Halloween Hodge Podge

Larson visited the College Square Retirement Home for a pre trick or treating field trip with his school mates. This was so much fun. It was more of a physical ed trip though. These little ladies practically chased them down with candy! Ha! Again, it was very heartwarming to see their faces light up when they arrived in costume. Little Layton went along and caught on real fast as to the sequence of events- just smile and grab.

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Presidential Banquet Hall ponies

poses

Larson milking a 'wooden' WATER cow! Where's the milk?

1 room school house details...complete with dunce hat

A lady helping Larson ring the school bell after recess

Choo choo made from oil barrels This is the most exciting Pumpkin Farm in the state-Quitman's "Pumpkins and More!" As you can see, there's lots more than pumpkins! I was only able to handle Larson this Sat. afternoon (post surgery). Layton was still napping. This place is only 4 miles or so down the road from our cabin on Greer's Ferry. How exciting to make this new discovery! If you ever get a chance to make a weekend visit, it's only 40 minutes from Conway (Marketplace).

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1/what kind of face?2/ Draw it out

3/ cut

notice the plastic knives
Here at the cabin for pumpkin carving with the Larson, Layton, cuz Brady and Kenzie. I think the pic with the big boys and their hands raised is funny! I guess it was teacher time again...it's just innate!

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from L to Rt....Kenzie, Larson, Layton, and Brady

Halloween Night.....Razorback football and baseball players...autographs anyone? See all the grandkids by the fireplace w/ Ms. Ladybug and Batman! They were adorable!

Daddy's 1st Field Trip

As I posted before, Daddy is having to do a bit extra the days with Mommy out of commission for a while! Larson's school went to the Greenbrier Pumpkin Patch and he needed a parent to accompany him- so it was Daddy to the rescue. He was so sweet and decided to take Layton along too! Kudos to Daddy!

I think this pic is hilarious....A parent friend of mine was precious and took pictures to surprise me (she didn't see Larry's cam). Anyway, I asked Larry about this pic and he is texting someone at work here. He obviously wasn't as enthralled, as the kiddos were about how sorgham is made and how cotton produces textiles! Larson is in the red jacket by his 'girl that is a friend,' Anka.
He told me that his bud, Mason likes stinky animals and he was laughing at him!

Group shot with 10 students

Larson and Anka again. She is very shy, so I think it's great that she has Mr. Socialite to entertatin her. I think he's making her blush here- would like to be a fly on his shoulder here- he's really telling her something important! :)

Post Op Bop

My staples are out! I can take a normal shower now. My checkup went well, along with other minor details returning to normal. Yipee! It's slow goin' still, but I'm optimistic! No lifting, no impact activity- which means no tugging/holding my babies or Jazzercise for 4-6 wks! She said only lift a fork and a blanket/pillow for now! I was worried about weight gain, but I've actually lost 8 lbs. I guess it's due to all the organs being removed and the 5 days of liquid diet. In addition, I'm still not able to eat as I'd like...only bland, bland, bland!

Okay, I just have to share it b/c it is so CUTE! I know that I will want to remember Larson's hilarious statement someday, but just not the other part of it. Here Goes.....

The night before I went to the Dr. visit, Larry came down the hall announcing that someone had just brought us spaghetti and that the boys should race to the table. Larson and Layton were in the bedroom with me and took off running. Larson paused and said, "Come on Mommy, you and your POTTY PACK can come too!" LOL! I thought I was going to blow my staples! Kiddos just never fail to tell it like it is, huh? Oh, and is it ever so nice to be free of that potty pack!

And is Larson ever alert to all the new changes around here... "Mom, why does everyone keep bringing us food?" "Why does Daddy put me to sleep every night?" "Pamaw, daddy is having to take mommy back to the hospital to get checked in." (the day I went for a 'check up'). "Nano, why are you coming over here everyday?" "Nano, why are you walking like Mommy?" Ha. (A whole other story.....My mom had pulled a muscle that morning--poor thing and still came to my assistance and swept, mopped, vacuumed, did dishes and laundry---just as the other grandma (pawmaw) had done during her stay with the kids the week before- with loads and loads and loads of laundry--yes, we have wonderful parents, huh?) With all this being said, Larson does well with the changes externally, but he's sure having a sleeping problem right now. He's up several times throughout the night and not napping very long. Therefore, Daddy is having to deal with sleeplessness (wd?) too! Bless their hearts, I know they're ready for some normalcy around here, just as much as Momma!

So if I tell something on Larson, I have to be fair and share about Layton. Layton's new think is that he now grabs his diaper and reports it's status! LOL! Last week, he started tugging on it and shouting, "STINKEEEE, STINKEEEE!" Okay, I'm learning that nothing stays sacred after delivery, life with kids, & female surgery, right?

