Dear Sylvia Brown Wanna-be.........

You need not offer unsolicited advice to Walmart Customers. Your frazzled hair and knit pants make you out to be a Quack. If I really wanted to know your opinion about the future health of my twins, I would have asked you.  You mentioned that you used to be a 1st grade school teacher--and I'm glad that was in PAST tense....those babies don't need people like you in their precious lives. I look at horoscopes and astrology as entertainment, maybe once or twice a year. I don't need a lesson on it. Oh, and if my baby girls are chewing on the cart while I'm busy, I see it as building immunity and dislike you telling me that she shouldn't do that. And Brenlee's "B, U, M, P" will disappear and she will not have to have surgery when she is 4, my cousin Amy had one.....HAD one. HAD one...yes, once again, past tense. That is all.
Sincerely,
Brenlee and Cadence's Momma

What a TRIP!

For the past 14 months we planned on going to Jennings, LA for Thanksgiving. It started to become somewhat of a tradition before we had the twins and we want to keep fostering it. The Cajuns do Thanksgiving a little different.....including Rice Dressing. We enjoy all the different foods when we visit. Last year, I didn't feel safe traveling far from my hospital since I was BIG and pregnant, so we missed it. This year, we envisioned the twins be-bopping around Aunt Darla and Uncle Boyd's house all year long. Well, right before the trip, I got a horrid kidney/bladder/yeast infection. The doctors prescribed me one antibiotic that was later discontinued since the culture that was sent off to the labs proved that the bacteria I was harvesting was resistant to it. My back ached, my head throbbed, my bladder burned and I certainly didn't feel up for a 7 hour drive. Tuesday rolled around and I canceled our plans, as bad as I hated to. There was just NO way I could get there AND take care of little ones on the way. Well, if you know those people, you know that they pray. If you know me, you know I do, too. We did lots of praying and hoping and wishing....and low and behold, I woke up Wednesday morning feeling LOADS better. By noon, I felt almost like myself again. Brent got off work early and I talked him into letting us go, even though we'd already canceled. We got everything packed and ready within an hour and left! The trip there was awesome. Brenlee and Cadence giggled and played around in the back seat before drifting off to sleep. I enjoyed reading "I'll Be There" by Deborah Grace Staley and enjoyed every single minute of it. The weather was delightful and the road was just bumpy enough to keep the girls sleeping for the majority of the drive. We arrived in Jennings at 10pm. Darla and Boyd and Brad are some of the most hospitable people I have ever met. Somehow they make their home feel like our home. They're just naturals. The twins slept like logs every night and slumbered away hours for naps, as well. It was a blessing for Brenlee and Cadence to visit with their cousins, too. Bradly, Breiana, Ashton, and our "cousins" Daidyn, Dustin and Dylan Mallet. The Mallets are great friends of the Becks there in Jennings and we're happy to call them "family." I captured some videos of the all the kids playing together, but even those will not show the essence of the love that filled the air. Some of my favorite moments were:  

• Watching Bradlyn chase Cadence around and through the hallway saying, "I'm gonna getchoooo!"  She has a raspy/sultry voice and such a sweet southern accent. When she smiles, she has dimples that adorn her smile. Who wouldn't LOVE to be chased around by her??
• Coloring with Breiana. This is almost always a highlight of my time in Jennings. I miss coloring. Soon enough, I know, I'll have the opportunity to color with the twins.
• Getting neck rubs by Ashton. He may be just a small boy, but he can give one heck of a neck massage! He has such a sweet and tender side under that facade he usually portrays. 
• Sitting around the dinner table eating and talking with Darla, Boyd, Brad and Brent. They reminisced and told stories and the part I love most about this is that I've been around long enough to have stories :) 
• Going to their Snow Cone stand. If you could capture the smell that you smell when you walk into it, I'd buy it. Just something happy about the sound of ice grinding and watching the sweet "ambrosia" syrup poured over it.......yummy! I still stuck with my usual, Strawberry Cheesecake with Cream. 

I could list many more things that were just perfect, I guess I'll save that for another blog! We stayed in Louisiana for a mere 2.5 days and 3 nights and made memories that will last a life time. I didn't look forward to coming home, just yet. I love our home away from home in Jennings and look forward to next year already! Now that this big celebration is over, it's time to start planning the next one. CHRISTMAS!! We will be staying home this year, for sure. December is full of festivities, smells, sounds and the splendor of Christ and it's so special. The girls 1st Christmas. What blessings we have in store, O God, I am thankful. Well, time for bed....actually past time.....I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

A Past Due Letter-

Dear Cadence,
Baby girl, you are growing up so fast. Just 9 months ago all you did was eat and sleep.....and cry. Now, you are standing on your own two feet, walking and babbling. You are very strong physically. You decided to start crawling right before you turned 6 months old. You did what we called the "Walrus." You would get up on all fours and lunge yourself forward and do a belly flop. It got you where you wanted to go and that's all that mattered to you! It also made an interesting afternoon for those around watching you.  After watching your sister, Brenlee, do a standard crawl, you decided to change your style. The day before you turned 9 months old, you took your first steps. Now, at 9 1/2 months old, you are zipping across rooms, zooming down the hall and doing pivots! You amaze me little one! You are starting to express yourself with sounds, too. Sha, sha, sha, ta, ta, ta, ma,ma,ma, bwa, bwa, bwa, and da,da,da are your favorite things to say. I love how you play with your fingers as you are walking and the jibber jabber you mumble to yourself while on the go. You are very smart and stay ahead of the game in all you do. You are strong and God has given you the gift of determination and perserverance; it shows even at the tender age of 9 months. One of my favorite things to do with you is snuggle in bed. You wake up before Brenlee a lot of the time and I enjoy our one on one time. You give slobbery, affectionate, open-mouthed kisses and smile as big as you can when I kiss you back. One of your favorite things to do is swing by your arms. You squeal with delight at the first thought of flying through the air! Many times you get the whole family laughing during your episodes of hysteria, your laughter is contagious.  I'm very blessed that the Lord trusts me with you. It's an honor to be your momma. I Love you my baby Cade......love you with all my heart and soul.

