TwindomKingdom

2009-05-13T04:44:00.000-07:00

A few updated chicken pics

One of the baby girls

A few big girls pecking in the grass

Aren't we comfortable in the feed bowl?

Its not polite to put your feet where you eat

2009-04-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream Truck!!!

It is 4:15 and I just got the boys ice cream, why? Because I heard the nostalgic music of the ice cream man coming down the block. Will this treat spoil the dinner I had planned for 5:30pm? Most definitely. Will the boys now act like wild animals when they hear the same song throughout the summer? Absolutely. Why did I just do this to myself?

2009-04-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

Chickens!!

We got the newest additions about a month ago after learning that my good friend Steph, is also getting caught up in the hobby. My main reason for getting them is for the EGGS! But they are also so much fun to care for and the boys love feeding them miscellaneous bugs we find outside.

2008-08-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

Uhhh, How do I do this again??

I really haven't fallen off the earth, contracted a nasty case of ringworm, or sworn off computers forever, I just got out of the habit of blogging! I can't believe its been since April... Well how should I sum the past 4 months up? How about in bullet form?

I took 7 classes ( Yes 7!!!) over the summer and was almost at the point of eating paint chips when it was all said and done. It sucked.
We took the fam for a trip to see John's parents in NC for a few weeks Aug 6-21. It was a good trip, lots of soaking up the sun at the beach, but there's no place like home!
I'm in my LAST semester of school...then student teaching January-May and then hopefully getting a job :)
I sold my ponies a few days ago BIG :( I have little to no free time, it wasn't fair to them being stuck in stalls for months at a time. Plus they aren't the cheapest hobby. Think luxury car payment.
The boys are not pottytrained and I don't care!

2008-04-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Me, me, me and me

My throat is still hurting. This will be day 4 of having some sort of nasty bug or allergy (?), other than my throat feeling like there are tiny cactus prongs sliding up and down as I swallow, I feel fine. If this is strep, it will progressively get worse, right? I hate being sick.

I'm also feeling quite snacky lately. Just call me snacky pants. I made rice crispy treats last night,YUM...I added a little more marshmellowies than the recipe called for, along with strawberry crispies, ooooh yeah. Much much better than sex.

2008-04-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

finish the sentence.

maybe i should go to bed already.
i love the smell of vanilla, or anything sweet and sticky.
people would say that I don't look like a former police officer.
i don’t understand why I have so many addictions.
i lost my shyness when I was about 21.
life is hard to not take so seriously.
my past is something that has made me stronger and more adaptable.
i get annoyed with rude people.
my idea of a good time is spending the day with my horses.
i wish I didn't squander my early 20's.
Moles are cute when they are someone else’s.
Too much perfume makes me sneeze.
tomorrow i’m going to have more patience with my boys.
i have low tolerance for dishonesty.
i’m totally terrified of waking up in a nightmare again.
i wonder why bad things happen to good people.
never in my life have i broken a bone.
high school was miserable.
when i’m nervous my stomach hurts and i'm jittery.
one time at a family gathering I started lactating.
take my advice: enjoy life for what it is, things could always be worse.
Being appreciated makes me happy.
i’m almost always wishing I could take a long nap.
i’m addicted to good food and junk food, and food that makes me feel like crap the morning after.
i want someone to tell me everything will be ok.

Now its your turn.

2008-03-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

I need help guys. I know I've asked this before, but I need your help again!!! One of my classes requires a paper over peoples' perceptions about how children learn language. I need the following questions answered (don't worry...names will be changed in my paper). Any and all elaborations are welcomed!

1. How do you believe children learn language and when does this learning start?

2. Do you think certain languages are learned quicker and easier by children than others?

3. What do you think are the reasons behind some language delays in children and how can they be corrected and/or treated?

4. What are your earliest memories of talking? Do you remember what frustrated you? Do you remember trying to verbalize something difficult?

5. How did your parents and/or teachers help to develop your language abilities?

Thank you guys!!

2008-03-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Snow Day in March

John and his snow man

Matthew just chillin'

The boys

The good news is that I'll graduate this year, quite unexpectedly. I didn't think it would happen until after the Spring 2009 semester. The bad news is that I'll be taking 6 summer school classes and 7 classes in the fall to finish early. Yee-haw!

2008-01-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

Totally Blog-worthy

The lady that watches the boys while I'm at school has been attempting potty training the past few weeks. She has reported to me that BOTH boys have done their business in the potties on a pretty consistent basis. I've been working with them at home as well. I admit, not to the same degree that she does (every hour, before and after meals and snacks, after naptime), but I've been working with them every now and then.

Matching potty chairs sitting side by side on the bathroom floor, check. Plenty of good reading material on indestructible cardboard, check. Step stools to reach the sink for handwashing after, check yet again. The desire to undress the boys every hour just to have them monkey around on the potty...er, not so much.

This morning after breakfast I took the boys to the bathroom and Matthew peed in the potty!! This was the first time *I've* witnessed this, even though Peggy (Mimi to the boys) argues they understand the concept, just need consistency in training on the home-front.

Today is a good day. We are one step closer to being done with diapers....can I dream that they will be fully trained before their second birthday??

2008-01-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

3 semesters and counting...

Today was my first day back to school. It was an ok day, other than the fact that my second to last class has a 2 1/2 hour break between it and the last class. Time to study every Monday and Wednesday I guess, or zone out in my car. I talked with a nice woman I had a class with last semester for the first time today. We recognized each other and have two classes together this semester. Turns out she also has two boys, so we had a lot to talk about. Maybe this is a potential friend? Lord knows I need them!

My last class that I was counting on being a "blowoff" class seems to be anything but. Some friends of mine had told me from semesters past they rarely attended class....well, my prof is VERY big on attendance...and get this, 70% of our grade will be from classwork and the remaining 30% from tests.

Here's to getting through another semester!!! Wish me luck!

2008-01-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Better late than never...Christmas 2007

The boys with their 4-wheelers

Me with my(upside down) gift

Opening presents

Look, a frog!

2008-01-01T03:59:00.001-08:00

Lets Start the New Year as Flowers...

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

2007-12-31T11:51:00.000-08:00

Dear 13year old Babs,

You are far too insecure and shy! Everyone, and yes I do mean EVERYONE your age feels as insecure about their bodies as you do! Being flat chested is something you will just have to learn to love. No matter how much you wish for a full chest, its just not going to happen! Surgery is an option, but more important is to learn how to love the body you have been given.

It does suck to have gotten your period for the very first time while at girl scout camp. Thank goodness for friends that had already crossed that bridge and came prepared! Think of it this way, at least you were at a camp with a bunch of girls versus a co-ed one! Relax. Its really not that bad and NOBODY can tell its *that special time of the month* other than you.

You are a great person and should not settle for less..ever. Do not let others take advantage of you or talk down to you.

