SERIOUSLY?!!!

Evan woke up this morning with an ear ache. Poor guy has a lot of ear pain.

Daycare just came to tell me that Sammy is running a fever of 102 and is hacking, coughing, and snotting.

Charlie's ear pain kept him up a lot during the night.

We will be going back to the doctor tomorrow morning-for our THIRD doctor appointment of the week-so that ALL THREE of my children can see their pediatrician.

Come on!!! Universe, you are totally raining on my parade.

I say enough is enough. Is one normal day too much to ask for?

This morning Charlie told me, "Daddy is never getting on that airplane again." You are so right buddy. He is never going out of town again. Not without me, anyway.

Frazzled and Fried

Jeff left Sunday afternoon, and it has been nothing but chaos around here ever since.

Charlie woke up from his nap Sunday afternoon complaining that his right ear hurt. By Monday morning he was pretty miserable, so I called the doctor. We were lucky enough to get a 6:40 appointment, where they confirmed a raging infection, and sent us off to Walgreens with a prescription. When we had handed over the paper, the pharmacy tech smiled at me sweetly and said in a sugary tone that the wait would be 35-40 minutes. I am sure that smoke started pouring out my ears and I wanted to shout, "DON'T YOU SEE ME HERE ALL BY MYSELF WITH THREE BOYS?!!!!" But I just turned and walked the boys around the store for as long as they were good. After about 20 minutes they were pulling things off the shelves, so I sat us down in the waiting area, where Charlie and Sammy both launched into heartfelt temper tantrums. I totally understood their frustration-it was late (now about 7:45), they were out of patience, and Charlie was feeling sick. I did my best to comfort them, but stuck to the waiting room chairs. The pharmacy tech looked over at me with firm disapproval, but I just looked back at her with the same sugary sweet smile she had dosed me with earlier. Lo and behold, our prescription was done in about 5 minutes-the toad.

Meanwhile, I had known Monday morning that I was coming down with another of my bladder infections. I decided to be noble and take Charlie to the doctor first, so Tuesday afternoon found us at yet another doctor. Luckily for me my mom took the boys to her house so I could go by myself, as when I picked them up from daycare their teacher said that they hadn't napped all day. Not a good sign! It made the doctor appointment more peaceful, but it still meant we weren't home until around 7:00.

Today was spent taking Evan to choir practice after school, then racing to swimming lessons, and comforting Charlie who's ear still isn't feeling any better. And tomorrow-joy of joys-I have to do parent teacher conferences at school for a mere 13 hours straight. Does anyone know of a way to get Prozac in an IV drip? Cause I seriously need a little somethin' somethin' around here. Why does everything always happen when you are on your own with the kids?

The one redeeming point of today was when we were waiting in the narthex of the church for Evan to be done with choir. The toddlers were overcome by a well timed, yet totally unnatural fit of goodness and patience. They sat nicely together on a bench, holding hands, as calm as could be. An elderly gentleman walked past, and stopped to admire their breathtaking cuteness. "These are the cutest darn kids I've seen in a long time!" he stated. "Do they always have those shining halos over their heads?" Hardly ever, but I wanted to give him a great big smacking kiss on the lips for saying so. It made my day-and made up a little for the rest of the week. Maybe it was like a little hug from God coming right out of his mouth.

Now, if you all could just send me some energy, pep, happiness through the internet, maybe I can make it through tomorrow. And God, could you just make Jeff's plane land safely on Friday in time for him to help me with the trick or treating? It would be the best thing ever.

I'm a Slow Learner

Check out the great post today at Looky Daddy. It's a hilarious take on something we have around here-Irish twins. I may take up The Dad's suggestion and start referring to Charlie and Sammy as my I'm a Slow Learner Twins. Which is true!

Birthday Party #2

Despite my best efforts not to be a baby, I am really quite a mess about Jeff taking to the friendly skies today, and having a week of fun in Las Vegas. One of the worst parts about teaching is that I can't take a few days off to join him. Grrrr.

