French Motivations

Children's French fashion and 30 pairs of undies aren't usually used in the same thought sequence, unless you are using one, to get to the other.  Which is exactly what we have embarked on here for the last week.  You see, it's potty training time for the boys, and my main motivation are some super cute jackets that I bought for them in France, that they can wear next year to school.... IF, they are potty trained by August.   If they aren't, then I will be incredibly sad that my overpriced, quiet please, Dave Ramsey, coats, will not be used for their intended purpose (to make my boys look cool in school). 

Potty training twin boys was definitely one of the most terrifying thoughts that crossed my mind when the doc broke the twin news to us that day during the ultrasound.  Pregnancy with two didn't scare me; birth didn't worry me, but potty training?  Yes, that kept me up at night.  And I would like to personally proclaim to anyone who doesn't have twins that it is indeed, that hard, and it does in fact stink, that much worse.   I have big plans for myself when I am successful with this daunting task.  Like maybe a few new shirts just because, or a nice dinner out, just because.  I'm taking pride in this feat, and although I know it is hard for all... I will always look at mom's with multiples with more respect now than I ever have before.  My longings of sending myself to a looney bin multiple times this past week are a testament of that respect.

 I am proud to say, however, that our seems to be scientifically minded Charlie picked up on half of the idea rather quickly.  However the other issue, the more messy issue, if you catch my drift, is still an unseen novelty here, unless you consider it the novelty that they both like to keep packed away in their undies, not the potty.  Needless to say, they have had to apologize many times to Elmo and Cookie Monster when they do their deeds on them instead of where they belong... the toilet. 

So we are on to week two.  Hoping that we learn more, and clean up less.  At least the weather has had a few warm streaks, so that naked hose downs while the neighbors watch are less chilly than they would have been a few weeks ago.   And thanks to all of the trees in our yard, come summer I'm expecting some great learning moments during our outside play time. 

And the Verdict Is.....

A healthy baby.  Disappointed huh?  Yes, we had our ultrasound today, where it would have been clear what baby number 4 is rolling in as, boy or girl.  However, I would like to use this post to prove to my family (mainly my sisters), that I can remain strong during some important life situations.  Not when there is a pan of freshly made brownies staring me in the face; no, that is a sure moment of weakness.  But when it comes to really wanting a surprise and some motivation to make it through another C-section, this girl (and Kevin) remained strong.  Even Jack was there, and he didn't demand to know if he would have another brother to fight with over matchbox cars.  Then again, he has bigger things to worry about, like making it to the toilet during potty training week.  But more on that later.

Not even my doc knows the gender.  Apparently if you request not to know, they don't try to find out either.  And here I though they had a secret page in that big file of theirs that had a blue or a pink sticker on it.  Nope, He will find out the same day we will.  Or technically a few seconds before us, since he gets a better seat in the O.R.than both Kevin and I do.  Other than that, baby # 4 is perfectly healthy.  Two kidneys (always a plus), a nice brain, and some cool eye sockets that gave us a wink in a few pictures.  So we are very happy, and very thankful.  Only 20 or less more weeks to go, and then we can find out the real burning question.  Does Callie Mitchell get a better wedding in the end?  Or does she get a sister?  Only time will tell, girlfriend - only time.  

Springtime In Paris

Thanks to my incredibly generous parents and Grandparents, Rachel and I were able to take a trip of a lifetime to visit our sister Sarah in France... sans kids (Cue Angels singing).  Sarah and her family live in the Toulon, France.  It's the Southern part, which means warm, sunny, beachy, perfect weather.  And it was just what this girl needed as a welcome break to the chills of another Midwest May. 

Not to worry though.  The kids were also having the time of their lives spending every moment with my rock star quality grandparents,  who thought it nothing but breezy to have 3 Great Grand kids stay with them the whole time.  Yes, they are the best, and no, you can't borrow them.  And when they weren't being entertained by Mama De and Papa Gramps, I heard that my little Callie is now the top sought after real estate agent under the age of 5 in the Columbus area.  She apparently is well versed in home showings, client meetings, and training classes thanks to her buddy time with Grandma Jan.  Nothing like starting them young, and training them early!

