I can't get over how much Bryce looks like Kendal and Brody looks like Blake. It's like I have the same 2 babies all over again. It really is something else. 

The days are flying by and I have very little time to do anything.  Josh is working all day so it's just the me and the twins home during the day. 

Our routine is:

8 am- Bottle

10 am- Nap

12pm- food and bottle

1 pm- Nap

2:45-3 Pick up older 2 and bottle

5 pm- Daddy gets home and mommy gets help and it's wonderful. 

The day is BUSY and goes by fast!

I have tried to squeeze in some exercise time by joining aerobics. Not only is it time for myself but it's also a good stress relief. With 4 kids I need to get into shape. And I am about to be chasing after 2 toddlers. Prayers please. 

The babies are now 9 months. They aren't doing everything they should be at 9 months but they are getting there. They are like 7 month old babies so they will do things on their terms. Perfectly fine with me. I am being patient with them. 

Some days I feel alone and would give anything to have my mom here to help me through this. Taking care of twins all day can be so tiring and nerve wracking. I do the best I can and I remember this verse and it helps:

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

I know God gave me these babies for a reason. And they have brought me so much happiness and joy. Being blessed with twins is the best! 

It's amazing how you can have 2 and then 4 and adore them all the same. Every smile warms my heart the same. When you have 4 beautiful faces in front of you, you can't help but feel overjoyed. And I am. I love them all so much. And couldn't imagine my life without any of them. They are all sweet and loving. Part me and part their dad. And that to me is perfect! Absolutely divine. 

Twintots

I think back to this time last year and I was pregnant with twins and didn't even know it. I knew I was pregnant but had no idea there was 2 of them. I knew I was more tired than normal but, I blamed it on my age. While we were Christmas shopping I complained of having very little energy. I tired out so quickly. I slept more than enough and still felt tired. I just felt way different than the other pregnancies and now I know why!

I am so glad they are here and healthy. All we went through to have them and realizing they are just what we needed to make our family complete. What we didn't know we wanted turned out to be our biggest blessing. But God already knew that. 

One day one may get more attention than the other or some days they both demand it. Whatever it is, they get what they need. I am very tired. Sleep is in the past. I will get one to sleep and the other will wake up. Brody is starting to be very cuddly like Bryce. So that makes it a little tough. I need 4 arms these days. Bryce has big eyes and laughs a lot. Brody smiles a lot but is for sure my serious one. 

Blake and Kendal have adjusted well to them. But we are all waiting on them to crawl and play. They are almost 7 months. We aren't too far away from 1.  

We are excited about their first Christmas just like we are about all their other firsts. Time is flying by and I'm not missing a beat. Busy and Blessed :)

Kendal's 6th Birthday!

We celebrated Kendal's 6th Birthday yesterday!  I can't believe she is 6! That seems so big. It's takes 2 hands instead of 1 now to show her age. It just seems so big!  

We started the day with her favorite breakfast. Blueberry pancakes and strawberries! She got to eat in bed. I don't let my kids eat in their rooms at all, so this was a treat! 

We baked cupcakes and she wanted strawberry and chocolate frosting. We decorated with edible pearls and tiara tooth pics.  My friend Taylor made her a tiara cake with a 6 on it. 

There were friends, music dancing, painting pumpkins, watching movies, snacks, and lots of fun! 

 I wish Kendal had a sister! But Taylor will work :)                                         

Happy 6th Birthday to my baby girl! People say you will never remember this and you probably won't. But I will! This is a passion of mine and I love you! Your happiness means everything to me. I love the memories we make and one day you will have all this to look back on. I am molding you into a happy, fun, and loving person. I am looking forward to every birthday I get to spend with you. Hope you enjoyed your day. Mama xoxo

It's been a while

It's October 21st! Where does the time go? I have not sat down to blog in a while and I have missed it. Blogging is very therapeutic for me and somewhat personal time as well. Something that is very limited these days. Of course all my time is spent taking care of the babies. I do take care of my older ones also, but they are not near as needy. As long as they have a plate of food and some beverages they are content. I feel like I spend zero time with them now and it bothers me A LOT!   To make up for it I let them have a friend over all weekend. They love playing with their friends and would probably rather do that then spend time with mommy anyways. It amazes me that Kendal will be 6 next Saturday and Blake is almost 10. I think when I look up next they will be teenagers. 

