some fall photos

I was able to get my trio dressed and to my grandparents' house on Saturday morning to take some pictures to hopefully use for a Christmas card. I would love to share some of those photos now, but the batteries in my camera died and as per usual, I don't have any spare. However, I do have an extra camera, so I was able to capture a few pics of the crew playing in the leaves when we got back home. Their daddy literally spent all day, mowing, blowing and raking leaves from our lovely tree filled yard. I had no idea the leaves would create such an entertaining 20 minutes! Lucky for us, but not so lucky for daddy, the leaves are back so hopefully we can do it again this weekend!

Christmas Program

The girls participated in their school's Christmas program on Thursday night. I must admit that I wasn't going to go as I had another holiday party to attend but Jason in his subtle ways convinced me I needed to go and I'm glad I did. Last year they were little wallflowers simply stunned by all of the people and flashing lights. You could really see the excitement they had this year. Haley was a cow and Gracie was a pig (fitting since she is never without piggy) as they were at the stables during baby Jesus' birth. All they did was sing little Christmas carols but it was great. As per their personalities, Haley sang loud going through all of the motions while Gracie fixed her eyes upon her teacher's lips as she sang the song. You'll catch Gracie singing but it is on her terms...she's pretty stubborn like that. They had these cute little masks that Ms. Gwen and Ms. Nayla made that they would hold up to their face - cute! They've changed and grown up so much in one short year that I can't wait to see how they perform next year!

(I can't get the video to post but will try again later...stay tuned!)

sensational Saturday and Sunday

It was such a wonderful feeling Saturday morning waking up knowing that Jason didn't have to go to work!!! Besides the fun of having him around, he had to hang out with Sam while me and the girls went to two birthday parties. The first was our lovely little friend Anna Grace's Fancy Nancy party! Her mama went all out! The girls weren't real sure about their tutus and tiaras at first but they warmed up to their outfit and had a great time. After cupcakes, cookies and several hersey kisses, there was no napping to be had before heading out to our next shindig. This party was for Haley's BFF at school, Peyton. Peyton immediately took to the girls when they started at Noel. She would walk them around and tend to them like baby dolls. She and Haley remain extra close as they are still in the same class and Gracie is in the other room, but they all have a great time together. Peyton's mommy was so excited to see us because she said Peyton had been talking for days about Haley & Gracie coming to her party! It was at a new indoor inflatable jump house in Bossier and in the past, the girls have been reluctant to jump. But, wow...this was a new days. They jumped and slid down the biggest slides...some that frightened me a little! We had a great time. Come 4:00, with a day full of fun behind us and no naps, I just knew they would crash when we got home. No such luck! After lots of screaming and tears, Haley watched tv in the den and Gracie finally dozed off in our bed but not for long. Surely, they would be ready for bed. Again, false assumptions. Somehow, my sweet little girls who used to go to bed so early and so easily have turned into little demon children that are now scared of the dark, must have at least 3 books read to them and still holler loud enought to be heard down the street. Haley has even spent several nights falling asleep on the floor in front of the door. Anyway, I hope this stages passes. They finally quieted down about 10 minutes into the LSU game so Jason and I were able to enjoy the steak and chicken fajita dinner he made for me. It is great having my own personal chef!!

Not to forget about Sam, he went with daddy to get a much needed haircut. He was given very explicit instructions on how the haircut should look upon completetion with major threats made if they butchered my baby's hair! Everything went great and Sam can now see without his hair in his eyes. After that outing the boys had a little lunch at Chick Fil A. While the girls rested post party #2, we played outside and snapped a few shots of the new do!

Sunday was just as enjoyable as we got to enjoy more family time. Jason was able to mow the lawn, sweep off the roof and clean out the cutters.

We continue to be so thankful for the blessings God has given us and providing Jason with the job that enables him to be home with us. It was a wonderful week and we look forward to many more.

Oh as a p.s., looks like we're getting closer and closer to keeping puppy...he is getting very comfortable and doesn't even mind when Sam and Gracie pull is ears, his tale and anything else they can get their hands on!

twins...

Here is one difficulty with twins...keeping them equal, yet separate. I felt a little guilty for blogging about Haley the other day but not mentioning anything about Gracie. Yet, I didn't feel that same guilt for not writing any little ditty about Sam. Why is that?

The girls, while looking remarkable similar to many (not me), are quite different. The amazing thing is, it has been that way since they're short time in my belly. Around 17 weeks pregnancy I had to go see a maternal and fetal specialist due to the high risk nature of having twins. At that point it was just routine. But what did we see? Twin A, aka Haley, with her little bottom shoved into her sister's face! Twin A was the mover and shaker in the womb while Twin B moved around on her own terms. Keep in mind I really didn't feel a whole lot, but once I was on hospital bed rest, I had a sonogram every 4 hours, so I was able to witness their behavior in lieu of feeling it. When they were born, Haley was the one half way through the birth canal while Gracie was so far into my rib cage, it took some major cutting and digging to drag her out.

All this to say, they are different. Each one has her own special attribute and her own little personality. I love them equally and separately. I want them to be the closest of sisters, but I want them to also grow into their own woman.