Name Watch

Ok, I am officially watching for these "celebs" to announce the birth of their babes and even more their names! Here are my guesses:

~ Jill and Derick Dillard: Henry Richard, Noah Richard, or Asher Richard. I'm assuming that Richard is his dad's name (think I read that somewhere).

~ Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: I hope it's a GIRL! Alice Mary Diana. How adorable will a little Princess Alice be??? If it's a boy my guess is Arthur Philip Leopold. 

~ Back to the Duggars. Josh and Anna Duggar: They are expecting their 4th child, a girl. They have a "M" theme with Mackynzie, Michael, and Marcus. I think Mallory would be so sweet!

My 100th Post!!!

     I started this little bloggity blog about 3 years ago as an outlet to tell my story. And here we are now, 100 posts later!!! Seriously?! 100! I love telling my story whether anyone reads it or not. I've looked back at previous entries and thought "Oh, wow, I completely forgot about that!" It's great to remember what God has taught me and brought me through. It's great to remember all the little moments that make up my life. And although I may not always have something grand to write about, I truly enjoy blogging. When I was a little girl, I always wrote stories and wanted to be an author. Now in some small way I kinda am one. Writing is how I express my thoughts. It's kinda my thing. :)

Here are my top 5 most viewed posts:

Hang Up the Holly!

Today I Made a Dress!

My Last Day As A Twenty-Something

GPS

Flashback Friday: My Most Embarrassing Moment!!!

And here are some of my favorite posts: 

Chronicles of a Non-Dater {The One That Started Them All}

Thankful Thursdays: Lessons From Little Ones

Candace's Psalm

GPS

Truths From Gone With The Wind

This One is For All the Single Ladies!

What God Showed Me While I Was Making Jello

Effie And Her Rabbit

The Single Girl's Car Buying Guide!


     Here's to the next 100! Candace's Chronicles.....To Be Continued. 

The Parenthood Series Finale and Braverman Names

     Last Thursday was the series finale of the NBC series Parenthood. I enjoyed watching the Braverman family week in and week out and will miss the show. 
     As you know, I have a deep interest in all things names :) One of the characters, Amber, has been expecting all season long. So of course, I couldn't wait to find out if she was going to have a little girl or a little boy, and most importantly, what was she going to name him/her! Well, in the next to last episode, she gave birth to a beautiful little boy who she named Zeek---after her great grandfather and one of the main characters on the show. I thought that was very fitting, since he is the patriarch of the family, the one they all look up to and respect and love. He also was facing significant health issues, and it was a nice way for her to honor him. 
     Fast forward a week later to the series finale. The very last episode. One of the couples, Joel and Julia, were offered the opportunity to adopt a little girl-the sister of their adopted son. And they took the opportunity! So of course, I'm like, "Oooh, what are they going to name her?!" But, it is never mentioned. Instead, the ending took a different approach. Zeek the patriarch passed away, and as the Braverman family scattered his ashes on the baseball field and then played a game, we see an overview of several important moments in each of the characters' lives: Max's graduation; Christmas morning with the adopted daughter AND another baby---a boy; Crosby and Jasmine who is obviously expecting another baby working in the studio; family dinner with Amber and her husband and a daughter. Basically, it was showing that everyone's life carried on as you would expect. It was a wonderful ending to a great show. But I can't help but wonder---what would those new Braverman children be named? And so, here is what I would like to think those unnamed characters would be named if the show had continued. (Let my fun begin!)

A Quick Review of the Family:

~Zeek and Camille Braverman
     Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia

~Adam and Kristina Braverman
     Haddie, Max, and Nora

~Sarah Braverman
      Amber and Drew
         -Amber: Zeek and daughter

~Crosby and Jasmine Braverman
       Jabbar, Aida, and brother or sister

~Joel and Julia Graham
        Sydney, Victor, adopted daughter, and baby son


Ok, so Amber is a really cool girl. So, I think she would pick a pretty cool name for her daughter. Something that fits with Zeek. Hazel. Yep. I think Hazel fits perfectly!

