The Enchanted Cottage

My Daybook

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Yesterday morning, I discovered a dead dove under the cedar tree that stands beside my bedroom window. I think it must have frozen during the cold, bitter night and fallen out of the tree because it didn't seem to have any injuries. Poor dovie!

Outside my window... it is dark and cold. Waiting on the sunrise.

I am thinking... how nice it is to come after having been gone for a period of time, no matter how short a time.

I am thankful for... friends, old and new.

I am wearing...black silk pajamas, thick socks, and my pink robe.

I am remembering...that less can be more.

I am going...to go through the stack of magazines that have piled up.

I am reading...inspiring blogs.

I am hoping...Alfred's work picks up soon.

On my mind...Christmas.

From the learning rooms...reading, baking, home ec, computer, nature, etc. - the school of life is a wonderful teacher.

Noticing that...the wind blows fiercely in the Winter, but not during the Summer when you need it most!

Pondering the words... "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:8

From the kitchen... hearty, made from scratch meals.

~
Around the house... more decluttering, laundry, general cleaning.

One of my favorite things...Jovan Musk for Women perfume.

From my picture journal...

I love the simplicity of this room and it's bright, cheerful colors.

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks!

Gratitude List ~ Week 48

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:22:00 +0000

1. Christmas parades, girly giggles, and candy.

2. Silk pajamas worn as long johns and a fleece jacket kept me warm during said parade.

3. A night off from cooking thanks to Mama who cooked a hearty dinner. What will I do when she moves into her own place?

4. A frost-covered landscape that sparkles in the moonlight and the early morning light until it vanishes under the warm rays of the sun.

5. Nice long weekend naps snuggled up with Alfred.

What are you thankful for this week?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0000

My, oh my, it's cold out today! The girls are on their way to a Christmas parade in Foley with our neighbor. They are bundled up like little Eskimos and I just hope they are warm enough. Our town will hold their parade tonight at 6:30pm. It's a day of holiday magic to hit two parades in a day and come home with candy galore!

I've been up since 4am. Our Yorkie, Chico (or Mr. Cheeky as I like to call him), was scratching at my door alerting me to his need to go out. So I took both him and Gracie out. There was a stiff North wind blowing and made it seem all the more colder. There was no lolly-gagging around outside this morning for the dogs. Once they went potty, they were ready to return indoors!

So far, I have discarded two out of three bags of stuff and have begun to fill a third bag. I can see my problem is that I still want to hold onto stuff - books, magazines, knic-knacks, etc. I am going to have to get ruthless and radical, I'm afraid. What if I want to read a particular book or magazine? Ugh...I don't want to hang on to things that I have no use for, nor things that add no joy or beauty to my life. The simple fact is, clutter weighs me down. In order to create the life I desire, changes must be made.

With that, I am off to clean house and declutter more stuff. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay warm and cozy!

My Girls and I

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:08:00 +0000

The girls are frosting and decorating cupcakes that I baked this morning, as they sing along to Christmas songs. We're using up the leftover homemade frosting from Kayla's birthday cake that called for two pounds of powdered sugar! As they frost and sample cupcakes, they are talking and giggling. Kenzie says she feels like Paula Deen sampling the treats and that she and her sister can be Kenzie & Kayla's Home Cooking.

Simple things and activities help to create a festive, joyful atmosphere here at home.

Kenzie has had a cough this morning. I hope she's not coming down with a cold or worse. We have a busy weekend ahead. Tomorrow night is our town's Christmas parade and Sunday we are to attend a Christmas dinner with Alfred's Army National Guard unit. I am making my homemade macaroni and cheese to contribute to the potluck.

Kenzie, at nine, is now learning to play Christmas songs on the keyboard. She has a natural ability, it seems, to play by ear. She's never had a lesson. I bought a piano book for beginners, but she didn't pay it much attention to it. Maybe I'll use it instead! Mama always said she would be a piano player because she had/has such long, slender fingers. She is right yet again, but then again, mamas usually are!

The weather forecasters have forecasted a "wintry mix" of rain/sleet/snow for tonight. Though I seriously doubt the snow will reach us, the girls are ever hopeful and excited about the possibilities of waking up to a Winter wonderland. The last time we had snow flurries Kayla, now age 13, was just a babe. And oh, how bitterly cold it was!

The girls are calling for me to come watch Elf with them, so I must close for now!

