S.,
This is B.(deaffmommie). First off, i would like to say "Thank you" to your hubby for serving and keeping America safe.
Next your boys: This is the beginning of the 'terrible twos"... They are not vocal enough to communicate effectively with you about their needs, so they are frustrated.
Have you thought about using some basic Sign language with them? Babies can sign as young as 6 months old if exposed to it.
There is a book called Love and Logic and I really like it.
It teaches the children that there are natural consequences to their actions. You throw the cup, no more cup. You won't walk to the kitchen, mom won't carry you.
You whine for what you want, Mom can't understand whining.
that is where the ASL can come into play. Ask them if they want to eat by touching the corner of your mouth with all you fingers on your thumb. that is the sign for food or eat.
ask if they need a diaper by tapping your fingers to your thumbs at your waist. that is the sign for diaper.
What about their nap schedule? Are the boys still getting a nap in the afternoon?
Have you tried some simple art projects with construction paper and glue. (You apply the glue) and hand them what you want glued... the blue square on the red paper. Three green circles on the yellow paper.
I would take them to the park and have them play for an hour and get them tired. Take them home and feed them lunch... down for a nap.
snack in the afternoon while you cook dinner.
You can email me off list if you like and ask me more ideas on keeping them busy
bar345ing AT yahoo DOT com
HTH,
B.
deaffmommie