Liability

Last night Wesley's allergic reaction got worse. His hives were really itchy and his hands got swollen. Lucky for me my friends were over for craft night (they were the one's that pointed out his hands or I may not have noticed). I had given him some benedryl earlier in the day but it had worn off and at 11:00 at night he was up swollen and itchy. They convinced me to call our resident ward ER doctor at 11:00 last night (who incidentally is the husband of one of my very good friends, Rachel Westhoff). I was hesitant to wake them up when I knew they were asleep, but because that was my best option I did it. (So I am making my short story longer here.) Because my wonderful friends were over and my other wonderful friends (the Westhoffs) woke up, I was able to take Wes over to the Westhoffs last night and get some steroids and then pump some more benedryl into him. I was and am so grateful for such great friends.

However, I came home feeling once again like such a liability to everyone around me. In addition, my two friends' husbands had been over earlier last night installing a new sump pump in my basement so that hopefully it won't flood again. I was having one of those overwhelming tearful moments of feeling like such a burden to others. I have felt that quite often while Tom has been gone. My friends were consoling me and Hannah said something that will stick with me forever. She was definitely inspired. I can't quote her word for word, but it was "aside from being your friends, I hope you know that I am serious when I say the way I look at it is that your husband is over there serving our country fighting for our freedom so helping you is our way of showing thanks" or something to that effect. All I can say is I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me throughout life with such wonderful friends and family to make my life more amazing than I deserve. Thanks to everyone who has been there for me during the past few months. Thanks Hannah, Kari, Lisa, Rachel, John, Chris, and Scott for helping me so much the past couple days! And thanks Tom for working so hard out there for us.

Another Allergic Reaction

We found out this morning when Wesley woke up that he is allergic to penicillin. He has been on the good ol' pink stuff (amoxicillin) for about a week due to an ear infection (again). Incidentally, Reili is also allergic to the stuff and had the same reaction when she was a baby. You will see from the pictures how we knew right away.

Hives everywhere. Scratch, Scratch, Scratch! (This is just a sample).

But I am still so cute...mom can't stand it.

A game of hoops

A couple days ago the kids had some friends over to play (which they constantly ask for), but even Wesley had a friend this time too. Caleb and Wesley played a friendly (and I use that term loosely) game of hoops. I thought Tom would like to see our son doing something boyish for once...with a ball. I know it isn't a football yet Tom, but I'm sure that will come later if you have anything to do with it.

Slam Dunk!

Go Caleb, Go!

Mom, you missed the ball again!?!

Yahoo!

Reili and Landon playing pretend with the stuffed toys.

Kennedy and Amberly. Artists at work.

Ward Campout

Our ward (church congregation) had a fun camp out last night at Camp Brimshire. Though it had rained for the last few days, it cleared up yesterday afternoon and was the perfect temperature for a camp out. We didn't end up spending the night because Wes has an ear infection (and is up several times at night), but we had fun none the less going up for dinner and the talent show. We have a great ward here in Rolla and this turned out to be a super fun activity.

Wesley and Bishop Kofoed (or should I say Homedawg)

This wooden goose gives an awesome ride!

I think I'll join the tug of war.

Oh yeah...the other team has no chance when I start to pull!

We're trying, but Wesley is just too strong!

This bubble gum is yummy...thanks, Brother Hawkins!

A delicious Wesley sandwich (courtesy of Luke and Reili).

Amberly makes everyone's "A" list. Devon gives her a piggy back ride.

Amberly enjoys the talent show with Brooklyn and Jessica.

"Nice" Mom

Normally when my kids have friends over I don't let them watch t.v. I am one of those "mean" moms and I figure that when friends come over, they come over to play together right? They can sit in front of the t.v. at home. Well, it must have been one of my weak moments the other day when Serena and Alana Reeser came over. I became a "nice" mom and let them watch the rest of Clifford the Big Red Dog. I had to snap a picture because Wesley woke up from his nap while they were watching and consented to me putting him down in front of the t.v. too. A rare moment. I also thought it was interesting that the same age of kids sat together.

Serena, Reili and Wesley hanging out on the couch.

Alana and Amberly just watching the tube.