Best of 2012

I've seen a lot of bloggers doing this, and decided to be unoriginal and jump on the bandwagon. Here are my post popular posts of 2012. I was surprised at some of them. I'll write a post that I think will be popular and no one will read it, then I'll write a random just for fun post and it'll get a ton of votes. This is helpful for the new year as I know what sort of posts you all love. My top ten lists are a lot more popular than I would think. My posts about children were also very popular.

1. Top Ten Favorite Characters of All Time I was absolutely shocked to find that this is my most popular post off all time, not just this year. It has 1666 views. I'm not sure why this is so popular.
2. Mad for Mad Men - In July I became obsessed with Mad Men and watched all 5 seasons of it. I then had to share my love for the show with all of you. And for some reason, that post is also very popular with almost 500 views.
3. Ten (Mostly Free) Online Preschool Curriculum for Toddlers - This is my most pinned post, so I'm not surprised that is so popular. I'm glad I could help fellow tot moms. 
4. Toddler Summer Fun List - I love that CJ and I's list of fun things to do during the summer was so popular. We had a lot of fun playing and I'm glad it was helpful to others. 
5. Best Christmas Books for Children - This post is only a month old and already is in 5th place. I think was due to a lot of people doing the 25 books of Christmas countdown with their kids and needing ideas for which books to choose. 
6. Keeping Your Child's Smiles Bright - Should I be offended that one of my most popular posts is a guest post? I kid. This is a great post about helping your toddler learn dental hygeine, so I'm glad to share the information. 
7. CJ Afraid of the Vacuum - So funny that this is one of my most popular posts. It is just two pictures of CJ strumming the guitar on the couch, crying, and trying to hide from the vacuum cleaner. He still does this. He is petrified. No idea why. 
8. Top Ten TV Guilty Pleasures - Another funny one to be so popular. Just my list of trashy tv that I love. Maybe you can all relate and that's why it is so popular. 
9. Georgia's Anti-Obesity Campaign - This one is all the way from January, when I decided to share my thoughts on how disgusting I found Georgia's anti-obesity campaign to be. I guess most of you agreed. 
10. A to Z Mini-Challenge #1 - This was the first challenge in 2012's A to Z Book Challenge. If you are interested in joining this years, go to A to Z Challenge 2013. 

Some of my other popular posts were:

Why Bob the Builder Needs Sedatives (And Curious George has E-bola), 

A Dark Knight Rises Who's Who,
Hunger Games Movie VS Book,
Meet My Shelves (which I have to re-do since we moved),
CJ's Top Ten Bedtime Books
Top Ten Men I Wish Were My Dad
Best Summer Books for Toddlers, and 

Ten Things Guaranteed to Make Your Toddler Smile Pin It

Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color? My top twelve Christmas movies

Don we now our gay apparel, falalalalalala. Tis the season to be jolly, falalaalalalalaaaaaaaa.

It's the most wonderful tiiiiiiiime of the yeaaaar.

Yes, we have had Christmas tunes on non-step since Thanksgiving night. I regret nothing.

I have also been slowly but surely introducing CJ to my favorite Christmas movies. So in no particular order, here are my top ten favorite Christmas movies!

This is also how CJ thinks.

Elf - We watch Elf probably 5 times a week at the least. This has been going on all year, not just now that it is Christmas. CJ is obsessed. He could care less about Santa Clause. He thinks that Santa is just Elf's pal. Elf is the big kahuna. Any time he sees and Elf he loses his mind. ELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He freaks, it is hysterical.

The Santa Clause - I think Tim Allen is hysterical, and he was especially funny in this. There are some awesome scenes in here. I want the elves' hot chocolate recipe, and I want it now. Also, is it wrong to be physically attracted to an elf? Cuz Bernard is sexy. True story.

Nightmare Before Christmas - We actually have a Nightmare Before Christmas tree because we love it so much. Our wedding cake topper was Jack and Sally. The blanket covering our couch is Jack and Sally. We looooove Nightmare Before Christmas. CJ hasn't seen it yet, I think it is a bit scary for him yet. Oogie Boogie scared me when I was a kid. I'm not yet ready to scar him completely, but it is still one of my favorites.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - "I'm cute, I'm cute... she thinks I'm cute!" Love that scene. This is just one of the all time classic Christmas movies. CJ likes this one, but it isn't his favorite. Oh, and if you haven't heard DMX sing Rudolph yet, you haven't lived. Watch it, watch it now. "Come on! What!"

