Me and my BFF, Lysol

I am not a mom who complains when her kids are sick. Until now. It started with Hadji, almost three weeks ago. The flu. We stayed home from church, school, birthday parties, and all other activities. He got better, and then... Alden got it. Not the flu, but some disastrous stomach bug that allowed for some violent toilet time. Yes, there it is, I said it. Violent, I tell ya'.
Now, it is Lincoln's turn. We went to church, because he was merely sneezing. I thought it was my fault for adding a chicken feather down throw pillow to his bed ensemble. Apparently not. And I hate that, because it is a huge pet peeve when people bring sick kids out. If your child is sick, stay home. Period. End of story.

So, we are now on week three of cabin fever, I mean, patient care. If my butt hits a chair, someone, somewhere, in this home, will need something. A tissue, a puke bucket, a sip of sprite, a video started, a snack, a new pillow, a new game, a toy, a book, a blanket, a brother removed, or something... In short, I am sick of being needed so much.

How does one remember to be loving and consciously make taking care of others, a pleasure? (1st Corinthians 10:31) Well, it is not by waiting and then snapping at your sick spouse when he wants some crackers. Not that I know that from say, personal experience or anything. Not that I may have begrudgingly made him some food while mine got cold and gotten all snarky and self righteous about it. Not me. Well... eh, maybe it was... I had to re-group.

Mom's Sanity Remedies:

1. Pray. Pray hard.

2. Remember how nice it was when your mom took care of you when you were sick? Do it.

3. Your child does not want to be sick, they didn't plan to drag it out, passing it along carefully amongst themselves through the weeks. Don't treat them like are doing so on purpose. (even though it may feel that way at times!)

4. Have at least four games of Words with Friends going at any given time. Trying to use that Q can be a great distraction.

5. Hot tea. Drink lots of hot tea. Scalding even. A burnt tongue is less likely to snap at sick children. I am on my second pot today, fyi. Just kidding. Sort of.

6. Try and get out of the house, even if it is just to the grocery store. Seeing other humans, that can make you feel less savage like when you re-enter the jungle of germs.

7. Lysol. Then Lysol again.

8. Allow yourself some drama. Crying out ala Mommy Dearest, "I SAID NO MORE TISSUES ON THE FLOOR!" really did make me feel better. My children looked up from their electronic daze and noted me with little concern. Maybe I play the Joan Crawford No-More-Wire-Hangers card too often???

9. Finds lots of amazing DIY projects and crafts online, and then relish in the legit excuse of your sick children for why you do not dye your own felt with vegetable juices.

10. For the love of all that is holy, do NOT even think about the fact that you are once again, missing date night AND the PECAN CRUSTED TROUT WITH BOURBON GLAZE! I may call and plead my case for take out...

Oh, make sure your self portraits document your tylenol laden journey. (even if you are wearing your old man sweater and have no make up on. Click it.)

Until then, I leave you to go bleach something... or someone...