School of Rock

The twins' favorite movie right now is "School of Rock" with Jack Black.

A school where they spend all day learning to rock out for an upcoming rock concert? That's their idea of a dream come true.

During the Amarillo Area Mothers of Multiples rock video production, Owen gave us a little solo of one of the songs from the movie.

Remembering My Hero

It's amazing how a few mementos can make me feel close again to my Grandpa.

One of my closest and most cherished confidants is my Aunt Marcia. She's one of those people who, even though we don't always get to talk frequently, is a constant influence on my life.

The other day we were talking about my Grandpa, her dad, who we lost in the early 2000s. Grandpa is the only close family member I've ever lost, and I still, to this day, have a hard time dealing with his absence.

I mentioned to Marcia that I wish I had more mementos to remember him by and - more importantly - to remind the twins that he was an amazing man who they would have really, really liked being around. (Coincidentally, the twins were born on his birthday, and I can't help but wonder if he had something to do with it from Heaven. We honor him every year on their shared birthday.)

Old Time Rock N Roll

The twins' dreams came true in our cul de sac.

I'm a member of the Amarillo Area Mothers of Multiples Club, and we needed to make a rock and roll video for our recent bid to host the 2015 Texas Mothers of Multiples convention in our great city.

"I've got a bunch of instruments and two music-crazy kids," I exclaimed!

So a bunch of moms, a bunch of twins and one brave videographer headed to my house this morning to film a rock video to the sound of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll."

The twins were so proud - to them, this was a real concert in the middle of our cul de sac, and they were real stars!

Mr. President

Evan as Washington and Owen as Lincoln.

Thanks to an amazing first-grade teacher, E and O are obsessed with U.S. presidents. They've asked us to buy them books about presidents, help them collect coins and dollars, and Grammi even got them costumes for Christmas.

President's Day was a HUGE deal at our house this year. The twins dressed up (as usual), and we watched all of the Lincoln specials on NATGEO. They sat, mesmerized, through all three of them.

I'm really glad their into all this presidential stuff. They're learning about good leadership, conflict resolution and how our country works.

Evan's pretty sure he wants to be president some day. Owen thinks that's cool, but he won't live in the White House with the rest of us because he'll be too busy playing in the NFL. But he will come and visit.

Good Teachers

How do you get a good teacher for your kids?

We had to stop by Mr. Houdyshell's house down the street on Halloween.

You pray and pray and pray and have a little bit of luck.

We have hit the jackpot all three years, first at Carver Early Childhood Academy (which we had to win a lottery to get accepted to). I truly believe all the teachers at Carver are amazing.

For first grade, after much decision, we moved the kids to City View Elementary in our neighborhood. Our first clue that we'd made the right choice was finding out our principal has twins!

He encouraged us to put E and O in the same class as long as they don't jeopardize each other's learning and performance, and because "it's easier on the parents if the kids have the same homework." What a great guy!

And then we met our teacher: Mr. Houdyshell. My first impression was, "a man who wants to teach first graders? This guy must be something special." When we met him, my theory proved correct. A tall, attractive 45-year-old man with an abundance of energy, a kind face and an infectious smile. When we walked in for Greet The Teacher night, he said, "These must be my twins!" He grabbed their little faces and said, "You two are the cutest things in the whole wide world!"

Yep, we were happy.

He lives just down the street, and he insisted we stop by his house on Halloween. He is great at taking pics with his phone, and if you give him permission, he'll put them on Facebook. He's into modern-day communication, and I really appreciate that!

One of the coolest things about him: he has instilled in our kids a huge love of presidential history. He is a huge JFK fan, devoting a corner of his classroom to the slain president. From what I can tell, he teaches more on presidential history than the average first-grade teacher, but Nate and I are thrilled. The twins are soaking it up and eating it up, asking us to take them to the bookstore for more books about presidents. They even asked for Washington and Lincoln costumes for Christmas! They're collecting coins to try to have as many representations of presidents as possible.

Having the twins in Mr. Houdyshell's class is an answered prayer. He's shaping their little lives in so many wonderful ways.

We can only pray that our good fortune continues to second grade and beyond.

Couch Crowders

I have to remember to cherish the moments...

