Finished for Friday: Dress You Up in My Love

Darren has my blogging habit to thank for his new, Mommy-made scarf. Here's the backstory:

Some weeks ago, ThreeUnderTwo (of Lit & Laundry fame) featured a few darling amigurumi animals she had crafted on her weekly Friday post. Sarah immediately declared, "Mommy, you need to make me some of those!" Admittedly, I was intrigued and motivated; but my crochet skills -- and maybe even my hooks -- were rusty.

In order to reacquaint my fingers with the practice, we collectively decided I'd ease back into yarn craft with a straightforward, single-crochet only scarf for Darren.

He picked the yarn. He picked the width. He tested the length periodically. Yesterday morning, a particularly cold one...

Darren: "Let's see if my scarf is long enough!"

Mommy (holding the still attached skein): "Wrap it around and see..."

Darren (smiling--with a very warm neck): "It's PERFECT!!

His response made each stitch worth every moment of effort. It may not look like much, but am I ever happy with it...and its wearer.

(And yes, Sarah has already selected the amigurumi pattern and yarn for her project...)

Now go over to Lit & Laundry and see what the real crafters are up to!

Employment, Schmemployment...

In case you missed it the first go 'round, our tale of how we are handling our "no employed adults in-house" status is currently posted on the amazing resource for parents of multiples, How Do You Do It? Go see.

PS - And don't faint dead away, but I actually completed a crafty project. Tune in tomorrow for our contribution to Lit & Laundry's "Finished for Friday."

Oh -- Kay! Plus a Giveaway...

Part of what makes blogging fun is getting to know other women who are amidst the joys, the challenges, and frequently the inexplicable (although we sure do try to put it to words) experiences of motherhood.

Now, thanks to the amazing Amy Keroes of Mommy Track'd, I have the opportunity to get to know even more moms by conducting the site's "In the Spotlight" interview series...asking all sorts of probing (maybe even a few nosey) questions from a wide array of moms: celebrities, social activists, success stories.

My first installment is live online now! Go peek at the conversation with Kay Hanley, the lovely lead singer of Letters to Cleo, back-up singer for Miley Cyrus (or is that Hannah Montana?) and the voice behind so many marvelous kid show melodies that likely pervade your home daily. All that, and she's a remarkable mother to boot.

Sweetening the incentive, if you leave a comment after reading the piece (on Mommy Track'd, not here -- of course you're always welcome to add one here, too!), you'll be eligible to win a copy of Amy's Mom's Ultimate Family Organizer!

I have one and believe me, it's a welcome way to keep all those aspects of day-to-day life collected, coordinated and contained. (You don't have to take my word for it, Brooke Shields is a fan of Amy's organizational helpers, too.) While you're there, consider signing up for the weekly Mommy Track'd newsletter -- it's always filled with current content to make mommy-ing even more fun.

Shameless plug complete. Now go read and enter!

Way Back When-esday: Everything's A-OK?

Dateline: March 2003
Twins' Age: 17 Months

Sure, Graco advised placing the heavier twin in the front, but would you cross that lighter-weight passenger who clearly preferred it? Her brother enjoyed the access to the back of her head from the catbird seat..everybody won. This picture was taken as we were picking up tickets we won for Sesame Street Live...our prize included a meet and greet with Telly, Elmo and Lulu pre-show. The kids still claim they remember; who am I to argue?

So what image brings back your memories from "Way Back?" Share and link back here to share in the webwide album admiration!

Protocol and Produce

After school yesterday...

Sarah: "Ms. S (the art teacher) said I shouldn't say 'Barack Obama' anymore; I should say 'President Obama'."

Mommy: "Well, if you were speaking to him, you'd absolutely call him 'President Obama' -- or 'Sir' -- to his face, but around the house, I think it's okay to call him Barack Obama."

Darren: "If he was a Veggie Tales character, you could call him 'Broccoli Obama.'"

