My Daybook~ School Is OUT!

For Today...May 31, 2010

Outside my window...Did I mention I live in Texas? Houston to be exact? Everyone thinks Austin has much nicer weather. I went to school there, I remember, it doesn't. Humid and Hot is still Humid and Hot no matter where you are. Austin has so much we want to do outdoors that I think it might suck even more than Houston's humidity. How can you complain about Houston's weather when you are always inside?

I am wearing...my bathing suit and a Snoopy t-shirt, the one Chelsea gave me years ago! The boys love this shirt.

I am listening to...Matthew Sweet. Brings a smile to my face.

I am thinking...about the great weekend I had in Austin. We had the best time with my cousins and niece and the rest of my extended family. It's a crazy family I'm a part of, but I love getting together with them. It's been far too long since I've seen everyone. I was more than happy to start my summer off with them.

I am also...still bummed about Squirt missing this past weekend. The older cousins (which used to mean me, do I really have a kid that is a teenager???), are all around his age. It is really cool to watch them all together, catching up, teasing each other and making plans to see each other again. Squirt had JROTC camp that started Sunday morning so he missed our weekend. I am excited about him going to camp, but still sad about him missing family time. Plus, his cousins missed him too.

To be fit and happy...hmmm...Something tells me my workouts aren't helping these days! Here's hoping for a change in diet soon.

From the kitchen...smoked chicken, stuffed bell peppers and buffalo burgers at the pool. Lance and I decided that we are eating at the pool at least once a week with the boys. Plus, I want to make cobbler this week. I know I shouldn't, but I have to before all the good berries are gone.

Around the house...I am ordering my new curtains this week! Can't wait to finally have curtains in my dining room.

I am trying...to find a reasonable vacation spot for me and the boys, just four or five days to relax and enjoy ourselves this summer. Lance and I are taking a trip by ourselves in August, and I already feel bad that I have nothing planned for the kids beyond Austin and Galveston. Thankfully, the boys love Austin, but still...

I am thankful...for my hosts this weekend. They were so gracious to me and my boys. We couldn't have felt more welcome. Or had a better time. We can't wait for them to visit us!

I am praying for...all my babies and for the son of my mom's good friend.

One of my favorite things...not having to get up and get ready for school anymore. I think we're going to like this lazy routine. Other than this week for Squirt and basketball camp for the BH and Goose, we're not doing anything else except getting on each other's nerves!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• lunch dates
• visiting a friend's new house and swimming
• play dates
• dinner for Chris's birthday
• dinner for Terese's birthday

A picture thought I am sharing...

He is mine, all mine, for the summer!

Graduation

The smile on Goose's face is for one reason: big brother is at his school!

Singing in French and signing at the same time, this is no ordinary kid show!

Proud Parents of their K grad!

Look at my Goose! He is so excited and proud of himself. Today we celebrated his promotion ceremony at school. It was short and to the point. Each child walked across the stage to receive their little diploma. It was so sweet. And he just couldn't get over big brother being at school with him. I love seeing my boys so happy with each other. This has been such a LONG year for me, and I am more than ready for summer to start (two more days!) so I can spend all day long with all my boys. Do I still wish things were different? Yes, every day of my life. But he's happy and had a good year, and for that, I am thankful.

Scenes From A Birthday

He was so excited every. single. time.

The birthday boy

Yes, this is my adorable niece

waiting





The kids loved that Mimi bowled too

Brothers

Surprise!!!!

Goose's present...buddy bucks from HEB

Our Family

Sleepless Nights

There are things that I don't have to try, and I know I don't like them. We all have certain perceptions that we aren't going to change. One thing I always knew was that I didn't ever want a Family Bed. EVER. I don't even want a bassinet in my room, much less a baby sleeping in my bed. It works out great for tons of people, but I knew before I ever thought of getting married that co-sleeping wasn't for me. AND NOW....I can positively say that co-sleeping isn't for me. In fact, I think it pretty much sucks. Kobra has become such a little fuss at night to the point that he screams at the top of his lungs and refuses to go back down in his crib. Then he starts pointing to my room. The second he lays down in MY bed, he closes his eyes and falls fast asleep. It is so hard for me to let him win this battle...I can't sleep because he moves around too much, he doesn't like covers and makes fussing noises and what about intimacy. I mean, how do people who co-sleep have sex with a baby in their bed? I'm sorry, but that grosses me out. I am more likely to move to another room than to sleep with this little kid. Of course, then I lose being near Lance, but Kobra has already ruined that with his presence because he has to be in the middle of us. I am guessing that he spends at least one to two nights a week in my bed. This kid is pretty stubborn, but has no clue how stubborn I am. I promise to win this fight, no matter how many other kids lose sleep in the process.

