"A" vs. "B"

Sorry so long....

2009-11-02T20:24:00.006-06:00

Enjoy the latest video...I don't have babies anymore! They are full blown kiddos!

Sorry so long....

2009-11-02T20:24:00.000-06:00

Enjoy the latest video...I don't have babies anymore!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

Mommy, daddy, papa, ganma, and the visiting Philadelphians wish you a Happy Birthday!

-- Post From My iPhone

Get Your Motor Running...

2009-08-24T21:31:00.003-05:00

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head....

2009-08-24T20:47:00.005-05:00

A good evening playing with bubbles, eating pudding and "cleaning off" in the sprinkler (or as B calls it...sprink-u-lor...

They are getting so big. The twins are turning into little kids and developing their own distinct perosnalities.

Breakfast at Tiffany's...

2009-07-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

...well by Tiffany's I really mean IHOP!

--

A girl that is taken from Daddy's mold...

And the other after Mom's own heart!

Blowin' In The Wind....

2009-06-30T20:04:00.007-05:00

Just Another Rainy Night Without You...

2009-06-10T21:11:00.010-05:00

I am not a meteorologist but I have always felt as if I missed my calling. I LOVE storms! But when the weather alert radio is blaring and the city sirens are sounding...I begin to freak a little. My adrenaline was rushing to get everyone in our "Tornado Closet" and get the family "Go pack" ready. Take a look at some of the videos:

Jump, Jump...

2009-06-07T21:25:00.005-05:00

Daddy Mack will make you jump, jump...What happens when a dad waiting on his oil to be changed gets bored? He walks the toy aisle at Wal-mart and finds what you see below. The Jump-o-lene! Hours of fun...for the first day. Minutes of fun the next. Forgotten the third :(

Do You Hear What I Hear????

2009-05-24T21:20:00.007-05:00

Kids in a basket would be funny enough...but add in some flatulence and it makes it all that much better! I can not wait to show this video when boys come a' courting! Should I monetize my kids (a la Jon&Kate) and send this video into AFV!?

Come Undone...

2009-05-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

Here we are on our "chip date" reenacting the final scene of the Blair Witch Project!

-- Post From My iPhone

Mosaics...

2009-05-19T21:37:00.005-05:00

My latest tech art project. Go ahead and zoom in to the pics...see many other ones!

Bald has never looked so beautiful...

My beautiful wife...

...and our beautiful children!

Rainy Days and Mondays...

2009-05-17T15:33:00.012-05:00

What do you do when it is raining on your weekend? You stay in your PJ's all day and make the best of it!

Sunday morning breakfast before church. Turkey sausage and pancakes! In-meal entertainment brought to you courtesy of Mickey Mouse Playhouse! I really want to get the girls doing their "hot dog" dance! It is awesome!

Happy Mother's Day...

2009-05-07T19:50:00.005-05:00

This is a little video that we whipped up to celebrate mom on Mother's Day! We love you momma!

The Heat is On...

2009-05-04T19:15:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when two kids are screaming and crying while doing the dishes! I accidently put dish soap and not dish detergant in the dishwasher. Soap everywhere! What to do!?

-- Post From My iPhone

A quick hello!

2009-05-03T20:28:00.001-05:00

-- Post From My iPhone

I'm Walking on Sunshine...

2009-04-01T21:27:00.008-05:00

"what ya got there, Dr.?" *in her best Texas accent*

I have me some Magic Shoes!

As you can see we can no longer go with regular sized shoes. We are going big and wide for these braces. You know what they say about girls and their shoe size....yea, neither do I!?

"B" and I have a standing date while "A" is in therapy. She affectionately refers to it as "Chips." We go downstairs and get a bag of chips from the vending machine and she shows down! It's not like she can't afford the fat calories. I have had Honey Baked Hams larger than her!

Is my face that scary?

Momma Said Knock You Out....

2009-03-29T21:34:00.006-05:00

Nothing like a your first shiner! And people...not the beer, but the good old black n' blue and eventually green - black eye! "A" got her first one a week or so ago while climbing on our park bench. She cried but toughed it out and now wears her badge of courage even if CPS looks twice at me now!

This is how potatoes are mashed in our house!

"Why do you have the camera, mom?"

"Hey sissy...let's humor her for a moment!" "Yes we will say cheeeese!"

Let's put out heads together and see how we can trick dad today!

"Kissy, Kissy!"

"Did you hear the one about the Aggie and the Nun...."

So it has been a while hasn't it? Sorry about that. Life only gets faster with 2.5 year-old twins. They are talking up a storm and Mom n' Dad often wake up in the morning being serenaded by one or both of them singing their ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle or Jesus Loves Me! It is very entertaining and easy way to wake up in the morning.

"A" has gotten fitted for leg braces and will have then fitted and worn this week. They should help her walk and take some pressure off her hyper-extended knees and bowed ankles. Think Forest Gump...these are going to be her special shoes! I hope she likes them as she might be in them for a while.

A Long Time Coming...

2009-02-08T20:47:00.007-06:00

She should really have a bag of newspapers slung over her shoulder!
The pose, the outfit, the attitude...This has Gymboree Catalog written all over it!

This doesn't help us in disproving the idea that A&B are mirror twins!

Next on "When Mom Goes Wild!"

Even sick, B is a ham! Funny thing is she walked a little faster in these shoes!

"One of these kids is doing his own thing...One of these kids is not like the other..."

This is what happens when it a lazy, cloudy, rainy, sickly Sunday comes along.

I swear we own shirts...

It's My Potty and I'll Cry if I Want to...

2009-01-01T20:10:00.009-06:00

The girls enjoying some snacks at their table.

Sitting at the "big" table...which they are not allowed to do. They climb up through the middle opening and then onto the chairs...I think I might need to buy crash helmets soon. Don't they look like they could easily have a latte and muffin just shooting the bull at the local coffee shop?

1,000 words? Yup! Checking her sister for poo-poo!

Our little exhibitionist!

Guess what we are starting? Anyone want to come and clean the dumpers?

Christmas 2008 Morning. Dresses that grandma gave them. They weren't having it this particular day. And worst thing...the girls cousin was wearing her same dress later that day. Missed "triplets" picture!

Whether it is rocking "horse" power...

...or "horse" power...our girls are going places!

Got to keep the horses fed. They give them water and "carrots" each morning and night...maybe a new puppy is in their future?

You Spin Me Right Round...

2008-12-16T21:43:00.013-06:00

A's Ride

All smiles and screaming "Horsey!"

Reins...check...stirrups...check...dad, just in case...check

Loving her horsey!

What a daredevil. I was teasing her to let go and put her hands over her head and guess what...she did it! That's my girl!

B's Ride!

We started off terrified...maybe she was embarrassed of Dad's cheesy smile.

Maybe me being silly will coax it out of her...She just wants off!

Nope...that didn't work

Calming down a bit...

Enjoying the ride...right as it stops...and the crying begins anew as we have to get off the ride because she wants to keep riding

Uh-Oh Spaghetti-O's!

2008-12-11T22:16:00.004-06:00

In hindsight, Spaghetti-O's were not a great idea. Just for the record, this meal started out in a bowl with a spoon. It just didn't end up this way.

Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing...

2008-12-01T20:43:00.007-06:00

We are bad, very bad bloggers! I know some of you (well, all two of you) are wanting pictures of the babies...well that will be right up. For those of you that know us personally or see us on a regular basis might not notice how these two little girls have grown into their own over the last few months. I love playing "Monster" or "Zombie" with them. You look perplexed, what is Zombie you might ask? Well it is basically the game of chase where they freak out when I get them cornered. They panic and scream, laugh and freeze up much like those goats that pass out when excited. It is a ton of fun!

The girls in their Sunday best ready for church.

The girls love these hats that Mom got them. Gotta love that grin on on them, huh?

Get Walt Disney on the line...I think we have a show in the works!

This is the girls first venture into gymnastics. B loves standing on her head and raising her hands up so she is tripoding with her feet and forehead. A tries but can't get there just yet. She's trying hard!

This is what happens when the girls help with the laundry....I think they need some more time?

Pumpkin Patch Princesses

2008-11-01T22:00:00.010-05:00

Can you believe it's already November? Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, and then Christmas. That stresses me out a little because I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet. Oh well, I've always started late, so this year should be no different.

We hope everyone had a great Halloween night. We worked a booth at the Prestonwood Fall Festival, and there were lots of people there as usual. The girls rode around in the stroller for about 2 hours while mom and dad took turns at the Pirate Toss booth. They got pretty restless after a while and wanted to run around which was not possible since there were so many people. But, we had a good time! I figure this is the last year that we can get away with not trick or treating.

Backtracking a little, the girls had their 2 year checkup at the pediatrician about 2 weeks ago, and I am happy to say that they are both on the charts for the first time! Here are the status:

Allie:
Weight: 27 pounds (50%)
Height: 32.75 inches (15%)
Head: 47.75 cm (55%)

Brooke:
Weight: 26 pounds, 4 ounces (40%)
Height: 33.25 inches (20%)
Head: 47 cm (40%)

We were pretty excited about the percentages! Our little two pound babies are finally catching up!

Well, that's all I got for now. I'll leave you with lots of pictures b/c dad's the witty one, not me ;)

We stopped by a pumpkin patch last week...A & B trying to decide which way to go first

Quick shot with mom before the girls head in opposite directions.

These pumpkins are just our size

But, Allie likes these even better!

Brooke's using her super power strength to try and lift this one

B & A having a snack in daddy's chair

Brooke doing some stretching before a big meal

Allie showing off her skils with a spoon

Eating is exhausting!

Another One Bites the Dust...

2008-10-22T22:37:00.004-05:00

"Pssst, Sis! I just heard that Mom N' Dad are going to some station with a college or something like that. I heard Mom say that Dad's boys were going to get beaten like rented mules! I thought he just had us two girls? By the way, what is a West Texas Sand Flea? And I thought TCEH was spelled TECH?"

"You mean Grandma gets to take care of us ALL DAY LONG? Can you say shopping and cookies!?"

