Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Snake Bit


"You've been Snake Bit."  These were the words of our doctor the past week and a half when 4 out of 5 kids were sick.  To recap, we have had a little of everything...colds, coughs, nosebleeds, headaches, low-grade fevers, really high fevers, sore throats, croup, strep, diarrhea, mosquito bites that made huge wells, nausea, laryngitis, stomach pains resulting in a C-14 test, chest pains, sores in the mouth and lips, body aches, unable to breath resulting in breathing treatments at the hospital, and maybe something else, but I think that is it. It just seems never ending around here.  It started with Regan and Katherine and moved to Benjamin and Hudson.  Lauren has stayed clear for the most part.
So, what do you do when everyone has been sick for so long and you need a distraction?  You use the leftover fondant that was still in the refrigerator from the birthdays and give ti to the kids for edible play-dough.  You can see in the picture which two are still sick here (bottom two)
It wasn't long before this guy came down with it.  It hit him pretty hard.  Poor guy really couldn't breathe.  Thankfully, the medicines seem to be kicking in and he finally ate lunch today (although he skipped dinner)  Hopefully, the kids won't share with mom and dad!!
Getting a little fresh air...these two needed to get away from the sickness!
Benjamin is being a good big brother...teaching his little brother how to play Mario Kart.  Hudson now says (in English by the way) "Mom, can I motorcycle? Can I? I like? Yes? I like motorcycle." (insert huge grin and cute little face here)
Getting some energy out since his sisters were down for the count.

Helping with the laundry.



My little girls were SOOOOO excited this week to find out that there was a new billboard up advertising their kindergarten.  They BOTH made it on to the advertisement!  

I forgot that this was the day she had art class at school and gets out a little bit later.  She is just like her big sister in so many ways.  She loves art so much!
She came running to the door to show me her creation!

Since it was Friday and all my other kids were sick, Lauren's friend asked her over for a sleepover.  I thought it might not be a bad idea to limit her exposure (plus they have been begging for one for months)
She came home covered in mosquito bites.  The mom was so worried about Lauren because of the whelps that popped up.  I told her it was normal for Lauren, but even this one was a doozie on her arm!
My friend came over for dinner (she was forewarned about the sick house).  She wanted us to meet her boyfriend...a "meet the parents" of sorts ;)  (We approved)
The master chef Jonathan.  Never one to disappoint.  He always fixes such delicious food!
Group shot with all the "kids"  (some on the mend and some headed down the sick path)
A much needed blessing!!  We were able to get a new washing machine!  Finally, a machine that is not broken, cleans the clothes, and doesn't ruin them in the wash!  The kids were just as excited as I am.  It has been wonderful!  Not only can I fit 4 to 5 loads worth into this one machine, but I can now wash other big items like bed linens and towels with ease!

Lauren took over the dog walking responsibilities.
Actually, I'm not sure who is being walked, Lauren or the dog.
What else do you do to help bored kiddos who are starting to feel a little better, but still have little energy?  You make a blanket!  Ok, I know it's hot outside, but the kids use blankets year round, even if just to sit on top of it. This one is Hudson's blanket.
We also had a near crisis moment when the original sickling realized that she missed Bloom's birthday.  Oh dear.  It's a good thing we never made those sugar cookies for Easter.  Happy birthday to the bunny :)

Hudson and Charlie having a friendly play session.  Well, Hudson was loving it.  I think the cat was about over being taught the ABC's.
I'm not the only one enjoying washing clothes!

Since homeschool has been a lot of study about how bacteria and viruses affect our bodies...we decided to learn a little something more fun.  Tadpoles and frogs it is!  This was Hudson's first time to catch anything.  I had to put up both pictures because his super excited happy picture looks like he didn't catch anything.

So glad this girl is back to normal now!  She is a master tadpole catcher :)

My boys waiting to see Lauren's morning competition.  
Talk about not having in personal space or leg room!
And it begins.  We were watching from outside the gate because it was really just a competition between the classes...not for parents...but I just love to see everything they do!
Where's Waldo? ;)
These last two are picture of a waltz they did.  I had no idea that they had learned it, and they all did so good.