Discipline and Humor

David and I believe in spanking. Yes, we spank but not for every little "bad choice" made by the twins. Today we were in Target looking for new recycle bins. We usually let T and E play on the toy aisle for a while. Whenever it was time to move on Thomas made it clear he did not agree with the decision. He whined and grunted and said, "We will NEVER get to come back and play." This went on for a few minutes until David decided enough was enough. He told Thomas he was taking him to the car at which time Thomas started screaming at the top of his lungs. David responded with, "You are going to get a spanking when we get to the car. You are too old to throw a fit." Elizabeth and I stayed and could hear Thomas screaming as he left the store. E and I made our way to the car as David was finishing his "father/son talk." I asked if Thomas screamed the whole way out to the car. Apparently, it was a little more than that. He screamed, "Please, don't take my pants off, " the whole way out. D and I laughed.....wonder what thoughts were going through the other shoppers' minds???

Imagination....

I have been empyting the twins' drawers and closets of clothes that no longer fit. I will sale the boy stuff at consignment and will send the girl stuff to my young nieces. I had an empty bin in the keeping room when the twins got home from school. They played in it while I cleaned up the lunch dishes. They told me they were playing Construction Zone Train.

Mr. Green Pants

This is how Thomas looked when I picked him and Elizabeth up from preschool today. I was 4 or 5 cars back in the pick-up line and spotted the green pants immediately. My first reaction was, "Yikes!" I know what you're thinking, and no, I did NOT put those green pants on my son this morning. Evidently, Thomas spilled his water during snack time and soaked his pants. Being the "wonderfully on top of everything" mother that I am there were no pants in Thomas' change of clothes bag so he got to wear his sister's pants home. I told him we would change his pants for "quiet time" (the twins no longer nap but have quiet time in their rooms for one hour where they can rest or play). He got upset and did not want to take the green pants off. When he realized they belonged to Elizabeth he decided to change into boy pants. This story will be brought up again one day.....perhaps at rehearsal dinner????

SNOW!!

It snowed here last Friday night. It was not our customary dusting.....we got at least 6 inches! Thomas and Elizabeth actually saw it snow for the first time in their little lives. They couldn't wait to get in the snow and were quite upset to find out they would have to wait until Saturday morning. We got outside bright and early and stayed out until the twins were soaked through to the bone. The snow was too wet to make a snow man, but we did manage to have a family snow ball fight. Enjoy the pics! It might not happen again for another ten years.

Soccer

Another late post.......sort of.

We signed the twins up for soccer last fall, and it was quite an experience. I firmly believe it is never too early to teach children what it means to be a part of a team....loyalty....responsibility....

For most of the season Thomas stood in the middle of the field with his eyes closed. He also cried whenever someone "took" the ball from him. Then there's the whole not touching the ball thing....so hard to learn. Elizabeth kept her eyes open but immediately threw her arms up in front of her when the other players got too close. Whenever she wanted out of the game she requested a drink of water;) There were eight games on their schedule, and by the last game they didn't want it to be over. I'm not sure if it was the actual sport or the fact that they were playing in a monsoon that made them want to keep playing. While I enjoyed meeting the other parents and watching the twins grow I wasn't sold on signing them up again this spring. Mostly I thought they were too young.....soccer practice night = late bed time = grumpy kids the next morning, etc.

When I received the registration email in February I didn't want to sign T and E up. David talked me into it....he felt it would be good for them. I signed them up all the while complaining on the inside. After two practices and one game I am thrilled that I listened to my husband. Their coach this season is AWESOME!! She played soccer in college, has a degree in early education, and has been a missionary in several different countries. Besides her credentials, Coach Kate is fantastic with the children keeping them engaged and moving for a solid hour during practice. T and E LOVE her!! She has designated a team Bible verse, "Encourage one another and build one another up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Honestly, I don't care whether the twins learn how to play soccer or not. Having the opportunity to interact with Coach Kate and experience her positive influence is priceless!

Catch Up

Here is a pic of the kids on their first day of 3 year old preschool. They have had a great year so far and love their teachers.

Fog

I have been in a fog since Thanksgiving...with good reason.....maybe....maybe not. Busy with this, busy with that, my mind here, my mind there... completely missing what has been going on right in front of me......my children and their constant changing into little people. The other day I sat down with T and E and some play doh, and we played for one hour. It was the first time I have really played with them in I don't know how long. We had so much fun! It was amazing to see how their motor skills had advanced since our last "play doh date" not to mention their language. That night as I lay in bed I couldn't help but feel guilty and regretful. How can I let life get in the way of what is most important?? How can I not have more quality time with my children when I am a stay at home mom?? How can I not find the time to chronicle their lives?? I know in the blink of an eye they will be grown and gone.....gone on their own adventures. I am trying to remind myself to "live in the now," that is all any of us have. I am going to try to write more frequently...not for me or you....for Thomas and Elizabeth....so they can look back and laugh (hopefully) and remember.