The Twins Turn Two!! (A Year in Pictures)

My Dearest Tiny Snowflakes,

How can I possibly put into words what the past year has been like? The Ups, the Downs, The food, the meltdowns, the hair, the messes - did I mention the AMAZING amount of food you two go thru?? You two continue to amaze us every day and I cant wait to see what the Terrible Two's have in store for us! (ok, secretly Im terrified but I will play along) Thank you for all the amazing laughs you have given all of us each morning! I love you both to the Moon and back!

L: I dont know, they have to be in there somewhere...

Go. Away. Mom.

J: Lucy grow up we are almost 18months. Stop licking the table.

Competitive Peekaboo 

L: Dont you dare tune me out Jake! Do you hear me?? Two can play this game!!

Talk to the Hand Puppy Brother

L: Here, eat it, I did not like it.
:

J: Wow. Just, wow.

Go ahead, Just give me a reason to Bite you....

This is my Happy Face.

Carcass!!!!!

Lucy wins the Hunger Games!

...and then there was that whole "fear of talking bunnies" phase.

Feeding the Gremlins after midnite...

L: Hey! Where's my Sammich??
J: Whasammich?

J: So then I says to the broad "hey, I ordered the pancakes!"

Oh yeah???

Whatta you looking at???

Yeah, we're cute.

L: That was MY FAVORITE Cheerio!!!!

L: Go enjoy 'Merica Damnit. (4th of July)

L: You sicken me.

They clean up nice.

OutSTANDING. <3 br="" nbsp="">
Love you my little hot mess and my baby kong!
Love, Mommy

Farewell 2013!

I cant believe it is New Year's Ever 2013! It just doesnt seem possible. Time has gone form standing still to flying by. I mean, 2014? Really?? Where are the hovercrafts?? Where is my Maid Rosie?? How am I back in PA? Where did all these kids come from? Why dont I even own real clothes anymore? When is the last time I washed my hair??  How can an entire year pass and I have only written a blog a handful of times? 'Tis the season to start a new - and that is exactly what I plan on doing - in every aspect of my life - family, fitness, & mentality! This is going to be our year !




2013, You came in like a lion. Three kids and one Tired Mama down with the flu, one in the hospital for New Year's and Daddy out in NV visiting Gramma Maberta. Not exactly how any of us had planned to ring in the new year. But we trudged on and somehow made it through! Jake and Lucy knew they had to be on the mend quickly - they had a big FIRST birthday to get ready for - and NOTHING was going come in between Lucy, Jake, and CAKE! I remember thinking "How are they already one?? How are they ONLY one??" And here we are on the brink of 2 and I cant help but think the same thing!

Lucy and Jake, you two have grown so much in the past year it was hard to keep up! Literally. You went from 'boring' baby 'blobs' to active little toddlers. All the rules changed when you both deiced to become mobile - in the same week!! Lucy you took the gradual approach from crawling -  to knee walking - and then reluctantly to on your own two feet. Now I have to strap you down when I want you to sit still! I dont even know wheat to say about your little Diva attitude that also progressed along the way. You are something else my little girl - with a mind all your own! I see so much of me in you it scares me to think that you are not even 2 yet!! And that scream. That ear-piercing-blood-curdling-shrilly scream that you like to belt out in every inopportune place and time. I see your very own Time Out chair in your future with tantrums like that little girl!

Oh my Jakers. You are one little happy boy on the move. You took your time crawling this year - and maybe it was just because you felt bad for Mommy having to chase down your sister every minute of the day - if so i thank you for that. But once you got going there was no stopping you either! Electrical outlets, dog bowls, kitchen cupboards - all your specialty in destruction! And then we added the "wheels"... You were off and couldnt be stopped. Still cant. I see a helmet in your future Captain Smiley!!

You two also gained some notoriety this year with your Breakfast antics! I think Mommy had way more fun with your pictures than you guys did - although your breakfast messes were certainly no fun to pick up every day! I love watching your little personalities develop - and I love seeing the bond form between you two as you get bigger. You two are definitely a package deal - and COMPLETE OPPOSITES at the very least!!! I cant imagine one with out the other!

And then there is you my Best Big Boy Isaac. Mommy's Little Big Man. Here we are entering 2014 - the year my baby turns five!! 2013 was a big year for you! You rocked that Big brother role like no one's business - and like daddy and I promised - Lucy fought you every step of the way! It will definitely be interesting watching the two of you duke it out as you grow up. So much attitude  - eh, personality - in such little bodies!!!