Now, on to Crosby and Jasmine's baby. She was pregnant in the overview, so we don't know the gender. But, we do know that their children, Jabbar and Aida, have names of Arabic origin with great meanings. Jabbar means powerful, mighty, and Aida means happy. So, they would likely choose a name of similar origin with a nice meaning. Maybe something like Kahlil for a boy- meaning friend or Nadira for a girl- meaning precious, rare. Ah! The more I think about it, those are such perfect fitting names for their family!

And lastly, Joel and Julia. We know they adopted Victor's half-sister. But, what did they name her? This family is the trickiest. I'm not exactly sure what their name style is, lol. I can see them naming her Abigail. As for their son, I imagine his name being Nolan. Sydney, Vicor, Abigail, and Nolan make a great sibset! 

Whew! That was fun! :) I should be a name consultant for writers hahaha.

Non-Resolutions in 2015

     I know we are nearly 2 weeks into the new year and it's a little late for resolutions. So, it's a good thing I'm not making any right?! I usually love to start the new year fresh with goals and good intentions to improve myself. This year, I just wasn't feeling it. I just want to live, you know? Not make a list of requirements or reach a certain size or read a certain number of books, etc, etc lol. And I was okay with my decision. But there are a couple of ideas that have been circulating in my mind the past couple of days. Driving home today, I thought these could be my Non-Resolutions, so to speak. Things I want to do that I would absolutely LOVE, but if they don't work out, I'm not going to beat myself up for not achieving them. And I decided to write this post so I don't forget these things hahaha! Maybe I will think of some other things to add to my list later!

1. Buy a home. Whoa, this is big. HUGE. But I'm seriously considering this. I would love a home of my own and to have a craft room. Like this one I saw on Pinterest!! Seriously, how cute is that??!! I totally want a pretty chandelier in mine too ;)

2. This is very random---Apply to be a contestant on WHEEL OF FORTUNE. I love watching the show and especially solving the final puzzle. The chances of being chosen are very low, but hey, it doesn't hurt to try, right?! I really think it would be fun just to apply, lol. 

3. This is random too. But, I really love names and often read baby name blogs. There are TONS by the way. My friend Meghan tells me a lot that I should have my own baby name blog. I honestly don't have enough ideas to pull that off, but for the first time today I actually seriously considered writing a blog post about names and submitting it to be featured on one of the blogs I follow. I just need a good idea and research it, lol!

4. I enjoy sewing. I am interested in finding a way to combine this hobby/interest with helping people. Fingers crossed!

So, wish me luck!! I have plenty of time to figure these things out, and they are things I genuinely will enjoy doing, so I have high hopes that I will accomplish my Non-Resolutions this year!

2014: A Look Back

2014 is now history. But it was quite a remarkable year.......

Bought a car
Turned 30! What?!
Paid off my student loans :)
Color Run!
Went Parasailing, what an adventure!
Went to the Beach
Got to see Michael Buble in concert!!!!!!
Toured Helen Keller's birthplace
Found out I will be an AUNT to a baby GIRL!
Completed my quilt!!!
Made new friends
Celebrated weddings and births with old friends
And last but not least, rang in 2015 in Nashville!!! 

And let's not forget these fun moments:

*** As I was writing this, I realized how glad I am that I have a blog because I forgot about a lot of these things!!!***

Candace's Christmas Carol

     Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is such a classic story. I enjoy watching versions of it each year at Christmas. While I don't consider myself to be like Ebenezer Scrooge at all, I thought it would be fun to consider what each of the ghosts would tell or show me if they were to visit me. ***Fingers crossed here that I don't have crazy, terrifying dreams about this tonight!*** I tend to have too many of those as it is :) And, alas, here it is, I present to you my version of A Christmas Carol---Candace's Christmas Carol. I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat in suspense lol. 

