Christmas Tour

This year I decided to participate in all the home tours with a Christmas "Open House". Welcome. =)

Our lovely home. Because it's Christmas and seemed fitting I found this picture from January 2011. Our last big snowfall. Maybe it'll happen again this Winter.

 

Now for our Open House tour... first up is our foyer table right inside the front door. I've had these decorations forever it seems like but I still really love them and this year I added two special photos on the table as well.  

A favorite of my boys for Austin's first Christmas.

 

And last year's hilarious Santa picture. This one's gonna be on display every year for a while.

 

Here's our living room

Our mantle (where we included a stocking for Layton). I reeeally wanted new garland this year that had some red and silver in it to match my tree and fancy things up a bit but there was none to be found. Anywhere. Apparently we have a crazy long mantle because we need 9 ft garland and just about all that's sold anywhere is 6 ft. Sigh.

Our tree

 

Two of my most favorite ornaments. The boys' "first Christmas" ornaments. My other most favorite is Terrell and mine's first Christmas ornament from 2005 when we got married. This year Terrell hung it way at the top... annnd I decided against climbing in a chair trying to photograph it.

 

Our "small couch" as we like to call it with our end tables full of Christmas decor. And can't forget the stash of Christmas books on the floor to the left.

 

Our nativity scene. Austin has rearranged everybody more times than I can count. He even put a wise man and sheep into his car a couple of weeks ago and was ready to drive off with them and play with them. It's a risk every year but I still put it out.

 

Our kid friendly table with the carousel they love so much and the countdown to Christmas chalkboard. Garrison changes the number for me every other day or so.

 

Our big couch and looking into our kitchen. I decided to do a few extra things on our bar this year that I've really enjoyed.

 

Our advent calendar that sits in a corner on our kitchen counter. The boys LOVE doing this every single morning. Garrison gets to pull out the magnet while Austin gets to pull out the Bible verse.

 

Our dining room table (and the table where we eat every meal.) It very rarely looks like this but when I don't have my wrapping station set up or the boys' crayons and coloring sheets everywhere it looks really nice, neat, and festive.

 

On to the boys' room... Their sports and transportation tree

 

Their dresser with a few decorative items...

 

 

I decided to display 2 of their little Christmas gifts they made at school in years past.

 

And a handmade nativity scene that was given to me the year I was born. (That would be 1983) So it's pretty special and always has a place in our home each Christmas.

 

I think that's about it. I didn't photograph every single room or Christmas decoration I have but I did do the biggies. So thanks for dropping by. =) 

 

PS... I don't have a Christmas card display this year because my second born is obsessed with photos and loved confiscating our photo cards out of the tray I had them in on our coffee table in the living room. Soooo. Next year I'm hoping to come up with something different.

 

30 Weeks!

This morning Austin and I dropped Garrison off at school and then went to my doctor's appointment together. He did great and I was SO thankful. It's always just a tad stressful having my littlest man tag along for appointments.

Everything looks good with Mr. Layton. I am measuring right on time and he is active and healthy. The only issue discussed today is that apparently I'm borderline anemic. Sooo, looks like I'll need to pay close attention to my iron intake.. and increase it. She wasn't too concerned so neither am I. I'll just try to up my iron here and there.

Here's our update this week...

 

Pregnancy Highlights
 

How Far Along: 30 weeks (and 2 days)... let the countdown begin! Eeek!!! We still have tons to do!

Size of Baby: 17-18 inches long and about 3 pounds. The size of a head of lettuce.

Total Weight Gained/Lost: This week my weight gain total went down a few pounds. I've only gained 20 as of today. Haha. I'm sort of relieved.

Maternity Clothes: Yes!

Gender: Our 3rd bundle of blue. =)

Movement: He is especially active when I'm relaxed and still and his favorite time to move around is in the evenings (and when anybody listens to his heartbeat). He can be wild and crazy! I can definitely tell he's bigger and stronger too. Some of his stretches (at least that's what I'm thinking it must be) aren't too comfy... but still really cool.

Food Cravings: I'd have to say chocolate. Yum.

What I Miss: I say this every single update, but being able to get up and down and squat without it being super difficult and really uncomfortable.

Sleep: Sleep is going really well. I still wake up every time I roll over or change positions but that's about it. Yay!

