Creating Memories and Family Traditions!

A few of the reasons I absolutely LOVE the holidays is family time, creating memories and traditions!

Last week (Friday the 17th) we got to do all 3 of these things in an afternoon spent baking with Memaw Donna and I just smile when I think back to all of our fun.

The toddler twins and I headed out to Memaw's early afternoon to begin baking.  Our goal was Mrs.Kraus's cookies, snicker doodles for daddy and Oreo bites!  A lofty goal with two 3 year olds "helping" but I was more worried about the fun and tradition of learning to make Mrs. Kraus's cookies.

So we started off a bit slow, but we got there.  Two batches of Mrs. Kraus's cookies, and I have to tell you why the are called Mrs. Kraus's cookies when they are really sugar cookies - the best tasting sugar cookies I have ever had!
As I was growing up I remember going to Grandma Horstman's to bake for the holidays, I can't tell you exactly when I first remember baking but there is a lot of wonderful memories of being in the kitchen and helping out.   I remember about 10 years ago we had our cousin John there helping out too - he was 5ish - and mom (memaw Donna) thought it would be a great idea for him to sit on a stool, at the lit gas stove, and dip the buckeye balls.  Boy did she take criticism for that one, a little guy by the stove dipping into hot melted chocolate, BRILLIANT! 
However, I have digressed, Mrs. Kraus's cookies...

They are called that because Mrs. Kraus lived two doors down from Grandma Horstman and made delicious cookies.  Grandma had the ingredients list and directions but not the measurements - she set out to figure it out and finally nailed it!  Now we have this delicious recipe to share.  Originally Grandma only made these cookies at Christmas but I have convinced my mom to make them for any occasion, Easter, baby showers, bridal showers, because Erica is coming home - whatever a reason to celebrate and get together we always have to have these delicious cookies. 

A tradition that Matthew started years ago when we were dating was to have mom make him an Easter bunny at Christmas, sad to say the Easter bunny never got made this year - Maggie kept mom too busy to remember - but he did get his favorite cookie snicker doodles, we will pick up the Easter bunny tradition again next year!

I just loved when it was time to roll the dough, mom pulled out Grandma Horstman's one handled rolling pin (the other handle broke off) and Maggie says, "that one is broken Memaw, you need a new one!"  We tried to tell Maggie that you HAVE to use the "broken one" for these cookies, but she is a little young to understand.  I am sure Grandma Horstman was smiling down on us this day.

Our cookies, in the words of Maggie, turned out DELICIOUS!  We were all exhausted, but enjoyed the afternoon/evening and a yummy dinner together.  We even had Matt icing cookies so we could get finished and get home! 

However, before I could part for the day I had to make the new ornaments for the tree.  I can't remember how many years ago - maybe 10ish - we gave everyone in our family an ornament on the tree.  Little did I know when we started this tradition was how many we would be adding in the coming years!  Each year for the past 3 I have done at least 4!  You can only imagine how this tree looks in person - we are quite full!  Not only do we see all of our family members represented but we get to remember those who are no longer with us and can celebrate what they brought to our lives.  Each person who marries a family member gets their ornament after the wedding and each baby that is born within the year gets their ornament that year as well.  I was excited to add Mallory and Cale's along with Baby Ryan and Kevin's wife Diana.  We have learned that next year maybe a record year for ornament additions - 4 weddings and 2 babies - that we know of so far!  I can't wait.  I love this tradition and hope we can always find the colors we need, mom stocked up but I don't think we have enough to last!  I have started my own family tradition, each Christmas my little family (the 6 Cools) will take a picture in front of this tree, we did this the first year Caden and Maggie were here and I want to continue through the years.  I just love it!  And Rocky looks great hanging next to the tree. 

I love this tree and all it represents - it is the Horstmans, one very close family, who would do anything for each other, and who is never to far or busy to help each other out!  I wouldn't trade them for the world and feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful, wonderful and amazing family.

Wow, this has been a long one post, but a great one full of memories- this was on of the BEST DAYS EVER - I already can't wait for next year. 

I love sharing those times with my mom and kids, I can't wait until the baby twins are old enough next year to join us. 
I am going to do my best to keep mom from letting them dip the buckeye balls though! 

I think she has learned her lesson.

Continuing Traditions, Many Years Later with My Own Children!

When I was little I loved Christmas break not because we were off school but because that meant lots of time with my mom who would take vacation to do many fun things with Erica and I.  I always looked so forward to this time with her and all of the adventures we would embark on during that week off. 

