3 Little Men & a Mommy

This Mom's Life

2012-03-07T09:46:00.001-08:00

* I saw this on Shelly's blog and she got the idea from Good Housekeeping. Shelly just moved to the bush in Alaska with her family of 3 boys (including a set of twins)...you should go check out her blog, she is amazing!*

What are three words that describe you as a mom?

attentive

nurturing

consistent

Your favorite family rituals?

When the day gets stressful, or there are lots of tears. We turn on the music really loud and dance.

I will turn on Family Force 5 on Pandora, or Trev will grab the guitar and jam...basically we act like crazy people. It stops the kids from crying though and we have a blast.

What's on your nightstand?

My NOOK

My Bible

My alarm clock (which will never again be used as an alarm since I have 3 of those now)

A lamp

Cough Drops

Pony-tail holders

Chargers

Is there a parenting rule you never break?

If you hit, you go on time-out

And one you always break?

No treats today....

sometimes after a great lunch and nap...he gets a treat.

Is there a beauty product you can't live without?

Mascara.

Does a lot for just a little. I don't like "dead eyes"

What five things are always in your fridge?

Milk,

Eggs

Fat Free Creamer (for me)

Chocolate Syrup for Jack's milk (he gets a little squirt in one of his cups of milk a day)

Butter...real butter.

Your most memorable family vacation?

Disneyland November/December of 2011

My parents were celebrating their 30th Anniversary and my Dad's retirement and basically treated the entire family to the vacation. We stayed at the Grand Californian in Disneyland, and it was incredible. I loved that we got to do basically all of it together as a family, and all the boys travel really well.

Seeing the look on Jack's face was priceless for me.

What's been your hardest parenting moment so far?

After I had the twins and was in the hospital after the c-section and didn't see Jack for a few days. Then getting home with them after being in the NICU for 10 days and hardly getting anytime with Jack since I was breastfeeding.

It tore me up....and it was really really hard for Jack.

I'm thankful that time is over.

Do you have a favorite book in your house right now?

It changes from week to week.

Sometimes it's the Thomas books and other times it's Goodnight Moon

Your biggest guilty pleasure?

Blogging and Facebook.

What's been the most surprising thing about parenthood?

I was scared, in fact I was in tears, thinking that I already had my heart full of love for Jack and how could I possibly share that with anyone else.

I felt like I was taking some of my love away from him, but the instant the twins were born it was apparent to me that your love only grows....and it's amazing.

Just for today....

2012-03-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, trying to sort my thoughts and trying to express myself I hear these little birds outside our window. Last spring we had a pair of doves come and make our tree out front their home. Jack (and the cat) loved watching them waddle around and they were rarely scared off. We hung a bird feeder up for the little finches and watched them make a huge mess as they ate their fill.

The birds, these little creatures who find what they need for each day, in the ground or in a tree. Singing this song of contentment....it's not yet spring but the sky and the ground seem to be ready. And I am ready too.

It is a daily task, giving your fears and hopes to the One who says;

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

It's not meant to last us for more than that day....we cannot rely on what we asked last week, or last month to sustain us. He asks us to seek Him and call to Him on a daily basis (and for me, sometimes it's an hourly one)
Because we are not meant to do this alone...on our own. We can try, but we will fail.

While I can fight that, it's in the moment of receiving that where I find the peace I've been wanting and I wonder when I will learn. Learn to let go, He has it covered. Learn to trust in Him in all things....and I am so thankful His patience does not run out. What a freeing feeling, to know that He has my best interests in mind and why oh why should I fight that? He can see it all, and loves me more than I can ever imagine. The greatest lover of my soul.

So I let go, again, and let Him take me. And then I can breathe.

Fresh week, Fresh start.....

2012-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

It's finally Monday, a fresh start, a new day. And I am so very thankful for that. Although this coming week is busy (between the two of us, my husband and I have 6 appointments today!!) I am thankful that last week is done and this week brings with it new challenges, and new joys.

Last week, was by far one of the roughest weeks I can remember in a long time. It was an emotional roller-coaster to say the least. My Mom finished her radiation and completed her cancer treatment! I go with her to the Oncologist tomorrow and they will schedule her scan. We went out that night to celebrate where God has brought us as a family and toast my fabulous and wonderful Mom who has been an incredible person to watch go through this...she constantly amazes me.

The very next day, my Dad went in for a triple bypass surgery. My 55 year old, runner of a Dad. It was hard seeing the rock of our family hooked up to tubes and be in so much pain. But as each day passes, he is makeing strides and I know soon we will be outside running again. It's so very hard to watch your parents go through such painful things, but they are constant in their thanks to the Lord and joy for the things He has done.

Unfortunately in the midst of all this, I dealt with some issues with some people and spent the better part of two days sick to my stomach and in tears. Not good timing (not that it ever is)....but I released them and the situation to the Lord and know that I can do nothing else but trust God to bring about peace in my heart and am so thankful for my ever-supporting husband in all of this. People can be cruel, judgmental and quick to speak....but we are called to love no matter what. So, as hard as it can be....I'm praying even harder for them. And that gives me peace.

Talk about an emotional week, right? Well, on top of all of that we also had a birthday party for our dear friend who is moving back to the UK (hopefully for just a short time). He is family and it's so hard to see him finishing his work here, and packing up his things. He is one of those special people with a birthday on February 29th (his Mom's birthday is too!!!) and we surprised him on Saturday with a big bash! The look on his face was priceless!!

I only got out to run twice this last week, but today I am planning on another 4 miler....it's gorgeous out so maybe that will help :)

I did get this lens last week! It's been on my wishlist for a little while and my friend who is also a photographer was upgrading and sold this to me for a fantastic price. I had just sold some stuff on Craigslist, so bam! I'm loving learning how to use my camera and the different lenses :)

I am hoping that this week brings rest to my weary soul and that in the midst of it all I can still see and seek JOY because it's there....in these little faces :)

Oh. and here was our first and probably last real snow of our winter :) Gotta love Southern Oregon!!!

Have a great Monday!

Guest Blogger: The Life of a Preemie Mom with Emily from

2012-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled that Emily from Twice the Miracle contacted me about doing a guest post! She is a Mom of twins who were born 3 months early. She chronicles her adventure (including the amazing highs and the scary and exhausting lows) with a great sense of humor, and emotional steadiness and I've enjoyed reading her story from the beginning. March, as you know, is when we highlight the March of Dimes runs and it is to raise money for this organization that helps preemies and the doctors and staff that take care of them. Emily is hosting a giveaway on her blog this month that helps support the March of Dimes, while giving you a chance to win something awesome! At the bottom of the page you will find a link for it!

Welcome Emily!

The life of a Preemie mom

I get a lot of questions about my twins when we're out in public.

Boy and girl? Yes.

Are they identical? umm....no.

What are their names? Jack and Amelia

And my least favorite....How old are they? 8 and a half months.

I'm sure that question doesn't bother most people but it really bothers me. Not because I'm bothered with sharing how old they are, but I cringe at the looks I'm about to get when I say they're almost 9 months old. Some people look at me with pity, some people look at me like I abuse my children and don't feed them, most people look at me like they don't understand how the itty bitty 14lb babies I'm holding could be much older than a few months.

When people inquire further is when things tend to get even more awkward. "Oh I thought they were just like 4 or 5 months old". I tell them they were born 3 months early and then I get either more confused looks, why this would possibly happen, or more judgmental looks, like I did something wrong and that's why my twins were born so early.

In reality, 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely, before 37 weeks. I don't think many people realize it's so common until it happens to a friend, coworker, or even yourself. I never in a million years thought at just 26 weeks pregnant, I'd be so close to having my twins. Luckily, they stayed put for a week after my water broke, but still, 27 weeks is not an ideal time to be giving birth. Good thing we had talked about names earlier and pretty much decided. But I still wanted time to think about it, time to decorate their nursery...or buy their cribs. I hadn't done anything. I was told my pregnancy was going great and I thought I had a few more months to finish preparing for my new bundles of joy. Instead, I was alone in a hospital, my husband across the country, having my babies ripped out of me far too early and wheeled away before I had the chance to even touch them.

I'm not saying this all to scare anyone or to turn this into a PSA, although I think it's really important to get good prenatal care and to be aware of signs and symptoms of preterm labor. When you think something might be wrong, don't be afraid to ask. Who knows what would have happened if I had brushed off my water breaking. Mine was a pretty obvious break, but that isn't always the case. Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you're concerned. Ok PSA over, continue reading about the happy times...

Luckily, our story keeps getting better and better. After just 2 months in the NICU, my babies came home. Soon after that, we finally got the join daddy in California. They're growing and getting bigger and healthier every day. They're developing mostly on time and doing a lot of things a typical 5 month old does. Probably barely anything an 8 month old does, but they're getting there ;)

I have no idea why my water broke, the doctors don't know, and I don't know if it could possibly happen again. It's something we need to think about and be aware of though for any future plans. I'm very blessed with my beautiful little miracle babies. They're such strong fighters and inspire me every day to keep being the best mom possible, even when I'm tired, grouchy, or just sick of packing them up for yet ANOTHER doctors appointment. While my story started out a little sad, I think I've learned a lot from being a mom to 2 beautiful preemies. Almost losing my babies gave me a different perspective on parenthood than most moms get to experience. I appreciate every second I get with them. We celebrate every milestone like it's the biggest and best thing in the world. I feel overwhelmed sometimes with having 2 babies, especially with some of the extra attention they require from medical issues, but when I think that they might not even be here with me, I am suddenly so grateful for feeling overwhelmed.

So kiss and hug your babies every day. Thank God for the miracles in your life. If you're a preemie mom, you're not alone, and I'd love to be friends :)

p.s. I'm doing a fundraiser on my blog for the March of Dimes! It's a great organization that helps preemies, their parents, and the doctors, nurses and staff that take care of the little ones. They do a lot of research and support programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Check it out and possibly win an adorable hat! :)

Go visit Emily and check out more of her story!

Book Review: Love and Respect for a Lifetime

2012-02-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

This was my first book review for BookSneeze, and I was so happy to have done this book as my first one.

What I loved about this book was that it broke down, what could have been a 600 page book, into simple and concise pages and small paragraphs that caught your eye and heart and stuck with me.

Dr. Emerson Eggerich doesn't leave anything to question and gives both husbands and wives the insight and tools they need to have a marriage that not only works, but thrives.

Having been married for almost 9 years, I can tell you that the things he talks about and highlights in this book are dead on.

It is the kind of book to keep on your shelf to reference every now and then.

It's a beautifully put together book and I would recommend this for anyone engaged or newly married, as well as couples that have been married for some time.

It's always a good thing to be refreshed in the things you know in your head, but sometimes forget in your heart.

This would also make a great wedding present.

Another great feature of this book, are the testimonies from real couples.

Download a Sample!

