Christmas Recap

The holiday came and went and now we are all waiting for the New Year to ring in. I always love the start of a new year... it's a time to start fresh and new. Plus, I like a fresh calendar... Note to self - I need to get one of those this week...

We are all recovering from some kind of stomach thing around here this morning. It started with me on Saturday on my way to work, it hit the boys Sunday afternoon and Phil last night. When I get the energy to lift my arms and legs again, I will be scrubbing the kitchen floor, kitchen sink, potty and the shower.... Yes, it was THAT BAD. Can anyone say YUCK and glad it's over?

Now to recap Christmas...

Tuesday my bro and sis-in-law arrived. We went to get them at the airport and the boys FREAKED that Auntie Leslie was sitting next to them in the car. They glued themselves to the window and tried to ignore her. By the time we got home and in the house they loved them and Cooper started falling in love with his Auntie Leslie.

Tuesday night my parents arrived. I had made Enchaladas and we stuffed ourselves. Yum-0!

Wednesday my Mom, Leslie, Cooper and I went shopping and out for lunch. Cooper's love for Leslie deepened. He wanted her to hold him at all times and had one huge screaming fit at one point when we had to pry him away from her. Zachary stayed back with the boys.

Thursday we hung out, did some grocery shopping and prepped some food for Christmas day.

Thursday night we attended our churches Christmas Eve services. Phil led us in worship.... all the girls cried... It truly was beautiful. We hung out after the service and chatted with some of our AMAZING church family.

I let the boys stay up until Daddy got home from church. The boys opened a few gifts, including a wild and crazy talking dog that the boys beat half to death... HILARIOUS! Then the reindeer food was sprinkled, letters to Santa were written and milk and cookies were placed by the fireplace so Santa would not miss them...









Phil and I stayed up wrapping and putting out all the gifts for Zachary and Cooper, watched a little White Christmas and relished in the fact that the Lord had blessed us with the most wonderful Twin Men.

Friday morning the boys woke up to find Santa had brought them all kinds of gifts... and also lost his pants when sneaking back up the fireplace! At different times during the morning the boys realized they were Santa's pants. They thought it was pretty funny! :) We LOVED that they got it!




My Mom called and that is when I discovered I forgot to take the Turkey out of the freezer...OOPS!!!! Mom was not thrilled and had me calling all over town to see if anyone was open to purchase a turkey breast. Of course stores are not opened on Christmas Day and the turkey breast hunt was unsuccessful. After gifts were opened my Mom made a delicious turkey free dinner... Don't worry... there was plenty of ham and chicken. :)

I had to told back BIG TEARS all morning.. I was just so THANKFUL to have little Twin Men under my tree!




Saturday morning the sickness started. I worked, the boys napped and then we went to Phil's family's house for round two of Christmas. Phil and the boys raked in the gifts... including the boys most beloved train table!





Best Gifts:

Me - A book containing a handwritten letter from my Grandma and a handwritten copy of her famous Banana Cake recipe! (now if I could just get all the rest of her recipes in her beautiful handwriting)

Twin Men - A Train Table.

Phil - Letters of appreciation from folks from church.

Christmas was truly wonderful. I hope the boys will remember it... We will all remember it forever!

I hope your Christmas was filled with memorable moments.... and that you were able to take a little time in the middle of the paper flying to count your blessings, hug someone's neck and remember the child that was born so many years ago.

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Now - back to reality. Laundry and such...

Happy Monday!

A Time Of Refreshing

I. Feel. Good.

With Phil having time off this week, the beautiful fresh white snow on the ground, the constant sound of children in my house and knowing family is on the way... the world just feels right.

I spent the morning in the kitchen baking up a bunch of Christmas goodies. The boys helped me off and on.... playing with Daddy seemed like more fun to them I suppose... As it should be with little boys...

The children are napping and I'm about to start in on my to do list. The house needs a good final dusting, there are gifts to wrap and a few boxes I need to put together to be dropped off at the post office tomorrow...

I remember this time last year, how I had to keep constantly refocusing on Jesus and mentally laying myself at His feet. I would flop back and forth from being able to just celebrate the birth of Jesus and all that meant for us... and feeling true joy from it... AND.... also struggling with the fact that we were having another Christmas with out a little one. The Lord proved himself steady during that time... as He always does. He was my seat belt on the roller coaster if you will...

This year is such a time of refreshing. Both for us and for the boys. The Lord is using their love to heal us just as much as He is using us to help mend them.

Someone said to me a few days ago "With all the financial expense and the long wait, I just can't see justice in adoption". This person was processing (I think) and I just wanted to be a listening ear... But, all I could think of was how we have little people to love and our boys are no longer alone... For the four of us, it feels like justice, and it feels really good.

