Moving!

In hopes of kicking my ass into writing/posting more I've decided to migrate the blog over to Wordpress. 

I'll have a little more control over the vision of the blog which in turn will hopefully help me be a little more involved. 

We have a lot TONS to catch up on since the last I posted but rather than fill you in 100% I'll probably just pick up some where near by and slowly randomly add old things...just to jar my memory and things of that nature!

So be on the look out for an update on the migration and the new URL! 

Preschool

The picture says it all! They are officially in Preschool and have survived their first day! 

It's so bitter sweet when it comes to them being gone every other day for a few hours. I didn't cry on the day of, but I cried the night before. More so for the worry that I wont be able to protect them from everything, that they will experience things that may hurt them in some sort of way. That's all about growing up right? But what if I don't want them to grow up! NO I TELL YOU! On the other hand it is going to be nice to have a little time in the morning to myself, doing things that need to be done or heck even things that I just want to do. 

Regardless of my woes they were so excited! They couldn't wait to meet the kids and learn the ABC's with their teacher. 

Let us not even forget how much they love having back packs. They loaded them up with toys and wanted to take the toys to class..of course that wasn't going to happen and caused a ruckus. 

It was so different going back to school shopping for my own kids! I was having a mini panic attack as I ran around the stores thinking of what they will need for the upcoming fall season (still no coats chosen as the Mr and I couldn't agree to colors and styles, haha wow). Silly reason for stress but alas it happened. 

They are growing into their own little people and it's a blessing that we get to witness it. Although coming into their 3's I've decided that people who warn you about the "Terrible 2's" need more warn you about the "Terrible 3's". We've had more meltdowns, tantrums, fights and everything in between over the summer of them turning 3 than we ever had while they were 2! 

Besides the emotional roller coaster that is children. It's a blessing in disguise of two little gremlins ;)

So far this year...

Life is constantly getting more and more crazy as the twins grow older. They are trying new things and testing not only their limits but ours. This last May they turned 3 and show their age by throwing fits but making big steps in things like riding their bikes and swimming without our help. We find them clothe-less more often than not. Which I don't really mind and want them to enjoy being toddlers [still babies to me]. 

O weighs about 32 lbs while K is as usual one pound behind. They both know their letters very well and shapes are easy peasy. 

The strider bikes we got them for their 2nd birthday are getting great use as they now can ride down our little hill without putting their feet down! I took them on their first motorcycle ride on their little Suzuki 80. They were nervous of the noise at first but then asked for more. [girls after their mothers heart]  Of course as usual they are little fish and love to swim. We purchased them those life jackets that go around the arms and then the chest. They love them and just recently took the step to letting go of mom and dad to swim on their own like "doggies" as they say. 

They tend to get bumps and bruises much more often than their mother would like but I cant help but see a little bit of me in them. Especially little K who just seems to be a spittin' image of me...scary in some ways I suppose! Lets me know what I have coming. :) 

Their grandpa moved away to LA for 6 months and it was always a treat when he came home and they got to play with him. Easter was especially fun as they ran around asking where the Easter bunny left them eggs. 

They are the light of our lives and even though there have been struggles and bumps along the way, waking up to them smiling every day is a blessing. We have  had some rough spots that I wont bore you with today, and I know it has effected them with the stress levels. Luckily things are always overcome with a little faith and love. It also helps to have such loving family so near and close to our hearts. 

Once they slightly understood what prayer was we have started having them say it regularly before bed. They love it and even though they may not fully understand I think it's a great thing to have them recognize the thanks with should give. 

Our little family tugs at my heart in all the good ways. Watching us grow, watching them grow, and wondering what the future will bring. We try to live it to its fullest. Get out as much as we can, explore where we can when we can. I want them to grow up with the childhood I had. My younger years are some of the fondest memories of my life. So many amazing things I was able to discover. I have my parents to thank for that. I truly hope that we are able to bring those same opportunities to them throughout their lives. Only thing they have to worry about is that I'm no girly girl..so they may have to look to their grandmas for those "make-up" tips. ;) 

[CHEAP] Organic Facial Scrub

OK ladies! (Hello again.) Since I have been in bed for nearly 3 days straight now Pinterest has been my best friend and for once I found something I sincerely had to share since it's something I've always had a struggle with. 

 This little concoction helps even skin tone, rid of blemishes, reduce sun spotting, clear face of self tanner, rid face of oily dead cells, leaving your face with a natural shine and glow!  It's like an expensive facial peel without the expense! 

How is it cheap!? Well all you need are these items:

Organic Sugar or Brown Sugar-

Lemons (or lemon juice in a bottle)-

Cotton Balls or Cotton Rounds-

I found all this easily already on hand at home and got right to work.

