Over the river and through the woods a bicyclin' we did go....

The babies watching their Papa get the bikes ready...

Over the river...



Through the woods...

and back to our home we go.... (we wish we could go to grandmother's house:)


Here's to lots of time outdoors this spring, Jen

Passion.

So, we went to the Earth Day celebration at Liberty Park again this year. It was fun and interesting and....disappointing. See, for a while now I have been reading a lot about Rudolf Steiner and his philosophy on educating the whole child using their heads, hands, and hearts. I have so enjoyed the books that I have read and really have been inspired by a lot (not all) of his ideas--especially of his teachings about simplicity of toys, time in nature, rhythm in our days, creativity, freedom to play, and on and on.

Let me back up and say that the other day I read a quote that said something like, "One cannot be happy until they are passionate about something." When I read that it really resonated with me. I feel like my spirit has indeed been much happier since the babes came and my passion for mothering and children has two outlets!

Okay, back to Waldorf philosophy. When I do find something that I connect with dealing with motherhood I can be pretty, well, obsessive about it. I try not to be, but I just hunger to know more about it. So, for the past few years Joel has had to listen to lots and lots about natural birthing, attachment parenting, educating and nurturing children, Montessori, Waldorf, slings, cloth diapers, organic foods, simplicity in our lifestyle, toys that nurture creativity, and on and on and on. I am passionate about these things.

So, you can imagine my excitement when we were walking around the booths at the Earth Day celebration and I happened upon the local Waldorf school booth. First of all, it was shabby. Waldorf schools really focus on soothing , beautiful colors and play things and I didn't see that represented at all. Then, there was a man there talking to the parent representative and he asked her, "So, tell me what is different about your school than any of the other schools in town." What a fun question! One that I would love to answer and I don't even have a child at the school! The mom hemmed and hawwed and then said something like, "Well, creativity is focused on." What?! There is so much more to it than that. I walked away, disappointed.

So, yesterday on my way to church I was thinking about the experience and I thought, "Now Jenny, there are lots of things you aren't passionate about so don't get on a high horse!" But then I thought, "No, the thing that was disappointing was that she was representing something and you should be passionate about something you are representing, shouldn't you?" I had a similar experience in a store a few weeks ago when I was more passionate about the product than the sales person and I guess I am just getting tired of this!

So, I got to church and was so happy to be there (my church visits have been extremely sporadic since the babes have been unable to go) and I was standing there singing my heart out about and all of the sudden I had a little epiphany about passion in my life. I thought, " If I, calling myself a Christian, claim to be a representative of Christ and His message of love and hope and forgiveness, had someone come to me eager to learn about this Saviour--would they find passion? If they were to ask me about cloth diapering and then about Jesus (just pretend with me folks)--which would I be more eager to tell them about? The Giver of Life or Fuzzi Bunz pocket diapers? The Healer of wounds or Waldorf dolls? The Forgiver of sin or BPA free sippy cups? I know it sounds silly, but I am really serious! Sadly, I spend much, much more time reading about all things mothering and natural living than I do about Christ and His message and love and truth.

It was an epiphany that went straight to my heart. I'm not saying that being passionate about all of those other things isn't a good thing. Indeed, I feel like God has given me the gifts of Sam and Amelia to nurture to the best of my ability and has given me this passion. It's just that the ultimate joy in my heart can only be fulfilled with a passion for Him--a true understanding of His love and sacrifice for us.

Happiness? Give me wooden toys and Maya wraps and books about nurturing children all day long. Joy? Well, standing there in that little green building surrounded by fellow seekers of Christ reminded me that only through a knowledge and love of Him who created me can I find true joy. It was a good reminder. It was a convicting reminder. Hopefully, one that will spur on growth in this mama's life.

Here's to little and big epiphanies in our days, Jen

I like to talk to people.

Most of you know this. However, before the babes I really didn't care too much about talking to people in public. I mean perfect strangers. There was the occasional exception, but for the most part I liked the people in line with me to wait quietly and the people shopping around me to just shop, etc. This is no longer the case. Having twins causes people to talk to me in public. A lot. I know I have written about this before but I thought that by now I would be sick of it. Nope, just the opposite. I love it! I think this is because of a few things. One, we have had to stay in a lot and so when I get out I am more than ready for a little conversation--even if it is the same one over and over and over again. Two, being a stay at home mama can be a bit isolating and so connection is craved--even from those who are not in our every day circle. Three, I like hearing people's stories.