Back in France, Rachel and I did everything from bike riding on Islands (yes, this pregnant belly did survive), to shopping French yard sales.  We saw old villages with lovely shops, ate tons of French pizza, croissants, and baguettes, and hung out on some fabulous beaches.  After that, we took a train to Paris for our last two days, and revamped our knowledge of important art and history.  Although where and what we saw will not be spelled out here, thanks to my non-existent French language skills.   But having a sister who now speaks beautiful French sure comes in handy when exploring, well, France.  I refused to walk into a store, order any food, or ask for a restroom without Sarah.  She was a saving grace when this girl needed a bathroom, and needed it now. 

Overall, it really was a magical trip.  I loved exploring, and spending quality time with my sisters.  France is beautiful and historically moving.  But coming back to the U.S. was also refreshing.  There's no telling how much you appreciate being able to read advertisements... until you can't read anything for a week straight.   Being able to communicate with even the bored U.S. customs officials was music to my ears after a long plane ride with mostly French speaking tourists.  And don't even get me started on the beauty of our American toilets.  It's an entire blog post worth of insight.  I will just say now that airport bathrooms were never more welcome. 

So many, many, thanks to my family who made it possible, and to Sarah and Phil who gave us one sweet week in their world.  I feel refreshed and ready to take on my normal routines again.  That is, however, if I can ever convince my kids that Mommy's house isn't Grandma's house.  Now that is more challenging than an 8 hour plane ride while pregnant.

(Pictures are out of order... but enjoy!)

Beach by Sarah's House, in Toulon

Phil came home the day before!  Family Pic on bike Island

Sisters..after a very bumpy bike ride

Waiting for our Train to Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral

For Kevin... Even Thomas Jefferson got a statue in Paris



Arc de Triomphe



True Tourists, on the double decker bus in Paris

Market near Sarah's House

Beautiful French Country Side



The Gardens of Rodin - One of Kev's favorite sculptures.  Doing the "Thinker Pose"

"The Thinker"

The Louvre

Island Bike Tour

Another French Village... for shopping

Who said you can't touch the top?

Eiffel Tower

Last night in Paris.. eating a genuine Crepe.  I didn't Love it, but I loved Paris

 

The Tale of a Blue T-Shirt

When I thought about having boys, I swore to myself that I would not have the type of boys that run around in t-shirts and sweat pants.  I was convinced that my boys would be the well dressed ones, collars up, button shirts, and nicely pressed cargo pants. 

Then you have boys, and you encounter the "easy" fleece section of Target.  Not only is the t-shirt and fleece area cheaper than the cool outfits, but it also results in less tears from two crazy boys who apparently do care what they wear.  Remember, we are budget central here, and buying two of everything can be down right depressing come register time.

So I gave in.  I gave in to sweat pants, button less collars, or no collars at all.  Sweat shirts, fleece, stains... the whole truck load.  (I even let Callie wear Character tees - another sworn no no that is for another post).  Lately, my penny pinching and laziness has lent itself to one son who now cries every Sunday before church because he has to wear buttons (Sound familiar Uncle Andy??), and one son who although protests less, still prefers his comfort to his style.

Enter in the tale of the blue t-shirt.  Jack has been known to find something he loves, and use it until he kills it.  Proof of this is his almost brown-ish blankey (even after a bleach wash), and his pooh bear who is no longer bright orange, but more of a fallish burnt orange, with a touch of green... coloring.  He goes everywhere with them, and they look the part.  So when the other day, he began specifically asking for a certain blue T, I knew I was in for trouble.  First problem, the shirt doesn't fit anymore.  It's 18 months.  Second of all, how is a mother supposed to wash when kid wants to wear said shirt at bed, and during the day for play?  But at this point, I make it a point to avoid all useless tears, so the t-shirt has won for the last two weeks.

Yes, we wash it every couple of days, and it if had major stains, I would wrangle him out of it, even with sobbing.  Although not fashionable, it works.  It makes him happy, and it makes dressing easier in the morning when all that needs changed are pants.  I will have Kevin tackle the button issue later, like when he starts dating.  So we have some time.  And in the mean time, you can be sure that boy will be squeezed into the shirt every birthday picture, just as a bit of friendly retaliation for all of the wash his mother is currently doing for this odd preference.

What's in a Friend?

From a females perspective, guy friendships are both odd and inspiring.  Odd, because somehow guys seem to be great friends without always uttering a bunch of words like us women do.  And inspiring, because there is nothing greater than knowing that your husband has close male friendships that can last through the years, and is getting encouraged in the way he understands, not always how we, as women, would give it. 

