barlowing blog

Ophidiophobia

2009-06-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

(Fear of Snakes)
But yet, I still found myself with the rest of the fam at the Snake Farm in the name of good sport. Nobody mentioned there were also going to be creatures one step removed from my snake phobia-that's right, scorpions and tarantulas. I spent the whole trip watching my back.
Needless to say, L & M were thrilled!

I was able to handle them one at a time...

Even admiring this one for being my favorite color. Nice work snake!

But it's when you start looking at this...

and feel them staring right back at you

that things start to get a little awkward.
Snake count in this cage: four snakes, in one big tangle, yikes!

We promptly moved onto tarantulas and scorpions.
And then promptly to outside.

Turns out the snake farm is a misnomer (thank goodness!) because a good portion of it is a petting zoo.
Here is London and a pot bellied pig. In case you are wondering, the band-aid on her nose is completely unrelated to the day's activities, but not completely unrelated to Madelyn.

The twins were sure this monkey wanted to come home with us.

But they ended up finding something in this guy's cage they liked even better than a monkey.

Yes, a few of these little caterpillars were befriended, captured, named, fed (and by fed I mean raisins and crackers), and transported back to the mothership with all the potato bugs, all of which have since died.

Meanwhile, Liv hangs out with her handsome, sweaty dad.

And enjoys the whole wagon to herself while the twins are busy with caterpillars.

And just when we think we're in the clear--
on the way out, we discovered something else available for petting.

Meet Oliver, the friendly ball python!
L & M were beside themselves.

Here they are, a front row seat, showing the rest of us how it's done.
In case you are wondering, I did touch Oliver with one finger while he wasn't looking.

L & M held Oliver all by themselves!
As you can see, even Liv was fascinated.

The girls talked about Oliver the whole way home; mostly how he should be our pet. L & M had all the details worked out, including where he would sleep (their bed, naturally), what they would feed him, not to mention a good alternative name since 'Oliver' is by no means a Disney Princess. I guess it's settled...what this family needs is a good pet python. At least my training in the behavior sciences have taught me a thing or two about flooding.*
Maybe someday, ha!

*a technique used in behavior therapy; client is flooded with experiences of a particular kind until becoming either averse to them or numbed to them

What are your phobias?

(Stay tuned, this week I was also confronted with a different one!)

Family Night +1

2009-06-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

For some reason, L & M thought we meant 'soccer game' when we said bowling, so imagine their surprise when we ended up here!

I guess our family doesn't get out enough...And really who needs to these days when you have a Wii?
Though I admit our characters are much cuter in person.

Ok so they let the kids use not only bumpers but these metal contraptions that only require placing the ball and you pretty much get a strike every time.
Yes, their score exceeded their mother's (seriously, the adults can't use bumpers, seriously?)
Those of you who have bowled with me aren't surprised, though Wii bowling--a whole different story.

London's victory dance.

Don't mess with miss Madelyn.

And oh yes, meet-

Little Fella. We discovered a friend of the earwig variety crawling on the kitchen floor...L & M's insta-BFF. They immediately got to work setting up his house and even gave him a pink grapefruit tic tac to keep his blood sugar up while we were bowling. Who can blame them, earwigs are the most charming pets I can think of.

Of course what is family night without the family pet, though an interesting thing happened after our vigorous game: London came home and promptly put Little Fella on the back porch. When I asked why he was outside, she said
"Because he needed some sun...
and he's dead."
We are now in search of a new Little Fella, who has to be named accordingly because we kept the container and the marker-permanent. Anyone have any suggestions for a new Little Fella send them our way...oh wait, they find their own way, unannounced, into our kitchen.

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day was special because it was the first time L & M sang in the Primary musical number! At first they were hesitant, so I went up with them and got a front row seat. There they were, singing their little hearts out and holding hands--like this.