Take our walk this afternoon for instance. Just a little walk to Whole Foods for some peas and Veggie Booty (which the babes are in love with:)--and I learned this about three people--

1. A girl about my age has three year old twins. She and her husband are trying to have another babe and just today she had her ultrasound to see if the injectables she is taking were successful. They weren't. We had a great talk and I got to tell her that I would be praying for them and I really will.

2. A man in line in front of me has 22 year old boy/girl twins. He asked all kinds of great questions and we had a great conversation about breast feeding/natural birth/ VBACS/ challenges of twins/ prematurity etc. I was so encouraged that his wife went on to have three vaginal births after her vaginal/Csection twin birth!

3. The lady behind me in line has 39 year old identical twin girls. She was getting dinner to take to one of the girls as she had had her first IVF treatment today and was feeling pretty low. My heart just broke for her and the mom was so sweet and encouraging about having twins. She walked away saying, "Cherish every day with those precious ones. Cherish every day."

See what I mean?! People get deep fast. It's like a magic button or something.

I do have to say that the other day I went to the library with just Amelia snuggled next to me in her sling and that was really special too. Really special and really EASY (sorry moms that have one baby--I know it isn't always easy.) Anywho, it is so rare that I get time with one baby at a time and I really did love it.

But--since two it is-- I hope that I keep enjoying the perk of extra conversations and getting to see inside of people for even a minute or two. I know some days I will be tired or in a hurry and just want people to leave us alone--but today it made a fun walk with my babies even more fun and for that I'm thankful. Hope you had a good one too, Jen

"To You
STRANGER!
if you, passing, meet me, and desire to speak to me,
why should you not speak to me?
And why should I not speak to you? "-Walt Whitman

A slideshow for you of the latest...


It's a big world baby...

Off to eat some Ramen and veggies...mmmmm. Jen

See you soon friends....

It was really so loverly having Tara and Echo here. It was so nice to have a companion during the days to chat with and bounce ideas off of and take walks with and talk to about all things mothering. I will really miss that. I know they were ready to get back to their Johnney Mike and I know he was ready for them to be back so I willingly sent them on their way this morning. Still, I'll miss my little rolly polly niece. Her soft skin and sweet smiles and quiet and calm little spirit. We will see you soon you sweet girlies, Jen

Here are some of the latest...
Amelia in her dress that Anne made her for her birthday--we love it!!!!!

Tara and Echo in the sunny backyard.

Amelia deciding whether or not to eat the pine cone...she almost always decides that it is a good idea--yucky:)

Sammy, well, eating his shoe.

His whole face smiles.

Sam continues to make us laugh with his new found dancer within. At the most random times he'll just start groovin' with his whole body and we all just crack up. He also loves to shake these jingle bell sticks...we think maybe he is a budding musician:) We try not to put the babes in any boxes or say ,"Oh Amelia/Sam is going to be so this or that" ,but it is undeniable that their little personalities were evident from day one and haven't changed much at all. So, last night I was reading a book called " You are your child's first teacher" during our reading hour after the babies were asleep. I have loved it when Tara and Joel and I are all reading about different things and pipe up about something interesting or worthy of note from our respective books. Last night Tara and I were both reading about Waldorf philosophy and Joelie was reading about...hmmm...a medical non-fiction novel I think. Anyhow, I was reading about why Rudolf Steiner believed children could be so different from one another. He described four main temperaments and we just couldn't believe when I read this one. It started with, "This is a child who is very dreamy and likes to sit. Sometimes movement seems like too much effort for this type of child. These children are very concerned with the comfort of their bodies , and their favorite part of the day is often snack time. " This is completely, 100% Sam. What about Amelia, you ask? Let's just say the description of the temperament we thought was most like hers ended with the sentence, " Well known examples of this fiery temperament would be Napoleon or Teddy Roosevelt:)
Oh, these precious babes. I tell you, my love for them just grows and grows. Jen

Last 1st birthday post. Probably:)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

"Every party must have balloons..."

