Playing Ketchup-My Specialty

I’m not sure how I do it, but I’m always playing “ketchup”. Actually, I mean “catch up”, but here in the south it sounds more like “ketchup” and any time I say it I envision a bottle of Heinz. Random bit of the day ;)
Anyway, I’m looking for ways to stop falling behind on the blog front. Any ideas? For you other bloggers out there, do you post daily, every other, or what?! This newbie needs help :o)
I always have the best intentions and have made myself countless “daily schedules” that I never seem to stick to for more than a couple of days at a time. Am I alone in my inability to keep up? Is this a normal part of this season of life known as mommyhood? Anybody have any good ideas to keep on track?
Well, on the “Becoming a Butterfly” front, I do have a couple of new things to share!
First, that my fitness goals are 3 pounds closer to becoming a reality.
Secondly, that I’ve given my breakfast nook and kitchen a breath of fresh air with a good old fashioned spring cleaning, rearranging, and a few new pieces of furniture. Our barstools were falling apart, there was random kid kabbauble on the walls and I needed to find a solution for the pile of mail that always seemed to accumulate on the table. I replaced the barstools, added a Bombe chest with a drawer for the mail, and strung a little wire display up for my babies’ masterpieces. Another room, well 2 technically, checked off the list.
And lastly, I was accepted to a new blogging program for WhattoExpect.com called “Word of Mom”, so I’m counting that as a step forward in the writing department. I don’t have an article up yet, but I have two in review!
On the monkey front, things are as exciting as ever. Three year olds apparently never close their mouths, are fearless (except when it comes to characters in large suits), and completely hilarious!
We’ve been busy riding our bikes all over town, perfecting trapeze moves on the monkey bar out back, and cracking up daily over silly things said.
The latest in funny monk happenings:
M comes in asking about a “strange noise” that she heard. I tell her I heard no strange noise. K walks in with an “up to something” smirk on her face, toots loudly, says, “Well I made THAT strange noise!”, and continues to traipse out of the room!
Never a dull moment, I tell ya!
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Becoming a Butterfly-By Age 30

As I’ve begun this Proverbs 31 Woman journey I have felt constant nagging in my heart to set an “end” date. Okay, not necessarily and END, but a point to shoot for having the majority of tasks accomplished. With a milestone birthday looming over my head I figure that is as good a place as any to set my goal.
Drum roll please! By my 30th birthday I plan to have the vast majority of this Proverbs 31 Woman figured out and set in place in my life. After all, 30 feels so “grown up” and I still feel so “not”. I’m pretty sure 30 years is plenty enough time to figure out who you are in life and just to have your “stuff” together. Well, as I’ve been taking inventory it turns out I don’t have it together and I WANT to by 30! I know that’s pushing it time wise, but I’m determined and my mama has always said how hard headed I am. Perhaps I’ll put my stubbornness to work and get things lined up!
Let’s see, it’s just about 4 months until my birthday. That doesn’t sound like long, especially since Sara Horn gave herself an entire year. *shakes head* No! I’m not going to let something as silly as fear of failure stop me from trying! I WILL be “together” by the big 3-0!
In a previous post I mentioned that a friend contacted me and that her message was a “starting” point for me. I seriously can’t thank her enough, because although we’ve only met for lunch since then, as well as text, I have felt a million times better about, well, everything! Just knowing that she is there, on my side, and willing to help push, change, and just support me means the world! For real lady, I love you! (And I’m looking forward to our play date later!)
That little nudge was exactly what I needed to get my ball rolling!
With the girls at “school” today I had a chance to just enjoy some peace and quiet. I broke out my bible, my “Reflecting His Glory” study book, a notepad and pen, and set to work. Through prayer, reading, and journaling I found so much confidence in the days to come!
I’m a big time multi-tasker, so please, try to bear with me here as I find it almost impossible to do just one thing at a time. Here’s how I’m tackling the task at hand as of today:
1.    To begin to better “reflect his glory”, I am continuing the study by Andrea Lenon. I will use this time to read my bible and pray. I aim to do this first thing in the morning as this seems to be the calmest time at our house as everyone is just waking up, and I think there is basically no better way to start the day than with some guidance from the Man ;)
2.    To start being “the best wife ever” I’m reading “The Love Dare”. It’s only one very short section per day, for forty days, so this isn’t all that time consuming but it has already brought a spark back to our eyes!
3.    Being the best mom ever is a tough cookie to crack because this is seriously a day by day task. I have found though that the basic concepts from “The Love Dare” are pretty easily applied to children too, so I’ve kind of been using that as my guide.
4.    The home issue is really taking off and I think it will be a HUGE burden lifted when it is finally complete! In the notebook I carry around with me I’ve listed each and every room in the house and what I hope to accomplish in there. Whether it be cleaning, organization, decoration, or whatever, just having my goals down in writing make it seem so doable! I plan on going room by room until my entire house is “done”. Day before yesterday I tackled the laundry room and finished it. DH (darling husband) could hardly believe his eyes!
5.    And the whole getting back in shape thing?! Well, I’ve decided that by my birthday I want to be able to wear a sleeveless shirt without fear (or jiggles). I ran today and did a few weight reps. My goal is to be active at least 30 minutes a day, every single day.
6.    And though I had forgotten about submitting my article, my writing career got a tiny jolt yesterday as I received an email stating that it was ready for viewing in the Spring Edition of Multiplicity Magazine! Baby steps………slow and steady win the race………..
There you have it! That’s where I stand as of now. I did a lot of rambling and I apologize, I’m just so excited! If you have any tips or suggestions to help reach goals like these or if you are on a journey of your own, share it with me! Let’s cheer each other on!
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Spring Issue of Multiplicty Magazine-I'm in There!