One of my favorite memories is when we would drive to Western Hills, catch the bus, head downtown, visit the Elves in the windows, Santa and the Trains!  I am not sure how many years we did this but I have memories of these trips and they were always an adventure to "the city" as Grandma Horstman would say.  Often this trip was taken with our friends the Klems, their children and Rachel.  It was such a need day and something that I am sure was stressful for my mom as I now know how it is to lug 4 kids out the door.

Matt and I have taken his cousins, Brady, Mason and Spencer to visit the trains when they were younger, they loved it.  This was just the event that I couldn't wait to share with our own children and in case you don't know Caden LOVES trains and just absolutely lights up when he gets to see anything this amazing.   

We planned a full packed day, Breakfast with Santa - this is a twins club event that was wonderful.  You can bring  your children, visit with friends and not have to wait 2 hours to see Santa!  After breakfast with Santa we headed downtown to visit the trains and no one was disappointed!  Caden couldn't talk fast enough, Maggie couldn't get enough chocolate bars, Mallory and Cale were sleeping away and Mommy sat back and watched the joy in her children's eyes as they watched the trains in amazement. 



Waiting to see the big guy!



Memaw Jo came along for the fun



Caden's face for Santa!




My buddy and baby - that is his future girlfriend looking over our shoulder




Seeing the trains





We had to have a photo of Thomas



Such joy and smiles





Just to prove they were here too!



The amazing display that we will once again visit next year!

Watching the world through the eyes of my children is truly one of the best things about being a mom! 

You get to relive everything and see what life is really about, it is simple and sweet to them right now and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

 I can't wait to share more traditions and memories with my kids in the next few days

Merry Christmas Everyone

It has been a few devastating events! Well Mom is devastated but we will survive!

I can't believe it - my worst holiday fear came true last week - the toddlers found the stash of gifts!  ALL of THEM!

They are sneaky, sneaky little devils and daddy hid that they had found the toys on Thursday and not the Sunday morning which I believed was the first time. 

So mom had to get creative, Saturday evening while they were out with Daddy I got them all wrapped and relocated to a new hiding spot, I hope it is a better one.  I then told my toddlers that Santa came over on Saturday and took all of their toys back to the North Pole and that if they could be good for the next week he would bring them back on Christmas morning.  Now they were devastated!  Caden asked more than once "how come? I want my Henry" - he is getting another Thomas character and really just can't wait.  Maggie bawled, real falling tears, that she wanted her toys back. 

Of course my level headed husband told me that it really isn't a big deal that they found the toys and he is probably right (I did not admit he is 100% right just that he maybe right), they can't put the two together yet, but still they don't forget ANYTHING!  I am worried about the long term effects and just hope that they are still as excited come Christmas morning.

So I pulled out the "if you aren't good card" last night at bed time, they were wound up and would not go to sleep.  I told them that they had to be good this week so that Santa can come back and bring them their presents.  They really don't get it other than they want those toys back.  I just hope the effects of finding the toys doesn't last and that Santa will be a continued tradition for many, many years.   After all in the spirit of  The Polar Express, I believe!

The other topic I refer to as devastating really isn't but it is still freaking me out - my babies are growing up too fast! 
Mallory cut her first tooth yesterday, she beat her brother who I thought would be first.  She is wanting to sit up on her own so bad I am amazed and wish my stomach muscles were half that strong!  She isn't rolling over yet but she will in her own time. 
Cale is a rolling little machine and even though he is teething you wouldn't know it.  He still has all of the biggest smiles when you walk into a room or simply say hello to him.
Since they are going to be 6 months old this week we figured it was far time to start our cereal eating.  Here is their first attempt!  They did pretty good for never eating cereal before.  Of course like everything else they are doing we will have to learn it from the beginning and I am sure it won't take them long to get the hang of it.


Ready to try this eating real food thing!



We are messy but had fun!



Cereal beard!

Crazy hair and a messy face - we love it!

I don't truly believe that devastation happened but all the same to me at the time I was, then to learn Miss Mallory has cut a tooth boy what a blow.  Really it is all amazing.  I just can't wait for Caden to open that Henry and I can't wait for the hours upon hours we will spend together playing with those trains.  I also know that from now on Santa will have to hide his presents better, they are too smart for my own good!

I just can't believe it though, time if flying by, I love it, I love every minute of it, even the hard ones, but I really wish I could have more time with them all at their respective ages. 

Every day is a new adventure and memory that I cherish.

As you may recall I am trying very hard not to freak out about getting it all done this holiday season and really enjoy my time with my family, so far so good, I am only freaking out on the inside!

Here's to a great Holiday!

'Twas the Weekend Before Christmas...

