Back to School with Twins

Man. How do I have girls in Kindergarten? I don't know. That means I'm old. But I am not going to accept that, so stop it.  As I look back on the last 6 years of the girls lives, I think some of it went so S_L_O_W and some of it went so FAST! Now that I have 6 year old twins, I can say.. the first two years of having twins is SUPER hard.. but since then I feel like its actually easier than having just one at a time.

At Two my girls started playing with each other and entertaining each other.. So It wasn't my responsibility to entertain them all the time because they had a built in playmate! That part has been so nice! The other thing that is nice about twins is you go through the same stages at the same time.. So I haven't had to go back to the Bottle stage.. or the baby food stage.. or the Don't stick your finger in the electrical outlet stage.. They Are always in the same stage.. Wearing the same clothes.. Going to the same Grade.. That part makes life much easier! Also.. my twins really like each other. They are complete opposites of each other so they really do enjoy hanging out..

Speaking of this.. I decided to keep the girls together for Kinder. In theory I could have done a couple things.. I could have separated them, I could have put them in 1st grade, I could have put one in Kinder and one in First.. But.. Jordan and I decided the best solution for us was to put them in the same class in Kindergarten. Cross would have been fine in 1st grade, and Londyn probably would have too, but since their birthday is late May everyone told me "You won't regret having your kid at home an extra year" so we opted for Kindergarten.

We also opted to keep them together because they are such different little souls. They share some friends, but also have different friends and different things they like to do. They are night and day different when it comes to personality! They wanted to stay together this year, so we let them. They usually separate twins, but I figure there's going to be plenty of times in their lives that they are sick of being around each other, so while they WANT to be around each other, we should let them!

So off they go to Elementary Public School.. Isn't it funny what we decide is so 'scary and new' for our kids, but was perfectly acceptable for us? I mean I'm from Canute.. the country.. the farm.. So Private school was never an option for me. We didn't even have a private school in Canute.. Yet up here in "the City" (This is how I referred to OKC most of my life because I'm country) we almost feel guilty if we don't try to put our kids in a private school.. Jordan and I opted for public school because we didn't want to be 'school poor'.. by paying so much in tuition each year.. I mean if we had all the money in the world would we do it? SURE.. but we don't.. so there's that.

Its just funny because you look around and think.. Well.. I didn't go to Private school and I turned out ok.. I didn't have a computer and I turned out ok.. I didn't have a smart phone at 8 and I turned out ok.. Perspective I suppose. We parents already feel guilt about almost everything these days, but really when you think about it.. we are all doing just fine by being present and doing the best we can.

I can't tell you how many books on Parenting, Discipline, Daring Greatly, Love and Logic and Pregnancy I have read in my lifetime so I can "Feel" like I'm Equipped to parent.. But at the end of the day, we just all have to do what is best for our family and trust that the Lord has gifted us these kids to be OUR kids and they were built for US, and he will have his hand on them and us the rest of our lives. Trusting is hard. Faith is Hard. Parenting is Hard.

So far they have loved everything about school. They've made new friends.. enjoyed going through the lunch line.. They are asking me for lunch boxes.. I told them I would get them a lunch box, but I wasn't putting anything in it! ha! My kids are GREAT eaters. .not picky at all, so you can bet your sweet Bippy if someone else offers to feed them a delightful lunch.. I'm not making one!

We have had some family members going through health issues lately and that has been hard. Jordan also got super sick for a week and that was hard too. Lately it seems we've had one thing after another!  Life is always full of unexpected Circumstances and we just have to roll with the punches.

We are so thankful and grateful for awesome family members who step up and help us, and awesome friends who support us. Its taken me 40 years to find an amazing set of friends, but I'm sure grateful that I found them! Brene' Brown says "Joy is probably the most vulnerable emotion we experience in our lives" and I agree, because at the second you are experiencing Joy, you realize that in the next second something terrible could happen.. So be Grateful for all the moments. Celebrate the joys, and be grateful. Besides.. Positive people live longer.. I talked about that on my show yesterday.. so for no other reason.. be joyful and positive.. because it will make you live longer.. lol.. Enjoy this cooler weather while we have it!

Its Fall Ya'll

Well Fall is certainly in the air here in OKC! I feel like we went from 70 to 40 in a few days.. but I guess that is pretty much expected at this point.. and Oh man, the rain! Its been great.. Lake Hefner looks fantastic!

We are gearing up for a busy Season.. I feel Like I haven't told you anything in awhile.. so here's a catch-up.. The girls started a new school in the Fall, Primrose Northwest, and its the greatest thing ever. They LOVE going to school now! We are so grateful, because nothing is worse than dropping off your crying, sad kid who does not want to go to school.. They have flourished there and they love their teachers and new friends so much! They get to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.. and they go to the library on Fridays.. and have LOVED Checking out books! So.. we are super happy they love it! So that has been a HUGE blessing..