Hey mamas and papas! I'm excited beyond words to share that the spring edition of Multiplicity magazine is up and ready for your viewing pleasure! Don't just sit there! Go check it out already! (Yes, I'm clearly excited because I have an article in there :o)

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Versatile Blogger Award and Big Thanks

The awesomeness over at The Parenting Patch nominated Mommy2Twincesses for the Versatile Blogger Award! You are far too kind, thank you, thank you, thank you!
In return it’s only fair that I do some nominating of my own :o)
Each Nominee Should
  1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.
  2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award.
  3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site.
  4. Share seven completely random facts about yourself.
  5. Include this set of rules.
  6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination.
Random Facts
1.    I have some seriously strange textile aversions. (Certain cooked vegetables and ALL cooked fruits, porcelain, velvet, grass under water, and more.)
2.    My hair went haywire a few years ago and instead of being stick straight it now I looks like I’ve been electrocuted in my sleep if I go to bed with it wet.
3.    The neighbors I had growing up combined my parents’ names to nick-name me “Dorfus”.
4.    I like the smell of baby spit up.
5.    Turning 30 in a few months has me in total freak out mode!
6.    My sense of humor is terribly twisted and I find myself tickled in the oddest of moments.
7.    My life story would no doubt be a best-seller, however, most would find it difficult to believe.
I Nominate
1.    Confessions of a Homeschooler
2.    Women Living Well
3.    1+1+1=1
4.    Daddy Knows Less
5.    Sixty Second Parent
6.    The Real Matt Daddy
7.    Hands On As We Grow
8.    Proud Mommy to 3 Boys
9.    Blessed Beyond Words
10. Totally Tots
11. ABC and 123
12. Time Warp Wife
13. Deep Space Sparkle
14. A Mommy’s Adventures
15. Delightful Learning
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Becoming a Butterfly-First Steps &WLWW Link-Up

