Shellem Family

Hugs and Kisses From A Friend

2010-09-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just thoughts...

2010-08-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's late...my mind is running and I can't seem to keep up. What's new? On this night I don't really mind being up. I can't stop thinking about how incredibly blessed I am. God's really opened my eyes tonight to all the amazing things around me. I haven't felt this grateful in a long time and for that I am grateful.

I have two of the most hilarious, loving, sweet, smart, hard-working children I could ever ask for. I know I say this at ever age, but this is my favorite age! Two three years olds, I never would have thought I would be having this much fun in life! They keep me laughing and on my toes at all times. They are quite a team and I pray they always are. Their special bond is remarkable and unbreakable. As it should be...

My amazing husband, I can't say enough. He sees things in me I didn't even know were there. He has made me a better person than I ever thought possible. I'm eternally grateful for his love. He's a better daddy than I ever thought possible. Connor and Macy absolutely adore him! There isn't enough time in the day to wrestle and cuddle with daddy. He has no idea the memories he's making with them. I pray he hangs the moon in their eyes forever.

I have friends that are no longer friends, but family. They have seen me through the mountains and valleys of life, and love me anyway. Thank you.

And of course God...He has his hand on me. He is real and leads with a strong hand. Always in the best direction for me of course.

I am blessed...

Bikes!

2010-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

It's official! We are bike riders!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Auntie Audra for the bikes, we are loving them! We have each crashed a couple times but no broken bones yet. Macy has a cut in her mouth, a hurt nose and Connor has a wounded knee but other than that we are great! We keep getting back on so the excitement is still there! Sadly Brian was out of town for the first ride so we got it on video. They took to it so easily! Mommy on the other hand is having a hard time pushing two bikes up the hill in our neighborhood. The new rule is someone has to walk theirs up the hill. :) It's exhausting to "watch" them ride!

3rd Birthday Party!

2010-05-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

We were successful at turning 3!!!!! We had a great Dora and Diego party! The bouncy house was a hit with everyone except Macy. We finally got her in, but not for long. She likes her feet on solid ground, not having her feet flipped up in the air by Connor! Connor thought the more flipping the better. We couldn't get him out of the bouncy house!

They each got their own Happy Birthday song, and LOVED IT! They had been talking about having their own song, and blowing out their candles. You can see the smile on Macy's face when she is blowing out her candles. She had waited for that moment for "forever" to her. Connor enjoyed his song too, he had a hard time blowing out the candles because of his huge smile! They got lots of great presents, and were excited to start playing with all of them.

The whole family pitched in with the "Adventure" birthday. All the cousins helped take the guests through the "adventure", including a slide, tunnel and the final destination being the bouncy house!

This is the first birthday that it seems right that they are another year older. The first two years flew by so fast that I just couldn't believe it was time for another birthday. This year it seems like it is time for them to be 3. They have come so far, and can do so much more than ever before. I am finding this age to be my favorite! (I say that every year!) It just keeps getting better!

I'm holding onto that, it's only getting better. Each day holds new adventures and new opportunities to grow, both for them and me. I'm cherishing each day.

January snow and ice

2010-01-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

Brian and the kids (fur kids and

human kids) enjoying some rest!

Mommy and Connor

Macy jumping, she never stops jumping!

This is how we knew it was time

to come in, Connor's eyelashes were

covered in snow!

We were supposed to leave tomorrow for Phoenix and get out of this freezing cold weather. However, our flight is cancelled...already. We now leave Sunday morning. So, since there isn't a lot we can do about the weather, we decided to enjoy it! We played outside and had a blast! Macy didn't like it at first, but then grew to like it. She liked throwing snow and juming in it, Connor liked running in the snow and cleaning off his swing. (even outside he can't stop cleaning!) We enjoyed some great family time today, Brian cancelled work today (yeah!) and only worked on the computer for awhile this morning. It was some great family time the rest of the day. Man, I love snow (ice) days!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

We decided we would start our own tradition of staying home Christmas morning and then going to the extended family for the weekend. Not the best year to start this! We are snowed in!!! We had a blizzard Christmas Eve and now can't even get out or driveway. Thankfully we have food and each other!

We had a nice meal last night for Christmas Eve, didn't have church due to cancelling it for weather. So we spent the time at home baking Santa's cookies and playing the Wii. Connor hit two homeruns in baseball! They had a rough time going to sleep, but once asleep they were out. Santa worked his magic with no worries they would wake up. Brian and I watched a movie and relaxed after the festivities.

