Cramming It All In

I just love summertime when everything slows down and responsibilities are much less.  This has been a great summer full of activities, but it has flown by.  I want to soak it all in because in a few weeks we are back to the grind with homeschool.  The boys and I are going to camp next week, so this week I have wanted to cram in all the fun we can.  We will only have one more week after camp before school starts back and soon all of Logan's friends will be back to school as well. 

Here's what we have done this week.  On Monday, we went to Gilley's for the first time this summer.  We usually go several times all summer, but for some reason we haven't made it many times this year.  I forgot my camera so these were all taken with my phone.  They aren't the best and you can't really tell we were actually at Gilly's because I didn't get out too far in fear of dropping my phone. 

Doesn't he look cute in his speedos??

On Tuesday, Logan went to the Art Mill in Cookeville.  I have been wanting to take him all summer, and I barely made it!  This was the last week for art camp, and he had a great time!  When I came to get him he said he wanted to come back!

I thought their paintings were impressive!  I was so proud!!

Another place I have been wanting to go for over a year now is the Treehouse in Crossville.  We haven't ever been and I knew the boys would love it.  The best thing about it...it was free!  It was quite a treehouse.  It was a little difficult keeping up with kids going in all different directions.  I was a little spastic in some parts because not every section has railing that would keep you from falling.  Lucas was a little too adventerous making for one nervous mom at times.  It is amazing to me that this man built the treehouse for all to see.  It is really impressive, but I am horrified that many would deface it by writing on it all throughout the entire thing.  It is just sad to me that some can't respect other people's belongings. 

We made it to the top.  This is what you see looking out.

(Logan pretending he is touching the sun)

We got some art books at the library that teach you how to draw step by step.  We got a food and an insect book.  It has been a great activity for both boys and we have drawn them all two times now.  Time to go get some different ones☺

I told Landon I wanted to go see Monte Carlo and he told me I needed to take Taylor and Mackenzie.  This made me laugh because he said that would be the age group around me.  I was sad to hear that they have already gone to see it.  Maybe I can get them to go again.

Logan's art made all by himself.

Lucas tried drawing the muffin first but got really frustrated.  I ended up drawing his and he colored them.  He would color for hours. 

Landon came home from work and asked me where all these kids came from.  I want to soak it all up before school starts back.  sigh...

I Love Organization!

I just love the feeling I get when I walk by a room or a closet that I have just cleaned and organized.  I love it so much I find myself just wanting to sleep there at night.  haha.  Today, we had no plans and Landon was home for the day.  I just got in a cleaning mood and cleaned the house most of the day.  In the meantime, I was wondering to myself if Landon would be in a mood to do any projects around the house.  I was just about to go ask nicely to put some shoe organizers together.  To my surprise, I came downstairs and Landon was in the living room putting them together!!!!  I didn't even have to ask!  He read my mind:)   I have found myself just opening the closet to admire it several times already today.

I really should have taken a before picture to really appreciate the after, but I probably wouldn't have posted it because it would be too embarrassing.  It was a massive mound of shoes.  It feels good to have this organized!  Some of my biggest frustration occurs when we are trying to get out the door and the boys can only find one shoe. It makes me want to lose my mind.  Hopefully, this will help☺

Heartbeat

Yesterday I had my second OB doctor's appointment.  I was thrilled that Landon was able to go with me this time.  I am a little disappointed that White County Hospital no longer delivers babies because it meant that I had to find a new doctor for this experience.  It is such an important time in your life, and you can get attached to a doctor you really trust.  So, sadly, I won't be using Dr. Griffin this time. 

I had a difficult time deciding who to use this time.  I didn't want to use the OB group in Cookeville because I have heard that you don't always get to see the same doctor, and the main reason...you aren't guaranteed what doctor you will have to deliver your baby.  I am sure there are wonderful doctors there, I just wanted to know who was going to deliver for sure.  I decided to use the Birth Center in Cookeville instead.  So far, I am impressed.  The delivery rooms are wonderful and much larger and homier than a hospital room.  I am going to go with a natural delivery and possibly a water birth.  I have never been interested in a water birth, but the more I learn about it, I am really considering it. 

It feels like forever since I have been pregnant.  Even now, it still doesn't feel real.  I think it is because I have wanted it for so long, and now I am afraid to get my hopes up because something still could happen.  However, yesterday it became more real to me.  The midwife asked if we would like to hear the heartbeat.  OF COURSE!!!  She said since I was only nine weeks it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack, so I knew that there was a possibility that we wouldn't get to hear it.  After checking for a while, she asked me if I was certain of the due date.  The question made me start to panic a bit.  Landon could see it on my face.  After searching for what seemed like an eternity, all sorts of thoughts ran through my mind.  I began to think something was wrong and then I wondered how exactly I would handle it.  In the middle of my crazy thoughts she found it.  It is always one of the most wonderful sounds to hear.  Nine weeks and it has a heartbeat...166 beats to be exact.  My heart is full.

On the way home, we were listening to Big Daddy Weave's version of "Trust and Obey" and I started to tear up.  The words that I have sung so many times seemed to speak to me in a new way after my recent experience.  I did have my doubts and questioned God several times.  This song was a reminder to me to just simply trust Him and obey Him.  There is no other way to be happy.

Unprepared

Yesterday I met Rita and her family in Carthage to take some family pictures.  I am so very sad, but they will be moving to New Jersey at the end of the month because Rita's husband got a promotion with his company.  Although I am happy for them, I am sad that they will be so far away:(  We have been lifelong friends, and I hope they will be back soon.  They were told this would be a temporary move, so hopefully they will be closer before too long.  I told Landon that we are definitely going to visit because she is just going to be a train ride away from NYC and DC. 

Rita wanted some with Steve and the kids because she has come here the last few times without him.  (A Hobby and a Friendly Day).  She said she doesn't have any pictures with the kids and their dad because her camera died.  Here are a few from the day...

Rita is making an ABC book for Connor and she brought a lollipop for the 'L' page.  He was thrilled!

In the meantime, my kids ended up in the water...fully clothed. 

Lucas also discovered an outdoor shower and turned it on right beside me.  They thought that was hilarious.

Then of course, it must be played in!

I was unprepared for this adventure! I didn't bring swimming trunks or a towel.  Needless to say, the ride home was pleasant for them both.  They were completely soaked and covered with sand and grass.  Oh well, they had fun☺