It all started the day after Christmas. Pastor started feeling a little, well, run down. This is not uncommon for him after Christmas and Easter, and we all just stock up on vitamins and minerals, try for extra sleep and less scheduled activities. We followed all those rules this year, including taking the week after Christmas as a week of Stay-cation, planning to play with the kids and get some odds and ends done around the house. Instead, I found myself nursing a sick husband, who didn't get out of bed for two days, and playing mother in overtime, as nobody was going to school or receiving therapy. It lasted three weeks.
I then declared the house 'ill free' and we looked forward to a few snowstorms with some serious sledding. Instead, Elia got sick. After determining that she was teething, we pumped her full of Tylenol and teething tablets and waited for the end to come. We're still waiting.
February began and Lars woke up in the night barking like a dog, or more accurately, a seal. Croup. Off to the doctor for some steroids, antibiotics and cough syrup. Oh by the way, try to find a combination of these three drugs that are dye free. After much searching (thank you Scott!), we settled with cherry flavored honey to quell the cough and suffered through 5 days of Zithromax until the pink stuff was gone. It was gone two weeks ago and his behaviors have not ended. In fact, as I type, he is screaming at a matchbox car, banging it on my desk and yelling at me while Elia cries in my arms. I guess I should probably go try to take care of this.
.............much................later.................
Now, all three children are sleeping. I didn't think this hour would come today and I wish I had more energy to do all the things that didn't get done all day. I managed to fold two loads of clothes and put one load from the washer to the dryer. That's all I did all day. When I wasn't holding Elia (did I mention she's teething), I was fending off Lars, who has had several weeks now of increased aggression, from attacking Eden. Ask the pastor to show you his bite marks on his chest. Impressive.
Anyway, back to the original story. Lars was sick with croup, got over the illness, but brought along the behaviors into his healthiness. Still working on that.
On Sunday, when we thought everybody was better, Elia spiked a fever. Then the preacher woke up Monday morning and announced he had a high fever, felt like crap and was staying in bed. For three days. On the 3rd day, he rose again and I took Daddy and baby to the doctor. Negative for Influenza. Since I woke up with a fever, the doctor decided to shove the rake up my nose and down the throat. Positive for Influenza. Mommy and baby went home on Tamiflu.
You know that stuff causes weird dreams and hallucinations? yeah, cool.
Five days into the flu I self-diagnosed bronchitis/sinus infection and decided I might die. Nearly a week later, I decided I will probably live, as long as I don't have to lie down at night and try to sleep. Not that Elia lets me, anyway. After sleeping on my chest for a week, she has settled now with sleeping next to me. Which is good, because I've had to get out of bed with Lars every morning around 0300.
With Elia back to teething now, she has snot pouring from her nose 24/7, diarrhea, diaper rash and spiking fever. Eden has begun a new cough (she was spared the full flu) and Pastor went from feeling 'better' to 'stuffy nose'. Allergies??
We sit here side by side on the couch, the preacher and I. The Kleenex box is nestled between us and the dog under our feet. He coughs while I'm speaking and I cough while he speaks. That's the extent of our recent conversation. Can you pass me another cough drop? Thanks.
We sincerely hope that spring is right around the corner. Of course, it's supposed to snow tonight....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Love of a child
While I recognize that this blog is primarily the work of my beloved bride, occasionally I have something to add as well.
SPD and other autism spectrum disorders oftentimes don't let appropriate emotions to be showed at the appropriate times. Affectionate touch is also a challenge. So that's what makes this one event, normal for some, so special.
I was laying on the couch because I've been under the weather again. Lars walked up unprompted and laid across my chest. Through a grin he said, "I love you daddy." And after a few more seconds, got up and was off doing Lars things again.
When in the midst of wondering how much more one can bear; how one can bear it for extended periods of time; when the days of struggle far outnumber the days of good; one short sentence is one tool in which God shows you that He never gives you more than you can bear.
SPD and other autism spectrum disorders oftentimes don't let appropriate emotions to be showed at the appropriate times. Affectionate touch is also a challenge. So that's what makes this one event, normal for some, so special.
I was laying on the couch because I've been under the weather again. Lars walked up unprompted and laid across my chest. Through a grin he said, "I love you daddy." And after a few more seconds, got up and was off doing Lars things again.
When in the midst of wondering how much more one can bear; how one can bear it for extended periods of time; when the days of struggle far outnumber the days of good; one short sentence is one tool in which God shows you that He never gives you more than you can bear.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Fried Green Tomatoes
"A lot of people might have been sad to have a birth-injured child, but I think the good Lord made him like that so he wouldn't have to suffer. He never even knew there were mean people on this earth. He just loved everybody and everybody loved him." Mrs. Ninny Threadgoode
Monday, February 07, 2011
Sarah Goes Bananas
This morning, in an apparent effort to re-create one of my favorite childhood Herbie movies, I actually slipped on a banana peel. And of all the places in the world to do it, I was on Main St, USA.
