Sickness and a Very Good Day

About mid-week several kids started showing signs of colds/flus.

Thankfully there was no throwing-up involved, which was a huge blessing.

So, we were able to still compete school, and just laid low a bit more.

It was very hard on Patrick not being able to play with his friends outside, 

but he somehow survived 48 hours of quarantine.

Fevers were the worst of this sickness, 

which called for many more snuggles.

I can handle that!

Today some were better, while others were the same, but still not in need of much nursing.

So, I actually had a wonderful day of simplicity and quiet.

We usually take Fridays off of school, so after a quick photo shoot with my littlest sicko,

my morning workout and a shower...

I was able to have lots of productive time in my wonderful new master bedroom study nook!

I rotated being taking notes on my readings and getting todos done around the house.

I even contacted the kids via the Relay when I needed something from downstairs.

It was AMAZING!

Meanwhile, Thérèse used my camera to document happenings downstairs.

It was a very good day.

Love, Us.

Regular Happenings and Lent

This week started as a pretty normal week.

Since it is Lent, we played a family game on Saturday in stead of watching a movie.

We finished some projects for friends and family.

Including 95th Bday cards for Great-Grandpa!

And we enjoyed lots of imaginative play inside and out.

Oh, and for your viewing pleasure, 

here are some of the sacrificed items that the kids have given up for Lent.

They now "crowd" our new HUGE master bedroom.

And here is our "Bean Station" and Jesus Trees.

I decided it was best to paint the insides of everyone's bean jars this year, 

so that there wasn't any negative comparisons between kids.

It seems to have been a good decision thus far.

Love, Us.

Fat Tuesday, Burning Palms, and a Second Sacrament

We had quite the Fat Tuesday around here this year.

We had an event in the afternoon, which sent us home with lots of deliciousness.

The kids were so excited!

And then the parish had a scrumptious "Brinner" with Bingo in the evening.

They even provided costumes and RIDICULOUS noise makers!

Patrick even won one of the five BINGO's!

And with that, Lent was upon us.

We actually forgot to do this on Ash Wednesday, 

but here are the boys burning last year's ashes.

I will share later what the kids are doing for Lent.

For now, something of greater importance:

Patrick received his First Reconciliation on the First Friday of Lent!

Joe was with him, and said that he did an excellent job.

So proud of you, Patrick!

Love, Us.

Calvin, Snuggles, and Almost Walking

We are definitely on a Calvin and Hobbes kick right now. 

Even dad has joined in the daily fun.

He reads to the kids in the evenings...to the sound of constant giggles.

Once again...thank T for pictures of a regular day's snuggle times.

And look who is super close to walking by himself!

Love, Us.

A Visit from Godmother!

Well, you can never say that deployments are completely without positives,

because Hector's godfather's deployment brought his godmother our way for a visit!

Hector was a little shy at first...

But the bond was renewed after just 1/2 a biscuit!

We were housebound, since with the addition of godmother and William 

we were one too many for a vehicle while Joe was at work.

However, we snuck away to the Sound one morning while T spent time with friends.

It was a gorgeous morning!

And I guess I couldn't get enough of this cutie wit her pink boots!

The boys had a blast exploring and just being boys.

The boys also had a blast at home...many battles and games were enjoyed.

After the crazies were put to bed each night, Hector and Sarah has some great bonding times.

All they needed was a basket and lot of giggles.

Unfortunately, my phone was not doing a decent job.

But, I got a few decent shots of the joy.

And here is Hector's official new picture for his wall.

We will have to add in a cut-out godfather!

SO good to see you, Sarah and William!

Love, Us.