Smelling Like Roses

Life is precious

2010-10-01T08:41:00.002-06:00

Yes, life IS precious

Over the past few years I have had lives touch me in ways they never have before.

There was the early birth of my twins Ty and Cayden who spent 5 weeks in the NICU 4 hrs away from my home. We painstakingly made the trip up there for weekends at a time feeling the heartbreak every time we had to say good bye and drive back home again. Its hard to see our babies so helpless and hard to come home knowing there was an empty crib beside our bed waiting for them. My heartbreak was lifted some when my Mom came to visit and stayed with me so I could be there for more than 2 days at a time. I was grateful.

Yes, life is precious and they finally came home and have turned into healthy young boys who I love with all my heart.

The same year my boys were born, 5 months later, a close friend of our family was taken from us by an unnamed vile coward. This person just hit our friend in the head and left him there to die!
A piece of my heart was taken from me, he was someone I looked to for advice and support. He was one of my best friends who taught me a lot of things about myself and others.

Yes, life is precious because you never know when evil will strike and take someone away from you.

Then time had passed and a little girl was beaten by cancer. A precious, innocent, beautiful little girl who had a twin just as beautiful as her. She had Neuroblastoma and fought so hard. In the end cancer won like it does with so many who have this type.
It devasted her family and everyone who knew them. It broke my heart, but I cannot imagine the pain her family went and is still going through. I know Ive carried the pain for their loss and fear for my own children.

Yes, life is precious and Cancer SUCKS!
That little girl has touched the lives and hearts of many people.

More time went on and I would think about the family I left behind and the family that has left me behind. Sometimes fear would creep in and I would think what if? What if one of my parents were to pass away, or my grandmother. Even worse my husband or child.
There were days I was paralyzed with fear and would cry over something that hasnt happened. I never felt that way before, I never feared death because I believe in God and his purposes.
It made me yearn for my family and miss those who were not near even more.

Yes, life was precious to me.

Just this past week I was hit harder than I have been before.
My Father passed away, he was only 65.
He had pneumonia and other ongoing problems. His body just couldnt keep up with fighting the virus and his heart stopped.
Devastation!
My Dad was not perfect, he made lots of mistakes but he was also a good person too in his own ways. No matter what happened in the past the present I had learned was more important.
He had finally got to see his granddaughters again, met his grandsons and great granddaughters over the summer, two months ago!! Two months ago was the first time I saw him in 8 years and the last time I will ever see him again. The plans we made to see each other more often.....gone!
Now I sit here 2000 miles away trying to find my closure.
Only way I can is to go back home and remember what was and try not to think about what would have been. Somehow pull it out from deep inside of me and find peace. Take those who are still with me and hold them close and let them know I do really care even though I am so far away.

Life IS precious to me!

"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things will have passed away."
Revelation 21:4

Rio Grande Zoo

2010-06-14T18:30:00.017-06:00

Our visit to the Rio Grande Zoo which is part of the Bio Park in Abq

I have to say right off I was disappointed in this zoo's set up and animal containment.

The flamingos are the first animal attraction we came too, the boys gave some ooos and ahhs

The ducks caught their attention too

Even though these are hard to see they were little orange colored birds hanging out with the flamingos and ducks.

After the flamingos we went into an enclosure that smelled really bad. There were some monkeys, fish and reptiles in there. We didnt get to see everything because the way things are set up it only gives space for so many people to look at things and some people wouldnt move on in a timely manner.
I dont mind waiting a turn I just call it as I see it and my boys have a hard time understanding they have to wait for certain things. Sad part was there were adults cutting off little kids. Not cool at all.

Finally back out in the open into the fresh air we came to the Capabaras

I wish I could have gotten a good picture of this guy but unfortunately his area was being cleaned at peak visiting hours.
Komodo Dragon

A quick pic of Mr Lizard

Baby Gila Monster

I dont remember what type of bird this was, took a couple times before I got a good picture, the fence kept taking over the foreground.

Giant Tortoise

When I went into this enclosure I was saddened by the way the alligators are kept. There is nothing to mimic their natural habitat, all they have is water and sand. They did have swamp coolers going to produce some humidity and it was warm for them.

I think these are howler monkeys and I recall that they were very quiet howler monkeys. Other zoos Ive visited had howlers and they were noisy buggers.

A proud American Eagle

A Golden Eagle

Ok I could be wrong, I forgot to check but I think this is a Buzzard, which type Im not sure.

I wish I could have gotten a better picture of the wolves but they only had 2 windows each about 3ft wide and there were people lingering. So I grabbed a quick shot and went on my way.

A Polar Bear in New Mexico, poor bear sleeping in the heat.

Emu
The boys like these birds for some reason, maybe it was their name because they said it over and over.

The Lion King and his mate sleeping

Kangaroos

Bobcat sleeping in his hammock
We were looking at him thinking about how comfy he was and how nice it be to be lounging in a hammock.

Osolot

Leopard

Black Panther
This guy was upset about something because he was pacing back and forth.
it could have been he was hungry because he kept walking to enclosure's door.