Symptons: Feeling heavy, a big appetite, going to the bathroom lots, the usual. Plus, my hair is super weird right now. It's graying fast and just having some issues. And I'm so torn about what to do with it. I don't want to cut it short before baby boy arrives (my face gets fatter the closer I am to delivery and short hair is way high maintenance) but it is hard dealing with long hair that's being crazy. Thankfully I was able to schedule an appointment with my hair stylist before Christmas for some good holiday hair.

Best Moment This Week: Getting my family well and just enjoying the holiday season.

What I'm Looking Forward To: The upcoming Christmas program at church in Barnesville and cheering on our high school alma mater at the state championship!

 

*Austin's update at 30 weeks

Christmas Card & Family Pics

This year's Christmas card may be my all-time favorite. We've done a total of 5 "photo" cards and I am in LOVE with this one. We just can't thank Megan enough. She is amazing and truly creates the perfect product every time!

Since Garrison's first Christmas we always do a family photo on our card plus a line from a Christmas carol, and this year's photo and "line" are almost perfect. This may possibly be our best ever family photo that includes everyone looking and smiling a natural smile. Yes!

My boys also love the song "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and we sing it at least once every single day. Last year, the line Glory to the Newborn King was a big deal and generated much discussion about baby Jesus being born a tiny baby, yet a King. So this card just makes me happy for so many reasons. My family, the line from a favorite Christmas song, the black and white, the design, everything. =) Thanks so much Megan!!

 

Now to share some family photos. We had these taken at the end of October on the golf course we live on (but they had to remain top secret til we finalized our Christmas card). And it was definitely a successful session. I love so many and am so thankful for Danielle's patience and talent!

 

A family favorite.

 

We did this one at our front door for sentimental purposes... and as you tell my children weren't impressed. Garrison's face totally cracks me up. Oh, the dramatics. Shortly after, the reminder of cupcakes became very useful.

 

Austin's cheese face came out a time or two...

 

Almost all of the ones of the boys turned out GREAT. An early Christmas miracle. =)

 

Be still my heart. They were singing Jesus Loves Me. At that point we were pulling out all the stops since we were nearing the end, and singing songs was VERY helpful. =)

 

Love this one of my big boy so much.

 

And this little man melts my heart on a regular basis.

 

We always prioritize family shots and shots of the boys, so the ones of Terrell and the boys and me and the boys aren't typically "favorites". I had to be a TOTAL crazy person to get these smiles.

 

Clearly they weren't as impressed with daddy's "crazy" as they were with mama's. Haha!

 

Another favorite of the whole fam that I'm just in love with.

There you have it. Our 2013 Christmas card and family pics. Huge thanks to Megan and Danielle for capturing our family and a glimpse at our Christmas season this year!!

 

PS... I'm 30 weeks today. Wow. Time is flying by. I'm planning to update after my doctor's appointment on Thursday. 

After the Whirlwind...

Things calmed down. Funny how that always happens. Even though in the moment I think "normal" is so far away and it's tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel, things always calm down. We were BLESSED that both Terrell's and Garrison's sicknesses wrapped up pretty fast and they both were on the mend quickly. Thank you Lord.

Thursday was very low key. Both boys slept late and then we stayed home almost the whole day and we didn't even have anything planned. Garrison slowly but surely felt better and better and by the time bedtime rolled around he was pretty much back to normal.

On Friday we all made it back to school! We had a bit of a crazy afternoon but stayed in Friday night and had leftovers and got the boys to bed at a decent hour... except my sweet Austin seems to have regressed in the bedtime/going to sleep department. We have no idea what is going on. We had a good, long stretch a couple of weeks ago of the boys going to sleep totally on their own after talking for a few minutes...Terrell and I never had to go back in their room or anything. They had just adjusted and went to sleep without any help or firm talks from us. Then all of sudden, Austin started crying at bedtime, getting out of the bed, talking after "talking time" was over, waking up in the middle of night, etc. NOT fun. We want our easy bedtime back! Having to go back in their room 5 times every night OR having to take Austin to the nursery to rock him so Garrison can have some peace and quiet and so Austin can get sleepy hasn't been easy. Bedtime seems to be so late every night. Maybe we'll figure it out soon. The joys of sharing a room at such young ages I guess.

