Sunday, August 31, 2008

Drama Queen

Annie and Mikenna (Britt's daughter)

The fever has gone and now the rash has come. This virus that has gone one by one through our little family has certainly had more of an effect on me than it did any of my kids. They all got fevers for a few days and then a rash for a day or two after that. But neither of these stopped them from eating, sleeping, playing, or doing. The only one that even complained at all was Ann Marie. 

Annie is my drama queen. She is the last person I want sick in this house because when she is sick I have to practically carry her everywhere and she cries ... no wails most of the time.  All she said when she had this was that she was itchy. She kept scratching her thighs and arms and I could see the rash spread to most of her body.

Now either this has hit me way harder or I need to newly declare myself the biggest drama queen in this house. 

I had the fever and chills and my body ached so badly I couldn't do my normal chores. I had to soak in a hot bath to warm myself everyday and then go to bed early covered in blankets. Then I woke sweating and bare several times a night. That was the fever part. I am done with that part. Yesterday I noticed the rash.

The rash is the same one Annie had. And yes, it is itchy. It isn't too bad though. No, it is just bad enough. Just bad enough to make me grumpy yesterday. Just bad enough to cover my whole body from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head. Just bad enough to make my skin red and hot like it is sunburned. Just bad enough to make me have to think not to scratch because that really hurts. Just bad enough not to let me sleep.

Aye there's the rub. No sleep. Coming off a week of bad sleep, I really need my rest. Last night, that was not happening. I can only count one other time when I was more frustrated by not being able to sleep and that was in the hospital with Camille. I was just so tired last night. Finally at 1 a.m. I got up and went downstairs and watched a movie.

I think I finally got to sleep around 4 a.m. only to be woken by Lauren at 6 something. Then I couldn't go back to sleep because of the insane itching. 

In the hospital with Camille, my sister in law Nikki and sister Lesli each took a night and read scriptures to me to calm me so I could sleep. It worked for about an hour each time. This morning I finally gave up trying to go back to sleep and came downstairs. Annie was awake by this time. I couldn't even open my eyes but I could tell it was her that came to hug my by her height.

She took my hand and let me to the couch. She laid me down and asked if I wanted her to read me some scriptures. I said yes. She opened to Alma 30 and started to read. After ever verse or so she would say, "Mama, now tell me what I just read to you." 

Sometimes I had been conscious enough to remember and could repeat some of the words. Then she would say, "That is good Mama. That is right." Other times I couldn't remember and she would say, "Okay Mama now listen this time as I read it to you again."

She read the entire chapter to me just like that. By the end of it I knew exactly who needed to take me upstairs and put me to sleep. She and her sisters took me upstairs and Sabrina told me a story first. Next was Annie's turn. I was not conscious for the end of it, thankfully. 

I love my gifted little Ann Marie for her ability to read, her vast ability to love, and for ability to put me to sleep.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Steph, I noticed you weren't there in church today. I figured you were still feeling the affects of the virus you had. Rest and feel better.

Carolyn said...

How miserable! Sorry about being sick. It's always terrible when the kids are sick... but then when the momma gets it! That's awful. I love that little-squirt-of-a-minute, Annie! She always makes me smile. She is one smart cookie for sure!

Jennie said...

I hope you get some rest and start feeling better soon. I have been sick the last few days as well. It is hard to be the mama, when all you want to do is be in bed. :) What a sweetheart Annie is.

Shanan said...

Geez - not only her gifted talent to read - but to read the scriptures! That's great! I miss that little girl's wit and love! I know you don't have much control - but I hope you feel better soon!

Angie said...

How sweet of your daughter. How precious.

Heywood Clan said...

That is the sweetest thing ever!! Kids sure have a way of making us feel better. Your daughter is so sweet. HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON!!!

Anderson Family said...

It's funny to me, that we only taught Ann Marie about 8 months, when she was in Sunbeams, but I will remember her forever and she probably didn't remember us from week to week. She is defiantly a spunky little sweetheart!

~Nicole Anderson

janalee said...

Oh, you have beautiful girls :). I'm so glad they got a chance to serve you, and I hope you are feeling less itchy.

Susy said...

I found your post yesterday.I'm touched by your spirit and the love you have for the Lord. I will continue to read your blog and fill up on what the Lord is teaching you and what you are sharing with us, since your sweet Camille has gone on ahead, to light your path.
Thank you for sharing,
Susy

Susy said...

P.S Feel better

A Farmer's Wife said...

What a sweet daughter you have! That is wonderful!!!

Hoskins Family said...

Sorry you are feeling so yucky. You know I know all to well how you are feeling today. Get well soon!

Mrs. Morty said...

How very sweet of your girls to take care of their sick Mama. Hope you feel better soon. Nothing stinks worse than trying to sleep when you itch.

Jones Fam said...

I have read this blog from beginning to end tonight - sometimes going over posts more than once - and my heart truly goes out to you. I don't know you and don't have words to express my sympathy. Your children are beautiful and you sound like such a great mother. After reading your blog and reading the Kunz blog - I immediately went to check on my 15 month old and wept for your loss. I knelt down and prayed for your families and hope each day gets easier for you. I hope one day to have an outlook on life as yours and also to become an active, church member. Thank you so much for sharing your life and I hope to continue reading.
Thank you again,
Kenra Jones

Neener said...

Hope you are feeling better. Girls are really great nurturers aren't they? Thank heaven for little girls. Take care

Becky said...

Hello Stephanie, my name is Becky Orton and I live all the way over in NH. I have been reading your blog for over a month now and have so enjoyed your spirit and the strength of your testimony. As a mother, my heart aches for you. I have four children and my youngest is severely handicapped. We love him more than words could ever express. His life will be shorter than most and that breaks my heart. For now we try to live each day to the fullest with him. I can't imagine my life without him. Thankfully we have the gospel in our lives, it puts everything into perspective for me and I am able to find peace and happiness in my life because of it. Thanks for your shining example. Stop by and visit if you get a minute. Lovingly, Becky

Marie said...

Thank you for your recent reminder to lay with the girls when they ask because they might stop asking someday. I find myself feeling to busy or tired to lay with them and your story has helped me to see once again what is truly important in life. I'm so sorry about your sweet little Camille. Much love.

julie said...

It is so sweet when our children take us under their wing and take care of us for a change. My little Katelyn is that way too. I am so glad that you had your sweet Annie to help you fall back to sleep. I hope you feel better soon!