I can still muster a smile...I was back on campus...and the game hadn't started yet! Oh the day started off so promising...Do we clash or what?

The pics below are of the girl's shopping excursion through the "Mall of Dad" Mom was away at bootcamp and the girls wanted to go shopping like their Mom does so well...and often! Notice the bags on their arm like a purse and the gowns...

Here we are leaving the appliance floor...I guess A was just window shopping!

B in Kitchenware...

A joins in to. "Oh, look sis, this towel would go great with our crib sheets!"

Security camera feed...no shop lifting going on here!

Serious about shopping

If I had a Million Dollars...

2008-10-13T22:46:00.005-05:00

Sorry that it has been a while since the last post. I have gone into a sort of football induced depression over here. The Aggies really suck...and by suck, I mean SUCK!!! Now that Texas is #1 in the nation, very dark days lay ahead for me. Do they make NCAA branded Prozac?

A collection (above) of pics of the twins enjoying their cousin's birthday. Any excuse to get them dressed alike...can you tell who is who?

Here I am getting the girls ready for potty training. I think we are going to do the whole M&M reward thing...what better way to get them craving those little confections than to get them addicted to them...just call me the Dealer!

We have a three kinds of throw pillows at our house - Mom's, Dad's and the girl's. Here they are sitting on their pillows enjoying some generic goldfish that a curiously shaped like bunnies? (yummy!)

This Kiss, This Kiss...

2008-09-27T22:07:00.005-05:00

I need to vent! We have the sweetest and most wonderful set of 2 year olds in the world! Except for nighttime! When it comes to going to bed Allie is having none of it. Brooke, for the most part, plops down with her Pooh, Hippo and "Cupa" (Sippy Cup) and goes straight to bed. She will even climb down from my lap when I whisper, "Wanna go nite-nite?" and walk herself to her crib. Allie on the other hand fights it daily. Upon entry into her crib, she cries and proceeds to throw her Tigger, Pig, and "Cupa" out of the crib. She will cry for close to two hours if we let her. The one side of the coin says to comfort her. The other says to let her cry it out. Well the only thing is that the few things that she could use to comfort herself she chunks out of the crib Favre style! What say you?

Don't you want a kiss from one of these monkies? Apple sauce has never looked so yummy, huh?

Ring Around the Rosie...

2008-09-21T20:41:00.011-05:00

...and no that is not a mention of the O'Donnell persuasion...that would be a BIG ring!

"C" is for cookie that's good enough for me...

There is a 1 to 1 ratio on cookies eaten and belly showing! Dad learned that the hard way! Is that short to small or is the belly too big?

Oreos tastes better when they actually make it into your mouth!

Check out these snazzy patent leather mary jane's (well that is what the moms tell me they are called!) They could not get enough of these shoes, as you can tell be those dressy shoes with a t-shirt. That snooty chick from "What Not To Wear" would throw up in her mouth if she saw these...

Look what the girls learned at therapy over the last few weeks. They outpaced "granJoy" and could have kept going and going...

What is it about a camera that makes kids freeze like deer in headlights? "A" was doing some serious toddler donuts around her grandmother's legs and as soon as whip out the camera...she stops. Typical around these parts...

Baby Talk…

“My Phone!” – The girls have real cell phones…don’t worry they don’t work. They only make noise but the girls love “talking” on them.

“Doggy, Arf! Arf!” – They say this whenever they see a dog…or a cat, or a cow, or a cartoon pig on the AIG commercial.

“Cow, Moo!” – There is one certain pasture by our house with a few cows and no matter if they see the actual cows or not, they say it. But there is the occasionally “Cow, Arf!” and “Dog, Moo!” as well…

“Dadda” – of course they should be saying this…but EVERYTIME they see a red truck? OCD anyone?

“My baby” – we have officially graduated from blocks and rings to dolls…and when I mean dolls, I mean bath time doll, nighttime doll, out on the town doll, etc…being the only boy in this house stinks sometimes.

"Paci Go nite, nite" – They say this when the rare occasion that they are actually wanting to go to bed, or just to tell us that they aren’t babies anymore…

“Bless you!” – When one of us sneezes…it is so polite…and FUNNY!

“Poo, Poo?” – Kind of self explanatory but they tell you whether they are about to go or just went…

“Where’s [insert family member]” – very inquisitive looking with the head tilt and arms stretched out…this one melts my heart.

“Football” – they particularly like the Romo kid…

“Hi [insert certain classmate]” – that happens to live down the street from us. Whenever we get close to school or just go out front to play. They call for their friend to come and play with them.

Happy Birthday To Me...

2008-09-06T19:04:00.008-05:00

As if there was any question as to where the girls get their good looks! HA! This is our nightly ritual, chilling with Dad while he watches Sportscenter or if mom is home, Y&L...barf!
"Dad's butt is this big! Wow!"

No shoes on the furniture went real well! They love that big chair. Jumping, climbing, drooling on it...
A giving her best Lil' John - "Yeeeaaahhhh!"

B is a little bit more subdued with her shades. But this was the 1,432 time she said "On" because she had taken her shades "off!"

Doing her best David Blaine magic impression...making tissue paper more interesting than the actual gifts!

Thank for all the presents...the girls loved the tissue and bags!

Mmmmm....Cupcakes! Expensive Cupcakes...

B's lost headshot for her audition to be the Joker! I think the cupcake company used Sharpie ink for food dye...this stuff stuck!

And the're off! Its chubby belly in the lead, but rambunctious is gaining...picky eater coming around the bend and it is SUPER CUTE by a nose!

Viva Las Vegas...

2008-08-28T20:50:00.004-05:00

So I am single...calm down...it is just for a few days. Mom is in Vegas for a MUCH deserved girls weekend. Enjoy it baby, you have earned it!

HOWEVER, I should have negotiated this weekend jaunt a bit better. I am such a loser. I agreed to her trip about 2 months ago when the numbness of "nothing but baseball" was fresh and reeling it's ugly head the most. Now I am a "single dad" the FIRST WEEKEND OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Hear me now and cry for me later...if you know me...in the least...you know that I would steal from my own mom to watch me some college football. Now I am stuck with kids using me as a jungle gym while I try to catch a glimpse of the would be Aggie receiver snagging passes for the Cyclones. I am getting a fleeting glance of Baylor getting beat at home (HA! HA!) while the girls lay in my lap while their pacifiers and sippy cups battle for mouth time!

Remind me to keep my wife happy!

Standing Outside the Fire....

2008-08-24T20:37:00.005-05:00

"I have the Power!"

"Hey dad, an Aggie walks into a bar..."

A: "Hey sissy, smell this one!"
B: "Rotten Eggs! That one is going to freak daddy out!"

"Daddy, I have a surprise for you..."

"...I had nothing to do with that!"

Like An Atom Bomb...

2008-08-12T22:02:00.008-05:00

Well hello there! Can I interest you in some peanut butter?

Or maybe you feel like some jelly?

Looks can be deceiving! These little yummy concoctions are evil! Good thing we did this at home and not at the mall!

Maybe yogurt will be better...

A' using her spoon like a "big girl!"

B' would rather drink her yogurt...

Green beans and some yogurt...goes together like peanut and....oh...forget it!

What can I say? The girlz got skillz (see the Z there!?) Lurkers and bloggers alike...how you feeling right now? Because YOU JUST GOT SERVED!!

American Pride...

2008-08-08T22:21:00.004-05:00

Hello, I have something to admit to you lurkers! I LOVE THE OLYMPIC GAMES. I am an addict. I will eat, sleep and breathe the 2008 Summer games for the next 17 days. NBC coverage, HD programming...I might just gain 25 lbs. just sitting on my couch watching elite athletes...yes, I see the irony...China looks like a formidable "foe" this time around. Lets hope that the the NBA Ballers can bring back honor to the US program. Our gymnasts have it cut out. Swimmers should whoop that international tail...US Soccer...let the world have their football...I'll take soccer! BMX...yes bicycle racing...USA USA USA! But without trying to sound to cheesy, I get filled with hope when I see whole countries put aside differences and meet every four years on the athletic field rather than the battlefield. To see an American and a North Korean hug and high five one another after their swim...pretty cool and NO WHERE else!

Go get em America!!!

As a boy that grew up playing football, baseball and hockey I don't know much about the game of Soccer...er, um...football?...I can't go on about the offsides rule and I can't even fathom the idea of coaching 6 year old girls in "bunch ball" but I would be a very proud father if the my girls took the pitch during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games!

Summertime...

2008-08-03T20:39:00.008-05:00

We might not be in school anymore, but we here at A Vs. B get the summertime blues like everyone else. You know the symptoms: longing for a vacation, dreading getting up on Monday mornings, willing to anywhere just because it has A/C but not wanting to get in car that is 150 degrees to go to said place. Sorry for the delay in posts. The surface of the sun heat really zaps any and all energy to do anything other than survive...

enjoy some movies:

Allie saying hello...with a fly-by appearance by Brooke!

Look at her face when she finds out how to open it...I wish I still had "Child Eyes!"

Walk Like an Egyptian...

2008-07-17T21:06:00.007-05:00

BIG NEWS EVERYONE! We have a major announcement to make! A great, GREAT, great thing happened this week! Are you ready? Here goes: Allie took her first steps!!!!!! You have no idea how excited we were. This is a really big deal for her. She has been in physical therapy for over a year now, and the progress has been really slow. She even got braces for her feet, which didn't seem to help much. But, she finally got the courage this week to try it all on her own. She took about 5-6 steps and did it several times. She has done it a few times since then, but she's still a little unsure of herself. We are really looking forward to her taking more steps and getting more sure of being able to walk. We hope she'll be chasing her sister around in no time! Here are some pictures and videos to enjoy:

Daddy and his girls. It's hard to tell who is who in this picture (just in case you are wondering, Brooke is left and Allie is right)

Allie taking time from playing to smile for the camera

Brooke is being camera shy

Allie taking a few steps

The girls showing off their awesome skills with a spoon

Allie's close up :)

Okay, I just realized that the girls are half naked in all these videos. I promise our girls wear clothes!