2013 has definitely been a growing up year for you Sir Isaac. Gone are your baby boy curls and your love of SuperWhy and Nina. These days you are all about the Superheros, being a rockstar and a worker man, and the guns (oh how Mommy HATES the gun phase!!). Now my "isaac look at the trucks" when we are driving are met with a sigh and eye roll  - and the how-pathetic-is-she "mom thats a boom truck with an elevated lift for electrical maintenance " Ugh..I shudder at my own stupidity some times too!!

Despite all the attitude  - eh personality, that makes you intrinsically Isaac, I still catch glimpses of my peekapooka here and there. And they still make my heart melt every time you say 'watermenon" or when you cuddle up to me on the couch so i can rub your arm- and even (yes even at 4) when I hear your binky jingle down the hall as you creep out of bed and make the mad dash for mine. I constantly find myself living for those fleeting little moments that will make you my little boy forever.

2013 was a year of highs and lows  - and lots of curveballs in between! We bought our first house - ALL THE WAY up in Dallas, We made some new friends, we rarely went out to eat (for two little reasons that need not be named) and Mommy and Daddy have managed to make it through another year with out killing each other - Yet. We lost two people very near and dear to us this year that will never be replaced. Gramma Maberta loved you three with all her heart! And as much as it saddens us to know she wont be here to watch you grow up, I know she is smiling every time you wish her a good night in heaven with the butterflies - or work on one of your masterpieces of artwork!! We also lost our dear family friend Danny. I dont think I will ever walk down the back staircase without imaging the amazing slide he could have made! Im sure heaven is a bit more dazzling - and a bit more well crafted - thanks to the likes of Gramma and Danny! We will miss you! <3 p="">

 As we usher out 2013, we usher in a whole new blank page for 2014. Usually my New Year's eve is filled with making resolutions I seldom keep. Sure I will eat better sometimes, I may work out on occasion( I also may not), but this year I want to be different. I want to give the whole year a purpose  and a goal - for all of us. This year rather than joining in on the complaints of what is wrong with the world I want us to be the change we want to see in the world. I want (us) to make random acts of kindness a little less random and more a part of our daily life. As Mr. Rodgers said, I want to show you how to be the "helpers" in the world. And maybe, just maybe, I can keep up with this blog to track our helpful adventures!!!

Well My snowflakes, its time to put this blog and this mama to bed. As we say good night to 2013, I want to thank God for all the blessings we gained this year and as we look forward I can only hope our ventures are met with good health, happiness, and love. I love you my little Snowflakes - to the moon and back! I cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!!

I love you my little snotty munchkins!!!

Love, Mommy

Oh to be Three Again!

My Dearest 3 Snowflakes,

Well I guess this is as good a time than ever to pick up our sweet story. No time like the Present!

August. Can you believe it? I swear we were just putting away the Christmas decorations (ok, for the most part we were...) Here we are at the end of the Summer with so much that happened and so much on the horizon. It is hard to know where to start! But rather than playing catch up at the moment, I think the best place to pick up is where the blog all started.

Happy Birthday Mommy's Best Big Boy Isaac!

I cant believe my sweet little Sir Isaac is four years old! Or as you like to say "Three Again". I have to tell you buddy, these past four years of my life have been nothing short of pure bliss with you. You are growing up to be one heck of a little guy! All personality and good looks too! YOu definitely have it all - and we couldnt be more proud of you!

For the most part, the past four years have been a whirlwind blur of diapers, sleepless nights, hair -raising tantrums, sticky hands, and dirty feet! Honestly, I dont think I can remember anything before four years ago! I feel like you have always been a part of me - my little inner voice reminding me of what is important in life and how to savor the feeling of seeing the world through the eyes of child. Not to mention the geographical whirlwind we have been on too! Five years, seven houses, three states - and counting!! You have been such a trooper! Putting up with Mommy and Daddy's crazy adventures and seamlessly falling into your role as our Mini-wanderer!

This past year you have definitely stepped up to the plate as the Best the Big brother! Going from our center of the universe to sharing the spotlight with your little brother AND sister was a HUGE task and everyday I am seeing the bond between you all strengthen. As a mom that is all I can ask for! And as a big brother I can promise you you are building a relationship that can never be broken and someday you will look at Jake and Lucy as more than Screaming little toy thieves - at least I hope you will!