So to take my mind off things, I thought I would focus on the fun we had last night. I was disappointed that a few of our favorite people couldn't come-Jeff's grandma and aunt made it down to Omaha, but then had to return to Harlan because Grandma Monica was just too tired, my Grandma Rose is recovering from a stomach bug, and Evan's idol Christi and kids were in Harlan for a family event. But, despite missing a few of our favorites, the night went really well.

It is a tradition in our family that the birthday boy gets to pick the meal, and Evan chose tacos. Which was a relief to me after his choice of fried chicken last year, which took me hours to prepare, and eventually required me to call in my mother to help when it was clear that the piles of chicken were winning. It was an easy meal to serve and to prepare, and it seemed to go over well. Evan's Grandma brought her authentic, homemade Thai egg rolls, sticky rice, and beef jerky, which as always was to die for. Her food is amazing. She has taught me several Thai recipes over the years, and in an effort to keep Evan closer to a culture I can never begin to impart, I have tried to serve him a Thai dish here and there. Sadly, he always tells me, "Thanks for trying Mom. It doesn't taste as good as Grandma's though!"



Having Thursday afternoon and Friday off from school really helped my stress level too. My laundry was done by Saturday morning, the house was cleaner than it had been in months, and all I had left to do was bake. I made a strawberry cake (Evan's choice) and an apple and cherry pie.



Evan seemed to have a great time, and raced from one thing to the next. He loved his gifts, the food, and the people, so what more could you ask for? I loved seeing my family, and the blending of everyone. It was so nice to see all of the people who are important to Evan-my family, Jeff's family, and Dan's family come together to love him. After Evan was born, I couldn't even imagine a night like last night was possible. I never thought I would find a man to love both of us, and I thought it would be way to much to ask to have that man include a family that would love both of us. And I have so much respect for Dan's parents and their willingness to still be a part of our lives. I am so glad that God has worked wonders for both Evan and I in the last 10 years, and has provided us with things I never dared to believe in.

And now, the morning after, my house is filled with the sounds of crashing light sabers. Evan's (and Charlie and Sam's) favorite gift of the evening was 2 Star Wars Light Sabers. All three of the boys have been fighting happily together since they got up.



Now that Evan's birthday has been officially celebrated and recelebrated, I guess he can get on with the important business of being 10, with all the fun that it entails.

Trying Not to be a Baby

Jeff's trip to Las Vegas is quickly approaching and I am absolutely DREADING it. Not just because I will miss the help with the hooligans-I mean children-but just because I will miss him so much. When Jeff is gone, I can't fall into a deep sleep. I just don't feel comfortable or relaxed at night with out him. And let's be serious-I just don't feel right during the day either when he's away.

I am really trying to kick myself in the arse about this though, and I am telling myself not to be such a baby about a few days once a year absence. My friend Linda's son is in the Navy, and his wife deals with a 6 month deployment every 2 years. My cousin Ashley went for a year without seeing her husband while he was in Iraq. One of my "tweets'" husband travels 4-5 days out of the week. At school, the father of one of my students just had to take a job in Kansas City and is only home 2 days a week. So, I am trying to remember that it could be SOOOO much worse, and that I have the strong example of many wonderful women to live up to.

It doesn't make me miss him any less, but it does make me want to be more grown up about it.

More Than a Woman

I am not ashamed to admit I have more than a few songs on my iPod by the Bee Gees. I love the wankedy wank disco sound of their music.

The last few times that a Bee Gees song has come on in the shuffle cycle Sammy has started covering his face with his hands and crying, "Sammy not like it!! Oh no! Sammy not like it!!"

He keeps it up until we skip to the next song. I guess he's not a disco fan like I am!!

It's a Miracle!