I’ve always heard it said that just starting something new is often the hardest part. I am living testament to the truth of that statement! I always find myself feeling dread over the silliest things, but instead of admitting it and facing it head on, I shove it to the back corners of my mind and pretend that all is well. However, more often than not I quickly find that my negative nelliness was all for naught and whatever it was that I was dreading wasn’t actually all that bad. In fact, 90% of the time I actually end up enjoying myself in whatever the situation.
This new Proverbs 31 Woman challenge that I’ve set up myself up for is proving to be just the same. I know that I want to change, but just the thought of beginning has me all a mess. Here I sit with a laundry list of things that I know I need to fix, but where do I even start?!
When I realize that I can’t answer a question on my own (which is next to never) I turn to prayer, just as I know deep down I always should. And just as our amazing heavenly father always does, he listened and pointed me in the right direction.
#6 on my list is to be a better friend. I honestly didn’t even consider starting here on my own, but just as I was listening and looking for an answer, my phone buzzed showing a new text message. I checked it and almost couldn’t believe my eyes! A very dear friend who through kids, jobs, and just life in general had drifted away was texting me because she read my post and wants to reconnect and find herself with me! What an awesome God we serve!
Although I will admit that I had to look up the exact verse to be sure I got it right, Ecclesiastes 4:9 immediately came to mind, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (NLT)
This makes perfect sense! I fail at so many things because I go at them alone. We aren’t meant to single handedly tackle the world! We need a partner, friend, and confidant to keep us on the right path, to cheer us on when we’re feeling defeated, and to just be there with us through the trenches.
Thank you friend, for being there for me and I’ll see you in a bit for lunch :o)
Life’s paths take us all in many different directions, but if you’re flying solo out there, consider finding a wing man. Because all great super heroes come in pairs-Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, Millie and Vanillie :o)
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Women Living Well Wednesday post for awesome link ups!
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Infant Twin Quick Links

Here are links to posts on all things infant twins! Enjoy and share with a fellow MOM :o)

Baby Feeding Journal-Handy Tool for Multiples
Infant Twins-Double the Everything?!
Teething Infants
Twin Baby Clothes-To Match or Not
My Experience Sleep Training Babies
Twin Baby Shower
Gifts for Twins-The Ins and Outs
Twin Baby Travel System-Two Thumbs Up
Infant Bonding-Fond Memories
Twin Baby Names-To Rhyme or Not
Furniture for Babies-Two Babies that Is
Baby Gear for Twins-My Experience
Parenting 101-Infant Twins Edition
Diaper Bag Contents-Everything but the Kitchen Sink
Feeding Baby Solids-Messy Fun Times 2
Infant Feedings-Two at a Time
Infant Bath-Twin Style
Bathing Newborn Twins-Trial and Error
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Becoming a Butterfly-Admitting my Faults

I have a sneaking suspicion that my never-satisfied-with-myself tendencies have to do with simply being a woman. It is becoming clearer to me by the day that certain attributes of females were intentionally placed within us by our creator, but unfortunately for me, he hasn’t zapped the wisdom I need to grasp all of this, what it means, nor how to arrive a place of self acceptance into my brain as of yet. And, instead of sitting here moping about and just waiting for his divine intervention, I’m going to start making more of an effort to become who I want to be-and hopefully who God intends for me to be.
I suppose the first logical step is to decidedly point out what it is that I want to change and/or be. This is not going to be easy, as I’m sure my laundry list is pitifully long and I’m almost certain I’ll forget something. Oh well, I’ve got to start somewhere!
Upon discovering that the Good Morning Girls summer study is going to cover Courtney Joseph’s, of Women Living Well Ministry:  The Proverbs 31 Woman-One Virtue at a Time, I simply couldn’t wait and actually began reading Sara Horn’s “My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife”.
Yes! I am THAT kind of student. The one who has to prepare and read everything I can before the actual lesson so I know I’m getting all out of it that I can. Dorky, I know ;)
Anyway, this book has been perfect for me since I’m constantly feeling lead to improve as a woman. I want to be the Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mother, and friend! But boy am I seeing what a long way I have to go :/
So, back to this “list” of mine……I have a feeling that I’ll quickly discover that my list was a complete waste of time, but I feel like I have to do it anyway, so here it goes.
I want to:
1.       Be more Godly. I want to “Reflect His Glory” like Andrea Lennon tried to teach me through her study. I want to make a difference for Christ in our church, in our community, and in the world.
2.       Be the best wife ever! Seriously, I want to knock my husband’s socks off each and every day. I want him to wake up thinking that he HAS to be the luckiest man on earth to have married such an awesome chick as me ;)
3.       Be the best mom ever! I want my children to “rise up and call me blessed” like the Bible says is ideal in Proverbs 31:28. I want to raise beautifully healthy, respectful, intelligent, well rounded, God-fearing children. I want our days to be filled with sunshine, giggles, and memories of blissful picture perfect moments!
4.       Be in the best shape ever! According to Romans 12:1, taking care of our body is a “spiritual act of worship” and since having my now 3 year old identical twin girls I’ve been slacking. It’s time to get things back under control there. After all, this is only body I’ll ever have and I know that as a Christian I’m sharing it with Jesus since he lives within me…….that is a TALL order to fill!
5.       Have a peaceful, beautiful, and organized home. I’m doing pretty good with this one, but as always, there is room for improvement.
6.       Be a better friend. This will also have to include finding friends worth having. I mean, I have great friends, but not necessarily the kind that I want walking around in my heart and that I trust with anything. In fact, if I’m to be honest, and well, since I’m basically writing to myself, I must be…….I don’t really have friends like that right now. There is a cousin of mine who fits into this category, but life and circumstances seem to driving that apart as well.
7.       Have a writing career. I have no clue where to start, but I’ve been blogging over on WhattoExpect.com for pay, so that counts for something, right?!
I’m sure I am leaving something out, but this is a start. I feel exhausted already. Pray for me-and while you’re at it, stop by my Facebook fan page and leave words of encouragement and/or follow me on Twitter!
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Sharing the True Meaning of Easter with Resurrection Eggs

