MR. MOM

Why is it that kids always get sick when one of the parents are away? I wonder if this little fact is true in single parent families? Well of course the morning Rachel was going to Vegas, the kids woke up with runny noses and coughs, I'm usually the one that is leaving, so now I'm getting a taste of the other side. I would post pictures, because there have been some fabulous opportunities, but Rachel has the camera. Since I'm the substitute Mom, I thought it would be my duty to post to the blog. So far, so good. Kids are still breathing; can't ask for much more than that. My biggest accomplishment so far, has been only using one diaper. I know this sounds terrible, but let me explain. In an attempt to save some money, we have started using our supply of cloth diapers on AJ during the wake hours, so he only needed one paper diaper during the night. Also, Abigail has been needing diapers during sleep time, and I cut those out. Finally, the kids will be introduced to hamburger helper for the first time in Rachel's absence, and I can already see the excitement in their eyes. Enjoy your vacation Moms! -Mr Mom Andy

VEGAS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to party girls!

CHAAA-CHIIINNGGG!

We had a yard sale this weekend to drum up a little extra cash and what a success! We opened bright and early Friday morning and were out for the morning Friday and Saturday! We got rid of most of our stuff (we had a bunch!) and in the end made over $400!!! Oh-my-gosh! It was a lot of work but so worth it! So gather up all your extra stuff and make some signs... cha-ching!

Nebulizers and Nemo at 4am

So we were up at 3am with Kaelyn and finally at 4 we decided to give her the Nebulizer treatment. It takes between 5-10 min and she finds it initially somewhat traumatic so we turned on Finding Nemo, forwarding through the scene where the Mom and baby eggs get ate, as a distraction. So then for the 5-10 min. she points at the screen and says "ish!" "ish!". Thank goodness for Disney!

As a side note what the heck is up with the kiddos getting sick before Mamas TRIP!!!

Spontaneity

I've always thought of myself as able to be spontaneous. Then I had twins....
Now every outing is pretty planned complete with diapers, wipes, change of clothes, snacks, water, distractions, and whatever other equipment is required...double stroller, wagon, baby sling, balls, sand toys, towels etc.

Today the girls were seeming a little onery and I felt like we all needed to blow off some steam at the park so without even grabbing a diaper we headed out. As we (the girls and I, J man was being taken paint balling by some friends) were driving I decided that going and playing in the sand and water sounded more soothing and fun then chasing two toddlers running in opposite directions at the park.

But I didn't have towels, a blanket, diapers, a change of clothes, swimsuits, snacks NOTHING.

I met a Mom at the park the other day who was saying they just decided to pull over and go to the beach but as they were doing so her kids protested that they didn't have their swimsuits, or aqua socks, or sand toys, or towels. She was surprised by their reaction and thought "Oh my gosh, have I made them like this!" I've often thought of her and related today....I don't want my kids to feel they always need the stuff but that you can just go for it be spontaneous and have fun.

So we did it, we spontaneously headed out, then changed where we were heading and went for it! Now granted I did have sand toys in the car but that was it. Once we were done I rinsed them in the lake stripped them down put on their hoodies and put them back in the car dirty and wet. It was great, we all released some steam, enjoyed the sun and survived without all the "stuff"! So cheers for being spontaneous!

Nine Years of Wedded Bliss :)

Another First in Mothering

I was up hours in the night with a vomiting little girl. This is dis-stressing for a number of reasons. With these little ones you never know when the next vomit is going to be. They are traumatized by it because they wonder what-the-heck is happening. It seems to happen over and over again. In her trauma she hold both hands to her mouth to try and catch the stuff. Etc. I feel sorry for her because vomiting is on my list of things I DO NOT like to do (never mind the, literally, countless times I vomited in the first four months I was pregnant with her!).
So our day has changed. We had a busy day planned... doctor apptment., trip to Costco, getting ready for the garage sale tomorrow. Now it will just be laying around (Abigail) watching PBS and daring to try some food and water at some point. I will try to continue my garage sale prep. Anyway, she seems better than when I put her back to bed at 4 am. I hope the worst is over - so far the count is at five times. Poor baby girl!

baby carrying

Juan is in love with Ducky and Bear. They have been a part of our everyday for a long time now. He has been nursing Ducky lately (from his armpit) and here is is carrying them on his back. It lasted a long time, even when they were hanging more from his butt area.

Happy 8th Anniversary BABY!!!

I love you Jonathan, you are my heart, my shade, my strength.