The kids LOVED what Santa brought. On the way down the stairs this morning Connor said, "Woooo!" They got jeeps, a single trampoline with safety pole, and a sucker. The sucker was actually the only thing they wanted. Santa was just generous this year...

We have been outside and played a bit in the snow. With Connor's bronchitis we couldn't stay out long, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity. They may not see snow again until they are 20! At least this much of it! We were only outside long enough to get pictures, and make a tiny snowman...that mommy made in record time to check it off the list.

We are having a great time, but wish we could be with the whole family. This is the second holiday in a row we have missed...not a good trend to be setting. Hopefully we will be able to get out tomorrow. All the interstates in Oklahoma were shut down last night, they are back open today but our neighborhood is awful. An ambulance got stuck on our hill earlier this morning. Not a good day to need emergency vehicles. We decided to take it easy today and try to travel tomorrow when the snowplows have had a little more time to work their magic.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Noises...

2009-12-20T10:16:00.001-08:00

I was awoken last night about 4:30am to noises. After listening awhile, I realized what those "noises" were. The kids were up, and chatting up a storm. I have to say, I don't ever remember a time that they were both up chatting to each other. Many a nights I'll hear one or the other but never both. I thought to myself that they will stop soon don't bother getting out of the nice warm bed. However, after 10 minutes they still hadn't concluded their business with each other so I decided to take charge and put a stop to this early morning business meeting.

I stopped at their door to see if I could figure out what they were talking about first though...knowledge is power after all. This is a bit of what I heard:

Connor: See Santa Macy, yes?

Macy: Yes. My turn to talk. umna, umna, umna, umna, all fall down!

Connor: Connor's turn to talk. See Santa Macy. Green sucker Macy, blue sucker Connor. Ok, Macy's turn.

Macy: umna, umna, umna, all stand up! (at this point I hear what I believe to be her hands slapping her mattress)

Connor: What you mean Macy?

Macy: umna, umna, umna, all fall down!

LOTS OF GIGGLES

At this point I'm having to calm myself down outside the door so they don't hear me laughing. This went on and on...I decide to go in and be scrooge anyway. They both look at me and say, "What doing mommy?" I told them it was time to sleep and I tucked Connor in. I stroked his head as he lay on his pillow and all of a sudden he reaches up and strokes my head. I couldn't stop the chuckle that came out. Which of course made him laugh. Which of course made Macy laugh. You would have thought we were having a party in there. After holding hands with them and giving lots of "hug and kiss?"'s and high fives (this is a new one to our nighttime routine) I shut the door and left feeling so blessed.

Big kid beds

2009-11-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

We have finally changed the cribs to toddler beds! After finding Connor playing superman across the two beds, we realized it was time to change them. Brian worked this morning on them both cribs...I mean beds. That will take some time to get used to. They napped in them, and did a great job staying in them, not once getting out. They woke up, called out, "Mommy, we're awake!" We told them they have to have permission to get out of bed. With their room being right by the top of the stairs, we don't want to take any chances.

They are so excited about being in big kid beds! After nap today, Connor got out of bed then told me he wanted to go back to bed. (This only happens when he's sick) He just wanted to get back into his "big boy bed"! He crawls in and pulls the covers up over his head. SO cute!

I'm finding this a hard step to move past. NEVER have they not been in a crib! Just when I get used to a certain stage, they move into another one! I'm thrilled, but I also know I'm never going to get these times back. The life of a mother...

Past tense

2009-11-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the day has come! As we were driving in the car today after taking naps at the office, (the kids, not me) Macy spotted a school bus and screamed out "BUS!" We went to the post office, then were back on the road in which she spotted the bus. She said, "Macy see, Macy saw a bus." She corrected herself and used the past tense! I sat in amazement. Anytime she or Connor would say they see something that they already saw, I would say "You saw ____". She picked up on it and did it herself today!

Part of me is thrilled this is something she might be catching onto. However, another part is SO sad. One more step to adulthood. (I know that sounds ridiculous because they are 2, but you all know what I'm talking about.) I am trying to savor EACH and EVERY big or little step. It seems like I blinked and they are now 2 1/2. How much more time will pass in my next blink????

