Monday, May 03, 2010
Silly Boy
Gray looks so much like Jeremy. We ask him who he looks like and he says "Uncle Derek" which is funny because that is my sisters husband. Anyway, he has been going in our closet and putting on Jeremy's stuff lately. We even caught him in the closet with Jeremy's iphone the other day. 
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Easter 2010 (Very Creative Title)
Gray and Sam both got umbrellas. Do they need one? No! Does it hardly ever rain here? No! Are they good weapons? Yes! Do they flip inside out easily? Yes! Were they worth $1 at the dollar store? Absolutely!
We hide their baskets, so keeping them inside their room until time to come out gets a little crazy!! (I have no idea what happened to Gray's shirt)
I also have no idea why my pictures are all blurry!
We hide their baskets, so keeping them inside their room until time to come out gets a little crazy!! (I have no idea what happened to Gray's shirt)
I also have no idea why my pictures are all blurry!
Mighty Fine
Mighty Fine Burgers is one of our favorite places to eat in Austin. They have awesome burgers. I love that it is loud and they have really long tables for our whole crew. Also, they have this really cool hand washing machine that I can't explain unless you see it. You get a sticker that says "I have clean hands". It is probably the only time all my boys have their hands washed and are happy to actually wash them.
This night they gave away free milkshakes. Yum!
Easter Egg Hunt
Gray and Parker
Lindsey and Micah
Gray was serious about his egg hunting this year!
Blake and Sam (I let Sam hunt in the 5&6 Egg Hunt. I didn't want him running over 3yr olds in his age group)
Tyler and Jeremy were helping Free Chapel pass out water bottles. We handed out about 600 water bottles at the Easter Egg Hunt this year.
Lindsey and Micah
Gray was serious about his egg hunting this year!
Blake and Sam (I let Sam hunt in the 5&6 Egg Hunt. I didn't want him running over 3yr olds in his age group)
Tyler and Jeremy were helping Free Chapel pass out water bottles. We handed out about 600 water bottles at the Easter Egg Hunt this year.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Last but not Least!
On Friday, my Mom took Sam and my nephew Jax out to lunch, so Gray and I got to hang out all by ourselves. Rarely am I ever with just one of my boys. Gray being the youngest of four loves being with people and he actually doesn't really like being alone. I hope in the Fall when Sam goes to Kindergarten that he will be okay with just me. We might have to schedule some serious play dates. Anyway, on Friday we ran several errands (so much easier with just one) and Gray gets to walk instead of being in the buggy. His favorite part was going to Dick's sporting goods. I need new running shoes and wanted to check out what they had. It took forever just to get back to the shoes because we stopped at this!!!
The hunting tent (camp out as Gray calls it).
He was in 2yr old boy heaven!!! I love that face.
The hunting tent (camp out as Gray calls it).
He was in 2yr old boy heaven!!! I love that face.Texas Texas
Last week we received a sweet e-mail from Blake's teacher about a little play they would be putting on in his class. Of course it was about Texas! Who is surprised? I knew it when his characters costume was a cowboy!!
Yeah, Sam took these wonderfull artistic pictures of mine and Blake's feet. Just a glimpse of what goes on when I am talking with other adults.
Back on track. This was Blake's little group of cowboys/girls. I thought it was funny because Blake said Sophia (the one holding the papers) was being really bossy. I hear that a lot about Blake's "girl" friends.
The family picture. Tyler did come from his class to see the play, but had to leave because some really fun and exciting things were happening in the library. (I have no idea what). By the way, I can't wait to get my braces off.
My sweet Cowboy!!!
Yeah, Sam took these wonderfull artistic pictures of mine and Blake's feet. Just a glimpse of what goes on when I am talking with other adults.
Back on track. This was Blake's little group of cowboys/girls. I thought it was funny because Blake said Sophia (the one holding the papers) was being really bossy. I hear that a lot about Blake's "girl" friends.
The family picture. Tyler did come from his class to see the play, but had to leave because some really fun and exciting things were happening in the library. (I have no idea what). By the way, I can't wait to get my braces off.
My sweet Cowboy!!!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Why Big Families are Easier!
Below is a blog entry from a bloggy Mom that has four children and pregnant with her fifth. (McKMama) I loved this blog entry for obvious reasons. I honestly get a comment every time I am at the grocery store or the park or the boys school about having four children so close together. "Do you know how that happens?" "Are you Catholic?" "Wow! You have your hands full." "Did you plan on having four kids?"I need to do a whole other post on the fact that they are all boys!!
