Hoop jumping

  It is like jumping through hoops over here trying to stay away from the germs.  We have been hit again, fortunately nothing as bad as Ava's norovirus (ack!!), but both Hannah and Calvin stayed home sick today.  They both missed the first summer swim practice yesterday. :(  And oh my gosh, I remember again how hard it was to have all toddlers/needy children and stay at home all day!  Get me outta here!  And for the love, holding a baby and vacuuming with the other arm is no help for a stiff back!

  If you know a mom that has toddlers/preschoolers and younger, give her a WHOLE LOT of grace, a bunch of praise, and a big ole hug if you know her or a smile if you don't.  If you happen to know where she lives, drop off a meal occasionally too.  Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.

  I am realizing that that is ONLY the beginning.  I will yearn for those years when middle school and high school come around, but until then, that season of parenting is so HARD!  And I'm not even completely out of it, but just being part way out of it is better than all in.