I AM A HUMAN KLEENEX

Yes, the children are sick again...well, Rowan is fine now. Holland is doing her very best to get over her sickness without meds--we'll see how much longer I can stand it. Being cooped up in the house can get really stressful, but it also helps to slow me down and realize that kids like things pretty simple. Just us being together and playing is all they really care about.

My title is funny, but so true. Being a mommy immediately signs you up for sick duty. In some weird way it makes me happy that I'm here to take care of them through the fun and not so fun. I do, however, believe there should be a warning on all BLACK clothing. "Warning-not to be sold to a mommy. Sure to leave snot marks". I AM A HUMAN KLEENEX!!!

A sweet life remembered


As most of you know, my Grandma Mary passed away just after the new year. John, Rowan and I traveled to the Chicago area for her funeral last week and I'm so glad we were able to be there. The service was very nice and it was nice to have our family together (sans Holland-who had a double ear infection the days before). Although those events tend to pass by in a bit of a blur, I'm finding myself now remembering some things about her. She was a quiet person who loved to sew and bake yummy treats-always with extra cool whip for me. Her life spanned from August 15, 1915-January 3, 2007. 91 years! She was a widow at a fairly young age and had been blind from macular degeneration (sp?) for many years, but whenever we spoke she was intent on focusing on positive thoughts and ideas. She was really a very sweet lady, and that is how she is remembered by those who knew her.

Rowan's fun day in Chicago

Last week while we were in Chicago we took Rowan downtown via the TRAIN. He had so much fun and couldn't believe everything he saw. We rode on the top commuter level so we could see everything we passed by-and if you know Rowan, there was commentary throughout the entire 45 minute ride. We saw other trains, cars, trucks, construction equipment, a deep rock quarry, junk piles of metal being hauled by HUGE magnets, the city skyline with all the skyscrapers, train stations, and more. He was super excited about the tall escalators in the train station and at the Museum of Science & Industry. We even rode in a taxi. Although it was a free day at the museum, many of the exhibits were closed. But, the truth is that it was more about the experience than anything. Plus, it was such a joy for us to see him experiencing all this new stuff.

Merry Christmas

Here is our Christmas morning. We woke up the kids, read the Bible story of Jesus' birth, sang happy birthday to Jesus, and then went to see what Santa brought. They were in good spirits despite their thick colds. They even got a note from Santa thanking them for the cookies and milk. Their stockings were stuffed, the presents were aplenty, and Santa was so smart---he put out all the fun toys already assembled and ready to play with! Immediately after lunch we hopped in the car and drove to NC to be with John's family. Thanks to Benedryl we had an uneventful trip and enjoyed our time there.

Happy Christmas Eve

Well, we did manage to get the kids dressed up for church on Christmas Eve. They were both sick, but thankfully we went to an early service and made it back in time for dinner and early bedtime. The excitement was significantly downplayed. In fact, I think John and I had more fun setting everything up that night than anything else.

Cookies!!!

Rowan helped make all of these cookies. He decorated each one by himself and made them super special. He is quite the chef and loves to help out any way he can. This was a great activity in the days leading up to Christmas so he didn't get too crazy.