I took all three boys to the doctor this afternoon to get flu shots. I dread with all my being taking all of my children at once to the doctor. We usually have to go after school, and let me tell you-if you take a late afternoon doctor's appointment, by that time the doctor is so off schedule that first you wait for hours in the waiting room and then you wait for hours in the exam room and by the time the doctor comes in I need to be admitted to the insane asylum. Because waiting with three boys does not involve sitting, or patience, or anything resembling calm. Usually Sammy is trying to push the handicap button on the door so he can try to run out to the parking lot, while Charlie is trying to put the germy waiting room toys in his mouth, or at the very least is running in the opposite direction of his brother.

Today was different. All three boys sat in chairs. They did not get up. They did not scream or cry. They sat and waited patiently for their names to be called. I was dumbstruck. I have not had a pleasant wait in the last 2 1/2 years. It was so pleasant in fact I am beginning to suspect alien abduction. These people could not be my rambunctious children.

After thinking about it, I've decided to keep the aliens. I could do with a little calm around here.

Evan's 10th Birthday

At 2:13 AM this morning, Evan turned 10 years old. I never wrote down a birth story for him, so I am challenging myself now to write down as many of the details as I can.

Evan's arrival actually began on the 19th. I went in for a 43 week appointment with the doctor at around 10:30. Yes-you read that right-43 weeks. At the time, as a single mom, I was using Medicaid as my health insurance, which left UNMC as the only group of doctors/hospital I could choose. I would never run out of bad things to say about this medical institution, the interns I had to see (a different one each visit), or the general depravity of care I received. After going through the humbling experience of using Medicaid, WIC and other public assistance programs, and coming out on the other side, I have the utmost respect and sympathy for other women who have to do this. It is degrading, demeaning, and depressing. The level of care available to you is so substandard it is frightening.

But I digress. My pregnancy with Evan was peppered with my first experience with tachycardia, which is a rapid heart beat when you are at rest. I had this with all three of my boys, but it was worst with Evan. The night before, I had been up all through the night with a heart rate averaging around 163 beats a minute, despite the fact I was lying down in bed. It was exhausting. At the appointment my mother and I had to beg the intern, who was meeting me for the first time that day, to induce me. After 2 hours of consulting with other doctors, they finally made the decision to induce and by 1:00 I was hooked up to a pitocin drip.

We watched the movie Titanic for the first several hours, which really weren't bad at all. I don't recommend watching this flick when your body is doped up with pregnancy hormones. The scene with the mother and baby frozen in the water about threw me over the edge, but everyone else was so wrapped up in the movie they failed to notice how much I hated it.

My mom, dad, and sister were all there to help me bring my first son into the world. They rubbed my back, fed me ice chips, and kept me motivated. I listened to Garrison Keillor all through the tough parts, which started around 7:00 PM, because I think his voice is the most relaxing thing ever. I remember feeling like I was floating through a haze of pain, contractions, and hunger, and it was all wrapped up in the lull of Garrison's slow methodical story telling.

After only about 12 pushes, (pushing has always been my specialty in labor-something I am really proud of! I can push out a 10 pounder in only 12 pushes! Literally!) Evan was born at 2:13 AM. He came into the world weighing 7 lbs, 4 ounces, 21 1/4 inches. I remember my Dad saying "Oh Evan! It's nice to meet you!" which I thought was so sweet. My mom and dad both cried, and my sister couldn't wait to hold him. I have a clear picture of her in my head sitting in the rocker next across from me, cradling him in her arms.

I also remember being RAVENOUS. I hadn't eaten since breakfast that morning, and so as soon as I was stitched up and sitting up in bed with Evan in my arms, I turned to Sarah, and rather shouted, "I need a SANDWICH!!!"