Saturday morning we loaded up for Christmas shopping. The boys actually went to Chuck E. Cheese while mama shopped solo. So nice! Since Thanksgiving was so late this year, shopping days are limited and so are baby-sitters. Terrell and I have had to get creative when it comes to making our Christmas purchases. We even made one big Santa purchase while the kids were with us and they never knew. Whew! We've also done lots of online shopping this year. Possibly the most ever. On Saturday I was able to get some things accomplished while the boys had fun with daddy~ a win-win!

Saturday afternoon was very relaxed and then Terrell's parents came over to baby-sit (thanks Nana and Pops!) so we could go to our Sunday School Christmas party. Believe it or not, Terrell and I had never been to a grown-up Sunday School Christmas party. We were nervous and it was a little out of our comfort zone, but we had a really fun night! We still aren't totally comfortable and at home in our class or at church here, but we're getting there. I'm so glad everyone was well so we didn't have to miss a fun Christmas social.

Sunday was really laid back. We all rested after church. My big boy even took a nap on the couch. We've decided there are still days when he needs a nap so we're going to let him watch a show and then turn off the TV and just let him get comfy and truly rest for a while. He may or may not go to sleep but at least he'll be given the opportunity to rest. Watching a show for him is "still" and relaxing, but not restful. His brain is still going. Hopefully our new method will work out great.

Today we're home from school and preparing to get started on our wrapping and having chili for supper. The perfect ray of sunshine on this cold, wet, dreary Monday.

*I'm hoping to reveal our Christmas card and family photos this week... plus my 30 week update... plus a Christmas tour of our house. Fun stuff. =)

Whirlwind of an Update

Where do I begin? We've had ourselves quite a week. A doozy. A meltdown-causing, stress-inducing, wild whirlwind of a week. And it's only Thursday. Sigh.

Terrell came home Monday night from work and went straight to bed. He had a fever, body aches, chills, the works. He felt terrible and stayed in bed all night except for getting up once to eat a little something. The boys saw him for approximately 30 seconds before telling him goodnight. And not because it was bedtime but because I had warned them that daddy was sick and was going to bed as soon as he got home from work. Thankfully the evening wasn't too crazy with me flying solo. Bedtime was a little more difficult than usual but they finally stopped talking and went to sleep.

Meanwhile, fear crept in for me. I started feeling really nervous and paranoid about Terrell having the flu and about him passing it on to the rest of us. I was especially worried about Layton and even let some scary thoughts creep in during my paranoid moments. Soo, I slept on the couch Monday night and tried to keep my distance from our bedroom at all cost. I actually slept okay other than Austin waking up crying a few times. But everything about avoiding my husband and our bedroom and doing everything totally on my own was starting to weigh on me... probably because exhaustion set in. Terrell and I are a team in every sense of the word. Not just when it comes to parenting but when it comes to just about everything. Needless to say I was missing my teammate big time.

Tuesday came and Austin and I took Garrison to school and then did a little Christmas shopping and tried to stay away from the house as much as possible. Thankfully Terrell was feeling a little better and we were hopeful that maybe he didn't have the flu afterall. By the time his doctor appointment rolled around at 3:30 we were feeling very optimistic. We assumed he'd be diagnosed with something but then we'd get back to normal around here pretty quick-like. The kids and I were just waiting around for word that he was heading home with some take-out supper for us. (I had planned to attend the Women's Gala at church on Tuesday night, but had to change plans because of Terrell being sick and his appointment taking SO long. Take-out was our back-up.)

Anyway, around 6:00 when Terrell finally finished up at the doctor we found out he was negative for the flu but he was sick and contagious (bronchitis and sinusitis) and it was best for the boys and I to leave home for a day or two. Doctor's reccomendation. And that's when mama fell apart and sort of had a meltdown. I was NOT prepared to pack up our house, round up my wild boys, figure out supper since we were all starving, and drive an hour in nasty, foggy, rainy weather to my parents house on such short notice. I became emotional and snappy and stressed. The hormones betrayed me and were out of control. Not good. 

The boys and I all had meltdowns as we packed up and put on pj's and loaded up the car to get on the road. They were confused and flustered just like me... and possibly because of me. Sad but true. One day I'm going to learn to stay calm and go with the flow. I just know it.

