Halloween

So, it was time for Mary Kahlen's second Halloween, and I was so excited...you know, this year she would understand the concept just a little bit better. I mean, I went through three costumes before I chose the perfect one...a Ladybug, and she was just the most precious little ladybug every!

Our night did not start off very storybook. Mary Kahlen did not seem to understand that tonight was a night that we were to dress-up, travel around to let everyone see how cute she was, and then end the night peacefully. Nope, she did not totally get that concept at all. Why? do you ask? Let me explain. I pulled out her ladybug outfit and I thought she would be so excited, I mean, she's always excited about new clothes...why not tonight? She looked at me, and I said, "Are you ready to get dressed up for Halloween?" "No." was the reply, and she was not kidding. Have you every put tights on a wildcat? If not, give me a call and I will describe in detail how it works. Needless to say, we put on the costume, took off the costume, put on another costume, then took that costume off...you get the picture. I finally told Adam to take her, in only her diaper, put her in her highchair, feed her a snack and let me know how that works out...I would be resting in the bedroom. After about twenty minutes, she decided she was ready. Now, I have to admit that I am a bit stubborn...yes, I know this comes as a complete surprise to most...but when that little 21 month old is not ready...it just will not happen. Right now, I do not have the energy to fight it. I'm getting older by the day. :)

But not matter what, she is still, and will always be, our little ladybug...

WWF in Da House!

Just a relaxing Wednesday night at our house...yours???

First Hayride!

A couple of weekends ago, my mother, grandmother and I took Mary Kahlen on her first hayride. She had a wonderful time! I do have to comment on the fact that half-way through the ride, it started to sprinkle, so the driver picked up speed...yes, on a hayride, so needless to say, I was picking hay out of my teeth and hair for about thirty minutes after!!

11:11

Recently, our church added a third service, which is called the 11:11 service. It's contemporary and very relaxed. Adam and I love it! Just wanted to share a tidbit of the music with everyone, in case anyone out there is looking for somewhere to be.

Just This & That

It's been a bit since I've updated my blog, and honestly, I just need to vent for right now. You know, you come to a point in your life where you do not know, from the words of Dolly on Steel Magnolias, "whether to scratch your watch or wind your butt." I somewhat feel that I am at that place right now. I'm in masters classes...and please, I cannot even start on the amount of work they are giving us, do billing for a therapist (who I should probably be seeing on a regular basis...hmmm...maybe I'll get an employee discount :), substitute teach, have a 20 month old daughter at home, observe at a school two days a week, we do respite care for Foster parents, and now my husband has gotten a job where he will most likely be out of the country for weeks at a time.

I remember in college how I could go for days on little sleep and remember thinking that I worked my best under pressure. I even remember taking the class where the ENTIRE class is learning how to write a research paper. The quarter was about doing this by this deadline, etc. and at the end, you submitted your final draft for a grade...basically the only grade for the class. I, being the busy person that I was with work and sorority life (you know, priorities), kept putting it off until the weekend before it was due. Yes, I said the weekend...because it was due Monday morning. Needless to say, my social life was put on hold for that weekend and I created note cards with citations, a rough draft, etc., and finally, the final draft. I made a 97 on that paper...today, with my added age, I believe I would probably just go into the professor's office and try to cry my way out of it. I cannot take the heat like I used to be able to. I now try to do things early and cannot stand waiting until the last minute...boy how things change!

Now, on to my next topic...the presidential election. I have never followed an election like I have this one. I have also never been as confused about who to vote for as I have in this one. Now, I would like some sound advice from my friends. Please do not send me "he's too old" or "he's the anti-Christ" or "he's a Muslim" information, unless of course you have sound proof. By "sound proof", I do not mean a website created by Republicans or people who hate Obama or vice versa...I mean ones that are neutral. Just for background sake...I have usually voted Republican. Now, what I have noticed over the years is that every time a Republican comes into office, Americans seem to lose jobs. As far as Democrats, I've noticed that Americans get a little to comfortable with everything being handed to them instead of working for it. Now, is there a perfect in-between? I do not know, and that is why I am here asking for advice.

Now, I always say to others, "God will not put more on you than you can handle", but in the words of Mother Theresa, "I just wish he didn't trust me so much."

Serenity...anywhere???

