The resiliance of children

Children amaze me. The stomach bug hit the kids fast and furiously right after school. I am so thankful that poor Kate made it home. Without grossing you out, I can't begin to even count the number of times she got sick....it was a long evening. Nothing would stay down.
Poor Olivia started an hour after Kate. She also had a very long night.
Ryan started this morning. He hasn't been as sick, but now and then he appears quite tired and his stomach gets upset.
Imagine my surprise this morning about around 9am when I saw the kids in action. I mean really?!

They did settle down and even napped later on. Kate is pretty wiped out as is Ryan. So far Brady is the only child unaffected. I am keeping my fingers crossed for him. With his size, based on what I saw with the girls, dehydration would really concern me. Heck I was worried for them last night.
Once again I am experiencing the guilt of being a working mom. The pull of work and the pull of motherhood is constant. From the outside looking in, the obvious answer is, "Duh stay home. Kids first." I know that. I get that, but I feel guilty making sub plans. I feel terrible putting my class in limbo. It's not like the kids miss me. I loved sub days. Two in a row is difficult though.
Still, I did put family first. I want everyone to take some time to get their strength back. I want to keep Brady home 'just in case.' All but two daycare kids have gotten this terrible virus within the last 24 hours, I want him on home lockdown. Oh, and did I mention that my BABY turns one tomorrow????!?!?! I want him to be healthy for his party too!
I will save the "my fourth and final baby is already one" sob post for tomorrow. Let's hope I am healthy enough to do it. ;)

Isn't it ironic?

Remember that Alannis Morrisette song from the 1990s? The title seems to run through my head daily. Isn't it ironic that:

--within hours after scrubbing the toilets, someone dirties it up from their business?

--after scrubbing the floor, I seem to serve the messiest meal of the week? My kids spill nightly....

--when it's summer my kids want to wear winter clothing? (I am talking about my girls)

--when it's winter, my kids want to wear shorts? (Girls again)

--when I am crabby, Thad is calm?

--when Thad is crabby, I am calm?

--the meals I work tirelessly to make are the ones my kids complain about?

--the easy frozen in a box crappy meals are their favorite?

--the nights Thad has to work late are nights when we have a million things going on?

--any time I wear white or cream, I spill?

--that when I go shopping with no money, I find awesome stuff?

--that when I go shopping to find something specific, I can't find a thing?

--when I need to get up early, I can't sleep?

Can you relate?

Finally a new post

What a crazy week this has been. Thankfully, Homecoming is over. I survived another year of coronation and parade duties. It was the second week of school, so that only added to the stress.
On top of that, Olivia brought cousin Ross to "Bring a Friend Day" at dance. They were so cute to watch. She was tickled to bring her favorite cousin along.
I finally got some pictures of Ryan at his football game. What wonderful weather for it!
Life is busy, but the hot weather has made it that much more enjoyable. Heck at the Spud football game on Friday night, we all wore t-shirts and shorts/capris. How cool is that for a change?

The kids are enjoying school. I am getting the hang of teaching ninth graders. They are a different breed. I can really tell at this age a difference in maturity level--even from sophomores. The variation between the boys is fascinating. Some boys are huge already. Others, well let's just say that they aren't there yet. Behaviorally, the boys have a way to go. Thank goodness I still have upperclassmen too.

Brady...my sweet baby Brady isn't much of a baby anymore. I think he is already done with a bottle. He really decided that on his own. Lately at night he takes a few drinks, throws it, and comes back to it. Unfortunately he ends up with more milk on his face and clothes than in his mouth when he does this. Last night and tonight we just gave him a sippy cup of milk. He didn't notice a difference, and there was no mess. I guess it's a good thing, but when I stop to really think about it, that is one more phase of babyhood that's over. Where did the little baby who fit perfectly in my arms go?
He reminds us so much of Ryan. He is on the go, gets into everything, yells loudly, explores like crazy, and makes us laugh a lot. Wow it's gone by way too quickly.