Stop, In The Name of Love...

2008-06-30T20:14:00.005-05:00

I am not used to any female telling me no...This is new territory for me. And when did Brooke become British? HONEY!!??? Did anyone hear the defeat in my voice at the very end?

M-I-C, See You Real Soon....

2008-06-30T19:39:00.013-05:00

The girls enjoying the spoils of Dad's immediate family's visit to Disney.

This was "Honey-Do" #1,021: The New landscaping...

Picking up a few feet in the backyard was a blessing for the property line but develish for Dad and the fact that I was going to have to dig 12 holes in the Texas soil made 100% of clay. Put it this way...I would have rather stripped down, dove into a vat of honey, then rolled around in a fireant mound rather than dig one more hole. Look good peeps?

Before...

...During...

...After!

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem...

2008-06-20T21:43:00.006-05:00

Sorry it has been some time...I am sure all 3 of you are waiting patiently...

I wanted to fill you in on some of the things the girls are doing/saying now-a-days:

Both girls will "raise the roof" with Dad...even though Allie didn't much want to participate in this video.

Twin dictionary:
"Cookoo" - Any form of cookie, cracker, graham stick or anything resembling as such
"Kool" - Where they go every weekday morning. You might remember it as "School"
"Gu-real" - Cereal. Mixed apple sauce and whole grain oatmeal.
"No, No!" - The answer to "Do you want to get out of the bath?"
"Ny, Ny" - Where they go when it is time to go to bed!
"Cup" - anything that you can drink out of. Sippy, 1 gallon milk jug, Dad's Red Bull...
"Off" - Shirts and shoes...off...no problem. Kenny Chesney would love them!
"Poo-Poo" So far just a verbal warning! No physical specimen has appeared on fingers...yet...
"MINE" Allie's favorite word! "Mine Sissy", "Mine Dadda", "Mine Momma", "Mine, Mine!"
"Bye, Bye" - the sweetest...and saddest thing the girls say to me each morning before leaving
"Hi" - "As in hello, look at me...you see me, I'm right here! HERE! Here I am! Look how cute!"

We also get a morning roll call from Allie. "Momma, Dadda, Sissy, Alyeee"

Spirit of Aggieland...

2008-06-10T13:16:00.003-05:00

Does it scare Y'all that an Aggie is flying the Space Shuttle? WHOOOP! "Hey y'all watch this..."

by the way...the terrible two have offically have begun...video at 11!

Everything Comes Down to Poo...

2008-06-09T21:18:00.006-05:00

Winding down the day with Mom. Dad gets to wind them up and mom calms them down!

Good thing there isn't any water in there yet, huh Brooke?

Faces are priceless. Either they are real excited or about to go doo doo!

enjoying the great outdoors and the 95 degree heat! They had so much fun trying to grab the sprinkler spray!

This is about 3 minutes before all heck broke lose in what we are now referring to as simply, "Brown Sunday!"

So you see the pics of the frog pool, right? See the girls enjoying themselves in said pool? See the panic as Mom n' Dad notice that the water goes from clear to murky with one fail squeeze of Brooke's buttocks? Nope? Look harder! After about 30 minutes of playing in the pool, Brooke decided that it was time for Froggy to become a toilet and let poo fly! Not to mention the couple of minutes that M N' D were curious as to why the water was turning into lake water right before out eyes...the girls were pouring sewage water over themselves and...get this...drinking it! Didn't we just get cured from rotavirus which is cause by poo to mouth transmission? I promise we are not dirty...

In case you were wondering about this post title..

Just Another Manic Monday...

2008-06-02T19:33:00.005-05:00

Mom here. I think we are all back to the land of the living again. Talk about a house full sickies - mom and dad included! We did find out that the girls both had rotavirus. Nasty, nasty stomach bug! Poor miss Allie stayed in the hospital for a day to get some fluids in her, and then we were sent home with Allie being black and blue in pretty much any vein that you can see. They blew out 8 veins before finally getting one to stay. Talk about torture! We still have to take her back next week to have her liver rechecked since the doctor said it took quite a hit from being dehydrated. But, both girls are eating normal food again as of yesterday, so that is definitely good news. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes - I know they helped!

Allie

Brooke - not feeling too good here :(
Much better!

Why You Sweatin Me???

2008-05-26T19:51:00.004-05:00

UPDATE: Well all girls are home now. Allie and mom stayed at the hospital last night so Allie could get an IV drip and be monitored for a "liver condition." We will know more in a week. Dad and Brooke stayed at home since Brooke got an IV "head start" on Monday. Both are now full of fluids and have not vomited in almost 24 hrs. Brooke actually drank over 40 oz. of Gatorade by herself today. I wish I could say the same thing for the other end of the twins...I was not aware that a human could make that much stink! Now for the icing...Mom n' Dad both have it! Mom is in bed with a very upset stomach and no appetite and Dad in watching TV with a few "upchucks" under his belt today. And to top it all off...our pediatrician forgot about us at the hospital and went home without releasing Allie. The charge nurse had to call him and remind him!

ORIGINAL POST:
For those selfless souls out there that are serving our country in war time...or those families that they leave behind...or for the thousands that have paid the ultimate price for freedom...A Vs. B thanks you with a big two sided kiss!

As for all the rest of us...how was your Memorial day weekend? If it did not include the following items then it was more fun than ours: "IV Fluids", "vomit", "diarrhea", "ER", "5 sticks and still no go with the IV", "blown veins", or "no solid foods since last Thursday!"

Keeping count it goes something like this:
1 - number of girls that are in the ER as I currently right this.
2- number of times Allie threw up in my lap this weekend. And also the number of girls in the ER earlier today.
3 - how many people it takes to hold the girls down while they are administered IV's
4 - days without solid food
5 - times that Allie was poked today trying to find a vein...they all 'blew out' before fluids could be given.

Wrap it up: Girls have been vomiting since Wednesday night. Have have little or no solid food since then...and if so, thrown it up. Only thing that can keep down in Gatorade and that just started today. They both were taken to the ER this morning and spent the next 4 hours hanging out there. Brooke getting IV fluid and Allie, well, just being stuck with needles. She is now with mom at the ER again trying for an IV, which I just got word that they were successful. After 8 tries...Allie is finally getting much needed fluids.

You might ask how it got this far? Well you know that 24/7 phone line that your pediatrician and or insurance company gives you? Well, their advice is what we followed for the last couple of days. Heck, they are Ped's, RN's and other medical professionals. But there is one key element...they can't see our girls, they only can go off what we tell them and then they take the lowest common denominator (they are insurance based after all!) and go from there.

Your Kiss, Your Kiss Is On My Lips...

2008-05-17T21:20:00.006-05:00

I just read a quote that is so true they should add another book to the Bible and call it Dads: And Dads 33:17 would read, "Beautiful daughters are the Lord's punishment for the Father's misspent youth.You clearly were a bad boy!" With two BEAUTIFUL daughters and one EXTRAORDINARY wife...I must have been really bad in my formative years!

Sisters being sweet...

They love the couch. every chance the can they get up on it and run from side to side like some wild pack of tennis ball wranglers! Brooke brings her little chair over and uses it as a step to get up there, while Allie still needs the lifting arms of a "willing" accomplice to be elevated.

Besides "Mine," "No" has become Allie's favorite word. And she knows the meaning as well. We ask her if she wants to sleep. "No", she says. Very convincingly I might add!

Illusions...

2008-05-15T00:07:00.003-05:00

OK this post goes out to all the TMZ watchers, paparazzi supporters, no news "news" readers. This is a brief sampling of celebrities and athletes that have twins. None as special as mine...but with all this multiples in the news daily you would think I could get a free seat at the trendy restaurant, don't you!?

Marcia Cross
Brendan Morrow
Patrick Dempsey
Rodney and Hollie Peete
Sean "diddy" Combs
Diana Krall
Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony Julia Roberts
Dennis Quaid

Cleopatra (played here by E. Taylor)
Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Dave Matthews
Denzel Washington

I know there is more than this...but this project gave me tired head quickly. I don't understand the big deal on celebrity in the US. Is is reality TV that did it...if so, we all need to blame Julie and Eric from the first season of MTV's Real World for starting it all. When a daughter of a now dead lawyer on the OJ Simpson's defense team is more famous and recognizable than the Secretary or State..."Houston, we have a problem!"

You Spin Me Right Round...

2008-05-10T20:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there...well not everyone, just the women who have dropped a calf or two...unless you are this guy...gross! Here is to all the women out there that do the hardest job in the world. And to my wife, I know that I can be a jerk, a hothead, a slob, a hardheaded goon and a dork...but you gave me the best presents in the world in the birth of our little angels and for that I am forever grateful! You are awesome, and don't let any stupid thing I do or say tell you any different.

Our girls are doing well. The daily Zyrtec is doing wonders. We have been ear infection free for a week. The first week in a LONG TIME! We are still figuring out how to eat out with the girls. They love sitting there and eating the hard boiled eggs and hot dog...but when it comes to banana pudding and chocolate mousse - forget it. You would have thought we placed molten lava on their tongues by the way they reacted today. Good for us...don't need them craving sweets anyhow.

Brooke does this spin thing now for fun, see video below. And it serves for much entertainment for us! Allie enjoys it at well and cheers her on each time.

Allie still has her shoe inserts, they aren't doing anything just yet. We pray that it just clicks with her someday soon and she just stands and walks. She can stand supported with her knees locked out, and methodically - almost robotic - scoot across the furniture. Brooke helps her out a ton by bringing her toys, sippy cups and other things to her. She also steals things and takes off! Funny, until Allie yells out "Mine Sissy!" and attacks!

WHEN PEACHES (juice) ATTACK!

This is how I roll!

Why walk when I got this cozy chair and MILK!

...baby, right round. Like a record player! Right round, round, round!

Hole Hearted...

