tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16918234964314362142024-02-06T22:37:39.421-05:00Life with my LovesJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.comBlogger429125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-11190732512230981502014-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-22T07:00:08.881-05:00Lost in "The Music of the Night"I think any theater lover has a bucket list, the "must see" shows and Phantom of the Opera has always ranked high on my list. I was extremely blessed to have the opportunity to see this amazing show on Friday, courtesy of my friends at the<a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/"> Straz Center</a> and the Tampa Bay Bloggers! This proved to be a wonderful date night for me and the Hubs, who is not a theater lover like myself but who always says he wants to see it again.<br />
<br />
I'm slightly embarrassed to actually say this out loud but I didn't really know the plot prior to seeing the show. I knew it was about this man, the Phantom, who was in love with a performer but that was it. I was unaware how much suspense and danger filled the theater and never realized I'd be on the edge of my seat the entire performance (literally on the edge of my seat...I never sat back against the seat for one second).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/l/t51.2885-15/10843915_576409735823968_1292832137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/l/t51.2885-15/10843915_576409735823968_1292832137_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the show to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we walked in, I was surprised to see the curtain was lifted and you could see the stage/scenery right away, as well as the covered chandelier (which was absolutely stunning!!! None of my pictures do it justice). We were instantly able to appreciate the hard work of the creative team. From the extravagant costumes to the use of shadow figures to tell the story of the Phantom's past,the Creative Team nailed it! I was floored by the effects used to create the boat scene. Every aspect of the lighting design, set design, and costume design made it that much easier for the audience to find themselves feeling like they're in the Paris Opera House with the rest of the cast. It was truly amazing! Kudos to the Creative Team for transporting me from my seat and into the story!!!!<br />
<br />
If the atmosphere wasn't enough, the cast of <a href="http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/ustour/">US Tour of Phantom of the Opera</a> brought it home for me! The caliber of their voices were like nothing I've ever heard before. The beauty that<a href="http://www.katietravis.com/"> Katie Travis </a>brings to Christine Daae is unbelievable. <a href="http://www.stormlineberger.com/">Storm Lineberger</a> brings such a depth and soul to Raoul in his first experience touring with a show. The Phantom is brought to life by the amazing<a href="http://chrismannmusic.com/"> Chris Mann</a>. I loved him as a finalist on The Voice and I was so excited when I looked at the cast and saw his name in the lead role! He brought such a darkness to the Phantom that I wasn't prepared for. I just can't say enough about the entire company!!! They brought to life the songs I've grown up loving. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/PHANTOM-Katie-Travis-and-Chris-Mann---photo-by-Matthew-Murphy_zpsde6593c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/PHANTOM-Katie-Travis-and-Chris-Mann---photo-by-Matthew-Murphy_zpsde6593c4.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie Travis and Chris Mann<br />
Courtesy of the <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/">Straz Center</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Phantom-photo-1_zps664917eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Phantom-photo-1_zps664917eb.jpg" height="259" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masquerade<br />Courtesy of the<a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/"> Straz Center</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These performers are also so grateful. I might have been obsessing over the show on social media (before, at intermission, at the end, and pretty much every minute since) and I instantly saw how much these performers love what they do and how much they love their Phans. So many of them have liked an Instagram picture or favorited/retweeted a tweet that I've posted. You don't see that too often and it really is a nice feeling to know that what you're saying about a performance is being seen and appreciated by the cast. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831714_719665221422618_75844685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831714_719665221422618_75844685_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately I didn't make it to the stage door :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the moment the orchestra started warming up and the organ played those famous notes to the final curtain call, I found myself in love. In love with the story. In love with the characters. In love with the music. In love with it all. I was left speechless and wanting to experience it all over again. This truly was the most amazing theater experience I've ever had and I'm so grateful to the cast and to the Straz Center for that.<br />
<br />
Phantom of the Opera will be at the Straz Center through January 4th. Believe me when I say that you do not want to miss this show. It is life changing. For tickets,visit the Straz Center's <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/">website</a>.<br />
<br />
For more information about the North American Tour of The Phantom of the Opera, visit their <a href="http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/ustour/">website</a>, follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/PhantomOnTour">Twitter</a>, like them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhantomOnTour">Facebook</a>, and on <a href="http://instagram.com/phantomtour/?modal=true">Instagram</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I was provided tickets to this amazing show, thanks to the Tampa Bay Bloggers and the Straz Center, in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% mine (and I could gush all day about this show)</i></span><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-36037692741398139022014-11-28T16:42:00.002-05:002014-11-28T16:42:45.618-05:00Back from the DeadI think it's safe to say that I'm back!!! I know I keep saying that but this time, it's for real. After not having a computer for over 6 months, we finally have one! I can get back to doing what I love, documenting my life! Now all we need to do is get the pictures off my old computer and move them to this one. I have so much to share!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10368253_10103301271651991_3763174679323054694_n.jpg?oh=20cce154874c7c24048823e84533cbcd&oe=55044E4E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10368253_10103301271651991_3763174679323054694_n.jpg?oh=20cce154874c7c24048823e84533cbcd&oe=55044E4E" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've been having too much fun!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-80919810627197004192014-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:002014-07-15T07:00:09.329-04:00Sometime you just need a breakThere comes a time where you need to take a step back, look at what's going on, and re-evaluate. That's where I've found myself lately. I logged on a few days ago and saw that I hadn't posted since the end of April. Obviously I've taken a little break from blogging, which was totally unplanned, but I guess I needed it. I've been keeping up with my reading of blogs (not so much with the commenting) so I haven't been completely cut off from the blogging world but the demands of it had taken its toll. Unfortunately I was trying to keep up with all of the other bloggers out there. I found myself getting discouraged because everyone else's blogs were taking off and mine wasn't. The posts I was writing weren't the type of posts that I used to write. They seemed so different to me. I was coming up with topics just for the sake of getting in a post every day just to keep up. Bottom line, I had lost the joy I felt when I started on this journey and wasn't being true to myself. <br />
<br />
So much has happened in the past 3 months. My kids finished up school and I now have a soon to be 2nd grader and soon to be Kindergartner. I had knee surgery. We had lots of family time. I dyed my hair red. And I didn't document any of it. Sure I have it all on Instagram but it's not the same. I don't have it on here so when I finally decide to turn this blog into a book, those moments won't be included.<br />
<br />
We just got back from a 10 day Disney vacation where I put down my camera and was just present. Sure I took some pictures on my phone and had my camera for our character meals, but other than that, I just enjoyed myself. We had so much fun, ate way too much, and made so many memories. I think it actually helped me remember why I started this blog. It wasn't to make money. It was to document my life and my experiences. Sure, it would be great if I could earn a little off of it but if I don't, it won't be the end of the world. Because bottom line, in 20 years when my kids are grown, I want to be able to look back and have this space to turn to when I want to remember the good days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/wd074wdw201419396702554_7014568138_18_zpsd833486c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/wd074wdw201419396702554_7014568138_18_zpsd833486c.jpeg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner on our last night at the Spirit of Aloha Luau at the Polynesian Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-9427381932258742202014-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-24T07:00:04.943-04:00Ghost The MusicalI am a theater girl. There's no denying how much I love going to the theater. I think it started when I was little. My mom and dad always had music on around the house. We grew up with country, classic rock, "elevator music" as I called it, movie soundtracks, and Broadway tunes. I've had <i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</i> memorized for as long as I can remember. Telling a story through music is a beautiful thing. I can remember the first musical I ever went to. It was <i>Damn Yankees</i>, featuring Jerry Lewis, at what's now called the Straz Center when I was in middle school. I can still remember what I wore (it was the early 90s so it was ridiculous) but it was the night I truly fell in love with musical theater. <br />
