Birthdays and Seasons

It's a busy time around our house, it's the start of the holiday season for us. It used to be that the start of the holiday season was Cesar's birthday, but last year our twins came one day before that. Cesar's birthday is first, then 5 days later is mine, but last year we both got a special gift, one for him and one for me. We know from now on, our birthdays will be the shadow of our twin's big day.

So, this year was the start of a tradition. I am very particular about how I do things. I like to make everybody their own special cake, and it must be homemade. Usually Cesar makes mine with the kids, but this year I will be making my own! (My 7 year old decided to plan a "surprise" party for me...and she needs a cake. She conned me into making a cake though I am not supposed to know why) So, I struggled with the idea of what to make for the babies first birthday, as it will be the tradition for the rest of their lives...big decision! I decided to make two separate cakes, one was a lemon cake with lemon butter icing, and the other a white cake with vanilla butter icing. I had a little party for them, which turned out to be bigger than I intended. I don't usually do a party for our 1 year olds, except a little cake and just the family. I really felt like this was a milestone for myself, and I wanted to have the people that helped me through it to be a part of it. I have had to learn to accept help now with the extra big load that I have on my shoulders. It has been a great lesson for me to learn.

Homeschooling has been coming along very well. I am really excited about the things I am learning along with the kids. So many things you don't retain from your early school days, and I now have the opportunity to learn again. I found it to be an overwhelming task, and at one point thought I could not do it and began to go through the steps of enrolling the kids in the public school. But, thanks to a good friend she helped me to overcome the beginning steps and guide me to the start. Now I have taken it into my own agenda, and have thrown myself in 100%. It took me a couple of weeks of a transition period, finding the books I wanted, figuring out the routine and what would work. I hope to do a more detailed post on this subject, as I learn more about what works and what doesn't.

I love the Fall, and the events that are coming up very soon. I love the cool weather we have now in Virginia, and opening the windows for some fresh air. I never thought we would actually make it to this point, and get to the first birthday of the babies. But, here we are! This is an exciting time, and I am really enjoying them so much. I feel so lucky to have two babies, it is something I still can't get over sometimes. When I look at them, and I realize how special they are, and how lucky I am! The other kids are so loving toward them, and I am so glad that they haven't had any jealousy issues. The babies get soooo much attention when we go anywhere, and the other kids don't have a problem with it, they are happy for the babies and proud of them.

Well, I know this has been very eclectic, but that is my life! I love it!