We're still here....

We are still here, and I know I've promised lots of blog posts.  But we've been sick.  :-(  The kids started first with runny noses/colds.  It really hasn't been too bad on them, thank goodness.  They eat much better than we do and I guess it shows.  :-(   I think we'd have to buy a whole cow to afford milk for our whole family......Carson started with a cold on Christmas and gave it to Emmy.  Emmy passed it to me, and I must have passed it to Dustin.  My head was very stopped up and I felt like I had been hit by a truck.  Now it's all mostly moved down into my chest, so I have a lovely cough.  I am taking cough medicine, and it is helping.  It's just really hard to keep up with 2 2-year olds like this.  It certainly hasn't slown them down any.  I have been dragging but trying to keep up with the minimum around here, like toy pick up, dishes, and laundry.  I hate feeling sick.  :-(  I'd rather us get it over with now though, before our torpedo baby arrives.  I am calling him torpedo baby because most of the time he's stuck straight out like a torpedo.  I used to see pregnant women like that and think it was so weird.....now I have one!

On a side note.....Lowe's is my kids' favorite store.  Have I said that before?  They have the coolest race car shopping cart for kids with TWO steering wheels.  Awesome.  The kids love to "drive" through the store and then after a spell they get up front in the regular part.  It really keeps them occupied.  We went there this week because gift cards burn a hole in Dustin's pocket.  Even though we probably had no business there in our conditions, we went.  The kids were jumping up and down in the front part of the cart while we were checking out and I guess it WAS kind of loud....but I tune my own kids out sometimes.  Isn't it nice how mothers have that ability?  Dustin said I should have taken them out when they got loud.  My reply-"haven't they seen a gaggle of 2 year olds before?".   I have definitely lightened up on my tolerance for behavior!  :-)  And I just love going to Lowe's.....yay for great shopping carts-makes my life TONS easier.  :-)  Oh, and I wonder WHY they act out in the store?  Daddy gets to the parking lot and has to "drive" them, by running around fast and also doing donuts in the parking lot with them in the race car shopping cart. No matter people walking in the store are looking at us.  That doesn't bother me, but Dustin would normally be mortified.   No wonder they cry when they have to leave that cart behind......sigh.  I think I really have 3 children sometimes, expecting my fourth.  :-)  Fun memories....

Merry Christmas!!!!

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and slows down to enjoy the true meaning of the holiday! 

I have lots of updates that I will start posting after Christmas.  For now, I'm too tired from a hectic week!
We have birthday updates, 2 year check up updates, and of course all the Christmas celebration updates.....so stay tuned! 

Also, keep a prayer that Emilynn doesn't get sick for the holiday.  We had to leave Dustin's family Christmas gathering early because she kept having stomach issues.  Sorry, TMI!  We actually ran out of diapers......anyway.....I hope it's a fluke because she's active and seems fine, no fever.  We even had an accident involving the carpet.  Poor girl.  She said "I sorry".  My precious baby.....she's so sweet.

I have to tell this story from today.....it was so, so cute.  We had our 2 year appt. today and Carson got a haircut.  He got a sucker for his haircut, and I got one for her.  She ate hers and he was upset so he didn't eat his.  I had it on the console and then he was crying for it, but he kept throwing it so I wouldn't let him have it.  Once we got to the dr.'s office, an hour later (I ran in Target, kids watched movie in the car with D), as soon as she was free from her carseat, she hopped up front and got his sucker and gave it to him.  It was THE sweetest thing because it was like she had been waiting for an hour to help her brother.  AND she LOVES suckers, so it was quite the sacrifice.  I thought that was a sweet twin story, they are SO kind to each other.....most of the time! 

Well, I'm off to rest and possibly go to bed early for the first time in ages it seems! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! 

Happy Birthday, Babies!

Today is a very special day, two years ago today my life was forever changed!  I was blessed to become a Mommy two years ago to the two sweetest, cutest, funniest little babies ever!  Two years, where has it gone?  It seems like just yesterday the twins were born.  Then again, it seems like they've been with us forever.   I am loving the little people they are growing into.  I thought I loved babies, but toddlers are amazing!  Each day is so exciting and new to them and it's fun to re-discover the world through their eyes. 

