack - 2 For $5

Skateboard 6 Pads Set - $5.00

Skateboard Helmet - $5.00

Sunbeam Fleece Electric Throw - $18.00 *

Tak And The Guardians Of Gross (Nintendo Wii) - $7.00

The Sims 3 (PC/Mac) - $25.00

TomTom One 125-SE GPS - $59.00

V.Smile Pocket Handheld Gaming System - $30.00

Wilson Basketball - $5.00

Wilson Football - $5.00

Wilson Soccer Ball - $5.00

Wrangler Men's Jeans Sizes 29-42 w/Free T-shirt - $9.00 *

Meijer

All Video Games Priced $19.99 or Less - 50% Off *

Apple iPod touch 8GB w/ $50 Meijer Coupon - $199.00 *

Board Games (Various Titles) - $6.00 *

DVD Movies - Over 50 Titles to Choose From (Meet the Fockers, Friday Night Lights, Underworld, Leatherheads and more) - $3.00 *

GFM Progressive Scan DVD Player - $19.99 *

Lego - B2G1 *

Littlest Pet Shop Pairs or Postcard Pets - $3.00 *

Meijer 27" x 46" Pet Bed - B1G1 *

Nintendo DSi Video Game System w/ FREE $30 Meijer Coupon Good For Your Next Purchase - $169.99 *

Nintendo Wii Console w/ $50 OFF Your Next Meijer Purchase Coupon - $199.99 *

Verizon Samsung SCH-u350 Prepaid Cell Phone - $9.99

I will be getting my I Touch from here. I would rather the $50 off here than a $50 I tunes card.

A lot of the house hold items would make great wedding gifts if you have a weddding coming up.
There are several items on this list that I am going to make sure that I pick up.
For the complete list please visit. here

Prayers are needed.

2009-11-19T10:28:00.002-05:00

As many of you know my sister is pregnant. She is currently 35 weeks. Earlier this week she went in for her non stress test and her blood pressure was insanely high I think at one point it was 197/121. They transferred her to an off base hospital. She was admitted on Monday. She was put on complete bedrest. Not even allowed bathroom privileges. Yesterday her BP was much better and they gave her bathroom privileges and took her off some of the meds to see how she would fare. Well last night they took the privileges away again put her back on the meds and told her they would be taking the baby today at 1pm vegas times. There is always concern for a baby being premature but with her history of having them at 35 weeks they had been giving her steroid shots in hopes for healthy lungs.
Sorry to stop this so quickly. I just got a phone call as I was typing. They are taking the baby in an hour. The baby is in crisis. Not sure what that means. I am guessing the baby is under stress and heart rate is lowering. Please keep her in your prayers.

What Happened Wednesday

2009-11-18T09:08:00.004-05:00

posted by Kandi

This weeks edition of What Happened Wednesday is going to focus on my little cutie Audrey.
She's usually an independent, head strong little girl. That's her. I wouldn't change a hair on her cutie patootie little blonde head. Sadly though, she has been replaced recently. Her spirit is diminishing right before my eyes. I first noticed it when I returned from my trip. She has been crying at school over things she usually would have shrugged off. She has been clingy at home and always wants to be right next to me or her Daddy. I'm not getting it. I called the pediatrician and they said it's probably a stage she's going through. Okay, maybe. That still doesn't help this Mom feel any better. I want my little girl back. I'm selfish like that though. I miss my little girl who didn't need to be told, she just knew what needed done. I want the little girl who doesn't take "No" for an answer, she negotiates to get it. The little girl who is bossy, studious, happy and laughs. I miss her. Come back soon Audrey...Mommy really hopes this stage ends soon!

So, my What Happened Wednesday question for you is this. How do you deal with stages in your children's development that are very much out of their character? How do you "weather the storm" so to speak?

Phoenix to Indy trip

2009-11-17T05:35:00.000-05:00

posted by Kandi

This is me, just off the plane. It was about 34ish when I left Dayton and 90 in Phoenix...ROCK ON!!!