With Fall here.. that means Halloween is just around the Corner and the girls are cooking up some magic for you this year.. About 2 months ago.. Crosslee was watching the "He's Alive" video with Dolly Parton and decied she was going to be Dolly For Halloween.. so I tried to think of something that might go with Dolly.. Like maybe Kenny Rogers Perhaps.. but I didn't think that would make a good costume.. so I played "On the Road Again" for Londyn and asked if she wanted to Be Willie Nelson.. SOLD! And she's been singing "On the Road again".. since then.. #winning

So now.. not only am I winning at Halloween.. I'm winning at my kids listening to great music.. Oh, and if you want Extra.. they ate Beef Stew last night.. so yeah! Boom! Don't be surprised if I win mom of the year..

I've also been enjoying my gig on Hank FM.. (99.7 on your FM dial) and just really LOVING that I get to do what I love again. I cannot tell you how awesome it feels to be doing what you love and what you are good at. If you have that opportunity in your life.. take it.. Just make sure you also have another job that pays the bills.. lol.. #truth

I got another year older this year.. which will make me.. Old enough to know better and still too young to care.. (Thank you Wade Hayes).. I honestly feel rather great for being old as dirt.. This is the first time in 20 years that I work out 5-6 days a week.. Orange theory has been a life-changer for me. I started Last March when it opened, and thought.. "How do I keep from dying  when I do this workout?".. Well thankfully I did not.. and here I am over a year later LOVING my workouts.. WHAT? Stop. I know.. I never wanted to be THAT GUY, but I officially am.. I wear workout pants now! WHAT?? I KNOW.. I talk about working out with my fellow OTF friends..and we feel like we are in a special magical club that celebrates Burpees, Deadlifts, Run to Rows, all while high-fiving and cussing! I also love my coaches.. I'm so grateful to finally find something that WORKS for me.. I'm athletic.. but I'm not a runner.. I don't just 'run for fun'.. unless someone is trying to stab me.. I'm super competitive, and Orange theory allows me to compete with myself, and others.. all while completing an amazing workout with weights and cardio.. I even completed a dri-tri?@?!?! Yeah.. I know.. its a 2000 meter Row on the Rowing machine, a 5k on the Treads, and 300 body weight Reps.. and I DID IT!!!!! Another great part? yeah.. its done in an hour.. and I burn over 600 calories.. BONUS. We start Hell week on the 24th.. if you want to give it a go, hit me up, you get to workout for free for a week.. I'll cheer for you..

So all on my own.. I've lost almost 70 pounds.. Its been a great journey with Orange theory and also Profile.. They have helped me get my food in check with awesome coaching as well.. I cannot complain about much! Well.. I could.. Like the fact that Londyn has a cough that only happens at night and it wakes her up.. but overall. .Life is good here!

We are headed back to Branson in November.. so if you know anything magical that we need to do.. Let me know. We are staying at the Lodges at Timber-ridge, which is amazing.. and we are going to try to go to Silver Dollar City and to the Sight and Sound Theater to see "Samson" this year. I've heard amazing things about both.. and of course Cross wants to go back to the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede.. #becausedolly Mom got her a weird Dolly Parton Doll, but we haven't given it to her yet, because we have to find Londyn a weird Willie Nelson doll to go with it.. lol

The girls still love all things Creepy.. The giant is up.. and they still take him food in the evenings.. blankets for sleeping..and talk to him all the time.. They also love the Bloody Clown. He was missing for a few days and they were very concerned, but then our neighbors put him out and all was well.. They pose with him on Sundays..

So all is well in my world.. Still loving my Church, My Small Group, and My Family and Friends.. I could not ask for more! Excited for the upcoming Vacation and Holiday Season! Hope you guys are doing well.. don't forget every Friday on Hank I have my Accordion, Helen with me at 5:15.. for Accordion Fridays..and the Bad joke of the day is back on Fridays! So give it a listen.. you can also listen online, or via the HANK FM app! Get down on it! woohoo!

Vacation Magic! Gaylord Vs. Greatwolf Lodge

Well we just got back from a sweet little Family Vacation. We took the girls up to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. We had been before to go to Great Wolf.. and as much as the girls LOVE Great wolf, its a bit of a grind for Adults.. I mean.. its a LOT of kids.. in ONE place.. A Few of our friends had told us about the Gaylord's Waterpark and how it was amazing, so we thought we would check it out.. (PS, if you are thinking about going to either of these place.. Check Groupon for some special deals, and Priceline.. they were both cheaper than booking directly through the hotels.)

Well I can tell you.. at first glance it looked like Gaylord was going to be Cheaper than Great Wolf.. Depending on when you go to Great Wolf (if you get a groupon, go in the off season, etc) But Great Wolf is pretty expensive.. I'll give you the Pro's and Cons of both in case you decide.. We'll start with Great Wolf..