Frosty the Snowman - Another one of the great classic Christmas movies. My hubby takes offense to the lyrics "There must have been some magic...", he says no, it should be "There likely was some magic..." CJ likes Frosty, but he loves Frosty Returns. Don't know why.

My brother-in-law can actually
do this face. It's amazing really.

The Grinch - I love the Grinch!! He's my favorite! I used to be the Grinch. I hated Christmas for a really long time. (Boohoo, horrible childhood, blah blah blah.) Now that I have CJ I make sure to love the whole Christmas season. But I still love the Grinch. I love him before his heart grows and I love him even more when he, he himself, carves the roast beast! I also think that Cindy Lou Who is the cutest thing ever. Note - I am talking about the original, but I also love the Jim Carrey version.

It's a Wonderful Life - "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." Now tell me you don't think that every time you hear a bell ring. I know I do. This movie brings me back to the good old days, when towns were small and everyone knew everyone and banded together and everyone lived happily ever after and you could pull down the moon for your beloved if you wanted to. "I'll take it."

That's Jesus with Ben Hur.
Told you so.

Ben Hur - Yes, Ben Hur is a Christmas movie! I always have to explain this to people. Ben Hur is born around the same time as Jesus, and their lives go on divergent paths until Ben meets Jesus. The wise men are a big part of the book, not so much in the movie. But a great movie that I love to watch around Christmas.

Muppet Christmas Carol - This is another one on heavy rotation in our house. We love everything Muppets, and Michael Caine is amazing as Scrooge.

The Little Drummer Boy - I used to love watching this on Thanksgiving. The Little Drummer Boy gives the only thing that he can to the baby Jesus. Ba dum a dum dum. CJ watched this today and said "Baby esas". Yep. :)

Scrooged - So yes, the ghost of Christmas Future is freaking HORRIFYING, but this is an awesome remake of A Christmas Carol. Billy Murray is absolutely perfect.

And as a bonus, Home Alone - While I will never understand how someone can leave their child home alone on Christmas (or any other time for that matter), it does provide an awesome premise to the movie. I also love the second movie when he gives the old lady a turtledove. Oh Macauly.

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Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Happy 2nd birthday my little schmoops! I love you so much! 

I am the luckiest mama ever to have this little one in my life. 

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Ten Things Guaranteed to Make Your Toddler Smile

My son turns two in a few weeks. And BOY does he know it. He has hit the terrible twos and hit them hard. He keeps kicking the dog, throws little temper tantrums whenever he gets punished, and is just generally a big freshy-pants. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have used a few tricks to distract him from being a bad boy. Here's a couple of things to do to snap your little one out of his or her bad mood. I'm not saying that they'll turn your baby into a perfect angel, but they might give you a few minutes to breathe before you completely lose it.

Sunshine and Fresh Air - Take your little one outside. Go for a walk, or just go play outside. You don't have to leave your backyard. The change if scenery and just a bit of sunshine might be exactly what your little one needs. When CJ was a newborn, if he started crying we would go outside. The second the hot air (August in Kentucky = yuck) hit him, he would stop crying.

Bubbles - CJ loves bubbles. He loves blowing them and popping them. I'm sure your kid does too. Just start blowing bubbles while they are crying. I can (almost) guarantee that they'll be distracted enough to calm themselves down.


A puddle - Kids love water. Summer is the perfect time to let your kids sing and dance in the rain. Let them jump in puddles and get soaked. It'll just keep them cooler.


Dirt/Sand - CJ is getting a sandbox for his birthday this weekend. I cannot wait. He is going to love digging in the dirt, throwing sand everywhere, and make a (contained) mess. Even if it is just a bucket filled with sand and a spoon, your kid will love.


Balloons - Not a lot of balloons in our house due to my latex allergy, so balloons are a very special treat. What kid isn't completely fascinated with balloons? Blow up a few, or make some water balloons, have a ball(oon). ;-)


Stomping - Sing "If you're happy and you know it" or pretend you are a dinosaur. Whatever excuse you give your child to stomp around, they'll love it.


