Fore note: A couple of things you need to know before reading this post. 1. The twin's room is pretty high up. We do not have a second story, but the way the house is built, the height of their room is second story height. 2. The twins broke their shade awhile back. It was the roller kind of shade and it had a thin plastic stick insert that weighted it down on the end of the shade. They pulled it out the other day and it was conveniently laying were I needed it. Okay, enough details about the shade, now time for the incident of the day.
It was time to go get the older kids from the bus stop, so I got the twin's socks and shoes on and made sure Alli was ready to head out the door. It was cold out, so I opened the garage door so I could get the car started, as I was getting kids buckled into their seats. I left the door open to the house because I get one twin in at a time in the car, although the other one usually walks out to the car as I'm getting the other buckled. I got everyone buckled and went back to shut the door to the house and to my shock, I saw the back end of a chicken in my kitchen! A CHICKEN IN THE HOUSE!! So I called out the to chicken "here chicken, here chicken" and obviously it didn't listen to me. It wandered into the dining room and pecked a piece of crumb off my floor. I slid the slider door open in the dining room in hopes I could get her to go outside on the deck. Yeah, it did not work, it scared the chicken. The chicken made it's way down the hallway (on my carpeted floor). I'm calling after her "DON'T POOP! DON'T POOP" and I let out a few squeals "AWWAH,AWWWWWAH". That chicken went into the twin's room at the very end of the hallway (It was the only option. Thankfully, all the other doors were shut down the hallway). All I'm thinking is how am I going to get this chicken out of my house! The chicken walked around the room and I tried to slowly go towards it, but then the chicken would get a little spooked. I picked up the diaper box to see if I could trap it with that, but the box was too small and I knew it would make the chicken go crazy. The chicken went into the space between Reed's crib and the wall and it would have been the perfect spot to pick it up, but I don't touch chickens. So I did the only thing I could do, I called Ross in hopes he could come home to help me get the chicken out of the house. So this is how the call went. Me, somewhat hysterical, "Ross, there is a chicken in the house." Ross, "What!? How did happen?" Me, "she came in when I was getting kids in the car and now I can't catch her to get her out, AWWAHH(chicken was running around and I was squealing)" Ross, laughing hysterically, "Erin, grab her by the feet and drag her out." If you have ever looked at chicken feet, you know they are NOT pretty. No way was I going to do that. Thankfully, as he was saying that the chicken jumped up to perch on the windowsill. I went to open the window and the chicken flew off of it (more squealing from me) and it had a screen in it. She then ran to other window and perched on that one. I went to go open that one and the chicken flew up and off of it (more squealing from me, oh and Ross is on the phone yet laughing his head off at me). The chicken is back at the window with the screen in it. I yell out, "please, don't poop!" The chicken comes off that window and perches by the boys' dresser. I pick up that plastic curtain stick (from the fore note) to try to poke it in the right direction. Finally, the chicken perches on the window that doesn't have the screen in it. She looks down, she looks at me, and I poke her with that plastic stick and out she goes flapping her wings, clucking and bawking to her graceful flight down to the ground. I'm pretty sure that that is the highest she will ever "fly". Ross was still on the phone and still laughing at me. We hung up the phone laughing. I get into the car, thankful that for once I had everyone in the car early and I had more than enough time to get to the bus stop. I make sure the door and the garage door are shut. Oh and by the way, the chicken did not poop in my house!
Wassink Family
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
itemized twin list
1. Mornings start with a bang.
2. Crying starts at breakfast.
3. "Go downstairs and play," is said at least 5 times before lunch occurs.
4. Items, such as brown sugar, salt, flour, canned goods, are found lying all over the basement because it's fun to do.
5. They know when they see you coming they were naughty and say "uh oh" with a completely innocent face and begin to pick up whatever they took out.
6. Pajamas are a cool thing to haul around in the back of a toy dump truck. I guess it's also great fun to empty out laundry out of drawers. And again they say "uh oh".
7. Taking clothes off during nap time is a great activity. Lets surprise mom and sleep naked!
8. Picking up poo times 2 is not fun to do after nap time.
9. Taking dirty sheets off cribs after nap time is also not fun.
10. An occasional bath after nap time, if it's really gross, is even more not fun.
11. Make sure to take care of all folded laundry before letting the twins go downstairs to play. It's not worth it to leave it out, even if I'm not done with it.
12. Inhalers and neb treatment machines are more fun than toys to play with. NEVER leave them out (I think I tell Ross that all the time)
13. Shut all doors of every room. Bummer that they are starting to open doors.
14. Toilet lids must remain closed.
15. Check on the twins frequently, I never know when they will empty the next container of tilex on the floor.
16. Toothpaste is also a great toy, said no one ever.
17. Desitin is sticky stuff. Good for the bum but not really anything else.
18. Haircuts suck.
19. Supper time is much easier when daddy is home.
20. Older siblings are a blessing.
21. Be extra cute to make up for naughtiness.
22. Bedtime is the BEST!
2. Crying starts at breakfast.
3. "Go downstairs and play," is said at least 5 times before lunch occurs.
4. Items, such as brown sugar, salt, flour, canned goods, are found lying all over the basement because it's fun to do.
5. They know when they see you coming they were naughty and say "uh oh" with a completely innocent face and begin to pick up whatever they took out.
