tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29990607120906584942024-02-07T11:14:27.155-08:00My life with twinsThis blog is intended to be about my life, but mainly it will probably contain stories about my twins. They were born on March 2nd, 2007. My life changed for the better when they were born and it's been a wonderful, yet crazy ride!Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-60168785107941402282009-06-15T11:24:00.001-07:002009-06-15T11:25:30.054-07:00I want to remember.....<p>When we were recently driving in the car and Sabrina told us she was going to "play mama".  She then instructed Sammy to do a slew of things, including telling him to get in time out.</p> <p>What's with this girl and wanting to put things/people in time out?</p> <p>When I was out of the house running errands and Jason told me that Sabrina was following Sammy around, trying to feed him.....playing "mama".  Blowing on the fork and everything, telling him it is too hot.</p> <p>Simply precious.</p> <p>I want to remember these things........</p> <p><a title="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3509465627_5ab51b97f8.jpg" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3509465627_5ab51b97f8.jpg"><img height="365" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3509465627_5ab51b97f8.jpg" width="458" /> </a></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-1921509982980731952009-06-07T19:31:00.001-07:002009-06-07T19:31:29.692-07:00Has it been?<p><font face="Comic Sans MS">That long?  I see the last time I blogged (published blog, that is) was in January.  And now looking back, I remember why.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I feel like I pretty much skipped over January and February and landed somewhere in the middle of March.  Sometime after my grandmother had a heart attack and open heart surgery.  Sometime after I was so scared of losing another person in my life.  Sometime after my babies--yes--BABIES turned two years old when I wasn't looking and had to recognize it when planning their birthday party.  And sometime between January and March that one of my children became potty trained.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">So here I am, at the beginning of June with a thankfully healthy grandmother who is as frisky as ever and two two year olds that are as frisky as ever too.  Oh, and caught the chicken pox too.  Yeah, throw that in there.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Of course other stuff happened in life because we all know that even if I stop blogging, my blogging material doesn't go away.  And I couldn't even write down everything in an interesting enough way that anyone would ever want to read it.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">So here are some milestones:</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Sammy finally found all of his vocabulary sometime before he turned two.  He is a repeating machine and his voice is simply enchanting.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Little Miss (aka Sabrina) is sassier than ever.  She continuously puts Sammy into time-outs (and other toys and objects) as well if she feel she has been wronged.  She will also put herself into time-out.....but carry out the deed knowing she will go into time-out.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Sammy knows how to climb out of his crib.  But only did it once.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Sabrina is pretty much fully potty trained--we are working on naps and night time.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Oh! And Sabrina is finally starting to get her teeth in.  Yeah, I know she is two.  But seriously, the girl (until recently) had like four teeth.  Certainly didn't stop her from eating though.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Usually when I blog it is because something strikes me to do so.  Today I was struck.  I wanted to write about it and remember it.  I've been a tad stressed out lately and this sort of thing helps ground me and remind me what life is truly about.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Both the twins usually love to be sang to.  It could be any song really, but they have their favorites.  For awhile, the theme song to "Jay-Jay the Jet Plane" was their favorite although I really don't know why.  But there have been others too, like "Row Row Row Your Boat" that sometimes they want to hear over and over again.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">When Sammy is in a certain state of mind, only that one song will do that he wants to hear.  But he asks in the sweetest, sweetest way.  His main song lately is the Thomas the Train theme song.  Do not get me started on his Thomas obsession, for I did not foster it, but it is there nonetheless.  So if I start singing Jay-Jay, he says, "No Jay-Jay, how about Thomas?"  And it begins a little game we play.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I will literally start singing every song and every time I do he quietly says, "No Twinkle, how about Thomas?"  And not only does he do it in the sweetest way, but he tilts his head to one side as if only knowing how cute he can possibly be.  He knows we are playing a game and he likes it.  But his face also lights up when I beginning singing his song of choice.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">So today while playing the game I wanted to remember that there was a time my singing (and I don't sing well) put a smile on my son's face.  He smiles and stares intently at me as I finish and helps me words along the way.  I want to remember that.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I want to remember that when Sabrina wants to give me Eskimo kisses she will hold my face tight and rub noses.  And almost always, she will tell me she loves me after a kiss.  I want to remember that. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I'd rather forget all the stress and drama.  I know it comes with life, but sometimes, it's just overrated. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vtKPRGL0NBA3BzwEDPCzWYSaskjH1ghpS22WkbOSbZf-J7dKyzbranVG7xtm4Szk3qTLhPeDTNYSj-S96kV_T-Us8foFSHSkBUZrTxc-4Hhyaqx89RGEdFOp_YcqV43Op09IkqQqH65V/s1600-h/2366copy%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="2366copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8qq4zCK_ecOksrHxH4rwzwun1H4Gv4RGVBho6C12fTI0Uaoiz0LK3SeZNP3aN-92GQ-BBBzcqQh_aUjl7l2uScKN8uA9UdokV2d9R7J-ls0AmRINJk3JSGFcgmUGKlaDOL8Nrt2TaseU/?imgmax=800" width="243" border="0" /></a>   </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhqsgF6yDYXBtNl4XHcdy4pXLMFFhK_Z_QlMQsD9iypXFH-NQTVtPnfjgYaTdD1DsEktUOtD-rDlhLZF-nk65Z-CinZFRVd8eq36DBzLd8Fkl-YifQhujx_7MsUbAP5tz2Ri9sCtbbAKB/s1600-h/IMG_8892%20copy2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="IMG_8892 copy2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPAhcoSJngONzYTYgZdAJRCY4Wc4PdlcK1xinQWVPAsWB-RXUMef_50q9xbAp_D1KH19aXy_2dogRTmiyKqlNXbFxKZL_anr8yq1eCZTD78aeDNlVVXA9M1kZSZVUY1FWlZM5m6v82i6a/?imgmax=800" width="150" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquabtaz6Y44J4KY-DgqUPAFRajqCfNnq-EL2tuYCXsGgiFCLQk_bMd5KMziza4a2I5m_ERnwK_yjYKvSUhdyHPi1pTnElFHe8z2sQNl7RpWyAUpZ78Cvgag4W1p3DRU6kbb9DkB0gXq1I/s1600-h/9000bw%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="185" alt="9000bw" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7bnOywKLY-eE5Mar0mprEf42ns8mDYx2D-K-IhDX1megr7mov5zPSQFehpYMuX7yj7_S61VD1E5e0OY9L3edis5pHbs9NfsXAoCyqveYpNQzgWOcBAme4w9xd9te8WCkrcgUZXHZxVuG/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-60637549069027578902009-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:002009-01-19T20:40:44.726-08:00A perfect day<p>I would like to think that we have darn near perfect days here.....days when I really think that life can't get any better.  