You have made us the proudest Mama and Papa ever! You are Mommy's Best Big Boy and Daddy's Little Buddy - and best Worker Man! You are always the light of the party with a style and swagger all your own! I love watching you come into your own and seeing the little man your are becoming! Your insight on the world gives me faith in the future - and I know you will do great things with your life. You make me believe that sometimes your dad and I may be doing this parenting thing right.  I thank God for each night I get to tuck you in because I know in the morning you will be one day closer to being the big boy who doesnt need his 'HoHo" blankie or want his mommy to tuck him in. I know I am a bit overwhelming at times but



 I can only hope we are creating a childhood full of magic and wonder and not one that you will have to recover from! I know I cant keep you my little boy forever but I dont want to miss a thing! I dont want you to ever grow out of the little things that make my day - like seeing you snuggle up in a basket of warm clothes from the dryer or hearing the jingle of your Binky clip as you climg into bed.
 I want each day to be full of unimaginable magic and nonsensical laughter yet with strong roots that remind you who you are and where you came from. I want you to be strong and independent with an open mind and heart all of your own, yet know that Mommy and Daddy will always be there for you and support you in all you do.

Happy Birthday To My one-of-a-kind-Pickle-Eatin-Cowboy-boot-wearin-rock-collecting-monster-truck-jammin-superhero-lovin-worker-man! Let's see if we can get one more year out of that "Birthday Boy" shirt! I love you to the Moon and Back and more than all the stars in between!

I Love you all so much!
Love, Mommy

Words to Live By

My Dearest 3 Snowflakes,

As always - it has been awhile - as always - life has kept us busy (thankfully). the winter has been long and the spring has been gray - and through it all you have  been growing and growing and I have been loving the daily experiences and adventures we have been having and the memories we are creating.

Amid the crafts, the physical achievements, the tantrums, the activities, the breakfasts, the ice cream stops, the trips, the daily ups and downs, I cant help but feel a little bit of sadness. Sadness not because of you all - but Sadness for you all - and for all of the children of the world today.

Last week was a rough week. Nuclear tension, Bombs, Terrorists, Manhunts, Explosions, Destructions, Earthquakes and Flooding - and those were just the ones that made the headlines. As I watched the Boston terror unfolding on the TV, I couldnt help but think:  what is this world coming to? What kind of world are we creating for our kids? How can I protect you from all of this evil? What kind of world will you inherit? Will the madness ever really end? Has all the 'progress' we have made in the world really led to progress or will it ultimately lead to our destruction?


Sometimes I just have to shake my head and try not to make sense of it all. Not because I want to be oblivious (although sometimes I think that would be nice) - but because there is no sense to be made of it. This week a family will lay an 8 year old boy to rest merely because he was eating an ice cream cone and watching his Dad at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Where is the sense in that? There is no justifiable end to counteract the pain that family is suffering. What good is placing blame when it cannot undo the outcome? How do you pick up the pieces? How do you move on with the rest of your life? How do you not let the sadness and fear consume you? How do you to pick up your head and rise above? I do not know the answers and I pray to God I never find myself in the situation to have to figure them out.

 In the past few days I have written and deleted this post numerous times for fear of sounding too depressing and too negative. Now I realize I my biggest fear is sounding HOPELESS. The Sadness and fear will eventually subside but living without hope is not really living at all and I do not want my children to live in a world without hope.  As my dear friend has reminded me  - in the words of Frederick Douglas: "Its easier to raise strong children than to repair broken men." It is my responsibility as your mother and as a child of God and this World to secure the world for our children. We can't let the evil win. We must be the change we want to see in the world.



Parents, we are the example, we set the standard for which our children should aspire to and surpass! We have the choice to foster fear and hate in our kids or fill them with love and acceptance. It is our responsibility to teach our children how to make Good Choices. Of course our views will never all be the same - but if we learn to  simply be nice to one another and show some empathy maybe, just maybe, we can alter the course of where this world is headed -  If not for ourselves, then maybe for our children.

And you my Three Snowflakes, I promise you I will do all I can do to steer the course of your world in the right direction. I may not have it 100% correct all of the time, actually I can promise you that, but I will do my best everyday (psst - I can  probably do even better if you would all let me sleep thru the night once in awhile!)

