Been a while...

I know it has been a while but I am at a point again that I need to vent.

Today, I got another call at 4pm that A is sick. We have not made it one full day since last Wednesday before Christmas at school. L got sick last week with a fever that lasted 5 days. Then on Wednesday A got pink eye. And now A has a fever of 101.8... Here we go again. I don't have any sick time left and now am on unpaid leave. Husband cant help because his location is already short staffed. Couldn't go to the Christmas eve service or the Christmas day service and now looks like we wont be going anywhere anytime soon at all.

This twin thing is just for the birds when it comes to sickness. I cannot seem to ever get on top of anything. They both have been on antibiotics since the Thursday before Christmas. What am I to do now????

I want to cry but that is not going to change anything. I feel so very lost and alone. I need His help more than anything, because without him I would give up hope...

I have done a million loads of laundry in the past week and that is going to just end up costing more money because of detergent and Lys*led they whole stinkin house. Two doctors visits and poss another one Monday coming. Then add prescriptions. I know that I seem to be complaining here but come on, I didn't ask for twins, God, you gave them to me. There was no fert*lity at all and we knew all we could afford was just one more... God, I need help!

I am now just praying the H doesn't catch any of this because he starts back to school next week. I am not sure that I am wishing for Spring but something has got to give soon or I am going to loose it...

I am tired of hearing J complain about work again. Most of it is because they have people on vacation and he is having to do more, but come on...enough is enough.

Oh well...it might be a little while longer before I write again...

Here's to hoping that 2012 is much better than 2011 and that the sickness goes far from our house...(of course it won't happen)

Locked out...

This morning was interesting. We are all ready and fixing to load up the van to go drop the kids off at school and me to work. Normally I take A out first and let H & L stay inside the house. This morning though, I took L out first and told H to go ahead and get in the van. Of course I closed the door behind me, unlocked. But when I went to go back in the house to get A, it was LOCKED! I had no keys, no purse, and no phone. A had managed to turn the lock as she was attempting to open the door, twisting the door knob. I tried for a few minutes to explain to her to turn the lock in the middle of the knob. That didn't work. I had to resort to going to the neighbors house, who answered the door brushing her teeth, and ask if I could use her phone to call J who is already at work. J quickly says he will be right there. I go back and still trying to explain to a two year old how to unlock the door. I even tried the plastic card thing, since it was only the knob lock and not the deadbolt. About 15-20 minutes later, J comes to the rescue. A was calm through most but couldn't understand why mommy couldn't hold her through the door. By the end of the lock in A was very upset and very blotchy when she was released from her locked state. J give me a hug and tells me its ok and we will surely get a hid a key by this weekend! Believe it or not, we were actually leaving early therefore, we all got to work and school on time just like regular.

This is going into A's baby book for sure!

Trick or Treat...

A / L  2009



H / A / L  2010

L / H / A 2011

My how they grow and change in just two years. All three of them have been such fun this Halloween season and I loved hearing the girls say "trickoteet" and their sweet "tank u". And H never forgot to make sure that the person at the door didn't forget his sisters in the wagon. I had the white tiger costumes from last year, they didn't wear them because they were too big. But this year they fit just right. So H went as a white tiger trainer. We had a lot of fun as a family, we ate sandwiches in the van and then went out. When we got tired we decided to leave. Simple and fun. 



Feelings...

Sorry peeps, I just haven't felt like blogging in a while. Lots and lots of sickness in our household with all three kids. Back to back bouts of strep throat, croup, and ear infections. Troubles at school with the older one and just down right tired!

Big thanks to my mom for rescuing me last week and helping me. Although stressful at times, blessings all around! I pray that one day I will look back on these days and just laugh that I stressed over the little stuff. Not that I am looking for the big"ger" stuff but you know what I mean.

Highs & lows...

Up and down, up and down...that is the roller coaster that I am on. Yesterday as I said was a really good day. Then today... another whole story.

From about 4 am. The neighbors dog starts barking (till about 6 am). Then L wakes up crying, I go in and cover her back up and she is fine. Then about 5 am A starts fussing in her bed. I give her a few minutes and then go in cover her back up and she is fine. But A continues to fuss off and on. Teething maybe? Not sure. I get up around 6 because the early morning hours indicate that if I don't I might not get a shower at all before work. J is already gone because he had to get ice for the clinic before going to work and he had to be there by 7 to open. I get H up and get him dressed and then go in an wake the girls up. That is right, they are still sleeping. But seem to wake up in a good mood. But then time passes and I cannot find them anything to wear. Nothing, absolutely nothing fits them in the waist for pants and tops all seem to be too big. I just don't know what to do. I cannot go smaller in the pants because then they are too short. Anyone out there know of a brand that runs small in the waist but regular in length, I would love to hear from you! So that is frustrating. Then A needed a second diaper change but she wouldn't lay down for me to change her. Thus the mom/daughter fight begins. She threw major fit to say the least this morning and it lasted almost all the way to the daycare. Let me tell you that girl has a set of lungs!!! Then I get to school finally and I get a write up that was no where to be seen yesterday, that A bit someone at 2:30pm yesterday while they were playing outside. I cannot discipline or explain anything to her for something she did yesterday. She just wouldn't understand. I did talk to her but still... I guess I will start dating and putting the time on the write up part that I have to sign. That way they will know and I can keep record. I also had to stop by J work to get him to sign a loan document so therefore I was late to work.

This day has to get better. ? ? ? ?

Another weekend...

Yes, we had sickness again!!!

H had a great day at school on Friday. He has proved to me that he can do it, so he wanted his DS back. Now he has to maintain...

J had to work till about 3pm on Saturday so I was on my own. But it was a good morning and naps were in full swing. About the time the girls got up from nap J was home. We went on to Walm*rt for grocery shopping. We decided instead of pushing two buggies we would use one and push the girls in the stroller. Mainly because now it is a fight to get them to sit in the seat of the buggies. Just not worth the fight. All good except the amount that we spent but it was needed. The girls were whinny on Saturday night but once in bed all was right again :)  I had to cook for SS the next morning so I was up till almost 10pm doing that. I was tired. Went to bed and at about 1 I was awoke by L. She had gotten out of her bed and was laying in the middle of the room. I guess she woke up and couldn't figure out where she was. I put her back in her bed, checked on A too and she went back to sleep. Well, about 2 I was woken up by A. But not just a cry but vomit!!! Oh how I love throw up. NOT!  Four time with in the next two hours. Long night of changing sheets. And yes, every time A got up L got up too. But they were good about laying back down and going to sleep. A didn't eat much the next morning for breakfast or lunch. I stayed home with the girls and J went to church with H. J had to usher and he took the breakfast for me. I got a good nap at lunchtime when the girls took theirs. Sunday night was when we were going to see the movie Courage*us. We had to pre purchase tickets and the childcare for the little ones was at the church. J really wanted for me to go too. He made the decision to drop the girls off and leave our cell numbers. We went to the movie and I was really glad to. It was good and is a good encouragement to all men/dads out there. I didn't have to worry about H seeing any bad things in it either. We had some good fellowship with Josh and Crystal as well. We picked up the kids after the movie and they were in great moods.

The new thing with the girls is fighting over who is sitting on 'mommy's' side of the van. If they are not on my side they cry and want to hold my hand. Makes for a long drive home holding a little ones hand in the backseat! Anyway, we got home and fed the kids chicken nuggets and some chunk cheese and milk. A ate all of hers and I was so happy she had her appetite back. There were no other symptoms but the throw up so maybe just a bug. So far L has not caught it.

This morning on my drive to work the girls were in such good moods. We were talking and dancing to the music. I had to talk to God and tell him that most of the time that I come to him in desperate need of help, but today I was coming to thank him for this good moment!

H had a problem as well. He has some kind of bug bites/red bugs/not sure what all over his legs all the way to his hiney and on his arms? Not sure what it is but so far I have wiped his legs down with alcohol and we are also using calemine lotion. He says the pink stuff helps. I also think that he has something else going on not just bug bites but well see at his doc appt.

4 more days --- you know who you are!!! :)

Back...

I am back. I never left but just didn't feel up to writing. The past few days have been an adventure to say the least!

Monday and Tuesday were more of the same with H. Still having troubles. But Wednesday was a great day! Praise Jesus! Maybe we are getting through to him. When I picked him up on Wednesday from school I was early so I thought I would see if his teacher was in. She wasn't in her room and her lights were off but I did see her in another room. We spoke and I cried. Not much but just a relief when she said he had a much better day. Then Thursday, I got a note in him assignment book that he had and "awesome" day! I am so happy to finally see this change. I really hope it sticks too.