John Carson was born at 12:52 pm two years ago today.  I will never forget seeing him for the very first time.  He had a head full of black hair and was the cutest thing I'd ever seen.  He looked identical to his Daddy, and that has not changed!  I remember being amazed that God had sent me a little boy, and also a bit scared because what do you do with boys?  :-)  Between contractions while waiting for Emilynn to be born, I kept peeking at him in his bassinet and just being amazed that I was finally a Mommy after waiting so long.  He has been a "Momma's boy" ever since! 

Emilynn Joann made her grand entrance into the world 34 minutes later, at 1:26 pm.  I knew she was a girl, after Carson was born.  I just knew it!  I knew there was at least one girl in there!  She was so beautiful when she was born, she looked like a little china doll.  We were blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with her in the OR before she was taken away.  I think that's where she first captured Daddy's heart and became a Daddy's girl because he held her forever that day.  I didn't get to hold her until 2 days later in the NICU, and it was the longest two days of my life.    I think from the moment she was born I was imagining the dolls, dresses, dance classes, etc. we'd get to experience with her.  I was so happy to be a Mommy to a little girl.  She may be a Daddy's girl, but she was always close to my heart in my belly and she always will be close to my heart.  She has been independent since birth, and a drama queen.  We laughed that the regular nursery didn't give her enough attention, she had to go to NICU where she'd get one on one attention.  She was the first baby you got to in the NICU, so she got tons of attention from everyone.  What a diva. 

I can't even begin to express how blessed I felt on Dec. 21, 2009.  It was truly the best day of my life, a day I had prayed for for years.   The day our cup runneth over and still is running over.  The past two years have been amazing and I never take one minute with my babies for granted.  I'm guilty of letting them stay up past bedtime (if they are being good) just to spend extra time with them.  I have the best job in the world and I wouldn't change a thing, not the road to get here, not the speed bumps along the way, not the tantrums as terrible twos approach us,  nothing.  It's been an amazing two years and I look forward to seeing what the next year brings.  The twins are changing each day and learning so much, it's amazing to watch. 

Happy 2nd birthday Carson & Emilynn!  Mommy & Daddy love you more than anything on Earth! 

"We're Busy, so busy".....

Our Thomas the Train video has this little song that I've heard about a zillion times lately....."we're busy, so busy, our feet don't touch the ground.  We're dizzy, so dizzy, we're spinning round and round...."
That song keeps going through my head today....because well, it's how I feel.  The weekend was very busy. I got home around 1 am on two nights!  That NEVER happens anymore!  I wrapped gifts for Nanny one night, and was at Meme & Poppy's Christmas party the other night.  I also saw the Nutcracker, which was really nice.  I kept thinking it was going to Emilynn up there in a few years....
Our Sunday school class had it's Christmas gathering Sunday, which was a lot of fun.  We had a gift exchange, lunch,  then went to spread some cheer at the nursing home.  They had a flu outbreak, which freaked my mom out because I was pregnant.  I didn't know what to do, so I just trusted God and didn't get close to anyone, sanitized my hands a million times, and left it at that.  I have had my flu shot....so I'm hoping I didn't catch anything.  It was nice to see everyone there though. 
Now we are on the birthday countdown.  I didn't realize it, but Dada took off Wednesday for the kids' b-day, so that was a nice surprise!  I don't know if we'll do anything other than prepare for the party, but it should be fun to have him home for a Christmas break.  I sort of panicked today thinking about what all I need to do before the b-day party, so I did what I do when I'm overwhelmed and tired.....I took a nap!  I truly don't have that much to do because we are just having pizzas with a small crowd, but still.....I worry.   Tonight I made the icing for the cakes and colored it, so at least that is done.  I like to do that before I bake, so it's not so much in one day.  I need to finish wrapping gifts, vacuum, make sure the guest bath is clean, and make some dip.  Doesn't sound like too much I don't guess.  Nevermind the laundry piled up over the weekend......
Thursday night is Nicole & Eric's engagement party and we will go visit Dustin's grandma that day for some one-on-one time with her for the holidays, Friday is the big 2-year check up, some shopping (for diapers again.....boy do we use diapers! And I always buy a bunch when I go......), and Christmas with Dustin's family.  Saturday is Christmas with Mom, Christmas Eve Service, Nanny's Christmas Eve party.  Sunday is Christmas.  I think we've decided to just stay home that morning, as much as I hate, hate, hate to miss church.  I am just slowing down and tired (have I said that at least a hundred times lately?  I'm a broken record, I'm sorry!).  We will go to my Nanny's around lunchtime, then home for naps, then to my Dad's that evening.  I hope that makes for a nice, quiet, slow Christmas day.  I am tired of feeling rushed for the holidays.  I have to learn to prioritize and say no to some things.  Of course I don't think that should be church, but this year given my situation, it's just what is going to work for us.  We are also not going to Dustin's grandma's house on Christmas like normal, because it is hectic with everyone there at once, we want to go and get some alone time with her.  We changed Christmas with Mom last year to make things less hectic.  Before we had 4 stops on Christmas day which was WAY too much!  Anyway, that is our schedule this week!  Hopefully tomorrow will bringing cake decorating and wrapping b-day and Christmas gifts so it's all done.  And also hopefully it will bring well-behaved children so I can get lots done!!!!!  Today we played outside and they took off running down a path in the woods from me......So, I had to run catch them and it wore me out!  Once they stop listening, we have to come inside.  So maybe one day......they'll put two and two together!  Tonight we rode and looked at lights....that was fun and relaxing.  Everyone who has those lighted deer in their yards was popular with the kids.  Emilynn kept saying "buck" if they were bucks.....wonder who taught them that?????  I think she's going to be just as interested in hunting as Carson.  I thought I'd have one child that would hang out with Momma....but I don't know. 
Well, I'm off to rest for another busy day tomorrow. 