Buy the book here!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Miscellany Monday

2012-02-27T09:58:00.001-08:00

We had such a great weekend, it was so nice to be able to just be together as a family and not have a ton of other things to do.
We did an impromptu lunch date on Thursday at the mall (cheap and easy) and then on Friday we took a little day trip.

This was our first trip in the car with the 3 boys in their new car-seats (big boys!) and all sitting next to one another ( all 3 fit in one row in our Honda Pilot)
It was an adjustment for them, but they eventually settled in.

After tons and tons and tons of research, reviews and safety reports, we decided a year ago that the next car seats we would buy would be these ones:

Super low profile!

Radian R120

This is the mother of all car seats...I mean...the safest thing on the market and it's the only seat you will ever need. From infant to booster. It's pricey for an up-front cost, but most people by 3-4 seats over the course of a kids life and spend more than this (infant, regular, booster etc)

Since recommendations are now that you keep your child rear-facing until at least 2 years old, these made even more sense...since these are the only car seats that go up to 45lbs for rear facing!!!

Here are some more specs:

( I highlighted my favorites!)

Rear-facing: 5 - 45 lbs, Forward-facing: 20 - 80 lbs (and up to 57") in a 5-point harness, Booster to 120 lbs, Steel alloy frame and aluminum reinforced sides, Safestop® energy-absorbing harness, Energy-absorbing EPS foam panels on all sides, Rear-facing tether capability, LATCH installation up to 80 lb child, Infant body support cushions, Memory foam padding for superior comfort, 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions for custom fit, Expandable sides and longer seat bottom for leg support and comfort, 2 recline positions in forward-facing mode, Sits low on vehicle seat for easy child boarding, Fits 3 across in a mid-size vehicle and offers more shoulder space, Add up to 4 cup holders (1 included, Folds flat for travel and storage, Rubber bottom grips for no-slip installation
3 in the back of a sedan or van!!! AMAZING!

The park. I have soooo many memories of going to this park with my family, and major memories of going down the slides with my Daddy. It was so great to bring my family back here and the sun was shining the whole time. Jack loved it and is getting more and more adventurous and brave and I took the twins our for a bit...but Camden didn't like the swing, and then they only wanted to eat the sawdust chips (grass was wet) so they mostly observed from the stroller :)

GG....we got to have breakfast with my Grandma (the boys' Great-Grandma) whom they call GG :) It was a special treat and Jack adores her.

Oh, and the big news for the week (if you follow my Facebook page or Twitter, you will already know....) I ran 4 miles on Saturday. 4. miles.

Yes. For the first time in my life!

And it was windy and snowing. But seriously....it felt amazing. I am so proud of myself...and I will not look ahead to the next 4, 5 and 6 miles on my schedule but savor this one for now :) I was slow....but I did it!!!

Go link up with Carissa...because she's awesome and it's fun :)

**I didn't receive anything from my review of the Diono RadianR120...I just love it so much

Guest Blogger: Life of a Birth Photographer with Melissa from MJ Birth Photography

2012-02-24T06:29:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased to have Melissa doing a guest post today, we actually went to high school together

(she was a Freshman when I was a Senior)
and attended the same church for awhile.!

We got connected again
through Facebook and having children around the same ages.

Melissa is a fantastic photographer whose passion is to capture life as it enters the world.

Welcome Melissa!

Seconds after Sophia's birth

I love my job. I am the birth photographer for
Trillium Waterbirth Center in Southern Oregon. I am also a beginning study group student at the birth center, so as I photograph births I am getting incredible amounts of valuable hands on experience to go along with my class. Sometimes I feel like I am constantly living on a "birth high" (That oxytocin is contagious!) When I come home from a birth I usually try to talk to my husband so excitedly he can't understand a word I'm trying to get out! I am so blessed to enter a woman's birth space and document her journey into motherhood and her baby's journey into the world. I get different reactions when I tell people what I do. Most moms who have had babies think it is amazing, and comment on how they wished they had a birth photographer for their births. Some people react with a "you do WHAT?" look on their face while they smile and nod. No matter what the initial reaction is, almost everyone wonders how I came to be a birth photographer.

I have been a longtime fanatic of the birth world. It must have been something I was born with. It's a passion that drives me to read huge volumes of birth textbooks and watch a large amount of youtube birth videos. (My dear husband can cook an entire Saturday morning breakfast to the screams of laboring women without batting an eye. He is perfect for me). We got pregnant with our first baby four months after we were married. The entire pregnancy was new and exciting, I was high on life. I read books, magazines, blogs, websites and learned as much as I could. I planned a hospital birth with midwives, because I believed homebirthers were crazy hippies.

After a very easy 9 hour labor with an epidural, my world was forever changed when my beautiful baby girl slipped into my arms. After Alexis was born I gushed to anyone who would listen about her birth. I lived for the moment when someone asked me how it went or I could somehow slip the topic of birth into a conversation. ("Man, the line was so long at the DMV" "Oh that reminds me of my birth..."). The birth of Alexis was so incredible and life changing I dove deeper into the world of pregnancy and birth. Everything fascinated me! I started planning a homebirth for my next pregnancy. (I decided I could be a crazy hippie homebirther after all) The hospital birth had been so easy, why not do it at home? I did my research and picked the best homebirth midwife in our area.

Shortly after I had Alexis, I realized I had been bit by the birth bug. The birth world called to me, I had to find a way to be involved. I looked into getting my Doula certification, I even looked into midwifery, but I didn't think I was cut out to make it through nursing school. My husband and I were getting more involved in photography, and with our new DSLR Canon, I decided to try to get into birth photography. I was lucky enough to have a sister in law who was 8 months pregnant. I shot the birth of her third child and I knew I was hooked. Slowly I began picking up clients, friends heard I took birth pictures and asked me to come to their birth. Meanwhile my husband and I stumbled into the world of wedding photography, and we began to shoot weddings together. When I originally decided to get into birth photography, it was virtually unheard of in our area. Now it is growing quickly in popularity, and it excites me. I'm so thankful the importance of a mothers labor and birth journey is being recognized as something worthy of documenting. One of my biggest regrets about my first birth is not filming it. I only have still shots, no video. I was sure to get lots of footage for my second birth, but it doesn't make up for the fact that I have no footage of my first birth.

While my husband and I were busy building a side photography business, we were ecstatic to get pregnant again, and we pushed forward with our homebirth plans. Once again I had a wonderful pregnancy (with all the normal pregnancy aches and pains and morning sickness). I had our 2nd daughter in the water at home 2 days before my due date. It was another easy 8 hour labor (with 14 not so easy minutes of pushing!), and everything went off without a hitch. My midwives were professional, compassionate, and everything I could ever want in a midwife. I loved the whole midwife experience so much I joined the year long beginning midwifery study group class through the birth center. I wanted to stay involved with the birth center in any way I could, I was in love with the environment and the midwives who ran it.

When Sophia was three months old, my midwife called to ask if I would be interested in being hired on as their full time birth photographer. It took everything I had NOT to start jumping around for joy while I was still on the phone. Not only would I be working with the midwives who delivered Sophia, it would be steady births, and I would be able to quit my job working at the drive through coffee stand. So I did it - I quit my barista job and put my life into working at the birth center. I shot my first birth there in November, and the births kept coming. I photographed 3 births on Christmas Eve - I must say, though wonderfully satisfying, it was quite hectic running from birth to birth! The more births I attended, the more birth felt completely comfortable and natural for me. I love listening to the "labor song" of mamas.

My midwife has taught me so much through working at the center. She is a wealth of information, and I soak it up like a sponge. She has taught me how to identify what is happening by sounds in the voice. I know the sound of the last bit of cervix melting away (a low, deep moan breaks into a high pitched shrieking moan at the end), the sound of baby beginning to pass through a fully dilated cervix, and the sound of a mama close to transitioning into pushing. Just this morning I photographed the birth of a baby born in the caul (amniotic sac still intact), which is said to be as rare as every 80,000 births! In cultures across the world being born in the caul is a sign of a prophet. What a joy to be at one of those special deliveries! I see mamas triumph over all odds and deliver beautiful babies after being told their pelvis was too small to birth naturally. I see mamas who make their way silently through labor, and mamas who scream bloody murder at the top of their lungs while pushing their baby out. (And, have to admit I was a screamer the last 14 minutes of my birth too!).

Being a birth photographer can be a little crazy. The hours are extremely unpredictable (I once left during my family's Christmas celebration to shoot a birth) and can be inconvenient. (At 4:35 this morning I was pouring two day old iced tea over my windshield to help it defrost quicker in the bitter cold). I have to have constant on-call childcare. I have now started answering my phone and talking before I'm fully awake in the middle of the night, forgetting half the conversation by the time I hang up - my midwife assured me it comes with the territory. Despite all this, time and time again I realize how much I am blessed and renewed each time I attend a birth. One excited new dad asked me, "How do you sleep at night with so much magic in your life?! How can you handle all this wonderfulness?! This is real life! This is LIFE!" I couldn't say it better myself.

Our oldest daughter, Alexis, delighted to meet Sophia

Visit Melissa's Photography Website

My weekend/week in letters........

2012-02-22T20:56:00.001-08:00

A. A break away from social media was perfect. Just what I needed :)

B. Blissdom. Are you going? I am thinking about it for next year...with boho mama.

C. Camden, Christian and Cakes.

My friend Mandy is a local photographer and we did a "cake smash" session with her on Monday. It was adorable and messy and I cannot wait to see the pictures!

D. Done. We are done making payments on our car! We paid it off! YAY!

E. Emotionally exhausted. That's me.

The past few weeks have just done me in...I've been weary.

Feeling so much better today, and thanking the Lord for renewing me!

F, G, H, I J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q...

R. Running! I ran 3 miles last Friday and it's the first time I've run 3 miles since before I got pregnant with the twins! Yay me :)

S. Sarah. She blogs over at Life isn't Always a Fairytale and she's my new favorite person to follow on her blog and twitter.

I feel like I know her in real life.

Hope I don't creep you out Sarah haha!

T, U...

V. VOTE! Did you go vote for me? If not...you should...they really are the cutest 3 boys :)

W. Webpage! Did you notice that it's now www.3littlemenandamommy.COM!? :)
I am pretty excited to have my own domain now!

And there is a new little blog button over there on the right, if you so choose to grab it :)

I don't have any more letters...sorry.

How about some cuteness??

We are ONE!

Go Vote!

2012-02-19T19:17:00.001-08:00

It's Monday

Un-plugging felt GREAT!

Now....go vote for the cutest 3 boys ever, please?? :)

Photo of the Month!

Un-Plugging

2012-02-17T19:01:00.001-08:00

I am "un-plugging" this weekend.

No blogging, no Facebook and no Twitter.

Image from Fit in the Midwest Blog

See you Monday friends!

