Baby Dolls and Soccer Balls

Basketball Season Begins...

2012-01-07T21:13:00.000-06:00

AJ had her first basketball game of the season today.

She plays in the 1st/2nd grade girls league at the local rec center. This year she is playing with a great group of girls who are all 1st graders.

The girls had a great game today, but were outscored.

AJ continues to amaze me with her athletic abilities. She is a tiny little thing that just packs a punch. I love watching her 'happy feet' as she hops around the court stealing balls and taking shots.

She played an aggressive game. Controlled the ball well and even sunk her first shot. We are so proud of our "Little Stick of Dynamite".

Best Friends...

2011-12-15T13:05:00.000-06:00

Turtle Beach on Siesta Key Florida

Old Traditions, New Traditions...

2011-12-01T12:51:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about the month leading up to Christmas is all the movies, songs, and books available to us.

My kids love to snuggle up together and watch a Christmas movie, or read a Christmas book. And you can bet that I am always playing Christmas music during the carpool.

One of the things I love most about Christmas books that are given to us as gifts, is when the sender adds a personal greeting in the front of the book. I often do this with regular books throughout the year, as well. There is nothing better than pulling those books out each year and reading the well wishes and seeing the photo of the family who gave us the book.

This year I am stepping things up a notch with our Christmas books, by wrapping 24 of them. At first I wasn't sure I would have enough, but after I went Christmas book hunting throughout all our bookcases I was shocked to find we had PLENTY for the project.

I spent an afternoon wrapping them, while Aaron had all the kiddos outside playing in the leaves. When they came in they found that the Christmas tree in Mommy and Daddy's room had many 'gifts' under it. Tonight, December 1st, just before bedtime we will unwrap ONE book and read it together as a family. That book will then remain in the living room bookcase for the remainder of the Christmas season, for the kids to enjoy whenever they want.

I am looking forward to this special time with the kiddos before bed each night.

Laundry Day...

2011-11-24T09:17:00.002-06:00

Occasionally I do laundry a little at a time, a load a day keeps the pile away.

But the way I have found to be the easiest for our schedule is to actually do ALL the laundry in one single day. It can be anywhere from 8-12 loads.

I like to fold the clothes all on my bed, because that forces me to put them away in order to go to sleep.

Not everyone can rock the double pop...

2011-11-23T04:40:00.001-06:00

JP has always been a snazzy dresser. The kid loves clothes and shoes.

Lately he has been enjoying sport clothes more often, so his nice stylin' clothes have been getting quite the rest in his closet.

This past weekend was a great opportunity to blow the dust of his duds.

And I was pleased to see that the kid can still rock the double popped collar, of course with his trademarked spiky hair.

Who noticed his vintage addidas kicks?

The Day I Decided To DO Crafts...

2011-11-22T13:31:00.000-06:00

Instead of just READ about them.

I am certainly not a professional, but I am very happy with the results. Especially since this was the first time I used this particular stitch.

Not Your Grandmother's Wedding...

2011-11-22T02:37:00.002-06:00

This weekend we went to a family wedding.

As we sat and waited for the ceremony to start, I was reminded just how much the times have changed since I was a child.

I looked to my right to see Z-Man, JP, Loulabelle, and AJ all quietly entertaining themselves with their itouches.

A sure sign of the holidays...

2011-11-21T12:59:00.000-06:00

Those rows are 3 deep.

I can feel my arteries clogging as I type.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-11-15T04:20:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2011

My Boys...

2011-11-14T16:24:00.000-06:00

I am sure glad God knew I needed this many stinky boy feet in my life.

I love them dearly.

AJ's Christmas List...

2011-11-14T11:58:00.000-06:00

So blogger doesn't want to keep my photos the correct direction, but I am going to post them anyhow.

The following pictures are AJ's Christmas List which she gave to Santa yesterday.

I especially love that she asked for 'interesting chapter books' and 'hard puzzles'.

Soccer Saturday...

2011-10-08T18:20:00.002-05:00

That adorable rainbow legged girl is going to be going for more than 4 goals today.

The girl is unstoppable.

Agressive. Offensive. Defensive.

No boy stands a chance at blocking this blond beauty.

I love watching her play soccer.

Oh I'd Love To Be An Oscar Mayer Wiener...

2011-10-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I pulled into 'the meetin' spot' to trade 2 Intermediate boys for 1 Primary girl, we saw something you just don't see very often...

The Wienermobile.

We are talking a giant hotdog on wheels. The very Wienermobile that is on many peoples bucket lists, of things one must see.

We were on a very tight schedule with not one, but TWO sleeping two year olds.

Oh what to do. What to do.

I decided this was just a can't miss opportunity. So we hauled the weary babies out of their car seats and scrambled to the giant Hotdog.

Big Guy was very confused, but perked up immediately when we said, "do you want to see a giant hot dog on wheels?"

Little Guy was in full deep sleep and was highly confused.

We got to the Wienermobile just as they were packing up to leave.

So not only did we get to SEE it, but we got to get IN it!

Sometimes it is important to be a fun spontaneous mom.

And I still got JP to his volunteering time at Laundry Love on time, even with the detour.

We spent the rest of the evening watching Oscar Mayer Wiener commercials on YouTube, the twins could not stop laughing at the songs. We are also the proud new owners of 4 Wiener Whistles.

Check one off the bucket list.

Stationery card

2011-09-25T22:22:00.002-05:00

Shutterfly has an amazing selection of cards and books.

I love love love their photo books! Recently I have found a love of their greeting cards, as well.

With their high quality and competitive price, they just can't be beat.

I recently made this card...

We Are Blessed Religious Christmas Card

Create personalized Christmas photo cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

I will likely use this as my Christmas Card, but if I get impatient I may send them out as a Happy Fall card prior to Thanksgiving. The out of town family always loves an unexpected card with pictures of the kiddos!

Headband Organization...

2011-08-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

Continuing on with my desire for order, I present to you my solution for HEADBANDS.

Easy as pie friends!

You just need a large empty lemonade or oatmeal canister, 2 sheets of cute scrapbook paper, spray adhesive, and some ziplocks.

Presto you are done!

For the inside I chose to use ziplocks to divide up AJ's soft headbands. There are 3 bags on the inside with room for at least 1 more if not 2.

I divided them by sport ones, often worn ones, and less often worn ones. All the hard styles go on the outside of the can.

Not only is this functional, but it is also cute decor in her room!

Mayhem In The Carpool Line...

2011-08-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

If you have ever travelled The Loop, aka The Circle of Death, then you know chaos will strike.

To avoid such mayhem, I bring along a couple of super heroes...

Bow Organization...

2011-08-29T13:08:00.000-05:00

My sweet girl is a big hair bow girl.

So 7 years of hair bow collecting, can be an organizational mess!

I have tried the ribbon hanging on the wall with the bows clipped to it, but AJ just has too many to make that method effective.

So I have gone to this...

Clear Shoe Organizer

hanging on the back of the bathroom door in the master bath.

Total Cost- less than $5.

I separate all the bows by color. Alligator clips are clipped to the outside of the pocket and then the barrette style are in the pocket.

Then the large pockets at the bottom have the loose ribbons (used to tie T-shirt sleeves) in one and then large pony-o ties with big bows attached in the other.

I also separate clippies, bobby pins, small pony o's, big pony o's, barrettes, etc into little ziplocks and then put them into a slot. I only put one style per slot, but I use the ziplock anyhow to make it easier to pull out and see.

This makes our mornings SO EASY!

First Day of School 2011...

2011-08-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

Last week our glorious schedule free summer ended.

No more sleeping in and swimming all day.

It also meant the break from sports was over too.

Although I was sad to see it end, I do welcome a nice schedule.

The first day of school morning was not exactly what I had pictured. We woke to booming thunder and a spectacular light show just before 6am. When it was time to do the photos it was still raining, so we had to take them on the front porch and inside. Boo Hoo for the mom who had grand photos in mind. I even had super cute printed signs for my babies to hold.

See...

Can you tell how used to a camera in their face they are?

JP started the 5th grade, which meant the big move to the Intermediate Campus. It also meant that for the first time in 4 years ALL the kids were back together, no more splitting into 2 groups based on where you live. Although all 350 kids are back together they are randomly separated into upstairs and downstairs classes, which means downstairs kids eat together and play at recess together.

