New Blog Award and Pay it Forward Winners

Melissa has so generously awarded me another icon. Check it out. I'm totally accepting it too. Even if my twins are not still in cribs.....if you have a child or children in cribs, please consider this an invitation to swipe the award and put it on your blog too! Have you noticed my awesome trophy case in my sidebar? Totally expandable to be able to accommodate all my blogging awards! So keep them coming. Wondering who the designer is? Jeremiah at Eastern Blog Country. Thanks so much!

And the lucky Pay it Forward winners are:

Jeremiah, Shannon and Arizona . In the next 300 and something days I'm going to send you something homemade in the mail. I'm not quite sure what yet, but I have an idea. When it's complete, I'll email you for your address.

The Answers to your questions:

Melissa in New Zealand asked, "So I need to know what's happening to your house. What's going on? Details please. Plus what is your husband doing?" Brooke asked this question too.

Oh Melissa and Brooke. You have eagle eyes. In the picture you are referencing, Jeff is jokingly flipping me the bird. It's endearing, isn't? We are finishing up the major renovations on our home to get it just how we want it. YOu know, so that we can turn around and sell it. We have this large arched window overlooking our backyard that is a focal point in the house. We wanted to really make it pop so Jeff designed the carpentry work around the window (he's not done yet) using the same crown that is on all of our doorways and windows. The kitchen remains a work in progress as does the front yard in which we are replacing planters and retaining walls with rock.

Laura, Debra and Jenny asked me about vinyl. I purchased the vinyl pieces I used, but then had to buy the wood, cut it to size, paint it and then put the vinyl lettering on. Applying the lettering is really easy, but does take some patience if you want it all there and even. There are tons of companies out there that sale vinyl images.

Robin asked, "Best vacation you ever took? Worst vacation you ever took? What accomplishment (other than your family) are you proudest of?" Some of my best vacations were at Lake Powell during the summer as a child. I really love all of my family vacations now, but it's not quite the same paying for them and making sure that everyone else stays safe and happy. We had the opportunity to go to St. Maartin a few years ago, and that would have been a wonderful, wonderful vacation, except I was pregnant with the twins and the sun made me so sick that I couldn't enjoy the time away like I'd anticipated. My family is definitely my greatest accomplishment, and besides that I'm at a loss. I have many little things that I'm proud of that included persistence, a little intelligence and dependability, but I won't bore you with them as they are hardly noteworthy.

Arizona said, "Hmmm.....if you were a car, what car would you be???"
A BMW. Can't tell you why exactly.

Jeremiah asked, "What color is licorice?" Coming from him, I have to think this is a trick question. However, my answer is: the only licorice worth eating is red. Or brown. Not black.

Melissa wanted to know: "If you were a dog would you be a big one or a small one? Would you rather be a cat or a dog? If you could change one thing about your life what would it be? What makes you happy?"
I'd definitely be a dog, and a small one at that. If I could change one thing about my life, they would be character flaws in myself. I'd be more patient, more understanding, a better wife and mother. Many things make me happy. A content husband. Laughing children. Having my temporal and spiritual needs met. A good book. A yummy dinner. Visiting good blogs. Wasting time in ways that I like. Oh, and a clean house.

Jocasta asked, "if you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?" Jeff and I really want to go back to Europe when the kidlets are old enough to leave for an extended period, but I'd also really love to go someplace without strong European influences. For a more feasible vacation, anywhere warm that's all inclusive. Without kids for once.

Debra asked, "what was your goal?" Well, I was going to keep this one a secret, but then, I decided. Who cares really, so the answer is: "I finally lost all of the baby weight I've been lugging around for 2 years".

Melissa, Robin, Casey, Andrea J, Julie, and Kristin asked what the deal is with a kitchen with no doors or drawers. The answer is, getting new ones. Pictures to come shortly.

Rebecca and Jojo asked how I get so many comments. Compared to some, I get very few, but the real answer is that I comment on other peoples blogs and they reciprocate. Plus, I have some family bloggers that I can depend on for comments and lots of moms of multiples that always comment.

Wordless Wednesday

Dabbling in Vinyl and more......

My first crafty endeavor of the year.......8 vinyl sayings on plaques that I can display year round. Here's my favorite:
While I was being crafty, I started thinking......."what if there was a treasure buried in my front yard? *If* there was one, then it would be worth it to tear up my yard to find it, right?" I haven't found anything yet, but if I do, I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, the new retaining walls that are being built will be nice....

