The Graduate: Part 2!

The DEGREE! Isn't it purty?

THE CAKE!

And finally, Party Central...A good time was had by all!

Make sure you come back tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday.

You'll get a good laugh out of it, I promise!

I'm Back!

The Graduate, Me, and Cody the Conductor

Suffice it to say that, while it was an incredibly busy week, the effort was well worth it. We had a wonderful weekend celebrating with friends and family, the Graduate did an amazing job giving his speech and conducting the choir and orchestra, and I couldn't be more proud of him and his accomplishments. I was fighting back the tears as I watched him up there, on the stage where the Chicago Sympohony Orchestra performs, listening to the words he spoke and the beautiful music from the choirs and the syphonic band and orchestra. In many ways, it was a dream fulfilled for him, and nothing makes this wife happier than to see her husband realizing that dream.

We had a great time here at home yesterday with all the people we love around us. Most of our family was here, and we enjoyed seeing everyone. We have some truly wonderful people in our lives, and it was evidenced by the outpouring of kind words, both in cards and on the pages of the scrapbook I made for Jerry to commemorate this occasion.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. It is a time I will not soon forget.

This is the Director of choral activities conducting the mass choir at the CSO. I wanted to include this picture because you can get a feel for the scope of the "venue" in which Jerry was standing. It is such a beautiful hall.

The following pictures are Jerry giving his Commencement speech at the podium, and him conducting the Benediction of the VanderCook symphonic band and choir.

And finally, my Mom, dad, sister, and Cody.

Nanna and Papa Dean, thank you sooooo much for everything this weekend. We couldn't have done it all without you. Kare-Bear, thanks for making the drive. It wouldn't have been the same if you and the girls hadn't been here to share in this special occasion. We love you all!

And to my blogging friends, more pictures will follow in the days to come. There's lots more to share, but I'm off to enjoy the day with my boys. Happy Monday, everyone!

Signing Off...For Now

If it seems I've been a little quiet, it's because I've been doing the following things:

1. Preparing for hubby's graduation party on Sunday.
2. Hosting hubby's niece while she's here from out of town.
3. Teaching.
4. Running errands.
5. Landscaping.
6. Praying that it doesn't rain on Sunday.
7. Practicing music for a wedding we're singing for on Friday.
8. Cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking as much as possible! (Which ain't much!!!)
9. Trying to stay off the computer!
10. Spending time with my guys.

So, there you have it. I am signing off until Monday, so forgive me if I don't check in on your blogs or leave a comment. I'll catch up with you when the dust settles, and I'll have pictures and stories to tell. In the meantime, I wish you all a wonderful rest of the week. Be blessed.

It was Awesome, Thanks for Asking!

This past weekend was incredible. It's hard to describe exactly what the Women of Faith conference meant to me, because on so many levels, it was overwhelming! In my inadequate way of trying to describe what was a phenomenal time of spiritual nourishment, I'll do my best to give you a little recap.

The weekend started with my singing in a funeral on Friday morning. I sang two songs, including "Amazing Grace" and in truth, it was a great way to start the day. God's grace truly is AMAZING! I then caught my train into Chicago just in time and got to support Jerry on his last day of classess (YIPPEE!) as his Orff class ended and the groups put on a show of all they'd learned over the past two weeks and had a small "graduation" ceremony (this class offered certification, so they got their official certificates at that point). Jerry then took me to meet my friend Charity who I was rooming with on Friday night. She and I immediately headed out and hit Michigan Avenue to grab a bite to eat before heading to the conference.

The best part was when I walked into the huge arena where there were 5000 other women waiting to find their seats and I heard this voice call my name. I turned around, and it was my dear, special friend Debbie, from college! She was my roommate my freshman year and you may remember me speaking about her from time to time. She fought and won her battle with breast cancer last year and let me just say, it was a JOY to see her. We grabbed each other and embraced. Of all the times to run into her...in a place that huge with so many people, God planned it so we would both be at the same entrance at the same time.

