Happy Birthday Asher and Cache and potty time!

On December 10, 2009 Asher and Cache turned 2! Happy Birthday!! It has been two of the greatest years of our lives. They are the best things that have ever happened to us.

We celebrated their birthday with family and friends with fabulous cupcakes.




Asher and Cache have also taken an interest in the potty. Here is a passing shot for you to enjoy of our time in the bathroom.

Winter Fun Times!!

Asher and Cache have ushered in winter with great joy. They love the cold weather. Our daily walks are full of laughs and giggles. They are so darn cute bundled up in their coats, toboggans (sock caps for all you okies; see the wikipedia definition to see that I am not a crazy Texan...they really are called toboggans), and blankets in the stroller.

Their little noses and cheeks are pink when we get home, but they are sad to go inside. They say "OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE" when we get home and start to get into the house.





We took a trip to Reeves Park with the Janks last week. Asher and Cache LOVE George and Abigail. They are almost as obsessed with them as they are bananas, crackers and puppies --Jankowskis watch out! The firetruck is the favorite among the group. Aren't they so cute driving the firetruck. Could firefighting be in our future?

Bodily Fluids....

I thought my days of getting sprayed with the occasional stray stream of urine were gone. I was wrong. The boys have taken an interest in the potty. That is the big news around here. YAY!! Except it is an ordeal to get them both undressed (because they can't keep their pants and shoes on for some reason), on the potties, diapers back on, pants, etc.

Yesterday, Asher said, POOP --Potty, POOP --Potty. So we ran to the potties. I got Asher stripped and on the potty. He was so proud and sitting tall. Cache was Mr. Nosey and couldn't wait for me to get his clothes off. Asher said "all done", so he stood up. Well, he wasn't all done because when he stood up he peed all over my leg.

Remember Mr. Nosey, well he was frantically working to get his clothes off and peed on me before he got on the potty. Cache sat on it and clapped for himself. We went on-and-off the potty for about 30 minutes.

No success as of today going on the potty, but it is a start! Next time I will not sit right in front of them.

Halloween and Pumpkin Patch

We had a fabulous Halloween with our friends. Watching they boys prance around in their costumes was hysterical. We couldn't believe how much they loved them. This fall has been great for us! We also visited a pumpkin patch that the boys loved. We had fantastic trip.

Tip--you can double click on the slide show to see larger pictures.

Worst fears confirmed....

My worst fears were confirmed today, sniff, sniff.


The boys have been at Grandma Claudia's while I recuperated from another bout of the flu since last Thursday. Casey picked up Asher today. When they walked in the door I had visions of him jumping into my arms and hugging me. Making me feel so loved.

THAT SO DID NOT HAPPEN. He wanted nothing to do with me. I asked him to come see me and give me a hug and he said, "no." I had to bribe him with the phone and a cup to sit in my lap.

It has to be that I just had my hair cut and colored and I look a lot different, right?!? Yep that's it; he didn't recognize me.

Aren't we so cute??

A day in the life of an exhausted twin mommy......

Wow, yesterday was a loooong day. It was filled with lots of poop, nap deprived wild toddlers, food thrown everywhere, and hours at Children's Hospital. We had post-op appointments and lots of lab work.

Our first appointment was at 10am with the boys GI specialist. We arrived about 15 minutes late because getting the boys anywhere on time is virtually impossible. Here is a visual image of the walking chaos:

Me -carrying two lunch boxes because all of the food would not fit into one box, a diaper bag full and barely zipped, and my purse all-the-while bent down trying to hold the hands of two toddlers that have other ideas.

Asher - mommy dragging him on the elevator while he is throwing a fit because he hates elevators.

Cache - refusing to hold my hand because he is soooo over that and is way too big and throwing himself on the floor yelling NO, NO, NO.