     It was about a week ago. I had just gotten back to my apartment from spending Thanksgiving week with my parents. I was extremely tired but for some reason could not fall asleep. It's all coming back to me now. I remember a faint fluttering. Something kept fluttering past my face, tickling it. I tried to brush it away, but it didn't work. Finally I heard the faintest sound whispering my name.

"Caaaandace, Caaaandace, Caaaandace, wake up!" 

I opened my eyes and saw the tiniest, most beautiful butterfly. She glowed in the dark and had glitter surrounding her. I wasn't frightened, because I love butterflies. I was mostly astonished that she was talking to me.

"Wake up, I am the Ghost of Christmases past, and I'm here to help you remember all the wonderful times of your childhood."

"Ok," I said, "But why me?"

"Well, why not you?" she replied. 

She then whisked me away back to the 1980s and 90s.

This was your first Christmas. You got a big pink doll with pink braids.

You were slightly terrified of Santa Claus, even though it was really an imposter.

     "As the years went on, your mom would do fun Christmas things with you. She always made Christmas cookies with you and your brother, Chad. Noel Balls! Don't you remember those? And don't you remember your mom making a cookie in the shape of your hand? One year, she made ornaments with you. You cut out circles of wrapping paper and glued a ribbon on it to hang on the tree. Oh what fun you had! You and Chad would always plan to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. Oh the suspense and pure joy it was to wake up on Christmas Day to see what presents were under the tree!! You also had the tradition of picking out a new ornament each year. This was one of your favorite things to do."

Your 1st ornament.

You picked this out when you were about 9. How awkward! But you thought it was cool!

This was Chad's ornament. You were always jealous that you didn't have one. He always placed it at the top of the tree. 

You saw this at the store one year and just loved it. You were so excited to receive it on Christmas one year! You couldn't get it open though, and decided to get a knife. You came half an inch away from stabbing your eye out young lady!

Look! Here is one of the handmade ornaments you and your mom made!

Your Small Grandma made these crocheted bell ornaments.

Here you are! This captures so much. The ornaments, the presents, and the utter delight of Christmas morning! 

     "Thank you, thank you for taking me back through time to remember these precious moments of Christmas!" But even as I said it, I had such a weird feeling. I opened my eyes and realized I had overslept. "What a weird dream. Oh no! I'm late for work!" And in a mad dash I was off. 

     On my way to work, I thought I saw something crossing the road. As I got closer, I couldn't believe my eyes. There, in the middle of the highway, was a huge reindeer. And he was just staring at me. I slammed on my breaks and my car stopped an inch away from him. "Hi, Candace!" he said. Now, I thought I had lost my mind at this point. First, a talking butterfly and now a talking reindeer---in Mississippi?! He continued, "I'm the Ghost of Christmas Present. I'm here to remind you of all the blessings in your life." And in the blink of an eye, I was flying over all my friends and family and children at school. It's kind of strange, being in the air and peering down at your life. I saw myself singing Christmas carols at church and in the car. I saw myself playing with Effie. Making cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, and putting out the nativity scene. Shopping and wrapping presents. Finding cute activities for my speech students to complete. Oh what fun it all is!