6. Pajamas are a cool thing to haul around in the back of a toy dump truck. I guess it's also great fun to empty out laundry out of drawers. And again they say "uh oh".
7. Taking clothes off during nap time is a great activity. Lets surprise mom and sleep naked!
8. Picking up poo times 2 is not fun to do after nap time.
9. Taking dirty sheets off cribs after nap time is also not fun.
10. An occasional bath after nap time, if it's really gross, is even more not fun.
11. Make sure to take care of all folded laundry before letting the twins go downstairs to play. It's not worth it to leave it out, even if I'm not done with it.
12. Inhalers and neb treatment machines are more fun than toys to play with. NEVER leave them out (I think I tell Ross that all the time)
13. Shut all doors of every room. Bummer that they are starting to open doors.
14. Toilet lids must remain closed.
15. Check on the twins frequently, I never know when they will empty the next container of tilex on the floor.
16. Toothpaste is also a great toy, said no one ever.
17. Desitin is sticky stuff. Good for the bum but not really anything else.
18. Haircuts suck.
19. Supper time is much easier when daddy is home.
20. Older siblings are a blessing.
21. Be extra cute to make up for naughtiness.
22. Bedtime is the BEST!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Need a new bike
Bike rides have been the in thing for me lately while Alli is at preschool. Put my twinners in the cart that attaches to the bike and off we go. It keeps them occupied and quiet and gives me a good workout. We go about 6 miles when I take them. There's a few hills so I'm adjusting those gears like a mad woman just to get up that hill. The bike I use was Ross' old mountain bike, it's about 15 years old. That bike got some really good use for it's lifetime until it bit the dust today.
I stopped at the park with the boys today, I normally don't. I thought it would be a good way for them to burn off some of that toddler never ending energy. They had fun at that little park. I bribed them with fruit snacks to get them back into their little bike caddy and we started to go.
We were attempting to go up a steep hill and it felt like out of no where the bike came to a halt. I hopped off the bike to take a look and saw that the wheel was all screwed up. The wheel was stuck at the back of the bike frame. There was no room for it to turn. The apparatus that holds the chain was broke. I couldn't ride it so I walked it. That was no easy task. The back wheel wouldn't budge, but the front would. I attempted to take off the caddy the boys were sitting in, but I couldn't get it off. And of course, I didn't bring a cell phone with me. We were about half a mile away from home. So I started to walk with my hands on the handle bars and dragged the rest of the bike with the caddy behind it home. It was no easy task. I had to go up a steep but small hill with it too. Thankfully, the boys were well behaved. I had to switch sides every few minutes because my back was killing me. I finally got to a place where I could drop the bike down on the blueberry farm. (We live on the other side of the blueberry farm.) I unstrapped both boys and walked a little less than half mile home on the dirt two track through the farm. Reed had shoes on so he walked part of the way, Luke only had socks on (my bad) so I carried him. Part way home, Reed got tired so I carried them both.
We made it though. I was tired, but I figured I had a really good work out. We made it home just in time to go get Alli from preschool too. The lesson I learned, never go anywhere with out shoes for both twins and never leave with out the cell phone.
I stopped at the park with the boys today, I normally don't. I thought it would be a good way for them to burn off some of that toddler never ending energy. They had fun at that little park. I bribed them with fruit snacks to get them back into their little bike caddy and we started to go.
We were attempting to go up a steep hill and it felt like out of no where the bike came to a halt. I hopped off the bike to take a look and saw that the wheel was all screwed up. The wheel was stuck at the back of the bike frame. There was no room for it to turn. The apparatus that holds the chain was broke. I couldn't ride it so I walked it. That was no easy task. The back wheel wouldn't budge, but the front would. I attempted to take off the caddy the boys were sitting in, but I couldn't get it off. And of course, I didn't bring a cell phone with me. We were about half a mile away from home. So I started to walk with my hands on the handle bars and dragged the rest of the bike with the caddy behind it home. It was no easy task. I had to go up a steep but small hill with it too. Thankfully, the boys were well behaved. I had to switch sides every few minutes because my back was killing me. I finally got to a place where I could drop the bike down on the blueberry farm. (We live on the other side of the blueberry farm.) I unstrapped both boys and walked a little less than half mile home on the dirt two track through the farm. Reed had shoes on so he walked part of the way, Luke only had socks on (my bad) so I carried him. Part way home, Reed got tired so I carried them both.
We made it though. I was tired, but I figured I had a really good work out. We made it home just in time to go get Alli from preschool too. The lesson I learned, never go anywhere with out shoes for both twins and never leave with out the cell phone.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
The mice will play while the cat is away
This week was quite busy in spite of my calender having minimal plans on it. The twins both had croup pretty bad. Luke woke up Monday with difficulty breathing and a good croupy sounding cough, Reed caught it on Friday. He wasn't as bad as Luke but he still was having difficulty breathing. Both boys needed some medicine to help them breathe better until they could get over the hump of their colds/croup.
