Protecting Jake

Oh the struggles of being 2...

Today in the mail the boys recieved cards from their grandparents. Just a little special valentine card sign with love by Grandpa and Grandma. The boys' love for cards hasn't changed, they were so excited to see that Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates was on the front of one, and Alvin & the Chipmunks cover the front of the other. Alvin used to be the boys favorite. They'd sit in their swings and watch Alvin all hours of the night-- eventually falling asleep. Alvin, Theodore, and Simon seriously are half the reason I have my sanity. I know what you're thinking, and yes-- according to medical professionals I am still "sane". Well, today was a different story. Tonight Logan started out sharing his Jake card, but soon I found him running throughout the house in an attempt to keep it out of the hands of his brother. I guess something's in life are so important-- you can't possibly risk it getting into the wrong care. In Logan's defense, Landon is awfully rough on stuff. Logan searched desperately for a hidden location in which he brother wouldn't touch it. First he started out by sitting in between my legs as I cooked supper. Next he tried to put it under his plate. He finally came to the conclusion that he was going to have to guard that pirate both day and night---

Speaking of night, that Jake card is temporarily stowed under the blanket, in the bed of it's 30 pound security guard. 

Rest peacefully little man, because tomorrow the "war" will continue... That's 
tough life of being a 2 year old twin.

Bedtime Bandit

Time: 8:54pm and I find myself laying quietly on the floor of the bedroom I put two little boys down to sleep in 1 hour ago. Thanks to my bedtime bandit I'm missing out on the best night of television all week. Haha, so her I am -- after coming back up the stairs 6ish times. I've been pondering my next plan of attack, and I think I may have the answer.... But first, let me just say that this "idea" is officially copyrighted-- (yes, it's that great)

I need a motion detecter that will set off a recording of my voice saying, "get back in bed!!" Genius! See that's all it takes, Landon, get back in bed. Landon, get back in bed. *5 minutes later* landon, get back in bed. Now, I'm afraid this little invention of mine would need to be used often, so the best scenario in my opinion is to make it solar power chargeable. So as it is saying "get back in bed" during naptime... It is also soaking up the sun and getting powered up for the night shift. Just some food for thought.

Today was another "burr cold" day according to Logan, so we stayed cooped up inside. This past week we have got between 12"-16" of snowfall, and winter's chill came along with it. We've gotten in a little snow play time outside, and their feelings about the white stuff have changed! Logan no longer cries by the thought of it touching his boots, and he also has managed to learn to walk in the stuff! His favorite thing is eating the snow, and it's our hope that he continues to eat just the white kind. 

Landon of course has always been a

Snow fan. His love continues, and he has the need for speed. Flying down the side hill on the sled is his favorite activity and the smile on his face is priceless. He doesn't however like to keep his gloves on, they're just to difficult to maneuver in. 

---- this blog was my way of having a baby storybook for the boys. Someday I hope they enjoy it as much as you all- and I felt it was appropriate to write about the first true love for snow! Tomorrow is suppose to be 40 degrees, so I challenge everyone to get outside and be a kid again... There's just nothing like the wonder of winter. 

"Tow"

A special blog for a very special family member. I felt it only fitting-- after such a big day, that I introduce everyone to Landon's best buddy, 'ole pal... "Cow". Or as he says it... "Tow".

Cow is the fluffy four legged ball of softness that can usually be found tucked under the arm of Landon. Not to confuse him with Logan's black cow, Landon's has brown spots... And he knows the difference! Cow is super soft, and is beginning to bald in his old age. He's been in the family since the boys' 1st birthday, and has been loved every day since. On trips to grandma and grandpa's house, outside to play, and he's even had pancakes for breakfast. He gets snuggled in every night, and takes up half the bed! 

Today cow went on a big adventure. I started prepping Landon yesterday, telling him cow needed a bath. First thing this morning, Landon took him to the bathtub. Well, I thought he was mentally prepared... So down the stairs we went and we loaded him in the washer. The next hour was the longest hour of Landon's life. Pictures tell the story.... So here it is. 

Wowza... He survived but he'll probably never let him go again. One thing's for sure--- this boy knows what love is. 

Mission accomplished.

Partner in crime

Double the giggles, double the grins, and double the trouble! 

DURING NAPS---Landon has been caught numerous times messing around with toys when he's been told to stay in his bed. Today I realized that Logan isn't as innocent as we once thought. He was caught red handed having Landon doing the dirty work helping him smuggle toys into his bed. On the monitor I hear some not so quiet whispering.. Which can only mean one thing: somebody's up to no good!

