10 Things Twosday: Random

I have been truly horrible at keeping up with the blog.  I could use alot of excuses, (VP of my local twins club and VP of state twins club, working part-time since after Labor Day, being in charge of the Fall TMOMs Sale - which just about did me in) but that is what they are - excuses.  I have resolved to do a better job and keep up with this!!

 

Anywhoo, I came up with this idea several days ago driving in the car.  I saw on a multiples site the word "twosday' and thought it was so stinkin' cute and it has been in my head for many months.  While driving it just popped in my head - 10 things twosday- list 10 things related to one or both boys, themed or random.  I haven't seen it anywhere on other blogs I've stalked, so I am hoping I am truly original.  I am also, might I add, pretty darn proud of myself!  haha...

 

 

Here we go!

 

1.)  Walking into preschool this morning - we got out of the truck and they immediately wanted "hats on" - so of course, I do my mommy part and put their hoodies on.  I couldn't resist sneaking a pic.  My little men are growing up too fast!

 

 Carrying "mapmats"

They love climbing the stairs.

 

 

2.)  They love to put their "lovies" on their heads and I admit, I love it too.  I call them my little Hebrew boys because when they do it they look like Biblical characters.  Hunter wouldn't keep his head still and Braden covered his whole face.  And of course my phone is better than any DSLR out there, bar NONE! 

 

 

 

3.) For some toddler reason they think the best thing in the world (well, one of them) is dumping their tub of legos on the floor.  Even better is when they decide to both kick them in opposite directions all over.  and giggle the entire time.  and think I should be laughing with them.

 

 

4.) Braden is a great helper when we clean up toys.  Hunter is a great supervisor.

 

 

5.)  We started preschool this Fall (2 days a week) and they love it.  They have not cried so far when I have dropped them off, which has truly pleased me.  They are very super excited to see me when I come to get them, but I am always the last mom to get them since I also teach there and have to wait until most of my class is picked up.

 

 

6.)  Speaking of preschool, never in all the world have there been 2 more beautiful and divine works of art!

7.)  They talk to each other frequently and most things I understand.  However, they have a few syllables they say that I, for the life of me, can't figure out what they mean.  They just talk and talk and constantly say "yeah, _____" and have these super long conversations in gibberish!  B will say something and H will say one of several affirmative words and vice-versa.  I am confused, bewildered and in love simultaneously!

 

 

8.)  Hunter has started this thing lately where he will start counting from 3 to 5 or up to 7..  So I start and say '1', then he says '2', I say '3', he says '4', and so on all the way to 10.  The whole time he is looking at me with a grin from California to Massachusetts and when we finish he says, 'again!'.  He could go forever if I would cooperate.

 

 

9.)  It has to be a boy thing - there is no other explanation.  They received a Thomas the Train playset for Christmas last year from Uncle Craig.  They never really played with it a whole lot until about 2-3 months ago (and by play with it we all know I really mean have daily WWIII over the engine and cargo car).  Probably about 3 months prior to that, they would see a train when we were driving and get all excited about "choo-choo!!"  This fascination has intensified for the last 6 months.  Trains now rule our world of toys.  oh and balls.  and balloons (that is another post for another day - maybe 2 posts to fully grasp the addiction). and books - which makes mama's teacher heart supremely happy.

 

 

10.)  They love school buses.  When we see them in the morning (and in the afternoon on the way home from preschool), they get so excited - "big big bus!"  One day they asked me (and kept asking) where it went and out of frustration I said, "they are going back to the bus barn".  All I heard was an "oh".  Well, they remembered.  Not often, but every now and then, they will see one and out comes, you guessed it, "bus barn".  (to full appreciate, there is a 1.5 second delay between the 2 words)

 

 

bonus.)  Just because I want to, I am adding one more, in honor of this being the 1st 10 Things Twosday (hehe).  The past 2 days they have looked at each other (I assume - I don't really know for sure) and tell me "done jeans" and bring them to me and walk around in their top and diaper.  Since I knew I was doing this post, I tried to snap a picture.  Of course, they were not cooperative. 

