Wow...what a scary day it was...

Well, today is September 11...a day that has gone down in the History books as one of the most devasting days our country has ever had. I wanted to blog about what happened on this day, so I will never forget and so that my children can read about my experience. Although...I don't think it is possible to ever forget exactly what you were doing when the devastation occurred......

It was around 7 am in the morning and I was getting ready to go to class. At the time, I was 22-years-old, living with Chris in our first apt, and attending the UTA School of Education. I have always drank coffee and watched the news while getting ready in the morning, and that is exactly what I was doing. I remember a Breaking News story coming on saying that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center buildings in NYC. I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, that pilot must have fallen asleep or something. How do you miss a building that big?" I went to get Chris because I knew he would want to watch this story. I thought it was so sad because lots of innocent people where going to die from this mistake. So, we watched. And then, all of the sudden...another plane crashed into the OTHER World Trade Center building. Chris and I were in shock. At that point, the News reporters started speculating that this was the act of terrorists. They determined that both of these planes where bound for Los Angelos, but had more than likely been hijacked.

Then it hit me! Oh my gosh!! My mom was supposed to be leaving that morning for a trip...TO LOS ANGELOS!!!!!! She was and still is a flight attendant for American Airlines. I frantically started calling her. She wouldn't answer...wouldn't answer...wouldn't answer. A little while passed by, and by this time, they had determined that the 2 planes had been hijacked by terrorists and purposefully crashed. Finally, my mother called me back. THANK YOU GOD! She was like, "What's wrong? Do you know of something going on because we have been grounded on the runway and are not aloud to take off." The only thing the pilot had told them is that there was a "National Emergency" and that they would not be taking off. So...I broke the news to her and she told the other flight attendants. Of course, they were all devastated and very scared. As I was talking to her, I watched as the 3rd hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. And then the worst part...the 2 World Trade Center buildings collapsed, killing just about everyone in sight of them. She really couldn't believe what she was hearing...as I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Sooo...they sat on the runway for hours waiting for approval to exit the plane, and when they finally got off, the employees where directed to go to the blood bank to give blood. My mother did just that...and returned home. I continued watching the coverage (which lasted for weeks), and needless to say...did not go to class.

I remember it being one of the saddest days I had ever experienced. It was also one of the most frightened I have ever been. Until I heard my mom's voice, I just knew she was in one of those hijacked planes. Luckily...they never even had a chance to take off because it all happened right before take-off. It was so weird...it was like the world stopped. Every single tv show stopped, and there was nothing but coverage for atleast a week or two. Air travel completely stopped for so long...I don't even remember how long...I think like a month or two. Everyone...and I mean everyone was just so sad. Thousands of people lost their lives due to these heartless terrorists. To this day, I still can't believe it happened.

Two months after this happened, my mom and I made a trip to NYC. As crazy as it sounds, the buildings were still smoking. And the smell...the smell was horrific. And as much as I hate to say it...it was the smell of death. It STILL smelled like burning bodies. There were devastated people everywhere frantically searching for their loved ones. I mean like hundreds and hundreds of crying people. Visiting during this time was definitely a life-changing experience. I am very thankful that my mom gave me the opportunity to experience history in the making.

Today is the 8th anniversary of this terrible day. As I was driving Landon to school this morning, I drove past a police station where all of the officers where outside having a moment of silence...heads bowed, hands on heart. It was very humbling to see. I just pray that the families of the loved ones who were killed have moved on from this and are in a better place than the way I witnessed them that day in New York.

I took some pictures of the weekend we spent in NYC. I'm gonna try to dig them up and post a few. So stay tuned...

The ups and downs of being a SAHM

Well...I think I've had my first official meltdown since deciding to be a SAHM.

My little luvies have been under the weather for over a week now...and it's beginning to take a toll on me. Emily's cold has been very mild, but Allie has been super congested with an awful cough. She coughs so hard that she ends up gagging and then throwing up. I ended up taking her to the Dr. after several days of no improvement. Like usual...she said it was just a cold that had to run it's course and advised me to use the aspirator, incline her mattress, and turn on the humidifier...all of which I had already been doing. They also aren't eating like they usually do. Emily usually scarfs her bottle down like she's never eaten before...and she just seems uninterested as of late. Same with Allie. Chris and I think this could either be because they aren't feeling up to par or maybe they are teething. Landon wasn't as interested in his bottle when he began teething. Either way, it is stressful to me when they won't eat well and they are feeling sick.

So when Allie puked up her ENTIRE bottle plus some while I was making dinner and Emily refused to drink anymore than 2 ounces of her bottle...all the while Landon is running around nude refusing to put on is jammies and shouting "I have a penis!!" at the top of his lungs...I had a bit of a mental breakdown..............

Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't trade this opportunity to stay home with my kiddos for the world, but let me tell ya...it is THE HARDEST job in the world. It's 10 million times harder than teaching 3rd grade. It is just so repetitive and neverending. And you get zero compensation. I remember thinking a few years ago when I had the "kid from hell" in my class, "I sure am glad they pay me well or I sure am glad this kid only has a few more months left of 3rd grade!" I bust my butt everyday to take care of two newborns...high maintenance newborns at that, keep the house looking somewhat clean or atleast tidy, clean the toilets that have Landon pee all over them, sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors, keep up with the neverending loads of laundry, make a balanced dinner for my family most nights, run what few errands are possible to run with two infant carriers in tow, and on top of that...try my damndest to get in a shower and a little make-up so my hubby doesn't walk through the door at night only to see me looking exactly the way he left me 8 hours ago. I have always promised myself that I will NEVER turn into one of those frumpy housewives. Once I am done with all of this and the kiddos are in bed, I have a few hours before it starts all over again. Sometimes it just feels like there is no end in sight. I think what I'm missing is the adult interaction I had when I taught. Or maybe it's the "Thank you!" or "You're doing such a great job!" that I miss about being a working mom. Being a SAHM is, in a way, Thankless. I just do what I do as a housewife and mother and that's it. There's no principal or team member here to give me kuddos or give me money.

I guess I have to give myself a little credit being that I'm raising twins. I mean...I have it double-hard, right? Most all of the SAHM's in my StrollerStrides class tell me they feel this exact same way, but I have it doubletime! And girls at that! These divas are harder than Landon would have ever thought to of been.

When I think to myself, "Did I make the right choice quitting my job? Was I meant to be a SAHM?", the answer is ALWAYS yes. Even when I'm having a tough day, there is still nothing I would rather be doing than staying home with my girls. These girls ADORE me! They light up when I walk in the room and scream at the top of their lungs when I leave :) Those little luvbugs make it all worth it. Even though on some days, I want to pull my hair out...I know that this is what God wants me to do. I was given this opportunity for a reason, and I'm going to embrace it for everything that it's worth.

I think my little meltdown tonight just stems from the super hard week we've had due to the girls being sick. We've been off sleep schedules, feeding times, and they have been very fussy and iratable. Hopefully, they will start feeling better soon so we can get back into our routine. Routine is my life these days, and without it, there's chaos. Chris is such a sweet husband, though. He was trying so hard to make me feel better, and all I kept saying is, "You'll never understand!" (in a super whiny voice). Poor guy :(

Thanks for listening to me vent. Taking time to write it all down has made me feel better. Now I better go check on my sweet baby girls and make sure no one's throwing up or anything of the nature. Then it's off to bed for a good night's sleep. Awwww...nothing like my comfy cozy bed :)

Long overdue.....

Landon's 3rd Birthday party was a huge success!!! It was at Pump it Up in Arlington, and all of his little buddies were there to help celebrate! Instead of uploading a million pictures, I just attached a link that you can click and see all of them. Thank you so much Stevi!!! She was my personal photographer for the day, and she captured some great shots! Enjoy!

****Once you click on the link below, just click on each picture to enlarge each one.*****

http://www.ritzpix.com/net/Albums/ListImages.aspx?s=3D67C425029436290E3DC1C8E31ED511A51327F06B51CD1A9ADA9E774218A0C6&e=BD1EC28881EF38F14E949F627DF746FE46216CC5F40F25FB013CB55AD528F55C41B6A9104F062CBDE306EDD60D474F45E599BD2570607763E12759CA879363DE

My baby boy is 3-years-old!!!!!!!!

Three years ago today, August 20, 2006, I became a mother to the most precious, loveable, smart, energetic, funny, all-boy, athletic, fun, sweet, perfect little boy ever. I can't believe this day has actually come. My baby is already 3? No way. It seems like just yesterday when we were pulling into our driveway bringing our joy bundle home for the very first time. But, yes...it's true. Three whole years have already passed. My mom wasn't lying when she said time goes faster the older you get.

A lot has changed in these three years. Landon now has two baby sisters who he absolutely adores. I was worried that he would be jealous or rivert back to acting like a baby to gain attention, but I was wrong. The transition has been as easy as pie. He loves his babies to death!!

Landon's looks have changed significantly. He has always been very chubby since the day he was born...always in the 100th percentile for weight. As a 3-year-old, Landon has become rather skinny. I'm anxious to see what percentile he will be in at his 3 year well-check.

Landon has been doing great in preschool. He recently moved up to the 3-year-old class where he is learning TONS of stuff. The summer activities end tomorrow and "school" starts on Monday. I have to have him there by 9:00 every morning which works out perfect for my Stroller Strides (workout class) schedule. His school goes along with the AISD calendar, so it'll be time to get to work next week. They will start out learning how to write their letters and numbers and how to write their name. Being a teacher, this is my nitch, so I'm very excited for him to get started on all this school stuff :)

Landon loves all things sports. He loves loves loves baseball. Chris played baseball in high school, so maybe that's where he gets it. He's pretty good, too! Landon can whack the ball clear across the yard. He really doesn't care about toys that much. He'll stack blocks (or chunk them across the room rather) for a while, but he would really rather be outside playing baseball, riding his bike, swimming, throwing his frisbee, swinging his golf clubs, playing basketball, or running around at the park. I guess all of this outdoor play explains the loss of his chubbiness :) Or maybe it's the picky eating (I'll get to that in a minute). He also loves artsy stuff too...play dough, finger paints, coloring books, water color, etc.