J is downstairs.

Every single buddy he has is upstairs.

Major disappointment.

We love the teacher he received and are excited about the year in her class. We will have to wait and see what God's Purpose is for JP downstairs. He is such a leader, I know there is a great reason for where he was placed. We just have to be patient to see it.

This was also the first year I did not send my son to school in brand new digs. All his clothes and shoes fit, his backpack was pristine still; so why spend the money now? I did have to chuckle at his shoe choice though...17 year old pair of Adidas Gazelle's. Truly sweet 'vintage' shoes.

AJ entered the 1st grade this year. We were ecstatic to walk into her class and see tons and tons of familiar names! She has almost a whole class of friends from preschool, families we just love! And her teacher...perfect! So excited to see all the fun she has in that class.

See the vintage kicks? Those baby's came from Paris or Madrid, I can't remember for sure.

Flip Flops...

2011-08-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

Little Guy loves flip flops, but he never ever wears them properly.

He calls them Foot Lops.

I wike pink...

2011-08-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Good thing since he has a big sister.

I am always seeing double...

2011-08-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

Grocery Shopping...

2011-08-16T08:11:00.000-05:00

1 huge list

2 hours

3 carts

4 kids

EXHAUSTING!

Freaky Twin Moment...

2011-08-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

The other day Aaron took The Bookends, JP & Big Guy, to soccer practice. I kept The Middles, AJ & Little Guy at home.

While alone Little Guy got into the Gatorade Powder that JP left out and tried to make himself a Gatorade with his closed sippy cup. The mess was unbelievable, slightly wet red powder all over the kitchen and dining room.

At the same time in Aaron's car, Big Guy took the Gatorade Water Bottle that J made and spilled it all over himself and the car seat.

2 boys, 2 different places, same gatorade, exact same time.

Coincidence or Twin Moment?

You decide.

Sorry no picture of Big Guy, Daddy isn't as into taking 'naughty' pictures of the boys as mommy is.

A Reminder...

2011-08-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

This photo is a great reminder that the little people in my life are always watching me, even when I think they are not.

A Fun Way to Welcome a Birthday...

2011-08-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

I love to hang wreaths on the front door, so imagine my giddiness when I realized I could tie balloons to a wire wreath form.

What a fun way to celebrate the birthday child!

I made this one back in the spring for JP's birthday, so I just got it back out and changed the photo to AJ.

So easy, but the excitement of the kids is just priceless.

I bought the wire form at the local craft store for about $3 or $4 and used a couple hundred balloons, which I already owned. A very easy and inexpensive craft, so easy the kids helped tie balloons on!

A Man's Man...

2011-07-27T17:01:00.000-05:00

boy, n. 1. a noise with dirt on it.

Yep that just about sums about Big Guy.

Dirty and Loud.

But full of life.

Loaded Flank Steak and Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob...

2011-07-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies, (and possibly Gentlemen) how would you like to have an easy recipe that will just put a smile on your husband's face?

I call this recipe "The Meal the husband proclaimed, I can't wait for lunch tomorrow!"

Really it was THAT good.

And THAT easy.

I present to you, courtesy of my August/September 2011 issue of TASTE OF HOME magazine:

LOADED FLANK STEAK and BUTTERY-ONION CORN ON THE COB

Can I get an Amen?

Recipe as printed in the magazine.

Loaded Flank Steak
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions chopped
2 tbsp ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 tsp pepper
1 beef flank steak 1 1/2-2 lbs

1. In a small bowl combine the first 5 ingredients. Cut a deep slit in the side of the steak, forming a pocket. Stuff butter mixture into slit.
2. Grill steak, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-6 inch from the heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until meat reaches a desired doneness (for medium-rare, thermometer should read 145*; medium, 160*; well-done, 170*). To serve, thinly slice across the grain.

My notes: This was so quick and easy. I chose to BROIL ours. I cooked each side for the 7 minutes and then I moved the pan to the bottom rack, as the outside of my meat was beautiful but I wanted the inside a wee bit more done. We cooked ours to mostly medium. It was truly one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had. The taste was that of a fine restaurant, not home cookin'. We will definitely do this again.

BUTTERY-ONION CORN ON THE COB
Combine 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 envelope onion soup mix; rub over 4 medium eats of sweet corn (husks removed). Wrap each ear in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 450* for 15-20 minutes or until the corn is tender, turning once.

My notes: I cooked the corn first and then pulled it out and then Broiled the meat. In the last 3 minutes I slid the corn back into the oven, still on broil, to warm it back up. When I looked at this meal idea in the magazine I really thought just meat and corn wouldn't be filling enough, but this meal was simply perfect.

Cost breakdown: I spent $11 on all the ingredients for this meal and it was enough food to feed 2 people 2 separate meals, with about 1 serving of meat left for a 5th meal. Way cheaper than heading to the closest upscale restaurant.

Enjoy!

Also if you do not subscribe to Taste of Home magazine, I highly recommend it.

*I was not compensated by Taste of Home, just my honest opinion of their great product.Thanks!

My Little Cleaner...

2011-07-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

Little Guy has a definite love language.

He delights in helping.

You can bet that if he is awake, he is within 5 feet of my leg. "HEP Mommie."

He loves to help.

Help clean, help cook, help with laundry, help build, help 'kwean up'.

He knows where we keep all the towels, brooms, and vacuums. When he sees a mess (mesch), he runs to clean it up.

His absolute favorite helping tasking is 'mop ping', what most of us know as vacuuming.

The second he hears me fire up the small stick vac to clean up around the table, he runs for his own dustbuster; or his new personal favorite the big vac.

He would vacuum for 8 hours straight if we let him.

The whole time exclaiming, "HEP mommie." mixed in with verses from Jesus Loves Me and Wheels on the Bus.

I adore this child's sweet spirit and am anxious to see how his personality develops when he is JP's age.

Control...

2011-07-20T21:48:00.000-05:00

As a two year old, you don't have a whole lot of control in your own life.

You don't get to pick where you go,

or what food is bought,

where you live,

or what clothes you buy.

You don't get to decide when you get new toys,

or when you get to have treats.

It it rough being two.

One thing you can decide is where and when you sleep...

This is Big Guy after an extended time out, due to his lack of cooperation in clean up time.*

There are TWO beds in his room, yet he decided to sleep on the stuffed animal hamper.

It is the one thing he can control.

*you may wonder why a timeout would possibly be long enough for a 2 year old to fall asleep? Well lemme tell ya. Big Guy is smart and calculating. He refuses to clean up at clean up time. His exact words after he looks around at the mess, "Uuumm, NO." continues playing. He thinks hey why spend 20-30 minutes doing clean up, when punishment is 2.5 minutes. Kid is smart! Thus the long time out. If he refuses to help Little Guy, then he has timeout for as long as it took Little Guy to clean up. Little Guy loves cleaning, so he doesn't mind.

Hitting the Road...

2011-07-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

Big Guy is an amazing little driver.

Give this boy something with 4 wheels and he is off.

He can zig, zag, and make hair pin turns.

He can stop on a dime.

He understands drive and reverse.

He can do 3 point turns.

Given the opportunity I am confident he can successfully handle parallel parking.

He kicks the tires frequently. And inspects the headlights and taillights.

He prefers the pink corvette over the john deere gator.

We may have a future race car driver on our hands.

The Pontiac...

2011-07-12T18:25:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday was a TwoIgnite Sunday in our church, titled 2 Fuel Money and Marriage. The sermon was focused on finances.

I love me a good sermon on finances.

I honestly thought it was such a great message I wished it was required listening for everyone, especially those moving to our town.

Our Pastor asked for people to post a photo of their paid for vehicles. As I thought about this Pontiac Grand Prix, I was flooded with fond memories of our 12 year old vehicle...

This car was the first large decision Aaron and I made as an engaged couple.

It is the car we drove to our honeymoon.

There is the scratch on the back trunk where I threw a rock to scare away animals from the trash and accidentally hit the car.

We brought JP home from the hospital on Easter Sunday.

There were the countless number of times we had it in for warranty work on the crazy random working windows.

We brought AJ home from the hospital on a scorching hot August Saturday.

Tears were shed in that car on the first day of preschool as I dropped my baby off.

There is the slightest stench of oil on a super hot summer day, from the time a defective bottle of oil spilled all over the front passenger seat.

