Thursday, October 23, 2008

Happenings

That sounds like the title of a scary movie...the kind only my sister Tiffany watches.
I guess things have been a little scary around here...

We've been sick.  For weeks.  
First Noah got pink eye.
Well, actually, first he split his head open and had to get staples...but that's not really the same thing.  (It's much more expensive.)
As soon as Noah recovered from pink eye he came down with a terrible cold - which developed into a hacking cough (which persists to this day) and a fever of 102 that went on for 6 days.
Double ear infection.
Meanwhile, Alex comes down with pink eye.
(Let me just tell you, they have GOT to come up with another cure - i.e. something other than eye drops 4 TIMES A DAY.)
Around this time I get a sore throat - but it's mild so I think I'm gonna get lucky and pull through with no major suffering.
A few days later Paul gets a sore throat.  Not so mild either.  He spent a couple days in bed or on the couch.  (Thank goodness for research elective month!)
Then, over the weekend, my "mild" sore throat gets bad - and I mean real bad.
Yeah, I don't deal well with pain - but seriously, BAD.
By tuesday night I'd developed a sinus infection.
Which meant yet another trip to the doc for a needed rx.
I've spent the last 3 days in bed.
Those three days also happened to be Paul's only vacation days until January.
Bummer.
On the brightside, I did get to stay in bed while I was sick.
Every mother knows that's unheard of.
Paul took great care of the kids.

As you can see.
I did rouse myself out of bed for the trip to the pumpkin patch.  I just couldn't handle the thought of missing it.  Come on, it only happens once a year!  And the kids have been dying to go all month.
I can't remember the last time I saw Noah so excited about something.
Ok, maybe I can.
It doesn't take much at this age - isn't it great?

Alex, Adelyn, Noah, and Maren.
and...they're all looking at the camera
AND...(miracle of miracles) THEY POSED FOR THE PICTURE WHEN I ASKED.  
No, seriously.
I said, "Hey kids get together and I'll take your picture"
Instead of 4 kids bolting in different directions (as I fully expected) 4 kids ran to the haystacks, sat down nicely together, looked at me and smiled.
AT THE SAME TIME.
I'm sure this will never ever happen again.

Adelyn and Noah, checking out every pumpkin in the patch

Alex racing through the corn maze.
(And the pumpkin patch did me in for the rest of the day...or make that 3 days)


Another big event at our house was Noah's bike upgrade.
No more trike.
Nope, our kid gets the free bike Paul found in someone's front yard.
All the bike needed was some training wheels.
All Noah needed was a helmet.
And some practice.
Look how nervous he is!


Paul took him for a spin and Noah was much improved by the time they got back.
A few days later and Paul could hardly keep up with him!


Today Paul was back to work.
Today I was out of bed.
Today all 4 of us are still feeling sick, but at a more manageable level.
And there's nothing to cheer a family up like carving pumpkins together!

Love that look on Alex's face.  
What a daddy's girl - I'm the one who helped her carve that freakin thing!

Noah's (Paul's) is on the right and Alex's (mine) is on the left.
Turned out pretty good, huh?

And now, please mentally insert my face into this picture.
I'm a little mad I'm not in it.
Because this is the first pumpkin I've ever carved.
I think.
Paul made me do it.

Happy Halloween!

9 comments:

Telitha said...

Being sick is such a bummer! I'm glad you're feeling mostly better. You did a great job on your pumpkins! Thanks for putting the article on prop 8 up. I didn't realize just how important it was. Nolan's looking forward to seeing you guys tonight... wish I were there, too!

Lexie said...

Wow, I'm so sorry you were all so sick. It's nice to have help with the kids, but vacation time is golden too. Crazy how it works out. I'm glad you got to do the pumpkin patch though, there is just something fun about going to a farm where you don't have to do the chores! Way to go on your first pumpkin too, so cute!

Sarah said...

I'm sorry you're all sick! I usually get a sinus infection every winter at some point, they are TERRIBLE! I am so sorry! I'm glad that you're on the mend and I hope that the germies stay clear of you guys for a long time! I'm so glad you still made it to the pumpkin patch, it is one of my favorite fall outings as well :) And congrats on your first pumpkin, it is very cute! I don't think that I've ever carved one myself either... I always make someone else do it ;)

Tiffany said...

Ok, first of all, I laughed out loud when I read the title and first couple sentences of this post. Because just last weekend I made Randy watch "The Happening" with me. Seriously. :)
And second of all, I love all the pictures! I am shocked you convinced Paul to be in so many :) And great job on the pumpkin carving! :) Hope you all start feeling better soon!

Michele said...

seriously, that is a lot of pictures of paul to be in within one post and a few short days! sorry you have been so sick. i have a killer sore thoroat now, i hope its not what you got. and days in bed when you are sick is a MIRACLE when you are a mom! that is an awesome bike FOR FREE! I love free stuff. And i love how you admit that you dont handle pain well, remember our discussion on med free child birth... i don't like hard things. ha ha. and that cute face alex is making in her picture looks like the face on her pumpkin. good pumpkin carving!

[BrookeO] said...

Boo-yah!
This post mad me LOL, not b/c you are sick 'er all of you, but b/c your attitude. We need to get together --- how does next week look for you?!
No really. Ooh, I better call you.

Shellie said...

I am so sorry you have all been sick, what a huge bummer! And the pumpkin...hello? it totally rocks. I am THE WORST at carving pumpkins, I need lessons!

Unknown said...

How sad that you were sick during Paul's days off! But like you said, at least you could stay in bed. I'm sure the kids really enjoyed their daddy time. I love the pics from the pumpkin patch! Looks like fun. I'm very impressed with your pumpkin carving skills... especially for your first time!

Rachel said...

how did you make the pumpkins look like that? did yo do that by hand, because if you did, you need to tell me how! awesome job! sorry all of you have been sick, but i'm glad everyone is feeling better! is Noah ok? staples in his head does not sound like a good experience, tough kid!