Ok, so we finally make it to the first appointment with our GI doctor. Great report except the doctor wants poop and blood samples from both boys. Why? I am not sure, maybe he is obsessed with poop since that is his speciality?!? So, the nurse hands me ANOTHER large bag full of cups, gloves, poop scoops and other stuff each labeled for Asher and Cache. She tells me that I can "just bring the samples back tomorrow." Really?? Tomorrow? Is she crazy? They want me to get these little monsters (I say that in the most loving way) back in the car and drive 30 minutes to drop off poop. I don't think so. I start praying that the boys will poop before we leave. Be very careful what you pray for........

On to the next appointment. Remember the visual of us walking? Now add another bag and a stack of papers along with two pissed off toddlers because it is nap time. We have to get back on the elevator and go down one floor. Cue Asher and Cache screaming NO! because they hate elevators. We get off the elevator and I can't find the freaking office. All the doctors at Children's moved into a new building last month and the signs are not up yet. Cache sits down in the middle of floor and refuses to walk or let me carry him. At my wits end, I walked off and left him there. Now, I could see him the entire time, but he could not see me. He FREAKED out and got up and ran after me. We get to the right office and we are 15 minutes late of course. Seriously, we had to go down one floor and it took us 30 minutes. At this office, they thank God had toys and books for the boys.

I am trying to relax my shoulders and wipe the sweat off my neck and hair and I smell it. The most rancid, foul, stomach curdling smell known to man. Asher blew out his diaper. Remember - we use cloth diapers. I wearily look at the cute receptionist that is about 20 and ask her to watch Cache. She graciously says yes and picks Cache up and puts him on her hip - he is instantly in love with her. I left our bags and took Asher to the bathroom to assess the damage. He had poop up his back, down his legs, IT WAS EVERYWHERE!!!!! Thankfully the GI nurse put gloves in the poop sample bag. I tried to clean him up with the wipes, but it was just smearing it. He got a handful and rubbed it on his belly and it got all over his socks. I had to throw away his socks. So, I stripped him down and put him in the bathroom sink. I get him clean and clothed and start putting the poop into the four containers. I scrubbed the diaper and cover in the toilet and put them into our bag. This event took us 30 minutes.

Asher and I go back to the waiting area and Cache is so in love with the receptionist that he will not come back to me and play with Asher and the toys. At this point, I was totally ok with that. I let her keep him. The nurse comes out to get us and Cache throws a fit because he has to walk. He thinks his place in life is on any woman's hip. We get into the room and the boys are playing with tongue depressors and I smell it again! I can't tell you the thoughts that ran through my head......

Cache blew out his diaper. It was everywhere, down his leg, up his back. One positive aspect of this is I won't have to drive back to OKC to deliver the poop. I get our diaper bag and the specimen cups ready and start changing Cache's diaper. In the mean time, Asher is pulling out everything from all of the cabinets and drawers in the office. I am up to my elbows in poop, so what Asher is doing is not a high priority because he is not hurting himself or turning on any machines. The PA walks in and is not happy with what she sees. She says, "there is stuff everywhere!" I just looked at her. I took a deep breath and said, "yes, I know. I apologize for that, but there are no toys in here. We have been here since 10 am (it is 2pm) and the boys and I are not in a good place right now. They are exhausted. This is the second time today I have been up to my elbows in sh%* and I am doing the best I can right now." She looked at me and said, "take your time. I will check on another patient and will be back when you are ready." I got Cache cleaned up and all the specimen cups filled. The room stunk so bad but we got a great report.

Now, we have to get back on the elevator and go up to make our delivery. By now, you should have a good idea of what happened next. Yes, it took us 30 minutes. When I get to the GI office, there isn't a person in sight. I called the office, no answer. I finally yelled HELLO!!!!!!! A very perturbed receptionist came out and said, "yes, can I help you?" in a snippy tone. I said, "yes you can. Here is a bag of poop" and left.

On to draw blood. We have to go down four floors, so back on the elevator. It took 20 minutes. We get to the lab and there is a long line. At this point, we had almost exhausted our food supply and all three of us are spent. I think the lab tech took pity on me and she got us in fairly quickly. She picked up Cache and carried him for me. Amazingly, blood drawing process when smoothly. Cache was so funny, he would look down at his bandage and would fake cry. Asher was on to pulling things off shelves so he really didn't care about his bandage.