Low and behold, I catch Landon out of bed again, but wait... Logan's still in his BUT-- he's pointing to which toys he needs Landon to get him! See, there's the difference between the boys. Landon doesn't care if he gets caught. In fact in most cases he giggles and runs back to bed. Logan however is smart enough he knows Landon will get the blame. 

Oh Lord, please help us as we raise these two little partners in crime!

Disclaimer.

The pressures of a stay at home mom, they're just ridiculous! I'm sorry to inform you all that I am not awesome. So, sometimes I feel as if I need a posted warning sign at the door.... Actually, maybe it should be a full disclaimer. 

----------------- disclaimer ------------------

Congratulations. You've officially made it to the door which means-- you've most likely met our welcoming committee. Never mind the rodents in the yard, those kisses you received from our pups were your official "howdy". You won't walk into our place and find crystal clear windows. You may not have a chair to sit in right away. Heck, you may not even have a safe place to sit your coffee. Instead what you'll find is a house with a mom who loves her family more than life itself. You'll see two happy kids running around most likely without shirts on. You'll find finger prints adorning the windows like those beautiful clings you can find at the store. The laundry will be done, but don't plan on seeing it folded and put away. It most likely has been folded, but it's been rearranged since. That thing sitting in my dining room, it's called a treadmill, in other words-- the laundry catcher.

 Don't expect a skinny fit soccer mom. Our mom's a farm kid mom with mud boots at the door, a roast in the crockpot, and droppings of popcorn scattered throughout. Please don't set your beverage down, because once it's out of your hands-- it's officially free game. In fact, expect for a tug at your jeans saying "ppeeeaasssee". Don't be rude, Mom's teaching us how to share and you can too. 

Our mom runs on two things. Laughter and love. Dad runs on three things: laughter, love, and Mountain Dew. We're twin boys if you can't handle tractors, cows, and boogers-- this ain't the place to visit. We burp, and giggle at the table, but always fold our hands to pray. We believe in God. We believe in miracles-- simply because we see it first hand. If you don't -- please find your way back to the car. 

We bounce on the couch, have been caught dancing on the table-- and have found ourselves in time out a time or two. 

Hugs are a must, but be prepared for the kisses. If I lick you, it's probably because I just got a kiss from my dogs. It's best that you don't think about that one. If you smell something a little funny, please by our guest! I'll retrieve a diaper from the drawer, but bring along the wipes for the special door prize! 

Welcome to our crazy, sometimes out-of-control home. There's a good chance we've got cookies in the oven, but hands off, those are the one things-- we don't share. Enter at your own risk, and be sure to shield yourself because yes, we play ball in the house. 

Come on in! We're always looking for someone to read a story with... Most likely from the view atop your shoulders.

-Landon & Logan

Treasure hunting....

I am learning very quickly that every day is a new "treasure hunt" with these two. So, here's my top 10 treasure hunts to date. 


#10 -- sippy cups. I absolutely dread these things getting lost. Most the time the boys know exactly where they are, and they will surface when they need a drink. BUT, if you go hunting for them yourself, you can about guarantee they'll be in the smallest hiding place possible.


#9 -- remote control. Oh, this one is a favorite hide and seek item. 9 times out of 10 it can be found shoved down in between the cushions of the couch, but the second best guess would be the bottom of the toy box.


#8 -- the singing toy. When the boys go down for nap, it's pretty peaceful... until the curse of the annoying toy returns. It typically is the creepy remote control car that drives itself, or a singing book that got shoved, you know where --- the toy box. It's your mission (if you dare) to find that book before the sounds of The Wheels on the Bus drives you straight to the nut house.


#7 -- the 4th shoe. It's highly important to always find 4 shoes before you even attempt to put on the first pair, on the first kid. Why you might ask.. because if you don't have two full sets of shoes, a meltdown will happen. The yellow shoes Logan has on better be the same yellow shoes Landon wants to wear. Don't even think you can get away with them wearing separate styles, I pick and choose my battles, and that's one I don't want to fight-- ever again. So if a certain shoe happens to disappear you can just plan on not wearing that style until it's found.


#6 -- socks. Every mom's nightmare. I'm not sure if my washer or dryer eats them, but it's just short of a miracle if I get a load of laundry folded without a 'single' remaining.


#5 -- stocking caps. How in the world we can have about a dozen stocking caps but when we are in a rush to go somewhere, we can't find a single one... (and we need 2!!)