This was said as I was frantically blowing them up 5 minutes before the party was set to begin. I had taken no shower, I was not dressed. But balloons trump all of that. They are just so festive. Joelie, realizing my determination level and how important it must be, jumped in and got the job done much faster than I ever could have. By 10:30 am, the porch was lined with red balloons. The porch was lined with red balloons, the babies were freshly dressed and in top form after just awakening from their nap, but no guests were arriving. "Nobody is coming. Nobody is coming to the first birthday party. We were so careful and had to not invite many of our good friends because we still have to limit the babes exposure to groups, and we couldn't invite those with older children that might touch the babies with their germs.....and now the little group that we did invite isn't coming!" These were my silly thoughts. They came, we all had a great time, the babies had a great time and all was well with the world. Here is a little glimpse into the decorations...

The fabulous birthday banner above was made by their Auntie Tara. I love it and can't wait to get it out for every birthday party at the Hunt abode:)She also made their birthday crowns below. How wonderful are they?! Another treasure that will be worn again and again.


The cakes are surrounded by the babies Birthday Rings, which is a Waldorf tradition we'll be adopting for our little ones. You can read about it here ( though we are doing it a bit different). Being outdoors was such a theme of their first year and so the first decorations for their birthday rings were symbols of that. The freedom that nature has brought the babes and I has been tremendous. When the babes were sooo tiny and fragile and not ready to go out into the world when they first came home, the front porch swing was where we camped out. The loved the fresh air and the noises and I loved it too. Even when it was snowy and very,very cold the change of scenery that the outdoors brought on our walks was so welcome and needed. When we couldn't go to others' houses or to stores,etc. because of RSV, their was always our daily walk to look forward to. Now that it is Spring and the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining again, seeing the babies in the backyard on a blanket just makes it feel like all is right again. So, when I asked my mama to make a poster for the party and told her that my "theme" was going to be something like an enchanted garden, she drew this...

It couldn't have been more perfect. She chose the verse , "Jeremiah 29:11-- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." How evident that has already been in Sam and Amelia's life!


Of course their favorite part of opening the gifts was the tissue paper, but be assured that new toys are being played with and books are being read and clothes will be worn:) We loved all of the sweet cards and they are still on display. More pictures of the birthday babes soon! Jen

The Zoo.

It was fun. It was really our first time to DO an activity together as a family (other than hiking when they were wee babes) and that was the best thing about it. They liked watching these itty bitty squirrels run back and forth in front of them, but other than that I think watching the people around them was far more interesting to them:) I tell you though, Joelie and I loved seeing them get excited over those little squirrels. I can't even imagine when they can ooh and ahh and squeal over everything! Sam was most excited over the pretzel snack on our way out. He couldn't even wait until we got to the table and just leaned over in my arms and started sucking on it:) Silly Sam. Anyway, that was the zoo. The party today was so wonderful. I'll get those pictures up soon.




Going to rest these weary eyes, Jenny

Birthday letters from their Papa...

Dear Sammy,

Buddy, you bring me so much joy. Do you know that? Do you know all you have to do is sit there and play with your toy or gaze out the window at the passing shadows or lie on the floor and kick your feet and you bring immense happiness? I am so thankful for you and love you more than I know how to tell you. You have so many amazing qualities about you. You love people. You are now 1 years old and it is evident that you love people. That is a quality that I pray you hold on to. You smile with your eyes and face and entire body. You are content. You love your sister. You love to see me when I come home as if I just saved all humanity from the brink of disaster. You make me feel like a hero, and for doing nothing more than walking through the door. You Love your mom. You love food. You’re getting so good at grabbing food and putting it in your mouth, something I’m good at too. Probably got those skills from me. Sam, you love bath time more than anyone I have ever known. You bring more joy than you can ever imagine to our hearts.

I love you so much Sammy,
Dad



‘Melia,

My beautiful baby girl. There is something about a daughter that sends a dad straight into the clouds. You are wonderful. Your energy is contagious and real. Your curiosity is ceaseless; unquenchable. You always want to know. You always want to be with people. You are suspicious of people until you feel comfortable with them, don’t ever lose that. You are full of passion and emotion and gusto. You are endearing. You love your momma so much. You make me feel so important when I come home, like I should be reporting something to the flashing cameras. I would tell them that you are beautiful and funny and absolutely wonderful. Did you know I love you so much? I love you and can’t wait to get home each day to be able to hold and kiss my beautiful little baby girl. Did you know you rip my heart out each time you crawl straight for me when I walk through the door or I leave the room and you start in with your whimpering and crying (even if it is fake)? Amelia, you are pure joy.