But between all Luke and Reed catching croup, they were still up to their regular shenanigans. Getting into stuff and just being plain naughty. Thursday, I decided to go through my bins of clothes I keep from the other kids in the basement. Both boys were downstairs with me having fun taking clothes out of the bins and tossing them in the air (that was fine with me, it kept them occupied). I was being very diligent and got caught up going through them all and I lost track of the boys. This is what they were up to
But between all Luke and Reed catching croup, they were still up to their regular shenanigans. Getting into stuff and just being plain naughty. Thursday, I decided to go through my bins of clothes I keep from the other kids in the basement. Both boys were downstairs with me having fun taking clothes out of the bins and tossing them in the air (that was fine with me, it kept them occupied). I was being very diligent and got caught up going through them all and I lost track of the boys. This is what they were up to
Yup, 2 boxes of cereal and vegetable straws down my hallway. I just got the upstairs cleaned up and vacuumed prior to their first big mess. They were having FUN! I came upstairs and looked at that mess and just kept gasping with my mouth hanging wide open and they thought I was laughing, so they kept grinning and giggling like "see mom, we are having fun". I was not amused, although I couldn't resist taking a few photos. So I tried to pick all that cereal up and I was going to just put it back in the bag and let the kids eat it because I'm dutch and I can't stand to see things go to waste. As I was trying to save it all, I noticed that the little carpet fuzz were sticking to the cereal and I couldnt' make my kids eat it. I decided to throw it out. Since it was going to be time consuming to pick all that up, I got my vacuum out and started to go to town. However, half way through the vacuum got clogged with all that cereal. I fixed the vacuum and went to town again. And wouldn't you know it, as I was finishing up vacuuming, I looked over and Reed was standing on a chair at the table pouring salt all over it.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
2 little boys are 2!
Two years ago I had two adorable baby boys. We've come along ways since the first moment I held you both.
We've come through sleepless nights, exhausting days, bottles, baby food, crying (sometimes all 3 of us), learning how to walk, first teeth.
Now you two are busy, very busy. Playing outside, throwing toys over the deck, being places you're not supposed to be, playing together, feeding each other, being in cahoots and pulling off schemes behind mommy's back, laughing and giggling, garbling in your own special twin language, running all over the yard, picking blueberries, giving kisses and hugs, and trying to be like the older kids.
We've come through sleepless nights, exhausting days, bottles, baby food, crying (sometimes all 3 of us), learning how to walk, first teeth.
Now you two are busy, very busy. Playing outside, throwing toys over the deck, being places you're not supposed to be, playing together, feeding each other, being in cahoots and pulling off schemes behind mommy's back, laughing and giggling, garbling in your own special twin language, running all over the yard, picking blueberries, giving kisses and hugs, and trying to be like the older kids.
I can't believe both of you are already two! I hope that two is a fun age for the two of you!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Harvester's wife
It has been so busy around here as of late. I got the privilege to stand up in a good friend's wedding this past weekend. The bridesmaids and the bride stayed overnight in a cabin at Wabasis Campground the night of the rehearsal. It was a lot of fun to have one more girls night before Tara got married. Her wedding was on a Saturday at a church out in Rockford and the reception took place at the Wabasis campground activities building. I'm so happy for Tara and Jeff! I hope the Lord blesses them with many happy years of marriage.
Blueberry harvest has also begun this past Monday. Ross has been working very long hours. The beginning of harvest seems to always be the hardest. They run what they call the fresh line. They harvest some fresh berries and bring them to the shed to be cleaned and be sorted through on a conveyor belt. A few workers stand on either side of the belt and take all the bad berries off the line and the berries continue on the belt and they get put in clear plastic boxes. Our brand is Natureripe. That's right, I'm advertising. Best berries you'll ever taste. When they run fresh line, Ross will start around 6am and come home between 7-10pm.
As I mentioned, Ross is working..............A LOT! And as I said previously it's been a busy week. The twins started out the week with a bang. They both caught a good cold. A cold for us means respiratory treatments. The boys have asthma and Reed has it the worst. I took them both in on Monday to the doctor. Luke checked out fine, just continue to do the respiratory treatments. Reed, not so much. He ended up with an ear infection and needed to be placed on oral steroids to help him breathe better. So that was Monday.
Also this week, Reed is starting to phase out of taking naps. Of all weeks, I wish it wasn't this week, but it is. At first I thought it was because of all the albuterol treatments. Albuterol treatments make kids hyper, but I didn't give him one today and he still insisted on not taking a nap. I've had a very stressful and rough week.
One morning this week was so rough that I couldn't take it anymore. I took all of the kids out for a walk. Leanne and Clay rode bikes and I pushed Alli and the twins in the double jogger stroller. Ross came home during this for lunch to find breakfast still out and the floor littered with pretzels and animal cookies. He doesn't get upset about it either. He just says to me "that bad, huh?"
Ross hasn't been able to come home for dinner because he has been so busy at work. I made salad last night with chicken strips on it along with beans fresh from the garden (we have beans coming our of our ears here). The kids LOVED it. Even my picky eater Clay had two helpings of it. It's been hard to eat dinner and manage all the kids myself. We ate outside last night and I was having trouble keeping the twins in line. My fist mistake was having them sit across from each other and not on either side of me. It was going well at first until Reed started to chuck his beans at Luke. Luke, of course, was egging him on because he was laughing and so were the rest of the kids. By the time I got over to Reed to put a stop to it, Luke started chucking his beans. The boys were basically having their own food fight and the older 3 thought it was hilarious. I did not think it was funny at all. It was an exhausting dinner hour. It's so much harder when Ross isn't here to help me. I didn't realize how hard I lean on him until he wasn't here.
