I know I didn’t put up a Crafting with David today but I have a very good excuse for it:

Remember when I said David had a bump on his gums that I was going to call the dentist about? Well I called and then went and it turns out his fuzed tooth is all infected cause of a crack in and they had to pull it. Ouch. They had to give my little boy a novocaine shot which was really painful and then they yanked the tooth right out, which was also very painful. But my little boy was super brave and really so amazing (As he always is.) and I’ve been working hard to pamper him since we got home. He got to have chocolate pudding and watch TV and relax as much as he wanted.

That’s gauze in his mouth which he had all day. He didn’t complain or whine one bit. And now he’s super excited about the tooth fairy (who is going to bring him a small little toy since we’re not into doing the money thing just yet.)

While David watched TV, Nathaniel tried to carry as many legos as he could at one time.

Here he is, trying not to drop them.

He really loves the legos. I love watching both my kids enjoy them so much. I’ve always been a huge fan of legos.

And Nathaniel’s really interested in books lately, too. Not in my reading them to him but exploring them by himself. You know that makes me happy, too.

And I’ll end with a little shot of the toothless boy. His bottom one is moving like crazy too and is bound to fall at any minute. Which will make taking portraits that much more challenging.

To be honest, those are my favorite shots. The ones with character. So I look forward to capturing them.

Since we ran to the dentist first thing this morning, and then went food shopping for david, most of our day went wonky. Naps were all over the place, Nathaniel is still lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling. I am wiped and wiped.

Note to Self:
Amazing how things work out sometimes. I am really sorry that we let David’s tooth be sick for over a week. I am glad he didn’t have pain but here’s an instant where I would have otherwise worried and taken care of immediately. Thankfully it didn’t have huge repercussions but it could have. It’s so hard to know when to take action immediately and when to sit and wait a bit.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that the dentist took us immediately and took care of David right away, thankful for dental care today.
2. I am grateful that my kids are so wonderful and Nathaniel behaved wonderfully the whole time we were at the dentist and made it easy for me to focus on David and hold his hand, etc.
3. I am thankful that I will get to go see Eclipse tomorrow!

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. lego magazine that he got in the mail.
2. daddy.

Since I went to bed so late last night, I knew today was going to be a disaster. And it wasn’t that bad but I was quite tired for almost all of it. It was David’s wii day so in the morning, he played with his legos while Nathaniel walked around.

I love capturing random shots of him cause every little thing he does has so much personality right now.

Even the way his toes sink into the carpet when he’s standing or walking.

David’s been covering our dining room table with legos for the last few days. It’s full to the brim.

And Nathaniel’s doing this funny walk with his hands clasped behind his back.

When he went down for his nap, David got to play wii while I read and then scrapped a bunch. I made a card and a layout today. I rarely ever make cards. I have like 7 more things on my list for this weekend, but I might just take it easy and relax. I am feeling quite tired and I know there will be some CHA work in the next week so best to get a lot of rest.

And read. I have to read 3 books in the next month, each of which is 1000 pages or more. Ugh. They are all supposed to be great books, though.

I am off to get my coffee and read a bit. I hope you’re well. Oh, yes, I plan to work on my zentangle, too.

Note to Self:
I have been working on plans for July. I have some ideas but I still need to flesh them out. I’ve really enjoyed doing this project-focused June and the layout-focused May. I wonder if I can keep it up for July. David’s school starts sometime in August so we have one more full month to play before our schedule changes so I want to take advantage of it while I can.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I accomplished something big this weekend. Something I was sort of scared to do but Lori encouraged me to. It might go nowhere but I am still proud of myself. And grateful to her.
2. I am grateful for some wonderful quiet time where I took a brief nap. I wish I could do that more. Brief naps are great.
3. I am grateful for some garage-cleaning time with Jake. Our garage is an ongoing project here so any progress makes me grateful.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. daddy.
2. all the legos in the world (and then he said, i wish i had them all).