Yes, I have been meaning to update my blog for over a week now, but have been a tad bit busy with classes, working, etc. As most of you know, I am in the Masters program for Middle Grades Education. This semester I am doing my observation in a school setting...what does that mean? It means for thirteen weeks, I go into a classroom, two days per week, and watch the teacher, assist as needed and teach every now and then. So, seeing where I am in the middle school program, one might think that I would be placed in a middle school for my observation...at least this one did. I received my assignment, and as clear as day, it said I would be at an elementary school. Okay, true that middle school certification is grades 4-8, but I never dreamed I would be with the "little people." You see, I have never really had any experience with the elementary age group. I am prone to much larger children, complete with hormones and attitude. Negative? No, just realistic. I'm not saying the middle school children are bad...they just have so much drama, with peer pressure, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, puberty, etc. that no wonder they tend to be grouchy and mouthy.

So, my first day at the "little people" school was a little scary, not to mention that the principal of this school was my high school English teacher...that's why you should ALWAYS be a respectable student...you never know who will be your boss! Oh, and another side note...I passed lady in the hall, who I knew looked very familiar, so I asked her name...and you would not believe it...but she was my Kindergarten teacher!!! Again, you should always watch yourself in school...you REALLY never know. :)

I've now been observing two weeks and I have learned the following about elementary school:

1. You must always encourage students, no matter what.

2. They will ask you ten questions in one breath, and you must be prepared to answer all of them.

3. The story they just told you was either the funniest or saddest story you ever heard...or you should appear for it to be so.

4. They want you to love their work, really...they do.

5. They hug you.

6. It upsets them when they upset you.

7. They are still little children, the hormones are pretty much inactive.

8. When you discipline, you need to ask them if they knew what they did wrong, ask them what could they have done differently, and provide them with a sheet so they can write out their thoughts.

9. Teachers must plan, plan, plan. Many elementary teachers have four different subjects to teach daily, including recess responsibility. They only get about 40 minutes planning, which is gone if you blink too hard, they have students coming into classrooms at 7:30 and they are with them constantly to 3:30. Lots of fundraisers and many after-school extras.

Now, on to middle school. Let me preface this by saying that I am not the most negative person you will ever meet, I am, however, a realist. I'm also not saying that what I am about to list below is the right thing, but a lot of times, it's the only thing for that moment, and remember...teachers have students with hormones, bf/gf issues, bff issues, her hair looks better than mine issues, fights, etc. going on at the same time they are expected to teach.

1. You should encourage students, just figure out a way to do it without a clap and hooray...be a little more subtle.

2. They will probably not ask questions, you will be the one doing that.

3. Again, not much speaking...well, to you...only to their friends.

4. Ummm...not really concerned if you love it or not, mainly worried about the passing grade.

5. They do not touch you, and you better not touch them or you will end up the star on a Lifetime Original Movie.

6. Not going to happen, they only get upset if you write them up...which I will explain more in detail in #8.

7. Hormones are RAGING, like a whitewater rafting trip!

8. When you discipline, you first tell them what they did wrong. If they do not correct their behavior, they will receive silent lunch and then, if still not corrected, will move along to the office which will most certainly result in ISS (In School Suspension).

9. Teachers usually plan for one subject and teach this lesson plan for each class. They receive about an hour and a half planning, sporadic after-school activities and minimal fundraisers...unless of course you are a sport sponsor. However, they re-direct, discipline, discipline...which makes teaching that lesson plan the hardest thing in the world to do.

With the above comparisons (yes, I am utilizing my observation skills during Language Arts), "I will take more classroom work and less behavior issues for $200 Alex." I honestly never really thought that I would fit in with the elementary crowd. I will definitely need to learn to smile more, hug more....well, basically, work on my nice skills...but I believe I can do it. So, to the world of encouragement and silly stories...here I come!

On to the next topic. We have finally figured out a name for the kitten, and it is Meow-Meow. As you can see, Mary Kahlen has broken her in quickly...no one is immune from princess paraphernalia!

And this is just cute. Mary Kahlen visited Chick-fil-A with Memaw on Tuesday and discovered the world of "face paint". The scrunch face is the "I'm trying to be cute for the camera," but her Mamoo said she looked like she had to go potty...probably so.

