2 Tough Boys, 1 Tired Momma, and A Little Bit of "Catch-Up"...

Landen asked me this morning why Daddy had to work every single day. I told him that was how we got money for groceries, birthday presents, and clothes. Landen, after thinking for a minute, replied, "Well, I don't like clothes, so he can stay home more now." :) Such a smarty pants! Little does he know that Daddy also works to pay for his house, the utilities, and loads of doctors' bills, but I left the boring stuff out. :)


Last week was a whirlwind of activities! The overlap of sports has begun. Landen is playing Wildcat (on the days it is under 100 degrees!), and Graden has started Basketball through Parks & Rec. On top of that, we had VBS and were constantly coming and going. Then, on Friday, we got to move one of my very best friends into her new home! Needless to say, we were with her and her awesome family the entire weekend... it was worth every minute away from our home to help get them settled. It's been like six years - I think - since they lived in Fort Wayne... it's exciting having them so close again -- for selfish reasons, of course. :)


Yesterday, Landen woke up all stuffed up. I'm not sure if it's because of the heat, allergies, or a real cold. His body is yelling at him, though. He told twice last week that he needed his medicine -- AND A NAP! He never, and I mean NEVER, asks for his medicine, let alone a nap! So, when he told me he didn't feel good yesterday, I worried a bit. He laid around all day yesterday and watched movies. Today, he feels about the same. I gave him his medicine, and decided to keep him inside again today... he just can't breathe well in this heat. At his check-up last week, his Allergist/Asthma Doc said it was time to start allergy shots... we have tried everything else, and he keeps gaining allergies. So, we will be starting these in a week or so. For now, we wait for their call.


Speaking of calls -- yesterday, we got a call from Riley's Children's Hospital. We will see a Pediatric Neurosurgeon on AUGUST 1st! Can you believe that? We thought we would have to wait much longer to be seen and are so thankful for the appointment. I have been "dealing with" Graden's last appointment with more ease than I had anticipated; however, with the new date set, even though I know it's a consultation, I feel a bit of that ease sliding away, being replaced by worry. Try as I might, I know the next two weeks will be trying on me. Thankfully, I am busy with projects, school planning, and the boys. :)


Keep cool out there!

It's so hot outside...

Playing Trucks!

Graden's Friendship Bracelet -- Attempt #1

 So, we're having fun on the inside!

Landen making Friendship Bracelets!

Graden's 2nd try... beads were easier! :)

Mommy's bracelet for Landen!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY! Yes, that's Rudolph on TV. :)

Inspiration...

Go inspire someone today.

Independence Day!

This year, we aren't celebrating 4th of July like we normally would -- hanging out with family, laughing at old "4th of July weekend" memories, remembering to be thankful for our freedom, cooking out, and celebrating with fireworks. No, this year, is different.


For starters, Phil is working today. At first, I wasn't happy about this.Then, I realized that we just had a week off for vacation, and I should be thankful he has a job. Plus, it's so hot outside (108 with the heat index today!) that I have to keep Landen inside anyway. So, the boys and I are chillin' today -- literally. 


As soon as we got up, we went for a walk. Mind you, this was before 8:00 am, and it was already 80 degrees! The boys didn't care about sweating; they loved being outside for a bit on their bikes. A perfect start to the 4th! 


Now, as they're playing with every toy they own in my living room, and I'm wishing Phil a fast day at work (I've already sent him two texts to remind him to take breaks in the shade and drink water), I remember that the 4th of July is actually "Independence Day," yet we rarely call it that.


Independence. Yes. Freedom. Yes. After my trip to Jamaica last week, seeing families live in one room shacks that are only a few feet bigger than an outhouse, I am extra thankful and appreciative of my freedom here in USA. I'm sure this may sound silly coming from me, and I realize there are people here in the US that live in shacks, too. I know this is not a topic I would usually discuss; however, I have uncles and cousins who have been in the military or who are joining as we speak. I also have two boys that may enlist someday (I'll save those worries for another post), and whether or not I like the government or agree/disagree with war, I sure as hell support those troops... all of them -- Marines, Army, National Guards, Coast Guards, Navy Seals, Air Force...


And, here I am invoking my right to free speech, because of the fight from other men and women. Men and women I don't even know! It's amazing if you stop and think about it... people who don't even know each other fighting for each other... So, thank you soldiers, both young and old, past, present, and future, for protecting the US, my family, and my freedom. Happy Independence Day! 

Remind yourself!

Thank you, Sweet Happy Life, for this reminder. 

Lego's, dirt, and golf balls...

... these are a few of the boys' favorite things. 

From sun up, the boys played with Lego's - building some of the most extravagant and creative ships and 'forts' that I have ever seen, dug in the dirt - literally digging a hole in my Mema's yard while we visited, and bounced golf balls into buckets in my living room. I suppose not all of these are appropriate activities (digging with shovels and a hoe could be dangerous and golf balls could break something), but they were having so much fun, giggling and playing with each other... for now. Ha! 

The heat is wearing Landen out, but he's trying his best to play as he normally would. Needless to say, we are spending a lot of time inside today and the rest of the week during this "excessive heat" warning. Both boys let me shave their heads to help keep them cool. It makes them look so grown up!