Things that people say...

I know we all ponder and wonder at the things people say. I know, I for one, have not always thought before I spoke.....(still current at times and find my foot in my mouth).

But...these are the things I hear when I go out with my boys, and even with one of my sisters to help.

#1: "Wow, You've got your hands full." - I hear this the most, and just smile and say "Yes, and I'm blessed", or something like this...but after literally saying this 10 times even on the same aisle at the grocer store (that is, when one of my wonderful sisters or parents aren't watching them so I have some alone time at the store). I begin to wonder what I should say....so I'm practicing on whoever is listening.....I'm also wondering what you say or would say to respond?

I've thought I could say: "My heart is full, too." Or...."Yes, and I'm so blessed", or "Actually, I don't have enough hands, do you want to come over and help".

I have to admit I must look like a funny show to some, as I maneuver my kids, in strollers and back packs and carts.....to peruse (a word I for sure picked up from Adam) the aisle in search of my food and other items.

I have found some people shocked at me, others tell me what a wonderful job I'm doing, and even the same person will tell others through the store how amazing I am. That's nice to hear.

I now...can't remember really any others for the moment, I guess this one I hear so much, and wonder how people come up with this stuff.....I don't think I'd ever even think to say that to someone.

Ok, now I remember...."What a beautiful family you have," "I was a twin," "All boys?" - I always respond truthfully to this one, "I'm hoping for a few girls, next". Others say "You must have a lot of fun" - which is so very true!

I know growing up....people were not always kind. They were rude, to my Mom, in front of us....even (especially) Christians, so odd. I don't know what is so bad or sad to 'people' about a large family. I was so blessed and loved growing up. I hope God blesses me with many children. I am so glad my heart agrees with Him, Children are a blessing, a reward (paraphrased)....I can't imagine my life any other way.

For those who may not know me...I grew up in a wonderful family. I am the oldest of 13 kids. We also were blessed to have a few cousins and friends live with us from time to time. I felt so loved, spoiled and surrounded at all times with wonderful relationships (I still am). We always had our 'needs' met and then some. So, yes, I know my 3 boys are blessed to have one another, besides all of their uncles, aunties, cousins, Tita/Grandmas, Pappas, and more....

I may sometime talk more about this.....and let you know how I do in really saying what I think, since so many others seem to have that freedom already.

{And while writing this post, it got very quiet in the living room....we all know what too quiet means! Yes, my twins somehow had the fortune of find the bathroom door open, as well as, the toilet seat up! Their first time...and wish I could say the last to make toilet soup. Colby came and told me and found them just in time before the toy giraffe became soup, too.}

The boys - September update

Update on my babies, they are now toddling into toddler-hood.

Twins (1 year, 2 months -I had to use my fingers to count):
Kyle (the older by seconds)- serious - independant for the most part, when he knows I'm there.

Ryan (the younger of the family)- clingy, socialite, and recent development= doesn't like strangers. I know it doesn't make sense how he could be so social and now all of the sudden such a mommy's boy.

Kyle/Ryan- obsessed with throwing away their diapers in the trash can for me and so proud as they do it (I only give them the damp ones, not the stinky ones, and sometimes they try to grab a clean one to toss, gonna have to watch what goes in the trash now. Once my sister {Laura} threw out my Dad's paycheck).

Kyle and Ryan don't share a crib, but do share a room. They shared a crib till about (trying to remember) 6 monthes or so.....but they only play together in them now.

They are using bowls and spoons, with pride....so cute (and messy).

Eating: kyle loves fruit and not too fond of cheese, Ryan loves most things

self feeding, pretty much every thing, so you can imagine the clean up

When I call the 'babies' this means run and laugh and hide, till I have to get up and find you....

Kyle = silk blankies, all of the sudden they're his favorite and won't get out of bed without, and I have to pry out of his hands at breakfast, but luckily forgets about until nap time.

