2 Against 1

Snowy Weekend

2012-02-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we were finally given a taste of winter. I'm not referring to the bitter wind chills either. Playtime in the snow has been down to a minimum this season and it's been difficult to occupy the twins. Playing outside with the twins just isn't the same when there's no snow and it's freezing temperatures outside.

Thankfully though, old man winter gave us snow over the past few days and we have been enjoying it. Taking 15 minutes minimum to bundle them up is not exactly my cup of tea, but well worth it to see their smiles. Not to mention, how tired they were following our winter adventure.

They have been determined to build a snowman "Frosty and Crystal," a difficult task with no snow. I managed to make a mini Frosty and Crystal for each of them. The snow wasn't exactly packing snow, but you can't explain that to two-year old twins.

Overall, an enjoyable wintry weekend. What did your plans include? Was it wintry conditions where you live?

2 Against 1 Hires a Freelance Writer

2012-02-09T14:53:00.001-05:00

Potty training continues to be going well here, but life just continues to get busier :)

What can I say though, I still remain busy, busy, busy! No, I am not going on another vacation, although who wouldn't want another one of those.
Instead I am hiring a freelance writer to help with posts for my blog. This will help to maintain regular posts here, when I am caught up with the twins, life and everything else.

Freelance Writing Hints and I are currently working out the fine print, topics, frequency of posts etc. But I will keep everyone posted on how things are going. So far so good though!

Wish me luck! I will let everyone know when details have been confirmed and when we can expect their first post. Your feedback on their posts would be appreciated.

Potty Training or Bribery?!?

2012-01-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

As you know, we're on our second attempt of potty training the twins and so far I think we're doing okay. Of course on the days where I feel super frustrated with the task I surf the web looking for answers and can't believe the amount of bribery I'm thinking this might take.

Many resources obviously suggest rewards for a job well done, which I definitely agree on. However, some ideas just seem a little outlandish and more like bribery.

Here are a couple of suggestions I have come across:

Smarties/Candy of sorts as a reward (something we are trying & seems to be working).
Make a chart for them to put their reward stickers.
A surprise bag of toys in which they can pick one for each successful potty trip.
Letting them run around naked.
Sitting them on the potty every hour.
Refusing to Potty Train (courtesy of Domestic Goddess Mommy)

A couple of the above ideas I really like.

The smarties is actually one we are using as a box of smarties are a lot more cost efficient then a surprise bag of toys.
Stickers as a reward for potty training is another one in which my husband and I have considered using if the smarties fail us.
A surprise bag of toys for me just seems like too big of a reward. However I think it could work if you combine 1 & 2. Simply meaning, 10 stickers can get you a pick from the dollar store loot bag.
Naked, I have a boy and a girl and just don't feel comfortable (nothing against those that do) letting them run around all day with no clothes on together.
I've tried the every hour and it has been successful at times but I also have a million other things to do in a day and that one is time consuming.
Refusing to potty train, which I discovered today thanks to Sklar Magazine suggesting I check out the above posting from (aspiring) Domestic Goddess Mommy. This is quite interesting and I urge you to review the post as I think it could work with my daughter who is very independent. She does better when you let her do things herself. By this I mean, if we stop constantly asking her to go potty and let her go on her own, I think we might be more successful. An approach in which I think we will be trying.

What are your thoughts, do any of the above methods seem like a good idea to you? What methods have you tried on your potty training toddlers? For me, I've just had enough of the double dose of diapers and am anxious for them to be gone.

Happy to Be Back!!

2012-01-26T10:48:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!! I feel like it's been quite a while since I've posted here, but rest assure I am back now and hopefully for good. The twins are doing outstanding and growing by the day.

My husband and I have started the adventures of potty training again, so fingers crossed it works out this time. What can I say after 2 years of diapers...... I've had enough!! I'd love to hear successful potty training stories from other parents/caregivers, at this point any help would be appreciated. As well, I might feature them here on my blog as well, so be sure to drop contact me!

As well, I have some really exciting things in the works here and will be sharing them all soon. In the meantime, it's back to potty training boot camp for me :) Thank you again to everyone who has been patiently awaiting my return.

Hopefully a Short Vacation

2011-07-08T14:42:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let all my readers know I have not forgotten about you. Things have gotten a little crazy around here at 2 Against 1 lately. Therefore, I haven't been able to put in as much time as I would have liked.

