Christmas

I am so thankful everyone was healthy and happy during Christmas. We had a great time and the kids were spoiled rotten. Santa Claus, grandparents, and aunts and uncles are to blame for that spoiling :)












Caleb and his new four wheeler. He loves his new ride.










"Barbie and Ken" and their new ride.




Colby and that sweet smile.

Special Prayer

Please remember my friend Anthony. His father just passed away tonight and since Christmas is near it will be even more hard on the family.

It makes you think that our time here is short and to appreciate each day.

Arkansas Bound

We all went to Ft. Smith, Arkansas to have Christmas with my cousins. The kids did pretty good on the 6 hour trip. I miss my cousins very much and I enjoy seeing them. I wish they lived closer.

The kids racked up with all kinds of goodies. Caleb received a barbq set, clothes, and a spiderman bicycle. Colby and Caylin received clothes, pjs, and each a car to ride in. They are so spoiled.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

MIA

I have been missing in action due to a long week of RSV with the kids. I don't like it when the kids are sick because they can't tell you what is hurting. We are keeping on breathing treatments throughout the winter and hopefully that will help lessen the colds.

On a brighter note, we have our Christmas tree up and everyone got to put up there Christmas ball. We are almost finished shopping. I enjoy so much shopping for the kids because it is the little things that make them happy. Little Caylin is trying to walk. She gets her walker and walks little steps with it. Little Colby is still not crawling but he is on his way. Caleb is excited about Christmas and told Santa Claus

he wanted M&Ms and presents. The twins just looked at him and didn't know who he was, LOL!!
Caylin "helping" with the decorations.
Colby playing with a snowman.

Caleb posing.

Thankful

I am so blessed and with this Thanksgiving holiday coming up it makes me realize how grateful I am for everything and everyone I have. I am so lucky to have such beautiful, healthy children. Don't get me wrong, everyday is a struggle and the screaming and crying will get to you but at the end of the day you realize how good you have it and to be thankful that you get to hear them crying and such. I always wanted to be a mama and I got my wish times 3. I love to see each one of them smile and laugh and that makes my day (p.s. dont come over the house around 4:30pm each day you will see the ugly side of all the kids, LOL) My kids really make life worthwild and hopefully the bigger they get some parts will get easier. I just have to remind myself to love them and they won't be little always and I miss them being little. I know in life we fail at things but I try to pray everynight that I will not fail as a mom and to raise my kids in a loving, Christian home.

Special Prayer

I have a special unspoken prayer request. Please remember this person in your daily prayers. I know God can work miracles and I have seen it first hand and I know it is in his will to do it again.

First Words

As much as I have tried and tried to say the word mama over and over again, the twins have now spoken. The magic word is DADA!! I was crushed, LOL!!! No, I am excited about them getting language skills. Dave was thrilled about the new milestone and made it quite clear that his name was the first one. Babies amaze me and it is sooo exciting to see each new stage. The adventures of talk time has started to arrive.

Favorites

I saw the below on my cousin's website and thought it would be fun to do.
My Favorite Things:
Favorite Scent—Timeless Perfume
lotion—any that smells good
Favorite Jeans—Gap
Best Drink—Cherry Vanilla Sprite
Best Fast Food—Chick-Fil-a
Favorite leisure activity—Massage
Favorite thing to collect—I don't really collect except clutter and kids under the age of 3
Favorite Childhood toy—Barbie
Favorite Thanksgiving food—Ham

Favorites for Children:
Snack—Cheese
Shoes—Velcro
Underwear—Walmart
Cartoon—Veggie Tales
Disney Classic—Cinderella
Baby Product—Johnson’s Lavendar shampoo
Book—If Jesus Walked Beside Me
Favorite transportation—Red Flyer Wagon for two
Games—Any
Pajamas—Walmart or Target
Toy—Cars

Daily Prayer

*This really made me think.

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.Working for God on earth doesn ' t pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world!!
Amen!