Guest Blogger! Pam from It's Time for More Coffee

2012-02-16T22:18:00.002-08:00

I am so excited to introduce you to Pam! Pam is a Mom of six. Four boys and then...surprise! Twin girls :)
She is also a Pastor's Wife and was one of the most encouraging people for me during my pregnancy with the twins and especially for breastfeeding and getting out with the kiddos early and often!

She offers great insight as a Mom, a wife and a Mom of twins. Her blog is full of inspiration, encouragement, funnies, giveaways and reviews. I would love for you to add her to your blogroll.
She always responds to comments and e-mails and goes out of her way to make you feel like a real-life friend!

Welcome Pam!

"What I've Learned From Being a Mom To Twins"

Contrary to what strangers tell you in the grocery store, not many moms of multiples always "wished" that they would have twins. As a matter of fact, I think I told a stranger that very thing when I was at my wits end in the cereal aisle with two screaming infants.

"Who in their right mind would ASK to be sick for the entire 38 weeks of pregnancy, be stretched beyond comprehension, fear for one or both babies health for months and then have two squalling infants to care for...who would WANT THIS?"

No, my friends, I never asked for twins. I can't imagine asking for twins. And yet, when I stare at my two beautiful daughters, I am still in awe at the absolute miracles God created. God's plan, once again is better than mine.

So, one of the first lessons my twins taught me was humility. There are a lot of things I can try and take credit for...but these girls...these miracles, they are all God. He knew just what we needed in our family of boys. He knew that with an age gap of six years between them and the closest sibling that one baby, especially one little girl, would be lonely...and spoiled. And so God gave me not what I asked for, but what I needed. And that, my friends, is humbling.

My girls also taught me how very little control I really have. I spent 10 weeks on modified bed-rest. I could get out of bed, I could leave the house, but I was supposed to spent 90% of my day off my feet. This meant that I had to quit my job (which paid for my sons' private school education), I had to let things slide around the house, and I became increasingly dependent first on my family to help out, and eventually dependent on friends and church members to help me out. It was hard to let go of the shopping and the meal planning. It was even hard to let go of the laundry (and I hate laundry). I felt very self conscious, like people were viewing me as lazy. But then I learned a lesson. People really do want to reach out and help each other...but we have to let our friends in. Sometimes we need to admit that we need help. I had reached the age of 37 without really knowing how to ask for help, but finally, my twins taught me to unabashedly admit that I need help.

My twins taught me to curb my jealousy. We're a family of 8...with no TLC show. I brought my twins home form the hospital with very little fanfare. Friends and neighbors brought food and gifts, but there was no family spending days, weeks, months with me to make sure that I was still caring for myself. My husband is a pastor, and at the time the girls were born, his church was in crisis, so he was very busy with that. That left me...alone with two babies, tired, and maybe a little depressed. And then I see other families where one baby is born and people swooping in to help and rocking a baby while mom sleeps, and doing her laundry, and doing all kinds of things. And then I remember all of the wonderful things that were done for us...the friends who painted a red room pink while I was at the hospital, the many people praying for us, the friend who sent her cleaning lady to my house the day before my induction so I could come home to a clean house. I learned that every situation is so different. I learned to let go of my jealousy and focus on my blessings.

I learned how easy I had it as a twin mom. Having already raised 4 singletons past toddler-hood, I was hardly a rookie. The girls nursed easily and well. They slept terribly, but so had my sons. I learned that my years of multitasking with the boys was preparing me for the juggling I would do with the girls.

Now the girls are two. They are sweet and cuddly, and very, very demanding. They fight, they are willful, and they act like two year olds. Once again, it is hard to take them both out on my own. So they are teaching me patience. I have the perspective to know that this will eventually pass, but I also have the wisdom to know that every outing has the potential for disaster. I'm spending a lot more time at home these days...and so, the twins are teaching me the joys of homemaking. All of this time at home is giving me time to organize and clean!

So no, I would have never asked for twins. I cannot imagine wishing or hoping or praying for another pair. But the truth is this, my life has forever been changed by these two little girls. My body will never be the same, but neither will my soul, my inner being, that has been honed, refined, and made stronger thanks to these unasked for blessing

If you liked this, let me know and go visit Pam too!

You can find Pam here:

Twitter

Wordpress

Facebook

RSS

Not much "crunchy" going on here....

2012-02-16T10:40:00.003-08:00

You've probably figured it out by now, but I'm not what you would call a "crunchy" Mama.

For those of you not in the loop on such terms ( I wasn't until a few months ago!)
Crunchy is what is used to describe an ‘Attachment’ parenting style. A more natural way of living.

You might also find it grouped along with words like hippie, natural, granola....

In fact, I took this How Crunchy Are You quiz, and I scored a 34 out of 225

Putting me in the category of

Sprinkled with Granola, which is the third lowest on the crunchy scale.

I was crunchy in these areas :

Breastfeeding...which I am a huge advocate for and would have breastfed all my kids until a year at least if I could have

(now...see, this is where the judgmental crunchy Mama's start thinking, "she really could have if she really wanted to, there is always a way....")

Also, the idea of someone else breastfeeding my child or vice verse....yeah, I wouldn't rule that out.

Sleeping with the child in your room, next to you, bringing them into bed when you nurse. (which true crunchy parents will tell you isn't enough, you must sleep in the bed with your child)

Baby-wearing...loved our Moby and sling and Ergo carriers! Love holding my little ones on my chest. HUGE believer in this, I've seen what that can do, especially for early ones.

Cleaning products...I make ours. Because we save a ton of money, and I can use them around the kids without worry!

So, no...I am not crunchy. We use disposable diapers, we vaccinate on schedule, and we don't eat solely organic foods....

I do have several friends who are very crunchy, and I adore them.

See, there are crunchy Mama's, and then there are the pushy, "I'm too good for you and your naive thinking" crunchy Mama's who make you feel like an inferior parent for letting your child

CIO (cry-it-out) and for sometimes eating frozen meals.

They make you feel like they are "enlightened" and know all and we are blinded by the lies.

Those kind of crunchy Mama's rub me the wrong way.

Same as the non-crunchy Mama's who think it's their way or the highway.

We all have our reasons for doing what we do, and for parenting the way we parent.

Hopefully, it's because we've researched and done what we feel is best for our family and not because it's "trendy".

Because, cloth-diapering is pretty trendy right now....

I love that we are not all cookie cutter Mama's who have cookie cutter kids.

Please don't make other Mom's feel bad because they co-sleep and you don't think that's safe.

Please don't make other Mom's feel bad because they don't use cloth diapers....I mean, really?!

My biggest issue, is the vaccination thing.

I am pro-vaccine all the way...on schedule.

I am not going to say anything more on the matter, but that is where I stand.

I am pretty thankful that the crunchy Mama's who I am friends with, are not like those other ones...who either on purpose or without knowing, make you feel like a bad Mom if you are not crunchy.

It's silly really.

I mean, we are all trying to do our best for our kids and our families....we should be supportive and encouraging and understanding in all things.

And I hope to glean wisdom from these crunchy Mamas! Like, my new found interest and purchasing of Coconut Oil! Thank you crunchy friends!

And I hope, that they can learn something from us non-crunchy Mama's too.

This Valentine's Day is much much sweeter....

2012-02-13T21:29:00.001-08:00

This Valentine's Day is extra special for me.

It's the first Valentine's Day with all of my lovely men, at home together.

Last year, in the wee hours of the morning on Valentine's Day...our boys went in for their car-seat test.

The last step to getting released for home!

We fell into a deep sleep and were awakened by the NICU nurse who said that Christian failed his test and they would have to try again the next day.

While a total bummer, we knew that a car-bed was also an option if he didn't pass the next time.

Unfortunately, she came back in just a few minutes later to tell us that Christian was being admitted to the NICU.

After being placed in the car-seat, his oxygen level immediately dropped, so much so that they decided to test him while he was out of the car-seat and see where he was at.

He was doing the same things....basically forgetting to breath (which can be normal for babies, especially premature ones) but he wasn't remembering to start up again.

He was doing periodic breathing "with symptoms" as they call it.

I sobbed. Trev was still asleep while the Nurse was telling me, and I woke him up...I could hardly get a word out.

I managed to eek out the words "He's being admitted for not breathing" in between my hysterical sobbing.

This is what we had prayed for so many months...that neither boy would be admitted to the NICU.

We'd walked that path with Jack and it tore me up. I did not want to do it again.

It was one of my biggest fears.

And here I was facing it.....

Camden did great, and was brought back to the room...where he slept in my bed, cheek against my cheek.

The next morning Camden's bilirubin levels were at the point of needing photo-therapy, and we knew....he'd be admitted too.

So, on Valentine's Day 2011....instead of getting in the car and bringing our two precious new boys home, we left the hospital empty handed.

It was gut wrenching.

No, they weren't fighting for their life, it was all due to being premature twins...very normal.

But it was not what I expected, wanted, prayed for, desired or hoped for.

I was devastated.

I knew too much about the NICU...about what doing that meant. And I hated it.

And the thought of doing that all over again, with two children and one at home...it was too much.

8 and 10 days...that's it. That's how long they were in.

That may seem like nothing to you, or if you have been their...you will know, that every day feels like an eternity. And it truely does.

I don't think I will ever know, really, why they had to go through that. Why we did.

I have several friends with babies, including twins, born around that same time and needed no NICU.

But, I do know that HE knows more than I ever will...and if I can help someone through their time in the NICU, if I can be a support to those that have to walk that road...I can do that. I can be that.

So, today...on Valentine's Day....I'm kissing and hugging on my boys extra hard.

Christian

Valentine's Day 2011

Camden

What the NICU made for us :)

Little Man Mustache Bash!

2012-02-13T09:27:00.002-08:00

When I began searching for themes for the twins birthday party,

I knew I didn't want

a typical "twin" themed party.

And so I searched Pinterest for something unique and fun....and happened upon this theme!
And it fit perfectly, because...well, I call them my Little Men!

I followed the link on Pinterest to this Etsy shop and began e-mailing the shop owner.

She was quick to respond, and helped to customize this whole set to what we needed.

She was fabulous to work with, and has other awesome things in her shop.

I would love for you to check it out!

Image from Belva June Website

So, yes...we did a Little Man Mustache Bash!
You see them everywhere now, but I hadn't seen one for little people and was excited to do this.

Of course, what is a little man without a bow-tie?

So, I ordered these awesome bow-ties from my fellow twin mama blogger, Mandey!
She is fantastic. And check out this deal:

Image from Mama Mandolin Etsy Shop

We had a little "Photo Booth" set up with props that people could use and then I made a little "guest book" out of all the pictures, adding Happy Birthday wishes with text on the pictures. I thought that would be so fun for them as they got older, to look through and see who came and all the funny pictures.

My Dad had a last minute surprise and had one of the local balloon artists come for an hour, and he was an absolute hit!
I have never seen a balloon guy this good, and the kids loved it....even the older ones (my husband) :)

The boys ate their cake (little bow-tie shapes) made by my Mom.