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They belong to the Kingdom.

Jesus said, "Don't stop children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God."-Matthew 19:14

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to love and care for two of your greatest miracles unconditionally. 

30 Days of Thanksgiving

So, I saw that everyone was posting on Facebook what they are thankful for and most of them doing a sort of "30 Days" type thing. Well, I'm in. I have so much to be thankful for and this is a great way to keep me fervent in my thanksgiving to Jesus.


November 1- I'm thankful that my husband makes the best sweet tea. Sounds silly, but I love sweet tea, a lot. If you are a tea drinker, you've got to try his. It rocks.


November 2- I'm thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy children. My heart aches for those who are/or have had children whose lives have been taken by cancer or other illnesses.


November 3- I'm thankful for my education. I'm literate. I'm thankful that I'll be able to educate my girls and instill the value of literacy into them---starting NOW :) I love going to the library with Brenlee and Cadence and they always seem to enjoy it, too. Very powerful I am in their lives....wow.


November 4- Faith. I'm thankful that my Momma and Nanny Fran taught me all about it. Faith is believing, without seeing. Faith is a pulling in my heart that is constantly reminding me that there is a God and that Jesus is here with me always. Faith can move mountains. Faith can bring happiness. Faith is knowing that God answered my prayer when I asked for a beautiful, healthy, strong, smart, courageous child. Faith is knowing that He provided me with TWO. Thank you, for faith.


November 5- I am thankful that I'm able to stay home with my girls. I get to watch them grow second by second. I can't imagine my life any differently.


November 6- My sister. Randi. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude for her. She is easy to talk to, always there to listen and I enjoy hearing about her life, too. She's been the biggest help to me since the twins came into our lives. Aunt Randi will be a "favorite" for the girls and that is exciting to me! 


November 7-I'm thankful for 4 sets of grandparents. It's somewhat of a blessing in disguise that comes with having divorced parents. 4 sets of grandparents, means quadruple the love for Brenlee and Cadence. My girls will know what love is, that is for sure!


November 8- Water. Yes, I can just go to my faucet and drink some water....or buy a few bottles at the grocery store. Some are not that fortunate! I'm thankful to live in a country that I don't have to worry about contaminated water.


November 9-Be thankful, even as you are going thru a time that you don't feel too thankful. Brenlee is screaming in the other room, fighting a nap......I hate to hear her cry. BUT I'm thankful that she is learning to sleep on her own. My cousin, Amy, says that sleep deprivation haunted her for MANY years. I don't want that. I'm thankful that she supports my decision to "teach" the girls how to sleep.


November 10- I'm thankful for Mexican food. I love the combination of tomato, cilantro, onion and peppers. 


11/11/11- I'm thankful for the Veterans that served our country. Selfless, to say the least. 


11/12/11- I'm thankful for free time with Brent. Every now and then it is nice to just relax, like old times, with him. Of course, we talk about Brenlee and Cadence almost the whole time!!!


11/13/11- I'm thankful for Charlie, our next door neighbor. I know that if I ever need anything, and I mean anything, that he'd be there for us. Tonight he brought us over some Pecan Pie and it was the best one I've ever had. This week, I'm making him some Blueberry Pizza to return the generosity.


11/14/11- Squeals and giggles from Brenlee and Cadence. As I'm sitting here typing this blog, I can hear the girls in the hallway squealing and giggling with each other. When I peek around the corner, they stop to look at me, so I'd rather just sit back in a dark corner and listen to their sweet serenade. 


11/15/11- I'm thankful that I have a hard-working hubby. Brent is the provider for our family and without him, there is NO way I'd be able to stay at home with my babies....


11/16/11-If you add up all the numbers in today's date (1+1+1+6+1+1) you get 11....and we are in the 11th month. I'm thankful for my mind. Although it's not as sharp feeling as it once was, I'm grateful to be able to think for myself. Did you know that women who give birth to twins, or other higher order multiples, use more of their brains than that of the average person?! So, there you have it.....I'm thankful for my mind :)


11/17/11-I'm thankful that God only gave me twins, and not more.


11/18/11-I'm thankful that we have a warm, nice home. 


11/19/11-So very thankful for modern medicine.


11/20/11-Got to go to the Sunday matinee to watch Breaking Dawn, thanks to my Momma who kept the girls.....and not to mention, did all my laundry!


11/21/11- I'm thankful for my crock pot. Lunch/supper pretty much cooked itself.


11/22/11-For internet and technology. Without it, I don't know what life would be like!


11/23/11-I'm thankful that my girls have been taking naps this week. They've done wonderfully going to sleep on their own without crying!


11/24/11-I'm thankful that Brenlee and Cadence have become great road travelers. They make a 7 hour trip with absolutely no problems.


11/25/11-I'm thankful for Brent's family, who have become mine. 


11/26/11-I'm thankful for sleep. I never really appreciate sleep until I lack it. Thank you beautiful baby girls for allowing us to sleep 12 hour nights.


11/27/11- I'm thankful for our ability to buy groceries. A lady approached us in the grocery store parking lot with a sob story about how she needed to get back home to San Antonio and didn't have the money. While I didn't buy the story, ( as she was dressed nicer than me and driving an Expedition) it did make me thankful that I don't have to worry about finances. 


