viruses. toddlers. vacuums. and bears. oh my!

1} Our home has truly been taken down by a virus. Even Hannah’s computer has been affected. Which is a major bummer as that is where ALL of the new pictures are stored. That’s where photoshop is located. The nasty computer virus? Attached itself to an apple app. Thankfully we have an awesome friend who is working on fixing that essential laptop.

2} Until that laptop is fixed I will be using archived photos. This should be fun. You might get to see the kids when they were younger. Or see photos of craziness that I never posted. Or words that I like. Or pictures that are my fave. Like this- markers with almost all the lids on.

3} Now I can state that 8 out 9 of our family has been taken down by whatever cold virus {or bacteria — I don’t really care as I want it gone} that has invaded our home. The last one standing? Caleb. Caleb the Brave pictured below. Thankfully, Chloe, Todd, Hannah, Brennan, and I have returned to almost normal. That leaves Samuel — who’s still trying to beat this stubborn and pesky pneumonia — and Gracie and Elijah. Those two just got fevers yesterday.

4} Is it summer yet? Because, honestly, I’m tired of this fall {and all the colds} already.

5} I love my toddlers and the funny things they say. Make sure to try and write them down, because if you’re like me they’ll stay in your brain for about 34 seconds. Then you’ll be saying, “now what was that funny thing that so and so said?” I know. I do it. Or as I’ve told you before, at least facebook them. Remember this one from Brennan?

6} Here’s one  that I do remember from Elijah. He was watching his brothers play a game on the Wii — I think it was Lego Star Wars — and when the bad guys come he’ll announce in a loud voice, aren’t those guys just plain mean? Ha ha ha. Love it. And I love it that he gets a kick out of himself. He’ll laugh at his own jokes….makes them even funnier.

7}And of course, how could I not mention that tomorrow is the last day to enter for that Oreck Vacuum. Want to help me out and spread the word? Like on facebook? Or twitter? Or whatever? I’d be grateful — I really want to thank Oreck for their generosity.

8} I have nothing to write about bears. I just thought I’d add it to the title as it seemed to fit and that yesterday I told you I was mildly sarcastic.

9} However, I did see a bear  when I went to Alaska eleven years ago. Sigh. I cannot believe it’s been eleven years. Now, I’m going to tell you that if you ever get the opportunity to take that long flight up to that state it is  well worth it and amazing. Beautiful country. Loved it. And want to go back.

10} So now I’m left on Monday. I was hoping this would be our “relaunch” for our first day of school. But, probably not, with Gracie and Elijah ill and me needing to take Samuel in so that they can listen to those lungs of his. That’s okay. Life isn’t about things going perfectly, but rather is about embracing the moment and seeking the joy in this new and gift of a day.

And that’s just what I’ll do.