Beware Squirrels

I think the hunting fever has begun. Dave told Caleb he was going hunting and Caleb said he needed to get his gun so he went and got his hunting gun as well (a play pop gun). He got to hold his first "napping" squirrel, LOL!!

Bragging on the Best Hunter

I am going to have to brag on my husband. He has the best luck in hunting. He has already shot an 8 point buck and 2 hogs in the last two weekends. I can't wait for the boys to get bigger and all of them go on that hunting spree. I bet the competition will be on.

Caleb loves to see his daddy "shoot pigs." He gets so excited and tells everyone and then says he needs to do it too.

Halloween Fun

The kids had a great time trick-o-treating. Caleb went to his first house that wasn't family trick-o-treating. He and his daddy made up a rhyme, Trick-o-treat smell my feet, and of course Caleb said it, LOL!! The boys were twin spiderman and Caylin was Tinkerbell.

Toys, Pumpkins, and Pulling Up

The kids have decided that despite all the money we have spent on toys they are satisfied with a basket with rattles and knicknacks. They have had more fun pulling and putting things back and forth in that basket.

With Halloween coming up, Caleb helped carve his first pumpkin. The rest of us looked on. He was so excited about it "lighening" up.

The kids and I went to the Dollar Store, yes I did it by myself and probably won't for awhile, it was a mess. I had all the kids sitting up in the buggy so of course there wasn't any room to put anything but I was shopping and looked around and little Caylin is standing in the buggy. She has pulled herself up and looking around. This is a first for her. She looked like a little baby doll in the buggy. I was so tickled to see her. The picture below is her pulling up on a toy at the house. Poor little Colby, he is our observer and not in a hurry for any movement yet.

Developmental Milestone

The babies have mastered sitting up and Caylin is on to crawling. She is doing pretty good. She is crawling on her belly more but gets up on her all fours at times. Colby is content sitting up and observing and Caleb is busy making sure no one touches his toys. The personalities are so different.

Colds Go Away

Yes once again the kids have a cold. The babies have been so congested and coughing that they are miserable. Caleb has had a runny nose but nothing major. The twins finally had to go to the doctor and he prescribed them some congestion and cough medicine. I have lathered them up with baby's vicks vapor rub so hopefully that will help. It is no fun with sick kids :(

Winter hasn't even got here and we are already starting the colds....I am saving up my sick days and recruiting the grandmas!!

Sitting Up

(playing sweetly)

We are well on our way to sitting up. The babies are doing pretty good but not yet mastered all the way. They can sit up for a few minutes before falling over. Caylin is scooting across the floor and crawling a little bit.

They are all a mess.

6 months old

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I am reading this book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and it is very encouraging and insightful. I have to share this tibit that I read.
"On many occasions while writing this book, our four-yearo-old daughter has walked into my office and interrupted my work, which can be disruptive to a writer. What I have learned to do is to see the innocence in her behavior rather than to focus on the potential implications of her interruption. I remind myself why she is coming to see me- because she loves me. When I remember to see the innocence, I immediately bring forth a feeling of patience."
I know I tend to get involved in what I am working on and get frustrated at the little distractions but I am going to try to remember the innocence and how my babies just want my attention and they will not be little forever.

Icecream Woes

We were at Jalapeno Tree Sunday and all the kids were having a bite of icecream. When the icecream ran out the boys accepted that it was gone but not little Caylin. She let out a big cry and we had to ran to get her some more so she would be content, LOL!! It is hard being a baby, I mean my word she just wanted some icecream. If that is all it took to be happy then we would be doing good.

6 months old

The twins are officially a 1/2 year old. They had their well checkups and did great. Caylin is around 14 pounds and 23 1/4 inches tall and Colby is around 14 pounds 9 ounces and 26 1/2 inches tall. They are getting so big. They are both still little toots but we love them. I will post an updated picture soon. Caylin is finally starting to get her hair back but poor Colby is still mostly bald, LOL!

