The Quarantine House

This is the time of year where us Montanans catch some major Spring fever. There are a few who desparately cling to winter by catching a few extra runs on the ski slopes. But for a home full of kids, we're desparately ready for some serious outside time.

Spring fever is here in more ways than one. First, Jenny is just ready for them to have some room to run during the days, and not be stir-crazy inside. It seriously is getting to be like feeding squirrels coffee beans and turning them loose in our house.

Second, there is something about the arrival of warmer weather (perhaps the outside time helps) that helps us to sterilize our house from winter germs. We figure that most of the kids in Billings have been to our house this winter-or, at least, their germs have been. I'm finding that I'm becoming a bit OCD with keeping things cleaned up. Thankfully, Jenny does a GREAT job of keeping our house spotless. I'm really amazed at all that she accomplishes in a day. I certainly feel a bit guilty that she doesn't at least get paid vacations. She deserves it for sure.

Over the last couple of weeks, we've basically been keeping our house as a nonofficial quarantine site. Let's see...we've done the coughing, aching, sneezing, stuffy head thing. We've done the fever and headache thing. We've done the asthma/Croop cough thing. We've done the throw-up thing. We've done the whining, grumpy, "I want it now!" thing that goes along with all the other things. I'm sure I'm leaving something out,--and to that particular Virus or Viruses, I apologize for the lack of recognition.

So, if you've got sick kids, bring them on by, maybe we can expedite this "germ sharing" thing that we've drawn out all Winter. We're ready to be done with it.

FYI: Currently we are in the Asthma/Croop & Fevery, achy, runny nose, whining, grumpy, "I want it now!" thing. As a result, Katie has made her customary trip to the ER for blood work to rule out infections. She seems to be doing very well inspite of her fever. She is drinking a bunch of water & juice which is really helping. Hydration is a very big deal for her. We are so thankful that she continues to recoup pretty normally after these viruses blow through our house. It certainly is a contrast to our first few months after her arrival.

It's times like this where I know Jenny gets fatigued and strained from the "daily" stuff, but God knows how to strengthen and uphold her. Pray for her strength, patience, and rest as Spring finally blossoms here in MT.