Tuesday, February 20, 2018

When you live in a backwards world

News of yet another mass school shooting lit up our TV screens, our social media accounts and broke our hearts into a million pieces. It started yet another anti gun debate, sparked more hatred in people's hearts and instead of clinging on to one another lead people to split lines.

When will this stop?
When will we stop hating eachother?
When will we stop pointing fingers?

When will we start loving eachother?

Isn't that where the issue is? I see more hate in our schools that I ever did growing up, and my boys aren't even in school yet. The bullying that is taking place is just...I have no words for how cruel these kids are.

The issue we are facing is we are raising kids in a day and age where there is instant satisfaction and no consequences. Children are not having to work for anything. Why are having chores something you rarely hear about anymore?  There are no consequences for poor actions. Parents make excuses for their children. Parents are taking a step back and letting the world raise their children. Parents LET their children run the show "oh, you don't like that little Johnny, okay we won't do it then". I am sorry people, disappointment is part of life. Do I like to disappoint my kids? Of course, not. But I am also not going to let them tell me what to do either. Obviously certain situations, of course I listen to my child's concerns, but I think you all get where I am going with this.

The sad part is, it goes so much deeper than that. These children are so desensitized to real life. The games they play promote violence. These social media accounts they are on enable bullying at a rate that is out of control. Children are watching shows and hearing conversations that are too big for them. When did we stop parenting??? When did we start saying "oh, it's just a game, it won't make a difference". Guys, it does make a difference and it IS! We are loosing our babies to things that can be controlled and can be changed.

We as parents need to be more available to our kids. We need to get our faces out of our phones, and off our computers, because we are teaching them that being disengaged is okay. We are teaching them that what everyone else is doing in their life is more important than what is happening right in front of their face.

I could go on and on, and I truly hope my point is coming across. Lately, it's sure seems like we are living in a backwards world. Change happens in the home...we have to stop sending our kids to school to have teachers raise them, and then not have the teachers back when there is a problem. We have to be available to our kids. We have to stop making excuses for them. We need to be more aware! We need to monitor what our kids are doing, seeing and saying. God gave us this amazing gift of being parents. He trusted us to raise the amazing kiddos we were given. And I will not sit by and let my kids walk in this world alone, it's scary and can be hard. I've learned lessons that I can teach them. It's my job to do so and I am honored to do so.

We need a big change, and it needs to happen in homes across America, because the hard and honest truth is that this issue is WAY bigger than guns. The sooner we recognize this, the sooner we will see a difference and the longer we continue to point fingers at each other instead of taking responsibility these terrible situations will continue to plague our daily lives.

~Nicole









Thursday, October 26, 2017

You Got This

Yesterday we went to Bates Nut Farm with the boys' Pre-K class. It was HOT! But a fun day and I feel so blessed to stay home with these little guys.

I was introduced to another twin momma who was with her 3 year olds. Watching her I remember those days so well. My boys are only a year older, but I'm telling you, a year in twin life is a world of difference!

Last year, I remember I still felt like it wasn't safe for me to go out alone with the boys on big adventures. Safe because they run in different directions, want to do different things, have different needs and there are two of them and one of me! This momma was in that spot. She had someone with her, but I could still see the frazzled look on her face. Even if you have someone with you, there is still worry. Is the twin that walked away with my mom, sister, sis in law etc., okay? What are they doing? Are they safe? Did they get away from said helper?? For me it always came down to safety, and honestly, whoever I was with was always quick to redirect the wandering twin back towards where ever I was. Even with help I was still frazzled, because at the end of the day, you're momma. You have the food, the comfort and they just want you. It's a blessing, but man is it hard!

All this to say, I promise it gets easier. I walked up to that sweet momma at the end of the field trip and told her "it does get easier". The relief and eagerness on her face was evident "when?". I just said how much a difference a year makes and that most things get easier while others are still a challenge.

As mommas we all have these moments. Moms with kiddos close in age have similar situations, fears and worries. However, when I look at a twin momma I feel it and when they are told I'm a twin momma, there is this connection of "you know exactly what I'm going trough". 

Read this and know, you are equipped to raise multiples. You are a fantastic mom to your babies and no one could do it better than you. These stages are temporary and as much as you want to be out of them, you will miss them. You were hand picked by God to raise these sweet beings and He does not make mistakes. I think that last one has carried me through when times are most difficult. I truly believe that God choose us to raise our babies, and what an honor it is.

So keep going, keep smiling through that frazzled feeling. You got this!


Run little guys, run!

My uber talented friend Casey Torres Photography took these this past weekend. Check her work out!


Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Bobs Red Mill- Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

When our son was diagnosed with gluten, diary and egg allergies, I felt defeated. Changing his whole diet seemed daunting. I decided early on that he would not be the only one to make the change and I would incorporate a gluten free lifestyle for him, his brother and ourselves (on occasion). Luckily, there are a lot of gluten free options out there and is allergy is considered moderate. He does not have anaphylaxis or anything like that. However, if he indulges too much in an allergen he will usually get a facial rash and I can tell in his temperament.

I've been told he can grow out of these allergies, but I keep a close eye on it. I don't want it to turn into anything severe of course.

Bob's Red Mill has been a go to brand for most of my gluten free purchases. I've tried others, but their mixes result in the softest and tastiest foods. The other day, we tried Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and it did not disappoint.



Letting them be kids and have some batter. 


Cheers!


This was a good moment for them to work on coordination. 



I totally forgot to snap a picture of the finished cookies. Needless to say, they were sooo yummy! If you're looking for some good GF options, I suggest Bob's Red Mill! 

Thanks all for taking the time to read! Happy baking!

*This is not a sponsored post, although, how fun would that be?*