Dancing Momma

My emotions crashing down on me.

2009-11-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Feeling OVERWHELMED today,

Maybe it's because my kids don't have school today and tomorrow due to parent teacher conferences. Maybe it's because I am an emotional wreck because of my pregnancy hormones. Maybe it is the struggle I am having getting a hold of Amber's pediatrician to get the referral i need to set up the appointment for her much needed evaluation with the Occ. Therapist. Maybe it's trying to keep my children out of the candy left over from halloween. Maybe it's the constant nagging for a playdate after my kids just spent half the day with the neighbor kids. Or perhaps it that my house can be clean one minute and a disaster the moment i turn around. Maybe it's trying to figure out how to lessen the meltdown moments i have with Amber. Or the fact that I don't get to spend enough time with children A and C because child B is more demanding and what am i thinking to add child D to the situation. Maybe it's the pressure to find out what gender child D is going to be. And the entire sick feeling I am experiencing because of Child D inside my body. Really it's probably all of the above and even more that I can't even express right now. Either I don't have the time or the there is so much going on inside my brain that I can't seperate or focus on any or all of them in the short time I have tor write this post before starting dinner. Here is my real moment of craziness and yes I have crazy days and days where my imperfections follow me until i break. It's all normal right? It's what being a mom is right? But at least I've seen miracles in my life and know that I have my own special mission and it uplifts me enough to think Maybe next year I will go as Supermom for halloween. Yep I am truly CRAZY!!

grocery shopping this week at Albertsons

2009-11-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

Okay so I haven't shown much coupons shopping as of late but here goes-w/out pictures even.

Transaction #1
Chex cereal bars $2.49 used 1 free chex bar coupon
3 Lipton Rice side dinners .99 each used $1/3
2 Prog chicken broth $1.49 used 2 $.50/1 coupons
3 betty crocker frosting tubs $1.69 each used 3 $.50/1
2 Chex mix $1.69 each used 2 $.50/1
2 Yoplus delights $2.49 used 2 $1/1
2 Yoplus yogurts $2/49 each used 2 $1/1
2 Pillsburgy Toaster Strudels $2.99 used 2 $1/1

Total OOP after coupons was $21.81 + recieved $15 catalina

Transaction #2

5 Hamburger Helper meals $1.69 each used 1 $1/2 and 1 $.75/3
3 Lipton soup mixes ( no coupons) .99 each
6 progresso soups $1.69 each used 2 $1.10/3
2 Betty crocker cookie mixes $1.69 each used 2 $.40/1
2 Klondike Icecream bars $2.99 each used 2 $1/1

Total OOP after coupons and using $15 catalina $9.17 + received another $15 catalina.

So together I spent $15.98 on 34 items factoring in the catalinas = $.47 cents each item.

SYTYCD Shocking!!

2009-11-04T09:12:00.001-08:00

So i was totally surprised that they choreographed the kiss in Ashleigh and Jakobs waltz routine-can I say that was some pretty good acting and, like everyone else, I wonder what Ryan thought about that. Now being on a dance team before while being married and dancing with other guys myself I can say i always viewed things with total professionalism..but that is a line i wouldn't dream of crossing. I am not sure how married actors do it-no wonder why there are so many break ups in hollywood. With that now said I have to say-it was one of my favorite dances of the night along with the tango that Ashleigh's husband Ryan danced to with Ellinore. So Ballroom dances stole the spotlight for me last night. And Legacy contemporary with Kathryn absolutely blew me away-he is really growing and becoming a better dancer. I guess Stacy is the choreographer that is replacing Mia Michaels and so far I'm not dissapointed.

So here is how the dances ranked for me last night:
#1. Ryan and Ellinore Tango-so precise even with the skirt tangle.
#2. Legacy and Kathryn Contemporary -finally a cont piece that moved me!!
#3 Ashleigh and jakob's Waltz-so pretty and lovely
#4 Mollee and Nathan's Bollywood routine-so cool
#5 Noelle and Russel's Hip hop
#6 Karen and Kevin's- Hip HOp-the dancing was good-parts of the choreography i didnt' like.
#7 Bianca and Victor's Broadway-I really enjoyed this one
#8 Pauline and Peter Jazz-liked it but thought it was a little busy at some points
#9 Channing and Phillip Samba-stumbling here and there-channing definitely tried .

I think they picked the right guy to go home and only felt that Biance went home because the other girls show better potential to perform more variety of dance genres.

Halloween Preview!!! Thrifty costumes this year!

