The Flu Penetrates Our Walls

It started a couple weeks ago, when I caught a cold, and it turned into a sinus infection. I couldn't take anything at night because for part of the week, I was working nights, and then for the next 7 days, I was on pager-duty, so I couldn't be all doped-up if I got a call.

Then last Wednesday, I came down with the flu, and practically slept for two and a half days while Karen took care of me in the evenings. Today, I'm finally feeling better. Last night, Karen got the flu, and I know exactly how she feels. She will be wiped out for another day or two, I'm sure. It's my turn now to take care of her..... I made chicken soup tonight, and no, it wasn't Campbells. Shannon helped me, and it took us two hours.... real baked chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Shannon hasn't gotten sick yet....hopefully she won't. Daniel came over today after church, and then left again so he wouldn't get sick.

No sick pictures this time.... they aren't very becoming!

Follow-up from the holidays

I thought it was about time to post some pics from the holidays. All the kids came home, and I was wondering how we'd manage in our tiny house, but it actually went better than I thought. We had a good time all together. I especially enjoyed having the kids here... it was really fun!

First we had THANKSGIVING!


Shannon and Daniel shared headphones one night while we were playing games. You can view the video.



We used Mom's China for Thanksgiving dinner, and we all fit around our table.



There were lots of good things to eat.




I even made Crab Bisque! And it was very good!



Dave and Dianna came to spend the day with us.




..... and then came CHRISTMAS

Here is my German nutcracker collection thus far. They were standing on the TV, staring at the couch. Since Elise and Annie were sleeping on the sofa-sleeper, it made Elise uneasy having them stare at her....she was afraid they were going to attack her in the night. But if they did, Annie would be there to protect her.




Elise demonstrated her domesticity as she and Shannon spent one whole afternoon baking. Her specialty, "Noir Balls" were just 'out-of-this-world'.

Everyone decided they liked OUR bed.

The "North Pole Village" and the "Bethlehem Village" were on display.

Karen, Shannon, and Hallie must have been bored, since they decided to play inside a cardboard box.

Daniel, Elise, and Shannon were 'charming', or at least pretending to be.

Karen's Christmas Centerpiece of Balls, using the bowl Nice gave her last year.

A Mother and Daughter Moment....

We also had a family dinner with the Huffhines, Karen's Aunt Mary and Uncle John, and their family.

We tried to get everyone to smile all together, and it almost worked!

Shannon wanted to be the center of attention.

Even the Missionaries stopped in for a visit. Now I can add them to my German Nutcracker collection.

Daniel hung out with "T.O." (Terrell Owens).

There were presents everywhere when they came out from under the tree.

Shannon discovered the fascination and entertainment of taking her picture in the mirror.

It was a fun time, and we all had a good time eating, playing games, and just being together!