First Family Trip!

So we decided to take a family road trip to go see my husband's son this past weekend. The drive there felt long but it wasn't too long. I guess with a four year old and a two month old a road trip could seem longer.
We left Thursday around 7am from our house towards our destination, which is usually about an 8 hour road trip.
Kids were good in the car and while we were on our trip. We went to see my husband's old work, met some of his friends, went to his son's birthday party, we induced my husband's ex's head games, we didn't get to spend alone time with his son, but we went shopping!
The only part that sucks is that we never got some time alone with my husband's son. It was predictable that my husband's ex would be a b*tch! (Sorry for my language.) 
Did a lot of stuff there, but there was still so much more I wanted to do and go see. Perhaps when we go back for an other visit.
I have to say it wasn't worth the trip because of the drama, but on the bright side we got to see my husband's son and I got a kiss from my step-son.

101 Days till Christmas Eve.

I can’t believe there’s only 101 days until Christmas Eve! I am so excited and I can’t wait for the kids to open their gifts… But there’s lots of time to wait till then.

Every year we make homemade gifts for the family; something that comes from the heart and something usually useful. This year we bought coffee to-go cups to decorate and give. We are also going to paint on canvas and mod-podge pictures of the kids on the same canvas. I think it will look so cool and such a great gift for the family.

For my two nieces…. We are making a little backpack with some trinkets inside and a little wallet for my youngest niece. And for my oldest niece we decorated shoes, made a jumper dress and we are giving her some trinkets too.

I’m also making my husband a family calendar from the kids and sexy magnets of me which will be from me.

I still have no idea what to get the boys for Christmas yet. I am thinking maybe a Hotwheels track, some cars, a craft kit and a new Leap Pad game for the 4 year old. And as for the 2 year old, I know I want to get him a bed for here, probably some dump trucks, a craft kit and maybe a dvd. As for our little baby boy, I have no idea. I’m thinking some cute baby toys and maybe some clothes. Maybe a walk and ride; I had one for the 4 year old when he was a baby and he loved it. I am honestly not sure what to get a baby for Christmas, maybe my husband can help me on that one.

This year I want to wrap the gifts in brown parcel paper and use twine for ribbon. Write names on the gifts using a stencil and brown permanent marker. Honestly, now that I think about it… It’s probably going to be hard to wrap those coffee to-go cups. Meh! We’ll find a way.

As for a Christmas tree… Well, we don’t have room for one so last year I made one on the wall using lights and wool. It looked really cool. This year I think I might make one out of felt and make decorations out of felt too. Saw a cool thing on Pinterest, so I think I am going to copy and paste to our Christmas this year.

We have no clue yet where we are going on what day or night for Christmas yet. Last year at this time I was already planning for Christmas supper at our house… But this year, a big family Christmas is not happening at my house. Our house is just too small. Lesson learned from last year!

Change of subject… sort of. I know parents give gifts from Santa, but in our house we don’t. We put out our shoes and on Christmas morning there’s little trinkets in them; it’s what Saint Nicolas did.

 

Gong Show

Last night at work was a major gong show! First of all you have to know that I was only working on three and a half hours of sleep. At the start of the night when I was setting up the VIP section I broke a glass and got a fairly long piece of glass stuck between my big toe and the index toe on my right foot. Got that out and everything was good. Went back to setting up the VIP section after I swept up.

Then a group of twenty people came in for a girl’s birthday and got bottle service, so to the VIP section they went. They bought a bottle of Sky, a bottle of white wine and a bottle of Wisers. Everything was going great and I was serving them…  Also I got like a $28 tip from them from selling them the Wisers! About two hours into the celebration some guys come up to the group and tried to start a fight this group of twenty people. Like come on, really? These idiots who kept bugging my VIP party group would be in the smoking area outside trying to start a fight with them whenever they went for a smoke. The group of twenty didn’t want to have to deal with these guys (even though we kicked those idiots out) and so the group of twenty left and said thank you for the night.

