One Year Ago Today

Today is a hard day. This day one year ago we lost JC's daddy to cancer. And even though I only knew him for a short time, I am blessed to have known him. He treated everyone fairly and accepted my kids and me into their family as though we were his own. He loved my kids and never once treated them like they were his step grandkids. He thought the world of them - he loved Maggie to death and Josh always made him laugh. He loved his wife and treated her like she was a queen. He loved his son and daughter as only a daddy can and would do anything in the world for them.

He was a hard, working man.Even though the last year and a half of his life he battled cancer that didn't slow him down. He continued to work around the house doing odd jobs and would even come to Josh's baseball games even when the sun was out because he wanted to watch him play. They bought a house and the back deck was not big enough nor did he like the stairs. So he while taking chemo, added onto the deck and redid the back stairs.

When Josh was in boy scouts, he gave Jesse a ring off a burned flag because he was a veteran. Jesse carried that around in his pocket and was buried with it. I didn't know that he carried it around with him all the time but this is the type of man he was. He didn't do things for show and loved the Lord.

The babies missed being born on his birthday by one day. He would have loved them so much and I wish he could have been here to see them. But God had other plans and even though we don't always understand, we know that He is in control. Jesse is missed everyday. I miss his jokes and smart comments he would make - I miss his laugh - I miss him. We all miss him. Today I am praying for JC and the entire family because I know that today will be hard. But I am so blessed to have known him and have him touch my life.

Great News

Back in 1992, my daddy had stomach cancer and after 12 weeks of chemo was declared cancer free. In the past few months, he has started having stomach problems again and we were all nervous that the cancer had come back. Last week he went back to the cancer doctor that he used 17 years ago and had a couple of tests run. We found out yesterday that he is still cancer free!!! Praise the Lord! Now the cancer doctor and another doctor that my daddy saw back then are going to put their heads together to figure out what to do to fix his stomach. They believe it is scar tissue that is causing the problem but not quite sure yet how to fix it. But all I know is that it is not cancer and I am so glad.

Catch up time...

It's been a few days so here's what has been going on. Christmas was great like always. Spent the day with family and enjoyed having a great time with the kids. Saturday and Sunday we didn't even leave the house. We just hung around and played games including Wii Resort which was a blast - even if my son beat me at basketball. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve we discovered that Jess cut his first tooth only to discover today that he had cut his second one and was cutting a third one on bottom. We have also started the babies on cereal and fruit. Cam loves it but Jess is not too thrilled about the cereal. You actually have to force his mouth open to even get it in there for him to even try, but now that we have added fruit it is getting easier. Cam is waiting to stand up all the time now and actually gets mad if she has to sit or lay down too long - she is basically as my husband says "A high maintenance Mary".

The older two leave tomorrow for their dad's until Thursday night so things will be a little quieter around the house. I will miss them so much while they are gone and will be so ready for them to come home.

What a love

As I sit here this Christmas season and think of my boys, I can't help but think of how God sent His only Son to be born and die for me. He allowed His Son to die for me - Someone who doesn't deserve that sacrifice. He took my place - He took all of our place. As a mother, I can't imagine or even begin to think of letting one of my sons die for people that I don't even know much less people that I do know. He is my son and I love him with my whole heart, so it just blows me away that God loved me that much. I am so thankful for a God that was willing to love me that much.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

4 months already

Today my oldest and I took the babies for their 4 month check up. Jess weighed 16lbs 2oz and Cam weighed 13lbs 6 oz - needless to say we have healthy babies. Since they are eating on average 5 8oz bottles a day we start rice tomorrow. I am looking forward to their first feeding and sharing it with JC and the older two.

It is so hard to believe that it has been 4 months already. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was just finding out that I was pregant with twins. This time one year ago unknown to me at the time, two little babies were being formed inside of me. What a miracle it is to think about that and then look at my two babies sleeping. I praise God everyday for all 4 of my children.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Would I have believed

Tonight as I read my devotional from Luke about the crucifixion of Christ. The thief that took up for Jesus believed but would I have believed. Surely to goodness I would have. I think of how my life is today and how I would be lost without Him. How many times I leave things up to me instead of trusting Him to do things in His time and not mine. And it is at those times when I realize that I need Him more than ever.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Christmas Visitor

We have a little visitor at our house this year during the Christmas holidays. Braxton the Elf has come to stay with us until his return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He has already been crazy already. The kids get so excited to wake up every morning to see what Braxton has done. THis morning we woke to find that he had drawn on the bathroom mirror, tp'd the bathroom some and put toothpaste all in the sink. The kids search this morning and found in at the top of the tree. I am sure we will have many more adventures over the holidays and I will keep updates on his mischiefs.

Great News

My daddy has been having issues with his stomach over the last few months and that had us all scared. Back in May 1992, my daddy was diagnosed with stomach cancer. So of course, our first thought was that it was back. The day before Thanksgiving he went to the doctor to have his stomach scoped. Praise God, it was scar tissue that was blocking his food from entering the small intestines. It was a relief that he will be okay, which made this Thanksgiving Day even more special.

Let the good times roll...

As many know or may not know, I put my babies asleep on their tummies. They prefer it that way and are sleeping for at least 9 hours a night so I can't complain. Over the Thanksgiving holidays a major milestone with one of the babies was made. Camie rolled from her tummy to her back several times. She wakes up or starts fussing at night and when I go to check on her she is on her back. I haven't seen it yet but Maggie has. Don't know when Jesse will master this but from now on we have to keep a close eye on those two.

Do I have any regrets....