Before I forget, HAPPY Birthday Daddy!! I love love love you so much!

Jake was working from home today and it made such a difference in my day. Even the little bit of extra help made me feel more relaxed and calmer. I wish he was around all the time.

David’s been working on this big lego city he’s building on the dinner table. Photos to come.

Nathaniel is exploring the room and throwing around anything he can find.

Especially his water bottles.

And he’s chewing anything he can find, too. The teeth are just always itching now I imagine.

I convinced David to let me take a photo today.

And then snapped another one while he was working on his Lego sticker book which he finished today and he was very proud of it.

His feet while he’s focused on the Lego book.

Later that day, Nathaniel discovered all of David’s markers and spread them all over the room so David is putting them back here and Nathaniel is watching him with interest, of course.

I got quite a bit of work done today and started tackling a big project that I am happy to tackle. I also did some work on my blog and scheduled a lot of the posts I’ve been working on for the last month. I’ve got a few more things left on my June list but I am feeling great about it and want to focus on July now. I have a few ideas for July but haven’t sat down to decide concretely just yet.

Note to Self:
I’m still thinking about the Anna Quindlen book I just finished. It’s reminding me to not focus on the small things. Or even the medium things. Life works out ok for the most part and it’s better to truly enjoy it and savor the moments as opposed to worrying about all the details and stressing about everything. I need to remember this way more often.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. Having Jake around today. It was wonderful.
2. I am so grateful for the internet today and for all the crafty people who make youtube videos and crafty tutorials. Thank you for doing that, it truly makes my day.
3. I am grateful for summer and the laziness of summer. Spending the day in our pajamas. Not having to rush anywhere. Feeling happy and taking it all slow. I love that.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. mommy.
2. daddy.
(down to the basics or too bored to think, not sure.)

There’s something odd I like about this photo.

This is the kind of day Nathaniel had today. He woke up at 6, went down for nap at 9 and slept all the way to 12:30 and then was cranky most of the day.

But he’s still so cute.

David was watching his shows and Nathaniel played right next to him.

And I deeply admired how restrained David was. He did not yell at the little boy at all. Not once.

Then Nathaniel decided to topple over the whole box of legos.

And looked at me like he did nothing wrong when I got his attention. What? his expression said.

It was of course David who had to clean all of those and he did without complaint. My angel.

Book club tonight so I am trying to get all my tasks done before they get here.

Note to Self:
My back is still in quite a bit of pain. I wonder if this is someone’s way of telling me to slow down. Or just be less stupid when I bend down.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. My little boys. They make me so so happy.
2. Jake’s been coming home early and feeding the boys dinner. I am so worn out by night time that this is a tremendous help for me. I am so grateful for it.
3. I am grateful that my book is ending. It turned miserable and I can’t wait to finish it.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. batman movies.
2, daddy
3. doing toy story workbook with mommy
4. i’m grateful for myself.

Flowers, bugs, animals. Those seem to be my favorite subjects (except for the family of course).

Today I woke up before the kids. It was quite amazing. I opened my eyes scared of the silence and tiptoed over to their rooms to find both of them sleeping soundly. I came down and spent a few quiet minutes reading my book. Then David joined me. Nathaniel didn’t wake up until 7:30. A record.

While everyone else was sleeping, David and I finished his Father’s Day card and we excitedly waited for Daddy to wake up. Once he came down the stairs, David whipped out the card (photos tomorrow) and presented it proudly. I then made them all breakfast. Daddy wanted eggs with a lot of cheese so that and some blueberries and raspberries is what he got. David got to have a vanilla and oreo yogurt, some toast, and some graham crackers. Nathaniel and I each had one egg, some toast and he had some berries and graham crackers, too.

Wonderful way to start our day. Then Daddy took some alone time while the kids played and I read. I read two books this weekend and loved them both. Love it when that happens. Nathaniel went down for his nap and I told David he could play some more Wii since he was so good. And I kept reading. When Nathaniel woke up, we all went out to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Donato.

