The last of the celebrating!

On Sunday we celebrated the twins' 3rd birthday with lots of family.  It was kind of a crazy day so their cakes got pushed to the last minute...which meant they didn't have time to cool properly...which meant the layers were sliding all over the place.  Oh well, at least they tasted good!  They were loving being the center of attention, and they sure are lucky to have so many people who love them!  They really loved showing off their underpants & potty skills; since they are now potty trained.  Thanks grandma Thomson for the two packs on unders...they were much needed! Guess what finally did the trick for getting them to seriously potty train...diapers weren't an option, and they got to pick a two pack of starburst every time they went potty.  If they didn't want to go...or wouldn't in Joshy's case...I ate the pack in front of them.  Really mean, I know, but it only took twice for him to get it together!

 On Monday night, Maggie picked playing Parcheesy for FHE.  I couldn't get over this funny kid.  He'd roll the dice and make his moves then put his hands up on his face while waiting for his next turn.  

 

How did they turn 3 already?

 This morning started off very different than it did 3 years ago! (Click older or newer at the bottom of the page for more about their story) It began with this little cutie wandering upstairs asking for some cereal and milk.  This is his favorite thing right now, of course in a green bowl...it's his most favorite color...he'd eat cereal for lunch and dinner too.  We had some unique quiet time together before the rest of the kids joined us.  It was quite nice.

 Josh is such a funny little character.  He is very stubborn...which leads to tantrums and slow going sometimes, but he's also very independent...he can put his shoes and socks on by himself, and buckle his car seat. He's also extremely loving and kind.  He loves to help and is very clever.  He surprises me all the time with the things he comes up with.  

 Then Jack joined us.  He is such a funny kid.  When they were little Josh was way more outgoing and social and Jack would either cry if anyone outside of our family looked at him or just stare.  Now he's our little social boy.  He loves making people laugh and he's quite the little charmer.  Jack is very loyal; he defends his siblings.  He is our goof ball...he's always giggling and being silly.  Jack is very good at putting his feelings into words.  He can tell me exactly what he's thinking and it's so fun.  I can tell by the look on my kids faces what they are feeling, but Jack is especially an open book.  He is super sweet, but doesn't like to be stroked or soft tickled...at all.  It's very rare for him to let me tickle him when we snuggle.

 I had picked up some little tub toys for them for this morning and they were a big hit! Look how much change two years brings.

 Man I love these two!  I can't even imagine our life without them.  I can't believe we've all survived 3 years together...there have been rough patches, but mostly, we have pretty awesome days...who wouldn't with these cute faces smiling at them?

 They definitely have a special little bond that's unique to twins.  I love hearing them talk to each other.  They are getting to be quite eloquent and it's my favorite to listen to them.

"How old are you today?"

Monster unders are so exciting for a 2 year old

Today is the first day of Christmas break and we are loving it.  No school or gym and we have been snuggled in all day.  The kids have been on a Harry Potter kick, so we've watched 2, 3, and now #5. This morning Jack came running in to me saying he needed to go potty...a wonderful thing I wish he did more of.  Basically, he was potty trained about 3 months ago...even on shopping trips he'd be dry all day. Then, he just decided not to.  So I was excited when he was interested. We jacked up the heat and the boys are sporting their unders today. How cute are those hinies! See if you can guess who's is who.  It's really pretty easy.

So far no accidents.  We talked about not peeing or pooping on the cute monster...we shall see.

Josh has actually been going a lot more than Jack lately...my motto is don't push them and it will happen, but I'm starting to get a little impatient with two very capable little boys who hold going potty for ransom!!!  Maybe today is the day?

Brave little man

The morning of the 25th of June was a little crazy. Starting at 5:30, Jack was required to have a tubby so he was clean and fresh.  My mom came to our house at 6 am so he and I could get to the hospital in time for his surgery.  {Thanks again for watching the kids mom!}  He was quite liking the one on one time we were getting.  He also loved the toys in the first waiting room, especially this little musical roller.  (The pictures are kind of crappy because I forgot my DSLR, they are just from my phone.)

Then we had to wipe his whole body down with cleaning wipes, and put on the hospital clothes.  He didn't like the wrist-band bracelet he had to wear, but as soon as we got into the surgery waiting room the bracelet was completely forgotten.  They have super fun toys there to distract all the otherwise nervous kiddos.  I couldn't even get him to look at me because he loved this rolling ball toy so much.  

After the dr.s came out and discussed how the surgeries would go...he had an undescended testicle brought down, and his lymphangioma drained...he got to ride a trike into the operating room.  He was so brave and just wheeled his way past me and went in with the anesthesiologist.  It's funny, the dr started humming a song and Jack starting humming with him...he had everyone charmed right off the bat!

