Sometime this weekend we're considering a visit to Santa. Considering it. It's a tradition afterall. We've done Santa pictures every year so it wouldn't be right to skip a year just because the kiddos don't like/enjoy/trust him... right?? We've debated over the topic multiple times this holiday season. We'd really like to have the pictures done because it captures the boys at this point in time... and we can look back at them year after year and smile or even laugh... and because we grew up with the tradition and it's one we'd like to pass along. HOWEVER, my babies aren't huge fans of Santa. Correction: Garrison isn't a huge fan of Santa and Austin isn't a huge fan of strangers. Soooo, we're facing a dilemma.
As I've mentioned in the past, the Selph household celebrates the miracle and the magic of Christmas. It's the way Terrell and I both grew up and what we want for our kids... because it's just so much fun! We work hard to keep the focus on Jesus and the celebration of His birth but also have fun with Christmas decorations and Santa and his reindeer delivering toys. The only problem is that Garrison is very inquisitive and isn't so sure he likes the fact that Santa comes into the house while you're asleep to deliver presents. And for some strange reason he has a fear that if he sits in Santa's lap he might try to take him home with him. As in, he might kidnap him. Oh gracious where did that one come from? It must be his imagination because I cannot think of a single reason he'd have that fear. Anyway, he pretty much only likes Santa from a distance and even that might be a stretch.
Then there's Austin. Poor little guy does not like being handed off to someone he dosen't know very well. I have a feeling me handing him to Santa will include prying his little hands away from me and him crying a bad cry. Loudly. Oh dear.
So what are we to do? We know we don't want to spend a lot. No Santa mini session for us this year. It's just not worth it. We also know we can't force our almost 4 year old to sit with Santa. That just wouldn't be pretty. So do we attempt a picture with our own camera (which is free!) but risk Austin being in the picture alone screaming crying because Garrison refuses to get close? Or do we attempt a picture with me and the boys and Santa, leaving Terrell to the photography work? Or do we not worry about it this year? I have no idea. Since Garrison has been sick we've had limited opportunities to even consider a picture with Santa. But now that he's slowly but surely getting better we'd like to give it a try for the sake of tradition and memories. But that seems sort of selfish. Is it really worth it if both boys are scared out of their minds and miserable? (I hope that's an exaggeration but I honestly can't be sure.)
Decisions, decisions.
An opportunity has presented itself for breakfast with Santa in the morning, and we can bring our own camera for pictures. It will be very inexpensive and Garrison will hopefully have a chance to warm up. But, we don't really have anything for the boys to wear. Or me. (I have to be prepared in case I have to be in the picture... which Terrell is specifically against because he thinks I have to be the one to keep them distracted or smiling). And they both need a haircut. (Which we have scheduled for next week.) Of course I'll think they're handsome and adorable no matter what but will I look back at the picture and wonder what I was thinking? Probably. The thing is there may not be another opportunity like this one. What to do, what to do? I don't know!!
At this point we're still undecided... almost right down the middle. And at this point we don't have a back-up plan. Guess we'll discuss it more tonight based on how my little man is feeling and what we think he's up for in the morning. And I guess I'll rumage through their closets this afternoon just in case. If we decide to go for it, I'll post pictures good or bad. But not terrible. If it's a total and complete bust we may just forget about it and put the experience and bad memories behind us. Ha!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Verdict Is In...
My oldest baby has the flu. Even though he had a flu shot. And even though he just finished antibiotics for strep. The good news is that it barely showed up when they tested him so it appears to be a mild case. The bad news is it's still the flu. And he feels terrible.
What a wild and crazy and sick two weeks we've had!
Today he seems to be a little better. But then again he always seems a tad better until the medicine wears off and the fever and headache and total feeling of being miserable returns. I've been waiting on him, bringing him juice, carrying him around the house, covering him up with a blanket, turning on movies and shows for him (the child has watched more TV in the past 2 weeks than in the past 6 months), and just trying to keep him comfortable. But there are still times I feel helpless. Bless his heart. It hasn't been fun. Strep and the flu back to back. How did that happen? Yuck. Poor baby is even starting to lose weight since he hasn't had an appetite for so long. At this point we want him hydrated not necessarily full so it's nothing to worry about according to the doctor.
Since I started working we've been more sick than ever before. It's crazy. Like some sort of conspiracy to keep me from working. Garrison has been to school 1 day since Thanksgiving break and I've been 2 days. That's it. Of course I always want to be home when my babies are because they come first. No question. And I'd much rather be taking care of them when they're sick than someone else. It broke my heart when Terrell had to take Garrison to work on Monday and I heard he fell asleep on his office floor. So sad. But, it's hard when I feel like I'm not doing my job because I'm not at work. I feel like I'm letting down my co-teacher and my little students and my director. Ugh. I feel guilty about being away from school and then I feel guilty about feeling guilty about school when Garrison (or Austin) always comes first. Always. Then I feel sorry for myself because I start thinking that me working is the problem and clearly I should be staying home full-time. It's such a vicious cycle.
