Well, last week our Bible verse was "Keep your tongue from evil." This week they all decided to scatter their socks inside the PlayPlace at Mc Donald's. So, I made a new rule - Keep your socks on!
Today as we prepare to enter the PlayPlace:
"Okay. Boys, what is our rule? Keep . . . "
Jonah: Your tongue from evil!!!!
That too, buddy. That too.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
The Trouble With Twins
This post has been in the works in my draft section for awhile. Mostly because I kept thinking, "Should I really post this? What if the boys read it when they are grown and think I didn't enjoy being their parent?" Then, everything hit the fan yesterday (Actually, the boys decided to remove their diapers, poop on their sheets, and play trucks in it instead of napping.) and I decided it was time to share my frustrations. So, I bring you . . . The Trouble With Twins: A Countdown
#5 - There is always someone to play with.
This point might seem positive - and it is most of the time. Well, no. It is some of the time. They learn to play with others and are never bored. However, they get tired of playing together. Having someone to play with that is your same age means they also like all the same toys. So, they argue over them a good bit. They also have someone to play with when it is time to sleep. Quite often I have to return to their bedroom and put an end to a game of See Who Can Jump On Sleeping Jonah.
#4 - They provide a step-stool for the other.
This nifty fact is only helpful when they need to get up on playground equipment or wash hands. Otherwise, they use it against me. They can get anything anywhere! On the counter - check! Over the baby gate - check! In my hand - check! One will just distract me while the other grabs. Nothing is sacred!
#3 - They have four hands (between the two of them).
Four hands is impossible to control when I only have two. "We can do that when brothers go to sleep." Words I catch myself saying far too often. We save all kinds of painting, cooking, and messy things for that time. I try to include them, but it is overwhelming and ends up not being fun for anyone. Today, Huck and Eli were grabbing Jonah's toys so fast he looked at me crying and said, "I think we should play this when they are night, night!" He is catching on. :(
#2 - "Great ideas" are multiplied.
Let's throw our sweet potatoes at Jonah . . . times two. Let's stick peas in all the small holes on our face . . . times two. Let's splash as big as we can and then dump cup fulls of water out of the tub . . . times two. You get the idea. Once one starts the other joins in very quickly. Most of the time Jonah knows better, but sometimes even he joins in.
#1 - There are two of them.
All the reasons boil down to one - they are twins. And the trouble with twins is - there are two of them.
Okay, there is my list. I could end by saying how much I love my little boys (because really I do and I would do it all over again) but I think I will just end it there. I am still pretty upset about the "mud" at nap time!
#5 - There is always someone to play with.
This point might seem positive - and it is most of the time. Well, no. It is some of the time. They learn to play with others and are never bored. However, they get tired of playing together. Having someone to play with that is your same age means they also like all the same toys. So, they argue over them a good bit. They also have someone to play with when it is time to sleep. Quite often I have to return to their bedroom and put an end to a game of See Who Can Jump On Sleeping Jonah.
#4 - They provide a step-stool for the other.
This nifty fact is only helpful when they need to get up on playground equipment or wash hands. Otherwise, they use it against me. They can get anything anywhere! On the counter - check! Over the baby gate - check! In my hand - check! One will just distract me while the other grabs. Nothing is sacred!
#3 - They have four hands (between the two of them).
Four hands is impossible to control when I only have two. "We can do that when brothers go to sleep." Words I catch myself saying far too often. We save all kinds of painting, cooking, and messy things for that time. I try to include them, but it is overwhelming and ends up not being fun for anyone. Today, Huck and Eli were grabbing Jonah's toys so fast he looked at me crying and said, "I think we should play this when they are night, night!" He is catching on. :(
#2 - "Great ideas" are multiplied.
Let's throw our sweet potatoes at Jonah . . . times two. Let's stick peas in all the small holes on our face . . . times two. Let's splash as big as we can and then dump cup fulls of water out of the tub . . . times two. You get the idea. Once one starts the other joins in very quickly. Most of the time Jonah knows better, but sometimes even he joins in.
#1 - There are two of them.
All the reasons boil down to one - they are twins. And the trouble with twins is - there are two of them.
Okay, there is my list. I could end by saying how much I love my little boys (because really I do and I would do it all over again) but I think I will just end it there. I am still pretty upset about the "mud" at nap time!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Movin' On Up . . . to North Carolina
So, I survived! Yay, me! We are officially back in North Carolina. I would be more sad about leaving Georgia but moving means we are closer to getting Danny back! For those of you that have been following God's awesome work surrounding this deployment - He has come through again! Danny is coming home early! So, we accepted a house on-base and have moved up to prepare for his return!!! Can you tell I am a little bit excited!!!
Last Thursday I drove up with David and a U-Haul trailer full of the stuff we moved to Georgia. "The essentials" - I thought a lot of things were essential, apparently. But, when you are planning on living somewhere for nine months you want to have your "stuff".
We arrived to good old Fort Bragg right on time and signed into our new home. While doing the walk through, the lady discovered that our air was not working. No air? On the hottest day we have had so far? Yes, please! Sign me up! She sent someone out to check on it. I figured they had it covered.
