Letting Go and Letting God

As another year passes me by and a new one begins, I can't help but think of the importance of "Letting Go and Letting God." This quote has always been of significance to me. It is all to easy to become wrapped up in every-day worries and concerns and to lose focus on our Lord. I wish I had a "counter" of sorts so I could see just how much time I spend worrying about the health and future of our twins, the spiritual life of family members, finances, a clean house...

It is a tad bit tiring to even think about, but also a form of release just to be able to get my worries out in the open. What do you worry about? What is interfering with your ability to fully trust in God and to know that you are His child and that He loves you and will take care of you? What is it time to finally let go of?

Jim Elliot, a missionary that was martyred for his faith (not sure of his exact faith, but found significance in his quote), said the following a few months prior to his death: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

The Bible supplies us with numerous verses about worry, anxiety, and fear. Something tells me God knew it would be a problem for a lot of us. :) Especially us women.

Luke 12:25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we spend time in worry and try to control our lives, we move further and further from Christ. And if we get jumbled up enough, it can take a significant event to get us back on track. Have you ever prayed about something over and over that worried you or made you anxious just to see it continue to not going your way? Maybe that is your answer.

So what to do with all this worry? Let Go and Let God. Pray about it. Talk to your spouse about it. Just simply vocalizing our worries to someone we love and trust is a release. Take action and make a change for the better!

To the New Year!

2011 brought a lot of good memories our way. And with two fresh faces in our home, a few lessons in parenthood as well. :) I learned when it is time to move up in diapers (eek), the perfect bottles to use, how important it is to nap when your sweeties do (if possible), the perfect rocking technique for each twin, their favorite foods, and LOTS more. I have also learned that having children makes you less selfish and more spiritual, less insecure and more comfortable in your own skin, and it fills gaps in your life that you never knew were there and makes you feel so fulfilled.

God has blessed us so much, and I can't help but feel a little undeserving. I still remember how excited I was to see Billy IV roll over for the first time at fourth months this year, and then how thrilled I was to hear Broooklyn say da-da on an afternoon stroll through the neighborhood at five months. I was so proud to see Billy IV army crawl (faster than you could imagine) for the first time at 8 months and then for Brooklyn to take slow, exaggerated crawls on her knees while she was still holding onto a little baby fat at nine months. haha I suppose we will see our first steps in 2012!

I feel so incredibly proud of the two individuals they are becoming.

We had our 12 month check-up this past Thursday, and I must say, it was HORRIBLE. Six shots and two foot pricks were just about enough to put this tough mommy under. Billy handled his shots pretty well, but poor Brooklyn cried and cried. I could tell her feelings were really hurt. I cried right along with her. As a mother, it is of course my natural instinct to protect my sweeties from any possible pain. And while I know the shots were necessary, it didn't make them any easier. But at least we went one for two regarding how they handled them. The nurses gave them suckers afterwards, and Billy immediately cheered up and gave the impression that he would take on another shot if it meant he got another sucker. It was so sweet. He is a tough cookie like his mama. I can tell he is going to have a high tolerance for pain.

The twins are coming along! Brooklyn weighed 19 lbs 15 oz and was 29.5 inches long. Billy weighed 18 lbs 12oz and was 29.5 inches. Brooklyn is headed towards the 50th percentile but Billy still has a ways to go. But he will get there! I was always a skinny minny growing up, and I think he has a little in common with mommy.

During 2012, I plan to make a few changes to my blog (if I can keep up). I am going to divide it in three sections and write three times a week. I am going to write about spiritual life on Mondays, new recipes that are tried and true on Wednesdays, and then I am going to do a general update on the Helton household on Fridays. It is mainly something I am doing for me so I have a little "project." :) Now let's see if I can stick to it!

Happy New Year! I hope this year brings many wonderful blessings your way!

Joy in the simple things

It's hard to believe my two "babies" are 13 months now. The other night they were standing up by the changing table in their room, and I caught a glimpse of how much longer they have gotten in length, and it tugged at my heart a little.

