Lack of Complete

What makes you feel 'complete' (for lack of a better word), when you finish watching a movie?

Is it a sense of justice that the good guys got the bad guys?
The mystery is solved?
The hero will live to fight another day?
That fairy tale- True Love's First Kiss?

Do you ever feel slighted at the end of a movie when it doesn't end in the perfect way that you were hoping?

I am one who refuses to watch movies without a happy ending. Perfect Storm- Poseidon- Cast Away- All movies I will never watch again. Ever. I watch movies to escape from reality- I don't watch them just so I can be disappointed in the endings.

My mom told me about this wonderful movie- Wives and Daughters- It's a Pride and Prejudice type of movie .... LOVE that movie. I put it on my Netflix wish list and waited patiently for it to arrive in my mailbox. After the first disk- I was in love. I was Hooked. I was sure this movie was going into my rotation of favorite movies- right with my usual fixes of P&P and Sense and Sensibility. I couldn't wait for the next DVD to come so I could watch it. I went to the Netflix site and discovered that I could watch the rest of the movie on demand on my computer... instead of waiting. Jackpot! I stayed up past 1am watching it. It had everything I always want to have in a late 18Th century English love story. It built up with suspense until what you were hoping would happen finally happens- Success! I waited and waited for the big finish- The True Love's First kiss scene- I kept waiting...watching at the edge of my seat...... and then the credits start rolling.

What? No kiss?? All of that stuffy romance, all of the lusty- no touching allowed moments that leave you in anticipation, all of it... the only reason I enjoy those movies is because in the end their passions and desires open like a beautiful summer rose in full bloom, and they can finally make that first, passionate, kiss.

I felt slighted! I felt so incomplete. I felt like a fool for spending 5 hours in front of the TV and laptop hooked and unable to focus on anything else... just waiting for that perfect euphoric event to happen. Sad day.

I might just have to watch it one more time though- just in case I missed it........
(It was still a good movie after all- I'd hate to dismiss it entirely, just because of a lack of a kiss.)

(Post Edit)-
I love the BBC version of P&P- Hands down, my favorite version.
Wives and Daughters is also put on by BBC.

Bump Shot

Another two weeks have passed since my last bump shot.
Time is flying! (Thank goodness!!)
I only have 8 1/2 weeks left- but there is always a chance to go earlier. I figure if I can make it another 6 weeks- the rest will be icing on the cake.

The picture below is proof on how there is no possible way to bend over (or suck in).

(While I was trying to take a picture of the bump- I realized that from now on, Chip will have to photograph it.... my arms just don't extend any farther.... and there isn't much room left in the view finder of the camera. Yikes. )

On Sunday, I stayed home from church. (gasp!). My body was worn out from the weekend, my knees and back were aching, and I knew that if I didn't just sit and not move - there would be no way that I could have managed this up coming week.

At the end of church, a sweet lady asked Alli where I was. Alli told her that I stayed home because I had a church bag as a tummy- and it was getting to heavy to carry around.

Rewind to two Sunday's ago: Alli asked me why I was walking so slow, and why I waddled. I told her to pick up my church bag (which is a basket that weighs probably 20lbs), and carry it up around her tummy. She couldn't complete the task. It was way to heavy for her and very awkward to carry. I told her that that's kind of what it feels like to have two babies in my tummy- It's really hard to move around, and the babies are just getting heavier and heavier to carry.
I guess it made an impression on Alli.
Now she is of the opinion that I have a church bag as a tummy.
What a funny kid.

Breakfast

Every morning as I start my morning routine- opening blinds, turning on lights, getting breakfast set out for the kids- I look around the kitchen and see all that needs to be done for the day. Anything from wiping off the table, doing the dishes, sweeping the floor.... basically anything left over from the night before that Chip and I were too lazy/tired/otherwise distracted to get to.

Ever since this glorious season known as Spring has started I've noticed some unwanted breakfast guests chowing down food from under my table.

Ants.

I don't know what it is. Why is it that every Spring ants seem to know how to find MY kitchen floor? How do they know which microscopic cracks to use in order to break in to my house like a thief in the night? How do they know I didn't sweep the night before? How do they know my cat won't attack them (because he's a flippin' wuss- and has no interest in any bugs what-so-ever)?

These ants of mine eat better than a chubby person on a cruise or in Vegas with the all you can eat buffets! This morning my ants were treated to the delights of rice, cupcake crumbs, Fruity Pebbles, a grape or two, and cat food. There was a line of ants coming out of my base board with empty arms- and another line going back under the base board looking like looters that just came from the Walmart after a natural disaster was just predicted. (I wonder if they were wearing cutoff jeans , a wife beater tank top, and had three teeth.... humm....)