Days that I can't imagine do anything else than playing with my toddlers all day long.  And days that I never want them to grow up.</p> <p>But I say "darn near perfect" because sometimes daddy isn't here with us during the week.  Our perfect days are for the weekend, and this past one was no exception.</p> <p>At the end of last week we had some severe cold weather here in Michigan, and so, we (meaning the twins and I) did not venture out of the house.  We didn't really need to and if it's anything under zero degrees out I'm not in a real big hurry to go anywhere outside.</p> <p>But Saturday was a tad, just a tad bit better.  So we ventured out as a family......to the mall!  Yes, the mall.  I had to exchange some shoes for Sammy, we had errands to run, etc.  But there was a play area at the mall which Sam and Sabrina enjoyed for a good 45 minutes.</p> <p>After they had seriously burned off some energy they were treated to a special cookie and enjoyed the rest of the walk around the mall in their stroller.  On our way home we decided that sushi sounded good (for us, not them), but they were also treated to a fully cooked Chinese meal.  We ate take-out dinner together as a family and the twins sampled our chopsticks.</p> <p><img height="390" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/3212030260_cda0c83747.jpg" width="468" /> </p> <p><img height="433" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3212030510_dd51ec627b.jpg" width="467" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>Afterwards, we just enjoyed the rest of the day.....playing and reading.....randomly watching some kids television together.....and just being <strong><em>together</em></strong>, as a family.</p> <p>Sounds pretty perfect to me.</p> <p>And it was.  </p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-81179887412496574032008-12-29T12:00:00.001-08:002008-12-29T12:00:50.477-08:00What a difference a year can make....<p>2006:</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3148488820_f10f4fa50b.jpg" /> </p> <p>2007:</p> <p><img height="324" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/2094117231_bcc815cc00.jpg" width="451" /> </p> <p>2008:</p> <p><img height="306" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/3074517695_013242119c.jpg" width="459" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>Sigh.<a title="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/2094117231_bcc815cc00.jpg" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/2094117231_bcc815cc00.jpg"></a></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-17419180063521507162008-12-29T11:31:00.001-08:002008-12-29T11:31:49.467-08:00They've taken over......<p>It has been sooooo long since I last blogged!  I have several things to catch up on, but too much for one entry. Every day either Sam and Sabrina do something that is blog worthy or camera worthy, but the camera usually wins.  After they are in bed, I'm usually too tired to blog.</p> <p>But I have a spare moment and the motivation to write, so here it is!</p> <p>The title "they've taken over" stands for the twins taking over the house....finally....and all of it.  You see, I'm a bit of a paranoid person and I prefer to have them within my eye distance almost all the time.  I'm a worrier and a bit of a control freak at times.  So I do what those people do best--set up gates and baby proof carefully, making sure that each little thing is safe....control what I can (for lack of a better word!)  When the twins were little babies, we stayed in the family room most of the day--unless we ventured outside or to the park.  Eventually, they took over the entire family room and kitchen--we thought they needed more space.  Then they got an extra room upstairs next to their nursery as added space.</p> <p>A couple of weeks ago we sold our dining room set because we didn't love it anymore and we wanted more "safe" room for them to roam.  And now, the formal living room is opened up and basically the only things off limits in the entire house are the stairs (unless assisted) and the bathrooms (unless for potty).</p> <p>So yes, they've officially taken over.</p> <p>And I like it.  </p> <p>I like that everything is "safe", except for trips and falls.  I like that I can throw a load of clothes in the washer and know that they are okay.  I like that I've grown as a mommy to let them have some independence in their own home.  And goodness knows, they have earned it.</p> <p>Gone are the days of putting an infant in one spot and knowing that they pretty much won't move.  Instead, the days of little feet running, laughter, and twin talk is here.   The days of REAL words and conversations is here to stay as well.  And I know it will only get better.</p> <p>I'll make a better effort to get some of our wonderful moments written more often.  </p> <p>Because they are so very worth it............</p> <p><img height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3085303162_76ffbe9662.jpg" width="444" /> </p> <p><img height="291" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3097064430_5bff286bbe.jpg" width="436" /> <img height="354" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3118830565_7bb9b3528e.jpg" width="444" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-50153577036306153852008-10-12T07:04:00.001-07:002008-10-12T07:07:48.986-07:00Moving on up<p> </p> <p>To boosters, that is.</p> <p>The day has come for this family that the high chairs are out of the kitchen!  To be quite honest, they have been driving me crazy for a long time.  Last winter I even stripped the cloth covers off of them because they got messy too quick.  </p> <p>Life + me without high chairs = grand!</p> <p>They served their purpose, but I think it was time.  And the twins would agree.  As soon as they seen the new boosters came out, all they wanted to do was explore them and sit in them--just like big kids.</p> <p>Big kids?  Where have my babies gone?</p> <p>I know this is only the beginning.  First it was the infant car seats, then the bouncy seats, exersaucers, and swings.  The bottles hurt the most.  Even though I jumped for joy at the thought of moving the high chairs out of the kitchen, I imagine I will be a wreck when the day comes for toddler beds.</p> <p>They really do grow up way too fast.  </p> <p>Really.</p> <p> </p> <p><img height="233" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2933772761_e6bb129dde.jpg" width="419" />  </p> <p> <img height="431" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2933775319_8da9becafb.jpg" width="417" /> </p> <p>   </p> <p><img height="284" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2933774411_4400eb2d4c.jpg" width="423" /> </p> <p><img height="319" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2933776781_0cdd62c9c3.jpg" width="415" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-13279761586136881442008-09-27T17:53:00.001-07:002008-09-27T17:53:57.963-07:00A family kiss<p>Yesterday, as Jason and I were putting the twins to bed, we followed our nightly routine as normal.  This:</p> <p>We read several books.</p> <p>We sing songs.</p> <p>We clean up.</p> <p>We put the twins to bed.</p> <p>As we are getting them in their cribs we always exchange kisses.  