my cup overflows

Driving Home Tonight

2008-12-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

Cutie: Mom, what are we going to do tomorrow?

Me: I don't know, Sweetie. We don't have any plans.

Cutie: But Moooom, I really want to go somewhere.

Me: Well, we'll just wait and see what happens tomorrow.

Cutie: Mom, I am NOT impressed.

Me: (Belly laughing) I'm so sorry our social calendar does not impress you.

Don't set your belongings down at a thrift store

2008-11-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

I took two tired, crabby girls to a thrift store yesterday. I wanted to find a really large picture frame I could spray paint for a project I'm doing.
They whined and flailed and one of them threw their darling jean jacket (that fit perfectly and matched with everything) off to the side.
While trying to manage the chaos, and find my picture frame, the jacket disappeared. Gone.
I searched everywhere, on the racks, under the racks, even in people's carts. No where.

But I found a picture frame. Super cute. And all it cost me was $2.00. And a jean jacket.

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sixth file, sixth picture

2008-10-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

My sister tagged me. You're supposed to open up the picture files on your computer and pull the sixth picture from the sixth folder.
This is me and my sweet friend, Sarah at Golden Spoon frozen yogurt. We took this over a year ago. The funny thing is, we met at Golden Spoon today, too.
Love you, Sarah!

I had a memory

2008-10-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

...of a time in college when I locked my keys in the car.

The memory made me smile, thinking back on how great my sister is and what total geeks we were (are.)

I was at the gym. This was back when I actually used my gym membership. I had finished my workout, walked out to my 1972 bright-blue-beater of a Toyota, and realized my keys were locked inside.

Not knowing what to do, I called my little sister, Ellen, to come help me out. She didn't have a spare key, but she drove over anyway, just to offer her support. That's just the kind of person she is.

We put our brilliant, MacGyver-like minds together to figure out a plan. Picture the A-team using a q-tip, three strands of hair, and a pair of contacts to build a bomb.

We pooled our money ($2.14) and walked over to a tiny, ancient hardware store in the same shopping center to see what we could find.

We looked around, scratched our chins, and looked around again. Five minutes later we left the store with a broom and a roll of duct tape. When in doubt, always reach for the duct tape. At least, that's my dad's motto.

We went back to my junkmobile and got to work.

At some point during this operation, a friend parked nearby to go into the gym. We ducked for cover. This is not the type of situation in which you want your friends to see you. I mean, we had reputations to uphold.

Anyway, We used the duct tape to attach her car key to the end of the broom. Then we wedged the broom through the back window, up to the front of the car. We carefully slipped the key into the unlock lever.

And it worked. I know. We couldn't believe it either.

Good times, good times.

Then there was the time Ellen came to bail me out when I locked my keys in the car at the gas station.

And the time Ellen came to bail me out when I locked my keys in the car (in the ignition with the car running) when I was eating at Arby's...

Yeah, I'm good at locking my keys in my car.

Awwww...the memories. Love you, Ellen.

Cutie said to me this morning...

2008-10-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Mom, why are you copying Cinderella's stepmother?"

Saturday - To Do List

2008-10-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

1. Take a bath
2. Put on rain boots
3. Play the tambourine

Sorrow and Snacks

2008-09-07T15:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my Grandma's memorial service. Such a sweet and sad time of being with family and remembering her amazing life. She loved her family intentionally and she loved us well. We pretty much could do no wrong in her eyes.
So, I'm sure she wouldn't have minded that I left halfway through the service to take the girls across the street to CVS for a bag of M&Ms. It was purely a survival tactic. They had been alternating between howling, standing, climbing, giggling, crying, whining... They just weren't going to make it through the service without a short break and some calories.
Next time I'll have the sweets packed in my purse before we get to the church.

The Fun Just Never Ends

2008-09-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

We love Jalapenos, a nearby Mexican restaurant.

Well, I should say Matt and I love the food. The girlies love the quarter toy machines. They like to bring a quarter from their piggy bank to get a treat.

Cutie always seems to get a beaded bracelet or ruby ring. Sweetie always gets the same little green alien guy doing a karate kick.

Life can be so unfair.

The good news is that each cheap, plastic toy comes in a really cool clear plastic capsule. And the plastic capsules never disappoint.

See pictures below.

Watch Out World

2008-09-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

The girls cannot WAIT to start their dance class tomorrow morning. We did a little practice run tonight-tights, leotards, slippers, even their little french twists. Just to make sure we were all set to go.

Laughter in Sadness

2008-08-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Sadness:
My grandma passed away last night. I miss her. I'm still trying to understand that she's not here anymore. She's always been here, so how can she not be here? I know she is in heaven, and whole and rejoicing. I will see her again. But for now, I miss her.

Laughter:
To break the news to my girls, I asked them to come sit with me on the couch so I could talk to them. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: Girls, Grandma Fisher went to heaven last night. She is with Jesus now.

Cutie: I'll miss her.

Sweetie: Why did you pause the TV?

Had to laugh at that one.

Riding Alligators

2008-08-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

When we are in a mall or a big hotel, the girls refer to the elevators as "alligators." So sweet.

I have been riding alligators a lot lately, in the eight-story hospital where my grandma is right now. Up and down, over and over.

The girls like to lay down on their backs when they ride an alligator. But I prefer to take a deep breath and just get it over with. They make me dizzy.

