Someone has figured out (more or less) how to use big brother's camera and enjoys taking pictures of everything!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Favorite Photo of Me - #febphotoaday
From our anniversary in July. And yes, I use it as my profile picture for everything at the moment!
Monday, February 20, 2012
On Baby Showers and Sad News
No, the two aren't really related except that they happened on the same day. I had a really nice baby shower last night, but it was dampened with the knowledge that my brother and sister-in-law lost three friends in an avalanche just after noon. I only met one of them once (at their wedding), but it doesn't matter. It's still sad and hard for everyone.
So, my sister-in-law planned a lovely shower and then didn't end up coming. My mom took over and it was still fun.
I got lots of diapers and a few cute outfits as well. I'm am sure this will not be enough diapers, but it's a start!
The cupcakes were amazing and just hanging out with friends was good.
Since the boys couldn't have the leftover pizza or cupcakes they've been enjoying the balloons... and they don't know that I came home with a whole bag of chocolate either!
This is the last "official" thing I have on my calendar. For the girls sake they need to stay in a couple more weeks, but other than doctor's appointments (which obviously would be moot) I don't have to go anywhere or do anything more... other than keep my house clean hopefully!
So, my sister-in-law planned a lovely shower and then didn't end up coming. My mom took over and it was still fun.
I got lots of diapers and a few cute outfits as well. I'm am sure this will not be enough diapers, but it's a start!
The cupcakes were amazing and just hanging out with friends was good.
Since the boys couldn't have the leftover pizza or cupcakes they've been enjoying the balloons... and they don't know that I came home with a whole bag of chocolate either!
This is the last "official" thing I have on my calendar. For the girls sake they need to stay in a couple more weeks, but other than doctor's appointments (which obviously would be moot) I don't have to go anywhere or do anything more... other than keep my house clean hopefully!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Something I Hate to Do - #febphotoaday
Dusting. I should have taken a picture of the top of my dresser before I cleaned it off... I don't think it had been cleaned since we moved in 2 years ago. Yuck.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Time - #febphotoaday
The trains that go by our house... only the Amtrak is on a schedule and even then it doesn't keep it well. Time is relative.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Something New - #febphotoaday
Lots of new things in our house lately... this is one of the letters for the girls' room that I decorated last night. And then Noah undecorated them this morning and I had to redecorate them... oy, toddlers!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Inside My Closet - #febphotoaday
Laundry, my scarf/wrap from Saudi, my ducky slippers from college that the boys love to wear, my saxophone from high school and the one year I played in jazz band, my favorite blankies for napping under!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Makes Me Happy - #febphotoaday
This guy and his brother! But I have a hard time getting both of them in a picture at once...
Trust...
I think I could probably write for hours on Trust... which makes it really hard to quantify everything in five minutes...
I have a tattoo (shocking, I know) on my back that comes from a time in my life when I really had to learn how to trust. Trust in God. To learn to let go. That I don't really have any control over things anyway.
And that the outcome of trust is perfect peace. When you don't have to control things, you don't worry about the outcome. Oh sure, I still worry, plenty. I think that's a family trait. But when things start to get really crazy I try to remember that I really don't have any control over it anyway. And if I did... whoo boy, it might not be the outcome I want! I think I'd really rather God be in control!
I have to trust that God knew what He was doing with this pregnancy* giving me/us twins! He must think I can handle it... even if I think I'm gonna go a little crazy! But I guess it's easier to believe that He gave them to us so therefore we will be able to handle it. Something like light at the end of the tunnel?
Trust must go hand in hand with hope. If I didn't trust that He was in control I'd have no hope for how things would turn out. Funny the way that works!
Now, trusting people on the other hand, that takes me awhile... my poor husband. But that's a post for another day!
*I found out yesterday that at my current 32 weeks I'm measuring 40 weeks and that each baby weighs almost 4 pounds. I'm kinda depressed over the fact that I have at least 4 more weeks to go and maybe/sorta hopefully more.
This is a post prompt from The Gypsy Mama. Join in?
I have a tattoo (shocking, I know) on my back that comes from a time in my life when I really had to learn how to trust. Trust in God. To learn to let go. That I don't really have any control over things anyway.