There is the dent in the front hood, where Aaron's dirt bike accidentally fell on the car.

All the driving through the snow...it may be a car, but deep down she thinks she is a 4 wheel drive snow plow.

Aaron has countless hours invested in this car with oil changes, tire rotation, replacing wheel bearings, and fixing air conditioners, replacing other random parts. Blood and sweat poured into it.

The headlights are foggy, the paint has scratches, and the interior is beginning to fade...BUT it is a working, comfortable, and for the most part still pretty sharp looking 12 year old vehicle that suits our family nicely.

Twelve years and 4 kids later we enjoy no car payments, far more that we would enjoy a fancy schmancy new vehicle. And I think JP would look mighty fine in this vintage vehicle in 6 years. Of course that is if he can afford it, afterall the boy has to buy his own vehicle.

His Dad and I did.

You write the caption...

2011-07-08T17:27:00.000-05:00

4th of July Quick Dessert...

2011-07-03T09:51:00.000-05:00

Heading out to a potluck for the 4th of July?

Need a quick eye catchy dessert?

How about this...

These are so quick and easy and sure to please many!

4th of July Strawberries

strawberries with stems

melting chocolate or almond bark

blue sprinkles

Melt chocolate in the microwave according to your cooking guide, do not overcook. Take cold washed strawberries and dip into the white chocolate leaving some red showing. I then wiped a smidge of the end of the strawberry off, so there was not a ridiculous amount of chocolate. I did that simply by brushing the strawberry against a spoon after I dipped. Now dip the dipped strawberry into blue sprinkles, leaving some white showing. I left mine to harden on a wire rack for a couple minutes. Then I put them in the refrigerator until it was time to go.

Enjoy!

Look Mom, Buggie...

2011-06-30T08:12:00.002-05:00

Looking across the field I see The Twins hunched down 'hunting' something.

Then I hear the giddy excitement as Big Guy comes running with something dangling from his hand.

He was so proud to have captured a live grasshopper.

He studied it ever so carefully. He kissed it. He hugged it. He showed it to tens of people.

Then he stomped on it, picked it up, peered into its little head and said, "Buggie? You ok, buggie?"

Kissed it again, then stomped on it, and ran after a tractor.

The boy cracks me up.

Two Generations of Friends...

2011-06-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I posted what has to be my favorite photo of J and his buddies...

And then I remembered that at the last ALL DAY Tournament, I begged the girls to get a picture of us mommies.

We were hot and sticky, but I wanted to remember spending the day with my friends chatting it up in between ball games and chasing two year olds.

How sweet is this...

Sitting on the sidelines with these gals brings me great joy. I only hope that as our boys grow up and try different sports, that there is still one sports season that we get to share on the same sideline.

The Boys of Summer...

2011-06-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

This handsome trio had a fabulous game last night against the Tigers.

They won 15-1.

J had a triple with 2 RBI's, R had a beautiful pop fly catch in right field, and Z launched a perfect throw in from left field to home.

It was a great way to end a season for 2 of the boys who head off to different camps.

Goofy...

2011-06-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

While having a 'nic nic' aka, a picnic, Big Guy decided it would be funny to put 'chech chup' (ketchup) on his face.

The twins are all about FUNNY right now. Everything they do they stop and ask, "Fun knee? mommie?"

I adore the way they say the word funny.

And they are quite funny!

Let's Hear It For The Boys...

2011-06-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

I have been following the I Heart Faces Blog for quite some time, so when they chose the topic of "Let's Hear It For The Boys" for their weekly photo challenge, I just could not resist entering.

I am surrounded by boys.

Loudness, dirt, bugs, balls, nets, shoes, athletic wear, cups you don't drink from, cars, wheels, bikes, nerf guns, legos, bats, helmets, cleats, mud, and more loudness. And yet I love it!

Boys are just down right FUN!

I have a million photos that would qualify for this entry, but the one that immediately jumped into my head is one that is not even of my own kiddos. At a soccer tournament one of JP's teammates got his first goal in over a year. It was an emotional moment that I just happened to catch. I still get a bit choked as I see two other teammates lifting the boy up in celebration.

Soop's Celebration

600th Post and a Giveaway...

2011-06-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

600 posts.

Wow.

Feels a bit like an accomplishment.

In honor of this event I have decided to have a giveaway!

Right now I have a LOVE of subway art. I just can't get enough of it. Instead of patiently waiting for others to create it, I started making my own!

Yay Me!

Subway art is an inexpensive way to add flair to your decor. Here is my absolute favorite thing in my house....

The frame on the bottom has my newest subway art creation. Each month or holiday I change out that little 8x10 for a fun spin on my decorations.

It just makes me smile.

And now I am going to make you smile. How would you like to have that cute little subway art FOR FREE?

All ya have to do is become a "follower" of BabyDolls and SoccerBalls, then leave me a comment on this post with you email address. Feel free to leave your email like this: babydollsandsoccerballs AT gmail DOT com

I will then email you your 8x10 high resolution subway art which you can either print yourself or have it printed at your local 1 hour photo.

Here is a little sneak peek...

Father's Day...

2011-06-20T20:00:00.000-05:00

They say you marry a man who is just like your own father.

If that is true, AJ will be Blessed beyond measure.

Aaron is a great guy.

He is an even more amazing Dad.

When he comes home from a long day of work, he walks in the door and he is 'all in'. Ready to play, ready to wipe faces, ready to feed kids, ready to pick up, ready to help with homework, ready to drive carpool...he is just ready.

And with a patient, joyous heart.

He is loving, kind, smart, and handsome.

And he is mine. I am so Blessed!

***My 600th post is coming soon and I will have a GIVEAWAY! Be sure to become a follower to receive it!

Guy Wave...

2011-06-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

Big Guy is all boy.

He loves cars, trucks, wheels, tractors, balls, and dirt.

He walks like a man, chest out.

His newest manly thing is The Guy Wave.

When he sees a cool car, a man, or a tractor he shoots his arm out straight and with a deep voice says, "Guy Wave".

It is hysterical.

Here he is right after he said Guy Wave. I love how his eyes are so big and what he does with his lips.

We Want A Pitcher, Not a Belly Itcher...

2011-06-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Aaron and I have been doing a lot more tag teaming the kids sports events. It took a long time to finally accept the fact that when the children outnumber us 2 to 1, that we can't possibly make it to everysingle event.

So I have missed the times Jdawg has been called up to pitch.

I was so excited on Saturday when Coach Skip motioned to my Center fielder to come to the mound! Especially since we were playing ball in an old school ball park where the fences are minimal....translation awesome pics.

I just wished I had brought my better lens!

4 balls, 11 strikes, and a beautiful play for the 3rd out...inning over!

Well Done Jdawg. Well Done.

Quiet Time...

2011-06-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

Quiet Time in our house is rare, but it does occasionally happen.

It may be short, but I enjoy it as long or short as it is.

Double Trouble...

2011-05-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

Naptimes are something of an adventure in this house.

My boys, affectionately known as The Twinadoes, share a room.

Anyone who has twins knows that sharing a room means trouble during naptime. If I could have kept them safely in their cribs till they were 18, I absolutely would have.

Yesterday I had removed most of their toys from their room. I left a few bulky toys that easily set on their shelves, and 1 bucket of cars. And yet with that little bit of entertainment, they still amused themselves for over an hour.

Of course things quieted down just before it was time to wake them, to go get the big kids from school. When I went in I was greeted with a scene similar to a natural disaster.

Mattresses and toys strewn about and clothes removed. Big Guy had removed his poopy diaper and fallen asleep on his tummy on the wood base of his bed. Little Guy appeared to fall into his slumber in a large pile of toys.

Everyday is an adventure with 2 two year olds.

All Good Things Come To An End...

2011-05-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

This time of year makes me a bit sad.

I hate that school is ending.

No, not because the children will be home all day. I actually love having them home. I personally think 4 kids is easier than just the 2 little ones.

I am sad because it means another school year comes to an end. It is yet another sign that my kids are growing up.

For 4 1/2 more days I will get a bit weapy in the car as the kids hop in at pick up, their back packs over flowing with things from the classroom wall.

This year has been a great one.

the wall outside AJ's classroom, already cleared for summer.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

2011-05-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

But preferably not AFTER bed time.