It's like they are just begging me to Raid them. Crazy little suicidal ants. Until I can dig out that can of Raid and get some new ant traps- My breakfast guests will keep coming. And, I will keep sweeping them up like yesterday's trash (or crumbs).

Burn, Cut, Yum

I think the fates are trying to tell me to stop being so domestic. Thursday I burnt my hand with a skillet as I was making dinner- Friday I cut my pointer finger with the rotary cutter- and finally on Saturday, the hot iron fell on my hand while I was ironing. Luckily this is all happening to my left hand, otherwise I'd be in sad shape.
Anyone else think I need to just sit and stop doing everything/anything? Maybe wrap myself in bubble wrap?

Yesterday after a most fabulous pedicure, my friend and I went to the mall to poke around a bit. It was around closing time- so I thought, I'd run and check out Cheryl & Co. to see if they had my brownies on hand really cheap. They did have the brownies- but since they have the caramel in it- the brownies have to be frozen..... so they didn't come with the el-cheap-0 price tag. But they came in at 2 for $4- good enough for me! I got two. (I also got the special 10 items for $8.99!.... all brownies and huge cupcakes.... the kids have yet to see them....) After I got home, I ripped into one of those brownies. Heaven. Heaven in a wrapper. The caramel was yummy, chewy, buttery rich goodness- and the brownie had chunks of chocolate laced within it. I could only eat 1/2 of the brownie with a full 20oz of milk- it was that rich. I'm saving the rest for tonight.

(I was so excited about my baked good score that I had my friend take a picture of my happiness. I didn't realize that happiness + dark circles + huge prego belly = not photogenic.... but still, it was worth the picture. )

Fairytale Princess

(I should be nicer to Maggie and post a really adorable charming picture-
But.... This funny face cracked me up, so this is what you're going to get.)

I took Maggie to the new Chick-fil-A for lunch. It has a play place- so I was thinking it would be good for her to get some energy out. Plus she got to play with one of her best little friends... so it was a win-win.

In the play area there were two boys who decided they were dragons and would keep Maggie and her little friend off of the toy. This went on for about 5 minutes- finally the girls were getting a little tired of waiting to go play, and not getting able to. I told Maggie that she should tell them that she was a princess, and so she should be let up into the tower.

She said, "No, I'll just put my boogers on them".

Maggie as a dainty fairytale princess? I think not.

Ultrasound and Toothless Grin

On Saturday, Alli lost tooth #6. We told her if she was really good, maybe she'd be able to eat corn on the cob by summer time.
(It's hard to take a good picture of all of her teeth missing, without Alli looking a little nuts. Hey... .This family is full of nuts- so at least we know she fits in. :D)

Funny story about Alli and teeth.
Last week I bought Maggie a new pair of summer sandals. I brought them home and when Maggie saw them, she had her doubts that they would go on her feet. (They had glitter on them- I have no idea what her problem is.) I put the shoes and their tag on the kitchen table, hoping that someday Maggie would warm up to the shoes- If not, I had the receipt and tag to return them.
They had been sitting on the table for about 4 days, when I noticed Alli coloring all over the tag. I told her that if I couldn't return the shoes because the tag was colored on- then she owed me $6 for the shoes. She said that she only had $5. I told her it was okay, she'd just work off the extra dollar by doing some chores for me. (I'm perfectly fine with slave labor.)
She started throwing a little fit and said "What if I just lose another tooth... can I just give you that dollar from the Tooth Fairy?" I told her I thought that would be a perfectly acceptable arrangement. Then she started crying.
"I have no more loose teeth!"
Guess she'll just have to deal with being a slave for her repayment.
(She was so serious, it was hard not to crack up laughing at her..... )

Maggie just loves to come to my OB appointments with me.

This is why:

She always grabs two lollipops for Alli and two for herself.
They talk for hours the night before my appointments to determine which flavors they will each get the next day.
Will it be pink? Blue? (both favorites)
Today Maggie went against the advised flavors from the night before, and grabbed each of them a yellow lollipop and a DumDum.

It was obvious that Alli readily forgave Maggie when she ripped into her lollipops as soon as she got into the car after school.

(Maggie's hair is going to look a bit wild for the next few months, as we are trying to regrow the bangs. Poor kid. At least I can say that she did it to herself.)