And that the outcome of trust is perfect peace. When you don't have to control things, you don't worry about the outcome. Oh sure, I still worry, plenty. I think that's a family trait. But when things start to get really crazy I try to remember that I really don't have any control over it anyway. And if I did... whoo boy, it might not be the outcome I want! I think I'd really rather God be in control!
I have to trust that God knew what He was doing with this pregnancy* giving me/us twins! He must think I can handle it... even if I think I'm gonna go a little crazy! But I guess it's easier to believe that He gave them to us so therefore we will be able to handle it. Something like light at the end of the tunnel?
Trust must go hand in hand with hope. If I didn't trust that He was in control I'd have no hope for how things would turn out. Funny the way that works!
Now, trusting people on the other hand, that takes me awhile... my poor husband. But that's a post for another day!
*I found out yesterday that at my current 32 weeks I'm measuring 40 weeks and that each baby weighs almost 4 pounds. I'm kinda depressed over the fact that I have at least 4 more weeks to go and maybe/sorta hopefully more.
This is a post prompt from The Gypsy Mama. Join in?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Self Portrait - #febphotoaday
This picture is very indicative of my mood today. After finding out yesterday that I'm basically as pregnant as a full term woman and I'm only at 32 weeks... I'm kinda down.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Boy Quotes #8
Cory calls dental floss "tooth floss".
Cory playing with marbles and picked up one with a swirl inside: Mom, this one is called Hot Fire Toast. We also have Jump Marble (which doesn't really jump), Blast Marble, Blue Shell, and Green Booger.
Noah used to say "Hah-nee" for Thank you, but lately he's switched it to "Ha-tu". Still cute, either way!
He's also picked up from brother that I am "Mom". I'm not sure I'm ready to let go of Mama, but it's pretty cute coming from this little tiny guy, "nigh nigh, Mom". :)
I'm having ham and cheese on crackers and Cory tells me, "Mom, I want an open lid sandwich too!"
Playing with a set of stacking cups that have animals on them:
Me: Noah, what does a mouse say?
Noah: Hello, Noah!
Cory: Do you remember what these are Noah? (pointing to a walrus' tusks)
Noah: looks at him
Cory: Ribazuba! (which is the scientific term and we learned this on NPR)
Noah (with much feeling): Wooooow!
Cory playing with marbles and picked up one with a swirl inside: Mom, this one is called Hot Fire Toast. We also have Jump Marble (which doesn't really jump), Blast Marble, Blue Shell, and Green Booger.
Noah used to say "Hah-nee" for Thank you, but lately he's switched it to "Ha-tu". Still cute, either way!
He's also picked up from brother that I am "Mom". I'm not sure I'm ready to let go of Mama, but it's pretty cute coming from this little tiny guy, "nigh nigh, Mom". :)
I'm having ham and cheese on crackers and Cory tells me, "Mom, I want an open lid sandwich too!"
Playing with a set of stacking cups that have animals on them:
Me: Noah, what does a mouse say?
Noah: Hello, Noah!
Cory: Do you remember what these are Noah? (pointing to a walrus' tusks)
Noah: looks at him
Cory: Ribazuba! (which is the scientific term and we learned this on NPR)
Noah (with much feeling): Wooooow!
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Sun - #febphotoaday
After being lovely the last few days the sun did not come out to play today... so I found another favorite sun!
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
DIY: Valentine's Wall Hanging
Soooo, how many of you have heard of Pinterest? :) Well, in the last few weeks I think I've finally figured out how to use it and I've found lots of cool things there. I found this conversation hearts pin and thought I would try it. I ended up modifying it a bit, but here is my result!
The main reason I ended up modifying it is because just 3 weeks ago the local craft store had NO Valentine's stuff in yet so I couldn't find the bigger wooden hearts. But they did have these small ones already painted red so I decided to go with that. Want to know how I did it???
The best part about this project is that you could easily modify it to match any decor or any season. Change paint colors, use a different shape of wood, etc! And beyond the paint and brushes I already owned, the supplies cost me about $6!
And yes, there are 2 extra hearts at the bottom for the girls, but even if you come to my house you won't see them, they're in hiding until the girls are born!
So do you Pinterest? (that's me!) Leave a comment with a link to your profile so I can follow you! I always need more inspiration!
The main reason I ended up modifying it is because just 3 weeks ago the local craft store had NO Valentine's stuff in yet so I couldn't find the bigger wooden hearts. But they did have these small ones already painted red so I decided to go with that. Want to know how I did it???
