Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What are your kids listening to?
hese days, so many songs seem to be centered around love and hate. Some of the kids singing these songs are way too young to really, truly understand what it means to "love."
The others? Well, they're part of what brings a bad rep to hip-hop and rap music.
I mentioned before that I'm a fan of old school hip-hop and rap. That and country, pop and Christian rock. But sometimes, a girl just wants to get funky and uh, sorry, but - "The Good Stuff" just ain't gonna cut it. ;) Talk about an eclectic mix, huh?
Anyhoo, with a 13-year old in the house listening to the same music as I am, we really need to be subjective about the songs we download from iTunes. So when my inaanak (goddaughter) Ling told me about this video from YouTube, I had to check it out.
Mathmaticious
A teen's mathematical prodigy of Fergie's Fergilicious
A teen's mathematical prodigy of Fergie's Fergilicious
OMG, JC and I were laughing our asses off! JC really got a kick outta it, especially having kicked butt in the math bowl - and was pleased to tell me that he actually knew all of the stuff mentioned in the video. (Glad to hear it, coz most of it was only vaguely familiar to me!)
Talk about creative - it's really neat to see these kids having fun with school and applying their talents into productions like this these.
And not cruisin' the neighborhood lookin' for trouble.
Check out his video - I think one of my favorite parts is when he's (LOL) dancing in the background and when he says, "Hold, hold, hold up - check your work!"
♪♪ What is the probability? ♪♪
Bloggy Award ~ I Love Your Blog!
One of the best parts about blogging has GOT to be meeting new friends like Pinay Jade. This is one talented lady, with creativity in so many different arenas. She keeps me inspired and is a wonderful friend I know I can count on. Check out her site - she just recently updated her theme and it looks awesome. Love it!
You know what, Jade? I've got something for you as well:
Because you DEFINTELY deserve a round of applause! Thanks girl!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Mom's Blogging Carnival
Hopeless Romantic presents Quest For The One » Blog Archive » Disillusionment with Love and Marriage posted at Quest For The One, saying, "Author speaks of modern society's disillusionment with love and marriage." Linda W. presents Recognizing Verbal Abuse in Relationships posted at The Eclectic Female, saying, "Words can hurt, and it is important to recognize when verbal abuse occurs." Niharika presents The Broke Vacationer: 100 Ways to Get Free Stuff When Traveling posted at Travelhacker. Nara presents Surviving Marital Infidelity - Signs of Infidelity » FAQ For Those That Commit Infidelity posted at Infidelity, saying, "Answers to frequently asked questions for those that commit infidelity." Talk Prom Dresses presents What's Hot - Prom Dress Trends 2008 posted at Prom Dresses, saying, "Updates on the latest fashion trends in 2008 prom dresses." Cathy Ley presents Little Mochi Breaks Daddy?s Heart posted at Tips for Moms & Baby Websites. kimbo2612 presents Best Parent Ever » Blog Archive » #1: $1000 Strollers posted at Best Parent Ever, saying, "This is a satirical blog about extravagant parental purchases for their children." O. Daille Nation-Ashley presents Mom has a Beard Too! posted at CEOmum, saying, "Thanks for hosting." Fiona Lohrenz presents Does Your Teen Help At Your Day Care? posted at Child Care Only. Mark Butler presents My Big Fat Learning Experience: Vending Machines posted at The Butler Project, saying, "This is an experience my sister had with trying to create extra income as a stay at home mom. There's a lot to be learned from what she went through." Tali presents Yaro Starak’s How to Start an Internet Business - Patience posted at The Marketer Review, saying, "I’ve been talking a lot about mindsets, lately. With you, with my friends and with colleagues. One thing becomes more and more apparent, every day: You can’t teach it!" Andrea J. Stenberg, The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur presents Why What I “Should” Be Doing Isn’t Right for Me posted at The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur by Andrea J. Stenberg, saying, "It's hard to get excited about your business when you're doing what you "should" instead of what you love." Heather Johnson presents How to outsource your Call Center posted at Telegenisys. Chickens in the Road presents Breakfast with Grandmother Bread posted at Author Suzanne McMinn, saying, "One easy, versatile, heritage family bread recipe--so many family breakfast ideas!" presents How to Organize Your Closet posted at Home Life