Finished project

2009-11-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have been working on aprons for several "sessions" with Ann Taylor. She is teaching me to sew. I love that time, it's my "stress free, fun time". I'm incredibly grateful Ann is taking the time to teach me. The kids love their new aprons, I know it isn't very "boyish" but it was an easy project to start with. Next up is stockings for the kids. Hopefully done by Christmas!

Motivation!

2009-11-16T13:27:00.001-08:00

I think I have found Connor's motivation for pooping on the potty! Cars! For the last two days he has pooped on the potty because he now gets little matchbox cars for each time he poops on the potty. M&M's worked for peeing, but we needed something more "substantial" for pooping! I'm not claiming total victory yet, but we are hopefully on our way!

Macy seems to be getting interested in peeing on the potty again. She asks to now, not that anything is happening, but hopefully the desire is coming back.

The doctor thought Macy might have had the swine flu, but we now know it was roseola. Connor has had this in the past, we were confused by the high fever until the rash showed up. Then we knew... Nothing major about roseola, just a bad attitude that comes with the rash. Over with in a couple days.

Not much else new. I just swear I have the cutest kids. They are playing together so well, laughin with each other, sharing with each other, helping each other, etc. I love them dearly!!!

Another day....

2009-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing much exciting about today. It was just a nice day. We had a playdate at the science museum this morning and played with our friends. It's always nice to get together with other moms you really like. :)

Connor told me he had to poop, but he wasn't wanting to go in a public bathroom so we left shortly after that. We did have success when we got home though! He pooped in the potty! (But then later this afternoon he pooped on Thomas (Thomas the Train underwear I mean...). Someday we'll get this pooping thing down! If only it were as easy as the peeing!

We played outside, it was gorgeous. The kids love playing in the sand...thankfully our yard is very sandy. They ran in the leaves, and scooped sand. A perfect day to them! It's cheap pizza night so Monday night is our pizza night. So it was a great day for me because I didn't have to cook!

Macy's teeth did get fixed on Friday. Dr. Mike was great. He called later that day to see how she was doing. Such a nice guy! She will proudly show you her "new teeth". She did pretty well while getting them fixed. She cried, but did get used to the idea that she was going to have to sit there while Dr. Mike worked on her teeth. However, when she started saying and signing "all done", I have to admit I cried. She was trying to tell me in everyway she could that she had had enough. My heart broke. But just a couple minutes later she had her new beautiful teeth and she was asking to play with legos. Such a trooper. I love her.

Chipped teeth

2009-11-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened. We have our first "expensive" accident. While playing at the park today another girl pushed Macy and she fell to the ground and chipped her two front teeth. I didn't notice it while at the park or I might have gotten the ladies info to make her pay the dentist! We are going first thing in the morning to get them fixed. I'm worried because they are so sharp that she might cut her mouth, but so far so good. It doesn't seem to bother her much. It doesn't look good, but it could be worse. I would take a picture but my batteries are dead in my camera. I'll try to get one before we get them fixed, we'll see...

Dentist Visit

2009-10-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

The kids went to the dentist last night. They did a GREAT job! They sat in the chair and let Miss Megan count their teeth, floss, and clean their teeth. They did awesome! They each took a comfort with them to sit with them in the chair. Macy took Mickey and Connor took his bear. Macy cleaned Mickey's teeth, and Connor cleaned bears teeth. It was a such a good time! We love Dr. Alsbaugh, Dr. Mike is what the kids call him!

Potty Training!

2009-10-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

We began talking about potty training Macy awhile ago. We pumped her up about it and on Saturday I took her to the store to buy her potty, her big girl underwear, and her treats. (She chose M&M's because, M is for Macy!) We started on Sunday, only to have Connor out-do Macy! By 10am he had pee'd three times in the potty. Needless to say, I took him to the store that morning to buy his big boy underwear and potty. He has been doing awesome! He has kept his underwear dry for two days now and even pooped in the potty!

We have decided to hold off on training Macy, she is holding her pee so long, that I'm afraid she'll get a UTI and then it will hurt to pee. Then it might be forever before she would potty train again. We'll try again later, but for now we are concentrating on getting Connor able to leave the house!

I have to admit I'm glad. I was prepared to potty train one kid, not two! It took me a little bit to get used to the idea and now that we are back to one (even if it isn't the same one!) things aren't as hard as they were! One is a cinch, especially when the one child is so excited about it!