This weekend while it was just me and the babies, I was flipping the channel and found the movie "13 going on 30". I had never seen the movie so I thought why not. One scene in the movie at the end really got me to thinking. Jennifer 's character asked her mom if she ever wanted to go back in time to correct some of her bad choices/decisions. The mom told her no.
I started thinking about my decisions and choices and if I would want to go back in time to correct them. Yes there are some things that I would love to correct, but then I would not be who I am today without those decisions. I would possibly not have my four children or not even live and work where I do. My life as it is now is far better than I could have ever dreamed. I don't have the big house, fancy cars, latest techno things - but what I do have is worth far more than those things would ever be.
My only regret is not keeping my eyes more focused on Him at times so that some of those decisions that I made would have involved Him more. But God took what this world meant for bad and turned into something for His Glory. And isn't that the way that it is all supposed to be anyway.

Conversation over lunch

JC had lunch with Maggie at school and during this time we found out something very interesting. Mags forgot her lunch so she had to eat in the lunchroom and they were serving turkey. We found out that she doesn't like turkey much anymore. The reason - me! Yes her mom. Come to find out when I made her turkey snadwiches for lunch I somehow screwed them up. Now how you screw up a turkey snadiwch is beyond me. It was that I either put too much meat, too much mayo, or too much cheese - which I haven't figured out the last one since I only put one piece of cheese on the snadwich. Did she tell me any of this - nope. But at least now I know why on turkey day, she won't be eating any.

Lunch with his girl

Today, the school had a Thanksgiving lunch for kids and their parent(s). She wanted one of us to come and since JC was off today, he is going. Someone asked him what he was doing Friday and his response "The only thing I have is a lunch date with my daughter." That one line meant the world to me. He is a great daddy.

Interesting lunch

I was introduced last week to Moe's BBQ here in Vestavia. The smoked chicken sandwich was great but this week I tried the Thanksgiving Special sandwich. It was different than anything I had before. It was smoked turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce (which I didn't get on mine) and red and white BBQ sauce. I had heard how great and wonderful it was, but it wasn't something that I would get all the time. But I have to say that the lima beans were of some count. The red BBQ sauce isn't that bad either.

What a Week and a Scare!

Let me start off to say that I have had some crazy weeks in my life, but this week has to rank right up there at the top. Jesse started getting sick especially over the weekend and we found out Monday that he had an ear infection and bronchiolitis. Tuesday was rough and they were both very fussy. Tuesday night though, Jesse cried off and on all night long and Camie started coughing and crying. So another trip to the doctor on Wednesday. Jesse now has a double ear infection and Camie has an ear infection and bronchiolitis. Both of them are pitiful.

We had a scare though at the doctor's office that almost had me in tears. Jesse got so mad that he was crying and his eyes somewhat rolled back and it worried our doctor. They would not let us leave until Jesse calmed down and would track me with his eyes. I can tell you right now, I have never been so scared in all my life. In those few moments, everything was running through my head. But Praise God, he is okay now. We think it was because he got so upset. I have been watching him like a hawk ever since. They seemed better when I left this morning, so maybe we are past the worse of this.

3 Months Today

It's hard to believe that it's already been 3 months since the babies were born. Three months since God blessed our family with 2 more bundles of joy to love. They are already getting so big. They are moving around on their backs and trying to roll over some already. Camie even tries to sit up when she is in her bouncy seat. They are "talking" more everyday. Before I know they will be all over the place. I remember how fast time flew by with Maggie and Josh and I plan on treasuring every moment I have with them as babies. I treasure every moment I have with all of my kids. I never knew that I could love 4 little things as much as I love my kids. And to think that God loves us more than that is hard to imagine.

Karate Tourney

Saturday was Josh's first karate tourney. He was excited about it and I was so nervous. He doesn't like to be up in front of people by himself so part of me was terrified that he would freeze up and lose it. But he did great. He got 3rd place in both forms and sparring and got two trophies. I will hopefully be posting some video soon from it.

Afterwards, we got to spend some time together just the two of us. My nephew's girlfriend kept the babies for me and I had a blast spending some time with him. We met JC for lunch at McDonald's and then headed to Bass Pro Shops to play in Santa's workshop and upstairs at the shooting game. It's been a while since I got to spend time with him like that. I wish Maggie could have been there, but she decided to stay at her daddy's since all the kids were there this weekend.

Boys will be boys

All boys are the same whether they are 1 or 70. Last night as I gave Jesse a bath, he did his usually pee as soon as he in the tub. Josh was in there with me - the kids love bath time with the babies. As Jesse was peeing, he hiccuped and pee went everywhere. I jumped back a little bit but not my oldest son. He just laughed and ran into the den to tell his sister what Jesse had done. He was so proud.

How can you say no...

Maggie came home from school with a note for "Lunch with Someone Grand", which is Thanksgiving lunch with the student and then a trip to the Book Fair. She showed it to me and instead of doing her usually "it's okay if you can't come" line she says all the time she showed me what she had written on the back.

When I saw what she had written I had a tear come to my eye. It was so sweet - how could one of us say no. Things worked out that JC is off next Friday so he is going with her. He had planned to go fishing but is going to have lunch with his "Big Sweet Pea" instead. She was so excited. And I was reminded again why I love that man so much. A lot of guys would keep their plans and not even think twice about it, but not JC.

What a Weekend

To say that this past weekend was busy would be an understatement. I felt as though I was going non stop which we basically were. Friday night Maggie had a spend the night party and Josh had karate practice for his tournament coming up.

Saturday morning, we all loaded up (yes all 6 of us) and headed to Tuscaloosa to tailgate with friends and watch the game on TV. The kids had a blast. Maggie played with our friends' daughter and Josh played football with some boys tailgating right next to us. The babies laid a lot on the blanket looking at the leaves blowing in the wind. I wanted to get more pictures than I got but it was hard looking after all 4 kids and trying to talk to friends. Next year should be better.