Just to be honest, my husband isn't quite on board yet, but I would love to adopt someday (sooner than later). So Yes, I LOVE big families and I totally believe it can be easier, in a lot of ways.
Why Big Families are Easier:
Patience. I never have to teach patience. My children know that I can’t drop everything for them if I have a baby in my arms.
Work Ethic. My children have learned to work because there are always chores to do in a small house packed with little messy lunatics. And they all learn quickly that sometimes they have to clean up a mess even though they didn’t make it.
Humility. My children have learned it’s not always their turn. They’ve accepted they can’t always get their way because other people have to get their way sometimes. They’ve learned that some children are better at certain things than they are.
Foreign language skills. You can learn a lot of Spanish by watching ten years of Dora the Explorer that you just can’t pick up in two. And now with the Diego spin off I’m practically fluent.
Laughter. The children have learned to laugh at the insane non sequiturs of younger siblings. They’ve learned that laughing just feels better when seven people are doing it along with you.
Competition. Do I really need to go into this? Everything is a competition in big families. The children compete over who reads faster, who drinks their milk faster, who gets to the bathroom first…etc. Everything is a competition and they’re all keeping score.
Balance. The floor of the front room of my home is a minefield of toys and childhood paraphernalia. Just walking through the room requires great skill and balance. I’m absolutely convinced my two year old will be a favorite for Gold on the balance beam in the 2016 Olympics. (She might have to lay off the cookies a little but I’ll deal with that later.)
Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you just give it to the baby because you want a little quiet. Not all the time. But sometimes.
Just say “No.” Being able to say “no” may be the most undervalued skill in this world. The need to be liked is pervasive. The need to be cool even more so. Having brothers and sisters teaches children to say “no” about 143 times a day. It’s a good skill.
Praying. They learn that nothing beats praying together as a family.
Nature/Nurture. Having many children has taught me that nature has a lot more to do with who my kids are than nurture. This is helpful, especially when your children misbehave you don’t have to feel bad about it. Just say “Stupid nature!!!” and blame your spouse’s genes.
Namecalling. You can occasionally call your child by the wrong name and still not be considered a terrible parent. They know who you mean just from your tone. Sometimes if you need something done you can call the wrong name and someone will still show up. That helps.
Spying. My children have learned that they can’t get away with anything. I have spies who look a lot like them who are willing to drop the dime on them for anything. Even at school I’ve got a child in just about every grade. If they do something I’ll hear. That keeps them nervous. And I like keeping my kids a little nervous.
Friendship. The children have many friends. They’ve got girly friends, crying friends, fun loving friends, consoling friends, and crazy friends. And they all have the same last name. And they’ll be there forever for each other. No matter what.
Love. I think my children have learned to love because there are others around them to love and who love them. I honestly can think of no better way to teach children to love than siblings.
Just to be honest, my husband isn't quite on board yet, but I would love to adopt someday (sooner than later). So Yes, I LOVE big families and I totally believe it can be easier, in a lot of ways.
Why Big Families are Easier:
Patience. I never have to teach patience. My children know that I can’t drop everything for them if I have a baby in my arms.
Work Ethic. My children have learned to work because there are always chores to do in a small house packed with little messy lunatics. And they all learn quickly that sometimes they have to clean up a mess even though they didn’t make it.
Humility. My children have learned it’s not always their turn. They’ve accepted they can’t always get their way because other people have to get their way sometimes. They’ve learned that some children are better at certain things than they are.
Foreign language skills. You can learn a lot of Spanish by watching ten years of Dora the Explorer that you just can’t pick up in two. And now with the Diego spin off I’m practically fluent.
Laughter. The children have learned to laugh at the insane non sequiturs of younger siblings. They’ve learned that laughing just feels better when seven people are doing it along with you.
Competition. Do I really need to go into this? Everything is a competition in big families. The children compete over who reads faster, who drinks their milk faster, who gets to the bathroom first…etc. Everything is a competition and they’re all keeping score.
Balance. The floor of the front room of my home is a minefield of toys and childhood paraphernalia. Just walking through the room requires great skill and balance. I’m absolutely convinced my two year old will be a favorite for Gold on the balance beam in the 2016 Olympics. (She might have to lay off the cookies a little but I’ll deal with that later.)
Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you just give it to the baby because you want a little quiet. Not all the time. But sometimes.
Just say “No.” Being able to say “no” may be the most undervalued skill in this world. The need to be liked is pervasive. The need to be cool even more so. Having brothers and sisters teaches children to say “no” about 143 times a day. It’s a good skill.
Praying. They learn that nothing beats praying together as a family.
Nature/Nurture. Having many children has taught me that nature has a lot more to do with who my kids are than nurture. This is helpful, especially when your children misbehave you don’t have to feel bad about it. Just say “Stupid nature!!!” and blame your spouse’s genes.
Namecalling. You can occasionally call your child by the wrong name and still not be considered a terrible parent. They know who you mean just from your tone. Sometimes if you need something done you can call the wrong name and someone will still show up. That helps.
Spying. My children have learned that they can’t get away with anything. I have spies who look a lot like them who are willing to drop the dime on them for anything. Even at school I’ve got a child in just about every grade. If they do something I’ll hear. That keeps them nervous. And I like keeping my kids a little nervous.
Friendship. The children have many friends. They’ve got girly friends, crying friends, fun loving friends, consoling friends, and crazy friends. And they all have the same last name. And they’ll be there forever for each other. No matter what.
Love. I think my children have learned to love because there are others around them to love and who love them. I honestly can think of no better way to teach children to love than siblings.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Oh the Conversations!
I wish I could remember all the conversations my boys have with each other and with Jeremy and I! This is one from today when we were shopping for a new washer for four hours!!
Tyler (9): "When I drive I want to drive a Dodge Ram truck"
Me: "I think you should drive the van (our 2004 Honda Odyssey) when you turn 16! Better gas mileage, you can pile in your friends, put your drums in the back for when you are in a band."
Blake(6): "You could drive your girlfriend in the van!" (laughing hysterically)
Sam(4): "I want to drive an RV."
Gray(2): "I want to ride the bus."
Sam(4): "You can take Blake and me and Gray to get a treat!"
Tyler (9): "I still want a truck!"
We also played several rounds of "Would you rather..." which gets pretty interesting with the boys for example "Would you rather smell like a monkey or a dog?" I can't even participate when it turns in that direction.:)
Tyler (9): "When I drive I want to drive a Dodge Ram truck"
Me: "I think you should drive the van (our 2004 Honda Odyssey) when you turn 16! Better gas mileage, you can pile in your friends, put your drums in the back for when you are in a band."
Blake(6): "You could drive your girlfriend in the van!" (laughing hysterically)
Sam(4): "I want to drive an RV."
Gray(2): "I want to ride the bus."
Sam(4): "You can take Blake and me and Gray to get a treat!"
Tyler (9): "I still want a truck!"
We also played several rounds of "Would you rather..." which gets pretty interesting with the boys for example "Would you rather smell like a monkey or a dog?" I can't even participate when it turns in that direction.:)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Snow in Austin, Oh My!
Finally after reading all the fb updates on snow in the South East, we finally got snow today. My boys are driving my crazy because they are so excited about it. Let's just say I am glad we do not get snow that often. 
Tyler's face totally describes his love/hate relationship with the snow.
Guess who? Grayson!!
I was freezing and wanted them to hurry to get a picture of all them together. This is the best I could get.
Blake loved it more than anyone. He did not complain and stayed out the longest.
Tyler's face totally describes his love/hate relationship with the snow.
Guess who? Grayson!!
I was freezing and wanted them to hurry to get a picture of all them together. This is the best I could get.
Blake loved it more than anyone. He did not complain and stayed out the longest.
The BIG 9!
What is it about my first born, my oldest, getting one year older that makes me stop and ponder the last 9 years of not only his life, but my life, especially as a Mom? It is always a good reminder of how privileged and blessed I am to be the Mom of all four of my boys.
Tyler turned 9 yesterday Feb. 22nd. I found this picture of when he was 3. I love it because his passion(s) were clear at an early age.:)
Tyler wanted to go to a University of Texas game with Blake and two of his buds, Jackson and Jason. I think Jeremy had more fun than the boys.
After the game, the boys came back to the house for Tyler's favorite dinner of chili and mini cheesecakes!
We are very proud of Tyler and love him like crazy!
