Not the Pox!

We had a big scare, of sorts, this morning. I had already left for work and Daddy was getting Emma out of bed and found her covered in a rash. Did I say covered? Because that word doesn't do it justice. She has red bumps (AKA "cool spots") from the top of her head to the tips of her toes (including the bottom of her feet). It is just pitiful to see her. We initially thought she had chicken pox or something else. Eventually, I wound up taking her to the doctor and found that this was an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillin that she has been taking for her strep throat.


What you ask? You thought that she had strep last week and began the antibiotics? Why yes. She did begin taking the meds last Thursday and we have had no problems. Everything seemed to be going well until this morning. Apparently, the rash usually develops on the 7th or 8th day of the antibiotic treatment. Go figure.

It really is just so sad to see her and her red bumps, though she seemed to barely notice. Daddy explained that she had "cool spots" so that no one (other than the adults in the room) would completely freak out. Tonight she was definitely itchy, so I'm hoping she can get some sleep. Poor baby girl!

We have been told that it could take 2-3 weeks for the medicine to get out of her bloodstream completely. The rash could last that long, or it could clear up and even return again before we are all done. Whooppee! I have a feeling that if we get out and about, people will be running for the hills and protecting their children. We might have to make a little necklace for her explaining "It's just an allergic reaction to penicillin. Don't worry."

At least it isn't "the pox", right?

NOTE: In the meantime, it is doubtful that I will post any pictures including Emma to protect her privacy at the moment. And because we might not want this particular event memorialized more than in just one simple blog post.

Mommy's "Red Lobster"

Weeks ago, I tried a "Cracker Barrel night" where I prepared side dishes that were similar to those we would order at the infamous home-cookin'-style restaurant.  Today, I found a clearance deal in the meat department on some fish sticks and popcorn shrimp.  I thought I'd try to recreate a meal we might get at Red Lobster.  I fixed the kids a teeny tiny salad, baked potatoes (but then took the potato out of the skin before serving it because that is a complete turn-off to them), fish sticks, popcorn shrimp and my own quickie version of cheddar biscuits (read: canned biscuits sprinkled with garlic powder and shredded cheddar cheese).  They weren't too bad.  Certainly not the buttery-garlic infused cheddar goodness that you would find at the Red Lobster, but a decent fill-in at the last minute.  Emma inhaled the seafood (though she asked me for "more chicken" and I did not correct her - not a lie per se, but an ommission of the truth).  They all ate the biscuits and kechup but barely touched the potatoes or salad.  Oh well.  Better luck next time.

Another favorite "flavor of the day" in our house (in terms of DVDs) is the "Between the Lions" series that we've found at the library.  This is/was a PBS series that encourages reading amongst younger children and the setting is a library.  My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  One of the episodes that they really enjoy is called "Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuzzy" about the rhyme (Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear.  Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.  Etc.).  In the show, there is a cast of characters that dance around the library in the "conga line" manner chanting "Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuzzy".  Tonight I was lucky enough to get pics of the kids doing the Fuzzy Wuzzy.

Prior to this, I (again - *sigh*) had trouble getting pictures of them.  They are really fighting me on posing for the camera, though I really don't even ask for a pose.  As soon as I walk into a room with the camera, they are shouting "No pictures!" or "No camera!"  Nice.  But Clark was being goofy and I got this little "series":

Enjoy!

Cooking Outdoors

Scrambled eggs anyone?

How could this face ever make Mommy mad?

Kendall fixing the car.

Clark spent a lot of time in "time out" while I was outdoors with the kids this afternoon, so that's why he doesn't appear in the pictures above.  Apologies to the "Clark fans."  He was in the "no" mood and when I tried to catch him smiling while swinging he shouted "No camera!  No picture!"  It's hard being hounded by the paparazzi, or so I've been told.

The girls were "making eggs" in the wheelbarrow thingy.  I thought they were just messing around with the sticks (and had managed to take all of them out) when I took the picture.  Then I realized that it was half full of dirty water.  Yuck!  But they were cooking, so how could I interrupt?

Unwilling to Pose

Kendall was unwilling to pose for the camera tonight.  Fortunately, Daddy was able to get a cute shot of Clark and some goofy ones of Emma (including the one above).  She kind of looks like she's saying "I have a question....." though the question never comes.

Weekend at Barb's

The kids spent the weekend with Nanny Barb and Mr. Jerry.  And each one also had "special time" with Mr. Mike and Ms. Lisa.  I don't have many details and have about a million things to get done tonight, so I will have to elaborate on their venture more later this week.
In the meantime, we can't thank all of them enough for taking care of the kids so that Troy and I could get some much needed time to ourselves. 
And I have to say that coming home to our little munchkins was really so sweet since they hugged us like crazy and were so excited to see us again. 
Happy Clean Sheet Sunday!

Special K

Kendall can be so focused sometimes that she doesn't seem to realize that anyone else is in the room.

Kickin' Back on Friday

Clark with sitter, A.

Current Events

Kendall asked if she could read the paper the other day.  Unfortunately, I missed the shots of her holding it up just like an adult and flipping through it as though it was a Sunday morning.  I was slightly taken aback because it was like a flash forward of things to come.  But then it was just cute and funny.  Clark had to follow sissy and "read" too, but then just had fun crumbling it up and throwing it.

