Sadie and Trista- the Sista's

She sleeps...

2012-01-22T20:54:00.002-06:00

Chris caught this rare moment of our little Sadie bug the other morning. Last week I was fighting the flu (NOT FUN with two active three year olds) but I must say they were so good. We just laid around on the couch and watched Disney movies all day. I took a long needed break from the gym and just vegged out with the girls. I must say I really enjoyed it. Luckily I had what is called the mommy flu. Its the kind of flu that really means mom feels awful but life MUST carry on. The laundry still needs folding, the monkey butt powder all over the floor in the bathroom still needs cleaning up, the tortilla chips broken in a zillion pieces in the carpet still need vacuuming, the lunches/snacks and dinner still need to be made, kinda flu! I am so thankful they have not gotten it....yet. I started pumping them with Vitamin C and multivitamins the day after I got it, which I think is usually too late. This particular morning Chris got up with the girls(this flu did give me a three day sleep in ticket)and Sadie seemed not quite herself. Maybe, just maybe it was a little CATNAP was all she needed. When Sadie was little Lara and I use to joke that she literally could probably exist on little catnaps during a 24 hr day cycle. She's usually the first one up in the morning, the last to bed and naps are almost impossible. But sometimes she caves, sometimes she gives in and sometimes she just needs that little extra catnap....and so....this was what we found. Love you Sadie bug!

I'd PIN it! GIRLS LOFT BEDS

2012-01-09T08:53:00.006-06:00

I figured it was time to get the girls room looking more like a big girl room. I must say for buying the sheets, pillow and paint at three different stores they matched pretty well. Chris was leery about the light blue. He said it was "bright" I said, "wait till you see the other color" He and Glen spent ALL day Friday making the girls lofts. We were going to do full twin size beds but realized we were being over optimistic seeing how the room is not that big. So..we decided on toddler loft beds. In college my roommate, Simone and I, had loft beds. Of course they were about twice the height but it was so space saving that I figured it would be great in this small of a room.
We built the height based on the storage drawer steps. Worked out pretty good, huh?
My OCD kicked in about 9pm Friday night. I painted till 2am(bed frames had to be painted white. I started stirring about 4am and decided to finish since I had promised the girls that they'd get to sleep their first night in them Saturday night!
Okay, so I have to share my super, duper deal on the bedding. No one makes toddler duvet covers so I figured I'd make them myself. I really don't like to sew. I don't have patience for it but I knew this was going to be the cheaper route.
I bought a flat sheet on clearance at Target for $7.79. I cut it half. It was the PERFECT measurements for the duvet covers. I had an old comforter I was getting ready to toss or give to the Good Will, so I cut that up as well. I sewed the duvet covers, sewed up the comforter and TA-DA! I sewed on the buttons that I had gotten at WalMart. Those little duvet covers cost me a little over $3 bucks. I LOVE A DEAL!!
The reading area/fort underneath the loft has already been put to good use. I'm painting a small chalkboard square on the far right wall and they already have a magnetic board-- should be hours of fun for them!!:) Chris finished the wood boarder around the top tonight, even after a hard days work. They are daddy's girls.
The girls LOVE IT!!! We love seeing them happy.
I told myself if I'd seen this room on Pinterest....I WOULD HAVE PINNED IT!:)
Thanks Hun, for all your hard work and your awesome talent!!

Christmas in Chatty

2012-01-02T20:24:00.003-06:00

Thank you Mom and Tom for a great Christmas. We love your new place, we loved the home cooked food and the fun stockings, singing up front of a huge church audience;), hangin out with two of the coolest love birds in Chatty, the CHICAGO Xmas Music blaring(carlson's love it loud too) and taking home the hot tub! The girls got embroidered towels with their names on them that Erin made( so cute), kitchen utensils for their play house, dolls and Disney pillows from the grandparents and $$$$ that will be used for our trip to Indiana this summer to take the girls to the water park! Thank you Mimi and Papa Tom.

The second half of our Christmas break was spent in Dyersburg with Mom, dad, Aunt Faye and Grandmom and Granddad. Thanks for all the stocking goodies(we love those stockings), all the goodies for the girls--we made the mickey mouse cupcakes today and they loved it. Chris and I also enjoyed cleaning out the storage room on the side of the Grandparents house in trade for my Granddads 1991 Ford Truck. We are proud to keep it in the family and if anyone is to have a vehicle and take care of it like it should be, its Chris. We've already used it a couple times to make trips to Lowe's. Thanks Aunt Camille!

Our First Teeth Cleaning

2011-12-20T22:16:00.006-06:00

When Mimi( Chris's mom) was up her last week she woke up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to clean our teeth. Although the girls have dental insurance I'm glad that Mimi was the first to clean their teeth. They did a great job, stayed really still and held their mouth up and open when Mimi asked. Thanks Mom!

Sadie says "my teeth are all clean" She loved the Cinnamon flavored polish.

"No mommy, I do it"

2011-12-19T21:39:00.008-06:00

It just seems like overnight they are changing. Just in the past few days I've noticed that they are doing a lot of role playing. I am also noticing that there is less fighting and more playing. The role playing keeps them occupied for hours. One plays the "mommy" and the other one plays "baby". One will hold the other one like a baby and feed her a bottle or go get cheerio's out of the pantry and feed it to the other one. But the funniest is one putting the diaper on the other one and one will actually "fake" crying. Everything is "I DO IT" and "no mommy, I a big girl"
They are now officially showering in their own shower and using their own sinks and toilet. After Xmas, Chris is starting to work on their loft beds. Their room is so small and we have utilize their space since I am seeing that they playing in their room a lot more. Chris got pallets from work and will be making the beds about 4.5 to 5 feet off the ground. I have the supplies for a wire to run underneath their bed and plan on getting some fabric to sew that will hang under their bed, kinda like a tent or play house area. I think I can handle sewing a straight line. Still gathering ideas for their bedding but Home Goods and TJMaxx I think has just what I'm looking for. I think it will turn out nice. Looking forward to getting that done.
These are just a few pics we took last week. I know the lighting isnt all that good but it'll do.

THE DIVA'S TURN THREE

2011-12-16T12:43:00.003-06:00

Loved and just slightly spoiled;)
The girls turned three and they are already sassy indeed. We had a fun day at Bounce U followed by lunch with 5 of their friends. We did a special dinner on their actual birthday and said Farewell to dear neighbors that are moving. Thank you Aunt Faye for helping me when you got here, you were a lifesaver. Mimi glad you were here on Tuesday to celebrate with mini cupcakes. Thank you everyone for all their gifts and money and birthday wishes. Jonathan the rainbow cake turned out awesome. Thanks for the recipe and idea!! The girls loved it.
Happy Third Bday Girls, Mommy and daddy love you both so much!

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Its a Thurmond Thing

2011-12-01T15:27:00.006-06:00

Sadie the driver

Dad...you would be proud. I have started to let the girls "drive" from the stop sign to the drive way. Sadie will start asking to "drive, mommy" when we turn down Shute Lane which is 2 miles from the house. Sadie almost always remembers to ask to "drive" They both sit in my lap and will steer the car to the driveway. I actually don't touch the steering wheel when we make the big turn down the driveway....Sadie gets itright almost every time. It makes me chuckle every time how well she can do it.
I know some wouldn't think to fond of it but we(the Thurmond kids) were all driving well before we were legally able to...so why stop a good tradition:)

Mimi and Papa Tom Visit

2011-12-01T15:24:00.003-06:00

This was a few weeks back but we dont want to forget the frequent trips that Mimi and Papa Tom make to see the kiddo's. He hasn't been around long but boy do they love their Papa Tom. And of course we never turn down a pancake breakfast at IHOP! Thanks for visiting Mimi and Papa Tom--you are always welcome here.

The Sista's Visit New York City

2011-11-23T09:36:00.004-06:00

Five days in NY City with Lara while Chris watched the girls was exactly what I needed. Chris did sucha good job with the girls. Thanks hun for letting me go!
Two broadway shows,good eats, tons of window shopping, mini marathon walking everyday, Central Park hot nuts eatin, Nutella/banana filled crepes, fancy french cologne, 86 stories high up the empire state building, cubicle size hotel room, lots of sista laughing, NY Pizza feasting was the perfect way to end my November month.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I heart NEW YORK CITY! THnak you Larce for Atelier Cologne, the broadway shows. Love traveling with you. LOVE YOU,Sister!

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Bam Bam and Pebbles X 2

2011-11-01T00:23:00.007-05:00

Trick or Treat! Although they werent really good about saying those three magic words they did get good practice about saying, "Thank you"
We trick or treated thru Fairview Subdv- just a few miles up the road.
Not bad for homemade costumes if I might say so myself. We went with three other couples.
Erica and Tim...and Savannah the Ballarina
Will as (Dr. Horrible) and Holly....and Isaac the Pirate and Cora as Dorothy
Beth and Eric... .and Race as Bam Bam

Of course they've eaten WAY too much candy in the past 24 hours. Mimi they need a good teeth cleaning!
They slept with their candy buckets last night and when I went to bed I took them and set them inside our door in our bedroom. Sadie (shoulda known) woke up at 3 AM!!!!and noticed her candy bucket gone and started crying out for her "purse" I quickly jumped up and put her Purse(candy bucket) back by her pillow and she went right back to sleep.

Our trip to Texas to see about a little man Parks

2011-10-27T00:15:00.003-05:00

We made the long 13 hour trip to Texas. Drove all night. The girls did great. The vehicle does make all the difference. We were exhausted from driving but was glad to have the whole next day to hang out with family.Visited the Texas State fair, did a little shopping, Snuggled with Parks, Floated in a Salt Water bath (interesting), the guys rode ATV's and dirt bikes one day, WE ATE, we loved on Parks, we enjoyed the great Texas weather. Had such a good trip Jonathan and Angela. Thanks for a great family summer trip.

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Early Birthday from JUJU!