This mountain lion was one of my favorites, he/she was walking back and forth rubbing up against the cage. Seemed like he was wanting someone to give him a nice scratch behind the ears. But Im sure he would try and take a taste of anyone who tried.

Another mountain lion sleeping.

Upon arriving at the Bengal Tiger exhibit we found that they were caged so that their area could be tended to. I was very disappointed because I think tigers are very beautiful creatures.
So I gave the workers a yell, told them to smile and wave.
They waved and laughed but I did click the camera in time.

My very, very favorite of all the exhibits in the zoo!
The seals, I could watch these guys swim in their tank all day. They were so graceful and peaceful.
You stood in a cave and watched them glide by over and over.

The upper view of the seal tank. They have little shows with them but we didnt get to see them.

A peacock

The chimps during grooming time

Orangatangs

Baby orangatang, he was adorable.

This is a picture of the first O close up. Unfortunately I had to take it thru a smudgy window.

Another favorite animal at the zoo, the Gorillas.

This guy was leaning up against the window out like a light.....

Hmmm looks like he had a little Gorilla party, no wonder he was so sleepy.

This guy sleeps just like Ty does.
I have to say though by this time neither of the boys were interested in looking at anymore animals.

We didnt get to finish the zoo, it was hot and the boys were cranky, Telle was cranky and mom and dad were cranky so we called it a day and decided to head to the mall......

Up coming blog posts: The Mall, The Aquarium and Botanical Garden and more

Albuquerque Day 1

2010-06-10T20:32:00.012-06:00

Well we headed out a little later than planned. I wanted in the car and heading out the drive by 7:30am, Im just picky like that. We left the house a little closer to 8am *insert frowny face*

When we reached Roswell we filled up at Sam's Club and hit the road.
This view is the same for miles and miles and miles.
The boys fell asleep, of course they should have since they hardly slept the night before. Nope not from excitement, thats just what they do.

I had expected to stop at a rest area outside of Vaugn but I eventually realized it wasnt what I was expecting. Its been so long since we have been to Abq that the rest area that I mistakenly thought there was the one just outside of Roswell.
We stopped at Clines Corners for a pee break and a snack. While there some bikers asked to take a picture of the boys with their motorcycle, sure as long as I get one too.

On the road again, just a bit more further.

I-40 just outside of Abq

The Carrie Tingley Hosp.
All is fine with Cayden, they took x-rays and say its flat foot. So I guess we will just keep and eye on it.
Going to get him new shoes with arch support and encourage some tip toeing.

Waiting for the Dr

Our room at the Mariott Courtyard.
There are FOUR Mariotts in the same area just different names under them.

Shot of the pool house from our balcony. Cant really let the boys hang out much on it though because it is full of bird poop.....Seriously I think the patrons of the hotel would appreciate clean balconies. I know I would!!

There are pros and cons with this Hotel. But tell me would you pay 4$ for a bottle of water? I dont think so.

The quality of the pictures below are a bit low since I used my phone to take them.
The Lobby area where you can use wifi. In the rooms its only available through an ethernet cord.

More of the lobby and its "restaurant"
Quaint and quiet but certainly not what I would expect. Not much seating for families, especially with young children. There are 3 booths and each one has their own tv with direct tv services, wish I could say the same for their rooms which has the basic channels, news, sports, a few special interests channels, hbo and one childrens channel. Even the Super 8 has more to offer with their in room televison viewing and costs less.

Our Dinner

Larry had a roast beef melt with au jour

The boys each had a hamburger with apple slices

Chantelle and I had a ranch salad with chicken breast
It was good and fairly filling.
Our total dinner ran about $50
They do have a kids menu with a couple choices so that was a good thing.
Did I mention they have Starbucks coffee?

After dinner we strolled into the courtyard to let the boys get a little energy out. Where they keep finding it I will never know because we were back out here at 9pm because they wouldnt settle in.

Next post will be of our visit to the zoo and how our first night went.

Four months later.....

2010-06-07T14:56:00.015-06:00

Its been awhile since Ive last posted anything up on here so there's a lot of catching up to do.

The first set of pictures are of the boys on their first day up at the school....without ME! It was only an hour and I sat outside and read until they were finished. They start full time/half days towards the end of August.

Cayden-Left/Ty-Right

This is a picture of the play area we are working on (since March). So far we only have the swing set up and will eventually fill half in with sand and the other half a patio so the kids can draw with chalk, place a little pool on and where we can set up some patio furniture. Along with that we have a canopy thing we are going to set up for shade so it wont be necessary to always wait until late in the day to go out.

Two little girls who refused to nap fell asleep at dinner time

Laurel

Jaeda

I just love black n white pictures. The boys just happen to be camera hams this day also. So glad I was able to get some nice pictures.

Chantelle and I
I had just had about 4 inches cut off

Cayden and Tyger sporting some caps they took from their Dad

Little boys trying on Mom's sunglasses

Boys over at Jerry's Memorial Day weekend

...and the bug

Storm off in the distance....never touched us

Ty ready for a nap

Cayd being cheeky

The boys' first drawings of faces, they were so proud!