Yet Another Addition to the Family

Picture this...a knock at the door, you open the door, no one is there except a kitten and a care package, complete with a letter. The letter explains that this kitten has been very loved, but the family is moving to NY and needs to find a good home. Why did they choose the Bryant household you may ask? Because they "saw the Foster/Adopt magnet on the car and knew we had kind hearts." Hmmm....I'm thinking the magnet is coming off the car!


Anyway, Mary Kahlen is nothing less than estactic about the meow meow, who is still nameless. You see, we are not sure if she is going to remain in the Bryant household or not, so we have not picked a name just yet. Why wouldn't you keep her? you ask. To be honest, I'm not sure she will survive the hugs and carrying techniques of Mary Kahlen. Our angel does not fully understand how to be gentle...we are still working on that. :)


So, here are pictures of our new additon...feel free to provide name suggestions!


Can you tell someone else in the family is a bit attached???

Childrens Understanding of Marriage

Ah yes, the infamous email forwards. Usually, I drive people nuts by going to snopes.com and checking the validity and then emailing back the link, but with this one...there was absolutely no need for any of that. This is one of the cutest emails I've received in a while.

Thank you Cindy P. for the forward!

Out of the mouths of babes...

1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.
Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
Howard, age 8

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
Kelvin, age 8

and the #1 Favorite is .........

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
Ricky, age 10

Forget Dance...

You know, there are times that I look at Mary Kahlen in awe. I'm thinking to myself "self, you and Adam certainly produced a beautiful child. One that is loving, caring, compassionate and nothing less than perfect." These thoughts come frequently and bring tears to my eyes. The other night, something a little different brought tears to my eyes.

I was rocking Mary Kahlen, and as usual, she raises her head to look at me...now, here comes the pause. Normally, she will say "Mommy." I will then respond, "I love you Angel. Now it's time to go night night." As I was preparing for my "Mommy," suddenly a blinding light and excruciating pain overcame me. She had not said a word, but in fact, head butted me right in my nose. I felt a stream going down the back of my throat and literally could not see. I had to place her on the floor, feel my way to the bathroom to inspect, what I was sure, the pieces of what was left of my nose. Now, just to give you an idea of the scene...I let out a very loud grunt and muffled scream, as my hands were over my nose, and Mary Kahlen didn't make a sound.

So, on to my heading...we are going to forget about enrolling her in dance lessons and begin training her for the CIA Special Forces Unit. I'm sure they could use someone with an angel face that exhibits deadly force.

Oh, my nose you ask...it's not broken, but very, very sore. I have to say that I can't complain much, since she does pull up Adam's shirt and yank on the little bit of back hair that he does have, and checks her hands to see if she successfully got any out.

She's precious.

Just Hangin in My Crib

Mary Kahlen has now achieved it all. She has her own cell phone, car and house...and she's only 18 months old. Granted she cannot make calls on her real cell phone, nor drive her car just yet, and thankfully her new home does not come with a mortgage....but nonetheless...she has them all!!

Here she is just hanging out, you know, letting me know that she's in there...notice the door is closed. She has even mastered the art of going in and slamming the door behind her. I guess when she becomes a teenager, Adam and I will have to take the door off of the hinges before she does. :)

Okay, some of you may just be asking the question, "now, isn't that a little tykes outdoor playhouse? So, why is it inside." Well, here is my theory...if it is small enough to fit inside, it is also made for the inside. You see, I do not like bugs of any kind, dirt, the heat...well, basically, the outside GA summer weather. No, my child is not deprived of the outdoors. She goes outside at Miss Lisa's and all of her grandparents homes, which is very frequently. Adam and I do take her outside on occasion to swing, but not when it is over 90 degrees. We do, however, love to go swimming. Anyway, do not fault me for keeping my child indoors and clean. Trust me, my mood declines severly when I begin to sweat! So, this is the new and improved Little Tykes indoor playhouse for Mary Kahlen. When we find a playhouse that is leakproof, bug proof and has electricity, I will be more than happy to place it outside in our well manicured lawn. Reminder for the dedicated blog readers...Erin tried to get Mary Kahlen in the sandbox and she went to pieces, the lack of nature loving just may be genetic, that's all I'm sayin.

To the right, you will see the correct way to carry a football. Shelia & Darryl, if you are reading this, I'm not sure she's going to be the sporty type...you think????