Makes My Monday: Juggling and Genetics

What makes my Monday?
A daughter so delighted by her daddy's circus-caliber skills that for nearly an hour she practiced tossing balls aloft in rapid succession. We were even treated to a pre-dinner demonstration last night.

What Makes Your Monday? Do share in the beginning of the week day-brightening!

PS - Don't forget to enter in the latest contest! Here's the link!

My Blogspot

In all its glory, here is the spot from whence I typically blog. [Do note the space heater and Radio Flyer full of twins' shoes below.] Wonder if I tidied up if I'd be more adept?

Now go on over and visit Krissy at Two are Better Than One and share the locale of your laptop!
(Or desktop...)

You Gotta Play to Win...or is that "Twin"?

Courtesy of our friends at Chronicle Books, win a copy of the best-selling I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids and Crib Notes (a personal fave), one of our twins' most-beloved CDs, Twin Spin: Tunes for Twins, and a signed copy (made out to whomever the winner wishes) of Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year.

So how do you win? Simply add a comment to this post with a way that twin pregnancy or motherhood (of any number) has surprised you.

Random.org will pick a winner on Valentine's Day; and you may add more than one comment, but you will need to include a different "surprise" with each comment!

GOOD LUCK!

Baby Picture Sunday: Bundled Up

No secrets: We've been craving snow...even a flurry would be much appreciated. Taken in the backyard when the kids were five, these pictures make the yearning even more intense...

C'mon Jim Cantore. Hook a snow-lovin' sister up.

In the meantime, be sure to go over and join in the fun at Debi's Who Says 8 is Enough?'s Baby Picture Sunday!

One Strep at a Time

Always gallant, Darren adhered to the chivalrous directive of "ladies first," and just this morning was confirmed with inflamed tonsils and strep. (On this, the last day of his sister's prescription for the same.)

So to answer the oft-tossed question by those fascinated by the twin mystique, "Do twins always experience pain at the same time?"; the answer is,"No, and I have the two separate co-pay receipts to prove it."

Finished for Friday: I'm Just a Bill

...yes, I'm only a bill. (remember that Schoolhouse Rock classic?)

This week (and for three preceding weeks), I've had an genuine project in progress. However, my crafting speed ain't what she used to be. Alas, what I hoped to share today remains unfinished this Friday.

Next week perhaps? Oh how I hope and pray that it will, but today it is still just my bills.(Suppose I've also finished up with the Christmas nutcracker stamps, too....)

Now go on over and see some real accomplishments on Lit & Laundry's Finished for Friday!

The End of Entitlement

To all who've commented and offered support regarding our coupled (such overachievers, we) involuntary exodus from employment into the land of lost jobs, thank you.

In truth, we feel highly optimistic about our prospects ("First one to get a job with benefits wins!"), and appreciate the fact we are being forced to actually walk our aspirational talk.

For years, Scott and I have bemoaned the societal trend of maximum expectation for minimum (if any) effort. [e.g. "I've got my degree, I should have a higher-paying gig." "I exercised for 10 minutes, why are my thighs still big?" "I was on the last place team, and look at my trophy!"]

With frugality now at the fore, I realize how some of my previous parenting practices unknowingly nurtured that instinct for immediate gratification with our kids.

After reading this piece by renowned parenting expert and educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba, with tips on talking the presently challenging economic times with children, here were my thoughts:

"Our twins are seven; and while we certainly wish to retain their innocence as long as wisely feasible, we feel they -- much like we -- have much to learn about fiscal responsibility and the value of indulgences we've previously (and embarrassingly) taken for granted.

A three+ year freelance gig for me evaporated in December with the proliferation of corporate bankruptcies; and last Friday, my husband's nearly 15 years of employment at Circuit City drew to a close.

Never for one minute did we contemplate "not telling" our children the truth.

We won't be going out to eat so much. We won't be buying books impromptu with every visit to Barnes & Noble. We will think twice about "unnecessary" expenditures -- budget streamlining we could have - and probably should have - done before. As a result, we think we'll be teaching our children the import of hard work, prioritization skills and the all-too-often overlooked"treat" aspect of so many purchases/outings previously perceived as the norm.

