Sara: Supermom, Superwife, Superwoman!

On this, my first official Father's Day, I'd like to pay tribute to Sara, an extraordinary woman and the love of my life.

Marriage has a funny way of allowing you to fall in love with the same person so many times and in so many ways. When I first met her, I loved Sara for her independent, free-spirited nature, which was a stark contrast to my traditional, conservative, dull self. She was daring (evidenced by committing to a life next to me), full of life.

At BYU and beyond, I saw her evolve to take on her new role as wife and student head on. She has the flexibility to adapt to new challenges without compromising the traits and characteristics that make her unique. She went from wanting to study horticulture, to sociology, and eventually settling with economics. Those of you who battled your way through Econ 110 like myself will know that was no small feat.

As we struggled with the challenge of wanting to start a family, through each disappointment, even when I was ready to give up for a while, she never once hung her head in defeat. Her calculating nature combined with a "never-say-die" attitude kept her from giving up on that goal.

Since Lucy and Audrey came into our lives, Sara has taken on yet another role, the most important she'll ever undertake. The maternal instincts she has developed almost from night to day have me falling in love with another facet of Sara I didn't know existed. As a new mother of twins she has risen to the challenge yet again and has surprised us all. Her resiliency has helped her weather the storms of extreme fatigue and sleelplessness while giving Audrey and Lucy the love and protection that makes them light up when she walks in the room.

Through it all she has made me one very lucky dad, a role that still seems too big for me to fill. I'm lucky to have her example inspire me to do my best.

Our first garden...

I am most excited about these herbs. I planted cilantro, two kinds of rosemary & sweet basil. I hear cilantro is hard to keep from shooting up flowers, so we'll see how I do. I love cilantro in salads and of course, in fresh salsa! I also found a recipe that is supposed to be like the rosemary bread from Macaroni Grill, which we love, so again I'm excited. Basil goes great on homemade pizza and I'm putting some in the lasagna German wants me to make him for Father's Day...oh yum. It's only 8:00am and I'm hungry for dinner!

I also planted some spearmint to put in our mate drink, German and I love the added flavor! Then a row of green bell peppers which incidentally, aren't looking too hot.

This is our flower bed in the front yard with a zuchinni plant in the middle. It needs to grow more, so it doesn't look so barren.

We share this part of the yard with our neighbors (the Bailey's), so we tried to make it match. More flowers and two little butternut squash plants.

Then in the backyard I planted four tomato plants. Two beefsteak tomato, one cherry tomato and one yellow tomato. I wanted to see if one does better in a pot...we'll see.

Last but not least, this lonely smooth pumpkin plant is doing quite well. I love homemade pumpkin pies made from real pumpkin.

Any tips or pointers would be much appreciated! I've been reading alot, but anyone who has some experience (good or bad) with growing these plants in Utah, please feel free to enlighten me. THANKS! I hope you are all enjoying summertime.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Today the girls kept me company outside while I finished planting some more flowers and herbs. This is my very first time having my own garden, so we'll see how it goes. I hope I can keep everything alive and maybe even harvest something edible. The girls love being outside and going on walks. I love it too, because they usually end up like this.

Lu and Me

Audrey is getting a top tooth, so she hasn't been napping too well. Yesterday she was acting tired, so I put her in her crib and she fell asleep pretty quickly. I didn't want Lucy to wake her, she's a bit noisy at first, so I put her on my chest and we laid on the couch together. She was quite squirmy for a little while, but then settled down. I was going to get up and put her in her crib, but I loved cuddling with her. She fell asleep and looked so cutie pahtootey--I was wishing for a camera within reach. I realized my phone was on the floor and I took a few pictures with it. Sorry the quality is so crappy, but I'm glad I captured the moment. She hasn't fallen asleep in my arms since she was 2 months old. I loved it! (She only slept 30 minutes, though and wouldn't go back to sleep. Needless to say she was a bit cranky later, but it was worth it.)

Tuesday twin tidbit

This is a story I read on Melissa Zuber's website and I thought it was hilarious. And I know it is long, but trust me it's worth it. It will be crazy fun when the girls start talking...