Weekly, saying, "Simple hints and tips to help you organize your closet" Laura Williams presents Enchilada Casserole posted at Laura Williams' Musings. Jessica Jones presents My Struggle With Living Purposefully posted at Practical Nourishment, saying, "My own trials with living purposefully." Saral137 presents Be Thrifty Like Us: Inexpensive, But Thoughtful Gifts - What Do You Do? posted at Be Thrifty Like Us, saying, "A blog post about gifts for children's teachers" Amy @ The Q Family presents Be a Hero. "Save the Cash, Save the World" posted at The Q Family Adventure, saying, "Saving Tips" Woman Tribune presents Vote For Your Favorite Undies and Help Cervical Cancer Research posted at Woman Tribune. Joanne presents Imagine If Adoption Really Did Cost Only $10.00 posted at Adoption Support at Forever Parents, saying, "What do all the adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-school programs say to socity about families that have adopted?" Silveral presents Celebrities as Role Models Celebrity News, and Gossip posted at Celebrity News, and Gossip. Angela Norton Tyler presents Let Your Kids Stay In the Room While You Do It - posts - Homework. Dinner. Life. posted at Angela Norton Tyler. Christine presents Banana, Cinnamon and Honey Spread on Toast posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France. Tonya presents Baby Stages Don't Just End After Delivery posted at My Pregnancy Blog, saying, "Author discusses the various stages babies go through." Tracee Sioux presents Criticize Daughters' DNA posted at So Sioux Me, saying, "When we criticize our own appearance we criticize our children's DNA. A look at what self-deprecation costs our kids in self esteem and the new children's book about plastic surgery, My Beautiful Mommy." Hopeless Romantic presents Dealing With Distance- Building A Solid Long-Distance Relationship posted at Quest For The One, saying, "Long distance relationships can be difficult, but they are possible when done correctly." Linda W. presents How To Talk About Money With Your Partner posted at The Eclectic Female, saying, "Financial issues often cause stress in relationships. Knowing how to discuss money matters is key to a healthy relationship." That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of mom's blogging carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page. Technorati tags: mom's blogging carnival, blog carnival. 
s a newbie blogger, I've just recently discovered the world of carnivals. Which I've since learned, is a collection of some really good blog posts on a topic of your choosing. Cool.
So in my natural sense of diving into things, I contacted Deborah Robinson for more information and am pleased to announce that I'm hosting this month's edition of the Mom's Blogging Carnival. :)
Check 'em out - we've got some really good stuff here. Enjoy!
Welcome to the April 28, 2008 edition of Mom's Blogging Carnival.Business
Homemakers
Other
Parenting
Relationships
***
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Think of Me
kay, see - whenever I listen to David Archuleta sing on American Idol, I catch myself with this goofy grin on my face.
But I'm ESPECIALLY in love with his last performance - Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Think of Me."
Maybe I'm partial to it because Phantom is one of my favorite shows (both onscreen and on Broadway), or maybe I was remembering our last trip to Sin City with Rae and Ryan when we got to see the Vegas production of it... or hell - it's probably because it made me think of all the times Joe and I would sing our hearts out with it like the silly geese we are.
Whatever it was, it just left me with this stupid, happy feeling inside. And after the helluva week I've had, I shore needed it. Why did it take me so long to catch up on my TiVo?
I hope it comes down to Archuleta or Syesha. Man - she KILLED it with "One Rock and Roll Too Many." I never heard the song before but DAMN - that is what a performance should be.
So... Syesha? Or Archuleta? (I obviously don't give a sh*t about the other David or Jason, do I?)
My Entrecard Advertisers this Week
pecial thanks to the fellow bloggers (check 'em out!) who have advertised on my widget this last week:
Feefifoto
Design Personalized Photo Gifts At FeeFiFoto. Upload your favorite photos and put them on mugs, handbags, calendars, mouse pads, tote bags, tee shirts, puzzles, cookie tins, porcelain plates and tons more.
Angelika
Personal blog by a mother who regularly gets 2 hours of sleep per 24 hour period.
My Library
This blog is the repository of thoughts, learnings and ideas acquired through the years. Entries range from health, housekeeping, travel, decorating, shopping, cooking and more.
