Nolan and Taryn's 2nd Birthday

Nolan and Taryn are Two

The Twins turned "Two" over the weekend

What a great time we had celebrating their birthday!

Overall we feel so blessed so many people came over to celebrate their special milestone of

"2"

Thank you.

A little party decor...

The Monkey cake was from Martha Stewarts website. It was banana cake with butter cream frosting. We thought it was yummy and o'so cute.
(hint to husband...fancy new camera would make pictures o'so much clearer...patience)
The best part was we could share the afternoon with friends and family celebrating Nolan and Taryn's 2nd birthday.

I can't believe they are two time has gone by so fast.

We are so blessed with both of them.

Nolan

you are so sweet, tender, affectionate conscientious.

You are happy (most of the time) easy going and gentle, loves animals and soft things.
Nolan you have warmed my heart in so many ways, you are just a cute little teddy bear. I(we) just love how cuddly you are when we read books, so ticklish and just so "silly".

We are so thankful for the way God made you Nolan we just love you to pieces.
"Happy Birthday Nolan we love you"

Dylan and Nolan trying to figure out the eating Cabbage Patch Kid (hilarious).

Taryn

What a sweetie pie.

You are affectionate, spunky and sweet in every way. People just can't put you down your so squishy. You love anything pink, purple, girlish, princess it's crazy, but i love it.

You have softened our family and brought more girl around this house and made me want to me more girlish too (which isn't a bad thing). Taryn we are so thankful for all the love you bring and who God made you to be, we just love you so much.

"Happy Birthday Taryn"

We had two more sets of twins join our family over the weekend :)

Happy Birthday!

Guess whose TWO

Nolan & Taryn are TWO!

Birthday Party Pictures coming soon...

Gymnast-ballerina-princess meets princess-doctor-cowboy?

Old Window Project III

So the other weekend i had some time by myself so i ventured out to see if i could get the pictures attached to the window without boarders and covering the glass.

This is what i came up with...decoupage?? sp

Has anyone used this on clear glass before with photos?

I'm thinking about flipping the window to the other side, which is more rustic and just hanging it the way it is?

Anyway has anyone out in the blogging world ever used decoupage on clear glass with photos?

BTW: I GOT MY CAMERA WORKING....i am so excited to post some long awaited photos...

Twin Talk

I heard about it, but wasn’t sure i was a believer and then i heard it.

It’s absolutely adorable and so enjoyable to listen to.

They talk and talk and understand each other.  They console one another, comfort, love, sing and chatter communicating in their own special way. 

It’s SO cute.

If you listen carefully you hear words here and there, but they’ve got their own language.

So Sweet.

Farm Fresh To You

For the last month and a half we have been trying out a new service called,

"Farm Fresh to you"

They deliver fresh organic produce to your door weekly or bi-weekly and it's very affordable.

No commitment, sign up fee or CXL fees.

It's great.

Make your exclusions and your on the road to healthier eating.

Check it out.

http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/index.php

(It took a couple of weeks to get the right stuff in my box, so make sure you check all those little boxes)

Monkey Banner

I have a confession.

I'm totally obsessed with making banners.

Am I crazy?

I just find any excuse to make a new one...

Below is a picture of the kitchen corner with all three kids names "banner style"

This is the first time i've shown the kitchen corner, does it look dumb? It took me forever to figure out how to get all three kids names in the corner. Be honest. Should i paint the kitchen?

(Btw: i found the little kitchen on craigslist for $28, i have to fix a window, but the kids adore it; i was looking for the red retro one to match the kitchen...but i couldn't pass up $28, do you think it's a funny looking kitchen?)

Anyway.

So.

I'm making a Monkey banner for the upcoming Monkey party for the twins.

Have you ever made a banner?

Am I alone?
(I was inspired to do a monkey party from this eight piece party kit by Martha Stewart that I found at Michael's for $2.50 can you believe it. I think usually the kits were a lot more, but this one rang up for $5 and then I had a coupon for half off and so I got it for $2.50. Boy/Girl birthday parties are a challenge and i really wanted to do monkey's, but not dorky monkeys. It's absolutely adorable; plates, napkins, forks, invitations with a fuzzy monkey on them, party bags, cups, cupcake toppers, stickers...so cute...)

Not sure what else?

But I'll be sure to post some pictures after the party.

Can you believe i got that kit for $2.50????

(banner in progress)
I feel like such a dork.

Happy Hollow

"Happy Hollow" is a city park for younger kids in downtown San Jose.

Until recently Happy Hollow was really run down now it is just adorable for kids.

The city put millions into the park and it is just perfect. Lots of things to do and just a great place to visit if your from out of town. Not real expensive either. The year membership is only $95 and to visit one time is $12 two and under free.

Out of towners definitely swing by you won't be disappointed.
(nonetheless these are mainly per my mom's request)

Dylan on these go cart things...