Current events in our house include another trip to the doctor with Emma.  This time she spiked a fever last night (up over 102) and we just wanted to rule out the worst.  We wondered if it could be teeth (though the doctor explained to me today that we should be off the hook for teeth until they are four) and she was complaining that her mouth hurt.  The news is that the strep test was barely positive, so she has strep throat.  It could certainly be worse.  She is taking antibiotics for the first time.  Yes folks, it's the first time she has ever had to take antibiotics and I'm sort of happy about it.  Hopefully they will knock this out quickly so she can be her perky little self soon enough.

Clark is still training for the WWE by grabbing the girls in some sort of choke-hold and pulling them to the ground.  We have strictly forbidden wrestling in this house, so I am not pleased with his current potential career path.  I want him to be a protective but sweet brother.  Not a brother who is feared.  He can be so sweet and cuddly and hugs on his sisters, but then he turns "all boy" and doesn't realize his own strength. 

And Kendall is still being the little mommy.  She is so funny trying to round up the troops to come inside for ice cream or whatever sort of treat we have offered.  She says "Come on.  Don't you want some ice cream Clarkie?"  And she is always keeping tabs on everyone.  "What are you doin' Mommy?  Where's Daddy?  When's Barbara comin'?"

Keeping three toddlers entertained and busy enough to burn off all of that energy is nearly impossible.  We've had a short interruption of spring with some cooler temperatures, but they still managed to get some time outside today playing at the sand table, riding bikes and just running around like crazy three-year-olds.  Tomorrow is another day.

Happy Birthday Auntie Karen!

The kids and I were able to go have ice cream to celebrate Auntie Karen's birthday today.  I wish we could all make it out to dinner, but hope that the celebration continues!

Happy Birthday Auntie Karen!

Flashback pics from the sitter

These pics were taken a week ago (or so) at the sitter's house.  The kids always enjoy playing there because she has so many fun toys.  Mr. Jerry had a really fun four-wheeler and Emma and Clark were able to take a quick ride.  Kendall had absolutely NO interest in risking her life on that thing, despite the fact that she is usually the big daredevil. 
We have a big family day planned for Thursday as Daddy has a day off.  Woo hoo!  Tomorrow is business as usual, except for a birthday to celebrate (will share tomorrow).  I'm thinking that the kids will get out for ice cream.  I think that's always a great way to celebrate a birthday. 
More tomorrow!

Sunday Sand Table

"Clarkie, you want a cookie?"

"Here.  Sprinkles."

Emma makes a helmet look cool!

Daddy surprised the kids by picking up a bag of sand to fill the sand table.  It provided entertainment for Kendall that lasted quite a while.  Clark and Emma just couldn't stick to one thing very long.  Clark did enjoy throwing the sand at his sisters and also up in the air, so they all had it in their hair, eyes, etc. 
Kendall was cooking and baking with the sand and whipped up a batch of cookies with sprinkles.  She was even nice enough to share with her brother.  She would put the sand up to her nose and say "Ummm.  Smells gooooood."
Emma just couldn't be bothered for very long as she was very interested in riding anything.  She started off with the Spiderman bike, then Ariel and the Princess too.  But all of them are just a little to big for her.  After taking a spin on the four-wheeler and a scooter, she settled on the tricycle and really did well.  She was doing great on the turns and going on the sidewalk to the front door and back around in the driveway.  She would pedal "Slow.  Slow.  FAST!!!"  Then she would try to go as fast as she could.  It was really sweet and we were so proud to see her pedaling. 
We stayed outside as long as possible before heading indoors to eat dinner.  Daddy was able to get the entire lawn mowed this weekend while the kids were playing outside (I was around to supervise).  We sold our riding mower and now just have a push mower, so it takes a little while.  Especially where there are three little ones trying to get his attention at times. 
He mowed over leaves and Clark and Ems even got in on the action trying to use their play mower (and a stroller) to go over the leaves just like Daddy.  I wish I had my camera with me then!

Sunday-time with Auntie Karen and Uncle Tom

The kids had another Sunday outing with their Auntie Karen and Uncle Tom.  Plans to hit Ijams Nature Center were scrapped when the kids started requesting a playground as soon as they hit the van.  Instead, they visited a play area in the World's Fair Park. 
There was an "equiment failure" for the girls as they spent the day with "droopy drawers" and their pants kept falling off.  Oops.  My bad for sending them in pants that didn't fit well.
We spent the rest of the day outside as much as possible because the weather just couldn't be any more perfect!  Daddy was able to get the lawn mowed.  I got almost all of the windows cleaned.  And we got a lot of little things done around the house that makes us feel inspired by our progress, but pooped as we come to the end of a great (and busy) weekend.
Happy Clean Sheet Sunday!

Mickey Mouse and Chocolate?!?!?!?!

A supervising Emma.

H and her friend, K, with Kendall.

The Boris family (sitter, A, and her parents) were recently in Orlando and brought back some Mickey Mouse "pops" for the kids.  They were rice krispy treats on a stick shaped like Mickey and then the ears were dipped in chocolate.  I have been waiting for a good opportunity (read: somewhere outdoors when lots of energy and sugar would be burned off and the mess wouldn't matter to me) to let them indulge in their special treats and today was the day.  We met our other sitter and the "quad" family at a campground so that the kids could run around and play.  They really enjoyed their sugary treat and I was glad that we handed them out early in our visit so that there was plenty of time to play and get crazy.
I will share more pics from our fun day later, but thought that these pictures really told quite a "story."  I mean really, Mickey Mouse AND chocolate?!?!  That is a combo that just can't be beat!  Thanks Boris family!  And thanks B and quad family for letting us crash the campground for a few hours.  Hope that you all got in a good nap once we left. ;)