Marriage and Beyond
On marriage, everything in between and thereafter
The Sewing Mom
Personal blog showcasing my fabric creations. I also talk about family, friends, hobbies, cooking and daily life.
Heart of Rachel
Personal blog about everyday slices of life
The MakeUp Divas Blog
A beauty blog devoted to providing reviews and news for your benefit.
Mwah!
(Image Credit: www.fijilive.com)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Oh. How Sweet.
Hubby is home today after a 3-day trip in Vegas with some friends from work. When's the last time I went on an outing like that?
Oh, never.
But within 5 hours of being home, he asks me:
>>"Baby, you putting on weight?"
>>"Uh, no." Defensively.
Then silence.
Little sh*t. It's a good thing you're doing laundry or I'mma have to knock you out.
Buttons and Banners
are to join me for a dance? A twirl? Or a girl’s night out on the bloggy floor?
If you’ve enjoyed any of our mini-productions on center stage, then this here is for you.
Take your pick out of these beautiful buttons & banners (my fave is the last one!) that Lara designed for me - specially made just for our own Celebrity VIP’s...
YOU!
See the code below each design for an easy grab. And if you're ever wondering why a girl needs 6 pairs of black shoes - this might help you see the light.
I must be the luckiest gal around to have you join me for this dance. ;)
If you’re one of the honorees to receive our weekly Standing Ovation Award – don’t forget to pick up one of these two badges:
If you’re one of the nominees for the Mom Bloggers Guild or the Dad Bloggers Guild – don’t forget to pick up some bling:
OPTIONS. It's all about options, isn't it girls?
I've got X number of black shoes:
Every day flip flops. Cute ballet flats. Sneakers. Peep-Toe Patents with that evening gown. Pointy-Toed Slingbacks for meetings. Stiletto knee-high boots. Suede ankle boots. And Platform Mary Janes (for some ooh-la-la)!
And now we've got options for buttons - hope you find one you like! ~Dette
***
Here are a couple snazzy new ones made for me by Jay (who ROCKS!) at Dat Money:
Standing Ovation Awards
ll of us here at the Dance of Motherhood (that would be me and the monsters) are in complete awe of the incredible talent and creativity we've come across here in the bloggy world.
We dove in about 3 months ago, and have been inspired by so many of you, we wanted to come up with a way to let you know that you've busted an "AT&T" on us.
Yes - you've reached out and touched someone. ;)
Maybe you posted something that made us laugh, or made us cry. Maybe you've commented here, joining in on our crazy dance. Maybe you've taught us a couple (or more!) blogging tricks. Or maybe we just straight up LIKE you.
Whatever the case - we applaud you.
So watch out - one of these upcoming Friday's, you might just find YOUR blog listed here as one of our "Standing Ovation Honorees."
List of Honorees:
- Blogger Buster
- Momo Fali's
- Mad About Kids
- Livin' With Me
- Wat da Wat
- Adventures in Parenting
- FuseMoms.com
- Life with Moi
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Traveling Daycare
met a new blogy friend Syn and was reading up on her latest post called Syn's Life: The Kids Won.
At first, I was crackin' up. Thinking of her and her 4 kids at a music recital with her cute-as-a-button 2 year old telling her she wasn't clapping fast enough and the nasty old grandma who thought she was at an opera instead of an elementary school.
But then Syn had to go and start talking about other people's kids joining hers. As if four weren't enough.
Hot. Friggin'. Dog.
Why IS it - that when everytime we go out - a basketball game, a football game, an afternoon at the park - whatever. I always end up with more than my own load?
Seriously. I got tired of going to Jacob's games coz I was packin' my own damn daycare whenever we went. I'd have the blanket laid out, portable DVD playing SpongeBob (groan) and snacks to boot. Sh*t. I have a toddler. I need to be prepared.
I just didn't realize ALL the other toddlers would be chillin' with Joel, hoggin' the screen, kickin' off their shoes and asking me for their juice boxes.
Granted, some of the parents came over and asked if it was okay.
>>"No, bitch. Pick your kid up already."
lol - just kidding. But that would've been fun. (sigh)
Actually, for a bunch of toddlers, they usually did alright. The worst part?