Finally! We were done! It was only 4pm. We got on the elevator and went to the car. I can honestly say I have never been such a wreck in my life. The entire day was a mess, but we got it done. Today, we are taking it easy and not going ANYWHERE!

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Here are the boys watching Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford is the only cartoon they like. Do you think we have an obsession with dogs?

Farming, The 12th Men, and the brewmasters

We went to PeachCrest Farms in Stroud, Oklahoma. There were three sets of twins! Yikes!! The boys had a great time picking produce and playing in the dirt. It was a fantastic outing and we all had a blast. The trip wore them and mommy out.

I hear frequently from Casey, "being an Aggie is like being in a cult"....I guess I would have to agree. It is the best cult in the world to be a member! The years I spent at A&M were some of the best years of my life; I met the best friends, got a fantastic education (although, my classes often got in the way of my extracurricular activities........), and it was one adventure after another. So, you can imagine I am trying to indoctrinate the boys in our cult at a young age. This past weekend Ash and Cache sported their 12th Man jerseys from Uncle Leman and Aunt Jules.

Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2029--holy cow batman! College Station better watch out.

Casey and I are brewing our own beer. How fun is that?? Actually, it can be boring. I don't have a lot of patience and I don't like to read directions, so all the boiling, stirring, adding stuff, boiling, stirring and waiting often loses my attention. But anyway, we are having fun. We bottled our first batch and I brewed a pumpkin and spices ale for the fall. It will be ready in a few weeks. Can't wait to crack open our first home brew!

Sam Adams, we are ready to take you on in a taste test.

Little Stinker!

Asher put his Prevacid solutab up his nose. Why, I am not sure. He has been taking the medication for almost 2 years and thinks it's candy. I guess he thought it would be fun. Luckily, after a call to our ENT doctor, who cracked up at the event, we found out that it was the "best possible thing he could put up his nose" because it dissolves. So, Asher had foaming Prevacid run out his nose that dried to chalk!

Jamming with Bob Marley and the boys

I absolutely hate Barney, Elmo, or any other character that sings a stupid song that get stuck in my head. At this point I will not dress the boys in character t-shirts, i.e. Lightening McQueen or Tow Mater. That could all change as they get older......but anyway, I have not let the boys watch much of that stuff.

So, know that you know my feelings that kind of stuff you can appreciate the boys love of Bob Marley. They have not had a choice. Poor fellas. At an early age, I had them listening to the music that I like. It is cute to see them dancing to the Bobs--Marley and Dylan. Their favorite is Jack Johnson. We have one CD that stays in my car for emergencies. For some reason he completely chills them out. That is great, but listening to the same Jack Johnson CD for three hours in the car because they get mad when you change the music and two screaming kids in one car is too much to handle, can really tax the nerves.

This morning as they eating breakfast, our favorite meal of oatmeal with bananas, they were dancing up a storm to Bob Marley. It was just the most precious thing on Earth!

Asher has natural rhythm. Cache is just like his daddy, trying to look cool bobbing his head to the music totally off beat. Not sure which is cuter....

Nap time

Asher has mastered taking his clothes off during nap time. He got so close with the diaper and cover. Instead he made a reverse loin cloth.

My little gentlemen

I have to brag on the boys a bit. We went to the doctor office and grocery store this week. For those of you who don't know what it is like to take twins somewhere by yourself, let me tell you. Typically when you are out numbered by anything it is a little scary.

Most doctor appoints (or anywhere for that matter) I spend the entire time either feeding snacks, trying to distract with a toy or herding them towards something they can play with. I have to clean up our war zone for at least 20 minutes after the doctor leaves so they will let us come back again. At one appointment I had to scrub crayola marks off the floor --hey, I was desperate to keep Cache happy.

