So Happy It's Friday!

One thing that blogging does for me is that it helps me focus on the cuteness. It is hard not to look at a picture of your children and feel unbelievably blessed. I think that blogging also helps me focus on the positive. Even when I have had the worst day when I write about it or re-tell the story it usually seems kind of funny.

Today has been another one of those days. My sons broke a lamp at my sister's beautiful new house and then when I stopped at Taco Bell because I didnt' want to make lunch I got rear ended. (No damage to us or the car.) So in order to focus my attentions on all that is right with our life and to celebrate the fact that they boys are napping. I am going to edit pictures (my new fun hobby) and post them.

Keepin' it Real!

WHAT A DAY I HAVE HAD! It all started when my inner alarm (that I HATE LATELY) woke me up at 4:45 A stinkin' M. I made the best of it and after being up for an hour or so I felt drowsy enough to fall back to sleep for a while. I woke with a start at 8am on a morning that I had an appointment at 9:15. No big deal we all get out the door pretty quickly so I am not stressed. We get ready and I go to find my keys and realize that they are locked in the car because Jared drove us to the store on Tuesday but I locked the front door meaning that I threw my keys in the car and they got locked in. GREAT!!!

Jared started meetings today at school and after a couple of tries I was unable to reach him. THANKFULLY I have AAA and I called and took advantage of the free unlocking the keys from the car service (contrary to the sound that is not the official term). I called the office where my appointment was and left a message that we would be late because it was 8:40 and my keys were locked safely in my car. The toe truck pulls up not 5 minutes later, yay and we make it to our appointment 5 minutes early. Wooohoooo!

From there we hit the bank, said "Hi!" to Jared at school in between his meetings and headed to the library and THEN the grocery store. The library went well although they struggled a bit during check-out because they had to stay on the rug. They did, however, do MUCH better than in the past. I actually felt like we were getting somewhere in that department. Feeling cocky we headed to the grocery store where I needed a couple of things.

I had noticed last time I was there that they had small shopping carts for children to push and I thought then that next time I had 1 child I would give it a whirl BUT today I threw caution to the wind and let them both do it. IT WAS ADORABLE! They did great and the store wasn't crowded so I let them walk all around the place for an extra 20 minutes or so. I didn't anticipate check-out until about 1/2 through the euphoric experience. I then sort of dreaded it. Especially when I tried to get them to head in the direction of the front of the store and they immediately became defiant. I handled it calmly and we slowly headed up to the front of the store.

This is when things got a little dicey. An elderly lady approached the check out at about the same time and although she motioned for me to go ahead I assured her that she should go first. In my mind I was thinking: "Run for you life lady, get out while you can!!!" While she checked out I had the boys get in line and already they were ticked. TICKED! Eli whined a bit but relented when he realized he could play with candy packages in the aisle and Mommy wasn't objecting. Alex on the other hand was POSTAL! I told him to settle down and eventually after a scene he relented. An old couple behind me started eyeballing me and my children and I was sweating at this point. The sweet check out lady was sympathising with the boys and gave them stickers. I am guessing she has grandbabies because she understood that a 2 year old having to give up something as cool as a cart with groceries in it was a BIG deal. I was feeling a bit of stress relief as she was being so kind. AND THEN it was time to switch cashiers. OY!

The new cashier was a 20 something year old man and he seemed a bit annoyed with my crying (although now calmly, due to the sticker) Alex. The little carts had signs on them that said you had to leave them in the store so I began the prying from fingers while my things were being scanned and bagged. It was at this point that the couple behind me and the cashier began discussing how when they were kids you NEVER acted like that because you knew what you had coming at home. UMMMM EXCUSE me but they are TWO they aren't 10 and having a meltdown because I won't buy them a video game. Come on people. Welcome to 2009. I was agitated that they felt free to have this discussion while standing 12 inches from me rather than gossip about me after I had gone but at the same time I was determined not to react. Whatever. I know it is difficult to understand two year olds unless you currently have them, and even then, I will be honest I am at a loss 1/2 he time. ;)

On the way out I asked the boys to be BIG HELPERS ,(one of their favorite things right now) and hold my flowers for me and carry them to the car. This was the perfect distraction and we got to the car unscathed. Can you anticipate what is coming next???? I had to take back the flowers unless I wanted to have headless, crushed flowers. Battle number 38 for the day began and we headed home.

I know what I did. I oversheduled our morning. I let them push carts around instead of getting them home for lunch. It happens. I am human. They are two years old. It was just one of those days.

