Easter 2013

Easter weekend has been fun filled and exactly what I needed after an overwhelming and stressful week trying to get ready for our very busy Spring Break. It has been so nice to enjoy time with family, see my boys get extra play time and attention, and laugh hard with my crazy relatives. It was a much needed distraction that I am very thankful for.

We arrived in the hometown yesterday and enjoyed playing outside, helping Granna cook, and dyeing Easter eggs. Garrison had a ball. And today was just as fun. We had a wonderful service at church, then the Easter bunny had goodies waiting for the boys when we got home, and then we had a huge family gathering with tons delicious food for lunch. The boys loved it all, especially playing with their cousins, sampling yummy desserts, and hunting for Easter eggs. It was such a fun day for all of us.

Easter is so special because of what it means and the celebration of Jesus being alive, and I think each year it means something more to me. It has been especially precious to read the Easter story to my firstborn and then to hear him tell about the Easter story. He still doesn't know every detail but he does know the important ones. There is so much hope found in Easter and I am so grateful. What a blessing it was to worship in our home church this morning and to spend the day celebrating with family. God is good.

 

Happy Easter from the Selph Family!

 

*Please pray for us as we get ready to start the 2nd "leg" of our break tomorrow. =)

Egg Hunts & Easter Buckets

In an effort to make sure at least part of my boys' Easter gets documented, I'm blogging on a Friday night in the midst of packing, laundry, and Easter oreo balls. But it's a welcome break for me so I'm sitting down and enjoying it!

The boys had Easter egg hunts at school yesterday and today. They both loved every second. Austin loved his so much he was devestated when his daddy took his bucket away from him after the hunt was over. Heartbroken I tell you. Garrison loved his so much he's been asking for candy every hour on the hour. (I kid. But it does feel that way sometimes.)

Garrison's was yesterday and Austin's was today. Austin and I went to Garrison's together yesterday, and today my director covered my class for me for a little bit so I could go to Austin's. And daddy came too! They both had so much fun and got lots of candy. It was much easier to photograph Austin at his hunt because he took his time and stopped to pose and was quite leisurely. We were very impressed at how quickly he learned to find an egg and put it in his bucket. Garrison on the other hand was on a mission that could not be interrupted. He was even a tad disappointed that his bucket wasn't as full as he had hoped it would be. Thankfully a class picture interrupted his almost pity party. Whew.

On a mission

 

Austin found a couple for brother!

 

Class picture time!

 

Loving his bucket and ready to hunt

 

Class picture! (Half of his little friends were crying. The one beside him is obvious, then there's the sweet little girl in the process of jumping ship, and then there's missing Luke who took off for mama before his picture was ever taken... hence the missing spot in the group.) Precious nonetheless.

And here's a sneak peek at the contents of the boys' Easter buckets. We make sure to keep it extra simple at Easter and just get them each a few small, inexpensive goodies. Plus they get some fun things from Granna and Nana so there is never any need to go overboard.

This year Garrison is getting a new Leap Frog DVD (Talking Words), fruit snacks/gummies, underwear, a pack of card games (he is really into card games right now), a water/paint notepad thingy (we found it at the dollar section at Michaels), 2 new hotwheels (Austin is really into hotwheels right now so Garrison has gotten back into them too), and a gardening rake and shovel (to be used outside or at the beach). Plus he's getting a few eggs with jellybeans or money. =)

Austin is getting some fruit/veggie melts, a new sippy cup, a watering can for the bathtub, Destin, a bouncy ball, a new toothbrush, 2 new hotwheels, and a new plate/container for his lunch box (which was accidentally left out of the picture). He will also get a couple of eggs with "candy" and money.

Austin is a little tougher to shop for because of his age and the fact that it's hard to buy him really small toys. And this may be the first year ever we didn't do a book for either one of them. We have tons and we usually get lots as gifts so we just decided not to this year. Easter bucket gifts are simple and practical but hopefully still fun and exciting for our little guys.

