We spent Christmas Eve with Rob's family - his mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew. We also had two guys from church come over for lunch. We had a great time. Then we were off to our Christmas Eve Service at church.

Here's Carolyn opening her picture calendar.I had it made a Kinkos. It's a great hit with grandparents. If you ever make one, expect to continue the tradition forever.

Is this the face of a happy grandmother or what?



Here's Uncle Brian opening his large and heavy package! It's a new tool box.











We wanted to continue the tradition of being home on Christmas morning. Here are some shots of the boys opening some of their gifts from us.



















Then we headed to my hometown to spend time with my family. We were there for two days. My brother and sister-in-law had friends in from San Diego who also have twin boys. They'll be two in March. So, 4 toddler twins + 1 fluffy, white dog + 1 4th grader + 1 16 year old + a broken kitchen sink + a stomach bug = craziness. At one point we heard Adam (the 4th grader) exclaim, "I just want some alone time!" We would have stayed longer if Jonathan hadn't figured out how to get out of the Pack-n-Play at 4:00 in the morning.

Tired Jonathan and Grandpa


Tired Henry and Rob




This is my oldest nephew, Drew, trying to wrangle both boys. Don't worry! He didn't drop anyone.





Here's all four toddlers getting out of the house for a little while. Adam volunteered to help Jill and Craig keep everyone in the yard...or at least out of the road!





This is my brother, my dad, and Rob.




My nephew, Adam




Time for a snack of goldfish and milk. Yum, Yum!


My dad and me




Grandpa with Henry and Jonathan

Look Auntie Jenn! We don't match or even coordinate today!

On Friday, Henry and Jonathan had their 2 year check-ups with Dr. Glover. Both boys are doing great! Henry came in at a whopping 26.9 lbs and was 35 inches long. Jonathan weigh 24.12 lbs and was 34.5 inches long. They've come a long way in tow years. Both boys are developmentally on track, too. Here they are with Dr. Glover.

The boys had a wonderful birthday party on Thursday night! They really enjoyed eating their cake, ice cream and goldfish. They also had fun tearing into their gifts!

The day is finally here!! Henry and Jonathan are 2 years old today. They have come a long way from being 8 1/2 weeks early!!



This is a picture from one of their last days in the NICU. They spent 29 days there. It was a very long 29 days for us!





Do they look identical in this picture.....? I don't think so. Henry is on the left and Jonathan is on the right. They are 7 months old in this picture.





This is one of my favorite pictures of Henry and Jonathan at 16 months old.





Here's one of their 2 year pictures taken about 3 weeks ago.

On the first day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the second day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me two Christmas stockings and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the third day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me eight clean washclothes, seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me nine whole wheat crackers, eight clean washclothes, seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me ten crushed Cheerios, nine whole wheat crackers, eight clean washclothes, seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me eleven snotty tissues, ten crushed Cheerios, nine whole wheat crackers, eight clean washclothes, seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings and an ornament they pulled off the tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my toddlers gave to me twelve sloppy kisses, eleven snotty tissues, ten crushed Cheerios, nine whole wheat crackers, eight clean washclothes, seven missing pacis, six unwrapped presents, five plastic rings, four smashed cookies, three chewed up crayons, two Christmas stockings, and an ornament they pulled off the

more days!! Can you feel the excitement?? I'm excited. I know two other people who are excited, too.

Henry and Jonathan were invited to a Christmas Party at Ally's house. They got to decorate sugar cookies and play with their friends, Ally, Maddie and Mia. They had a great time!






I almost forgot! Three more days!!!!

Only four more days until.....no, not Christmas or Christmas Eve or even the eve of Christmas Eve. You'll just have to wait until Thursday to find out! If you know don't ruin the fun! :)

Henry and Jonathan have decided that crayons are food. They will color with them for a few minutes, but the crayons always end up in their mouths. A friend (who shall remain nameless) wanted to make sure I was buying the non-toxic crayons. I wasn't aware there were toxic ones. Nameless friend - would you like to defend yourself?? The floor is yours!

Jonathan is quite a ham!

Gabe came to visit Henry and Jonathan this afternoon. Gabe's family went to see the Narnia movie.


They look like they are all in trouble, but they are just watching The Wiggles.


For those of you who have been to the Celebration Conference, wouldn't these three make great "check-in" helpers.

Rob and I are very excited to see to see The Chronicles of Narnia. Hopefully, this movie will be the first of many installments of Narnia movies. We learned that this movie was in production about 18 months ago and have been looking forward to December 9, 2005 ever since. Although we won't see it on opening day, we're planning to see it next week.

When I was teaching in a public school, I would read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to my students. It was always fun to watch their eyes light up when they realized that this story is about Jesus and his death and resurrection. How fun to squeeze a little of the Gospel in to a public school!

Although I did teach in the public schools for 9 years, I think it took me becoming a mother of toddlers to really appreciate these comments.

1. Don't sit on your brother's head.
2. Did you just pee in the floor?
3. Don't put your bagel on your head.
4. Are you eating the crayon?
5. Please don't eat your oatmeal/yogurt/applesauce with your hands.
6. Don't pee on your brother.

What are things you've said to your children that you never thought would come out your mouth?

We attempted to get pictures of "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" together. But it didn't quite work out the way we had planned. I actually like it even better.

In a medium sauce pan combine the following:
1 jar marshmallow cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 tsp salt

Bring to a full boil - stirring constantly over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add a 12 oz package of chocolate chips. Stir well. Melt until smooth. Add on 1 tsp. vanilla to mixture.

Pour mixture into dish. Cut when cooled and has hardened.

My mother always made lots of cookies, bars, and fudge at this time of year. After she died, I got all her recipes. This year I am planning to do the same things. I thought I would share some of her recipes with you.

These cookies are my brother's favorite. His wife makes them every Christmas since my mom isn't here to do them!


Holiday Party Cookies

1 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 cups M&M's

Blend shortening and sugars in a large bowl. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredients together; add to mixture, blending well. Stir in 3/4 cups M&M's.

Drop by tsp. on ungreased baking sheet; decorate tops with remaining candy. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Some cracking may occur. Makes about 72 (2 1/2 inch) cookies