Drama at daycare again, of course. On Wednesday they called me to come get A because she had two loose stools. No other symptoms. They said that she couldn't come back the next day w/out a doctors note. I picked both girls up and called the on call nurse. Explained the situation and she faxed me an excuse. The school ended up sending a lot of kids home that day. I figured if things were going to get worse they would that night. A had no other bm's that night and still no other symptoms. So I took her on to school the next day. She had a good day and no other problems. The daycare did give me a fit when I handed them the note but that is exactly what the director said she needed! I pray today is a good day and we will have the weekend to get over any lingering issues - but at this time I don't foresee any.

I am now on my countdown to go out of town sans babies/husband! I am excited to say the least! Will I miss the kids? Yes. Will I miss the work? No!

The consignment sale started yesterday too and I enjoyed going. Although I didn't buy much I do plan to go back for the half off sale next Friday. For the first time I really didn't have much to look for for the kids. ** Update: just checked and I have already made $197.75 -- not sure if this is before or after their percentage but still -- awesome!!

When does it sink in...

We had a great weekend to celebrate H's birthday. Nana and Papa came up on Friday and we got to spend all day on Saturday with them. Got the girls some new brown church shoes, which they absolutely love and never want to take off! But Sunday evening before night church, I decided to go through H's book bag and get things ready. I opened his folder and saw a note from his teacher and the whole world stopped turning!!!

H was only two punches away from his goal at school ( a contest they are doing) and I asked him Friday after school if he got it. At first he said no but then changed his story and said yes, that he got his goal. I believed him. Thought everything was good all weekend but he had a secret that he wasn't telling me.

He got a write up Friday at school. This will go into his record. Lying and then Talking during a test. I don't know if he will get a zero on his test or not? He was warned twice and still did it and he also lied to the teacher but later admitted the truth. I really don't know what I am going to do about this boy. Nothing seems to get through to him. He got a serious spanking and has had everything taken away from him. Not only did he do this at school but he also lied to me on Friday. Now, I know and understand that he is never going to be perfect. I remember hiding things and lying too as a child. He has to get a hold of himself and stop talking. That is the root of all of this.

I am not sure if the change in his diet is affecting him or not. Some people believe that colors in food/drinks has alot to do with hyperactivity. He has had a lot of sweets in the past couple weeks and also a lot of sugary snacks with papa (mimi/papa) and that will no longer be. But starting this week, it will be milk only in our house. No buying snack/juice at school. I packed his snack and he will drink water or milk. When he gets home it will be shower/homework/dinner/bed. No exceptions, until he makes changes. I think he is understanding but we will see if he changes his actions. Any advice would be appreciated on how you would handle things.

Happy 7th birthday...

The rest of the story...

The next morning we were moved to a real room. The pitocin drip started and the epidural put in. Things were progressing nicely. The drugs were a little heavy and I slept most of the time. That was the only thing I wish I could have changed. I really missed talking to the family while waiting. My mom and dad and my in laws were there. I had one blood pressure scare where they made everyone leave the room. Of course I don't remember it at all. Finally came time to push. I was so ready for the whole process to be over. The only ones in the room was the hubby and the needed doctor/nurses. It only took about 30 minutes overall and very few pushes and H was born. I can still remember his little whimper cry and how gross it was that they wanted me to touch him right after he came out. But, I was amazed of what I had just accomplished and that God saw me through it all. I did tear pretty badly (tmi) and took a while to recover from that but he was so worth it and was a beautiful and healthy baby boy.  Born at 2:06pm 7lbs 5.5oz 21.5 inches long. AMAZING!

An now he is SEVEN! I cannot believe how time has flown. I remember him turning 5 and what a big deal that was and now it just seems as if I have lost that little boy and I can never get him back.

I am trying to cherish the moments with the girls because of lessons learned. I love the story by Karen K*ngsbury "Let Me Hold You Longer". A beautiful story about how we cherish all our kids "first" but not the "lasts".  When is the "last" time that you will get to prop that little baby on your hip or cheer at his "last" tball game before he goes to big kid baseball. I could go on and on because I see that I have already gone through so many "last". But I promise no matter how big he gets he will never have his "last" hug or kiss from his mom!

I love you H and I am so very proud of you! Enjoy your Seventh year!

Seven (7) years ago today...

I was so ready to have my firstborn. Hurricane Ivan had hit about a week and a half prior and the clean up was still in progress. We had power outage for about a week and we were very thankful for our generator and pop up camper. (who knew that a year later, Katrina would make us use the very same items, but with a one year old that had to suffer too) I was supposed to have a doctors appointment the Thursday after the hurricane but because of the power outages they cancelled all appointments. I made sure though that I had one for the following Monday. That was a very long weekend to say the least. Monday came and I went to the doctor and said that he just had to schedule my delivery, I just couldn't carry any longer. He checked his schedule and came back in the room and asked me how the next night sounded. Of course, I said GREAT! So, seven years ago today, I had my bags packed and was getting ready to go to the hospital to be induced.

When we got there to check in, there was no room in the inn! :) They told us to go have one last supper and then come back. Our last meal, was Arby's. It was very good, believe it or not, and we talked about how we couldn't believe that we were fixing to meet our son. Around 8 or 9 pm we go back to the hospital and checked in. Again no room but they did fit us into a spare closet of sorts. They put in medicine to loosen my c*rvix and get things going. They told me to sleep but of course I couldn't because of the pain from the medicine. Reluctantly I got a pain shot in my b*tt. I slept much better after that. Husband and I got to sleep some that night, only little did we know that that would be the last night of sleep for a while...

TBC...

Encouragment...

I really need some right now. Don't worry the kids are fine. Finances are just getting the better of me. I had a great meeting with my dad, who is helping us get our feet back on the ground and we have a game plan. Then life happens. I knew for several weeks now that I had to go get an oil change and tires rotated and also have them look at my front tires because they were kinda balling on the corners, like where you would turn corners, but not on the middle part. The drivers side was really bad. Now, I have to admit that I do not rotate my tires on a regular basis, but I have never seen this happen before. So I go in to the place where I bought the tires originally and get oil change, tire rotate and balance, and an alignment. Just to put a long story short, one new tire and an expensive alignment (that wasn't really out of wack), and I end up paying $200.00. Well that is $200 that I do not have. Here we go again. Life happens!

Very frustrated right now!!

The bug...

This morning as I was getting out of the van, I noticed a big black bug. Kinda looked like a grasshopper but it was black? Anyway, as I was getting A out I asked if she wanted to see a big bug and she said yes. So I showed her. We marveled and saw it moving its legs. Once we were done we went and got L out of the van and she immediately asked to see the bug too. So I lifted her up to see the bug and of course her first question was can she touch it. I tell you, this girl has no fear of touching bugs. I told her no, of course. There I was holding up two little toddler to look at a big black grass hopper. Fun times!

And just to give you a mental picture, I g**gled it :)

Update on A, she has had two good days. I don't want to jinx anything but I really hope she is learning not to bite. As we were walking in to school today, I asked her if we were going to have a good day. Her immediate response was, yes, no bite. So, the girl understands what I am trying to get through to her. Now she just has to put it into practice.

Success...

Just wanted to praise L. She went to the potty this morning! A was already awake and we got L up. About 5 minutes later I went to get her dressed and change her diaper and I noticed that she was not wet yet. So I asked her if she wanted to go use the potty. She said yes and off we went, naked boot*e and all :)
She sat for a couple minutes and noticed all the things around her of course and then I asked if she was done, knowing she hadn't gone yet. She told me no. About another minute later a little grin crossed her face and the tinkle started. I smiled back, careful not to say anything as to distract her and make pee pee go flying. After she was done I praised her! She was such a big girl and I am so proud of her for not wetting her diaper and going on the big girl potty.

On a side note A had already been awake before I ever went in the room, therefore she filled her diaper.
Still not attempting to potty train but when the chances appear I take them. Just to get them used to sitting on the potty.

Two year checkups...

Well, after being cancelled and rescheduled we finally made it to the girls two year checkup. I really wasn't sure if it would be a well or a sick check up considering they still have gunk in their noses and a cough. The doctor looked in their ears and found that they both had ear infections. A surprise really because they haven't complained about them. I was proud of the girls for standing on the big girl scale to get weighed. L is still little at 23lbs and A is now got a 2lb lead at 25lbs. Their height is right about the same at 35 1/2 inches. These girls are going to be tall! They did cry and fuss but they also got to walk around the room and the doctor heard them talk some. This visit was much better than their 18 month checkup in which they cried the entire time and I couldn't even talk to the doctor because of the screaming. But this one I was able to talk with the doctor.

I also talked to the doctor about A's biting and she just said that toddlers this age are just mean. She said they don't comprehend that things hurt others just like they hurt them when they happen.

A also has some eczema on the creases of her elbows and the doctor gave some prescription ointment to put on. We started that last night and I will say that I say a big improvement this morning. Bless A's little heart, I hope this works really good for her.

The shots were not much fun. They got one shot and then a second shot was the flu shot. H will get his when he goes in a few more weeks. J and I also plan to get one this year.