As a Christian parent it is very important to me to ensure my children know the true meaning of Easter. The tricky part is figuring out a way to make such a meaningful story understandable to small children, as my identical twin girls are only 3 years old.
While searching for an age appropriate way to share the true meaning of Easter with my littles, I ran across Resurrection Eggs in a Christian book store. PERFECT!
Resurrection Eggs explain the true meaning of Easter through scripture, “story”, and hands on examples. I purchased my set, but am completely certain that these would be pretty simple to make yourself!
Basically, you just need:
*an empty egg carton
*12 plastic eggs of different colors
*printed pictures and/or small symbolic replicas
The eggs and their contents follow the biblical account of Christ’s death and resurrection.
The first egg should contain a donkey and this represents Matthew 21:1-3, 6-8; when Jesus rode a donkey into town. A plastic toy donkey could probably be found in a dollar bag of farm animals, but if not, a printed picture would be just fine.
The 2nd egg should contain several small silver coins. Matthew 26:14-16 tells where Judas accepts payment for the betrayal of Jesus. Actual coins would be perfect, but plastic toy coins would serve the same purpose.
In egg #3 you should find something to symbolize the last supper. My store bought set contains a small silver cup. Matthew 26:27-28 recounts this scene.
Egg 4 should contain something to symbolize prayer; a small set of praying hands perhaps, or a picture of someone praying. Mark 14:32-34 tells of Jesus and the disciples praying in the garden.
John 19:1 tells of the first account of Jesus’ punishment; being flogged by the hands of Pilot. Our 5th egg contains a small strip of leather, to symbolize the whip.
Egg 6 contains a crown of thorns, for Matthew 27:27-29 tells us about this occurrence.
The 7th egg contains a cross of nails, but either nails or a small cross would work fine. John 19:16-18 recounts the crucifixion.
Egg #8 contains one die, because in John 19:23-24 the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ belongings.
In the 9th egg you should find a spear of some sort (many action figures have them). John 19:32-34 tells us of how one of the soldiers stabbed Jesus in the side to ensure he was dead.
A small piece of white (preferably linen) cloth should be found in the 10th egg. Matthew 27:57-60 describes the burial of Jesus.
Egg 11 is probably one of the easiest to come by as it simply contains a stone. Matthew 28:2-4 tells the triumphant miracle of the stone to Jesus’ tomb being rolled away.
And finally, we see victory in the final egg, #12, which is completely empty, exactly how they found the tomb in Matthew 28:5-6!
Hearing the scriptures/story along with seeing and touching the contents of the eggs made the Easter story really come to life for my girls! Just before we started I put our “Empty Tomb Rolls” in the oven, so when we were finished they were perfectly ready and hot out of the oven. Those just drive home the good news of the empty tomb one more time (and taste delicious too boot)! And if you have older children, they may really enjoy making “Empty Tomb Cookies”, which is a little more in depth and involved, but still yield that wonderful hollow effect.
And for even younger kiddos, or perhaps a Sunday School class, this little “Jelly Bean Prayer” does a pretty good job of driving home the message :o)
He is risen!
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