Dancing - CJ and I have nightly dance parties. It is the perfect excuse to act silly, listen to a few awesome tunes, and get rid of some energy. It doesn't matter what the music is either. Put on your favorite power ballads from the 80's or those songs you belt out when you think that nobody is listening. Your child will think it is the greatest song ever. I recommend Morris Day and the Time.


An empty box - Everyone knows that a kid will play with the box more than the toy that came in it. Save a few giant boxes from the next time you move or get a large package. Fold it up and keep it in your closet. Next time you need something to do, give it to your child. Give them crayons and let them decorate it. Turn it into Flinstones car. Make a fort. Make a rocket ship. The possibilities are endless when it comes to an empty box.


A ball - A soccer ball, whiffle ball, ping pong ball. Doesn't matter. Take the schmoops outside and let them kick or throw a ball. Teach them how to hit or throw or bounce. If you are afraid of them breaking something, give them a soft toddler ball. Teach them how to run the bases. It'll be great exercise and tons of fun.


Finger Paint - I know it is messy, but so what? You are most likely going to be giving them a bath later anyway right? Lay paper EVERYWHERE, give them some washable paint, and let them go to town. I promise you will have just as much fun as they do.


Mud - Kids love water. Kids love dirt. Kids love being messy. Therefore, mud is the perfect toy! Again, there will be messiness. Get over it. Teach your kiddo how to make the perfect mudpies. I know you remember how!

I hope these help. Remember to just have fun with your babies. As my mom-in-law said, everything is just a phase. When your kid is 15 and giving you attitude because you won't let her get that pierced, you are going to wish you had a temper tantrum throwing toddler to make mudpies with.

I wish you fun and minimal tantrums today!

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Happy birthday to me!!

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear meeeeee, happy birthday to me!

For reals though, happy birthday to me.

As of 5:39 Eastern Standard Time, I am 28 years old. Wahooo! My mom said she couldn't believe her baby girl was turning 28 and I said "I know. You are SO OLD." Hehe.

I am sure that we will have a low key day today. Might go see the Tall Ships. Might get a pedicure. I'd love to get a facial. Spend time with my hubby and my baby. Maybe go to dinner with some friends. My mother-in-law took me shopping today for some summer clothes. I was in desperate need of some new clothes. I am not a size 10 anymore, no sirreebob.

In honor of my 28th birthday, I wanted to list and share with you 28 things I am grateful for.

28 Things to Be Grateful for on my 28th Birthday

1. My husband who works his hiney off for us.
2. My son who works his hiney off to drive me nuts, but is freaking adorable while doing so.
3. My health. I may be in pain from time to time, but I'm alive and not sick.
4. My in-laws. I lucked out when it came to my in-laws. I am so grateful for each of them, especially my mother-in-law. And how many people can say that? 
5. My mom and her health. My mom had a scare recently with breast cancer. She had some chemo and the growth shrunk and hopefully will not come back. 
6. Old friends. I may not see them very often, but they are all just a phone call away.
7. New friends. Those I've just met but seem to have known forever. 
8. My college acceptance. I found out yesterday that I've been accepted into a Master's in Elementary Education program. So excited to go back to school!
9. My family. They're mostly crazy but I love them anyway. 
10. The VA (Veteran's Administration). Thanks to them, I'm going to be able to go to school for my Master's. 
11. The Army. It valiantly tried to kill me, but I got to meet so many amazing and wonderful people that  it was all worth it. 
12. Books. Books are what gave me dreams and showed me the much bigger world out there.
13. Music. It has provided the soundtrack to my life. 
14. The moon. I just love the moon.
15. Stars. For giving me something to teach CJ to wish on.
16. My dog. She may be the laziest dog ever, but she's my Kamipoopaloo.
17. Blogging. For introducing me to a wonderful world of people I never would have met. 
18. My bed. For being really comfy and having the perfect little divot for me to sleep in while still having my hubby just a stretch away. 
19. My grandmothers. I have 4 grandmothers still living. A great-grandmother, step-grandmother, and both my parent's mothers. I may not see them much, but I am grateful for all I've learned from them. 
20. My village. It truly took a village to raise me, so I'm thankful for all of those who helped out.
21. Laughter. For keeping me sane.
22. Myself. Because I am awesome.
23. Delicious food. Usually cooked by my hubby. Yummy.
24. Egypt. It's always been my dream to go there and I did and I still love it.
25. The ghetto I grew up in. I survived and I don't ever have to go back unless I want to.
26. Rain. Is there anything better than the sound of rain and the feel of a cool rain on a hot day? I don't think so. And the smell? Heavenly. 
27. Hot showers. For helping me relax while also getting less stinky. Appreciate it.
28. God. I know most people thank him first, but I wanted to list all of the things that I wouldn't have if it weren't for him and his plans for me. 

