Twinfatuation

Our State Fair was a Great State Fair

2012-03-08T16:45:00.002-05:00

Past-tense. The Virginia State Fair, as of yesterday, is the nostalgic stuff of history.

A casualty of the economy perhaps...maybe a wee bit of greed sprinkled atop---reminiscent of the powdered sugar adorning a fresh-from-the-fryer funnel cake, only far less tasty.

From my first Fair experience running camera for a public TV station to what unknowingly was my last experience this past 2011 season, each and every trip to the fair was a memory-making event.

In those early, pre-parenthood days, no ride was too rickety, no edible* too egregious.

(*Although it's doubtful I'll ever forget telling the director over headsets---as did my fellow camera operators---we all needed to lock-down our shots immediately and depart for the restroom following some less-than-savory, undercooked BBQ chicken...)

Once a parent, aspects formerly overlooked became the main attractions. Giant John Deere tractors. Squealing, racing pigs. The "Dragon Wagon" kiddie coaster. Baby chicks emerging from their shells.

Amazing moments of Americana all too rare in our breakneck-paced 21st century lives.

Farewell, Beloved Virginia State Fair. Thanks for the memories.

Way Back When-esday: Characters In Character

2012-03-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

Dateline: October 2011
Twins' Age: Freshly 10

The Virginia State Fair is always a source of great fun. Uncovering this image of our twosome seemingly "method acting" Ernie and Oscar warms my heart this mid-week.

Play along with Way Back When-esday!

No better excuse to dig into those digital files, seek out an overlooked snapshot, or scan a scrapbook find! Share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Amazingly, Twinfatuation is one of FIVE finalists for About.com's Readers' Choice 2012 Favorite Blog about Parenting Twins!

As they say at the Oscars, it's a huge honor and thrill to be nominated---and for Heaven's sakes, check out the company we're in! If you feel so led, throw a vote our way.

Thank you!

Antibiotic Appreciation

2012-03-06T12:29:00.001-05:00

Gratitude for the functionality of Keflex and her cousins clearly goes without saying.

The thankfulness angle too often under-expressed? The 24-hour window of courtesy quarantine to quell the contagion factor.

As a woman with an employer both sensitive and flexible, the gift to e-work from home upon these strep-ful situations is a truly blessing.

No one likes to see their little ones under the weather, but having a child embarking on their first few doses of antibiotics has a pronounced side effect of prolific parental productivity. Before noon...

-Have sent no less than 50 work-related emails

-Have done a load of laundry, collecting a second now...

-Have done a few MadLibs (FYI: MadLibs' curative qualities for the 10-year-old boy population are under-publicized. Particularly soothing are the usage of nouns like "boob," "butt," and "poop." You're welcome.)

-Have rented and peripherally watched Scooby Doo-Pirates Ahoy!

-Have contacted Great Wolf Lodge requesting an expiration extension on a gift certificate. (They were very accommodating...)

-Have left messages with my man's clinical trial case coordinator

-Have eaten innumerable stale KrispyKremes (the way we prefer our original glazed) with illin' He-Twin

-Have loaded and am running the dishwasher

-Have contacted Capital One for a second VISA Venture card

...and just now, am pondering re-donning the sweatshirt and yoga pants I have on (FYI: I don't do yoga, just the pants) following what will be a mid-day shower.

For easing my sweet son's symptoms, and for facilitating all of the above, thank you, Cephalexin*.

*Your capsule adorned with "LUPIN"---one of He-Twin's favorite Harry Potter characters---was simply above and beyond thoughtful...

Twinfatuation is one of FIVE finalists for About.com's Readers' Choice 2012 Favorite Blog about Parenting Twins! As they say at the Oscars, it's a huge honor and thrill to be nominated---and for Heaven's sakes, check out the company we're in! If you feel so led, throw a vote our way. Thank you!

Makes My Monday: The Extra Mile

2012-03-04T22:46:00.000-05:00

Taking a page from Aunt Cathy's book, She-Twin ran her first mile race this weekend.

The fact she looks so lovely afterward Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

What else Makes My Monday?

As Black History Month Ends....

2012-02-29T21:53:00.001-05:00

Driving home from school...

She-Twin (with genuine curiosity): "Mom, which do you think is the worst: discrimination, segregation, or prejudice?"

Mom (without much thought): "Aren't they all pretty much the same thing?"

She-Twin (reproachfully): "They're not at all the same thing! Discrimination is separating into groups. Segregation is treating people differently because of race or religion. Prejudice is a hatred of people who are different than you are...usually because of race or religion."

Mom (ashamed): "Wow. With that in mind, which one do you think is worst?"

She-Twin (with conviction): "Prejudice. Hatred is always wrong, and often leads to the other two."

Here's to the content of her character.

Amazingly, Twinfatuation is one of FIVE finalists for About.com's Readers' Choice 2012 Favorite Blog about Parenting Twins!

As they say at the Oscars, it's a huge honor and thrill to be nominated---and for Heaven's sakes, check out the company we're in! If you feel so led, throw a vote our way.

Thank you!

Way Back When-esday: Lollipop Lickers

2012-02-28T21:46:00.002-05:00

Dateline: 2003
Twins' age: 2

In their earliest of years, She-Twin and He-Twin had rare occasion to enjoy a candy treat. Following a pediatrician's visit, and the associated vaccinations (note the tear residue adorning She-Twin's cheek), cherry Dum-Dums were doled.

Their focus and fascination, their baby hands and bibs, warm my mid-week.

Play along with Way Back When-esday!

No better excuse to dig into those digital files, seek out an overlooked snapshot, or scan a scrapbook find! Share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Amazingly, Twinfatuation is one of FIVE finalists for About.com's Readers' Choice 2012 Favorite Blog about Parenting Twins!

As they say at the Oscars, it's a huge honor and thrill to be nominated---and for Heaven's sakes, check out the company we're in! If you feel so led, throw a vote our way.

Thank you!

Twincensed or Twindebted? : Episode 2

2012-02-27T22:00:00.004-05:00

As parents of twins, especially in their youngest days, perhaps we more than others are more sensitive to the ever-possible social faux pas---times two.

Recent moves have been made by restaurants, theaters and other more "mature" venues to limit---if not entirely disallow---children.

Our local Richmond.com website shared this piece on the increasingly pervasive practice.

Our take?

Personally, I feel it's any business's right to ban children if they wish.

Smokers can be banned for their behavior, dress codes can be enacted, and I have to think a few bad apple kids (whose parents showed ill-judgment to be sure...) have spoiled it for the whole bunch.

While that seems unfair, as most of us have learned now by a lifetime of experience, in frequent instances, the behavior of a few impacts the entire group. That may not be such a bad thing...it teaches great social responsibility. To this day, I STILL remember my entire 3rd grade class having to put our heads on our desks for the talkativeness of a couple of kids in the corner. While it's sad that we might not be able to take our children to a few prohibited locations, think it's a fine opportunity to reinforce with our children that the poor behavior of a few can---and often does---impact the whole.

Truly, it is A-OK to have some "adult only" locations, and I certainly cannot blame restaurants and theaters for doing so. When business is lost en masse because inconsiderate parents don't parent, those businesses have little other choice. Since offending parents of offensively behaved children don't see the error of their offending-the-general-population ways, simply stating an age expectation seems an abundantly fair option.

Likewise, it is FINE (and to my view, important) for kids to realize they don't get to go everywhere and do everything. There are proliferate numbers of places that allow kids of all ages and are extremely family-friendly. Others provide great "middle grounds" for those who are learning more consistently "grown-up" behavior.

We don't encourage social promotion for children in schools...I don't see why we should in public places either.

What do you think? Does this issue make you mad or glad?

Do tell...and please do be polite---wouldn't want to have to enact a well-behaved "adults only" policy!

Makes My Monday: Tiny Dancer

2012-02-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

She-Twin tried tae kwon do.

For a significant window of time, she adored horseback riding.

After an intentional break from all extra-curriculars, She-Twin decided she wanted to dance...and dance she does....and when she isn't dancing, she's thinking about it.

She-Twin's pirouette passion Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

What else Makes My Monday?

Ditty of Brotherly Love - Part 2

2012-02-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

Way Back When-esday: Pent-Up Playmates

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: August 2002
Twins' Age: 11 months

Call the authorities.

Early on, we managed to acquire a twin-accommodating, old-school, entire living room-filling playpen at a yard sale. You can readily discern by the dated, padded perimeter pattern, this was a vintage piece---- passed lovingly from one politically incorrect set of parents to another...and another...and another. When the time was right, in turn, we too passed it along to an eager, welcoming new auntie...ecstatic to find one larger than a pack-n-play for when her nephew visited her home.

As parents, we felt the time was right. As twins, He-Twin and She-Twin continued to beg for the pen's return for a couple of weeks. They adored having their "own place" where they could see me---and I, them.