This week I've had to make a real effort to keep it together. It's been tempting to fall apart. Seeing my baby sick has been tough. Having to miss work again has been tough. Being stuck in the house so much has been tough. Things have sort of been an emotional roller coaster for me. So when I say I've had to make a real effort to not lose it, I mean a real effort. Now, I've had moments of shedding tears... but it's never led to an ugly cry or ugly meltdown. And I've kind of surprised myself. I'm not the best at keeping it together during trying times. When the going gets tough, Meggie gets emotional and dramatic. Sad but true. But this time around I've tried really hard to focus on the positive. It's taken being very intentional but it's made a difference. I can tell I'm not letting myself drown or wallow in negativity or self-pity. And it's been nice to not wallow.
Here's the positive about this week...
*I've been able to take care of Garrison at home since Monday afternoon.
*He doesn't have a bad case of the flu. It could be worse. Since he had the flu shot his symptons should be/have been less and so should the duration.
*I've been able to take off work because my director is understanding, my preschool is family first, and we can afford it.
*I haven't had to arrange/write/come up with any sub plans.
*I've had extra time with both boys this week.
*We've been able to enjoy our Christmas tree and decorations a lot being home all week.
*I've been able to start wrapping presents.
*I have a wonderful husband who is an amazing daddy who has gone above and beyond this week.
*It looks like the worst is behind us!
Despite a crazy, sick, tiring, stressful week so far, we've had a lot of positive and a lot to be thankful for. God is faithful (and patient!) and I am so grateful His mercies are new every morning. We're looking forward to putting all this crud behind us soon and getting back to normal. (Feels like I just said that...) We have a fun weekend planned and we're shooting for being at school again on Friday. Praying it all works out... and my baby gets better... and everyone else stays healthy! Sigh.
What a wild and crazy and sick two weeks we've had!
Today he seems to be a little better. But then again he always seems a tad better until the medicine wears off and the fever and headache and total feeling of being miserable returns. I've been waiting on him, bringing him juice, carrying him around the house, covering him up with a blanket, turning on movies and shows for him (the child has watched more TV in the past 2 weeks than in the past 6 months), and just trying to keep him comfortable. But there are still times I feel helpless. Bless his heart. It hasn't been fun. Strep and the flu back to back. How did that happen? Yuck. Poor baby is even starting to lose weight since he hasn't had an appetite for so long. At this point we want him hydrated not necessarily full so it's nothing to worry about according to the doctor.
Since I started working we've been more sick than ever before. It's crazy. Like some sort of conspiracy to keep me from working. Garrison has been to school 1 day since Thanksgiving break and I've been 2 days. That's it. Of course I always want to be home when my babies are because they come first. No question. And I'd much rather be taking care of them when they're sick than someone else. It broke my heart when Terrell had to take Garrison to work on Monday and I heard he fell asleep on his office floor. So sad. But, it's hard when I feel like I'm not doing my job because I'm not at work. I feel like I'm letting down my co-teacher and my little students and my director. Ugh. I feel guilty about being away from school and then I feel guilty about feeling guilty about school when Garrison (or Austin) always comes first. Always. Then I feel sorry for myself because I start thinking that me working is the problem and clearly I should be staying home full-time. It's such a vicious cycle.
This week I've had to make a real effort to keep it together. It's been tempting to fall apart. Seeing my baby sick has been tough. Having to miss work again has been tough. Being stuck in the house so much has been tough. Things have sort of been an emotional roller coaster for me. So when I say I've had to make a real effort to not lose it, I mean a real effort. Now, I've had moments of shedding tears... but it's never led to an ugly cry or ugly meltdown. And I've kind of surprised myself. I'm not the best at keeping it together during trying times. When the going gets tough, Meggie gets emotional and dramatic. Sad but true. But this time around I've tried really hard to focus on the positive. It's taken being very intentional but it's made a difference. I can tell I'm not letting myself drown or wallow in negativity or self-pity. And it's been nice to not wallow.
Here's the positive about this week...
*I've been able to take care of Garrison at home since Monday afternoon.
*He doesn't have a bad case of the flu. It could be worse. Since he had the flu shot his symptons should be/have been less and so should the duration.
*I've been able to take off work because my director is understanding, my preschool is family first, and we can afford it.
*I haven't had to arrange/write/come up with any sub plans.
*I've had extra time with both boys this week.
*We've been able to enjoy our Christmas tree and decorations a lot being home all week.
*I've been able to start wrapping presents.
*I have a wonderful husband who is an amazing daddy who has gone above and beyond this week.
*It looks like the worst is behind us!
Despite a crazy, sick, tiring, stressful week so far, we've had a lot of positive and a lot to be thankful for. God is faithful (and patient!) and I am so grateful His mercies are new every morning. We're looking forward to putting all this crud behind us soon and getting back to normal. (Feels like I just said that...) We have a fun weekend planned and we're shooting for being at school again on Friday. Praying it all works out... and my baby gets better... and everyone else stays healthy! Sigh.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Back on Track... Almost
This weekend was just what we needed to get back on track. And we were sooo grateful. After Garrison tested positive for strep throat on Thursday and I had to miss another day of work, we were about ready to lose it around here. We just can't seem to get well and stay well! On the bright side he started feeling better fast and we were able to go out to eat Friday night to one of our favorite restaurants. I think we all enjoyed getting out of the house and being waited on. And, Austin started sleeping through the night again... which means I did too! Praise Jesus! Sleep just seems to make everything more bearable.