London also gave her first talk in Primary. Of course the topic was Fathers! London's daddy helped her write a talk about all the things we love about fathers, not to mention all their favorite things to do together. Very first on London's list? Weeding the yard!

L & M walked around all day yesterday singing, 'happy birthday to father's day!' (I guess it didn't occur to them they could substitute different words in the song.)

Ladybug Liv and her mama.

L & M were such great helpers and shucked the corn for our feast. (Couldn't help but bite it a few times-these girls love corn on the cob, even raw!)

I accidentally made twice as much food as we needed-good thing we had guests!

Uncle James's family is in Utah, but he graciously agreed to join us for dinner and participate in all the things fathers around here love, that's right-new computers, steak, and cake.
(Ryan could hardly contain his excitement.)

Per our Prince Charming's request, I give you--

My triple chocolate butter & sour cream strawberry creation. I did not get to partake, but I'm told it was alright.

What is a holiday without Aunt Heather? (The girls would move in with her if they could.)

Help yourself, Liv!
So non-chalant.

Ok I give in, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Anything for that face! She stuck in her thumb like little Jack Horner in the nursery rhyme! :)

Hope you all had a fabulous day!

Lucky Me

2009-06-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

As it turns out, putting Liv in the same tub with L & M, even though she is long since big enough, disrupts their entire world. There is no end to the complaints that Liv is splashing and/or biting Ariel's water shell, not to mention eating the bubbles.

But as long as she fits in the sink, she's still mine to bathe.

Afterwards, I get this lavender smelling, happy little girl to snuggle with...

Who has an obsession with my pink bathrobe. She buries her face in it every morning.
Look closely there is one bottom tooth coming in!

Still a baby, right? I just keep telling myself that.

ps. Clearly five minutes in the sun gives lucky Liv the suntan I've spent an entire lifetime trying to achieve.

Queen of Peaches

2009-05-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

How to Maintain Your Thunder Thighs: A Lesson by Liv Barlow

Recruit two of your favorite sisters, not to mention fruit puffs in your favorite fruit.
Have them do a test run. Observe carefully.

As always, they may fight over who gets a turn first...

They usually come to a compromise.

Pay no attention to that mom behind the camera.

Don't forget to squeeze in plenty of time for girl talk, especially the comings and goings of Minnie Mouse.

Relish every second being the center of their world.

There is Beauty All Around

2009-05-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

How I love Saturday mornings in these parts. Immediately upon opening the front door you are met with a buzzing and whirling of activity. Birds, lawn mowers, sprinklers, chainsaws, each contributing to the symphony of invigorating activity, with a common goal to make the world more beautiful (with the exception of that blasted motorcyclist). Yesterday I decided to add my instrument of choice to the mix, that's right the shop vac. Having been one of the proud owners of our shop vac for two years, I had previously failed to recognize its level of intensity until my car was in desperate need of some cleaning. After a test run, I thoroughly evaluated my feelings toward the contraption: I think we're going to have a beautiful life together.

Not to mention what the white noise did to this girl.
(I think Pluto makes a good pillow too.)

Each morning, before the Strawberry Oatmeal is even on the stove, I hear the alarm system sound as two little ones make their way out the door. Turns out, the break of dawn is the prime time of day to catch potato bugs, or as L & M so lovingly refer to them, rollie pollies. Rollie pollies are a sad substitute for a pet I know, but when pet allergies and a little bit of OCD runs in your family, you have to explore other venues. Ryan found the girls a little house for their newfound friends, dead and alive, and come to find out, the new hobby has bloomed from a collection to somewhat of a sport. Half of the excitement is seeing who will show up on the porch next.
Just today I heard London drop another one into the mix, saying, "there's another Uncle for you!"
And then she told them all quite solemnly, You are a child of God.