That being said I have decided to take a short (I hope) vacation to get caught up on everything. Actually it's more of a stay-cation since technically it's work related and I am not going anywhere. Once I have everything in check here, I full intentions of coming back and making my presence known again. There are some great changes occurring which I cannot wait to share with everyone. 2 Against 1 is currently setting up a business venture that I know is going to be successful. Once complete I will be looking for some bloggers to participate in some giveaways/reviews for me.

Thanks everyone for your patience and I hope to see you all soon :)

Blog Bash Winner!

2011-07-05T06:37:00.000-04:00

2 Against 1 would like to congratulate Tanaya Hunyadi as she is the winner of the $600 online learning course from Learning Link Technologies.

As well, a special thanks to everyone who participated in Blog Bash 2011!

Thank Goodness Its Friday (06/24)

2011-06-23T19:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Thank Goodness Its Friday! Our linky will open every Thursday night so you can join us for Thank Goodness Its Friday, also known as TGIF. Let’s make some new blogging friends and celebrate the end of a wonderful week!

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts via GFC and leave them a comment on their blog to let them know you are following from the TGIF blog hop (if you already follow via GFC, follow on facebook, twitter, or networked blogs)

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Amanda, from Mommy's Opinions, Monica at A Mother's Touch, and Elizabeth from YUMMommy.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Blog Bash 2011 Sponsor

2011-06-21T23:32:00.001-04:00

Special Thanks to Learning Link Technologies for sponsoring a $600 Prize Package!!!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Learning Links Technologies helps parents with the struggling learners. Lisa Harp has developed a very simple easy to do at-home system which enhances the building blocks of learning. The system is most often used by school age children however, it can actually be used (in part) as young as 3. The exercises are simple and kids find them fun!

Although this system was originally designed to help those children with learning problems it is actually recommended for all children and will only enhance their learning ability.

With summer finally here, take advantage of this great giveaway and enhance your child's learning ability with this great program.

One lucky winner will win a complete

online course valued at $600.

Mandatory Entry:

Follow 2 Against 1 via Google Friend Connect (GFC)

(Already a GFC follower, try Network Blogs, subscribe via email, etc. instead, just leave a comment letting me know which alternative you chose.)

Extra Entries:

1 Entry - Follow 2 Against 1 on Twitter - @2Against1twins
1 Entry - Follow Learning Link Technologies on Twitter - @HarpInstitute
1 Entry - "Like" 2 Against 1 on Facebook by clicking here
1 Entry - "Like" Learning Link Technologies on Facebook by clicking here
1 Entry - Tweet this giveaway and leave me the link to your tweet (1 entry per tweet/per day)

* Be sure to leave a comment and your email address for each entry so I can track your entries and contact the winner easily *

* Giveaway will remain open until June 26, 2011 @ 11:59 (CST). Giveaway is open worldwide *

*Winner will be selected using random.org and contacted via email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to email once it is sent. If the winner does not respond to email within the allotted time, a new winner will be selected and notified. Original winner forfeits the prize.*

Blog Bash 2011 is Here!

2011-06-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

2 Against 1 is excited to be taking part in the

HUGE blog hopping event

Blog Bash 2011!!

With 153 Blogs participating this giveaway event is sure to be a bash!!

Be sure to visit my giveaway sponsored by Learning Links Technology ($600 value) by clicking below:

Learning Links Technology Giveaway (Open Worldwide)

Once you've entered 2 Against 1's giveaway be sure to hop around to the other 152 blogs below and enter as many giveaways as you can. All prize packages are worth a minimum of $100. Everyone has worked hard gathering their sponsors for this HUGE event and look forward to your entries. Keep in mind each site/giveaway has their own rules/regulations so please be sure to check them prior to entering.

Thank you to Everyone in advance and Happy Hopping!!!

*** Blog Bash 2011 ends June 26th at 11:59 (CST) ***

Blog Bash 2011 Participants

Magnificent Monday (06/20)

2011-06-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Magnificent Monday! Our linky will open every Sunday night so you can join us for a Magnificent Monday. Let’s try to make the beginning of the week a bit better by finding some great new blogs and making some new blogging friends!

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Learning Ideas - Grades K-8

Follow our Guest Host, DeyiMizu

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Thank Goodness Its Friday (06/17)

2011-06-16T19:00:00.001-04:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Rachael, from 3 Princesses Engraving, and Evelyn from Midnight Sewing Mom...and a little painting too!