The conference began with worship, Patsy Clairmont, and my girl, Nichole Nordeman. As always, she was phenomenal and brought all of the women sitting around me to tears. As tender as those moments were, there were also some really funny ones. At one point she told us that she has this "problem." While standing in line at the supermarket, she has this compulsion to buy tabloids. She knows it's wrong, she knows she shouldn't, but she just can't help herself. She said she even began to spiritualize it, trying to convince herself that if she doesn't know what's going on with Brad and Angelina, then how on earth can she pray for them??? That got a good laugh. She also made us all giggle when she recalled sitting in an airport looking at all the beautiful celebrities in People magazine and literally feeling her butt growing bigger in her seat as she sat there! Good stuff...

The next day was a whirlwind, and I can't began to recap it all, as I am still desperately trying to process it all, but I think the best part of it was spending lunch with my girlfriend, Debbie and crying over how good God had been to us both over the past year. Afterward, it was Sandi Patti's turn to sing, and oh. my. word. She brought down the house. And about brought me to my knees. If heaven is half as incredible as her voice, I won't be able to stand on my feet.

I highly recommend this conference to any of you out there. It was incredible and I left feeling so "filled" by the awesome worship, music, teaching, and fellowship with my sisters in Christ.

And to Charity, thank you for making this weekend so fun. I am glad we went through it together. And I'm equally as thankful for your friendship. You're a blessing.

A Time to Retreat

I praise the Lord that my children are healthy and I continue to pray for good health for them. I have earnestly asked the Lord this week for Friday to arrive and find them well. And God has been faithful once again.

I have the wonderful privilege of attending the Women of Faith Conference in Chicago this weekend. I am more than a little excited, as one of my new favorite authors, Carol Kent, will be speaking. My mom let me borrow her copy of "When I Lay My Isaac Down" and I must say it was a book that caused me to really look deeply into my faith and life and how I respond to adversity.

Nichole Nordeman will be leading worship and it truly doesn't get much better than that. I met her once when she did a concert at a local church. I was literally 9 months pregnant with Cody, and we have a picture of she, Jerry and I with her hand on my tummy! I absolutely love her music, her honesty and of course, that voice! I can't wait to worship with her!

In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a talented friend from my college days has two songs that will be featured at the conference. You can check out his website here.

And, I am staying at a beautiful hotel with my good friend. A night in Chicago, friends, fellowship, and time to retreat. After this week, I am SO looking forward to it!

May you all be blessed this weekend.

What's Grosser than Gross....Okay, I'll Play!

Steph at Adventures in Babywearing is hosting a little game called "What's Grosser Than Gross?" We've all seen things as Moms that have left our innards begging for mercy (I actually had one of those nights on Monday when my little guy didn't make it to the bathroom on time and gave me the wonderful job of cleaning up the living room couch and rug. Oh joy!). But it's our job and by golly we must trudge on!

So here's my story. We live in our van because we spend a great deal of time on the go. This usually means that we take snacks and drinks with us because, inevitably, even though we just ate lunch ten minutes ago, shrieks emerge from the backseat that resemble something like this: "MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM! I'm HUUUUUUUNGRY!" We've all been there. Lately, Caden is happiest with his "ba-ba" full of watered down 100% juice laced with his probiotic(that had to be stated lest you find me an irresponsible juice-feeding mom) and it keeps him quite happy in the entire ten minutes he's guzzling it.

Anyway.

Apparently he didn't drink all of his juice, which is unusual for him, because what emerged weeks (though it could have been days, who knows in this heat?) later was the smell. That resembled wine. Only worse.

And having the sensitive sniffer that I do, I went on a scavenger hunt looking for the grosser than gross offender. When I finally found it, trapped under the seat with so many other lovely treasures we'd all forgotten about, it had turned into a lovely science experiment that would leave most of us green.

I decided not to save beloved "ba-ba" and into the trash it went, nastiness and all. I am sure I am not unique in this experience as most of you reading have children.

Unless of course, you don't give your children juice. : )

How Cute is THIS??

Cody started feeling better this afternoon (before 4:00 rolled around, that is), and so I let his friends come in for a little visit with him. When he started to look like he was feeling bad again, I checked his temp and found that it was moving upward. I then sent his friends home. One hour later, they came back, wanting to know how Cody was feeling because, in their words, "We were feeling so worried about him and sad that he wasn't feeling well." I told them that was so sweet of them to care about him so much. About an hour later, all of them showed up at our door with three cards for Cody. They sat with him and read them to him, and before they left, each of them gave him a big hug and said "Oh Cody, we really hope you get feeling better so we can play with you again!"