We're only the first week into harvest with at least 5 more to go. I'm hoping that once the boys feel better we'll be able to get into a better groove. This has been the hardest start to harvest I have ever had. It can only get better, right? I'm so thankful that Ross has a good job and he loves what he does. In the grand scheme of things, harvest is only a few weeks out the entire year. Happy harvesting!
Blueberry harvest has also begun this past Monday. Ross has been working very long hours. The beginning of harvest seems to always be the hardest. They run what they call the fresh line. They harvest some fresh berries and bring them to the shed to be cleaned and be sorted through on a conveyor belt. A few workers stand on either side of the belt and take all the bad berries off the line and the berries continue on the belt and they get put in clear plastic boxes. Our brand is Natureripe. That's right, I'm advertising. Best berries you'll ever taste. When they run fresh line, Ross will start around 6am and come home between 7-10pm.
As I mentioned, Ross is working..............A LOT! And as I said previously it's been a busy week. The twins started out the week with a bang. They both caught a good cold. A cold for us means respiratory treatments. The boys have asthma and Reed has it the worst. I took them both in on Monday to the doctor. Luke checked out fine, just continue to do the respiratory treatments. Reed, not so much. He ended up with an ear infection and needed to be placed on oral steroids to help him breathe better. So that was Monday.
Also this week, Reed is starting to phase out of taking naps. Of all weeks, I wish it wasn't this week, but it is. At first I thought it was because of all the albuterol treatments. Albuterol treatments make kids hyper, but I didn't give him one today and he still insisted on not taking a nap. I've had a very stressful and rough week.
One morning this week was so rough that I couldn't take it anymore. I took all of the kids out for a walk. Leanne and Clay rode bikes and I pushed Alli and the twins in the double jogger stroller. Ross came home during this for lunch to find breakfast still out and the floor littered with pretzels and animal cookies. He doesn't get upset about it either. He just says to me "that bad, huh?"
Ross hasn't been able to come home for dinner because he has been so busy at work. I made salad last night with chicken strips on it along with beans fresh from the garden (we have beans coming our of our ears here). The kids LOVED it. Even my picky eater Clay had two helpings of it. It's been hard to eat dinner and manage all the kids myself. We ate outside last night and I was having trouble keeping the twins in line. My fist mistake was having them sit across from each other and not on either side of me. It was going well at first until Reed started to chuck his beans at Luke. Luke, of course, was egging him on because he was laughing and so were the rest of the kids. By the time I got over to Reed to put a stop to it, Luke started chucking his beans. The boys were basically having their own food fight and the older 3 thought it was hilarious. I did not think it was funny at all. It was an exhausting dinner hour. It's so much harder when Ross isn't here to help me. I didn't realize how hard I lean on him until he wasn't here.
We're only the first week into harvest with at least 5 more to go. I'm hoping that once the boys feel better we'll be able to get into a better groove. This has been the hardest start to harvest I have ever had. It can only get better, right? I'm so thankful that Ross has a good job and he loves what he does. In the grand scheme of things, harvest is only a few weeks out the entire year. Happy harvesting!
Monday, July 15, 2013
The next little houdini strikes again!
Dear Reed,
I love you very much you silly little monkey. I need to start out by saying that first. However, I'm not in love with your recent stage of pulling off your diaper. I really thought I had you diaper proofed when I had put you down for your nap today. You took such a good nap too! All that playing outside this morning with the hose and in the sandbox must have worn you out. Let's not forget the good bath you took with your bestie, Luke. I thought I had you in a fool proofed outfit. I didn't think you could figure out how to take off a one piece short/shirt combo with snaps at the shoulder, but you proved me wrong. Did you see the surprise look on my face when you saw me walk into your room? You sure are cute, but I didn't expect to see you naked as a jay bird. I found your outfit on the outside of your crib and then of course next to it your diaper laid with little brown pebbles scattered everywhere. When I looked into your face, I couldn't help but laugh. Your sweet impish grin had said it all. But my dearest Reed, you're teaching your brother some naughty tricks too. But at least Luke had the common sense to leave his diaper on. Mommy truly loves you so much Reed, but if you wouldn't mind, keep your diaper on please! I'm really not ready to potty train you!
Love,
Mom
I love you very much you silly little monkey. I need to start out by saying that first. However, I'm not in love with your recent stage of pulling off your diaper. I really thought I had you diaper proofed when I had put you down for your nap today. You took such a good nap too! All that playing outside this morning with the hose and in the sandbox must have worn you out. Let's not forget the good bath you took with your bestie, Luke. I thought I had you in a fool proofed outfit. I didn't think you could figure out how to take off a one piece short/shirt combo with snaps at the shoulder, but you proved me wrong. Did you see the surprise look on my face when you saw me walk into your room? You sure are cute, but I didn't expect to see you naked as a jay bird. I found your outfit on the outside of your crib and then of course next to it your diaper laid with little brown pebbles scattered everywhere. When I looked into your face, I couldn't help but laugh. Your sweet impish grin had said it all. But my dearest Reed, you're teaching your brother some naughty tricks too. But at least Luke had the common sense to leave his diaper on. Mommy truly loves you so much Reed, but if you wouldn't mind, keep your diaper on please! I'm really not ready to potty train you!
