SYTYCD: fill me in!!

There is a very real possibility that I am missing SYTYCD right now. So will you help a girl out?! Fill me in - what did you like? Who was boring? Did anyone fall on their ass?

SYTYCD: trumps the to-do list

I had a long list of things I wanted to get done today which included, cleaning the kitchen & dining room floors, laundry, laundry, laundry, upload/edit pictures and write a couple of posts to be published next week while we're gone, finish thank yous, go through a few bags of clothes to look for summer wear for Keaton, and exercise.

Other than two loads of laundry and finding some summer clothes for Keaton, which I HAD to do because we decided today that we're leaving on vacation at 5 pm on FRIDAY night instead of Saturday, I managed to go out to lunch with my boys, devour a 2 lb burrito, browse the candy shop and walk out with not one but TWO truffles, and snap a couple of pictures of Keaton nibbling on his toes. Oh, and watch SYTYCD.

The day was definitely more fun/less work that I had planned but I am SO going to regret this when we come home next Sunday to a dirty house. Oh well. The good news is - one extra day of vacation!! Woo Hoo!

So, I really need to hit the sack because I really need to get up and work out in the morning (see to-do list not done above) but I wanted to talk SYTYCD real quick. I loved last season so much that I was really worried I wouldn't be able to fall in love with the dancers as much as I did last year - kinda like the fear of not loving the 2nd child as much as the first - but I'm happy to say I'm really liking this season already and I don't think I'll have any trouble liking it just as much as last season. Here are a couple of thoughts I had tonight:

* I feel like sometimes I let the judges comments sway me and I wish I wouldn't do that. Case in point: I liked Jeanine & Phillip's (couple 8) tango, I thought it was fun, but after hearing the judges I found myself saying, yeah, they weren't so strong technically. But here's the thing, I don't know the first thing about ballroom dancing, ALL I really care about is whether or not it is fun. Yet, by the time they walked off the stage I was agreeing with the judges.

* I was happy Lil C finally gave props to Brandon tonight (if you remember he was one of the ones that basically told Brandon he didn't him). I thought Brandon and Jeanette (C4) did really well on their disco and I think he deserved those props.

* I'm probably the only person who feels this way and I guess that makes me heartless but if I'm being completely honest I wasn't really all that moved by Asuka & Vitolio's(C5) dance. I really, really wanted to be and I liked the dance just fine, but I just didn't feel it. (ducking as you throw your tomatoes)

* I felt more from Karla & Jonathan's (C7) contemporary routine.

* Keaton was being a crankalotomus during Kayla & Max's (C6) routine and I feel like I missed to much of it to get a sense of whether or not I liked it - can you fill me in, what did you think? Because even though I don't want to play favorites, Kayla is kinda at the top of my girl list.

* In no particular order I voted for: Randi & Evan (C1), Melissa & Ade (C2), Karla & Jonathon (C7)

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Trouble

We've mentioned it before, with two boys so close in age we know we're gonna be in trouble.

Remember this picture I caught of Keaton?

I snapped this one of Jackson a few weeks ago:

Aaaaand another one of Keaton at the end of May.
I'm sure some day I'll look back on this post and shake my head at the naive me of 2009 - but I'm kinda looking forward to the shenanigans of these two.

Daycation

I know I say this, like, all the freakin' time, but seriously, how do the weeks go by so quickly? You might have noticed that I missed my Keatsday post last week. I've been meaning to write it for the past, what has it been? 5 days! Last Tuesday night as I pulled into the driveway and opened the garage door I saw the dog's food sitting out in the garage and I was instantly excited, we're going, we're going! When I left in the morning I thought we were going to go, but our plans went back and forth 800 times before we actually made the decision. Before I was even out of the car Collin was bringing bags outside and we were packing up the Envoy to head Up North to the cabin for a Daycation. Well, a daycation for me, a work day for Collin.

The addition to our cabin started earlier this month and Collin and his dad had a little more work to do before we head back up there this coming weekend with Kira & Justin and my parents for vacation/project: cabin remodel. Because Kira & I were pregnant, we didn't make our usual trip up this winter so I hadn't been there since last August. I love that place. It is so peaceful and it is one of the few places that I can truly relax. Man, did I miss it.

Wednesday was overcast and cool. When Keaton and I were outside we were bundled up in sweatshirts and hoodies, but that didn't matter, we still enjoyed ever second of it. Collin and I are so antsy to get back up there on Saturday.

Here's the cabin

Here's what construction looked like on Wednesday morning.

Here's Maia saying, come on out chipmunks...I dare you!

Here's Keaton saying, hey woman, I got an idea...how 'bout you put that camera down and take me back to the dock. I wanna see that big bath tub again.

Here's what construction looked like when I packed up the baby and the puppy and headed home Wednesday evening. Collin & Pa Kono stayed for a couple more days to continue working.

Countdown to Vacation: 5 days!!

