And Im back...

Towards the end of last year I decided to step back and take a break from blogging and focus on family. I also wanted to evaluate the direction i felt my blog was going. In 2011 I started feeling like I was becoming some that I wasn't me. I feel like I need to brake away from what ALSNS was in 2010-2011 and focus on what is really important to me...not what I think everyone else will find interesting!

Today is feb. 1st and I have decided that I am back!!! I have plans for some fun posts over the next few weeks!! We are slowly but surely potty training the twins so I have a lot to share about that!! Potty training two is WAY different than potty training one let me tell you! :) Although it is just feb. I am so looking forward to spring and summer! The kids love being outside and like I have mentioned before we are a very outdoorsy family...and this rainy winter we are having really isn't fun:( I'm turning 30 in a few weeks and unlike most of my sisters I am really excited!!! I am so ready to be done with the 20s!! With Valentine's Day just around the corner we have been doing all kinds of crafts that I plan to share with you next week!!

I'm really excited to be back! I have missed this so much!! Over the next few day you will notice some changes about the look of ALSNS...with a new year and a new mindset there needs to be a change!!! Lookout for lots of crafts tons about homeschooling my little man!! Tot school! Sewing, pinterest, and what the Lord is doing in my life, my marriage, and my parenting!!! oh and my new love...my iPad...which has become a essential in our homeschooling! I have TONS of awesome FREE apps to share with you!

I hope you all have a wonderful Feb. 1st!!

Declarations & Resolutions

Declarations & Resolutions 2011

• Spending more time in the Word.
• Getting up at 6am every weekday morning so I can have my personal bible study.
• Daily Bible memory verse for Elias, he love his Jesus.
• Computers off by 9pm every night.
• More time with my wonderful husband...hence above:)
• Nightly Pastor Bob Coy Radio Bible study with my Hubby.
• Proverbs 31...enough said.
• Train my children in the way the Lord wants.
• Creating a spectacular 2nd half of the 1st/2nd grade school year for my little guy.
• Spending more time with the friends who lift up, not the ones who drag down.
• Having a more Calm and Relaxed home. More Joy and Thankfulness.
• Play, Laugh and have more Fun with my Husband and Children.
• Creating a monthly meal plan and making the meals before hand to freeze...aka simplify Dinner time.
• Eat Healthier. We do already, but I want it to be even more.
• Zumba five days a week. Fit THOSE jeans.
• Read more. There are so many Great books that I so badly want to read...Like:
• Leaving Carolina and Nowhere Carolina both by Tamara Leigh
• Knit more. Teach Elias to Knit.
• Sew more. Gabbi needs more dresses;)
• Bake more. Create and try new and different things

To Stick to my Declarations & Resolutions I will be printing them out and posting them where I will see them every single day...I will not let these be "out of site out of mind"

Sticking to your Resolutions, Goals, Changes...whatever you choose to call them can be made easy by having a Husband or Friend to help you stick to them.

My Husband is awesome, always helping and holding me to my goals. When Elias was 18 months old I set a weight loss goal of 40 lbs in 3-4months...My husband helped me stick to it, and I lost 75 instead!!

Have a Blessed and Wonderful January 2011

Yes! I am still Breastfeeding

I'm a breastfeeding mama of Twins and proud of it!!

There I was, visiting with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. While chatting on the couch one of the twins came up very sleepy, ready for a nap and wanted to nurse. I paused our conversation to grab a cover and get my little one situated. When I looked back up, my friend was wide eyed staring at me. I had seen that look before...the "Oh My Gosh she is STILL breastfeeding" I'm used to it, I was still breastfeeding Elias until after age 3. So, that look and me aren't exactly strangers. "What" I asked. She just looked at me a moment longer and choked out "You are Still breastfeeding?" I wanted to say "CLEARLY"...but I didn't;) I calmly responded "Yep I sure am" Thinking this conversation was over, I jumped back into what we had been talking about...only to be interrupted by this little gem "Do you breastfeeding both of them or just one?" Ok little side note: You might be surprised how often I get asked this question, and I ALWAYS respond with a smile "yes I breastfeed both of my twins" Even though on the inside I'm thinking...'Yeah, why would I only breastfeed one, that is ridiculous that you would even ask such a stupid question'. Back to my friend. I responded "yes I do, blah,blah,blah" I could see her getting more uncomfortable with every word. VERY quickly after I was done talking, wouldn't you know that she suddenly remember she was 'late' for 'something'. Hmm...really?!