Love,
Mom
Sunday, July 7, 2013
All things twinnish
My twins have been a unique experience for me, especially since I had 3 single children before them. Ross and I were commenting on all the things that are so twinnish that Luke and Reed do. The following are just a few glimpses on what Luke and Reed are like.
It's absolutely adorable to watch them eat. We have them sitting together at the same end of the table using seats that clip onto the table. They have just started using forks and spoons and it's not unusual for them to feed each other. One opens his mouth while the other scoops food onto a fork and shovels it into his brothers mouth. It's a hit or miss situation but they enjoy doing this for each other.
Most mornings, after breakfast, my boys get extremely crabby and so I break out the granola bars. I have always split one in half and given each boy a half. Luke is starting to get sick of granola bars so I give Reed both halves. Instead of eating it, Reed will go after Luke with what's supposed to be Luke's half and tries to force him to take it. It usually results in Luke crying in the end because he doesn't want it.
They have also started playing together a lot better lately. They used to grab each other's faces and pull each other's hair, I'm so thankful that that stage has ended. They play with everything that is a non toy. They touch none of their toys that they are supposed to play with. Instead they love the baggie drawer, the dishwasher tabs, toothbrushes, can't forget to mention toothpaste, and like I said everything non toy. They love to play in their closet. One will be in the inside of the closet and the other will be on the outside of it and they play peek-a-boo. They recently have gotten into the habit of taking all their clothes out of the dresser drawer too. This happens the most when one twin is in a time out in his crib and the other isn't. The little rascal who is not in the crib will take clothes out of the drawer and toss them into his brother's crib. They think that is so much fun!
That brings me to this week. This week Reed had a fever and was down for a nap. Luke was pretty upset that the door to their bedroom was shut. He sat outside of the door crying and hitting the door trying to get to Reed. They are lost without each other. Today was the same situation. Luke caught what Reed had. Luke was down for a nap and Reed laid on the outside of the door pounding on it and not knowing what to do without Luke. I love how they miss each other.
Another example of their twin behavior is what happens at lunch time. If one is done with lunch first I'll get that one down for a nap while we wait for the other one to be finished eating. It's not at all uncommon to hear shrieking from them. One does a high peal shriek and the other one answers back until they are both in their room together for naps.
It was also pretty cute today when Reed hurt his foot playing with Alli's Barbie car. Reed was on the floor crying and Luke came over and moved the Barbie car out of the way and then came back with a potato peel (I was peeling potatoes and sometime my peels go flying) to comfort Reed. It melts my heart to see that they care about each other.
It has been one of the most amazing experiences to be a mother to these twin boys. Both of them are pure boy to the bone and are often mischievous. They both have taught me so much! A lot patience is practiced in this household. I love those curious little monkeys!
It's absolutely adorable to watch them eat. We have them sitting together at the same end of the table using seats that clip onto the table. They have just started using forks and spoons and it's not unusual for them to feed each other. One opens his mouth while the other scoops food onto a fork and shovels it into his brothers mouth. It's a hit or miss situation but they enjoy doing this for each other.
this picture is from winter but this is how they sit at the table
Most mornings, after breakfast, my boys get extremely crabby and so I break out the granola bars. I have always split one in half and given each boy a half. Luke is starting to get sick of granola bars so I give Reed both halves. Instead of eating it, Reed will go after Luke with what's supposed to be Luke's half and tries to force him to take it. It usually results in Luke crying in the end because he doesn't want it.
They have also started playing together a lot better lately. They used to grab each other's faces and pull each other's hair, I'm so thankful that that stage has ended. They play with everything that is a non toy. They touch none of their toys that they are supposed to play with. Instead they love the baggie drawer, the dishwasher tabs, toothbrushes, can't forget to mention toothpaste, and like I said everything non toy. They love to play in their closet. One will be in the inside of the closet and the other will be on the outside of it and they play peek-a-boo. They recently have gotten into the habit of taking all their clothes out of the dresser drawer too. This happens the most when one twin is in a time out in his crib and the other isn't. The little rascal who is not in the crib will take clothes out of the drawer and toss them into his brother's crib. They think that is so much fun!
That brings me to this week. This week Reed had a fever and was down for a nap. Luke was pretty upset that the door to their bedroom was shut. He sat outside of the door crying and hitting the door trying to get to Reed. They are lost without each other. Today was the same situation. Luke caught what Reed had. Luke was down for a nap and Reed laid on the outside of the door pounding on it and not knowing what to do without Luke. I love how they miss each other.
Another example of their twin behavior is what happens at lunch time. If one is done with lunch first I'll get that one down for a nap while we wait for the other one to be finished eating. It's not at all uncommon to hear shrieking from them. One does a high peal shriek and the other one answers back until they are both in their room together for naps.
It was also pretty cute today when Reed hurt his foot playing with Alli's Barbie car. Reed was on the floor crying and Luke came over and moved the Barbie car out of the way and then came back with a potato peel (I was peeling potatoes and sometime my peels go flying) to comfort Reed. It melts my heart to see that they care about each other.
