Thrilling Video

DH and I just watched this and had to put it on the blog. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It starts off slow, but hang in there...

Flip Flop, Flip Flop, Flip Flop

It has definitely been flip flop weather lately in Tennessee. We have broken the record the last two days with 86 degree temps and we have been outside as much as possible. We have either been barefoot or in our new flip flops (thanks Nana & Pappy) all weekend. Check 'em out.

And pre-school started back today after an entire week off (a week off with two four-year-olds is like a year of hard manual labor). I think the girls were as ready for a break from me as I was for a break from them. They literally ran for the door when I told them we were ready to leave for school. I feel the love....

Sunday Six!

Spring arrived this week, so that will be our theme!

Click here to find out the origins of this game.

1. How old is Spring?

Anna: 8

Ash: 30,000 (I hate to ask her how old she thinks I am!)

2. What happens in the Spring? (slight seasonal confusion here)

Anna: Fall

Ash: leaves fall down on the ground

3. What comes after Spring?

Anna: I don't know

Ash: snow

4. What do people wear in the Spring?

Anna: dress

Ash: coats

5. What is "Spring Break"?

Anna: no school

Ash: you can play a lot

6. How will you celebrate Spring?

Anna: go to a party

Ash: play & run with Daddy

SPF - "Two"

Well, I may be back on track with SPF. This week's topic is "two". This was pretty much a no-brainer for me as you can't get more "two" than twins.

Here is another pic from our latest photo session. The ducks look a little pitiful, but the girls' faces are funny. Ash is in the pink and Anna is in the green.





Happy Friday everyone!

Sand up the wazoo - literally!

We've had a wonderful morning. I had schedule the girls to have their Spring/Easter pics this morning (the girls and I are morning people - poor Daddy is not) at 9am. We got up, got ready to go, packed all our crud and headed out the door.

Pictures went very well. The girls were well-behaved although quite silly at times. We wore out after two clothing changes and four backgrounds so we called it quits. This pic was one of the last ones taken and they were "over" the whole process by then. Ash is on the left/Anna on the right. I picked out the ones we wanted - a small number compared to the astronomical amount of pics the little photo chic wanted me to get ($400 on spring pics - yeah, right) - and we headed to the park.

Perfect day for the park except for one thing - it is Spring Break in our area and I think every child in this county was at the same park. CRAZY! Luckily most of the kids didn't come til we had already been there for about an hour so it wasn't too bad til a bit later on.

We started in the sand pit where the girls built a huge mound of sand and proceeded to roll around on it enough to embed millions of grains of sand in their skin and clothes - lovely. I mean - if the shook themselves really hard once we walked in the door we would have a nice beach in our house.

We played for a couple hours, ate our picnic lunch, played a little more with some friends we ran into, picked up our pics (LOVE that they are ready within an hour) and headed home.

Now I plan on chiseling the sand off my kids so they (and maybe me) can take a nap.

Just for fun

I haven't done these for a while - so here are a few that you might find interesting.

You Are From Mars

You're energetic, althletic, and totally hyperactive. You love playing sports and being in the middle of all of the action. You're independent, corageous, and brave. Unafraid to do things your way. Mars can be reckless, quick tempered, and a little too spontaneous. So think before you act - and resist your natural urges to dominate others.

What Planet Are You From?

Your Leprechaun Name Is:

Dirt-foot Luckleaf

What's Your Leprechaun Name?

Bad Blogger - No Marbles For You!!!

Sorry for the delay in getting a post on here. It hasn't been exceptionally busy, but it hasn't been slow either. And I'm getting over a sinus infection - lovely.

Anyway, the girls have been overly whiny and haven't been minding very well, so we (and by "we" I mean I got all the stuff together and made the rules and Chris just shook his head in agreement) decided to start an incentive plan for good behavior that I had read about a few years ago - a marble jar.

Now this is no ordinary marble jar - this jar is full of blue and green "magic" marbles that guarantee good behavior from little girls. Ok - that is not true - but that sure was my hope for the project.

Actually, it works like this (see photo) - there is one large container of marbles and then both girls have their own container with their names written on them. Each time we catch them doing something "good" (sharing, not fighting for an extended amount of time, setting the table, etc.) then they get to pick out a marble and put it in their jar. Once they fill the jar they get a treat (ice cream with Daddy, trip to Chuck E Cheese - you the get the idea).