Imagine, if you will, driving through the New Mexico desert at 80 MPH. Now, imagine seeing a billboard that you read as "Fred the Head" with a large deer head on it. Now, upon getting a closer view (and seriously questioning your vision), you see that the sign actually says "Feed the Herd" and is a billboard for a local restaurant. Yeah, that pretty much explains the trip. I haven't laughed so hard in so long. Over the craziest little things, like, a billboard. I also saw a sign that looks a lot like the "Deer Crossing" signs you see all over this part of Ohio. Sadly they were not deer signs, they were for Mountain Lion Goats. What's a Mountain Lion Goat you ask? Well, it's yet another one of my brain lapses. It was a sign for Mountain goats (I think, maybe moose), and I couldn't think of the name, so I said "Mountain Lion, Mountain Goat, Mountain Lion Goat"...yeah, my brain is funny like that. I had to stop writing this just now because I was laughing so hard. So, I'm going to share some of the beautiful scenery with pictures. I love my camera!

The pictures actually go backward from St. Louis to Phoenix.

The Gateway Arch

The sign for this said it is the Largest Cross in this hemisphere.

This one reminded me of the what I think of when I think Southwestern United States
This one is of cattle roaming the range with new "green" technology wind turbines behind them. Mixing old and new...LOVE IT!
When I saw these, I thought of Cars, the movie. It's actually somewhere in New Mexico.

I thought this tree was neat. We were near the Petrified Forest.
These are made out of metal that has rusted. So cool!

This is heading North out of Phoenix toward Flagstaff.

We weren't sure what the smoke in the distance was.

Check out all the Cactus! They were a bit dry and not as green as they can be.

Good bye country living. I am done with you.

2009-11-16T08:36:00.003-05:00

Good bye country living I am so done with you. I should have left you many years ago but you are do darn appealing. No neighbors to spy on me. (Oh wait I do.) Wide open spaces, farm fresh air. All the good stuff of the country. But enough is enough. The first summer we were here I went to turn on the air conditioner for the first time and NO power was kicking on. I was like what. So I called the guy that put it in and he came out. He laughed when he goes. "Andrea come out here you have to see this I have never seen anything like it." I should have prepared myself for what was about to come my way. A mouse had gotten into the unit and made a nest out of the wires. There were about 20 electrocuted baby mice in my unit. They were fried. I wish I had been blogging then so I would have thought to take pictures. It was really amazing how they weaved the wires into the nest. CRAZY. You would think the $200 would have been my wake up call then but nope not for me. I can handle mice. They don't really bother me. It is part of living in the country. Mice out here have nothing to do with being dirty or anything like that it is just a way of life. But enough is enough. Today is my final straw. I haven't drove since last Wednesday I think. So my car has been sitting there. Evan asked me to drive him to the end of the drive since it is a little on the windy side. So I did. While we were sitting there waiting he noticed I hadn't changed my clock yet. So I opened my glove box to get the manual out and guess what I find? I mouse nest. The stupid thing had shredded up tissues, napkins and who knows else what. He built his nest in an envelope that held my car stuff. So I am like crap. I knew it right away. I called my hubby and he said I was crazy a mouse can't get into my car. I know better. I grew up in the country I know what can and can't go on. So after Evan gets on the bus I head in the house to get my camera before I dispose of the nest just for proof. Take a picture empty the nest out or should I say get the info out of the envelope then dispose of the nest and then laid down glue traps to catch the little mouse. I will freak out if I go out to leave today and the darn thing is dead on the traps. Yuck. I hate the look of them on those things. GROSS. I know it was a mouse because there was hair and poop. YUCK.
So now I am going to pack up and move to the city. Yup the city. No more country living for me. I can't handle it. YUCK. Ok I am really not moving I am just on a mission to catch this thing out of my car. It is either him or me. I bet I will win.
So here is my mouse nest. Isn't it lovely.

Mommy Confessions #2

2009-11-13T08:39:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

It's that time of the week again! It feels so odd this week, since I didn't write up any confessions last week. Actually, last week at this time I was somewhere between Springfield, Missouri and Indianapolis, Indiana, so I'm thankful to be home this week!

Here are my confessions.

I confess...

...it's been a really rough week around my house.

...that Chuck has been really great this week. Honestly, he's been a little too attentive, but I'm not complaining!

...that I wish there were rules about kicking people's butts for doing inappropriate things (no, not my family...a third party in this case)

...Audrey had a really bad week at school. She was crying every day when I picked her up. Nothing serious, just preschool drama (such and such is playing with whoever and not meeeee!!!)