One minute I was climbing into the back seat of the Ford with an infant car carrier in one hand, a purse slung over my shoulder and a three year old in the other arm. The next, I was sliding, almost in slow motion, down, out of the Ford, past the running boards, and onto the gravel. With Elia wailing and Lars screaming at me, "GET UP MOMMY", I was frantically looking around, thinking, "Lord, please don't have let anybody see me do that!" That's when I saw the banana peel. And, yes, it was even mine. Busted.
Slow to get up, I made a second, this time successful attempt to put the kids in their seats and shut the door to assess the damages. A sore foot is all I have to show for the whole event, but I'm pretty sure my rump is going to have a nicely colored bruise...
One minute I was climbing into the back seat of the Ford with an infant car carrier in one hand, a purse slung over my shoulder and a three year old in the other arm. The next, I was sliding, almost in slow motion, down, out of the Ford, past the running boards, and onto the gravel. With Elia wailing and Lars screaming at me, "GET UP MOMMY", I was frantically looking around, thinking, "Lord, please don't have let anybody see me do that!" That's when I saw the banana peel. And, yes, it was even mine. Busted.
Slow to get up, I made a second, this time successful attempt to put the kids in their seats and shut the door to assess the damages. A sore foot is all I have to show for the whole event, but I'm pretty sure my rump is going to have a nicely colored bruise...
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Spring Cleaning
In the spirit of 40 degree (albeit WINDY weather), I did a little spring cleaning this day. I was intending to work on the closets to find clothes for the Community Clothing Drive going on this week by the parents and teachers of Head Start.
However, before I could get started, I got caught putting stray books away this morning, realized that I didn't have any more 'book shelf' room and decided to re-arrange the shelves. This lead to the re-organization of Early Readers from Eden's room into Lars' room, and several board books from Lars' room into a basket for Elia. Duplicate books, books that have been hidden for several months because Mom & Dad don't like to read them, and books that didn't fit right went in a pile for donation. This freed up space for newly acquired books and books that haven't been read in eons because they were forgotten or lost on said shelves.
This took all morning (mostly because it's Saturday and these three children suddenly appeared and were needy).
After lunch and a few stray organizing endeavors, I was looking forward to taking the cushions off the couch to vacuum them and find lose change. A fountain coke sounded wonderful. As luck would have it, those three children had found something to do in another room and I could keep all found money. With much excitement, I threw them onto the floor.
I found: One 5 year old sock, one matchbox car, one package of fruit snacks, one blue beaded necklace and several cheerios. Not one penny, nickel, dime or quarter. Nada.
Realizing that my luck had run dry, I called it a day, started supper and decided I really didn't need that coke anyway.
However, before I could get started, I got caught putting stray books away this morning, realized that I didn't have any more 'book shelf' room and decided to re-arrange the shelves. This lead to the re-organization of Early Readers from Eden's room into Lars' room, and several board books from Lars' room into a basket for Elia. Duplicate books, books that have been hidden for several months because Mom & Dad don't like to read them, and books that didn't fit right went in a pile for donation. This freed up space for newly acquired books and books that haven't been read in eons because they were forgotten or lost on said shelves.
This took all morning (mostly because it's Saturday and these three children suddenly appeared and were needy).
After lunch and a few stray organizing endeavors, I was looking forward to taking the cushions off the couch to vacuum them and find lose change. A fountain coke sounded wonderful. As luck would have it, those three children had found something to do in another room and I could keep all found money. With much excitement, I threw them onto the floor.
I found: One 5 year old sock, one matchbox car, one package of fruit snacks, one blue beaded necklace and several cheerios. Not one penny, nickel, dime or quarter. Nada.
Realizing that my luck had run dry, I called it a day, started supper and decided I really didn't need that coke anyway.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
TTGNAJ
I'm almost certain I'll get 3 sentences into this post and will have to pick Elia up, seeing as she's been sitting by herself for almost 2 and a half minutes now. Such is life, it seems, as of late. In her defense, she cut her second tooth sometime this afternoon and has been looking pitiful with a runny nose and red cheeks. We are also dealing with Mommy separation. I walk out of her eyesight and she melts to pieces. It's good to feel loved, but really.
This past weekend, our family had the privilege to attend the annual Tell The Good News About Jesus Convocation in Casper, Wyoming, about a 4 hour drive from here. It's put on by the Wyoming District LC-MS and has been well worth the trip every year. This year seemed to hit me more relevant that I would have though, and I'm not sure why. I just wish I could retain it all!
On Thursday, we picked Eden up from school at noon and headed out. The drive up was nice and all the kids were happy. Eden asked several times if we were in Wyoming yet. When we finally passed the 'welcome' sign, she missed it. Naturally.
We stopped in Guernsey at the park and I fed Elia while the other two played tag with daddy. It was so fun to watch from the warm vehicle. The blue sky over the open Wyoming landscape is hard to describe. Laramie Peak looks so close, yet is still so far away when we turn to go north. It's routine now for me to see herds of Antelope along side the road, munching on the sage brush.
We arrived in Casper around 5:30, checked into the hotel, unloaded the car and I fed Elia while we waited for Douthits to arrive. It was then that I realized, after months of actively working on it, Elia finally had her first tooth! We spent Thursday night stuffing ourselves at my favorite Mexican restaurant, On The Border. A pitcher of margaritas, lots of shared entrees, and several baskets of chips & hot salsa later, we retired to the hotel to hit the pool. I was the one adult who braved taking all the kids to the water. Not sure how that happened, exactly.... The hot tub was calling my name, however, and the kiddos were on their own!