Great Wolf Pro's:

• You can pretty much stay there the whole weekend without leaving. They have plenty of Restaurants and things for your kids to do. 
• You can go all year Long, because they have indoor Pools/Waterslides/Restaurants
• You can Bring food and drinks with you so you don't have to spend $35 for a juice pack. So this means you can pack lunchables, juice boxes, Yeti's full of wine, etc.. (HINT) and it will save you a TON of money on snacks and drinks.. The Wine might also help you tune out the sound of screaming kids.. 
• Free Parking with your Room Purchase
• You Can purchase Family Suites
• A Million life-guards all over
• Wolf Family Characters stand outside the Swimming Area in the morning for hugs and pics
• Goggles, swim shoes, suits, anything you might have forgotten on hand for purchase
• Your Kids will think its the greatest thing that has ever happened if they are 10 and Under
• Lots of Water things to do. A bunch of slides, rope course, and indoor/outdoor slides

Gaylord Texan Pro's:

• Its a lot Prettier than Great Wolf. Beautiful Flowers, rivers.. etc
• They have fun little theme dinners for your kids (like Breakfast with the smurfs)
• Giant Cowboy and Character people on hand in the evenings to visit with your kiddos
• There's more options for Restaurants
• You press a button at the pool, and a waiter will come over and bring you whatever you want, including drinks
• Plenty of Seating to sit and keep an eye on your kids
• Its Spread out with lots of places to sit and relax
• They have an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, and Paradise Springs Waterpark 
• The Lazy River is really big 
• Plenty of things for the kids to do on their own (go up and down the slides, check in with you, then go again)
• Really Great Food (but its expensive)
• Dippin Dots, Snow cones on hand for purchase
• Zipline into the water (water is 11ft deep)
• They have specifically designed areas for babies, and smaller kids, so they other bigger kids don't smash over them. 
• Kids meals are offered on their menu, and the kids liked the food

Great Wolf Cons:

• Its packed. All the time
• If you go in the Winter its REALLY Packed because there is no outside pools open
• If you have smaller kids they are not going to care about the 'Wizard games'
• There's no place to sit by the slides and watch your kids go down (Because you will get sick of climbing 10 sets of stairs to go up there with them)
• The Lazy River is not that Lazy. Its usually full of kids squirting you with a water gun, or smashing into your Tube. 
• It always smells like Chlorine
• They usually have to clear out the pool at least one time because someone has some sort of bodily function in it.. 
• They have annoying game centers, build a bears, ice cream and magic crap that your kids try to talk you into going to every time you walk to the Swimming pools.. So your kids will constantly be asking you for it. 
• The Food is not that great. 

Gaylord Texan Cons:

• Its a Metropolis.. almost too big to navigate through. 
• Takes a long time to park and walk to your room daily
• The charge you parking PER day... even if you park yourself, and even if you stay there as a guest. Its about $24 to park there each day, tacked onto your already expensive bill. 
• Food and Drinks are delicious.. but expensive.. Chips & Salsa is $18. (But its a delight)
• A Mixed Drink is $14
• A bucket of Beers is $35 for 5.. 
• The last few days we were there they started a thing called "Premium Seating".. Meaning if you want a seat on the front row by any pool, it would cost you an additional $25.. That was crap
• Your kids can see Great Wolf Lodge from the Drive-way.. so they will be like "Why aren't we at Great wolf Lodge mommy?" (blargh.. fail)
• You cannot bring in ANY outside food to the Waterpark. They will make you throw it in the trash. So anything you want you will have to buy from them.
• You have to take a Trolley to get to Paradise Springs (Waterpark) it runs every 15 min or so, so its not terrible, but its not really a 'walking distance' thing.. 

I mean all in all.. you can't go wrong with either place.. But.. My thought for my kids. .is if you go to Great Wolf Once, you will probably have to go back there the rest of your life.. even though, for Adults, the Gaylord is a way better option. I mean its a 3 hour trip from the City, so its quick.. and there's So many cute things to do in Grapevine.. We went to the farmers market.. walked downtown.. I got to visit the Orange Theory in Southlake, that is about 8 miles away. Oh, and Have I mentioned how much I love that Texas lets me buy WINE in the Walgreens and the HEB/Tom Thumb? Yes.. Yes I do.. 

So we ended up having a great trip. We also went to the Grapevine Aquarium (Buy your tickets on line because its way cheaper, and you can just scan your ticket and go in) Oh.. but.. on the Aquarium.. they do not open till 10am. Not a SECOND earlier.. so be prepared to wait in a LONG line just to get in. They do have a lot of cool things to look at though.. Sharks.. Sea Turtles.. Star Fish.. Seahorses.. and you get to walk through a cool see-through tunnel where all the sea life swims under, over and around you. Its worth going to.. just be prepared to wait a bit.. 

We also SAW Lego-land.. but it looked like a nightmare, so we didn't try to go to that one.. But I've had some say they loved it, and some people say they didn't think it was worth it. They did have a little lego splashpad outside that came with the entry purchase.. Both the Aquarium and Legoland are in the Grapevine Mall. Its got EVERYTHING you could ever want or need.. ITs a great mall.. They even have a Carousel inside.. 