A New Found Respect

Today I had the pleasure of attending my beautiful Goddaughter's dance recital. Can I just give my parents a huge THANK YOU for sitting through years and years of both piano and ballet recitals. (I wasn't great at either, so I'm not sure it was worth sitting through these recitals every year.)

I am one of those people that love kids, but hate things that most people find cute. And one of the things that I don't find cute are kid programs. And honestly, that includes watching my own kids. I just have to no desire to watch kids sort of sing or dance for two minutes in a program. It's not cute to me. AT. ALL. To have to watch over an hour of kids I don't know at all "dance" was like torture. Of course, my precious Goddaughter was nothing less than perfect. While watching these kids, I wondered how my parents continued putting me in dance classes year after year because all I kept thinking was that most of these parents could be saving a fortune if they just dropped the dance classes.

I used to get offended because my brother never invited me to my niece's piano recitals. Now I think he must be watching out for me. I promise to do the same.

Lofty Goals

A friend invited my family over for the weekend, and Lance is already stressed about it. He is worried about the kids in someone else's house. Keep in mind, my kids are really neat. Goose is the one who walked into somebody's house and said he couldn't play because it was too messy. All of my kids pick up after themselves. Are they perfect, far from it, but I'm not that worried about the boys messing up someone's house.

I feel like I have created this monster that is so stressed about things being out of place and people coming over and messing up our house. It's fine when I was the one who hated people coming over, but now it's Lance too. I finally told him that I wanted to start living. The people who we are staying with are as neat and clean as me. They have social gatherings ALL. THE. TIME. Now I'm not going to start having people over all the time, but I do want to start living and not worry if something breaks or if the house gets messy. I can always pick it up.

So yesterday at Super Saints, there was a little boy who was running around without his diaper. And he peed on the carpet in the playroom. And guess what? The mom didn't care. She knows I'm a stress case about kids running around my house, but she wasn't going to get stressed because shit happens.

Lance wanted to know if I was still sure about my new stance on living.

I Did It Again

Last week a friend from the swim club told me about this book. It's basically about being intimate with your husband, why you should and the benefits to you and your spouse. I told Lance about it and he was all, "ORDER IT IMMEDIATELY". With four kids that we lovingly refer to as cock blocks, we're searching for any ideas to keep up our energy and not just pass out the first free second we have. So I ordered the book tonight. Anything for my hubby, right? Except I also ordered seven other books for the kids' library. My 15 dollar purchase just turned into a 92 dollar purchase. I am so dead. This book better be ALL that.

The Fifteen Year Old

Another birthday down for Squirt. I can't believe you're fifteen and becoming a young man. You are becoming your own person, and I'm so proud of who you are. Your passion for the Army has grown even more than I could imagine this past year. And while I'm terrified at the thought of you one day entering the military, I couldn't be happier that you seem to have found your niche. JROTC has been great for you this year, and they are lucky to have you on their team.

It's hard to think of you without thinking of your brothers and that may seem a bit unfair since you are your own person, but the brother you are shows just what kind of person you are. You are so proud of your brothers, constantly bragging on them. When I make a comment about one of them being your favorite you get upset, never wanting to hurt anybody's feelings. Sure you can get upset with them, really upset, but your love for them never changes. I can still see your face as you met each one of them for the first time: wonder upon meeting Goose, fear and worry about BH, and annoyance because St. Luke's didn't bring Kobra to the room. Remember not letting Mimi hold Kobra? Do you realize that every time you leave the house the first thing you ask upon return is if the boys did anything cute while you were gone? You are interested in them. You're not too cool for your family. I hope the little ones act the same way.

No matter how annoyed I am in the morning and that is my problem, unfortunately becoming yours at times, you always turn and wave good bye to us. Always. You have no idea what this does for me. Last week, you had to wait for several cars to go before we passed you, but still you waited and waved. It makes my day and is a constant reminder of just how sweet you are.

Your musical talent and ability to do push-ups nonstop amazes me. Although really, I think I should get credit for your push-ups! You can do anything you want, Squirt, if only you apply yourself and use the talents God gave you.