And now onto the babies.
If you aren't on my facebook friends list (Oh, how I love that site)- then the good news of the day is: Both babies have flipped and neither one of them are breech anymore!
(They do love their mama!)
I now have a chance to deliver vaginally and not have a c-section. I guess there is always a chance that one or both of them will be in distress, so I'll have to be cut open anyway- but at least I know the babies had good intentions.

Baby A (formerly baby laying across the bottom of my uterus/on top of my bladder) is now laying on top of his brother. I think he decided since he'd been sat on the entire pregnancy by his brother- it was time to switch things up a bit. I guess sibling rivalry is beginning already.
Baby A is weighing in at 3lb 3oz.

Baby B- who is still in the same position- only upside down now- is weighing in at 2lb 15oz.
(If you look closely- this is a picture of his face. The big white spot in the middle of the ultrasound is the baby's nose. The two (almost looks like one) dark circles on the right side of the white patch are his eyes.)

Both babies are lookin' good. Their heart rates are awesome (ranging from 145-150 bpm).
Hopefully they will both stay in the same positions until they are born. :)

Productive- Or not.

I feel like it's been forever since I have posted... yeah, I know It's only been like 5 days, but to me that is forever. I am a blogging addict... I was starting to have some major withdraw symptoms.

Monday and Tuesday were so dreary here in Columbus. Drizzle and rain. Dark clouds that no ray of sun could part through. I was in a funk. I want Spring. I want a happy sun dancing among the clouds (singing happy songs, of course).

I tried doing housework.... Monday was mostly successful, but I over did it- so my body suffered. I can't wait to have my non-pregnant body back again. I was so much better at multi-tasking (and standing on my feet for more than 2 minutes without hurting.) Monday night my feet/ankles swelled up to the size of an engorged water balloon. I'm starting to think housework isn't worth it.

Since my body decided to revolt and not heal itself up while I was sleeping on Monday night- Tuesday = a sit down day. I figured what was one of the best things to do while sitting?... Sewing! And that is precisely what I did for the majority of the day. I got 3 1/2 quilt blocks done for my block-of-the-month quilts (only like a million to go...) Maggie was so awesome Tuesday. She would either come and play quietly by me or laid down on the couch and watched movies. I think my prayers were heard, for sure.

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Tomorrow morning brings another ultrasound appointment. I'm excited to see how much these babies grew this past month. I've noticed a slowing down in movement from baby B (the one on/in my ribs/side)... and increased movement in Baby A (the guy laying/punching on my bladder). Maybe I don't have their personalities pegged like I thought I did.

I'll be sure to post these little boys' pictures- and their new stats tomorrow.

Until then.... goodnight. :)

Commitment

Spring is springing upon us- and with it comes new commitments for healthier lifestyle choices. Daily walks/jogs, Counting Calories, and eating healthier. This is Chip's idea for himself. (Yeah- can you picture me jogging....... riiiiiiggghhhttttt.....)

I have decided to support him in his new (and yearly) goal- by trying to cook healthier.

Last week I went to Costco (woohoo! I just got the membership :D) and saw the 5lb bag of salad. I just knew that we'd be having a different salad every day-and inches would be melting off of our waistlines.

Last night as I pulled that bag of salad out of the fridge (with only 2 servings gone), saw wilted and frozen lettuce leaves in the rest of the bag- I realized..... Our family just isn't ready for that big of a commitment.

(Do your healthy eating wishes ever backfire in your face?)

Baby Bump and Brownies

Well, it's that time again- Another belly shot.

I'm seriously impressed with how huge my body is getting.

I'm down to just 10 1/2 short weeks away from seeing these boys from the outside.
(That's if I make it to 39 weeks.)


Now on to the brownies.

There is a company based out of Columbus called Cheryl and Co.
Most people enjoy their signature cookies-If any of you really know me, you'd know I'm not huge into cookies (unless fresh and gooey warm right out of the oven- with a glass of milk)- In fact, I'm not big into any baked goodie that isn't fresh and warm from the oven. BUT- This company has me sold on their brownies- even though it's obviously not out of the oven fresh.

Cheryl and Co. has a store right about a mile away from us.
After a certain time each night- you can get 10 products for like $15 or $10- I can't remember, I try not to indulge myself too often there.... but basically- they do a special to get rid of baked goods of the day. (Honestly, it's the only time I do go to the store- because otherwise the brownies are over $3 a piece... too rich for my blood.)

Today I got their catalog in the mail.

