Easter

After a week full of Easter activities and other busyness, we managed to cram in more Easter on Sunday.

Our first task of the day was to see what the Easter Bunny had left {and to make sure he hadn't hippity hopped into Avery's room}.  Side note: One day I really am going to learn to order PBK holiday items when they list them months before the actual holiday.  Sam had to make do with his small basket from last year.  Sam had a small basket last year because I could only get Avery a small basket by the time I ordered for her first Easter.  Anyway, PBK lesson learned for the 50th time.  The Easter Bunny added to Avery's dollhouse and Sam's zoo and provided books, project activities, and baby necessities for Sam.

For breakfast I did the orange roll bunnies from Pinterest, substituting the homemade dough for the Pillsbury variety.  All went well until I put them in the oven.  Either the directions had the time wrong or our oven is cooking hot/fast.  Sam made his breakfast on a few tops, but thank goodness for Bojangles.  My hashtag for this photo was #pinthis.

Ned and Avery went to Sunday school and then Sam and I joined them.  It was rainy and cold and I was disappointed, even though we have had beautiful Easters since Avery was born.  Sam cried when I left him, then started again when he came in for the children's sermon.  Church went a little long, making me nervous about our lunch at Mimi's.  I was more nervous when we picked up a very sluggish Sam from the nursery.  I had to run home and pick up some things, and when I got to Mimi's Avery fell apart because I had brought her booster seat for Sam.  She just couldn't get it together, family wanted to visit, and Sam wanted to eat.  There are times when I feel like I have not found an appropriate chill pill balance for holidays and I hate that because I usually end up stressed.

 My father-in-law got a few pictures of us with Ned's camera.  My editing skills aren't good enough to make me look better than I felt.

 

We came home for naps, and I laid down because I wasn't feeling well.  Once the kids got up, we redressed Avery to try to get some pictures in their outfits.  We started strolling to the pond, but there were kids there and it got cloudy and cold.  We came inside and got a few just to say we had.  Luckily Sam had his one-year portraits in his outfit.  I'm sure you're starting to notice where I have to position my kids to get good light in the afternoon/evening.

By this point I wasn't feeling well and my eye was red and getting gross.  I called to get our family practice doctor on-call, and luckily it was mine.  He called in an antibiotic which would take care of my eye and sinus infection.  Avery and I went to get my medicine and picked up some dinner since I couldn't get to the grocery store.  After the kids went to bed we watched The Bible but my eye was so bad I couldn't enjoy it.

Rain, sickness, bad moods, and crazy schedules made it a very real holiday, but we know that the main reason of the day is celebrating our risen Lord and that is all that matters.  The pictures will do, the bunnies will be tried again, and Sam and I are hopefully healing as we prepare to enjoy the rest of our spring break.

Week in Review ~ 3/30

It was a whirlwind week leading up to spring break, but it was filled with many things we had been looking forward to. Avery and I went to Sunday school on Sunday, then Ned and Sam joined us. Sam did not cry when we left him, prompting us to ask Ms. Tonya to keep the nursery each time.  After nap time we went to see my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday.  We are visiting in a quiet sitting area now, so we can let the kids play and tear up without too much trouble.  We went to Panera Bread for dinner after that, and while we were there we found out that it was snowing/icing at home.  Our ride home was long and nerve-wracking for me.  In just 30 miles we passed 8 cars off the road.  I was so happy to get home safely and know my dad was home safe as well.  I had heard about a fatal wreck on the road he travels, so I had held my breath until I heard from him.

Monday morning started off with a delay because of the roads.  Shortened Mondays on a short week are always appreciated.  Avery had her Easter egg hunt and party at Bible Zone last night.  We took some treats to her teachers since it was the last night for the year.  She came home with lots of eggs and goodies.

Sam was ready for a party too.

Tuesday night I had a program at school, so Ned picked the kids up.  In between school and the program, I went to my parents' to put away their Santas.  Slowly but surely we're getting their Christmas decorations put away.  Our program was over about 8 p.m. so I got home a little before 9.