#4 -- the crayon. I've always colored right along side of the boys -- for the simple fact that I don't want to write a blog someday about taking crayon off my furniture, or walls. Recently, a red crayon has turned up missing. I've looked high and low -- and it has yet to be found. Please say a prayer for my couch that I find it before my ornery little Landon does....


#3 -- diapers. Of course it's never the clean diapers that come up missing... it's the one that my Logan has decided for whatever reason he doesn't need to wear anymore. The hunt is on. AND it's an even bigger hunt because you're not exactly sure what treasure will await you when you do find it!


#2 -- my cell phone. My little helper who puts everything away, is pretty darn good at finding mom's phone. On the table, the floor, the chair... not where it's suppose to be. Sooo, into the toy box it usually goes. I have enough issues keeping track of my phone without the help of a size 8 foot running away with it. After months of this dilemma, I've found a secret code to assist in this treasure hunt. Or maybe I should call it a secret song. When anyone calls my phone it sings "do you wanna build a snowman...." WINNING! Thanks to Disney, and a slight love for the movie Frozen, my phone is found instantly and brought right to me. Every. Single. Time.


#1 -- the classic plastic toy. The best treasure hunt I've ever been on occurred last night. The vent cover fell off our kitchen vent, and I noticed Landon threw a plastic toy down it. Soooo... last night I purchased a "vent retrieval kit" from the hardware store. (yes, they do make these -- which means, I'm not the first mom to go hunting down the vent) During the process I found 3 socks (remember those I thought the washer ate), a single toddler shoe (are you kidding me? when did that make the trip down the vent?) not 1 but 2 plastic toys! oh -- and a old book that must've been down there for years -- years! It's a very old and brittle kids book.  


Soooo... as you can see, every day holds a new treasure hunt. BUT, if you're lucky the treasure that is found -- is one you've been searching for! If anyone knows of a treasure map to help cut down on my hunting hours, please let me know. Until then -- keep your eyes peeled for that red crayon!!

Without power...

So here I sit, where I'm guessing every twin mom of two year olds sits at 8:00 at night--- by the door of the bedroom. Why? Simply because there is always that ornery twin, you know the one-- the one whom thinks the rules don't apply to him. The one who'd leap out of his bed and into his brothers without any consideration. The one who's been caught playing drums on the side of the crib his twin brother is asleep in... And yes, the one who greets his brother every morning with a big 'ole jump in his bed! There's one in every bunch. Tonight may have been a little tough to calm down for bedtime compared to most. Tonight under this roof we got to experience our first power outage with these two. One might ask, how do you keep a set of toddlers entertained, in the dark-- without power. Well... I'm about to tell you. 

The top 4 items to have with twins in a power outage (or an alien invasion maybe)

#4 -- a doc McStuffins checkup center... Why? After turning off the "checkup light" time and time again: you'll be glad you've got that little glow when you find yourself searching for all the light up toys that have functioning batteries. In most cases, the only working batteries in the house. 

#3 -- a clubhouse

That dryer box that has been the source of constant entertainment for a few weeks now... Comes equipped with not a single thing that needs a power source. Thus making it a complete success as an emergency entertainment system. 

#2 -- flashlights

Ahh yes. Not for the need to look around, but solely for entertainment purposes. The first 15 minutes is just the "aww" factor of I have control of something that lights up... After the new has worn off, then you can show them how it shines on the ceiling.... Wowww, and then the icing on the cake would come with making munching shadows on the wall.

All these things are wonderful, but the greatest item to have with the lights out:

#1 -- light up boots! Those dorky boots my husband has been calling "moon boots" -- not only are they great entertainment for the boys, they make fantastic tracking devices! Good luck trying to lose your kids with a pair of those bad boys on. 

So, about an hour and half later, lights came on! There we were celebrating the success of our power outage survival skills... Up jumps Logan, runs to the light switch and shuts it off: I'd say, that's a win!

If you give a mouse a cookie

I feel like my life with the boys could be a children's book. Not just any books, it'd be one of the "if you give a mouse a cookie" type books! Here's an example of what a book wrote about today would be like.

If you give a kid a cup of juice, he's going to ask for a snack. You'll go to the cabinet to get a snack, and he'll see a cake mix... So he's going to want to bake a cake. When you're baking a cake, he's going to see the sink of dishes, so he's going to want to try his hand at washing them.... As he's washing, he'll realize he's spilled some water on his pants--- so he's going to need to take them off. At that point he realizes he needs a new diaper too, so he'll strip down and head to the bathroom to go on the big boy potty. Once he's in there, he'll see the toliet paper and decide it needs to go in the toliet bowl. He'll proceed to find himself washing his hands once again, and catch a glimpse of his brother snacking on a chip by the sink. And if he sees a chip, he's probably going to want a drink to wash it down. 