He-Twin gnawing on one of my Mamaw's old costume bangle brings back memories galore...as does She-Twin's orange-tinted from excess sweet potato consumption nose. (Did anyone else experience that? Wish someone had shared that tidbit ahead of time!)

Memories evoked via details from a formerly discarded image warm my heart this mid-week.

Why don't you play along with Way Back When-esday?

No better excuse to seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find; share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Ditty of Brotherly Love

2012-02-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

Makes My Monday: Master of Miscellaneous Media

2012-02-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

She-Twin is drawn to draw. In the absence of crayons or charcoal, diner-dispensed catsup will do.

Her compulsive urge to constantly create Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Do you play along with Makes My Monday and/or Way Back When-esday? Is Twinfatuation a blog you visit regularly? If so---and if your time permits----please click on the left side-bar button and vote for Twinfatuation as a 2012 Readers' Choice on About.com. Thank you!

Way Back When-esday: Tattoo Him

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: February 2005
Twins' Age: 3

Last week was a solo reverie for She; this week, it's He.

To be entirely honest, He-Twin likely knew little of Spiderman and his super-powers, but that temporary tattoo (deftly applied, if I do say so myself...) and the smile it inspired drew me willingly into their happy memory web this Way Back When-esday.

Why don't you play along with Way Back When-esday?

No better excuse to seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find; share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Feeling sentimental this week? Grateful? Missing someone? Want to let someone know you care?

Valentine's Day 2012 may be over and gone, but it's never too late to send someone you love a heartfelt Hallmark. Tell Them.

Leave a comment here and Hallmark cards will give one lucky winner a collection of "Just Because" greetings to send to those they love. (Just like they did for me!)

My Ever-Vigilant Valentine

2012-02-14T16:31:00.001-05:00

The "they" of infamy insist 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' Think "they" may be right....if there's any way at all my heart could be any fonder...

Off at the NCI at NIH for his quarterly scans, my funny Valentine left morning poems for He-Twin, She-Twin and me to find our greetings. This afternoon, hints to uncover sweet candy treats---no wonder Larry Dog was atypically sniffing strangely by the bookshelves....

A rhyming text for me indicated a companionate something to drink, under the sink. Who would think?

Behold my Valentine's Day vista...

All that's missing is him.

Next week, when we get our fully-anticipated cancer-free scans confirmation, Valentine's Day will be complete.

Until then, here's to LOVE!

Happy Valentine's Day, Friends.

Makes My Monday: Room with a View

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

When our "regular" house is ready to be re-inhabited (and it won't be as long as originally anticipated!), He-Twin and She-Twin will now be able to see one another from their respective bedroom windows. This weekend, on a progress-appreciating peek-in, they gave it a try.

Next: walkie-talkies.

Present and future fraternal fun Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Do you play along with Makes My Monday and/or Way Back When-esday? Is Twinfatuation a blog you visit regularly? If so---and if your time permits----please click on the left side-bar button and nominate/vote for Twinfatuation as a 2012 Readers' Choice on About.com. Thank you!

Sugary Sweet and Good to Eat

2012-02-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

Never one to turn down a doughnut opportunity, when He-Twin voiced he'd like Krispy Kreme for breakfast this morning, on went a ball cap, and out I went.

The line of traffic both inside and outside our much-loved purveyor was impressive. No doubt due to the trifecta of an illuminated "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign, prematurely circulating "Free Doughnut" valentines, and the academically motivating practice of a gratis doughnut for each report card "A." (Report cards were doled out locally yesterday.)

Here's our morning, in snapshots:

Hoping your weekend is off to a similarly sweet start!

[*Skeptics be squelched: despite our vociferous endorsement, this is not a compensated blog post. We love our KrispyKreme and via this post, are 100% voluntary brand ambassadors!]

Way Back When-esday: Girl Gardener

2012-02-07T21:56:00.001-05:00

Dateline: May 2007
Twins' Age: 5

WOW! How I love this weekly reverie...doubt I've seen this image since the month it was taken.

She-Twin and I---with great optimism, but fleeting commitment to care---planted the wagon-full of pretty posies in our backyard that happy spring day. In this simple snapshot, so many memories! Not only of our "Girls' Garden," but....

-The Piggly Wiggly tee-shirt we "home-made." After a visit to Hilton Head the preceding summer, we all fell in love with the cheery mascot. Took the logo from the cereal box we acquired while there, scanned it, created iron-ons and made twin oinky tees.

-The Radio Flyer Wagon. Grandma and Grandpa Lage bought the sturdy two-seater...with cup-holders even! On neighborhood strolls, the wagon was a wonderful stroller alternative. Sadly, the wagon was stolen from alongside our home at some point....likely during a fall or winter window of lesser use. My hope is that the pilferer needed it badly and enjoyed their times in it as much as we did.

-Double Daddy's Red Honda Civic. That thing RAN...for a very, very long time.

-The Pin-Oak (a.k.a. Smiley Tree). That thing stood watch over us---and all our home's preceding residents---for a very, very long time.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Twincensed or Twindebted? : Episode I

2012-02-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, the words of one twin---or the other---evoke a bi-fold reaction in me as their mother. In attempts to share the odd duality of mad-itude and/or gratitude, here's the first installment:

After-school, upon asking if the twins' lunch-boxes had been extracted from their respective backpacks and rightly placed upon the kitchen counter....

He-Twin (with seemingly genuine curiosity): "When did I start doing your job?"

Hmmm...
Twincensed or twindebted? Both?

Makes My Monday: Puppy Bowl Passion

2012-02-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

He-Twin made sure Larry Dog savored some Superbowl viewing...canine-style!

Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Do you play along with Makes My Monday and/or Way Back When-esday? Is Twinfatuation a blog you visit regularly? If so---and if your time permits----please click on the left side-bar button and nominate/vote for Twinfatuation as a 2012 Readers' Choice on About.com. Thank you!

Making a House a Home

2012-02-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

Our relocation house has been a God-send. Not only is the exterior reminiscent of our "regular" house (pre-tree), but the insurance company-provided household furnishings and amenities have made our time here thus far as "normal" and pleasant as possible.

Of course, any new space is "different." Aspects of daily life pre-displacement vary---sometimes greatly---from our current experience. Even now, after 5 months here, we are continuing to make small day-to-day adjustments to make our time here happier still.

Imagine my surprise when a few days ago...

She-Twin (erupting elatedly): "Mommy, Mommy! Daddy got us a hooker!"

Mommy (entirely convinced she'd mis-heard): "What did Daddy get?"

She-Twin (still excited): "A HOOKER! Daddy got us a HOOKER! I'll show you!"

Whew.

Now we can all dry our hands after washing them in the downstairs bathroom without having to go to the kitchen. Bet I'm the only woman grateful for her man's procurement of such an inexpensive "hooker."

Way Back When-esday: Twins in Temperate Times

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: Easter 2010
Twins' Age: 8

Upon their request, the twins are eight in this week's look back. Here on the east coast today, we're expecting April-like temperatures...70+ degrees!

Warm smiles on warm days---then and now---warm my heart.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Makes My Monday: Liberty Larry

2012-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

[Do note Liberty Larry recumbent at Martha Washington's feet.]

[Obscured by blue ribbon-winning He-Twin, Liberty Larry sat in during Patrick Henry's renowned speech. A close look to the right panel shows Liberty Larry crossing the Delaware that fateful Christmas morning.]

[FYI: In the small print, Larry reveals that his owner, George Washington, often referred to Paul Revere as 'Loudmouth.']

He-Twin's humorous take on history Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Do you play along with Makes My Monday and/or Way Back When-esday? Is Twinfatuation a blog you visit regularly? If so---and if your time permits----please click on the left side-bar button and nominate/vote for Twinfatuation as a 2012 Readers' Choice on About.com. Thank you!

Tap for Two

2012-01-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ready for school a bit early, She-Twin maximized the extra minutes to work in some dance time. Looks like Larry-Dog found the routine entertaining...

Way Back When-esday: You Can Pick Your Friends...

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Dateline: January 2004
Twins' Age: 2

He-Twin selected this week's WBW age, and when we opened this image, all erupted with laughter.

Unexpectedly funny moments captured warm my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

You're Not the Boss of Me

2012-01-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

...so stop trying to act like you are.

When McDonald's stopped including Happy Meal toys in certain regions of California "for the children," my festering began. Childhood obesity is a problem; I get it.

My guess is that obese children are not obese because they eat the toys; they're obese because they eat too much fat-laden food. Too much fat-laden food that yes, is scandalously, affordably priced. So I surmise the obese children can only afford the cheaply priced fatty food on their allowance-limited budget; that is why they are overweight and unhealthy. Everytime I set foot in a McDonald's, the line in front of me consists entirely of children. The line at the drive-thru is comprised entirely of bicycles and BigWheels.

