Frugal Birthday Party, Part 2

September 6, 2012 By 2 Comments

We had our almost-triplet birthday party a couple weeks ago for my three little ones.  Landis and the twins are 11 months and 3 weeks apart.

So, these guys turned 2.

              

Then, a week later, Landis turned 3.

So, along with 3 grandparents, 6 aunts and uncles, 1 big sister, and 5 cousins, we had a joint birthday party for all of them.  As I mentioned last year after doing Karis’ 5th birthday party, I aim to be pretty frugal and I’m not much of a party host.  So, with all that, I like to keep things simple.  There’s also the factor of 2 and 3-year-olds don’t have a lot of desires for an elaborate party.  They just enjoy being the center of attention, eating cake, and opening presents.

And while last year, I set out to make as much as possible myself like the meal for the family and the cake in an effort to save money, there are lots of different considerations including time and energy.  With this being the week before school started, I was honestly just tired.

I wanted to keep it simple and frugal. 

So the only decorations were each of them getting a headband or hat along with a little figurine for their favorite character.  Landis loves Snow White and well, I just thought it was cute to do Micky & Minnie for the twins.  We already had a Minnie headband and a Snow White figurine, so we just used those from home.  Then I filled in the rest at the Disney Store and those things doubled as gifts.  They also brought along their soft toys from home of Snow White, Mickey and Minnie.

Since we have so many adults eating, I really wanted to have good food that didn’t cost a lot, but at the end of the day, we just picked up pizza (with a 50% off online code), chips (on sale B1G1), a watermelon (from a farmer’s stand on the side of the road), and bought cupcakes from the grocery store.  They weren’t the gourmet cupcakes, but the kids didn’t know the difference once they licked the icing off!  And did you know cupcakes from one of those cute little bakeries are like $65??  I didn’t!  The 2 dozen I got from the grocery store were $15!  I’ll take it!

            

And then there are those little treat bags for all the kids.  I have a hate-hate relationship with those things.  I do understand and value giving a little thank-you to folks that take the time out to celebrate and bring gifts.  I just don’t love giving or receiving lots of bags of candy (I know!  I’m a Birthday Scrooge!).  So, I chose little things from the dollar store that hopefully the kids would enjoy, badges for the boys, rings for the girls, and dress-up glasses with noses.  Oh and did I mention I didn’t spend the time making these up individual little bags?  I put all the items in a basket and they just picked out a couple items.  Love a timesaver!

Overall, it was a great time!  We have such great family that love our children so well.  All the cousins LOVE playing together and the 3 birthday kids were happy.

If you want to get a better feel of how the evening really went, take a look at this time-lapse video my brother took while we were all together.

Finding Joy – Twin Picnic

May 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We had lunch outside last week and it was the first time I’ve given the twins any food without them being strapped in somehow.  Surprisingly, they did really well, kept their food on their little plates, and ate it up.  And, I must say, they looked pretty cute while they were doing it.

What has brought you joy lately?

Finding Joy – Are They Triplets?

February 19, 2012 By 3 Comments

“Are they triplets?”

We get this question so much and when I look at this picture, I definitely understand why.  The older the twins get and with all three of them walking now, they really look like triplets.  I think Landis and Ellis will be wearing the same size clothes within the year.  It’s so fun (and exhausting) watching them interact with each other and play together.  Landis loves to give kisses to the twins and push them around on their little riding toys.  The twins are starting to “twin talk” to each other and laugh at each other.  We laugh a lot around here.  I know more fun (and exhaustion) is coming our way this year!

Getting Out the Door in Less Time

November 11, 2011 By 4 Comments

   If you have read anything here, you may have noticed I am not a homebody.  I can easily get cabin fever, feeling cooped up where just a trip to the store, any store, can feel refreshing.  However, I have 4 small children who tremendously benefit from a consistent routine and I have lots to do at home.  Therefore, I am home a lot these days and it’s good for our family.  But, when I do get out with all of the kids for an appointment or to visit a friend, it is helpful to streamline the process.  There’s a lot to do no matter what, but it really doesn’t feel worth all the work if I’m stressed getting out the door and I come back home to a disaster.  There are a few things I try to do to make it a little easier and maybe, just maybe we can get to where we’re going on time.

