Mommy & Us Dance Class

I'm not unlike most moms...you hear that sonographer say "It's a girl.." and your mind just floods with thoughts of Barbies, glitter and dance class.

For me I saw all of that in threes. Right from the start. Everything was one big group party. Overwhelming...but more exciting than anything I could ever imagine happening to little ol me.

 

Dance class isn't cheap. But I haven't wanted my little ladies to miss out, nonetheless. Turns out, the Mommy & Me class is nothing more than things you can do in the convenience of your own home.

At this stage it's all about getting them comfortable following instructions, having social interactions with other kids, moving and learning to control their bodies. Getting comfortable with their bodies and having FUN with it.

So...I decided to start my own dance class. Just my girls..."just". I figured I had enough for a full class anyway...there's your social aspect.

I found some VERY affordable dance outfits at Walmart of all places. I already had tights and tutu like skirts. So all I needed was the leotard. They had ballet shoes too, but they were too big for our girls.

One of the most important keys in making this a big deal and getting them to take it seriously is by separating it from your average routine.

We have 2 days a week that we set in stone as if we are having to show up for a paid class at a studio.

We make sure we get dressed in our dance outfits

The first half is structured but it's fun!!! I mean these girls have a blast.

At the end I spend a LOT of time letting them take turns deciding what part was their favorite and what to do next. We do a lot of "Follow the Leader".

I will let them take turns being the leader and the leader gets to decide what we all do. We walk around the room and do whatever they ask! It really has been so much fun for them. I honestly don't think they even realize they are learning or being taught something. It's truly just fun for them!

 

Curriculum:

First we practice stretches which are easy and fun for toddlers. Reaching up and down, touching toes...that sorta thing.

We reach up high and then touch toes. We do twirls. We jump, we put hands on our hips. We switch arms so they learn to control certain sides of their body. But most importantly, we make moves fun. I will have them hop around like a kangaroo...leap like a frog...roll around like a potato bug. There are so many simple moves you can tie to things they are familiar with and enjoy.

 

There are so many fun ideas, props, visual aids and things out there on the net and we use a lot of them! Here's a fun visual aid that works great for toddlers! It's even more fun if you put them in a basket and let them pick the next move!

Right now it's about simple things like this. And I don't spend a lot of time on it. I'm talking a 15-20 minute class. And if someone is in a bad mood we end it. No pressure. We aren't paying remember? We just go back and try another day. That's what makes it a better environment for a toddler. You don't want them to feel forced. You want them to enjoy it, to look forward to it.

 

Eventually we will get into ballet positions and more technical moves...then I will hand it over to the pros. But as a mom of 3 girls...I can tell you that dance gets expensive enough...save your money while they are young. Invest it into time with your children to teach them, enjoy them and have fun with them. You don't need to pay someone else for the basics you can teach and enjoy at home. It really is so much fun. Such a wonderful bonding experience. And I don't mean to come across preachy...I just hope that my successful experience will help others open their eyes to an affordable and unforgettable time you can have with your toddlers!

Jesstober

Oh October, my dear. How I love thee. October has always been my month.

I was born in October. By no mistake.

If you look back through our blog you will see that I usually have some lengthy post dedicated to the fall...to October. It's just "my time". I usually get pretty emotional. I hit memory lane for some reason.

The smells.

The crispy leaves.

The ashes.

The apples.

The oaks.

The maples.

The turning of my age.

It's always felt like it belonged to me.

I have a lot of memories I've held onto that have happened in October the last 6 years.

Some I NEED to forget.

Some I need to hold on to.

But in the end, I'm grateful for this time of year. It's become a major time of reflection for me.

But for now, I want to share with you some LITTLE moments from my October this year.

 

I already posted about my birthday.

Here's a project I loved...

I shared this on my mommymakesthings.com blog but it's a chalkboard sign for my kitchen...THE hardest place in the house to decorate in my opinion! I'm satisfied...

One of my favorite books. And the quote is perfection at it's finest.

 I forgot to share this in September...I think?? I'm getting so bad at blogging lately that I can't remember! So I apologize if this is old news. But we FINALLY painted over this fugly (pardon me!) red and made it a little new and fresh. It was a fun LATE night with the hubster.

An October wouldn't be complete without a little new DIY Halloween decor right?

You can find more details about this on my other blog but I was pretty excited to make some harem pants for the girls for Halloween. LOVE em.

A little more decor...cuz you really can't have enough, right?

I played around with some really fun stuff on my DIY blog. Glazing is a new technique I'm a little too obsessed with! What else can I glaze...?? hmmmm...

And THIS girl...I swear she's trying to grow up too fast on me! Break me into pieces why don't ya??