It has been one of the most amazing experiences to be a mother to these twin boys. Both of them are pure boy to the bone and are often mischievous. They both have taught me so much! A lot patience is practiced in this household. I love those curious little monkeys!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The art of dressing
Most days I wear sweats and a sweatshirt, no make up and my hair thrown up in a pony tail. When I wear my sweats, which are uber comfortable, I don't hold my children at arms length. I let them come to me, boogers and crumb covered face, and let them give me a big, squishy, rub their face in me, hug. And yes, I do end up covered with their slimy crumbs crushed on my sweatshirt, but hey, its a sweatshirt. The art of dressing comes in to play when I have to go somewhere. So I shower in the morning and blow dry (gasp-I never have time or desire to do this anymore) my hair. Then I even plug in my curling iron and curl my hair. Slap on some make up and get semi dressed. You read right, semi dressed. I'll usually have a pair of jeans on and a tank, but not my shirt I plan to wear. I get the twins out of bed and give them their breakfast semi dressed. It's when I'm in the home stretch that I put on my good shirt. My arms may be freezing, but at least when I get to that special destination I'll come clean with no boogers and crumbs smashed to the front of me. So right after I get every ones shoes and coats on I'll quick run into my room and throw on a clean shirt. One final check in the mirror to make sure that no cereal is stuck in my hair and off we go. I'd much rather wear my sweats everyday so I can snuggle and embraced my booger crumbed coated toddlers, but once in awhile it's nice to get dolled up and go out.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Dear Librarian, from a very blessed mother
Dear Librarian,
I started out today with gumption. I was going to take the twins and Alli to Kohls and then to the library. I did my hair, I put on jeans, and I even did my make up so I wouldn't scare anyone by the haggard look I have without it. Shoot, I even put a sweater on instead of a sweatshirt. I was stylen'. Look out here I come. I got everyone ready and into the car. I did notice that the sky was getting dark, but we were off.
My first stop was Kohls and by the time I got the twins unbuckled and into the stroller it was raining, not sprinkling, but raining. I got Alli out of the car as quickly as I could and we ran into the store. We pretty much looked like drowned rats. So much for doing my hair. I bumped into a few elderly ladies who oohhed and aahhed over the twins, made my purchases, and we were off to come see you. Well not personally you, but the library.
I just have to say that when we came into the library, a little disheveled, you were so nice to us! I was so focused on my task that when you said "wow, your twins have grown" I really didn't think about it. We truly enjoyed picking out books. But what really made me feel so good was when you, dear librarian, came back up to me and told me that I was a good mother. And when you told me you could tell I nurture my children, my heart soared. When you went back to work, I remembered you. I had to tell you you were great to us last year when I made a stop in the summer. When I asked if you remembered us and you said you did, I couldn't believe it. We only came twice last summer. Although, if it was the time that I got stuck in the doorway with the double jogger, I'm sure I wouldn't forget that either. It was so refreshing to hear you say that you liked seeing well behaved bigger families. So I'm writing this to say a huge thank you. Your encouragement to me was beyond all measures. So thank you, thank you, thank you.
from a very blessed mother
P.S. You are now my favorite librarian
I started out today with gumption. I was going to take the twins and Alli to Kohls and then to the library. I did my hair, I put on jeans, and I even did my make up so I wouldn't scare anyone by the haggard look I have without it. Shoot, I even put a sweater on instead of a sweatshirt. I was stylen'. Look out here I come. I got everyone ready and into the car. I did notice that the sky was getting dark, but we were off.
My first stop was Kohls and by the time I got the twins unbuckled and into the stroller it was raining, not sprinkling, but raining. I got Alli out of the car as quickly as I could and we ran into the store. We pretty much looked like drowned rats. So much for doing my hair. I bumped into a few elderly ladies who oohhed and aahhed over the twins, made my purchases, and we were off to come see you. Well not personally you, but the library.
I just have to say that when we came into the library, a little disheveled, you were so nice to us! I was so focused on my task that when you said "wow, your twins have grown" I really didn't think about it. We truly enjoyed picking out books. But what really made me feel so good was when you, dear librarian, came back up to me and told me that I was a good mother. And when you told me you could tell I nurture my children, my heart soared. When you went back to work, I remembered you. I had to tell you you were great to us last year when I made a stop in the summer. When I asked if you remembered us and you said you did, I couldn't believe it. We only came twice last summer. Although, if it was the time that I got stuck in the doorway with the double jogger, I'm sure I wouldn't forget that either. It was so refreshing to hear you say that you liked seeing well behaved bigger families. So I'm writing this to say a huge thank you. Your encouragement to me was beyond all measures. So thank you, thank you, thank you.
from a very blessed mother
P.S. You are now my favorite librarian
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Ten Little Chicks
We went to TSC this past week and bought 10 new baby chickens. They are adorable. We are trying a few new varieties. Ameracanas, Isa Red, and Leghorns. The Ameracanas lay yellow, blue, and pink eggs. The leghorns lay white eggs and the Isa Reds lay brown. We already had 4 chickens that are full grown and the kids love to play with them!
