Twirls 'n Curls

Yes, I thought of that title with a double meaning all by myself :) My husband was putting the older girls to bed while I got the baby down one night.  When I came out, Linsey (5) had left this cryptic message, translated, "I love you but I have to go to bed!"  We have some pretty solid bedtime rules around our house, and though occasionally contested, they're pretty much followed. Actually, I've been thinking about it the past few days, and we have a lot of random rules, probably because our kids are so little.  That's what I'm hoping, anyway.  I was listening to a sermon that said if everyone is on the same page and going the same direction, you don't have to have many rules.  Long story short, we're not there yet, but we keep trying!  So here's a peek into our household of random rules, most of which were made on the spot during important life lesson opportunities, or teachable moments: 1)  No hugging in the bathtub (near drowning experie...

We live in such a visually-oriented society, it's a wonder people ever buy books without pictures anymore.  My girls can't understand when someone takes a picture of them and they can't see it right away on the back of the camera.  Luckily, this doesn't happen very often since most everyone has gone digital - sorry if you're one the 12 people left who hasn't :) But I have to really be strict with them, or they would easily watch TV all the time, and they're 3 and 5!!  The other day was a perfect example:  I try to exercise with a DVD before the girls get up, but Linsey woke up early and flopped on the couch.  Her first words, "I can't hear the TV." "I know, that's because I have it on mute - this is mommy's quiet time." "Oh, so you can think?" "Yep.  And I pray for you guys." "You probly don't get to think much when we're around, do ya?" "Nope.  You can go get dressed if you ...

Lately I have just been overwhelmed watching these amazing, tiny little people God has entrusted me with.  I thank the Lord with them every night that I get to be their mommy.  They are so different from one another, yet the family ties are unmistakable.  It's interesting now, having 2 that can converse fairly well.  I've been catching snips of their conversations when they don't know I'm listening - shh!  You might hear something too - L:  Hannah, you be the baby birdie, ok? H:  Okayyyy! L:  Now I'm the mama bird, and I'm going to sit on your head. (what a setup that was!) H:  No!  That will hurt me! L:  But that's what all mama birds have to do, watch! [muffled screams] L:  There!  That wasn't so bad, was it? H:  That was soooooo scareme! (scary + scared me, it's hannah-speak) L:  Then I guess you can be a princess. H: I don't wanna be a princess! L:  Then you can....be a puppy! H:  Ruff!...

Suspect, known on the streets as Bully Baby,   was apprehended with this weapon in hand  at an undisclosed, private location several days ago. Big Daddy, the undercover parenting agent who made the arrest, comments: "We've suspected [Bully Baby] of foul play for quite awhile, always sneaking around when she thinks no one is looking.  But this time we caught her in the act - fishing without a license is a serious offense around here.  I had to drag her out, kicking and screaming, and there were plenty of witnesses.  She won't be getting away with this again." Bully Baby tried to make an escape just hours later, but was again apprehended and is now safely behind bars.  She declined to comment at this time.  Stay tuned for the latest, up-to-date information.  We're the only ones following this story.  Really.