Here are a few pics of the last few days!

Colorado Vacation!

2009-10-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

We took a vacation to Colorado to see Brian's cousin get married. We saw a lot of family and had a great time! The kids loved seeing Auntie, Uncle Sean, Lola, and Grandpa. We went to the Children's Museum on Thursday while we waited to pick up the family from the airport. We toured downtown Denver with the family on Friday and took some really cute pictures! Saturday was the wedding and Kirsten looked amazing. After the wedding we headed for Aspen and visited family there. It is as beautiful as everyone says it is. We will be going back...often. Enjoy the pictures!

Thomas the Train!

2009-09-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

We went to Thomas the Train on Saturday! The kids LOVED it! Connor couldn't stop telling everyone we were going to see Thomas. It was a great day. My sister and two of her kids went with us. We got to play with trains, get conductor hats, get tattoos, and get animal balloons. We had wonderful weather for it, and it was a great day!

The kids love talking about Thomas and would gladly tell you that trains don't say choo choo, they say push. When the train was taking off, the conductor told us to tell Thomas to push! Macy thought it was Thomas talking to her!

Prayers

2009-09-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

We pray before we eat and I was finally able to get a picture of it. They each have their own distinct style! You should hear them pray, it is priceless. Dear Jesus, thank you for this food. AMEN!

Dress up

2009-09-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Boy do our kids love dress up! Actually, Connor loves it way more than Macy! Here are a few pictures of them. Brian will kill me for posting these!

Poop in the potty!

2009-09-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Before getting in the bathtub the other night, Brian asked Macy if she wanted to sit on the potty and try and she said yes. She sat there and then got up to show Brian her poopy! She pooped in the potty! We haven't even started potty training, we're just talking about it. She is ready! However, we are waiting till after we get back from driving to Colorado in October. Connor then wanted to sit on the potty, he sat and pointed "it" down and then got up. He got a little jealous of the yippee's and hooray's Macy got I think. He doesn't seem as ready as Macy, so I'm starting to think that I'll just start with her and see if he gets more interested.

I know this was not "normal" or any indication of how things will go, but it was refreshing to know that she is really ready to start potty training. It makes me more excited about it!

Consignment sale

2009-09-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone in the area on Saturday, Sept. 12th is welcome to come to our twins club consignment sale. It opens at 8am and goes til 2pm. It's at the Nazarene church on Blvd and 33rd in Edmond. Clothes, bath stuff, car seats, furniture, shoes, coats, costumes, maternity, etc.

Everyones welcome!

A couple new things...

2009-09-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Connor has finally started saying his name correctly...it used to be Nonnor, now he can say Connor! Yeah! I think he's done calling Macy Mimi though...that makes me sad. That was his little name for her. Now he loves saying Macy, he draws out the syllables and tilts his head, it is so cute.

Macy loves to "boing"ing her curls. Gigi taught her that this past weekend, and she laughs so hard when she does it she can hardly breathe...hilarious.

After I put them to bed they are staying up later and later to talk to each other, up to an hour after bedtime I can still hear them laughing and chatting. Most nights I hear them repeating their prayers over and over again. We pray for our family and friends each night and they can repeat those prayers endlessly. I love it.

They are really good at their colors now, and love to show off. They can each do 1,2,3 now, (Macy can go to 5) only because we count to three before we swing them. We use any motivation we can! Eventually we will be counting to 20 before we swing them!

Macy is using 4-5 word sentences, Connor is 3-4 words. I love it, but it makes them sound so much older!!!

I am finding that time is speeding up. I have learned to cherish each step they take, however the steps keep coming faster and faster. I don't have time to get used to one before they are starting something new again. I know this is the way it goes, I know, I know. I just don't want to blink for fear they will be in Kindergarten when I open my eyes.

Movie night!

2009-08-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

We conquered our first movie as a family! I'm not talking about renting one and sitting on the couch, we actually went to the dollar movies and watched UP! The kids did great! (as long as we had popcorn!) Every Sunday night is our "Family Night" and we try to do activities as a family. We decided that tonight, even though the weather was AMAZING, that we would try a movie. We love the dollar movies, and if the kids didn't do well it didn't cost us an arm and a leg. I was so proud of them. Macy ate one popcorn kernel at a time and Connor shoved fist-fulls into his mouth non-stop. After we got home we took the dogs for a walk and enjoyed even more family time.

