A long week

Breck took this picture when Capriel had fallen asleep on the couch.


This week Capriel had the stomach flu which also included an ear infection and probably strep. She has never been that sick, nor do I think any of my kids have had such bad flu symptoms. She was pathetic and oh so whiny. Even though I feel guilty admitting this, sometimes sick days are a bit of a vacation for a Mom because they just lay around, make very few messes, don't have to be run to activities, and you feel perfectly justified in allowing them to watch 2 movies in a day. Capriel's sick week was nothing like this. Her frequent emissions were exactly that-very frequent, and her stomach pains and weak body, and constant thirst were a little frazzling. She looks so skinny now, but her little person is beginning to return now that we have some antibiotics started. Once, towards the end of the week she was sitting on my lap and a tiny little "If you're happy and you know it" started to come out of her mouth, but ended almost as soon as she began. It was so sad. If you know Capriel, you know that everything she does is fast, loud, and dramatic, so it has been a big change to see her so passive. I'll bet she has watched the little blog videos of Owen and Bryce a hundred times. She just keeps asking over and over.

We are so ready for spring here. We've had a few sunny days where the weather has reach 40 or so and the kids are racing outside without jackets and shoes-sure it is summer. Lani is lamenting all the time about how much he hates winter cause he can't play soccer, or basketball, or run outside. Breck is craving gardening and has been searching beneath the snow for any signs of plant life. She has such a gift for finding beauty.


These are shots Breck took on a hunt for signs of spring

Talia has been given permission to have her book one recital after a long review and she is very excited. We handed out her invites today and are planning the recital for this Saturday. She has worked very hard to get Gavotte down and perfecting the rest of her songs. She has invited the friends her age, and a couple of the grandma/pa neighbors in our cul-de-sac. I'm very proud of her efforts. She really loves her violin and can focus and remember details surprisingly well. I used to be able to play all she could play, but she is miles ahead of me now. I can fumble through her songs, but there is no beauty in my sound. We are slowly working to prepare the craft/guest room downstairs to become Talia's room. This involves consolidating, and moving one of the closets in the room so that she can have a closet and eventually installing an organizer so she can hang things up. I don't have a lot of time, but have been surprised how long it takes to organize and find places for everything.

A little fort we made using an ice cream bucket.

We only see Landen when he is shooting hoops on our little indoor hoop. He has nearly read all of the Beverly Clearly books. We've had some pretty significant snow this week and he dug an enormous hole/fort. When the kids go out to play in the snow we have girls that want to peaceably built and create forts and one boy who wants to throw snowballs and wreck forts. It is a bit of a problem, and the only remedy seems to be inviting some other crazy boys over, or waiting for the rare moments when Breck feels like being wild. We took the kids sledding last weekend and enjoyed watching Breck try to take the jumps, and listen to Tali squeal every time as she slid down. Landen couldn't decide if he liked it or not because he gets so mad if he crashes, or doesn't hit the jump right, or drives crooked. We are really working to help him have reasonable expectations and control his emotions. His bball has significantly improved, probably because Craig has nearly taken over the team. He is much better at choosing shots, passing, and controlling the ball. He guitar finger picking (when you pick out a melody vs. playing chords) has improved immensly of late. This has been very difficult and it is fun to see him finally "get" it.

Sledding!

Breck is enjoying her extra time now that the play is over. She loves to be reading, crafting, and is a wonderful help with Capriel. She is a great babysitter and wishes she could do it all the time. She has recently been opened up to the world of blogging and emailing. She loves people and connecting with them. She spends time planning her spring garden, daydreaming, climbing trees, and thinking.

Craig is sick with the flu right now. We've had some terrible nights with Capriel along with his flu and he's pretty worn out. He continues to do most of Lani's games and coaching sessions, help take kids to lessons, keep the church sidewalks clear of snow and keep the Elders quorum running as well as trying to decide what he wants to do when he grows up. We love him dearly. He has made efforts to be home an hour earlier and I can't tell you the improvement it has made on our home and family. His presence is so invaluable.

This week I've done little more than care for Capriel. In some of my spare moments I shop the internet for a used armoire to put our t.v. on downstairs (right now it is on the craft room table where Talia will soon move) and try to run our household. I'm getting gigantic and starting to feel like it. I am looking forward to not feeling nauseous in 16 weeks! I finally started thinking about names and would love your input. Have a great week!


These are the new knobs and pulls that we finally purchased after about 2 years of thinking about them. I love them!



THese are a few shots of the kids decorating valentine cookies.