Sabrina kisses dada.  Sabrina kisses Sammy.  Sabrina kisses me.</p> <p>Sammy does the same thing.  He usually starts with me, then almost knocks heads with Sabrina while trying to give her a kiss.  Then he teases dada with his kisses.</p> <p>Last night, I declared, "four-way kiss!"  We all leaned in to give smooches and the twins burst out with laughter.  They thought it was the funniest thing.  We repeated several times until they were content with the four- way kiss.</p> <p>It was, without a doubt, the perfect family moment. </p> <p>A family kiss.</p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-49265388958671950972008-09-12T09:48:00.001-07:002008-09-12T09:51:50.743-07:00Love You Forever<p> </p> <p>Another favorite nighttime read.  The twins, especially Sammy, adore this book to pieces.  Even when he was much younger--eight or nine months old he would hear me read this book and be mesmerized.  Here we are ten months later and it is still no different.</p> <p>Sabrina likes this one too, but Sammy will choose between this one and two others most of the time.  He definitely has his favorites.  He brings it to me, knowing that I will read it, using the same tone and inflection that I used when I read it to him when he was a tiny baby.</p> <p>I just love this story.  Some people might find it odd, but it is truly just the telling of a mother's love for her son.  Only a mother knows that love.</p> <p>But I too, know the love I have for my daughter.</p> <p>I'll love you forever</p> <p>I'll like you for always</p> <p>As long as I'm living</p> <p>My baby you'll be......</p> <p>Yes, though my babies are growing up and getting bigger, they will always still be my babies, no matter when they are eighteen months old, or eighteen years old.</p> <p>Sigh.  </p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" height="330" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2850505221_4bc37d3998.jpg" width="428" /> </p> <p><img height="303" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2850505881_daf7ea3c22.jpg" width="428" /> </p> <p><img height="450" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2851336682_0785d5799c.jpg" width="433" align="left" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-78395197827697589162008-09-05T21:06:00.001-07:002008-09-05T21:07:25.616-07:00The updates<p>Well, the twins officially turned eighteen months this past Tuesday.</p> <p>Eighteen months.</p> <p>Wow, how time flies by.</p> <p>This past summer, I have watched my son come out of his shell.  He was never shy, per se, but compared to Sabrina he sometimes seemed a little quieter and a little gentler.</p> <p>No more.</p> <p>"Hello world, my name is Sammy and I will not take crap from my sister anymore!"</p> <p>He steals toys back now, BITES (we're working on this on), and asserts his wants.  Talking wise he has said more words, but still prefers his signs to words.  And for that, I at least knows that he understands me.  He nods and shakes his head with the appropriate questions, signals "all done" ALL THE TIME for things he wants out of--even a diaper change!  So even though he might not be using as many verbal words as Sabrina, I truly feel that he is doing just fine.  </p> <p>He loves to bring me books to read to him, his little people, shape sorters, feeding himself with his fork and spoon, but his most favorite thing to do is play with his cars.  He says it like this, "kers".  Too cute.</p> <p>Sabrina, on the other hand, has had the language explosion I have heard other people talk about.  She repeats almost everything I ask her to repeat, can give me sounds for many animals, some letter sounds, and an extended vocabulary of her own.  Her favorite words are "No!" and "Mine!"  Okay, so she may have learned the "no" from me, but I most certainly did not teach her "mine".  That is anyone's guess.</p> <p>It's funny what they pick up though.  When she started saying milk awhile back, she said it like this, "mmmmmmmmmmmilk", with the emphasis on the "m" sound.  We didn't teach her that, it was something she did on her own.  And when Sammy started saying milk, he did exactly the same thing.</p> <p>But where Sabrina has got the language lead, my boy has lead in other ways.  In social situations he gets right in.  In play areas he runs in with no fear.  We were at a new indoor play area this week and you have to climb up through this netting to go down a slide.  At first he was afraid but after I showed him how to do it there was no stopping him, he must have went up and down by himself about ten times.  He is the one that now has no fear.</p> <p>I sat there, that day in the play area and just watched them both in amazement. I love just watching them sometimes.....figuring out a puzzle, a way to climb up something, the way they interact with each other.</p> <p>It's truly amazing.</p> <p>Truly.</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2832419270_7f9a1f2a84.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2831587231_f4b3310cbf.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2832422942_9002de1def.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-65651724285279403102008-09-05T20:27:00.001-07:002008-09-05T20:27:30.641-07:00How do you do it?<p>We had some changes in our schedule over here this week.  Jason was finally home for ONE WHOLE WEEK!  He was working on getting a varied schedule so every fourth week he would be home for ten days rather than three.  It looks like it's working out to be that way.</p> <p>More so than lately, people have been asking how it has been with him traveling.  They ask me how I do it?  Well, to be honest, I have my good and bad days.  But more often than not, the days are good.  Why?  I think a lot of it has to do with our personal relationship with each other and our commitment.  And the fact that it happened at the right time in our marriage.</p> <p>I guess what I am meaning to say is that we communicate very well with each other, even when he is five states away.  We talk, IM, email, several times a day.  It's like he is just at "work" for the day rather than him being far away.  The only difference is I am alone with the babies at night.  </p> <p>When I say that it happened at the right time in our marriage, I really mean it.  He couldn't have done this when the babies were two weeks old or even two months old, or at other times during our marriage.  This was the right time.</p> <p>This was also, I feel, the right time for him to pursue his biggest dream career wise.  And he has.  He has come SO far in his career in the past couple of years and I couldn't be prouder of him.  I don't mind holding down the fort here because I am not really doing it alone.  Even with distance between us during the week, we are together on every decision made for this family.</p> <p>And this won't be forever--far from it.  It's merely a stepping stone.</p> <p>Keep on stepping baby.  You're doing your family proud.</p> <p>We love you.</p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-55903689776053721972008-08-26T19:24:00.001-07:002008-08-26T19:24:04.318-07:00Sometimes, ya just got to get messy.<p> It's true.</p> <p>I really don't mind when my kids get messy, as long as they are having a good time.  Don't get the wrong idea--my children are CLEAN, but we don't shy away from activities because there might be a little mess involved.  We eat spaghetti, we go to a playground with sand, they've played in MUD, and today we had our first experience with.....</p> <p>Finger painting.