I would like to introduce everyone to the newest member of our family, Diva. She does everything that a live monkey would do except poop...now, you can really tell I'm a mommy. :)

She's great company to have around, especially when you forget she is on and you walk by her and she reaches out for you. I'm just glad I do not have a heart murmur.

Our Beautiful One

We recently had pictures made...and they turned out to be out of this world! It took me long enough to find a photographer who I felt was worthy. :) If you are interested in having her information...just let me know. I highly recommend!

Our Little GA Peach

Look who loves peaches!

Sleepy Eyes

Our daughter has now developed her own personal "looks." Her father says that they come from me...most likely true. I just had to share a video and picture of her "sleepy eyes."

Take note of Mary Kahlen's look in this picture!

A Visit from My Erin!!

The other week, my wonderful friend Erin came for a "day visit." It was so great to spend time with her...I just hated it was so short. Okay...that was enough of the mushy, let me go on to the real life!

If you know me, you know that I hate, let me repeat, hate shopping. Really it's shopping of any kind...grocery store, clothing store, etc. Anyway, Erin, on the very far other hand, loves to shop. This is the girl, who along with another friend of mine, Tammy, shopped so long in a stinkin oversized Goodwill, that I had to find a chair and sit in like some little old man waiting on his wife. Needless to say, they have never much taken into account my personal feelings of shopping and feel I must just be kidding...uh huh.

So, when Erin arrives, we go to eat lunch and then decide we are going to run by Wal-Mart. Now, I have to admit that Erin said we did not have to go, but I said no, I needed to go because I needed to get a couple of baby gifts. So, we go in and separate. I first spend 15 minutes trying to get the registry list to print off, then it would only print off for one person, so I gave up and decided to get them the same thing...but of course, couldn't find that one thing I wanted and had to resort to plan B & C. So, by this time, I have been in Wal-Mart for over 45 minutes....yes, 45 minutes, and I am hotter than a whore in church and am ready to go. So, I find me a little cubby off to the side to try and call Erin so we can meet up and leave...and that's when it happened. I'm not in anyone's way, minding my own hot business, when a lady walks by with her buggy and looks at me and huffs....okay, for those of you who know me, I'm not extremely confrontational and will just let things go...you know, the Christian thing to do. I have to admit that at that moment I forgot I knew Jesus and let the lady have it. I wasn't overly mean, but very plainly stated to her that today was not the day. So, let me ask...do I hate shopping??? YES, YES, YES...but it's probably not the actual merchandise, but the rude and disrespectfullness that comes with it. I digress.

Again, I will say that Erin really did not make us go to Wal-Mart...she was very thoughtful and said we didn't have to go, I just had some friends that had to go and have babies! :)

So, here are some more pictures from our visit...enjoy!

Lights!!!

Last night we went to see the fireworks in Franklin, GA. The last time I went to an event in Franklin was when the Olympic torch came through town and Tammy and I thought we were going to see Oprah...remember??? Oh, and we videotaped it for our friend Erin, who was away being a camp counselor. I mean, we are in college and we honestly thought Oprah was coming to Franklin, GA...I digress. :)

Okay, so Mary Kahlen has never seen fireworks before, but one of her first words was "lights." So, we felt she was definitely old enough now to enjoy the event...and we were right! She had a blast yelling "lights!"

Before the light show, she had a bite of turkey leg and enjoyed the festivities on the square. I've attached video and pictures for your enjoyment. :)

First Hair Cut

Yes, we are still here and doing well. :) I realize it's been a while since I've created a post, and I do have a reason. I have been taking Masters classes at LaGrange College for the past month and it has been a whirlwind! Earning 6 credits in just four weeks is a killer...but just to pat myself on the back just a bit, I came out of it with a 4.0...yes, please hold your applause. ;)

Okay, on to the real reason for this post. Our little angel had her very first hair cut today. She's just a little over 17 months old, but as I have learned, curls require much less attention than my "straight as a board" hair. My hairdresser, Leigh Ann, will be Mary Kahlen's as well. So, here are videos and pictures so you can share in the occasion.

Mother's Day Events

Mother's Day is an incredible time for everyone. I mean, no matter who you are, you either are or have a mother. Some mothers, like my stepmother Pam, are no longer with us, but it certainly doesn't mean that they are forgotten...neither are the lessons they taught us!