The kiddos (on a different day) checking out the Lemurs or shall we say,

"Madagascar monkeys".

They have a great petting zoo for the kids. Nolan wanted to take every animal home with us.

Dylan with my friend's daughter Matti (same age) on a swing thing...

The rides are all original. This one is cute of my friends oldest daughter taking a picture of Taryn at the same time as i'm taking a picture. She just adored her. Megan again with Taryn...too cute... Nolan on his first ride. I think he really thought he was driving the car.

To all those who read this post and have young children definitely worth the trip to visit

"Happy Hollow" in San Jose.

SJ Museum + Three

First trip to the children's museum with all three. I used to take Dylan here all the time when he was little, which brings back a lot of memories. It's a great kids museum. We didn't see as much of it with the three, but there will be plenty of time this summer.

Love the outdoor grassy area in front of the museum isn't it cool with the buildings in the background?

Taryn just loved the horse merry go round room with all the rainbow colors.

Do you see Dylan in the background? There is a big kid water area and toddler and this was one of the few pictures i could get of all three.

Water...water...and more water...huh...not suppose to drink it guys...they both tried at the exact same time...

Puppets to move

Ambulance to play in

Cool poky texture thing?

Toddler fine sand table to weigh and measure

It was a great trial trip to the museum. I'm looking forward to taking one or two individually to have more one on one time. Any mom of more than one knows what i'm talking about.

(btw: we are on spring break right now)

btw II i'm still working on the window... I promised by Tuesday, but now i'm going to have to wait until Jason is home so he can help me.

Promise i'll post some pictures of how i did it and how it looks.

Old Window Project II

Trying to figure out how i can put the pictures in the window without doing backing. Anyone have any ideas. I like Lindsey's ideas, but i wanted to try and put them on the glass???

A little harder than i thought.

and i have to confess i don't have all my 5x7 ready yet either.

???

Old Window Project

So a friend that was moving out of state passed this old window down to me.

Isn't it cool. My plan is to put 5x7 black/white photos into each pane. I love how it has a little burgundy in it.

Any thoughts as to how i can do this?

I'm getting the black/White's developed right now and i plan to finish this weekend.

So here's some pictures of the window from a old house they restored.

i'm not sure how to attach just pictures to each frame? any ideas?

Easter

Easter this year was a whirlwind. Every year i try to get into a pattern of pictures and routines, but it seems like every Easter we are a little rushed. In any case here are some pictures. I am so thankful someone let us borrow their camera. I found the cord (finally), but now can't find the charger. Don't we sound like a mess over here?

another btw: I had the kids Easter outfits all cordinating and stuff and they didn't even end up wearing them on Easter due to rain, poop and rush... It was a good lesson.

There are more important things at Easter than attire.

We did manage to fit in the resurrection eggs love that tradition, great for kids, which is really the most important part of Easter. I really try to balance Easter, but enjoy it as well by not doing the Easter bunny stuff, but still doing the "easter egg" tradition. It's a balance, but Dylan is now almost eight and never once has he asked anything about the Eater bunny...

We actually had a great time decorating eggs this year. (btw check out Dylan's cool hat. It has a button under the bill that you push and the bill lights up see the lights at the end. A company gave it to Jason at work, cool huh)

Dylan and I also enjoyed doing our little family tradition this Easter by making and decorating Easter cookies and giving them to friends and some neighbors.

Right after naptime we did the Easter egg hunt. Dylan could barely wait for Taryn and Nolan to get up. When they did get up he had to wait longer due to the huge accident Nolan had in his crib, phew...yucky...the kid ate way too much before naptime. There goes matching outfits for the boys...

Grandma reading Taryn's clue for her

Finally finding their baskets :) (i tried pals this year. I was determined to make some cool pals, but couldn't find what i was looking for before Easter)

Dylan

Nolan

I just let the kids eat candy for awhile and then call it quits and that's it...until next year.

Hunting for Eggs

Easter Dress up

Love this picture but bummed Dylan didn't make it in it.

Love you mom and dad thanks for coming

A little family shot.
Happy Easter

I'm No Martha Stewart

I've got to give myself a break

I've been trying to think of some cool things to do for Easter so i went on Martha Stewart's website like i've done in the past.

I thought this was an adorable idea and so easy, but i'd have to hunt down a couple of things and go to a couple of different stores. Maybe next year.

Then there are the yarn flowers, which should probably done another year as well. (btw: my mom makes the most adorable hand knit flowers ... if you go to their church i'm sure you have seen a lady or two with them on. They are simply adorable. I keep meaning to give them a go. I should have her be a guest blogger and show everyone how to make them they are so perfect).

Then i just thought this was hilarious a "peep" centerpiece...look closely....

Then i reminded myself i have twin "two"year olds and a active seven year old and realistically I would do all that work and it wouldn't last a day.

