Kevin ended up staying home from school on Monday because he was still running a little fever and complaining of a headache. He hardly ate anything the whole day, but seemed to be doing better by that evening. When he woke up on Tuesday, his fever, headache and stomach ache were all gone, so I sent him to school. Later that morning I got a phone call from my sister-in-law (we had watched her children over the weekend). She told me that both of her boys had tested positive for strep. I told her Kevin didn't have a sore throat. She said her boys didn't either. They only had a fever, stomach ache and headache. Her boys actually had strep throat a few weeks earlier, and it started out the same way. However, she didn't know that was what they had, and figuring it was just your run of the mill sickness didn't take them to the doctor (I wouldn't have either). Then a few nights later they woke up in the middle of the night screaming that their throats hurt, and that is when they discovered the strep throat. Since she recognized the early symptoms this time, she got it taken care of before their throats started to bother them.
I called my children's pediatrician to see what she thought. The nurse I talked to said those were the symptoms her 6 year old always showed when he had strep throat. So, I picked Kevin up early from school, and took him to the doctor. Sure enough, he tested positive for strep (yes, I realize I exposed the rest of the class, but it was innocent...I promise). I asked the doctor if I should have my other children tested. She said only if they have symptoms. I mentioned that three times that day Jared had mentioned his tummy hurt, but I hadn't thought much of it. They tested him, and he was positive too. I was so thankful that my sister-in-law had called, because if she hadn't I wouldn't have taken them into the doctor until they were much worse.
As I was leaving the doctor's office, Derek called. I told him the boys had both just tested positive for strep. He told me that he was pretty sure he had it too, and was going to call the student health center, and make an appointment. They saw him Wednesday morning. They ended up not running the test because he had all the symptoms plus two children with the disease. They just went ahead and put him on penicillin. So my three boys all ended up with strep. Poor guys! Thankfully, Jenna and I were spared (knock on wood). :) I had strep a little over a year ago, and it was awful, so I am really hoping I won't get it again.
Since all the boys had strep, they all had to stay home with me on Wednesday. Jenna went to school, but was home a little after noon. It actually was really nice having everyone unexpectedly home. I had to cancel a bunch of things for the day, but it made it nice just to hang out. Plus, the weather was beautiful, so we spent a bunch of time outside. Derek even hung up the hammock.
Wednesday was also St. Patrick's Day. It's really a pointless holiday, but it is fun with children. We all wore green, of course. Leprechauns had messed up Jenna's classroom at school, and left some gold coins. :) We had green eggs and ham (omelet) for dinner (that has become a St. Patrick's Day tradition in our house). We even died our drinks green. Then that night, St. Patrick's ghost left candy in all of our shoes. Wohoo!!! Any excuse for candy is fine by me. :)
Kevin in Green
Jenna in Green
Jared in Green
Derek and Amanda in Green
Kevin and Jared have both had haircuts since these pictures were taken. Their hair was out of control. :) (I gave them haircuts outside since the weather was so nice, and it made clean up so much easier!)
The weather was amazingly nice this week, and it is officially spring! I love spring. It is my favorite season, not too hot, not too cold (usually). I love to watch things come back to life. It is especially nice this year after the harsh winter we have had. I am slowly seeing blossoms on the trees and bushes. Our tulips have started to bloom. I have to admit that the change in weather this week did wonders for me. I was so happy this week. It was great. I realize that the rain will come back, and the weather will get a little colder, but I think overall we are done with winter here, and that makes me happy. Hooray for Spring!
Jenna enjoying the warmer weather
Moments of Zen:
A few weeks ago I didn't have enough time to get fully ready in the morning, so I showered and just did my hair, skipping my makeup. (The only time I ever go without makeup is when I am running or camping, so this was very unusual). I walked out of my room, and Jenna looked at me a little funny, but she didn't say anything. A little later that morning I was able to do my makeup. That night Jenna said to me, "Mom, earlier today you didn't look like you, but then you did." See, makeup does make a difference. "Even an old barn looks better with a little paint." :)
The other night Jared said our night family prayer. This is what he said: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that I could pray, in
the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Meta-praying. Very interesting. :)
At church today one of the speakers said something about thunder and lightning in the city. Jared looked at me, eyes wide and said "Thunder in the city?!" I said "Yes, thunder in the city." Then he said "Lightning in the city?!" I said "Yes." Getting excited he said "Real lightning in the city?!" I said "Yes." Then with great excitement he said "Real lightning, like Lightning McQueen?!!!"
