Well- another 'interesting' week around our house. My husband flew home from New York City a week ago, and with him, he brought Influenza B home in his "luggage." And, as if that were not enough of a souvenir, he also made a special trip over to my sisters house last weekend to pick up a package of gastroenteritis (aka the "puke bug"). Yes, I know what you are thinking- what LUCK! I mean, seriously- who gets TWO of the nastiest things at the same time?? But the Dr. confirmed he had both. For the majority of this weekend and week, he was the only one to feel ill. And, fortunately, he was the only one who enjoyed the puke bug... which struck him not just once- but twice... with 36 hours in between the first and second round, teasing him into thinking it was over. Just when he thought he could eat a decent meal (and did) it returned with a vengeance. I thought everyone was in the clear from Influenza until last evening when Ariana and Alex both came down with 102 fevers and the little one turned from funny and sweet to whiny and demanding.

Prior to knowing the kids had actually gotten influenza from Mike, I had called our Pediatrician on the recommendation of Mike's Dr. who suggested we start them all on Tamiflu to prevent them from getting the flu. I'm not a big fan of giving my kids medicine- especially when they are not even sick yet. But, the Pediatrician had called over a Rx for each of the 3 kids regardless. So, last night, when the 2 youngest fell ill I flew over to Target and filled the Rx's. Alex and Ariana's are dosed for treatment, Grace's is dosed for prevention.

As for myself... I feel equal parts sitting duck and mother hen.

Because Mike has been totally out of commission for the last 5 days, I've been taking care of EVERYthing and everyone- including him... ALL the time. Fairly exhausting. I am back to keeping schedules of their medicine- how else could I keep track if I didn't write it down??



I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of this the next few days....


Although, I've gotta admit- my boy is a trooper. He is not one to complain. Even when his fever has been around 102, and he's coughing, he tells me he feels just fine and is still jumping around slaying imaginary guys with his sword in the living room.

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But on the bright side, this week hasn't been all bad. Not at all. As a matter of fact- we enjoyed a couple of really excellent weather days earlier in the week. I believe Monday hit nearly 70! The rest of the days, we did bundle up, but still enjoyed bikes, balls and chalk outside.

Just praying that this passes quickly and the medicine they are taking does it's job and binds the virus up and stops it!

Here's to hoping your weekend is better than ours!! :)

Compassion International Global Food Crisis Drive

Friends, there is a major Global Food Crisis occuring. In this country, we talk so much about our recession. When in reality, there are hundreds of thousands of children literally STARVING for lack of food. Today- March 11th- Compassion International is holding a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds to FEED these children. I have worked with this organization for many years. Year after year, independent audits prove that they are a steller ministry maximizing donor dollars better than any organization I have ever known of. Please- take a minute to view the video. And from the bottom of my heart- on behalf of these kids- please give (ANY amount helps!!). From your wallet- to these kids mouths... you honestly CAN make a difference.

Go to www.compassion.com/please

Love, Angela

hmmm.... I don't know about you- but I'm ready for the ICE CREAM days to be back!



Warm summer nights- outside... eating their favorite treat...



Okay- so these pictures weren't taken all that long ago (they are from Florida in January!) So, I can't complain too much- it won't be a whole year that we have to wait for "summer ice cream nights."




As I type, I'm watching the snow fall down in 30 degree weather. So- until then- these pictures will have to tide us over!

escape...

I was starting to feel at the end of my rope... Really stretched thin. I felt like I could hardly get a word out of my mouth towards the kids without it coming out at VOLUME 10!!

Thank goodness, at just the right time, my husband and I had a 5 day excursion planned- and it came at the perfect timing.

Of course, though we were on vacation, my body still woke up up before 7 a.m. But that's all right. It was worth it.
The morning sunrise was absolutely glorious...



We sat around and did...

well...

pretty much nothing...



See that smile on my face?? That's a combination of relaxation, some well-needed rest, and a little bit of a smirk at my adorable husband behind the camera.



It was such a huge blessing to get away and to be able to reconnect and spend time with the love of my life.