2011-10-11T21:44:00.010-05:00

BEFORE AND AFTER

In all fairness, Juju wanted to get them the mack daddy of all playhouses but being the thrifty person I try to be I found this playhouse/fort for the girls right across the street. Our neighbor is selling his house and was wanting to get rid of a few things so after much diliberating(me getting my way) Chris finally decided that the girls did need something to play on. The neighbor paid $1400 for it brand new 4 years ago. It was built by the Amish so we know its good quality! It was covered in green algae, totally weathered out and sun beaten. Lucky for us the neighbor who we bought it from owns a crane business. He picked that playhouse up and drove it in the air over to our next door neighbors driveway, shimmied it between our house and our neighbors(good thing they were gone that day) and streched his crane out as far as he could go and lowered it right by our back patio steps. Chris and a few hefty friends moved it 30 more feet down the hill to its final desination. I, on the other hand, spent 2.5 hours pressure washing and 7 hours staining... it sure looks brand new to me. Juju I know what you were willing to spend BUT this sure did save you a lot of money!
Thank you so much mom! They love it and have played on it for hours already. I have a shelf and kitchen set complete with plastic food, plates and cups in it that came with it. It even has a little mop so they can pretend and practice cleaning. Now all they need are a couple chairs and a some flower boxes----;)
Thanks,mom - I remind them everyday that Juju got them their playhouse!

Daddy's Biker Chix

2011-09-29T17:14:00.002-05:00

I couldn't resist when I saw these shirts in the boy's section of store.

Two Toddler's For Sale ;)

2011-09-29T16:20:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I am at my wits end with these kiddo's. All I wanted to do was take a shower for 10 stinkin minutes. They love playing in the rice. I know they like the way it feels as they run their fingers thru it, but all over the floor- for the SECOND time in two weeks, COME ON!

My text to Chris read like this: "GET DEADBOLT FOR PANTRY FROM LOWES ON YOUR WAY HOME"
PROBLEM SOLVED!

Would anybody else like a bite of strawberry?

2011-09-29T16:09:00.003-05:00

My crazy kids take a bite off the bottom of the strawberry and leave the rest. I guess I cant blame them. When they get hungry enough and I'm four steps away at the computer this is their payback for not getting them a decent snack but then again I guess strawberries arent that bad.

All in One Weekend...

2011-09-18T22:56:00.009-05:00

Chinese Foot Bath, anyone?
I was busy getting supper ready when I looked over and noticed Trista giving herself a foot bath. Those are the bread cans I use when I make bread. I had just made 7 loaves of bread and the cans were soaking in the sink. Trista thought, "what the heck, my feet fit in here perfectly" Yum-anybody like a loaf of my bread;)

OUR PAINT WARRIORS:

Food Coloring does not come outta wood. Chris had to paint the cabinet, I was at work all day, Chris had a sprained ankle and we had a showing on the house in 2 hours.

What exactly have we done to deserve these crazy kids?! Oh wait...its actually the lack of parental supervision. This is what you get when both parents hear the kids downstairs at the butt crack of dawn and both of us were waiting on the other to roll outta bed. When I came down to the kitchen I literally thought two adult Possums had been rummaging in whatever they could get their little paws on. There was pound cake crumbled all over the place, all the M&M's in the bowl from the previous nights get-together were GONE and NEON food coloring dressed our naked children. They were on a sugar high.

FLIP FLOPS in the AIR VENT:

I was for sure that Chris has maybe thrown my flip flops out. I had been talking about replacing them for awhile and I figured he just went ahead and did it....which would not be like him to do that but it was just my initial though. I dont know why but something told me to check the vent since I've found valuable items in there before and sure enough....there they were....nice and cold! They are actually missing again but I didnt find them in that same vent...of course not...our oversized curious critters are smarter than that. I still havent found them.:(

The Zoo

2011-09-15T14:44:00.005-05:00

Mimi and Papa Tom drove over Thursday evening last week and we spent Friday at the Zoo. Thanks to mimi who got us our zoo memberships. We met up with Erin and the cousins, walked around the zoo and then had a picnic lunch next to the zebras and choo choo train....which the girls were not very thrilled about riding. (You'll see the picture) It was the cutest little train that literally went about 60 sec in this small circle and the girls were devastated that I wasn't going to ride with them. The weather was perfect too.
Thank you Mimi and Papa Tom for making the trip over--the girls love it when you visit & so do we!

Trista-looking all grown up!

2011-09-07T19:53:00.007-05:00

TRISTA* TRISTA*TRISTA

I can't believe how big they are getting and I'm noticing it right before my eyes. The other day I was jogging into the YMCA with the girls are on each hip because it was raining. I felt like I'd done a workout before I got thru the door. I know the girls aren't in Mothers Day Out- which I was so hopping for this fall but I think next year will be a better time. Plus I think that being at the Y for 1 and half to two hours a day 4-5 days a week has really helped their speech skills. Sadie put Trista in "time-out" on the steps this afternoon. I had to chuckle because we've never done the "time-out" thing. I'm guessing she learned that at childcare at the Y. And the biggest thing this past week is that I'm officially MOM now. They rarely say MOMMY! It sounded so funny when I first heard it and yet makes me realize just how much they are growing up. These terrible two's can be so exhausting and makes me look forward to 3's until I was told that there are terrible three's also! Oh MY!
Their favorite thing in the morning is to come get in bed with me. The sweet little snuggle doesn't last long because each one wants my head turned in their direction....see the problem?!
Lara- we made the Lady Bug pancakes the other day which they loved! And I love the buttermilk pancake recipe that came on the back. It is now my favorite and I tossed the other one I had been using for the past couple years.
Chris and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary August 20 in Atlanta. We did a quick "swing by" to Mimi and Papa Tom who watched the girls. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! It was so nice to sleep in and get away! BTW- It took me days to explain to them that Mimi and Papa Tom cannot "hold you" because they live "far" away. :)
Just returned from Brown County State park where we spent Labor Day Weekend(2011) with three other families. SO MUCH FUN! Only 4 hours away. The girls loved the horseback riding and the little town three miles away had the CUTEST shops. We only hit 4 shops so we are definitely going back next year! It was a great family trip.
Cant wait the arrival of BABY T, due Oct. 6 where we will make our big road trip with the girls down to Texas. WE ARE SO EXCITED TO MEET HIM. I will officially be an AUNT!

The girls being silly....

2011-08-15T14:05:00.004-05:00

I cannot stop looking at that smirk on Sadie's face. Droopy bow and a look like this fun is over, mom.
Trista on the Left---Sadie on the Right

I was surprised how well they did. Kudo's to child photographers- Chris and I were exhausted by the end.

Family Photo Shoot Aug. 2011

2011-08-13T02:34:00.006-05:00

None of these have been "touched up" or "Cropped" by Chris.

Sadie on the bottom
SADIE 2 years and 8 months
Trista 2 years 8months
Sadie the kisser!

I don't think much needs to be said on this post.
They speak for themselves.
A HUGE Thank you to Juju(mom) for all their outfits!

I think we've got some tom boys

2011-08-08T21:43:00.005-05:00

Atta Girl.....way to take the lead, girls.

Chris figures he may not get his boy so he's gonna make tom boys outta the girls. Saturday he took the girls around and around the yard on a Yamaha 250 dirtbike. They held on tight to the front handlebars and loved it. Today was the first signs of cooler weather. There was a nice breeze, leaves falling and we were out messing around in the back yard when the neighbor boy, Race decided to come out and play.
Race- the absolutely adorable little boy has a four wheeler and was nice enough to let the girls TAKE OVER. Trista and Sadie rode that thing all over. Chris and I have often talked that when or if we ever get out in the country more on some land we'd love to get the girls "real" ones. Those were some of the best memories growing up. Go Carts, dirt bikes and mud pies! I was so mean I remember making a mud pie and put it in the neighbor girls mail box cause she was being mean to me. So all you friends out there........beware....I can make a mean mud pie!!
Another fun day at the Y pool and swinging in the back yard.(pictures of that coming soon) They LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their swing. The other night I had to move Trista from the queen bed in the guest room down to her toddler mattress on the floor (that's for another Blog) and she woke up and said very clearly, "I wanna swing, mommy." It was MIDNIGHT. The swings were long over due. Chris picked them up on Friday when he was running errands at Lowe's with Sadie and I had Trista. We try and do that every now and then. They do so much better with a little break from each other. I taught Trista how to dip her Wendy's fries into her frosty. She liked it...who doesn't?!
Life tends to revolve around Pool, Bubbles, Swinging, Popsicle's and GUM.
After all...we should be enjoying the little things in life.

Never a dull moment

2011-07-26T21:24:00.007-05:00

First it was Geisha women in the house now its Ghosts! And once again its always when they are way too quiet upstairs and I am busy "cleaning" up another mess downstairs that I always find them getting into something they shouldn't be. I knew this because NORMALLY they are fighting over something that the other one wants but this particular time they were laughing. They were laughing for awhile but I couldn't quite think of what they could be having so much fun over upstairs. I did a mental check in my head---bathroom doors locked....check. Powder bottle that fell behind the bed the night before.....Oh Shoot! I skipped every other step going up but it was WAY too late and so the pictures show the fun time they had.
The bottle was empty and here is where it ended up.
If any other mother has experienced this they know that powder does not stay where its "sprinkled".....it goes EVERYWHERE. There was a nice layer of "dust" all over the bed, pillows, furniture, down the hallway floors, in the bathroom and over into the other bed room. So, when I went to suck it up with the Dustbuster it started to just blow it out the back cause the Dustbuster canister was too full. UGH!
The best part to this story was that we had a real estate showing on the house within an HOUR!! Gotta love my life!

July Happenings

2011-07-26T21:00:00.005-05:00

This month, once again, has flown by. Titi and Uncle Bill came to visit. I love how the girls havent seen Titi in months and they greet her as if she was here yesterday. Titi- I tried to call you on Friday but no answer. I'll try again tomorrow.
We always enjoy their visit cause Titi is entertainment for the girls for hours plus I was able to get outta the house for a couple of hours and run errands and best of all I get a freezer stocked full of the best home made eggrolls! Thank You Titi- we love when you visit- come anytime- Love you both!

July has been a busy month of YMCA workouts and pool time. The girls are getting more use to the "childcare" thing. Poor Trista's little lip quivers when I drop her off. But it only takes a few seconds and she is busy playing with all the kids. Its funny though cause as soon as I round the corner at the YMCA entrance she starts to say "no play kids, mommy" I tell them that I only ask for ONE hour(okay- sometimes 2 hours) a day and they are going to be just find playing with the kids!
I'm so glad they have each other though when I drop them off.
The adorable cupcakes you see is a cupcake class I took that was so much fun. We learned how to make pigs, dogs and.... kitty cats that you can't see cause the girls were already devouring them. We worked with fondant which I've never been a fan of but surprisingly it tasted pretty good and its come a long way since I last tasted it. The lady's who own the cake place gave us their homemade cupcake recipe and their butter cream frosting recipe- that was the best part.