We came home and I gave them lunch (which they didn't touch) and began to make my cupcakes for girl's-night-in tonight. They put the baking cups in the pan and had a blast doing it. Eli was making Alex and I laugh out loud each time Alex tried to take one of "his" baking cups by saying "MY cup of cake, MY cup of cake, MY cup of cake". So funny. While putting in the 2nd batch they got a hold of my vase of flowers and I decided "helping time" was over. It was a LONG day. They weren't happy about nap even after two books but as I closed their bedroom door I heard their version of supercalifragilisticexbealidocious (have fun on that one spell checker ;D) and well, I am pretty sure you can't be irritated with a child singing that song. :) At least I can't!

I'm Changing Roles!

Yep, I've changed roles I am no longer Mommy, I am instead:

1. The nap police. I put the boys back in their beds at least once and then police whether or not they stay laying down, stay quiet enough for the other to fall asleep and stay dry so that their squishy, stinky diaper is not keeping them awake.
2. The detective (aka) pacifier finder. I am the one who lays flat on her belly on the ground, squeeze behind the cribs or in between them to see where it may have rolled to.
3. The housekeeper. Nuff said!
4. The librarian. Ex. Alex wanted "book" book" just now. I go to the shelf and hand him one. Nope not the right one. Nor was the 2nd, 3rd, 4th. I really just wanted him to be quiet so that Eli who had ACTUALLY fallen asleep for the first time in days would remain that way. It FINALLY hit me that I could let him get out of bed let him grab the book he wanted and call it a day. I did and now my house is quiet.
5. The pediatrician. Yeah, I am SUPER excited about this one. This morning the nurse practitioner told me that Eli's spleen felt enlarged. She did blood work which was fine but the results of course didn't come in time for me not to COMPLETELY freak out. She said since the blood work is fine they will just monitor it but she didn't need for me to reschedule. Hmmm??? Smart "Mommy" asks, "How do you 'monitor' it if I don't come back?" "Oh", says trained professional, "you will just keep an eye on it and if he is irritable, not eating well, etc. you will want to bring him in". Scared "Mommy" retorts "He is 2, he is all of those things on a daily basis". Great!
6. The cook. Stop snickering, I do prepare meals!
7. The child of God! Thank goodness for this one because when all of my roles overwhelm me this is where I turn.

I obviously along with all mothers and fathers fill a lot of roles and this was just to poke fun at that on a day when I am feeling the need to either laugh about it or cry. I read this post by Kristin today and thought it was really good. She mentions that in "the church" we often feel the need for perfection which made me thankful for the group of girls (women, I should say) that I have the privilege of knowing at my church. We are getting together tonight and I PROMISE we will all have a harried story about parenting, marriage, this or that, but I feel "normal" with these women. We are all willing to be honest about the struggles we have and have some fun. Today I am thankful for these women and also the God who directed me to them.

I guess my role hasn't changed it just morphs into something else on a moment to moment basis!

Sorry, sometimes I ramble!

It's been one of those days. Actually it was picturesque to start with. The boys slept in and Jared and I sat on the couch this morning and felt like we didn't have children at all for a minute. It was relaxing. We watched a thunderstorm pass by and talked about what in the HECK we used to do before kids??? Jared went and picked up breakfast and more importantly coffee. We all watched "Over the Hedge" and laughed, played with megablocks, played outside on their tricycles. Lovely!

ENTER: Nap time. It is DAY THREE without a nap. DAY THREE!!! This does not sit well with me. It becomes a bit exhausting. It put me in a bit of a funk. Well, that coupled with the fact that I just read "Sarah's Key" AND Jared rented the Changeling all in one weekend. NOT RECOMMENDED, both are powerful and good but a bit heavy. On top of that, Jared church softball games are on Saturday nights and therefore bedtime, bath and dinner were all mine. Jared knew that I had had it and suggested that I go out and do something with the boys. He had also mentioned yesterday that the Shark sweeper that I wanted was on sale AND we had a coupon. A light bulb appeared over my head.....RETAIL THERAPY! It works almost every time. Right or wrong, it.is.the.truth. :) I hemmed and hawed about whether it was worth the effort of getting the boys ready, getting me ready, etc. but Jared said GO FOR IT! He knows me well. I packed up the hooligans (their new names until they start to nap again) and headed to Bed, Bath and BEYOND!!

We arrived and I couldn't find the right model, asked for help and was told "NO, I am helping someone else!" Swallowing my annoyance, because it seems he could have said something like "Hold on and I will be right with you", I found someone else and she was able to help me. Armed with my new cleaning tool I grabbed my plink's (love these) and got in the check out line which was SO LONG. The boys wanted "the balls, PEEEEEEEEES" so I gave in, handed them the dryer balls and decided I actually wanted to purchase them. Already, I am feeling less stressed, ahhhhh. I chat with the check out guy who tried to sell me "all things green". He was on quite a tangent but he meant well and it was a pleasant enough conversation. At this point my "funk" was losing steam.