We came home to a fun surprise Wednesday.  The Millers egged us!  What a neat idea, and one that I want to try next year.  It's hard to surprise people when you work.

Avery had a fun time finding the eggs that Camden hid.

After that we got ready to go to Pre-K open house.  Someone was feeling a little sassy.

On Thursday I picked the kids up and we headed to Conway Photo Shop to have Sam's one-year portraits done.  I had not felt well all day and I was nervous about how Sam would do at that time of the day.  He did so well, almost well enough to make me want to squeeze him into an outfit of Ned's to do more pictures, but I didn't.  We came home and Ned was fixing breakfast for dinner.  We got the kids to bed, he went to drill, and I was asleep on the sofa by 8:30 p.m.

Friday arrived finally, bringing the start of spring break and our five year wedding anniversary.  We got out of school at 1 p.m. and I went to Franklin to pick up some groceries and Easter things.  I was not at all pleased with what I had for Easter baskets but couldn't find anything I wanted.  Probably a sure sign no one needed anything.  Jennifer had her Easter egg hunt that afternoon.  This buddy will be all in the action next year.

Once we got home, Sam managed to sneak a piece of candy, thus giving him his first experience with chocolate candy, peanut butter, and foil.  That afternoon Mimi came and kept the kids so that Ned and I could go out for our anniversary.  I was nervous leaving Sam but figured enough time had passed so that if he had a reaction, it wouldn't be a bad one.  We went to our favorite restaurant at the lake and had a great time and great meal.  Although we had decided no gifts, Ned surprised me with a gift certificate for a monogrammed rain coat from The Whimzy Tree here in town.  Ned must think it's time to replace my Gap rain coat from my senior year of high school.  We got home about 8:15 p.m. and Avery's bedroom light was still on.  I was just sure she was up sick, but she and Mimi were reading a story.  I got to put her to bed, so that ended my night well.

Ned got up with the kids Saturday morning since I still wasn't feeling well.  We were supposed to go to an Easter egg hunt at the Millers' church, but I decided I wasn't feeling up to it.  I spent the rest of the day wishing we had because the weather was so nice, but I think it would have probably been pushing Sam's nap time.  Avery and I dyed eggs that morning while Sam napped.

After lunch I went and spent the afternoon with my mom.  I coughed and coughed and prayed no one would kick me out.  I drove through Sonic on the way home for a grilled cheese and strawberry limeade because they sounded like healing foods.  I was home in time to see everyone before bed and to put Sam to bed.  Ned had a bit of trouble getting Avery to bed because she was worried the Easter Bunny was coming in her room.  They finally decided that closing her door and writing the bunny a note would take care of the problem.  All this from the child who said all week she wanted to go sit on his lap.  Once everyone was in bed I did the bunny preparations then laid down to get ready for our busy day.

Pre- K Open House

We took our big girl to Pre-K open house tonight. We already knew it was the place for Avery, but we wanted to go hear all the ins and outs and let Avery see her school. I was so proud of Avery when she hopped out of her chair and went to her classroom to play while we did our session.

I have been praying about her first school experience for a long time. Before she was born, I knew just where she would go, but then life happens. That meant letting go of what I thought she would do and accepting something else. What a relief to be feeling so much peace about her Pre-K year.

She'll do a few weeks this summer in the 3yr room to get used to things then will move up to the 4yr class in the fall. Starting Avery as the oldest or the baby has been prayed about a lot as well, but I know the staff will help us make the best decisions if being the baby is too much.

Everyone was so friendly tonight, and all the rules and procedures thrill my OCD heart. I'm already getting a little emotional about this big milestone...starting school, not being on the daily car ride, etc. I just know she's going to have a great year though. I did good tonight until they whipped out the supply list and then tears came to my eyes. That must sound too grown to my ears.

Avery's best buddy Camden picked out a cubby for her today, and while we didn't get homework tonight, she was not ready to leave. She's all ready for her first summer week, which includes a bike "hiporade" and picnic. All we need is a new "pack pack" and lunch "pack pack" and we'll be set to be a big school girl.

