{It's Complicated}

I'm not sure about you, but as my twins grow older, I find myself in more complicated situations. I swear God made children so us adults could grow into parents. I feel like becoming a parent is not as easy as bringing a child in the world and BAM you get the title. It's almost like we have to earn the title along the way. As you and I both know, it's NOT always easy.

{Making Big Decisions}

Making big decisions with kids around is a dangerous thing. It's also a very dangerous thing to do on three hours of sleep (that's a story for another day). Today my husband and I headed out to finally tackle choosing new carpet for our home. As any Mom does, I prepped the kids about what we were going to be doing and I gave them a 'job' to do when we got there.  Landen and Caroline were totally on board-so I thought. 

The first store we got to they were mostly awesome. Then they started running around. Aaron was trying to talk logistics and was asking me to look at this sample and that sample in between isle runs to catch L and C. How do those little legs move so fast?!  They dart, turn on a dime, and can hide in the smallest places making it impossible for me to get to them without tearing a display down! 

The phrase "you get that one I'll get the other"  has been used ALOT between Aaron and I lately. Unfortunately, when we catch Landen and Caroline, they get really silly or start screaming...which happened at the second store.

The second store we decided to make our final decision. Spending a chunk of change and hoping we communicated well with one another on what we were getting was nearly impossible...I guess next week when it's installed, we will see how good of a job we did making a big decisions while juggling two 'Bulls in the China shop.' I'll let ya know the out come. 

After all that fun this morning I crashed-like out cold, had to be woken up so I could go to my hair appointment. I scheduled it for today thinking I would need some me time after the busy holiday. Doesn't it figure all I really wanted to do was sleep after a rough night and morning. But, after a cup of coffee, some retail and salon therapy, I'm feeling a little better...I only wish my fun didn't have to be caffeine induced..but I'll take it! 

It's been a busy time of year. Carve some time out for you Mom! You deserve it! Cheers!

Keep Calm and Mommy On! 

Xoxoxo

Danielle 

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Confessions: Dirty Little Secrets}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Confessions: Dirty Little Secrets}: As a Mom do you ever feel like you are keeping 'dirty little secrets' from you friends, co-workers, and even family?  I often...

{Mommy Confessions: Dirty Little Secrets}

As a Mom do you ever feel like you are keeping 'dirty little secrets' from you friends, co-workers, and even family?  I often times wonder if people can see through into my world of chaos and I questions, do they judge me the things I just said about my kids or how I handled a situation with them (especially since I'm a teacher)? TODAY and Parent.com surveyed 25,000 moms and the number eight mommy confession found 88%of Moms let the judging fly when it comes to looking at other Moms and how they parent...So I guess the odds are slim  that no one is judging Me! 

{Christmas Panic Attack}

Merry Christmas! I hope this finds you all well and that you have enjoyed your Christmas Day with family/ friends.  I have to say I was breathing a little easier after Landen and Caroline opened their presents this morning. I about had a panic attack the night before Christmas Eve.

Aaron and I wanted to make sure we had everything ready the night before Christmas Eve because we knew we were going to be too busy to wrap last minute gifts and such on Christmas Eve.  As Aaron was putting Landen and Caroline down, I began carrying their gifts down stairs to be wrapped. As I began laying the items into two separate groups, I noticed there were no 'toys' or action figures of any sort.

You're probably thinking, "so what in the heck did we get them?" Right?  Okay, so back in November when I didn't have any of this pressure I decided  Landen and Caroline would probably love all new bedding (don't cringe or judge!). So I picked out all Thomas bedding for him and an awesome throw and thomas rug for his trains. For Caroline I went with Frozen. Olaf and all with a frozen rug for her. NEVER did I think at two both Landen and Caroline were really going to understand they were going to be receiving gifts from Santa or be excited to see what was under the tree for them this year (new parent moment-still happening).