<br />
I was so excited to go to the <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/">Straz Center</a> last night for Opening Night of <i>Ghost the Musical</i>. The Hubs doesn't share the same love for the theater as I do so I asked my mom to be my date for the night. She loves the movie <i>Ghost</i> plus loves going to the theater so she made the most perfect date! We made great time over the bridge to downtown Tampa, which is completely unheard of at 6pm. We picked up our tickets and headed in. We got there early, thanks to no traffic, but it gave us a chance to catch up. With so much going on in our lives, it was nice to just sit and talk, even if I do talk to her every day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/StrazTwilightAcrossRiver_zps6c948481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/StrazTwilightAcrossRiver_zps6c948481.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous Straz Center <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo by Rob Harris)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When the time came, we headed to our entrance and were escorted to our seats by one of the lovely volunteers. I was quite pleased with the view from our seats! I didn't know what to expect because I've never seen the movie <i>Ghost</i> besides the famous pottery scene. So I had nothing to compare the show to, which I think was a good thing. When the show started, I was instantly blown away by the set design. The use of video images and video screens in the overall set design was something I had never seen before! The visual effects they were able to achieve were hands down, the best I've seen. There is a scene where the cast is standing in the rain. It looked so real! And all that was used was a screen and video images of rain. Unbelievable!!!<br />
<br />
I always stalk the Playbill to see what other productions cast members have been in. I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of cast members list RENT in their resume. I love RENT so anyone that's associated with it wins points in my book. I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed! Stephen Grant Douglas, who played Sam Wheat, was Roger in a regional production of RENT and his voice fit the bill. He was fantastic! He did a great job of bringing the character to life (or death I should say). I'm sure it was hard to make it look like he was a ghost but he nailed it in my book! Molly was played by Katie Postotnik. She is absolutely gorgeous. I wasn't too sure about her voice at first and then she sang "With You", a song about how Sam's death affect her. It was in that moment that I was captivated by her. The tone and depth of her voice was absolutely beautiful. Katie and Stephen, besides having amazing voices, had great chemistry and their voices sounded perfect together. Whoever cast these two in these roles did an amazing job! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Ghost1_zps52610c7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Ghost1_zps52610c7f.jpg" height="640" width="403" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Steven Grant Douglas and Katie Postotnik, Ghost The Musical Tour. © Joan Marcus, 2013</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As for the story, it was just okay in my book. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the show but I didn't identify with it as strongly as I have other shows. My mom had mixed reviews about it because it was quite different from the movie. She came in thinking it was going to mimic the movie plot and there were only a handful of scenes from the movie. I did not have anything to compare it to since I have never seen the film. I think that helped me to appreciate the show a little more than she did. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Ghost3_zps7b74b81e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/Ghost3_zps7b74b81e.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Carla R. Stewart and Steven Grant Douglas, Ghost The Musical Tour. © Joan Marcus, 2013</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the plot might have missed the mark a little, the technology and set design really won the show for me. I sat in complete awe of it. They were able to create a distinction between Sam and the other ghosts from the living people and were able to do it when side by side with another person (as seen in the above pictures). They were able to create depth on a flat stage. When someone died and became a ghost, it happened in an instant. You were left looking at the person as a ghost and a human at the same time. It was truly magical. I don't think I can say enough about it!<br />
<br />
Overall, I enjoyed the show. Is it the best show I've ever seen? No but it wasn't the worst I've ever seen. Would I recommend going to see it? Absolutely! But for all my Tampa Bay area friends, you better act quickly! <i>Ghost the Musical</i> will be at the <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/">Straz Center</a> through April 27th! If you're not in the Tampa Bay area, you should try to see it when it comes to a theater near you on its first national tour!!!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you to the amazing people at the <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/">Straz Center</a> for partnering with the <a href="http://tampabaybloggers.org/">Tampa Bay Bloggers</a>! I was able to attend this production in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own! This is theater people...I take it very seriously!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-91960810820860450202014-04-22T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-22T07:00:00.484-04:00Knowing when to "Let It Go"<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I wrote this post last week for the Tampa Bay Moms Blog. I've explained all of the stress that have been going on in my life and this post was like therapy for me. I love writing so much but the experience I had writing this post was truly organic. The words just flowed and it turned into the piece I'm most proud of.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I feel like it's been so long since I've been on the blog that I should re-introduce myself. Hi, I'm Jess. I'm a full time working Momma who just learned the biggest Mommy lesson of all time: Knowing when to Let It Go (like the <em>Frozen</em> reference??? Gotta thank <a data-mce-href="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/2014/01/06/making-resolutions-you-will-never-be-a-perfect-mom/" href="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/2014/01/06/making-resolutions-you-will-never-be-a-perfect-mom/" target="_blank">Debbie </a>for that one! There will be more than one of these references so bear with me!)</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2014/04/let-it-go.jpg" href="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2014/04/let-it-go.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-8489 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2014/04/let-it-go-225x300.jpg" height="300" src="http://citymomsblog.com/tampabay/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2014/04/let-it-go-225x300.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
As moms, we're charged with handling (or juggling in my case) so many tasks at one time on a daily basis. Keeping our children alive and happy, keeping our husbands/boyfriends/partners happy, managing the household and everything that comes with it, school responsibilities, extra curricular responsibilities, social obligations, and throw work responsibilities on top of it if you're a working Momma like me. When you sit down and look at everything a mom is responsible for, it's amazing we're all not in the looney bin by now. That's a lot of responsibility and pressure to put on one person. And to make it worse, we're so critical and judgmental towards our fellow Moms. We're expected to handle it all with grace and poise and not let everyone see we're falling apart at the seams.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
That's where I found myself the past few months. Trying to hold everything together as best as I could while my life was spiraling out of control. I can't help but think of the amazing song "Let It Go" from <em>Frozen</em>. First off let me say that I absolutely adore this movie and the soundtrack. Granted we've been listening to it nonstop since it came out, to the point where I pretend the CD isn't in my car anymore, but it's still amazing. Just listening to "Let It Go" has brought me to tears before. The message is so powerful.</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>Don't let them in. Don't let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be. Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know. Well now they know</em></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I was struck by that lyric. That's exactly what I was doing! I was drowning on a daily basis but I was putting on the happy face. You know the one. The one that makes everyone else think everything is fine when it's anything but. We've been dealing with my daughter's health issues with no answers. My son had a seizure at school, which was the worst day of my life. I had another kidney stone. My husband had a heart scare. I had just switched jobs. School and dance and family obligations were piling up. There was no light at the end of my tunnel. I was putting on a brave face each and every day. I was acting like nothing was going on, that there was no stress in my life.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
One day I realized that I couldn't hide it anymore. There was no way I could pretend like it wasn't too much for me. That's when it hit me...I have to let it go. I have to stop pretending that I have everything under control. I learned to say no. I took a step back from some of the things I was involved in. That's why you haven't seen me on the blog since Christmas. I had to focus on the most important thing in my life, my family.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