So far it is going pretty well, but we've only been doing it a couple days. I'll have to keep you posted on the marble count.

Mission Impossible - Riggs Style

Your Mission: Destroy the enemies by throwing things at them

Your Targets: See below

Your Weapons: Small pieces of Kroger Honey Wheat Bread (on sale at Kroger for $1 a loaf)

We had a GORGEOUS day again in Nashville and the girls and I took full advantage of it. We went to Centennial Park near downtown and took a picnic lunch with us. We first took our two loaves of bread to the pond and fed the geese & ducks. The the pigeons decided to get in on the act and hovered WAY too close to us. The girls learned the word "shoo" very quickly and it seemed to work. What was funny is that the girls got a little too excited about pelting the poor birds in the head. They thought that was hysterical. And - even though they seemed a bit annoyed - all the birds liked the snack we brought them. Here is a pic of the girls feeding them.

Then we made our way to the playground area which is wonderful. However, I could have sworn I only brought two children with me. For some reason this 3rd child appeared out of nowhere and apparently adopted herself into our family. She was probably two and there was no sign of her mother anywhere - no kidding. I had to help this child put her shoes on, climb up on parts of the playground, and stop her from running into the street at one point. Finally, as we were getting ready to go back to the van to get our picnic I started looking pretty hard for her mom as this child was not going to stop following us. Surely she had to be around. Yep - she showed up - very unconcerned that her daughter had been out of her eyesight for at least 20 minutes and with a complete stranger. What the ___?!? Sometimes you just have to shake your head.

Daddy met us at the park for our picnic and we had a great time. Then Daddy left and we broke out a book of stories and read those for a while. The girls didn't want to be settled down that long so we jumped back up and started running around the big open area in front of the Parthenon. We then went back to the playground for a bit and then back home.

Oh - and we had an exciting adventure involving a port-a-potty, but that is a tale for another time.

Once More - With Feeling

We went to the zoo because it is just gorgeous in Nashville today - 70 degrees and sunny. I packed a picnic lunch and we headed out the door bright and early to catch all the animals in their caged glory.

The day started off pretty well with a bit more whining than I usually am willing to put up with, but it was bearable. Anyway, the girls - as usual - spot the merry-go-round in the distance as we make our way to the elephant/giraffe exhibit. Unfortunately I could not use my standard, "oh shoot - it doesn't seem to be working," statement as the sucker was actually moving - darn zoo staff! Now - before I proceed - I am not against merry-go-rounds, but I am against the zoo extorting $2 per child per ride from parents. Yep - $2 to ride a merry-go-round that - even though very cute with wonderfully crafted animals in place of the typical horses - only goes around and around for maybe 2 minutes. NO KIDDING! I timed it!

Well, the nice extortionist zoo guy running the money grubbing machine said, "You'll have to pick two animals side-by-side for them to ride so you can stand between them". SAY WHAT?!? Do you realize you are talking to the mother of twin girls that - although they look exactly alike - have as much in common as George Bush and Hillary Clinton and the possibility of them choosing two animals together is slim to none. So we proceed to search for two animals next to each other. All the while I'm getting dirty looks from the Zoo Merry-Go-Round Nazi because we can't find the perfect animals. So he decides to come "help" me - yeah, right. He makes suggestions on animals and the girls shoot him down quickly each time. Then he just looks at me and rolls his eyes.

OH NO YOU DIDN'T!!!!!

I chose this as the prime opportunity to go postal on said Zoo Nazi and tell him that he is insane if he thinks two 4-year-old girls are going to instantly choose to ride next to each other on the first animals suggested to them - especially when there are "100 animals to choose from". To this he says, "We only have 33 animals on this ride - not 100." WHAT?!? Yes - because that is the issue here - exactly how many animals you have to choose from. I finally told him to get back to his Zoo Nazi station and that I would deal with it. I found a lion and an elephant close to each other and told the Zoo Nazi to "start 'er up". Luckily, there was only one other mother and her - of course - "perfect" child riding the merry-go-round at the time. She smiled at me knowingly and the ride proceeded to move - for a whole 2 minutes. Unbelievable!

The rest of the morning went well and we were making our way to the exit so we could have our picnic lunch. Now for a bit of background information....