We recently got new living room furniture, and we now have seating for about 10 people. We are a family of four.

The following is a nightly occurrence:

I come home from a long day of work and sometimes a grueling workout at the gym; help with dinner, laundry, etc. etc. By the time I finally take a shower and hear the couch calling my name, I look forward to picking a spot in our 10-person living room to relax for a few minutes and take a deep breath.

I choose my spot carefully - somewhere secluded.

But somehow, at the moment my butt hits the soft leather, a trigger is engaged; a signal is sent into the sky. Somehow, precisely 2.5 seconds after I drift into the inviting new cushions, I am flanked by both kids. Not one, but both. So closely, that I actually have difficulty expelling that deep, cleansing breath I so looked forward to.

It's at that moment that my entire being wants to scream, "Get away from me and let me have my space!"

Then I look down and see a little head on my right shoulder and a little hand on my left forearm and it hits me.

Some day -- probably soon -- the twins won't want to even talk to me, let alone sit close to me.

So, despite my longing for a quiet break from the busy day, I succumb to a three-way couch cuddle and remind myself to enjoy it while it lasts. Some day I'll look back fondly and wish to have it back.

My Valentine

Evan gave me the sweetest Valentine letter. He appreciates me for my laundry services! Sweet kid. I think I'll keep him.

Sweet Innocence With a Side of Ketchup

Every time I see chicken McNuggets, I'm reminded of a sweet little story.

But first, some history. Our 100-pound German Shepard, Baron, is the same age as the twins. That's actually another story for another time. But he's grown up with them. And he has always relished any opportunity to sit by the twins while they're eating. Needless to say, they drop stuff. A LOT of stuff. And he loves to eat all of it.

I actually taught him the command, "Clean up!" and he knows to scour the kitchen floor for droppings.

When the kids were around 2, McNuggets were (and still are) their favorite food. One evening, Baron was paying particular attention to their delicious McDonalds meal. And Owen was paying attention to him.

He very casually asked, "Mom, does Baron like ketchup?"

"No," I replied, then watched in disbelief as Owen nodded his head, assured of himself, and handed Baron a McNugget. Without ketchup.

I couldn't be mad that he'd just fed the dog part of his dinner, because he had so sweetly inquired as to Baron's condiment preferences.

I've never forgotten that story. And Baron still prefers his leftovers without ketchup. But he'll take them any way he can get them.

Halloween 2012

As per tradition, Grammi made the twins' costumes again this year. They are positively works of art, looking as pristine on the inside as they do on the outside. And she doesn't even know a thing about Harry Potter! The twins gave her guidance on the design, and I think they're pretty darn authentic looking.

If only the little glasses would stay on their little button noses.

Halloween was another hit, and the twins have another amazing costume to add to their swelling collection.

Teaching Kids to Golf

Our new favorite evening ritual: two large buckets.

The twins don't turn 6 until next week, but we already gave them their big birthday present weeks ago. Because we couldn't wait to let them use it! We gave E and O a new golf set. It came with a 5, a 9, a driver and a putter. We figured they could share and try everything out before we went to the expense of a second set.

Off to the driving range we went.

You've never seen such rapid-fire golfing. Two large buckets, gone in mere minutes. Our philosophy at this young age: Just let 'em hit the ball, however they want. Not too much schooling, or we might sour them.

So far, they're loving this new sport. The driving range is close to our house, and we figure we've made enough trips to know the twins are pretty hooked. So, Nate and I decided we better buy another set of clubs. After all, even though there's no visible difference between the 9 and the 5, they fight over them just for the sake of fighting. That's what twins do.

It's hard to believe these were headed to the landfill.

As luck would have it, we got a call from a friend the other night. "Someone was having a garage sale, and all the leftovers were piled into the alley. There are some kids' golf clubs in the mix, and I'm gonna grab them for your boys."

We figured they'd be junk, but they're great clubs! About 15 of them! The twins now have more club choices than their serious-golfer dad. And the fighting? It has virtually ended. There are plenty of 9s to go around.

As my dad says, golf is something you can enjoy even when you're old and out of shape. So here's hoping the twins will continue to enjoy their new sport. And here's hoping that golf is something the four of us can do together for years to come.