Last night AJ had her 2nd softball game of the season. It was scheduled for 8:30pm.

She is 6.

8:30 in my opinion is way too late to START a softball game for that age kids, on a school night. I mean the child goes to bed at 8pm.

So when we arrived at the ball field 30 minutes before game time to warm up, we were told that the 7:30 game had not even begun. All games were running over an hour behind.

Nice.

So our game started just after 9:30 and ended at 10:45.

AJ did great considering she was 3 hours past bedtime, on a day that had already included field day for kindergarten.

She got a nice solid hit to short stop and ran crazy fast to 1st base. She may be short and small, but the girl has speed.

And if you have an extra hour at the field, might as well get a cutie patootie pic of your pink team...

Caught with their hand in the...

2011-05-17T22:17:00.000-05:00

cookie jar?

NOPE.

The other day the twins and I were invited to a friends house for a little Thirty One shopping.

Cute bags, oh my word, cute!

Anyhow, I came out of the living room to see Big Guy holding the serving bowl and giant serving spoon. He was shoveling the chicken salad into his mouth as fast as he could.

"What are you doing?!"

"Nummy mommy...nummy, yesch." Big Guy mumbled through a full mouth.

Now if I were him, I would have grabbed the bowl of chocolate....Not Big Guy. He is a MEAT SALAD kinda guy.

Love that kid.

Heeeeee's......

2011-05-14T22:42:00.000-05:00

Safe or Out?

What do you think?

Fun in the Simplest Way...

2011-05-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that in this day of technology that kids still enjoy something as simple as tic-tac-toe on the driveway...

Chalk on the driveway will never get old, nor will the kids ever get too old for it.

Baby R...

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

If my posts are few and far between over the next couple of weeks, it is because I am snuggling or photographing this sweet Baby R....

My nephew is here for the next 2 weeks. He is just adorable and I cannot get enough photographs of him.

Opposites Photo Class Day 15...

2011-05-09T09:34:00.000-05:00

It is the last day of photo class. I am so sad. I have learned a lot during this month long venture.

Day 15 brings us to our favorite photo.

I have many favorite photos. Most of them however are just beginners luck. I have always been good with a camera, but haven't known why or how. Now I KNOW why I am taking great photos. So although I have many many other favorite photos, I really wanted to pick one that I actually knew why it turned out so good. I also wanted to use one I had not previously shown. So without further ado....

iso 800, 1/5000, f 5.0

no flash

JP at sunset practicing bicycle kicks after a full day of soccer games.

Opposites Photo Class Day 14...

2011-05-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Day 14 brings us to Black and White.

I love black and white photos. It is so nice now that we are in the digital age, that we can take a photo and instantly make it black and white. In my film days I would have to plan to have black and white film to shoot with, or go through the hassle of taking a photo back into the lab and asking them to turn it black and white. It took days to a week back then. Now seconds.

Amazing.

The photo I chose is one of my favorites for a few reasons. I love capturing the generations of hands together, but I also loved my husbands thoughts on this photo. He mentioned one day that he loves that brief period when toddlers only hold one finger with their whole hand. It doesn't last long and while it does last you just treasure it.

iso 200, 1/125s, f 5.6

no flash

The Moments My Heart Stops...

2011-05-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

I never in a million years believed I would be "the mom of the goalie".

I did not sign up for that stressful position when I gave birth to a 8lb 3oz strong bundle of joy.

I may have even been the parent that left the field years ago when my child was put in at goalie. This was in fact prior to proper training, so in my defense I didn't feel he had a clue as to what he was doing.

Alas here we are 7 years into my son's soccer career and he is the goalie. Thankfully he is not THE goalie, but one of TWO goalies on our team. I get to sit nervously chewing my fingernails, trying to breathe, and reminding the heart to pump right next to an amazing friend. Then at half time we trade places and SHE is the one who can no longer breathe.

It is so hard to be the goalie. They feel like they carry the weight of the team on their back. If they miss a shot and the team loses, they feel it is their fault.

A former Pro soccer player once came up to us and said, "Make sure JP knows that the ball had to get through SEVEN OTHER guys before it got passed him."

Brilliant. Those were some great words to fill my guys head.

And yet as the Mom of the Goalie I still can't breathe even though I repeat that phrase over and over.

The absolute worst moment while he is in the goalie box is if one of our players fouls a guy INSIDE the box.

NIGHTMARE.

This means the fouled player gets to take an undefended shot. It is just one on one with the goalie.

For those of you who don't know, the goal is HUGE. Tall and Wide.

My heart literally stops beating while that shot occurs.

JP has been training with an amazing college goalie and has learned a ton of technique and strategy.

Thankfully in a recent tournament when a penalty shot occurred he remembered what he had learned.

Victory for the goalie.

HUGE roar from the crowd.

Heart starts beating on the momma.

Rainbows....

2011-05-06T13:35:00.000-05:00

Rainbows are happy and cheery.

Everyone loves rainbow.

Maybe not this kind of rainbow...

Care to ask what made that rainbow?

*hint it has something to do with THIS post.

What is wrong with this picture...

2011-05-06T08:33:00.001-05:00

Just another regular naptime in the Baby Dolls and Soccer Balls house...

I promise you this room starts out immaculate prior to naptime.

Photo Class Day Thirteen...

2011-05-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Day Thirteen for Photo Class is called Juxtaposition.

I know you are probably wondering what happened to Day 12? Well Day 12's cahallenge was to slllloooooow down our shutter speed to take a picture of light in the dark. Here is the thing....I just don't have time for that. That would require a photo session in the evening, which is my hunkerdown and get things done time. And let's face it folks, if you know me in real life, I don't do slow. I am never slow, ever.

So with that said, I may try it eventually in the next few weeks...just not now.

iso 400, 1/30s, f 4.5

no flash

AJ left her horsey collection set up on the pool table, so I figured it was perfect for day thirteen.

Teacher Appreciation Week...

2011-05-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.

I cannot think of a better way to honor such a special group of people than a week long celebration.

Both of my kids have amazing teachers. Women who have dedicated their lives to teaching others. I hate that my kids spend 8 hours away from me each day, but I could not have personally chosen better teachers to be modeling the values and character I love.

I spent much of yesterday covered in flour from head to toe. I made my favorite sugar cookie recipe and bagged each cookie individually. Then we put them in an adorable tin bucket. The kids each made handmade labels that stated, "You are a STAR teacher!"

It is not an expensive gift, just time consuming. My little extra time and effort is worth it for all the love and knowledge those gals give my kids.

God's Amazing Creation...

2011-05-04T09:54:00.002-05:00

Driving home from a sports drop off I saw these amazing clouds with the sun peeking out.

Simple things like clouds and a setting sun, just amaze me.

April 18 5:15pm

His Happiest Place On Earth...

2011-05-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

JP would live on a soccer field, if we let him.

He loves the game.

So it was no surprise to me that after a full day of soccer games at the recent tournament, he wanted to stay and shoot goals.

It was a perfect evening, with no one on the field. A calm warm breeze and a beautiful sunset.

I just wished I had not had flip flops on, I would have joined in the fun.

Improvising...

2011-05-03T09:21:00.000-05:00

Big Guy LOVES watching Buzz.

He is constantly telling me, "Mommee, Buzz OFF."

Which in translation means...Mommy turn buzz on.

In the hotel we had the Buzz movie set up on a small portable movie player on the swivelling office chair. After a few minutes of the movie being on, I looked over at Big Guy to see this....

Sitting up on a trashcan, wrapped in his blankie sleeping.

Love that sweet boy.

My Dream Guy...

2011-05-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

Aaron is an amazing Dad.

He is an even better husband.

I am beyond thankful God chose him to be my husband.

What a Blessing.

Over the weekend we had a soccer tournament in The Big City, which required a hotel stay.

Hotels with The Twinadoes are not relaxing AT ALL.

They bounce from one thing to the next, like pinballs of destruction.

Because they have been sleeping in big boy beds since October 2010, they are reluctant to sleep in a play yard. I should have called down for a foldaway bed, but I was reluctant to draw attention to the fact we had 6 in our room. (Most hotels require families of 6 to have 2 rooms, our hotel did not ask how many people we had...so I did not tell them.)

So we had 6 people crammed into 2 double beds. All 4 of our children sleep like crazed octopuses.

