Sunday, March 15, 2015

Spring Cleaning

This week I impulsively decided to get rid of all the clothes in my closet that didn't fit. I'd been hanging on to them in hopes of wearing them again after I lost the baby weight I'd gained with the twins.  Well, the weight isn't coming off quickly and seeing all the clothes I'd like to be wearing and can't isn't helping me feel better about myself (this post is all about my struggle with body image.). Basically, I was sick of the drama that getting dressed had become. 

As soon as I started sorting I knew this chore was going to be hard.  I was surprised to find the attachments I had to my clothing. I knew exactly when I'd worn each item and how I was feeling at the time. How could I get rid of the dress I wore to Oliver's first birthday party? No way was I shoving the shirt I wore when we found out we were having twins into a garbage bag.  Normally I love purging and de cluttering.  It brings me peace and makes me happy.  This was awful.  I felt sick and wanted nothing more than to quit. 

I took a deep breath and kept going.  After several starts and stops I ended up with this:


I didn't want to drag all these bags through my house. Tossing them out my bedroom window makes them much closer to the garage.  And it's fun.
 
 
Change is hard for me and I mourn the passing of each stage. The emotions I felt packing up each one of my babies' newborn things were the same ones I felt cleaning out my closet.  It's not the clothes it's the memories. It's knowing that I won't ever get to plan a first birthday party again.  It's embracing that I won't ever again get to see the tiny flickering heart beat of my new baby on an ultrasound screen. This is such a happy time and it's going by so quickly.  I find myself holding onto it with both hands and gritted teeth even though the right thing to do is to let go as gracefully as you can. It's such a hard process and I'm definitely still working on it.
 
 
 
 
 


THIS is happening!!!!

 
We are finally doing it! We are putting in a pool! We broke ground 2 weeks ago and it should be ready for swimming by the beginning of May! We couldn't be more excited!
 
Here's our design:
 




 
We picked Franciscan Tan for our decking
 
 
The top is the tile and grout that will go around the pool at water level.
The bottom is what the surface of the pool will be. We opted for a darker blue instead of the traditional aqua color. We saw a pool with this surface at the Lost Pines Resort and fell in love.  I'm so glad we get to have it too!
 

 
Marking the outline before excavation begins

 
Excited boys watching excavation begin
 

 
Oliver LOVED this!
 

 
Right now excavation is done and this week they will start plumbing and electric.  This summer is going to be amazing!
 

 
 
 

Mud

This winter has kept us on our toesFor the most part it's been really rainy and cold, but mother nature has thrown in a few 75 degree days that have me longing for spring.  Last week was particularly rainy and rough on the kids.  They were sick of being cooped inside with no recess at school and no outside play at home. There was tons of fighting and just as much grouchiness.  We were all on edge.  Desperate times call for desperate measures...

My three little piggies

He fits right in with the big boys

Laurel was not a fan!
After letting off some steam we all felt better.  I should have taken pictures of my shower and the washing machine after cleaning everyone up.  SO Gross! 




Tuesday, March 10, 2015

February's 10

Daddy's thinking face

Mom's not real thrilled with Rhodes' choice in medium

"Cool Baby"

She works so hard to climb in every morning

"Sharing" Mom's smoothie

Enjoying the sunshine at our favorite Italian restaurant


Finally big enough to sit alone in the swings

Still loves to sleep with mama
 
The shoes aren't so tiny anymore

Always climbing just like Will did