Crayons

Can I just say that I love crayons-- the waxy smell and smooth feeling as they glide across the paper. I'm rather thrilled that the twins are now old enough to spend some time coloring, especially since that means that Mumma can too! Of course, every mark doesn't always end up on the paper but we're making progress. Mia loves to color the eyes on every sheet we have, and then scribble furiously all over the paper (and possibly the table). Ben has to be reminded often that crayons go on paper, and not in our mouths. I keep reminding myself that they're washable and non-toxic!

A Baby Blessing

Today was an exciting day. After a fairly routine morning, we headed on over to Katie and Mike's house for their Baby Open House. Katie, my favorite scrabble buddy, is having a baby! I've been thrilled since I found out, and trying not to overwhelm her with baby "stuff". Anyway, Katie, like me, struggles with that whole traditional shower, center of attention stuff. And, in true Katie fashion, she decided against having one. She and Mike threw themselves an open house instead. With the crib recently assembled, and the room painted, they planned an art project for their guests. Each friend and family member, big or small, painted their hand print on the baby's wall. The look is amazing-- all the hands around the baby's room!

While we had a fantastic time, it was also a little crazy. Gary, unfortunately, had to work at the boat show all weekend and was unable to go. I planned for everything I could anticipate, flying solo with our newly assertive toddlers. We started with a bang, getting stuck in and blocking the driveway. (I say we, but it was all me.) I ran both kids in, dangling under my arms, and tossed them in the door. Katie's mom found her father who helped dig my van out, which took nearly 30 minutes! I felt terrible, but couldn't even really be helpful with the twins inside and all that paint. Already having worked up a sweat in embarrassment, I continued my workout keeping both babies away from the nursery (and therefore the paint), and away from the fire place, and away from the stairs, and away from the cake... you get the idea. Luckily, when we left nobody had destroyed the host's home! However, I'm going to have to head back later this week to include my own hand print on the wall; in all my concern about getting Ben and Mia's prints on the wall, I forgot my own!

Wordless Wednesday: Stroller Fun

Blueberry

Mia has a new word. For weeks now, she'd run around the house, playing with her tongue at breakfast time. It was only this week, as she picked blueberries off my plate, one by one, that we realized what she'd been "saying". The little munchkin sometimes gets a little carried away, saying something that must be "blue-ue-ue-blue-ber-ber-beries". Anyway, after much prodding, Mia finally said it on camera. Of course, she's much more interested in grabbing the camera but I'll take it! Enjoy.

Snuggle Bunny

Our little Ben-jamin has turned into quite a little after nap snuggler. It is quite a contrast with his sister, who, once she hands over her pacifier, is ready to completely tear! Ben's recent development is a happy one to all of us-- who minds some sweet snuggles? Grandma Ann seems to show up just in time to take full advantage of Sunday after nap snuggles, lucky grandma!

Happy Valentine's Day

It's been a busy couple of weeks around the TePastte household. The kids and I have been fighting colds and some of us have also been teething. With conferences coming up next week, I don't anticipate much of a reprieve!

We had a fantastic Valentine's Day though! Gary surprised me with a new camera, the one I'd been drooling over. Just last Saturday I was thinking of putting it on layaway but decided against it. I was shocked, to say the least. So, here are the first photos of the kids with the new camera. I anticipate great things once I'm actually able to read the manual!

Mia destroyed my Valentine flowers, but at least she had fun! She loved smelling them, and even inspired Ben to give it a try.

He wasn't nearly as enthusiastic!

Then, while shaking a carnation, she hurled the head right off of the flower!

She tried very hard to put the flower back on the stem. :)

*I can stand this*

For as many sweet, smiling moments as there are, there are just as many weekends like this one. If I didn't laugh, I'd surely cry! Two teething toddlers are enough to bring me to my knees. Add to that a blossoming cold, and Ben, in particular, was a mess. Between the drool, gnawing, and tears, the boy didn't know what to do with himself.

During nap time Sunday, I rediscovered a book, given to me before the birth of the babies by a well meaning relative, of Mommy Mantras. At the time, it seemed worthy of a little laugh. "Affirmations and Insights to Keep You from Losing Your Mind" the subtitle touted. With chapter titles like monotony, stress, fear, and letting go of negative moods, it ended up smooshed between other baby titles in the living room cabinet.

Yet now, looking over the text again, I'm struck by the simple truths within its pages. In a weekend full of tears and tantrums, forcing myself to remember "I CAN stand this" seemed helpful, refreshing even. What a simple reminder! But, with Mia's tantrums gearing up and her nose starting to run, you might hear me chanting this phrase all week!

PS- In looking for a picture, I found the author has her own blog. Check it out for your own mantra to make it through the week!

http://www.mommymantras.com/wordpress/