Those who are not yet married with children may find it sad that cleaning products brought me such joy but you will get it someday. Trust me anything that makes day to day life simpler is a good find! I failed to mention that my plinks now come in lavendar which matches the smell of my Method spray. I mean, come on! (Ok I may have a slight problem.) :)

Now it was off to see the trains which coincidentally is also where I can snag more coffee. I met a nice couple with their ADORABLE son, again we had a nice conversation and it was time to head home. I pried the boys away from the trains and then "made" dinner (popped a whole grain pizza in the oven and steam some veggies), gave baths and put the boys to bed.

On the way home from the store I had called Jared and thanked him for knowing what I needed. After hanging up I was looking for some music and you will not BELIEVE what I heard. PRINCE (formerly known as) was on the oldies station!! Are you kidding me?? I was in shock and kept checking the tuner to be sure I was right. Wow, why am I afraid that I am going to blink and all of a sudden Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift will be on the "oldies" station singing about their latest heartbreak? YIKES! I quickly changed that station not ready to deal with THAT particular reality and heard Whitney Houston's version of "I will always love you". Blast.from.the.past. You cannot tell me you didn't love that song when "Bodyguard" came out. :) I feel sorry for my dear sons who had to endure Mommy singing the most powerful part of the song "AND IIIIII eeeeIIIIeeeeeIIII will always love YOU OOOO OOOO OOO OOOO" but let's face it only Whitney (pre-craziness) can hit those notes well. So I am ready for a new day and I am even more ready for Girl's Night on Thursday! YAY!

Parenthood has it's ups and downs but neither Jared or I would trade it. Nope, no way!

Updates on things you probably didn't need to be "updated" on :)

So I have mentioned a few things on my blog as of late and I thought I should do an update.

30 Day Shred

Well, I must say I had to take a break due to a hip injury (stop laughing I am serious) and didn't quite get back on the wagon. It hurt to walk or stand for 2 days and then for the next couple it hurt to work out therefore I fell of the bandwagon. As far as the video I really do like it so here is the good and the bad as told by a 33 year old woman with an apparently 95 year old hip:

Good: I like the different levels, and when I say levels I refer to 1 and 2 because 3 is EVIL and I did 1/2 of it. The different options seem to ensure that it doesn't get too boring. It is a lot of cardio smooshed into 27 minutes (I will get to the minute thing in the BAD) and well, you gotta love that. I did notice that the cardio was getting easier and that my legs and arms got stronger. Unfortunately, I did not measure so I have no idea if inches were lost.

BAD: They lie and it is not 20 minutes it is 27. The first time I did it I was at 19 minutes and thrilled to be almost done and that is when the betrayal was realized. Hmm, so not cool, Jillian! Speaking of Jillian, she needs to invest in some more supportive work out gear (watch and you will know of what I speak). She also uses annoying phrases like "phone it in" all.the.time. I also did NOT lose the "up to 20 lbs" in a month. I didn't plan to but hoped for maybe 1/2 that. NOPE. I am guessing that I had to change my eating habits. Who knew?? O.K. I did :) Bummer!

All in all it is a great work out and one that I will continue but not daily because it is a little hard on the joints and I have to start training for a 5k that I promised Steph I would do with her. It is in 1 month. Pray for me!

Big Boy Beds

After almost selling my children on Craigslist for a REALLY GOOD DEAL they decided to succumb to staying in their beds. So we only had ONE really, really, really, (you get the picture or should I add one more? O.k.) REALLY bad nap time and we haven't had any more problems. I don't know what happened I am just glad that it did.

Growing up!

Since I last posted I have also turned 33! I cannot believe it. The boys didn't get the memo yesterday that it was Mommy's Birthday so it was a pretty rough day. Alex and Eli are both getting BOTH of their lower canine teeth and it is NOT going well. I tried to call Jared to beg him to relieve me (which I have NEVER, not even in the infant stage, done unless it was a medical emergency) but our phone, cable and internet were not working. How does one survive this you may ask???? I hopped in the car and headed to my sisters where she somehow managed to cheer me up with caffeine, chocolate and one of our favorite shows that she had dvr'd. God bless her! I found it interesting that once in the car Alex was fine. Not a tear, not a whine, FINE!

