Fairy Tale Ball

This past Thursday was the Fairy Tale Ball at the girls school. This was a big event for the girls and they have looked forward to it for a long time. Lizzie told me a couple of week ago that she needed a new princess dress for it. So, Grandma obliged and got them new dress up dresses. Also, the girls invited some of the church staff to come and watch.

They got to wear their dresses to school; which by itself is exciting. When it came time, the kids lined up with their partner. Each set was announced and bowed/curtseyed and then sat at the table where they ate lunch.

After lunch, they got up and danced with their partner for a couple of songs and then danced like crazy kids. The kids had a blast and I had fun watching.

On our way to school

Gracie being announced

Lizzie being announced

Lizzie's partner seating her

Gracie eating lunch

Lizzie eating lunch

Gracie and her dance partner dancing crazy

Lizzie dancing with her partner

Gracie and her teacher Ms. Tammie

Lizzie and her teacher Ms. Tarrin

The girls dancing

It was a really fun time for the girls.

  

Saying Goodbye to Aunt Betty

Last night my aunt Betty passed away. Before, I mentioned her diagnosis of cancer. She took a turn for the worse early last week and stayed with us for a few more days. This past weekend, Wes and I took the girls to Oklahoma to say goodbye. By the time we got there, Betty was heavily sedated to keep her comfortable. We spent time with her on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We read scripture to her and prayed.

Betty with Lizzie at 6 months

 Betty was a special lady. She took all of her nieces and nephews in like grandchildren. She treated her great-nieces and nephews like great-grandchildren. I have many memories of spending time with Betty. She was a teacher by calling and an excellent story teller. I remember sitting on her knee and listening to all the stories she told. When the girls were old enough, they sat on her knee and listened to her tell stories. I'm happy that they were able to know her for a while. Betty had many occupations in her lifetime, one of which she was a paramedic and had stories of helping people in rural Oklahoma. For every job Betty had, she had stories to tell.

Betty and my mom a couple of years ago

During the time of waiting in that hospital room, we had many little mercies. A former student came by and told us that Betty was her favorite teacher. A chaplain came by and told us that grieving can take many forms. Nurses that treated Betty as human and would stroke her hair even though they had never met her. Feeling the presence of God while we prayed. Knowing that He would embrace Betty.

Me, Betty and my sister, Laura

The girls always loved rides on Betty's walker

Our family will miss Betty so much. She has been such a presence in my life and in the life of my family.  I hope the girls have fond memories of her. In our prayer this morning as a family, we talked about how we can use those good memories to comfort us when we are sad.  We love you Betty.

Yoga Play Date

Today we had a play date with our twin club, it was a blast. Our good friend Amy hosted it at her house and our awesome teacher Ms. Cheryl taught. The kids all loved it and had a blast.

Our besties, Reese and Riley

Listening to Ms. Cheryl

Downward Dog

Reaching up high

Getting ready for cobra pose

Practicing our bow pose

Cat/Cow

Cheryl and the girls

A little after yoga tea

After yoga, we played for a bit at Amy's. We got hungry for lunch and then hung out at Chick-fil-A for about 3 hours! It was a fun afternoon!

Valentine's Day

Today was Valentine's Day. The girls have been excited for this day for weeks! Gracie has asked every day when it is.

The girls thought that Valentine's day was such a special occasion they should wear princess dresses. I talked them in to wearing heart skirts and shirts instead.

On our way to school (after our friend Kathy gave them cookies)

Gracie getting ready to open her Valentines

Playing with her new treasures

Lizzie taking a break from opening Valentines

How did they know she loves masks?

It was a fun day for the girls. After school, we had fun playing with Reese and Riley. After dinner, the girls enjoyed eating as much candy as possible before they got caught.

Our Saturday

Yesterday was a fun day for us. We started out a breakfast at the new bagel place. Wes was meeting some guys from church. The girls and I tagged along.

After church we did some shopping for Wes. We walked by the Build-a-Bear and I finally talked Wes into actually letting the girls do it. The girls make me go in that store every time we pass. They were so excited. Of course I wasn't prepared, so I had to take pictures with my phone.

Washing our friends after stuffing

Our new friends

After that, we did a little more shopping and went to look at boots. The girls love looking at cowboy boots. They both wanted "cowboy dresses". We didn't find any but got a couple of cowboy hats.

For dinner, I had a Groupon that needed to be used at Toby Keith's restaurant. So, that's where we headed next. While we waited for dinner, the girls danced on the dance floor with Wes. They all had a blast.

It was fun day for all of us. One that we all needed!

Knee Socks

I have a bit of an obsession with the girls and knee socks. I love how the girls look in them. Their little knees sticking out are so cute.....

Who could resist the cuteness of little girls in knee socks?

What a couple of cute and smart little girls..... We love them so much.

One-on-One

When you have twins, its hard to have one-on-one time. From day one, there are two babies to take care of and give equal attention. Every twin mom I talk to has the same concern, is enough individual attention give to each child?

That being said, every time I have the opportunity to spend one-on-one time is a treat. Luckily, I've had that time. It presents itself through a trip to the doctor, snuggle time before sister wakes up, a trip to the store or any number of different ways. It may be for just a few seconds or a couple of hours. During those times, the girls individual personalities really come out.

Sweet Gracie

Gracie loves to sing, dance and just be creative. Coloring, drawing or cutting makes her happy. Also, she has her own dance moves and makes up songs. Its fun to see what she will come up with next. She makes up karate moves and "super power" moves. As I tell everyone, she is self taught. She loves to watch others to learn from them.

Lovely Lizzie

Lizzie is a chatter box. She loves to talk, a trait she gets from Grandma. She loves learning and wants everything to be orderly. She is cuddly and loving. She will come up to give you a hug and a kiss. Also, she likes to take care of people. When Wes goes to work or we leave my parents, she tells them, "don't go fast, or go through red lights, look both ways, don't get hit by a car or get a ticket".

Both girls are so independent and sweet. Wes and I really blessed to have such good girls. We are thankful every day, even on the days when we are most challenged by their independence.