Random thoughts

Thankfully over the weekend, Justin's cough has gotten much better. He still coughs a little, but it is not nearly as frequent or as violent as it was. As long as he doesn't regress on his cold like I have been, we can say that he is on the mend. For the past three weeks, I have gotten a sore throat and then it goes away. I get all congested and it goes away. As soon as I think I am doing better, I get another symptom.

We had our Sunday family dinner yesterday. We have now been doing this for a year. I can't speak for any of my other siblings, but I think that this has definitely been a good thing. Darren loves to play with his "buddy" Jenna, and they probably get along the best of all the cousins. I have gotten to know Julia better, and she doesn't get scared when we talk to her anymore. That has been a combination of seeing her more frequently and her coming out of her shell.

We also drew gift exchange names yesterday for Christmas! At first I thought that was awfully early, but then I remembered that I will get my Christmas Club money in about two weeks, so I guess it isn't too early! I think the boys, at least the older two, are going to be getting big ticket items so there won't be much else for them when it comes time to open gifts.

Nathan's gums have been inflamed. His appetite has also been off. Not sure what is going on with him. I will just have to keep an eye on him.

Darren came into our room this morning as I was getting in the shower. I could hear Justin fussing over the monitor and I imagine that is what woke Darren up. Instead of going back to sleep, he was up and helping me get ready this morning. He is so helpful that it takes twice as long to get ready in the morning.