Listen to that little voice, it will not steer you wrong!

This post is because of Steph.....I now tag JC and BJ!

2007-12-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

Day after Christmas

I started the day by cleaning up the kitchen a bit and making cinnamon rolls for the boys before we all tore into the presents. The boys got a bunch of books, twin four wheelers, stuffed animals, clothes, and of course candy! I got John a new rice maker, indoor grill, facial hair trimmer, and assorted treats. I think I made out best of all though. John got me a new computer

I also got a new coach handbag from his mother, a grill pan and money from my mom, a really cool shirt from my sis along with a book, cookie sheets, and a dustbuster....a necessary item after obtaining a very large doggie.

I am still learning how to use my new toy...I have so much stuff on my old computer that needs to be transferred to the Mac. Along with all my pictures. Any tips or hints would be appreciated as we are both new to the Macworld.

Christmas dinner was at my sis' place. I made some kickazz tamales from a recipe Anne selected for me. The recipe called for pork butt...but all I could find on Christmas Eve was a pork loin, so I plopped that in the crockpot for 12+ hours, assembled the tamales and took them to Annes to be cooked. Her enchiladas were great, along with all the fixins.

The decorations were disassembled and put away with the help of my mom this morning. I hate prolonging the inevitable. Now all that needs to be done is for all this food to be eaten before I lose my willpower and gorge myself to death!

2007-12-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

Meet Andy...

Andy with Michael
Andy next to me in the kitchen

Getting love from all three boys

We got Andy a week ago Saturday from the local Petsmart. Every weekend they have a nonprofit shelter come by with cats and dogs that they adopted from kill shelters. Originally we were looking for something small. A Chihuahua. Perhaps a Yorkie. We walked away with a 97 pound, one year old Anatolian Shepherd. He is great with the boys, and best yet, is house trained!

2007-12-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Have Done/Haven't Done!

I got this from Steph's blog
Highlight everything you have done from the following list and post in your blog. I feel like according to the list, I'm pretty dang dull. Oh well, life ain't over yet, right?

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke (very badly)
59. Lounged around in bed all day (this pretty much summed up my pregnancy)
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving (just snorkling)
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre (not a good idea for hormonal highschoolers)
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (I lost 10 pounds too! It came back VERY quickly once I started eating again)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone (the city you work in is a combat zone when you are the fuzz)
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

2007-11-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

Family Foto's - November '07

2007-11-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving wrap-up

We took the boys to visit the in-laws (are they considered inlaws if we aren't married?) and cousins in the Ohio/Kentucky/West Virginia area. This is called the tri-state area....we went there last year and I was thoroughly confused as to what state we were in at any given time. We divided our time between visiting John's sister in Kentucky, his mom and step dad in Ohio, and touring his old stomping grounds in West Virginia. It was a lot of driving but a good visit. The boys did great compared to last year...they were a mere 8 months old at the time and we had to stop every 3 hours for bottle feedings. This time I just handed them sugary snacks whenever they whimpered. Another thing that made this trip better this year was the absence of double ear infections, thank goodness for healthy boys!

On our next to last day we visited the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.....the location of various Mothman sightings and where the filming of the movie took place a few years back. We also toured a little museum devoted to the flick. Here are a few pictures from the museum...

*I'm sorry the pictures are all out of order, I'm having trouble with blogger and don't have the energy to find out what I'm doing wrong!*

Time to leave the museum! The boys having a meltdown

Me with Matthew and M.M.

Outside of "museum"

Bridge that was rebuilt after the collapse

Sign of Point Pleasant from entrance of bridge

View of Point Pleasant after getting off the bridge

Original newspaper clippings about M.M.

2007-11-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to bore you all with the ugly details of my personal life.

Just sending a message for you guys to pray for me, if you don't mind.

2007-11-10T12:26:00.000-08:00

Solution: Crib Tents

I ordered online yesterday two crib tents for the monkey babies. I should have them early next week. In the mean time, Michael's crib is against the wall on two sides, and Matthew's crib is against it on the third side, leaving only the short, high side available for climbing episodes. So far so good. They are NOT ready for toddler beds. I read somewhere that for most children, they need to be at least 3 to understand the "imaginary boundaries" of bed. So crib babies they will remain until then!

2007-11-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Its official: We have a crib climber

Michael has been the more climbey-er of the two. He gets up on couches, chairs, even non-furniture items quite easily. Matthew (bless his chubby legs) is not YET as flexible as his brother. This morning I put the boys down for their nap around 10am. John and I also took advantage of this quiet time to also sleep (I wish I didn't need an afternoon nap, but I do!). We heard the regular crying for a few minutes until they both settled down. A few hours later I heard Matthew laughing, so got up, checked my email and lazily went to their bedroom to get the boys. What did I find? Michael out of his crib and the room torn upside down!! I scooped him up and snuggled him for a good 5 minutes straight, looking for lumps on his noggin, uneven dilated pupils, etc. What a scare.

Now what the crap am I to do with no toddler beds and a crib climber?

2007-10-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Halloween!

Candy IS good!
I feel pretty!

Twin Ninjas!

Me with my three favorite (and only) nieces!

2007-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Early Halloween!!!

Can you believe this is the BEST picture I've got of them in their costumes so far?? Oh, and it was only this good because they were bribed with chocolate. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better picture day.....Hiii-aaahhh!!!!

2007-10-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Meme on the first born

1. were you married at the time? nope
2. what were your reactions? excited and scared
3. how old were you? 26
4. how did you find out you were pregnant? I'd been feeling funky for a while, took a pee test while at work, it came back with both pregnant/not pregnant, so I went back to the store for another test and it came back pregnant.
5. who did you tell first? John
6. did you want to find out the sex? yes
7. did you deliver early or late? about a month early
8. did you have morning sickness? yes, it was terrible. brushing my teetch in the morning started it up
9. what did you crave? anything that wasn't nailed down....I ate a lot of cheese,crackers, corny dogs, onion rings and apple juice in the beginning
10. who irritated you the most? people that were more pregnant than me who wanted to tell me how much MORE uncomfortable I'd soon be.
11. what was your first child’s sex? boy/boy
12. how many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? I stopped weighing myself after I hit the 50 lb mark
13. did you have any complications during your pregnancy? yes, starting at 29 weeks when I was put on bedrest in the hospital
14. where did you give birth? presbyterian hospital
15. how many hours were you in labor? a few, once my water was broke it went really fast.
16. who drove you to the hospital? myself.....I was there for what I thought was a regular appointment when I was admitted
17. who watched? John, Mom, Anne
18. was it natural or c-section? natural with mucho drugs
19. did you take medicine to ease the pain? yes....but I thought I didn't need anything after the fact.....wrong!!!
20. how much did your child weigh? Matthew - 4lbs 15oz Michael - 5lbs 9oz
21. did your child have any complications? Michael did...gastroscesis....was in the NICU for a month
22. what did you name him/her? see above!
23. how old is your first born today? 1 year and 7 months

2007-10-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Daily heart attacks

Matthew on the corner of a box of wipes looking over the gate
Michael thought the box holding the toys looked even more fun than the toys themselves

This is Michael's newest trick, he gets up there himself....its only a matter of time before the other monkey joins him

2007-10-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm loved!