A 3-year-old tells all from his mother's restroom stall By Shannon Popkin

My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we're in the library,the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked.There've been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco. Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall: "Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on DA toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?" At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full .. 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity. Cade continued, "Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren'tyou? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh ... Mommy! I'm trying to see in dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl,Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!" I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming newborn when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, "Why don't you lookin Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candyWe'll both have some!" "No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies. Oh! Mommy!" He started to gag at this point. "Uh oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!" As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone. "Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!" He grunted as he tried to pull me off. Now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count thefeet outside my door. "Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under DA door? What were you wooking at, Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?" More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation. "Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now,Mommy." He started pounding on the door. "Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!" I saw that my "wait 'em out" plan was unraveling I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, "Where's the fine print on the 'motherhoodcontract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy?" But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow.

Forgotten Tuesday twin tidbit

With Monday being a holiday, I totally forgot about Tuesday twin tidbit yesterday. Sorry... Here's a video of Lucy last week starting to develop more mobility, she's been perfecting it everyday. Audrey is also just beginning to get on all fours. Crawling is just around the corner...Lucky me! They both enjoy the yoga move of downward facing dog. German loves it. I haven't caught a picture of that yet, but it's pretty cute.

just wanted to share some thoughts...

I just finished reading this book German gave me for Mother's day. It's not an amazing life-altering book, but it helped me meditate and feel God's love. For the first time, I was reading a book as a mother of two girls. I felt the weight of my great responsibility to teach them how much God loves and values them no matter what. That their worth is infinite and not based on how they look or how thin they are or what they do or don't accomplish in this life. I don't want them to hear me stress over my body image, which could lead them to someday worry about their own. I think German bought me the book because I've been wanting to shed this extra 20 pounds of baby weight I've been carrying around. In reading this book, I've been asking myself "Why is that SO important to me? Will I be more beautiful or happier with myself if I lose the weight? Will my husband and others love or value me more? Why am I being so hard on myself sometimes?"

I have honestly never been happier in my entire life...I absolutely love being a mother! I feel blessed in so many ways. I want to cherish and enjoy every moment with my husband and girls. How can I let Satan creep in and try to bring me down by leading me to believe that I can't be happy until I lose those 20 pounds? Don't get me wrong, I know it is important to eat healthy foods and exercise. But I want to do it for the right reasons. I want to take care of this gift of a mortal body that God has given me. Not just so I will lose weight and look better in my clothes.

In the end of the book she quotes President Hinckley which reads,

"I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to acheive. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."

Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you beautiful girls (and guys) out there! My goal is to follow President Hinckley's advice and just try to be a little better. I'll start with eating a little less chocolate! I'd love to be able to run a marathon, but for right now I am going to do what I can do the best way I know. And who knows maybe someday running a marathon will be within my capacity to acheive. Thanks, German, for getting me this book and for being so loving and encouraging.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Lucy's turn to start getting teeth. I can't get my pictures to upload, so I'll have to post the pic of her tooth later. I think Audrey is getting more teeth because they are both a bit cranky! Gotta love two fussy, cranky, needy, beautiful babies. It's not too bad, at least they are still sleeping through the night. *Here's Lu showing off her tooth and Ree with her two bottom teeth!

Random question...Anyone have some advice, info or weblinks about food storage. How much is needed for however many people in your family and organizing it and such. Thanks!

I lost all my bloggy friends

I forgot that when I changed the layout, I'd lose all my bloggy friend links (duh). As I try to remember everyone and make the list again, it'd be great if you could all help me out by posting a quick comment. That way I'll have a link to your blog...thanks!

NEVERMIND, I found most of you again. But there are still a few invited only blogs that are still missing, you know who you are. Email me!

Tuesday twin tidbit

I have to write a little tidbit about Mother's day. Over the past few years Mother's day kinda just sucked for me. I'd feel sorry for myself, wallow on my pity pot and wonder if I'd ever be a mother. Looking back it seems so silly because I am grateful for all I've learned about myself and God's plan for me. I love our girls so much! Who knew something so tiny could produce such a wide range of wonderful and scary emotions. On Sunday I broke out into tears at least three times. German made some delicious french toast with fresh whip cream and strawberries. He even cut a few strawberries in the shape of hearts to go on top. He's so sweet! We went to pick lilacs and planned on taking a few photos, but Lucy fell asleep in the car, so I only got this pic with Audrey. In the evening my sister planned this great dinner get together and had these amazing bundt cakes. OH MY GOODNESS...so scrumptious! I want more soon! My mom gave me a beautiful plant and a sweet first Mother's day card. I love my mom & my sister & my girls! I hope you all had a wonderful day!

