Two Little Bugs and a Bichon

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

The boys and I made the cutest cards for their classmates this year. They were SO excited to take 'flower boquet' to school this year. Happy V-Day to everyone and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grammy!!!

Aaron and I are having...

2012-02-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

A BABY GIRL!!!

I couldnt be more nervous and excited all at once. I always knew I would be a great mom to little boys, and I hope I am the same for a little girl. I cant wait for her to get here!!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2012-02-06T15:49:00.001-06:00

We decided not to do a big party this year and take the boys to Shrektacular at Opryland Hotel and spend the night. We had SO much fun! The boys love Shrek, it couldnt have been a better birthday! They met all the characters, had breakfast with them, ran all over Opryland, took a boat ride inside the hotel, ate dinner with family, had cupcakes, toured ICE! Penguins of Madagascar, and had a few hours of sleep in the hotel. I think they got more than mom and dad!!!

Why is it about kids and hotel beds?!!

Kellen and Puss N Boots!

If you are noticing there is no Pax in these pictures, our tough guy was a little timid of the characters!!!

Granddaddy, Grammy, and Aunt Shannon came to the hotel to meet us for dinner and cupcakes.

Breakfast with Puss, this is the closest Pax got to any of them!!!

Shrek-Ears!!

Hey Horsey!!

This was the ICE exhibit, it was amazing!

There was an ice slide, we literally had to drag boys out...as it was 9 degrees in the exhibit!

My Xmas Pic with my Boys!

2012-01-09T15:04:00.000-06:00

So, I did have to bribe them with chocolate...but not bad!

The babes are getting so big, but look who else is aging....uggghhhh!!!

In Rewind: Christmas

2012-01-09T14:54:00.002-06:00

There are going to be many of these In Rewind: posts coming your way. Guys, I have felt like such dirt, I have been sleeping or praying not to throw up during the boys naps. I feel like I am starting to see some light at the end of the morning sickness tunnel so I am trying to get back into a routine. I need to blog about Thanksgiving (when i really felt awful), the boys new big boy room, and most importantly their 3rd birthday (which was awesome). But I will start with Christmas because that is the most time consuming!! Here we go!!

The weekend started with my dad and Trish driving in on Friday. We had a great dinner and then went to this awesome subdivision in Brentwood where one whole street decorates with Christmas lights. And they do it honor of a child of one the residents who passed away, they accept donations and raise a ton of money for a great cause. I love the holiday spirit!

The Boys would only old Papaw's hand!

The next day was Christmas Eve, we all went to the 4pm church service and then headed home to make dinner for my family and Aaron's family. It was delicious, and I love that we have started this tradition. The boys loved all the attention! We put cookies and milk out for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer. And then Aaron and I set about putting the toys together...ugh. We finished around midnight, long after everyone else had gone to bed.

My Kel-bug loves a good app!

Gangsta Pax and his Great Aunt Jenny

Christmas morning the boys were so excited, they really got it this year. They woke us up bright and early and the day went on from there. We opened presents with dad and Trish, they headed to Atlanta to see my grandmother and we headed to Aaron's parents for more gifts and yummy food.

This kid was beyond, beyond excited!!!

Opening gifts from Papaw and Trish

Playing with new gifts at the end of the night at Grammy and Grandaddy's

Such a wonderful Christmas, and to think we will be holding a six month old next Christmas is to just too much for me to comprehend. Thank you to all our of family and friends for such a wonderful holiday season.

Where I explain what has been going on...

2011-12-29T13:09:00.002-06:00

Many of you noticed that I removed the post about my pregnancy. I appreciate the calls and emails, who knew so many of my IRL peeps read my ole blog!! First, I am still pregnant and everything seems to be moving right along. I am almost 14 weeks and have still been sick as a dog. Second, the reason I removed the post...I have wanted to go back to work for quite some time and had not found the right fit. I wanted to be close to my house, for the right money, and have a flexible schedule. And all of those things came to fruition with a large company based in Franklin. I didnt want them to locate my blog and find out that I was pregnant, so I removed the post. I had my final interview, two hours long, when I was 11 weeks pregnant. I debated whether not to tell them, but finally decided to tell their HR recruiter the day of my final interview. I was told I could an offer as early as the Friday after my interview, which was on Wednesday. On Monday I was notified that the offer had been given to someone else. Without going into all of the details, and after long discussions with my closest friends, everyone agreed it was due to my pregnancy. So, many tears were shed...and I mean many tears, and now I am in a good place. I trust that there is another plan for our family and I am meant to be home with my boys and this new little life. Everything happens for a reason, even when the reason sucks.

So thank you for the concern and calls, didnt mean to scare anyone. I will begin to post more about the baby soon. I have been so wrapped up in all of this drama and taking care of my boys that the fact I am pregnant has not really even sunk in. But I have 26 weeks for that to happen!! And this baby, well this miracle is due on my husband's birthday...you cant tell me everything doesnt happen for a reason.

Christmas Program 2011

2011-12-17T08:56:00.000-06:00

I was so proud of my little guys, they sang almost the whole song!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

My boys are cutie pies, but is Santa drunk??!!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T10:13:00.000-06:00

Halloween was a very big deal this year, the boys are still talking about it. And so I will never forget, they are doing the cutest thing where they pretend trick or treat with each other. One will stand on one side of the door, the other will knock, the door is opened and knocker says TRICK OR TREAT, and then they pretend hand each other candy, take a bite, and say yum, thank you bubba. It is the cutest thing ever!!! Ok, so here our pictures...the two cutest giraffes ever!!!

Carving pumpkins with daddy and Aunt ShaSha, we had yummy gumbo for dinner!

Mommy's pumpkin...not bad, right??!

Daddy's pumpkin...I think Aaron and I have started a bit of a competition this year!

Me and my giraffes!!! They are so big!!

Pumpkin Patch Part One

2011-10-24T17:32:00.001-05:00

We have been loving ourselves some pumpkin patches!!! The boys are obsessed with them. The first thing they ask for when they wake up from nap is "punkin patch momma, punkin patch." I love when they say pumpkin patch, it just sounds so cute!! So here are some of our punkin patch memories this year.

All four of us looking at the camera....SUCCESS!!

Pax fell and was covered in these little sticky things. It was so funny, look how serious he is...he didnt move while Aaron picked them off!!!

My Dragons

2011-10-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

The boys went to a birthday party last night for Emmaline, and came home roaring dragons!! They put on quite the show last night for the camera!! The best part was after Kellen got his face painted he ran up to Paxton, who had just had his done, and they roared at each other for five minutes. SO FUNNY!! Those moments are priceless!!!

First day back to MDO

2011-09-29T12:56:00.000-05:00

K&P started back to MDO on August 30th, so clearly I am still behind on posting! I was not there for their first week because I was in NY with Stephanie leading up to her wedding...which I will post about soon! I was super sad to miss their big day back and probably drove Aaron crazy telling him all that needed to be dropped off on the first day but it all worked out. He took these pics so I could see their sweet faces. And look, dad even picked out an outfit that matched...that is success in my book!!!!

Papaw...or Poopaw...comes to visit!

