Catching Up

Wow!  I've neglected this blog.  We've been busy since the last post (February?).  Where to start?

Travel and Visits:
In February, we visited family in Pennsylvania that we hadn't seen in about a year.  It was fun to see Jenna and Rachel playing with their cousins.  It was a great weekend trip.

Oooh, Easter eggs!

Easter was early this year (March 31) and we loved having some family come here to stay with us.  The weather was beautiful so the kids got to play outside.  We had fun shopping, eating out, dying Easter eggs, making a bunny cake and enjoying time together!

Easter Sunday

Feeding the goats

At the end of April, Sandra and Steve came to visit.  Jenna and Rachel love their Aunt Sandra and Unc Steve!  We went to the Virginia Wildlife Safari Park.  They had been in October when they last visited and we thought it would be fun to take the girls.  It was a gorgeous 70 degree day and we got there early so it wasn't very crowded.  This was the first time we have gone to a zoo as a family.  This was a unique place because you drive in your car and animals come right to your car where you can feed them from buckets.  There were also lots of other animals to see after the drive-through part.  Jenna and Rachel loved the monkeys.  Jenna liked the tortoises and was brave enough to help hold a bucket for an emu to eat from.  We always enjoy our visit with Sandra and Steve.

Saying Goodbye to Sandra and Steve

What's new with the girls?
Play dates, library story times and music times continue to be some of the activities we do in the mornings.  Lately they have been talking in complete sentences and telling stories about what they have done.  Both girls love to sing songs.  Favorites are Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald, Twinkle, Twinkle, ABCs, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and several others.  We sing all the time!  Rachel loves to go "play piano".  She'll climb on the bench and play while singing a song!

Rachel: April 2013

Jenna: April 2013

In March, we had a BIG snowstorm and they finally got to use the snow pants I had bought last year!  There were over 12 inches.  There was another snowstorm a few weeks later with about 6 inches and this was perfect for being able to play in it.  The weather warmed quickly and it didn't stay but I think they really loved the snow when it was here!

March Snow (Rachel)

They've been learning more about emotions and have been showing kindness towards each other. Sometimes I hear "I'm happy now!" Or "I'm a little whiny."  We talk about things that make people sad and happy. They do argue or fight at times but they've been learning about the importance of being nice and sharing.  I love seeing them play together and enjoy each other's company.
They love to play outside, use sidewalk chalk, and have learned to blow bubbles.  I've been looking at options for a backyard play set.  We've had fun at the parks and they've both gotten better at climbing and have become comfortable on big slides.  In April we had some unseasonably warm weather and I put together a water table I had purchased last fall.  I can't wait to use it more this summer.

What's new with me? 
In March, I had my first Tastefully Simple party as a new consultant.  It has been fun to have something different to work on and to share these products with friends.  I've had several parties since then and have started meeting other consultants on the same team as me.  I've been feeling more confident each time I have another party.  I hope to have 3 or 4 parties a month and then gradually adding more as my client list grows.
I've continued to go to a weekly Zumba class and I love it!  I look forward to Tuesday evenings.  The girls look forward to their time with Kenny and he enjoys this time with them.  I'm so glad that I stuck with it! I don't even stand in the back anymore...now closer to the middle!

 

Ridgeview Park, April

Happy Valentine's Day!...And resolutions revisited.

I was thinking about my New Year's Resolution post today and I think it's time to update what I've been doing since the beginning of January!

To start with, Kenny and I had a date tonight.  My sweet friend volunteered to watch Jenna and Rachel so that we could go out to dinner.  We decided on a nice restaurant in Staunton but when we got there, the parking lot was packed and there were people waiting outside.  So, we drove up the road to the Japanese Hibachi restaurant and were told it would be a 30+ minute wait.  I guess this is what happens with no reservations on Valentine's Day.  We headed back towards Waynesboro and decided to go to Mrs. Rowe's, a restaurant with home-cooking.  We got right in and were obviously the youngest people there!  It was fine though.  The food was good and it was nice to talk and just be out of the house.  We haven't been out alone without the girls in over a year and a half!  It was a nice Valentine's Day and if we do it again next year, we'll try to make reservations somewhere!


My resolutions were categorized by want, need, share, succeed. 

Want: 

• I wanted to get out more with the girls and we have!  Lots of fun at the library and at play dates with friends!
• I've learned 3 new piano pieces from my new book, Burgmuller: 25 Progressive Pieces. I think it helps that when I talk to my dad he's learning those too.  We can talk about the ones we like the best.  

The girls are playing their "pianos" while I play. 

Need:

• Organization is a work in progress.  I've created a menu board and this has helped us to be more organized in meal planning.  
• A date...we had one tonight!

Share:

• My resolution included sharing myself by being outgoing.  I signed on to be a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant!  This will allow me to make some extra money but also to meet more people and try to be more outgoing!!  Message me if you would like to order anything!  www.tastefullysimple.com/web/sgoodberry

Succeed: 

• Losing weight was one of my goals and I've lost about 2-3 lbs.  I started going to Zumba once a week and LOVE it!  

My word for the year was "Active" and I feel like I've been pretty active so far!!  The momentum from the past couple weeks will continue to push me forward!

It would be a blog post without some photos from the end of January and beginning of February!

We have so many bluebirds around out house.
 I was playing with the zoom feature on my camera. 

They're saying "oooh" while looking at some pretzels we made.

"Cheese!" 

Jenna's calling Aunt Sandra and Grandma!

Lollipops after the Valentine's party.

Just a few photos...

I looked back on my previous posts and realized I hadn't added any photos.  I got a new camera during the weekend after Thanksgiving and it took a little getting used to.  I often don't remember to upload pictures to the computer.  The girls are so busy and never sitting still that I don't take many pictures of them any more either.  
Here are some from the last couple of weeks.

