Things I have Found....

Things I have found in my house this past week:
*Scissors in the dryer

*All the legos in a bottle of apple juice

*A wolfman figurine in the Parmesan cheese

*A whole bottle of conditioner slicking the bathtub

*A cup of lightning bugs wrapped in plastic wrap

*Piles of grass on the carpet under the dining room table

*A lion in the butter dish

Things I am still looking for:
*Smart Card for the Dish Network receiver

*Most of the forks

*My bag of Dove Dark Chocolate Almond candies

*The curtain rods for the boys' windows

*A clean towel when I get out of the shower

Frugal Friday

Summertime can get pretty expensive. Just having the kids home all day can add up on the grocery bill. But I also feel like we go out more...to eat, to play, to travel.

So pick your activities wisely.

Our Top Three Free Summer Activities:
1. The Library!
In addition to the regular amazing offerings of the library (I mean you can just go there and read in the A/C) but most libraries have a great selection of additional activities over the summer. Not to mention, summer reading programs for all ages!

2. Park District Sponsored Concerts!
In CU, both districts offer a few EACH week at various locations and offering a wide variety of music. (see here for Champaign and Urbana listings).

3. The Outdoors!
Play in the yard, turn on the sprinkler (and run through it with your kids), walk to a park, explore a local forest preserve or woods. Sit outside and read, have dinner on the deck, go catch lightning bugs! With or without kids, these things are fun things.

No Means No

Lately, I have gotten very frustrated by my children misunderstanding the word "No".

They will ask me for something (can I have a marshmallow for breakfast? can I stay up late and watch Clone Wars? I can put this book in the microwave? I get a facebook page?), I will clearly respond "No." They will ask again, repeatedly, and I will calmly answer "No" each time. An hour later, they will ask again.

I think "No" is a pretty clear message. Once in awhile I will give reasoning or an alternative to the request.

No means no.

Summer Time...its here!

Sure, its really a couple days away but Mother Nature says it is summer people! This week it is H-O-T! Into the 90's and humid!

We are entering those days when I don't let my kids play outside too long at a time. When every time you step out of your air conditioned house you say "Whew, its hot out here!" When you sweat like a beast in your car that has been sitting in the sunniest spot in the parking lot while you try to roll the windows down as fast as possible. When a popsicle never tasted so good.

I like the idea of summer...fun in the sun, more free time, I love the pool. And I have just come to accept that fact that I sweat...a lot. But I also can't wait until October when the humidity finally dies down and you get to wear a sweater again.

And despite what is happening outside...this is also the time of year for layering your clothing. The movie theaters, libraries, and grocery stores become so cold you have to remember to bring a coat with you so you don't freeze. And if you don't have A/C, those are the places to hang out.

So stay cool out there and drink lots of water! Enjoy!

Last Chance to be in a Movie, for now!

Film Extras for Leading Ladies Ballroom Competition

When: Saturday, June 20, 9am for most of the day.

Where: Franklin Middle School, 817 N. Harris, Champaign

What: Series of scenes at an amateur, Midwestern ballroom competition

Who: All ages (10 years old and older) and types. We will need at least 100 people for this scene to watch and mingle during the competition. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring:

2-3 costume choices within these guidelines:

One scene takes place in early Fall, One scene takes place in early Spring

No Black, white, pinks, bright greens, t-shirts, jeans, logos or trademarks, large prints

Think special occasion or church. Men can wear suits, ties, tuxes, if desired.

Women should wear normal make-up.

Please bring something quiet to do while you are waiting throughout the day (reading material, crosswords). Do not bring ANYTHING that makes ANY noise. Cell phones must be turned off for the duration of filming. We will provide some food and drinks. You may bring your own as well. It will mostly likely be very hot that day, so please make sure to drink lots of water.

Leading Ladies is not responsible for any damaged or stolen property. Consider leaving valuables at home. You will not receive payment or housing for this position. You will receive screen credit.

Participation is subject to crew’s approval.

For more information, contact Jenna at (630)532-7672 or jenna@leadingladiesmovie.com

Let Love Lead

www.leadingladiesmovie.com

When Babies Attack

While reading an article on the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, I couldn't help but notice the 'related' article, When Babies Attack. It made my laugh because it was so true. I've gotten hurt often by my own children and students...rarely intentional, but painful nonetheless.