1. Wet face with warm water to open up pores.

2. Wet cotton round with lemon juice.

3. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of wet cotton round

(If you have excess sugar on your fingers just wipe off on face. :)

4. Thoroughly start rubbing on face like at a car wash. Being sure to pay close attention to the problem areas, such as around the nose, above the eye brows, upper lip, and hairline.

5. Once you've done a good job of scrubbing away the nasty! Rinse! 

You can do this once a week, every day, twice a week, whatever you feel your skin can handle. I personally have very sensitive skin, scar easy, and redden easily but have found that even after one try my skin felt super soft, refreshed and little to NO irritation! I even noticed the tone of my face to be smoother and less blotchy. 

Coming from someone who has struggled with facial, well, everything! I'm so happy I found this easy to do organic method that has made my miserable week into something a little more bright! 

Give it a shot and leave me a comment on how yours felt/turned out! :)

{Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!}

Moving forward

Why am I so lucky? 

Drama happens everywhere with everyone. Everyone has problems and obstacles they have to overcome. No one life is the same. Which in turn makes it hard for others to understand the difficulty of your own. 

This little family has had their ups and downs but I'm trying really hard to put things into perspective. To realize that as long as we have each other we can overcome these obstacles and also realize that everyone is different and we just need to be there for one another. 

In the end I'm lucky for all that I have and am able to accomplish. 

Sorry for the quality of the photos. I haven't moved them from my Lappy to my Desktop yet so I'm using re-saved grainy images. :)

This summer has come and gone we have been so very busy. Our vacations have been amazing and the twins wont stop growing. 

I don't normally openly talk about our religious beliefs. Mostly due to the "book by it's cover" policy. If some people were to know that I grew up LDS many would instantly assume I was a specific way. Without getting to know the history behind everything leading to this point.

I have not been active in the church since I was 19. At which point I was a nursery teacher along side my mother. I enjoyed it. I love kids. I have always had second thoughts and doubts in my mind about the Church though. Mostly based on past experiences that I wont really go into at this point..maybe another day.

Anyway, once my parents moved back to Washington I stopped going. I moved to another city and just never got involved in my ward. Through my doubts though I never once doubted my belief in the LDS church at the roots.  Again, more I could go into but wont.

The dude is a convert and, as well, hasn't been active for years. So when we met, it wasn't an issue or even really discussed. Until we had kids.

Once the twins were born we both felt like all children should have some backbone or stepping stone, I should say, of religion. At this point it was a matter of getting the push to finally go.

With things being hard and us struggling with things as a family, I started to really miss the church. The feeling that I got learning the things I did and how much I really did enjoy it. The support and friendship that I found with others through the church. Even if I chose not to see it at the time. To me it's been hard to just show up one day and say "Hey, I really didn't like coming to church for the 2 years we've lived here, so never did..but I'm here now!" 

But like I said, with things how they've been we felt like now was the right time. I feel like that was a good sign though, that we didn't force it, we didn't push ourselves into something we really weren't ready for.  

Waiting for the time that we felt was right, to me, was perfect.

So far, we've been a few times. The gremlins love their nursery and don't even seem to notice us leaving them behind. 

The first couple attempts us worried parents accompanied by my parents support, sat in the hall every now and then checking on the twins. Assuming at some point they would realize we were gone and scream. Or so we hoped as an excuse not to attend class.

With a little nudge from my dad though we did finally go to Sunday school this last weekend.

I will honestly say I didn't hate it. The things we spoke of and hearing the opinions of others was very refreshing and interesting. Even the dude enjoyed it, although he did admit during a semi important part he was lost in deep thought about Batman.  I couldn't argue...I too get lost in the awesome that is Batman. 

Most of this is a ramble, vent even. Very probably confusing and lost in translation! But bottom line, I think we are moving forward in directions that we should be. We are growing and repairing as a family, with support from so many around us as well.  

It's those little events and "mooshy gooshy" feelings that make me realize how great things are. As well as how much I should hold on to the tiny moments in life. Even if it takes large steps and struggles to get those moments. 

Like this for example:

Taking O and K to the ocean for the first time. :)

They grow up...

Most will agree..it's way too fast.  

I was going through pictures the other day of when they were new born's to 6 months. 

They were so cute, little, and pudgy! You just wanted to squeeze the guts out of the chub rolls, they were so adorable. (Yes, I'm biased)  

Now..  They are two 2 year old's ready to take on the world. Can you believe that? 8 week early preemies who now look and act like perfect, healthy, little angels. Not to mention I am proud to say that they are a good 90% potty trained at the age of 2! (the other 10% percent being the obstacle of the frightening public restrooms they refuse to enter) As long as we are only out and about an hour and a half or at some one else's home. We're golden!!  Boy is it nice to have no diapers in the house! 