I was shocked to wake Sunday morning to see that Aaron had all 3 Littles in his bed. I thought the babies were in the play yard when I fell asleep, but when they both woke he just kept them with him.

What a guy.

He is a keeper.

Pinkie Twinkies...

2011-04-29T08:51:00.000-05:00

The kids were both fully dressed and getting ready to head out the door this morning when I slowed down and took a look at them...

Completely unplanned and just plain funny to me.

Our God is an Awesome God...

2011-04-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

The most high paid artist in the world couldn't create something as beautiful as this...

Only God can create such amazing beauty.

Opposites Photo Class Day Eleven...

2011-04-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

Day 11 of photo class is FAST.

There is nothing I can think of that is faster than water.

Our town is experiencing one of those "hundred year floods". Only problem is that we faced this 100 year flood THREE years ago.

Hmmm?

The Great Flood of 2011 is now worse than the one in 2008.

It has been raining HARD all day long for days upon days. The Lake is now at the highest level it has ever been in history, forcing the dam to be open. The dam is currently releasing more water than it ever has, which is creating massive floods along the lower river in our downtown area.

I am amazed at the power of water as it rushes through our town. It is quickly changing the landscape.

iso 400, 1/8000, f 3.5

iso 200, 1/800, f 10

this one was taken with my point and shoot earlier in the day.

iso 400, 1/8000, f 3.5

iso 400, 1/8000, f 3.2

iso 100, 1/2000, f 4.0

Happy Easter...

2011-04-27T09:46:00.001-05:00

Easter 2011 will go down in the books as the most relaxing and enjoyable Easter ever.

Hands down.

Perhaps it was so enjoyable because it was not my plan.

You see AJ got sick on Friday night. It seemed like just allergies, so she spent Saturday doing her normal thing. By Saturday at 7pm it was evident the child was sick.

High fever, coughing till she gagged, etc.

Clearly she could not go to church Sunday morning. So Aaron and I tossed back and forth trying to decide what to do.

Should we stay or should we go?

Half of us or none of us?

We decided it was more important to spend the day as a family, so we stayed home.

Everyone went ahead and got dressed in their Easter clothes and we went out and found all the eggs the Easter Bunny left. After the baskets were finally found, we watched Veggie Tales Easter Movie while playing with all the new toys.

We even got to enjoy a quiet time in the afternoon where the twins napped, the bigs rested, Aaron tinkered on his mower, and I scrapbooked. All while it POURED rain all day long.

It was the best.

The day was topped off with Easter dinner down the street at my parents house. YUMMY!

Opposites Photo Class Day Ten...

2011-04-26T21:43:00.000-05:00

Day Ten is FAR.

Tonight was finally not rainy, so Big Guy and Little Guy enjoyed some playtime outside.

When Big Guy wants to play outside he stands at the door and looks at me and says, "out play out? yes, yes." Shaking his head at me.

It is hard to refuse.

Tonight he played with his little Thomas train that is motorized. He spent much of the evening on his hands and knees just watching that little train roll away from him.

iso 400, 1/250, f 4.0

iso 400, 1/320, f 3.5

Opposites Photo Class Day Nine...

2011-04-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

Day Nine of photo class we were challenged to do NEAR.

Yesterday while the big kids were at a birthday party, the little kids were having quiet time.

I know...big shock.

The quiet, it is rare.

Anyhow Little Guy fell over on the couch and fell asleep, all snuggled with AJ's pink blankie.

Someday he will hate this picture, but I love it.

iso 400, 1/50s, f 1.8

no flash

Can you see how his sweet chubby hand actually looks grimy. Love the little boy stickiness!

The next photo is of Big Guy because how can I leave him out?

While Little Guy was sleeping on the couch, Big Guy was laying on my bed while I folded laundry. He was watching Yo Gabba Gabba clips from YouTube on my itouch.

iso 400, 1/13s, 1.8

no flash, unedited

I just love how he has his lips pushed out and the glow of the screen on his face.

Einstein...

2011-04-22T09:37:00.002-05:00

Little Guy is an entertainer.

He loves to be in the spotlight. A free spirit with unique ideas.

He sings often. He plays dress up. He doesn't really care for toys. He is passionate about phones, shoes, hats, and bags. He loves to cook. He has wild hair.

He is different than the other 3 kids.

Einstein

(his new nickname)

Wednesday he wanted to wear J's soccer cleats and carry AJ's flowery purse. I put my foot down on the cleats because that wouldn't really be safe, but I allowed the purse.

Or in this case...murse.

When we arrived at Kindermusik I looked back and saw he was now wearing the murse as a necklace.

Lovely.

He was insistent on keeping it on, so I just obliged.

He wore that goofy murse necklace for HOURS.

How can I say no to that adorable little face though?

Opposites Photo Class Day Eight...

2011-04-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

Day 8 of Photo Class is titled LIGHT.

What I really wanted to shoot for this challenge, did not happen with my hectic schedule.

Instead I had to settle for dragging Big Guy out yesterday morning before we left for the day.

Photographing Big Guy is always a challenge because the child NEVER stops moving. Never.

iso 800, 1/4000, f 4.0

same, just a different edit

He loves sitting on Daddy's 'tractor'.

The Two Cart Shuffle...

2011-04-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

When I grocery shop, it is almost always in the morning. The shelves are stocked and the most efficient checkers are on staff. I do however have to take The Twinadoes and sometimes the older two.

We have tried many methods for shopping, including the following:

-2 baby carrier carseats in cart, groceries stuffed all around.

-wear 1 baby in a bjorn, 1 baby in a carrier carseat

-wear 1 baby in a bjorn, 1 baby buckled in top

-hold hand of one baby, and one baby is buckled in top

-push stroller and a cart

-2 carts, 1 baby buckled in top of each cart *my absolute favorite!

-2 carts, both boys buckled into double seat other cart empty.

Some things I like to remember about grocery shopping:

1. I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK.

2. If my child is screaming because he is buckled in safely, I do not care who it bothers. I am not letting child out of safe situation to please a strangers ears.

3. I drive down the middle of the aisleto avoid little arms from clearing shelves.

4. I smile the whole time. If I am smiling while hauling 4 children and 2 carts, it will probably brighten someone elses day.

5. I bring snacks and drinks for the twins.

6. I promise the twins a treat halfway through the store in the cereal aisle. They each pick a special box of either cereal, gummy snacks, cereal bars, granola bars, etc.

7. I pick up the messes my children create, always.

8. I try to move quick and stick to the list.

Two Cart Shuffle at BIG WAREHOUSE STORE.

(yes I was on the phone pushing to carts and directing 2 big kids, i might need a blue tooth)

JP took these pics.

I look even more ridiculous on my big shopping trip to the grocery store. Both carts are always overflowing.

Opposites Photo Class Day Seven...

2011-04-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Day Seven of Opposites Photo Class brings up the topic of SHADOWS.

At first I was a bit panicked because our forcast was nothing, but cloudy and rain. Thankfully Beth gave us this assignment early, because the weather finally cooperated.

Although the street in front of our house is typically low to zero traffic, it is still a big no no for the twins. Which of course draws them to it.

This weekend they found a millipede in the street. They stood over it for a few seconds before someone stomped on it. Poor millipede never had a chance.

Here is my younget three peering at the squished bug, saying EEEEEWWWWW!

iso 200, 1/800, ap 8.0

Opposites Photo Class...

2011-04-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

Day six of photo class is titled LOUD.

Loud is definitely a subject I know well.

In a house of six we are the definition of LOUD.

The photo I chose is of Little Guy. Little Guy is well Little, but his voice is far from little. If he isn't singing at the top of his lungs, then he is screaming at the top of his lungs. Or whining, he is a big whiner. And his voice is a very high pitched one, for such a dainty little guy.

iso 800, 1/500, ap 4.5

Opposites Photo Class Day Five...

2011-04-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

Today's topic is QUIET.

Oy.

With four kids we have a house full of anything but quiet.

Perhaps the hours of midnight to 6am are quiet, but I am not getting up to find out.

On the off chance that things are quiet, it usually means trouble.

iso 3200, 1/160s, AP 4.0

no flash

(this photo was a few days ago and I just grabbed the camera quick without changing iso)

The above photo was created by Big Guy who QUIETLY emptied an entire jar of sprinkles from the baking cabinet drawer.

