One of Life's Greatest Questions

"Mommy, why doesn't Old McDonald's sell hotdogs?"

(Claire calls McDonald's "Old McDonald's.")

Recovering

We are all over the hump and feeling much better!
Well, except for Chris. He was a few days behind the rest of us, so he is at his worst right now.
Hallelujah for antibiotics!

Sick Kids

One ear infection...check!
One case of strep throat...check!
Two respiratory infections...check, check!

What I've Learned...

I have learned that good deeds come in many different forms. There are so many ways to help others. I have found one way. I hope you do, too. The world needs more good deeds.

I have learned that nothing is more important than family. Treasure them. Love them. Hug them tight. You never know when they won't be there anymore. They are the best link to your past and the greatest bridge to your future.

I have learned that good friends--truly good friends--are a rare gift in life. Treasure them, too.

I have learned not to take things for granted.

I have learned that, unfortunately, you can't trust everyone. You might not even be able to trust people you think you can trust. But that's okay. Because those few people that are truly worthy of your trust would never, ever break it. And the genuine trust of a few is more valuable that the uncertain trust of many.

I have learned that you really should eat your vegetables. And wear sunscreen.

I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. Life is too short.

I have learned that it is possible to find the love of your life at the young age of 16. I'm living proof of that one.

I have learned that you should work to live, not live to work.

I have learned that with age comes maturity, open-mindedness, compassion, and grace. I am the same person I was 10 years ago. But I'm a much better version.

I have learned that nothing--and I mean nothing--gives me more pure, unadulterated, perfect joy than my children. My cup runneth over.

"Sick" A Haiku by Katie Frazier

My chest feels like fire

Pounding head, painful cough, chills

I ache all over

Top 10 Claire-isms

1. "I totally love you."
2. "Trust me."
3. "Get your ass walkin'!" (Yes, she totally said that once--to my mom!)
4. "If ya liked it then ya shoulda put a ring on it..."
5. "Mommy, I love JT!" (I'm so proud!)
6. "How 'bout this..." (My little negotiator)
7. "When I grow up, I'm going to marry Daddy."
8. "Mommy, who would vote for Obama??"
9. "Mommy, Jimmy is frustrating me!"
10. "I'm famished!"

Stay with me, my love

I hope you'll always be

Right here by my side if ever I needed you

Oh my love

In your arms

I feel so safe and so secure

Everyday is such a perfect day to spend

Alone with you

I will follow you will you follow me

Every day and night that we know will be

I will stay with you will you stay with me

Just one single tear in each passing year

With the dark

I see you so very clearly now

All my fears are drifting by me so slowly now

Fading away

I can say

The night is long but you are near

Close at hand though I'm better for the smile you give

And while I live

I will follow you will you follow me

Every day and night that we know will be

I will stay with you will you stay with me

Just one single tear in each passing year