We are not fearful, and have voiced that truth frequently to our children. There ARE jobs to be had, and while they may not pay what we were accustomed to, they will help us make ends meet until the "right" gig(s) comes along.

Perhaps I sound in denial, or worse, delusional, but there are facets of our current situation for which I am extraordinarily grateful. Windows for re-defining entertainment and family time have availed themselves already, and I am confident we'll have a clearer, healthier perspective for the temporary challenge."

Is your family confronting economic shift? Have tips, ideas or thoughts to share? Please leave a comment!

Way Back When-esday: Wind Beneath Their Wings

Dateline: July 2005
Twins' Age: 3 and a half

She may be hard to see, but snuggly wrapped in the purple washcloth in Grandma Ross' hands is Ruthie, her vibrantly colored lovebird.

Naurally, visits to Grandma's are always special, but this one in particular will always stand out in my memory. The kids gently rubbed Ruthie's head, and got to "talk" to her outside the confines of her cage. Both were beside themselves with joy. From the looks of the photos, Grandma was, too.

Have you got a picture or story from "Way Back" you'd like to share? Join in the Way Back When-esday webwide photo album. Be sure to link back here to Twinfatuation so we can all take part in the reverie!

Wordful Wednesday: Ernie and Bert

Adorable Angie at Seven Clown Circus hosts Wordful Wednesday each week, and on this week's edition she's paid homage to her kids' interaction with a charming Peter Pan. Immediately, our recent SeaWorld encounter with our beloved best friends, Bert & Ernie came to mind.
[Can you tell the two Sesame Street dwellers were having as much fun as our duo?)

For more Wordful Wednesday fun, be sure to go visit Seven Clown Circus!

And don't forget, tomorrow is also Way Back When-esday! Dive into those digital files and find a fun one to share!

Inauguration Day: A First-Grade Perspective

...in 3000 words...

PS - For those perhaps concerned about the "Darren's class only" views: When the students were sent home with a "Parents are invited to share history with their students" flyer, Sarah without pause declared, "Mom, I really do not want you to come watch the inauguration with my class. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but really, I'd rather you didn't." Gotta love when the twins themselves solve potential twin parenting dilemmas!

Breakfast Blessings

While placing Pop-Tarts (I know, I know....), Wild Animal Crunch and protein milk before my babes...

Mommy: "Thank you, God for our food. Thank you for this special day. Thank you for President Bush who served our country the past 8 years, and thank you for our new president who will be inaugurated today, Barack Obama..."

Darren (interrupting with enthusiasm): "...who's AWESOME!"

Mommy (giggling): "Thank you God for our hopes. Thank you God for our desire and willingness as a country to work together for the common good, no matter our political views. Thank you for the days ahead, and for your continued blessings. Amen."


PS - As our country prepares for a fresh start today, the day also marks Double Daddy's last in the Circuit City offices -- after nearly 15 years. Immediately upon leaving, Scott is heading out on a 5 hour drive to the funeral of dear friend's father, who passed unexpectedly this weekend. The cavalcade of intense emotions might get the best of me; please take a moment to wish him a smile or two today...and peace for all those who've experienced loss of all sorts recently. Thanks.

Baby, It's a Gas...

No matter what you call the output or the process: barneying, freaking out the dog, tooting, fluffing, stinkying (with or without pooping), tooter-rooters, stinkers, farts (or faerts), poots, passing wind, floating a biscuit, sparts, gassing, the thunder down under, butt burps, jockey roasters, one gun salutes, passing one, beefing, putt-putts, excuse-me-ing, poofing or passing gas, it is funny. Thanks to all who commented on the Homework Hijinks post for the suppressed snickers and out-and-out laughs. [As a parent trying to suppress her children's potty talk, this first paragraph was an utter delight to type!]