Grown-ups, for the love of God, BE GROWN-UPS.

Some fast food is fine; an all fast food diet is not. Tell your children, "No."

Want to know the deep, dark ugly secret no one is addressing? My guess is children are not asking for McDonald's Happy Meals as often as we're providing them voluntarily as parents. Fast food is EASY. THAT is the truth. A peanut butter sandwich and an apple are cheaper than a Happy Meal, but they take time.

Using corporately successful McDonald's as the scapegoat for our laziness as parents has bothered me for some time, but this weekend (and a dear friend's recent post) was my final straw on silence.

She-Twin has alays preferred the Apple Dippers in her Happy Meal. Now, McDonald's provides Apple Dippers with every Happy Meal. Excellent, was my first thought. But guess what? They also insist on giving a new, tiny reduced portion of fries along with the mandatory apples. We said we did not want the fries, and were told "they're included." (We still didn't want them....)

Guess what they WON'T give anymore? The caramel sauce. SHE-TWIN LOVED THE APPLE DIPPERS' CARAMEL SAUCE! She used about a half a container total on all her apples and her nuggets. THEY DO NOT OFFER THE CARAMEL ANYMORE! Why? Because "We are trying to be healthier." Healthier by forcing the fries (albeit a small pack) along with the apples (that we already wanted) and by omitting the tiny dollop of caramel (with its 66 whopping low-fat calories) that managed to get my protein averse She-Twin to enthusiastically down her nuggets.

McDonald's is way off the mark on this one by kowtowing to a vocal well-meaning, but misguided, parental population. Taking away the toys will help kids be healthier? SERIOUSLY? THAT will help parents say "No" to their children's requests for Happy Meals? Is there ANY parent who gets the used-to-be Happy Meals solely for the prize? I cannot even purchase at an extra cost the caramel for my daughter, but the window-stationed associate invariably wants to know which of the nugget sauces (by the way, when I think health, I think BBQ, honey mustard, sweet and sour, and the like...) my daughter wants for her chicken McNuggets? (She wants none of them...)

McDonald's should sell what people will buy. END OF STORY. If someone takes issue with the health factor---or lack of health factor---in this country, we should express displeasure with our wallets.

Please don't prevent me from buying an occasional treat meal complete with caramel sauce for my child because another parent cannot say "No," to theirs.

Tirade over. As you were.

Here's my peaceful, caramel-deprived daughter managing to relax with the Sunday paper after a less-than-fully-Happy Meal.

Makes My Monday: A Sacrificing Spouse

2012-01-22T17:47:00.000-05:00

He cooks. He does laundry. He irons. He works full-time. He supervises the reconstruction of our home.

He goes to my Saturday night office holiday party---even when he needs to wake up at 3:30am Sunday in order to make a cross-country flight...

...and he smiles anyway.

He's a Double Daddy without peer, and he Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Do you play along with Makes My Monday and/or Way Back When-esday? Is Twinfatuation a blog you visit regularly? If so---and if your time permits----please click on the left side-bar button and nominate/vote for Twinfatuation as a 2012 Readers' Choice on About.com. Thank you!

Wade in the Water, Children...

2012-01-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

Over a heated game of Wii Lego Star Wars...

Darren (in a not-at-all indoor voice): "Stop it! You are not doing it right...and don't yell at me!"

Sarah (sensing unfairness, loudly): "You're yelling at me, why shouldn't I yell at you?"

Darren (with gavel-possessing authority): "Because you've already been baptized, that's why!"

There's a young man taking his pending pre-baptism class seriously....now if we can just get rid of that quick-to-judgment part...

Way Back When-esday: The Cafe That Cares

2012-01-17T22:25:00.003-05:00

Dateline: July 2008
Twins' Age: 6

Earlier this week, thanks to the observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we were able to visit a long-loved restaurant---one only open weekdays from 11am-2pm.

Some years back, we loftily planned to start a Sesame Street-inspired series entitled "Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?" and kicked it off with the lovely ladies cozying up to my kids in the image above. (We are now re-committing to that goal....)

Sadly, we learned during our visit with Mrs. Neely (top right) that "Ma" (top left) recently was forced to retire---dementia onset, due to Alzheimer's.

How grateful we are for many, many smile-filled afternoons to remember with great fondness and love this Way Back When-esday.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Let's make sure free-composition and expression continue on the Internet! Please let those in authority know your feelings about the proposed SOPA and PIPA legislation.

Makes My Monday: We Wii

2012-01-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

For many, many years we vociferously abstained from acquiring a video game system. At this point, we are still a no-hand-held-game family; but alas---at last---we've gone Wii.

Walking in to discover my wee ones soothing Wii wee ones---successfully!---Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Ale-gebra

2012-01-12T17:14:00.001-05:00

Seems fourth grade is a year that pushes heretofore math-lovers into math-dislikers. (If 'hate' was not a forbidden word, I'd have accurately used it here.)

Reducing fractions. Ill-remembered multiplication tables. Factors and lowest common denominators. Each day after-school my maternal math patience is pushed.

Enter Daddy...and beer.

Last night at the dinner table, we homeschooled.

On one side of Double Daddy's beer can, the volume was listed as "24 ounces;" on the other, it was "one pint, eight ounces." Myriad math ensued.

Variables. Liquid measurements. In-head (not the foam kind) division.

Never underestimate the possibilities of the family meal.

If you need our teaching aids, we recommend the larger (or is that lager?) can above.

Cheers!

Way Back When-esday: Similar Siblings

2012-01-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

Dateline: February 2007
Twins' Age: 5

As most mothers of boy/girl twins will attest, onlookers with surprising frequency will ask new twin mothers if their stroller-bound twins are identical. Even when the response, "No, they are actually a boy and a girl," is offered, the questioner nearly always persists with a "Yes, but are they identical?"

From their earliest of days, our twins looked---and behaved---differently. Rare is the occasion wherein I see actual physical resemblance between the two of them.

In this image, however, I do think they look like brother and sister...and maybe even twins.

Mirrored closed-mouth grins and synchronized head tilts warm my heart this mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Squelching the Scapegoatery

2012-01-10T09:05:00.001-05:00

“I didn’t do it!”

“It was his fault!”

“She told me to!”

Don’t forget the ever-popular stand-by, “It’s not fair!”

As parents of twins, fellow parents---of twins and otherwise---often ask, “How hard is it for you to keep things fair?”

Our answer to questioners, and to our 4th grade twins: we don’t keep things fair.

Life simply isn’t fair…and that isn’t such a horrific thing.

Make no mistake, we relentlessly teach our children the right of equal opportunity, and to always do your best with the chances you are afforded.

Naturally, the results of their efforts may not be commensurate with what they---or we---feel is deserved. In those instances, do we teach complaint---or conceit?

Nope. The true reward is in genuine (and as parents, we know what that is) best effort, regardless of the outcome. We hug our babies when they win. We hug them when they lose. The lesson is letting them actually win…and perish the thought, letting them actually lose.

As adults, we need to role-model resilience---regardless of the perceived "fairness" factor. At the tender age of 10, our twosome now readily point out examples wherein they see room for greater grown-up…well, grown-up-ness. To my---and even their---view, we all need to learn to win, and especially to lose, with greater grace.

Daily, on my three-block walk to work, I pass two freshly, and sadly, now-defunct businesses.

Any guesses as to the one I—and they---perceive as a “success?”

As humans, we seem to embrace willingly the courageous “I” in risk, but resoundingly reject the “I” in fail. Intellectual honesty mandates we remember that blame always ends with “me.”

Go ahead. Let it consume you. Accept no responsibility. Wallow. Assign accountability elsewhere.

Or maybe---just maybe---consider acknowledging defeat as a temporary state. Assess and learn from mistakes. Pick up useful remnants and move forward. Try and do your best. After all, there’s an “I” smack dab in the middle of WIN.

Makes My Monday: All You Need

2012-01-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

Our Feast of the Epiphany began with locally made Italian food shared with dear* friends. (*Dear as in the kind that offer your whole family including the 70+ lbs. dog shelter and sustenance for eleven days after a tree smites your house variety of friends.)

Afterward, strolling the holiday-lit grounds at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, four happy-to-be-reunited hams quite literally leapt into position at a park encouraged photo op.

Virginia is for Lovers---and friends like these Make My Monday.

Accentuate the positive! Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Journey to the Presidency

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-05:00

While walking to pick up the night's Chinese repast...

She-Twin: "So are you going to vote for Mitt Romney, Mom?"

Mom: "Honey, I don't know who I am going to vote for yet...there's a lot left to happen between now and election day."

She-Twin (fed-up): "Seriously, Mom. You know Jon Huntsman will not be the nominee, even though you like him, you probably cannot vote for him."