Saturday morning we woke up and went to our first ever Covington Christmas parade. We've been here right at 6 years and had never been. The boys enjoyed it and racked up on TONS of candy- like more than they got for Halloween. It was crazy. The only downside was that it was SO LOOOOONG. It seriously never ended. We finally had to leave because the boys were tired, it was starting to get hot (I'm ready for some real December temps!), and we were getting hungry. Garrison was more impressed with firetrucks and police cars and motorcycles than any of the floats. But then again there were so. many. floats. you sort of lost interest anyway. I think the Buggy Days parade is more impressive in his eyes. Ha!
This weekend we also started our advent calendar. It's been a huge hit! Garrison loves it. Guess there's just something super exciting about opening up that little drawer and adding a piece to the Nativity. It's the first thing he wants to do every morning... notice the bed head. =) But he's also decided to wait until every member of the family is present before he opens it. He's been so sweet and considerate and I love that he loves it.
It will be a great way to keep our focus on the real meaning of Christmas this season.
Terrell and I also got to go on a shopping date this weekend. My parents came over yesterday so we could finish up 99% of our shopping. We had a fun day together. It's nice to have time just to hang out and be together. It was refreshing. And the boys had fun with Granna and Papa and got a special surprise... a train to go around our Christmas tree! They are in love. It was a special treat and we're going to really enjoy it....especially my boys.
So this weekend felt like just what we needed. We got some rest. We got out of the house. We had some family time. We had some couple time. It was a much needed time of refreshment.
Until this morning.
My big boy woke up with a fever and we kind of feel right back where we started. I cried just a little because I was so discouraged and hated having to leave him this morning. But I had to go to work. I missed 2 days last week and this month is our busiest of the school year with Christmas crafts and activities. Sooo, he went into work with daddy for a little bit before coming home and waiting on mama and Austin to rush home from school so daddy could go back to work. Gracious. Maybe we'll get rid of all this yuckiness soon and back to our normal routine. In the meantime I'm going to try to keep it together, get my big boy well, attempt to find normal again, and enjoy our Christmas season. Mama having a meltdown won't help anything. We had a great weekend and now we're on the home stretch to being back on track. Almost there.
I may need to remember and repeat this little pep talk if I end up back in the doctor's office... I'll keep you posted.
Saturday morning we woke up and went to our first ever Covington Christmas parade. We've been here right at 6 years and had never been. The boys enjoyed it and racked up on TONS of candy- like more than they got for Halloween. It was crazy. The only downside was that it was SO LOOOOONG. It seriously never ended. We finally had to leave because the boys were tired, it was starting to get hot (I'm ready for some real December temps!), and we were getting hungry. Garrison was more impressed with firetrucks and police cars and motorcycles than any of the floats. But then again there were so. many. floats. you sort of lost interest anyway. I think the Buggy Days parade is more impressive in his eyes. Ha!
So this weekend felt like just what we needed. We got some rest. We got out of the house. We had some family time. We had some couple time. It was a much needed time of refreshment.
Until this morning.
My big boy woke up with a fever and we kind of feel right back where we started. I cried just a little because I was so discouraged and hated having to leave him this morning. But I had to go to work. I missed 2 days last week and this month is our busiest of the school year with Christmas crafts and activities. Sooo, he went into work with daddy for a little bit before coming home and waiting on mama and Austin to rush home from school so daddy could go back to work. Gracious. Maybe we'll get rid of all this yuckiness soon and back to our normal routine. In the meantime I'm going to try to keep it together, get my big boy well, attempt to find normal again, and enjoy our Christmas season. Mama having a meltdown won't help anything. We had a great weekend and now we're on the home stretch to being back on track. Almost there.
I may need to remember and repeat this little pep talk if I end up back in the doctor's office... I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Little Updates...
*It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house... finally! Yay. =) The tree is up and still standing. The wreath is on the front door. The Nativity Scene is out... although it's been rearranged multiple times by my firstborn. And the boys' trees are up in their rooms. The only thing that still feels incomplete is the mantle. But I think I say that every year. We had a crazy start to the Christmas season but I think it's finally underway at our house.
*The Selph household has had a rough time of it since Thanksgiving. We've all been sick with something or under the weather at the least and now we have yet another doctor's appointment today. Plus we've all been sleeping less. (That's the one that's got me in a fog and just not myself.) Austin has been waking up at least once a night since we got home. Sometimes he's coughing, sometimes he's crying and we have to go in and give him his paci, and sometimes he just wants be to held for a minute. He has pretty much always been a GREAT sleeper, so these new sleeping habits are stressing me out. Added to that, I can't seem to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep lately. And it is taking it's toll. Big time. I keep telling myself, you've done this before. You have 2 babies. You can do sleep-deprived. But this time it's just making me anxious. I can't enjoy my family because I'm anxious or tired or stressed or just not myself. And I'm sooo ready to snap out of it!