Today's weather was amazing and we are looking forward to MANY more days like this!

Talking about Potty training

2009-08-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

So we have begun just talking to the kids about potty training. Reading books, letting them watch us, (another lovely part of parenting, you never pee alone) etc. One night we were out back playing and I stripped them down to nothing. I told them that they could go pee pee if they wanted. Macy squatted like she was playing baseball and pee pee'd twice! Connor didn't really want to, but finally after I started washing the dog he came over and pee pee'd next to us! I almost missed it! The picture of Macy is right before she pee pee'd and Connor is pointing to the spot he pee pee'd in!

Christmas Carol Train

2009-08-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

As a promotion for the upcoming movie, "A Christmas Carol" there was a free train tour with a lot of the costumes and masks, as well as clips of the film that came through town. Brian took a long lunch on Friday and we took the kids. They are SO into trains that they couldn't stop talking about it. We went to McDonald's after the tour for lunch.

Spaghetti night!

2009-08-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

The kids both love spighetti, which makes it one of my favorites as well. There is no fighting them to eat it. Plain noodles, white sauce, or red sauce, they don't care. They can't get enough of it! My mom has a picture of us kids after eating spighetti with napkins on our heads. I had to snap these in rememberance of those days...

Long time...

2009-08-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged...my dear friend Julie has just helped me get connected again. I'll catch you all up on everything soon...

New thing

2009-07-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

The kids started crossing their legs a couple weeks ago, but I have forgotten to write it down! They are adorable when they plop down and work hard to get their legs in just the right position. Everyday they make me laugh, amaze me, and make me so proud. I am loving every minute, even the hard ones, of being a mom.

Orange Day

2009-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

We started the day off earlier than any other this week. I think everyone was ready for our tea party! During snack this morning we had our tea party, it was fabulous! The girls wore their "big" hats, and the little ones joined in at the picnic table. I think it was the longest tea party on record! It didn't end until all the orange kool-aid was gone!

The weather was actually nice this morning, so we played outside all morning. It was a nice relief from the hot temps we've been having. We ate our grilled cheese sandwhiches, goldfish, carrots and cantelope for lunch and then the little ones went down for a nap. Now the older girls are playing cards and going to watch a movie during nap time.

After nap we will leave to go meet Jackie, Bob, and Sam in Tulsa. I think I could do this for several more days, it has been so much fun. GiGi is the luckiest grandma in the world to have such GREAT grandkids!

Green Day!

2009-07-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today was our green day with the cousins. I think this day almost broke GiGi and I! We got up early and went to the zoo this morning. We dressed in our green shirts so we could find everyone quickly if need be...there was never a need. :) After the zoo we went to the mall and played in the play area. We had intended to play in the zoo's playground, but we wanted out of the 104 degree heat. So we opted for the cooler version of it! Forgetting how long it takes to load and unload 6 kids, 3 in car seats, we decided against going home for lunch and ate at the food court at the mall. (so much for green food today!) Much easier...sort of. We of course sat everyone down first and gave the little ones snacks to keep the screaming down, and then had to order in shifts since we were headed to several different places to eat...after all, it is a food court! We had some interesting looks but made it through beautifully.

Then we headed home for naps that were very needed. After naps the older girls decorated their hats they'll be wearing for the tea party tomorrow and made their pizza's for dinner. We played after dinner and gave the kids baths. Now that they are in bed we are going to decorate our cookies for the tea party tomorrow and eat popcorn and watch a movie. Sounds perfect!

I have had such a GREAT time with everyone, and I know GiGi has too. There is something special about getting all the cousins (minus baby Sam) together for some good old fashion fun!

Yellow Day!

2009-07-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

As I said in the last blog, we have a color for each day the cousins are here...today was yellow. Mac and cheese, and bananas for lunch! We swam at a neighbor's pool this morning, most of us anyway. GiGi stayed at our house with Macy and Will while I had Connor, Maddie, Katie, and Aubri. She wanted to give me some time with just one of mine...I must admit it was nice.

While the little ones took naps, the older ones painted a mini tea set for our tea party on Thursday. This evening we at breakfast for dinner, a huge hit. Then I took Maddie and Aubri to see Monsters vs. Aliens. Katie stayed and helped GiGi with the little ones and played card games after they went to bed.