A good visit and hope that the next one is even easier!

Giving it to God...

I have resolved to give it to God.


I am and will do all I can to prevent my child from biting, but truthfully it is not in my hands. I am not at school with her and it is out of my control. As I dropped the girls off at school this morning, I took A to the side and talked to her about not biting. I am not sure how much is getting through. I got back into my van and I drove to work. But as I drove I also prayed and told God that it was all in His capable hands and that only He could give her the help she needs through out the day. Now, I know she is just a toddler but we as parents still have to pray for our children and I know that He is working faithfully to make them good kids.


As a mom/wife/woman, I like to be in control and if I am not then I worry. But God tells us not to worry and that it is not for us to be in control. That is His job. God is in control.




(Philippians 4:6-7) 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

The biting continues...

I have two year olds! I have one particular two year old who likes to bite!!

I have officially got the call from the school to let me know that A's continuous biting is becoming an issue and that one particular boys parents have been complaining. I truly understand, but I also know that there is nothing I can do but be firm with her and get through this phase. I have read everything possible and just don't see any other options than what I am already doing. Their solution for the next few days is to call me each time that the incident occurs and have me come to the daycare to discuss/discipline her. I am not sure this is going to work or if it will become a scenario where she knows if she bites she will get mom. They also mentioned to possibly call me and let her speak to me on the phone. Again, I think this will only be a fun thing for her and not punishment. The director said that there are three main biters in their room right now and that she is going to try putting them all in the same room to see if that is going to change anything. (I have read that this is not a good thing to do). We'll see.

The problem is her biting is not always provoked, IE not a defensive reaction. She just bites!?! I don't know why. When I talk to her about it she knows that she is not supposed to do it and quickly says she is sorry. I pray this "phase" comes to an end quickly. I really don't want to have to find other daycare options.

Pray without ceasing...

Meanings...

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of names. Some parents name their children because of the meaning of a name, but does the meaning of the name really matter? Our son was named after family. His first name is after my husbands grandfather who is passed and his middle name is after my dad. But L & A are not named after anyone and we have no other reason as to why we named them their names other than we liked them. So there you have our story.

H:  spirit,soul   precious

L:  freedom   people of victory

A:  defender   God is my judge

Although my children were not named because of their meanings, I love what their names mean!

Work smarter, not harder...

OK, I finally got smart. Or finally took some peoples advice...

Bedtime since the transition to toddler beds has been tough for this momma. We did our normal routine of dinner, bath, and bedtime. We tuck them in and turned on the music and I would pat them to sleep. Getting L to sleep is not as hard as A. I struggled and lost some sanity and finally realized that something has to change.

We did cry it out when the girls were babies and I just wasn't sure of how to tuck my girls in bed and just leave the room. I worried about clothes being thrown everywhere and furniture being destroyed. But like I said, something had to give, I was loosing it again. So I child proofed the drawers and I put a child proof door knob cover on and prayed hard.

The advice was to tuck them in, say goodnight, give kisses and leave the room. So... that is what I/we did. The first night took about 15 minutes of crying and the girls repeating "pat pat momma" pat pat... over and over again. Then silence. I gave it about 20 more minutes and then went in to check on them and they were asleep! Silence is golden! And they were in their beds!  The next night it was about 20 minutes but this time it wasn't crying the whole time, but more of a whine. Then again silence. Checking on them before bed and they were still in their appropriate beds. The next night, so much easier and only about 5-10 minutes of whining, and I believe that they got out of their beds and J went in their room and firmly told them it was bedtime and to stay in bed. They got into bed and that was it.

I believe that they understand that it is bedtime and we are working on our second week now. The weekend naps were interesting but I did tell them that I was only staying in for 5 minutes and they needed to go to sleep and thankfully they did. Now if they hadn't I would have left as I told them, so they understand that I mean what I am telling them. If we hear them playing we go in and tell them to get into bed that its sleep time. We haven't had to do that more than 2-3 times on any occasion. So far anyway. Their bedtime did change and they now go to bed at 7 pm.

My sanity has been restored. Although sometimes A just doesn't want to stay in her bed, the time is minimal and bearable.

Roll Tide Roll...

In our house the colors are Crimson and White!!

This weekend the tradition of going to a University of Alabama game will carry on to the next generation. H will be going to his first every Bama game!! He is excited but his daddy is more excited, I think! This has been in the works for almost a year now. H was able to go with J to the A-Day game as a test run to just let him see how things will be. But his first game is a night game and to me those are more exciting than any. J will be sent with specific picture order too. Must have some very good shots of the first game! J picked up the tickets today and has already called me to say he cannot wait to show H the tickets and how he cannot wait to go! I picked up a couple of birthday gifts for H today. Since the game tickets are for his birthday that is where most of his expense went. We are letting him take his dollars from his piggy bank, mainly ones he collected from Memaw, to buy something at the game. I picked him up a stuffed football that has the Alabama A on it and also an Alabama hamper. You guess right, his room is decorated in the Alabama theme, well, everything but his bedspread.

So, Roll Tide Roll!!

Found...

I have found a babysitter! Although costly but still...it's someone to call and pre set a date night with!! :) I am excited!

Got a good report from H's teacher yesterday. So, even though he has had some rough times he is still doing OK. Most of his test are 100's but nothing has been below a 94. They did the Deibles testing and he has already excelled above the end of the year goals in 2/3 areas and in the third he is only like 8 points away from the end of the school year goal. I have a smart kid! He still has to work on talking less though an keeping his hands to himself.

We still have a sickly household. J went to the doctor today and got a shot and antibiotics and cough medicine. His blood pressure is really high and the doc told him to get off the pheudo. Anyway, so I have 4 sick kiddies. H still has the stuffy nose, A is doing better, L has a very nasty cough, and J is all the above. I just keep praying that I don't get any of any of it.

The rain has been nice from the tropical storm and the cooler weather is great. It also makes me realize that fall/winter is coming and I am not ready for the cold season. I think we only had about 6 healthy weeks this summer and we have already started in on the sickness.

I am trying to stay positive, I really am, but things are tough. I feel so bogged down at time that I just wish it all away. I know that "D" is not the answer but you get time off as a parent and you don't have the extra duties of the husband. You don't have to try and be in agreement with anyone else but yourself. Do what you want to do. BUT then I am thankful that I have someone to go home to and that I have a beautiful family who loves me. Broken homes do not have that. Just a catch twenty two sometimes. I know that you have to take the good with the bad, just seems like the more people that are involved the more stress there is. That is what I loved about the week at the beach. I didn't worry about others, just our little family of 5.

Keep cheering me on and one day things will change and get a little easier. The girls will grow. The challenges I know will still be there but just different ones. The terrible twos and the fact that I have girls and twin girls on top of that are just some of the added challenges today. I am sure in a couple more years it will be way different.

In need of a baby sitter...

I so need to find a baby sitter. The in-laws are just not cutting it anymore. You see without getting into further details, my sister n law, their daughter, also has twins that are about 9 months younger than mine. The problem is my mil is so wrapped up in theirs, going to run to their aid at any time and when we call to have help or a baby sitter she is not available. I am sick and tired of it! My sister in law is married and I just don't understand why her husband doesn't go help. He is self employed and can go whenever he needs to.  I know exactly what she is going through because I have twins to plus another so I feel like I am fully allowed to make these statements. I just wish my sil would grow up and be a real mother to her kids instead of letting her mom raise them.
OK, vent over...for now anyway :/

Yesterday...

was OK...

No phone calls from school and the sky is not falling! :)

I did have a mommy thought fail though. I picked up A & L from daycare yesterday afternoon and A had a write up that she bit someone. But then I also got a write up that she got bit too! Finally! I am sorry to say that I had a little happy dance in my head that someone finally bit her back. You see, before you condemn me, she has had so many write ups about biting and they even gave me handouts to read on how to try and stop. This is not a problem at home but only at school. When I talked to A about it. She said it hurt when she got bit and I was able to talk to her about how it hurts when she bites her friends too.

This is going to be a long holiday weekend. I hope to make some plans to be out and about because it will be a long weekend if we have to stay at home. But trying to do that and not spend to much money is another story.

Mom, if your reading, think about coming up on the 17th. I think that we will try to have a get together for H's birthday. J has to take the dog to the vet that morning but I was thinking about sandwiches and cookie cake around 10:30ish and let him open a few presents. Just let me know. I promise the next trip will be me coming down (although it might not involve the kids coming with me).

The fund raisers have started! L&A got theirs yesterday and H is supposed to get his on the 20th. Oh I hate them!

Anyway, keep smilin' because I'm trying too! :)

Lots...

has been going on! Mainly being sick and frustrated. I am just going to do this blog in daily order.