It's been a few days since I've been home. But sometimes the demands of life take precedence over time at home with my sweet husband and girlies. My lovely grandmother is declining rapidly, has just a little more time left. I need to be with her and my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins.... I need to tell her one more time how much I love her and to say goodbye.

I'd much prefer to be in my small, comfy, quiet home with my three favorite people.... But right now, as hard as it is, this is where I'm supposed to be.

It's good to be here.

Spending her Allowance

2008-08-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

The girls get 4 quarters a week for their allowance. They've been saving it up for a couple weeks, so Matt took them to the Target dollar section to unload all that money.

Sweetie chose 2 spray bottles-one as a present for Aunt Lisa (so sweet) and the other to help me clean the house. All day she kept asking me when she could start cleaning the mirrors and windows.

But we had a busy day yesterday-a family wedding reception for my younger brother, with lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents... The girls ran and played for hours and were wiped out and fell asleep in the car on the way home.

As we pulled into the driveway, Sweetie stirred. Groggily, she croaked, "When can I start cleaning?"

I wish I woke up with those words on my lips! We went in the house and I poured some Windex into the bottle and gave her a towel. She worked hard for about 20 minutes until I made her put the cleaning supplies away and get in the bath tub.

This morning she woke up and said, "Mom, can I clean some more today?"

Sure, babe. Right after breakfast.

Cutie's Monologue on Chewing Gum

2008-08-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's NOT okay to throw your gum on the ground when you are done chewing it. Why do people do this? It's NOT okay.
If a mouse was walking backwards, he might step in something sticky. He would wonder what it was. It would be sticky gum.
Poor little mouse. That's why gum goes in the trash.

ABC's tagged by Robin

2008-07-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

A. Attached or single? Happily attached.

B. Best friend? Lisa, Ellen, Susan

C. Cake or pie? Cake-chocolate or carrot, actually I'll eat anything sweet

D. Day of the week? Everyday.

E. Essential item? Iced tea, planner, nap

F. Favorite color? clothing-black, accessories-red

G. Gummi worms or bears? Aren't they the same thing? I'll take either.

H. Hometown? Cypress, Ca.

I. Favorite Indulgence? Coca Cola, donut, chocolate chip pancakes

J. January or July? July-summer vacation, 4th of July

K. Kids? 2 girls-twins

L. Life isn't complete without? Family, lots and lots of family

M. Marriage date? June 30

N. Number of siblings? Six! Four sisters, two brothers

O. Oranges or apples? Watermelon

P. Phobias? Car wreck, choking, drowning, death of family member

Q. Quotes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matt. 6:26-27

R. Reasons to smile? family, nature, rest, Jack Black

S. Season of choice? Summer

T. Tag one person. Nyla

U. Unknown fact about me? I don't know. If you've spent any time with me, I've probably told you everything!

V. Vultures or parakeets? (I made this one up, because there was no "V".) Parakeets

W. Worst habit? Anxiety

X. X-ray or Ultrasound? X-ray.

Y. Favorite food? (Why is this the question for "y?") Meat and potatoes and dessert. No I'm not an organic vegetarian. I wish...

Z. Zodiac sign? Pass.

After Sneezing...

2008-07-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

"Mom, I think Cutie gave me her bless-yous."

After second sneeze...
"Mom, I just had a messy bless-you."

You can wear a tutu

2008-07-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

wherever you want when you are four years old.

Three Tinks

2008-07-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

My friend made these Tinkerbell costumes for Cutie and Sweetie and her daughter.
Mine will probably be wearing theirs tomorrow and the next day...

These girlie-girls got their first manicure/pedicure

2008-07-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

The women at the salon gave them the royal treatment and even painted a little heart on their big toenail, just for fun.
Oh, they felt so pretty. They didn't want to wash their hands or bathe that night, for fear that the nail polish would come off.

Okay, I got it.

2008-07-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I was helping the girls clean up their bath toys. Together, we gathered up soggy letters and duckies and bottles and put them into the mesh bag.

I looked down into my hand at one point and saw that I was holding three letters. They spelled G-Y-M.

Yeah, I know. I need to get back into my exercise routine. Especially because the skirt I put on yesterday was just a little too snug to wear.

It's time.

Happy Tuesday

2008-07-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up slowly and lazed around a bit. We took our time eating breakfast and getting dressed. At about 11:00, I could see the girls were restless. They really wanted to go somewhere. I was up for a little adventure, but where to go? I had a few ideas, but I was having trouble making a decision-beach, Irvine park pony rides, zoo....

So I just packed up our lunches, and we hit the road. They kept asking where we were going, and I just told them it was a surprise. In reality, I really wasn't totally sure myself.

We ended up at the Discovery Science Museum. And we even got in half price! I've never been there before and had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure if they would be too young to appreciate it, but we all really loved it. The exhibits are so interactive and interesting.

Their favorite was this chair on a pulley system. They sat in the chair and pulled a rope to raise themself up about 15 feet in the air. They felt so strong and brave. I think they did it five times.

Happy Tuesday, Friends. What were you up to today?

Winnie the *&#@

2008-07-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sweetie: (Running out of her bedroom) MOOOOOOOM! Cutie said a BAD word.

Me: Really?

Sweetie: Yes! She said a POTTY word!

Me: Oh, What did she say?

Sweetie: A REALLY BAD potty word!!!

Cutie: (Running out of her bedroom)I said, "Winnie the POOH!"

Me and Matt: (Laughing) It's okay to say Poo when you're talking about Winnie.

