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.

Decking the halls and hairy angels

So it's done. I've decorated the house with only the left over boxes to put back in the attic and I may still hang garland in the entry way. But even if that doesn't get done, I am happy with the results. I got a nativity scene a few years ago that makes the true meaning of Christmas come alive. (By-the-way, I can't wait to see that new movie The Nativity.) Anyway, I was looking at this manger scene and I was remembering my mothers. We always had that angel hair stuff under ours. I would imagine all these bald angels in heaven who gave up their hair to make our holiday more special. So thank you hairless angels but I am having a hair-free Christmas this year and most likely every year after. I also remember always stealing the baby Jesus out of the manger and playing with Him. What is it with little girls and little babies? So when I got mine it was important to get one with a removable Jesus. Last year I got Tobin his own. I had visions of him acting out the Christmas story each year, helping him grasp the concept of Christmas. Instead Tobin uses his like action figures fighting in a war. The Angel sliding off the manger roof tackling the donkey, taking the baby hostage. I swear this is just the male spirit coming out in him. Happy pre-holidays everyone.

Wasted Snow

All this pretty white snow is being wasted on the warm valley floor. It's so sad. I would love nothing more than scoop snowballs with Tobin this afternoon but instead, I fold socks.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Stefanie my sister-in-law hosted a fabulous meal in her new house. Her stuffing was amazing! Then on Friday we spend the day with my grandpa at the coast with yet another full meal.
I just loved having four days with Matt home. It really is better having two parents when you have three children. How do we get Matt to retire at 30? We took the whole family out on Saturday to get our tree. I was so proud that we were right on track with the holiday festivities but low and behold our tree sits naked in the living room. Maybe tonight while Matt watches the Bachelor. (no, I'm not kidding).
Speaking of Matt I have to tell you that we had the best date last night, great food and engaging conversation. I woke up to little love notes scattered around the house. Even one taped to the milk jug. He is truly wonderful. I sure knew what I was doing when I picked him to be my boyfriend at 16. I really should do an Ode to Matt one of these days.
Well back to matching socks. If your reading this Matt, I am still madly in love with you, thanks for my notes and for Tobins too. Three hours till you get home!

Ode to Jabe Michael Green

I fell in love with your name before we even knew you would exist. It’s as if the name placed you in my heart and I willed you here. I am always looking for names that are different, easy to say and remember and hold great meaning. Your name came while I was watching this shameful reality show called, “Who wants to be a Hilton” Their was a cast member with the name Jabe and he was cute and friendly and I just loved the way it sounded. Next I searched the web to find its meaning. I realized it was short for Jabez and that the meaning was, Born of my labor; Survivor. Because of all we did you get you and for being frozen for three years, I knew if I were to ever have another son his name would be Jabe. Michael Green is your grandpa’s given name. Besides the fact we have just be reunited with the Green side of the family, your grandpa has been a tremendous blessing to me. He has cherished me as his own daughter and made me feel as if the world was lucky to have me. For that and many other things I gave you his name. You are beautiful my son. You have a wide jaw like your dad and my fair skin. Your grin goes for miles and I just know that you will break many hearts one day. You are so strong. Just because we brought you home from the hospital at four pounds don’t think for a second we thought you were weak. You show your strength by wanting to stand always and now being the first to roll over (and over and over) You love to eat but get frustrated when the milk isn’t poring into your mouth. I have to be careful not to let you get too hungry or it’s hard to calm you down. At your four month appointment you weighed 13 lbs and were 23 inches long. You rolled over for the first time in front of the doctor. He was happy to be a witness. Your favorite place to be is your swing and that is where you have slept though the night at times. I know I will love raising you as I have your brother. I pray over you wisdom, purity, safety and a love of God that sets your path in motion.

