Excitement Is In The Air........

The kiddos are getting very excited about Christmas!!!

See for yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Addison has a "new and improved" smile. *sigh*

We had a nice day! Our day was spent at our home with Nana, Papa Jerry, Aunt Debra, and Uncle Jeff. We really missed Uncle Jay a lot and spent a lot of time talking about memories of him. In general, we could not feel more blessed by all of the amazing people in our lives!! Happy Thanksgiving!

No more Pacifiers

What a big day!!!! Friday, November, 21, 2009 was a huge day in our family. I know it sounds silly, but for us it was BIG!!! We literally threw our pacifiers in the TRASH CAN. The babies started out with them in the NICU so that they could learn how to suck while they were being feeding through feeding tubes. They did not learn how to suck before they were born due to being preemies. Jody and I had talked for several months on how/when to do this. We honestly had grand illusions on having a paci party and doing it up right. Well, it did not happen like that.

After all that we have been through this Fall (A LOT), we knew we needed to put a date on when to get rid of them and STICK WITH IT!!! We/I decided let's just pick a Friday and do it.

The plan was to take them to the twin babies (boy/girl twins live a few houses down and are 18 mo. old.... funny how my kids think they are babies) down the street and hand them over because "pacifiers are for babies and not for big kids". I was going to give their mom a present to give to my kids in place of the pacifiers. It did NOT happen like that.

Here is how it went down: It was Friday morning and the kids had just eaten breakfast and then somebody "stole" somebody else's pacifier and a full on fight broke out (this is why it was time... it was getting ridiculous). I looked at the kids and said, "We are all done! The pacifiers are going in the trash." I got them off the table and just chunked them in the trash can. Then, I FROZE! "What in the world have I just done to myself," I thought!!! OH NO!!!!!!!!!!! There was WEEPING AND NASHING of teeth. They literally cried like they were in pain. I look back now and it is comical. However, at the moment, I was terrified. They have NEVER known life without them and they were ADDICTED!!! I almost started crying too. I began thinking, "Quick, I have to do something here." I made an announcement that we were going to the store to get a surprise because we were so big now. Everyone got happy very quickly and off we went.

They both chose a Lightening McQueen sports car from the Disney store (Addison really wanted another Nemo but geez... come on) and were so excited..... until nap time! Ugh!!! There was stalling (on my part too) and lots of crying (almost on my part as well)!! However, somehow we survived and sleep did occur. We are well over 48 hours in to the "no pacifiers" and things are going a bit better than expected!!! I really am soooooooooo very proud of our kids!!! They are just truly awesome! Thank you, Lord for such great little people!!!

Addison and Alex, Mommy and Daddy think you are pretty great!!! I know this is a tough transition but you guys are just really great kids. You never cease to amaze us with your enthusiasm. We love you!!!

Jay Steven Bunt

Jay Steven was born on December 15, 1965. He went home to be with God on November 10, 2009. It was a very difficult day for the entire Bunt family. Tuesday, November 10, was a very long (yet too short) day.

Jay was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on July 15, 2009. He was diagnosed that day with stomach, esophagus and liver cancer. Stage 4 is the final stage of cancer but for our family we refused to believe this was it for Jay. You see, we believe in God and know that he is capable of completely healing. He always has a plan and knows what is best for His people (even though we do not understand it). For some reason, God chose not to heal Jay. We are choosing as a family to believe that God knows what He is doing and we accept that he is in a better place. He used Jay's illness and death to draw our family even CLOSER together than we already were. Jeremiah 29:11.

There are so many amazing qualities that Jay posessed. Many that I am jealous of. ; ) He was always the life of a room and very very passionate about whatever he was doing in life at that time. Jay LIVED life to the fullest when he was capable! Jay did not please people. You always knew exactly where you stood with him. There was no beating around the bush. He simply was who he was no matter what the situation. You either like him or you didn't, but almost everyone did!!!

The day Jay passed from this life was a very long day for the family. The doctors began saying the morning he left us that it would possibly be before lunch, if not it would be for sure by evening. They were right. He passed at 6:15 p.m. very peacefully. He was surrounded by his mother, father, Jeff (older brother) and Jody (little brother). Jay knew his family was surrounding him. When Jody arrived he said to him, "Jay, it's your little brother, I am here and I love you." Jay responded, "Love you." Those were the last words Jay spoke. What a wonderful way to go..... your last words being, "Love you".