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

I know, it's the tenth of July. But it's summer, so if I'm less than a week behind schedule, then I'm still on schedule.

So, Happy Independence Day!

Here are some pictures of our Little Cutie Pies gazing at fireworks for the FIRST time. I think I was watching them more than the show.

Isn't it sweet to experience things through the eyes of children?

Sheer Joy

2008-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Folks...

2008-07-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Who Needs Clothes Anyway?

2008-07-02T15:15:00.001-07:00

We haven't gone anywhere today.

Not the hardware store, or the grocery store, or the library like I planned. Not our friend's house for lunch either.

We haven't left the house because Little Sweetie doesn't want to wear clothes. She got dressed, but she didn't stay dressed because she didn't like the way her clothes felt.

We go through this every morning, but this morning was particularly intense. Lots of crying and writhing in pain. She didn't like the way the seams felt in her underarms or the buttons on the back of her neck. She just wanted to wear her undies.

So we stayed home. We played hide and seek, made homemade strawberry ice cream, and I cleaned, all while being undressed. Well, two of us were dressed, the other not.

It was good to stay home. I think we all needed a day to just be home and be mellow and hang out in our undies.

I can bring home the bacon

2008-06-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

fry it up in a pan.

And all in my swimsuit.

Sunset in Cambria

2008-06-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've lost my sheep

2008-06-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Have you seen it?

I'm really inspired by

2008-06-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

this project.
"A Guy Named Dave" is trying to whittle down his personal belongings to only 100 items.

100 items doesn't go very far if I start counting each pair of pants, each pair of shoes, each shirt, each piece of jewelry, jacket, hat, pair of sunglasses, belt, swimsuit, sweater, scarf, socks, etc....

It inspires me to pare down, think about what I can live without, and buy less stuff.

So if you see me wearing the same outfit four days a week, you'll know why.

photo by theogeo

The Central Coast

2008-06-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

is truly our getaway.

I first spent time there with Matt on our one-year anniversary. It was lovely. I wanted to go back every year. And we have-sometimes more than once a year.

I love the cooler weather, the rocky beaches, the rollings hills and japanese pine trees, the delicious restaurants, and having my sister's family there.

I can't wait to go back!

Oh, and yes, my girl's wearing her leotard to the beach. That's what she wanted to wear. So I thought, "Why not?"

Show Week at Gymnastics

2008-06-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...they are WAY TOO cute!

Spending the Day with Old Friends

2008-06-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

hanging out in the backyard

eating popscicles

watching movies

climbing on the bunkbeds

and a mini sleepover

This is One Amazing Guy

2008-06-15T23:23:00.001-07:00

We are so blessed to call you, "Ours."

On Second Thought...

2008-06-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

The girls and I ran to out for about 30 minutes, and THIS is what Gracie was doing while we were gone. She got into the recycle bin and had a doggie shindig/hayday/extravaganza!

When we opened the door, she was standing in the middle of the wreckage... smiling.
Absolutely no remorse.

The nerve.

Of course, I grabbed my camera, because the blogosphere should know about this.

So Gracie is being stripped of her title,

"Everyone's Favorite Dog."

Her new title is,

"A Pretty Good Dog Most of the Time."

P.S. Fruity Pebbles are extremely nutritious.

Gracie The Dog

2008-06-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Everybody's favorite dog. If you need a cuddle she's your girl.

It's so good to be

2008-06-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of my friends from college days. They are such amazing girls, and I am so grateful we still keep in touch.
Amy, on the left, is preparing to teach in Afghanistan. Tracy, in the middle, just adopted her second child.
The three of us live within about 1 1/2 hours of eachother, so we get together a few times a year, meeting halfway for dinner or visiting each other's houses.
They know me well, like scary well. There's a lot of history there, lots of up and downs.

It's good to be known like that.

How do you keep in touch with old friends?

Oh Yeah!

2008-06-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

sticky sunscreen, hot sun, toes in the pool, melting popscicle
friends

Janet Wood Photography

2008-06-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Our sweet, talented friend Janet came over and did a photo shoot with our family. All I can say is, "WOW!" She got so many great shots of our little family. If you live in the area, I highly recommend her. Highly!

Thanks, Janet, for your wonderful eye and your unfailing patience with our {sometimes} uncooperative little ones.

If you find yourself at the beach unexpectedly on a warm evening like tonight

2008-06-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

and the kids think the water looks inviting, but you didn't bring their swimsuits, you might let them put their toes in the cool water.

But they might be having so much fun, and running so fast that they don't realize they are getting wet from head to toe.

Once their clothes are soaked, you might decide they could just splash around in their undies. Because they're only four. And because they can just wear their softly-lined windbreaker to the car.

But then one child might not like the feel of her sandy, wet body next to clothes, and so she'll refuse to wear anything. Anything at all.

So you have to decide what to do, because it's about 1/2 mile to the car, which is parked on the other side of a neighborhood and a busy street with throngs of people walking their dogs, shopping, and eating in restaurants.

Sometimes, parenting is just survival.

My New Project

2008-06-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about a new blog I've just started. It's still in the very early stages, but it's all about simple ideas for bringing families together.

It's called flipflops and applesauce . Go check it out, and let me know what you think.

More than willing to be completely cheesy, anytime at all

2008-06-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Little Cutie

2008-06-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of sand on this beach, so we'd better get to work.

