Today has been one of those days where I just want a break. By last night, I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit (it was ok if the kids came) and today, I just wanted a break. Today has left me tired, weary, and wanting of rest. I wasn't sure how much longer I could handle the extreme crying and minimal use of words. Matthew wasn't speaking as often as he usually does when in good spirits, and he was crying at every little thing. Ugh.  Due to an illness  I am quite certain Matthew picked up from my niece (no one knew she had it)  prob about a week and a half ago, he is extremely fussy and always needing me. He had a fever for a few days, but no sores. Now, he is more uncomfortable than ever, but bless God, he still wants to drink water. For this, I am ever so thankful! He has never been much of a fan of other beverages. Water works just fine for me. I knew he hadn't been feeling well since prob last sat or sun, but then on Tues he developed a fever. It was gone by fri morning, but he wasn't feeling any better b/c of the pain mostly in his mouth. He wants to eat, but it is hard for him to find something that doesn't bother his mouth. I suspected Jonathan of beginning to not feel well today, and taking his temp tonight confirms this suspicion. 102.6. Yuck. I gave him some motrin and am continuing to spray things w/Lysol and of course pray. After the dreary rain wore off this evening, there was a break of sun. I got everyone out of the house. We didn't have much time, b/c dark was quickly approaching, but we took advantage of what we did have. Anyway, instead of Jonathan confessing that he or Matthew doesn't feel well we're trying to get him to say: "Jesus, thank you for making me better." or something along those lines. I do not believe sickness is our inheritance or our portion and I hate it!!!   

There is a bright note to this outdoor excursion. We were able to meet a family that lives in our development who has 3 (older) kids.   The two youngest are real into soccer and want their backyard a bit "bigger." So this couple decided they'd like for us to be the recipient of their used, but good condition swing set. How wonderful is that?! We only have a small climber in our yard and the boys are getting bigger. They really enjoy playing on swings and a bigger slide. I have been thinking our yard needs more play stuff in it, but figured we would just wait it out and see. Their set happens to be wood which he has treated and they've taken care of over the years. Since they don't live very far, they've offered to help bring it to our house. They say it's pretty easy to take down and not to difficult to put back up. Yea God!!! He is SO GREAT like that!!!   I have not taken a good look at it yet, but Rick and I will go down in the near future to do that. I was thinking tomorrow, but forgot I will be occupied w/a baby shower in the afternoon. I love baby showers, b/c I get so excited for the people having the baby and the baby!  Anyhow, I'll have to bake this family some sort of bread and cookies or something. Such nice people! Maybe if I'm ambitious enough, we'll have them over for dinner.     

Some other time this week, I was going to post on how much Jonathan and Matthew love mowing. It seems they want so much to be like Dad. It's so cute what they do... esp. Jonathan. He copies every move Rick makes when mowing. I am not kidding. He doesn't "start" the mower until Rick does, and if Rick stops to check the oil or gas, Jonathan will do the same. The other day, Rick even stopped to blow his nose, and turned around to find Jonathan doing the same thing. He is such a great kid!  He has a great example too.   When he came down w/me tonight so I could take his temp and give him some medicine, I had (and still have) the ball game on. [I know the Yankees aren't  in it, but I do still love a good game.] Anyway, you know how much spitting goes on in baseball. Pathetic. I don't know why they feel it's necessary. Jonathan doesn't either and asked me why "he was spitting?" This referring to one of the players. Then he saw the same player do it again, and a few more players in addition to the same one a few more times. He declared it rude and they shouldn't do that. I did not have an answer for him as to why they do it, other than nobody tells them not to and I don't really know. Then I was thinking, don't they know kids watch them? So why on earth are they spitting? It does not make one a better ball player or a cooler player. It doesn't make one run faster or hit more balls. I mean, I guess I could test the theory myself, but I'm pretty sure I've more important things to do. Maybe when I take up home schooling science, we'll create a hypothesis and test it. But really. Spitting? And multiple times in public? Have I spit before yes, but usually discreetly and b/c I have something disgusting in my mouth and not multiple times. Now, I know these guys don't have tissues in their back pocket, but come on! Anyway, that's my two cents on that. It wasn't supposed to be that long.

So that's it these days, or at least this week. This week has seemed more like long days than moments, but at least I get to cuddle w/my kids just a bit more. And perhaps those are the moments to best be thinking  about. I'm not so sure if in a couple of months, I'll remember the long bouts of crying and having to juggle 3 kids at the same time. Thank God Kaelyn truly lives up to her name and remains extremely sweet and joyful. She is happy to play on her own and I don't know if her brothers realize how nice that is for them in times like this. She is also oh so patient in being fed. Thank God.

Well, since i am weary and needing of rest, I suppose I am going to find the Rock that is higher than I, if only for a few moments. His yoke is easy, His burden light and His invitation to simply come for He will give me rest is one I think I will take Him up on. His love is endless, His mercies ever new, and His promises remain sure. This is my God!