January Blitz

January flew by in a blur.  Video snippets of our month -- we also had nye (cozy) celebrations, tet (lunar) family-gambling celebration, where the girls got so much li-xi $$, we're going to hersey park in the summer!
Winter is no hiberation for us!






Note, in the video, how indepent the girls are at this age, sweet!

What I want to be when I grow up

I know the girls are only 5, but momma already has career plans for them.  Laurel is the better, more adventurous eater and she's darn cute.  So guess what momma hopes she'll be? 

She's just a tad shy, but practice makes perfect.  Watch out Anthony Bourdain, there's a new talent in town.
Introducing the 'Twin Observations' show on the Deterding Food channel!

Stay tuned for Vienna's professional debut!

Happy Bday Jesus!

to minimize the commercialism of Christmas, the girls ask Santa for ONE toy wish.  in addition, they also get stocking stuffers, a few small wrapped gifts from us, presents fm both sets of grand parents, aunts and uncles...which is more than enough, esp since they are already drowning in toys (stuff) to begin with!  i want them to feel grateful for all that they have and not spoiled (always expecting, wanting more). 

and i like seeing them not just opening the presents but then also playing with their gifts (versus discarding them to the side).  warms my heart to see, they appreciate and like what they were given.  thus for us, Christmas morn is a sweet, slow, savory process: open present, play and repeat.

instead we try to emphasize the giving, charity and spiritual experiences of Christmas.  they help decorate the house & tree, send Christmas greeting cards, including to their sponsor brother and sister, bake cookies for their whole class (the only time of year momma bakes) and fill shoebox gifts for needy children. 
and of course, attend church and celebrate Jesus' birthday!!

For the Veterans!

bday blowout

there's a show i record on tivo, 'outrageous kid parties'.  we always have bday celebration for the girls, it's ALOT of work (I have to start 4mos in advance to pace myself-- like planning a mini wedding!) and can be $$$, but seeing their faces light up with happiness, with the specialness of their day-- SO worth it.  and they grow up way too fast--  way too soon, just memories we'll have to cherish.

we went to our new neighbor's, landon, who turned 5 today.  his party could qualify for the show.  choo-choo train,  moon bounces, magician, face painter, balloon artist and costumed super heros.  check out the girls still giddy fm the fun (and vienna's amazing dragon balloon!)  and they have another one tmrw.  happy big 0-5 to landon and ethan!!!!

Some Firsts!

1st day of Kindergarten!

the girls got (were put) on the wrong bus home, but good thing, momma took the day off and decided to double-ck.  after raising the alarm and a 10-minute search that held up all the other buses, the girls were finally put on the right bus. the first day of kindergarten wasn't without bumps but at least not fm the girls!  they were so ready; and love their new teacher and friends.

1st sleepover!

sassy spa mobile was a big hit!  the girls (cousins) got pampered with a mani/pedi, then a 'breakfast for dinner' feast before hitting the sack.

they couldnt decide who would sleep with who in which bed in which room, so eric had a brilliant idea: they all slept on the floor together! a true slumber party!

Home Sweet HOME

It was alot of stress, annoyance, mess, dust, bugs, critters, choas (would never do it again), but we're pretty much finally done with the addition YAY!!
There isnt anything about the design I would change, LOVE LOVE it. To quote, 'it's no longer a rambler', sums it up.  And it doesnt look like an addition.
The girls now have their own 'zone' upstairs including their own bedrooms with bunk beds for sleepovers and a playroom (that contains the mess! LOVE it!)