Our girls have become quite the little performers lately. They love to sing and dance and re-enact every scene they can remember from all the movies they've seen. It is quite entertaining, but I think today took thecake

Having said that, we were making our way to the exit (still quite far from it) and the girls decide to start singing Hakuna Matata from the Lion King - loudly. I'm all for singing so I joined in and figured they can't throw us out - we're leaving - ha! Here is the actual dialogue....

Anna: "It means no worries, for the rest of your day.....Take it Mommy!"

Take it Mommy?!? Is this child sneaking out after we put her to bed to sing in some seedy night club? Is she doing performances on Broadway we are unaware of? I absolutely cracked up, but decided if I can beat 'em - join 'em. So the rest of the walk out of the zoo went like this...

Mommy: "It's a problem free, philosophy......Take it Ashlyn!"

Ashlyn: "Hakuna Matata"

All 3 of us dancing while we're singing: "Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata"

And that's all she wrote folks.

Getty Up Cowgirls!

Today was "Western Day" at preschool - yeehaw! Luckily I had a friend that let me borrow two cute western outfits for the occasion. We added some cowgirl hats and a couple horses (the stick kind) and we were rootin' tootin' ready-to-go (man, that sounds cheesy).

So here are a couple pics of our cowgirls before school this morning. They were quite excited. Ashlyn is the first pic and Anna is the second.

Show me the money!

It has been a few days so I thought I would do a quick post before the critters make me get up and dance. Yes - as I type my critters are dressed up in their "boogie-woogie" outfits (basically little flapper outfits) dancing around to "I Like to Move It, Move It". It isn't Dancing With the Stars, but it is definitely more entertaining than watching Jerry Springer dance (UGH).

The POTATO consignment sale went great. As the Treasurer I am basically held captive (just kidding) in a back room that is actually the school's music room. There were several violins around the music room and I seriously debated whether to break one of those suckers out and see if I could pick it up again - just like riding a bike. Decided against it considering there were always a few people coming in and out of the room. I wouldn't want to intimidate them with my wonderful fiddle playing skills (yeah, right).

So I did my job counting money and seller cards and the club did really well. Plus, we balanced to within $20 which is pretty awesome considering we sold almost 7,000 items and took in more than $23,000. Yeah us!

The weather is supposed to be a little warmer this week, so we are hoping to get out and play quite a bit this week. Plus, we are going to go to the zoo with some friends this week too. Love that zoo membership.

Preschool is having Western Day tomorrow and a POTATO friend has let me borrow two CUTE western outfits. Can't wait to get some pics of the girls in these clothes. I'll be sure to post a couple on here tomorrow.

Stuff Portrait Friday - Leftovers

So today's SPF is "Leftovers". I have been getting ready for POTATO's Spring Consignment Sale for almost a month. I am SO tired of having this house a complete wreck because of it and after this weekend it will all be over. My dining room will return to normal and we will have less crap in our house to deal with. This picture is some of the hangers I had as "leftovers" from hanging up all the girls' old clothes.

Hopefully I'll make some good money this weekend too.

2 Little Monkeys Climbing in the Tree

The girls discovered that they could climb the big magnolia tree in the backyard yesterday. We had beautiful weather for tree-climbing and my "monkeys" took full advantage.

We have a playdate this morning so I have to cut this short.

Enjoy the pics! Ash is the first pic/Anna is the second.

Sunday Six

I have a tendency to procrastinate when doing the Sunday Six, so I thought I would go ahead and do it now while I'm thinking about it. So here we go...

1. What is an Oscar?

Ash: You get something you like and don't like.

Anna: It has a garden eagle on it.

2. How many times is an Oscar given out each year?

Ash: lots
Anna: 20 + 8

3. What Movie should win Best Picture this year?

Ash: Pinocchio

Anna: McDonald's

4. Name some actors that should win an Oscar.

Ash: Mommy & Daddy
Anna: Spirit & John & Max & Captain

5. What does Oscar look like?

Ash: Like a fish

Anna: Like a cheetah eagle

6. What should you wear to the Oscars?

Ash: My Ariel dress

Anna: A handsome suit

Oh my heart...

Ashlyn has really loved playing "princess dress up" lately. And both girls love dancing with each other. We have been watching this ballroom dancing show on PBS on Wednesdays that the girls LOVE. So Ashlyn decided she wanted to dance with her Daddy the other night with her Ariel wedding gown on. I just couldn't help but tear up a little watching them dance. My mind did a fast-forward to her wedding day - AUGH! Anyway, I grabbed the camera and took this sweet picture. I look forward to showing it to everyone at her wedding.