Another HUGE highlight for the girls was the Princess Day Spa. OMGosh you guys.. this was so freakin cute. The girls came in and they walked them down a flower path to put on little silk Robes.. then they got into their pedicure chairs and they brought them "Drinks".. They got to pick which Princess Drink they wanted.. Elsa was Blue.. Ariel was Pink.. Etc.. They got their Elsa & Ariel drinks in little Champagne Glasses.. So cute. Then they got their toes painted with glitter, their nails painted too.. and then they put them in these little hair-chairs and give them a super cute do'.. Londyn got a little bun.. and Cross got an Elsa braid.. they sprinkle Glitter in their hair.. Then they put Elsa makeup and Aurora makeup on them (Which I didn't love, but they did) And then let them sit in a big Princess Chair, and pose on the runway.. I mean its super cute. If you have girls, they need this in their life! The people were so sweet (and wearing Tutu's) and the girls just loved every thing about it.. And if you book on a weekday, all services are half price! 

We also had some really great food! First.. I LOVE Einstein Bagels! So we had a really good breakfast and schmear there one morning.. The other Two mornings we went to this awesome Cafe called "The Old West Cafe".. that served pancakes the size of plates.. Plenty of options for kiddos too.. Cross loves Eggs so she had Eggs and Pancakes.. Londyn had toast and Jelly.. and Jordan and I had some amazing tex-mex breakfast dishes and Omelets! Super great service (Londyn hugged the Waiter) and really good food.. We went to the Rain forest Cafe.. its ok. I mean I feel like the animals need an update.. but the girls like it because you get to have an Ice Cream Sandwich (Priorities right?) We had a Great Hamburger at Jakes Hamburgers.. They had great milk shakes too.. Of course I picked the blue cheese.. b/c who wouldn't? But.. overall good hamburger place!

So we had a great trip.. Hopefully if you are planning to visit either of these places this will give you a heads up! 

Working Moms

Man. Sometimes being a working mom is hard. Especially a working mom with several jobs. Now Granted.. I did part of that to myself, but its still hard. I've run out of hours in the day.. some days I have great success filling all of the hours with meaningful, magical time.. Some days I don't. Some days I feel like I'm winning at being a Wife, Mom, and Employee.. Some days I'm not.

This week is Vacation Bible School, and Vacation bible School at Crossings Is LEGIT. I mean they have full size bounce houses INSIDE the church.. Amazing singers that teach them fun songs.. ITs LEGIT. I waited till the girls were old enough to go with excitement because each year we'd watch the videos and think "Oh man, that is so amazing" so they got to go for the first time last year, and I wanted them to get to go this year.. but this creates a few issues for the working mom.. For one, I go into work at 7am.. Bible School starts at 9, so I either have to wait till 9, then take them.. Or Go to work for 2 hours, send them to their school.. then go back and pick them up and take them to VBS.. Then they get out at 12.. So then I have to leave work..get them lunch.. and pick them up, then take them back to school.. and take myself back to work.. Its hard, but its worth it, because they love going, so we'll make it work.. just like we do everything else.. but being a working mom is hard.

However.. I know being a stay at home mom is hard too..and that is a job I'm just not able to do. I admire those that do it, and I'm in awe of their patience and tolerance! I've always just known that I wanted to be a working mom. Would I love to have a job that allowed me to do both? Sure.. Or only work a few days a week? FOR SURE.. Have endless amounts of money? Um, yes please.. But that is not God's plan for me.. and thats ok. My plan is not anyone else's plan. My plan is for me.

I want my girls to know why I work hard.. What I'm passionate about. What I'm good at.. Why I try to do better.. Why I went back on the radio to do something I love even though it requires more of me! I used to feel bad because I was not the kind of mom that said things like "I never lived until I had children" "My children are my World".. Yeah.. I've lived.. My college experience alone was legit.. lol And don't even get me started on some of the amazing times I've had on the radio!

I've had a pretty incredible life. My kids are incredible, but I'm a child of God, I'm a wife, I'm a daughter, and I'm a mother.. My kids are super important to me, but they do not define me, and I do not make them the Center of My universe. I want them to understand that we answer to someone bigger.. I want them to understand we all have to do crap we don't want to do.. we have to get along with people that aren't worth getting along with.. That I love their daddy and its important that we have time together by ourselves.. That We have to fall down and get back up.. That sometimes the world is Mean and Unfair.. We have to be disciples.. we have to be warriors.. we have to be supporters.. We have to be sympathetic, understanding, caring, and Kind..Even to people who don't deserve that..  And If I make them the center of the universe, do everything for them, Shelter them from everything scary, and move all obstacles out of their way, they are not going to learn that. Those are hard lessons to learn.. but I'm going to help them, and the Lord is going to help me through it all. But.......Its still hard.

