We've Been Busy

There have been some major changes going on here in our house over the last month that have kept us very busy. 

We have been going to the YMCA 4 days a week since the last week of February and it has been wonderful. The boys love going. They even ask to go and get very excited as we are getting ready. I love seeing them excited to go knowing they will get some time to play without Mommy. It's been great for me as well. I get an hour and a half to really focus on myself.  I can get out of mommy mode and just spend time with me.  Over the last 6 weeks I've lost 10 pounds, have started fitting into a size smaller pant and the shape of my body has really changed. 

I've never had a desire to be a runner, ever. I always thought it was boring.  When we joined the Y, I figured I'd be joining classes as my workout routine.  However, James got me on the treadmill my first day and I lasted much longer than I thought I would.  The next time we went I lasted a bit longer. After a few times, I thought it was time to try my hand at running again. I've tried in the past and due to zero endurance and shin splints, I always gave up. However, this time something was different.  My kind set is different. I am determined to run. I want to run. Where it has come from, I'm not sure, but I'm excited about it.

I've had a few bumps in the road, but I'm not giving up!!  I had a flare up of shin splints again, but thanks to Jeff at Fleet Feet, I got an awesome pair of turquoise running shoes with inserts that have made all the difference. And with the stretches he showed me, I've kicked those shin splints in the butt. Then I had some knee pain which I read was termed "runner's knee". Thankfully I have some awesome PT friends who told me to strengthen my hamstrings and get back at it.  I took a week off running to rest my knees and build up my strength.  That was followed by a week off from the Y all together due to entire family sickness.  Today was our first day back and I left so incredibly proud of myself. I finished a 5K in 49 minutes with 21 of them running.  In my adult life I have NEVER been able to run 21 consecutive minutes.  Apparently resting like I did was super beneficial.  I felt like I probably could have done more but I didn't want to push myself too far.  I've decided that I am going to register for the Oldham County Grand Slam.  It's a series of four 5K races, the first being May 19. I am so excited.

This is definitely a different me.  I'm running.  I'm cooking as healthy as I possibly know how. I have eliminated soft drinks from my diet completely which means my water intake has gone from little to no less than 30oz a day. We are making healthy choices for our whole family and it feels great.  I'll keep you updated on my progress!

Our Week In Review

It has been an exciting, productive, and yet sad week. The first half of the week brought beautiful weather so we took advantage. Monday we went to the Y so I could continue with my healthy lifestyle changes. For me, knowing how by now I normally would've slacked if not stopped altogether, think I've done very well. The boys have too. They are excited to go to the "gym" and play. This is a huge weight off my shoulders because for the longest time one or both would have a meltdown any time I tried to leave them somewhere without family. The lady opens the door to the kid area and they run in, not even saying bye some days. Makes focusing on me while there so much easier. After the Y we got to play with one of their favorite little ladies, Emma, at the park. Emma's mommy, Jessica, & I went to high school together and were really good friends-they live minutes from us now. I love having a friend close by with a little one their age. Lucas didn't want to get out of the swing.

Tuesday, after the gym, we went to the zoo with Jessica, Emma, and baby Mason. We walked around the zoo in t-shirts in February!!! It was such a beautiful day. Wednesday was storytime at the library followed by a trip to Target for big boy undies. They love their big boy action figure underwear! Wednesday afternoon, we took a 4 mile walk outside. Just loving the weather!! Thursday after the Y, we went to look at bathing suits. That trip was a big fail because they each just wanted to play in the bathroom at the mall because it has a child sized potty. Every 5 minutes, Mommy I gotta go potty. Had to cut that shopping trip way short!

Friday started out with a high threat of severe weather, ending with (last I heard) at least 33 fatalities. Tornadoes swept through our area, staying just north of us, destroying whole towns. My aunt and uncle living in one of those towns, thankfully were safe and did not lose their home. Just reminds you how in a second, everything can change. Church is collecting $25 gift cards to big superstores so people can buy food and supplies as needed. Thankful that we're a part of a community that feels compelled to give to those in need. We were able to find some joy in the weekend with celebrating Aunt Jennifer's birthday.

**If any one is interested in donating a gift card for the people of Henryville and Marysville IN, please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Please Check This Out!

I don't do enough to give back. Frankly, I get caught up in my own little world too much and lose track of others sometimes. It's one of those things I must truly work on. The Shine Project is doing something just awesome to help get people involved in giving to others, Pass It Forward. Please go over to their website and check it out! It's a simple and wonderful concept. You get a "Pass it Forward" card or it gets passed to you, you do something nice for someone else and pass the card along. You log on to the website and let them know your good deed with using the ID # from the card and you can track all the awesome things people have done who have come in contact with that card. What a wonderful way to inspire people!!!