2009-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the girls in their halloween costumes this year!! I was so lucky to have found the tiger costume at a thrift store for $4 and a friend loaned us the cow costume indefinitely (so nice of them). We had the cinderella costume hanging around from a past halloween -but I have to say Brooke does it better justice than the previous wearer. All in all I was so lucky to only have had to spend $6 total including the face paint for my girls' costumes this year combined with a little bit of sewing to fix/alter whatever was needed!! And I already had everything to make my costume-just needed to sew it together. Turned out pretty cute! Daddy's not yet into the whole "dress" up thing---just yet. Sorry the pictures are grainy-I guess my mem. card was just about full and battery was dying-so hopefully tonight I will get some better ones. But I wanted to show you anyway!Girls playing in the leaves!!! WE LOVE THE FALL!!

SO you think you can dance is back!!

2009-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Okay so my favorite dances from last nights performances were:
Jakob and Ashleigh's Broadway -perfect-nothing bad about this routine, it had everything from both dancers.
Mollee and Nathan's Disco-this disco was so fun and so fast-i can't believe how much energy they had throughout the entire thing. Awesome.
Legacy and Kathryn's Hip Hop totally expected legacy to do awesome but Kathryn killed it-she did such a great job hitting everything so hard.

Hats off to:

Karen and Kevin-She danced circles around him and you couldn't watch anyone but her. Partly this wasn't his fault. I would have put him in a lighter costume as black on black-seriously he is hidden anyway. ( costume choice/lighting/background is important) But he still could have done more to match her.

Ryan and Ellenore Contemporary- I expected more out of Ellenore-performance quality was there and it was such a weird piece that i liked it.

Bianca and Victor cotemporary-It was nice -could have been brilliant if she had better technique like Adam commented on. Liked it, but wasn't blown away.

Just okay for me:

Russel and Noelles fox trot-mainly because he danced with sub Melanie (wish she was wearing a different dress color-too much black in entire routine/background would have like to see it broken up a bit.) I do think he did okay.

Brandon and Pauline: I really think it was such easy choreography and so there really wasn't room for them to impress anyone with this routine-not necessarily their fault, since he only had a few days to learn it. Was forgettable.

Channing and Phillip Jive- I think she did a descent job with her performance-both could have been sharper-If he performed more this would have been really cute.

Arianna and Peters' hip hop-just boring

I think the judged picked the right two to go home-it's who i think america would have voted off.

Biggest dissapointments:
Billy Bell out of the competition.

Yeah 4 months along!!!

2009-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so I thought I would let you know that with my system that I am using-I am now able to eat just about anything now. I am super excited about that. I am really hoping that by next month i can completely eliminate unisom and maybe the sea bands. Just wanted to let you all know i have am back among the living again!

Better News

2009-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Joe took Amber in this morning and the Dr. said she has an ear infection and a sinus infection...so she is on two different antibiotics and I am hoping that truly that is all she has. So YEAH!

THE FLU...Our family lowdown.

2009-10-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Okay so Wednesday night Amber had a fever-and I was a bit concerned about what it would turn into. Thursday-ofcourse she stayed home from school-fever was gone but the whole 24 hour wait before going out in public after a fever business. Then Thursday afternoon slight fever-99...thursday night-runny nose, started to cough, fever continues. By this point we had called the dr. to find out what we should do-bring her in, keep her home and treat her like regular flu...what we should do about me-preggo?? Plus we called everwhere to see when the first avail H1N1 flu shots were available. Not much help there. Friday morning cough is worse and she is throwing up-still no news about vaccinations or whether she has reg flu or swine flu-as they don't want her coming in unless it's really bad. So tonight after more vomiting and slight fever still going on, the Nurse told us to bring her in the morning or tonight to the ER if it gets worse. Good news-My dr. has both flue vaccines in office-got them in today so first thing Monday I will be getting my shot, Whitney will be getting hers at school and hopefully we can find a place to get Brooke one. Bad news-flu may already be in my system which means-if I start showing symptoms-straight to tamiflu i go. So everyone please pray that our family can get through this flu thing. I am exhausted and Joe is starting to feel something coming on. Just hope and pray it's regular flu and not the swine flu-though we know Amber has been in contact with a family that has had a swine flu case in their household. SO please cross fingers it doesn't come down to anything life threatening (especially since Brooke is high risk and I am at double high risk)

Giveaway share!!

