That Dang Wilbur Flu

Okay, so I HIGHLY doubt Fam Och (minus Daddy Och of course) had a personal encounter with this pandemic...but for a while there, I was a bit worried. For the past week, we have been cooped up, wiping snot, hacking up bits of lung, and praying for death to come and end it all. And yes, you read correctly...WE...not I...nor she...nor he...nor they....it was ALL of us. All four of us in varying stages of the sickness (Liv, Soph, myself, and Dyl in that order) hunkered down and waited for it to fade away. While Mister D missed a whole week of school, we lived off of microwaved dinners, ramen, and quick minimal-exposure drive-thru take-out. And for that one day that left me in tears, the great Heps came to the rescue and brought over pizza for dinner. Laundry has accumulated into a hideous mountain that dwarfs the washing machine and my usually shiny floors have hazed over with layers and layers of dust and dirt and filth.

I was genuinely concerned I ran into some living petri dish of swine flu fresh from spring breaking in Mexico. But thank goodness, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Today, I have been able to move without pain in my joints, and smile without any particular effort. BUT we all made it alive...or at least we're almost there.

This last week has undoubtedly been the hardest since L's been gone. Thank goodness he's coming home in less than 30 days!

Best Birthday Party Ever

The girls had their official celebration at the local MyGym, which, btw, is a godsend, as I had absolutely no planning and/or party hosting to do. The staff had the kids engaged in circle play time and free play in the span of an hour and a half. It was a great day...although I wish Liv weren't so cantankerous. I had to hold her the majority of the time, and halfway in, she fell asleep on my shoulder.

Livy-Loh preparing to jump in the ball pit.

This,by far, is my fave pic of the day.

A rousing game of "clean the yard."

The birthday girl was dragged around on a birthday march. Is it obvious this chickity loves attention?

Cake time

There was a zip line!!!

Chicken Dance

A last happy birthday song for one of the celebrants (the other being fast asleep).

I Did Not Anticipate

...that getting goosebumps after just waxing my legs would prove especially painful.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I am afflicted with belenophobia (fear of needles), and the Air Force bi-yearly blood test requirement is not one I look forward to. Actually, my name was flagged for a test three months back already. Every monthly drill weekend, I'd blow it off and find an excuse somehow to "forget" or "not be able to make it" to the clinic to give my sample. I couldn't slither away this time.


The phlebotomist hobbles in the cramped room, blood sucking tools in hand, followed by the first sergeant. The first sergeant asks him, "You should stay seated and take it easy. Do you need anything? A Motrin?"

I darted a nervous look at my needle guy, attempting to ascertain his competency of handling such a delicate procedure with my veins. He shrugs, "Nah, I'm fine. I'm pretty doped up on Percocet and Vicodin already."

Yikes!!!

Roughly, he shoves my uniform sleeve up, exposing my inner arm and ties a purple elastic around it. "Now pump your fist," he orders.

My this time, I had conjured up a cold sweat, but I reluctantly obeyed. Iattempted to calm myself, reasoning that aforementioned pharmaceuticals are considered sedatives, and so my poor arm should be fine. But he comes at me with that sharp pointy thing, and his hand was shaking! Not trembling slightly...but seriously shaking!!! WTF?!?! Cold sweat back in full force. It went off without a hitch...but by golly...that was just about the most nervous I have been.

I had smugly assumed this would have to be the most excitement I would get this weekend. BUT, NO.....the fates have conspired against me. Today, I got flagged for another test...drug screening. This entails me squatting over a clear plastic dixie cup as I deposit my urine all the while trying no to pee on myself while under the close eye of the golden flow monitor.

Could this weekend get any better? Not only did I have to deal with the spastic phlebotomist, but I also had to urinate with someone else looking at my hooha? My girlfriend is for privileged eyes only, thank you. And drug testing monitors are NOT on the VIP list!!!

Gotta love it!