My sister brought these over to me today, love them!!

This is John's creativity before he left for work yesterday afternoon, sweet huh?

2007-10-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Age

I'm not even sure if anyone still looks at this thing, but just incase you are out there....I have a couple questions for you!

a. What age does someone become old?

b. What do you think is the best thing about becoming old?

c. If you could change one thing about aging in this country, what would you do?

These questions are from a class I'm taking this semester about diverse families. The class is kinda blah, but I like that its semi-internet so I only meet every 2 weeks.

2007-09-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

De-mulleting the boys

Before:

After:

2007-08-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

Eh.Mey.Gawd.

Today was the first meeting of the woman's group where I watched the young toddlers while their mothers got closer to Hey-Seuse. Cheese and Rice. It was bad.

I arrived right on time and promptly joined the line of temp workers getting their room assignments for the day. The boys and I found our room and they got to explore for a few minutes before the other children arrived. I ended up keeping one of my sister's girls in the room, even though technically she should have been in one of the older-toddler rooms. Four other kids were dropped off not including my niece and M&M...everything seemed to be going ok. Then Sumo-Baby arrived. To imagine this child is to imagine what a successful Sumo wrestler must have looked like as a baby. He was around the boys age, about a year and a half, but probably outweighed the average Kindergartner. If his massive trunk, meaty arms and legs were any indication of how heavy he was, then they were a gross understatement. Sumo-Baby must have been made of lead. Having to tote around Sumo-Baby occasionally during the day would have been a vast improvement over having to constantly rock/sing to/and bounce him during the entire 4 hours, which is what actually happened. Sumo-Baby could not and would not be comforted. He snotted all over my shirt. The beads of sweat from crying exertion would reappear the moment he decided being a content baby was for the birds. Sumo-Baby capitalized my time and my co-sitter's time the whole 4 hours. We passed him back and forth between the two of us when our arms would get tired. My co-sitter attempted to minimize how Sumo-Baby was when his mom picked him up. Not me. I was honest. Sumo-Baby cried. And Cried. And Snotted. And then Cried some more.

2007-08-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Popsicle lovin' twinks

2007-08-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks now, I've been spending my evenings placing orders for a televised shop at home network. Other than it being monotonous and boring at times, I like the fact that I get to do it when I want and at home. I put the boys down for bed a little before 6 and start work shortly after.
School starts monday after next, so we'll see how well I can juggle everything...I might have to give the call taking up. I'm taking another 5 classes this semester...2 of which are on-line and only meet 10 or so times.
I also agreed to work in a daycare a few days a month for a woman's group...of course the boys will go with me.
I really hope I'm not spreading myself too thin.

2007-08-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Change your own GD tire!

Since mom is in town, I feel better taking the boys places with an extra set of hands to help. We went to the barn to feed Sony which was uneventful. The four new kittens at the barn were a real hit to the boys who couldn't get enough of holding/hugging them. On the way home from the barn the 'low tire pressure' light came on. I looked out my window and sure enough, the rear tire on the drivers side was down to the rim. Even though we were less than a few miles from home, I was scared to drive it and bend the rim....at this point it was making a terrible scratching sound and I limped along with the hazards on. I pulled into an empty parking lot and after a few unsuccessful attempts to contact John (he was dead to the world..worked until 5am that morning!) I decided who better to change the tire than yours truly. For a second I imagined calling the PD and requesting assistance, after all, I am the baby's momma of one of their finest. Then just as quick as that thought entered my mind did I realize that I was an officer once, just because I'm strapped down with 2 kids now, I'm not helpless! So the process began of tire transplant 101.

I first placed the emergency brake on, then removed the jack and tools, figured out how to lower the tire via the cable system (this part had me thinking for a few minutes). Next I jacked the car up, took the lugnuts off, and lifted the deflated tire off. At this point a few men had stopped by asking if they could help......with the tire already off I told them I was doing fine. What's the point? I was already sweaty, my khaki capri shorts were already stained with grease and dirt, and my nails were caked with the stuff. Surprisingly, once the tire was off, it looked a whole lot more inflated than it did bearing the weight of my car! The new tire was placed on, the lugnuts screwed on, the jack lowered, and we were back on our way home. One of the men that stopped (a postman) couldn't just sit and watch me work...he lifted the flat tire and put it in the trunk, the only assistance I accepted.

So that was my morning. I still got it people!

2007-07-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

The BEST Parents Ever!

John helped me wash the boys this evening before their bedtime. I welcome the help, especially since Matthew has now started to do his version of Riverdance when in the tub. Doesn't seem to matter the amount of rubberized padding and slip resistant surfaces that we spent a small fortune on for their bathtime....they still are able to make it pretty hazardous. I was occupied with Matthew and his dancing while John was washing Michael. Michael startled John by pouring bathwater on his lap from a cup, John yelled scaring Michael who lost his balance and slipped into the water on his back. The few seconds he was completely under water freaked us out as we both were wet up to our armpits grabbing him out. The poor thing was just gasping and coughing.

As if that wasn't enough to torture him with...I then had to give him his nightly dose of antibiotic for the infected neck cyst. 3 teaspoons of syrupy sweet medicine is a little much, in my opinion. I have been giving him his doses in 1 teaspoon increments fighting him the whole time. Tonight was no different, other than I must have gagged him with the syringe.....causing him to loose his dinner all over John. Green beans and chicken in their partially digested state were everywhere. There has got to be an easier way, right?

Poor Michael.

2007-07-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Michael

I took him to the doctors office this morning for what I thought would be a quick in-and-out appointment for an infected mass on his neck. The area in question is right where his central line scar is from his NICU days...16 months ago. The doctor doesn't know if the mass...a cyst...has any relation to the scar, or if its there just by coincidence. I trucked the boys there for the 9:45 appointment and was right on time.....unfortunately the doctor was not....we waited until her appearance at10:15.....My Lord I hate waiting at doctor's offices! After about 10 minutes with her, she instructed me to get an ultrasound of the mass at another office downstairs. We waited another 30 minutes or so to see the technician, meanwhile I attempted to fill out pages of paperwork and dig unsuccessfully through my purse for the insurance card (which I haven't been able to locate, by the way!).
The tech was a very nice black lady...she instructed me to hold both Michael's hands down with one hand, while holding his head to the side against the exam table so she could scan his neck. He writhed and thrashed around, kicked and cried the ENTIRE time....Matthew must have felt his anguish and was crying also from the stroller he was strapped into. With copies of the sonogram and instructions to meet with a pediatric surgeon, we finally left the office. We were all exhausted from the morning's drama...at least the boys got to nap on the drive home!