That last laugh...will belong to mom

See the problem with having twin boys is we are at the stage that everything is funny. This morning when Landon was dancing on top of the dining room table, the echo of mom in the background yelling for him to get down was just a figment of his imagination. On the floor standing next to the table you can find his brother giggling his butt off. Finding his dancing skills exceptionally groovy today, Logan suddenly got the beat and up the chair he climbed. As a mom, how can you possibly discipline (with a straight face) the two little blondes dancing their hearts out, giggling along with the Hot Dog Song... thank you Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. To answer my own question, I didn't. Instead I did the next best thing -- I joined in. If we had neighbors I'm sure their favorite part of the day would be window watching these two.


Tonight I had the boys in the bath tub, which is always a "trip". Landon was at an all time high of being ornery tonight, and it got him in a bit of trouble... or should have. He was taking the cup, filling it with water and dumping it--- out of the tub. I quickly found myself yelling "Landon-- do it again and you're getting out!" However, my mind wanted to thank him for helping to clean the floor. Because of his water outside the tub, my bathroom floor got scrubbed down tonight... and let's be honest -- that doesn't happen too often. Landon takes bath time pretty seriously, so he quickly stopped. BUT, in true twin fashion -- where one leaves off, the other picks up. "Logan -- do it again and you're getting out!" This time deep belly giggles came from both boys. Oh, they're funny alright. I ask again, how do you discipline them when they do something like that?!


Here's my answer. My phone. See my phone can easily record all the moments of their childhood that may someday cause some red cheeks from embarrassment. Bathing with his brother in the bathtub, dancing to mickey mouse on the table...... keep up the silliness my sweet little boys. For someday, you'll be teenagers and mom might just get that last laugh.

Christmas with toddlers

There are no greater joys in parenting than having kids on Christmas morning. The magic of Christmas is something that can be felt through the smiles that appear on your kids’ faces. Smiles from the simple things such as the Mickey Mouse stickers that were found inside a little red stocking embroidered with his name… simpler things like the fruit snacks found deeper inside that same stocking. You know the ones, the same kind they’d have nearly every day for lunch if you’d let them. Toddlers are the best! Logan was sooo excited to find he got a new “Jake and the pirates” shirt, but he was quickly side tracked when he realized he had to have a diaper change before he could wear it. He quickly found his way behind the couch, hoping that he may have magically became faster than his mom overnight… all to avoid having to lay still for the whooping 10 seconds it takes to change that diaper! Yes, the joys of Christmas. A small Pringles can that Landon quickly ate a few out of, and then accidently spilled on the floor--- ah, I’m pretty sure he feels one of the best benefits of having a brother is knowing another Pringles can was sitting around that house somewhere. He quickly determined Logan didn’t need them and managed to eat his whole can, then went back for the leftovers of his own on the floor, that kid—never a dull moment. All the while Logan sat opening all of his and Landon’s wrapped packages. Even playing field if you ask me… Logan opens the gifts, Landon eats the snacks.

Our house was probably much the same as many of you reading this. However, having only the boys – we tend to buy a few presents for them to enjoy “together”. Peacefully together, just like in commercials on tv. Siblings lovingly playing with a new toy-- sharing the accessories and of course full of smiles and laughter.

And as far as any of you need to know --- that’s exactly how it went down on their 3^rd Christmas… 2014.

Christmas Card Imperfections

Christmas time is here!

Unlike last year, I got my christmas cards ordered without any oops... But, I can't say they came without a "mishaps". When I recieved my cards in the mail, it seemed like an awful lot! I only order about 50 every year, and with such a large family on both sides -- those 50 go fast! As I began to address and stuff the envelopes I noticed a big oops.... On their part--Not mine this year! Halfway through my pile, sat 50 additional cards for another family. I was a little jealous of this perticular family. Perfectly matching (ha! Oh, well my family is like that too) a mom with her two little boys sitting nicely on her lap, no stains on the shirts, and beautiful smiles on both kids faces. Her husband (I presume) sat behind them with a matching smile. All 4 faces looking straight at the camera, and all seemed to be in great spirits! Wow-- that mother deserves a "peace prize". She nailed it! Now, let me fill everyone in on how a "normal family" gets a photo for the wonderful christmas cards.  (I like to try to convince myself we have a normal family; although many would disagree) 