11/28/11-I'm thankful for warm, cozy blankets. I have so many quilts that were made by Nanny Fran and afghans that were crocheted by my mom and Randi. I love snuggling up in them during the cold, winter months.


11/29/11-I'm thankful for the past 10 months. I simply can't believe that the girls are already 10 months old.....some days were long, but the months have been short. Happy 10 months baby girls!


11/30/11-I'm thankful for our climate here in Texas. Yeah, maybe I'm nuts, but I like that I can still go outside without a jacket....and in flip flops! That said, I wouldn't mind seeing some snow this winter! ;)

Involution

Involution: Retrograde development, degeneration. 

Brenlee's Strawberry Hemangioma birthmark has been going through a period of rapid growth, called the proliferative phase. It was just the size of a pin dot when we left the hospital. At the beginning of last week, I believe that phase ended and we are now headed into a period called the involutive phase. The term "Involutive" just means that it is in a period of shrinkage. In most cases of infants that have these benign vascular tumors like Brenlee has, they begin this phase of shrinking from 4-6 months after appearing. The stage that we are entering does take much longer than it did in the proliferative phase where it grew larger. It can take as long as 10 years in this phase. Even after involuting, some fatty tissue and tiny blood vessels may be left. In our case with Brenlee, I don't think we'll have any issues, as it never got really big or deep. It's remained superficial, near the skin's surface. Anyhow, I know you, as well as me, like to know more about Brenlee's Strawberry. It's very concerning to MOST people, as it looks scary. If you'd like to read more about it, find information here: Information about Brenlee's Strawberry


Here are pictures, starting with birth and going thru a few months, showing the proliferative phase:

Justification.

I just need to write a blog that helps me feel better about NOT doing the long list of stuff that needs to be done around the house. Here are the things I have accomplished today-

1. Changed 12 diapers.
2. Cleaned the floor about 20 times, due to slobber or a leaky sippy cup.....that is supposedly "No Spill."
3. Made oatmeal and sliced bananas for girls breakfast, fed it to them.
4. Rubbed Orajel on Brenlee's gums 3 times.
5. Adminstered teething tablets twice to Brenlee.
6. Washed Cadence's hair since it had food all in it.
7. Washed our bed sheets. Dried them.
8. Washed our HUGE quilt. Dried it.
9. Line Dried the clothe diapers and took them of the line...
10. Made grilled cheese sandwich for the girls and tore it into small pieces.
11. Cleaned the high chairs twice.
12. Swept the floor in the kitchen twice.
13. Cuddled Brenlee when she gave me the opportunity.
14. Practiced "standing" with Cadence.
15. Got the girls dressed in DRESSES and lotioned them up.
16. Spayed out two poopy diapers.
17. Gave girls gerber snacks.
18. More water in the sippy cups.
19. Prepared 6 milk bottles.
20. Washed dishes in sink twice
21. Consoled crying babies a handful of times
22. Went to the library with twins to do Pat a Cake time
23. Took a few videos and pictures for family
24. Put make up on
25. Brushed my teeth
26. Washed my face.
27. Brushed my hair!
28. Clipped Cadence's finger nails.
29. Prevented Brenlee from crawling into the bathtub
30. Taught both girls not to touch the litter box and cat food.
31. Got the girls to take 2 naps.
32. I ate a full lunch. All at one time.
33. Drank a glass of water.
34. pureed some pears and fed it to the....
35. fed twins some pudding
36. wrote a blog, AND finished it with baby in lap
ok, so i havent been totally lazy and i did deserve to sit down for 40 minutes!

Get Ready to GiGgLe!

After 7 months and 9 days, Brenlee and Cadence are starting to really interact now! Check out these videos of them laughing at each other! Brenlee is quite the ham and Cadence just thinks it's TOO funny!

After Cadence fell and cried a little, she got right back up to laugh a bit more:

I'm enjoying these girls more and more every day that goes by. They are so smart, so sweet and I love them so much!

Making it BIG with the Twins.

Ok, I can safely say that after 7.5 months, I finally am getting to know my girls. They are tricky and I'm still learning them myself and, of course, they are forever changing, as expected. So, that being said, here are some "don'ts" for you to try out so that Brenlee and Cadence will enjoy you:
1. Don't wear strong cologne or perfumes.
2. Don't talk loud or laugh hysterically.
3. Don't get in their faces.
4. Don't talk baby talk to them, Momma, Aunt Randi and a only a select few can without making them cry.
5. Don't try to hold them right away.
6. When you are holding them, hold them facing away from you. Don't hold them facing you.
7. Don't reach out for them, if they want you, they'll reach out or crawl to you.
8. Don't wipe their faces.
9. Don't sit down while holding them.
10. Remember, they don't typically "cuddle," so don't try unless they've just woken up!

Here are some tips you SHOULD try:
1. Talk in a regular voice but quietly, they love whispers.
2. Carry them outside and keep on moving.
3. Sit in the floor beside them and play with their toys.
4. Keep them together for the most part.
5. Play Pat-a-Cake with Cadence
6. Play with Brenlee's little piggies.
7. Smile at them.
8. Blow kisses to them.
9. Bounce them.
10. Saved their favorite for last: Stand them up facing out and let them "jump."

Now, these are just a few tips and tricks that will keep them happy. I haven't made these "rules," rather they have shown us! I'm not kidding when I say that our girls are strong willed.........they know what they want!

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Clean Your.......Tray!

Cadence cracks me up with her Brown Rice! Supper is her favorite meal and we have been feeding her Brown Rice for several weeks for this final meal. Tonight as Brent was feeding her, she was squealing with delight after every bite and fully satisfied while she was eating. This picture shows her sucking some rice cereal off the tray of her high chair! She didn't want to waste any of it, she's her Daddy's daughter for sure!

