daddy fix

Patrick's been doing the route around our house for the last month or so. It's been so nice! Not only is he often home for dinner, but he sometimes gets to stop by during his breaks so the kids can get a quick daddy fix.

tell the truth

You'd be scared if you ran into these two in a dark alley, wouldn't you??!!

somebody...

...needed a haircut!

And thanks to our wonderful friend and neighbor...

...he got one!

Why do they always have to look older when they get their hair cut?

praise!

Ethan's breathing is back down to its normal rate this morning. First time since last Thursday. Amen!

the dilemma

Ethan has a cold - which means that his asthma is flaring up. He doesn't wheeze or cough much, but his breathing rate is very fast. Like he's running a race all the time. When he gets like this I'm supposed to increase his asthma medication. But a side-effect of the medication is that he gets really hyper. And runs around. And breathes faster. UGH!

We are praying, praying for health this week. On Saturday we are all supposed to head down to Seattle for our annual Dobbs Family Camp (all 12 adults and 6 kids together in one house!!) and then on Tuesday the big kids and I are supposed to head to California with my parents to visit family there. I emphasize supposed to because it will be a miracle if we are all healthy enough to make these things happen. With five people in our family now it seems that someone almost always has something. Some mild, some major....but something. So I am praying for a miracle...FIVE healthy people all ready for an adventure next week. You can be praying for us too if you think of it!

ice skating!

Ever since Audrey's birthday when we went ice skating, both kids have been asking to go again. But I didn't feel comfortable taking all three kids until they have a little bit of experience on the ice. So yesterday they did a one-hour private lesson with Tina (who they both loved!) and before long they were off! We're going to do one more lesson next Wednesday and from then on I think I'll just let them practice and improve on their own. Our local ice-skating rink does a homeschool skating time each Wednesday and both times we've been the kids have met some new friends. I can see this being a fun weekly activity for us! Audrey is already saving so she can buy her own skates!

...although Ethan was not terribly impressed with the cold and being in his stroller...might have to look into other arrangements for him! We'll see...

st. patrick's day

St. Patrick's Day was pretty low key. We did a fun craft and read some good books from the library. Would have liked to bake something to go with the day - but that just didn't happen! Maybe next year...

a good man

My dear husband is out right at this moment buying me some cabbage. And it has nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day. Let's just say that I'm a bit uncomfortable and rumor has it - the cabbage will help. Crossing my fingers!

change is good

This has been a totally different week. It just had to be. It started with a nice relaxing weekend with grandma and grandpa. Then I enjoyed a walk with a friend (and no kids!!). Then I came home and Patrick and I took a serious look at my school planner and got out an eraser. A big one. Literally. Who really cares if they learn about the Roman Empire this year or next? And what's the point of homeschooling at all if we're not having any fun? So this week, we have: turned up the music way too loud and danced (more than once!), played a fun science game, written letters to friends (Audrey has even asked for her own return address labels!), laughed a lot and enjoyed one another. Ahhh. Change is good.

I'm SO thankful for my very supportive husband! Could not do this without him!

24 hours

It's now been 24 hours since I last nursed Ethan. We're weaning. And it's time. But I still get sad. I've spent many months (okay, years) nursing my kids. 15 months for Audrey, 23 months for Liam, and 20 months for Ethan. Most of it I've really enjoyed. And now I'm done. Forever. It just seems so...final. Sigh.

sunshine therapy

After my last post - it was clear we needed to get out of the house this afternoon! We did and it was wonderful.

tgif

I am not usually one who "lives" for the weekends. But this week - I am glad it's Friday. It has not been a good week. And it should have been. Everyone is healthy. The weather has been good so we've been able to get outside every afternoon. And Patrick has even been home in time for dinner a few times this week. Like I said, it should have been a great week.

Instead, I have just been feeling completely overwhelmed. My patience is low. My frustration is high. My joy - seriously lacking! I honestly feel like I cannot meet the needs of my family and my home and that just makes me crazy. So okay - I must need to cut some things out. Must need to simplify. Well, let's see...

- Schooling? - nope, not an option. There is a certain amount we need to cover this year/week/day and if we get behind I'll be stressed even more.

- Housework? - nope, I'm already doing the bare minimum. Which drives me nuts. I can barely keep up, let alone get ahead with any major cleaning.

- Preparing meals? they're not fancy - I assure you! Can't cut those out!

- Exercise? - then I'll feel even worse.

- Bible study? - a necessity. Not even negotiable.

- Play time with kids? - I already feel like I don't do enough as it is. (guilt, guilt, guilt)

- Pharmacy duties? - eye patches, nebulizers, medications, vitamins, fluoride, probiotics....sheesh! but no - must do it - and must keep track of it all.

- Weekly errands? - Haggen, Costco, Target, library?? Hmmmm - don't think that would work.

- TV time in the evenings? - Yes, I know I should. But seriously, once kids are in bed, all I want to do is veg out. Terrible/selfish waste of time, I know. (guilt, guilt, guilt)

Sorry to complain. I DO realize how blessed I am (which adds to the guilt of how horrible I've been feeling/acting). I'm thankful it's Friday. Praying for some rest this weekend so I can be refreshed for Monday...when it will start all over again!