HOW CUTE IS THAT????

And an Update

Well, there's nothing like a fever of 104.3 to bring a mother to her knees. When I couldn't get a nurse to speak with at the doctor's office before 5 p.m. (apparently they were busy seeing A LOT of this in their office yesterday!), I called the one who would know what to do and how to calm me down....MOM! She stayed on the phone with me, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how quickly a tepid bath brought down the fever. I was actually relieved to see readings in the 102 range! (Thanks, Mom, for being there!)

Last night, while talking with her before we went to bed, I walked into the living room and found Jerry on his knees cradling Cody as he slept peacefully on his matress, praying over him. Daddy was calling the One who heals, comforts, and brings down fevers!

Today, Cody has had some water, jello, and lots of love from Caden. Little brother is also having lots of fun pouncing on brother's mattress and giving him lots of hugs and "pats." I think he enjoys having the mattress on the living room floor! (Scroll down to see Wordless Wednesday!)

Hope you all have a great day and thank you for praying for us.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." ~Psalm 28:7

Wordless Wednesday: On the Mend

So it Wasn't the Vaccine After All...

An Update:
We returned from the doctor a few hours ago where they did a strep culture (which came back negative). He then took a two hour nap and his fever is back in the 102 range (oh joy). They presume he has caught some sort of virus because his throat is red and sore and he's achy. This is unrelated to the vaccine because we had been in a week ago having his glands checked because they were a little swollen. Turns out he's been fighting whatever this is for quite some time and it finally "got" him. I am thankful it's not strep and so for now, we are pumping him up with tylenol, fluids, rest, and his all-natural PRObiotics. Please pray he's well soon and that Caden stays well...I hate when my little guys don't feel good! Thank you!

It's Controversial, but I'm Going There

Several of my blogging buddies have opted out of vacciniating their children, so I know that this topic is touchy. I feel informed about my choices (to vaccinate or not, that is the question), and we have chosen to vaccinate our children. My kids have always done fine with very minor (if any) side effects, so I have never questioned that we made the right choice. I have kept track of all of the vaccines the kids have gotten since they were babies, and for Cody who is now five, the shots are coming to an end. Yesterday, however, I had to take both the boys in for their physicals (Caden for his fifteen month check-up and Cody for his kindergarten physical) and both the boys got shots. Cody only had to get one, Caden got two. They really did fine (a little whimpering, but not too bad!) and we left the doctor's office with my sanity still intact. WHEW!

Last night, however, Cody spiked a fever of 102.4. No other symptoms, no complaints, just a fever. I immediately called the pharmacist (my new best friend) and he reassured me that this is normal and that it happens to 1 in 20 kids who get this particular vaccine. This morning the fever is down but it is still there.

Every mother knows what it's like (f they choose to vaccinate) when they take their little baby to the doctor's office to get those first shots. It's heart-breaking, but you truly feel you're doing the right, responsible thing...protecting your child from dangerous illnesses and diseases, vaccinating them so they don't have to fight the system once they enter school, and listening to the doctors who reassure you that what you're reading "out there" is untrue. It's hard to know what to believe sometimes, but you go with your gut and trust you're making the right decision for your kids. As our doctor says, the benefit far outweighs the risk.

But my little guy is feverish today and I feel guilty. I know I am making the right decision for our family. I just feel bad for him. And, perhaps the fever is something else entirely, something other than a side effect of the vaccine? Who knows. In any case, I'm going to shut down my computer and get some cuddle time on the couch with him while the baby naps. It's a rainy day and I can't think of anything else I'd rather do! Have a great day, everyone.

And the Award Goes To....

Me!

I've been given an award. It's my first, so I'm slightly excited. I originally started this blog as a way to keep friends and family informed about our family's happenings, but I never dreamed that I would meet so many wonderful people in the process. It's been a great "outlet" for me as I've connected with other moms and recorded the milestones of my family along the way.