 

So thankful for Good Friday and His sacrifice, and that I serve a Risen Savior! 

Preparing for Spring Break

But first, a little weekend recap....We had ourselves a really fun weekend. We stayed home most of the day on Saturday due to rain and super messy weather, but Terrell did take the boys to the grocery store solo so I could get some work done in the peace and quiet....and we got out for an afternoon trip to Target and dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants. It was the perfect mix of home and outing.

On yesterday we went to our hometown church for the Palm Sunday service. SO good. I loved it. And my big boy decided to go to big church too because there was lots of singing and he wanted to see his Sunday School teacher, my dad, and Terrell's mom in the choir. He did really good considering the service was a tad longer than normal and included the Lord's Supper. We were really proud of him.

After lunch my parents took Austin home and got him down for a nap while Terrell, Garrison, and I went over to his parents' house to visit for a while. We made it home just in time for supper and the "school night" routine to begin.

And so begins the week before Spring Break and craziness all around.

This is the first Spring Break I can recall that will be non-stop busy start to finish. I get tired just thinking about it. We have a lot packed in. We will be away from our home for approximately 7.5 days of the 9 total days of the break. This is brand new to me. Growing up we didn't travel or vacation on breaks unless it was summer break. Since getting married, Terrell and I have never really planned much for breaks (unless it was in the summertime). And for the past few years breaks from school have meant something waaaaay different to me because I was a 100% stay at home mom. Now that I'm back to teaching, they are a really big deal... because I have to go back to work the following Monday like a normal person. Haha. 

So this week we have what feels like tons and tons to do to not only make sure we're ready to be away, but to make sure we're ready to get back. The week we go back is "my week" at school. (My turn to be "lead teacher") So I have been working lots on getting all of my school stuff taken care of so I have absolutely nothing hanging over me while I'm away. I've been cutting, tracing, working on our April newsletter, and cutting some more. I think I'm almost there. Plus we have a really big, really important fundraiser/auction for our school coming up shortly after we get back. It's especially important to teachers like me who are also parents of students at the school. This fundraiser is a big part of the reason "staff kids" are able to go for free. Which is one of the reasons we chose this preschool. So it's a big deal. In other words, things have been a tad stressful when it comes to school.

(Although a tad stressful with preschool stuff doesn't even touch or come close to touching a tad stressful with "big school" stuff. Please read this loud and clear: I am grateful. Me getting a little overwhelmed does not equal me being ungrateful.)

We've also got the house and laundry to take care of. (We must do some cleaning this week so we don't come home to a big ole mess.) Last minute shopping for items to insure our refrigerator and pantry won't be bare upon our return. Stuffing of eggs for upcoming Easter parties and egg hunts. And packing... for Easter weekend, 3 nights in Gatlinburg, and my mom's 60th birthday weekend. Lots of packing for lots of fun.

We will be busy. I will possibly lose my mind getting ready for everything. I may even get dramatic a time or two. (Okay, that's highly likely) But we're also excited and looking forward to all the fun to come. And in the midst of all the busyness this week we especially don't want to forget about Easter. We want to celebrate our Risen King. We want our boys to know what Easter is all about. That Jesus lives! We want to have fun with Terrell's family in Gatlinburg. We want to enjoy extra time with his sister and her family. We want to celebrate my mom's birthday and have a great time partying with her and the rest of the fam.

Yes, things will be crazy leading up to the break... and yes things will probably remain crazy throughout the break, BUT, I don't want to miss out on the fun because of being consumed with school (which is what I'm ultimately on a break from!) or because I'm worked up and stressed out with what will be waiting on us at the end of the week. I want to embrace our crazy break and enjoy it. I'm praying I can relax and have fun instead of obsessing over little stuff and wondering how in the world we're all going to be ready for the following Monday morning. I know I'll regret it if I don't let myself just be and enjoy our Spring Break. Because the fact is, we'll be fine. We'll enjoy Easter with family. We'll celebrate Jesus and his resurrection. We'll make memories in the mountains. We'll enjoy birthday celebrations. It might be busy and crazy but it'll be worth it.