But most of all, I remember sitting up with Evan in my arms the rest of that night and the next, when it was just us left in the room, in complete awe of this new little being who was my wonderful, glorious, son. I was immediately smitten, completely in love, and more than a little over protective of this tiny little boy. Strangely enough, I was never worried about how I would support him, how we would manage, or what in the world I would do to finish college with a newborn in tow. I felt oddly peaceful on this front. I just knew he was meant to be, and our small family was meant to be as well. And for once, I was right. It all worked out, for the best, and he was meant to be the piece of my heart that had been missing.

Happy 10th birthday Evan! It's been a wonderful 10 years getting to watch you grow and change. I am HONORED to be your mother.

Creaking and Moaning

is what my muscles and bones are doing. I went to the gym for the first time in 2 1/2 weeks today. The sickness and birthday parties and visits to get stitches the last couple of weeks have kept me away. I have been working out at home on our exercise bike to make up for it, but I guess this is proof that home work outs just don't cut it.


I guess maybe I should have scaled back a little, but I did my hour of cardio I had *been* used to. Apparently I am not used to it anymore because my muscles are literally quivering.

Isn't it depressing how quickly you can loose ground with fitness?

The First of Evan's Birthday Celebrations

Tonight two of Evan's best friends came over. They hung out at the house for a bit, and then we headed over to Village Point to take in the movie City of Ember. The two boys Evan invited are the NICEST young men. (Although it pains me to admit that they can truly be called young men!). So polite, and kind, and well mannered. It helped that I have known these two since they were in Kindergarten, and one was a former student, but I really enjoyed spending the evening with these three.

I know it is silly, but I was a nervous wreck about this event for weeks. I was nervous about the organization of the whole thing, interacting with the parents, and driving everyone to the right places. I guess it's an outcropping of working where Evan goes to school. The parents of these little guys are wonderful people, but when you start out your relationship in the teacher/parent manner, it is hard to switch over to the more equal footing of a parent to parent relationship. I've always felt slightly outside of the circle with other parents in Evan's grade. I don't think they feel completely at ease with me, and I guess the opposite is true as well.

Despite my crazy nervousness, it all went really well. Got to the theater in one piece, enjoyed what turned out to be a WONDERFUL movie, and got everyone back safely to their respective houses without getting lost (although I have to say this was due in part to the excellent directions of my passengers-playdates are so much more pleasant when your charges are old enough to help direct you!)

It was cute to see Charlie play the part of the jealous younger brother. He tried his darndest to break up the party by sneaking into Evan's room, and begged to get to "go in the car with big boys!" I have such clear memories of my own siblings trying to do this with me when I was little, and it was funny to see this replayed.

Underlying it all though is my complete disbelief that Evan will turn 10 on Monday. I know it sounds so cliche, but I really did blink and he turned from a baby to a young man. Although in many ways I know him as well as I know myself, there are moments lately when we are talking that I feel like I am getting to know a new friend. He is truly beginning to come into his own, with his own feelings, opinions, and thoughts on the world. Watching your child progress through the beginning stages of childhood is so exciting, but as we are starting to navigate through this pre-teen stage, I truly am amazed at the glimpses of grown-up Evan we are starting to see more and more often. It tears at my heart strings more than a little bit too, to see how much of an individual person he is, so separate from me. Young children feel like so much of an extension of you as a parent, that it is like a painful tearing to have them become their own person. It's the goal you work so hard to help them achieve, but at the same time, there is a selfish part of me that doesn't really want that to happen.

I sure wish someone would figure out a way to capture time so I could freeze moments like these with my kids. I love you Evan. And no matter how big and grown up you get, you are always going to be my baby. It's just exactly like the Robert Munsch book says, "I love you forever, I like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Fire Drill Adventure

This afetrnoon at daycare Charlie announced to his teacher that he had to go potty. So, she lead him into the bathroom and just as she was about to help him get his pants down, she heard a brawl erupt from the toddler room. She told him to wait there while she intervened. In the meantime Charlie had an accident and peed all over the floor. At which point he decided it would be a good idea to dance in the puddle in his new tennis shoes. When she returned, she found Charlie happily covered in pee from the waist down.