Mom: "Well, to be honest with you, Mr. Huntsman has said a few really rude things lately. You know how I feel about rudeness..."

She-Twin: "Yeah. I heard Steve Perry say something really mean to Mitt Romney."

Mom: "You mean Rick Perry?"

She-Twin (cracking up at her own error): "Don't Stop Believin' should be his song!"

Way Back When-esday: Three Ring Circus

2012-01-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

Dateline: December 29, 2011 (Last year!)
Twins' Age: 10
Double Daddy's Age: 44

A trio of clowns, hamming it up last week at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida.

My fun-loving family warms my heart this first Way Back When-esday of 2012!

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Our Plural Parenting Proclivities

2012-01-03T17:50:00.001-05:00

Santa visited the Lage twins...even after this year's traumatic tour-de-force reveal. However, it's long been known that Santa does not stuff parents' stockings; the adults take care of their own kind.

Paragons of peculiar yet predictable taste, behold the delicacies Double Daddy and I placed in each other's Christmas socks...

Far more personal than golf clubs and diamonds....

Can you guess whose is whose?

From Our Home to Yours...

2011-12-25T10:28:00.002-05:00

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Just Settled Down for a Long Winter's Nap...

2011-12-24T21:50:00.002-05:00

Home is wherever Double Daddy reads The Night Before Christmas. God bless us, Everyone.

Way Back When-esday: Singing Shepherds

2011-12-20T22:33:00.000-05:00

Dateline: December 2010
Twins' Age: 9

Per our pair's unanimous request, they are nine in this week's Way Back When-esday. ("We don't always need to be two or something....")

This year, He-Twin reprised his role as a shepherd and added wise man to the mix. She-Twin sacrificed her shepherd-hood, serving as Mary and a "wise person."

Remembering pageants of years past makes my Wednesday wonderful.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

What else warms my mid-week? One of my very favorite blogger's fresh release of three amazing new texts for kids! You can read She-Twin's review here, but please go peek at the author's page, CampbellLawson.com !

Please peek at the CampbellLawson.com website and let me know in the comments which text YOU'D select for your kid(s)! One randomly selected commenter will win a copy of Somebody!

And don't forget: warm someone else's mid-week, and do it for Abbie. Find the details here. [One kindness-doer will receive a free night at Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg...courtesy of RichmondMom.com.]

Makes My Monday: Menacing Mary

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

She-Twin played in a clarinet duet. She was a wise "person." She was Mary. She smiled...

...most of the time.

Pageant pictures Make My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

Please don't forget to Act for Angel Abbie before Christmas Eve. One random act of kindness will receive an evening at Great Wolf Lodge---courtesy of RichmondMom.com.

Semi-Spiritual Sunday Snippet: Ricky Bobby Style

2011-12-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

Given the chance to light the Advent Wreath candle symbolizing love his morning, and as a byproduct, tasked to share what love at Christmas means to us, Talledega Nights kept coming to the fore....

Everyone was ready for a messiah. A king. A military leader. An orator. A philosopher. An emperor. A ruler. A giant man of strength.

What they---what WE---got, was a baby, lying in a manger.

Babies reduce us all to a state of cooing admiration.

We want to be near them.

We want to pat their heads softly.

We want to show our goofiest faces to them.

We want to smell them.

We want to hide ourselves and then reveal with a big “Peek a Boo!”

We want to kiss and tickle their toes.

We want to do zerberts on their bellies to see them smile and laugh

We want to take care of feeding them

We want to keep them safe

We want to tell others—especially the parents---how precious they are.

We want them to know they are loved.

Christmas allows us to focus our love simply and appreciatively toward that one sweet, full-of-promise baby.

Ricky Bobby was on to something.

When I asked He-Twin what love at Christmas means, without hesitation answered far more succinctly, “Everything.”

AMEN.

A Tale of Trees...and Christmas

2011-12-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

Our holiday story begins with a powerful, ancient tree. Her name was Smiley.

She was an old tree---well over 100 years. She was stately and regal.

In the summer months, Smiley shaded a family home under her leafy green umbrella. Cars travelled the street she flanked, canopied beneath her beautiful branches. Her exterior markings---her "barkings"---seemed sculpted as if to cast a smile toward those strolling the sidewalk and beam into the windows of the house below.

Each year, in the fall, Smiley shed her vast quantities of leaves...supplying plentiful piles for two pairs of jumping feet. The little boy who lived in the house would often erupt with glee seeing the swirling, airborne colors---flying patterns foreshadowing the winter ahead.

Now Smiley was strong, but not immune to incident. In the 14 years the family lived in the happy home she covered, Smiley dropped branches weighty enough to break not one, but two, windshields. One impressive and thoroughly sodden branch totaled a 2002 Honda Odyssey. Still the family---the neighborhood---loved Smiley. To this day, the family believes Smiley loved them.

So great her love, in late August, when hurricane rains fell and strong winds blew, Smiley invited herself into the house.

Surely she had no idea her intrusion would require the family to leave. Nor could she have realized she'd be shorn of her stunning, leaf-laden branches, be extracted from the home she loved, and have her stump removed from the plot it had inhabited for a life rich in ring acquisition.

The family moved to a nearby home. One---by intentional decision---without so prestigious a pin oak casting a shadow.

Autumn came and went; winter began.

In keeping with tradition, the family purchased another tree separated from its roots, and welcomed it into their home for the holiday season.

Alas, the adornments annually pulled from attic-stored boxes were now sequestered in a restoration/salvage locale for evaluation.

Then, Christmas magic began.

Friends, intuitively aware of the new tree's nakedness, thoughtfully collected and provided ornamentation...for not only the tree, but its new home.

One friend, knowing the lack of history in the relocation home, lovingly hand-constructed a tree resplendent with miniature books---texts read with dear friends over the preceding decade.

Family, always seeking to help, created opportunity for new, precious, child-created treasures to adorn the tree.

New neighbors, unknowing, provided a luminous tree across the street---a tree smiling brightly into the winter window of the temporarily displaced---but Christmas miracle cognizant---family.

Blessings via branches.

Way Back When-esday: A Farewell to Friendly's

2011-12-13T23:44:00.000-05:00

Dateline: July 2011
Twins' Age: 9

Unbeknownst to us, this image may well be the last one taken in our beloved, beloved Brook Road (in Richmond, Virginia) Friendly's Restaurant. Every time Double Daddy had band practice? We went to ~~that~~ our Friendly's. For their 6th birthday dinner? We went to Friendly's. First day of school? We went to Friendly's. Last day of school? We went to Friendly's. When I wanted to talk about friendly customer service and the importance of honing memory skills (one of our favorite waitresses used no pad)? We went to Friendly's.

Late this past summer, we learned Friendly's was declaring Chapter 11. So potentially devastating was the news, Double Daddy "broke" it to me on the sly. We did let the kids know, but also shared the bright side of Chapter 11. The corporation could re-structure, and maybe, hopefully, do better as a result.

That afternoon, driving to pick up the twins from school, I heard the dreaded news on the radio. Of our local Friendly's-es, only two would remain open. "Ours" would not.

Once buckled in, we sped the familiar path to our happy haunt---hoping for a "Happy Ending." That hoped-for sundae wasn't meant to be. We were greeted (unlike how we'd ever been greeted in the past) with a locked door and lights out. If memory serves, there were some tears.

Offers to try the two stalwart stores were rebuffed. "Not the same." "They're not in our neighborhood." "Don't think the other ones are any good."

Then, last night, following the Christmas Concert at school (wherein She-Twin sang in the choir and played clarinet in the band; He-Twin was supportive audience member), for the celebratory "after-show" dinner, She-Twin selected another favorite, Quaker Steak & Lube. Once seated in the restaurant, unlike in past visits, the loud bar made it near impossible to hear each other. Before we placed an order, we left. Asking She-Twin for her alternate choice?

We went to Friendly's.

Dateline: December 13, 2011
Twins' Age: 10

Here's to a new---non- Eleven---Chapter.

Refinding familiar fun warms my heart this mid-week!

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

What else warms my mid-week? One of my very favorite blogger's fresh release of three amazing new texts for kids! You can read She-Twin's review here, but please go peek at the author's page, CampbellLawson.com !

Please peek at the CampbellLawson.com website and let me know in the comments which text YOU'D select for your kid(s)! One randomly selected commenter will win a copy of Somebody!

And don't forget: warm someone else's mid-week, and do it for Abbie. Find the details here.

Tuesday Twinterview: The Bookworms Edition

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

At this point in your life, what are your favorite 5 books of all time so far?

He-Twin (10):

The Action Bible
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Lego Harry Potter: Building the Magical World

She-Twin (10):

Smile
Drita, My Homegirl
Bridge to Terabithia
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb
Weird, But True, Vol. 3

What are YOUR 5 favorite books?
Check out the postscript, and be sure to let Scholastic Books know...for a great cause!