On the way home I dropped off a video at the library which upset Eli because we didn't go in and he cried the remainder of the way home UNTIL we saw the train and he stopped. Then the train passed by and he cried because the train was done. I tried to explain that I don't personally control the train but he didn't care and he was ticked!

So there you have it, I just thought you might like to see what I am up against because I often focus on the fun and for good reason BUT let me tell you there are some challenging days that leave me gasping for air! :)

Alert: Mommy to twins did not get her usual "break" during nap time.

I cannot be held responsible for this making sense. I have battled twin two year olds all day and they are the victors!

First and foremost disregard my entire last post. I am in no nap HELL! They didn't stay in their beds for nap. They didn't even stay in their rooms for that matter. I stayed near their bedroom door and kept it slightly open so that I could spy on their behavior. They took this as an exit sign and scurried out one after the other. I will admit that part of me thought their antics were pretty funny but the, I just ran around all morning part, was tired and in need of time away from my sweet children.

My next step was to stay in the room with them as suggested by Nanny 911 and put them back in bed when they got out. I cannot put into words how thrilling it is to put your children back into bed a million times in under two hours. It is annoying and exhausting and honestly I finally gave up. I know, this was not a proud moment but I left the room and figured it was baby proof "have at it, boys". I opened the door 15 minutes later to find a pop-up book ripped into approximately 50 pieces, both window shades open and two boys standing on the train table handing me the book that was, in their words, broke. I found this a bit funny because it seemed to imply that they had simply found it that way.

I was tired, frustrated and done. I plopped them on the couch and reached for the Barney DVD, popped it into the DVD player and it froze. Yep, it wouldn't come back out and it wouldn't play. At this point I wanted to quit the whole Mommy gig. I was over it. I found a PBS show they like. Thank goodness we have PBS. I called my sister and I cried. I e-mailed two other twin mommy bloggers and desperately sought their insight. I told Jared all about it when he got home. Ultimately, I feel MUCH better.

Jared geared up for the battle tonight due to my fragile state ;) He told the boys, "It is bed time and you are NOT to get out of these beds. Go to sleep." We said our "goodnights" and "I love you's" and I headed for a much deserved shower. I came out and asked Jared how it was going and he hasn't heard a peep! NOT A PEEP! I have decided that it was due to my diligence ;) during nap time. Yep, I rock!!!

I'm the "healthy" one!

Yep, unfortunately I am the one. The healthy one. I know this sounds crazy but sometimes it seems a bit glamorous to be the only sick one in the house and not the aforementioned. I rarely get sick. I do unfortunately get nasty headaches as do the rest of the ladies in my family but for the most part (minus the plague of 2008) I am a healthy girl. In my fantasy though I am just lying around reading or flipping mindlessly through channels all day without a responsibility or care in the world. I leave out the fact that when you are actually sick you feel, SICK.

This week Jared is sick, Alex is sick and Eli is sick. This means Mommy is exhausted. I am feeling the weight of it that is for sure. When praying with the boys at dinner last night I thanked God that most of the time Daddy is healthy and we didn't usually feel this crappy. I don't think I used that word exactly but it put things into perspective. Life has difficult moments but let's face it having colds is not really one to spend to much time complaining about. I caught myself twice this week complaining to my sister about how tired I was. Unfortunately I chose the sister with a 2 week old to complain to. First of all WHAT WAS I THINKING and secondly I didn't get much sympathy. :) I am getting a break tomorrow and going to work out while Nana and Papa come over and stay with the boys and then Thursday night I am doing another work out led by my Pastor while Jared stays with the boys. Yep, I did say my Pastor. How cool is that? I may not be saying it was cool Thursday evening but for now it "seems" cool.


Other than this I had a funny moment with Eli last night. The boys ate rice and quesadillas for dinner and I let them feed it to themselves. Needless to say the floor was a mess and then when one of them "accidentally" knocked their plate off the table it became worse. As I was getting Eli out of his booster seat he kept saying "oh sosh, OH Sosh, Oh sosh!" I was laughing and couldn't figure out what he was saying until moments later I looked at the floor and said "Oh my Gosh". Apparently Mommy had been unconsciously saying this while looking at the mess I had to tackle after they went to bed! He's a funny one. I am just thankful he doesn't repeat EVERY word he hears, although recently he said one of those too.

Picures of the reason that I was saying "oh my gosh". The top one cracks me up. My weird son is trying to get rice stuck to his face. The night before it was his hair that he was purposely putting food in. Eli calls out for peace!

They are very excited to be able to climb up into the kitchen chairs. It's the little things in life, they say!

