July

has been a busy month so far. Cook out (or rather cook in) with neighbors for the 4th. It was rainy, but I still took Sam, Val and my niece to see some fireworks. Todd stayed with Ron. Then it was time to get Todd ready for his trip to Germany and Switzerland. I was quite nervous this time around, but he made it safely. I will be busy this weekend at Church observing and getting ready to guide a group of women for the next 6 months as their Spiritual Director. Who would've thought I'd ever do something like this. I'm nervous, but very excited at the same time. I just hope they have as positive experience as I did when I was in their shoes 5 years ago. WOW! Hard to believe it has been 5 years since I attended CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) - so much has changed and happened and I have changed as well. I'm feeling a bit reflective today - must be the weather. More to come later...

I know...I know....

• I promised it wouldn't be so long, yet here it is...a month later. So much has happened. First - Disney was AWESOME! Just so many things went right and fell into place and we just had a great time. Stayed at Saratoga Springs (which I highly recommend) and did all the parks. The girls had a ball. Sam's favorite - It's a Small World - no wait so we rode it at least 5 times. Val's favorites - Goofy's Barnstormer and she graduated to Big Thunder Mountain - she screamed and giggled through the whole thing. Ron's favorite - Aladdin's Magic Carpets. We also had a stop in GA to see my niece graduate from HS, which was a special treat. After we got home it was major "fun detox" but we survived.
• Once again things fell into place and I had the chance to see Wicked the Musical. I LOVED it! I went with a good friend, her mom and 2 sisters and brother in law. We went to dinner before and thought we had plenty of time. Our service was a little slow so we were leaving the restaurant at 7:20 and the show started at 7:30. We were within walking distance - about 4 blocks, but it was POURING down rain. Needless to say we sprinted to the show and were soaked. We walked in and they were flicking the lights for everyone to take their seats. We sat down and the show started - I didn't even think about how wet I was, it was that good.
• Then it was off to KY for a week with the grandparents. That turned out to not be as relaxing as I'd hoped...Sam had a case of lice. So we spent the week treating the kids and cleaning the house. We did get to the pool a couple of times and Good news - it seemed to be mild so it has been taken care of.
• Now my niece is here helping us out for the week. I've been able to do some organizing and am hoping to get caught up on some cleaning. Celebrating Todd's birthday tomorrow, car getting serviced, bbq with friends for the 4th. Todd is heading to Germany soon. I'm going to be the next Spiritual Director for CRHP at our church, which is very exciting. I'll have to comment on that more later. Summer is flying by, but we are enjoying every minute of it. Hope to not be gone so long.

5 days and Counting....

I can't believe I only have a week to get everything together for our big vacation to Disney. It has been a crazy, but fun weekend here. Saturday we got up early and went downtown to bake in the sun and watch the 500 parade. We had never been, but Todd's nephew was going to marching in it with his band - so what a great excuse to go. Todd's brother came and went to the parade as well. It was HOT, but a lot of fun. We had a great spot to sit...the kids got front row seats and got to sit by some neighbors. Then on Sunday it was time to get up even earlier and head to the track to watch the race. We went so early because once again Todd's nephew was marching on the track and the bands started at 8am. It was nice being there early and got a lot of great photos. The day stayed dry and it turned slightly overcast so we didn't bake quite as much as the day before. I was hoping to see Will Power or Dan Wheldon win, but oh well - it was still a good time and it is fun to watch Helio. Today was a day to lay low and relax in preparation for the week. 3 days of school left for Sam, Honda needs serviced, Speech Therapy meeting for Ron and organizing and packing for leaving. Can't wait!

Two Weeks!

Two weeks before our trip and we have a lot going on before that. Val's last day Tuesday, Ron's last day Wednesday, Indy 500 Parade on the 23rd (our nephew is marching in it with his hs band - Anthony Wayne Generals), Indy 500 on the 24th - Todd and I are going again with his Dad and brother. If it rains they aren't going to be allowed to go with us anymore. Last time we all went we got rained on for about an hour. Our nephew is going to be at the race as well with his marching band. Sam's last day of school is the 28th and then we start our trek to Florida on teh 30th. CRAZY!!! But very exciting. We have been doing a lot of work in the yard and right now we all just have runny noses from allergies. Haven't done any form of formal exercise in two weeks, but have been very active. Maybe I'll get out for a run next week. Enjoy the sunshine today...it is sunny right now.

