Updates !

Where to begin.

It's rainy, very rainy. This isn't North Carolina weather & we are tired of it!
But we have still been able to be in the pool daily, just getting out every once in a while for the lighting to pass!

We had our first Sweet Frog experience recently & that was fun. Even though the faces don't seem thrilled, I caught them off guard ! Both kids picked Cookies n Cream "fro-yo" & then hit the candy buffet! I skipped on the fro-yo & waited on my Qdoba burrito!

I have been busy on my beauty blog, Everyday Beautiful , running giveaways & hosting giveaways, answering emails & making ad space quotes! I am stepping away from the Makeup Artistry for now to find what I really want in life for myself. I feel like I lost the passion that I had for so long but I also lost my confidence in my work which can really change your work ethic. 

I'm looking back into cake making, which I did when the kids were little babies! 

Speaking of little babies, these babies will be 5 soon & we have decided that they both will be receiving Nintendo 3DS systems! Which is really exciting because I know I will be using them as well! :) 

We have stumbled into the American Girl Doll craze, although we don't have any yet, we have been circling items in the catalogs like our life depends on it! I'm wondering why the dolls are so pricey? Is it quality or the name on it?? Well I guess that's up to Santa! 

Cami has learned to swim, she's so great at it & loves to show us all *several time* how she can! Boo on the other hand is happy in his float ring just splashing us all! 

I plan to really update this blog & keep it up, also giveaways coming & reviews! 

Have a great night, 

Tiffany + 2

Small Haul + Update

Good Morning!

I wanted to share a quick haul for you that I picked up on a super fast trip to Target. My son got sick on the way to dinner & I had to run into Target to pick him up a new shirt, so I picked up the other items I needed also. This was the fastest Target trip ever! 

My kids love the Tom's toothpaste & when we tried the sample size of the Wicked Cool Mint toothpaste they loved it, so I bought the full size while it was on sale! It was two for $5 plus the $1 off coupon that came with the sample! I also picked up a new brush since the whole inside of mine ripped out while brushing my hair! It was on clearance for $3!! I had to get some manly soap for the hubs & Dove is our favorite! I picked up a waterproof mascara for the bride I had on Saturday, I haven't tried this mascara before I'll do a review on my Beauty Blog! Also threw some normal sensitive skin wipes in, along with the new Johnson & Johnson germ killing wipes! 

Update!

We all had a stomach virus for about 3 days all together, 24 hours per person! It was horrible, the kids had it first then the adults. I did loose 5 pounds! Which adds to my weight loss goal, I am 5 pounds closer & now have my workout routine in full swing! Day two (today) is a lot of soreness after my one hour workout yesterday! But I keep reminding myself that it's all worth it!

I made strawberry pomegranate smoothies this morning & they were amazing! Such a great way to start the day with something so refreshing! We are looking into getting a juicer to have more options but for now these smoothies are perfect! 

Have a blessed day!

Tiffany & Two 

We Choose Virtues: Review

Teaching your children starts day one. Teaching to them to take a bottle, new foods, smiling, laughing, they learn from you. From day one, they learn everything from you.

Once you start teaching your children words & reading, the Bible... this time is important. It's important to teach them the right things at the right time, We Choose Virtues helps with this!

We Choose Virtues teaches children control, management & the ways we all should be, acting as Godly people. I have been working with my kids with the Family Kit which included the following items:

• Parenting Cards
• Virtue Flash Cards for family
• Kids Virtue Poster
• 3 rules poster

When you teach your kids a new virtue, it includes a catch phrase for them to memorize along with the scripture from the Bible! My kids love Gerbil  & Jill, who learns to "speak quietly and touch softly" because of the gerbil in her pocket! When we are out in public, I am constantly saying "soft voices....soft voices." It's a constant reminder to learn where you can be louder & the times to talk quietly or be silent. Of course four

year old children never see that quiet time as fun! I try to always have the cards in reach so I can remind them of what Jesus said & why it's so important. 

There are many characters that comes with the catch phrase & verse, so it's fun for kids to recognize these characters & see that they are practicing these actions as well! Not only has We Choose Virtues helped my twins, it has helped me. I go through & highlight in my Bible where these scriptures are & look at the reasons around it!