Tyler turned 9 yesterday Feb. 22nd. I found this picture of when he was 3. I love it because his passion(s) were clear at an early age.:)
Tyler wanted to go to a University of Texas game with Blake and two of his buds, Jackson and Jason. I think Jeremy had more fun than the boys.
After the game, the boys came back to the house for Tyler's favorite dinner of chili and mini cheesecakes!
We are very proud of Tyler and love him like crazy!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Slacker
I have totally been a slacker when it comes to blogging lately. Right now we are smack dab in the middle of 21 days of prayer and fasting. If you don't want time to fly by just do a fast. With that you would think that I would be blogging everyday, but it is amazing how just cleaning the house or running errands makes you tired. So, there is my excuse and one more, our friend borrowed our camera. Hopefully I can take some pictures of the crazy things that go on around the Self household soon.
These pictures reminded me of today. It is 78 and beautiful. Love Austin in January.
These pictures reminded me of today. It is 78 and beautiful. Love Austin in January.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Roll Tide Roll
If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know we were all looking forward to the big National Championship game. Jeremy and Sam are total Texas fans. Blake, Gray, and I are Alabama fans and Tyler is seriously confused and doesn't want to hurt any ones feelings. (hence the orange hat and tide shirt). We have had a lot of fun living in Austin with this game coming up. In the front of our neighborhood they had a huge Texas Longhorns flag right next to the American flag. (On a side note: People in Texas love flags and stars!!! They are everywhere.)
We went to my sisters for dinner and to watch the game. Jeremy and the boys left early because it was such a late game and honestly I was ready for Jeremy to leave. It was a good thing we watched in separate.
Sam isn't smiling because I said "1,2,3 Roll Tide"
Blake isn't smiling because Tyler was annoying him seconds before this picture.
We went to my sisters for dinner and to watch the game. Jeremy and the boys left early because it was such a late game and honestly I was ready for Jeremy to leave. It was a good thing we watched in separate.
Sam isn't smiling because I said "1,2,3 Roll Tide"
Blake isn't smiling because Tyler was annoying him seconds before this picture.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Merry Christmas
I love this moment on Christmas morning!!
We have had a very relaxing and chill holiday season. Well, that isn't totally true. We have had a very relaxing and chill Christmas Day to New Year's Day! Ha!
This is the 2nd year that we haven't traveled for Christmas. I think there are pros and cons to both. Traveling is exciting and a lot of work (especially packing/traveling with 4 kids). Staying home is peaceful, but not quite as exciting and fun. Anyway, it has been good and my boys play, play, play all day long. Our neighborhood is full of kids and they would much rather be home and play with them than anything else. They ride bikes, jump on the trampoline, play all kinds of games, ball, and listen to ipod's (This one is funny to see almost all of them with their ipod's. They played the "sing off" today.) On a side note it is 67 degrees today. Crazy.
One last thing, my boys favorite gifts:
Tyler 8yo: ipod nano (half the songs are sung by the Chipmunks)
Blake 6yo: 4 wheeler (enough said)
Sam 4yo: Batman Bat Cave and all the characters (I have been asked 142 times to play the role of Robin)
Gray 2yo: All of the above and anything else the older boys received, but he didn't.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Staff Christmas Party
We had a Christmas themed dress up party for our staff Christmas party this year. It was a lot of fun and super laid back. I think we might do this every year.
Santa and his reindeer!! Gray was totally scared of Jeremy. He kept saying "that's not Santa, that's my Daddy."
Santa and Rudolph
The whole crew!
Buddy the Elf and a Sugar Plum Fairy!
Mary, The Holy Ghost, and two little Reindeer.
A Family pic!
Santa and his reindeer!! Gray was totally scared of Jeremy. He kept saying "that's not Santa, that's my Daddy."
Santa and Rudolph
The whole crew!
Buddy the Elf and a Sugar Plum Fairy!
Mary, The Holy Ghost, and two little Reindeer.
A Family pic!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Advent
Two years ago I was on a rampage to find an Advent calendar. I found one that I fell in love with and we started Advent with the boys last year. I like it because it is big and it hangs on my wall. It was good and the boys had fun, but I wanted this year to be a bit more meaningful. A friend of mine has a website called Impress Your Kids. Check it out. It is great and I am stealing all of their ideas. Peace and Joy!!
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