I can tell you if takes .1 seconds to empty said jar, and it takes 45 minutes to clean it up!

The other rare moments the house is QUIET is when the children are eating.

iso 200, 1/800s, AP 4.0

no flash

iso 200, 1/800s, AP 4.0

These photos were this afternoon, sitting on the edge of the garage. Little Guy is on the left and Big Guy is on the right. Check out Big Guy's concentration!

His Minute...

2011-04-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

One tradition we have had every single year now for 10 years is the minute picture. Every year on JP's birth minute we take a picture of him.

His minute is 9:17pm.

Here he is after a full day of school, a commute to soccer, a WINNING soccer game, a trip to Sam's, another commute, and finally BED.

I love that the clock he is standing by to signify his minute is the itouch, such a sign of the times.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Opposites Photo Class...

2011-04-12T21:36:00.000-05:00

Opposites Photo Class Day 4

The topic was OUT, as in outside.

I have actually been enjoying shooting in manual. I feel like I am slowly getting the hang of it. The toughest part of Manual is being able to change settings quick enough, as I am chasing down my little people in hopes of the perfect picture.

The other challenge Beth gave us was to use catchlights. The first picture there are none, but I loved the action and excitement in Big Guy's face so I had to include it.

iso 800, 1/2500, ap 4.0

no flash

iso 800, 1/500, ap 5.6

no flash

different edit

iso 800, 1/500, ap 5.6

no flash

different edit

I actually got several other really awesome pics today. The boys were full of mischief today, which always provides for some pretty great facial expressions.

Opposites Photo Class Day Three...

2011-04-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

Day Three's challenge for photo class was IN. Beth challenged us to take a photo indoors with natural light and attempt to catch the light in the eyes.

The first photo I took early Saturday morning after I overheard on the baby monitor, "CANNONBALL!!!!" followed by a trio of giggles.

I glanced at the video monitor and immediately jumped out of bed and ran for my camera. With little time to adjust settings this is what I got....

iso 3200, 1/160s, AP 4.0, 50mm lens

It has a wee bit too much light, but I LOVE it!

This photo was taken in the twins room, which gets AMAZING morning light as the sun rises. AJ had gone in to 'babysit' the twins while I rested a bit longer. The three made a sandwich with their pillows and mattresses and then proceeded to do cannonballs.

Because a I a rule follower I had to also include some photos where I actually followed the directions: use natural light, place yourself in between the light and the subject, try for the twinkle in the eye.

iso 1000, 1/160s, ap 4.0 50mm lens iso 1000, 1/160s, ap 4.0 50mm lens

These photos are my sweet boy JP, right before his family birthday party. How can this baby boy be TEN in just a few short days?!

Opposites Photo Class Day Two NEW...

2011-04-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

Todays photo class challenge was entitled NEW.

After I set the twins up with their breakfast, I ran into my room to get dressed.

I came out to find Big Guy smiling from ear to ear holding the milk over a VERY full of cereal. The sweet boy had used a riding toy to reach the box of cereal and empty THE WHOLE THING into his bowl.

Nice.

Of course instead of scolding him, I ran to grab my camera. I do have an entire photo book saved on Shutterfly of the twins being naughty.

I chose this subject for the NEW theme because serving himself breakfast is definitely something new for Big Guy.

iso 3200

exp 1/160sec

Ap 4.0

50mm lens

no flash

Opposites Photo Class Day One...

2011-04-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

A neat gal I 'met' through blog world is hosting a photo class. I have been so impressed with her craftiness, and deal alerts I figured I could not miss out on a photo class.

Plus it is free. Sweet.

Her day one challenge is a photo featuring OLD.

I chose the photo of AJ because she is sitting on the dock of one of my family's businesses. I grew up running all over these properties playing with sticks, cardboard boxes, climbing trees, selling things, playing in puddles, and much more.

These stores were my playground, but they were also a source of valuable teachings. I learned the value of a dollar early on by setting up my own businesses on the front porches. I sold candy to tourists. I charged employees to go get their lunches. I manned one of America's very first One Dollar Shops by myself for a few shifts. Just a few cardboard tables with random junk for just $1. My how the quality of $1 items has come in 20 years. I still have my hourly sales numbers clipped to the very same clipboard that I used way back when I was just a tween, hanging in my 'office'.

I use the term office loosely because since my 4 kiddos have come along, my office is really their office. Otherwise known as a playroom. They are now right where I was 20 plus years ago, growing up learning how to run a business. Learning that if you made ten cents more than you spent, you are slowly becoming rich.

I am so thankful for those family businesses, I pray they remain in the family for the next generation.

iso 100, 1/200sec, f 7.1

on a crazy sunny day

(honestly have no idea why on any of the above, I just mess with things till I get a pic I like)

Gymnastics...

2011-04-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

This past weekend AJ had her first 'real gymnastics meet'.

She was judged.

We were not prepared for that.

And by we, I mean she.

Really it is my fault I failed to explain the whole gymnastics scoring/judging and level competition to my sweet six year old.

She watched the Level 2 girls reward ceremony. She saw several of her friends receive 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places. Then inside her adorable little head she thought, "Hey I am a level 3 which is higher than level 2 so I will get 1st place for sure."

Then off she went to compete.

She knew her floor routine very well, but had spent the previous weeks working tirelessly on her bar routine. She wasn't even competing in bar, but she has been trying to nail the dismount. It just never even occurred to me to have her fine tune her floor routine so that each roll, jump, and arm was precisely where it should be.

She is only 6. I am used to the whole it is about participation thing. I mean JP just started playing sports for real wins and losses, and real judgements at 9.

So when she came off the award ceremony and that little 6 year old lip was quivering, I felt like I failed her.

I failed to prepare her.

My sweet girl was heart broken.

After an hour long car ride to a soccer game, she was feeling a bit better. Especially with the promise of ice cream.

We talked about how every competition from here on out can only get better. She has a personal record to now beat.

I have no doubt she will be moving on up on that podium.

The sun is shining...

2011-04-04T22:29:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen...

2011-03-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

Thirteen things the kids have this weekend.

1. bible study
2. gymnastics team pictures
3. cub scout volunteering at a tree farm*
4. baseball game 1 in tournament*
5. first soccer game of spring season*
6. baseball game 2 in tournament*
7. gymnastics meet*
8. family event at neighborhood park*
9. family birthday for sweet 1 year old
10. baseball game 3 in tournament
11. perhaps baseball game 4 in tournament
12. church
13. family dinner with Grandpa

*all things that conflict or overlap with each other on Saturday

Lovely.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-03-30T21:11:00.000-05:00

VICTORY!

I'm Hooked...

2011-03-28T22:29:00.001-05:00

We have been making a few changes around the upstairs of our house lately.

Painting, redecorating, building, reorganizing, etc.

I am loving all the changes!

Just outside the master bedroom, we have a quaint little hallway that is just perfect for the dumping of all the backpacks and lunch boxes. The hallway sits near the entrance and next to the kitchen.

The only problem is that we are a family of 6.

Have you ever tried to purchase an inexpensive, heavy duty hook thing for 6 people's belongings?

It is impossible.

Good thing Aaron is handy and I am creative....

I wanted LOTS of hooks!

The top set has 6 hooks with 1 big hook and 2 little hooks a piece. The bottom set has 6 double hooks that don't stick out too too far. I wanted AJ and the twins to be able to hang their things, but I also didn't want the babies to accidentally bump into and take an eye out.

To make it all you need is a piece of MDF cut to desired length. Mine was 42" Then head on over to your local Blue or Orange for some baseboard molding. I purchased the contractor pack because I have a few other projects I am working on, but you can buy this molding by the foot. Aaron then used the Kreg jig to attach the molding to the MDF with pocket hole screws. Then it was sanded and painted white. Blue and Orange also carry a plethora of hooks. We opted for the oil rubbed bronze hooks at Orange.

Here it is in full use. Little Guy absolutely LOVES hanging things on it.

Now I just need a great quote in black vinyl for above the top rack.

Any suggestions?

I Love Skype...

2011-03-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

After spending much of the day outdoors in the sub 40 degree rainy weather watching soccer, I got to Skype with my sister and Baby Bub.

It was simply wonderful.