Sunday, we headed to Pelham for Maggie's gymnastics meet. She did pretty good and finished 5th in bars. I was so proud of her because she did her round off/backhand spring all by herself without anyone spotting her. It was not the best one she has ever done, but a step in the right direction. She seems to have an issue for some reason with doing one. We think she is thinking about it too much and just needs to practice it more since we have seen her do it a thousand times.

Finally on the way home, we stopped by Bass Pro Shops to visit Santa's workshop and see the man in the big red suit. I haven't downloaded the pictures, but I got some pictures of all 4 kids with him. It was great weekend.

Half Full...

This week at times has been very trying. I have caught myself at times complaining about the lack of time and things in general. When it totally hit me that I have nothing to complain about. I have 4 beautiful healthy children, a great dog, and a husband who loves me for me. I have decided to look at everything as "half full". So I may not have the big house, the nice cars, the nice clothes, a house full of furniture (but I can tell you that my house is full), or anything along those lines. But what I do have is first of all a relationship with my Lord and Saviour that is humbling to even think about and blessings that are too many to count.

So when I start to complain about the house being dirty, I will be thankful that I have a house over my head - when the kids are getting on my last nerve, I will be thankful that I have 4 healthily kids because there will come a day when they will not live with me anymore and the silence will be deafening.

I hope that this week, we will all step back and look at ourselves and what we have and not compare ourselves to others. For when we compare ourselves with others, nothing will ever be enough for us.

Halloween

It was the babies first Halloween and we were all prepared for Maggie and Josh to not be there, but things worked out that they were. We were all so excited.

But can I say that was one busy Halloween. We had 4 parties that we were invited to and by the time we got home after 10pm the babies were exhausted. First we went to Josh's karate party and it was a great time had by all. Josh went home with his best friend and Mags and I went by the house with the babies. Next stop after watching Auburn beat Ole Miss was to her brother's party. She had a great time catching up with old friends. And then on to our friend's house for supper and trick or treating. The kids had a wonderful time riding in the back of the trailer with hay. It got cold towards the end but tons of candy was in the bags.

The kids spent the night with their friends and JC and I took the babies to the final stop. My nephews and their friends had a costume party and they all looked great. The babies "danced" and had a good ole time.

I will be posting pictures soon but time for downloading pictures is not there all the time like it used to be.

Goodbye

This afternoon I said goodbye to my Trailblazer. We were finally able to sell it so that we could get me something bigger. While I was ready to sell it, this is all bittersweet. The car was the first big thing that I bought for myself after my divorce. It was in a way a reminder to me of finding myself again and becoming a stronger person after such a trying time in my life. So now to find a car to carry all 6 of us in. I look forward to the memories we will make in the new one. Now to find exactly what I want. This ought to be interesting....

And the Winner is....

I saw a tweet from Smashing Magazine about a book giveaway on another blog. I thought what the heck, I will enter it and just see if I win. Well, I won a book. I get Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers. I am so excited. Looking forward to getting the book and trying some new things with my photos.

A Comical Start to My Day

What I thought was starting out to be a good morning quickly turned into quite the morning. It all started out fine. One of the babies got up around 2:30 and was back down by 3, and the other one got up at 4:45 and was back down by 5:15 or so. JC was watching the babies while I started getting ready. I turned the bathroom light on and JC asked me why I had to turn the big light on. Of course I had to have it on to put on my makeup and his response was "it's not like you put enough on to make a difference". Needless to say, he started some major back tracking and quickly dug himself out of that hole. He said that it just didn't sound like that in his mind.

So after that blow (LOL), I began making bottles and fixing the kids' lunches for the day. As the kids are eating breakfast, my oldest daughter proceeds to tell me in the sweetest and most sincere voice "You know Mama, that extra fat you have from the babies doesn't look that bad. I kind of like it". Let's just say that after the way I told her "thank you", she won't be mentioning the "extra fat" again. I felt bad that I used that tone all of us wives have used with our husbands when they say something along these lines. Tonight I will politely explained to her why we don't say things like this. But I am glad to know that the "extra fat" doesn't look that bad.

After all of that, I am just glad that the Roc commercial didn't come on TV so that my son could tell me that I needed it to get rid of all the wrinkles around my eyes.

Two month old checkup

Today we took the babies to their two month old check-up. Both babies were great - at least once they got to the doctor's office with Daddy (JC). When I left the house this morning, I had the babies dressed and the diaper bag packed to make things easier for JC. Once the older two kids and I had left, the fun for JC began. Jesse got fussy and then Camie got started. He said that they were quiet for all of 7 seconds when he put them in their car seats. Then as he got gas for the truck, Camie was screaming and then Jesse joined in when his pacifier came out of his mouth. JC stopped to get him some breakfast and the lady at Chick-fi-la hear Jesse screaming over the intercom. Needless to say, Daddy had one of those mornings with them.

And let me tell you, my two babies are growing like weeds. Camie now weighs over 11 pounds while Jesse weighs in at 12 lbs 10 oz. His ear was much better today which was a relief. They both had to get 4 shots a piece which always breaks my heart. I just checked on them and they were both sleeping. It was hard to leave them today and come back to work, but I am thankful to have a job that allows me to be at appointments and events for all my kids.

First gym meet of the season

The first weekend this month, Maggie had her first gym meet of the season. To say that she was nervous would be an understatement. The kids were with their daddy that weekend, so my parents kept the babies and JC and I loaded up and headed to Tuscaloosa. The meet was long and she did pretty good for her first time. We have a lot of work to do, but she placed in every event and was 8th place overall for her age group. We have several more meets to attend this year, but at least the first one is under our belts.

