Santa's Helper

We have accepted the idea that Santa has helpers stationed around the state in order to help out during this very busy season. That would explain why Santa looks different at different places. And why we like some Santas better than others.

This particular helper was very friendly - and really looked the part, but a little too helpful. As Faith declared her one item she really wanted for Christmas, Santa asked, "What else? Do you like Dora? Do you want a Dora kitchen and a Boots flashlight? How about a Little Pet Shop? Oh, and I bet you like stuffed animals. Would you want a gold-plated ring that can only be found in India? Would it not be Christmas if you didn't get that trip to Disney World?"

Santa . . .enough already. I liked the Roudolf concept better - Santa's helper that doesn't talk.

Baby Love

If ever there was a reason to jump off a cliff, it would be family pictures.

Adorable little family, is it not? What one can't see is the hunt for four pairs of black, patent leather shoes. The nation-wide search for the perfect matching dresses for the twins. The time-consuming decision between black or white hose. The midnight ironing of a white dress shirt . . . that was placed "neatly" in a pile on the floor when he changed. What one can't hear is the breakdown Grace had because her hair, which originally was in an updo, didn't make her feel pretty. The constant grumbling from my dear husband, simply because he had to show up. (And, of course the fact that he had to sit like a girl.)

You know, I'm one of those wives who thinks her husband is really hot. I really do. And I'm always so perplexed at the sad fact that he won't smile for a picture. Still hot, don't get me wrong.

Shane and I were looking at the pictures and I told him, "Wow. We have a big, little family, don't we?"

So overall, semi successful adventure.

Christmas at the Junction

Horse-drawn sleigh ride. What an amazing night - weather was awesome and atmosphere was really cool. Despite missing a couple of hats and the race horses pulling the wagon, this really fun.
Seeing Santa for the first . . . but so not the last time this year. The twins made their TV debut on the local news later that night. I'm not going to go as far as to call Santa a dirty old man, but "Mrs." Clause had to be at least 15 years younger than Santa.
Oh, deer . . . that was really funny.
The carolers sang a song for the twins about baby's first Christmas. It made Mommy cry. Eddie and Jessie were really good company.

Missy, You're Getting Blamed for This . . .

Getting to gymnastics last night was no small task. In fact, it was quite the production.

The girls were delighted to borrow Missy's dance outfits from when she was little. They have been wearing them constantly.

Last night, I told them to go get their leotards on for gymnastics, and they both came down the stairs in the most hilarious outfits. Faith in the outfit she has on above, with the addition of the matching skirt. Grace in a two-piece, tummy-bearing, fringe number. Faith was deemed acceptable by my high standards of good taste, but Grace . . .not so much. That's when the break down happened. Grace is usually . . . for the most part . . . the one who demonstrates good sense . . . that far surpasses her mother's. But last night, she was devastated she couldn't wear "the beautiful" leotard. She said Faith gets to do anything she wants. And that she wasn't going.

But into the car I made them go, with the agreement that Grace gets to wear the rainbow, leopard outfit next week. Grace kept looking into the rear view mirror asking if her eyes "still looked weird." "Weird? No, honey." Good thing she didn't ask me if they were red and blood shot, because then I would have had to lie.

Also important to note is that Amelia did their hair - which was adorable - by the way. Coupled with the outfit - Faith was hard to miss.

Faith walked into the gym and her teachers started "ooohing." They told her she look awesome . . .like a rock star. That they "loved" her outfit and her hair. You couldn't wipe the smile off that little girl's face. You couldn't have bolted down the skip in her step. She FELT like a rock star. The whole hour she bounced and smiled and waved to her mommy in the window. The other kids were petting her, and twirling her hair the whole time. It was the best show.

After it was over and we were in the car, I asked Grace how her night went, because I witnessed some activity with a little girl twirling her hair in line, too. And she said, in her best 14-year-old, valley girl voice . . .

"Yeah, it was fine, but there was like this one chick who was like all up in my face. . . "

The perils of popularity.