SYTYCD: How it works

After last night’s show, Amanda left the following comment on my most recent post about SYTYCD:

Okay, so last night I watched SYTYCD. I kind of don't get it. Will the voting change? What if you only like one of the people? What if your partner sucks and the good one is eliminated? Who competes like that? Do they have partners the entire time? I ended the night more confused than I started. I did like the short couple who danced to Richard Marx...they were cute. And the dance from Slumdog Millionaire. Help me understand...please???

After reading it I thought, yeah, this show is kind of confusing for a SYTYCD newbie, so I thought I’d clear up some questions. Now, I have to warn you, my brain is only working at like, hmmmm, 80% these days, so if I screw anything up, please leave me a “hey, dumbass” message in the comments.

Okay, here’s how the show works:
* The dancers are all paired off and (as you saw last night) each week they get a different genre and choreographer to work with.
* At the end of Wednesday night’s show America gets to vote for their favorite couples.
* On the Thursday “results” show the bottom three couples are identified and then each dancer individually has to “dance for their life.”
* At the end of the Thursday night show the judges pick one guy and one girl (from the bottom three couples) to be sent home.
* It won’t necessarily be a “couple”. If your partner gets sent home, you automatically get paired up with the other remaining dancer.
* If your partner sucks, well, ummm, life pretty much sucks for you. Hopefully the judges will realize it’s your partner bringing you down and spare you.
* If I remember correctly, I think about half way through the season they have a big ‘ol partner change-a-roo. Also, I’m pretty sure they dance in partners right up to about the end of the season.

Okay, hopefully that clears some things up. The thing I personally like about the show is that although America has a say, they don’t have the final vote. In the end the judges make the call about who should go home. I like this because, seriously, we don’t need a Taylor Hicks of dancing. Sorry if you’re a TH fan. I’m just….not.

Anyway, moving on…

What did you think about last night’s show? I have to say, I was impressed. I’m a big ‘ol dork and I actually vote for this show. I usually limit myself to 3 couples and last night I had a really hard time deciding which three to choose. Unfortunately I still don’t know all of the dancer’s names, but here are the ones I liked:

Couple # 1 – the hip hop routine about the couple who couldn’t go to bed while arguing
Couple #4 - Evan & Randi – the short couple; I didn’t really like the song they danced to, but I loved the dance
Couple #6 - Caitlin & her partner – who danced to the Slumdog song
Couple # 9 – the ballet girl and, oh my gosh, I can’t remember anything but that, I don’t remember her partner, I don’t remember the song, but I liked it
Couple # 10 – I think her name was Kayla – they danced a salsa maybe?

At 9 pm when voting started all hell broke loose in my house as my mom arrived and the dog started going nuts and the baby woke up, so, based on my phone log it appears I voted for # 4, #6, & #10. If you voted, who did you vote for? If you didn’t vote, feel free to play along anyway, who would you have voted for??

Memo to my son

Stink -

I know you are hungry. The crying, head shaking, and eye rubbing left little doubt. Therefore, grabbing and yanking on my nipple as I prepare to nurse you really isn't necessary. K?

Lots of love,
Mommy

Blog Award

I woke up this morning and it was a dreary, rainy day. Pile that on top of it being a Monday morning, I overslept, and I left my last working umbrella at the wedding we attended this weekend and yeah, it was pretty much a crummy start to the day.

But then I got an email from Kim from Kim's Crafty Apple (I also highly suggest you check out her and her cutie pie kiddos over at One Beer Mom) and suddenly my day brightened. She nominated me for an award; a Kreativ Blogger award. I'm not sure I'm deserving of this, especially in the company of the other ladies nominated - those girls have some mad talents - but I'm flattered just the same.

I spent the day thinking about this award and I've come to the conclusion that my day job is stifling my kreativity. For those that don't know, I work with numbers. Lots and lots of numbers. I analyze them up and down and then flip them over, give them a little spank, and analyze some more. In the past I would have considered myself a kreativ person, but lately, I don't know, I just haven't had time to tap into my kreativity. But this award has made me realize that I really, really miss doing so. So Thank you Kim, thank you for brightening my day, thank you for reminding me that I need to make the time for doing things that bring me joy, thank you for nominating me.

So, here are the RULES of this Award:

Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

7 things you *might* find interesting:

1) My middle name is Alicia. I was named after my Grandmother (Mom's Mom), who passed away when my Mom was seven. This year while doing a little online research about my Grandparents I found that my Grandma's name might not have been Alicia after all. One of these days I'm going to have my mom order a birth certificate to get to the bottom of this.

2) I love ketchup. When I eat a burger or a brat I have to have a "dipping pile" that I use before each bite. Also, I can not eat mac 'n cheese without ketchup.

3) I started dancing (ballet, tap, jazz, acrobat) when I was three. When I gave it up in high school my mom told me I'd regret it. She was right.

4) My first major in college was Biology. During the 2nd semester of my freshman year I switched to Accounting - I'm still not absolutely positive how I made that leap.

5) I love to exercise. When in the middle of a good workout I have a really hard time stopping, I love to push my body and feel the burn. But, when I'm in a rut, I'm in a R.U.T. Right now, I'm in a rut.

6) I prefer winter over summer. I know, crazy, right?

7) I'm a dreamer. My mind is always racing with the next idea, the next adventure.