Yellow Belt

This summer, Josh started taking karate and he is loving it. The last week of September, Josh was ready to test for his yellow belt. He was ready but I was a nervous wreck. Since we did early testing, he was the only white belt testing that night. After it was done, I asked if he got his yellow belt and was told that we wouldn't know for sure until awards on that Tuesday night. I was sick at my stomach then. All I could think of was what if he didn't get it - he would fall apart and it would break my heart. Well thank goodness he got and the smile on his face was priceless. Now we are working on our green belt (at least I believe that is the next belt that we will be getting). I will keep you posted on our progress.

2 months old

My how time flies by. It's hard to believe that this past Saturday, the babies turned 2 months old. Before they were born I would wonder how we would make it with 4 kids, now I wonder what we did without them. They are a joy to our lives. Saturday JC and I took them shopping for some new clothes since they have out grown most of their 0-3 months ones. They were so good and people were constantly asking us "Are they twins?" Sometimes I wanted to get smart with them, but we would just answer them with a polite yes.

JC decided that if we ever got a divorce (which we won't since we both don't believe in divorce) that he was getting the babies because they were a totally chick magnet. Every woman that passed us would stop and look at the babies. He is just too funny!

First One of the Season

Well after all the precautions that we have taken with the babies, they have their first colds. While Camie only has a runny nose, Jesse has an ear infection. Wednesday night he screamed for a while and would wake up during the night would wake up from sleep crying. I could not do anything to comfort him and should have seen that he was getting an ear infection. It's not like I haven't had a kid with them in the past. So he is on his round of antibiotics and should start feeling better soon. The good past is that even while they have had a cold the past couple of days, their eating has not slowed down.

While we were at the doctor, they weighed the babies. Let me just say that we have two big, healthy babies. Jesse weighed in at 11 lbs 10 oz and Camie was in at 10lbs 4 oz. Next week we will have the babies two month checkup. It's hard to believe that they will be 2 months old tomorrow. My how time flies.

Update

Yes I haven't updated in a while but I have been a little busy adjusting to life with four kids. Yes four kids now and I thought our calendar was full before the babies were born. I have to say that I am loving life as new mom again and loving having four despite the stresses that come with that. The babies will soon be 2 months old and we could not have been any more blessed than we have been with 2 healthy babies. They are growing like weeds. We go next week for their 2 month old check-up so I will let you know how much they weigh then.

Maggie and Josh are loving the babies. They want to be there for everything for them and have them at everything for them. This past Tuesday night I was leaving to take Maggie to gym and had planned on taking both of the babies so that JC and Josh could have some guy time. But Josh wanted Jesse to stay with them. They kiss the babies good night every night and tell them all the time how much they love them. I am lost without them when they go to their dad's because they are such a big help and wonderful to have around.

I am looking forward to what life and God has in store for us. What an adventure this will be!

School Starts Back

Today school started back for my kids. It's been awful quiet around here without them here. They have been here a lot since I got sent home by the doctor. The quiet is nice but still miss the craziness of working while watching the kids. They both got off to a great start. Josh was dropped off first and wasn't to thrilled that I was taking pictures of him but he worked with me. He seemed to like his teacher and hard to believe that he is already in the 3rd grade. Maggie was next and she was just so excited. She is started a new school and was thrilled to be having 4 teachers and changing classes. Let's see how excited she is once things get going. We were not allowed to walk her in but I did get some pictures of her outside of her school. Hard to believe that the two of them will not be at the same school again until high school. Time flies by and I want to soak in every possible minute I can.

The Final Stretch

As I write this I am sitting on the couch with my feet up working. We are now 1 week away, unless something happens between now and then. We are 1 week away from becoming a family of 6. The kids are so excited. This past weekend was our last weekend without kids for the first time since we stared dating over 5 years ago. A lot of changes are coming our way but we are so excited. Now if we can just come up with a name for our baby girl.

The Countdown is on

We have a date set for a C-section on Monday, August 17th.  So in about 2 weeks, we will be come a family of 6.  Wow the very thought of having 4 kids blows my mind but excites me that I have been blessed with 4 kids. I feel humbled that God would bless us with 4 kids.  JC is convinced that we will be welcoming the babies before the 17th , but we will see.  

At my doctor's appointment we have another ultrasound and discovered that they are both head down.  The C-section appointment is still set but the choice will be up to me.  JC and I talked about the babies coming today and the only thing we pray for is that they are healthy.  So if they come today or on the 17th, we just want what's best for the babies and me.  

Tonight one of my best friends Whitney came over and we got the baby bed setup and the ladder bookshelf with the baskets to hold the babies clothes and things up.  I am so excited now.  The bags are packed and all we are waiting on now is the babies themselves.  

At home

A week ago this past Thursday, the doctor sent me home for the rest of the pregnancy. I have started having a few contractions and sleeping at night is just a thing of the past. At first I was enjoying it but now I am getting a little cabin fever. I get to go out a few places, but JC doesn't like for me to drive anywhere. So I have started reading Book 6 of the Harry Potter series since I don't believe that I could make it through a 2 1/2 hour movie. I wish the movie would hurry up and come out on DVD so I could see it, but I guess I will have to wait. My kids tell me that it was great.

I am so blessed though to have a job that allows me to work from home. I am able to continue to work but I miss my friends at work. Even though I miss my friends and going places, all the rest has made me feel somewhat better.

Out of the mouth of babes

Kids are always saying the funniest things. This past Sunday was my time to work in the nursery at church with the 3 year olds. While we were waiting for parents to come, one of the little boys was just staring at me. Then he looked at me and asked "What is that?". Of course he was looking at my big belly. I told him that it was my belly and he told me that it was big (and when he said big his eyes got big). After a little chuckle, I told him that it was big because I had 2 babies in there. And then I got the biggest chuckle of all, he told me that he had 5 - 5 babies in his tummy. I am sure his parents would be so proud.