Just like his 4 cousins, he is absolutely perfect. He carries a striking resemblance to my kiddos. I am thinking that my families genes are some crazy strong ones!

He has the most adorable little mouth, with the cutest little pouty upper lip.

I could just Skype in and stare at him...all day long.

I love this technology.

She is on the East Coast and I am smack dab in the middle of the continent and yet I could see and hear my adorable nephew.

Now if I could just smell his sweet baby smell through the computer.

Happy Birthday Bub...

2011-03-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

Tonight I became an Aunt again.

My sister delivered her very first baby.

A sweet baby boy, I just can't wait to meet.

Because he chose March 25th to be his birthday, his blog name will be Bub.

He shares a birthday with my Nana's brother who recently passed away. An amazing man named Bub.

Of course that isn't his birth name, but his nickname from childhood.

So Happy Birthday Little Bub, I can't wait to hold all 6 pounds 15 ounces, 19.2 inches of you.

Thursday 13...

2011-03-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

13 things I have on my to-do list...

1. sand and re-paint the coat racks
2. give Ave a real door
3. re-wire the tv/satellite stuff in living room
4. clean my closet...hang the piles up
5. mop the kitchen/dining room
6. find new homes for the toys from the twins room
7. finishing hanging decor in living room
8. figure out what to put on the new bookcases in living room
9. paint the front door
10. paint the shutters on front of house
11. clean garage
12. change out the winter hat/glove organizer to the flip flop/summer hat organizer
13. sand and paint the naughty bench

Now that I have posted it here, hopefully I we will move through the list quicker.

My Day in a Nuthouse...

2011-03-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

I mean NUTSHELL!

Just to give you an idea to the chaos of my wonderful life, here is a summary of today.

Pry self out of bed at 7am, after having jabbed husband over and over to go get AJ up. (JP likes to wake at 6am, why I will never know)

Shower, dress, and brush teeth all while answering 47 different morning time questions from the 9 and 6 year olds.

Fix AJ's hair...precisely according to her particular taste for that day.

Rush in babies room at 7:50 to dress them fast and throw waffles and milk sippy cups at them.

Chase people into the car at 8:05 to leave for school drop off. (My children are both type A and must arrive ridiculously early)

Head to the Y after drop off for a glorious hour on the treadmill. It was delightful. 1 hour of walking and running. Love Love Love

Leave Y at 10am to head to Kindermusik. Who cares if I am sweaty and sticky heading there, I will be sweaty and sticky by the end of class from chasing after my two monkeys.

Leave music class at 11:15 and head straight over to giftshop. Verify new merchandise and decide the twinadoes are just not capable of working the ole giftshop like the big kids were, so abort that mission.

Drive through McD's for a McDouble for the twins to split and a lovely parfait for myself.

Swing past The Warehouse to check on more new merchandise and paperwork. 12:00

Scream, Laugh, Sing crazy loud in attempt at keeping twins awake on the ride home from Warehouse.

Fail miserably.

Put twins down for nap anyhow. FAIL FAIL FAIL.

1:00 prepare crockpot BBQ pulled pork. I know most people do this in the am. We eat late, like 9pm or later.

Repeatedly bust into bedroom so many times my patience wears and I finally remove all toys from twins bedroom. Changing poopy diapers every time. Like at least 4. seriously.

2:30 still major refusals to nap. Little Guy SCREAMING. Retrieve him snuggle on couch.

Realize it is 3:00 pm Little Guy has just fallen asleep, Big Guy is silent in his room. Victory....EXCEPT they must be put in the car in 15 minutes to go pick up big kids. Major bummer.

3:30 Pushed waking the boys, so we are sure to be late picking up big kids.

3:50 everyone still standing outside school. yay!

4:00 arrive at secret park. I love this park because no one ever goes there. love it. AJ plays with babies on playground, while I play baseball with JP. We have an intense 1 hour long practice with me firing balls at him, hitting pop flys and grounders, followed up with pitching practice. He is lucky I was a great ball player.

5:15 Daddy arrives at park to tag me out. Praise the Lord!

5:30 I head to Giftshop to put awesome new freight out

7:57 realize I have kept my poor gal working so long she needs food, order pizzas. They smell so good I am having a hard time resisting eating it instead of the BBQ waiting at home!

9:45 arrive home to eat dinner and direct Aaron where to hang new coat rack I designed.

Hope to be in bed before midnight, so I can do it all over again tomorrow. Except tomorrow is soccer, gymnastics, and different new freight...my favorite SCRAPBOOKING!

I am tired.

Yoplait Yogurt...

2011-03-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month?

One of my all time favorite snacks is yogurt. Specifically Yoplait Light Boston Creme Pie yogurt.

It is delightful, and a healthy snack option.

My kids share my same love of yogurt. We have an entire drawer in the refrigerator dedicated to yogurt.

We eat at least 2 yogurt snacks a day around here, so I thought I would share with y'all my 2 favorite recipes I use to make a delighful snack.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
1 single serve vanilla yoplait
1 serving granola cereal
fresh sliced strawberries

Serve in bowl...AWESOME!

Smoothies
1 cup or so vanilla or strawberry yoplait (for this I buy the large carton and dispense single servings)
handful frozen mixed berries
6-8oz orange juice

Mix in blender to desired consistency. Pour in cup and serve with fun straw. My kids come running when they hear the blender!

Be sure to become a fan of Yoplait on Facebook, to receive the latest news!

For those of you unfamiliar with Yoplait, here is some wonderful information and great healthy eating tips:

Explore the many nourishing options that Yoplait has to offer - with varieties like Yoplait Light, Yoplait Original, Yoplait Fiber One, Yoplait Kids and Yoplait Delight Parfaits. Each product offers different benefits, and loads of variety, to make eating well a no-brainer. Here are five great ways to ‘get your snack on’ with Yoplait this March!

Start spring off right with Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune Up Plan – Replace breakfast and lunch with a cup of your favorite flavor of Yoplait Light, a whole grain and a piece of fruit and you could lose 5 pounds in two weeks. Go to Yoplait.com for full diet details.

Get more calcium with Yoplait Original style yogurt - Now with two times the calcium of the leading yogurt (50 percent of the Recommended Daily Value) in one convenient 6-ounce cup*, Yoplait Original style yogurt is committed to women’s health, offering a product that has even more of the calcium women need for strong, healthy bodies. Grab a free cup while supplies last during the Million Cup Giveaway on Yoplait on Facebook!

Try the newest flavor from Yoplait Fiber One – Yoplait Fiber One’s new Blueberry flavor yogurt is packed with filling fiber, calcium, vitamins A and D, real fruit and the great taste of blueberries. With only 50 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat, this deliciously creamy yogurt won’t break your calorie bank.

Stress less over snack time with Yoplait Kids yogurt – With a wholesome and fun snack like Yoplait Kids yogurt in the fridge, you can feel good about what your children are eating at snack time. Yoplait Kids provides an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and has 25% less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt**. With yummy flavors, and favorite friends like Dora and Lightning McQueen on the packages, Yoplait Kids is a hit with moms and children alike.

End the day with a Delight Parfait from Yoplait – Even with two luscious layers providing a double shot of rich and creamy yogurt, these 100 calorie indulgences from Yoplait contain only 1.5 grams of fat per serving. Now available in two new flavors, Chocolate Éclair and Cherry Cheesecake, you can enjoy a dessert that’s 100 percent guilt-free.

*Leading yogurt has less than 25% Daily Value calcium per 6 oz.

**Yoplait kids has 9 grams of sugar per 3oz. the leading kids' yogurt has 13 grams of sugar per 3oz.

“Like” Yoplait on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and great opportunities to save on your favorite products from Yoplait yogurt.***

***Coupon offers for Yoplait yogurt are not valid in all states.

Disclosure: In exchange for posting this information and my opinion, I have the chance to win a prize provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Dear Tooth Fairy...

2011-03-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

Please remember to stop at the Babydolls and Soccerballs house tonight. Sweet AJ finally lost her very first teeny tiny baby tooth. As you know it has been dangling for quite some time. So long in fact that there is already a big tooth in behind. She is still really cute, even with a partially filled gaping hole. Also please remember that AJ like her big brother, prefers to keep her teeth. I am also sad to say that within one minute after losing her first tooth she stated she really doesn't believe in the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny. Sniff Sniff, I know. Please excuse her disbelief, as you know, she is an 80 year old woman stuck in the body of a six year old. Also Tooth Fairy, please do not be frightened by her crazy head of braids...she desires to have bumpy hair tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Mommy

Our Weekend Summed Up...