Our appointment on Tuesday was not our "typical" appointment. They were perfect gentlemen! It was still chaos, but it was organized chaos. I only had to tell them once not to get into something. I was one proud momma. The nurse even commented how well behaved they were. How often do you hear someone comment on a toddler being well mannered; much less two toddlers?

Since they did so well on Tuesday, I decided to join Carrie and the boys' best friends and fellow twins, George and Abridale (Abigail), on a trip to the grocery store. I had visions of screaming and things being pulled of the shelf on our way there. This was our maiden voyage to the store without Casey, so I was a little nervous. But, we charged on.

It was great! They were perfect. I couldn't have asked for them to act better. Asher rode in the seat (with the seat belt firmly secured) and Cache rode in the buggy. I had to tell Cache to stay on his bottom once! Only once!!!! We got all of our shopping done with smiles on our faces and no sweat running down my neck.

I am totally sold on the Parenting with Love and Logic method, but I am going to revel in our successful trips this week because I know it could be a rare event in the future.

--they are still toddlers with a stubborn streak a mile wide.

Making mud pies and drinking "chocolate milk"

Lots of fun

Grandma Claudia, Aunt M and Brant came to visit. We had a blast playing in the backyard and at Splash Pad. Couldn't resist putting adorable new pictures!

How lucky can I be?

I really don't consider myself lucky; I don't think I have bad luck, just not the one that wins every drawing. Casey on the other hand, is the luckiest person alive. If a bird pooped gold, it would drop gold in his hands.

Speaking of bird poop....what are the odds that a bird will poop on your head? I guess that depends on how lucky you are. Last night, Casey and I were having a beer on the back porch while grilling some chicken and a I got hit by flying bird poop. Seriously. This poop came from nowhere. There wasn't a bird in the sky! Seriously?!? Bird poop.

You have to understand the day I had to have a full appreciation of the situation. I had been dealing with explosive poop and vomit all day. The boys are teething which gives them diarrhea and Cache for the past two mornings has vomited in his bed. I spent the day cleaning up blueberry vomit and massive amounts of poop. We use cloth diapers and it is usually not a big deal or much extra work. Not yesterday.

So, now that you have an understanding of my day, you can see the irony of the bird poop. I was relaxing enjoying the evening and was dive-bombed by a phantom bird that had to take a crap right as he flew over me.

I guess considering the odds of it, I must be really lucky.

Parenting--a full contact sport???

When I wake up to the lovely sound of my children talking each other, I wonder if I need to put on pads. I don't mean the feminine hygiene kind, I the football kind; especially a helmet. Keep in mind that our children are sweet and loving, but they get a little too excited sometimes. Even their kisses are a full contact sport. When they lean in to give you a kiss you better be prepared for a sore nose.

In the last two months I have been repeatedly headbutted, pinched, bit, scratched and slapped. I know that the headbutts, scratches and slaps are by accident, but the pinching and biting are not. I have had a mini black eye, bloodied, and bruised! Really!?! I never thought I would have to worry when my children attack (even if it is on accident). That is one bit of parenting advice everyone left out (and believe me we received A LOT of unsolicited parenting advice when we got the boys).

We are nearing the "terrible two's" and Asher and Cache's desire for independence and autonomy is showing! No, my do it. No mommy, my do it. No. I hear that several times a day. ---On a side note: their language has taken off since they started walking. We say uh-oh, hi, nana (banana), doggie, no, Mommy, Daddy, my do it, go over there, Harwee (Harley) and lots of other things I can't remember and sometimes can't make out.

We are using the Parenting with Love and Logic method. It fits well with our parenting philosophy that children need to learn from their mistakes to make good decisions in the future. It is teaching us how to parent without so much frustration and replacing anger with empathy. The empathy part is hard for me. It comes out sometimes as sarcasm. i.e. I am sooooooo sad for you (with an eye roll).

So, Cache has been spending time in time out for biting. He bites when he gets upset. Believe it or not, he really does understand what time out means! Asher spends time in time out for throwing fits. He is a master performer. He does it with such drama.

