We went to Mount Vernon (George Washington's house) on Labor Day. It was hot and muggy!!!!

This house was amazing though, still standing and in great condition back from the 1700's. He had bright greens, blues and yellows for paint color....a "kitchen" that was a fire with dutch oven pans, his own office that you needed permission to enter into, and after he died...his Martha never went back into their shared bedroom, but died two years later as well.

Austin of course tried to sneak back into one of the rooms (unintentionally), and we almost had security guards after us!

It was a very reverent and peaceful place...alongside the Potomac River.

Museums. I keep thinking that when my kids are over the 6 + age range, they will be more properly prepared for museum experiences. Today was filled with chasing them from one display to the next, security guards getting after Wesley for touching the props, Austin throwing himself on the ground b/c he was too tired to walk, screaming and jumping all over the escalators, going potty every few hours in public restrooms, and of course the fun Metro ride over.

All in all, it was a great day. I went with my mom and good friend Michelle (with her boy Damon) to hit up the Air/Space museum, as well as the Natural History. Let me explain just one thing: WE DID NOT LEARN ONE THING! We were so busy chasing our toddlers that all educational experiences were out the door. Not a big deal, but it was eventful to say the least. I did snap some pictures in between time outs and meltdowns.

My belly sure is feeling it tonight. I am going to go lay down just as soon as I post this. I went to work for several more hours upon returning, and that about does it for me today!

It's fun to live in the DC area, to have access to such fun places to go to...but boy does it take a lot of prep and discipline to actually make it happen. The fact that this big ol' pregnant girl was sweating away in 94 degree heat and high humidity really did make me grin:)

6th Anniversary

Happy 6 years!!! Here we are four years ago 2004....do we look the same?
Jared and I made it! 6 years of being married:)

We were in Chicago, IL for a 2 week training (veerrrry loooonnnggg and I missed my boys so much) for DirectBuy....

So, we took advantage of going to a Chicago Cubs baseball game to celebrate our big day. Ironically they were playing our "home" team, the Washington Nationals. The cubs spanked them! 6-1


We also looked at the sweet LDS Chicago IL temple while we were in the area.



I love you Jared. So happy to be living life with you by my side.

Intercourse, PA

Seriously, what were they thinking when they put the name INTERCOURSE, Pennsylvania???

Just even saying it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable... can you imagine trying to tell someone over the phone (like your cable company) what your address is....in Intercourse??? They might just hang up on you!

We checked out the Amish community there, had some homemade pretzels and root beer (I prefer the ones at the mall though truth be told), I took as many "discreet" pics of Amish folk as possible (they literally just ride their horse/buggy alongside the SUV's), and enjoyed the muggy weather.

We also hit up the Hershey Chocolate factory with Grandma Wilson (who was in town). I am NOT craving chocolate, so that was a bit dissapointing....the boys enjoyed a fun time with all the many tempting treats. A child's wonderland.

Tagged...why not? It's a short one

Go on and read...it's a short tag...

4 Things I like about my husband:
* He makes up super cute and quirky songs when he is playing with our boys
*His fried eggs are yummy
*Big chocolate brown eyes
*Sense of style

4 Movies I have watched more than once: (but not necessarily my favorite)
*How to win a date with Tad Hamilton (has anyone ever heard of it?)
*Dirty Dancing
*The fugitive
*Remember the Titans

4 TV shows I watch:
* Flip that house
*Oprah
*The Office
*Curious George (anyone with toddlers understands that one!)

4 Places I have been:
*Argentina (The Patagonia region)
*Mexico (Cancun, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Guaymas, Puerto Vallarta, EL PASO)
*Canada (Niagra Falls border, Victorian Islands)
*Most recently...Chicago, Washington DC, Orlando, Virginia, Pennsylvania

4 People who email me regularly:
*Julie Boam
*Direct Buy staff (not so exciting)
*Arianne Pearce
*My mama (do forwards count?)

4 Favorite foods: (NOT my favorite subject right now...but, right now I like...)
*Anything with Cheese
*Olive Garden salad/breadsticks
*Mashed potatoes
*Whole wheat toast with butter

4 Places I would like to visit:
*France
*Spain
*England
*New Zealand/Australia

4 Things I am looking forward to in the coming year (2009):
*Giving birth to a healthy baby boy
*Being at home more full time
*Learning how to use my Bosch bread maker, and perfecting it
*Taking a yoga class and learning how to relax

4 Friends I tag:
*Julie Boam
*Arianne Pearce
*April Ashton
*Suzette Trimble

Chicago

A big thanks to all those who have cried along with me and been so sincere with all that we have been experiencing these last few weeks. Your words have soothed my sadness in many ways. You all said nicer thing than most people did in person...there are never words to express the loss of a child, but I also know what NOT to say b/c there were plenty of things said to me that definitely were not comforting...just b/c most people are uncomfortable and awkward with grieving experiences.

I am doing fine, still very sick, but as long as I get a baby out of this pregnancy...I don't mind.

Jared and I are now in Chicago for our last two week training at DirectBuy corporate offices. We are away from our boys while they are being taken care of back "home" in Maryland (I am still deciding if that feels like home to me...I think so). I miss them so much! It's hard to be away from them day to day at work, but two weeks? I am anxious to be back home with them.

I am hoping to celebrate our 6th Anniversary here in Chicago this weekend...maybe a fun show, a sports game, or perhaps a fancy restaurant. I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for your love...I sure do feel it and need it.

Our baby twin boys

From my twin baby boys:

From Baby A

Dear Mama

I was so excited to come down to our little family. So excited that I made sure that you, mama, felt my presence very early on. You knew me and my brother were on our way before you had your first ultrasound and heartbeat check! I tried hard to stay healthy mama, but my little body wasn't strong enough. I fought hard for 4 long months to be a survivor, to come out and meet you, to meet my older brothers Wesley and Austin and to be held in your arms. I seemed to be developing just fine; with all my fingers, toes and heartbeat beating in tune with yours. It came as such a shock to you when on August 7th (your birthday), the Dr. told you that I was no longer alive.
Heavenly Father thought that I was too special, too pure, too perfect to come at this time. I know that you will miss me, and I will be waiting for you on the other side with my tiny arms held open wide. Please don't cry any more tears for me mama b/c I want you to enjoy my brother who is still on the way and will always carry a little part of me within him. Remember the joy that I brought to you for a small piece of time and how much I love you. Be strong.

From Baby B

Dear Mama

I know that you already feel the loss of my brother leaving us. I too feel sad to know that I will never get to share that nursery with him that you have been dreaming up, or to sit side by side with him in your arms. I feel a part of me has left and it will be hard to always wonder what he would've looked like and how close we could've been as brothers.
The Doctors are concerned that I may also have some complications. I am going to fight extra hard right now to stay healthy as I develop and grow in your body Mama. I want to be strong! I want to bring me and my brother's love to you and our family despite our painful separation.
I too look forward to being held and kissed in your arms. We both love you very much and although we are separated for now, we will always be your twin baby boys.

belly pics

Ya'll have been
asking for them...here are a few:


At only 8 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks

Yo tengo mucha pansa....you may think that they belly isn't big, but let me tell you...it's huge and swollen and I already feel like I am 7 months along. By 9pm, I am spent and in bed until morning.

And a few more pics of our last two months of intense transition and many emotional meltdowns:



Traveling with our Wrangler across the US in a plane, playing with boxes in our new house for several days, fourth of July hats, living in a hotel for a week, playing in the rain