Cuddles = all 3 at once jumping in/on my lap....so much love.

I recently got them a leash...for the twins, but it's a process to train them to both walk the same way, next to me....a lot of teaching going on, with a back up of security for me, if we are in the street. I think we'll try it when they are a bit older, as they fall a lot and it's hard to make it 10 feet as a group.

Baby wearing = so this is a new term to me as of the twins. I used a sleepwrap for them as new borns, they both fit in this big piece of material. Then I proceeded to use the wrap for the front for one, and the Ergo as a back carrier for the other twin. Now I tried a sling and the Ergo, but find you can't do both....so I'm looking into buying another one called a Mei Tei or something....so that I can tie that on the front with the Ergo on back....I really must take more pictures. I've had so many questions for other moms of twins, one being on how to 'wear' your babies. Wish I could have run into more twin moms sooner, but when you're so busy you don't have time to come up for air. Now, I have time, but don't know many moms of twins around my boys age or just beyond. I love having my 'babies' close to me. I realize they aren't babies much anymore, but they are the youngest of my kids, so they remain babies to me.

The favorite new thing is to all pile in my lap to read stories....usually it's the twins, Kyle and Ryan = my lap w/Cobly to the side of me. They love to read as much a I do!

They also love to all be in one crib, including Colby, at once. So this is my new routine, since I don't usually plan my shower till the end of the day....before Adam gets home. I put them all in the Twins room....and then either all in one crib (I'm afraid of it breaking w/3) or 2 in one and 1 in the other crib. Sometimes when we are in their room, they just beg to go in their cribs together.....funny, and a good way to vacuum when they are in there.

Colby will belt out in singing, jumping, running in any order at any time. He likes to serenade us all day, it's either reading or singing. And now I think with enough coaxing, he's beginning to beg to play outside more....yeah for activity. He always is asking us "you" want this...that...which means "I" want.....the cookie, etc....I've been working with him, and he's beginning to understand. It's always weird when he says "he" wants it....etc....but someday we'll get it.

Um, don't get me started on strollers for 3 kids, I've been searching, found the one I like, but will have to wait till I find a second job (and being that I have 3 kids, that won't be anytime soon).

Well, my jumbled thoughts should end soon....as I need to pick up so we can begin fresh fun tomorrow. I get my hair cut/styled for the first time in months.....and I always love the time and miss my kids more, too.

Good Night!

Sunday mornings with out Adam

Days that start with Adam heading off to work, mean I usually treat the day about the same, but still had to do some Sunday morning baking, even if it means I'll be eating the hot cinnamon rolls alone.

Adam left early and I was in bed cuddling my early riser, Colby. Then, of course, he's hungry, early! So, we got up and made some yummy oatmeal pancakes with coconut milk. We had a our bonding time, and his breakfast. Colby ate quite a few and went back for more. I decided since my kitchen was now a mess (well, dinner didn't get clean since I hadn't seen Adam all day), to bake some cinnamon rolls my sister Michele suggested.

I enjoyed my cool morning, with yummy smells (still waiting on the last rising of my rolls, before baking them), and now my twins, Kyle and Ryan, are finally up. Sleepyheads, love it!

I think we'll go for a cool walk today, then they'll want to play outside before my twins go down for a nap. Later we'll head to town so I can finish buying my fabrics for a project I'm beginning tomorrow night with our girls sewing class. I've got spaghetti on the menu for dinner, easy and good.

Well, now my baby boys (1 year now and 1 1/2 months) are done and it's time to get some walking shoes on. I may try out my new leash system for our walk, instead of the stroller.

Enjoying this day that the Lord has made.