As I watched my boys fall asleep next to the Christmas Tree this afternoon, I praised the Lord for allowing me the gift of infertility. Without it, I would have missed the most precious learning experience of my life to date (His constant faithfulness of being enough) and the gift of love that is wrapped up in these two little boys.

I'm checking out for a few days to soak up this holiday season.

I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Ours will look a lot like this...



That makes me smile! :)

SNOW!

It was a good day! :)

Soaking It Up & Random Dozen

I feel like I have not blogged in forever.

With the exception of Phil working today, he has been off all week! WOO HOO! I have just been loving having him home and soaking up Christmas as a family of four. My three men know how to make a Mama feel loved. :)

I also went certifiably insane and decided to rip out the wall paper in our 1/2 bath and painted it this week.... so that has had me busy as well...

So, in honor of the holiday, I have decided to link up with Linda's Random Dozen.

This one looks like fun!



Here We Go...

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.

I like it enough, I guess. I honestly could take it or leave it.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?

No. It would be great to live near my family, but I have learned living near folks is not what makes you close. It is love, support and communication that keeps a family strong. I have this with my family. I talk with my Mom and Grandma ALL THE TIME and we are VERY close in heart.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?

I'm going to go with Santa. It would be real nice on the savings account for St Nick to show up with free gifts for my kids!

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?

It's A Wonderful Life. This is such a WONDERFUL movie... I often feel just like Mary in the movie... She is married to the best guy in town who lives his life to help others (and he has no idea how great he is). Plus, we live in a drafty old house and our banister has issues as well... I can identify with that.

5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?

Oh Holy Night is My FAV!!!! Enjoy!



6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?

It is always fun to put together a box for Operation Christmas Child or buy a chicken or something for a family through World Vision. I can't wait until my kids are old enough to understand giving.


7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"

Although I do believe there is an agenda out there to push Jesus right on out, I don't think every "Happy Holiday" that comes my way is an attempt to do just that... I just shout my "Merry Christmas" and move on. My friend Michelle sent me something kinda cool a while ago.... A Letter From Jesus About Christmas... I like it! :)


8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?

If Christmas Eve services count, then one.

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?

It would be nice to have a little white for Christmas, but just a little. My family has to travel home on the 26th and it's never fun when weather messes with your travels.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.

When I was little, my Auntie Rose used to make us flannel Christmas PJ's! I loved that SO much!


11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?

Just family stuff for me this year. Phil has been attending Christmas parties solo and I have been home with the Twin Men.


12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?

I try to have most of my shopping and decorating done early so I can just enjoy Christmas. I really like Advent and the thought of a time of expectant waiting and preparation of the celebrating of Jesus.



That's the Random Dozen.

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season and able to spend some time with those who mean the most to you.

Much Love...

Epic Elmo Pant Jams

Shhhh.... Don't tell them, but they have their Daddy wrapped around their little fingers....

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN

It turned out to be a nightmare.

A few weeks ago I purchased a kit to make a Gingerbread House with the kids. The boys clapped as I put it in the shopping cart & I was feeling like Mommy Of The Year.

Well, over the weekend I decided to bust this thing out. It was snowing and the boys need something to focus on to keep them from killing each other.

Phil was in the kitchen with us and his jobs were to take the photos and read the 5 pages of directions to us... Yes, you read that right, 5. SHEESH! Had the box said 5 PAGES OF DIRECTIONS I would have put that fine little house kit right back up on the shelf. They failed to mention that detail on the pretty box that read something like "FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!".

As you can see from Zachary's tears, "Fun" was far from what we were experiencing.



Most of the tears came from the fact that this is a project that has to be done in steps, or your house will fall down with one huff and puff from The BIG BAD WOLF. My kids could not grasp that concept. We apparently have not introduced them to the 3 Little Pigs yet....

First mistake: Mixing up icing and letting Twin Men get all jacked up on sugar.



Then you have to build the walls.... Walls that do not stand up without the support of cans. Second Mistake: See mistake # 1. Children jacked up on sugar love to grab cans and stick fingers in icing... That makes it difficult to keep walls standing.



After walls have dried, you bring in the big guns, aka Daddy to help with the adding on of the roof. Mistake # 3: Having children around for this step of the project. If this blog had sound effects, you would see a button labeled Screaming & Gnashing Of Teeth.

As you can see the children were sticking their fingers in the now dried icing.



This was the end of day 1.

******************************************

Then came day 2.