14 went by so fast, I still remember the first day of high school when you had the saddest look on your face until I went over the speed bump from hell at top speed. You finally relaxed! I am proud to call you my first son and wish only the best for you. I promise you that I will always have your back. I pray everyday for your well being and happiness and am so thankful God gave you to me. Happy Birthday, my son.

My Daybook~ Fifteen!

For Today...May 16, 2010

Outside my window...it's barely light, warm and humid-Houston weather.

I am listening to...Ben Folds

I am wearing...black longhorn shorts and a tie-dyed longhorn t-shirt.

I am thinking...that I am about to have a fifteen year old! YIKES! We celebrated his birthday today with my family. Lance and I made the cake-not bad, right?!

To be fit and happy...see the above cake? Last week, I made cookies to prove to Goose that I do indeed cook more than pre-made kolaches. I ate tons of cookie dough, tons of cake, plus we stopped and had cookies this weekend at my favorite cookie shop. And we had an amazing meal last night and pizza today and and and and. Food is never ending for me. I love it. Thankfully, I love to workout. Because BATHING SUIT SEASON HAS STARTED. (see below). If that doesn't scare me into eating better and working out, nothing will. So, hard workouts all week and sensible eating.

From the kitchen...Since tomorrow is Squirt's birthday, he gets to pick what we eat. He picked Double Dave's buffet. Sensible eating starts on Tuesday. We are having grilled veggies and chicken bones as the boys call them on Tuesday. Then more vegetables the rest of the week. Here is what Lance and I had last night. Lamb Ragu...it was to die for! And we had time to ourselves for FIVE. WHOLE. MINUTES. before one of the kids that was supposed to be asleep came running in for a taste.

Around the house...the new beds are up, and I have chosen the bedding. Actually, Lance chose. The boys and I wanted simple, but very bright blue bedding. I suppose these are more boyish and will grow with the boys. They love the beds, and I can't wait to start on the playroom. AND...I finally (after three years) found curtains for my dining room. I am ordering them asap...meaning when I have money.

I am creating...memories for my children. I know all kids love birthdays, but I think and hope we make these days special for our children. I love that the younger boys are so excited about their brother's birthday tomorrow and that Squirt is still excited about his cake. (He wouldn't look until it was done!)

I am thankful for...my family who came and celebrated Squirt's birthday with us today.

I am praying for...two very specific test results. I can't be any clearer with God for what I want. Here's hoping my intentions match His plans.

One of my favorite things...the boys at church. We certainly don't have the most kids around, but we do turn a few heads. Sometimes, we'll sit down and people get a worried look on their face. Today, we sat next to the nicest lady who within five minutes whispered to me how great my boys were. I couldn't agree more.

A few plans for the rest of the week...so many

• Squirt's birthday
• Super Saints- Pentecost
• lunch with Chelsea
• doctor's appointments
• three haircuts
• park dates for the BH
• swim lessons
• dinner with Clint and Shea
• the theatre
• birthday party for the boys

Signs of summer...today

Could they be having more fun?

Sleeping Arrangements

Top Chef

Goose's class made a recipe book for Mother's Day. Each student wrote their favorite recipe and drew a picture. Below is what Goose submitted. Keep in mind, I cook and bake all the time.

"You have to put the cold Kolochi into the microwave and then it is done."

I could have died. Peanut butter and jelly would have been better. And...some other kid's mom, well, she makes homemade kolaches. Plus, my star speller didn't even spell KOLACHE correctly!

Daybook~ Mother's Day

For Today...May 9, 2010

Outside my window...it's dark, the day is almost over. It is definitely getting hot and humid here, but today wasn't horrible. When I left Chicago this morning it was in the 40's. I can't say I like our weather here any better, but this is what I'm stuck with so I might as well enjoy it like the boys do.

I am wearing...a white shirt, (that seems to move every time I take a picture so that you can see my bra, totally annoying) and a blue skirt with black flip flops. Plus blue toenails! Lance and I had our pedicure last week and I chose blue nail polish. I have to say I love them! And so does he!

I am thankful for...old friends. In the past four weeks I have seen an old high school friend, my first college roommate for two hours on Saturday (she lives five minutes from Paul and Brian!), a friend from law school, and Paul and Brian. I get so sad after seeing all these people, generally whining about how I wished we lived in the same city, but today I'll just be thankful for these wonderful friends.

