Surviving

I’m not going to lie.  2015 is off to a rough start.

Chad’s Mom, our Nana, has been bravely battling Stage 4 breast cancer for five years.  In mid-January her health took a sudden decline and Chad spent three of the four weeks of January in Florida caring for her.  By the grace of God, I survived single-momming it for three weeks.  Last week, they decided he could best care for her here.  So, we’ve finally got her settled up here just five minutes from our house.  But, man, things have been tough.

Cal was teething and sick for about a week, and now Elena has been sick.  Sick kids are tough.  Like the toughest, most exhausting, patience-testing thing ever.  I have been cleaning up barf about 100 times a day for what seems like a month…Calvin, Elena and yes, even Pete.  Some days it feels like my purpose in life is to clean up puke, do laundry with everything puke/poop-covered and change diapers.  That can certainly wear on a person. (Pun intended:  I literally have “worn” puke every day for a month)

Morale in our house has been pretty low at times.  Chad and I are doing our best to keep up with caring for everyone who needs us.  My sweet husband is carrying the biggest load, caring for his Mom, the kids and me, when I melt down.   Thank sweet Jesus for Chad.  He is always the glue that hold us all together.  We would be a mess without him.

Thankfully, today, Elena is on the mend.  I’m praying I don’t fall victim next.  Chad asked me this morning if I needed anything today.  My reply?  A trip to Mexico next week.  Since that’s not likely happening, I’ll be content that the sun is shining today and our babysitter is here so I can aimlessly wander the aisles of Target for an hour.  It’s the little things, guys!

Cal hiding from Mom

Elena and I did some baking while she was sick!  They’re cooking at school this month so we wanted to try it at home too.