Rubadub two babies in a sink?

Had to share!

Momma needs a diaper

I just polished off three, no four mini MilkyWays from Tobin Easter basket. All the kids are napping and I thought it was time to update the old blog. I just got back from Hermiston where I spent a few days with my dear friend Ang http://www.dailyditch.blogspot.com/ and her kiddo's. Matt stayed back to keep the money rolling in and I took all three kids on a three hour road trip. I know what you are thinking and your right, I am crazy. I timed the drive after lunch and during nap time. The plan was that the kids would sleep during the drive. Everything went well until of course my McDonald's Iced coffee (love them by-the-way) caught up with me and I had to PEE! What do you do with three sleeping children in the car? If I stop the car they will wake up and might realize that they have been strapped in the car for an uncomfortable amount of time; thus making the rest of the trip . . .um unpleasant. But as the feeling was getting more intense and the John Mayor CD stopped distracting me, I started to scheme. What if I stop at a rest stop and find a nice old lady to watch the van while do my thing? And then I was haunted by the reality of that little old lady kidnapping my children and . . . I knew that it was off the table. Could I brave waking them up, putting the babies in the stroller and trying to find a stall large enough to hold all of us? Then I imagined Tobin touching things and dealing with awake children blah....blah....blah... Other options: pulling over and squatting (too many what if's to write) or as inspired by the lady astronaut. . . Phoebe's extra diaper sitting next to me. It began to call to me. "You can do this." "You would feel so much better." "No one would have to know." You'll be happy to know that I dismissed this idea considering what this might look like to the truck driver next to me. So I bucked up a held it the rest of the way. I have no symptoms of any bladder infection and I lived. Applause Applause Applause. The things we do to avoid being stuck in a mini van with screaming children.

Easter was fun with my family. I made a chocolate trifle that was layered brownies, pudding, whipped cream, and crushed heath bar. Tobin helped me assemble it. We admired the creation and I asked Tobin what he thought of it. "It needs frosting." Man after my own heart.

I'm laying all the cards on the table

So I've shared about my addiction to sugar and I obviously have a hoarding issue with babies but here is a few more you might not know about. I chew ice. A few cups a day. I know what they say about ice crunchers and I am only willing to admit that yes, I probably am anemic. My other folly is. . . . buying baby clothes. I have gotten better since Tobin was a baby. Tobin, (now Jabe) has boxes upon boxes of clothes. Jabe will never come close to wearing all his hand-me-downs. And really, how do you pass up little girl clothes? Just to make my self feel better I should let you know that I never pay full price at stores like Gymboree or Janie and Jack. And I always look for bargains at Target and Wal-Mart. Sometimes I find the best stuff there. So I just have to show you my latest find on the clearance rack at Janie and Jack. These little boots will be perfect for fall.
I am also including some pictures of the twins first dip in the pool. Check out Tobin's water wings.

The last?

The twins turned nine months a few days ago. Phoebe is pulling herself up and doing some cruising. Jabe crawls like a robot wined-up toy. Today I introduced sippy cups. So many milestones I have crossed off their list already. Their birthday will be here before I know it. (Or want it.) I can't help but become emotional when I wonder , "will this be the last of my babies?". A part of me would be great if it is. A part of me morns for the future me who misses the weight of her own babies sleeping on her chest. Because I still have four frozen embryo's left out of my amazing batch of fifteen, I feel I am not allowed to look at Jabe and Phoebe as my last. I feel I still need room in my heart for one more frozen blessing. There is a greater then great chance that nothing will become of these last hopefuls. But until I know, I've saved all the clothes and the swing and the bouncy chairs. All stuffed in the attic wondering if they'll ever be used again.

A walk in the park

Flirting Tips from a 3 year old

So Tobin is drawn to a ten year old girl at my birthday party. He sits way too close to her and rubs her back. He gives her "bed room" eyes and says smugly, "I go poop in the potty". She inches away.

Sorry buddy. Better luck next time.