I am listening to...my oldest two giggle and shush each other. Goose is "spending the night" with Squirt. I hope neither one gets too frustrated with the other before they fall asleep.

I am pondering...motherhood and all the beauty it brings to my life.

I am thinking...about my wise husband. He is honestly the best person I know. He isn't perfect, and I definitely get upset with him, but he is so smart about life and helps me to see things so clearly.

I am creating...plans for Super Saints. We haven't met in two, maybe three weeks because of sick kids. I have no idea what we're doing tomorrow, but we are meeting so I need to get moving on that. Hopefully, my always helpful hubby will come up with something for me!

To be fit and happy...tomorrow I start a new workout routine...Bodycombat three days a week. I really like this class and love the teacher, but I am still bummed about losing Bodystep. I have to keep up with my core class because I'm not any closer to my goal of a flat tummy by 40 and it's only 2 1/2 months away!

Around the house...pics of the new beds this week. I am hoping to find comforters before I post pictures though.

From the kitchen...we have no plans and at this point, no groceries. I'm hoping I have enough bread for sandwiches for my two school boys tomorrow. I'm thinking lots of veggies and grilled meats.

One of my favorite things...being a mom. Most people don't understand how I don't have the kids enrolled in Mother's Day Out or pre-school or why I don't do mom's night out or weekends away without all five boys. Here is the reason...I love being with my family. Sure we drive each other crazy at times, but I can't stand being away from them. I love them so much!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Super Saints
• two park dates for Baby Hulk and Kobra
• swim lessons
• lunch with my mother
• get ready for Squirt's birthday
• field trip with Goose

A picture thought I'm sharing...

Motherhood

Last week I mentioned how I'm not a fan of Hallmark Holidays. Nothing has changed, but since today is Mother's Day, I am forced to reflect on Moms. I have a great mom, have friends who are wonderful mothers and love being a mom myself, so reflecting on motherhood isn't such a bad thing.

I was sitting on the plane this morning praying and trying to stay calm. Usually I offer up my prayers for my peace of mind while flying and the obvious- please don't let the plane crash. Today I decided to offer my prayers for all mothers, but mostly me. (Because to be honest, most of my prayers are for me or my kids!) But this time it was a prayer of thanksgiving for this wonderful gift. This amazing gift of motherhood. Not a day goes by that I don't marvel at my children. Sure, they drive my crazy at least once a day, usually more, but each one of my children is amazing in their own unique ways. I have a couple of sweet ones, one who is just like me, and a baby who is just beginning to show his true personality. And I can't believe that God has trusted me with these children. There are days when I look back and I'm ashamed at the type of mother I've been to them. I pray for forgiveness and for the strength to do better the next day. But I am always thankful for these children. I am thankful for the chance to raise them and am petrified of not getting it right.

I look back at my childhood and think about how great it was and it was mostly due to my mom. Yes, I have a great dad, but mom was IT. She did ALL the day to day stuff, as most moms did back then and never complained. Probably because she loved it as much as I do now. She was meant to be a stay at home mom. I loved hanging out with her and used to say that she would ground me in high school just so I would have to stay home and hang out with her. (I'm sure I never deserved it.) I'm hoping to take all the good from her and give it to my kids.

Thank you God for my mother and for these wonderful children you have entrusted to me. I promise to love them and take care of them for you.

And thank you Lance for giving me the four little people who call me mom!

Surprise!

Brian just finished his Master's Program in Architecture. It's been three long years. He has put so much time and energy into this program, I would get tired just hearing about everything he was doing. Honestly, I don't remember working that hard during college or law school. We are so proud of Brian and wanted to be with him to celebrate this moment. SO...we surprised him and flew to Chicago last night. It's a quick trip, (we leave Sunday morning at 8 am) made even shorter with the three hour flight delay we had. We arrived as everyone was about to get ready for bed. I can't believe we managed to surprise him! Congratulations Brian! We love you and are so proud of your hard work!

Saying goodbye. Goose came home early from school. (I always take pictures of the boys before we leave and look at them the whole time I'm gone.)

I think the surprise is on us. At least we weren't sitting on the tarmac.

Surprise!!!

The Kind of Parent

Should I feel bad that I just lied to my three year old about losing the coconut M&M's? I don't. Didn't he see the package Stacy sent was addressed to ME?

Me hiding candy from my kids for selfish reasons as opposed to "it's bad for you" reasons should come as no surprise. Lance and I routinely buy food, especially desserts and take it to our room and eat by ourselves.