You know what I realized? I realized it was okay to say no. It was okay to let other people know you're overwhelmed and need help. I learned it's okay to feel like you're drowning because you're not the only one. I realized I'm not the first mom, nor will I be the last mom, to be going through what I was going through. I realized I didn't have to be the picture perfect portrait of Motherhood. Being a mom is wonderful and a dream come true but it's messy and crazy and it's hard. I've finally come to terms with that. I've become okay with knowing I'm not going to live up to society's expectations of what a Mother should be. I'm okay with that because the only opinions that matter are my children's and they think I'm doing an amazing job!</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>It's time to see what I can do. To test the limits and break through. No right. No wrong. No rules for me. I'm free. </em></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-85993107199512569292014-04-21T07:30:00.000-04:002014-04-21T07:30:02.176-04:00Princess and Mommy Tea Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are cordially invited to the most royal tea party in all the land!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/PrincessTeaParty_zpsf4e0c5ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/PrincessTeaParty_zpsf4e0c5ce.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Princess and Mommy Tea Party</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday April 27, 2014</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12:00-2:00pm</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sage Supper Club</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22 N Fort Harrison Ave</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearwater FL 33755</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$25 per Mommy/Princess pair</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join us for a tea party straight out of a fairy tale! At the Princess and Mommy Tea Party, moms and daughters will be treated to a royal good time! Come dressed as your favorite princess (Moms…you too!!!) or choose one of the princess dresses that will be available at the party. All proceeds benefit <a href="http://www.thedance-central.com/">Dance Central</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.7;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About <a href="http://www.thedance-central.com/">Dance Central</a>:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.7;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“We believe in dance education. What we offer goes beyond just steps, and children can truly flourish and grow as individuals from our program. <a href="http://www.thedance-central.com/">Dance Central</a> is committed to providing quality dance lessons in a safe & family oriented environment. Our goal is to produce great kids who appreciate the arts and are prepared for the future. Although our Scholarship Fund is just building, we are aiding families that have been with us through the years who are going through tough families emergencies and need the extra support from their second family at <a href="http://www.thedance-central.com/">The DC</a>. We assist families with dancers interested in classes from recreational dance to competitive dance”</span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-20470564708982638912014-04-11T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-11T07:00:04.242-04:00Tiny DancerIt's funny the way my life has turned out. I'm not girly at all yet I'm blessed with the girliest of girls. I grew up playing sports and being with the boys. Now I find myself spending my days at the dance studio. And you know, I wouldn't change it for the world!<br />
<br />
Almost 2 years ago I was debating whether to put Emmy in gymnastics or dance. She's naturally coordinated and athletic. She's strong despite her tiny frame. Ultimately, Emmy chose dance. We found an amazing studio, one that was recommended to me by a former patient's mother and from my aunt. My aunt was a professional dancer and told me to look into <a href="http://www.thedance-central.com/">Dance Central</a> because she used to dance with the studio owner. Ironically enough, it was the same studio my patient's mother recommended. We met Miss Kelley and Emmy fell in love.<br />
<br />
Last year, Emmy had a hard time. She did really well with dance and was so cute! But we were going through a lot with her health-wise. She was sick a lot and went through a period where she just wouldn't dance. Miss Kelley supported us (mainly me) throughout the whole issue. We took a month off and Emmy regrouped. Then she ended up having surgery a few weeks before the recital. Emmy still managed to perform, looking oh so cute! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/389bacf0cfe911e287c922000ae904e6_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/389bacf0cfe911e287c922000ae904e6_7.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Emmy's first day of dance<br />Right: Emmy's last day of dance at the recital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took the summer off to see if Emmy's health issues calmed down. But we also took the time off to let Emmy grow up a little. Being a very young 3 and having the demands of routine and structure that come with dance, on top of going to school for the first time, was a lot for her I think. I think she just wasn't ready for all of that. So when she said she wanted to go back to dance, I knew this was for real. So we have spent every Saturday morning at the studio this year. She loves learning new moves and learning how to make her body do new things. She got to know her "big girls" (the elementary/middle schoolers who help teach her class) and loved doing what they could do. She did a great job at the winter performance, proving that spiders can be the cutest things in the world!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/676_zps56cf3e82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/676_zps56cf3e82.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Itsy Bitsy Spider" at the Winter Performance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we near the end of the season, I just can't get over how much she's grown up. She's learned so much and she's loving every minute of it. This time last year she wouldn't even dance unless I was sitting in the doorway. Now she's telling me I can't be backstage at the recital because I'm "not a dancer like her." I can't get her to leave the studio on Saturdays. She would stay there all day if I let her. That just goes to show that we chose the right studio. Emmy found her home at Dance Central and I couldn't be happier. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/a9fc524c9bda11e3bebb0acd15db90af_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/a9fc524c9bda11e3bebb0acd15db90af_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with the big girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/bf23945eb1ca11e3af1c0e00870f07bb_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/bf23945eb1ca11e3af1c0e00870f07bb_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How we spend our Saturdays </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10003442_10102620416441291_829665428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10003442_10102620416441291_829665428_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a matter of time before she's doing this without the wall's help</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/916e03feabd611e3ac98124189afe772_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/916e03feabd611e3ac98124189afe772_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off the new DC boy shorts!!! She thinks she's a big girl now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm happy that she's found her home because she's going to be spending a lot more time at the studio next year. Emmy (or EmmyBell as Miss Kelley calls her) will be a member of the Competition Team next season!!!! She's so excited (and so am I). She can't wait to get to perform and show off all her moves! I'm so proud of her! And she's proud to be a DC Dancer!!!!! <br />
<br />
Thank you Miss Kelley for welcoming us into the DC Family and loving my EmmyBell as much as you do. She absolutely adores you and I'm so thankful that we have you in our lives!!! Thank you for believing in her and helping her see how much she's capable of! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-30932054710442642762014-04-10T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-10T07:00:01.776-04:00ElectroDash 5K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.electrodash5k.com/images/gallery-photo-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.electrodash5k.com/images/gallery-photo-05.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I know I'm a day late and a dollar short on everything but I have to share the fun we had at the <a href="http://www.electrodash5k.com/">ElectroDash 5K</a>! I'm all about finding experiences for my kids that incorporate fun and exercise. Sometimes it's the only way I can get Noah to get active (he's an indoors kind of kid, like his daddy). When the opportunity presented itself to participate in ElectroDash, I knew it was the race for us!<br />
<br />
The Hubs, the kids, my brother, his girlfriend, and my surrogate brother all met up at the fairgrounds for this race. We've done a race at the fairgrounds before so we sorta knew what to expect, course wise. The kids loved being able to wear as many glow sticks as humanly possible.We headed towards the starting line and then we were off. The Hubs planned on walking the whole thing. I was hoping the kids would want to run a little bit but nope, that wasn't happening. Emmy was more focused on picking up glow sticks that people dropped. That made for a VERY LONG 3 miles. I didn't think a 5K could take so long! But she had fun so that's what matters. My brother and surrogate brother took off running after about a mile and my brother's girlfriend hung back with me and the kids. She's usually my race partner in crime so I was glad she could do this race with me, even if it was just walking with the kids. <br />
<br />