I will not be blogging tomorrow, so you might not hear from me. Have a great weekend. See you on the flip side. 

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Ten Musicals To Watch with Your Kids

I love musicals. Now that I have a bambino, I can't wait to introduce him to all of my favorites. I've heard rumors that not everyone likes musicals (the horror!) so I thought I'd give you an intro to the funnest and safest ones for you to watch with your kids. I'll start with the ones that are safe for toddlers and go on to the ones that you might want to wait for a little while. Obviously, use your parental discretion. I'll also let you know which ones CJ already loves.

Peter Pan - You may not know this about me, yet, but I am obsessed with Peter Pan. Actually, I'm obsessed with Captain Hook. There are a bunch of different musical versions of the show, but the BEST is the one with Cathy Rigby. I promise you will not be disappointed. CJ and I love Hook dancing the tarantella and Tiger Lily singing "Ugg-a-Wugg". The version with Mary Martin is also really good, but that version of Hook terrified me until I was about 20. I don't know a kid who can't relate to the song "I Won't Grow Up".


The Wizard of Oz - Growing up, there was only one time a year you could watch the Wizard of Oz - the week before Thanksgiving. Now with DVDs the norm, you can watch it anytime. CJ has watched this one a few times and loves the music. We listen to the soundtrack pretty often too. There are a couple of scary scenes in this one, so if your child is easily scared, you might want to wait until they are a little bit older.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks - Honestly, I am not a big fan of this one. I'm not sure why but it just never struck my fancy. Everyone told me I had to include it on the list though. CJ hasn't seen this one either. But if it is a childhood favorite of yours, you should share it with your little one.

Mary Poppins -  I mean really, what needs to be said? Mary Poppins is a classic for a reason. I don't know a single child who didn't wish that  a magical nanny would come whisk them away for some crazy musical adventures. Your child should see this for the song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" alone. Absolute essential viewing for every human being on the planet.

Cats - This was my absolute favorite musical when I was younger. PBS would show it randomly throughout the year to raise money. I loved it. I want a cat so I can name him Macavity the Mystery Cat. This one is also based on a real cute book called Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The music here is really catchy and the costumes are AMAZING. Somehow I haven't shown this to CJ yet, but I'm going to have to remedy that ASAP. 

Annie - When I put this on for CJ, I honestly didn't expect him to like it. Usually whatever movie we watch is background noise while we play. This one had him riveted though. I honestly don't know what it was, but he loved it. There are some sad moments, but otherwise it is safe for little ones.

The Sound of Music - The Von Trapp family is one of the most awesome families in cinema. If you have a large family, your children will be able to relate. Single dad? Got it. Beautiful nun? Got it. Hitler? Got it. The music in this one is unsurpassed. I guarantee you and your kids will be singing "My Favorite Things" for days. I don't have this on DVD so CJ hasn't seen it yet, but I know he's going to love it. There are adult themes such as love and war, but nothing scary or inappropriate.

Meet Me In St. Louis - While most of this movie is really cute and family-oriented, there is one scene that used to scare the crap out of me. The little girl in the movie commits snowman-icide. She freaks out because they are moving, runs downstairs, and destroys all of the snowmen. All while Judy Garland beautifully sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Other than that particular scene, this is a lovely movie to watch around Christmas.


Singin' in the Rain - I'm slightly biased because this is my favorite movie EVER. So good. The story of what happens to a group of actors when movies go from silent pictures to talkies. Everyone knows the song "Singin' in the rain" which is awesome, but the best song is "Moses Supposes". You and your kiddos will be singing it (in the rain) for days. I guarantee your kids will crack up laughing during Make 'em Laugh.


