This and that

• Ella has this obsession with cheek to cheek cuddle time. The first couple of times I was all "Awwwwwwwwwwwwww I love my kid." The next 45 I was all "Stop smashing my face. Stop pinching my cheek. Be still. Lay down." I still love cuddle time but she has all of these RULES and I have to lay a certain way. It's insane and hilarious to me. I let her boss me around and I follow all of the rules because I know it won't be cool to cuddle soon enough.
• Mother's day was glorious. The entire weekend Jeremy treated me like a queen and I ate it up. I read during the middle of the day(!!!!!). He washed and folded clothes AND put them away without asking. I was in shock. I smelled them to make sure they were clean. :) He also got me an iPad and I freaked. Not freaked in a good way like a normal human, I freaked because they are expensive and I am cheap. He talked me into keeping it and I have to admit I really do like it. I don't really use my laptop anymore and I like reading on it. 
• Rocky is feeling a lot better (see post below) thankfully. I think the medicine I started has helped me more than I thought it would. When Scottie passed away I was on my knees crying because I don't handle situations like this good at all and I just LOVE animals. But I haven't cried over Rusty. Maybe it's because I would never let Ella see me cry. She is so sensitive and she would cry too. Or maybe it's this medicine I am taking. Either way I'll take it. I miss Rusty but my mother gave him such a wonderful life. He lived on 5 acres and he could of ran away at anytime but he never did because he knew he had it good. :)
• Last night at 8:30 P.M. Mom called me and told me she was driving 4 hours away to get a puppy she found online. I reminded her she was crazy and she replied back that she was naming him Cody. She got home at 2:30-3:00 A.M. clarifying she drove like a bat out of....what would of taken a normal human to drive 8 hours took her only 5 or 6. I think it was her therapy to just get in the car and drive. (Sidenote: Mom made me take her defensive driving classes for her online when I was in high school if I wanted her to pay for my car insurance and I never got in trouble for speeding tickets. She's a bit wild behind the wheel.) She told me more about Rusty on the phone and how he yelped before he passed away on his own. Horrible. They found out he did get into something poisonous but we still don't know what yet and she is getting rid of her sego palm tree. Now we have a new puppy in the family and Ella has a new best friend. Life changes fast. I miss Rusty but I 100% understand Mom wanted a new puppy to distract her and Rocky. It was WEIRD to pull up to her house today and not see Rusty but see Cody. It was like he shrunk and became really playful. *Insert Twilight Zone music here*

• I just finished a really good book: Can you keep a secret? by Sophie Kinsella. It made me laugh a lot plus it's a good love story, duh! :)
• I randomly looked at pictures I was tagged in on Facebook the other day and I discovered this beauty. Oh college, you were so good to me. I wonder what my mother-in-law thought when she saw this? Ha! We were on our way to Florida for spring break: 

• I also saw this one of my college roomies and it made my day. I love them and miss them. They will always be an important part of my life. Love you Hodge, Bethanial, Sherm and A. Lewis:

Emo Dialing 101

Rocky & Rusty

Rocky and Rusty are my dogs away from home that live at Mom's house. We got Rocky when I was in high school and Rusty shortly after Scottie was hit by a car when I was home during my freshman year of college for Thanksgiving. (Not to replace Scottie of course but to give Rocky someone to boss around play with.)

I love those boys. They are a hoot. They are really good with Ella. Rusty lets Ella pull his hair and slap him in the face repeatedly. Rocky not as much but he will do ANYTHING for attention so he takes one for the team most of the time.

This morning Rusty passed away. About 36 hours ago he showed signs of being very sick. Last night his kidneys shut down and they told Mom he had been poisoned by something. They think it was a Sego palm tree. The same Sego palm tree that Ella Mae, Mom's grandmother gave her years ago. We have had that thing forever and we moved it with us when we moved to a new home. 

I called Mom to ask about Rusty this morning and she started crying and hung up. She texted me after and told me he passed away and they (Mom & Michael) were taking Rocky to the animal hospital because he isn't eating. They want to make sure he isn't poisoned too. The hospital said he has blood in his stool so they are keeping him to watch him. I am hoping Rocky just isn't eating because he knows something happened to Rusty. Both situations are still horrible. :(

So after this news I was kind of numb. I haven't cried yet because I think I am still in shock. I am more worried about Mom than anything else.