That all said, we've got a prize to give! Random.org has spoken and the number 3 -- not unlike a weightless gas -- rose to the top of the random integer generator.

Congratulations to Rachael of Little Bites of Heaven who has won a copy of Christie Mellor's hysterical latest, Were You Raised By Wolves? Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood!
Drop me a line Rachael, and send an address to which I can send your prize!

More giveaways coming soon...stay tuned!

Makes My Monday: Escape from Rehab

No, not the Dr. Drew Pinsky version (despite my oft proclaimed affinity for the triplet dad's efforts), but our beloved 92-year-old Papa's recent therapy. An in-home fall two days before Christmas broke a few ribs and caused an impressive laceration on the back of his right hand.

After a few days in the hospital and a just shy of three weeks in rehab, he was sprung by his beloved great-grandtwins and their mama just this morning (hence the afternoon edition).

[It may look like Papa is scolding, Darren; he's not. He's giving him his responsibilities -- balloon management -- for the trip home. Sarah was in charge of his stuffed panda.]

Papa's perseverance, determination and rapid healing Make My Monday. So what is making your Monday afternoon? Do tell, and be sure to link back to Twinfatuation to share webwide!

Career Counseling

Courtesy of two seven-year-olds...

Sarah (to Mom, shortly after learning of Circuit City's demise): "You know, when Barack Obama is done, maybe Daddy should run for President."

Darren and Sarah (Friday night, with enthusiastic conviction): "Daddy, you could be a lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge!"

Sarah (Saturday morning): "You should just play your guitar and leave the guitar case open for people to put money in."

So many possibilities to ponder!

On a serious note: to all who've added comments, sent emails and made phone calls of love and support: thank you.

Our lemons are few, the sugar abundant.

Circuit City: The Epilogue in Haiku

Unfortunately
Things did not go as we hoped
Hope springs eternal

So Dad will be home
At least for a little while
He will find a job

Great at what he does
He won't be unemployed long
A little time off...

To all our friends, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We'll be A-OK; but do please keep all those whose situation changed today in your hearts.

A Haiku for Those Hanging On...

Please keep a good thought
For those at Circuit City
Answers come today

Double Daddy and all his colleagues should learn the results of the company's bankruptcy hearings sometime this morning. As is his ever-considerate way, he was going to get some sweet treats to share with his co-workers in attempts to diminish anxiety and bolster camaraderie this stressful Friday. He is amazing.

Regardless of the outcome, if you're a praying, light sending sort, please say a little prayer for strength and peace for all those who'll be impacted by whatever today's news may bring.

Thanks!

PS - For more upbeat poetry, be sure and partake in Bad Haiku Friday with Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings.

Homework Hijinks

Last night's homework assignment (for both Sarah's and Darren's classes) included a word search with their "key words" for the week hidden within. Normally, we don't "share answers," but they genuinely wanted to help each other track the most challengingly disguised answers.

Not only did they end up finding all the required words, but "pee" and "gas" were also found to their collective delight. Spurred by the semi-scandalous discoveries, Darren was quite distressed when I told him "f-a-e-r-t" is not a word -- despite its similarity to one we've elected not to use in our house.

So speaking of that, what does your house call the expellation of bodily gases? We're toot-ers here...but are always game to add breadth to our vocabulary!

For those willing to go out on that embarrassing limb and share their family's gaseous goods, each commenter on today's post will be entered to win a copy of the new hysterical book by Christie Mellor (author of The Three Martini Playdate), Were You Raised By Wolves? Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood, courtesy of our friends at Collins.

Don't "pass" up this opportunity!
[Random.org will pick the winner tomorrow afternoon.]

Way Back When-esday: Slip Slidin'

Dateline: Spring 2005
Twins' Age: 3

Even today, a playground slide still thrills. (Although they cannot fit through the tunnel-style together anymore...)

Post an image or story that warms your heart from "Way Back!" Be sure to link back to Twinfatuation to share in the web-wide reverie.