Friday:  Got to meet my mom, dad, grandma and husband for lunch! And the bonus was it was Mexican!! It had been forever and a day since I had eaten out. Dinner was a little hectic and A was not feeling all that well still. If I remember correctly that night went as mostly as usual but also involved a lot of cooking. A lot A lot of cooking! We, my mom and I, baked a cake and made rice krispy treats, and made pasta salad, all for the party the next day.

Saturday:  A woke up with croup. Oh glorious, and the day of her bday party too. J was outside washing the vehicles and spraying off the carport. I was in the kitchen fixing to cut up fruit for the party and mom was cutting out the krispy treats and Memaw was in the living room watching the girls run around and play. The next thing I heard was a hard thud! I knew it when I heard it that it would be bad. I immediately dropped the knife that I was cutting with and ran around the corner and A had hit her head, it was bleeding, and I could see deep into it! She had hit her head just above her right eye on the door hinge. I grabbed a towel, mom got J and we took her to the ER. Thank goodness it wasn't a gusher and she calmed down really quickly. She just kept saying that she wanted to go see the doctor. We walked right in and no on was waiting. They were able to glue it together and I am hoping that it doesn't scar badly. We came back home and ate lunch and had naps. I iced cakes and did the finishing touches while the girls were asleep. The girls got up and it was party time.

The party went great and I am please with all the decorations and food. Shout out to my mom who helped with the signs and decorations. I swear we would be no where with out our moms!  The girls got lots of H*llo Kitty stuff and dishes/pots to go with their new cupcake kitchen. It was a great day.

Sunday:  Another great and full day. H woke up with croup today and he was also getting baptised. I was thankful that his Nana, papa, memaw, Mimi, and poppa were all able to be there to see him. After his baptism, as he was walking down the isle to get to his seat, he just beamed! He was so happy and we all were so proud! 

Mom helped me by cooking a potato casserole for my SS breakfast and we had fruit and muffins. This was our second week in  our new SS class and we love it. Thank you Jesus! After SS, we met Nana and papa at Ol*ve Garden for lunch! It was so good and yummy! After lunch we got the girls home for nap and then Nana and memaw left to go home. Later that evening, we decided not to go back to church and just have family night. H and A still had croup and we were trying to nurse them all. J and I and all three kids did go for a nice walk that afternoon and it was very enjoyable. We talked about finances and getting our life strait on that and having the commitment to do just that! It is going to be so worth it to get out of debt!

Monday:  J went into the girls room first after they got up. I walked in later and asked how A was doing. He said she didn't sound good and that he would stay home with her. I had to go to work because my co worker was out for Monday and Tuesday. J took A to the doc and I told him not to leave until he had a real reason why she was sick, not just that her throat was red. (not sure if I blogged about it previously, but A had been to the doc on Wed because the daycare called about her having a fever. The doc couldn't find anything and just said it was a virus.) After seeing the doc, she confirmed strep and also took blood to make sure she didn't have pneumonia. Thank goodness she didn't. Just step and croup. She got steroids for the croup and antibiotics all around!

Tuesday:  If I remember correctly: A went back to school and H got in trouble at school. He has a big problem, he is too smart for his own good!! He talks to much but he gets A's on all his test. He got in trouble because he was talking when he wasnt supposed to and also because he pinched a girl in his class because she took his eraser. Oh this boy knows better and I am just loosing my mind trying to get though to him.

Wednesday:  This was supposed to be the day the girls went for the well check up at the doctor, but we rescheduled for two weeks. So I took my half day. Only to be interruped with another call from daycare saying that A was really fussy and that she didnt eat much lunch and was coughing a lot. Very frusterated, I told them I have already taken her to the doc twice and they have the notes. That all three of my kids are on antibiotics and I could call the phone nurse but not much else I can do. The phone nurse said to just give her some tyln/mtrn and some cough meds to help her through the day. We decided not to go to church but we did go to dinner as a family and H stayed for Awana and mimi brought him home. A still sounds croupy in her cough but I guess well see in a few more days.

Thursday:  Well, thats today. So far........so good???

Ugggg...

OK, I am at my whits end!

I have so much going on in my head that I don't even know where to start and I am forgetting to do things that I wanted to do before the girls birthday. But of course with them being sick and no time, it just didn't get done. I know truly it wont matter in the end but still. I also have so much cooking/baking to do tonight and tomorrow morning. I also still have some last minute grocery shopping to do. Will I get it all done????

A seems to be doing better and fever gone but I know that L is catching it. They both went to school today but I am trying to decide on whether or not to go pick them up early. I just don't want a call from school again. I pray that this sickness passes quickly.

Mom and family are coming into town today and I am happy to see them. I pray the weekend goes smoothly.

H lost a tooth this week and he said that maybe the tooth fairy would bring him two dollars since the tooth was bigger than the last one. So this tooth fairy made sure he got two dollars. When he got up he was not at all excited. I asked him later why he wasn't happy with his two dollars and he said because he wanted a Bible. I was very happy to hear him say this. This coming Sunday, H is getting baptised at church. I had already ordered him a new Bible, one that is age appropriate and that he will like. I can not wait to surprise him with it!!!

My goal this weekend is to just enjoy myself. Enjoy cooking, enjoy my girls party, enjoy my parents being in town and enjoying H being baptised on Sunday! This will be a good weekend, even if all the things in my head don't get completed!

Dear A...

Dear A...

My second born daughter, but only by 9 minutes, you have amazed me from day one! You are my solid rock. Your beautiful round face with a smile that beams as bright as the sun! Your personality from the very beginning has been evident. Outgoing and dominant for sure. You might not have been the first born but you were the first to do many things, talking and walking for one. The first year was an amazing one and watching you grow and change was always an exciting thing to watch. But your second year, you developed personality beyond my imagination.

The words you are saying these days are so very clear but with a sweet accent that is only you! I especially love then you say "uh hu" and "yes". Your voice inflections are so sweet.

I am not sure if you have a favorite toy or not but you do like to put linkados on as bracelets. You alsolove blankets. You will spread them out and then lay on them and just smile so big. Really, any toy that L has, it has to be yours to. The twin thing applies, when you buy one then you buy two just alike for the other sister.

Going potty has been an adventure so far and we are not even training yet. You have gone poo poo first and then about a week later you went pee pee. So many fun times are ahead. You do not like to be in a dirty diaper and you will come to me and say "change".

You are a little more picky than your sister when it comes to food. You are more like H in this area, textures are not always a good thing. Rice, corn and lettuce - you hate. But you do love yogurt, aka "yo yowt". You also like: chicken nuggets, raisins, juice boxes, fish sticks, peas, green beans, salisbury steak meat, bread and butter, cake and grits. Again, I could go on.

You are a decent sleeper but a pain in the bootie to get to sleep. The toddler bed transition has been much harder for you. You do a good job of staying in bed but falling asleep takes you a lot longer. Average is about 30-40 minutes. But once you are asleep I look at your sleeping face and I soak it up. These days will soon pass and you wont even want me in the room.

Clothes: You love to tell me no when I am putting shorts on you. You love to wear dresses! You are even asking for panties and bloomers too! Picking out clothes is becoming a daily thing.

Right now your favorite place is not school but church! Although you do love school, you are such a social butterfly. Not afraid at all to go into a new place. You ask all the time now to go to church. Again, in your sweet little accent. We have started going on Sunday am and pm and Wednesday nights. So you are loving it!

A, when I think about you, I see strong, independent but with a soft center that is nourished on love. If you have a boo boo then you need us, but you love to do things yourself. As you grow over the next year into a three year old, I pray that as we struggle and sweep through the days that I am able to see your beauty through and through. I can not wait to see the joys we will enjoy though out the next year.

A, I love you with all my hears and all the way to heaven!

Mommy

Dear L...

Dear L,

My sweet first born little girl. Your entrance into this world made me cry. Of course it was a happy, relieved cry. You were healthy and beautiful! You are two years old today and again you make me cry happy tears. You have grown and developed so much in the last year and seeing your personality change daily is amazing. Like a flower blooming and each day a new petal opens.

The first year of your life we called you "lazy L", not out of meanness but because you were so laid back and enjoyed just watching others accomplish tasks. It seemed as if you always did things on your own time table. This second year though, has been so amazing to see you accomplish so much.

You can speak words so well and you pronunciate things well when you repeat.

You love your lovie!

Going potty has been fun, even though we are not training right now, you have pee peed once.

Right now, baby dolls are your favorite thing to play with. What surprises me the most is you always have two and the babies have to have their lovies too! You will lay them down and cover them up and pat pat them to sleep. You will put them in the stroller or cart and push them around. Such a sweet girl and maybe you will be the one to carry on the twin tradition! (I promise to help you too, just like your Nana did me)

All foods are your favorite. There isn't much that I have found that you don't like. You are not to fond of yogurt, but you have started eating some and you really don't care for ice cream yet. You love: chicken nuggets, fish sticks, hamburger helper, peas, green beans, corn, applesauce, raisins, salisbury steak meat, spaghetti o's, cheese and cake. I could probably go on but I wont.