 

 

 

      Until I write again, 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 



Mommy's One-on-One

Embrace The Camera

I have never done this post before, but a friend does on her blog and thought I would give it a whirl.  It is called "Embrace the Camera" and basically the mommy gets herself in some shots with the kiddos.  I love this, for the simple fact that I am not in many pictures with my kids (older I-Phone : yes boys, I'm sure that will be obselete technology by the time you read this).  I got my hubby to snap a few of me with each of the twins.  I love my one on one time with them, especially pictures with just one. 

 Braden had a fever tonight, so he gets a pass.

 Poor little man got some TLC from mommy after!

 Hunter was all smiles!

 Doesn't always like to look at the camera...much to my chagrin!

Wasn't long before we got some much needed rain, if only for about 10-15 minutes.  If anyone in bloggerland reads this, here is the link: Embrace The Camera

       Until I Write Again,

Wordless Wednesday: Napping on Mommy's bed

               Until I Write Again,

Wordless Wednesday

We went to Floral Haven Cemetary on Memorial Day (which we have done for 2 years now) and paid our respects to those who fought for our country and are no longer here.  They also have a re-enactment of the changing of the guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The vision of the hundreds of American Flags all over the grounds are breathtaking.  I am very patriotic and want to instill a love of our country in the boys.  We went to McAlister's Deli afterwards and the boys LOVED the mirror at our booth.

Until I write again,

Tickle Me Tuesday

Long time, no post!  Yes, it has been a while.  I am making an effort to change that.  I actually thought of this title and idea a couple weeks ago - there was one Tuesday in particular the boys were being so silly all day.  I thought to myself, I need to write about all the silly antics from today.  The title just popped in my head.  Needless to say, I never got to the post that day so I thought I would just do it the following Tuesday.  Well, do I need to say more?  I meant to do it last night and even got out my scrap papers where I had jotted down what I could remember.  I had a TMOMs Board meeting and well, here I am.  One day late but who cares at this point - it is getting done! 

Boys, these are all things that you have done that either have had me in stitches or I think are too cute and make me chuckle periodically... I want you to know how you have entertained me and made some days better by giving me snippets of laughter....

~ If I say Braden's name (usually when you are doing something you aren't supposed to), you repeat it over and over, either looking at me with a grin on your face or just talking to yourself (and you are pretty good at adding different voice inflections) "Banenn"  "Banenn"  "Banenn"

~ A couple days ago I had you watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the computer, just for something different while I was doing something in the kitchen.  You were both on the same chair and Hunter wanted Braden on his knees just as he was.  Hunter, you kept shouting "knees, knees, knees" for what seemed like an eternity until Braden finally complied.  Then when he 'obeyed' you you said "gacome", which is your cute way of saying thank you.  The way you said is the absolute best and wish I could put it in words, but someday I will imitate it for you.

~ Braden, when you watch Mickey Mouse and Mickey says "Oh Toodles!", you repeat "tuuduls, tuuduls, tuuduls" and it always cracks me up....also, when Mickey says "do you want to come to my house?", you say "NO" and shake your head EVERY time!

~ Hunter about a week ago you were coughing on your juice and then put your hand on your lower back and started tapping your back, then looked at me to come over and do it for you.  I went to you to do what I always do when you cough/choke on something and as soon as I started you were fine and stopped coughing.  Then Braden you came over and said "I help" and starting patting his back for a minute.  It gives me great joy to see you help and love each other the way you do.

~ Braden, out of the blue 6 days ago you started calling legos "colors" - I don't know why you started that but I love it!

~ When someone sneezes and you say "Bless You", you both don't actually say the words, but you say the sound of  "uh uh" (like when you say no to someone but no words).  CUTEST THING EVER!

~ About a week and a half ago I asked you Braden if you were messy and right away, you answered "YES!".  I must add that you had so much pride in your response!

~ Hunter you woke up earlier than normal from your afternoon nap and I brought you to the living room with me.  I was working on something in the living room and it was a little messy on the floor with all my stuff spread out.  You saw everything and immediately said "Oh My!", as if you knew there the mess mommy had created was not a small one.

There are many many more things I could write, but these are just a few that tickled my heart and cause me to thank God everyday He chose you two precious boys to answer our prayers and give us the joy and honor of raising you.  I know I speak for your dad when I say WE LOVE YOU more than anything in this world!

