30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 30

I can hardly believe it's already the 30th of the month. Thanksgiving has passed, and Christmas is right around the corner!

Today I'm going to share with you 5 good things that have happened while doing this blog challenge, as well as a picture of me today.

• I didn't procrastinate! Yep, that's the number one good thing that happened (not really, it just happens to be number 1 on this list) during this challenge. I was able to work ahead, schedule my posts (including this one!), and crank them out on time.
• I got to see my big kids and my parents. This season can be my favorite time of year just because I get to see my family a little more often. I might complain about the logistics of it all, but seeing them is all that really matters. Who cares if it's not on the terms I wish it were? I'm fortunate that I'm still able to spend time with them. There are so many mothers (and fathers) that don't have the option of seeing their children at all.
• I learned a few things about myself. It was fun to reminisce and think about who I really am. I hope you learned something about me too!
• I got my Christmas shopping started. Again, not procrastinating as much. One of these days I will have it all done before December 1st, but this is not the year!
• I celebrated my 2 year anniversary on day 19 of this challenge - two years tobacco/smoke free! I think that's a pretty big deal, and I'm proud of that!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 29

I can't believe this challenge is over tomorrow already. This month has literally raced by. Today I'm going to tell you about 3 wishes.

Wish #1 - I wish that all of my children will live each day knowing how much they are loved and cherished, and never have a doubt in their minds that I am thinking about them all the time.

Wish #2 - I wish for good health for myself and my family. I can't imagine having to deal with a medical crisis for any of my family members, especially my children.

Wish #3 - I wish for prosperity for my family and friends. Prosperity in the form of love, career, and health - I want us all to be happy, healthy and successful.

I know, these sound really cheesy. I thought about wishing for a big old diamond ring, but that just seemed REALLY shallow, so I had to get a little deeper with it. If you only had three wishes, what would YOU wish for?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 28

Stressors. We all have them. Today I'm to tell you about one of my stressors. Money is a big stressor for me. I've been fortunate as of late to not be so stressed about the finances, but it's always in the back of my mind. I know that money doesn't buy happiness, and I truly believe that. However, money does pay the bills, keeps scary landlords off your back, and ensures your car is full of gas and that your fridge is full of food. Most arguments between married couples are due to finances, and I'm so fortunate (in this marriage) that no matter how broke or not broke we've been, we do NOT fight about money. My husband works hard for our family, and I respect that. He respects that I work hard to take care of our household and our kids. He never belittles me for being a stay at home mom, and is constantly thanking me for all I do. I thank him frequently for the sacrifices that he's made for our family. Let's face it...my situation with my older kids is a big stressor in the pocketbook. Between child support that has to be paid each month (yep, my husband pays that too - for MY kids - because he's awesome), and the cost of travel between Maryland and Florida a MINIMUM of four times each year, usually with 3 kids in tow, money can be a big issue. My husband has never let the money come between us, so this stressor that used to be a big deal hasn't been such a big deal in the past couple of years. That doesn't mean that told traumas don't cause anxiety when the bank account is getting low. It just means that I'm learning to not let it get to me.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 27

Today I'm going to share with you an original photo of the town I live in: Indialantic. This photo was taken on the beach - our town is very small, and the beach is the main attraction here.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 26

Dream wedding. Really? You would think this would be an easy topic, since I've been married twice. My first wedding made me feel like a princess. Unfortunately, the frog that I married never did quite turn into that prince I was hoping for. The second time around, I was broke and I wasn't looking for a fairy tale wedding. It was kind of last minute, as we had originally planned to just get married by a justice of the peace at the local courthouse. At the last minute, we threw together a church wedding, minus all the flowers and big pretty dresses. My kids were there and my mom was there, so it worked. If I had it to do all over again, it would be my husband and I, our children, and a white sandy beach somewhere warm. Somewhere like this would be great:

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

At this point, it would be more of a renewal of vows than a normal wedding, but I'm just glad that after the past four years of marriage that I would be more than willing to marry him all over again.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 25

It's Black Friday! Hope you're enjoying the great deals today. I won't be, since I'm traveling back to DC with the kids today, but I'm hoping to score some great deals on Cyber Monday!