...I feel like I've neglected the kids all week due to the personal problem I encountered on Sunday.

...That the above makes me feel like a terrible Mom, but sometimes life happens

...We found out yesterday that Ren needs a second set of tubes in his ears and will be getting his adenoids out too.

...My family is full of guilt. Seriously, they lay it on whenever they can and it's starting to get REALLY annoying!!!

...that while I love all of my family, I sometimes feel like I'm the one dumped on because I'm a stay at home Mom instead of a working Mom.

...my brother has done something he normally would do, which doesn't shock me at all. For some reason though, my family is shocked. Please...he's never going to change and has acted like this for years. I love him, but sometimes he just doesn't use the brains he has...**insert huge eye roll and sisterly sigh here**

...Okay, I'm done because I honestly had a really crappy week and writing it down makes me remember...

Mommy Confessions.

2009-11-13T08:26:00.003-05:00

Wow what a week I am pretty darn happy to see Friday how about you? Lets just say it has been a very BUSY week.
So onto Mommy Confessions.

I confess.....

That like I said I am way to happy to see Friday here.

That I feel awful today. My cough seams to be getting worse. Maybe it is time to head to the Dr.

That Evan getting pink eye this week makes my skin crawl. While I know what causes it I can't help but think EW dirty people get pink eye. I KNOW THIS ISN'T true. I didn't say there was logic in my thinking.

That last night I went with my mom to visit one of her co-works who had a stroke 2 1/2 months ago. I couldn't help but think what a strong man this is to learn all that he has to learn over again and he still has a smile. What an inspiration.

That while I was there it really reminded me of how lucky I really am. My family is healthy and happy.

That while my kids drive me nuts 99% of the time and may lead me to a nervous breakdown one day. I wouldn't change it for the world. I am the LUCKIEST mommy in the world.

That I cried yesterday when my little dog got sick for the 2nd day in a row on my carpet and my little spot bot wouldn't work.

That I was giddy when the lady at bissel figured out what was wrong with it and got it working again. (this spot bot is in my top 3 things I own in my house.)

That I am trying not to loose focus of the holidays. It is so hard to remember that Christmas isn't about the gifts and all of that it is about the birth of my Lord Jesus. I hope that I can be an example to my children and that they can realize this also.

That I had so much bitterness last night as I was talking with my mom about her having to take out a mortgage on her home that she paid off in 95 because she loaned my cousin so much money and he hasn't paid a dime back. I really want to just call him and tell him what he has done to my mom.

That I was even more bitter because people take NO responsibility for their dept. The people that file bankruptcy and don't learn and continue to do the same thing aren't being punished We are. We are working our tail off to become dept free and others are screwing the credit card companies and banks and they in return screw the good people. It just really sucks. (sorry more on that soap box later I am sure)

That the 14 anniversary of my grandpa's death was this week. I miss him so. He was such a great man. I was so blessed to have him in my life. God is such a great God that he placed a reminder of him everyday in my life. My husband. Tommy is so much like him. I see so much of him in Tommy. It is amazing how my grandpa never had the chance to meet Tommy but I know he would love him.

Those are my confessions for the week. I hope everybody is quickly getting over the YUCKS. Take a few minuets to remember what you are thankful for. Life is really so short. Make sure you tell someone you love them.

Dear Pampers...I'm sorry...(w/ update)

2009-11-12T05:49:00.001-05:00

posted by Kandi

Dear Pampers,

Yes, it's me. The one who has spent more money than I choose to think about purchasing your products. Audrey was a complete Pampers baby. From day 1 she was Swaddled in Swaddlers with Sensitive wipes to make sure nothing bad happened to her heiny.

Now, we're going to skip right over Ren. You see, while some people love Pampers on boys, they just did not hold as well as Huggies did for my little man. He would tinkle out of a Pamper before he was even done. That was annoying.

Courtney started into the world a Pampers girl too. Everything was chugging along great until she grew out of Swaddlers. I'm not sure what happened, maybe a diaper formula change (grabbing straws here P&G). Once she was out of the Swaddlers though, her little toushie just stayed broken out. At first I thought it was just me. Maybe I wasn't changing her enough (I mean, she is #3...I didn't have enough time to focus on her potty habits). Could it be that she started solids? I tried everything never even thinking it would be you, dear Pampers diaper.