You know you are a good parent when your 2yo slams a Thomas the Tank Engine right into your temple so hard your eyes tear up...but you don't scream, or throw the train across the room....you take a deep breath and say "Wow, that really hurt, I'll be right back." You leave the room and head to the bathroom to silently yell and decide if the ER is necessary.

Blog Shout Out

Dan at Musings of a Minor Mennonite wrote a post about the movie Leading Ladies and our families. Ha, ha...it made my day. Enjoy.

Fitness Friday

I know its been awhile...partly because I am teaching so many fitness classes!

To partly promote myself and to tell you about something I care deeply about....drumming.

Drumming is an amazing exercise for your body...but more so your brain and soul.

I teach a cardio-drumming fitness class, Drums Alive. For grown ups, we use large balance balls and step risers to create a drum. Add some drum sticks and you have a fabulous drum set! I combine basic drumming techniques, dance, and fitness into a great workout. I use very easy choreography and outstanding music for all over the world to create a group hour of fun (and fitness)! And yes, you will sweat!

For the kiddos, I use five-gallon buckets turned upside-down and dowel rods. We also have different sizes of other Tupperware containers. We turn on music (which is always playing in my classroom) and let them feel the beat. Although I might give some direction once in awhile, often the kids take it upon themselves to arrange the drums in groups or a circle and experiment hitting the drum in different ways.

So besides the obvious physical benefits of drumming....drumming is fantastic for your brain. It increases pathways between the left and right side, improves coordination, rhythm, reduces stress, releases endorphins. Additionally, drumming is an amazing social activity. I have kids who rarely participate in 'group time' always head over once someone brings out the drums to join the circle. And there is nothing like feeling silly all together with a group of adults!

Come to a class....head to a drum circle (check your local entertainment papers)...pull out the pots and pans and wooden spoons.....pound on the table...have fun!

I think I've done things right when...

Since we were out (after storytime at the library), we decided should just go to the grocery store. I know we need some things but I have no list and two little boys with me. Let's go!

So I forget to buy milk and toilet paper but....

The boys picked out a lot more items than I usually allow (usually they get 2 items (1 free choice, 1 mom-approved). Here are the 'treats' my kids picked out today:
*tofu
*garlic and herb crackers
*chocolate doughnuts
*berry yogurt smoothies
*trix yogurts
*Kix cereal
*Cherrioes
*Munster cheese

There is nothing better than having a kid yell: I want to hold my tofu!

Soundtrack of my life

I love music and my favorite albums to listen to are soundtracks from movies or musicals....especially in the car where you can belt it all out and no one, except your children, have to suffer through it. My favorite time to listen is on long rides, like I took this weekend.

As a kid, we had 3 choices...Cats, The Big Chill, and Footloose. That was it, so naturally, I can sing every song word for word.

Since then I have expanded my repertoire. Here are my top favorites, in no particular order:
Boogie Nights (both albums)
Moulin Rouge (both albums)
Flashdance
Slumdog Millionaire
Avenue Q (not with the kids in the car)
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
Chicago (the musical)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Reality Bites
Forrest Gump
Shrek (all three)

Make sure to cut your grass..its really important

This was my response to a notice I received in the mail today from the always lovely City of Champaign.

I am writing to complain about a violation we have apparently committed. We received a notice today about MC 22-302.1(b)(6). So, basically I have the city telling us our grass in our backyard is too long.

There are many reasons I think this is absolutely ridiculous but I understand that there must be city codes to make sure we are all safe, clean, and most of all, attractive.

But please consider that since it is Spring and we have had increased amounts of rain, keeping the grass maintained is a chore for all households. Also, consider that my husband and I both work two jobs to support our family of five and are currently without a lawnmower. In the past three weeks that we have be unable to attend to our lawn, we have not had the time or financial resources to even purchase a new mower, let alone, mow the grass twice a week (which is our neighbors' preference).