We all took turns praying once we ventured out into the dark, messy night. My nerves were so shaky I was sort of concerned about the drive. But the prayers were priceless. I said a prayer, Garrison said a prayer, Austin said a prayer. And we kept praying for the first 10 minutes or so of our drive. My nerves slowly but surely calmed and I finally felt at peace. Then we listened to Christmas carols or sang our own the rest of the way... and made it safely to Granna and Papa's house. Praise God.

The boys finally got settled and went to bed after eating just a little more for supper since all they'd had were a few chicken nuggets in the car on the way down. Unfortunately, the rest of the night didn't go so well. Garrison started feeling bad and woke up around midnight crying and complaining of a sore throat and stuffy nose... which woke Ausin up. Then Austin woke up around 2:30 thinking it was 7:00 and time to start the day... which woke Garrison up. I heard them talking and carrying on just like they do every morning. Except it was 2:39 AM! After doing my best to get Austin to stop talking and go back to sleep I just put him in the bed with me so at least Garrison could get some sleep without being disturbed. We all slept late, which was nice, but my big boy woke up with a fever and feeling terrible. Nooo!

After much discussion, stress, and phone calls to family members and doctor's offices we made the decision to take him to the doctor in Barnesville. In the end it was our best and quickest option. Poor baby was pitiful. He could hardly eat because his throat was so sore and he just felt terrible from the fever. We went into the doctor's office with him sobbing. The last place he wanted to be was at the doctor. It broke my heart and I thought I might fall apart. My emotions and hormones were all over the place.

He tested positive for strep but negative for the flu. Good news and bad I guess. I was totally shocked he had strep. While he is very susceptible to getting strep he has never had a high fever (or any fever at all), sore throat, and headache to go with it. He felt so bad he was just miserable. We got medicine, ice cream to help us all feel better, and went back to Granna and Papa's house to pack up. Terrell was feeling better and had been on his medicine for 24 hours and I just wanted my big boy back at home in his own bed. We barely left in time to make it almost home before dark.

We are all still exhausted, not feeling the greatest, and slightly flustered but we are praying we can get well and stay well. Even though this week has not been easy and has definitely not brought out the best in me, I was reminded during my quiet time this morning to Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.) Wow. The timing of this "reminder" was divine.

I am thankful my parents live close enough for us to come crash at their house on a random Tuesday night when needed. I am thankful for the safe trip God provided in not so great weather. I am rejoicing because my husband is on the mend. I am thankful for doctors and medicine. I am thankful my dad was able to keep Austin while I took Garrison to the doctor. I am rejoicing because no one has the flu. I am rejoicing because we're all back home together under the same roof again.

God is faithful...during the crazy, the sickness, the whirlwind. Think I'll be meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 today. =)

Weekend Recap & Thankful Lists

Terrell had to work til 1:00 on Friday, (which is always a bummer but we're thankful he doesn't have to work a full day), so the boys and I hung out at home and went out for breakfast (at a drive-thru). Later that morning I let them take a bubble bath since we didn't have time for baths on Thanksgiving Day. Then, once Terrell got home we all got ready to head back to B'ville for a surprise birthday party for my Granny. Her 85th birthday was November 22nd and my uncle planned a surprise party for her the day after Thanksgiving. She was totally surprised and I think she really loved it. Success! It was fun for the boys too. Birthday parties are one of their most favorite things. =)

Friday night after we got the boys to bed, Terrell and I got the lights on our Christmas tree. Of course there were a few strands that didn't work and of course Terrell had to make a late night run to Walmart, BUT, we finally finished all the lights Saturday morning and the boys (and mama and daddy) were thrilled. Although this is the 2nd year in a row I've questioned whether we should continue to get a real tree. They just seem to be so much work. I love the tradition of cutting down our own tree and the way my house smells and Terrell and I both grew up with real trees (so we feel an obligation), but gracious it can be exhausting.

We ventured out for a little shopping mid-morning on Saturday and went out for lunch. A yummy, Mexican treat. Layton is a big fan of Mexican. =) Then, we all had naps Saturday afternoon. I think Garrison was the only one to stay awake for naptime.

Then, it was time. The moment the boys had been waiting for. Tree decorating time! Whew. This year it was an adventure. They were both so anxious and excited to get started there were ornaments flying at one point I think. Austin was definitely a challenge because he wanted to participate but didn't quite have the technique down. Terrell and I were just a tad stressed throughout the process. Thankfully our ornaments survived and we found a pretty good system that involved the boys but wasn't too risky for our ornaments and tree. And we played Christmas music all afternoon. Bliss. (If you don't count the UGA/GT game playing on our TV...)