2011-09-28T17:48:00.000-05:00

Papaw came for a visit, and the boys quickly re-named him Poopaw. It was actually really cute. Dad said he was okay with being the "Gran Poopaw"!! P&K have talked about him ever since he left and we cant wait till he comes back!!!

The boys are not into the same sports, Kellen is into baseball and throwing the ball. Paxton is ALL about golf. I knew they wouldnt make this easy on us!!!

I guess P was not feeling church this morning, but he was happy once he got there!!!

Kellen loves him some PooPaw!

Boys and a Box

2011-09-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

The question of the day...why even buy toys??!

Summer days drifting away...

2011-09-22T13:10:00.001-05:00

I am trying to cram all the summer activities that I know we will miss once the colder weather begins to takeover. One of the boys favorite things is sitting outside eating popsicles. They will say, "mama, mama pop-suckle, pop-suckle." So here are some last images of one our summer favorites.

We love CORN on the COB!!

2011-09-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

I love to see my fellas eat something that is good for them! And they love corn on the cob!! We go to our local farmers market every Saturday to pick our veggies, pasta, and meats but the corn has become a family favorite!!

Williamson County Fair

2011-09-20T17:17:00.001-05:00

I am clearly way behind on my posts!!! I am going to try and catch up this week. We had such a great time at the fair this year. Paxton and Kellen, we thought, would love the rides. They both loved the first one, and then Pax refused all other rides. So funny our little aggressive guy was so afraid. But Kellen rode alone, and that tickled me pink!!

Pax letting us know he was all done, he crawled out of the seat belt before it started! So I was screaming to the guy not start the ride so I could get him off...a moment of panic for mom!

He is sooo big!

Infant Swim Resource GRADUATES!!!

2011-08-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Paxton and Kellen have FINALLY finished ISR. The program is only suppose to take 6 weeks, it took 3 months. It was a long road, especially for mommy getting two toddlers to the pool every day for 10 minute lessons but it was worth it!!! Check out my little Kel-bug swimming the length of the pool at my in-laws house. A side note, ISR teaches babies and toddlers survival skills in the water. So you will see Kellen jump in, swim, roll to a float to breathe, and continue this order until he finds an exit. I am so thankful we stuck it out to see this kind of result!!!

NYC Trip

2011-07-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I was in NYC for my BFF's wedding shower and dress fitting. We had such a great time, it was good to get away for a couple of days. I do have to say, I could NEVER be a mommy in NYC. I watched moms get in and out of cabs all weekend with strollers and babies and I just dont think I would have that extra energy to make it happen!!! I love my car and I love the burbs...glad to be home!!!!!!

Stephanie's wedding is Labor Day weekend, so close...I cant wait!!!

Right before her dress fitting...she was nervous!!

Michael Jackson Concert

2011-07-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

...Or at least two guys that looked like him, but didnt sound like him!! We went last weekend to a concert at Crockett Park with the Corley family. SO MUCH FUN! Just wish it was 10 degrees cooler!! Please watch the progression of Paxton's hair, that kid danced until he didnt have any sweat left!!!

Burgess Falls

2011-07-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

The 4 of us hiked at Burgess Falls July 4th weekend. We had sooo much fun. I was terrified of the heights but everyone seemed to have a blast. The boys rode in the BOB and walked up to the top of the falls and then we hiked down about halfway....until I started having a total panic attack that the boys were going to fall of the edge!!

A great pic of the 4 of us! Can you tell I am having a nervous breakdown?? One foot behind us was a dropoff as far down as the falls. I was FREAKING OUT. Needless to say, we didt go any further!!!

But it was a pretty hike to the top!

This is a walkout at the top of the falls and you can tell who was too scared to walk to the edge. Even Aaron said his knees were weak!!!

This is the view Aaron and the boys had in the walkout. I only saw the top half!!!!

A yummy place we stopped for dried apricots and strawberry butter, yum yum!

What a great day, thanks daddy!!!

Our New Favorite Place

2011-07-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

The boys have been taking an art class at Gymboree, the play center, and it is awesome. With the price we get three open gyms. We usually go late Friday afternoon and then meet up with daddy. The boys LOVE it. I would definitely check and see if there is one in your area, they are running a great deal right now.

And out for ice cream once we meet up with daddy!

My Kel-Bug

2011-06-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

My babies are 2.5 years old. I literally CANNOT believe it. Thank GOD for this blog to remind me of sweet memories I may have forgotten. Such fun to go back and look at old posts. Here are some noteworthy items about this toddler:

Sweet, sweet, and sweet

Will cuddle always, but doesnt like to hold hands

Favorite animal is a horse, also known as horseys around here

Always hugs and tells his bubba sorry when he hits

Everyone is a stranger for the first hour they around

Loves to swim and play in any kind of water

Fully potty trained

Loves to brush his teeth

Prized possession is his blanket, he calls "banket"

Surprises us everyday with new phrases

Favorite color is orange

Can count to 10 and say the letters of the alphabet

Very good at following directions, temper tantrums are less but still around ;-)

Sings twinkle twinkle little star when we are driving in the car, better than radio to this mommy

Every night ends with this, I love you Kellen. Wuv uu mommy. I love you more Kel-bug. Wuv u more mommy.

He just melts my heart.

My Pac Man

2011-06-30T12:29:00.002-05:00

We cant forget this little guy is 2.5 today too! I was going to post many pictures of them both, but after seeing this shot of Pax no other could compare. This picture sums this kid up:

Hilarious and very mischevious

Cute as button and knows it

Loves to cuddle and hold hands with mommy

Lover and hoarder of all trains

Loves to laugh, rarely crys

Crinkles his nose when he gets tickled at something

Favorite animal is a horsey....neigh, neigh

Stubborn like his mommy

Not crazy about swimming, but will do it with little tears

Likes to sit in mommys lap to eat breakfast, he says momma sit, momma sit

Gives spotaneous hugs, doesnt like to give kisses but sure likes to get them ;-)

Thinks anything can be a sword

Wildly independent

Whispers wuv u to me every night

He just makes me smile...and also laugh really hard!

Fort Nash

2011-06-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

We had a rainy day, so we built a fort. The boys loved it! We will definitely have to do this again!! The best part was that they played really well together in it, no fighting!

Ho-Ho-Ho in June

2011-06-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

Pax dipped his chin in the bubbles and started saying HO HO HO!!! It quickly clicked that he thought he was making himself look like Santa. And Kellen laughed so hard he could barely sit up!!! As did I!!!

Choo Choo....it's a Potty Train!!

2011-06-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

I lost my mind yesterday and decided to potty train Paxton today!! So today is Day 1. Interestingly enough, it has been very different than Kellen's day 1. Paxton can hold it longer, but when he lets go there is no stopping. So we had lots of very large accidents today. But in the last two hours he has done a great job. Hopefully something is clicking. Kellen's day 2 was worse than day 1, I am hoping that wont be the same for Paxton. But we shall see, wish me luck!!!

Two cute little butts decked out in Thomas the Train!!

Me and my boys at the end of the week I potty trained Kellen, I was as tired as I look!!!