Both posters, the rules & the virtues hang in their room, where our school table is. I can ask them what the three rules are at any time & I hear, "Obey, be kind, be helpful!" It's always there to remind them, even when they play. They are learning the catch phrases daily & they love seeing that these are really in the Bible, learning how Jesus wants us to act. I have been saying "if you could see Jesus right there on the couch, would you act like that?" I have to explain that just because you can't see Him doesn't mean He isn't there watching. This has really helped them calm down & realize just how important it all is!

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to use this packet & begin to teach my children early in life. They have so many questions about Jesus & the Bible so having something kid friendly to show them is wonderful! 

We Choose Virtues wants to give you a chance to win your own set of Parenting Cards! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Thank you for reading
Have a blessed day

Tiffany & two


*We Choose Virtues sent me the family kit to review, I was not paid for this review & all opinions are my own. The giveaway prize is provided & will ship from We Choose Virtues* 

That Surprise

5 years ago, around this time in April (since then I have forgotten the exact date because it was a little shocking.)

I was 18 years old & enjoying life. Didn't care about anything else but having fun & being 18! I had made an appointment to get on birth control... not a huge issue just a regular doctor visit. Well if you have been to be put on birth control then you know you have to take a pregnancy test... that's where it all began.

I took the test & right away they told me I was pregnant. Shock #1.
Then they say "we can do an ultra sound now..." "oh look at that, it's twins & they are about 16 weeks along"

16 WEEKS. That's 4 months! I had been carrying twins for 16 weeks & had no idea. Not a sign. Literally, nothing. Still had all those monthly "girl issues," no morning sickness & I still sliding perfectly into my double zero jeans.

I really messed up, I ended up staying far away from school & didn't even get to graduate with my friends. But I did graduate & I didn't drop out. Which I was proud of.

By 20 weeks I was showing, but not twins showing. I had a BAD urinary track infection & that was when they told me I had a boy & a girl! Not long after I had an appointment that changed everything.

Everything.

The nurse, or who ever she was, was showing me the babies on this wonderful scan of the babies, up on this flat screen TV, it was when those 3D images were becoming more popular so I really got to see them. Well my son, he took over while my daughter was hiding, but I saw enough of her to fall in love. Then it happen. The look on the nurses face changed. She look worried, she didn't hide it well either. Then she said "I'm going to go get the doctor." And hurried out. I broke down. I had no idea what to think or what was happening.

The doctor came in & ran the ultra sound wand over my growing stomach again. Then nodded his head. He was focusing on the area where my son was. Then he says, "Baby A (so technical) is pushing down on the lining of the uterus. You have about a 3mm keeping him in. His umbilical cord is on bottom & he is pushing down on it." This whole time I'm in tears, talk to me like I'm 18 & have been pregnant for only six weeks, not over 20 weeks! He continues to say that I will need to be admitted & put on bed rest until they can see what's going on & that I'm now "high risk."

This time my mom was able to drive me to the hospital in Charlotte, NC where I would begin this journey of a high risk pregnancy. I was put on monitors & given an I.V which made me pass out & get yelled at for lowering the kids heart rate... excuse me this is a fist for me!

After a few days, I haven't gave birth yet so that was a good sign. I was home. On bed rest. Again. Nothing but the bathroom, no hot showers & don't stress. Sure. My grandma stayed with me & I ate a lot, a lot of good food.


Back at the hospital I was, this time I wouldn't leave until October. Taken in an ambulance this time.  Being on bed rest at home wasn't doing it & it wasn't close enough to a delivery room incase anything happen. Well I laid, for 6 weeks in the hospital bed. I peed, weighed & sat for 10 minutes on the balcony. Sleep & here nurses say "it's not just about you anymore!" in a high squeaky voice that made me was to punch them.



Time went by & went by. Pains came & left, check ups came & went. 67 pounds gained & two growing babies made sure I was never comfortable in any position. The morning on October 7th 2008 I woke up with pain but it wasn't bad & the nurse said my water hadn't broke. I told her it was just pressure & she said it's probably from them moving around so much now.