IN a society of Busy.. I realize.. I'm busy.. I'm working two jobs, and I don't get to do a lot of things I need/Want to do.. For example, right now I'm neglecting my work as a Hospice Volunteer with my therapy dogs.. I just don't have the time to get to the nursing homes right now.. but I want to. I'm supposed to be taking Payslee & Sawyer on monthly visits to the Assisted Living Center.. but I feel like I run out of time. I'm leading a small group at church, but I am not able to research the lessons for us, because I run out of time! These are GREAT things to do! And I want to do them! But dang.. I just don't have the time right now, and....... I'm TIRED!!! lol.. Tired as a Mother is a real thing..

 I've had to really look at my life lately and decide What my Big Priorities are.. So as a result I've had to cut down on going to a lot of social events at church.. therapy visits.. hospice visits.. even though they are all important to me.. I just can't get to them right now, and you know what? Thats ok. Because eventually I'll get back to them.. But its hard to say no to them..

So whatever phase of life you are in.. busy.. not busy.. working.. not working.. momming, not momming.. Realize.. that Your plan is for you. Not anyone else.. Don't let others make you feel bad because you are not doing 'the norm' or filling a status.. God has a plan for me, and for my girls, and I'm excited to watch it unfold. I can't believe they are Five! Seems crazy.. its like some days stood still, and some days flew by in the blink of an eye.. Being a parent is hard.. Being a wife is hard.. and sometimes following God's plan is hard.. But we have to remember that through trials comes Grace, and while those little eyes are watching us, we can show them what it means to walk to the beat of our OWN Drum.. the Drum God created just for us.. not anyone else.. And I'm probably going to screw it up some days.. Because I run out of patience.. and time.. But all I can do is start over the next day and try again.. because as we all know, I'm not quitter.. and I hate losing..except for Weight.. and I've lost 65  pounds.. so Boom.. there's that.

Michael Jackson Party Fun

Well I pulled off another fantastic Party this year for the girls. The theme was "This is IT--The Crosslee & Londyn 3rd birthday Tour" with Michael Jackson. It was pretty fantastic.. from an adult standpoint. I have no idea if anyone else "got" most of the little things I did.. but for me, it was awesome..

Now, some were saying..."Why would you have a Michael Jackson party.. the girls are too young to even know about him".. Not true. My girls have been Jackson fans pretty much since birth. He used to be the only thing that could make Cross quit crying..and it would instantly make her smile when she heard his songs.. I left the house yesterday morning with both of the girls wearing a sparkle Fedora, Glitter Gloves, and listening to Beat it.. So the music is strong with those two..and Michael Jackson. In fact Cross is in a phase right now where all she wants to do is sing 'Beat it'.. it used to be "Smooth Criminal".. but we have moved past that one, and onto Beat it full time now..

Here's some party pics.

As you can see.. I customized at TON of stuff.. So much so, That I've decided to start planning parties for people.. So if you ever need that service, and want to throw parties that are as ridiculous as mine, hit me up. I even created a facebook page for it.. And gave it a name "Pocket full of Funshine"  Feel free to go like it, and make me feel loved. 

I had custom Shirts made for the girls, they wore their glitter sparkle pants..and they also had Fedora's and Glitter Gloves.. with Glitter Shoes. We had Signs for every snack.. Like 

"Blame it on the Cookies"==Blame it on the Boogie

"Bille Cheese is not just Cheddar"==Billie Jean

"Don't Stop till you Get a Puff"==Don't Stop till you Get Enough

"Smooth Criminal Punch" "Off the Wall Fruit"... all of which had a Pic of Michael, and were lined with Glitter.. We had a Michael Jackson Cake, complete with Microphone Cake Pops (Made by Chubby Cheeks Cake Love) In each of the goody bags for the kids, I put Aviators, Inflated Microphones, Customized Michael Jackson Mix Tapes, Bubbles, (With Bubbles the chimp on them) Microphone Bubbles, Customized Black Hershey's kisses with Birthday Stickers on the bottom, King of POPCORN bags of Popcorn. I mean it goes on and on.. it was ridiculous..and over the top.. Pretty much like everything I do! 

But it was at the playground, perfect weather.. All the grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, and Friends were there! It was an awesome time. When Cross got there she went and looked at everything and said "Mommy.. its just gorgeous!".. She's started using the word Gorgeous, and delicious quite a bit.. "Mommy, Can I have a delicious piece of candy?" She's a mess.. But they all had a good time. We are truly blessed to have such awesome people around our girls that love and care about them! 

Jordan & I started our LOVE and LOGIC class last night at Crossings.. its SO GOOD. We are really enjoying it.. its so freeing as a parent to have a guide, to know what to do, and to be prepared. We love it! And.. we will need it.. We started Potty training last week.. We need all the help we can get.. lol 

I can't believe they are almost 3..

Man.. I can't believe in less than a week my girls will turn 3. In some ways it seems like a life time ago that they were born, and then in other aspects it seems like just yesterday. I can say for sure I don't miss the times when they were itty bitty.. Like 0-4 months. That was such a scary time for us. We had no clue about what to do with babies.. and we had two of them, so that only made us more crazy. People ask me about that time, and honestly, I only remember parts of it. I think my mind was part gone, and on Auto-pilot.. I know I wasn't sleeping much because they woke up every 2 hours, and then when they weren't awake, I was awake pumping.. so I think I might have just been delusional for the first 4 months..