Ode to Phoebe Claire

My little sweet girl you had your four month appointment today. (10/31)It made me think of when Dad and I were finding out weather you were a boy or girl during our twenty week ultra sound. You were baby A and you were so shy we couldn't get a look at what you was so we sadly moved to baby B (Jabe). After we looked at Jabe we moved back to Baby A and low and behold we could see baby A was a girl. I was so excited my body responded by shaking. Matt and I had only decided on a boy name and a girl name so we knew you were Phoebe Claire. We named you Phoebe mostly because we thought it was an adorable name but also because its meaning is wisdom. And we knew that in this day in age a little girl needs tons of insight and good decision making skills. Claire is after your dad's grandpa Clarence. He was such a special man to your dad and we are so sad he died beforebecomingg a great grandpa. You would have brought great joy to him. At one of my ultra sounds you got really close to the screen and looked right at me and you took my breath away because I could tell you were beautiful. I have had so much fun buying pink clothes with smocking and peter pan collars. You were the first twin born and when I heard your sweet cry, I cried. You were smaller then expected weighing five pounds 10 ounces. One of the fist things I noticed about you was your swirl of hair right in the middle of your forehead. Although it is adorable now I just knew you'd hate it when you get older. I smiled every time we introduce you to people and they say you look like me. I didnÂ’t realize how fun that would be. Maybe because the boys look so much like your dad it felt fun to pay homage to my side of the family. You have always been a great nurser and found comfort being held. WeÂ’ve nicknamed you smooshie because you just melt into us when we hold you. You have a killer smile and love sucking your thumb. You love to sleep and wake up with a smile each morning. At your appointment today you weighed 13.3 pounds and were 24 ¼ inches long. You are just starting to hold onto toys and love your aquarium bouncer seat.
I find myself daydreaming of what fun we'll have raising you. The tea parties and princess dress up. The crushes on boy bands and girlfriend sleepovers are all sure to come. Or maybe you'll love climbing trees and building forts with your brothers. Maybe you'll love reading Anne of Green Gables with me or Little House on the Prairie. And maybe one day we can take a girl trip to visit Prince Edward Island. I know that as mother and daughter we will have our challenges but hopefully we'll learn from each other and maybe after I am done parenting you we can move our relationship to a friendship. I love you my daughter.

For my kids

Over the next few days expect some sappy entries about my children. They are growing up so fast.

Ode to Tobin Cooper

My first baby. Oh how we prayed for you. You were God saying, “My gosh people, I’ve heard you! Now just so you know I wanted this one to be absolutely perfect so it took extra time. So here is your baby. I expect it to be a lot quieter around here now.” When I found out you were on the way you gave mommy her biggest thrill. You have been my biggest teacher in this life. You have taught me unconditional love and true patience. You have also helped me to understand my relationship with God. Now I can sort of understand his love and compassion for His children. I also have learned that this life is not about me. . . It’s not about you either. It’s about our relationships with each other and more specifically our relationship with our creator. For theses lessons I thank you Tobin. Your name is so special to me. It’s from the Hebrew name Tobias and means, God is good. That was my theme though my journey to become a mother; life is hard but God is good. I hope you discover that sooner than later during your life.
You are such a sweet, sweet boy. You already are compassionate towards others and you are considerate of others feelings. Although you are still a normal preschooler discovering your boundaries, I can see in you this great humanity. You have a great relationship with your father and for that I am truly jealous in a wonderful way. I prayed for you and your dad to have a bond like no other and when the two of you say, “you’re my best friend” to each other every morning . . . I melt. Although this is cute and endearing I do hope that before you consider us friends you think of us as your parents the ones God gave you to protect you, love you, teach you and be models for you. Although we are not perfect know that we serve a perfect God and when you do need a more human perspective your earthly father will be a wonderful resource for you to follow. At three years old you have given me more fullness than I knew possible. May you discover God’s plan for you at a young age and choose to follow it to its fullest. May you be protected from this corrupted world and live a blessed life.