Today I'm divulging the first 10 songs on my iPod when I press shuffle. This is kind of embarrassing, but keep in mind that I do have four children! I see two songs below that I actually listen to when given the choice! Comment below with your guesses of which two they are and I'll tell you if you're right. Click on the links below to go listen to the songs for yourself.

Big Time Rush - Halfway There

Taylor Swift - Back to December

Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)

Diddy - Dirty Money & Skylar Grey - Coming Home

Disturbed - Stricken

The Band Perry - If I Die Young

Disturbed - Decadence

Big Time Rush - Boyfriend

The Philadelphia Orchestra & Eugene Ormandy - Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: II. the Last Spring

Tool - Lipan Conjuring

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 24

Today I'm supposed to talk about something that I've learned.  I've learned this lesson first from my mother.  I had it reiterated to me the other day while standing in line to pay my bill at breakfast.  My mom used to tell me that when something gets me irritated or aggravated, to think about whether that thing will matter tomorrow, next week, or next year.  If it's not going to affect the future somehow for the worse, then shrug it off and move on!  This can work in so many aspects in life.  The next time you're stuck behind a "blue-hair" (as my husband likes to call the snowbirds!), and they're doing 10 mph below the speed limit, ask yourself if it's really going to matter tomorrow that you spent a little extra time behind the wheel of your vehicle today.  Don't let it get to you!  This is great advice, as I find myself getting irritated many days while driving!

I told you that I was reminded of this lesson the other day.  I had just finished eating breakfast with my children,  and I was standing in line waiting to pay our bill.  There was quite a line at the front of the establishment, and when this happens, they post a sign on the front door asking patrons to please use the side door to enter.  Several people were coming in the front door anyways, causing those standing in line to have to shuffle around, and creating a bit of a crowd at the front entrance area.  The gentleman standing behind me stated that he guessed they couldn't read the sign, didn't read the sign, or didn't care what the sign said.  I chuckled and agreed with him.  He then backtracked and said that it didn't matter.  It wouldn't matter six months from now, so who cares whether they came in the wrong door or not.  I agreed with him again and told him that my mom used to always tell me that too.  He said that he learned that when his daughter dropped out of college, and he was very upset and angry with her, feeling like a failure as a parent, he asked himself if it would matter in six months that she had dropped out.  When he found that the answer was no, he decided to let go.  He said that he has learned to apply that theory to many aspects of his life because life is too short to be angry and disappointed over things that don't matter.  What a profound lesson to learn!

So, on this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful that I have learned this lesson from my mother, and thankful to have the reminder from that anonymous gentleman on this Thanksgiving week.  Enjoy the holiday today with your family!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 23

Today I was supposed to tell you about my favorite movie, but we already discussed favorite movies on Day 7. Today I've decided to tell you about our family pets instead.

Bella squaring off with Helo

Bella is our cat. She has calico markings, and is your run of the mill mutt cat. She's got these huge green eyes, and fur that sheds everywhere! Lint brushes sure do come in handy at our house! Bella was a gift to my daughter for her 8th birthday. A friend of mine from work had a cat that had kittens and was giving them away. We went to her home, and Karissa picked Bella out. She also picked out her name.

When I was planning to move here three years ago, there was some discussion as to whether or not Bella would be going to live with Karissa at her Dad's or moving with me. Lucky me, I got to take her with me. Poor Bella didn't like the long drive to Florida. The trip took us about 18 hours, during which she refused to eat, drink, or use a litter box. She meow-ed for the first 45 minutes of our trip, then she just huddled quietly in her kitty carrier. It wasn't long before she was out and about, learning to tease the big dogs and hold her own! She has since adopted my husband as her "person", even though he's not really a cat person. She keeps him company when he's home by perching on the kitchen counter while he makes his breakfast, and huddling between his legs at night when we're in bed.

