This Is The Life

Yesterday was a beach day with my friend Amy and her daughter Landrie. Somehow we had the whole beach to ourselves and it was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. I pulled up and convinced myself it was silly that we were in bathing suits in January. But once we got out...gorgeous. Such a great day, I love where I live. Totally worth skipping naps (this is what I convinced myself of from 5:00 on when my darlings turned into cranky monsters.) But look how much fun they had. They loved playing in the water (I put the camera down for that part, as they were literally laughing as the waves knocked them over and I scrambled to scoop them up). In fact, I had to coax them out with promises of yummy treats at the towel. Once they gave in they looked at me like I was crazy when the 'special treat' was a PB sandwich. They're getting smarter every day.

Spring Preview

I know, I know, you get it-it's warm here. But we are loving every minute of it.

Why Hello Face

Yesterday, while Maxwell napped, Ella pulled a 'no way' and the two of us played outside. The weather is still great and I loved being able to give her all my attention. I mainly took these pictures because it was another rare occasion that she kept a rubber band in and I got to look at her sweet face. Today I'm hoping for pig tails.

Maxwell on the other hand, had an unfortunate accident with his locks. Due to his impulsive mother. Yesterday, while in his jammies, he was complaining about a tag that was itching his back. I pulled out the closest pair of scissors, they were quite large and clumsy. I snipped his tag, then looked at his face. He has only had one hair cut. And it was more of a trim. Lately his bangs have been kind of hanging in his face. So without thinking I took those big, clunky shears and cut across his forehead. Oops. I was going for the 'out of your face big boy look', but I regret to share that Max looks a little more like Lloyd than I'd like.

Don't do it Meg!

Oh, I did it alright. 

But if I keep his bangs swooped to the side, you can hardly tell. Right? 

Because little boys always keep their hair swooped to the side? Sigh...

Kitchen Sink

Of course I'd like my house to be cleaner, but I do keep it picked up. However, I keep finding mysterious things in my kitchen sink. The remote control, a baseball, books. Maxwell's new favorite thing is to put everything in the sink. And while it's kind of funny, it's also kind of annoying. Because then they get wet. Or dirty. Crazy little boy.

Birthday Brunch

Yesterday I went to brunch to celebrate Claudette's birthday with some of my favorite ladies. The weather was PERFECT. I love living by the beach. We had yummy food, bottomless mimosas, and beautiful sunshine. It was the kind of day that was just right.

Happy birthday to my beautiful friend Claudette. I LOVE you and appreciate how much you do for my family. You're the best!

Thank you Grandma Judie for staying with Maxwell and Ella so I could have a girls day! I enjoyed every minute. Mike's been working a LOT and was working again yesterday. Thanks Mike for working so hard while I got to play.

Our Week, For Now

I don't know what the deal is but I haven't felt like taking pictures. And I usually blog because I have a picture. So...no pictures, no blogging. But I did take a few this week. Here's what we were up to.

Sunday night, Mike and I used our gift certificate from Little Meg for sushi while the kids played with Gma Judie.

On my Mom's birthday she came up with her BFF J. We ate yummy Mexican food, had a special visit, and came up with GREAT ideas for Maxwell's room...hopefully we will finish soon and I can show you the pictures...it's gonna be good!!! (I also received the most beautiful necklace for my birthday from J...thank you! I've worn it everyday!)

Early this week it was chilly and we spent all day inside. We made a pile of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. Then we rolled around and laughed. Until they got bored. (Which was wayyyyyy too soon for my liking).

Ella has become way more into her 'Pa,' her pacifier. I didn't mind it before because she was good about keeping it in her crib for naps and night time. But now she wants them all the time. Yes I said them. She has to have three going at once. Another battle I'm not quite ready to fight...but I do wish she'd just leave them alone.

Then we went to the children's museum with my Mom. (Thanks for our pass Blano!
We love going whenever we want!)

Ella does NOT like being told she can't drink the nasty, dirty water.

