We started this past week with a bang when Eliza had dental surgery on Monday.

Even though more was found than originally thought, which added to what was done and a lot more time onto the procedure, it all went pretty well.

Eliza has the whole waiting room thing figured out pretty good!

Those are Eliza’s Daddy’s feet in this photo – because he met us at the dentist office!

I took this photo as we left the dentist office, and right before I had to pull over and give Eliza a bag because her tummy was feeling not. so. good.

Oh my sweet baby, what we put you through!

It was a long and prayerful ride home, with Eliza crying “This is the worst day EVER!” from the back seat, but we made it and got Eliza set up for some rest and recovery.

I plopped myself down close by, and stayed by her side the rest of the day.

Eliza even went outside late that afternoon and played on the drive-way for a bit!

I was SO impressed.

It wasn’t long after that though that she started throwing up.

Sweet baby.

She got a sleep over with Mom and Dad Monday night.

Lane and Chad had a tummy thing for about 12 hours each over last weekend.

It had Blake and I looking at each other and saying “What in the world was that?”

That is until Eliza had it Monday, Blake on Tuesday, Grant on Wednesday and Thursday (poor guy!), and me on Friday and yesterday.

Is that everybody?

Addie was in there somewhere too.

Can’t remember which day!

Tate hasn’t had it.

Yet.

Thankful it was short lived!

I still vividly remember our illness last year – and am SO grateful it was nothing like that!!

The kids brought me flowers off our land while I was in bed yesterday!

And I had a certain pup who longed to be elsewhere but stayed by my side.

It was so good to see Eliza herself again!

She handled it all SO well!

We ended this week with rainy, cold weather, but I am still sure spring is here!

Just sweeping the floors tells me so.

Good thing I love that dog so much!

Errands on a cold rainy day deserved a stop at the Co-op for a snack.

And hot coffee for their Mama!

Blake and I had a quick date night on Sunday night of this past week.

Is Menards a date?

Well, there was coffee, and a need to chat, so we drove the long way home and spent some time on the ridge top watching the sunset.

Now, that’s a date!!

One day after lunch as all the kiddos were busting around the kitchen helping me, I simply said, “Where did I get all these good kiddos?”

Eliza answered, “MOM! You got us from China, from Korea, and from newborns.”

How I love the things they say!

Do you all have rules about food at meal times?

We do.

Specifically for one very, very social boy who would rather talk than eat at dinner time.

Ahem.

They have to eat as many bites of each food on their plate as their age.

That means six bites of each for Tate.

Don’t worry, he always keeps a careful count!

Speaking of dinner – this is our fast food meal!

We call it one pan dinner.

But we need two pans, obviously!

If I have a helper washing and cutting potatoes, I can have those pans in the oven in 5 minutes!

I just sprinkle it all with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and squeeze fresh garlic over the whole thing, then cover it with foil and bake it at 350 for an hour to an hour and a half.

Okay, well the baking part is not fast!

But that was not my point!

While its baking I am doing a million other things!

I started, finished, and submitted Tate’s three-year post-placement report for China this past week.

PHEW.

Big job.

But a privilege to do!

We are watching a robin’s nest through a crack in our deck, and I can’t wait to watch the Mama feed those babies!

Speaking of Mamas, it’s Mother’s Day!!

I am hanging at home with Grant while the rest of the family is at church cause I do not want to share this tummy bug.

But we have YUMMY plans for later today!

I saw a gorgeous dairy-free cheesecake in the fridge!!

I hope all you Mama’s out there have a fabulous Mother’s Day full of cheesecake too!!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!!