thetadpoles.com

We were asked if Good Morning America could use one of our clips for a segment, and they used it! We are in the clip at around 3:00 minutes.

Where have we been you ask? We have entered a whole new level as of late. I went back to work, the twins are in preschool full time….and we’re still not potty trained. Did that catch you up on the last few months? Not really? Yeah I know, I suck at posting.

Here is a quick recap.

Preschool. We were told the twins could start preschool once they turned 3. Since they turned 3 on a Sunday around 8:40 in the morning we had to wait till Monday. I kid you not, we started them the next day. Maybe it was me but I thought the twins would do better if I introduced preschool slowly. We tried a couple of days where I stayed with them. During that time they didn’t listen, didn’t want to participate, clung to me and were whiny. Guess what happened when I left them alone for an hour, they did wonderfully. All that behavior was reserved for their mother. Yea me! They love school and we often have to drag them away. They’ve made new friends and love their teachers. It has turned out better than I expected. Socially and verbally they have grown so much.

Leaving school hand in hand

Halloween. Lo was really into the eats lots of candy and wear costumes aspect of the whole holiday. She wore her ladybug costume almost everyday for a month! Derby especially liked the chocolate and pumpkins. He was all about the animals at the pumpkin patch. Many a morning he was up at 6 am asking to see the donkey and the turkey.

Thanksgiving. We had some grand plans for Thanksgiving. Oma and Papa were going to have a full house with family and we were excited to join in the fun. One of the joys of having children is that they can change your plans at the drop of a hat. Derby woke up that Thursday puking. Thanksgiving 2010 we stayed home and ate leftovers. Why leftovers? Because we had planned to be at Oma’s and I had no Thanksgiving related food in the house other than the dessert I was going to bring. Puking, feverish kids are very pathetic. That weekend some friends from out of state were coming to visit and go wine tasting. As the twins were looking better we had a babysitter lined up and we were ready for some adult time. As I was getting my sweater to leave Loen started puking. Like I said plans change. Instead we cuddled on the couch and watched movies. The next day she was worse and had to go in a for an IV. That kid is such a trooper. She didn’t even cry when they started the IV, though she refused to talk to the nurses after that. Even when they brought her books and stickers.

I tried to tell her the IV pump was like mom’s insulin pump. It would make her feel better. Later she told me she didn’t like “the big pump like mom”

Obviously Derby was feeling better as he decided to wear the puke bucket on his head (it was CLEAN)

Christmas. No crying for Santa this year. They told Santa they wanted a “blue car” and “a duck”. I’ll let you figure out who wanted what. The next day Loen said she wanted to see Santa again, Tadd explained we have to let other children have a turn, we cant go see him all the time. She thought about it for a minute then said “I have a few questions about the duck”. The kid is getting smart. When asked about the duck she wouldn’t elaborate which made it hard for ‘Santa’ to know what she was looking for.

Christmas was extra special this year as Mima T, Papa Don, Aunt T, Uncle John and Grandpa Jimbo celebrated at our house. They got to help decorate the tree, sing Christmas songs and really got into the spirit of the holidays. I loved it. They were so excited and would ask funny questions about things. Granted we had a few incidents where they started to destroy the advent house when they realized it had chocolate in it and then Loen decided to redecorate the bottom half of the tree which resulted in a broken branch. All in all we had a really fun time.

Santa brought a duck! Loen decided her jammies needed a hat to complete the ensemble

Loen’s doll (which she has named Lil’ Loen) had to help her unwrap gifts

Derby’s animatronic cat he named ‘Pounce’

Blue car

Of course I could update more but IM TIRED. You’ll just have to wait till next time.