The best part of this award is that I have the honor of awarding it to a few of my favorite blog reads. But first, I'd like to thank Morning Song for her kind words. It was a sweet and pleasant surprise to find my blog mentioned and awarded at her site...so thank you!

Now, here are the rules:

Remember that this is The Blogger Reflection Award. This award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who, when you reflect on them, give you a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given.

Rules of participating:

1. Copy this post.

2. Replace [my bloggers with yours] & Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.

3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.

4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they've been given the award.

5. Put the award icon on your site. I must admit I am still a little "link" challenged, and I could not figure out how to do anything but copy the picture, however the link above will lead you to the originator of this award and there you can find the link to post it on your site.

And now, the award goes to:

1. Glass Half Full: Lori is my best buddy from high school and she is the one who first introduced me to the blogging world. Her blog is uplifting, encouraging, and fun. She has a sunny outlook on life and motherhood, and I always enjoy visiting her. Most of all, she loves the Lord and her blog serves Him well. Lori, thank you for your friendship and for welcoming me into the blogosphere!

2. Barbie: Barbie and I re-connected via another blog after attending the same church and bible study, thus reminding me once again that it truly is a small world! She is mama to four beautiful little girls, and I know her life must get chaotic and stressful sometimes. But her blog is always a sweet fragrance to me as she reflects upon the joys and challenges of motherhood. There is never a harsh word spoken there and she is a wife and mother that honors Christ.

3. Sheryl at Peanut Butter and Jelly Boats: She was already chosen for this award, but it was necessary for me to give it to her again. I wish I knew this Sister in "real life" but alas, she lives in sunny Florida, after a recent ministry opportunity led she and family there. However, the blogging world is a wonderful thing as we've been able to "follow" them! Sheryl is currently doing a 21-day challenge that has been AWESOME and she is truly a wife and mother who brings glory to God on her blog (and I'm sure in her home!). Her blog is altogether fun, serious, reflective, and real.

4. Julie. Julie is a dear friend and an amazing wife and mother who I first met about eight years ago at our church. She has three beautiful children, and she is currently keeping an online journal with Caring Bridge about her son, Joshua, who is battling cancer. I have tried to link her, but the link will only take you to the original site where you must log in to read her journal entries. From what I can tell, there's no way to directly link her site, but I must mention her here, as she has been an inspiration to me. Their family has been hit with more than I can even fathom over this past year, and yet Julie's eyes are continually lifted up to the One who sustains she and her precious family. Julie, if you're reading this, thank you for your heart for Jesus and for the example of faith you set before all of us who know you.

5. And finally, my dear friend Jamie: Jamie is a dear friend from college, now a wife and mother and recently expecting #2 (yay!!!!!). Jamie reflects her love for God and her beautiful family in her blog, and her posts are always so sweet as she documents the milestones along the way. She is committed to her family and to the Lord, and I enjoy reading about and keeping up with them via her blog.

Thank you again, Morning Song, for this award. I am honored!

The Family Table

Lori over at Glass Half Full is hosting a "tag" about the family table. I love this idea, because I believe this spot in our homes can be one of the most sacred. In our house, we laugh (and sometimes cry) here. We pray, we talk, we share. We tell of our experiences, we sometimes discipline, and of course, we eat! We love having people over to share a meal with us. Our table then becomes the place where new friendships are formed. My prayer is always that Christ be represented well and that people find our home to be inviting, hospitable, and welcoming.

When we bought our first place, I found this set of plates (below), and it became the inspiration for the colors of my living room and kitchen. I love what they say and what they represent. They are, I hope, a reflection of what people find when they come to visit (and hopefully what our children experience too!). They read, "Grace," "Harmony," and "Plenty."

This is my favorite part of the collection. It reads, "Thank You for the world so sweet, Thank You for the food we eat, Thank You for the birds that sing, Thank You, God, for Everything."

And finally, this is our china cabinet. It doesn't have any lights in it, so I took white lights and arranged them in there so everything "shines." It does wonders for the crystal! This cabinet holds a collection of pieces from our wedding, from family, and yard sales, but it also holds other sentimental things, like pictures, momentos, and other things I've found or been given along the way. On top are two pictures of me with the boys and a figurine I got from my mom of a mother holding her child.