I hate to come across like I'm complaining and ungrateful. I've already given myself a guilt trip about being blah about little bitty stuff. I know people are facing WAY worse than me and I know I have TONS to be grateful for. But I want to be real and honest and true to myself on the blog. This is our family journal and I don't want to "pretend". The fact is this week hasn't been fun. It's been rough. I've been blah and down and tired. Everyone's just been "off". My attitude hasn't been the best. But, I am ready to snap out of it and I am working on my attitude. Promise.
*Enough about my issues... moving onto the issue of Christmas. After Thanksgiving was such a doozie for everybody we've been seriously considering/contemplating/weighing pros and cons of what exactly is best for our family when it comes to Christmas. And we are SO torn. We have traditions in place we want to maintain... for us and our parents but also for our kids. However, spending the night away for 3 nights at 2 houses (which is exactly what we did for Thanksgiving) just doesn't seem to be the best idea. It has taken us almost an entire week to get back to normal after Thanksgiving. Who am I kidding? We still aren't back to normal. Sleeping habits are crazy. My big boy has had some behavior issues that seem to occur only after a trip to B'ville. We're definitely not back into the swing of things with school yet. And mama is just barely hanging on.
Soooo, it's a tough dilemma. Tough. We know we'll be in the hometown the 23rd, 24th, and 25th but how much driving back and forth for the sake of sleeping in our own beds and holding onto our sanity do we do? At what point is it crazy to try to come back home? At what point is it crazy to try to spend the night? I just have no idea. I want to do what's best for our family as a whole. Whatever will be the easiest, most fun, least stressful, most normal- that's what I want. Does it even exist? It's probably unlikely...
*I really didn't mean for this to turn into a complaining session so I'm going to move onto something positive... Last year for Christmas I got a magnetic Advent calendar. I love it! Each day you add a magnetic piece to the Nativity scene (plus I'm adding a Scripture from the Christmas story to read each day). I am so excited to get started! I know Garrison will love it and it will be such a good way for us to remember the real meaning of Christmas on a daily basis this season. I'm excited about doing it for years to come too. =)
*Something else new I want to do this year is to pray over the families of the Christmas cards we receive. I heard about this last year and want to try it out this year. In the past we've had some days we get mulitple cards in the mail and some days we don't get any so I'm not sure of the system just yet. I'm thinking we'll pray over one card before supper every night and then I'll add them to the Christmas card display afterwards. Then I'd like to let them know we prayed for them. Hmmm, I still have some finalizing to do with this one but I'm excited about it.
*Those are my updates for now. Time to get ready for the doctor...
*The Selph household has had a rough time of it since Thanksgiving. We've all been sick with something or under the weather at the least and now we have yet another doctor's appointment today. Plus we've all been sleeping less. (That's the one that's got me in a fog and just not myself.) Austin has been waking up at least once a night since we got home. Sometimes he's coughing, sometimes he's crying and we have to go in and give him his paci, and sometimes he just wants be to held for a minute. He has pretty much always been a GREAT sleeper, so these new sleeping habits are stressing me out. Added to that, I can't seem to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep lately. And it is taking it's toll. Big time. I keep telling myself, you've done this before. You have 2 babies. You can do sleep-deprived. But this time it's just making me anxious. I can't enjoy my family because I'm anxious or tired or stressed or just not myself. And I'm sooo ready to snap out of it!
I hate to come across like I'm complaining and ungrateful. I've already given myself a guilt trip about being blah about little bitty stuff. I know people are facing WAY worse than me and I know I have TONS to be grateful for. But I want to be real and honest and true to myself on the blog. This is our family journal and I don't want to "pretend". The fact is this week hasn't been fun. It's been rough. I've been blah and down and tired. Everyone's just been "off". My attitude hasn't been the best. But, I am ready to snap out of it and I am working on my attitude. Promise.
*Enough about my issues... moving onto the issue of Christmas. After Thanksgiving was such a doozie for everybody we've been seriously considering/contemplating/weighing pros and cons of what exactly is best for our family when it comes to Christmas. And we are SO torn. We have traditions in place we want to maintain... for us and our parents but also for our kids. However, spending the night away for 3 nights at 2 houses (which is exactly what we did for Thanksgiving) just doesn't seem to be the best idea. It has taken us almost an entire week to get back to normal after Thanksgiving. Who am I kidding? We still aren't back to normal. Sleeping habits are crazy. My big boy has had some behavior issues that seem to occur only after a trip to B'ville. We're definitely not back into the swing of things with school yet. And mama is just barely hanging on.
Soooo, it's a tough dilemma. Tough. We know we'll be in the hometown the 23rd, 24th, and 25th but how much driving back and forth for the sake of sleeping in our own beds and holding onto our sanity do we do? At what point is it crazy to try to come back home? At what point is it crazy to try to spend the night? I just have no idea. I want to do what's best for our family as a whole. Whatever will be the easiest, most fun, least stressful, most normal- that's what I want. Does it even exist? It's probably unlikely...
