Monday, Monday...

I have to reflect on a tough weekend. Friday evening was great. I took the kids to Six Flags Fright Fest and we had so much fun. Well, 3 of us had fun and Addison tolerated it begrudgingly. My sweet little Addison, she is my mother's twin in personality, and so far from mine! Adventure is something she sees from her safe place and wonders why in the world anyone would want to leave the comfort of what they have, to seek anything else. That is also what makes her my more palatable child-easy going, peace maker, etc. Let me just say that she will be staying with Nana the next time we go!!! Ben has finally reached the height requirement for most rides, and loved every adrenaline rush he got from them. Caroline was his little chaperon and it did my heart good to see her treating him kindly for a little while-those 2 are so much alike that they butt heads more often than not! We also did a haunted house for the first time and don't think they'll be asking to go to one for a long time. Anyway, that was our Friday and I thought all was good for the weekend.

Saturday morning around 3, I awoke to the barking, unmistakable cough of croup. Ben breathed in too much cold air and suffered the effects. We started breathing treatments and he rallied really quickly turning the corner. He was well enough to have a friend over by that night and had a blast. We woke up yesterday and went to church. Dropped Ben and his friend off at his friend's house to play a while. The girls and I ate lunch at Campisi's-mmm. I even got to sneak in a nap-rare occasion. And by about 4:30, Caroline said she wasn't feeling well-typical occurrence when she has put off doing her homework until Sunday night. I told her to lay down (unfortunately in my bed) and went to run a couple of errands. I got a frantic call from Addison saying that Caroline had thrown up all over my bed!!! Joy of joys! Granted my 7 year old can make it to the toilet to throw up every time. However, I don't think Caroline has ever-not once-been "able" to make it anywhere but all over the place she lies!? I think this is par for her dramatic personality. I think it all has to be about the dramatic presentation-and she definitely accomplishes that. One thing I'm quite thankful for is that my laptop was on the bed and she managed to spare it! I mention all of this to say that being a single mom is difficult on the best of days. But when you add illness to the mix, it's just simply defeating and exhausting! There's no tag team-no one to call out to to grab more towels or grab the nebulizer while you sit with your child who is struggling to breathe. It's all you and it's all very wrong and not the way this was meant to work! So instead of fully recharging over the weekend, I kind of feel like I'm starting my week with a limp!

On one more note, a sweet friend sent this verse to me last night and I just love it. When friends ask me how I've kept my mouth shut for all of these months, and have tried my best to treat George with what respect I can muster, I'm going to start referring them to this verse:

Isaiah 50:4-9 (New International Version)

4 The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears,
and I have not been rebellious;
I have not drawn back.

6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.

7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.

8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!

9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
Who is he that will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will eat them up.

Have a great day today!!!!