And as expected, Camden dug in and couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough....where as Christian, dabbled in it but I don't think he ever even got to the cake and he was done.

It was a blast, and really it was a big THANK YOU party to all of our friends and family who helped us make it through our first year. People who brought us food, cleaned our house, watched our kids, drove us places, did our shopping etc.

We are so blessed and so thankful!

And now for pictures!

Earth Monkey Winner

2012-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Rafflecopter picked Entry #125!

125 DeLanie Cutsforth Follow Earth Monkey Moms Blog

Congrats to DeLanie! I contacted you via email :)

Thank you to all who entered, and a BIG thanks to Lindsay

at Earth Monkeys! Go check out their website for some

awesome eco-friendly baby gear!!!

I'm over here!

2012-02-11T07:33:00.002-08:00

I blogged over here today!

Twins First Year Slideshow!

2012-02-10T11:33:00.001-08:00

Happy First Birthday Camden & Christian!!!

2012-02-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

Time to celebrate!

Time to celebrate these two sweet little boys who have now been with us for one whole year!
Time to celebrate Mommy and Daddy surviving the first year!

Time to thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness.

Happy Birthday Little Men!!

I cannot believe this day is here.

I mean, did I just post this?

Or this?

Or THIS!?

And yet, here we are....and it's been an amazing and wild ride, one that I would not change.

Tomorrow I will be guest blogging over at Multiples and More about what I learned the first year of twins!

Camden Rhea

You are such a joy.
You have the best and quickest smile.
You wake up happy and smiling 99% of the time, and you love your food.
You are like a Hoover Vacuum, and you just devour it.
You are, the epitome of a Mama's boy.
If I'm near or in the room, you lunge for me....cry for me.
But once you are content, you are great at playing alone or following your brothers around.
You are a quick crawler, and learning to cruise faster.
You have taken a single step here and there, but are in no hurry to walk...and I am okay with that.
You sleep wonderfully, and you have the biggest, brightest blue eyes...that just mesmerize.
You have 4 teeth, and more coming soon...
You are a great copy-cat.
You will mimic almost everything, and are very proud of that.
You love the kitty and say "ti-tee" whenever she walks by.
You love to clap and click your tongue.
You love your sippy cup and no longer use a bottle!

You are wearing 12 month clothes perfectly, and we will see where on the charts you land at the official
1 Year appointment next week!
You have the sweetest disposition, and you are just a calm little guy.
I cannot wait to see who you become over this next year!
I love you so, so very much!

Christian Grant

You, my youngest, me sweet bean...are full of joy.
You have the hugest smile and a huge laugh to go with.
You are a great eater, and very clean! You don't even need a bib, really!
You are walking everywhere and are so proud.
You love to follow me around, and although you are so independent, you'd love to be held all day long by anyone who would do it.
You are a particular little man, and like things just so.
If it's not...you throw the biggest and best tantrum I have ever seen of someone your age.
And you have the scream of a screech owl.
And at the same time, you are the snuggler. You love to snuggle and be rocked and cuddled and I treasure those quiet moments we get before the others wake up.
You have equally huge eyes that are looking more and more green everyday.
Four teeth for you as well! Those were some tough ones for you.

You are a jabber mouth! You talk and talk and talk and make the funnest, and silliest sounds. You point at things and go into long explanations and have great inflection and expression.
I can't wait to actually understand you.
You are in 12 month clothes too...although the shirts are pretty baggy on you, as you are still pretty small.
But I can tell you are putting on weight, and you are so long!
You love to greet whoever comes to the door, and make their day.
You are doing great with your sippy cup, and we said good-bye to bottles today!
You are the one who will keep us on our toes, as although you are cautious...you have the adventurous spirit and a wild side.
That accompanied with your sweet disposition is going to be a blast to watch develop!

Bottom line, this year has been hard, long, rough, tearful, memorable, exhausting, beautiful, crazy, wonderful, silly, fun, and exciting.

I am so proud to be your Mama.
I love you both so much.
Thank you for this year.

Earth Monkey Giveaway ends tomorrow!!

2012-02-09T15:13:00.001-08:00

Click here to read the awesome guest post and enter to win!

Top 10 Things I Couldn't Have Lived Without...

2012-02-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

I decided to put together a list of the

Top 10 Things I Couldn't Have Lived Without

this first year of twin life.

Some things you may say, "shoot, we did fine without that"

"we only needed one of those"

That's fine. This is my list.

In no particular order

1) Two Swings

Lifesavers.

Camden loved to swing side to side while Christian loved to swing back and forth....so these swings were perfect because they did both.

We had one from Jack and the other my sister-in-law let us borrow.

The twins ended up sleeping in these things for quite awhile and I honestly don't know how we would have survived without both of them!

2) Food.

Specifically dinner. My Mom organized our friends, family and church family and we had dinner provided nearly every day for TWO MONTHS!
I don't think we would have eaten otherwise.

Such a blessing!

3) Swaddle Blankets

We were pros at swaddling because Jack loved it. And while Christian fought the swaddle, it really helped him calm down and sleep. And our boys are strong and break out of regular blankets, so we used these ones.

And then eventually double swaddled.

Sleep is important, do what you must.

4) Medela Breast Pump

We had to buy this once Jack was in the NICU and thankfully it still worked amazingly, and seriously was a huge lifesaver. Spend the dough on the nice brand...don't settle

5) My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

I had researched and read everything, and this was the one. I was blessed to have gotten this from my fellow twin Mom, Mandy and it was awesome.

I used other pillows underneath to prop this up at an angle, and having the strap around the back really helped keep it steady and tight. I also used little towels on each side of it to help turn the boys in when they were super small.

6) This car seat and stroller combo.

We fell in love with this car seat with Jack and I knew I didn't want to go with any other one. And Chicco had just come out with the double stroller to go with it.

We were blessed by our church staff and my parents and between them we had the full meal deal.

The seats are the narrowest you can find, the safety ratings are amazing and the will last you a long time.

The stroller....wow. I cannot say enough good things about it.

I knew we didn't want a snap in type stroller because, once the babies outgrow the car seats you are stuck with that thing and you don't need it anymore and you have to buy another stroller.

With this stroller, you can still use it after they are out of the infant seats! Perfect.

Plus, although it's heavy it folds easily with one hand, and stores nicely.

7) These Bottle Warmers

These are amazing. Fill them up, set the right size/amount and in a blink of an eye your bottles are the perfect temp. These are the cream of the crop warmers.
Again, my sister-in-law (bless her!) let us use these.
Yes we had two.
Time matters folks!

8) These little lounger chairs

We always called them bouncers, but they don't bounce.
They have music and vibrate....but we never used it.

We could buckle the babies in here and set them on either side of us and bottle feed them at the same time.

YES.

Amazing. Thanks to my sister-in-law we had two :)

9) This guy.

I know you can't all have one of him. I wish you could.
He took over 2 months off of work (we are so blessed he works for an incredibly understanding and supportive church that puts family first)
He got up with me every time I nursed. And when I was about to snap. Literally, when I was at a point of breaking mentally he stayed in the front room with the babies and did all the feeds. I slept in our bed, woke up to pump...took him the milk and went back to bed. He did this for two weeks.
If he hadn't...I'd have been ~~committed~~ admitted.
Cleaned, washed, bathed, drove, did it all. And still led worship every weekend (after the first two weeks)
He's the bomb.

10) My family and friends

They watched Jack, they organized the meals, they ran errands, they held babies. They were there whenever we needed them.
They went grocery shopping for us, they cleaned our house, they cleaned our car.
They drove me to and from the NICU and waited while I nursed.
They brought coffee.
They send texts, they called.
They prayed and encouraged.

This first year, really was an amazing team effort.

So, there ya have it.
My Top 10

Miscellany Monday

2012-02-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

Link up here!

1) Did you know we're giving away this set?

Click here to enter! Make sure you scroll to the bottom of the post for "Read More"!

2) This fellow twin mama and blogger started making these:

(along with other adorable items)

and I had to have them for the boys Birthday which, by the way, is THIS Friday!!

3) I have been searching high and low for some "family rules" we could hang up and I found this site on Etsy. It's all custom! You pick size, colors, font and what you want it to say! She was amazing to work with, and responded quickly to my e-mails and was ever so patient with my changing of things every time. And you cannot beat this price!

If you want to order something from her site, use this code:

" REFERRED "

And that gets you 10% off!

4) We take our car in this morning to get fixed, and get our rental car. I'm glad they called to tell me they were planning on seeing us on Monday and that I asked to make sure they had an SUV reserved for us. They did not. They had a sedan. Right....me and my three car seats.....um no. So, I requested a Lincoln Navigator with blacked out windows, spinners and jacked. Not really, but that'd be fun.

5) Superbowl summary: Best commercial was Ferris Bueller, I enjoyed the half-time show...it was entertaining and that's the point. Tom Brady looked like an average schmoe and I could care less because the Saints weren't playing.

6) I may have mentioned this before....but my babies turn ONE on Friday! AHHHHH!!!!!!!! I'm putting together a little slideshow that I can hopefully upload, and be ready for a super sappy post this week :)

7) Guest posting will return next Friday! If you are still interested, e-mail me!

Happy Monday!

Happy Saturday

2012-02-04T10:07:00.003-08:00

Don't forget about my giveaway! Make sure you click "Read More" at the end of Lindsay's post to get to the giveaway!

Guest Blogger and Giveaway!

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to introduce you to our guest blogger today!

Like, really really excited!!

Lindsay is a local Mom of three boys who blogs, and co-owns an awesome

Eco-Friendly business called Earth Monkeys!
She and her family recently had their home made over by Extreme Makeover Home Edition!

She's honest, hilarious and encouraging. And she's also doing an Earth Monkey Giveaway!

Make sure you click "Read More" to find the giveaway!

{Kids} Life Before…And After…

Although my oldest is only 6, Ibarely remember life before kids, do you? There were so many things I took forgranted… like peeing by myself and not having to say the words “is that poop orchocolate” 17 times a day… Although it’s like a blurred vision, here’s what Ido vaguely remember ….

BOOBS!!!!! Although I don’t really need to say more if youhave breast fed for even a second…let me just say the reward for nursing achild for months … and feeling like a freaking dairy cow 24/7 …. should not besmaller, flatter, stretch-marked boobs…seriously, am I wrong? However I do haveto say Victoria Secrets has come to my rescue with the “bombshell” bra…although I usually shop clearance at Target for my bras and undies… dropping $50on the VS bra was like buying a boob job in a bag and I couldn’t be happier:)

WORK-OUTS… Ican remember the day when I would just go work out at the gym whenever Iwanted… I was 20 pounds lighter and I actually thought the gym was a requiredpart of my existence…now you would either laugh or cringe watching my workouts…although I LOVE our boot camps (ummm that’sjust a fancy way of saying all of my best friends meet at my house to work outin my backyard:) there is rarely a day that goes by when one of ourkids doesn’t cry through the entire work-out. We do crunches while our toddlersstraddle us and use us as trampolines and somebody’s kid is always trying toget a pony ride while we do push-ups… it’s a friggen circus and anything butglamorous.