Well, we are in full transition. The first couple of weeks have been a little rough but we are showing a very positive change. Instead of grunting and screaming at meal time, they are using their words and signing to me what they want.

Baby steps, right?

Backyard fun!

Now that the boys are "walking" being out in the backyard is a lot more fun. Especially for me; I don't have to worry as much about the dog poop. We had a blast yesterday playing. I am amazed at the things like find interesting. Instead of their swing set or play toys they wanted to play with the rake and shovel. They had a great time.

Asher has his first goose egg from our outdoor expedition. Cache has a big scratch on his face. I guess this is the beginning of the days to come.

Humm....don't really know what to use as a title; so much stuff!

One question that floats around in my head (yes stuff floats around in my head......) is which child is like which parent? We all know that Cache looks like Casey as a baby and Asher looked like me as a baby, but who has our personalities? Are they a combination of both of us; if they are lucky they will have the good from each of us and discard the bad. Will their personalities change as they get older? Their teachers at school tell me that Cache is the social butterfly and Asher keeps to himself. Huh???? Those are not the children we have at home.

Yes, I know that I need to post new pictures. I will get to that soon; I promise.

Swimming!! Ash and Cache went swimming at Grandma and Papa H's house in Edmond. Cache loved it. He puts his entire face under the water and tries to blow bubbles. So cute. Asher just likes to hang out. He is not so crazy about the huge bathtub he is in. I will take pictures this weekend of the kids swimming and post. I have gotten a lot better at bringing the camera, but I can't seem to remember to take any freaking pictures. My memory is going fast. We are lucky to get anywhere with diapers, cups--actually filled with some sort of liquid, and snacks. I never get anywhere with wipes. Just can't seem to remember that item.

WE ARE WALKING!!!! Yes, I know; I buried the headline. We are not the steadiest walkers, so we still rely on the stroller quite a bit, but they are walking now. YEAH! We are so excited. I am sure that you are wondering why. You are probably thinking that we will wish that they were crawling again. If you think that; you don't have twins. Life gets easier when they walk. Ask any twin parent. They are already into everything. Now they can walk themselves to the car! Saves mommy's back.

Casey's birthday and the chaos of the boys

Yesterday was Casey's birthday. He turned 30. He left me a list of things he would like:

1. Breakfast in bed

2. John Denver CD

3. Any John Grishom book we don't have

4. Fancy dinner

5. Alcohol!

6. Desserts!!!

Seriously??? Has he forgotten about two little guys names Asher and Cache? The pretty much ruin any plans you have for the day. You really have to roll with it and try to figure out how to stick yours plans in there somewhere. Anywho...for dinner I cooked crab legs, sauteed garlic and scallops, orzo pasta with dried cherries, fresh basil, ricotta and toasted pine nuts with chocolate mousse for dessert. We also had three different kinds of Sam Adams and wine. Three out of the six isn't bad.

Asher and Cache have been in terrible moods this past week. Asher still has the nasty goop coming out of his ears and wants you fix it. He points to his ear and then points to you like fix my ear mommy. Cache is just stuck to my leg ALL DAY LONG. If I don't hold him he sits in the floor and cries. I am not sure what has brought this on, but I am so ready for this stage to pass.

On another note, for some reason Casey is afraid for the boys to get dirty. This evening I was picking up dog poop (a never ending job..........) and I thought it would be fun for the boys to come out and play in the mud. I mean that was my favorite thing to do when I was little! I had to beg Casey to strip the boys and let them come out and play. Nuts, just nuts! According to his mom he never stayed clean. He was constantly dirty. We won and the boys came out and played naked-as-a-jaybird in the mud. --They had a blast. While we were outside Casey cleaned the house. What a nice surprise! Such a great hubby!!!

Insanity

Our life is truly insane. We were on the go non-stop before the boys and that has not stopped. We went to Amarillo this past weekend to help celebrate Ashleigh's (cousin) high school graduation. On the way up there Cache screamed. On the way back Asher screamed.