Did I mention that I'm taking a second language course? Its called trying to learn twin talk. I have interpreted more words that NO ONE would know or figure out unless you were around the girls. My favorite is at night time when we are putting them down for bed they say "no key-do, mommy" which means NO CLOSE DOOR. I love all the new words they are learning and figuring out.

July 4th- 2011 and Family Visits

2011-07-10T21:33:00.005-05:00

Chris and his girls! LOVE THIS PICTURE!
Sadie getting crushed ice with grapejuice after she got her first bee sting.

I actually thought I could get out of the two's with no marker/crayon madness. NOT.
These crazy 2 year olds. Turned my back for 10 minutes (to cook lunch) and knew they were way too quiet. Found them with the green crayon having their own art class on our french doors. I quickly fell in love with a cute little bald guy(not chris) name Mr. Clean(magic eraser). Those things are awesome. Took that stuff right off.
Its been fun weeks and weekends filled with the pool, the pool and the pool...oh and blueberry picking tomorrow.....then the pool:)
The girls spent three days with their second cousins over in Dyersburg, Tn and they always come back talking WAY more. And its such a nice little vacation for me cause they are entertained non stop...I LOVE IT!
All of us (jonathan and Angela, lara,stephen) were in town for various reasons and it was so nice for us all to be together. Mom got a much a needed break and went to Branson, MO with her sister and a friend from church. Lara flew in from Texas to "play" nurse for the week to give mom a break. The grandparents would LOVE for he to stay full time but Lara told them " you cant afford me, granddad"......I BET THEY COULD!:)

Never again....will I go.......to Target....

2011-06-21T15:08:00.004-05:00

Trista is comfortable on her little step
Sadie loves swimming all around
Chris made the girls a Picnic Table! Thanks JUJU for the $$ to get the supplies! The love it.
and let them out of the buggy. What a nightmare. I know for a fact that people were staring at me. Now, I must say I have bragged a few times of how well behaved the girls are in public and for the most part they are. Yesterday in Target...they were good girls but I made the mistake of letting them out of the cart! They went running in different directions. They loved running thru, around and under the clothes racks! My reason for being there was to get a new swimsuit. The swimsuit topic could be used for another blog entirely for itself but for now I'm just gonna say...I found one.
I knew joining the YMCA would be great but I didn't anticipate it taking me an HOUR to get the girls up, fed, cleaned up, dressed and out the door!
Arrived there yesterday at the busiest hour 9:20(all the best classes starting) only to be turned away at the childcare door because there were too many kids and they had started a waiting list. Which brings me to my story of TARGET because I decided to run errands instead.
This morning, however, we were there by 9:15 and I made it to my 9:30 spin class. I was a happy camper.
Love the Dance it Up Class. It is awesome.
So back to my little crazy monkeys in target. I got the swimsuit, bought Sadie a new little floaty since her butt crack was showing thru the one that I bought at the yard sale last summer.....its what you get when you pay a $1.00!
They both like the water. Sadie jumps in and swims all over. Trista definitely more reserved- She's gonna take her time with it. I'm not gonna push her.
They are my busy bodies.
The last few times I've left them at the childcare at the Y Trista little lips starts to quiver and she does not want me to leave. She is a mama's girl. Sadie just looks at me as if to say- see ya in an hour,mom. Sadie could careless if I leave or not.
It breaks my heart to leave her. I know now why I could not drop them off at daycare.
Hoping to start them at Mothers Day Out in August for 1 or 2 days a week. We'll see how that goes!

Hot, Hot, Hot

2011-06-07T14:32:00.010-05:00

TRISTA
SADIE
A picture where Mommy is actually in it.
The girls are 2.5 and I am thrilled that summer is here. Joined the YMCA last week and WOW! What is wrong with me? Why have I not done this sooner. I've thought about it for so long and just thinking about it made me exhausted. Get up, get fed, get dressed, get stuff together, get myself in gym attire,get in car, get out of car, dodge cars going into to Y since my children think they are invisible and just dart off in different directions, potty break THEN get to the Kids Childcare.
Take a breath....Did a one hour kick butt spin class, sweat like a pig, picked up the girls and took them to the pool for 2 hours.
Wait...it gets better.

Got a sun tan, had adult conversation with other bikini moms at the pool, came home, ate a snack AND the girls even walked up stairs to the room themselves crawled in bed and said "naptime, Mommy" YES!
Can I get a woop woop.

Sadie and Trista LOVE the pool. I was a prune yesterday from being in the water with them 3 hours. (and yes I put SPF 50 all over them, sister)They are quite confident with the water. Trista is a little more skeptical of it but once she see's Sadie she is usually right behind her.

THANK YOU JUJU FOR THEIR NEW SWIMSUITS and THANK YOU Lara (WAWA) for their YMCA POOL MEMBERSHIP!!

As always- the girls are head turners and show stoppers. Especially when they show up with matching shoes, swimsuit and cover up. And of course I'm their mom and I think their adorable. To top it all off the childcare lady said and I quote "wish all the kids here behaved as well as them, they were so good"
Ahhh- music to my ears and absolutely made my day.
Now, tomorrow may be a different story but with twins I focus on one day at at time.

May Happenings 2011

2011-05-25T23:00:00.003-05:00

SADIE GLENN
TRISTA LEE
Sadie on Left/ Trista on Right
Sadie
Trista in Green Sadie in Blue
I kinda knew May would be just as crazy as the past few months but Mimi's wedding was definitely worth it. Oh to be young again and in love. Wait a minute....they arent really all that young;) but they are IN LOVE! Glenda Carlson became Glenda Hayes on May 21, 2011 at 3:55pm. What a beautiful wedding it was. Why can't weddings be as simple as theirs was? Simple meal, simple decorations, simple cake, simple attire and yet I know it was not a simple task. Tom's sisters,sister in laws& friends set a spectacular spread! Practical is the word I'm looking for. I'll just say I've changed my way of thinking over the past couple years and I'm teaching the girls about practicality. Lets keep it simple girls, for mommy's wallet sake:)
(Wedding pics to follow soon)
WHAT THE GIRLS ARE UP TO:
Almost 2.5 years old and they are keeping me on my toes.
They brush their own teeth, they enjoying skyping with oni Johnny and Oni steve and Juju. They are still in seperate rooms. Sadie still hates her veggies, they stay dry thru their naps, they love popcicles, they still loved to be held and rocked. I can actually read a book to them at bedtime and make it thru. They love to blow bubbles in the tub...with their mouth that is;) Sadie occasionally will fake foam at the mouth when she doesnt get her way...its actually hilarious to watch but needless to say she gets a nice swat on the butt for it. Trista loves peddaling her bike around the kitchen. They know how to get their stool to get things out of the drawers...oh yay- NOT! They can get on and off the toilet on their own and they both give me lots of hugs and kisses when I ask.

Thelma & Louise go CAMANDO....I mean Rambo style.

2011-05-02T22:52:00.005-05:00

Sadie in the seat and Trista under the hood!

I just couldnt resist.
You know its the end of the day, and three outfits later that I'm just exhausted trying to keep their clothes/bottoms on. Chris is somewhat disgusted with the fact that I've taught them to squat and go Pee pee in the grass. That's what they do oversea's. Right, mom? Right, Titi? I guess I just have to reiterate to them that its only okay to do it in our back yard and on our grass-- not other peoples:)
This past weekend was so nice and we are outside all the time. I'm so thankful we have such a great backyard for the girls to play. I think the truck will be the highlight for the summer along with their new pool that I need to go get. I'm just trying to figure out a day when i want to go strap this huge round pull to the hood of the car and drive home! I, of course, did not buy the green monster for them. My neighbor who has a little boy has TWO and he "doesnt ride this one anymore" said the mom, so they gave it to the girls. These battery operated "vehicles" are around $200 and the battery alone is $100!
They LOVE it! Chris said it sure beats the pink corvette. WHAT?! It beats a corvette!?!
They take turns riding it and as you can tell today they were having a little bit of "trouble" under the hood!:)

An Eggstra Wet Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T10:43:00.004-05:00

Baby England, Cousin Preston, Sadie(pink top) Trista(white top)
Easter egg hunt tradition was at the Carters and we made it just in time before the down pour of rain. They loved collecting all the eggs this year. Erin made the girls their adorable dresses from Tshirts.
They all had so much fun. Thank you to Juju for their bunnies, chocolates, edible fruit bouquet, sun dresses and shoes- LOVE THEM. Thank you to Mimi for their bubbles and Seasame Street DVD's-they will love it!

Peas and Gummy Bears do the tango

2011-04-12T11:39:00.006-05:00

WIKIPEDIA SAYS....The gummi bear originated in Germany, where it is popular under the name Gummibär (help·info) (rubber bear) or Gummibärchen (help·info) (little rubber bear). Hans Riegel Sr., a candy maker from Bonn, started the Haribo company in 1920. In 1922, he invented the Dancing Bear,[1] a fruit-flavored gum made in the shape of a bear.[2] The success of the Dancing Bear's successor would later become Haribo's world-famous Gold-Bears candy product in 1967.

SADIE: SEE THEM PEAS?
NOW YOU DON'T
TRISTA
Chris and I are 100% sure these are our kids but to turn down certain foods we've at times wondered. Sadie will hold the peas in the front of her mouth and chew on them for literally 10 minutes. Come to find out, Chris use to do the same thing! It's not usually habit that we have dessert after meals but this particular time I had, the one and only of course, HARIBO Gold Bears- my absolute favorite!
Although I hate to revert to spanking if they don't eat their veggies(mean mommy, I know) the Gummy Bears were a great motivation and as you can see no hesitation on throwin em back with the peas!

I love to eat therefore I must run!

2011-04-11T20:38:00.009-05:00

CHICAGO MARATHON 2007 26.2 MILES
Training Partner: Angela Thurmond. Only trained up to 18 miles.

If 30,000+ people doesn't motivate you I don't know what will.

This post isn't about the girls. Being a new mom and with that has come lots of adjustments and sacrifices that somewhere along the way I have focused all my attention and energy on the girls/family that I have forgotten to take the time to think about myself.
So...I'm being a little selfish and this post is about ME!

