Anything you need

Since Chris became sick, our amazing family has stepped up to the plate. They have slept over (without sleeping), made food (without eating), taken care of kids (while wanting to care for their own), gave dog treats (while their dogs waited outside), and done chores (while their houses remained messy). It's been awesome... But to the three of us, it just doesn't feel the same.

Everyone keeps asking what they can do to help. Unfortunately when Daddy is sick and Mommy stays away and takes care of him, here is what our kids need:

1. Someone who throws perfect pitches.
2. Someone to have Friday Fluff day.
3. Someone to dance with who spins just right.
4. Someone races me to get the newspaper.
5. Someone who gives peanut butter with reckless abandon.
6. Someone to let my swim I the tub and play till the water runs down.
7. Someone  to tackle right before bed.
8. Someone who can "sing all the animsls".
9. Someone to sing Twinkle, Twinkle "super loud like a rock and roll star"with snuggle friends who play air guitar.
10. Someone to give "all the kisses".


With all the amazing people in Andrew and Caroline's lives taking care of all their needs, there are just a few things that the kids still need.

Cakrline shows it... On a quick trip home from the hospital, Caroline runs to me. She hugs me, kisses me, and then signs more... She leads me to the pictures on the fridge signing more, pointing to the picyures, and says "dada, dada".

Andrew shows it...On my first night home after a couple of long nights at the hospital, Andrew comes to my too my room at 3:30am glad that I am the one he finds. I calm him, sing to him, and rock him (although we haven't rocked to bed in ages). I take him to bed, sing my best "rock 'n roll" Elvis the Elephant variation of Twinkle, and then we pray. He fights back tears and says, "when I go visit my daddy tomorrow, I will just bring him home with me".

We are so grateful for all the help, but sometimes we just need mommy and daddy. Thank you God for the blessings in my life.

:)
Anne

So wise

Chris has been laid up for almost two weeks, so it's been all mommy all the time. Andrew, Caroline, and I are starting to show signs of wear. As I buckled Andrew in to his car seat this morning, here is our conversation:

Andrew: (seeing the worry on my face) Mommy, what does that face mean?
Mommy: I'm just a little tired. I'm ready for Daddy to feel better.
Andrew: Me, too. But why does that make you feel like that?
Mommy: Well, when someone is sick it's hard for everyone. We have to be more patient, more loving, and we don't always get everything we want.
Andrew: But Mommy, Daddy is the one who is sick.

Yeesh. I'm feeling very selfish. Simple wisdom from an almost four year old. No matter how tough it is to pick up the slack, it's still worse to be the sick one.

:)
Anne

PS: I did have some much needed help this week from Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma Mary, and Aunt Martha! Love y'all!