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.