2008-06-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

Really Irresistible in Goggles

2008-05-27T21:38:00.001-07:00

Silly Cousins and Best Buddies

2008-05-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

When these three get together, there is so much energy and play and love. This game, Elefun, was the highlight. The object is to catch butterflies in a net as they fly out of a four foot elephant trunk. I'm not sure why the butterflies are in the elephant trunk to begin with, but, no matter, it's fun. Even Lisa, Steve, and I got in on the action.

Lots of hugs. Big, big hugs. Hugs that make you fall over.

Like this.

What a great three days spending time with my sister and her family.

It's already here

2008-05-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is my last week of teaching before summer.

I'm looking forward to having unscheduled time with the girls (our first summer together as a family!) But I still want and need to have some sort of a routine so we aren't in our pajamas until 1:00 pm everyday.

Here is the basic schedule I came up with. Its just a guideline, so it's flexible.

8:00 wake up + eat breakfast + get ready

9:30 phonics + reading

10:00 activity/outing

beach * lake * water park * pool * library *zoo * bake * craft

12:00 lunch

sandwiches (goat cheese & red pepper * tomato * turkey * tuna)

soy chips + fruit + chocolate pretzels + iced tea (milk for girls)

1:00 nap

3:00 play + housework + errands

5:00 start dinner

6:00 dinner + bible in backyard

bbq + salad + fresh fruit

7:00 walk alfred

7:30 bath

8:15 quiet play

9:00 bed time

What have you got planned for your summer?

I'm so, so grateful for these three.

2008-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Guys backflip into jeans

2008-05-18T08:42:00.001-07:00

Can you pogo stick off a picnic table into your jeans?
This might just be the funniest minute and a half of my day.

I left the room for a minute, and when I came back, here is what I found

2008-05-15T17:02:00.001-07:00

Wearing couch pillows as headgear.

Old suitcase keys

2008-05-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

are just the thing for starting up your trike.

Make-Believe Heaven

2008-05-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Bunk beds+more room=so much fun.

Our generous friends offered us this play kitchen they had outgrown. Fake food, dishes and all! We're talking microwave, electric mixer, working light, french fries, and spatulas.

They just can't get enough.

Thank you Sarah!

Dedicating the Girls

2008-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

What a special Mother's Day.
My very first.
We went in front of our congregation at church this morning to dedicate ourselves and the girls to the Lord.
This is not for the purpose of salvation, but to commit ourselves to raise the girls to respect and honor God and to love and serve Jesus Christ.
Our amazing pastor prayed for all of us. Our families were there to celebrate with us.
It was wonderful. I am a blessed mother. I am so grateful.

We got new shoes

2008-05-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

and now we can run so much faster.

The Cuties Get Ahold of a Camera

2008-05-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Tips to beginning photographers:

1) Take a LOT of pictures
2) Focus on the small details
3) Find a unique perspective
4) Make the ordinary extraordinary
5) Focus on those you love

We bunked their beds

2008-05-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

And now they have SO much more room. They both love the top bunk, (of course) so they shared it last night. Pretty cute.

It reminded me of when Lisa and I were little and loved to cuddle up together. We told our parents that a twin-size bed was made for twins.

Rough Housing

2008-05-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

The rules are:

run fast
chase each other
jump off things
scream loudly
hide
roll around
watch out for Gracie
stop when someone gets hurt

One of the best things about Sunday

2008-05-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

New Dresses

2008-05-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend, Lisa Roberts, made these dresses for the girls. So darling! And it makes them so much easier to tell apart.

These are a few of our favorite things

2008-04-30T21:46:00.001-07:00

Doritos and Dancing

Really...what else is there?

Side note:

For those of you inquiring about the borders on my pictures:

I use picnik.com (it's free!)

Click the CREATE tab

Click the FRAMES tab

Click the BORDER tab

for a circular border, do the above and then

on the CORNER RADIUS scale, move button all the way to the right.

You can also choose border thickness, colors, and put borders upon borders.

It's so fun!

Three Girls Playing

2008-04-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Friends for Dinner

2008-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

All it takes is a little TV and some snacks

2008-04-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, the back (trunk) door of our van malfunctioned, nearly crushing me as I unloaded groceries.

Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration.

Anyway, it wouldn't stay open. It kept automatically closing. I couldn't get anything in or out. Grrrrr...

So tonight, the girls and I spent two hours at Toyota getting it fixed. Yeah, two hours. Grrrrr...

They were actually really, really cooperative. They did their "homework," played a card game with me, watched a few cartoons, and ate Doritos and M&Ms from the vending machine.

At 9:00pm, as we were driving out of the parking lot, Cutie said, "Mom, that's my favorite place. Can we come back again?"

I laughed and thought, "I hope not."

L.M.N.O.P.

2008-04-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

I used to block out days on the calendar with LMNOP-that was my personal code for Let's Make No Outside Plans.

Cheesy, I know.

But it reminded Matt and me to take a day off, not make any commitments, not have a schedule, just be together.

Today was a day like that, and we all needed it. We kept it super mellow today-just the four of us, just hanging out.

Swim Party

2008-04-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Me: Jonah tried to run away from God. Was that a good plan?

Cutie: No.

Me: Where is God?

Cutie: Everywhere.

Me: What if you hide under your bed, could God see you there?

Cutie: Yes.

Me: What if you swam all the way down to the bottom of the pool? Could God find you?

Cutie: God would put on his swimsuit.