Back to the night before Christmas Eve, I started to play in my mind what Landen and Caroline's faces were going to look like when they opened their new bedding. Would they look at it and toss it to the side just so they could move on to another gift in hopes it would be something better? I asked Aaron if we had screwed up, really me but I like to share in the blame with someone, and he tiredly said, " no, it's fine."  "Fine" was not good enough for me at the moment. I didn't want this first Christmas to be a disappointment to them. Sure they were getting super cool toys from all of their other family members on Christmas Eve, but these gifts were from Santa and us and they were opening them on THE big day!!

We wrapped the gifts in silence as I was trying to decide where I could go to find a toy for them. As I wrapped and made laps to the trash can with scraps, I started telling myself not to forget the meaning of Christmas and that there are children who have less or would love a new bed set....and they were getting toys from everyone else and our house would soon be chalk full of little pieces for me to chase around and keep organized-that type-a personality.

So how did it pan out today? It went great. I should have never second guessed myself.  Landen and Caroline were so excited to wash their new bedding, make their beds and take a nap today (long nap time-added bonus!) They proudly marched Mimi up stairs tonight to show off the new look to each of their toddler beds and inside it made me thankful for kids who were genuinely thankful for bedding. 

I totally understand how parents get caught up in wanting to get all the fun toys for their kids at Christmas. We don't do it because we've lost sight of Christmas. We get excited and caught up in hearing our children gasp and squeal and light up over a surprise they have been anticipating.  For me, I got caught up in my kids this year believing in Santa because honestly they are too young to understand  the abstract idea of such a miraculous birth and person ( developmentally,that is appropriate). 

I know there has to be someone that just did an eye roll.....to clarify, Aaron and I have read stories about Jesus and his birth. We've talked about it being Jesus' birthday and how he is the true reason for the season. But surrounding them has been this idea of Santa that has been more concrete and for me, hearing Landen and Caroline squeal and gasp for the first time at Christmas is a sound that I'll forever hold dear to my heart. How many moms can relate to that sound ? 

With every year Landen and Caroline will begin to really understand what the Christmas season is all about, as children should do. But for now, I'm going to continue to savor these Christmases of pure innocence, excitement, and joy. I'm going to let Landen and Caroline be kids and I'll remind myself to not go over board...because unlike them at this point, I know the real reason for the season. 

With this being our first year home together as a family on Christmas, we took it easy, enjoyed the day and began the new tradition of having Chinese take-out. It was good! And fun too! 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!! 

Keep Calm and Mommy On! 

Xoxoxoxo

Danielle 

{Yoga Pants}

This is whirling around the Internet and I HAD to share!  

http://www.scarymommy.com/every-mom-wears-yoga-pants/

{One of Each}

If you are a parent of boy/girl twins you will probably be able to relate well to this.  Ever since Aaron and I found out we were having "one of each" so many people said, " wow, you're done now! " or "that's efficient." Having a boy and a girl is fun. It's amazing to watch as they developed similarly when they little but now we are beginning to see them become their own person. 

I was never big on dressing my kids a like or really for that matter doing anything "the same" because they're twins.  It's too much effort and really, I just wanted them to be themselves. I didn't want to turn them into my "dolls" by playing dress up. If that's your thing-more power to you! I don't know how you find the time or have the energy to put in to it! And anyways Caroline won't let me dress her now. She has become quiet the two-year-old fashionista. 

She likes picking out all pieces of her clothing including socks and shoes. This new interest also has her choosing bows for her hair-yay!!!!!! I'm so excited to have her hair out of her face! FINALLY!  This past Saturday we began our Christmas celebrations and Caroline chose an outfit that was clearly meant for valentines but she loved it and was excited to wear it...how can you say no to that? 

Today at the zoo, a lady was passing by with a stroller and a few children walking by her side.  Caroline's latest decision was she didn't want to wear a coat but she wanted to wear a pink polka dotted dress with leggings, purple gloves, and a winter hat. The lady said she was happy to see she wasn't the only one that let her child wear whatever she wanted. I hollered to her," it's just not worth the fight." On a side note, this trip included NO public temper tantrums..it was really an amazing trip!