So sadly, I've replaced you with Huggies. They don't break my baby out and she is a lot happier because of it. I'm sad to report that this issue also includes the wipes.

My question for you is...did you change your formulas? Is it just my kiddo? Well, it really doesn't matter. I've had to move on. I will remember you with fond (maybe that's stretching it...just a tad) memories. So sorry to have to do this, but you'll understand. New babies arrive daily waiting for you to Swaddle them.

Thanks,
Kandi and the whole family!

**There is a comment on this post below. If you read that then this update will make more sense. Okay, I didn't even know people were reading our blog. Really. So, when we got this comment to moderate Andrea and I were truly excited! So, I gave P&G a call and spoke to the nicest person. She said that P&G is always interested in knowing what consumers think of their products, both good and bad. I really liked that. I ask a couple of questions about how they find blogs with stuff on them and they actually have people who find stuff like this to get insight into their products...awesome! To thank me for calling, they are sending me some coupons for Kandoo, Pampers Wipes, Easy-Ups and UnderJams. All things I use with Audrey and Cameren. That is going above and beyond in my book. Personally, going out of their way to contact little ole blogger Mom Kandi says a lot for P&G and how they feel about their consumers. They also directed me to look at their website for any potty training questions, advice and the like. Pretty cool. So, thanks P&G and Pampers for taking the time to do all of that. I have gained greater respect for the company in whole (although, I've always respected y'all).**

What happened Wednesday.

2009-11-11T04:04:00.000-05:00

What happened Wednesday is here again.
What happened to my kids is sick I need antibiotics like 3 days ago.

My son came down with something yet again on Sunday. (thank goodness he waited until Sunday since I was up in Amish country for the weekend, and daddy was home with him) I got home and low and behold he had a nasty cough again and pink eye. (my retarded husband was like how did he get it. HELLO kids rub their snotty nose and then rub their eye. HELLO THEY ARE KIDS) anyways off to the Dr on Monday we went. The dr gave me 4 prescriptions I didn't need the one because we had pink eye not to long ago and I still had stuff left. So I go to the Super Walmart and drop off the prescriptions at the drive thru. This is around 12 pm. They tell me it will be ready in an hour and I tell them I will be back around 6pm to pick it up. They are fine with this. So a little after 6 comes I go into the store (needed formula for the baby) and head to the pharmacy. They give me 2 prescriptions I explain that I dropped off 4 but I only needed 3. I need the antibiotic, the breathing machine stuff and cough syrup. They argue with me on how many I dropped off after I throw my 1st fit and demanded they find my prescriptions which they did. They then informed me that they were out of the antibiotic. WHAT. I am a little pissed at this time. I explain to them that in between the 6 hours that I had dropped it off they hadn't found the time to call me and let me know this. He told me he thought I was in the store. Really for 6 hours I was hanging out in Walmart. Come one. This kids attituded really got to me as I was starting to walk away I had enough. So I asked to speak with a manager. The kids was like we don't have one. Really this is Walmart you have a freaking manager. GET ME ONE NOW!!! So a manager comes over and tells me that they have it in name brand but they are only issuing it to what they deam "high proirity" isn't my kid being sick and the peds writing a script for it enough for you. He then tells me he doesn't see any kids with me. HELLO THEY ARE HOME SICK. Idiots. Finally after 45 min of me throwing an "Erica" worthy fit. (if you know Erica you know what I am talking about) I got the meds. I am not sure when the pharmacy decided they have the right to tell me they are only giving meds to high priorty. They never even asked me what was wrong with my kids not that it is any of their concern. I came home with almost $100 in percriptions OUCH. Evan is doing much better today. Thank God. Maybe one day my house will be healthy again.

Well, I was standing on the corner...

2009-11-10T13:41:00.003-05:00

posted by Kandi

I'm baaaaaaack. Did y'all miss me? Neh, I didn't think so either, but you never know. The trip was LONG and the scenery beautiful! For those of you who may not have been "in the know", I helped my Aunt move from Phoenix to Indianapolis last week. I flew to Phoenix on Tuesday and we started the drive on Wednesday. 4 days and about 1600 miles later...I'm exhausted.