Thursday Afternoon Chit-Chat

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Alfred returned to work today after a day and a half of being essentially bed-ridden in pain with a rib out of place and two chiropractor appointments, one of which he had acupuncture done. He still has a hot spot in his back and can not lift over ten pounds for the time being. It leaves me concerned about this coming week's paycheck. But I will try not to fret. There are always hurdles to overcome and we've never gone hungry or without a roof over our heads. So I will count my blessings and trust that the Lord will work things out for our good.

I have a roast cooking in the crockpot. The aroma feels the house with promises of beefy goodness. I <3 my crockpot! I put the roast in the crockpot with a can of cream of mushroom soup this morning. Just now I added a packet of brown gravy mix ('cause I suck at making gravy!). For dinner, I'll butter and brown in a skillet the package of hoagie buns and then top it with the roast and gravy. Easy peasy!!

My friend, Rhonda, shared a recipe for freezer crescent rolls on her new blog today. Who doesn't love crescent rolls? Head on over and say hi to her. :)

One of my favorite things is a beautiful landscape. After coming home from town I passed by a cow pasture. The sky was a dark blue-gray. The pasture's grass is still emerald green. There are bare trees there but the edge of it is lined with leafy trees. What made it so beautiful was the way it was illuminated by golden sun rays. The sunlight looked so warm and cozy. I wish I had had my camera with me so you could see it, too.

Yesterday I began decluttering, as per my goal of one small plastic bag worth of stuff per day. I awarded myself a silver star on my calendar for my efforts. Still have to fill up a bag for today. I'm sure it won't be too hard to do. I have a few things to do around the house yet before Alfred comes home so I will bid you farewell for now...

Just Do It

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:30:00 +0000

The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite shows on television. I love to watch the contestant's transformations and see them face their fears and break through the barriers that had previously held them back. As the show progresses, where there was once insecurity, confidence and an I Can Do It attitude emerges. I find it all very inspiring.

I, myself, want to lose weight and get into better shape. I have started and stopped so many times in the past, but I give up too soon because: 1. I don't see results quick enough 2. I am afraid to push myself physically due to RA and panic attacks 3. I put everyone else's needs first.

I have a choice to make. I can do what I've been doing, be unhappy with my body and continue to watch my weight creep up ever so slowly or I can do something about it - eat better and make time to work out. I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I can set and achieve my goals. I am stronger than I give myself crdit for and I'm worth the time spent on becoming healthy and fit.

Instead of looking outside of myself for validation, worth, and acceptance I need to look within. I need to listen to my inner voice and acknowledge my strength. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Just do it...

December Goals

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:17:00 +0000

My friend Rhonda started a new blog - If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done. She posted her goals for the month...just three little things. I can do that! So here's my list:

1. Declutter a little each day. I want to pare down our possessions {mine especially!} and simplify our lives. Decluttering will go a long way in helping reach this goal. My goal is to fill a plastic shopping bag with items to give away or dispose of every day.

2. Live generously...Be a radical giver. I can't help but think of those who are homeless or have inadequate housing, the hungry, and the poor - especially when the cold weather sets in. I don't want to ignore the needs around me. If I can be of help, I want to give - money, goods, time, or talents.

3. Buy secondhand as much as possible. It is my goal to become debt-free and one way I can do that is to be careful with my pennies. One way to do that is to buy secondhand for clothing and home goods and furnishings that are needed.

Do you have any goals for December?

Living Each Season

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Brrr....it is cold here today! The high is only 59 degrees but I don't think it will get that warm. The skies are gray with winds blowing out of the North. Rain has been forecasted for tonight, too. {sigh}

Thankfully, I have no where to go today so I can play and putter about the house. I can bake, watch a holiday movie, work on one of my many unfinished cross-stitch projects, read, play Black-Jack or a board game with the girls, declutter, daydream, take a nap....oh yes!

I can find joy in the simplest things these days. Even on dark, dreary days there is joy to be found if I take the time to look around me and appreciate divine moments of bliss, peace, and utter contentment.

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau

How are you living each season?

O Christmas Tree

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:16:00 +0000

{click pictures to enlarge}

Last night we put up the Christmas tree! I strung the lights and garlands then let the girls go to town hanging all the ornaments. It looks so lovely. I love to sit and gaze upon the tree with its cozy, colorful glow. Included in the collage are pictures of other areas where I have added festive Christmas touches. To the eyes of a child, these touches help to create a magical holiday season.

