Summertime and the livin is easy...

I blinked and 6 weeks went by, but I'll try to recap what I can remember. We kicked off summertime with a weekend by the pool for Memorial Day and it was so much fun seeing the kids take to the water like, well, fish! Both kids are loving their puddle jumpers and since it lets us have about 2 seconds to breathe, we love them too! Gray starts swimming lessons at my friend Shelly's house tomorrow so we are eager to see how he does.

I had a great Mothers Day, sleeping late, church with the fam, lunch with the Patterson clan, and catching a movie with my big sis.

Adam and the kids gave me a gift certificate to a sporting goods store so I can buy a new tennis racquet and I am excited and terrified to pick the sport back up after 15 years. I've finally graduated from the ball machine to humans and actually subbed in a league last week and survived to tell the tale. It was both an invigorating and humbling experience, but I can't wait to get back out there and find my swing again. It's gonna be a long, but fun, road and I am so thankful to my sweet hubby for giving me the encouragement to go for it. He even went and hit with me one night a few weeks ago and I have to say, it was one of the best date nights we've had in a while. I might be seeing mixed doubles in our future!

P and Pop gave the kids an outdoor play set as an early, combined birthday gift and they have been using it like crazy. We've had several play dates back there and a couple of picnics in the tree house and if it's anything like the one my Dad built for me and my sister, I know the kids are going to make LOTS of fun memories on it.

We went to our first Levitt Shell concert and are kicking ourselves for not taking advantage of this Memphis treasure sooner. The kids had a blast dancing with their cousin Greer, eating ice cream from the Yolo truck, and blowing bubbles in the summer night air. And yes, Gray is SOAKED with sweat from all the fun. Poor child!

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting a jewelery party for my good friend, Katie. Several of my sweet friends and family members came to support Katie in her new endeavor and it was so much fun to get together and visit over wine and jewelry. I'm not sure if it was the cake balls or what, but the party was a great success and I am so proud of my sweet friend and her new little business!

I've had lots of requests for the cake balls recipe, so here it is!
Cake balls
- 1 package of boxed cake mix (can use yellow, white, German chocolate, or whatever suits your fancy!)
- 1 container canned icing (any flavor will do)
- 1 package of almond bark (alternatively you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips)
- sprinkles or other decorative details

1. Bake the cake according to package directions
2. Once it is mostly cooled, crumble in a big bow
3. Add the icing and mix well; for cakier balls, add 1/2-3/4 of the icing container. For gooier cake balls, add the whole canister.
4. Freeze cake mixture for at LEAST 1 hour
5. Scoop into balls and then pierce with a tooth pick, skewer, or lollipop stick
6. Dip into melted chocolate, almond bark, etc and place on wax paper to cool
7. While still wet, add sprinkles
8. Let cool and then enjoy! (makes approximately 48)

To commemorate the end of the school year, Gray's First Baptist class had a performance, followed by a school-wide carnival with a petting zoo, bouncy house, and train rides to boot. In true Gray fashion, he sang his heart out and was a complete ham and we were oh so proud parents. In case you are wondering, he asked the face painter to make him look like a bull. What a mess that one is!

This past weekend was the FedEx St. Jude golf tournament and like we have for the past 9 years, Adam and I spent it at the Cole's house, which is prime location.... the 17th hole. Good food, good friends, good times! But, boy have things changed in the last decade or so....particularly with the addition of kids. What an experience!

That's it for now, but stay tuned for more summer fun next time!
Love,
The Pattersons

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Aside from our recent trip to Mexico (a.k.a. Paradise), the Patterson family has stayed pretty busy. The big event I had been planning for the last 6 months, Staxtacular, went off without a hitch in March, raising some $100,000 to benefit the students of the Stax Music Academy. I don't know what my next project will be, but I'm staying plenty busy playing catchup in the meantime and am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have been blessed with.

We FINALLY completed the kitchen renovation and are enjoying the heck out of it. While Adam's favorite part is definitely the new range, which lights up like a UFO, the sink is my new best friend. Washing pots in our old "mini sinks" were like bathing a rhino in a clawfoot tub, so I am LOVING all the new space!