Tucker Family Reunion 2011

2011-06-08T15:31:00.003-05:00

My maternal grandfather's family, the Tucker's, got together in Alabama for a family reunion at the end of May. We had such a blast heading out to the country and doing what you do in the country...swing on old 18-wheeler tires, play in a General Store built just for the grandchildren (this thing was amazing), pet and feed horses, fish, drink juice and of course wear Roll Tide hats!! We hope we get together again!!

This is the General Store that my mom's cousin Don built for his grandkids to play in, I wanted to bring it home!!

Inside the General Store...amazing, right??!!

I guess my family now thinks the boys will go to Alabama and not Tennessee...we will see!!!

Laughing so hard he fell over!!

Riding out to the horses, this land was beautiful.

This is Lady, she was literally like petting a dog. All three of the their horses were so sweet.

The infamous...I mean...my famous Uncle Larry! This is my uncle and he is something else, and ofcourse, the boys adore him!

Potty Training

2011-06-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

Kellen waking up dry asking to go potty from his crib was a prouder moment for me than walking across the stage to receive a diploma for my MBA!!!! And I am not kidding. Today has gone amazing! I wanted to venture out for some short errands but the little guy didnt poop as early as he normally does and I didnt want to push it. We have our ISR swim lesson this afternoon and I think we will call it a day. Tomorrow we will go to our art class, fingers crossed we have no problems...my little guy is pretty particular!!!

He has asked to go potty today, and has gone each time. This morning he asked to go potty while I had Pax on the changing table. So I cleaned Pax up, ran to sit him on the toilet, ran back to Pax to put his diaper on and the next thing I heard was "bye-bye pee-pee" and the toilet flushing!!! These sounds really shouldnt be so precious, but they are!!!!! He had an accident while he was eating lunch, but that is okay by me!! After all, with each accident, as Lora Jensen points out, there is a learning opportunity for them, reinforcing keeping undies dry and going in the potty. For the past three days I have exhausted myself saying, Kellen, tell mommy when you need to go potty (as dictated by the 3 day method). You are suppose to say this hundreds of times a day. I know if he could say the words "shut-up mom (I am imagining a teenager voice)" he would have, we were both over it!!!! But I think we have made it with a big, fat MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Now I have my eyes set on Paxton. I will start him week after next...mommy needs a break!!!

Day 2 & Day 3...so far:-)

2011-06-07T09:07:00.002-05:00

So yesterday almost got the best of me. I had really high hopes because day 1 went so well. Kellen definitely fell in the category of kiddos who put up a fight on day 2 trying to get their diapers back. He had accidents ALL day. I think he might have gone in the potty twice. He was telling me he needed to go but wanted nothing to do with the potty. With only three hours of sleep the night before I was really at my limit. Luckily nap time came just in time for me to sit down and re-read Lora Jensen's 3 Day Potty Training (3daypottytraining.com), I was able to regroup, see what I was doing wrong and start fresh after naps. The accidents kept coming but at least I was able to read what to do and realize I wasnt the only mom with a stubborn kid:-)

I knew last night I couldnt survive on 3 hours of sleep today, so we broke Jensen's rules a bit. After he had gone to sleep in his undies we snuck in and put a diaper on him. I figured he wouldnt know, but if something did happen at least I wasnt changing sheets at 4 in the morning. It worked!!! He woke up at 7, not realizing he had a diaper on yelling potty. I rushed in, scooped him up and headed to the potty. I jerked the diaper off so quick I am not sure he even realized he had one on!! There were a few dribbles in the diaper, but in my book he was all dry! He peed right off the bat and we started our morning. He also was showing signs, without asking for the potty, that he needed to poop so I took him to the potty and he did all his business! YAY!! So it is 9:07 and we have had no accidents. I hope it is starting to click!! We shall see!!

And Mary Kate....you are my hero...I dont think I could have done both at once!!!! ;-)

Potty Training!

2011-06-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! My computer crashed last week so I wasnt able to update the ole blog. Today I am in Day 2 of potty training Kellen...so far so good. More about the method I am using during naps today. Yesterday (day 1) Kellen had 3 accidents in the morning and then did great...pooping and peeing in the big boy potty. He took a nap and then had 2 more accidents, I should of taken him directly to the potty when he woke up. Last night, he wet the bed once around 3:45 and then asked to go potty around 5a.m. and did pee. This morning he went pee-pee, had a small accident a few minutes ago but finished in the potty. So fingers crossed we are getting somewhere.

And for those who may be wondering, Paxton just isnt ready to be potty trained or I would have done them together.

Wish me luck, these are long days!!!!

Goin' to the Country...

2011-05-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

...Baby dont you want to go?!!

More to come!

Yesterday...and this kid

2011-05-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

Paxton looks so sweet and cute, he totally thinks he is a supermodel. As my MIL says, "I can just see the halo around his head"! And for much of the time I see his halo as well.

BUT yesterday was a different story!! From the time he woke up he was a pistol. Screaming, crying about anything, and being overly aggressive with his brother...hitting, punching, and pulling hair. Twin moms, do you see this behavior between your twins? They are fighting over everything, doesnt matter whether it is a toy, my lap, a particular cup, food...you name it. It is truly exhausting to break up these fights everyday, almost all day. Please tell me someone else is in my boat! And what do you do? Today has been much better but there definitely was a tear or two shed at our playground yesterday...and they were mine ;-)

Our Last Zoo Class

2011-05-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Last week marked the end of our Zoo-Twos class until September. This really has been P&K's favorite activity. So I am now on the hunt for new classes and activites to keep our days filled and fun!! Any suggestions?!?!

Coloring on the table before class begins

Playing horsey before class begins...Pax's favorite is still the giraffe.

Sitting on their carpet squares while the teacher talks to them about trees...the importance of trees and all the animals that live in trees.

P&K looking at the feathers of a Macaw, pretty blue bird.

P&K with their craft project, a stain glass window with leaves!!!

A Look Back

2011-05-18T12:37:00.001-05:00

At the end of August 2010 I sent these two little guys to their first day of Mother's Day Out.

And in the middle of May 2011 these are the fellas I picked up.

This was Pax yesterday when I told him this was his last day with Miss Martha. The kid cried the rest of the day, until we got to swim :-)

Kellen and Miss Martha

An upset Pax and me

The four of us, I am so sad we will not have Miss Martha every year!

Miss Martha's first love is being a MDO teacher, but she also works with children with developmental delays (which we didnt know when we registered.) She helped us so much with Paxton, when he started MDO I hadnt heard ma-ma more than a few times and there were no others words. Aaron and I said many prayers that he was okay and would catch up soon. God led us to Miss Martha, she worked with Paxton and was so reassuring to Aaron and I that everything would be okay. He has completely caught up, full of 'tank-u and plezzz and luv ewww'. This mom couldnt ask for anything more, we luv eww Miss Martha!

What's For Dinner? Italian Chicken and Couscous

2011-05-18T12:37:00.000-05:00

This recipe was YUMMY!! I will definitely do it again.

