November So Far

Other than celebrating with birthday parties we've had a lot going on the month of November. It's only day 6 and we've packed these past several days full. With lots more to come!

So far this month we're all still adjusting to the time change, shorter days, and earlier wake-up calls. The boys and I are trying to get outside in the afternoons before supper and before it gets dark as much as we can. They're used to having lots of time outside with daddy on pretty days but he's been getting home at almost dark this week. An adjustment for all of us.

There is a part of me that does love the shorter days though. It just reminds me of the holiday season and everybody being cozy together inside. It's a nice change.

The boys are still doing great with bedtime in the same room. We separate them to read books to them (Austin still doesn't have the attention span needed for Garrison's books) and then meet in the big boy room to say prayers and settle down for the night. Austin sleeps on the bottom while Garrison is on the top. Austin still cries just a little but they are both doing great going to sleep by 8:30. Yaaaay! We are SO thankful for how well it's going so far.

Wake-up times are a different story. The time-change still has my big boy thrown off so he's been waking up before 7:00 and has woken up Austin a couple of times too. Sooo, we're still working on that. I'll take 6:47 over 6:03 any day though! And they don't get up and out of bed til 7:00... Selph family rule. =)

 This month we've started our Thanksgiving "project" of writing down the things we're thankful for every morning during breakfast. Garrison is really loving this little project and tells me multiple things he's thankful for each day. He'll definitely have a page full (much more than 30 things) by the end of the month.

I'm trying it out with Austin this year too and he's not totally ready for it but has been able to tell me a thing or two on his own and does great with help from me or Garrison.

Saturday we'll start our next "project" and prepare a shoebox full of Christmas goodies. I'm looking forward to experiencing this with Garrison again this year. Again, Austin isn't old enough to really understand it so it may just be Garrison's thing for one more year. Eventually all the boys will fill a shoebox for another boy in their age group.

 

So far this month we have made a LOT of progress with Christmas prep. We finally made a decision about our Christmas card and have passed along all needed info to our personal graphic designer, Megan. She is our go-to for all cards and invites (I highly recommed her!) and I am so excited to see her talent at work for us. =)

 

In addition to finalizing our Christmas card, we've made tons of progress on the boys' Christmas lists and gifts. We made the decision to cut back a little this year.... financial reasons, space reasons, etc all played a role in our decision. So, we researched high and low for the very best gift options for our babies and made a final list. Once we had the list ready we made decisions about who would give them what. Once we'd done that, we went ahead and ordered a whole bunch of it. Yay for not being last minute!

 

Also, on yesterday Austin and I had to make a quick run to Walmart for a few things so while I was there I grabbed some stocking stuffers from our list. Austin made this picture of me strolling him through the store. (Notice I stashed everything up front and tried to hide it with clothes... a gift for someone else... pink rarely makes it into my buggy) 

 

Terrell and I are working on finalizing our lists this week. Terrell's parents always go shopping early in November and request a list from all family members beforehand. I think getting to make a list as a grown-up is the best thing ever. =)

Besides Christmas prep we are on the final stretch of WEDDING prep! The boys and I are heading to Barnesville tomorrow for haircuts and one last shower for my sister before the big day. I'm also busy picking out outfits for the boys for the rehearsal and the wedding plus making sure Terrell and I are ready to perform our duties. It's almost here!!!

November is busy and full of fun!

*And something so sweet I had to share... Last night Garrison felt Layton kick really good, twice. The first time he's felt him and known for sure without a doubt it was his brother. His eyes lit up and he smiled a huge smile and then he started laughing. It made me SO happy. I almost cried. =) God's blessings continue to amaze us.

Party Weekend

The highlights of our weekend were two important birthday parties... our niece Shannon and my dad, aka Papa. The boys had so much fun at both parties celebrating special family members.

Shannon's party was held at a Monkey Joe's and the boys had such a good time bouncing and climbing and sliding that they totally wore themselves out. They both fell asleep in the car on the way home, which is becoming a kind of rare thing so we knew they were tired. I think the birthday girl had a great time at her party.