Using the new step stools from Aunt Sandra and Uncle Steve

Our neighbor brought some pudding over.  They were SO happy!

Rachel loves her baby (and a special handkerchief from Great-Grandma Teeple)

Finally getting to use their snowpants!

I told them to play in the snow!

"Show me the snow!!"

Jenna loved the snow.  It was mostly melted but we found little shaded patches to play in. 

Being sneaky with the step stools...

2 Year Appointment

Yesterday, I took the girls for their 2 year appointment at the doctor's office.  I have never taken them to a well-visit by myself and yesterday I had a friend come with me.  I was a big help and made it easier to talk with their doctor.  During their morning bath and as we got ready, I talked with Jenna and Rachel about the appointment and what to expect.  They think it's funny to talk about "Dr. Bob, bob, bob".  
Rachel is still scared of the big exam table and hates when she has to sit on the scale.  Luckily this was the only time that she cried, well screamed really, when she had to be measured.  Jenna stood and watched this and cried too when she had to be measured but then the rest of the appointment went smoothly.  They had a blood sample taken to check lead and iron levels and didn't cry during that.
It makes me laugh that even though both girls talk and talk all day at home, most of time when we're out, they won't say a word.  They didn't really say a thing while the doctor was in there.  I have a 24 month questionnaire to fill out about developmental milestones.  I wish they had sent it to be before the appointment but I'll ask to find out about the results.  Overall it was a good appointment and I really didn't have any major concerns.  I can't believe the next well visit won't be until they're 3!  That's such a change from beginning when it was every month, 3 months, or 6 months.


Here are the stats from the check-up.
Jenna
Weight: 29 lbs, 12 oz.
Height: 34.75 inches
Head Circumference: 19.75 inches

Rachel
Weight: 26 lbs, 2 oz
Height: 33 inches
Head Circumference: 19 inches


I knew Jenna was a little bigger.  She loves to eat and will finish what's on her plate and ask for more.  I've had to keep an eye on her during snack time so she doesn't take Rachel's when she's done.  Rachel is a much slower eater and when she's sick with a cold she doesn't eat much at all.

I've been thinking about the New Year's Resolutions I wrote last week. Here's some updates:

• I've had a few play dates with the girls and we went to story time at the library today.  I'm excited to get back to that.  
• I attended a Zumba class tonight that one of my friends teaches.  It was a great workout, even though I felt silly not knowing the moves.  Kenny had fun with Jenna and Rachel so I'm excited to go again next week.  
• I've been trying to clean the kitchen counters each evening before bed and I started organizing the girls' toys. 
• I tried a few new recipes that were wonderful!

New Year's Resolutions!

As I was browsing the internet, I came across a New Year's Resolution printable and thought it would be a great idea to try and write some for myself.  If they're written down, I can come back and look at them and then revisit the list at the end of the year.  I've never made a list of resolutions before but there's no better time to do it than January 1! 
Here's the link to the printable where I got the idea. 
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/12/new_year_resolutions_printable/

Let’s Do This! 2013

One Word

 I found it very difficult to try and come up with one word to describe what I would like for my year.  I went through about five before I decided on ACTIVE!

This word popped into my head when I thought about having 2 very active toddlers.  Then I thought it applied to more of what I want for myself this year.  I want to be more active in pursuing activities with Jenna and Rachel.  I want to be more active in terms of exercising.  I want to be more active when it comes to cleaning, cooking, and organizing.  Using the computer less will allow me to be more active.  I think this will be my One Word for the year. 

Want

What I Really Want in 2013...

*To get out more with the girls: library, play dates and other activities.   It’s a great way to help them socialize with other children and good for me too!

*To create a budget and determine how to live on less money.  I’d like to stay at home with the girls for longer and this will help!

*To play piano again.  I got a new book for Christmas and I will learn at least one new piece.

Need

What I Really Need in 2013...

*To be more organized.  I would love to begin following a home maintenance/cleaning schedule so that I’m not overwhelmed with things that need to be done. 

*To have a least one date night with my husband!  We haven’t been out since November 2011!

 Share

What I Want to Share in 2013...

*More time with my husband and children: less time on the computer.  I’ve been working hard to not turn on the computer while the girls are awake.  I’d like to limit time during their naps and in the evening as well. 

*Try to be more outgoing, friendly and approachable.  This could be as easy as saying hello to someone during a walk or chatting with another mom at story time!

Succeed

In 2013 I Will Succeed At...

*To lose the 10 pounds I gained since having the twins.  I’d like to fit back into the jeans I wore pre-pregnancy. 

*Becoming a better cook.  I’m enjoying making dinner more and I would love to find some new recipes to try.  I need to boost my confidence in the kitchen.  

I hope that having this written on my blog will allow me to stay accountable and be able to achieve most of these goals for the year.  

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2013!

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit!

I wanted to add some photos of the time with my parents.  My mom had hand surgery in November and wasn't sure if she'd be up for traveling.  I'm SO glad they were able to come and spend 5 days with us!  They arrived on the 26th so they were here for Jenna and Rachel's birthday.  We celebrated Christmas the next night and enjoyed exchanging gifts.  I loved seeing the girls interact with their Grandma and Grandpa.  They loved playing with babies, blankets, books, and play food with their Grandma.  My dad is really silly with them and loves making them laugh.  We had such a good visit.  They left in the morning on the 31st. Even after living in Virginia for 6 years, I still get teary-eyed when they leave.  We're not sure now when we'll see them again.  Hopefully it's soon!

New seat/stool from Aunt Sandra

Rachel and Grandma watching "Mickey's Christmas Carol"

Playing babies with Grandma

  

Soft Kitty!!

Rachel with Grandpa

Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa!