UPDATE: Gtwins turn 3 - SUPERHERO BIRTHDAY

UPDATE TIME!!!!

Ok...so I know it's been a while...far to long in fact but silence usually means that I am up to something!

This time it means lots of somethings!!!

All good things of course, but I have been busier over the last 6 months then I ever have in my entire life!

I was going to do the update all in one post but there is way to much to read in one sitting so I am going to do it in a series...sorry but I promise it will be easier to read and also understand!

The first update is going to be the most important...

MY BOYS - they are amazing and they also turned 3 years old! I can't believe I am a mom...a mom of 3 year olds!!! It has been a crazy ride and I am loving 3! They are total #Threenagers but it is great to be able to talk and (sometimes) reason with them!

Their birthday was in September and we went all out in true #Ghouse fashion with a:

SUPERHERO BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

Let's take a peek...shall we?

CREDIT to Megan over at Party Stitch for custom invitations!!! 

Get yours now at:

The Party Stitch on Etsy!

So this was a SUPER fun party to plan and to decorate! I was on the hunt for the best deal on capes for months. The biggest obstacle was that this was also a pool party...I really wanted capes but knew between the pool and the super cute cupcakes we might have some superheros with stained capes. SOLUTION...DIY CAPES! I took Dollar Store table clothes and cut them into capes. 6 capes from 1 table cloth! Not only were they waterproof but they were super inexpesive! I paired them with Superhero Sunglasses and BOOM!

Hung them on the fence and they doubled as super cute decorations!

No party is complete without decorations - however...they can be costly and 99% of the time can't be used again. Unless you happen to be part of an amazing mom group like me! I actually was able to score some of the decor from a fellow momma of twins who threw her 3 year olds a party a few months prior! I added a few extra things and we were good to go!

Check out this cute Spiderman - late Wal-Mart score for just $19!

Along with hours of swimming, we also had a bubble station along with cars, bikes and trikes galore! I cooked all the food myself which was a first. In years past I had enlisted help or catered it. I don't recommend the DIY food when you are already exhausted....I somehow convinced myself that I needed 12 pounds of pasta for 60 people! Anyone want some freezer ziti???

We had the most fantastic desserts! Ally Cakes has done the #Gtwins birthday treats since their first birthday! She is an extremely talented young lady - not only are they amazing looking but they taste amazing too!!!

SUPER impressed!

No party is complete without a Pinata! We filled Joker up to the brim with great treats and stickers! The #Gtwins and their friends had a blast trying to knock Joker to his demise!

BEFORE! - CREDIT to Megan over at Party Stitch for custom Joker Pinata!!! 

Get yours now at:

The Party Stitch on Etsy!

The Superhero standee was a great touch for adults and kids to be able to take photos!

SPEAKING OF PHOTOS........Happy Snap App was the true SUPERHERO of the day!!!!

All our guests were able to upload their pictures from the party, flawlessly to Happy Snap! I provided an event code on the tables at the party and guest quickly downloaded the app and were uploading instantly! I was able to re-live their birthday (that I was busy hosting) that same night! No waiting for uploads to FB or IG or hoping that I would get tagged. IT WAS AWESOME!!! #HAPPYSNAP #Endthesend

Happy Snap App is available on Android and IOS - it's FREE! 

*I highly recommend the $.99 version too!

Ok folks that's all for tonight!

Thanks for sticking around! There is so much more I have to catch you all up on but this is all for now!

XOXOXO

#TBT: A scary good time at the grocery store

This is a story that I shared with my favorite twin mommy group last October. My trunk is already filled with crazy Halloween things so I thought I would go a little #TBT.

 

***I didn't share this originally for fear that CPS will show up on my doorstep. ***No one was harmed!

It was a crisp Autumn evening and my family was in haunt mode...aka survival mode!

I had just worked all day and returned home to my beautiful boys. The joy usually gives me crazy ideas like taking both kids to the grocery store...alone! I of course pick my favorite store (where 95% of the store knows us) and we will enjoy dinner together there...