It sure is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Photo Collages

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Photos from Kayla's birthday...

Kendall and Alfred....my guys :)

Gratitude List ~ Week 47

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

1. Birthday celebrations

2. Listening to Christmas music while cleaning and cooking.

3. Christmas movies, old and new.

4. Hearing the jingling of jingle bells as we open and close the front door.

5. Slowing down to enjoy decorating the house for Christmas instead of rushing through the process.

For Kayla

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Today my little girl turns into a young lady for it is your thirteenth birthday. I know how excited you are to become a teen, finally! But I find myself missing the old days when you were a sassy, funny little thing. You always made me laugh.

I was so happy the day you were born for I finally had the daughter I had longed for. I even had your name picked out many years before when I was just a teenager. I thought Kayla was just about the prettiest name ever. A pretty name for a pretty girl - inside and out.

You are smart, tender-hearted, and a great help to me. If anyone has a question about animals, I always direct them to you, for you have a great passion for creatures great and small. I wonder what great things you will do. Will you be a wildlife conservationist like Steve Irwin or Jane Goodall or will you care for the wildlife that surrounds your future home? Only time will tell...

One thing I know for sure - I am honored to be your Mama. God surely did bless me the day He gave you to me. You are a gift and a treasure and I love you.

Love, Mama

The Simple Pleasures of Christmas

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I put out cracked corn for the woodland animals, seed for the birds, cleaned the bird bath and refilled with water, and washed the exterior windows on the backside of the house. I then proceed to clean house and put on a big pot of chili to bubble and simmer on the stove to ward off the cold that chills us to the bone.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am ready to jump into the Christmas spirit! I'm taking down all of my Autumn decorations and am replacing them with Christmas trimmings. I've downloaded Christmas music to My Playlist to play this season as we bake scrumptious treats to enjoy and give away, cook warming comfort foods, and care for our little cottage, making it a cozy retreat from the cold North winds.

We will be using what we have to make this season special. I'm looking forward to doing lots of baking with the girls. Kendall doesn't care to bake, but he does enjoy partaking of our efforts! Sugar cookies are especially fun; rolling out the dough, using cookie cutters, and then decorating the cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles.

There are Christmas movies, old and new, waiting to be watched in the cold evenings, thanks to Netflix. How nice it will be to settle in after dinner with a holiday movie and a homemade snack. While night fall comes early and the dark envelopes all around us, inside we create cozy home scenes under the glow of soft lighting, candles, and the lighted tree.

The excitement slowly builds as Christmas draws near and it's so fun to join in their joy and anticipation. Children love gifts but even when gifts may not be as abundant as years past, what children really need is our love, attention, understanding, and time. This is what happy childhoods and memories are made of.

Frost

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

I awoke this morning to a frost covered landscape, all white and glittering. Steam is rising off the creak creating an eerie fog. All is quiet except for the sound of black crows cawing. They sound as if they are laughing. They must be laughing at those out shopping for Black Friday, not I. I prefer to shop at my leisure which does not include camping out in front of stores in the freezing cold to snag a bargain.

My Christmas shopping has begun. I've purchased clothes for Kendall, a nice bathrobe for Joel, and a few dvd's for Kendall and the girls. Alfred and I will do the bulk of our gift shopping the second weekend of December. We'll have a cash budget of $300 to spend. It will be a lot of fun and we are both looking forward to it.

I received my electric bill statement. I was pleased to see I had shaved $52 off the previous month's bill by not running the air or heat unless absolutely necessary. I am hoping to shave off even more for the coming month. We ran the heat last night (set at 68 degrees) with the temperature dropping to 30 degrees, but I'll be shutting that off by 8am. The high today will be 60 degrees and we can layer our clothes and bundle up if needed.

Alfred has to work today. I must do the grocery shopping and bake Kayla's birthday cake. Saturday Alfred and I are going to see New Moon alone, since the kids have already seen it and we're having Kayla's birthday party that evening. She will be thirteen!