2007-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Another Sony Update

I took these pictures this morning with my phone, hence the poor quality of the pictures! But you can still see how far he has come, I couldn't be more happy with his progress!

2007-06-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

15 Month Appointment

Here are the stats:

Michael

weight - 25.4 lbs

length - 33 inches

head - 19 inches

Matthew

weight - 26.2 lbs

length - 31 3/4 inches

head - 17 7/8 inches

Talked with the nurse practitioner about the boys lack of communication and saying actual words other than just 'dada' and the occasional 'mama'. She said what I've always known to be true...boys are much slower in communication than girls.... will reassess at their 18 month appt. They also had 3 immunizations each. I used to look forward to their well checks...now that the boys are completely mobile, its a huge headache. Neither one of them would sit in the stroller, so I was resigned to letting them wander around the examination room. I'll be extremely lucky if they don't come down with something after yesterday!

2007-06-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Weekly Sony Update

2007-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Tarantula guarding the fig tree

Thanks to some motivation from BJ and her wonderful garden shots, I decided to spruce up our little plot some. Midway into trimming back one of the fig trees I met up with this "little" fellow. Thankfully he wasn't in attack mode and was willing to pose for a few pictures. Kinda cute,makes you want to hug a spidey, right?

2007-06-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

Too hot for clothes!

Yesterday evening, John did some yard work while the boys watched on. I took the boys outside and set them on the porch swing to watch. They were mesmerized by the view and I couldn't resist a few pictures!

2007-06-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sony's Improvements

2007-06-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Another Sony Update

I need to remember to bring my camera with me to the barn tomorrow because Sony's wound is healing wonderfully. I am amazed and thankful that he is doing so well. I am even contemplating not doing the surgery to remove the bone fragments....so long as he heals completely without it. Everyone at the barn is in awe of how different he looks from 2 weeks ago. Fingers crossed he heals without the surgery, I'd hate for him to endure even more trauma than he already has.

2007-06-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

First Pool

The boys got their first pool a few days ago. Matthew took to it fearlessly, Michael not so much. He clung to me and screamed for a few minutes until he was distracted by the toys in the pool. I slathered them with spf 50 bananaboat baby sunscreen (in the spray can)....fyi, it's not waterproof like it says. In a few seconds the pool looked like it was filled with milk instead of water.

2007-06-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

I took these this morning, they are a bit fuzzy because Sony wouldn't let me use the flash. He was also trying to walk away as I took them, so I was holding on to the lead while snapping pictures. The second picture you can see how his lips are now, due to the nerve damage. I am hoping in time they will heal as well. The doctor isn't optimistic about Sony regaining control of his lips, but he said if the nerves do heal, it will be in the next few weeks. He is such a good boy, after I washed out the wound, he stood patiently while I bandaged him up...no problems at all. It took me about 20 minutes to give him his penicillin injections...I had to really talk myself into doing it. He stool like a champ for the shots too. I think he understands I'm trying to help him.

2007-06-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sony's new home

John and I moved Sony this afternoon close to where we live. It would have been next to impossible for me to make the hour drive every day (with the boys) to treat his wound if we kept him where he was. The next four days I will be giving him two injections in his rump plus flushing out his wound for 5-10 minutes. I will have to keep flushing his face for 6 weeks, according to the doctor, but I have to take the drain out Thursday. After flushing the wound, I am going to *attempt* to bandage his face.....the doctor said it takes two people, and this morning when he did it, even he needed help. I won't have that luxury, so hopefully Sony is more cooperative with me! I put a fly mask over his head (and bandage) to further protect the area. Tomorrow when I visit him I plan on taking pictures of his wound, they will be graphic, so be forewarned.
All in all I feel better having him close...it will mean a lot more work for me, but I can't imagine putting him down for something that he can live with. He won't be the most beautiful thing anymore (only to his momma will he be), but he is still a good horse and hopefully will still be ride-able in the future.

2007-06-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

Update

We are moving Sony from the vet hospital tomorrow morning and to a stables a few minutes away from our house. I'll be going there twice a day to flush out his wound and give him injections of antibiotics. At this point the vet isn't convinced that he can drink, but he thinks he will learn..he will just have to stick his head deep into a bucket and close his nose off. He also said he can't eat grain...it just scatters when he tries to pick it up. That leaves hay that he can eat.

I am optimistic in his treatment away from a hospital by someone that loves him. Doctors don't know everything and miracles happen, I just have to have hope.

2007-06-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

My horse of over 7 years is in bad shape. He was either kicked in the face by another horse, or someone maliciously hit him with something to cause a 6 inch long gash from his left ear down his jaw line. The vet said there are bone fragments in the wound and nerve damage. This will hinder his eating if the nerves don't repair themselves...otherwise we will have to humanely put him down.

I bought Sony when I first started going to the university. I saw an ad in the paper and spoke with his previous owner who didn't know if he was broke or not. She had purchased him for her nieces that would be living with her, but they weren't interested in horses anymore, so she sold this gem of a horse to me. I took my chances and slid on his back, without a saddle...Sony didn't buck me off so I purchased him for $700. He has moved with me from Texas to South Carolina to Virginia and back to Texas again. I trust Sony with the most inexperienced child to my nearly 70 year old mother. Horses of this caliber are hard to find.

Please pray for his body to heal..and for the veterinarian to skillfully treat him, I love you Sony.

2007-05-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Done!

I am happy to announce that I am finally finished with this silly Maymester business! So...I am out for the summer until late August! I don't have any fun trips planned, just some tasks around the house. I also want to start working out again....school tends to make me really lazy and stressed out enough to eat like crap regularly. So...on the list of banned food items...

1) coffee

2) soda

3) ice cream

4) pop tarts

5) pizza

6) entire bags of microwave popcorn

I ate everything on that list today...nice, huh?

2007-05-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Michael trying to broil himself!

Well, not really, the broiler is in the main part of the oven, but still. Now that the boys pretty much have run of the house, there is never a dull moment here (or much rest for those watching them!).

On another note, I was asked to complete this MEME....I won't force anyone to complete it,but please feel free if you have the time!!

What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was a junior in High School.

What were you doing 1 year ago?

The boys just started sleeping through the night, so I was enjoying a little more rest myself.

