Planning

I read today that if there is a confirmed swine flu case within a school that the recommendation is to temporarily shut the school down. I shouldn't wish for this. But all day today I was thinking of how much fun we could have. I'm sure I would get tired of it, but if we were home bound , truly homebound, not able to leave for an extended period of time, what would we do? That has consumed me. I've come up with schedules (which is a little crazy if not hormonal). We would swim a lot. Make lots of bread. I should probably go buy some fabric so we can have quilting projects. (Should that be part of a year supply? I probably should finish my un-finished first). I wish we could have chickens and a cow (but please, no pig). Wouldn't it be fun to be self-sustaining? I don't think a garden works well in the summer here, but we could start seedlings indoors come fall. Doesn't this sound great? I could teach Rachel piano. Lindsey and Kimmer could excel on their own. We have lots of black and pinto beans and rice. We'd save a lot of money! Maybe I should do a little more shopping. I'll make a list.

Sweetest Little Lady

Gracie has taken it upon herself to be the greatest little friend to baby Jane. She is often the first to respond to her cries--pats her back and tummy with the real intent to calm her. If that fails, she tries to pick her up and hold her--Janie is yet to appreciate this, but the thought is beautiful. When Gracie walks away she reassures her that she'll be right back. She whispers in her ear that she loves her. She's even asked me how Janie was doing with eating, wanting to make sure this whole nursing process is successful. She asks where Janie is if she doesn't already know. I'm not kidding, she is the greatest sister.

This is a picture of Gracie who was helping Jane take a nap, not intending to nap herself. She was just there to put the passie back in her mouth when it would fall out and Janie would cry. She would replace it and pat her tummy until she calmed down. Then lie right next to her until eventually they both fell asleep. I had to take the picture, it was such a sweet moment.

Gracie is willing to sleep in the pink room if Jane is in the crib, which she isn't yet, but the eventuality has her willing to be in that room. (This has been a big issue, before Jane was born she insisted on sleeping with one of the girls). There have been nights where Gracie has joined us in bed (making four) and once I awoke to Gracie's arm under Jane's neck and her other arm over her. It's so sweet (even if dangerous--it's only happened once)!

When I have "just me and Gracie" time, Gracie always prefers that Jane join us and asks why she can't come. Jane has no idea how good she has it. And I now have this post to remind Gracie how much she loves her baby sister!