It's Twin Tuesday!

For this week's Twin Tuesday, I thought I should give an update on the potty training situation.  And the report is GOOD!  We are now on the 10th day of no daytime diapers (minus naptime) and they are both doing fantastic and really getting the hang of it.

Girl Twin didn't have an accident at school last week at all, but Boy Twin took a bit longer. He used up all his spare clothes the first few days then the accidents got progressively less.  Yesterday he was accident free! I've always heard that boys are harder to potty train than girls, but they are really both doing the same. I think it helps that they are competitive and want to copy the other sibling.  I feel like we are spending every waking minute in the bathroom, but at least they are productive at it!  Go teamwork!

I certainly don't want to jinx this, but I'm so happy and surprised how quickly they are getting it.  I think I was just prepared for the worst, so anything is better than that.  Teachers in daycare are being very supportive, too.  We were hoping the kids would move up a room, as they are now the oldest in their room. I feel like they need to go to the 3-yr-old classroom where all the kids go potty.  But, unfortunately, all the spaces are full and there is no room to move up until August, which I'm not entirely happy about.  I'm also ready for that discount when they move up to that room!!

Just look at these cute little booties! (yes, they will kill me for this one day)

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to Babbs Clements!  She was chosen by random.org as the winner of a BRAND NEW, spiral sliced smoked ham from Petit Jean Meats.  I know she will be excited, and so will her daughters.  

Remember, if you didn't win and you'd like to try some of the wonderful products by Petit Jean Meats, you can shop at Petit Jean Meats online and have it shipped right to your house.  In my opinion, you will not find a better tasting ham or bacon.

Thanks for playing, everyone!  Stay tuned for another cool giveaway I'll have later in the week to kick off the official start of SPRING.  

Sunday Dinner = Delicious Ham

Last Sunday, in the middle of potty training, I managed to get our Petit Jean Spiral Sliced Ham prepared and on the table for dinner.  It was fantastic!  A couple of months ago I was watching Trisha Yearwood's cooking show on the Food Network and saw her baking a ham and making a delicious-looking glaze.  I knew that I wanted to try it.  So, when I got my ham last week, IT WAS ON.  Here is the recipe her glaze I used:  Brown Sugar Honey Glaze .

I had to modify the recipe just a bit because Trisha's ham was much bigger than mine, but it still worked.  It's hard to mess up when there are only two ingredients involved!

First, I wrapped the ham in foil and baked for about 30 minutes.  While it was baking, I made the glaze using honey and brown sugar.  Then, I took out the ham and poured on the glaze.  I wrapped it and baked for another 45 minutes.  The house smelled so sweet and yummy!

Remember, I'm not a food blogger or a professional photographer---bet you can't tell!  Ha!  So, here is your last chance to enter my giveaway.  One of my readers will win a Spiral Sliced Smoked Ham from Arkansas's own Petit Jean Meats. Go to THIS POST and follow my instructions to enter.  It would make a perfect addition to your Easter dinner (or any dinner, for that matter).  You have just under 24 hours left to get your name in the drawing...go now!  

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a spiral sliced ham on my blog.

It's Twin Tuesday!

Well, we are officially in potty training mode at the Bramell house now.  We decided last weekend to get serious and really work on it with the kids.  Once we got home from our Saturday activities, we put them in underwear for the rest of the day. And all day on Sunday.  Overall, the kids did alright.  Actually, quite good compared to the nightmare we had with Big Sis and her training.

I wanted to talk to the teachers at daycare to make sure they are on board with us, so I kept them in diapers on Monday. But today, they wore underwear!  We will have pull-ups for napping and bedtime only. 

I know I will probably be doing an insane amount of laundry over the next week, but I hope it pays off.  We are more than ready to stop paying for diapers.  They both seem to understand the concept; however, I do question Girl Twin's motive (candy).  That girl will go sit on the potty every five minutes (and use it) just to get the M & M's!  I'm serious. That's what we did ALL DAY SUNDAY. It was exhausting!