With each new day, I get to see new expressions, hear new words, and witness new areas of growth in their development. And it is happening so quickly.

Right now, the twins favorite menu items consist of apples and chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, grapes, goldfish crackers, and mixed berries. We have quite a time getting the twins to eat as much as the "charts" say they should. ;) I often refer to it as my "patience builder." haha But as we introduce more and more table foods, it is becoming easier and they are eating better.

One of my favorite moments with the twins right now is when we get out of the car with them after going on a car ride and arriving at a location. It always makes me smile to see them pop their heads up and look around to see where we are. The world is so fresh to them. They are so inquisitive. I don't know what it is about it, but it is so sweet.

As you probably know, the twins pretty much spend 24/7 together. They eat together, play together, laugh and explore together. The other day, Billy took Brooklyn with him to run some errands so they were apart for a few hours. As soon as they arrived home, Billy IV threw his arms in the air and immediately started smiling and hugging Brooklyn. It is amazing to see how much he looks up to and loves his bigger sis. Ah you say, they are only one minute apart. But it is amazing to me how much I can tell that Brooklyn is big sis and Billy is little brother. It is so precious.

I was thrilled to receive a new journaling Bible and devotional book on Joy from my hubby as one of my Christmas gifts. We do the "12 days of Christmas" and try to get a gift for each other for each of the twelve days. Being a mommy of two 1 year olds, I feel like I am constantly moving, and I am trying to put extra effort into my spiritual life right now. It is so easy to get caught up in everything going on within our four walls, and I want to make sure that my focus is continually Christ-centered. After doing just one of the devotionals tonight, I already feel a sense of peace.

I am so exciting about spending this holiday season with our familes. This Thursday, we are heading down to Arab to have our immediate family's Christmas party. Then on Friday, we are having our extended family's Christmas get-together at my grandmother's house. On Saturday, we will be back in Lawrenceburg to go to Billy's grandparent's home for Christmas. And finally, We are planning to spend the night with Biff and Penny Saturday and Sunday night to celebrate the festivities further. We are so lucky to be blessed with two AMAZING families.

This year, it will be exciting because the twins will be aware of the gifts they are receiving and will be ready to play. Last year they were snoozing the whole time. haha

Here is to hoping for a happy and safe holiday season from our home to yours!

Look Whoo's Turning 1!!!

It feels like it has been a year since Billy and Brooklyn's birth in some ways, and then in other ways, it only seems like it has been a few weeks. I still remember everything about our visit to the doctor that day and then our subsequent admission to the hospital for the birth of our two sweeties. I still remember telling Billy to be sure his bag was packed and in the car. Mommy knew what was coming, daddy didn't. Haha He called his mother a few hours later, somewhat frantic, naming several items to try to locate in our house and to pack in a bag for him. lol I remember complementing our doctor on her scarf that day. Odd but true. I remember her looking rather surprised and telling me how much I had dilated, and that she could feel one of the twins feet. Sorry if that is TMI. I say that because when she said she didn't know which one it was, I knew. It was sweet Brooklyn, who, bless her heart, had been turned to the side the entire pregnancy and was rather tired of being cramped in mommy's tummy. I still remember the powerful feeling the night prior when she decided to get the process "moving" a bit. OUCH. :) She always was a big mover. I am so thankful to Billy for getting this picture of the twins and I following their birth. I wouldn't sell it for a million dollars. You may think I am teasing but I am completely serious. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and to me this one is worth a thousand smiles.



Our twins are incredibly different from one another, but they love each other very dearly. Ah yes, you say, "of course they do." ;) But it is true. They are each their own person, but I have had the blessing of seeing their affection for each other each day, and it is more dear to my heart then you could imagine. Now, that doesn't mean they don't compete in some fashions, or go after the same toy on more than one occasion throughout our mornings and afternoons at home, they are after all normal siblings, but at the end of the day they are each others number one fan. I have witnessed several moments of them this year smiling, holding hands, playing together, and so on. It has been amazing to watch them grow developmentally, physically and mentally each passing day. Here are a few of my favorite photos that capture their incredible bond.