 

And I had to share a picture of Shannon's  fairy cake... the ULTIMATE homemade cookie cake. My sister-in-law made it herself and is way more brave (and talented!) than me. It was delicious.  

After the party on Saturday we arrived home just in time to watch the UGA/FL game. Oh my the suspense. Will one of our teams please, pleeease get it together soon?? Ahhhh. We survived with a victory thank goodness!

Then we decided that Saturday night would be the night to try the big "move in" again. Things hadn't been going so great with that and then Austin got sick with a bad cold and was coughing a lot at night so we just put it on hold... til he got better and we decided it's now or never and that they have got to learn how to sleep in the same room because it's going to be REQUIRED come February. And since neither one of us really want to deal with bedtime issues with the big boys once our baby boy arrives, we had to get going on it and be prepared to stick it out.

We've survived 2 nights and things with bedtime are going pretty good. Austin cries when I leave him but then settles down and talks to Garrison and plays a little (in bed) before Terrell goes in once or twice and they stop talking and go to sleep. So no major issues so far... with bedtime. Wake-up times however haven't been so great. Part of it is due to the time change and part of it is due to them waking each other up. We are hoping and praying they continue to adjust to it until it becomes natural and easy and that they remember not to wake up their brother!

Yesterday afternoon we met my parents for a delicious birthday lunch for my dad and then went back to their house to celebrate with presents, cake, and ice cream. The boys were so wound up and had the best time. Garrison wanted to know when we were going to be able to spend the whole weekend. I think they've missed all our spend the night trips to B'ville. I personally am enjoying the day trips but a full weekend is coming soon.... Anna and Frankie's wedding will be here in less than 2 weeks!!

We had a fun weekend celebrating with Shannon and Papa and loved getting to see lots of family. Now we're preparing to start our Monday/school day with my children going on less sleep than I would like due to an early wake-up call of around 6:00. Pray for us please. The last time that happened was one of my toughest parenting days ever. Happy Monday... I hope!!

Trick-or-Treat 2013

We had a great time trick-or-treating last night! Garrison was a total pro this year and loved every second and Austin only cried his eyes out immediately following having his costume put on. After that he was perfectly fine and had fun keeping up with Garrison. Success!!

Terrell got off work early so we could head to the hometown for a night of Halloween fun. My parents hosted a little get-together that was so festive! We had chili and hotdogs on Halloween plates plus festive, yummy desserts. Terrell's parents and Granny, along with my grandparents, sister and Frankie were all present.

The definition of adorable. =)

Freddie Freeman live and in person.

 

A cuddly lion minus the paws... he never did wear them. I tried to force it but decided to pick my battles.

Terrell had the brillant idea of them riding house to house in Garrison's jeep. It worked out perfect! Other than me getting a work out trying to keep up, it was the best thing ever. Granna and Nana came along with us while Papa, Pops, and the great-grandparents held down the fort and handed out candy back at the house.

My parents' street was quiet when we started but by the time we made our way all the way down and all the way back, we had plenty of candy and Garrison was ready to give some out... part of the reason we opted for traditional house-to-house trick-or-treating this year... we still had time to give out candy too. A win-win. The timing worked out great. We almost beat the dark and we got to see several other trick-or-treaters on our way back.

Garrison loved everything about this year's Halloween. By about the 3rd house, he was sprinting down drive-ways and having the time of his life. He even did a happy dance once or twice and declared Tootsie Roll! Tootsie Roll! Oh yeah!!! It was pretty hilarious. Apparently tootsie rolls are that exciting.

Austin just enjoyed riding in the jeep and getting candy in his bucket. He started tiring out about half-way through but was a total trooper. He never complained or cried or had costume drama once.

My heart...there it goes riding down the street in a little blue jeep. Precious.

We arrived home and got the boys in bed around 9ish last night. And I'm so thankful I took the day off today.

HUGE thanks to my parents for hosting Halloween and for Nana, Pops, Granny in Cartersville, Granny, and PawPaw for sharing our night of trick-or-treat fun with us.