Kendal will be 6 next Saturday!! :) And of course there is a party. There will be friends, cupcakes, and a sleepover to make this day special. As much as I have talked this over with her and tried to persuade other plans, it's not happening. She insists on a sleepover. I know I am the mom and I can say no, but she is 6. Shouldn't she have a say so about her birthday? I think so!  The boys are going to stay the night with grandma. (Even the big boy, daddy!) So it's just us girls. Yippee I am so excited!! 

I am also  excited about Halloween. I wanted to do more crafts and stuff but I am hoping next year I will have more time. We did go to the pumpkin patch. Where the kids did a hay ride and ran through a maze. There were horse swings the kids played on. Of course tons of pumpkins and pictures were also included. I love this time of year.  The twins are 2 peas in a pod, Blake is an army guy, and Kendal, well we are still undecided. Which we have to hurry and decide tomorrow. Her dance halloween party is Thursday. Very exciting time of year. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And all are firsts for my babies. I am tickled pink and blue :)

75 ways to be a good Parent.

75) Color a page that your child selects for you in their coloring book. Label it "to" them.

74) Be the person you want them to become.

73) Let an argument go.

72) Hug them. For at least 30 seconds.

71) Stop what your are doing to listen to them.

70) Sing a song to them.

69) Write a poem about them.

68) Put a little mailbox outside of their room door and deliver "mail" to them.

67) Talk well about them in front of other people (and them!)

66) Apologize when you are wrong.

65) Read them a book.

64) Let them color your driveway with chalk.

63) Let them help you cook.

62) Tell them that you are not perfect and you do not expect them to be either.

61) Let them see you forgive someone and not talk bad about them later.

60) Tell them they are everything you ever wanted in life

59) Tell them the truth.

58) Talk to them, for 20 minutes a day about whatever they want to tell you.

57) Respect their privacy

56) Pray for them

55) Do something nice for your spouse in front of them

54) Do not embarrass them

53) Tell them the story of when they were born/adopted

52) Take pictures of them

51) Find out what their interests are

50) This is different from what your interests are for them to do

49) Be kind to their friends

48) Let them help others

47) Help them decide what kind of person they want to be

46) Be their biggest fan. Others will criticize them enough.

45) Make them a CD of their favorite music.

44) Love them.

43) Limit television time.

42) Take them to a bookstore and let them pick a book.

41) Take road trips with them

40) Do not tolerate their fits. This is as much for them as it is for you.

39) Be their friend.

38) Talk to them about what your values are.

37) Think of them -first.

36) Show them that they are special to you.

35) Teach them your religion.

34) Show them how to have good relationships by watching you and your spouse.

33) Say yes.

32) Teach them how to do their own laundry and pick up after themselves.

31) Tell them that you love them unconditionally.

30) Be there for them even if it is 4:00 a.m.

29) Be careful of how much you act like you need a break from them. They are listening.

28) Tell them you are proud of them.

27) Rent them the same movie that they have already seen and don't say anything about it

26) Taking their side will actually help them see the other person's point of view. If you push them away, they will not listen to you.

25) Make them laugh.

24) Buy them flowers.

23) Answer their questions. All 2 million of them.

22) Wash their sheets a lot. Fresh sheets are something they will remember.

21) Plant a flower with them. Children love gardening.

20) Tell them a secret to keep. Trust them.

19) Keep their secrets. This is so important.

18) Hold them when they cry. Let them hold you.

17) Pick your battles. Everyone has bad days. They are no different.

16) Bathe them often. This makes them feel better - physically and emotionally.

15) Take care of your health. You want to stay around for a while.

14) Let be little.

13) Really live where you are. Take them to the fair. Let them have a sense of community.

12) Forgive yourself.

11) Love them just the way they are. That is how they love you.