Until I write again,

I Come! I Help!

I hear these words about 57,000 times a day ~ no joke!  From both boys.  It started maybe a month or so ago (possibly a bit longer).  Really it started farther back....indulge me in the back story.  Troy is the best husband and father...no, I really mean THE BEST!  He rolls out of bed, showers, and gets dressed for work.  Usually by the time he is done, the boys are in bed with me and we are snuggling watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (or sometimes Chuggington if they bless us with an early wake-up).  He then bundles both in his arms and changes diapers, as well as gets breakfast going for them while I get ready for the day.  Neither Troy nor I are early risers.  Needless to say, I don't have much time in the morning to get ready and am rushing like a mad dog!  By the time I make it out to the kitchen, it is pretty close to the time Troy has to leave so I don't dry my hair until after he is gone.  The boys will finish breakfast and sometimes I sit with them playing with toys or watching tv.  One morning (as I had always done) I told them I was going to dry my hair.  Braden came and said, "I come!  I come!"  He ran to me as fast as he could and grabbed my hand as we walked down the hallway.  Of course, Hunter came too (brother see, brother do).  So this was going on for several months and no biggie.  Fast forward to 'maybe a month or so ago'... I am going to my bedroom to get a book or something and I didn't tell them I was leaving, I just thought I'll sneak back there and they will play with toys and I hear Braden anxiously screaming, "I COME!  I COME!"  So I waited and he came.  He grabbed my hand so tightly and of course, Hunter came and grabbed the other.  We got what I needed and went back to the living room.  And he and brother have come ever since.  I must admit at first I thought, "seriouly, I will be back in 5 seconds".  But just as fast as that thought entered my mind, so did another.  Another that was "someday in the not too distant future they may not always want to walk with you...they will want independence and freedom...as that is part of growing up".  So right then in the hallway, while holding the most precious hands, I decided that each moment of "I Come" would be dearly cherished.  Even now I am wiping tears, knowing that as Braden and Hunter read this one day, for them it may be an entertaining story....for me a precious memory that I will wish and long to have just one more minute of. 

I don't exactly remember when "I Help" started, but maybe 1 1/2 - 2 months??  Everything I do, whether carrying a bag, putting on my shoes, picking up toys, buckling them in their carseats...EVERYTHING... they want to help.  I don't ever want to squash that in them...I want them to be kind, caring, compassionate men ~ who know how to serve others out of the kindness of their hearts.  If I say "no, mommy can do it" or don't encourage them in any capacity, I don't know if that fire will be able to be lit again.  I'm not saying it couldn't.... but their sweet little hearts want to help me and feel the need to vocalize it.  I, in turn, feel the need have the responsibility to cultivate it and stoke that fire until it is a raging flame. 

Are there moments that I think "seriously?...this is the 58th time today and we haven't had lunch yet", you bet.  But hearing the pitter-patter of their precious feet run across the living room floor and grab my hand or them helping me put my shoe on gives me just enough pause to remind myself that of everything in my life I have done or will ever do, being a mother is the most important..... and by far the most rewarding.

      Until I write again,

Wordless Wednesday

Listening to a cd of nursery rhymes ~ would say "again, again" if the singers stopped for any reason (including to catch a breath) or in between songs.

        Until I write again,



Friday Funnies

I have tried to get to the computer to write this post since Saturday morning and now, Monday evening, I am finally able to!  It's a busy, busy, beautiful, fun, incredible life I have.  I was inspired to write this Friday at lunch:  the boys like to dump the food off their plates onto the table and put the plate on their heads.  Normally I would tell them that isn't what we do with our food, and together (mostly me) we put it back on their plates.  Instead I decided, at that very moment, to just let it go:  it wasn't a messy lunch and they were just being 2 year olds.  I took a couple of pictures and hoped prayed they wouldn't take my photography as validation.  So lunch is finished, they are napping, and I wrote down what happened.  I then wrote down a few things from the morning and kept my list running until they went to bed.  Here are a few of the giggles I experienced from my little monkeys:

 ~ at some point in the morning, for no apparent reason to me (has to be the twin thing), they would point a finger at each other, make a high pitched squeal sound that I'm sure every dog in town heard, and then would laugh hysterically!  I don't remember who started it, but the second one didn't miss a beat!

