Christmas Memories

I love CHRISTmas time!  I remember as a child being so excited to help my Mama decorate the yard with lights (white only because she didn't like the color ones).  I remember looking for a Christmas tree with my Dad along the river banks.  One year in particular sticks out because while trying to get a tree, my Dad stuck the saw down the back of his pants.  He squatted down behind the tree because he thought he heard someone coming and ripped his brand new Levis!  The same tree blew out of the boat on the ride home.  We found it in the road, crushed.  I cried so hard!  We ended up having a tree that was flat on one side up against the wall!  I also remember the joy of taking out the ornaments from the old and worn shoeboxes and placing them on the tree.  We always used homemade ornaments too, not the fancy ones.  I loved that!  I have so many great memories getting ready for Christmas!  I am trying to do the same for our three sweet boys.

Life is all about making memories.  The boys and I made salt dough ornaments one day.  Dillan and Daniel made a Santa and Rudolph from their handprints.  David wanted a baby Jesus (made this Mama proud) and a snowman.  They have each colored an ornament.  David was talking about D & D's scribbling so I showed him his ornament from when he was 2.  Yeah, it looked just like theirs!  He thought that was funny.  Walter (we conned him into it), David, and I put on the Christmas ornaments one night after the babies went to bed.  Maybe they can help next year.  Daniel has only broken 2 of them this year.  Yes, he's the destructive one!  David helped me wrap presents for everyone.  He was a big helper.  I cherish these time because I know they probably want last forever... although I hope they will.  We made snowmen out of powdered doughnuts for David's class party Tuesday night and then went to look at Christmas lights with my Mawmaw, Aunt ReRe, and Mom.  It was a fun night of laughter...mostly at my Mawmaw and the crazy things that happen to her.  The Quinn 5 went to look at lights one night too.  We really like the Christmas story in the neighborhood behind Smokin S BBQ.  All three kids SCREAM "Christmas lights" EVERY time they see some.  Scream and every are in caps for a reason! 
Christmas memories are in the making for the Quinn's.  I hope they are for you too. 

Thanksgiving Week

This week has been great so far! I am a busy body and have a hard time staying still.  I like to go, go, go and that is what we have done!

Saturday we participated in the Hope 4 Houston Run in Wetumpka.  This was our first experience with 5Ks.  We ARE NOT runners, but this was something we felt led to do... all of us.  David wanted to run to so he could earn miles for the 50 Mile Club at school.  We froze our rearends off, but had a great time. 

Sunday we traveled to Georgia.  I have always wanted to go to Callaway Gardens, but have never been.  Walter hasn't ever been either.  We went early so we could enjoy the trails and other things there.  I think our favorite was the Butterfly Garden.  David wanted to catch one of the butterflies so bad.  We enjoyed the outdoors.  Walter wants to go back another day so we can see everything.  That night we rode on the trolley to see the Christmas lights.  They were beautiful.  By the end of the ride, Daniel was ill and ready to sleep!

Monday we froze again and enjoyed the outdoors at my Dad's.  We walked around in the woods, had a leaf fight, threw rocks and sticks into the creek, and ate junk! 

Tuesday, it was a rainy, wet, cold mess so we stayed in.  I decided we would make ornaments thanks to Pinterest.  David and I mixed the dough and baked it.  David, Dillan, and Daniel made handprints.  We used a cookie cutter to make each one a dinosaur.  After we baked them and let them cool, they painted them.  That was fun until the babies started getting paint all over my floor... game over! 

Today, we left early and went to my Dad's work.  I wanted to take them again before he retires.  It was a good day.  We were taken on a fire truck ride down the runway.  At one end we squirted water out the front of the truck.  David was grinning ear to ear, Dillan was silent and staring, and Daniel had his mean luck shaking his head no!  The noise scared him a bit but he was a trooper.  We went to the other end of the runway and waited on the F-16s to taxi down.  This was the coolest thing!  We saw how the crew works!  The pilot kept waving at us and the kids waved back.  One of them gave us the thumbs up when he left.  Daniel told each plane bye as it left.  It was a great learning experience and great memory.  I know my Dad was happy and so were we. 