Anyway, wish us luck. If you have any fantastic tips for potty training two busy two-year-olds, please leave a comment.  I've done this once before, but it was not easy and not fun. I know that's why hubby and I have avoided the potty training until now....do we have the strength to do this again?  I'll let ya know.

First day with underwear at daycare: Girl Twin = ZERO accidents, Boy Twin = 3 accidents. But I'm OK with that!

Conversation With My Kid

This little girl has been cracking us up lately.  She's very bossy to the twins, but she also loves them with all her might. Sometimes she even surprises me. Like last night, she asked Boy Twin if he wanted to sleep with her favorite blankie and stuffed bunny. I can't remember a night when she hasn't slept with them herself!  And, she's also been helping the little ones wash in the shower, which is a nice help to me.

The other day, getting out of the bath, she said to me: "Mom. Sometimes, like when we go to Walmart, we see people with big booties."  Out of nowhere!  I couldn't help but laugh at her perceptiveness.

It's Twin Tuesday!

In sticking with my music theme from the past week or so, I want to share some cuteness about the twins.  They are finally sharing in the fun of music!  Every day, on the way to daycare and back, they insist on listening to their favorite CD in the van.  They totally dig Brian and Terri Kinder, at Kindersongs.  We heard about them years ago from some friends, and first went to see them in a holiday concert at the Fayetteville library when Big Sis was just a toddler.  Since then, we've become quite the groupies.  They usually have 2-3 shows a year at the library, and I'm not sure we've missed any.  If you have little kids, I highly recommend taking them to see the Kinders. They play all over the state, so the chances are good that you can find them in your hometown.  

Now, the twins have learned to love music, too. I'm so proud! Whether it's Christmas music, the Muppets Soundtrack or just regular radio, it's the cutest thing EVER when I can hear them singing along from the backseat.  It's amazing how many words they can remember and sing!

Clever little stinkers, aren't they?

Knock Knock. Who's There? HAM!

And I'm not talking about just any old ham, people.  I'm talking about the best ham you've ever tasted--and it could be yours!  I am giving away a Petit Jean HIckory Smoked Spiral Cut  Ham, just in time for Easter festivities.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

If you don't know, Petit Jean Meats in an Arkansas based company with great tasting products like bacon, ham, sausages and hot dogs.  You can find their meats in grocery stores all over the state, or you can order online direct from www.petitjeanmeats.com . 

I am trying to decide if I want to cook my spiral cut ham for Easter dinner (share), or cook it another weekend just for us at home (or not share).   Either way, I have a delicious plan for this baby. Stay tuned for a follow up post and I'll share my recipe that I'm so excited about trying.  Hint: I got it from my friend Trisha Yearwood!  Well, ok. She's not really my friend but I kinda know her, and I adore her, and the woman can cook.

You know it's a special occasion when Petit Jean is on the table!  Well, in my house it is for sure.

I'm so excited about this great opportunity for one of my readers to win a ham.  I mean, we all have to eat, right?  If you want to enter the drawing to win, follow these steps:

+ Go to  THIS LINK to sign up for the Petit Jean Meats e-newsletter.  You will receive occasional e-mails about product news, special offers and other useful information.  You must sign up for the newsletter to be included in the drawing.

+  Leave a comment under this post!  Let me know that you did sign up for the e-newsletter, and tell me what side dish would go great with this ham.  Also, make sure you leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.  

+  Deadline to enter is Thursday, March 14th at 8:00 p.m. Central time.  A winner will be announced within a few days.

Disclaimer:  I am a member of the Petit Jean Meats Blue Diamond Club.  Through this affiliation, I get to try out products, and give my opinions on new products and branding for the company. My opinions are my own and honest reflections of how I feel. I was given product for this giveaway, so that I could also give away a spiral sliced ham on my blog.