The Puddles

The news this morning about the postponement of Ben’s doctor’s appointment put me a bit of a stalemate.  It just reminded me of what was coming up.  As sad as it is, our bout with the swine flu made me forget the upcoming struggle for Ben.  There was so much dealing with the drama of sick kids that I could forget about tomorrow.  But the phone call brought us back to reality.  It was very sobering this morning and I had a hard time getting any of my regular chores done before I had to pick up the kids from school.  When I saw their bright faces climb into the car, I decided to blow the rest of the day and have fun.

The weather finally turned cool, so Ben could even play outside.  They all played outside.  Our neighbors came over to play.  Sonijha and Joshua are regular fixtures at our house, and we are truly blessed with their presence.  Beside the mosquitos trying to take all of our blood, it was great.  Our friends in Nebraska got a round of snow this week, but we were outside with barefeet enjoying the beautiful weather.  We even pulled the wax paper out, so that they could slide down the slide quickly.  They really enjoyed that.  And no one was harmed in this process.  Fun was had by all.  Dad joined us for dinner (which didn’t happen until 7:30pm.  Bad mommy.)  The kids enjoyed having Daddy there, and we all enjoyed taking turns telling each other about our fabulous day!!

The day may have started badly, but it ended with a ton of fun!

I asked Madie to sort through all of the canned goods that Daddy brought back to us from Grandma Betty’s house (she’s moving out).  We are very thankful the canned goods.  Madie sorted them out, labeled them, and then explained her sorting technique to me.  The interesting category was “I Don’t Know.”  This included: canned beets, sauerkraut,  mackerel,  green beans with potatoes, and rutabagas. We are going to get to try a lot of new things this week.

This is a picture of “The Beast.”  For those who don’t recognize her, this is Rosie the cute little kitten that we brought with us from Nebraska.  She currently almost outweighs Ainsley.  She is not little any more and I am not worried about her climbing the curtains anymore (she can’t pull herself up).  She took residence inside my dryer.  I am not happy.  She has cat hair all over my clean clothes.  Naughty cat.  Now they must be washed again!  That does not make me happy.  Hence the name . . . the Beast.

We have been waiting for the appointment with Ben’s surgeon, Dr. Fraser.  His first appointment was cancelled because he had the swine flu.  The second appointment was just moved to another date because of scheduling conflicts.  Ben’s appointment in now set for October 26th at 2:30pm.  We are so anxiously awaiting for that day.  The closer we get to the appointment the more scared we are.  When it gets changed our anxiety goes through the roof!  Please pray that this date does not change, so that we can get some answers.

Chris officially passed his EMT test for the state of Texas.  He was nervous about passing, but everyone else was sure he would do fine!  He can now do what he loves in the state of Texas . . . serve on a rescue squad.  Lights and sirens here he comes!!!

This was Easter 2009.  But here are all of our cousins  . . . Ben, Ainsley, Madie, Taylor, Gordon, and Kamryn.  Gordon has more hair now but everyone still looks very much the same (but taller).   Or course,  my sister and brother-in-law are the photographers (that’s why the pictures are awesome!).  I couldn’t find a picture of my brother-in-law taking a photo, but I am including my sister hamming it up with Ainsley!

All of the children are back in school today.  No one is sick.  (Quick throw salt over your shoulder, knock on wood, and cross yourself!)  I walked the older two into class today and got all of their absentee notices straightened out.  I hope that Ainsley, Chris and I have an immunity made of iron because we haven’t been sick yet with this flu.

On a higher note, the kitchen tile was grouted today.  It only took a couple of months, but the backsplash is finished.  Thank God.  One step down and twenty to go!!!  We have discovered that home ownership can suck sometimes.  The paint in Ben’s room started peeling off the wall.  We took a putty knife and all five layers of paint came off the wall like wallpaper (in one thick layer).  Not sure why.  The drywall is not damaged, but all that is left is drywall and texture.  Weird.  No, our home is not straight out of the book of Leviticus and our home is not possessed, but some days . . .

We have the swine flu.  Well, only Madie and Ben have had the swine flu.  Ben got it last week and was finally able to go back to school after a week.  Madie will get to back to school on Tuesday.  My only hope is that Ainsley doesn’t get it.  And of course, I hope that Chris and I don’t get it either.  Madie had it worse than Ben.  Mainly because Ben was able to get Tamiflu, but Madie didn’t qualify to receive it.  So she felt bad for several days.  She is better now but still contagious.  We have been in quarantine for almost two weeks now.  I will be glad when this is over.  Friends have been helping us out with picking the kids up from school (the ones who aren’t sick).  I realized on Thursday night while I was driving to the library that I hadn’t been out of the house since Monday.

Soon we will all be healthy again and able to resume our lives!

Happy Birthday, Ben!

BenBen turned six.  I can’t believe it!  He is certainly turning into a great young man.  The family came up for his birthday.  It was all about the Transformers for this party!  Of course, it also Daddy, Uncle Dave, and Uncle Dave’s birthdays as well.  It was a popular week for births in this family.