The second most rewarding thing I've done in my life, besides being a mom, was completing the Chicago Marathon. I don't even remember my time but that doesn't matter...I FINISHED and I'm proud of that!
I use to work with a girl in Florida that told me, "I only run if someone is chasing me." That was one of the many things I loved about Florida, the Greenways, tons of running events and great weather. Florida is where my running obsession started. I guess I should stop right there. I really am not running. I'm a jogger. I'm not speedy but I'm not slow either.. as Goldilocks would say "just right"
I always use to find it humorous that I would pay money to put myself thru grueling running events whether it was rain, HOT Florida sun or freezing my butt off at the Disney half marathon in 2005. I have to constantly remind myself that I really won't "run" unless I am training for something. I literally have to PAY someone or some organization in order to motivate myself to get out and pound the pavement. Crazy, I know but that's what works for me.... home gyms DON'T.
So I was thinking back and I cant even tell you how many running events I've done. My favorite one was the Celebration run and that's because it always had the best long sleeve Tshirts and great snacks at the end. See......I love to eat therefore I must run!
So here's what brings me to my post. I actually loved the first 15 months of having the twins cause I could eat whatever I wanted and counted climbing the stairs everyday as my cardio. They sucked all the fat off me. It was awesome... until I stopped nursing and that quickly changed. Yowzers! Why didn't any nursing mom of twins warm me of this? Probably cause there are so few mom's of twins that actually nurse their babies. Why didn't anyone tell me that I needed to start exercising again after kids....GEEZ! The pounds crept on slowly as I began to wean from three feedings to two feedings, to one feeding and then cold turkey just stopped. I put on almost 20 lbs. What was I thinking? Okay, so I'm getting a little personal. I am proud to say that I'm down 15 lbs, 1 dress size and I have 10 more pounds to go. My secret......RUN! I always have the best results when I am jogging or training for something. I have no desire to do another marathon but I will stick to my 10K's and maybe even add a few more 1/2's to my list. Best advice is get a partner. Not necessarily saying you have to run right next to them but have someone to run with, to make you get out there. I have Erin in the AM, Erica in the PM and my good ole faithful IPOD all the other times.

Back in the saddle again...my first 6.2 mile PURITY DAIRY run is this Saturday-be thinking of me!

Two Years, Three months and Sassy!

2011-03-15T22:07:00.003-05:00

These TWO smiles is what being a mom is all about. It makes it all worth it.
Don't they look like mischief?! This was tonight right before bedtime.

Many hands make light work........sometimes:)

2011-03-09T08:31:00.006-06:00

Sadie and Trista have decided that 13 hours of sleep was way too much for two very busy toddlers so they've been getting up at 7:00am instead of 8:00.
I told Chris that our "Sit and Sip" time is going to have to start at 6am instead of 7am.
Three days out of Chris's 4 day work week he's up, showered and out of the house by 4am but the other days of the week we get up to "sit and sip" and enjoy a quiet house before my crazy day begins.

Yesterday morning they were unusually busy. I guess not "unusually busy" cause after all they are 2! My friend stopped by and while we were talking down stairs Sadie and Trista were upstairs powdering their entire body in the bathroom.(we've been locking our bedroom door but this morning I had forgotten)
I removed them from the mess, graciously said goodbye to my friend and thought I'll dust buster it up later
I moved them downstairs and tried to distract them with all their toys in the rec room only to find them 15 minutes later giggling hysterically in the pantry. ( I had been typing an email from my phone to a prospective Real Estate customer-trying to multitask here, people!) I had to find out what was so funny. They had opened and dumped out an entire bag of buckwheat flour that Chris had brought home from work the day before. My thoughts of the aroma of buttermilk buckwheat pancakes went out the window. So I removed them from that mess AND while vacuuming up the flour in the pantry, which took about 10 minutes, I found Sadie pulling all the stuffing out of the back of the pillow from the couch. At that point I threw my hands up and said "What is going on?" I felt like I was having a Denice the Menace moment.
Wish I had captured all those moments on film but my OCD kicked into overdrive and I just started cleaning it up. However, I did catch all these moments of them hard at work.

7AM: Wake up to OJ sipping
7:15 Feed Rocky
7:30 Eat Breakfast and take dishes to the sink
7:45 sip on bit more of OJ
7:50 Do a load of Laundry
8AM Morning visit to Mr. Frog(the potty) and wash hands
PS. MOMMY IS HAPPY AGAIN CAUSE SHE FOUND THE CAMERA!

Another Manic Sunday

2011-02-21T06:01:00.011-06:00

See....I wasn't lie'n about the laundry!

Around here everyday is a bit manic. What is up with February? This has been a crazy month. Birthday, Valentines, Wedding, Lacrosse, Real Estate, Consignment Sorting, oh and taking care of two very active toddlers!
I don't usually leave things till the last minute but this weekend has been busy and I waited till the night before to tag over 100 items for a consignment sale today. I think of myself a pretty good multi-tasker but then again what MOTHER isn't. Sometimes I feel like I can't catch up on things. Laundry was piled up from Friday, dishes in the sink from Saturday night, two snot nosed kids running around half naked and a rec. room that looks like a tornado hit it made it one manic Sunday.

NOTE TO SELF: Never tag again during the middle of the day when the girls are awake. They had my hangers, postcards, baggies and safety pins strung everywhere. Not to mention all the outfits from last summer that they wanted to try on. All this selling and one would think that we are done having kids.......that's another blog for another time:)

Consigning is something I got into last year. I don't necessarily buy from consignments but I do sell and last summer seemed to be a profitable year for the girls savings account.

Anyway- this is what I walked up on when it had been quiet for a bit too long. At least Sadie didn't shut the door on Trista and push the START button!

Thanks Erin for the hangers at 9:00 lastnight so I could complete my task.

After this one I get to re-tag everything that doesn't sell to be ready for the next one in a month.
A lot of work for a little money but I'm not complaining.

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYBODY.

Not one, not two but THREE.....

2011-02-15T17:20:00.007-06:00

TRISTA
SADIE
Packed our bags for the zoo two weeks ago and had the camera in the bag. Never took the camera out, never took a picture, never left the stroller unattended and came home with NO camera. UGH!!
Thanks sister for letting us use your camera this past week.

That will be three camera's in two years.
Can't talk much more about it or my blood will start to boil again.

AN UPDATE:
This week just feels different for me. Sadie and Trista are becoming little girls and I love it! They understand almost everything I say or ask them to do.

"Mommy will spank. One, two, three" are too familiar of a phrase in our household.
It works for us and most the time I don't get past one.

They are active little girls who love their dolls, their pink cash register, chapstick, mommy's makeup, brushing my hair, dressing up in their tutu's and green rain boots, putting on their socks, shoes and pants. They are happy little girls and are into everything!

They take one nap in the afternoon and I love how they walk up and get in the bed themselves. Ahhhh!
Life is getting easier. I still feel in survival mode sometimes but I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel.

These pictures were taken today and I all I said was "smile" and they did. I hadn't tried that one before:) For two years I've been making funny faces and jumping up and down. Awe....they are growing up so fast.

February's Festivities

2011-02-14T05:11:00.009-06:00

Sometimes I have to think of how old I'm going to be. Thirty-three still seems young so I'm gonna leave it at that. I only had one request for my birthday and that was ice cream cake. Thanks Erin for my ice cream cake!
Celebrated the weekend before with the Carlson/Carter clan. We indulged on fajitas', ice cream cake and a movie.
Went to mom and dads for my birthday where Lara made my favorite- Carrot Cake and we celebrated with Mom and dad, Krugers and Grandmom & Grandad. The rest of my day was spent traveling back in the Tennessee blizzard which was very interesting but we made it home safe and sound. Thank you everyone for a great 33rd birthday.

Sixteen years ago, Valentines night, was when Chris and I had our first date. It was our first Valentines Banquet and that was 1995!. Chris was 15 at the time so I was the one that picked him up and met HIS dad at the door with a shot gun. Well, not really but I did have to meet his dad first. I remember letting him drive home from the stop sign when he lived in the Gallatin house. We did a little bit of bucking with the manual car I drove but he caught on pretty quick.
Time has really flown. So many good memories and now with two little munchkins running around I cant even keep up with the days!

Some random pics

2011-01-24T13:40:00.006-06:00

Snow day sledding with Erica, Preston and Erin down Kroger's hill

Savannah in the middle
Trista and mom taking a nap after church. I've never been able to get her to lay down like this and just fall asleep but Juju seemed to have magical powers.
Before I could even say "hi" the voice on the other end of the phone blurted out, "I've got the blog up and am looking at the girls now." I responded with, "I haven't put any new pictures up since you last looked." in which mom replied, "Oh I just like to go on there everyday to see them"
Mom- thank you for being so lovingly obsessed with the girls.
The girls are not very good nappers. I say that cautiously because since I've put them down for their afternoon nap today I have been able to do a load of laundry, make a lentil roast, pick up the toys, let the dog out, vacuum, listened to a podcast on NPR and am now sitting her typing in a quiet house. They are usually in their beds for two hours regardless if they sleep or not. The first hour they just jabber and holler out in their rooms as if they are talking mores code between the walls and the last hour they actually nap. A few months ago(22months) we separated them and we think it has worked out much better. Their rails are off but their beds are butted up against the wall and have homemade stoppers(rubber shoes) on one end of each leg to prevent them from getting out. I've realized I have to pick my battles and I've decided that this is one I don't want to fight. Interestingly enough they have figured out that with a little leg power they can push against the wall and scoot the crib across the floor making a gap big enough for them to get out(hardwood in the bedrooms is a PAIN)but yet they wont come out of their room and they clearly know how to turn the knob. Good kids? Maybe not so bright kids, hmmm? I like to think of the first option:)

Birthday Bash in Dyersburg

2011-01-19T14:36:00.005-06:00

Grandmom Thurmon turns 95
Levi Bearman
Amy Gilley Bearman and Ethan Bearman
Levi and the ladies!
January 9th was Grandmom Thurmon's 95th and Levi's 3rd Birthday.
Every year Amy, Ethan and Levi have made a special trip to celebrate with Grandmom Thurmon in Dyersburg.
For lunch we indulged in homemade mushroom oatmeal burgers and Amy made homemade sweet potato fries that were so YUMMY. A strawberry cake for grandmom and a carrot cake for Levi finished the day perfectly. We were so glad to be able to celebrate with everyone. Love you Grandmom. Love you Levi.

Little Leggins

2011-01-19T14:27:00.003-06:00

SADIE
TRISTA
Thank You Aunt Erin for making the girls their leggings! Love them! Potty breaks are much more swift;)

Cowgirl Up!

