Eating Bubbles

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Grammy and Grandpa

We just finished a great visit with Grammy and Grandpa. They came all the way from California to visit us. Sunday we all ate dinner at Mercados with Uncle Mark and Aunt Ashley. Anne had a ball chasing Uncle Mark and showing Aunt Ashley all her toys. We went to the zoo on Monday and Anne introduced Grammy and Grandpa to all the animals. It was Abby's first time at the zoo as well. We had to make a speedy exit because the sky opened up and poured down rain. Anne was very sad to see them go, but we are planning on coming out for a visit in the fall. We love you Grandpa and Grammy!

Tic Tacs

What happens when a certain little girl is extra good at the library for Gran'ma? She gets a "mint." What happens when a certain little girl sticks a "mint" up her nose "just like daddy?" A disaster! On the way to meet Abby and I for lunch Gra'ma gave Anne her usual tic tac/mint as a treat for being a good girl at story time. A few minutes later Anne yelled from the back seat, "Gra'ma STOP I put the mint up my nose!" Mom drove as fast and safely as she could to the restaurant and got Anne out of the car. After several failed attempts to get her to blow the "mint" out her nose they went in the restaurant looking for help. The hostess came out with tweezers, but by this time the "mint" had melted enough that it came flying out with one good blow. When I arrived at the restaurant Anne proceeded to tell me everything that happened. She said it was "tawibbull" (terrible)! Albeit, she seemed to be pleased with the whole outcome and was very excited to tell Daddy all about it. Gra'ma on the other hand was a little shell shocked and looking forward to a nap.

More Parties

After school on Wednesday, Anne went to Annie's birthday party. I'm learning quickly to stock up on birthday gifts for toddlers. We have already been to three parties in three weeks. At this event there was a bounce house for jumping and an Easter egg hunt. Yeah, more Easter candy! I think we are going to OD (over dose) on pastel M&M's. Anne is willing to take her chances. Things at the party went smoothly. Anne willingly gave Annie her present and enjoyed her cupcake, but there were a few scuffles with a red headed girl (you can see her in the video) over a giant stuffed Minnie Mouse. As usual Abby slept through the entire event. I forgot to take a picture of her this time.

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Granny's Out

UPDATE:
Granny has spent her first night at my parents. Things went fairly well. She did not sleep very well due to back pain, but has already been up and walking around some. Please pray that Granny would adjust quickly to her new environment, wisdom for Mom and Dad, and that all the details surrounding Granny's care would fall easily into place.
This is a pic of Granny ringing the bell with Angela and Michael. They were some of her therapist and were very good to Granny. She is finally able to ring the bell because today she is leaving rehab for another stage of her recovery. Granny will be moving in with Mom and Dad. Please disregard Granny's hairdo in this pic. She would not be happy if she knew I was posting it for all to see. She can't wait to get back to Daingerfield so Mary can fix it for her.

Easter Candy Rots Your Teeth

Granny Update

Granny's back is still causing her extreme pain. It makes it terribly hard for her to do anything, but the doctor says that she must continue therapy or her she will regress. There have been many days therapy has brought she and mom to tears. Albeit, she is beginning to have minor relief from her back pain and if everything goes to plan Granny will be able to come to our house for Easter lunch. She has already practiced getting in and out of the car and her wheel chair will fit through the front door. The Rehab facility has extended her stay until Thursday. Please pray that Mom will be able to care for her at their house, that Granny's back will heal, and complete recovery.

On the Hunt

Wednesday at school Anne's class hunted Easter eggs. They were all so cute and enthusiastic. Abby once again spent most of the time in the Baby Bjorn until she began to scream bloody murder. I handled it like a parental pro and smiled, talked sweet to her, and finally used my finger as a pacifier. Thankfully, the last resort worked and Abby nodded off for the rest of the party and not to worry, I promise my finger was completely germ free!

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Try to Smile

I have been trying to get pics of Abby smiling, but I haven't been successful yet. Still, I thought this video was cute.

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Van Gough

For Christmas this year the nursery at church gave Anne all sorts of arts and craft things. I have been hiding them for quite sometime because I feared the messes that would be created with all that stuff. Well, Anne discovered the things a few weeks ago and I gave in and let her create. She started with cutting, gluing, and coloring paper. I could handle that and in fact it was quite nice to have a activity that held Anne's attention for long periods of time without me needing to entertain her. She has now graduated to water colors and is a avid painter. Thankfully, watercolors can be easily removed from clothes, hands, faces, and carpet!

The Potty Club

Last night after many false starts Anne joined the Potty Club! I think I started potty training when she was 18 months old and after several failed attempts I decided to wait until she was two. I know, I know, she is almost three now so my plan didn't work perfectly. I kept putting the training off until we got back from vacation, then after football season, then after Christmas, and then after the baby came. Finally, Anne began to request to wear panties without any prompting so, I let her. I have to admit that we have had a few accidents and she has only gone in the potty a couple of times, but that's progress and success in my book. I think I am on my way to having only one child in diapers!

Sneak Peak

This past weekend we took the girls downtown to see the azaleas and here's a preview of their Easter dresses. We had lots of fun looking at the flowers and really enjoyed the warm weather. Afterward we went to eat Italian food at Brunos with Papa and Gra'ma. The next day I paid for our outing because I woke up with the worst sinus infection. Who new smelling the flowers could be so dangerous.

Parties and Ponies

Anne went to the birthday party of one her classmates on Friday. She had lots of fun playing with all her friends. I couldn't get her to ride the pony, but she was willing to pet it. Abby spend the entire party dozing in the baby carrier.

We Need a Miracle

Friday night when the aide was helping Granny get out of bed she, Granny, hurt her back. The aide wasn't strong enough to help Granny and failed to call a nurse for help. Granny is in excruciating pain and can hardly move. On Friday she was able to go to the restroom on her own, feed herself, and walk on her own with a walker. Now, she can do none of those things. Her doctor has told her that she has to leave on Friday and the plan was for her to come stay with mom and dad while she finished recovery, but now that is an impossibility. Please pray that her back would be completely healed, for wisdom and discernment for mom on what to do next, and the grace for Granny to endure this pain.

Granny Gets Dressed

Wednesday Granny was able to dress herself! It took a lot of time and work, but she did it! She even tried to get up out of her wheelchair and into bed on her own. Unfortunately this new act of independence resulted in a tumble, but she was not hurt, thankfully. Please continue to pray for Granny's complete recovery and a positive attitude. She has treasured all your cards, flowers, and visits. Please come visit if you get a chance or drop her an encouraging note sometime:

Trinity Mother Francis Rehabilitation Hospital
Bobbie Harkrider Room 128
3131 Troup Hwy.
Tyler, TX 75701

Thank you for everything!