Yesterday I also re-emerged my tree-pruning skills (does 're-emerged' mean they had to be there in the first place?) I figured, I'm already the family barber, how much harder can it be to give the trees a little snip-a-roo? Well, judging from a few mishaps, including the discovery of hornets and birds harmoniously living in my tree, it appears my hair cutting disasters carry over to topiary. I think a little practice is in store, but maybe someday our trees will look as pruned as our neighbors'... ps. Unlike the barbering business, the task is almost impossible without a large ladder, not to mention you come away with blisters.

Our lawn is finally making its way out of depression. A couple of years of neglect and fire ants left it feeling no self-worth. Ryan has given his best effort to try to talk it off the ledge, and this spring a little life emerged...We think there is hope yet.
Speaking of lawns, it rained yesterday, one of those tropical rainforest sort of storms that I love. L & M must have gotten a little carried away because they came back into the house soaking wet. It appears once again, their love of water reigns superior. While I was getting the girls bathed and into bed, Ryan finished up the Mount Everest of 2009: cleaning the garage, which event was even more insurmountable than it sounds. Alas, he was rewarded for his efforts around 10 pm, with this little guy.

And the story that will be etched into my memory forever...
Ryan was mowing the lawn while I was helping the girls on bikes, when Maddie suddenly had to go potty. The aforementioned 'opening the front door' skill comes in handy when you don't want to pack up three kids for one potty break, so I let her do her thing. A few minutes later, even over, I repeat, even over the deafening motor of the lawn mower, I heard a very shrill, very angry Madelyn Jane Barlow's voice--"MOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!" She was yelling from the toilet! Not to mention, the front door was closed. The lung power on that girl is deafening, I could barely hear London talking and she was two feet from my face. Oh wow, Maddie stops at nothing when she needs immediate attention. You gotta admire her determination! I was laughing all the way into the house. I am still laughing.

And there's a little glimpse into our Saturday.

Pfour Years Old

2009-05-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was pretty much the perfect day to turn four. Good thing too because our oldest(s) decided to do just that.

We started off the day with the traditional presents. Then mixed it up with a playdate, a wrestling match, and

Pretty sure Liv ate more than her share of wrapping paper.

Then it was off to Lake Pflugerville with our nearest and dearest, that's right the Austin Barlows and Aunt Heather. The rest of the evening turned out to be a combination of L & M's all-time favorites:

pizza + gwen + water =serious girl talk

kites, ones that work at that

aunt lonna & aunt heather, of equal celebrity status around here

frisbee + water= daddy daughter time

harry and pizza, pizza and harry

cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes
(i am currently off sugar, does it show?)

the birthday candles did not light but i assured them their wishes will come true

i was lucky to spend the day with the girls that have dazzled and enchanted us, not to mention kept us on our toes since the very beginning. how has it already been four years?

Duck Duck Duck

2009-05-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

When Ryan came home from work last week, I met him with an ultimatum. I can no longer handle triplets, twins and a singleton. There is not enough time in the day, let alone energy, to handle this much poop. It's either the ducks, I said, or me.

Ryan thought it over carefully.
Wondered for a minute if Lola 1, Lola 2 and Frankie were in fact big enough to survive the wild on their own.

Of course they are I said, after all they have survived one month in this family.
Tripled in size.
Almost gotten hugged to death on numerous occasions.

Besides, I reminded him, they're triplets. If it's one thing we know about multiples, it's that they always stick together.

Ryan chose wisely.
Packed up London, Madelyn, Lola, Lola and Frankie.
Headed to the lake and--

No tears were shed. The twins knew even driving home from rural Georgetown with three wild ducklings in the back, chirping so loudly we couldn't hear ourselves talk, that Lake Pflugerville would indeed be the perfect home for their triplets once they got big enough.
Besides, it gives us all peace of mind to know they'll be living with Betsy.

Things since have been pretty quiet around here, though I would argue that getting rid of three ducks has in no way cut back on the amount of poop I deal with daily. However, it has put my mind at ease to look out the back window and see L & M kicking a ball around instead of trying to shove a blade of grass into three ducks' mouths, yes, I think we are making progress.