I need to get my menu plan written out, along with my shopping list. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving Day

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Gratitude: Special Edition

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:56:00 +0000

1. Hair clips strong enough to hold my thick head of hair.

2. Holiday music, books, and movies.

3. Warm blankets to snuggle up in on chilly nights.

4. After having bathed the girls come out smelling sweet like sugar cookies.

5. Potpourri pot filled with Hot Cinnabun liquid.

6. Goodbye, welcome home, and goodnight kisses with my husband.

7. Hugs, kisses, and I love you's with my children before bed.

8. Being able to lend a helping hand.

9. Moisturizing lotion to ease dry skin.

10. Laughter for its healing properties.

11. Tears for their cleansing properties.

12. Angel and cherub figurines.

13. Donating to charity.

14. Encouraging and supporting others.

15. Colors - so many shades of beauty.

16. Chocolate and mint...

17. Simple meals shared with loved ones.

18. Old friends and new.

19. Each and every new day, full of possibilities.

20. God loves me...and you!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
*

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude! ~Henry Ward Beecher

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beauty

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Self-care has never been my strongsuit. Once upon I time I used to fix up (do makeup and hair) and would draw back in horror at the mere mention of going au naturel. Add three children, homemaking, and dealing with marital discord, things changed and now it is rare for me to spend the time on the whole beauty thing. It is like I fell into a rut and have been unable to pull myself out.

Perhaps I just needed a period of time to drop the facade and quit hiding behind a painted face. One thing is for sure - I have grown quite used to looking into the mirror to see the real me, flaws and all...the freckles that are sprayed across my cheeks and nose, the dark under-eye circles, and the dry patchy skin.

Deep in my heart there has always been this yearning to reconnect to my girly-girl side. I have never been fashion savvy. I used to envy the girls in high school who always looked fabulously pulled together and chic. I think I just gave up on myself, feeling I could never live up to that standard. I am not very knowledgeable about fashion, makeup and hair styles and trends - but I can learn, yes?

I am embracing my femininity for the first time in years. I am looking forward to learning new makeup and hair techniques, discovering my own personal style, and having fun with it all. It is time to practice a little self-care and nurturing. When you look good, you just plain feel better about yourself and life. Isn't that what every woman wants?

My Daybook

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Outside my window... it is quiet with gray skies, but the temperature is mild. I've opened the windows wide already and look forward to seeing what the days holds for me.
~
I am thinking... I need to eat breakfast. I'm hungry!

~
I am thankful for... our home, my family, good food, being able to rest when needed, and rare moments of solitude.

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I am wearing...lavendar pajama pants and a light pink tee.

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I am remembering... how easy life seemed to me as a child.
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I am going... to pray without ceasing today.

I am reading... my Bible, blogs, emails, recipes, and Heidi with the girls.

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I am hoping... for a peaceful holiday season.

~
On my mind... a family dispute. :(
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From the learning rooms... Thanksgiving, copywork, reading, and math...

~
Noticing that... the years pass by so quickly it seems.
~

Pondering the words... from Proverbs 31:10-31. How I long to be a virtuous woman!

From the kitchen... recent meals have included chicken and dumplings, cheesy potato soup, barbeque chicken with butter beans and fried potatoes. Still pondering what to serve tonight.

~
Around the house... I've already mopped the kitchen and steam-cleaned my bedroom and bath. Mama steam-cleaned the living room and hall. Laundry is caught up. Only general tidying need be done.
~

One of my favorite things... feeling satisfied after a job well done.

From my picture journal...

Please visit Peggy to find more Daybooks!

Gratitude List ~ Week 46

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

1. Folding clean laundry for it means I have a washer and dryer and a family to wear the clothes.

2. Hot and cold water at the turn of the tap whenever I want it - to bathe in and to clean and cook with.

3. Open windows that allow the fresh air in and the stale air out.

4. Keeping the thermostat set at a low 65 degrees at night for it is sure to lower the electricity bill and we don't wake feeling hot and stuffy.

5. Taking the dogs out first thing in the morning to hear a rooster crowing, cows mooing in the distance, hawks crying and seeing the sun's first rays of light as it comes up over the horizion.

What are you thankful for this week?

All About the House

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:31:00 +0000

The weather has been so nice lately. It is cool/cold at night but warms up quite nicely during the day. I open up the windows on days like those and at night only turn on the heat if it will be especially chilly, then the temperature is only set to 65 degrees. Even then it hardly kicks on and I shut it off again by 8am. I am anxious to see the electric bill to see if my endeavors to lower the bill have been successful.

Yesterday the girls and I baked a batch of cake-like brownies and banana bread. I had to use up the bananas before they went bad and what better way is there to do that? For dinner, we had chicken and dumplings made from scratch. It's an inexpensive meal that is pure comfort food!