And my babies are snuggled all nice in their bed, I hope they are having visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.  The toddlers are at a hockey game with daddy, Memaw Jo, Papaw Frank and Big Papaw, I sure hope they are having fun!  I know one little boy ran out of this house ready for his evening to begin.

The shopping for gifts is almost complete, the wrapping has begun (FINALLY, I love wrapping gifts!) Our stocking are all hung, the cookies are baked, the house is a mess but our spirits are high and we are excited for the big day!

It has been a very productive day in the Cool house and a great family bonding one.  I have enjoyed my evening with Mallory and Cale, their giggles, squels, and out right laughter can bring the biggest smile to an adult.  They are amazing and growing each day and I just can't believe their 6 month birthday is just a few short days away.

As I sit here and think about our day and the last couple of weekends I can't help but to glow, we are  continuing and creating family traditions and I couldn't be happier.  So just a quick note to let you all know that the 6 Cools are ready for a great holiday!

There are more stories to come, Santa visits, trains and cookie baking to start. 

The big day is coming and I just cannot wait! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

The Random Thoughts Filling My Mind!

Over the last two days I have had way too many thoughts filling my head.  It is sort of a to do list, want to do list and really I am thankful list.

So here is the list of random thoughts, in no particular order:

• I can't believe I haven't started wrapping my gifts yet, I love wrapping gifts and haven't even started!  I did get the paper out but that is as far as I have gotten
• I am so thankful that I have 4 healthy and happy children!  I am very thankful for these babies as I prayed for a long time for them and couldn't have asked for a better gift ever
• Going to work at my full time job is the easiest part of my day!  I love my life at home but I usually don't get to sit down until I go to bed
• I need to make more of an effort to sit down and play with my kids, especially during the next couple of days.  The holidays are flying by us and to experience it with them is simply amazing.  So starting tonight I am slowing down, letting the house go even more and I am going to enjoy my babies.  Right now I am watching Polar Express with Cado!  He loves this movie and for a snowy night it couldn't be better
• I love the fact that my delay cycle works on my washer, I can't believe it took me a year to figure out that I have it then another two weeks before I used  it.  I can do laundry while I sleep or while I am driving home from work!  Oh the simple things in life when you get older.  Now if only the laundry fairy would come fold it all and put it away
• I am so thankful for our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who are a part of our lives and help us with our children on a daily basis
• We need to get the last couple of pieces of the bar finished so this basement project can be OVER!
• I need to go to our storage and get the 6-9 month clothes for Mallory and Cale plus another exersaucer.  I can't believe how fast they are growing and I really wish I could freeze time
• I miss my family who is living away and hope to see them for the holidays if not very soon after that
• I hope this girls trip I am planning with my sister works out
• I am thankful for my husband and the fact that after 8 years of marriage and 4 kids he is still my best friend
• I am sad for a friend who is going through a rough time and lost something that she wanted so badly.  I pray that she can be strong and realize that it all happens for a reason
• I am very thankful for my CAG family and the support and fun they bring to my life
• I need to finish up a few gifts yet!
• I need to figure out who is going to watch these babies while Memaw Connie has her surgery and recovers!  We are so excited for her but momma needs to get on the sitter coverage ASAP or daycare will be rich off of my children
• I can't wait to bake cookies with my mom, Caden and Maggie tomorrow!
• I am so please my children are creating so many wonderful memories with their grandparents
• I miss our grandparents, cousins and friends who have passed.  You are all loved and thought about daily
• I am so excited that I got our Christmas cards out on time
• I am so glad that I am 1 pound away from a weight loss goal.  Now to continue to the trend over the holidays.  Tomorrow will be a test
• I am very thankful for all of my twin mom friends, they have given me some of the best advice and support!  We are not freaks of nature but rather some very resourceful moms!
• I must figure out what is for dinner, after all it is 6:30

I posted all of this in the hopes that my busy, busy mind can rest for an evening. I do not know how to stop and I must, I want to snuggle my kiddos, watch Polar Express, Tinkerbell and Peter Man all at least twice with my toddlers and hold my babies.  Not too much to ask for a Thursday evening, oh and maybe, just maybe get a few gifts wrapped!

Here's to the busy me taking a night off and the mom me enjoying my kids! 

Happy Snow Day Everyone!

We have monkeys in our ears!

Wow, it has been way too long since my last post but that is what 4 kids, a husband and a house will do with your time!

Yesterday I took Caden and Maggie to the doctor for their 3 year checkup and I am excited to report that they are both healthy and doing well.

