Two for TWO-sday with TWO-thbrushes

Go share your favorite twosome with Deanna at Eight is Great's Two for Two-sday!

PS - Don't forget, tomorrow is Way Back When-esday...dive into those digital files and find a memory to share web-wide!

Comfort in Numbers

...and in the company of those who give birth in numbers!

How honored I am to be this week's featured blogger on the brand-new Multiples and More Blog Network hosted by the lovely Amanda and Lani!

If you haven't already, please be sure to go explore their new locale, follow their updates, enter their giveaways, and tell 'em you popped over from Twinfatuation!

Makes My Monday: Laundry List

When we had no employed adults in house--not that very long ago--Scott made a promise to the kids: When he got a job, we'd go to shangri-la, a.k.a. Great Wolf Lodge. So...

What Makes My Monday?

1.) Jobs

2.) The successful cross-pool passage via teetering lilypads that so eluded Darren despite exhaustive--and exhausting--attempts last visit, was achieved repeatedly this visit.

3.) Laughter peppered, permeated, punctuated the weekend.

4.) Throwing all previous back issues to the wind, Scott and I rode all the waterslides and are experiencing nary a twinge.

5.) Darren read aloud to us the whole way down...

6.) and Sarah listened.

What Makes Your Monday? Think--then link!

Weighty Questions

As I stood behind Darren this morning at Great Wolf Lodge, preparing to traverse the floating lilypads...

Darren: "Mom, how much do you weigh?"

Mommy: "Around 125 pounds. Why?"

Darren: "Because it says on the sign over there you cannot be over 400 pounds and do this."

Whew.

PS - Tomorrow is Makes My Monday! Get ready to share what is brightening your week's beginning...

Bird Brained

Walking in the house after school...

Darren: "I just saw a female cardinal! She was brown."

Sarah: "Cardinals are red, Darren."

Darren: "No, Sarah. Female cardinals are brown, and the male is red. Isn't that right, Mom?"

Sarah: "Darren's right, Sarah. The male is the red one, the females are all brown."

Darren: "I saw the female and a male together."

Mom: "Maybe they were husband and wife birds."

Darren: "No, mom. They were mates."

Sarah: "Really Mom, birds don't know anything about marriage."

I stand corrected.

Toot, Toot, Tootsie...

Mommy: "Hey, you guys know before Grandma comes you really need to clean up the den.*"
[a.k.a. the playroom, with a great couch for sleeping.Grandma's room of choice when she spends the night.]

Sarah: "Why can't she just sleep with you and Dad?"

Darren: "Grandma is pretty particular, and I doubt she'd like all of Dad's tooting."

Sarah: "Oh, I know what you and Daddy do in bed at night."

Mommy: "You do?"

Sarah: "Yep. You toot and sleep and snore and toot and sleep and snore and once in a while get up to go to the bathroom."

Way Back When-esday: To The Rescue!

Dateline: March 23, 2007
Twins' Age: 5 1/2 Years Old

For three years, I had an amazing gig writing for three parenting websites held by The Parent Company---who sadly declared Chapter 11 last December. One of the extra fun aspects of the job was the product review process. Above, Darren and Sarah (a.k.a. Thunder Boy and Earth Girl) were putting Little Capers to task. As the images attest, they loved them.

What memories of "Way Back" warm your heart this "When-esday?" Do share!

Be sure to link back and participate in the web-wide album viewing. Don't forget to leave comments for fellow players...they tend to return the favor!

Overheard in the Odyssey

Sarah: "So what do the 'S's' on our interims stand for again?"

Darren: "Satisfaction."

Mommy: "Actually, they stand for 'satisfactory,' which means okay."

Darren: "What's better than 'satisfactory?"

Mommy: "Well, there are plenty of words that mean better than satisfactory, but satisfactory is the best word they use on interims."

Sarah: "Maybe they should use 'P's' for 'phenomenal.'"

Mommy: "I think you are phenomenal for remembering that phenomenal begins with a P."

[*While I am the very first to declare my children ultra-bright, before you start dialing up Mensa on their behalf (behalves?), know that "phenomenal" has long been a family favorite, and we've addressed that it--and many others---aren't 'F' words, but "PH' words.----CRL]

Makes My Monday: Springing Into Spring

Three cheers for the vernal equinox!

Outdoor weekend fun -- with no coats -- Makes My Monday!
As this first full week of spring begins, why not share a picture or a story about what's got your Monday bursting into blossom? Be sure to link back to Twinfatuation to enjoy in the web-wide cheer.

PS Did you figure out your blog personality adjectives? Do it! I'm having such fun reading them!

Your Blog's Personality Type

ENFJ.