Too Long!

• I can't believe it has been a month since I've posted anything. So much has been going. We have decided to take a vacation and do Disney. Very last minute planning, but we will be going the first week in June. We are very excited and managed to get two of the 3 character meals we wanted. It works out because it backs up to my niece's hs graduation. The nice thing is we only have a few weeks of the kids asking when we are going instead of months.
• Todd and I both ran this past weekend. He did the mini - 13.1 miles in 1:53 and I did the 5k - 3.1 miles in 38:20. Neither of us met our goal, but we still did our personal best. We are very sore.
• The girls are doing well - Sam is finishing up first grade and doing well. I think she and I both are ready for summer break. Homework has become quite a challenge for us all. Val only has 4 days left and she and I are both going to miss the two days a week. Ron has only 3 days left. She has really enjoyed it. She is still doing speech therapy and we are actually going to increase it to twice a week this summer. She is doing well - she really tries. She just doesn't remember to say certain sounds so we are trying to reteach her.
• I'm having motivation issues with diet and exercise (as usual). I'm going to work in the yard this week, which is exercise. Otherwise I want to get on the bike again and do weights and some of the classes. I want to take a short break from running, but not exercise. Although right now I'm hesitant to go because I don't want to get sick and I certainly don't want the girls to get anything from child watch. So - that is what we've been up to. I'll try not to wait so long next time.

Bath Time!

So Val and Ron were taking a bath tonight. Val leans over and pats Ron's belly and says, "You have a big tummy." They had a good time in the tub together tonight. Sam is at the Grandparents' this week - having a good time there.

Jealousy!

It is so hard for me at this time of year. I have never done a Spring Break - nope, not in college and not in the 14 years of marriage. I always have a hard time when so many people are making their plans to head someplace for vacation. I run through all the feelings - that's not fair, why can't we go, I deserve it just as much as they do, when do I get my turn. It is really a struggle. Then when everyone gets home, it is sometimes hard for me to listen to how much fun they had and see how rested and healthy they look. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for them. It is just a struggle when I dislike cold and winter so much and I don't get a break until summer. Oh well - no pity party, just some thoughts. One of these years, we ARE going on Spring Break.

Quick Update

The retreat was FANTASTIC! I loved it. I was exhausted, but had a great time. I will have to go into more detail later, but let me just say how inspiring it was to witness these high school students grow closer to God and to each other. Val is spending some time with Grandma and Papaw this week, which is nice for all of us. Ron I think is missing her a little, she keeps asking where she is. Todd came down with strep on Friday and it wiped him OUT for the weekend. He is finally heading back to work tomorrow. Sam is doing well, doesn't like being the oldest right now because she feels as if she is missing out on a lot. She isn't realizing that she already had her times to spend with Grandma and Papaw and there will be more. I finally got back out for a run today - just a mile, but it had been two weeks with everyone being sick and then recovering from the retreat. Ron has preschool tomorrow and I'm looking forward to time without the kids for a bit. I'll update more later.

Prayers Please

Ron was finally feeling well today. She was acting better on Sunday, but then threw up on me again on Monday. Made it through Tuesday okay and then she went to school and is seeming back to herself today. I'm asking for prayers that no one else gets it...at least not until next week. I am scheduled to be gone this weekend. Leaving Friday evening and spending the weekend on a retreat with over 100 teens. My first full out teen retreat with our church and I'm excited and nervous about it. So - I REALLY don't want to get what Ron had. I'll be sure to post my experience after the weekend, but in the meantime some extra prayers for my family as well as all the kids attending this retreat would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

It Just Doesn't End...

Ron has been cranky as all the last two days. I now know why - she started throwing up today. She started with a fever of 101.9 and then when she went to bed it was 103. Guess I'll be calling the doc first thing in the morning and trying to get some Tamiflu so the rest of us don't get it. I have a teen retreat next weekend that I'm involved in and can't miss. 2009 is just not working out health wise for me and the family. Can't believe we are only 2 months in.