2011-01-13T08:28:00.004-06:00

"These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you"
When Lara got off the plane at Christmas time I had been forewarned that she had a few extra carry-ons. She didn't get off the plane with a suite case and carry on but a suitcase, three boxes and two carry-on's. Southwest attendants did a little scolding but it wasn't going to stop her from bring her goodies to the girls. Almost all but a 1/4 of the stuff consisted of clothes ranging from 2T up to 4T for the girls. In all that stuff were two pairs of cowgirl boots. Dad Carlson would be proud- one pair reminds me of the boots he use to wear just in kid form. Thanks Auntie Larce for all their goodies.

Dyersburg Christmas and Atlanta Trip 2010

2011-01-02T21:20:00.003-06:00

This free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Our very own Geisha

2011-01-02T20:02:00.008-06:00

TRISTA- a little 2 year old who's curiosity got the best of her.OR
Geisha (芸者?), Geiko (芸子) or Geigi (芸妓) are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.

You know when its too quiet for too long there is trouble. I was standing at the Armoire at the bottom of the stairs organizing the girls clothes and shoes and once again putting clothes in Rubbermaid's for upcoming consignments when all of the sudden our very own GEISHA appeared. Trista had located my MK foundation in my make- up drawer. Let me explain......a week ago they could not turn round door knobs or twist off caps UNTIL NOW! Crazy how fast they change. I was actually very impressed with how evenly she put it on. She even managed to cover the crevices in her eyes and only had a little bit dripping from her chin by the time she got to me. She was very calm as she approached me but you could tell the thickness around her eyes was probably starting to bother her. Have you ever tried to get off that much foundation. It was a full tube since I don't wear that shade. I think we could have made a commercial advertising the effectiveness of Mary Kay's wonderful make-up remover. That stuff is wonderful....now I will need to get a new bottle since it was all used up removing Trista's geisha face!

Frosty the Snowwomen TURN TWO

2010-12-19T19:23:00.005-06:00

Cant believe you are two! Where has time gone?! You sported your snowman hat well.....for the few seconds they were on. You know it's bad when you plan your kids birthday party theme around a bag full of $2.00 holiday plates and accessories that I purchased from a garage sale in JULY!(they were all in their original plastic in case some of you were wondering if they were opened:)Lara sewed the buttons on their white onesie and I put together their hats. Thanks to good ole Duncan Hines boxed cake mix and Google for finding the easiest SNOWMAN cake recipe. I think I spent more time on covering the cardboard box for the cake to lay on! We had family and our good friends over for the girls second birthday celebration. Thanks to all who came to share this two year mile marker in their lives. Sadie and Trista you are both loved so unconditionally.
Trista- I LOVE.....
how you give us big smiles showing your precious dimples
how you are usually first awake talking in the morning
how independent you are
to watch you give kisses to your sister
how you say "daddy" when Chris comes thru the front door
how you say the word balloon-"ba-luddleluddle"
how you take Rocky his bowl and want him eat
how you'll bring me a book and crawl up in my lap
it when you give me kisses
your little double chin when you sleep in your car seat
ALL 25 lbs of you. Love, mom and dad
SADIE- I LOVE......
how you are so quick to give mommy and daddy kisses
the smile you get on your face when you see me or daddy first thing in the morning
your sneaky smile when you know you shouldn't be doing something
how you pat your sisters back if she's crying
how you rubbed my back the to other day when I asked
how you are such a thinker and observer
how you would help me when Trista was potty training:)
ALL 25.5 lbs of you! Love, mom and dad

Just killin' time

2010-12-14T12:49:00.011-06:00

Trista on LEFT SADIE on RIGHT
Just when you thought there was not one more possible thing these girlies needed-----well, GLOVES!
To buy or not to buy? They enjoyed the snow until they got a running start down the hill which ended in a face plant and snow all over their hands and face. NOT COOL, MOM! Would it really be necessary to buy gloves for the 2 times it will snow in Tenn. See, their little coats they have on are actually 18months size- I'm squeezing them into them since buying new ones for this season would just be silly. Although, all I would have to do is mention the word to Mimi or JuJu and POOF- they would have em! Mom, I think you did ask if they needed coats and they are fine but didn't realize they wouldn't like the snow on their hands. We desperately needed some fresh air time today. Chris sold the auction car last week which left us home bound for 5 days practically. It wasn't so bad since we were in the middle of potty training. Then on Monday we got a Blizzard, by TN terms, and Chris felt it would be safer to take the cruiser. Okay hun, I know you want any excuse to drive in the snow/ice. We did have a car here but then thought ahead and pictured myself cramming two car seats into a tiny Mits.Eclipse sports car......NOT!
Aren't they just the cutest little snuggle bunnies. Poor Trista, any more snot running down that nose and she would boot Rudolph right out of his spot. The only part dreaded of winter-----runny noses and the cold.......and being stuck inside most of the time.

SADIE
TRISTA
SADIE
The only problem with playing outside in the snow and potty training is the double decker layers you have to peel when they say those sweet little words, "Pe Pe"! Once they've gone on the potty then it turns to a resounding, "PEE PEE" followed by "COOKIE"
Did I mention yet that we are potty training?;) Trista decided to jump back on board yesterday and this will be day two of no diaper except for naps and nighttime. She surrendered her duties of clapping and emptying Sadie's pee pee to tooting her own horn- we'll see how long it lasts. They are comfortable sitting on the big potty and go several times a day but we do have a little problem.......#2 is still SCARY to them. We are working on that. Thanks to me and my quick hands I have swooped in and caught several in mid air with the little potty- whew..... but enough about their bowel movements. Moms, this is challenging stuff! With two I am running constantly back and forth to the bathroom. And yesterday Trista needed to go, Sadie didn't like that Trista needed to go and ran to the potty and sat down...with her pants on(she didn't even need to go). Mommy was trying to stir the veggies so they wouldn't burn and Trista couldn't reach the big potty so she pee'd down her leg. I felt so bad and definitely scolded Sadie for dominating the little throan!
After coming in from the snow and stripping down to the bare minimum Trista decided that bare bun's and warm vent would do just the trick. What can I say, my kids would love to be naked rather than clothed. Sorry Trista for exposing your "chandelier" as my aunt would call it-HA!Never heard it refered to as that before.Until next time just wanted you to know whats been happen to kill time.
TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY- SADIE AND TRISTA TURN TWO!
Doing a special dinner with just the family. Hmmmm I wonder where we'll go.

THATS ONE WAY TO THAW THOSE BUNS, HUN!

A Yoplait Moment

2010-12-13T21:59:00.003-06:00

Sadie loves her yogurt.

For the birds!

2010-12-07T12:06:00.008-06:00

SHE(TRISTA) WEARS THEM PROUDLY-Until Tinkerbell gets wet!
SADIE
This potty training is frankly for the birds. This would be much easier in the summer where they can just streak all over the backyard. Its 20degrees outside and they dont want to put their clothes back on sometimes after going potty. Clothes are overrated anyway!
We should have invested in M&M stock. Actually they were eating so many in a day that I went and got the mini one's. Seems to be perfect motivation for Sadie.
Sadie figured that if she just dribbles a little every five minutes she gets more candy-smarty pants. She will come tell me that she has to go, pull her pants down herself, pee, empty in the big potty and the grand finale of waving and saying "bu-bye to it as it goes down the toilet. I told Chris our water bill is going to be crazy with all the flushes. Trista is on strike! Our strong willed child did good for a couple days and then decided she didn't want to go potty anymore. She just says "Na" She thought that if she just sat on the potty and didn't do anything that she'd still get an M&M, gummie fruit(the ones you left mom) or a sticker. Multiple rewards tends to help them stay focused- Trista anyway. I must say they've both gone on the big potty which will eliminate the potty chair all together.
Thanks to my other mom's of muliples that can relate- your advice has been so helpful- this is an exhausting task! Maybe its better that its one at at time- for my sanity.
So proud of them both. Trista we'll try again in a week or when she seems ready.

Titi and Uncle Bill come to visit

2010-12-07T11:59:00.003-06:00

Titi and Uncle Bill
It was so good to see you. The trip was so quick. Thank you for coming all that way.
Thank you for their birthday money-they have quite a stash in savings!
Titi the girls loved sitting on your lap as you read to them and counting all the coins you brought for their piggy banks. I wish you could be around them more.
Love you both. Miss you.

This ones for you, mom

2010-11-27T00:37:00.004-06:00

TRISTA
SADIE
SADIE
TRISTA
Mom commented that I haven't posted any pictures in so long( a couple hours seems long to JuJu:) and once I thought about it I realized that's because I haven't taken any in a long time. The older the girls get the busier we get with activities and outings and just staying occupied.
Where do I start? Well, Jenny said it best "you don't have babies anymore they are toddlers" TODDLERS is right and with that lovely word comes the word "NO" along with lots of other little attitudes. They are pretty good for the most part. I do have to admit whereever we go in public people always comment how well behaved they are and how quietly they sit at story time.
People always said, "oh, twins how neat- they will entertain each other" YUP they entertain each other all right. I break up a dozen plus squabbles a day. I am hoping they pass this phase very quickly.
We have entered the world of POTTY TRAINING. Sadie just took over the potty(REALLY need a second one) she's gone about 5 times including #2...I know GROSS but hey its a milestone in the land of motherhood and Trista FINALLY decided she'd had enough of Sadie getting all the M&M's and the special Potty Song/dance sung to her.
Some days they want to do it and some days they don't or should I say I DON'T! I know this is going to take a lot of patience and time BUT we are off to a good start. They do understand that when you go pee pee on the potty you get an M&M out of the M&M machine & we've really encouraged them that Tinkerbell does NOT like to be tinkled on! They do love their big girl undies. Awe....such little babies growing up to be such little girls.
Sadie is my little love bug and my stripper- we would find her many mornings completely nude. We are talking zipper,footed, button P.J's SO we put it on backwards...problem solved! She gives me hugs and kisses all the time and will often chase Trista down to give her a hug and kiss. They always give a gentle pat on the back when the other one is crying or hurt and last week I got my first FOOT RUB. They took off my socks and put lotion on my feet at the same time and rubbed my feet......for a few seconds....but hey it was nice while it lasted! Trista adds a couple new words a week to her vocabulary. And they love to wipe, change and powder their dollies.
Now, before you're wondering if there are any Thanksgiving Pics.....THERE ARE....BUT they are nicely stored on a fancy camera that is perched right in front of me that some how the card reader has been misplaced and we cant get the photos' off the camera onto the computer. Arrrggg! Well, we can get them off but I'm waiting for my wonderful husband to sit down and do it:)!!
Sad to say that we have a photographer in the house and we had our last family portrait done over a year ago- but I hear that's usually how it goes.
Cant believe how fast the year has flown- the girls will be two in just over two weeks! Lots of cute things planned just for them.
Life is getting fast!
Until next time.....love to all.