Why is it so hard for 'OTHERS' that we breastfeed? This is very troubling to me. A mom can send her 12 year old daughter to school in a outfit that is shocking: no one says a word -a child can be heard yelling and cussing at their parent in the store: no on says a word- But WE quietly cover, or sneak away, words are spoken to us, and lots of them...not always nice either. Celebrities without children are openly giving there negative opinion. Because of this women who breastfeed feel like they aren't allowed to nursing in public, and if they do they had better be out of site or covered with a black fleece blanket from head to toe. I can just imagine the out burst said celeb would have had if she saw me tandem nursing my twin babies. I ask it again, why is this so true in our society? I don't have a answer. I have my opinions...People seem to want to have a opinion because they don't have control of their lives or because they are unhappy, maybe they are uncomfortable about breastfeeding in general...I don't know it could be so many different things. All I know is that I refuse to let ANYONE make me feel like I am doing something wrong because I have made the choice to breastfeed MY children. I love my children, I want to breastfeed and frankly if 'sally next door' is bothered by that, then she has a problem of her own. I will stand my ground and I hope you do too! I hate talking to a young mom who says she really wanted to breastfeed, but she didn't have any support. Us nursing mom's need to stick together and share our stories and tips with other mom's especially new 1st time mama's. So here's a challenge: We all have a friend, who is breastfeeding her baby or young child, right. She might be searching for someone to talk to...Toss a little encouragement her way!! Tell her that you are there for her. You will be thrilled with how it makes her feel and how it makes you feel. I know, because I did this recently with a women who goes to my church, it was so wonderful to see her sad face turn to joy! She later told me that she was about ready to give up, and was so happy I spoke up!

Be Happy Breastfeeding - I know I am and that's what matters!

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This is Me!!

Do you work or stay at home? If work what do you do?
I'm a SAHM! However, My husband and I have a Photography Business & I make and sell hair accessories!


What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?

Oh my, Just about anything, Playing at the park, playing baseball, watching their favorite shows...the list goes on & on! Just being with them makes my day!!!



What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was born in Texas, raised in Kansas & I am the youngest of 9 kids, my siblings are 21. 18, 16, 14, 10, 7, 6, & 4 years older!


What is the most annoying question you have been asked
about your twins?

Ugh..If they are IVF. If they are twins or just close in age are the top ones.


Do you have insecurities about being a mom?

Sometimes, I am homeschooling and sometimes that fear of "can I really do this"...But then my son does something that makes me KNOW that I can!!


What do you do when you get overwhelmed?

Talk and Cry to my fantastic husband, who is a great listener!


What books, or other resources helped you in raising your
twins?
Books...none, I felt they are we so focused on women who were older have twins and IVF twin. My sister and Cousin both have twins, and I joined a mom's of multiples group!


What's been the most challenging time in your life?

There have some hard times...I guess the last few years, not because of my husband or kids, but because of others who wanted to tear our life apart and didn't care who was hurt in the process.


What is your favorite comfort food?

Mexican & anything Chocolate!


What is your self admitted most annoying habit?
Talking


What would a perfect day look like?
Waking up at 8am & spending the entire day with my hubby and kiddos outside just playing and having fun as a family...maybe throw a Seahawks game in there!!

I'm Still here....

I know I have been MIA. Between all the kids getting sick again, spring, and Photography, I have very little bloggy time. That is all going to change this week...I hope! The kids are all doing better & spring cleaning is almost done...I hope:)

I'm Still here...I promise!

I Hope all your kiddos are feeling well and enjoying this Wednesday!!

Brit