Now, if only mom could get some lessons...

So Long, Training Wheels

This weekend was one of the all-time highlights of being Evan and Owen's parents.

We took the training wheels off the bikes on Friday, and by Sunday, they were zooming along like old pros.

The process was exhilarating for Nate and me because it all happened so fast. They went from crashing into everything to balancing their way through narrow pathways within just a couple days' time.

 

Tips for First Bike Ride Without Training Wheels

• Safety first. The cooler the helmet, the more likely your kid will wear it. If your kid has knee pads and elbow pads, use them.
• Wide open spaces. Our cul-de-sac was the perfect place to give them a little push and let them find their balance. We learned the hard way that the sidewalk is too narrow.
• Patience. There will be many crashes and much frustration. Short training sessions that end on a positive note are better than long, negative sessions.
• Push the right petal. Teach your kid to push off from the pedal that's highest up. That'll give them the momentum they need to get going all by themselves.

I don't remember my personal experience with learning to ride a bike, but I hope I provided the same amount of amazement and wonder for my parents.

Definitely a high moment for parenthood. And, now we're off on a family bike ride!

Easter 2012

Each year, our family Easter tradition involves Sunday at Gee and PawPoo's house and a massive Easter egg hunt.

It's important for us to be surrounded by family and to remember the true reason we celebrate this holiday.

Soccer - the Sport of Good Sports

I was excited. Nate was terrified.

But several seasons ago, we signed the kids up for soccer, and we haven't stopped yet. We were fortunate enough to be signed up with Lisa Thomason, an amazing lady who's youngest son is in the twins' class.

We have followed Lisa through multiple soccer seasons and several different leagues. The twins are showing progress, and the games are more entertaining than a circus.

What Kids Learn Through Soccer

• It's more efficient to pass the ball than keep running it all the time and wear yourself out.
• Good communication is key.
• There's no room for a sore loser.

Angry Birds Hats

Thanks, Aunt Sharon! (Evan left, Owen right)

Hands down, the most popular Christmas gift this year came from Aunt Sharon.

The twins are so excited about their Angry Birds hats that they have been sleeping in them and wearing them even on warm days. Way to go, Aunt Sharon!

Happy Halloween

Mario Evan and Toad Owen

Thanks to Grammi, for once again making out-of-this-world costumes for Halloween.

The twins are obsessed with Super Mario Brothers, so they chose Mario and Toad this year.

Best of Friends

Evan, Ella, Owen

Only seven months apart, Ella and the twins are inseparable, although it's abundantly clear Ella is the boss.

We snapped this pic at Lealls after Church.

First Day of Kindergarten

Evan and Owen at their first day at kindergarten at Carver.

 

.

They're so young, but they were ready... So, at the advice of Carver Elementary, we sent Evan and Owen to kindergarten. Looking forward to an amazing year. This year, they'll learn to read! Hard to believe... They'll also learn math and continue with art and music classes. I'm particularly excited to see if they get some good fundamentals down in piano.

They wanted to be in separate classrooms, so Evan is in Mrs. Smith's room, with his best friend, Shaddon, and Owen is in Mrs. Bergeron's class, with great buddy Grayson from soccer.

Carver Circus

I was two hours late to work this morning, and for very good reason.

Evan and Owen were performing in the Carver PreK Circus, a "delight for the ears and eyes," as the ringleader exclaimed.

The program included acrobats, twirlers, magicians, monkeys, seals and much more, including jugglers:



and clowns!

Visit from Grandpa

Short but sweet!

We got to hang with Grandpa during a very quick visit to Amarillo. Wish he could stay longer, but it's hard for him to be gone long, with all of his animals missing him in Kansas City.

A funny (probably had to be there) moment:

"Goodnight, kids," said Grandpa.

"Are you going to say goodbye to us in the morning before you leave?" Evan asked.

"Of course!" reassured Grandpa.

"Be sure and bring us that candy we found in your bag," Owen said.

"Yeah, Grandpa, don't forget the candy," added Evan.

Twin Talk

I think I'm the last person in the world to stumble upon this, but it sure brought back great memories.


And I loved the ABC commentary about the fascinating way identical twins communicate in this clip.