People ask daily if it's hard to tell them apart. To be honest most the time yes.  That's because I know their personalities, how they hold themselves up, etc. But, I wont lie..there are plenty of times that I mistake one for the other, and to be honest as they have grown up, thinned out, and so on, it gets slightly harder to say right away: "oh yea, that's O." 

It's perfectly obvious how much they absolutely adore one another. I never thought I would get to experience such a close sisterly bond. Obviously they know no better, but it's still so beautiful to watch them learn with one another. To also teach each other new things, if one figures it out before the other. All children are miracles in my eyes but watching multiples grow up so close is a whole new experience that I wish everyone could enjoy.  

They take turns with each other, they give one another hugs if the other is hurt in any way. 

O will especially make sure "sissy" has a bear or stuffy before herself. She's such the mothering type it's amazes me.  How soft her heart is and how greatly she likes to take care of others just makes you melt.  She is also our dramatic of the two. Small things are made into large climactic events. The terrible two's should be spelled with her name in it! Fits are her cup of tea as her sister sits back with a look of "woman...chillllll!"  

K on the other hand is quiet, daring, loving, but most of all my ball of energy. Ironically enough mostly when she is tired. It's as though a switch is flipped and she will start asking you questions you could have never thought anyone would be interested in.  Her smiles lights up your life whenever she is proud or excited about something new. My parents always told me I had it coming. I would get a daughter who was just like me. Well, parents are always right people. Because sure enough Little Miss K is exactly like her mother. Leap before you think kind of a girl. After my own heart. <3

(had to get a shot of Aussie's skills!)

As you can imagine they love to play with "oussie" and "kona". Most the time walking around telling them what to do. But, also while outside throwing the ball, or chasing them around. Aussie is a perfect older brother. Letting them roll around on him or hold on to his back fur as he drags them around the house.  He more than loves the attention.

To say it lightly it's been an emotional couple of years. From a girl who never wanted to get married, not to mention have kids! To getting blessed with two amazing little girls. My heart is so full of love when I'm around them. 

I'll be starting school again tomorrow and being away from them during their bedtime stories is going to be another one of those silly hardest things of my life. It's a great thing to hear "Mommy, BOOOK!" as I get them ready to snuggle in bed. Or, "hug mommy, lub jew" just as they lay down to sleep. 

This last year especially has just been a busy whirl wind of crazy. I missed their birthday post..our vacation post..a post of potty training progress.  And in reality so much more. I suppose that should be my highest goal:

Time Management!

Wish me luck ;)

What they're up to

   This coming month will count the 2 year mark these two have been in our lives.  Can you believe it?  TWO years! I sure can't.  Pretty sure we have fallen more and more in love with these gremlins as the months go on.  

    Oakley is still a little bigger than her sister.  But not by much.  We are guessing they weigh about 25lbs now.  They both have most of their teeth in.  Those vampires are just finishing.  

They still sleep in cribs and have yet to try and climb out. We are in shock really at the fact they have yet to attempt to do so.  Naps are still a regular thing.  Generally every day from 1:30-4:30.  I don't know what I'll do when they refuse to do so.  It's my time to get things done I need.  

We thought they would never talk, but now it seems we can't get them to be quiet. ;)  
They copy and say almost everything we do.
If you never believed that twins had their own language. Come spend a few hours with these ones.  The use complete sentences, usually only to each other.  Most the time we can't make sense of it but most the time it's the best part of our days.  
Aussie Bear has become their best friend.  He lets them hold on to his fur and drags them around the house.  They often use him as a pillow or to sit by and read to him.  
Books are still their favorite thing to occupy their time.  They love to be read to, but are definitely OK with just sitting together and reading by themselves.  


Kenzington has shown us she is the adventurous one of the two.  She will jump off the couch first, climb as high as she can first, and try out new things first.  I imagine most mothers would be worried or nervous to have a kid so willing to take risks.  In all honesty it makes me so excited to get her going on bikes, motorcycles, snowboarding and more!  


Oakley isn't against being out there but she will sit back and watch to make sure "sissy" doesn't end up hurt. Even then she often just takes a leap of faith, ha!  She has shown us how motherly she is towards others.  Making sure to gives hugs and kisses if anyone is upset or crying.  Even just on the drive by she'll stop to give a hug and smile.  It's something that pulls on those little heart strings.  