Now to get everything taken care of before the end of this week...

Easter Pictures!

We had Easter pictures done of the boys again this year and are in love! Danielle really captured some good ones. They aren't all perfectly posed (although Garrison did a great job with the whole posing part) but they are precious and funny and really special. We're thinking from this point forward we finally have a good routine for "professional" pictures... family pics in the Fall and Easter pics of the boys in the Spring. At least while they're little. This will sort of hold us accountable for having professional pictures done.

Things sure have changed since last year, but Ollie the bunny was super patient and tolerant of my boys... especially Austin who was totally fascinated with him. =)

Below are our favorites (not counting the ones I already posted from our preview)...

A few notes to go along with each one:

1. I think this is my absolute favorite. Both boys are happy and smiling beautiful, natural, we love Ollie smiles.
2. This is another favorite because everyone's looking at the camera... except Ollie.
3. This is my favorite "traditional" picture of them because they are both sitting where they're supposed to, looking at the camera, and smiling. We noticed after the first few pictures were made that poor Austin's pants were pulled up a little too high. Haha.
4. Austin's expression cracks me up in this one.
5. Garrison is perfectly posed in this one. Smiling big, head tilted and all. Presh. Austin was more worried about Ollie and sort of over the whole sitting where we told him to business.
6. This one was just sweet to me.
7. Giving brother some love. Melt my heart.

Thank you SO much Danielle for your patience and great work!!

Austin at 18 Months...Continued!

This morning we had Austin's 18 month check-up with our pediatrician, and so I'll always remember, I wanted to include his "stats" and what the doctor had to say about my littlest man. Plus, I forgot to include lots of things in his original 18 months post. I guess I was trying too hard when I sat down to write it because since then I've been amazed at all the things I left out. I guess I was just over thinking it. Since then I've been jotting down everything that comes to mind that I left out.... so hopefully I'm making up for it now!

Austin did great at his appointment. He was so calm and did everything without a fuss. He only had to get 1 shot and he cried hard and then got over it. I was so proud! He currently weighs 23 pounds, 1 ounce and is 30.5 inches long/tall. He is in the 15-20th percentile for weight and the 10th percentile for height. (Although when I went back and read about Garrison's 18 month check-up it seems like I might have the percentiles switched since the boys are closer in height at this age than weight.) Austin is still our little guy but perfectly healthy and proportionate. We actually weren't supposed to see much of a growth spurt at this check-up anyway. More than anything we are thankful he's healthy! And that he loves to eat! And that he sleeps all night! And takes good naps! And talks a bunch! We just have lots to be thankful for when it comes to our littlest love. =)

Now for some important things that must be documented...

*Austin loves to slide. Every time Terrell and Garrison are playing baseball in the backyard Austin wants mama to do nothing but put him on the slide, catch him, then put him back on the slide. Over and over and over again. It's one of his favorite things ever. He will slide 50 times in a row if you let him.
 

*Austin also loves pickles. He is his mother's child. =) One day Garrison and I were having one with our lunch and Austin demanded to have one as well. (For some strange reason I thought he'd spit it right out. I don't know why I thought that since I LOVE pickles and Garrison has loved them from a really young age too.) Anyway, since he got his first taste of a pickle he loves them now too.

*Speaking of meal times, Austin reminds us to say the blessing at every single meal. He folds his little hands together and grunts at us and makes noises until we acknowledge him and bow our heads to pray. Sometimes he even demands we say the blessing during the middle of our meal or possibly before snack time.

*Wagon rides are one of his favorite things.  

*He takes his socks and shoes off almost every. single. time. we get in the car. It drives me crazy. Sometimes we're literally in the car less than 5 minutes but getting those socks and shoes off are the first thing he does after he's strapped in. Ahhhh. Now we give him a couple of books in the car on the way to school or the grocery store or short little trips in hopes of a distraction so he'll leave them on. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You just never know.