We had arranged for several people to help unload the trailer, load trailers with stuff from the storage unit, and help put together the stuff that Danny would have put together. So, we all got to work! However, the air never got cold even after being checked. I called them again from our 94 degree house. The guy that came out this time said the motor was broken and it would take "some time". I asked if he could call me when he had an idea of what time. He said he would and we went on working - and sweating. We unloaded the last box right before the bottom fell out of a huge thunderstorm. At least it provided some breeze and clouds to cut the heat!
Once everything was in the house our very helpful (and very tired) friends went home. David and I still had not heard from the AC guy. At nine o'clock I was dripping sweat and poor, stripped-naked Benaiah couldn't sleep. I figured the man had forgotten to call and was going to come back the next day. So, I loaded up and went to sleep (and shower - thank goodness) at Barry and Lynnette's. Talk about falling in some one's lap. They helped me move in and now they let me sleep over. They have been a Godsend from the beginning. They better get a very big mansion on the other side of those pearly gates!
Oh, and yes, I left David at the house with some vague idea of where to find sheets and shower curtain liners. He and Belle (his dog) are tougher than I am.
The next morning I got back to the house to find the air on and COOL! Woohoo! The man had come back and worked until 1:30 in the morning to get it fixed. I was so thankful!
David and I worked on unpacking and setting up some "safe spaces" because that afternoon I got my boys back!!! There is nothing that makes me happier than my boys - and I was in desperate need of some happiness. I couldn't find anything I needed and kept finding boxes of "stuff" like maternity clothes and snow gear! Need those? I think not. (Insert crying fit here.) (Alright, go ahead and insert another one.)
My sweet momma stayed and helped me make the house feel a little more like home. We hung a few decorations and bought some groceries. Then, Sunday came. I went on my last run until Danny gets home (sigh) and they left. (You got it. Another crying fit.)
But after all the moving, we are starting to settle in. By settle in I mean the downstairs and boys' room are livable and the other rooms are full of boxes waiting on Danny's return. I just pretend they don't exist. :D We have already visited several playgrounds, played in the kiddie pool, met the neighbors on both sides, baked muffins, "play, play, played", and taken a lot of walks! Now, for the next month or so to fly by so I can get some sleep . . . I mean, see Danny! Hee hee!
Last Thursday I drove up with David and a U-Haul trailer full of the stuff we moved to Georgia. "The essentials" - I thought a lot of things were essential, apparently. But, when you are planning on living somewhere for nine months you want to have your "stuff".
We arrived to good old Fort Bragg right on time and signed into our new home. While doing the walk through, the lady discovered that our air was not working. No air? On the hottest day we have had so far? Yes, please! Sign me up! She sent someone out to check on it. I figured they had it covered.
We had arranged for several people to help unload the trailer, load trailers with stuff from the storage unit, and help put together the stuff that Danny would have put together. So, we all got to work! However, the air never got cold even after being checked. I called them again from our 94 degree house. The guy that came out this time said the motor was broken and it would take "some time". I asked if he could call me when he had an idea of what time. He said he would and we went on working - and sweating. We unloaded the last box right before the bottom fell out of a huge thunderstorm. At least it provided some breeze and clouds to cut the heat!
Once everything was in the house our very helpful (and very tired) friends went home. David and I still had not heard from the AC guy. At nine o'clock I was dripping sweat and poor, stripped-naked Benaiah couldn't sleep. I figured the man had forgotten to call and was going to come back the next day. So, I loaded up and went to sleep (and shower - thank goodness) at Barry and Lynnette's. Talk about falling in some one's lap. They helped me move in and now they let me sleep over. They have been a Godsend from the beginning. They better get a very big mansion on the other side of those pearly gates!
Oh, and yes, I left David at the house with some vague idea of where to find sheets and shower curtain liners. He and Belle (his dog) are tougher than I am.
The next morning I got back to the house to find the air on and COOL! Woohoo! The man had come back and worked until 1:30 in the morning to get it fixed. I was so thankful!
David and I worked on unpacking and setting up some "safe spaces" because that afternoon I got my boys back!!! There is nothing that makes me happier than my boys - and I was in desperate need of some happiness. I couldn't find anything I needed and kept finding boxes of "stuff" like maternity clothes and snow gear! Need those? I think not. (Insert crying fit here.) (Alright, go ahead and insert another one.)
My sweet momma stayed and helped me make the house feel a little more like home. We hung a few decorations and bought some groceries. Then, Sunday came. I went on my last run until Danny gets home (sigh) and they left. (You got it. Another crying fit.)
But after all the moving, we are starting to settle in. By settle in I mean the downstairs and boys' room are livable and the other rooms are full of boxes waiting on Danny's return. I just pretend they don't exist. :D We have already visited several playgrounds, played in the kiddie pool, met the neighbors on both sides, baked muffins, "play, play, played", and taken a lot of walks! Now, for the next month or so to fly by so I can get some sleep . . . I mean, see Danny! Hee hee!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Oh, To Be Three!