Miss Sophia is FIVE

Our birthday princess foiled my planned balloon extravaganza (I had wanted her to wake up to her own bedroom full of balloons) and insisted on sleeping in my bed the night before. Sooo, instead I tied a single balloon to her arm (and I checked on her often to make sure the string didn't pose a risk of strangulation) and filled the dining area with the rest. She was so tuckered out from a vigorous MyGym session the night before, she didn't even stir when I did it.

Baby girl was so thrilled with her little pink surprise, she came down the hallway with a big grin on her face, "Mom, I didn't know you put a balloon on me!"

She was even more thrilled to see what awaited her in the dining area.

That look is priceless!

Of course, Daddy's heart was breaking in Iraq since he couldn't be here to celebrate with his mini-me. He made sure to call so he could greet her and listen to her reaction to the e-card he sent her. L's always been so great with the children, always in tune to what appeals to them. In this case, he picked out a message that had a bunch of safari animals (Sophie is an animal freak) singing happy birthday. Here she is singing along after replaying it for the tenth time.

I also wrapped the present L picked out for her in brown mailing paper and marked it up like a real package. I left it outside earlier this morning. While L was on the phone, he asked her if the mailman had come to drop of his present for her. Turns out he did!

Next up, we had lunch with our friends at Applebee's. She was craving her favorite (two skewers of grilled shrimp).

She was thrilled when the staff presented her with an ice cream sundae and a loud happy birthday chant.

Next stop...girl time! This new place called Snip-its opened up and caters especially to young little girls. It is the cutest place! We opted for an updo and a mini manicure.

This place is genius! Every work station had a tv that played movies or video games to keep the kiddies occupied while their hair was getting taken care of. Here, Soph is watching Bambi and doesn't even notice the time going by.

Her hair done, here she is getting her nails manicured.

Pampering accomplished! Here is the after shot.

This stop was actually more of a treat for the mommas. Missus Hep and I strolled into the Red Mango Frozen Yogurt place next door and fell in love with their yogurt concoctions! PLUS, it was fat free! Can't beat that. It was so good, we went back for an after dinner repeat.

As I tucked in a tuckered out birthday girl to bed, I watched my now-five-year-old sleepily close her eyes and mumble, "Thanks for today, momma. It was the best ever."

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

I can't believe how fast it's all going by.

Great Way to Give

On May 9th, I will be subjecting myself to the excruciating pain of burning lungs while attempting to run the 5k in SLC for the annual Race for the Cure. This is a dear cause for me as close family members have been afflicted with breast cancer. I, personally, have not had to battle breast cancer but Hodgkin's lymphoma instead.

I'm not gonna go on a long spiel on this post, all of you know how important raising funds is to finding the cure.

If you feel ever so generous (it's tax deductible, folks)...please CLICK HERE to make a donation. $1.00...$5.00...$20.00...it doesn't matter. Every little bit counts.

Thanks for your support...and pray I don't keel over at the finish line!

Goodbye Mullet

We've banished the mullet!!! Wooohoooo!

Liv got her first hair cut yesterday into a cute little bob. Doesn't she look darling?

Happy Easter

Easter week started off a bit bumpy...we were all sick...but, we managed fairly well despite the sickness and still had an enjoyable Easter.

A couple days before Easter, we managed to put together this Easter shortbread house. Can you tell who wasn't feeling too well?
Easter morning...the generous Easter bunny left all three kiddos a nifty little package by the fireplace.

Here's a sleep-deprived Liv managing to attempt a "cheese!" but fell short of opening her eyes for the camera.

Ready, set, go!!!

Each year, we hold an Easter egg hunt in our front yard. Usually, at this time of year, my tulips and daffodils would be in full bloom. BUT, the constant cold weather has led us to less than spectacular pics of the event.

Cousin Madison and Liv enjoying Easter bubbles.

Perhaps it is because L isn't here this year, I decided to forego the traditional rosemary and garlic roasted lamb. Instead, I roasted rock cornish hens served on a platter of cornbread stuffing instead. It just isn't the same without the hubby around.