Helo is our boxer boy. We adopted him when he was 8 weeks old in October of 2008, shortly after Tommy's dog Rocky passed away. Tommy would get up every two hours during the night to take Helo outside, and he was housebroken in just a couple of weeks. I would sit at my computer to get my work done during the day, and Helo would be sleeping on top of my feet (it's hard to believe he was that tiny!). Oh how I miss the tiny Helo! Now, Helo is almost 70 pounds. He's so strong and muscular! He's also about as sweet and lovable as a dog can get. He loves to be rubbed and played with. He has proven to be highly tolerant of children, and Tristan is constantly taking advantage of that by sitting on him, patting him hard, and tugging on his ears. I knew Helo would be great around Tristan when he was constantly at his side right after he was born. Helo thought that Tristan was HIS baby. No joke! We've raised Helo as we would raise any child of ours - we've taught him his manners, disciplined him when he forgot them, and loved him unconditionally.

Boxer Bash, December 2010 with Helo & Lilly

Lilly is our sweet rescue girl. Lilly was originally a foster that we got from Coastal Boxer Rescue. I had my eye on another dog, but it turned out that he was already adopted when we inquired. They let us know that they had an owner surrender that would be coming in and felt that she would be a good fit for our family. We agreed, and so our journey with Lilly began. When she arrived at our home, she was skiddish, filthy, and reeked of cigarette smoke. Tommy gave her a good bath, and she was very submissive. She just laid down in the tub, didn't try to fight that bath a bit! After her bath, Tommy let her and Helo outside to use the bathroom. I was sitting in my bedroom nursing Tristan when I heard a loud splash. I got up to see what the commotion was, and Tommy informed me that when Lilly ran out the door, she went straight...into the pool! It was pitch dark outside and she didn't see it coming. Poor girl! Luckily she was able to swim to the side and Tommy pulled her out.

She was, and still is, really shy around strangers. Especially men. It took her forever to get used to Tommy, and our good friend Bryan. In those early days, when we would have family or friends house/dog-sit for us, it wasn't unusual for her to run outside when she was let out and hide out under the trailer for hours, refusing to come back inside. It was pretty clear she had been mistreated by a man at some point in her life. We were also told that Lilly had pancreatitis - a condition that was kept under control with special prescription dog food. We were told she could ONLY eat that particular type of food. I did my best to try to keep her food separate from Helo's, but she wanted nothing to do with her food, and everything to do with Helo's. We gradually introduced his food to her, and I'm happy to say that she and Helo eat the same regular dog food (Natural Balance - the good stuff!), and she has shown absolutely NO symptoms or signs of pancreatitis at all.

As I mentioned, Lilly was a foster. About 3 months after we got her, I realized that there was absolutely no way that I could part with her. She was MY dog. She follows me everywhere. If I'm at my desk, she is usually underneath it. If I'm at the dining room table, she is sitting next to me (unless Tristan is eating in his high chair - then suddenly she's HIS best friend!). Lilly is 9 years old now, and she's just as active as Helo is, for the most part. I'm so thankful that she's as healthy as she is!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 22

Well, instead of "What's in YOUR wallet?" I'm answering the question "What's in your PURSE?"


I will use the term "purse" loosely, as my purse is usually more of a diaper bag or tote bag of some sort. My purse is usually fairly minimal with its contents. My wallet is a must have. In addition to my wallet, I typically carry some lip gloss or chap stick of some sort. I always have my phone. If I'm just taking a normal outing to the store or somewhere local, there will usually be two diapers and a travel bag of baby wipes. I try to always have a pen with me also. Oh, and a snack container of Cheerios are a definite must, especially if we're going to be out at a restaurant.

See, not much to it is there? I'm not your typical "everything but the kitchen sink in my purse" type of gal. When I'm traveling, I do carry a lot more in my diaper bag/purse. I like to have my Kindle, extra clothes for Tristan, napkins, additional snacks...pretty much anything I can fit in the bag!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 21

Today I'm supposed to share my all time favorite photo of myself with you and tell you why it's my favorite. I shared this photo with you a few days ago, and I'm going to share it again.

