Thoughts and Stuff

Warm Winter Fun :)

2012-02-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Snow fort made with Dad

The boys have waited so long for some snow to play with!! Now that we've had some, and some mild weather with which to enjoy it, David and JD haven't wasted any time.

Sledding with Dad and Mom!

So much fun :)

David

We even made a snowman!

Spring So Soon

2012-01-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

   Oh man, spring is in the air!! Okay, maybe it is a tad early to be thinking about spring but I can't help it. This mild winter of ours leaves me with the impression spring is just around the corner, awaiting a signal to appear.

    I have flowers on the brain! This year I have plans to actually plant flowers in my flower bed, instead of taking the easy way out and letting my sons use it as a sandbox. Oh how I love flowers! Time for some research, since I know virtually nothing about growing blooms.

Normally at this time of year we are still in the icy grip of winter. Not even Valentine's Day yet and I can't stop thinking of sweet new grass, dew, tulips and warmth from the sun. I love this! Who doesn't, right? Maybe boarders, skiers, and snowmobilers, I guess.

On The Sled

2012-01-23T17:13:00.001-07:00

     Oh man, the past few days I have been feeling so melancholy. Just a bunch of things getting me down; missing family, winter projects weighing on me, etc. Today after picking up the boys I decided to take a break from all the "i wish"es and the "if only"s that have been dragging me down and just HAVE FUN.
     We went sledding. It was SOOOO fun! I mean, it was incredibly fun. I was able to just shed every bit of negativity and fly down the hill weightless, full of wonder and love for my boys, and enjoy the moment of having them with me. No fighting, no worries, just smiles and crazy laughter together with my sons.
      It was perfect weather for it too; not too cold and a gorgeous sun shining, blue sky, birds singing, and red cheeks and noses. We had the hill all to ourselves (the bigger kids were still in school) and even though traffic sped by on the other side of the small ravine, it felt as if we were the only ones on earth. Just me and my guys. And oh, how I love those little guys!
      After an hour of bliss I had to call an end and we trudged back home. It was with a much lighter heart, though, that I walked through our door. Pretty amazing what an hour of sledding can do!

Very Late Christmas Update :)

2012-01-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

I know Christmas is a memory in the past now, being as how January is almost over... but I haven't put up any Christmas pictures yet anywhere. Here is one of my favorites, Grandpa Ron Surry with the three cousins on his lap.
This year we drove to BC to spend Christmas with Grandpa Ron and Grandma Terry, and the boys were lucky to see their cousin Prestin for a few hours on Christmas Eve day.
We had a great Christmas! They had snow there, unlike at home, and with the mountains and daily walks with the dogs to the river it was very magical. On Christmas Eve we sang Christmas carols with Grandpa Ron on the guitar (sadly there wasn't a piano handy, or I would've played along) and afterward the boys dropped reindeer food outside on the snow (oatmeal with sparkles).

The reindeer food must have worked because in the morning the stockings were full and Santa had eaten most of his cookies :) It was a wonderful Christmas and I enjoyed seeing loved ones and sharing in the Christmas spirit.

OH YEAHHHHHH

2012-01-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

     Tonight is... wait for it... DATE NIGHT!! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. It has been so long since my husband and I have had a night out just to ourselves. With no family around we don't get out much, and we don't want to burden our buddies with constant babysitting so we tend to save those for weddings or work functions. Therefore, our dates suffer.
    Tonight, however, the boys are going for a sleep-over at a wonderful friend's house and thank goodness. I'm due for some one-on-one time with Jonny! We will do dinner and a movie, don't know which restaurant or which picture, and right now don't care!! I'll think about that later. I am just so happy to have a night out that I'm dancing around while I pack up the boys for their overnighter. (Gee, will that send them a bad message?) =)
     Ohh I love my boys so much I could just squeeze them to bits, but mama needs some sane time with papa! Conversation with a grown-up! Not having to explain the 'why's' of everything! Not having to get into a detailed explanation of how an airplane engine works (like I know!) or how trains can stay on the track while in a curve!!
     Ahhhh, I can't wait. Gonna get me some steak, or fajitas, some laughs with Jon, and get lost in a movie. LOve it!!

Calendars

2012-01-09T14:36:00.001-07:00

     I love calendars. The calendars with scenic photographs are my favorite, which we have right now courtesy our realitor. Last years' was animal pictures, very cute but not as inspiring to me as a good seashore, meadow, or mountainside.
     The January picture for our scenic calendar is a beautiful mountain meadow with frost on all the trees, feet of snow, a blue sky and sunshine. Breathtaking. This year I like the view outside my window much better though! I can see half our brown lawn, and the other half is only crusted with a thin layer of icy snow. Normally at this time of year we have feet of snow, like my calendar...not fun.
      Another reason I love calendars is filling out a new one. Placing birthdays, anniversaries, special events in the squares is a relaxing task for me and gives me a minute to think about every person I hold dear to my heart. I also like filling out forms though...so maybe I just like the feel of a pen and paper ?
      Ahhh calendars are great. I would actually stop functioning if I couldn't look to my kitchen wall and know what day it was. I also keep them. Strange? Maybe so. I only have as far back as the year my boys were born, though. After 4 or 5 years I do chuck them, but I like to keep them and once in a blue moon look back at them and remember...'oh yeah, we did that,' or 'I remember that day'. Like a journal, of which I have 2 currently (personal and family) - not to mention this blog. I don't write every day though, in any of them!!

2012-01-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

      Well well. I haven't been here in a while. Shame. I actually almost quit my blog; I was waiting for a new printer so I could print off all my posts and compile them in a journal. I have this thing where I compare myself to everyone else and I have some great friends who happen to be great writers. Every time I opened this site with a post in mind I would read others' and decide mine just wasn't good enough, and on to other things I went. Stupid, right? But who doesn't compare themself to others? One of the things I am working on is believing I am ok just the way I am! It can be tough. I shall give this blog yet another try.

       Happy New Year everyone! This year brought so many changes for my husband and I. I am almost scared to write about them in case I don't keep up on my goals, then I just look the fool. But here it is. Jonny bought me Georges St. Pierre's training camp called RushFit for Christmas (before the hackles get up, I really REALLY wanted it and asked for it, he wasn't being an insensitive man). So we are doing this 8 week beginner program together.

      We have quit smoking, quit coffee, quit fast food (SO hard!!)...we are eating more super foods, healthy foods, fruits and vegetables. It has been 4 days so far, which is nothing in the grand scheme of things. BUT I feel better, have more energy, breath easier, wheeze less... it is good. I miss the smoking, Jon and I have always smoked together and now it's so strange to not smoke, especially when we are having a discussion about something.  And coffee...I am seriously addicted to coffee. I am having a hard time without it.  I know I can do it though!  And will give this 100%.

      The workouts are tough! I mean, this guy is a Ultimate Fighting Champion...these workouts are designed mostly for those wanting to get into fighting condition, but they are also for those who desire to cut weight and get in shape. Jonny and I are having fun, working hard, and doing it together. I love it.

       I have noticed that this is mostly a mental game with me. During the course of a day I go back and forth repeatedly between feeling great and happy, to wanting a smoke and a Timmy's and forget getting in shape!! It's so hard, but nothing worth having is easy. I love that Jon is doing this with me, and we can back eachother up.

       That's my New Year's resolution, to get in shape and be healthy and happy. Good luck to me and Jonny!! I know we can do it, but I have started and quit so many things over the years... so yeah, good luck to us.

    Oh yeah, and we also have two short guys rooting for us, they've been asking us to quit smoking for a couple of years now and finally we are doing it. Feels great not letting them down every time I step outside!

Useless Information

2011-11-04T18:10:00.000-06:00

I have heard other women say that on the rare occasion they make a trip to the grocery store without kids in tow they slowly go through each aisle, meandering through the goods, enjoying the quiet and peace. For some reason, which totally surprised me, I am the opposite; I become a champion speed walker. I know what I am there for, I know the exact floor plan and which aisle holds which item on my list. (For some unexplainable reason when the boys are with me I can never find anything on the aisle I think I remember it housed on the previous trip..) I speed walk from my car, expertly maneuver the displays, find my groceries in record time, check out, and make quick tracks to my car. And I absolutely LOVE that I can do it so fast once in a while!

My Boys and I

2011-10-14T12:26:00.001-06:00

My little guys seem so BIG lately! JD used the word ‘perhaps’ last night.

They just seem so tall, so smart.

Concepts they are catching on to now are changing their minds (David calls it “changing up my mind”), and being right/wrong. I made the mistake of admitting I was wrong the other day after JD insisted he completed a job I asked him to do. I didn’t think there had been enough time for him to get it done, but he showed me it was done, and I actually said “I’m sorry, I was wrong. Good job!”. Now with everything, it’s “you were wrong mommy and I was right”.

My guys :)

They are growing so fast, my boys actually made their own breakfast omelete the other day. I am having so much fun with these sweeties. Of course it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…they are boys and boys fight. Alot! But still, there are moments they are quick to forgive, quick to apologize, and quick to back eachother up.

Me and David

JD and I

I am growing too. I have things I am learning…like letting them pour their own cereal, instead of doing it myself to save a mess. The look of pride on their faces when they do it themselves is priceless!! And what’s a mess anyway? Like my Dad said all the time when I was little…”what difference will it make 100 years from now?”

They are growing so fast, and now I am really wanting another baby! Well, that feeling comes and goes. I’m pretty happy with my guys :)

Two Treasures

2011-10-13T12:26:00.000-06:00

     There is a place on the SAIT campus that I love; a gentle slope scattered with trees and in autumn there is a blanket of colorful leaves on the ground. If you sit in a certain spot the trees open up and BOOM! there is downtown Calgary in the near distance. The golden trees, sun glinting off glass buildings, the river winding like a ribbon... it's breathtaking. I used to sit and soak it all up.... my breath would just get knocked out of my chest!

     Coasting down Whyte Ave there is a bridge crossing a ravine. In the winter at night, if you are brave enough (or if you aren't driving!) the second you start across the bridge look to your right and you will see an amazing view of downtown Edmonton. The snow glistening in the city lights, the colorful trees on the Telus building, the snow-globe beauty of winter in the city all come together for a remarkable sight. The best part about this incredibly beautiful view is it's gone in 15 seconds! Blah city streets, then WOWZA LOOK AT THAT!!!!, then it is just gone, in the blink of an eye.

     Someday after my photography class I shall take a very expensive camera and capture these images, and treasure them forever.

Save me, Save me Now!

2011-10-05T12:07:00.001-06:00

I think I might be dying. Not literally, just… a part of me. You see, a couple of days ago my sons brought home some booklets for their fundraiser. Being as how they are in a community preschool, we have a lot of volunteering to do as well as fundraising. The fundraiser is… drum roll please… Purdy’s Chocolates! That’s right. I have two beautiful, detailed booklets packed full of gorgeous chocolaty treats sitting on my counter.

Hedge hogs, almond bark, mint melties – it’s all there. Page after page of decadent treat… and I want it ALL!! The Sweet Georgia Browns stare at me. The English Toffee whispers my name and the little foil Santa winks every time our eyes meet. Like I said, I think I might be dying.

It’s almost painful, staring at these glossy magazines. I am definitely putting an order in! A small one, but still. Gotta get me some peppermint bark, and maybe splurge on some toffee. And a small box of assorted chocolates. And… aww crap. I’m in trouble.

Mmmmmmm! I love chocolates!!

I could eat it all! My favorites are chocolate-covered caramels, Mmmm mmmm mmmmmm!

David is a little salesman! It’s so cute. On the phone with his Grandpa Ron he says “we have chocolates, would you like to buy some?”. He is so adorable, and a charmer, if we went door-to-door David would clean house.

After this fundraising program is over, I am throwing away the booklets!! I have to! I am trying to lose weight and get fit and healthy, and staring at these things is NOT the way to go! Maybe it would be better if I just throw them away now, and cut a check for the preschool. Out of sight, out of mind, right? No crunchy bark taunting me, no creamy chocolate beckoning me. OR I can just keep staring, dream, and order a little somethin’ somethin’ for myself!

*** If anyone is interested in buying some chocolates, just give me a call. (if you don’t have my number you can msg my fb) Prices range from $10 - $50 and up. We need to have orders in by mid-November, and I pick up the orders Dec. 4th.***

This is Sooo Weird – take 2

2011-09-27T10:52:00.001-06:00

   I am writing this post on Windows Live Writer. Never done it before, just messing around on my computer, trying to figure things out. This feature is sooo weird! I had a whole post typed out, then pushed the wrong button and it was gone. Note to self: WLW does not save every minute like Blogger does!

     I am the least technologically-savvy person you ever met. For example, not only do I not have a smart phone – I don’t have any type of cell phone! That’s right. If I’m out grocery shopping and I forget an ingredient needed and have to call Jon, I have to use a pay phone. Or my personal favorite, just guess! I can always go back. I would rather make two trips to the store than drive around crazily looking for a freakin’ PAY PHONE!! And then be seen using said phone. SO embarrassing!

      Cell phones look cool though – every person and their dog seems to have one, and text all day long. I would like one, just because they are cute little accessories and I would like to look important while I’m out somewhere. So important that someone couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell me something, so they texted me right then and there!

I have the basics: email, facebook, google search and this blog. I don’t know anything about configuring, or writing code, or creating a website. I don’t have a cool little phone that can do a million things, and I don’t have an ap for that. Somehow I get by though! Maybe the first step to becoming technologically advanced (or just up to speed with everyone else…) is using Windows Live Writer to post on my blog! I feel like such a big girl already :)

The Twins are Four?!

2011-09-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

David and JD chose a Superhero theme for their birthday this year. I was hoping for a Firefighter theme, with a possible tour of a fire station, but nope - they knew what they wanted! Besides, it's not MY party, but theirs...

Waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive!!!

Big Smiles!

Face paiting is always fun! The boys are Spider Man and Iron Man.... and the girls wanted to be princesses, of course!

I was brave and let David and one of the guests paint my face. It was fun for them, and I especially like my pale red mustache. As you can see, the boys have only girl friends. That will hopefully change now that they are in preschool! Not that I don't love these little sweeties, they are great kids. But, you know.

Can't believe we forgot to take a picture of the cake before cutting! At least you get the idea. I opted for an ice cream cake instead of making two seperate cakes. Less stress!

YUMMY!

And present time. After presents everyone played outside until dark. The boys had a great day, and it was lots of fun for me to plan and execute. So hard to believe the twins are 4!!

Blessings

2011-09-14T08:21:00.000-06:00

Early this morning cries pulled me reluctantly away from the thick blanket of sleep. As I shifted to get out of bed I found David, curled in a tight ball at my back, looking so peaceful. I can't imagine many things sweeter than a childs' sleep face. I didn't even wake him as I crawled sluggishly around him to the edge of the bed.

JD was sitting on the bunk bed stairs, crying his little lungs out. He had a bad dream, he informed me. As I picked him up I knew the real reason for his cries; he woke from a bad dream to find himself alone in the room, his brother gone.

As I calmed my little guy down my thoughts were split between little arms squeezing me tight and my pillow, the warmth of my blankets and the nice, deep sleep I had been enjoying. Such a nice sleep doesn't come every night... often I have trouble getting to sleep and when I do, tossing and turning keep me near the surface. So this was, like, feather bed in a five-star suite kind of sleep.

Then I thought of that Kraft slices commercial. The mom making the grilled cheese for her little boy, then the grown teenage kid making the grilled cheese for the mom. That one always makes me tear up!! Not kidding. It strikes some emotional chord inside me, every time. It makes me sad.

Mixing in my head with the grilled cheese was a clip from the news yesterday...the mother of that little boy recently returned home. Little Kienan's mom was speaking of the nights her son was gone, stating that they didn't sleep. She and her husband split themselves between their children and stayed with them all night. I would do the same. How lucky, how blessed they are!! How many parents are out there who didn't get their little one back? Who for years, YEARS, are searching, praying, keeping in touch with the investigators, conducting their own investigation, staring at every stranger who might have the same coloring, or hair, thinking "that would be what (fill in name) would look like now"... I couldn't even imagine a horror like that.

I just squeezed JD harder, feeling his little arms around me, little arms that feel bigger than yesterday (another growth spurt?! seriously, the kids hands are huge). I hugged my little JD and thought of my little David all curled up in my bed, his sweet face at peace in deep sleep. How lucky, how blessed I am!, I thought while tucking both boys back into their beds. An extra two or three hugs each (which David was still asleep for, he didn't wake up at all, even through transport), an extra smell of their hair, an extra kiss.

When I finally crawled back into bed, wriggling down into covers a half-hour before my husbands' alarm, I couldn't sleep!! Where was the feather bed in the five-star resort? ? So tired, yet couldn't drift off.

I am so lucky, though. Blessed.

Missing Memory Card

2011-09-06T11:21:00.000-06:00

I have been searching high and low for a memory card or two. My own memory leaves me to believe we have used 3 in the life of our Handicam. I could only find one, the one in the machine. While searching (I hope I find them so I can print off a ton of pictures and mail them to our families!!) I found a card. It was larger than the cards I was looking for. A mystery!! I pushed it into my eReader and then hooked my reader up to our laptop and found..........