We have big plans for tomorrow! Up early to beat the heat at the zoo! Hopefully we'll all get a nap tomorrow as well! Going from 2 kids to 6 kids in a day can really wear you out!!!

We'll post pictures of our adventures tomorrow!

Visitors

2009-07-13T10:17:00.001-07:00

We have our cousins here to visit us! All 6 grandkids are here while Auntie Jackie (AJ) spends time with her newborn, baby Sam. We got home yesterday afternoon and went to Incredible Pizza for dinner. Such fun!! It made for a late night, giving 3 two year olds baths, and a 6 year old, 9 year old, and 12 year old showered. Aubri, the oldest, went with me to do the shopping and we got to bed late!

Each day we have a color that represents the day. Today was red. We ate red things, used red things, etc. There is a picture of us eating at our red table. There is also a picture of us as we started our trip yesterday. All PILED in the suburban.

We swam this morning and played in the backyard. There are a couple of pictures of the little ones, now known as "the kids" as well as a picture of the older ones, now known as "the girls". They got tired of the heat and went in to do crafts. :)

Having a wonderful time, loving all the time with the cousins!

Cute pics

2009-06-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

We were outside and snapped a few pics. Connor and Macy have recently figured out that their pants have pockets. They are obsessed with them! They (especially Connor) wants his hands in his pockets at all times! So funny!

I am so thrilled that these two are such good friends. They can fight, don't get me wrong, but mainly they are best friends. I had forgotten what it is like to go everywhere with your best friend, it's very comforting. I hope they always know how lucky they are.

Spaghetti

2009-06-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Usually when we eat spaghetti the kids eat plain noodles and meatballs. This day however, they wanted the sauce. Of course they were stripped down to diapers before eating. I found spaghetti sauce in every crevice.

Dress up

2009-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

The kids were having fun in my closet one day. Blackmail picture later, sorry Connor!

Another summer day....

2009-06-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

After the kids took a walk with Brian this evening, they had a little treat afterwards.

On another note, the other day I was driving with the kids and I heard a word from the backseat that I was a bit bothered by. Macy, our little parrot that is repeating everything lately, said a word that I can't even type. I kept asking her, "What did you say?" Again, and again I heard this word I couldn't believe I was hearing. My sweet little girl was saying something I don't even say! When I came to a stop light I turned around to look at her, thinking that watching her mouth move would make the word coming out if it be different. It didn't work. But I did notice what it was she was pointing to. I couldn't help but laugh. It was a frog. Since then the words fork and duck are sounding suspicious as well.

Play day

2009-06-15T18:08:00.001-07:00

Connor had a bit of a rough day, his teeth are still bothering him. I took them to the office today to nap for the first time there. It went ok, but not great. We are hoping the kids can take naps down at the office about 3 times a week so I can help out at the office more.

After nap we came home and and we (I) blew up the pool for the first time and the kids had a ball! After the way Macy acted in Virginia at the pool I was a little worried she wouldn't have fun. Boy was I wrong! The kids had SO much fun! We had dinner outside on our new picnic table from GiGi. The kids were hilarious! It was a good afternoon and evening.

Connor's teeth

2009-06-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Connor had a high temperature that began yesterday. I thought it was too high to be teeth, but he finally let me look in his mouth this evening and his two final molars are coming in. It has never bothered me when the kids are teething, but it has hit me pretty hard that these are his last two teeth! Never again will he be teething. I can't explain why this hit me hard, but it has. It's one of those moments...

Final pictures of vacation

2009-06-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Connor and Macy in their car seats at airport

Twins in Mary Washingtons backyard

Mommy and kids in the same backyard

Pictures galore

2009-06-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Macy and Connor at Mary Washington's house

Relaxing in hotel

Family photo

Macy next to a civil war cannon

Connor next to the same big gun.

Again, more pictures

2009-06-10T19:18:00.001-07:00

Kids picking strawberries

Kids at the beach

Kids in the kiddie pool

More pictures

2009-06-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Lauren, Brittany, and Courtney, the Bouchez girls!

Kevin was Connor's favorite buddy.

Graduation day.

Kids in the hotel having a good time.

Blowing off steam in a mall.

More pictures

2009-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Blowing off more steam at the mall.

Snacks in the car.