At the same time I've been busy painting boards for vinyl and dreaming of a treasure in my front yard, Jeff has been doing some carpentry work on a pretty large scale. I'm seriously, seriously amazed by his talent. I have a whole post planned to show you what he can do, but until everything is painted I've promised to not show any pictures. But, I can't wait to be able to showcase his work, and do a little bragging about his skill.....

(see what some of the pictures that were not properly recovered look like?)

Grace's Baptism.....

was this past weekend and it was beautiful. She was so excited, so thrilled with the decision she had made to be baptized, and her father and I were so pleased with her. Here's a little sneak peak at the day. The ONLY reason I have these pictures is because Jeff restored them for me after I deleted the pictures on my memory card and then somehow deleted them on my computer as well. What can I say? I was on a roll, and when I realized what I had done, it literally, literally ruined my day. I almost cried, too. And that's big.

The thing about being a mommy.........

is, there are a lot of variables that make being a mommy pretty unpredictable. One can control many variables with schedules, but even those have flaws. There is no guarantee that the whipper snapper(s) involved is going to adhere to the "rules" imposed. I like a schedule. I love nap time and the time it gives me to take a deep breath. I love that every day has a moment that allows for reflection on the unexpected that invariably already happened that day.

The first time I got pregnant I didn't mind throwing up everyday. I didn't mind gaining 50 lbs. and looking like a beached whale. I didn't mind any of the weird things that the body goes through to grow a baby, but I did mind one thing. And it took me years to admit it. I saw plenty of births in childbirth class, yet I don't remember or forgot that many times they don't clean the baby before giving him/her to the mommy. After I birthed my first baby, they promptly put her on my stomach and I literally didn't know what to do. I was crying because I had just experienced the greatest joy of my life, yet I was perplexed. Was I supposed to pick up the slightly stinky, bloody baby, or just touch her? Worse yet, I didn't know if there was something wrong with me for really just wanting to hold her once she was swaddled and cleaned? That was my first experience with the conflicting emotions that motherhood brings.

While I was pregnant, I fully committed to breastfeeding. I knew that it would be easy, economical and the best thing for my baby. A few days after the birth, my milk came in. I was a little shocked. By everything, even though I thought I knew all about it. I DID not know that it (human breast milk) didn't come out in a single stream. How was it that no one had ever told me this? I had commited to breastfeeding, yet for me it was one of the hardest things I had ever done. It was stressful for me, and I didn't feel like it provided an opportunity for extra bonding. I wasn't expecting this.

The latest revelation that has shocked me is that even though I love to read, I don't love reading with my children who are learning to read. This is supposed to be a magical time, but I find myself going crazy waiting for each word to be deciphered. I think it must make me a bad mom in a way, but perhaps it just shows how much I love my children in order to do these things that I don't love.

In fact, that must be it. The thing about being a mommy is love. In all it's unexpected forms.

Wow, I think this just turned into a suitable submission for Scribbit's February Write away contest.

Pay it Forward and more...

I have so much swirling around in my head......I've been feeling like my muse is gone (and just for the record, my muse hasn't been assigned any physical traits) but after catching up on all of your blogs, I just hope I can spit out what's whirling around up here in my vacuum of a brain.

Thanks go to Heather for keeping the Pay it Forward game going on her blog. I get to participate, and I'm really excited about it. Here's how it works (description courtesy of Heather):
Paying it forward. Sometime in the next 365 days, Heather will be sending me something handmade. So to hold up my end of the bargain, I must do the same, for the first three people who comment on this post, telling me if they want to participate. The rules? You will get something handmade from me, maybe not anytime soon, but sometime with in the next 365 days. If you decide to participate, you must do the same on your blog, and make something for the first three people who comment to your Pay It Forward post. So cool, right? Can't wait to get started!

Recognition also goes to my new resident photographer (if you didn't know this already Heather, now you do!) who takes amazing pictures of her kids, but also took one of me too. My profile picture? All Heather. THANK YOU!

I'm a big copycat, and a few of my blogger friends like Michelle at Scribbit, Melissa at Hope for the Hopeless, Robin at Around the Island have opened themselves up for questions from their blog readers. I have thoroughly enjoyed these posts, so I thought I'd do the same. If you guys have any questions for me, I'll definitely post the question with it's answer.......after all, I need new material, here. However, I refuse to make myself look like a fool (on purpose, that is) so if my answer would do that.....I'll avoid it. Deal?

I think my muse just took a nap (I found out last night she can't spell, so forgive me), so I'll work on my next post when she decides to energetically reappear. All about 3 things I REALLY had no idea about before I became a mother.

Where I've been revealed......