That's a wrap. =)

(A look back... 2010, 2011, 2012 )

Halloween Kick Off

Our Halloween was kicked off yesterday with a busy but fun day. It started with our Halloween parade at school. My Freddie Freeman and cuddly lion were both present and adorable.

My babies lined up ready to walk the perimeter of the church/school for the parade.

The parade was a success and we had great weather! A tad too warm for late October if you ask me, but since we've already had some super cold days I won't complain. My class of 3 year olds also had our class Halloween party. Our class moms really went overboard and the kids loved it. I was pretty wiped out afterwards... but we got to leave a little early because everyone signed their babies out following the parade. How nice!

Our afternoon was pretty laid back until we made a sort of last minute decision that we would attend the Fall Festival at our church. I was back and forth because of being tired and knowing we're having a big night on tonight, etc. but finally decided against being selfish and to just go and let the boys have fun.

(I later regretted this decision when Terrell got home late and I was feeding everybody, dressing everybody, and wrangling everybody on my own. In the end, it was worth it though.)

Austin couldn't do everything they had to offer at the Fall Festival but I still think he enjoyed himself. After we finished all the games we decided to have some popcorn and red koolaid. A big hit for 2 little guys. And both boys came home with bags full of fun size candy. It was short and sweet and perfect for our kiddos.

 

 

Today I'm helping throw Garrison's Halloween party at school and then we're off to B'ville for supper and our first traditional trick-or-treating experience... with the grandparents of course. Happy Halloween!!

24 Weeks!

Today marks 24 weeks for Layton and I... and he is definitely making himself known. We've had a little bit of a crazy time pregnancy wise, but baby boy is healthy and mama is getting there so that's all good news. As we get closer and closer to meeting our newest little love I'm becoming a little more overwhelmed at what we've got to get done (specifically moving his big brother into his biggest brother's room so he'll have a nursery when he arrives) and a lot more excited about being introduced!

 

Pregnancy Highlights

 

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of Baby: 11-12 inches and about 1.5 lbs... about the size of an ear of corn.

Total Weight Gained/Loss: I've gained 15 lbs total (I had my check up this morning so that number is 100% accurate.) Right now I'm totally content with my weight gain and I think I'll be okay with it from here on out as long my dress fits for my sister's wedding.

Maternity Clothes: Mostly. Although I recently discovered that bigger non-maternity sizes in tops actually fit better than anything. 

Gender: It's a boy!

Movement: He has become super active. It's not around the clock or anything it's just that when he's awake he's letting me know and all over the place. I am loving it.

Food Cravings: Food. Haha. I'm not having any specific cravings I just reeally like to eat and I'm hungry a lot.

What I Miss: Just the usual of being able to get around or up and down easily and quickly without feeling out of breath or uncomfortable.

Sleep: I'm doing much better in the sleep department and feeling back on track. Yay!

Symptons: Morning sickness is back. Yuck. Last Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings I've thrown up. SO strange. The feeling has come over me super fast and then I go get sick and feel better and move on like nothing ever happened. I've also been sick with a sore throat and allergy issues. Not fun at all but not sure I can blame it on Layton either.  

Best Moment This Week: Feeling my baby boy move around and Garrison feeling him once too!

What I'm Looking Forward To: Getting me and Austin well (Austin has had a terrible cold) and trick-or-treating with family. =)

 

 

*Austin's update at 24 weeks

Halloween Fun Day

Saturday was a day dedicated to Halloween fun... almost all day long! And it didn't even involve elaborate crafts or baking or anything crazy and over the top. It was plain, simple, Halloween-related/themed fun... in their pjs!

We started the day with cinnamon rolls for breakfast, which are always a special treat and great way to kick off a fun day, and then the boys did a simple Halloween project with me while daddy went grocery shopping. We were only interrupted 7-10 times with a phone call from daddy (ha!) but we were so thankful he went without us we didn't mind one bit. He's the best.