</p> <p>With pudding, of course.  Except now in the future I will have to discourage them from actually eating the paint.  We still have that issue with crayons.....sometimes they'll sneak one in their mouth if I dare turn away.</p> <p>Anyways, they had a grand old time making a mess.  I snapped some pictures and we just laughed and laughed.</p> <p>It's fun to be messy.</p> <p>But it's nice to clean up too.  :)</p> <p> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2802006418_2e22932535.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2801161565_0935afa221.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2802010264_7b8f3a68ea.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2801160429_b0399a8184.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2801165733_b5a17d67c0.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2802011622_6cefd2b5be.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-18315172351406235152008-08-22T13:10:00.001-07:002008-08-22T13:10:58.388-07:00Oh, my heart.<p>My heart jumped into my throat last night.  Perhaps this can be best summed about by letters I have wrote to my dear, precious, darling, children.</p> <p>Dear Sammy,</p> <p>Honey, as much as I love you, I must implore you to never repeat what you did last night.  You nearly gave mommy a heart attack, which I can explain what that is when you are old enough.  Please, don't ever again stick your hand into the crack of the refrigerator door while I have it open.  Come around like you normally do and try to steal bottles of salad dressing and ketchup.</p> <p>Why, you must wonder, does mommy ask you not to do such a thing?  Because your tiny hand could be squished in that door my darling.  You have pointed out another simple task that I do every single day can be dangerous to you.  Thank goodness I saw you before I shut the door all the way.  Thank you for keeping me aware.</p> <p>Your wrist and hand is fine, thank goodness.  I know you want to be adventurous when it comes to the fridge, but please, let's not repeat this incident.  I like your hand and wrist just the way they are.</p> <p>Love,</p> <p>Mama</p> <p> </p> <p>Dear Sabrina,</p> <p>While I am tending to your brother in the midst of an emergency, try not to become enthused with the air vent that leads to the family room.  It's not really a fun toy, trust me.</p> <p>You didn't even realize it, but while playing near it, you got your foot too close and got a scratch.  Again, mommy's heart jumped into her throat.  Luckily, a Band-Aid sufficed.  I know you think it is fun to scare mommy so much, but really, I can only handle one "almost bad accident" at a time. </p> <p>Or at least give me five minutes to recover.</p> <p>In any event, a new air vent has already been purchased to protect you from further vent investigating.</p> <p>Love,</p> <p>Mama</p> <p> </p> <p>Oh yeah, it was a fun Thursday night evening at my house.</p> <p>Thank goodness Dada is now home.</p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-27882886213456321482008-08-14T12:52:00.001-07:002008-08-14T13:01:21.566-07:00I've been tagged!<p>Thanks Amy!</p> <p>Rules Once Tagged: <br />1) Link to the person who tagged you. <br />2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6). <br />3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below). <br />4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them. <br />5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog. <br />6) Let the tagger (who tagged you) know when your post is up.</p> <p> </p> <p>1.  I am weird about the sheets on my bed.  I DO NOT like my feet touching the bare mattress.  It's like nails on a chalkboard for me.</p> <p>2.  I still check on the babies before going to bed at night.  I tip toe in, lay my hand gently on their back.  I whisper, "I love you".</p> <p>3.  I am frustrated with running right now, but I will keep at it.</p> <p>4.  I prefer my closet insanely organized.  Clothes all the same way on the hangers, colors coordinated, etc.</p> <p>5.  Despite my last statement, my whole house seems to have been a wreck lately.  So I'm working on not being so anal about things that really truly do not matter.</p> <p>6. I despise fish sticks.  As a child I ate them and got horribly sick.  If someone even mentions a fish stick to me I feel myself getting ill.</p> <p>Okay, you're it!  </p> <p>1.  <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=16759290">Karin</a></p> <p>2.  <a href="http://devoecreative.blogspot.com/">DeVoe Photography</a></p> <p>3.  <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=63679747&blogID=420028329&Mytoken=2CB25408-09AA-4CC5-999B60200D0327D632722488">Robyn</a></p> <p>4.  <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=19620315">Rick</a></p> <p>5.  <a href="http://getcrunchy.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a></p> <p>6.  <a href="http://mamanatalie.blogspot.com/">Natalie</a></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-43745779527626381562008-08-07T20:13:00.001-07:002008-08-07T20:16:36.573-07:00Mumma! Mumma! Mumma!<p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2"> "Yes, Sabrina?"</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">She puts her arms up.</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">I pick her up.</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">She is content.</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">This is the game we play on a daily basis and I love it, though I won't tell Sabrina that.  She could be quite content playing in the family room and if I sneak away to get some coffee, prep a meal, or check an email, she knows.</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">She comes running at full force and stops about 1/2 inch away from my legs and will promptly yell at me.  "Mumma!  Mumma!"  I spell it that way because she doesn't really say "Mama", but it sounds like "mum-ah".  Which is the sweetest sound to my ears.  That and Sammy's high pitched squeal when he is in a really good mood.</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">"Borrowing" from Van Morrison....</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">These are the days of the endless summer <br />These are the days, the time is now <br />There is no past, there's only future <br />There's only here, there's only now</font></p> <p><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">Ah yes, these are the days.</font></p> <p> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2742496311_91cbf2125a.jpg" /><img height="349" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2720530655_b13537a504.jpg" width="508" /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2742487709_31b0c04244.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-62356129985386820562008-07-29T20:45:00.001-07:002008-07-29T20:50:43.539-07:00I love you, stinky face<p>Where have my babies gone?</p> <p>In just a few short days, they will be seventeen months old.  SEVENTEEN MONTHS!  I still can't get over it.  I remember them when they were SEVEN days old and just precious little blobs that needed everything done for them.</p> <p><img height="341" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2716056846_0201d9689a.jpg" width="406" /> </p> <p>Now they are precious little toddlers.  And while for the most part I still get a hand in their daily affairs, they are truly calling the shots now.</p> <p>Example: bedtime.</p> <p>We have established a nice little routine before bedtime. We have a small snack with milk and then I announce "bath time!".  