I love this area in the house because it's one of the first things you see when you walk in to our home, and I believe it represents what we stand for as a family.

Thank you for taking the tour of our family table. Now, go to Lori's and join in!

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Tired after the Game

My boys are forever keeping me entertained (and I mean all THREE of them). Sometimes the things they do and say are so funny that I laugh until I cry. And sometimes the things they say simply DO make me cry. Take today, for example. Actually, let me back up. We've been living here in our town for almost three years, and every summer there's a fresh vegetable stand on the corner of a busy intersection near our home. Last year was the first time we'd actually stopped to pick out some fresh produce and support the local farmer. Everything we got from there was delicious and so we kept returning. But I must say that I haven't always been impressed with the demeanor of those working. They're not incredibly friendly, but I probably wouldn't be either if I sat baking in the heat every day. One day, Cody and I hopped in the car to do our usual jaunt to pick out corn and such, and it was toward the end of the season, so there were pumpkins, gourds, and other fun things that would intrigue any kid. Or adult for that matter. And there was much rejoicing and touching and excitment about the fresh produce. A couple of things fell to the ground, and as Cody tried to put the items back in their bins, a very stern looking face and voice met my little then four year-old, and let's just say that it's been a year and he still remembers her reaction.

Fast forward to today. We were driving by that corner where there is no longer a produce stand. We're not sure if they have stopped selling their wares on this particular corner or if they're just not at all...perhaps they'll set up later in the season. However, upon seeing their absence once again, Cody said, "Mama, where is the fresh produce stand? Why aren't they open yet?" I was driving and there was an accident up ahead, so I was slightly distracted and kind of shrugged his question off with a "Hmf, uh, not sure" kind of a reply.

There were several moments of silence, and my sensitive little one said, "Maybe it's because of me. Maybe they closed down the stand because of me."

I turned around to see these two sad little eyes and I literally stopped the car, turned around, grabbed his hand, and said, "Honey, no. No way. You didn't cause that stand to close. If anything, it closed because they weren't always as nice as they should have been to their customers. They should have been thrilled to have such an excited little boy looking at their vegetables! You did nothing wrong, and I don't want you to worry one more second about this! It was not your fault!"

Relief swept over his face and I could see him lighten a little. To think that he's been thinking that all this time.

I share this story for a couple reasons. First, I know most of the people who read this blog are parents of young children. Second, I know most of us do things in our vehicles while we're with our kids that don't always allow for much conversation (the Lord has really convicted me of this through my reading of Peanut Butter and Jelly Boat's recent posts... thank you Sheryl!). For instance, we may be talking on our cell phone, listening to music, or just only half listening to the chatter going on behind us. I had everything off in the van today because there was an accident up ahead and I wanted to concentrate on what was going on. This moment with Cody was significant because as we sat there, in slow traffic, in the silence, a door was opened and my little man shared something that had obviously been on his heart and in his mind for a while now. And I was able to make it better...to share a burden, to lighten his load. And I thought, I really need to turn everything off and be THERE. Yes, I'm always here. But I'm not always THERE. And today, I was reminded that I need to be in the moment. Ready for the next question. PRESENT. AVAILABLE. HERE.

NEWSFLASH!

Topping the Caden Times today:

1. Caden has officially taken his first steps. He is still gaining his confidence, but he has put five or six consecutive steps together in the past week.

2. He is also cutting three molars and a couple of other teeth. Put frustration over trying to walk and pain over cutting molars and you have one cranky kid!

3. He has added more words to his ever-growing vocabulary. I was a little worried that he wasn't going to talk much, but it seems he's starting to blossom in this department over recent days. The starred words are all new within the past week:

• Mama
• Dada
• Ozzie (the dog)
• *Ba-ba (bottle)
• *yeah (he is starting to answer when you ask a question, i.e. "are you hungry?")
• yes
• *bye-bye
• Nanna (or nana, depending on what he's talking about ...the fruit or the grandma!)
• *done
• *down
• *choo-choo
• *please
• thank you
• cat
• Hi
• various animal sounds, the newest being a quacking noise for a duck

4. And finally, last night when I was getting him out of the tub, I asked him to hand me one of the toys, and he actually did! Then he proceeded to help me put them away! I know, it's not like this is earth-shattering news, but following a simple command ranks high on my list of things I want him to accomplish early in his toddlerhood!