Five snacks you enjoy:

1). Caramel corn

2). Ice Cream

3). *Crunchy, not puffs* Cheetoes

4). Ranch flavored sunflower seeds

5). Mild cheddar cheese chunks

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

1). Buy a home in the country complete with horse stables, swimming pool, apple orchard, and boat dock

2). Quit school

3). Start every day with a pedi/mani/facial and massage

4). Take my family anywhere in the world on numerous vacations (nanny included)

5). Hire a private chef

Five or Three bad habits (hehe):

1). Chronic nail biter

2). Get over stressed about school,when I always do well anyway

3). Fidgety

Five things you like doing:

1). Eating

2). Going to the spa

3). Taking the boys places as a family when they aren't tired/crabby

4). Riding my horses

5). Reading good books

Five things you would never wear again:

1). Padded bras

2). Shorts

3). Bellybutton high underroos

4). Nylons

5). Fake eyelashes

Five favorite toys:

1). cell phone

2). computer

3). M&M

4). board games that are guaranteed to start a fight

5). ??

2007-05-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Double or Nothin'

John sent me some pretty flowers on mothers day when I was wallowing in self pity. Today when I got home, I found more flowers on my doorstep! Apparently the nice people at 1800flowers decided I deserved double!! That or they just know we like things in sets around here...

2007-05-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

New Day

Firstly, thank you everyone for pulling me out of my selfish me-me woes! I was finally able to get ahold of my daycare provider last night (she got back into town last Friday) and she let me know she was open for business Monday. So, I had a leisurely morning getting myself and the boys ready for our day. Maymester day #1 is over, the classes seem more boring than difficult with textbooks that seem to be written by the same lovely folks that write VCR programming manuals. But aside from that, its only 11 days worth of classes (10 now!).

I've been tagged by JC (not to be confused with JT)...so here goes

A-Attached or Single? Living in Sin City
B-Best Friend: I consider Anne my best kindred spirit friend/sister and Steph my best friend-friend I've had the longest
C-Cake or Pie: Hard call. Cake if I'm PMS'ing and need something rich and chocolately, Pie if I want to feel *healthy* about eating a sugar-loaded butter-enriched crusty dessert!
D-Drink of Choice: Diet Coke
E-Essential Item: Cell phone
F-Favorite Color: Purplishbluishgreenish
G-Gummi Bears or Worms? Sour gummi worms
H-Hometown: these questions always stump me.... I was born in Minnesota but only lived there til I was 5, I lived in Austin the longest out of anywhere, about 9 years.
I-Indulgence: I don't
J-January or February: February, closer to my birthday!
K-Kids: 2
L-Life is incomplete without: someone to share it with
M-Marriage Date: When I finish school
N-Number of Siblings: 2
O-Oranges or Apples? Apples, they are pretty versatile, I like that in a fruit.
P-Phobias/Fears: Death, my own or loved ones
Q-Favorite Quote: “Shit or get off the pot" - Confucius
R-Reasons to smile: I have teeth
S-Season: Spring
T-Tag Three: Steph, Audeene, BJ
U-Unknown Fact About Me: I got my first real paying job at 14
V –Vegetable you love: Artichoke (or is this a flower?)
W-Worst Habit: Biting my nails/cuticles/fingers
X-X-rays or Ultrasounds? I've had both....more ultrasounds than I can count...twice a week when my belly was filled up with babies
Y-Your Favorite Foods: Chicken parm., pizza, cheeseburger w/everything...I had a really crappy dinner and this question is not helping!
Z-Zodiac: Pisces

Are you all still awake???

2007-05-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Everyday Should be Mothers Day

I wanted to post something sweet today about how happy being a mother has made me. I wanted to reflect on my boys' birthday and how because of them my life is forever changed, in a good way. I also wanted to write something cute to my own mother, thanking her for giving me life and always being the one constant I could count on.

Instead I'm going to post about how I'm feeling run down, tired, and just generally in a foul mood. Even though I'm glad John was able to get away for a few days, I'm having a hard time supressing my resentful feelings. I'd love to be able to get away, but lets be realistic, it probably won't happen for another 17 years.

I'm not certain I'll be able to take the two maymester classes I planned on taking. My daycare provider was called out of town because a death in her family, and I haven't heard from her in over a week. I might try to take the boys to one of those 'drive thru' daycare places so I can go to school, but they require reservations for kids under 2. If they won't take the boys, I'll have to withdraw from my classes I guess.

2007-05-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Flying Solo

John is out of town for the next few days, which means I'll be playing the parental unit gig alone. I'm ok with it, everyone deserves a break from the everyday routine now and then. I can't wait til its my turn, though. My sis and I have contemplated a mini trip to Corpus or South Padre when the time is right. In the mean time, I'll be trying to accomplish some spring cleaning in John's absence.

I've been tackling the kitchen cabinets this evening, along with the oven and stovetop...all with the help of the Bee-Gees.

2007-05-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Finger foods...not for the weak at heart (or stomach)!

My best girl Steph inspired me to post some highchair pics of what the boys do best...EAT!!!! The first few are from tonights dinner, lasagna. The middle ones were taken by John this afternoon after giving them jello for the first time. And the last ones are everyones favorite, cookies!

2007-05-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

The yard man

I wanted to snap a few pictures of John after he asked me to admire his yardwork outfit. The shirt and shorts are fine, but the black hightop boots kill me! But I'm proud that he has been doing the yard on his own, with no nagging from me!!

2007-04-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Get your B-B on!

School has once again held me hostage for far too long. The good news is that this semester is over in a couple weeks, the bad is that I signed up for 2 maymester (2 1/2 week) classes! If only I can become a college grad by the time I'm 30!

2007-03-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks Nikki!! Here are my five...

1. I tried to eat a frozen mini pizza tonight for dinner..didn't turn out so good being cooked in the toaster oven! Raw and doughy in the middle and burned on the outside, Mmmm-Mmmm!!

2. A professional pedicure/manicure never last 5 minutes on me for some reason.

3. I need absolute darkness and silence to sleep.

4. A woman told me I have beautiful arms today.

5. I don't like my ketchup cold.

I tag : Steph, Anne, Audeene!!

2007-03-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

The boys are ONE!

2007-03-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

BFF, Steph!!

My friend I've had the longest, Stephanie, remembered my birthday and the boys' birthday in such a special way. The mailman brought to me a package from Germany filled with goodies from her. She made the blue and white blanket, a skill I can only dream of aquiring some day!! The two candles have a picture of me,John, and the boys on Mothers Day of last year, and the other one is a picture of the boys when they were about 2 months old...the back of the candles have their names and birth weights listed....how did you do that Steph?! She also made the two cards and "brag book" filled with adorable pictures of her litter! I couldn't wait to light the third candle, so pretty, love the hearts!! You made my day Steph, thank you so much for everything!!!

2007-03-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Early B-Day to me, from John!

My List

Things that need to be done before MIL gets here (March 11th- 18th)!