David

BABYPICTURES!!!! I had found the memory card for our old digital camera!! Couldn't believe it. It wasn't loaded, and the pictures on it I do have a version of on my blog already, but there are some I had totally forgotten about, some of my favorite facial expressions.

Looking back, it's hard to remember my boys being this small. Then I see a picture and so much comes back to me.

My sweeties

I am so glad I found this card!! But seriously, where are the others? ? There are specific pictures I want from them!!

Summer Pics

2011-08-30T15:17:00.000-06:00

This summer is almost over. I picked a few of my favorite pictures to share with you (sadly our camping pictures aren't up; I uploaded them from the camera but for some reason, it didn't work. Will keep trying!). Fun in the sun, fun with friends, and the PARK were major themes for our summer. The boys had some great times!

The boys with their buddy! Little monkeys, the three of them.

The boys were so excited to find a fire hydrant at the spray park, being as how they love all things firefighter!!

This next picture is one of my favorites of the three rugrats, who have been together and photographed since they were babies.

These pictures are on facebook, and if you have seen them sorry for the repetition. That is our summer wrap-up! We kept it pretty close to home; next summer I hope to amp it up with cook-outs, day trips, and more time with extended family!!

Simple Things

2011-08-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

I was reading in the Nov. 2010 issue of Shape that in order to be happier we need to 'Savor the Simple Things' (pg. 31 - Shape Your Life section cover page). Instead of only celebrating the big things (i.e. promotions, reaching weight goals, etc) we need to enjoy little moments that count as well.

Of course there was a study done, one of those pointless studies that confirm for scientists what us common folk already know. This particular study (in Psychological Science) found that the more a person earned, the less they savor the small things (such as a piece of chocolate). This is believed to be because with more money to enjoy, the little things just aren't as important.

That said, here is my list of some of the Simple Things I Savor....

*a brand new box (or jug) of Tide - I enjoy doing laundry for my family (it's dishes I hate to do) and opening a new box is thrilling

*a fresh, clean notebook. Pens. Pencils. Pretty much all school supplies.

*fireplaces. I don't currently live in a home with a fireplace, but that's my favorite place to be on a winter evening, with hot chocolate and a book.

*driving through the mountains

*the evening of the last day 'on' for my husband - it's usually a movie rental night, w/popcorn and staying up late since he's off the next few days

*the smell of a bakery (this is from my childhood, my mom & I walking past the bakery to go to the Merc - to this day when I smell a bakery I am suddenly a little girl again walking with my mom)

*autumn leaves

*the feeling of elation when a party I've planned goes off without a hitch and is enjoyed by all

*MUSIC!!!!! All kinds, from my kids' lullaby CD to a piano protege to Green Day's latest

*Christmas Eve, my favorite day of the year

*dancing and singing in the kitchen while I make supper (I am a rock star and nobody knows!)

Now I have my list, so according to scientists... should I come into a pile of money I will still be happy, since I savor the little things. How about you? What makes your list?

Kindness Spree

2011-08-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

In our neighborhood there has been a serious rash of toy giveaways. I'm not sure what happened; this used to be such a quiet neighborhood, very safe. Now this recent toy-dropping leads me to suspect we have some pretty great neighbors.

For some reason my boys have been the 'victims' in this spree. First a small quad was given, then two large (albeit broken, but the boys don't care) remote-control quads. I started to worry then, what was going on? Do we look like a needy family? I know my wardrobe is in desperate need of an updating, but come on.

The most recent toy to suddenly appear in my yard was a big ride-on loader, like those jeeps at Toys R Us. Pedal-powered and awesome, my boys couldn't believe their eyes. I asked their friends why it was dropped off and they named a family down the street... this family has 5 kids, the youngest being twin girls about 9 months old. As I saw the oldest boy in this family return to our yard, a.k.a. scene of the crime, I pulled him aside and asked what the deal was. He told me they had been trying to sell the loader on Kijiji for quite awhile with no luck, and that they decided to just give it to the boys. I asked how much they wanted for it, and this young man said "oh, nothing at all". I couldn't believe my ears. I suspect this family will be hit with a sudden rash of baking!

What is this world coming to? Just when you think no one gives a damn about anyone else, something like this happens.

See Yah Summer

2011-08-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

Ahhhh summer is nearly over. Thank goodness! I know most everyone loves summer, the endless days filled with friends, food and activities. Me.... I love the two or three weeks of vacation when we escape the city and spend time in the mountains of BC. I don't mind the hot weather when we are camping, boating, fishing, etc. But back in the city baking in the heat and the snacking mosquitoes is not my cup of tea. I prefer autumn, which is no secret to those who know me.

This summer we did in fact escape to BC. My sons went fishing for the first time as we stayed in a cabin my father-in-law rented for the fam. I gave my arms a workout in a rowboat for the first time since girls camp. My husband took me for an amazingly private quad ride on a beautiful mountainside trail (not private like THAT, you sicko es!). I was able to spend some great time with my husbands' family. It was awesome. Then we had to come home.

And now, waiting for autumn. In a few weeks the boys will be starting preschool - can hardly believe it! PRESCHOOL already. I may or may not cry when I drop them off the first time... I promise to try and reign it in. After a talk with JD about preschool and all the fun they will have, all they will learn, and the friends they can make, JD looked at me with big eyes and said "will you be there?". Awwwww! I explained that mommies don't get to go to preschool and he was upset, but only until I mentioned the fun and toys again.

Also in a few weeks the twins turn 4. I am having a great time planning the party (let's face it - in a few short years this fun job will be taken out of my hands). They have decided on a Superhero theme - awesome! After a detailed drawing of the cakes they wanted, much humming and hawing, and a cost estimate of the whole party... I have decided to instead purchase a single ice cream cake with the faces of both Spider Man and Iron Man on it. Grrrrr!!! Creating cake masterpieces is a skill I want to develop, and I enjoy it immensely, but I think this is the best way to go this year. I can almost hear some of you thinking "geez, it's only a preschoolers birthday party, not a state dinner!".

At some point this fall I would love to make it down south to see my family. I haven't seen them since spring. It saddens me that if I want to see my family I have to be the one to do the traveling. Or the phoning. Or the emailing. I SO wish we were closer! Not just geographically but ... just closer. The pick-up-the-phone-just-to-chat kind of closer. And more than once every few months. Man, am I complaining, or what?!?! Sorry guys. The blog is called 'Thoughts and Stuff'...

Yes, I can't wait for the heat to go. When the temp hovers around 12 degrees Celsius, I'll be happier than a hippo in a muddy wallow!! Who's with me? ? And what did you do this summer?

New Stage

2011-07-03T21:23:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure where I've been, but sometime during the past month my boys have grown up. Still my little men, yet things have changed.
The first big change was cutting pullups at night. A few weeks ago David and JD still needed Underjams overnight. One evening at bedtime I discovered we had used the last one and SOMEONE (okay, it was me) forgot to buy more. Instead of rushing to the store we decided to try gaunchies for bed and to my pleasant surprise the beds were dry in the morning, and have remained dry since! No more diapers to buy and it feels wonderful!
The second big change is a new friend. David and JD have made friends with a seven year old girl who lives on our block. Not a big deal, but their first friend they've made on their own, not simply thrown together because the parents are good buddies. I still feel strange when she rings the doorbell asking "Can David and JD come out and play?". Part of me is thrilled, while the other part feels confused. Are we really There now? Already?
Awww, it's all good though. My little Sunshines are branching out in their preschool world.

Cookie Monster

2011-06-24T12:59:00.000-06:00

         Two huge brown eyes are fixed on me right now. Attached to these warm eyes is an incredibly cute fuzzy black face. That's right, it's my dog, Diesel. He is staring at me with unbreakable concentration as I pretend to ignore him and type this post. The reason for his vigil? I am keeping a cookie safe for my son while he pretends to build a car that will fight a tornado with eyes. I'm not exactly sure why the cookie is involved or why JD wouldn't just eat the thing, but here I am, keeper of a decadent treat that is currently my dogs sole purpose for living.
      Diesel sits, wags his tail, moves his little eyebrows up and down.. little attempts to get my attention while I continue to pretend I don't see him. If I should look his way he will undoubtedly look away and pretend he couldn't care less that I have a sugar cookie with pink icing bathed in sprinkles sitting beside me on the table. I never believe this ruse; the moment I turn away or get up, even for a second, that cookie will be gone, hoovered in a heartbeat.
     When this does not work according to Diesels' master plan, his second attempt is what I like to call 'Best Friends Forever'. He will come and lay at my feet, or even ON my feet, arranging himself into his most cuddly self. He will then put his chin on my leg and give me this look that seems to say "I would do absolutely anything in the world for you". Then he closes his eyes, feigning sleep. Adorable, right? Yeah, don't trust it for a second. The minute I let my guard down that adorable sleeping BFF is going to snatch that cookie right out from under my nose. Diesel has now moved to this phase and is snoozing at my feet.
      The final attempt in what my dog could only think of as 'Operation Acquire Cookie' is the old 'I'm Starving' fake-out. Diesel starts to pant and look pained, as though he hasn't eaten for days. I swear, he appears as though he is on the brink of starvation and that cookie is the only thing that will save him. Diesel is a master of illusions. I love that dog. I wouldn't doubt he has more tricks up his fur, the only reason this is the final attempt is because I usually have had enough by now. I tell whichever boy has me guarding his cookie "if you don't eat this now I'm giving it to Diesel!" That works.
      I have seen dogs bark, jump up on their owners, whine and beg for food or treats that the humans are enjoying. I am very happy that my dog doesn't do those things. He has a more creative way for begging, using his assets as best he can, which usually puts a smile on my face.

       On a side note, the car is finished. If anyone is interested in a vehicle that can defeat tornadoes with scary eyes (includes fire hose for putting out fires), let me know. There are a few kinks to iron out but it may be on the market as early as 2032.

One Moment

2011-05-01T23:22:00.000-06:00

I hate that one moment...that final moment of blissful ignorance that precedes the world crumbling. I was sitting here tonight, thinking about our political parties and what they stand for (am I the only one who doesn't know whom they will vote for the night before the vote??) while someone I love was being rushed to the hospital, in pain and alone. Now that I know, I look back on that moment before the phone rang with bile in my throat.

Jons' grandpa, who has always been like my own, is in the hospital tonight in emergency surgery. I wish I could be there by his side, so he could have someone with him who loves him. I wish I could tell him I love him, and to stay strong!! To pull through the surgery because he has made it through so much in his life, he can't let this little thing get him down! To pull through because I'm not ready to let him go yet.

So many things running through my head, like why didn't we make it out last year to refinish grandpa's deck? Or to go fishing? How could we let life get in the way of being with those we love?? If this surgery goes well we have another chance to spend time together...to tell this wonderfully cantankerous old man how much he means to me....to let my boys get to know their Great-Grandfather.

Come on Grandpa Dave!! I'm thinking of you, praying for you, as I know others are.

Political parties?!?! SERIOUSLY! I think I'm gonna throw up.

Earrrrly Walk

2011-04-20T08:06:00.000-06:00

I finally did it; I actually rolled out of bed at six am and took a brisk walk. I want to run but need to work up to it, so to start out it's power walking for me.

It was beautiful; crisp, clean air, birdsong, and the distant roar of traffic - a sound I actually enjoy. I was alone on the path for the first 15 min, which was a plus!

When eventually I had to share the walking path, it was with a young man walking his dog. As we passed eachother he checked me out!! I almost tripped over my laces in surprise. This man looked me in the eye and said "Good morning!", then very obviously oggled the girls! I couldn't help my internal laughter, and I thought to myself "boy will he get a surprise if he sticks around for my leave, cuz this ass ain't small!"

Hopefully my large behind will get smaller, if I can keep up a walk and workout plan I've set up for myself. Sticking to it is the hardest part for me; I really enjoy working out and morning walks but getting into a routine and keeping it are so tough for me.

Today though, today I did it. And loved it. Apparently I still got 'it' too! Sweet. Great start on what's bound to be a great day!

Desperate to Ride

2011-04-15T15:51:00.000-06:00

David and JD really, REALLY wanted to ride their bikes today. Since we had a spring snowstorm yesterday, there was work to be done first. The boys and I shoveled our walk and that of two of our neighbors... us being the slackers on the block, I guess. Everyone else had shoveled theirs, except for a small patch six houses down........ Instead of making that their turn-around point, JD insisted on clearing it.

Can you see them waaaaaay down there?!

Working away, JD wouldn't give up. Before the snow, that grey box was their turn-around point, so he wouldn't leave it alone. He wanted to get every inch of their allowed track snow-free.

David to the rescue with Dad's shovel!!! "I'm coming, JD!!"

Crazy boys. But it is nice to see them working together.

My Men

2011-04-14T10:19:00.001-06:00

Ahhhh men. I am surrounded by men all the time. Normally a woman wouldn't complain, especially when they are the best-looking men around!

These three are my favorite men in the world. My happy little family.

I love them to bits. But I gotta say ... thank goodness for nail polish, bubble baths and chick flicks!!!

Goodbye Rockstar

2011-04-07T14:02:00.000-06:00

       Well Rockstar moved out. (Sniff, sniff.) My neighbor and her family packed up and took off... something about wanting to be closer to work. Crazy. I think of her as Rockstar because she is so beautiful and when she wears her sunglasses she looks like just that, a rockstar.

       This is a woman who looks exactly right (not sure what that means, but you know these women)... has a megawatt smile, and always seems to have it together. With a four-year-old boy and a newborn son, a career, night classes at the college, and a home to run I don't know how she could always be in a good mood, but she was. Not one of those crazy, hyper, had-too-many-Red Bulls people but... just right.

        How does Rockstar do it? How do people who look exactly right, act exactly right, and seem awfully perfect pull it off? Are they human? Do they have flesh and blood bodies or are they robot prototypes thrown here with the rest of us to push us harder? To show us what we could be if we just try harder? If we just put a little more effort in? It worked on me, that's for sure... every time Rockstar and I exchanged friendly words about kids, weather, and life in general, I would look at her and want to be better. Not her, but a better, more pleasant, more fit version of myself. And looking at her this seemed ... doable. If she can do it, so can I, right?

        Well she's gone. Whether she was a real woman or a robot I will miss her. I like to think I'll still push myself toward improvement, because well, that's just a lifelong pursuit. But with Rockstar gone it will not be the same. Goodbye for now, you fabulous woman, you.

One Good Read

2011-03-22T16:18:00.000-06:00

         "I'm not David, I'm Spider Man." This phrase is heard alot around our house these days. My son puts on Jon's winter gloves and suddenly transforms into a super hero, or a contractor (Handy Manny), or a fire fighter (which he still calls 'fighter fighters', and I love it). These black gloves are magical gloves that when worn transform him into anyone he chooses to be. Other than himself. Heaven forbid we forget which character he is currently playing; a frustrated David corrects us first before answering whatever question we had put to him.

    When I look at my boys my heart swells with joy and love, and I just want to crush them to me in a gigantic hug. I think of preschool in September and try not to think of all the hurts, physical and emotional, that are bound to come their way in the school years. Sometimes I dwell too much on all the world can do to hurt them, make them feel inadequate, scare them... I've confessed my choking fears to my husband and he responded "well we can't keep them in a bubble for the rest of their lives". Which is true. I almost thought I needed to see a professional about this 'problem', until while organizing my mountain of books I found one I hadn't read yet. I picked it up, and started to read; almost immediately my irrational fears came to rest.

     The book is called "Understanding your Divine Nature", by Grant Von Harrison. It is amazing! I would strongly recommend this book to anyone! One of my problems I think was that I am very possessive, so to speak, of my sons... I have wanted children for so long and now I look at them and they are so perfect, so wonderful, that I don't want anything bad to ever happen to my kids, my precious babies. Sound familiar? Well the first chapter of this book is about our premortal existance, and from page one things were put into perspective for me... eternal perspective. While I still don't want anything bad to happen to my precious babies, I am not consumed by the fear of all the horrible possibilities. I look at them and my heart still swells with joy and love, but I also have in mind their divine nature and know that there is One who loves them every bit as much as I do, probably infinately more...

      David isn't wearing the gloves right now, but he is pretending to be a radio show host. Sitting right beside me while I type, he just said "I have a very special grown up with me today.... it's Mommy... " and pushed his makeshift mic toward me. How I love this boys' imagination!! And how I love enjoying these moments without suffocating from the fear of the ugly possibilities.

       If you haven't read this book, do. Go out and buy it, read it, and mark it up. What a great reference to add to your collection. Even if you aren't a crazy lady like me the book is wonderful.  I would keep plugging this literary work but I must run, I get to be a special guest on a radio show!!!

          **'Understanding your Divine Nature' by Grant Von Harrison is a sequel to 'Drawing on the Powers of Heaven', by same author   (I haven't read this book but plan to track it down!   'Understanding...' was a given to me to read while I was in the hospital on bed rest 3 years ago, which I didn't until now)

A Keeper

2011-02-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Great-Grandpa Dave and the boys

How Does He Do It?