2009-10-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

So I blog hop to keep up with all of my friends old and new and found this wonderful giveaway share on my friend Brooke's blog. She has a cool friend who makes slings/diaper bags and they are soo adorable. She is giving one away on her Blog-winner gets to pick which one-check it out!!

Visit http://lesassyseamstress.blogspot.com/ to see all her fun products.

My Favorite time of Year!!!

2009-10-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

So This is What I've been doing this week: Canning Apples, Applesauce, and Applebutter! YUM!

My house smells like Autumn and the weather is perfect!!

VOIP???

2009-09-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have always thought that we don't pay much for our dsl/phone service until I talked to a friend who gets Skype for $4 a month??? What? Where have I been?? Okay so I was just wondering if I am the only one that still lives in the prehistoric era of wires and am just wondering really how much can I save by going the wireless route and using Voip?? OR is is something that evens out after you factor in the special phones you have to buy wireless modem, etc. What are your opinions and who have you had the greatest service with. I am curious and wherever i can save a buck-I will, so maybe I will switch who knows?? So those who are more tech savvy-let me in on your secrets and if it does save you money.

Suggestions Please..

2009-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am just shy of the 3 months mark..yipee!! I know I have plenty of time to prepare-but really I don't. Because we aren't finding out what we are having gender wise, and because we haven't had a boy yet-we have nothing for a little man if that is what baby is. So we will be scrambling from the hospital buying all boy stuff if that is the case. Plus I can't really set up nursery for gender specific and all the girls' stuff is pink/purple. I want to know what you other moms have done to prepare for a surprise in gender and what has worked the best. So far I plan on having four outfits for the hospital 1 girl, 1 boy, and 2 neutral (in 2 different sizes)-just in case. We already know we have to purchase a new carseat and packnplay(with bassinet)- and will be on the lookout for any neutral colors. I am leaning towards brown-because I can contrast it with pink for a girl-but alone would work for a boy too. But beyond that-I haven't done much in my thought process for preparing for baby's arrival. But one thing is for certain- I will definitely want a baby shower afterwards if it is a boy-especially with tons of suggestions for raising one. So tell me all your ideas and what you or someone you know has done?

Last of the sickies....

2009-09-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so the title may have been a little misleading--I am not done with the morning sickness but I have decided this is going to be my last post regarding how sick I have been feeling. I just wanted to give an update how the last week has gone using the vitamin B complex w/unisom. So I do feel a bit better-I can actually function around the house instead of just laying in bed all day. I did have a few bad days last week-but kept most of everything down so that is an improvement-plus I have been able to eat more than just crackers/toast. Night time is still the worst time for me-it's difficult to sleep. When the older girls are at school and Brooke is napping-I do the same. Still I cannot wait for the next full night's sleep I will get before this baby comes-because after that we all know I won't have any for a while. I will keep up with what I am doing and I am really hoping that by week 12 I will be done with this for good. Well I can hope right?? So as promised I am done talking about how cruddy I feel and for now on will only post about family matters and life beyond my miserable stomach.

A description of my morning sickness........Relief in sight!

2009-09-09T11:20:00.001-07:00

Okay so normally a person wouldn't consider it a good day if it started out with dryheaving in the bathroom for the first five minutes. But I am not the "normal" pregnant woman. I get the severe type of morning sickness which makes me feel sick all day for months and months, and yes-I do empty the contents of my stomach when it is necessary. And actually it doesn't make me feel any better. For those of you who are TTC forthe first time-don't let this scare you-it's really not what most women experience. Here are my symptoms:
1. All day nausea
2. Excessive saliva
3. Excess bile in the stomach-which upsets my stomach-(makes me feel like i have acid reflux)
4. My head and stomach continually feel on fire
5. Sporadic headaches
6. Extremely high sensitivity to smells-even my own children smell to me sometimes *sad I know*
7. Fatigue
8. Body Aches

Well i thought I'd stop right there-that gives you all a general idea of what I have been feeling like 24/7. So after not keeping any thing down this last weekend, with all the medication I was taking, I decided to do more research on a more natural method. I had a friend who had some good results with vitamin b6/folic acid shot. I called my dr and they don't offer them. SO this morning as I was picking up some papaya mint chewables that are a natural antacid that are safe for me to take, I found a liquid B-complex vitamin with folic acid which is supposed to be the equivalent of the injection. So I took that with 1/2 a unison plus my psi bands and chewing on papaya mint tablets and i am so happy to report that it feels like it's working on my system. My nausea had decreased to the point where i was actually able to clean the bathroom and do two loads of laundry!!! So I feel like I am functioning better today compared to the past days. Hopefully this continues to work. At least I have felt some relief-I am so excited!!