Your smile and laugh are so beautiful! I melt every time I look into your eyes. When I tell you I love you, you always say back, "lub you"! You will even give kisses. You have daddy wrapped around your finger and your brother truly loves you!

Your favorite teacher right now is Ms. Lisa. She had you in the baby room and when you moved up to the toddler room, you struggled with the transition. Ms. Lisa had the opportunity to move up and she did! Then when she would try to leave for lunch you would melt down and not even eat, so once again she adjusted her schedule just for you! You are a special girl and one day you will have to thank Ms. Lisa for loving you so much! For now I will let her know.

You are a good sleeper and will lay down in you toddler bed like such a big girl. When you think I have moved away, you will poke your head up and see if I'm still there and then lay back down.

Most of the time your sister is the one picking on you, she even has gotten in trouble for biting you at school. But just recently you fought back and scratched her on the face because she was trying to take something you had. Even though I had to give you a time out for scratching/pinching I was still kinda proud that you fought back.

I cannot wait to see what the next year holds for you as you grow into a three year old. I am sure many struggles of the terrible twos await but the beauty of who you are is also going to grow and develop and I can not wait to see who you become.

I love you L, with all my heart and all the way to heaven!

Mommy

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

Today, two years ago, you made me a very lucky mother! I now had my complete family, a little boy and two little girls! I can not believe that you are now two years old and that we have survived. You both are hard work but at the end of each and every day, I truly count my blessings times two. Now, my prayer request is that I survive the next two years of terrible twos and worse threes :)  I love you L & A to the very deepest core of me and you girls are the light in my day. I live for my children!

PS. Sad to say that A is home sick on her birthday today. Just a fever virus (so far). L is at school today. So on your second birthday you girls are apart for most of the day. But we will party on Saturday for sure!! Cake!!

Once upon a time...

Oh, that right this isn't a fairy tale. But I do have a beautiful story to tell and I pray daily that all the people in my story have a very happy ending!

Today is the day before my twin girls birthday. I remember waiting and counting down the days to go have them. I was miserable and yet relaxed and anxious and yet calm. I had goals and dreams for these little girls. I am sure in a previous post I wrote about their birth, so I wont bore you will details again. TWO years ago, I can not believe that time has past and they are getting so independent and opinionated. Good thing and a bad thing. I certainly didn't know two years ago how much my life would change. The struggles and joys and the highs and the lows. I continually pray that there will be many more highs as the future comes to fruition.

Just for the fun of it I will post a picture of what my belly look like just a few days before delivery. Stretched to the maximum!

Please don't judge, there were two babies in there!! :)

I want to say to all mothers of multiples and especially MoM that have more children, whether older or younger, GOD BLESS YOU! I truly believe that there is a very special place in heaven for us!

Owie...

L really did get an owie yesterday at school. She fell down and hit the side corner of the sidewalk. So if you were to put your hand up and down on your cheek/eye area that is where her big ole bruise is. Yesterday it was bad but still OK. This morning though its more swollen under he eye and under her eye is also bruised now. I hope most of it is clear by next weekends party. But that is my little Grace-ful! No scratches were involved thankfully. The side walk is padded but she hit at just the right angle. I was going to take her to the doctor this morning because it was watery and puffy. But she is eating, playing, laughing and her hand/eye coordination seems just fine. I did call the nurse and she said as long as she is acting fine that she is OK. Just to keep a look out for discolored discharge from her eye. I really think she will be fine.

A had a good day yesterday. No biting instances. Her teacher said that she had told the director that I was looking for help/information on if there was anything that I could do to help and that is why she printed it off for me. The teacher also said that she wanted a copy of it and that she needed to read it too. I shared my feelings with her and also got a little teary eyed. She gave me a hug and knew that it was a phase that kids go through. Even another teacher in the room says that it is normal phase that most all kids go through. I felt better after I left. I also shared with the teacher that I am doing all that I can do at home but that they have to deal with it when she does it there. A is frustrated when she cant have/get what she wants and that is her reaction. She has a lot to learn about getting her way. Politeness goes a lot further.

H had another good day at school. He did his homework in after school care and we checked it last night and he seemed to do very well on it. He is reading his own instructions and doing well.

I always seem to be constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. For the next bad thing to happen. Like sickness, boo boos, or getting in trouble at school. I want to stop that worry and just enjoy each day and not worry about tomorrow. God help me in this area!

Frustrated...

I know that this is a phase but really, how long is it going to last.

A is my biter! I truly do not know what to do to stop it. So far at home I have been able to prevent it from happening but at school its a different story. I know it is usually a fight over a toy. Her sister has been victim to many and her friends a few times.

But today, I got a call from daycare to let me know that L had taken a fall and has a bruise on her face and that they were also going to send home some pamphlets on biting for A. I just told them OK. But the more I think about it the more it frustrates me, because I just cannot think of anything I can do since the incidences are happening at school. If she has an incident report from school, I always talk to her right after we leave school that we do not bite and she will look at me and say no bite, sorry. She really is a sweet girl but just when she get frustrated she doesn't know what else to do to get her way. When I see her getting uptight at home I will step in and tell her she has to share and that she cant just take the toy. She seems to understand that, so I wonder what daycare is actually doing. Maybe they should read these pamphlets? I have been on both sides of the argument where one is the biter and there other is the receiver. When H was in preschool he was the one being bitten so I am very upset when A does bite another child. What can this mother do when she is not there to correct the situation when it happens?

Any one out there have any advice for biters at daycare? What did you do.

Survival...

Again, we survived Wednesday night church. H really enjoyed Awana and the girls were OK in Puggles. L cried when I left for about 5-10 minutes but was fine when I went to pick her up. They ate well at church too, but bath was very whiny and bed was OK. On the upside, it only took about 20 minutes to get them to sleep. All in all OK but well see how the next few weeks go.

Another first for H! His second day of school and he forgot to bring home his notebook. In that notebook is a place for the parent to initial that we saw it and homework done. I noticed when looking in the book last night that my initial was on the Tuesday note. BUT I did NOT sign it! HA, H is only in 1st grade and already forging my initials. My oh my, what am I going to do? I did talk to him about it and I will now only initial in a colored ink pen, not pencil like I did the first day. He is way too smart for this own good.

Not much else going on. A bit L yesterday at school and left a bruise. Again, this mom doesn't know what to do. The teacher tell me not to worry about it, that it is just a phase. I am ready for the weekend and lots of party buying to do. Only one more week and the girls are two! The party is next Saturday and I am ready for it to be over with so I dont have to think/worry about it anymore. Gonna be fun though.

Well...

Not much going on here.

On A's daily sheet from school yesterday there was a note on it that she used the potty one time! Then at bath time she asked to potty and she did go pee pee then too! Exciting. Not sure how this is going to work if only one potty trains at a time or do you just try both at the same time and hope the other one gets it too? I am still not at the full point of starting but A is definitely getting the idea. L will sit on the potty and has even gone pee pee once but nothing since. Time will tell I guess.

H forgot his homework notebook yesterday in his class room. We had a good discussion last night about responsibility. It seems as if they go from the teacher doing a lot of things for them in k5 but then in 1st grade they are expected to remember themselves. We kinda have three goals for him this year: Listening, Obeying, and Responsibility. He is learning that when a teacher or parent are speaking that he is not to say "I know" but to listen and then obey. Listening usually involves him following more than on step at a time, that is the part he has to learn.

Girls did pretty good going to sleep last night. It only took one walk out and about 40 minutes total to get them both to sleep. They slept all night and they were up and moving when I went in their room this morning. They had taken their pants off but other than that they were such good girls. Only eight more days and my babies are going to be 2!!

I made one of the fabric garlands last night. The one for the mantle. It looks cute and I think is going to complement the decorations good. I am going to try and make the other one by this weekend. J even suggested that I make one in Christmas colors for Christmastime. Good idea!

Going to go to church tonight and the girls will start Puggles and H will start Sparks. I am excited for him and I know he will enjoy game time alot! Hopefully he will learn some good verses to use in his future!

I guess we made it...

I guess the bridge has been crossed. Toddler beds are a success and our night routine has been altered. The girls will now be able to stay up till around 7pm vs the 6-6:30 before. I think they understand that they stay in bed but not sure about falling asleep by themselves yet. Last night it took about 45 min and one walk out from mommy and daddy. But once we came back in, I noticed that neither got out of bed. L was OK but A was crying. She understood that it was time for bed and about 10 minutes later she was asleep.

H had a good first day of school. He says he likes his teacher and that he did know a couple of kids in his class from last year. There are 19 in his class and we have heard that this is the largest first grade class so far at HES.