Rolling

Colby has finally roller over. Caylin has been doing flips around him since 3 1/2 month old and he has finally caught up with her at 6 months old. It is amazing how two twins can be so different.

I was looking back at Caleb's baby pictures and look what I came across.

Colby 5 months old

Caleb 4 months old

Not the same baby but looks a lot alike...definitely brothers, what do you think??

Survived School

We have ended the second week of school. I think I will have an interesting year with a few of my students but I hope everything goes smoothly this year.
My kids are adjusting to preschool. Caleb had to sit out in timeout at preschool, one of many I am sure, for telling his teacher no. I requested that if he is attitudish he needs to have "thinking" time. He is so excited each day to show me his pictures and what he has learned for the day. They are learning the color red, the number one, and the circle shape. He has got down the lessons but gets confused on the colors. He has learned to count to 14, he went to school already knowing how to count to 10. He is very smart and silly.
The babies' teacher complimented them on having a good day. They say Caylin entertains them with her flip flopping all over the room and Colby sits contently watching the scenery. I am so relieved the new preschool is working out.

Hide N Seek

As most of you know Caylin is a tiny thing. She is a spit fire and that makes up for her size. She is rolling everything and all over the house. It was so cute we have had to drag her out from under the couch several times because she is so petite that she rolls right under the couch. It is the funniest thing you ever saw.

Wagon Ride

On a positive note (despite the bee sting incident) I took all the kids on a wagon ride. I had Colby with Caleb in the wagon and Colby was in his bumbo seat and Caylin was strapped in a carrier sling in front of me and here we go riding and pushing the wagon. It was a mess as you can imagine but we had a good time!!!!

1st Bee Sting

I was called to Caleb's preschool today because he got stung by a bee. He has never been stung before and I wasn't sure if he was allergic but luckily he wasn't. He screamed bloody murder from what they said but when I got there he came running to me and said mama I got stung and I asked him why he was fighting with the bees, LOL!!!

He is a mess. I think he is at that age of clumpsiness because he never pays attention to what he is doing and has a 100 boos boos on him from falls and running into things. He must have a one track mind.

Funny Things

The kids say and do the funniest things at time. Caleb was looking at Colby (who is bald) and then looked at Caylin and said Caylin stole Colby's hair, he was so serious.

Dave was helping put Caylin to sleep and had her on the floor while he went and got a bottle and she was so funny because she wanted her daddy and went rolling after him. She almost made it out the door but it blocked her.

Colby has this new thing where he shakes his head no when he gets sleepy. I was asking him a question and asking him if he was ready for bed and he kept shaking that head no over and over, it was so cute.

New Preschool

Caleb and one of the babies went to open house today to visit their new preschool. I have been so nervous for Caleb because he has attended his old preschool since he was 3 months old and we have had to switch him because the old preschool will no longer have an infant program so I had to find a place to take all of them. He went to meet his teacher and he went right in and started playing with the toys. I think he will do good. I told the teacher to go ahead and put a name on the timeout seat for him because he will probably visit it a lot, LOL!!

First Day of Preschool!!

Cardboard Testimony

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8616c1559ab4221b3910 (click on link)

I was watching this powerful video and it really spoke to me. I was thinking what would my cardboard testimony be?? Colby went to the pediatrician today to see about fever he was running over the weekend (he is fine) and the doctor was telling us that he has only walked over 2 kids to the hospital in his career and Caylin was the second one. He was telling us how blessed we are because she almost didn't survive. This got me to thinking and here is what my cardboard testimony would be.
FRONT SIDE:
My daughter had a 50/50 chance of survival

BACKSIDE:
She was healed by God and is one of his miracles.

Mixed Feelings

I am starting back school tomorrow. I have mixed feelings because I am ready to get back in the swing of things but don't want to leave my babies. I have been home with the kids for over 5 months. I cried and cried just thinking of someone besides me keeping my sweet angels.

I know everything will work out but it is hard leaving the loves of your life.