This is met with excitement and grins as they run to the gate in the kitchen, all the while Sabrina making the sign for "bath" and saying "baaaa".  Sammy runs around squealing.</p> <p>Up the stairs.  This is their favorite thing.  I remember when they only just learned crawling the stairs, now it is a race to see who gets to the top first.</p> <p>After their bath they get nice and dry while I am soaked from all the splashing.  They cannot bathe without splashing.  Splashing mama is so in right now, didn't you know?  These toddlers say so, so it must be.</p> <p>But here is my favorite part of the day.  And it's not putting them to sleep.</p> <p>I love our story time right before bed.  I usually read about two or three books before we sings some songs and they doze off to sleep.  I just love this time.  This is what I envisioned when I looked ahead when they were tiny little babies.  Creating wonderful and simple memories.....and this is one of them.  One day, they'll remember that we had this little nighttime ritual and I hope that they will look upon it with as much fondness as I do.</p> <p>And I know they'll love it just as much as me.  They both have a "favorite" book right now, "I love you, Stinky Face", that is a must read at bedtime.  Sammy will hear me start to read it and I automatically have his attention.  He loves this one almost as much as "I'll love you forever", but we haven't read that in a while because I need a new copy.</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2715208115_d2072f781a.jpg" /> </p> <p>Today he just kept bringing it up to me, waiting for me to start reading it.  Sabrina curled up in my lap to turn the pages for me.  Even if it has been one heck of a day with teething and toddler tantrums, moments like this overcome all.  </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2716021250_27f8a4a824.jpg" /> </p> <p>A day will come when they won't want me to read them stories, give them kisses on their bellies, or baby them at all.  </p> <p>But that day is still far away.  And so I say, I love you, my stinky faces.......</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2716014098_b0244a979f.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2716018632_8f7e82a642.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-19103634829504663302008-07-29T12:21:00.001-07:002008-07-29T12:21:21.507-07:00Catholic Rant<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Many of you may or may not know that I am Catholic.  I went to twelve years of Catholic school, was married in a Catholic church, and both of my children have been baptized as well.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I won't get into a religious debate on here, but yes, I believe in God and Jesus.  I have those beliefs, but I have some major beef and issues with the Catholic church in general.  I disagree with many things about the church, so I have been "sampling" churches in my area for some better spiritual belief.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">The most aggravating issue I have with the Catholic church is the seemingly always emphasis on money.  Sure, they don't always come out and ask for it (although they don't have a problem with that either), but some things that they charge for that you would think would be free.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Example:  My uncle just passed away.  This was my grandmother's son and she has been taking it very hard.  She went to the church yesterday and picked out all of her special masses for the next couple months or so.  Basically, she gives them the names of people who have passed away and in the "intention" part of the mass, a name is read aloud.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Kind of like this:  "In today's liturgy we remember those who have passed on before us"......and their names are read.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Okay, I say "Great grandma, that's really nice."  She picked out masses for my mom, my uncle, my grandfather, and my great-aunt (her twin sister).</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Her reply:  "Yeah, and it only cost me 65 dollars."</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Hold the phone here.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I said, "WHAT!?!?  They CHARGE you to have a name read aloud at mass?  They CHARGE you to ask you to think of someone in a special way?  THEY CHARGE YOU?????"</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Clearly, they do.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">She wasn't surprised.  I guess they normally charge ten dollars PER NAME, but gave her the five dollar discount.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I guess it's her senior discount, eh?</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">This really lit a fire under my a**.  I give to the church that I attend and I have no problem with tithing.  I understand that the church does have bills to pay too and they pay those with the donations they receive.  I GET that.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">What I don't get is charging some to READ a name at mass.  You would think that got wrapped right in with your tithing as a member.  And for the record, my grandmother, who is on a fixed income, goes and GIVES to that church every Sunday and every holy day there is.  That includes the day Immaculate Conception (among other days) for you non-religious readers out that.  She GIVES to them more than she can afford.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Couldn't she get her shout out free of charge?</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">If I am wrong here or I'm just not seeing it, someone please let me know.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Perhaps it's just one more thing about this specific church that ticks me off.  Or maybe I am in serious need of a Diet Coke.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Rant over.</font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-51337104208649025972008-07-21T21:25:00.001-07:002008-07-21T21:28:18.202-07:00Ugh<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Once upon a time, before I had children.......I loved to go to school.  Of course, being a teacher I truly love to teach, but I used to love learning as well.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I often elected to take classes on campus even if an on-line was offered.  That's how much I loved going to school.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">In the summer of 2006, we found out we were pregnant with the twins.  I was nearing half way through my masters program, with hopes of graduating and completing the program within one year.  In the fall I was still working and after a slip down the stairs at work and a blood pressure scare, Jason and I decided together that I would hold off on finishing my masters.  My point being that I have the rest of my life to finish that program, but I have nine months to get these babies good and healthy.  So while I continued working, I let go of one extra stress at the time......</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">It was, in hindsight, probably the best decision I ever made.  For the most part, the pregnancy was relatively healthy, and with about five weeks left to go before their birth, I stopped working as well.  My ankles were the size of telephone polls and I can't believe I ever wanted to wander around a college campus looking like I was twenty months pregnant.