So.....

I "emo-dialed" Wall-E's new owners to check on him. I have avoided anything Wall-E related because I don't want to worry about him. I don't want to miss him. I want to accept Jeremy's level of patience. But the truth is I do miss him. Every time I see a dog that looks like him I get knots in my stomach. If you are new to my blog, Wall-E is our old dog that we gave to Jeremy's friend because Wall-E was a hot mess and to summarize- Jeremy hated him. I loved him. He was Marley's destructive TWIN! He was a hyper mess.

The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hi this is Jeremy's wife, Felicia. How are you?"

Him: "Hi Felicia! I am good."

Me: "I am actually calling to check on Wall-E. How is he doing?"

Him: "Wall-E is good."

Then I just got to the point...

Me: "Is he living inside or outside? Does he play with your daughter a lot? How is your wife doing with him? Do you still run with him?"

Him: Hesitating a minute "Wall-E lives outside but we play with him everyday. We take him on walks a lot and my daughter likes him."

Me: "Oh ok good. I was just calling because my mother's dog passed away this morning and she mentioned that if Wall-E wasn't a good fit for y'all, she could take him."

Him: "Oh..."

Me: "Only if he isn't a good fit though."

Him: "I keep meaning to ask you about Wall-E's bark collar. Does it need a new battery? He barks in the middle of the night sometimes at 2:00 and 3:00 AM."

Me: Smiling because that was my crazy Wall-E "Well I kind of took the battery out awhile ago because I tested the shock collar on myself and I thought I almost died."

Him: "Oh so where do I get a battery?"

Me: "Um you will probably have to buy a new collar. I don't know what kind of battery it is. Sorry. Just let me know if he isn't a good fit because Mom would love to have him. I'll talk to you later!"

Him: ".......ok bye"

Yep. That happened. I hung up irrated he is concerned with a bark collar but the truth is Wall-E probably needs one. I wish he lived inside like I was told he would. But Wall-E is...Wall-E. He is a hard dog with a ton of personality. I shouldn't be judgemental. I just want Wall-E to be living in pure bliss.

........

When Scottie passed away I emo-dialed too. Whoever found (but I think hit) him left a message on our answering machine and I called her back right after I heard it. At 2:00 AM! I had just came home from hanging out with friends and my parents were out of town. She didn't answer of course and my voicemail that I left for her was something like:

"Hiii" The sobs started. "You found my dog? Is he ok? Did he make it?" And I had to pause because I was completely aware that he hadn't made it. "Well call me back please. Is he ok???????"

She never did. 

I don't blame her. My voicemail probably scared her for life. ha! Plus I was 19 years old and I am sure that was the most dramatic voicemail she had ever received. The next day a police officer brought me Scottie's collar. 

So anyway I've blabbed on about this. Two things you need to take from this:

1. Please pray for Rocky. Rocky is my little man with a short-man complex. He is the bully of the neighborhood and they need him to keep them in line. He is 11 or 12 and although he has had a wonderful life, I am not ready to say goodbye to him too. Who will bark at us when we arrive at Mom's house. Who will run around in circles when I have food in my hand?

2. Do not under any circumstances answer a phone call from me within 24 hours after one of my dogs passes away. I warned you. :)

Currently

My friends Amanda and Kristen did a "currently" post and I loved reading theirs. I love those ladies for the record. I have some FUN memories with them when we were in college. :)

Reading: Oh goodness since the Fifty Shades series I am pretty much into romance novels. I know! I never thought I would be "that person" but I sure am going through that stage. I think it's like therapy to read. I have been reading every night and at work when it's not busy. It's my weird little vacation. :)

I googled books like Fifty Shades and a ton came up. I rated the ones I read for you. I am typically not a reader AT ALL unless it is a Nicholas Sparks book so my descriptions will be very... not book club talk. Here are some that I have read if you are interested and a new closet romance reader like me:

• Knight by Kristen Ashley: This book is the most like Fifty Shades series. I finished this last night. Several instances where you think covering your eyes will make it go away but you want the characters to make it. Knight, the Christian Grey of the book, is not as likeable though. The authors style of writing threw me off because I wanted her to have just ONE normal long sentence. 7/10
• Trust in Advertising by Victoria Michaels: I wasn't sure if I would like this one but I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters. When I finished the book I had a dream about their life. Ha! WHO AM I? 9 1/2/10 :)
• Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye: This is a short novel about two people that get stuck in an elevator. It was a fast read. It was a lot cheesy but I had to see what happened in the end. 4/10
• Love Unscripted by Tina Reber: I almost stopped reading this book because I thought the characters weren't believable. I ended up finishing the book and liking the characters in the end. It's a random that falls in love with a huge celebrity. There is a sequel coming soon and I'll read that too. 7/10
• Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Rynard: I loved the characters in this book and the story. I really recommend this one, it was my favorite out of all of these. This book has a sequel coming out this month and I can't wait to read that. :) 9/10
• Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire: Basically a goody-goody college student meets a bad boy and they have their drama. Sounds cheesy and part of it was but I ended up really liking the book. 8/10
• Strangers by Barbara Elsborg: This one threw me off at first but I ended up liking it! The characters meet at a dark time in their life and work through it. 8/10

If you know of any books I should try, TELL ME! I am always looking for something new to read.

Watching: American Idol. I love that Phillip Phillips. I have a confession: I don't like when people pick a favorite and announce to the world that all of the others suck. First, that isn't you up there. Second, that is someone's baby up there. I always cheer for all of them but usually find a favorite.

Thinking About: My contacts always messing up. I can barely see out of my left eye today. Grrr. If I would of won the Mega-whatever-lottery recently I would be in the lasik eye chair right now.

Loving: Ibuprofen. I have had a lot of headaches lately. I think it's because I haven't been eating as much as I should. I don't know if it's the new medicine or the headaches making me not hungry. Jeremy thinks the medicine is causing them. Maybe I am reading too much? I'll figure it out eventually. It could be my vision too? I am reading on Jeremy's Kindle so maybe that is the big problem.

Anticipating: Going to Michigan this summer. My grandmother just discovered Skype and seeing her made me a little emotional. I am so thankful I have a close relationship with her. We gossip about once a week and sometimes we three-way call my Aunt. It makes me laugh so much because Grandma just loves to have the phone to her ear and listen while my aunt and I carry on a conversation. We randomly ask Grandma if she is there and she says "Yes Dear" and my aunt and I go on.

Listening to: A Thousand Years. I haven't seen Twilight but I LOVE this song. L.O.V.E.


Eating: Better. I have lost most of the weight that I gained. I still haven't decided when to start WW again. I am ready for that structure again though.

Feeling thankful for: Ella. She is just so sweet. Last night I had to tell her no more kisses because it was her bedtime. She likes to grab my face and move it so she kisses my nose and cheeks too. 15-20 times. Ha!

Step2 Naturally Playful® Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider Review & X- Rider Car Giveaway

When I found out I was pregnant with Ella I just couldn't stop smiling. She was going to change our lives forever and I daydreamed of her firsts: first smile, first time she said my name, first time she walked. What I didn't know is my child would not ever walk. She would start with running. She was hyper. She was...Ella. And? As exhausting as it is some days, I love every second. 

I have learned the best way to keep Ella happy is to keep her busy. I believe outdoor play is so important. She is a completely different toddler when she doesn't get to go outside. Not only is playing outside FUN but it has a lot of health benefits: increased oxygen levels, vitamin D absorption, reduced vulnerability to infections, increased fitness, reduced stress, better breathing, improved eyesight and a longer lifespan! Also fresh air and being outside helps with: greater socialization, longer attention spans, more creativity, less aggression, and better grades. Read more about these benefits that I found here.

It's easy to turn on the television and catch up on your to-do list while our child(ren) watch another cartoon but one day very soon our babies are going to be graduating high school and we will look back and wish we would of enjoyed the afternoon outside with them. I may be preaching but you know I am right. :) Ella is almost TWO entire years old and I would argue she was born last week.