Labyrinth - This one isn't technically a musical, but it is awesome and has music in it. Starring David Bowie clad in white spandex with a big old blond wig, you know it has to be good. Older siblings will be able to relate to Sarah's feeling of being left out when people fawn over her baby brother. The movie also stars puppets made by Jim Henson. There are a few creepy little demon-type puppets and one does say "fracking" as if it is a swear word, but other than that, this is pretty safe for slightly older kids. Don't blame me when you come away from this one with a huge crush on Bowie. It's inevitable.

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5 People Who Helped Me Become Me - Listable Life

I saw this today over at Counting My Kisses and I decided to join in. She got the list idea from Listable Life. I think about this often, how people become who they are, and how I became who I am. The easy answer is "your parents" but it is so much more than that. They say it takes a village, and I feel like that really is true. This isn't an exhaustive list, I think that everyone who knows me has impacted my life in some way, so these are just a few. So anyway, here's my list.

5 People Who Helped Me Become Me

1. My former best friend - When I was 12, my best friend killed himself. That in itself can have a huge impact on your life. Not knowing what happened or why almost defined me. But because of his death, I grew up, maybe too fast. His death caused me to decide to go to the high school on the other side of town where I didn't know anyone. I didn't want to be that girl whose best friend killed himself. Deciding to go to that school greatly impacted my future. It is where I participated in JROTC, which led to me going to military college (and just going to college), and eventually joining the military. Since I didn't know anyone, I was able to get over being the shy, quiet, weird girl and grow into who I was going to become. That may have happened if I'd stayed on the other side of town, but maybe I would have just gone deeper into my shell and become a completely different person.

2. My grandmother - I call her my grandmother, but she's my former step-dad's mom. She doesn't have to be involved in my life at all, but she chooses to be. For most of my life, she was my hero. We call her Pope Joan for her devout Catholicism. I used to think she had a direct line to the Pope. We've had our moments where we didn't get along, and as I've grown up, I've seen that she isn't the perfect infallible person that I thought she was. But she's human, and a beautiful person, and I'm grateful that she was brought into my life. When I met her at three years old, she said to me "Hello Lindsey, I'm your grammy." I didn't say a word, I just climbed up into her bed and took a nap with her. That says something I think.

3. My Uncle Bob - I realized just the other day that I am at the age now that my Uncle Bob was when I went to live with him and my aunt. I don't know how he did it. At 27, I can't imagine having an obnoxious 16 year old just thrust into my life and having to parent her. Luckily, I have the most awesome uncle ever. He became a father figure without trying. His sense of humor probably saved me from having the worst teenage years ever. He became someone to talk to about anything really. We would talk about crazy things like the JFK conspiracy theories on the way to school. (School that I was supposed to take the bus to, but would miss it and have to wake him up to drive me.) He read me from The Hobbit while I was sick in the ER with SARS. I still remember how he kept giggling because the medicine made me twitch. His letters to me during military school and basic training kept me laughing when I thought was going to die. My aunt says that it is eerie how similar we are considering we aren't genetically related at all.

Uncle Frodo (Bob) and I

4. My first boyfriend Joe - Before Joe, I couldn't even look at a boy, let alone talk to one. He encouraged me to come out of my ridiculously shy shell and get to know people. He introduced me to a whole different set of people that I never would have met and helped me to learn the power of being a woman. That probably sounds corny, but it is true. When someone tells you everyday that you are beautiful, you start to see yourself differently. You start to think, oh, maybe I am an attractive person. Joe isn't really a part of my life anymore, but I am grateful for his having been in my life.

5. Mr. Hancock - At least, I think that was his name. When I was young, I was a "troubled" kid. I got in trouble and fights and raised hell in school. Mr. Hancock was the school therapist. We never talked in his office though. We would take walks around the neighborhood while we talked, we would go get a slice of pizza and talk, we would go to a playground and talk. He was the first adult that I felt listened to me. I can't even remember what he looked like, but I still appreciate his being there for me when I felt like no one else was.

So that's my list. Like I said I could go on and on. My son, my husband, my aunt, my mom, my sister. So many people have come together to make up my amazing and wonderful life. I'm grateful for each and every one of them.

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