UH-OH

Liv, my nearly two-year-old, approaches me with pleading eyes:

"Mama...I want that PORN."

My eyes bug out in alarm..."What?!?"

She points to the bowl Mister D is holding, "I want some PORN!!!!"

"Ohhhhhh! You want some CORN! It's C-oh-rn, baby. C-OH-RN."

She smiles sweetly and nods, "Yeah!" She turns to Mister D, "Dih-nha, gimme your PORN!"

Oh, brother.

Land Mines

Hello, there. I have dogs myself...a temperemental chihuahua and a hyper choco lab. They are both a handful. And as I am aware of the destruction and waste they may potentially wreak on the neighborhood if I ever let them loose....I don't. My backyard is riddled with these mounds, doggy land mines, if you will. I tread very carefully when I am in my backyard. The more accessible area of my yard in front of my house, however, is clean and free of any waste....at least it SHOULD be.

I SHOULD be able to stroll barefoot in my grass, don't you think?

So, why is it when I was taking out the trash today (barefoot b/c I was lazy) did my foot happen to land on a soft pile of DOG SHIT????

There are only a handful in our circle with pets. And judging by the size of the damn pile, it is safe to deduce whose mutt it is. I don't like being hostile....but unfortunately for you, folks, I have been quarantined in the house with a sick sick brood, and I do NOT have any energy left in me to reign this hostility in...much less wash and disinfect my soiled foot.

SOOOOOO, if you're gonna let your doggie out of the confines of your house, keep it leashed as is the law...ORRRR, accompany the thing just in case it decides to do its business in your neighbor's yard, you can collect the evidence and no harm will be done. That's not too much to ask, is it?

I have left it there in front of my trash bin. I will accept your apology in the form of its cleanup, and it will just be water under the bridge. If by the end of the week, it is still there...don't be surprised to see it in front of your doorstep.

Chicken Noodle Soup

In America, this is the cure-all for one who is ailing of some form of sickness. Along with Tylenol and Motrin, that's about all you need to nurse a sickly child back to health. Although I'd like to think I have been successfully assimilated into this country, there are just some things I can't seem to kick when it comes to my roots. It's pretty comical, actually, since I laugh at their absurdity at times, but nonetheless, those items are still in my medicine cabinet!

In the Philippines, there are very few bugs that cannot be cured with that squat little green jar...

I remember my Lola Carmen rushing to slather it on my chest once she hears me sniffle. This remedy is used for everything short of cancer.

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This one, commonly known to outsiders as chamomile oil, is also a permanent resident in the pantry...

I don't remember this being used on me, but when Mister D was Baby D, my Lola whipped this out of her cabinet when he wouldn't stop crying, and wiped a couple strokes on his belly. He immediately quieted and fell asleep. This has been with us ever since. A topical Mylicon of sorts?

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This is another one used for upset stomachs and indigestion. SkyFlakes crackers is better than toast when needing to calm a yucky belly.

This is so popular in my home, that even the hubby has requested packages of them to be sent to him in Iraq for when his stomach isn't doing so good. Perfect with hot tea.

What are your home remedies?

Tease

Don't you hate it when that wave of relief washes over you when you assume the sickened kids are better and then have it come slamming down that you are undoubtedly wrong when the sickest one burns a fever again? GEEEEZ!!!! Liv's fever was all but gone by bedtime, but then by midnight, I flinched as I touched that hot little forehead.

It was my turn to be sick yesterday. I was relieved (rather me than the children), and settled in for a night of restful sleep. BUT, Liv and Soph took turns...Soph kept crying out in her sleep, yelling about Liv needing to turn something (who knows? that little runt can dream of anything), and then laying herself sideways on the bed and on top of Liv. Once I got her corrected and back to sleep, Liv will start screaming about an itchy foot and other nonsense. They took turns continuously, until three o clock in the morning, at which point, Liv decided to become fully awake and demand for food.

After feeding her and shoving a fever bullet into the poor baby, she finally fell asleep.