Here's a few pics of the fun we had:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo11_zps6ea0f8ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo11_zps6ea0f8ed.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo2_zps3ac11d91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo2_zps3ac11d91.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our obligatory pre-race picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo3_zps6faa20d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo3_zps6faa20d4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just half of Emmy's glow sticks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo5_zpsc9a985d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo5_zpsc9a985d9.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to start!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo12_zps35ab4fcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo12_zps35ab4fcb.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a pretty cool area. Planets hanging up in the trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo21_zpsf5af7b60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo21_zpsf5af7b60.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Emmy holding up the planet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/ed4c46d6b16711e382b00e301bf70f05_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/ed4c46d6b16711e382b00e301bf70f05_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmy, asleep in the car on the way home, with her collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, I'm really happy with this experience. I've never done a glow race before and turns out, they're really cool! To see a million glowing lights running through a course was a sight to be seen. Plus my kids had a blast! I don't care how much I might not like something. If they like it, that's all that matters! I will say that there wasn't as much black lights as I expected there to be. There were a few stations that were cool but between them, it was very dark and the ground was very uneven. It was a little unsafe in my opinion. That would be my biggest complaint about the whole event. Other than that, I totally recommend this event! I'm definitely looking forward to next year!!!!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received free entries for this event in exchange for my honest review, thanks to the Tampa Bay Bloggers. All opinions are 100% my own</span></i><br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-61936836208967116842014-04-09T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-09T07:00:05.813-04:00The Worst Day of My LifeYesterday I mentioned that Noah had a seizure and I'm still having some trouble with it. That experience is so much more than just a quick blurb in a recap post. I constantly relive that day over and over in my head. <br />
<br />
It was Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
A few days prior, I had been talking with Emmy's Immunologist. She was in her usual sick cycle and we were coming up with a game plan for what to do next. We had decided that if she spiked to 101, we'd bring her in to the office and have labs drawn. Well wouldn't you know, on the 13th, I came home from work and she was blazing hot. I emailed her doc, who emailed the team (while in labor) with the plan and lab orders. Seeing that email and having her in the bed with me, made my world crash in on me. I had been surviving in "nurse mode" in respect to Emmy. I was always thinking what we could test for, what this could be. I never let myself just be a mom because I knew I'd break down. Well February 13th was my breaking point. I cried all night and all morning. I brought her in and had her labs drawn. I spent the morning crying in people's offices because I just needed to. I had finally gotten to the point where I could mention Emmy's name without tearing up and I got the call I will never forget. My mom was calling my cell phone at 1230 in the afternoon. My heart sank and I knew something was wrong.<br />
<br />
"Something's wrong with Noah"<br />
<br />
That's all she said before I couldn't concentrate. Honestly, I didn't hear anything else. I was shaking and for the first time in my life, I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move my body. Thankfully I have amazing coworkers who handled the rest of the day for me. I grabbed my stuff and headed to my car. I called my mom back and finally realized what had happened. Noah had been unresponsive for the past 15 minutes. I called the pediatrician just to confirm that he was supposed to head to All Children's. I called Mom back and told her to meet me at work. By that point I was hysterical. By the grace of God, two of the doctors I work with were walking down the sidewalk and found me. Again, I'm so blessed to work with amazing people. One of the guys went with me to the EC. He literally walked me there. If he hadn't seen me, I'm not sure I would have ever made it there. He was amazing. He spoke to the EC doc for me to give them a heads up. He waited with me until John showed up. He texted throughout the day. He stopped by to see us before he headed home for the day. His wife texted me that night to make sure we were doing ok. They are just good people.<br />
<br />
Waiting for Noah to get there felt like an eternity. My mom was withholding some details because I was not in my right mind. When they showed up, John got him out of the car and he was grey. I'll never forget the color of his skin. He wasn't responding to us. I've never felt so scared. Our room was ready for us and the entire EC staff was in our room. About 10 minutes later, Noah started to answer questions but he still wasn't himself. Then about 10 minutes after that, it was like a switch was thrown. His color got better, he sat up in the bed, and he started talking. I felt a little calmer after that.<br />
<br />
I learned that he was unresponsive and not blinking for 10 minutes. Then he started blinking but was still unresponsive and dead weight until he got to the EC. On the ride over, his eyes were rolling in the back of his head. From start to finish, it lasted about 50 minutes. He was a trooper through his IV start, his EEG, and MRI. He bonded with Emily, the Child Life Specialist. She definitely made this experience a little easier on us all. After about 6 hours, we were able to go home. All of his testing was negative and we were to follow up with Neurology. Later that night I remembered that a former coworker worked as a nurse practitioner for the Neurology group. She answered all my questions, told me what to do if it happened again and helped set me up with the best doctor we have. She did scare me a bit and told me that children with normal MRIs and EEGs have a 30-50% chance of future seizures. Not exactly what I expected to hear. That statistic alone has stressed me out more than anything. I'm constantly on edge that he's going to have another one.<br />
<br />
After seeing the Epileptologist, he sent us to Cardiology just to rule out any cardiac reasons. Of course, we saw the best cardiologist All Children's has to offer! His work up was negative as well, which is such a blessing. We are due back in 2 weeks to see Neurology again.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful that we haven't had any issues. He's had some instances where he spaces out which scare me but we've been fortunate that we haven't had anything more than that. And I'm hopeful that we won't have to go through this ever again. It doesn't mean that I'm not a nervous wreck though.<br />
<br />
My world was rattled that afternoon. I got a phone call that I never imagined I'd get. I had that moment of sheer panic. I was hysterical. Literally hysterical. It's a feeling I never want to feel again.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/e145a72c964d11e38bf00abf480766b1_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/e145a72c964d11e38bf00abf480766b1_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet boy's mohawk the next day from the goo from the EEG leads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-64602775045332703802014-04-08T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-08T07:00:08.668-04:00When the body turns against youTo say that we've been unlucky in the health department is an understatement. We have a crazy high deductible for our insurance. We usually meet our deductible by the end of the year but this year, we've already hit it. It's only April people! We actually hit it in March.. Can someone please throw us a bone???<br />
<br />
We all know I get kidney stones. I tend to get them once every 3 months. I started off the year with a stone, no big deal. A quick trip to the ER and I was as good as new. My newest ailment is my knee. I finally got my butt off the couch and started running again. I actually felt good running for the first time in my life. I was motivated and finally prepared mentally to start making running a part of my life. But of course, my body had other plans. A few Saturdays ago, I went to get something out of the dryer and felt the most intense burning pain I have ever felt in my life. After hobbling along for a week, I saw the orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed me with plica syndrome. Pretty much crazy inflammation of my plica that is controlled by either steroids or surgery. I just finished a course of oral steroids and my knee doesn't feel any better. I go back in a few weeks to see whether or not I get a cortisone injection or a surgery date to fix the plica. It could also be a torn meniscus but they wouldn't know that until they get in my knee. Either way I'm not looking forward to my next visit. <br />
<br />
The Hubs had a pretty big scare in March. He called me at work saying his blood pressure was like 150s/100s. Not exactly what I wanted to hear. He was having some chest tightness and tingling as well so I took him to the ER. He ended up spending the night for observation since he fits the heart attack description: overweight male in his 30s, who doesn't eat well or exercise, with a ridiculous family history of heart disease. Thankfully his work up was all negative and he was able to go home the next day. He is on blood pressure meds, which are working pretty nicely, and he's (slowly) making some healthy lifestyle changes. <br />
<br />
Emmy has always been a puzzle when it comes to her health. I think I've talked about it before but she gets sick every 3 weeks like clockwork. It's always the same too.....fevers, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and skin rashes. We've been seeing an Immunologist since August and we've stumped her. All of her work up has been negative but they are still concerned (as am I). Finally I broke down and discussed her health history with one of my Bone Marrow Transplant docs who specializes in Immunodeficiencies (and who I respect and trust and who is absolutely brilliant). She suggested we scan her sinuses and maybe it's a really bad case of chronic sinusitis. So we did and her sinuses were packed. We started her on 21 days of antibiotics. I was so relieved and hopeful that this was our answer. Well sure enough, she got sick like clockwork, even on antibiotics. Our Immunologist is out on maternity leave so we saw the nurse practitioner (who I adore) and we've stumped her as well. Thankfully everyone is reaching out to their colleagues around the nation to see if anyone else has any ideas. We have to come up with some answers soon because Emmy has a lot of exciting things on the horizon (stay tuned for a post on it!!!)<br />
<br />