Every time we pass by the lake, we wave hello to our feathered, not to mention, 8-legged friends. I always ask L & M what they think Betsy and the ducks are doing that day and the possibilities include everything from putting up a Christmas tree to going to church or baking cupcakes for Mother's Day. Usually, it's some form of the activities that occupy L & M's mind the most: holidays and birthdays, pink frosting.

See, it's just like having them in the backyard.

Earth Day

2009-04-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

My emerald girl is waiting for me. Throttling like an F-16. I strap in...and let her fly.
-- Hal Jordan

In the summer of 2002 Ryan got on one knee and put a ring on my finger. It wasn't the traditional wedding ring I currently sport, but rather a temporary drawn-on Green Lantern ring. I was told depending on the skill and willpower of the wearer, the ring can grant considerable powers. Some say it can do almost anything. Newly engaged, I took on my responsibility with great solemnity. And in my seven-year journey with Ryan the ring has fulfilled its duties beyond my young starry-eyed expectations.

Four days ago, finally back from Utah, we were greeted with Supergirl capes; among other things, one very anxious Ryan. Baby Liv hit the jackpot with an actual Green Lantern onesie. In the right light, it appears she is thoughtfully constructing a plan to take over the world. Perhaps the outfit was the last item to collect before successfully doing so.

And for the birthday lady? A camera, simply wrapped, melted my heart almost as immediately as the flowers it was presented with. I took this picture, then a hundred more of people and things through new eyes. I will always remember how vibrant the day was, in every chair at my kitchen table sat someone I love.

While in Utah, my health took a downward spiral. Symptoms that had become bothersome for the past year suddenly became alarming. I took a chance and brought my symptoms to yet another doctor. He had suspicions....a blood test confirmed. It appears I have work to do.
Someday I will write more about this.
In the meantime I take pictures of my pink Supergirls...and wait.
Drawing on my own superpowers I will begin to heal.

Austin Saudades

2009-04-18T19:59:00.001-07:00

A cool pic of London to hold everyone off while we eagerly await for the return of the barlowing.com lead columnist.

A New Leaf

2009-03-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have been making several changes in our home the past couple of months, most health-related. Long story short, I have given a lot of thought to the things I am putting into my body and my childrens' bodies, both food and otherwise, and the consequences of long-term exposure. I feel a proactive approach to my family's health is long overdue.
I spent several weeks neglecting a lot of nutritional issues, claiming that I was too tired and overworked to have one more thing on my plate, which was true, but I also didn't realize that an unhealthy diet can contribute that very thing, fatigue. It seems to become a vicious cycle; not taking care of yourself makes you too tired to take care of yourself and downward it goes.
I've decided that the way I picture my home and everything in it: healthy, fresh, clean, tranquil, a place where the spirit can dwell, is going to take years of tweaking. For me it's going to be a journey of letting go of perfection and remembering the big picture. So here's to the new 'home improvement' section of my blog. I'm excited to be able to periodically update some of the things that I'm researching about health. There is so much more going on that I had realized, but it's important to be educated.

Proactivity of the Day:
So here's the thing, I have recently discovered I am allergic to most household cleaners! I don't even like the way they smell anymore because I associate most scented things with a headache. What's left to do but make your own all-natural household cleaners? Let me tell you, it has been a lot of fun. I feel like some sort of scientist mixing concoctions together until I get the right fit. The good thing is, when you make your own cleaners you are saving a lot of money, not to mention they are better for us to be breathing. Most of these things you already have in your home, so for some suggestions, see here
Which bring me to today's gemstone, tea tree oil. I've been researching a lot about household mold, mostly because I am 100% certain I am deathly allergic to mold, and have come up with a lot of useful information. Mold is not just an annoyance, it is a health hazard. Some studies have shown that household mold can be linked to headaches, depression, and asthma. (Cynical Ryan says everything is linked to headaches, depression and asthma.) Well living here in Texas mold has become my worst enemy, but here is a simple solution. Mix 1/2 tsp tea tree oil with 1/2 cup of water. Spray in affected areas, including clothing, closets, and so forth. See here for more about mold removal. I found a bottle of tea tree oil for 9.99 at my local Walgreens. It's a little pricey but a small bottle will probably last a lifetime. I put mine in a cute little mini-spray bottle and keep it next to the sink. A fresh sink combined with a clean afternoon breeze=a little piece of heaven. My kitchen smells divine.

