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.