This years card

Front

Inside

Back

I took the day off of work on October 25 because that weekend was the twins birthday weekend, lots of people were in town, and I wanted to spend a day with just us after everybody left. The day started off slow and I don’t think we even got out of the house until after noon. We went downtown to run a few errands and hang out and then we took the kids to Shoreline Park to ride their Strider balance bikes. There was a film crew at the park when we got there, which is not unusual, so we though nothing of it. So the bikes came out and I started down the path with Loen while Hava worked with Derby. Well, Derby didn’t last long and Hava was soon taking his bike back to the car. This is when someone from the film crew started yelling “Excuse me, excuse me!” So I stopped and waited for him to ask us to not get in the background of their shot. Instead he proceeded to tell me that they were filming a promotional spot for the new Oprah Winfrey Network and asked if we would be interested in being in it. I said “Sounds great, but let’s check with my wife.” So he gave the same spiel to Hava, who was also on board. We were filmed for about the next 15 minutes. Here is the final product – look for us from 13 – 16 seconds:

According to a New York Times December 2, 2010 article, the promotional spot is to be in movie theaters around the country. Have you seen it at a theater? If so, tell us where in the comments!

Loen is very cute when she see’s the commercial. The first time she saw it she said “That’s Loen, that’s me!” We are disappointed that Hava and Derby didn’t make it (they filmed both of them as well), but we are very happy and excited that Loen got to shine. Derby’s turn is next!

It’s that time again. Yes, the one where the twins officially gain another year. Three, or as they say they are “free”.

I decided to do a robot themed birthday and sent out an email to my very talented family looking for robot graphics. Souther’s fiance Monica brought it in spades. Yes I took the image and went overboard. What can I say, I LOVED her drawing.

The gift bag had robot bubbles, wind up robot and robot sucker

Here they are sitting with Meemaw Lisa in their robot shirts that Uncle Iain made.

Boom is really in DA HOUSE!

We’re ready for our drum solo now

When we were picking out furniture for our new house we really didnt take into mind the fact that our 1.5 pound twins would grow into destructive terrors. Yes I love our modern bamboo dining table but it just doesn’t look the same as it did 2 years ago when it was fingerprint and scratch free. Our coffee table has become a lost cause as Derby sees it as his drum pad. What the hell were we thinking when we bought our furniture? I spent close to 15 years as a nanny. You would think I would have some knowledge as to what kids can do to your house.

I now realize we should have ordered from the same catalog as the state penitentiary. At least you know it can withstand someone stabbing a fork or trying to graffiti their name into it. Or maybe a rough hewn look. The lumber is already distressed so no one would really notice a few more dings.

My twins have acquired two new super powers. I like to call them “whirling dervish” and “blatant disregard”. When I was a kid we owned a movie called ‘Footloose’, there was a scene where the preacher said “Every, every day the LORD is testing us” and that  has become the soundtrack of my life as I watch the twins slowly destroy all of our worldy goods. Otherwise how can you explain how they test my patience every single day.

Have I mentioned that I love them more than life itself? Sometimes it just comes out as really crabby mama….

I wrote this in August after Derby’s last clinic meeting. I have been meaning to post it but I just couldn’t get it to sound right. It feels like something is missing. Maybe I was afraid I would jinx it. Whatever it is I’m tired of it sitting in my drafts so I’m just going to publish it. Yes it is full of grammatical errors and too many commas but get over it.

I will say time has been flying by lately. The twins continue to act and sound more like kids everyday. There is barely a trace of baby left and it breaks my heart. To see them running around and talking to each other is hilarious. Sometimes I will just stand around the corner to spy on them and wonder when they grew up. Wasn’t I just coaxing them to eat a bite of pureed peas or shouting in joy as one of them said “mama”? Now they say Mama all the time. Often with exasperation in their voice because I don’t respond to their demands fast enough.

What I am trying to say is they are growing up and catching up. Derby especially has been making great strides. He is talking more, running everywhere and being more social. People have said that Derby is tenacious. He never thinks “I cant do that”. You can see on his face that he is going to do that. When he learns something new he gets this sly smile on his face and looks so proud of himself. You cant help but cheer him on.