*Getting rides from big brother is a fun hobby. Austin loves it. And can't wait for the day he'll be able to drive.

*His favorite inside hobby is playing with puzzles. He loves doing puzzles even though he can't really make the pieces fit all by himself yet. He always wants me or Garrison to do them with him multiple times a day. And, he loves sitting in a lap to play. Whether it's building or playing ball or putting puzzles together, his favorite spot to sit and play is in a lap. LOVE.

*Austin also loves peek-a-boo. He's really into doing it himself now. He covers his face with those sweet, chubby hands and then says peeaboo after he gives you the big reveal. Precious. I love watching and hearing him play this little game. It's too sweet.

*A few very important words I left out that he says lots and lots are uh oh, choo choo, stop! (he likes saying this to Bailey when she barks), rock rock (when he wants to rock before bedtime or naptime, or when he just wants to be read to in the rocking chair), yaaaay!, beep beep, moo (for the sound a cow makes), and baaaa (for the sound a sheep makes).

*We're working on learning where his eyes, nose, ears, etc are. So far he knows hair, ears, and toes/feet the best.

*His other favorite hobby is sitting on daddy or Garrison's back and bouncing on top of them. It's the most fun ever!

That's all I can think of and all I had jotted down so hopefully I'm not forgetting anything too big this time. We are so thankful for our sweet baby boy and this fun age!!

My Favorite Kind of Weekend

While I love having weekend plans and going to the hometown, spending time with family, catching up, and being back at our home church, one of my favorite kind of weekends is when we don't have tons to do, the weather is nice, and we're just home hanging out and playing together. And that's the kind of weekend we just enjoyed. It was bliss.

Saturday started with cinnamon rolls for breakfast, morning baths, and getting ready for Easter pictures. Capturing "posed" pictures was a tad more challenging this year with Austin, but I still think we got some good ones. Danielle gave us a preview on facebook and here are two of my favorites. I can't wait to see them all!

 

After pictures we came home for lunch... delicious homemade barbeque my mom shared with us, then naps and then lots of time outside. We all had such a good time. We went for a walk together (Garrison rode his bike with Terrell close by while I pulled Austin in the wagon and walked Bailey), played baseball, let the boys ride around in their cars, and went through Spring/Summer clothes for Austin that used to be Garrison's. We stayed in for supper and everything. The only time we went out to eat the entire weekend was Friday night. We didn't go back to a restaurant or get take-out the rest of the weekend. It could've been a record for us. We like getting out on the weekends and not cooking, but this weekend it just worked out for us to stay in and it was so nice.

 

Yesterday was really laid back too. We even went to Scoops for ice cream after naps. So yummy! Then we played outside all afternoon and I even got to come inside early to tackle my workout solo... without an audience! (If you don't count Bailey... but she didn't bark as much this time so I think we're making progress.) 

 

Terrell and I ended the weekend with the 2 of us sitting at the table last night cutting out eggs, tissue paper, and little "chick feet" for an upcoming craft I have at school. I love him. He is such a good husband and daddy.

 

I am so thankful for weekends like the one we just had and my family to share them with!

 

Now we're gearing up for seeing lots of family over the next few weeks and are excited to be back "home" with our favorite people. =)

The Good and The Not So Good

I'll start with the not so good...We found out at Garrison's appointment with the pediatrician on Tuesday that he did in fact have strep. Again. If he comes down with it one more time before the Fall (I think?) then we'll have to look at having his tonsils removed. Apparently if you have strep 5 times or more in a year then you're forced to consider removing tonsils. It's some kind of insurance thing. And it's kind of scary. I don't want him to have to go through it, but I know it could be a good thing and make a huge difference for the better. Thankfully he's back to 100% now and we know it's all in God's hands so we don't have to stress over it.

