Double the Fun

For the past two years, I've had an almost daily struggle with the whole "twin mom" thing.  I hate the comments about my "hands being full", I dread double the diapers, and have looked enviously at my mom friends who only have one little wonderful person to juggle.  I've feared that somehow we'd missed out on that personal intimacy that it was to have this tiny little family when we were so quickly immersed into our own private chaos.

But lately, I've been catching beautiful glimpses at what having twins is really about.  I've been seeing the beautiful emotion they have with one another - sharing hugs and kisses when one another, seeking them out if they hear the other cry.  It's amazing to have the opportunity to be proud of the generosity, kindness and empathy that your two year old is showing - proud of the little person they're becoming.

Brayden picks up his spoon and fork at a casual dinner out - and proceeds to bang them together with glee.  "Great idea bro" silently says a joyful Julie who joins him in the merriment.  They just beam at each other.  The first proud that he started a trend, and the second thrilled to show that she can do it too.  I smile...

Even in the midnight hours, when they both should be sleeping I can't help but enjoy their fun.  Julie gets the idea to run through the upstairs - onto our bed, off the other side, around the loop and back out the door, and across to her room.  Brayden jumps up and follows.  And the two do laps like this for ten minutes squealing as they go.

They share all of this without words, but are so united in the experience.  It's obvious that they love the "twin thing."  And how could they not?  It's a best friend to play trains, it's a person to steal extra hot dog bits from, and a constant sleepover companion.  I'm coming to realize, we're not missing out at all.  We are the luckiest...

Quiet moments snuggled together watching a favorite show, swapping binkies and laughing in domino effect at the funny parts. Every moment bonds them together.

Today we played this game where we would count "one" "two" and then giggle wildly on "three" as we tickled someone.  It was so much fun it almost brought tears to my eyes.  Who else gets that?  Even if kids are close in age, the joy of having two together, at that same moment and stage, discovering life's pleasures is absolutely incredible.

I've always wondered what all these moms meant when they talked about their pairs - "double the fun" they'd say.  I could get behind "double the love" and "double the blessing" but really?  Double the fun? I'm becoming a believer...  I feel like the fun in our family grows exponentially every day.  And I am so blessed to be part of this wild ride...

Kulcar: An Innovative Solar Powered Car Ventilator Review

Our trip to Puerto Rico was the perfect escape from cold and snowy Pittsburgh, and a great time to try out our new Kulcar - a solar powered car ventilator!

The compact device was small it easily packed in our checked luggage, and was easy to install even with almost no tools.  All we needed was the included device, the included rubber strips, and a small pair of scissors.

The perfect year-round solution for warm climates, we’re looking forward to regularly using the Kulcar during the scorching summer temperatures regularly at home. 

The device is so innovative – using environmentally friendly solar panels to generate it’s own power for the device’s small fans.  It significantly lowers the temperature inside your car – while the car is moving or parked.  Because of it’s self-sufficient power source, there’s never a chance it’ll drain your battery, and there are no wires to attach.  A little known fact is that some car upholstery can release dangerous chemicals when heated to extreme temperatures – and in addition to the more comfortable temperature achieved by using Kulcar, this danger can be reduced by kulcar’s use.  What an easy and efficient way to provide a healthier environment for your “always on the go” family.

Installing the Kulcar is super easy:

1 – Roll down the window

2 – clip the precut (small) rubber strip to the window

3 – clip the Kulcar device onto the glass, next to the precut rubber strip.

4 – measure and trim the flat end of the long rubber strip, and clip it on the other side of the Kulcar device.

5 – Slowly roll up the window, ensuring that the solid end of both rubber pieces and the kulcar device are inside the car’s window seals.

That’s it!  You’re ready to go just by flipping the solar panel to a horizontal position and tightening using the metal crank.  I was initially apprehensive about installing this in a rental car, but there was no need.  The installation is as permanent or as temporary as you’d like, leaving no effect on the vehicle.  The rubber strips create a great seal around the device, preventing any issues for security or insects.

Once installed, the device goes to work almost instantly when in direct sun.  You’ll know it’s working by the slight whirling sound coming from the device, and the gentle breeze you can feel when placing your hand on the indoor side of the ventilator. 

On our trip, we found significant difference in indoor temperature when using the Kulcar and would definitely recommend it to our readers.  It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone with a daily commute who parks outside, who lives in a year-round or seasonally warm climate, for the environmentally conscious, and for those road warrior travelers.  Order your Kulcar from NewEgg or stay in touch by following the links below!

Sonray Technology Co Ltd: http://www.sonray.com.tw/

Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0FB-00N8-00001

Kulcar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kulcar/551389814931439

Sonray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonray-Technology-Inc/500367573391926

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KulcarSonray

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112610127414860017836/posts?cfem=1

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ksonray/

Kulcar Australia: http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Want to see Kulcar in motion?  Check out our installation and demo videos below!

Disclosure: We received Kulcar for our review purposes.  All opinions remain true and honest of our experience.