- scrub.the.floors...they are atrocious

- clean the spare bedroom which John and I will be moving into so she can have the master

- make a trip to Target for new sheets/towels

- plan some outings

- have John mow/weed/slash&burn the front and back yard

- get ahead with school work so I can relax about it while she's here

2007-03-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Birthday Leprechaun Sneak Peak

2007-02-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Sickie

I have been enjoying a particularly nasty bug for the past week or so. Thankfully, its arrival coincided with a huge project in one of my classes. My God. And I thought being sick sucked before....try it while taking 5 college classes+ taking care of two little babies.

I am still feeling like pretty miserable, but I did discover something amazing this evening. Nail polish remover fumes clear nasal congestion! Its true!! While sitting at the computer taking off my old clear coat, I was magically able to breathe a little. Now I'm back to puffing through my dry mouth again.

Somebody help me. Calgon take me away.

2007-02-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Me holding day old Piper!

2007-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Just what kinda mom would I be if I didn't take naked baby in the bath pictures?

2007-02-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

New life

My sister had her third child this morning at 8:15 am. I was fortunate enough to be there the entire time in the OR and take Pipers first pictures. I got to the hospital at 7am, Anne and Shan and my mom had been there since 6. After a few Q&A sessions with the nurse and anesthesiologist, Anne was wheeled into the OR and Shan and I dressed in disposable scrubs. Once there, everything seemed to happen so fast. Before I knew it, and with camera ready, Piper entered the world. She was handed over to a nurse who scrubbed her clean, gave her a Vitamin K shot,measured and weighed her (6 lbs 15.1oz, 19in long) and took prints of her perfect feet. Anne finally got to hold Piper and was even able to keep her as they wheeled her back to the recovery room! I am planning another trip to the hospital in a few hours and will take pictures with my camera so I can post a few!!

I can truly understand why obstetricians love their jobs; what could be better than witnessing the miracle of life every day?

2007-01-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

Help me out, will ya??

My online children's art class requires that I interview five people (e-mail, text message, phone, in person, etc.) about their experiences with art in school. I was hoping I could use this form to get the replies I need for the assignment. I know the subject is pretty, blah, but it really would help me a lot!! Otherwise I'm going to start dialing random numbers and pranking this interview...

Here goes.

1. Do you believe art should be taught in elementary school? Why or Why not? Encourage them to share personal stories or experiences that led them to this belief.

2. Do you believe art is as important to elementary children as math, reading, language arts, science or social studies? Why or Why not? Again, encourage them to share personal stories or experiences that led them to this belief.

3. If art is taught at the elementary level, do you think an art teacher or a classroom teacher should teach it? Why or Why not. Encourage them to elaborate on thier rationale for their opinion.

4. Of what value is an education in art for elementary school children? Encourage them to expand upon their answers and give examples.

5. Ask each person to describe their own education in art at the elementary school level. Encourage them to reflect upon how this experience or lack of experience affected their current views.

6. Discuss whether or not they have elementary school children now and how much they participate in the arts today.

You guys are great, really.

2007-01-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

School Rulz! Not.

I'm starting to get that sinking feeling again, the one where you have so much to do but are having trouble allocating time for everything. It doesn't help that in 3 of my classes I have a bunch of books to read, not to mention the text assigned for the classes. So, instead of planning my time wisely and studying when I have the time, I dilly-dally around and have mostly just cleaned the house today. Oh, and I took a 2 hour nap with John before he had to leave for work. I need to study tonight after the boys are in bed, but I know that's when I get tired and can't concentrate...ughhh. Someone help me. I'm getting envious of all the teeny-boppers in my classes with no responsibilities other than school. Must be nice. I made my life the way it is now, nobody else did, I just need to suck it up.

2007-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

I made the cups o' banana puddin' here

My fruit skewer achievement

Last night I co-hosted my sister's third (and final?) babyshower with her best friend from high school, Cecily and a new friend of hers she met at her daughters' daycare. All in all, I think it was a success...Anne having a good, stress-free time being the main objective. There were games : who knows Anne/Shan the best...and how long does it take a man to drink beer out of a baby bottle. Cecily generously provided copious amounts of scrapbooking materials for each guest to make a page for baby Piper's book. She also was the photographer of the event and maker of the starfruit-pomegranate-cider punch! I did get in trouble when I got home though, apparently, I didn't specify to John that it was a couples baby shower....had he know it wasn't going to be an all chick-event he would have gone. My bad. I hate it when I F* up.

2007-01-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Quick: What would you do?

Scenario : Got a call from the daycare provider at 6am Tuesday daycare was cancelled that day because of a personal emergency. I take the boys in tomorrow (they only go twice a week). Should I pay the regular amount, or only half of what I usually do? I really like this lady, but heck, I'm not made of money and its not like I prevented the boys from going to daycare. I feel like if I give her a check for only half the amount when I pick them up tomorrow evening, I will feel like a cheap piece of crap. What should I do? Please tell me.

2007-01-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Highchair boys

This is where they have been the better part of the day. Both will cry if I leave them in their room to play, so they have been surfing the web with me. I guess its good they like being around me and all, but they have become so clingy lately. Geeze.

2007-01-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Please be well enough for day-care...

I kept Matthew home from daycare Tuesday and took him to the doctor. She said he probably has a stomach bug and after inspecting his ears closely, also what looks to be the beginning of an ear infection. Two prescriptions later, his attitude is back to normal although he threw-up again this morning. I'm wondering if its because I gave him both meds on an empty stomach, then filled his belly full of milk...makes me a little queezy just thinking about it. I know I have the tendency (I've been told) to make things ALL ABOUT ME, but I was really looking forward to having a nice break from school sans kids. So, providing Matthew doesn't hurl in the morning, all systems are 'go' for tomorrow. I could really use the break, especially since daycare has been closed since before Christmas and John has worked nearly every over-time job available!!

Is it crappy to drop the kids off at daycare just so I have a break? I wonder if the daycare lady thinks I'm lame keeping them with her when she KNOWS school is out and I'm not working. I've heard people who watch kids say as much. Its not like she's doing it for free, ya know?

2007-01-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

Sick boys in 2007

Michael has an ear infection, as was dianosed at their 9-month appointment last Friday. No big deal, a few days of antibiotics should do the trick. Matthew, however, is another story. Yesterday he woke up with no voice, full of snot, and a fever. Today its been more of the same, but I picked up some medicine in hopes to dry up his little draining face some. The medicine seemed to be helping a little bit, and Matthew was a little closer to his normal self. He even let me feed him dinner (bad idea) of chicken w/veggies, and some applesauce for dessert with rice cereal mixed in. After his and Michael's last bottle of the night, John attempted to burp Matthew before placing him in his crib. After a few wacks on his back, he was puking exorcist style...everything he had for dinner plus what looked like all of his bottle (and then some). I have never been so freaked out. I felt useless and didn't know what to do... should I call 911, do we take him to the ER, should I get a towel and start cleaning all the nastiness? Thankfully John was thinking a lot clearer than I was and took the lead. After changes of clothing for everyone, I took Matthew in bed with me and had him drink some 'baby gatorade', meanwhile Michael howled from his crib, possibly because of the injustice of his brother not being in bed next to him. After a long hour of watching Matthew, I placed him in his crib. He didn't protest at all, just rolled around until he found his spot and joined his brother in sleep. I will not be resting as easy tonight though.