Beloved Story Time

I decided to give the boys a little bit of independence today. It is story day at the library so I thought that I would leave the stroller behind and let them walk in "like big boys" with me. I should have abandoned this mission when the first thing Eli did when he got out of the car was sit down on the wet, muddy pavement. I, against better judgement, pressed on. He proceeded to fall again in another puddle and by the time we got into the library I was "that Mom" who doesn't clean her child's clothes EVER! It was bad. I tried to use a wipe to clean him up a bit but that was to no avail so I just decided to go with it. I loudly explained to my sister that he had fallen so that others would hear because due to the mud it looked like he also may have had some potty problems. The boys played nicely in the children's section and then we headed to the story time room. At this point I realized that I had a stinky child and had to go and deal with that. Once settled in for story time the boys decided that they would show mommy what she could do with her "independence". I should mention that typically Alex sits with me and we listen to the story and sing the songs while Eli stays in my vicinity but at the same time crawls under tables or whatever else may make him happy and somewhat quiet at that particular moment. NOT THIS WEEK. Alex had and "aha moment" and realized what his brother was doing looked like more fun so why sit here with this Mommy lady. They pulled books out of the story tellers basket, pulled the letter of the day off of the board, removed the felt shapes we were learning about from the felt board, insisted on coloring while she was telling stories (and threw a HUGE fit when I made him wait for everyone else). I was EXHAUSTED and, I gotta be honest, SWEATING. Eli was apparently in a coloring mood today because he colored long after all of the other kids were playing with all of the cool toys. I eventually had to shift my attention to Alex leaving Eli with Mindy (My sister who is about to give birth at any moment. I am pretty sure a sneeze would put her in labor at this point much less keeping Eli in check. ) so that I could defend Alex from a crazy 3 year old who didn't want to share his blocks. We survived and then it was time to check out books. I at this point could have left the books there and called it a day but we are working on colors and I found a couple of books about colors so again I "pressed on". Having the boys stand while I checked out books was interesting but getting each of them bundled and ready to go was another whole experience in itself. We made it out the doors and at this point I had to pick up Eli while holding Alex's hand and carrying my library bag and of course we lost a shoe. Thankfully, some kind woman noticed and gave it back to me, because I didn't even know I'd lost it. Alex collapsed into a fit in the car and Eli followed suit. Apparently playing in the parking lot was way more appealing than what I had planned for them.

They have been in bed for over an hour and I am just starting to be able to relax. One of the librarians commented on them not being in their stroller this week and how that is great because they are learning independence and the library is a pretty safe place to try it out. I agree and that was the point BUT next time I will use the stroller to get them in and THEN let them roam and be free. I believe this will be more safe and it will also help when it is time to bundle one because the other will be strapped in and not running around the joint. It was an experience! On a side note I also let them walk from the house to the car which went well and I will try and continue doing. This means that I no longer have to carry one out and leave them in the car while I grab the other one and lock the door. I did learn, however, that when given a choice of a carefully cleared and salted sidewalk or a snow pile, as a "way to get from here to there", toddlers choose the snow pile. DUH.

The funniest part of all of this is that in the past 2 days I have told 4 different people how much easier things have gotten and how spoiled I feel being able to get out with the boys. I still feel blessed that I can take them out from time to time this winter as opposed to their first "preemie" winter but I have to admit that toddlers bring with them a whole new kind of challenge. Just when you think you have got the "stay at home mom", "parenting toddlers" thing down they throw you for a loop. Ya gotta' love 'em!

Ahhh, Christmas Break

I told Jared this is his first break, since having the boys, where I feel like I am on vacation too. He is around all morning helping me keep up with the boys and cleaning so by the time they nap I am literally looking around the house and there is little to do. Soooo this week their naps have involved me crawling back into bed with a book, or baking, or watching TV and letting my brain zone out, or taking a ridiculously long shower that involves the hot water running out (I know not very "green" of me but it was only once :) ). Mmmm it has been lovely and I am feeling very well rested and rejuvenated. I know this is what "breaks" our supposed to be but they take on a whole new meaning when you have children.


My google reader account has NO NEW ITEMS. This is a feat in itself because I thoroughly enjoy blog reading but typically squeeze it in when Jared is watching something I am not into and the boys are sleeping which is not that often so I usually have a TON of unread items. So it has been nice catching up with friends and family and just enjoying this new kind of break with my kids who are starting to stir and will be ready for their breakfast. Time to go!

Snow DAY!!!

