Little Moments

There is so much to catch up on, and I will, but for now I'll just record a few moments I don't want to forget.

Anna planned our last Family Home Evening lesson all by herself. She sent us all on a scavenger hunt to find things around the house that we are grateful for. We came back and explained why were grateful for our items. Then Anna finished by asking us what we could do to show Heavenly Father that we are thankful for our things. My heart swelled with love and pride for her as I watched my little girl teach and lead and bring the Spirit into our home.

We had yet another spontaneous dance party the other night. Isaac pumped the air and jumped off the couch. Anna leaped and twirled. The boys bobbed and swayed. I sang loudly and off key. It was joyous and sweaty and so much fun.

I like to sit and hold Ben and Sam individually when they wake up from their naps. Usually I take them out of their cribs one at a time and rock and sing. Whoever is waiting for their turn likes to lean against their crib and smile and laugh at us. (They find rocking so funny.) The boys don't seem to mind if they are not first. Ben rubs my arm while we rock; Sam leans his head into my chest. It's my favorite time of the day.

Jeff and I had a lunch date. We went to a hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurant and stuffed ourselves silly. It felt like us: discovering a new place, eating delicious food, talking about the future. It was lovely. He's still the best person in my life.

Isaac loves to sleep in Anna's top bunk bed. She's been so kind to let him up and for several nights they have slept together, their toes meeting in the middle.

And because every post needs a picture, here's an outtake from our impromptu family photo shoot.




Outside Play

It's been a super mild winter and it was dry enough and warm enough to take the troops outside.

Birthday Fail?

After Ben and Sam were born, I struggled. A lot, actually. I was nursing two babies (a feat in and of itself!), regularly functioning on three or four hours of sleep, taking care of two other little ones, trying to be everything to everyone, and on and on. Add a little postpartum depression into the mix and I was pretty much a basket case. 

One night I was feeding Ben and Sam for what felt like the umpteenth time. Couldn't I just have two hours of uninterrupted sleep? Please? I was feeling desperate and praying and crying. I desperately loved the little babes I was doing all this for, but man alive. It was HARD. 

In a moment of humor, I told myself that when I made it through the first year of this craziness, I was going throw a party the likes of which had never been seen. Yes, when the day came that I could say, "I MADE IT THROUGH THE FIRST YEAR OF TWINS!" you better believe I was going to celebrate.

It made me feel a little better to remember that the days would pass and the little ones would grow and sooner or later it would be time for that party.

The days did pass. Then the weeks. Then the months. And here we are, one year later. And you know what? It's not at all like I thought it would be. No big party, not many pictures, no presents (after totally dismissing the Christmas gifts I bought them, I saved myself the stress). But it's okay because it means that life has moved into the realm of normalcy. Somewhere along the way I found my groove. In some ways I feel like it's more of an accomplishment that I didn't need the party. 

We did celebrate, though. It was simple and catered to the boys. We went out to Texas Road House, a family favorite. Ben and Sam feasted on rolls and sweet potatoes. And I dressed them, a little ceremoniously I guess, in matching outfits. 

At home, we blew up balloons. All four kids had a great time chasing and popping them. 

Of course we had to have cake. 

Sam was terrified of his. I don't know if it was the flame on the candle or the actual cake, but it was so funny. 

We couldn't get him to calm down so we just took him out of his high chair and gave his cake to Ben. 

Ben was not afraid. :)

And that was pretty much it. The day passed and it was on to the next thing. Life is rolling along. I didn't know if I would ever be able to feel that way a few months ago. It's a good place to be. **

**I do realize this post is more about me than the birthday boys. Individual birthday posts coming forthwith.