I almost cried though, when they both stepped up on the big scale to get weighed and their height measurements, I thought "when did we stop having to lay you down to weigh you and measure your height? Really you are growing too fast."  But then I realized that I am just so proud of them for how they are growing, learning and who they are becoming.  I think they are the smartest 3 year old kids there are, but I am a little bias!

We were sitting and chatting with the doctor, they played nicely and for the most part were very quiet while I talked about their development.  They were awesome when the doctor did their check up, this is where the monkeys come into our story.

About a month ago Caden was at the doctor for a cough, he was fine but during the visit the doctor asked him if he had monkeys in his ears, this kid LOVES monkeys, after all we have 2 George's - they are twins and Baby Monkey.  So he has been saying that he has monkeys in his ears, and today was no different.  When the doctor went to look in his ears, he proudly said, "I have monkeys in my ears" to which she chuckled and went along with his theory of the monkeys in his ears.  When she was listening to his chest, she asked if there were monkeys in there too, he replies, "those are the Madagascar monkeys in there" god love this kid and his thoughts and imagination!

So we all have monkeys in our ears, Maggie and Mommy too, but for a few minutes Maggie and I were not allowed to have monkeys in our ears, only alligators.  That quickly changed though and it is now deemed that we do have monkeys in our ears!

And here are their stats:
Caden Weight: 38.6lbs +6.2 from last year 94% for his age Height: 39" +2.5 from last year 81% for his age
Maggie Weight: 26.8lbs +3.2 from last year 27% for her age Height: 36.25 +1.25 from last year 27% for her age
So we have one shooting off the charts and one barely on the charts but we have come a long, long way from the 4lbs babies they were 3 years ago!

One thing I hope they never lose is their imagination and belief that there are monkeys in their ears!

The Elves Helped with Christmas Decorations!

This year I have made a promise to myself to not let the anxiety and stress of "getting it all done" bother me.  To do this I had to lean heavily on my mother in law this past weekend, who was amazing in helping out and watching the four kids for me.  She had some help from Big Papaw but she wasn't afraid to jump in and help out so I could keep my sanity and get some items checked off my to do list.

My Maggie had been asking for about a week when could we put up the tree?  I promised no later than Sunday and I was bound and determined to keep that promise plus, I was excited to get our house decorated for Christmas. 

So my two toddler helpers and I headed downstairs, to our newly carpeted basement, to fetch the tree, one limb at a time!  After about 19 trips up and down the stairs the troops were ready to assemble and decorate our tree.

We sorted our limbs by colors, they know them all.  They handed me the colors as I asked for them and we were ready for Daddy, Cale and Mallory to join us for our decorating.  It was amazing watching their joys as they discovered each ornament, I shared the stories on where it is from or who it was from or when they made it for us.  All of ornaments on our tree have a story or memory behind each of them.  I have long given up on just a pretty tree with coordinating ornaments, truth be told, I like this much better and it gives me an excuse to shop for a Christmas ornament on each vacation.  I really cannot wait for them to be able to understand the stories we were telling them about each ornament.  There are good memories of our angels in those ornaments and very happy times.  It captures what this season is about. 

As they hung a Purdue ornament that was Grandma and Grandpa Horstman's, I thought two things, Maggie would of made Grandma laugh and I can't believe there is a Purdue ornament on this tree but I remember it always hanging on their tree so even if Matt didn't graduate from there it would make my tree.
There were NASCAR ornaments that Caden was thrilled to put on the tree, these came from Grandma Lois Potter, and I know she is proud of them and smiling that he placed these ornaments on our tree. 
The "baby's 1st Christmas" ornaments for Caden and Maggie, from Great Grandma Ramey and Aunt Marie will one day hang on their own trees.  There is "our first Christmas" ornament that Matthew and I received from Granny Cool and the kissing Santa and Mrs. Claus bobble heads that made me really miss the lady who loved Christmas more than anyone.  Cale and Mallory had four beautiful ornaments to add to our tree and start our new traditions as a family of 6!

So you get the picture, so many memories hanging on our little tree.  So much joy as each one went into place.  So much help from the toddlers who can do so much and are becoming independent little people.  So many smiles from the babies we prayed hard for the chance to be parents once again. 

So much excitement that we have our family traditions being put in place. 

So many laughs and good times that make my heart swell with pride. 



Maggie's addition to the tree!  I didn't undo them or move them!



My little helpers being good

Trying  for one more photo of the 4 of them together - FAIL

The best Christmas presents I could ask for!

Maggie cheering that our tree is complete

Our very full mantle, and a little helper!

I am grateful for all the prayers that have been answered in the last year!