My parents sent the boys Halloween cards in the mail that contained a little something for their banks and lots and lots of fun Halloween stickers... one of their favorite things ever. So, we decided to put all those stickers to good use at one time and complete a simple little craft.... filling up construction paper pumpkins with Halloween stickers. So simple, yet perfect for both of them! I peeled off Austin's stickers for him (and Garrison helped too), but he put them on all by himself.

 

They got some glow in the dark stickers that we decided to put on a black pumpkin. We went to the bathroom to see them in action and even display them in Garrison's room at bedtime. Super cool.

After completing a total of 4 sticker-filled pumpkins each, it was time to move on to oreo spiders... an annual Halloween tradition at our house. The spiders consist of oreo cookies with stick pretzels for legs and m & m's for eyes. We use peanut butter or vanilla frosting for our "glue" for the legs and eyes. This year we did peanut butter because it's what we had in the pantry.

Austin took the cookies apart for us and decided on the "eye" color. And other than munching on everything, that was pretty much all he could do. Garrison actually assembled the spiders without much help at all this year. We fill up a plate full and then call it quits because it can become tedious and tiring after a while... especially when you add up 8 legs per spider. Although they love the finished product.

After the spiders were done and we cleaned up our mess and put away groceries daddy brought home (and mama had a chance to sit down and rest), we were ready to carve our pumpkin. The boys were super excited.

 

Austin decided to reach in with one hand just a few times to help out, but Garrison did the heavy duty cleaning out this year.

 

Then it was time to carve! They loved this part and both got to help. A great team effort by all the boys.

 

Finished product... Selph Family Jack-O-Lantern

 

After we carved our pumpkin it was time for lunch and naps. Garrison "rested" for a little bit and then made and decorated a couple of bats out of construction paper before we got everybody in the bath tub and prepared for Family Pictures 2013.

 

Thankfully everything went really well and I think we're going to have some good ones. I can't wait to see them! They will probably all include Austin's "cheese face", but that's just him right now. Pictures with an accurate reflection of personalities and life at this point in time is pretty priceless.

 

Garrison had a few "moments" and Austin was easily distracted by any and everything outside, BUT we prepared well for these little episodes with our secret weapon... cupcake bribery! It worked wonders and I never regretted using it. A little bribery is necessary for motivation, smiles, and good attitudes during a family photo session. And singing some of their favorite songs when it was time for their individual pics was a big help too.

 

I never let them have a whole cupcake but Saturday afternoon was an exception. They did good for pictures so they were rewarded with yumminess. Which they both inhaled. =) Mama and daddy enjoyed one too for all our hard work. Thanks for sharing AnAn!

We wrapped up our day by eating out at one of our fav Mexican restaurants. It was a Halloween fun-filled day topped off with family pictures and yummy food. It was pretty close to perfect if I do say so myself.

Holiday Happenings

The holiday season is almost officially upon us. If you count Halloween as part of the "season", it's already here. We have big plans for a fun "Halloween" Saturday, a Halloween parade and Fall Festival the day before Halloween, and trick-or-treating in the hometown the day of... all right around the corner! Combine all those plans with the fact that Christmas lists from us and the boys have been requested and we've already discussed and somewhat finalized Thanksgiving festivities, and I'd say that the holiday season is most definitely here. In our midst. Yay! I just love this time of year.

However, it always comes with stresses and concerns. Every single year. Praise God our stresses and concerns are minor. They aren't real problems, just little inconveniences and issues that leave us discussing how we'll spend our time (and where) and what in the world is best for our children to receive as gifts, for hours on end. Seriously. This time every year Terrell and I talk and talk and discuss a little further what is best and why. Oh the analyzation and pros and cons are endless. Until we're eventually tired of talking about it and both slightly stressed and testy.

This year we're making a sort of tough decision to cut down on our Thanksgiving holiday with family. It was a tough decision to make initially because we want as much time with our parents, grandparents, siblings, and family as possible. That's what makes the holidays special and memorable and fun for us. However, after last year's Thanksgiving experience we realized doing things the same way we always have isn't best or fair for us and our kiddos. So that made it a sort of easy decision that we're at peace with.