All we had left to do was decorate the house. I thought this was going to be a piece of cake.

Wrong.

Now comes Mistake # 4: The instructions said not to refrigerate the icing between steps, but to cover the it with a damp cloth to keep it moist. So that's what I did. The following morning, I uncovered the icing so the boys could decorate our little house of horror... Guess, just guess who came back for a visit. THE ANTS.



I removed the ants while the boys cried.

FINALLY we started decorating. I was fried & completely over the house making...

My mom was down visiting with my Grandma, so they decided to give me a call. I answer the phone... The kids were now jacked up on sugary candy and WILD.

My Mom: "What are y'all doing?"

Me in my most annoyed voice: "We are decorating a Gingerbread House!"

Mom: "Why are you doing that?"

Me: "BECAUSE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!!!". (I may have yelled this)

Mom: "It does not sound like fun..."

Grandma: "I'll tell you what I would do, I'd throw that blasted thing in the trash!"

You will be happy to know, I did not throw it in the trash, though I will admit it was not a bad idea.

In fact, as much as a problem as this stupid house was... It better stand forever. Even if the kids have eaten half the candy off. Because it is a memory we created together... and I remember last Christmas when there was no one to make a STUPID HOUSE for.




Here is our Gingerbread House, aka CRAZY HOUSE 2009.



I shall treasure it forever.

Over The Top

Janet the "Latte Lady" gave me a blog award yesterday. Thanks, Janet! :)




So, I shall pass it on to others.

THE AWARDS GO TO...

Michelle - She is my Over The Top BFF who just sent my Twin Men Texas A&M gear! Thanks Michelle. I love you!

Jenny - Jenny & her family were the all time Over The Top neighbors growing up. You know, the kind who are more like family than friends. She has a blog that makes me laugh out loud. So glad to be able to keep up with her in blog world.

This blog award comes with questions to answer and pass on. No pressure, ladies. Do it if you wish...

Here we go...


1. Where is your cell phone? Who knows? I have a issue keeping up with that thing.

2. Your hair? Could use some color. The gray is not my idea of highlights...

3. Your mother? Stylish

4. Your father? Strong

5. Your favorite food? Mexican

6. Your dream last night? I'm not sure you really want to know.... In my dream a little dog came to the house who had hind legs that dragged when he walked. Phil took him in and put him in the basement. Then a woman showed up at the door who had extra little legs growing out of her normal legs. Phil said "see, the Lord provides! We can take off her little legs and help the dog". Then we went to see Phil's new office in our new church building and it had been professionally decorated with leather furniture, a big Christmas tree and umbrellas with beautiful Chinese patterns hanging above a fireplace.

Phil thought I was crazy when I told him about it this morning.
Can you tell I have been praying for God provision, up coming palate and lip surgery for the Twin Men and our new church building?

7. Your favorite drink? Sweet Tea... I have not had any in so long.... :(

8. Your goal? Proverbs 22:6

9. What room are you in? Family Room

10. Your hobby? Decorating, crafts, cooking

11. Your fear? Today I have no fear.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In the center of God's will.

13. Where were you last night? Laying in bed with my Twin Men watching Dennis The Menace.

14. Something you aren’t? A fan of cleaning the toilet... something I must do today and keep avoiding. UGH!

15. Muffins? Blueberry

16. Wish list item? Twin Girls to match my Twin Men would be perfection.

17. Where did you grow up? Oklahoma & Texas

18. Last thing you did? Turned on Kung Fu Panda and tucked the boys under a blanket. It's colder than a Well Diggers butt this morning!

19. What are you wearing? Sweats

20. Your TV? Screams for Windex...

21. Your pets? We don't do pets.

22. Your friends? I love them.

23. Your life? Loving it!

24. Your mood? Happy :)

25. Missing someone? My family. I get to see them in 14 days! Woo Hoo! :)

26. Vehicle? Could use a good vacuuming.

27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes

28. Your favorite store? I have a few... Walmart, Target, NY & Co. Maurices.

29. Your favorite color? Red

30. When was the last time you laughed? This morning

31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

32. Your best friend? Phil & Michelle

33. A place that I go over and over? Walmart

34. Someone who emails me regularly? Michelle. She send me good coupons!

35. Favorite place to eat? Lately it has been Friendly's... only because it's kid friendly! :)

That's it folks. Now on to play with the Twin Men & the fascinating job of cleaning the bathroom. *SIGH*

I Once Was Lost, But Now I'm Found...

in the hole in the couch! OH MY!

I don't know if I have shared with you all of the things that have went missing since the addition of the Twin Men.

We were missing 3 phones and a remote for the TV.