Random Stories

Ron was looking at a picture I have of Sam and I when she was 1. Ron thought it was her. I said no, it was Sam. Then she looked at the picture of me (my hair was much shorter) and said, "Grandma." I just laughed and corrected her.

Val was on the toilet tonight and noticed the tp had a floral design imprinted in it. She let me know she liked it, she thought it was "cool"

Val also noticed the towel bar was back on the wall. Sam had knocked it off while brushing her teeth one morning. I told her Daddy fixed it. She stated, "Daddy is good at fixing things."

I'm taking a dance class. Yes, there will also be a recital at the end. It is a lot of fun. For an hour on Monday evenings I get to get some exercise, stretch, learn a dance routine, and not think about my kids at all. It is called MAD - Middle Aged Dancers. I am enjoying it greatly. Still trying to run and do weights. Haven't been on the bike much. I'm kind of in a funk and trying to work my way out of it - that doesn't help with trying to exercise.

Oh - Val weighs 47lbs and Sam who is 3 years older weighs 52. No wonder Val is wearing the Sam's clothes from last year.

Bedtime Excitement

Not the most calm and relaxing last few minutes before bed tonight. The girls were all ready - pjs, brushed teeth, potty, story read...all that was left were hugs and kisses. Val was in bed and she wanted a hug and kiss from Sam. For whatever reason, Sam didn't want to. Val started to get upset so we asked Sam to just give her a quick hug. Sam was acting all tired and droopy and sort of "fell" into the hug with Val. Well, next thing we know Val is crying and Sam is rubbing her head and Val is holding her mouth. I go to tell Val to lay down and tuck her in and she moves her hand and all I see is blood gushing out of her nose. We got Val into another room to get it stopped. I was very scared she had a broken nose, but we got it stopped and she was okay. Just another typical bedtime in our house.

Back on the Wagon...

...the workout wagon that is. I was doing great and then of course the girls got sick (strep and colds) and then of course I came down with a cold. Spent Valentine's Day weekend at my parents'. Todd was going to have to work a lot so I packed up the girls and we had a nice visit. Plus, I got a little bit of a break and got to sleep a little longer. Anyhow, made it to work out today and did 2 miles on the treadmill (without stopping to walk any of it - woo hoo) and then did some weights. I need to get back on the treadmill again tomorrow. No weights though. So, hopefully we can all get and stay healthy for a while and I can get back into a good routine. I REALLY need to get some shoes...it wasn't such a bad thing to take a couple weeks off. Now shoes might more readily fit into the budget.

Giving this a Try

We had ice cream after dinner one night. Ron had been making faces in her spoon so we were trying to capture that. I decided to show off my talent of hanging a spoon off my nose. Suddenly Ron's was hanging there. We think it was a combination of ice cream, shape of her nose and the spoon. But she was so proud!

One Month In

Okay where to start....I did have a great run on Saturday. That was good. We had just a couple friends over to watch the Superbowl and it was very relaxed. That was good. The Cardinals lost. That was bad. We started off the new year with the stomach flu. Now we are starting off February with Strep. Yipeee! The fun just doesn't stop at my house. Val has been "off" since December. Took her in again today with a urine sample - it was fine. Thought maybe she had low iron - nope, all fine. She mentioned a sore throat for the first time...yep, it is strep. Unbelievable! I am now treating her for a yeast infection and strep throat. Hopefully this will all get cleared up and she'll be my happy easygoing kid again. The iron test and strep test were LOADS of fun today in the doctor's office. It is just too much to detail, but it involved lots of crying, drool, physical and emotional exertion and the girls got new Webkinz. I needed a drink and a nap when it was all over. I did get a mile in on the treadmill today. Wanted to go for two, but my ankles, shins and knees were hurting today. Must be time to finally get new shoes. Hope you all are having a good start to your week.