- Add a second layer of red paint so it matched what I had at home already in case of mistakes
- Print out my family's names on the computer - I used Cupid font at 120pt with a size 11 space between each letter
- Place the name on the heart and trace the outline with a ball point pen. This leaves you with a faint indent in the wood that you then fill in with paint! (works best in daylight)
- Paint names white - and now I know why the pin I saw didn't have any red hearts... it took me at least 4 coats to cover the red and it's still not great.
- Use some kind of glossy finish - I have an acrylic spray to seal the hearts
- Glue onto ribbon at intervals
- Fold the top over and glue for a loop. Glue three toothpicks together with a white piece of string in the middle to create a hanger.
- Glue bow together and to the top
- Hang and enjoy!
The best part about this project is that you could easily modify it to match any decor or any season. Change paint colors, use a different shape of wood, etc! And beyond the paint and brushes I already owned, the supplies cost me about $6!
And yes, there are 2 extra hearts at the bottom for the girls, but even if you come to my house you won't see them, they're in hiding until the girls are born!
So do you Pinterest? (that's me!) Leave a comment with a link to your profile so I can follow you! I always need more inspiration!
Monday, February 06, 2012
Dinner - #febphotoaday
A little stir-fry action! We have this frequently, usually with the same ingredients, but different sauces.
31 Weeks and moving slow...
I am now officially 31 weeks... and have at least 5 more before the girls are considered term and probably it would be best for them if they could go a week or 2 more than that... For the sake of not being able to move around well I kinda hope they come early, but for their sake I hope they stay in. I'm stuck!
For a little frame of reference here's my 35 weeks picture with Noah. And yes, I wore the same shirt on purpose for comparison. And no, I don't know why I thought that much height was good for my hair, sheesh!
At my last appointment (2 weeks ago) I was actually measuring 35 weeks and if these babies are growing at the normal rate they are just over 3 pounds... each! I'll get another ultrasound on Friday so we'll see if they are still measuring each as a singleton or if they've slowed down 'cuz they're getting kinda cramped in there!
On the home front I've got the newborn clothes all washed and in the dresser, just waiting for some wall decorations to come in the mail so we can put them up and then the crib in place of Brian's desk. I've gotten a ton of little projects done in the last week and aim to do a bit more organizing and purging. I think the nesting has set in!
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Stranger - #febphotoaday
The idea was good, the execution, not so much. Today was mostly taken up by a funeral so I'm giving myself a pass...
Friday, February 03, 2012
Real...
When I think about "Real" the first thing that comes to mind is the Velveteen Rabbit. I loved that story as a kid, but it always made me sad that the rabbit was so threadbare. I think I get it a little bit more now...
Real childbirth is messy, it's not pretty nor usually fun, but it's real.
Raising children is not always fun or easy, but it is real.
A real marriage is not like the movies.
All these things we see in the media and online aren't real. They're pictures of what some people think is ideal. The problem is, I bet if we could actually live like that we wouldn't be happy either.
Real life requires highs and lows. Can you really understand joy and happiness if you've never known hurt and sorrow? Can you be grateful for what you have unless you know what it is to not have? (not that I know much about not having, living here)
It's not easy, and sometimes I wish I could live in a fairy tale, but in the end I think that would be boring. Real life is exciting, hard, messy, but it is also full of surprises, bright spots that shine, and things to remember and treasure for years to come.
And real life leaves it's mark along the way, leaving us just a little bit more threadbare than the pictures we see.
This is a post prompt from The Gypsy Mama. Join in?
Real childbirth is messy, it's not pretty nor usually fun, but it's real.
Raising children is not always fun or easy, but it is real.
A real marriage is not like the movies.
All these things we see in the media and online aren't real. They're pictures of what some people think is ideal. The problem is, I bet if we could actually live like that we wouldn't be happy either.
Real life requires highs and lows. Can you really understand joy and happiness if you've never known hurt and sorrow? Can you be grateful for what you have unless you know what it is to not have? (not that I know much about not having, living here)
It's not easy, and sometimes I wish I could live in a fairy tale, but in the end I think that would be boring. Real life is exciting, hard, messy, but it is also full of surprises, bright spots that shine, and things to remember and treasure for years to come.