 So this adventure starts off with me carrying both boys to each entrance ISO of a double seated cart... When I finally spot a person with one kid in one leaving -- pet peeve BTW...I get that your singleton thinks that cart is fun but my kids want nothing to do with the store unless they are sitting next to each other! So...I proceed to literally chase them to their car to claim the cart. We then proceed to pick out 2 meals at the quick dinner sptot and get asked a million questions about twins and if the eat the same foods... Blah blah blah... We settle in at a table and the boys are doing great until J asks for water. I leave them at the table for a second with the cashier who I know and run like a mad women and get two glasses filling them just a little ....but just enough for O to dump it everywhere... eh, whatever... I give him napkins and he enjoys cleaning it up. We finished eating and I quickly clean the table and we are off on our beloved journey to produce land.... Where my boys scream because they want to eat the bananas, apples, grapes, blueberries, carrots and every other fruit and vegetable in the cart. After they settle in we are off to the meat aisle and I think "ok smooth sailing from now on"...
Well I run into a friend and proceed to quickly talk to her and her husband when I no sooner look over to see O chucking balls of twain from an end cap and J  has successfully opened the 1lb carton of blue berries and dumped them along with the bag of grapes. Not to fear, helping hands to the rescue! I am inappropriately laughing but still attempt to finish my shopping and go to the cereal aisle to grab the latest obsession of cheerios before scooting over to the frozen aisle. Whilst I am buried butt deep in the freezer battling to find the veggie Chix n' nuggets -- I hear, before I see, the box of cheerios flood the floor.... At this point I can't stop laughing...of course the same helping hands kids comes to our rescue. Now the pressure is on to get home!  I quickly scoot to the check out where we manage to only knock down the battery display and clear the gum rack (guess they will remember to open the extended aisle next time).

So I check out and celebrate that the boys didn't set the place on fire and am greeted by our new helping hands friends who assumes that I will need some help loading the car.  At this point I was pretty sure he was just doing damage control!
We made small talk to the car where he innocently states that he hopes I will have help when I get home and I of course response with that I have my husband  pretty well trained and I am sure he will be at the door ready to unload when I get there....just then, I fling open my trunk to reveal.... A trunk with a stack of bloody sheets, a rusted axe with fake but very real looking blood, two really scary masks and a wig......I thought the kid was going to faint!
I tried to explain the whole haunted house thing but I am pretty sure he stopped listening at that point!
Sooooooooo I am pretty sure it's time to find a new grocery store!

 

#HauntLife

Tipsy Herb Tower: Gtwins Green Thumb

I was looking for something to do with the boys that would give them a sense of accomplishment and teach them some new skills. So I decided to take an idea that I have had for years and bring it to life.

I use a lot of fresh herbs in my summer cooking so I have long thought about a way to have my own small herb plants at home...but where and how? We have lots of land but we work all the time. I didn't want a huge undertaking or herbs that would eventually overtake my landscaping.

After careful planning (really it was some nights of surfing the web and know what we really use) I came up with...

The Tipsy Herb Tower!!!

Some simple terracotta pots, spray paint, plastic sturdy rod, potting soil and some delicious herbs from our favorite farm stand and BOOM...we are in business!

To start:

 

I painted the pots and had them ready to roll a couple of days prior. I found the nearest pantless toddler to accompany me to the garage to find the rod.

 

 

(Warning: potty training in progress)

Then with Mickey Mouse garden tools in hand, the Gtwins and I began our potting adventure. We filled and stacked the pots first to make sure that my crazy idea was actually going to work.  I let it sit for a couple of days before adding more weight to it.

*I did end up with one extra pot that I thought would be good but it made the rest to unstable.

 

 

It worked!!!

Soon after, I had a day off and the boys were at the sitters so I decided to take the opportunity to pick up my pre-planned herbs. I made my choice base on what we would use and how much water each plant would need...my noodle told me that while this idea was good gravity would kick in sooner then later!

 

So I went with Mint, Dill, Basil, Dill, Cilantro and Chives...I also stumbled upon a Chocolate Mint plant and couldn't resist so I put that in my extra pot.

After just 2 weeks of the Gtwins generous watering (watering cans are the coolest!) and some rainy days we had some pretty fruitful crops! I took the opportunity to expand on the Gtwins most recently acquired scissor skills and snipped some herbs for our favorite Sunday activity...cooking!

 

 

Fine motoring it!

I can't believe that for under $30 we have plenty of herbs for the entire summer, the Gtwins are learning responsibility and we have a very cool landscape piece!

 

Happy Planting, Learning and Eating!

Vacation: Cruising with the littlest of mates!

 

 

It should come as no surprise that life around the Ghouse has been cray-cray! Hard to imagine that this time last year I embarked on a journey with just my momma and my awesome sister to have what would turn our to be a life changing cruise adventure...

