All we got on vacation...

... were these lousy colds!!! We had a wonderful week with Jess, Nate and Hannah last week. We were so busy I didn't find any time to blog. We didn't do a lot, but were able to spend a lot of time together. I watched Hannah in the morning until Jess came home from work... then we would have the afternoon and evening to hang out. Isaac, Grace, and Hannah had a great time together. They spent most of the week laughing and chasing and playing with each other. They are all at a great age to be able to find things to do together. Francis did some fix it stuff during the week. He installed their portable dishwasher under their countertop so that it is permanent, hung pictures, fixed their coat rack and phone line. There was more he wanted to do, but didn't have the right "tools"... next time he'll bring his along.

At the end of the week, both Nate and Hannah were starting to get sick. We got back home on Sunday, around supper time. By then the signs of illness was starting in our house... mostly just stuffy noses. Then yesterday, AFTER preschool, Isaac started complaining about his ear... and his eyes were draining green stuff. Thankfully his doctor was able to see him right away. He has a double ear infection and pink eye. He probably infected his class that morning... but we didn't know it was going on. Last night my eyes were starting to get bad. I went to the doctor this morning and found out I have pink eyes, a sinus infection, and tonsillitis. Grace and Francis both have some symptoms, but we are praying they don't get any worse as the week goes on. So, hopefully we are on the mend and won't have to make any more trips to the doctor this week. :)

A Wandering Pig and A Day Long Drive to PA....

So... today has been an interesting day... a crazy, busy, long, interesting day. There was so much to be done today in order to get on the road this morning. First, I dropped Isaac off at preschool, then I scooted on over to a friends house to drop some things off for our MOPSwap tomorrow. On my way back home, in the distance on the road in front of me, I see a deer (atleast that is what I think it is), which isn't uncommon for the road I'm on. It was strange it was out at that time of day and it was also odd that it didn't scamper off as a car came from the opposite direction. As the car continued by and as I got closer the "deer" raises it's head and at that moment I realize it's not a deer... but perhaps a dog by the way the ears were flapping.... hmmm... no...not a pig... still in MY lane... still wandering up the road. Finally, I get close enough to shockingly discover that it is a HUGE pig!!! She walks from the front of the van to the side and kind of just looks at me. As I drive slowly off it starts to follow me up the road. Boy, how I wish I had had my camera. It was quite the sight!

So, I got home.. with an hour an a half to finish packing suitcases, gather bedding, pack the cooler, load the car, etc before having to pick Isaac up from preschool. We somehow managed to accomplish it all and officially got on the road at 12:30pm (after stops to the bank, gas station, and McD's!). We had a short visit at Francis' grandma's as she isn't doing well, so we wanted to see her when we could. Then, we finally arrived at Nah's house at a little after 6 tonight. It was very exciting for all 3 cousins to be together. They are like best buddies. I'll have to post some pictures tomorrow! It was a good day, and it is just wonderful to be here with my sister!!! :)

I Voted Today!

Yes, I voted. In NY it doesn't usually matter how we vote since it is a very democratic state... but I still want my voice, no matter how small, to be heard. I still feel it is very important to vote because of the local elections as well. I'm not sure that I'm looking forward to the results when I see them tomorrow morning (we aren't watching any coverage tonight for a variety of reasons), but I will have to accept them nonetheless. Anyway... I did have a funny moment while at our polling place. Francis took the kids in with him while he voted, then they stayed in while I voted as well. We still use the "old school" machines where you pull the lever to one side to close the curtain and then to the other to cast your vote and open the curtain. As soon as I opened the curtain Grace starts clapping her hands, jumping over to Francis, and rather loudly saying "Yay momma, you did it, you voted". Of course it got a little chuckle from those in the room. I'm just glad she wasn't aware enough to blurt out WHO I voted for! :) So, that is one of the things I will remember from Election Day 2008. I just pray that God will be with us and walk along side of us as we go through these next 4 years.