 ~ I was in the kitchen doing some random act that took 30 SECONDS to do and as I come out of the kitchen around the corner, I discover they have both ripped off both pants & diapers and are streaking around the house running faster than lightning.  Giggling beyond control, you would have thought it was Christmas morning.  I'll never understand the boundless joy that gives them.

 ~ of course, the plates on their heads at lunch thing I described above

 ~ I have foam mats from when they were first learning to sit up (we have wooden floors in the living room and I thought a little cushion might be a little loving on my part)...anyway, now they find a million and one uses for those things.  Friday morning's choice was taking 1 square (each square's side is 23 inches) and pulling the sides up around their body.  They thought they were so funny and the only thing it reminded me of was a hotdog in a hotdog bun.  Random thought, I know.

 ~ My fav: I was laying on the couch and told Braden, "come give mommy a kiss".  He came over and kissed his mommy and then the kicker: walked over to Hunter and practically carried him to me (about 6 steps) so Hunter could kiss me too.  LOVE that kid so much!  He has a heart of gold and God has given him a heart of compassion and caring.  Some people may not see it, but I as his mama KNOW it is there.

Sometimes the days can seem long and difficult, but I'm so thankful for days like Friday:  when my precious angels make me laugh and tickle my soul.

     Until I write again,



Daddy's Little Helpers

Rain rain go away...come again another day!!  It has rained all week and we are quite ready for a good dose of sunshine.  Last Friday, the 16th, Troy decided to mow the yard since we knew the monsoon was coming.  The boys had been given toy lawn mowers from Aunt Sharon and Uncle Paul for their birthday, and I thought this would be the perfect time to break them out and have them "help" Daddy with the lawn.

Hunter inspecting his new toy!

Braden checking it out!

They weren't quite sure what to make of them at first, but after I turned a few knobs and pulled the "starter cord" (or whatever it is called), they seemed to think they were pretty cool.  

Doing a test drive.



Hey mom, everything works!

By this time Troy had the mower out of the garage and was ready to go.  I told the boys to follow daddy and help him with the lawn.  Must be a boy thing - they turned around and followed as if instinctively knowing what to do!

Gotta get the ball out of the way so I don't run over it!

Probably my fav shot of the night...Love my boys so much!

It was so funny to watch - Troy would do a section of our incredibly large backyard: Braden would be all over it, wanting to follow Troy's path, and Hunter was content to stay a bit behind.  If Troy starting mowing in the opposite direction of Braden, Braden would look at me and say "again, again" and a little reassurance that Daddy was coming back was all he needed.  When Troy was mowing towards us, Hunter would want no part of it, getting as far away as he could!

Making sure Daddy didn't miss a spot.

Watching Daddy - yup, the grass seemed almost as tall as them!

Restarting the mowers after a rest break.

Following Daddy - he was so serious and loved every minute!

We moved to the front and Troy got that taken care of....meanwhile the boys decided it was fun to watch their mowers roll the the hill (our front yard is pretty much a 45 degree angle).  I didn't mind as long as they didn't roll on the street and then I had to go chase them.  They would giggle as their toys rolled down and then they would go get them and start all over.

Braden carrying his up the hill - LOVE the tongue!

Simple joys last Friday....2 little boys who want to be just like their Daddy!

     Until I write again,

Just A Little Wondering....

