Events

So the last week has been filled with lots of events. Locally we've had a lock-down at one school due to a suicidal man nearby. It turned out well with no injuries to anyone. Also we've had a large fire burning within 5 miles of our church and many homes. I believe its burned about 530 acres so far and is about 40% contained. But after nearly a month with no moisture around here, we've had two cool nights with downpours...a gift from God if you ask me.
Last Sunday was supposed to be my first time teaching Children's Church...but unfortunately Luke and I both got pretty sick over the weekend. Andy, although understandably hesitant, filled in, took Brady, and did the class himself! We are supposed to teach for a month. Its a new experience for both of us.

On Monday when Brady woke up from his nap he complained of not feeling too well. Sure enough he was burning up. Luke was feeling better by now, but I was feeling worse. I kept Brady home on Tuesday and sent Luke to school. It was a nice day of laying around and watching cartoons...but miserable with fevers and sore throats. We were so miserable on Tuesday night that I knew we had to get to the doctor. I debated in my head for a long time about what to do...should I make and appointment for myself? With no insurance....pay a hundred bucks and risk simply being told to wait it out? Or I could wait and see what they did with Brady, then make an appointment for me? Beg for medicine for myself if they gave him some? I finally decided that was too sneaky. I would make the appointment for Brady and just tough it out myself. I did pray and ask God if there was a way to provide for me, that he would do it or help me through this sickness without.
So, I picked up Luke from school and took him up to Andy to spend lunchtime with him at his school while I took Brady to the doctor. Turns out Brady has an ear infection in one ear. Then the doctor looks at me and says, "Does anyone else in the family have a sore throat?" I replied that Luke had one over the weekend but seemed better, and also that I had one. He said, "Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to test Brady for strep. Then if its positive we can just go ahead and treat the whole family." I'm sure my eyebrows raised in surprise. Poor Brady suffered through the test...swabbing the back of his throat. He hated it and we had to pin him down...poor guy. But he toughed it out and the test came back....positive. So we all (Luke, Brady, and myself) were given prescriptions and sent on our way. I am sooooo thankful to the doctor for giving us all medicine and truly caring for our entire family. And thankful to God for answering my prayer! I didn't have to beg or even ask...the doctor brought it up himself. How cool. And by the way, Andy called in the next day after feeling the same symptoms. So now the strep count in our house is up to 4. I'm keeping an eye on Jolee but so far she seems to have a runny nose (what baby doesn't?) and otherwise seems fine. The doctor said breastfed babies hardly ever get strep. Here's hoping and praying that that info holds true for her!
So....here we are to Friday. We've been on antibiotics for over 24 hours so I'm hoping the boys feel well enough to attend Awana tonight. Brady has been working sooooo hard on his verses...learning 2 or 3 per week. I'd hate for him to miss and kill his momentum. Luke is doing well also...although is decidedly more stubborn. Practicing verses with him goes something like this:
Me: Luke, what is your verse?
Luke: Nothing.
Me: God is love. Luke, what is your verse?
Luke: Nothing.
Me: Come on, I know you can do it. God is Love. What is your verse?
Luke: Nothing.
Me: Fine. (and I move on to other things....)
*****Several minutes later*********
Luke: (talking to himself almost mockingly...if he knew how to mock) What is your verse? God is Love. What is your verse? God is Love.

I have quickly come to the conclusion that Luke will always have to attend school...I might be able to home school the others, but not this guy. I'd be in the loony bin way before my time.

Saturday is also Brady's last day of soccer for the season. I'm sad about that, and I know he is too. However, our perfect fall weather is quickly turning cold...so its about time. I hope he feels well enough to play his best. Its so fun to watch. Afterwards we are having a team party, so it should (should....) be a fun day. However Andy will be away with his soccer team so I'm hoping that Papa and Nana are coming for support. :)

And last but not least, I should update on Jolee. She is changing quickly these days. She can now sit up by herself...although I still put pillows around her for the occasional nose dive. She is also getting up on her hands and knees by herself and doing the pre-crawl rocking motion. Its pretty neat to watch and its exciting to see her develop. I'm sure it won't be long until she is following me around the house...scary. The house then becomes a scary place to be with two older brothers around. We are working on keeping their toys downstairs, bathroom doors closed, the gate to the stairs closed....etc. etc. It will be interesting! Her favorite thing to do right now is growl....she sounds like a mini tiger...it is pretty funny.

Oh, and Brady is having a "reading explosion" right now. We worked on phonics stuff yesterday and he sounded out about 40 words. He definitely feels the excitement of learning. He also practiced writing his numbers. I just told him to write as many as he knew....he went all the way to 100 with only a couple mistakes...which he recognized himself!
Okay, I hear my little tiger so its time to go!