NO REST FOR THE WEARY

Well Grandma Ruthie is a hot commodity in our house. Everyone wants a piece of her. She is a trooper. Here the kids are mauling her and she apparently is enjoying it. You would think after having the kids for 4 long days (the boys are wild) that she would say please give me a break. Well I guess this is resting Grandma style....I mean she is lying down!

HOME SWEET HOME

John and I are home after an exciting get a way to San Franciso where we chatted with the rich and famous, went to jail and fed the homeless. My parents took fantastic care of the kids and even took some pictures.

Friday morning when we were taking off we were in line directly behind Reggie Miller. John thought that was pretty great. So today when we are on our way back to Houston we are standing in the Elite check in line (flying with John has perks) and there was a couple with two little kids. The little girl announces to me that she is 4 and a half, I say no you aren't that old are you? Her mom who is quite tall and thin turns to me and says shes 4 and change. So we start chatting with them about the joys of travelling with kids. John says to me later I think that guy is an actor, I agree that his voice sounded familiar. We look at their check in screen and it says Edward Burns. I think I have no idea who that is. John then says, his wife looks like an actress too. I say no, I don't think so. I have never seen her, she doesn't look familiar at all. So we decide to rely on a life line. I call a friend. I initially couldn't choose between my TV guru brother in law Andy or avid US Weekly reader Erin. In the end I choose my lovely friend Erin. She immediately knows who is his and then tells me that his wife is Christy Turlington, famous covergirl supermodel. Ladies, I want you to know that make up and airbrushing really is fantastic because I never would have guessed!!!

Sea Lions at Pier 39

In San Francisco we toured Alcatrez. So here are some photos of us in Jail.

You are probably curious about our act of kindness, Feeding the homeless. This was all John's good deeds. Sunday we had walked and walked and saw all these great sights, FULL HOUSE does have a park in front of their house, the city is all up hill and down hill and was doing a number on my shins. So we take the cable car and it takes FOREVER so now we are late for our Alcatrez tour so we get off and run at least 10 city blocks. Meanwhile this whole time it has been cold, windy and rainy so I AM COLD, chilled to the bone. At dinner John asks me if I want dessert, I say no lets get something later. So we are walking through the city looking for a rain coat for Ella and I have just had it, I am totatlly spent. We decide to get something to eat. I order a TRIPLE CHOCOLATE cupcake and a hot tea. I am so excited my mouth is watering I can barely stand it and John says since the place was really busy we will get it to go. So I carry my hot tea all the way back to our Hotel. I am just cold, tired achy and the only thing keeping me going is knowing that I can sit down and eat my chocolate treat. On a side note, there a lot of homeless people asking us all the way back to the hotel for money. I keep saying oh, no sorry.... and John walks by them completely ignoring them while I am saying sorry. So just as I am opeing the hotel door breathing a sigh of relief this homeless man says to John, I need some money and John stops looks at the man and says - YOU CAN HAVE THIS!!!! I about died. My delight had been stolen from me. My mom says John will get an extra reward in heaven, I say its lucky he's not there now!!! Anyways, thats John sweet and full of surprises....

Oh and in case you are going to San Francisco and you have a car, bring CASH. Compared to New York no big deal, actually probably a good deal but in Houston, thats pricey!!! Its $49 to park a day.... I had to get a picture of the sign!

MONDAY

Every morning when the Jack and Christopher wake up (Ella has already been awake for quite some time) we turn on a show for a few minutes to help them adjust while I get their milk and breakfast ready. They don't often wake up well so they love to snuggle up on the couch with Ella and John and watch CARS. The boys love it. Anything with a car or truck they go crazy for. So here is a picture of a typical morning snuggle fest. Ella thinks its fantastic. She loves when they hug and kiss her. Well really, I mean who wouldn't want two cute boys fighting over cuddling you?????

Here she is - our princessWe had a playdate with Katie today and had lots of fun. The girls mostly played baby dolls and tea party but we also squeezed in some rough outdoor play too. You'll notice Jack is in the bounce house, YEAH he has finally warmed up to it. Christopher was spending his time trying to unplug it. The boys think its funny to deflate it. Ella and I - ummm not so much, since we are normally in it.