I often giggle and am amazed at how the boys interact with each other and some of the crazy antics they perform.  A couple of months ago I was watching them interact as we were hanging out in the living room, and I wondered "What would they be like if they were not twins and born as singletons?" (for those who don't know, singleton is the term twin mommys use to describe a single baby birth).  I wondered if their personalities would be different, how much, would they be more or less social, etc...  I'll never know, but I just let my mind wonder for a bit.  I then started rummaging through the rolodex of my mind and thought of snapshots, such as:
...when they had their twin language...for them it was just a few syllables but they would have so much joy when they spoke it.  One would start, the other would repeat and they would go back and forth, each time raising their voice to the next decibel level.  I tried to start it with them one day, and every once in a while they would indulge me and play along, but the majority of the time they would just look at me and shake their heads no, as if to say, "we aren't playing this game with you ~ don't you know mommy that you aren't a twin and this is just for us?" 
... when they just look at each other and giggle wildly (for apparently no visible reason)
... when they get on each other's last nerve in 1.5 seconds
...when they are so vocal and wild at home and then we go out in public or are with extended family/friends and they are quiet and well-mannered (not complaining about the well-mannered part, mind you)
...when Hunter just one day walked over to Braden and gave him the biggest bear hug EVER...momma was a MESS!
...when Braden walks over to Hunter when he gets hurt and gives him 'love', as if to say, "hey brother, it will be ok"  (Hunter doesn't always want it, but Braden sure wants to give it)
Many more memories, thoughts and ponderings, even as I sit here, flood my mind.  I know deep in my soul that I will never know the answer to my question, and that is ok.  I am happily content to never know the answer to my question.  Do I wonder?  YES!  Does it keep me up at night? NO!  I am crazy in love with my little guys and so thankful each and every day that God chose to bless me with a 'two-for-one' deal. 

Get This Party Started!

March 16, 2012

   This is it!  Today is the day I enter the 'blogosphere', the day I begin to write my second favorite love story.  The first, of course, is the story of Troy and I.  The second is of my precious, fabulous, very much loved and very much wanted twin boys, Braden Robert and Hunter Isaac.  I have wanted to write a blog for and about them for over a year and a half now, and for various reasons, didn't.  A couple of weeks ago I decided to just jump in and swim.  For me, that was a little easier said than done ~ I am soo not a computer/techy person.  I can figure a little bit out, but I pretty much learn by a combo of watching and doing.  My friend Blair offered to help - we scheduled a playdate for the boys and I loaded up my laptop and went to her house.  Well, we had a time trying to figure out using her wireless (remember, not the techy person), so we gave up and decided she would come to my house.  One week later, voila!  I need to fiddle with some stuff and get used to it, but I think I've got a bit of a foundation. 
   As of now, my boys are 25 1/2 months.  So much has happened since they were born and so much has happened on our journey to parenthood.  I am writing this 1. for me - I love to write and 2. for them - yes, I love to scrapbook and they will one day get albums with cute pages of pictures and captions, but a photo album doesn't tell a story like words can.  My thoughts and words, their life.  Mine is the design, theirs the inspiration.      
   Even now as I write this, they are back in their cribs.  They should be sleeping, but one has been up for 2 hours, fighting his yawns.  The other is now awake (no doubt thanks to brother) screaming "paaaccceeeeee", probably able to see it on the floor just beyond reach.  Just a bit ago I ran to their room & took some video at their door of them talking to each other ~ just a black screen with 2 little voices ~ ..to capture this short window where not all their words are yet clear, nevertheless, music to my ears.  I know one day soon I will miss these days and long for when Braden would tell me a whole story and I couldn't decipher one word, or when Hunter would ramble on in some combination of words I know and a dialect of babyese that I haven't yet mastered.+++++++++++++++++++ That was from Braden - I have gotten up from this seat several times since I started writing.  I was going to delete it and then thought I would keep it - a reminder of why I will sit at the computer. 
   "Yes, but it's a good full" - the name I chose for the blog, mostly because I say it almost everytime we are out and about.  Being a mom of twins I am constantly stared at, talked to, talked about in a voice they think is quiet but loud enough for me to hear; basically, you are a traveling circus.  I won't write down all the things I have had said to my face, but now that they are older, the most common is "you must have your hands full" and "double trouble".  I detest the double trouble, and I think the former is probably what most people say because it seems safe or they don't know what else to say.  The first time I heard it I responded with "yes, but it's a good full" and have used it since.  I don't mind when people say that - it isn't offensive and I've had a few interesting conversations with various folks.  It is honestly how I feel - I am blessed to be part of an exclusive club - a mom of twins - and I wouldn't trade it for the world!  My hands are full and at times it is hard but they are my precious miracles and life couldn't be sweeter. 
  
  
   Until I write again,