Jay, you will forever be missed by us all. Alex and Addison prayed for you from the time they found out you were sick and still do. They know that you are living with God and Addison says that living with God could be "super fun". Those are her exact words. Alex says that Heaven is like a "pumpkin patch". Your mom and dad loved you more than I think anyone is capable of loving and will never be the same. Your brothers miss you and will always remember the awesome times you 3 had together. Your crazy sister in laws will miss taking the brunt of your jokes ; ). We love you, Jay. Thank you for making us all better people and for challenging us. You completed our family and it will always be different yet so beautiful!! You made us better people.

I am sharing these photos because this is our family scrapbook. This was the day of Jay's funeral. It was a beautiful day yet tough.

Every time Jay headed down to Houston at MD Anderson for chemotherapy with his parents, he carried these photos of Alex and Addison in his over night bag. He adored these kiddos and I put them in his pocket to take with him ; ). I tucked them in the pocket over his heart. They are now with him. This is the exact little baggie he carried their photos in. This is their school picture from last year. They were 18 mo. old.

Nana and Papa Jerry: What do we even say? Your example of love is amazing on so many different levels. You truly do show the qualities of unconditional love. You guys truly love the way Christ wants us to. Thank you for your example. The following pictures are pictures of Jody's parents on the day of the funeral enjoying Alex and Addison. They carried on with the kids even through their pain. You guys are incredible and please never doubt how much you are loved by SO MANY people. We love you.

Saying goodbye to them was not easy.

We love you Nana and Papa Jerry! You mean the world to all of us. Jeff and Debra, we could not have made it through this without you guys. Love you all!

What a fun Fall!!!

October started with the kids beginning in their new (same from last school year) school. They are having a blast and enjoyed seeing all of their same friends. We are very happy there. Unfortunately I do not have any real "school" pictures so far.

CAUTION: Picture overload and long post!!!!

We had a fun trip to the zoo with the kiddos good buddy, Tate. My kids both love spending time with Tate. Perhaps it is because he is silly too just like they are!!! Our trip to the zoo was perfect. We had not been in almost a year so the difference in the kids was so awesome. THEY HAD A BLAST!!!!

Addison, Alex and Tate

Alex LOVED the monkeys

........so did Addison

Alex and Tate waiting to ride the carousel

Addison loving the horsies with Daddy

Alex watching "Nemo"

Three amigos

She pulled that wagon most of the way through the zoo.....

In mid October we visited a Pumpkin Patch. Again, they had a complete blast this year. Addison seemed a bit more timid about dancing with the witch that she so happily danced with last year. She has really gotten into the whole, "I am scared, Mommy" deal. It has made Halloween a bit more interesting this time around. We just tell her that all of these people dressed up are being silly, but it doesn't really work.

Choosing his pumpkin

Her new baby pumpkin needed to covered up with hay by its mommy.

In early October Mimi and Pops came for a visit. We celebrated Pops birthday with a cake that Mimi made. His birthday is really November 1st but we celebrated early. The kids loved watching and helping Pops open a present!! Happy Birthday POPS!!

Last weekend we went to East Texas to visit Nana and Papa Jerry. We had a great time there (as usual) and got lots of lovin. The kiddos went to the Fall Festival at Nana and Papa Jerry's church. They brought home some loot for sure. ; ) They got to show off their Halloween costumes. Papa Jerry had a birthday on October 1st so we got to wish him a happy birthday also. The kids are tremendously blessed to know their grandfathers. We are thankful.

Nemos waiting for the train ride

Finally........our turn.

They loved it. Addison is signing more!

I love this one. Alex and his Papa are waiting in line.....

Addison and her loot!!

The little creek at their grandparents house was so tempting this time around. She was seriously thinking about going in.

and ....... she did.

What one does............

the other must do.....

We also were able to love on Uncle Jay while we were in East Texas. His cancer has not changed much after 2 mo. of chemo. It is now in the lymph nodes surrounding his liver so the Dr.'s have changed up his chemo. We are still hopeful and know that God has this covered. Uncle Jay, we are cheering for you and know that you are so strong!!! We love you.


Halloween is tomorrow night and we are EXCITED!!!!! There will be TWO little Nemos out on the street so watch out! Alex is not so sure about Nemo now but at first he was excited. Addison: well, she is still OBSESSED!!!

And..........I almost forgot to post pictures of the Texas State Fair. The kids loved that too! We have been quite busy around here! I will post that soon.

Big kid beds

The kiddos have been in their beds for a while but to get pictures of them both in them was a task. It is easier to get them awake than it is to get them (him) asleep in them. Alex wakes up so easily and it is NOT worth the risk. I have a bit more I want to do in their rooms but for now it is complete. I would like to change up their names on the wall and a few other things but how necessary is it really? It isn't.

