Summer is Summer is Summer

Today's post is a catch-up post. Should've been done last week...couldn't get around to it.

This was our life pre strep throat and ear infection. See what kind of fun we are capable of?

I'll tell you one thing...we were feelin' it...


the heat that is. And there was plenty of it.

We headed to Elk River to the *fountains* to catch us some water fun.



And I can't pass up an opportunity to see my baby in her swimsuit, now can I?!?

She's just too adorable and cute! It makes me squeal.

Sun was hot...water was...well....cold. Lily is signing *cold*.

But don't think for a minute that she was deterred...

...not one little bit. She is a water baby through and through. Right down to her core.

And big sister? Well...she was the first one in. She's no slacker.

Ben had a hard time holding still so I could get a shot of him. Forced not to move, he quickly smiled and then went on his way.

Trucks...

Bowls...

water...a winning combination.

Proof that I was there, enjoying it with them. Summer is summer is summer.

And what would our water outting be without Auntie Jill...she makes everything more fun.

And not to be outdone by his big sister...

All Things Girly

As the other kiddos dispersed and busied themselves with whatever captured their attention...playing house, dressing babies, and playing cars...

Lily found something that captured her attention.

Sometimes she lets me take her picture...sometimes she doesn't. Today was a good day. And I'm glad that she did. A picture is worth a thousand words...and this one is no different. It really tells a lot about Miss Lily.

And what she loves.

And the things that make Lily...well Lily.

She loves all things girly. Nail Polish. Clippies. Pretty Bracelets. Earrings. Bows. Lip Gloss.

"Purry" as Lily says.

Sick Again!

Can you believe this? Well...we are sick again. I don't mean to complain, but this is beginning to be a long road. I took Ben and Ella into Urgent Care on Wednesday night. Mainly for Ben. But when the nurse saw Ella, she quickly told me that she should be seen as well.


The Diagnosis: Strep in both kids.

*Sigh*

And Ella decided to throw in an ear infection just to keep things interesting. So what helps makes a little one feel just a smidge better when the world seems to be against you?

A Happy Meal from McDonald's of course. Yep. I'm that mom. At least for a moment. Mama is getting pooped out too. Thank you, Ronald McDonald.

3 Kids...two antibiotics...and counting...

Keep strong, Lily. You stay healthy, Girl.

Deck Part 2 & 3

Well, the deck is coming along wonderfully. In fact, we were told that it should be finished by the end of next week.


I have been trying to get out as much as I can to look for furniture for the porch. Well, the kids and I have been looking.

But it has proved to be very interesting with 3 little opinions.

Very. Interesting.

But, luckily, most of the decision rests with me. :) And I think I have found "the one".

It's been quite a challenge to have this project going on and not really being able to use it at all. Yet. The kids really want to climb up and down the stairs.

Although the stairs are probably the safest part right now...at least they have railings. :)

As the siding came off, our house quickly became the most obnoxious looking house in the neighborhood. Good thing it's only temporary!

Aaahhh. The roof. Shade at last. Now things are starting to really take shape. I know we are going to spend many evenings relaxing outside this summer.

Even Jason gets to join in on the fun. What's not to like...construction work, power tools, heights, and getting to wear a tool belt!

The roofers come tomorrow and next week will show lots of finishing touches. Can't wait to enjoy it! Really. Can't. Wait.

Update

4...visits to the dr office in one week
3...kids with pink eye, complete with drops 4 x a day
2....kids on antiobiotics
1...ear infection
1...sinus infection
1...child hopefully turning a corner soon or another prescription will be getting filled
2...exhausted parents


Four doctor visit copays = $60
Four prescriptions filled = $20
Tylenol, cough syrup, etc = $15

Knowing that God has control over this whole situation...priceless

Sick, Sicker, and Sickest

Ben and I are sick, Lily is sicker, and Ella is sickest of all. This has been an incredibly long and hard past week. It all started a week ago today with Ella getting a cold that, unknowingly at the time, would become a complete monster and effect all of us.

We are off to the doctor yet this morning. Ben woke up with his eyes pretty much glued shut, Lily's were a might bit better, and Ella's are starting to itch and become glassy. A nightmare cold has just morphed into pink eye. It's taking it's tole, literally, folks. And I'm plain. tired. of. it.

These sick days are numbered.

How you may ask...let me tell you:

4....kleenix boxes we have emptied
2....hours of sleep I got Monday night
4...times Ben woke up complaining of his eyes "bugging" him in the middle of the night
1....bath every night before bed for the kids to soothe their throats
1....day I've been forced to ask my husband to come home early because I was losing the battle
3...doses of cough syrup for Ella to help take the edge off for bedtime
5....times I've filled the warm air humidfier
15...episodes of kid shows to help us pass our time trapped in the house
3...times I've slept in Ella's twin bed with her
2...times I've slept in Ben's tiny car bed with him
1...bomb that has exploded in my house (not really, but it looks like it)
6...loads of sick kid laundry that I am way behind on
382...times I've whined to my husband, bless his heart


I love this job of motherhood. Honest. I do. But my question is this...when do I to start acruing sick time and vaction time...because, I'm telling ya peeps, I want to cash in.

The Deck Part 1

Well, after many weeks and oodles of books on decks, we have finally decided on what kind of deck we want. We hired our construction guy and picked out our materials. It's been so fun to see it start to take shape. It's amazing what a pile of lumber can turn into. It will be so wonderful when it is all done and will most certainly be a place we will spend a lot of time. Check it out:

Cement bags and lumber


Framing of the screened porch started (I'm already thinking that looks huge, but it's only the beginning...)

Framing of the deck portion...

View from the back....whew...really spans the back side of the house.

View from the top, looking out the deck doors...

Happy 4th Birthday, Ben!!

Out cold. Really cold.


Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Yum.

"I really like my chair. I forgot to tell Auntie Jill thank you."(He told her a handful of times, but since he likes it so much, he figures he should say thank you a lot of times.)

The messiest toy that could have been boughten. Good thing it's only water.

Today my sweet son has turned 4! I can hardly believe it...where has the time gone? It doesn't seem that long ago that Jason and I were packing and purchasing our tickets to head for Korea. What an amazing trip and what an even more amazing boy we were blessed to add to our family!

We had a wonderful day today celebrating our son. Grandma, Grandpa, Great-Grandma, Auntie Jill, and Uncle Joren came over for a day of grilling and playing with the birthday boy. After a delicious lunch, we had presents and birthday cake.

Once everyone left and headed for home, Jason and I took the kids on a walk. Ella and Ben sat in the wagon while Lily was in the stroller. Before too long, the gentle roll of the wheels and the breeze lulled Ben to sleep. I guess it was a good day. Thanks, Everyone!

Tomorrow we celebrate with Jason's side and Ben will have some more fun. What a blessed boy to have so many people love him. Gotta say...he makes it pretty easy!