This is my second Mother's Day. The first one, as most of you remember, kind of went by in a fog. I was recuperating from having my little angel. This one, on the other hand, was an event filled day. At one point during our travels to see our Mothers, I asked Adam, "when is it going to be my day? I mean, I'm a mother now and here we are all over the place." Well, from what I understand from other women out there, it's ALWAYS about doing for others...I mean, that's what us women do, and you all know how I love to admit that "women's place" thing! Anyway, we did have a wonderful time. Started off by eating lunch out with my mother, my grandmother and other family members. Mary Kahlen decided to try on my grandmother's glasses to read the menu. :) You will also see a four generation picture below.

We then went and visited Adam's mother and had a wonderful home cooked meal for supper. Mary Kahlen enjoyed the cake the most...and her Grammy let her have at it!

Then, at last, home for the night. Mary Kahlen, or Curly Murly as my mother calls her, had to definitely have a bath after the cake ordeal. After getting out of the tub, you now know how she earned her nickname! She certainly got those curls from her father, when he had hair, because my hair is straight as a board. :)

The Room

The story I left out during our visit to Erin's was that I definitely acquired some inspiration. Now, I do wish for Erin to get "the big head," but her home inspired me to de-clutter and organize our home. I felt so at peace while we were there...it was amazing. I read somewhere that the more cluttered your home is, the more cluttered you feel in your life, and they are absolutely right!

So, I immediately began sorting things by yardsale, consignment shop and throw away piles. After that was done, I decided that our formal dining room set, which had been used about three times in five years, needed to be stored away. In its place, Mary Kahlen's playroom. She loves having her own space!

Just the Girls!

During Spring Break, Mary Kahlen and I loaded up the vehicle and headed to Blakely, GA. We were on a mission...to visit Miss Erin and Olivia. I definitely needed some Erin time and we wanted the girls to visit more often. Mary Kahlem...as Olivia says, did very well for the 2 1/2 hour trip. We sang songs, ate goldfish, and played with every toy within arms reach!

Once we got there, it was nap time...after our hellos of course.

After naps...the girls wasted no time playing and having a ball! I will let the pictures tell most of the story!

Now, let me explain the picture below. Erin threatened to call DFCS on me because she feels my child is never allowed to go outside and play in the dirt. I, on the other hand, understand my child. She doesn't LIKE the dirt or getting dirty...as we see when Erin tried to introduce her to the sand box. Notice that Erin had to IMMEDIATELY brush off her feet!

And last...but certainly not least...a tribute to my Erin. She had to be in on the fun...and her is her "Superstar" picture!

Easter Fun!

Ahhh...Easter time! As always, the infamous bunny picture. For those of you who remember, in her bunny picture from last year, she fit in the bend of the bunny's left arm. This year, she is all but jumping out of his lap! Our little angel has grown so much.

We had a wonderful, and busy, Easter. Mary Kahlen enjoyed hunting eggs for the first time, and I am happy to report, that she found the prize egg at our Aunt Carol and Uncle Ricky's house...it's good to know that my child can sniff out money! Here she is finding her very first Easter egg...check out that smile!





Now, below you will see Mary Kahlen dancing with a stuffed Rooster. Yes, I will explain. While over at our Aunt Carol and Uncle Ricky's, Mary Kahlen happened upon "Rooster Boy." Her cousin Jackson, who you see in the background, began playing the piano, and our child, being the little dancer that she is, grabbed Rooster Boy and danced the day away! It was just hilarious!!!



















Last, but certainly not least, another "Cindy look" picture. No explanation necessary. :)

You Will Be Missed

I wanted to pay a special tribute to my stepmother, Pam. She passed away suddenly on Friday, March 7, 2008. To those of you who have known me for years, you know that Pam was my second mother. She had been a part of my life since I was 2 1/2 years old. She blessed me with a wonderful sister, Kim, and brother, Ben. She's the one who taught me that you never, ever leave the house without lipstick...it doesn't matter if you have any other makeup on or not! I'll never forget getting ready for my high school graduation and her calling me to her bedroom to pin a guarding angel on my graduation gown. This is also the lady who taught me the TRUE value of Lifetime Original Movies! :)

She told me that she always loved me as if I were her own, and by her actions, I knew it.

Please pray for my brother and sister. We have lost a mother, a Nana and a friend. Her life was cut entirely too short, but God was ready for her to come up there with her laughter and smile!