Think about me in the hard few weeks to come and getting adjusting....

Mommy Sleep with Me

Caleb has been going through this stage where he thinks he needs some company at night. The other night he was hollering down the hall Maammmmma sleep with me and me being the tough mother that I am went to my room and grabbed my pillow and slept with him, LOL!!! I know I gave in but he sounded so sweet.

I will let you know the bad habit I started............

Formula Strike

Oh my goodness, I have had a time with Colby. He has decided to go on a formula and bottle strike. I have been forcing him to eat and let me tell you that is very stressful and frustrating. I took him to the doctor and his ears and throat checked out good and he has gained weight (13.5 now) and the suggestion was to change formula. When I heard that I was like oh my not again. I was thinking it was thrush so they gave him some medicine to take for 7 days but nothing was making a dent so I did some research and I saw some comments about Enfamil Lactofree and the sweet taste so I got me a can and you know what, he took it! Thank goodness!! I thought ok this must be a fluke and I try to sneak in his other formula and he refused to take it and cried. Now tell me how does a 5 month old baby know and how does he suddenly think he needs another formula. I can't wait till they are both off formula. I hope he continues to do well. It I would have known to change a few weeks ago it would have been so much easier. I have been battling him for 3 weeks. Anybody ever had this happen to them??

Unspoken

I would like everyone to remember a few unspoken prayer requests for me. I truley believe prayers work and I have seen it first hand in many situations in my life.

I think that prayer in numbers work. Thank you for your prayers!

Almost School Time

I can't believe my summer is almost over. I have been out of school for 5 months and it will take some time adjusting. My mother-in-law was so gracious to keep the kids this past Friday so I could get some things done at school. I am so glad she came and spoiled the kids for me.

I am going to miss the kids but I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things and working again. Doesn't summer fly by.....

What are we doing?

Dave took Caleb hog hunting behind the house. He told Caleb to be real quiet because the hogs were hiding and that seemed to satisfy him. Caleb played with some sticks and dirt and leaned over to his daddy and whisphered "What are we doing?" He forgot what the purpose of them being quiet and sitting in the woods. It was the cutest thing. He asked Dave a hundred times what they were doing, LOL!!

It is so silly and sometimes scary about what will come out of little kids mouths next.

Should I Charge?

It seems that everywhere we go we attract attention especially at restaurants when I ask for two baby slings and a highchair and the people look at us like Oh Mercy, LOL!! Yesterday my sister, granny, babies, and I (Caleb was at preschool) went to eat for lunch and this lady comes and asks about the twins and continues to tell us about her life story after she finally finished I told my sister I think I should start charging for the free counseling session and she rolled laughing. Maybe I have one of those faces that people feel comfortable venting too, I really don't know.....

Schedules

I don't see how people just go with the flow. I have never had that personality. I like organization and schedules. I don't see how people do without it with kids. I live by my calendar.

I don't think I am very rigid but I like to know what is going on. What are your thoughts???

2nd Mom

My sister calls my kids her kids. She went out of town this past weekend and bought the kids clothes and shoes and spoiled them. It is funny because she calls me the nanny and the kids are really hers, LOL!!
It is nice to have her around and the love she gives the kids is so sweet. We joke all the time because she is the godmother of the kids and she says I hope nothing happens to you, LOL! (She knows the kids are a handful).....

Patience is not Rare

I am going to have to brag on my mother. It is like she knows when I need someone. She always wants to take one of the babies and watch them and give me a little break. She loves each of my kids and I am so thankful for her. Even when the stress is kicking in she maintains her patience. All the kids could be screaming and she just rocks and loves on them like it is nothing. She knows how tough it can be with two babies and even if it is for an hour she wants to take one and let me get things done. I love her very much. I couldn't do it without her. Mom told me that she wanted all the kids at least once a month for a night so she could play with him and let me sleep late, that is sweet isn't it. I think I have learned to multi task from her. She can entertain Caleb, hold Caylin, and tickle Colby all at the same time. She is a wonderful person and loving Jan Jan. Thank you mama!!