Honeysuckle Hill Farms Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

Gimme a one and two and three

2010-10-04T22:12:00.006-05:00

I do wish they made these leggings in my size.
The cold weather is fast approaching and although I should be gladly welcoming it after his crazy HOT summer---I still don't want it to come. I do NOT like the cold. It quickly reminded me how fast the girls are growing up because yesterday I spent a couple hours during their nap taking out all their cute summer outfits and replaced them with velvet jogging suits, leg warmers and JEANS. They haven't worn jeans until this season and I have to say they are just the cutest little things in them. THATS when it hit me- they are growing up so fast. Believe it or not I still carry them both up the stairs....most of the time for their naps and they are getting heavy- not sure how much longer I will be able to do it. Booster seats went bye bye and for the past few weeks they've been eating at their very own table. I have even been "training" them to the bring their plate to the sink when they are done- after all I had to do it when I was younger and they do such a good job. They are slowly learning their favorite words such as: Bye bye, Hi, Mimi, Juju, Wawa(Lara), ice, pease(please)ball and of course mommy and daddy. Sadie I think knows more words than she's leading on- she tends to talk internally if you know what I mean. Not sure t
what thats all about:)
Potty training as been "talked" about and shown by example but I gotta admit I am not thrilled at all about doing this.....with TWO! Lately we've stayed busy with trips to the library, story hour at the book store and even a fieldtrip to Gallatins Recycle center...okay so I'm desperate to get out of the house. They are keeping us busy as you can tell my posts get further apart. Bare with me-I'm trying.
SADIE IS IN THE PURPLE AND TRISTA IS IN THE GREEN

Indian Shores, Florida-The girls first beach experience

2010-09-12T23:39:00.018-05:00

After we got back from Cancun poor Chris did the responsible thing and went back to work while I proceeded to unpack and repack yet again for another trip- this time taking the girls on their first beach experience in Florida. I figured this will be our last trip where the girls are free to fly so I wanted to take advantage of it. Lara flew down with me to help with the girls. Unloading at the airport was quite comical to say the least. Lets just say we almost had another "pee your pants" episode of laughter(it doesn't take much to get us laughing) as we tried to lug all our stuff in to the airport and up to the counter. Needless to say two people with two kids, a stroller, two car seats, 2 check on bags and four carry-on's was impossible but with the help of a kind Southwest agent that saw us struggling we made it to the check-in counter. The girls did great on the flight they flirted with all the flight attendants and passengers in the seats near by.

The gulf side has nude beaches too you know!
a

We had easy access to the pool, hot tub and beach. Trista was my busy body- she tormented the sand piper birds, chased the pelicans and strolled down the beach like she owned the place. Sadie on the other hand would sit for 45 minutes at a time moving the sand from one pile to the next. She studied the shells and all their shapes and sizes. My little thinker as Grandad Carlson calls her. They had no fear of the ocean. The salt water didn't even phase them! They were free,nude and one with the ocean......until it knocked them over a few times. By the end of the week they were jumping off the side of the pool and holding their breath for more than 3 seconds under water. Next summer they will be my little fish!

I have this exact same picture when I was little

Sadie- my diva

Thank you mom and and Aunt Faye for everything. Lara you spoiled me rotten. Thank you for being such a great sister. Love you. 12 days was a long time to be away from the honey and it was time to head home- it was good to be back. I told Chris that the beach will definitely be a future family vacation spot for us .So after 12 days we left our 85 degree weather and landed in Nashville to a nice cool 74 degrees. Ahhh the smell of fall was in the air. So long summer of 2010- you brought us great memories and that's what life is all about- making great memories.TRISTA-she put on dads socks and well lets just say something from my suitcase all by herself. Let the primping begin.
Sadie on the Left Trista on right
Trista

Our 10 year Celebration

2010-09-12T23:14:00.006-05:00

I know this isn't really about the twins but after all how they got here was because two people fell in love. Our 10 year anniversary was celebrated with Chris's grandparents who celebrated their 60th and we were so honored to celebrate with them at the Biltmore Inn. Thank you Papa for all the planning and for the invitation, we enjoyed every minute of it.
I had never been there and it exceeded my expectations. The hotel was superb, the view was beautiful and the company we were with was delightful. I played my first game of Mexican train with domino's and I have to admit.....it was FUN!
Two days after returning from the Biltmore in we unpacked and repacked for Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We stayed 5 nights at an all inclusive resort and the all inclusive part is an under statement. I don't think I want to travel any other way. We had our choice of 12 different restaurants that were fantastic. We were a stones throw away from 5th avenue where all the shops are and only a minutes walk to where we got two deep tissue massages for $25.00each- I almost felt guilty. We had one full day at zip lining which took us 3 hours to complete, an offroading vehicle thru caves and two swims in the underground rivers that was so incredible. And the rest of the time we did a lot of sleeping and chillin by the pool. Five days was just not long enough:)

There is no place like Mom and Dads

2010-07-26T18:28:00.003-05:00

Thanks Mom for such a relaxing week. I know it was short notice but that's usually all I get when I know Chris has to go to Michigan. I always feel like I'm on vacation when I come. Good ole home cooked meals, the best tastin well water and a personal army of baby watchers(thanks cousins). The girls loved scoping the house for Coco the kitty while finding dozens of little what-nots to displace around the house. Mom- I'm sure you are still finding things in places they shouldn't be. You didn't seem to mind at all- thanks for being such a great JuJu to the girls. Dad -enjoyed watching you work so hard at therapy- keep it up you are doing great! Goes to show that I have not and SHOULD not mow the lawn. I wanted to be the good daughter and mow the back yard for mom when I got there on Monday and after thirty minutes I managed to plow into the apple tree, crack the front plastic off the mower and shake half the tree of apples to the ground.Sorry Mom- that back yard is a beast- I say forget it- just let it grow:) I officially don't have to mow our yard now that Chris heard the story. YEAH!!

Visiting Granddad Carlson

2010-07-12T14:54:00.005-05:00

I'm embarrassed to admit that it had been awhile since I had taken the girls to see Granddad Carlson. He is always so happy to see them. His smile is permanent from the time they walk in till when we leave. They weren't quite sure what to think of him since it had been awhile. They quickly warmed up and found a few things that fascinated them. Trista loved putting the keys in and out of his desk drawer. Sadie loved the magnifying glass. It was good to see him and I promised we wouldn't be so long to visit next time. Granddad has the "pint house" on the 11th floor and I found out that Sadie is not fond of elevator rides but they LOVED the birds that were in the entrance of the Towers.

Happy Fourth-Sadie's Audition for the Star Spangled Banner

2010-07-03T23:48:00.005-05:00

AND THE ROCKETS RANG CLEAR THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR.....

Sadie found my eye liner but thought it was lip liner I guess.

Enjoying some watermelon while the chickens on the barbie...

I'll go anywhere for a SNOW CONE!

2010-06-28T13:01:00.004-05:00

The park didn't seem such a great idea with this heat wave we've been having but there was a small incentive.......SNOW CONES! Mimi joined us at the park Saturday afternoon for some swingin, slidin and SWEATIN!
Sadie could have walked up and down that slide all day.

We left Chris off at 6:00 to go for a bike ride with some guys while we headed home for a cool bath and then bedtime.
It was a nice relaxing day!

Happy Da da Day

2010-06-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it gets on top of you.

Sometimes you feel invisible.

Sometimes you feel smothered.

But you'll always be there to support.

Always there to make them feel safe.

Always helping them grow and climb.

Always their rock.

Their father, always.

Girls being silly with Family

2010-06-16T15:55:00.003-05:00

Playing around with my KODAK sport recorder that Chris got me mothers day. Testing it out on YOUTUBE. Enjoy.
Unlike this week with the girls sick - this is how they really act. Girls being silly when Mom(JUJU), Dad(Pop Pop) and Auntie Larce came to visit.Taken a few weeks ago.

I'd rather be hot than cold

2010-06-11T16:29:00.007-05:00

I try to tell myself that the blog is a place to "journal" about what a crazy 18 months of our life this has been. It would be so much easier to upload to FB and walk away. I'll be glad I did it down the road- I just need to get better at keeping up.
The summer heat is in full swing and it seems like not long ago I was complaining of the cold weather. At the end of the day there is nothing better than checkin for ticks, scratchin skeeter bites, diggin in my oh so proud garden and the smell of fresh cut grass.
Chris was kinda joking the other day when he reminded me that I've only cut the grass 1 time since we moved into this house. I told him that I am perfectly capable of mowing the grass and would if I had to or if he asked but growing up I had my share of mowing 6 acres every other Sunday and I'm still feeling burned out.

THEIR FIRST RIDE ON THE MOWER

KISS KISS (SADIE MY LOVE BUG)
GIRLS IN DRESSES CAN RIDE MOWERS TOO

Silly Monkey's

2010-05-30T10:43:00.005-05:00

Sadie on Left Trista on Right in dress

Trista's fish kisses are too sweet.

Where's your hair?

Where's your nose?

Where's your tongue?

2010-05-30T08:28:00.001-05:00

Sadie airing out and running outside with the big dogs.
SADIE
Trista and her love for Rocky

A year and a half old

2010-05-28T07:06:00.005-05:00

They love walking around in the back of the "truck" There are little benches on each side and they love sitting on them.

