She felt so big getting her hair cut!
After her hair was done we walked in the snow across the street to a coffee shop and got some hot chocolate together. It was so much fun! Ellie told me she "felt like a new person." 
I love that Ellie is board waiting for the game to start.
That's our girl!
What Ellie loves about Blake
"When I need someone to play with Blake always plays with me."
"When I get hurt he cares about me."
Blake we love you so much. You make us smile and laugh everyday. You are a fun, caring, energetic, hungry (Ellie), a great cuddlier, rowdy, cool, funny, compassionate, animated, and lovable!
Hugs and Kisses,
Daddy, Mommy, and Ellie
Our family has officially made it through having the swine flu. We learned a few things along the way and I thought after sharing them with some friends and family I would just write it down for you all to read. I can’t take credit for most of this my mom is an excellent researcher and Melissa (Marlene’s sister) also gave me some great information. Blake got it first and it quickly turned into pneumonia. At first we thought it was just the flu but then realized he was taking very shallow breaths and it became painful for him to breath. He refused to breath deep and would cry and moan every time he coughed or yawned. So pay attention to your kids breathing if they come down with the as Leah put it piggy flu. A high fever will cause rapid breathing but shallow breathing sounds different.
Here are a few other things we learned:
-First, ask your friends and family to pray for you. I was so thankful that Andrea encouraged me to let our church send out a prayer request. Yes, lots of people will get it and you’re not the only one but that doesn't make it easier.
-Let your friends bring you a dinner or two, or pick up things you need at the store.
-Mucinex, don’t suppress the cough and cold break it up. This was advice from our Doctor.
-Drink Emergen-C, very yummy with orange juice and sparkling water. They have adult and kids packets.
-If you are in the high fever stage take Ibuprofen and then three hours later Tylenol, repeat, repeat, repeat. This will help keep the fever under control and will assist in not getting dehydrated.
-Sleep, I know impossible if you have kids. However, if you can take turns with your spouse and get some rest…it will help!
-Sinus flush, get that crud out of there. It will help prevent sinus infection.
-If you start feeling tightness in your chest pound on your chest, keep breathing deep, and sleep slightly elevated – can help avoid pneumonia.
-Of course drink lots of water.
-A few natural things we did to help boost our immune system, take garlic pills, and Oreganol (helps fight upper respiratory infections).
-If you’re a coffee drinker substitute or add green tea while you are sick. I wish I could do this indefinitely but I just love coffee too much. Green tea has antioxidants and won’t dehydrate you like coffee does.
Disinfecting your home:
I have done this several times now, here are a few places you may forget to disinfect.
Doorknobs
Light switches
Refrigerator handle
Night stands
Cupboard handles (especially the one under your sink if your garbage is there)
You could get really carried away with this. Don’t go crazy trying to stay germ free, that is impossible. However, if you can keep a bottle of Clorox wipes or Lysol spray around and hit the “high touch” areas you might avoid spreading it to everyone. Ellie was fortunate enough to not get it. She was the only on in our house who has stayed healthy. Who would have thought that the kid who is in public school for the first year would (or at least has for now) escaped the swine flu. Don’t forget to ask and except help and pray for your family. Remember God has your family in His hands.
...doing so much better! 
Ellie and Daddy ready for the game to start!
Ellie gave us the run down of the day but come to the conclusion that it's really not that big of a deal:) She doesn't understand why everyone wants to talk about it...it's just school. I think that translates to a successful day. 
Melissa has a few month off work and has been able to bring Baby Ava over for us to cuddle. She is just adorable and I am so happy we finally get to hold her.
Blake and his growing imagination will keep me and Viola quite entertained this year. Here he has created a BATMOBILE complete with a computer and headset. I have found myself hugging him a little tighter and longer knowing that these next two years of him being home with me are going to be gone before I know it.
Visit from my Cousin Lizzy, Nathan, and their adorable son Oliver.