After his surgeries were done and he started waking up, they came and brought me to him.  He was so cute...he'd peak at me, smile, then go groggily in and out of sleep. He didn't even cry once.  After snuggling him for about 20 minutes they let us leave.  On the way home I was going to stop and get him a big sprite from McDonalds, and he kept begging me for nuggets...he hadn't eaten since the night before.  So after stopping at Wendy's he downed 6 nuggets before we made it home...He definitely doesn't respond to anesthetic the same way as his momma, (I puke and am sick for days)!!!  I am so proud of this brave little imp!  He did way better than I anticipated and although he doesn't like to have the draining tube changed he still holds perfectly still and is very cooperative.  The appointment to remove the drain is today, so hopefully it goes well and we can get him all healed up so he can go swimming again!

Okay, I know this post is long, but I have to add these pictures of Jack.  He and Maggie were playing downstairs yesterday and being super sweet to each other.  I didn't really think much of it until I saw what they'd been up too.  At first I tried to scold Mag's for coloring with MARKER all over Jack's face...but I could only hold back the laughter for about a minute!

 She had gotten him dressed in her clothes from head to toe, including her undies!  The marker wasn't just randomly drawn on either...it was "makeup."  If you notice, he has eyelashes drawn on top and bottom, lipstick, and eyeshadow.

 She was so proud of her handy work!

 And much to his future embarrassment, he was a more than willing victim...he was twirling in the tu-tu!  Not only did it not wash off, he had to go to the gym last night with it on!

Healing and having fun

Wow, June flew by in a crazy whirlwind of pain, healing and lots of icees!  I had my tonsils and adnoids out on the 13th. That morning we dropped the kiddos off at my sister Krista's house, then Kendall and I headed over to the hospital.  I was feeling a little nervous, but optimistic about how "I could handle the pain."  I have to laugh at myself because I am a pretty independent person...I really don't like to have to ask for help unless I am absolutely unable to do something by myself...some may also call me stubborn!  I have been super blessed throughout this whole process to have my wonderful mom, who drove all the kiddos up to Jeanette's on Saturday, and my awesome sisters Krista and Jeanette...who both have busy families with lots of their own stuff going on...take my kids for a week and a half total!  I most definitely could not have had this surgery without their help, so a huge thanks to all of them! Also to my wonderful husband...every day when he got home he'd snuggle me and give me foot rubs! He is seriously one of the best!  

Anyways...I had the surgery and was feeling pretty good.  The first few days I was in pain, but kind of thinking that everyone who had warned me how bad it was going to be were kind of exaggerators and that "I've carried twins, for heavens sake, and had major strep throat with 4 little crazies running around...I'll only have to take care of myself; this will be a sinch!"  Then the 3rd and 4th day hit!  Wow, I was definitely understanding what all the warnings were about!  Luckily I had good pain meds though, and lots of rest.  I also have a shaved ice maker, so I pretty much lived on icees...hence the 17 lb weight loss!  So I was pretty much a vegetable for a week and a half, then the kids came home.  Even still, 2 and a half weeks later, I'm still sore and not all the way back to normal.    I've been surprised at how long it's taking me to feel myself.  Thankfully, I am super blessed to have pretty mellow kids who know how to play well together...most of the time...and they've let me rest and be boring.  Not to mention that Maggie started a urinary tract infection when she got home...so she was wanting to snuggle and relax too.  Then Jack had his surgeries, so he was a little calmer than normal for about a minute!  These pictures just make me laugh.  I'd put their tent up outside, but it had gotten so hot that we couldn't stand to be out there...not a great week for Jack to have surgery when it's 104 degrees and he can't get wet!  So we decided to bring the tent inside.  Anytime I make me an icee they need one too, of course! 

 We were watching Curious George and they were so cute all tucked in there together, so I had to snap some pictures.  My poor camera has been so neglected the last couple weeks!

This is Jack's arm after his surgery.  He has to have this drain in for 10 days.  He has been such a trooper...I will do another post on him tomorrow.

 Love me some blue eyes!

Silly kids!  I can't remember where Sam was.  He must have been playing downstairs or something.

So moral of the story...if you want to lose a lot of weight really quickly...go get your tonsils out...but make sure you have a good support system!  Also, what are some fun and exciting things to do with kids in 100 degree weather that doesn't include water?

Poor Jack Jack

Oh man, today has been a whirlwind of crazy! 

 Starting on Thursday, Jacks hemangioma under his arm started swelling.  It got to the point where it was huge and red and he wouldn't let anyone touch it.  So this morning I got him in to see his doctor.  He took a look at it and hurriedly said, "Let's get him in to the general pediatric surgeon right now, he may need surgery today."   My heart nearly stopped!  So we rushed up to that part of the hospital and that doctor said he has an infection.  His hemangioma is actually a lymphangioma...and it is infected.  He gave us a hefty prescription that Jack'll have four times a day.  He also saw him for his undescended testicle, which he will be having surgery for on the 25th.  Poor little choppy.  This month is going to be crazy!  I'm getting my tonsils out on the 13th, the kiddos are going to be at different peoples houses for a week and a half...thanks to my wonderful family, then Jack will have surgery on the 25th.  A month of healing and popsicles for our house!

