Updates and Flashback Friday

Wow. Has it really been a whole week since I was last here? I know all of my loyal readers have been missing my updates. I know this because you've both dropped not-so-subtle hints in the past two days.

Soooo, a little catching up is in order. We'll start with the fun stuff.

You know how sometimes there are things that are just really, super miserable? Things like a sharp stick to the eye? Or maybe ripping out your toenail with a pair of pliers?

Let's also add to the list the illness of '09.

Last Thursday I knew I was coming down with something. Brent was out of town and not coming home until late the following night. I figured I would survive and it would all be fine.

By 5:00 Friday night I was using all my power to will the airplane home quickly and just praying I could hold on until bedtime. Miraculously, the girls went to bed at the regular time and I collapsed on the couch, ready to welcome my adoring husband home by immediately crawling into bed as soon as he got there and drifting off into coma-like slumber.

Everything fell into place until Lauryn came in our room a mere 3 hours later complaining of a tummy ache. She rested by my bed and soon said she felt better. I got her some water and sent her back to sleep.

45 minutes later I hear the all-t00-familiar Mommy Wake Up Call and come into the living room to find Lauryn standing in the doorway and my hard woods covered in vomit. To spare everyone the details I think you probably already know, I will just say things went downhill from there.

I was proud of her, though, because she handled the rest of the night like such a big girl. The next time she was sick I found her in my bathroom. She didn't bother to wake me, and went in there all on her own so she didn't make a mess. She made it to the toilet every single time, and for that she earned a lifetime supply of you-will-get-everything-you-ever-ask-for.

By mid-morning she was much better and just continued to improve throughout the day. Thank goodness it was short lived.

As for me, I was spiking a fever, aching, shivering, and sounded like I was rockin' a 3-pack-a-day habit. I managed to spend the next two days in bed, getting up only for mealtime which consisted of everyone else eating while I took two bites and immediately returned to my cave in the bedroom. I don't know if it was the flu for sure, but it was enough to make me seriously consider getting a flu shot next year. I've never had the flu shot in my life, including all the years I taught public school. But four straight days of fever does not equal a happy mommy, and I will do pretty much anything to not have to go through that ever again.

By God's grace, Brent and Allison managed to stay perfectly healthy through it all. Brent was incredible and took over everything when it took all of my strength to even walk across the room. He's the best daddy and husband anyone could dream of!

So, that's why we've been away for a whole week. But now we're back and since it's Friday, I will end with a picture that manages to rip my heart out at the very sight of it.

Allison wore that red and pink striped dress to school yesterday. I think I need to add "watching your kids grow at the speed of light" to my list of super miserable things.