18 Years Goes by Fast

It seems like only yesterday that my nephews were graduating kindergarten. Now they are graduating high school and getting ready to go to college. It was a happy but sad day for me. They both plan on attending Jeff State in Pell City and both had received a full 2-year scholarship. So the good news is that they are not leaving yet. I am sure that I will be in tears when they finally move away to college. I can't imagine my world without my nephews in it all the time. So for now I will enjoy having them around as long as possible.

26 weeks

I didn't have an ultrasound today, but the doctor visit went great. My blood pressure was perfect (quoting the nurse here). The doctor measured my belly and it measured right where is was supposed to and the heartbeats were good. He even said that the babies were chilling this morning. So now I go back in two weeks and this time we will have another ultrasound and hopefully some more 4D images of the babies. I hope to take the kids next time so that they can see the babies.

Great Play

This past Saturday night, the 3rd and 4th graders from our school put on the play "The Jungle Book Kids". Maggie was Bagheera the panther and did a great job. She was of course very nervous at first, but once it got started she was great. On the way to eat afterwards, she told me that she wanted to be in another play and that she loved being on stage. Looks like I may have more plays in my future.

You can see the pictures that I took at my Flickr site.

A Sneak Peak

Yesterday I had another doctor's appointment. It was the dreaded sugar test appointment. You would think they could come up with something to drink that would taste better than what they give you. But I passed the test with flying colors. I told JC not to come because I was going to have to wait so long but I wish he would have been there. They called me back for another ultrasound and I just figured it was going to be the same old thing. Little did I know what was in store. While she was checking on our baby girl, she flipped the switch and I got to see our baby girl in 4d. I was speechless and so wishing JC would have been there. It was amazing to get to see what they both will look like.
My next appointment is in two weeks so needless to say, JC will be coming to the next one if all possible.
When I got home I showed the kids the pictures and they were so excited. They said that they were getting excited and couldn't wait until the babies got here. And when JC got home from work, they had to show him. He thought it was cool but also said that our baby boy was going to be a jock because he had a "hole" in his head. What will I ever do with him.

How do you make paint?

My oldest asked me yesterday morning on the way to school "Mama how do you make paint?" I had to tell her that I had no idea but that we could ask a friend of ours who works for Benjamin Moore or look it up on the net. My son told us that he knew how they make paint. He told us and was totally serious that you take crayons, remove the papers, place the crayons in a bowl in a microwave or oven, and then melt them - and there you have paint. Maggie tried to tell him that is not how you do it and he said it was and got a little snappy with her. I just simply laughed to myself and cherished another moment with my kids.

What a weekend

This past weekend was great. Josh and his baseball team won their game Friday night and we enjoyed a post supper with some great friends.
Saturday we hung out at the house and the kids played outside all day. That afternoon, I took Josh and his best friend to his house and we ended up staying and grilling out and hanging out by the pool. I am not sure how they could swim in that cold water but they were loving it.
Sunday after church we went to eat at The Shack, which has to be one of the best BBQ places I have ever eaten before in my life. We rode out to the track to get JC some Lowes hats to wear to work. While we were out there, we ran into a friend who was able to take us into the infield and Maggie got to see some of the race from Turn 3. She was so excited and I believe that she is hooked on NASCAR. We will have to take Josh back for the fall race since he is such a big Dale Jr fan. We went to pick up Josh from his best friend's house and got home around 8:30 last night. The kids went swimming again and we had a great time again hanging out by the pool and our friends.
Man the weekend sure did fly by. I dread them having to go back to their dad's this coming weekend since I will miss them so much. I could use weekends like this past weekend with them all the time.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble

Today we went to the doctor for another check-up and yet another ultrasound. There was only one person today doing them so it took a little longer than usual. But when we got in there we didn't realize that we were going to be in there for a while. Things have changed since the last time that I had a baby which was 8 years ago. Now at or around 20 weeks, they want to check everything and take pictures of it for the record. When you have two, then things can take a while.

First up was our little boy. He was quite cooperative and showed us everything we needed to know. We saw him one time with his fists up but when we looked right above him we saw his sister and she was kicking him. We got to see his arms, hands, legs, heart beating - everything. He measured a little bit bigger than she did. He measured around 20 weeks and something while she was at 19 weeks and some days.

Next up was our little girl, who I have discovered today is rather stubborn. I have no idea where she would have gotten that from. We were able to see everything for her today but her face. She is in a breech position and had her face turned to my spine and would not look around for anything. The lady tried to get her to look around and she wouldn't. She was moving like crazy so I have to get another ultrasound when I go back so that they can check her out again. It seems that my doctor is very detailed in what he wants to know about the twins.

But they looked great. Here are some pictures from today. I was hoping for a video but the new machines that the group I go to now has doesn't have a way to copy the video. So I guess I will be doing the 4D and taking the kids some this summer so that they can see for themselves.

Watch what you eat

This past weekend one morning as the kids and I were eating breakfast, I decided that I wanted some cereal. One type of cereal that I really like is Special K Fruit and Yogurt. Some people have it to help them lose weight, I just eat it because it is good. So as I was fixing my bowl, Maggie came up all concerned. She informed me that I couldn't eat that because that you eat that to lose weight and I didn't need to be eating anything like that. I laughed and informed her that a serving size for losing weight was 1/2 cup and that I probably had 2 cups of cereal in my bowl. So I guess I will have to watch what I eat around them.

It's Hard to Believe

This past weekend, I took pictures as I watched my nephews leave for their senior prom. It is so hard to believe that they are seniors. It just seems like just yesterday they were Josh's age running around and playing baseball. Now they are all grown up and getting ready to go off to college. They looked so handsome, but I am a little bias.

As we went up to the high school to meet all their friends and get in the limo, it hit me that it was 20 years ago that I was getting ready for my senior prom. (Sorry no pictures will be posted of me at my senior prom.) Now I stood there watching my nephews leave for theirs. Before I know it, I will be watching my kids leave for their senior prom. My greatest advice would be to any parent is don't wish time to move quickly ever and cherish every moment, every whine, every annoying time because one day they will be gone and the house will be empty.