I love you so much,
Dad

It's their birthday and they can go to the zoo if they want to...

We are pretty sure that is exactly what they wanted to do. So. Joel is on his way with them being pulled in their chariot and Tara, Echo and I will meet them there. These are a few pics of the babes in their birthday crowns from their Great Aunt Jan and Uncle Kenny(can I just say how much I have LOVED all the UPS activity going on here lately--thanks everyone:) Amelia was a little....moody...during the photo shoot because she decided not to take her first nap on her first birthday. Fitting. Lots more to come including birthday letters from their Papa and lots o pictures of course> Love to you on this special day, Jenny

Birthday week nostalgia continues....

I give you a one year comparison of baby Sam and his daddy's hands....


We stand amazed and ever thankful. Jenny

ps.So, I'm all better--yay! We are pretty sure it was something I ate.

It never fails.

It seems that every time we have someone visit from Texas my body decides to shut down! I don't know if it thinks, "Reinforcements are here!" and decides to take a rest or what, but I really don't appreciate it. This time it is the works--throwing up, shivering, heat flashes, body aches etc. Grrrr. Thankfully Joel has been home because of his weird ER hours, but I need to kick this thing so that I can spend time with my Tara and Echo get ready for two little people's first birthday!
Anyway, here are a few pictures for ya--I seriously just want to eat Echo up she is so cuddly and soft and adorable!

In the blink of an eye...

I can't get over how emotion filled this Birthday week is for us. Can you tell? :) Oh my, Tara and Echo just pulled into the driveway!!! YAY!!!

One year ago today....

One year ago today my water broke very unexpectedly and our very scary birth adventure with the babes began. You can relive it all by clicking here.

Attention photo lovers....

The March album is ready...enjoy:)

March 2008

The day he found his rhythm....

Today Sam was sitting on Joel's stomach and Joel coughed and Sammy danced! It was as if he had hit a switch:) So, he would move his stomach some more and Sam would start to wiggle again. Joel quickly moved upstairs to show me and I brought the music over and Sam proved to us that this is the day he found his rhythm. I didn't feel like editing tonight and so I am giving you a looong look at his first moves. Just consider it an unedited look into our living room today. Just ignore the exposed cords from a lamp waiting to be hung and the pile of books scattered all over the floor, kay? Thanks:)

To all you hip urban dwellers that were eating Thai tonight,

Boy did we invade your space in a big way. It was funny to see you look at our babes as if they were.......urchins from another planet. A planet that you have never even thought about. Now, I am sure you have thought about having children. I'm sure many of you may be great Aunties and Uncles or even parents. I'm just saying that you llooked at them sitting there in their booster seat and highchair as if you were in disbelief that they were there, beside you, now. Like it shocked you out of your laid back conversations into another, alien, world for a second. But then you quickly reentered your own. Without a smile or a wave at the two urchins. Without finding it humorous at all that a little guy was rocking his highchair back and forth on the floor, with rice on his face and shirt and his impish grin pointed right in your direction. Not even a little bit funny that Amelia was literally guffawing at her Papa who she hadn't seen all day. She was pulling out all the stops. Nose crinkles, laughs, fake laughs, this wheezing sound she makes over and over again.....

Okay, I can see how maybe it didn't provide for the most relaxing post "day at the office" atmosphere. But I have to say, we enjoyed it. We enjoyed it even more than we did without having two crazy babes with us. And the best part? After all of that pre-bed time stimulation, the two urchins came right home and nursed and cozied into their hammocks without a peep!

So, thanks for your patience you little hipsters. I know that we live in very,very different worlds. We need to come into yours sometimes though, and drink coffee and eat Thai and such and so, let's just all have a little grace with each other during those times, okay? Easy for me to say, I know.

All for now,
Jenny

P.S. Really, you should just be thankful that we left their new jingle bell sticks in the car because they really like to wave them and make LOTS of noise:)

P.S.S. Dear readers, don't feel too bad for the two neglected little babies. We "knew" the waiter from our many pre-baby visits to this establishments and he oohd and awwed over them. Plus, it turns out he is a twin as well!

Oh, different things...

Here are the babies in their new "highchairs". So cute and they take up no space on the floor--yay!



Nothing better than a full, happy baby falling asleep on your chest...


On a Sunday drive into the mountains...




Okay, I'm gonna go catch a few winks while the babes are both asleep. Hope you all are well, Jen