Why The Twins Think Auntie Bren Rocks

*She lives at Disneyland, hangs with Princesses and has been on sleepovers in Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

*She arrived bearing gifts in the form of Minnie & Mickey (the stuffed variety) whom she is personal friends with.

*She taught them "Simon Says" and they ran around the house for a 1/2 hour.

*They now can sing (little arms a-waving), "Put your hands in the air like you don't care..." (It's hysterical).

*She laughs at their Knock Knock Jokes even though they make no sense whatsoever.

*She's very snuggly.

*She has REALLY cool shoes

*She cleaned out the fridge and helped Nantie clean out and organize the pantry (Okay, wait.. that's why I think Auntie Bren rocks).

*She can flip them upside down in one big swoop.

*She cooked ALL 10 of us an awesome lasagna dinner (HER birthday dinner, no less!).

Auntie Bren, Auntie MooMoo (Missy), the kids and I are headed to downtown Denver for the Kids Expo. Should be a total blast. From there, we head to DIA and drop Auntie B off and she flies back to LA. :o(

Sticker Shock

"Can we pwwwweeesse put these stickers on the walls?" (Adorable Blinky Blinky Brown Eyes)

"If you promise to only put a couple up.. sure, next to the poster is fine..."

"We pwomise..."


And the migration across the room begins..


They magically sprout wings and fly downstairs.


All stickers need a little light, right?

They check out the view..

And eventually have to go potty.

Nantie's bedroom wall (and Nantie herself) were also ambushed. There are more throughout the house, but ya'll get the picture.

The upside? At least it's not crayon.

Happy Birthday, Bren!!

Oh darlin', you really thought you were going to go under the radar on this one, didn't you? Muwahaha..

My best friend Bren is celebrating a humongo birthday today. Being the fab-u friend I am I won't come right out and say which one it is (but it rhymes with "Morty". Oh yeah, and "Snorty" too! That's actually what I'm doing out loud over how clever I am!). I can tease because I love her dearly and almost there myself (BUT NOT YET ~ AH HA!!).

I'm over-the-moon thrilled to report that she is flying in on Tuesday night and staying until Saturday (okay, maybe not after reading this post...doh!). I know she'll be here this June for my, er, 39th-Part-Deux (full of vengeance, no doubt) but not knowing if the twins will still be here by then really makes this visit extra special. I was so hoping she could meet them no matter what the outcome of the case is.

Jack and Jill have heard all about their Auntie Brenda and are excited to meet her. They recognize her in our wedding pictures and, although grappling with the idea of her living in a far off land called California, they do understand she lives within driving distance to Disneyland.

That makes her iconic.

Happy Birthday, My Sweets! See you tomorrow (hope Griz is on your tail!!).

Wonder Twin Powers.. Activate!

If you are scratching your head over all this, you were not a child in the 70's...

I'm beyond pleased to report things have settled back down since our hellacious marathon on Thursday night (thank the Good Lord above). Last night Jack and Jill slept like angels without incident. We have our suspicions on what-all is the main cause of her tumultuous nights and are documenting to look for patterns. Jill is sticking to her story the reason why she couldn't sleep was because her foot itched.

ITCHED! SERIOUSLY?!

I can laugh now. Friday? Not so much (bear in mind I was totally on fumes).

The kids are truly Wonder Twins with super powers. Single handily they have turned our once slow paced house totally upside down and inside out. It's now a magical, chaotic place. They are a laugh riot and to say they keep us on our toes is an understatement.

Zan and Jayna may have been the originals, but they ain't got nothin' on Jack and Jill.

X.HAW.STED

This is fair warning for my coworkers and other friends:

We had a horrible night.. Jill cried on and off from midnight to 4am. Unable to sleep, Jack came into our room no less than 5 times seeking solitude. Up down up down. It seemed never ending. They are actually perky this morning, dressing without incident for Nantie.

Wish I could see the same for myself.