Letter From Aunt Jessie

On October 26, 2006, I was working late at the West Des Moines City Hall. It was too late to still be working, probably around 8, when I got a text message from your mother. Sometimes your mom sends me random pictures of Grace and Faith but when I opened it up, I couldn't exactly tell what it was. A couple of seconds later, I realized that it was a picture of two lines indicating a positive pregnancy test with the caption, 'ssshh don't tell mom' Very excited, I called your mom to congratulate her and she asked me not to tell Grandma yet because she wanted to wait a while.
For a very long month, I had to keep this very important surprise! On Faith's birthday, we all went back to Grandma and Grandpa's for a party and your parents were going to announce it to everyone then. I hasn't your mom if it was ok that Grandma knew that I already knew about the pregnancy or not. She said to act like I didn't know and I joked that I'm not very good at 'faking surprise' but that I would try. After lunch and cake for Faith, your mom announced she had some news and I thought I knew what to expect. Your mom pulled out the sonogram picture and gave it to Grandma who looked at it for a second and said "A?....B?.....Twins?" Needless to say I didn't have to act surprised!
We soon started to pick out names! If you were boys, I really wanted you to be named Rosco and Rufus as it was a suggestion in the baby name book. Your mom soon started to like Lillian, the name I have 'called' for years, and Eva, the name Joni 'called'. She claimed she read in her baby name book that you shouldn't not name your children something because your siblings have called that name because they may change their mind or not have a child of that gender. To this day I don't know if she was serious or just doing it to get a rise out of us.
A few months later, I met your family for supper at Hy-Vee. I knew your mom had a doctor's appointment that day but I didn't know it was the day your parents were finding out if you were boys or girls. In the middle of dinner she says, "Are you going to ask what the babies are?" She then told me that you were little girls!
The first time your mom went into the hospital it was very early in the pregnancy. I told her I'd come keep her company after I got off work and asked if she wanted me to bring anything. She said no but called me back several times with different requests. That night I ended up taking to the hospital, teddy grahms, cherry nibs, scotcheroos, and hot chocolate. It was very random.
The last time your mom was in the hospital she wanted me to come down and help her take a shower. The nurses gave me the impression she was on pretty strict bed rest but your mom convinced me she was allowed to shower. She told the nurse she'd like to get cleaned up and the nurse comes in with a washcloth and a bucket and asks me if I had it handled. While I do love your mother and was concerned about your well being, I was not about to give your mom a sponge bath. We had to fashion a guard around her IV so it didn't get wet in the shower with a Target sack and a rubber band. We watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy together before I went back home.
For the last few months of the pregnancy, your mom, Joni, and I had several 'last suppers.' Each time we went out we acted like it was the last time we would be able to go out to dinner together. Two days before you were born, we went to see Knocked Up which was a comedy about a pregnant lady so with the timing, it was especially funny. I was sitting next to your mom and could actually see you two moving around in there. Luckily, you only kicked her in the bladder once that night.

Jessica Clinton, Associate Planner
Development Services Department

Paying Homage to Eddie

For the record, I would call him by the right name if I knew how to spell it. After learning there is not a "w" in his name, I'm kinda stuck making up other names I can spell.

"Walking in Memphis" was on the radio this morning while I was driving in, and I was totally thinking about the Jungle Room. Who knew it wasn't his bedroom? Thanks to Eddie, I know better now.

And when I go to Graceland, I'm spending serious time talking to Elvis's grave, too. Just to be clear.

Eddie, I really need the pic of the grave. And the jungle room.

High School Musical . . . On Ice . . .

Does it get any better than this? This is the exact reason I prayed for girls. The Ice Capades . . . and prom dresses, of course. And I know I've come full circle, given my intense excitement that the girls scored rock star seats.

We had been warned about the $20 programs and $15 snow cones, but nothing could deter our pure delight.

Grace and Faith were totally into the show, and were so much fun to be with.

Thankful for the Chaos

Faith drinking strawberry pop out of her great-great grandmother's glasses.
The much-sought after kids' table.
Justin was thankful he got to sit at the grown-up's table.
Jennifer laughing at Grace.



Seriously, awesome weekend.

We went home on Wednesday in the midst of the the first snowfall of the season, and in the spirit of noting firsts, the twins got to see snow. It was so beautiful. Jessie rode home with us, mostly because I truly think she enjoys her special seat in the back. Gracie counted the cars in the ditch . . .13, I think.

Dad came up to Billy's on Thursday morning, because I think he got tired of waiting for the babies to show up at Grandma's. Great meal at Noon, as always. People just show up. That makes me laugh. Faith knocked back "wine." Who are we kidding? So did Joni and Jessie. And the whiskey? I'm not sure who that was for, or even why it was out, but I'm kicking myself that I didn't get a picture of it. Shane took us off-roading for a little deer chasing action Thursday night. We saw the mother-load over to Fred's. I wonder if other people pack up their children in their carseats, and take off in four-wheel drive across a field after a herd of deer? If they don't . . .they should. Dad, mom, Jessie and Ed was in the pickup, doing the same thing.