2011-02-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

         This morning I couldn't get back to sleep after my husband left for work. Benefits of waking up before my kids.... a long, hot, uninterrupted shower. Ahhhhhh. Getting dressed without someone banging on the door, shouting "MOM, MOMMY, MOMMEEEEE, Where is my Lightning McQueen??" which really translates to "Mom how dare you take personal time when I need you!"

         I'll try to remember this relaxing start to the day when at 3:30 PM I am about to crash from exhaustion as a result of getting up at five-freakin-o'clock! I seriously don't know how my husband does it; he gets up so early, works a twelve-hr shift, comes home and still has energy to play indoor hockey with our sons, tease them, have tickle wars with them, and then watch the game, have supper, run backup for me as I try to get the boys down at bedtime, then go back out to the store if there's something I've forgotten.

          On the few mornings (VERY few) that I can't get back to sleep and end up starting my day as early as my husband starts his, my afternoons suck. I can't nap... for some reason my body just feels sick post-nap. My stomach is queezy, I just feel yech! So I power through the day and usually have a grumpy, grumbly afternoon.

         I don't know, maybe Jon has an hour between lunch and supper that just drags and he feels horribly tired and cranky. Most of the time when he gets home it doesn't show, though. He is some kind of amazing energy-conserver, with a pack on stand-by for when his boys want to play.

          As for me, I'll be falling asleep at 8:30 tonight, as soon as the boys go to bed. Probably with a smile on my face, as usual when I snuggle down under the covers and relish my sleeeeeeep!

Things of Beauty

2011-01-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

     Christmas is long over, the magic of that season lost in the whiteout. Life is back to normal, visiting family escaped back to the shelter of their lives, and decorations once again claiming space in the jungle that is our basement. Spring is still only a dream, flowers sleeping off the boredom and only a select few brave birds serenade. Someone save me!!

      Since January is my least favorite month, I have decided to fend off winter craziness by looking for beauty in the blah. For instance, patches of blue sky after 2 solid weeks of grey overcast glumness. Beautiful! Wind blown snow from the roof that sparkles in the street lights... definately beautiful, and makes me think of pixie dust. Snow cap toppers on fence posts that the wind has carved and shaved until they resemble whip cream dollops. Okay, maybe not beautiful, but interesting to look at! The smiles on my sons' faces as they glide down the hill on their saucer sleds. Absolutely beautiful!!

     In case my readers think this is enough to beat the insanity, I assure you it isn't and I have other plans. Swimming, for starters; waterslides and friends, then pizza afterward-- what could be better in January? (For those stuck here without the luxury of trips to warmer climates, I mean.) Then there is always the barbecue, sitting out there so lonely... simply dust the snow off and throw the steaks on. The smell alone is beauty. I also have in the planning folder of my brain a Girlfriends Mexican Night. Mmmmm, enchiladas! That may just have to wait. February will definately need some help..

Primetime Blues

2011-01-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

I used to be a huge fan of 'reality' television. When Survivor came out I didn't miss an episode. The Amazing Race, Big Brother - even the first Bachelor, were all on my Must Not Miss list. (Ok, so Big Brother still is.)

Ten years later I cannot believe how overrun my digital guide is with so-called reality television! Dance shows, talent searches, reno and decorating catastrophies, vying for love lies, even just total smut like Jersey Shore!! I mean, COME ON!!! It's all just blah, blah, blah - the bullet train to Dullsville. I'm so done with it!

This dreary winter I will break out of the blues. I will instead soak up the beautiful scenery and excitement found in Hawaii 5-0. I will laugh my ass off at How I Met Your Mother reruns. I will even let the occasional tear escape for victims in Criminal Minds. (Yes, I can be an overemotional loser)

I may be found peeking in on Survivorman, though, because you just never know... that info could come in handy.

Go Team Go

2010-09-24T10:10:00.000-06:00

          The other night while my husband and I were enjoying dinner out, in an actual restaurant, I made a bet. I bet my husband $50 that the Edmonton Oilers would make it to the second round of playoffs this season. On what basis? My logic is that you can't lose forever. Our baseball team did crappy, our football team isn't doing well, and the Oilers hockey club has been on a down streak for a few years. It makes sense to me, you just can't lose forever. So I made this bet, which Jon accepted.

           While I am not a die-hard hockey fan, I grew up with it. When I was little Saturday night, a.k.a. Hockey Night In Canada, was always background noise for me. It bored me, while keeping my Dad and brothers glued to the screen. As I grew up though the sounds of Hockey Night In Canada were music to my ears. When I make comments to my brothers, father, or husband, like "so-and-so is playing well" they come back at me with stats, figures, charts and trade possibilities. I don't understand any of it, but I love the 'music'.

           It's back. Preseason games, but still that background music that feels like home and puts a warm smile in my heart is back. I may not understand the intricacies of hockey clubs, but I understand the basics of the game. And I have bet my husband. So Oilers, you better deliver! We are due a cup, and I want my fifty bucks.

Killing Time...

2010-09-22T14:45:00.000-06:00

                       Well I made it through the first 2 days okay. Those of you who read my last post know that my boys are with their grandma for 2 weeks. The first couple of mornings waking up without those smiles were rough but I'm pulling through! (chuckle)

                        While my wonderful mother-in-law was here she purchased a bunk-bed set for my boys as their birthday present. The past few days I have been cleaning out their room to get ready for the delivery of the beds. Down came the cribs, which without front rails served very well as toddler beds. I wasn't even emotional (unusual for me) while I dismantled the cribs, only reflective on the past 3 years. I thought of when the boys were so tiny I had them sleep in the same crib, then as they grew separating them (which for some reason was tough to do), and finally when the rails came down and the boys were free to come and go as they pleased (boy was THAT fun!).

                        After the cribs were out it was organizing toys and clothes - I had a lot of pants and shirts in regular circulation that were too small for them. This, with toys and clothes organized in the closet, left an empty room save for their basketball net. It's so strange to not only have a very, VERY quiet house but also an empty boys room! I just finished vacuuming and washing the walls. Ready for the new bunks to come! That will be a fun job, assembly.... haha. Then it won't be a toddler room anymore but a Big Boy Room!

                        So for once in my life I got my work done before I played, and now I have a few days to do the fun stuff! Meeting up with friends, shopping, and decorating the walls in the boys room. Yay!

                         On a separate topic, thank you to those who've inquired about my parents. They are doing well, really enjoying their mission to Nauvoo. When they aren't working in the temple they have been bike riding around the countryside and working a garden. Their mission ends on Nov. 1st and they will be returning shortly thereafter. :)

Vacation

2010-09-10T12:03:00.001-06:00

In a week & a half my boys will be 3. It's really hard to believe how fast time flies; I know it's only three and those of you with older kids are probably rolling your eyes at that last sentence... but it really does fly. Seems like they were only born last week, just started crawling last week, spoke their first word last week... and now they will be three.

           The point of this post is not to reminisce over the past 3 years; the point of this is .... drum roll please...   when Grandma Cindy leaves a day or two after the birthday party she's taking my boys with her for about 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!     !!!!!!!!!!     This post is a celebration of my first real vacation in 3 years.

           I did take a weekend off when the boys were 8 months, Jon and I went with some friends to Banff and Grandpa Ron & Grandma Terry watched our boys for the weekend. But they were so young that even though I had fun in Banff my thoughts were mostly on David and JD. This will be a real vacation in that I have time .. time for a bubble bath, time to actually get walls washed, baseboards scrubbed, carpets cleaned (doesn't sound like a vacation, does it? But when none of that gets done uninterrupted, it will be so nice to take on a project I can actually finish!) , heck, I'll have time to go to the bathroom without hearing "MOM! MOM, WHERE ARE YOU?" .

            I am so excited. And not in the least worried. Grandma Cindy has this in the bag! Plus if in any way it is a problem, or the boys are homesick, or I miss them too much we just have to cut the visit short. My mother-in-law is so excited since she only gets to see the boys once, maybe twice a year. They know her and miss her, talk on the phone with her a lot, so I am not worried- they will have a great time.

            And all the stuff I can do!!!!! This house needs an overhaul, and I can sleep in and still get tons of cleaning done. Maybe I'll wax the floors. Maybe I'll meet friends for lunch. Maybe I'll cook my husband a gourmet meal to be ready when he gets home from work. Maybe I'll .....  the possibilities are endless!

Last year, Grandma Cindy reading to the crazy-hair boys!

My Firefighters

2010-09-04T13:55:00.000-06:00

                 I want to send a big THANK YOU out to the New York City Fire Department for realizing that kids love fire trucks and making a video about the job of being a hero.

                 My boys are crazy about firefighters (or fighterfighters, as David calls them) and while in Walmart the other day I found a video. It's called 'All About Big Red Fire Engines' or something like that... sounded about perfect so I bought it. David and JD LOVE it!!

                 The FDNY made this video 15 years ago; firefighters go through every tool on the truck and explain how it works and what it's used for (including the saws and Jaws of Life, which at first I thought would scare them but it didn't), then does the same for all the gear the firefighters wear and why, finally showing the trucks and firefighters in action going to a fire scene. HOW INCREDIBLY AWESOME!!!

                  Now the boys run around putting on imaginary gear and jump in their firetrucks and race to a scene. David will put his hand up to his ear and say "Oh no! I hear a fire! I better go!" and then take off running to the rescue. It's so adorable, I love it. As a birthday present I want to find them firefighter costumes, they would freak out!!

Got Junk?

2010-08-30T13:55:00.000-06:00

It is a rainy, cool day today, and while I have to get the boys outside later to burn off energy (let's face it, that's a necessity with children!) for now we are organizing. It doesn't take long for clutter to appear in day-to-day life, unless you are one of those excessively tidy people. (I have dropped in on a friend or two to return an item, only to find a SPOTLESS home behind their front door - that is NOT me!) In our household clutter gathers at a speedy rate and grows, finding a comfortable habitat. So we are organizing.

As I am organizing I realize that what I am organizing is... junk. Yup, junk that we do not use, or no longer use at least. Coats that no longer fit the boys which they love to free from the closet and fling around the room. Blankets used primarily for tents and forts, which have holes and/or are so old they haven't been used in the capacity they were made for for quite some time. Baby toys which I have confiscated, but not given/thrown away, have been found repeatedly and strewn around the house. Trinkets. Old suitcases. Flyers I save for Jon to read, which he doesn't get around to, and even though they are now out-of-date I still save for him to read... you get the idea.

So this is my fall project. Get rid of the junk! And it's not garage-sale material, even the baby toys which I will give to good will instead. It's mainly junk! Toys and coats will be given to good will or the annual Coats for Kids drive. Everything else? TO THE DUMP!!!! I look around and speculate on how much nicer our house will feel, how much more like a HOME it will feel, once the junk is not spread around like pixie dust. I could breathe again....

Newsreel

2010-08-24T22:29:00.000-06:00

***This just in: I am so proud of my boys! Today was a very successful potty day! I have been pulling teeth to get my boys to use the potty, which isn't good because the more you push the less they want to try. All it took was a bag of bite-size chocolate bars for incentive (my husband is a genius!) - one bar for doing the deed and an extra bar if they go in totally on their own without me telling them. It worked! The candy is even long gone yet they still are excited about being big boys who use the potty, and continue to try their best.

***Funny comments I hear: Our computer is in the basement, along with Daddy's tools and boxes and things. The boys always want play down in the basement and get into everything! JD has started telling me "you have to check your email!" whenever he wants to come down. Today he tried that one over and over, to no avail, when finally he said in his most persuasive voice "Mommy, you have to check your blog!!" I laughed so hard! I had only mentioned my blog one time, a long time ago, when he asked what I was doing and I replied "just posting on my blog".

***Deed of the day: I mowed the lawn today. Yup, couldn't stand it anymore and said to myself TOO BAD JONNY (he loves to take care of his lawn), and I went and mowed it. Looks so much better now! He's working for another 6 days and it would've been a jungle by then. Oh, and I killed two gigantic spiders.

***Oops I did it again: yes, I tried a new recipe today and it bombed. I have this potato cook book packed full of yummy recipes but whenever I try one it mysteriously doesn't work out. Tonight it was potato & ground beef meatballs. They looked good in the pan, my perfect meatballs, until I swirled the pan like I do to turn regular meatballs and they just MUSHED. I can't even describe it, other than saying they just mushed. I was sad. Again.

To Serve or Not To Serve

2010-08-22T10:06:00.000-06:00

I have this friend, a wonderful friend, the kind of friend who is always there when I need someone to talk to or laugh with. She is amazing, helping any one of her friends or family members who need it, very giving and understanding. We have children close in age and our husbands work together, so we have much in common, and get together often.

The other night my friend and I got our families together for dinner as we do sometimes. When dinner was ready I did what I always do, which was load up a plate for Jonny. My friend looked at me and said "What are you doing? You aren't serving your husband, are you?!?!"

She has on other such occasions seen me serve Jon and always has the same outburst. Also at her birthday party she was talking with her work friends about how they never serve their husbands, how their husbands have 2 hands and can dish themselves... their words weren't as nice as that though. I stayed silent. Every time the subject is brought up I stay silent because ladies with that opinion just do not understand ladies with my opinion.

Anyway on this night I decided I wasn't going to just be the butt of the joke anymore. I replied, "Yes, I always serve my husband." To which she said "Why? It's not like they deserve being waited on hand and foot."

My answer? I said that I feel it's a token of love and respect to serve my husband dinner. Can he get his own plate? Of course. Does it debase me to get his dinner for him? No. I do it out of love and respect, and I don't feel it makes me a slave, or demoralized. I actually think it shows strength in a woman, to lovingly serve her husband. By the way, he doesn't demand it of me either, even after being served his dinner for so many years. He accepts my caring gesture just as graciously as it is offered.

My friend stared at me like I was an alien. Then stated that she doesn't, and will never, serve her husband. My heart-felt explanations fell on deaf ears.

I ask you, whoever might read this rambling blog, what is your opinion on the subject? Leave a comment, let me know.

McWonderful

2010-08-18T12:16:00.001-06:00

An amazing thing happened yesterday. Jon decided to shake up routine for the boys and take us all to McDonalds for supper, so the boys could play in the playplace. When I say shake up routine, I mean actually go inside the restaurant. We don't eat near as much fast food anymore, but when we do it's the drive-thru for us.

         This is the amazing part: the playplace was EMPTY. That's right, empty! I couldn't believe it. David and JD had only been there once before, and they were too little to climb the shelves inside the tubes, not to mention overwhelmed by the swarm of children rushing over them. This visit they were tall enough to climb, and had the whole place to themselves.  Jon and I ate our supper to the excited cries of "Look at me Mom, Dad, I'm way up here!"

          I don't know if I don't plan enough new, exciting experiences for the boys or not... probably not. But this simple meal out was so wonderful in that we were able to see pure joy on our boys' faces. I haven't seen them that excited about something in a long, long time. JD even overcame his fear of tunnel slides; he avoided the slide over and over, then finally very bravely went down the slide. He found it wasn't as bad as he thought and then frequented the slide until we left.

           It made me so happy, and I'm sure Jonny too, to hear and see our boys so elated and joyful. Now I have a goal to create more new, exciting adventures for the boys, instead of letting the rut of routine rule our lives.

I Love the 'Landing'

2010-08-14T09:47:00.002-06:00

We live on the edge of town in a new(er) development, only 3 years old, with a small shopping area. You know those ones with names like (insert name of neighborhood here) Point, or (again, name of neighborhood) Crossing. Ours is called the Landing. How trendy!

It has one of everything important - a drugstore (Shoppers, my fave), a gas station (Petro, which is Jonny's fave), a Tim Hortons (of course!) and our bank. Actually, it has 3 banks, luckily one of which is ours. I didn't say grocery store, because there wasn't one, but the Shoppers is the one with the food essentials area, so we did ok. I wonder why they call it Food Essentials when they don't have any fresh vegetables or fruits? Regardless, it worked for us in a pinch.

Then they started building a Sobey's! I waited, and waited, and waited for this store to open because it would then mean we have everything we need within walking distance to our house. With only one vehicle which goes to work with Jonny, this was pretty exciting news. Then it opened. Just when I didn't think my excitement could possibly grow any fuller, I saw the sign. Sobey's. Open 24 Hours.

WOOO HOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you kidding me??? Forget milk? No problem. Sick kids need medicine? No worries. No need to drive into the city to areas of questionable safety at 3:30 AM, just a 2 minute drive down the street. I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

One Great Summer

2010-08-13T11:15:00.003-06:00

I have to say this is the best summer of my life to date. Better than the summer of '94, which was one of the greatest; that bridge-jumping, movie-going, pre-grade 12 carefree summer with a close gang of buddies was certainly one of the most memorable. This summer was even better than the great summer of '04, in which I planned and enjoyed my wedding and honeymoon! This summer has been the summer I watched my boys grow from babyish toddlers into little guys.