I am continually mesmerized by the closeness they have been given the opportunity to share as a result of being twins. What a blessing it is, and I pray that they will always remain this close.

As I said earlier, our twins have completely different personalities in my opinion.

Brooklyn is strong-willed, independent, curious, and though she is only one, she is quite bright. Proud mommy syndrome...I know. She is very observant and always wants to know how things work. She has always been very interested in learning. Her eyes always light up and she smiles so big when we go through songs, read stories, or play with new toys. She will sit with me and pay close attention as I show her how toys work, and she catches onto things so quickly. She enjoys turning pages in her books and looking at the pictures. Recently she has started babbling to them in her own effort to read. It is so sweet. And while she is independent as I said earlier, she is just as much dependent on mommy. She typically sits right beside me during the day. I realized early that I would need that one on my side, and she certainly is. lol She is one minute older rules the roost as the saying goes. And I eat it up. Brooklyn loves to be with those that she knows best, and for most nights of the week, that includes bedtime. I have decided she really seems to "enjoy" our pillow top mattress and jersey sheets, nevermind that mommy is close by. She has become my "bed buddy" of sorts. And hey, as long as they are sleeping at night, I will do it any which of way. And I have to admit that I enjoy having one of them to cuddle with. But don't tell daddy!

Billy IV has such a kind, loving demeanor. I have always been able to tell how soft his heart is. He gives the sweetest, most gentle looks of anyone I have ever known. Frequently during the afternoon, I will be laying on the floor with them while they play, and Billy will crawl over and get on my back and give me a hug and a kiss. I don't prompt it, he typically just comes on over. I don't have to hear him say I love you to know that he does. He is my little mover, always on the go. He can go from 0-60 in a matter of seconds. He is constantly exploring, and is always surprising me with his level of intelligence. As we work on new words, I always find it funny that Billy doesn't have to watch my mouth or hear words over and over to repeat them. There have been many times that I will say a word one time while looking at an object, and Billy will be looking at the object at the time and just say it plain as day. He is also a soft one like his mommy. I contribute it to being the second born child like I am. As he gets older, I can tell he will be the one to ensure no one gets left out, or no one's feelings get hurt, etc. He entertains himself on his own for large parts of the day, observing different toys and seeing how they work. He has slept through the night for a few months now and it is SO nice!

I have learned a great deal over the past 12 months about our Lord, child-rearing, contentment, fulfillment, prayer, unconditional love, patience, lack of sleep (ha), and myself. It's funny how full your life can seem, and then enters two little ones, and you realize how empty it was prior. And more than that, how quickly you realize what truly is important and what needs to be tossed to the wayside. I still have a ways to go, but Brooklyn and Billy have taught me a great deal about being content with where I am and with what point my life is at. They have helped me to live in the moment and to not wish my life away to the next big thing. They have also have helped me to realize how strong I am emotionally and mentally. That may seem strange to point out, but I can say that after a full year with two infants with basically zero prior experience, and being solely on-call from 12:00 at night until 4:00 PM, mommy is a tough cookie. Especially since we have had a lot of sleep "issues." ;) I'm ready for my backrub dad. :) But I am lucky to have two little ones that have mostly taken it easy on me. They never were the type to just cry or to repeatedly fuss or whatnot (whew, lol). I am so thankful for what I have learned from and with them over the past 12 months. As the saying goes, we may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

As a mother of twins, and just as a mother in general, I have learned what seems like a million things concerning child-rearing. I have changed over a thousand diapers, fed them hundreds of bottles (I can pour four ounces of water in bottle without looking at the fill line. I can tell by the sound of the water filling the bottle when it reaches four ounces), I know that 200 rocks back and forth usually equals a sleeping baby. At least until you go to lay them down in the crib. ha I have learned to follow my intuition, and I now know that sleep isn't a requirement, it is a blessing. The list goes on and on...

This past Saturday we celebrated the twin's first birthday. Their theme was "Look Whoo's Turning One." It was so nice to spend a few hours with the people we are closest too and to celebrate the birthday of the two most precious people in my life. I am so thankful to our Lord for providing us with these two wonderful gifts!

