It's That Time of Year . . .

I was reading some posts from last year and came across one that stated one of our autumn traditions is getting sick. True to form and tradition . . . we're all sick.

Not to fear, though - we're stocked up on Tylenol, NyQuil, Pseudoephedrine, and yes . . . Vicks infused tissues.

The Year of the Tiger

This year Colt is involved with Tiger Cub Scouts and is a Tiny Tiger in karate. This past week he earned his first awards in cub scouts AND advanced in rank in karate! Woo hoo Colt!!

Pack Meeting:
I got to pin Colt's Bobcat badge on his shirt:
Karate. Colt receiving his orange belt:




*as a side note - the day of Colt's karate advancement was not without its drama. Jonathan, in true Jonathan fashion, decided to do a BIG JUMP out of the van when we arrived at karate. When he landed, he lost his balance and fell - hitting the back of his head on the asphalt. Who knew such a small gash could bleed so much. But it did! I was super thankful for the extra cloth diaper I keep in the car that acted as a bandage. After about 10-15 minutes of crying he finally calmed down and the bleeding stopped. I was able to watch the first part of Colt's advancement. However, Jonathan started falling asleep with me holding him (he never does that) which got me worried. So, I decided to run him up the road to urgent care. Chris, my brother Chris, and Carena stayed to watch Colt. Thankfully Chris had the video camera and my brother had the digital camera. Jonathan continued to be sleepy and lethargic on the ride to the UC. I had to yell at him to keep him awake. I was pretty scared. However, once we go to the UC, he was perky and talkative. Of course. It's like when your car is making a funny sound and you take it in to the mechanic's and it sounds just fine. The doctor suggested we keep an eye on him and to wake him up every 2-3 hours that night to make sure he's ok. We were then sent home. He's doing well now, but he can't lie down on his back because it hurts the back of his head. That makes diaper changes quite difficult. He's on Tylenol to help with the pain, but otherwise is quite fine. No stitches or staples were needed.

So, I missed Colt's rank advancement but I don't think he really noticed - he was just thrilled that his Uncle Christopher was there (as was I since he really took over with Carena and Colt as I tended to Jonathan). As soon as we got home I watched the video of the advancement. He did wonderfully.

My Tiger is awesome!

How Germs Are Spread

The other night we went to Sonic for some cool treats. I ordered my usual strawberry limeade. However, when it got to the car I took a sip and determined it was a cherry limeade instead. I told the attendant - "I'm pretty sure this is a cherry limeade and I ordered a strawberry limeade."

Attendant: "Are you sure it's cherry?"

Me: I take another sip through the straw. "Yup, pretty sure."

Chris: "Let me try." Chris then takes a big sip through the straw. "Yeah, that's cherry." Chris then hands the drink back to the attendant.

The attendant then TAKES A SIP THROUGH THE STRAW THAT CHRIS AND I JUST DRANK OUT OF and says, "Yeah, definitely cherry. I'll go get you the correct drink."

Chris and just sat there for a moment in total shock and then we bust out laughing. Chris turns to me and says, "Now that's worth blogging about."

The End of an Era

We no longer own a crib. Jonathan has moved up to a big boy bed. The crib . . . sold.

Sweet Land of Liverty

I remember being woken by the phone ringing 8 years ago and Chris telling me that the U.S. was under attack. Heroes died that day and heroes were born. That day spurred many into action. I can't talk too much about it without getting choked up.

Each year the children's elementary school has a flag raising ceremony on this day. Each year I go and I always cry. Watching the flag reach the top of the pole only to be pulled back down to half staff is heartbreaking.

The students sing patriotic songs. This year the first and second graders were in charge of singing, "America, (My Country Tis of Thee)." Colt has been practicing singing this at home for the past few weeks singing, "Sweet land of liverty" instead of "liberty." Gives me a chuckle. As I watched them sing today around the flag pole at school I noticed that pretty much ALL of the kids sang, "liverty" instead of "liberty."

Sweet precious children. Thank the heroes for protecting them.

Dreams

Every once in a while my nighttime dreams give me more than my usual (often weird and bizarre) dreams. Last night I got this:

It may never happen in real life - but at least I got a little glimpse last night as I slumbered. And for that sweet gift I am grateful. I'll take what I can.

(image from cottagesofbrittany.com)

Forever!?

Let's talk about forever . . .

Me: Jonathan, put your toys away.

Jonathan: Forever!?

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Me: Jonathan, if you hit again, you'll have to sit in your crib.

Jonathan: Forever!?

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Carena: Jonathan, help me clean up.

Jonathan: Forever!?

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Me: Let's go to the store!

Jonathan: Forever!?

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Me: Jonathan, time for a nap.

Jonathan: Forever!?