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The days of September

So, since summer is coming to a close, I took the kids 'camping'. I did it without Adam, since anything other than home with the kids can make him feel overwhelmed. I joined my parents at our family friends' cabin, The Millers. It was wonderful. Just being out in nature, no cells, no internet, just family and the stars above you. Ok, so when I say camping....I mean we were in the cabin, but the boys all did get really dirty outside. I wasn't sure if I was crazy for trying this alone, and almost gave up a few times just in the packing phase. But upon arrival I was so glad I did it. My family helped me with the kids, but I still had to break out the large fenced area for play time. We sat overlooking the river....and a deck with no rails.....so it was man on man (no zone here) or the 'cage'. It takes almost as long to do all the things I do, even with help, and even camping. But once the kids were in bed, and asleep, I got to join the adults....so fun! Drinks and campfire and catching up. Wonderful old memories and new ones, now, too. I think for me it means even more, since the past year I've given up doing a lot of things, because it's just not feasible or would be really crazy. So my heart is grateful to have gone for a day (and night). I loved that in the morning....the coffee grinder and Jim were up and louder than Colby. (Colby and Jim both wake at 6 am). So I joined them for coffee (Colby drank water) and we waited as we woke up the rest of our gang. The rest of the morning, while the twins slept, I took Colby hiking, crossed the river to a swim beach and then swam back across with him on my back, wow, didn't know I could do that still.

Packing, unpacking, re-packing....I do tire from it, but it's the only way to get out and take my kids to make memories outside our home. I realize they are a bit young for remembering besides all the pictures I take, but I look at them as practice runs and sanity for me.

Now, I am ready for a family 'camping' trip back to the cabin.

Better a short story

than to never hear from me. So, I always think I need a good chunk of time, uninteruppted, while my mind is fresh and creative. Nope, hasn't happened yet, so I am realizing I just have to write, if I want to note for myself (and others) the life I get to live.

So, currently I am sitting in my kitchen, with a pile of dishes from the past 2-3 days. I am not a great house keeper, but trying to get better. I get distracted by the computer, my books, my kids, my stomach, and all other varieties of excuses. I do keep up on my laundry....you can see the clean stuff piled high in my room (another goal to get to tonight after I've mastered my Sangria for tomorrow). Yes, we are having company, so I need to get on it. I've already detailed one of our bathrooms....and have all the cleaning supplies overwhelming our other. (If this is too scary I can edit nicer versions, just let me know). I hope to become cleaner person in this life. I don't know how my husband is creative and hard working....I seem to only be able to move in one at a time.

So my hubby is off beer tasting....I think he's only have one...since he has to drive home. But I'm glad he's out with his buddies. He is the hardest working person I know, and I'm so glad he loves his work (sometimes a little too much).

Update on life.....so Colby is currently 2 1/2 and then some....I was never good at the weeks thing....and so I just say 2 1/2 until he hits 3.....much easier that way. He has just started to jump (I think he's catching up...yeah!) and he's singing all the time and signing, too. He can actually hold a tune, and is pretty handsome (he looks exactly like Adam as a young boy).

Kyle (1 year 1 month) - my independent (most of the time at home) son, who gives the best smiles, is starting to chat and coping words I say. He is so sweet! His fake cry is pretty cute, totally turned on and off.....smarty!

Ryan (a few seconds younger than Kyle) - my cheesier attention grabber, (makes me have to single out mr. independent -kYle) adventure boy.

All 3 run around the house exploring.....and playing. They love the water, outside, inside -especially behind the bookshelf or on the shelf. The twins teach Colby some new (and sometimes bad) habits. They seem to all copy each other. We just got the twins shoes, seeing that they have been walking for a few months and someday we have to un-contain them and so the fair was our first attempt at letting them 'run free'. (I know some will think I'm a 'mean' Mom, but I think for safety I may be getting a twin leash).

I do have to say that I couldn't have made it through the last year without all the help of my family (and friends, who I never see). Life has been so busy, and I always am expecting myself to jump back into the way it was with just one. That's when it helps to hear your mom say...."Hey, you have twins."......oh, yeah!