Not being able to keep an eye on the game.
I had mine on a half dozen lil' squirts.
See Syn - you just had to get me goin', didn't ya? ;)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Invisible Monster
After another crazy busy day balancing work at home and the kiddos, it's finally time to get the little ones into bed. And after they're all tucked in, I happily sneak back into the kitchen.
"Yes! Finally - some quiet time for just me," I think to myself.
Of course, not 2 minutes later, I hear a little scuffle in the hall - and figure it's probably the dog chasing the cat again.But before I know it, a tiny little figure in white has slowly appeared before me. I snatch up my camera to get proof:
~ Meet the Invisible Monster ~
On those occasional nights when he can't fall asleep right away... or doesn't feel like reading in bed anymore or singing songs with LeapTad...?
Little friggin' Joel will toss on Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak and creep back out into the living room.
Does he REALLY think I can't see him?
He's 3 years old. Sure, he does. ;)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
Will ya look at that?!
A beautiful bouquet and a $50 Amex gift card... they really DO love me!!
Favorite Mommy Bloggers Contest
HOW TO WIN: This lil’ contest is open to all readers – you don’t have to be a Mommy to enter and you don’t have to be an Entrecarder (though EC’s are all I can afford to give away – lol.)
Can you believe Mother’s Day is around the corner?! In honor of all you Mommas out there, I thought it’d be fun to reach out and share some love.
Up for grabs?
Five Thousand Entrecard Credits.
So... you down?HOW TO PLAY:
Write a post on your blog listing 1-3 of your favorite Mommy Bloggers, including links to their sites. Descriptions are optional, but the best description out there will take home more EC. ;)
In your post, include 2 links to this blog - to the home page and this contest.
After posting, leave a comment here with your URL to add your name to the list of entries.
*DEADLINE: This contest will run for the next 2 weeks - posts must be published with comments received here by midnight PST on Tuesday, 6 May 2008.
**Winners will be announced on Mother’s Day, 11 May 2008.
The blog with the best descriptive post about their recommendations and this contest will take 1st place
Second best will take 2nd place
Third best will take… you guessed it: 3rd place
Ten additional winners at 150 EC each, to be chosen at random via http://www.random.org/
TOTAL WINNINGS: 5,000 Entrecard Credits
Good luck!!
Pssst! With Father’s Day coming up next month… guess what contest we’ll have next? That’s right, y’all – line up your faves now and keep an eye out for the Favorite Dad Blogger’s Contest!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Making the Choice to Work from Home or Snatch up that Fancy Promotion
aula over at Olive Juice is currently trying to make a decision many of us moms encounter at some point during Motherhood: Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?
Stay home with the kids? Or go back out into the work force?
That is definitely a tough one. I was at the same crossroad - TWICE - in the last 5 years. First as a Sr. Account Manager, ready to be promoted to Director of Sales for 3 hotels in our market. Second as an Operations Manager, ready to be promoted to Asst. General Manager (#2 to the Big Dog) for that particular hotel.
I asked myself the same questions:
- How many other incredible career opportunities like this will I encounter?
- How many other opportunities will I have to be able to work from home with my toddler?
You've probably guessed which decision I made... at both times.
Sometimes I wish I weren't such a homebody. Stuck in the house for most of the day and night. Sometimes I wish I had the office camraderie I used to have when I worked on property. LOTS of times I wish I was still out there so I wouldn't be so damn nervous going to conferences, or speaking in public (in person OR on a conference call).
But most times I am thankful for the flexibility and freedom that comes with being a Work-At-Home-Mom. I love being able to work in my pajamas, and take long breaks with my kiddos. Dictating my own schedule, setting conference calls around my kids' schedules, calling it a day without having to fight traffic.
Does this mean I'm any less successful because of the decisions I've made?
Well, I guess that would depend on who's looking and judging my success. Looking at performance and merit reviews, one could say I'm doing alright. Looking at my career path, it would depend on what my goals would be.
Frankly, all that really matters to me is if it works for me and my family.
And even if I work from home, it doesn't mean the dishes are all washed, laundry's put away and all of our meals are prepared and ready to go. (lol - yeah. Right.) It means I don't have to have the perfect house, or the perfect car (or those really CUTE shoes I saw online)!