Hoilday stress

Ok somehow I just deleted my brilliant blog entry. @#$!%##!! So (deep breath) here I go again. I should be doing dishes or laundry or toilets or some other task that will just need to be repeated tomorrow but for now I blog. We are sick of being sick around here. Jabe is the last of the month long illness around here. So things are looking up. The babies are still taking turns sleeping though the night and I have yet to enjoy a full night but have hope that it will be soon.
I am getting overwhelmed thinking that the holidays are among us. Matt is so good about picking up my slack around the house but when it comes to buying gift, wrapping presents, sending out the Christmas cards and decorating our house. . . If I don't do it won't get done. So how can I simplify? Well because I just sent out the babies announcement, no Christmas cards this year. I think I need to find that great family gift out there and repeat it twenty times to save time and brain power. But as far as decorating I will need to go all out this year. Tobin is at the age were Christmas is magical and I want our house to reflect that. Not to mention the twins are non-destructive this year and the next few years after this I'll have to block off the tree with the couch. And I like to decorate.
Well hope you enjoyed the random thoughts of today. Oh and the picture is of Jabe and Phoebe as frogs for Halloween.

Behold. . .

The wonderful, magical, spectacular miracle of sleep. Two nights ago Phoebe slept though the night in the bouncy chair and last night Jabe did the same. I still haven't mind you, but this gives me hope. My kids are not dummies. Who wouldn't want to sleep in a vibrating papasan chair? Now I need to find one that I can fit into.

Halloween Manors

Last year was Tobins first Trick or Treating experience. I will never forget the first house we hit. Tobin had just turned two and we had be working hard on our manors. Walking up the steps we coached Tobin to say, "Trick or Treat". He did and his eyes almost fell out of his head when he saw the bowl of candy. He took a sucker and then we said, "Tobin, what do you say?" Tobin says sharply, "MORE!". We nervously laugh and say, "No Tobin that enough. Now what do you say. . . " Tobin thinks, shoves the sucker into the mans face and says, "OPEN IT!"
Well so much for the well mannered two year old.
Hope you enjoy pictures of this years celebrations.

Critics Corner

Matt and I had a real date last night. We farmed the twins off to my mom's and Puke Bucket off to my in-laws (they've already had the flu). We went to a great Italian restaurant for dinner (no, not Olive Garden but a real restaurant where you can't pronounce the menu and they look at you strange for not ordering *wine.) I did end the meal with yummy creme' brulee, ( I told Matt It could have only been better if they served me a bucket full of it!) Our conversation flowed from the SWAT team to **our next home, to world religions. I didn't once have to threaten anyone that if they didn't stop misbehaving we'd have to have a "talk" in the restroom or draw my 1,497 rendition of a choo choo train onto a kids menu or explain why he only got two colors to draw with. We just ate and talked. . . it was wonderful. Then like a couple of crazy kids we went to a movie. We went to a new theater in town and paid a full NINE bucks per seat!!!! We saw Facing the Giants, http://www.facingthegiants.com/. Now this is a movie I heard about on the Today show. It was written and produced by a Christian church and promised safe entertainment. So we thought we'd support that. Honestly, the beginning of this movie was S...L...O...W. But once you got use the the rhythm of the movie and got past that it's not as polished as a "Hollywood" movie, it was enjoyable. I even cried during some of it. Matt even laughed out loud a few times. So my review is even though this movie was painfully predictable and felt more like a lifetime movie then a block buster. . . we left with a smile and a good feeling. Oh and this new theater gave us free pop corn and soda!!! Oh and had reclining seats! So in conclusion, I liked this move but consider the source, I haven't seen a movie in the theater since. . . Pride and Prejudice, so who am I kidding I would have had a great time even if it were Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

By the end of the night I was so glad to see my twins. Partly because absence makes the heart grow fonder but mostly because my breast were rock hard from missing a feeding. (how awesome is it that some pervert is going to google "rock hard breasts" and get my disappointing blog about a lactating mom not a 20 year old girl!)