Not-so-baby Shower

2008-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today some of the girls from church got together to celebrate our new family.

Some of the highlights included:

Playing Musical chairs and Pin the Princess on the Castle

Once Upon a Cupcake Cupcakes-YUMM-O

Lots of new dress up clothes

Fun water toys for the backyard-when we got home we played in the sprinklers, threw water balloons and blew HUGE bubbles.

Time with dear friends

It was an indescribably sweet time-I feel overwhelmed by the kindness we've been shown.

Thank you so much Laura and Robin and everyone who came!

Chatting it Up

2008-04-11T23:57:00.001-07:00

There's just so many topics that need to be covered, so many questions, so many stories to tell and retell, so many songs to sing, numbers to count and silly words to make up...

They talk all day long, stream-of-consciousness-style. Their thoughts are often funny or affecting.

They even whisper to each other after we've tucked them into bed and turned out the lights.

I love that they do that.

Catching Our Breath

2008-04-09T22:48:00.001-07:00

Forgiveness

2008-04-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

We are trying to teach the girls the importance of forgiving others. When one apologizes, the other says, "I forgive you."
We want them to understand that forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus knows our wrongs and he removes them, as far as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 Beautiful.
Sometimes, it seems the forgivess is even more difficult than the apology.

This morning I walked out of the kitchen to see Cutie up to her wrists in her milky, drippy cereal.

Me: Umm, Honey, what are you doing?

Cutie: I..I...I...

Me: Ok, {wiping up milk} don't touch anything, go wash your hands.

Cutie: I'm sorry, Mommy.

Me: Ok, go wash your hands.

{10 minutes goes by. Cutie has washed her hands, is playing quietly in her room, and then she emerges.}

Cutie: Um, Momma, I didn't hear you say you forgive me.

Me: {Heart melted.} Oh, Sweet Girl, I forgive you. I love you. {Hug, hug, kiss, kiss} I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you I forgive you.

Ummmmmmmmmmmm...huh???

2008-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

After we feed Gracie, we open the back door so she can go outside and do her business. I left the door open while I was helping the girls with their preschool homework, and a mosquito flew into the house. It started hovering around the lamp near us.

Cutie: Ewwwww, it's a spider, a big one.

Me: Oh no, that's just a mosquito.

Cutie: Eeeeeeee, I don't like it.

Me: It's okay, don't worry.

Cutie: {{{insert more nervous noises here}}} Mommy, shoot it!

Me: Laughing.

Fours

2008-04-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. hostess at the Claim Jumper-by far the hardest job I've ever had!

2. tutor at a Korean after-school academy

3. after-school daycare supervisor

4. teacher

Four movies I have watched more than once:

1. So I Married An Axe Murderer

2. High Fidelity

3. Once

4. Pride and Prejudice

Four places I've lived:

1. Long Beach

2. college dorm

3. Fullerton

4. south Orange County

Four TV shows I watch:

1. The Office

2. Friends reruns

3. HGTV
4. The Wiggles-love those goofballs

Four places I've been:

1. Costa Rica
2. France

3. Spain

4. Guatemala

Four favorite foods:

1. iced tea with real sugar

2. frozen yogurt

3. fresh fruits and vegetables

4. gooey cinnamon roll

Four places I'd rather be right now:

1. I'm so happy right where I am!

2. sitting with Lisa in a restaurant having a meal

3. walking by the beach in Cambria

4. curled up on this couch taking a nap, which I plan to do in about 5 minutes.

Four things I'm looking forward to this year:

1. having a relaxing, unscheduled summer

2. spending time with the Cuties, learning more about them, learning how to be the best mom to them.

3. spending as much time as possible with my family and friends

4. rejoining my book club

Four places I love to shop:

1. Target

2. H&M

3. Anthropologie

4. Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx

Swim, Eat, Sleep, Play, Talk, Love

2008-03-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Palm Springs.

We had the sweetest conversation in the car on our way back from dinner one evening:

Cutie: Who was born first, me or Sweetie?

Me: Sweetie was born first and then you.

Cutie: Did we come out of your tummy?

Me: No, you came out of your BabyMommy's tummy.

Cutie: Oh. . . {pause}. . . when I was with my BabyMommy, I missed you.

Me: I missed you too, sweet girl.

{Sigh} Beautiful.

There are so many people we love, Grandma and Grandpa and Misha and Sydney and David and Matty and BabyMommy, but we can't always be with them when we want to. This wanting to be together but being apart, this ache, this is the missing of someone. I love the idea of missing someone before we've met. It means we were waiting for each other; we were meant to be together.

We have the best preschool teacher

2008-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Miss Caffee,

We love swimming at your house, going to dinner at "King and I," and most of all, learning so much from you in preschool and Sunday School.

Thanks for being you!

We love you,

The Cuties

Easter Fun

2008-03-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last night there was a neighborhood BBQ and Easter egg hunt. The guy across the street killed a wild boar, so they cooked that bad boy up. I guess he found it digging up his backyard.

Just kidding...actually, he went hunting up north and caught it.

Anyway, the girls had a blast hunting for eggs, getting to know the other kids, eating chips, cupcakes, cookies, and candy.

And yes, welcome back, beloved taco tongue.

Three Silly Friends

2008-03-21T09:18:00.001-07:00

Lots of laughing, vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies, and taco tongues...
My girls wish they could play with Kaylee every day.

