Recover mode (we hope)

After having four sick kids yesterday, it is a nice change to see the boys pestering each other and fighting again. It is better than four sacks of potatoes strewn all over the living room.

Today it seems they are doing the finishing touches of the construction done last year. That is keeping the big boys out of trouble.

Daniel seems to be over the worst of his first flu. I've never had to deal with such a little sick guy before. I think he did, so far, remarkably well. It was pretty much 24 hours for him. I skipped church, because, after all, what kind of a mom would I be if I left my sick baby behind? I am still shocked that Phil suggested (multiple times) that I leave him for a few hours! (I know, I'm a little paranoid about leaving my kids.)

Melanie went through half of Sunday running around and eating in front of overly jealous Matthew. Then she got struck down too, and she is still looking pretty lifeless, and has no appetite yet. But 24 hours for her will be later today, so I'll be looking forward to noticing some vivacity returning to her.

As an aside, I just noticed today how skinny Melanie's legs are. When did that happen?? Now I've got two scrawny kids running around, and two chunky ones. (Sorry, no details on the adult sizes.)

Melanie is waiting for her next ration of water, so I should get on it.

Wussy me

Yesterday morning we opened everything up in an attempt to get the indoor temperature down below 25 degrees. With no success.

By bedtime yesterday I was like the proverbial grasshopper dragging myself along, or, like one loaded down and exhausted mid-portage.

The air conditioning is on now, and I feel like I'm alive again. Like a huge surge of vitality.

Maybe I can clean up, look after kids, and get excited about the camping trips we've just booked.

young help

poor matthew is sick today. maybe it's from being out in the heat all yesterday, or maybe it's the bug going around in our church. pooor guy always seems to get the worst of it. he's a pretty good sport though. daniel is helping babysit while i check on the bigger kids.

Sitting

Mr. Daniel is figuring out how to sit up.

Currently, his record sit time is five minutes.

This record was set when there were no distractors (siblings) nearby. If there is a distracting factor involved, Daniel will turn in the direction of the distraction, and gracefully tip over until his nose is elegantly snuggled up to the floor.

He has so much more control over how he can play with his toys. So much that he gets bored of being in the exersaucer, and wants to sit and fall and roll about on the floor, presumably on the hunt for some choking hazard or other.

Fortunately (for the poor results in the choking hazard hunt) he is still, compartively speaking, very stationary.

Five

Nathan is Five!!

What could be better than turning five? A mostly responsibility free age when playing is the priority. There are so many things to look forward to in life, and so many things that you're old enough to do! Currently Nathan is planning to have a "hobby farm" (as in be a farmer, but still have time to have a day job) and be a guy who fixes up old houses and makes them look nicer (that is, a home renovator).

His excitement is real, and his happiness is, mostly, unreserved. And underneath the sinful nature, the outbursts of anger and disrespect,

Is the tender heart of a loving big brother and son who is striving to fight for the Lord.

And [Jesus] said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become
like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:3

Birthday Boy

When I stop and listen

This is what I might hear:

Strain, moan

Strain, moan
Followed shortly with a very loud cry/yell of frustration.

Mommy, mommy

Too much!

After being assured a few times that they wouldn't kill anyone, and after having tried them out outside;
The water guns from John are the favorite things from my birthday.

Do you like water guns too, Mommy?

I bring Daniel to bed after she's been tucked in to hear some whispering voice saying
Mommy

What is under dirt, Mommy?

And if I don't stop and listen,
Those are, I suppose,
The same things that I will miss.

Together time

Moments of peaceful togetherness

and love.

What a blessing it is have siblings!

To your health

Did you have a healthy breakfast this morning?

To my mother

Dear Mommy,

Where ever you are,
From me it's too far.
(But I've only got myself to blaim for that.)

I love you a tonne
For all the work that you've done
In raising me.

Now that I've got kids of my own
I can't see how it's done
'til my memory

Brings to my mind
How you and dad
With all the strength that you have
Do it all in the LORD.

And I love you some more
For the person you are.
I'm always happy to see
Parts of you come out in me.


Hope you're having a lovely trip!

Matrimony

When I'm big, I'm gonna marry H--!
(Why? ask I)
Because she loves me. Whenever I'm silly, she laughs and laughs!


John, I'm going to marry you when I grow up.
(No, says he, I'm going to marry D-- from my school.)
After ten seconds of sad reflection Melanie accosts his younger brother...
Well, then O--, you can marry me!


I'll stay single 'til I find a girl that likes a grubby face and a good time.


Mommy.
I'll take mommy.
No one else will do.

Happenings

Nathan wants to be a farmer.

He planted this garden on his own initiative, and with only Melanie's help. Hopefully his diet does not depend on the fruitfulness of sticks in sand!

Daniel can rotate in 360s. And he always rolls onto his tummy now--to his own frustration.

And he cut two bottom teeth!

Can you see them? Probably not!

The weather has been just perfect!! Bare feet and shorts and no sweat!

Although it is a bit muggy sometimes, I seem to be adapting, since I am managing to enjoy it!

Melanie's pedals were removed, so we'll see if she can figure out the balancing act.


Nathan is resentful at having to upgrade from HIS pink bike to a bigger non pink one. Hopefully he isn't scarred for life!


Matthew is quite the beat up boy lately.

And this is excluding his latest and greatest scars! (What a klutz!)

We are due for a library trip. As of now I owe fines for one day for nine books. :o