BUCKET LIST

Johns parents sent the kids a Valentines package. Ella thought it was terrific. She loves to get mail. Everyday of the week she asks me if we can check the mail. It is a date for her and John and its always so cute to see her running in the house with a junk mail flyer that John has given her. She thinks its so great.

A package with candy, stickers and tattoo's, what could be better????

Here are some tattoos. She wasn't sure what they were at first and was taping them to paper. She thought the stickers were broken. Once I showed her what you did with them, well lets just be glad there weren't more of them.

Here we are - a rare picture of mom and Ella.

Tonight we went and saw the movie Bucket List. Two guys find out they only have 6 months to live and they create list of things they want to do before they kick the bucket... Hence the name Bucket List. This goes along nicely with our sermon series One month to Live. Well on the way home I was trying to think of all the things I would want to do. My list was surprising small and difficult to conjure up. I guess I already have it. My family fills my bucket. On that note I do have to say I feel horrible, last week John was sick and I was totally unconsoling. I have little patience when he isn't well. So I guess being kind to ill people should make the list. Good now I have 3 things on it...

Speaking of John, he always makes me laugh. His sister rolls her eyes at his sense of humor, but I love it. He is really very funny. I cannot retype his story, it doesn't sound as good, but next time I see you all in person I will recall the story of the Apostles... Laugh out loud funny, suppose to be good medicine but seems to be putting more wrinkles on my face...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

I woke up this morning feeling kind of sad that I wasn't able to do any grand plans. Since Ella has been sick my life has come to a stand still and I haven't been able to plan or shop for a Valentines Surprise. BUT, thats ok since John more than made up for my shortcomings, as he normally does. I got red roses and a trip to San Francisco. Thats right folks he asked my parents to babysit the kids and he planned a trip all by himself. Impressed I am!!! Next friday is Valentines Day take 2... We are off for a long weekend. I am so excited.
Ella is starting to improve and is not sleeping quite as much and fever is gone, HALLELUJAH!!!
Ella and I made some rice krispy treats and the boys devoured them. All in all it was a great day. The kids played really well at home and John came home early and Christopher ate a fanatastic dinner. He eats like you wouldn't believe. Maybe its because Ella is almost 4 and only 29 lbs and Jack eats hardly anything that I am so amazed. I really do believe he eats a lot but I would have to see him against another one of his peers to truly evaluate. Its a great thing. I love his appetite, I never have to worry about him getting his nutrition.

The ZOO

Another successful trip to the Zoo. This actually was one of our best. The boys are at an age now where they really enjoy the animals and the exhibits. Good thing we have a seasons pass since we go there lots and now that they really like it, we will be there more until the Texas heat comes. A pretty picture, Ella and the little boys looking at fish. I can't believe that when Shelley, Linda and I get together now we have 7 kids. Its so fun.

2 week old baby giraffe. Jack and Christopher have mastered the word Giraffe, so this was a highlight for them to see.

Christopher climbing through a tunnel. He loves to get right in the middle of things. Jack always stands off to the side or I hold him the majority of the time. Its amazing how different they are.

Ella and katalina playing Peek a boo!

Jack wanted nothing to do with the goats. I held him and we watched Christopher literally chase them around. The goats were a little frisky so we didn't stay with them long.

A picture of sweet Jack. He loves dirt. Here he is having fun. He had found himself a stick. Its fun having boys. They are so different than girls. I don't recall Ella looking for the perfect stick to wack the tree with at this age.

THE FLU

Well its official, the nose swab came back positive. Miss Ella Grace has INFLUENZA. Yikes she is sick. Well actually it's kind of strange she is sooooo sick that she has been in bed and hasn't required anything. I guess that's the difference between feeling terrible and being really sick. When your sick you want everyone to leave you alone so you can sleep. Thats her. Jack and Christopher have been jumping on her bed and she just sleeps through them. She is on Tamiflu and so are we as a preventative so the boys don't get it.
I will update the zoo pictures soon, but other than that looks like its going to be a quiet couple days around here.