First Day of School!!

2009-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!! The first day of school. These girls got up at six this morning-they

were that anxious. Whitney Starts 2nd Grade and Amber makes the Big jump to Kindergarten.Don't they just look eager to learn??Here is Amber settling down in Kindergarten class-boy trapped.

She doesn't seem to mind one bit.

News Update.

2009-08-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

As some of you guessed, I am expecting again. I am really excited about having another-this time we won't be finding out what it will be since this may very well be our last and I want to have the surprise experience. I am due on Tax day April 15th-but since my babies have jumped 1 1/2 lbs with each one my dr may want to induce me early to save me from an 11 or 12 pounder. I've been pretty sick this last week and it's been difficult to do many household chores. Joe's been a big help and he's done alot for the girls and me. I am on prescribed meds to help with the naseau and am wearing my psi bands. These have helped me to keep things down so far-but I still feel sick. I am really hoping that with this one-the yucky morning sickness will go away soon and not last my entire pregnancy-like the previous ones have. I have not been very good at updating my blog because I am mostly laying down whenever I can. School starts on Monday for the girls so for 1/2 the day it will just be Brooke and me. We met their teacher's last night and I am really excited for both of them. I think they both will like their teachers and that Amber will continue to progress. Well that is all the family news for now. I will try to keep up with my blog whenever I am feeling well.

Birthday News!!

2009-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

So today is my birthday and to celebrate I thought I would share some news with everyone. Now hold on....I am not making it that easy by telling you outright. Just browse around my blog and you will find the "answer" somewhere..yep..you have to guess what it is. I just love surprises don't you??

Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday and Toothfairy!!

2009-08-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

5 years ago we were blessed with a special little red headed girl who is full of spunk and determination. Amber was born on our anniversary and somehow, it makes both a little more special. What greater gift can be given on your wedding anniversary?? Amber will be starting Kindergarten this year and she is so excited. She has grown so much this last year- I can't believe how big she has gotten. One thing that hasn't changed-she still has the most pinchable face ever.

One yearTwo YearsThree Years

Four YearsFive YearsHappy Anniversary Joe!!! Married 8 years and still going!!

Plus Whintey lost another tooth today-she is so excited so I had to share!

Organize upon entry

2009-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

So with school starting-moms are happy to have a break from bored kids and a little more time to get tasks done without kids underfoot-but it also means the start of piled up artwork, muddy shoes tossed carelessly about, and lost homework. Here are a few ideas that may help declutter and organize back to school mayhem.

Very colorful with container basketsCorkboard makes a great wall accessory for hanging up

proud projects and homework.

Keeping hooks at children's height makes it easy for little ones.

A tray to set wet/sloshy shoes is great to save floors.

Simple-a hook and a basket for everyone.

Try the Hide it all in the closet method..

Confessions of an Insomniac

2009-08-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

Okay so yes those who know me well already realize that I am a night owl. I can't seem to turn my brain off to go to sleep the same time the rest of my house does (excluding whitney ofcourse who seems to have inherited this). I am sure I got it from my mother too..who got it from......well who knows...?? It seems when I do try to go to bed early I will lay in bed for hours with thoughts running in my head like crazy...and i feel like the attempt at early to bed is beyond me. The point is that YES-
I will stay up late and read, really helps to wind down my mind
OR
I will blog surf OR do what i'm doing right now and update my blog
OR
watch a movie
OR
Exercise-this seems to tire me out enough and relaxes me too.
OR
Stay up to catch an OLDnavy coupon-
AND yes this happens too-rarely though-
I will go to the store for something i forgot to get on an earlier shopping trip (I know-I am forgettful too).
And here is my last one...I am not an early riser by choice on account of my late hours...duh -it's totally forced and I wake up a bit cranky. But once I am up-there is no going back to bed for me. I really am trying to work on this-but not enough to drug myself into sleep. But tonight I am feeling lucky it is only a little after 10 and I am feeling quite exhausted...maybe i'll get to sleep earlier than I had thought.
Okay so who else wants to confess????

So you think you can dance Finale

2009-08-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

My Favorite Dances: Definitely the Paso Doble Brandon and Jeanine danced. It was Intensely Perfect!!
My Favorite Solo: Jeanine solo was my favorite-shocked me how amazing it was. I really wasn't expecting her to outshine Kayla tonight-but she did.