A Thrilling Story about our Dishes

2008-03-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This post is about a household cleaning tip. If you're not dazzled by that sort of thing, then you might want to stop reading now.

We have one set of dishes. Our white fiestaware dishes are our everyday dishes and our best china. They are used constantly, and we love them. They are durable and simple.

But, it has bothered me for some time that our plates have little metal marks all over them from our silverware. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but this is the kind of thing that keeps me up at night. Well, it kept me up before we had two little girls to keep us up at night.

Anyway, I have tried everything I could think of to remove the marks, but to no avail. I had even begun to look into buying new dishes.

I did a Google search on my problem and one person recommended using a cleaning powder called "Bar Keepers Friend." I picked up a can of it at Target tonight for $1.67, still thinking it was a hopeless cause, but just maybe...

Well, after using just a little water, a little powder, a wet towel, and hardly any elbow grease, all the marks are gone.

Amazing! Dazzling! Thrilling!

My plates look brand new. Yay!

Thank you Google, thank you Target, thank you Bar Keepers Friend.

It's good to have your sister

2008-03-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

by your side.

Sister Getaway

2008-03-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

We try to get away together every three months or so. Just the two of us, if possible, so we can do our twin thing. This consists of non-stop talking about anything and everything and lots of laughing, remembering, eating, reading magazines, and shopping.
It's always so good to be with someone who understands you so well, who has so many shared experiences. Being twins, we've always been together, even before we were born.
I'm so grateful that God made us twins.

A Couple Little Questions

2008-03-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

How do I protect them in this crazy world? How do I teach them what is true and right? These are the questions swimming around in my mind.

Notice Anything Different?

2008-03-12T21:14:00.001-07:00

Yes, they do actually have faces! And how I love those little faces.

It was a beautiful, warm day. Perfect for playing out in the sandbox and riding trikes with the little girl down the street.
Perfect for frozen yogurt. But then, every day is perfect for frozen yogurt.

We are so happy!

2008-03-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

Today the judge granted us guardianship of the two Cuties and we are beside ourselves with joy. We are so blessed by these two girls and so grateful to be their parents.

The next step will be applying for adoption. That will not happen for another year or maybe two. But in the mean time, we'll just continue learning how to be a family.

Thank you, thank you for all your prayers and love.

Rouse Update

2008-03-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

1. The binky situation seems to be resolved. We haven't seen or heard about binkies in days. We're thinking, "What was all the fuss about? It was too easy."

2. This is what the tree in our front yard is doing. Makes my heart happy every time I look out the window or walk out the door. Nature sings the song of our Creator, and it is an incredibly beautiful song.

3. Yesterday I had lunch with my dear friend, Staci, from jr. high. Amazing to catch up with her and see her beautiful son, Michael, and hear about all the exciting things happening in her life. It's crazy that we've been friends for 20 years. Absolutely crazy.

4. Tomorrow is our court date for transfer of guardianship. A very important day. Please pray for God's will and our peace in trusting it.

Hurried Woman Syndrome

2008-03-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

I was just reading about this actual medical condition that occurs in women who rush around day after day, doing too much, too fast, for too long and neglect to rest and take care of themselves.
The symptoms of Hurried Woman Syndrome are high stress and anxiety, physical exhaustion, mild depression, weight gain, low self-esteem, and digestive disorders.

Sound familiar?

It seems to me that our culture puts many expectations on us, but we put even more pressure on ourselves by constantly comparing ourselves to each other. It's a never-ending-self-defeating-uphill battle this trying to "have it all together."

I struggle with trying to do everything and do it perfectly and do it right now. But, I'm proud to say, I have made some deliberate life changes in the past couple years because I realized how exhausted and miserable I was becoming. Over time, I have been intentional about drastically reducing my commitments and simplifying my home and slowing down.

So, I was thinking through what I did today. How much of it was REALLY necessary and how much of it was added busyness I could have avoided? How much time did I take for myself? Here's the color-coded lowdown:

6:30 wake up, shower, get ready, get girls ready, get everyone breakfast
7:45 need to leave for work because I am substituting in the morning from 8:30-11:00
8:00 finally leave for work because Cutie needed extra cuddles and comfort
8:25 arrive to work in the nick of time
11:00 talk to Lisa on the phone, pick up 40 lb bag of dog food, grab fast food for lunch
12:00 back to work
2:45 pick up dry cleaning, get yummy frozen yogurt
3:15 straighten house, check email and blogs
3:45 nap :)
4:45 pick dogs up from groomer
5:00 make dinner
5:45 sit down to eat
6:15 clean up dishes, spend time with girls
7:45 put on jammies, read Bible and pray with girls
8:15 tuck girls into bed
8:30 relax

I'm surprised, after writing out my schedule, that I did pretty well today. I did some restful things for myself-frozen yogurt, nap, a sister chat. I worked hard on the things that needed to be done around the house and for our family, which alleviates my stress in the long run.

BUT, maybe I shouldn't have agreed to substitute. It put a lot of stress on the morning and I had to sacrifice 2 1/2 hours.
Also, I shouldn't have stopped to get fast food when I had already packed myself a healthy lunch. I just didn't feel like heating it up (lazy.) So I ate high-fat-yuck instead. Not good.

And there are other things that didn't get done today. There is laundry to be done and the floor needs to be vacuumed. But those can wait for another day. Today has been productive enough, and it's time to rest.

How was your day? Rushed or restful?