Something tells me I am not getting anything on Sunday from my kiddos. And that is fine, my kick ass husband has asked an artist to create a piece just for me based on my past year. I hope it's not all black!

Quotes of the Week

Goose: "Mom, if you lived when Louis Armstrong lived, you would have to sit on the back of the bus because you are dark. I would be in the front and that would make me sad." Then he got tears in his eyes. (I wonder what he would think of Arizona right now? Probably not much, me either.)

"Just because we can't go to church doesn't mean we can't give glory to God today." Love it. The only problem is that this quote was followed by him antagonizing his brother.

"Who is the patron saint when you hurt yourself?" I love that he wanted to pray and ask for intercession. He gets it.

Squirt: "I thought I had a right to privacy in my bedroom." This could be the funniest thing I have ever heard. As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as privacy, Squirt. Just ask any of my ex-boyfriends.

Explain

Okay, I'm going to say it out loud and there is no way I am the only person who thinks this way...

Why is it that there is Teacher Appreciation WEEK and then there is Mother's DAY? How did I get the raw end of that deal? To make it completely obvious that I'm getting screwed on appreciation, I am reminded of their week during the same week I should be celebrating my motherhood. Who thought this was a smart idea?

I'll admit I'm not a fan of Hallmark holidays to begin with. I don't buy Valentine's cards for anyone including my Valentine. And Mother's Day is no exception. I have already declared that I will never go out on one of these holidays again after my experience on both Mother's Day and Father's Day last year. How is it that parents get one day a piece, a day that includes going to eat at an overly crowded restaurant with a set menu? And teacher's get a week. Oh, I know, they are teaching our children. GUESS WHAT??? That is their job! I didn't get a week when I was a lawyer for people to bring me food and gift cards. Nobody ever felt sorry for me as a lawyer and they don't now that I'm a stay at home mom. And they shouldn't. It's what I have chosen to do.

Disclaimer: While I think the idea of a week is STUPID, I do LOVE Goose's teacher this year. I know I won't always, just ask Squirt how I felt about some of his teachers and if those teachers got anything during teacher appreciation week except a complaint for their files.

Friendship

This came in the mail for me yesterday! Just a few of my favorite things! It was to help make my week better. There were three packages of M&M's, but I immediately ate one. Thank you, Stacy!

One Left Standing...

It's Tuesday afternoon and we're down to one person: ME. Thankfully, I have yet to catch this virus, but I'm not an idiot, I know it's coming and I'm sure it will arrive at the worst possible time. The bright side of this is that everyone else will be able to take care of me!

Squirt's downfall came pretty fast in the middle of Sunday night, but he was still unable to return to school today. He didn't seem to mind except that he is confined to his room again. (This makes two weeks in a row for him. Last week it was due to bad behavior. He has already made sure he can come out as soon as he comes home tomorrow!)

Here is Kobra yesterday at the ER getting an IV. As you can imagine, he was less than thrilled with the procedure. Poor kid, he is using all the signs he knows to get more than a tablespoon of Gatorade every twenty minutes.

Daybook~ The Puke House

For Today...May 2, 2010

Outside my window...another beautiful day. It was hot and humid yesterday, so I know the heat is coming. Even though everyone is sick in this house, I've sent them outside to enjoy the fresh air.

I am wearing...green shorts and a white shirt.

I am listening to...Wilco

I am hoping and praying...that everyone is on the mend. Squirt and I are the only ones who have yet to catch this virus. It's pretty nasty, and I'm assuming we're going to catch it. I just hope it happens sooner rather than later. I am slowly introducing dry toast to the boys and praying it stays down.

From the kitchen...no menus planned yet beyond dry toast and bananas. I am trying to think of things that won't be gross when I puke.

The Baby Hulk...is so on the shit list. Yesterday he decided to grab a pen and write all over the couch. When I asked him what he might have done yesterday that I didn't like, he knew exactly what I was talking about. I guess it was dumb to ask him why he did it. Although honestly, I am more bothered by the fact that Squirt wrote on his wall in pen too. How old is he? Yes, he'll be 15 in two weeks. He had no excuse either.

To be fit and happy...I am so freaking bummed. My favorite instructor at the YMCA got a full-time job and won't be teaching Bodystep after this week. I can't explain just how much I love Bodystep. Missing two classes last week almost killed me. I am going to be so upset if I can't go this week due to illness again.