In our lives right now, maintaining our lawn to our neighbors' desires and keeping it 'attractive' for the city is not a top priority for our family. We are more concerned about paying our mortgage, buying groceries, and trying to find some quality time to spend together. Additionally, our family makes a point to contribute to the community in many ways. The paramedic arriving at a car accident, that's my husband. That teacher guiding your child through life, that's me. The kid raising money for community organizations, that's my daughter. The kids picking up garbage on their way to the park, those are my sons. But apparently, we are also the ones with a yard out-of-view from the street that is too long for the city's liking.

We will try our hardest to meet the deadline specified in the notice. However, before handing out fines and filing liens on our property, consider the bigger picture of life, family, and community.

Be a movie extra NOW!

Head over to the Rialto Theater, Champaign TODAY and/or tomorrow to be a movie extra!

We are filming a fabulous series of dance scenes with Benji Schwimmer of So You Think You Can Dance! Swing dancing, club dancing, standing at the bar...come on out and have some fun!

We would love people there all day (12pm-12am) but if you can only make it from 6pm-12am, that is perfect!

It is really fun and an amazing process to see! Get a sitter and have a free date night or evening with the girls! Bring your friends!

See here for more details on what to wear.
The Rialto is located at 123 W. Church, inside the Robeson Building, across from the Art Theater.

Movie Shoot!

I have been out of blog world because I am helping produce a film that is shooting in CU this month and next.

Leading Ladies is a movie about an overbearing ballroom stage mother and her two daughters must re-define their roles in life and on the dance floor. There is dancing and romance, laughter and tears.

It was written by local theater director Jennifer Bechtel and former-UofI Dance professor Erika Randall. We have so many valuable people working with us including So You Think You Can Dance's Melanie LaPatin and Benji Schwimmer as well as other dancers from the show, fantastic director of photography Pete Biagi, and many locals (and not locals) on crew.

The community has been very welcoming of our production team...thank you!

If you would like to get involved, check out the website www.leadingladiesmovie.com

If you want to be an extra, check out the extras section.

This Party is Out of Control!

The Chicago Tribune had an article about children's birthday parties today. The title of the article is Birthday Bashes for Less. So I thought that finally someone is writing about the ridiculousness of children's birthday parties (or adults for that matter). But no...the basic idea was that parents are starting to have their elaborate birthday parties on weekdays. This, I guess, is cheaper because some locations offer reduced rates for weekday parties.

So, I suppose I have to be the someone who writes about the ridiculousness of children's birthday parties (or adults for that matter).

I have this thing about birthday parties. In general, I don't do them for my kids. Since my kids' birthdays are all within 6 weeks of each other, we host a single family party for all three once a year that is very simple and casual. Shockingly, we host it at our house. I don't really understand the trend of going somewhere (like Chuck E Cheese, Little Gym, etc) and having to have specific activities, etc. for kids. We just don't need Party Leaders in our lives.

I work with kids, I have kids, I was a kid. You really don't need to give them anything to do. Put a group of children of similar age together and they will run and play and fight and it will be fantastic! We had birthday parties all the time as kids, and we just had people over and my mom got us food and maybe a video (and the VCR rented from the video store).

As for a friend party, I think my daughter has had two over the past 12 years. Every few years, she has a 'big' party with 8-10 friends...again at our house, simple (they love chips and ice cream). We didn't have parties at all until she was in grade school. Most often, she invites a friend or two over to do something special, like go to the movies, out to lunch, or have a sleepover.

My favorite is the First Birthday Party. I suppose marking the child's first year of life is important but let's face it...the party is for the parents and grandparents. The child will have absolutely no memory of this event except for photos (yes, I think that 'eating cake photo' is adorable). What I don't understand is why people have these huge parties, renting out halls, catering food, etc.? Its a lot of work, energy, and lots of money. The event should be intimate.

My second favorite is Adult Parties at Bars. I just don't understand this idea at all. I really don't like being invited to a party and then asked to pay $30 just to go, especially because it would take me days to drink $30 worth of Sprite. I went to a party at my friends house once, and we were asked to pay for dinner. I feel like if you want to have a party, you should pay for it.

And don't get me started on party favors.

I think celebrating special moment is extremely important. But I think we should focus on the actual celebration not the event. My mom always tell us our Birth Story on our birthday. We always write down our favorite moments of the past year on New Year's Eve. We often prepare a small show about the honored person. I am banned from diapers and dishes on Mother's Day.