I laid all day texting my mom about how I felt. It didn't hurt, it was just a pressure feeling. Nothing uncomfortable. I asked for my normal TWO BIG MACS & FRIES & of course my chocolate milkshake! Ate it. All. Then is happen. PAIN! Pain like I have never felt in my life. A voice said "well honey you've been in labor all day, it's time for these babies to come!" I have NEVER in my life wanted to hurt someone so bad. All day??? And all I heard was I was just feeling the movement. Ugh!

I could hear the noise & see all the people running around getting me ready to head to the operating room but it all sounded like white noise. I panicked, I cried & I told my mom I wasn't ready. This was 8 weeks early. I had 8 weeks to get ready to be a mom, not a hour! This has to stop. STOP. STOP!

8:25 p.m

Well it didn't & after seeing my burgers again in a pink dish, I was laying on a table numb from chest down. Didn't even feel the giant needle they shoved into my back.
8:34 p.m

Then I heard it, the sound of "Baby A" that cry. I will never forget. My son. My baby boy. My minute older child. They held him over the blanket to show me then he was gone. Taken away so fast to be checked on & put on whatever tubes he needed. Then it was time for my princess. My girl. And nothing. No cry. No scream. Nothing. Silence. I felt my heart stop. I was dead for that few seconds. All this time I was scared to death to have twins & now I needed them both. I needed her to be here. I needed my kids.

8:35 p.m

Then it happen... that girl screamed! She cried & she was NOT happy! They held her over the blanket & a tear ran down my cheek. There was my girl! My drama queen. I was sewn up quickly & taken back to my room. The last thing I saw was my family, in the hall, so happy. Then I was, asleep. For hours.

1:30 a.m (October 8th 2008)

I woke up to a phone ringing & a nurse standing over me. Did I need anything? Yes, I want to see my babies! No.

"No, not yet." That's what I got. A no, not yet. Who does she think she was stopping me from seeing them?? No. Then I was back asleep. The next morning they told me what had to happen. First I had a catheter.. I didn't know I did but I did. So that had to be taken out before I could get up. GET IT OUT!

11 p.m October 8th 2008
The NICU


Finally. Finally!!! I get to see my babies! Over 24 hours after having them, they get to feel me again. I had seen pictures but that wasn't enough. I need my babies.

Boo, my boy. 5 lbs 7 oz 17 inches long. Premie?? Yes he was early but he was chunky premie! But still so tiny, with his arms behind his head, chilling in his little heated box.
Cami, the princess. 4 lbs. 10 oz 17 inches long. My tiny girl. She was the looker. She watched me, from the time I was wheeled in... washed my hands (3 minutes) & then over to them. She watched me.

I held them. I loved them.

From here it was a waiting game. When can they go home? Oxygen needed, scares & alarms. When will they be okay? Why can't I stay through shift change & how long do I have to come home without them?

1 month later, Cami came home. A week later Boo came home. It was happening.

I was a mom. An 18 year old mom with twins. They couldn't leave the house or see people. Keep them germ free & warm.

I will post more later on about the scares since birth. But right now I want to enjoy this time they aren't a whole hand old. I can't believe 5 years old is coming! It scares me. Things need to change & not just with them. I have some work to do as well.

I miss my little babies, I miss the cries & I miss the baby stuff.
I love the jokes & songs, the things they couldn't do as babies.

God help me reach 5 years of motherhood without loosing my mind. Let this "phase" of not liking the word "no" pass. Let us get through this & become better. A better mom, a better listener, a better person.

WIN A KINDLE FIRE HD!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!

There is no doubt that Isabelle Thornton of Le Chateau des Fleurs is talented.  This French-girl-gone-Utah has a wildly popular blog full of interesting DIY posts, photography, giveaways, and great reviews.  Aside from being an awesome blogger, she also creates fun apps for phones.  Previously her "Make Me Skinny" or Bon Bon app has kept many entertained as they edited and adjusted photos on their iPhones, and now I'm excited to announce she's released an entirely new app!  This one is different, and for Android!

Let's face it, sometimes you spend more time with your smart phone than you do with your spouse, friends, coworkers, and family... You sleep with it, eat with it, and admit it-you take it to the bathroom with you!  With Smartphone DNA you are creating a new kind of experience with your Smartphone.

What is Smartphone DNA?  

