Lil' Monkey Face

Last night when I came home Rylan was eager to show me a “surprise”.
“Close your eye Mama” was all she could repeat. I don’t know about you but whenever my daughters’ say close your eyes....I get scared!

I am not sure what they are going to show me and I am not very confident that they won’t walk me into a wall just because t hey think it’s funny.
So with a little trepidation and my toes curled (you know so I won’t stub them) I took her hand and blindly walked into the other room.
Rylan was so proud of what she was going to show me that she was literally beside herself with excitement. Finally, she requested that I open my eyes.

“Tada” she announced.

There on our class room white board was the cutest monkey ever. She confidently announced she drew it herself with a little assistance from daddy (He drew the banana).

“It’s a monkey, mama. It’s a Monkey and I drew it all by myself” Her little voice sang with joy.

He is just the sweetest little guy. I don’t have the heart to erase him although I know I’ll have to soon. I decided to immortalize him in a picture and to share it with you.

I think she did a really good job. Rylan, I am so proud of you!

What things has your child done or said that just made your heart melt?

I want to hear from YOU.

1 Yelp, 2 Yays and an Oh God!

What a difference a haircut makes!

Have you ever wondered how God envisions you? When He looks at you do you wonder what He sees. The bible tells us that He sees the beauty in us and forgets our sins and aggressions against Him. But I've wondered what exactly is He seeing in me.

I started thinking about this recently when we took our little puppy, Lilie, to get her first "big dog" haircut. We dropped off this adorable little puppy. Just a complete ball of fur with big brown eyes. I fell in love with Lilie the moment we saw. Her coloring was so unique and she was so soft and fluffy. All the little baby puppy curls were adorable.


When we went to pick her up today...she was a completely different dog. It seemed like she had aged a few years and lost a lot of weight. Her beautiful black and brown tipped fur was gone and in exchange was a very beige, short haired dog. Frankly, I think she looks kind of unattractive (Sorry Lilie).

Rylan and Skylar are going on and on about how cute she looks and how adorable her hair is short. They are loving the fact that they have a tiny little white doggie rather then a fluffy brown doggie. They are looking at her with love in their eyes. Like real moms they are only seeing the beauty in her.

I don't dare mention that I think they really messed up her hair or that I can't believe I had to pay for it.

I can't help but be in admiration of God...knowing that He looks down on me and sees the beauty in me. He looks at me, His child, and thinks I'm marvelous. The world may see ugliness or they may be dissatisfied with me but God sees beauty...just like a loving parent.

You know God speaks to us often and in very unusual ways...if we only pause long enough to listen. I'm delighted that He spoke a moment to remind me of His love today.

I still think Lilie looked better before...but I sure am glad there are two little girls that think she is beautiful.

I am elated that the girls have a love for Lilie that looks beyond the physical. I am overjoyed that my Lord see my imperfections and loves me anyway. He calls me beloved....but....I am even more ecstatic that I don't have a hair dresser like Lilie's!

Singing, Santa & Jesus!!

Even though I have a digital camera I am sometimes a bit slow in getting the photos downloaded. I just had to share a few shots of my little ones enjoying the Christmas Holiday!

This year the twins participated in our Christmas Children's Choir. I was so proud of them. Of course, I snagged front row seats, brought my camera and my Flip video. They were not shy at all. Not one teeny tiny bit. I haven't a clue where they might get that nerve from???

While waiting for service to start I snapped this photo of the twins. It has quickly become one of my holiday favorites. They were so patient and good waiting between services. We were there from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. When you are waiting for Santa to arrive…that is a pretty long evening.

Thanks to my niece the twins didn't have to wait till later for dinner. She arrived saving the day with a "treat" from Burger King. I love her so much for doing that especially because she didn't forget me either! In between services we snuck out to her car to enjoy the food but it was cold!

It seems my girls are more enamored with Reindeer then they are with Santa. We made Reindeer cookies and sprinkled Reindeer "food" on the lawn. We had to make sure that the Reindeers got Santa to the correct destination. It is a very simple and quick recipe...the children love it! Simple mix oats, brown sugar and regular white granulated sugar add a dash of colored cookie crystals and presto! Reindeer food!

When you are five and you get THREE Christmas each year...well....let's just say it's a bit of Heaven on Earth. This Christmas we had the honor of hosting both sides of our families for Christmas. Thankfully, one side celebrates at night and the other side celebrates in the daytime. It leaves the morning for Santa and the four of us....pretty sweet.

Christmas Eve rocked as they un-wrapped their Barbie Hot Tub Bus and a Swim to Me Puppy. Christmas morning began with a mad dash down the stairs and hallway. It was move or get moved as they rushed to the goodies Santa left them. Our afternoon Christmas brought Baby Swim A lot (are you seeing the swimming theme here?).

Rylan and Skylar are STILL taking gifts out of boxes. Our trash man must quiver at the thought of coming to our house. Someone must really tell me why one Barbie box has a ZILLION ties and twisties!

Every year each twin buys a present for the other one. This is a lot more difficult then you could imagine. It's hard to get them alone and even harder to get them to focus on a gift for their sister and not for their own. This photo of them hugging is one of my favorite photos as they were truly thanking each other from their hearts. It was a rare "sister" moment and I was so proud.