10) Encourage them daily.

9) Teach them that they are not better than anyone else. Also teach them that no one is better than them. Especially as far as you are concerned.

8) Tuck them in. Let your voice be the last one they hear at the end of the day.

7) Let them go.

6) Learn things from them. They will teach you more than you will ever teach them.

5) Don't compare yourself. You are the best parent for the job. That is why they were given to you.

4) Be silly. Smile, laugh, and play outside with them.

3) Treat your parents the way you want your kids to treat you.

2) Enjoy it while it lasts. They won't be this way for long.

1) If you are feeling less than, ask them why you are a good mommy, and be prepared to cry.

Home for a month

I remember feeling like the NICU days were never going to end and now the babies have been with us for a month. The month has flown by. The first few nights I don't think Josh slept a wink. He watched over them constantly making sure they were breathing. I tried to reassure him they were fine but he insisted that we take shifts to make sure they would be okay. We did that for a few weeks. Then after we were tired of not going to bed together, or really not going to bed at all we decided to start sleeping and when they woke us up we would get up to feed them. So that's what we did and are still continuing to do. The waking up through the night is getting a little easier. We are only doing feedings at 2:30 a.m now which is better than every 3 hours like we were. As soon as we hear the cries we both head downstairs to make bottles and feed a baby. I still can't believe it takes both of us.     

Kendal helps a lot. She loves picking up a crying baby. Blake helps a little but not as much as little mama. I do believe that it is very normal though. Since the babies have been home school has started. So it makes it a little easier just having the babies at home during the day. The days are busy and go by fast. Taking care of 4 kids very time consuming. I have very little time for anything and time with Josh is nonexistent. Everything is put on a hold for a bit. I know it won't be like this for long.  I love my babies but times it can be overwhelming so this month I have worked on crafts just to have an escape for a while. It has helped me get through some tough days.  The babies went to church once out of the whole month.  We will start going more now that they are getting bigger.  I appreciate the ones that have helped me through this month. I have even asked for help which is so unlike me. I hate asking for help!! But, I have learned that I need it now. And I am going to start having more date nights and time for me all I have to do is ask. And I can't give up on the stuff that made me sane just because I have 4 kids. They are my life and my everything but I need a break sometimes and I am learning to be okay with that. I never felt like that with Blake and Kendal. 2 kids was a breeze and they weren't the same age. Having 4 now with two that are the same age is very different. So I made it a month and we are getting a routine down. So better days are ahead :)

25 things I want to tell my daughter

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.

In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood.  There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?

Grow slowly.

2. Smart is the new cool.

Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math.  Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”

Friends are invaluable.  They are trusting and loyal.  They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad.  Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.

Friends forever, through whatever.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.

Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity!  Sculpt, draw, and stomp.  Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies

5. Beat the boys at their own games.

Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl.  So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.

Awesome.

6. Be spiritual.

Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it.  Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty.  Give thanks to God.

7.  See the world.

Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places.  Open your heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and foreign lands.

Bon Voyage

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.

It represents self-confidence and ambition.  A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.

9. Choose your role models carefully.

Even though you are only 5, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Hannah Montanna is.

10. Read something everyday.

From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain.  It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild.

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE.

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better.  Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous.  Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or if you’re a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook photo.

13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s property.  Why this is trendy, I will never figure out.  If you want to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an aspect of who YOU are.

I just don’t get it.

14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass like they do now.  I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2022.  Also, I will flip my lid if you become this guy’s property! (see #13)

15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra, underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth.  This phenomenon of truant letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL).  Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.

What does this even say?

17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional.  Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone fromClueless.  OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI, FYI, IDK….As If.

18. Don’t let pop culture define you.

I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.  From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain.

19. Accept yourself for who you are.

You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful.  Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health.

It’s life’s greatest asset.  A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being.  Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life.  Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.

21. Have confidence in yourself.

A positive self-image assures power, strength, ability, and value.  It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.

23. Love with all your heart.

For where there is love there is life.  Love is universal and felt by all living things.  So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Laughter is humbling.  It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home.  I will be here – always.