This photo was taken the day after my youngest son was born. Let me paint the picture for you. My husband and I were expecting our first child together, a boy. We decided when I was around 32 weeks pregnant to switch out of my ob/gyn's care and into the care of a midwife. I really wanted a homebirth, and after a couple of weeks of convincing, my husband agreed to let me try. I labored easily for about 19 hours - I was able to move around and pretty much follow my normal routine. I did homework, went shopping, worked a little, even slept in the very beginning for about 6 hours. Later in the evening it got a little bit more intense, and I had to work a little harder to get through the contractions. My midwife and her assistant showed up, and Tommy and I got to work on having this baby. I'll spare you the rest of the details (you can read my full homebirth story HERE), but we had a successful homebirth. When my husband took this photograph, I can only assume that I was remembering the wonderful experience we had bringing our son into this world. I know I never wanted to take my eyes off his sweet face, and I'm sure I was thinking about my older kids when they were that age as well. I marveled at every crease in his skin, every eyelash, every strand of strawberry blonde hair (there weren't that many of those at first!). I was completely in love, and I think he was in love with his mommy too. I think this is why this is my all time favorite photograph of myself.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 20

Nicknames.  Today's topic is nicknames.  Well, I don't recall any nicknames for me as I was growing up.  Unless you count fatso, carrot top, little orphan Annie, etc.  I don't have a long formal name, so Kellie was just "Kellie".  I guess sometimes you can hear it being slightly shortened as "Kel", but I never introduce myself as "Kel".  My brother was a Daniel, so he was always "Danny" and now that he's older I guess some people might call him "Dan".

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of nicknames.  I don't have one for my daughter (unless you count "Sissy"), or any of my boys.  The two older boys have both taken on nicknames for themselves ("Nate" and "Jake"), but I prefer to call them by their full first names.  My husband likes to call our son "Junior" and sometimes just "T" or "Little T".  A couple of times I have called him those names as well.  My best friend chided me for calling him Junior because it reminds her of the boy character in the "Problem Child" movie series.  Okay, I see her point!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 19

Day 19 already?  Where has the time gone?  Today I'm supposed to talk about something I miss.  Since I'm on my way back to Florida with the three little people that I usually miss the most, I'll pick something else to talk about today.

If we're talking people, I should say that I miss my husband. I truly do miss him, but he will be home before I know it. In my heart, I have to say that I miss my MD friends. I miss hanging out with them on the weekends, impromptu lunches and dinners and cocktail hours. I sometimes miss the freedom that came with being a single mom. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my husband and I love being married. I gave up a lot to be with him, and I certainly have no regrets. However, there are days that I miss the fun times I used to have with my girlfriends. I don't have a swarm of friends, never have. The distance has changed my relationship with my two best friends. One I speak to pretty regularly on the phone, and she's been down to visit. We had a blast when she came, even with all the kids! The other I haven't talked to in months. I miss her. I'm just as much to fault (pretty sure that phone does work both ways, huh?). We didn't have a falling out or anything...life just happened. I had a baby and became totally consumed in him. Her kids are both grown adults now. I guess we're just at different life stages. I always think about her and wish her well in my prayers though. Some of my fondest memories, especially in my adult years, I shared with her. I think I'm going to have to make some plans to go see her next week. Nostalgia has hit me hard!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 18

Today I'm going to tell you about my favorite place to eat.  Those who know me well, know that on almost any given day I can be found at Panera Bread. I'm so addicted to their salads. For the longest time, I would always get the Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad.

For the longest time, I would always get the Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad. I tried it once, and I liked it, so I stuck with it.

Every now and again I'd get a turkey sandwich or their macaroni and cheese (which is SOOOO rich, but SOOOO tasty!), but I'm usually not very adventurous when it comes to trying new things.