My dear sweet Cody passed away tonight. If you are a MHS person in any way, shape, or form, you know this boy and the joy he brought every single person.
I can't think of another person who made me laugh more. I can't think of someone who was thrown so many curve balls but never once complained.
To see more on this sweet angel who is now making friends with everyone in heaven click here

better late than never

It's a wonder I even got these up!


Ryan and Kate's first day on Tuesday.
Olivia's first day of preschool on Wednesday.

Brady's first haircut....

First day

Ryan and Kate had a good first day of school. Kate said her teacher was nice and pretty. Ryan only said that he is doing some sort of math 'thing' where he has 500 or so sheets to do to earn points. It really didn't make sense, but pressing Ryan on the issue wasn't going to help anyway so I left it alone. All I know is he has a stack of math worksheets that he was diligently working on. (I haven't had time to upload pics yet sorry!)
I had a nice first day too. I felt a little down today, because I am in a new area, teaching new curriculum, and dealing with a new age group. Of course who has time for a pity party when Homecoming ballots went out today? Not this gal! Yes, Homecoming coronation is next Monday. It's going to be a hectic two weeks. It will get done and all will be well.
Olivia begins preschool tomorrow. It's hard to believe that in one short year she will be a kindergartner. Holy cow!
Please know that even though I haven't commented on posts today, I have read them all and been so excited for your kids' first days of school. Melissa---I hope your puppy is okay too btw.
Have a great week!

Bittersweet

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We had a wonderful family weekend. On Saturday we dined at Space Aliens. On our way in, we ran into Tami's parents with Parker and Lucy. We treated Grandma Jeanne to dinner too, so we all dined together. The kids behaved beautifully. Ryan and Parker won slews of tickets. Of course, Olivia didn't do so hot, because she just likes to put in coins and push buttons. Sweet Parker showed me all his goodies he got to get with his points. I offered him a dollar to give Olivia some Pop Rocks. He agreed, which I thought was so sweet.
I need to back up a bit though. Prior to going to Space Aliens, I told the kids that we needed to visit a special friend of mine. He is a student who is about as hilarious as they get. He has brain cancer. He has texted me all summer long to tell me about what he is doing--including flying to Ireland to see and MEET Metallica. It was his Make a Wish trip. Without going in to all the details, he wasn't doing so hot. I prepared the kids that he was having difficulty speaking due to a recent seizure. He is not able to walk anymore or use his left side.
The girls made him pictures, and we had a lovely visit with his family out on their farm. It was so peaceful out there. I saw his pictures from his trip. Metallica was excellent to him by the way. The kids behaved beautifully. You just never know what you are going to get in tricky situations, but boy did they act as natural as they should have.
Since we were so close to Georgetown, I asked Thad to drive us there. I had never visited my classmate Todd's grave. He was killed on Prom night my senior year from a car accident. Once again, the kids were so good. They were curious, and yet so mature about it all.
On Sunday after church, we agreed to take the kids to Thunder Road--after Brady napped. Wow did we have fun! I hadn't driven a bumper car in years...I thought I was going WAY too fast, but Thad said everyone passed me. Oh well.
We golfed which was interesting with three kids and a baby. Olivia more or less played hockey and said 'dangit' the whole time.
Today, Labor Day, was a restful day. Tomorrow is school. I have a sinking feeling it's going to be a sad day. Please say a prayer for my friend who has since been put into the hospital. I know he isn't in pain, but it's just a sad deal. No kid should have to go through this. No family should either.

Kate's Challenge

My sweet Kate is a complainer by nature. Every time she is to go to dance or skating, she whines that she doesn't want to go. She leaves happy, so I know it's a bad habit. In my attempt to kick it, I offered her a little proposal.
If Kate does not complain all year about going to dance or skating, I will buy her an American Girl doll. It seems she is the only girl in the whole wide world without one. She said it would be difficult, but she is going to go for it.
I hope it works!