The Phelps: "Oh, Happi-mess!"

First of all... HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, REID!!!

My hubby joined those of us who are proud to be in the 30-something's category on July 11.

Happy Birthday, my love!

James looks pretty bummed here - it's because he apparently doesn't like this kind of frosting. What?!

So... I'm a little annoyed because I did a great job of getting my weekly post finished, but then the photos were not uploading correctly and I had to fix that little issue. Therefore, this post is a week old, but I'm posting it without changes. Not that a lot has happened in a week... other than a rise in the temperature. That's right... 100 degrees, people. Anyway... enjoy!

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You know that David Crowder Band song, "Oh, Happiness"? Well, it's a favorite around our house and James' version of it is the very best. Many times I have heard him belt out, "Oh, Happi-mess!" And it's perfect - because it's true. This place is one, big Happy Mess. While our house is coming together, we still can't seem to manage to clean up those last little messes and it seems like we'll have to get use to our family life being a bit of a mess for the next few months as well. Now, don't get me wrong - things are going well, but my, oh, my - what a change! Reid's 80 hours a week are, in fact, 80 hours a week (plus!) spent in the hospital (and therefore, not at home). This will be a bit of an adjustment for a family that likes its Daddy-time! He did surprise us the other day but arriving home at 3:30 - wow! What a treat. And he brought me flowers. What a sweet man. We know this is short term. Every one we've met has just encouraged us to battle through this first year, as it will improve a lot in the second year and once he gets into anesthesia only. But it will be a long year. I feel like he's been on his first rotation for 3 months, and it's been 3 and a half weeks. Oy. He is almost done with that first rotation and will move on to cardiology next week. We'll see how that goes. Overall, I do think he's loving it and that makes it all worthwhile!

So, how are the boys and I doing? Pretty well. No one seems to be sleeping well, and that's never a good thing. Luke thinks 5:00 AM is the proper time to wake up. James waked up around 6:30 because he hears his brother (turns our Luke is a bit of a screamer and it's tough to keep him quiet). And I like to hang out with my hubby when he's home at night, so I don't go to bed until 10:30 or later. So, we're all a little tired. I'm just hoping Luke gets over this 5 am phase really quickly.

James is getting a little stir crazy - but good news: gymnastics! We started the first class last Monday and when he was done he asked when he got to go back. Yay. So I think that will be great. And we have a great little neighbor - Ellie - who we've played with a few times. And we've joined a playgroup that's made up of Vandy people that will meet on Wednesdays. So, we're getting out there.

Getting a summer haircut because, yes, it's that hot.

James' room after "alone play time". He's really creative & imaginative anyway, but I think we've entered a whole new level of play. This is a giant "train" that had an elaborate story to go along with it. Oy - come on heat. Enough already. This kid needs to get outside to play!

And James is enjoying watching his plants grow. We planted some out back in some pots (as the rock yard... wait for it... doesn't really have a good area for plants at the moment). He waters them daily.

Too cute. And what a great thing to see your child watch in wonder as a little seed turns into a flowering plant... seems like a good time to pause and ponder this life God has given us!

Luke is doing well, despite the random screaming and lack of sleep. He's crawling, pulling up, cruising... the works. I officially cannot turn my back on him. He also screams in delight all the time. It's so loud and it usually occurs in the middle of the grocery store where it really echos. Good times. He's also funny and a totally cutie.

Getting into everything!!!

Me? Hanging in there. Missing family and friends. Not really digging the heat (what's this whole staying inside for most of the day in the middle of the summer?! We have to actually find things to do indoors - too strange.) And hoping for more sleep. And really ready to find a great church to call home - we've tried a number of them and I'll know we'll find the right one, but really hoping it's soon. I have met some great people. I've gotten out with one friend a number of times - library, lunch at our house, farmer's market - so it's great to have that connection. And I do think Nashville has a ton to offer! Like last night, we went to the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens for "Family Night" - and we were actually a family, Daddy and all! It was so fun, not too hot and so beautiful! There was a funny little band for the kids and it was so nice to walk around and check out all the great flowers, ponds and an awesome trains exhibit. Great time!

Reid and I were saying that our hope is to not just "survive" this year, but to thrive... get connected, have fun, enjoy the time we have together. It's going to be a challenge, but I know we can do it.

Oh - one more "happi-mess" that doesn't make me so happy. Check out this backyard. Bleh! A submission to get HGTV'd is in the works - no lie! I'll be finishing it up and sending out the info to all of you so you can vote for us and get us a makeover! When would we ever have the time to fix this mess? Kid-friendly? Nope. Cool? Nope. Relaxing? Nope. Am I over it? Yep! So, the HGTV submission is a long shot, but why not?

Playing in the backyard generally consists of building things out of rocks or hanging out in the chair swing. Good thing the boys currently think that's a pretty cool thing.