2008-04-26T22:55:00.018-05:00

OK, it has been a long time since I just rambled...but with the one hour of calm I call nap time let me spew some of my cerebral-ism's on whomever shall read:

1) I am this guy, and I will not apologize for it! What would you do if Texans decided to take back all the Dr. Pepper and Blue Bell ice cream and keep it to our "Remember the Alamo" quoting selves? What would you do if we got the mythical 51% vote and became our own country (again) and immediately became the 4th largest oil producing country in the world with the one of the largest fighting forces? You would WALK...that is what you would do!

2) I know some family and friends view this blog to check up on us and see what is going on from time to time...leave a note and say howdy every now and again. It's like getting a phone call and that person not leaving a voicemail. I saw that it was you TIM JOHNSON'S CELL because I have caller ID. It wasn't like I was ignoring you...Seriously people, delurk sometime and say hello!

3) Speaking of family and friends...for those that have children that are making the dreaded decision soon on what college you will owe an arm and an leg to for the next 5 years...I can not endorse Texas A&M University enough. Besides my family and my Lord, nothing has influenced me more than being an Aggie. Some good, some bad - but all worth it. Kyle Field in Fall full of 80,000 swaying fans sawing varsity's horns off...Northgate...Aggie Bonfire...12th Man...Reed Arena getting "Turgeowned"..."Howdy"...maroon and white What-a-Burgers...Aggie Muster...the list goes on...There is a saying down in Aggieland, "From the outside looking in, you can't understand...from the inside looking out, you can't explain!" Nothing could be closer to the truth than that.

4) I am seriously outnumbered in this house. I close my eyes at night and all I see is pink! I walk into our living room and there are more toys than carpet! The little two...with the assistance of Mom and GranJoy have picked up the slack and then some with the loss of Bailey Dog. (NOTE TO SELF: Get Male Dog next time) You can not go two steps without some sort of mechanism spouting out the ABC's or singing some whacked out version of "She'll be comin' 'round the mountain!" Seriously, as the risk of sounding old...whatever happened to dolls, cars, and imagination. Why use your brain power thinking up how a soup can, pipe cleaner and a nickel can become a robot when you can go to ToysRus and buy...not only a robot...but one that walks, talks, fixes you breakfast and entertains you with dancing! A robot doing the robot...UPON FURTHER REVIEW: I am old!

5) My girls can say: Cookie, Cracker, Light, Mom, Dad, and other simple words. All meticulously taught to them by mom, grandparent or myself. AT NO TIME did we ever teach them the word that Allie uses the most. MINE! At the risk of trying to sound hip, but keeping my mother happy...WTH? She says it all the time. If one were to actually listen to her, everything in this house would be Allie's. Toys, couches, food, and yes even one size 11 New Balance shoe all have been claimed at one time or another! What's next?

6) I saw a t-shirt today that said, "Bank of Dad." I wept at the thought. How true a statement...I just hope my bank is FDIC insured!

7) I also saw a woman tonight lugging her hockey gear into the local StarCenter. And at no time did I want to call her Helga or curiously look at her-head cocked to the side like a confused puppylike-as I scanned for a mustache. She was petite and feminine. There is hope for my girls after all. I REFUSE to EVER buy a pair of these: YUCK!

8) I watched my daughter pick her nose...wait for it...it's gonna be good...EAT HER BOOGER! Now part of me was like, "gross!" But the other half of me cheered her on...that is the half that was outwardly expressing itself...I forgot to grow up! Now before you judge, there are two types of people in the world: A) Those who have eaten a booger and B) Those that have lied about eating a booger...what camp are you in!? Hmmm!?

How would you like to have this as your wake up call???

I'll Stand By You...

2008-04-22T20:38:00.010-05:00

We actually made it through the 5 miles on Saturday for the March for Babies walk. The weather was perfect! There were tons of people there, which was so great to see so many people coming together for a great organization. Of course, there were lots of animal rights activists there too. Don't even get me started on that. I mean, seriously. I LOVE animals as much as the next person. But, there is a time and a place.

The girls enjoyed the walk much more than last year. We only made it one mile last year and had to turn around because they were screaming their heads off. This time they slept for about the last hour or so. A little excercise for mom and dad, a little nap for A & B, and all for a good cause. Win/Win/Win.

The girls are sick...AGAIN. Getting pretty tired of saying that. They have been off antibiotics for about 3 days now, and Allie spiked a 104.3 fever last night. She should be able to fight off just about anything with all the antibiotics in her system. Maybe she's immune by now. Ironically, we checked Brooke’s temperature around 11:00 last night b/c she started feeling pretty warm too, and wouldn’t you know: 104.3! Exactly like her sister. Guess they really are identical! I thought the tubes that we got back in December were supposed to help with ear infections, but we've had about 3 since then. So much for expensive surgery! Both of the girls are hacking and have runny noses. Hopefully this is just the end of sick season, and we are coming upon a summer time full of wellness. One can dream :) EDIT: It is now 10:40pm and Mom is taking Brooke to the ER due to a 105 fever! When will this ever end?

Enough rambling. On to the real reason why you’re here….pictures !!!

Mom, dad, and the girls after the 5 mile walk.

Allie looking oh-so-cool on her bus ride to White Rock Lake for the walk. She NEVER lets us put anything on her face or head, so the fact that she kept these on for about 5 minutes just shows that she was a little scared of the new surroundings.

The girls getting ready for their 5 miles of sitting.

Brooke and Allie hanging out in their PJ's

The girls sitting in their chairs enjoying some Blues Clues

The girls' class picture from daycare. Allie is flashing her belly - how nice!

Okay, it's a little dark, but this video is so funny b/c the girls are so captivated by the TV.

Allie showing off a little standing skills. Okay, she is leaning against the window, but still...

I Can't Dance...

2008-04-16T07:18:00.003-05:00

...what do you do when your legs don't work as well as you want them? You employ your "little" sister to push you around the house on your fancy bicycle!

Raise The Roof...

2008-04-14T16:42:00.007-05:00

The girls enjoying a few moments in Dad's chair. Thinking about it now, I should have soaked their britches in leather conditioner while they frolicked around!

"whatcha talkin' 'bout Mom?"

Allie deep in thought...or watching Noggin...same look either way!

Some pics of the storm damage from last week's pseudo tornadic* experience!

* not confirmed at this time that there was actually a tornado on the ground but as you drive around the neighborhood and see the 30 year old trees uprooted and 80 foot electrical transmission towers twisted down on themselves...one has to think that wasn't just wind. My family and I are very grateful to only have suffered minor cosmetic damage. We lost some roof, a fence and a days worth of electricity...but we are all safe. Much better than what we thought was going to happen at 3:30am! If you live in "Tornado Alley" and you do not have a weather radio, please go and get one. They operate on battery backup and send out a loud alarm when threatening weather in imminent. Our alarm went off a good 4 minutes before the outside sirens blared letting us know to take cover. That extra 4 minutes could mean the difference in getting to shelter and not. Please go to a store and ask for a NOAA Weather radio...

Springtime in Texas...

2008-04-08T23:44:00.013-05:00

For those of you not native to this fair land called Texas...more importantly...if you never received the "Tornado Alley" lesson in physical science class...this is for you! You see, every Spring in "TA" you go through what some would call a right of passage. Where does this continual "under the gun" threat lead you...well for you 45-60 days of "Is it going to rain?" to "When is it going to stop raining" to "I think the tree just blew away" to "my car looks like a golf ball" to "is that a freight train I hear!?" You get the picture. Someone in Oregon is reading this going WTH, but us "alley dwellers" know this:

1) If the fence is dry - your grass is dying and your water bill is about to go UP!

2) If the fence is wet - there is a chance for a flash flood, hail, or severe weather.

3) If your fence is gone - Tornado!

Do you see the hail? We actually go out in this stuff and get a big old handful and put it in the freezer...come on now...you know you have done it!!

Our gutter after about 90 seconds of rain and hail

Just a Swingin'...

2008-04-07T20:50:00.005-05:00

Sisters holding hands! And together they have one pair of shoes on!

"Word to your mother...wait...she's my mother too!"

I have tried to explain that the milk tastes that much sweeter on the other side of the bottle...

"Pull my Finger!?"

The girls taking in a beautiful day at the park and swinging... Some loved it...

...some, not so much!

Not sure what Brooke is eating here, but I am sure it wasn't supposed to be in her mouth!

The girls chilling for an evening of Noggin Television. I saw these chairs at TR'Us and had to get them. They look so innocent sitting in them watching some tube. Hopefully we will get to take these chairs on vacation with us....ss;aldjfsdeiAUWERPA[SDFPO ASDFASD....sorry I just busted a gut laughing so hard at the thought of being able to take a vacation....

March For Babies 2008!

2008-04-01T11:19:00.005-05:00

Everyone,

If I had a dollar for everytime somone said, "Are they twins?" or "Double Trouble!" I would not have to ask you for any donations! Unfortunantly Captain Obvious doesn't hand out cash...just sarcasm!

So I need your help! We are participating in the March For Babies not only because we believe in the March of Dimes mission to save babies...but our family has lived it! Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through March For Babies, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.

Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring us in March For Babies today. Every dollar you pledge will help preemies survive just like Allie and Brooke. Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy and secure. Simply click on "Sponsor Me" in the March For Babies tab on the right of this page. With your support, there’s hope...my daughters have felt that hope, please give others a fighting chance as well.

Thank you,
Mom, Dad, Allie & Brooke

Crazy...

2008-03-27T22:08:00.006-05:00

CHOOSE YOUR BEST QUOTE:

"Now accepting babysitter applications!"

"I said I wanted a SOLID chocolate bunny...!"

"The refs called a good game tonight..."

Allie realizing that a big ring won't fit through a small star. But she was just staying quite while Sissy (her new favorite word) went all Fightclub on us!

The effects of a double ear infection and little sleep...

Brooke realizing that what comes out of the sippy-into the mouth-out of said mouth-and into bib- is still good milk!

Brooke helping Allie feel better by making funny faces. It is so sweet when Allie is sick, tired or just plain grumpy; Brooke will bring her a toy and gently give it to her.

Nothing busts a fever like sitting sans pants on the cold kitchen tile!

Did I already mention that Brooke really wants you to babysit!?

