Virginia Sempervirens: October 5, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Here is a our week in a quick review...

Monday RM had hurt his leg on Saturday and had not been putting any pressure on it. That meant a lot of carrying him around and finding a comfy spot for him to sit and read or play with legos. That night he did start putting a little weight on his leg, and limping around. That at least made my job easier. That night we had FHE and focused on preparing for conference.

Tuesday I had a presidency meeting at my house in the morning before John went to school. That night B-man went to football practice.

Wednesday is always a slightly busier day. I made it busier by making a last minute dentist appointment. The morning was surprisingly quiet because a neighbor called to see if J and RM could come over and play. I happily sent them over, and then squandered the quiet time trying to figure out what to do with it! Matthias got home from work just in time to take all the kids over to B-man's piano lesson, and I went to the dentist. By the time I got home they were back so I started working on dinner. After dinner was scouts/mutual so M and B-man were gone. They both had a good time.

The boys begged for Halloween decorations. I managed to pull this little banner together.

Thursday morning the boys went over to the Palmer's house. We did preschool together last year and are doing a swap one day a week this year. The boys always have a great time, and I used my child free time much more wisely! It felt so good to check off a bunch of stuff. One of the things was making an appointment for RM to see an orthopedist. He still is limping and had been waking up in the night complaining. That seems like a bad combo. I had just enough time after running some other errands to pick up his x-rays before going to get the boys. That afternoon was nice and relaxing. We enjoyed the weather outside after school and the boys with the neighborhood gang played football in the cul-de-sac with M. M was the MVP. Ha!

J and C at the part waiting for B-man to finish his lesson.

Friday was a busy day. RM appointment was in the morning. I took all the kids with me, thinking it wouldn't be a big deal. I realized how foolish I had been just trying to get my double wide stroller into the building. (I didn't think I should have my son walk into the appointment!) We survived. Mostly it was fine. The only awkward moment was when J informed me that he had to use the bathroom, and when I asked the doctor, he informed me it was out of the office back by the elevators. I let J know he was going to have to wait! There was no way I was leaving RM by himself to take him, and it was too far to let him go by himself. Eventually the need became more urgent and they took pity on us and the PA let him use the employee bathroom. The doctor examined RM and the x-rays that were previously done, and thought he needed a cast. I was surprised that they didn't do additional x-rays, but if they don't need to I'm glad they didn't. By coincidence the person putting on the cast is a member of our ward. He was so great with RM. J was terrified of the cast process and was hiding behind the stroller until he realized that it wasn't scary or loud at all. RM had a great time holding the fake skeleton leg, and choosing the color of his cast. C was her usual easy self at the doctors office. We rushed home from the office to get lunch (a rare trip to Chick-fil-A) and then we dropped J off at school. He was so excited. The rest of the afternoon was pretty quiet. At first RM loved his cast. But after about an hour he started crying and begging to have it off. It's going to be a long four weeks. Hopefully he will get used to it, and it will help the leg to stop hurting. That afternoon M got home a little early and was there when a fellow came to inspect our attic. We have a little project in the works for Christmas that we are hoping will work out. He was really nice and didn't even charge us for his time. That night we played outside, had pizza for dinner, and then watched Justice League to end the evening. The boys love that right now.

Football!

RM with his brand new cast.

Saturday morning I went out with a friend to shop at garage sales. We had a good time, and finished very early. Once home we worked on getting our chores done before conference started. The rest of the day was spent enjoying conference. I have a fantasy at the beginning of the weekend that I can sit and listen and the kids will play quietly in the background. That didn't really happen and it was frustrating! But we are trying, and I will try to be more clear with my expectations for next year. Someday... In between sessions we always try to get outside and get some wiggles out. Matthias worked on vacuuming the cars and I ran a few errands to make sure we had food to eat.

Organizing postcards during Conference.

Today has been another great conference day. Also another day where I wish I could just sit and absorb and receive inspiration, but instead I am part referee, part "shusher", and part happy mother. I need to focus more on the positive. The boys were in the room, and B-man even took some notes this year. We ate dinner in between sessions, and it ran a little long so we listened to the first few talks of the afternoon while we were eating. Then just like that conference was over and it was time for baths and bed. RM is really missing his bath time. Hopefully we can get that figured out this week. M is at a viewing for a fellow in our ward that passed away, and should be home soon.