A few more

The best thing

The best thing about a funeral is being with family. We had relatives from California, Tennessee, and Washington. We all crammed into a little house at the coast and had a blast. The babies were held every moment (They are having a hard time adjusted today) and the music. Oh the music. Four guitars, a harmonica, a beer jug and a few singers (some better then others). So much fun during a sad time. Here are some pictures of my spectacular family.

Where to begin?

I've had blog topics rolling around in my mind for weeks now. The last funny story from Tobin, My thirtieth birthday that was fabulous and I was ridiculously spoiled. But today I must blog about my grandpa Earl. People say that girls "marry" their fathers. I didn't, I "married" my grandpa. He is a man that is as close to Christ as I have known. My grandpa has a way of loving and welcoming everyone he greats with a smile and his latest joke. He knows how to fix everything with duck tape and old plywood. He taught us all how to make whistles out of tree branches and to not be ashamed about giving old grandpa a kiss on the lips.
My grandma Barb and the love of his life, died just over a year ago. She was a queen to him. He showed us an example of long lasting commitment and unending love. I, nor my mom, ever remember him ever speaking an ill word about anyone. I just can't stress enough what a Christ-like life he has lead. He has been a pastor his whole life. And not just on Sunday mornings at the pulpit but his everyday comings and goings.
Most importantly to me. . . What I will cherish as simple as it is, Grandpa lights up every time he sees me. (to be fair he does this will all his grand kids) He made this awkward kid feel like a precious rare jem.
Last night I said goodbye to my beloved Grandpa Earl. He is dieing. If I were able to write a script for the best way to die I couldn't out do the perfect way God has designed for my grandpa. His death will not be a sudden, unexpected shock. His death will not be painful, long, burdening. His death is surrounded by loved ones. His legacy. His future. Some of us cousins had an incredible experience with him last night were he suddenly became alert and we surrounded him with stories of thankfulness and told some of his old jokes that made him smile. My cousin Jordan shared of their resent talks about how Jordan feels frustrated with the church today and it's sometimes hypocrisy and bureaucracy. Grandpa sympathised with him and said, "Jordan you can't change the church looking on the outside but must change it within." What wisdom. After we were done talking Grandpa simply muttered, "You are all special". Later all the family came in his room and my Uncle Phil led us in prayer. In the tearful silence after the amen Grandpa simply said, "Blessed."
Grandpa go to Jesus. Your glory awaits you.

I don't want to talk about it.

I know, I know. Its been a long time. We've been infested with colds, infections, and pink eye. Someone needs to carpet bomb our house. I really don't want to go into what the last three weeks have felt like. I don't want to remember the walks in the backyard in the middle of the night to get Phoebe to breath normally, I don't want to discuss hundreds of filled diarrhea diapers I've changed. I have no need to share with you the almost impossible task of eye drops three times daily for three children and one adult. I'd rather be silent about boxes of tissue we have used on snotty babies. Instead I'd rather talk about SPRING. Whatever magic happens when spring arrives and bakes all the germs and lawn mower start up and screen doors let fresh smells in stale houses. I am sooo ready for it.

Love Bugs

Happy Valentines Day

If He would have given me a choice.

