What you learned today...

Babies have it so good, don't they?

We are so glad that Dad is home!

I made it! It hasn't been the easiest 5 days, that's for sure. But the swine flu is disappearing and I have my guy back (he was on a long-awaited trip with his dad...I was so glad that he went). Things are looking much better now. I had some of the sweetest phone calls this week. There were a few friends from church who would call and provide me with some company on the phone (while I was quarantined at home). I could tell that loved ones were praying for us. It was just so obvious by the way that the kids and I made it through the weekend peacefully. So thank you, friends.

I needed to take some pictures today.

I love this little camera that Mary & the kids gave her.

I've just got to teach her how to use it!

She's been giving me a lot of "fives" lately.

I love it and she thinks she is amazing whenever she does it.

I'm always suckered by little toes.

She's a fun sweetie.

Well, this one too.

Just the 3 of us on another day at home. We've been home a lot lately and I've enjoyed these little moments. It has given me a little perspective on how much we are running, running all the time...I've been thinking about that today.

the end of another era

There has been a little less crawling lately.

In exchange for a little more walking!

When you add up how old she is (15 months), this whole walking thing has been slow to come. But I've said this before here, and it is still true...I'm just not in any hurry for this one to grow up. I'm probably raising a slacker-baby, but I'm okay with that (heehee). (Wow, that onesie really doesn't fit anymore. See...there's even evidence of my denial in how I dress her.)
Really, we are all excited around here to watch her first toddles! I get reports all throughout the day, "Mom, she just took 6 steps!!" It's not going to get old for a little while, I think.

Flu update: Our middle daughter is feeling better and is currently fever-free. Hallelujah!

this is what the (swine) flu looks like...

Last night was a long night for us. This little one was fine one minute and the next minute running a 104 degree temperature. It was really hard to keep this fever down, and I began to wonder...has it hit our house?!

Yep, we took her in to her doctor this morning. She was diagnosed with Type A flu. I asked, "When asked if she has the swine flu, what do I say?" Their response, "It is about 95% likely to be the swine flu." Not totally sure why their was still a little mystery to her answer, but she tested positive for flu. We were fortunate enough to have Tamiflu in her within the hour. I've been told that the next 2 days are going to look like this...

After asking about a dozen questions about what to expect, I'm not worrying (praying -> yes!, but not freaking out). She should be feeling much better by Sunday evening. (I'm trying to calm down any relatives who might panic reading this. Her doctor is watching her closely and says that she will be fine once the virus runs its course).

Having sick kids really simplifies my life to the most basic of tasks. Being "mom" and taking care of our home. God's helping me find joy in these things, even though none of this is easy.

I have to end with a few happy pictures...here is our little peach 4 days ago. She's sweet. She'll be back to her "bright" self very soon.

amy's wedding went great!

Tonight my sister-in-law, Amy, got married to Mike. The ceremony was incredibly special. Amy is beloved to us...really beloved. She's survived 2 different battles with leukemia in the last 6 years. When I saw her on that stage tonight, I couldn't help but thank God again that He sustained her life. It was amazing to witness such a joyous celebration of marriage (and of life). She was the most radiant bride. She was giddy, joyous, and sweet. It was fun seeing the two of them dance-like-there-was-no-tomorrow too.

As if all of that isn't amazing enough...there's more. Adam was the officiant. A brother performing the wedding vows for his sister & groom...that's just too cool. He did great. I was a little afraid that he would get emotional and choked up. But he did a wonderful job. Amy made me a bridesmaid, so I had a very close view of Adam and I was very impressed with how collected he was. I was crying though, of course. And...two of our girls were flower girls. It doesn't get more involved than that!

It was just such a special wedding. I can't wait to see Rachel's photos from the wedding. This was all I had on my camera. Amy looked beautiful, so I'm so sad that I don't have a picture to show of her. Okay, I'm exhausted. That is all. Goodnight.

playroom time :: jumping

The greatest poem ever known

Is one all poets have outgrown:

The poetry, innate, untold,

Of being only four years old.

~Christopher Morley, To a Child

playroom time

Just enjoying my little girls today, while the oldest is in school.

We needed a quiet morning at home.

Now all 3 of my girls have worn this little outfit...I just love it.

pioneer farm

We visited Pioneer Farm last Friday. I remembered going here as a kid. There are homes set up to show you what life was like in the 1800's. (I should be ashamed of this...but all day I was just giggling to myself because I recently watched the episode of The Office where Jim & Pam stay at Dwight's beet farm. The whole day just reminded me of that.)

blacksmith demonstration

pretending to be little Indians

She's thinking, "This field trip is not for babies and I am not happy about it." She was making me work hard to keep peace.

Can you tell that I was impressed with these 2 enormous trees?

We love field trips.