They love love love their "big kid" rooms. Alex really does not let anyone on his bed. It has to be a pretty special occasion. Little Miss invites everyone up! Mimi and Pops were just here and she loved having Mimi snuggle with her on her big girl bed.

Little Miss

Sir

He decided to share....

Two and a HALF!

LOOK:

Our babies are TWO AND A HALF already?!?!

Thank you Kenny (once again) for taking our photos! You are the best!

Oh September....

I realize it has been a month today exactly since I have posted anything on this blog. This is pretty much where I document all of my sweet babies happenings and mishaps. I, their mother, have not had a really good month and therefore it has been tough to know what to say. The kids have had an interesting month as well. I will write about it because I do want to document what has gone on so that when they are older they don't say, "Wow, Mom, what happened in that empty space"? ; ) I know several people read to catch up on our lives here. I apologize if this seems to be a dreary post or sounds depressing, it isn't meant to be. It is our life right now! It is simply a season and not truly a great one. I feel the need to document and have wrestled with this idea for about a month.

Just some fun pictures to throw in.

Alex and Mommy at a wedding.

Addison and Mommy at the same wedding.

Here goes:

As their mother here are my thoughts and this is where my brain has been:

*Worry~ I worry about their health, Jody's future status with his job, my weight (Still have baby weight), money, their schooling for the future, Addison's eating or lack of, loosing the paci, and the list goes on.


*The kids school: I switched the kids over to a school this summer strictly for summer school. I/we liked so much we decided to move them for the Fall. I began working there and realized it was NOT a place that I was willing to leave them any longer. After 2 days of work, I resigned and withdrew their enrollment. That was a tough week. I begin to realize that perhaps Addison cried for a reason when I dropped her off and picked her up. This was all new for her. She had never done this before. Also, she began stuttering really bad and it frustrates her. I know she that perhaps she was really unhappy/afraid too. They are now enrolled back in their school from last year and are supposed to begin on Thursday, October 1, 2009. They met their new teacher today and loved it. School has already begun so they will be joining this class. Some of their friends from last year are in this class. I am very happy about that! I did not get pictures today but I will for sure on Thursday!


* Jody's brother: Jay is really sick. Addison prays for Uncle Jay because, "He is really sick, Mommy." It is very sweet!!! Jody's parents are hurting and that is tough for us. Jay is battling for his life and we are thankful that he is battling. He is currently taking chemo treatments at MD Anderson* in Houston.


* My house: IS NEVER CLEAN! I cannot keep up. I worry because I cannot keep anything picked up or this house ever clean all at once.


* My friends: We are in the process of finding a new church home and unfortunately it seems we have lost some friends in the mean time. However, I do look forward to all of the new ones God has already chosen for us! I do feel lonely b/c I really do not have my place right now.

* My purpose: I know my purpose... I really do. It is just a bit crazy being home most days with two toddlers ( I know I know..... it could be harder, triplets or quads but it is what it is for me) I loose focus of who I am. Ya know? I don't really have a church, work, or really a place. It is a strange feeling for me. For so long, I was a teacher, a very dedicated volunteer at church and elsewhere, runner, and so many other things. I am now a MOTHER.... best job of them all, but different. I would NEVER trade my life, I am just saying. I am just trying to figure some things out right now.

* Multiples: This is a tough one b/c I do not want my friends with one child or even two or three to be offended but having two at the same age is different. It really is!!! I bring this up now b/c both Alex and Addison have been sick so much in their life and these are the times that I realize it the most. When two at the EXACT SAME AGE are vomiting and cannot tell you for days it is TOUGH!! When you are disciplining two at 18 mo. who do not necessarily get it, it is TOUGH!!! I could go on and on but I won't. I AM NOT COMPLAINING AT ALL ABOUT MY TWO!!!! I am just clearly stating that sometimes I do not feel understood. That, in and of itself, can be a lonely feeling.

Okay, what else kids? What else has been going on?

I just really needed/ wanted to document all of this. I hope someday when Alex and Addison read this they will be so thankful for all of my honesty about life. I strive to be honest yet sensitive. Trust me, it is a tough balance.

I really just needed to get this all off my chest. Make no mistake: I love my life, my job, my family. This is just me being real!!!!


Please view this video when you have a chance. It is wonderful and was really helpful for me right now. Thanks, Julie for sending this too me!!!


http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=849dc7c803281df74bb2


Dear Lord, Our family needs YOU!!! Please help us give it ALL to you!