We even stopped at the Wal-Mart in Weatherford and bought a DVD player for them; thinking they would watch it. Nope. Not at all. Cache continued to scream while I was bored to tears watching Thomas the Train. I guess not letting them watch TV during the day is coming back to bite us.

I did take the camera this time! --A huge accomplishment for me but, I forgot to take any pictures. Don't you just love it??

Now that we are home, Asher is sick. He has the nastiest goop running out of his ears and nose. He is also having trouble with his asthma. All day I have been fielding calls from our many doctor offices trying to figure out what to do for Asher. Antibiotics for the ear drainage, oral steroids and more breathing treatments for the asthma, but what do we do about the attitude??????? I don't think Tylenol or Motrin works for that. Is there something moms can take when their kid's are sick to help with patience?

I guess we were given twins because we know what chaos is and could handle it. When I really sit back and think about it the addition of twins did not really add more insanity to our lives, just different insanity.

Getting back to normal

We are finally coming back from the land of the dead. Asher and Cache loved being at Grandma and Papa H's house. They pretty much ran the show. They got held when they wanted and eat all kinds of things that mommy wouldn't allow; it was heaven for those two. Cache even got to play the drop the binky game during nap time to his heart's content. Asher got to eat until he would almost pop. Sometimes I didn't think the skin on his belly could stretch anymore.

At home, I try to maintain some sort of authority (if I don't get my bluff in now, I will be screwed in the future). So, as you can imagine our transition back home has been a little rough. The boys do not want to eat when it is meal time, they want to snack on bananas and Cheerios all day! I am sure they have left their highchairs this week a little hungry, but they are slowly getting the message--you eat when it is meal time. The same pretty much applies for every other aspect, naps, bed time, etc.

We do not want to sound ungrateful because I couldn't have made it without my parents. I honestly do not know what we would have done if they were not able to help us. And, it is their job to spoil the boys.

On to the fun stuff....we finally got the backyard in shape for the boys to play. By "in shape" I mean their half of the yard poop free. We had a new fence installed and split the yard in half to keep the dog poop away from the boys. While I was scooping poop up Asher was giving direction and making sure I didn't miss any. Such a big helper! They had a great time playing on their play set and swing.

We went out this morning to play in their diapers. Cache screamed the entire time. He did not like how the grass was sticking to his legs because of the dew. He kept grabbing at his legs trying to wipe it off. He was even trying to bite himself to get the grass off.

Note to self--do not take Cache outside naked when there is dew on the grass.

9 days and counting.........

It has been 9 days since I fell ill to the nasty, horrible, terrible flu. Good news is no swine flu. (We think....the health department did not have a large enough sample to do the H1N1 test. ) But you couldn't tell it by me. Julie stuck that swab so far up my nose I thought brains were going to come out.

Bad news, the influenza A does not respond to Tamiflu. So, basically I have been taking a medication that makes me sick to my stomach and cost a fortune for nothing. After 9 days I am still running fever and still feel terrible. All of this basically confirms that I do not have the swine flu because that strain of the flu responds to the Tamiflu and I would be better by now.

On the brighter side of life, I am the only one with symptoms. YEAH!! This is great because the boys have not gotten sick (fingers crossed, knock on wood, throw salt over your shoulder, etc). They are off their Tamiflu and are doing great. Ornery as ever and loving life.

On Sunday, we packed up and made the hike to my parents' house in Texas so my dad could help me take care of the boys during the day. He is so good with them. Asher really loves his Papa. His face lights up when he sees him. Cache is all Grandma. He thinks his place in life is on her hip. When Grandma gets home from school the boys laugh and clap their hands.

Thank God for parents.

OMG we have the Swine flu!!!

Last week I had tummy trouble but attributed it to a bug going around. Asher and Cache both had diarrhea, so I thought that I picked it up from them. On Sunday, I felt like I had been ran over by a semi. Every bone in my body hurt. All I could do was lay in bed and moan.