Not so Good

It wasn't such a good week with workouts this week. Got Monday and Tuesday in, but none the rest of the week. Too much snow to drive on Wednesday, but I did shovel. Thursday was just a bad day all around. Val has been giving me fits and I was just tired and decided I wanted to be alone. So instead of running on the treadmill, I hid out in the bathtub. Friday was similar to Thursday in that I just flat out didn't feel like doing anything. Having a hard time motivating myself to accomplish much. We'll see, maybe I'll get motivated tomorrow afternoon, when I can actually go by myself and not tote anyone with me. Here's to a better week next week!

It's Roadhouse Here

I've decided that I am Patrick Swayze from the movie Roadhouse. You know the scene when he is teaching the bouncers how to act and ask customers to leave. This is how the scene plays in my house:

• Be nice - don't just take the toy, ask for it
• Be nice - share the computer
• Be nice - let her have a turn
• BE NICE!

Hopefully they won't start slashing my tires or have a big shootout to finish off the dispute!

Snow...in my car!

I was able to work out today before the snow hit too hard. I took my heavy Lord of the Rings trilogy and read it while I sat on the recumbant bike...30 minutes goes fast when you are reading. Anyhow - the snow really started coming down while exercising. As I was leaving with the girls we made some progress with Ron. Normally she cries and wants to be carried in the snow. Today she was walking in it and it was landing on her and she wasn't freaking out, this is a good thing. I go to unlock the minivan - push the button once to unlock my door, push it again to unlock the rest. Apparently with my gloves on, I accidentally held the button down, which made the windows go down. Now I have to get the girls to hurry so I can start the car and get the windows back up because now it is snowing in the van. Val picked up the pace, but Ron was taking her time admiring all the snow landing on her. It was a lot of snow. Glad swim lessons were cancelled, I didn't want to drive back out in it. Stay warm everyone!

Tumbling Excitement

Val has Tumbling on Monday mornings. She LOVES it. Today was comical in that I have never seen a group of parents move so fast or so much hand sanitizer come out at the end of a class. It is in a gym and we all sit along the wall and watch. I had Ron with me because after class I was going to run on a treadmill. Anyhow - the kids are all doing a "circuit" - backward rolls, jumping over mats, handstands on the wall and forward rolls. We are just sitting there watching and I see a little girl (these are all 3-5 year olds) stand up from doing her backward roll and I see her cover her mouth and liquid come out. As I sit and think "Did she just get sick?" She proceeds to totally throw up. Parents all come flying off the wall and gather kids to make sure no one steps in it or touches it. The two instructors get stuff to clean it up and get a custodian in there. They move the poor girl off the mats and onto the wood floor and one of the instructors sits with her while another parent helps track down her mom. Apparently she wasn't where she said she'd be. When we sign the kids in we have to put down where we will be if we aren't staying in the room. After the initial excitement, a handful of parents helped the kids keep going on the circuit, the instructors put cones around the area where she got sick, and class continued. After the class ended all the moms that had hand sanitizer in their purses, had it out and put it on the kids before leaving the room. You could hear the moms that didn't have it "Come on, let's go wash hands." The little girl's mom did come and get her. I felt bad for her (both mom and daughter), but she didn't get upset. Mine would have probably cried. I'm just hoping it doesn't come back into my house...I've already had a round of the stomach flu and I don't want another one. Sorry if any of you feel ill, but it was an entertaining story. I did proceed to get 2 miles in on the treadmill - so it was a good workout. I need new shoes, hopefully end of February. Gotta fit them into the budget. Everybody stay healthy!