Hayes recovered well from her tubes and adenoids surgery and just when we thought our frequent trips to the ENT were over, Gray started a chain of ear infections which will now require another set of tubes and you guessed it, an adenoidectomy! He also came down with his first case of the flu this past weekend and since it was Easter, he missed out on a lot of fun activities we had planned. To make up for it, we had our own little Easter egg hunt in the backyard, made Easter cookies, died eggs and ended up having a nice little Easter after all. Adam took Hayes over to Uncle Andrew's house for the family lunch while Gray and I watched movies and then when they returned, Hayes was out for the count and I headed over to Aunt Mal's for her open house Easter celebration. I can't remember the last time I went to something like that and didn't spend the whole time chasing kids around, making bribes, finding time-out spaces, and making sure the pets weren't tormented. In other words, it was lovely! The Easter Bunny also took Gray's pacifiers in exchange for some fun new toys and after one uneventful night, we are still waiting on the inevitable trauma and hoping we are wrong.

The kids are growing up too, too fast. Hayes already needs another haircut, chipped her first tooth falling down the stairs in Mexico, and continues to cheer when she sees meat. The child loves sausage, lamb, steak, and tenderloin. After all, she is Adam's daughter! She is saying so many new words, learning manners (she loves to dab the corners of her mouth with her napkin), and is such a copy cat of everything Gray says and does.

Gray got another big boy haircut, is completely obsessed with all things super hero (Spiderman, Batman, Captain America, and more!), and insists on being in his pajamas or his birthday suit the minute he is not in public. He counts everything, repeats everything, notices everything, and is such a funny, quirky boy. But, what a mess that one is!

I've been doing a few canvases lately, so here they are. I am so honored that people continue to ask me to do these to commemorate their special occasions....baby showers, big boy rooms, birthdays, and more!

Until next time,
The Pattersons

Our trip to Mexico

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Not quite Spring

February and March are always such weird months in Memphis. It goes from bitter cold to warm and wonderful in just a day, which in our case means kids that are sweating in turtlenecks by the end of the day or freezing in shorts. The temperature roller coaster also means more of the inevitable crud for the kiddos, which most recently came in the form of the croup for poor Gray. But after spending a good part of our weekend at Walgreens' "Take Care Clinic" and a super dose of prednisone, crazy Gray is back to his crazy old self. Let's just hope it's the last bout of illness for the season because this mommy can't handle much more.

Aside from unpredictable weather, February is also filled with two of our favorite annual occasions: Valentine's Day and Lovie's birthday. I know what you're thinking and no, we haven't been brainwashed by Hallmark or American Greetings. We do, however, love any occasion that calls for a mandatory date night and a free babysitter.  This Valentine's Day Adam and I treated ourselves to a dinner at Pasta Italia, a restaurant we had been dying to try since we were pregnant with Gray. We sucked up the fact that it was 30 minutes away and slightly beyond our budget and headed over there with visions of good Italian vino and authentic cannolis and were not disappointed.....although the vino part almost didn't happen thanks to my "baby face". Some day I'm sure I'll be thankful to my mom for these genes, but I have to admit, it's still a little annoying.

Linda's birthday is also a fun occasion because it's a guaranteed Patterson family gathering, which is always such a blessing. A little Coletta's pizza, some good red wine, and some Fresh Market desserts and we were set to celebrate another great year for "Lovie".  The cousins played and we watched with big smiles. These are the things that we know we would have missed had we moved and they are even more special as a result.

Lauren and Andrew finally moved into the home that they've been renovating for the last 6-8 months and we are so happy for them. As sad as it is to no longer see them in their kitchen window through the windows in our den, it's so nice knowing they are still just down the street. We have so many wonderful plans and hope for the future, raising our kids just two streets apart, and are looking forward to making so many fun new memories in their new home on Oakley.

We are in the midst of a kitchen renovation, which has left us with no stove for a day and no sink for 2 days. While it's been more than a pain in the rear, it makes me all that more thankful that we aren't undergoing a FULL kitchen renovation. With all of the eating out, I'm not sure my waistline could have afforded much more than what we've endured! Pictures to come soon, but just so you know, we are already kicking ourelves for not doing this 5.5 years ago when we moved in. I mean, we are in our kitchen approximately 42 hours a week, so this is definitely a worthwhile venture.

After several sarcastic comments from others and a threat from Adam to get out the clippers, I finally took Gray to get a much-needed haircut. Here he is shortly after, looking like such a big boy.

