The day I don't want to talk about.

It snowed. On October 26th. It snowed. It started at about 10:45 am and didn't end until sometime in the late evening. Thank goodness it melted quickly and didn't stick around. It is beautiful and sunny today, but it is freezing. It appears that winter has made its way to Minnesota. I am pretty grouchy about it, but trying to get over it. Really.

Our crazy dog loves the snow.

Can we catch a break...please?

Tuesday night we headed into the ER because Jack was having a hard time breathing. He woke up around midnight not being able to stop coughing and he was wheezing. Badly. I walked into his room, heard his breathing (or lack of), scooped him up in my arms, walked into our room and announced to [a still sleeping] Lonnie that we were going to the ER. I was dressed and putting Jack in the carseat while Lonnie was still waking up. I don't think I've ever moved so fast.

So...2 hours, one breathing treatment and one steroid shot later, we left the ER with a diagnosis of Croup. Yuck. So, now we're dealing with a nasty cough and lots of congestion. Thankfully we haven't had any episodes like we did Tuesday night.

It's June. My child has been battling some sort of illness since November. We've had a couple of weeks here and there when he's been healthy, but I don't think we've gone any longer than that. I am exhausted. I don't understand why he's been so sick. I don't know if it's the harsh Minnesota winter or if it's being around more kids than usual or if it's something else. I do plan on talking with his pediatrician about this in the near future...I've just been nervous to because I don't want to seem like the paranoid mom that insists there's something very wrong with her child....when there's not.

So, that's what we've been up to. Being sick and hanging out at home. Oh, and watching some awesome thunderstorms! We had a tornado warning last night, but nothing came of it. Just some wind, rain, lightning and thunder. Which is good...I was really dreading the possibility of having to wake Jack up and spend time in the basement in the middle of the night. Not my idea of fun. :)

Lack of...

Motivation. Energy. Sleep. Health. A Life. Organization. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.

These are just a few of the things that are lacking around here lately. Why? Jack is sick again. And boy, when this kid gets sick...he GETS SICK. He doesn't just get the piddly little cold that all the other kids have. Or, maybe I just overreact.

I will try to post some pictures later. Right now I can't think straight. Been up since 4 am and haven't slept much since Sunday.

Oh, and it's freakin' cold. Last night the temp was -9*F and it felt like -48*F. Yes, you read that right. -48. You know it's cold (and windy, and snowy, and miserable) when Minnesota closes schools and freeways because of the weather.

Send Blankets

Baby, it's cold outside. (Currently -9*F, but feels like -27*F)

Blessed.

Lately I have been reminded of how the Lord has blessed us since moving to Minnesota. This was not an easy move for us (well, at least for ME). It has taken me way out of my comfort zone and immersed us in a different culture (trust me on this one), different climate, and different surroundings. I questioned God a lot before moving here. Everytime I prayed, I kept hearing God say "Minnesota." And then I would stop praying. I didn't want to hear Minnesota. I wanted to hear "Arizona" or "California." But, God made it clear that He wanted us here. And, we have been so blessed for taking that leap of faith and moving to the [cold, weird, flat, small-town, frigid, no-ocean, cold] midwest. I just wanted to share some of what's been happening in our lives...

I have gotten involved in MOMS Club and MOPS. Jack and I have activities to go to several times a week. I am starting to make FRIENDS. Real friends. Not close friends yet, but I think we're on our way there. This is huge to me. I don't think I could survive without friends. Especially mommy friends.

We found a church that we love. It was only the 2nd church we attended here and we've felt very at home there. Lonnie has been volunteering to do sound during services and he has met some friends that way. We attended a small group for a short time, but are going to have to find a new one soon...it went way too late at night and Jack just couldn't handle it. :)

Lonnie's job is going great. He's enjoying working at home and I enjoy having him here. There are several things we've had to adjust to, but it has been a blessing overall. He is able to watch Jack when I have a doctor's appointment or need to get out of the house for a bit. I am pretty sure I've gotten spoiled by having him home and will miss him if he ever needs to get a "real" job. :)

Little things. We have an amazing pediatrician. I have a great doctor. Our house meets our needs. It's very pretty when the sun is out and the snow is on the ground. I like living on a dead-end street. I like our grocery store. We have great community-education opportunities - Jack is starting a swim class later this month!

Anyway...I just wanted to share a little of what God has been doing in our lives. Thanks for listening!