Well, my dishes can talk, yes, they are alive via the stuff growing (o.k. - that hasn't happened yet, I'm not gross). And I need to tidy our house for the weekend and fun = company.

Love to all and to all a good night,

Becky

P.S. I still have to figure out how to add pics and stuff .....any one good at developing a blog page and could help a sista out with some tips...

It's been a long time baby!

I think the title for this blog is from a cigarette commercial or something from when I was little. Do you ever find it weird that you can say " When I was little". I have people look at me oddly, like I'm still young. I am...especially at heart, but now I find that I have memories that go back to 'when I was little'. On that note of retrospect, I'm sitting here, all my kids are in bed, my husband is on his way home from work, and I'm sipping an adult beverage (tonight it's a dark beer) while I attempt to blog (and hopefully continue on for those who find it interesting, entertaining or just fun to read). It's a way to journal my life, especially since the past year is really a blur or a blob.

Adam and I have come through so much with the arrival of our twins. It'll be a year at the end of this month. It's good that we don't know what to expect sometimes, otherwise we wouldn't sign up for it. I think I would still do it again.....but I do have to say, Thank you - God that it's easier and I've come to be so very thankful for all our support. When I say support, I am including those who've supported us in prayer, as well as, encouraged us through the rough ground of a pure crazy 3-4 months of newborn/infants, plus a 20 month old, to a hectic year, and now to a period of I believe, possibly the lull before the storm. We've been supported by family and friends in our family, marriage, and especially with our kids. I can look back now and say I'm thankful for all the growth (and stretch marks - I'm literal, as well as, figurative). There were times I wanted to give up on how hard twins were, but add to that real life, a toddler, and marriage that all need to be handled with love and attention. I have to admit there were a few times I felt 'done', shed some tears and went back at it, not sure how I was going to keep going on. I received (we both did) a lot of help with our kids from family and friends the first few weeks and to any mom's of twins out there....or expecting. I am willing to come sleep over and help! We still thankfully live close to both sides of our family, and are blessed to have family watch our kids when we need to do an errand or go on our bi-annual date.

I am hoping to post more regularly, in efforts to share my life, as well as document it for myself. I don't remember much of the past year, but there are some highlights. The night the twins slept through the night. My first time sitting down to finger paint with Colby, while our twins slept. Our first outing (I think around 9 months?) to the park, alone. Yep, I cried with joy, that we were finally out and that I could take my kids to the park. Weaning them to a bottle and then to a sipee, both give you more energy to put back into your kids, but again, bitter sweet. It all means they are growing up. You want them to, but then I realize that they are no longer babies, and becoming little men. Hearing momma and dadda and owww. Smiles, priceless! They are the reward right now for all the hard work and love you give.

I am enjoying the fact that today I fingerpainted with my son, Colby, who is now a little over 2 and 1/2. There is a bittersweetness to it all, since we are out of the busy, busy times of care taking, it also means we are out of babyhood and moving onto toddlerhood. Ryan has been walking more and more....and Kyle is getting ready to. Saying their first words, wonderful smiles, new foods, first steps, scary antics of climbing up on things, and don't forget the opinions and attitudes of maturing.

In reference to when I said the lull before the storm, it's just been getting easier, but when they are both walking, I don't know what that will look like or if it'll get harder, I'm sure it will. For now they enjoy a large sectioned off play area that they can't get out of. I did have to secure it when they figured out a way of getting out. It's a safe area and allows me to do my chores and then join them to play. When I let them out, they are on the 'go', and so am I. Exploring and hiding in the smallest places, and also getting stuck or in trouble. My twins think they can swim and have attempted to crawl right into the lake and just keep on going (under water). So, as you can imagine, I always go to the pool/lake/river with someone else. My sisters and brothers have been great at accompanying me places or letting me go to the grocery store for an hour alone.

Well, before I write a book on the past year and the future thoughts, I'll go a head and sign off and fill you in more regularly in shorter increments.

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Enjoy your day.