So that leaves Noah. He had a seizure on Valentine's Day. Thankfully he's okay and has not had any further seizures but we don't have any answers. We're left with a ton of "whys" which leaves me constantly on edge. It was the worst experience of my life. There's so much emotion that I'm still feeling because of this. I'm so thankful he's okay and that we haven't had any other issues but I feel like I'm changed because of it. It's hard to explain. That day is forever etched in my brain and I can't help but play it over and over in my mind. I'll explain more tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Other than that, we're hunky-dory over in the Crimella house. I'm impatiently awaiting the day when I can say we're all totally healthy at the same time!!!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-63139746491457489792014-04-07T12:47:00.000-04:002014-04-07T12:47:20.998-04:00I'm out from under my rockMan....I can't believe I haven't written since the beginning of January! That should tell you how my months have been. I don't even know where to begin. Here's a quick run down of all the things that have happened:<br />
<br />
~We're still dealing with Emmy being sick every 3 weeks. We're no closer to an answer than we were in August. Total frustration on our end<br />
~Noah had a seizure on Valentine's Day. Thankfully he's okay but no one could give us a reason why he had one. That was probably the worst day of my life. No lie.<br />
~The Hubs spent the night in the hospital with high blood pressure, chest pain/tightness, and numbness and tingling. He's fine and is on meds to control his blood pressure.<br />
~Thankfully I've only had 1 kidney stone this year.<br />
~Oh I did mess up my knee and might need surgery<br />
<br />
Doesn't that sound like enough? Well add on all of our family commitments, social commitments, dance commitments, and school commitments and you're looking at a woman who needs about 40 hours in a day rather than 24. I found myself completely drowning in day to day life. It's taken a long time for me to get back to feeling like myself, hence the HUGE vacay from blogging (although writing is so therapeutic for me so I probably shouldn't have abandoned it). But I'm back, ready for a fresh start, and needing to get a lot off my chest. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/a35e5df4a2c911e3b773120c2472e598_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/a35e5df4a2c911e3b773120c2472e598_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally have a smile on my face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-10531443942573958362014-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-03T07:00:03.055-05:00Review: Angry Birds Go! Pig Rock RacewayNoah's an Angry Birds nut. The Hubs has him hooked. We have every version of the game on the iPad. We've enjoyed the <a href="http://crimellafamily.blogspot.com/2013/10/angry-bird-telepods-review-and-giveaway.html">Angry Birds Star Wars Telepod playsets</a>. The latest in the Angry Birds family is Angry Birds Go! The birds get mobile now! In this game, the birds have go-karts to help them triumph over those pesky pigs. <br />
<br />
Noah was over the moon when our friends at <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/games/en_us">Hasbro Games</a> sent us Angry Birds Go! Pig Rock Raceway to play with. From a set up perspective, this was a pretty easy one to put together. Noah probably could have done it himself but there are a few stickers that needed to be added so I took over the set up responsibility. I have a thing about the stickers being put on correctly. The kids played for hours with it. It's still set up in Noah's room, weeks later. Santa even brought him extra Angry Birds Go! carts for Christmas to use with this playset. And what I love most about this set.....both kids can play at the same time! There's no fighting over who's turn it is or yelling over not sharing. Noah and Emmy loved seeing who's kart would cross the finish line first!<br />
<br />
Angry Birds Go! Pig Rock Raceway allows you to race head to head in order to topple the pirate pigs. Obstacles and pirate pigs stand between your kart and the finish line! Then use the Telepod technology to teleport your favorite kart into the Angry Birds Go! app. Angry Birds Go! Pig Rock Raceway retails around $29.99. It comes with 2 kart, one that is exclusive to this set. Make sure to download the app for your electronic device, grab your kart and GO!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1305_zps3264936a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1305_zps3264936a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Vanna!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1306_zps60c693e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1306_zps60c693e7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set up, ready to race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1307_zpsbeeaad31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1307_zpsbeeaad31.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Mr Piggy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1308_zpsd9add9c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/1308_zpsd9add9c5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They loved it!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks again to our friends at Hasbro Games for this opportunity! Noah just can't get enough of it!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I was provided an Angry Birds Go! set in exchange for this review. All opinions are 100% mine (and Noah's) and 100% honest. </i></span></div>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-11883787218738184622014-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-02T07:00:04.004-05:00My best NYE everI spent yesterday in my pajamas enjoying everyone's NYE pictures and stories. I loved seeing everyone all dressed up and having a good time. I even found myself wishing I was in some of those pictures. But the more I found myself drifting away with those thoughts, I was brought back to reality by the voices of my sweet children. And you know what? In that instant, it hit me. I wouldn't have traded our NYE for anything in the world. <br />
<br />
After I got home from work (which ended up being a few hours later than I had hoped), we took the kids to our favorite pizza place. My gluten intolerance didn't like this choice but I wasn't letting that get in the way of our fun. After having a great time at dinner, the kids wanted dessert but Yogurtland and the ice cream shop near by were closed. So on to our back up plan....McDonalds ice cream cones! My kids can eat ice cream like its their job. On the way home, the Hubs and I were trying to explain the significance of NYE to the kids. On a whim, I said that this would be the only night that they can stay up as late as they want. You would have thought I gave them the keys to the world. Noah exclaimed "I'm a grown up now!!!" Emmy was just excited that we weren't going to force her into bedtime. <br />
<br />
The Hubs watched some football and the kids watched Disney Channel. I finally got to see Up and Wall-E. Noah looked like death warmed over but he was determined to stay up til midnight. I might have cheated a little and took a quick 30 minute nap on the couch. We switched the channel just in time to start the countdown to 2014, although I'm not quite sure Noah saw it drop. He was practically asleep on the couch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/12aa092c72a211e3b9ca1287e245a320_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/12aa092c72a211e3b9ca1287e245a320_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still hanging in there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the ball dropped, I got to share a New Years kiss with the loves of my life. I wasn't out watching fireworks and sipping champagne in my sparkly outfit. I was in baggy sweatpants, hair a mess, covered by my children on the couch with my husband on the loveseat. I wasn't at a swanky party but I was at the most amazing party I can think of. I was with the people that bring me the most joy and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-81188707033597719072014-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T21:31:36.283-05:00Welcome 2014As the world welcomes in 2014, I can't help but look back on the past year and think it was a good one. Sure there were some rough spots and even some things that I would like to forget. But over all, I'm pleased with where 2013 has taken me. I've been able to make amazing memories with my family and friends. I've made career changes that I'm thankful I made. I was constantly reminded how brave and strong my patients are. I've also been reminded how fragile life is.<br />
<br />
While I'm sure I made resolutions this time last year, we all know I haven't kept a single one. So this year, I'm not going to make resolutions. I'm not going to make promises I can't keep. I'm not going to set myself up for a feeling of failure come this time next year. Instead I'm going simply enjoy this next year. Make memories with my family. Do everything to make myself a better wife, mother, and most importantly, a better version of myself. <br />
<br />
I know what I'd like to accomplish. I know where I'd like to see myself a year from now. And I know I can achieve all of these things.<br />
<br />
Here's to an amazing 2014. May it be filled with love, laughter, and memories!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/659_zpsfc427d75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/659_zpsfc427d75.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-4873674056319339332013-12-31T21:18:00.001-05:002013-12-31T21:18:41.569-05:00The Color Run 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/download9_zps8b12b262.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/download9_zps8b12b262.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When The Color Run came to my area last year I totally missed out on an amazing race. I saw so many pictures and posts about the great time everyone had and knew I had to be a part of it when it came around again. Well ladies and gents....the time has come! The Color Run is coming to a town near you! Lucky for me, The Color Run is coming to my own backyard, <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/clearwater/2014-01-26/">Clearwater FL</a> on January 26th!!!<br />
<br />
This year they kick off the 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour by making The Color Run bigger and better. After visiting over 50 cities last year and having more than 600,000 Color Runners, they've decided to go big or go home! They plan to have over 170 events with over a million Color Runners!<br />
<br />
Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run, stated "We call The Color Run the 'happiest 5K on the planet' because our events bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment. Our only rules are that people wear white and prepare to be covered in color at the finish!" Who wouldn't want to take part in that?!? <br />