All Is Well

After a rough start...I got 5 workouts in and that included 3 runs - 6 miles. I am very pleased. It has been a good start to the weekend. Last night Sam had her first sleepover. Instead of doing a birthday party with friends I thought it might be nice and a little more sane to just have one friend over to spend the night. So, she picked her good friend M from down the street and we all went duckpin bowling and then out to eat. The bowling started off a little rough for Val. Todd was meeting us there so I had 4 girls with me. We got there and it wasn't busy, so I went and was getting the token for the duckpin bowling. The girls meanwhile are crazy excited. They wanted to take coats off as soon as we got in, but I wanted them to wait until we were ready to get situated and bowl. (This is an important note for the story) Val apparently had hers half off/half on. Her arms were still sort of in the sleeves, but the coat was off her shoulders. Anyhow - I finish getting the tokens and turn around to see Val facedown on the floor and she is screaming/crying. I thought she looked odd, but didn't notice right away...her arms were at her sides. I went over and picked her up, a little perterbed that she had been running around and fell. Well, as I stood her up and looked at her, I notice blood coming out of her mouth. Now it is serious. Round up the other three and try to get into the bathroom as quickly as possible. Note - Todd still isn't there. Get everyone into the bathroom and no paper towels. Grab some tp and wipe off her mouth to try to see what the damage is. She wouldn't let me touch her lip to get a good look, but from what I could tell she was going to be okay. I trek everybody back out of the bathroom and start heading to duckpin bowling. Now she gets upset because we are walking back towards the doors (the duckpin is near the entrance) and she thinks we are leaving. I get everyone sitting in the duckpin area and go get a cup of ice and some napkins. Todd shows up about this time as well. He corrals the other 3 while I get Val to calm down, suck on some ice and let me look at her lip. It wasn't split and she still had her teeth and she was finally settled down. She was fine the rest of the night and ate a decent dinner even. She now also has rug burn on her cheek. I have concluded that she tripped, but because of how her hands were in her coat, she couldn't get them out to slow down her fall and she basically face planted. I'm glad I didn't see it, because it was probably pretty funny to see. She is fine today. The girls all fell asleep around 9:30 last night. Val, M, and Sam all slept in the same room. There was no way Val was going to be left out and with her age we didn't force it. She'll start understanding as Sam does more sleepovers. The only bad thing was they were all up at 6:30 this morning. UGH! We had breakfast and M went home after lunch. I would have to say it was a very positive experience for all of us for the first sleepover. Busted lip and all.

Battling the Dark Force

There is a battle going on. Things aren't going very smoothly for working out. Had a decent run to start the New Year and then the girls got sick. Another good run on Jan 7, then I got sick and was out for a week. My plan was to get back to it this week. Started again on Monday. I decided to go ahead and work out while Val was in gymnastics. Not a treadmill available until 11am and that would be when class is over. The bikes were all in use as well. Managed to get 15 minutes in on the recumbant bike - not my favorite, but better than nothing. Here we are day 2 of the week. Ron has a runny nose and runny diapers - no child care for her. Decide to go in the evening after Todd gets home. It is extremely busy, but this time I get a treadmill. Start going - doing fine. I'm a mile and a half into my run and about eat it because the treadmill stops working. I can't get it to start up again. I almost just quit, but saw an empty treadmill, jumped on and finished the run. My new plan is to NOT plan. I need to start working day by day. Both in exercise and in finances. Today was a good day...I got a workout in and didn't get lunch out for the kids. Just need to make it through tomorrow too. But I'll address that in the morning. I have a tentative plan to work on things around the house, since Ron will most likely be staying home. Then it is off to exercise when Todd gets home and then a meeting at church. Hopefully will be another good day. Say some prayers. I believe that it is the devil and he doesn't want me to exercise and be healthy. Because that is something that is good for me and it is taking care of the body God gave me. I think he is the one that gets in my head at times and gives me all the excuses and reasons to stay home and be lazy. When I think of it that way, it should give me a little more motivation. Happy exercising!

A Few Photos....Finally

The girls had the stomach flu on January 2! Happy New Year!

Celebrating 2009 with friends

Toboggan run over Christmas with family

Appropriate family Christmas Photo

Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, See No Evil

My little Cheerleader

Seven Years

Well all day I had planned to write this reflective post about the past 7 years with Sam. It isn't going to happen. 7 years seems so long ago and yet it isn't long at all. I'm thankful for every moment I have spent with her. It is amazing to see all the things she can do now. Tying shoes was a big one this year. She reads the bedtime story now. Val lays in her bed and listens and Ron sits next to her and looks at the pictures while Sam reads. Sam is great with her youngest sister, but continues to clash with Val at times. She likes to draw and color and does great at both. There are days/times I would like to send her somewhere, but she is a great daughter. I think she is just too much like me and that is why we seem to clash at times. These 7 years have been fantastic and I wouldn't change a thing. Looking forward to many more challenging years ahead.