I seriously can't believe how old he is, even though this has been the longest 3.5 years of my life.I bought him his first pair of jeans the other day and teared up when I saw him in them.  I look at him and can't help but see the chubby-cheeked baby that he was, even though he is rail-skinny these days. He eats nothing but air for the most part and spends half of his days in time out, but I can't help but adore him anyway. He is loving his school, especially his Spanish and computer classes. We continue to be so thankful for the blessing that First Baptist Day School has been.

Hayes is becoming more and more verbal and a mini-me of Gray. She begs to put on the Buzz Lightyear or Spiderman costume, even though she has tutus and princess costumes galore. She is such a good eater and we feel so thankful for that. She has more teeth and hair that any child should have at this age and she continues to keep us in stitches with her sweet and sassy ways.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more info from the Patterson clan.

Emily, Adam, Gray and Hayes Patterson

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

A very merry Christmas

The Patterson family had a very merry Christmas despite both kids being sick.

My sick baby boy

We did Christmas crafts with Lovie and Papa and made sugar cookies for Santa in preparation for the big guy's long-awaited arrival.

Making pretzel snowman with Lovie and Papa

The finished product

Making cookies for Santa

P and Pop came in town, Mal and Big came (all the way) over from midtown, and we enjoyed Christmas Eve the Olivier way with church then a traditional Cajun dinner and a few early Christmas presents.

The pirate ship from P and Pop

On our way to Christmas Even church service

New princess book from P and Pop

After a late night of assembling, displaying, arranging, and preparing for the next morning, Adam and I awoke early in anticipation of the kids reactions.

Gray's Santa loot

Letter from Bill the elf and leftover cookies/milk from Santa

Hayes' Santa loot

We waited and waited and waited, but not a peep did we hear. For those of you who know my kids, you know that they wake up at the crack of dawn and at the slightest hint of a sound in the nearby vicinity (thank you Lord for a master bedroom with its own separate wing!). For those of you who know me and Adam, you know that we dare not breathe a sound, lest we might wake our light-sleeping babies, and we have been known to shush people, take phones off ringers, and all-together skip necessary activities (bathroom breaks, dinner prep, etc) as a result. Well, not this morning....we banged pans, shut doors, talked loudly, waiting, pleading for the kids to get up because we just couldn't wait to see their reactions any longer. When we finally couldn't take it anymore, we woke them up.....and then we felt bad (sort of).

Not a happy camper to have been woken up

But it was all worth it when we saw their sweet faces at the sight of what Santa had brought for them.

Gray went straight to his Batman train table where he has spent most of the last two weeks and Hayes just followed him diligently, waiting for her turn with each toy, quickly ignoring all of the princess costumes, pop-up books, and pink items, with only a brief hint of interest in her new baby doll.

Does this thing shoot or vroom? Not interested....

Conductor Gray busy with work

We had several shifts of Christmas that day, starting with my parents who were there to see the kids when they woke up.

Hayes trying on her new kitten boots

Pop trying to convince Hayes to play with her new Dora bath doll

Then Adam's parents came over and the kids had a blast tearing into the gifts all over again, as if they were the first of the day.

Hayes finally playing with something.....but it's Gray's of course

Lauren, Andrew and cousin Greer came later and it was so cute to see all three of the Patterson grandkids all together and enjoying each other.

Hayes and Greer admiring Super Gray's new cape

Hayes showing Greer how to use her new Leap Frog pot

After a much-needed nap for all four of us, we capped off the night with a yummy Christmas dinner at Lovie and Papa's with the Griesbecks, Oliviers, and Kirklands. We feel so blessed that our families get along so well and can enjoy the holidays all together.

Hayes and Greer getting all the attention

Patterson Family 2010

As if we didn't get enough Christmas over the last couple of days, we headed on over to the Griesbecks two days after Christmas to celebrate with the whole Garretty clan (or at least most of them). It was so much fun to see William, Andrew, Gray, Hayes, and Greer playing all together, but we missed Daniel's 3 boys and are looking forward to seeing them at the next family gathering. We were also excited to hear that Adam's cousin, Beth, and her husband, Bill, are expecting their first baby! Congrats to them on their first child! We can't wait to see him/her right in the mix with the rest of the Garretty kids!

Garretty cousins at Christmas

Hayes and Greer

The kids table at the Garretty Christmas

The last of the Christmas decorations are finally down and though our house looks empty, our hearts are full. We are thankful for a blessed holiday and the notion that we will be staying put for a while longer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Pattersons