2006-12-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Friday Fun

What is better than scurrying around the house trying to get two babies ready for their 9 month appointment?

A) Getting all sweaty in the process and realizing the only 'clean' pair of jeans has an oil stain on one pant leg

B) Having both babies miss their morning nap because of said appointment

C) Dealing with the hellacious Christmas-is-almost-here traffic

D) Finally making it to the appointment and being told there was a mistake...you aren't even in the system for today and they don't have ANY openings

E) All of the above

Answer - E

Yeah, that was my Friday. And when I got home, I was greated by the aroma of fresh cat dung on the floor...again.

2006-12-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Santa

2006-12-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hard at Work

So today was another unproductive day, Michael has had a fever for the past two days so has been exceptionally clingy. I did manage to get on the 'ol eliptical for 20 minutes yesterday and 40 today. Its not much, but I hope I can stick with it. Every time something new enters my life (babies, school) working out is the first thing that goes. I just need to get a realistic routine.

Matthew has got 4 top teeth poking through, and Michael his top 2. I didn't expect them to start showing up in groups!

2006-12-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

Finals are over!!

I think I did pretty good in all my classes. For one of them I over-studied and was actually a little dissapointed in how easy it turned out to be. One was an on-line final, no excuse not to make an A on that one. The other two were challenging, one all essay questions, and the other a paper over all the works of English Lit we went over in the semester. I am so glad to have this semester behind me!! I need to make a list of everything I want to get done before the spring semester, otherwise I will just waste my time on the computer!

So, here it goes:

1) Make that doctors appointment I've been dreading

2) Get Matthews eyes re-checked post surgery (bad mom!)

3) Start working out again (really, this isn't a joke, although the timing is quite bad!)

4) Catch up on the phone with all my long distance friends that I miss!

5) Start a baby book for the boys

6) Upload a bunch of pictures that are just sitting in my camera

7) Clean the refrigerator/freezer

8) Clean all the baseboards around the kitchen

9) Put up the Christmas tree/decorations/stockings before its too late

10) Do some INTERNET Christmas shopping...avoiding the malls this year..going to the post office today felt like punishment

That looks like a good place to stop. For now.

2006-12-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Pom - Insanity

I have been in love with pomegranites since I was very young. I remember my dad bringing them home to me and the time it took hunting out the beautiful jewels and the blood-red stained hands afterwards. It doesn't seem fair that such a wonderful fruit has such a short season in which to enjoy them. This morning I picked up 3 from the local grocery store at 2 bucks a pop. This afternoon my mom came by with 6 and the news that Walmart was getting rid of them for 25 cents each. Shortly after she left I went there and picked up 16. While scrounging through the decaying ones, an old lady struck up a conversation with me and told me when she was little they called them "plum-grannys". She asked me what to look for in a ripe one, so I picked up one with the perfect color and firmness and handed it to her. She then thanked me and walked off with her purchase. I wanted to tell her one simply wasn't enough.

2006-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

MIA

Just a quick update between studying for finals....I'll be back to the bloggity world after next week. I'm a tiny bit stressed over my 4 finals that I feel completely unprepared for. Asking for happy study vibes out there!! Oh, and a babysitter for two little ones!

On another note, for one of my classes we were required to watch this movie and critique it. If you are ever wandering around the video store, I suggest you pick it up. A side of war I never thought about. Makes you wonder what we are really fighting for.

2006-11-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

My in-laws to be, and John

2006-11-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

To Kentucky and Back Again

Never again. Ever. Driving 16 hours one way with two screaming feverish teething infants is NOT my idea of a vacation. Aside from the hellish drive, the visit with the in-laws was great. They want us to commit to spending every Thanksgiving there, but next time will definately be by plane. All the other passengers will just have to suffer right along side us. I will bring earplugs to pass out, though.

2006-11-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Motherhood Sucks (sometimes)

I was invited to dinner tonight at my sisters place along with my mom and a few of my sister's friends. Depressing as it might seem, I was looking forward to visiting with everyone all day long and the night before too. When I'm not at school, my days are full of feeding babies, burping babies, changing babies, and attending to them when they cry (which happens to be a lot). So John can get a few hours of decent sleep, I basically run around all day long preventing the babies from crying and waking him up. The midnight shift really sucks for everyone involved. Any break in this monotonous routine is welcome. So after spending more time than usual getting myself presentable, along with the boys, I was on my way over to sis' house. My mom helped me feed them their last bottle of the day, and it was then time for them to be put down before everyone else arrived. I headed upstairs with them, one under each arm, to make a bed of pillows and blankets on the floor of their cousins room. For some reason, they refused to settle down and insisted on crawling all over the place while whining. After about 15 minutes of trying to soothe them, I was drained. If I have to listed to two miserable little babies, I'd rather be at my own house where I can at least go to another room and know they are safe in their cribs. So I'm back at the house, with one baby blubbering, and wondering when motherhood isn't going to suck so much. Days like this, when I'm restricted from doing things I enjoy and feel entitled to, make me depressed. Nobody ever said being a mother (or father) was all roses and sunshine, but I never before grasped the concept that you no longer have your own life. Sometimes I'd just like a break from it all.

2006-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

It starts

2006-11-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Flu Shot Friday : None the Worse for Wear

2006-11-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Its official : I'm an asshat

School mornings are never a pretty picture, they consist of me running around packing my school stuff, the boys daycare stuff, feeding them/dressing and diapering them and hoping I have a few minutes to try and squeeze in a shower. I am always stressed out. Especially this morning when I remembered last minute my gas tank was clearly on empty and would not make the 30+ mile commute. So after dropping the boys off, I headed to the gas station. Every pump was filled except for the last one where a big Excursion driven by a young blonde girl with 5 kids hoping around in the back was pumping gas in the same row. Her huge car was pulled too far forward making it impossible for my car to get close enough to the pump. I tried anyway. I rearranged my car twice before I jumped back in to wait for another pump to open, or for this chick to leave. I was pissed. As I looked up at her through the window she smiled sheepishly. I frowned. The next pump over opened up, so I whipped my car over and finally started filling up my tank. I noticed out of the corner of my eye a woman with long hair wearing a long skirt and toting a bible approaching me. She came up to me, introduced herself, and asked if I read the bible much. She was pleasant enough, but I was still fuming over having to move my car to another pump so probably wasn't as nice as I should have been. After admitting to her that I don't read the bible, I told her I wasn't interested in what she had to tell me. In the back of my mind I wondered if she witnessed my pettiness just moments ago, and that was the reason she approached me. My second thought was that God sent her to let me know I was being an ass about the whole thing. Maybe she was just 'spreading the good word' and happened to see a non-threatening person to minister to. I left the gas station feeling even worse about myself than when I entered. I hate when that happens.