Spring brings pretty flowers and naughty kids!

Because of our crazy spring weather here, my English Daisies were starting to droop.  Instead of tossing them in the trash I made a little "bouquet" of them for miss Mags.  She was so delighted...and has been carrying them around all morning.  Aren't they cute in my new mug?  I scored the whole set of mugs from Target on clearance...that's the best.  I will have a picture soon of what I've done with them.

 Another recent score was this super cute owl pot.  I have been coveting it for a little while and could no longer stand it, so I snagged it up at Joann's. I got the plant at Ikea.  If you've never looked at their succulents you are missing out.  They are very reasonably priced and normally have a pretty good selection...this last time they were getting a little bare.

 So on to the naughty kids party.  With the weather fluctuating between warm 60's and then plummeting to 30's with snow, the kids have had a delicious taste of outside playing, then are banished back in doors.  So we have been having lots of teasing and fighting.  Jack got a long time-out after biting Josh on the back for not handing over the toy he was demanding!  Poor little choppy!

Luckily it's warm again and we are headed back outdoors.  Hopefully everyone can get along!!!

A little sand anyone?

Man do I love Spring!  There is officially sand in every nook and cranny at my house....and I love it!  The picture is from Jack.  We had just gotten done eating dinner and he tipped his head down and this is all the sand that fell onto the table.  The babies are still adjusting to not have the need to dump shovels full of sand on each other! I love that his hands just happened to be on the table.  I love that my kids love being outside. Lately the first thing Jack says when he wakes up from naps is "Sand-a-pile?"  Love it!

What do you do for entertainment?

At our house, all we have to do is turn Jack and Josh loose.  They always come up with something silly and hilarious!  Today it was this little tiny bucket.  For some reason Jack decided to climb into it and take a little rest.  It was so funny...these pictures don't do any justice!  

 Then of course, since Jack was having so much fun, Josh needed a turn!

 Everything is all better.

 Jack kept climbing in, then bossing everyone around.  Can you just see him shouting out orders in this picture?

Never a dull moment at the Johnson house!

Dough thief

For dinner tonight we were having roast and rolls.  As all of you know, when you start a roast in the morning your house becomes a torture zone by about noon from all the delicious smells.   Jack could hardly stand it all day, and no matter what we fed him he still was "hungry."  So after church I started making rolls and left them sitting out on the oven to raise.  After a while I went to check on them and one was missing!  Plus there were some grab marks out of another one.

So I went looking for the culprit.

It was Jack!  He was gobbling down the disgusting raw roll dough as fast as is little teeth would chew.

 Then he graciously decided to tear a piece off for me....I don't like to eat raw dough...this is something my kids have picked up from Grandma Thomson...GROSS!

 When I took the raw roll away he was pretty mad at me, but don't feel too bad, it was replaced with a cooked one as soon as they were ready!

To

Crazy boys

Just like my last post, this was just another normal day.  Getting these two in and out of the tubby can be quite the process, but they really love to play in the water.

 Josh kept trying to get closer and closer to the lens...he likes seeing his reflection.

 They love to toss anything they can and make a splash...today it was the shampoo and conditioner bottles.

 It's all fun and games till someone gets bonked!

 Having twins is a lot of work...I could easily elaborate, but I'm not going too...and they are also SO MUCH fun!  They really love playing together and whether they are getting into some sort of mischief or another, they always have a willing buddy.

Some wonky teeth and a great photo

This year I had vowed to take more every day pictures of my kids.  I gave myself permission to not have them all cutesied up and if their hair wasn't done...oh well!  I find myself not getting out my camera unless something is photo worthy, but obviously that is silly and I want more photos of them doing the things they do. So...anywhoo, I got my camera out and was just taking pictures of the kids being silly.  I was really wanting to get some of Josh with his wonky teeth before the rest all come in, and this is what the pictures ended up being:

The little turkey wouldn't open his mouth for me...look at those mischievous eyes!

Then finally he couldn't keep a straight face any longer and busted out this grin!  Man I love his crazy teeth.  I may be a little afraid of what his orthodontist bills are going to be in the future, but they are pretty dang cute right now!  Poor little chappy cheeks.  He has the most sensitive skin out of all my kids.  Well, he and Sam may tie for that, but right now his has flared up the worst.

 Sam was being silly and told me he had a "cool shot to take."

 This was his other silly shot.  He's looking way too grown up to me!

 Maggie's cool eyes.  I can never get a shot of her eyes that do them justice.  They are so unique.

 All the kids were being silly and loud and I looked over at Jack and he was doing his favorite thing...reading a book.  I'm so glad I had my camera out because this is exactly what he loves to do.

So here's my challenge...get your camera's out!  Take pictures of your every day life and see what treasures you find when you go back and look threw them!