Ty's

Cayd's

Chantelle's new haircut and color
Burgundy and pink
Reward for passing 2nd semester

Went out and picked up a cheap pool for the kids to hang out in since it has been sooooo hot. The day the following pictures were taken it was 112 degrees
The boys liked the pool but a fiberglass pool will be a lot better, less likely to get a hole in it.

There you have a quick catch up of pictures from over the past few months.
I will try and get back later this week with pictures of our travels in Albuquerque.

Today's Number is "3"

2010-02-11T20:02:00.020-07:00

Three years ago today 2 little boys were born 9 weeks premature.
Ty 3lbs 12oz
Cayden 4lbs 1 oz

Although they had a rough start and quite the unusual birth they are growing and learning. They may be behind other kids their age but I dont care, they know what love is and they know what they like. They are precious to me and would not give it up for the world (even when they try my patience to the limit).

They both overcame torticolis and severe flat head with therapy and no helmet. We had one bout of bronchitis and thanks to the RSV shots they never got really sick. They crawled at 10 months and walked at 17 months.

I gathered some of pictures of them from the years to share.

One month before they were born.

Cayden about 4 weeks old

1 week old under the bili lights and on the c-pap
I hated that thing but I was able to hold him for a bit.

Ty at 4 weeks

Ty 1 week old
He didnt need any c-pap and was separated from his brother for little over a week.

The brothers at 5 weeks after they came home. They were on oxygen for a short time.
Cayden/Ty

Their first birthday
These are pictures of the boys after they were born placed as a reminder of how far they had come.

The theme was Spongebob!

Ty/Cayden

Cayden

2 birthday
The theme: Dinosaurs

Cayd

Pictures of them through their second year

Cayden

Tyger

Cayden

The boys in their new ride, soon as we opened up they had to be in it...snacking
Cayden/Ty

This was taken about a month or so ago of Ty. He wouldnt cooperate with a scissor cut so I pulled out the clippers.

Ty being bashful

Ty trying to fit in as one of the toys

Ty giving a goofy face

The many faces of Cayden.....

Cayden

The most recent pictures taken this past week. Countless times I have tried to get them to sit together so I could take pictures and they FINALLY cooperated and definitely showed their brotherly love.

Cayd/Ty

Ty/Cayden

Thats it for now from my trip down memory lane. Not too bad for Ty who was born in a wheelchair and Cayden who was a footling breech stuck and almost lost. Im proud of my boys and the crazy life they have given me.
I am also thankful....thankful for their unconditional love and precious life.

This years cake theme is Elmo...hes the man of the hour. Just need to make it still Yikes!

A Rosey Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T19:08:00.026-07:00

Christmas rolls around for another year and as always the kids make out pretty good.
It was fun watching the boys get into unwrapping gifts, last year they wanted nothing to do with it. The little girls did a pretty good job at it too.

I was actually able to find pajamas for all four kiddos to wear that match, too cute.

Our tree after all the little ones were tucked into bed.

Good morning sunshine
Cayden

Laurel & Jaeda

The unwrapping commences
It took a bit to explain to the boys that there were more surprises in the packages, they wanted to go and play with the first things they opened.

The beloved Yo Gabba Gabba toys I mentioned in my previous post

My little firemen

Cayden

More unwrapping....

and more toys....wall to wall infact

Jaeda

Laurel

The girls love their Grandpa

The boys and girls MUST check out each other's toys

My special personalized plate for the front of the Suburban

Dancing Disco Wubzy, he's up there with the Gabba crew

Ride on quads for the boys
Needless to say we have already put them away and must wait until the mud dries up so they can ride them outside. That is If it EVER stops snowing.

Ty being a silly bunny

Little boys all tuckered out watching tv together

Christmas Tree

2009-12-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

We got our Christmas tree up!
The boys really like it and are always fighting over who gets to turn it on. They make sure its on not long after they wake up in the morning.
The little girls have done great with not touching it although we didnt put a whole lot on it that would break. The boys like to take the ornaments off and put them back on again.

Hodgedy Podgedy

2009-12-21T10:51:00.009-07:00

Got the shopping done for Christmas except for Larry. We always say just get for the kids and he always ends up buying for me anyway *sigh* I should know better by now but either way it ends up being last minute for me because I never get out of the house alone or very often.

Still have some wrapping to finish up for the boys and I wait patiently for the special gift that will make them squeal when they see it to be delivered. I had found these Yo Gabba Gabba figures at Toys r Us that I had to get the boys. They absolutely love the show. I had a hard time getting them.
When I went to order them at the beginning of the month (mind you I have to buy 2 sets) they were OUT OF STOCK! I searched frantically for these figures online and couldnt find them NOWHERE except on Amazon. When I clicked on them I was appalled to see the prices. At TRU they want 10.99 a set on amazon it was $24 and up, and up I mean I actually saw a set for $80!! Im sorry but as much as I was was looking forward to seeing the look on the boys' face and hearing them squeal and go on about the fabulous gift they got I WAS NOT giving into to the price gouging of a toy. I understand trying to make a buck but to double the price of a toy like is unethical in my eyes.
Long story short I checked again at TRU and low and behold they were back in stock. Yay!! So no thanks Mr or Ms price gouger, my patience paid off.

Anyway here are some Hodge Podge pictures to share while Im baking some cookies.