I'm not ashamed to admit it folks- I did drool a little bit.

The drool was all over those beautiful Caramel Fudge Brownies. Don't they look delish!!!
(It took every bit of my will power not to go to the store and get some ASAP)

But.... it doesn't look like I'll be buying these bad boys anytime soon-

Ouch.
(this is the online catalog price- It's hit and miss what they have in store daily- so you never know what flavors they will have available... sigh.... )

Maybe if the boys decide they want some brownies badly enough- I might have to listen to them- I'd hate to disappoint them this early in the game.

Wanted: Housewife Extraordinaire

I am looking for a mentor-someone to show me how to be A Housewife Extraordinaire. This woman must be able to daily:

-make the entire house immaculate (car and closets too.....)
-have clean and put together children (not to mention, they have impeccable manners)
-be wearing make-up, and perfectly coiffured hair (freshly manicured nails/fresh pedicure also required), and matching socks
-not have a single stain on her perfectly coordinating outfit
-get in exercise time
-do whatever craft (sewing/scrapbooking/jewelry making/etc)perfectly- and have time to do it.
-have a well balanced gourmet meal on the table at 5:30 pm every night (dessert required for 3 nights a week)
-study scriptures
-read classic literature
-make fun and witty blog posts
-have fun crafts to keep children entertained
-have a healthy and fun relationship with husband (must have weekly date nights)
-a sweet non-judging demeanor (never raises voice to children/spouse)

I know there are women out there who are like this (at least from the outside looking in).... I am jealous of your mad skills.

Every day I think of how much I have to do- How much I'm behind from yesterday- How I never have quality time to play with my kids (even though I'm a stay at home mom)-.... Remember my goal to get one project done per day until the babies get here?.... Guess how many project's I've actually gotten done: Zero.

My new mentor must also be able to carve out additional time to teach me the finer points of housewifery.

Please feel free to suggest possible candidate or apply yourself in the comments.

Love Soup

Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as "family home evening." This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love. (Taken from LDS.org)

Our family, although not entirely perfect, has tried to follow this council. Even if you aren't a member of our church, what a fun thing it is to carve out special set aside time to spend with your family.

We have found that by following a simple agenda and giving the girls responsibilities within that agenda- that the girls have really grown, and it has benefited them in many ways.

(Since I know I have a lot of people reading my blog who do not belong to my church- I'll go into detail below on the agenda that we follow... if you have any questions about FHE- feel free to post a comment- I'd love to answer that you might have)

First we have a conductor- This person welcomes the family together for this special night, chooses the order of people to sing songs, introduces the lesson-closes out FHE (Family home evening), etc- (The girls are really good at conducting). We then have a family prayer. This is followed by our families favorite part: The song(s). Boy, have we got some silly songs..... as well as spiritual songs. Then a lesson- usually about something we see our family having challenges with, or just anything we want to introduce to our kids (new chore charts, a spiritual experience, a gospel principal, etc.....). This followed up with a game or craft project. Finally we have a closing prayer, and treats afterward. Each of us takes on a different roll each week- sometimes the kids teach the lesson (under our supervision), we switch up who's in charge of the treats, games, and prayer and conducting.

This week Chip was in charge of our FHE lesson. It was such a fun lesson that our kids enjoyed- so I thought I'd post it.

Our family has been experiencing visits from the angry-contention monster lately. It has been very hard trying to keep a peaceful feeling in our home lately. (I know most families out there are perfect Von Trapp type families...... we're working on it... just not quite there yet)

Chip read this talk called Agency and Anger. (Even if you aren't a member of our church, I encourage you to read it, as it gives such great council and advice)

He used the basis of the talk to do a lesson that our kids would understand. He made Love Soup. He first cut out construction paper hearts, had special little sprinkles, and water. He used our girls cooking toys (pan/spatula/fake burner) to demonstrate.


He handed out hearts to each of us. We then, with each heart, said things that we can do as a family to show each other that we love each other. (helping, listening the first time, playing nicely together, reading books, etc.....) We put each heart into the pot of water as we said what they represented. We then got to put in sprinkles (which represented the special fun things we can do to make our family *sparkle*). The girls got to take turns stirring this wonderful fun 'love soup' while Chip talked a little more about how important it was to be kind and loving to each other as a family- and that we have a happy feeling in our home when we behave like this.