Smartphone DNA is an app dedicated to Twitter users, and it allows you to collect your Twitter DNA via your Android phone, and then compare it against other twitter users to see how much you match!  This is a great way to locate new Twitter friends that have things in common with you! 

How it works:

1. Smartphone DNA shows you a list of apps you currently have installed.
2. You select the apps you want to share as part of your DNA
3. Smartphone DNA shows you how closely you match the DNA of other users.

Smartphone DNA is 100% secure and controlled by you.

Win a Kindle Fire HD

To celebrate the release of Smartphone DNA, Isabelle is offering one lucky newsletter subscriber  a brand new Kindle Fire HD!  Can you say wow?  This is the reader of all readers-with a 7" full color HD display, exclusive Dolby audio, and ultra-fast WiFi it's top of the line.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to have one for yourself!  Follow the break to enter the giveaway:

Catching up!

It's been a busy past couple weeks & I have started my own little "boutique" where I will have ribbon wreath & topiaries, hair bows & hair bow holders, gum ball necklaces & bracelets & more!! 

I am so excited about it & you can find my FB page HERE & my Etsy shop HERE! There are plenty of more items coming! I love working on these crafts & I love the feed back I have gotten from customers! It all started with the bow holder to the left, that I made for my daughter! 

This purple one is one I made for a little girls room, it's already full of bows & I'm working on her second one now, with princess ribbon!  I'm still working on homeschool stuff & I have a photos & wedding this weekend! I love having a busy life!

I still make time for all the important things in life but I love having that "thing" to do once the kids are in bed! 

I will have a review up on April 26th of the We Choose Virtues package I received & I am loving incorporating it into our life! 

Have a blessed day!

Tiffany & two!

Kindle Fire HD Giveaway Info

If you're looking to grow your blog or social media following, we have a great and FREE opportunity for you!  Free is good, right?  Well, Free is AMAZING!


Isabelle from Le Chateau des Fleurs recently released a new Android app called Smartphone DNA, and to promote it she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD-which she is sponsoring entirely.  The giveaway will be hosted by My So-Called Chaos, but what we need are other bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs in order to spread the word! In return, you'll get two of your links in the Rafflecopter to get extra promotion for you in return for posting.  This is entirely free, there is NO buy in, we just need two posts from you.

1. Post this announcement on your blog (code will be given after you request to join) to ensure your readers/followers have the opportunity to be a part of this giveaway too! 
2. Post the actual giveaway (full Rafflecopter and all! People will be able to enter directly from your blog!) 

If you are interested in participating in this FREE promotional opportunity, please email Miss Angie and once accepted into the giveaway you will be given all the information you need for your posts.

Giveaway is set to run from 4/10/13 to 4/30/13.

All requests to join required by 4/5/13!

What's in the Bible Vol. 1 In the Beginning Review & Giveaway CLOSED

I thought this review would take longer to do. Seeing how we have watched this DVD about six times in two days, I have my review ready. My children love this DVD! I love it to! It's such a great way to teach kids about the Bible in a fun (keep their attention) type of way! Plus I get to laugh & learn to with the adult humor they throw in for us.





There are two episodes on this 60 minute DVD plus bonus clips to watch in the menu list. Volume 1 covers Genesis, In the Beginning. "Genesis really means the beginning" you'll learn that catchy tune soon! The characters are so cute & they all have such great personalities. It's amazing how caught up in a puppet you can get! :)

My children sat eating grapes with eyes glued on the T.V... asking questions every so often. They already pretend to be characters out of What's in the Bible? & enjoy telling me random facts they have learned! They are very excited about future What's in the Bible? DVD's! Inside the DVD was a letter from Phil, the creator of What's in the Bible? & Veggie Tales! Inside the letter is a coloring page for kids also on the back is a list of questions & answers to go over with your kids!

On the back is a break down of the DVD with info on the bonus clips & more! I am so glad we found a way to sit as a family & learn more about the Bible. Laughing at all the silliness in the DVD & hearing all the great questions the kids ask. I can't wait to view the rest of the What's in the Bible? collection & watch as the children absorb more & more of God's word!

Here's your chance to win your own copy of What's in the Bible? Vol. 1 In the Beginning!! Enter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product was sent to me for review, all opinions are my own. This is not a paid review. 