The boys being themselves

These are pictures of our first winter storm earlier this month, we got 4-5 inches.

Ms Laurel

Larry and Cayd

Pictures of the SECOND snow storm that rolled in a couple days after our first storm.

Telle and the boys

Telle's history project. She had to pick something that had to do with the French Revolution so the guillotine was it since the use of it increased during that time.

Bits-n-Pieces

2009-11-13T10:17:00.020-07:00

Todays post is fragments of pictures what would have had great subject lines but just didnt have enough to fill its own blog post

Moono the one eyed monster from Yo Gabba Gabba
Need I say more, think what you will

This Jess's new car. Havent got it on the road yet because we are waiting for the title from the seller. Long story but its taking forever.

Dodge Intrepid

Our New Pet

This little guy has been hanging around the house a lot lately finishing up whats left of the grasshoppers

Sleepy Guys

One of the very moments that the boys actually fall asleep before their bedtime. Most nights we cant even get them to settle in quietly and relax.
Ty is weraing blue and Cayden red.

He Did it Again!

Ok Larry was suppose to only be trimming his mustache and walked out of the bathroom like this!
Ugh!
Prickly lip for 2 weeks!

Haircuts Finally!

After people thinking the boys were girls so many times, even though they were wearing real boys clothes, I finally cut their hair.
Cayden was a breeze to cut but Ty cried the whole time and of course he got the shorter cut.
Watch for a post when they actually looked like girls.

Window Watchers

The boys like to sit by me in the dining room while I do whatever it is I so online and look out the glass door.

Bath Time X's Four

Yes brave us decided to plop all 4 kids in the tub at the same time hahaha.
When we out the girls in Ty and Cayd gave a look of What the hell? Apparently it was their time and didnt want to share it lol.
The girlies were only in a few minutes to rinse off, they do not stay still and we didnt want to play dunk the baby.

All Six

Ok yes I admit it my boys wear girls pajamas but what do you want they were free lol
We have pajamas that the boys and girls wear that match, this was just one of those matching nights.

Kit Kat

Well the boys are pretty particular about their candy, its strictly m&ms and hershey. I decided to try them out with a new one, kit kat.
Ty wouldnt even try it and you can obviously see Cayden's reaction.

Bears, growlll..

we got these bears last year for Christmas and the boys are finally just starting to play with them.

Wazzuppp...

Dinner time pictures I took. Have to get them when I can because they dont cooperate as much any more.

Remember those Budweiser commercials with the Wazzzup?
Think about it....

aaaaaaa.......

aaaaaaa...........p

The Look

Trampoline

Last but not least a short clip of Larry and Jess on the trampoline. It was given to us by a friend who didnt want it anymore. The boys just LOVE it!

Baby Butts

2009-11-06T11:56:00.004-07:00

Halloween

2009-11-05T10:39:00.011-07:00

Halloween 2009

It turned out not to be too cold for the kids to be out which was a good thing considering the day before was freezing cold.

After reading one of favorite blogs, Im Living Proof God Has a Sense of Humor, I would like to touch on Helene's lessons learned of Halloween.

1. The before picture: Never got it, didnt try. If I did it would have been a blurred black blob. Better luck next year.

2. You will never win, to bring or not to bring the stroller: On a normal day my guys will walk for miles but on Halloween night? Hell no! We did two streets, short ones at that and next thing we here is "up". When we say just a little farther and we can go they proceed to drop their gorilla butts on the grounds and do the limp child cry act. Ok my kids may be behind bit they are definitely not stupid. But Mom and Dad are we left the stroller in the suburban. Who knew....

3. You must bring back up buckets: Ok we really didnt need to because they didnt collect that much. It was all about the experience this year since they have sensory issues and their therapist thought it be a good idea to take them out and expose them to all the crazy ppl running around.
One truth though if you touch that bucket they WILL freak and think you are stealing their candy. They hang onto that pumpkin stap for dear life.

4. This one doesnt pertain to us this year. Neither one of the boys wanted something different than what was given but I do dread it ever happening. I can picture it now get a lolipop and want a candy bar and proceed to go into meltdown mode. Ughhhh

5. When their eyes begin to glow its time to head for home (you have to see this one on Helene's blog to get the full on effect). What are you talking about? My kids eyes are always glowing like demons, its not just for Halloween anymore.

6. Last lesson learned, no Halloween is complete without 1 child falling. Ty did stumble a little and kinda landed on his head but the big fall of the night was the last stretch to the suburban. Remember the "up" RE: lesson 2? Well I was carrying Cayden and when trying to dodge a bush hanging over the sidewalk my foor slipped and down I went...with Cayd. Smashed my knee and shin up pretty good. Cayden held himself well and lightly clunked his head on the sidewalk.
And that concluded halloween.

Now to back a little, before we did our trick or treating fun we went to a "trunk or treat" party hosted by a local church.
The boys dressed up as gorillas and Dad as a giant banana.

They were the talk of the party.

The boys were a bit apprehensive over all the action so didnt really participate in much but they got out and about a bit. They had a hard time taking all the noise and goings on in.