My favorite thing is how Layton grabs everyone's finger and commands, "GO, GO." He has also been climbing up a step stool to climb in and out of his crib for me when dad's not around- such a big boy! However, he has been snuggling more and more on me now that I have to be more sedentary. I believe yesterday was the first time that he's ever cuddled up beside me in my bed with his blankie and cup and drifted off for a nap...and that was at 11am. He's always so independent and wants to go to his own bed. Mommy relished that moment, of course!

I feel the need to share about my main boy too! Larry (Daddy) has been a jewel of a husband and dad! He has had to take many hours away from his business to help out these days. He has never complained once. In fact, he only took on more. He can never stay still for long. He managed to care for the boys for about 4 days or so and put up a full glass storm door in the front, painted the front door, weeded and remulched the landscaping, cut grass, and installed me a handheld shower head! He never fails to amaze me with his talents!

Alright, I'm sure you're thinking I should have "What a wonderful world" playing in the background about right now, huh? No, it's not always that pleasant around here and I'm sure I'll have to post about it real soon! Until then, many thanks and blessings to our wonderful family and friends that are assisting us with food, the kiddos, housework, and prayers! We love you dearly!

Resting Time? What's That?

I returned home on Thursday night, feeling a bit more coherent. The past two days seem very foggy. The surgery went like clockwork and recovery seems to be going the same. The 2 cysts and other female parts have been sent to lab. We will have results soon. Although Dr. Holland is quite familiar with the 2 benign types that she found, she also wants a second opinion! Yeah! They discharged me to go home and rest for a month or so! What's that?

No really, I am very fortunate with a wonderful husband, family and friends! Nurse Larry made a medicine chart. He makes his rounds several times a day, brings food and pills, clears trash, and cheers his patient. The boys are so sweet around me. Layton doesn't quiet know what to think about me being bed ridden and droopy. He grabs my hand as to pull me out of bed and says, "Go, go Mommy!" ...so precious, that it breaks my heart! Larson on the other hand, snuggles up in bed and gives me "side" hugs. "Mommy, I don't want to hurt your staples!" I showed him these for that very reason. He is being quite protective now! They have also been dressing up for me, as to give a Fashion Show...see pic below. No, this isn't their Halloween costumes, but only ones from the past! With all that being said, how could I not rest well knowing that all is well?

On Tuesday, I go back to Dr. Holland to have the staples and catheter removed. Yipee! I will give an update later in the week.

I am so so appreciative for all your prayers, energy, and affection! May God bless you all! We love you!

Surgery Time

Please keep me in mind during your prayers! My "female" surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 730am (Oct. 7th). I'm hoping for benign cysts and quick recovery! It's a major health need, so I'm looking at it from that stand point. However, I keep the thoughts of NO more babies in the back of my mind. I know I will continue to treasure every milestone with these blessed miracles you view via this blog. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'm at home with them everyday, but I'm already anxious about getting back on my feet, being able to lift Layton and chase around Larson. The thoughtless details that come with maintaining a household as a Mom of toddlers is also weighing heavy on my mind! Here's to a good nights rest for Larry, me and the boys while I'm hospitalized for a couple of nights! THANK YOUS already go out to my Mother in law, Diane who will keep them for a long day tomorrow (the next wk) and Mom (next week too)/sister who'll have them over night, my hubby that will be in limbo with me and them throughout, Poppy and Nanny Wanda, Jill, Beth, Jennifer, Alison, playgroup friends- Ashley, Tiffany, Vicki, Deb , and my Jazzy friends that have also volunteered time w/boys and/or food! God bless and thank you all! -In Christ, Tracy

Apple Pickin' Time

Here we are at Collins Apple Orchard, complete w/ a tractor hay ride. It's my first school field trip! Yeehaw!

I'm not shy around girls. Let's get pickin' gals! (Anka, Gracie, Larson)

1/spy the perfect apple, 2/ twist from stem 3/grab and go

eatin' time...
apple story time...

Go Bears!

It's my first College football tailgater! Here I am watching the marching band go by. We're right outside the Univ. of Central AR bears' stadium.

We've got to watch out for Layton...he's already chasing little cheerleaders! Zoe and Larson tailgating it! Zoe is our neighbors' granddaughter that Mommy has been babysitting for a bit. Her gma got us Tshirts, tickets, and all the cheer misc. What great neighbors we have. Thanks so much!
Is it time to go on the field yet? We're getting bored?

Now that's what I call a front row seat! "Check out that cheerleader!"

Cousin Brady's not camera shy...so photogenic!

Look closely at the picture! This sums up Larson...always "gotta go!"