She just discovered walking in mommy's shoes

It's been a while

2010-05-27T07:39:00.004-05:00

Life sometimes knocks you upside the head but you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on. Long story short as to why I have been such a slacker on posting pictures. Mom, I know its been killing you to log on and not see any updated photos. My overly eager photographic husband likes to sweep the pictures off and put them on the hard drive as soon as I take them or so it seems like. So I checked my memory card and there is only one photo of the girls on there. Maybe its that I really haven't taken many pictures lately. I am realizing that the older they get the crazier our lives get. The past month has been interesting/crazy and I will try to keep the saga short. We sold our dinning room suite and a few days later received a contract on our house, YAY. Three weeks later the buyers backed out(boooo) cause they couldn't have a bigger dock for their TWENTY-NINE foot boat. You would think that would have crossed their mind before they signed a contract and I wish it had crossed my mind not to pack up 16 Rubbermaid's of "STUFF" in my house till I knew it was a done deal but we live and learn. Now that that is behind us we are moving on to new adventures. Chris and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary in August. We booked a five night stay in the #2 rated hotel in Playa del Carmen. Its a 4 star, adult only and all inclusive resort/spa and the best part is we paid CASH for it! Oh we now have a normal table to eat on besides a card table.
Now to the important part of our lives....our sweet girls. These past two weeks have been a little rough with Trista cutting her back teeth. We've had lots of whining and pulling on my pant leg episodes. I literally have to stop everything what I'm doing and just go sit in the living room for them to feel content that I'm nearby. I love those moments and I know they will end all to fast but being the semi OCD, needing to be in motion type person its hard for me to sit in the living room and see food trays everywhere with peanut butter and applesauce smeared from one end to the other of the table and dishes in the sink! Their personalities are showing a lot more these days too. Trista is much more adventuresome and does not like to hold mommy's hand when asked. Sadie is a little more reserved and LOVES to hold mommy's hand withOUT being asked:). Trista is our animal lover. Sadie loves loud noises such as the vacuum, blender and lawn mower-I think she and Chris will get a long just fine:)
I'll admit some days are harder than others. Having two at the same time is not anything anyone can prepare you for. It has its challenges and many rewards. This weekend Chris and I are off to a short get away to Atlanta for much needed one on one time. Uncle Steve will be watching the girls- should be interesting!
In closing I just want to say that I will be better about posting pictures and some will be posted TODAY before the day ends.Much love to our family and friends.We sincerely thank you for all the support and love you all give back.

Zoo day hooray 1 2 3 how many animals will we see?

2010-04-27T15:12:00.005-05:00

I have read that book one too many times. The funniest part is that I know all the words to it without needing the book.
My friend Kristen took us to the Zoo on her membership. The girls loved it especially the petting zoo part. Trista was quite fond of the goats. Dad you would be proud. She just "talked" and "talked" to the goats and followed them around. Sadie- not so much! They loved the kids play zone and I loved getting out of the house.

We were all suppose to drive down to the Nashville Zoo together until I forgot to tell Chris to leave me the car that day. The joys of sharing a vehicle. So I called my friend to tell her we would have to pass on the zoo offer. Within 10 minutes she called me back and had found not one but TWO car seats to borrow from friends, picked us up and brought us home. What an awesome friend.

Egg Saladless Hunt

2010-04-09T21:28:00.006-05:00

As you can tell our little Miss Sadie had had
enough before we even got started.

I think the good ole days of dyeing the eggs and having an abundance of egg salad to eat on for a week are over. We sure had good food to eat and an abundance of eggs filled with candy at the Carters though. Thank you guys. I think next year is going to be the year. They will love finding the eggs and filling their baskets.

Don't ya just love that summer breeze

2010-04-09T21:17:00.006-05:00

Not a care in the world, just sittin and eatin some yogurt(Trista)

One year has come and gone and...

2010-04-08T10:50:00.006-05:00

Chad Hicks came to visit and the girls loved him. Of course he has practice with Quad nieces and nephew so this was a cinch.

One year has come and I'm now being told by all those empathetical moms of multiples that around 3 or 4years is when it really gets easier!!!!
I told Chris that I feel like I'm still in survival mode sometimes. Its a constant 12 hour day of clean up, pick up and wipe up!
They are each getting their own personality and I love watching that.
My neighbor and I planted a big garden for the summer that consists of squash,zucchini,baby corn,tomatoes, peppers, onions and cucumbers. All sounds good huh? Well Chris and I will be enjoying them the most since the girls aren't so fond of them. I am still sneaking veggies in their food(especially Sadie) I know it will change because as soon as they understand I'm going to pull the "parent" trick and make them sit there till they have had at least a few bites:)I'm such a mean mom.
Now fruit is a different story.

Sadie-One Sweet Chick

2010-03-27T19:59:00.003-05:00

Sadie takes a little time warming up to the camera

Trista- Nobunny's Cuter

2010-03-27T19:52:00.001-05:00

Milk Thief

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy!

Snack time...preparing for Tea time

2010-03-15T10:13:00.003-05:00

Aunt Faye and JuJu I think the girls may be ready for a tea party.
We've been having snack time on their table. We've had a few falls only because Sadie insists on climbing and standing on the table and chairs.

The Inevitable

2010-03-11T07:11:00.004-06:00

Trista has 8 teeth and Sadie has seven. Trista jabbers a lot more and Trista is walking everywhere! See a pattern? We were wrong. Everything we thought Sadie would do first Trista has proved us wrong.
Sadie is definitely our "thinker" as Granddad says it. She seems to speculate everything. She may be our little sceptic. She's not far behind Trista but is taking her good ole sweet time:)
Auntie Larce got them these little backpacks.- okay LEASHES! They kept them on for hours the other day. Thanks sista. Loved all the goodies!
These girls are only semi-spoiled;) and oh so loved.
Thanks mom for their outfits, diapers and all the goodies you brought. Love it when you visit and thanks for watching the girls so I could get some things done at work.

Uncles Three Favorite Things

2010-03-11T06:43:00.002-06:00

Trista, Sadie and a bowl of cereal!

2010-02-28T21:50:00.005-06:00

As much as I'd like to kick Rocky out to the doghouse he is a good second to the jungle gym at the park. The girls climb all over him and he just sits there. They pull his chops, his tale and Trista's even grabbed his.....:)
The strings have been cut loose. Kind of a sad week but I tried to not think about it too much. Wednesday was my last day to nurse. It's kinda like the first stage of letting them go-their growing up and so fast. I still think back and remember the many tears I shed from nursing in those first 6 weeks. Wow- what a sacrifice, what a commitment it is but I was determined not to give up!!! I am so glad I gave the best to our little cherubs for 14 months.
Lately I've been busy with real estate and I'm so thankful for my supportive hubby. He does such a good job with the girls. Taking care of multiples is such team work and I think we've mastered it! I love you hun!

Sweata Weatha

2010-02-28T21:46:00.002-06:00

Of course I'm obsessed with hats/caps for them and mom these outfits were so cute on them.

It's almost that time again. He's almost 104!!!

2010-02-28T21:21:00.006-06:00

I take over bread and health food to Granddad every couple weeks and let the girls explore his apartment and he loves it."Wish you didn't have to go already," he says. Its that time of year again. In just a few weeks Granddad Carlson will be 104. My Aunt and Uncle were in town and I thought it would be a treat for Granddad to meet Jim Gilley,the president of 3ABN. Granddad is an avid supporter of the 3ABN and several other networks. He faithfully gives every month out of his budget.He got a chance to share a little about his years in Daluth and working on the dredge. Granddad mentioned his favorite speakers but followed with "I can only watch about 3 hours a day and that's it"(not sure if that's bc of the antenna or the speakers:)) which my Uncle replied "that's about all I can take too" and laughed.
Now the girls are older I'm so glad they have gotten to spend more time with Granddad.

Melmo buddies

2010-02-28T21:15:00.003-06:00

Aubrey and Allie are Sadie & Trista's buddies. I met Erin Birch, their mom, thru my POTATO group. They are 8 months older than Sadie and Trista and are full of energy. I love seeing all the things our girls will be into soon. They are die hard Elmo(melmo) watchers. We cant wait to celebrate their second birthday with them.

I"m a little embarrassed...

2010-02-21T23:08:00.004-06:00

Yes we have utencils and yes the floor was clean that day!They thought it would be fun that day to eat their cheerios off the floor.

one...two...three
See mom here's the PROOF I got em!

I hesitated to take these photos and post them but isnt this what having kids are all about- embarrass THEM now so they can embarrass US later.
I had to chuckle with this cause when I was little(not sure if you remember mom) I use to pretend I was a cat/dog and I actually had two tupperware bowls under the kitchen desk, one was full of water and the other cherrios. Oh the things and places our imagination takes us. I had a big imagination when I was little so I'm curious to see who will get that...maybe they both will:)
And just to keep it fair Sadie was doing it too!

14 months and crawlking

2010-02-21T22:50:00.004-06:00

They love feeding each other. They think it is so funny. And they love feeding me their unwanted food. Only a mothers love will eat cold,smashed,half eaten peas!

Their WALKING......when they want to. They have mastered the art of going up AND down the stairs all by themselves each doing it in their own way and on their own time.
Mimi (Meme) came over Valentines Day while Chris and I went to see a movie- thanks Momma C.
Can hardly believe its been 14 months. I'm down to one nursing a day and for some reason I am having a hard time letting it go. Every morning I say "this is it" but then I just keep doing it. My friend said it would be harder for me to quit then for them to give it up and she's right. I promise though I will quit before they can say you know what. They no longer get the bottle and its hard to believe that they are transitioning from babies to little girls.

Sadie's scrunchie face....and Trista's usual face!

2010-02-02T14:34:00.002-06:00

TRISTA
SADIE

A Hummus Picnic

2010-01-27T19:17:00.003-06:00

No bibs, no boosters just a blanket and "dig in" frenzy. One hummus is a roasted red pepper and the other one is a green chili sauce. The girls love it. They decided that digging their little fingers into was way more fun than waiting for me to put a little on a piece of tortilla and feed it to them.
They've taken a few steps but crawling gets them where they need to go faster...so they think. I'm not complaining:) Chris is thrilled that his expensive studio lights case are a perfect fit on the entryway steps that keep them from reaching the flight of stairs.
This past Tuesday I hosted a play date with some moms from a Meet Up group I joined here in Hendersonville. The two moms brought their two and three year old BOYS. Sadie and Trista spent most of the time watching them catapult from couch to couch and climb over chairs and tables. Whew.....is that a boy thing?:)

Deceitfully Delicious

2010-01-14T16:33:00.004-06:00

With Uncle Steve on his birthday at Gigi's Cupcakes and a few days after their first haircut.....the mullet had to go:(
Sadie is on the left and Trista on the right.
As I sit here and type I occasionally look over at the girls in their booster seats only to find myself telling Trista to keep her paws on her own tray. She loves stealing Sadie's' food and if I'm not looking Sadie loves to "share" her unwanted veggies. Which brings me to a recent dilemma. Somehow I delivered to munchkins that don't like their veggies. They wont eat them. Lara mentioned a book by Jerry Seinfeld's wife called Deceitfully Delicious so as I wait for it to come in the mail(thanks Larce) I decided to whip up my own concoction. In the blender went sauteed carrots,broccoli,zucchini,squash,tofu,corn,peas and ONIONS -added it to one cup of whole milk and dumped it in my pancake batter recipe(omitting the sugar) and TA DA. If I had to admit it myself I would slather them with butter, grab a fork and eat them myself. So good and best of all they DEVOUR them.