Christmas Giving

I don't know about everyone else, but we get hit with lots of requests for help this time of year.  In the past we have done nursing home names, angel tree names, and various other things as we feel led.  Sometimes its hard because you do have to turn some things down, but I will say, I have tried to be more intentional about giving all year long, not just during the holidays.  It seems like we always choose something depending on the season of life we are in that year. 
We chose two main things to do this year, and we've added a fee smaller ones in as well. 
We filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritans Purse.  I highly recommend this to everyone.  These shoeboxes are sent all over the world and I have to say, I had a ball filling them.  I have high hopes of the children helping me shop and do this for years to come.  Right now, I decided they may get more upset about having to send things off that they enjoy and not understand, so I stuffed them myself.  I thought a few of them needed more stuff, so I also raided the kids' stocking stuffers I had bought.  I'm kind of excited to know another little boy somewhere will get a John Deere tractor from Carson.  I hope he loves it as much as Carson loves tractors!  Baby dolls are big around here too, so we sent those as well.  I'm not even saying you have to spend a lot to do this, because I started shopping in the summer, scouring clearance racks and also loading up on school supplies during the back to school sales.  Our church actually got a letter from a child last year, although the country it was from escapes me.  I think this is a really worthwhile cause and you can also give other things through Samaritan's Purse for Christmas gifts, like chickens, goats, etc.  Truly, who needs more stuff?  You can give these items and make a huge impact on someone half a world away. 
Our second charity that we sent things to was the NICU where Emilynn stayed for the first week of her life.  We did the same thing last year, and I hope it will be a tradition we always continue.  We sent Preemie sized "my first Christmas" sleepers for all the babies that will be spending Christmas in the NICU.  It was so nice to give back and we got such a nice letter in return.  My hope is to one day actually deliver them to the NICU door, we would never actually try to go in and compromise the babies health, but for now we just mail them. 
A little history- Emilynn was born with a valve in her heart that was supposed to be closed but wasn't.  I don't know the medical term for it, but for a spell we thought she may have to have surgery to fix it.  Luckily, it healed itself, praise God.  Our first Christmas with our twins was spent in the NICU.  It was the best Christmas I've ever had.  It would be easy to say it was awful, or ruined, but it was not.  It was amazing, simple, and full of what really mattered-love.  We anxiously awoke that Christmas morning two years ago, got ready, and made the short walk to spend our first Christmas as a four-some with Emmy.  When we arrived, the nurse came and whisked Carson away, saying they'd come get us when they were ready....they had a surprise for us.  When we went in, both babies were in matching "my first Christmas" sleepers.  They were also given ornaments, we got cards with their pictures and footprints, and they got homemade Christmas quilts made by volunteers.  I was overwhelmed with the generosity of strangers and the lengths they went to to make us feel so special.  I also watched in amazement as each nurse took the time to dress each tiny, tiny baby.  They made sure they covered all their leads and tubes so they could get the best picture for each parent.  It took hours.  I still tear up thinking about how sweet that was and how they did everything each day to make you feel so special and loved.  We were so blessed by the experience and will always remember the angels we met in the NICU. 
I love shopping for the babies and thinking about them on Christmas morning, and how far we've come with our babies.  It's funny how the best Christmas I've ever had involved absolutely no gifts, no decorations, no nothing except TWO tiny babies.  Kind of reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas and another special baby....Jesus.  :-)  I encourage everyone to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not get absorbed in the materialistic hype.  It really is all about family and being together.  

