Ready, Set, Go!

Chris works downtown and just recently found out about these races (on foot) for adults and children that are hosted at Vanderbilt University (close to downtown) every Thursday evening. We decided it might be something fun for the girls to try (not to mention help wear them out before bedtime) so the girls and I met Daddy at Centennial Park beforehand for a picnic dinner and to feed the ducks, and then we headed down the street for the track.

Now let me tell you there were some SERIOUS runners there. The event is sponsored by the Nashville Runner's Club so that is to be expected, but there were also quite a few little kids. They have a series of races and the ones that the kiddies participate in are the 100 M Dash and the 200 M dash. The girls did the 100 M dash and had a ball. Plus, there were a few races before theirs so they spent that time playing in the infield with the ball we brought with us.

This pic is of the start of their race. Anna is in yellow and Ashlyn is in pink.

Fun with Nana

Nana (Chris' Mom) came for a visit yesterday afternoon and had such a good time with the girls. They were playing around on our bed when I took this shot. Ashlyn is on the left/Anna on the right.

And - I have found an amazing new site. http://vickysdeals.blogspot.com/ This lady is from Alabama and finds the most amazing deals. I don't know how she does it, but I plan on taking advantage of her knowledge when it comes to my Christmas shopping. Check it out!

Waving the White Flag

Seven Days! Seven complete days dedicated to potty training Anna and - yes - she has won. We have been held hostage in our own home by this little girl and we have HAD IT! The battle is over. We are throwing in the towel. I have read more information about potty training, and potty training twins specifically, over the past several days and have come to the conclusion that Anna is rebelling against Ashlyn's ease in using the potty. Apparently when twins potty train and one learns more quickly/easily than the other, then the other twin decides she is going to show her independence by refusing to use the potty on the terms of her parents. Our family is a prime example of this. The reading continued on to say that the best way to deal with this situation is to completely stop the potty training process, sit her down, explain that she is now in control of her "potty training destiny" and don't mention it again. So that is what we have done. I HATE that we had to "give up", but I am thrilled that we can resume a half-way normal life again.

Now, if little miss potty pooper doesn't decide to use the potty before she is supposed to go to preschool in September then someone needs to be starting a fund for my mental health as the only thing getting me through the craziness of raising twin toddlers has been the knowledge that they will be going to school two days a week for five hours a day. I have REALLY been looking forward to that "me" time coming my way and if Anna can't go potty by then I can kiss it all goodbye - lovely. Now that may sound selfish, but I don't really care. "Me" time is precious and very rare for mommies and I was SO going to cherish every second of it.

Having vented as much as I am willing to at this point, I have attached a picture of the girls playing in the sprinkler this past weekend. They had a great time. Ashlyn is on the left/Anna on the right.

Poor Matt

That Matt video was great wasn't it? I accidentally deleted him when trying to add an official title to that post and just haven't gotten around to going back to youtube.com and having them send me the video box again. Here's a clearer version for you anyway.

www.wherethehellismatt.com

This means war!

I can't believe I am posting twice in one day, but the occasion calls for it. Today I have declared toddler war against my daughter (Anna - pictured here). Yes - she seems innocent enough, but she's a tricky little thing. Potty training has been an issue with our girls for several months now. Finally, Ashlyn has gotten the hang of things, but Anna is being the stubborn little girl that she is and has been holding out. In fact, I have to be partially impressed with her dedication to "pee-peeing" abstinance. At least she is committed.

Today I stepped over the line in the sand. I told Anna, "No more diapers!" Now she is not too thrilled with my decision, but I think she is realizing that I am not budging on this one. Anna is perfectly aware of exactly what she needs to do to go to the bathroom. There are even times when she will remind Ashlyn to "flush potty" or "wash hands" when Ash happens to forget (are you kidding me). This girl has been playing us like a harp and I'm over it!

Be sure to check back in a couple of days to see if Anna has caved to the pressure or if she has put me in a mental home. Either result should be interesting reading.

Quarantined Family

This has been a crazy week and a half. To make a LONG story short, our entire family has been sick with ear infections, bronchitis and sinus infections - lovely. So my girls and I have major cabin fever and are itching to get out into the real world as soon as possible. I'm trying to keep us in one more day just to make sure we are 100% healthy before venturing out into germ-land once again.

The bad thing is that my parents were down here house/dog-sitting for two weeks and really didn't get to spend too much "fun" time with their grandchildren because we were all pretty puny.

So, since I haven't posted any pictures of the girls for a while, I had better get some on here. We celebrated my Dad's birthday (Flag Day) while they were here. The girls helped decorate the cake (using every sprinkle in the package).



And then helped Grandpa blow out the candles.