Under the weather

For just shy of two weeks, we have had two severely sick little muffins. One trip to the clinic and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. The only symptom was high fevers. Scary high fevers. Dangerous at times. On our second trip to the clinic they sent us to the ER. We got antibiotics, a warning of no sleep for a few more days and a wish for a hopeful recovery soon. One week later we again have three healthy muffins. So thankful! This was an experience we all hope to not repeat any time soon!

Black and Red

In our home, all our days are defined by a color.  Days are either black or red.  Drew is very aware of this fact; often asking before bed if the next day is red or black, and frequently asks again in the morning.  It seems he hopes that all days will change from black to red - and actually, I do too.  A black day is a day daddy has to work.  A red day is a day daddy is home.  We are really spoiled with the number of days that Pete is home from work every week; but it does create some confusion with the kids.  We have a handy calendar that hangs on our wall, and each month it gets updated to the right days of the week and colors.  A minimal investment that has saved us a lot of arguing!  Definitely a worth-while investment.  When asking for permission to do something or go somewhere, Drew often remembers to ask to do it on the next red day.  We have a little "present" card that moves to represent the current day - like that?  Present not gift... the boys don't get it...yet. 

Big AND small

It was a small purchase, yet it was a big purchase at the same time. On clearance for the end of summer sale, the Elmo sprinkler was only seven dollars. Seven dollars is a doable amount. But at that time, when Pete was in school, seven dollars was a lot. Several meals, a third of a box of diapers, several trips in the car to the school and back or any other number of needs. Pete and I debated the purchase. I'm pretty sure it went into the cart and was returned to the shelf before we actually bought it.
Elmo sprinkler is a tiny thing. Less than a foot in height. But it is a big thing for our boys. Drew has enjoyed it for four years now; the excitement for Ty is so fun to watch and while Jude enjoyed it last year, this year he loves it. Who would have thought that such a big little purchase would continue to be such a big thing?