  • I have the kids’ nifty, monogrammed backpacks in the car packed with all of the essentials.  It’s so helpful to not have to track down and carry more things to the car.  The challenge here is making sure they stay stocked with what we need.  I can quickly use up all the diapers and wipes in the bags and have gotten caught empty handed when I needed something most.
  • I fully dress the kids before they come downstairs in the morning. 
  • Once they are strapped in highchairs and busy eating breakfast, I get all the hair bows, socks, and shoes and put those on at the table.  It’s so much easier than chasing them around and wrestling them to put it all on.  And Ellis is the most active, wiggly one-year-old I’ve ever tried to change, dress, or put shoes on!
  • And although my kids are all still young, I have them do what they can.  Karis clears off the breakfast table, helps a lot with Landis, and fetches anything I need.  I start them in the direction of the door at least 15 or 20 minutes before we need to leave in going potty and checking diapers and getting jackets on.
  • And I haven’t gotten to this step yet, but it might be helpful to start using one of these:

KIDS DAILY ACTIVITY ORGANIZER - 6 SHELF HANGING CLOSET

What do you do to help get your family out the door?  Leave a comment and share your ideas.

Getting Through the Chaotic Moments of Parenting

October 26, 2011 By 3 Comments

     If others could see and hear the most chaotic moments in my home, I’m not sure I would be proud of my response during those times.  It usually hits when we are trying to get out of the house or when I’m trying to get lunch or dinner ready.  Either they all want something at the same time, namely food, and I am trying my hardest to get it on the table or I want something from all of them, namely shoes on their feet, and they have other desires for their time.  Usually one or three of the little ones are screaming and following me around and Karis is  asking me a question.  I just don’t always respond well in those moments.  The external chaos creeps into my mind and heart and I start screaming on the inside and ashamedly, sometimes on the outside.
   It happened last week when we pulled up to the library for our weekly story time and book check-out.  I had stopped before at Walgreen’s to buy diapers only to realize that I forgot my debit card, so I already felt a bit out of sorts knowing I would have to go out again later that day.  I’m trying to get all the seats put in the triple stroller, telling Landis to stop screaming and let Karis unbuckle her, one or both of the twins start crying, Karis asks me a question, and I lose it, on the inside.  I close all the doors to the van and walk to the front of it and…just breathe.  I say a quick prayer for God to help me hold it together and to have a calm tone with my children.  Breathe, pray, count and go back to the van.
     I don’t want to yell at my children when they are yelling at me.  I want to set a different tone in my home and sometimes, I do.  And like I read from another blogger, I want to respond and not react.  But those moments can be pretty intense and the noise can get really loud.  It’s hard for me to hold myself together while I’m trying to bring them back together.  One of my closest friends from college struggled with Postpartum Depression when her son was a few months old and when she talked to her doctor about it, one of the suggestions she got was walk away, count to 10, and just breathe.  They also talked about the possibility of medication to help her anxiety, so I am not suggesting that we can just breathe through it all.  But it does help me to walk away from the moment, gather my thoughts, take a deep breath, pray for help that is beyond me, and go back to what I’m called to do.  I’ve also read of this same sentiment on a blog of another twin mom, just breathe.

What do you do in those out-of-control moments in your home?

What it Takes to Train a Baby or Toddler

October 19, 2011 By 4 Comments

     I’ve come to grips that my twins are developing in different skills later than my other girls and a little later than average – whatever that is.  I think there’s several factors involved – a little from the twin factor, a little from the premature factor, but mostly from the mommy factor.  Going from one child in August 2009 to four children in September 2010 has definitely gotten me “off my game.”  I definitely wasn’t a supermom before, but with Karis being the first and only child at the time, I gave considerable thought and effort to every stage of development and training.  Since then, well let’s be real, I’ve just been busy.
     I’ve been thinking lately about a few things I want to start working on with the twins and Landis.  And while they are not behind on any chart, I’m just a little behind on my personal timetable in working on certain skills.  We just started working on plate training with the twins this week.  Until now, I have only given the twins their food on their highchair trays.  I just haven’t been ready to give them plates and deal with them throwing them on the floor and have one more thing to focus on during mealtimes.  It’s been a few days and I was reminded that, in most cases, it takes two things to train a baby/toddler in a new skill.