What do you do about feet stinking? Both L and A will not leave their socks on but for some reason will leave their shoes on if they don't have socks? BUT now their feet just stink! And their shoes stink!! Funny thing, they took their shoes off in the van yesterday and I could smell them in the front seat. EWWWW! I though only boys were supposed to stink. Baby powder in the shoes did not work at all...what are my other options?

This morning as I dropped H off at school. A thought she would say goodbye to H. He got out and a few minutes later I heard her say, "bye bye booger"! This made me laugh, because that is what I call H sometimes and I guess she picked it up too. Cute!

Also, when I dropped off the girls at school, they walked right in and sat down to eat breakfast. But before going to sit, L turned and waved bye to me and then blew me kisses! OH MY they are growing so fast now.

Hope you all have a good Tuesday!

"Momma's not ready"...

This weekend was a very busy weekend. A lot of "first" happened! And of course this momma was not ready at all!!!

Friday night was as usual at our house. I knew of course that the husband was going to have to work half day on Saturday and I was going to attempt to get the twins two year pictures made.

Saturday morning went well. We were at the picture place at a quarter till and we were the first in, first to get pictures done, and the first to leave!! I have to say that L was fine at first and we got a few single shots of her. Then A got a little more comfortable and I got a couple with both of them. Then L melted down. She wouldn't let go of me for anything. I had to tell the ladies that we were done. They wanted to reschedule, but I was not going to go through that again :/' Way to much work. We did get one good shot of the girls together, so that will be their "2" year pictures. I was tired after this. We went straight home. Lunch was next and all went fine. Then naps. Here is where things all started going downhill for this mom. A wasn't ready for nap. I put her t shirt on and then put her in her crib. I turned around to put L shirt on and about the same time I looked back just as A was putting her foot over the railing of the crib. She was so mad at me. She went right over the top and onto the floor. I screamed and was right there. She was absolutely fine! She didn't even cry for a minute. But at that time I also realized that we were no longer going to be in cribs. TODDLER BEDS, OH MY!  They did take their final nap in their cribs. When J got home he got the beds out of the attic and we put them together. We were prepared for this but I emotionally was not. A automatically loved her bed. L on the other hand was not as happy, at first. After a few more minutes she was on the bed playing just like A. We took the girls and H to the grocery store and came back home to take the cribs apart and put the toddler beds in their place. I cried. I was not ready for this. I knew that this meant more work, more time, and freedom for two little girls. My thought was, we'll shut the door and they will only have their room to play in. Of course as I was changing L, A decided to learn how to open the door! Another first, thankfully we had the door knob covers to put on.

Bedtime took two hours and I was one very frustrated mom. I knew that it would be difficult because it was all new to them. But around 9, all was well. I was awaken about 1:45 in the morning to L crying. I think she was disoriented. Its pitch black in the room and I go to her bed, she is not there. I found her in the middle of the room. Put her back in bed, covered her up and patted her back to sleep. I looked over on the floor next to me to see if A was OK. She was double over sleeping in the middle too! I put her back in her bed and went back to bed myself. The next morning I was awaken by the girls talking and playing in their room at 6am. This was a decent time and they played till about 6:30 when we went in to get them. Off to church. They moved up to the two year olds class at church and will start Puggles on Wednesday nights. Church was good and lunch at home. I said my prayers for our first nap time in toddler beds. OH MY WORD, easy! 5-10 minutes flat. They were asleep and they slept for 2 hours! Praise God! We all took naps Sunday afternoon. We decided to go to pm services at church for the first time in 2years. The girls were the only ones in the nursery. H went to the children's night service. Of course he only sang a couple songs and then they played kick ball. After church we went to the in laws house and stayed about 30 minutes. Went home and it was about 8:30. Again, saying prayers! L went right to sleep but A put up a fight. She cried so hard but wouldn't lay down. I picked her up and held her till she went to sleep. Only about 10 minutes later she was in her bed and sleeping. No sounds from their room. I got up half way through the night and checked on them to make sure they were in bed. Sure enough, both in bed and sleeping good! When I went to get them up this morning. L was already walking around the room but I woke up A. God is good and He knew what this momma needed. Another bridge crossed!

H started 1st grade today! He is getting so big and so grown up. Independent. I wouldn't want it any other way. Our family of 5 took him to school, walked him in, and got him settled into his new desk, I took a few pictures and we were on our way. I asked J if he wanted to talk to H any more and he said if he had stayed any longer he would have cried. His little boy is growing up.

If you are still reading this bless you. Sorry I am so long winded today but I wanted to document these days.

Also, L pee peed on the potty on Saturday morning. We are not fully potty training but just getting the idea of how it works.

H will start Awana on Wednesday nights too. A lot of changes this week but I know for the better of our family. Growth and change are hard but needed and Gods plan is best.

My baby is coming home...

I am so excited to see my baby boy tonight!!

I know he had a great week and is excited to be starting the 1st grade on Monday. Right now he loves school and I pray that he is challenged and learns so much this year.

I miss his sweet smiling face. Even with all the challenges that he brings he also is very sweet and compassionate to the core. I also can not wait to see him and his sisters together again. As hard as it was to have a singleton and twins, I really cant imagine my "family" any other way! God knew what he was doing. Although two singletons would have been soooo much easier, I am truly blessed.

Come home quickly H, Mom and Dad miss you!

Mom...

Thank you so much for the blog this afternoon. It really meant a lot to read about H's day. I also have missed your blogs this week. I just feel as if they are a connection for us, like writing letters, without the mail delay! :)

I am glad that you have enjoyed your time with him and one day I hope to add a couple little girls to the mix, if your up to it! ha ha 

Love and kisses from your daughter.

You know your a parent when...

******************************************************************

You know your a parent when your CD holder in your car no longer holds acutally CDs but DVDs for the kids in the backseat!!


******************************************************************

Getting crafty...

Well, I started last night getting some craft projects done for the girls party. I made their shirts and if I do say so myself they look really cute! Now just have to find the bottoms to go with it!

I also completed the banner that says Happy 2nd Birthday!! Thanks mom, it really does look great!

Now I just have to start cutting the strips for the garland and then we will be ready to party!

I got to talk to H today and he said he wanted to come home. I told him OK, to come home. Then he got upset and said that he really wanted to stay a few more days. Then not even a minute later he asked if he could stay another week! I love that little boy!! So funny. I am very glad that he is having a good time and that he loves his grandparents and great grandma. Those times are precious and are things he will remember as he gets older...

PS. mom if your reading this, take pictures of you all together!

Going to meet H's teacher tonight. Still do not know who she is but I guess we will find out tonight for sure.

Check...

OK. A check off the list. Yesterday was my half day at work so I took the opportunity to do my errands in town. The town I never go to anymore.

My first stop was Toys*Us. I had called about a week ago and checked to see if they had the kitchen in stock in the store that I saw online. They said they had three. Of course I didn't print it off so when I went to the store I couldn't find it or reference it. Oh well. That one would have cost about 70$, but I found a really cute "cupcake" kitchen and I really like if for only $40. Of course once I got home I had a coupon for $5 off. Oh well, that's how it always seems to go. I also picked up a potty seat w hook for the girls and two pairs of pink pants because they were only $5 a piece.

My second stop was S*ms. For diapers of course. Sticker shock and takes a bit out of the pocket. Hopefully not too many more of these in our future. (ps. Thanks mom and mamaw for all the boxes of diapers in the past!! oh so many thanks)

My third stop was to the material store. It really didn't take me too long once I got my thoughts straight. But I did think that I would be able to find it cheap, but really didn't. Oh well. I did get some so that I can reuse the garland each year and just change my theme hanging from it. I also got the material to do the #2 on the girls shirts.

So now I have some projects to start working on!

My fourth stop was to K*hls. Of course when I came out of the material store there was a storm a brewing. I really wanted to stop there to see if they had the knit skirts that I wanted the girls to wear at their birthday party. I parked on the side of the store that the kids are on, but forgot that I wasn't in my regular K*hls store and so I had to run to the other side. They didn't have them and because of the rain storm coming I decided just to go and I would look this weekend at my regular K*hls store. I just beat the rain. It poured most of the way home but by the time I picked up the girls all the rain had stopped. Thank goodness, because it is no fun trying to load up twins in the rain.

Husband and I had a good night with the girls and then I made fried rice for dinner and we ate while we watched Rizzole and Isles. Love that show!

Invitations are officially mailed out! Mom, if you are reading this, I stuck two invites in yours so you can have one for each of the girls books. Things are coming together!

A letter to H...

Dear H,

I love you all the way to heaven!!!

I hope you are having a fun time and Nana and Papa. Enjoy every little moment and remember to be sweet and obey. Dad and I really are missing you. Especially Dad. You might want to give him a call tonight say...around 7ish. He would really like it. I cannot wait to hear about all your adventures and look forward to seeing you on Friday. I am excited to meet your new teacher on Thursday too.

Again, I love you all the way to heaven!!!

