Sick of all the sickness

Tuesday night: Rachel: "Mom, I don't feel good. My head and tummy hurt."
Mom: "Let me take your temp....100.1. Get your jammies on and go to bed."
(Rachel then continues to miss school Wednesday, Thursday and soon to be Friday.

Thursday morning. Kimbo: "Mommy whats wrong?"
Mommy: "My throat is killing me." (no fever as of yet. Mommy just feels horrible)

Thursday afternoon: Mom: "Garrison and Kimbo, bring me your backpacks so I can see what you did in school today."
Garrison: "Kimbo sleeping"
Mom: "Oh crap."
Garrison : "Ouch, not crap. We don't say crap." (long story)
Mom then takes Kimbo's temp. 102.5. Kimbo will be missing Friday at school.

Thursday evening. Mom walks into Garrison's room to check on Garrison. Garrison laying on bed watching a movie. Mom takes temp. 99.3
Mom: " Garrison do you feel sick?"
Garrison: "I not sick. No one sick."
Garrison will be missing school on Friday.


Thursday evening. Mom: (speaking to doctors office) "My little girl has had a temp between 102.5 and 103 since 4:00. Motrin or a shower do not help."
Doctor's office: "We will have a nurse call you."

Mom is still waiting for phone to ring so she is blogging to pass time and ignore her very sore throat.

Mom is stressed!!! Mom has only been able to read 1 1/2 chapters of her new book "Twilight" because of so many sick kids. I NEED A VACATION!!!

The First Day of School

Well it finally arrived. The first day of school. Now, I have been saying how excited I was for it to start because that meant that it would be just me and Natalie. I could clean, nap, read, go on a walk, whatever I wanted with just the two of us. However, now that the kids are gone, I miss them terribly. I am excited for some "down" time (as "down" as it can be with a 13 month old) but I miss the other kids so much. Kimbo started Kinder and oh did I cry. She held it together beautifully. I, on the other hand, cried like a baby. She was my baby for so long and it was just her and I together for so long that I miss having her at my side. It is definitely harder to have her gone then the other two.

Garrison came in at 5:30 this morning and said, "Good morning mommy. It's time for school." He was so excited. So he has about 5 or so hours of sleep in his system. All three kids were just so excited. I know they will have a great year. We are elated to be able to continue at Rohwer, We LOVE this school. Here are a few pics of my adorable children. (remember, you can click on the pictures to make them larger.)

My big Kindergartener

Can you believe she is in 2nd grade?

Up at 5:30 all ready to begin 4th grade

Kimbo waving goodbye as she enters her new school! (at this point, I am bawling)

Who are the people in your neighborhood???

I must say that I single handedly have the best neighborhood in the state of Nebraska and perhaps even the world!!!! Every night, the neighbors directly next door to me (Tricia and Larry) and the neighbors directly across the street from me (Sean and Diane) and the house directly next door to them (Carey and Melissa) and then our family, all go outside and visit in our lawn chairs while all of our kids play on their bikes, with chalk, with bubbles, or just use their imaginations. This has been going on throughout the entire summer. It is a staple that our four houses will be out each and every night together. During Buddy's absence, they have watched over our family and helped me with anything and everything I have needed. Sean has called me countless times at night after we are all inside to tell me that I have left my garage door open. They make sure I am in my basement any time there is a storm. Melissa's daughters, Chelsea and Madi, have been a HUGE help with my kids. The other day, Diane, Tricia, Melissa and I, all went and got pedicures and manicures together. We share dinners and/or desserts. They are listening ears when I need to talk and they all have strong shoulders for me to cry on. They have all become such dear friends to me. This nightly ritual of our gatherings in the drive way have become such a blessing in my life. The kids and I look forward to it from the time we wake up in the morning.

Tonight, our neighbor that lives two houses down from me came over and asked us to come and join them for karaoke in their garage. So we all went down there and had a marvelous time. We sang our hearts out. Here are a few shots of the fun.

Kimbo, Carlie (Sean and Diane's daughter) and Rachel singing Hannah Montana.

Buddy getting his groove on.

Christian is Sean and Diane's son. He is also known as Spider Man around these parts.

Tricia and Diane sharing one of those desserts I was talking about

Larry, Christian, and Sean singing "I'm a believer"!!

Without these amazing neighbors of mine, this time with Buddy being gone, would have been much harder to bear. I truly do love them so much. They have become more like family to the kids and I. They are a huge reason why I don't want to leave Omaha. I know our family will always treasure these times we have had. Thanks for the memories dear friends. I adore you!!!

Swimming with friends

A few days ago we went next door to our good friend Tricia's house and swam for a while. The kids had a blast and Natalie had a great time exploring the back yard. Here are just some of the pictures that I loved. By the way, the bottle situating is going very well. Since that first night she has slept through the night every single night. Also to those of you who are new to this blogging thing. If you click on the picture it will make it larger. The second one down is especially sweet when bigger.