My two gorillas
hard to tell them apart in this picture.
Cayd on the left, Ty on the right

And here is the Big Banana

Had a little jumping in gorilla suits before going trick or treating.

Tiger and Monkey costumes we put on the girls just because.
We didnt take them out

Jaeda

Laurel

October 09 Birthdays

2009-11-04T09:43:00.016-07:00

We had two birthdays for the month of October. The little girls on the 3rd and Chantelle on the 19th.

Jaeda and Laurel's party was held at their Dad's

The cake was very cute and the single cakes were spruced up to match.
(some of the pics are out of order...oops)

It didnt take long for the girls to dig in.

Jaeda just leaned right in for a bite.

Laurel used the finger technique

Jess and Kevin

Chantelle's 16th
We had a small little party for her.

Ordered a cake design and wanted to the colors modified to pink, blue and white. This is what we got and Larry didnt know to check it. =(
There was no pink anywhere!

Had a little accident with the cake while carrying it into the kitchen.

Ooops

The kids played guitar hero and hung out outside on the trampoline

All About Girls

2009-08-15T11:39:00.012-06:00

Just Pictures of the girls

4th of July

2009-07-13T08:56:00.024-06:00

We didnt do too much but were invited to the neighbors home for a bbq. So here is proof we DO get out of the house once on awhile lol

Jess took all the pictures and its mostly the boys :)

It was a bit warm outside so cars were brought out for them to play with inside

They made a friend while playing with the stones outside, Ty especially liked her but he likes all girls

They did really well with the cat and just loved him

Their favorite past time of the day was drawing with chalk. it occupied them for quite awhile although their clothes became nice and colorful.

Ty liked running around without his shoes, the grass was nice and cushy but Cayden didnt want any part of it.

Chantelle trying to play pool

Tammy our lovely hostess

More coloring

Larry

(L) Jesse and (R) Bobbi, she is an ID twin also

Trisha, her daughter is the one Ty likes

Even more coloring

Trish again laughing because she thought the flash of the camera was lightning

Jared (teacher at the school) and his son

They did some ground fireworks until the rain came.
The boys did pretty good with them and didnt freak out. They kept their distance tho and after each one would say "all done"

Last picture before leaving.

So that was our exciting day

Our Ride to the Mountains

2009-07-02T11:07:00.032-06:00

We took a ride to the mountains a couple weeks ago just to get out of the house.
Nothing too special since the sun can be scorching and the boys can only do so much and tolerate so much.
We did head to an area that takes one towards the El Paso Gap. Didnt go as far as we had liked but it was still nice to go for a ride and see some different scenery.

Ty and Cayden

Took this picture when we had to stop and fix the straps on Ty's car seat. he wiggles a lot and gets it up on his neck.

After arriving in a little town called Queen (dont blink) we realized we werent going to be able to go farther or we would run out of gas so we headed back towards and area called Sitting Bull Falls.
This is the picnic area we stopped at to have lunch and stretch.

Cayden

Pictures of the view and area

.....and Jess

This spot has a trail that you can take to the falls. Its for those who like a hiking challenge, 5 miles long ^=^

Chantelle and one of the boys

Ty just hanging out

The girls took a short hike up to check it out.

My camera takes really bad picture in zoom so this is the top of the mtn near the tail.

And this is the same picture taken through the binoculars.

Diaper changing time

Cayden

Ty

They look like the same child here!!

Pictures I took while we were on our way home

This is upside down on purpose

Lots of cows along the road, they have right of way here.

Some video I took while driving down the road.

A Day at the Track

2009-05-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

This was a little outing we had for the last home track meet of the season.
The boys enjoyed getting out since they had been cooped up for so long because of being sick so much.
They ran around and played with their spongebob glasses and Ty practiced climbing. We made it through with only one scrape which was aquired by Cayden.

The look on Ty's face is priceless here and gave us a giggle, he looks like he was after something.

"So Behind" Picture Update #2 April Misc.

2009-05-27T16:42:00.016-06:00

Here is my second update of pictures
Just a bunch of miscellaneous pictures taken throughout April.
There are still more I am working on.

The boys and Larry watching cartoons.

The boys wrestling, Cayden is the one on top.

Ty taking a breather

The boys after a short wrestling match, they do this a lot.

The little girls
Laurel in pink and Jaeda in purple

Jaeda in the foreground and Laurel behind

Miss Jaeda

Miss Laurel

Larry and Telle sitting with the boys during their favorite past time...watching cartoons.

Look out! Its baby butts

Cayden

"So behind" Picture update #1 Easter

2009-05-27T09:41:00.018-06:00

This is just one of many "catch up" posts I will be putting up. I have a bunch, and I mean a BUNCH of pictures of the kids that I am behind on sharing.

"A belated Easter showing"

Here are some pictures from Easter that didnt get up just after the fact.

Ty helped color eggs the night before. Cayden had already headed to bed because both boys had been sick for the umpteenth time and wasnt up to staying up to color.Ty added his artistic talents before the eggs got dunked. I thought we had gotten after pictures but apparently not.