I look at their bodies which are taller, less pudgy, running, jumping, fun-finding machines, and wonder where the cuddly little babies went. These guys go, go, GO constantly and their motor-mouths never stop moving. What imaginations they have, too! At any given point in the day they are putting out fires, driving race cars to Grandma's house, talking on the (imaginary) phone to a loved one, or going to 'work'. They put gas in a car, hook up a tow truck, or escape from crocodiles just in time. Any item I need can be found in David's 'packpack', and should I wish for a treat they will zoom off to the store to get one.

I pretty much have to hold them down to give hugs and kisses, at which point I long for my cuddly little babies who would snuggle right up for as long as I wanted. Other than missing that closeness I totally love the stage David and JD are at. It is so much fun! I have been 'Firefighter Mommy', a ghost hunter, a pirate fighter, a race car driver (though I have yet to win a race), a shark catcher, and of course a tickle monster. The games they come up with are endless and amusing. For example, I walked upstairs the other day to find them quickly jumping into a foxhole to find treasure.

My little guys didn't get into preschool this fall, since the only affordable one for us had a long waiting list. I wonder if that will set them back, since every other child we know of the same age will be going to preschool, but instead I will focus on the extra year I get to have my sweetie-pies at home with me. I'll enjoy every minute of firefighting, exploring, hunting and driving, another wonderful summer, and when they are four I will share them with the world of public education.

Here She Goes Again

2010-08-10T10:01:00.004-06:00

Summer is almost over, and I must say I can't wait. Sure, I enjoy hot weather and endless summer days, when I am on vacation. Day to day real life, however, is not enjoyable in suffocating heat, humidity plastering me with a slimy second skin. I do not like hauling laundry up stairs and needing a shower after. Laying in bed at night tossing and turning, trying to sleep, needing to sleep, but its too damn hot to sleep. Bugs? No thank you. I wasn't made for summer heat.

I was made for autumn! I have posted before on my love for that season, so I shall spare you this time. But I will say that yesterday I saw the first yellow leaves and my heartbeat quickened. It's coming! With this autumn my boys will turn 3. With this autumn we hope to make another trip over the mountains to visit family, and I won't even get started on the beauty of that fall drive! With this coming autumn we will be greeting the 3rd baby into our family. HA - that is so not true, I just wanted to make sure you were awake. I do tend to ramble on about my favorite time of year.

This autumn I will have a car! Yes, as soon as we get the out-of-province inspection done I will have my own vehicle. Woo Hoo!! I am so excited. After years of sharing my husbands car, waiting until he was off work, asking to borrow it.... well no more. I have my own! The first plan I have is to head south to visit my brothers, and some friends I haven't seen for years and years. I am really looking forward to this trip.

As I bake in the heat and marinade in the humidity, I think of this coming autumn and all the fun and beauty that lie in store. For all of you who worship summer, heat and everything that goes with it, I understand your point of view... when I am on holidays. :)

(I hope this will post; I haven't been able to post on my blog for almost two months ... this computer just keeps asking me to save it first and I don't know how to fix this! but I'll try again anyway... )

Happy Happy Happy!

2010-06-05T11:15:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how much I have accomplished in the last 2 days! Usually I put off the cleaning - not general tidying but actual cleaning - until my boys are asleep or off with Daddy. Well, let me be honest; when the boys are asleep I don't feel like lifting even my pinky! Are you kidding?! So needless to say the work piles up and causes me much embarrassment and stress.

However, yesterday I just started DOING it, and so much got done! It was awesome! I cleaned the whole upstairs, organizing toys and vacuuming, then cleaning the carpets. Now when I walk up the stairs instead of swallowing a giant guilt pill, I breathe in, exhale, all with an enormous smile on my face. It feels so good!

These bursts of energy don't go unnoticed though; the day before yesterday I attacked a huge laundry pile and in return my boys spread cottage cheese all over our couches and livingroom floor. Yesterday, while overhauling the upstairs, mushrooms were scattered haphazardly through the main floor and an onion died on the floor in front of our fridge. I do consider this destruction minor compared to the work I have done, though. Silly boys! Sometimes I wonder if I had only one 2 and a half year old, would such sneaky acts happen? Then I wonder, if I had MORE than 2 boys, perhaps older and wiser boys, what on earth would THEY come up with??? Hmmmmmm......

Today I have done more laundry and organized my room, where piles of books and clothes have grown at alarming rates. I swear to myself I will keep up with all this, so in the future it won't be such a huge project!! In the past, though, I have sworn the same thing. :))))

I LOVE A CLEAN HOUSE!!!! YAY!!!!

Change and Family

2010-05-17T16:08:00.003-06:00

Grandpa and Grandma Surry came for a visit today!! Yay! We had a great time even for such a short visit. David and JD were a little shy at first, but overcame it quickly and had fun. Soon their Grandma & Grandpa will be moving 'to the mountains', as the boys say. We will miss having them so close after they move to BC!

Speaking of change, my parents will be leaving soon on their mission. They will be heading to Nauvoo the second their visas come in. Grandpa and Grandma Haynes seem very excited for this adventure, and I am excited for them. What a wonderful experience!

I cannot believe how fast the days fly. I don't really notice how much has changed until I read our family journal, or my personal journal. Then I realize just how much has happened in such a short period of time. Remember when you were young and summer seemed to last for ever?? Now the two months zip by in the wink of an eye! There doesn't ever seem to be enough hours in a day or days in a week to get everything accomplished.
Thinking of this, and of the boys grandparents leaving, moving - leaves me with a renewed goal to get together with extended family more often. I want my boys to know their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, which they won't if they only see them once a year. Last year my New Year's resolution was to see my family more - and I did it; I loved it. I miss my far-away family so much! Now even more of our family will be 'far away'. It makes me sad! So I shall make another resolution to see our far-away relations --- for the boys, and for myself. I love you all!!

Garden Spot

2010-05-14T12:17:00.002-06:00

SO we finally did it! My husband, boys and I put in a little garden. It's tiny, very tiny, but it's awesome and we had a great time doing it. So much hard work though... we outlined the plot, then peeled back the grass like sod, dug up the earth and mixed in topsoil. Now we have 6 potato hills (or they will be hills, hopefully!), a small row of carrots, a small row of cucumber, and three small rows of peas. One more row to go, as yet undecided on what to plant. I love it!! The boys had a great time helping and planting... it was a wonderful family project. Fingers crossed we did it right and that eventually we will get to reap the rewards!!

****Pictures to come

2010-05-07T14:32:00.002-06:00

This is not me. This person sitting here at the computer, listening to her children getting into Daddy's tools and creating new uses for them, is not me.

I am carefree, independant, wealthy and happy. I am someone who never loses their temper at the kids. I have a perfectly spotless home, smelling of fresh flowers and delicious dinner that will be ready at precisely the moment my husband walks through the door. I enjoy reading, writing, and I never ever yell at my dog. I do not have an eye twitch. Under no circumstances do I feel a crushing weight in my chest when I feel I cannot take another minute, because I never ever feel like I cannot take another minute. Everything I need is in exactly the spot I need it so I can always find it. I always have a stocked pantry and freezer because I am well organized and ahead of the needs of my family. I most certainly am not the woman sitting here, with hardly any food in the house and a headache from telling the kids repeatedly to not play with the printer. I am not this girl, who feels like she is the only girl on the planet to not have it all together. I am not this person sitting here, typing this, on the verge of tears because for the 4th time this week everything is coming apart at the seams, feeling like a failure as a mother yet again. I'm not her.

I don't know who she is.

Heroes

2010-03-27T12:25:00.003-06:00

Hero seems to be the theme of my life the past few days. First of all, I have been reading for the 4th time 'In the Company of Heroes' by Michael Durant. If you haven't heard of this book then google it or something, check out your local Coles or library. It is an amazing true story about survival in Somalia... if you have seen Blackhawk Down then you already have the background for this book. Michael Durant is the pilot of the second blackhawk to be shot down; he was the one who, after being savagely beaten by the mob, was carried off and held captive. An amazing story!!!!! I love it. My husband bought it for me shortly after we watched Blackhawk Down.

Yesterday while grocery shopping with my crew we came into contact with some heroes of the local variety. My usual grocery store was packed which forced me to park far from the doors, which was ok. I saw a fire truck so I parked near it, knowing my boys LOVE fire trucks and firemen, and anything to do with them. After our shopping was complete and I had David in the car, the firefighters returned to their rig and I pointed them out to JD. He gaped at them in awe while they smiled and waved at my little guy. One fireman even retrieved a fire safety mag from the truck, the ones they give out at schools and such, and gave it to JD. I asked for a second book, pleading 'twin brother in the car' and was graciously given one. With a final goodbye these firefighters jumped in the truck and drove away, all with four little eager eyes watching. It totally made my day to see my boys so excited and happy about seeing a real firetruck and firefighters, up close and personal. Thank you to these heroes who took a minute out of their busy day to make my sons happy!!

Finally, the last brush with heroes comes from my own family. This morning I made a batch of muffins and put them in the oven. Being a mother and homemaker, my mind was immediately drawn to other tasks needing to be done, and I raced upstairs to my room to organize a couple of laundry piles. I completely forgot my muffins in the oven!!!! Which is so crazy because anyone who knows me well knows how much I love muffins and I count the minutes until they are done. Well this time I forgot and was planning out my day while sorting laundry. I could hear my boys chattering outside the door and didn't really pay attention.... HEY it happens. Suddenly JD's words broke through my thoughts and I realized with a panic what he was saying!! "DON'T GO TO THE BASEMENT MOMMY, THE MUFFINS ARE DONE!!" I gasped and opened my door; sure enough I could hear the oven timer and the smell of muffins had swept through the house. I hugged my boy hard and thanked him over and over for being such a good boy and letting me know the muffins were done. His smile made my day. I ran downstairs and they were luckily not burned, just done perfect. Thanks to my son, the hero of the day!!!

What is this again???

2010-03-26T12:20:00.002-06:00

My first post of the year!! Finally. I have missed this creative outlet. Time may be harder to find for this than for my hand-written journals, but only because our computer is in an unfinished basement that we do not allow our boys to frequent.

Things are rolling so fast! Our boys talk my ears off and I love it, most of the time. JD has developed - in tone and in choice of words - a rudeness that escapes at any given time. Since I am the primary care giver around nearly 24/7, I can only believe he acquired this from me. YIKES!!!!! David is still a sweet little guy, but watches his brother closely and learns all he can from him. I give it 2 months, 3 at the outside, before sweet little angelic David picks up his younger brothers' attitude changes.

Most of the time these two are very loving, very active and excited little men who are an absolute joy to mother.

Spring is coming!! Perhaps this time it will arrive for REAL, instead of more snow and chilly days more attributed to late autumn.

Well my boys have abandoned Diego for this frigid basement where the allure of Daddy's tools is impossible to resist so I must drag them back upstairs to the land of the living. I hope that with this long absence I may get some readers again.... I will try my utmost to post regularly, if only for my sister-in-law. :) LOVE YOU ALL!

Letting Go

2009-10-16T20:18:00.002-06:00

One thing I have learned in my short stint as a mother is to roll with it and not be uptight. Not such an easy thing for me in some areas; I like my cupboards organized and when I reach in for something, I want to find it. I prefer toys to stay in certain areas, throw pillows to stay put, and my own timetable to be kept. Ha. That rarely, if EVER, happens in a household with kids. So I have learned to be more relaxed in certain areas. Not to say it's easy, ohhhhh no. It is far from easy. But I have learned to roll with it. When I find a toy truck in the vegetable crisper, when I reach for a mixing bowl and instead pull out a cake pan with a shoe in it... I am learning to roll with it.
One day is full of twists and turns, as it is for anyone. I don't think that in my entire existance I have experienced such twists and turns in a day, until I became a mother. I go from aggitation over my clean livingroom transforming to ultra-cluttered toy factory in under 5 minutes straight into elation at the sight of my sons sharing a toy and remembering to say "please" and "thankyou". I head from frustration at cheerios being scattered for the 6th - yes, SIXTH - time right to pure relief at realizing the apple juice has made it back to the fridge without a drop spilled. Oh yes, I am learning to roll with it. When JD asks me "what are you doing?".... even though I feel at the end of my rope if he were to ask me what I am doing one. more. time. .... I am still able to feel the wonder at how far they have come in two years. Growing so fast and speaking in sentences now, even if only Dad & I understand what they are saying.

Learning to roll with things as they happen has enabled me to enjoy the moments of joy that come so often during the day. Stressing over the inconsequential things causes one to miss those beautiful minutes. Tonight right in the middle of many 'freak out' moments that I am learning to roll with, that song "Live Like You Were Dyin'" came on the radio. I turned it up and to my suprise, the boys stopped mid-whirlwind to dance with me. The three of us danced the entire song in the kitchen, and my soul sang with joy. I realized if I had a timestamp and was living like I was dying, I would do exactly that - dance in the kitchen with my boys.
Perhaps to someone who has it all together and is calm, patient and was born with the ability to roll with it, this would all sound rather lame. I, however, don't have it all together, do not possess a natural calm and patience, and tend to get wound up if things do not go according to plan. I don't know how a 'professional' would define my mental makeup, but I have certain things that help the world around me to make sense and if they aren't in order then I unhinge alittle. Things like the silverware in the proper slots and stacked neatly. There could be dirty laundry all over the house, but if the freshly washed, neatly folded piles are tipped over I lose it. Just alittle. Things like that. Toddlers are perfect little engines for destroying laundry piles and shuffling silverware. All of this said, I am learning to roll with it, and am finding out that though it isn't easy, it is for sure well worth it. For in letting go of moments of frustration and anxiety, I have found and enjoy so many more moments of happiness.

This Time of Year

2009-10-15T13:20:00.002-06:00

I am behind on so many posts that I won't even try to catch up. Instead, I'll take the easy way out and start from here. Today as I sit at my computer our pre-winter snow is melting, melting over the garden hose still out, the lawnmower still yet to be bled of gas and oil, the stroller though folded up still dripping with melting precipitation. I feel we were cheated out of fall, my most favorite time of year. Where are the deep azure skies? The golden leaves crunching under foot? The crisp, fresh need-a-sweater-but-not-a-coat air?? I hope with the snow gone and the temperature rising slightly, we may still have a chance at autumn.

After our wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and my husbands days off, we are back to a normal schedule today. I embrace the norm today. Normal routines are good. I enjoy having my husband at home on days off, which for us lucky people are 6 days in a row. With his schedule of 8 on, 6 off, we enjoy almost a full week of Daddy home. The boys love it, and so do I.

Yes, normal is good. The fall norm for us involves Dad's pool night every wednesday, when his team fight to rise to the top of their league. Good luck Dad!! We are behind you 100%. Also come a few birthdays - Auntie Shannon, Grandma Cindy and Great-Grandpa Dave have birthdays at the end of October. Then Grandma Haynes in November. Halloween, of course, one of my favorite nights of the year. Jon and I always carve pumpkins and watch scary movies together, but with our own little pumpkins getting older that particular tradition we'll have to alter. The boys will want to be in on the carving, and of course trick-or-treating! We have their costumes -- David will be a lion and JD will be a tiger.

I really love this time of year. So many fun things going on, and wonderful people to share them with.

Crazy Twins

2009-09-12T20:20:00.002-06:00

I am sitting here at the computer, wanting to post on my blog because I'm long overdue, yet nothing is coming to mind. I am blank. These days leave me weary, bone-tired and braindead. When people were handing out advice while I was pregnant, why didn't someone warn me about days like this with toddlers? It seems more accurate to say 'summers' like this. The past 3 months have left me exhausted.

Before I get carried away in my complaining, I must say that I feel blessed. After all, I have two very healthy, very active little boys. I cannot believe how fast they learn, grow, and change. A couple of days ago I heard the first sentence uttered; it was JD talking to David, and he said "DD, doe to weevee, hit." Which translates in english to "David, go to the TV, hit". JD had a potato peeler in his hand, which he gave to David; David promptly walked down the hall and started smacking the TV with the peeler.

After that incident, I started paying more attention to their interaction and realized something about my boys: JD is bossy! He is often found ordering David around, to which orders David willingly complies. I have been blind; I had no idea this was going on until a couple of days ago!! Actually, I've noticed David listens to JD more than he listens to me. Or should I say, he is more obedient to JD than to me.
So the questions remain: how do I coax David out of his dependance on JD, and how do I help JD understand he needs to let David govern his own self?? On top of that, how do I get David to do what I say when JD is contradicting me? AHHHHHH!!!

Hopefully someone out there reading this post will have answers for me... I would appreciate anything you can give me!
I really am blessed though, I just need to remind myself of that more often sometimes. Even though I'm tired, I love those two little guys more than I thought was possible.