While we were on our trip though, we did manage to have a little bit of fun. Who knew some of the little oddities about our country. Did you know that there is actually a Winslow, Arizona? I knew there was a city named Winslow, what I didn't realize is that the city reminds me of something out of the movie Cars. It was a totally cute little town, that like a lot of them along Route 66, were probably hit by hard times. Really though, who hasn't been hit by hard times lately?

So, while in Winslow we "stood on the corner". I know most people have heard of The Eagles. You know, the music group. Yeah, just had to jog your memory. They have a song titled "Take it Easy" and one of the lines in the song says "Oh, I was standin' on the corner in Winslow Arizona, it's such a fine site to see". My Aunt, being of The Eagles era, thought it would be fun to do just that. Well, we stood on the corner. We also took our picture as proof and spent some money at the gift shop directly across the street. All around, it was a good time and we really liked the town of Winslow. The people we spoke with were so kind and truly love the city they live in. So, thanks Winslow. You're corner is awesome and this traveler enjoys the memory of it all!

Mommy Confessions.

2009-11-06T04:10:00.000-05:00

Wow it is Friday already. Time for another addition of the latest and greatest MOMMY CONFESSIONS.

I confess that....

It isn't really Friday. It is Thursday night and well I need to write this tonight or it will not get posted.

I am attempting to head out of town. I am going up to Amish country with Scarlett and my mom. Mom is going for a quilt shop hop. I am going because I have been dying to go to Amish country.

I hate quilting.

Wookie may not last to much longer. He keeps looking at me and barking it is driving me nuts.

I am very nervous to leave Paisley with Tommy for the weekend. He has never had to take care of her fully. He forgets to turn on the moniter, buckle her in. He is just a clueless man.

I really wish he would have agreed to watch all 3 kids so I could have a kid free weekend but I am grateful that he is at least watching 2 of them.

I really wish I had an Iphone. It sucks that AT&T has a monopoly on them.

I have a birthday party to go to and I am giving the kid a $5 game to give to the bday boy.

Kandi has been gone a really long time.

I am so done being pregnant. Last night I had the worst ingestion that I have ever had in my life.

I was craving reeces pieces today. Anybody that knows me knows I HATE peanut butter I can't even stand the smell. If people eat it I make them brush their teeth.

Scarlett is so excited to go to the hotel.

Well I must be off. I still need to pack and all that stuff. I am going to miss the kids something awful and I guess Tommy to.
Do you have any confessions you want to share. We would love to hear them.

Have a great and safe weekend I heard we are going to have wonderful weather.

What is going on with Customer Service.

2009-11-05T15:41:00.004-05:00

Gone are the days of calling a company and getting polite customer service. I remember the days you could pick up the phone and call in you would get the correct answer and the help that you would need ASAP. You remember back in the day you could call on the phone and get a credit card limit upped right when you were on the phone. Those days are long gone.
About 8 years ago we bought our first home. It was a very nice house. We decided to put in Cable. I called the cable company. (Oh I hate to bad mouth people. Who am I kidding it was Time Warner.) So TW came out and put the cable thru my house. They also put a few other things thru my brand new gray almost white carpet. MUD. It was everywhere. I had asked the man to take off his shoes and he refused he also broke a few figurines that my late grandmother had given to me. JERK. While he was still there I called the TW and told them what was going on. And it all started here. IDIOTS working for customer service. They told me it was my fault and refused to pay to fix the problem. I couldn't get it up so I had to call a carpet cleaning company. I had my carpets cleaned and called them and sent them the bill. They sent me a letter back telling me it wasn't their responisblity. WHAT.
OK onto here recently. We live in a different house out in the country. We have to have satellite due to no cable is run out in this area. I saw online that TW was bringing their services out to the area and called 2 weeks ago to find out when. They told me at the begining of Novemeber. It isn't that we want TW we want their broadband service out here. We are limited to bad internet service out here also. So I called on Sunday to see if it was here yet and the girl was like yes it is. I told her I would call back on Monday to place my order so we could check over what all we wanted. Makes sense right. NOT. I called Monday to place my order and they told me it wasn't available in my area and that I had no clue what I was talking about. So I hung up and called back and got a different person. That person told me the same thing and then told me I didn't live at the address I gave them that I lived on a road 2 miles down the way. WHAT. I told her I think I know my address I have lived here for 4 years. DUH. I got off the phone completely pissed off to say the least. I then called back to ask them if they could have someone come out and double check. I got the phone call yesterday that we were not serviceable. Right then it all came flooding back why we left TW so many years ago. They are awful with customer service then and now.
TW isn't the only company that has their customer service skills lacking most places do. I want to go back to the days of Have a nice day and how can I help you. Not the get off the phone so I can leave for the day.