What a 2-year old can do....

Today was a busy, busy day.   I spent most of the morning dealing with Verizon trying to get my cell phone straightened out.  Last night Carson was sitting beside me on the sofa, and he was "pretending" to use my cell phone.  I figured it was okay because he was RIGHT beside me.  He went to bed and I thought nothing else of it.  Well, this morning when I went to use my phone, it informed me that my number had been changed.  Yes, a 2 year old was able to change my phone number.  After calling my grandma and Meme, I found out my new number was 000-000-2327.  Interesting.  After finally getting through to where I needed to be to fix the problem, I spent 20 minutes and dealt with 2 technicians to re-program my phone.  Amazing that a 2 year old could mess a phone up so badly that 3 adults couldn't fix it, don't ya think? 
I got done just in time to feed the kids, then leave them with Mom so I could run get groceries, which I hadn't done in forever.  I just never have time.  I had a very detailed list and ended up with a cart overflowing with stuff, including a crib mattress I liked that was a good price.  I won't even say what I spent but boy have groceries gotten expensive!  I was out of so much that it really hit me today.  I don't know how some people make it.  I really don't.  I feel very blessed to be able to buy food! 
I got home just in time to get Carson ready and packed to leave with Aunt Amanda to spend the evening with her.  My little crier did not even make a peep, he kissed me bye and happily left with her.  Weird.  He had a ball with Cousin Hunter, who wanted to keep him.  He said that Amanda could be "Carson's Mom" when Amanda told Hunter I would miss him if they kept him.  I really think Hunter needs a sibling.....that's a post for another day.  He would love one I think.  :-)  Carson got a happy meal dinner, got to do crafts with markers (she was brave), and took a bubble bath with Hunter.  He was even brought back home.  I could get used to all that!  :-)  I got a clean, fed boy back at bedtime.  Meanwhile, Emilynn and I went to dance class.  It was her Christmas party.  She got a cute Mickey/Minnie ornament from a girl in her class and a treat from her teacher.  She loved it.  She even did okay without a nap.  (Yes, Boo-Boo didn't make the kids take naps.  In the 2 hours I was gone and Boo-Boo kept the kids.....Carson ordered a pay-per-view movie, they broke a mini-blind, and broke a knob off the dresser.  They did vaccuum though, so I guess it balanced out? )
After dance, Emmy and I ate dinner at McDonald's, which was nice.  I enjoy one on one time with the kids.  I think it's really important. 
I felt like I just ran from thing to thing today, but that's how some days are.  I'm sure it will only get busier as the kids get older and more involved in activities.  And hey-it's my job, right?  :-) 

I'm Sorry.....

I've been a blogging slacker lately.  I don't really know why.  We haven't been ALL that busy, but I will say I've been more tired.  Here's what's been going on with us the past week: 