I am thankful for...the graciousness of my host and hostess yesterday. I have really learned a lesson in charity. I can't say enough nice things about this couple. If somebody's child had puked in my house, I would hope that I would be half as nice as this couple was. Even when I made a comment about hoping none of their children got sick, they just didn't care. They were only concerned about Goose. Once we were cleaned, they didn't immediately shuttle us out of their house either.

Around the house...Lance is on his way home with the bunk beds!!! The boys are going to love them. They have no idea they are coming. We'll set them up tomorrow and buy another mattress for them. By Tuesday, they should be sleeping in them. NOW...I need to find comforters and some stuff for our new play room! Actually, my goal is an appropriate sized desk and more shelves for the play room, in due time of course. NO NEW TOYS. DO YOU HEAR THAT GRANDPARENTS?

On keeping home...my home looks so clean and smells so nice. Too bad that no matter what I do, it seems I can't get rid of the germs.

One of my favorite things...PAUL! Paul was in town this weekend. Even though the circumstances weren't ideal, sick kids and hubby, we still managed to enjoy ourselves. We didn't end up trying any new places to eat like we planned, but that's okay. At first, the kids were really upset that Brian wasn't here too, but in the end, it was nice to see them visit with just Paul. Baby Hulk and Goose made him play games and talk to them nonstop.

The airport shot at home since I couldn't take him to the airport today.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• sadly there aren't many plans except to make sure everyone is healthy and the house clean.
• I am hoping to get to Bodystep by Wednesday
• Goose's field trip with the boys on Thursday
• and a little surprise for Brian on Friday

A picture thought I am sharing...

OMG!!!

Really, this post should be another Note To Self because I know better.

Paul is in town because one of our high school friends is turning 40. The party was family friendly so I planned on everyone attending. Then the Baby Hulk got sick. He started puking Tuesday night and has puked once a day since then. And yes, we have been going slow on gatorade and dry toast. Lance left the show early yesterday because he felt bad. By the time I left to get Paul at the airport last night, he had puked his guts out. Lance was pretty bummed because I quarantined him to the bedroom with the Hulk and he wouldn't be able to go to the party with us. You know, the surprise party which was the purpose of this short trip for Paul.

Kobra showed a small sign this morning that he might have caught the virus, but I shrugged it off. Maybe not shrugged it off, I did ask Paul if we should leave him home. We decided that he was fine. After driving forty-five minutes and with two minutes to go, Kobra puked all over himself and the carseat. There we were in the driveway cleaning him off, hoping the birthday girl didn't arrive.

I left Paul and Goose at the party and made the trek back into the city while Kobra continued to puke. I got home, Lance took him and washed him off while I attempted to clean the carseat. What fun. Did I mention that it's humid in Houston now? Finally, things were settled at home and I drove back out to the party. Although Lance and Baby Hulk were both feeling better, I felt so bad leaving three sick boys behind. But I had to pick up Paul. Thankfully, the baby slept while we were gone. After sitting in traffic, which made my trip more than an hour, I finally got there and was ready to enjoy myself. I figured I'd visit for a bit, then we'd come home and get ready for our dinner.

Five minutes before we were leaving, Goose told me he didn't feel well. He then proceeded to puke all over me, the leather couch, and oriental rug. It was nonstop vomit. In order to save the beautiful furniture, I tried to "catch" it all in my dress. (I have three dresses from Nordstroms, this was one of them.) There was literally a pool of vomit in my dress. It was so bad, I had to take a shower at the party. As did Goose.

Here is the deal. I barely know the people who hosted the party, as in I just met the wife for the first time today. The husband is the brother of the birthday girl, a high school friend I haven't seen in fifteen years! It was "you're Nikki, right?" These two were so gracious to me and my Goose. I felt so bad for Goose, of course, but I was horrified at the thought of their house being contaminated by our virus and their stuff ruined.

After our shower, our hostess gave us some clothes to wear. Goose couldn't comprehend wearing clothes that were too big and asked for a different pair of shorts. I am not lying. The nerve of that kid, right?

I'm home now and everyone is clean (for the time being). I am trying to spray and wipe down everything again, hoping that I'll get my turn with the virus tomorrow as opposed to during the week and praying oh so hard that Paul doesn't catch our virus and take it with him to Chicago.

You think these people want their clothes back? I am guessing they never want to see or hear from us again!