What Happened Wednesday

2009-11-04T05:51:00.002-05:00

Posted by kandi

This weeks what happened is What happened to Kandi. I haven't been around at all this week. There is a good reason though. I'm on Phoenix, Arizona. Why? I'm helping my Aunt move. It's going to be a fun drive across the country and I'm totally up for something like that!! I realize that may sound odd to some, but I love doing things like this. I'm really enjoying my time here! Phoenix is a very beautiful, vibrant, sunny place. The temps here were in the 90's yesterday with no clouds in the sky....my kind of town! I would have posted pictures with this, but forgot the cord to download them. Poo!

So, that's what's happening this week. What are you up to? Share it with us, we'd love to hear about it!

I am breaking up with Coach.

2009-11-03T11:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Coach.
Thank you so much for making such lovely purses and bags. While I seam to be in love with 90% of your items I can not afford them. I have tried to force my husband into a better paying job. I have even looked for a sugar daddy to buy me them (ok small exaggeration) I just can't seam to get a new one. Yes I own one. I dream of having a new one but there are so many other items I need. Formula, school items for the kids along with other more important items. I love the fact that you send me coupons as a reminder that I can't afford you. So I must break up with you. I must delete my email address from you mailing list. It breaks my heart to do this but the reminder of you everyday just kills me.
Missing you already
Andrea

Black Friday Shopping...Kmart

2009-11-03T09:59:00.004-05:00

The ads are really starting to come in. Kmart is here. Now I normally don't shop at Kmart anytime during the year nor do I shop there on Black Friday. I shop there on Thanksgiving day. It is what I do yearly. I love it. But that being said here is the Black Friday items that I have found interesting. For the full list please visit here.

$25 Nintendo Gaming Coupon w/Any DS System Purchase - $0.00

30-pc Food Storage Set - $3.99

48" Air Powered Hockey Table With Electronic Scoring - $39.99 *

Athletech Kids Supreme Fleece Separates - $5.99 *

Bakugan Toys - B2G1

Barbie Horse And Carriage - $24.99

Barbie Mariposa Magic Wing Doll - $9.99 *

Barbie Princess Doll - $4.99

Basic Editions Kids' Jeans - $5.99 *

Basic Editions Kids' Three Piece Sets Sizes 4-16 - $9.99 *

Basic Editions Pull-On Corduroy Pants - $6.99

Black & Decker 5-Speed Hand Mixer - $9.99

Black & Decker Extra Tall Can Opener - $9.99

Boys 3-for-1 Beanie and Long-sleeved T-shirt Combo - $7.99 *

Cosco Hi-Rise Booster Car Seat - B1G1F *

Craftsman Two Galloon Wet Dry Vac - $14.99 *

Delstar 7 Inch Wireless Netbook 05 Windows CE - $119.99 *

Disney Infants and Toddlers Sets - $3.99 *

Disney & Licensed Kids and Babies Cold-weather Sets - $3.99 *

Essential Home Classic Standard Pillow - 2 For $4.00

Essential House Down Comforter - $19.99 *

Hamilton Beach 4-qt Slow Cooker - $9.99

High School Musical 3 Dance Bundle - $9.99

iHome Dock - $9.99

Leapster Software - B1G1 Free

Maxell Color 6-Pack DVD-R or DVD+R - $1.49

Nintendo DSi Bundle w/5 Pre-Installed Games - $169.99 *

Route 66 Kids' Graphic Tees - $2.99 *

Select DVDs - $3.99

Select Wii Games - $9.99

Small Wonders & Wonderkids Essentials - 3 For $10

Wonderkids Infants And Toddlers Dresses - $7.99 *

Wonderkids Infants & Toddlers Blanket Sleepers - $3.99 *

Wonderkids Infants & Toddlers Supreme Fleece - $3.99 *

Black Friday Shopping...