Getting close to the toddler stage

Everyone told me time would fly once the twins got here, and it has, but up until now I feel like the time has passed by relatively slowly, and I contribute that to being blessed with the opportunity to be with the twins each day as a stay at home mommy..I am so thankful that I have been able to enjoy everything with them thus far and soak up all the details, to witness the minor changes. and then the bigger changes as they come along. It makes me feel special that more often than not, I am the first one to witness their new achievements. Brooklyn pulled up in her crib the other day for the first time, and I was right there with my camera to capture the moment. And I could see the sense of accomplishment in her eyes, and how proud she was of herself, and also how proud mommy was. :) Billy may possibly be the fastest crawler I have ever seen. He goes 0-60 in .5 seconds. If we stomp behind him and act like we are going to get him, he starts giggling and crawls even faster. Then when you pick him up he will kick, kick, kick and laugh and laugh. It is so sweet. I could never begin to describe how good it makes me feel to be a mommy. Their joys are my joys. It is so refreshing to no longer want for yourself, but to want for your sweeties. Even when I am seriously exhausted (I'm human, so the frequent nightly wake-ups that are still happening sometimes make me oh so tired) and I need a little individual time, I still find myself thinking of them, looking through pictures and videos of them, working on projects for them, etc. What did I ever do before these two precious children entered my life?

Being at home with them, I have seen my priorities shift dramatically and my spiritual life has been strengthened greatly. I see God in them everyday. Hopefully you understand how I mean that, knowing me. :) They are so innocent, and their biggest concerns are crawling to the next toy, finishing their bottles, laughing at Bubble Guppies, reading I Love You More Than Rainbows, and finishing off their puffs. They appreciate the smallest things. And they show so much love and affection already. Sometimes I wish I could build a haven for them and keep them in the house forever so I could protect them from the world. I know that probably sounds extreme, haha. But then I know Billy and I have what it takes to equip them for the world out there. And we have plenty of time to arrive at that stage. But it doesn't hurt to start early! During our hour of breakfast, I spend the time singing Bible songs to them (in my glorious morning voice), and even when things get hectic with two little ones, we don't miss church service unless one of them is not feeling well. And I say so many prayers for them each day....

The new stage they are in is so exciting, but there is a sense of sadness with it too. All of a sudden, I can see the twins rapidly leaving the baby stage. Our babies were preemies, but for the first several months they met all milestones early, or at least on time. Then when we got to the sitting up, pulling to sitting, crawling, and the pulling up stage, things seemed to progress more slowly. Then all of a sudden, they started doing all those things well within a few weeks of one another. It is amazing how quickly they became extremely mobile.

A few weeks ago we entered into the official stage of no-no's and the "serious mommy look". Prior to that it was just no-no's at random as need be. I can tell this is going to be an interesting task. Luckily, the twins have done great so far (not trying to jinx myself) and typically when I say no-no they stop what they are doing. It is rewarding to see them showing respect for mommy already. And yes, I know this will be a long process. Haha I'm by no means oblivious to the years to come. lol But just appreciating the small success so far. :)

I can already tell that this toddler stage is going to be so much fun for us. As they become more and more mobile, I can see a whole new level of contentment entering their world. I am planning their first birthday right now and am so excited about it. We are having a small get together, just close family and a few friends, and I am pumped! Our theme is owls, since they are my little "night owls." :) I can't wait to celebrate the first birthday of the two most important people in the world, well, at least my world. :)

Thank you Lord for blessing me with Billy Ray and Brooklyn Rose!