After the 7 month.. life got better. I read the book "The Sleep Easy Solution" and it changed my life..and the girls sleeping habits.. I remember at the time thinking 0-6 months took forever, but 6 to 1 yr, flew by.. and then 1-2 flew by.. and now 2-3 has flown by. I feel sentimental as I write this, because I know I'm not going to have any more children. I don't want any.. but I feel like sometimes I just want to re-live the moments with mine over and over. This is a fun stage, but one of the hardest.. So trying on my patience, but also so rewarding, and everything just seems so uncertain.. Am I doing it right? What is a good way to Discipline? How do I get them to have manners? Why don't they like to eat Beans? Why are you asking me for Candy at 7am? Will you turn out ok? Do you know how much we love you? Are you sad that I don't stay home with you? Are you happy to be a twin? Is the sun going to burn you? Are ticks crawling on you? Is the Microwave giving you cancer? Are Those Gummies you love organic? Are you excited for pre-school in the fall? I mean.. I ask myself these questions every. single. Day..

And then the worrying.. oh geesh.. Its never ending, even though I'm smart enough to know that worrying does ZERO good. I've read Philippians.. I get it.. Yet it doesn't turn it off in my brain. Thankfully one of my spiritual gifts is FAITH and I truly do believe that God is going to take care of my family and I during all stages of life.. But as I watch what is currently going on in the world.. it gives me anxiety.. and worry creeps back in my mind. What if something happens to me? What if something happens to them? The What-if's can go on forever.. and the News reports certainly don't help calm that anxiety.. But.. at the end of the day.. I have to put those thoughts to bed and realize.. whatever happens.. whenever it happens.. Will be God's will for me, and it will be ok.. He will take care of us..and he will not leave us.

Last week.. after the 3rd person recommended it to me.. I decided to pickup "Love and Logic" for Toddlers.. for discipline ideas.. Well.. I've been doing it for over a week now, and man its TOUGH. Mainly on ME..They have audio CD's, and Books..

I think it actually works on the girls quite well.. but the biggest difference is how Jordan & I respond to them when they are acting foolish.. The premise is getting your kids to make good decisions.. because its a GOOD decision.. not because you said so. And giving them plenty of options to want to make good decisions. So instead of just barking orders at them.. I say "Uh oh.. I think there is a nicer way to talk to mommy. If you can't talk to mommy nicely then... XYZ".. Whatever your form of discipline will be.. For Cross, its having to go sit by herself.. that is the worst punishment for her, because it means she's away from me.. and since she wants to be with me all the time, this usually works pretty well. I'll tell her to go sit by herself until she can be happy and fun again.. and then she will come out, and say "I'm happy" and we move on.. Or "Uh Oh.. Mommy doesn't like to hear whining.. You can keep whining, you'll just have to go in the other room because it hurts Mom's ears"... There's no yelling.. No screaming.. No frustration.. So I think its actually been better for me.. Because you know, Parenting is FRUSTRATING.. and they make you want to pull your hair out sometimes! But me saying 'uh oh" is completely out of my character, and it immediately diffuses the situation because I sound so ridiculous! So we'll stick with it, and hopefully get better as we go along. I mean can you even imagine it right now? Me saying "UH OH".. It kills Jordan.. he laughs constantly.. lol.. So I guess thats another motivating factor.

 We have been having a lot of fun lately. A few weeks ago we went to the farm for Mothers day and the girls loved playing with Woody their horse, and Kris, the Donkey.. They loved the Hay-bales, and we loved watching them effortlessly run up and down them.. (Just like I used to do).. We went to a birthday party last week at Gatti Town.. We went Bowling at Redpin.. The Girls LOVE bowling.. Cross asks to go every day now.. We went to the Botanical Gardens and let the girls explore and run.. Then yesterday Leslie wanted the day off, so MJ stayed home with the girls and he and GT took them to the Science Museum! So they have really had a fun few past weeks!

This next week they will get to go back to Western Oklahoma and the farm and visit everyone out there.. MJ and I will put the finishing touches on the Michael Jackson birthday Party.. and then they will have their big Party on the 28th. I think it will be a lot of fun.. and I hope they recognize how awesome their hip mom is by throwing a Michael Jackson 3rd Birthday Party.. lol.. I have a feeling I'll probably always be trying to convince them that I'm pretty cool.. I'm putting a Mix CD in each of the goody bags to keep the dream alive..

The girls have started holding hands lately.. They really seem to love having each other around. They will always have someone to play with.. always have someone to talk to late at night.. always have someone who knows exactly how crazy their parents are.. always have someone to talk to.. always have someone to pray with.. I hope they always love each other like they love each other now.. Because its pretty great to watch.. and it makes me forget about all the times I've had to say "UH OH" this week.. lol.. #twinning

Tis The Season.. to choke on Holiday Spirit..