Enjoying Grants Farm in St. Louis

Virginia Vacation!

2009-06-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Kids looking at chicks at Grants Farm

Feeding the goats at Grants Farm

Family photo

Cute kids

We have been gone a week and we are glad to be home. The kids did amazing on the drive there as well as the plane ride home. We had a great time and enjoyed seeing Auntie Lauren graduate from High School!

Here are some of the highlight photos

Picture Day

2009-06-01T18:53:00.001-07:00

Oh what a day! Actually, picture day was yesterday but I was so exhausted from it all I couldn't write! We had two sittings done yesterday. One sitting at Portrait Innovations where you can get a whole bunch of pictures for only $10, and that was the picture of the twins together. We did this one in the morning. I do believe it was one of the worst mommy moments I've ever had. Let me explain...Everyone was in a good mood, full, well rested, etc. Everything you hope for on picture day, right?? Well, once we walked into our little picture room the mood changed. Macy of course was shy, but nice. Connor however was screaming. And when I say screaming, I mean ear piercing screaming.
Brian had gone with us to help, and maybe even get in a couple shots. He thought we should "be consistant" and discipline Connor for his behavior. I however believe picture day is the only day you let things slide and just try to "make nice". So Brian and I were a little miffed at each other, Connor only wants to sit on mommy, and Macy is just sitting there nicely staring at everyone. Brian and I, at the photographers request...how sad, stepped out of the room. All I could hear was Connor screaming and these two wonderful ladies doing everything imaginable to get the kids to smile. We stepped back in after a bit and tried to salvage what we could. We finally called it quits, and decided if he was crying, frowning, screaming, running, etc. in the picture that was going to be the picture. It would be a true representation of them being 2. :)
So, after the picture session was over and we left the little room, Connor was hamming it up! Brian and I looked at each other and couldn't believe it. It was like a switch had gone off! He was smiling, running, laughing, dancing, everything we had been trying to get him to do in the room! Augh! There was ONE picture of the two of them in which he didn't have his mouth wide open in a scream and tears running down his face. That's the one we got. (I almost bought another one, just to be funny, but decided against it!)
While I was paying Connor decided to act up. Again. By this time, there were lots of parents around and I was getting the "can't you control you kid" looks. I was mortified. I have never felt like "THAT" parent before. Never again will I judge a parent based on their kids behavior. Anyway, we left and I never want to show my face in there again.

So, of course we still have one more sitting to go to! The kids ate a good lunch, and went down for a nap. At 2:45 I had to wake Macy up, which wasn't a good start to things. Of course this is the day she decides to take a long nap! We get them changed and I took them to the appointment alone. Brian didn't go with us this time, less stressful. :) A friend that knows the kids well met us there and she took care of one while the other was getting photographed. Connor was a hit. He didn't cry, scream, frown, or throw a tamtrum. It was amazing. I would never have believed this was the same kid. Macy, however, wasn't that into it so she didn't want to smile. Will there ever be a day that I will get both kids to smile at the same time?
By the end of the day I was exhausted. Never again will I schedule multiple sessions on one day. I learned my lesson.

When I get the pictures I'll put them on here. You'll know which are the "bad" session and which are the "good" session pictures!

Laughing...

2009-05-25T21:42:00.001-07:00

I know I say this about every stage, but this stage in the kids' life is my favorite. They are so funny! They are talking a lot more, Macy especially. I have a couple funny stories to share with you...

We were at a friends house the other day and as we walked outside to get into the car Connor thought it was time to play outside. My friends little one (the same age as the kids) escaped and he and Connor were running around like banshies together. Funny in its own right, but to add to that Macy walked over to Connor and said, "no, no" (with finger pointed of course)and tapped him on the bottom as if to spank him. We were rolling at this point! Connor of course had no idea she had even touched him but it was one of those moments I wish I had on video.

We were all sitting in the living room just playing. Macy was sitting next to me and I heard her toot. We laughed at it and then she decided to investigate it more. She stood up, leaned over so her hands were on the floor in front of her and inspected underneath her. She was looking for what came out! Cracked us up!

There are hundreds of these little stories. Spend a day with us, you'll have the best laugh you've had in years!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day. We went to early church this morning and at breakfast afterward. The kids sat in a "real" chair today due to lack of highchairs. They did really well actually. They cracked us up all morning. Connor would yell out, "daddy" and Macy would shhh him. At one point yelling back to him, "No screaming, no screaming." So funny.