This post is brought to you by the number three and the letter J. J for Jonah - my favorite three year old! I have recently discovered that three stands for the three phrases he has added to his vocabulary . . . and I don't think they are leaving anytime soon! Let me share those with you now.
Phrase #1 - Watch this!
He says this so many times a day it would be impossible to count. Does it matter if I am driving? Does it matter if I am in the shower? No, I must watch. And what does he do that I must see? Well, let me show you. :D
This . . .
Or this . . .
And this that "You can never do when you grow up."
Phrase #2 - Why?
Forget simple questions I can answer. Jonah is a deep theologian. His favorite (probably because I never answer it) - "Why do things have to change?" Really!?!?! Any takers for that one? He asks why about everything else, too. I don't mind. I love to talk about as much as he does. ;)
Phrase #3 - Big kid
Jonah uses "big kid" in a variety of ways. Here are some examples . . .
"How about brothers go to bed and I stay up like a big kid."
"I can do what I want. I am a big kid." (This one did not go over well.)
"When I am a big kid I can _________?"
"I can do ______________ because I am a big kid."
Has anyone told him that three is pretty low on the rankings when it comes to "big kid" status? I mean, he has quite a few years ahead of him.
On a sweet, made-me-cry note. Jonah is turning into a not so little kid. His prayer tonight blew me away. "God, I love you. I am sorry I did wrong things. I love you, God. You do miracles. You give us money. (We read about the fish and the coin.) You give us food. (And the fish and the loaves.) Thank you for taking care of us. Amen." There is hope yet!
To sum it up . . . I love my little big man!
Phrase #1 - Watch this!
He says this so many times a day it would be impossible to count. Does it matter if I am driving? Does it matter if I am in the shower? No, I must watch. And what does he do that I must see? Well, let me show you. :D
This . . .
Or this . . .
And this that "You can never do when you grow up."
Phrase #2 - Why?
Forget simple questions I can answer. Jonah is a deep theologian. His favorite (probably because I never answer it) - "Why do things have to change?" Really!?!?! Any takers for that one? He asks why about everything else, too. I don't mind. I love to talk about as much as he does. ;)
Phrase #3 - Big kid
Jonah uses "big kid" in a variety of ways. Here are some examples . . .
"How about brothers go to bed and I stay up like a big kid."
"I can do what I want. I am a big kid." (This one did not go over well.)
"When I am a big kid I can _________?"
"I can do ______________ because I am a big kid."
Has anyone told him that three is pretty low on the rankings when it comes to "big kid" status? I mean, he has quite a few years ahead of him.
On a sweet, made-me-cry note. Jonah is turning into a not so little kid. His prayer tonight blew me away. "God, I love you. I am sorry I did wrong things. I love you, God. You do miracles. You give us money. (We read about the fish and the coin.) You give us food. (And the fish and the loaves.) Thank you for taking care of us. Amen." There is hope yet!
To sum it up . . . I love my little big man!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Happy Father's Day!
Since we will be moving over Father's Day and might not have internet up and running, I thought I would go ahead and wish the man of my dreams a very Happy Father's Day!
Thank you for being a wonderful example to our boys of what a God-fearing, patient, loving, kind man should be! We are so blessed to call you Daddy! We love you! This message comes with promises of lots of hugs very soon!
I also interviewed the boys to find out what they think of you . . . :D Enjoy a laugh!
Thank you for being a wonderful example to our boys of what a God-fearing, patient, loving, kind man should be! We are so blessed to call you Daddy! We love you! This message comes with promises of lots of hugs very soon!
I also interviewed the boys to find out what they think of you . . . :D Enjoy a laugh!
The Boys Know All About Daddy!
What is Daddy’s name?
J - “Danny” H – “Daddy” E – “Blue”
What does Daddy do for fun?
J - “Tickle us and wrestle”
What does Daddy do at work? J - “Work and help the soldiers and I call him
on the phone. He has gummies!” H –
“Play” E – “Tickles”
How old is Daddy? J -
“Three” H – “Big” E – “B”
What is Daddy’s favorite thing to eat? J - “Lasagna” H – “Peas” E – “Broccoli”
What is Daddy’s favorite thing to drink? J - “Tea” H – “Cheese” E – “Tea”
How tall is Daddy? J –
“Very tall like this (as he reaches for the ceiling)” H – “TALL!” E - “Big,
big, big”
What color is Daddy’s hair?
J – “Brown” H - “Blue” E – “Brown”
What color are Daddy’s eyes? J - “Blue”
H – “Blue” E – “Brown”
What do you like to do with Daddy? J - “Tickle and jump on him” H – “Tickle”
E – “Tickle”
How does Daddy drive? J
- “He rides a helicopter!” H – “A truck!” E – “Brrrrm!”
What does Daddy say? J
- “Adventure Jones!” H – “Jones” E –
“Tickle, tickle!”
What does Daddy wear? J - “A uniform” H – “A hat” E –
“Uniform”
What is your favorite thing about Daddy? J – “Tickles”
H – “Tickle” E – “Tickle”
How much do you love Daddy?
J - “Very much” H – “TALL!” E - *Hugs self*
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