*Wine to me tastes like liquid death. I would love to be so sophisticated as to have a glass of red wine with my dinner but I am not willing to subject myself to agony of acquiring such a taste for the sake of sophistication.

**A subject for an entire blog entry

Popular Attraction

Maybe it's because I haven't left the house in . . . days but I found myself daydreaming of the times we do make it out of the house what a spectacle we've become. Most of the time I don't mind stopping and letting gawkers gawk and asking questions. I've got them all memorized, I have often felt I could save time if I had my responses printed on a t-shirt or perhapes a pamphlet. It would say,

• Yes, they are twins and yes they are mine, (I know I do look like a cute college student nanny but I am the mom.)
• They are a boy and a girl as indicated by the pink and blue blankets.
• No, they are not identical as indicated by her being a girl and him being a boy. (please don't make me show you).
• Yes, my hands are full but so is my heart. (Awe)
• No, they are not natural they are fake. (This is in response to the most rude question of "are they natural?". I am assuming they wanted to know if these were spontanous twins or if I had to make them using drugs. . . people should just leave this one alone.
• Yes, I did know I was having twins. (It's 2006 people and I'm not Amish, of course I knew I was having twins, I also have indoor plumbing.)
• I would have to follow up with all the saticstics of how old they are, how much they weighed and if we had to spend anytime in the hospital.

I am not complaining. I love sharing these babies with the world. In fact, when people just pass me and my gianormous stroller and preschooler by my side with out even a smile, my thoughts are something like this, "Don't pretend like you have more important things to do then look at the most precious babies you've ever seen."

Puke Bucket

That's a nick name my uncle Eric came up with for Tobin. Tobin pukes a lot. He has asthma and anytime he gets a virus it will include lots and lots of puking. But last night when he kept asking me to feel his tummy and then running to the toilet . . . I knew he had the flu. I am just getting over a wreched cold so now I am bracing myself for our next family adventure. So far the twins haven't been sick (other than some runny noses) So I am truly thankful for that. It seems that we've had one thing or another in our house since Tobin started pre-school. The plus side is that Mr. Puke bucket has had lots of practice knowing when he is going to puke and getting to the toilet in time. Although the pile of baking soda on my mattress is a sad reminder that his skills are not perfected.
As a special treat for those of you who suffered though my woes of pukedum. . . I give you my talented cousin Bradley Sample. www.bradleysample.com Check him out and remember his name he will be a superstar one day.

Baby Blessing

This weekend was a full one. Most of my family got together to witness Jabe and Phoebe's baby blessing at our church. I can't tell you the last time I was able to be at church with my mom, brother and sister. I loved it. I am so proud of my family and it was awesome to show them off to my church family. Pastor Ben spoke beautiful words over our family and spoke of the way it began. He reminisced about when Matt and I were beginning the In Vitro process he and the Elders came to our house and prayed that soon our house would be filled with the sound of children's laughter. (that's when I started to cry). Tobin was charming on stage and the babies were little angles. They wore the sweaters that Rachel http://www.circusknits.com/ knitted for them. I was proud as a peacock. I was grateful that pastor Ben used time out of the service acknowledge how we concord infertility using god given science. Maybe we gave some hope to a family in the congregation struggling with the same issues. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

It is finished

After hours of debating, deciding and doing. . . I give you Jabe and Phoebe's birth announcement. Yes I know they are almost four months old, Yes I know that I could have bought pre-done or paid someone to do them for me, Yes I know that I am a crazy woman, but they are done and so cute. . . Do you agree? Special thanks to The Daisy Buckett http://www.daisybucket.com/ and my dear friend Angela.( http://www.dailyditch.blogspot.com/ )