Moving onto the good...We also found out Tuesday at Austin's appointment with the ENT that he has perfect hearing and that both tubes are clear and open. Yay! We are so thankful things are looking great with our littlest man's ears!

More good...My sister's super smart boyfriend (who I hope is my future brother-in-law =)) determined all my Jeep needed was freon to start blowing cold air from every vent! Yay!!Apparently our Jeep is designed to stop blowing cold air from everywhere except the driver's side when it's low on freon. Praise the Lord! That was such an example to me of why you shouldn't worry. God knew we only needed freon... not some complicated crazy expensive something else. We were thrilled with this money saving good news. =)

A little bit of both... I've decided it's time to start working out and attempting to get into better shape. Before anybody rolls their eyes or gets insulted, I'm not doing this to lose weight. I'm a small girl and weight isn't the issue. Being out of shape is. I guarantee you my resting heart rate is higher than it should be. Plus, everything I eat shows up in my waist line as soon as I'm done. Probably because I am small so it just shows up. Like food baby every time. Like are you 3 months pregnant or 4? Like my 4 year old gives me a hug and starts rubbing my belly and says, Mama you feel like you have a baby in your tummy. Oh my. At first it was funny but then it was just sad. He still has a thing or two to learn about things you never say to a girl. Ever. On the bright side at least he said feel and not look. Gracious.

Since we don't have the time or money for the gym and I can't do outdoor workouts in Spring or Summer due to allergies and blazing hot temperatures... unless you count a family walk around the neighborhood once the pollen passes but before it's 100 degrees out... I'm going back to my trusty Fitness at Home that I did a few times last year. (Wow. Writing that I worked out a "few times last year" sounds pitiful.) I did it Tuesday afternoon for the first time with the boys watching and participating and getting in the way. My second time was today. And Bailey decided to join in the fun and bark at me until she finally lost interest. Of course I have to modify. I do girl push-ups, I don't do a minute wall sit (more like 20 seconds but I strive for 30), and I only do the routine twice because duh, I can't pass out with my children watching. So I am bad out of shape but I'm determined to change that. Slowly but surely. I'm not expecting crazy results I just want to be and feel healthier and my waist line to not automatically expand like a pregnant lady the second I finish I meal. It probably wouldn't hurt to go a little lighter on the portions either...

Not so good... Our anniversary weekend still isn't planned. We talked about it and it just didn't go so well. And it was all my fault. I finally realized what the problem was. I couldn't finalize or commit to any plans because I was having anxiety about the kiddos. Ahhhh. I don't know why letting them spend the night away is such a big deal. I've analyzed it to death. Is it because we live an hour away so it's always a big to-do? Is it because they're so young? Is it because I'm so Type A? Is it because I'm afraid bedtime will be crazy and difficult for everyone involved? Is it because I'm afraid they'll be homesick or confused or not on their best behavior? Is it because Garrison's been known to not like mama and daddy going on dates without him? Yes, yes, yes... all of the above. Whatever the
reason(s), it's just hard for me. It definitely isn't natural and it's never easy. But I think once a year to celebrate our anniversary is important and necessary. It's good for us to get away and focus on each other. So I'm praying about it and trying to relax. And I'm repeating a quote to myself quite often... When we loosen our grip, He tightens His. It really is going to be okay. I even feel like the plans for the kids are coming together so I can finally move forward with planning our trip.

Good!... Terrell lost his wedding ring about a week and a half ago. At the time we thought Austin grabbed it off his nightstand and possibly threw it or carried it around and then lost it. We've looked and looked and have just been waiting for it to turn up. And tonight it did! We were outside playing while Terrell grilled and out of the blue Garrison said, Here's your ring daddy. It was in the grass right in the middle of the backyard. We couldn't believe it had been outside the whole time! Garrison was so proud of himself. Probably because we cheered and hugged him and had a big celebration in his honor. =) He was still saying Are you so glad I found your ring daddy? before bed.

Even though we had a few not so good moments this week, God has blessed us tons and we are thankful!!