Well snow is supposed to hit us hard tonight and tomorrow and I am crossing my fingers like a 12 year old hoping for a snow day. That is one of the fun parts of having a husband who teaches. You still have the chance for these fun days of lounging (well, kind of) and to have a snow day the day before Christmas break! It doesn't get much better than that. Truth be told I am feeling pretty drained as a Mommy and Wife lately. I am sure that I will pull out of it but my sister and I were discussing this morning how it is nice to hear that other Moms have these days too. I think we tend to feel like we are the only ones who struggle with the difficulties that come with parenting which leaves you feeling a bit isolated. Sometimes it feels as if you are surrounded by woman who can do it all and you are the only one NOT conquering the world while baking a pie and raising the children. I am not sure if that is what we all try to present to one another but I am sure that I have been guilty of that. Thinking, "oh your child eats sugar and watches hours of TV (GASP)!" Well let me tell ya something this week my children have probably clocked more hours with Barney than I care to recall and are surviving almost entirely on Popsicles as to not dehydrate. So today, I am standing up to say IT IS HARD and it is normal to have bad days. I am saying that as much for me as for others. So if you can relate send me some love by praying that Michigan gets hit with some snow people!! :)



I leave you with our stellar attempt at a Christmas picture. Needless to say unless a Christmas miracle happens we will not be sending out cards. I believe this was what "pushed me over the edge", so to speak. It was not what I had planned on but I will laugh at our first attempt and plan better next year. Note to self: children don't understand that they need to look at the camera on a tripod unless someone is behind it to direct their attention. Live and Learn.

I *heart* Moms!

***edited to add: My phone is safe. It actually fell out of my pocket in their bedroom.

As usual as things heat up on the mom front I gain a whole new level of respect for Mommies everywhere. Eli was throwing up most of the night last night and just fell asleep. Alex was up most of the time too because he is sick with a cold but also because it is hard to clean a child's sheets, clothes, and your own clothes, and allow anyone else in the entire household to rest. Jared is off to work and despite my lack of sleep I would have paid money to go with him. Poor Eli is so pitiful. :( I seriously don't know how people do this. I am impressed that other Moms live to tell about it. I am actually MORE impressed that they don't tell the ENTIRE universe that they conquered a case of the pukies AND survived without having a nervous breakdown of some sort. I am on my 5th outfit since 4am as is Eli and he is on his 3rd set of sheets AND my couch cushion covers are being laundered as we speak. Wow, this is hard stuff. On top of all this I am not sure where my cell phone is. I grabbed it as I ran down to launder clothes so that I could hear it if the Dr. called but I cannot find it now. I have this strange fear that it is being "laundered". I really hope not but it would be a funny thing to add to my day. I guess I should go and see if my phone is dried and pressed yet. I guess I should also grab some sleep while both the boys are sleeping! If NONE of this post makes sense I blame the fact that I have been up since 2am.

Lots of memories=Little Blogging

I find that the busiest times in my life, that are filled with the boys doing lots of new things, are also the times that I don't find the time I'd like to write about it. Oh well, such is life and I've been enjoying the living of it. :) I have no idea where to begin so I will start with BIG news. Eli is standing on his own and has been for a week(ish). (The "ish" part of that statement allows me some wiggle room because to be honest I am not completely sure when it first happened). Moving on.....he is very proud of himself and it is adorable. I will try and snag a pic of it but as is typical in this house when I get the camera ready he will collapse onto the floor with all the humility he can muster and stop doing whatever it is he was so proudly doing before seeing the camera. Alex is completely.obessessed.with. his "Baby Bible". My sister, Molly laughed at me when she heard me utter the words "No, Alex I am not going to read your Baby Bible to you right now!" I know it sounds evil but it is a story book (a very cute one actually) filled with several songs and then followed by several prayers. It is the type of thing that is to be read and enjoyed one or two at a time but not for Alex. He wants to read it front to back and is lately hooked on "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and do not even TRY and turn the page after singing it a mere 5 times in a row because the protesting will begin and you will find it hard to understand how God actually manages to TRULY "love the little children, all the children of the world". He is a gracious God and I am glad the he puts up with all of us even the screeching ones. :) I read the entire thing front to back approximately 10 times today. No, I am not exaggerating. I do love to hear them lift their little voices and sing about how much Jesus loves them and I soak that in on a regular basis and feel incredible blessed to be able to do it so I am not really complaining.