1T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14.5oz) stewed tomoatoes, drained and 1/2 cup liquid reserved
1lb boneless, skinless chiken breast, cut into 1/2 inch strips
1 medium onion, thinly sliced and seperated into rings
1/2t dried oregano leaves
1/8t pepper
1.5cups chiken broth
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 package (10 oz) of couscous

1. Heat oil in 10 inch skillet ove rmedium heat. Cook garlic in oil 1 minute, stirring frequently.
2 Stir in reserved tomato liquid, chicken, onion, oregano, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionaly, until chicken is no longer pink in center.
3. Stir in broth; heat to boiling. Stir in zucchini, couscous and tomatoes, breaking up tomatoes with a fork; remove from heat. Cover and let stand about 5 minutes or until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed.

This recipe is super easy and so good, even the boys like it!!!

Please share any of your favorite recipes!!

May

2011-05-17T11:26:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, if anyone is reading!! I have been in a picture taking and blogging funk...but I am back! We have been busy...I had a lovely Mother's Day, another 30-something birthday, the boys started ISR swim lessons, and today is the last day of MDO. So I guess with MDO ending for the year, life just got busier!!!

I do not have one picture to document Mother's Day or my birthday :-(

But I do have these precious shots I received in the mail yesterday from MckMama.

We paid for 30 pictures, and got 67...thanks so much for the extras!! I love a good deal!

Did I mention I got breakfast in bed and cards from my boys on Mother's day...so sweet.

ISR swim lessons are going really well, yesterday the boys didnt cry. If you havent heard of ISR (Infant Swim Resource), you should google it. It is life saving...expensive, time consuming...but life saving.

I had a great birthday, 32. I feel like I turned 30 yesterday. Life with children speeds up time.

I have lots of recipes to post. I have been a cooking machine and the photos are just adding up in my pictures file.

As I mentioned, today is the last day of MDO until August. I am a little anxious about not having any breaks, but we will be super busy and on the go. And potty training is coming very shortly. I have been waiting for MDO to end.

I am equally anxious about potty training, and transitioning to 'big boy' beds. But it will happen, and I will survive. Hey, I thought removing binky would be the end of the world, but neither P or K asked for binky after day three...so I have hope for our next two events!!

So that's about it. We are enjoying the weather, playing on the playground, learning new things everyday, and just enjoying this precious sweet time.

I promise to be back sooner rather than later!!

Flying

2011-05-03T20:13:00.000-05:00

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” — Herman Hesse

13.1

2011-05-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Aaron left at 5:45a.m. on Saturday morning, the boys and I left at 7:30a.m. to head downtown. Gosh, I love this city!! Why were up and at 'em so early?? Aaron ran his first half marathon!

Kellen waiting for daddy to cross the finish line!

Paxton killing time with Aunt Sha-Sha!

Aaron ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 4 minutes!!! Good job, daddy!!!!

Easter Day

2011-04-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

After church we headed over to Grammy and Grandaddy's house for the day. The boys were immediately surprised with what the Easter bunny had left at their house, their very own set of golf clubs! These kiddos are players in the making!!

And the boys goofed around in Grandaddy's chair!!

Then we had an Easter egg hunt!

G&G heated the pool up and we cooled off in the water after the hunt! The boys did so good in the water their first time in of the year, we cant wait to start ISR swim training next Monday!

After swimming, we were all exhausted beyond exhausted! I think the only thing we didnt do that the boys wanted to do was blow bubbles!!! Oh and I finally found a picture of the cute shirt I was describing below...it was the third outfit of the day and the last shot of the day!

The Easter Bunny

2011-04-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

We got a lot of OOOHHHs and AAAAHHHHs when the boys came downstairs to see what the Easter bunny had left. They have never eaten so much candy in their life!! The balls for the pool and chocolate covered peeps were fan favorites!

The bunny has been a hit, thanks Nana!

Pax's first Tootsie Roll

Kellen's first Tootsie Roll

The Tootsie Rolls caused Aaron and I to breakout into an embarrassing rendition of "let me see ya tootsie roll"...you guys remember that song from junior high!!!

I love you Kel-Bug!!

2011-04-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

They are starting to smile for the camera now, makes life so much easier!! This was after their Easter party, we were hanging out on the screened-in porch. And you can just see the top of the cutest Easter shirts that MaryKate, whose blog is The Webb Family, made for them. I know somewhere in my 250 pics I have a full shot, they were so cute. And if you want something adorable made for your kiddo let me know and I will pass along her info! Thanks MK!!

School Easter Party

2011-04-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

I was one of the room moms for the boys Easter party at MDO. So cute to see that many toddlers in one space!! They were having storytime with an assistant teacher when I arrived.

The boys and I made mini cupcakes the night before for the party. When storytime was over they both yelled, CU-CAKES!!! Miss Martha said that was the only thing either of them said all day!!!!!

Hair

2011-04-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

Below is the result of Pax's double crown, his daddy's hairline, my curls, and a sweaty nap. Poor kid doesnt stand a chance in the hair department!!!

Bye, Bye Binky

2011-04-22T12:58:00.002-05:00

Well, we finally did it...we took away the boys most prized possession, their binky. Taking away binky had been weighing heavy on me, I planned to do it at 2 but I always had a "good" reason not to. Yesterday I forgot to put the binkys in their diaper bag for mothers day out. When I went to their Easter party Miss Martha told me the boys did wonderful without them and went right to sleep at naptime. So I thought, okay, now or never. Paxton didnt even cry last night, Kellen screamed for 43 minutes! Naptime today, Paxton didnt cry, Kellen has cried for 40 minutes and counting :-(. We will see how tonight goes but there is no turning back. They are growing up, and as much I love to see their sweet smiles when they got in their cribs and saw binky, I know this is the right thing to do. But gee, I think I could cry far more than 43 minutes just having to admit that my babies arent exactly babies anymore.

Recipes Day 1

2011-04-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

This week I am trying out some new recipes and thought I would put them on the ole blog! Every mom at one time or another has said, "gosh, I cook the same thing over and over." But easy, healthy, yummy recipes are hard to find. I am trying 4 new recipes this week, hope you can find something that looks good!!

Artichoke Heart and Orzo Salad w) Shrimp
2.5 qt water
1/3 cup lemon juice
14-16 baby artichokes
1/2lb orzo
2T olive oil
1/4cup roaster, peeled, diced red pepper
2T Dijon mustard
2T white wine vinegar
1/2t dried tarragon

Ok, so the roasting and peeling of the red peppers and cutting up baby artichokes could get difficult and time consuming. SO, I bought artichoke hearts already cut and marinated...comes in a glass jar. And I cut the red pepper in several sections (didnt peel) and threw in the oven at 400 for 5-8 min, and then diced.

Drain artichokes and combined with 15-20 shrimp and set aside.
Cook orzo.
Drain orzo. Put olive oil in orzo and toss. Then add artichokes and shrimp.
Combine diced red pepper, mustard, vinegar, and tarragon in a small bowl.
Add this mixture to orzo and toss.
And because I love tomatos I added one at the end.
Eat hot or cold.
YUMMY!

A Easter Egg Hunt...in 48 degree weather!