 

Life changing?  Well I learned that 18 months is possibly the worst time to vacation with out your husband!  I will say that my mom and my sister totally rocked it but I quickly had a new appreciation for my husband. I never realized how much he actually paid attention and anticipated our needs until I was sailing away for 8 days WITHOUT HIM! Oh and my sister met a really awesome guy that swept her off her feet and happily uprooted her to his home town (where I am pretty confident that they will live happily ever after)!

Ok so enough about that...let's talk cruising with your little first mates!

 

This was the second time cruising with my boys. We went when they were 9 months and then again when they were 18 months. Both times I did a ton of research and called the cruise line more than I want to admit. So to help other parents avoid being a freak like me, I am passing on some great information.

 

1. Choose your cruise line wisely! 
We sailed #Carnival both times. Why? I personally like how laid back they are and the atmosphere that they promote. I also love their customer service. I booked with my amazing travel agent who always made sure to note that we had babies and that crying was a possibility. (Shout out to Jill B. at the Cicero AAA)

2. Passports and Travel Documents.
Yup they will need passports! Little known fact...your kids can be sleeping in their passport photos - use that nap time to get the mountain of paperwork done and a super cute snapshot that is good for 5 years! Travelling without your spouse or both parents of the child(ren)? Your going to need a note. For my solo mission I typed up a letter and photo copied his ID and them sent him to get it notorized. Trust me you will need it!

3. Packing.
Obviously you know clothes and normal things that you would pack on any vacation. Somethings you might not think of...your on a cruise,  ya can't just stop at Tarjay for the emergency needs. PLAN AHEAD! I always bring a kit for every possible symptom. Baby Tylenol,  baby Motrin, teething tablets, bandaids, thermometer, nasal spray, Benadryl...remember at ages 9 months and 18 months there are some things that your kids haven't been exposed to. (See next tip)

4. Plan for exposure.
I of course got my pediatrician involved and talked about possible things that could happen....why? Because I was about to lock my allergy prone children in a fantastically amazing vessels for the next week and I wasn't about to be in sick bay or airlifted ($$$) because of a reaction.  My boy's had a lot of allergies and both had some major reactions in the past. Regardless of this, a family vacation in the middle of the ocean is not the time to find out that your little one has an airborne allergy to shellfish. I knew my boys would be touching surfaces that others has touched so, I did a controlled skin test on them at home. Talk to your doctor if you think you will be in the same boat ;-)
P.s. If ya think it's crazy, I did find out that my son was allergic to zinc so we had to do almost a month of sunscreen testing to find one that didn't break out from (shout out to #aveeno!)

 

5. Food and drinks.
If you have a child(ren) without food allergies party on, the ship should have plenty of options for you. I however did bring on food and water for my littles because for the most part you need to order pureed and steamed items ahead of time. Dinner is the exception, on our cruise, our waiters were super accommodating! They let me know the menu the night before and I could pre order what my boys would eat. Plus my boys love shrimp and they would have a shrimp cocktail heading our way just as we sat down each night.  I can't say enough about how accommodating #Carnival was with our dietary demands. Packing wise you can bring any amount of food you want with you. You can ask that the mini fridge be cleared and you can store what you need in there. The first time we went with the "bring everything for every meal" so off I went to invest in a zombie apocalypse amount of baby food. After spending a small fortune I quickly learned that my good eaters turned picky if it wasn't homemade baby food! Needless to say they survived and for the most part gulped it down without hesitation at mealtime. We had amazing servers that had the kitchen steam and puree my boys favorite veggies and had then ready to go at dinner time - Gtwins definitely approved!  As for formula and bottles we smuggled cases onto the ship! Just kidding, we were able to bring up to 12 bottles of water per person. Tip: call ahead. I would prepare lists as I thought of things to ask. Carnival was great and their customer service was just amazing with even my most crazy questions!

6. Babysitting - on our first cruise we didn't use babysitting. Why? Because I was still in the "how selfish to be on a cruise and enjoying myself,  I am a parent now" stage. The second cruise was "this momma hasn't put make-up on in months, I'm slapping on some heels and going out with my sister! "...translation: I used the sitter service one time to go to the Comedy show.
Here's how the Night Owls worked for us. After Camp Carnival closes they reopen for the babysitting service. I took the boys up during open play and filled out all the paperwork then (allergies, meal preferences,  juice or water only...totally won me over). When we arrived for our "night out" everything was ready to go. I was super impressed when one of the staff came up to me and said "we read the notes and it looks like J is teething and you are using teething tablets, Tylenol and chew toys to soothe - is that still correct?" I was shocked!  I informed her that he was super cranky and that he had just been given Tylenol but to go ahead with the teething tablets and toy if needed. They got the boys all settled in and handed me a cell phone to contact me if needed and I made it very clear not to hesitate and to call me for anything! (#momguilt)  We made it 3 hours before the phone rang and I was very impressed! Unfortunately J would not settle. So of course at a dead run I rushed up to find he just wanted mommy. All the other kids were calmly watching a movie and there were two babysitting sweetly trying to comfort my J. O of course was hanging with a new buddy in a pack-n- play and was then sad to leave.
In summary it was a really great experience for us! I loved the open play times and the snipit of care that we used was excellent!