Train Birthday

2009-08-25T12:49:00.003-06:00

Summer is almost over and my favorite season is approaching. Also approaching is the boys' 2nd birthday! As I plan the party my mind drifts back 2 years, when I was in the hospital on bedrest. Sitting in my bed, looking out the window, I marked the passing days by the change in the color of leaves, then watching them fall, more and more falling each day.
While the time in bed was slow, the past 2 years have sped by. The boys talk more and more each day, which thrills us. They are growing so fast! For their party I am planning a train theme, which they love; 'choo choo train' is one of their favorite things. I shall attempt making a train engine cake, attached to a small sheet cake with their names, candles, and "happy birthday" on it, which will also be attached to a train caboose cake. I also plan to gather a collection of cardboard boxes of various sizes, which I will decorate to be a train for the backyard; I think the boys will love to play in it.
This is so much fun, planning birthdays. I only have a few more before they will have their own ideas for the party they want, and I plan to get the most enjoyment possible out of the experience. I can already imagine the look of excitement and thrill on their faces when they look outside and see a train, just their size, that they can play in!! I will have to capture that on camera for sure.
Bringing my ideas to fruit will be my focus for the next few weeks and I can't wait to get started. :)

Happy Anniversary Honey

2009-07-23T12:11:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow I won't be around the computer, since it is the weekend of Grandpa Surry's big Birthday Bash, so I wanted to post this today. Tomorrow is our 5th Anniversary!!!! I can't believe it's been five years since that hot, mosquito-filled wonderful day my husband and I tied the knot.

~~ I had so much fun, really enjoying every minute of our day. I felt like a princess, which is how every bride should feel, and didn't want the day to end. We had a very small wedding, only about 45 people there, and it was perfect! I thought I had scanned more wedding photos, but I only have a couple... anyway here is a glance at the past :)

~~Congratulations honey! The last five years have flown by in a wink. Here's to many, many more wonderful years! Love you :)

*** The song you hear was our wedding song ***

Summer

2009-07-21T12:34:00.002-06:00

Oh, to be young again. The past few days some of the youngsters in our neighborhood have been running/riding bikes around, hooting and hollering in some imaginary game they were playing. It is such a nice sound to me, and brings back memories of my childhood when I ran around, hooting and hollering.
~~~ I grew up in a small town and we lived on the very edge; behind our house we had a massive garden, an alley, and then fields. Boy did I love all the imaginary games we played in that tiny corner of the world!! I did have a huge imagination, too. I was a pioneer girl weeding the garden, a super-spy navigating the alley, a ranch girl taking care of the horses in the field; there was no end to the games my brothers and I (or just me) dreamed up. I remember clearly one summer my mom cut my hair just shy of shoulder-length, and I galloped around on an imaginary horse, pretending to be She-Ra. Actually, almost any time I left the house I was playing an imaginary game, even if I was only on a small errand of getting a few onions out of the garden for supper.
~~~ Those were the days. When you are young, summer lasts forever. I will never forget some things: summer swimming passes for the town pool, treats from Fast Eddies, riding bikes to Temple Hill and back, and Lions Park. So many wonderful, carefree times.

You Should Try This

2009-07-15T07:36:00.003-06:00

I am on my way to being a size 6, girls. Ha, well maybe not a size six, my bone structure wouldn't allow that. I am on my way to a slimmer, healthier me though. I love it. No diet for me; I believe in everything in moderation, not deprivation. But I also really want to be fit, healthy, and feel good about myself. This is how I am doing it... one day at a time. It is so awesome!! I started out at 2 miles, 4 or 5 days a week; now I am at 3 miles, 5 days a week. It feels so good! I don't see physical results yet, that will take time. But I do FEEL results; I feel more strength in my muscles, a higher energy level, and on the days I do the workout, a better, more positive attitude. Also, I have less headaches; that may be due to the fact I have glasses now, but I think it is in part due to the walking. I feel better about myself already, and that feeling grows every day I do my workout, especially if I don't feel like doing it. If I don't feel like doing it and I push myself to do the workout.... it really feels amazing!!

Try it... it is incredible :)

Here We Go!

2009-07-13T12:52:00.003-06:00

Well I bit the bullet and on wednesday will be meeting a potential babysitter. Yikes! I am so nervous, it's almost as if I am going for a job interview. Finding the right person to basically become a part of our family, someone we will trust to take good care of the boys is stressful. But oh, having a babysitter will be so great. Not only for evenings out, but also for help during the day... having someone to take the boys to the park so I can get the bathrooms done, or the basement organized, or whatever; it will rock! Ok now I'm talking myself into getting excited, and I don't even know if this person will work out.

Once we get this babysitter chosen, then comes the process again to find the substitute babysitter! Oh boy....

What To Do?

2009-07-11T20:53:00.003-06:00

I don't know how other Moms do it. Seriously. I really feel like I need a break, just a few hours to myself where I don't have to worry about anything on the homefront. So tonight I was searching through babysitter ads on Kijiji, and though I started out hopeful the more ads I read, the tighter my throat got. My chest tightened up, my throat... just the thought of trusting my children to someone else almost gave me a panic attack. Which is kinda ridiculous; I myself babysat in my youth for multiple families, and really enjoyed it. But now I am starting to wonder how those parents could even leave the house! I know I need my own time, time just for me to regroup and decompress. But it is so hard to even think of leaving my boys with strangers. Maybe when they are older it will be easier; but I don't want to wait that long for my time. I am going to whine now and say that I really wish I had parents or in-laws close by who could give me a regular, much needed break. And by regular, not to scare anyone off, I mean once a month. I figure if I had 4 hours to myself once a month I wouldn't get to this point. So, parents and in-laws, are you considering this wonderful city for your new home? Or am I to just bite the bullet and hire a babysitter? Maybe it will get easier after the first time...

The Chair

2009-06-29T12:56:00.003-06:00

I am living in the Land of Tiny Hooligans. How I got here? I'm not sure... one day I had these incredibly cute babies, and then I woke up. How I found time to fall asleep in the first place, I'm not even sure. Maybe they drugged me. These guys are crazy!! They are constantly pulling the mattress off JD's bed during nap time. I can't even fathom why. Because they can, I guess?? They climb up onto anything and everything. Sometimes they fall, sometimes they don't. Pretty much they bounce off the walls. Now, this may sound like complaining... but really it's not. It's my attempt at humorously relaying their antics. These little guys make me laugh every day with the silly things they do. It's hard to think of them a babies anymore. But once in awhile...

The past few nights they have been waking up scared in the night. So I have enjoyed a few moments lately when they still seem like babies, rocking in our chair. I nearly had Daddy take the chair out of their room; nighttime feedings have been over for a long, long time and it just seems to clutter the room. Plus I figured Dad could use it as an ultra-comfy place to sit while watching UFC. But then something happened; we entered the stage of waking at night scared. For some reason these two won't go back to sleep in our bed (which may or may not be lucky for us), so rocking in the chair it is. I get to snuggle, smell their hair, squeeze them, sing to them, kiss their cheeks, dry their tears, and rock the scaries away. I love every minute of it, even though it means I don't get to snuggle into bed and drift off myself.

So even though our days are filled with me chasing them, them laughing and running away; me putting back together everything they take apart; them constantly putting their feet on the table at mealtime and climbing on everything in sight..... once in awhile nighttime is a treasure.