SLEEP… I remember complaining if I had to get up before 11 ona weekend… ugghh I was so annoying!!! And let me just say, ifyou don’t have kids and make any sort of ridiculous statement like the one Iused to make… you’d better not be within slapping distance of me!! I was sostoked this morning that only one of the boys got up last night and they allslep until 5:45…that NEVER happens… two days ago Crew, ouryoungest, came in at 4 am and body slammed my head until I couldn’t take itanymore and got up with him. And the dark circles and bags under my eyes arenow permanent fixtures on my 30 year old face…someday though… I know I will beable to sleep again … and then I will have no excuse for being the wicked witchof the west.

ROMANCE… ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Let’s just say romance these days equals a dateon the couch after the kids go down or a quick “rendezvous” while they’retaking a nap… hmmm TMI?? JJ

LOVE… Even with the saggy boobs, no sleep, extra 20 poundsand general lack of adventure, glamour and romance…LOVE makesit all worth it!! It’s amazing to me how much LOVE I have for these grubbylittle monkeys. It’s amazing that no matter how crazy they make us…how muchheart break we experience on their behalf…how hard they make life…there is anunending well of unconditional love for them. It’s depth is unexplainable toanyone that doesn’t have children and honestly it wasn’t until I had kids thatI realized that the love, grace and forgiveness I have for my boys is only afraction of what God has for me. My boys complete me and as we were wrestlingon the floor last night while my hubby was cooking dinner I thanked God forsuch a hugely blessed life!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lindsay and the Earth Monkeys are giving away an Earth Monkey Set! This includes a Bib, Paci-Pac and Port Pad and you get to choose the color! These are all organic and eco-friendly items!

I drive a 2002 Honda Odyssey with McDonald's' frenchfries (much to Gena's dismay) ground into the seats and the fragrant aroma ofspoiled chocolate soy milk in the carpet.

Our family is walking chaos... with three boys 5, 3, and 2, we are never farfrom disaster striking which usually manifests in forms like pooping from oneend of the kitchen to the other or attempted shankings with broken toys.

The past couple of years have been the most challenging of my life. We havefaced disaster in almost every aspect, from a failing consulting business (noteto self, don't quit job and start new business in a new field with noexperience in a down economy) to our older two sons being diagnosed withautism. [Update... however we were recently chosen to receive a home fromABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition... so I'm thinking those years of strugglewere worth it:):)]

Autism can be lonely and so many days we just can't even leave the house, so Iam excited to help build a community of love and support with other moms. Beinga mom is hard... with or without special needs kids! It's time for us to jointogether... stop judging each other, stop pretending we have it all togetherand just be free to be who God made us to be

This love....

2012-02-02T09:53:00.002-08:00

Sometimes, there are just no words. No words to express to him how much I love him.

I cannot put it on paper, or on a blog...I can't do enough, buy him enough, show him enough.

I will never, be able to fully express how much I not only love him....but how much I am in love with him.

We have been blessed. I know.

My best friend, yes. But more than that.

I desire him.

My heart aches with this love that I cannot express.

This maddening love that drives me.

This God given love.

I desire to never be away from him.

And the best part of this is...he feels the same.

We never have ever gotten tired of one another.

We have never ever, in our almost nine years of marriage needed a break.

Or in our dating years.

We could spend every waking moment of our lives together and still not feel like it was enough.

I realize not every couple is built this way.

But we are.

We both are.

He's passionate about me, and I him.

We have not stopped dating eachother.

Those fuzzy feelings...they never left.

I'm only fuzzier inside.

I love him more today than I did yesterday.

And the day before....

He still makes me swoon when he walks by and I catch his scent.

When I hear him sing....my heart skips and beats.

He gives all he has and then some.

He puts me first.

He puts our boys first.

He protects us, he cares for us.

He provides for us.

He guards us.

He is the leader.

I wished for this. I prayed for this.

God did not just answer them....he gave me more than I prayed for.

Valentine's Day last year was horrible. My babies were both admitted to the NICU on the day we were to be released.

One of the worst days of my life.

This year on Valentine's Day...we will spend it all together.

Thanking the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness.

Loving one another.

I know it's not Valentine's Day yet...but I couldn't wait to be mushy until then...

Lacie Lauree Photography

He is more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same

Emily Bronte

Those words you never want to hear...

2012-01-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

"Hi sweetie, where are you?"

"Hey babe....the boys and I were in a car accident, but we are okay."

Yeah. Those words.

Those words that make your heart sink and made the tears come instantly.

My boys. All of them...all four of them in the car together.

Yesterday was a crazy, full, exhausting day.

Trevor had dropped me off for a quick 15 minute appointment and was driving the kids around the block when an 87 year old lady with dogs blocking her view, pulled out into traffic and hit the driver side, passenger door where Camden sits.

SO many things to be thankful for:

Trev saw her and sped up a bit, so the impact could have been worse

We have a Honda Pilot so the car sits up high and the damage was to the bottom part of the door by the tire. If we had been in a sedan or other car....I don't even want to think about what would have happened.

Her car is in far worse shape...an Accord.

Our kids are in amazingly safe car seats. Spend the dough on safe seats...seriously.

Jack was holding a cup and the impact caused him to drop it. That's pretty much the only thing that upset him.

He was very aware of cars close to us the rest of the day, saying "Watch out for the car Daddy!!"

She took full responsibility and admitted she couldn't even see because her dogs were blocking her view.

And she's insured.

Trev has the typical very sore neck and back and has x-rays this morning just out of precaution.

But, they are all okay.

I said it's a good thing I wasn't there because I don't think this Mama Bear could have restrained herself from that 87 year old woman.

The loves of my LIFE were all in that car together! My babies!

I am so thankful that the Lord had his hand on them.

I have been hugging and kissing even more than normal...

all moments are a gift.

Gift # 145

Keeping my family safe in the accident

Hehe...true life baby.

Picture by Lacie Lauree Photography

Welcome, Sarah! Our first guest blogger!

2012-01-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Sarah from Walk in Joy here today!

She is a new mama who is trying to seek the joy in the small things!

She contacted me about being a guest poster and I loved her blog and her outlook, so of course I said yes!

Please make her feel welcome and after reading her fabulous post, head to her blog and start following!

A Lesson on Creation

When I was 6 or 7, I concocted a brilliantplan, a way to make me rich and famous. I felt so proud of myself. I grabbed apiece of paper, a pencil, and my family’s copy of Green Eggs and Ham. In my untidy first-grade scrawl, I wrote thewords:

“That Sam-I-am! That Sam-I-am!

I do not like that Sam-I-am!”

My plan was to write out, word-for-word, the entire story.I would sell it under my name, and everyone would love “my” book and acclaim meas the most talented and amazing author in the world.

I think I got as far as the third or fourth page, and thenI stopped. Copying an entire book took a lot morework than I thought; my hand got tired and my brain got bored. I quickly abandonedmy chance at fame and fortune in favor of playing in the front yard.

Since then, I have learned the meaning (and illegality) ofplagiarism. I have also learned that there is much more joy increating with my own mind and hands than there could ever be in fame andfortune. I think that’s what we, as humans, are meant to do. In aneternal as well as temporal sense, we are creators.Blogs, books, music, paintings, homes, children, businesses—we all find joy andfulfillment in creation. And what a beautifuljoyit is! What a privilege it is to be a creator, in my own small ways.

I am slowly becoming more and more active in the bloggingcommunity. I am astounded and encouraged by theamazing works of my fellow creators—women just like me, with children, jobs,husbands, and busy schedules. It is empowering to be part of a community thatfinds joy in adding a little more beauty tothe world through sharing our many-faceted talents.

I have a 7 month old son named Noah. He is the lightand joyof my life. Each week he surprises me with learning something new—a new sound,a new tooth, a new favorite food. Lately, he’s been learning how to scoothimself around on his tummy. It’s quite impressive to watch my previouslyimmobile baby suddenly know how to push himself backwards or around in circles.He even does funny little push-ups, managing to lift his entire body off thefloor while his hands and toes support him. He can hold the pose for a fewseconds before collapsing and returning to pushing himself in circles.

Watching his activities awakened a newthoughtin my brain. Many of the movements he makes, like the push-ups, are prelude tothe almighty feat of crawling. Eventually, Noah will learn to get his kneesunder his tummy. Before too long, we will be putting baby gates up and he willwear us out with chasing him. But he doesn’t know this. He has no idea whatcrawling is. He just knows that he has a new trick in his arsenal of abilities.He just does it because he can.

What if we, as adults, are much more like babies than wethink? We tend to feel so certain that we know where we’regoing. We think we are so put together with our goals and lists and projects. I know Ido.But what if all the things we work for every day, the things and relationshipswe create, are all pushing us toward a much greater developmental milestonethan we have the ability to conceive? What if God, seeing our progress, rejoices in anew ability or a new achievement just as I rejoice over my son’s first tooth?

This thought makes me value my everyday creations—a cleankitchen sink, a happy baby, a new craft project, a great blog post, a spirit oflove and peace in my home—that much more. Perhaps all these little things I’mlearning now will come in handy in a much more wonderful waythan I could ever have imagined.

About Me:

I’mjust a new mom with a passion for homemaking, good books, Star Trek, and longsummer days. I started blogging to help me remember the good things, the smalland simple things that make life worth living. Life is mostly abouthaving joy, and the time to start having more joy is always now!Ilove how Camilla Eyring Kimball (a smart and wise woman!) said it: “You do notfind the happy life. You make it.” Walkin Joy is a blog about my efforts to make thehappy life, whether that’s through cooking, crafting, reading, or cherishingthe little moments with my husband and baby. I hope you’ll walk withme!

If you liked this post, please share with your friends and head over to Sarah's blog! Walk in Joy

Now THESE are the best Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-01-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing a certain recipe on Pinterest that claims to be the "Best Chocolate Chip Cookies"

and while, I have yet to make them...I just don't believe they are.

Why?

Because I know these are.

And thank goodness for running, because I am pretty sure I need to run a lot to work off the points I used to eat these.

Worth. It.

My Mom's Very Best Most Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World

1/2 Cup shortening

1/2 Cup margarine or butter ( I always use butter)

3/4 Cup sugar

3/4 Cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp water

Beat until creamy

Add in 2 eggs and mix well

Add 2 1/4 Cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt and fold in 12oz ( 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips)

Drop spoonfuls on to cookie sheet

Place in preheated 350 degree over for 9-10 minutes

NOW...I love my cookie to be pretty soft. Especially on the inside with just a slight crispy edge. So, I take mine out after 8 minutes. They won't look done, but they will set up nicely as the cool.

You are welcome

Guest Posts!

2012-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

I got some great response from some awesome women who would like to be a guest on my blog! I am planning on having a guest post every Friday (exuding the twins birthday of course!) through March!!!
I have some Twin Mama's, some Mama's, a birth photographer, a photographer who is doing a giveaway, a local business woman/mom of the cutest boys who are on the autism spectrum and who also happened to have just had her house made-over by Extreme Makeover Home Edition, a few amazing posts from some of the most encouraging blogs out there and MORE!!!

Excited?!?!? I am!!

I'd gladly take more if you are interested and return the favor if you'd like :) It's free advertising and it's fun! Just let me know!

If you liked this post, be sure to share with your friends!

Seeing in the mess....

2012-01-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was awful. I woke up and from the first moment I could tell my patience tank hadn't been filled. I was running on empty and it was only breakfast time. I uttered prayers as the day began.

Jack literally emptied everything he could today, on the floor. Drawers of bowls and dishes, every toy bin, even the wipes container!! He has never done that. He was rough with his brothers, he didn't listen....he really pushed every last button of mine.

To top it off, Camden fell so many times today. He's learning to stand and walk and he's so clumsy. So that on top of his top tooth being huge and swollen and white and oh so close to popping though just made it that much worse.

Christian decided not to fall asleep at his usual time which meant for the second nap, he was awake while his brothers slept and vice versa. Which meant Mommy didn't get a little break.

I needed out. I decided we'd go for a drive and Mommy would get a coffee.

I asked Jack to be a great helper and get socks for his brothers. He did.

We left, and came back and picked up where we left off.

Trevor came home and after dinner I was picking up the rooms. Nearly in tears at the stress of the day and praying for patience.

Then I walked into the babies room and socks were everywhere.

All over the floor.

Just as I started to get upset, I breathed deep and asked to SEE.

I saw it. I looked and I saw.

I saw that he was helping get socks. He did what I asked. It was easiest for him to see the socks by dumping them out and picking out which ones he liked. He quickly brought them back to me. And he was proud. So happy to be helping, happy to see Mommy's face, see how he was being a good listener.

So, no...yesterday wasn't filled with a lot of moments where I could separate myself to look over the day and see joy too much.

But I did in that moment, and that was enough for that day.

Miscellany Monday

2012-01-23T09:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.carissagraham.com/2012/01/miscellany-monday_23.html

1. So, notice anything different? Yep....new look to the blog. Wanted something clean and fresh. Going to have a button designed soon and possibly a new header.

Have you checked out these two designers?

Hannah Nicole

Liz

What do you think of the blog now?

2. Going to start a series of guest posts, if you are interested, read here and contact me!

3. I finally got out on a short run today and I'm determined to get out 2 more times this week. No matter what.

4. So, a fellow twin mama blogger that I love to follow has an Etsy shop and she just started making bow-ties for little men!!

Guess who pre-ordered two?! Ohmygoodness they are adorable.

Go check out those and her other things here!

5. We saw Beauty and the Beast with Jack last night in 3D.

One of my all time favorites and it was so awesome to take Jack. My parents stayed with the babies and we took him to Red Robin (his favorite place because of the tractor game you can play to get candy) and then headed to the movie.

He did great. Didn't leave his glasses on the whole time, but since mostly it's just the background that's 3D (in most parts) it really was fine.

So, if you were wondering if you should take your little one because of that....it's fine. They won't get a headache and will see fine without the glasses :)

6. Both boys got haircuts this past week, it was Christian's second one. They did great but it still didn't convince Jack to let us cut his.

HUGE battle, and basically the ONLY battle we have with him.

We resort to buzzing it off at home while he screams bloody murder. But I miss his spikey hair so we are trying to grow it out.

Ugh....any tips?!

He hates the noise and the itchiness. It seriously makes him all red and blotchy.

7. Went out with our local twin mama group last week, it was so nice. Love being able to talk to other mama's who just get it.

8. One more shout out....this twin mama had her babies at 27 weeks and is now giving back to March of Dimes. Go here and see what's she's doing (it involves awesome giveaways!)

Happy Monday. It continues to rain here, but it was badly needed!

Happy Monday!

Interested in guest posting?

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I would love to start something new this year, and that is having Guest Posts!

I'd love to give you a chance to highlight your blog and yourself here on my blog!

If you are interested, I'd need to to do the following things:

Send me an email at krystle.bowen@gmail.com

*Include your blog address

*Give me a link to a post or two that are some of your favorites. Something that shows me what you blog about, and what you are about!

*And if you have a blog button, I'd love that image!

Remember, this blog is about kids, boys, multiples, and growing in Christ.

So, it doesn't have to be necessarily one of those things, but it's best if it fit with my blogs mission of encouraging others, especially Moms!

After that, I will contact you and we can start discussing your post here!

I'd like to do it once a month for now and see what happens!

Even if your blog only has 3 followers, or if it has 500.....or if you don't think it's that great or you think it's amazing. :)

Looking forward to hearing from you!

A day in the life of..........

2012-01-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

I thought it'd be fun for ya if I let you in on "a day in the life of".....us!

I'll start off by saying, it took awhile to get here, and of course kids are always changing it up so this isn't set in stone, but it's pretty much our daily routine and routine is so so good for kids of all ages! I can't stress that enough.

I will clarify, that in the early months (0-5/6) don't worry about it. Those months are for learning your baby, mastering breastfeeding (if you are doing that) getting sleep when you can and loving on your kids. Don't stress about a schedule that early on. If you child falls into that naturally, then GREAT! You are a lucky one! But if not, you're just going to stress yourself out and also your kids. Take it from one who has done that :/

So...Jack is almost 3 1/2 and goes to Preschool three mornings a week from 8:10-11:10 and the little ones will be 1 next month. We've been on this schedule for a few months now.

And I'll give you the "School Day Schedule"

6:00-6:30am Everyone is up!

Jack drinks some milk on the couch with a little Disney Channel and wakes up.

Babies drink 9oz bottles on the floor propped up by Boppy's.

Diapers are changed

7:15 Trev showers and gets ready for work

I help get Jack dressed and prepare his snack

Babies roam :)

7:30 Try to get Jack to eat, usually he'll take something in the car like a pancake.

On non-school days he doesn't' eat until 8:00am, so I think that's why he just doesn't want to on these days.

7:50 Trev and Jack head off for school/work!

8:00 Babies and I eat breakfast

Something like eggs, waffles, pancakes, toast, bananas, pears...etc.

8:30 Get the babies dressed

9:00 Babies go down for a nap and I jump in the shower, and get ready.

Then I will do my devotions and blogging/facebook stuff.

10:15-10:40 Babies wake

Usually Christian is up first, then Camden

10:50 Load up car and head to get Jack from school!

11:10 Head home

11:30-11:45 Lunch

Grilled cheese, PB&J, cheese, fruits, veggies etc

I feed them all the same thing

1:00pm Nap time for all 3!!

Do housework that I can't do while they are all awake

2:00-3:00 Everyone slowly gets up, Christian usually first then Camden and then Jack

3:00-3:30 Snack time

Crackers, goldfish, cheerios etc

3:30-5:00 During this time we may have a play-date, run errands, clean house etc

5:00 6oz bottle for babies

5:30-6:00 Dinner followed by bath on "bath day" for all 3

6:30-7:00 Bedtime for babies

We get time with Jack until bedtime which is 7:30 on school nights and 8:00 on the other nights

8:00-11:00pm is Mommy and Daddy time!
We catch up on the day, pray together, watch some TV and just relax and maybe read. :)

So, there ya go! It's busy, there are moments of absolute chaos, there are timeouts and tears and frustrations which obviously aren't on the schedule :)

We used the Weissbluth book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child for all three and it is a wonderful book!

Like I said, I think schedules and routine are important....and an early bedtime is so crucial! It's important for their brain development and how little ones work. And that book will teach you how. They are doctors and have many many years of experience.

How's that JOY thing comin?

2012-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

My word for the year is JOY.

How has that worked out so far?

I will tell you what, it sure has kept my focus.

We've finally caught a break from the sicknesses, the colds and the stomach bugs.

Trev's finally back into a routine at work and I'm starting to run again.

I am not saying it's easy to seek JOY, to count it all JOY. In fact, it's ridiculously hard.

And at some points in my day while the kids are screaming, pulling on my hair (them not me)

trying to clean up all while realizing I haven't eaten yet....I wonder.

Is this even possible?

To see JOY in all things.

To demand JOY in my life.

To set up my kids to feel JOY in the midst of our day.

To make my home filled with JOY.

No. It's not possible.

It just isn't...if I'm the one trying to make it that way.

I fail. I let my emotions get the best of me, I let the situation control me and I forget.

I forget to live and breathe and be.

So, I'm learning that I cannot seek JOY in all things. Because, as we know...somethings are not joyful.
But if I choose to see through His eyes, to ask Him to show me where there is JOY or what it actually means.......

then, in this I am learning....what that looks like.

JOY isn't a fake happy face, or pretend words that fill the air.

It isn't

"life is wonderful, it smells like cupcakes and I love everything about everyone"

Nope. And thank goodness for that.

It's more than that. Much much more.

Happy 2 years little blog!

2012-01-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today I plunked my first words on into the "blogosphere"....to no one really.

I have always loved to write, to share to "think" through things by either typing it out and writing it down.

So, I decided to try this blog thing.

We'd just miscarried, I had been reading Angie Smith's blog, a little prompting from a friend and Voila

These are but the fringes...was born.

I changed things up after the babies were born and started the blog that you now know as

3 Little Men and a Mommy

I've written dumb things, silly things, inspired things, things about my kids, my husband, my heart....posted a lot of pictures and met a lot of fantastic people through this blog.

Thanks everyone, friends and family alike for reading this, for "following" me, and for all your sweet words.

Happy 2nd Birthday little blog....and many more to come :)

I AM

2012-01-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Have you read this girl's blog? You should. And then you should look at her photography and made design skills, and then you should look and see how old she is. And you will be blown away. I have followed her and her Mama's blog for awhile now and I won a design makeover on my first blog from Hannah. They are always both encouraging and inspiring. Check em out.