Just as quickly as it happened, it was all over. The next thing I knew, I was at work. I made it through the rest of the day without encountering any more ghosts. 
     That night, however, was a completely different story. I was sound asleep. When all of a sudden, I heard Effie barking hysterically. I got up to get on to her, when I noticed she was wearing her Santa suit. "Effie, how did you get that on?!" 
     "Mom, I wanted to surprise you! I am the Ghost of Christmases yet to Come." 
     "Oh, really?? Oh goodness, I've completely lost it," I thought. 
     "Get your coat. We are going for a walk," Effie said.
     "But it is the middle of the night!"
     "You heard me!" she replied.
     So, I grabbed my coat, and off we went. As soon as we stepped outside, I noticed that we were no longer at my apartment complex, but instead I was standing under the mistletoe with a handsome man dressed as Santa. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two little children peeking around the corner, gasping at the sight of their mom kissing Santa Claus. I quickly told them they better get to bed, or he wouldn't leave them any presents! 
    Then, I saw a few more years into the future. We were in the front yard watching children laughing and playing. Building a snowman, in fact. "Mama! Look at our snowman! Isn't it awesome?!" 
     "YES, it is! But now it's time to come inside and warm up" I answered. 
     "Awww, really? Can't we stay out here just a few more minutes?"
     "Ok, 5 more minutes. Then, you have to come inside. Your grandma and grandpa will be here tomorrow and we still have to wrap their presents."
     "Yay!" they all screamed. 
And indeed, I saw my children with their grandparents on Christmas Day. I saw how excited they were to open their presents AND to give presents to their loved ones. I saw myself doing the same fun things with my children as my parents did with me. I saw myself with my precious family. And it was amazing. Effie said, "This is just a small glimpse into your Christmases yet to come." And, just like that, I found myself back inside my apartment, getting ready for the day ahead. 
     And here I am now, Christmas 2014. This silly story was just me having a little fun :) I have lots of great memories and many more to make in the future. I love this life that I have and I'm thankful to God for His precious gifts to me during this season...Especially His gift of Jesus, without whom I would not be who I am today! I hope everyone is blessed this Christmas with the joy and hope that only He gives! 

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Win a Date With Tim Tebow!

     In my previous post, I discussed things you should NOT say to a single lady. Well, here is the perfect example of something you SHOULD say! Yesterday, my aunt came over to visit. We were talking and somehow we got on this topic. But instead of feeling inferior and getting upset like I usually do when this happens, my aunt's comments encouraged me. She said she wanted to figure out a way to write Tim Tebow and tell him she knows a wonderful girl that would be good for him! WHAT?! Yes, please! I need you to get on that ASAP, Aunt Dianne! Win me a date with Tim Tebow!!! :) :) :)

The Top 10 Things NOT To Say To Or About A Single Lady

     The following list is my recommendation of what NOT to say to single ladies in your life. Yes, unbelievably, these are all things that have been said to or about me. Sometimes I get downright puffy, lol. Don't worry, I don't stay mad very long. Now, I realize that most people mean well and just don't know what to say. All that said, this is just for fun!

10. "You must have dyed your hair to get a man. That's the only reason women change anything." You keep on thinking that, bud. 

9. "Did she get a boyfriend, because she lost a lot of weight!" Oh no he didn't!

8. "She's going to wait until she's 40, hahaha!!!" Haha, so not funny. 

7. "What's his name, because I know you didn't buy that car yourself?!" Excuse me?!

6. "You know, a good place to meet guys is at Lowe's." Do you think I'm desperate? 

5. Whenever someone is talking about a significant other, please don't jump at the chance to say, "Does he have a single brother, cousin, or friend?!" Singleness is not the only requirement for future prospects. 

4. At weddings: "You're next!" Awkward. 

3. Car salesman: "Yeah, all the guys have been asking me for your friend's number." Really, now? I'm the one that was buying a car. I'm single too. What a slap in the face. 

2. "It will happen when you are content with God." Not true.

And last but not least, my all time fave...........

1.  "No one wants you." Thanks. (And NOT true). 

Flashback Friday: My Most Embarrassing Moment!!!

     So, I thought it would be fun to flashback on Fridays and tell a story or share a picture from my past. And what better way to kick this off than to tell the story of my most embarrassing moment?!? I can't believe I'm doing this!!! 
     Ok, here it is......A few years ago, either my first or second year as an SLP at a small school, I was going through a typical day of speech therapy. Therapy at school, head start, lunch, bathroom break, more therapy at school. So, around 1:00 or so, I'm going to get a group of kindergarteners. I distinctly remember passing a group of junior highish boys pulling up on the awnings outside the cafeteria. And I also remember that said group of boys snickering and laughing. I kept on moving though. Get my kiddos, and head back to my room. When all of a sudden, one of the teachers followed me out and said, "Ms. Candace, check your back!" My eyes got really big wondering what in the world could be on me. So, I put my hand back there and felt. Oh. my. goodness. My eyes got as big as saucers then. I totally had a long strand of toilet paper hanging out the back of my pants!!!!!! Seriously. Not a short piece. I kept pulling and pulling and pulling until I got it all. The entire time thinking, "How in the world did this happen?!" How embarrassing is that??? I thanked her so much for telling me. My question was, "How many people saw this and didn't bother to tell me?!" As soon as I got to my room, a student brought me a note from the other kindergarten teacher to tell me. Thank you kindergarten teachers! 
     And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my most embarrassing moment. I have to say, I was mortified at the time, but now I think it is just funny. Moral of the story: if you see someone in an embarrassing situation, please tell them! Sure, it may be awkward, but the person will really appreciate it!  Now, what is your most embarrassing moment?? I would love to hear it! :)