And so our bout with this evil evil bug has yet to conclude.

SICK SICK SICK

That's three sicks, for the three of us who are ridden with this crappy cold slash flu slash hand foot mouth disease. Waaaaah!

Earlier this week, Liv started the trend by surprising us with a lovely rash on the soles of her feet and the palms of her hands. Got her checked out...hand foot mouth disease. Two days later, the nose started to run...and run did it ever. With all that running, the fever jumped onboard as well. So in the last three days, I have probably logged in a total three or four hours of sleep. Ugh.

I don't give a * that it is a sign the body is fighting infection...fevers scare the crap out of me! I've already weathered Soph's bout with febrile seizures, I am deathly afraid Liv may take after her big sis and do the same. Bad thing with the little one, she REFUSES to take meds. The cocky docs think I'm exaggerating when I tell them about her antics, and insist it is a simple matter of shoving the medicine dispenser into the back of her mouth and squirting it in. SURE! It would work if she didn't lock her jaw down while she flailed her body every which way to escape my hold...and if she didn't sputter it out once the liquid got past her lips...and if she didn't have that uncanny ability to resist the reflex to blink and swallow when I blow on her face...and if she didn't give that heartwrenching, "Mommy, love you."...and if she didn't automatically puke if it ever got further than that.

Anyway, today Soph, jealous of all the attention being re-directed to her little sister, decided to become sick herself. She has a slight fever and a runny nose now. Fun.

To make things even more exciting, this morning, I felt the tickle in the back of my throat mushroom into a full blown stuffy headache and sore throat. My whole body aches. Wooohooo! Let's get the party started!

And as luck turns out, we were out of juice and Otter Pops...so I lugged all kiddos, my hair in a ridiculous state, snot smears all over my shirt (Liv's not mine), and trudged over to Walmart to grab necessities.

Thank goodness it's spring break and there's no carpool to do this week.

Plinky Prompt: Here's a Million Dollars

Not that I actually need a prompt from Plinky to contemplate this...as I have daydreamed about this at least once a day. The prompt: What would you do with a million dollars?

There were so many Plinky guys who said: "I would give so and so amount to charity....", "...to stem cell research...", "...to the local hospital..." Blah blah blah blah blah. Maybe I'm just not a natural born philanthropist. What would I do with a million buckaroos? Hell, keep it for MOI!

I would pay off all my debt, first of all. I don't think I've ever lived debt-free since high school. What a gigantic monkey off MY back! THEN, I'd put money aside for L and I, and all the kids individually. THEN, we'd go travel the world for a whole year or more...checking off ALL the sites listed on 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. THEN, we'd go home and live happy normal lives. Nothing too extravagant.

The only problem is, if mine or L's fams ever got wind of a big win like that, I think that they'd expect us to share...but I'm greedy...it's only a million bucks after all...and so I've decided to keep the winnings secret and just give big xmas presents that year. AND THAT, FOLKS, IS WHY GOD WON'T LET ME WIN A MILLION DOLLARS! Bahahahahaha.

What would you do with a million dollars?

SPRRRRIIIINNNNGGGG

I am in springtime mode. Yes, we are experiencing snow flurries about every other day still. Yes, my toes will def fall off from frostbite if I insist on wearing my flip flops. But it IS April. And it IS springtime, and no amount of blizzards will dissuade me! No sirreeee!

Perhaps it is also due to the fact that the percentage got upped to 80% positive my hubby will return at the end of May....but I have been energized for the past two days...buzzing around like a busy bee cleaning...and not just cleaning cleaning....but deep deep cleaning. I even got up when my oldest awoke and made fried rice for breakfast. (Yeah, we're Asian. Fried rice for breakfast...that's how we roll!)

Anyway, yesterday I just got started...but today I'll be taking everything out of my closets & bathrooms and re-organizing. When it's a little warmer, I'll be tackling the garage. And maybe, if this ambitious spell keeps up, I'll do a garage sale!

What are you springtime plans?