7. Know the ship layout prior to going - this is crucial for cruising with little ones! Most of you are thinking because  of emergencies...truth -- BUT I am actually talking about the Momergancies! Ya know, when your kid is completely over stimulated and needs a place to just chill or they are wide awake at 11pm and need a place to just release energy or when you are just over being a complete helicopter mom and you just want to let them roam without having to worry if they are disturbing others or about to knock over a table of food...#momergancies! So scope your ship out prior! Key places that are not used during the day are lounges, usually ones that are not on main decks. Also all ships have a conference room that is only used probably 30% of the time - those are the best for crawlers and waddlers because they have a slight step that can be great for the ninja warrior in training.

9. All aboard! By now you are asking how the heck did we get everything on the ship!  Welllll....here's how!
- 3 large utility totes - 1 for food and snacks, 1 for water and formula and1 for toys
- 1 stroller each time (used for carrying all the totes on board and the everyday need to transport your mates!
- 2 harness carries  (used front Bjorns the first time and Kelty backpacks the second time) -- best way to do so for security reasons. Also the Kelty's were great to take them off ans set right next to the table as soon as you get on the ship to immediately serve lunch.
- 2 suit cases - these are checked and brought  to your room - but make sure your diaper bag is with you.
- 1 diaper bag - mine had 6 diapers, wipes, 2 fresh cups of water, snacks and toys.
*** you don't immediately go to your room ans when you do get there you are asked to return  to the deck for a safety drill. You will be expected to hold your kids unless you find the handicap lounge. The first time we lucked out and found it right away. The second time...not so much....we had screaming kids and cheerios everywhere! I would definitely  call line ahead to know where lounge is located if possible!

Welp....I think this is enough to get you off to a good start for your cruising journey! We put two great cruise vacations in the books before the #Gtwins were even 2 years old! I am hoping to make that 3 very soon!

 

If I can do it, so can you! If you have questions or want more information? Comment below or shoot me an email!

Bon Voyage and Happy Sailing!

#Momfirst -- Rhyming Rant

I know I will get heat for this but I had to write about it before I exploded.

 

I ventured out to a local play place with my cabin fever littles. I quickly noticed the diverse group of parents who had the same idea. Everyone parents differently, I get that. No two parents are the same. HOWEVER...there is no excuse for completely ignoring your children when they crave your attention. I am not saying don't take time for yourself or getting the break that you need. The following situation was painfully clear that a child was nothing but a bother. That other things were taking priority when there were definite problems that needed to be addressed by his parent.

 

#RANT

To the mom over there, with the wavy hair and the cell phone glued to her face...
The one with the kid with the terrible grin who currently has my kid locked in a wrestling pin...
I am trying not to loose my s**t as it is My Kid, that your kid continues to hit!
I get that it's winter and it obvious that your kid desires to be a sprinter but here is not the place!
I know I am possessive however this toddler play area for your 9 year old is a little excessive!!!!
I get it's winter break and you would rather be on a cruise or at the lake...
Yet while you sit on your phone and flirt, my other kid just got hurt!
Now this momma bear, with the undone hair, is ready to go toe to toe with your 9 year old!

 

I am trying not to judge you, I am also trying not to scream, as your kid terrorizes my 2 year old team!
I get that your life may not be what you dreamed, but I am sure you are more blessed than you seem.
Your little boy wants your attention, not a Facebook mention!
He is yelling YOUR name as he runs past those shaking their heads in shame.

Everyone knows it's hard-- we all have at least one s**t card, but I can assure you this kid isn't it!
Please see what he needs!

It's NOT the best new Beats, a new pair of sneaks or an afternoon with all these pint sized peeps!

 

I know there is a ton of snow, but hanging with these kids won't help him socially grow!

Take him somewhere with kids who breathe the same height of air!