Here's a DIY project that I actually DO brag about. Because it's of my littles. I love it. I mean I really really really really love it. I found a way to capture their littleness in time forever...in my decor. Two great worlds. I can't get over  how much I love them. You can find the tutorial at mommymakesthings.com

Along with the silhouettes, I also made a shower curtain I've been dying to have! I love me some trendy modern triangles...so I had to whip one up! Trust me...our 5 yr old Walmart bathroom needed a makeover. It was way easy! And I'm a beginner folks. Again...tutorial at mommymakethings.com

 Little Miss Payten desperately needed a haircut. We had way too much mullet goin on. How cute does she look with her little bob??? Thank goodness she is SUCH a girly girl. I mean sure, her getting into nail polish (or using sharpies as nail polish) and hair products and...can be a total pain in my caboose but she is girly through and through. If I didn't know better, I could've swore she asked me for this haircut. Little poser.

Cheeseball

Family Nights

Sometimes...almost always...it ends up in everyone fighting to touch the visual aids but eh...I'm trying...that's all I can do.

Ok...here we go. The triplets have been up to a LOOOOOT of trouble. It's getting to the point where we are constantly locking things and hiding things and you literally can't afford to let one out of your sight for 2 minutes. Payten is still the most mischievous. We all have a silent understanding in our family that if you don't see her or hear you...you better run. Every time WITH.OUT.FAIL. she is into something...some kind of trouble...I mean it's like she's a wizard of shenanigans. This is how I find them after I (heaven forbid) take a quick potty break...pushing the chairs into the kitchen and finding ways to get into things they aren't suppose to. Boy do these ladies know how to take advantage of me!

Triplets are good for pony rides. Just sayin.

We have no shortage of holiday movies in our home, that's for sure. Unfortunately the girls are too young for most of  them...and Erik hates the rest. So it's up to Kayson and I to keep the Halloween alive in our home!

Oh this girl. Hallie Mckay. I could write about her for hours. I could do that for all of my children but she truly inspires me. She's one of the most unique people I've ever met. And she's IMPOSSIBLE not to fall completely head over heels for. That's what we get for naming her after Allie Calhoun from The Notebook. Here, she's clearly holding all of the sippy cups hostage. And I love this pic because it's the ONE day I had CRAZY and IRRATIONAL dreams of potty training 3 toddlers at once. I mean what was I thinking right??? Ugh....it was the last time I saw her in these...let's just leave it at that.

 

This photo needs no caption. Ok so there's a caption in the photo...but it says it all.

However, for fun...here's what I posted on instagram with this photo:

"I know people that are afraid to be parents or to take that next step, it's a lifelong commitment. It's hard work. It's scary. And you will never be ready. We loved being parents, but were we ready for triplets? Certainly not. Is our life easier with children? Definitely not. Can we afford everything we want for our kids? Not even close. Do we have money in the bank? Rarely. Did it all still work out? Better than a dream!!! For those of you hesitating to take that step, I can tell you that even the scariest of circumstances reap more joyous rewards, love and moments than you can find in any other way than as parents. This pic is one of those simple moments that life is good and nothing else matters."

We are blessed with parents all around us that love us unconditionally, give unconditionally and somehow keep believing in us no matter what we go through or how hard life can get sometimes. Here's just another night of them spending time with us and taking us out to dinner. Making us feel fancy. Fancier than mac n cheese that's for sure!! They love us way more than we deserve.

This pic...I mean really. Does it get any better than this???

Hallie...playing with one of mommy's wigs. Cuz she's cool like that. Though she be but little, her hair is but ENORMOUS!!!

And yes, that is a binky. Don't judge. You'd be lazy too if you were desperate to hold on to naps!!!!

Oh ya know...just another typical moment in our home. Kids with completely overactive imaginations. I love it.

Payten is such a daddy's girl. Although, I have to GRACEFULLY and GRATEFULLY admit that she has an indescribable adoration for mommy finally.  When we have alone time it just melts me. I see so much of me in her...I feel her desire to grow and learn and become like me. I've never literally FELT someone look up to me but the way she wants to copy my every move...the way she looks at me and desperately wants to be a part of it all connects us in a way I don't have with the others. The way she likes to HOG me and feels so entitled to have me all to herself...I can't help but be moved. It rocks my world.

But this little lady loves to sit and wait for her daddy to come. Or watch Kayson play with his friends...apparently she just wants to get the heck outta dodge.

Silly September Stuff

 It's pretty much a requirement for girls to get hooked on The Princess Bride...I'm happy to oblige

 When I bought my yard sale stools, I had the girls hop on for my "Before" pics. I couldn't help but melt over this pic. Uno, Dos, Tres.

 Definitely not as cute without tutu bums

 Oh Miss Payten...about as girly as they come. She MUST have her nails done. And if she doesn't, she will take care of it herself with markers...often. I love having someone to play dress up and make-over with!

 

At least once a week, no matter what I do, Payten finds a way into mommy's make-up. Just another mascara fiasco. My favorite was probably the time she put lipstick all over her...well...let's just say there wasn't a pic taken of that one.

 While we're at it...why not share another Payten Moment?...

 

 Our dear friends Joni & Aria came to visit for a bit before they moved to Ohio...sadness in the air. Can't wait to see them again but we had a great & girly time! Two year olds are the best...I love this age!