So when it comes to Kevin's friends, and his birthday, there was only one answer.  His best friend from high school who has been with us from the beginning of "us", and who not only looks like he could be Kev's brother, but is also as close as one.  And you know he's a good friend when he was willing to drive 5 1/2 hours each way just to help Kevin celebrate turning 29.  We thank you very much, Ben Hathaway.

His surprise trip consisted of great tickets to a Cincinnati Reds game (his favorite baseball team), and a night on the town with Ben in Cincinnati.  But leave it up to two sports fans to turn an already fun day into an even better one.  Along with being a Reds fan, Kevin is also a patient Indiana Pacers fan.  (Patient, because for the last 5 years or so, they have not warranted anyone paying money to see them).  So, instead of finding a good restaurant to watch them on TV, the boys decided to really make a day of it, and drive to Indy to watch the Pacers in all of their playoff glory.  Scalped tickets, check.  Crazy fans, double check.  Pacers lose, check check, and check.  But no matter the outcome, these boys had fun, and Kevin may have finally enjoyed his birthday for once.  - (He never gets excited over birthdays, but over our 9 years I am slowly convincing him that they are fun). 

We wished we lived closer to the amazing Hathaway family... seeing as I adore his wife also, who was my college roommate.  And yes, I do take some credit for that marriage:).  But we are so grateful that even as far away as we are, when occasions really matter, these friends come through.  Did I mention Courtney just had a baby and still let Ben leave?  Thanks Courtney... I owe you big. 

Happy Birthday, once more, to Kevin.  I love you, and I'm so glad that this Birthday was so much better than a good Monday. 

Celebrating at home with an ice cream cake

Asked him to take a picture of him and Ben, and this is what I got.  Such Guys:)

Proof of attending Pacer Game. 

Birthday Secrets

Tomorrow Kevin turns 29, and we are still safe from another year of officially being in our 30's.  Ugh.  I've been working on a fun surprise for his birthday, which I can't spill now because he reads this blog from time to time.  But I will write it out once he is on his way tomorrow. 

I love surprising people.  Which sadly rarely works out because according to Kevin, (and my entire family), I'm the worst secret keeper ever.  Guilty as charged.  But it's only because I get so darn excited that if I have to wait a week to spill... that is challenge for this girl. 
Either way, he's already slightly celebrated with a barrage of new ties from my favorite new website, tiebar.com.  Regular ties only $15, and extra long, for our super tall husbands are only $20.  Try beating that with a Macy's sale. 

For most guys, getting a tie a day for the last 5 days or so would be a bummer.  But my fashion conscience husband was very thankful.  And because he was so nice, we will hopefully end this week long birthday bash on a high note with something having absolutely nothing to do with a corporate office, or fabric.   Think guy stuff.  Guy time.  That's what he needs, and hopefully that is what he will enjoy.  Say goodbye to the office for a few days Kev.  You are off to actually enjoy yourself for a few sweet hours.  Happy Birthday!

Oh Weekend, Oh Weekend

I take our weekends here pretty seriously.   I'm kinda like a self professed weekend slave-driver.   Not in the slave driver, work till you drop sense that has been given to all Johnson's (my maiden name)... but a "you better not be going into work again," slave driver. Not great for a wife with a husband with a very demanding job.  But we have worked on it, and he has learned how to protect those precious few days from lots of computer time, and I have learned how to control my eye rolling every time the computer is turned on.  

So this weekend, after a few very hectic, very busy, Kevin at the office all day long Saturdays, my sacred two days have returned.  Holy moly is it nice.  No sleeping in, of course (we've got three kids for goodness sake)... and not a super relaxing coffee hour breakfast (again, 3 kids).  But after the rush of the morning, the kids retreat to the basement to "do their business" in their diapers, and Kevin and I had some time to relax.  And double bonus: the cable guy was here, actually installing cable.  Turns out having a triple play is cheaper than trying to go without TV. Seriously.

If the day would have ended there, I might have been happy.  HGTV is back in my living room!  But no, we were enjoying ourselves too much.  So we napped,  we Family shopped at Meijer, (my fav), and we had a nutritious dinner at Burger King.  All while watching a Final Four game.  No home improvement to speak of, and the Blackberry was actually lost most of the day.  Beautiful:).

All families need to rest together at least one day a week, in my opinion.  It's the glue that keeps us all ticking.  So welcome back, dear weekend.  You have been missed, and needed.  It's nice to have a familiar friend back in the family plan.