If I didn't laugh, I'd cry

Our family has been anxiously anticipating a Thanksgiving vacation . The festivities were to begin in MI with my family and conclude in Virginia for Randy's grandmother's 90th birthday party. We've been preparing for weeks- travel plans (we were going to fly), luggage preparations, calls to the airlines, emails, discussions, setting aside gas money, etc. etc.

6AM- Travel Day--"Daaaaaady! Mmmmmoooomy! (sob sob sob) My jammies were choking me and I throwed-up all over my Dora pillow...my tummy hurts...and my legs hurt...and my head hurts...and (gagging....)

Poor Wyndham. The stomach flu finally got around to her. As disappointed and depressed about this new development as I was, clearly this was the way to go. She COULD have been throwing up all over her cousins in VA- or worse yet, all over an unsuspecting passenger on the flight there! We gave it an hour or so to make sure it wasn't just nerves...she threw up 3 more times and began running a temp. I changed her jammies 4 times, and she ended up sleeping in just a pull-up and a towel when all was said and done. The saddest and most charming moment of this whole fiasco came when Wyn exlaimed that she will probably be sick "fo-evah" as she dramatically touched her hand to her head and laid down.

As hard as it is to watch your kids have to go through illness, I love taking care of them in their hour or need. I remember always feeling so safe and nurtured when my mom would care for me when I would get sick. The thoughtful touches, cold washcloths on the forehead, clean jammies, chicken soup, special movie rental :). I always knew if I was sick, mom was going to be there to help. A couple of years ago, I took sick during the teaching day and had to come home to mommy. Out came the washcloth and Campbell's soup once more. Ahhhh....

I've been wistful about the missed trip this weekend, but have quite a few precious memories of babying my first "baby" back to health. Ironically, we just got our flu shots this past Monday, and Wyndham met our new pediatrician for the first time. I told Wyn I would have to call him to ask if we could give her "special medicine" to help her to feel better....she was scared that the doctor would have to give her another "shock" on her arm:)

The docotor DID recommend giving her Pedialyte for the dehydration. Daddy jumped in the car and brought home 2 large bottles of the "special juice" for Wyndham. She immediately guzzled a glass-full down. A few hours later, she seemed to have gained some of her strength back. She wanted to eat some food as well, but I warned her that we would have to take it slow as she might get sick again. She assured me that the "magical juice" daddy gave her would keep her safe and not make her "throwed-up" again.

It's helpful to laugh during times of disappointment. While I'll miss the family celebration in VA, I've been able to spend more time with my family here, which has been great. It's funny how much I enjoy my kids when other people get to enjoy them too....flu and all:)

I saw the following story on a blog I like to read called "Girl Talk". I laughed OUT LOUD when I read this Thanksgiving story. It SO reminds me of something Wyndham would do...I so love having girls! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

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THE GOOD NAPKINS...ahhhhh...the joys of having girls...

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake)....

One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen?

Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for "special occasions" (her second mistake)...

Now, fast forward a few months....It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter.

Next, in came his wife who gasped, then began giggling.

Next, in came my father, who roared with laughter.

Then in came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a "special occasion" napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter.

"But, Mom, you SAID they were for special occasions!!!" Isn't it easier to just tell the truth and be careful who you ask to set the table for you!