We're "Lysoling" Again..and Other Various Points of Interest

Well, it's happened again. Our kiddos (and Sam) have been bit by the stomach bug. UGH! Thankfully (I'm choosing to see it this way---hard choice, but I'm choosing to be thankful!) it is BEAUTIFUL...did you catch that?! BEEEEAUUUUUTIIIIIFULLLLLL!!!! outside today! Gorgeous! Wonderful! Anyway, because of the wonderful weather---I have windows open airing out the joint! :) I'm hoping that maybe...just maybe that will cause the length of this bug's visit to be shortened.

On other points...I did manage a quick trip to Wal-Mart to grab a few things. It was nice to "shop" by myself --things go so much quicker. Then since I am a "newbie" couponer...I am quite proud of my next accomplishment. I went on over to CVS which has become one of my favorite places these days---armed with my diaper coupons...including some GREAT ones from coupons.com. Then on top of it I had some extra bucks and some $4 off of a $20 purchase. Yep, it was great! I came home with 6 packs of diapers and 1 pack of pull-ups---for a VERY small fraction of what I should've paid for them! Aaah---it feels good.

My dad is recovering from his most recent surgery. Things went well on Thursday. The tendon ended up being intact so they did not have to do any repair to it...just another fairly extensive procedure. He'll be back in for surgery #2 (actually #3 if you count the ORIGINAL surgery) in a couple of weeks. He's having to be regular with his pain meds to manage the pain, but overall he's doing okay.

Little Man is progressing on the potty training. He really is doing very well. He stays dry most every day with a few accidents here and there. He was thrilled with the newest "undies" I brought home from Wal-Mart today. He really does crack me up so much of the time. He definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. Which is fine. He makes life interesting, and now that he's talking--he has plenty to say!

Our Girlie was the hardest hit by the bug this week. She unfortunately has been struggling with it off and on all week long with the worst yesterday and today. It seems when she gets this---she gets it for the duration. Poor thing. She's loving reading at school, and she is anxiously awaiting birthday number 6 at the end of April.

Tank---well, he's looking like he's in his 6th month of pregnancy...I'm NOT joking! It's great! We haven't had a chubby baby at this point in their lives yet so it's kind of fun. He and Little Man are basically wearing the same size in most things. He is pretty much a nut. He's grown attached to a blanket...just like his older brother. He has managed to master "please" in sign language...which seems especially cute since it involves him rubbing his rather plump belly! My favorite is when he climbs (WHEN---he's ALWAYS climbing on something!) on to the coffee table in the family room and stands on it while rubbing and beating his belly. Hilarious! The whole time he's giggling or "chattering."

This week was a particularly long week at school. I had a fairly large issue to deal with at the beginning of the week which just seemed to really drain me mentally. So in reality although I'm not thrilled that the kiddos are sick (and we will miss church once again...) it is nice to have an excuse to not be very ambitious this weekend...to just love on 'em and cuddle. Who needs clean laundry?!?!?

Oh, it appears we have a septic tank issue. Some of you know we had some pretty extensive (and random) damage due to a lightning strike on the house in early fall. Well, it appears that unbeknownst to us...the septic tank took a hit as well. We got some "emergency" assistance this morning---a follow up visit will be required on Monday with probably a replacement. The Lord is good that this happened BEFORE Sam got insanely busy because y'all I just don't think I could handle THAT particular mess by myself.

Well, this is just to give some news. Not my usual post, I know. Over and over again I am amazed at God's goodness and blessings to us. As much as I am really looking forward to spring, I (like I mentioned in an earlier post) still hesitate to embrace it as it means Sam's life (and in turn the family's) takes on a maddening pace. Every year I marvel at the way that God gives Sam the energy and strength he needs for each day. It appears a break in the weather or soil conditions comes at just the right times so that he gets a short reprieve...and we get an opportunity to spend some time with him. I really am proud of Sam; he is definitely using the talents and abilities God has given him as best he can. Even though there's some hesitation on my part to fall headlong into spring---I still feel like I perk up when we're able to have the windows open for fresh air, when we can hear the birds singing, and when things become alive again---new life! Beautiful!

Have a blessed weekend with your families, dear ones. May you marvel at God's goodness as His creation comes alive in the coming month.