It just means I get to be at home with the cutest not-so-perfect little monsters I call my own. I'm just lucky enough to work for a great company, with top bosses and decent pay.
Now THAT'S what I call a win/win. :)
But some of us may not be able to catch the same break. Sometimes we have a lousy grouch to report to or we don't have the same opportunity in being able to telecommute. Sometimes it's a once-in-a-lifetime job offer that you just can't say "no" to. And sometimes, we think we might just go stir-crazy without being able to escape our motherhood duties if only for a few hours to remember what it was like before kids.
Are you in the same boat? Or did you already cross that river?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Hosed Down
To my 3 year-old monster:
See now - this is what happens when you don't listen to Mommy. I told you that we don't play with the water hose.
But if you're thinking of not minding me, you might wanna turn the hose AWAY from your face:
K, Baby Joel?
I think he's got it now. ;)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Daughter's Bliss
aybe it’s because of the way we can spend hours chatting and laughing out loud about nothing at all. Or because when it comes to those inevitable questions about life and love, she helps me search inside my soul, finding the answers within myself...
It could also be because of the way we know what the other one is thinking, or feeling, without even breathing a word… And when we call it, we both burst out laughing simply because we have learned to read each other’s thoughts.
Of course, it could be because next to my husband, she is my best friend. People assume we’re sisters because of the way we are with each other.
But if I had to name the single reason why I care for and love her so much, why she means so much to me...?
It would have to be because of the little things she does that define who she is, what she’s about... how much she gives of herself and how she shows all those who love her, how much she truly loves them.
Love you, Mama... Happy Birthday!!
My Entrecard Advertisers this Week | Contest Winners for "About You" Giveaway
uch love to the following folks who have advertised on my widget this last week:
Monkey Fables and Tales
Nonsense served almost daily. Some of which may actually be true, some not so much. Plus some other crap.
Mommies Home
Welcome to Mommies Home.net! This is a place for all moms (or any household manager) to get together, learn, share or just hang out. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and surf away (even if you only have those precious few moments when the kids are sleeping)!
On the Horizon
The Seventh Day Blog Carnival theme: Blogging's Best! Submit your BEST post of all-time on any topic by Sat. April 5, 2008, at 6 p.m. (Pacific) to be featured in the April 6, 2008 Carnival! Hopeful Spirit blogs about spirituality, faith, belief, and her exploration of those topics outside the confines of organized religion. The site's philosophy is "radical inclusiveness" -- all are welcome to join in the discussion and debate!
Watching Clouds
It's about me. My Opinion on whatever is going on at the Moment. Life as a Mom and Wife living in the Oklahoma Panhandle. I write about Politics, family, things that annoy me and amuse me. Things I hate and love. And so much more...
Fatherly Yours
I am Ramon, 49 years old writing for FatherlYours.com to share my experiences, frustrations, happiness, success as a Father to my 5 healthy and Lovely creatures called Son’s and Daughter’s.
Mother’s Got a Dot Com
My Blog. My life, monetizing, kids, reviews, all sorts of stuff ...
My Wife and Twins
I am the only man in a house of 3 females, twin girls and my wife and this blog is here to tell my story…
Mwah!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I'm also excited to announce that we have the winners from our "About You" Entrecard Contest! Congratulations to the following who played and won here at the DM (or at EC Contests):
- Michael Aulia's Blog
- Lover of Life
- Sway My Way
- EC Contests
- It Might Be Love
- Luxury Beach
- New York Chica
- The Wanderlust Way
- Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta.
- Animals Need Help
- Ria's Crazy Movie Reviews
- Giveaway City
- Our Happy Happenings
- Mrs. Brownstone Xbox Wife
I know, I know - we've actually filled up all 10 spots for the prizes... but ya know what? 100 Entrecard Credits to all of yous - just for playing. ;)
Next month will be a doozie... I'll soon be posting a contest with a total of 5,000 ec's to hand out. ;)
P.S. @Melanie and Mrs. Brownstone ~ let me know if you should decide to sign up at www.entrecard.com - you'll have 100 EC from me to give you a jump start. :)