2011-04-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

We were so excited to take the boys to Riverbend on Saturday for a large Easter egg hunt, full of pony rides, face painting, arts and crafts, food, pics with the bunny etc etc. But Nashville had awful storms Friday night and it was so cold here all day Saturday. We decided to bundle them and head out anyway. Well, we made it through the egg hunt and pony rides and we called it a day. It was SOOO cold. All said and done, the boys loved the hunt and were beyond thrilled about the pony rides so it was worth it!

MckMama Photo Session

2011-04-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

I was curious to see how much MckMama charged for her photo sessions, so I emailed when I saw she was coming to Nashville. Needless to say, it is a deal! $150 for 30 edited pictures on CD or $250 for 60. I was thrilled considering we have paid $150 just for a photographer to show up, much less the cost of the CD. We had a great time, and she was awesome working with P&K to get the shot she wanted. If she cruises through your city I would take advantage!! I cant wait to see the rest!!

Two Buns, please!

2011-04-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

Pax has been on antibiotics for seven days, and everyone knows what antibiotics cause...needless to say, we were letting some serious diaper rash air out!!!

Sick-Sick-Sick

2011-03-31T12:34:00.000-05:00

Well, this has been a fun week! Boys started on Sunday with just a runny nose, totally clear. By Monday, Paxton had a slight cough. Tuesday I took Paxton to his peditrician because he sounded like a seal. He had double ear infections in both ears so we left with an antibiotic. Came home, boys took a nap. When he got up around 3:30 his breathing didnt sound right to me. By 4:30 I was calling the nurse because it was getting worse. We went back to the doctor at 5, his oxygen levels were low, he got a breathing treatment and a steroid. Tuesday night was a VERY long night. He slept with me and I felt like I was laboring to breathe with him. Back to doctor on Wednesday, oxygen levels back up but it was apparent he had croup at this point. Croup is NOT FUN! But warning moms, there is a virus going around that is a cross between RSV and croup...his ped on Tuesday wasnt sure if he had this virus or just plain old croup. On Wednesday he could tell it was just croup. Kellen still has the viral infection but it didnt progress any further, thank God!! So that was our week, looking forward to the weekend. I will be back with pictures next week.

Happy Birthday, Great-Grandaddy Bill!!

2011-03-28T12:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Aaron and I, the boys, Lynn, Jerry and Shannon drove to Dickson, TN to celebrate Bill's 86th birthday. Bill is P&K's only living great-grandfather, what a treat to have so many generations in one room. Happy Birthday Great-Grandaddy Bill, we love you!

And I had to throw in this sweet face just cuz'!!!!!

Playtime

2011-03-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we took the boys to a cookout, they had fun playing kickball, running, blowing bubbles, and listening to Mr. Jason play his guitar!

On Monday we had a playdate with some of our new twin friends, Britton and Brogan. The boys had a blast and were exhasusted by 11a.m.!!

Last Friday in Alabama!

2011-03-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

After we played on the fire truck and a local playground we headed back to Wendi's house to meet up with the birthday boy! Who was the birthday boy? My Uncle Larry, we were celebrating his 70th! The boys LOVE him, and I think he is equally in love ;-)! His knees are always a place to play, they just crawl in his lap and say "READY"!!

I was supervising the trampoline, and sneaking some kisses!

Kellen loved jumping!!

We had so much fun and we ate and ate AND ATE!! As soon as we got in the car Kellen pulled his blanket over his head and that was that, he was ready for night-night!

Can WE get a BEEP BEEP!!!

2011-03-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

We had such a great time in Alabama on Friday, celebrating 4 family birthdays. My cousin, Wendi, arranged for all the kids to play on a local fire truck...it was a hit!!

Funny Bones

2011-03-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

Kellen absolutely kills me when he gets cracked up! I hope he is prepared for me to be pinching his cheeks when he is 30!!!!

365 Days Ago

2011-03-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

The ball pit has long been popped and tossed, but those sweet eyes and smiles are with me everyday!

Follow the Leader

2011-03-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

TO P&K: Here are some words that describe integrity...decency, goodness, honesty, morality, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness. Always look to your daddy, always follow his lead, for he is the true definition of a man of integrity.

Spaghetti...Eaten 2 Ways

2011-03-02T21:43:00.001-06:00

First approach to eating spaghetti: Pull the bowl to the edge of the table and bury your face in it to ensure maximum mess is created.

Second approach to eating spaghetti: One noodle at a time, one tomato at a time, one piece of meat at a time to ensure no mess is created.

NIGHT AND DAY THESE TWO...NIGHT AND DAY!

Kiss Da Boo-Boo

2011-03-01T11:48:00.001-06:00

Paxton checking for boo-boos

"Uh-oh boo boo" Paxton finds a small eczema spot

"Mama, boo-boo" Yes baby, it is a boo-boo, kiss your boo-boo.

"K. Kizz boo-boo" Good job baby, mommy will kiss it too and it will be all better.

Kellen wanting in the action..."Mommy, boo-boo" Are you sure Kel, I dont see one. "Ohhh, no boo-boo"

"Mommy, no boo-boo" No baby, but you can check to see if your feet stink!

Sniff-Sniff

"YUCK Mommy" And cue mommy laughing very hard.

Gosh, I love these little guys!!

Best Buddies!

2011-02-28T12:48:00.000-06:00

THEN...

NOW...

Three Peas in a POD!!

Mommy and Me Day

2011-02-24T11:22:00.001-06:00

Our little ones have been craving some one on one attention. There are certain signs P&K start sending and spending a few minutes with just mommy solves the problem. We have now decided to take this one step further. So Aaron and I are now spending one Saturday of every month with just one little fella. We did this a couple of weeks ago and it proved to be a huge success. I could go on and on about how beneficial this time is for the them and us. It is infinitely important to us that they can stand on their own two feet without their twin, feel both are loved equally, and are never defined as being a twin but rather who God intended them to be as individuals. Spending time alone, away from each other, all help to shape these objectives. Here are few pictures of Kellen at a local park with me. Daddy and Pax hung out at the house, played at our playground, and drove cars outside.

The best part of the day occured when Kellen and I returned home. I thought Pax would be excited to me, and Kellen excited to Aaron. Didnt happen. P&K saw one another, opened their arms, and took off running to hug one another. Melt my heart.

A Visit from Papaw

2011-02-23T14:45:00.001-06:00

My dad visited from Tampa this weekend. We had so much fun just hanging around the house, playing at parks and eating until our zippers wouldnt zip!!! Come back soon, Papaw!!

Two peas in a pod!

Dad had just gotten to our house from the airport and the boys piled in on him!

Paxton would only eat veggies from Papaw, mommy tried at least 10 times!

February 11, 2009

2011-02-11T13:58:00.000-06:00

Two Things:

(1) I have caught baby fever just looking at this picture, my temperature is well over 103!!

(2) I am living in a time machine, good grief this has been a fast two years!!

Long time, No Post!