He got out a cup of dirt/mulch/yuck that he had and poured it into our love soup. He explained that when we fight and have contention in our family, our nice and happy love soup becomes dirty and gross- and we can't have those happy feelings that we want, and the Spirit can't be in our home either. (The girls were horrified that their beautiful soup got ruined). We said some of the contentions that our family struggles with (Not sharing, tattling, not listening, back talking, hitting, etc......) We talked about how Satan wants our family to not get along with each other- and he's the one who causes feelings of contention.

We talked about how we don't have to have yucky love soup- and that we can always dump it out of the pot and start over again if we mess up. This is forgiveness. We can forgive others in our family for the imperfections they have- learn to get along with them, and start over again.

It was really a fun FHE lesson that he did. The girls really enjoyed making love soup- and they loved the visual representation. I just thought I'd share our lesson. I'm sure nobody else but our family ever gets dirt in their love soup- but just in case..... here is an idea you can use.

I think I found it

Today was much so much better emotionally for me. It was so nice.

I was a little overwhelmed at first- Today was my day to teach the investigators at church. The subject: The life of Christ. So simple, so straight forward, and yet such a huge vast topic to cover in 30 minutes. Everything from the prophecies of all the Prophets from Adam on down testifying that He would come, the Prophets after his life testifying that He did come, His birth- His ministries- and the Atonement. It was such a beautiful topic, and I was so nervous that I would leave something out that was important.

Through a lot of prayer (and a Priesthood blessing), I knew that If I just shared my testimony and taught from my heart- that others would be touched and feel His spirit.

At the end of my lesson- I think the person I've been praying to help (outside of my comfort zone) was revealed to me. This is way outside of my zone- but I think I can be of service somehow. She came up to me after my lesson and bore her heart and shared of her trials and burdens that are weighing her down. She has so many things going on right now, I don't know where to start helping her- but I'm sure that too will be made known to me.

I was also able to sympathise with other pregnant women today. I feel better. Yesterday just gave me a hard heart. I hate those days.

Peace again.

Now I can start my week out fresh.

I love Sunday's.

The GIFT

I love having the luxury to get out of the house for 11 hours a week and be an adult in public-without being a 'mom'.

I think that Chip and Michelle are absolutely fabulous for watching the girls while I get my sanity time in. (holla!)

There are days at work at make me giggle and happy and make me just love my out-of-the-house-wear-dress-up-clothes-and-make-up job. Then there are days that make me say "Why am I doing this to myself? I don't have to put up with the ignorance and poo of ridiculous people if I don't want to!"

Today was the latter of the days.

Seriously.Why do people act in certain ways? Is it because they have escaped from the zoo cage they had been bound to for most of their lives- and by being raised by (insert wild animal here), they don't know how to behave in public? Or- is it that they are really just that big of a(n) (insert an adjective that applies).

Today it was one of my new co-workers who was the {take your pick of any bad adjective... and it probably works}. I've seen him maybe twice in passing... both times he was in a suit. He has never introduced himself to me, and I've never had the time to do the same. How was I to recognize him when I had a line that was out the door, he was wearing his (ahem) ghetto clothing.... {that implies bling, bling was warn}, and I hadn't really ever met him?

He was a complete poo stain! He started yelling at me (in front of all of the other customers) that I should know him, obviously... as he was the "gift" that was sent down from above to the world. I wonder if I need a receipt to return that 'gift'. He WAS NOT KIDDING folks- he had no humor at all.

My offense: I asked him for his ID to cash $800 in checks.

He very rudely said that I should go and check that office over there- and get his business card for his form of ID.

Wow. Now I'm supposed to feel completely comfortable recommending clients to him. I'm sure they will be in excellent hands.


My fellow co-worker who sits next to me (and also due on the same day as I am... weird, I know) was like- Man! He was a jerk! SHE actually felt it was necessary to go up to our branch manager and tell her of the behavior of our new co-worker. (I was just thinking about sending him a nasty e-mail all about manners and standard check cashing policies......) I have no idea what the situation will turn out like, as there were plenty of people who heard him yelling at me- but it makes me dread going to work on Wednesday. All I'm saying is that there better be chocolate sitting on my desk and an apology note- or someone might get hurt.

I've been venting/fuming about this all day. I'm hoping that now it's typed- I can be done with it and have world peace in mind once again.
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One thing I have also noticed today- {and maybe it's because I was in such a crummy mood because of such a delightful man}- is that I'm lacking tolerance for other pregnant women who are complaining of all of the 'joys' of pregnancy- aches, sleeplessness, being tired, ribs being kicked, heartburn, etc.