GOODNIGHT!

All ball? ALL BULL!!!!!I am still giving the HORSE LAUGH on this one...

My Heart Will Go On...

2008-03-20T23:13:00.003-05:00

Bailey Dog passed tonight after falling to heart disease. Her mind was willing, but her body wasn't able any more. She was a loved member of this family. A pet that knew her place and was happy to occupy it. Mom is sad, this has been her companion and confidant for the last 11 years. Bailey was with her through her highest highs, and lowest lows. She was there to meet me on our first date and I was happy to just pass the "Bailey Test!" She was there when we brought our daughters home...she was one of the first words that our twins said, "Dawwgy!" She was there to guard us with her keen hearing and boisterous bark. She will be missed. She will never be replaced. She is free of pain...
...so if you see Mom, give her a hug and some love.

Thanks for being a good dog!

The Way You Make Me Feel...

2008-03-12T22:12:00.002-05:00

Sorry that it has been a while. Sometimes life isn't just that interesting! HA! I do however have news to tell you. It has been a long time since we have given you one of these:

CHUNKY UPDATE

Allie: 22 lbs. 6oz.

Brooke: 21 lbs.

Both are legal to face forward in their car seats now...I am sure they love seeing where were going and not where we have been! They both have ear infections right now. But that is nothing new. They get one every month...and the have TUBES!!! This frustrates us to no end. Every time we go to Dr. B he gives us the bad news that "ooze" is coming out the tubes. Parents, when does this end?

Take a look at these pictures: this was the girls dressed in their Sunday best. Super cute I would venture to say, if I can self-revoke my "mancard" for a moment. I don't fully understand "outfits" for little girls. Where can these dresses be worn again? Not church...wouldn't want the crowd to see our girls in the same outfit twice...and by the time we think that every one of the 2 million mothers out there forgets our girls outfits, the girls are to big to wear them again. I am sure this paradox is covered in the "woman's prerogative" rulebook I forgot to read.

When Its Over...

2008-03-04T19:18:00.004-06:00

So much happiness and fun. Yummy wash clothes to eat, duckies to play with...
.....

.....

Until Brooke decided to take out the stopper! No more water for Allie to slurp up!

MARCH 3, 2008 - N. TEXAS SNOW

These pics are for family down in the "Southern Refuge!" Remember this white stuff? It is snow...say it with me...Snnnnnoooowwww!

For the family up in the north...1" of the white stuff is all we got, baby!

Why Can't This Be Love...

2008-02-26T18:59:00.005-06:00

...because who else would love a mess like these two little munchkins!?? Mom decided that it was a good idea to do some "Spoon Training" this evening. And you can see it went downhill from step 1!

We had a follow up with the Neurologist today and Allie's MRI was clear, or any defect was so minute that it didn't show. So now we are going to attack her lower limbs with an aggressive physical/occupational therapy regiment to get her mobile as soon as possible. She might need some braces that will go into her shoes to support her ankles and make her feet move the way they are supposed to and not how her tendons and muscles are currently. We were told that she might not ever win a running race and maybe even walk with a strange (to all of us regulars) gait for a while, but walk none-the-less she will do. She will just do it at her own pace! Stubbornness is not a hereditary is it? Hmmm?????

Allie enjoying her yogurt!!!

Brooke doing the same!!!

I'm Walking on Sunshine...

2008-02-18T20:33:00.004-06:00

...and don't it feel good!

Enjoy Allie walking for the first time on her own! OK, she has a walker but if you knew what a challenge it is for her to get her legs moving...we are so proud! She tires out quickly and I am sure her legs are in much pain having to be flexed all the time, but she is a trooper! The occupational therapist told us it would be a long road. This was a huge leap for her today. She has begun to pull herself up on everything and then this...ATTA GIRL!!!!

Much too Young to Feel This Darn Old...

2008-02-15T21:57:00.005-06:00

Sorry that it has been a while...but over the past two weeks everyone in some form or another has been sick around the house. As I type this all the girls in the house are sick and sleeping. We have 3 ear infections, a couple of fevers, a case of strep throat and one hellacious case of sinusitis. care to visit?

I am addicted to this show called Fight Quest on The Discovery Channel. It is a show where two guys go around the world learning fight styles for a week and then going up against local champs in a fight. They have learned Brazilian Jujitsu, Korean Hapkido and Israeli Krav Maga. Brandy and I have talked for a while that we want to get out girls into karate or Judo very early. There are so many positives for learning a martial art: confidence, self discipline, balance, self defense, and strength.

So watch the movie the first time to see Allie take some real good "steps" with the walker...and then watch it a second time for Brooke in the backgroud pull her shirt over her face and walk into the couch!!!!

The Bucket Express

Think they miss many meals...

...guess not!!

This is Brooke's new gig. She likes to pull her shirt over her head and walk around. Look at that smirk.

Belly monster attack!!!!

I tried to get all artsy with this shot...I call in "Brooke against the wall!" Original don't you think?

Allie doing her best Allen Iverson impersonation...don't get it? Google him!

Ain't she cute?

I Need a Hero...

2008-02-09T17:09:00.000-06:00

Quick post from Dad here....I spent all night last night feeling sick and it has just progressed to having a fever, sore throat, and aches.

MY WIFE IS MY HERO!!!! She has taken both girls and acted as if she didn't need me one bit. Not in a bad way, but she just jumps in and pulls the weight that is normally reserved for me. She gets an A+, gold star, and a M&M candy all at the same time. She is a Super Mommy!

Right now I am locked up in the back room as not to get the girls (all three of them) sick. I love her whole-heartedly and can only hope that my twins grow up to be as awesome as she is! Now all I need to do is be an example for my little ones so when they grow up they can find a Godly man that will treat them right. I have seen and heard to many stories of women that get treated as objects and get sucked into some strange manipulative relationship with a total jerk...and the funny part is that the girls often defend the jerk's behavior!

Now back to the regularly scheduled blog:

I've been tagged...

2008-02-06T20:17:00.000-06:00

By Liz!!! Instructions: If your name is on the list of people tagged, copy and paste into a new post and change the answers to whatever you love!

Places I want to go:

1. Hawaii (Honolulu and Maui to be exact)
2. Australia (actually, this is my hubby’s dream place, but I’d be glad to tag along)
3. New York
4. New England in the Fall
5. The beach with my babies

I like to eat:

1. Mexican Food!
2. Salty Stuff (I LOVE olives!)
3. CHEESE
4. Sugar Cookies with Icing

My play list contains:

1. Avalon (my favorite group)
2. Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullins (favorite song of all times!)
3. Prestonwood Choir (good music to work out to...really)
4. N*Sync (yes, I know I’m 33, but I LOVE them! Praying for a reunion!)

I buy clothes at:

1. New York and Company
2. Ann Taylor Loft
3. Express
4. Old Navy
5. Children's Place

I watch these TV shows:

1. Paula Deen - Y’ALL (who doesn't love her?)
2. Friday Night Lights
3. House
4. Biggest Loser
5. The Young and the Restless (reruns everyday at 6:00)

Things I like to do:

1. Hang out with my girls and my hubby
2. sing!
3. SHOP!
4. take naps (doesn’t happen all that often)

I’m tagging:

1. My hubby
2. Ashley
3. Ryan
4. Quenta

MY TURN!!!!!!!

By Mom!!! Instructions: If your name is on the list of people tagged, copy and paste into a new post and change the answers to whatever you love!

Places I want to go:
1. My “other home” in Tampa
2. Alice Springs/ Ayers Rock (Uluru)
3. Alaska in Spring
4. The airfields of England and the many other European battlefields of WWII.
5. back to a time when men were men and everyone wasn’t such a sissy and needed a hug!

I like to eat:
1. I sure do!
2. French Fries
3. Ice cream
4. BEVO

My play list contains:
1. Podcasts (college football, games, technology)
2. Thousand Foot Crutch
3. Pat Green
4. House of Pain and other early 90’s rap artists

I buy stuff at:
1. Target – Shopping there is like a buffet. You get a little of everything
2. Fry’s – If there were a religion where you worshiped electronics (stop lurking at me Tom Cruise) I would bow 3 times a day to whatever direction the nearest Fry’s was in.
3. Online – I seriously just invited someone to rape and pillage my PayPal account didn’t I?
4. Costco – Nothing like buying 17 cans of shave cream when you only need one!

I watch these TV shows:
1. Sportscenter – I love sports…and you know what else…I love news about sports!
2. Friday Night Lights - I really can't wait to see "Smash" Williams doing his thing for the Aggies next year! Now only if Coach Taylor can get Riggins off the sauce long enough to go back-to-back!
3. House - That dude is raw, rugid and freakishly unsympathetic...but he sure saves a ton of people!
4. Biggest Loser – Fat doesn’t choose you…you choose to be fat, People!!!!
5. Anything TLC, Discovery Channel, Weather Channel, NatGeo, etc…Someone once said my mind is like a small child’s pocket…full of a bit of everything. I am knowledgeable on tons, but an expert at nothing!
6. Rob & Big - the darned nearest funniest 30 minutes on television!
7. But actually number 1 in my heart...Texas A&M Football

Things I like to do:
1. Hang out with my girls and my hot wife!
2. play video games (only when the wife and kids are asleep!)
3. workout and play sports
4. make fun of others! Just kidding! Or am I!?

I’m tagging:

Since this is really a chic thing to do…I am eternally tagging myself and stopping the spread of estrogen induced internet time wasting! Now beat it…I have songs to download and virtual touchdowns to score!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2008-02-01T23:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it is Friday night and my thumbs can't take any more COD4 tonight! I just got out of the girls room watching then sleep for the last 20 minutes or so. I stand over them and just watch then breathe, roll from font to back or tuck their legs under themselves and sleeping on their elbows and knees. I just watch, stroke their backs and say prayers over them. It is one of my favorite things. I would put watching my children sleep right up there with being in Kyle Field on a brisk Autumn Saturday watching the Aggies. And for those that know me, you know that is WAY up on the list. That got me thinking...what else do I love about my girls:
1) I love when Brooke eats. She acts like it will be her last meal and shovels as many peices in her mouth as she can all at once.
2) Allie's southern accent. I have no idea where she gets it *glimpses towards Odessa* but when she says "Bye" it sounds more like "byyyyyyyyyye!"
3) The fact that we hear "Double Trouble" EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES!!!
4) They are great sleepers. 6-7pm to 6-7am.
5) Brooke's dancing...priceless!