2011-02-09T12:56:00.000-06:00

If I were to recap the last three weeks in a blog post it would be titled, "Surviving Winter"!! Good grief, I am SOOO over this weather. As I type this we have more snow set to begin in a hour or so. I live in the South for a reason...I want mild winters!!!!!!!!! To survive until March :-) I signed the boys up for a class at our zoo called ZooTwos. Last week was our first week, the theme was eyes and we touched a Screech Owl and looked at a Tarantula. The theme this week was ears and we touched a Chinchilla and a large bunny rabbit. We also do crafts, fill out our own handbooks with the animals we learned about, and have a snack with storytime. Great fun!

Paxton would not put the giraffe down.

Kellen sat down next to this bird and started talking to him...so cute!!

Kellen and the Chinchilla...and may I draw your attention to his one finger touching the animal, such good listening!!!

Paxton with the rabbit...with four fingers touching...not surprisingly ;-)!!

Our Weekend

2011-01-24T14:40:00.000-06:00

We had a great weekend, despite the frigid temperatures! We started our weekend at our friends, the Anderson's home. We had a yummy dinner with two other couples while the kids ran around and played. Such fun! And Ethan, the boys BFF, gave them the sweetest piece of art for their bedroom. I will take a picture and post soon, hubby is hanging it tonight. Thanks E, we love you!!

On Saturday, we took P&K to Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, holy cow...so MUCH fun! We were a bit worried that the two hour show wouldnt hold their attention, but they did amazing! The boys sat in our laps for the first hour, and after intermission sat in Grandaddy and Grammy's laps. It was nice for P&K to sit in their laps so that Aaron and I could watch their sweet faces and reactions to different things and it gave me a chance to get some pictures! They were so excited to see elephants, tigers, all the lights, motorcycles...the circus circa 2011 is more like a Broadway show, not like what we went to as kids!! P&K also had there first taste of cotton candy, needless to say it was a hit!

Paxton still trying to figure out what this cotton candy thing is all about!

Grammy, Grandaddy, Kellen, and Paxton

ELEPHANTS!!!

So the hat came with the cotton candy. Since we are totally obsessed with all thing Curious George at the moment, this hat is a hit!! I introduce, Kellen...the man in the yellow hat!

Yellow hat. Check. Cotton candy. Check. One happy little fellow. You betcha!

On Sunday we headed to Ila's first birthday party in Huntsville, she is the daughter of my cousin Wes and his wife Elizabeth. She is adorable, we had a great time, P&K thought they were on the receiving end of new gifts...little did they know ;-)!

P&K finally realized that their Great Uncle Tim has his own set of wheels...that they wanted to ride all afternoon!

Sweet Ila! We love you Ila!

Daddy's Hat

2011-01-20T12:04:00.001-06:00

Pac-man would not take off Aaron's smelly hat, the one he wears when he runs! Ummm gross, but he wouldnt part with it. These boys love their daddy, and that fact just warms my heart.

Shakespeare, Anyone?

2011-01-10T13:58:00.002-06:00

We came into the world like brother and brother;

And now let's go hand in hand, not one before another.

~William Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors

...So we grew together

Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,

But yet an union in partition,

Two lovely berries moulded on one stem...

~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

More Snow...Lots of Snow

2011-01-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

I am not quite sure what is going on in the South this winter...but we are loving it! I was in New York this weekend, it was colder and snowed more in Nashville than in New York!! The boys continue to love the snow, we had to drag them inside today!!

Once Aaron made Kel a snowball he didnt move from this spot! He ate, and ate, and ate...this kid really will eat anything!

Paxton with Daddy's rake!

And Paxton thought the huge snowball was cool too!

Meanwhile, Kel kept eating the same snowball!!

Birthday Activities

2011-01-03T13:36:00.001-06:00

We had an actioned packed day on the boy's birthday. We were very happy that Aaron(daddy) was able to spend the day with us!! We started the day by heading to the bank where Grammy (Aaron's mom) works to open savings accounts for P&K. So for those us of wondering if we would ever cash the checks you gave us, we now have!! After the boys ran all over the bank and the accounts were opened we headed over to Monkey Joe's. We hadnt been there before, but the boys LOVED it! We will definitely be going back. After playing at Monkey Joe's we headed home for lunch and a nap. When the boys got up we ran some errands and then took their powered cars out to let them drive!! They really figured it out, I am already looking forward to spring! Then Grammy, Grandaddy, and Aunt Shannon came over to eat chili and cupcakes, and sing Happy Birthday to the boys. We had a great time, except for UT losing to North Carolina in the Music City Bowl. Oh well, the rest of the day was a total success.

And yes Paxton did keep grabbing the flame of his candle!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

2011-01-03T13:07:00.001-06:00

Last night the boys and I were looking out of our dining room window at the stars. We were singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Aaron took a video of it. You can't really see anything, but Kellen's sweet little voice singing along with mine will melt your hearts. Man, I think this might be my favorite age so far. Enjoy the pure sweetness!

Dear Paxton and Kellen,

2011-01-03T12:59:00.000-06:00

On the 30th, last Thursday, you both turned 2. It seems like yesterday that mommy's doctor said, "You want to have two babies today?" When she left the room mommy and daddy nervously bursted with excitement. We knew the moment you entered the world life would forever change, we didnt realize how sweet life would become. The laughter and love you both provide makes life richer, just more of the good stuff!

Paxton: You came into this world at 5:57pm, and you came with a soft a cry. You have never met a stranger (which is a little scary:-)), warming to almost anyone instantly. You communicate with your eyes, one bat of those eyelashes and everyone jumps to your wishes. You are a cuddlebug, but rarely give kisses. You are completely obsessed with trains, your brother can take any toy from you unless its a train. You can be wildly independent but still need one-on-one time with just mommy. The moms of the little girls in your MDO class tell me their daughters come home every day talking about "Pacton", which is not surprising one bit...and I forsee the beginning of a trend! I love you beyond measure.

Kellen: You came into this world at 5:58pm, and you came with a loud cry. You are a tad shy, but seem to be growing out of your shyness. When you speak my heart melts. When you say "tank you" or "plzzz" or "mommy" I could almost cry. You love to learn and your vocabulary is really taking off. You love to give kisses, which I have to say are my favorite. You want to play with any toy your brother has, but love anything with wheels and your horsey at grammy and grandaddy's. You laugh so hard it's contagious, you laugh the hardest at your brother. The bond between the two of you is obvious. Your sweet-hearted nature just rolls off your face, I could squeeze you for days. I love you beyond measure.

You two have the best daddy in the whole wild world.

And a mommy that worships the little toes you run around on.

Happy Birthday my sweet babies, and many, many more.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T13:44:00.000-06:00

What a fun-filled Christmas this year. Not only did we have a great Christmas, but we had a white Chrismas. It snowed all day and I loved every second of it! We began the morning at our house opening gifts, driving new cars into walls, and playing with Nana and then headed over to Aaron's parents for more fun. Here is our day in pictures!

Paxton just waking up from a long winter's nap!

Kellen waking up from sugarplum's dancing in his head!

Cars and Tricycles for everyone!

Thanks Nana for the cool cars!