18 Weeks

As of this past Friday, I am 18 weeks. It doesn't seem that it has been that long but then again it does. For twins, I guess you would said that I am 1/2 way there since it is rare for twins to be carried full term. I just pray everyday that they are growing and will be healthy and strong like Maggie and Josh were. I am starting to feel them move a little more everyday. At times they will kick me pretty hard and it a surprise when they do because it is a rather strong kick. The first time I really felt one of them kick I was giving JC a hard time about something. He said that I should be nice to him and that if I wasn't then his babies would take care of him.
I feel like this is my first pregnancy since it is the first time that I have had twins. With my first two, I was feeling good and had lots of energy at 18 weeks, but not now. All I want to do it sleep and lay around. This past Saturday night I slept for 12 hours. But it is so exciting this time because I am experiencing this with the kids (who are so excited) and JC, who is experiencing all of this for the first time. Maggie and Josh look after me and are eagerly awaiting the chance of getting to feel the babies move in my stomach. JC is starting to get a little over protective of me, which I do appreciate.
Now we have to put the house on the market and pray that God will send a buyer along soon and have the perfect house for us to move into when it sells. I have friends who are stressed out because we don't have a house big enough for all of us or a car for that matter. But I am trusting that God will take care of us and things will move in His time and not ours. Because if we rely on His timing, it will be perfect.

The Bond is Strong

This morning as we were pulling up to the school, Maggie informed me that Josh had some little wrestling guys in his pocket. So of course I had to get on to him for trying to bring toys to school. He was like "Can't I just play with them?". When talking to him about it, I figured out that Maggie had felt of his pockets to see if he was bringing anything. She is such a little mama. I had to then talk to Maggie about doing that and tattle-telling which she does quite often. But I need to stress to them that if it is an danger to the other one then we need them to tell. As we were pulling up to the drop off point, Maggie said "Well there is something else but I pinkie promised Josh I wouldn't tell." Well that got my curiosity up and of course, neither one of them would tell. Maggie kept saying that she promised Josh. I asked her if he had gotten in trouble or if it was really bad and she said no. As much as this was a little frustrating, it was good to see that their bond with each other is strong and that is exactly what I have always wanted for them. They look after each other and make sure that the other one is okay. I can't imagine how protective they will be over the twins when they get here.

State Prep-Op Meet

This past Sunday Maggie competed in the State Prep Op Meet. She started out good on the floor and scored a 9.675. Next we came to vault where she scored a 9.1 which is one of the highest scores she had ever gotten for vault. The other two events did not go as well.

She was disappointed in her meet but I was of course proud of her. She finished 3rd in her age group in the state. It started out as a bad day because she said that she didn't want to go - she just wanted to stay at home. I can fully understand where she was coming from because they had just come home Saturday at 3 from a week at their dad's and then have to go back this weekend since it is the first weekend of the month. And of course our weeks right now are jammed packed since baseball season has started and she is still going to gym. So we will have to make the best of our time together and cherish every moment. I sure do miss them when they are gone.

Keeping things even

Yes I am behind my blogging but when I get home at night now all I want to do is go to bed and sleep. But last Wednesday we went to the doctor for another check-up. We had the ultrasound and the babies were doing great - heartbeats strong as ever. While we were looking she checked to see if we could see what we were having - we are having a boy and a girl. This is exactly what Maggie and Josh wanted. JC actually showed a little excitement. Now we will start getting things ready and picking out names.
Sunday JC took me shopping to look for me some clothes for this summer. As we were walking through Target I walked over to the baby aisle and looked at the price of diapers now. It has been quite a few years since I had to buy them so I wanted to see what the prices were like now. I showed JC one pack of newborns that was $19 for 72. He went into shock. We walked around the baby section for just a minute before JC told me that we had to leave because he was getting depressed. Even last night when he saw a diaper commercial he just moaned. I just laughed. Boy is JC in for a world of shock.

Ten Years

On Monday we celebrated Maggie's 10th birthday. It is so hard to believe that it has been 10 years. Yes it was 10 years ago that my life was forever changed. To hold her for the first time and feel so much love for a little human being was beyond words - it still is. Now she is getting bigger and more independent. I knew these days would come I just didn't realize that they would come so quickly. It just seems like yesterday that she was learning to walk and now she is learning to master her round off/back-hand spring in gymnastics. When I look at her I understand how much God can love us. But I thankful for how much He has blessed me with Maggie, Josh, and the twins on the way. I totally don't deserve it, but I am so humbled to be given the opportunity to be a mom to them. She is and will forever be my little girl.

Bedtime at our House

Bed time around our house has become a ritual. I started a while back doing a nightly devotional with the kids when I put them to bed. This meant that I had to read the devotional twice - once to each child. Within the last week this has changed a bit. We still do the devotional except that I read the scripture and JC reads the story to both kids at the same time. We all come into Josh's room probably because he already has a light on since he sleeps with his lamp on. The kids and I sit on the bed and JC reads the story. We all laugh and giggle at times because of how he reads the story. He is such a blessing to me and the kids.
After the devotional and prayer time, JC picks Maggie up and carries her to her room or simply walks with her - it really depends on Maggie's mood. And then once he comes into Josh's room the two of them definitely have a routine that they do every night. Josh "picks" at JC and tells him that JC can't body slam him and then the wrestling match begins. After a few body slams and "rest-in-peace", there is the grand finale. JC steps a few feet from the bed and Josh runs and jumps off the bed into JC arms for one final body slam. And then he goes to sleep. Maggie doesn't like the body slams so JC only does them to her every now and then - usually only by her request.