2011-03-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

Little Guy in Blue Helmet, Big Guy in Yellow Helmet

EXHAUSTING!

All dressed up...

2011-03-19T23:13:00.000-05:00

Little Guy is pretty particular.

He almost always has a 'murse' that he carries around. It always has a cell phone in it, plus other random favored toys of the moment.

He loves a 30+ year old rag doll with yellow hair that he calls his 'babee'.

He loves to brush his 'teece'.

He loves to get his hair 'gucked'. (spiked up)

He is a sloooow social eater.

He sings none stop. Current favorite 'wow wow wow...wow wow wow'

He is OBSESSED with cleanliness.

He adores mops, brooms, vacuums, and dust rags.

He abhors 'trayshhu'.

He looks up to and adores AJ.

He loves 'aaats' (hats), but only worn backwards, gansta style.

He is a free spirit.

He is the most different from the other 3, but in such an awesome way.

So it is often I allow him to wear whatever concoction he has come up with. I just love seeing his creativity.

The older kids are creative, but never to this extent in front of other people. Little Guy's style is bold and I LOVE it.

Tonight I kept hearing heels clacking through the house.

Only to come out and find Little Guy wearing PJ's with my heeled black boots on carrying his sippy cup and an electric toothbrush.

What a sight.

Sweet boy wanted to sleep with the 'shuuuzs on', so I agreed.

Isn't he just the cutest thing?

Notice the cup and toothbrush above his bed?

He sleeps with the cup there everysingleday.

I can only assume the toothbrush will now reside there as well.

Just as his cell phone and barbie laptop sleep next to him IN the bed.

I mean afterall the boy needs to skype his 'nee nee'. That is what he tells us at bedtime.

My monkey...

2011-03-16T16:08:00.000-05:00

Before the twins were even born, JP and AJ coined nicknames for them. Little Guy was monkey and Big Guy was lion.

They made artwork rendering the nicknames.

They called them monkey and lion.

I was amazed after they were born to see how much each baby's personality resembles that of their nickname.

Little Guy

The monkey

Little Guy is a climber. He is funny and silly. He loves attention. His cries and squeals are always loud and shrill getting.

He is always doing something he deems silly and they saying, "momma...luooo---k"

Boys are weird...

2011-03-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

We did the brother sister swap with great friends for a fun sleepover night.

I had to crack up at the differences between boys and girls.

AJ had asked at 8am if she could pack her bags, I told her I wasn't sure if boys were here or there.

Then we decided I would have the girls and they would take the boys, so I told Justice to get his stuff ready at 4:30.

He came up with a back pack, so off we went to swap.

I picked up Loulabelle who had a big blanket, a pillow pet, an American Girl doll, and an overnight bag with the essentials.

JP left with his back pack.

I wondered what he had in it...

mustaches and A shirt.

Nice.

9 hours...

2011-03-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

9 hours.

Most people work for 9 hours.

Last night I sat and chatted for 9 hours.

The evening started at Olive Garden to celebrate my good friend Shelley's Birthday.

We had wonderful food, great conversation, and an amazing italian doughnut dessert! But when 10pm rolled around and we started getting those looks to ~~please~~ leave, we decided to move basically next door to IHOP.

IHOP is 24 hour.

DANGEROUS!

So squished into a little booth the six of us hovered over our tiny hot chocolate cups and gabbed away, till 3am.

It was awesome.

I treasure these friends so much. I am so Blessed to have these ladies in my life.

They are family.

Who knew my arm was that long?

TImeout...

2011-03-11T21:56:00.000-06:00

You suppose this is what timeout looks like in the doll world?

Thursday Thirteen...

2011-03-10T20:54:00.000-06:00

I am feeling more list like today so here ya go....

13 Random Things That Have Popped Into My Head Today...

1. I am EXHAUSTED lately.

2. Having two 2 year olds that don't nap could drive a sane person NUTS.

3. Trying to schedule spring sports for my two oldest children is like training to align the planets.

4. Some people update their FB statuses WAAAY too much. Is it possible they are so insecure that they are hoping to feel better by making the world amazed at how busy they are?

5. You think I could put Chauffeuring as a hobby? I mean that is all I do these days.

6. On the way to pick up AJ from gym I decided, "Hey I have an extra few minutes, I should run up and run a mile quick."

7. I wish I ran more often, but I don't always have the time. Hence the reason behind the crazy spur of the moment mile run.

8. This town needs a Mother's Day Out Program. I would be so delighted to have just one day of the week by myself to either grocery shop, clean, or just sit and drool.

9. I really need a weekend away with my husband. We have not been away without children since the honeymoon. Sad.

10. Although my babies are still nursing here and there, I am trying to retrain my body that it is not sustaining life for 3 any longer. For 3 full years I have been eating ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I wanted. It is time to stop that. Also sad.

11. Less is More. I have so much I want to get out of this house, but the whole putting things on craigslist is kinda time consuming. I wish I could just snap my fingers and have a little pile of cash and more space.

12. I can't stand when people talk in text form in their FB statuses. Drives me crazy. Especially when said person is a teacher!?

13. My husband is amazing. Simply amazing.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-03-09T21:54:00.000-06:00

A Breakfast Chat...

Naptime...

2011-03-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

Just hanging around during naptime...

Little Guy hanging from the rocket shelf, Big Guy lounging on 'the landing pad'.

Oy.

QOTW...

2011-03-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

The Question of the Week over at Multiples and More is:

Ask your readers any question you want.

What is the most annoying comment strangers, and or friends make to you regarding your multiples?

Although I have several that annoy me, the one that lately has me perturbed is:

'I always wanted to have twins'

I mean how do I respond, politely, to this?

This is what I would LOVE to say, if I was brave enough...

Really? You mean you would want to:

endure a high risk pregnancy

bedrest

be cut open to deliver babies

NOT sleep for an entire year

have countless strangers asking you ridiculous personal questions in the soup aisle

feel like a terrible mother because someone is always crying and there is only one of me

always thinking about who you picked up first last

wondering if you loved on each baby enough for the day

feeling exhausted everysingleday

be left with a post-twin body that will NEVER EVER be the same

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY TWINS.

BUT

It is not something I would have wished for, or hoped for.

Having multiples is a gift.

A gift from God.

He decided, I was perfect for this job.

And that is how I survive my days.

He only gives us what we can handle.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I tell myself that MANY times a day.

He believes in me, so I should believe in me.

Throughout these chaotic days of streaking babies, poop on the floor, and food splatter on the ceiling; I also have the privilege of getting twice the love.

I get to experience two times the sloppy kisses, two times the hugs, two times the giggles, two times the smiles, two times 'the firsts'. I also have front row seats to witnessing a bond that is like no other.

It is amazing!

So perhaps it is the twice the love that is what the strangers really want when they say, "I always wanted twins"

Pure Joy...

2011-03-05T09:39:00.000-06:00

Imagine a community of women gathering together in a House of Worship, being led by women of Faith from more than 7 different churches.

Real Women. Real Issues. Serving a Real God.

PURE JOY 2011

Consider it Pure Joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2,3

Last night I had the privilege of attending this event that, in a word, was AMAZING.

Women, just like you and me, sharing their testimonies. I was in awe of their willingness to share their hardest life moments in order to give the glory to God.

Through those testimonies I was reminded more that ever of Jeremiah 29:11, one of my favorite verses.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I was also reminded that being 'perfect' is not our testimony, it is how we handle those imperfect moments that is a real testament to our faith.

The women who shared their testimonies filled my eyes with tears, not because of their heartbreak, but because of their Strength in Jesus.

After the testimonies, we enjoyed hearing Suzette Brawner speak. She never disappoints.

I am sure I am not alone, but I felt as if we were having a one on one talk and the message was directed straight at me.

She shared 3 points:

Calm Down

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27

Put It Down

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead Philippians 3:13

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaish 43:18

Slow Down and Stay Amazed

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Two other verses Suzette mentioned that had an impact on me:

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel Proverbs 15:18

Don't ask the Lord to guide your steps if you are not willing to move your feet. Wow.

Amazing.

And I am willing.