The Twins are Ten!!

It just does not seem possible, but it is true--my babies are a decade old!! Being the mother of twins is one of my favorite blessings!! It is the blessing I never knew I wanted, and the one I thought I would never be able to handle! As I looked back on all the old pictures--the memories and the tears started flooding over me--the sleepless nights, the showerless days, the nursing, the diapers-- finally getting them dressed only to realize that, although Zach looked cute in pink, Darren would not appreciate having his son dressed like a girl! The day the twins started Kindergarten Darren had to come home from work to console his hysterical wife--my older children have teased me that I will forever call Mary and Zach the "babies"--I have graduated from the "babies" to the "twins"!! There is a poem about being the mother of twins that I recall often--the last stanza if my favorite--"The answer comes clear, at the end of the day, when I tuck them in bed, and to myself say--there are two to kiss and two to hug, but best of all there are two to love!" Happy Birthday Babies---thanks for the memories!

A Nagging Mom--Noisy! A Car In The Driveway you can't use--Annoying! A Finished Eagle Project--Priceless!!!

So the reason for no posts in so long is simple--a camera that has been at the repair shop for way toooooo long!! It is still at the shop, but luckily Alex had his camera for some shots of his Eagle Project! He painted some safety lines for the kindergarten area of the school where I work. He also painted some basketball courts on the playground. He had great support from his friends and our ward members. I think Alex is walking a little taller now that he has that burden lifted!! Now if I can just talk him in to having a court of honor---I think that will be harder than getting him to do his project!!! We are so proud of him and the service he has given!

My Thanksgiving List

NOV. 11 I am thankful for warm jammies and soft blankets.Nov.12 I am thakful for cute kids and a hot husband who ALWAYS kiss me good-bye!Nov. 13 I am thankful for a loving and forgiving Savior. Nov. 14 I am thankful for a home full of people, things, and memories that I adore!Nov.15 I am thankful for beautiful fall days and BYU football. Nov. 16 I am thankful for inspired priesthood blessings. Nov. 17 I am thankful for great neighbors and oreo shakes! Nov. 18 I am thankful for good books and a warm fire! Nov. 19 I am grateful for a husband who will hang Christmas lights because it makes me happy! Nov. 20 I am thankful for compliments!Nov. 21 I am thankful for fun days at work! Nov. 22 I am grateful that the church is true--even when BYU looses! Nov. 23 I am grateful for teenagers who know EVERYTHING--now I do not need to know ANYTHING!! Nov. 24 I am thankful for sisters and movies!! Nov.25 I am thankful for phone calls from family. Nov. 26 I am thankful for "wise" and "foolish" friends! Nov.27. I am thankful for yummy food, and stretchy jeans!! Nov. 28 I am grateful for internet shopping!

What Free Time???

So it has become painfully obvious to me that I have been neglecting one of my favorite past-times--blogging!! So you all do not think I am a total slacker and spend all my free time playing Mario Kart (that is only after all my jobs are done!!) I thought I would fill you in on where my free time had been going these days!!

About a month ago I was called into the new Young Women's presidency in our ward!! This was a total answer to prayer since I had been crying for two weeks over being released as camp director!! Needless to say I have been spending a lot of time figuring out just what it is I am suppposed to do, and then trying to find the time to actually do it! I know Heavenly Father will bless me as I serve the young women of my ward, and I am so excited to get to know them and share my love of the gospel with them. So be patient with me, as I learn to be a better time manager!! Oh, and by the way--for those of you who know Mario Kart at all-- I got first place on rainbow road today!!!

We have had a few changes in our girls appearances in the last few days.
Cass chopped off half of her hair and our Mary recieved new teeth hardware.
I think the transformation is incredible and I am blessed as a father to have two such beautiful daughters that look so much like there Mother.

Side By Side!

January 11th marked me and Darren's 17th anniversary! I surprised him by planning a special weekend get away, and he surprised me by taking Monday off so we could have the day together! As I reflected on the past 17 years--the moves, the births, the deaths, the smiles, the tears, the worries--all of it--I was reminded of some words of advice given to us on our wedding day! The words come from a song--and the song starts--"oh, we ain't got a barrel of money" (nope, I checked and there is definitly not a barrell of money hidden in the basement!) "maybe we're ragged and funny"(yep--I'm ragged, and Darren is funny!) "But we travel along, singin' a song--SIDE BY SIDE!! Don't know what's comin' tomarrow, maybe it's trouble and sorrow" (sometimes it's a broken car, sometimes it's a nurse telling us there are TWO babies, sometimes it's just an ordinary day!) But we'll travel the road, sharin' the load--SIDE BY SIDE!" What a great adventure we have been given--these past 17 years that have become our life together! As we sat side by side in the temple last night I realized I was in my absolute favorite place with my absolute favorite person. So whatever lies ahead we will meet it together--hand in hand--side by side!

My top 10 list for the 2008 Holiday Season--

10. Being off of work for 17 days, and having Darren home for 10 days in a row!
9. Laughing at my kids as they tried to be "secret" elves!
8. Snow, Snow, and more Snow!!!
7. Reaching our family goal to finish the Book of Mormon this year!
6. Our Colorado family filling our house with joy and laughs!
5. Fighting the crowds and the snow with Alex as we shopped on Chirstmas Eve!!
4. Mario Cart---I think I may need help--I am addicted!
3. The Vegas Bowl-despite the loss, we had a great time with great friends!
2. Alex reading " The Last Straw"--it's cute to see a 16 year old boy tear up at a good Christmas story!
1. My mom suprising us with a Christmas visit! Thanks for the memories mom!! We love you!

A Birthday Surprise--Sort of!!

My sweet husband made some secret plans to take me to " The Roof" restaurant for my birthday. The restaurant has spectacular views of temple square in Salt Lake. We had a great time, even though I spoiled the surprise! Darren hates that he can't ever keep anything from me! We felt like such adults--we had to dress up and make reservations and everything!! Our great friends Ryan and Kristie came with us. I ate so many shrimp I thought I might start turning pink!! Yum, Yum!! Thanks babe, for a great birthday celebration!

A Birthday Surrounded By Good Friends!

Our women's church group, put on a program about the ten virgins for our Christmas program. The performance happened to fall on my birthday, but it was such a treat to spend the evening with such great and talented women!! Happy Birthday to me--even if I was a "foolish" virgin!!

An Attitude of Gratitude!

Most of you who know me, know I work at our local elementary school. Most of you who know me, also know I do not mind working, but of course I would rather be home. Well the absolute best thing about my job (besides the children) is the people I work with. I have been able to meet so many wonderful people, and I am so honored to count them among my friends. Well one of these wonderful people issued a challenge on her blog--a thankfulness challenge! This is something we probably all think about when November rolls around and then are sorry we did not do anything about when December comes! She is posting one thing she is grateful for on her blog every day for the month of November. Of course you don't have to post it, you could write it in your journal, or on a post it, or in toothpaste on your mirror if you want!! I chose to post mine, because I want my children to see the things I am most grateful for. I am really going to try and individualize mine--hence the first thing on my list!! Have fun with this--and Happy Thanksgiving! Nov.26 I am thankful for "wise" and "foolish" friends!