She had just finished peeling off his socks, shoes, pants, and underwear when the fire alarm went off. Since he didn't have any shoes on, she plopped him into a baby bed with some other infants who were being wheeled out to save wear and tear on his bare feet. My mom (who is a teacher in the daycare) said he stood up in that bed, held on to the side, and proudly displayed his naked butt, much to the delight of the students who walked past.

It was the big event of Charlie's day, his naked fire drill, and as soon as Jeff walked in the door he had to report it to him. Here is Charlie's version of events:

"Daddy! Charlie didn't have pants on in the fire drill 'cause Grandma wanted it that way!"

Enough is Enough

For the second time in two weeks, I am in bed with a wicked stomach bug. Yesterday at school I was exhausted in the morning, and felt a bit like my extremities were not attached to my body. By lunchtime I knew I had a fever, and was feeling nauseous. I started throwing up shortly there after. Somehow I made it through the school day.

I actually thought I was feeling a bit better until 8:00 hit, when the vomiting became continuous and I couldn't leave the bathroom. I can't explain to you how badly my stomach hurt. Around 4:00 in the morning, I threw up so violently it came out my nose, I hit my head on the toilet, and I knocked myself out. This was apparently the ticket to feeling a bit better, as when I came to, my stomach felt still enough for me to crawl to the bed and heave myself over the side. I was finally able to sleep around 6 this morning, and I slept until 4:30 this afternoon. I am feeling weak, but much better. Anything would be better than last night.

So, sorry for the TMI, but I always feel better after complaining. Don't you? It makes my suffering feel validated somehow.

I can't believe how sick my family and I have been the last two weeks, and that it is only mid October. I hope this isn't an indication of how bad cold and flu season will be. Maybe we've already been through the worst of it.

My Poor Lefty

Yesterday evening the boys and I sat down at the kitchen table to make our annual grandparent's Christmas present. We always color pictures which we send off to the "magic factory", (aka Makit Projects) where it is turned into a plate. Evan and Charlie were able to work more or less on their own, but I had Sam on my lap to help him color his picture, and not the table.

I was helping him to hold the marker in his right hand while we worked. Sammy kept trying his hardest to grab it with his left. I thought he was trying to take the marker cap off to chew on. We struggled along like this for about 10 minutes, both of us getting more and more frustrated, when it dawned on me. My kid is a lefty. Which I've known for awhile, but it didn't even occur to me to let him color with his left hand. As soon as I put the marker in the other hand, he sighed happily and got busy.

Poor kid has a door knob for a mother.

Baby Shower

In November, my sister and I are throwing a baby shower for my cousin and his wife. I love showers, but sometimes I feel like I am not so great at coming up with cute games or ideas.

Anyone have some good ideas for me? I know you are more creative than me!!!

How do you know it's time for this election to end?

The boys and I were snuggling on the couch tonight watching Extreme Home Makeover, when a political commercial came on. Sammy looked at the TV and said, "Oh look! Obama!"

My kid, who isn't even two, can identify the political opponents.

I think it's a sign. Let's get this election over with and move on!!

Pumpkin Patch

We celebrated fall on Saturday morning with a trip to the pumpkin patch. This year we went to th Big Red Barn and Pumpkin Farm, and we LOVED it. Less expensive, less crowds, very kid friendly.

The highlight was the pony rides for both Charlie and Sammy. Here is Charlie:



They also of course loved picking out their "punkins". Sammy loved each and every one he saw and wanted to take them all home, including the one filled with ants.



Sammy also loved diving head first into the corn bin. We found out this is NOT a good idea for a kid with asthma, but I think Sammy thought it was worth it.



I love fall!! The kids had a great time, and so did we!

Evan is a Big Guy

A few of the men on my dad's side of the family regularly go camping with each other to have "guy time". Which I hear is always better when it's in the woods and involves tents and campfire.