One of my new favorites is by a beloved blog-friend, the hostess/author behind SittingOnAnOak and CampbellLawson.com.

Here, She-Twin's review of her new book, Somebody:

"Parents will enjoy Somebody because it will help them realize how often they say 'Somebody' instead of asking someone by name to do something*. Kids will feel better about discipline when they realize they are 'somebody special' all the time in their parents' eyes. [In the end] all the parents needed was a little help---literally!"

*As a twin mom I am very guilty of this practice! Now more aware, somebody in our house is committing to change...

We're also committing to a giveaway!

A copy of Somebody will be sent to a random commenter who shares their current favorite book to read to their children. Comment anytime this week. Winner will be notified in the next Tuesday Twinterview.

GOOD LUCK!

Our friends at Scholastic Books, via Whoopi Goldberg on yesterday's The View, just debuted the "One Million Bookprints for One Million Books” Campaign, an initiative to donate one million books to kids who need to read...and don't hey all? Adults and kids alike are encouraged to join Scholastic’s online book community, YouAreWhatYouRead.com. Once there, make a Bookprint – a list of 5 books that have shaped your life. And for every Bookprint, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a book. Make a difference this holiday season!

[*Twinfatuation is listing this initiative voluntarily. No remuneration is being received for this mention. We did receive review copies from Campbell Lawson gratis, with no promise of a positive review. --CRL]

Makes My Monday: Acts for Angel Abbie

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

On Good Friday of this year, He-Twin and She-Twin lost a beautiful, courageous classmate to cancer.

Their school, our community, all who ever met Abbie Waters still grieve, and feel her absence profoundly. For this holiday season, her parents' first Christmas without their daughter here on earth, Abbie's mom, Mary Ann, is making a request:

Abbie's Christmas
"We have an idea for Abbie's stocking this year. You know how she was all about friendship and her friends were/are her world. Well, if you want to do a random act of kindness like letting someone in line ahead of you at Target, picking up a piece of litter, or just doing something extra for a friend or charity in Abbie's name....and then email it to Abbie at her email address: Abbiewaters [at ] aol.com, we will put all of the emails in her stocking by the fireplace and then on Christmas morning when we would have opened gifts with Abbie, instead we will open and read all the acts of kindness done in her name. I think this will be something Abbie would appreciate and I know Jeff and I will need something that morning to help us through. She loves/loved life and her friends....and most everyone she met she would consider as a new friend."

If during this holiday season you find a window wherein you can enact a morsel of niceness in remembrance of our much-loved and much-missed friend, please make a note of it, and email to AbbieWaters@aol.com. If it's easier or more comfortable for you, email me or leave me a comment and I will forward your kindnesses to Abbie's mom in time for Christmas eve.

The opportunity to act as Angel Abbie's hands this season Makes My Monday.

Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday.

Aspirational American Apparel

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Charged with choosing an occupation and sharing it on a shirt via Sharpie (alliteration, I can't quit you), here are our two's tees:

He-Twin's:

[Do be sure to note the centrally placed frame featuring the word "Crap" in the speak bubble.]

She-Twin's:

[Dare I declare waiting tables may have prepared me for all my life's jobs--mothering multiples included--better than college did? No slight intended, W&M...]

Not to omit the arts angle, the obverse of She-Twin's tee predicts performance...

Ask your little ones what THEY'D like to be...and share their response in the comments!
What did YOU want to be when you were in elementary school? Do you remember?

Way Back When-esday: Couch Kisses

2011-12-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: June 2007
Twins' Age: 5

A peck from Pops warm my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

What else warms my mid-week? One of my very favorite blogger's fresh release of three amazing new texts for kids! A review will be coming soon, but please go peek at her page, CampbellLawson.com !

She-Twin ripped open our sample selection, and our hands-down toughest critic in-house began with, "This is AWESOME!"(The last text she reviewed got a C.)

Please peek at the CampbellLawson.com website and let me know in the comments which text YOU'D select for your kid(s)!

It's All Relative

2011-12-06T12:59:00.001-05:00

Amid the excitement of a new presidential political season...

She-Twin: "So who are you going to vote for this time, Mom?"

Mom: "It's so early in the process, I do like Jon Huntsman quite a bit; but I want to learn a lot more about all of them before I decide."

She-Twin: "I'm for Michelle Bachmann."

Mom (surprised): "Really? She's very different than Hillary Clinton, and you were so behind Hillary before."

She-Twin: "Is she related?"

Mom: "To Hillary?"

She-Twin (exasperated): "No, not to Hillary. Is she related to Bachmann Turner Overdrive?"

Makes My Monday: Merry Midlife and Mayhem

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

Birthday fun with my family (for my 47th!) and holiday photo hijinx Make My Monday!

Play along! Link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

Un-Merry Mythbusting

2011-12-01T08:40:00.002-05:00

a.k.a. Talking about the Tooth Fairy and her Friends
[*This post is not intended for child readers. Please don't read within their sight range.]

When people learn my husband and I are the parents of twins, invariably the conversation proceeds down the path to assumed doubled challenges. Their suppositions are frequently spot-on:

“Oh absolutely, those first few weeks made it abundantly clear why sleep deprivation is used as a torture method!”

“Yes, as you can imagine, potty training two was uber-messy!”

“Of course we heard it very early, and immediately had to nip the ‘that’s not fair’ argument in the bud!”

With equal accuracy, as seasoned twin parents reassured us in shopping malls years ago, as our near-simultanaeously born siblings have grown older, it frequently has “gotten easier.”

Well, until that one night earlier this year.

Theretofore, the Easter Bunny annually left muddy footprints on our dining room table. Reindeer grazed upon glitter-sprinkled oats and baby carrots in our front yard. Leprechauns scattered throw pillows about the house and left their elfin green pee in our toilets---they never, ever, flushed.

Then last spring, She-Twin lost not one, but three baby teeth in a single week. Please note, She-Twin was on a first name basis with her personal tooth fairy, her name was---and if you ask me, still is---Tulip. Not only did money change hands between the two, Tulip and She-Twin communicated via under-the-pillow notes. She-Twin was beyond understanding when Tulip refused to bestow the requested ability to fly, and she forgave the incident wherein Tulip didn’t wish to risk wing singe on the 4th of July.

On that pivotal morning before summer break, having shared her 3rd grade delight upon the receipt of ten super shiny dimes from Tulip with a classmate, she was met with ridicule. “You still believe in the Tooth Fairy?” she was asked. She defended her wee winged pal, and then prepared for the parental inquisition.

Both our babes had questioned in the past, but in attempts to prolong and preserve innocence (and admittedly, a good portion of parental joy) we typically responded with, “All I know is if you don’t believe, _____________ (insert the present-giver of choice here) doesn’t come.”

This time, after dinner, with He-Twin upstairs, She-Twin told us of her humiliating episode. She asked me point-blank, “Are you the Tooth Fairy? Have you been lying to me?”

“Honey, we have been the tooth fairy. We certainly didn’t mean it as lying to you at all,” I explained as my tears started flowing alongside hers.

“Why would you do that?” she pressed on, as the sobbing continued.

Then Double Daddy, ever calm, lovingly began, “Sweetie, you know all those scary fairy tales about the bad things that can happen if you walk off in the woods, or tell lies, or open the door when you don’t who’s there? Those stories are meant to teach children in a child-like way the terrible things that can happen in life if you aren’t careful. Stories like that of the Tooth Fairy are meant to illustrate in a child-like way how incredibly wonderful life can be. We receive gifts and generosity and kindness and laughter and mischief and the promise of growth---all by simply asking, trusting, behaving, wishing and believing. The Tooth Fairy and the others are simply a loving way for parents to share that glimpse of life’s goodness with their children.”

As my sobbing continued—intensified by my man’s uncanny insight and wisdom---crying She-Twin then continued, “So wait, the Easter Bunny and…?”

“Well…” Double Daddy hesitated.

She-Twin let out a full-revelation acknowledgment wail. We all hugged and reinforced the spirit of those generous joy-bringers is very, very real. Naturally, any conversation of this ilk concludes with the lecture imperative on the need to keep this “truth” in house…letting other families address their conversations when it was their time…reminding her of how sad it was to hear from “someone else.”

After gathering our wits and regaining a semblance of composure, I went on upstairs to check on He-Twin, who surely had been listening.

“Hey Pumpkin, I guess you heard what all was going on downstairs.”

“About Santa?” he offered knowingly, with his typical I’m-seven-minutes-older maturity.

“Yes, she was pretty upset.”

“Wait, you mean Santa isn’t real?” he replied with perceptible lip tremble.

The whole heart-wrenching discourse was then replayed a second time for He-Twin’s benefit.

