My SWEET boys!

(my little solider and admiring fan)

So yesterday we took advantage of the HOT day and went to our pool in the afternoon. This was our first time at our neighborhood pool this year. Liam has shot up a lot this past year! The nice things about the pools on post is they start at zero depth, think of a beach on a lake. And most of the pool doesn't go deeper than 3 1/2 feet! Liam discovered that he could walk the length of the pool, from the walk in side to the stairs on the other side. This is a big event for him, and he had fun walking back and fourth. Finn continues to be fearless and running in until he is past his nose and then needing to be fished out. The boy LOVES water! Anyway, it was a nice afternoon, and really wore the boys out. We came home and I threw together some cashew chicken which my boys ate with NO FUSS! AND, they fought over who go to eat the last broccoli!!!!!!!! (I was floored) (I'll post the recipe on the other blog soon......)

Then we went upstairs to take a bath and get ready for bed. No major problems tonight. Until bath was done that is. I took Finn out and my nakey snuggle bug ran down the hall to Dom to get lotion ("lotea") and jammies. Sadly, Finn had a major patch of diaper rash, and the towling off and lotion was a bit much for my poor sore, overtired son. He screamed and screamed and cried and cried. I finally managed to get some "medicine" and a diaper on there, and then we gave him some Tylenol for good measure. I asked him if he wanted to pick out his stories and he said "No, I wanna nigh-nigh." (he was still a bit teary and shaky at this point).

So, not fighting it, I went to put him to bed. Here is where the story gets good.....Liam was very concerned for his little brother, and so he helped me get Finn into bed. He came with me and helped me say the prayers, and helped me sing the lullaby. And the last thing I do after kissing my boys is make the sign of the cross on their forehead and say "You belong to God" I just think it is a peaceful way to end the night, and will take any chance I can get to bless my children. Well, sweet, sweet Liam, my great helper and big brother, leaned over, gave Finn a good night kiss, and made the cross on Finn's forehead saying what I say , "Good night, I love you. God bless you and keep you safe. You belong to God."

Yeah, I had to blink back some tears. WOW! "Never deny your children the chance to love a sibling" (John Paul II) The love of these brothers is so special to see. These boys drive me up the wall, and then they FLOOR me with their compassion and love for each other, for me, and for God. I am truly blessed to be a mother.

(the boys on an "adventure walk")