Since Evan is turning 10 in 10 days, he was invited to join them this weekend for two nights and two days of manly camping. I feel a little bit like he is going through a ritual to officially become one of "the guys".

Which makes me a little bit weepy. It seems like yesterday that I was rocking him to sleep.

Sigh.

Sam I Am

Sam's latest favorite book is "Green Eggs and Ham" which of course features the famous character Sam I Am. It warms my heart that he loves this book, as it was the first book I learned to read, and as a 1st grade teacher I am required to love Dr. Suess. When I was pregnant with Sammy, I really wanted to do the nursery in a Green Eggs and Ham, Sam I Am theme, but since he shares a room with Charlie I resisted the urge.

I love reading it to him, because every time you turn the page he points to Sam and shouts "SAM!!! IT'S SAM!!" You can tell he just delights in hearing his name in the story. It is SO cute. Charlie has heard it so much this week, he is starting to recite it with us when we read. And how great is that? Dr. Suess was a genius.

How Embarrassing!

As most of you know, I am crazy and start listening to Christmas carols on October 1st. On the way home tonight, one of my all time favorites came on. I love "We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies, on their "A Winters Night" album.

Evan and I were singing along (in harmony!!) at the top of our lungs, when Evan asked, "Who sings this song?"

"Barenaked Ladies."

"Mom! Stop trying to embarrass me!! That's awful! Tell me who really sings it."

"No really. It's by Barenaked Ladies!" Suddenly this conversation is getting pretty embarrassing for me too.

Evan, who is cringing about nakedness in a way that only a 10 year boy can, checks the display on the iPod. When he sees it really IS BNL, he says "Why the HECK would you name your band that? I bet people can hardly stand to talk about them."

Suddenly, I can't either.

I Mean Really

Obviously the Universe did not read my blog post yesterday when I begged for normalcy at our house.

Tonight during dinner, Charlie was trying to adjust himself in his seat, and didn't realize how close to the edge of the bench he was. One second he was there, and the next he wasn't!! He fell right over the edge, and on his way down, smacked (hard) his chin on the corner of the wooden bench. As soon as I looked at it, I knew he needed stitches. It wasn't especially wide, but it was really deep.

My mom flew over as quick as you can say worried grandma to watch Sam and Evan, and then Charlie and I went to Children's Urgent care. Charlie was a star patient, which was the bright side. He did not make a peep throughout the entire experience. Even while strapped to the papoose board with all of his face but his chin covered by a blanket, he didn't cry, or wiggle, or protest in any way.

The funny part was that when it was all over, and they offered him a prize from the chest for being such a big, brave boy, he didn't want anything to do with it. It was like he was thinking, "I have had enough of you weirdo people and your strange ideas. You can keep your stuffed animal!"

So for the next 7 days we have to keep the stitches clean and dry. Two words that don't really apply to boys, so that should really be enjoyable.

I am not even going to jinx myself today by asking for a normal, calm day tomorrow.

And the fun just keeps coming!

Evan started having diarrhea at 4:30 this morning, Charlie started at school today at about 2:30. At 4:45, Charlie puked all over the living room carpet.

All I have to say is that I thank God for our Bissell carpet cleaner. It has truly saved my carpet the last four days.

I am about done with excitement now, Universe. Please stop sending surprises my way. I can't handle anything else today.

I am off to find a large glass of wine, and a big comfy couch.

In Which I Chatise Myself

I have a confession to make. I am hoping if I make it publicly it will spur me to action. I am not usually a procrastinator, but I am doing a seriously good job of it in relation to my portfolio I am supposed to be working on. I am working for my National Board certification for teachers, and it is due in March. I realize that's not tomorrow, but I have a lot of work to do on it. I need to get my act together. At the beginning of the school year, I put it aside for a bit to get some major projects for school out of the way. And then...I never went back to it. To tell you the truth, I am more than a little sick of it.