 

Now before you go saying that he "might have a label" or "really isn't able" - there is no excuse that covers sitting at a table and ignoring him!
You are a mom, you are his calm.
Please look in his eyes and stop telling yourself lies -- he needs you more than you realize!

Put down the phone before your kid is grown --- or you may really be left all alone!

 

I clearly can't rhythm but this was written just after bedtime, where I sat and read until my littles finally rested their weary heads! I am beat, I am tired, my everything hurts from trying to keep up with the demand of my two biggest fans.

I understand that my way is not everyone's way to play...

but the parenting game never ends, there are no roles written in pen. Just care and be there!

You have to push through, that's what mothers do!

All I ask is to show the love the your kids need! They should never have to plead!

#momfirst

DIY: Something is leaking under the kitchen sink!

It's Valentine's morning...I have just been sweetly woken up by my special men individually walking in and each handing me a single rose. As I bask in this adorable act of love and appreciation, my warm fuzzy feeling is broken by the sound of chaos from the kitchen. Why wouldn't the well planned morning of V-day be the perfect time for the kitchen sink to be leaking and flooding the kitchen?!?!

Not to fear - mom is here! (and thankfully so is coffee!)

Instead of revving up the Kitchen-aid, I have the hub's throw something together and I grab my plumbing kit and get to work!

 

So...what are we dealing with?

Our house has older plumbing, so I figured it had to be one of the connections. I had recently attempted to replace our dishwasher (more on that later). When I shut off the water under the sink it was clear that one of the shut offs was not working and water was still flowing. I made a novice mistake, more like I have 30 minutes to do this lest use excessive force to get the job done faster. At the time I could hear my mothers voice telling me not to use tools but, again, I had 30 minutes to do the project (I was racing up against a Sunday night bedtime routine).

PROBLEM: Because I had recently forced the water to shut off I ended up breaking the seal just below the shut off valve.

 

SOLUTION: Replace both the hot water shutoff valves!

 

Step 1: Shut off main water supply to stop the water from going every where.
Step 2: Identify what you will need to replace. Even though some of my plumbing doesn't look new and could be replace with some shiny new stuff. I say NO! If it's not broke don't fix it! < That is when real problems arise.
Step 3: Take pictures so that when you are at the store you can show that picture to the person helping you. A "whoojiggy" is so much easier for an associate to find with a picture!
Step 4: Head to the store! (it's currently FREEZING in Central New York so outside was the last place I wanted to be heading that day!)
Step 5: Get your stuff and get home to the fun!
Step 6: Grab you tools -- for my project I needed two...

 

Step 7: Get started! Remove the old valves.
TIP: while removing your valves it is very important to make sure that you are not moving any other pipes or connections. I uses one wrench to secure the connections in place and the other to loosen the faulty valve.

*Add a helper if you need an extra hand! Mine just added cuteness!

 

Step 8: Tape off the newly exposed pipe threads with your plumbers tape.
Step 9: Begin to hand tighten your new valves into place.
Step 10: Use your crescent wrench to tighten the connects (1/4 turn at a time - be sure not to over tighten!).
Step 11: Turn the main water supply back on. FINGERS crossed for no leaks!
Step 12: Turn all your faucets on to open the lines and move any air out of the lines.
STEP 13: Bask in your DIY glory!

In the words of the Gtwins - "Tada! I phixxed it!"

 

 

 

Labor time: 15 mins

 

Total time: 1 hour (due to the quick run to the store!)

 

 

 



 

 

 

Truth of Parenthood

When I used to dream of parenthood I would think of lighthearted, feel good moments that I would share with my children and husband. Ya know, the ones on tv with the music and the right lighting that brings you almost to the point where you are crying tears of joy because it is just that beautiful! Everyone is smiling and the world is perfect.

Well...those moments happen and they are beautiful.  However,  no one told me (or should I say warned me) of the other moments that are sprinkled in between.

All my months of bed rest I searched endlessly for articles and books to help me see what parenting was really like. Sure, I would stumble upon a blog or article with a few statements that would give me a glimpse into my future, but nothing that really captured what changes were to come.

Now that I have become a mom I would like to shed some light on the untalked about changes that happen.