• We went to the parade last Friday.  The kids loved it.  Carson's favorite thing was the tractor of course.  There was only 1 and he was so sad when it had to keep going by.  He also loved the firetrucks with all their sirens and lights.  He just had this happy smile on while they were in front of us, which was quite a while because one of the ones in front broke down right near us, as luck would have it.  :-)  Emilynn's favorite thing was the bands.  She just loves music and dance.  The wilder and louder the better for her.  We went to eat afterwards and Carson was awful.  Just awful.  It was about 3 hours after dinner time, but it wasn't like they hadn't eaten a bunch of candy during the parade.  Anyway, sometimes it just goes like that I guess.  Papa Blake got tea spilled on him not once, but twice by Carson.  He had to apologize for that later.  It's so cute when he says "I sorry."  Who wouldn't accept that sweet apology? 
• I had a 30 week check-up today, it went great.  The dr. said "you make this look easy."  :-)  Awesome!  My blood pressure was great, I hadn't gained any weight, my belly is measuring fine, heartbeat sounds great.  Compared to twins this HAS been much easier!  I just feel great except for being more tired now.  I honestly feel better than when I wasn't pregnant and I think it's because the kids have been so active since I got pregnant, so I am always running and playing with them.  I plan to really exercise hard once the baby is born because I love being able to run and play with my kiddos. 
• I did a bit of shopping while I was out and about and also met my Mom and Aunt Debbie for supper.  We had soup and sandwiches at Panera.  I got baked potato soup and boy was it delicious!  It might be my new favorite pregnancy craving!!!  :-)  I will definitely stop by there after my appointments, even if it's by myself!  I was supposed to get groceries as well, but I was too tired.  That will have to wait.  I did get some things at Babies R Us for the "wee man", such as a changing pad cover, sheets, Butt Paste (we go through at least a tube a month-it's the best diaper cream by far-in my humble opinion), a mesh bath thingy that we loved for the twins, but had to throw theirs out because they got yuck, and a stuffed dalmation "fire" dog to go with his bedding set (on clearance, but a splurge if you know how practical I try to be ).  I know it's my third baby in about 2 years, but I do want him to have some special things that are just his.  The twins got a few more monkey things for their big kid monkey room, which will be Christmas gifts. 
• I did take the kids to Target and Kohls my myself last Friday.  It went pretty well actually.  We got diapers and Emilynn's ornament for her dance gift exchange tomorrow night.  She has her Christmas party at dance tomorrow night.  Then we are done for 2 weeks till the second semester starts. 
• Dustin, the kids, and I went to Red Lobster to eat last week.  That has been another pregnancy craving.  The kids were great, the food was great, then....the lights went out!  Yep, we were sitting in the dark at Red Lobster.  It was interesting.....the waiter came over and told us not to panic.  Honestly?  I have twins.....I don't panic.  :-)  Also, it was our 3rd time in a restaurant when the power has gone out.  Yes, you read that right.  I don't really know why that always happens to us, but it does.  The kids were not scared at all.   Emilynn kept saying "Awesome" and clapping her hands.  What can I say, the girl loves drama.  We boxed our food up by cell phone light and headed out.  Tables that were staying were given candles stuck in garlic biscuits.  What a waste of biscuits, huh?  Oh, and the lobster tank flooded the floor and the wood grill vent didn't work so the place started smelling really smokey.  By the time we ran to the car with the kids in the pouring down rain, we were hysterical.  These things always happen to us, so they are quite comical.  The only downside was I didn't get to finish my shopping and I had to finish feeding the kids when we got home.  A funny memory though......
• I can't believe Christmas is almost here!  Next week starting on Wednesday, we are busy every night through Sunday.  I am going to TRY to not run so much like we did for Thanksgiving....but I'm sure we will.  It just really wore me out.  I just can't do that this time.  I'm four weeks further along.  We'll see how it goes. 
• I am going to see the Nutcracker this weekend, which I've never seen.  I'm excited.  Emilynn's dance school is putting it on and my mom, aunt, and I are going.  It will be a nice outing.  I really haven't done many "mom outings" lately for some reason.  The kids are at a fun age, so I really just enjoy being with them.  We also have our Sunday School class Christmas gathering Sunday afternoon, so I will get lots of little breaks this weekend.
• Nesting has begun....although I've been trying to get things done since I found out about the baby.  I deep cleaned the fridge last night.  I also packed up more of the kids' toys and vaccuumed their room.  Although I noticed today it needs to be done again....only 2 days later.  I had hoped to have the baby's room done before Christmas, but that may not happen.  We'll see. 
• We have no Christmas decorations up.  I have caught a very hard time about this. Actually oru nativity scene is up, but I love it so it stays up year-round.  I guess that doesn't count.   Here's the thing, my kids can destroy a tree in no time flat.  Seriously, they could win a competition.  I don't know what to do.  I may put up the small, tabletop tree.  They can reach the tabletop this year though.  I thought about getting some kid friendly ornaments and just let them decorate it????  I don't know what to do.  I may see what they have at walmart.  We do not own a big tree anymore.  We will have to get one when we are ready to put one up again.  I am fine to just put the tree up the day after their birthday anyway....so I've got a good week to figure this out, right?
• I joined our church last week.  I am very excited about it.  We've been attending it for over a year now, so it was time.  We still aren't taking the kids to Sunday School regularly, mainly because it's in the same room as the nursery, so they would be in there for 2 1/2 hours.  I just think that's a bit long and it's a tiny room.  I will have to figure something out.  They have started helping us pray, which is so cute.  We get very enthusiastic "AMEN"s from them.  It's precious.  Carson bows his head and says something while Dustin is praying.  I don't know what he says, but it's precious and I'm sure God knows what he's saying.  They also like to hold hands to pray.  It's darling. 