So, in order to get it out of the way so it won't be hanging over my head any longer than necessary, I am announcing to you, dear readers, that I WILL get it done by December 31st. Done meaning complete and in the mail. I don't want to have to think and worry about it anymore.

So feel free to bug me about it, kay?

Mess

As I was walking out of our room this morning to go get the toddlers up for the day, Charlie came running at me from the hallway shouting, "Mama! Mama! Sammy made a mess! And it CAME OUT OF HIM!!" I walked in to a mess of puke, all over the carpet. Red carpet staining puke-the best kind.

Somehow, Charlie had gotten it in his hair. It was on Lammy. It was depressing.

Now I am just waiting for the rest of the boys to come down with it.

Isn't puke just the worst part of motherhood??!!!

Evan's Eyeballs

We went today for the first session of Evan's vision testing. So far the tests have been covered by our medical insurance, so we haven't made the leap to the financial comittment for therapy. He has to go back for three more one hour testing sessions (that's after today's FOUR HOUR session!!!) before Jeff and I sit down with the doctor for the full diagnosis, and the blow by blow about the cost.

Even so, we got soooo much information today that my head is spinning, and I hardly know where to start to tell you about it. She made an initial diagnosis of divergence excess, which is caused because the muscles around Evan's eyes aren't attached in the right places. Which means that when he is trying to look straight ahead, his eyeballs want to move to the outside of his eyesockets. In order for him to look straight ahead or focus on an object, it takes a tremendous effort for him to pull his eyes in and see straight. Not only has he been seeing double most of the time, but it takes too much of his concentration to move his eyes, making it very difficult to see words, or much less concentrate on understanding what he is reading. The doctor asked him if he often saw two of things, and he said "Of course I do! All the time!" I was HORRIFIED. I asked him why he hadn't told me, and he looked at me blankly and said, "I thought I was supposed to. Don't you?" I bawled right there in the doctors office. No wonder my baby can't read very well. How the heck can you do that when you see two of everything!! And sports which have always been torture for him? Which ball are you supposed to try to kick when you see two? She also mentioned he might feel like the ground is tilting because of his double vision. That would make it hard to run, wouldn't it? It explains his monster headaches after school-all that eye strain. I feel like someone has put the missing piece of the Evan jigsaw puzzle into place for me. Every issue we have been dealing with since he was a small toddler can be traced to this.

I feel SO. BAD. My kid, my precious little boy has seen double since he was very small. School has been hell for him, and no wonder.

What kills me is that insurance doesn't consider this a bad enough disability to cover treatment. We are going to have to dig deep to cover the cost of this, but how can we not? My baby can't see.

A Little Chocolate for the Ladies

When I did my student teaching, God used it as an excuse to introduce me to my fairy godmother. The very special woman I student taught with has become one of my closest friends, mentors, and my "fairy godmother". My children sleep under handmade quilts made by her, and I have more quilts in my home because she taught me the art. In short, I love her dearly.

A couple of weeks ago when I was feeling down, she sent me an email reminding me that sometimes we just need a little chocolate in our lives. So, she sent me this recipe. It is a YUMMY single serving 2 seconds to make chocolate cake. Give it a try the next time you need a chocolate fix.

MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

1 Coffee Mug

4 tablespoons flour (plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well . Add the egg
and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix
again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at
1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be
alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if
desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

Sick as a Dog

After about a week and a half of children in my class coming down with a stomach bug, the germs have finally gotten to me, despite the antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer I have been using everywhere. I felt fine until about 7:00 last night when a Mac truck hit me, and within 10 minutes I was feverish, nauseous, and headachy.

Jeff took the kids to school/daycare this morning, and then worked from home.

I am feeling a little bit better now. Just wiped out-but better enough to take notice of the fact that today was the first time ever that Jeff and I have ever been alone in our home. No kids. Too bad I can't even sit up straight.