The last thing I need to do is nominate 7 kreativ bloggers. The following ladies are all kreativ in different ways, one has a way with words that can bring me to tears, one takes pictures that makes me want to sign up for a photography class a.s.a.p, one makes the cutest diaper cakes you have ever seen, one only needs paint and a canvas and can create anything you'd like, one makes a myriad of different things and most recently supplied me with a year's worth of bracelets for birthday gifts, one crocheted the most beautiful blanket for my son for his baptism, one creates absolutely gorgeous handmade cards, all of them inspire me.

1. Jen's Little Black Dress

2. Just Put On Your Big Girl Panties And Deal With It

3. Idle prattle by me....a mom

4. Is this Normal?

5. Random Thoughts, and just...Us

6. Thinking Out Loud

7. We Like Dogs

Thoughts on SYTYCD Top 20 show

Based on our poll I know there are at least a few of you out there watching this season so lets talk! What did you think? Do you have a favorite yet? Here are a few of my running thoughts, in no particular order:

1. I have alot of respect for Mia Michaels as a choreographer. I really love her work. BUT, I lost a little respect for her tonight as a person after the way she talked to Brandon. I'm not some mega Brandon fan or anything, I think he is good and all, but I'm not in love yet. But, to tell someone that what he brings to the floor "annoys the shit" out of her - I think that's what she said - I don't know, I just didn't think that was necessary. I'm all for constructive criticism and I'm even all for putting cocky people in their place, but I didn't think that comment was either of those things. I really just found it mean. What did you guys think? Did she rub you the wrong way or am I overreacting? Maybe I am in love with Brandon and I just don't realize it yet???
2. Right now I don't really have a "favorite". Kaitlyn Kinney was one of my favs during the auditions but her crying, of the weeping variety, has turned me off a little. I'm glad she made it to the Top 20 and I'm hoping I start liking her again.
3. I think Cat Deeley is my favorite reality show host. I just love her; she seems so genuine. (Note: if this is an act, do not tell me, I'd prefer to live in la la land on this one. I mean her accent...it's so cute!)
4. I can not wait for next week, for the dancing to finally begin. Auditions and Vegas week are fun and all but it's the music and choreography and the amazing dancing that I'm really looking forward to!
5. I'm still upset that Natalie was cut without given the chance to dance for her life. I was really hoping to see her in the Top 20 this year. I hope she auditions again next year.

What thoughts are swirling through your mind right now?

Dear Keaton: 5 Months

Dear Keaton,

This past weekend you turned five months old. This month has been very busy for me at work; pressing deadlines have meant long days, which have resulted in a tired Mama. Finding time to catch my breath has been a challenge. When I first started thinking about writing this letter I didn’t think I was going to have much to update, the days have been moving so quickly that I didn’t even realize how much you have changed and grown in the past month. When I allow myself to sit still, to just take you in, I realize that you are growing by leaps and bounds on almost a daily basis.

You had just started to consistently roll over from your tummy to your back at the beginning of the month. Now, you can roll from your tummy to your bank and from your back to your tummy. The other night I laid you on the floor and before I knew it you were half way across the room. I can’t help but cheer you on each time you turn over, and by the looks of the smile that spreads across your face, I think you’re pretty impressed with yourself as well.

We bought you an exersaucer at the beginning of May and were pretty sure you’d love this because you are such an active little boy and you love, love, love to jump around like nuts when we hold you in our laps. To our surprise, when we first put you in it, you were a little apprehensive. You sat very still, put your fingers in your mouth and just looked around to take it all in. Pretty quickly though you figured out how much fun it is and now you jump around in it like crazy, your mouth is always wide open as you squeal with delight.

A couple of weeks ago we dug your highchair out and even though you aren’t actually eating out of it yet, we put you in there while we eat. It is so nice to be able to have family dinners together. You sit in between Daddy and me and play with your toys while we can catch up on each other’s day. As you get older I hope you will come to enjoy this time where we come together at the end of the day to talk and laugh as a family.

This month you also started sucking your thumb and recently you found (and fell in love with) your feet. I’m not sure that there is anything cuter then seeing you curl your body up so you can hold on to your little toes. You’re also very close to giggling. You give us that first little hee hee, and I can’t wait until it is a full out laugh.

These big developments have been so much fun, but when I look back at this time in your life it’s the little things that I really want to remember, like the way you take your nuk out of your mouth, spin it around, and chew on the side or the handle. Or how you are reaching out for everything and when you grab hold of something you bring it to your mouth as you ROOOOAAR. Or how you crane your neck to look out the window when we drive down a tree-lined road. You love looking at the trees and we always encourage you to "count the trees, Buddy, count the trees!"

Yes, when I sit down and reflect I realize just how much you’ve grown this month. You are changing so rapidly that it scares me a little. The days go by so quickly. Before I know it you’ll be sitting, and then crawling, and then walking. It is a good reminder that no matter how busy life gets I have to slow it down, I have to take you all in, today, tomorrow, every day, because you are growing so fast.

I can’t wait to see what this next month brings. Every day you bring so much joy to my life and I love you to pieces.

Love,
Mama