I have had two previous pregnancies, my first included a lovely bout with toxemia (I was a stunning sight... lemme tell ya), and I hated all the aches and pains. I thought they were simply unbearable when it was happening to me back then.

What I wouldn't give to have 'simple' aches/pains... heck even toxemia, again.

All of the pregnant customers... which for some reason, the fates sent to my teller window today.... were such whiners of their pregnant status. I wanted to reach over the counter, slap them in the face (as a wake up call)... and let them know how good they have it. I almost wished that I had a rain dance of sorts that would plague them with a multiple pregnancy. I don't think it works like that. Darn.

I am really not as big of a(n) {insert proper adjective}.... but today just pushed me to my limits.


No wonder my body shut itself down when I got home.

I took a 3 1/2 hour nap.

I feel somewhat better now.

death, doctors, sun and gum.

Chip has always thought I'm a tad bit morbid. He's right. I am. I tend to think of creepy things.

This weeks morbid thought was 'If Chip (or I) die, where will we be buried?' Neither Chip nor I are from Columbus- Neither of us want to stay here.... {nothing personal Ohio- we like Columbus a lot, we just hate that there is no family here. It's completely pathetic that our children don't know most of their family- It's sad I've never met my niece Maddy- and my brother has never met Maggie}.... anyway- if either Chip or I died today (or tomorrow) would we be buried in Columbus? I brought this up to Chip tonight- He said if I died- he'd probably just let me float off down a river, and if he died, he really didn't care what I would do to his body, it's just a body.
(he actually does care- he was just trying to shrug it off)....
See, I wouldn't know if I should bury Chip in Pa where his family is from - or in Idaho, where I'm from.... I could really go on about this for a while, but you probably don't want to listen to it. It's random thoughts of a crazy prego lady. -sigh-

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I had my 28 week appt yesterday. My doctor informed me that starting at week 32, I have to go in two times a week, between 30 to 60 minutes each time, for a non-stress test- until the babies are born. This is on top of my regularly scheduled appts and all of the ultrasounds. I think I need to pack a bag and just move into my dr's office.

On a fun note: I gained my first 2 lbs of the pregnancy. Well, technically, I'm still down 8 lbs from my pre pregnancy weight- I'm thinking this could be a good thing, I might (for the first time) be able to wear my pre pregnancy clothes after having a baby. :)

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This week has been BEAUTIFUL! Warm, Sun, and I have now seen 2 patches of flowers in bloom. I haven't worn a jacket since Sunday.

Maggie and I have been able to go to the park with some friends and play. It was awesome.

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Is it wrong to bribe children to be nice to each other?

Maggie is one of those children who loves to get under someones skin, just to do it. The skin she loves getting under the most is Alli's. Maggie gets a *twinkle* in her eye, and then I hear "MAGGIE!!!!!!!!" being screeched out from Alli's lips. I feel kind of bad for Alli. She has to deal with Mags every day. Each day brings a new *twinkle* in Maggie's eyes.

I gave Alli a challenge (as I am sick of hearing the screeching). I told Alli that if she could not yell at Maggie for one full day, she'd get an entire pack of gum.

Ohh, the power of gum.

I gave her that challenge about 3 weeks ago- I'm happy to say that today, finally, she got that pack of gum. It was amazingly polite in our home today! Happy Helpers, giggling girls, smiling faces around every corner. It might just be worth it for me to buy Costco out of all gum in stock- if that is the result I'd get.

....... and before you get all sad about poor Alli... she does her fair share of talking Maggie into doing naughty things- making her yelling "PooP" out of the bedroom window- making her pee into the bathroom step stool- making her sneak treats for Alli to eat- etc, etc.......

Alternative

Boxes
(Ranging in size from shoe box to refrigerator box)
Q-Tips
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Straws
Clothing Baskets
String
Cookie Cutters
Rolling Pins
Tape
(Masking-Scotch- Duck)
Sticks
Rulers
Cotton Balls

Pamphlets/Leaflets
Envelopes
Erasers
Spoons
Cups

Buckets/Tupperware Containers

Water
Hand soap
Shampoo

What do all these things have in common?

Nope- They aren't on my shopping list.

These are all items that my children play with more than their actual toys.

What items do your kids frequently go for- other than "real toys"??

(and why do I continue to pay $$ for other toys?)

Homework Fun

Being a good standing member of the "Meanest Mom in the World" club, I am always on the lookout for various ways to torture my children.
Today I was lucky enough to find a new one.

Spelling practice.