Now Clay and Leanne have been hanging out in the garage to play with the baby chicks. I find them laying down in the wood shavings playing and talking to the baby chicks. They have come up with some different names for all of them. Some of the names are Lightning, Yak, Hunter, Chipmunk, Carter, Zack, and Cow (otherwise known as Blackie).
I took 4 of the little chicks to school Tuesday to visit the kindergartners and 1st graders. The kids loved them! The chickens were passed all around. There was a lot of giggling and squealing in both rooms. Most of the kids liked to hold them, and only a few wouldn't pick them up, but they were all happy to pet them! I think the chickens were a bit relieved to go back home to their makeshift coop.
The kids learned a few lessons today regarding the baby chicks. One, we must always ask daddy before feeding them and two, the chicks need to be bigger and more grown up before being introduced to the bigger chickens. A child, who will remain unnamed, decided he would feed the baby chicks. He had mountains of food laying by the chicks. If the chicks get too much food they will trample it down into their wood shavings instead of eating it. Not to mention the fact that chicks have a certain type of feed until they are older. So we were not certain what bag the unnamed child grabbed his food from. Then the unnamed child informed me that he took one of the big chickens and put it by the baby chicks. He took him out when he realized that the big chicken did not care for the little chicks. We are uncertain if the adult chicken would harm the baby chicks because they were not born in there coop. Chickens have a pecking order. One chicken is the leader and then they sort of have a line up in the group. So when getting new chickens we have to introduce them slowly to the older ones. They may decide to not lay eggs for awhile otherwise. We had, a few months back, an animal get into the chicken coop and it plucked out feathers from the back end from one of the chicken and ate some of the eggs. The chickens wouldn't lay well for a couple of months. Instead of getting five eggs a day, we were thankful for one or two eggs a day. Now they have settled down and they are producing a lot more for us.
Chickens are very interesting and entertaining animal to have around. They are great and useful for so many things. Ross just said the other day, "God made chickens for man's use. Not only do they lay eggs, and provide meat (well not these, unless we put it in a slow cooker for a week. They would have very tough meat) they also keep the yard low on tics and unwanted bugs." We are thankful for our chickens.
Now Clay and Leanne have been hanging out in the garage to play with the baby chicks. I find them laying down in the wood shavings playing and talking to the baby chicks. They have come up with some different names for all of them. Some of the names are Lightning, Yak, Hunter, Chipmunk, Carter, Zack, and Cow (otherwise known as Blackie).
Leanne with a chick
Clay with a chick
Older 3, Allison will pet a chick,
but she will not pick it up. The kids call
her a "city girl" not a "farm girl"
Luke and Reed checking out the chicks
The chicks better get used to being handled.
I took 4 of the little chicks to school Tuesday to visit the kindergartners and 1st graders. The kids loved them! The chickens were passed all around. There was a lot of giggling and squealing in both rooms. Most of the kids liked to hold them, and only a few wouldn't pick them up, but they were all happy to pet them! I think the chickens were a bit relieved to go back home to their makeshift coop.
The kids learned a few lessons today regarding the baby chicks. One, we must always ask daddy before feeding them and two, the chicks need to be bigger and more grown up before being introduced to the bigger chickens. A child, who will remain unnamed, decided he would feed the baby chicks. He had mountains of food laying by the chicks. If the chicks get too much food they will trample it down into their wood shavings instead of eating it. Not to mention the fact that chicks have a certain type of feed until they are older. So we were not certain what bag the unnamed child grabbed his food from. Then the unnamed child informed me that he took one of the big chickens and put it by the baby chicks. He took him out when he realized that the big chicken did not care for the little chicks. We are uncertain if the adult chicken would harm the baby chicks because they were not born in there coop. Chickens have a pecking order. One chicken is the leader and then they sort of have a line up in the group. So when getting new chickens we have to introduce them slowly to the older ones. They may decide to not lay eggs for awhile otherwise. We had, a few months back, an animal get into the chicken coop and it plucked out feathers from the back end from one of the chicken and ate some of the eggs. The chickens wouldn't lay well for a couple of months. Instead of getting five eggs a day, we were thankful for one or two eggs a day. Now they have settled down and they are producing a lot more for us.
Chickens are very interesting and entertaining animal to have around. They are great and useful for so many things. Ross just said the other day, "God made chickens for man's use. Not only do they lay eggs, and provide meat (well not these, unless we put it in a slow cooker for a week. They would have very tough meat) they also keep the yard low on tics and unwanted bugs." We are thankful for our chickens.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Twin on a Mission
Ross said today "Reed's mission in life is to follow you around and get into things you leave unattended" after he watched Reed get into a cabinet that I forgot to clip the safety lock on. The twins are now 18 months and they are very curious little fellows. Mainly Reed is the more curious of the two. We thought Clay was a mischievous little boy and Reed has him beat by a mile, and the fact he has a partner in crime, Luke.
The following are a few glimpses of my twins on a mission:
The other day I gave them each a piece of banana for breakfast. I must have missed some of the banana during clean up. When I walked by the kitchen register I found mashed banana in it. Like Reed try to grate the banana. He also did that with a cracker on my bedroom register. It wasn't crumbs when he was done but cracker dust.
I have a drawer in my kitchen where I keep all of my sandwich bags, gallon bags, saran wrap, etc. They LOVE that drawer. Reed is usually the first one to pull it open, but Luke is right behind him and they have a baggie party. We do have a safety lock on it but it was placed just slightly lower than what it needed so they can get it open.
