Finger Paint Fun

It seems like it takes a lot more to entertain the Boys than it use to, which means it takes more from me to keep them entertained. Boredom means cranky kids and then they start getting into things they shouldn't.

I've been wanting to try finger paints for awhile now, but just wasn't sure if the Boys were ready for it, in other words, I wasn't sure if I was up for cleaning up the mess.

I found a recipe for washable paint and mixed up a batch. It turned out great. And the boys had a ball.

 

I was a little afraid that with all the food coloring they may have been blue for a couple of days, but luckily it all washed off.

Even the clean up was fun!

Bailey is supervising.

Washable Finger Paint

 

2 tbls sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

2 cups water

1/4 cup dishwashing soap

food coloring

 

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and water.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth gel.  Stir in the dishwashing soap.

 

Pour into individual containers and add food coloring. 

 

 

Twins Play Date

The Boys had a play date with the Prince Girls this week. The Prince family recently moved back to Oklahoma and I've been eager to get our twins together.  This was our first time to meet in person. 

Erin and I have a mutual friend and even though we hadn't met up until this week we shared being pregnant with twins at the same time (her Girls are five days older than the Boys).  It was so nice to moan, groan and celebrate life with twins (we celebrated more than moaning).  I think it's something that only those with twins can fully understand. 

Brooks was a little protective of his car in the beginning, but after a few turns around the house he shared...somewhat willingly.

It was IMPOSSIBLE to get all four to look at the camera at the same time.

They played, they snacked and they kissed. So sweet! Clint thought they looked like a Doublemint commercial.

Once the girls left we headed outside to play and within minutes Brooks broke out a window with a plastic golf club. To be honest I'm surprised it's taken this long for a window to be smashed in by one of the Littles.

While I was hustling Brooks in the door, Jackson made his way to the window and cut his finger. I didn't realize he had cut it (tough guy didn't cry) until I ushered him inside and saw blood gushing everywhere. Since all the broken glass was inside the house I swooped up both Boys and headed upstairs. I finally got it to stop bleeding, bandaged it, and then called the doctor.

J screamed the entire time the doctor cleaned and inspected it, my ears are still ringing, but thankfully no stitches were needed.

I'm sure this is just one of many more accidents to come.

Just a day in the life of the Bridges Boys!

Don't be fooled...

I love this picture. It makes our days look calm, quiet and structured and makes my kids look like perfect angels.

 

But don't be fooled. This is more what our days are like. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last weekend Trent went on a deep sea fishing trip with some friends from high school. Check out the fish they caught.

 

 

While Trent was gone, Mom and Dad watched the Boys for most of the weekend and I got some much needed downtime as well as some one-on-one time with Brooks.  I can't get over how different they act when they are alone.  I didn't have to referee or be a short order cook and I actually got to sit on the floor and play with Brooks without being interrupted.  Next time it will be Jackson's turn.

 

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My favorite part of the day is checking on them right before I go to bed.  No matter how crazy the day was, seeing these two precious sleeping angels melts away the day.

 

 Until next time!

I'm Back

So I've been on a bit of a hiatus, ok a long hiatus but I'm back. So much has happened in the last year but instead of trying to recap I'll just start where we are now. More to come so stay tuned. In the meantime here are a few pictures from the summer. 

 

Big boy haircuts.
Little J cried and screamed the entire time so I didn't get to supervise Little B's haircut.  They chopped off all his hair, but it will grow back.  At lease this time maybe we can make it four weeks between haircuts instead of three.

The Boys love to push the strollers. 

Our new pet.

Little B and my nephew Blake

Bailey's new bark collar.  It's worked beautifully so far.  Why didn't I get her one a year ago?

No Tears

A couple of months ago the ear, nose and throat doctor told me that Brooks is tongue tied. He said that we could either get his tongue clipped now or wait until he gets a little older to see if it causes any speech difficulties. We decided to go ahead and do it now. So this morning at 5:30 AM we were checked in at Mercy Hospital. We got in and out quickly. Brooks was such a big boy. He never cried one time at the hospital. He did have a rough day the rest of the day but that is to be expected.

Wordless Wednesday

C.I.O. aka Crying it Out

Crying it Out, Controlled Crying, Tough Love.  No matter what you call it, it has worked (so far) on the Bridges' Boys.

Everything I've read said that it takes 3-5 days for them to realize that you aren't going to rescue/feed them every time they cry. It took us all 5 nights. Thanks to the kind words of my friend, Julie (see comment from previous post stating "you need to show them who's Boss") and Trent encouraging me not to rescue them, we started sleep training Friday night and here is how it went down.

Friday:  Around midnight Brooks woke and cried for 50 minutes then fell back asleep.  Soon after Jackson woke and cried/screamed for 2 (long) hours.  We were all tired and cranky the next day.

Saturday:  Both slept for 7-8 hours and didn't have to cry themselves back to sleep.  I think they were so worn out from the night before.

Sunday:  There was a little whimpering between 1:30 AM and 3:00 AM.

Monday:  They both slept about 8 hour stretches.

Tuesday:  Brooks slept for 11.5 hours.  I never heard a peep out of him.  Jackson slept for 8.5 hours, I fed him then he slept for 3 more hours.  It was glorious!

Sleep training has not only helped at night, but they go down a little easier at nap time, too.

All in all, it was less painful then I had anticipated.  The first night was certainly the toughest for me, but each one got a little easier. 

I'm sure there will be bumps in the road, but at least 8 hour stretches of sleep are way better than 4-5 hours.  Fingers crossed they continue sleeping well.  Hopefully, I didn't jinx it by posting about their accomplishment to soon!