Our tree. We think it's beautiful. The train may not survive considering it's been derailed approximately 80% of it's life since we got it around the tree, but we shall see. I'd hate to give up on it on December 2nd!

 

We also started our advent nativity scene on yesterday morning. Both boys get to participate and they are really loving it. It was a big hit with Garrison last year and such a great way for us to start our mornings during the Christmas season.

Yesterday afternoon was very productive as we finally got our house clean and back in order after slowly but surely decorating for Christmas over the past 2 weeks. I'm thinking I like the new system though. It was WAY less stressful and exhausting only having the tree to worry about after Thanksgiving. Going back to school this morning didn't feel quite so exhausting, draining, and rough since I was pretty well rested. Yay.

 

This weekend we also wrapped up our month of Thanksgiving by the boys finishing up their lists of what they're thankful for. We didn't do it every single day, but the days we did do it Garrison typically told me 2 or 3 things. Austin participated some days and came up with some all on his own and some with a little prompting. Everything they said was precious and really gave us an "attitude of gratitude" during November. I think I'll try to keep asking them what they're thankful for regularly even though I won't be recording it. I loved hearing what they had to say.

 

 

I think that's a wrap on everything. The boys and I had a good day back at school, but my hubby didn't have such a great day. He actually started with flu-like symptons. Please pray for him and us. He has a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon so we'll know more then. In the meantime I'm trying to steer clear of him and possible germs as much as possible... and trusting God with my health and Layton's. That's my biggest concern right now. I'm trying to keep control of the hormones so I don't turn into an emotional mess. We'd really appreciate prayers. And a good night's rest.

Thanksgiving 2013

We had a really, really great Thanksgiving. It was different than years past but was still FULL of the people and food we love most. =) For the first time in our married life we made Thanksgiving Day a day trip. We decided against packing, spending the night, forcing our kids to stay up and out late, etc. And I'm thankful we made the right decision.

We arrived in our hometown early Thanksgiving morning and spent the first half of the day with Terrell's family and the second half of the day with my family. It was a super full day but totally worth it to spend the holiday with both of our families. A blessing I won't ever take for granted.

Annual Thanksgiving Day family photo

The boys loved having lots of play time with cousins and lots of time at both grandparents' houses. They were also huge fans of all the desserts they enjoyed on Thursday. =)

(We also used Thanksgiving Day as an opportunity to get pictures of everyone. One of Austin's absolute favorite things to do is to look at pictures. So one of his Christmas gifts is a photo album full of all his favorite people... so of course almost all of the pics we got have made it to the blog.)

Nana and Pops 

Granny in Cartersville (or now as Garrison likes to remind us, Granny in Barnesville)

 

Kara, Allison, Shannon, and Denny

We had a great morning and delicious lunch with Terrell's fam. Thanks to Nana and Pops for hosting and feeding us!!

Once we got to my parents' house on Thursday afternoon, there was lots of football to be played. My big boy was right in the middle of it. He secretly can't wait to be even bigger than he already is. I, on the other hand am not rushing things.

 

The newlyweds!! AnAn and Frankie. (Who had an amzing honeymoon in Jamaica by the way.)

 

Granna and Papa

 

Nanny

 

Granny and PawPaw

 

After spending some time at my parents' house and the boys enjoying more play time with cousins, everyone left to go get a Christmas tree. While we almost froze, we had a great experience and found "the one" pretty fast. Maybe record fast. Garrison was a big helper. He helped Papa and daddy cut down the trees.

After getting our tree we went back to Granna and Papa's for Thanksgiving supper. We had another feast that was SO good and just enjoyed hanging out with lots of family. Thanks to Granna and Papa for feeding us and hosting Thanksgiving again this year... I think this makes 30 plus years in a row! We were all exhausted once we made it home late Thursday night (especially Austin... who didn't sleep well) but we recovered by sleeping in (a little) and having a pretty low-key day on Friday.

I am so thankful for 2 amazing, close-knit families to share holidays with. I'm thankful for wonderful, supportive, generous parents. I'm thankful we shared this Thanksgiving with all of our grandparents. And this year I was especially thankful to feel my third baby boy moving around and enjoying himself too. We are blessed and God is good. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100: 4-5