One day I decided to try the Thai Chopped Chicken. It was delicious! I think I have a new favorite...until I try something else new off the menu!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 17

Today the task is to tell you all about something that I'm looking forward to. This is such an appropriate task for today because I'm SO very looking forward to seeing my three older kids tomorrow. (For those of you who don't know, my three older kids live out of state with their father. This certainly isn't by my choice, but in the past three years I have come to terms with it and I'm making it work from my end.) The big kids get a full week off school for the Thanksgiving holiday, so tomorrow after school is over I will be whisking them away for a week of fun and sun in Florida. This will be the first time we've spent Thanksgiving together at my home in Florida rather than at my parents' home up north.

While they're here, I'm hoping to get in as much fun with them as we can. My youngest has been talking about going ice skating since he was here over the summer, so we will definitely do that. (I know...ice skating in Florida? Who knew?) We'll also be getting together with my in-laws to have a Thanksgiving meal either Wednesday or Thursday. I'm hoping to spend some time at the park and the beach with them as well. The weather looks like it will cooperate for now.

Another thing I'm looking forward to comes after the big kids are back home after the holiday. In just over two weeks from tomorrow, I'll be picking my husband up at the airport for his next break! He's only been gone 3 weeks but it already feels like three months. We don't have any huge plans while he's here this time, but we will be traveling north to celebrate the Christmas holiday with my family up there.

What do you have to look forward to?

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 16

Today's topic is really thought-provoking.  No, I'm serious!  I haven't thought this long and hard about something in a long time!


My dream house...hmmm....funny you should ask. A while back there was a house being built on the river near where I live. I didn't really pay much attention until the finishing touches were being put on the house. A seafoam green wide siding was put up, the driveway was done in pavers, the sod and landscaping were gorgeous! The icing on the cake came after the lucky homeowners moved in. When you're driving past this house, you can see straight from the front door to the rear of the house, out the back window and to the river. In that entry room, they had placed a grand piano, and when I drove past it the first time I could just see the silhouette of the piano in the light. I was sold. This was my dream house. Nevermind how many bedrooms or bathrooms, closet sizes or anything else. The grand piano in the entry way did it for me. However, since they just moved in, I doubt they'll be moving out any time in the near future. No worries though...I have a backup dream house.

This is the dream house on the river .

Well, for starters, it would be located in the general area where I currently live. I'm thinking it would be located closer to the river though...the ocean view is gorgeous, but I'm not sure the price of the lot is worth it to me. My husband would love if it were located on the river with a boat dock/lift, or at least on a navigable canal. We both know that we need 4 bedrooms, but I would prefer 5. When I say bedrooms, I'm not talking about cookie cutter bedrooms. I am talking about spacious rooms. My kids deserve to have their own separate spaces, and since this is my dream, I'm dreaming big! My current master bedroom is HUGE x PRETTY BIG (I have no idea what the exact measurements are because I'm lazy and don't feel like finding the tape measure right now), and I'd like the master to be at least the same size. I would like to have 3 full bathrooms, but we can manage with 2.5 (which is what we have now). The kitchen would have to be enormous, and open to the dining area and family room. I'd love to have a separate room for a play area for the kids- kind of a rec room if you will. The garage needs to be big and tall in order to house our cars, motorcycle, trailer, and kids recreational equipment.

While I'm "dreaming", I'd like to have the cast of Extreme Home Makeover build and design my home as well. For free. They could include some great outdoor makeovers to include an outdoor kitchen, pool, jacuzzi, playground...tennis courts? (I don't even play tennis, but it sounded good!)


One day we'll find the house that's perfect for us. Until then, the house we're in now suits us just fine.