It's hard to believe my precious babies will be one in two months. Like everyone says, the time has flown by, and I have taken special care to soak up and enjoy every moment and detail so as to have no regrets. That doesn't mean I haven't been utterly exhausted at times, or wondered how I would make it to 4:15 when Billy arrives home from work every now and then, but like a good friend told me, it is important to enjoy both the good and the bad moments because they help us to grow. Prior to that realization, I dreaded when the babies would both start fussing or crying every now and then during the day (lucky for me, this has been a rarity because they are both great babies) , or when they would wake up ready to go when mommy had only slept two hours the night before. I have quickly learned how important it is to live minute to minute, and moment to moment. And this has made me appreciate life so incredibly much. It is hard to describe. It feels so amazing to be concentrating on the present and to not be dwelling in the past or future. It is such a release. :) My life has changed dramatically over the past year. I have learned to love more strongly, forgive more easily, pray more fervently, give more freely, to focus on what is important more clearly, and to live more spiritually. I am yet to understand or fathom what I could have ever done to deserve these two precious gifts from God, and something tells me I never will. "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." (Psalm 127:3) Life with two additions has been a learning process, but it has brought more joy to my life than all my previous 25 years combined. Surprisingly, it has been easier than I thought it would be. Way easier in fact. But then again, they are our first so we wouldn't know any different. ;) Billy and Brooklyn have so much in common, yet also have so many differences and are each their own individual. I have enjoyed watching them grow, smile and giggle, learn new tasks and words, develop independence, and begin to interact more and more. I have tried to keep up with all their similarities and differences so that I can reflect on them as they continue to grow.

Here are a few examples:.
-Billy absolutely loves fruits and does not care for veggies. He makes the most horrible face when I try to feed him sweet peas. Brooklyn, on the other hand, loves veggies and does not care for fruits.
-Billy loves using a green solid rubber/latex pacifier, while Brooklyn prefers a half plastic/rubber Playtex pacifier.
-Billy fights going to sleep at night but then sleeps better when he does falls asleep, all while napping really well during the day. Brooklyn goes to sleep more easily at night, but then usually wakes once or twice a night even thought she often wakes earlier from naps than Billy during the day.
-Brooklyn's favorite toy is a purple puppy called Violet. Billy's favorite toy is a monkey rattle that squeaks or his white baseball.
-During the months of 4-6, Billy LOVED the jumperoo but strongly dislked the johnny jump-up. Brooklyn was "okay" with the jumper but LOVED Johnny jump-up.
-Billy loves eating oatmeal, while Brooklyn loves rice.
-Billy "looks for a good time" and smiles and giggles at just about anything. Brooklyn closely monitors what is going on around her, and smiles/giggles frequently but with careful observation.
-Billy would go to just about anyone as long as it means cuddles, Brooklyn prefers being with someone she knows and is comfortable with.
-Brooklyn is vocal and frequently squeals, growls as we call it, or jibber-jabbers. -Billy is becoming more vocal but is more of a doer than a sayer. He is constantly on the move.

The list goes on and on...

One thing is for sure, I don't know where I would be without my sweeties! I love you Billy and Brooklyn!

Most of the recent pictures of the twins found below are from our trip to the Pumpkin Patch with Ashley! More Halloween stuff to come!!!

Gracie is here!!!

On this past Friday morning we were blessed to welcome our beautiful niece Gracie into the world.

She was born at 9:09 AM, weighing 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 23 inches long.

I am so proud to have my first niece. She is so gorgeous! She has a head full of dark hair and looks like a little Indian baby. :)

The first time I held her, she became really quiet and looked in my direction while holding my hand in-between hers. I was hooked immediately. :) I am looking forward to spoiling her rotten. I can't wait for all the ice cream dates, pedicures, shopping trips, and sleepovers that are to come.

Ashley did incredibly well during the birth of Gracie. She is truly a CHAMP. We came in to see her right before she gave birth and she had a huge smile on her face! And Adam was absolutely GLOWING. They are going to be amazing parents. There is nothing quite like being a parent. The amount of love that soars through your heart is indescribable! Gracie has also been blessed with two wonderful sets of grandparents. Netty and Big Daddy go above and beyond for their children and grandchildren. I can say from experience over the past year that Billy, Brooklyn, and Gracie will ALWAYS know just how much they are loved.

It was so wonderful to see Billy, Brooklyn, and Gracie together this Saturday. God has blessed our family so much over the past year and I am SO thankful. To God be the glory!