Bird, Bird, Bird is the word.

One Sunday morning, a few weeks ago, the whole house was quiet.

Eli was at a sleepover. Annie was at a sleepover. Michelle was asleep. Dave was in bed (he had just had surgery).

Emma, Tripp and I were playing. Well, not really. I was cleaning and they were goofing off.

Like this.

See my big purse covering half of Tripp's body? That is a whole

'nother post in itself.

Emma the super model.

(I did not take these pictures. They took them of each other)

Sorry, I got off topic. Anyways, the little kids were goofing off, I was cleaning and all of a sudden I heard Emma squeal, "MOMMA~ A BIRD!!!!"

And so I said, "Yes, Emma. Pretty birds outside, cause it is gonna be like 60 degrees today."

And Tripp screamed, "BIRD~!"

"Let's shoot him!"

And Emma yelled, "BIRD IN THE HOUSE!"

So I wondered, "How could there be a bird in the house?" And then I thought, "Maybe a tiny bird in the house?"

I ran into the kitchen, peeped out the new opening where the kitchen window had been, and this is what I saw.

A BIG BLACK BIRD.

Like one outta the horror movies.

Big Black Bird was so scared that he was panting. He would try to get out, he would hit the wall, I would scream, the kids would scream. We all screamed.

He would fly back to his "perch" and pant some more.

We screamed some more.

I don't have any more pictures of how we freed Bird because
1. I was on the phone with my mother in law who ended up solving my dilemma
and
2. I can't concentrate on talking on the phone, scream, and take pictures at the same time.

After she encouraged Emma and Tripp to chase the bird while FLAPPING THEIR ARMS and screaming, she told me to go open the door.

Oh.

So I did.

Then, I out the door and opened the other side door, giving Big Black Bird two exits.

Finally, BBB missed the wall and flew out the door.


But he left us with a gift.

The flu and snow.

It has been a strange week. On Saturday, Eli was coughing and he complained minimally. Then, on Sunday night, Michelle started talking of a headache. Soon after, she was in tears. They both missed school on Monday. After a five p.m. doctors appointment, they were diagnosed with type A FLU.

So, today is Wednesday and we got out of school early because of the incoming snow. Horray for snow! I get to stay home tomorrow and get caught up on some housework/homework.

The kids are better. Everyone in the house is on Tamiflu. Next up is preparations for a sweet 16 party on Saturday night. Michelle and I picked up her dress late this afternoon. We will get Eli's outfit tomorrow.

Quite Possibly, The Longest Week EVER.

What a long week! I was so busy, I don't remember where I was a couple of times.

The house construction is closing up today. Steve, our building guy and friend, has blown us away this past week and turned my carport into a super room. Just last night, the best electrician EVER stayed until 11 pm and installed all my lighting. And I am so happy to report that it all matches! So, this week, the room was sheet rocked in, putty stuff was put on, sanded, painted, new floors were put down, and pretty lights were put up. After today, all we will be waiting for is furniture.

I took progress pictures every day. I can't wait to show them.

School was finally a full week. So following school, I had my first faculty meeting. I also had meetings for the girls. Then Dave and I had a 2 1/2 hour adoption counseling session. That was awesome. *(sarcasm)* Most nights, we were not home until late - 7 p.m. or after. Combine that with a house that is a construction disaster.... :)

Today, Annie is getting a dog. She is so happy. His name is Peyton. That makes me happy.

Sickness has also been in the house this week. Mallie has had the flu. Emma has a sinus/ear infection. Eli has some sort of upper respiratory crud. Dave is recovering from his shoulder surgery (awesomely, might I add).

I thought we were supposed to get some snow. We probably will not get any more just because I want some time in the house with the kids.

Today - clean, clean, clean. Dog to the vet for shots. Another Prom dress shopping trip in the P.M. and a Tennessee Tech basketball game.