IEP Season

     So it is IEP season for many speech-language pathologists here in these parts. Wouldn't they be so much fun to write if these pictures were our reality?!? LOL.

Thank you to all the creative people who designed these pictures! I have no idea who you are, but these are so funny!

Let's Get Colorful!!!

     This past weekend I participated in a color run!!! If you don't know what that is, it is a 5K that is not timed and there are people who throw different colored corn starch on you throughout the course. At the end there is a big party with more color! They countdown and everyone throws color in the air at the same time. It is a fun experience so if you get the opportunity to participate in one, go for it! I was on a team with my coworkers. We were the Runaway Eagles. It was a very fun morning!!!

SPED Dept. representin'

Rainbow hair :)

Silly 

Runaway Eagles

I was afraid it would be hard to wash out, but surprisingly it came right off. I relaxed the rest of the day and jazzed up my balcony. Hopefully, I will have lots of pretty flowers growing soon. Fingers crossed!

My Last Day As A Twenty-Something

     I don't know about you, but I'm not feeling 22. And that is ok! Today is my last day in my twenties. As I was thinking about this past decade, I realized I've had a good run, lol! Here are some of the things that I experienced/learned in my twenties (in no particular order): 

*Moved out of my parents' house. Into Apt. 711 nonetheless :)

       
*Flew in an airplane for the first time and went halfway around the world to Ukraine.

*After a lifetime of being a picky eater, God helped me taste foods I never dreamed I would eat. 

*Survived Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. (A tree fell on my room in the house I lived in. I wasn't there at the time, but it took almost a year to be repaired.)

*Worked 32 hours a week during college.

*Earned a bachelor's and master's degree in speech-language pathology.

*Went on my first date, ha!

*Discovered my love for a good DIY project.

*Earned my Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology! (CCC-SLP)

*Walked in sunflower fields while on a mission trip in Moldova.

*Walked around Vienna and even ate weiner schnitzel.

*Discovered I have hypothyroidism after months of suffering with chronic hives :( 

*Landed my first job as a speech-language pathologist!

                                         

*Fainted while working out and subsequently hit my head shortly after completing my internship with traumatic brain injury patients.

*Lost a ton of weight after years of trying with no success.

*Moved to two new cities where I didn't really know anyone.

*Learned a thing or two about car maintenance.

*Completed a 5k and a 10k.

*Started writing this blog to share my story :)

*Got my sweet Effie whom I love so dearly!

*Experienced my first and hopefully last kidney stone!!!

*Experimented with different hairstyles and colors.

*Transitioned from college furniture to sophisticated, adult furniture, lol. :)

*Bought my first car.

*Met a ton of people and made lots of friends and just had a blast!!!

*And last, but certainly not least, grew in confidence and became more outgoing!!!

I can remember graduating from high school praying, "How am I going to do all the things an adult does? I have no idea how to do those things." I can see God's hand with me during all of these moments in my twenties. He was with me during the challenging and fun college years and through my loneliest and happiest of moments. He has provided for me, protected me, and guided me. Through all of this, He has made me the person I am now.....A very independent woman who is still learning who I am and finding my place in life. And let me just say, I am excited about my thirties!!! The best is yet to come!!! :)