Family pics....silly boys!

We are Sick!

It is Thursday night and me and all 3 boys have the flu. Austin hasn't been diagnosed yet but he started running a fever about an hour ago. We are all on Tamiflu except Hayden....he is too young to take it and seems to have the symptoms the worst. I have to keep an eye on him especially because he is so young and was born early. The flu can be a scary thing and I hope we can all beat it quickly! It sure does spread quickly! Usually we have an illness one at a time over here but not this time. It has decided to go ahead and wipe us all out. Honestly, with the tamiflu our symptoms are very minor. Mostly fever, headache and cold symptoms....but pretty minor. Hayden has the same symptoms but seems to be very uncomfortable and looks sick.

We had planned to make a trip to Arkansas this weekend but we will have to cancel that unfortunately. Papaw Turner has some beagle puppies and I told the boys we could go up there and they can pick one out. We might have to make the trip for the day and not stay with them. I wouldn't want to get them sick too. The boys really want their new puppy and I am not sure if they could wait another whole week.

The big boys are on the "sick" couches sleeping and Hayden is asleep in my room. I think I will lay down for the night because I know tomorrow will be another day to take care of everyone. Good night!

The boys are all asleep...tucked in safe and sound in their beds with good dreams ahead of them. I am sitting here thinking about our weekend and our time together. The Lord has truly blessed me and given me everything I could ever need in life. To wake up to the boys every morning, to kiss their foreheads and love them with everything in me is the best reward I could ever have. They are such good boys and have so much love in them as well. I often wonder how I got so lucky??? Life hasn't always been the easiest and I continue to face hardships. I continue to try and make this the best life for my boys and I want to make sure they are happy and healthy. I want so much for them...as we all do for our kids. Whatever that might be I will try and do what I believe is best for the kids. If I had to give a bit of advice for you raising your children I would say...." Talk to your kids, be involved with them and their activities, give them the attention and love they deserve, smile and laugh with them daily, in all the chaos stop to listen, live with no regrets, hold them close!" We all get caught up in life but don't put your children on the back burner. I truly believe my children are the way they are now because I do those things. Find what is special and important to each child and make that grow. Everything I have and have experienced has been by the grace of God. God is a huge part of our life and he leads us to where we should be. With God by our side we can do anything.

We all go through struggles and hard times.... start giving back by helping someone that needs help. Focus on the positive and put God into other's hearts by helping when they are down. Believe...God works through us!!!

Hayden's Checkup!

Hayden is 7 months old now! He weighs 16 lbs 2 oz. (10%) and is 26 inches long (5%). He is a little shrimp like Trae was (Trae was a little longer). Now Trae is the tallest in his class and in the 90% in height. The doctor says he looks very healthy and is doing great. He is trying to crawl now and loves to be the center of attention. His hair is coming in very slowly and his eyes are brown like Trae and Austin. He is a good baby that loves his brothers!

Austin's Surgery

Well, it has been a week since Austin had his tonsils removed. He is doing a little better today and actually ate last night and this morning! I have to say this has been a difficult recovery for my tough boy! You would think he would jump at the fact he could eat ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, jello, etc. any time he wanted. He hasn't touched that stuff! He really hasn't eaten but a couple things in a whole week. He has been drinking pretty good but got dehydrated on Saturday night and started running a fever and throwing up. Once I got some more fluids in him he was ok.
The hardest part has been Austin not talking, he is always talking away! He is talking a little bit more today but mostly just grunts and points.
Today is his Valentines Party and he is excited about that! He has 2 new friends and they are too cute!

Stride & Ride

We just returned from the MDA Stride & Ride Walk! It was really big this year and alot of people participated. I brought all the boys with me and they loved it....even Hayden! They got their Stride and Ride t-shirts and "Team Trae Hays" buttons and they were so proud!! It was alot of fun and for such a great cause. I have to thank all of those who donated for our group, we raised $850 online and a couple thousand in checks. It means so much to me to be able to walk in Trae's memory and especially to give money to an organization that does so much to help.

Thanks for your help!!!

Austin's 5th birthday party!

Austin and I have decided to have his party at The Zone in McKinney this year. He wants to do laser tag with all of his friends and play in the arcade room, have pizza, drinks and cake. We also decided to do a Camo theme for all the party wear and party favors. I booked the date and ordered all the invitations. We are ready to go! Now I need to find a new cake lady since mine doesn't do them anymore. :(
I am thinking about getting him a swingset or fort for the backyard. He would love that!!!!

After we get through with Austin's bday party I am going to start planning Hayden's first party! I already know what I am going to do!!!!

Austin is getting his tonsils out

I took Austin to the ENT on Weds. Dr. Rohn confirmed that he does need to have his tonsils removed soon. He said in most cases it is a red flag if your child gets strep 4 times in a year. Austin has had it 4-5 times in 6 months. I really liked this doctor, he explained everything to me and Austin and took his fears away. He just told Austin that they will put him to sleep so he can take a little nap and then when he wakes up he will see Mommy right there next to him. He asked Austin if he liked Gatorade, Popsicles and ice cream. Austin said yes he did (of course!) and the doctor said he will have to take Mommy to the store before the surgery to load up on all these! Recovery time is 2 weeks and I will have to take off a week from work. The second week he can return to preschool but no strenuous activities.

I hate that my baby has to be put to sleep and undergo this surgery but I know it is best for him. I too had my tonsils out at 4 years old. He is tough and will do fine. I still hate it though!!!

So we go in for pre-op on Feb.1st and he will have to have blood drawn. The surgery date is on Feb.13th. Please keep Austin in your prayers! Mommy might need some too!!!

New Year...New Beginning?

Christmas is over and I am on to my next project....Austin's 5th birthday party! I need to pick and party place and get some invitations made up. I cannot believe he is going to be 5 years old and will start Kindergarten this coming August. The years fly by!

Trae is about to start soccer again, no soccer for Austin this time. I am going to sign him up in gymnastics again until football starts in August.

Hayden is growing and growing. He is now saying "nanananana" and "mamamamama" but has no idea what he is saying. He also says "goo" and "gaaaa" of course. He is teething and not too happy about it. He will be 6 months old in 2 days! He is all over the floor and seems like he is ready to crawl. He is sitting up on his own with a little help here and there. He LOVES baby food and eats very well.