Easter Bows!

 I recently had these beautiful bows made for my little princess. Easter is one week away & she needed bows for her church dress & Easter playing outfit. Everyone has to be stylish when hunting eggs! I contact Terisa with Little Deer BOWtique & she was amazing! She is the kindest woman & cares so much for her customers. I sent her photos of the dress & the outfit. She started working on the bows right away so I could have them the weekend before Easter. She stayed in contact & asked questions for certain pieces & embellishments. I decided to add a "sculpted" bow for my daughters lady bug swim suit & she was delighted to make it for me. She sent me process pictures & made sure I was happy with every part of the bows.  

DDM

A week later they were ready & I was so excited. She sent me photos but they didn't do these bows justice! They are amazing!! I told her my daughter has a head full of curly hair so she made the bows extra large for me so they would stand out in her hair. She also used clips that have a double latch for thick hair! I am amazed! She did so well on these bows & I am so thankful to find someone local that cares so much about the bows & customers! I cannot wait to have more made from her! 

She does more than just bows & headbands. She nows makes bottle cap jewelry & key chains. I have so many ideas of the next bows I want next!

Please go & check out her page & tell her Tiffany from Double Dose of Motherhood sent you! You never know of the future bow giveaways I may do ;) !!!!

Find her page HERE

Have a great weekend! 

Tiffany & two

Ribbon Wreath

DDM

Hey Guys!

Up above is my incomplete ribbon wreath! I am so excited to start making these! I plan to finish the ribbon & add a letter "F" painted in pink! My friend who works at a hair salon will be hanging this one at her station! So exciting! I love having something like this to do once the kids are in bed & this is perfect. I purchased all the materials from Hobby Lobby which I am a huge supporter of. I can't wait to make more & I have so many plans! I will post all my complete wreaths soon & possibly have an Etsy Shop coming soon. I have also made a video tutorial that will be up once this one is complete!!

Stay tuned for a What's in the Bible? review coming soon!

Have a blessed day!

Tiffany & two

Favorite Kids Sites!

Here are some of my favorite kids sites to shop at!

• Totsy- this isn't just a site for kids items! You can find cookware, decorations, handbags & clothes! I love it! Although the shipping can take about 3 weeks, this is because Totsy orders from the company after you order from Totsy, so you get factory direct pricing! It's worth the wait! Check them out HERE!
• Zulily- Zulily is Totsy's rich aunt from California. While the prices are still amazing, it's more name brand clothes & items! Shipping is about the same time wise! Find them HERE!  
• Oliver's Labels- I'm not sure about you but I am an organizing fan & I love for things to be label! When I found out about Oliver's Labels I was so excited! Fun & cute labels for almost all your kids items!!! Plus labels for the kitchen & safety labels for when traveling! Check them out HERE! 
• What's in the Bible- I love these videos & my kids find it so funny ! They learn so much about the Bible which is very important to me! Check them out HERE! 

What are your favorite kids sites? 

Zoo Trip Spring 2013

My mom & I surprised the kids with a trip to the zoo today! They were so excited when we turned into the entrance & the elephant statues gave them a huge hint!

It was a sunny 75 degree day which doesn't happen often in March, in North Carolina but it was a perfect zoo day. We were somewhat disappointed with the animals we did see, most of them were not there or hiding in their habitats! But we did see enough to make the trip fun & the tram ride back to the parking lot was a winner!

How did you spend your weekend? It's suppose to be beautiful again tomorrow & I'm ready to spend it outside!

Intro & Hello

Welcome!

& if you have been here before. Welcome back!

I started this blog last year, became crazy busy & decided I couldn't handle this blog also. Well I'm back & ready!

The kids are 4 now. I have become a bridal makeup artist & we are starting the process of looking for homeschool information.

About us: I'm Tiffany, the mom. I have twins who are 4. There is Boo, the boy, he's only Boo when he's not Batman & he's usually Batman. Princess Cami, my girl. She is the definition of a princess & she isn't liking the fact that I have to remind her that I'm still the queen.

Things get hectic & we all are learning to take a deep breath & just breathe.

So follow us as we grow up together and learn.

FB: http://www.facebook.com/doubledoseofmotherhood