My favorite Things

The sound of coffee brewing
A peaceful house
Saturday Mornings
Good TV
Memories of High School Football games
The safety of my husband
Phoebe's Smile
Tobin's "I Love You, mommy"
Jabe's Round head and big eyes
Autumn
Christmas Eve
Gymboree
A new Nicholas Sparks book
Nap Time
Night out with girl friends
Getting a "just because" card from Angela
Free Gift with purchase
Old cared for houses
Taking a hot bath while eating ice cream (Yes I do this)
The Street of Dreams
A good thundestrom
The state fair
A great photo session
Christmas cards
Ivy
Sunday Morning Worship
Vintage Baby Clothes
English Tea
Hyde Park
The smell of fresh cut grass
Standing by a fire on a chilly night
Knowing God is speaking to you
Watching Phoebe suck her thumb
Listing to Jack Johnson in the summer
John Mayor in the fall
Ray Lamontague in the spring
Christmas radio in the winter
And James Taylor . . . anytime
College campuses
Hot Chocolate WITH whipped cream
Peach Italian sodas WITH cream

CAN I GET AN AMEN OUT THERE?????

Sick Days

I remember the days when I was a working person and my job would give me sick days. And on the days (like today) when it felt as if my sinuses might explode and my throat had a constant tickle, I would stay home and nurse my self. I would eat hot soup, and watch daytime TV all day and answer the phone with a deathly, "Bello". And now I do my work at home. I am up sporadically during the night to clear my nose and nurse babies & then up for good at 7 AM with Tobin's cheerful, "It's good morning time"! I tried to keep sleeping while he played with his trains but I could smell trouble when he came back in my room and said, " You stay in here mommy, while I have alone time". Well of course I jumped out of bed and found that he had used his bathroom stool to get up on the kitchen counter to find his bag of gummies, (thanks grandma Pam) I finally found him eating them in his favorite hiding spot under the dining room table.
After Tobin was at pre-school and my DaQuil kicked-in my friend Michelle and I went on a neighborhood walk. (My favorite past time) Michelle put Jabe in the Bjorn and I took Phoebe in the stroller. We got some coffee's and my day started looking up.
So although the day's of staying in bed are long gone, I am reminded that I prayed and waited for a long time to become a stay at home mom. And I am so happy to have children that don't allow you to waist the day away but give you a reason to get well soon. Tobin, Phoebe and Jabe mommy is so blessed to have you! Thank you God for giving me the energy to get though a hard day.

What Every Woman Wants. . .

A HUSBAND THAT DOES THE COOKING. And guess what? I have one! Not only does my husband provide beautifully for our family, but when he gets home - he cooks. And we're not talking hamburger Helper, were talking chicken cordon blue, pasta salads, Fajitas, BBQ tri tip etc. Last night my sister-in-law Stefanie and I needed to work on a project so our husbands watched all five of our kids and Matt prepared a fantastic meal of pot roast, portibello mushroom pasta, green salad, and rolls. He and my father-in-law even WASHED the dishes. Are you so jealous? It's true I live a blessed life.

Sandman Welcome

I haven't slept though the night in about a year. With being pregnant and having a huge belly and a teeny tiny bladder, and now two gorgeous babies who are fond of eating - - Sleep is a thing of the past. But I have been aware that lately my two angels have been stretching out when they need to eat! The problem is my body keeps waking up!!!! I know the night is right around the corner where I will go to sleep and wake up with the sun. In the mean time, the lack of sleep is so worth it, look how happy they are.

Cold Coffee

I've wanted to start a blog for a year now. But life just files by. This morning I poured a hot cup of coffee and now with just a few sips gone . . . it's cold. Why you ask, didn't I drink it hot? I got my three year old breakfast, dressed and hair combed, oh and found a show and tell toy. Got my TWINS fed, changed, and clothed. Dropped my son off at preschool . . .and then remember about my coffee, and that I've had to pee for an hour now. Life is passing me by and it's been too good not to slow down and record some of my most treasured memories. Thus the begining of Glory Laine. My hope is to stay connected with friends and family as well as have a log for that not-so-far-away day when I am sad that my mornings are not filled with small children needing me so badly that I am able to drink a entire cup of hot coffee.