Fever and babysitting

Our week was good, but poor Eliza has suffered since Tuesday night with a fever. It ranged from 101-103.8. Yesterday she was on Tylenol and Ibuprophen when it peaked at 103.8. Today, finally, it came down to 99.8. She was even giggling as she watched Tom and Jerry cartoons today. You may be wondering what the cause of the fever is. We're guessing a virus. Her throat has been terribly sore, but a strep test came back negative. Poor kid. She will have 3 days of catch up work to do next week.

By the way, how old were you when you first babysat your siblings or someone else's kids? I was 11 when a neighbor called and asked me to babysit for her two kids. Her oldest daughter was a year younger than me, so I thought it was strange that she wanted me to babysit. I found out later that the mother thought I was 12. Please vote on the sidebar about babysitting wages. I don't use an actual babysitter, but I am beginning to consider it. I have no idea what I would pay one.

A working woman

In an attempt to figure out what I want to be "when I grow up," I started teaching preschool this week. After just three mornings I haven't figured much out yet, but I do know this. 

• Hanging out with 17 three year olds is intense. (Duhh!)
  
• I love little kids. They are quick to give hugs and forgive.
• I am more comfortable hanging out with kids than adults.
• I love teaching children, and even better, I love watching children learn.
• I love recognizing the gifts Heavenly Father has blessed them with. 
• Children need structure and consequences. Without it chaos rules, and I do not like chaos. 

Oh and, Happy Valentine's Day!

Catching up

I have been trying to catch up my blogging with all the photos I took over the holidays. Here they are for all to see. I also posted several other posts today, so keep scrolling and take a look.

 I love my family!

Pet page

This page is purely for Sarah. She was busy taking pictures of the critters while we visited my sister and her family. Sorry Jon, some how we didn't get any pictures of Stella and Finn. 

Elbows, the African Python

Another view

Elbows' tank

Hope or as Luke calls her, Hopey

Sarah and Hope

Sarah did try to get a picture of their other snake, but he would come out of the wood shavings.

New Year's Day

Here are some pictures from our play day. The kids had fun down at the playground while several of us adults took turns hitting a bucket of baseballs. There are few things more fun than playing ball for me. I love it! We followed it up with grilling some hotdogs and playing a game of kickball with the entire crew. We had a lot of fun even if it was 40* outside. For those of you who aren't family, I have put names and some ages to the faces.

Liam-5, son of Mike & Erin

Garrett-13, son of Laura & Bryant

Erin-s-i-l, super seamstress & mom; Sutton-3, daugther of Erin & Mike; Leah-6

Ezra-2.5 months?, son of Mike & Erin

Jen-s-i-l, married to Jon; Dad-wicked old

Paul-he's eating a hot dog, not smoking a cigar.

Kate-sister, the one attending that school in Idaho

Laura-sister, otherwise known as Aunt La La or super mom

Mike-brother, the computer guy

Jon-brother, the builder guy; Andy-brother, the musician

This isn't the entire crew. If you check out other posts and see boys you don't recognize, they would be Laura and Bryant's sons. The girls of course are mine.

Our New Year's Party

The kids partied hard with their cousins on New Year Eve. They rang in the New Year with Brazil at 9 p.m. Eastern time. The kids even got to try some sparkling apple cider. I don't think they liked it though. Check out the moves! 

Luke's 4th Birthday

This year we celebrated Luke's birthday with my family in North Carolina. It was a Thomas the Tank Engine/Bob the Builder/whatever party. 

Yes, that's me. I'm usually taking the pictures, so this is a rarity. I thought I'd post it for posterity's sake.

Sarah, Evan, Elijah & Luke

My Mom

Thank you Mom for making the cake. It was cute and yummy!