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Forty

Have you ever wondered what a challenge it is to keep 40 nails trimmed?? Well, let me tell ya, it feels like I'm constantly trimming lil finger and toe nails!! I try to wait for nap time at least once a week to keep 'em manicured! Today was the day. I get the girls both asleep in my lap and attempt to cut and file their nails. I get a few grumpy sounds out of Cadence and Brenlee keeps pulling her hand away from me.....but I eventually get them all trimmed without waking anyone :) Mission Accomplished! I would have taken a pic, like normally, BUT my phone bit the dust!

Question for you:
How do you trim your little one's nails?

Sisters

Sisters

Sleeping side by side on Momma's lap

we're taking our early morning nap

Time has only grown us closer

and we are our bond's best composer

We started out just wee lil ones

and now we're growing and making life fun

Momma sometimes cries at our sight

It's tears of joy, not of fright

We're so glad God made us sisters

If she wasn't here, I would've missed her

Through out our lives, we'll have each other

Well likely go through friends one after another

But a sister is forever

to be there throughout every endeavor

Oh what a great blessing

Our God is great, there is no second guessing

Cadence and Brenlee, forever and always.

When You're Up, You're Up!

Today was my first time to take Cadence and Brenlee to the library! I'm feeling so UP right now because the trip went so extremely well! They turned 7 months old yesterday, can sit better and have a bit longer attention span, so it was time! I was nervous about taking them just in case they got fussy and bothered the quiet atmosphere of a library! I found that our library has "Pat-a-cake Nursery Rhyme Time" on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The issue is that if falls right during when the girls have been taking a nap- 10:30. 



Anyhow, today I chanced it. I'm so glad I did, too! There were about 10-15 other children there. Some came with Mom, some with Grandpa, some with a sitter. There were two babies younger than the twins there, too. Cadence's face just lit up to see all the babies crawling around the room. Brenlee was fascinated with all the grown-ups singing silly songs and clapping and bouncing other babies in their laps! It was not a struggle AT ALL! I took turns with Cadence and Brenlee in my lap and singing rhymes with them. Whichever baby I wasn't holding, was sitting beside me, leaning on my leg, so still getting the effect of bouncing, per se! Today Cadence's favorite rhyme was "Pat-A-Cake." She was intrigued that EVERYONE in the room was singing it and the excitement that exuberated throughout the room with the other older children sent chills down my spine! Brenlee's favorite was "The  Grand Old Duke of York." I was holding her during this one, so she got the full effect! We sang each song twice, so eventually, I'll be juggling one, then the other, every other song! Today I just rotated them by their cues. For those of you that don't know the words to "The Grand Old Duke of York," here they are:

The Grand Old Duke of York
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill ( raise baby way up high)
And he marched them down again. (lower them back down)

And when they were up they were up (baby goes UP)
and when they were down they were down (baby comes down)
and when they were only half way up
They were neither up nor down

He marched them to the left (tilt them to the left)
He marched them to the right (tilt them to the right)
And then he marched them upside down (turn baby upside down)
Oh, what a silly sight. 

We sang "The Wheels on the Bus," "Humpty Dumpty," "The Washing Machine," "Uncle John," some song about a sandwich, too. We did two Read Alouds with Big Books about firetrucks and different types of transportation (even a pogo stick!). We sat in a make believe firetruck and saw fire fighter gear. All this happened over the course of 30 minutes! It was SOOO much fun and I'm looking forward to taking the girls back each week. Ah, then, as I put them into their carseats, I glanced in the rear view mirror and both had gone to sleep! Cha-ching, easy nap! As I brought them in the house to lay them down, the smell of the roast I put on this morning filled the air I was reminded of Jesus's sweet blessings. I'm so blessed and thankful that I get to share with the world my little blessings! Now, go, and have a great day yourself and LOVE YOU SOME BABIES!!!

Another Step.....

We're taking another step closer to living green. We've been cloth diapering MOST of the time. We still have a cupboard full of sposies that family bought, so we will use those up. We've been using them when we go "out" and over night. Well, the time has come. I am having a lady make us some Upcyled wool/cashmere diaper covers for use at night. Wool is naturally antibacterial, breathable and absorbent. Upcycled just means that she makes them from old wool clothing that she finds at 2nd hand stores. I will have to lanolize them. Again, something I'm having to learn to do. It doesn't sound hard, at all. I won't have to buy any special detergent, since I'm already using Soap Nuts and that shouldn't harm the wool. The cool thing about wool, is that it's cool. No pun intended! And, it just needs to "air out" between uses, no need to wash after each wear! Told you it was cool! Anyhow, I'll let ya know how we like them, she's shipping them to me today! Here are the ones she made:

So very cute, I really need to buy me a sewing machine and just make these myself. Baby steps, baby steps, I keep reminding myself! Anyhow, I'm stoked and can't wait to get them it---and pray that the fit!!

Question for you: What steps are you taking to preserve our Mother Earth?

Naps

We have officially switched from nap on demand, 3 to 4 a day, to sceduled naps at 11 and 4! Well, of course its not exact yet, but very close!

Nut Review

I've been using the EcoNuts, Soap Nuts for our laundry, for about a week now. I've washed our clothes, baby clothes, cloth diapers, blankets, towels and even the rugs from the bathroom......and the verdict is: they're great! If it can get cloth diapers clean and food stained bibs spotless, what more can I ask for? I still can use a fabric softener on towels, too. The only thing I don't like is digging for the nut sack...hah, never thought I'd be saying that! But, really, it's not too hard find in the load....and it probably wouldn't hurt them if they did accidentally get put in the dryer. Anyhow, here is a link to them for those of you who wanted to try them to.

http://www.amazon.com/Eco-Nuts-360-Load-Box/dp/B003OUALB6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313511568&sr=8-2.