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Time Management - HELP!

2011-06-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, so here's my dilemma I am in serious need of a lot more time in my day!!

I am currently setting my alarm for 5:30 am and going to bed at 11 pm at the earliest, that's enough sleep right?!?!

Between my freelancing work, my blog, trying to get a new business off the ground and trying to incorporate my workout routine, there isn't any room for much else. Oh and did I mention my twins, Laura and Brady, yes they're with me all day too (which I love).

So needless to say I try my best to get most of my work done before the twins get up, when they nap, and after they go to bed. Thing is, I love everything I mentioned above and am willing to do anything to keep them all.

Ladies, gentlemen, Mommies, Daddies, Grandparents................ any suggestions?

Magnificent Monday (06/13)

2011-06-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Dishes & Wishes

Follow our Guest Host, An Irish-Italian Blessing

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Time to Celebrate

2011-06-10T08:53:00.000-04:00

Today is a day to celebrate at 2 Against 1, as we've reached 500 followers!!!

I am so pleased to have reached the first of many milestones to come. Special thanks to all of my followers who enjoy visiting my site, I appreciate all of your comments. When I first started blogging I had no idea what would come out of it, but now only a few months later I have gained a lot of experience and friends.

I am proud of how far 2 Against 1 has come in such a short time and excited about the possibilities to come. This blog has taught me the sky really is the limit.

On another note, TGIF Blog Hop is on hiatus today but will return next week.

2 Against 1 will be celebrating 500 Followers today, Yay!!!

Thank Goodness Its Friday (06/03)

2011-06-02T19:00:00.003-04:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts!

Kristen is a SAHM of 4 kids. She is a wife to a US Marine who just recently moved from Florida to Massachusetts. Kristen blogs about the craziness of life with 4 kids, military and new adventures as she finds them here in Boston.

Alyssa’s boyfriend is in the Army and they met 6 months after he got back from his first deployment to Iraq. She always knew a second deployment was an option but a part of her never thought it would happen- If/when it did, she wanted them to have been together for the same if not longer amount of time than he'd be gone... Luckily the military gave them that.

Alyssa turned to blogging after finding out that he was being deployed again. She wanted to have a place to work through my thoughts and anxiety as well as meet some other military wives and girlfriends. Blogging has helped her find some peace and given me an outlet to work though all the unknowns. Alyssa has been able to connect with some awesome people and get ideas for new hobbies and things to do at home without her soldier.

Aly is a 19 year old married college student, and a new mommy. Things are difficult with her husband overseas, but she still manages to smile every day. She know that her journey to motherhood is another great chapter in her life.

- Show quoted text -

Happy Days (06/01)

2011-06-02T08:46:00.001-04:00

What a way to bring in June. The twins and their Mommy too had a blast last night! We spent the later part of the afternoon taking in the sun, mixed with a little wind at my sister Jennifer's. Laura and Brady played with their cousins, throwing balls around, riding in their cars. A truly great afternoon.

We had a quick supper and we were off to a fun fair that was being hosted at my nieces school. Well, the twins didn't know what to think. Kids everywhere, running around with excitement when they won prizes. Auntie Jennifer spoiled them and let them play a game where they both won the largest prize they could. Thankfully they each won the same prize, saving this Mommy from having to break up arguments.

They got to see ponies, which they loved. "Horse, horse, horse!" they yelled. The twins finished the evening off playing with their cousins at the park. Sparky the Fire Dog made a visit. Laura went crazy for him. Jumping up and down, dancing, laughing, it was great!! Brady, well he was okay with Sparky as long as he didn't get too close.

Ultimately we had a great time bringing in the month of June. It's just the beginning of what is sure to be a great summer!

Happy Days (05/30)

2011-05-31T19:50:00.000-04:00

Today I am definitely happy about the beautiful weather we're finally getting here!

The day started with excitement about the twins playing outside and in their pool. However, after I washed it and had it prepared to fill, I noticed a hole in it. I didn't let it bring me down though. Off to Wal-mart and $10 later, the twins were dipping their feet in the pool.

They screamed with excitement as they slowly edged closer to sitting down. Running the grass, then back in the pool. On their tricycles, back in the pool. It was just a fantastic day :)

What made your day today?

Magnificent Monday (05/30)

2011-05-29T19:00:00.000-04:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Money Savvy Michelle

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Keep Bronson in Your Thoughts (Happy Days 05/26)

2011-05-27T06:32:00.002-04:00

This is a little late as it was supposed to be posted last night. Oops.

