The lost month

Ugh, what a month! I'm ready for August. In July, we have faced a long bout of diarrhea (twins), a dresser entrapment (twins), fall down the stairs (Lani, Cari, and I fell over Arden) allergic reaction to shellfish (Chris), a computer dropped on a toe (me), projectile vomiting (Cari, including into my mouth!), and a painful rash (Lani).

Anyway, here is a photo essay of the forementioned events. Haha, just kidding! Just some random pics and vids...

This is the snack table.

Daddy, Lani, Cousin Cole, and Uncle Jim at a 4th of July parade. It was like kiddie Mardi Gras. They threw candy from the floats...

I don't remember what they were eating in the next 2 pics, but I am sure it's something no "good mother" would give her toddlers.

More junk I feed my kids. I'm so proud...

Vids:

Shout Outs!

First, Grammy Jean. It was great to have you around for a good while! Thank you soooo much for your help while I recovered from surgery. We all miss you a lot...Arden most of all.

Second, Congratulations, Daddy, on your much-deserved promotion! Chris is now VP Manufacturing at Genzyme. You worked so hard for so long. It's wonderful that they've finally recognized your efforts.

Love,

Jen & The Murphettes

Videos thru June 15th

Arden Using a Fork

Uncle Romey Plays with the Girls

Lani & Grammy Plant Seeds

Arden Playing

Lani & Cari Wearing Grown-up Shoes

Wearing Grammy Jean's Shoes

Ring Around the Rosies

It's been a long while, hasn't it?

I can't believe the last time I posted was in early May. Let's play catch-up. Since then, Grammy Jean has come to visit, my brother met the twins for the first time, the twins masted the fork, Mother's Day came and went, I've had surgery, the twins' vocabulary has exploded, Lani has attended a couple of birthday parties, and my 20th college reunion has been held.

Below is a pictorial journey. Video to follow.

The sisters drawing together.

Chris took me to the Naked Fish for Mother's Day. It was very nice and the girls did very well.

A rare photo of me.

Arden revealing her fork proficiency. She really picked it up quickly.

Uncle Romey playing with Cari. He met the twins for the first time during this visit.

The girls are starting to enjoy each other as playmates. It doesn't happen often, but it's neat when it does. Here they were rolling around on the couch together.

Arden has a fixation with her nose.

Just in the last week and a half, Cari has begun having tantrums. Arden has thrown a few fits too but they are pretty tame compared to Cari. Arden might last 15 seconds; Cari can go on for 5+ minutes.

My old college friend, Yin (holding Lani) and her husband and son (see, left) were up for our college reunion. I can't believe how long it's been.

Lani at her friend J's 4th birthday party. The party was held at Gymboree and the kids seemed to love it.
A number of kids in the pic go to her preschool. It was like a mini-reunion.

As for language, the twins say so much now. Just this morning, Arden said "thank you" twice and "kissipoo" for the first time. I could not believe it. And Cari is trying to be just like Alana. It's so funny and cute.

Laughing Out Loud

The Globe just reported that a Catholic School in Boston has rescinded its acceptance of a boy whose parents are lesbians. http://www.boston.com/yourtown/hingham/articles/2010/05/12/mass_catholic_school_wont_admit_lesbians_son/

Apparently, it's against the Church's teachings (unlike pedophilia). I found the following among the online comments to the article and read it aloud to Chris, which caused us both to fall into paroxysms of uncontrollable laughter, eye watering and gasping for air.

So...this was written in response to the folks who claimed that homosexuality was expressly forbidden in the bible and therefore the Church was right to act...

davidnh28 wrote:

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev. 24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).

Arden cutie, more videos

A couple cute things that Arden does...

Likes to hug grown-up legs all the time. Always says "meh meh meh" when asked "Who wants to...?" (She hears Lani say it all the time!) Likes to do the hand signs when I sing Twinkle Twinkle.

A week ago while I was getting Cari undressed for the bath, Arden climbed into the tub fully dressed. I guess she didn't feel like waiting.

More video clips

Water Emergency

Oh, we've been having fun here. First, the weather took a turn for the worst. It's hot and humid, might as well move down to Florida. Next, Boston metro loses its water system. We've been out of clean (treated) water since Saturday and have been boiling our tap water and hoarding bottled water. I've got containers of boiled water all over the house -- for cooking, brushing teeth, washing hands, and dishes. Lani has been so easy about it and understands that the water has a boo boo. Thank goodness we have the dish washer. It is a challenge washing dishes without the tap. Oh, and the kids haven't had a bath since Friday!

But other than the initial shock, we are adapting.

* * *

Lani says such funny sweet things lately. Unfortunately, I forget them so quickly that I never get to record them. I think some might wonder why there are so few pics of her of late. The simple reason is Lani avoids the camera like the plague.

Arden wearing her daddy's shoes.

Arden and Cari sharing their shoe fetish.

A rare pic of Lani, age 3.5.

Despite appearances, Arden thought it was funny when Blue backed up and sat on her as she and I sat reading.

I think she was smiling ;=)

Cari perfects the "Shy Di". Extra points if you recognize this old pop culture reference.

Videos:

More videos to come shortly.