             Call us crazy, but we started potty training about a month ago.  K was showing all the signs of being ready.  She would hide in the corner, get mad when her diaper was wet or messy or even just tell us she went potty.  We went for the Naked Butt potty training.  Keeping them naked from the waist down for a solid three days and consistently putting them on the potty.  They still run around in just undies or nothing at all if we are at home to keep it easy for them to run to and from the potties.  
One thing I do want to address is that ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!  We have been told so many times even after having just one accident, that we should give up.  That doesn't make sense to me.  They love running around in their undies now that it's warmer.  They also love telling us and showing us they can use the potty themselves.  So why on earth would we put them back in diapers just because they couldn't run to the bathroom in time once and a while?  It's a work in progress, Dr's and books even say that depending on the kid it could happen over night or it could take years of training.  
To us it's about being positive.  Letting them know "Pee Pee goes in the potty", if they do make a mistake.  But positively reinforcing them when they are successful. We are down to 0-1 accidents a day and have yet to have any accidents while out on the town.  They do wear diapers or pull ups at night or nap time.  Even then their diapers have been getting drier and drier at night as the weeks go on.  

I can't even express how proud and happy they make me.  They have been through some amazing things in their short 2 years.  I can only imagine the ones they have ahead.  Every day they show us something new and simple things we should all sit back and enjoy!  
I'm lucky enough I get to spend most my day with them before heading off to class at night. It's hard to leave at dinner and not come home till they are fast asleep.  But in the long run it is what is best for our little family.  I am just so thankful that from 8am-5:30pm I get to share all the new things they are experiencing each day.  I get to hear those adorable voices as I go to wake them saying "mommy! Momma!".  That's something I don't think even words can describe.  

Weekend Memories

I know living for the weekends is a bad way to do it.  But I love weekends like this last one. 
It was just such a beautiful weekend in general. The sun was always shining down on our faces, the smell of crisp spring was in the air as we chased the kids around the yard.  As much as being lazy and cuddling sounded nice, it was much more pleasant to sit outside watching the world.
 Friday the Twins and I spent all day with my mom.  We went shopping, keeping the grownups busy as we chased the gremlins around the store.  We had a super yummy lunch at Chili's, all of us getting full on the chips and dip before our food even arrived.

Spending the rest of the evening playing outside, watching movies, and relaxing.  

Saturday was a nice little break as the twins went off to play at their other grandma's all day with their cousin.  Playing in the sand box, sitting on the 4-wheeler and having a ball.  Giving me some nice quiet time at home.  It was just an added bonus that by the time they got home they had played so much they were exhausted.  Went right to sleep and even woke up later than usual.  

Sunday was a very spiritual, happy, and sad day all in one.  My mom has been working for the same doctor for....More than 16yrs?  He has been a huge part of our families lives just for how often he has been there for us.  From being there for my first surgery when I was in 6th grade, inviting us to Ethiopia in 2005 to blessing and being there for the twins when they were in the NICU.  Him and his wife are going on a mission to Brazil to provide medical care.  We are so excited for them!  I'm thinking Skype doctor calls?  Hehe.  

Despite needing to do homework in the back of my mind most the weekend, it was a very fun and loving weekend.  One that I wont forget too easily. :p  

I hope everyone else had a great weekend as well!

 {Happy Monday!} ❤

Holidays

Already?  It's already 2012?  I don't think so.  I'm pretty sure I'm still stuck in the past. 

Or at least I like to pretend I am, ha.

The holidays came and went for us very quickly.  Just as it does for some if not all of you.  It has been more entertaining this year as the Twins notice all the lights and music around them.  They loved dancing to Christmas music and watching the lights on the trees. 

We spent Thanksgiving with the in laws and had an amazing large and filling meal on top of kids trying to swallow marbles and fall down stairs.  

Christmas was much more boring and lazy. Or I should just say lazy.  That always means it was a great holiday!  I ended up staying up most the night with a restless O, and waking up early to watch as they the gremlins ripped at their wrapping paper.  Enjoying the box and paper afterwards.  

2011 was an alright year.  The beginning was much better than the ending but I think we enjoyed it non the less!  With the girls walking, talking and slowly showing us how crazy and energetic they really are- I feel like 2012 will be an even better year!  

I'll be starting at a new school this semester.  Giving me the entire day to be with the twins and then only 3 evenings a week in class.  I'm excited and nervous all at once.  It is taking some big steps and changes to go to this school and just need to trust in myself that I can get this done for my kids.  

I hope everyone had amazing holidays and kept safe and warm!  We have yet to have snow here and if it's going to be like that I may just move to Florida! ;)  

Either way, I'm off to bath some children who conveniently covered themselves in oatmeal!  

{Happy Wednesday in 2012! }❤