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">It was a good decision.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">So for the past sixteen months I have thoroughly enjoyed staying home with the babies.  The days are our own and we do as we see fit.  We go to the park, we visit friends, we chill at home.......and for the past sixteen months I really hadn't given that masters program much of a second thought.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Until recently.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">In Michigan, you have five years to teach with your original, provisional certificate.  At that time, you must renew and most people go with their professional one.  In order to get your professional one, you must have eighteen post grad. credits.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">No problem.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Or so I thought.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I thought I had eighteen--in fact--I would have damn near bet my life on it.  But I only have fifteen.  I have already received an extension for my provisional certificate.....but before I even worried about it anymore, I signed up for an online class so I can just get the darn professional certificate and be done with it.  Are you following all of this?</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Really, it doesn't even matter, since I am not working again this year.  But I signed up for the online class and since July 3rd have been regretting almost every second of it.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2691787048_e4a6beaca4.jpg" /> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">It's not that I can't do the work, because I can and I will.  It's not that it's terribly hard, although some of it is confusing.  It is a research class......with lots of terms and information.  Quantitative data versus qualitative data, variables, independent variables, random samples, cluster samples.......etc.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Ugh.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">And even thought I can and will complete all of this, I have just lost my motivation to learn this stuff.  It doesn't excite me anymore.  I'd rather be playing with the babies then responding to a group discussion.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I gotta give up some major props to the mama's who work, go to school, and those super mama's out there that work and go to school.  Because this one little class is beating me over the head.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Off to work on creating a random sample.  Doesn't it sound fun?</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2690978143_d590882e19.jpg" /> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Oh, and doesn't that lady on the cover of the book look just a tad too happy about educational research?  ;)</font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-13685469980580512942008-07-16T18:15:00.001-07:002008-07-16T18:15:52.441-07:00Kisses<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">This was just too sweet not to post.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">These are the moments that make up my day.....and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world:</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2666334182_acb15ede0d.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-21868892656432797402008-07-16T18:07:00.001-07:002008-07-16T18:10:56.698-07:00Stubborn, but sweet<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Sammy is a stubborn boy.  He is patient, but oh so stubborn.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">If he sees something that he wants, he is relentless.  He doesn't throw a fit like my precious daughter, but keeps coming back for his prize.   He waits and waits and waits, but doesn't forget.  He just waits until he can make a move.  Example:  When I give them a bath, I put the shampoo, baby wash, and big cup thingy that I use to rinse their hair, right outside the tub.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">He is obsessed with the big cup thingy, which I am sure has a real name.</font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Every time he is in the tub he spies it.  And waits for the exact moment to make his move.  He'll wait until I am shampooing Sabrina or washing her up and try and climb out of the tub.  And he doesn't stop until the big cup thingy is in his possession.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2632922594_e3a81d172c.jpg" /> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">It isn't just the big cup thingy either......if something is on the counter that I swore I moved back far enough, he gets it.  His arms go into super stretch mode and he doesn't stop until he gets what he wants......quiet and diligent, but ever so sneaky.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2539789175_ecca4c9c7e.jpg" /> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Luckily, I fall into a category of "things Sammy wants", most of the time.  Today, I was trying to make dinner in the kitchen and he just kept following me around, grabbing my legs, until I picked him up.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I looked at him.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">He looked at me.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">He smiled.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">He had gotten his prize.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">And then ever so gently, rested his head upon my shoulder.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Sigh.</font></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2666339890_5de1e74316.jpg" /></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-56677278532904772932008-06-18T18:21:00.001-07:002008-07-17T08:54:39.530-07:00Fearless<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">My mom always used to tease me about how I was as a baby and child.  Apparently, I was pretty wild.  I got into every situation and had no fear.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">When I was pregnant, we heard the same old story from everyone......everything that Jason and I did to drive our parents crazy would come back to haunt us.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">And so it begins........</font></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2590865093_0526af1ac8.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2590853401_13b94fb435.jpg" /> </p> <p> </p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">Climbing on the chair and couch is old hat for my darling daughter.....but this was the first time I had the camera ready.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">This is her new trick:</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> <p> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2591697056_95c1133f23.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2590861313_92ea9516fe.jpg" /> </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2590862337_bdb7a61a5f.jpg" /> </p> <p> </p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">Sigh.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">You know what Jason's mom said about him?  That he was argumentative, always thought he was right and was one hell of a teenager.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">Oh joy.  