Here I sat-- trying to get that one photo of my boys, both happy-- smiling, playing nicely. FAILED attempt #1 ended with one in time out, and the other crying on my shoulder... Turns out it's hard to get a good picture when toys are being thrown from one side of the room to the other. End result: ball to the head. My second failed attempt came when I thought they might nicely put a puzzle together- the happiness ended quickly when the puzzle only contained one cow piece. What were these people thinking?! Doesn't everyone have to have two of the same thing? So, my final attempt came when we had snow on the ground! I bundled up the boys and headed outside. Much to my disbelief, Logan hates being cold, and hates snow even more. He wouldn't even walk in the stuff! As we headed inside, my christmas photo hero appeared in the driveway! Dashing through the snow, that wonderful husband of mine went to the garage and got out the sled! He managed to get the boys on it, and sent them down the hill a few times. We may have had a few dried on tears, but smiles non-the-less! I grabbed my camera and managed to finally get that one photo I needed! 5 minutes with Dad home is all it took. 

This years Christmas card is compliments of one heck of a dad! Because without him, you all might have gotten a card adorned with a couple boys that may or may not have had diapers on, may or may not have been crying... And most likely wasn't that "picture-perfect" family. Ha! Who am I kidding-- having two healthy boys, a warm home, clothes on our back, and food in our belly... That's about as perfect as it can get!

From our family to you...

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and the Merriest Christmas ever!

 

Nothing could prepare me for this...

There really is nothing in this world that could have ever prepared me for raising boys, let alone raising two boys. So it begins...

Let me just first start by giving a bit of a background of my upbringings. I come #4 in the lineup. I like to tell myself it's because they were waiting for the perfect child, but let's be honest-- my dad wanted a boy. Yep, I've got 3 older sisters. 5 women in one household, one household which at the time had one bathroom. It wasn't until we all were moved out that they added a second, but that's beside the point! Not only was I #4 in the family, I came in wayyyy down the list of females on my mom's side of the family. To be honest, I didn't think it was even in my cards to have a boy! 

Boy was I wrong! Anyhow--- back to not being prepared to have boys.... I've compiled a list of a few happenings that has made me shake my head, laugh my butt off, and ask my husband questions I never imagined would come out of my mouth.

--- When we first had the boys, no one ever told me there was a "science" to putting a diaper on a boy. Did you know, if "it's" not pointed in the right direction-- you'll spend your day changing clothes because somehow your baby has managed to pee up his back?! After my loving husband clued me in, I realized--- I need a manual for this!

That one extra body part causes me much stress!

-- as toddlers: no one can ever be prepared for toddlers! When the boys put away their toys, they get a sticker. When they go in the potty, they get a sticker. BUT when the sticker goes on "the extra part" that sticker suddenly became one of my little man's arch enemies. No one ever gave me the heads up on that one! What do you do?! Well, luckily we were close to some warm water, and that sticker came off quick! 

Why couldn't their dad have been the one to handle that? Why's it gotta be mom?! *i'm so not prepared*

Our last "issue" came tonight:

----- the boys were taking a bath, and next thing I know.... Their standing up peeing on each other, laughing! Oh Lordy, really? Growing up with sisters I never recall being peed on, let alone laughing about it! Then, it gets worst/better... They get out of the tub, and sit on their potty chairs-- Baby A was trying so hard to earn a sticker, he tooted.... Followed by some seriously hilarious giggles from not only him, but his brother. Then, it happens again. And again..... At this point, like many-- you can find me shaking my head and laughing in disbelief. 

They're only 2 years old! How can I possibly deal with teenage years if I'm in over my head now? Just laugh. That's all you can do... I'm raising boys, it sure ain't for the weak. 

Wow! Summer adventures

It's been awhile! We've been having such a fun summer that the hours seem to slip right away. The boys have really begun to develop personalities and are becoming more "little boy" every day! The days of two babies are gone and now we have officially entered "toddler twos". I refuse to call it the "terrible twos" because "two-terrible twos" sounds horrifying! Our summer consisted of lots of county fairs, the state fair, a trip to colorado, the lake, and many zoo visits! As my husband likes to tell people: I'm a stay at home mom who doesn't stay home. BUT in my defense-- I only have a few years with them before the harsh schedules of school begins. So, we're going to have fun while we can! 