So if last week God would have given me a choice if he could allow Matt to leave town for a week and give me and the kids a awful flu, I would have said, "HELL NO". So I guess that's why he didn't give me one. I would have told him that I was worried enough about having Matt gone all week and that I had plans. My MOPS group on Tuesday with a lunch with Julie, my long a waited visit with my dear friend Angela on Wednesday, my Thursday outing with my pregnant cousin Jill. I HAD PLANS. Well those changed Sunday night when Tobin woke up in a tub of puke and continued to puke and dry heave every half hour. By the mornings light Tobin had two baths, three jammie changes, my hall way, entryway, and bathroom had been moped, Tobin's sheets were changed, my sheet were changed and a pile of smelly laundry had stacked up and I was exhausted!!! And folks that's just the beginning. It's one thing to take care of sick children when you are healthy but when I started puking.... I got scared. So as I lay sweating and shaking and wanting Matt to be home so bad I could have levitated him home. (He was sick too by the way) I prayed more then once, God give me strength. And of course he did. Tobin bounced into my room that morning loaded with healthy energy and demanded breakfast. ( I wished I could make him into a thoughtful eleven year old who would have seen that I was sick and quietly slipped out of the room to make his own breakfast, but there he remained a helpless selfish three year old.) So I did something that I hate doing. I ASKED FOR HELP. I called my wonderful, gracious, beautiful mother-in-law who was already busy at work. She dropped everything and arranged for Tobin to go to his pre-school all day and helped me get the twins up and brought them for me to nurse. She stayed till noon and then came back after work and took Tobin home with her for the night. So here it is Friday, Matt is home and is almost better. I'm feeling better by the minuet and Tobin is well too. The twins on the other hand are just starting diarrhea. I am praying that they don't get as sick as we all were. For those of you still reading this post let me just say that although I would have never asked for this, I have gained confidence in me as a parent this week. I am stronger then I thought I was and I am so grateful for my support team in my life. I have a deep admiration for single parents. I was blessed by my MOPS group who dropped by crackers, 7up, Jello, and Soup. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am also just aware again that God cares more about our character than our comfort. I am grateful for my health now more then ever. Sorry for the long post but it's been a long week. Peace

Super bowl brothers

I have been looking forward to this years super bowl for a LONG time. Not because I enjoy the game although the commercials can be fun. But for one sole reason. Matching football sweaters from Gymbroee. Gotta love a mom who forces her kids to coordinate!

Is God the sun?

Everyone always says to write this stuff down so here it goes. . .

January 28th, 2007
Driving to my mom's home in Keizer
Tobin with the sun in his eyes: "Mom the sun is looking
at me. Is God the sun?"
Me: "No, God made the sun."
Tobin: "Where does God live?"
Me: "Heaven."
Tobin: "But where did he go?"
Me: "Well, God became Jesus and came to earth where we
live."
Tobin: "We're not in earth anymore right mom?"
Me: "Hun?"
Tobin: "We're in Keizer now."

SA Meeting

Because I don't have a Sugar anonymous meeting to go to you'll have to be my accountability. I have cheated. But just a bit. Overall I give myself a B-. So I have some improvement room for next week. I have been using sweeteners in my tea and coffee but I am pretty sure that the main ingredient is cancer. Alida gave me some great tips that had me running to the cupboard for honey then squeezing it into my mouth. Honey is natural and much better for you than refined sugar but when I had to go out and buy another plastic bear full all in the name of health. . .well I think I need a new plan.

Today I was thankful for my twins. I mean it could be worse. . . I could have had triplets. I watched my sister daughter today. Mariko was born just two days after the twins. It actually went great, but I am thankful that it's not my daily duty.

Here's a few pictures to see the babies at almost seven months and a look at my resume today.

A Thank you note and a confession

First off I wanted to publicly thank my wonderful sister-in-law, Stefanie and brother-in-law Mike. Thank you so much for watching all five kids last night so Matt and I could go to the banquet. I realize that I am so relaxed about leaving my kids that I barely gave Stef any instructions and yet she just rolled with it and took care of my kids like they were hers. She fed them, changed them, and loved them. Oh I am sure Mikey helped tons too. Oh and one more thing thanks for doing my dishes too. What a treat to come home to a clean house. You guys are loved and very much appreciated.
And now onto a confession. I've known I've had a problem for a long time. As long as I can remember. So here it goes, My name is Becca and I am addicted to sugar. Whoa I feel better. My mom tells a story about how I would sneak into the sugar bowl and eat it with a spoon. Yikes, I know really sad. As soon as I put Tobin down for a nap I rummage though the cupboards like a junkie looking for a fix. So in a effort to get more healthy and loose a few pounds, I am cutting out sugar for a while. I have to take this day by day folks its got a hold on me. Wish me luck and tonight when your praying for world peace, say a prayer for me too. Detox is a bitch.