Three Days & Consistency
     The first three days in training a new skill are crucial and sticking with it after that can make or break the experience.  Those first three days really send a message that we’re starting something new here.  The resistance in the form of screaming, turning their head, hitting, or throwing things can feel so strong and tempt you to believe that this just isn’t working.  You try one time, two times, five times, ten times and more in just the first day and think they’re just not ready for this.  But, in most cases (not all), that three-day mark is significant. I noticed it today when I gave the twins their breakfast on plates and they did really well through the entire meal. Then I remembered this is day 3 and they made it through their entire breakfast without any intervention from me or even reminders.

     We have given them plates at every meal since we started which is always important.  Once I start focusing on something, I try, really try to not skip a beat with it though sometimes I’m not successful.  With plate training (do you like that new term?), it means I have to sit close to both of them very aware of what they’re doing the whole time they’re eating so if they start to pick up or throw the plates, I can stop them, hold down the plate, and give them a gentle reminder of the new expectation.  It can be a little draining for me which is why I am a little delayed on teaching them some things.  I have to be ready just as much as they have to be ready.  It’s a learning curve for them and it’s a new, persistent focus for me.
     I have to remember the three-day mark so many times because on day one and especially day two, when we are at the thousandth time of reminding and repeating a new skill, I am definitely tempted to give up.  And you know, there are times when that may be the right thing to do.  It may not be the time for the child or the parent to start something new and you just try again the next time, though it may not be ideal.  I think you get over a hump on day three, but the training definitely doesn’t stop there.  Consistency comes in and you have to keep at it.  It can be hard whether you’re plate training, sleep training, potty training (which Landis is so ready to do & I just haven’t gotten ready yet) or training to sleep in a big bed.  You just have to stay consistent and don’t get off track.  They’ll take any chance they can get when you turn your head.

What has been the hardest time in training your children?  What did you do or are you still doing to make it stick?   

(Three day training for babies and toddlers is not a new idea.  Several sources on potty training and sleep training include this concept.)

Waiting it Out When Toddlers Won’t Eat

October 7, 2011 By 1 Comment


     Look closely. That’s right. It’s broccoli in their hands and smiles on their faces. This was a big moment as just minutes before these pictures were taken, those sweet little faces were contorted into angry, screaming glaring faces. Lately there has been lots of screaming during mealtimes when they don’t see fruit or bread on their trays. I try to start with the veggies so they don’t completely neglect it and I know they are hungry. We usually hide any bread from the table until the 3 little ones have eaten some meat and veggies. I know they get it honest from their carb-addicted mother, but I’m really trying to feed them balanced meals. So, I ate my lunch right beside them pretending they weren’t screaming, waiting but not really sure they were ever going to eat the broccoli. And when babies are screaming, three minutes feels like thirty. So I don’t really know how long it was, but eventually Ellis took another look at it and decided to take a bite then Silas followed a few minutes later.
     I’ve always struggled with knowing when babies or toddlers really can comprehend the concept of having to do A before you get B. And while I know the twins don’t understand that language, I also know their screaming is very deliberate and I want it to change. We’re dealing with the same thing on a different level with our 2-year-old. I know she understands and I have previously seen her respond positively to the A before B instruction. And usually, once one of my children show comprehension, it translates into standards for behavior.
     Two nights ago, she was pretty angry about not getting any cornbread. We told her she had to eat a couple more bites and whoa did that fit commence. There was lots of screaming and screaming and kicking and screaming. Dee sent her to her “take a break” spot and she calmed down. She came back to the table and while I really didn’t expect her to eat a lot more, I was relieved the screaming was over. She asked to get in her chair and surprisingly, she happily ate 2 big bites of jambalaya. I gave her cornbread after doing a big cheer (and getting made fun of by my husband). She didn’t even touch it, but just kept eating jambalaya. It was shocking. She did eventually eat some of the cornbread, but the whole incident just confirmed to me how I need to stick to what I’m trying to enforce.  It really can work. It was also encouraging to me to read this article recently,“While you should provide three well-balanced meals each day, it is important to keep in mind that most younger children will only eat one or two full meals each day.”