To the family of those hurt and killed in the Boston bombings and the Texas fires my heart breaks for you and I hope you know the nation is behind you as you try to heal from these unthinkable tragedies. You are in thoughts and our prayers and will not be forgotten and may God Bless you all and America.

To my Isaac, Jakers, and Lucy I love you to Moon and back!

Love, Mommy

Gramma Maberta

Halloween 2009

My Dear 3 SnowFlakes,

Here we are in a snowy, chilly February already! Hopefully spring is peeping around the corner. We have had one hectic, roller coaster winter havent we? Holidays, birthdays, snow days - and of course sicknesses too! I think we were all a little excited when that silly groundhog saw his shadow!

Someday I hope you kids read these blogs and get just a glimpse of how much I love you  - and how much fun (and work) your dad and I have had with the honor of being your Mommy and Daddy. Parenting isnt always easy - and it isnt always fun - but it is always a blessing and your dad and I try our hardest to remind ourselves that each and every day.

Isaac in Gramma's sink!

Although none of you knew it, this past week was no exception to the trials of being both a parent and a child. This week your daddy and I had the unfortunate honor of saying Goodbye to your dear Gramma Maberta. In what has to have been one of the worst days of your Daddy's life, I have to admit I was a bit taken by the  strength he has shown throughout this whole ordeal and I can honestly say I have never loved your Daddy more then I do now. It is said you can tell a lot about the father a man will be by the relationship he has with his mother - and this week your daddy has proved he is nothing short of a stellar Daddy, Partner,  and Son.

November 2009

Although you did not get to see Gramma nearly as much she or we would have liked, there is no doubt she loved the three of you very much. She was so proud to show you all off at any given chance. Her walls  - which were once covered with her amazing artwork -  now tributes to our three little snowflakes. In hindsight it seems so obvious there was more we should have done. We should have called more, visited more, been better at keeping in touch. But thanks to Skype we were able to partially bridge the geography gap, and near the end I am sure seeing you little ones on the computer were the motivation she needed to get through the day.

November 2010

There was always a special place in her heart for you Isaac. I am sure she saw her 'baby Jason' every time she looked at you. You were the one who made her a Grandmother - and eventually coined her GrammaMaberta.  Gramma was sure you were going to be an artist like her and your Daddy. She thought for sure you had the gift - a gift Mommy surely NEVER received! Her last visit here you two spent hours in the basement painting and playing with clay. She commented how you had such an eye for detail and great concentration when you were painting (concentration??? my Isaac??). I hope she is right! I hope her passion for the arts has rubbed off on you too -  as it has on your daddy.  She loved you with all her heart and I know her spirit and memory will live on in you.

In Daddy's Baby Clothes!

Lucy and Jake, it will be up to Mommy, Daddy and Isaac to teach you about GrammaMaberta as you grow up. Unfortunately time was not on your side with her. Although you had but a year of your life with her, she loved you as if you two were always here. She beamed with excitement - and disbelief - from the moment she found out the TWO of you would be entering the world! She had plans for both of you! Lucy, I am sure Gramma Maberta was going to shower you with Jewelry, make up, and 'girly' trinkets - and Jake - she was sure you were going to be musical. She thought that from the first time she laid eyes on you. And I have no doubt she would have spent hours with the three of you making art projects and getting all covered in paint and glue!

Halloween 2012

 I regret that she wont be here to see you all grow up. I regret she wont be here to see HER baby grow into his role as a extraordinary father and my better half. And I regret I will never get to thank her for the amazing job she did raising the man of my dreams. I know it was not always easy for her, but through her struggles she managed to raise an amazing man. A man who is not only loving and strong - but adventurous, dependable, and loyal as well.  I take solace in knowing she is watching over all of you and she is finally at peace. Roberta you can rest assured knowing I will forever be taking care of your 'baby' as well - my biggest baby! :)

Chritmas 2009

Your Daddy and I will make a point of keeping the memory of Gramma Maberta alive in all of you as you grow up. Whether it is her love for the West or her passion for art and animals, I know she will always be a part of our life . I can already see a future scenario playing out: Me, feverishly fretting because one of you is not living your life the way I would have planned you to - and Daddy, coyly reminding me how Gramma Maberta never intended on her baby falling for an older, Catholic, East coast girl and moving him across the country. I can already feel my eyes rolling! THanks Gramma!

We love you and will miss you Gramma Maberta. May you Rest in Peace. xoxo

Love you all,
Love, Mommy