Love, MOM

Lots of lots...

Wow, lots going on in our house.

Had a good weekend away at the parents house. I even got to see my brother/sisnlaw and their kids from Ohio too. Learned a lot too and how different families can be. Anyway...

We had a first in our house. A went poopy on the potty! We had just gotten home from our trip and it was about 7pm. We were giving the girls their bath and A just stood up and said potty. I potty. I asked if she had to go and she said yes. I put her on and she sat for about 2 min and I asked if she was all done. No was her response. Another min later, I smelled a poop smell but saw nothing. I asked again if she was all done. No, again was her answer again. Then about 30 sec later she just pooped! :)  We were so proud and we just clapped and L clapped for her too. Then L had to sit on the potty and try. But nothing happened with her. I talked to day care this morning and they said that they have been placing them on the toilet when they asked and a few others in their class are training. I requested to let me know if pee or poop comes out to let me know. We have done alot of sitting but nothing coming out. So I guess once they fluids start flowing then we will start potty training. Fun times ahead!

Hoyt is at his grandparents house. I have heard from him twice and he is having fun. I couldn't believe when we were driving off yesterday that L & A were both waiving goodbye and J was tearing up. I forgot that he wasn't with me when he spent spring break with them. But last night and this am J just kept saying how much he missed H. I know that H is having fun though.

I tried to find out H's teacher for this coming school year but the office said that some teachers are just now getting their list and other are still being adjusted. She said open house is Thursday and we will find out then. She wasn't very nice but what can you do? J says he has a patient that is a 4th grade teacher out there and he might ask her to find out. Not sure it really matters.

I also contacted the store that is making the girls birthday hair clips. She said they shipped out a couple days ago. I hope to get them this week. AND I got an email from the lady doing the cupcake toppers and said they should be complete and shipped by Thursday! So exciting. I got the girls Mermaid appliques this past Friday. I got stamps today to mail out invitations. Mom is working on the display cards!
Now all I have to do is get material for the garland and for the girls shirts and birthday candles (not sure what I am going to do for this). Its all coming together though.

I went to the doc today. Got a shot in my butt. Some medicated allergy spray and an antibiotic. Hope I start to feel better soon. The girls are doing better but I notice that A is still kinda stuffy. 

Alright enough for now...

Last nights talk...

Well, last night I called to check in on mom and she wasn't home. Good! That means she went! Good for you mom!!!!

I also had another positive- I got to talk with my dad. Most times when I call, if I speak with my dad its just the basic hello how are you doing. Last night we talked for about 30 minutes. He said he was excited to see us this weekend and we discussed dinner plans. Mom, I hope you are reading this. Do not worry about Saturday. Me and Dad will take care of dinner plans. We discussed doing shrimp, maybe fried or boiled, and also tossed up, coleslaw, potato salad, fries, and vegetables. Of course some home made ice cream too. I told him that we don't know things that he wants unless he talks to us. I asked him why he didn't go with M/S when they went to the battleship and he said he just wanted to relax at home. I told him the same thing that I tell you, GO GO GO, you can relax all year long. This is only one week and you need to make memories with your grandchildren. Anyway, not sure if I got through to him or not but...

So, we are coming this weekend, snoofies and all. I hope you are ready! I pray things are better today for you all. See you soon!

A special note...

to my mom.

First off, I love you!

Second, relax, take a deep breath and relax!

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

An oldie but a goodie.

You have to stop worrying or you are going to worry yourself to death. Take one moment at a time.

I love you, leave the details to God!

Today...

Well, today, I am feeling ok. Not better but ok. My throat is not as sore but my nose is still so stuffy. Mom, I have the snoofies! A seems to be doing better. I called the nurse at the doctors office and got the ok to give her some new medicine and she said to give it about a week. So we are trying that. H started sneezing last night and woke up with a stuffy nose, so we are giving him the same medicine. Trying to ward off before it gets bad. He is not complaining at all and everyones appetite is fine. I guess summer colds or sinuses.


Today, TWO years ago, I went to work and my regular schedule ob appointment. But what wasnt scheduled was to be admitted to the hospital.

I went in and the doctor checked me out and asked how I was feeling. I said fine but was having alot of braxton hicks. I was into week 33 of my twin pregnancy. He sent me to the hospital across the street to be monitored for a few hours. Sure enough, I was having real contracts only a few minutes apart. I called J, who was on his way to work, to tell him the news and that I needed his parents to pick up H from school. J came to the hospital and we got admitted and settled in. They started the Mag drip and it took the next three days to stop the contractions. I was so out of it and its kinda funny trying to listen to your doctor tell you what is going on when there is three of him standing in front of you!  The nurses also brought in every portable fan they could find on the floor because the Mag medicine makes you very hot. And I got my first ever catheter (sorry if tmi). I really cant remember feeling afraid if the girls were born early but I knew that we had to try to keep them in a little longer. I was discharged three days later with orders not to return to work and to stay off my feet and taking procardia. Not strict bed rest but there were not going to be any wally world trips in the next few weeks. My mom came up and helped with H and helped me around the house. Kept me somewhat sain for the next three weeks.

I cannot believe that my girls are going to be 2 in just 21 more days. I am happy to see them growing and changing but sad that this stage of their life is over. In the last two weeks I have had an occasion to actually hold my girls till they were asleep. Our routein is to give the girls good night kisses turn the music on and pat their back for just a few minutes till they quiet down and then leave the room. But one night A just wouldnt settle down and I held her untill she was asleep and then put her in her bed. Then it was L another night and I just held her till she was ready to be put in the bed. Although at first I was tired and just wanted to put them down and walk out of the room, I realized that these times to hold the girls are precious few. I blame this on the fact that they are twins and it is difficult to rock two babies to sleep at the same time and get them in bed. Its a good and bad thing with me. With one baby, you can rock as long as you like because there is not another to tend to. But I was glad on those nights to kiss their sweet heads and sway to the lullaby music playing and just reflect on their littleness. Sometimes in the busyness of life we miss those little moments. I was glad I had those to remember.

I read a book this morning that I had in my closet by Karen Kingsbury called Let Me Hold You Longer. It reflects on the fact that we see each first in a childs life but not their lasts. As my son is fixing to turn 7 it makes me sad. He is not that little toddler boy anymore, he is growing into a young man. We wish time away and then we wish for it back. I held him a little longer this morning. Once I got dressed, I left my room to get H up. It was still quiet in the house. I go to his room and find his bed empty and his night clothes on the floor. So I go to the living room. He is in J's chair fully dresses with shoes on playing his DS. I just looked at him. So grown yet so young. I had him come to me and sit in my big lap. As he sits down I think how little he used to be and that he weighs a ton now! I asked him to stop growing. He tells me what he always tells me, "I cant mom, because God wants me to grow". He said its ok momma, God love me and He loves you and He loves my sisters and God loves everyone. I said yes bug he does, no matter what we do good or bad, God loves us. I love that little booger.

Hope you have a great day and wether it be your own child or your grandchild. Give them hugs and hold them just a few extra seconds/minutes and remember this time will pass and we cannot get it back.

Feeling...

Horrible... I am feeling horrible.

You see, I am sick with sinuses. I feel horrible and I thought I was going to die last night. A has it too. Poor girl. Stuffy noses/Runny noses. I gave her some Benadryl this morning and I pray that it helps her get through the day. Hoping not to have to do a dr run. But that might be coming.

Signing off for today...

Clearing my head...

I made a decision to get off Facebook. I don't know about you but yes, it is a good source of gossip or for a more positive angle, to keep up with who is doing what. But I also personally struggled with the "keeping up with the Joneses". And I wonder to much about who is doing what. I guess it is just me but as I stated before when we went on vacation I was able to focus on what my family was doing and not be concerned with the minor gossip. That is what I want to do know. Yes, I miss facebook and knowing what is going on, but I also am able to not worry about what is going on to. Focus on what is important: My Family.

I am not sure that I will return to FB but at this time, I like not having that tie down. Maybe if I do, me and J will have one together? We'll see in the future.

OK, to my mom: Not going to redo the kids bathroom at this time. I am not sure what I would change it to and things are either to girly, to boyish, or to grownup? Just keeping what I have for now.
Also, I am sending you the name place listings. Be creative... Love you! Please please keep your chin up. I know this week will be a trying time. But this is also their vacation time to go and keep the kids active. Enjoy the time you do have with them and take pictures!! Stay on the positive for sure! That will make those times together more enjoyable. AND Go ... when they invite.. go! Don't worry about being the third wheel. If they invite GO!

I love you LOVE YOU!

A work in progress...

Many things in my life are a work in progress.