Make Way For...

2009-03-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ducklings. Ryan found someone selling baby ducklings on Craigslist and let all the girls choose out their favorite.

It took the whole drive home to name them, but the girls settled on Lola, Lola, and Frankie (the original plan was Charlie, Lola and Frankie but the girls fought over Lola).

The plan is to let them live in the garage until we get sick of them. Then it's off to Lake Pflugerville to live with Betsy (the spider)'s babies.

The leader of the pack seems to be Frankie (Olivia's duckling), though Ryan's the only one who can tell them apart. I feel for parents of triplets! Though it isn't hard when two of the three are named Lola!
Isn't she cute?

The girls chasing Frankie in the yard...

And she's chasing them...(More like running for her life).
The girls love their ducklings!

Make way for tornadoes...
Last week a tornado came through Austin, which really turned out to be some severe weather and a hailstorm. The hail was the size of baseballs in some places. The girls got really excited and helped track the storm along with the news. Luckily, they had just learned how to read maps. So here is what our yard looked like afterward.

L & M were disappointed because they had thought the news said gumball, not golfball-sized hail. Oh that would have been a dream come true.

I was so worried while the storm was happening and Ryan was gone, I had everyone hide out under the arch in the downstairs bathroom! I guess it's better to be safe than sorry, even though it wasn't as dramatic as the news made it. Heather's bf Marshall kept calling us to see where it was and I thought because they were running from it but nope. They were chasing it. It's been several days now and the girls still ask if Marshall's chasing the storm.

Make way for Spring Break...

The girls and I are headed to Utah to spend a week at each set of grandparent's house. We'll be there for Easter and General Conference, some of my all-time favorite things about our parents' houses. Plus, there are several family members that have not gotten to meet Olivia yet! I am already losing sleep I am so excited. Wish us luck!

A blonde Moment

2009-03-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

So when Ryan's sister Becky was here she took a little footage of the twins singing a song about princesses getting married and dragons dancing forever, nothing out of the ordinary around here. The whole thing lasted two minutes and thirteen seconds as opposed to the usual thirteen hours and two minutes, so I guess they gave the Cliff's Notes version of the story.
Anywho, when Becky posted it on her blog, I was so excited to show the girls. Look! I said, you are on the computer!
L & M watched for a little while and vicariously raised their hands in a sort of timid wave. Then they both looked back at me, devastated.
What in the world could be wrong?
'They're not waving back!' they relayed, crushed.
I then realized...
They thought they were on ichat.

Spring Flower

2009-03-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Meet our new centerpiece.

A vibrant new addition to my kitchen, this little flower brings cheerfulness to every meal.

As it turns out, our centerpiece is also a songbird.

Happy Spring!!

p.s. Olivia's spring fashion tip #1: turn all of your winter pants into capris simply by growing out of them at an alarming rate.

Dismantling the Love...

2009-03-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

Definition: Lovesac.
1- A piece of furniture that is otherwise meant for basements/movie rooms which makes its way into your front room and is spotlighted as a lumpy first impression;
2-A great door prize for the lucky couple we had staying with us last week who happen to have a basement, that's right Becky and Ryan.
3-In its original form too big for a small car, but by following these easy instructions you just may be able to transport your very own across a couple of states. **

1. Take off cover and unzip zipper.

2. Empty contents into large trash bags.

(This could get messy...)

3. Using a vacuum hose, suction the trash bags into the most compact state possible.

4. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

5. Transport, then jam into car trunk. Do not open trunk again until you are at your destination.

6. Clean up or DIE from inhalation of small foam particles.

7. Figure out how to explain to a crying London the next morning why the Love Sac has mysteriously disappeared.

**Can you believe it, I missed the whole thing due to another migraine...The proof is in the pictures this time around. Becky and Ryan, I hope you have a nice time putting the love sac back together in Logan and I would like to thank you for a very empty front room. Next stop: leather couches.

Spring Break 2009

2009-03-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

Look who decided to venture outside of freezing temperatures and enjoy Spring Break Texas style -it's Becky and Ryan! (Oh and little London.)

Having two Ryans around was by no means confusing.
We divided up the week quite nicely (so we thought) between us and the Austin Barlows so that there was enough Becky and Ryan to go around. As it turned out, we got the rainy half of the week! That's ok, my idea of outdoor excitement would have been tinfoil dinners and Lake Pflugerville.

So here we are at the LBJ Library! What is a visit to the LBJ without, once again, trying to imitate the flapper girl?

Nailed it!

We were able to spend more time at the LBJ than last spring break. Who knew the library offers a trip to the moon, not to mention the chance to fly this jet...

Also, a wall with the portraits of all the first ladies. Today's trivia question: what does Baby Liv have in common with First Lady Van Buren?

That's right, Singleton!

Liv hops a ride with dad to read some trivia facts about the moon (there is even a sample of moon rock on display if you are interested). I love it when their outfits semi-coordinate.
I'd say our LBJ tour: Spring Break edition was another success, but keep in mind this is only our second year. Just a little teaser for those of you thinking about a visit, we certainly live on the edge here in Austin. Stay tuned for our next edition of indoor activities, just in case any of you need to entertain guests in a pinch.

Spring

2009-03-15T18:05:00.001-07:00

And then we walked home.

Violets Are Blue

2009-03-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

To the makers of Disney Princess Lipgloss:

I think your use of the term 'Disney Princess' is misleading.

Maybe you should go with something a little more representative.

Off the top of my head, how about 'Oompa Loompa gloss'? Just a suggestion...

Signed,
A concerned parent

Three Fairy Princesses

2009-03-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

Today Baby Liv woke up from her nap inconsolable. We tried the usual things to cheer her up: food, rocking on the porch swing, more food, toys, more rocking...nothing. Suddenly it occurred to me what was missing.
A little peek into L & M's room at two Sleeping Beauties did just the trick. Liv squealed with delight so loud it woke both sisters up-just what she was aiming for. Once the girls were awake Liv was nothing but giggles, who am I kidding, belly laughs. It kills me to think the whole hour or so she had been looking for her sisters. Thank goodness we found them and set the entire universe back into place.
I guess we're going to have to break it to Liv gently that she's not the third triplet.

This Week's Randomness

2009-02-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Baby Liv turned four months old and learned how to prop up on her elbows. Four months going on forty-five months, any idea who she could be trying to keep up with?

That's right, Liv has got a front-row seat for all the shenanigans her older sisters are up to, like dumping out all the play food in the name of a tea party. L & M could not have a more captive audience. If they so much as look Liv's way she breaks into a giggle.

We heard a crunching noise and discovered Liv had scooted herself all the way to the twins' 2nd breakfast and was crunching it around with her toes. (Maddie: "I don't want it back now!")

London ends up with this haircut...but we won't get into that.

Cousin Gwen turns three!!
And celebrates with a pirate party. What's a party without a treasure hunt, pirate cupcakes, decorating eye-patches, a gazillion balloons, a pirate pinata, not to mention helping the other kids grind playdough into the carpet. Needless to say, L & M had a blast! After quite an exhausting afternoon of celebration, I thought for sure they would come home and take a nap...

Think again mom, we want to try out our pirate whistles!
(We had EVERY dog within a 5-mile radius barking!)

Oh London, an upside down skull on your eye patch, that is pretty hard core.
The girls ran around outside for at least three hours with their treasure maps. They even had me hide their gold coins so they could use their maps to find buried treasure. Oh Gwen you hit the jackpot with that party.

And I'll leave you with this--eaten cupcakes.
The girls and I spent all morning making baby cupcakes and when I woke up from a nap, come to find out L & M hadn't taken one, but instead made their way to the kitchen to eat the tops off the cupcakes. The funny thing was I didn't even care, I was just so happy they let me sleep!

Brace Yourself

2009-02-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

So last night after the kids had a bath I was brushing out their waist-long hair and especially frustrated. I mean, we use tangle-free shampoo, extra conditioner, and then leave-in conditioner and sometimes extra tangle spray on top of that and still get tears. Well, nobody thus far had ever agreed to cut their hair even though I am constantly reminding them if they want their hair this long they are going to put up with the combing. They always come back with something about Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, and Jocelyn having long hair and since it is their life goal to emulate these Princesses, I have no argument.
Until last night, London suddenly agreed to a little trim. Even though it was hours after bedtime I rushed her downstairs with the scissors and got started. All I was trying to do, mark my words ALL I was trying to do was give her a little trim and some of the layers that Maddie made away with at Great Clips while London's stylist clearly did not understand the word 'layers' in English.
I have had my hair cut enough to know that you separate out the hair and cut the bottom part, and then move up to the top. Plus I have been cutting Ryan's hair for 6.5 years, what could go wrong?
Well I got started and tried to throw in a few layers and the next thing I knew hair was flying everywhere and London ended up with a bob. Ok, a longish, layered bob but there were tears. Not her...me! I felt so bad for cutting off all her Sleeping Beauty hair that she has been working an entire lifetime to grow out. However she looked in the mirror and squealed with delight, a shock but we'll take it. Maddie on the other hand observed the whole hair cut and kept saying, "it's not my turn next" oh that Maddie. How lucky to try out a new hairstyle on your twin sister first to see how you would look with it. (I guess she opted out). Anyway now there is NO MISTAKING which twin is which now with this drastic new 'do, I hope you all are happy. Pictures to come soon.
p.s. London woke up this morning worried that her hair had grown! I assured her if it starts growing again I'll take care of it...

Day of Firsts

2009-02-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

L & M were markedly distressed by their first trip to the dentist...
So he suggested they sit in the chair together!
(I was dying.)

So here they are, holding hands and the like.
An episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse inches from their faces.
Playing footsies.

And when it was time to switch, they did.
What was the big deal again?
Did I mention there was a treasure box at the end?

Little Miss Liv finally slept through the night.
Not that she needed any more beauty sleep.

And today when Baby Liv made some kind of "aaaaaggggggaaaaahhh" noise,
London turned to me and said:

"Liv talked Spanish!"

Oh I guess there is a first time for everything.

Code Red

2009-02-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

L & M spent the morning at the Mom Spa which included all things red: a mani/pedi, cinnamon foot lotion, and new dresses.

All my work was immediately counterbalanced by some good ol' daddy daughter wrestling.

I gave my Valentine Ryan some time in the spa & coincidentally the same haircut as Liv (I guess that's why she's wearing a hood), who wanted a front row seat for The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Her first time matching the twins, not to mention smelling nice, was short-lived.

I got a nap,

Red roses from Prince Charming...

Pink for the Princesses.

Ryan also tried his hand at Angel Food Cake, which when burned can turn into a number of alternatives: Fallen Angel Food Cake, Devil's Food Cake...Satan Cake. Oh we had fun with that one.

Without the burnt parts (about 50%), the cake was rather good. Here Ryan is using his turkey carving skills. Things can get a little crazy around here with all kids in bed and totally conked out by nine? Now there was a Valentine surprise straight from heaven. What did we do with all our time? That's right NBA all-stars and Devil Cake, just you try to beat that.