In many ways, parenting older twins is indeed, “easier.”

On that emotional evening of sequential Santa-squashing, not so much.

But this week, months later, with decorations all around, an envelope found its way to our hands---addressed to the North Pole.

Afterward, in true Tulip fashion, we found this slipped this under our pillow…

Think this will find a home in my jewelry box...right alongside my stash of sweet little baby teeth.

You can find this post and oodles of other fun holiday-centric reads at RichmondMom !

Way Back When-esday: Somebody Come and Play

2011-11-30T07:45:00.000-05:00

Dateline: April 2003
Twins' Age: 19 months

Always a sucker for Sesame Street, what fun it was to enjoy it with our toddler twins! When our local arts/entertainment magazine, Style Weekly, ran a contest to win tickets to the touring Sesame Street Live, naturally, we entered. Fantastically, we WON! Included with the free tickets for four, a pre-show meet and greet with Elmo, Telly, and Lulu. They may not remember it, but Double Daddy and I will never forget it.

Fun with fuzzy friends warm my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Confessions and Candor: Part 4

2011-11-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

During the very last, late morning dreams before rising...

Mom (with sincerity, in the kitchen of our re-lo home): "Truly, I cannot thank you enough for producing 'Hugo.' My son and I completely adored that book [The Invention of Hugo Cabret] and the movie did it justice. We really appreciate you getting it to the big screen."

Johnny Depp (reaching toward our windowsill, picking up a smallish manger with a white chocolate Baby Jesus atop a bed of tinted coconut): "Is this edible?"

Mom: "Oh, absolutely. Help yourself."

If you would like to win a copy of author Brian Selznick's follow-up to The Invention of Hugo Cabret, be sure to comment here.

Link Love and Post Pimpin'

2011-11-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

Jane Roper. She's the amazing blogger behind Babble.com's twin-centric "Baby Squared."

Dreamy darling that she is, she "Roper-ed" me into an e-interview on all things doubled.

Please go take a peek and give her a bit of comment love. Likewise, throw her some encouragement! Double Time, her book on twin pregnancy and early parenting (and confronting depression along the way), comes out this May.

Have older twins and seeking some superlative reading material? Enter to win a copy of Wonderstruck---the latest book by Brian Selznick, the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the text behind Martin Scorsese's newest masterwork, Hugo. (Gazillions of thanks to the amazing folks at Scholastic Books.)

Awww, heckfire, while I'm slinging the self-indulgent sauce, if you read our book, Twinspiration, and liked it, throw a little Amazon review love our way. We'd appreciate it ever so!

Be sure and take a bit of time this Tuesday and pick a pic for Way Back When-esday....going live Tuesday night!

Makes My Monday: The Mummy Returns

2011-11-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

Meshing the very old (mummies from ancient Egypt aren't exactly fresh...) with the very new (in the form of a 3-D movie intro, wherein viewers travel the spine of Nesperrenub---thanks to CAT scan technology), the VMFA's latest exhibit is a winner.

He-Twin and She-Twin's review of our experience, published via RichmondMom.com, Makes My Monday.

Please comment or link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

What else Makes My Monday? Thanks to the generosity of Scholastic Books, we're giving away the follow-up to Brian Selznick's amazing Caldecott winner, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Wonderstruck is currently on He-Twin's nightstand, and it could be on yours soon! Visit this post and enter to win.

Season of Wonderstruck!

2011-11-27T20:02:00.001-05:00

This holiday weekend, we had the opportunity to see Hugo, the amazing new film----directed by none other than Martin Scorsese, produced by none other than Johnny Depp----incarnation of our (He-Twin's and my) latest, most favoritest book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

If you have not read the Caldecott Award winner for 2008, by artist/author Brian Selznick, published by Scholastic Press, DO! Truly, we cannot recommend it heartily enough. He-Twin and I were so entranced, he insisted I read it aloud while he showered---it's that engrossing a story! (Thankfully, we have a transparent shower curtain, so I could share the story-propelling, illustration-rich passages...)

Thanks to a long-term, mutually respectful, reading-centric relationship between Twinfatuation and Scholastic Books, we just received a courtesy copy of Brian Selznick's newest masterwork, Wonderstruck!

Better yet? We are going to give a copy of this stunning, same-style, similarly formatted tome to a Twinfatuation commenter THIS WEEK! Chances are, it'll arrive in time for Christmas...and would be a weighty, wonderful, full-family gift under the tree.

What do you need to do to enter?

No, you don't need to like Twinfatuation on Facebook. No, you don't need to like Scholastic on Facebook. No, you don't need to Tweet or link your blog to this one. (Granted, if you wish to do any of those things, feel free...especially liking Scholastic, they're fantastic!)

To enter to win simply comment on this post with a title of one of your family's current favorite books...and a single sentence about why. (You may comment once per day through this Thursday at noon EST, but you must list different book titles with each comment. Winner will be announced Friday, December 2.)

GOOD LUCK!

Be sure to check back later for Makes My Monday!

Thoughts on Thanksgiving: He-Twin Style

2011-11-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

T ogether holiday
H ungry for more
A nnual reunion
N ot a bad holiday
K raft Maccaroni with supper
S carcity of food is not found
G race is said
I nviting family
V iolin is an instrument we play during Thanksgiving
I nstructing the dog not to eat food
N o more breakfeast tommorow
G oing home again

Way Back When-esday: Wishbone

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: November 2004
Twins' Age: 3

The blessings of having twins are many...none the least of which, well-matched wishbone pullers!

Gratitude abounds for our family this Thanksgiving season; hoping this week finds your home experiencing similar joy.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday this Thanksgiving week?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Confessions and Candor: Part 3

2011-11-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

It's what's for supper.

Makes My Monday: The Final Four

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

He-Twin and She-Twin have a history of spelling bee success.

In first grade, they were both their classroom winners.

In second grade, She-Twin was her classroom winner. (He-Twin was not there on the day of his in-class bee.)

In third grade, they went head-to-head in the school-wide bee---each representing their respective classes.

This year, in fourth grade, He-Twin was his class winner; She-Twin, her class' alternate.

Round after round, He-Twin held his ground. (Please note the sea of emptied seats, and the patient, handsome speller awaiting his next turn in the white tee with denim over-shirt.)

While his disappointment was palpable at his fourth-place finish, He-Twin's performance, his preparation, his calm under pressure, and his sportsmanship completely

M-A-K-E M-Y M-O-N-D-A-Y.
(*As does the fact that the winner of the Big Bee was representing She-Twin's class. She-Twin was her alternate.)

Please comment or link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

Semi-Spiritual Sunday Snippet: Acrostic to A-crass-tic

2011-11-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

He-Twin's Sunday School exercise....

When I voiced how poignant and thoughtful his choices were, he encouraged me to look on the back of the sheet...

Balance...it's all about the balance.

It's Good to Be King

2011-11-18T15:30:00.001-05:00

...especially today, Double Daddy's birthday.

He's an uncannily talented writer. He's the funniest man I have ever met (tidbit: he even did stand-up comedy for a while, he's THAT funny). He's an amazing musician. He's a role model in every way (thoughtfulness and integrity are merely the tip of the iceberg). He squashes cancer impressively (21+ months cancer-free this month); and he manages the "resurrect our house" team---keeping his head all the while. He's a better father than I would have ever dared hope for....and he does it times two.

He's the love of my life.

He's 44 today.

Happy Birthday, Honeybunches. I love you with all my heart.

Way Back When-esday: Serious Spooning

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: April 2003
Twins' Age: 19 months

Happy in their high chairs, He-Twin and She-Twin both loved their high-fat vanilla yogurt (who wouldn't?), but their already divergent body language speaks volumes to future demonstrations of individuality.

He-Twin's "happy feet" and She-Twin's feminine focus warm my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Did you know Jeff Kinney's latest in the "Wimpy Kid" series was released yesterday? For He-Twin's review, check out our "Tw-In Reviews" page!

Confessions and Candor: Part 2

2011-11-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

In a clear moment of exemplary parenting, I just asked this child if he wanted to turn on the TV to see if a new episode of Dance Moms is available on-demand....

Ooops.

Makes My Monday: Ardent Apologies

2011-11-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

Rudeness.

To my thinking, it's the most insidious infraction; and invariably, it's the one that pushes my parenting panic button the most forcefully. After a particularly harsh harangue from She-Twin, she was not only sent to her room, but required to recount in writing (when you write you remember....worked in college, after all...) why and what went awry.

My daughter's darling spirit...and the forgiveness hug that followed...Make My Monday.

Please comment or link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

The Genuine. The Jerky. The Jeans.

2011-11-13T13:04:00.000-05:00

He-Twin's pencilled prayer:

Direct, and to the point.