I also sold a VIP table with bottle service and so my boss gave me $20 for selling that which is awesome! Helped out all over the bar and served my ass off. Made $50 in tips. And of course at the end of the night I was cleaning up bottles and glasses. But the stupid thing that happened again was that I went to pick up a beer bottle, sliced my thumb on the right hand and got glass on the outside part of my left foot. Now my thumb had a good chunk of glass in it from the stupid beer bottle, took the piece of glass out and was bleeding pretty good. So I showed our door girl who always has the band-aids with her and she rushed to the kitchen with me. I put the dish pan down full of bottles and glasses, rinsed my thumb, dried it and put a band-aid on. Then the door girl grabbed my thumb, applied pressure, and held my thumb and she pulled me around the bar for a while. I said I was fine, I went back to cleaning up all the bottles and glasses, and wiped the tables.

The lesson from last night that I got was either glass is attracted to me or glass hates me!

  

Last Night and Tonight

Last night work was crazy! We had DJ Fresh boosting up the beats and Fatman Scoop rapping at our bar. Started work at 9:15pm and worked till 3am. It was slow for the first little while, but as soon as 10:30pm hit the bar was packed and I was the only waitress till 12:00am.

Usually there’s three of us waitresses; I usually start at 9:30pm and the other two are supposed to start at 10300pm or 11:00pm. But last night… One waitress finally showed up at 12:00am, the other didn’t show up who apparently now won’t be showing up at all this weekend. I love work and the staff that I work with, but if you are told to be there at a certain time then be there.

Well it is the long weekend! So I am guessing it’s going to be one crazy-ass weekend. So far alcohol has been spilt, fights have happened, VIP tables think they should only be the ones being served, people get in the way of the staff, drunks are everywhere, people make regrets while they drink and people become bitches when they consume alcohol. I love my job… No really, I actually love my job! When people drink more they tip better and I have regulars who come in and ask for me. I also get to see some of my friends once in a while and I actually have fun working at my job.

Well tonight nothing is happening besides that usually Saturday nights are busy as hell. And tomorrow night we have the after party for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, so tomorrow night will be packed and I will be serving the Roughriders in the VIP area plus working the rest of the room. Good tips, I can’t wait!

TGIF!

Thank God Its Friday! I am so happy it is finally the weekend. Is it bad that I look forward to the weekend, to work, and to get out of the house away from my little family for a few hours? Honestly, I love my family and all, but I am with the kids everyday during the week and as soon as my husband comes home there's no "me" time.
So there's obviously there's no "me" time at home, so for me... my "me" time is when I am at work on weekends. I know its sad, but true. Instead of me going to the bar to dance and waste money for my "me" time, I go to my work which is a bar, shake my ass while waitress and make money. I think my idea of my "me" time is better than anything I can think of... Besides maybe going on a shopping spree without the kids and going to a spa for myself.
Well this weekend is a long weekend; I work Friday, Saturday and Sunday! I love working long weekends cause of money, dressing up differently sometimes and different events. But honestly, sometimes working weekends sucks. Friends and family always ask us to hang weekend nights, but we can't because we have two young kids at home and I work weekend nights. Apparently people don't understand that I work nights on the weekends.
TGIF! Its the freakin' weekend baby!

To People Who Don't Have Kids!

I don't know if this is funny or what, but it seems like people who don't have kids think it is super easy to be a parent. And you start to realize its those people and older people who look at you with a death glare when your kid starts screaming a bit in a public place. Yeah, its rude for kids to scream but they don't know better. And as for the adults who give that glare of death, please remember its rude and you should know better.
Honestly, whenever someone gives me one of those ugly death stares because of my kids are making noise and being kids, I just want to punch those people in the face. So if you want to give a death stare towards me that makes you look ugly, you wouldn't mind me punching you to make all of you ugly from the inside out!
Okay so maybe its just my protective mom outlook on life, but still. People judge right away as soon as a child makes one onze of noise.
Honestly, I would be more worried if my children we quiet as mice... Because that means there's something negative going on in the household where the children are growing up. Let kids be kids! Who cares if the yell and make a mess? It helps them to learn and you can get your kids to pick up after they are done.
So don't be that one infuriating person who is rude because a child is making noise in public... Honestly, if I were that person I would more be worried why a child isn't making noise in public and probably more worry about things I have to buy and do.