And I thank you for reading today's news. : )

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Put on Your Dancin' Shoes

I come from dancin' family. Did I ever tell you that? My mom performed on Broadway, my sisters are both incredibly talented dancers, and actually, my grandparents could really cut a rug. I'd like to think it's in my blood and that my boys will be the recipients of good coordination and rhythm. Cody is already very promising in this department, and the baby spontaneosly begins to move his body and clap his hands when music is playing, so I think he's well on his way too. (And...Jerry's pretty coordinated, so it must be in their blood as well!) I used to do a lot of dancing....all kinds for that matter... but in high school I began to pursue music and my dancing shoes got put away. There are many times I really, really miss it and think I should go take a couple classes at a local studio, but the thing is, I'm really picky about where I'll go, and I'd need time to do my homework and find a good place to study.

But let's move on. That's a different post for a different day. Now where was I?

Oh yes. I got a hot pink ipod for Mother's Day. And I LOVE IT. But I quickly realized that it was senseless to listen to it with a couple of young children present, because I happen to be a little deaf as it is, and I REALLY can't hear what's going on in the house with those wonderful little earbuds in my ears. And I tend to, um...check out, so to speak. Anyhoo...we recently purchased a wonderful little doo-dad that plays the ipod through actual speakers, and it has become essential for all of us. We play music when we cook, when we clean, when we do dishes, or just 'cuz. And we dance (and of course, sing). We dance at the sink, at the stove, and with each other. I know, if you peered into our windows at any given moment, you may think us strange. That's alright. I'm really fine with that!

So back to the not-so-wordless-very-wordy-Wednesday picture. This is Caden and I, a snapshot taken by daddy while dancing to my newest fave, Mr. Michael Buble. Oh my, that man can sing.

I make it a habit of dancing with my boys...starting when they're really little by carrying them and then holding their hands and teaching them a step or two as they grow. Caden loves to be twirled and dipped, and he really seems to enjoy it. Maybe I do it in hopes that they'll make their future wives swoon someday with their groovin' moves. I mean, come on now. Who doesn't love a man that can dance?

So, here we are, dancing together. It looks like an embrace, but trust me, we were DANCIN'. Just look at that face!

Happy 4th, everyone!

Because, really, you can only watch so much television

I think I'm feeling better today. Last night was a rough night for the baby...I suspect he's cutting another molar (the first and last one he cut a couple weeks ago was really rough on him), so I didn't get much sleep. But I think my symptoms are starting to ease up except for a dry, nagging cough that doesn't want to let go. But I AM feeling better, thank goodness. I was starting to really tire of lying around on the couch watching television and actually wishing I could muster up the energy to get some housework and laundry done. Wow. Did I actually just say that???

It's been wonderful having Jerry home this week and last, and he's been such a help with the boys while I've been under the weather. I'm so thankful for a husband who takes such good care of us and makes an effort to spend time with us on his days/weeks off. He took the boys to an outdoor festival on Sunday so that I could get some much needed rest and brought dinner so I didn't have to cook. Yesterday he took them to one of Cody's appointments and while they were gone I actually mustered up the energy to prepare dinner....tacos! Well, wonders never cease. We enjoyed the beatiful weather and ate it on the patio. It had been a while since we'd been able to do that. Afterward, we went for a long walk and let the boys play at the park until just before dark. Besides Cody wiping out a few times on his bike (this seems to be a daily occurence!), it was a wonderful couple of hours, but I was dog-tired by the time we returned home.

I really love summer, especially when we can all spend time together. I hope you all have a great Fourth of July.

Feelin' Punk

A couple nights ago, I started coughing, and the cough turned into the "drip" which then proceeded to move into a cold, and then a fever, with body aches, and the feeling that the only cure for my ailments is to sleep. All day.

It seems an odd time for a cold or flu or whatever this thing is! I'd much rather be cooped up during the winter months than the week of Independence Day when the rest of the world is out having fun!

Okay, enough whining. Thank you for listening. And Happy 4th of July. I'll be hoping to join the rest of America soon.