Kids Don't Get It

Valerie: Sheri Elfreich (she had already asked me my name), what's your job?

Me: Mommy

Valerie: No, your job. Why did you say "Mommy?"

Me: That is my job. I'm a Mommy.

Valerie: Oh - like checking things on the computer and vacuuming?

Me: Yes - that is all part of my job.

Valerie: Okay

Extremely Emotional

I have taken the following items from friends who have dealt with quite a loss, but have remained strong and faithful and I wanted to share. The note is my friend and Aunt to Jeremy. She has completed an Ironman (she is a mother of 4 by the way) and deals with her own daily struggles of being a Mom, Wife and individual. The link is to some of the pictures that were taken the day Jeremy was born. The photographer did a fantastic job of capturing all the emotions of a lifetime, that occured in only an hour. Make sure you have tissues if you decide to watch. Another friend of mine made the comment how we take an hour for granted. An hour can seem so long at times, but looking at the fact that Jeremy was only here for an hour - it was much too short. I was not able to stay for the service today. I did stop to offer my support, briefly. I was sick over the weekend and had Ron with me and I didn't want to take the chance of infecting too many people or Ron disrupting the service. One thing she did that was very sweet though - when I gave Beth a hug when I saw her, I was holding Ron. Ron has not met Beth, but as I was hugging her with one arm, Ron reached and completed the hug on the other side and gave her a little pat on the back. It was very innocent and very sweet. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers. Now that all the "planning" is over, they are going to need more prayers to help heal. From Laura:

• After going through one of the hardest days ever I sit here in a fog...I know that I have a mission now though -- more people need to know about Trisomy. More Moms and Dads should have the opportunity to meet their own special babies. More communities should be able to come together and support each other, just the way we did today. More people should have the HOPE that we all have in the future. I MUST get my act together and begin to do what I can to raise the Trisomy awareness...I will be joining the Tri-Be. Who am I kidding, I did this the day that I held Jeremy in my arms. What an angel. What a blessing. TRI BE Battle. Breathe. Believe. Across the globe, there's a forgotten and lost tribe of people. They're the children and families of children who have Trisomy 13 and 18. Their children have been given a death sentence. This tribe is hurt and mostly alone, waking up to face death and the fear of death. For those in this tribe, they learn not to live in the past or the future, but in the now. They learn how to be. They must be. Their motto can be summed up in 3 "B" words: (tri be). Battle. Breathe. Believe
• Battle - against pain, fear, death, against the very cells in a body. Against anger. Against ignorance.
• Breathe - trisomy babies are supposed to forget how to breathe and die. As a parent, you never take a breath for granted. And as a parent, you learn to just breathe. You keep thinking you can do something - you can't. In fact, you can do nothing. So, as Robbie Seay the singer says : breathe out and breathe again / know that life is hard, but it's worth breathing.
• Believe - is all we can do and the best we can do. Believe that life is precious. Believe that today is a gift. Believe that there is eternal life for the redeemed. Believe that I have a Savior friend who will see me through this. Believe that there is strength in Him.
• For more info on Tri Be check out www.ironmanforkids.com

http://www.jessicarstrickland.com/albumdesigns/shelby/

Only 8 days in? Really?

Well let's see...we survived the vomiting and have moved on to the other end. Sam has either dodged it or handled it better. Ron seems to have a mild case, but doing okay. Val is struggling. Poor thing was up at 4am telling me her pjs and bed were wet and she had to go potty. Got Todd up to help me get her changed and got her in her sleeping bag on her floor. Not dealing with sheets at 4am. She was up over the next two hours in the bathroom. Went through another set of pjs, but managed to keep the sleeping bag dry (thank goodness). The day was spent changing underwear and listening to her whine and cry about everything. She finally took a nap late in the day and that helped. She missed school, which she was extremely upset about. Ron and I missed her first swim lesson because we couldn't take Val to the Y and I didn't get to work out. It is all okay though - life happens and it is okay. I have the ability to care for my children and they will get better. It is one of the things I reminded myself as I was making Val's bed and grumbling a little because it isn't the easiest thing to do. There are people in this world that don't have the ability to make a bed and wish they could. There are people who are physically unable to do the simple things like change a diaper or change their child's clothes. I'm fortunate that I can do these things for my family. It is difficult to remember that these are blessings when I am in the middle of it, but they are blessings and I'm thankful for them. Hope you all are enjoying your blessings - whatever they may be.