To start off operation #truthofparenthood here are some everyday phrases that take on a whole new meaning! (#phraseafterbabes)

• "Drinks with friends" now means water on the rocks with two shorties and their most plush friends!
• "It's a bath night" no longer means a relaxing soak with a book and wine...It means a full on splash fest that will leave you wiping down the ceiling while humming Rubber duckie..."dodo DU Dado!"
• "Mani, pedi night!" Is no loner a primping activity that gives you butterflies of excitement but a wrestling match that will leave one of you surrendering in tears!
• "A Night Out" is now a nerve wrecking event where you are checking your phone every 10 minutes to see if the choosen unlucky sole tasked with putting your kids to bed is calling or snap chatting a picture of them tied up in a closet with a caption of "#Failed! Please hurry home!"
• "Did you poop?" and "did you toot?" Will be said without even a flicker of a smile or snicker.
• "Alone time" is 20 mins in the bathroom sitting on the potty pursuing Facebook and checking out all the things you are missing in the world...so what if it sounds like they are going to take down the door...they are only 2, right?!?!?
• "Stooping to their level" is still a dreaded event but this time you are almost gaurenteed to get slapped in the face.
• "I'm jumping in the shower " which really means I am turning the shower on...sitting peacefully on the toilet and perusing social media for 15 mins then going to check emails, the weather and news. And when the spouse yells "are you ok in there" you respond with "yes, almost done!" And use it as a queue to now jump in the shower!
•  "I'll call you later" a complete lie! What it really means is that there is a.001% chance that I will call you later today. BUT there is a really good chance that I will call you in the next week. Reality it will be later this month. It's not that I don't care it's just that I care enough to not call you when my kids are screaming or in the middle of an epic meltdown.
• "It's right over there" now the default answer to any question as to where to find a missing item. Also a safe alternative to "you have lived here as long as I have and it's always been in the same %!#$* place!"

These are just a few of the phrases that have taken on a new life in my house! Children definitely change everything thing for the better...unless they have smuggled a crayon from the table; then that door was way better off before children!

 

Mommy's magic is only as good as her best assistants!

Well I was going to write about the Superbowl but we interrupt this regularly scheduled post to bring you late breaking events this evening form the Ghouse bathroom - a recently popular hotspot!

 

The boys are almost 29 months (aka 2.5 years old for those who hate months) so potty training has been on the radar. We started to slowly introduce the potty back when they turned 2 in September. With the move, O's surgery and all the sickness that we have survived in the last 2 months; potty training was tossed on the back burner! So now that they have been sickness free for all of 48 hours I decided to pull out our shiny new potty today and give it a whirl for ol' time sake! (more on potty preferences later)

 

Tonight is Monday, which means it is bath night and nail night why not throw in the potty and make it a paaarrrttty!

 

In our house bath time is loved! I have the routine down to a science...we walk in together I sit on the floor change each boy while the tub is filling they each take turns dumping their toys in while the other is getting undressed.  Tonight I decided to add an extra step -- the potty. So J goes first: I help him undress while O is filling the tub with toys. I talk to J about the potty and plop him down. He sits for .25 seconds and jumps up "all done". "no buddy, sit down and try to go pee pee on the potty". It was then I heard "mah, I pooped" I turned my head to discover the fully clothed O in the tub proudly declaring that he had pooped in his diaper; with his pants over it, now sitting in 6 inches of water! I am not sure if you all are aware of what happens to a diaper that has been submerged in water but....I will tell you that it is a magical process that quickly melts a diaper away with water faster then the wicked witch herself! (Google it!)

 

Behold a toddler who is wearing a hooded fleece, a long sleeve tee, sweatpants, socks and slippers; in the tub! I quickly pull him from this state and pull off everything but the sweat pants which thankfully have elastic cuffs. Now this is not my first bathroom rodeo so I jump up and grab a trash bag from the cabinet and proceed to place O in it up to the waist and pull his pants down and off into the garbage bag avoiding the gazillion beads flooding the bathroom floor! (#mommywin) I then lay O down on the floor and get him cleaned up just in time for J to get the whole peeing on command trick. From the angle it was hitting O's tummy I would say J mastered it!

Well...the first act was entertaining but we couldn't continue the show without a quick intermission sponsored by bleach!

Not to fear the tooth brush is here! While the scene change is happening in the tub I take this awesome opportunity to have them brush their teeth; a skill they have solely mastered!

 

So the rest of the bath was filled with fighting over trimming their nails and O getting even by peeing on J -- ya know, nothing too exciting! Once done they are met at the door by my husband who scoops them up and proceed to get them ready for bed while I clean the normally disasterous bathroom. Tonight was different. I had a sense of pride while cleaning. As I proudly lifted the lid on the potty seat to dump and clean the prized waste my glee was shattered with the sight of J's tooth brush face down...in the potty!