Casey got up and went to work on Monday as usual. I tried to get up to go to the bathroom and vomit but I didn't make it. My body hurt so bad I couldn't get out of bed fast enough to make it to the toilet. So, I puked in my t-shirt. I called Casey to come home and explained what happened. I don't think he believed how sick I was!! But, being the dutiful husband and loving father, he came home to our rescue. I went to our doctor, Blake, at 1:30. Joking around, Julie, Blake's nurse, took some nasal swabs to check for swine flu. We laughed at the prospect of being the first Oklahoman to have it and had a jolly good time joking about it.

At 2:00 Julie came in to tell me that I had the swine flu! Well, not the actual swine flu, but I tested positive for influenza A; the test the CDC is using to track the H1N1 virus. I almost fell off the table. I totally didn't believe her. She had to take more swabs to send to the health department for them to test for the swine flu. OMG!!!! Just the thought that I could have the swine flu FREAKED me out!!!!! I am not so much worried about me but worried about the boys.

Only you.....were the first words out of Blake's mouth. What is so terrible is he is right!!!!!!! Only I would test positive for flu A and have not been anywhere near Mexico. Hell, I barely get to leave the house! A trip to Target is a treat.

Testing positive for influenza A set off a whole chain of events; calling Asher's doctors to find out what we need to do for his lung situation, getting Tamiflu for the entire family (which was $300!!!!), contacting everyone we have been in contact with to notify them of the test results, getting Casey set up to work from home because we are quarantined, and getting help with the boys because I can't take care of them and Casey has to work.

In true Casey and Leah fashion it has been a mess. We will find out sometime today or tomorrow if I have the swine flu. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Finally......pictures of our Easter egg hunt!!!!

We finally have pictures of our Easter egg hunt with Asher and Cache.

Cloth diapers

We are experimenting with cloth diapers. I have to tell you, I am quite nervous. This came from a need to cut costs, and we spend an enormous amount on diapers. Living on one income has been an experience for us!

I have felt terribly guilty for using disposable diapers because we know how bad they are for the environment. One diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose!! In a lifetime, a person will use enough diapers to fill a swimming pool. That is not taking into account the inputs that are used to manufacture the diapers; mostly petroleum products. Think about it....that is a lot of diapers and oil. Massive carbon footprint to hold a bunch of crap.

Before we got the boys I always said that I wanted to try cloth diapers because of the environmental issues, but I expected to have only one child. Now we are trying the cloth diapers mostly because of the financial burden of diapers! Funny how perspectives change.

Last week recap

We had a great week. We had a picnic at the park on Wednesday. It was a ton of fun. Asher and Cache are getting around very well (except they refuse to walk.....) so our trip to the park was filled with excitement. They were little explorers. The best was the wood chips; they are very tasty. Our trip to the park was filled with mom saying, "Asher no, don't eat that, Cache no don't eat the wood!" They like wood........I guess like father like sons. The dirt was pretty good too. Cache especially liked the dirt; he would get a handful and put it down the back of his shirt. The boys bear crawled to the play equipment because they didn't want their knees to touch the ground. It was comical to watch them "crawl" around the playground.

On Friday, George and Abigail came over for our first play date. It was so much fun!! Mom even got to have "adult" conversation too! George and Abigail are twins in the boys class at school. George and Abigail are great playmates because they are 19 months old and are walking and talking quite a bit. They had such a great time playing with them.

Hunting Easter Eggs!!!

We spent Easter with Grandma and Papa H. We went up to Edmond and had a great mini vacation. Casey and I got to rest and let the grandparents take care of the kids. The boys loved it and so did we. Asher got to sleep in bed with Grandma; he is such a snuggle bug. Cache got to be carried all day by Grandma and Papa H.

Kadan and Camryn (cousins) came over and hunted eggs and help to "hide" Easter eggs for Asher and Cache. Inside the eggs we put their favorite treat, yogurt bites. The boys had a fantastic time. Once they figured out what was inside the eggs and how to get them open we had a big time. Cache had so much fun shaking the eggs and hearing snacks inside. Asher was all about getting to the food.