Now things I don't care so much for:
1) The fact that each day either Allie or Brooke comes home with a bump, scrap or bruise from daycare.
2) There is a sign on the daycare door that says, "There is a confirmed case of Pink Eye in this room." Seriously? Can we go 1 month without sickness?
3) All the Dr visits and no confidence in diagnosis. I just want to know what is wrong/right with my girls...not more tests.
4) Not letting us sleep in on weekends

Dancin' Queen(s)...

2008-01-27T21:20:00.000-06:00

The girls dancing to the ABC Worm! Allie rocking on all fours and Brooke getting a little "west Coast" smooth on you guys! You Got Served!!!!

They love getting in their "bucket!"

We do not know what it is about this carrot...but the girls love it and will brandish knuckles to get it from the other! At all times, this carrot is in one of the girl's mouth!

Brooke having fun in the entertainment center shelving. I think she has a good career coming up as a "tunnel rat!"

If only Allie knew where those wipes are intended to be used!? YUCK!

Turn Your Love Around...

2008-01-20T12:11:00.000-06:00

Dad here! Just got back from being away from my babies (yes all "three" of them) for a whole week. My driving force while away was to get back home to hug and kiss on all three! I love my kids...and nothing reaffirms that like some time away to really see what is important in life. Amidst all the anger, stupidity and frustration of my trip I can take a step back and see the images of my kids in the NICU struggling with life some 16 months ago and all I can think to myself is "Nothing else matters!" Not an angry exhibitor, nor a dumb brained decision by the "higher ups" can change the fact that I have seen nightmares and miracles...and you sirs...are neither! I arrived home to, lets just call it, little fan fare! Both girls were sound asleep as Mom pulled up to the airport. I must say that after being gone a week, my wife must have gotten prettier by the day! I just simply forgot how beautiful she really is. I guess you take advantage of it when you get to lay down next to her each night!!!! As Napoleon Dynamite says..."LUCKY!!!!!" My girls are freaking amazing. I sit in awe as Brooke grabs her toys and walks across the floor and then climbs all over the window sill or ottoman. My heart melts when I see Allie, who is playing with two shoes, hands one to her sister so they can share and each have one. I am a blessed man. Not so much lucky...but blessed!

Home Sweet Home...

2008-01-06T19:42:00.000-06:00

Allie and mommy in the hospital.

Poor thing, the nurses tried 4-5 different times to get her blood before they finally got it. Every time anyone walked into the room after that, she would freak out. Who can blame her?

Allie in hospital crib jail

Look who came to cheer her up - Brooke!

Allie home after the hospital - feeling MUCH better now. She loves to wear daddy's hat.

Sweet Brooke

Allie's first piggy tail :)

Brooke's first piggy tail - only lasted about 5 seconds before she pulled it out.

Update...

2008-01-02T20:58:00.000-06:00

The family is separated tonight. Allie was checked into the hospital for observation today and will stay the night. She has had very shallow breathing and our Dr. wanted to rule out pneumonia, RSV and other yucky stuff! Well we were there for hours getting breathing treatments and steroids that open up her lungs, and all along we found out that the Dr's were looking at the wrong orifice!

Turns out, just like her father, she is full of ****! Her bowels and other nasty parts were so impacted with poo that it was pushing on her diaphragm which made her lungs not full with air and hence the shallow fast breathing. After an enema and several MESSY diapers she is feeling much better.

Mom is going to stay with her overnight at the hospital and I have Brooke and Bailey watch at the Casa. We are so blessed that it wasn't anything more traumatic than a big nasty dump that Dad would be proud of , but it still is dangerous when Dr's are flying in and out of your room ordering tons of tests and your baby is in such pain. I have a few pics to post once the camera gets home from the hospital with Baby A!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...

2007-12-27T13:50:00.000-06:00

DAD: So mom must have been born with an unlucky star in the sky. She has the bad luck of being a "December Baby." Just a few days before Christmas is her birthday. So what is a loving, appreciative husband to do? Give her the batteries on her birthday for a gift she will get just days later? Or tell her to pick a present from under the tree and a birthday present? Well if you roll like I do, you give her cold hard cash...and throw in a dinner as well. And since we were in the bustling metropolis of Odessa for her birthday, we went out (without the kids) to a fancy dinner. Before going any further, you Dallasites reading this have to readjust your idea of a fancy dinner. Actual cloth napkins go far in west Texas! :')

The day after Christmas we took the girls to the Dr. for a wellness visit and to get another round of shots. They hate shots, and by hate I mean they might end up in therapy as 20 somethings from the experience of injections. Brooke checked out just fine except a bit underweight. We had to turn her car seat back around so that she is facing rearward again. She is just so darn active that she burns so many calories exploring every nook and cranny. We were told to beef up her calories and start to administer some peanut butter into the mix.

Allie on the other hand is a bit more of a concern. Dr. B is worried that her development has plateaued and would like to have her brain re-scanned by a pediatric neurologist. We will do that after the new year. She has always been about 2-3 month behind her sister in milestones. When Dr. B was examining Allie he noticed that she is showing signs of hypotonia. Her joints are real stiff when being manipulated and her toes curl almost all the time. She has never been as fluid as her sister but has grown leaps and bounds in her own right since coming home! We pray for wisdom in the Dr's that will be working with Allie and that they do not find any damage from the brain bleed (IVH) she suffered moments after her birth.

The norm for 12-15 month old's is to be pulling up to standing - if not walking - and having about 5 words. Our girls have a few words like, Dad, Mom and ball. They also can mimic us with clicking noises or raspberries and I just taught them to give high 5's!

The girls really appreciated all the presents they got form family this Christmas...but plastic toys taste no where as good as the paper that they were wrapped in.

A member of the "greatest generation" meets the newest generation. Mom's granddad playing with Allie in Odessa.

Ever tried to herd cats? I can only assume that it would be like getting multiples to both pose for a picture.

Any question where my girls get their good looks? Check out mom! Hubba, Hubba!

Of course, they get their pot bellies from Dad!

The girls in their Christmas dresses. Mom and two grandmothers bought dresses. Do the math: 2 girls with 2 dresses each x 3 dress purchases. That is a ton of dresses!

The cousins enjoying Christmas morning! Promise we didn't mean to dress them all alike. Great moms must think a like.

As usual, the girls loved playing with the bows, ribbons and boxes more than the toys they got. And they got a ton of toys!

Doesn't this all look yummy? Heck I wouldn't mind having someone come and cut up my food for me. A little boiled egg, a little green beans...and some chicken stix!

Do You Hear What I hear???

2007-12-20T21:23:00.000-06:00

Well, round two was Wednesday. Allie went for her ear tubes this time. And to Mom n' Dad's surprise she handled the whole thing way better than her sister. Usually it would not be the case but Allie was such a trooper. She didn't cry once before, during or after the procedure. Well, actually she cried when she ran out of her first FULL sippy glass of juice. She downed two of those bad boys! Its got to be tough on a 15 month old to go through the "surgery rules" of not eating after midnight before surgery. She was hungry! I love my little girls and I love my family...you think that I would be used to seeing this since it is my 2nd time around but watching mom bounce around all nervous like breaks your heart. And then to watch her scoop up our little girl into her arms after Allie came in from recovery makes my heart realize that unconditional love truly does exist!

These blue eyes make me melt!!!

Hard to tell who is more tired, huh?

My favorite picture...I love both faces here!

Putting down bottle number 2 after returning from her surgery.

Going home with Teddy Bear in tow! Of course she loved the Kleenex box more than her bear...but which kid doesn't?

Silent Night...

2007-12-14T19:01:00.000-06:00

...OH DO I WISH!!!

We get round two of ear tubes next week. Allie almost squeaked by the infection bug, but alas she got smacked in each of them one more time. So next week, early in the morning, the family will head off to the hospital once again for tubes. Hopefully this puts an end to the constant ear infections, soar throats, and all around fussiness. I pray and hope that the tubes only do good and cause no harm (hearing loss) to our little ones. Hopefully Allie doesn't need the "goofy juice" to relax before the procedure so she can bounce back and be her bubbly self an hour or so after.

This time Dad didn't pose Brooke for these shots. She climbed into the bucket all by herself and scooted if from the door in the background to the carpet line. She loves to be moving. Is she isn't eating or crying she is round and about.

Our life at about 6:15 every evening. Care to join us?

Hey baby, what is that on the end of your finger?

Training can't start to0 early you know! Dad doesn't want to mow the lawn forever. I am thinking by 3 she should be good to go!

Brooke using her tongue to show the blog world her new tooth.

They love these toys. A little cup with holes in it. Forget the gadgets and do-dads, give them drink ware.

Tis the Season to be Jolly...

2007-12-14T08:16:00.000-06:00

We decided to take the girls last Friday to the mall for the traditional picture with Santa. Last year they were too preemie to get out of the house, so this was our first Santa experience. I figured the girls would look at Santa with confused expressions and check him out for a minute or two, allowing for a picture or two before the crying began. But, nope, the crying began as soon as we walked away from them. Allie freaked out immediately. We were standing 5 feet in front of her, but she was still scared to death. Brooke was okay for a few seconds until she realized that Allie was upset, so she slowly puffed her lip out and started to cry too. The picture we ended up with is priceless. It is way cuter than if they were both smiling. Where is the fun in that? :)

Santa Baby...

2007-12-03T19:24:00.000-06:00

How do you like the lights? Not one ladder incident to be found here! I would hang lights from the roof and then bang loudly and Mom would come out and hand me the next set! Teamwork at its finest I tell you!