2009-10-30T11:54:00.005-04:00

My favorite day of the year isn't my birthday, my kids birthday, Christmas, my anniversary nope none of those. I LOVE BLACK FRIDAY. I love searching the adds going and fighting the crowds and getting the best deal I can find. No I am not one of those crazies that get up at 2am to camp out at toys r us. I just go when I wake up and spend the day out shopping. I prefer to go alone so that I don't have to deal with their wants only mine. I know selfish right.
I will be posting stuff that I find on the black friday emails that I get. Stuff that I find a good deal.
First on the list.

10 Piece Boxed Photo Frame Set - $14.99

2-Pack Wii or DS Games - $14.99 *

48-In Air Powered Hockey Table - $39.99

5-Piece Quilt Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

All Down And Down Alternative Comforters - $49.99

All Slippers - $9.99 *

American Trunk And Case Upright 21 Inch Luggage - $9.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Cutlery Set - $9.99

Cannon Flannel Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

Canon 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera, EOS Rebel XS - $569.99

Canon Rebelx XS Digital SLR Camera & Canon EF 75-300MM Telephoto Zoom Lens - $669.98

Carter's Seasonal Layette Sleepwear & Playwear - 60% Off *

Coby 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 *

Colormate Microfiber Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $9.99

Curtis DVD Player AR - $17.99 *

Disney Pix Micro Digital Cameras Designed For Just For Kids - $9.99 *

Guitar Hero World Tour For PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 - $49.99 *

Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Slow Cooker - $9.99

iHome Portable iPod/MP3 Speaker System - $9.99

Infant & Toddler 2-pk Blanket Sleepers For Girls & Boys - $8.99 *

Jazz T55 Camcorder - $49.99 *

Kids Bed Tents - $14.99

KitchenAid Artisan or Pro 500 Mixers - $269.99 AR

Nerf Racing Wheel Wii - $9.99

Nintendo DS Games - $19.99 *

Samsung 42" Plasma HDTV PN42B400 - $549.99

2009-10-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

posted by Kandi

Has anyone else felt like this was the longest week ever? Or was that just me? Either way TGIF!!!

I confess...

...that I've been a little preoccupied this week with menial/trivial things

...because of the above statement my house is in total disarray and right now I wish I had a housekeeper.

...that if one more of my kids pee-pees in their bed overnight I might just make them start sleeping in one of those hospital beds with a bedpan...seriously....

...my Dad has been in the hospital for 3 days now and they still aren't sure what's wrong with him.

...it's quite annoying not knowing what's wrong with Dad.

...either way I couldn't go and see him with the cold I'm getting over, which frustrates me even more.

...dry, hacky tickly coughs suck! I hate this part of a cold. You know, where the icky part is over but the cough is hanging on...ugh!

...Audrey ask me if she could go to school everyday instead of just 3 days.

...The above makes me think next year we may put her into all day Kindergarten for half the year.

...I'm sure Ren has had it with Mommy and Daddy this week.

...why am I sure? He told me so this morning!! He's getting to the smart mouth age.

...a half asleep toddler is super cute, especially in the middle of the night.

...they continue to be cute right up until you realize they got out of bed because they had pulled their diaper half off and then proceed to pee all over you as you are carrying them back to bed.

...I had a rough night.

...to buying another Vera bag...yes Andrea, I think I need an intervention.

...that I bought the Vera bag on Craigslist for 1/2 price. Does that make it better?!?!?

...to being extremely narcissistic the other night and took 68 pictures of myself. Most of which got deleted, but still...

...I got my hair cut. Layered with side bangs!! A HUGE change for me!

...that I'm done for this week.

So, do you have anything to confess? Come on, I know you do, everybody does. Even if it's just the "I love my kids and hubby" confession it's still a confession!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Believing in your spouse...

2009-10-08T21:32:00.000-04:00

posted by Kandi

I'm perplexed tonight. Has something happened to believing in your spouse and trying to bring out the best in them? I didn't really realize that practice had fallen out of favor until recently. Chuck and I have had our share of job loss, money issues and education decisions. The only thing is that not once did I ever look at him or he at me and say, yeah, okay settle for that. No, we cheered each on other to finish school, find a job we love and get through the rough patches. We supported each other in our down times. To this day I still cheer him on to be the best he can at work. He also cheers me on to be a good Mom, wife and makes sure I get the time alone I need to be those things. I have never understood the whole issue with cutting down your spouse or significant other. Personally, I think that the reason two people are brought together is to compliment each other.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. I just read something tonight that kind of got me wound up. Has this really fallen by the wayside? Or are there still people out there who believe in the spouse/s.o.?