HAPPY MONDAY!!! Hope it's a dry one! 

Hubby to the rescue!

So as most mother would secretly admit, bathroom time is one other most coveted chunks of time. It's a time of relief, relaxation and secret Facebook staking!
Over the past week I have had two that stick out that I must share. Before you go assume that it has to do what you think it does, it doesn't! 
Last weekend I was running around with the boys doing errands and burning off energy at my favorite store while buying all of my new bedroom stuff at Tarjay (I ♡ the Bullseye!) Always a grand adventure in and of itself.  This one was at usual epic proportion with shelf clearing temper tantrums and embarrassing displays of need to conquer the cart. I had noticed before leaving that I needed to pee but the kids and car wear packed and my helper of the day was "Pa" {my awesome dad}. So I of course know that holding it in is horrible for you but I say to myself, "suck it up, you're a mom".
Skipping to us returning home 2.5 hours later and me sweating because I have been using so many muscles to resist the flood. I decided to use the bathroom on the new side of the compound while my kids played with Grandma.  I did my thing and washed my hands and it was then I realized that no one had ever shut the door to use this bathroom before now...
I was stuck I mean reallllllly stuck. I of course yell for a credit card and a screw driver to be slipped under the door. My husband rushes to my aid thinking the he can heave his body weight at it like Gibbs in NCIS and it will bust open all official like...not the case. Not even in the slightest!  So I quickly dissemble the knob to discover that it is defective and I am stuck. I start to panic slightly and decided to pop the hinges and rip the SOB right off. the frame! It was the most dramatic feeling as I quickly exited to freedom that I started to burst into tears and laughter as I exited feeling relived and victorious!
BUTTT little did I know that I need to develop a phobia of bathrooms until this morning!  Today is Beerfest day which means that it is the holy grail of days for husband -- like he starts his inviting process in October each year! So today is the day that him and his buds go and get intoxicated and return home to veg and sober up. I of course help to nurse them back to this state and then send them home to their loving wives.
So to prepare for this shindig I clean like crazy and then jump in the shower to make it appear like I haven't been sweating my ass off in an attempt to make my house look like it's not lived in. So as I am ending my relaxing shower I turn off the water and proceed to open the shower door as I do daily and....
It won't open! Like really won't open! Like I am stuck, AGAIN! Seriously stuck! I start screaming for my husband who burst in the door expecting to make a funny a joke about me being indisposed and finds me laughing hysterically and stuck, again! He assists me in breaking out and disassembling the shower in the process.
I have come to the conclusion that God wants me to spend more time alone or I need to work on my she Hulk skills so when I am faced with this situation again I don't have to call for my husband to rescue me....because what if he isn't home...that will be the most uncomfortable 911 call ever!

Parenting the Gtwins can be a Slippery Slope

We have been a house full of sickness this month which means this momma has been doing everything possible to keep it clean and clear of germs. This morning while playing in the toy room and mommy is on the phone talking to my wonder twin.... O decided he was all done and proceeded to walk up stairs.  Not knowing where he was going I yelled up to my husband, who immediately yelled back "got him" which in our house means: I am stopping what I am doing immediately and will be following him as soon as I can catch up to him. J decides immediately he too is "all done" and up the stairs we go. As I am walking up I can see O at a dead run rip the child proofed door handle off our bedroom and whip the door open. My husband is now walking fast to intercept, J is now also darting for the forbidden realm, so I say "never mind, I got them." My husband returns to the kitchen and I enter my room (mind you this exchange was all of 15 seconds). I walk into the smell of furniture polish to discover O gingerly spraying it on my bedding,  hardwoods,  furniture , wall and of course himself. I now scream to my husband who comes running and starts cleaning it up. (The can was located on the top of our tall boy dresser) I immediately whip off O's clothes in my bathroom and plan to jump in the shower with him (most people would call poison control...however...J already tested this same scenario last week when he broke into the pantry and sprayed himself with it. So I already knew what to do!) So while in the bathroom with twins I decide family shower cause I have to be at a baby shower in less then 45 mins and I need to occupy 2 year olds long enough for hubs to clean our now squeaky clean floors.
I immediately strip down O and pre-wash his face and give him a car to play with (leaving his diaper on) and then turn to J and strip him down quickly and remove diaper. As I swing around to O spraying contact solution everywhere I see J peeing on the floor . As I am prying the contact solution from O, I quickly say to J "we go pee pee on the potty" as I am finishing the struggle with O to get the new water gun our of his hand J runs towards the potty and slips (in the pee, contact solution and furniture polish trifecta) falls face first into it smashing his eye! Now adding blood to the mix I scream for my husband who comes running it, catches his fall thankfully and helping me rush the boys into the shower with me (clean up on isle 3!!!). While in the shower the boys are sliding all over like they are are the coolest 3 ft by 3 ft water park in the world! Hubs finish with mess 2 just in time to grab 1 of 2 slimy toddlers and breathe a sigh as we get all in order for me to leave for the shower.
(Insert normal chaos to get out the door here)
I as I am kissing the hubs good bye I see as mini blonde streak come racing for my bedroom direction into the kitchen with THE FURNITURE POLISH! Again spraying it everywhere!!!!
(I would like to take this moment to thank Swifter Gain scent furniture Polish for making their bottle look so amazing that both of my boys will scale a 55 inch tall boy dresser and risk their little lives just to get one good spray!)
I of course an now late and get the wave of: just go, I got this....
My only regret of the day is not being able to Snapchat the moment when my 6' 3" husband when flying up in the air as he rounded the freshly "polished" linoleum
corner in pursuit of catching our twins in a rousing game of tag just a mere 30 mins later!
Stayed tuned for more real moments of raising the #Gmonsters!

