Day 299: Recovery

Phew, that was crazy!  Abishai was sick on Monday, and then the rest of us got this stomach bug last night starting at 4 pm.  It was boom, boom, boom, boom.  Dropping like flies!  I was away with Benaiah at his school for teacher/parent conferences, and barely made it home.  Jared had to deal with the initial rounds, but he did a great job cleaning up.  I couldn't do a single thing until today when I started feeling better.  Thank goodness we have two bathrooms now!  Poor Abishai didn't know what to do with all of us yesterday and today.  He kept going from one person to another.  It was a strangely quiet day today, too.  No fighting.  Thankfully, this one was quick, and I actually like that it was all at once instead of spread out over a week.  So, we didn't do any school today and even Jared couldn't work.  We all took naps while Abishai took his.  We nibbled on what we can and tried to rehydrate.  I'm also glad we don't go through this often, maybe twice a year.  Speaking of gratefulness, this is what I will put in my gratitude journal:

- Jared working from home and could jump in and get the kids cleaned up while I was gone
- Easily rescheduled appointments for the rest of the week
- Our washer is on the same level as our living space instead of two floors away
- Two bathrooms!
- Less co op homework this week, so we'll be able to catch up in the next two days
- A full day "off" to just watch movies, sleep, not work, no major projects (I still ran a load of laundry and set the dishwasher to going), in the middle of the week.
- Leaving breathing room in our life so we don't panic when these things happen
- That I did my chores and picked up the house yesterday before I left
- Two kids that can handle themselves well during sickness

Other things to note was that Justin enjoyed listening to an audiobook about Camp 14 in the Korean War.  We haven't listened to any audiobooks like that, so it was fun to discover that he likes that!  He even said that he'd rather listen to the audio than read the book.  Duly noted!  And it reminds me of how my dad listened to many sci fi books on tape that he would get in the mail from the braille/blind lending library when he couldn't see well enough to read anymore.  I was able to remind the kids of that today.  It's important to make connections like that I think.  Keturah was definitely down for the count all day today.  She finally became slightly bouncy around 6 pm.  After eating some soup, she wanted ice cream, but overestimated how much she could handle and had to throw half of it away.  Abishai was definitely his normal self and he really does have a bad case of the trouble 2's.  I don't think we are doing anything different with him, but he's a passionate little guy, so if he's unhappy, everyone knows it.

Now, Benaiah and teacher/parent conferences.  Every single teacher told me how wonderful he is and a joy to work with.  He's an example to the rest of his classmates.  He's responsible.  He's not snobbish, he's self confident.  They want to make him a teacher's assistance in a couple of his classes.  He has a love for learning.  Pretty much, he's a teacher's pet.  But who is this child?  Because that's certainly not the kind of kid I had to deal with in the past.  But instead of focusing on that, I reminded him and myself that Jared and I have trained him in these ways and he's now just finally applying all those lessons.  For a couple of the meetings, we were in the teacher's lounge, and when we were done, we didn't get up right away, but a couple of teachers came in.  So, here Benaiah and I are, having a regular conversation with 3 of his teachers and it didn't feel odd at all.  I'm so grateful for Southside Christian School and how these teachers care more about the kids than academic performance.  I mean that they do all they can to see these kids succeed, but they put a huge emphasis on a kids' character and relationship with God.  It's awesome to hear that and to partner with these teachers, and even talk homeschool teacher to private school teacher about teacher stuff.

Benaiah's first not at home school picture.  2016. 9th grade.  14 year old.

Abishai has figured out how to get under the bed.  At least there's room for him this time.  Usually I have too much stuff under there.

Bulldozing through life...Abishai rubs his hair on the carpet and goes up and down the hallway like that.  Justin wanted to copy him.

Fun times yesterday snuggling in the hallway.

A fun way to remember which states seperated from the USSR in the 1990's.  First letter of each food matches the first letter of the state.  Let's see: Hungary (hot dogs); Poland (pork); Czechasylavikia (condiment); Bulgaria (blueberries); East Germany (egg); Romania (raspberry dressing); Albania (apple).  I didn't come with this assignment.  You can thank Mystery of History for that.  (We did this yesterday before I left for the afternoon).

I love the baby in the bucket look!  Jared took Abishai down the stairs to get the mail.  Let's do this!

Watching "Cars" together.  Justin hopes it will be Abishai's favorite movie.  Abishai did enjoy all the songs this time.

Treats from California.  Abishai's first big lollipop!  I'm not sure how this is going to go since he's never really licked anything before.