TN's Sledding Snowy Blizzard:)

2010-01-10T10:53:00.004-06:00

For their birthday JuJu Thurmond got the girls snow outfits. These are a little more luxurious snow outfits than your typical slick pants suit. These suckers are wool lined from head to toe and I only wish they made them in my size- I was freezin out there.
Our neighbor, Erica loaned us her hot pink sled and even pulled us around a couple times. What fun.
The girls were so excited.....cant you tell. We could not get one expression out of them!

Family Fun and Travels

2010-01-01T12:05:00.000-06:00

Holiday Wishes and a fabulous New Year!

2009-12-21T22:10:00.003-06:00

Merry X-mas to all and to all a good night. Family and Friends we love you all. Thank you for letting us share our lives with you. See you next year.

We leave for Walla Walla on Thursday and will have plenty of pictures to share when we return. First time for all the 9 cousins to be together on Glenda's side. We cant wait. Walla Walla here we come.

Just a few highlights

2009-12-21T21:45:00.005-06:00

Highlights.....
and lowlights
Once I mashed the cake down- they devoured it.

Their birthday has almost felt like an Indian Wedding. It lasted not just one day but days! What a great first birthday. We had a nice evening with family members and my wonderful neighbor who has been such a huge help this past year. Trista and Sadie got so many nice things. Juju got them their first table and chairs. Mimi got them their first suitcase. Lots of adorable outfits(Stacey you are gonna love shopping for your baby girl)Mom came over early to help me get things ready(the meal) while I tackled the cake. Pretty proud of my first cake decorating task but I am already getting nervous because next years will have to top this years and so on and so on for the next how many years?:) Thank you everyone for coming.

Two Special Girls deserved a Special Breakfast

2009-12-15T22:16:00.006-06:00

Now you see it

Now you don't!

I made them Whole wheat waffles and they devoured it. In fact they ate two waffles with applesauce. Sure beats the old mundane oatmeal and mashed fruit for breakfast.Obviously today was more of a deal for me than it was them but we did have a good day. Thank you Titi for their $$- we drove by the bank and deposited it into their savings account and their cards occupied them while I made their breakfast this morning. I had made cupcakes and took them to the nursing staff at Hendersonville Hospital and the two leftover I thought they would be interested in but no such luck. By 7:00pm and a full tummy of milk they did not want any cake to go with it....so to bed they went.They were born at 10:52(sadie) and 10:53pm(trista). I'm almost tempted to wake them up just to squeeze them and tell them Happy Birthday & that I love them and how happy they've made our lives!

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-12T23:25:00.006-06:00

Potential boyfriends! Here are 9 month old Colin and Ryan.

Sadie not phased by the "man with the white beard" and Trista desperately would like to recommend he dye his somewhat yellow beard white!
We went to the annual Potato(parents of twins and triplets organization) Breakfast with Santa this morning. The girls were so well behaved and were mesmerized by all the kids that looked alike! There were 25 families(well over 150 people)and boy was it fun to watch. I've been involved with Potato and am so thankful for the wonderful friends I've made. I attend their monthly meeting which is very informative and sometimes just a gathering of talkative moms that are so eager,like myself, for a break and to leave the house.

We really aren't that vain

2009-12-09T11:58:00.003-06:00

You cant tell they are excited about their shirts can you?

Oh the weather outside is frightful.......

2009-12-08T14:27:00.007-06:00

Sadie on Left Trista on right

.....but inside it's so delightful
Two little girls having fun
Turning one, turning one, turning one
I sat down to do some B-day party planning and couldn't help but get teary eyed about the whole thing.This year has had challenges,required tons of patience and given us many rewards- thanks to the support of my family and POTATO- ladies I couldn't do it without your help! Motherhood is the hardest job I've ever done. Harder than any contract written or any 10 hour day at work. Mom- thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for the first few years of my life that I could not say it myself. All the diaper changes,the rocking to sleep, washing out those cloth diapers,my oh my! Thank you for making me crushed ice when I was sick, packing my lunch and picking me up early from school when I had started "womanhood" to go out to eat and have fun.All the sacrifices you both made- I love you mom and dad!
We are so excited about their birthday party. I've planned a small, intimate gathering with family. Chris has worked hours on the zillion's of pictures taken and I must admit that I took it upon myself to write the girls a poem! (pictures to follow after the 20th)
Trista just jabbers away in a language of her own and Sadie is starting to move with her hands and feet instead of crawling but I am hoping that they can hold off till AFTER our Christmas trip to Walla Walla. Their cute pink birthday hats were made by Aunt Erin- I was so wishing they would keep them on but no such luck. Their birthday is Tuesday, the 15th but we wont have the b-day party till the 20th so special family members can be here- Lara and Grandparents Carlson.

Thanksgiving with the Thurmon(d) Gilley Gang

2009-12-01T11:44:00.005-06:00

Two people and 65 years later and you have one big crowd. We had 30 people around the Thanksgiving dinner table. The girls ate plenty of stuffing,lima beans and sweet potatos. It would not be Thanksgiving with this gang if there was not aThanksgiving day football game or waldorf salad. Yummy! The girls were carted around by the Krueger cousins and I enjoyed it cause it was like having an army of nannies! Hope you all enjoyed your turkey or tofurky day. Aunt Faye, we love you- so glad you joined us for Thanksgiving. I'm sure you are ready to be home and have a break off your feet.

2009-11-16T21:24:00.002-06:00

We loved Aunt Angie visiting a few weeks ago. Our computer was on the fritz for almost 2 weeks and after much debating back and forth between Chris and me it was decided to to get another computer. I couldnt post pictures for awhile so this was taken a few weeks back. The girls loved hangin out with Aunt Angie and Sadie even gave her the scrunchy face which we haven't be able to get her to do since:). Love you Angela.

Bath Time

2009-11-13T23:53:00.003-06:00

I think we are trying to see how long we can bathe our girls in the SINK! Poor girls- they have been tub deprived but if you knew our set-up its way easier for us to stay downstairs.
I asked Chris the other day if I should feel bad for looking forward to bath, bottle and bedtime. I take a deep breath and look around to see what I need to get done around the house before we sleep. I think I'm pretty productive and keep up with things during the day while the girls nap. I recently read a blog of a couple who had girl triplets, she was 24 weeks gestation and lost two of the babies within a month of each other and the third baby girl is still in NICU and holding on to life. I wrote my friend who shared the story on Facebook and told her that I didnt know this couple at all and coudnt help but sob at my computer for 10 mintues. I quickly realized just how precious life is and how thankful I am for two healthy baby girls and myself who made it 38 weeks. I also admitted how guilty I felt for feeling exhausted somedays or wanting to pull my hair out when Sadie and Trista are a little fussy/clingy or dont nap well. When they woke up from their nap I just smothered them with kisses and hugs and told them how much I loved them......like I do after every nap but this time I made it last a little longer. Enjoy this great weather!

Practicing for the National Pie Eating Competition.

2009-11-12T11:17:00.004-06:00

I offered her a spoon but she politely declined. Silly girl. TRISTA

What? I'm just gettin some fresh air

2009-11-12T10:36:00.004-06:00

TRISTA

Dollop of Daisy's

2009-11-01T10:32:00.004-06:00

We broke all rules last night for bedtime hoping to buy us an extra hour sleep this morning... but it didn't work. Like clock work our sweet little daisy's were up at 7:30AM(their body 8:30) We don't ever get Tricker or Treaters at our house so we went to two friends house where they got to see all kinds of funny, scary and adorable little costumes. Thanks Mimi for their DAISY outfits. They kept everything ON too.
Now I'm going to think ahead and get to the stores today so I can find next years at an all time LOW price....or for even playing dress-up thru out the year!

A busy weekend in Chattanooga

2009-10-26T10:58:00.003-05:00

Sadie
Sadie

Karen Landers hugging the girls and new baby Samantha Landers-so precious.
We took a two day trip to Chatti to visit our Florida friends the Landers Family, our biking buddies Billy and Kenny and the Walters.
This would be our first time to sleep in the same room with the girls in their pack an plays-needless to say we tip toed around trying not to wake them. Spent an hour before sundown "off roading" at Prentice Swallow where the girls enjoyed bouncing around- so much that they fell asleep for the first 30minutes. Then back to home we came Sunday morning.

Mmm Good

2009-10-22T15:34:00.004-05:00

Sadie would like to show you how much she enjoys lunch time. I wish this were the case all the time. First off Trista is very serious about meal time. She cleans her tray and then leans over to clear off what Sadie hasnt eaten on her tray. Sadie tends to be a bit more finicky about her food. She knows what bite is next if you are feeding her and if you try and trick her (example: hiding lentils under her noodles she proudly spits them out or smashes them in her hand and tosses them over board for Rocky) So far I have found they they both like peas,squash,avocaodo, noodles of any kind, yogurt, cherrios and fruit.

HoneySuckle Farms Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T11:23:00.008-05:00

After 2 weeks of uncooperative weather we finally made it up to the pumpkin patch in Springfield. The girls loved riding in the wagon (thanks mom), going for a hayride and winding thru the "kiddie" Corn Maze. Better not forget the complete strangers that were taking their picture also....no joke! So we're a little bias but aren't they darn cute....just wait till you see their costumes for Oktoberfest!

Dad comes for a visit

2009-10-15T11:08:00.003-05:00

Hats off to mom and Lara for the 24 hour unfailing love and caring for dad...we only had him three days and I was exhausted. Stephen came out Friday night to help with Showers and such. Mom went for a nice weekend to Gatlinburg to spend with friends from her Alumni class and we kept dad with us. I learned how to give my first insulin shot. I just kept telling myself "15 units tall, sliding scale small" if I got it switched around we would of killed him.....literally. Big responsiblity and thats why I'm glad Lara is the nurse(worlds greatest nurse ever by the way) and not me. Anyway we had a nice weekend Saturday came and went which was good since it was the year mark from when he had his stroke and really the last time we communicated with him. Dad I enjoyed our "story hour" by the lake as I read a book on Dolphins,whales, lions and Tigers while we you nibbled on walnuts and apples with almond butter. Dad loved having the girls crawl all over his feet. He especially got tickled when one would "toot" and look around to see where that noise came from. Love you dad- you come anytime.:)

2009-10-15T10:52:00.000-05:00

Chris is sooooo hoping for tom boys