Jared and I went Christmas shopping this week ALONE, together. We had a great time and had fun picking out presents. It was amusing, as it involved my husband and a motorized shopping cart (due to his ankle injury). Woohoo let the good times roll (literally). There is nothing like the beep, beep, beep, of one of those bad boys to set the mood for a romantic evening! :) We are enjoying getting ready for the holidays and are actually attempting to "craft". Yes, I said it! Anyone who knows me is laughing right now BUT I saw the idea for a "Jesse Tree" on one of the blogs I frequent and thought it sounded great so Jared and I set out to make felt ornaments like these. We are still in the process but I just thought it would be a great way to help focus ourselves and the boys (in the future when they can understand) on Christmas being about Christ's birth and what that means in our daily lives. I will update you on that one because honestly, Jared is probably the more crafty one in the marriage. He would probably choose a word other than crafty but he is meticulous and I am not (as I have mentioned several times on this blog). My palms start to sweat when I hear the word "scrapbook". I love all things crafty if I get to admire other's handiwork but it is just not in my genes. The craftiest thing I have done lately is staple paper rings together for the countdown until Jared gets his mobility back. I needed the visual reminder. We also put up the tree last night and it lasted an entire day and no one knocked it down or broke any of the ornaments. SUCCESS! So that is the latest in the vignettes that are my life.

You know you need out when...

You know you need out when you notice a character's nail polish on Sesame Street and wonder where you could find it b/c you really love that color. You find yourself singing with great conviction (after the boys are in bed) "Murray had a little lamb". This is not a typo and those who watch the new "hip" Sesame Street know that this is a rap that opens a little skit about Murray and his little lamb and their trips to different schools. Yep it was official Mommy needed out. Jared and I always make an effort to get out together but one of us or more has been sick for quite some time and I realized that I hadn't been without my kids, even to run an errand, in over a month which was for Jared's birthday. YIKES! So I planned a girls night out that involved food, games and lots of laughs. I seriously have the funniest sisters and friends. It was so great and I thoroughly appreciate the fact that Jared worked a long day and then took care of the boys. I don't know what I would do without him. I didn't write a b-day post for him and for that I feel a little guilty so I thought I would throw a little love his way for Sweetest Day (tommorow, I know)! I love you babe and am blessed that you are the devoted man that you are.
All my love, Becky

Muddy Monday

Pre-Mud

Oh, it is definitely a Monday around here. I am not a "dread Monday" kind of person but today has been textbook "Monday". I got the boys dressed this morning and after having breakfast and playing inside a bit we headed to the great outdoors (our suburban backyard is probably the more appropriate term). I put the boys in their swings and began watering the flowers. I had the grand idea of filling up the pool also so that it could warm up and they could get into it after their nap. I got the boys out of their swing and as I'd suspected they decided to get into the pool in their clothes and I figured "what the heck?". It went a bit downhill when they crawled through the dirt following their dip in the pool which made for some pretty muddied little boys. No big deal, boys will be boys. I took them in bathed them and put in a video so that I could start lunch and pre-soak their outfits. I did accomplish all these things and got them down for a nap. At this point I ran the basket of laundry downstairs and discovered, as I was separating them, that the clothes were dripping with laundry detergent that I'd used to soak their shorts in. Oh well, I was washing them anyways no big deal. I washed and organized the basement a bit only to run upstairs and realize that I had trailed detergent all over the upstairs. I cleaned this up. I went into my bedroom at this point and realized I'd set the laundry basket down on the bed and detergent had soaked through my quilt, comforter, sheets, and down mattress topper. Free time, during the boys nap??? What's that???? Ugh, I guess I know what I will be doing the rest of the day. Washing, washing, washing and oh yeah washing. I write this so that someday when the boys are older and I am busy and I think for a split second "What did I do the whole time they napped when they were that age?" I will be reminded that each day came with a whole new challenge with which to fill my time :)

Post-mud

(oh, did I fail to mention that Alex didn't want to come inside?)

Wordless Wednesday Again

If I were speaking on this "Wordless Wednesday" I would say it is not off to the greatest start. The window company set to install our window after a 7 wk. wait called and cancelled a 1/2 hour before they should have been here (after we had taken down the wood blinds, curtains, hardware, and moved all of the boys toys out of the front room) and Alex stuck his entire foot into the big bowl of yogurt that I was feeding him. I still am not sure how that happened but what a lovely mess. Good thing I am not mentioning any of that on this Wednesday :) Have a great day!

Flashback Friday 9/21/07 (5 months old)

Eli peacefully sleeping. Oh how I miss it.

Alex not throwing a tantrum. Ahhhh!

So happy together!!!

This is from yesterday.

I love that I captured Eli laughing at his brother. I love these moments and once I get this nap thing under control I think we will all be a bit happier. Today it worked for Eli to take one and Alex two. This means not much peace and quiet but I do get to spend one on one time with each of them and maybe that is what they are needing. Jared is watching the boys tonight so that I can go out so that is VERY exciting and VERY necessary.