Well.. Christmas has been entertaining to say the least.. Where do I start..

Well lets begin at my company Christmas Party.. Each Year the Loves family does an amazing party lunch for the employees. Its a lot of fun, great food, and a good time to visit with your co-workers.. Which is exactly what I was doing... Until... I put that delicious last morsel of steak into my mouth.. Cooked to Perfection.. just delightful.. So delightful it wanted to stay in my throat.. Yup, it was Biscuit-gate 2.0.

I tried water.. Tried Swallowing several times.. Nope. Not happening. Ironically my co-worker, Lovero, who was sitting with me during the first Biscuit-gate 1 incident was also at my table this time..  So he says "Oh No! Not again!!".. I'm also sitting with both of my Bosses.. One of them, Casey, looks at me.. "Whats going on?"---
Lovero, "its ok, she chokes a lot".. lol..
Me--Yeah, this seems to keep happening..things just get stuck in my throat..
Casey: Are you ok?
Me--I will be.. I'll be right back..

So then I have to go into the bathroom and silent gag (because this is a big place and there are a lot of people) and cough up the dang steak.. It works. I go back..  All is well.. but after this day, I called, made the appointment to get 'scoped' in the throat, and see if they can 'blow it up' to be back to normal.. When I went to the Dr, he said its most likely a stricture in my esophagus, or that it has narrowed.. either way, they go in with a scope and blow it back up.. I'm sedated. and my throat is numb.. so hopefully this will be an easy procedure and fix the issue..   So there's that..

 After that Christmas went pretty smoothly. Pa &  Gigi kept the girls for a few days at the farm so MJ and I could build train sets, wrap presents, and fill stockings.. Cross has loved her Elf on the Shelf.. Eliza.. She doesn't really do anything. We broke all the rules and let her carry her around. She basically just "hid" treasures for Cross.. She loved her. She's still asking about her now.. I told her she went to take a nap.. Like the Giant, the Bloody Clown from the Neighbors house, and Santa.. (Hey, you do what you gotta do).. Gigi & Pa took the Girls to the Park in Elk City to "ride the ponies"and see the lights. They had a blast. I'm pretty sure they would live there and never miss Jordan and I.. At one point mom said "Cross likes to take off her clothes, wrap up in a soft blanket, have me rub her back and feed her berries"... Um. Yeah. Who DOESN'T"T???

So on the 22 we went to the farm to begin Christmas. We went to my dads on the 23. We had a big time there.. Girls played with Cousin Joe & Ava.. Those 4 are a mess, but they are all so good.. We never saw them.. they just played and ran and raced down the hallways.. We didn't go bother them unless we heard crying, or fighting.. but there wasn't much of that. They all love playing together. We had a great time down there.. Then on Christmas Eve Sant came to Gigi's house! He brought the girls a big 4 wheeler Power Wheels.. However, they were kinda weirded out by it, and didn't really ride it.. I think they will though.. They loved all their goodies. Cross had the best time with her Tea set.. Serving everyone Tea.. Cille loved her magnets.. They both loved their Karoke Machine! Lots of fun things to play with!

Then we went back home on Christmas Eve and to our Christmas Eve Service at Church. Oh man. It was so amazing. I LOVED it.. Its one of my favorite services. They turn out the lights and everyone lights candles to represent the Light of the World coming to us on Christmas Day.. So awesome, and so was the Choir.. They sang my favorite.. Listen in.. GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE

Then on Christmas day.. Santa Brought the girls a train set! They were so excited.. Traims! Traims! Thats what Cille says.. They loved it.. They tore it all to hell in about 10 min.. but hey, they loved it.. Cross got a "Monster".. she loves him.. among some other babies.. magnets.. little people.. and everything else known to man. They had a blast. After that we went to GT & Nana's and they got even more stuff! It was a great Christmas.. 

On Saturday Jordan's mom came over for yes.. thats right... another Christmas! We all had a fun time because she brought the girls a tee pee, so they had fun with that.. But then the weather came in that night and pretty much ruined my trees again.. They are still without power at the farm.. And to top it off, we have a Huge earthquake in the night.. Geez Oklahoma Weather.. 

I went back to work on Monday.. I was ready.. 7 days at home All day Er' Day with the girls was plenty.. I've since Hot-glued their train about 10 times.. I'm sure I'll do it 10 more.. But they love it, and I love that they love it. I love that they have great Grandparents who love and spoil them. I love our Church, I love our friends.. It was a very blessed Holiday Season. I want them to stay this size forever because watching things through their eyes is magical.. Every snow flake, every new present, every new tradition is something new and magical for them. I know we won't be able to capture these moments forever, but they are so much fun to watch right now.. We will enjoy it while we can! Hope you guys stayed warm, have power, and had a good Christmas! 

Essential Oil Magic Wonderment and Pizzazz.