The Questions So Far

Little did I know that the kids would have so many questions and comments about the twins. They have been cute and quite funny - while some have been very serious. Here is a few:
1. When the babies pee does it come out with yours?
2. Do you think Shadow will still be here when they come? (Shadow is our 12 year old Golden Retriever)
3. Will the babies be scared of Shadow?
4. I am not watching when they cut your tummy. (Like they would be in the room)
5. Did you sing to them last night before you went to sleep?
6. You are getting big Mama!
7. What if one of them is a special needs baby?
8. How big will you get?
9. Mama, when you get big will you still be able to walk like that? (This was asked as I was walking across the room.)
10. If the babies cry can you hear them?
11. So did we sleep good last night Mama? (This was from Maggie - she is becoming the little mother to me now)

Josh last night put his ear to my belly and then said "I can't hear them. Are they moving around?"

The kids are so excited that we have two little ones on the way. The kids went to school Thursday and told the everyone we were expecting. Josh told his teacher we were having triplets. I definitely have to assure him that it is only two. I pray that God will continue to protect the babies and that they will grow and be perfect like Maggie and Josh were. I know they were not perfect babies but they were to me.

Two More Blessings

Well now that I have reached 12 weeks I can officially tell everyone that we are having twins. We had our second doctor visit today and everything was great. The babies both measured exactly where they were supposed to and their heartbeats were strong. Our families are excited. My daddy has been wanting to tell people ever since we found out a month ago but I wanted to make it to 3 months before I told the kids. When I called my parents today, they set off telling people.

While we were at the hospital, we stopped by the gift shop and bought the kids shirts - the Big Brother/Big Sister shirts. When I got home tonight, we told the kids to close their eyes that we had them a surprise. After playing a couple of tricks on them, we laid the shirts out and told them to open their eyes. Maggie looked at the shirts and neither one of them could figure it out. Maggie asked "How is Josh going to be a big brother?" JC walked over to me and lifted my shirt just enough to show my growing belly and the kids went nuts. They said "A baby?". When we told them that it was twins they started jumping up and down. Josh kept walking over to me and hugging me and putting his head on my belly. They asked all sorts of questions for the rest of the night. Josh even told me that he was going to be in the room when I had the babies. I assured him that he would not. He was worried that I wouldn't love him as much when the babies got here. I assured him that my love for him would never change and that he would always be my "little man" and "doodlebug".

I am looking forward to making our family of 4 a family of 6 in a few months. I just pray that God will protect the babies and my kids. They are going to be great with them and JC is going to continue to be the wonderful daddy that he is. So not only will this blog tell of adventures with the two we have now, but will tell of the adventures of the two growing inside me. We just think we are busy now.

Time Files

My how times flies - as I sit here working and watching the kids play it just seems like yesterday that they will little. Oh how I treasure these days because I know that I will turn around and they will be grown up and gone off to college. So I will take to heart each moment for in 8 years I will have a senior in high school who will be getting ready to graduate. Oh how I wish time would slow down some. I already feel like I miss out on so much with them because they have to go to their dads - this is not how I wanted to raise my kids but life doesn't always work out the way that we hope it will. But I am so thankful to God that when they are gone to their dads that He has blessed me with two beautiful children to raise and love.

Valentines

This week at school, the kids or parents can buy Valentine Candy Grams to send to other kid or teachers in the school. I asked the kids if they wanted to send a candy gram to any of their friends at school and Josh said he did. He wanted to send one to his girlfriend. So we fill out the form for the candy gram and I told him that I needed a dollar for it. He marched right into this room and got a dollar to give me. He didn't even think twice about giving me the dollar to get his girlfriend a valentine. My little man is growing up.

Amazing What a Pair of Glasses Will Do

Josh's glasses came in last week and he was like a different child. He could see what was on TV without standing in the middle of the floor to watch it. He told me that he looked like my nephew Will with them on and Josh wears them pretty much everywhere now. His behavior in school has gotten a little better too. But that is understandable because if he couldn't see then why pay attention. He said that he can sit in the back of the room and see the board - he said that it was so cool - that is was like a whole new world.
This past Thursday night, JC took Josh with him to the boat show. As they were coming out, the circus workers were moving some of the animals and JC asked Josh if he saw the zebras and horses. He couldn't see them so JC handed him his glasses and then Josh said "Look JC there are zebras and horses." I do have to say that he looks so cute in him - they actually make him look a little older. I can't wait for baseball season to see how much better he plays this year. He will be able to see the ball.

My Little Book Worm

Growing up, I was not much of a reader - in fact I didn't like to read. But as an adult, I have grown to love to read. After my youngest was born, I started reading the Harry Potter series and fell in love with them. So when Maggie asked to start reading them last year at this time, I said "Sure why not." Well little did I know that in within a year, she would read all seven books in a year. The last book she read in less than a month. So she has turned in my little book worm. To discipline her at times, we take reading away from her and she falls apart. Just last week I took the book away from her for two days and she fell apart. Now she doesn't know what to read now that she has read all the books. I think she is going to start the Chronicles of Narina next - at least that is what she said a few weeks ago.
Now Josh wants to read the series and took book 1 with him today to school. He is starting a little early on the series but he wanted to read it so it can't hurt him.

Check up!

I have been behind on my blogging, but life just gets busy sometimes. The kids are keeping us hopping. We had them an extra weekend this month which has been great. Josh has started basketball for the church. His game last Saturday he shot several times but he wants to get the outside shots instead of coming in closer. He stole the ball one time and took off down the court, but then pulled up and shot from the outside instead of shooting a lay up. Finally at the end, he got his first two points. He is falling in love with the game and I am so glad.
Maggie has been working hard on gymnastics and prep-op. In prep-op they are able to do their own routines for the bars, beam, and floor. Her floor routine is just too cute. And she finally we believe has her round-off backhand spring down in the routine. When she has her next meet, I will post her routine so that you (the few that read this) can see it.
Josh started complaining that he could not see the board and certain things at school. I made him an appointment for this past Tuesday. His eye doctor is a former Auburn safety and Josh thought he was so cool. Needless to say, he needs glasses now. He told the ladies helping him and his Poppy pick out the glasses that he didn't want them because his girlfriend didn't like glasses. She told him that maybe after he got his glasses that he might see that his girlfriend was not as cute as he thought she was - his response - "No she will still be cute".