The boy's baskets

Cayden was the first to notice the goodies

Then Ty showed some interest

But got distracted by one of his tv shows

Both finally started digging into things

Out of all the candy put in their baskets and not they didnt really get into it. They are pretty picky about it. Give them a choc kiss or a choc bar and they will push the kiss away and eat the bar even though its the same thing.

Here they are not sure about what to do with the choc bunnies.
Ty eventually bit the ears off but thats as far as it got. They were also still under the weather.

Grandparents
Click on the pictures for larger and savable size :)

Wrestling...Twin Style

2009-05-13T11:32:00.002-06:00

Blog Party Winners!

2009-05-13T09:28:00.002-06:00

The winner of the potty seat is
Avery Tales

and

The winner of the necklace/bracelet set is
Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Congratulations ladies!
You packages will be sent out this week.

Thanks to all of you who participated!!
Dont forget to check out the special trip auctions going on through Saturday on my previous post!

Tuesday Tribute Huge Giveaway/Auction

2009-05-12T20:28:00.003-06:00

Please go HERE for full details and donations
These items will run until Saturday the 16th

(3) Overnight Bed & Breakfast Visits in Colorado for 2
Package includes:
evening Tea, bottle of wine, hot tub, gourmet breakfast
20 minutes from downtown Denver

The second one is

(2) week long vacation packages at her townhouse in Florida

The home is located just TWO MILES from Disney World

3 bed, 3 bath (sleeps 8) and has it's own pool!

This is the owner's winter home, so any non-winter months are available :)

Because this is an obviously much higher priced item, in order to enter for the Florida Townhouse, you must bid $30 initially and then each additional $10 will earn you more entries.
For the Denver B&B, your initial bid must be $20 and then with each additional $5 you will earn more entries.

Tuesday Blog Party Give Away #2

2009-05-08T11:42:00.004-06:00

Here is another Blog Party giveaway

Please stop over at the Blog Party site to make your $1 donation if you havent done so already.

So far $2159 has been raised and there is only $841 to go before the goal of $3000 is reached.
Thanks to all for your generosity!

This auction ends today 5/12 at 6pm PTS

Giveaway #2 is a handmade beaded necklace and bracelet set.

Leave a comment for your entry to win.
A name will be chosen on May 12th and and a winner announced.
Good Luck!!

Tueday Blog Party May 5-12

2009-05-04T21:00:00.003-06:00

From now until May 12th, I am holding this give-away to help benefit the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation.
Tuesday was the beautiful twin daughter of my dear friend Jessica Kate who bravely fought and sadly lost her 8 month battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma in January of this year.
My friends and I from Jess' multiples group have decided to put together an annual blog party to help raise funds to fight pediatric cancer, specifically neuroblastoma, as it is the least funded of ALL cancers yet one of the most fatal :(

This auction will end today 5/12 at 6pm PST

The item I am auctioning off is.....
Safety 1st 1-2-3 Teach Me Potty Training System

All you have to do to enter to win this auction is simply leave me a comment letting me know you are interested in winning this awesome bag and then, be sure to donate $1 to the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation.

(If the donate button is not working please go to the main Tuesday Blog Party page, link below and donate through there. Thank you for your patience while we handle "technical difficulties")

Also, head on over to the Tuesday Blog Party to see what other fantastic items are being auctioned off by clicking the image below.

There are lots of great auctions going on and all it costs is one dollar to enter each one.
If you would like to make one donation, instead of many individual donations, please feel free to donate however is easiest for you.
If you end up donating $10, but only find 5 auctions you are interested in, you can use those additional dollars as additional entries :)

Thank you so much for supporting a great cause and remember to have fun!
Good luck!

When the party is done a winner will be randomly chosen and you will be notified a day or so later after donation verification. If you do not have a blog please leave a way you can be contacted if your name is chosen.

Thanks

St Baldricks Day

2009-03-17T11:14:00.006-06:00

Larry had me shave his hair off, ALL of it
Now he is telling everyone about St Baldricks Day because he is getting so much attention about taking all his hair off. He figured why not make more people aware of this fundraiser for pediatric cancer.
Wanna know what its all about just click the bald man below.

Here are Larry's before and after pics.

Confession Survey

2009-03-14T09:18:00.001-06:00

I grabbed this off of Helene's blog about a week ago because she tagged everyone so here you go.

Confession Survey

1)What is your blogger name? Tabbatha

2) When is your birthday? Feb 3 - the BIG 40!

3) How long have you been blogging? For almost a year

4) Who tagged you? I got this from Helen's blog because she tagged EVERYONE

5 ) Tell me your 5 most favorite body parts: *sings* Head, shoulder, knees and toes, knees and toes.... Oh wait thats only 4 ok u pick #5

6) What do you wish most for your birthday? Peace and quiet

7) What color are your nails now? natural and uneven

8) Any depressing thoughts lately? Just get me thru today already!

9) What's your next 1 month's plan? What I did last month

10) At what age did you have your 1st crush? I slept since then so I dont remember or just refuse to try.

11) Did you attend any school reunion after you graduated till now? Nope, almost made the 20th but a little thing called newborn twins stopped me lol

12) Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended you didn't smell anything? Of course did

13) Are you a clean freak? Yeah but cant do a whole lot about it with 8 ppl under one roof. Im a germ freak, if u are sick stay away!!! We are sick of being sick already!