My body is numb and the coffee is not kicking in. If you see me today, I'll be the 39 1/2 year old that is mentally unstable with dark bags under her eyes. Tread lightly around me. Consider yourselves warned.

Thank God It's Friday.

Mile High Mamas & All About Kids Expo '09

I want to throw a big huge, "THANK YOU!!!" out to my wonderful friends at



I was just contacted by Amber that I won a family four pack to the All About Kids Expo in Denver!


How cool is that?!!!?? Can I just say Jack and Jill are going to come UNGLUED when they hear the news!

Undoubtedly the rest of the family is going to want to come along as well. That's just how we roll. So, if any of you head over to the Expo (because YOU SHOULD!) and see two adorable twins with an entourage of adults, that's us. Please feel free come on over and say, "HI!"

Thanks again, Amber!! I will be sure to take loads of pics and blog all about it!

News From The Homefront

Life in our little village has started to get a wee bit bumpy. Jill is becoming emotional over seemingly little things after visits. Her insides are obviously churning. She is sleeping better but still has nightmares and cries in her sleep. It's heart wrenching.

Jack is really coming into his own. He is our love sponge and we consider each time he shows us bits of affection a true gift. DH actually got hugs and kisses over the weekend. That was an unforgettable moment to be cherished always.

We try to decipher the melt downs. Are they because of loss and being in foster care or because they're 4 1/2 and testing us? Probably a little bit of both. All we really can do is roll with the punches, be firm but always remain conscious there are underlying issues. The sleepless nights and utter chaos are worth every moment when we get snuggles and love.

There's nothing like it.

Although completely in the dark about the case, we have a gut feeling they will return to Mom. That hasn't stopped us from giving 100% and loving them with all our hearts. The thought of them leaving is absolutely unbearable. Of course we knew this going into it but there is just no way to prepare our hearts.

Day at a time (and lots of prayer).

Technical Difficulties

Please excuse the purple text color on this page (scroll down a few posts, you'll see what I mean). We are working on it (translation: I've tried everything I can think of and have emailed Kadi whining for yet more help). If anyone has any suggestions, please give me a holler!

At least it's not too hideous...

Perfect Moment Monday

Early one morning last week, before two little mice came downstairs half asleep and the crazy of every day life ensued this beautiful, perfect moment was captured.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Happy Valentine's Day

I've gotta be honest my friends, Valentine's Day isn't one of my favs. No pressure, fellas.. just make sure we know how important we are and how much you love us (and you better not skimp).

Or else.

DH and I have never gone over the top for this "holiday". We may exchange cards, I typically score some chocolates and that's the long and short of it. Hallmark doesn't make their quota thanks to us. It was a day that came and went without all the pomp and circumstance.

Until Now.

Missy (now known fondly as "Auntie MooMoo") came over Friday and spent the afternoon with Jack and Jill. They made Valentines for everyone that will be given out at our family dinner tonight. That's right, we're having one of our old time shin dings... with a new menu twist. Instead of all things gourmet, we're having homemade meatloaf, mashed taters and gravy, veggies and ice cream cake from DQ. It's safe to say the once flowing wine will be a trickle at best. Oh, and Gramsie is coming over to decorate sometime today.

Valentine's Day in these parts is the new holiday du jour. The kids are totally stoked and it's taking everything in them to not show us the hidden cards they've created. Although I was a skeptic I've gotta admit, it sure is fun to be a kid again.

Go Forth and VOTE!

One of our favorite bloggers Kim from What's That Smell?! is one of 10 finalists chosen for the Mabel’s Labels Blogher '09 Contest!! The grand prize winner goes to Blogher '09 FREE! What is Blogher '09? Why it's the ultimate annual conference for women bloggers .. a virtual Who's Who!

It's TOTALLY EASY..
Click Here: -----> VOTE <-----
She's the 7th blog down.
VOTE.

Kim is totally awesome. She is an amazing writer, has a heart of gold and hasn't pressed charges against me for stalking her on Facebook.

GO KIM GO!!

I Double Dog Dare You

...To make your marriage better. We start tomorrow!!!