Are you ready for the great unveiling? Be prepared for a let down. No drama here. Just Valentine's Day parties for my girls: And um, NO cabinet doors or drawers in my kitchen. It's been, interesting.

And lastly, I've been working on my ONE New Year's Resolution that some of you may remember I chose not to resolve. Out loud. Let me just say, it worked. I met my goal. Probably the first resolution ever to accomplish. So, I've been busy patting myself on the back, and as you know, that takes time.

Happy Monday.

Child's Laptop Giveaway

I stumbled upon this great giveaway today, and had to share it with you. Sarabeth at I Once Was HP is offering a child's laptop computer to the winning essay entry. The rules are simple. You must write an essay in 500 words or less describing who wants the computer and why. Sarabeth and her husband will pick the top 5 essays and then allow the blog readers to vote on who wins. I think this is amazing, and can't wait to read the top 5 essays.

Mystery

We've got a mystery to solve here. Someone has been sneaking into the "hiding" spots and stealing chocolate. If we don't get to the bottom of this soon, a child whose chocolate has been stolen is going to have a major breakdown. And trust me, you don't want to know what that looks like.

I'm MIA...

but I'll be back soon. Lots going on around here. Will fill you all in soon. And catch up on your blogs.

Surprise in the Mail

I received the nicest surprise today. A box delivered to my door for Valentine's Day. From my in-laws. Full of beautiful roses shipped across the country just for me. I am so thankful for my husbands wonderful parents and hope they know just how much this act of kindess means to me.

Dress up times Deux

What is more delightful for a sister than having one brother to dress up like a girl?

TWO.

Care to guess who is who?
And now I have a blackmail photo.

Make that three.

I mean four.

Another Award

and I'm loving it. Thank you so much to Carrie at Keiser Family for tossing this award my way. I SO appreciate it.

As you can see, the award is the "YOU MAKE MY DAY AWARD". I'm feeling very generous today, and passing it along to EVERYONE whose blog I visit. You all know who you are because I ALWAYS comment. The reason you all deserve the award? I wouldn't visit your blogs if you didn't make my day. Congratulations everyone.

Who do you look like?

PamperingBeki is hosting a jewelry giveaway on her blog. So, hop on over and share who you look like for a chance to win.



And just for fun, I did it with another picture.....

Hum.........the person I'm told I look like most isn't even here. Any guesses?

Wordless Wednesday times 2

This Picassa is so much fun. This is the twins birth and NICU stay.

Wordless Wednesday-Me Realization

Sometimes I just need a few pictures to remind me that the everyday me could use an eyebrow wax, more moisturizer and a haircut.

My Boys...

Have been going through a phase (while Jeff is at work, of course) where they all need to sit on my lap first, or get the first plate, cup or spoon. It's been really sort of frustrating, but the conversations as a result have been really funny.

Picture 3 puppies. Jumping up and down, whinning, yipping, trying to get the first bite of food. Those puppies should have my boys faces on them. This morning John asked for juice first, so I have him his cup. Garrett started whinning about why he didn't get it first, so I explained that John asked first, so he got it first. Then I gave Garrett his cup and then lastly, Jacob his cup. He smiled and said, "thanks". I commented that Jacob was my sweet boy to wait patiently. Garrett threw himself on the floor crying and said, "you never call me anything". I should have reminded him that he is my beloved liar.

And then, once again the boys all wanted a drink of my breakfast shake. Garrett got the first drink (since he asked), and then I gave John his drink. He dripped it everywhere, so I said, "Tiki, don't drip it all over the floor". (Knowing it was John, just calling him the wrong name). Then I heard, Jacob say, "John". He didn't want to be blamed. LOVE it.

E is for Excellent

I told you I'd be back to hand out this award to my friends and give my acceptance speech, so here I am. Even though the speech is coming along in my mind, it still needs some fine tuning so I'll hold off for now. Can you hear my snicker?

Here are some blogs that I think are Excellent in their own way and haven't received this award yet:

Shannon at Following Our Bliss: This blog has a little bit of everything.....it's about being a mommy, about personal development, she likes to anwer writing prompts like I do, and she has expert panelists on her blog.

Jo over at Shoveling in a Jo Storm is a writer. Her blog is "prose, poetry, personal essays and various thoughts" that she don't mind sharing.

Rebecca at Meanwhile in Hershey has a little bit of everything intelligent. She presents her material in a really elegant way, too.

Laure at Philigry has a blog that decorating, crafty people will die for.

Heather at In the Quiet Heart takes some of the best photographs. Ever. And I LOVE her prose.