 

Week in Review ~ 3/23

Busy weeks and fun weekends are making it tough to blog about them!

On Sunday, Avery and Ned went to Sunday school then came home since Sam had been sick and was still fussy.  After naps we went to see my mom.  It was the first time the kids had seen my parents in forever because of everyone being sick.  Avery was so excited that she didn't know how to handle herself for a bit.  Mom is doing so much better and we had a good visit.  Sunday visits of course mean a stop at Panera Bread before coming home.  Avery slept on the ride home then rested while before we could get her up to bed.

Our week was filled with meetings, Bible Zone, dance, and more meetings.  We took away Sam's afternoon bottle and really tried to push table food.  Monday afternoon we were late getting home, so he was hungry, and dinner was a disaster.  We had to get him out of the chair once to calm down to even eat baby food.  Things did get better, but he is still eating one thing one day but not the next, eating 2 bites of something before being done, and my personal favorite, throwing the food on the floor.  He can at least entertain himself with dining items.

Friday afternoon we ordered pizza and had fun waiting for that and for Daddy.

After dinner I picked up Anna and we headed to Kristen's jewelry party.  It was a fun night socializing and shopping.  Ned was asleep when I got home, which I guess is payback for all the times he's come home from fires and meetings and I've been out of it.

Ned got up with the kids Saturday morning, and then I got up because he had a hunt club meeting.  Avery and I did a marshmallow bunny project from Amy's blog.  Marshmallows make anything fun in this house.

Once Ned got home I went to the store, then we got busy getting ready to have the Millers for dinner.

We had such a wonderful time having them over.  Avery and Camden played so well and really enjoy each other's company.  Avery has decided that Camden is her sister, which works out well around here.  They were able to play before and after dinner, Sam threw no fits while we ate because I stuffed him with puffs, and doubling my dinner without the appropriate size pots did not turn out terribly.  It was a great night and we can't wait to do it again.

This week is extremely busy but fun as well, and I'm counting down the days until Easter and spring break.

Week in Review ~ 3/16

I figured I better get last week recorded since this week is nearly half through.  On Sunday Avery and I went to Sunday School and Ned and Sam joined us for worship.  Avery's Bible Zone class sang, and the turnout was pitiful.  It is sad that a Monday night program doesn't carry over to Sunday morning.  I left right from church to go visit my mom.  I got lunch at Panera and took her some soup.  She was still in the hospital and working on her appetite.  Once I got home, it was our regular dinner and play routine.

Avery woke up with yucky eyes Monday morning.  I figured {and hoped} it was just extreme congestion because pink eye is such a mess.  She went to work with Ned spreading germs and we made an appointment for her after Sam's well-check that afternoon.  Sam got shots and a good report and Avery got an antibiotic.  We decided to have dinner at Fred's before we came home.

The middle of the week was just normal life with huge bears in the car, wasting water, and other shenanigans.  

Friday when I picked the kids up Sam's eye was gross.  Luckily our pediatrician was still in and just called Sam in the same thing Avery had.  We had all planned to go to a pancake dinner with a bunch of friends, and even though Sam would have stayed in the stroller and not touched anything, I knew people would not want him near their food.  He was a bit tired on the way home anyway.

Ned and Sam stayed home and Avery and I ate pancakes with our friends.  Avery was so happy to be eating pancakes and sausage beside Camden and across from Mason.  We got Ned a plate and picked up Sam's medicine before coming home.

Sam's eyes were a terrible mess Saturday morning and one was even stuck together.  Luckily Ned was home and up to help.  Ned left to help my dad plant trees on one of the farms, and the kids and I enjoyed a day at home.  I had to interrupt this at the end of nap time.

Ned got home late afternoon and I went to the grocery store.  After baked spaghetti for dinner it was bed time for the kids.

Everyone seems to be on the mend now, and we are counting down the days until spring break!