No matter how many times I take the Myers-Briggs test, occasionally even attempting to respond in a way to eradicate the "judging" J from my acronym assignation, it's always the same.
ENFJ. Extroverted. Intuitive. Feeling. Judging. (and yes, I realize there's a positive, discernment aspect that is good about "judging;" there's just a difficult to reconcile pejorative preconception with that word in my mind.)

The four categorized traits describe me with uncanny accuracy; but how would I -- how would you -- characterize the personality of your blog?

Blogs reflect our thoughts, our philosophies, our experiences, our perspectives -- and looking at mine, and so many others, I think I now know why no codified system has been developed to officially sort and pigeonhole the web-based words. The appropriate descriptors all seem to begin with a single letter: S.

If I were to apply my interpretive eye, Twinfatuation is predominantly an SSSS:
Sentimental. Silly. Spirited. Sincere.

Other blogs I read/have-read possess tones also articulated by S: Sustaining, Supportive, Stir-the-pot, Sarcastic, Saucy, Sensual (with inspiring pictures and words--keep it clean. Admittedly, this post was almost titled "Bloggy Style"), Spiritual, Slice-of-life...on and on and on.

Let me challenge you: What are the four traits you see as pervasive in your blog? (Don't feel limited by the letter S, it just kept coming up when looking at my own!)

Share your 4 blog-describing adjectives in a comment below. Then let's all go read each other's to see if we agree -- or have some positive assessments of our own to add to our blog friends'!

Bring on the Bubbles and the Bobbert!

Random.org has spoken!

Congratulations to the commenters connected to the numbers

4 - Jules at Me & My Crew
15 - The Goddess at Goddess in Progress
8 - D'Anne at Full House
and
10 - Stephanie at Megan's Got 47

Each of you will be receiving a FREE CD by Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine!

And the Grand Prize Winner, receiving the Funrise bubble machine, Gazillion bubbles, the Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine CD and 10 coloring pages is commenter #

20! - Cathy of Noble Pig!
Winners, please email me at Cheryl [at] Twinsights.com with a mailing address and your prize will be sent straightaway!

The Love of a Good Man

Works for Mommy...
...and works for daughter.

Moved by Cecily's father-centric Photo Friday post, I jumped at the chance to post one of my favorite Daddy/Daughter images of all time.

Now go on over and see other pictures that make Friday Photo-fabulous!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Interested in Pepperidge Farms' Fishful Thinking Program? Seeking activities and ideas for imbuing your kids with optimism? Click the link below!

Dinner Time Draweth Nigh...

One twin carnivore...
One twin herbivore...
Decisions, decisions....

PS - Be sure to check back tomorrow; we'll announce the winners of the Robbert Bobbert grand bubble-prize and CDs contest!

Way Back When-esday: The Red, Red Robin...

Dateline: September 2006
Twins' Age: 5 Years Old

Last night, as the four of us celebrated the passing along of Scott's formerly fully-operational Honda Civic to Goodwill, we decided to treat ourselves to a fully-family dinner at one of our favorite locations, Red Robin. While we were perusing the menus, our beloved feathered friend, the Red Robin himself (herself?) sidled up to our table for a little silent banter.

Immediately, the occasion pictured above, the kids' 5th birthday, came to mind. They were beside themselves with the corporate singing and the lavished avian affection. Looking at this image, I remember the dramatic disparity in Sarah and Darren's height...perhaps most pronounced when they were 5. She's sprouted recently, and has closed the margin.

Take a mid-week moment and go "Way Back!" Post an image, a story and/or a memory and link back to Twinfatuation to share in the web-wide reverie. Be sure and go visit others joining in the e-album viewing and leave a comment!

Double the Bubble Machine Prize!

So on Sunday, we posted a review of one of our family's favorite new CDs, Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine.

We were given the option to giveaway FIVE (count 'em, FIVE) CDs to Twinfatuation readers and preferred song mentioners. Then guess what happened? The precious PR company representing the marvelous Mr. Bobbert declared they'd happily spice up the prize!

BEHOLD the goodness...
Via the generosity of Funrise Toys (makers of Gazillion bubbles, and as a bubble-lovin' family, we're well-acquainted with their work), a battery powered automated bubble blower and liquid supply will be added to the Grand Prize winner's package -- creating a doubly dance worthy environment for the lucky little groovers. (10 Robbert Bobbert coloring sheets and a bonus CD Soulville will be thrown in, thanks to Little Monster Records!)

If you haven't already, go read the contest entry info on the original review and enter today!
Double your chances by adding a second comment here, the CD alone is worth it!

Winners will be selected by Random.org at 8PM on Wednesday, so don't delay!

Makes My Monday: Guess Who?