The Essential Oils weird me out.. They weird me out because I realize when i'm talkming about them to peole it sound like I practice weird voodoo on my family.. But time and time again when I use them they work.. so I guess I just need to be comfortable saying "Hi, I'm KC, and I practive weird voodoo oils on my family"..

The girls have had a cold for about a week (its over now) and it was annoying.. Runny Nose, and coughs mainly.. I didn't take them to the Dr because I know there is nothing they can do for colds and babies.. So I started putting the oils on them. Now, there are two main companies for Oils.. Young LIving and Doterra.. I've used both, they are both great.. but right now I'm using YL.. So I start putting thieves on their feet, RC on their Chest, and Melrose behind their ears.. They start getting better...but then I get paranoid that they have ear infections, or RSV, or Flu, or something terrible.. Why? Because when we came home last Wednesday after church Crosslee didn't go to bed until 4AM! Seriously.. MJ and I got up the next day and he said "Man, I think that is the worst night we've ever had.. even since newborn time"... I agreed.. She was just fussy.. not wanting to sleep.. not really crying, but not sleeping.. we tried everything, but since its so weird for her not to sleep I thought "something has to be wrong with her!"

So I decide to take her to the Kids 1st clinic after work.. I hate taking them to the Dr.. MY pediatrician doesn't have a 'sick' room so all the nasty little sick, germ-infested kids are walking around in the same room, touching your perfectly well kid.. Its not ideal.. I don't know why they don't have a sick room, but they don't.. blargh.. So I rolled up at the after hours kids clinic at 4:45..was the first one in there, and dodged all the germy kids! Only to find out.. guess what? She has a cold.. no ear infection.. no rsv.. no flu.. no Croupe.. Just a cold.. So yeah.. we went home.. But.. I was glad that it was nothing more than a cold, because they honestly never really felt bad, and I think that is because I was oiling them and they were feeling better the whole time.. So Oil your babies. Thats the lesson.. lol.. In fact, this article was hilarious.. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR KID TO THE PEDIATRICIAN. 


Then on Friday I started to feel kinda terrible.. My boss had the flu, so I was worried I had gotten it too.. even though I got a flu shot.. (which those appear to do SOOO much for us).So I made up a "FLU BOMB" and put it on the bottoms of my feet at night, and diffused it.. the next day I was better. Crazy. I know. Its so weird.. but anyway, here's the flu/cold bomb.. Enjoy!

We started our new small group at Church.. Its so great. Love the group, love the people, love our church.. Could not be more excited.. so that is an exceptional part of our lives. 

Its all fun and games.. Until you have two..

Well I think I can successfully say we are 'over the hump'.. Lol, or at least on the downhill slide.. This past weekend we took the girls to the farm, and it was a success! We took them to see Pops & Grammy Joni, and they had a great time.. Then we were able to take them to Mom's Church (Trinity fellowship) and let she and Papa Steve show them off.. Yes, My mom might have went a bit overboard with their outfits, but they did look like living dolls!!

Church is about an hour and 45 minutes.. I just knew for sure, we'd make it for about 10 minutes.. lol.. I mean, I have good babies, but they are still babies, and babies cry and fuss.. Especially if your name is Crosslee..so there's that.. The funniest part was Cross LOVED the music.. she would be quiet and watch when the music was going, and then fuss and squeal when they would pray.. Apparently she doesn't care for prayer right now, lol. So once Pastor Andy started preaching, Jordan took Cross outside and they were able to listen in the lobby.. Cross was nice out there as long as daddy was rocking her, so she went to sleep.. Londyn acted like an angel, and went to sleep and didn't make a peep..

Everyone says that Crosslee acts like me, and I'm "Payin for my Raisin'.. WEll this could be true, and everyday I thank the Lord that there are not TWO of her.. Yes, she is hilarious.. she smiles with her whole face, and when she is 2 I think she will probably be on TV dancing and singing somewhere.. but as a baby ME, she's a little hard to handle.. lol.. For those of you who know me, you know what I mean.. She loves music.. she loved being in front of the church (When they introduced us to mom's church).. She loves outside.. She loves animals.. and she has a high sense of urgency.. (Yes, she wants it now..no waiting)..She will smile for you, but you better do something funny for it.. No smiles for free with that one. She also doesn't want you to kiss on her all the time!  She is mine..

Then there is sweet Londyn.. We think she acts like MJ.. She's pretty well content as long as she's had a nap, and food.. She's so sweet, and she looks just like a gerber baby! She smiles when you talk sweet to her.. She really only fusses when you change her clothes.. She hates that and acts like you are chopping off her head when you do it.. She loves to be rocked and cuddled, and she lets you kiss her as much as you want. She is MJ's..

Isn't that cool how God works? One of each with such distinct personalites at such a young age. I tell you, we did NOT plan for twins, and it pretty well scared us to death, but now we couldn't imagine how it would be with just one of them. We are a pair, and they are our pair..along with our pair of furry babes, Payslee & Sawyer.. Its a complete unit, and a great one at that. If you ever want to know how God works, just ask us, and we can tell you and show you our story.