For the first time in years and years (or ever maybe) we're going to miss our hometown's "Lighting of the Trees" on Thanksgiving Eve. This year, we won't be arriving in the hometown until Thanksgiving morning. Gasp! It's a big, big deal. We're sacrificing a tradition in the name of sleep and keeping our sanity.

Last year the boys just couldn't fully enjoy and appreciate the Lighting of the Trees because they were out too late and didn't really understand all that was going on, and then we couldn't go home to our own beds because we were spending the night with family. Plus, on top of the late night and exhausted boys we had a long, FULL day the next day. All of that combined meant a rough night for mama and daddy and 2 boys who were tired and overstimulated before Thanksgiving Day even began. By the time we got home on Saturday we were drained and exhausted... and determined there had to be a better way.  

Even though I'm going to miss eating supper Wednesday night with our parents and seeing old friends and singing Christmas carols with the people and community I love so much, it's for the best. It is necessary. For sure. One day, hopefully, when we live 5 minutes away and can go home to our own beds the tradition will be back in order.

This year for Thanksgiving we're also only going to spend Thursday night away. We'll still see both sides of the family and get to spend Thanksgiving Day with both of our parents, which is a HUGE blessing, but then it's time to head home on Friday. Saturday will be dedicated to decorating our tree, decorating the boys' trees, decorating our house, and officially kicking off the Christmas season, something we've intended to do every year but something that has never quite worked out because of spending that extra night in B'ville.

While this year will be slightly different for us it will look very similar to the way my childhood holidays looked... which is why I know it'll be okay. I grew up in the same town as practically my whole family and got to see both sets of grandparents every holiday... and we never had to spend the night with them or see them everyday for a whole week to make it special. So even though it'll be different, I know it'll be okay.

As for Christmas, plans and traditions will pretty much stay the same for at least 1 more year... although we know if we don't move soon change is on the horizon. But for now, we think we have Christmas plans settled...

And now it's time for final decisions to be made about Christmas gifts for the boys. Ahhhh. This one is a toughie. We have the budget to keep in mind. We have space and storage to keep in mind. (We are adding another little person to the family shortly after Christmas. We can't house a toy store inside our home. It's impossible.) We also have the "overboard" and "spoiled" factor to consider. We don't want our kids to get/have so much that they're materialistic or forget the true meaning of Christmas or just have so much that they aren't appreciative and can't even play with it all.

Sooo, all of that makes Christmas lists and decisions about what Santa will bring, what we'll give them, and what family members will give them a big huge challenge. We always give them an "experience" or special outing for their birthdays so I'd rather not use that again at Christmas. I'd just like to cut back. Just do less across the board. That's what the budget wants us to do too. And don't forget that's what the space in our house prefers as well.

So, as we make out their lists for them this year and consider the gifts they'll receive from everyone (us and Santa included), things will be kept to a minimum. The whole list will not consist of toys. And the whole list will not be a mile long. We're going to go for quality versus quantity with a few needed and practical gifts thrown in. They'll still have a generous Christmas but we are determined it won't be overboard. Something we need to be in much prayer about. Christmas isn't all about the lists and gifts anyway.

So there you have it. Our holiday happenings in the works. Plans can definitely change. Christmas lists will probably for sure change, especially as we struggle to keep things simple and somewhat smaller this year. But the most important parts of the holidays for us is faith and family. We want Christ to be at the center and family to be close. We want to share traditions as a family of almost 5, and share traditions with the whole fam. We want good memories and fun times and to give back in some way.

Every year we stress and get a little too worked up over the details (because they are a big part of enjoying the holidays and keeping our sanity), but if we keep our focus on faith and family, and align our priorities accordingly, we know we'll be fine and we will in fact survive the craziness of the holidays and spending the night away and driving up and down Highway 36 fifty thousand times and having a crazy, busy, fun time with our families. We always say every year, this is a good problem to have. Because it is. We are blessed with lots and lots of holiday happenings. God is good and we are grateful.