Our trip to colorado was an adventure in itself, and I'll write a blog once I'm able to comprehend exactly how we survived :) 

The state fair is a must every year. We of course spent Wednesday at the beef show supporting some great area youth. I couldn't think of a better group of 'kids' for the boys to be around. They helped to transform their cattle chutes into a nice playground area for the boys... And many tractors and cattle were played with. It's amazing how fitting mats can we propped up to make baby fencing. The boys were fed lots of 'crap' and too much lemonade... But, as always-- they loved playing with "the big kids". We've decided on a few new animals that we need for the farm... This list consists of but is not limited to: a miniature Hereford, a fainting goat, some ducks, baby chicks, and lastly a miniature horse. We have a lot of convincing to do still, but I have full confidence dad will cave. 

On the first day of the fair we loaded the boys up bright and early and headed for the multiples contest. My mom and a good family friend came along for the show, and the boys got 3rd place for most alike under 2. I've never been more appreciative of Logan's chubby cheeks..... I'm not sure how some of those moms do it. You may think the boys look the same, but compared to some of those twins-- my boys are exact opposite!

Speaking of opposites...

Landon has become VERY vocal this summer. Most notably he can we heard yelling "I'M STUCK"... It was super cute at first, but now that I get to hear it every time he's in his car seat... I'm rethinking the "cute" factor. 

Logan is still our quiet one... Until just the past few days, he kept to himself vocally. He has a sneaky way of getting his point across without words. His most noticed vocabulary comes in the form of tractor sounds... He's a farm kid, thru and thru. However, he doesn't seem to have a problem yelling "MOM" or "dad" when he needs something. 

We don't walk anymore... It's a quick run. We've become experts at "moo-Ing" at the cows, and are officially farm management... Requiring rides around the farm on the ranger. 

Life is still an adventure, and is non-stop running everyday. Every minute of our day revolves around the boys... And we wouldn't want it any other way. 

Pick and choose your battles...

First off, I need to apologize to a few very loyal followers... our summer's are very busy and I am sorry I haven't given you a good laugh for a very long time!


Here's today's adventures!


I was folding laundry tonight with toddlers, which is never a good idea. I took the boys to bed, and realized at some point when I was putting pajamas on the monsters my phone seemed to have been misplaced. Completely lost. After a friend called me to help find it, I see it had been placed in the only laundry basket that still had clothes in it. I'll give the little man whom did that one credit, because not only was it hid, he hid it between clothes.... boys -1 mom -0 well played little monster -- another battle I'm not willing to fight.


They really have become ornery little guys. I knew the day would come, I guess I hoped it wouldn't be so soon. I'm not prepared. We went on a little roadtrip excursion today for haircuts... and to make a stop that I promise was on the way. It was just the boys and I, and somehow we stumbled upon a discount boots store in the city. Darn, I hate when you drive by a place that is just to good to be true. So, as a good farm-wife-mom would do, I stopped. Out comes my double stroller, and into cowboy boots heaven we went. Just looking around, we found two pair of cowboy boots, size 7toddler, that were the same! It's like they were put there for me to buy. BUT, that was after the boys managed to slip out of the stroller, and clear the shelves of boots. Adults boots. Oops. Highlight was when Landon found a mirror and proceeded to see what he looked like in a "big man" boot. Bless the man that was working... he just sat Logan down and put on a pair of boots in his size. It was love at first sight, and honestly... I'm not sure we will ever have a need for "tennies" again. So, if you see my boys running around with shorts and boots, just know that's a battle I choose not to fight.


See with twins, that's really how it goes. I'm sure with kids in general.... you pick and choose your battles. Laundry and cowboy boots... those are two battles I just don't have the energy for... at least not today.

Education

It is amazing to me just how many people ask me questions already regarding the boys' education in the future. Lots of questions! Questions like: where will they go to school.... Will they be in the same room or will you seperate them... They aren't even 2 yet and I feel as though I should already be thinking about these questions in perticular. Part of me gets kind of upset--- at what point do we as parents need to step back and allow our kids to be kids? 3 year old preschools, full day option at the age of 4... Developmentally are they ready? Do they need the 2 years at preschool? That's an awful lot of pressure on parents, I can't imagine how my 3 year old will feel. I'm not saying there is a right and a wrong way-- but what happens if being the mother of twins I have one that needs the 2 years of preschool and one that is more than prepared for the challenges of kindergarten...

And why am I being pressured by so many to think of all this before the boys even turn 2... Here's why:

Education is important. I've worked in the school system, I've seen the result of "uninvolved" parents. I've seen the struggle of kids trying to keep their heads afloat... How can a child possibly be expected to succeed if they have never had a parent care enough to sit down and read a story with them? If a child can't read, everything else will be a struggle. That's a fact. But---Maybe I see things from a different perspective...