Awesome Trip!!!

We recently traveled to Houston to see Unka (Uncle) Brady and Aunt Natty (Natalie). Alex and Addison had a blast!!!!!! I really can't think of a time that they were not smiling. Jody and I felt the exact same way except for being worn out. I had no idea that while I was there I was working on getting Pneumonia. Who knew??!! I would do it all over again just for the awesome memories. Seeing Baby Carson was priceless. Just wait.... you will see:

We headed down to Houston on Friday, August 21. We made great time getting there until we hit Houston..... of course. We stopped along the way to let the kids run around at a rest area. This was the best rest area I have ever seen. They played, hiked, screamed, got soaked from the pond. It was great. Here are some pictures of that little adventure.

Their pants are off because they had already gotten wet from playing.

Alex and Addison are tickling the tree.

They are really into tickling everything.

Holding hands and plotting their next escape!

I think she thinks she has authority.

Over who (her daddy) or what I am not sure.

Walking and talking

She is bossing him right here.


D.O.N.E.

We arrived in Houston and put the kids down. Baby Carson was already down for the night! I could NOT wait to squeeze and mush all over him. The adults enjoyed some time together. ; ) Thanks guys.

Saturday morning our kids were up and going. Uncle Brady headed to park with us and took some great photos!

Discovering their Heaven.

Tickle tickle

Loving life!

She could live on a swing. This is her focused and content face.

When we arrived home from the park, Mimi and Pops were there for a visit. Baby Carson was awake and we were in for a good time.

Mimi and her little man, Carson.

Is he not the CUTEST little man ever????? We all think so.

Addison sharing her Nemo with Carson. That NEVER happens. She shares Nemo with NOBODY!

Look at those thighs..... I could EAT THEM UP!!!

Addison is wanting Carson to crawl to her! He is sooooooo close!!!

Addison loves time with her Pops!

After a much needed nap for the kiddos and some YUMMY food, we were off to the neighborhood pool and splash park. For my kids that is NEVER a bad idea!!! Mimi and Pops suited up as well. Okay..... drum roll:

I think he was flirting with his Aunt Janell. Baby Carson was LOVING the water.

Look at that face!!!! I just think I might take him when they aren't looking.

Missy

My little man

Big girl!

More fun at the park right by the pool.

Daddy and Alex~ One last swim at Uncle Brady's before we left Sunday morning.

Natalie and Brady~ You guys were so great to us! Thank you so much for the wonderful accommodations, food and beverages!! We already miss you. Carson is one blessed little boy!! See you next weekend...... ha ha!!

Potty Training 101

Ah! Where do I begin? It was an adventure FOR SURE! The results.........

50% of us are trained!!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The shocker..... wait for it........

The winner is: ALEXANDER SCOTT BUNT!

I must say, Addison did her fair share of the training process and was a trooper. The reality is, she is NOT ready. I am completely okay with that. I did not want to crush her sweet spirit and as the days went by she became more and more sad and needy. Alex, from the beginning, showed many more signs of being ready. The reason I started when I did was because we had a 3 week break from all activities before their school year began. Also, Alex was wanting to be changed EVERY TIME he went potty. I was using a TON of diapers and was done with that concept! I figured I would give it a whirl with Addison.

Alex~ (yes, his pink blanket) is patiently waiting for something to happen.

Alex's sticker chart. It is so filled up now. I let him put them wherever he wanted.

There really was not ONE particular strategy that I used. For each of them the motivation was different. Alex was motivated by his sticker chart and Popsicles. Addison was motivated by nothing. I was sort of opposed to using candy but I finally tried it. She was not caring about any of it. For Alex, it really just took about 4 days of staying at home. COMPLETELY STAYING AT HOME AND STAYING NAKED!!!! It was a funny sight at my house but worth it. More tears were shed on my part because I need to get out of the house and Addison was in tears too. I figured if I kept on with her it would get better, but I was wrong. I hated seeing her like that. Ugh!!! She will be ready on her own time.

She knows how to wipe!

She would patiently read on the potty and wait.

Once Sir Alex got the hang of it, there was nothing stopping him. He was thrilled when I showed him a great way to potty in the great outdoors. Yes, I realize this could potentially cause great problems in the near future. However, with twins, it was the easiest and best option!! ; )

Let the games begin.

Potty Training 201 will be when I figure out how Addison chooses to train. I am telling you folks, it is DIFFERENT for EVERY child!!!! Way to go kiddos.......... MOMMY and DADDY are so proud.