I did finish, for the most part, cleaning out the study room of the house. I am doing pretty well to keep the kitchen clean and the counter tops/table uncluttered. It helps a lot that we all eat together as a party of 5 for dinners. My living room got cleaned too. We have vaulted ceilings in the living room and I finally got the long dust thing out and dusted the webs off the ceiling. Washed some curtains and changed some out. Vacuumed the floors and rearranged the play area. Now I need to dust/Windex my curio and make a shelf for the girls and dust/vacuum the TV area. Then the living room will be done.

Another picture project I am working on is almost complete. Its for the bathroom. And, no, there are no naked butt pictures involved.

All this to be completed by the girls 2nd birthday party. I think I am doing well.

Got the girls some new shoes this weekend. They are their first pair of tie. And we'll see if they are the last for a while :)  JK  They really do look cute on them and they love them.

Got H his school supplies. Not much to pick out for him. But he is still excited. We should get a letter in the mail this week to tell us who his teacher will be. Also will have teacher open house next week. Fun times!

Its August, can you believe it. Summer is almost over and I absolutely cannot wait for fall. The girls birthday, then H's birthday, football season, the fair, pumpkin patch, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Love love love this season to come. Busy times, but also lots of family times!

Still sticking to our no eating out. But trust me, we are so looking forward to our BK on Friday! I will get a full whopper, no whopper jr here! :)

I still need to go to the dollar general and hobby lobby to pick up some party things. But my major thing I need to start is my fabric garland. I really need to go to a material store and pick out the material. Also some material to do the girls #2 shirts. This weekend we are going out of town, the next weekend is the girls two year pictures, the next J is working, then the next week is the party! Busy busy busy.

Just not feeling it...

I am just not in the mood to write but I feel the need to keep up with the blog, since I have no internet on the weekends. I love reading peoples blogs daily and get kinda bummed when they don't have a new entry. So here it goes...

I had a good chat with my mom this morning. Funny how one minute she can get on my nerves and then the next I just love love love her to death! By the way, much more love than nerves! I promise! I wasn't in the mood to chat this am but that quickly changed and thank God because I needed it. I only have about 5 minutes peace in the car each morning from the time that I drop off the kids to the time I get to work. God put a song on the radio JUST FOR ME! It was Twyla Paris singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Loved it and just asked God to keep reminding me this throughout the day. And yes, I sang it as loud as possible in the car to myself :)

This weekend will mark two weeks without going out to eat. This means no quick breakfast stops at the gas station or a 1$ Hardees biscuit and no lunches out and no dinners out. Whether its just me or the whole family. Some days its hard but most, I am finding out that it really isn't. And if at all possible I would like for it to stay that way. That will also make date night much more treasured! Also, grocery trips are for just the supplies that we need to get through the week. Until we get on top of bills/finances, this is how it will go. Then slowly, once the bills are paid as the plan states, we will have a little extra to do a few things (I think). I feel the change, it is hard, but if we stick with it after a few years we will be living much better off.

I started cleaning out the study area of the house. Really its the dinning room but we put our computer stuff in there. I have placed an add to get rid of the roll top desk because I never use it and it is just taking up space. But the shred stack is unbelievable!!! The dust is unbelievable!!! I cannot wait to get it finished and de-cluttered. I really would like my house to look good by the girls party weekend. I know that I can do it. I still want to add some black and white pictures to the kids bathroom. I have my idea, just have to do it. Only a few more party supplies to get and then just the food. But the huge expense, except for food, is done! :)

Well, I guess I have more to talk about then I thought.

To me...



33 years =
396 months
1716 weeks
12053 =12045 days + 8 days(because 4 years one year is 366 days so)
289272 hours
17356320 minutes

Wow! Who would have thought I would make it this far. We live our days as if it is the last one. Worried that we may not ever finish high school, get married, have children, or be financially stable. I would tell 15 year old me to just slow down. Enjoy life a little more.

I wished I would have competed a little more in solo and ensemble. I wish I would have finished trying out for cheer leading in high school. I would tell myself not to worry about what people think about you in high school because once you graduate nothing from that period of life matters anymore.

I would tell myself not to worry about a husband, my time would come. And kids, slow down and enjoy single life and the money you have - take a good "blue water" trip before kids! God has a very grand plan once you decide to have kids, you will never guess what it is either and I could tell you but lets let it be a surprise.

I would tell myself, to love yourself, inside and out. Phases of life will come and go but you will always be. Also, show love to your parents more. One day you will understand a parents love and it will all become clear. They really do want what is best for you. Their ways are not always your ways but your ways are not theirs either!

I could go on and on but these things are what crossed my mind. I am happy to be turning 33 and cannot wait to be 40. It just means that I have survived another year of life (not the life/death thing but just life in general). I can learn and grow. As my children get older I can only hope to pass on some of the things I have learned and hope to get them to embrace slowing down in life.

Time away...

Here is where I want to go...

Anywhere with clear blue water! A safe country preferably, but anyway that is my dream to go.

What I am planning right now, is a girls getaway. When I say girls I mean just me and my mom!! Surprise mom!!! Get ready because although you will be sad that I am not bringing the kids, we are going to have fun that weekend. That means conversations with out interruptions, eating when we feel like it, and no schedule. Sometime in the fall, say Octoberish. We will set a date and make plans. I already talked with husband and he says its OK. :)

Time...

Day after day. We wish our time away and then when we get there we want to go back and do some of it over. We wonder why we make the choices we make, but they all lead us to one destination, HERE!

I found Dave Ramsey, by searching, getting out of debt. I plugged our debt into the program and at first just credit cards, then I added a few more big ticket items. I was shocked to say that least that we could be out of debt in just 5-7 years. And I am talking some big ticket items. I talked with the husband and he is now more dedicated to sticking with the plan of no extra spending and getting bills paid off. If we can relieve the debt and monthly payments then we can actually enjoy a trip to the zoo and other fun things. I read in a magazine yesterday, something to the effect of: Instead of keeping up with the Jones', try to keep with the Smiths.  In other words, keep company with people who are like you and want to keep your financial goals instead of living beyond your means. Now not all our expenditures were excessive, but some were not needed. As my mom and dad say, there is a difference in needs and wants. Ask yourself this when you go to buy something.

We have kept our goal so far by not eating out. Its going good and I know that over a months period we will see a difference. We do have one scheduled eating out time and that will be the night of Aug 5, due to unavoidable things. But we are looking forward to that. Also we decided to skip our Sunday school social to keep our "Smith" goal and avoid a big dinner bill because they are eating at a "nice" "expensive" restaurant.

I did spend a little this weekend, I bought picture frames. This was a need in my mind. My girls are one month away from turning two and they were no where on our walls. Well, except for a couple small places. Well, we remedied that. I love it too. We added our family picture to the large living room wall, it looks glorious. I added H and L&A to the front door wall - that will change annually with their new pictures they get on their birthday. Also in the hallway the girls were added to the family wall from the 1 year photos. I completed their collage and also added their picture beside my bed. I love each and every one and they make me smile when I pass them!!! Cant help but stop and pause, I should have done it sooner.

Operation sound machine is over! We have gone a whole week now and also completed nap times and all is well in our house!

We are three weeks away from H starting 1st grade and we will go shopping for school supplies this weekend! He is excited!

I found out today that the girls will be promoted to the two year old class at church. I am happy and sad. I am very glad they will be out of the nursery... That nursery is horrible. Matter of fact I just told Husband yesterday that I really didn't like our Sunday school (teacher) and the nursery. But we have the next two weeks off. So well see when we get back.

I guess I have rambled on enough...

Holdin on tight to my goals!!

PS: Thanks for the post!! You know who you are :)

Dreamin on...

Dream on, girl, dream on...

Found it...

OK, I found the house!!

Affordable, yes.
Space, yes.
School system, yes.

Getting out of our house... probably not! But I am in love anyway!

One day at a time...

I remember driving with my grandparents in their RV and hearing the song play, One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus. I am embracing this song now.

I was able to have a really great talk with husband last night and was so happy that he would actually talk with me and share some things that he feels that I never knew. I pray that we stick with our challenge and that one day in the future we will see the light at the end. We see a pin hole light and that will have to do for now but we will work together to get to that full light.

I am happy to say that we are free of the sound machine and I/we are not going back. Nap times will be interesting on Saturday and Sunday, but since they sleep at nap at school without a machine, I am hoping that they adjust just fine like they did at night. I love not having to rely on it!

Toddler beds are coming next and then potty training.

The dance...

My husband said he had a little tear in his eye last night.

You see, during operation no sound machine, I put a CD player in its place. Monday night they told me to turn it off, they didn't want it. But last night I turned it on and they liked it. Husband was sitting on the floor and me in a chair as the girls wind down from the dinner/bath routine. L goes to him and says "dance, daddy" and pulls on his hand for him to stand up. He gets up and then of course A goes to hold his other hand. L says "dance, daddy, dance". So there in the girls room, swaying to Celine singing a lullaby no less, husband had his first father daughter dance with his two favorite girls!

Such a sweet moment to never forget.