She-Twin's conversation with the Divine:

Transcribed: Dear God, Do you like Slim Jims? I also want to know if you like people. Please tell me. You know, I think McDonalds is pretty good, too. My favorite type of food is chocolate. I would really like it if you wrote me a letter describing the taste of the bacon you can buy in heaven. How do you tell a male chromisone [sic] from a female?

And the not-so-prayerful punchline...

Amen.

Saturday Snapshot: Longing to be a Lapdog

2011-11-12T17:36:00.001-05:00

Seventy-plus pounds of Samoyed mix wouldn't typically qualify a canine for "carry" status; but Larry-Dog doesn't let superficial stereotypes hamper his aspirations.

Doesn't look like Double Daddy minds too terribly much....

Another Psycho Shower Scene

2011-11-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

While getting into the shower, the bathroom door---without being knocked upon first---bursts open...

Mom (naked, with the irritated tone used when the practice occurred ad nauseum years earlier with twin toddlers): "Darren, the door was closed! You are supposed to knock first. What do you need?"

He-Twin (making a speedy exit): "Therapy, now...."

Way Back When-esday: Love at First Sight

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dateline: July 5, 2010
Twins' Age: 8
Larry-Dog's Estimated Age: 5

Funny how smiles can bring tears, isn't it?

Double Daddy's and Darren's grins as they first met face-to-face---and paw-to-paw---with our now-far-furrier family member warm my heart this mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

*Larry-Dog is an alumni of the Richmond SPCA...where She-Twin now volunteers. (That caregiving brushing hand pictured atop Larry's head is hers.) If you and your family have some love to spare, the SPCA has animals to share!

Philadelphia Freedom

2011-11-08T07:59:00.002-05:00

Sitting next to an attentive, well-behaved She-Twin in church Sunday, I placed a gentle, silent kiss upon her cheek. Reflexively, she proceeded to "wipe" it, but the process of wiping went on and on...

Mom (quietly, with a slightly hurt expression): "Awwww, Sarah...."

She-Twin (whispering, with a smile): "Mom, I am spreading the kiss all over my face....like cream cheese!"

Be sure to exercise your freedom today, VOTE!
(He-Twin and She-Twin wish they could!)

Makes My Monday: Fall Festival Friends

2011-11-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Crisp air. School spirit. Free butternut squash soup. Flash mob. Fourth grade friends.

He-Twin (painted a la panda) and one of his best buddies (adorned as an eagle) sharing the fall festival fun Make My Monday.

Please comment or link up and share what Makes YOUR Monday!

Confessions and Candor: Part 1

2011-11-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

TRUTH: When dining in family restaurants, and fellow diners are recipients of the enthusiastic birthday sing by the waitstaff, I clap like a certifiable mad woman and dance unashamedly in my seat. Tonight, no less than FIVE guests received supplemental accompaniment from our booth.

For the first two, He-Twin tried to suppress my effusive demonstration. By the third, he was joining in.

'Fess up: Singer or Squelcher ?

Way Back When-esday: Cuttery Cut-Ups

2011-11-02T08:05:00.001-04:00

Dateline: June 21, 2011
Twins' Age: 9

The last day of 3rd grade merited fresh summer haircuts. Our salon of choice? The Hair Cuttery! Since their very first cuts---from whence we had to extract them from their double stroller seats---to this foray, where they greeted each stylist by name, gave hugs to---and received hugs from---all.

Take your fancy salons and spas...we will never waver from our beloved beautifying team!

My gorgeous post-trim goof-offs warm my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Way-back when, Double Daddy and I wrote a book on twin pregnancy and life with twin infants. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year (c. 2006, Taylor Trade) is not only available in bookstores nationwide, but it is now on Kindle and Nook! Check it out, and let us hear from you!

Which Mom Am I?

2011-11-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

In the car, in the days preceding Halloween...

He-Twin (with kindness): "How come you and Daddy don't dress up for Halloween? Lots of parents do, you guys should this year."

Mommy: "Well maybe I should get one of those silly beanie hats with a propeller and be a 'helicopter mom'."

She-Twin (curiously): "What's a helicopter mom?"

Mommy (ever-the-educator...): "You know how some moms hover over their kids all the time, making sure that they don't hurt themselves or make a mistake---even if it's one they could learn from? They use a lot of Purell.....oooh! Maybe I should be a 'tiger mom' instead!"

He-Twin (clearly non-plussed so far by my ideas...): "What is a tiger mom?"

Mommy (pleased with her parenting-style familiarity and fluency): "Tiger moms are very committed to their children's success and make them practice their instruments for hours, do homework of their own devising beyond teacher assignments and are very, very strict about playdates and 'just for fun' activities."

She-Twin (a quick study): "You are a helicopter mom; and Daddy is a tiger dad."

Not entirely convinced by She-Twin's cursory analysis, I went as the mom I often believe myself to be.

Which 'mom' am I?

More often than not, Witch Mom.

Have you checked out RichmondMom.com? This post is featured there today! Happy All Saints' Day, Mamas!

Makes My Monday: Very Gourdy

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

While the title sounds scandalously similar to the Motown mastermind's moniker, what truly Makes My Monday is our pair purging their pumpkins of their guts...without my assist! (Those who know me well know that hand-sullying is not my favorite past-time. When it comes to doughnuts, pizza, so-called "finger foods," I use a fork.)

Scrubbing the abundant orange globules from the front of the dishwasher, the walls, the counter...I'll take that duty any day!

Please comment or link up to share what Makes YOUR Monday!

My Consulting Co-Composer...

2011-10-27T12:06:00.000-04:00

Last night, over homework...

He-Twin (with the enthusiasm of discovery): "Mom! Look at my math worksheet---it says 'Show Your Work Wednesday!' That sounds like something you would do on your blog!"

Apples and trees, Friends. Apples and trees...

Way Back When-esday: Soaking in Seven

2011-10-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

Dateline: September 2008
Twins' Age: Freshly 7

Both He-Twin and She-Twin chose to spend their 7th birthday at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. Forget a party with friends. Forget a home-based family get-together. That year, and on plenty of occasions to celebrate since then, it's been splashy good fun topping their list.

The anticipatory smiles on their faces warm my heart this October mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Way-back when, Double Daddy and I wrote a book on twin pregnancy and life with twin infants. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year (c. 2006, Taylor Trade) is not only available in bookstores nationwide, but it is now on Kindle and Nook! Check it out, and let us hear from you!

*This post was not compensated by---or a promotional post written for---Great Wolf Lodge. We simply have many happy family memories of our times there. -CRL

Tuesday Twin-Shot

2011-10-25T12:28:00.000-04:00

...because they are beautiful, and I love them.

[Now that they are TEN, we may re-institute the Tuesday Twinterview from blog eras gone by. The insights (Twinsights!) as late are fascinating.]

If you've included an image of your twosome on your post today, leave a comment! Would love to see them

Makes My Monday: Tapping Inspiration

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

After faded-interest forays into both tae kwon do and horseback riding, She-Twin enjoyed a window of extracurricular dormancy. Nothing struck her fancy. Until recently.

Two weeks ago, She-Twin acquired ballet flats and tap shoes and began weekly lessons combining an introduction to the two dance forms. She's hooked. She's hoofing.

Sunday night was spent viewing YouTube examples par excellence en famille...Sammy Davis, Jr. (at age 7, nonetheless!), Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly...

Our motivated miss (so much so, she ran upstairs to don her dancing shoes) Makes My Monday.

Please comment or link up to share what Makes YOUR Monday!

Mick: The Solo Tour

2011-10-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

He wasn't named Jimi, Janis, Jon Bonham or Keith Moon, but sadly, before his time, Mick's hermit crab tank mate has gone on to the great after-show in the sky.

R.I.P., Ozzy.

You Need a DeLorean...

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000-04:00

With He-Twin, over snacks and homework at our local coffee shop....

He-Twin: "Why is it that you can reverse the numbers around for multiplication and addition and the problem still works, but it doesn't for subtraction?"

Mom: "Just the rules of math, I suppose."

He-Twin: "You know the answer to that question would probably help with making a time machine."

Mom: "Do you think time travel is possible?"

He-Twin: "Sure."

Mom: "How?"

He-Twin: "You need a really powerful battery."

Mom: "Of course, but how would it work?"

He-Twin: "You'd have a clock where you adjust the hands to where you want to go."

Mom: "I get that, too; but what makes it work?"

He-Twin (exasperated): "A big red button!"

Meet Mick

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month, we travelled to Virginia Beach for our annual visit...our 6th. In years past, we've come home with magnets, frisbees from DoughBoys, salt water taffy, and without fail, photos galore and fabulous memories.

This year, we brought home living crustaceans. Unlike Larry Dog, who came canine complete with a pluperfect name, our two new hermit crabs were name neutral for over a week. Ultimatum given, She-Twin named the smallish, adventurous, painted showman of a crab (pictured above) the appropriate moniker, Mick.

His tank-mate is unpolished. He's a bit heavier and slower moving, but makes his presence known.

We'll send a signed print copy of Twinspiration (now available on Kindle and Nook!) to the first to guess his name correctly.

Hint: As you can safely assume from She-Twin's musical predilections, he is named for a rocker...but he is NOT one of the Rolling Stones.

Good luck!

Way Back When-esday: Pair in the Pile

2011-10-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

Dateline: October 2004
Twins' Age: 3

With the first leaves of autumn falling, this image of my little rakers warms my mid-week!

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Way-back when, Double Daddy and I wrote a book on twin pregnancy and life with twin infants. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year (c. 2006, Taylor Trade) is not only available in bookstores nationwide, but it is now on Kindle and Nook! Check it out, and let us hear from you!

Makes My Monday: Tw-In Development

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Now ten-years-old, She-Twin and He-Twin have enough life experience under their adjustable elastic waistbands to interpret and employ their own God-given skills and talents.

The 4th Annual Arts on the Grove Festival was held two weeks ago. In the three years preceding, both He and She elected to display their artwork proudly and submit pieces for the juried children's art show.

This year, they took divergent paths.

She-Twin:

He-Twin:

Learning---and loving---their twindividual leanings Makes My Monday.

Please comment or link up to share what Makes YOUR Monday!

What else Makes My Monday this Monday? A LONG-awaited return to active blogging by the lovely Laura of Catholic Teacher Musings! She's always insightful, always inspiring, always a wonderful read. Be sure to pop by and welcome her back to blog-land!

Rearranging the Merchandise

2011-10-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Deny it if you wish, but poop is always funny.

Way Back When-esday: Shore Traditions

2011-10-11T21:44:00.000-04:00

Dateline: Late Summer 2006
Twins' Age: 5

Last weekend, we traveled to Virginia Beach---belatedly yes, but Irene didn't succeed in canceling---for our annual family trip. As we checked in to our much-loved Comfort Inn on the oceanfront, we attempted to determine whether it was our fourth or fifth mini-vacation there...

Way Back When-esday confirms it---it was our SIXTH!

The sheer glee evident on He-Twin's face whenever he's by the Atlantic and She-Twin's determined sand sculpture concentration have changed little in the past six years.

Sand and sun warm my mid-week this Way Back When-esday.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Way-back when, Double Daddy and I wrote a book on twin pregnancy and life with twin infants. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year (c. 2006, Taylor Trade) is not only available in bookstores nationwide, but it is now on Kindle and Nook! Check it out, and let us hear from you!

Messy Missy

2011-10-11T14:34:00.001-04:00

Two days into our family life with two-yet-to-be-named hermit crabs...

Sarah: "You know, these hermit crabs irritate me. I get their little house all set up nice and they just rearrange it and make it all messy."

Mom: "You know, sometimes you irritate me, my little crab. We get your desk set up all nice and you rearrange it and let it get all messy."

At least she's carved out a place to do her homework...

Makes My Monday: Not Bueller

2011-10-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

State fair fun a la Ferris wheel...

Giggles and grins from my guys Make My Monday.

In fourteen-hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue; but what makes this Monday work for YOU?

Please share what Makes YOUR Monday! We all have so very much to be grateful for....

What else Makes My Monday this Monday? A LONG-awaited return to active blogging by the lovely Laura of Catholic Teacher Musings! She's always insightful, always inspiring, always a wonderful read. Be sure to pop by and welcome her back to blog-land!

Way Back When-esday: Mudpies

2011-10-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

Dateline: Late September 2008
Twins' Age: 7

Just over three years ago this week, my back was waaaaaaaay out. As I was recuperating in bed for a weekend, Double Daddy made sure He-Twin and She-Twin had fun. Clearly (dare I say it's as clear as mud?), they did.

Looking back at our darling, dirty duo warms my heart this mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Way-back when, Double Daddy and I wrote a book on twin pregnancy and life with twin infants. Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year (c. 2006, Taylor Trade) is not only available in bookstores nationwide, but it is now on Kindle and Nook! Check it out, and let us hear from you!

Captains Courageous

2011-10-04T08:09:00.000-04:00

Found in He-Twin's homework folder...

Makes My Monday: Untreefeated

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bring your worst, Branches (oh wait, you already did!), He-Twin and She-Twin will still find joy climbing amongst you.

Pardoning the Pin Oak and finding leafy, loving forgiveness Makes My Monday.

Please share what Makes YOUR Monday! We all have so very much to be grateful for....

Way Back When-esday: Unrequited Affections

2011-09-27T21:50:00.002-04:00

Dateline: February 2007
Twins' Age: 5

She-Twin has long been a fan of The Who. In her tender toddler years, she posted a picture of a fringe-jacketed Roger Daltrey over her bed (only after she doctored the photocopy a la Andy Warhol).

Finding this picture---of her making a hand-crafted valentine for the legendary front man*---warms my heart this mid-week.

(*To answer the pregnant question, of course I mailed it---at her insistence---to the management firm listed online for Mr. Daltrey. She never heard back.)

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Makes My Monday: Laugh-Inducing Lunch

2011-09-26T08:12:00.000-04:00

Smiling sustenance Makes My Monday.

Please share what Makes YOUR Monday!
We all have so very much to be grateful for....

Prayer from the Past

2011-09-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

Saturday Snapshots: Autumn Advances

2011-09-24T10:55:00.000-04:00

Last year I learned the scary cereals of my youth are now merely seasonal offerings. The equinox has passed, and Robert Pattinson has nothing on my favorite vampire.

She-Twin, He-Twin and our own in-house howler seem to agree....

How's your weekend looking so far? Do tell!

Way Back When-esday: Growing and Graduating

2011-09-20T22:51:00.000-04:00

Dateline: Spring 2007
Twins' Age: 5

Half their lives ago now, She-Twin and He-Twin were moving on, leaving their much-loved Pre-K behind.

Twin affection photographed, and still felt (most of the time!), warms my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Makes My Monday; Tag, You're It!

2011-09-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

A literal sweet---delicious banana bread---came adorned with literature sweet...

Along with the nutritional sustenance consumed, the insightful wisdom was as well.

Yesterday at church, the twins' Sunday School teacher kindly said to them, "I hope the repairs won't take too long, and that you'll be back in your house soon." He-Twin without hesitation responded, "Home is where the family is!"

Friends who give of their gifts---cooking, compassion, caring---all Make My Monday.

Please share what Makes YOUR Monday!
We all have so very much to be grateful for....

Saturday Snapshots: Settling In

2011-09-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

All seem to be adjusting well to our new environs...wishing all a restful weekend!

Way Back When-esday: Sudsy Sentiments

2011-09-14T12:20:00.000-04:00

Dateline: September 7, 2011
Twins' Age: 10

As Madeline noted in Madeline Says Merci, "A thank you spoken is a very nice token, but a thank you letter is even better." Especially when written in soap crayons, on beloved friends' shower walls.

Warmth (and washability!) between lifelong friends warms my mid-week.

Why don't you dive into your digital files and play along with Way Back When-esday?

Seek out an overlooked snapshot or scan a scrapbook find...share an image you might not otherwise. Tell the tale and place a post on your blog. Be sure and link back to participate in the web-wide reverie...and please leave a comment when you do!

Sticklers for manners, peek at our post feature on RichmondMom.com---and please leave a comment when you do!

Pin Oak-ey Hole

2011-09-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

Much Makes My Monday....

1.) the fact Smiley Tree has been extracted from our home

2.) the fact that neither inhabitants of the home nor those who did the dangerous work of removing the tonnage of wood were harmed

3.) the fact Double Daddy's humor is unflappable. "We used to have pull-down stairs to our attic, now we have walk-up branches."

4.) the fact the sign above is NOT a demolition order. The understatement of "very bad structure damage" is kind of amusing...

5.) the fact that despite Ben Franklin's memorable quote "Fish and visitors stink after three days," our kids were all near tears when we departed our friends' home---with whom we stayed eleven days.

6.) the fact that our insurance company, a local realtor, and family who planned to sell was willing to rent all worked in concert to get us safely in a home near our school, and in our neighborhood

7.) the fact that Double Daddy has relentlessly worked to make our new house a home...for the next 9-12 months

8.) the fact Larry dog is home wherever we are

9.) the fact that our kids handled a postponed vacation, a birthday away from "our home" and the start of their fourth grade year with grace and aplomb
10.) the fact the hugs and incredible gestures of generosity and kindness from friends seem to be more long-lived than the days of traffic slows to gawk at the architectural carnage.

11.) the fact that our home, ever-modest, is now tarped---preventing further damage until the rebuild can begin.

Please share what Makes YOUR Monday! We all have so very much to be grateful for....