Princess Promenade

2009-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

L & M got invited to a Princess birthday party for their cute friend Rylee. Here they are at the Palace with all the other princesses (except Maddie, for some reason she wouldn't let go of my leg). The girls got to choose a beautiful costume and jewlery to wear, though London opted for her own attire.

Next was a seat at the princess vanity to be pampered like a queen with their choice of nail polish and lip gloss.

London was totally in her element.

I think I want to have my next birthday party here...

The girls got princess sparkles dusted on them, and then a fashion show to show off their cute outfits.

Each princess got a little spotlight as they walked down the runway; I learned here that London's favorite food is chicken and favorite animal is a pig!

Next was princess story time. As you can see, Maddie is slowly migrating her way into the party.
And yes, Batman and some other superheroes made an appearance.

They had craft time and got to decorate princess wands, and also a tea party where they learned all about princess manners.

And here are the three sleeping beauties I got after only a short drive home. Being a princess is hard work, but a lot of fun. The girls have been talking about their day at the palace ever since.

A Cookie Kind of Day

2009-02-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

In the Barlow household we are pretty strict about sugar consumption. I do not throw out candy like a float in the local parade: in the middle of a hot day -BAM- a surprise from the sky. I do however believe sugar in its purest form can be heaven sent when it becomes the object for which my I have my kids' full attention.
Today London and Madelyn each ate a cheese sandwich and a container of yogurt in less than an hour flat. I mean, slow down children your esophagus can't handle that kind of speed. The girls only paused for 20-minute intervals that included what I could have only imagined were triathlons with stair races, couch jumping, and the final event: hopping on once foot while singing at the same time. Typical lunchtime. But the kicker today was that burned into the girls' memory was the package of rainbow chocolate chip cookies they had chosen at the store the night before.
Maddie finished her last drop of yogurt with one satisfying gulp. As promised, out came the rainbow cookies, and because I was in a particularly good mood, one for each hand. I could tell by the way she savored her treat it was worth enduring any disgustingly healthy lunch. Then, it was London's turn, and just like that my living room was silent for three full minutes.
Until, the sound of Madelyn's entire mouth full of cookies, barely squeaked out my least favorite sound, "MORE?"
I prepared myself to fight to the death, which usually happens when you deny Madelyn, well anything. As expected, there were words. Kicking, screaming, tantrums, and finally, Madelyn's wild card, the ultimate of big guns.

"YOU BROKE MY HEART!!"

"Oh Maddie that is dramatic," I said and went back to my lunch, unswayed, bracing myself for the volcano eruption that would spew hot lava over my feet and my conscience. Tempers that day were predicted to reach boiling point.
But then a little voice came up from behind me, which was quite disturbed by Maddie's attempt at a gut-wrenching guilt trip. Yittle Yondon's sweet voice, "I don't yike it when Maddie's sad."
And then, a couple of minutes later, my London girl came back with a big rainbow-lipped smile.

"I fixed Maddie's heart,"

she said so giddily I had to peek around the corner to see how she could have possibly managed the feat in just one swoop. Sure enough, she had given Maddie her entire cookie, the one I had just barely placed in her right hand. And in the simple act had restored Madelyn's heart, peace of mind, not to mention song and dance skills, to normal. The thunderstorm directly over my kitchen had vanished.
As I looked at my daughter so proud of herself, my heart tripled in size. With the familiarity of a summer parade, that savory, sweet little moment landed in my lap as if from heaven. The feeling that came with it was worth all of the sluggish days in between when my children are not playing so nicely. And just like that, I retracted my imaginary plans that afternoon to run away from home.
London went on with her playing, not giving much thought to how she had single handedly altered the course of hurricane Madelyn. To her it was just a cookie. Maybe it really is just that simple.