H1N1 Flu

For those of you who aren't also on Facebook, Leonard, Tractor (5), and Elmo (3) all have the H1N1 Flu and are confined to Dancer's bedroom. Dancer, Dennis the Menace (6), and I have been busy disinfecting the house with Clorox and Lysol. Boy does it smell wonderful:) We have washed or are in the process of washing every linen, washable, toy, etc we can trying to get rid of what we can. My washing machine hasn't stopped in 36 hours and I can't fold fast enough. Scout gave Baby Bear a bath last night. He's been at the University 'helping' me. My co-workers and students both love it because "he's so cute" and he's a great distraction from anything productive. I have managed to get some papers graded though, so that's a plus.

Dancer is dancing in Omaha (3 hours each way) this year because we were so disappointed with the competitive studio in Kearney. She is taking ballet and jazz at another studio in town and is enjoying that so far. She will dance in Las Vegas this summer for Nationals and will perform her first solo. She is doing the choreography herself and pretty excited.

Poker Boy is loving second grade. So far, he has a perfect 100% in spelling and is quite proud of that. He really likes school. He has continued with Scouts this year and still enjoys that and church quite a bit. It's not uncommon to hear him singing hymns quietly to himself. He is, of course, still addicted to the computer as well.

Dennis the Menace is in 1st grade and likes it as well, but he generally likes everything and everyone. He is just a happy kid, going along with life. He started Tiger Scouts this year and loves it.

Tractor started Kindergarten and loves everything about it. He has three girlfriends (not sure about that, but one is in Louisiana). He can listen to enough books being read to him. He and Elmo will sit and listen to someone read to them for hours. They recently discovered Poker Boy can read and they are always trying to get him to read to them. Sometimes it works, usually not. He's looking forward to being a Scout next year.

Elmo goes to half day Preschool four days a week and thinks he's big stuff. He's still a 'little boy' though. He won't be a 'big boy' until he turns 4 in January - his words. I guess he's our Peter Pan. The others all want to grow up, but not him. His big accomplishment this school year has been learning how to use scissors safely and he's very proud of himself.

Baby Bear is just growing like a weed. He's a pretty happy little chunk. He loves music, eating, and the cats. Just looking at the cats makes him smile and he loves to pet them. They don't even mind it too much because he's so gentle with them. Right now he's rearranging my office at work. Just what I needed. I'll never be able to find anything again:)

Turtle is due February 2, and we are anxiously awaiting his arrival. We just found out he was a boy last week and Poker Boy was devastated. He has decided we can have a baby sister next year. He doesn't seem to understand Turtle won't be here until next year and even if we do have another one right away, it could be another brother. The other boys were fine with another brother - now the in-field is full. Dancer would like a sister, but wasn't really expecting one.

I am still dreaming of Alaska and the job is still there, but I know better than to apply for it. Maybe if it's still there again next year...If I were them though, I'd just recycle it. Oh well. Maybe for my retirement I can end up in Fairbanks. I can always dream.

Keep in touch. You can always email (chioalum@aol.com). Either way, I love hearing from family and friends.