A year ago I prayed harder than I have ever prayed before.  I was out doing some Christmas shopping when something happened and I was worried going wrong with the baby (remember at this point we thought it was only one baby) I quickly called the doctor and went in for a check up.  On my way I prayed that the baby would be ok but also tried to ground myself that everything happens for a reason and reminded myself that I had two healthy and happy children at home already.  I was surprised to find out that yes I was still pregnant with not one but 2 babies!  HUH what I said to Dr. Scheiber, really how is that possible?  I thought for sure I was losing this baby that we had tried for and wanted in our lives.  I quickly thanked God for still being pregnant but then went, really another set of twins, can we handle another set of twins? 

Then I remembered, God gives you what you can handle or what he believes you can handle.  He will be there to guide you along the way and we have survived one set of twins so we can do it again right?  After all we were hoping for one baby to see what it was like to raise one child at a time but were blessed with two.

This time of year is always special and right now I am just thankful that not only that prayer but many other prayers throughout the year have been answered.  Not only my personal prayers but the prayers of the family and friends around me. 

It truly is a powerful thing and I believe that everything happens for a reason, we may not always understand that reason but there is a life lesson and reason behind everything. 

So as we enter the weekend I pray that we are all safe and together as a family enjoying our lives. 

A simple prayer but a good one. 



63 was the magically number - give or take 10!

That is how many shots I took of my children last night in trying to get a photo of the 4 of them together for our family Christmas card.  Needless to say a group shot did not happen but I got some great individual shots that made a beautiful card.  I did delete quite a few in our process and I was exhausted after our trials but the memories are funny today.

Here is a little bit of our journey.  I only hope capturing the gaggle of children we have together gets easier as they get older!

For now I will enjoy my photo memories that need to be placed in a flip book for the true effect of our chaos :)

Maggie Waving Goodbye so I would stop taking photos!

And boy I can't wait for Christmas it is going to be a BLAST!

I am Thankful for many things....

November is in my opinion on of the best months we could have!  It is a month to remember all we are thankful for, it starts the holiday season, it begins cream cheese season, my first babies were born in November, and it means that more than likely we will get to see more of our family during the month.

This year the month of November didn't let me down, it was crazy and packed full but I must say we had fun!  Thanksgiving was great, even with the rain and getting 4 kids in and out of the van in the downpours, we of coursed missed those who could not be with us.  I will say that I think Granny Cool is very proud of Maggie, she has found a love of angel food cake, so Bryce and Jodi you have to keep bringing it to the holidays :)  We really did miss her this year but know she was with us, we are thankful that Aunt Sue found a few things Granny had bought for the kids, including the babies, and that she gave them to us, we will treasure those little animals forever. 

I really enjoyed all of Grandma Horstman's dishes that my mom cooked, the lemon jello was perfect!  We missed seeing our SC family members even though they were in the state but are glad they at least got to come home for a visit.
It was wonderful to have our Horstman gathering, mom and Chris I know it is a ton of work for you but the time together and the memories are priceless, plus who would of thought we would have that many little ones running around ever again?  I think it was the 80's since that house has entertained so many little people.  To see them interact with each other was wonderful and brought back many memories of childhood holidays and playing together.  We always were making up games and getting in trouble by Grandpa because we were too noisy upstairs and sneaking way upstairs where we weren't supposed to be.  Those are good times and great memories and it is just amazing to watch my own child create their own with their cousins. 

And to Adam and Haley, thanks for hosting us even if it was for a short time, there just wasn't enough hours in the day to do it all but I am glad we made it for a bit.

I survived another Black Friday and had a ball with Mary Jo and Erica.  Thanks gals for going with me and helping me get so much done!  I am sure we will do it again next year!

So Thanksgiving has come and gone, Caden and Maggie's 3rd birthday arrived, and now we are onto December.  I am looking forward to what it will bring and so far the month has started off great!

Last night I was able to watch Rudolph with Caden, if you recall I watched this right before I delivered he and Maggie, then we wake up this morning to snow flurries, and day two in the hospital with Caden and Maggie we got snow.  I am feeling very sentimental today and thinking back to when these two arrived in our lives. 

I am so looking forward to this month, the holidays and the outings we have planned.  Caden and Maggie are already enjoying the lights and begging to get our tree up.  I am looking forward to Cale and Mallory's first Christmas and bringing them into our family traditions. 
I am looking forward to remembering our loved ones who have passed away and sharing their favorite traditions with my kids.  I am really looking forward to cookie baking with my mom and Maggie - that will be fun plus learning to make Mrs. Kraus's cookies is a huge goal of mine!

Here's to a great December for all and Happy Snow!