This IS a challenge

I am sure that it doesn't help that the boys have been sick which makes things a bit off kilter but when did every single thing in the day become a battle. I put on the bib, they take off the bib. I put them down for naps, they play for an hour. I say get down from the entertainment center, they say "I'd rather climb on top of it, thank you very much". I say get out of the bathroom, they say "but this toilet water is awfully refreshing (ewww!). I say eat your green beans that you thoroughly enjoyed yesterday, they decide to spit them out or hurl them to the floor. Ugh, it has been a long day! I am also debating about the transition from two naps to one b/c about 60% of the time they aren't sleeping during their 2nd nap. Today I tried it. I took them to the library and walked around the pond there. Got them home at about 11am fed them brunch (I guess that's what it would be) and put them down at 11:30am (one hour after their usual morning nap). At 12:30 they were still screeching and playing so I thought I'd get them up and try again later. At this time I found Alex in his crib with the entire 80 count wipes strewn to and fro'. Hmmm great. I obviously didn't realize he could reach the changing table. Once I'd entered the room he began screaming b/c he and his brother (he was the chosen representation apparently) wanted up (or "utt" as Eli would say). So now they are back down for round 2 and it sounds quiet. I am exhausted due to our 4am breathing treatment and a couple of mini-crying moments last night. You know the ones: Child screams enough to rip you from your sleep, you rush to their aid and they are sound asleep. Don't you love this thing called parenthood? Yes, I do actually but toddlerhood is definitely becoming more of a challenge! I actually took pictures of the state of our house right now to show Jared. He knows it's rough some days but I found the need to have photographic evidence :) I will spare you the pics of my messy house that I need to go clean but here are pics from the library.

Their mother didn't seem stressed out. They just followed her around like the sweet little ducklings that they are. Maybe I should have gotten some pointers!

** On a happy note the librarian said that they could join the toddler story hour early (it is typically for 2 yr. olds) as long as they could sit still. I plan to try one and see how it goes because I truly am not sure that their little active selves can handle a 1/2 hour story time.

I got out!

It has been a long couple of weeks. Actually, I don't even think it has been that long but both boys have been sick which slows time down to the point of a stop when you have toddlers. I planned to go to church this morning and as often happens the boys began their hysterics. It is like they KNOW Mommy is trying to get out of the house on her own. I pushed past their screams of displeasure while I did the dishes so that I could shower and get out. I turned on the bathroom fan and listened to my shower run in order to block out the sounds so that I could pretend that I was relaxing even though my Mommy guilt was kicking in and I was thinking "Maybe I should stay home, I mean Alex is sick and mopey and blah, blah, blah." My sister Mindy and I swore we would not be the kind of Moms who didn't get out and when they did worried about our kids the entire time. Sheesh SO lame. We now however both have toddlers and yes, sad to say we tend to be those Moms. Not all the time but more than we thought we'd be. Anyways as I exit the shower I hear Daddy reading to the boys and think I may just salvage this outing. And then....dum dum dum dum.....a wail comes from the nursery and Jared is asking me to come there. It finally happened. I have been anticipating this event and knew it would come sooner rather than later. Eli bit Alex. Alex was inconsolable. Oh well, I guess I am downloading another sermon this week. But alas, Jared forced me out the door and assured me all would be well. Thank you Lord for a great service and a great husband. We are also going out tomorrow night on a ...gulp...DATE! I am so excited :)

I'm not sure why Mom insists on making up these stories.

Does this look like a face that could bite?

I too am shocked at this display of aggression (just wait until I get those top teeth).

Back from the Doctors

Why? You may ask... no reason just had some time to kill. Seriously though there is nothing wrong with them. They have been kind of grouchy and demanding lately and Jared and I thought something MUST be wrong. I called him this morning near tears (o.k. who am I kidding? I was crying like a newborn baby) and we decided to take them to the pediatrician out of sheer desperation. They are throwing fits and Eli is doing his "flipper" impersonation and they both want to be held until you actually pick them up and then they are repulsed by you. On a side note the flipper thing is actually hilarious to watch because he truly looks like a dolphin when he rears back and forth throwing a fit. I guess if the Dr. could have come up with ANYTHING to diagnose them with it would have been toddlerhood. I wonder if the pediatricians are all sitting around at lunch having a good laugh about another first time parent being convinced their child MUST have an ear infection or something....anything! Oh well, I posted these pics to remind me of when things were REALLY hard. This is a challenge but it is not twin infants and I can handle it :)

I cannot get over the size of Alex's cheeks in that picture! So sweet! I miss those tiny babies but not the sleepless nights, constant bottle washing, endless Dr. appt.'s (I could go on an on).