 Just another desperate day for something to do!

 I am struggling so much with getting rid of binkys. We got so close and then Hallie started having her Night Terrors and it really set us back. Hopefully we'll toughen up soon. It's so much different with 3 of them!

 Awww...Dirty Dr Pepper definitely helped get me through the month!!

I hardly ever take pictures at Eriks parents anymore but I need to start. We go to family dinner there every Sunday and I've just become so use to it over the years that I forget to take pics. But these times with our family are some of the most precious. And definitely something we may be missing dearly in the next year or so.

 Uncle Brendon snuggles

 Sleeping in big brother's room. "Turn the light off mom...it hurts my EEEYYYYESS."

September Time

 

Our family has a new obsession. The Pizza Pie Cafe. Several locations but our favorite is Clinton, UT.

 

The prices are fab, the food is to DIE for and the experience is tender for our family. Our littles absolutely light up. We don't take them out to restaurants often...and they literally start yelling and screaming and acting up when we pull into the parking lot. What a treat for our family!

 

 This lady cracks me up. Saydee will seriously obsess over an entire plate of salad. It was at the Pizza Pie Cafe that we first discovered our "piglet's" love of salad. Not pictured here but it exists folks!

 

Me and my Hallie Bear

 

Another outing...Kayson was having a weekend at his Grandma Lessie's!

Hallie and her daddy

Saydee...our professional eater...

Payten enjoys a slice or two as well...

 

August

It's nearing November and  I'm just posting about August. Go me.

 

It's funny how when I took this pic I was savoring the summer daily...and now I'm yearning for it. Flowers are dead and all...

 

I pretty much suck at taking pics lately. It's a rare thing that I snag them with me.

But I loooooooove my Saydee Bug. My family continues to tell me that she has my exact personality. I love that. But at the same time I hate to brag. She seriously brings the fun to our family. Hysterical little lady right here. Can't WAIT to blog about her!!!

 

Meet Whitney. "Whit" as I call her. Cuz when you're THAT close...when you get eachother...when you are able to overcome the craziest...you can nickname. I love her. And I love our "Wifey Nights"

 

We felt so blessed to be a part of Whitney's new little lady's blessing. Ella Farley is simply adorable. A perfect addition to their family of gorgeous girls!!! We love this little family!

 

 

This was my FIRST braid on my girls. I have done better since. But I have to add that I have been french braiding since I was 8. Seriously. I literally checked out my own videos on french braiding from the Layton City Library and learned how to do it on my own, on my Barbies and on my sisters. I have been practicing on people for fun, for dances, etc for years...all in hopes that I would have a daughter one day to braid. That time is finally here...thin little toddler hairs and all.

 

Just a typical lazy day at home.  Sister snuggles.

 

We took the kiddos to a movie...FINALLY!!! It's the triplets' first theater movie. And of course it had to be Monsters Univ. They looooved it. No shocker there. Our girls are obsessed with Monsters. Little adorable weirdos!

And then there's Hallie...little angel.

Our big fella started school!!! I can't believe he's in the 1st grade. I'm in shock and denial a little still. I am so proud of him. He is amazing at math...he definitely didn't get that from me. He can cruise through his math homework faster than I can figure it out!!!

Then this happened....stupid zhuzhu pets!!! Hallie wanted it to walk on mommy...I think I screamed like a little girl...that sucker was stuck for like 5 minutes.

Ahhh....I love our Sunday Sweeties!!!

Saydee, Payten,  Hallie

Just another lazy morning...ok we have a lotta those!! Saydee snugglin mama.I'm pretty sure lazy days are her favorite. She's a TV addict.

 

HUGE UPDATE!!!! The girls moved on to toddler beds!! Grandpa & Grandma Taylor bought them these adorable toddler beds! It's a love/hate relationship. They still do pretty well at nighttime but for 3 months now they have been napping in separate rooms. At first, I was super annoyed at the disruption in sleeping etiquette...I'm weird like that...but if they're sleeping I don't care...I CANNOT LOSE NAPTIME!!! It's just too tempting for them to play so they still sleep (locked) in separate rooms for naptime! Hooligans.

I can't not post a white trash pic. Cuz I have to be honest. I'm not one of those moms that gets her kids dressed to the nines every day and does their hair. This is lunchtime...in pajamas......on the table...sharing a plate of totally non-healthy nachos. Cuz we're awesome like that. YOLO!!!

Sometimes mommy likes to buy new toys when she's out. Cuz she can't help it. And she has an obsession with Barbies and Lalaloopsy. Saydee happened to be the first to wake up from nap and get this surprise. I couldn't stop watching her play make-believe with Lalaloopsy. When these girls play with dolls they just come to life and I get mezmerized. Hashtag: meanttohavegirls.

 

These gals...

Jess got lucky one day. She got to babysit her nephew Sawyer. He's my favorite. When I'm with him I just wanna send my kids off to the babysitter and spend the day with him. Is that bad???