This weekend, we literally spent hours playing Milton Bradley's "Guess Who?" Since it's a two-person game, the kids learned to make the declaration, "I play winner." They learned how to ask skillfully strategic questions to expedite the game's progress in their favor. They learned the television can be off an entire day and they might not even notice.

The discovery of a too-long closeted board game, the overheard giggles, the above grin on the mischievious boy's face when I was playing a round with his sister all Make My Monday.

What bright spot brings you joy as this week begins? Do tell!


Be sure and link back to Twinfatuation so you can comment on others' sunshine and they can on yours!


Have you entered our Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine giveaway yet? DO! Scroll down for details...

Great Caesar's Ghost, It's Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine!

With a titular tip of the hat to the Ides of March, here's the latest edition of Liner Notes from the Lage Twins:
Sarah says:
"I really like 'Hey Little Puppy,' 'We R Super Heroes,' and 'Fee Fi Fo, Fee Fi Fum.' Oh--and I really like 'Laughing,' too. The little mouse's voice in 'Fee Fi Fo' is awesome. The booklet is just so cute; I love the art. It's happy-go-lucky music. I give it an 'A+'."
Darren says:
"I really like 'I Am a Clock,' 'Hey Little Puppy,' 'Gravity,' 'Boom, Boom,' and 'I Love the Animals.' The art is great. I just love the comic book. I feel like dancing when I hear this music. I give it an 'A+'."
Mama says: "As I now prepare to type my feelings about Mr. Bobbert's bubbly offering, the kids are coloring and singing 'The Mighty, Mighty Elephant,' a song neither mentioned as their favorite; but clearly, both like it. Sarah just seamlessly segued into 'The Little Duck.' All eleven songs--all eleven songs--on this CD are musically catchy, and each tells a wonderful story. Reading the background information on Robbert Bobbert (a.k.a. Robert Schneider, the renaissance mind behind indie group The Apples in Stereo and just for good measure, a mathematical genius), it's clear his intellect impacts his musical composition (e.g. 'Gravity,' my personal favorite). The lively, playful accompanying artwork by Todd Webb was an unexpected added bonus. With happy hooks that dispense empirical and educational truths, this is a CD I pop in the minivan player without hesitation. No need to skip songs that convey tone or talk our family doesn't endorse because there's none of it here. Along with my twins, I give Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine an A+." Want to win a copy? (And seriously, you should...) Go on over to the Robbert Bobbert website and give a quick listen to the songs. Come back and comment with the tune title that gets your -- or your kids' -- toes tapping and you'll be entered to win one of FIVE copies! Go listen (before 8PM Wednesday when Random.org will pick the winners), and GOOD LUCK!

PS - Don't forget: Tomorrow is Makes My Monday -- be sure to find an image or a story that makes your week's beginning wonderful, and get ready to play along!

Loving Liz Lange...

...and no, I'm not pregnant!

Just had the exquisite opportunity to interview the amazing woman behind the designs making maternity's days much more lovely. She is lovely, inside and out.

Go on over to Mommy Track'd and learn more about her. By all means, leave a comment on the article or a compliment on her handiwork. Who knows? She may just be checking in!
[Photo credit: Cookie]

Be It Ever So Humble...

Our twins are seven, yet the occasions when I've been away from them overnight can be counted on less than a single hand. (and yes, I only have five fingers on each -- despite my Seussian tendencies...)

Double Daddy, when he was still working on Circuit City's broadcast advertising team, frequently had instances in which he'd be gone upwards of four or more days -- on a shoot, supervising focus groups, attending the National Association of Broadcasters' convention or the like. His returns were marked by a wide array of welcoming devices: door-mounted posters, sidewalk chalk artistry, balloons held by running, hug-ready children (and a wife, too) at the gate.

Last weekend, the finger representing my absence #4 was spoken for as I participated in the Fishful Thinking "Parenting for Possibilities" Symposium and faculty training session in White Plains, New York. Sunday afternoon, I returned home; toting abundant affection for newly-met, similarly minded mothers, as well as a mental carry-on chock full of positive parenting practices ready to implement -- and share.

In addition to smiling faces and tight embraces (apparently ones that crossed designated security lines -- our apologies to the TSA), there was sentimental signage:
Look closely. In addition to my realistically depicted lush lashes, clutched in my drawn doppelganger's grasp is a goldfish cracker!

Such is my photo for a first foray into Photo Story Friday...hosted by the amazing Cecily (one of the moms for whom I'm now harboring abundant affection). If you haven't visited her blog, DO!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

While you're hopping around the web make a point to go visit Tiffany (another mom for whom I'm now harboring abundant affection), one of the headmistresses of SITS, and host of her own blog, The R Family Diaries complete with her new weekly feature, Fishful Thinking Fridays!

Happy Friday, Friends! (What are you up to this weekend?)