Landon loves cooking with me, although getting him to actually eat the food is another story. He is pretty picky these days. The only veggies he will eat are green beans, carrots, black-eyed peas, and asparagus, but in very small amounts...like just a few bites and he's done. He likes most types of beans. He loves cheese. He HATES all types of potatoes. He'll eat little tangerines, bananas (sometimes), watermelon, and strawberries (again, sometimes). He loves penne pasta...he would eat it everyday if he could. He loves Italian sausage. He loves Chicky Lay (chick-fil-a) nuggets. He hates most other meats, but he'll take a few bites of my meatloaf. He doesn't care for sweets, and he definitely didn't get that from me. He loves Sunkist fruit snacks and Quaker granola bars. I'd have to say his favorite food would have to be cheese pizza or a dish I make with penne pasta and Italian sausage.

I couldn't ask for a better son. He is so loving, so well-behaved (usually :)), so cute, and so smart. I love you so much Landon! Happy 3rd Birthday!!!!!

1st Birthday!!!

2nd Birthday!!

3rd Birthday!! (cupcake face)

Birthday Party #1

Landon's about to be 3!!!!! And he has several birthday parties lined up this week to celebrate the occasion!! The first celebration was at my grandma's house on Saturday afternoon. I had to miss my friend Stevi's baby shower that day because it was scheduled at the same time...Sorry Stevi :( Nommie and Poppi (Landon's great-grandparents) went all out!! They had delicious food, baseball decorations, a very yummy cake, awesome goody bags, a kiddie pool, a pinata, and lots of presents including a new bike!! The party consisted of my dad's side of the family and some close family friends. The kiddos had a blast and Landon got super duper spoiled...as usual :) Enjoy the pics of the fun party, although they are all out of order. I was in a hurry uploading them to blogger and didn't pay much attention to the order.

Two 4-month-olds and a baby!

No, no, no. HELL no...it's not what you're thinking. There is not another baby joining our family (and you must be smoking crack if that crossed your mind)...well, not a human baby :) I sent Chris and Landon to get Pei Wei for dinner a few weeks ago and they came home with more than just dinner. Petco or some pet store is right next to Pei Wei so Chris got Landon his first very own pet...a blue beta fish named Paytle (pronounced pay dull in a hick accent). How he came up with that random name, who knows?? I'm curious to see how long the excitement lasts. I told Chris that HE'S the one who is gonna be cleaning and feeding when Landon loses interest...so far the boys have taken complete responsibility for their little friend.

Emily and Allie will be 4-months-old on Thursday! My how time flies these days! They have their well-check on Thursday, so I'll post some more pics and stats that day. Do yall think they are looking more alike or more different as they get older?

Fun with our boys!

Stevi and I decided we would take the boys out for a day of fun last Wednesday. Stevi and Grayson came by to pick us up at 9:45 and we headed straight to Pump it Up for an hour worth of jumping. After that, we jumped back in the car and went to Creative Hands. Actually,we did stop at Starbucks for some energy first :). This was the coolest place ever! There are hundreds of different things for the kiddos to choose from to paint. They are plaster paris (have no idea how to spell that) figurines in all shapes and sizes...The boys loved being little artists! Lastly, we went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and games! We spent a lot of time there and Landon did great. As you know from reading my blog, he is terrified of people dressed up with big huge character masks. He says "Their big heads scare me!!" The big rat only came out once and Stevi and I were able to hide Landon from him until he went back to his "snuggle hole". That's where Landon says Chuck E. lives :) Is that not so cute? The day was perfect and much needed. Landon and I have VERY little time together when it is just him and I. That is the one thing I worried about when thinking of having more children. I knew that my one-on-one time with Landon would be pretty much gone...and I was right. That's okay though, that's just the way it is now. It was nice though...to have a day for JUST US :)

Ready for some serious fun!

Let the jumping begin!

We made them sit for just a second to snap a pic. Stevi had to snap fast!!

Weeeeeeeee!!!!!!

They had some very important reading to do in between the fun.

Getting ready to paint!

Landon painted an alligator and Grayson painted a fish.

Proud mommies of two precious boys!

The finished products! These boys have talent!

We let the boys stand on the b-ball machines cause they were a little too small still :)

Landon hangin out with his old-school BFF. Diego is his main man these days.

Grayson peering through the window of this climbing thingy.

Pizza!!!!! If you click on the picture, you can see that these boys have a mouthful!

Riding in a GIANT rocking horse.

They got their picture scetched!

Awww...what a day! Two tired boys ready for a nap.

Look how long these boys have been kickin it! Grayson-12 months and Landon-8 months. This was at The Little Gym class they took together.