I've been told time and time again how important it is to read to your kids at a young age. The love of reading I hope to instill in my kids early. So, they have a lot of books-- I usually only make it through a few pages before they're off to something else... But, they love looking at books. Tonight at bedtime I read a book Landon chose and then one Logan chose. After Logan's was done I handed it back to him, he walked away then came back and said "read again" *clear as day!* I'm not a great reader, never have I been one--- but it just stands as a reminder that my boys don't care. They don't care! The important thing is that I take the time every night to sit down and read them a book. 

Education is sooo important. But, I've decided that for today, tomorrow, and forever: I will do my absolute best to do what I feel is best for them. Day by day. They grow fast enough without the pressures from everyone around us... When the day comes, we will do what's in the best interest of the boys. And guess what, the greatest part about it is: I'm not really sure there is a right or wrong answer. Small school, large school. Same class, different class... Time will tell, but for right now-- I'm gonna let my boys be little boys. We're gonna play in the dirt, we're gonna get in trouble, we're gonna spend time in timeout... But one thing is for sure, we will read books. 

4-wheeled problem

Ive said it before... I'll say it again...

What was I thinking?! I'm not sure what part of me thought buying two little boys 4-wheelers was a good idea--- I'm really beginning to question my intelligence... 

As you may have already guessed--- the saga of the 4-wheelers continue. They've done some naughty, crazy things with those little battery operated Kawasakis, but this latest stunt takes the cake! I'm still in shock about it. Complete and total shock. This recent "mishaps" involved my baby b--- "not afraid of nothin', I'll do anything once, stop me if you can Baby B." I was sitting in the living room when from the dining room comes Logan, riding side saddle on his "red power wheel". Not really paying any attention, he keeps driving across the living room... Next thing I know, he hits the side table, slides backwards down to the bottom of the 4-wheeler seat--- and pops a wheely! He proceeds to push the button to make the back tires continue to spin and next thing I see--- he managed to park that Kawasakis front tires on my glass top end table! How he did it---- I'm hoping was just pure luck. Next thing I see, that blonde headed little dare devil turns around and with the biggest grin on his face--- he laughs his little butt off!

If this is a sign of things to come-- I'd say it's a good thing we have insurance on the kid! *although we may need to look into a lower deductible* 

Raising boys. It's a tough job---

I find myself saying time and time again, "boys, how many times do I have to tell you-- don't use your 4-wheelers for bad things!"

What a stupid thing to say--- what exactly did I think toddlers would do with them?! Here he is, after he got bucked off... 

Teeth

It's been a long time since my last blog, but life as I expected just doesn't seem to be slowing down any. Spring has sprung, and we've been busy busy! I took the boys for an appointment yesterday in the city, and got a nice little pat on the back from a doctor. He was looking at the boys' throats and commented on how great their teeth look. "Someone must be brushing them"... ***Exact quote***

Why yes, I do brush their teeth! To be honest, the boys are seriously in love with brushing their teeth! I started doing it not to terribly long ago-- remember we didn't have any teeth until after 12 months. So every night before bedtime, I get out the tooth brushes... one blue, one green. (Green is Logan's because he has a "g" in his name) A small amount of deliciously flavored Thomas the train toothepaste goes on each. The rule is-- I brush them for a few and then they get free rein of the brush for a few minutes. Absolutely the happiest kids in the world this time of night. Recently I just bought new toothbrushes, and they light up! I do believe our once love has become an obsession! 

The reason I wrote this today is because someday when they don't want to brush their teeth-- I'm going to show them this. Also, when they get older and land their modeling contracts---(with their perfect teeth) let this blog be proof-- MOM made those pearly whites :)

Advice

Today I was rummaging through a few boxes and found some of the items from my baby shower. I wanted to share with everyone some advice I was given by some of the best moms I know. Each and every one of them are unbelievably strong, loving mothers-- that I truly look up to. Here goes:

--- breathe! There will be stressful times, but breathe and know "this too shall pass"! Enjoy & love them!

- Wow, if this one isn't so true! I don't know how many times I just stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. All those sleepless nights, seemed so long at the time, but looking back, they went fast!

--- relax!! 

- exactly! Nothing gets a baby more worked up than a worked up mom. As my husband always says, an animal can tell when you are nervous. I'd say the same is true for babies. Relax and everything goes so much smoother. 

--- always, always, always remember the love that created your precious gifts. Sing to your babies, hug them tightly, and never have a day go by when you don't tell them I love you.

