I don't want to hurt you.

Seeing your children in pain is one of the most difficult things parents have to go through. Instantly you forget about the little things they do to drive you nuts and your heart just breaks for them. 

Brylee had RSV, and viral bronchiolitis when she was 12 days old. Since then she has struggled with her immune system. Any little cold that comes along, she gets it. She has made lots of progress through the years, but her system doesn't even seem to be as strong as her little brother's. 

Brylee has had a cough and cold for a month or so now. Her nose is constantly running. We have to tell her all the time that she can't do certain things or be around other kids because she might get them sick.  A few days ago, after one of these conversations she broke down. She started crying and asking when her nose would stop running. She wanted to know how long she was going to be sick like this. Man, talk about pulling at my heart strings. I felt so bad for her. 

A couple nights ago Brylee had an ear ache. Of course. Luckily we know some tricks and had her pain-free by morning. Well, tonight the ear ache came back, but in the other ear. She woke up crying and in so much pain. We are on vacation and don't have our normal medicine we use to get rid of the ache. We gave her Motrin, but that's not going to fix anything. As I lay in bed with her, trying to calm her, she asked me when these ear aches are going to stop. 

I wish I had an answer.  I know tomorrow will be better, after I can get to the store and get the right medicine. But that doesn't really provide any comfort to a 5 year old right now. 

I told her to squeeze my finger as hard as her ear was hurting. She refused and said she didn't want to hurt me. 

Breaks my heart all over again. What a tough, and loving girl. She knows how much pain she is in and there is no way she wants to inflict that on others. 

I don't always take the time to appreciate how sweet this little girl is. I tend to get caught up on how sassy, and independent she is. But she really is a sweet heart. She just wants people to love her. 

I thought about all this as I cuddled her and tried to soothe her pains tonight. 

I'm such a lucky mom to have such a great little girl. 

I'm so grateful she was finally able to fall back to sleep.  I pray she can sleep well and feel better in the morning.  I pray her little body will continue to get stronger and better at fighting off these darn cold bugs. 

I hope I can be better about enjoying each day with her. 

I love you Brylee!  

Hobo

At school each week Dallin has the assignment of writing a letter to a member of the family.  This week he wrote to me.  In honor of Thanksgiving he took on a thankful theme for the letter.  It read as follows:

Dear Mom,
      I am thankful for are family Because if I did not have a family I wud not be here I am thankful for are family.  I am thankful for are home Because we if we did not we wud be a hoBo and I am not a hobo.

                                                                                         Love,
                                                                                               Dallin


I also am thankful for my family, and our home.  And spell check.  Poor kid.
Dallin seems to be 'coming into his own.'  He is starting to take interest in more things, not just the little kid stuff anymore.  He is really excelling in math, and actually enjoys practicing his times tables.  With Brian in school we haven't been able to do many sports or extracurricular activities, but Dallin is really excited to give football another try next year and maybe even branch out to something new.
He can be an AMAZING helper around the house, when he wants to be.  He is a good, hard worker, and is pretty dependable.  He is setting a great example for his younger siblings.
So, in short, I am thankful for my not-so-little-anymore, Dallin.  We can't believe he will be turning 9 in a few short months!  Where did the time go?

Here's to you Dallin!  Love ya, buddy!

I wasn't planning a whole tribute with pictures devoted to this big guy, I just got a little carried away.  

Oh well, he's worth it!