How cute is this?

How cute is this? Forgot to post it yesterday. 

Fingers are Crossed

We're all back home now. The goal of leaving was to keep baby girl well and when she started running a fever we punted and came home.  Today she is drooling and chewing on everything. Hmmm.  Maybe we've beaten the virus and only have to surrender to teething. Fingers are crossed.

Since I'm back at my computer I thought I'd give a glimpse into our house last week.  The only time big boy would drink was when he wasn't thinking about it so we followed him around with at least three choices everywhere he went.  In the other pic Ty is watching my Dad play his violin.  See how pitiful he looks? Praise God it is over and he feels almost normal now. 

The Glory Days

**written yesterday but the old computer wouldn't engage**
Just got a snow cone here in the bustling metropolis of Waxahachie. I used to be a frequent flier at the old stand and it hasn't changed at all--maybe one new coat of paint. Since I have had blood sugar issues my whole life that were aggravated during pregnancy I have to stick to the sugar free flavors now. There are three. Not exactly the go-to snack if you have a specific craving. Worth the $2.00 for the ice alone though.

Since it was/is still 103 today I'm not the only one who thought of the snow cone idea. Two girls in line with me were talking bad about one of their fellow cheerleaders that got in trouble last weekend. "A little drinking problem," they said. Like they were truly sympathetic. They compared notes (guess they had not seen eachother or talked since the big bust,) so the main topic they covered was whether or not her football star boyfriend would break up with her and ask one of them out. Again, the sympathy was palpable. Ah the glory days of high school. The sad thing is that not much has changed. The girls still want to be prettier, better, and smarter than their competition. Still wanting the star football player to notice them. Still longing to be homecoming queen. Still wondering if life will REALLY go on without them after graduation.

And it does. (Didn't feel compelled to tell them that today, not that they asked,) but I did tell them in my best sooooo not a boring mom of 2 lingo that it gets much much better after graduation. Do you agree? Were your days in high school the glory days or did everything from that point on make you feel less self-conscious and more free?

I ran into my old high school cheerleading coach at Target (see, I told you,) and told her about the conversation I overheard. She said she remembers the drama within my group. I'd rather forget.

Contrary to popular opinion, I find the female teenaged brain fascinating for two reasons: I am done with that phase and I do not yet have a female teenager of my own. High school ministry here we come!
**Added today: Charlie now has fever and is not interested in eating. Stay tuned**

My Old Stompin' Ground

Trying for the shortest version of the recap. Ty got blisters on his lips so I looked in his mouth. Blisters everywhere--took him to after hours Dr. and he has hands, feet, and mouth virus too. Am I the last person to learn about this horrible virus? Horrible. Fever dropped, he started drinking again, and took snippets of sleep. Mom and Dad helped me and I am in search of a really big thank-you gift. Maybe a boat. Yesterday his Daddy got home. I cried. Such relief to know that I could let him take over. He's a great daddy. I came to my parents' house with Charlie so she (hopefully) doesn't catch the stuff. Thankfully Charlie is probably the easiest baby I've ever known so we all slept hard and partially recovered. It's hard to be away from Ty when he is sick but I know how he's doing play by play. Texting is great! He is steadily improving. Whew.

Being back in my old house with "Chuck" as she is often referred to...as if her already nickname name isn't enough...is really peaceful. Everything is slow here. It took about 30 minutes to download all of the info on my blog so I could sign in. It is quiet and dog-free :) Lots of smiles behind that one for sure. I've gone through my old closet and found sweaters I thought I had lost. I finished a scarf that I started about a month ago. I knit two rows at a time at home. When Charlie wakes up from her nap I'm going into town to Target. Big excitement. No really. It's the place to be here--never know who you are gonna run into. Soon I'll post something totally unrelated to sickness or tears.

Second Hardest Parenting Moment

Praise God no one else is sick yet...with strep--which is what he has.  My pediatrician said yesterday that he had "stuff" on his tonsils but the strep test was negative.  After the night we had, I called first thing this morning and had a come to Jesus meeting with the nurse over the phone.  Something like, "If we can't get medicine soon I'm bringing him there and you can keep him..." and bless her heart...she is new there but she's a jewel.  She didn't respond with the cattiness (is that a word?) that I exhibited.  About ten minutes later the doctor called me herself. I LOVE HER.  Yes, I drive forty-five minutes to her office, clear across Dallas because I LOVE HER. She told me what to look for in his throat and I described it to her so we wouldn't have to come in.  Red stuff, white stuff, swollen stuff. "Pretty sure it's got an "ITIS" on the end," I said. My family Dr. used to say we only came to him as a second opinion because my mom could diagnose us at home with her Mayo Clinic book. (!) She called in an antibiotic and something to numb his throat so he will drink. No wet diapers yesterday so I was scared he was dehydrated. We'll conquer eating too, (a whole different animal.) I was so relieved when I picked up the medicine I teared up when the pharmacist came out to explain everything to me. That's how hard it has been for little man Ty. I'll update later. This has been my second hardest parenting moment(s). Both have happened when Sean is on a trip. Those of you whose husbands travel will all agree-this always happens! The hardest parenting moment was...well...another post altogether. Thanks for the well-wishes! 

Knew it was coming...

Safe to say we've started the family virus cycle.  Long day.  Lord help us through the night.  Ty was so sick today--asleep for the first time since this morning and he drank a total of about 6 ounces all day. Normal for him is so much more than that (45-55 oz. not exaggerating) and I could tell it hurt really bad to drink those 6.  I look forward to the day when he can say, "Momma, this hurts," and I can say, "I know but it will get better," and he'll believe me.  Nattie met me at the doctor this morning, (the night last night was bad but not terrible,) and then followed me home to help.  I truly hope to be the Mom that she is.  When the clouds part I'll give an update.  Until then if you know us in daily life, stay away! 

Best Dessert Ever and Christmas

Just had to share two things: the Best Dessert Recipe Ever and the realization that Christmas is right around the corner.

Here's the recipe...it is from a cookbook that my mom contributed to years ago called "Gingerbread and all the trimmings." It will change your life. If I'm wrong write me a comment and send me an even better recipe.  I'm up for a little friendly banter.  Especially over dessert.  

Strawberry Brulee

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese

1 1/2 cups sour cream

6 Tablespoons sugar

2 pints fresh strawberries (sliced)

1 cup brown sugar

Beat cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy.  Add sugar and mix 30 seconds.  In 9 x 13 dish layer strawberries and cream cheese mixture--no right way to do this! Sprinkle brown sugar on top and put on bottom shelf of oven.  Broil until bubbly.  Eat while hot and then try it cold.  We are torn in our house which way is better! 

Okay on to Christmas.  I went to Joann fabric and lo and behold (say with southern twang to get best effect) it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I knew Hobby Lobby had their stuff out (even the air fresheners...aaahhhh) but the other stores are catching up and soon there will be trees and wreaths and the whole deal.  How exciting!  I'm the type that actually really likes this so if you're the, "but it's July..." type then I'm sorry.  You might not like me after all.