This week

All 3 boys have spring break. Kid and Boy were offered the chance to go to a basketball camp at no charge through Bob's job. He signed them up; I was not thrilled at first. I thought it would mean I'd have to rush around each morning getting them ready, just like for school and it sounded exhausting.

Then only yesterday or the day before, I realized it really means that Baby and I will have all morning long to hang out and relax and rest! For 5 consecutive days!! Today was delicious, and I'm hoping tomorrow will be too. As the time for little quattro girl to be born gets closer, I find myself more and more loving quiet days where I may not accomplish many tangible tasks but at least I don't feel wrung out by mid-afternoon and dread the rest of the day. The slower pace can chafe my fidget-y soul but it is good and necessary for my mental and physical health and for Quattro's. It is a true gift and I am loving it.

The other amazing thing is that last night Bill offered to volunteer with the camp the boys are at and forego sleeping in all week. I was shocked he'd even consider hanging out for 3 hours a day with a bunch of little kids instead of doing what teenagers love to do--sleep for hours and hours on end because they can. He seemed like he had fun when I picked up the little boys so I am glad he's getting out of the house and enjoying himself. He's a sweet kid and I need to remember that more often.

May anyone reading this have a blessed and restful week, like mine is shaping up to be.

Since last time . . . .

We have been sick. Baby & Bill each took a turn at a nasty vomiting flu week before last, and this last week has seen poor Kid with a high fever and bad cough which lead to nasal congestion which lead to an ear infection which lead to his eardrum rupturing. Poor little guy is just so tired of feeling lousy. Boy has been sort of up and down with acting like he might come down with something one day, but being fine the next. Thursday and yesterday he had a high fever and was super lethargic but hasn't developed much else besides a runny nose. We are praying he stays healthy, because I came down with bronchitis & a sinus problem and Bob's long standing cough has returned with more fervor. I have been nearly useless since Wednesday evening which, as a Mom, is quite frankly infuriating. This morning I thought I felt a little better, so I tried to do a few things. Literally maybe 3 things around the house after I had showered and given the kids breakfast. (Today was Bob's turn to sleep in, in an effort to allow us both extra rest & healing) By the time he got up around 9, I had to nap in our recliner for nearly an hour because I was exhausted, short of breath and borderline feverish. Ugh.

In general I don't stay sick very long. If I can get one good day of rest with a long night's sleep most illnesses just don't stick. Except that I'm pregnant; I seem to forget how much that can effect my body's ability to cope somehow. When I went to the doctor(2nd visit from our fam in 2 days thank you very much) he took a look at me, squinted a little and said "Where are the reinforcements at your house?"
I laughed a bit sarcastically and told him Kid was still sick and Bill had school. He didn't seem to see the humor but I figure when I'm this ill and my kids are ill and needy and Bob had some things he simply couldn't leave undone at work, then all I can do is laugh and keep trying. Such is life when you have no family nearby and all your friends have kids of their own who they don't want to expose to your sicknesses. I got some delightful prescriptions and Bob not only came home early that day, he worked from home all day Friday just so I could lay around wallowing in my respiratory issues. In spite of all this, I am working hard at being thankful so I will list some things I am grateful for today.

I am thankful for prescriptions that are readily available and seem to be working. I am thankful for children who see hours of tv viewing as a special treat they'll sit still to watch. I am incredibly thankful that unborn baby is still healthy and kicking up a storm despite my current wimpy weakness. I am thankful for the prayers of friends who love us and stand beside us during rough weeks. I am thankful for beautiful spring like weather and an adorable flower girl dress for Baby at a sale price. And I am especially thankful to hear that a dear family member is safe and sound with his lovely wife in Japan. I pray for those in need there, and for those who are not safe and sound and able to call their family to reassure them.

Things I learn from my 6 year old.

Yesterday I had to apologize to Kid at bedtime. I had been impatient and harsh with him all during dinner and the time leading up to it. I told him I was sorry I let my frustrations get the best of me and that I would try to do better tomorrow. His response melted my tired, grumpy heart and left me humble before his graciousness. "It's okay Mommy, that's in the past. I love you." Followed up with a giant hug and an extra I love you.

"And a little child shall lead them." Indeed.