Pepto

It was so sweet, Caylin woke up this morning all dressed in her pink sleeper with her hair sticking straight up. She looked just like a peptobismol tablet in that all pink sleeper....What do you think?

The babies went for their 4 month checkup. They had a clean bill of health. Colby was average for height but small for weight, 12.8lbs and Caylin was in the 25% for height and small for weight, 11.11 lbs. Her colic is over and her stomach seems better but the doctor calls her "high maintence." She got that label after she threw an attitude for the doctor, LOL!! She is still fussy at times but at least her stomach isn't hurting her like it was. I am so proud everyone is doing great!

Angels Have Lipstick

It was so sweet the other day. Caleb kept pointing to Colby's strawberry by his eye and saying he had a boo boo and I told them that angels kissed him and left their lipstick. It seemed to satisfy him.

Every child is different in their own way and special characteristics make each of them special.

Tooth Fairy came early

You can probably see that Caleb has a tooth missing in the front beside his left front tooth. A few months ago Caleb was running with his sippy cup and fell on it and his tooth was jammed in his gum. It was terrible. He had to have his tooth pulled last week because it would affect his permanent tooth. My poor baby will be snaggled till at least 5 or 6 years old. The tooth fairy came and visited him and left him $2.00. He proudly put it in his piggy bank.

Yesterday I was at the park with all 3 kids. Caleb was playing and there were older kids (ages 3 to 5) and he bravely went and wanted to play with them but the other kids were content playing with each other. It was so innocent because he had no idea that there are "groups" and people pick you either first or last. He is just a baby and knew he wanted to play and butted his way with those kids. It amazes me how kids see things just as they are and don't read into anything. He knew he wanted to play and was going to do just that. It is sad that sooner or later he will learn that some people don't want to play with you because of who you are or maybe what you look like. I hope the world isn't too cruel when he gets older.

Teething??

Oh Mercy!! My sweet content child has started fussing. He is gnawling on his fingers and becoming fussy. Is this teething already?? Need some advice??? I don't feel anything on his gums or see anything. Please pray for me with a possible teething baby and a already high needs little princess plus an independent 2 year old.

When my kids get older and married I will tell them a few words of wisdom...I hope you have 3 kids just like yourself, HA!!! Pay back, :)

A Little Trip

Today Dave and I are taking a weekend trip just the two of us for our 5th year anniversary. I am looking forward to it but can't help but be a little sad because I have never been away from my babies for a whole weekend. I know when we come back they are going to be extra spoiled. I will miss those little boogers.

Raise your hand if you have little kids and are jealous of me because I am going to get to sleep late this weekend....

Joyful

It is amazing how each day is different. Caylin is my colicky child and Monday she did not cry over 2 hours, it was huge. The next day it was back to fussing but she can have the sweetest smile when she is not fussing. The kids were sick Sunday night and that was stressful having two babies wanting to be held and I have only pair of arms but we made it.
Today I am 26 and I look back on what I wanted to have accomplished by now and I have done it. I have 3 beautiful kids whom I love so much, a house, a wonderful family, a good job, and Christian life. I love my kids very much and I know it can be chaos but that is our life and we love it (could do without the chaos at times, Ha)....

Getting Started

I am so excited about this blog. My cousin motivated me to start an update on the family like she did.
I get to thinking how my days are tough at times. I have 3 beautiful babies, when I say babies I mean 3 children 2 years old and under. It is amazing how the mornings go by so fast because their is so much to do. The kid's personalities are so different. Caleb is on the go and has lots to say. Colby is very content and laid back (thank goodness) and little Caylin is a mess. She demands all the attention on her. I never in a million years thought I would have 3 little kids sooo close in age. It has been a tough few months but I am so grateful for all my little angels. Somedays you want to pull out your hair but the good always outweighs the bad. I am so grateful the Lord gave me beautiful children and the strength to do this.