Question for you: What product have you tried lately and LOVED?

Lucky or Blessed?

Some people consider themselves lucky when things are going their way. I used to feel that way, too. Until recently, I really understand that I could have all the luck in the world and it wouldn't mean a thing! Seriously, I'm not lucky that Brent and I have a great relationship. I'm not lucky that I got the twins that I'd been wanting for 10 years. I'm not lucky that they are great sleepers. I'm not lucky that they are healthy. I'm blessed by God beyond measure! I'm favored by Him  :) Remember how it felt to be the "favorite" by one of your teachers? Well, multiply that by a billion. That's what it feels like! My prayer for you, if you're reading this, is for you to feel favored by God. It feels so good that it hurts :)
Question for you: How do you know that you're favored by God?

Unspoken

I take for granted that Brent and I understand each other, without speaking. We're like a well-oiled machine most of the time. We've been together as one for more than half of our lives here on Earth. We have an advantage in marriage, I believe, because of this. Marriage is not something that we feel like we are having to "work" at. We both understand that there are just some unspoken family rules that evolve. While attending college, when my major was counseling, I took a Marriage and Family Therapy course. One article that our professor had us read has stayed with me all these years. I read the article to Brent, too. I still read the article a few times each year as a refresher. You can read the article by clicking here. Just understanding the dynamics of relationships will help marriages. Tonight I want to share one of our family process rules. These rules are understood but not usually talked about. Brent and I don't do "girls only" or "guys only" rituals that some couples participate in. Even if it's as simple as having a girl's only dinner or a guy's only football shindig. We've never once told one another that we don't want to participate in them, or told each other that the other one can't go. It's implicit. It's understood. It's us. Some say it's unhealthy not to have "me" time. But there is no, "me" in "us." Now that we have Brenlee and Cadence, it's the same. We'll still have "us" time, (stay with me) which is equivalent to "me" time, because Brent and I are like one. We also have lots of family time, with the four of us together. That's when we are the happiest. Hope you get something out of reading this.....and please DO go read the article---it's wonderful!

Question for you: What Implicit Family Rule does your family have?

Story Time

I absolutely love telling Brenlee and Cadence stories. The story changes just about every day and I'm going to love the day when they can tell me what's new and different about the plot of the story! Here is the story for today:


The Three Little Pigs-as told by Candi

Once upon a time there were 3 little pigs. They lived at home with Momma pig and she told them that it was time for them to make a life for themselves and move OUT! She gave them a few minutes to pack a bag and then kicked them out. As they walked along the side of the old dirt road, they told jokes and reminisced about their childhood. The youngest little pig saw a Farmer's Market down the road and decided that he would go there to find some material to build his house out of. He approached an ol' farmer named Dell and haggled with him 'til he could afford enough hay to build a place to stay. He hauled the hay to the nearest corner and started building his house. The other two pigs kept hiking down the road. The middle pig saw a forest in the distance and a few lumberjacks chopping wood. He begged the men for the sticks that they weren't using, so that he could build himself a cabin. After pleading, the lumberjacks gave him a slue of sticks and the little pig went to the corner and built himself a cabin. The oldest little pig kept walking. He kept remembering what Daddy Pig had always told him. "Fools Rush In." The quote was now making more sense than ever! He was feeling good about his decision not to rush into building a house out of just anything. He decided to rent a cheap motel and get a good job for a while until he had enough money to build a house of brick. Well, about a month later, the wolf family moved into town. They had a son that was very mischievous and who loved him some pork. He found the youngest pig's house of hay. He knocked on the door and hollered, "Little pig, little pig, let me in!" The pig yelled back, "Not by the hair on my chiny-chin-chin!" So, the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down! He ate the little pig up for dinner. The next day, the wolf decided to pay a visit to the middle pig. When the wolf showed up, the little pig trembled in fear. The wolf hollered, "Little pig, little pig, let me in! If you don't, I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!" The little pig cried back, "Not by the hair on my chiny-chin-chin!" So, the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down! He ate the little pig up for dinner. The next morning, the wolf was bragging to some friends. His friends didn't believe that he had blown two houses down and eaten two pigs. He wanted to prove to them his strength, so he invited them to go with him the next day. At the crack of dawn, they headed out to the oldest little pig's house. Little pig was getting ready for a nice, relaxing dinner with his new lady friend, when he heard, "Knock, Knock, Knock!" Little pig knew that the wolf would be coming to visit, so he kindly said, "Please go away, I'm busy!" The wolf screamed, "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down if you don't let me in!" The little pig replied, "You can blow til you're blue in the face!" This infuriated the wolf and his friends. On the count of three, the wolves huffed and they puffed and they huffed and they puffed....and huffed and puffed.....but the house was still standing. Meanwhile, the little pig was starting a fire in the hearth so that he could roast some ears of corn. The wolf saw the chimney and thought to himself...."Aha, I will go down the chimney and get that little pig and his little friend! He climbed a tree and hopped to the roof. He tip-toed to the smoke stack. Before even looking down, he hopped down the chute....and into the fire. So, I guess you know what the pigs had for dinner! Wolf Stew! The End.


Question for you: What is your favorite story to tell?

Nuts about Soap!

So, I've been wanting to switch over to using Soap Nuts for all my laundering, instead of using commercial detergent.....and I will start using them today!!!! I will let you all know how well I like them, as soon as I have used them enough to have a valid opinion :)
Here is a picture of them..

All I will have to do is put 4-5 nuts in the cloth baggy and drop it into my washer. I'll reuse the same nuts until they show signs of disintegrating (which should be every 10 washes or so). I'm quite excited about my nuts, maybe I'm a bit nuts....BUT, they will save us money and are more Eco friendly, as well.