With little munchkins on the prowl this will be out tree this year! I begged and pleaded with Mom not to get a big tree. I did not feel like saying "No" one million times over the next 30 days. I got big pants to fill though...I promised a HUGE tree with all the trimmings next Christmas!

Take a look at Brooke strolling around the house. I know...before you all go "child abuse" on us...we only let her walk around with this thing while we are close by!

The girls in their Sunday's finest!

Brooke, what do you think about the Aggies beating the Longhorns back-to-back?

She really wants to grow up fast. Relax girl...the real world comes soon enough!

There is a small sing of Aggie in her...Check out that little Gig'Em!

What up homies! This one goes out to my sister's momma!

Brooke models her first footed pajamas! I can't wait till the first "shocking" experience!

Bonus Feature for you added enjoyment! Please enjoy Mom taking cough syrup!

Goodbye to Texas University...

2007-11-26T21:29:00.000-06:00

So Dad is a HAPPY Camper after this weekend and has a ton to be Thankful for. I have three wonderful women in my life. I got stuffed with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie on Thursday. But I got the sweetest gift on Friday, or as Aggies call it - T+1. The annual civil war, the Lonestar Showdown. Brother against brother, father against son and best...coworker against coworker! Not only did we get another year of "scoreboard" we got rid of our over promising yet under delivering head coach. Bring on the Sherminator, The Sherman Tank. Be careful big XII when the Sherman Army comes to town in 2008!

First it was 12-7 now 38-30.

Brooke cheering on the Aggies!!!

Brooke hamming for the camera. She loves this pillow. Whenever she sees it she B-lines to it and rolls just like this all over it!

Allie loves putting things on her head. We are really working with both girls to say bye and do the waving motion. They do it when they want to. But both of them think it is the funniest thing to have their toys put on each others heads.

Climb Every Mountain...

2007-11-18T19:54:00.000-06:00

So I (dad) learned something new this Friday. That is is illegal to accelerate through a yellow light. Who am I kidding, that light couldn't have been any more red! So I get a ticket for that and also because my inspection sticker was due last month. I also learned something else, officers in our town must hate their jobs because they won't smile at anything! So I spend Saturday getting my truck up to code and $500 later I now have a current inspection! Now do you think the judge will take the fact that I have twins in consideration when I throw myself at the mercy of the court? I knew that my truck wouldn't pass but $500 on my truck is the last thing I could afford right now. The girls eat and poop us our of house and home. So if anyone out in cyberland has a need for a recently inspected pick up...I have one for rent!

This is what happens when Operation: Tired Child commences! We just got home from one of our famous "mall outings" and the girls had had enough stimulation. Mom put them in the chairs to actually eat lunch. In our house, sleep trumps all!

The girls attacking Mom! They play their crazy rendition of "king of the Hill" where they climb up your body and then realize that they are 14 months old and not so coordinated and tumble back to the ground laughing all the way!

Dad and "his" twin! Mom has Brooke and I get Allie. Man-on-man defense is they only way to play our girls. No cover 2, no deep zone - just straight-up "on an island" mono y mono! Now 50% of you reading this are laughing out loud because you understand every term used...the other 50% are like cover who?

Care to have the girls stay at your place for an evening? This is our living room after an afternoon of playing "romper room!"

Allie doing her best Winnie the Pooh impersonation! All she is missing is the honey pot!

And not to be outdone, Brooke does her best Gene Simmons!

Now seriously...how is this baby 1/2 me? She is way too cute and sweet to be my daughter!

Music to My Ears...

2007-11-10T11:11:00.000-06:00

Sorry patrons of everything blog a la A&B! We have been on lock down over here lately. Flu season had been upon us for about 17 minutes and the girls start sneezing and coughing green goo, and tugging on ears. We were told a couple of weeks ago that Brooke would need tubes in her ears to help in the pressure/draining. She has basically had one continuous ear infection since August. So it was long enough. We went in this Wednesday to get her tubes put in. Got up before the sun and had her at the hospital a few minutes later. Mom was smart to pre-check her in so we flew right upstairs and went straight in. I don't want to say we are numb to the idea of our girls being in the hospital and having medical things done, but the girls have been through a ton. Both have had ventilators, have been anaesthetised, surgeries, MRI's, etc...So the idea of a little gas to knock Brooke out wasn't all that bad. Heck, I need that when I go to the dentist. Otherwise, I am like a wounded animal in that chair. I will fight to the last drop of spit is suctioned out of my mouth! But anyways...Brooke was taken to the OR at 6:57 am and we were talking to the Dr. at 7:10 and mom was holding Brooke at 7:20. Simply amazing that it only takes 5-7 minutes to do something that will take us 5-7 years to pay off! Brooke is doing great! She talks so much more now...even though it is still "DA DA DA" to mom's disappointment.

Brooke being such a little trooper!

Pedi-anaesthesiologist checking Brooke out before her tubes.

One of the most touching pics...even with the goofy grin. Mom just gave Brooke over to the Dr.s to go and do the procedure.

Moments after she returns to Mom's arms. Tubes and all.

One she got some food in her she was fine...just like her Daddy. Feed me and I am good to go!

"Whats that? Allie can crawl? Show me!"

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Too bad it is time for bed and not 7am

Like my bangs?

The girls after a long night of shopping. We sometimes take them to the mall so people can stop and ask us questions: Are they twins? Are they boys? How do you do it? and our best...What DR. did you use?

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow...

2007-10-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

Dad Here:

OK, guys...have you ever been accidentally kicked in your groin region? Well that is how I felt on Saturday night. Seriously, can Fran just drive down highway 6 with Kyle Field in his rear view already? The Aggies lost to KU...as in The University of Kansas...as in a BASKETBALL school! (BTW - KU? Shouldn't it be Kansas University? What's up with that OU?) I am done.

Being as Aggie fan is like being told over and over that your are hot enough, smart enough, strong enough, but that girl just wants to be friends. We are perpetually in the "Friends Zone." Forgot friendships...I want to be married to a top 10 team team and throw in an affair with a BCS National Championship every so often just to keep things spicy! Is that too much to ask for?

Sunday was much better. The family went to a pumpkin patch! Check out the pics below. We also paid $12 to figure out that our girls are too young to enjoy a petting zoo, so Mom N' Dad got to feed some goats, sheep and one nasty cheap copy of Bevo! Our babies were the cutest ones out there. People with their own children were stopping to take pics of our kids...and their children weren't even around. Not much to this weekend...oh and Allie crawled for the first time and Mom's car got broken into and purse stolen.

I fought every urge to get a coat hanger and form it into a "13-0" branding iron!

Like the outfits? That is all on Mom! Dad would have had them in God knows what. Good thing Mom is around to mix n' match and make our girls look like fashion mavens!

Hey Brooke... say Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

The one time that both girls are looking up at the same time and it is not even at the camera...it is to watch the "interesting" people at the pumpkin patch!

No need for tissues when you have an "Express-o-matic-nose picker" around

And it wasn't even a windy day???

The Buffalo is out to pasture...already given up its wings for human consumption!

You are witness to my whole life! These three beating hearts, souls. Without them I am nothing...with them I am everything.

Brooke breaking a pumpkin. Break you buy it!

Mom here:

Just a quick note to tell you more about our weekend. Our weekend did not get off to such a great start. On Friday, my work was having a carnival and BBQ and lots of fun activities at lunch, so I decided to go pick up the girls and bring them back with me since families were invited. So, I ran into daycare and was gone about 3 minutes. When I came back – in broad daylight mind you – I just happened to glance at my driver’s side window and thought how sparkly my window looked. It took me about 2 seconds to realize that those sparkles were broken glass. Someone had smashed a big hole in my window! And yes, I had left my purse sitting in the passenger seat, and now it was gone. So, I ran the girls back in and immediately called the police and the bank. The losers had already used my credit card! And let me just tell you some fun things that these not so nice people scored: credit cards, checks, my BRAND NEW cell phone (complete with phone numbers that I don’t know otherwise), driver’s license and social security card (and yes, I am FULLY aware of the big no-no it is to carry your SS card with you and promise to have learned that lesson the hard way). So, now I am without a driver’s license. And here is the funny thing. You can’t get a driver’s license without a SS card, and you can’t get a SS card without a driver’s license. Nice. It was already hard enough when I was at the bank on Saturday trying to transfer my funds to a new account. Try that without any ID. But, I got it done, and I can’t access my account until after the weekend. It’s just such a violation and such a hassle to get these things replaced. Not to mention the $500 dollars we will spend replacing the cell phone, purse, wallet, makeup, car window and tinting. But, you know what? The sun WILL come out tomorrow. And it did! This afternoon (Sunday), Allie crawled! She crawled about 6 steps. She has never crawled more than one step without falling to her belly. So, I’ll gladly give up my valuables for something so awesome as that anyday!! Those 6 little steps erased all the frustration and anger that I had about my stolen purse. That is absolutely priceless! Isn’t it amazing how God shows us his grace and love in the smallest things and reminds us that our worldly possessions are nothing compared to the miracles He has in store for us each day. I was so upset about all my “valuables” being stolen, and then He reminds me that true happiness isn’t in these things. They are in the simple things like your baby crawling for the first time. Thank you Lord for this reminder!

School Days...

2007-10-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! It’s mom. I haven’t blogged in forever, so dad has been keeping you updated. Since I last wrote forever ago, lots has happened. I started back to work last month, so the girls started “school.” Can I just tell you how hard it was to leave the girls all day long?! I would be lying if I said that it’s easier now because it’s not. I really miss the girls during the day. It feels like a big hole in my heart. I know they are being well taken care of and making new friends, but it’s still hard. I stay really busy at work, so the days fly by. The girls are graduating soon to the “toddler room (12-24 months). We wanted to start them out in the infant room because Allie is still behind on her development. But, they are going to be moving up soon. They have made friends, so that makes me happy. Speaking of Allie, she is still working with a physical therapist and is doing pretty well. She still isn’t crawling, but we can definitely see progress with her. She is just taking her time with everything. Brooke, on the other hand, stands up on everything, and can walk along things while holding on. Such a big girl!