*I really didn't mean for this to turn into a complaining session so I'm going to move onto something positive... Last year for Christmas I got a magnetic Advent calendar. I love it! Each day you add a magnetic piece to the Nativity scene (plus I'm adding a Scripture from the Christmas story to read each day). I am so excited to get started! I know Garrison will love it and it will be such a good way for us to remember the real meaning of Christmas on a daily basis this season. I'm excited about doing it for years to come too. =)
*Something else new I want to do this year is to pray over the families of the Christmas cards we receive. I heard about this last year and want to try it out this year. In the past we've had some days we get mulitple cards in the mail and some days we don't get any so I'm not sure of the system just yet. I'm thinking we'll pray over one card before supper every night and then I'll add them to the Christmas card display afterwards. Then I'd like to let them know we prayed for them. Hmmm, I still have some finalizing to do with this one but I'm excited about it.
*Those are my updates for now. Time to get ready for the doctor...
Monday, November 26, 2012
Our Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving 2012 was a whirlwind and a doozie. It was wild and crazy and challenging. And don't forget exhausting. BUT, despite all the craziness and the fact that things didn't go as planned and my babies didn't sleep well or behave well, we had fun and enjoyed our holiday with family. We were together and we were grateful. And in the end, that's all that matters anyway. Thanksgiving Day itself was a success. We ate wonderful food, visited with lots of family, and enjoyed the day with people we love.
Everything else about the holiday on the other hand wasn't so wonderful. Boo...
The boys, Bailey, and I arrived in town on Wednesday afternoon like always and Terrell got there right after work. We got everything set up at the grandparents' houses since we'd be spending the night both places before heading to town for supper and the annual Illumination Service. The "Lighting of the Trees" is a tradition I always enjoy and look forward to... and while it was still enjoyable, this year, we were left wondering if it was worth it in the end. We kept Austin up waaaay past his bedtime so he lost interest pretty fast. Baby boy wasn't impressed at all. He never had a meltdown but he was tired and ready to go from the start. Garrison did great and seemed to have fun except the most exciting part for him would be seeing all the lights... but we couldn't really see them because of where we were. Ahhhh. Then, Santa came riding in and my big boy just isn't a fan of the man in red. He likes him from a distance but that's about it. Soooo, both boys went to bed way late and both boys had rough nights. Which means mama did not sleep. (And hasn't since. Errr.) But moving onto the positive...
We woke up Thanksgiving morning at Terrell's parents' house and enjoyed a big, delicious breakfast. Talk about being spoiled getting to enjoy a yummy breakfast on Thanksgiving Day! Garrison got to help in the kitchen and the boys both enjoyed lots of play time. And, we were able to get our family Thanksgiving Day picture... plus one with Nana and Pops. A family Thanksgiving Day picture is a must-have for this mama. I love looking back at those every year. Unfortunately after breakfast Austin refused to take a morning nap even though he didn't sleep well the night before, and my firstborn started with cold-like symptons. Ugh.
We arrived at my parents house
for lunch and enjoyed another huge, delicious feast. The cooks in my family are ah-mazing. It was soooo good. And we got to eat again for supper! My boys got lots of attention, lots of play time, and even both took naps on Thursday. I think they were worn out from everything. Plus not feeling their best
Terrell had to work half a day on Friday so he headed home late Thanksgiving night while me and the boys stayed with my parents. Cue another rough night. My littlest man had a hard time sleeping away from home. He was also just fussy in general and not feeling his best. Garrison slept better Thursday night but just wasn't a very good listener. And he wasn't very nice to Austin. It was sooo discouraging. We feel like nobody really gets to see him being a kind, helpful, sharing big brother like he is at home 90% of the time. I could have cried I was so frustrated.
Friday afternoon we all went out to pick out our Christmas tree together. Garrison was SO into it this year. He helped daddy and Papa with everything and loved decorating my parents tree. He has totally embraced the Christmas spirit. It's been fun already seeing his excitement and awe at everything Christmas. It should be a fun season.
Unfortunately things went downhill fast on Saturday once we got home. Everyone was sleep deprived and a disaster with the tree occurred. A big one. One that left me crying over several broken ornaments and devastated at a huge mess. Things went from bad to worse with no end in sight... and our house and tree still aren't decorated for Christmas like I'm used to every year. Honestly it's been a little depressing and hard to snap out of. It's been a rough few days to say the least. I've definitely had to learn a lesson in being thankful in all circumstances. Cause this pity party could go on and on. But things are just things. It's sad to lose them but the most important part of Christmas is my family and the meaning of Christmas. The other stuff is just an extra bonus. Even though I've been discouraged and sad, I've also been reminded to constantly give thanks for my healthy babies, my wonderful husband, and the gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ. Those are who matter most. And above all else, we are blessed.