Question for you:
What natural cleaning agents are your favorite?

Giddy Up!

Giddy up horsey, go to town, ridin' on a pony, don't fall down! Speaking of "Giddy Up," we bagged up our saddles and giddied up to West Texas with the girls for the first time this past weekend. The trip there, our stay, and our trip home couldn't have gone ANY smoother. Brenlee and Cadence are great little travelers and enjoyed being spoiled by family and friends from our home town. We decided to stay at my Dad and Connie's house, as we will each time we visit Lamesa. It is a perfect place for the girls and they feel so secure, comforted and just absolutely love their Mawmaw and Pawpaw! I also get a bit of a break when I'm there, with the help of my sister, Dawn, who drove down from Midland with her hubby and two kiddos!

 Bruce, Paula, and Devin came to visit and felt right at home, too. Bruce is such a natural when it comes to babies. These girls just melt in his arms. Brenlee LOVED jumping with her Snad and pretty much wore him out! Devin is a natural, too. He's so gentle and loving. Both girls could sense his sweet personality and warmed right up to him! Paula also played with, loved on and enjoyed her some Brenlee and Cadence, too!

 Nanny Fran, Aunt Deanie, M'Lea and Sabrina came, too! Cadence LOVED their toe nail polish! It was purple and sparkly....she may be our lil girly-girl! Brent's mom and step dad came over, too and it's not bad of a drive for them. By chance, we got to drive into Lamesa and see Bekah and her precious lil darling, Layla, too. Connie worried that they were spoiling the girls by interacting SOOO much and playing with them, and she was right. BUT....I wouldn't have it ANY other way.

I saw growth socially, physically and emotionally in Brenlee and Cadence happening each minute. Cadence started immitating Nanny Fran and showing a preference of who she wanted to hold her by reaching out. Brenlee also started reaching out for different people. Brandon, my brother-in-law, looks a tiny bit like Brent--in that he has the same pattern of facial hair, and both girls took to him right away! They can sense a good daddy when they see one! Our little girls were exceptional, in spite of teething BIG time the entire time we were gone! Here are several more videos for your pleasure:

Most wonder about how the car ride went...well, they were GREAT! On Thursday, Lana came over to watch the girls with Randi while I got everything ready to go. We decided to do baths and night bottles before we hit the road, in hopes that Brenlee and Cadence would sleep on the trip. Boy, they went to sleep as soon as they got their baths! And they woke right up when we took them out to the car! Those turkeys were laughing and giggling from 6-9:05 with me in the backseat! Oh, now, about the backseat......it's not fun to crawl from the front to the back, but that's the only choise I get, unless I remove the carseat EVERY time....and that's a bit of a hassel. Watch this video of the girls that we thought would sleep during the ride:

Anywho.....we decided at that point to let the girls have a stretch break, since it had been 3 hours. We stopped at Flying J's in Ty.  As soon as we got back on the road, in the dark, the twins fell fast asleep. It was wonderful!! On the ride back home, we decided that there was no need to do a bath before leaving....which extended our visiting time, as well. We left promply at 6, as planned and the girls were asleep by 7. They started squirming about 3.5 hours into the trip, but were still sleeping....we decided to let them have a break. We stopped in Baird. If you ever need a clean bathroom, the Alsups there was exceptionally clean, by the way! After a few minutes, we got back on the road and the girls were asleep within 20 minutes....and slept til we drove into our garage at 11:30. They went right back to sleep and didn't wake up til 7:15 this morning. Seriously, could we ask for better babies??!! 

There are a few more videos I'll put on Facebook......as Blogger won't allow me upload them here!

No Time For A Blog!

Whew, I decided to rest thru one nap today, and now I don't have time to blog! Promise I will as soon as I get a chance!
Stay tuned!

Half

Half-One of two equal parts.
Many things can be halved.  Consider the moon, isn't it mind boggling to see just half of it? Most of us have a "better half" and may be living a half dream kinda life. The half dollar is a collectible, now and most teachers frequently visit Half Priced Books. Druggies go to a Half Way House and some people offer halfhearted condolences. Is your glass half empty or half full?

In answering this age old question, I answer half full! If you'd have asked me this same question half a year ago, my answer might have been a bit different. Exactly half a year ago, Brenlee and Cadence were born. Since Brent and I married at 18, we had always talked about when and how many kids we wanted. We decided two was best. Jokingly, we always said, "If we can just have twins, it'll kill two birds with one stone!" God does take some things very literally, so watch out what you ask for.We said we'd start thinking about having a baby "when we got settled." I felt settled when we bought a house and both had good jobs. It took me half the time it did Brent to get used to the idea of "settling down." Well, our first pregnancy didn't work out. I miscarried before I hit 9 weeks pregnant. If I'd have had just ONE at a time, it'd be half the work...and I'm an overachiever by nature.....God knew best! Oh, and another thing that Brent and I have recently discussed is this: If we would have had one baby, we wouldn't have wanted anymore since both of us were stressed out about how to take care of screaming newborns. We'd have ended at 1 and that was NEVER in our plans! So here we are, half a year later. We have made it! The last 6 months have been quite a fog, I'm glad I've been taking pictures and keeping a journal-otherwise I guess it'd just all be lost!

At 6 Months, Brenlee Faith weighs 14 lbs 11 ounces and Cadence weighs 15 lbs 2 ounces. Brenlee is 27" long and Cadence is 27.2 inches. They both fall in the 80% for height, 50% for weight and 10th percentile for head circumference....sorry BECKS, they got my head! :-) Anyhow, they are both healthy little troopers and I  look forward to the next half of this year! Things are just now starting to get fun!! Keep in touch, our next appointment is November 3rd, later gators!

Question for you: Is your glass half empty or half full?

