Better...sort of

I am finally feeling better. This sinus crud is awful. It's been about three weeks! The kids have all recovered, but it took forever to leave me. The persistent cough and the AWFUL sinus headaches were the worst for me. I even had two days last week with headaches that wouldn't stop, brought along nausea, lightheadedness, and sweats...lovely, huh! But, it is better now. Thank you, God!

The kids are all well...other than the manners...we really need to get back on track with that one. The sass is a bit too frequent...and the temper tantrums, and meltdowns! I would like to believe that it is just spring fever. They had a taste of beautiful weather a week ago. A warm spell came through and melted all of the snow, and in the process, uncovered the sandbox. The trucks, shovels, and mud boots all came out for the occasion, and everyone got some good, old-fashioned fresh air. It tired them out some...but it.was.GOOD!

The kids all received great report cards. We took Grandma and Grandpa out with us for pizza to celebrate. They have shown improvement in their respective weaker areas too...that is always a blessing!

A is now trying to play the french horn. She was playing the flute, but they have the opportunity to try other instruments now and that was her choice. For now she is borrowing it from the school. We will see how she does and if she wants to continue next year before buying or renting for her. She has also gone on a couple of Science Saturday field trips in the last month. She attended a couple in the fall too. This time though, Daddy went along. I think he had just as much fun(if not more) as she did. The last two were at the University of Michigan and focused on engineering language, gliders, wind tunnels, and the like. There are a few more coming up that she is looking forward to...and Daddy too! He said he really wished they had these field trips when he was that age...He would have LOVED them! I am really glad that he was able to attend WITH A. It was a very good thing for the two of them to do together...Daddy-Daughter moments.

B is doing well too. She went with Daddy to buy truck parts and it was just the two of them. With four kids, they don't often have the chance to just be with one parent one on one. It has been a goal of mine the last few months and the kids are all enjoying it. It is important for her (and the others) to have their own time. She needs and deserves the time with Daddy. They stopped at the golden arches for lunch and Shamrock shakes and had a couple of hours. It was just running some errands, but to her it was so much more! She has also wanted to cuddle and read together lately. I have enjoyed that time with her and it's an easy way to work on her reading with her without it feeling like work to her. It is nice to have those moments. Too often, those little things get lost in the daily shuffle of life. She is a great kid!

C is so special! He spent a day recently helping the Daddy grease the truck and work in the shop. He had to wear his "work" gloves and use his own tools. He also has been full of the tantrums lately. It is all about extremes for him right now...please tell me it is the age! He is either very happy or very not. His fuse has been short and is easily lit and set off. Hopefully, with diligence on my part, we will get through this quickly. PLEASE let us get through it quickly! Love him!

D is full of fun and surprises every day. He, along with C, worked with Daddy to replace the sump pump. You should have seen the get-ups! Tool belts, tools, hard hats, gloves, flash lights, and Daddy's new pipe wrenches! Oh my! It is a really good thing that Daddy has plenty of patience for that kind of help. D has also been rhyming everything lately. His favorite (for reasons unknown to me) is "ruff, buff". He walks around repeating it all the time. Today he was watching Sesame Street and it was about Baby Bear and his pet parrot, Ralphie. So, today, he walked around the house saying "Ralphie, balphie". Why?......why not? He has done very well with completing his transition to "potty trained big boy". He does like company though. If he is headed to the bathroom, he wants someone to go with him...for conversation and moral support, I guess. He always announces "I have to go the bafroom!", and I say "Then go!", and he always comes back with..."but, I might need heeeelp!" I am sure, as "they" say, I will miss this very soon!

So, I guess all is "normal" here. Ups and downs, happy and sad, fun and not so much, all a part of family life. And to be honest, I wouldn't give it up for anything....maybe quiet the bickering and tantrums....but, I will keep the rest for I am richly blessed!