Finally, the weather got super warm. Warm like summer. Yesterday we played at home with our new picnic table from Grandma Judie (no pictures), but we loved soaking up the sun. At one point I felt like I should try to put them down for their nap or it wasn't going to happen. Instead of relaxing in their perfect cribs (like I wished I could), Ella pulled her 'No Way!' routine and Maxwell followed. Oh man is this awful. It's awful because, I NEED them to take a nap. I need just an hour to do whatever, by myself. But it's especially awful because it's so hard not to laugh. She can't see me, but I still feel like she knows she's being naughty and it's cute. (But obviously I don't think naughty is cute) This kills me. When Ella isn't tired and doesn't want to nap, she stands in her crib and yells, "No Way!" I don't know where she got this phrase, I must say it? But she will yell is over and over, never falling asleep. Maxwell usually always naps, but the weather had him so happy he chimed in too. No way.


Today we went to our twin friend's house to play. We haven't gotten together in awhile and it was so fun. Tara and I got to talk and we watched as our babies turned into toddler pals right before our eyes. They just seemed so...old. And independent. The weather was amazing and we got a sneak peak of how fun this summer will be with two year olds.

Look! Ella has a ponytail! It lasted FOUR HOURS!!! This is the longest I've tamed the mullet in, well, maybe ever. I loved it.

These pictures make me completely nostalgic. The babies used to prop their arms up on the stairs and rock back and forth. Now they own the stairs. They're up and down and all around. All day I just kept thinking, "They're so big!"

I love that Maxwell and Ella have Drew and Kaden as their friends. And I love their Momma. I still thank God for sending them to us. The babies were five months old when I was wondering the isles of Marshalls-completely sleep deprived, just wondering around, knowing it was important to be out. (Because I would have lost my mind if I didn't make myself leave the house, even though it was so hard to at the beginning). I turned the corner, about to leave, and I almost bumped into her stroller. I looked at the double Snap 'N Go, I saw her ginormous boobs, and I knew..."Twins?" I asked. She smiled. A real smile. Tara is better than any organized Mommy group I could imagine. She is encouraging, honest, and laughs with me when I need it. See, I told you, they're great.

So that was our week. And I guess it's only Thursday which means there's more to come.

For Mom

Mom,
You'd think the older I get the more independent I'd become. Not the case. Ever year I need you more, appreciate you more, maybe even understand you more. Today is your birthday...happy birthday! Know that you are sooooo loved!

I'm not a huge Natalie Merchant fan, but the past couple months I've been hearing a slower acoustic version of this song. And every time I think of you-completely. Today I dedicate this song to you. Thank you.
~meg

weird video...but just listen to the song :)

 

Natalie Merchant

"Kind and Generous"

You've been so kind and generous

I don't know how you keep on giving

For your kindness I'm in debt to you

For your selflessness, my admiration

And for everything you've done

You know I'm bound...

I'm bound to thank you for it

You've been so kind and generous

I don't know how you keep on giving

For your kindness I'm in debt to you

And I never could have come this far without you

So for everything you've done

You know I'm bound...

I'm bound to thank you for it

I want to thank you

For so many gifts

You gave with love and tenderness

I want to thank you

I want to thank you

For your generosity

The love and the honesty

That you gave me

I want to thank you

Show my gratitude

My love and my respect for you

I want to thank you

I want to...

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Twin Comments

Watching this video reminds me that people used to say such obnoxious things about our twins. In fact, other than asking if Maxwell and Ella are twins, they rarely say much about the issue. Not like before.

30, Flirty, and Thriving

Have you guys seen 13 Going on 30? Jennifer Garner's character is a 13 year old girl who on her birthday wishes to be '30, flirty and thriving.' That line always makes me laugh. My step kids asked me on Christmas how I feel about turning 30. I think I'm officially grown up, because really, it just feels like another number. I feel satisfied that I accomplished many of my goals: I completed my Masters Degree and counseling credential. I have a rewarding career that I'll return to at some point. I am blessed with a beautiful family. My life is full. We also laughed when I reminded them that by marrying their father, I'll always feel young. Or younger.

I turned 30 New Years Day. NYE Mike and I went out for dinner and drinks with some of our favorite friend's, Crystal and Andy. We spent New Year's day with a few friend's and family at my parents house (thanks Mom, Dad and Judie!). Although most of my time is spent with my babies building train tracks with applesauce in my hair, I'd still say I feel '30, flirty, and thriving.' I don't know how I'll feel about 40, but 30 is just fine.