My Mother's Day present from Brian was him cleaning the house. He recruited the kids to help him. I have video of this and I'm trying to figure out how to get it on the computer. When I do I'll show you.

Mother's Day is and forever will be a day I cherish. It's one of my favorite days of the year.

March for Babies

2009-05-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

I know it has taken me awhile. I told you I wasn't going to be able to do this everyday! Anyway, last Saturday we were supposed to walk in the March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk. AJ, Bob, Maddie, Will, Aubri, KK, and GG came to walk with us only to have it cancelled due to weather! It was such a bummer! But instead of sitting around doing nothing, we went to the science museum here in OKC. We had a great day. Afterward, we ate and then the babies napped, as well as most adults! We went and got free ice cream at Braum's before everyone headed home. It really turned out to be a great day!

This week was hectic. We left on Sunday afternoon to go to Pittsburg for a couple days for Papa's birthday. We left Tuesday evening and Connor had a 104 temp. After making sure it was going down, we rushed home only to have the next couple days be not so fun with fever. Macy is starting to have a running nose, but that could be from her teething. Those darn molars! We had our friend Logan over for a playdate all day Thursday and then he and his 2 brothers came over today while their parents went to see Star Trek. We had a great time!

This is Mother's Day weekend and I am sick. Augh. Bad cold and stuff. Brian took the kids on errands with him late this afternoon and brought home a pizza. That was nice. It was some good daddy time, but I was ready for them to home. We had a great pizza dinner, hardly any clean up, and then baths and bed. Nice day.

I tried to get pictures posted of the day, but I am unable to do it for some reason. I'll work on it.

Doctor visit

2009-04-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

The kids had their 2 year check ups. Of course they cried as soon as the doctor came in the room. Thankfully Brian was able to meet us at the appointment so he could have one screaming kid and I could have the other. Macy especially hates the doctor. She just has to walk in the room for the tears to start. Connor will at least wait till the doc starts coming for him! Macy is finally on the growth chart for weight and height. She's in the 5th percentile, Connor is in the 10th percentile for weight and height. Everything looks healthy. I was concerned about Connor's hips, he runs while turning his whole body. The doctor looked at his hips and joints and thought everything was fine. That's good. They did get shots. Their second Hep B shot and their MMR. That is what makes me glad Brian came, the nurse doesn't give me much time between kids, so it's hard to soothe one before I have to hold the other one down.
I think Macy is getting another tooth, it would be her first molar. She has been chomping on her fingers for quite awhile, but now the diarrhea has started so the tooth should be here soon. Hopefully!
We are having a quiet day at home getting caught up on laundry, cleaning, and playing with our own toys.

Just another day

2009-04-27T20:32:00.001-07:00

Today was a great day. We stayed busy and the kids got to play with their "buddies" while mommy had an appointment. Today was a great reminder of something I had forgotten. Whenever you have a day like yesterday that makes you think, "Really? This is what I signed up for??", the next day is a new day. Wonderful, sweet, kind, funny kids can emerge from the same room you left little monsters last night! It's a beautiful thing.
The other night Macy was having a hard time sleeping so after listening to her for awhile, I went in and rocked her. (something I don't get to do that much of) I always love this time with whoever it is that I'm rocking, alone time with one of the kids is rare, so I soak up what I can. She was laying in my arms and my mind, sadly, was on a million things and not relishing this time as much as usual. I looked down at her and she looked back at me and as straight faced as she could she pressed her lips together and made the "P" sound at me repeatedly and turned away. For some strange reason this struck me as hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing! She took note of that and after I calmed down, she repeated this several times. She never laughed or showed any emotion, just wanted to make me laugh. In the days that have followed, every now and again she will walk straight up to me and pop her "P's" at me and just bring me to tears! She now knows how to make mommy laugh and uses it to her advantage!

2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

The twins turned 2! It is hard to believe that we were blessed two years ago with Connor and Macy. It seems like yesterday as well as 20 years ago! They are typical 2 year olds...laughing, talking, fighting, running, fighting, eating, fighting, hugging, fighting, etc. Days like today make me wonder what happened to my sweet babies! :) They are definately testing the waters.

Brian is in Seattle with his family and the kids are missing him like crazy. Every other question is "where's daddy?"