Tomorrow we will eat as a family at my Mom's house and be thankful for all we have and do.  I can't wait!

A Ninja and 2 Train Engineers

I love this time of year!  Kids have so much fun... and so do I.  This year David decided he wanted to be a Ninja, and he made a cool looking ninja too.  Daniel and Dillan were cute little train engineers.  The first time they dressed up, we went to our old church to a Trunk or Treat.  We enjoyed seeing our friends that we haven't seen in a while and the kids had a good time.  We walked around the field and played games, got candy, let the kids pet goats, and rode on a hay ride.  It was a pretty wild and bumpy hay ride!!!  Haha!  Dillan and Daniel didn't want to wear their hats at first, but I told them they had to wear them to get candy... so they did! 

On Halloween night we went trick or treating.  We like the more traditional approach to Halloween.  We don't see anything wrong with trick or treating.  My Mom, Dad, Amber, Daniel, Preston, Walter, me, and the kids went to River Oaks neighborhood.  Lots of candy was collected, fun had, and memories made. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Pawpaw took David on another journey Saturday.  A day trip to Atlanta Motor Speedway to watch the Busch series.  He used to take me to races when I was a child too.  I actually wanted to be a race car driver when I grew up.  Walter says I just practice on the road now. 

Anyway, he enjoyed his trip.  He got to go up and wave the green and white flags during time trials!  How cool is that?  Lucky little fellow.  His car of choice came in 2nd place.  Thankful that he has grandparents (all 4 of them) who spend time with him.

^This is the car he waved the flags for.

They Keep Each Other Occupied

In the last two years I have learned people have many misconceptions about having twins.  I hear comments from friends, family, and random people.  The most common remark is "They (Dillan and Daniel) can keep each other company."  This may happen for some, but this is not the case in the Quinn household.  If they are playing together, they are usually fussing over a toy or a blanket.  They are individuals and like different things... including things to play with.  They also argue over my attention.  Don't think they are going to sit in my lap at the same time.  Not a chance.  That would be way too easy.  They want one on one attention, not shared.  Don't get me wrong, they do sometimes laugh and play at each other, but not a whole lot. 

We also hear "I'm glad it's you, not me." Although I want to say "I'm glad too because obviously you are too weak to handle it" I keep my thoughts to myself.  Surprising, I know.  Instead I just smile.  I know God won't give me more than I can handle.  We have had to remind ourselves of this when times are tough or they are screaming and won't stop. 

 "You have your hands full" is another one that sticks out.  Do you think they offer to open a door or help in any way?  NO!  They are busy telling me how full my hands are as if I don't know.  But don't worry, I like having my hands full.  It keeps me busy.

The one that sticks out the most, "I'd shoot myself."  I know, I know, people don't think before they speak.   If they only knew how badly we wanted all three of our children, they wouldn't say anything.  When I got this dumb remark I had to speak up.  With both babies (at the time) screaming and David standing there, I looked at her with one of my looks and said, "No ma'am, no shooting here.  We are very blessed.  Then I turned away.  She got out of the line and went to a new one.  I think she knew she had said the wrong comment.

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked "Are they fraternal or identical?" I would be rich!  I think it's the only question people know to ask.  I think I used to ask this question of other twins too.  But as I look at Daniel and Dillan, I don't see how they could be identical.  One has blue eyes and the other has brown.  One has lighter, curly hair and the other has straight brown hair.  One has light skin and the other dark.  They have about 4 pounds and an inch difference in them.  I just don't see it!  It gets even better when they tell me they know someone with identical boy/girl twins!  Not possible people!  They have different parts! 

Last, but not least, I love when people tell me about all the twins they know.  For example, "My Daddy's brother's cousin-in-law has twins."  How do you respond to that?  "Oh, really?  Cool." That's all I know to say. 

I say all of this, not to complain, but to share the humor I find in other people.  I hope you can laugh at them with me! 

My 2nd Grader Left Me

Our alarm clocks (Dillan and Daniel) woke us up 2 minutes before the real alarm clock went off Monday.  We woke up to a 2nd grader.  A very bright and caring 2nd grader who loves science and his family.