Another Crazy Weekend

This weekend just flew by and probably because we had so much going on. Friday night the kids and I went to watch my nephews play basketball while JC went to coach the church's youth basketball team. Saturday morning we got up and headed to the gym to watch Josh's first basketball game of the season. I have to say that my little man did pretty good. His dribbling is getting much better but we need to work on taking shots. At times he would dribble and have 3 kids all over him when he pulled up his dribble. He was shorter than all the kids around him so at times he would throw it out as best he could. He had a great steal and took off down the court.
After his ball game, Josh left with his best friend to spend the night with him. We took Maggie down to the dam to see all the gates wide open. She thought is was so cool until it started to rain some. I then had to drive her to an extra gymnastics practice so that she could learn her new floor routine. Her routine is to "Splish, Splash, I was Taking a Bath" and it was too cute. I video taped her doing it and will try to post it up when I figure out my new video camera that I got for Christmas. We got home and played Scrabble with JC's mom after supper. When she left, JC finished up for her. It was too funny - he download a free dictionary app for my phone so that he could look up words. Of course I had to help Maggie out some and she won. I told her that I was not helping her out again.
Sunday we met some friends in Alabaster for lunch and to see the movie "Bedtime Stories" with Adam Sandler. It was pretty funny. Josh got upset that he missed the movie because he was at his friend's house, but he was having a ball when I called before he left. The two boys were running around outside pretending that they were hunting and Josh's friend's dad made a fire so they played around it. Josh was tired and clingy when he got home last night.
All in all, it was a good weekend. One that went by entirely too fast. I have to enjoy this weekends as much as possible because I miss out on having fun with them when they have to go to their dad's. Oh how I wish that they didn't have to go but that is the way it is now. It wasn't the kids and my choice but one we have to live with. But God used a bad situation for the three of us and blessed our lives with JC.

What a Responsibility

I knew that being a parent was a big responsibility, but tonight I was shown just how much that was true. On the way home from gymnastics, the kids and I started talking about how friends use cuss words and how that is wrong and other things. I explained that none of us are perfect. Maggie told me that she agreed that none of us are perfect but from where she stood I looked perfect. Wow! I am far from perfect and she and Josh thought that I was perfect. That made me really think about the things that I do and say, since I am far from perfect. It is my prayer that I will be all that my kids will need.

So Thankful

Last night during all the bad weather, Maggie was at ballet when what may have been a tornado or strong winds hit. She and all the other girls ran and got in the pit inside the gym. Once that blew over, she got ready for gymnastics and started practicing only to have another wave of storms hit and this time it blew the A/C unit off the building along with tearing part of the roof off. She said that she started crying because she was scared that I was on my home with all this bad weather going on. Little did she know that it was barely raining on me and that I was in constant contact with one of my friends there at gym.
I am so thankful that no one was hurt and for the friends I have there now that will take care of my daughter during times like these. The friend that was driving Maggie and her friend that night was sending me text messages too. I was so glad to see her when she got home. I praise God that He protected my little girl last night. She had me laughing when she was telling me what all was happening. You can imagine quite a few girls and a storm what all was being said.

Very Sweet

Last year Josh was in boy scouts and we went to a camp out around Veteran's Day. At the camp out we had a flag burning ceremony and the boys were given the rings off the flags to give to veterans that they knew. Josh got 4 - he gave one to my daddy, JC's daddy, our next door neighbor, and his Pop.
This past weekend, I was told that JC's daddy always carried that ring from the flag in his pocket at all times. I had no idea. So before he was buried this weekend, JC's mom put that ring from the flag in his pocket so that it would stay with him. It meant so much to me that his Daddy thought that much of Josh.

What a last few days

The title of this post says it all. I got to work Wednesday and about 2 hours later got a text message from JC letting me know that he didn't think it would be that much longer. I sat there working for a few minutes and then felt like I needed to go and be with JC. I am so glad that I made that decision, I got there about 12 and his daddy went to be with the Lord about 20 minutes or so after I got there. JC, Kelly (his sister), and I were sitting in the den with his daddy. JC was playing a game on my phone, I was working, and Kelly was doing puzzles when Kelly noticed that she wasn't hearing him breath. She went over to their daddy, and realized he was gone. It was such an answer to prayer - he went so peaceful. We were all concerned that the cancer would reach the main artery and he would bleed to death, which is far worse for the care takers than the patient.
Today we had the funeral and tomorrow we have graveside in Tifton, Georgia. Today we said goodbye to and celebrated the life of a Godly man. JC's daddy was at peace with God and life. They were married almost 40 years. When JC's mom would call home JC's daddy would say "Hello darling". He would wake up and walk her out to her car when she left for work and greet her when she would come home from work. He treated her the way that a man is supposed to love his wife - he loved her as Christ loves His Church.
I pray that JC and I can have the marriage that they had. My parents have been married over 47 years and I am thankful for having their marriage to watch and learn from and thankful for having another great example of a Godly marriage in my in-laws.
He suffered for so long but suffers no more tonight. He is with His Lord and is whole again.
When you go through things like this you realize who your friends truly are. And I have to say that the over whelming support that we have received during this time has helped us more than anyone can ever know. The prayers were felt today. Thank you so much for all that you guys have done. God is so good. And the title of my blog says it all - We are a blessed family.