This spring break week started off how you never want a week off to start, with a sick child. We had gotten everyone in bed Friday night and were looking forward to the week ahead when we heard JL cry out. Upon going in his room, Tom and I were greeted with a sick baby with fever and plenty to clean up.
Saturday was about the saddest we’ve seen him. He was inconsolable most of the day and night with lots of fussing. We thought maybe it was his ear bothering him or his teeth. He’s been drooling fountains lately and cutting several more teeth. Saturday night was pacing with him most of the night. So Sunday morning we ended up at the after hour’s clinic to find out he had hand, foot, and mouth. So that explained it!
Saturday morning was a milestone for Thomas though. He lost his first tooth!! He’s been asking for so long when he was going to lose one. It seems like almost all the kids in his class have been losing teeth, and he’s been reporting it to us each time.
On top of one sick child, Monday night Arthur started running fever and complaining of his throat hurting. We were sure despite all the washing and cleaning toys, one of the others would end up with the virus. Since Arthur’s still in the habit of sucking two of his fingers, he was surely the most likely. Thankfully, his was much milder.
So from then on we were pretty much confined to the house. At first I was battling against my heart wanting something different for this week than what I was given. Don’t we do this only to find out what we were given was usually just what we needed! And what I had wanted all along was just time for us to be together. And together is what we had. This week also coincided with daylight savings time. We sprung forward an hour last Sunday. And instead of adjusting, we’ve all slept in and enjoyed the week of not having to get up and be somewhere on time. And thankfully so because there were plenty of nights spent up in the night with one of the kids this week. And that always takes its toll!
The weather this week also happened to be especially cold and dreary and the one day it was sunny it was the coldest outside. This meant even more time inside. It would have been a lot easier being at home had the sun shined and we could have gotten out just to get some sunshine and fresh air. But we made the most of it. The boys played together for hours making train tracks of all kinds! They love doing this together and I love their creativity and listening to them act out what they’re doing.
They spent some time one morning in a “snow bath.” Now, this may become a new thing, I’m afraid.
One morning we made some simple bird feeders. Arthur actually made one of these at mom’s day out last year. The boys have frequently asked to make some since then. So they asked if they could run out to get some pinecones and we made a morning out of it.
And painting is always a favorite inside activity!
We read and read and read. And started our first chapter book.
Once again it’s Friday night and we sit at the tail end of this week. And tonight as we finally got out of the house to get a new lawn mower and some things from Lowe’s, JL throws up in his seat as we pull up to the store. We’re crossing our fingers that it was just random and we can enjoy this weekend before we have to get back to school and all that the week holds with everyone well.
This trip to Lowe’s the boys have been waiting on all week! In the past my brother, Nick, has done our yard since we’ve had kids. It’s been a blessing to have it done so nicely and all at once so we could have more time on the weekends. But now that they’re getting older, Tom’s taking back the job and getting them involved. They’re excited about it for now! I, on the other hand, may have to get used to the fact that our yard may not be perfectly done from start to finish every time. But it’s so nice to drive home and see it freshly done!
Looking back it’s been a long week but one that I am blessed to be able to serve these kiddos and spend so much time with them. These really are some good days!
