I had a busy morning today. I woke up the kids early, and we headed to their dentist for their cleanings. After that, Samuel had to have blood drawn so that we can attempt to figure out why he is breaking out in hives so frequently. His pediatrician put him on steroids, and Samuel has easily gained about 4 pounds in about 2 weeks. I'm hoping that the lab work will show something that will help us get to the bottom of what's attacking his body, so that we can start a treatment plan and get him better before school starts.I've had a headache for most of the day, and have taken the limits on Tylenol. I don't want to hit the heavier stuff, but it sure is tempting. I have an earache as well, which makes me think that is the culprit.

Jim got here to visit the kids about an hour ago. He and Sam are playing video games, and Kristen is sitting here next to me organizing her crayons by color. (She's had that habit since she was about two years old.) Later this evening, once the temperature drops below 100 degrees, we're taking the kids to grab an ice cream. It's so unbelievably hot.

I stopped by church today and picked up my Dave Ramsey (www.DaveRamsey.com) Financial Peace kit. I am taking this 13-week course and I'm hoping that I will come out with a better understanding of money and how I can manage my income and expenses in a more productive way. I need to learn how to budget and manage money as a single mother now, and as of right now, I'm not doing a very good job of it. I have high hopes that I will finish the course in better financial shape than I am right now.