Cooking for the insanely lazy.

2009-10-08T11:37:00.001-04:00

As I wrote about yesterday I am doing the cooking and menu planing for my father in hopes to help him save money. Big task I know. So I will let everybody know how my cooking adventures are going.

Day 1 of cooking for the insanely lazy.
~Monday
I made up the menu. I sent out emails to people and searched in the internet and got some great menu items. Here is my list of recipes. I will put the recipe down each day after I cook them.
Chile
Chicken and Noodle Soup
Spaghetti and meatballs
Meatball subs
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken cutlets
Meatloaf
Lasagna
Burgers
Pot Roast
Bbq beef
Crock pot casserole
Chicken and Dumplings
Pepper steak and rice
Beef Chili mac
Hash brown Dinner
Parmesan crusted dinner
Ranch Chicken Casserole
Chicken Osso Bucco
Potato soup

Some of these are made in the crock pot so that is pretty easy and quick. Throw it in and leave.

Day 2 of cooking for the insanely lazy.
~Tuesday.
Yup I had to do this stuff in days because I have my own household to run and kids to take care of.
Grocery list making it was insane. I made up like 4 lists I just kept condensing them down. We were trying to stay within a budget of under $200 and in hopes that this will feed him for at LEAST 2 months.

21lbs of ground beef
9 lbs of boneless chicken breast
1 bag of chicken tenderloin
lg roast
4lbs of boneless round steak
2 rotisserie chickens
15 oz of tomato sauce
4 jars of spag sauce
4 cans of chili beans
2 cans of beef broth
4 cans of chicken broth
2 cans of mushrooms
Cream of onion soup (it was to expensive to I sub cream of celery)
2 can of cream of mushroom
Cream corn
Evaporated milk
80 oz of diced tomato
White wine
Lemon juice
2 cartons of eggs
Storage stuff
Oil
20 oz diced hash brown potatoes
Frozen peas and carrots
Frozen peas
4 pie crusts
2 bags of frozen mixed veggies
6 cups of shred cheese
24 oz sour cream
Cottage cheese
Elbow mac
2 bags egg noodles
2 box of misc noodles
4lb of spag noodles
2 lb of lasagna noodles
2 bags of onions
3 bags of carrots
2 celery
3 green peppers
Bag of potatoes
Cumin
Chili powder
Pepper
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Seasoning salt
Dry mustard
Dehydrated onion
Brown gravy mix
2 chicken gravy mixes
Onion soup mix
Ranch mix
Parmesan cheese
Soy sauce
Bbq sauce
Ketchup
Bisquick
Bread crumbs (making my own with 2 loaves of bread)

Day 3 of Cooking for the Insanely lazy.
~Wednesday
Day of shopping. I got all my shopping done in around 1 1/2 hours. That included drive time getting gas and stopping for a frosty because I deserved it. I ended up going over by around $6 and some change. I bought a lot of this in bulk at Sams club. So I ended up with larger containers than I needed but I can double some of the recipes to make more. Buying in bulk at times was a lot cheaper than buying several cans of the same item.

I also made chicken noodle soup. I need to still put the noodles in it. I am running out of counter space right now.
Feuding with insanely lazy father since he doesn’t want to bring me his crock pot still or the storage containers that I have sent him so I can reuse them and not spend more money on them.

Sorry this post is so freaking long. The rest will be smaller I promise.

The things I do for education.

2009-10-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

I truely care about my kids education. My husband and I are both educated people and education is very important in our household. We hold our children to a high standard So how in the world did I throw my 1st graders homework out. Yeah last night around 11pm I cleaned the kitchen and threw out papers then some left overs then emptied out the nursery trash and then had my hubby put the trash out in the big trash can. EWWWWWWWWW this morning I found my self frantic to find his homework and guess where it lead me. THE DREADED BIG TRASH CAN. YUP it was me vs the trash this morning. Thankfully his homework wasn't phased by the nasty stuff I even smelled it with my killer pregnancy senses. NOTHING. So no mommy award for me today oh well I didn't get it yesterday either since I forgot about him getting off the bus until the bus pulled up and beeped at me.