Friday Shane and I got the lights and Christmas decorations up outside at Billy's. Cleaned and Millsaps came over for the day.

Saturday was totally devoted to the fine art of turtle making. The whole day. Really, a lot of turtles were produced. I don't think anyone can rival my stirring skills. Jess, send me the pictures you took of that adventure. I was too busy working to document.

Grace and Faith got to go with Mark and Missy Saturday night for what sounds like the best time of their lives.

We headed back after church on Sunday. And that's all I want to say about that. :)

Just Because I Think They are Freakin' Adorable

My little Jennifer Shayne. 5 1/2 months
And sweet Josephine Sychra. The poor little girl is feeling so sad that her Grandpa won't let her wear her headband.
The three little ones BEFORE Grandpa arrived. Josie . . .Mommy thought you looked beautiful.

By Special Request . . .

Why, oh, why the horns? But Joni . . .lookin' hot!
It's really too bad no one loves her . . .
It's not really an awesome party anymore unless Justin comes. Thanks for saving the night with the stellar chair construction.

We're Gonna Party - Like It's Your Birthday

Party Like a Rock Star

To celebrate Faith's 4th birthday, she and I spent the afternoon together. Festivities included a trip to Club Libby Lu. She got to choose where she wanted to eat lunch and like the true fan she is, picked Jimmy John's. We had a great afternoon together. She's such a little chatterbox when it's just the two of us.

Kickin' it with Jessie

Saturday night, all the girls hung out on the couch and watched Evan Almighty - mostly because we don't like boys . . .except for two . . .right, Jess? If the truth be known, I fell asleep holding Jennie, and I woke up to Grace dancing like a mad woman when it was over. I'm not sure how it ended, but I think there was some rain. I got up to make some bottles and the whole crew fell asleep.

I Must Really Like Her . . .Missy, I Mean

Otherwise, one wouldn't see a dog in my house. But the girls LOVED Nitro . . .aka Pooh. The poor puppy survived Faith hauling him around the kitchen - and survival is no small task in that situation.

First Food - Sort Of

So, this past weekend Mom kept constantly telling me "those girls need potatoes." I had been putting it off, cause once you start . . .you can't stop. As with anything good in life, really.

It's not like they've never had anything besides nookie. Shane bought them their first suckers the other day. (Faith was so mad.) And they stuck their tongues out and did their best to enjoy the pacifier-shaped, sweetness. But it wasn't for them. Thanks to Grandpa, they've even had ice cream.

But last night I mixed up that hideous rice crap, and for my sake, added squash. They lapped it up like kittens.

Grace fed them, and it was great fun to watch them. As the spoon got closer, Grace's mouth opened. She couldn't help it. Grandpa has the same problem, and it was that very excuse that got him out of feeding his own children.

Finishing up Harvest

It's hard for me to not think she's really cute.

Nov. 11, 2007

Harvest is almost over, and it's terribly sad. I rode with Mark on Saturday night, and knew that it will be another year before I get to do that again.

We took the boys dinner to the field Sunday after we got home from church. The girls were running down the rows of corn stubble, and I was yelling at them not to poke an eye out as I was taking pictures them doing it.

Awesome Weekend

We had a great weekend - perfect fall weather. A pair of mud boots, a sweatshirt and some leaves . . .doesn't get much better than that.

We combined on Saturday, trying to get Grandpa's done, but yet another break down slowed progress. It was one of those pitch back nights, but a million stars out. Mark and I saw a shooting star, but I was so excited to point it out that I didn't get a wish made. Mark and Missy went on one of Mark's famous, late-night four wheeler rides. Missy said Mark laid in the middle of the field to look at all the stars and pointed out the North Star to her . . .over in the east.

Went to church on Sunday, then over to Fred's to play in the creek. The twins went with us - it was fun to have them along - not so easy to jump creeks holding two, however. Then got the combine fixed, finished Grandpa's and Mark and Missy took the girls out for a ride. Shane thought the girls looked so cute, he went out and took pictures of them.

Pesky Neighbors

The babies are here . . . and I thought they were . . .

. . . here . . .

You never know who will be sneaking up the stairs in the mornings at Billy's - checking to see if anyone is up. This morning it was the neighbor to the south, who thinks just because he gets to keep his cows in my barn, that he can baby steal whenever he wants. I found them on the couch, feeling pretty sneaky.