And lastly, don't forget to stop by The View From Our House. E for Excellent!

So there you have it........6 Excellent blogs. Next list of Favorites? Mommy Blogs. Idea lifted from Melissa at Hope for the Hopeless' blog. And I have a lot of them. First I need to make up an award icon though.

Bodacious Blog Award

Debra at Just Another Day in Paradise and fellow mommy of 5, including a set of twins, awarded me the Bodacious Blog award. This award is totally radical, and you all know how excited I get by receiving awards.

For all of you that were not apart of the 80's revolution of blue eye liner, pegged jeans, teased bangs, and terms like rad and bodacious, here's what it means:
1.Bodacious: Prodominately used during the 80's and early 90's, bodacious is a combination of the words bold and audacious. To be bodacious is to be:impressive, awesome, brave in action, remarkable, prodigious.

And now the fun part. In the joy of giving, I'd like to bestow this award to a few of my fellow bloggers:

Casey at Quilao Triplets: not only did she have the hair to prove her bold 80's integration, she is brave in action. She has triplets. That says it all.

Jeremiah and Tamara at Eastern Blog Country. They are both my contemporaries so I know they are all about rad. Their family can be classified as prodigious, and if you want a dash of bodacious, go check out Jeremiah on his live lab cam.

Jenny at Better Leite Than Never is totally bodacious. Every week I get hits looking for her, and if you want to find her look for the TLC Bringing Home Baby episode about monoamniotic twins.

And the Winner is.............

Heather from In the Quiet Heart. Congratulations! Thanks for everyone that participated. I've got my thinking cap on for the next give-away, so keep checking back for more useful freebies.

Jumping on The Bloggy Give-away Bandwagon

Two of my blogger friends, Shannon and Robin are participating in The Bloggy Give Away Carnival, so I thought I'd better jump on the bandwagon quickly, too! Here's what I'm giving away:

The mom Agenda

This is a must-have for the mom on the go. Contains handy lists like "favorite web sites", on-line resources, toll free numbers, holidays, 2007-2008 calendar, and pages organized for throwing parties, remembering birthdays, passwords, websites, and phone numbers and addresses. And more! It's so cute. If you don't win this one, you can purchase your own at http://www.momagenda.com/

All you have to do is leave a comment here and check back on Saturday, February 2nd to find out who the lucky winner is. An email address might be nice too so that I can contact the winner.

Another Tag

And here's the twist........for me that is......I was tagged by my own lurker, Not Trying For a Boy, and I was so happy that she took the time to tag me, and comment on my blog. You definitely need to go check her out. She has a great recipe website up today that you'll all love.

*Start Copying Here*
I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It's real easy!Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!The benefits of Viral Linking:
1.One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
2.Increase your Google PageRank fast
3.Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
4.Build your community
5.Make new friends!
Linky Love TagThe Strategist Notebook
Link Addiction
Ardour of the Heart
When Life Becomes a Book
The MalaysianLife
Yogatta.com
What goes under the sun
Roshidan’s Cyber Station
Sasha says
Arts of Physics
And the legend lives
My View, My Life
A Simple Life
Juliana RW
Mom Knows Everything
Beth & Cory's Mom
A Mind Forever Voyaging
enjoying the ride
Jennifer's thoughts
Mom of 3 Girls
Amanda
Don't Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys
ExPat Mom
Just Jessie
Wilson Six
Krisitn
Nuttier Than You
Shonnte
Summer's Nook
Laura Williams Musings
Melissa's Idea Garden
Eve atConfessions of an Everyday Housewife
ChristiS of the Blah Blah Blog
Stephanie at Stop the Ride!
Diane at Soap, Blings & Girly ThingsAmanda at Amanda:Mama's Musings
Kristin at An Ordinary Life
Mama Zen at The Zen of Motherhood
Atomik Kitten
The Sassy SouthernerA Room of Mama's OwnExploring AutumnImmoral Matriarch: CatechizerReal LifeBoogiemum
Living and loving every minute of it
Huckdoll
The Daily Rhythm
The Rocky Mountain Retreat
Peace is Every
StepLife
According to Lizzy
Following Forward
Boys Rule
My LifeA Quest for Relevance
Not Trying for a Boy
The GaspardsOrryally's journal
My Life with Boys
CityMama
Seven Clown Circus
Take 90
WestBig
MamaChased By Children
Hope For The Hopeless
Tammie and the Hellions
Crazy Coupon Mama
Keiser Family
Are You Serious
The last five blogs are ones I added.
*Stop Copying Here*