And real life leaves it's mark along the way, leaving us just a little bit more threadbare than the pictures we see.
This is a post prompt from The Gypsy Mama. Join in?
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
My View Today - #febphotoaday
So I decided on a whim to join a photography challenge for the month of February... one photo a day on a theme listed with Fat Mum Slim. I joined Project 12 (one photo a month) and then couldn't come up with anything for January (resolution). Maybe I can do this one...
This is my view today, boys playing with their toys... that were mine when I was a kid!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Gone
In the past 6 weeks or so 4 people have passed away. Three of them I knew fairly well and the fourth was a friend's step dad. Other than Brian's grandma none of them would be considered "old". And of the other 3, only one had any kind of terminal illness.
It's these last two that have got me the most. Their kids are my age with littles like I have. I've known them all since high school. The first, just 2 weeks ago, had a massive stroke and died within days. This one I played in the German band with. He was a superb musician and always fun to play with. My mom told me she'd just seen him at church the weekend before with his grandkids and then... gone. I didn't even make it to the funeral because I was sick.
The second, just yesterday. He's been sick for awhile, but that doesn't make it any easier. His kids are all younger than me. And a grandbaby is due any day. I woke up this morning, before I knew, and that pregnant mama was so heavy on my heart.
It's these last two that have got me the most. Their kids are my age with littles like I have. I've known them all since high school. The first, just 2 weeks ago, had a massive stroke and died within days. This one I played in the German band with. He was a superb musician and always fun to play with. My mom told me she'd just seen him at church the weekend before with his grandkids and then... gone. I didn't even make it to the funeral because I was sick.
The second, just yesterday. He's been sick for awhile, but that doesn't make it any easier. His kids are all younger than me. And a grandbaby is due any day. I woke up this morning, before I knew, and that pregnant mama was so heavy on my heart.
October 2010 - helping Cory dump the apple waste from the cider pressing
I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that both of these men are with Jesus, but somehow that doesn't make it any easier. It's not supposed to be like this. It hurts. Our world is too broken.
Who knew when you were a kid that growing up meant this?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Adventures in Pregnancy
So... last week I couldn't walk. Nor could I sit for more than 5 minutes. Hence the reason not a lot got posted here.
Thankfully there was a snow day at school and the boys were at my parents so Brian could take me to the doctor. Doctor said? Nothing to be done. It's the cartilage all stretched out and the best thing for it is rest.
I'm not actually sure what triggered it, but thankfully I am now walking again and sitting, albeit for no more than about 20 minutes at a time. I was rather worried about how I would survive the next 6-8 weeks!
And as I mentioned to a friend this morning, I'm very thankful that I know this has an end. It makes it so much easier to deal with. I can't imagine being someone living with chronic pain like this.
But really, I'm 30 weeks now and these babies could decide to make an appearance soon! 36 weeks is considered term with twins and that's not so far off... yikes!
Last night I went to a clothing swap and came home with 3 very large bags of newborn through 9 month clothes (plus a few for Noah). Now to sort and wash!
And finally... I updated my blog design! Come over and check it out if you get this in a feed reader! I've actually been working on it for a year, but just needed the right picture for the header and got one from our Christmas photo shoot!
You can even update my button if you'd like to link to me! See the code on the sidebar.
How are things with you all?
Thankfully there was a snow day at school and the boys were at my parents so Brian could take me to the doctor. Doctor said? Nothing to be done. It's the cartilage all stretched out and the best thing for it is rest.
I'm not actually sure what triggered it, but thankfully I am now walking again and sitting, albeit for no more than about 20 minutes at a time. I was rather worried about how I would survive the next 6-8 weeks!
And as I mentioned to a friend this morning, I'm very thankful that I know this has an end. It makes it so much easier to deal with. I can't imagine being someone living with chronic pain like this.
But really, I'm 30 weeks now and these babies could decide to make an appearance soon! 36 weeks is considered term with twins and that's not so far off... yikes!
Last night I went to a clothing swap and came home with 3 very large bags of newborn through 9 month clothes (plus a few for Noah). Now to sort and wash!
And finally... I updated my blog design! Come over and check it out if you get this in a feed reader! I've actually been working on it for a year, but just needed the right picture for the header and got one from our Christmas photo shoot!