I remember getting excited about Christmas. I anxiously anticipated the presents, lights, food and family. It is still a lot of the same joy and excitement as when I was a child but now I get to enjoy it again through my little ones. But the one big, main difference is that they understand...it is truly about Jesus!

Presents are great! Lights are Beautiful! But Jesus...HE is IT! Over and over through out the holiday the twins and I talked about his birth. They are learning about His mother, Mary and Joseph....how he was born to die so that we may live. I knew the girls had that in their mind. The seed was planted in their hearts and for that reason I could enjoy the Holidaythrough their eyes.

They are five...I'm not going to take away the twinkle and joy of receiving presents and sparkling lights but I will make sure that they are realizing the true light and present is found in Jesus Christ and not just for the evening but for always.

As a Christian mom it is struggle some times to find the balance between the joys of childhood. Balancing Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth fairy with the Truth of Jesus, the Cross and Salvation is a delicate matter.

But if you look at their faces in these photos...well, it looks like God has been guiding us in the right direction....

Why I Have Gray Hair

There are two comments that I always get about the twins:
1) They are beautiful
2) They are so smart!

What I never hear from people is the comment "They are so mischievous". Must be because family, friends and teachers don't really know them...or at least not as well as I do.

Go with me back in time....5 1/2 years ago when I had deep brown hair...not a gray one in site.

Then, "IT" happened. I had children. Oh, you might be laughing and thinking "She's crazy"...but I would swear and promise to you that I remember seeing my first gray hair very, very shortly after the twins turned one...which is also about the time I was able to take a shower! (Not really!)

If you have watched any I LOVE LUCY shows you might remember the episode where she was babysitting twins and they tied her up! They convinced tricked her into playing cowboys and indians and were actually going to light her on fire! Somedays, especially with babysitters, I think I am going to come home to that scenario.

What can I say...I am outnumbered. From the get go their minds have acted as one. Don't get me wrong, they are very different individuals but.....when they want to get into mischief....they are on the same road.

I know you don't believe me. I can see it in your eyes as you are reading this. "What? Oh no, not those sweet dear little girls." You are saying to yourself, aren't you?

Let me give you an example. A couple of days ago the twins were happily playing with their makeup kit that Santa bought them for Christmas. Very cute little kits that have a pretend blush, eyeshadow and mini lotions. For a day or two they are happy "gettting ready" for the day each morning alongside Mommy. Putting on fresh perfume for daddy when he got home...being the ever perfect little ladies. They were being so cute about it.

Now, fast forward to Wednesday....I am in the living room watching my TiVo'd show "The Bachelor" (So much more on that later!) when Skylar comes and sits by me. Now, when only twin comes into a room, alone...something is up!

Our conversation went something like this:

Mommy: Skylar where is Rylan?
Skylar: "She is making me a present".
Mommy: "Did you leave her alone with glue or scissors?"
Skylar: "No, mama."

Ok, so now, I don't know if I just spaced out but I DID NOT IMMEDIATELY GO UPSTAIRS TO CHECK!

When I did make it upstairs I was expecting paper and stickers to be everywhere. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

Rylan came running up to me, grinning from ear to ear, so very proud of herself!
"Look, Mommy...I made this for sister"

They had found two empty white boxes left over from Christmas and gleefully covered them with body lotion and eyeshadow. Sprinkled body glitter on every part (including the carpet and dresser). There were swirls of pinks, purples and blue make up on each present. The present was expertly doused with "all" of their mini body sprays and gels. It was colorful mess to say the least.

Rylan was so proud. I couldn't hide my shock and unfortunately my disappointment. Poor Rylan, she was heartbroken.

I pulled myself together and did the "good" mommy thing. 1) I didn't yell and 2) I told her how pretty they looked and gently explained how that is NOT what we do with our makeup.

Sadly, I had to take the makeup kits away. But to my surprise they were very good regarding the punishment. They picked up every make up item and empty bottle (lots of them) and brought them to me so the could be "safe" until they were a bit older.

I guess I am going to have to call Santa and give him a little "what-for" talking. I mean, what was that jolly old man thinking? "My" twins with makekup kits!!!

I know that I must have gained about 15 new gray hairs on that day! Never mind my blood pressure.

Oh well...I hear them waking up now so I'd better get off the computer and, ouch....dang it....I feel a few more hairs turning gray as I type.....oh, motherhood! Ain't it grand?

lol....

You know there are mornings where you just "sit" there. Maybe at the table drinking coffee or in front of the computer or television. You know you have a long list of things to accomplish but truly have absolutely no goal or desire to do them. That is how I feel today. I'm exhausted. I want to take the twins to visit Santa but frankly, don't really care if we get there today.

It rained and snowed all day yesterday and it is cold. I know, perfect weather for Santa, but not perfect weather for this home grown IE Mommy.

Welcome to my world! I am the "IE Mommy" formerly the IE Mom blogger from Inland Empire Family Magazine but alas, things change and life revolves into other forms and here I am!

I fell in love with blogging last year and was offered an amazing opportunity to blog for IE Family Magazine. It wasn't a permanent job so I was not surprised when they chose to create a new group of moms for 2009.

What did surprise me was the joy I found in blogging. Yikes....did I really say that?
I guess I did because here I am.

I hope you enjoy my journeys, joys and trials as a mom of twins living in the Inland Empire!