Hannah posted this, and I thought I'd go ahead and do the same. Here I AM

I AM… me, what you see is what you get.
I WANT… to do more than just what's comfortable and known....I've done that for 28 years now...it's getting old.
I HAVE… the best family in the world, for real
I KEEP… every card Trevor ever gave me, and most art projects Jack does.
I WISH I COULD…travel more, lots more.
I HATE…being late, fakeness, and dry hands.
I FEAR… heights and turbulence.
I HEAR… what you don't say. I hear it in your eyes.
I DON'T THINK… that I will ever have the patience of Michelle Duggar, although I pray for it.
I REGRET… not sticking up for myself more at church in jr. high. people were mean. sad huh? Just wish I could go back and be more confident.
I LOVE… Jesus, my boys (all 4 of them) my family, my amazing friends, pizza, ice cream, taking pictures of people I love, writing and reading.
I AM NOT… crafty or patient or quiet or silent about my thoughts
I DANCE… crazy to FF5 with my boys when we need a stress reliever.
I SING… awful. But I still sing....just not loud enough for my amazingly talent husband to hear.
I NEVER… drink just plain coffee. My 6 years of working as a Barista ruined that for me.
I RARELY… go to bed when I should....
I CRY WHEN…something emotional is on TV, or I hear something emotional...I'm an easy crier. I don't mind.
I AM NOT ALWAYS…good at keeping my mouth shut, or keeping a clean house
I HATE THAT…people care so much about what other people think and that I can't just travel and eat for money
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT…why Mama's are so competitive with one another. Who started that? I wanna chat with her...
I NEED… less of me. More of Him.
I SHOULD… go to bed earlier, breathe more during the day, stretch before I run, run more, write more letters

That's me. And you? If you do one of these, let me know or email me or put it in my comments :) And let Hannah know too :)

11 Months

2012-01-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

11 month update

Holy smokes

or as jack would say

hokey smokes.

I feel like Ferris Bueller

Indeed it is moving fast, faster than I'd like!! I'm in party planning mode, and am super excited about the theme we've picked.

We know that as their 1st birthday, they won't remember a darn thing.

BUT we are celebrating a year of life, making it through this first year, and thanking the many many people who helped us get to the big milestone!

And my family likes a good party :)

Camden

He loves food

Camden has proven that often, he will be the last to start...but either the first to finish or catch up and you'd never know he'd started behind.

He's the one who dropped to 4.14lbs...yet he now weighs almost 19lbs, is right on and creeping above the 10% on the growth chart!

He was the last to grasp with his hands, and the last to pincer grasp, the one with the worst reflux.. but he's the one who shovels all the food down and loves to eat only table food.

Last to crawl, but is mr. speedy now.

last to stand, but is now doing so independently.

I used to think he'd never crawl, and he'd be a really late walker...now I'm thinking he won't be far behind Christian!

He loves waffles, bananas, pears, grilled cheese, pb&j's, crackers, cheese, eggs, pancakes, green beans, cheerios, turkey, bread.....basically anything.

Taking 2 bottles a day, but isn't loving the sippy cup yet.

But when they turn 1 the bottles go away, cold turkey.

Pacifiers are now only for nap and bedtime, and soon those will be gone as well.

Sleeps from 6:30-7:00pm-6:00-7:00

with 2 naps a day at 9&1 for between 1-2 hours.

He is really vocal now, which is crazy because again...he was the last to start "talking"

says "tit-tit" when he sees the cat

says "kak" for Jack and "chch" for cheese.

Mama's boy through and through.

His top tooth is breaking through as I type! That will be #3

He loves bath time

And he loves the ball pit we had Jack get them for Christmas.

Christian

He loves food too

And makes the funniest faces!

Oh my little bean.

He's maybe 16lbs now...but growing right along his own growth curve, inching closer and closer each time...he's perfectly healthy, just tiny. Funny thing is, his weights almost perfectly match mine at his age. :)

He has taken his first steps and then some!

9 is the max so far, but every day he tries and takes several here and there. He gets so excited, and I know that this guy, once he's walking will actually just go to running.

He is eating really well and basically likes the same things Camden does, but he is doing pretty good with the sippy cup.

Sleeping about the same as Camden, only usually shorter naps by a bit.

He's totally talking. Like it sounds like full on real sentences, just can't understand him. It's the cutest thing, and we keep trying to video it!

He is the kid who makes everyone feel like they are his favorite. He will go to anyone, snuggle anyone, and not let them put him down. He's a lover.

He does have his favorites....but he'll make anyone think they are.

He's a Daddy's boy. Loves to greet Trevor and demands to be picked up.

They have gotten pretty clingy and whiny, and I remember this was the age Jack did too, until he started walking. Once he was able to become independent, he was fine. I'm so glad I journaled with Jack, so I can look back and see!

They love to follow Jack around, and the other day Trev heard a knocking and found Christian at Jack's door (which was closed because he was napping)

knocking on the door with a ball. :)

They love to be out and about, love people, love to chat, love to eat, love to find that cat, love Jack's toys (especially his monkey and lovey which are of course off limits) love to sing/listen to music, love to be held.

All 3 boys were recently sick, and Christian developed an ear infection after. Then Jack brought home the stomach flu from his first day back to school after Christmas break...then Christian got it and Trevor and I had it yesterday. We are SO ready for a break from the ickies!!

Happy 11 Months gorgeous boys!

Yep...Ducks won :) Sorry to my Uncle's...I promise I am still a Beaver at heart...and they DO have Beaver gear...just doesn't get worn often :/

Oh this is kinda fun....my post from last year on this day exactly!

Honey- Honeybee Action Giveaway

2012-01-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Entering my picture of "Honey" to win some sweet actions from an awesome twin mama who has awesome twin boys just like mine. Here are two of my honey's....and Camden's nickname is Bear, like Pooh Bear...who loves Honey. It fits.

Add caption

http://babymakingbybecky.blogspot.com/2012/01/photo-contest-and-honeybee-actions.html

Multitudes and Miscellany

2012-01-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

It's nearing the end of Monday, Multitude Monday. And I'm just now able to sit at this computer. I came down with the stomach flu last night, and Trev woke up with it. So we were both feeling awful today.
But I tried, even in the midst of my discomfort and pain to seek the JOY.

I was so thankful that I had a toilet to use, and that that toilet wasn't also my shower water.

I was thankful for my amazing family who came over and helped with the boys so we could rest.

I'm thankful for blue Gatorade staying down.

And boy am I thankful that the stomach bug doesn't' last long.

Jack had it last week, 24hrs...two days later Christian had it. So...Camden seems to be the only escapee so far and I've bleach everything in site!!

I haven't run in 3 weeks. I got that nasty cold, then my eyes had an allergic reaction and got infected, and then last week I got in one short run but my energy was gone. And now this....I feel I'm being sabotaged!!!

Got to get back into it, hopefully it won't be too tough.

I was reminded that the way I felt today, is how I was for over 12 weeks with the twins. Yikes. Not fun memories....but boy there are so worth it. In two days you will see a post about them turning 11 months. I may or may not be freaking out...................

http://www.carissagraham.com/2012/01/miscellany-monday.html

Add caption

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

One Thousand Gifts in 2012

2012-01-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

It started as a challenge for one woman.

It turned into a life altering experience

which then turned into a book

and then a worldwide change of perspective.

I had heard about this book last year, by so many different sources. But I knew I wouldn't have the time to read it when I first saw it (babies were about to make their debut)

Toward the end of the year, I went ahead and bought it for my NOOK.

First chapter in and I'm in tears.

End of the book and I'm challenged beyond belief, I have clarity for things I had been clouded by and my entire perspective on life.

Seriously.

Sounds cliche maybe, but it's true.

I'm not a bandwagon person.

I'm either completely sold because I experienced it firsthand or I don't buy it.

I'm sold people.

So, in addition to my One Word for the year, I am taking the challenge.

The challenge to write down, on paper, One Thousand Gifts.

That's 3 a day.

Some of the gifts I've written down?

Crisp mornings while on a run

Coffee

Snuggles with sick babies

Hearing the doorknob turn, knowing it's Trevor coming home

Crumbs on the floor underneath two highchairs

Hot water

In taking the time to write down these things as they happen, I am slowing down time.

I'm taking each moment and giving thanks.

And it slows.

It makes me breathe.

Makes me think.

Makes me thank.

If you have not read the book.

Read it.

Then check out her blog.

Every single day she challenges me.

You up for it?

Watch this first

fill in the blank friday

2012-01-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

This one is all about free time, which doesn't happen often...but is much enjoyed :)

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is read and blog and drink coffee .

2. When I have free time I tend to do a lot of little things. I read for a bit, blog for a bit....putter around, catch up with people.

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would not want to be alone. I would want Trev with me. And if I could bring him along (who makes the rules?) I'd spend a day at the coast. Browsing the little shops, eating yummy food and relaxing. If I could NOT take him...I'd spend it in the bookstore, reading and drinking coffee and dozing off :)

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others...) a little of both. I could only do the alone thing for awhile...then I'd probably see if someone was available to go grab coffee with me...but in reality I'd rather be with Trev than alone.

5. Most of my free time happens on Friday when Trevor is off.

6. The best thing about free time is it's free time...rules as to what you do!

7. The next time I have free time I should probably continue my deep cleaning but instead, I'll probably play Angry Birds....yeah, I'm one of those that just got hooked. Luckily, I can put it down when I need to :)

Happy Weekend!

link up with lauren

Those days

2012-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I think it'd be easier to just put Jack in timeout when he wakes up. Less work.

We rarely have a day like that, but yesterday was a doozy. He was pushing buttons and brothers all day.

Exhausting.

I think the past few weeks of no routine, no real schedule an waaaay to many treats finally took it's toll, and I was happy to send him off to preschool for the morning! :)

I picked my word for the year, JOY. And then BAM...the next day I thought, goodness...maybe I should have picked patience?!

So many of you have commented/emailed me about your words and I love them all!

If you look to the left, in my sidebar you will see an awesome little button that my friend Melanie from Only a Breath designed for me!

If you would like one with your word of the year for your blog, click this link and there are instructions about emailing her!

Her blog is nothing but encouraging, so make sure you sign up to receive her blog via email as well!

Hope you all have a JOY filled day!

I am cleaning and de-cluttering...and I will post about that later this week!

One Word

2012-01-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

I saw this around the blogosphere last year, but it just wasn't something I jumped into.

Again, towards the end of the year, I saw it mentioned here and here and here.

So, I decided if I'm going to be more purposeful this year in the many things I mentioned here....I should pick a word, plaster it in my kitchen so I can see and remember and of course...blog about it!

So, I picked JOY.

photo found at http://al-lachner.blogspot.com/2011/12/joy.html

I intend to be purposeful about joy this year. I want to see joy in every day, every moment and every person. Whether or not I feel like it.

And sometimes, I may just have to make my own joy.

Something I learned this past year, in watching my Mom handle her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemo was this....celebrate every chance you get.

First surgery done? Celebrate.

Second surgery done? Celebrate.

First chemo done? Celebrate.

Half way done? Celebrate.

Chemo done?! Celebrate the heck out of it!

Don't wait until your situation has completely improved, don't wait until you "feel" ready to be joyful or give thanks.

Often times, my Mom still has felt sick, and yucky, and tired and in pain....but she isn't wasting a moment of her life...she's being purposeful about her thanksgiving and joy and praise and that has taught me so much.

You may be in a tough season.

Your "season" may be turning into your life.