This Mama doesn't do mornings, so he got a choice of cereal or blueberry pancakes... not the homemade kind!  He chose the pancakes.  We had his clothes out and he did a great job of getting ready and brushing his teeth.  We were all actually ready ahead of time.  What's the chances of that happening? 

After taking some first day photos we took the babies (yes, I still call them babies) to Erica's house.  We made it to school just in time for me to go to morning duty.  I explained to David I would be in the lunchroom until 7:30 when the bell rings and then I would come and walk him to his room.  He said okay.  Well,  came and I went to get him form the Library.  Only he and his backpack were gone!  Surely he didn't walk down by himself.  I walked to Ms. Preskitt's room and guess who was standing there looking for "his number?"  Yep, that handsome fellow of mine.  He had walked himself to second grade all alone!  I asked him why he didn't wait and he said he did, I just didn't ever come.  He must have waited all of 34 seconds! 

He loved his day with Ms. Preskitt and the pet alligator, Iggy.  This morning he told me he thought he was the unluckiest boy in the world, but he's not because he likes his 2nd grade teacher!  Love that kid and his deep thinking.  This Mommy is happy my boy is enjoying 2nd grade.  Very thankful for a creative and fun teacher!  Click the link to see what he has been doing at school: David's Class Blog 
 
 

3rd Day of 2nd Grade

2 Years Have Flown By

A little over 2 years ago, life was a bit scary and chaotic for this family of three.  We were wondering how long our sweet peas would "stay in the oven to cook."  People all over were in prayer for us and we knew God was with us. 

Fast forward 2 years, and here we are.  Past the crazy delivery (1 vaginal...sorry don't know how else to put it... and 1 C-section), NICU time for Daniel, waking every 3 hours to attempt to force 2 babies to eat, burping, smelling like vomit due to all the spit-up, formula, etc.  We have 2 more healthy boys to love on.  Two more children to share our groceries lives with. 

Yesterday, we celebrated by having some friends and family over for a sprinkler birthday party.  It was a full house here at the Quinn resident. We are so blessed to have so many supporters, friends, and encouragers around us. 

The boys did an awesome job of blowing out the candles.  It somehow worked out perfectly.  We had a number 2 candle and 2 other candles on the Cat in the Hat cake.  We sang Happy Birthday and I put the cake up to Daniel to let him blow.  He blew out 2 candles which still left one for Dillan.  :)  We didn't have to relight the candles!  They loved the cake that my BFF, Natasha, made and then enjoyed some other foods.  Dillan opened the presents a LITTLE bit, but Daniel had NO interest.  He grabbed a car and was ready to wonder off. 

Dillan greeted us at our bed at 2:28 this morning.  He was excited about his birthday... yeah right!  I had to carry him back to his own bed.  When they did wake up for good, we had cinnamon rolls with candles for them.  Dillan blew his out, but Daniel just stared this go round. 

Someone tried to eat cake before it was time... PRESTON!  Hehe!



After church we went to Zaxby's to eat.  There were NO tables so we got our food to go and ate at my mom's house.  Again, they had a candle to blow out.  How many candles can 2 year olds possibly blow out?!?!  Anyway, Happy Birthday to Dillan and Daniel who brighten up our days. 

Check-ups for Three

Monday all three children had check-ups.  7 years for David that we postponed and 2 years for Dillan and Daniel.  My Dad went with me to help with crowd kid control.  All three of them were on it!  Wild!

They were weighed and measured. That was a lot of fun in the tiny room. 

David weighed 62 pounds and was 4 feet 2.5 inches tall.  He is in the 75th percentile for both.  If this continues he will be about 6 feet tall as an adult. 

Dillan weighed 32 pounds, was 34 inches tall, and had a head circumference of 19.5 inches.  He is in the 75th percentile for weight, 50th for height, and  80th percentile for head. 

 


Daniel weighed 28 pounds, was 34 inches tall, and had a head circumference of 19 3/4 inches. He is in the 50th percentile for height and weight and the 95th percentile for head circumference!  Bahahaha! Is it bad to laugh at your own child?  He is so cute with his big little head. 