The other cabinet they love is the cabinet under the sink. The dishwasher tablets, dish soap, and a trash can is in there. We have a lock on the outside of it, but if I forget to lock it for even a second they are in there. The last couple of time, thankfully, they were more interested in pulling out the dishwasher tablets than the trash.
I'm always looking to make sure that the toilet lids are shut and the doors to bathroom are shut. But on occasion, I don't catch when one of the other kids are done using the bathroom and they accidentally leave the lid up. If the twins even see the bathroom door open they are in there. If the toilet lid is up they're splashing around in it. Reed now gets up on a stool and pulls open the toothbrush drawer and gets toothpaste out.
The bathtub is a highlight for them too. If shampoo is on the side of it, they either try to open it up or they push it over the side into the tub. I have found their snacks in the bottom of the tub because chucking snacks down there is way more fun than eating them.
Then there is the issue of the stairs leading down to the basement. Leanne's room, Clay's room, a toy room, and the family area are down there. I don't mind that they go down there if I'm down there watching them. As they head down, I usually shout out to one of the kids to shut all the doors so they are secluded to the family room. It goes awry when one of the older kids accidentally leave the basement door open and the twins sneak down there. I usually find them in Clay's room playing with his small legos. If they get into Leanne's room they get a hold of her CD's. They know they're not supposed to go in there. When they see me coming they give a sly grin. Such cute naughty little faces.
These two definitely keep me hopping through out the day. It's a constant minute by minute getting them out of stuff. They are quick little buggers. I love those twins. They are too cute even if they do get into everything and anything.
The following are a few glimpses of my twins on a mission:
The other day I gave them each a piece of banana for breakfast. I must have missed some of the banana during clean up. When I walked by the kitchen register I found mashed banana in it. Like Reed try to grate the banana. He also did that with a cracker on my bedroom register. It wasn't crumbs when he was done but cracker dust.
I have a drawer in my kitchen where I keep all of my sandwich bags, gallon bags, saran wrap, etc. They LOVE that drawer. Reed is usually the first one to pull it open, but Luke is right behind him and they have a baggie party. We do have a safety lock on it but it was placed just slightly lower than what it needed so they can get it open.
The other cabinet they love is the cabinet under the sink. The dishwasher tablets, dish soap, and a trash can is in there. We have a lock on the outside of it, but if I forget to lock it for even a second they are in there. The last couple of time, thankfully, they were more interested in pulling out the dishwasher tablets than the trash.
I'm always looking to make sure that the toilet lids are shut and the doors to bathroom are shut. But on occasion, I don't catch when one of the other kids are done using the bathroom and they accidentally leave the lid up. If the twins even see the bathroom door open they are in there. If the toilet lid is up they're splashing around in it. Reed now gets up on a stool and pulls open the toothbrush drawer and gets toothpaste out.
The bathtub is a highlight for them too. If shampoo is on the side of it, they either try to open it up or they push it over the side into the tub. I have found their snacks in the bottom of the tub because chucking snacks down there is way more fun than eating them.
Then there is the issue of the stairs leading down to the basement. Leanne's room, Clay's room, a toy room, and the family area are down there. I don't mind that they go down there if I'm down there watching them. As they head down, I usually shout out to one of the kids to shut all the doors so they are secluded to the family room. It goes awry when one of the older kids accidentally leave the basement door open and the twins sneak down there. I usually find them in Clay's room playing with his small legos. If they get into Leanne's room they get a hold of her CD's. They know they're not supposed to go in there. When they see me coming they give a sly grin. Such cute naughty little faces.
These two definitely keep me hopping through out the day. It's a constant minute by minute getting them out of stuff. They are quick little buggers. I love those twins. They are too cute even if they do get into everything and anything.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Random pictures from winter
Leanne and Clay having fun
the babies.
Reed in white and
Luke in blue.
Smooches for Allison
Snow day fun
Cutie pie Leanne
Playful Clay
Sweet Allison
Allison preparing for
her future job (she's
going to be a princess
when she grows up)
All the kids wanted to
help daddy put the sink in.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Juggling
Some decisions in life can be hard. I've been extremely busy since the twins were born and spread very thin. I was trying to get back into my career also. I was picking up more day shifts and I even found a sitter that would be able to take care of everyone while I was away. Even as I write this I can clearly see I was wrong. But in the midst of it, I didn't feel like I was doing wrong. I'm a nurse. Being a nurse is a calling in life. I loved my job, loved taking care of newborns and preemies, and enjoyed my fellow co workers. Something was pricking my conscience but I continued to ignore it until I couldn't anymore. I wasn't happy at home anymore. What I thought would make me happy made me sad and irritable at home. I found out firsthand that I couldn't be 100% mom and wife and 100% nurse. Something had to give and it wasn't going to be my family. I gave my two week notice at work. There has been many tears in this process but I believe in letting go of my job, I have already grown as a mother, wife, and nurse. Sometimes stepping away is the best thing to do. I pray that God humbles my walk toward Him and continues to bless me and my family.
Proverbs 31:27 and 28 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her"
Proverbs 31:27 and 28 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her"
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