2006-11-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
66
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Weird eh?

Barbara is also the 15th most common name in the US...who knew? I think my name is most fitting for an old blue-hair spinster with twenty cats.

2006-11-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

One week post-op monkey

This picture isn't the greatest, Matthew was getting cranky with me due to the no-nap situation today and being loved on too much by his cousins. I think it accurately shows how well his eyes have cleared up in only a week though!

Fun poop story:

As I was making my website rounds this morning, and the boys were playing in their jumpers, I began to smell something very foul. That smell that is definitely nothing other than poo. Bob was lurking around, so I figured he pulled a kitty trick on me and pooped somewhere other than the litter box, like he did last week. I searched and searched for the item in question with no luck. I finally stopped looking and decided I was probably just "smelling things" (similar to "seeing things"). About 30 minutes elapsed, and Michael became very irritated. Thinking he was done jumping for the time being, I lifted him up out of the contraption and finally got a nice breath-full of the smell. Not only was my face engulfed in the odor, by lifting the boy up, I got doo all over my shirt, arm and hands. Upon closer inspection, Michael's socks were COVERED in poop. His diaper failed him. He pooped out the sides of the diaper, and the jumper, and there was a nice little pile of trampled poo on the floor

I vomited in my mouth a little.

After a non-hazmat wash down, I replaced my shirt and scrubbed my hands up to my elbows, surgeon-style.

2006-10-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

The outer two pumpkins I carved. The middle one was carved by John, and I am very proud to announce this was his very first carving experience! He even surprised me with it after getting home from school today! John, please understand I wasn't laughing at your pumpkin, because I thought it looked silly. I laughed because it warmed my heart that you actually carved a pumpkin after telling me last night you never have and never will carve one! I hate that you got called in to work tonight, I was looking forward to sitting in lawn chairs outside and handing out candy with the boys in their costumes.

2006-10-30T04:16:00.000-08:00

Halloween Preview :Nemo and Squirt

I have been up since 3:30. Not so I can study, which I should be doing right now considering I have 2 tests tomorrow. Not so I can write the 2 papers that are due tomorrow either. Somehow I pulled a muscle in my neck and it is killing me. I'm making a doctors appointment today, somewhere, somehow.

2006-10-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

Second day post-op

The swelling is down a bit from yesterday, but I don't expect the redness to be gone for a few weeks. Matthew doesn't seem to be in pain, so I won't give him medicine unless he tells me otherwise. Surprisingly, his right eye isn't pulling in as much as it was...I though it would be weeks before we'd see any progress.

2006-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

My little trooper

He did so good. Matthew had his last bottle this morning at 5:00am, and wasn't seen by the doctor until noon. Surprisingly, he wasn't cranky at all at the surgical center. I was expecting him to be very fussy because of his empty belly, but he wasn't. I got to see him a little after 1, and fed him a bottle which he prompty threw up completely (nausea from the anesthetic). After that, the nurse took his foot I.V. out and we were on our way to pick up Michael, then home. Other than giving him tylenol and motrin for pain, everything should be fine. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers guys!!

When I was being debriefed about after surgical care by the nurse, she told me a funny story. Right after the surgery, Matthew was being held by a black nurse. When he 'came to' he started freaking out, so the nurse that was giving me instructions went to get him. He immediately calmed down and stopped crying. When the nurse was telling me the story, the black nurse walked in and said "Well, now that we have your twin here, I know why your baby was crying for me!" apparently I looked a lot like the nurse who comforted Matthew!

2006-10-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

In two days time

At this time on Friday, Matthew will be out of surgery. I'm still telling myself this is the best thing for him and that the waiting and seeing approach won't accomplish anything. I just hate the numbers : 20% chance he will need further surgeries as he ages, 30% chance he won't develop binocular vision....I know it could be worse. What are the odds that both my boys will have had surgeries before they turn a year old?! Were their tiny developing bodies compromised somewhat because they were premature? Not being in-utero alone? I don't know, but it sucks all around.

2006-10-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Michael: "If you love me, you will let me chew on your finger"

2006-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Michael sitting up!

I've been putting the boys down on the floor of their bedroom to play with various toys lately. It usually allows me anywhere from 15-30 minutes time. When I checked on them after playing quietly for a few minutes, I found Michael sitting up!! They are growing so fast, I can't believe they are the same helpless little lumps that I brought home from the hospital.

2006-10-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

My pirate-in-training

2006-10-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

The ophthalmologist appointment for Matthew

After entirely too long in the waiting room, the four of us met with the doctor. It didn't take him more than a minute to inform us that 1) Matthews eyes will not be getting straighter as he grows 2) Both eyes gravitate to his nose suggesting tight muscles, with the right eye pulling in more 3) Along with his eyes coming together, they also pull upward 4) This condition is genetic and pretty common

So, his treatment will be : patching his left eye for 2 hours a day until the day of surgery which will be in 10 days!! They only had an opening then, or we would have to wait until after Thanksgiving. I am scared, mostly because he will be anesthetized. Thankfully its a day surgery and the only restrictions afterwards will be to avoid swimming and sandboxes. I hate that his iris' will look like they are swimming in blood for two weeks, but according to the doctor he won't be in pain.

2006-10-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Bring your monkey to school day!

2006-10-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

So......do you think I broke it?

While running to the nursery to comfort a crying baby, my toe got tangled up in the metal part of a baby boucy chair. It really hurts, a lot. I was going to post a full-on picture of my whole foot...but my big toe is in dire need of a little shavy-shave. Eww.

2006-10-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

My friends, the mothmen

2006-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew sez feet taste good!

I should be studying, or cleaning, or re-writing my paper due tomorrow that my sister thoughtfully proofed for me twice. I just don't have the initiative. What I want to do is try out this new broccoli-cheese soup recipe another twin-mom gave me. We'll see what eventually wins, I'm hungry, so you take a guess.

2006-09-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Numbers

So far the boys are doing well after their 6 month appointment...both are in bed now after their last bottle of the day. Matthew weighed in at 17lbs 6oz and 27 3/4 inches long. Michael is 17lbs 12oz and 28 1/4 inches long. We got a referral for Matthew to see a pediatric optometrist because of his slight strabismus , hopefully they will tell us good things so that surgery won't be necessary. Didn't get the boys their flu shots either, she wants us to come back in a month for those since they already took 4 pokes in the legs. Good news is that her office stocks up on the mercury-free flu vaccines.