Ring pops in the shape of Finding Dory characters and Hello Kitty nutella type dipping bucket.

Cookies in cream yummies.

For Dad's truck.  Justin wants to put them in his room.

Abishai's using his sign for "open" asking Keturah to open her candy.

My treats, lots of coconuts.

Yes, I let the boy drive around the parking lot of his school.  He as pumped.  He also tended to stick too much to the left and wouldn't widen his circle.  I survived.

Mommy had to hang out in the bathroom so Abishai came to visit.  Cute tongue baby!

Abishai found a nice spot to read a book, right outside of Mommy's bathroom.

What a contrast - Benaiah driving and Abishai fitting in my lap wanting Mommy time.  Sigh.  Time flies.  Time to catch up tomorrow.

Day 298: Down For The Count

The sickness has gotten us all, so no blog tonight.  I will update everything tomorrow, because there's lots to say!

Day 297: Sickness, Round 2

Well, we were all ready to go to homeschool co op this morning, but Abishai woke himself up with a sick stomach.  So thankful it was more phlegmy then well, other food, but it was a long, long day dealing with that.  I forgot how hard it is to keep a very active toddler in one place so the mess isn't all over the house.  He finally settled down, sleeping here, there and everywhere.  Everyone was on watch.  I just couldn't sit by his side all day, so I'd go do a chore, look over some homework, check email, etc and then check on him.  He was a bit feverish, but I didn't treat that with traditional medicine because he would have just thrown it up.  Instead, I tried out using Thieves essential oil mixed with liquid coconut oil on his feet, and peppermint oil/coconut oil on his tummy.  I'm convinced the oils helped to nip this in the bud because Abishai was running around close to normal by suppertime.  Yeah!  I put more oil on his feet tonight just to be sure.

Meanwhile, Keturah had a very runny nose.  And poor Justin didn't get to sleep until almost 1 am last night because he had Mountain Dew at 4 pm.  He was very upset at himself and couldn't calm down.  We tried oils, but this time it was also related to a runny nose, so I gave him some allergy medicine to knock him out.  So, we stayed home.  I went over to co op (thank goodness it's 5 minutes away!) to drop off homework and our contribution for the pitch in at the beginning of the school day and then back near the end to get homework.  I'm grateful that a) our kids don't get sick often b) co op is close and c) I don't have to do this homework run around often.

That was pretty much our day.  Follow the baby with a bunch of towels.  Make sure he's wrapped up and comfy so he can nap for a bit.  Hold towel under his chin and let him do the necessary evil.  Clean him up.  Repeat.  Sigh.

Side note: You can tell that I forgot to put my f-stop (I think that's what it's called) back to normal after being at the park yesterday.  All my inside pictures look too bright!  Whoops!

First nap of the day, Daddy got him set up on the couch while I was delivering homework.  Abishai only likes to sleep on his back or front.

My arsenal for the day.  The oils are NOT Young Living, but I am trying to use them up.  I diffused thieves and lemon in the air for the rest of us.  Backing soda for the wet spots.  Yes, a chemical lysol spray for the couch.  I ended up using washclothes instead of wasting paper towels all day.  Water and paci.  Blanket was nasty from the first part of the day, so I washed it and gave it back to him tonight.  He didn't seem to miss it because he snuggled up with the towels instead.

Lol, poor baby.

About midday, he tried walking around a bit, with a slight smile. 

Second nap.

Aww, poor baby.

Abishai fell asleep watching the new animated Thomas, which I don't like as much as the stop real life type one where you are just looking at the character and they don't move even though they are talking.  They also call Sir Topham Hat the "Fat Controller."  Say what?!  Anyway, Abishai doesn't care.  He loves the "woo-woo's!"

Nothing cheers the family up like Grandma's thick chicken noodle soup freshly made today!  I think Grandma enjoyed being near enough to do that for us.  She and Jared like their soup thick.  I don't care either way, but usually make it thin. 

Third nap? He did like nesting in the towels.

Baby butt in the air!

Daddy was concerned all day, coming out to check on him every threw up. 

Yes, Abishai fell asleep in the middle of the floor.  We just stepped over him.  His nap lasted about 20 minutes. 

Momma brought treats home because we were supposed to go to Steak and Shake after co op today with our friends.

Abishai's new treat - a red tractor!  He exclaimed about it for 10 straight minutes!

 Keturah's assignment for Grandpa's Bible Class this week was to color a picture of Queen Esther.  She decided to do it in Lego form instead.

Lots of attention to detail.  I was impressed!

