Sick kiddos

This week has been a trying one for me. Bradley has been gone since last Friday to China and won't return until late this coming Monday night. I had predicted my kiddos would get sick while he was gone and sure enough they have done just that. On Tuesday am Blake woke up with fever. He had an ear infection at the beginning of the month and has been fighting a bad cold for a couple weeks now. When the fever showed up I knew it was time to take him in. He has tonsilitis and a rash or something or another on his cheeks. He was one miserable boy until Friday when he finally started coming around.

Lauren complained her belly hurt and her throat hurt and started with a fever on Friday. So I took her in and sure enough she's got tonsilitis too. So she is on antibiotics now too. I was hoping this was all we were going to deal with.

Wrong!!! Lauren woke me up at 1:30 am on Friday having vomited in her bed. So after getting her settled back down and the mess cleaned up, she continued to get sick continuously until 5 am or so. Luckily it has subsided now and she's just down to a sore throat and fever. She is finally eating and I'm hoping that is the sign that we are over the stomach bug part.

I'm just thankful this is the only sickness we've had. I keep thinking it could be a whole lot worse! I had predicted we would have H1N1 and thank the Lord we have not had it yet. Now I just hope everyone is healthy by the time Bradley comes back and for Thanksgiving.

NHS Talk

I was asked to give a talk last Sunday to the new inductees of the National Honor Society at my high school. I was honored they asked but frankly did not feel qualified to give such a talk. I reluctantly accepted though not wanting to let down my former teacher. Since I was going to be up visiting my mom and dad anyway, it really wasn't asking too much.

My old habits have not changed and I procrastinated until the wee hours on Saturday night. I gave the talk on Sunday and surprisingly it went really well! I received a lot of compliments and my mom has too. So I guess it went okay.

It was great to see my old stomping grounds which are actually brand new. My high school burnt down a few years ago and a state of the art facility was rebuilt in it's place. My former high school coach Mr. Fox who is now the superintendent gave me a tour of the great place. I wish I could have attended high school there! It truly is an amazing place. Thanks for having me NHS!

Brenna's 3rd Birthday

Admiring her gift


Addison and Lauren relaxing with Uncle Andy


What an awesome cake Brekin made!

Braden's Baptism

My nephew (Aaron and Brekin's youngest) was baptized last Saturday in Macomb, IL. It was a private baptism which was great given the loudness and activity of all the cousins! Delaney discovered mini marshmallows during the service and Blake the holy water, it was very entertaining to say the least! Afterwards we headed back to Brekin's mom and dads house to celebrate Brenna's 3rd birthday along with the baptism.


Braden was tired of the Priest talking!

Farm Kids

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Bartlow's for a visit last weekend. Bradley left for China on Friday morning so it was a good opportunity for us to go. Blake and Lauren loved their time on the farm. Blake really got into all the equipment there like the gator, four wheeler, TJ, combine, semi's, grain carts, etc. He had to try out driving all of them. Lauren enjoyed playing dress up with all of Grandma Marcia's new costumes. Despite the heavy rain on Sunday forcing the guys out of the field, it was a great weekend.

Hand washing 101

We've been doing lots of handwashing at our house trying to avoid all the nasty stuff going around. Blake has really gotten into it lately and truly enjoys washing his hands. Whenever I say, lets go wash he rubs his hands together and climbs up on the stool to get to the sink. Then when he starts, he giggles at the water running and the foam he makes.


Blake is taste testing the bubbles! Yucky was the word that described his facial expression!

Taylor Swift Wanna Be

Lauren enjoyed watching the CMAs last week on TV. She put on her own dance show as they were airing.


Blake was an adoring fan! He truly loves and is always entertained by Lauren.

Meet Peaches and Pepper!

Since Tiger "ran away" we decided we needed to replace him. We went to our friends Beau and Tina's house to pick some out on Nov. 8th. We planned on just getting one but ended up with two. Their names are Peaches and Pepper and we are enjoying them very much. They are very good natured and have adopted their new family very well. I love hearing Blake say kitty, kitty, kitty! Lauren is taking her new found responsibility very seriously which is wonderful!

Remote Man

Blake is fascinated with the TV remotes and phones. One of the many things we fail to keep out of his reach!

Build a Bear Wishes

As I mentioned in a past blog, Lauren is very excited for Christmas this year. So to help her in her wish list making, we decided to go to Build a Bear and make a photo wish list. She loved doing this. Now we just have to find some time to hit Lagoona Magoo and Toys R Us!

Dance Class

Lauren is taking dance and ballet classes this year at Starlight Dance in Highland. She is enjoying it very much! Last night was parent observation night. Prior to class she was really upset not wanting me to go. She has issues with anyone watching her "perform." So I told her I wouldn't go in. Lucky for me by the time we got to class she had changed her mind and agreed to let me watch her. Here are a few of my favorite pics from her class. I can't wait to see her recital in May!

Ear Infection & Shots

Blake ran a fever over the weekend and I thought my fears of H1N1 hitting us might be coming true. Luckily though he never showed any other symptoms besides fever which made me think it wasn't the flu. On Monday went to see Dr. Chris and sure enough another ear infection. So now I need to go back and check his chart to see just how many we've had now. I'm hoping we aren't setting up for tubes but if so, so be it. I'm just thankful it was nothing more.

Because of his ear infection he was not able to get the H1N1 shot at Lauren's school Monday afternoon. Lauren did go ahead and get hers though and did great! She didn't even cry, just said "owww". I was very proud of her. Of course she was pleased to fine a new dress up outfit waiting for her when we got home. Thank goodness for half price halloween costumes! You can never have too many dress up outfits with this girl!

Trick or Treating!

The kids had lots of fun trick or treating this year. It was Blake's first experience with T or T since he was too little to participate last year. He thought it was great getting to take a walk at night! He was in awe of all the sights!

Lauren trick or treated in style on a decorated golf cart with four of her little friends. So that left Blake and his pals (the younger siblings of Lauren's little friends) to trick or treat together with wagons and strollers. I don't have a picture of the golf cart because my camera battery died (should have charged it) . When I get one from a friend, I'll post it.

Lauren has been thoroughly enjoying her candy and Blake has gotten his fill of teddy grahams! So much fun!