Today, we took our oldest Jonathan to the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to have his tonsils evaluated. He's had strep throat twice and both times, the doctor told us that his tonsils were very large for his age. I wanted the specialist to look at him to determine if they needed to come out. From what he could see, Jonathan's tonsils may need to come out in the future, but if he is not having obstruction while he sleeps, the tonsils will stay in.

The doctor went on to explain that although he would not hesitate to do surgery if it was necessary, he wasn't in a hurry to operate on Jonathan at this time. President Obama commented recently that doctors are quick to take the tonsils out of lots of kids when it isn't necessary just for the money. I'm glad that our doctor is looking out for my child and not putting him through anything unnecessary at this time. He went on to saythat is it actually cheaper for him to do a tonsillectomy than to treat a patient for a lifetime of allergies.

So here is my opinion of the "Obamacare" - I am against it. I do not want the government telling me how to take care of my child's health. I do not want the government telling me what doctor I can see or what procedures can be done or when I can see the doctor. The United States has the best health care. If that wasn't the case, why do so many come here for treatment?

Sure, there is room to improve our current system. Let the physicians do what they are trained to do and get paid appropriately for it. Insurance companies discount doctors fees so much and base those discounts on medicare. Then the doctor's malpractice/liability insurance premiums go through the roof. I believe our current system should be looked at in its entirety and made changes where necessary. Not be replaced by some government run health care program.

Outdoor Wednesday

Here are the newest residents at E. Greenwood Ave. I couldn't resist getting a picture. But when I tried to get their faces, the frogs hid quickly.

How many days until....

Lately, Jonathan asks - how many days until my birthday? How many days until school starts? How many days until my Uncle Bill, Aunt Allie and Emma get here? How many days until we move to East Lake?

I have to have a calendar just for all the countdowns. Is this normal for a 4 year old? Of course, then Joel wants to know how many days until his birthday!

So for the record:

Days Until...

Uncle Bill, Aunt Allie and Emma get here - Today is the day!

School Starts - 20 days (August 10)

Jonathan's Birthday - 29 days (August 19)

Joel's Birthday - I'm not counting yet (April 24)

Move to East Lake - not soon enough, but I have no idea so I just tell him "one day"

Professional Pictures

I recently had some photos taken of me and the boys by Autumn Orozco at Blessings Photography. I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Autumn really did a great job. If you'd like to see the entire group of photos, click here.

Swimming lessons.....

I took swimming lessons the week of July 6. I had 5 - 30 minute sessions and learned a lot. My teacher was a 38 year old mother of three. She also teaches at the YMCA in Thomasville, GA. I think one reason that working with her was easy is that I had seen her work with my boys for two weeks while they learned to swim. I was comfortable with her and it was easy to relax. This is a picture of Jill working with Jonathan.

By the end of the week, I was swimming the length of the pool. I could take a breath without gulping in too much water. My form was good. I could even tread water.

The secret to learning how to swim as an adult is to remain relaxed.

I think I've found my place of relaxation (as long as no one is watching). Now it's time to get to the Y and swim some laps.

Fireworks on July 4th

I took the boys to see fireworks on Saturday night. We met up with some friends around 9 pm. I thought they'd like hanging out while we waited for the fireworks to start at 9:30 pm. Instead I listened to 30 minutes of "when are the fireworks gonna start, mommy?" Casey had sparklers that kept their attention for a while. Then after the fireworks started, I listened to 20 minutes of "when will it be over?" But on Sunday, they both said that they liked the fireworks. So was it a success? I think so, I got to spend some time with my boys watching fireworks. Here are some pictures from the event. Enjoy!

Just pictures

Joel sleeping

Joel took this picture of Jonathan

Jonathan loves to take pictures of himself. And I love that you can see his freckles on the tip of his nose.

And here's Joel

A parent's view...

A parent's view...

Grandpa Perry

I have one grandparent living. Donald Perry is my mother's father. Doesn't he look so happy in this picture. I love it and stole it from my cousins's facebook album. I love you Grandpa.

Ahhh, coffee.......
I am enjoying a cup of Starbuck's Verona coffee, doctored up with sugar, milk and chocolate syrup! And listening to Joel sing while he plays in the bathtub. Thought I'd take a picture of his naked hiney, but I don't think his daddy would appreciate me posting that on my blog. Joel's got a nice tan going on. So does Jonathan.

This first week in July has been busy. We finally got the pool set up that Nana got for the boys. They've really enjoyed playing in it. Thursday, we spent the day at the YMCA pool with the 'other Mary' and her crew. Of course, they enjoyed that too. So much, that they both were asleep within 5 minutes of leaving the Y that day. Then I was able to enjoy Girl's Movie Night while Lee entertained the boys. I got a call though, because Jonathan was running a fever. After we got home from swimming at the YMCA, Jonathan just laid around much of the night, sleeping a good bit, but woke up feverish. Friday, he had a fever again and we decided to take him to Youth Care. Youth Care is a walk-in clinic in Valdosta serviced by the pediatricians for children to be seen when the physicians offices are closed.

Jonathan's diagnosis was strep throat. This is the second time this year he's had strep throat and he's also had a sinus infection. Jonathan has very large tonsils for his age, so we'll have him rechecked in two weeks to determine if the infection is gone and if his tonsils got any smaller. If they do not get smaller when the infection is gone, we were advised to take him to an ENT physician for evaluation.

So because of the strep throat, Jonathan was not able to visit with his cousins this weekend. My brother and his wife are here with their five children. Aunt Judy met me at Youth Care and took Joel with her to Grandma and Granddaddy's house. Joel had a blast playing with his cousins. I was able to go too after Lee met me at Chick-Fil-A to pick up Jonathan and took him home. It is always good to see my brother and his family. I was hoping to be able to go back today, but Jonathan still had a fever this morning.

Now, I'm listening to Jonathan sing in the bathtub. I am so thankful for my little men!

We were scheduled to have pictures taken on Sunday evening by Autumn at Blessings Photography but I've rescheduled that for another time. We felt that maybe we'd all do better when we weren't so tired and sick. Check out her website. She does awesome work!

So, tonight I'm hoping that Jonathan will feel well enough to go see the fireworks. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Introducing fitmom!

One of my best friends, Melissa, has started a blog appropriately named fitmom. She is one sexy, fit mama!

Please take a moment to check it out and give her some feedback. The purpose of her blog is to discuss fitness and nutrition. She's always given me good advice and I trust her.

So, take a minute, check out her blog and welcome her to the blogging world.

Thanks!