Things My Kids Say

Welcome to this week's edition of Things My Kids Say!! Please leave a comment with the funny things your kids say. Share the laugh!

*Lucas told me my hair was blue so I corrected him and said my hair is brown. Then he said my hair is "pee pee!" He's done this several times. He thinks it's just the funniest thing.

*The guy across the street was taking his dog out and Bailey was at the window barking like crazy. Ethan ran to the window and said, "Hush Bailey, it's just Roxie". So grown up!

*Ethan got a hold of Bailey's Halloween dog collar managed to somehow get it on, attached the leash (in a matter of like 10 sec) and came up to me and said, "Mommy, let's go for a walk!"

*I was laying Lucas down for a nap and handed him the book he asked for. His response, "That's perfect!"

*We have developed a fascination with Spiderman. One day after watching an episode, Ethan put his shoes on and told me, "I'm off to help Spiderman catch the lizard!"

Simultaneous Poops!! (Pic)

I couldn't resist!! The joys of twins!

Grandma Jean

It's the sweetest thing to see how big their little hearts are. They love so unselfishly. 

When James went out of town back in the fall, my grandma came to stay with us.  The boys loved it.  To this day, they refer to our guest room as Grandma Jean's room.  They get excited to see her and visit her.  Lucas had been asking for Grandma Jean so we decided to have her stay with us a few days again.  We picked her up yesterday and Lucas didn't want to let go of her hand. He'd walk around the house holding her hand.  I love seeing them interact with her.  I'm very thankful that they are able to develop a relationship with her!! Thanks for staying with us Grandma Jean!!

Bubblegum

It's not for us!!  Ethan has an issue with wanting to chew on things, like paper and books, but he doesn't swallow it.  He only chews.  Someone suggested we try chewing gum but I knew he's just too young.

Today at the grocery my grandma got them this chicken from the Easter section.  You wind him up and as he walks, he lays egg shaped bubblegum.  Since she bought it, I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what they do.  I explained bubblegum you don't swallow, just keep chewing. Lucas was my champ. Ethan chewed till it got soft and then swallowed. Yup, still too young for gum!

Things My Kids Say

*Super Bowl Sunday we had friends over to hang out and eat recipes I made from Pinterest. Jean & Eric brought little Davis over and I was first in line to get my hands on him. As I was holding him Lucas said "Give him back to Jean." A little later Ethan said "That's Jean's baby, give him back. My mommy!" Guess we know where they stand on having a sibling.

*My MIL was helping feed the boys and was giving Lucas a bite of her chicken chili. She tried to give him a bite with beans and he said "No beans! I'm a picky eater!" I have never said to either of them that they are picky because they really aren't. I have no idea where he's picked that up from.

*James & I were folding clothes over the weekend and Ethan wanted to be held. I picked him up for a minute and Lucas came over whining wanting to be held by Mommy too. James said, "Can Daddy pick you up?" Lucas firmly said "NO" and when James asked him why, he said "because you got too many clothes in your hands!" Well ok then.

*Ethan wanted something he wasn't allowed to have and started crying. I mean really crying hysterically. Out of no where, Lucas goes, "Don't be cranky."

*As I'm sitting here typing this, Ethan is playing with my hair. He bent down in my face, grabbed my cheek to turn my head towards his and said, "Mommy, mommy talk to me!"

Super Excited

Thirty years old. That's right my friends (if you're still out there). James turned 30 at Christmas and I turn 30 in July. In honor of this special milestone birthday we decided to do something fun. So come the end of September, you can find us here:

On the Freedom of the Seas sailing around the Caribbean. Who's excited?? That would be this girl!! We did a cruise for our honeymoon and enjoyed it very much. We did say, though, that if we ever cruised again we'd definitely go with another couple, and we shall. James's work wife (as I call him) Paul and his fiance Donna will be married this week. They decided to cruise also as a honeymoon/vacation. It's going to be so much fun. Waiting until September will be rather hard. To help keep track of the time, I installed a countdown on my phone so I know exactly how many days until I'm soaking up the sun on the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean!

There is a silver lining in waiting. There is plenty of time to shape up. I have lost weight since having the boys but my body isn't in a shape that I'm happy with. Since we booked the cruise last night, today has been a different kind of day. I am happy to make changes instead of putting it off for another day. I finally opened the Wii Zumba I got for Christmas. Man am I glad no one was here to watch me :) I've also been putting my Pinterest to use and started doing some target area exercises I pinned. We stocked up on fresh fruit and healthful snacks so that I can be better about the choices I make with food. It's about being healthy and the cruise just happens to give me a tangible goal to work towards but I want to make these life changes. So I may talk about exercising (gasp I know), food or preparing for the cruise in the midst of bragging about my bubbas. Please indulge me. I also do better with an accountability system so feel free to check in on me and ask how I'm doing. Might be a good motivator!! 230 days to go!