Don't wait for things to turnaround, maybe this is right where God wants you and you have to let go and see the joy.

It's there.

So....I challenge myself this year, and you too!

Seek JOY.

If you are a blogger and want to hop on board, check out these links!

Button and Link-Up

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http://www.carissagraham.com/2012/01/miscellany-monday-new-year.html

Goodbye and Hello!

2012-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

I am a little behind on the whole "reflect and review 2011" post :) Sorry about that.

2011....wow. It's over, we are living in a new year and I feel like last year just slipped through my hands so quickly!

We welcomed our twin boys in early 2011 and spent the next 4 or so months barely hanging on with sleepless nights, breastfeeding issues, colic, reflux, etc etc etc. We got into a rhythm and before we knew it we were living again! :)

We took our first trip as a family of 5....We had the babies dedicated on Mother's Day....

Jack celebrated his 3rd birthday

My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, started and completed her chemo in 2011!!!

Jack started Preschool!

We went to Disneyland, my sister got married and I started running again.

My hubby did a CD project with our church, we made little trips to the coast and Eugene.

We cried, laughed, prayed and loved.

I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and it rocked my world.

Some of the hardest moments of my life thus far happened in 2011. But I have never been more confident in who God is and what He is doing in my life.

I am ready to get goin' on 2012. Some things I want to focus on this year are:

*Losing all my baby weight and training for a half-marathon

* Keeping a cleaner and more organized household

* Specific times for social networking/blogging so that I don't get trapped at the computer when I shouldn't be, but also realizing it's a good tool and outlet for me.

* Starting up again in Youth Leadership with a small group!

* More family time

*Quiet time with the Lord on a consistent basis

SO yep, that's what I got so far! :) I am planning on a blog makeover soon, as soon as I can afford it. I am excited about those changes!

I want to be able to keep this blog updated with the boys and family happenings for my family and close friends, and also I want this to be an encouraging place for people and am excited about some posts that are already on my heart!

Happy New Year to you all!

Merry Christmas from Us!

2011-12-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

All pictures were taken by Lacie Lauree Photography

Please do not use without permission

10 Months

2011-12-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

The babies turned 10 months on the 10th!

Camden

Oh my little bear who had the worst reflux. Puked up everything.

I thought I'd be feeding him bottles and purees until high school.

No longer I tell you!

This kid will only eat table food and usually only 2 bottles a day maximum!

He loves his grilled cheese, his chunks of fruit, green beans, cheerios, eggs etc etc etc. Really anything.

But he's kinda obsessed with the grilled cheese.

He just shovels it in.

He's still sleeping amazingly, 6-7am wake-up

9am nap until about 10:30

1pm nap until just after 2 and bedtime between 6-7pm!

Loves baths, his brothers, the cat, eating, crawling (yes he is actually crawling now and starting to pull himself up onto things!) and his mama.

Dislikes diaper changes, clothing changes, not being held by his mama, toys being stolen from him, and his brothers leaving him behind.

Christian

He still likes to be spoon fed, but is doing awesome with table food. Usually only get 1 bottle in him a day.

Starting to do better with a sippy cup.

Sleeps about the same as his brother, only usually one nap is much shorter than the other one.

He is cruising all over and standing on his own a lot but no steps yet!

He loves his brothers, getting into mischief, chasing people, laughing and snuggling.

Dislikes diaper changes, clothing changes, getting in the car seat, being put down for sleep and the vacuum.

They are so adorable together. They usually follow each other around, not straying too far from one another. The will go wherever Jack goes.
They've started jabbering a lot back and forth and making each other laugh...it's too cute for words.

They play the "pacifier switch" game. One will take the other's out and put it in his mouth, or just run away with it. And they will do this back and forth for a long time.

They fight over toys and throw tantrums

They don't like it if you are holding both of them, they want to be the "only one". So hilarious at 10 months.

They are doing fabulous.

And yes I am pinning away on Pinterest their birthday ideas! I am getting excited!
See, I'm not a real baby person...but I love from this age on!

Disneyland

2011-12-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Disneyland

If you know me, or have followed this blog for awhile you know we have a healthy obsession of Disneyland.

This trip has been in the works for years. It was actually my parent's 30th Anniversary present, they wanted to take the entire family as their celebration. And also, my Dad retired at the ripe age of 55 the same summer, so this was a HUGE celebration!

So, after years of planning and saving, my Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother-in-Law to be, Hubby, Kids and our close friends Curt and Lynette all went!

We flew a direct flight (2 hours) to LAX at 6:00am in the morning, and the kids did perfect. The babies fell asleep and Jack just sat with "Nama" and looked out the window and snacked.

No crying, no tantrums, nothing. Perfect.

We hopped onto a Super Shuttle which dropped us off at the only hotel located IN the park.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Day Spa

We checked in, left our bags and headed right into the park for our first full day! We were in the park before 11:00am!!

The next 5 days consisted of amazing, beautiful, fun, exhausting excitement.

We went all day long, only going back to the hotel on a few days for a nap. Otherwise, the babies napped in the stroller and Jack did just so great. Most days he got his nap, but two of them we skipped and he was fantastic.

Everyone seriously was so great and amazing, I don't think it could have gone any better.

The fact that we outnumbered the kids 8 adults to 3...was brilliant.

People helped us with them so we could ride together, or took them on rides, or took Jack. It was so wonderful.

Jack was tall enough for almost every ride (something we actually prayed about haha)
He went on Matterhorn, but then never wanted to go in a tunnel ride after that. Oh well, he wasn't forced. But guess what ride he talks about ALL THE TIME now?
Yep...he's so proud of himself.

He was also really really into the maps. By the end of the trip he knew which ride was where and on what park's map.
He also felt the need to tell each character he met, where something was on the map. So we have several pictures of him pointing to things on the map with characters. It's adorable.

Like...
"Brer Fox, this is where Monstro the Whale is..."

So darn cute.

We got to stay in the park until 4:00pm on the day we left, headed back to LAX and although we almost didn't make it home that night due to fog, we eventually did (after a very rough takeoff where I was in tears....really really extreme turbulence)

But again, the boys were perfect with all 3 falling asleep.

It was sad to come home, but at the same time exciting because my sister was getting married that next Friday!!

Some of you may be wondering how my Mom did. At the point of our trip she was just over halfway through chemo and had started a new drug. It had really taken it's tole on her.
But she did amazing.
She walked the first half of every day, using the wheelchair for the second half and made sure to take a nap/rest each day.
I've never seen a more incredible person than my Mom.
Never not smiling, pure joy.
She was just incredible.

Enjoy some of the pictures from our trip.

And if you have any questions about traveling with kiddos, or Disneyland in general. Ask away....we probably can help ya out :)

Main Street Porch

Jack and I on the teacups....sacrifice of love for me

This was the best we could get...they are in constant motion!!

Pooh and Jack

Jack's first ride

Hotel Lobby (part of it)

Babies and Mickey!

So excited

Jack and his heroes

Very lucky to see Pinocchio!

How cute is this?!?

Jack and Mickey

We cannot wait to go back!!!!

Fill in the Blank Friday

2011-12-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

Per my Aunt's request.....Fill in the Blank Friday!

1. My most favorite "little thing" is baby giggles.

2. I give anything to fly back to Disneyland right now .

3. I can't believe the babies will be ONE in 2 months.... .

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is my run.

5. The last thing I want to do today is hmm....I got nothin.

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: Who would you meet for coffee today if you could go with anyone?

7. My favorite candle scent is ....home something from Gold Canyon. YUM.

Link up with Lauren

I'm back! Did you even know I was gone?! :)

2011-12-07T19:42:00.001-08:00

Back from my break, it was really really nice.

We just got back from our vacation and this weekend my little sister gets married!!

Busy times here in Southern Oregon.

I'm hoping to have a new look around the first several months of the new year here on this blog, along with a new approach to blogging.

After the wedding is over I will be back posting regularly.

Hope all is well!
Looking forward to catching up with you all!

Where I'm From

2011-11-21T12:30:00.001-08:00

I am from the wet green city, from libraries and board games, diaries and crazy socks.

From Barbie's and bike rides.

I am from the 70's carpet and steep driveway, red roses and running through sprinklers.

I am from Sunday potlucks and loud laughs.

From Holtz's and Suttons and Clingmans. From Beulah and Gertrude.

I am from worry and stubbornness.

I am from fierce love.

From reading books and weekend visits to Grandparent's.

I am from sanctification, from bended knees and complete surrender.

I'm from Oregon and Revolutionary Heroes, and the first Doctor in Colorado.

From canned green beans and fresh pressed cider. From famous cookies and hot rolls on Thanksgiving.

From the Air Force guy who fell in love with his best friend's sister, the German's and their Babka and dimples.

I am from high school journals with tattered photos, year books and keepsake boxes holding in them moments, tears, laughs and love.

I saw this on my friend Megan's blog and loved it!
You can find the template for your own here

Yes, I cheated and blogged before my break was over. I just couldn't wait.
BUT...now you won't see me until after next week hehe.

The truth is....

2011-11-14T14:49:00.001-08:00

The truth is, as amazing as my life is,

and it really is amazing....

there are days where it's takes and takes and does not leave much of me left.

This past week was one of those weeks.

I feel like Jack is growing and changing so fast, and doing so much and I am trying so hard to figure him out and to learn what makes him tick, what works best for him discipline wise, what he needs most from me.

And I have really been struggling with the fact that I don't have time to just study him, like I used to.

It was him and I, every waking moment and now most of my moments are taken up with his baby brothers.

It's not their fault, they are babies, and there are two of them.

It just really doesn't leave me much time with just Jack.

He's been 3.

He's been pushing, and testing and trying to figure out boundaries, and see where we draw the line.

And I feel like I just don't have the time to devote to him like I used to, like I want to.

I feel like some days he's in timeout or I'm struggling to not raise my voice the whole day.

At the end of the day I look back and think

"Did I do it right?"
"Did I get through to him?"

Not every approach works with every kid, and I am trying to find out what works with Jack.

As a Christian, knowing that what's going on in his heart is much more important than what we see on the outside.

The responsibility to raise children in the Lord is huge, and it weighs heavy on my heart.

Side note:

I was looking for some good books that I could read through that were helpful tools in the area of raising kids in the Lord, and just some snippets for resources.

I had heard about a book (I have no clue from who) and the name sounded really familiar, and the title sounded great.

I have to tell you, I was appalled. I wish I could get my money back.

So, even in the "Christian child raising book section" there are really really awful books.

I'm not going to say which one it is...just in case ;)

But, then I found a really awesome one, so that made me happy

Anyways, I saw this quote on Pinterest and it sums it right up.

That being said, I'm gonna be taking a blogging break until after our vacation

so it'll be another 3-4 weeks before you hear from me again.

Just need to re-focus

Thanks for reading, and don't go anywhere.....I will be back.