Can't wait for the teen years!</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">And yes, I'll be blogging about my son soon too.  He wasn't feeling well the day I snapped these pics!</font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-34326004266247210152008-06-15T17:01:00.001-07:002008-09-05T18:30:28.304-07:00My 5K<p>Today I did something that I never thought I would do, but I have always wanted to.</p><p>I ran a 5K.</p><p>No, I did not run the entire duration. But it is something I have been working up to for the past six weeks. I know I made some mistakes, but the point, plain and simple, is that I finished. I don't care what my time was or how many people passed me (although I had a hard time fighting that while I was running). </p><p>I finished. And next time I will do even better.</p><p>I realized that even though I had practiced and trained, I still didn't take different things into account.</p><p>1. Terrain. Most of my running is done on a treadmill, but I have tried to get outside and run because I knew it was going to be more difficult because of the pavement. But I forgot to account for small hills. I always forget to set the incline higher when I train and I always run on flat ground. This I will remember the next time.</p><p>2. The sun. Well this seems just plain silly. The race started at 8:15am so you would think it wouldn't be that hot.....but there were some areas where I could get no shade. And I was wearing a 3/4 length T-shirt and pants. Probably not my best move, but I am really not comfortable running in shorts. But perhaps I could get lighter pants and wear a short sleeved top.</p><p>3. I think I am slightly sick. This isn't an excuse, but the Sabrina didn't feel well the past three days and Sammy started showing big signs of it last night. I chalked it up to nerves, but perhaps I wasn't at my best pace.</p><p>4. Despite all warnings, I started out too fast and got too excited, hence, got winded too quickly and had to slow down. I will try really, really hard to remedy this for next time.</p><p>But you know what? I don't care. I am not going to beat myself up about something that I set out to do and FINISHED. I will simply train harder and better and kick my time in the butt next time.</p><p>I am setting a personal goal to do another 5K at the end of July or beginning of August.</p><p>And I know I will do even better!</p><p>Sabrina and I before the race.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SFWtPt-3VDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/TykvLFEJZPo/s1600-h/run3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="180" alt="run3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SFWtQgfDv2I/AAAAAAAAAF0/YhmXeAN5fSM/run3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Sammy and I before the race.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SFWtRIxwncI/AAAAAAAAAF4/qKY3cgXEuzI/s1600-h/run2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="180" alt="run2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SFWtR98CW_I/AAAAAAAAAF8/ohbyCw2FeU0/run2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Finishing up!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SFWtSeZGrbI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Ml3e-159LHc/s1600-h/run1%5B3%5D.jpg"></a> </p><p>A huge thanks to my family that came and supported me. And to my wonderful hubby, who has supported me always! I love you sweetie!</p>Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-19028307115826042522008-05-29T18:23:00.001-07:002008-05-29T18:24:26.618-07:00A moment<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Of late, the twins have been fighting more over certain toys.  It could be something random, like a book, or it could be the other's favorite toy.  It's not uncommon for me to hear Sabrina's high pitched squeal or Sammy's yell over a prized possession.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Today, they were playing quite nicely.  I ran as fast as I could upstairs to quickly put their laundry away.  We have a loft that overlooks the family room, so I can continuously check on them for the five minutes I'm not with them.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">When I peeked over the edge today I saw the sweetest thing.  Sammy was sitting next to Sabrina, who was laying on a blanket, tummy down, just looking at him.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">He was patting her back.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I swear, these moments just kill me.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">So precious.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">So sweet.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">So innocent.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I just love moments like this.</font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-39551560087094546332008-05-29T18:16:00.001-07:002008-05-29T18:24:50.166-07:00The part of motherhood I could deal without<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">There are so many things about being a mother that I love.  I could go on and on all day long.  I love the way the babies smell after a fresh bath with their lotion on.  I love the way each of them have their unique smile that they flash only for me.  I love how Sammy will wobble up to my legs and grab me all the way around as if he never wants to let go.  And I love how my precious daughter shares her special kisses with me.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Oh, there are so many things that I love about being a mom.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">But there is one thing that I could really deal without.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">It isn't the lack of sleep, "me" time, or craziness of the everyday.  It isn't the dirty diapers, loads of laundry, or constant mess.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Nope.  I can deal with all of that.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">What I cannot deal with is ouchies.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Boo boos, bumps, scraps, bruises, and sickness are all things I wish would never enter my children's lives.  And I suspect, if I'm not certain, that every mother would back me up on this.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I've said it once and I'll say it again.  My daughter WILL be the death of me.  For one, she has NO fear and I mean it.  She approaches any situation head on and going fast.  Which is why I know she is going to be my bumped up child.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">She took a pretty nasty dive on Memorial Day from the grass to the concrete sidewalk.  She was near running and it was on a slant and even though daddy was less then two feet behind her, it didn't matter.  Face first she went into the sidewalk.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">My immediate reaction?  A deep breath and my hands went over my eyes.  Then less then one second later I ran to her.  Jason had her and I did what I never thought I would do.  I grabbed her from him.  Sorry babe!</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Though I know she was being comforted by daddy, I still wanted to hold, kiss, and hug her and let her know she was alright.  Daddy knew I needed to hold her more in that moment then he did, which is a testament to him not only being a wonderful father, but a husband as well.