BLOG BLAST

Here is a blog blast. I am blasting you with lots of photos. This weekend we went to Kim and Jades, the kids painted outside at our house, Ella celebrated Chinese New Year and she also got a new table and chairs for tea parties in her room. Today we went to the zoo. John has been sick so we have been trying to stay out of his hair so he can rest. I will update pictures from the zoo tomorrow, I have to care for my ailing husband tonight... Ella has a fever so we will see if she has a no school day tomorrow. Its an authentic fever - no way she put the thermometer to the light bulb although if she thought she could she would to get out of school. A couple more years before that trick hopefully!

Here comes the blast...

I brought brownies (a milk free dessert) and sprinkles so the girls could decorate. They had lots of fun and the boys that it was fantastic to eat artistic treats.

A little dancing!

Pajama Party

It's only February right???

Nice and warm in these Texas parts.

The boys thoroughly enjoyed painting. Jack liked the taste of it as well. It seemed like every two seconds we were saying Jack, stop eating the paint!

It was Chinese New Year so Jennifer wanted us to participate in their traditions. If a child takes oranges to you then they recieve a red envelope with money and well wishes. Ella has her oranges all ready, she was so excited to wish the Bundred-Low family HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We took Jennifer to Hobby Lobby with us and Ella got a table and chairs for her room. The management heard her complaint of the brothers ruining her tea party and took action. This way she can have a tea party off the floor without the JACK ATTACK. Now the only problem is there are only 2 chairs. Another complaint. Rest assured that management is consulting together to take appropriate measures.

Typical dinner time at our house. Lots of fun and mess! You will notice the monkey see monkey do scenario that is so common with twins.

Cadence's Party

This is the week of birthay parties. We went to Pump it Up on Thursday night for Cadence's 5th party. Mandy watched the boys while Ella, Tyler, Erin and I went together for some big kid time. Lots of fun.

Ella loves playing with Katrina, here they go Ella being the BIG girl helping her LITTLE friend.

Some tired out Moms. We were both hot and tired after going down the slide and bouncing the night away. The best part is we get to do it again in 12 hours. YEAH!

DYLAN'S PARTY

Today we went to Pump it Up (an inflatable party place) for Dylan's 5th party. Ella and Christopher had a fantastic time, Jack not quite as much but all in all a great time. Here is some pictures of the 3 kiddo's...

CLEAN HOUSE

The cd skips so try and tune out the music and just watch the kids have fun. Christopher points to the CD player when the music skips. Here they are a typical day before bed. Today was a fantastic day at our house. WE GOT A CLEANING LADY. Actually a couple ladies. I love it, I almost fed the kids outside since I didn't want to mess up anything. Never going back... Well as long as John pays for it I guess.

PLEDGE

Today we are in the sandbox and Ella is making a castle. On the top of the castle she puts a flag (leaf) and Jack promptly walks over and removes it. She was furious and yelled JACK, thats our liberty and justice for all. I stopped in my tracks and said Ella, do you know the pledge of Allegience and she said yes and indulged me. Here she goes...

We are so proud of our not fully American child. The funny thing is that she can also pledge to the TEXAN flag - now thats brilliant!

John asks me "I wonder if American parents would be even more proud?" Doubt it, she's awesome.

SWINGS

Our play structure was one of our best purchases. The kids use it everyday and absolutely love the swings. This is a cute moment of Christopher giving Jack a push - in a nice way...

Twins are cute, everyone needs a set!

GROUNDHOG DAY

I have heard that when you are raising preschoolers it can feel like you are building sand castles. You work so hard and then everything gets washed away day after day. I have to agree, but I think it's more like Groundhog Day for me. Everyday can seem the same, diapers, laundry, walks to the park, temper tantrums and silly faces covered in pudding. Today at church we were reminded to live passionately and it is in these everyday same old moments that good memories are made. It is how I spend these everydays with my kids that will shape them into who they will be.
Here is a song that hopefully will show you how time goes by and its important to spend quality time with those you love.
I know its gushy. I hope you like it.

CINDERELLA