I love when my students, and now my own children, become responsible and take care of themselves. Sure Caroline may not match right now, but in this process she will learn about what goes together and what doesn't. For now she's just going to march around proudly in whatever she picks out.  

So while some think having twins is really all about being the same, in our household we really just follow their lead and let them be who they are. We aren't really the type of parents who are trying to force them to like one thing or another. It's really up to them. It's so much more interesting to see what choices they make for themselves. It certainly keeps things more fun for Aaron and I. 

Keep Calm and Mommy On!

Xoxoxo 

Danielle 

{Friends & Kids: Two of Life's Greatest Gifts}

Do you remember or are you currently in the situation where some of your friends are married, some single, and some married with kids? It's weird when your friends are starting families and you are still free to do whatever you want when you want (if you are currently in this category-Enjoy it!) 

Then you have kids and everything kind of changes. You enter in to a different 'group' where dates are no longer at the latest trendy spot instead you have play dates to Chick-Fila, the park, or the zoo.

Aaron and I feel like we've made it over that hump where things are awkward. We've been parent long enough that we feel comfortable in that role and we've long forgotten what life was like before kids ( lots of laughs-but its true!) We have friends that are settled down, beginning families, or are just wonderful kid people who know how to be silly, fun, and loving. I feel like I have finally found true friends that will be around forever. 

Tonight, Aaron cooked a wonderful dinner for my kindergarten teacher friends and one brought her husband (he's a total gem too!) As parents-to-be, we enjoyed talking to them about the soon arrival of their baby and what it will be like. It was so fun reminiscing while being so excited for this new adventure for the couple. I can't wait to see them become parents! It's going to be an amazing journey that I hope to be a small part of! 

So where am I going with all of this? Always hang on to your friends through these somewhat awkward life transitions. So you may not be on the same page at this point in time, you may be again in the near future. Also, take the time as busy parents to have adult time even when the kids are around. Our kids are a huge part of who we are and we should share them with everyone..and share our friends with our kids! 

I'm so thankful this Christmas season for the abundance of joy that is surrounding our family.  To my amazing friends, thank you for being apart of my life and my family's life. You bring a warmth to our life that we would be lonely without! 

{Cheerios & Noses}

Cheerios and Noses. We experienced this 'common' thing kids do tonight.

 Aaron and I came home with the kids  after driving through a beautiful park with Christmas lights. The kids were hungry, made their requests, and we gathered in the living room to relax and watch a little TV.  While Aaron is in the kitchen and I'm on the couch, Caroline turns around in front of me and is complaining about her nose hurting.

Landen got her a tissue (sweet kid!) and I started looking up her nose and sure enough I could see it...a cheerio! After slightly panicking and calling on Dr.Dad, she managed to blow her nose (after screaming for what felt like forever) really well and she said, " I got it!" I never saw it come out but she acting totally fine now with no complaints...Yes, we put a call into the Dr. They gave us some tips to try. 

I'm telling you, there is NEVER a dull moment around here!! You better believe I'll be keeping a keen eye on those two now when they have small snacks!

Here is to a wild kick off to winter break! 

Xoxox

Danielle 

{peace,love, joy..seven days until Christmas?! Ahh!!}

Today I was home with Landen and Caroline. My mom is sick with the flu-poor thing! Landen and Caroljne are doing better.  So for the second,maybe third, week in a row Aaron and I are dividing and conquering.  So today was my turn to be with my two favorite little people- I got to sleep in today!!!

I managed to tackle some Christmas gift wrapping. I made the mistake of getting out all the supplies while the kids were around (where was the WARNING on that friends?!)  The ribbon is now in a tangled mess and I spent most of the time playing interference- they loved the scissors and tape. I still have the kid's gifts to wrap but that should be doable in the next seven days-OMG where has December  went???

On these cold winter days, how do you stay at home moms do it? It's already dark..if I hadn't spent my 'shower' time wrapping I could have gone out I suppose...I do have to say my BFF (is that lame to say now? 😄) in Georgia sent me a package and in it was something amazing! Plastic monogrammed wine glasses with an indentation for your finger! Talk about perfect! I couldn't help but try one out...its 5 o'clock here!!  Thank you Lindsey! 