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">She had a red mark from the fall about the size of a quarter, which was on its way to healing quickly.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Until today.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Again, she moved too fast for her feet and fell again.  This time there were THREE adults around her and we couldn't move fast enough.  She recovered much more quickly than Monday.  In fact, it barely phased her.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">But how I wish that it barely phased me.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I can barely handle a bump and a scrap.  How will I make it through the bike riding, skateboarding, roller blading, football playing phases?</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">With patience, persistence, band-aids, helmets, Neosporin, and my wonderful husband.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"></font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-66344127190774765312008-05-11T21:00:00.000-07:002008-05-12T09:06:19.715-07:00A letter to my babies on mother's day.<p></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">My dearest Sam and Sabrina,</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Today is mother's day. It is a day that is celebrated for mother's everywhere. We, as mothers, are allowed to do whatever we choose on mother's day.....sleep late, have breakfast made for us, lounge around......or do our normal daily activities. We can do as we please on this day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">When I think about this day though, I obviously think about you two. You both made me a mother. In more than just the biological sense. Yes, you both grew in my tummy. Yes, I gave birth to you. And yes, the day of your birth was the best day of my life. But being a mother is so much more than that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">You've shown me in the last fourteen months how to love more as a person, have more patience, and enjoy more of life's simple pleasures. You both look at the world through innocent and untarnished eyes--every day is a new adventure and I get to go on it with you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">A dandelion is not a weed to either of you. It is a bright, colorful stick that you can grab and put in your mouth if mommy isn't looking. Bubbles aren't just soap, they are big circles that can fly. How do they do that, you must wonder. You don't dread waking up early in the morning, you laugh and wake up with smiles. How wonderful is your life? Simply fabulous.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">But as wonderful as your life is, you have made mine ten times better. I get to relive childhood innocence through both of you......look at things brand new like you do......and laugh when I wake up because I hear you both giggling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">So while I appreciate being able to sleep in on this mother's day, I really thank you for coming into the world and choosing me to be your mama. Always remember how much I loved you before you got here, love you so much right now, and will always love you forever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Love with hugs and kisses to my little babies,</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Mama</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SChoqBrqOFI/AAAAAAAAAFg/8cSQ9T8EEeg/s1600-h/twins2%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="169" alt="twins2 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/Rachel10011/SChoqxrqOGI/AAAAAAAAAFo/smJCPLGDTxU/twins2%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a></p>Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999060712090658494.post-5235958207818840932008-04-28T19:45:00.001-07:002008-04-28T19:47:02.041-07:00Three years ago......<p> </p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">My mother passed away.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">April is a month that will never be the same for me.  Today is the anniversary of her death and tomorrow would have been her 52nd birthday.  She was so young when she passed on.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Oddly enough, today didn't hit me as hard as it had in the past.  I did some major grieving and reminiscing last week, so perhaps that is why.  One day I broke down on the phone with a close friend and just cried and cried.  It really helped to get some things off of my chest.......things that I had already thought I had dealt with.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I know it will never be <em>truly</em> easy, but truly some days are <em>easier</em>.  They just are.  I get caught up in the bustle of life, especially with the babies, and some times it isn't so hard.  Some times I can remember her fondly, without crying, without tears, and without pain.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">But some days are not like that.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Some days I just long for my mother.  Only a person who has lost a mother could understand this I think.  And this means so much more to me now that I am a mother.  I want to be held and cuddled too.  Of course Jason does this for me, but my mom had a mothers touch.  She would brush my hair back from my face or touch my nose.  When I was a baby she rubbed my forehead to help me get to sleep.........so I rub the babies foreheads sometimes.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">My mom was married for almost thirty years when she passed away.  She had two sisters and one brother.  In addition having me, she also had my brother Lenny.  She had so many people that loved her in her life and that knew her well.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">But despite all these people, I'd like to believe that I knew her best.  I knew when she was in pain and sorrow and I knew when she was happy.  I know that even though she was dealt a hard life at times, she was a survivor.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">And what she may never know is how much she really did teach me.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">When someone passes away suddenly you wonder about how much was left unsaid.  You question yourself, beat yourself up, grieve, and sometimes wonder "why?"  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I know that I will never get that answer in my lifetime.  But I also know and BELIEVE that my mother knows how much I love her.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">How much I learned from her.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">How much I miss her.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">How much I would give to have one more day.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">And so, because of my mother, I cherish every moment I have with my children.  I am not a perfect person or mother, but when I learn lessons, I learn them well.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">And so I say to those of you reading this, as I always do when I write about my mother--</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">Give extra hugs and kisses today, love a little longer and hold each other a little tighter.  </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">For you truly never know when it could end.</font></p> Sambrina's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449076298441941589noreply@blogger.com4