On Saturday, Chip came home from Goodwill with 3 Scrabble games. Yep. Three. I thought he was a tinsy bit insane.... I'm not huge into scrabble (I'm one of the worst spellers in the world), and we can only use one game at a time- so why get three?
Chip saw an idea on line to put magnet strips on the back of the letter tiles and put them on the fridge. So he did it. It gave him something to do.

Alli came home today from school saying that on their practice spelling test, she missed 4 out of 10 words- so she needed to practice so she wouldn't miss any for the real test. (Tootin' her horn here-- but Alli has never misspelled any of the words on the actual test.... I'm so proud she didn't get my 'lack-o-spelling' gene!)

It was time for me to start making dinner.

I had a brilliant idea. I decided we'd put those scrabble tiles to work. I had Alli use them to practice her spelling words while I was there cooking along side her.

You would have thought I asked her to yank out her own teeth with rusty pliers.

(Her leg is up,because she's kicking it up and down....)

(See all the joy in her eyes?!)

Her complete spelling list this week.

It was really fun to torture her like this. I can't wait until next weeks list comes out! Maybe I can have her sing out the letters as she is putting the words together.......
hummmm.... possibilities are endless.


On a silly little Maggie note:

Mags is obsessed with Barbie in the Three Musketeers movie. She commandeered one of my sewing rulers and has been using it as a sword. She is rarely without it.

She was dancing around the kitchen while Alli was being tortured saying "Don't Mess with the Dress!"..... So I had to take a picture of her.

Seriously... this cracks me up! She totally looks cross-eyed and crazy.

That's my girl!

Do-Gooder

For the past eight or so Sunday's I've noticed a trend at church, well, a constant topic that is brought up anyhow. The topic? Service. Not only just serving those we love, but serving those we don't necessarily care for, or know that well.

I am a comfort zone type of gal. I really don't like going outside of it very often. I hate feeling awkward or aloof. I hate wondering what people would think of me if I did go outside the norm.

For example: If some random person in my church or from work came over to my home and decided to clean out my fridge (because heaven knows it's looking pretty ugly from all of the syrup drippage that the Hershey's bottle left on it's side made.... and the onion skins that flaked off..... and all the grapes that got smashed..... and...... you get the picture)- Would I be grateful? Heck yes! It's so darn hard for me to bend over right now, that it's just one of those chores that has gone by the way-side...... but would I be more than embarrassed that some random person that I may or may not know that well now knew the terrible state of my icky fridge... and that I actually let it get that bad?... um... I'd be mortified. I'd probably avoid that person for a few weeks at church, just to let them forget the site/horror of my fridge.

It's so much easier for me to serve those whom I have a deep friendship connection with or someone that I love dearly. With those people, I know I can be myself- I know they don't judge me (or if they do, they tend to keep it to themselves - and obviously they look past all of my faults, or they wouldn't keep loving me/being my friend.) It's also easier for me to let them serve me.... because I know I'll most likely reciprocate some way down the line.

Today we sang a hymn called- Have I done Any Good? (LDS Hymns p. 223)

(I personally never read lyrics/poems on other people's blog... just because I don't feel connected with it emotionally.... however, I challenge you to read the words. It's quite meaningful)

1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

[Chorus]
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

2. There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
’Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

I've always liked the words to this song... but today it touched my heart deep within. I have realized that I am so overwhelmed in my own burdens/trials/life/exhaustion's that I have entirely skipped serving others as of late. No wonder I've been feeling empty.

A challenge was extended to the women in our church today: Go outside of yourself/comfort zone and find someone to serve. I knew if I didn't write a blog post and make an actual commitment it would just be one of those 'nice thoughts to do'... and it would get pushed by the way side. This way, I am going to have to be held accountable. I'm not wanting to do service so that I can toot my own horn (because I'm way awesome like that).... it's more so that I can feel whole and let someone else feel the love that I have felt as people have served me. I am going to be adding in my daily prayers to have the Lord help me find someone to serve- I figure if I leave it in His hands- I'll surely be helping someone in need, someone He knows needs my help.

I'm a little excited to see what happens. I have no idea who I'm going to serve, or what I'll be doing. I know the Lord won't shun my offer to help another. I know He'll put me to work.

There is so much good to be done in the world. Why don't you join me- make a commitment to be a Do-Gooder.

Support

When I found out I was expecting twins, the first piece of advice that my doctor gave me was to go and get a support belt. "One with suspenders-and that has a strap that goes above and below your belly." As I looked into these beautiful pieces of hardware I was shocked that the stores that sold them wanted $80 for them. To put it simply: I wasn't going to pay $80 for something that ugly and restraining.