I hope you all are enjoying Hanukkah and for my friends preparing for Christmas, I hope you are finding time to get it all done with joy in your heart! Much love to you all!

Xoxoxo

Danielle 

{Too Young?!}

I don't know about you, but I am still trying to finish my Christmas shopping. I typically have it finished by the first week of December, but this season I have just been doing it as I can. Today before work I decided to stop in to the grocery store to grab some wine and some cards I needed. I get to the U-scan and begin checking out, saving the wine for last. I get into my purse after having rung up the first bottle and I can't find my drivers license. 

I started digging in my wallet. I looked in my checkbook( yeah I still use this outdated form of payment) and felt every card to see if they were stuck together. No luck. I swear I kept thinking it was going to pop out.  No license. The lady at the check-out was nice and explained she couldn't sell them to me if I didn't find my license. Like I didn't know that! 

Honestly, I was hoping standing there searching through my purse, calling Aaron,  talking about my kids, and checking every crevice of my wallet the 'lovely' attendant would help me out.  No. She approached me for the second time and she said, "I would love to sell it to you, but you're just too young looking." Seriously?! I never hear this any other time.  I'm twenty-nine years-old.  I wanted to say, "can I show you my stretch marks to prove I'm plenty old to buy this wine!"  Okay, so maybe that's a little much but thats how I was feeling....She then goes on to say, " Did you go out this weekend, maybe a bar and you put your ID in your jeans?" I couldn't help but laugh. I told her that never happens and that I have twins followed by, " the only place I went this weeknd was the zoo." 

I must have been looking 'refreshed' today after finally getting a full nights sleep-it's been a good week or so since that has happened.  Yes, the comment was nice, but I much rather have had the wine. Now to make another trip out to finish some of my shopping. 

As Moms, do you ever find yourself just completely exhausted and just feeling older than your age? I think we sometimes get caught up in our 'grown up' lives that we forget that we are still young. While I didn't get two things marked off my to-do-list, I have to say I was given the pleasant reminder that I'm not as old as I feel sometimes.

Keep Calm and Mommy On!

Xoxoxo

Danielle 

{Screaming All the Way}

Yup, it happened-total twin public meltdown. Last night we finished riding the train and meeting Santa. Landen and Caroline had been in awesome moods and were really good sports waiting in line for a good half hour to meet yours truly. We headed to dinner across the way and that is where everything began to go South.

I waited with the kids at the table while Aaron waited in a really long line for food. By the time he got to the table, I went to the bathroom and stood in the infamous long line for women. By the time I got back, I believe h-ll broke loose and dinner was over for our family and I had not had one bite. Aaron tossed his food, the kids started fussing and we rudely got up from the table with our family still eating and began packing up to go outside.


Once we all met together outside and I stood and ate my food, we started down to Africa to go see the lights. I had told Landen and Caroline they were going to ride in the stroller to see the lights because it was so packed- I didn't want to loose them!  They protested and while traffic is quickly clearing in front of us because of the screaming, someone stopped us.  A past parent for me and a guest blogger to you, Chrissie stopped to give us a hard time. I'm glad she did because it made me stop and laugh whether I wanted to or not. There is now public proof that as a teacher, I have moments as a Mom that my children are unhappy and screaming in public too.

In screaming moments like these, as a mom and teacher, I was ignoring Landen and Caroline's behavior. I knew they were just being two-year-old. But I also try and ignore everyone around me.  I'm sure we were getting some good looks as Landen and Caroline's screams were much louder than the carolers'. They were a sight too. Wiggling and fussing with big coats on trying to escape what they felt like was injustice.

 How did it end? We pulled off, decided it had been a busy afternoon and that we needed to head towards the exit. We let Caroline and Landen scream some more until Caroline acted like she was going to pass out. We let them out set some ground rules of holding a hand of an adult and off we went. Caroline paused to listen to the beautiful Carolers sing their song until the started a song that "hurt my ears." Landen kept saying "bye-bye" as we walked through 'lolipop lane' and we admired some more displays on the way out. Leave it to Paw Paw and Mimi to quickly erase the screaming episode that had just occurred by creating ten minutes of happiness by the big Christmas tree. They bought Landen and Caroline glow sticks with those fibers that change colors. They laughed and chased and the world was right again.