1 Year???

August 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I know everyone says it when their children’s birthdays come,  but I can’t believe my babies are one!!!  I was talking to my twin mom friend, April, this morning and she was commenting how this is just as big of a day for me as it is for the babies.  I made it! The first year with a baby is always challenging, but it sure is a doozy with twins!  I want to use this space to share different things I do or get help about various topics to get through the day.  So today, the biggest thing that’s happening in my house to help me get through is feeding the last bottles!  I have prepared bottles practically every day for the last 2 years solid.  I have poured, measured, blended, heated, and shaken so. many. bottles.  When my second daughter finished with bottles, we handed them straight to the twins.  They were born and she turned one 7 days later.  With the twins, we started with 16 bottles a day and today we feed the last two.  It’s really an unbelievable thought to me.  



   I have rid our house of bottle warmers, dishwasher baskets, drying racks, cans of formula, and 24 bottles.  I had designated an entire shelf in one of my kitchen cabinets for all that gear. So when I cleaned it all out, I had to re-evaluate my cabinets.  What could I use that space for?  I had already purged so much when I was pregnant that I really didn’t need extra space for dishes, but my pantry had been feeling cramped.

Here’s how my pantry was organized:
Top shelf – storage: very high, so it’s space for things not used everyday
2nd shelf – breakfast: cereal, oatmeal, syrup, grits, muffin mixes, etc.
3rd shelf – cans: almost anything canned, beans, veggies, etc.
4th shelf – snacks: , chips, cookies, and my husband’s ever-growing collection of hot sauces (he totally wants to be the Sauce Boss!)
5th shelf – starches – pasta, potatoes, rice
6th shelf – baking: flour, sugar, oil, baking mixes, etc.
Floor – more storage: paper products, other random items
Pantry rack – medicine, spices, ziploc bags, foil, plastic wrap, etc.

Well the problem was those bottom two shelves.  My baking items always overflowed to another shelf and they were hard to get to.  And, to be honest, it always bugs me when I designate a space for something and it doesn’t fit there anymore.  The oil on the shelf with the rice bothered me!  (I do know there are bigger things in life.  Just being real.). :) .  So, the verdict was to move all the baking items to the newly available cabinet and separate the snacks completely from the sauces, including spaghetti sauce and other seasonings.  Anyway, I think I like it.  My baking items are also more accessible when I’m cooking, which is a plus.  Isn’t it true that we will always fill the space we have no matter how much stuff we have and no matter how big or small our space is?

Tomorrow

August 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 
I feel like I am entering the land of the living again.  My twin babies turn 1 tomorrow and I can’t believe it.  And they are not alone; I also have a daughter turning 2 next Friday (I know, I know) and a daughter who will be 5 in December.  The last couple months have been full of transition.  Now I’ve been in LOTS of transition for a long time, but these months feel different.  Maybe it’s because it’s what I’m currently in so I feel it stronger than I do about pastimes.  But maybe it really is different.  With two babies embarking upon that magical age of 1, we have been weaning off bottles (& getting rid of bottle gear), working on self-feeding and giving more table foods (which means less spoon feeding & puree foods),  been more flexible about morning naps (which means getting out more & for longer periods of time), and have been followed around by 2 very fast crawling babes (which also brings with it more self-entertainment and play).  These things are not just cute or sentimental to me.  I am not sad or teary about this new stage, though I LOVE infants!  I feel more free.  I feel like I think again.  I have more desires to do things out of the house with my kids.  I want to be involved in the community.  I have had more real thoughts that make sense in the last couple weeks than in a long time.  I’m thinking about reading a book.  I actually had about 20 minutes today where everything felt pretty much under control, the kids hadn’t finished eating lunch, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.
Friends and strangers alike comment all the time, “I don’t know how you do it.”  I usually reply with something like, “I don’t know either sometimes.” or “I just do what I have to do.” or “I just deal with it hour by hour.”  I don’t think people say that because I’m doing such a great job or because I look put together.  I think they are just alarmed at my triple stroller or the thought of managing my household all day.  I’m pretty alarmed at it sometimes too.  I have also heard a lot, over the past year, friends saying they can’t believe I have makeup on, my clothes or the kids’ clothes match, had people over for dinner, or ran errands with all four kids in tow.  Well, I’ve learned a lot about myself during this crazy, intense season, how social I am, how quickly I can have a breakdown, how short tempered I can be, how I thrive off of a plan and a schedule,  how much music and sunshine and fresh air affect me, what “me time” looks like, how certain chores undone can immediately make me feel overwhelmed, and I can do more than I thought I could.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...