<br />
I'm excited to share that they've made it a little more exciting to sign up! Not only is there awesome new participant gear and crazy race attractions, you can also save $5 when you use the code COLOR5OFF when you register!!! Registration is simple. All you have to do is go to <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/">The Color Run website,</a> find your city of choice (come run Clearwater with me!!!) and sign up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/TCR_save51_zps2cca7a24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/TCR_save51_zps2cca7a24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I was provided entries into The Color Run race at a location of my choice in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own! I can't wait to look like that girl above!!!!</i></span></div>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-22465353305114576202013-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-07T20:19:02.845-05:00Thankful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/thankfulthursday_zpsb54c2f03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/thankfulthursday_zpsb54c2f03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Normally in November I take to Facebook and update my status every day with something I'm thankful for. But I have no idea how to go back and read all of them from the past few years without taking forever. This year, I'm going to do it here, on the blog. That way I will have those declarations in one place, no matter how many years go by.<br />
<br />
I have been so blessed in my 31 years. I have the best parents a girl could ask for. Amazing brothers. Fantastic friends. I fell in love with my best friend and we have 2 beautiful children who remind me daily of God's love for us. Those are the guaranteed things I'm thankful for. But there are so many other things I'm thankful for.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful to have found a profession that brings me so much joy and fulfillment. So many people are unhappy in their jobs. I can honestly say that I love mine. I was truly called to be a nurse. But the beautiful part of this amazing profession is the ability to recognize when you're getting burned out and have many different avenues to travel while still being in the nursing profession. I had found myself emotionally drained the past few months and I now have an exciting new opportunity in Clinical Research. I'm so thankful for this change.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for <a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-16522983875447705342013-11-05T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-05T07:00:06.611-05:00The coolest baked good I've ever madeSo back to my recaps on Emmy's Tangled birthday party. We've already talked about the <a href="http://crimellafamily.blogspot.com/2013/10/tangled-party-aka-momma-gets-crafty.html">decorations</a> so now we're on the good stuff...the cake. <br />
<br />
I love to bake. I'd rather bake than cook. For some reason, baking makes me feel creative and artistic. I don't get that feeling from cooking. Last year was all about being creative for my children's birthdays. Noah got Lego cookies for school and a Lego cake for home. When I started planning (or pinning) Emmy's party, I knew exactly what I was going to make. I found this pin and knew this was perfect for my baby girl's party.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f3/05/81/f3058156ce572f22a919dc1ecaff4160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f3/05/81/f3058156ce572f22a919dc1ecaff4160.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/80079699597161065/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How perfect are these Rapunzel towers?!?!?! A great twist on the classic cupcake. I headed to Michaels and got my supplies. They were quite easy to make too. I used a boxed cake mix (I'm not above that) and prepared it per the directions. I put ice cream cones in a muffin tin to help stabilize them and filled them 1/2 way to 2/3's of the way up. I baked them according to the box and they baked perfectly inside the cone. I baked them all the night before because I knew I had 40 of them to decorate the next day. If I could do it over, I would make sure the only task I had on the day of the party was the cupcakes because the cones got a little stale. I'm not sure if being in the oven caused the staleness or because they were made the day before. Either way, they were a huge hit.<br />
<br />
My brother's girlfriend was a lifesaver and came over early to help me finish them. I can't thank her enough because I'd still be decorating them months later if it wasn't for her. I just love that girl so much!!!<br />
<br />
Here's our Rapunzel Towers. I think they turned out perfectly!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1170838_10102037622694631_1352089550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1170838_10102037622694631_1352089550_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/944799_10102037622709601_870038878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/944799_10102037622709601_870038878_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1148849_10102037629770451_115262156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1148849_10102037629770451_115262156_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527044_10102037630159671_738231112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527044_10102037630159671_738231112_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I have to share this picture because it captures Em's pure joy at her party. She had the best time with her friends from school, her cousins, and our family. We're so blessed to have so many people who love our children.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1176234_10102037628303391_1273156722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1176234_10102037628303391_1273156722_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-22962417652083693832013-11-04T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-04T07:00:10.638-05:00Embarking on another First DayToday I am embarking on a new journey. Friday was my last day in the Outpatient Clinic and today I start my new role as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Sounds fancy, doesn't it? I'm super excited yet totally freaked out at the same time. Bedside nursing is all I know. That's all I've done for the almost 8 years I've been a nurse. It's where I'm most comfortable. It's where I feel the most like myself. I'm at home at the bedside.<br />
<br />
When I transitioned from Inpatient to Outpatient, we had just gone through a horrible period where we lost a few patients. It was very taxing on the staff (to say the least). You come in every day and see the patients at their worst. It wears on the soul tremendously. The opportunity to move to clinic allowed me some time to heal. I was now surrounded by the patients who are doing well. They come to clinic every week, every two weeks, every month and they're healthy. They're thriving. They're going to school and getting to be kids. It was what I needed to heal.<br />
<br />
Recently I've realized that I might have healed too much. I've gotten used to seeing the same patients day in and day out. I've built friendships and bonds with them. I'm by no means saying that is a bad thing. I love that I can go in to work and be able to be completely real with the people I'm caring for. But that too comes at a price.<br />
<br />
I have found myself becoming too attached, too comfortable. So with every relapse, it's hitting me even harder than before. It hurts that much more because I've seen them at their best. I've put so much of myself into taking care of them, trying to protect them from their disease. I've found myself saying "why didn't I see it coming?" or "why didn't I pick up on the slight change in their labs?" or "what could I have done differently?" Each relapse has become a personal defeat for me. <br />
<br />
Which is why I am welcoming this new position with open arms. I'm excited to take on a new role in the Hem/Onc/BMT world. It will be challenging, which I love. It will test not only my patience but my brain. It will challenge my ADD/OCD like nothing I've ever done. I'm prepared to not be good at my new job at first, which will be hard because I'm a perfectionist. I know I will miss being at the bedside. I'm sure most days it will kill me. It was so hard to tell my patients I wasn't going to be in clinic anymore. But I know that feeling will pass. And if it doesn't, I'll figure it out. But this is what my heart needs. It's what my family needs. And that's all that matters.<br />
<br />
To my clinic family.......thank you so much for an amazing 2.5 years! I am so honored to work beside each and every one of you. You have each taught me so much and have helped me grow. You've put up with my health issues, my personal drama, my attitude, and my ridiculous sense of humor and I love you all for that. Never once did I feel like the "new girl." I instantly felt like part of the family. You don't find a work environment like that too often and I'm thankful I found you. I know things are rough right now but I'm positive it will get better. I will miss you all the time but I'm glad I can still cross that parking lot and come say hi when I need to! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/269932_10100354604915751_5480249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/269932_10100354604915751_5480249_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of my Clinic Family (including some of my new Research Family)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-49078843167712914382013-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-31T07:00:09.730-04:00Happy Halloween!!!!It's not a big secret that I'm not a fan of Halloween but the Hubs loves it and so does the kids. But there's nothing cuter than little kids in costumes. So in honor of the Hubs's favorite holiday, here's a quick look at my Halloween cuties through the year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/151_536084959331_3572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/151_536084959331_3572_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah's first Halloween....probably not the most flattering costume for a fat baby (2007)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/371_598785866211_1762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/371_598785866211_1762_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lil Dinosaur (2008)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/16466_717701323681_8120230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/16466_717701323681_8120230_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas (2009)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/16466_717701333661_5957774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/16466_717701333661_5957774_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lil Pumpkin...Emmy's first Halloween (2009)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/72468_898311464511_6716094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/72468_898311464511_6716094_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Tinkerbell (2010)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/76265_898310177091_4311504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/76265_898310177091_4311504_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brave Fireman (2010)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/380181_10100485068775131_217549961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/380181_10100485068775131_217549961_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessie and Optimus Prime (2011)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/9008_10101714253938211_715037418_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/9008_10101714253938211_715037418_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiderman (2012)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551454_10101714252955181_18822028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551454_10101714252955181_18822028_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida (2012)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy Halloween!!!! Stay Safe!!!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-38670710955232186262013-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-29T07:00:08.672-04:00Tangled Party: AKA Momma Gets CraftyLet's jump in the time machine and head back to the summer. Emmy turned 4 in August and, of course, wanted a Princess Party. Every party she's ever had has been a princess one. She was a 1st Birthday Princess. Then there was Little Mermaid and Brave. So which princess would be the lucky one for her 4th? Rapunzel of course!!! So I did what any good mom would do....create a party board on Pinterest!!!!<br />
<br />
I had originally bought the standard party store decorations but with a week to go before the party, I shifted gears and went completely homemade for everything. I made the Hubs take most of the decorations back and used the money for my craft supplies. I found a few pins for bunting and other decorations. I cut out the sun logo that's seen throughout Rapunzel's kingdom and got to work. I painted it on the bunting. I made paper lanterns. I braided 25 feet of yarn to make a Rapunzel braid to decorate our entry way with. Each girl got a Rapunzel braid on a ponytail holder to wear for the party. I even made the Magic Golden Flower that gives Rapunzel's hair its magic powers. I might have gone a little overboard for a 4 year old's party but I had so much fun doing it. I have set a high standard for myself for future parties though. <br />
<br />
Without further adieu....Emmy's decorations!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/527f2408ff2311e2992f22000a1fb823_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/527f2408ff2311e2992f22000a1fb823_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my templates for the bunting and paper lanterns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/689a6194008b11e3892d22000a1fb72b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/689a6194008b11e3892d22000a1fb72b_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper lanterns in full effect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/6b782a2001fa11e382b422000a1f9ab7_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/6b782a2001fa11e382b422000a1f9ab7_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea staining my Wanted Posters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/627f65c2020511e3801622000aaa0aaf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/627f65c2020511e3801622000aaa0aaf_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 foot Rapunzel Braid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/3b2d1b9a023c11e3996722000a9f18fe_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/3b2d1b9a023c11e3996722000a9f18fe_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapunzel braids for all the girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5081_zps3336afa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5081_zps3336afa1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5111_zps1f5d2d44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5111_zps1f5d2d44.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It turned out really nice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5115_zps2f29a7e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5115_zps2f29a7e5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the way the lanterns looked!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5274_zps0e7cd5c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/IMG_5274_zps0e7cd5c8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so happy with how it turned out. I don't know if I'd change a thing. It wasn't overtly Tangled but if you saw the movie, you appreciated the touches I did. I'm so thrilled with the cupcakes I made that they're getting their own post!!! Probably the most exciting thing that I've done so far in my baking career!!!!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-12067024953982935812013-10-22T20:45:00.000-04:002013-10-22T20:45:24.336-04:00Angry Bird Telepods Review and Giveaway<i>Disclosure: I received a free product in exchange for this review</i><br />
<br />
My son has many obsessions. He's an almost 7 year old boy. They love a lot of things. One thing he's been in to for a while now is Angry Birds. The Hubs got him hooked on the original version of the game on our phones and every version there after. Now that he has his own iPad mini, he has every version of the game on it as well. Star Wars Angry Birds is his absolute favorite! He started collecting the figures and has quite the collection. He was more than excited when a package showed up at our doorstep from Hasbro Games. We ripped opened the box to find the Angry Bird Star Wars Telepod Death Star Trench Run and an Angry Bird Star Wars Telepods figure pack. We quickly opened each item and got to playing!<br />
<br />
<b>Angry Birds Star Wars Telepods Death Star Trench Run</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo8_zps75b5f331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo8_zps75b5f331.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure joy thanks to <a href="http://starwars.hasbro.com/">Hasbro Games</a>!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Noah has been dying to get an Angry Bird play set. This set comes with 2 figures (1 exclusive to the game), a Telepod base, 1 X-Wing Starfighter launcher, 8 blocks and 1 ramp. We chased the launcher around the house for a while. Pull back and off it flies! Noah and Emmy both loved taking turns setting up their structures and sending their launcher to knock it down. It was fun to watch them playing together, taking turns, and getting creative in how they were stacking their blocks. I know for a fact more of these play sets will be towards the top of Noah's Christmas list this year!<br />
<br />
<b>Angry Birds Star Wars Telepods Figure Pack</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo9_zps8e6d2e24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/photo9_zps8e6d2e24.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new additions....and the Telepod base!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Noah was also able to add 2 new figures to his Angry Birds collection. But this wasn't your ordinary Angry Bird figure pack. This figure pack contained the key to unlocking hours of excitement. With the release of Angry Birds Star Wars II, you can teleport your figures into the game! Yep, you heard right! You can now see your figures in action on your smart device. All you need is your smart device, a Telepod figure, and the Telepod base. Simply place the Telepod base over your device's camera, attach your figure, and BOOM. Your figure is now in your game! And to make it more exciting, you can now play on the "Pork Side" and fling the evil pigs. Noah was counting down the days until the new app arrived. Now he's teleporting his birds and pigs into his games. (I've even secretly teleported some of the figures into the app on my phone! It's really cool technology!!!). To learn more about the app, check out <a href="http://starwars.hasbro.com/">starwars.hasbro.com</a>. <br />
<br />
You can find these awesome toy sets at local retailers. The Angry Bird Star Wars Telepod Vehicle Packs retail for $19.99 each and the Figure Packs retail for $5.99 each. But lucky for you, Hasbro has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader a Vehicle Pack and Figure Pack of their very own! Just enter below. Don't miss out on this one!!!<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d4daec2/" id="rc-d4daec2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I received free products from Hasbro Games in exchange for this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% mine (and Noah's). </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-32968504428452393232013-10-17T21:30:00.001-04:002013-10-17T21:38:04.586-04:00Life Gets In The WayHi friends. <div><br></div><div>It's been a long time. </div><div><br></div><div>I didn't mean to take such a break from you but I needed to. I needed a break to get my head straight. My life was spiraling out of control but not in the "I'm in so over my head that I have no idea how to get out" way. Out of control as in I felt the weight of everything looming over my head. That in a matter of seconds, the other shoe was going to drop and everything would fall apart at the seams. Every aspect of my life was being affected. Work was taking a HUGE toll on me and my mental well being. I felt pulled in a million different directions between home, the kids school, work, and my commitments and I couldn't do it anymore. </div><div><br></div><div>So I took a step back. This was a big deal for me. I live in a constant state of stress. I always have a million things being juggled at any one time. But I'm proud of myself for coming to this realization. I don't think I've ever truly said this is too much for me to handle before. I took a leave from my TBMB commitment (thanks again to my amazing contributors who understood). I put blogging on the back burner (although I miss documenting all the awesome things that we've experienced lately). I've relaxed a little more than I usually do. I've made some career decisions that I'm excited to share with everyone. I'm making decisions that bring joy, not stress, to my life. </div><div><br></div><div>It means a lot to have a new focus. A new outlook. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOAgPTBHSqxNkRUnIl2VwuW9t4PQOUDXeDi-8QBXtSr5pQ0bwoNhVzAyOLPtR1Z_fggwUX9-uZwJMENuHPu4HSOb-Oz0_Vwy3apZQCUR_o1uUW-3TFt41HHs51ZVq0cgc4sJL6cDGTzA/s640/blogger-image-1939086592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOAgPTBHSqxNkRUnIl2VwuW9t4PQOUDXeDi-8QBXtSr5pQ0bwoNhVzAyOLPtR1Z_fggwUX9-uZwJMENuHPu4HSOb-Oz0_Vwy3apZQCUR_o1uUW-3TFt41HHs51ZVq0cgc4sJL6cDGTzA/s640/blogger-image-1939086592.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ignore the Hubs......he doesn't like my constant picture taking! But I love this pic because I feel like I look happy and relaxed. Exactly what this break was for.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jessica </div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-52510403900619645392013-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-04T07:00:03.881-04:00Tiny BallerinaI'm sure I talked a lot about Emmy's dancing. This past year was her first year in dance. She is quite talented and picked it up right away. We went through a very rough patch in December, making us take an entire month off of dance. But then she was back. Surgery kinda derailed our progress because she missed a few weeks right before recital time. I was really nervous that she wouldn't actually dance in the recital. But I kept my fingers crossed and headed into rehearsal week.<br />
<br />
If I have anything negative to say about the whole recital experience it's rehearsal week. I totally understand that this is a production and it has to be perfect. But having 2 and 3 year olds at the studio every night from 5-8pm is just wrong. It's hard for little ones to sit still but to ask them to be at the studio every night and be still was a bit much. Em did pretty good for most of the days. She ended up sitting with me a lot, which was totally ok in my book. It was a rough week for both of us. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/28ced7a2cf6211e2a03a22000aaa0517_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/28ced7a2cf6211e2a03a22000aaa0517_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Rehearsal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went in to recital night a bit on edge. I wasn't confident Em would dance. She let me do her makeup and get her in her costume but once we got to the auditorium, she was back to her old panicked self. She wouldn't go back stage. She didn't want me to leave her. She was on the verge of tears the whole time. I finally talked to the studio director to come up with a game plan. She told me I could watch from the wings and then take her back to our seats once her dance was over. That was the best solution she could offer me. I took it in the hopes that Em would actually dance. It wasn't until about 30 seconds before their dance that she actually got out of my arms and headed on to the stage. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/25a2ddfecfb111e2af3622000a9f17ea_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/25a2ddfecfb111e2af3622000a9f17ea_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to the auditorium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's something about little girls in big tutus that can put a smile on anyone's face. The performance was great. It got a little off track in the middle but the girls were so cute that it didn't matter. Em danced and that's all I could ask for. I was so proud of her! <br />
<br />
To Miss Kelley....Thank you so much for believing in Emily. She had her ups and downs and you stood behind her. You never gave up on her which means the world to me. She loves to dance and you're a huge part of that. Making Em a DC girl was one of the best choices we've made for her. Being a part of the Dance Central family has become a huge part of who we are. Thank you for always welcoming us with open arms. And thank you for making this such an amazing experience for Emily (and me). We love you!!!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/d90f3c2ecfdf11e2992f22000a1fb823_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/d90f3c2ecfdf11e2992f22000a1fb823_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em loves her Miss Kelley!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/389bacf0cfe911e287c922000ae904e6_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/389bacf0cfe911e287c922000ae904e6_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tiny dancer on her first day of dance and at her recital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://crimellafamily.blogspot.com/2013/09/brew-over-ice-giveaway.html">Keurig Brew Over Ice giveaway</a>!!!!<br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-31795519361568216242013-09-02T13:59:00.000-04:002013-09-02T13:59:43.179-04:00Brew Over Ice Giveaway!!!!I love coffee. That might be an understatement. It's a must in my daily routine. The Hubs has indulged this obsession for a while. Starbucks got a ton of my money (which is really sad). That all changed when my parents gave me a Keurig for Christmas this year. Let's just say it was life changing! I love being able to switch up my coffee every cup if I want. I love being able to brew just one cup instead of an entire pot. I love changing the size of each cup (aka I can brew super strong coffee on those mornings that I need the extra push to get moving). So when I learned that Keurig was giving bloggers the chance to review some products, I jumped all over it!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div id="button">
<a href="http://www.myblogbeat.com/stamp/brew-over-ice/promotion/redirect" target="_blank" title="Brew Over Ice Review & Giveaway"><img alt="Brew Over Ice" border="0" height="150" src="http://www.myblogbeat.com/sites/default/files/image/blogstamp/image/promotion_0.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
</div>
I signed up for the Keurig Brew Over Ice program and look what showed up at my doorstep!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/1fee8b5a01bc11e3a0ee22000aeb0fed_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/1fee8b5a01bc11e3a0ee22000aeb0fed_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I was stoked when I opened the box to find a light up ice bucket (my kids LOVE it), a insulated tumbler with straws, a set of coasters and 3 samples of Keurig's Brew Over Ice Kcups. I instantly turned on my Keurig and got to sampling. I started with the Snapple Peach Tea. I filled the tumbler up with ice and put it where my coffee mug usually goes. The Kcup went in and a glass of peach tea was made right over the ice. YUM!!! It was that easy to make a fresh brewed, iced beverage. I've tried the Iced Mocha which was a nice change from my normal coffee. I haven't tried the Vitamin Burst yet but I'm looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
Right now, you can enter the "<a href="http://game.brewoverice.com/">Brew Over Ice Sweepstakes</a>" and win a $10,000 prize. You can also download a <a href="http://www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew">coupon</a> for $2 off your next box of Brew Over Ice Kcups. But if that's not enough, I've got a great giveaway! One lucky reader will win their very own Brew Over Ice prize pack! You'll receive the same package I received! All you have to do is enter below!<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d4daec1/" id="rc-d4daec1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><i>I was provided these products in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own</i>. <br />
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1691823496431436214.post-79793148025085441212013-08-26T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-26T07:00:04.714-04:00Hi. My Name is Jess and I'm a Bad BloggerIt's true. I'm a horrible blogger. I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month! I have so many things to catch up on. I wish I could say that my month was filled with tons of amazing adventures but it wasn't. We took a trip for a wedding and then it was time to focus on back to school. Now that school is in its second week, I think I can start catching up with documenting my life.<br />
<br />
Here's just some things we have to talk about:<br />
<br />
~Em's dance recital (from way back in June.....slacker!!!!)<br />
~Our Pensacola trip<br />
~My new niece<br />
~The time I pinterested a party (Em's birthday party)<br />
~Em's birthday post<br />
~First day of school<br />
~Work stuff<br />
~I turned 31<br />
~Flavor Run<br />
~Things I've realized this summer<br />
<br />
Here's a few pics from our summer (courtesy of the good ol IG):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/5a710ad6f15f11e28a7922000aeb0d1a_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/5a710ad6f15f11e28a7922000aeb0d1a_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Top Gun look good at the National Aviation Museum in Pensacola</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/3fe1e54cf1b311e2b2c822000ae800bd_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/3fe1e54cf1b311e2b2c822000ae800bd_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time I actually looked pretty good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/a0a4de4cf32611e2a23222000aaa0537_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/a0a4de4cf32611e2a23222000aaa0537_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting our niece on the day she was born</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/f8c7d622020011e39fc422000aeb0ba2_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/f8c7d622020011e39fc422000aeb0ba2_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterested a Tangled party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/a0c3d398074d11e3abd122000ae907cd_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/a0c3d398074d11e3abd122000ae907cd_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah's first 5K....The Flavor Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/1b4d42c6090511e3990022000aeb0f0c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/1b4d42c6090511e3990022000aeb0f0c_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school.....Em was excited I promise. She just didn't want her picture taken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h178/volley639/signature.png" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348348845126845129noreply@blogger.com5