Back in July, August and September the boys really did not like when I was on the phone, or doing anything that took my attention away from them for that matter. Our phones would disappear and I would find them in strange little hiding places around the house. Then they just went completely missing, along with our TV remote.

After a few months of looking, shredding the house and guarding the one phone we had left with our life, I was convinced that the boys threw them in the trash and we had accidentally hauled them all off to the curb.

Phil finally broke down and purchased a new remote about a week ago. He could no longer take the cave man ritual of getting up off the couch to change the channel.

It was what it was...

Then, Friday morning, during our weekly vacuuming out of the couch, (another new thing since the Twin Men moved in) Phil found a hole in the corner of our sectional.

This sectional was a hand-me-down from my parents. It was left in a house they bought in Maryland and has not only been in the house of strangers, but also my parents house, the living room of my In-Laws and my Brother-In-Law during his bachelor days.

Lord only knows when the hole was formed or how it got there, but Phil discovered said hole on Friday.

I was in the kitchen when I hear the "OH My Lord's" coming from the living room...

I venture into the living room and see Phil reaching down, almost elbow deep into the couch and pulling out all kinds of missing treasures and MANY old Cheerios's. Low and behold... there among the disgusting ick... was our phones and remote!



Who knew?

To bad you can't get ring tones for your home phones. I'm thinking Amazing Grace would be totally appropriate. :)

Happy Sunday, Y'all.

150

Yesterday marked 150 days as a family for us.

In some ways it seems like we just came home with them, and in other ways it seem like they have always been here.

Since this blog is such a easy way I can keep track of things for the boys, (kinda like a baby book) I wanted to document the most recent strides the boys have made!

• Since the boys got tubes in their ears they are talking MUCH more. By no means is communication a peace of cake, but it is much easier. We went back for their check up and they are now hearing at 100% without all the fluid around their ears.

• They point to and recognize all the objects in their word and animal books.

• They can count to five, when they want to. I'm still working on getting them to do it on demand.

• They will not only sit for a story, but they LOVE reading.

• This past week we have been able to read to them at night, say a little prayer and LEAVE THE ROOM!!!!! WOO HOO! Much better then staying in there, in the dark, on the floor while they fall asleep. We have to leave their door open, and we can only venture as far as our own bedroom, but it is 100 times better! We can talk, watch TV or play around on our computers. They can call out to us, hear our voice for reassurance, or walk to their door and see that we are still there.

• Although they are still eating us out of house and home, and I know it will only get worse as they grow into teens, they are no longer sneaking and hording food and eating it in the potty!

• We have moved all their toys up to their room vs the living room. They feel comfortable going up on their own and bring down what they want to play with.

• In the mornings, Zachary will sometimes go crawl in bed with Cooper and they will read books before they venture in our room to watch cartoons in bed.

• When we pull up to the house, the boys say "home" and often clap their hands. Makes this Mama cry...

• They are doing much better about new people coming over and going to other peoples homes. They did not sleep well after Thanksgiving get-togethers, in fact last night was the first night they slept the whole night through since last Friday.... BUT... they are not clinging to us at the get-togethers and enjoying being social with friends and family. I'm praying we will soon see a breakthrough with that as well.

I'm sure there are many things I'm leaving out.

I'm sure their daddy would like for me to include the "guy" stuff like laughing at farts and burps.

Other things I want to remember is how they play air guitar in the car, their love for Stevie Wonders song Superstition and how they sneak on the music channel and dance to strange 80's music. :)

They use race car tracks for drum sticks and drive me crazy... Lord, please let them play something other than drums...

They give 100's of hugs, kisses and "ey yov ooo" I love you's every day.

We are so blessed to be the ones to love and guide them. They have added a new meaning to joy for us. We adore them.

Happy 150 days boys! Your loved more than you will ever know.

****** HA! I looked at the calendar wrong! This time next week will be 150 days! OH well, a update is a update! ************

Todays Score? Twin Men: 3, Mommy: 0

I thought yesterday was gross when Zachary peed in the tub and Cooper began scrubbing the toilet with his toothbrush... WHILE PEEING!!!!

But today, today they took the grossness up a notch.

In The Last 15 Minutes...

• Zachary spilled his milk on my left leg.

• Cooper peed on my left foot.

• While I was wiping Cooper's butt, Zachary tried to climb up on my shoulders for a ride, knocked me over and my left hand went in the potty.

It has not been a good day for the left side of my body.

Go ahead. LAUGH.

I did.

OK, so it was more of a laugh cry....

Now, please excuse me while I go scrub the left side of myself with disinfectant and scalding hot water.