Just because...

We spent part of the afternoon outside today in Middle Tennessee's beautiful weather (high of 70 degrees today - crazy). I took a few random shots that turned out pretty cute. I have absolutely nothing profound to say today so I'll just let the photos do the talking. We just got this new basketball goal last night at a local consignment sale - got a GREAT deal on it. The girls love it and were practicing their menacing blocking faces. I was trying to be artistic and take the photos at an angle - didn't turn out too bad. Anna is the first pic and Ash is the second. Enjoy!

Bowling Beauties

Hmmm....What ever can we do when it is SO cold outside and we have cabin fever????? Why - let's go bowling! And that is exactly what we did. We had a great time and the girls thought it was "cool". The nice teenage boys next to us even let the girls use their "pretty/handsome" red and blue swirly ball - so sweet.

And - funny enough - they both ended up with the same score - a 61. I thought that was very interesting considering they are twins.

So here are a few pics of our little Queen Pins. Anna is in green and Ash is in yellow.

How Do I Love Thee....

I have a WONDERFUL husband. Yes - he was not too thrilled at all when I lightly suggested (okay - I brow-beat him into submission) that we take the girls out in the snow yesterday, but we made our way outside because he knew how much the girls would like it.

Chris is not a "cold" fan - at all. The boy grew up in Ohio where there was plenty of snow during the winter and - frankly - he would prefer to never see a bit of snow again. This is the same guy that will literally bake himself in the sun without getting anywhere near a pool. When we went on our last cruise I don't think he ever touched the water - seriously. I, however, make up for this lack of H20 interaction by jumping in the water every 5 minutes - at least! Momma does NOT like to be hot!

Anyway, we wrapped up the kiddies and ourselves and hit the yard. The girls had a GREAT time making snowballs (which Ashlyn proceeded to eat) and helping Daddy make the most pitiful snowman ever seen. It is so ugly it is cute - kinda like E.T.

10 on Tuesday

1. I have a lovely sore throat from all this drainage (aren't you glad I shared). I don't really feel that bad - it is more uncomfortable than anything.

2. The girls had their Valentine's Day parties at school today. I was an idiot and agreed to be in charge of Anna's class's party so had to do all that prep work as well as bake for Ashlyn's party (they are in different classes).

3. Since the girls had their parties they didn't have their "quiet/nap" time they usually do for that last hour of pre-school. So now they are exhausted from the day's activities, but have one heck of a sugar high from all the party goodies. You know what that makes them - hyper, whiny, fussy, fighting little girls. Lovely!

4. I took our new camera to the parties to get some cute pics of their classes. Unfortunately I forgot the memory card for the camera. AUGH!

5. I haven't worked out in two days and I feel it. I was doing REALLY well there for a few weeks and now I feel like a bit of a slacker. Maybe I can try to get on the treadmill tonight. Yeah, right - I'll probably fall asleep on the couch at 8:30pm again.

6. Oops - forgot I have a meeting for the Homeowner Association's Social Committee tonight. The word is "no" Shelley - learn it, live it, try to say it every once in a while.

7. Still have LOTS to tag for POTATO's upcoming consignment sale. I need to get on that. Maybe I can finish that this weekend.

8. Ha! My hubby always laughs when I say I'm going to do something "this weekend" as it usually means I'll never get to it or will wait til the last minute on Sunday.

9. I think I'm going to attempt to put the critters down for a nap. I may nap with them. Sounds like a plan.

10. Dang it! No nap for me - I have too much laundry to do. Unless we decide to go naked the rest of the week. Hmmmm....might be worth it.

Be My Valentine

As many of you know, I am nowhere near as crafty as Martha Stewart. Shoot - I bet they wouldn't even let me buy the Martha magazine in Kroger.

Anyway, I really wanted to do something cute for the girls' Valentine's Day parties at preschool so I went on an internet hunt for some cute, easy-to-make Valentine's Day cards for thier classes. I found the perfect homemade "cards" and proceeded to cut out a bazillion (ok - more like 64) little hearts and made them into Valentine's Day flowers that hold suckers.

Here's how they turned out!