Par-for-the-course, mom forgot the camera. So, we are waiting on Grandma to email pictures of our great hunt.

Reflecting on the past few years

April 8 was our 3-year anniversary. Although we have only been married three years, we have been together seven years. One on hand it seems like yesterday we were getting married...lying on the beach in St. Lucia; on the other it seems like forever ago. Our lives have changed so much since 2006. We were so carefree. Our greatest concern was who was going to keep our furry kids when we traveled. Wow, how times change.

We spent our 2-year anniversary in Crowell, Texas preparing to go to court to take custody of Asher and Cache. It was a very intense time. On April 10, it was one year since our family grew to 4!


I have mentioned several times that Asher is pure ornery. We captured that face on camera. Now the world can catch a glimpse of what we see.

Getting Spoiled....

Well, I think the boys are getting spoiled. Cache gets so upset when I leave the room. It is just a heartbreaking cry saying "Momma, Momma!!" You can't even go to the bathroom without him! He sits on the floor with his arms in the air grunting. That is Cache for "pick me up." He wants to be held all day. Well, with my back problems and another child wanting my attention, I just can't carry him as much as he would like. I try to spend time in the floor with him to make up for it, but he just wants to be carried everywhere.

Mr. Asher is another story....Cache is so sweet and loving, Asher is down right ornery! He gets this mischievous look in his eyes that just scares us. He is going to be a handful. When you tell him "No, No," he smiles, shakes his head no and continues to do what he was doing. His latest thing is biting. He bit me so hard yesterday that it left a bruise on my arm. Tonight he bit my shoulder so hard that a whelp and bruise has already formed. He thinks biting is big time fun. He will sneak up on you and bite your legs! It is crazy.

Catching up and new pictures

December was an exciting month for us. We turned 1!!! For the "official" date the boys ate cupcakes and ice cream. They had a blast. Asher ate his entire cupcake in one bite and Cache true to form ate his with tender loving care.

Christmas was very exciting. We had a lot of traveling, which really wore the boys out by the end of the holidays. We started out in Grove then went to Edmond. The boys got a lot of really cool toys. Casey and I wish we had the kind of toys that are avaliable today. They are way cooler than the toys we had as kids. Asher and Cache have a cousin, Brant, that looks just like Casey and Cache. The three little boys had a big time opening presents on Christmas Morning; it was mass chaos.

A vacation

After Asher was on the road to recovery, I went on a much needed vacation to Washington D.C. I went to visit my best friend and college roommate, Bonnie. I didn't realize how much I needed a vacation until I got to her house and collapsed.

While I had an amazing time I developed these totally irrational fears about the boys. I called to check on them several times a day. I was even afraid they would forget me! Before we got the boys I liked to think that I was a somewhat rational person. Now all ration has gone out the window. I was actually worried that my children would not know who I was.

When we went to pick them up yesterday, they did remember me. Today they have been stuck to me like glue!

Mornings at our house

The mornings at our house are a ton of fun. It begins at 7am to the brightest smiles two boys can possibly have. All teeth. Yes, teeth. We finally got some teefers! During our breakfast of oatmeal and mashed bananas, we watch the Golden Girls...mom's favorite show.

This morning during breakfast, Asher started dancing to the theme song of the Golden Girls with a big smile on his face.

A new year and the best intentions

When I quit my job to stay home with the boys I had grand plans for all the things I was going to get done. I thought I would finally get those cute Christmas cards with the family photo and letter out this year, get all of our closets cleaned and organized, and all the other tasks that nag at you on a Saturday.

Well, as you see by my last post, I am not getting a lot done. Somehow I manage to stay busy all day and collapse when Casey gets home. This is a new year and they all start with the best intentions.

Asher and Cache are maturing and blossoming into the funniest kids. They are close to walking and talking our heads off. Cache had tubes put in his ears and he can hear himself now. He yells at the top of his lungs and enjoys every minute of it. It is amazing how much of a difference the tubes have made for both of them. They just don't realize how funny they are....