- how true this is! I'm that crazy mom, and to be honest-- dad is the crazy dad-- that sings to our kids. My songs of course are a bit more appropriate lullabies, but none the less 100% off key and wonderful! My boys hug, they even give kisses--- to anyone with open arms! One thing's for sure, our kids know they are loved. They hear it more than enough that someday they will be annoyed by it, just how I want it!

---Laugh! When the babies are crying and you're tired and stressed find something to laugh about. Parenting is hard and you have to remember it's fun.
- So many times during this "ride" of being parents of twins all we could do was laugh. Some of the things that happen to us are completely out of this world. The explosive diaper at the doctors office, totally embarrassing -- but a complete comic event! (just like when we found out we were having two -- all we could do was laugh)


---Take time for your family, and don't worry about cleaning. They grow too fast.
- The first few months especially, my house was clean thanks to my husband, my mother in law & mother. I had nothing to do with it! I was busy with my babies, and to this day -- if the dishes are in the sink, and its a nice day out... the dishes don't get done. It's our house and we have priorities, our family.


And finally, the best advice I think... comes from my own mom...
--- Patience... not only for the boys, but for yourself. Remember to always love & cherish the family you have.
- Patience has kept me alive these past 20 months. Although, being patient to myself has been a tough one. Without our family I'm not sure how we would have made it. My sisters always a phone call away for advice, and to be reminded to breath... my mom and mother in law stepping up to help in any and everyway they could... my sister in law for doing some VERY long nights with Dad while I was sick... and especially my husband, for being the rock of our family.


I heard lots of advice throughout my pregnancy, but really -- it was trial and error with twins. I had to do what worked for us. Must be doing something right, we've all managed to survive 20 months and counting!

Springtime! Routine Change.

It's officially Springtime! The planter is in the field which means our schedule gets rocked a little bit.

The boys and I usually take lunch to the field every day to feed their dad. I've got it down to a science really--- I've done this since they were itty bitty babies! During harvest and planting lunch gets started at 10:45--- so that by 11:15 the boys are eating, while I pack up Dad's portions to take to the field. By the time I'm done with that, I clean up the boys and we head to the car! We arrive at the field usually around 12:00 sharp! (however, I do have a 10 minute leeway--- I tell myself that's 5 minutes per kid) 

Depending on the day, dad will either stop and sit in the car to have lunch with us or he'll grab it and keep on keeping on! By the time we are back from the field, it's diaper changes and nap time! 

It's all about a system. Some people think I'm crazy--- but, it works for us and I know that dad gets a good meal, just in case he doesn't make it in early for supper. The boys still see dad everyday. I make breakfast every morning! Scrambled eggs and ham, that's dad and the boys time!

So, tonight here I sit. Outside on my deck, in my big comfy chair he got me last week. (Spoiled-- I know! But, it reminds me that I'm appreciated) I got the boys in bed, my workout in, and now for the first time all day: some quiet time. Just me, my chair, and the sound of the planter just down the road. Nothing beats this time of year, and nothing like living on the farm! 

Just hold a baby!

In just a few weeks some friends will be welcoming a set of twins into their lives, and I have been asked lots of questions! 

Sometimes the simplest tasks are the hardest when you have twins in the home. I honestly don't remember showering those first few months--- I know I had to of, but not sure when or how I fit that in! The most important thing I tell families expecting twins is take the help! When someone offers to come help with the babies, take them up on it! 

I'll never forget one perticular Saturday morning shortly after the boys were born. The boys and I were on our own that morning after dad left to do chores, and grandma hadn't arrived yet...It was a tough morning--- both boys wanted held, and on that day, neither boy wanted to be held with each other. My emotions were sky high (just imagine all those hormones I had for 38 weeks and then boom, I had nothing) I was on the verge of tears when I heard a voice yell from downstairs. Our neighbor stopped by to see the boys, and I heard the greatest words I could have heard at that moment--- "can I help hold a baby". YES! Yes! Yes! As a mother of two the best thing anyone could do for me was to just hold one. She to this day probably doesn't realize how much I needed her that morning, and how just "holding a baby" helped ease my worries.  

So, my plea to everyone who knows someone expecting multiples is this -- please, if you say during the pregnancy you will come help, follow through. It's so very important to have a strong support team during those first few months. Pick up the phone and call to see if you can come hold a baby for them. In my case some adult conversation is all I needed. 

You never know when you'll show up right when you're needed--- and to my neighbor, thanks for coming to "just hold a baby"!