Boogers and Bows

The cold weather has definitely slowed us down a little over the last month, as have the constant sicknesses we've been battling....ear infections for sweet Hazey, the stomach bug for Gray and me, and pink eye for Adam. But I think (knock on wood) that we're finally on the mend and looking forward to some better days ahead. Sweet Hayes had another set of tubes put in and her adenoids taken out today. She had a rough time coming out of the anesthesia but was back to her sassy old self after a few short hours. She is so funny these days, repeating so many words (Lovie, P, french fries, hot dogs, hugs, love you....all a girl's favorites!) and we just melt every time we hear them.It reminds us how big she has grown and that's she's really not a baby anymore....even if she's still our baby. We can't wait till the new tubes kick in and she's back to her sweet little self....being feisty with her brother, loving on everybody, and eating everything in front of her. Even being as sick as she's been hasn't stopped her from trying (and loving) ceasar salad, sushi, and salsa over the last month. Thank God for at least one good eater!

In contrast, Gray is eating nothing but yogurt, PB&J, and cheese these days and I'm about to pull my hair out trying to make sure he eats enough to "keep a bird alive" as my grandmother would say. You watch....he's going to shock us all and be a food critic one day. Until then, I'm going to try and not give myself a nervous breakdown over it. Stay tuned....

I am also happy to report that we have recently conquered the formidable potty training challenge and what turned out to be a not-so-traumatic affair. The key was definitely waiting until he was ready, using a sticker chart, and promising a big toy (in his case, Bumblebee the Transformer) once it was all said and done.  I owe a huge debt to our sweet neighbor, Carie, for the "3 day manual" she shared with us. It definitely saved us a lot of time and tears.

Adam traveled to California for a good part of this week and left me panicked with two semi-sick kids as I gear up for another year of Staxtacular--the event that I planned last year to benefit Soulsville and the Stax Music Academy. No matter how stressed out I get during the planning of this event, and I do, I continue to remind myself how blessed I am. I am working from home....doing something fun....that I love....and am good at (or at least like to think that I am). How many times can we say that in our lives? Thank you Lord for knowing me better than I do and always having a plan when mine seems to fail.

Here are some pics from the last month....not many, but good memories nonetheless.

Gray enjoying the first big snow of the year

My big boy

Sweet Hazey and her love for peppermint oreos!

Hayes' first reaction to the snow

Until next time,
The Pattersons