As a Step2 Test Drive Mom I get the opportunity to "test drive" products. I have reviewed the All Around Wagon with Canopy and the Art Easel Desk and my family has fallen in love with the Step2 company. When my Step2 representative mentioned reviewing the Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider I just about fell off of my chair. I have been drooling over that play center since my first discovery of Step2. We live in Texas so a wooden swing set is not an option. It gets too hot and wood doesn't survive for very long. We end up with warped wood and a lot of splinters. I know wood doesn't do well in harsh winters too.

Assembly

When the delivery truck arrived with the two HUGE boxes I just knew the assembly of the swing set would take years off of my life. It was very intimating but turned out not to be bad at all! It took us 4 hours the first day and 2-3 hours the second day. It was just like a big puzzle with directions. It was fun for us to get together with Ella running around us flipping out excited because she saw a slide. :)

We laid out all of the parts and assigned tasks to each other. I was in charge of the directions and preparation for the next steps. Jeremy was in charge of screwing things together and Mom helped with holding things together and organization. Although three people to help was nice, you only really need two. I read a step, got the washers, screws, etc. ready for Mom and Jeremy and then told them what to do. It was our own little assembly line and it worked perfectly. The directions were AMAZING! On top of the paper instructions, Step2 has a link to how-to video instructions on their website! They were so helpful. It wasn't one long video that you had to find your place in either, it was several videos properly labeled by which step they were on.View the video instructions here. There were a few points in the assembly that I wasn't quite sure how Mom and Jeremy should hold a pole or screw in something and the video was SO helpful! We split the assembly up in two days because it was hot outside and we are sissies but you could easily finish the play center in one day.

Favorite Features

*The Infant to Toddler swing does not come with this play center. We purchased it separately because Ella is still in a transition phase for swings.

• It's a clubhouse, ladder, swing set, glider, and basketball goal all in one! Ella stays so busy on this swing set and it's great for children of all ages. Ella busy and happy= Mama happy.
• The clubhouse has two stories. The top has a fun steering wheel for her to play pretend and be creative and the bottom has a door that Ella is obsessed with opening and closing. She also loves to hide and just chill out on the bottom story.
• The ladder steps and 3/4 climbing wall with a hanging climbing rope give Ella a lot of ways to get to the top story of the clubhouse. She uses the ladder steps now but as she grows the play center will grow with her. It will always have something new for her!
• The slide. Oh that slide is our favorite right now for Ella. It's the perfect height for all ages.
• The NEW COLOR option is fun! It's lighter and has a nice color scheme. (The play center is available in two color options.) The play center also has a lot of natural textures like stone for a fun and realistic feel.
• Double-wall poly construction eliminates common swing set problems like SPLINTERS and warped wood! Ella is way to prissy to enjoy playing on something with splinters. The moment she gets dirt on her hand she usually runs up to me to wipe it off for her. After I did a lot of research on which type of swing set we wanted for Ella, wood just wasn't an option for us. We plan on waiting two years before we have another baby and I need something to last. 
• The ground anchors are no joke. That play center is very secure to the ground and it's not going anywhere.
• This product is recommended for ages 3-8 so it is great for play dates of all ages!

Review Video
Watch the video below to take a tour, see my favorite features and see how our first play date went!

Thank You

Thank you Step2 for encouraging my toddler to LOVE outside. She asks to go outside everyday and just loves it. A happy baby = a happy mama!

Other Favorite New Additions 

We recently made some more Step2 purchases to make our backyard a Toddler Heaven. Ella loves the Toddle Tune Coupe and the Play and Shade Pool! She might be a little spoiled but I wanted to get something for her to cool off in this summer. The car was defiantly a "live through my child" moment because I always wanted one as a child! 

Step2 is graciously going to give one of my readers a X-Rider Car!

Connect to Step2:

Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Website, Blog, Tumblr

Buy It:

Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider 

X -Rider, Toddle Tune Coupe, Play and Shade Pool, Infant to Toddler Swing

Win It:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and no other compensation was or will ever be received. I am not responsible for any lost or missing prizes. All giveaways are open to the United States unless otherwise specified.