Our house has been full of sickness lately. Allie, Brooke, and dad have all been fighting being sick for a week or more now. Both girls were running a pretty high fever over the weekend, which was kinda scary since it was really our first fever. So, we went to the doctor on Tuesday for a checkup and a flu shot. And, of course, both girls had ear infections. This is Brooke’s 5th ear infection since July. FIFTH!! It is Allie’s first. The doctor warned us last time that one more would equal ear tubes, and guess what? Brooke is getting tubes in her ears. We go next week to the ENT doctor and then will probably have the procedure done about a week after that. We hope that will clear up any more infections, and hopefully Allie’s will clear without tubes.

I have lots of pictures to add below. And because it’s too hard to chose, I am posting a bunch of pictures. Hope you enjoy!

You can't help but smile when Brooke flashes her big silly smile!

And who wouldn't love Allie's sweet face!

Brooke sleeping

Allie sleeping peacefully with Tigger

Allie and Brooke playing with the GINORMOUS dog that our sweet friend Cherrie Pie gave them as an early Christmas gift. They had so much fun playing with this dog!

Brooke's serious pose...

Allie

Allie again

Allie excited about her cool new BIG dog!

Brooke meeting her new dog friend today. We gotta come up with a name for this big thing!

Because my shirt says so...

Brooke loves to stand up at the back door and make barking noises when the dog is outside

Allie and Brooke playing with the BIG DOG

Hot Blooded....

2007-10-21T01:14:00.000-05:00

So must of you know that I love college football. I mean I would trade 10 games on Sunday for 1 good game on Saturday. So it came to no surprise around the house this weekend that two once proud football programs of TAMU and Nebraska would not garner any takers to televise the game. Not even the Vs. channel... they show Downhill mountain biking for goodness sake... So I tuned in to the game on the Internet and listened to what team that was going to suck a tad bit less today while Mom so graciously took the girls shopping at the mall. Yea, I know...twist her arm! I am glad to tell all of you that The Cornhuskers sucked a little bit more on this windy Fall day. Hide your carbohydrates...this guy is coming to town next!

I am tired of having sick kids. It makes me so sad for them. They can't yet communicate to us what hurts. Brooke is usually wild and crazy and won't stand still even if you bribed her with all the Pooh dolls and pacifiers in the world. Today, she crawled a few feet, sat up and just looked at us for like 5 minutes. Her eyes and nose both leaking fluids. Then she found one of your throw pillows and laid down on it and just stayed put. Allie is more dramatic. She cries some freaky wolf howl cry like, "Ahoooowwwww!" We live in an area that was once infested with Coyotes and today some still linger...I am sure they are all in our backyard after Allie's "calling of the dogs!" We are only into Fall for about a week now and they are already sick. I pray that this is not a LONG Winter. People, wash your hands and sneeze into the crevice at your elbow bend and not in your hands. *In Best Smokey the Bear voice* Remember folks, only you can prevent RSV, MRSA, and the Flu.

The girls in sweeter times. They have been sick off and on for a couple of weeks now. Mom N' Dad have had to deal with our first bout of fever in the girls. Mom is nice enough to do all the rectal temp checks. I get the forehead sweep machine. Mom should get a medal for all the "dirty" work.

Allie really gets into her books!

The girls are finally getting some hair around other parts of their heads. They used to look like Charlie Chaplin! From the look of this picture, I guess they are not going hungry often!?

They both love this window. Hence the finger, snot, booger, grease smudges all over the glass. We have to sure up the curtain is some type of origami knot in order to keep the little crazies from pulling down the whole window treatment.

Allie doing her best Dad impression!

S.O.S. Same ole' Situation...

2007-10-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

So the annual Aggie/Raider game was played and for 10 of the last 13 years...the same result. 10-3 bad guys over that time. A new regime is desperately needed in Aggieland. So in honor of the big game the girls got on their best little cheer outfits. Side note: A&M doesn't have cheerleaders so we practiced a bit of liberties with Brooke's outfit. They had these little slipper shoes and would shove them in their mouth whenever they could. Kind of fitting since a certain Aggie has put his foot in his mouth twice already this year. I am not going to name any names...but his name rhymes with "Ja-Porky!"

What a clown Allie can be. She is so serious all the time it is nice to see her lighten up every now and then!

I love that smile. I melts my heart each time!

SIDE NOTE: Please don't mind the Dirty-as-sin baseboards and trim...anyone know a good maid...and have an extra few $$$???

Still want to come over and babysit? Brooke dares you!!!

How Much is That Doggie in the Window...

2007-10-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

Has "equal rights" gone to far? This is just...just...disturbing! USF Drill Team...BTW!

I swore I would NEVER give my girls pacifiers. Now I have gone back on that and will let them have one ONLY while in their crib for "night-night!"

Exhibit 2-A of that new rule! They glow in the dark so they can find them when they semi-wake up at 3am. I need to tie one of these around the dog's neck so I can stop stepping on her during my early morning "trips!" She likes the tile between our bed and the toilet!

Brooke is trying to coach Allie on the ways of the biped!

Two of these three just made a "poopy!"

That is the new noise that Brooke makes whenever she sees the dog. The dog barks while we are feeding the girls, and I think that Brooke has starting to imitate her. A father couldn't be more proud than having a dog mocking daughter! Heck she already gets into the dog's bowl!

Brooke performing for the appreciation of her "older" sister!

Who You Gonna Call???

2007-10-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

The girls love to watch Dad get dirty in the front yard. In about two years I will have my "slave troop" to do yard work for me! All part of the master plan. Think they make a handle adjustment so a three year old can push a mower around?

I can't help but think back to the final scene in Ghostbusters...click on this link to see what I mean! LOOK HERE!

Brooke seems to not fill her little onesie as good as her "heftier" sister! That 1 1/2 pound makes a big difference. As for those on Dad's side of the family...

...she did indeed get the "C******* Rump!"

Brooke gets upset when she doesn't get her way. I have no idea where she gets that.

*Makes note not to look in the mirror!*

Allie couldn't miss out on the fun...Look at those friggin' bangs! She's turning Emo! I think it is time to put GrandJoy's scissors to work.

Had a Bad Day...

2007-09-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

OK, so the tears have cleared from my eyes long enough to make a post. However, if these ramblings begin to make no sense it is because the rage inside me that is sparked by the mention of one "Coach Fran" is beginning to rear its ugly head again. Must resist...clothes ripping...muscles bulging...turning Maroon...need to stop the anger...AGGIE HULK SMASH!!!!

Here are some pics of the girls...and hoping that the rest of the Big XII doesn't hang a combined eleventy Billion points on my defenseless ags this season. I need a Prozac...

Dad thought it would be a good idea for a simple wash down to get both of them in the tub at the same time. Good thing Mom did the scrubbin...as she always does! Thanks honey!

Can you tell us exactly how sticky you get when you eat peaches again?

We're going to need a bigger tub...

So I was startled out of my slumber the other morning with Mom saying something that sounds like "Oh, Sheet!" And let me tell you, when Mom lets those "words" fly..something is wrong, on fire, or both! So I run out of bed and the dog is growling and looking down at this monster spider on our back patio. Where in the heck did this thing come from? Was it someone's pet that got out? More importantly was it going to leap its hairy creepy self at my face and implant some alien eggs in my mouth? Didn't wait around to find out...God let some chemist invent Raid for a reason!

We are SOOOOO Cute!!! Slap-a-me-five!

Brooke is standing up on EVERYTHING. She is even getting up the nerve to let go with one hand and moving her feet just a tad. She then proceeds to go from smiley face to frightened face and cries for Mom or Dad to save her from the precarious situation.

Let me tell you...with the cash flying out of this house as fast as longwhorns are being arrested, I am glad that the girls are entertained by an empty 2-liter bottle.

I got two big teeth! And I am dressed in my Sunday Best!

Hey Allie, do you mind if Hillary Clinton comes to visit?

Standing Outside the Fire...

2007-09-16T15:57:00.001-05:00

So my Aggies got an easy win this weekend against the Smurfs of U-La-Mo. Bigger than that they proved to the faithful that they can throw the ball past the line of scrimmage. Good for you guys...now get ready for The 'U'. And t.u.? Almost lost to a commuter school. Greatness!

But back to what you guys really come here for. The little ones. The girls start daycare tomorrow. We are excited and scared for them. They need the social interaction. Our girls are not going to qualify for Synagis shots this season, so we need them to have as many "fighters" in them as possible. Unfortunately, in order to build up those anti-bodies they have to get the coughs and sniffles and general yuck that goes around the local daycare.

Mom is going back to work!? The first year has been one of the best but yet one of the hardest for our girls and mom. It was great to have her home for the girls sake, but it was devastating on our "nest egg." I will let her comment on going back to work in a future post.

My little girls are so sweet. They have yet to initiate a hug yet, but will claw your eyes out or bite you without hesitation. Having two girls with totally different personalities is fun and a pain. One is tired and grumpy while the other is excited and ready for some action. It is really hard to get a quite hour around here with "multiple" personalities running around. They have found the window sills and blinds. That leads to 20 minutes of Mom n' Dad saying "No" over and over as they get into the blinds, the curtains, or the magazine rack next to the window. They also have found Chicken stix. Not what you think. This is the little vienna sausage looking things that are made from chicken. Mom had courage...or an iron stomach...and tasted one and led me to believe by her looks that roadkill would be fillet mignon compared. Enjoy some new pics and vids of the girls...and any of you guys want to donate to the "A vs. B" college fund...send checks or money orders to us!!

The girls making an early prediction of the outcome of the A&M/Tech game!

Brooke showing the world her "teefers!" Let me tell you...those "teef" hurt when pressed against your flesh! I think I am going to get her some Gold Grillz. She would look fergilicious - Whatever that means?

Allie sporting her "Lubbock HS" outfit.

Brooke loves to get up but has no clue of how to get down. She usually stands there for a long time and then gives out a scared/mad cry because she doesn't yet grasp the idea that her knees bend down as well as up!

Allie joins the party. She does fine once mom puts her in the standing position. Don't y'all love her doo?