Yesterday there were a lot of things that happened to make me "happy." However there was one thing in particular, that made me so grateful and yet so sad all at once. I read a blog posting about a special little boy named Bronson, who at 4 days old was diagnosed with a rare cancer and is fighting for his life at Sick Kids Hospital.

The posting made me grateful for my healthy twins, but sad for this family and baby Bronson. They are all so strong for everything they have been through thus far. Children, especially should not have to encounter everything this baby has and he is less than one month old.

I hope you will check out Bronson's Journey and keep him and his family in your thoughts, I know they are in mine.

Keep fighting Bronson!

Thank Goodness Its Friday (05/27)

2011-05-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Riannon, from Mom on a Mission 2008, and SSK Craftshop from Hooks, Needles and Brushes.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!

Happy Days (05/25)

2011-05-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

Today's happy moment would have to be when the twins referred to their fish sticks as chicken!! This is a new thing for them, but it seems to be working. The first time they tried them as fish sticks, they didn't eat them.

Laura watched me put them in the oven and screamed "chicken." I thought hmm... I'm going to try this. "Yes, chicken. Yummy!" It worked because here we are a couple of "chicken" stick dinners later and they love them.

Yay, for "chicken" sticks.

Happy Days (05/24)

2011-05-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today was definitely one of those days when I needed to find the positive to make me happy. Mid-afternoon I thought it was going to be when I woke the twins up from their nap, they just looked like angels. Of course I had to take a moment to really admire them before I woke them up, soaking up every ounce of their cuteness.

However, my heart melted tonight when I put them down to bed. Before I closed their door I said "I love you" like I do every night. Only this time I heard in a beautiful little voice, Laura say "love you."

Moments like that can't help but make me happy regardless of how bad your day is!

What made you happy today?

Happy Days

2011-05-24T10:34:00.008-04:00

As we all know, life can be stressful. Between finances, children, employment, marriages and just plain life in general, it can sometimes be hard to stay positive.

Lately I have been trying to configure a plan to help my hubby and I get out of negative town. For us, whenever it seems like everything is about to be on the up and up, something comes crashing down. I am determined if you focus on the negative, then negative will be what you get.

So, recently I've decided to find something positive about every single day. Regardless of how bad the day might have been I will find the positive. I am probably driving my hubby nuts, but I now ask him everyday what his favorite part of the day was. Whether it be when the twins run to him when he gets home, their hug before bed, a great conversation he had at work, just something positive.

It's starting to work and I now want to share it with my readers. So everyday I am going to do my best to post a short blurb about what made me happy that day :) I welcome you to share your happiness as well.

Yesterday, on of my happiest parts of my day was when my hubby brought me a coffee mid-afternoon. I didn't ask for it, I hadn't even said I needed it, but trust me I did. That little gesture put a smile on my face.

What was the highlight of your day?

Magnificent Monday (05/23)

2011-05-22T19:00:00.002-04:00

Would you like to be featured as a Guest Host for Magnificent Monday? Just fill out this form by clicking here.

To join us in Magnificent Monday, follow these 4 easy steps!

#1 Follow your three hosts on GFC and then leave a comment to let them know you’re following (If you already follow on GFC, then follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Networked Blogs)

#2 Follow our Guest Host, Nap Time Is My Time

Follow our Guest Host, The Real Housewife of Longleaf Ranch

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 3 blogs directly above yours

Please stop by as many blogs as you can. It also helps if you leave a comment on the blogs that you visit so they can stop by yours and say hello.

We’d love it if you would place the linky to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether its on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun hopping and please stop by to join us each week for Magnificent Monday!

Thank Goodness Its Friday (05/20)

2011-05-19T18:59:00.002-04:00

Would you like to be featured as our Guest Host for theTGIF blog hop? Just fill out this form by clicking here. We are promoting growing blogs with less than 500 followers.

To join us in the Thank Goodness Its Friday Blog Hop, follow these 3 easy steps!

#2 Follow our guest hosts, Rebecka, from At Home with Rebecka, Kortney at Kortney's Krazy Life, and Sara from Let's Talk About Me.

#3 Add your blog to the linky

#4 Follow the 2 blogs directly above yours and leave a comment letting them know you are following from TGIF Blog Hop.

Then, please stop by as many blogs as you can.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop!

Have fun and remember to stop by again next week!