Last night was fun-I can honestly say that.  Temper tantrums happen-yes to Mrs. Foulk too.

Keep Calm and Mommy On!


xoxoxo.

Danielle

{Delirium}

I think I've entered a state of delirium. I've been blaming my sleepiness on Mother Nature when after having a half  nights sleep (yay!!!) I realize Aaron and I haven't really had good sleep for the past three weeks.

We decided last night to take shifts which  worked out great other than Aaron was sleeping on the couch while Landen fell back to sleep to some PawPatrol. I  have a feeling, now that I'm awake, these kiddos are going to sleep until seven or eight.  I think it's time for coffee...or not. Landen just curled up between my legs. 

With being a first time mom, I am kinda assuming my kids are getting back to back colds or virus. Would you experienced moms agree? Caroline went to the dr on Monday and they said her lungs sounded great and gave her the amoxicillin because of her two week nose issues...so what is this that's going around with a fever attached to it?  Those of you Moms who have twins, how do I stop the vicious cycle of sharing..I can clean and clean all I want but the coughing and sneezing is somewhat uncontrollable even though they are pretty good at using their elbow.

Whatever it going around can stop...and make a quick exit from our house! I am really hoping all you Mommas and your children are fending off the sickness going around! As the Walgreens employees say, "Be Well!"

Keep Calm and Mommy On (maybe with a can of Lysol in your hand!)

Xoxoxo

Danielle

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {A Working Mom's Juggle}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {A Working Mom's Juggle}: For the past few weeks it feels like our household has had many of eventful days and moments. The week before Thanksgiving, Landen and ...

{A Working Mom's Juggle}

For the past few weeks it feels like our household has had many of eventful days and moments. The week before Thanksgiving, Landen and Caroline came down sick and followed by pink eye.Then we had the fun of the holidays and tree hunting and my trip last weekend.   This week is now competing with the rest (insert sarcasm). 

Caroline came down sick Monday, our tree toppled over Tuesday, Wednesday we put the tree back together (hopefully for the final time!) and today when getting ready to dress the kids for school, I noticed Landen was on fire-not literally of course!  I looked at my husband, for the third time this week, and asked, "What do you want to do (as in who is staying home?)."

{Daddy On}

Last night we were getting ready to load up in the van to go for another trip to see Christmas lights (this age is amazing and so fun at Christmas!!) and Caroline was standing in the kitchen with her coat, hat and gloves on. I was digging for keys and Caroline shouted, "Mommy On Daddy!" 

Dad means a lot around our house. While I was gone to Chicago this past weekend, my husband, Aaron, ran our ever busy household. He even sent a picture the first day that said, "pick up kids-check!" 

 

While I was away he picked up from school, threw a little pizza party, gave baths, did laundry, took the kids to ride a train, and out to dinner with their Paw Paw Rob.  And NO I didn't not tell him to do any of that! There was no list left for him! To top it off, his sleep was interrupted by one of the twins every night...I think they just wanted to keep my spot warm! 

Dads are amazing. I don't know about you, but I have to admit that I have been known to grunt and groan here and there about how 'I'm the one always prepping and planning' but it really comes down to me being 'wired' differently than him and possibly that type A personality has something to do with it. But thats not his fault. 

I often think Dads catch more flack than they deserve and not enough recognition for the things they do. Are all dads created equal? Unfortunately not. But in honor of those awesome dads out there: 

Xoxoxo

Danielle 

  

{Mommy Confessions: Being Away}

Last Thursday I did something I never do at work. I seeked my children out so I could give them one last hug and kiss before I left for my conference in Chicago. I squeezed them tight and kissed them. I rubbed the top of Landen's head and brushed Caroline's off her sweet face. I knew I was leaving but they really didn't have a clue. After about four running hugs from Caroline, I blew them a kiss and walked out the door-and I didn't cry!