Olympic Shopping

Shopping on Monday evening of a three day weekend right before school officially starts at the cheapest grocery store in town was not the smartest idea I've ever had.....when you add to that 1 1/2 year old twins one of which screams bloody murder if you try to put her in the cart makes it even more of a not so good idea. But that is indeed what I did last night and so there I was holding one toddler and pushing the other through the maze of other families and carts one handed while also checking things off my list and keeping a running total in my head! If it was an Olympic event I would have taken the Bronze. Why not the Gold? That would have gone to one of the many Moms toting around 4 kids!!!!

The Latest Trend!

This is the cool thing around our house these days!

Summer Fun!

I know I'm taking over the blog by adding so many photos but we have hundreds of great photos from the summer and I thought I would add a few to sum up the kind of summer my kids had. These don't include the zoo, a train ride, miniature golf, hiking, and many more activities (a lot of these were thanks to grandparents). These photos are a Twins game (Juan's first), Ruby's first push pop, Reptile Gardens (that turtle is over 120 years old), swimming, and the park! I love summer.

A Family Past time

I LOVE how much my girls love to read. J and I are both avid readers and I can already see it's passed on to them.

Sisterly Fun

The girls discovered hand holding the other day for the first time. (Hand holding in regards to each other that is) They walked all through the apartment holding hands for like 15 min. which is pretty long in kid time :) It was really cute and I snagged several pics. I love watching their relationship continue to develop. They are definitely each the person they first think of when they wake up in the morning or when they have been separated for any length of time. They call each other Sissie, something I would not have thought I would have liked at all but it felt like it developed completely by them seeing as neither Jonathan or I had ever referred to either of them in that way until after they started to. Then the other day I was watching some home videos from when they were littler and was surprised at how often I referred to them to each other as "Sister" so I guess I did encourage it a little and didn't know it. Now it seems really sweet how much they look for and love their "Sissie".

30th Birthday.

Sorry this is late. I just got it. There was a table full of children staring at the cake.

Triathlon Day!

I had some butterflies Sunday morning as I drove to pick Nikki up at 6am. It was finally Triathlon Day! We made our way down to Gennasse Park in Seattle which was the site from where all the various events would take place. My start time was 7:40, I was in Wave 20 and had a hot pink swim cap. Nikki's start time was 7:46, she was in Wave 22 and had a neon green cap. I being "older" got to go first :)

When it was time to head down to the starting point at the water I saw the swim course for the first time and immediately thought "CRAP!" it looked so long, I was thinking there is no way!!!! But that was not an option so after a cheer of "WE KICK ASS!" with all the rest of the ladies we were off! When we hit the 1/4 way point I was seriously thinking I'm not going to be able to do this! But of course you just keep going and by the time I was 3/4 of the way done I was finally feeling like I was finding a groove. Though I was moving at a relative snail pace and was expecting Nikki to pass me at any moment even with her starting 6 minutes after me!

I finally made it to shore and didn't even need help out :) I had enough energy that I actually did run to my bike which was a little ways away, threw on my helmet, my shirt, and stuffed on my socks and shoes and got going! As I headed out I passed Nikki running to her bike we shouted "You Go!" to each other in passing.

I knew I would have to book it on the 12 mile bike so that I would be able to pick up some time, after my slow swim. There were more hills then I was expecting but I pushed through and felt I made pretty good time. When I got to the finish section I dismounted, re-racked my bike, took off the helmet, grabbed my baseball cap and headed to the run on jello legs! I had to pee so bad but I was not stopping!

The first mile went by well, the second took forever but then I picked up the pace for the last 1.2 miles. I crossed the finish line strong and felt pretty good about my possible overall time. My goal had been to do it in under 2 hours but I really wanted to hit an 1hr and 45 min. My finish time ended up being 1 hr 45 min and 7 seconds. I feel really happy with that. I must say I'm glad it's over but will definitely be doing it again! I think we should all do it together some day in New York!!! We ended our day with much deserved Mexican food and Margaritas!

Cultural Differences

My friend from Pakistan saw me the other day and said, "YOu've gained weight, Stacy." I have, 6 pounds. "You look better, " she said.

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!

Busy Busy Busy

House is a wreck, have to get ready for Triathlon and run some errands, have to go to the grocery store, have a 1st birthday party to go to this afternoon will be stuck in hellish traffic on the way home, girls don't want to eat and are getting into everything, I want to eat everything and do nothing except read my new book!

Relate?

Camping

This past weekend Jonathan was at a worship Conference in Eastern Wa so we took the opportunity to check some more things off our list! We "camped" complete with sleeping in the tent, having a campfire and making smores. Nice thing about it was Papa set up and tore down the tent :) Grandma took the sick baby with her in the house (Elyse) and we had a clean bathroom. :)