Flu Season: Beware, Germs Abound

On Monday afternoon, as I sat watching two of my kids play basketball, I got thrown up on.

The kid behind me started coughing. About the time his mother said, "Are you okay?" I turned around to see his mouth overflowing.
I moved fast.
I grabbed my daughter off my lap.
I jumped up.
I pushed our coats that were stowed under the bleachers to the side.
Not that much got on me and only a few drops on our jackets.
This all happened in a matter of moments.

The mom was frantic.
Jamie, get something! Jamie, get something for your brother. Jamie!

Jamie (I really don't remember her name) was stunned,  maybe embarrassed, and not moving.

I bolted out of the gym. I ran to the bathroom, grabbed two large handfuls of paper towels, and returned to the bleachers.

My children sat unmoved, as did most of the other spectators, as I began to help clean up the mess.

Not long after, the mom took her son to the bathroom, mentioning before she left that she would tell the Athletics director that things needed to be cleaned.

I  resumed watching the game. Naturally, no one was sitting  in the area of the mishap.

When the game ended I brought the after-game snacks to middle court. The normal, post-game chaos ensued.

It wasn't until I was herding my 4 kids out of the gym (sort of like herding cats), that I realized that not only had the next game started, but the spectators were all enjoying germ ridden spots on the bleachers.

I still feel nauseous when I think about it.

Thursday Thanks Tank #176

When my mind is clouded with concern,
When I ache for those that are hurting,
When I wish I could erase the pain,
When I wish I could close the distance,
When I long for direction to intercede,
When I wait for closure that hasn't come,
When my heart hurts for those I love,

It is hard to focus on thankful thoughts.

Still,
I am thankful.

I am thankful for the life that continues, the strength of mind not to give up, and the love that we have.

More than anything I wish I could make a situation right but I can't.
So, I pray.
And, I am thankful for the one listening to my prayers.
The prayers go up quietly as the tears fall down.
It isn't pretty
...but it's all together beautiful.

I am thankful.
Despite it all.

I am thankful.
Loving all.

Friday Photos

We had such a fun week.

Working on valentines.

Glow Stick Valentines

These valentines were such a hit! For instructions, visit Stick Craft Creations and Kommunicated.

Valentine's Day Cutie.

He brought her flowers.

Delighted with the coupons from momma.

Homemade Valentines are best. Caption reads, "My heart's hunting you."

Snow, beautiful snow.

Snow, super fun snow.

Thursday Thanks Tank #175

Each Thursday I try to make a list of my thankful thoughts. Sometimes I jot it down on paper, sometimes I share that list here, and other times I just highlight one or two things that I am thankful for. This is my Thursday Thanks Tank.

I am thankful for:

Nature: I am thankful for the beauty of this earth. My corner of the earth got snow this week. It's just breathtaking looking at the rolling hills and mountains covered in snow.

Heartfelt Messages from My Kids: My kids each gave me handmade Valentine's. The valentine's are precious. I treasure them. I am touched by how much effort they put in their love notes/pictures.

Date Night: My husband and I went on a date last Saturday night. It was perfect. We went to a local restaurant that served amazing food in a cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Puzzles: My boys and I have been working on a puzzle all week. It's set up on a card table in the kitchen. Sometimes we gather around and work on it together. Other times one or two of us will stop by and fit a few pieces. It's a simple joy and ordinary togetherness but I love it.

My son's teacher: My peanut allergic son's teacher did not let the kids open their valentine's at school. I appreciate it. She also didn't allow him to have a cookie that a classmate brought in as a surprise. My son was not affected negatively by not getting a cookie. He barely mentioned it after I quizzed him on the day's Valentine activities. On the other hand, I am extremely thankful for everything his teacher does to keep him safe.

A warm fire and a good book: I started this list an hour or so ago. I walked away from the computer for a bit, only to get distracted by a book. I sat on the couch reading my book by the fire until I began to fall asleep.

Now I am going to go on to bed, thankful that I managed to make myself post this thankful list. Take time to be thankful. It will be time well-spent.

There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. ~Joseph Addison