Tooth No. 4

Carlie lost her fourth tooth at school today. She was chasing her friend Gage, when he accidently knocked her mouth - and out came the tooth! I was so glad it came out, it was hanging in there sideways! I just can't tell you how much I enjoy her toothless smiles. The picture is of the note she left the tooth fairy...note she is trying to bribe the tooth fairy with $.75 for a "braclet that has my name on it" instead of the normal cash. Quite the little diva, isn't she?

Operation Christmas Child

Today we had an opportunity to serve others by Operation Christmas Child. An organization where churches, schools, or just plain simply everybody packs a shoebox full of small presents, these shoe boxes are marked "girl" or "boy" and shipped across the world to orphanages and poverty stricken countries for Christmas. As we are continually spoiling our children with the upcoming Christmas holiday, the statement struck me that "this box may be this child's first and only gift as a child." How sad. No parents, no gift, and most of all, no Christ. The girls each packed their boxes with love and care, and Carlie included a note with her address (in hopes of a letter in return) and telling this child, "Jesus Rocks!" Her love for Christ is so pure and strong right now, at times, I am jealous of it! Selfless faith is a teaching that never ends as a parent. At every corner I turn, I see my girls thoughts and actions of entitlement. American Girl Doll, Wii, DS, whatever they wish for Christmas, they will receive. I must take blame for this, they are my children, I love the smiles on their faces when they open presents. My prayer this season is to continually remind them of what others don't have, and to be thankful of all the blessings that are showered on us each day, and to leave each day a little more Christlike and think of ourselves a little less.

Halloween Fun

Let the spooking begin!! I am so glad the girls were sick last week instead of this week. So much fun to be had. Last night kicked off the season with a costume skating party. I must admit, I am a bit sore from falling a few times. And Carlie is finally getting the hang of it..we have three more this year, so by summer she should be a pro! Lucy lasted a little bit longer this year...maybe with a few more practices... This morning I got to visit the Halloween parade at Lucy's school. I had to include this video clip, because her animation and expressions just make me laugh out loud! Be sure to watch the last one..."the people in the house go, eeck, eeck, eeck!"



Tonight the weather was a little iffy ... rain, but warm. So we decided to fight the weather and take the girls to Trunk or Treat at Carlie's school. We brought along three additional girls (a Pirate, a Belle and a Lady bug). It was so much fun, I think we may have to participate as a Trunk next year!



More fun to continue tomorrow!! Stay tuned!

Fall Time

Well, with sickness (almost) gone from our household, we took advantage of a few small outings over this past weekend. It's hard to figure out what you can and where you can go without contaminating your kids again, or have people glare at you when your kids are hacking up their left lung. So we had small small field trips to the Pumpkin Patch, and we carved some pumpkins, painted some pumpkins and went on an adventure walk through close to our house. It felt nice to be out in the fresh air and sunshine after our long bout of sickness. Enjoy the pictures, I think the smiles speak for themselves!

Sick Again

This flu season is starting to get a little bit out of control! As everybody may (or may not) know, the flu invaded our house last week. Carlie on Wed/Thur, Lucy on Fri/Sat and then Mon. Now last night in the middle of the night - Carlie AGAIN! She threw up and has the exact fever she had last week. So I am home from work ... again. At this point, I am going to have to start dipping into my vacation days. That would stink. I am wondering if Carlie actually got another strain of the flu - or if this is simply a reaction to her H1N1 shot on Monday. I would hate to think that she was infected by that, but I guess that's possible. We haven't taken the kids in to get the official "H1N1 diagnosis" and Jeff doesn't want to. I guess I would just like to know what we're dealing with. But on the other hand, I wouldn't treat it any differently, would I? So much uncertainty with this! So scary for everybody. I was up about 20 times last night just watching Carlie sleep. With each sickness her asthma gets so flared up. Her breathing is so labored it just scares me to death, and I can't sleep knowing she is sick in the next room. Coffee is my friend this morning and whether the kids know it or not - we're napping today!

Brand New (To Us) Basement

My new shelves - they are so cute!

Old yucky walls....

New pretty carpet...

Old yucky carpet...

New pretty basement!

Old yucky basement..

Well, our basement "re-do" is almost "done." We are having our HC over this weekend, so a final push made us get those details finished. Although the pictures don't show the walls true colors, it is a light tan. Being down there now smells so clean and comfy. The girls and I hang out down there all the time. Jeff has worked three days putting up my shelves, and he finished tonight. I am so happy to have all the toys off the floor and out of totes!!!! I could give him a big smooch! We need to have a welcome to our new basement party now! Although we don't have the big screen tv...yet... it may be coming once we get this paid off!!

Winter Germs

Tylenol. Ibuprofen. Thermometers. Lysol Wipes. Love. Vinegar & Water. Change of Sheets. Multiple Blankets. Patience. Lots of Load of Laundry. What do all these things have in common? Things you need when your child has the F-L-U. When I picked Carlie up from school today she was white as a sheet. Even Lucy said, "Carlie, why are you so sad?" She told me she was simply tired..but my mommy hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I knew better. Once we got home, I changed her into comfy clothes and made a "nest" for her in basement to watch TV, with hopes her her falling asleep. Temp 100.1 While I was upstairs getting Tylenol for her, I hear the all too dreaded "cough" Moms - you know that "cough"...the one that happens just PRIOR to vomit coming out. Unfortunately, I didn't make it down in time. No way to break in the new carpet than fresh vomit. Ugh!! Too much information I am sure - but I was able to catch the rest in an old blanket, which is now resting peacefully in the trash. Once my poor princess was done dry heaving her first words to me were "Mommy - I am so sorry I puked on her your new carpet!" Awww...my sweetie girl. Well, the new carpet passed the test, and cleaned up like a charm. On the other hand, the couch still may need some cleaning. Move upstairs and she informs me that the TV hurts her eyes and she can't watch it. Okay - my baby is really sick! One more small vomit, daddy kidnapping Talky Talkerson (bet you can't guess who that is) and finally she sleeps for a couple of hours. Still has the fever, but in bed and resting soundly. Honestly - if I use any more antibacterial gel, my hands my crack off my body...