14) Which era do you wish you were born into? Im fine thank you

15) Are you a vegetarian? no

16) How many pillows do you sleep with at night? one, two, three...three

17) Are you a light sleeper or an I-don't-care-if-there's-a-bomb-here sleeper? Im a in between type sometimes I can hear everything and others Im down for the count.

18) Do you secretly wear comfortable granny panties when your man is not around? Every damn day! lmao

19) What is your ultimate dream job? Just having job....does that count?

20) What is it your hubby does that annoys you the most? Selective hearing

21) What is your dream car? One that only has room for 2

22) Do you easily wake up in the morning? No, go away and come back tomorrow

23) Do you like hairy men? Depends on how hairy

24) How about goateed men? I dont know about the goat but I like Larry's Hulk Hogan stache.

25) Which one would you prefer, 2 hour spa, 2 hour Thai Massage or 2 hour foot massage? You are making me choose??? Whats up with that...TEASE!!

26) Have you ever wished you had a different name other than your real name? Yeah when I was little but its all good now

27) What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? Is skiing in that category?

28) Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? Havent been to neither and doubt I will ever go to either but if I had to choose I'll go to Europe.

29) What is your favorite food? Chinese

30) What is the most embarrassing moment when you were out on a date? Hmmm spilling a drink all over myself RE: #10's answer

Here are the rules: Copy and paste the whole questionnaire and replace my answers with yours. You have to create a link for the blogger who tagged you. Pass to 4 other bloggers. Display the logo anywhere on your blog. Last, answer each question with the truth, and nothing but the TRUTH...this is a confession tag, you know.

Honestly, I'd love to tag everyone who reads this because I like to hear other people's ~~dirty little secrets~~ confessions, so if you want to do this survey, feel free (and let me know you did so I can be nosy and read your confessions).

25 months

2009-03-13T11:09:00.005-06:00

When do we stop counting by months?

Anyway the boys are 2 years and 1 month old now and here are their pictures from dinner last night.
We had spaghetti and they chowed down pretty good considering they had lost weight from being sick and stopped eating for awhile.
Its so good to see they have their appetites back.
For desert a banana and an oreo cookie.
We have to give Cayden small pieces of banana because he will shove it ALL into his mouth, yes he is my monkey.
Ty graced us with a nice oreo smile too.

Combi Love

2009-03-13T10:39:00.005-06:00

Well we finally got the boys a new side by side stroller. The Jeep just wasnt accommodating enough for their size. So we ordered a Combi.
I just have to say the boys LOVE it!
Soon as I opened it up they begged to get in it, figured ok Ill give them a quick sit. That turned into a major malfunction when I took them out because they had a serious tantrum. Fortunately it was nap time.

After nap though they woke up in a fierce mood. You have to understand that we were all coming off a nasty flu and little did we know another stomach virus was about to hit.
To calm them down we put them back in the Combi and low and behold it worked and they chilled.
In fact they enjoyed it so much they sat in it, snacked and drank while watching Spongebob. This lasted about a half hour and they were ready to go off and about to play and do whatever little boys do.

Blogger Friends...Please Read!!!

2009-03-12T14:43:00.002-06:00

Ok I have been messing around with my blog trying to decide on a new background layout and while doing this wiped out my blog rolls. *Big Sigh*

I will be working on my list so if I miss you please tell me.
Or just leave me a message here and I will add you as I go, I would appreciate it so much!!!

Meanwhile.... How do you like the new layout?
The link to the creator is to the left.

Belly Babies

2009-02-24T10:19:00.004-07:00

Laurel (L) and Jaeda (R)

They were showing off their bellies at naptime.
Yes Jaed has an umbilical hernia but its going down, Laurels already went away.

Future Golfers

2009-02-24T08:31:00.007-07:00

Introducing Ty-ger Rose and Cayden Rose Future Golfers of America!!
Ty is in the green and Cayd in the yellow.

The boys love to play with their new golfing sets.
Look! Outside in February in t-shirts!! if you get a chance check out our temps today on my sidebar....80's!
Too bad the kids are sick and missing going outside in the warm weather.

Birthday Pictures 2/09

2009-02-16T22:12:00.022-07:00

Here are Ty and Cayden's birthday cake pictures.
They were both, and still are, a bit under the weather with a cold but didnt have any problem helping their dinosaurs from getting a taste.

They got plastic dinos and about 40 hot wheels among other things.
They just love cars!!

Tuesday's Light

2009-01-31T09:31:00.002-07:00

Tuesday's light will shine on forever in our hearts.

Our family has been touch by the trials and tribulations of the Whitt family. May their strength continue on during this terrible time of loss.
It has taught us to never take life for granted and to love each and every moment we have.
We grieve with heavy heavy hearts but will always have Tuesday's light to remind us that life is a precious gift.