You can even update my button if you'd like to link to me! See the code on the sidebar.
How are things with you all?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wordless Wednesday: Goodbye Old Friend
You served me well for 140,000 miles (plus the 63k already there) and 13 years. We've had some adventures together and it sounds like your new owner will take you on more. Best wishes my little Red Turtle.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Christmas Recap: Part 2
So after our pre-Christmas activities we had Christmas day with my parents... Cory likes to help play Santa and pass out the gifts.
He also likes to make sure they get opened properly... especially when it comes to little brother...
My brother's gift to all 3 of my boys was Nerf ball guns... 2 of the balls were missing by the time we went home that night...
Cory can almost shoot them with decent accuracy. Noah needs a bit more arm strength and coordination. I'm glad they don't really hurt even at close range and we can buy more balls... we're going to need them!
Mom bought me these outfits for the girls... when we asked Cory what was on the feet he said "kittens and steering wheels!" Yeah...
My mom's present to Brian was a remote control helicopter. I think the boys got the coolest toys this year!
And then, to Brian's great pleasure we all played Settlers of Catan. And my dad won!
Then we went home, packed like crazy people, and left in the morning for Oregon. We actually made pretty good time and didn't arrive at midnight as usual. We were even early enough for Brian to take the van out for a test drive (yes, I made him put the ribbons back on later so I could get a picture). Although I'm not sure it would have mattered what time we arrived, he probably would have taken it out!
Cory played Santa again the next morning with Grandma and Grandpa, but Noah had the most fun opening both his and other people's presents!
Grandma got him pajamas with Mater on them (from Cars) who is his favorite character. They're a bit too big, but he doesn't care, he doesn't ever want to take them off!
Later that day ALL the family descended and we had a roaring good time.
Later in the week, Noah helping Grandma make dinner. He was plucking the rosemary for her and said it was a "tree". We also visited Great Grandpa and his new wife and then crashed some 3rd cousins' house for late night playing. (Beth is hilarious, you really should read her blog...)
And finally, the boys "learning" how to play Spill the Beans with Grandma and Grandpa. We didn't get to hang out with too many other friends as there were sicknesses going around, but it was a good week with the fam!
Hope you enjoyed all the pictures... It was a lot for one post, but I didn't want to stretch this out to a third as I have other things to show you this week... :)
He also likes to make sure they get opened properly... especially when it comes to little brother...
Helping Nana.
I found the perfect shirt for my dad...
There were a few gifts still hiding under the tree so Cory went fishing for them...
My brother's gift to all 3 of my boys was Nerf ball guns... 2 of the balls were missing by the time we went home that night...
Cory can almost shoot them with decent accuracy. Noah needs a bit more arm strength and coordination. I'm glad they don't really hurt even at close range and we can buy more balls... we're going to need them!
Mom bought me these outfits for the girls... when we asked Cory what was on the feet he said "kittens and steering wheels!" Yeah...
My mom's present to Brian was a remote control helicopter. I think the boys got the coolest toys this year!
And then, to Brian's great pleasure we all played Settlers of Catan. And my dad won!
Then we went home, packed like crazy people, and left in the morning for Oregon. We actually made pretty good time and didn't arrive at midnight as usual. We were even early enough for Brian to take the van out for a test drive (yes, I made him put the ribbons back on later so I could get a picture). Although I'm not sure it would have mattered what time we arrived, he probably would have taken it out!
Cory played Santa again the next morning with Grandma and Grandpa, but Noah had the most fun opening both his and other people's presents!
Grandma got him pajamas with Mater on them (from Cars) who is his favorite character. They're a bit too big, but he doesn't care, he doesn't ever want to take them off!
Helping Grandpa open his present...
Later that day ALL the family descended and we had a roaring good time.
Later in the week, Noah helping Grandma make dinner. He was plucking the rosemary for her and said it was a "tree". We also visited Great Grandpa and his new wife and then crashed some 3rd cousins' house for late night playing. (Beth is hilarious, you really should read her blog...)
And finally, the boys "learning" how to play Spill the Beans with Grandma and Grandpa. We didn't get to hang out with too many other friends as there were sicknesses going around, but it was a good week with the fam!
Hope you enjoyed all the pictures... It was a lot for one post, but I didn't want to stretch this out to a third as I have other things to show you this week... :)
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