That's about the run-down of what all is going on around here.  We have lots to look forward to as the big second birthday and holidays approach.  I'm thinking of taking the kids to Build-A-Bear on their birthday since we aren't doing a big friend party this year.  I will have to see what's going on that day...but we will see.  I would like to do something a little extra with them during the day. 

Parents' Observation Night, Santa, etc.

Tonight was Parents' Observation Night at Emilynn's dance class!  I have been anxiously awaiting this all semester.  You can't see the in the dance room, so I'm only left knowing what the teacher tells me about Emmy's behavior, and what I pick up on Emmy doing.  Meme, Poppy, Boo-boo, and Aunt Debbie all came to watch Emmy dance.  Daddy worked all night so he kept Carson at home.  Emilynn's class is SO CUTE!  All of her classmates are adorable.  She actually did really, really well I thought.  She had moments where she'd run over to one of us, but then she'd go back to her spot.  It was a little hectic because all the children are 2-3 years old, so you can imagine how long their attention spans are.  All the children were a little unattentive at times, or out of place, so she really fit right in with her classmates.  I was shocked she did so much with an audience.  My hat is off to Ms. Robin for her patience with these little ones.  I will not ever complain about dance tuition, she deserves every penny and then some!  Next week is the dance Christmas party, so that will conclude dance until January.  Oh, and we got measured for our recital costume tonight also, exciting stuff!  You can't miss more than 4 classes next semester or you can't be in the recital.  Tonight gave me hope that Emilynn WILL be able to perform in front of a crowd for her recital.  Yay!  We haven't missed any classes so far, but with the baby coming I'm hoping we can keep that up.  I guess it will depend on when he makes his grand entrance.  I'm sure someone can get her to dance.  Another mom, who is actually Dustin's cousin, comes right by our house going home from work, so she has offered to pick her up.  That would actually work nicely and her daughter is one of Emilynn's best friends at dance.  She has two girls she seems to gravitate to more than others.  In fact, one of them was trying to hold her down in her spot tonight when she'd try to get up.  It was adorable! 
I realized I forgot to update on meeting Santa!  It went.....OK.  Carson was sort of okay with him and did a few pics.  Emilynn did NOT like Santa, Cousin Hunter did NOT like Santa.  Emilynn's crying in her pick with her arms reaching for me, Hunter may or may not have been crying but I know he wasn't happy!  Funny how the two outgoing, rambunctious ones were most afraid.  I knew that was how it was going to be though, I had predicted it based on our meeting of Smokey the Bear at the Fire Department.  It went exactly the same way.  Actually, Carson LOVED Smokey.
We also went to see the train display at the hardware store, which the kids all loved.  Carson cried when we had to leave.  Poor boy.  :-(  He loves stuff like that.  He is so boy and I love it!  I'm having a lot more fun than I realized with all this boy stuff. 
Tomorrow night is the Christmas parade, so we have that to look forward to, although I think it's going to be cold. 
I am going to Target tomorrow by myself with the kids to get diapers-wish me luck on that.  We go to Walmart a lot, but Target is 45 min. away and I've never gone that far without help.  I have to get diapers though, and only the Target brand will work and not break Emilynn out.  Believe me, last time we switched up she had a horrendous rash for 3 weeks, went to the dr. once, and went through 2 tubes of prescription cream before it was healed.  I vowed then to NEVER, EVER use another diaper on her.  And we have tried them all, so Target it must be.  I was supposed to have a dr.'s visit tomorrow but my dr. is now going to be in surgery, so I cancelled the sitter (Papa).  I also tried to get diapers the other night at Target but they lost power (another funny story, will share soon).  So, it's truly not all my fault that I'm making a special trip for diapers.....I had other plans to get them that all fell through........there may be lots of bribery in the way of suckers and smarties involved.  Yes, I'm pulling out the heavy artillery!!!  Hahaha!!!!