My back has been telling me otherwise. Constant lower back pain.
The one thing Chip can count on in any of my pregnancies is the sweet, sweet smell of Icy Hot becoming a staple in our home. I'm an addict. (Chip, Finn the cat, and the girls HATE the smell of it..... so it works as a repellent of sorts.....bonus.)

After yesterday's back pains- I decided I'd quit suffering, and go get a maternity belt.

I looked on Motherhood Maternity's website and found this charming belt:
The pro: It was only $20
Cons: It didn't have suspenders.
(I think I can deal without them.)

Dear Motherhood Maternity,

Thank you so much for making such a lovely item. My back hasn't screamed today at all, only mild grunts and howls. I have yet to use my (20X's) daily application of Icy Hot today. My husband, cat, and girls thank you for that. Aside from the pressure on my bladder increasing a tad bit- this is a most wonderful product. Thank you for making it only $20.

Sincerely,
Breezi

P.S. Realistic stretchmarks on that model would be much appreciated- It would make me feel less like a freak of nature.

Butterflies

Tonight the girls and I were talking about temptations and different trials and challenges that we all face. I asked Alli to name a few of hers that we might be able to talk about together.

"Kissing Boys" was the giggly response I got.
"Oh yeah Alli? You like kissing boys?" I asked.
"Yes! I like it a lot!"
"Do you like kissing boys because you get butterflies in your tummy?" I asked.
"YES! I have TWO butterflies in my tummy now!" she excitedly proclaimed.
"Two, huh? How's that?"
"Because I kissed two boys, mom" she stated with laughing eyes.
"So, you get one butterfly for each boy huh?" I tried to clarify.
"I think so, (pausing to think).... or maybe I have FOUR butterflies in my tummy, because I have kissed four times"
"I'm not sure how that works Alli." I said.
"Mom", Alli said with a half smile/half shy voice "I can't wait to get 100 butterflies in my tummy."



Teenage years are going to be the end of me. I'm pretty sure.

Large

I've had some request from family members far way to have another belly shot.
As you can see.... I am large, and (mostly) in charge.

Since my Dr. won't let me go past 39 weeks- this means that I have 12 1/2 weeks left.
That's right. Three months left.
Is it humanly possible to expand more?
Most likely, the answer is Yes.

(Just so you guys have some sort of idea: This was how big I was when I was full term with both of my girls- I guess having two in there makes a difference.)

Once there was a Snowman

This is a tragic story about a snowman named Frosty.
(If you know the tune, you can sing along)

Once there was a Snowman
A Snowman
A Snowman
Once there was a Snowman
Tall
Tall
Tall.

In the Sun he melted
Melted
Melted
In the Sun he melted
Small
Small
Small.

(Thank you Ohio for giving us 37 degree weather to melt dear Frosty...... finally - after a month of him being right in front of my door.)

Flowers

I love flowers.

One can't see a flower without smiling (unless of course that flower is covered in bees that have it out to get you..... in which case, you run.)

This winter has been dragging and dragging. I'm so done with the gray. I'm so done with the slushy snow everywhere. I'm done with the mud when the snow melts. I can't wait until spring actually gets here and brings it's splendor and beauty to the earth. (Not to mention the sun and warmth.)

I have three favorite flowers.

Lilacs.
My mom's favorite flower is a lilac. They smell so sweet and fresh.
Whenever I smell their fragrance I can't help but think of my mom.
Their lovely color is so soft and delicate.

Another favorite flower of mine is a Hyacinth.
Their smell is intoxicating.

I remember growing up when my bff/next door neighbor Val got her tonsils out, my mom got her a pot with hyacinths in it. I was so jealous. (Not about the tonsils- the flowers.)
Val and her mom planted those flowers right in their front yard beneath their dogwood tree. I loved each spring seeing those flowers pop up. I would always go over to their yard and smell the flowers within the first week they blossomed.

But my absolute favorite flower hands down is the Gerber daisy. They don't necessarily have a stunning scent- BUT- They are so happy! They come in so many colors, each of them are equally beautiful.
Today when I was at Trader Joe's getting some produce, I was stopped in my tracks when I walked by the flower section. There, right in the middle of the flowers was the most beautiful bouquet of Gerber daisies. I knew they had to come home with me (luckily Maggie agreed.)

I'm delighted to walk past my piano right now.
A fresh, happy, bouquet is sitting there making me all smiles.