Goodbye Binky-Round 2

2008-03-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

The pediatrician said the pacifiers have to go. Must go. Now. The pacifier is affecting their bite and jaw development.

Deep breath. Okay...here we go again...

Last night was the first night without the binkies and they did great. They slept through the night and were each rewarded with a new dress. Beautiful!

Today was not quite as smooth. Lots of crying. LOTS of crying.

But they took their nap.

We'll see how tonight goes...

Together

2008-03-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Draw two little girls
This is you
Draw a mommy and a daddy
This is us
Draw a circle around the picture
This is our family
Draw little hearts around the circle
This is our love
Pin it up in your room
This is to remember

Let's Party

2008-03-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

The girls are cozily tucked into their beds now and this house is quiet after a very busy, silly day.

We had family over to celebrate the girls' birthdays, and WAS it ever a party.

pink balloons + delicious cupcakes + huge bounce house + a new dollhouse + pretty dresses + lots of people who love you =

two happy, exhausted, 4-year-old girlie girls.

We've got a couple birthday girls over here

2008-02-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer that you should be spoiled on your birthday. So we are having a lot of that around here-a "Happy Birthday" banner, stuffed unicorns, chocolate cupcakes and other junk food, pretty dresses, presents...you get the idea.
The little Cuties are having such a happy 4th birthday. They are ecstatic that they have said, "GOODBYE" to being three-years-old. That was SO yesterday.
They are napping right now, because it's downright exhausting to do so much celebrating.

We love to sing around here

2008-02-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

and I have to say that this artist, Elizabeth Mitchell, is my absolute favorite to listen to and sing along with the girls or even by myself.

We have all four her CDs- You are My Sunshine, You are My Little Bird, and You are My Flower, and the CD she did with Lisa Loeb, Catch the Moon.

Her husband and her five-year-old daughter sing with her also.

It is such sweet music, soothing, folky... just right.

Beautiful Girl in a Beautiful New Dress

2008-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Cutie: Do I look pretty or not pretty?

Me: You look SO pretty.

Cutie: But my dress doesn't have sparkles.

Me: That's okay. You don't need sparkles.

Cutie: Why not?

Me: Because your eyes sparkle.

Cutie: Oh.

There are so many magical moments

2008-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

watching the girls.
Playing on the beach, dancing around the living room, flying a kite, eating "sushi."
I just want to slow down a little so I don't miss them!

Our Journey

2008-02-20T08:40:00.001-08:00

Before we "had" kids, Matt and I lived a quiet, predictable, happy life. It was just the two of us, and we were content. We loved spending time together, having long talks, going to movies, eating out, taking trips, whatever we wanted.
Everyone asked us when we were going to get pregnant and we would just shrug our shoulders. We didn't know, we didn't feel worried about it, only worried that we might be letting people down. We were wondering what God might have for us.
Then God put adoption on our hearts. In a really powerful, undeniable way. I couldn't stop thinking about it, reading about, hurting for children whose parents weren't able to care for them. Since that time, God has continued to lead us down a very exciting, unpredictable, sometimes bumpy path.
We are in such a different place now. Life isn't quiet or predictable anymore. It is loud, sometimes really loud, and messy. Our time is no longer our own. Instead of movies we give baths and put on jammies, instead of long talks we grab time together after the girls are asleep. We are busy. We are overwhelmed.
And it is beautiful.

You might be surprised

2008-02-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

at some of the subjects that make up a lot of our conversations around here.
Here are a few examples:

Cutie: Do horses bite?

Me: Sometimes, but not usually.

Cutie: How about sharks.

Me: Yes! They have sharp teeth!

Cutie: Do frogs bite?

Me: No. I don't think frogs have teeth.

Cutie: How about acorns?

Me: (Laughing) You silly.

Me: What kind of pudding would you like, chocolate or vanilla?

Cutie: Acorn.

Me: (Laughing) I'll get right on that.

Cutie: Sweetie won't share with me.

Me: Ok, Sweetie, you can play with (whatever it is) for two more minutes and then you need to share with your sister.

Sweetie: ACORN!!!

Not totally sure why they latched on to this acorn thing, but it makes Matt and me laugh every time! I was browsing on one of my favorite etsy shops and I found this print. It's called "Acorn Twins." How perfect is that? It's hanging in their room right now. They love it, and so do I.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday the girls and I went over to Shannon's house for some yummies and love. It was absolutely the cutest party EVER. The girls had so much fun being pampered with their friends Mandy, Cami, and Jordi, and then we played a little Wii.

On Thursday, Matt and I were exhausted so we stayed in and ordered ham and pineapple pizza from Rubino's and watched Once cuddled under blankets. Best pizza, wonderful movie, sweet husband...it was my idea of the perfect evening.

Hope you Valentine's Day was filled with love.

It happened again

2008-02-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

I was washing my hands at lunchtime and glanced in the mirror.
My shirt was on inside-out. Ummmm...I REALLY need to be more vigilant.

"I Do"

2008-02-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

Following Robin's lead on marriage.

How long have you been together? 7 1/2 years

How old is he? 39. Crazy.

Who eats more? I'm a good eater, but he is better.

Who said I love you first? He did. I responded, "Thank you." This went on for a month or so until I finally returned the sentiment.

Who is taller? Matt.

Who sings better? Me. I love to sing and I sing all the time. But he sings to the girls and it is the cutest ever.

Who is smarter? Definitely Matt. He's a thinker and a learner.

Who does the laundry? Me. But he bought me the fabulous new washer and dryer.