Story Time

Our local library, as many do, has story time each week for little ones. We started going last winter and the boys seemed to enjoy it, though they weren't very interactive. It's a mix of songs and stories, bubble chasing and an activity. When it restarted after taking summer break off, we didn't start back. We did decide to return after Christmas break though. I am so glad we did.

Because they are older and not as shy, they seem to be enjoying it so much more. They sing along and even want to sing the library songs at home. When Miss Shannon asks questions or we play an interactive game, they participate. They ask questions and sometimes talk to the other kids, which they never did before. The best part is seeing Lucas in his element. Lucas LOVES books. Love isn't a big enough word for how he feels about books. If there is a chance to trade in a kids meal toy for a book, he doesn't even think twice about it. He takes books everywhere he goes, even to the library. He just can't be without a book. After story time, he will go and sit at a bookcase and look through books and pick a few out and read to himself. I decided to start checking a few out, despite their destructive nature with books. They take very good care of library books and think it's super cool to have a book from the library. The sweetest part was when we got home Wednesday, Ethan sat down in his chair, picked up a book and said "I'm Miss Shannon" and started reading. I love that they enjoy books and being at the library. I just love watching them grow into little people.

This is why I cried today

This is only half of the mess, that was smooshed down into the carpet.

Things My Kids Say

Let the old cliche' be true: Kids really do say the darnedest things! My little ones are no exception. They bring me to tears from laughing some times and I want to remember these moments. Each week I will share with you the silly little comments that come out of the mouths of my little babes. I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Things My Kids Say...

* (Back story: The boys got to learn about pregnancy this summer as they watched Jean's belly grow with Davis inside. They hadn't seen her not pregnant anymore when Lucas made his statement) I was bringing Lucas down the stairs and he had his hand on my chest. He said, "mommy's belly big, mommy has a little baby in her belly!"

*(On days when the boys wake up early, we bring them in the room with us and lay on the bed together before going downstairs to truly begin the day.) Ethan was on the bed between Lucas & I and Lucas kept saying "Mommy I want a snack". Ethan leaned over in my face and said, "mommy my brother needs a snack." It was as if he was saying, mommy you are not listening to my brother so I must bring this to your attention.

(This one is kind of gross, but part of life) *We are getting better at going poo-poo on the potty. Each time they go, they like to turn around and inspect it. Must be a guy thing ;-) Ethan said, "it looks like a snake!" One a separate day, Lucas said "it looks like a snake mommy, but it isn't. it's my poopy!" I think what made it so funny was that he was so matter of fact about it.

Back From Hiatus

I took some time off from blogging. There were a lot of things going on, projects I was getting in to and time was limited. Blogging was the first thing to go. As the boys become more and more animated, I feel it is necessary to once again take to the computer to capture the special moments. I hope, if you're still out there, you'll come along with me.

Let me fill you in on the last several months at our house.
*In August, James & I celebrated 5 years of marriage with a trip to one of our favorite destinations: Charleston.

*September, I revitalized an old desk & chair and got down to the bare bones to bring it back to life. It's not the focal point in my art room (which will hopefully one day be another nursery)

*October brought Halloween. The boys were Santa Claus and Frosty. Nope, I did not pick out those costumes. From then on, Lucas referred to himself (and still does on occasion) as Santa.

*November, I began working hard on all the homemade Christmas gifts. I helped throw Jean a baby shower (my partner on Designs by Muah). We had a few craft shows as Designs by Muah. A very busy month.

*December, we finished out our craft shows. I finished up work on Christmas gifts. James had probably the biggest case of his career. My FIL had double hernia surgery. We had a wonderful Christmas that ended with Lucas tumbling down the stairs, me screaming, everyone having a jumping reaction to that which in turn landed my FIL back at the hospital. James turned 30 so we followed the Cardinals down to Charlotte NC for the bowl game and swung by Charleston since we were down there. Jean had sweet baby Davis the night before we returned from our trip. Lastly, we celebrated my moms birthday on New Years Eve, which thankfully was a quiet evening for us.

*January we began potty training. It was my plan to do so, but Ethan decided he was ready and started taking his diaper off the moment it was wet. We haven't looked back. We are still in the midst of it. I'll fill you in on potty training with two soon. By the end of January, we were finally starting to break Lucas of wearing the Santa hat he had become extremely attached to.

So that's where we are. It's February. Valentine's is quickly approaching and Breaking Dawn is released on DVD this Friday. We've had a lot of hilarious moments over the last few months and I know as they continue to grow and learn, it will only get more entertaining around here! So stick around.

Here are just a few pictures of us over the last few months.