Health

Thursday night around 9pm I started to feel a little nauseated. I tried chanting the mantra, "I'm not getting sick. I'm not getting sick." It didn't work. I threw up all night long, so many times that I lost count. By 6am, it was obvious that there was no way I was going to be able to stand up, much less get the kids to school, so Alan called work and told them he'd be a few hours late. He got the kids fed, dressed, and drove them to school. I was still so sick by the time he got home, he called work and told them he was taking the day off. He cleaned the house while I slept and picked the kids up after school. Next, he took Lil to her 4:30 doctor's appointment, and got their flu vaccines while they were there. Then he came home and cooked dinner. He was a rock star.

I slept all day and all night, but feel much better today. Being sick is the WORST. I can't help but think of all the people who are sick or in pain the majority of the time. All of the mothers enduring chemotherapy, who still have to suck it up and make breakfast for their kids. Folks suffering from depression, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, who may not feel 100% better in 24 hours, or even in a week. It's so clear after being sick that good health is the most important thing. We have to take care of ourselves, wipe down grocery cart handles, and stop sharing food with germy kids.

Onto better news, we sold our 1999 Buick Park Avenue on Wednesday! Selling a car is quite a job, but it was worth the effort. Alan put 2 newish tires on it, had it detailed, posted it on craigslist, fielded a few e-mails, met with 2 people, and sold it within a week.

Between bikes, Marta and Flex Car, we should have plenty of options for transportation. We're saving the money, as well as the $150/month we'll be saving on gas and insurance. The only morning I'll be without a car is on Thursdays when my husband works at 4am, which is before the trains run. The kids' schools are both within walking/biking distance of our house. Plus, we live in Atlanta, so I'm pretty sure we won't freeze to death.

We haven't started our house plans yet. We have permits, the plans are completed, the contractor is ready to start, but we are waiting on the bank. Apparently everyone wants to refinance at 3.5%. Go figure. I'll keep you posted.

to be childlike

Mud Party!

This week, I was helping my four-year-old son into his pajamas, when he said, "Look mom, an owl!"

Sitting on a branch just outside our window was a big, beautiful Barred Owl. We called Lilly and Alan into the room and watched with wonder for a minute or two. We even called the neighbors so their toddler could see. At one point, the owl turned its head 90 degrees and looked right at us. It was magical. Jonny was so proud that he was the one who spotted the owl and he told everyone about it. I talked to him about all the things we miss because we don't pay attention and how it felt like God had sent that owl JUST for us :-) He said, "Pwobly God willy DID send that owl to our house. He pwobly wote, 'To Jonathan's house,' on its wing!"

Today in Sunday School we talked about what it means to be childlike. A friend told a story about a recent trip to the grocery store with her three-year-old. On their way back to the car, her daughter noticed a homeless man, disheveled and shoeless, standing in front of the store. She pointed and yelled, "Mommy, that man is Poooooooooor!" Her mom tried to divert her attention and asked her to lower her voice. Instead, she cried out, "But Mommy, he's REALLY Pooooor!! He's not wearing any SHOOOOOOES!" At this point, the man and my friend made eye contact and he asked if she had any food she would share with him. She asked if he liked yogurt and her daughter carefully picked out her favorite yogurt tube flavors to share with the hungry man. He was grateful, but expressed concern that he was taking food from the sweet girl. 

I have so much more to say, but the weather is incredible here today and my kids and I are headed to the park. Here's to being more childlike.