Summer coming to an end soon-

Bummer. I have enjoyed being home with the kids. I know I will definitely be sad to not see them as much. It makes me thankful for having a job that allows me the pleasure of staying home with them in the summer, as many moms do not get that opportunity. There have been stressful times, and some very trying times, but that is my job and we all made it through! haha The main stressor has been the fact that our house went on the market right when summer was beginning. We were very hopeful, and even optimistic, that our house would sell quickly. We had replaced all windows, the roof, the a/c and furnace, guttering and downspouts, kitchen cabinets, tile floors in kitchen and both bathrooms, the water heater, and a new shower surround...all within the last four years! We did much of that for ourselves, but then thought it would help the house sell. Unfortunately, we found out that the main thing that people look for is square footage and a minimum of two full bathrooms. Soooo, our house is still up for sell with not one single offer. It has been very hectic keeping the house clean, and getting the kids ready to get out for showings at least every other day. I get up everyday and have to clean immediately in case I get a call that someone wants to see the house in an hour. Two little ones go from room to room distributing fake food, Lego's, books, stuffed animals, and magnetic letters and numbers constantly! In some regards, I feel like the relaxation of summer was robbed from me, all in the hopes of getting a bigger house for my kids.

On a brighter note, Tanner is talking so much more now. If he doesn't have the words, he shows you what he wants or what he is asking about. He is full of character and has such a silly personality. He makes us laugh quite often and surprises us all the time. He is still racking up the frequent flyer miles in time-out, but for the most part, he is a very good boy. He is showing a little interest in the alphabet and numbers 1-10, but would rather have books read to him or play on the couch most of the time. Tanner and Kinsey are almost always in the same room when playing, but I have to watch Tanner and make sure he isn't too rowdy. He loves his sister dearly, but can be a little rough at times. It's funny, after he spends the night at Mimi's, when I pick him up, his first words are usually "Sissy, Ma?" I'm assuming he is happy to see me, but he is concerned about Kinsey and wants to see her. Cute!

My sister and nephews have moved back from Alabama. We are all enjoying being back around one another for more than one week at a time. The cousins are getting to know one another better and having some good interactions. We have spent a lot of time at Grandma and Papa's and had a few outings as well. They have spent time in the local city fountains (see pic of Kinsey below) and even went to the butterfly festival here in town recently!

The summer has been good health-wise, except for this last week. Tanner came down with some bright red rash on his face that we attributed to an overload of fresh tomatoes (too much acid) or a reaction to some Nivea face cream that he smeared on his face one night. He ended up in Family Medical Walk-In when the rash moved to his privates, read end, and lower back and was accompanied by a low-grade temperature. However, the migrated rash was different in appearance...it was more of a red pin-prick sized dot rash. They were basically no help in identifying the cause and ultimately just told us what it wasn't. Within 24 hours, Kinsey developed the same pin-prick red dots all over her body from head to toe. We have been told by several that this is a virus and should run it's course in 5-7 days. Kinsey's temperature was elevated beyond Tanner's as well. Her temp got up to 101.7, but she sure felt hotter than that. Even her feet were burning hot in the middle of the night. She slept in diaper only as she was so warm I was scared for her. She has shown no signs of itching, so that is good. She also doesn't get the luxury of just taking Zyrtec and making it go away, like her brother, so we are all hoping it is gone by the weekend.

That is because, my sweet baby girl turns ONE this coming Monday!!!!!!!!!!! We are celebrating her first year of life this Sunday with a Hello Kitty themed birthday party. I can't wait!! She doesn't have any little friends that she is close to yet, so I am expecting just family in attendance. I sure hope she feels better and is ready for some cake and presents!