About Me-By Cadence

So, my Momma told me I needed to write a blog about myself, so here goes: My full name is Cadence Grace. I'm an identical twin. I was born January 29, 2011 at 12:02pm. My sac of waters broke the night before and that's what prompted Momma to go to the hospital. Well, the bad thing is that Momma is a carrier of Strep B, which can be bad for unborn babies like I was. My water had probably been leaking for a few days, just as Momma suspected, but the doctors didn't think so. Anyhow, the bacteria probably got into my amniotic fluid and caused me to be a little sick when I was born. I had a high white blood cell count, which meant that there was an infection some where in my body. I had a little trouble breathing once they cut that umbilical cord, too. I didn't even get to say hi to my Momma or Daddy hardly, before the nurses took me to the NICU. The ladies in the NICU were very nice, but I missed being with Momma, Daddy and Brenlee. Momma always cried when she came to touch me...they wouldn't let her pick me up for a few days. Anyway, what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger, so I know I'm one strong little girl. I got to come home after 5 days and be with my family. I was so good compared to Brenlee. I didn't cry or anything! After I saw how I was suppose to act, I started mimicking Brenlee and screamed, cried and carried on. I noticed that I got more attention, the more I cried, too. But, enough was enough and about 2 months ago, I decided I shouldn't cry as much. So, I don't. Just when I'm hungry, thirsty, tired, getting a diaper change, if someone is too loud, if you get in my face too close, if I don't like you....Oh, I forgot to mention that I still cry ALOT, but it's not as hard to calm me down now! Here is me when I'm tired and hungry:

 Momma, she has tricks that can distract me and keep me from getting all tuned up sometimes she does silly things like this:

She is crazy. Sometimes I think she really has lost her mind. She says she's just crazy about us and that she likes to see us smile, so she will do anything......and we are starting to learn that. We can almost get anything we want and we're not even 1/2 a year old YET! Check out the video down there to see how we tire Momma out.....she plays hard!

Hey, I'm also doing better now that I can get to a few places all by myself! I'm learning to crawl! Momma made me some knee protectors this morning out of a pair of socks and I think I'm diggin' them!
Here I am crawling and of course, Brenlee is in the video too, SHE'S EVERY WHERE I AM!

Did you like watching us? We're cute, huh?? Well, I'm suppose to be taking a nap--according to Momma, so I better go nite, nite. See everyone later, literally. We will see you people in West Texas in 2 weeks. We will be going to Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house. If you want, you can come there to visit us for a little bit, but we're just going be chilling there and not really going into Lamesa or anywhere else......it's a long enough ride in the car getting there, so I know nobody is gonna get butt-hurt. (Oops, Momma did say NOT to say that, sorry.) Hasta la vista, for now, mis amigos!

Question for you:
Do you travel during the day or at night with infants, while going on a LOOONG drive?)

My New Tricks-babbled by Brenlee Faith

Hi everyone, this is my first blog, and it's ALL ABOUT ME, Brenlee Faith! So, I've met most of my family, BUT there are some people that live too far away and I don't see them very much. Momma has also told me about some people that love me, but I've never seen before. Of course, she said that they swoon over my pictures on the Internet and all the videos that Momma takes of Cadence and me, so they've seen me! Well, I'm going to explain myself for you to get to know me better. My name is Brenlee Faith. Wait, I already told you that. Oh well, I love my name, so just deal. I was born January 29, 2011. I was born 2nd, I'm just that kind of girl, had to let Cadence come first so she wouldn't cry. She's a crybaby. My momma had a bit of trouble getting me out, so the doctor had to use this suction thingy-ma-jig on my head. It didn't hurt, thank goodness! Anyhow, I got to stay with Momma and Daddy after the nurses checked me out. I was an ugly lil newborn! Some would disagree, but be honest....have you seen my just born pics?? I'm much prettier now! On with my story about me: I weighed 5 lbs 5 ounces. That's a big girl for being born 3 weeks early and being a twin! I was a bit smaller since I had a smaller umbilical cord....and once again, I let Cadence take most of the nutrients from Momma, or else she'd cry about it. I enjoyed my time alone with Momma and Daddy for the first week of my life. I quickly started gaining weight and being more alert! I laughed a giggled before I turned 3 months old....I figured I better, since I'd given Momma and Daddy a run for their money for the prior 3 months! I cried and cried and screamed and screamed MOST of the day and night. I sometimes cried for no reason......funny, huh?? Hehe, well, Momma didn't think it was funny, so I finally stopped! I still cry now if I get too sleepy or if I'm hungry or thirsty. Oh, and my stinkin' gums hurt where my teeth are coming in, so sometimes I cry when that hurts. BUT, mostly I smile and coo and babble for most of the day. Sometimes I get irritated that I can't get to where I want to be and I fuss a bit and Momma or Daddy comes to pick me up, I've got them trained. You know, speaking of training, I overheard Momma say she was sleep training us. Ha! Well, we will decide when and how long we want to sleep, but sometimes we do what she wants us to do just to please her. That makes her happy! Another thing that makes Momma happy is when we eat our food. I don't really like eating. I eat better in the AM than in the afternoon. I kinda like oatmeal and bananas. Want to see me eat??

See I do pretty good, aren't you proud of me Nanny Fran? Where was I going with this?? I'm so scatterbrained most of the time and my mind is running 90mph!! Oh, yeah, Momma told me she's going to start making me some tastier baby food, I hope I like it better. She says that food is good for babies to start eating at about 6 months old and that it'll help me have more energy and stronger muscles. Oh, and about stronger muscles, I can sit up now!! Not for too long at a time, but Momma can help me get all set up and I can do it all by myself for a few minutes! It's so much fun! Here is a picture of me sitting up like a big girl:

See how excited I am about it? Aunt Lana noticed me sitting up in a picture that my momma posted and almost gave away the surprise! Oh well, that's what Momma's are for, right? Momma is also fun to play with. Some of my favorite games are: Peek-a-boo, airplane, jumping, funny faces, funny noises, and playing with blocks and rattles! Well, that's enough about me, for now anyway! I hope to get to know everyone a bit better, soon! Later Gators!!