Aaron's grandmother, Mamaw, gave the boys the most adorable 1938 car replica. It is so cute, and has little pedals on the inside to make it go!! Now we are home with the car one of the boys is always sitting it!

Aunt Shannon (Aaron's sister), Me, Aunt Jenny (A's aunt), Mamaw (A's GM), Lynn (A's Mom), and little Pac man in the bottom right!

Building wickless candle towers at Grammy's!

Say Ahhhhh...

Paging Dr. Paxton Nash...

And we ended the day with some snow fun, a new Shrek movie, and a delicious whole prime rib made by Grandaddy!!

Christmas in Rewind

2010-12-29T13:43:00.003-06:00

My Christmas wish is that every year I get a picture of me and P&K at the end of Christmas Day in front of my in-laws fireplace. I dont know why I want the end of the day, there is never any make-up left, dark circles for days, and red wine stained teeth...but I love it anyway!! Last year was a total success...I guess this year we can call a 50% success!! Better luck next year!!!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-29T13:43:00.002-06:00

We hosted our Christmas Eve dinner this year after church, and had so much fun. Aaron made his famous rack of lamb with yummy sides and I made miniature molton chocolate cakes for dessert. The whole thing was yummy- delicious. I didnt get many pictures but here are a few. Aaron's Aunt Jenny brought Christmas hats for everyone to wear, too funny!

Christmat Lights

2010-12-29T13:43:00.001-06:00

There is a subdivision in Brentwood that goes all out with Christmas lights, even a Santa sits in front. The homeowners let you park and walk through the lights, such fun! Kellen ran right to Santa, so cute. And we got a great picture with their Aunt Shannon.

Christmas Cookies with Nana

2010-12-29T13:43:00.000-06:00

The boys made cookies for Santa with their Nana, and they were quite good! Not very attractive, but very yummy!!

Our First Xmas Program

2010-12-16T13:02:00.000-06:00

Aaron and I attended P&K's first Christmas Program this morning. It was adorable and HYSTERICAL!! The toddler class marched in at the beginning of the program with jingle bells and attempted to sing Jingle Bells. SO CUTE! Below is the video, all minute and half of it!! That's right, after their parade in they squirmed in our laps while the big kids took over. So Paxton is in green and Kellen in red, Paxton danced ALL the way down the aisle and on stage while Kellen just stared at everyone. Luckily, neither of them saw us while coming down the aisle...most kids saw their parents and refused to go any further! Aaron and I are still laughing just thinking about Paxton shaking his moneymaker down the aisle of a sanctuary!!! Warning: not the best video, I was having to dodge 30 parents to see the boys!!!

Kellen

2010-12-15T13:45:00.000-06:00

Without question,

this is the sweetest child

you will ever meet.

He gives me kisses, hugs and pats me on the back everyday.

I just love him to bits.

Paxton fell on Monday and hit his eye on the coffee table. He has a big boo-boo on the corner of his eye. The past two days Kellen will go up to Paxton and say boo-boo, point to his brother's eye, and then kiss his boo-boo. Melt my heart.

Paxton

2010-12-14T12:29:00.000-06:00

I have a question. Is wearing a potty on your head as a hat a sign you are ready for potty training? Sigh. I didnt think so.

And in even lighter news...An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

This kid is just TOO much sometimes, but he cracks me up ALL day!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2010-12-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

We got several inches of snow yesterday and the boys LOVE it! We went out and played twice yesterday, and once today. And I am sure as soon as naptime is over we are headed back out! They have mastered the art of throwing a snowball and making tracks in the snow. I am usually ready to come back in after 15 minutes, but I get a very loud NO, and heads shaking when I try to bring us inside. I am starting to look forward to ski trips!

I took the first video yesterday, the snow was still coming down, but we had a blast outside. My hubby was doing everything he could for a laugh and the boy's were dying out laughing!! Silly daddy!!! The second video I took today of the boys perfecting their snowball, seriously so cute. I call them my little "Ralphies" (The Christmas Story) when they are all bundled up, with pink cheeks and nose...I could just eat them up!!!

Ho-Ho-Ho

2010-12-12T17:30:00.001-06:00

Santa is a huge deal in our house right now, all we hear is "HO HO HO"! We saw Santa yesterday, I would put this picture in the success column!!!

Happy 'Early' Birthday Party!

2010-12-05T13:12:00.000-06:00

We celebrated K&P's birthday early this year with a party last night. Their birthday is December 30th, a very difficult time of year to get a group of people together!! Family and friends joined with us to celebrate these two precious lives, and we had a blast. Trains are the boys new love, so we had a train themed party. Aaron and I bought the boys a Thomas and Friends train table and family and friends filled it up!!! NOTHING has ever held their attention for so long. Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate! We really appreciate everyone that traveled and made the extra effort to be a part of P&K's special day. We LOVE YOU!

P&K's cake turned out so cute!! I wish I had this kind of baking talent! You can see their birthday invitation behind the cake!

Poor Kel got tangled in a group of balloons at the very end of the night, he FREAKED!!! So naturally instead of untangling him I went and grabbed my camera!!!

Fall in Love

2010-11-11T18:03:00.002-06:00

Excuses, Excuses!!

2010-11-03T16:41:00.001-05:00

Moms, do you know the feeling when you get so backed up downloading pictures that you just keep putting off your blog? Well, that has been my state of mind during the past few weeks. So many pictures, so much downloading, so much editing...so I clean instead of blog during naptime! And my computer's hard-drive is getting so full that if I download what seems like one more picture I am going to have a whole other time consuming situation on my hand! So I procrastinate. I have finally downloaded and edited so here goes...many blog posts to follow...

Chihuly at Cheekwood

2010-11-03T16:27:00.005-05:00

Aaron surprised me and took a few hours off of work to go see the Chihuly exhibit at our botanical gardens on Tuesday. We had so much fun running around, chasing the kids, and eating a picnic lunch...and the blown glass was pretty cool too!

Get comfy, Kel.

2010-11-03T16:25:00.004-05:00

Kellen eating pears and multi-grain cheerios... and owning the world.

Halloween

2010-11-03T16:13:00.005-05:00

We had such a great time Halloween. Aaron slaved away on gumbo all day and we invited some friends over for dinner and trick-a-treaters. Our neighborhood had a great party full of a bouncy, canvas painting, hay rides, treats and photography. We had a great time running around, then came home to eat some yummy gumbo and get ready for trick-a-treaters. We didnt go door to door with the boys this year, they dont really get it and the possibility of Paxton getting peanut butter just scares me to death...so next year we will hit the pavement!! But this year they loved handing the candy to the kids!! Oh, P&K if you are reading this some 20 year from now...you were gorillas, and you refused to wear the part of the costume that went around your head!! SO it basically looked like you were running around with a gray and black fat suit!! Love ya!!!!!

PumpkinFest

2010-11-03T16:09:00.004-05:00

On Saturday we met my cousin's wife, Elizabeth and their little girl, Ila, and Elizabeth's mom Maggie in downtown Franklin for PumpkinFest. We had so much fun walking around, enoying the fresh air and cute costumes. And Ila was the cutest ballerina I have EVER seen. Thanks for inviting us and driving up from Huntsville!