Packin’ Up the Kids

Twenty-three days until we hit the road to go to Calgary/Strathmore to see Shawn’s son named Dean. I am so excited to finally meet my step-son and for the boys to meet Dean too. Plus on September 20^th Dean turns two. We have no clue what’s all going to happen when we get there, but the biggest reason we are going there is because Shawn has to go to court for half custody. I really hope everything goes well… And after court is over on the 19^th we get to take dean for four hours.

But back to packing up the kids and hitting the road… Not sure how an eight hour road trip is going to be with a four your old and a 2 month old, but I guess we will see. Thank God we are taking at least two stops; Swift Current and Medicine Hat. We will have to at least take those two stops to change diapers, feed the kids and go to the washroom ourselves. And hopefully we can stop at some small towns and take pictures. But that’s wishful thinking.

We are going for 3 nights! September 18^th to the 21^st. I have been making packing checklists for about a month so far of what to pack. Finally I have figured out what we need and made the final checklists.

Riyker:

·         Onesies (7)

·         Pants (3-4pairs)

·         Socks (4-5 pairs)

·         Sleepers (4-5)

·         Sweater (1)

·         Toothbrush and Toothpaste

·         Baby Advil

·         Gripe Water

·         Baby Play Mat

·         Baby soap

·         Baby Towels (2)

·         Baby Wash Cloths (2)

·         Hat (1)

·         Fuzzy Blankets (2-3)

·         Burp Blankets (2)

·         Bottles

·         Bottle Liners

·         Bottle Brush

·         Formula

·         Baby Cereal

·         Diapers (1 pack)

·         Baby Wipes

·         Bibs (2)

·         Change Pad Pack

·         Baby Carrier Backpack

Chasein:

·         Jeans (2 pairs)

·         Sweats (3 pairs)

·         Wind-pants (1 pair)

·         Long Sleeve Shirts (2)

·         Long Sleeve Collar Shirt (1)

·         T-shirts (3)

·         Socks (5 pairs)

·         Sweater (1)

·         Hype Onesie (1)

·         PJ’s (3-4 pairs)

·         Pull Up’s (1 pack)

·         Leap Pad and Charger

·         Colouring books and bag of crayons

·         Moon pillow

·         5 cars

·         Toothbrush and Toothpaste

·         Sneakers

Candice (Me):

·         Sweaters (2)

·         Socks (4 pairs)

·         Black leggings (1 pair)

·         Grey Flat Ankle Boots (1 pair)

·         Underwear (6 pairs)

·         Sports Bra (1)

·         Bras (2)

·         Dresses (2)

·         Tank tops (3)

·         Leather Jacket (1)

·         Tops (2)

·         PJ’s (3 pairs)

·         Hairbrush

·         Hair Rollers

·         Hairspray

·         Hair Moose

·         Water Hair Spray Bottle

·         Hair Elastics (4)

·         Bobby Pins

·         Floral Bow Headband

·         Make-up

·         Toothbrush and toothpaste

·         Contacts/Glasses/Contact Solution

·         Body Spray

·         Earrings (2 pairs)

·         Tea and To-go Cup

·         Notebook, pens, pencils and sharpener

·         Cell and Charger

·         Camera and Batteries

Shawn:

·         Underwear (3 pairs)

·         Socks (3-4 pairs)

·         Tank tops (2-3)

·         T-Shirts (2)

·         Long Sleeve Collar Shirt (1)

·         Jeans (1-2 pairs)

·         Sweater (1)

·         PJ Pants (1-2 pairs)

·         Toothbrush and Toothpaste

·         To-go Cup

·         Armpit Deodorant

·         Cell and Charger

Extras:

·         Snacks

·         Juice Boxes

·         Car Seat for Dean

·         Bottles of Water

 

I really hope the weather is nice when we are there. I hope the road trip will be good with the kids. Kind of hoping the kids will sleep all the way there, but doubt that will happen.

