Please Pray

There is a family today who is in court trying to get their five children back from the state. It is case that should not be a case. A fight that should not be a fight. But it is. You can read about their story here as it has now made national news. It is a sad story but their faith in God is incredible. Please join me in praying for them today and tomorrow as they go before the judge. Pray that their children can return home.

Wood Day

Last week Ben had his annual Wood Day. He sets aside several days throughout the year to cut wood that a good friend of his has on his property. Then, once a year, he rents a truck and brings it home. He usually does this in November (which is about when we start using our wood burning stove) but this year he waited until January because he had so much left over from last year. Ben does it because it saves us a lot of money on heat, and every time, I'm reminded of how hard he works to provide for the kids and me.

Sick Days

We spent long four days under the weather with the stomach bug. Though we all had it, thankfully, we didn't all have it at the exact same time.  The Princess led the way and was sick first. So she was better when the big kids and I got sick. Ben stayed home from work one day to help me. He did lots of laundry and lots of playing with his Princess.

The Munchkin and Handsome Man spent nearly 3 days in their "sickie beds". We move their beds to the living room couch so that they can watch TV (and basically have Mommy's attention as much as possible).

The Little Mister was also sick but it didn't bother him too much. He just ate less and wanted to spend time with Mommy. So when I was feeling better, we did some laundry together.

At the end of the week, Ben got sick too.  It was nearly impossible not too; we had changed so many sheets, given baths, etc.  He almost never lays on the couch in the middle of the day. But he did this week for one whole day. The Princess wanted to make sure he wasn't lonely.

We all recovered fully and are back to normal routine of school and work tomorrow.

Three Fourths--updated to Fourth Fourths

*Update* As expected, they all got it. It was a long night but I think we may have passed the worst of it. We'll all be home for a sick day thought watching lots of cartoons. (Even Ben. The super husband he is took the day off to help me take care of the kids because I barely slept and am not feeling so hot.)

This is one of my worst mommy fears come true. 3 out of the 4 kiddos have a stomach virus. The Princess was up 2 nights ago with it, and I thought we were out of the woods (she was doing a bit better today). But we just cleaned up two little boys, changed their sheets and are waiting to see if they'll go back to sleep or get sick again. (The Little Mister in his crib, Handsome Man on the couch watching Diego.) Bummer...I was just starting to get caught up on the laundry! The Munchkin is the only one not sick so far, but to be honest, I don't have high hopes. She's so helpful with the babies that she'll probably get the germs somehow. And, I'm feeling a bit nauseous myself. THAT is probably my worst mommy fear....that we, including me, all get the bug at the same time. Please pray I stay healthy and that we're not sick too long.  Oh boy, the Handsome Man is getting sick again. Could be a long night.

Snow Day

We got a few inches of snow yesterday. Ben had an early dismissal as did the Munchkin (though that doesn't make a difference when you're in 1/2 day kindergarten). The Handsome Man had no school.  And, the babies and I were business as usual.

 The Princess went shopping most of the morning with her cart around the house.

The Little Mister played happily.

The big kids played Wii until we made them go outside. Of course, they loved it once they got out there.

And, the Princess even went out in the snow for the first time. She LOVED it!

Please note that I did put mittens on her numerous times. She prefered to pull them off. See...

We had a great day together. It's always a treat to have Ben and the older kids home more.

Happy New Year!

2011. A brand new year. I'm always excited about a new year. I love to think about what God is going to do in our lives.  It's a little silly because I know that He is working each and every day, but there is just something about a brand new year. 

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance." ~Psalm 65:11