Question for you: What is your favorite game to play with little babies?

Patiently Waiting....

On my Baeba BabyCook to come! I bit the bullet and ordered one.....it wasn't hard for me to decide to spend a bit of extra money on it, though.  Baby food is quite expensive and has preservatives in it. You can watch the promo of the Baeba Babycook here. I'm a bit more than excited, as I've been using a small food processor that a friend loaned to me. It's very small, loud, and takes forever.....not to mention that I have to steam the food before making it into a puree. Some recipes that I'm excited to use are: Baby's First Vegetables, which has olive oil in it to boost their little energy levels, Potato and Chesse Dinner, which will gently start to introduce dairy, Tomato and Chicken Casserole, which will be awesome because it sounds GREAT for Brent and me to eat before making it into a puree :) I just HOPE that it's MUCH quieter than the processor I'm using now---which I can't use while the girls nap! I'll update this blog when I've started getting the hang of making babyfood :)

Question for you:
What is your favorite recipe?

Snoozing

I'm so pleased with Brenlee and Cadence that I have to brag :) For the past 5 naps, knock on wood, they have laid down so easily and just go to sleep! I guess my consistancy and stamina finally is paying off!! JUST in time for them to probably change here in a few days, but it sure has been nice!!!

Question for you (You can comment here, or in the Facebook comment box)

What are your rituals to make nap time a breeze?

The Relatives Came

Anyone ever read the Children's Book, "The Relatives Came?" When I was teaching 3rd grade, it was one of my favorites to read and MANY lessons could be taught and extended with it! Every time I have relatives that come for a visit, I think of this book. Well, this past weekend, we had relatives come :) Technically they are not relatives, BUT I will always consider them family! Tony, Brooke and Sydney drove over from Mississippi to visit Brenlee and Cadence, an Uncle, an old friend, to see a Rangers game and to just get away from home while on Summer Break.  Tony was my step brother, while mom my was married to Rick O'Hair...although that marriage ended, the friendship that we have with Tony will always be. My Momma, Lolli, got to babysit Sydney (Tony and Brooke's daughter) on Friday night. They then came over Saturday morning to spend the day with us. I enjoyed watching Sydney and take note of how much she has changed over the past year. I can't believe that the twins will be that big in just 2.5 yeas from now! Brenlee and Cadence were mesmerized by her. She is beautiful and has such a SWEET personality! They played together some and stared at each other alot. It was great to watch!
Later on in the evening when it cooled down some, we played in the lil pool in our backyard. We had lots of fun sitting in the pool floaties and teething on blocks!

Sydney has just as much fun
with the blocks as we do!

Brenlee just hangin out ;)

Cadence was In The Zone!

Marie bought the floatie for Brenlee and Cadence

I got the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Sydney after my girls were in bed asleep and Tony and Brooke were attending the Rangers game. She told me that we are mean parents for letting Brenlee and Cadence cry in their cribs until they went to sleep. I tried to explain why I do that, but she just kept saying, "MEAN!" That made sleep training even a BIT harder, BUT sure not hard enough to quit! BTW, today I've successfully laid both girls down for two naps with the bare minimum of fussing---so I know my hard work is PAYING off :) So, as I was saying, we got to spend the night together. I really enjoyed being able to read a few books to her. She chose 3 books that she wanted to read. "A Bad Case of the Stripes," "The English Roses," and "Where the Wild Things Are." We read all of them. You've got to remember that she is only THREE! She was making connections with the characters, inferencing, and predicting already when I'd ask her questions. Many times, she'd chime in and tell me something that she noticed about one of the characters that reminded her of something....I am amazed. Tony and Brooke are great parents and the Day Care she goes to must be amazing, too! After an hour of reading, (I honestly thought she'd fall asleep while I was reading) I decided that it was "Forty."

That's what time Sydney told me she needed to go to bed, because at Forty the Monsters come. We brushed our teeth, changed into pajamas, got a drink of water and put some vicks on our lips.  Yes, she did, too..... (Reason why I put Vicks on my lips is a whole other blog in itself!) We then said our prayers and hugged each other goodnight. She was seriously in a deep slumber within 5 minutes of laying her head down on her pillow!

The next day, my mom came over to fix some Meat and Bean Burritos, per request of Tony. It's been a LOOOONG time since any of us have had those! She also fried up some okra, squash and potatoes. It was all very good, Lolli is an excellent cook! That afternoon, Brent's Mother and Step-Dad dropped by on their way home from Galveston. They happened to catch the girls right before a nap and had the privilege of rocking them to sleep....anyone who has been following me in my sleep training knows that we don't rock them to sleep anymore, so this was a HUGE privilege!

Marie with Brenlee and Cadence

Greg with Brenlee

Marie rocking Brenlee

Cadence Rocking Greg! LOL!

After a busy weekend, we were all exhausted! Brenlee and Cadence were in bed by 6:00----after cleaning up a bit, Brent and I laied down at 8:00 and starting reading "Live a Thousand Years" by Giovanni Livera. This is a book that my Daddy gave me and I hope that I can start living life by experiences and stop living by minutes, hours, days, years, etc....I don't want life to slip though my fingers and look back one day wanting it all back. I desire to love life now and live each moment to it's fullest, just as a young child! After we finish with our reading, I'll post some tips :))
That's all for now, have a great afternoon!