Rush Job

2009-06-26T12:43:00.002-06:00

I have to make this quick, because I'm starting this new thing where I manage my time better. Nap time for the boys used to be my time on the computer. An hour or two of luxuriously free time, which I would gladly spend sitting on my kishter surfing the giant nothingness. Well now, I have given myself a half-hour for surfing, a half-hour for my workout, 15 minutes for post-workout shower, and the remaining 45 minutes (if I'm lucky, that is) for tidy-up from the pre-nap twinado.
So...recap... Father's Day. I found a recipe on the net for handprint clay and made it. It didn't work out well; the clay was too hard to really imprint on, and the boys didn't want to stick their hands in it. WHAT??!?! How could the boys not want to stick their hands in something wierd and sort of gooey?? They are boys, after all. So I compromised, stuck the clay in the microwave and worked it some more, then had the boys place their feet in. Then I used a toothpick to carve their names and the date, then baked the suckers. The recipe promised it would harden as it cooled, which it didn't, so the result was a play-doughey kind of mess with the boys feet in it. I gave the two supposed-to-be-smooth-discs to my husband for Fathers Day. They look like the boys actually made them out of play-dough. But whatever; we didn't get their hand/feet prints at birth so I still think this was a cool gift. Daddy says he likes them, and I will believe him. :)

~~~ We took the boys to the zoo last saturday, and had a great time. The zoo has a train ride, which the boys loved since they are crazy about trains. We saw an elephant, some arctic wolves, tigers, monkeys, a red panda, a camel, and other animals the boys have never seen before. At the Llama enclosure, David and JD tried to climb under the bar fence, and they fit perfectly... luckily we grabbed them first. Sadly we didn't take any pictures... on the next trip for sure we will document it with photographs.

Lovely Day

2009-06-13T13:17:00.004-06:00

Awww...what a beautiful day today. Around the neighborhood I can hear people enjoying their Saturday. Some are laying gravel aside their garage, kids are laughing as they zip by on their bikes, and someone has a radio going. I mentioned to my husband a couple of nights ago that sometimes the various sounds around the neighborhood make me think of campsites, and the similar sounds. He looked at me like I was crazy and admitted he did not see any similarities at all. Oh well, I guess great minds don't always think alike.

I have big plans for our yard. Stuffed somewhere in my head are visions of a river-stone path, flower bed, those 5 ft fir trees along the fence, and a patio set. I love that I have these plans, and I love that it doesn't need to be done tomorrow...if that makes sense. I love that the yard is ours and over the seasons we can gradually build on it to match the vision in our minds. On a day like today, with the hot sun and cloudless sky watching, I love that I can sit outside and visualize and listen to the neighborhood likewise enjoying this wonderful Saturday until my skin blisters red. Well, maybe not that long; there IS skin cancer and painful burns to worry about, after all. But you get the idea.

Thank You Stranger

2009-06-10T13:32:00.003-06:00

This morning I rounded up the boys and we strolled outside for a walk on the nearby trail. I really love that we have a walking trail 25 - 30 steps from our front door! It's wonderful. Anyhow, this morning I ventured out with my boys on said trail, and came across a stranger. A woman was simultaniously walking her dog, swinging a contraption that launches a tennis ball out for a dog to chase after, and pushing a stroller. Now, I realize every situation is different and if I only had one boy, or if my boys were on bikes or something, I might be able to also walk my dog while taking my boys out. Putting boys who don't always listen together with a dog who never listens is a recipe for disaster, not to mention perfect conditions for my public meltdown.

* * *

I constantly feel guilty for not taking Diesel out; poor puppy wants to run so bad! I save his walk for after the boys go to bed. Well, after the boys go to bed I have a house to tidy, I am exhausted, and Diesels walk gets pushed away. So I am in awe of any woman who manages to get her kids out of the house and also take the dog for a walk.

As I watched incredulously (gee I hope my face wasn't nakedly showing my awe) this woman further floored me. She didn't ask the Usual 3... the Usual 3 questions any parent of multiples gets asked nearly every time they leave the house. What she DID ask me was "how old were they when they learned to walk?"
I answered this woman and as we chatted, I realized how much I miss talking to adults. I mean, really talking to adults, not just saying "yes, they are twins; no, the smaller one is the older one; (etc,etc)" . I was able to REALLY visit with another mom about kids and which stages they learn what, etc. It was AWESOME!!! She was so nice and eager for her little guy to walk (he walks along furniture and is just starting to venture out the first few steps without holding on).

So Thank You, whoever you are. I thoroughly enjoyed our chitchatting today, and thanks to your example, I feel more ready to bring my dog next time. You made an impact on my life today, and don't even know.

* * *

A Fence, Two Diapers, and a Happy Mom

2009-05-29T20:58:00.004-06:00

YAY!!! The neighbors are putting their (our) fence up tomorrow. Now when I take the boys outside, I won't have to worry about the colorful wagon, tricycle, and sandbox (not to mention an assortment of other fun-looking toys) luring my sons over into the next yard.

Any time we are outside, be it playing in the yard or on a walk, the boys try to touch everything. I want to encourage that healthy curiosity with this new world they are learning about, while teaching them boundaries, and not permitting them to touch strangers' things. The item that attracts them the most is vehicles. They love cars, vans, especially big trucks. Every parked car they see, they rush over to touch, bang on, and scratch.

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Today David and JD were helping me .... more than they ever have before. I needed a couple of diapers and sent David for them; he actually came back with two diapers and handed them to me!! There were several incidents like this today, and it was wonderful. WONDERFUL!! Proof that they do listen, they do hear me, and they do understand. Since they do their best to ignore every reprimand and continue whatever it is I've asked them to stop, I was beginning to wonder if they understand english and if they could actually hear me. Today was a great day marking a new step in our parent/child relationship. I am not invisible! Hurray!!

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A Love/Hate Relationship

2009-05-27T12:45:00.003-06:00

I love so many things about spring and summer. There are also things I cannot stand about these seasons, which is why fall is my very favorite time of year. My list is as follows, in no particular order.....

~I absolutely LOVE the smell of freshly cut grass, and I love the feel of it too, on my bare feet

~I do not like, indeed I hate grasshoppers and mosquitoes

~I love the smell of BBQ, especially if it is my BBQ creating that tantalizing smell

~I really enjoy warm summer rain...the kind where the clouds aren't entirely looming and suffocating, when you see a touch of sun rays and wonder how it can rain and be sunny at the same time....

~I do not like incredibly hot, sticky and slick, hard-to-breathe, pavement-hurts-my-feet-through-my-flipflops heatwaves.

~I love the smell of night air in the summer...you know the smell...

~I enjoy the warm spots in the lake (not to be confused with the warm spots in the pool - heehee), those spots that are such a nice break from the cold water everywhere else

~I love the flowers, and when the trees come alive with green buds in springtime

~I do not care for the end of a neighbors' party when, for some reason, their friends like to linger on the front lawn and by cars to hoot, holler, and yell for all to hear...I get very, very grumbly when this happens

~I love frosty's, slurpees, screamers, creamsicles, extreme creamsicles, and all other delicious cold ice-creamy treats

~I do not like bugs. Any bugs, any crawly things...don't like 'em.

~I like the smell of freshly-oiled dirt roads...I grew up on a dirt road and learned to love the smell

~I love that I can take my boys outside!!! It's nice to be out of the house after a long winter being cooped up.

There is my list...if I have forgotten any, and I very well could have, it's because I am in a rush. But basically, that is my love/hate list for summer.

I just realized this is my first post not about family, after I changed my blog to a family-oriented read. But I can switch it up now and then; unless the blogging police knock on my door....

Thick as Thieves

2009-05-18T12:52:00.003-06:00

Oh, I love my sweet little boys. They are brothers thru and thru. JD is the younger twin, by 12 minutes, yet he clearly views himself as the protector for his older brother David. I have seen it time and time again. As the days pass and they get older, that protectiveness has only grown with them.

When it is time for a meal, JD gets into his high chair and then points enthusiastically to Davids chair, saying "Brada", which I can only think would mean "brother". As I slide his table-tray into place, he motions again to David, wanting to make sure I do not forget to do the same for his brother. He does the same when I put their plates/bowls down... I switch it up so JD isn't always first, but it doesn't matter. He always looks out for his brother.

I understand this, while cute and adorable now, may be a problem later when they reach school-age; teachers are on the lookout for twins to see if they blossom on their own or if one is always the more passive twin. I know I need to watch out for that, and I try real hard to treat them equal and have one-on-one time with each of them. But David is a strong boy. He lets JD take care of him, but also lets him know if he doesn't want the cushion. So I'm not too worried...I do have to watch them and coax their own seperate personalities forth. But I also need to let them be brothers and keep that closeness.

It sometimes brings a tear to my eye though, watching JD care for his brother. When they hug and play together nicely, my heart swells with joy. The doctors tried to tell my husband and I that fraternal twins are just like normal siblings, no closer than sibs born a year or two apart. "they are just regular babies who happen to be born minutes apart" they said. They warned us to not expect the closeness of identical twins. But I say the doctors were wrong. I see it on a daily basis, how close my boys are. They are tight buddies and share private jokes and tender moments. They talk even though I don't have a clue what they are saying, but they seem to know exactly what the other is communicating.

Having twins may be double the work; having more than one child is alot of work. But it is also double the joy and happiness.

A Few Minutes Grabbed

2009-05-17T13:06:00.003-06:00

WOW, what is wrong with me??? I swear I just posted the other day, but I looked and it was a couple of weeks ago. I don't know where time goes! One day turns into another, and then another, and before I can blink my boys are another month older. It's creeping me out how fast the days fly!! We had an opthalmologist appointment for JD the other day (seriously the other day, it was Wednesday) and when asked how old he is, my reply was 18 months. Guess what ??? He isn't 18 months, the boys are 20 months!! Where is my head?

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For those curious types, JD has astigmatism in both eyes and will most likely need glasses by preschool. We are to return to the eye doctor and have his eyes tested when he is 3. The reason we went ? His left eye tears for no reason quite often... sometimes every couple of days, but sometimes a couple of times a day. Anyway, the doctor said it wasn't a blocked duct, or we would see mucus too. Hmmmmmmm.

Other than that, the boys appear to be thriving. They are so energetic... JD loves to wrestle, even if David doesn't want to...he will just piledrive him and steamroller over him. When I lay on the couch, JD loves to jump on me. David likes to wrestle too, and has fun with his brother (most of the time). David loves to rake the grass...when we are outside he snags a rake or any tool he can find and gets right to work. It's so adorable. He is like that inside too...enjoys sweeping and wiping the floor with a towel. My sweet little guys.

The guys love to be outside, of course, and I am looking so forward to Grandpa Surry's birthday when we get to go to the lake again. The boys will LOVE it!!!! Last year they didn't know what to think of the lake but this year they will have a blast. I'm going to buy them waterwings.

My youngest brother is engaged now...I don't know any details (and because I'm a girl, it's killing me to not know how he did it, what the ring looks like, etc) but his fiance is a great girl and I am excited to have her in our family. I am so happy for them!! Yay James and Nola!!!!!

I think that's it for news for now...at least that's all I can think of. I have a floor upstairs that needs my fairly immediate attention, so I'm going to sign off now. One final thing to say : I MISS TAIYA'S THOUGHTS..... WHEN, OH WHEN CAN I READ MORE OF HER BLOG?????????? heeheehee.... said by the master procrastinator....

Grandpa's 70th Birthday!

2009-05-03T11:58:00.005-06:00

My family...Mom, Dad, me & my four brothers

My Dad in the middle, his brother & sister

Dad blowing out seventy candles!!

My little family!

Dad and all his grandchildren :) Except for one...my 1yr old nephew. He wasn't feeling very well. My two boys, three of my brothers' four kids, and my brand new nephew...only a few weeks old!

Back again! I just can't seem to find time to post on my blog lately. Funny, I always grab a few moments to check FB... hmmm...

So we had a GREAT time at my Dad's suprise 70th birthday party! It was awesome. He thought it was a dinner with my brother and his family, but walked in the door to find his sister & brother-in-law, all of his grandkids, all of his kids and some friends. Later his brother & sister-in-law came, and my Mom's twin sister & her husband. It was so cool. That was what I was going for when planning this; I wanted him to just walk in to the room and see his entire family...which doesn't happen very often. Actually, I don't remember the last time my Dad had his entire family in one room. So it worked out great.

We kept it simple with pizza and cake, and had a great time visiting with everyone. I haven't seen my aunts and uncles for a very long, long time so it was wonderful.

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As for new things with the boys.... JD can open doors now, which makes things very fun :) Both David and JD can open the fridge now too...and that makes things interesting. Yesterday I caught them in the fridge and shooed them out, only to find David had an apple. I tried to grab it but he took off running, and while he ran he snagged a bite of the apple. I usually peel and slice apples for them but decided to see how he would do eating a whole one. JD wanted an apple too, so I gave him one. They did very well.... although only ate half their apples. They did choke up alittle on the peel, so I will continue peeling their snack. *****************

They have continued repeating what we say, but now it is actually audible! So exciting!! I had them coloring the other day, and I would name the color of crayon they had. JD repeated me, saying "yellow" !!! He said the word perfectly!! If we try to get them to say words again, they won't do it. But so far the boys say a handful of words with near perfect pronounciation. It is amazing to hear!!

I'm Back

2009-04-18T12:49:00.003-06:00

I have been MIA for a couple of weeks. To make up for it, here is a peek at what I've been up to! On Easter Sunday, I celebrated my birthday with my husband, my two boys, and Grandpa & Grandma Surry. We enjoyed a turkey dinner... delicious! And of course birthday cake.

A friend and I took our kids to our local indoor amusement park. Children under 2 & 1/2 get to ride for free, as do their guardians. We had a blast! Us on the carosel, and here we are taking a popcorn break. Yum yum!!! The boys and their little buddy really had a great time.

We travelled to see my husband's mom, a short but nice trip. This is Grandma Cindy, my husband, and grandma's dogs, Suki and Leroy.

David was very attached to his cousin, Taiya. He followed her everywhere; they were buddies. I'm sure when we see her this summer it will be more of the same! David glued to her hip, holding her hand, running around with her.... it was sooooo cute. She has a certain magic with kids. The Christmas before last she had a similar shadow in Julian, another cousin from Grandma Terry's side of the family. Go Taiya! I look forward to this summer at the lake when we will see everyone again.

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So there it is, we've been busy. I also tucked a couple of trips to the park in there somewhere. With the beautiful spring weather, we are getting outside more and more, and the boys love it. The other day we went for a walk around the block...the boys cried and screamed when we brought them inside! They love the outdoors.

We have alot of plans for the spring/summer, and I look forward to sharing more pictures with everyone! Coming up shortly, a trip to see my family, then possibly some fishing with Grandpa Ron, and a camping trip in June. LOve it!!

My Dad, The Jokester

2009-04-02T12:41:00.003-06:00

April Fools Day is a great day. This particular one was void of jokes and pranks. But every year I think of my Dad. He loves April Fools Day! While I was growing up, not a year went by without my father playing multiple pranks on all of his children. The most common one (and the one I fell for almost every time) was calling us to the phone, stating that one of our friends had called. Doesn't sound like much, unless you had to run in from the far reaches of the garden!! Or pause on doing your hair, or any task that a young girl would gladly trade for talking on the phone. I chuckle as I write this, for I have very fond memories of running to the phone all excited, only to find no one on the line. Yes, he loves April Fools Day. I wonder if he still plays pranks on my mom... and if they laugh together over it.

He didn't always leave the pranks for April Fools Day. I remember a birthday of mine (I think it was my 12th), early EARLY in the morning my Dad picked me up out of bed and carried me out the front door, setting me on the porch. I was half asleep still and had no clue what was going on.... then a minute later someone snapped a picture of me! Yup, my parents have a picture of me on my birthday, sitting on the porch in my pj's with a seriously confuzed look on my face. I love it!! It's one of my favorite snapshots.

I miss my family so much, and can't wait until next month when I get to see them. We are having a birthday party for my Dad and maybe, just maybe someone will play a prank on him. I know he will love it!
I love you, Dad :)

Boys Will Be Boys...?

2009-03-23T12:41:00.004-06:00

Today this handsome boy brought his dresser down, with him under it. Luckily I am faster than I look and raced up the stairs in record time. He didn't get hurt, though I'm sure he was pretty scared. Scared enough to stop climbing on his dresser? We will see. My thoughts are....probably not. The ironic thing is I had just finished reorganizing their furniture to (hopefully) make it safer in their room. Not even 5 minutes later...

The other day they managed to work the pin (or bolt, whatever it is) out of their lowest door hinge. Today they (no doubt both boys were involved, even though JD was the only one 'caught' in the act) drop their drawers, so to speak... what will it be next time? Should I be scared? I say, Bring It On Boys!! Mom always wins. I woke up today deciding to leave the defeated attitude alone. And by golly, I will!

Real Life

2009-03-22T12:18:00.003-06:00

The past few days have been...interesting, I guess you could say. That is putting a positive spin on it, the days have been long and stressful. The kind of day that leaves you feeling completely inadequate, clueless, and unsure if you even have the will to carry on..... does this ring any bells, women of the world? I say women instead of mothers because I don't want to imply that only mothers have rough days. Everyone has days now and then that cut them off at the knees, bringing them down to the very edge of their sanity.

The last few days haven't been quite THAT bad, but near it. The boys test and test me; they test me to the point of breaking. Just when I feel I might shatter into a million pieces, they do something cute or funny and I laugh my head off, hugging them to bits. That is the thing about children, they have the ability to revive us in an instant. Which is a pretty great ability, after they have taken everything I have to give! :)

Even with this said, I must also say how exciting these days are. It is so amazing to watch my babies develop their personalities and preferences. I still, as I have said before, find it fascinating to watch them interact. Sometimes they share, sometimes whatever possession they currently have is of too high a value to give away. When they want to wear their shoes, often one will bring the others' shoes to him. I find them so often giving and considerate of eachother, and equally as often I find them bickering and possessive. I love to watch them together and learn with them. And when they have pushed me to my limits, and then beyond to outer limits I wasn't even aware I had, they come to me for a snuggle and I remember how rewarding this job is. Nothing ventured, nothing gained; nothing worthwhile ever came easy, and all that..... I'm living it. Living and loving it. :)

Love and Prayers

2009-03-21T13:31:00.004-06:00

David in a squeeze with Grandma Cindy, one year ago. Easter was in March last year, and our family took a trip with Grandma Cindy to visit Great-Grandma Wilma in Oklahoma City.

JD just laying around. A year ago these two were still babies! Now they are little boys, tearing up the place. :)

I wanted to put these pictures up because last Easter was a great trip, a wonderful time I will hold in my memory forever. I have been thinking about my mother-in-law and all the wonderful memories we have with her. The other day we found out she has a tough battle ahead of her with cancer. I am having a hard time writing about this; I have read other blogs that openly report sickness and plead for prayers.... I just can't help but feel that posting on this would be a breach of privacy. Another reason I have hesitated (and still hesitate) writing on this is because it sort of feels like once I get it out there, it would mean there is no hope. That I have given up hope. But I assure you, I haven't. There have been many advances in medicine over the years and we have not given up.

Our trip last year was great, and I pray that we have many, many more wonderful times with Grandma Cindy.

Big Boys!

2009-03-16T20:23:00.005-06:00

Today is the second day of big-boy beds, and it is very exciting. I am trying really hard to not let the stress get to me! The boys didn't take a nap yesterday because they were playing around; we went in over and over to put them back in bed. But last night, because of the lack of nap, they went to bed after only one intervention. We did hear a 'THUMP' last night around 10 pm, and Daddy went up. Sure enough, JD was on the floor, still mostly asleep, and he just looked up at Dad. Daddy put him back in bed, and JD fell right back to sleep, no crying or anything. Luckily we had blankets and their crib-surround padding on the floor!
Today they managed to settle down eventually and had a small nap, and now..... well I haven't heard anything yet, so either they are being very, very quiet or they are asleep. Woo Hoo!!! I am so excited for my little guys to be in real beds. Even if it is only the front rail of their cribs taken off to make a 'day bed'. It's still a big-boy bed!
They will use the day-beds until they are too big, then we will transform the cribs again into full-size beds. I know we have a long road ahead of us before they go to bed and stay in bed, a loooooooonnnggg road. But it's still exciting just the same.

My guys are growing up!! hehehe

Weight Update

2009-03-13T18:31:00.003-06:00

The boys had an appointment today, just a checkup with the doctor. They are doing really well, the doc said we have two very healthy boys. JD weighs 30 lbs, 10 oz., and David weighs 25 lbs, 12 oz. These two have always had a five pound difference, enough for people to comment when they stop us. "They're twins? But one is bigger than the other!!"

David has a thing about elevators. He cries every time we are in one! On the ride up (and then down) to the Dr. office, he cried and cried. I'm not sure what it is; perhaps the confined space, or maybe the movement. Or both.

Today the boys tried mango for the first time. David liked it; he ate piece after piece. JD ate a few pieces, but I think he could take it or leave it. They also had celery for the first time (raw, not chopped and cooked). It was interesting... David liked it, he chewed it up. JD tried it, but didn't like the hardness of it (or maybe saw how long David had to chew it) and decided to ditch the celery.

I am on my second assignment for my course, and liking it ALOT!! I love writing and this course is great. It teaches not only researching pieces, plotting stories, etc., but also how to approach editors and publishers, how to sell the work.

The boys are hanging out with Dad, now that he is on days off. They love having him around! Of course I still can't wait for spring (today was so warm!) when the whole family can go on outings to the park, zoo, etc.

~ Family ~

2009-03-10T11:39:00.003-06:00

Today my thoughts are with far-away family. One province over ~ might as well be a light-year away ~ and wishing I could be with them.

If I could say anything, face to face, this is what I would lovingly impart :

~to my dear M.I.L. - Don't worry, try to be as calm and relaxed as possible...hard as that will be; know that we are all thinking and praying for you!! Fingers and toes are crossed, as well as prayers, that this is nothing serious and the other can be delt with swiftly and permanently.

Big Hugs to everyone over there!!! I miss you all! It would be just fantastic if travel was FREE and even quicker than it is now. If it was free, I would surely be there with you, lending my support and enjoying your company.

It really would be awesome if there was this, I don't know, tube or something. The attendant would strap people in, and then WHOOSH!! Down the tube you'd go, at an incredible rate of speed, slowing seconds before the destination of choice. Of course it would be free, and anyone could see their loved ones any time, easy as pie!!

More of My Sweet Life

2009-03-08T11:55:00.004-06:00

These are more pictures from the other day.

David is trying hard to grab the camera!

These two were walking toward me and I was trying to coax a smile from JD before they got too close. Finally I had to snap the picture with no smile, because they were almost on me (I am actually backed into a corner). It was all very Children of the Corn.

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The boys and I are sick! It's all sore throats, coughs, sneezes and chills with us. Today is worse than yesterday, which leads me to be hopeful that tomorrow will be better than today. While I want nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep this off, David and JD are the same boys as always. They just have a level or two less of usual energy, which is still about a hundred levels more than my current energy.

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My sweeties are really into books now, specifically being read to, and request the same books over and over and over. I am going slowly crazy! I can't read these books anymore! I am tempted to put them up on a high shelf when the boys aren't looking, just to give myself a break. Not for good....only for the afternoon! I really love that they enjoy reading. It feels wonderful to have that closeness while they sit on my lap as I read. I just hold them, smell their hair and kiss their heads (and of course, read). It really recharges me for when they yet AGAIN pull all the frying pans and cookie sheets out of the bottom drawer of the oven. Or when they decide to evacuate every one of my glass mixing bowls out of the cupboard and onto the floor, producing a racket that would annoy a saint.

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It also recharges me for when it's time to put the boys to bed. JD and David are starting to really protest bedtime. I didn't realize how many ways there are for a toddler to twist and contort their body, all in the name of getting out of diaper change/pj time. They are escape artists! I try hard to see the funny side of it all, the cute side, and not get taken over by my temper. It's like their icing on the cake; at the end of a busy, crazy day, their last hurrah is to drain every drop of any remaining energy in Mom.

But I love it all.

Early Easter ???

2009-03-04T11:53:00.003-07:00

The Easter Bunny is here... early and setting up camp in our neighborhood! There are actually two and they motor around the yards and alleys searching for... I don't know what they are searching for. Places to hide the Easter treats??? I think they hang out under our porch sometimes too. Maybe or maybe not specifically to tease my dog and drive his senses crazy.

Snapshots

2009-03-02T18:14:00.002-07:00

Hug hug!! I love it when they hug eachother and snuggle alittle. When they were tiny, they used to hold hands.

More hugs...

David with a smile for the camera, as usual.

JD managed to wrangle the broom away from his brother and now is getting set to sweep.

My constant companion, my shadow, the means by which I trip more times than I can count, my dog, DIESEL!!! I love you Diesel!

Finally uploaded more pictures. Actually I haven't taken as many lately.... bad mama! I'll have to keep up with them. Today I picked up some more scrapbooking stuff that was on sale, so I will have to make use of it!

We've been busy having fun the past few days. Daddy is home on days off, which are ALWAYS more fun!!!! David and JD love to play with Dad, and usually ask for him first thing in the morning. :D

So Happy!

2009-02-28T20:55:00.003-07:00

Ahhhh...my bed is calling me. But I wanted to sit here and write first. Life just seems so sweet right now. There are ups and downs, of course... but at this minute my heart is full. I love my husband, that good, strong, wonderful man I married. I couldn't ask for a better partner in this life. And I love my boys! I just feel like if I dwell on this emotion any longer my heart will burst.
Tonight we had dinner with a friend of mine, my roommate while I was in the hospital on bed rest before the twins were born. She had her twin boys 2 days after mine were born. It was interesting watching the boys play together; shy at first (although JD just marched right in and started playing with their toys) and then gradually playing around eachother. Right before we left they finally were playing together, all 4, running around and hollering. It was fun to watch them! I was proud of my boys, proud of the stage they are at and the sweet little men they are.

I am just so happy :D ..... Couldn't ask for more!

Funeral Trip

2009-02-21T20:52:00.003-07:00

On Valentine's Day my grandma died, and is now with my grandpa after 30 years of being apart. Yesterday was her funeral, and I drove down with my boys and my brother. It was so nice to see my family and extended family! The funeral was nice too, what I could hear of it.

The church that hosted the funeral had a little room at the back of the chapel, just a walled-in corner really, that was the nursery. There were windows looking into the chapel and it wasn't soundproof, so I could still hear the service, and there were toys. I have to say Thank Goodness for this nursery!! After a couple of hours strapped into car seats, my boys were out for blood and I was able to let them loose to play.

Among the toys was a life-size doll, the same size as my boys. She was sitting on the floor, against the wall, and JD sat down next to her. He held out a toy car to her, and insistently kept holding it out, looking at her, then at me, just wondering why she wouldn't take the toy he was offering!! I had to smile at his attempt at sharing, and tapped the doll, telling him it was not a real girl but a toy. He didn't understand, and after a minute of trying to play with her and getting no response, he got bored and got up, heading off to the toy shelf. My little sweet JD, trying to be nice....

After the service there was a luncheon in the adjoining hall. I did have more help from my parents and brothers, but I was seriously missing my husband in looking after both boys. JD made a few daring escapes by crawling under tables and heading for the buffet. There was a wooden pamphlet stand near where we were seated, and David was content on pulling out pamphlet after pamphlet. Most hit the floor, but he did distribute some of them to his uncles and grandparents. This particular stand had slots and then thin wooden 'bars' to contain the pamphlets, and JD saw a loose one and pulled it out, nail and all!! I fixed it, only to find David had witnessed this and began shaking the other wooden bars to see if they too would pop off. It was cute and all, but I was going slowly crazy....especially when I looked around and saw my cousins' kids, some around the same age as my boys, all sitting nicely and generally not being destructive to the premisis.

I have so many great memories of my Grandma, and I am happy that she is with Grandpa again. One of the things my Grandma and I have in common is...... we both have twins!

Bath, Books and Beyond

2009-02-19T12:17:00.003-07:00

There is a four letter word that I won't say around my boys, unless I really mean it. That word is ~ BATH. As soon as this word is mentioned, David and JD rush to the bathroom door (which I have to keep closed due to situations involving tiny hands and the toilet) and bang on the door. I really have to be careful, and only say that word if I intend on giving them a bath at that minute! Otherwise it's a whole dramatic situation involving alot of attempted misdirection on my part and alot of blatant disregard for the misdirection on their part.
One day while the boys were playing, I accidentally started singing that bath song that Ernie (Sesame Street) used to sing....you know, that "rubber duckie, you're the one! You make bathtime so much fun..." song ??? Well I started singing that and the boys of course raced to the bathroom door and proceeded to bang on the door... not a good situation and there was crying involved. They are tough little boys too!! When they bang on the door it sounds like there is a sledgehammer doing the work!

Another thing I cannot joke about, can only say if it's true, is "Daddy's home!". If I say this and he isn't actually home (sometimes the neighbors car sounds like ours), they will go excitedly looking for Daddy and be terribly disappointed if he doesn't turn up. It's a whole dramatic scene. They love it when Dad is home and JD is starting to cry when Dad leaves the house. The other day, Daddy when into the washroom and shut the door, and David burst into tears!
It is so cute how much they love Daddy. Of course they still love Mommy, when it's snack time or if one has a toy stolen by the other one. :) This actually works out great because I have time now. I started a course called "Writing for Children and Teenagers", and when my hubby is on days off I have time to work on it during the day. With the boys so independant (more or less) now, I have much more time than I used to. It's so nice! I can work on my course, read, or clean (though that takes more finesse, since the boys love to help).... I just have more freedom to get things done. Since they love to play with Daddy I use that to my advantage too!

On the downside of this independance....they can get into much more stuff. The boys can open the oven door (thank goodness it has a lock for when I'm baking). JD was hanging on the handle one day, with David beside him, and BANG!! The door came down on top of both their heads. They can also open the dishwasher too... and have figured out that pushing the buttons produces results. David stopped a load of dishes from getting washed by pushing the pause button.
While I have more time to get things done, I also seem to have less time because I have to follow them around when the boys are in their investigative moods.

It's all fun though and I love this stage they are in. What a great age!! Just out of babydom but not yet into the Terrible Twos. Love it!

No More Thoughts

2009-02-17T21:02:00.003-07:00

I have decided to change my blog a little; it will be from now on only family stuff. Not that it was a forum for diverse topics previously....but the stress of trying to come up with interesting things to say was getting to me. Maybe you could tell by my ever-increasing MIA periods. I read so many interesting blogs, and wish I could create something as fascinating. But the fact remains that the main reason I started this was for my family, all of whom don't regularly see us, to keep up with the boys' progress and pictures. So since I'm having such a hard time posting interesting thoughts from the deep recesses of my mind, I shall stick to what I enjoy best, which is talking about my family.
Anyone who knows me or even just stumbles upon this blog is still welcome to read, and even follow. If they choose! It might not be interesting (if it ever was) to those not eager to hear of my boys.

Okay, enough of this rambling. Today seemed to be a very hectic day ~ and we didn't do anything! I should have bundled the boys up and dragged them outside to enjoy the sunshine, but alas I shrank from that exhertion. We stayed indoors all day.
David is almost running. He motors around the house at a fast pace....the sort of pace that's more than walking but not quite coordinated enough to be considered jogging.... at any rate, he is getting fast and more sure of his footing every day. So is JD. The down side of this is they don't look where they are going, and we've had more than a few head-crashing-into-table episodes. Luckily, none that resulted in stitches, let alone a mere cut. They have pretty thick heads!

They are trying harder each day to repeat words/phrases we say. Among them are Peek-a-boo, bye-bye, Diesel Enough! . I didn't realize they were doing this until just the other day because the sounds that come out don't really resemble what I say.... it took me awhile to clue in that that was indeed what they were doing. Copying Mom. It is so cute!

I guess that's it for now...it's past my bed time, he he he

Enjoy the new family-focused blog, I know I will!

Lil' Helpers

2009-02-15T13:02:00.003-07:00

I am learning all sorts of things these days. For instance, letting go. When I clean I like to do things specifically my way. I always sweep the same way, always prepare dishes for the dishwasher the same way. Very methodical procedures with me.

The letting go comes in here; now my boys want to 'help' me clean. If they see me sweeping, they come for the broom and dustpan. Often fighting over the two, David will end up with the broom and JD follows with the pan, ready to collect the dust and dog hair David has 'swept' around. Now one might think, how great, they are learning to help clean! And indeed, on the outside I am smiling and cheering them on, coaxing them to continue until the whole floor has been 'swept'.

On the inside, however, I am FREAKING OUT!!!! This is my internal dialogue with myself while they are sweeping: 'no, DON'T spread it around!!! Don't you DARE touch that pile of dog hair, it's gross. Use the broom! USE THE BROOM!! You missed a corner....actually you missed that whole section of floor. Wait, DON'T SPREAD IT AROUND!! SWEEP! SWEEP!!!!!!'

I really can't handle them doing this; I am getting a crash course in letting things go. Not sweating the small stuff. Seriously, the floor can be swept after they go down for their nap, and I want them to learn about cleaning the house. But it's hard for me! The first time they helped it was awful, until I decided to just let them at it. Second time was okay, and every time it gets easier for me.

Today I had a breakthrough..... I didn't freak out inside while they swept. One small step toward a personal victory! But I did resweep after they lost interest. I had to.

Steps and Play-dough

2009-02-10T10:43:00.003-07:00

We have been having so much fun lately, the boys and I. They are learning how to work the stairs, and are doing quite well.

I made play-dough last week and the kids loved it! Suprisingly, no one tried to eat it the first time. The second time, they tasted the salty dough, and didn't like it.

The boys haven't figured out exactly how to create with the play-dough, but have fun squishing it!

Since these two have learned how to navigate stairs, it has opened up a whole new level of freedom. Not only for them, but now I am not 'stuck' downstairs, or upstairs, wherever they happen to be playing. If I have to run upstairs for something, I don't have to worry... besides, they usually follow me. It adds another floor to our hide 'n seek game too! I really think the boys love the freedom to explore a greater surface area.

The other day I brought the vacuum downstairs, and David saw it. It's new, so they haven't really seen it before.... anyway, David looked at it and then disappeared. I thought, strange, there's NO WAY he would not be curious about a new appliance. A minute later, he reappeared with JD!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it! JD was around the corner and I didn't hear any babbling, no verbal communication of any kind! So it leaves me to wonder, how did David send the message to 'come here, there's something new to play with' ??????? It was so adorable, I almost cried. But laughed instead.

These two just keep suprising me and filling me with joy. I love them so much!!!

Now that we are into February, I am very excited about spring around the corner. Okay, around a BIG corner, but still.....I am looking forward to it!! The boys will love playing outside and discovering new territory. We won't be stuck inside all the time, which will be wonderful!

Same Old Stuff

2009-01-28T21:05:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I received a forward in my inbox; the questionnaire kind that we all receive many versions of. In this one, there was the typical question ~ what scares you the most? ~ to which I usually answer 'clowns'. Clowns do terrify me, for reasons unknown to me at this time (and will probably remain unknown until I move on from this life and it all becomes clear). Unless maybe I undergo hypnosis and the story comes out that way. I don't know.

For some reason, while clowns do terrify me, I answered this question with 'my kids not living long, fulfilling, happy lives'. I sat at the screen and wondered where that came from. Then I realized that while the thought of a clown in my personal space causes me to hyperventilate and a cold sweat to come over my body, my eyes searching for a way to escape.... I am totally terrified of my kids not living long, full lives. What mother/parent isn't??? As I look at my beautiful sons with wonder, adoration and love, the possibility that they may not doesn't even cross my mind. Or so I thought.

I then thought ahead to all that awaits my boys. First day of school. First best friend. First fall off the bike. Then skip ahead to all the other firsts that come later on in their lives. Oh, I love these boys so much!! I don't know how to do this. Then I realize this is another fear of mine; not knowing how to parent older boys and deal with all the world will throw at them. This scares me. I guess I'll take it day by day, like I do now. What else can I do? Day by day it is then.

After pondering this for a bit, I realized something important. I am over-thinking this. I over-think alot of stuff, and worry in circles until I am certain they are coming for me. For now I will keep the terror of clowns, and everything else that strikes fear in me. The list isn't long, but it is interesting. At least to me. I won't dwell on the future, just do my very best today. That's all I can do. That, and be thankful for everything I have.

Cuties Update

2009-01-27T12:32:00.004-07:00

David was shut out of the playroom when his brother closed the door! Poor guy...

Playing with the MANY toys!

Balloon!! Or as David says.."baba!"

Yummy munchies!

"look how cute I am!!"

What's new with my two??? They are CLIMBING MACHINES!!! Luckily we don't have any furniture that is high, so their climbing is limited. But I did have to lower their high chairs to the floor after David climbed to the top, with one foot on the arm rest and one knee on the top (of the back) of the chair. He also tries to climb onto the window sill from the chair. How many times have I had my heart thrust up into my throat, lungs empty of breath as I let these two explore??? They can't see the dangers that I can so they are fearless.

JD climbs too, on anything he can. I want a book shelf, badly, but I can see JD and David scaling it. To the top. And so I will wait until they are a little older, and more interested in climbing trees than furniture. There are indoor playgrounds with climbing walls, and soon I will take these two on an adventure there. I'm certain they will love it!!

David likes to be held alot, a not-so-new development that has increased in frequency. It's like he takes a break from playtime to come over and request a hug. So sweet, even if the frequency of it gets to me some times. JD likes to be held when he is tired, closer to bed time. When he is ready to sleep, that is when he likes the comfort of Mom's arms around him.

Yesterday I separated the sectional and placed a blanket over the opening, to create a tent. The boys loved it!! They crawled in, and I went to hide. David and JD would come looking for me, and once I was found I would chase them back into the tent. The boys were laughing and squealing the whole time, loving every minute of it. It was so much fun to get on the floor and play with my guys.

Today, David brought me the blanket and proceeded to the place where the sectional comes together, trying to push it apart. I guess I made my bed with that one!!!!!

So Sorry

2009-01-25T15:32:00.004-07:00

I am so confuzed right now. I guess I figured most people want honesty, and of course we are all entitled to our own opinions. I have lost some dear friends in my lifetime because I gave my honest opinion of whatever current situation there was at the time. This confuzes me because if I wasn't a real friend, wouldn't I just state whatever was expected of one to say in agreement?? Isn't a true friend someone who can honestly state their own opinion, aside from the friendship?

Perhaps I am WAY off base though. Maybe it was and is a question of tact, and concern for others' feelings that I should have given heed to. Perhaps stating an honest opinion isn't what is always needed, but consideration for the others' position. It is possible to disagree and remain friends.

With that said, I want to sincerely apologize to my friend. I was trying to give an honest opinion, but now realize it wasn't what was needed. I lost sight of the emotions conveyed while I was given to the shock of the chosen words. Reading over my comment I can see it as accusatory now. I, however, do NOT accuse my friend of something that aweful. I know she is not!! I understand where you are coming from, and I can appreciate your position on this. Please accept my apology.

Random thoughts of a Saturday

2009-01-10T12:27:00.002-07:00

I couldn't sleep very well last night...my mind just wouldn't turn off. Here are some random thoughts that kept me up and occupied my mind this morning too.

~will the snow ever melt? I know it's only January, but for the first time ever I am already turning my mind to spring. I'm ready for tulups, grass, birds and warm rain.

~is David's mean streak something I need to seriously worry about? Or will it pass? When told "no" or having something taken from him, he will hit himself. Recently he has started hitting others as well. I don't know how to deal with this...

~next week. Tests for a loved one and the results could be drastic. Do I have the strength to help others through a rough time? While dealing with my own heartache? Do I have what it takes? For that matter, what am I made of? No wait, that is a dangerous worry; one should never wonder what they are made of. There's only one way to find out.

~weight loss. I need to shape up!! Just quit whining about it already and DO SOMETHING about it! For me that is the hardest part. But with two active boys who will be running this summer, let's face it. I need to be able to run. Fast.

~Cultivating family relationships. I miss my family! I definately need to make more of an effort to see them.

~heat vents.....I wonder if there is a special adhesive for these covers. They are giving me an eye twitch!! Well, not the covers, the amount of times I have to replace them after the boys remove them. I place the cover over the vent, deeply hoping that an object hasn't been carefully stashed away down there in the minute the cover was off. I don't want to permanently fix them, for cleaning reasons, but any kind of tape is out. The boys peel it and eat it.