The boys didn’t accomodate me so this was the best shot I got of all three of them.

But I did take some individual ones. One of the big boy with the long lashes.

And one of the little one who just discovered crayons and how good they taste.

And one of the man of the hour.

We ate and laughed and talked and even drew on the table.

After we came home, the boys played some Wii while I finished my book. The minute they took a break, Nathaniel grabbed the remote to attempt his own game.

Dinner, bath, and the boys were in bed. When I leaned over to kiss Nathaniel goodnight, I threw out my back and it’s hurting like crazy. I am praying that a night of sleep will ease the pain so I am headed to bed really soon. I did a little bit of painting and might or might not get to finish my Weekly Gratitude work but I am not worried, I will catch up tomorrow if needed. I’ve already accomplished such a monumental amount this June that I feel really good about it.

Oh a few other things I wanted to mention: David has a tooth that’s wobbly. I thought it was too soon but I guess it might be falling out in a month or so. Wow.

And my butterfly photo got chosen by Pioneer Woman for group 5 set on bugs which also made my day.

I promised my friend Deb that I would send her an email this weekend about my exercise goals and while I’ve sort of been thinking about it, it’s been on the list of things I’ve been postponing doing. I just don’t understand why this has been such a struggle. I wish I could do better.

Note to Self:
I just wanted to take the time today to thank my wonderful husband who is also my best friend in the whole world and my companion in every sense of the word. I like him, love him and I am so in love with him. He is my favorite person on earth. I am so thankful that we found each other and that we stuck together. He completes my life so fully. He is the best father to our amazing two kids whose faces light up the minute he walks through the door. And so does mine. We love you, Daddy!

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. My husband. Today and every other day.
2. Thankful for lots of quality family time today. I love my family so deeply and feel so grateful for them.
3. Thankful for good books. They can be such good fodder for thought, conversation, and entertainment.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. playing wii with daddy.
2. playing wii alone.

Nathaniel has been sleeping slightly later. Not that I want to jinx it by saying it out loud but here we are. Not much but closer to 6 than 5 and it makes a noticeable difference in my mornings. This morning the kids decided to wrestle. With two boys I don’t expect less of course.

And then they were both wiped out.

After Nathaniel’s nap, we went to the art store cause I was supposed to work on my Pam Carriker classes today but I realized I didn’t have any angular brushes. When we came back, David and I worked on his workbook a bit while Nathaniel looked at us longingly.

Then the kids played. I love this cause biting that bottle is something Nathaniel does often and I am glad I captured it.

And he goes through my scrappy drawers too often, too. Taking stuff out, destroying stuff, etc..

And he’s been playing with the doorstops lately again too. Partly cause I have been using the gate so he can’t venture too far.

After they ate and we played, I started working on a piece of art for my brother in law and his wife and the kids played together.

Jake came home early thankfully and fed the kids and did everything while I did my art. I love that. I love him. The kids are tucked safely in bed now and I am going to do a bit more art before I start getting ready for date night. Yey!

Note to Self:
Still feeling a bit more sluggish than I’d like but getting there. Getting and feeling more productive. Fewer conversations in my head. Thinking about July already and whether I will do a month long project or not. I am thinking I’ll go back to my art journal which has been neglected. Any other ideas for July?

Oh and, one of the items on my list for 52 Things and for this month is to make items for my etsy shop. I am in need of ideas. Any ideas? Anything you’d like? I’m not sure I’m interested in selling things but I wanted to ask just in case there’s something someone might like to have me make.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I decided to take today off work and just relax and I’m grateful that I did. It was nice just to be with the kids, work on projects, read and snuggle up. Good to take a day off for no reason every now and then.
2. Grateful for date night tonight. I was inclined to stay home and work on my embroidery but I know I will enjoy date night a lot.
3. Grateful for my amazing husband who’s always so kind and patient with me and so good with the kids. We’re all so lucky.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. daddy.
2. and daddy again!!