February 24, 2017

I'm still sick in bed.  I woke up feeling like death warmed over.  The only problem was that Austin's birthday party was today.  I dragged myself to the store last night with Julia's help and bought everything I could think of that we might need.  I somehow got the kids out the door and then got back into bed with Lance.  Lance has been so in love with the movie Cars.  He will watch it all day if I let him.  It's come in handy very nicely this week.  So while he watched Cars, I stressed about the party, puttered around here and there to get ready, and rested on my bed in between.  Somehow, by about 1:30, I was showered and dressed and baking a Minecraft Cake.  The kids came home from school and helped a ton.  They were all so excited.  I was expecting Greg to get home early from work so that he could help, but when he came in he just went straight to bed.  He was feverish again!

Austin and the party kids.  If you look closely, Owen is in the middle (arms wide) and he's across from Avree.
 So much fun!

Soon, the doorbell started ringing and for the next hour and a half, I managed a really fun 8-year-old birthday party.  Austin had a great time.  And I was pretty proud of how we pulled it all off.  By the time it was all over, I was exhausted.  As the night wore on, I just kept getting worse and worse.  By bedtime, I felt so miserable.  All I can think is that I was blessed to get up and host Austin's party.  I love him so much, and although I probably should have just cancelled, I couldn't stand to disappoint him.  He was so excited all week long, and the way he ran in the door after school was priceless.  I'm so thankful that it all went well.

Yep, Austin is the tall guy in the center.  Happy Birthday, buddy.  We love you!