Thanksgiving 2012 was a doozie, but it was ours. Our memories and our craziness. One day we'll remember it with a smile. I hope. =)
I had to go super light on pictures from our holiday because my "picasa web album" is full. I'm trying to figure out how to create more space to get through the year before I move on to a permanent solution. Soooo, the pictures might be light for awhile. We'll see...
Everything else about the holiday on the other hand wasn't so wonderful. Boo...
The boys, Bailey, and I arrived in town on Wednesday afternoon like always and Terrell got there right after work. We got everything set up at the grandparents' houses since we'd be spending the night both places before heading to town for supper and the annual Illumination Service. The "Lighting of the Trees" is a tradition I always enjoy and look forward to... and while it was still enjoyable, this year, we were left wondering if it was worth it in the end. We kept Austin up waaaay past his bedtime so he lost interest pretty fast. Baby boy wasn't impressed at all. He never had a meltdown but he was tired and ready to go from the start. Garrison did great and seemed to have fun except the most exciting part for him would be seeing all the lights... but we couldn't really see them because of where we were. Ahhhh. Then, Santa came riding in and my big boy just isn't a fan of the man in red. He likes him from a distance but that's about it. Soooo, both boys went to bed way late and both boys had rough nights. Which means mama did not sleep. (And hasn't since. Errr.) But moving onto the positive...
We woke up Thanksgiving morning at Terrell's parents' house and enjoyed a big, delicious breakfast. Talk about being spoiled getting to enjoy a yummy breakfast on Thanksgiving Day! Garrison got to help in the kitchen and the boys both enjoyed lots of play time. And, we were able to get our family Thanksgiving Day picture... plus one with Nana and Pops. A family Thanksgiving Day picture is a must-have for this mama. I love looking back at those every year. Unfortunately after breakfast Austin refused to take a morning nap even though he didn't sleep well the night before, and my firstborn started with cold-like symptons. Ugh.
Terrell had to work half a day on Friday so he headed home late Thanksgiving night while me and the boys stayed with my parents. Cue another rough night. My littlest man had a hard time sleeping away from home. He was also just fussy in general and not feeling his best. Garrison slept better Thursday night but just wasn't a very good listener. And he wasn't very nice to Austin. It was sooo discouraging. We feel like nobody really gets to see him being a kind, helpful, sharing big brother like he is at home 90% of the time. I could have cried I was so frustrated.
Friday afternoon we all went out to pick out our Christmas tree together. Garrison was SO into it this year. He helped daddy and Papa with everything and loved decorating my parents tree. He has totally embraced the Christmas spirit. It's been fun already seeing his excitement and awe at everything Christmas. It should be a fun season.
Unfortunately things went downhill fast on Saturday once we got home. Everyone was sleep deprived and a disaster with the tree occurred. A big one. One that left me crying over several broken ornaments and devastated at a huge mess. Things went from bad to worse with no end in sight... and our house and tree still aren't decorated for Christmas like I'm used to every year. Honestly it's been a little depressing and hard to snap out of. It's been a rough few days to say the least. I've definitely had to learn a lesson in being thankful in all circumstances. Cause this pity party could go on and on. But things are just things. It's sad to lose them but the most important part of Christmas is my family and the meaning of Christmas. The other stuff is just an extra bonus. Even though I've been discouraged and sad, I've also been reminded to constantly give thanks for my healthy babies, my wonderful husband, and the gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ. Those are who matter most. And above all else, we are blessed.
Thanksgiving 2012 was a doozie, but it was ours. Our memories and our craziness. One day we'll remember it with a smile. I hope. =)
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I had to go super light on pictures from our holiday because my "picasa web album" is full. I'm trying to figure out how to create more space to get through the year before I move on to a permanent solution. Soooo, the pictures might be light for awhile. We'll see...
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Garrison is Thankful and So Are We!
One of our Thanksgiving projects this year has been having Garrison tell me what he's thankful for everyday as we countdown to Thanksgiving. Then, as a sometimes bonus (when we remembered) he got a piece of candy from his Halloween stash. The neat thing about this little project was how well he embraced it. He actually enjoyed telling me what he was thankful for and reminded me to ask if I forgot. There was absolutely no prompting from me so I was able to write down his exact words everyday... which I'll will definitely be keeping. And of course seeing things through his eyes is such a blessing anyway. So here's his list... plus a short list from Terrell, Austin, and I.
Garrison Is Thankful
1. That the man came to spray all the bugs (we weren't infested, just had a one time treatment)
2. For all our family
3. That we got to go outside
4. For my Granna & Papa and Nana & Pops
5. That I love Austin
6. That I got to go to Shannon's birthday party
7. For my mama and my daddy and my Austin
8. That I been good that other day (referring to a day at school that he was especially good)
9. For my breakfast
10. That it's my last game of soccer practice (referring to his last game)
11. For the colorful leaves
12. That me and Gray are best friends and we get the trucks (their favorite toys on the playground at school)
13. That Nana is coming over
14. That I get to work at my tool table
15. That I share with Austin
16. That I love Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
17. For my breakfast and having cinnamon rolls 3 days (when daddy has the day off we make cinnamon rolls for breakfast... 3 times in a week is a record!)