And remember kids...Parenting is sometimes a slippery slope!

About Me...

I am Nicole welcome to a glimpse into my life and everything I wished for coming true! I will start out by saying that this blog is purely for entertainment purposes and there is no guarantees that you will find any of my material to be helpful, humorous or relevant!

In a nutshell:
I love being a mom, foodie, DIY adventurist, traveling and believe that the world would be a better place if everyone owned at least one pair of Tap shoes in their lives!

 

Mini humans are hilarious (Gtwins never disappoint!), my husband is my soulmate, family is everything and friends are family that you choose, Halloween should be everyday, proper communication solves everything, wearing a smile is the best accessory!

The driving force:

I am thrown many unique challenges and endure situation that I couldn't make up if I tried - some would choose to take the low road and others the high...I choose to weave my way through the twisty middle and laugh! So here we go!

 

Here is the plan...I PLAN on sharing with you all the crazy goings on of my life and how I deal (or have dealt with them). From mommydom to funny Twinado stories, the need to dress my boys alike and have my family coordinate, cooking feasts for beasts to mini monster appetites, decorating to destroying, my unhealthy addiction to YouTube and unique antiques, DIY fails and successes and most importantly surviving Halloween!
But really...Who am I you may ask...I am the production director of a local Halloween attraction, I work full time all while being a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, wife and most importantly a mom to very busy, adorable, hilarious twin boys (the Gtwins)! I was raised by the best and consider myself beyond blessed, with a pinch of the Irish luck always on my side! I love to talk to everyone, sing at the top of my lungs, laugh at the most inappropriate times, dance like no should be watching and find the joy in any crazy situation! 

I hope you enjoy! Come back for seconds anytime because this momma plans on serving it up for a while!

Welcome to my world!

This is the first post where I am suppose to tell you everything that you can expect.

Well....I have no idea what I am doing! I hope to exceed your expectations...so...expect nothing! I guess it can only go up from here, huh?!?!

 

My name is Nicole and I am a newbie to the blogging world. I have been told many time over the last couple of years that I should write a blog, write a book, write a movie, have my own TV show....translation: your life is crazy and my friends wouldn't believe me if I retold your stories with out proof. SO I am starting at the least invasive way I can think of. To all my FB fans this is the new home that crazy built and I will be posting here so feel free to share my shenanigans from here on out!

For my first "post" - What is with that title?

Let's dive in, shall we?

 

A Tall Order of Life: Exactly what I prayed for! -- the meaning the name.

Here is the thought behind this...

Tall: I like coffee (any caffeine really) and I my self am very tall for a women (5' 11 and 3/4!).

Order: I like order, ordering things and ordering people around (although that I don't mean to do!).

Life:...ahhh life...this is about my life, the way I interpret it.

Prayed: I have done a lot of praying for what I have, I am spiritual more then I am religious and I believe as long as you believe in something it will all work out in the end -- sometimes not exactly how you envisioned it but still how it should be.

So there it is. The baby blog is named. Take it or leave it, that is the title!

Shout out to "cousin" M and my Wonder Twin for listening to my endless ramblings in order to come up with this name!

So much more comin' at ya! Subscribe now to keep up with the fun!