6 month checkup

I predicted the girls would weigh close to 20 pounds and that Lucy would weigh about two pounds more than Audrey. Well I was off, but not by a whole lot.

Audrey weighed 17lbs 12oz, 26.5 in long
Lucy weighed 18lbs 12 oz, 26.5 in long

Sooo, pretty similar except for that one pound more Lucy is carrying in both sets of cheeks and in her muscley thighs! I also wanted to post a picture of Audrey with her Abuela Betty who came to visit last month.

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls are six months old today--here's a video of pics from 3-6 months.

Little Lucy

So Audrey was having a hard time falling asleep tonight. As Sara tried for the third time to get her to fall asleep, I decided to check on Lulu and noticed she was fast asleep on her belly. While Audrey remained resilient and even let out a few defiant yelps, I suddenly noticed Lulu pick her head straight up and look right at me, her eyes wide open. It was an annoyed look, as if to say, "What's with the noise? I'm trying to sleep here!" As I stood there in amazement, she plopped her head back down, shut her eyes, and resumed her sleep. Here she is looking over at Audrey before a nap...I love seeing how animated they're becoming, each with a distinct personality that is already evident. I love my girls.

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls started baby cereal last weekend. They are still trying to figure it out, but we think they are really enjoying it. They especially love sitting up and playing in their high chairs.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Here's a video of Audrey rolling over, Lucy just started rolling over last week, but I haven't caught her on video yet. These other pics were taken Saturday, it was finally a fairly warm day outside, so we dressed the girls in these sailboat rompers dad picked out for them last summer. Cute little sailing beauties!

Audrey's showing off her first tooth...

Our youngest sweetie was smiling big when I noticed a little white slit on her bottom gums. I knew something was bothering her yesterday because she was a bit fussy, she's such a good baby!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Our sincere apologies to all you faithful "Tuesday Twin Tidbit" readers. I was left in charge of today's tidbit and so it was put off till the last minute, of course...

Since our move, my commute has been stretched by about 10 minutes each way. The extra time on the road makes me miss the girlies even more. I love coming home and finding them in the living room, playing with mom. When I call out to them it's great to see their heads turn in the direction of the sound, looking for the familiar voice. Not that I'm anything special but the wide grins on their faces the moment they recognize me brings a feeling I can never forget. I love my sweet girls, and mommy too!

Tuesday twin tidbit

These are just a couple favorite pictures we took of the girls on Sunday. I love these pics because they really fit their blossoming personalities. Audrey is much more serious than Lucy and seems to have a little bit of an attitude. Lucy is super talkative and smiles at everything...we think she's the sensitive type. I can't tell you how much we freakin' love these two girls!

Robyn & Apollo visit

My mission companion, Robyn, came to visit from California last week with her handsome little boy Apollo. She has been such a great friend these past seven years. We were only comps for one month and I still remember the day we found out she was getting transferred--It was such a shock for both of us, we just looked at each other and cried. She was married a few months after me and has also struggled to have children. We've been able to talk alot and really understand each other over the years. I know God made us companions for a reason and I guess He knew one month was all we needed to be friends forever. This is a pic taken just a few months before we both were prego. Love ya Robyn--It was great hanging out as mommies together!

Her little Apollo is also an invitro baby and was born just three weeks before the girls. He was having fun checking them out...we think he finally decided on Lucy!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Audrey is a pro at rolling over from her back to front now. Yesterday, she did it 5-6 times, all while Lucy was grabbing and exploring her toes. I don't have a picture of it yet, but since my mom loves pictures, here's some others of the girls. Lucy napping w/ her blankie (when I walked in, it was actually over her face). And Audrey after a bath in her robe.