Some Sad News

Well - my friend who was pregnant and diagnosed with Trisomy 13 delivered her baby today. Jeremy was born at 11:17 am and weighed about 6lbs. The families got to spend an hour with him before having to give him up to God. It is very sad that their time was so short, but I know they are thankful for what they had. Both sides of the family were there as well as a few very close friends. They had also made arrangements to have a photographer there to capture some family photos. They were prepared, but of course everyone was hoping for more. Thanks to those of you that do not know this family, yet kept them in your prayers. I know they appreciated it and could feel them. Continue to keep them in your thoughts as they now face coming home with empty arms and aching hearts.

Happy 2009!

• Okay - I realize it has been a while, but now I'm back to it. After a fantastic Christmas with my brother and his family and then Todd's family, we've had a rough start to the new year. But let me start with Christmas. My brother and family arrived on Christmas Eve. We took the kids to the 3:15 children's mass at church and Santa came while there. When we got home we celebrated Christmas and opened presents. The best was Val actually hugging the box that Santa brought with the Ponyville Amusement Park in it. She got so excited about gifts she was shaking. After presents we had fondue dinner. Santa on Christmas Eve is Todd's tradition, fondue is mine. After the kids were in bed the adults and older kids went to the basement for some Rockband and pool.
• Christmas day was a slow morning of breakfast, pictures and packing up the car for heading out of town. My brother went back to celebrate with my parents and we were heading north to celebrate with Todd's family. His parents rented a house on Crooked Lake in Northern Indiana that was big enough for all 25 of us to sleep relatively comfortably. 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 fridges, 2 ovens, 2 dishwashers, and 2 microwaves. One of the bedrooms had 5 bunkbeds in it so 10 could sleep there. It was perfect! It was also close enough that a group of us went to Pokehagen State Park and went on the tobaggon run. 2000 ft long. Nothing like reaching a speed of 37 mph on a tobaggon! I'll try to post pictures soon. I'm way behind on the photos, I know.
• Now on to New Years! We had friends over for a kid friendly early celebration on New Year's Eve. We rang it in at around 8:30pm. Kids were in bed by 10pm. Then New Year's Day was time for Football! More friends came over to watch the bowl games. Kids got to bed late again. We were awakened around 6am by Val when she said she got sick in her bed. Went and checked and found a little, thought perhaps she had just gagged on some drainage from her nose. Changed the pillowcase and put her back to bed. She came in about 30 min later saying she was cold. I let her climb into bed with me and all I can say is I'm glad she wasn't facing me. In about 5 min she had coughed which then led to her throwing up all over my pillow. Got the trash can, changed her pjs and went to sit up in the family room with her. She kept going about every 45 min until around 2pm. Meanwhile, Sam and Ron got up and seemed fine. They had breakfast without incident. Sam and Todd went out to sell GS cookies around 9am. 9:45 they were back, she had gotten sick. Now started her rotation of throwing up. Todd and I managed to get showered and are rotating through the other two. I ran to the grocery store first thing to get a few supplies. Around 1pm we decide to give Ron some crackers and get her down for a nap. Now it is her turn to start! That is how we spent Jan 2nd...caring for 3 sick kids. Everyone napped on and off and were finished getting sick around 7:30pm. Everyone went to bed at 8:30, we lined the hallway with towels and made sure the older two had buckets.
• We survived Jan 3 without a problem. Lots of plain, bland food when asked for. All seem to certainly be on the mend. The good news...it wasn't Christmas or Sam's birthday.
• Quick update on my friend with the Trisomy 13 baby...she is currently in the hospital and will deliver tonight or tomorrow. She is the full 40 weeks, which is a great thing. Say some prayers that all goes well and they get to meet little Jeremy. Many blessings to all of you and Happy New Year!