Four Strep Cases

The last few days have been marked with fevers, four sets of antibiotics two times a day, ibuprofen, lice shampoo treatments, washing EVERYTHING non-stop with hot water and drying those said items on hot, vacuuming tons, spraying down the house, meals, comforting, bloody noses, school . . . what? Um, that goes out the window when you are just trying to survive. I attempted to do some on Friday, and hoped to do some on Monday, but those plans were much too lofty for our situation.

Well, the boys ended up getting strep along with the girls and the girls and I needed to do the whole lice treatment, which took about three hours each. MyLove has been stripping down linens, running the washer and dryer and trying to stay on top of sick children with me. It has been a whirlwind.

Despite it all, my wee ones, we have had the joy and peace of the Lord. We were able to watch our church service live-streaming from home. MyLove and I have had some great talks and that was wonderful. You kiddos have enjoyed being couch potatoes, although you did mention that you would trade these marathon movie times for feeling better. 

Today, we got some schooling done and it was our first day doing Sonlight. It was great. So far, it seems like a great fit. We'll see how it goes.

I love you, my little sweeties. These times are hard with sickness and stress, but we'll get through it. Right now, even as I type, C is now coughing the seal cough . . . 

First Week of School

What a doosy this week was!

It started off great. We were excited. Monday went smoothly. School was fun and the kids did great. Then . . .

I discovered lice in C's hair. This is the first time, and I was crushed. This was to be her first day at gymnastics. I sat for an hour combing through her hair taking out the lice, super braided her hair and we went anyway . . .

I then discovered two or three lice nits in G's hair.

I am a hound when it comes to finding these things, so I went through their hair every day and night and took them out, washed their hair, blow-dried their hair and put mouse in and french-braided tons. Thankfully, they have not had it bad. Carmelita had the most, but it wasn't much at all. I praise the Lord because I think I caught it early. G had only about 5-7 nits total.

Laundry non-stop on hot and drying on hot. Mounds of laundry to fold.

The whole week, G coughed non-stop at night. I had to give her ibuprofen to reduce the swelling, help with headache and help her sleep.

Then, by Wednesday, C started coughing and had a sore throat. On Thursday she couldn't even swallow. Friday early morning, we all went to the doctor and the girls got tested. C has strep and G might have it as well. Treating both with antibiotics concurrently.

Now, I am feeling it.

I still want to record grades, curriculum and pictures for the new school year.

Hopefully Monday!

Innocence Slipping Away

C: Mommy, is war real?
Me: What do you mean?
C: I mean, is war really real? Do people really fight in wars?
Me: Yes. Wars are real.

C makes a terrified face and hugs the wall she was leaning against and says, "Oh, no. That makes me scared . . . "

Me: I know, Baby. But, don't worry, even if we were in a war, God would be with us and would protect us!
C: I don't like war. I wish there wasn't war. It makes me scared.

We are officially at war as far as our country goes, but she doesn't see it directly. When we celebrated Memorial Day, we watched a program about the realities of war our troops go through in Afghanistan. It was difficult to watch.

My poor little Sweetie. It breaks my heart to see her realize these terrible things in the world. People die. Children die. There is so much terrible-ness in the world.

All I can do, as she learns of these awful things, is point her to Jesus. He is our only hope. Our only salvation.

Quick to Pray

Yesterday, I was cutting G's fingernails, and I told her:

"G, I sure wish it would rain."

 G immediately responds: "Dear Jesus, (then indecipherable words . . .) rain. Jesus' name, Amen"

Wow, how convicting . . . I make a statement of "wishing" while my 2.5 year old immediately responds with prayer.

 *** Out of the mouths of babes. ***

March Memories

A few memories from March that I don't want to forget!

G fell asleep under the dining room chair while Mommy was teaching . . .


Curls in abundance . . .


The boys . . .


On a walk . . .


Veggie Tales on the iPhone!

Schooling Outside!

E: Can we go outside?

M: It would be a crime not to go outside today!

So . . . we did! And boy, was it a beautiful day!

We went outside and did our lessons. Not all of them, but some. The kids were continually distracted by bugs, birds, sounds and the fresh air in general. But, it was fun and we did get a little bit done.

Aaah, the joys of homeschooling!


(March 26, 2012)

Dearest Anthony

(Just 2 days after you arrived when we visited Lael's grave, you were so skinny :-( poor thing)

My sweet nephew, you came to live with us Dec. 9, 2011, and boy were we excited with the thoughts and visions we had for you. Visions of working in the Medical Center with Uncle Martin and getting your GED and driver's license. Visions of you getting a great job and loving your work. Visions of you eventually getting your own place and marrying Marissa.

Well, your path was different that what we hoped for, but I don't want to forget the great times.

The kids loved your fun and silliness. They loved how you would say the oddest, most misplaced things and how you made them laugh all the time.

G became your JellyBean because of her big belly.

C became your Little Buddy.

E became your side-kick.

M became your listener and question-asker on all things Marissa.

We had a great time going to the Y together and walking the track. Uncle Martin and I enjoyed long, interesting conversations.

Anthony, you are a true question-asker, and we love that you are not afraid to ask difficult questions. We love your inquisitive nature and your interest to know things, especially things of the Lord.

Your turned 18 on Feb. 21st and a week later, moved out with Rochelle. Our hearts were broken, but we hope that you are able to stay focused and accomplish your goals. Most of all, our prayer for you is to follow the Lord. Follow His leading and trust Him for guidance.

Today, April 11th, you fulfilled one of your goals! You passed your driver's test!!! Congratulations!!!

We love you, Anthony.

At Lael's grave


Chik-Fil-A Tunnel


At our neighborhood park



E's 7th Bday


G's 2nd Bday


Painting with cousins and friends


At Aunt Candi's wedding


At a gathering tackled by the kids . . . they loooved you!




With Marissa


At a bday party


Texting away . . . no comment!


Thumbs-up!