I think I am going to start packing the bags soon enough. And yes, I know it’s less than a month away, but I would like to be prepared before we go so we don’t forget anything. Also I don’t want to be stressing out a few days before our trip. It’s bad enough I will be stressing out the day we leave because we have to do a few things before we leave.

How to be sexy while being a mom.

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Toddlers Bite!

Lately I have been having troubles with my four year old (Chasein) biting. I know biting is a very common behavior among toddlers, which means there are a lot of concerned parents out there.  You are not alone!  The good news is that there is a lot that parents and caregivers can do to reduce and, ultimately, eliminate biting.

Children bite in order to cope with a challenge or fulfill a need.  For example, your child may be biting to express a strong feeling (like frustration), communicate a need for personal space (maybe another child is standing too close) or to satisfy a need for oral stimulation.  Trying your best to understand the underlying cause of the biting will help you develop an effective response.  This makes it more likely that you will be successful in eliminating the behavior.

Kids bite for a number of reasons, and most of them aren't intentionally malicious.

·         They're in pain. When babies bite, typically it's because they're teething. They're just doing it to relieve the pain of their swollen, tender gums.

·         They're exploring their world. Very young children use their mouths to explore, just as they use their hands. Just about everything infants or toddlers pick up eventually winds up in their mouths. Kids this age aren't yet able to prevent themselves from biting the object of their interest.

·         They're looking for a reaction. Part of exploration is curiosity. Toddlers experiment to see what kind of reaction their actions will provoke. They'll bite down on a friend or sibling to hear the surprised exclamation, not realizing how painful the experience is for that person.

·         They're craving attention. In older kids, biting is just one of several bad behaviors used to get attention. When a child feels ignored, discipline is at least one way of getting noticed -- even if the attention is negative rather than positive.

·         They're frustrated. Biting, like hitting, is a way for some children to assert themselves when they're still too young to express feelings effectively through words. To your child, biting is a way to get back a favorite toy, tell you that he or she is unhappy, or let another child know that he or she wants to be left alone.

I think Chasein bites because he gets mad, annoyed and frustrated. Lately we have been putting him in time out more often and it seems like almost anything we do doesn’t seem to help. When he has his mind set on something he will do whatever he can do to finish the task he has created in his mind… Even if its biting, hitting, screaming or trying to get out of his room when he’s in a time out.

How to stop the biting? You have to practice prevention so that your child will be less likely to bite in the first place.

·         If your child is teething, make sure to always have a cool teething ring or washcloth on hand so he or she will be less likely to sink teeth into someone's arm.

·         Avoid situations in which your child can get irritable enough to bite. Make sure that all of your child's needs -- including eating and nap time -- are taken care of before you go out to play. Bring along a snack to soothe your child if he or she gets cranky from being hungry.

·         As soon as your child is old enough, encourage the use of words ("I'm angry with you" or "That's my toy") instead of biting. Other ways to express frustration or anger include hugging a stuffed animal or punching a pillow. Sometimes, shortening activities or giving your child a break can help prevent the rising frustration that can lead to biting and other bad behaviors.

·         Give your child enough of your time throughout the day (for example, by reading or playing together), so he or she doesn't bite just to get attention. Extra attention is especially important when your child is going through a major life change, such as a move or welcoming a baby sibling. If your child is prone to biting, keep an eye on any playmates and step in when an altercation appears to be brewing.