Because, overall, it is not about a party with lots of food, favors, activities, and decorations. Its about the amazing person and that doesn't take any money to say "I Love You!"

Fitness Friday

I do a lot of yoga and pilates-type work with my preschoolers. Its really nice to learn to move and strengthen their bodies and it can really calm them down.

Pretending is the best way to do it. There are some ideas.

Have them lay on their back and tuck their knees in to become a BALL.
Then stretch their arms and legs out long like a BANANA.
Alternate between BALL and BANANA.
Lay on their bellies...reach their arms and legs out raising them off the floor like SUPERMAN.
Make sure to grab for STARS along the flight.
Roll over alternating BANANA and SUPERMAN.
Lay all the way down and reach their heads up like a SNAKE.
Coming up on their toes, roll into a standing BALL.
Pretend to grow up into a TREE....stretch out into BRANCHES....and shake their LEAVES.
Make a letter T with their arms.
Have the T fall from side to side.

I often make a game of saying different 'images' and having them hit each one.

Cut it out!

If you are a facebook friend or have seen me lately, you will know that I chopped off a foot of my hair and donated it to Locks of Love. I do this about every other year when I get to the point where I can't find the time to get my hair cut regularly. Well, since then everyone in my house wants a haircut.

The boys usually get a trim every 8 weeks of so. Every time, my older son, with beautiful blond locks, wants to use the electric clippers (which I use to buzz his little brothers head). And each time, he decides at the last minute to keep it long. But today was different. I went over the decision several times and he was sure he wanted to do it this time. He wanted his hair like his friend at school (who is African American and has very short hair...I tried to tell him it won't look like that but will look like his brother). He was sure, I checked. So there I go...I was almost in tears, his hair is so beautiful.

But it was done. He goes in the bathroom to check it out and starts screaming. He says he hates it and wants it long ago...can I put the hair back on. Sorry Charlie, there is nothing I can do. Well this lasts for about an hour. At one point he refused to leave the house until his hair grew back.

By the end of the night, he now loves it and he even wrote a new song about hair ("You Never Get a Haircut When You're Sick").

New favorite quote

"Its a process, not an event."
Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S. on The Daily Show

Of course he wasn't talking about child development but he should have been. That is exactly right. Kids don't suddenly stand up and walk, become potty trained, have conversations, read a book....

Morning Talk

My 3yo often crawls into bed with me sometime between 3-6am...so I often wake up to a sweet kiss from him. Today, as he cuddled with me and I tried to pretend this wasn't time to wake up, he asks...."Mom, what don't you have milk in your boobs anymore?"

So after explaining that there is only milk when there is a baby to drink it, he agreed that he didn't need the milk anymore. Then he explained to me that he doesn't have milk in his boobs anymore because Ty (his imaginary friend) isn't a baby anymore.

New Computer

I've been spending the past two weeks getting to know my new best friend, my new laptop. I am still learning how to use it and understand how much my husband made my life easier with our old computer.

Our former computer (shhh...we haven't told him yet that he's been replaced) hasn't been feeling well. Over the past five years, it has served us well as we pretended to keep up with technology. First of all, it was a laptop. And eventually, we got wireless internet. We got a digital camera and put most of our cd collection on iTunes. I used it for my fitness job for almost every class I teach (using my iPod). But over the past year, we had to replace somethings and the past couple months, he just got tired and only work when he wanted to. Although, I respect that in many ways...I have become terribly dependent on my little buddy. And he needs to go to work when I say.

This allowed me see the world outside the computer screen. I really stopped using my computer that much. It was great. I read books! I listened to music! I played with my kids!

So enter my new guy. I'm sure you want to know what kind it is....I don't know, my husband picked it out after lots of research. Wow, have things changed in 5 years! This one is so light and small. My favorite part is the finger print reader to open certain files! I feel so CIA. But I apparently have a slow learning curve when it comes to technology...so I still need to learn how to do things and download programs that I thought were magically on all computers.

But this, in addition to great madness in other projects in my life (more on that later)....I have spent far too much time on the computer. I even take him to bed and fall asleep watching TV online! I have had to make myself turn it off and do other things...but I sure do love this new baby!

Wash

All I have to say today is wash your hands....please. Thank you.