(PS.. It's from the movie "Fireproof" now out on DVD.. Thanks for reminding me, Miss Tori!!)

Classic Fairytales For Children.. Seriously??

I'm looking down the barrel of 40. It has been eons since I've heard or read a fairytale and my vague memories of them are warm and fuzzy with "Happily Ever After" endings. For 3 weeks now DH and I have been reading bedtime stories and I have ONE question:

What were those freaky writers on and WHY are these horrid stories being read to children before bed?

(Sorry, that was 2 questions).

*The Gingerbread Man is a whack job on speed.

*Hansel and Gretel's dad basically left them for dead (thanks to a nasty step mom) and were fattened by a witch that wanted to eat them.

*Goldilocks forced entry.

*Jack (of Beanstalk fame) is beyond greedy.

*Cinderella was neglected and verbally abused.

*The wolf in the 3 Little Pigs was obsessive compulsive. And mean.

*Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs .. where do I start?

Although Jack and Jill may be too young, we've started to read Paddington. Now THERE is a classic.

Ground Zero

I was going to call this post "Twin$ G@ne Wild" but shivered at the thought of the creepy Google searches that would find their way to my little blog. This was once the bland room where I contemplated our future while sitting on the floor. My heart ached and the wait seemed unending.

It is now a place where imaginations flow and laughter spills out the door. Yes, it gets picked up every night but the in-between moments of wild 4 1/2 year olds was sure worth the wait.

Thank You, Kadi!!

I want to send out a big ole bloggy hug and kiss to my wonderful cousin Kadi for revamping my little ole blog. Thank you for taking time out of your beyond-busy day and making it so beautiful!!

I love ya, kid!

MUUUWWWWAAHH!

My Gentle Giant

DH is 6'3" and a total man's man. He's the quiet type that doesn't talk just to hear his own voice. When he does have a story or something to say it's typically downright hysterical or very insightful. He's athletic, crazy smart and oh la la handsome. Although he doesn't do dishes and makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes (I'm sure he's missing patches on his head because of me, as well) I know without a shadow of a doubt how very lucky I am to be his wife.

After 7+ years you think you know someone. I knew DH would be good with the kids but I didn't expect him to knock it out of the park. He is fantastic at parenting. He is silly and fun but in complete control and boy howdy does he read a mean bedtime story. More often than not, I'm giggling along with the twins.

He is our gentle giant.

DH has made quite the impression on the kids. When I asked Jack what he wants to be when he grows up he said DH's name. When I said, "No darling, for a job.. like a teacher, doctor, fireman.." He still insisted on being DH. The twins adore him and the feeling is mutual.

The other night as the kids slept and the house was quiet, I asked DH if we do adopt how thinks he would act when (years from now) a suitor came calling for Jill. He thought for a moment and said,

"Like my hero Bill Engvall says, I'll take him aside, sit him down and say, 'Son, this is my baby. Know above anything else I have no problem going back to prison'...."

Ya gotta love Bill.



(PS.. Let it be known, I'm not sucking up to DH for Valentines Day.. he doesn't read the blog.. LOL)

An Extraordinary Site

Our friends Kristin (from Ordinary Life) and Toni (from Daily Dose) have teamed up and are launching Extraordinary Mothers this week!! Surf on over and join the fun!!!!

Sleeping Beauties

As I was turning off lights and putting up toys before heading to bed last night I came across this:



The little dogs will probably be less than happy about the new arrangements but I think it's absolutely darling and made me laugh out loud.

Now THAT is the way to end a week.

Two Weeks Ago Today..

*Two amazing little people entered our lives.

*We went from just DH and I eating dinner on the couch to a family of five at the dinner table (with the TV off and conversation on).

*Our once (somewhat) picked up house transformed into a toy riddled home. And it rocks.

*A depressingly empty bedroom (that I lamented over in December) became a place of bedtime stories and where nightmares are soothed.

*DH and I couldn't tell the difference between Belle and Princess Jasmine.