Tuesday Walter and I took Dillan to his first appointment in Birmingham with the Orthopedic Specialist.  Dr. Carlile and us have been concerned about Dillan's legs turning out, his second toe going on top of his big toe, and walking on his tippy toes.  First of all, who knew St. Vincent's Hospital was so BIG?!  It was harder to get around than Children's Hospital!  We were supposed to park in Parking Lot 1 and go to Building 1.  Well we parked in Parking Deck 3, walked through building 3, the hospital, building 2, and finally made it to building 1.  Then we couldn't find the office and ended up in the Lobby near Pre-Op and got pointed in the right direction. 

Dr. Killian's office took x-rays of Dillan's legs and feet.  Shortly after, Dr. Killian came in and told us he wasn't worried about the legs turning out (he should grow out of it) or his toes (hereditary thanks to my Dad I hear).  Walking on his toes is a problem.  He pointed out Dillan is double jointed in most of his joints but his tendon in his heel is tight.  So tight is feet will barely go to a 90 degree angle.  We will do physical therapy to try to stretch it out.  Hopefully we caught it early enough to not have to do other things to fix them. 

All in all, great appointments for the Quinn boys!  Eating at The Cheesecake Factory wasn't so bad either!  AND it was So EASY going out to eat with only 1 child!  Who knew???

Toddler Bed for One

Well, there are two things I have dreaded for,a loooooong time.  One is potty training two kids boys at once.  The other is putting them in a toddler bed.  You see, there was never enough time or hands to rock these two.  Therefor, bed and nap time was so easy.  We would lay them down and they would go to sleep.  Bam, that easy!

 

Well, due to one baby (Dillan) with chunky legs getting stuck in the crib, we were forced to put up the toddler bed.  One day the kids and I were here.  We were going to leave for the beach that afternoon.  They went down for a nap.  About 30 minutes later I heard a scream which is unusual.  I ran into the room and Dillan's legs were stuck between the slats.  I tried to pull them out.  Then push. No luck.  David had come in by this time and Daniel's sleepy eyes were peeking over watching.  I tried to push the mattress away.  Still didn't work.  Then I tried to pull the slats apart enough to get him out.  Finally, I just started jerking the slats.  I broke one and one leg was out.  Then I broke another.  Soooooo the crib was no longer useable.  We actually burned it int he burn pile tonight.

Anyway, we left for the beach and Walter went to get David's toddler bed.  Since he couldn't find the screws (he looked real hard) I attempted to put it together.  Walter helped me finish later when he got home.  Dillan was scared to sleep I. It the first night.  He cried, but I assured him it was okay and he was a big boy.  Daniel just looked at it for a while and then went to sleep.  As time has gone on, Dillan is more used to the bed.  He now gets up and plays with Daniel, walks around, gets shoes out.  So now I stand post at the bird and rush in when I hear him get up.  The look on his face its priceless every time.  Like he is surprised.  Now I dread getting Daniel a bed.  Two against one.

Notice the bite marks on the bed from David.   

Little Firefighters

Pawpaw has such a cool work place!  He is the Assistant Fire Chief at Dannelly Field in Montgomery.  When we go visit we get to see all the fire trucks, airplanes, and play pool.  Well, David plays pool, not me.  I wanted to take all the kids for a visit since my Dad will retire in less than a year.  It was a lot different taking 3 mobile children instead of 1. 

We started out by the runway waiting on the F-16s to take flight.  While we waited we saw some commercial airplanes and an old military plane take off.  One of the fire trucks was out setting the cable for the F-16s.  When they rode by they turned on the sirens and lights for the boys.  The pilots waved at the boys as they taxied by.  That's always pretty cool.  The F-16s finally zoomed by for take off!  The noise is sooooo loud! 

We walked up to play on the fire trucks.  Daniel and Dillan wanted to flip every switch so Dad and I were busy trying to keep them away from the switches!  David wanted to get on top of the trucks.  Of course, we let him go with one of us.  He got on all of them except for one.  Of course, my Dad felt guilty for him not getting on the #6 truck.  I pick on him about being a softy with the grands!  :)

Things got a little trickier when we went inside for David to play on the pool table.  That didn't last long.  After chasing them around to keep them out of everything and making a mess with their snack, it was time to go back outside... or better yet HOME!