However, "Crunchy Chicks in a Cereal Nest" is realistic for me and super cute. SO i'm going to give it a go... Although i am no Martha Stewart i thought this looked pretty easy and enjoyable for the kids to help prepare and eat.
All to say Martha Stewart has some pretty cute ideas this year, but i can only do so much. I'm working on their Easter pals and the above treat, but really trying not to do too much. Finding the Easter pals has been rather time consuming, but i'm hoping they last a long time and are super cute.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/flower-shoes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/kids-easter-crafts#slide_17

Big Dreams

So many of you know (I'm still typing on a blackberry so bear with me...) This is our second time around in the bay area. The first was such a crazy time. Being here for the tech boom and then during sept 11 it was wild!
So now we are here again during a hard time for everyone. Well I just have to share this past year the most exciting event happened yet in the bay area... Chip Ingram came to be the teaching pastor at our church and boy is it awesome to see Venture grow by 6O percent in less than a year and to meet all these people whose lives are changing. Chip has a vision and a heart for the bay area and boy o' boy is it exciting to b e a part of it especially here in one of the most unchurched areas of the country, where divorce is high and lots of other issues...
Chip is leading our small groups out into the community to help others and serve and it's so cool to be a part of it.
So many people are searching for meaning in there lives and it's so neat to see them grow at Venture and to serve young families as a family.

Good News

Good news I think we finally found the cord to the computer we left it in SLO, bad news is our computer got dust ... So much it melted the inside. Someone rescued our hard-drive thankfully (I had tons of baby pictures and school stuff). So now we are shopping for a new computer... Life...

It's all been good though because honestly up until a month or so ago (despite the logistical side to twins) it's been a lot easier than the current (different challenges)! Whew busy. Apparently this is the toughest time with twins and I would have to agree. O'my I've had some crazy things happen, but with that said... Dylan and I laugh so much more they are SO funny (along with Dylan).
Anyway all to say it's actually been really good to be without a computer, especially right now.
A computer fast every now and then is not a bad thing... Have you ever tried one?

computers can't live with them or without

I completely underestimated how much I rely on my (our) computer and I have to confess (typing on a blackberry bear with me) I feel a little disoriented without my computer at least on and it's not even on at this point (yikes)..
But I also have to confess I've kinda enjoyed my time without an extra distraction;I'v e really enjoyed the kids (despite three visits I mean four to the doctors)...that's a whole nother story. (Did I mention four within seven days...now your probably really wondering..and that I'd definitely a long story).
Anyway gotta get some sleep. Hope your computer is woerking better than ours.

Beauty Tip

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to beauty products and stuff...

Anyway.

I've always had a problem with a dry face, hands and feet.

I just heard of the coolest thing

"SUGAR" yep i said "sugar".

So what you do is a sugar rub on your face and hands it brings out the moisture in your skin making it baby soft.

It is so amazing and SO cheap!

Try it and let me know if it helps your dry skin.

(maybe this is an old remedy and i just never got wind of it, but it works)

still looking for the cord...i've looked just about everywhere...i think someone ate it...with a little sugar :)

My Struggle

My struggle.

I struggle finding a balance with the kids.

(I'll write since i can't find my cord I've been endlessly looking for)...

I try so hard to cherish the moments i have with our kids. After having one i know this time is so brief; our oldest is going into second grade next year i can hardly believe it.

I want to enjoy this precious time with them and make cookies, play, be creative and just enjoy each stage of their little life.

I get tired though, really really tired.

Kids get sick and i know it's temporary, but lately when one kids sick it's the other and the sleepless nights continue. Thankfully i feel like we are going to get a break and be well for awhile, but then it's something else.

I want to enjoy getting up with them and cherish our time together in the middle of the night.

But i get so so tired.

I need some tips here on keeping my perspective.

This morning it was just precious.

I took Dylan to school and read his "big boy devotional" in the car (part of it while driving) i know terrible huh.

Then i came home and the twins were just craving mommy time. So i sat down with them and had them each sit on a pillow on the floor (so they would stay put for more than 20 seconds) and did a toddler devotional with them.

O' my goodness.

They just laughed and giggled and it was so delightful.

However, being a twin mom it is so difficult to just stop sometimes and make them giggle and enjoy them it's just so busy and tiring.

So i guess that is where God steps in to guide me (us) raising them; enjoying the little precious times i do have with them and not regretting the times i don't and relying on Him to give me the strength i need to keep going each and every day with enthusiasm and energy.

Our kids need us, but it is a struggle isn't it?

o' my goodness

It's been forever since i did a post and it's been a eternity since I've seen my "camera cord" all the cords were in the same box, except for this one. I have so many great photos i can't wait to share and i can't find my cord. These things take time especially since in the last week we have had pink eye, kids with the flu, asthma attacks and a misc other aliment i don't even want to mention that stressed out the whole family. Hopefully those are all behind us now and i have time to hunt down the missing cord. Sorry for the delay.

(such a bummer i consistently spelled cord incorrectly...shows how tired I've been...)