*I had no idea I could make it through a full day of work after only getting 3 hours of sleep. It was possible back in my early 20's.. not such a pretty sight now but can be done.

*I would never EV-ER of considered making ANYTHING with Hamburger Helper or Kraft Mac & Cheese. Not only have I prepared both, they're not so bad in a pinch. (Missy, it's not SPAM so don't completely lose all respect for me).

*Was the last time I shaved my legs (just kidding.. ya, that's it.. I'm kidding).

*We had no idea we could be so exhausted but happy at the same time.

*The journey of our lives began.

McHorrible Parenting

I posted this little ditty for our friends over at The Classy Closet earlier this week. I felt so strongly about it I just had to share it again:

Our newest adventure is eating at the indoor McDonald's play area. You know, those scorching green houses that contain ear piercing screams of delight (and terror), constant banging and dramatic melt downs? I'm very aware many of you cringe and would never take your kids there but cut us some slack. It's typically too cold here in the winter to hit the parks to play. We've been there a few times and I must say there is one thing that absolutely makes me want to pull my hair out.

The parents!

I have never seen such a lazy group of grown ups in my entire life. At our McD's at least half of the adults sit at the tables screaming over all the noise and madness (like the kids are even paying attention). They curse them out, threaten and belittle. When the kids finally zoom back to the table for a bite of food before running off into the germ tunnels the parents lose it. I saw more kids crying over their adults chastising them than over anything else.

I was dumbfounded.

Do they seriously think their child is going to stop acting like a banshee when they themselves are? For crying out loud, it doesn't take rocket science smarts to know the kids are on total overload.

My friends, lets be examples of patience and understanding in public and at home. Breathe. Let kids be kids and remember.. keep it classy!

The Latest Low Down

**A WARNING.. THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY LONG POST**

I've had several emails and comments asking where we stand in all this so here's the skinny:

As ya'll may recall, we had changed our status from 2 children to 1 child five months ago (or so we thought) and were surprised we were even contacted about twins to begin with. We figured it was a matter of urgency since the call came on the Sunday over the three day MLK weekend. It was. They needed to be moved by the following Friday and it was a short week.

With what little info the county had on them and the case, we could not (in good conscience) say whether or not we thought they would be a good match for us. We were relieved the wonderful worker "K" totally understood and didn't cop a 'tude like "J" did when we turned down the placement back in September.

So we went into this as an emergency placement with the understanding that once things settle down and we got to know the kids, we have the opportunity to change our status to foster to adopt. If we felt it wasn't a good match and they are more than we can handle, we would let "K" know right away and she would start looking for a fost/adopt family to move them to.

I gave DH a month to decide.

This is a huge decision and impacts everyone. The twins, us, Nantie.. everyone. I've been trying not to push DH... but come on.. I have to drop hint bombs, right? Here is how I nonchalantly started the conversation last week:

ME: I know I gave you a month to decide on the kids' placement but I just wanted to let you know I've already made up my mind.

(Covert, right? It gets better..)

DH: Okay.

ME: Could you even begin to imagine packing their things up and shipping them off to another foster family?!

DH (startled): What? Oh hell no!

ME: Decision made?

DH: Without a doubt. If they don't go home to Mom they are already home.

And so it is. We've changed our status to fost/adopt.

At this point the case is geared towards reunifying Jack and Jill with mom and a target date for them to return has been set. We do not know what her treatment plan is and will not be told. Her next court date is in April and I plan to attend to get a better feel for how it's all going (for the most part we're kept in the dark).

SO, the prayer we're sending up goes something like this: "Dear Lord, we thank you for bringing these darling angels into our home. No matter the outcome, we will love them with all our hearts. Keep them safe, happy and healthy and help us be patient and understanding. Please watch over their Mama and help guide her. Keep us from being selfish and wishing her ill will. We put this in your hands. If they are to return home, please give us the strength to let them go."

One last question I have been asked is about pictures. I will not be posting anything that identifies them but trust me when I say they are darling.