~nutrition. Please eat little babies, please eat!! I worry so much with this picky eating, dumping on the floor phase. Articles read that I'm not supposed to overcompensate with milk because they won't be hungry next mealtime. But HELLO!! Their little bellies need SOMETHING!!!! So does my sanity. I need to know they are not hungry. You know, there really SHOULD be a manual for motherhood!!!!

There are many more, which details I shall spare you, and the circle just keeps going round. For now, a hot shower and housework. Later, friends!

My Husband Rocks Fridays

2009-01-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

This week the inspiration for My Husband Rocks is a questionnaire....some questions were easier than others to answer and some were harder. Some answers I'm not sure I want to share!! But I will.

1. Where did you meet? We met on a blind date, set up by our friends.

2. How long did you date before you were married? We dated for 4 years before we married. And by 'dated', I mean lived together (to be totally honest...)

3. What does he do that surprises you? watches a girlie movie with me when I know he'd rather be watching Ultimate Fighting. It surprises me because it only happens out of the blue when I least expect it, then doesn't happen again for a long, long time. That's what makes it so sweet!

4. What is your favorite quality of his? Definately his gentleness. He has a gentle soul.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His striking blue eyes, and his smile. His eyes draw me in, and his smile pales the sun.

6. Does he have a nickname for you? yes, he sure does. :)

7. What is his favorite food? meat and potatoes.

8. What is his favorite sport? Hockey. Specifically the NHL.

9. When and where was your first kiss? it was in a crowded pub, but we might have been the only 2 people in there

10. What do you like to do together? watch great movies, watch people, and talk about our kids (in no particular order). Before we had kids, our favorite thing to do was take last minute, all night drives to visit his family one province over. It was amazing to just pack a bag and go, then drive through the mountains all night.

11. Do you have any children? yes, we have 2 terrific little boys

12. Does he have a hidden talent? I believe so; I tasted a delicious lasagna that he made, and if I knew he could cook I would have handed him that job a LONG time ago!!

13. Who said "I love you" first? I said it first.

14. What is his favorite type of music? He likes rock, especially 80's & 90's.

15. What do you admire most about him? The thing I admire most about him is his work ethic. And his honesty.

16. Do you think he will read this? he might read it eventually....

So there it is... questions answered. Thinking of his faves is bringing a smile to my face!! I love this man so much. He is my partner, my best friend, my confidant, and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Bedhead and Bananas

2009-01-04T20:50:00.003-07:00

These pictures were taken after their nap, when JD had the cutest bedhead ever.

The rate infants change while becoming toddlers is INSANE!! It seems every day there is something new with one or both boys. JD is an excellent little walker now, which is a blast. They have fun walking around the house. I have fun chasing them! We started a form of Hide 'n Seek....I make sure they see me take off in some direction, then crouch down somewhere. They love to come and find me, and squeal with delight when I jump out and scare them. The boys also like corners for some reason...they like to find little nooks and sit in them.

Books are an increasing hit with the boys. Now they will actually listen to me read and point to the pictures. I get them involved more, like pointing to a dog and saying "what does a doggy say?". I constantly ask them if they can say different words. David likes to answer...sometimes his rendition actually sounds like the word!! JD rarely answers, and I am trying very, VERY hard to not be concerned by this. He has always taken to new things in his own time, so I will have patience for now.

David just started to follow me to the bathroom a couple of days ago...he will sit outside until I am finished. After JD sees him sitting there waiting for me, he will sit down too. I seriously thought I had another 6 months before THAT started!!! I should be used to it. The dog has been doing it for 4 years. :l

After weeks of giving them toast with different meals, the boys finally ate some today. I had no idea it takes that long for toddlers to try certain foods....I guess I figured as soon as they were given solids it would be like "oh YEah!!" but no. It's not. Their fave foods include yogurt, bananas, oatmeal, cream of wheat, muffins (especially bran), cheese, lasagna, and hamburgers. Of course, like all toddlers, they love to make a mess. And I love to watch them investigate textures and tastes! I just wish they would eat more...

Back Again

2009-01-03T15:20:00.003-07:00

Wow, it has been awhile!! I have missed reading my favorite blogs! I don't know what happened; I tried to log on one day and the computer wouldn't let me..... but the problem is fixed now and YAY, I can go on blogger again!!

We had a great Christmas as expected. Family, food, fun....it was wonderful to see our loved ones and celebrate Christmas. New Years Eve was not great; we spent the evening in Emergency. To make a long story short, it wasn't as bad as it could have been (as bad as we thought it was), and David seems to be much better now. My poor little guy. Now I have seen both my boys with an IV splint on their wrists before the age of 16 months. I really don't care to see it again!!

Time is sure flying by. This new year brings new possibilities and new adventures! LET'S GO, I'm ready!!

My Husband Rocks - 1st Christmas

2008-12-12T11:05:00.005-07:00

This is my father-in-law, my stepmother-in-law, and my husband's grandfather with my little boys...last Christmas

Here is my rockin' husband, his dad, and the boys last year.

This week the inspiration for My Husband Rocks Friday is our first Christmas spent together. Obviously the pictures above are NOT of our first Christmas, but in them are the people (minus the babies) that we spent our first Christmas together with.

The first Christmas we shared was 8 years ago (already??!?!). One of the main reasons I fell in love with my husband was his dedication and love for his family. It's hard for him because his parents live in seperate provinces and he rarely sees them together. Christmases we almost always spend with his dad, who loves the holiday and does it up right. This particular Christmas, the first ever with the Surrys, was full of love, family, food and joy. I have since learned that this is how every Christmas is for them.

Jon's dad is married to a wonderful woman who does her best to make everyone feel welcome and loved, accepted. She did that for me that first year, and every year since. Also with us were my husbands grandparents, who he loves very much. I could easily see that when he spent hours playing cards, visiting, and generally enjoying their company. Jon's grandmother has since passed on to a better place, leaving her family to remember her loving spirit and missing her still. I miss her so much.

So there we are, enjoying eachothers company and listening to music of the season, eating endless delicious dishes and treats. The holiday was filled with cards (canasta to be specific), food, and loved ones. It was wonderful. Jonny gave me a huge star-shaped vanilla candle (which I still have to this day, only half-burned up) and some chapstick, of which I am extremely addicted.

I loved our first Christmas together. I have loved every Christmas since. It is a joy to be around my husband and his family!! I am really looking forward to this Christmas, which will find me in the midst of laughter, loving family, and a few extra pounds to shed next year :) .

Youth

2008-12-11T12:11:00.003-07:00

I have never really felt my age... I usually feel like I am still in my late-teens, early twenties. This feeling about myself brings on the shock when I see actual teens and young adults; I think to myself "but they are BABIES!!!" and "did I look that young??" . How can it be? How can time do that to us, where inside we feel young, vibrant and as though a day hasn't gone by since the world was at our feet? In another decade or so, will I still feel young, and look at people in their late-twenties, early thirties and think "but they are just BABIES!!" ??????

Giving birth to my boys did a number on my body; I have aches and pains where I didn't before, my joints are incredibly stiff after sitting for any length of time (which is embarrassing while trying to get out of the car after a short trip). I probably look like an old woman affected by arthrytis most of the time!! But in my heart, I am young. I am a fresh, myself-against-the-world, ready-for-anything young adult. Part of me loves that I feel that way!! But the rest of me is, because I feel that way, taken aback when reality comes crashing to a halt in front of me and my body insists on reminding me of all it's been through, for all these years.

I realize I am still young; please don't leave a comment for me saying that I am still young and what am I complaining for? Because if that is what you take from this post, then it wasn't communicated effectively.

Time is a funny thing. When I actually was young, the school year was F O R E V E R!!!!! Summer was short. I remember playing all day outside, to be a touch frustrated when that call came "SUPPER'S READY!!!", reluctant to leave that game of tag, touch-football or hide-and-seek to go in and eat. Then once the food was shovelled in, rushing right back out and playing until dark. Now, the days go by so fast. It is already nearly Christmas, and another year will begin. Where does the time go? I still feel like that young adult and the years are flying by at a rapid rate. "SLOW DOWN!!!" I want to shout at the top of my lungs. Just slow down and let me catch up!!

I don't feel I change, yet I look at loved ones all around me. My parents, my aunts and uncles; time seems to have caught up with them. They don't look how I remember them looking when I was young. Is that how I look to nieces and nephews?? Where does time go?? Where?

Progress

2008-12-09T19:22:00.003-07:00

It has been awhile since I last wrote...consequently this will be a catch-up post. I have been busy with the boys lately! They are learning and growing at a rapid rate, and some days (weeks) it seems I can't keep up.

Sometimes I look at my sons and wonder where the time has gone; it seems only yesterday that those two were tiny babies and I was up 4 times a night with them. Now they are big boys. Sort of. Yesterday David used the Big Boy Potty, and it was so exciting! My husband and I just decided to start putting the boys on 15 minutes or so after they eat. Another new thing in their world!

They communicate more, wanting to know the names of objects around them. JD will point to something, and we will say the name of whatever it is, and the function. I will also ask them "where is the light?" and they will look at it or point to it. It is amazing to watch them make progress and communicate; they may not be able to talk yet, but it's easy to see they know what we say and understand certain things. They listen to everything.

David is walking like a pro; he keeps his balance and is now working on speed. JD is walking more every day, and while he still has trouble with balance, he keeps at it and soon will be faster. Some moments I watch them and just feel amazed and overwhelmed at their progress...it's like they want to grow and learn. The will to do and experience new things is so strong in those two. I'm sure it is that way with all kids...but these boys are my frame of reference. It's INCREDIBLE watching them process new and exciting things!!! I can almost see the wheels turning inside their heads. I find it fascinating the differences in them; David started walking before JD, and JD shows an interest in objects around him quicker than David. They are two different little minds and personalities.

When they were tiny babies, often they would hold eachothers little hand. Now that they are bigger they don't hold hands, but hug eachother. Such little sweeties! My days are now spent chasing after them, cleaning up after them, teaching them and enjoying them. When the day seems too much and I am down to taking things minute by minute, getting frustrated and fatigued, I'll see them hug eachother and my heart goes to mush. They remind me to slow down and not sweat the small stuff.

The bottom line of all this: I have been busy and I love my job. More later!!

Pictures

2008-12-04T12:44:00.004-07:00

My boys are feeling better, and consequently my kitchen received a makeover. It was pretty tame while the camera was out. Once the camera disappeared, though, I was wading through pots, pans and bowls! So much fun, and soooo cute.

David loves to walk and is getting very good at it; JD prefers to crawl still. I assumed once one walked the other would; I was wrong. My sweet JD is taking his time, once he is ready he will be a walking man.

They like the stove because they can see their reflection. Same with the dishwasher! I was trying to get JD to smile, but no luck.

As I type this, I can hear these two up in their crib, NOT taking a nap. They have so much fun together. After these pictures were taken and the pots came out and back in again, David and JD were pushing around a kitchen chair and giggling like crazy. It was so cute, my husband and I just watched and smiled at them and eachother. They discover games with eachother that only they understand. I am sure they both have big imaginations too.

My baby David, always ready with a smile for the camera.

Our New Place!

2008-12-02T12:30:00.003-07:00

The livingroom! That is our new sectional, which I love!

My sick little babies managed to crack small smiles for this one.....poor guys are under the weather.

Here's my kitchen...a little messy but not for long... I really like the lighting, and I LOVE having a dishwasher now!!!!! We still need to buy stools for our little breakfast bar.

Obviously the front...this pic was supposed to be first but I haven't figured out yet how to move them around. I love this place!!! Usually I have decorated for Christmas by now...but with the two little explorers I am holding off for a bit longer. Even though it's killing me!! I do have Christmas carols playing though.... can't help it.....

Where is everyone?????

2008-11-30T12:30:00.002-07:00

Things have changed in the new house. The computer is no longer in the same room as the kids' toys, which means I don't get to play around on it while keeping an eye on my guys!! I may or may not be going through withdrawls, haven't decided yet. I miss reading the great blogs I have become entranced with, and now have to cram it all in a short sitting during naptime. But that doesn't lessen the magic of them!!

As for my grand goals of befriending every neighbor on the block...I never see any! Strange; it seems as though we are the only ones living in this area, surrounded by empty houses. I notice cars have left or arrived, I hear the happy sounds of children at play but never see anyone. Even though this sounds as if I am peeking out of my curtains stalking neighbors, I promise that is not the case. I have to take my dog out several times a day, since we have no fence.
Where is everyone? I guess in this day and age there are no casseroles to be brought, no "welcome to the neighborhood" to extend. I remember growing up the countless casseroles my mother made, accompanying visits to newcomers, or anyone in need. Not that I expected people to bring us stuff; but I secretly hoped they would stop by so I could make some friends. I just know someone is thinking as they read this, "well why doesn't SHE drop by the neighbors?" . A very good question indeed, my friends. Why don't I? I have no answer other than YIKES!!! That is a much more forward action than I can take.... right now. Maybe after I have seen someone in their yard and could extend a hello first. After the initial greeting, I would feel much more relaxed about ringing a doorbell out of the blue.

But I would have to actually SEE someone outside first.

Possible reason for noone stopping by : a very large, very scary dog seems to bark the daylights out of himself whenever he sees anyone. Or anything. This belies the kind, gentle soul Diesel has; he would never hurt a fly or a person, maybe a cat but that's a given. Cats are his nemesis. He loves people though!! Sure his hello is a tad bit freaky, a little run-for-your-life-he-will-eat-you..... but really he is full of love and affection.

Anyway, it doesn't matter if no one comes over to say hello; I will get them. Someday I will HAVE to see someone outside, and that is when I will make my move. I'm not looking for lifelong friends here, although who ever has enough?

Moving

2008-11-24T22:12:00.003-07:00

Well, we are here. Home. I love this place so much!!! What a busy few days we have had. Still unpacking and organizing...my very favorite part! It's so much fun.

Friday afternoon we met our real estate agent at the house and he handed me my key! It felt so wonderful to turn the lock to my new home. We walked in....and WOW I had built the place up in my mind. Thinking about this house over the past few weeks has had the gossip effect; it kept getting bigger. Don't get me wrong; I love the house and it is the perfect size for us. Just funny how small it seemed at that moment.

We then rushed to pick up the UHAUL and load our stuff. With the boys at a friends house, we wanted to hurry. It took us about 4 hours to load all of the big stuff and most of the small stuff; BOY WAS I SORE!!!!!! But we weren't done! We drove to the new place and I took our car to pick up the boys. Then came the unloading....coming up to bedtime for the twins and where were the cribs?? In the front of the truck; we had to unpack nearly everything before we could reach them. YIKES!!! Not smart. With babies crying in the background, in a strange home and scared, we put the cribs together and managed to get them to bed. Thank goodness they were so tired they fell right to sleep! Back to the truck for us weary parents; we still had tons to unload.

Finally, with thoughts of a hot bath in my new tub, I helped my hubby unload the last heavy item. Thank goodness! Done!!! Now time to relax right? That's what I thought...so I took our pillows upstairs. On the way down, my slippery socks took my feet out from under me and I slid down the stairs, my feet smashing into some boxes stacked on the landing. OOOOOOUCHHHH!!!!!! @&*@&$)(@*&@!!!!!!!!
I yelled, then whimpered, and my husband (who was running out the door for takeout) came around the corner and asked if I was ok. I told him what happened and said my foot hurt....then took off my sock and SICK!! My middle toe on my right foot was totally crooked. My heart just sank....thoughts of a hot bath and sleeping babies drifted up and away from me; instead it was a trip to emergency in the local health center.

Four hours later, I was able to join my husband and boys in the car and head for home. David slept in the car the whole time I was told, and JD woke several times but each time was soothed back to sleep by a ride around the block. So, at 5 AM, we finally made it to bed. With a painful toe buddy-taped to the next one.
The next night...I had a hot bath in my new tub. Other than my gimp walk and hurting foot, has been a pretty great experience.
Pictures will come!!!

2008-11-18T11:01:00.002-07:00

With only 3 days until we move, I have as much going on inside as I do in our house. So many thoughts!! I heard once that life is what you make it, and boy is that true. I will make our new life in our new home as great as it can be! As for this place....I have some notes for neighbors....

~to the boys who play in the complex: I will not miss how you used to ring our doorbell and run away. Not cool! I will miss the occasional hello you gave me and the few minutes of chatting, sharing your latest game or toy.

~to the nosy lady two doors down: I will NOT miss your 'need' to know all of our business...sorry I never managed to get the pet acceptance form to you. As my Dad used to say, "what difference will it make 100 years from now?" We had our dog for 4 years, I'm sure if the landlord didn't accept him you would notice. I will miss the rare smile and inquiry into how the boys are doing.

~to my next-door neighbor, I will miss you!! I will miss our chats, and I hope you are able to move home soon.

In our new home I have grand plans to be more open and friendly to the people in our neighborhood. That comment I made about life being what you make it? We've lived here for 4 years and I rarely made a point to visit with people. My excuse is I came from the city where no one makes eye contact. :) But had I been more open with people and let them in, we may have had a more enjoyable few years here filled with more friends and support systems. Instead I took to blaming them, for being so rude to outsiders. (insert shameful chuckle here)

This time, I will be friendly; I will do my best to get to know people and let them in.

I have one more note to a neighbor. To my dear friend a few blocks away.....
I will miss you so very much! I will miss our walks, the playdates; I will never forget how you have been there for me from day 1. The tears and laughter we've shared will not be forgotten. Of course we can still chat on the phone and see eachother once in awhile...but it won't be the same as having such a wonderful friend just down the road. I love you girl!

Now on to new adventures! Home ownership, our VERY FIRST HOME!!!! I am so excited, I can't stand it. I will post pics when I get them, I love the house.
New adventures, new neighborhood, fresh chance to use what I've learned from life so far. LOVE it!!!!

Frogs and Snails

2008-11-17T12:11:00.003-07:00

Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails......
What a hot summer day!! Too hot for the boys to wear even a onesie. This was back in the day when crawling wasn't happening yet. They just sat and played with toys!

Growing up with four brothers...no sisters.... gave me a pretty clear picture of how things will be. It will be so great. Forts, snowball fights, sports...here I come! If I'm lucky, I just might be the only girl allowed in a "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" clubhouse! Well, I guess it depends on the clubhouse...I may not be lucky. :)

There are two--and pretty much only two--reasons it gets QUIET during playtime. The #1 reason is that they are into something they shouldn't be. The second is that they fell asleep! Sooo sweet. This is the only time it has happened so far, and I had to get it on camera. I hated to wake him to go to bed. When I did, he had the rug imprint on his cheek!

This one goes with the pics on my sidebar... I love David's smile!! Even though he is the more serious one, we see his smile all the time. I hope we always do! The tickle I gave him plus his big plans to grab the camera sparked this particular smile.

This is one of my very favorite pictures. I think this one will be included in a wedding slideshow!! Haha. I remember JD was starting to get cranky and wanted out of his highchair.

I really hope these pictures capture enough personality. I am the worst for getting prints in the mail to loved ones, and hopefully this blog is a great alternative!

My Husband Rocks! - Friday

2008-11-14T13:03:00.006-07:00

Is it Friday already?? Haha, kidding. This week there isn't any amazing incident that stands out, it was just a regular week. My husband does, however, ROCK!! He rocks because he NEVER complains. I'm not kidding. I complain about everything, from a sore back to a busy day. I don't think of it as complaining, of course, but that's what it is. Hubby never does this. The only way I know he has a sore shoulder, for example, is if I catch him rolling it and giving it a quick rub.

My husband plays in a pool league and loves every minute. He tries every week to improve his game, and tracks points and the teammates' accomplishments. This year he is doing quite well, and has a goal to do even better. This past wednesday, his pool night, he had to work late. Very late. He pulled a 20 hr shift! Did he complain about the hours? No. Did he complain about the lack of sleep? No. He didn't even complain about missing his pool night! The only explanation he gave was that he had to let the other teammates catch up to him. What a guy!

This is one area I need much improvement in, and I try to take a page out of his book. He is so easy going, never complains or dwells on disappointments. I love that about him; and it is one of the MANY reasons why I will never let him go!!!!

As for next wednesday...he will be there with bells on, doing his best to win every game. Even though I won't be there, I will be cheering him on.