Who does the dishes? Matt does the dishes after dinner. But I do the dishes throughout the day and unload the dishwasher once it's full.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you're looking from the foot of the bed, me.

Who pays the bills? Him.

Who mows the lawn? Our lovely friend Jodie.

Who cooks dinner? Me or we eat out.

Who drives when you are together? Me. I love to drive (controlling?) He loves to give me helpful driving tips from the passenger side :).

Who is more stubborn? I don't know? I usually get my way, so I guess me.

Who kissed who first? I kissed him sitting on his couch in front of the fireplace.

Who asked who out? He asked me out. Very persistent!

Who proposed? Matt proposed at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. Then he'd planned a surprise engagement party for that night. Amazing.

Who is more sensitive? I think me. I get overwhelmed/stressed/irritable, but he stays calm/cool/collected.

Who has more friends? We're both extremely popular. ;)

Who has more siblings? I have six, he has two.

Who wears the pants in the family? Ummmm, I have a very strong personality and like to make my opinions known, but he has a quiet strength about him. Ultimately he does make the final decision, and I'm happy to leave it in his hands.

A Cautionary Tale

2008-02-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

I'm sure our home is not unlike yours in that mornings are a blur of waking, eating, cleaning, bathing, dressing, laughing, cuddling, playing, crying, scolding, and rushing out the door. I feel grateful if I get the chance to shave my legs or apply eyeshadow before we're off to wherever we need to be. Most mornings I throw on something that almost matches, partially blow dry my hair, slap on some lipstick, and give my reflection a quick once-over.

Well, last week my quick once-over was a bit too hasty. I should have taken the time to notice that my cute little black H&M sweater had a gaping hole the size of a baseball in the armpit. And no, I hadn't had a chance to shave that morning. And no, none of my co-workers or students gave me a heads-up. It wasn't until LUNCH time, when I met my sweet husband, Matt, that I was made aware of my fashion blunder. Not that fashion is high on my list of priorities, but a hole in the armpit is downright indecent!

So, fellow moms, let this be a lesson to us all. Take a little extra time for yourself. Shave your legs, put on eyeshadow, heck, paint your toenails or drink a cup of cocoa. Slow down, do less bustling around, and more being still... being present...being aware of unraveling seams.

Jesus Storybook Bible

2008-02-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

I cannot say enough how much I love this Bible! We read it most evenings with the girls before bed, and I am continually amazed and blessed by the beautifully, profoundly written stories and the amazing, unique illustrations. The girls, too, look forward to Bible time. And they ask such thoughtful questions.
Tonight we read about Jesus praying in the garden before his crucifixion. They were completely stunned that Jesus was going to die. They had to keep looking ahead to the pictures of Jesus on the cross and then Jesus alive again.
They kept asking:
"Why Jesus have to die? Why He have so many oowies? Jesus came BACK again? Why He still have oowies on his hands?" Matt and I probably talked with them for 20 minutes about our sin and Christ's payment. It was really wonderful. So wonderful.
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this Bible?

A Good Movie is Hard to Find

2008-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

I usually allow the girls to watch a TV show or part of a movie in the evening as we are winding down for bedtime.

We have some cute Leap Frog videos, and we've DVRed some "Signing Time" and "Charlie and Lola" and "Thomas the Tank Engine" shows from TV. They are turning four this month, and these shows are perfect for their age.

But so many "children's" movies have inappropriate humor {Barnyard}, frightening characters and scenes {pretty much every Disney movie}, are low-budget {Thumbelina} or are just plain lame {Thomas and the Magic Railroad}.

A few weeks ago, I picked up a movie at Ross for $6.99. It was Milo and Otis, made in 1986. I remember thinking it was cute when I saw it as a young girl, and I was delighted this evening, when I put it on for the girls. This movie is funny, clever, and heart-warming. It really held the girls' attention, too.

I wish I could find more movies for them like this one-intelligent, slow-paced, interesting and just right for their age. Any recommendations?

A Girl After My Own Heart

2008-01-30T18:06:00.000-08:00

Cutie has been faithfully taking her medication for her ear infection. She doesn't like the taste it, so to encourage her I give her a chocolate-covered pretzel when she's finished. Of course if Cutie gets a chocolate-covered pretzel, then Sweetie has to have one too. It's only fair, even if she hasn't just choked down artifically-grape-flavored, overly-sweetened medication.

Sweetie: Can I have two pretzels?

Me: No, just one pretzel right now.

Sweetie: But I have two hands.

You have to admit, she makes a good point!

You Did What?!?

2008-01-28T20:49:00.001-08:00

Driving in the car this morning on our way to school...

Sweetie: Mommy, {Cutie} just spit her gum out on the floor!

Me: What? Why would you do that?

Cutie: I was done chewing it.

Me: (stopped at a red light, reaching awkwardly into the back of the van to find the gum) Maybe you're too little to chew gum. Big girls don't spit their gum out on the floor. I don't think I'm going to give you any more gum for a while.

Cutie: How long do I have to wait until I can have gum again?

Me: I don't know.

Cutie: How long? Maybe when I'm four?

Me: I don't know. I'm still angry, so it's not a good time to ask.

Cutie: When can I have gum again? When I am five? six?

Me: Probably when you are 18.

Cutie: When will I be 18? Does it go 4, 5, 6, 18?

Me: No, it goes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. It's a very long time.

Cutie: Oh.