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 15

Where has the time gone? This blog challenge is already half over! Today I'm going to share a bible verse with you. This one is important to me because it rings so true. My husband and I knew that we wanted to have a child together. We were pretty set on waiting until our life together had calmed down. My husband wanted me to graduate from school first, then we could start talking about a baby. The closer I got to graduation, the more I knew I was ready. We talked it over and decided that if it was time for it to happen, then we'd let it happen. My husband was so set on wanting a son. He's already got a daughter, but he's always wanted a son to carry on the family name. When we found out we were expecting, I was half excited and half scared. I knew how much he wanted a boy, and I was worried that if this baby we were carrying was a girl that he would be disappointed. I knew he would love the baby either way, but I didn't want to have to see that look of disappointment on his face. The weeks passed, and before I knew it were were having our 20 week ultrasound done and attempting to find out the sex of the baby. Most important to both of us was the health of the baby, and sex was secondary to his well-being. I wish I had a camera to capture my husband's expression when the ultrasound tech announced that we were having a boy. I've never seen my husband quite as happy as I saw him in that moment.

I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. ~ 1 samuel 1:27 from NLT

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 14

Today's task is to show you a picture of myself from last year, and then talk about how I've changed since then.  First of all, finding a photo of myself around this time last year has proven to be a task in and of itself.  I am our family's photographer.  I found hundreds of pictures of my 4 children, and several photos of my husband, parents, in-laws, siblings, etc.  Photographs of me?  Not so many.  I did come across my all time favorite photo of myself, and it was taken just over a year ago (13 months ago, to be exact).

This photo was taken the day after my youngest son was born (10/10/10).  I was basking in the glow that is motherhood.  I wouldn't say that I look my best in this photo, but I do love the expression on my face.  I am filled with pure joy and I can't fathom the idea of ever having to take my eyes off this precious baby boy.

Since then, I have changed a little.  My hair is much longer now.  I've lost all that extra baby weight.  I am no longer a student, because I graduated 7 months after this photo was taken.  I'm also no longer employed because I was laid off about 6.5 months after this photo was taken.  This past year has been full of ups, not so full of downs (I know...the layoff might be considered a down to some, but it was a huge blessing to me).  I didn't think it would be possible, but I'm actually happier today than I was on the day this photo was taken.  I've been able to focus my energy on watching my youngest learn and grow.  I haven't missed any of those important firsts...rolling over, smiling, first tooth, crawling, first steps, first words...I've been able to be here with him for all of it.  

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 13

Today we're talking goals, and not the kind you score in soccer or hockey, unless that is a goal of yours.  Confused?  Yeah, me too.

One of my long range goals is to finish and publish a book.  I'm only on Chapter 2 (still...but I just started it a week or so ago), so maybe this won't be as long range as I think it will be.

Another goal of mine is to purchase a home with my husband.  I have been a homeowner before, but hubby and I have agreed to just rent a place until we are debt free.  We like the area we live in now, but we have been toying around with the idea of moving further south.  We'll see what happens.

The most important goal I have is to enjoy life to the fullest.  This would include enjoying every minute I have with my kids and my husband, and then learning to enjoy my time without them as well.  Every second counts.  Life is too short to spend even one second unhappy!

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 12

Today I will tell you about something I NEVER leave the house without.  That item would be my sunglasses.  I have a couple of pairs, but at least ONE pair of them is always with me.  I live in the sunshine state, so I have to protect my eyes from those harsh rays of the sun.  Plus, it doesn't hurt to look good while wearing them!

These are my newest pair of sunglasses, the Oakley Forsake.  They are SO comfortable, and work with my hair color and skin coloring.




To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 11

First of all....HAPPY VETERAN's DAY!!

Today's challenge is to tell  you about my favorite TV shows.  OMGoodness!  I have soooo many.  So, I'm going to just show you pictures instead.  That seems like it would be more fun...enjoy!

Grey's Anatomy - Thursday nights at 9 pm EST on ABC

Real Housewives of Orange County on Bravo 

Private Practice - Thursday nights at 10 pm EST on ABC

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on Bravo - Monday Nights at 9 pm EST

Ringer on CW - Tuesday nights at 9 PM EST

Sons of Anarchy on FX - Tuesday nights at 10 PM EST

Tori & Dean:  Home Sweet Hollywood on Oxygen starting 11/29/11 at 10 PM EST

To see the full list of the daily challenges, see this POST.