I spoke to my husband today who now is sure he does not want to be a stay at home dad. From what I hear, he is exhausted but the kids are having fun. They had pizza and movie night on Friday, dinner and a train ride tonight with their paw paw Rob and lots of 'days of the week' review. They are now familiar with Friday, Saturday and Sunday since they've been keeping track of when I come home. We've face timed a few times and Landen and Caroline had fun with it. Caroline showed me her dog, her dog's tail and of course the paw. Landen ran around the house screaming- about right.

While all that fun was being had at home, I have certainly enjoyed the hospitality of those in Chicago (especially my co-worker, Lisa, family!) I love it here. City life is fun and just makes sense to me. Chicago is nothing like the cities I've grown up around. It's an amazing melting pot of eclectic people, stores, and small shops. The community is rich in arts and design. It's stunning even on a cold dreary day. I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring. 

I had the opportunity to ride the train to and from the city the day of our conference. Lisa and I had coffee on Michigan Aveune, ventured in to the most amazing candy shop, took our picture by the Trump building (and all of those other necessary selfie sight-seeing spots), visited the bean and watched police patrol a group of protestors. Today I got to take a nice run to Lincoln Park.  

The change of scenery was lovely and the run it self was totally necessary as I have enjoyed some Chicago deep dish pizza, Thai food as well as Italian.  There is a lot of necessary running in my future-but it was So good! Ooooo-and I polished my nails! 

So did I have a great time? No.I had an amazing time! I can now mark Chicago off my bucket list and I have great memories to go with it. I feel refreshed and I have to say I am looking forward to kissing my sweet babies face...and certainly my husband to!  So leaving for a long weekend wasn't so bad, ask my amazing husband tomorrow...he may say it was great but I assure you he is tired from not having a break (thank you honey!). 

Keep Calm and Mommy On! 

Good Night Chicago!

Xoxoxo 

Danielle 

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Guilt}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Guilt}: Why is it I can't ever do anything for me without feeling guilty?  I have been so excited for my weekend trip to Chicago for a conferenc...

{Mommy Guilt}

Why is it I can't ever do anything for me without feeling guilty?  I have been so excited for my weekend trip to Chicago for a conference, but as it drawls near, I am starting to feel bad. I have never left the kids for a long weekend-with Aaron yes, but not without the three of them. I keep reminding myself that professionally I need this trip but most importantly I'm going to be having fun with my friend. I think I am one of the only people in my social circle that has never been to Chicago.  I am going to be that geeky person who wants to do all the touristy things. I am hoping to even go for a run! Gotta love a change of scenery!  I can't wait! 

I guess as Moms, we are going to be just that-a Mom.  I suppose it's our instinct to wonder, worry and miss our little people.  Moments like this makes me realize how very much I love Landen and Caroline.  I'm thankful for technology, because I see some face time in our near future while I'm gone. I will certainly need it more than the kids.

I have to say I'm so thankful I can leave and know Aaron is holding down the fort and I really don't have to worry about any logistics there. I've said it before, but I can't help but mention what a great dad, husband, and overall man he is. 

What has your latest challenge been as a Mom? Have you conquered it? Still working on it?  I hope you are having a wonderful week. Tomorrow is hump day! Hooray! Enjoy! 

 It's time to keep packing....


Keepin' Calm and Mommin' On!


xoxoxo
Danielle

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Temper Tantrums}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Temper Tantrums}: Cyber Monday. As a Mom, days like today have become life changing! There is  nothing like being able to shop online paired with awesome stea...

{Temper Tantrums}

Cyber Monday. As a Mom, days like today have become life changing! There is  nothing like being able to shop online paired with awesome steals and coupons.  I really can't imagine enjoying Christmas shopping with the kids. Standing in line, dragging kicking and screaming hungry children into one last place does not spell Christmas cheer-at least in my mind. To my parents who took us shopping when we were young-you're a saint.

Tantrums. Around here, they come and they go.