18. That we got to go to Granna and Papa's house and see all the people we love
19. That we get to go to Granna and Papa's 2 times (referring to going back for Thanksgiving)
20. That we can go to the doctor (surprisingly he was thankful he could go to the doctor for a flu shot, for his 1 year follow up after tubes, and for me going to the doctor so I could feel better)
Austin Is Thankful
*For mama and daddy and Garrison
*For mealtimes
*For books
*For his rocking horse
*For Garrison sharing
*For shoulders to lay his head on
Terrell/Daddy is Thankful
*For a healthy family
*For an awesome wife that is an awesome mom
*That family is so important in our life
*That the boys like to play outside and enjoy sports
*That the Trojans, Bulldogs, and Falcons are doing good
*For my Savior Jesus and our church in Barnesville
I Am Thankful
*For a sensitive, loving, supportive, and hard working husband who still knows how to make me laugh
*For my boys playing together and sharing
*That both of my boys love books and being read to
*That I was finally able to go to the doctor and get some meds for my cold/sinus infection/whatever
*That we get to spend Thanksgiving with family
*For Jesus. And that like the Chris Tomlin song says The One who reigns forever, He is a Friend of mine, The God of angel armies is always by my side
We have sooo much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!
Austin Is Thankful
*For mama and daddy and Garrison
*For mealtimes
*For books
*For his rocking horse
*For Garrison sharing
*For shoulders to lay his head on
Terrell/Daddy is Thankful
*For a healthy family
*For an awesome wife that is an awesome mom
*That family is so important in our life
*That the boys like to play outside and enjoy sports
*That the Trojans, Bulldogs, and Falcons are doing good
*For my Savior Jesus and our church in Barnesville
I Am Thankful
*For a sensitive, loving, supportive, and hard working husband who still knows how to make me laugh
*For my boys playing together and sharing
*That both of my boys love books and being read to
*That I was finally able to go to the doctor and get some meds for my cold/sinus infection/whatever
*That we get to spend Thanksgiving with family
*For Jesus. And that like the Chris Tomlin song says The One who reigns forever, He is a Friend of mine, The God of angel armies is always by my side
We have sooo much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Operation Christmas Child: The Experience
This morning we dropped off our "shoebox" at our hometown church and concluded our first experience with Operation Christmas Child with Garrison. Our first year having a child old enough to participate and pick out toys and understand what it means to buy Christmas presents for someone else. I decided to write about it because I want to remember the shopping, the questions, the excitement and joy of giving, the prayers, and the way he made it so much more personal for his mama than ever before.
You see, I've filled shoeboxes in the past. I'm familar with Operation Christmas Child. I've bought the gifts. I've filled the boxes. I've prayed for the children who'd receive them. I've done it all multiple times. But this time was different. This time, my own child made it personal in a very real way. He made me think about that precious child we'll never meet and imagine him with his gifts. He made me think about the person who would hand this child our box. He made me think about what this little boy's name might be... not some random little boy but the little boy who would receive our box. He made me think about the exact age of this little boy. He made me question and wonder about this child's likes and interests. He made me love this child who'll receive our box. Whoa. I could tear up just thinking about it. Seeing and experiencing this shoebox filling process through my firstborn's eyes opened my eyes. And boy was I blessed.
The day we went shopping I tried to explain to Garrison that we were going Christmas shopping for another little boy who lived really far away. I also told him we didn't know the little boy but he was probably about the same age as him. Then, I explained (or tried to) that his family couldn't buy any Christmas presents for him so we were going to send him some presents and that most of all we wanted him to know that Jesus loves him. Immediately he had questions.
Where does he live? Why can't he have any presents? How old is he? Do you think he is 3 like me or 4? What is his name? Do you think it is Garrison? But we don't know where he lives so how will we give him his presents? What do you think he likes? Who is giving him the presents?
I answered them the best I could and we talked about him living very far away and his family maybe not having money or stores nearby with toys and how people at our church would make sure he got the present because they knew where he lived and how he might be almost 3 or almost 4. Garrison decided he was probably 3 just like him and he might have a birthday after Christmas just like him and he could possibly be named Garrison, just like him. =) Things I never would've thought about mattered to him. Things I just would have assumed or taken for granted, he genuinely cared about. Whereas in the past I'd prepared a shoebox for a little boy or a little girl in a certain age range, this year we were preparing a box for the little boy who would receive it. Because God had already decided and knew who would receive our box.
And then we shopped and shopped. And little man was just as indecisive as his mama. After much contemplation and discussion over what he would like best we picked out a small stuffed animal, a small baseball, a small basketball, crayons, markers, a coloring book, 2 small pictures books, 2 hotwheels, a small toy jeep, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, plus a flashlight I'd already purchased... I think that's everything. Some things were "automatics" that I picked out because I knew I wanted them included, but the toys were very important gifts to Garrison. As we shopped, he was really concerned about what the little boy liked. Do you think he will like this mama? I think he likes cars like me. I think he will like the baseball. Let's get him these markers cause they are big. I think he will like to color the animals. Every little comment made me want to grab him up and give him a hug and tell him how much I loved him and how much this little boy was going to enjoy all his goodies. Until we took forever at the store and I had wrap things up fast so we could get home to daddy and Austin. Ha!