I agree with Nigel that based on last night it will be between Brandon and Jeanine. But based on the entire season-I think it's between Brandon adn Kayla. I think Brandon will win.

Kids organizing ideas

2009-08-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

I love these Ideas for organizing a children's room-playroom. I definitely will be keeping my eyes peeled for garage sale finds that I can transform into something similar.

Book storage: Turn a plate rack into a bookrack: Take 3-4 of these, paint and mount them side by side or stacked for a really fun look.
I really like this shelving idea with containers-and floating desk area.Or this one-with the open toybox area on the bottom.Reading Area Ideas:

Fun Reading Benches

The bench cupboards could be used to-store books underneath

and a few comfy pillows on top-cozy reading corner.

Mud Room Ideas:

I like how pretty this one is.I like the washtub for underneath storageThe Locker style is always great at dividing your childrens' things.

Check this clever little shelf out. I would put two sets of these

shoe racks up-one on top of the other

So surprised.....

2009-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

So you think you can dance finalists are Kayla, Janine, Brandon, Evan. I was really hoping Melissa would have beat out Janine to be in the Final-but it's America's favorite dancer not necessarily the best dancer. OH well.

Free Groceries From Kraft starting 8/07

2009-07-28T14:40:00.001-07:00

Go Here for more details and to check out what stores are participating. Albertsons will be-YEAH!!! I am super excited-ladies gather all of your coupons for the following items:

CAPRI SUN Juice Drink (10 ct.)
o CRYSTAL LIGHT Drink Mix (any variety)
o KRAFT Natural Shredded or Chunk Cheese (8 oz)
o MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee (33 - 34 oz)
o STARBUCKS Coffee (12 oz)
o KRAFT Singles (10.5 - 12 oz)
o CHIPS AHOY! Cookies (12 - 15.25 oz)
o RITZ Crackers (13 - 16 oz)
o KRAFT EASY MAC or VELVEETA Cups (2.05 - 2.39 oz)
o JELL-O Gelatin Snacks (6 pk)
o KRAFT String Cheese (12 oz)
o KRAFT Mayo or MIRACLE WHIP Dressing (18 oz)
o KRAFT Natural Cheese Slices (7 - 8 oz)
o OSCAR MAYER DELI CREATIONS Complete Sandwich Kits (4.9 - 7.1 oz)
o PLANTERS Trail Mix (4 - 6 oz)
o OSCAR MAYER LUNCHABLES Fun Packs (4 - 4.5 oz)
o OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Meats
OSCAR MAYER Meat (10 oz)
o WHEAT THINS or TRISCUIT Crackers (7 - 10 oz)
o NABISCO Toasted Chips (6 - 8.1 oz)
o CRACKERFULS Crackers (6 oz)
o TEDDY GRAHAMS Graham Crackers (8 - 10 oz)
o KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Crackers (6 oz)
o CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN & DIGIORNO For One & Flat Bread Melts (5.3 - 6.2 oz)
o CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN & DIGIORNO Pizza (12 in)
o KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (7.25 oz)
o PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (8 oz)
o NILLA Wafers (10 - 12 oz)
o YUBAN Coffee (33 oz)
o NABISCO 12 packs
o RITZ BITS Crackers (7.5 oz)
o TOMBSTONE Pizza (17.5 - 29 oz)

Who is Dancing Momma???

2009-07-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Because occasionally I do get visitors on my blog that don't know me personally, I thought I would take a moment and share more about myself.

I am:
Mother to 3 beautiful and very different girls
Wife to Hunky Husband Joe for 8 years (almost-anniversary next month)
Sister to the funnest/most creative/and craziest people on the planet-honestly.
Daughter to the most Caring/Giving parents ever
Friend to anyone I can be a friend to-I love people and their unique differences/talents.

Things that make me who I am: I love doing things-being out and enjoying life. I love to dance-(Ballroom and Modern mostly) and to play sports (any). I love all things competitive-but I am not a sore loser. I love to fix things and I am guilty of crying whenever my heart is touched by others. I am very sensitive to others' feelings. If you need someone to cry with you-I will-promise-i can't help myself. On the opposite end of crying-I love laughing. I love to hang out with people who I know will make me laugh. I love finding deals/couponing!! I love reading. I love sleeping in. And I love good food. I love wide open spaces, sunshine, flowers, and Autumn. And above all I know that there is a God and that his son Jesus Christ is my Savior.

Reading that list makes me feel overwhelmingly blessed to be who I am.