Our Week....

Well, I haven't posted all week.  I must admit, I am slowing down A LOT now with my pregnancy.  I hate to admit it, but I am. I enjoy being active and playing with and chasing the kids and it is getting harder these days.   We ran around all of last week, we had stuff going on Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun.  Needless to say, by Sunday morning I was exhausted.  Truly exhausted.  I wanted to scrap the idea for Dustin's b-day supper and just get pizzas, but that would have been so senseless since I had all my supplies and some things prepped for supper that night.  His dinner was really nice and I had a few leftovers to freeze for after the baby comes.  It was a nice party and I was glad we had it here.  It did make me decide to scale down the twins' party.  We were going to do a big "friend & extended family" party on the 17th, but we had a couple of snags.  Dustin's shed won't have heat by then, which is where he wanted to have it.  Plus, I am very tired.  So, because of all these things we decided to just do a small party on their actual birthday for immediate family & friends.  It will be simple and easier.  I still think it will be nice, still with a Sesame Street theme.  I am making two cakes this year, which is a change from last year.  Last year we had one cake with two individual cakes-one for each twin.  Since we won't have the small "smash cakes", I want them to each have their own cake.  I already have them planned out.  I just hope they turn out.
I've gotten off track....anyway, we didn't do much this week, just our ususual weekly stuff- farm pick-up, dance, I had a dental appt., and lots of rest for Momma.  I still haven't finished the baby's room.  I have to do that ASAP.  My hold up is wrapping all the x-mas gifts in the floor, which I haven't gotten in the mood to do.  Once they are out of the way, the room should come together quickly. 
The kids have been great this week.  I had honestly thought Carson was starting the terrible twos because he was throwing tantrums a lot last week, but I honestly think he was just overstimulated from all the going and doing and people, because he hasn't done that once this week.  Plus, we are eating at home more this week.....and I always think what's in food has lots to do with it.  Even though we ate at a lot of homes, it's hard to get the kids to eat good out like that.  This week we are back to our normal diet and they both seem to be doing better.  Some people might think I'm nuts about that, but I really do notice a difference in the kids when their eating and naps are off track.  And I absolutely believe the fresh milk makes a HUGE difference in their health.  They don't get sick much, if at all, on the milk.  Last year we had lots of sniffles and sicknesses, but since we started the milk all of that has subsided.  A few weeks ago someone's nose started running a touch, I can't remember which twins' it was, but it went away within two days and never went into a full cold.  Carson used to have trouble catching his breath when he had a cold, and had to be on steroids for that.  No more.  I am thrilled with the changes in their health since making the switch to more whole foods. 
Tomorrow we are going to have a treat, McDonald's for lunch.  The thing is that I will probably get one happy meal for them to split because they don't really like them all that much.  They will eat the fries or apples, but not much of the main course.  We are also going to see Santa Claus and the model train display at the hardware store.  I am excited for the kids to especially see the train because trains are a big deal around here these days.  They have a "Thomas & Friends" video they watch in the car and they LOVE Thomas.  I know there was a Thomas train last year, but any train is popular around our gang! 
Oh, and they are saying so many cute things these days....I can't even remember them all!  Emilynn says everything is "awesome" but I think I already posted that before.  Carson is hilarious as he always tries to help me "correct" Emmy.  He says about a hundred times a day..."No, no, Emmy Jo", "come here, Emmy Jo", " Momma, Emmy Jo mess", or "Emmy Jo trouble".   And whichever phrase he says-he makes it sound like one long syllable.  It's cute. 
Well, I'm off to rest.  Will try to update more frequently this next week!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!