Later that night we talked more about our box and the little boy who would get it. He asked more of the same questions but seemed to understand a little more too. He was starting to get it... the purpose of the box and giving to someone who didn't have a lot. And he started to get excited about it. And I thought my heart would explode.
For the next week we packed the box and talked more about the little boy and prayed for the little boy. We prayed for the little boy to know that Jesus loves him and that Jesus is God. Garrison always wanted me to include the part about Jesus being God. I'm not sure why because mid-prayer I didn't want to stop and question him, but we prayed that he would know that Jesus is God and that He loves him and will take care of him and that he would have fun playing with his presents.
And today was the day we turned it in and dropped it off so it will eventually make it into the hands of a special little boy. Garrison wasn't as into it as I thought he'd be but we were in a hurry getting to church and he was slightly distracted by grandparents. Still, I know he'll bring up the box and the presents and the little boy again in the future. And we'll keep praying for him and thinking about him. And next year we're definitely tracking our box. We were too late this year but have decided to do it next year for sure.
I loved experiencing this new tradition with my big boy and I'm grateful he made it personal for me and taught me to think about the little things. The little boy who receives our box is so special and important to us because of Garrison's thoughtfulness and curiosity and concern. His faith and innocence was priceless. And his mama was blessed. Thank you sweet boy.
You see, I've filled shoeboxes in the past. I'm familar with Operation Christmas Child. I've bought the gifts. I've filled the boxes. I've prayed for the children who'd receive them. I've done it all multiple times. But this time was different. This time, my own child made it personal in a very real way. He made me think about that precious child we'll never meet and imagine him with his gifts. He made me think about the person who would hand this child our box. He made me think about what this little boy's name might be... not some random little boy but the little boy who would receive our box. He made me think about the exact age of this little boy. He made me question and wonder about this child's likes and interests. He made me love this child who'll receive our box. Whoa. I could tear up just thinking about it. Seeing and experiencing this shoebox filling process through my firstborn's eyes opened my eyes. And boy was I blessed.
Where does he live? Why can't he have any presents? How old is he? Do you think he is 3 like me or 4? What is his name? Do you think it is Garrison? But we don't know where he lives so how will we give him his presents? What do you think he likes? Who is giving him the presents?
I answered them the best I could and we talked about him living very far away and his family maybe not having money or stores nearby with toys and how people at our church would make sure he got the present because they knew where he lived and how he might be almost 3 or almost 4. Garrison decided he was probably 3 just like him and he might have a birthday after Christmas just like him and he could possibly be named Garrison, just like him. =) Things I never would've thought about mattered to him. Things I just would have assumed or taken for granted, he genuinely cared about. Whereas in the past I'd prepared a shoebox for a little boy or a little girl in a certain age range, this year we were preparing a box for the little boy who would receive it. Because God had already decided and knew who would receive our box.
And then we shopped and shopped. And little man was just as indecisive as his mama. After much contemplation and discussion over what he would like best we picked out a small stuffed animal, a small baseball, a small basketball, crayons, markers, a coloring book, 2 small pictures books, 2 hotwheels, a small toy jeep, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, plus a flashlight I'd already purchased... I think that's everything. Some things were "automatics" that I picked out because I knew I wanted them included, but the toys were very important gifts to Garrison. As we shopped, he was really concerned about what the little boy liked. Do you think he will like this mama? I think he likes cars like me. I think he will like the baseball. Let's get him these markers cause they are big. I think he will like to color the animals. Every little comment made me want to grab him up and give him a hug and tell him how much I loved him and how much this little boy was going to enjoy all his goodies. Until we took forever at the store and I had wrap things up fast so we could get home to daddy and Austin. Ha!
For the next week we packed the box and talked more about the little boy and prayed for the little boy. We prayed for the little boy to know that Jesus loves him and that Jesus is God. Garrison always wanted me to include the part about Jesus being God. I'm not sure why because mid-prayer I didn't want to stop and question him, but we prayed that he would know that Jesus is God and that He loves him and will take care of him and that he would have fun playing with his presents.
And today was the day we turned it in and dropped it off so it will eventually make it into the hands of a special little boy. Garrison wasn't as into it as I thought he'd be but we were in a hurry getting to church and he was slightly distracted by grandparents. Still, I know he'll bring up the box and the presents and the little boy again in the future. And we'll keep praying for him and thinking about him. And next year we're definitely tracking our box. We were too late this year but have decided to do it next year for sure.
I loved experiencing this new tradition with my big boy and I'm grateful he made it personal for me and taught me to think about the little things. The little boy who receives our box is so special and important to us because of Garrison's thoughtfulness and curiosity and concern. His faith and innocence was priceless. And his mama was blessed. Thank you sweet boy.
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And just because we haven't been taking a whole lot of pictures lately with me being sick... here's one of both boys... Rub a dub dub, 2 Selph's in a Tub!
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