At this moment

At this moment all persons under twenty-nine are sleeping. Over the past few weeks I have worked really hard to get everyone on the same schedule. So pat me on the back because the twins are sleeping though the night IN THEIR CRIBS and napping at ten and two each day. Tobin naps from one to three so I have one hour all to my self. I can't nap (don't ask me why just can't) but I have promised myself that not a dish get washed no folding of clothes no dusting or sweeping. Only relaxation. Oh I am reading a great book right now called, Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. So far a great read.
The picture is of Phoebe watching Tobin and I play in the snow this week.

Excuse me while I gush

I've been thinking about writing this post for a long time now but I still don't have all my thoughts put together well but decided it was best to just start writing. It's most girls dreams to be singled out in the world and chosen to be someone's life companion. Wouldn't you say it's the highest compliment you could pay someone by saying, "out of everyone one else in the world I want you to build my life with." ? I got married when I was just twenty and my husband just a boy at nineteen. I certainly didn't have a genetic predisposition when it came to successful mate choosing abilities but I knew how Matt made me feel. In a word he made me feel special. And he, even as a boy, oozed integrity. Ten years later I have NEVER regretted my choice in marring Matt. He was born to be my husband. He has carried me though dark places in my life and we have laughed like dorks. We have been obsessed with addictive TV like Friends and now Lost. We worked really really hard to become parents and now work really really hard BEING parents. I could go on and on about Matt's career as a police officer but for the sake of not wondering off subject lets just say that Matt provided beautifully for our family and I am able to live my dream of staying at home raising our children. Matt makes me feel so safe and is so respectable that it's easy to be his partner. He anticipates my needs and often is found drawing me a bath or making me a latte. He has a tender heart for animals and mistreated women. He loves his children and it is evident by how plugged into their lives he is. He even asks about how diaper rashes are clearing up or how Tobin did eating his lunch. He encourages me and regularly tells me that I am a great mom and how he couldn't do what I do. The truth is I love what I do and can't imagine being happy doing what he does. I don't know how I got so lucky to meet a boy when I was six years old and date him from sixteen on and then marry him at twenty and have all my dreams come true but it did. The picture is of Matt and I getting ready for his senor prom. (a long time ago)

Deal or no deal?

I have a picky eater. Tobin sticks to a specific menu of "kid friendly" food. Most nights he doesn't eat dinner because we just fix one family meal and he has to sit at the table with us but it's up to him to choose to eat. I was a picky eater as a kid too. And my mom handled it great. Food wasn't made into a big deal. I was never forced to clean my plate but was taught to try take small portions and go back for more if I wanted it. With Tobin my approach has been to always offer veggies with meals, and to limit snacks and sweets. I offer it and let him be in control weather or not he trys new things. But after tossing pounds and pounds of vegetables away over the years, I am desperate to get him to experiment. So today for lunch I made him this proposal. . . If he tried one kernel of corn (pretty safe veggie) he could have a Hershes kiss. I thought this was a great deal and after a few minutes of pumping himself up, He did it. He ate a piece of corn. And then gobbled his chocolate to get rid of the taste. Sometimes it's amazing to me that he is growing and healthy, maybe it's the gummy bear vitamins? What to do?

Is Christmas over yet?

Yes! Although I am still cleaning from last nights gift exchange with my brother and his family, Christmas 2006 is over. My tree is dead, my garbage is full of boxes and wrapping paper, my house is fuller, my three year old is officially spoiled and my thighs are bigger. Christmas has come and gone. Here are a few pictures to enjoy. Oh and My new years resolution. . . (drum roll please). . . No more babies in 2007!

Blogless

Maybe it's because I feel pulled in a million unfinished Christmas business but none-the-less I can't form a brilliant blog entry for the life of me. So maybe a few pictures will get me though till after Christmas. Peace.

It's a Christmas miracle

It happened. I slept though the night last night! Eight hours of eyes closed, drool on the pillow sleep. Praise Jesus.