Pumpkin Carving & Monster Playdate

2010-11-03T15:42:00.008-05:00

We thought the boys would love the gooey insides of a pumpkin. We misjudged that one!!! They were terrified of it, barely would stick their hands in the pumpkin and didnt touch the goo at all!! So funny, oh well, maybe next year. Kellen did look mighty cute sitting on the pumpkin though!

My girlfriend, Scarlett, had a 'Monster Playdate' for our kiddos...she is one brave mommy!! Toddlers took over her house!! Thanks Scarlett, we had a blast!

I'll Scratch Your Back...

2010-11-03T15:39:00.003-05:00

...if you scratch mine. Paxton was not down for reciprocating!!

Gentry Farms

2010-10-13T12:31:00.007-05:00

Aaron and I had a blast a couple of weekends ago taking the kiddos to Gentry Farms. Here is the photographic evidence! I couldnt narrow the pictures down so you will have to indulge me a bit!!

Outdoor Fun!

2010-09-30T11:20:00.004-05:00

Those baby blues melt my heart!

Kellen has the best run! He has just seen my camera and is gearing up to come grab my lens!!

Here I come!!!

Almost there in attempt to destroy an expensive camera!!Camera saved by the hose!!
Pax was quiet in the yard today. Played with rocks, kinda seemed he wanted to be by himself. Hey, I get it!!!

Fall Colors!

2010-09-28T15:00:00.005-05:00

Fall seems to have arrived! The air is cooler, leaves are turning colors, and long-sleeve shirts are coming out of the closets...and I LOVE it! My favorite thing to do with a new season is add seasonal accents to our home. I never spend much and the change makes me so happy! :-) I am already dreaming about Christmas decorating!!! I know, I know, Halloween and Thanksgiving havent even gone by...but a girl can dream...

Our Dining Room Table

Entertainment Center
Fireplace Mantle

Kitchen Table...Mostly for the kids!!

Are you adding Fall touches to your home?

Balloon Kites

2010-09-26T13:25:00.007-05:00

I was super excited to try Balloon Kites, and had the opportunity this morning when the boys were given two helium balloons at Kroger. Toddlers cant grasp the concept of real kites, but as evidenced this morning they LOVE balloon kites. All you have to do is tie a helium balloon to your toddlers wrist and let them outside!! The boys ran all over the yard shreiking with excitement. So simple and free for me this morning...gotta love it!

p.140 The Toddlers Busy Book by Trish Kuffner

Thank YOU, NANA!

2010-09-26T13:16:00.003-05:00

Thank you for our new toys, and especially our new table and chairs!!! Lots of arts and crafts coming our way!!

Sponge Play

2010-09-26T12:39:00.006-05:00

My kids love to play, in any way, with water. So I was drawn to Sponge Play. In this activity, you need only two bowls and a sponge for each kiddo. Fill one bowl with water and put a few drops of food coloring in the water. I used two Williams Sonoma sponges, the kind that come condensed and grow in water during the first use. The boys loved watching each sponge 'grow' when it was put in water. I talked about the texture and color of the sponge, and then showed them how to squish the sponge. Now, the concept of this activity is to transfer the water back and forth between the two bowls. P&K kinda got it, but they had a blast dropping the sponge in the water and then squeezing water all over our screened-in porch.

All in all, I liked this activity. P&K were not ready to transfer water from one bowl to another, but I liked that they played with a new texture and I had virtually no clean-up!

*Tip- Only put one or two drops of food coloring...it will stain for several days. No green hands!!

They loved stomping in the water when we were finished. Also, I gave them some chalk when we were done. Drawing in the water was a hit because the color was brighter and different than what they are used to seeing on dry ground.

p.121 The Toddlers Busy Book by Trish Kuffner

Dear Kellen,

2010-09-24T12:22:00.005-05:00

You are far too sweet and pretty

to throw such temper tantrums.
Even your brother is starting to worry about you.
So could we please, please figure out an alternative to these tantrums?
No??? Okay. I didnt think you would agree.
Could we cut the length of your tantrums by a few minutes??
I miss your sweet smile when it is burried in the carpet.
I LOVE YOU~Mommy

Clothespin Drop

2010-09-21T13:01:00.005-05:00

Ok, moms this is a good one and so easy! Clean out a milk carton and drop 6-8 clothespins into the carton. I keep the cartons in our pantry and pull them out (usually around dinner time) to keep them occupied for a while. I made them over a week ago, and the boys still have not grown tired of them. P&K will run all over the house shaking them, sounds like a drum. But they love to pull the clothespins out and put them back in. They have not quite mastered getting them out, so I will pull one out a time and practice our counting. They are both so focussed putting them back in, super cute!

*Tip for twin moms...you will definitely need two cartons!!! Trust me!!!

Look, twins sharing! I think I have a tear in my eye!!!:-)

p.44 The Toddlers Busy Book by Trish Kuffner

Water Balloon Catch

2010-09-21T12:42:00.006-05:00

Yesterday after nap time we tried out some water balloons. Only one problem...I didnt fill enough balloons! They LOVED it! We didnt so much have a water balloon catch, however, the boys squished them, rolled them in their hands, and then started to bust them. P&K would die out laughing everytime one exploded, clapping for each other when their balloons busted. We will definitely be doing this again soon.

*Tip: Make sure to use bright color balloons so you can clearly see all the pieces to pick up.

p.117 The Toddlers Busy Book by Trish Kuffner

Info on Chairs, A Trilogy of Books, and Toddler Activities

2010-09-20T12:00:00.006-05:00

I have gotten several emails and a comment requesting details on the chairs we bought. Danny (the refurbisher) goes to the same spot at the Nashville flea market every month...he will be there this weekend. I wish I could tell you I could remember where, but I dont. If you would like his cell phone number to get the exact location, email me and I will send it back to you. I just dont want to put it online without his permission. He is a super-super nice guy and I know would welcome the phone calls. I will tell you this, we spent $280 on 7 chairs. He mostly sells to local furniture shops in Nasvhille, and those stores turn around and sell the chairs for $125 and up. We bought each for $40. WORTH the drive to our flea market!! Also, someone mentioned needing table and chairs, he has great tables and he also does children's beds that are great. Anyway, hope this helps!

So where I have been? My best friend, Stephanie (who got engaged on Saturday YIPPPEE), told me I had to read this trilogy of books by Penny Vincenzi. The books are No Angel, Something Dangerous, and Into Temptation. Each book is 700 or so pages, and I am obsessed!!! So, if you are looking for some good fiction, you have got to pick these books up. I have spent every naptime enthralled in these books!!

So I bought this book called The Toddler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Learning Games and Activities to Keep Your 1 1/2 - 3 Year Old Busy by Trish Kuffner. The plan is to do every single one of them and document them here. Hope someone can catch some ideas.

p.256 Bathtub Fingerpainting
We loved it! This activity has two major benefits. 1) the boys got a bath right after we finished without having to move them through the house with paint everywhere 2) the tub got a good cleaning as well. I used three colors of tempera fingerpaint, it washed right off them and the tub.