At his last clinical meeting I brought up the fact that Derby was outgrowing his DAFO (foot brace). I asked the orthopedist to write us a new perscription for one. The doctor watched Derby a little longer then said we could trial him off the brace for 3 months. He is walking so well that he might not need it, we just need to be sure he gets his heel down. We were so excited. Tadd and I had prepared ourselves for another downer meeting. Usually they bring up things Derby has learned and what he needs work on. At times it feels like they just keep talking about how low Derby scores on the assessment tests and worrying signs they see him display. This time was much better. One doctor commented that after seeing him last year she would have expected at this meeting he would have just learned to walk or speak in small sentences. She was amazed how clearly he spoke and the fact he was running around the room. Derby no longer keeps his left hand in a tight fist. He is actually using both arms to play drums, ride on cars and fight with his sister. The therapists write out goals for what they would like Derby to accomplish in the next 6 months. Like using a fork effectually, walking up the stairs unassisted, etc. His next meeting with the physical therapist he accomplished all of her goals. He ran up and down a hill. He went up and down the stairs alone not even holding a rail. These may not seem like big things but for our Derby it was huge. He is so independent. If you try and help him he will start all over again so he can do it himself. That can be frustrating at times when you’re trying to get out of the house and you’re already running late. They made him a new goal of riding a tricycle. If you would have told me last year they would be teaching him to ride a tricycle I would have thought it was a far away goal.

On a Strider bike. I swear he has a blue one he just wanted to try out Loen’s

Loen is all about cooking these days. She will cry when I’m in the kitchen, big crocodile tears rolling down her cheeks as she says “Mama I want to coooooooook with yoooooooou”. I have not managed to get the point across that she is still too young to use the stove. If there is mixing or ingredients to measure shes my gal but there is only so much of that to do.

Loen’s speciality dish is cinnamon pecan pancakes. This morning she added dried cranberries to hers. There is a lot to stir with that recipe.

When we were in Oakdale my mom made turnovers with the twins and cousin Iain while I took a nap. When I came to check on them later there was sugar in Loen’s hair and ears. They enjoyed it though. Derby on the other hand just likes to stand on the step stool. He is isn’t big on eating his creation unless it is chocolate.

I really should post something regarding the twins. I have had a half done Derby post in the wings for a month. Maybe I will finish it after I do this one. Did I mention we went to Oakdale earlier this month? Yeah, probably wont get around to that either.

As filler here is one of my favorite dishes. We tried to find a good recipe after eating at Amir’s Kabob House in Monterey. The recipe below from Bon Appetit is pretty close, fairly easy and delicious. We also grill some veggie kabobs at the same time. I serve it with naan, brown rice, cilantro chutney (recipe follows), tzatziki and raita which can be purchased at Trader Joe’s.

Chicken Kabobs

If using Aleppo pepper (which I didn’t and it turned out great), place in large bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon warm water. Let stand until thick paste forms, about 5 minutes. If using dried crushed red pepper and paprika combination, place in large bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons warm water and let stand until paste forms, about 5 minutes. Add yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to spice mixture in bowl; whisk to blend. Stir in garlic and lemon slices (DONT SKIP THE LEMON IT IS KEY!), then chicken. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Thread chicken pieces on metal skewers, dividing equally. Discard marinade in bowl. Sprinkle each skewer with salt, pepper, and additional Aleppo pepper or paprika. Brush grill rack with oil. Grill chicken until golden brown and cooked through, turning skewers occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer skewers to platter. Surround with lemon wedges and serve.

Cilantro Chutney

Ingredients:

• 1 big bunch of chopped Cilantro (green coriander)
• 3 green chopped chilies
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/2 inch ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Pinch of asafetida (hing) *I have no clue what hing is so I skipped it*

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients, except the cilantro, into a paste.
2. Add the cilantro, a little at a time, and blend. If needed, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. The water will help in blending.
3. Blend well and add more salt, green chilies, or lemon juice to taste.

Tips:

1. Using little oil and sugar help keeping the color fresh.
2. You can make hari chutney in large quantities in advance and freeze it in ice cube trays. When ready to serve, defrost as many cubes of hari chutney as needed. If you freeze the hari chutney immediately after preparing, the chutney will not lose its bright green color and freshness.

Variations:

Mix mint leaves with cilantro half and half (just use mint leaves no stems)

Serving Suggestions:

• To make a delicious dip for  vegetables, chips, or crackers, mix 1 part chutney and 3 parts yogurt.
• To make a sandwich spread, mix 1 part chutney and 2 parts cream cheese.