Dude!

Yes, I know.  It's been a while since I last blogged...probably close to a month.  The last time I was bragging about our soon-to-happen vacation to FL.  Well, that came and went and a lovely time was had by all.  I could recap the trip, but I think we've spoken to most of you and the pics are posted on Facebook.  Needless to say, it was a much needed vacation and I did not want to leave.  FL will forever be my home and the beach and just about any pool will always be the best relaxor for me. I look forward to either moving back some day or at least having a vacation home there.  


I could brag about the girls, but since they are both a few days away from check-ups I will wait to write a separate blog about their growth/milestones and achievements.  


We've all been dealing with sickness for the past few months.  It seems like a never-ending cycle.  Ella has been sick, I swear, for the past three months on and off.  I thought things would get better after school got out and she wasn't around other nasty kids, but to no avail.  I got sick right before FL and it hung on for a couple weeks to the point where Stephen had to call me in a Z-Pak while we were in FL.  Upon our return, Stephen got really sick.  He NEVER gets sick and usually when he does it's strep and he gets antibiotics and he's good in a few days.  Well, this seemed a lot like what I had before FL and it got him down pretty bad and because he was working so much when we got back he really didn't have time to rest and recoup.  Unfortunately, Ella got sick because she doesn't know how to stay away from sick people and surprise, surprise...Annie and I are now sick because I, of course, am the caretaker and again, Ella can't stay away from anybody when SHE is sick!!  UGH!  I'm so over this.  I have decided that I will turn into an old person every time someone gets sick in this house, meaning if Stephen is sick, I will sleep in another room, if Ella gets sick, she will stay in her room.  I know that sounds old-school, but it works.


I've been trying to read more lately since I was able to get back to this passion of mine since we were in FL.  I used to read all the time.  Kids don't really let that happen, too often...unless of course we're talking about Curious George, Dr. Seuss, Clifford, etc. and those are not my passions!  :)  I'm just about done with "Bittersweet", the second book by Shauna Niequist who I posted previously an excerpt from her first book "Cold Tangerines".  I have to say, I do not like this book as much as the first, but I am in love with the way she writes and I hope she comes out with a new book soon!  I am also reading "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell who also wrote "The Tipping Point" and "blink".  I'm not really into this book, but Stephen and I like to read together and he wanted to read this one.  I'm looking forward to starting Tim Tebow's book "Through My Eyes" and also Emily Giffin's most recent book "Heart of the Matter".  I used to only be able to read one book at a time, but I find if the two books are different styles I can handle reading two at a time.  Have any of y'all read any of these?  What did you think?


Anyway, you'll be hearing from me sooner rather than later, but just wanted to chat a little today.