Revelation 21:1-4

And I saw a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away and the sea is no more. I saw new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: Look! The tent of God is with mankind and he will reside with them and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them.
And he will wipe every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

For Tuesday: A Fundraiser

2009-01-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

These beautiful pendants have been made specially for Tuesday by Mark, a wonderful designer at HomeStudios.
My good friend Sharlene went to him and asked him if he would be willing to design a piece for her to be sold for a fundraiser and instead he has designed two beautiful pieces and is offering 10% of his profits for ALL sales from now until Valentine's Day to go towards Tuesday's fight against neuroblastoma. This includes purchases of any of the items in his store! This is a HUGE gift!
These pieces are incredible, affordable & handcrafted
on Scrabble tiles! There are so many beautiful designs to choose from and even gift sets that include the necklaces as well.
Please take the time to look at his pieces and remember that you are helping a very sick little girl in the process.
Please go HERE to see these beautiful pieces. Thank you!

* If you do make a purchase, please put "FOR TUESDAY" in the comment section on your ETSY form so that Mark knows this is for the fundraiser.

Note: Due to the already high demand (thank you!), many people have told me they go to purchase something and it says sold out. If this is the case, scroll to the very bottom of the page and select contact seller and let him know what you want. He will email you back and make sure you get it!

Jumbos in Bumbos

2009-01-21T08:26:00.017-07:00

The boys were playing very nicely yesterday, they would sit in the bottom of what's left of their first Diego Hut and watch their beloved Osawald.
When their favorite show was over they headed toward the Bumbos. The first time they sat in the bumbo they couldnt get out, I thought ohhhh cool a time out chair....wronggggggg.

Here they are way back when they first started using the Bumbo
Ty in the purple one and Cayden in the blue

Here they are now, and they are using the same color as they did when they were 6 months old.

Ohhh what's this?
Cayden throwing a tantrum...why on Earth would he do that????

Ahaaaaa.... Ty has taken over the blue Bumbo!

Poor Cayden

Dont you just love temper tantrums
A face only a mother can love!
kiss-kiss

Outsideness

2009-01-20T09:19:00.018-07:00

The weather is warming up again so we took the boys out yesterday for some fresh air. That always helps for a nice quiet bedtime.

They like to run around kick empty plastic water jugs or a soccer ball occasionally falling on their face and eating some dirt. Its pretty funny actually.
Then there are the times when one of them has to have something the other has and proceeds to carry on a meltdown.
Their favorite thing to do is follow Larry around everywhere.

Oh and thanks to Jessica I have a camera that takes clear pictures. She got 2 this past Dec, one for her bday and one for xmas and gave me one to use until I get the expensive one I want lol.

We are hoping to save up and get that awesome tree house they sell at Sam's Club to put in the front yard. That ought to be fun to put together LOL.
Along with that it will be neat to just make the front yard one big play yard.

The Girlies

2009-01-12T13:11:00.004-07:00

The girls are 3 months and about a week old now.
They are getting better at night and I can usually get a 4 hr stretch in between the first feeding (after I get to bed and settled) and about 3 after that.
We have started putting cereal in the bottles and soon will be starting the spoon and introducing fruits and veggies, Yay.

The boys do well with them and love giving them kisses.

It can be a handful juggling both sets of twins but we find some sort of routine to get through it.

Laurel is in the red, Jaeda in the pink

Jaeda

Laurel

I Won A Giveaway!!

2009-01-12T12:57:00.002-07:00

Yayyyy Me!!

Thanks to Kim over at Whats That Smell
I won two Nintendo DS games!!
Zenses Ocean and Zenses Rainforest

For complete details about the game please check out Kim's description HERE
To quote:
"As a “gamer” myself, it is the perfect way to escape from the stress and pressure of life, help keep your mind sharp (especially those of us with “mommy brain”) and just provide some quick and easy entertainment."

I am looking to trying them out.

Off With The Beard

2009-01-06T14:01:00.005-07:00

During his vacation Larry decided to grow his beard out. They dont allow beards at the refinery so he got to work on 4 weeks of growth.

Sunday night, back to work on Monday and off the beard must come. While trimming it down he decided to take the mustache with it, ALL of the mustache.
This is the 2nd time I have ever seen him without it.
I will miss the beard and am waiting for the stache to grow back lol.
it sure does hide the fact that he has no upper lip, Jess and he have the same smile and its more noticeable now.

Just Pictures

2009-01-06T09:49:00.014-07:00

Well...A lot of pictures!
Still trying to catch up from time lost in December for picture sharing.
Here are pictures in no particular order

Ty is in the blue-Cayden in orange

Cayd

December Backtracking #3 18th Birthday

2009-01-02T11:06:00.008-07:00

Jessics's 18th birthday
December 11

Strawberry cake with pink icing

December Backtracking #2 Santa's visit

2009-01-02T10:36:00.011-07:00

Santa Day

Each year the town has a little thing at the community center for the kids with Santa. Ya know picture taking, giving bags of goodies and a little toy raffle. Well we went last year but I knew this year wasnt going to go well with the boys at the age they are at so we didnt take them. Jess took the girls up for a private viewing to get pictures.
After the town thing was over with they made a few stops around town and came out to our house to see the boys. Which was cool, figure it go better if the boys were on their own turf....sorta.
Ty didnt want any part of it but Cayden to our surprise didnt run away.

The girls and their private viewing

Cayden waiting for Santa

Ty waiting for Santa