Friday we hit the shopping pretty hard, spending half a paycheck in a matter of hours, and then trying to fit it all in the Ford. Back at the hotel for a relaxing lunch, naps and another swim (how did I get to do this again by myself??) before the afternoon sessions began.
This year's topic was on how to share the Gospel to Atheists and Muslims. Step #1, know your ancient history. Step #2, know it very well. God's Word works and the examples that the presenters shared were touching and unbelievably true. We Americans don't realize how good we have it, to be able to be Christian and share the One True Faith without the fear of death at every turn. Be bold. Be a Witness.
Saturday the convocation finished around 4:30 and we ran to Hobby Lobby to pick up some much needed 5 year old art supplies before stopping at Johnny J's diner that served the best Mint Chocolate Chip milkshake I've ever had. Afterward, with clean diapers and pajamas on, we hit the road for home. Al and I had a nice chat all the way back, which has got to be a record for the longest conversation we've had in about a year!
If anybody is interested in the convocation presentations, my technologically genius husband was the official audio recorder, and they will be on the District website in a week or so.
Now it's back to Nebraska, I have a touch of the crud, but the mother must go on. The weather is no warmer here than anywhere else in the country, but unfortunately, not much snow. Eden had no school today b/c of the bitter temps, and I pulled out long johns and a turtle neck to wear in case we got called out in the night. We didn't and I was thanking God for that. Wind chills of -40 don't sound glorious in the least.
Eden and Lars are playing "Larry and Harry" on the floor and Elia is on my lap, seriously unhappy. More teeth? I wonder who Larry and Harry are?
It is now tomorrow and after another sleepless night, we got out of bed just as the power went out. I still have a baby still on my lap, but I must move on with the day...
Until next time,
This past weekend, our family had the privilege to attend the annual Tell The Good News About Jesus Convocation in Casper, Wyoming, about a 4 hour drive from here. It's put on by the Wyoming District LC-MS and has been well worth the trip every year. This year seemed to hit me more relevant that I would have though, and I'm not sure why. I just wish I could retain it all!
On Thursday, we picked Eden up from school at noon and headed out. The drive up was nice and all the kids were happy. Eden asked several times if we were in Wyoming yet. When we finally passed the 'welcome' sign, she missed it. Naturally.
We stopped in Guernsey at the park and I fed Elia while the other two played tag with daddy. It was so fun to watch from the warm vehicle. The blue sky over the open Wyoming landscape is hard to describe. Laramie Peak looks so close, yet is still so far away when we turn to go north. It's routine now for me to see herds of Antelope along side the road, munching on the sage brush.
We arrived in Casper around 5:30, checked into the hotel, unloaded the car and I fed Elia while we waited for Douthits to arrive. It was then that I realized, after months of actively working on it, Elia finally had her first tooth! We spent Thursday night stuffing ourselves at my favorite Mexican restaurant, On The Border. A pitcher of margaritas, lots of shared entrees, and several baskets of chips & hot salsa later, we retired to the hotel to hit the pool. I was the one adult who braved taking all the kids to the water. Not sure how that happened, exactly.... The hot tub was calling my name, however, and the kiddos were on their own!
Friday we hit the shopping pretty hard, spending half a paycheck in a matter of hours, and then trying to fit it all in the Ford. Back at the hotel for a relaxing lunch, naps and another swim (how did I get to do this again by myself??) before the afternoon sessions began.
This year's topic was on how to share the Gospel to Atheists and Muslims. Step #1, know your ancient history. Step #2, know it very well. God's Word works and the examples that the presenters shared were touching and unbelievably true. We Americans don't realize how good we have it, to be able to be Christian and share the One True Faith without the fear of death at every turn. Be bold. Be a Witness.
Saturday the convocation finished around 4:30 and we ran to Hobby Lobby to pick up some much needed 5 year old art supplies before stopping at Johnny J's diner that served the best Mint Chocolate Chip milkshake I've ever had. Afterward, with clean diapers and pajamas on, we hit the road for home. Al and I had a nice chat all the way back, which has got to be a record for the longest conversation we've had in about a year!
If anybody is interested in the convocation presentations, my technologically genius husband was the official audio recorder, and they will be on the District website in a week or so.
Now it's back to Nebraska, I have a touch of the crud, but the mother must go on. The weather is no warmer here than anywhere else in the country, but unfortunately, not much snow. Eden had no school today b/c of the bitter temps, and I pulled out long johns and a turtle neck to wear in case we got called out in the night. We didn't and I was thanking God for that. Wind chills of -40 don't sound glorious in the least.
Eden and Lars are playing "Larry and Harry" on the floor and Elia is on my lap, seriously unhappy. More teeth? I wonder who Larry and Harry are?
It is now tomorrow and after another sleepless night, we got out of bed just as the power went out. I still have a baby still on my lap, but I must move on with the day...
Until next time,
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