The thing is we have tried everything and nothing seems to work. Some people have said to us that Chasein is spoiled, but the thing is he’s not.

According to WebMD, “if you are spoiling your children, you’ll know it. They’re rude to you and other adults. They won’t share with other children. They will act bossy and demand to be first in line. They don’t answer your questions and ignore your instructions. If you deny them a new toy or treat, you’ll face a tempest of crying, howling, and little fists pounding the floor.”

I’m sorry WebMD, but you can be wrong! Chasein was an only child in the house for a little while and as soon as he figured out that I was pregnant with Riyker he started acting out. It’s called jealousy! It happens more than people think. But I know some way or another the biting has to stop!

Late Nights and Early Mornings

Late nights and early morning… When do they stop? Sometimes I wish I could should pause time and actually get a proper sleep. But who am I kidding?

I work on weekends from 9:00pm till 3:00am, of course when I get home I am up every few hours with a baby (Riyker) and my oldest son (Chasein) is up by 8:30am every morning. Yes, my husband watches the kids when I am at work, but as soon as I get home he is out like a light and I am lucky if I get 4 hours of sleep.

The other thing that probably doesn’t help is that I stay up late during the week to prep for the next day and to actually have some me time because I never really get time for myself at all. During the week I am usually lucky at least once… Chasein and Riyker both sleep in till about 11:00am one day during the week and that is when I get to catch up on all the sleep I missed, but it usually doesn’t really help a whole lot.

I’m still not sure if I like the late nights with Riyker keeping me up and the early mornings with Chasein waking me up. I know I can’t actually pause time anyways, so I guess I will just have to deal with how the late nights and early mornings. Perks of being a mom!

I love being a mom.

My Crazy Little Family

Most of you have no clue who I am. My name is Candice Lord and I was born on May 8^th, 1991. I am married to a wonderful man named Shawn and we got married on June 7^th, 2014. I have a son named Chasein, he was born on May 3, 2010 and his father is not Shawn, but Chasein does call Shawn “dad”. Shawn also has a son named Dean, he was born on September 20^th, 2012. I am not his mom, but I see him as my son. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see Dean very often because we live in Regina, Saskatchewan and Dean lives with his mother in Calgary, Alberta. And together, Shawn and I have a son named Riyker, he was born on July 1^st, 2014.

I am a stay at home mom during the week while Shawn is a 12 volt mechanic in car auto and accessories and on the weekends at night I am a waitress at a bar. I am currently getting ready to home-school Chasein for pre-kindergarten… Which should be a challenge all in its self. Not just being at home and teaching a four year old, but also being at home with a baby and a four year old together… Just crazy! 

Honestly, I love my crazy little family and I have no clue what I would do without them. They inspire me, encourage me, and support me. No matter what happens I hope my family knows that I will always be here for them.

I love being a mom!

First Time for Everything... Pregnancy

There’s always a first time for everything… First kiss, first love, first time you have sex, first wedding, first pregnancy, first baby and so many more firsts.

Today, I’m talking about first pregnancy and first baby.

Yes, life gets even harder once you find out and realize you are pregnant. The realization that you are pregnant hits you hard like a semi-truck hitting a car in a car accident.  Maybe you find out because you miss your period, you take a test or you have symptoms. No matter what TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST!

Some women take the road where they can’t deal with a child in their lives and get an abortion… This is sad, but understandable. Some women take the road where they want to give life to someone who cannot have kids and they decide to give their baby up for adoption… Which I find it sad, but also encouraging and inspiring.

Then of course there are the women who go through all the crazy hormones and cravings to have a child… I find it amazing and maybe it’s because I am a mom, but when you see that life when you have your first ultra sound you realize how happy you are. Maybe there’s just smiling and maybe there’s happy tears. Yes, it’s going to be a stressful and bumpy ride, but it’s the realization of bringing a new life into the world that makes it all the more worth everything.

I love being a mom!