This morning I was up around 5am and I've been going ever since. Took the dogs out to potty twice, took the kitchen trash out, started the several loads of laundry that need to be done today, tidied up and walked out with Alfred as he left for work. I have one load washed and dried, one load in the dryer and one washing and still maybe four loads to do. That's what happens when the kids decide to clean their rooms. Every.Single.Time.

I'm going on a Walmart run with Mama in just a bit to get a few groceries and pick up Kayla's birthday gift - if they have the item she wants. She turns 13 next Saturday! I'll return home to do more cleaning and cooking before I collapse into a tired heap late this afternoon. Ah, the joys of homemaking! It is tiring and yet so rewarding. No two days are ever the same and there are always challenges to overcome.

Who says homemakers sit around eating bon bons all day?

.::smile::.

Meek and Gentle Spirit

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

What do you do when your husband has a really bad day at work and hears bad news on top of that and is then mad at you? Do you fight back or give him the silent treatment and go to bed angry?

Well that's what happened yesterday. My usually sweet husband was so mad because I let Kendall drive to the store with a tire that was low on air with my sister and then go practice driving only to have the tire blowout. I really thought it would be fine and no one was hurt. Kendall even learned how to change a tire!

So, yeah, he was furious - would hardly talk, didn't eat dinner, stayed in his refuge for most of the evening and went to bed early. How did I handle it? I just stayed sweet as I explained I really didn't know better and thought it would be okay. Then I went about my business as usual. I didn't get defensive or feel the need to fight. Instead I fixed him some of my awesome hot cocoa and gave him plenty of space.

Before he went to bed, he explained that he had had a bad day at work, so it wasn't just me that he was upset about. He began to talk a little more. And I ended the evening by kissing him goodnight and saying I love you. The night ended on a good note.

If I had fought with him, it would have only have made things worse. Things would have been blown greatly out of proportion and the little foxes of bitterness and resentment would threaten to overtake the marriage garden. No, thank you! Instead I clothed myself in the cloak of a meek and gentle spirit and allowed the fire-storm pass. Without fuel, the flames have no choice but to die down.

This morning all is well once again in his kingdom and life goes on as usual.

Dear God, please let him have a good day at work...pretty please!

A Refuge

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Our family of five lives in a smallish three bedroom/two bath 16x80 mobile home on a half acre of land. Currently, my mama and youngest sister live with us and my brother stays every other weekend (both are teens), so we have a full house. It can get loud and chaotic around here to say the least.

Yesterday I spent several hours cleaning the master bedroom, bathroom, and closet - otherwise known as the dungeon of doom. I cleaned windows, pictures and mirrors, dusted, vacuumed, washed curtains, sheets, and table scarves. I even bleached the mini-blinds.

Now it is as neat as a pin...a peaceful refuge that my husband and I can escape to when we need a little space and quiet. He works so hard and often comes home frustrated over work issues and I wanted a private place where he can unwind.

Once Spring comes I will paint those rooms a lovely sage green and cocoa with rose and white accents to create a cozy cocoon. The earthy colors will be a reminder of nature's beauty and that I need to slow down, be mindful, and live completely and fully.

Until then, I shall do my best to create a cozy nest with what I have and to take each day as it comes.

Cleaning as Meditation

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Sometimes I get discouraged in my work as a homemaker and am in need of a little inspiration. When I get into those slumps it is usually because I have let some area slide out of balance or clutter has been allowed to accumulate. The best remedy for me is to tackle the area causing undue distress.

I find that cleaning and decluttering quiets my spirit. I liken it to a form of meditation. As I clear out the dross, my vision becomes clearer. Creativity and inspiration is reignited. Simplicity reigns supreme. I, once again, find joy in life's simple pleasures.

In the Garden: November

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

While the nights and early mornings are chilly, the days warm up quickly - but are not unbearably hot. I still have blooming beauties around the yard. The weather has just been simply beautiful. I love to open up my windows each day and listen to the birds singing and the wind whispering through the trees. I must enjoy every moment while I can.

Practical Learning

rosehavencottage@yahoo.com (Tracy) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Sunday afternoon, Alfred showed Kendall how to change the oil in his car. Naturally, I had to take loads of pictures. Kendall couldn't keep a straight face, but that's okay. He is such a cutie patootie!

Our babies sure do grow up fast...