Baby Buddha! Or a boy wish his raisins.  He kept trying to grab all of our food though.  I think he was hungry!

If you notice, Abishai is leaning forward riding his tricycle.  He is determined to get places and when he's been sick!

He looks so big walking around the parking lot wanting to use a raquet as a golf club.

Come on, let's go!

Day 296: Sickness, and surprise revealed

Benaiah and Mommy 12 years ago.  Justin said, that's Abishai!

Wow, what a rough start to the day!  Abishai woke up around 1:30 am and came into bed with us  slept until 5:30 am surprisingly.  I got up with him, but I knew that I was coming down with a cold, so Jared and I switched places so I could get some rest.  I slept until 10 am, while he fed the kids and took them to Home Depot.  Yes, Home Depot, on a Sunday morning.  Feels/sounds weird.  We try very hard not to shop on Sunday morning at the very least.  We want employees to be able to go to church.  It makes me even more grateful for Saturday night services so that those employees do have more choices.  Unfortunately, most won't take it.  On Prince Edward Island, most businesses had no or limited hours on Sunday.  While it can be an inconvenience at times, I'm glad it is so.

Then this afternoon, Jared took the boys out to eat and do a dollar movie theater and then to church for youth group.  Keturah, Abishai, and I were home, where Abishai slept for 4 hrs.  Well, that's what happens when you wake up at 5:30 am!  I got what I could done to prepare for the week.  Then we went to Steak and Shake because kids eat free on Sundays with $8 purchase.  We had a few extra minutes before choir, so we hit the park as well.  Now everyone is tucked in bed of course.  It was a gorgeous day outside, but why do I find that out so late in the day? 72 degrees blue sky kind of day!  I keep thinking this nice weather won't last, but it will last for a bit longer than it does on PEI.  I still have time to enjoy it and I'm definitely trying.

Anyway, I feel achy and my nose is running and I have hot and cold flashes (without the tramadol this time).  So, I whipped out my essential oils, oregano, yes oregano, and thieves.  I do feel like they have helped curb the cold before it got worse.  Now Keturah has a bit of a runny nose.  And we have co op tomorrow, hm,....

The week is definitely full!  We have our first ever parent/teacher conference for Benaiah on Tuesday.  What do you talk about when your kid doesn't have any known issues?  He tells me everything that's going on there, including social interactions.  Aha!  Maybe that's a discussion point.  It doesn't involve him directly, and he's good about ignoring it, but maybe just find out what is going on and how he can handle it even better?  Who knows since it isn't affecting his education directly.  Anyway, all other parent/teacher conferences have been with myself, right? Lol.

Oh, and scroll all the way down for the surprise from yesterday!

They were actually quietly playing together while I saw sleeping.  Amazing!

Abishai loves fries dipped in cheese sauce or frisco melt sauce from Steak and Shake!

Birthday Cake milkshake and cheeseburger with fries for big girl K.

This bold monkey likes to scare his momma.  He's now leaning out over these openings on playground equipment.  Ugh.  He thinks it's hilarious.

Miss Monkey herself.

Abishai loved the bridge and didn't need to hold on at all!

I was excited to work on a couple of settings on my camera with the fading light.  And the trees are in their prime fall colors now.  I had fun playing around with it!

Kid feet are a fascination of mine.

I will never look at a maple leaf the same way again.  Oh Canada, I miss you!

Giant 9 square.

I want to play too!

And now for the reveal:

Justin wrote this on a sermon note sheet a few weeks ago and left it on Grandpa Johnson's table:

"Get rid of the old, put on the new." "Preach about Legos!" - Justin  Bwahahahahaha!!!!  Justin is one of those quiet introverts whose wheels are always turning and then when his thoughts finally come out, they are hilarious!  So, Grandpa took his advice and preached about Legos!  Sort of.  He really preached about connecting with people like Legos are made to connect.  

Grandpa shared Justin's Brick Bible from the stage.  I will give a disclaimer though about the Brick Bibles, Old or New Testaments: they do show scenes of circumcision and "laid with his wife."  Also lots of blood.  As far as I can tell, they are very accurate.  Unfortunately, the text for the sermon, the end of Colossians 4, was not in this Brick Bible.

Grandpa also showed everyone Justin's Lego x-wing that actually opens and closes.  Justin is the only kid who keeps his sets together.  And he left the minifigures and bullets home so they wouldn't get lost.

Showing the Brick Bible.

I would encourage you to listen to the sermon at www.thecreek.org.  What fun!