I'm sitting here at the computer eating cashews. There is no chocolate left in the house - how sick is that?! Oh well. Deren was looking at my bulging waistline last night - sans pregnancy - so I guess I need to be better about what I eat.

We didn't make it to the specialist yesterday. When I called and told them 2 of the kids have the rotavirus, they (nicely) asked me to stay away. Abby sees Dr. Rao (the allergy/immunology specialist) on Feb 9th. The rest of the kids see him on Feb 20th.

Jacob has been home from school the past 2 days. He has been coughing really bad, has flushed cheeks, and little to no appetite. My first thought was 'oh crap' (no pun intended ) - another w/the rotavirus. After a day or two, however, it looks like a cold. Joshua is also coming down with it, so I'll have 2 with a stomach virus and 2 with a cold.

Got a call from an OT at ECI yesterday. She is coming this Friday afternoon to evaluation Abigail's gross motor delay and determine whether Abby qualifies from services. I had to cancel Abby's appointments with the private OT last week and this week because of her bug. Next Thursday is Abby's appt with the neurologist (AND Deren's Birthday!). Please keep both Deren and Abby in your thoughts next Thursday. Let's hope for a happy Groundhog Day!

The city increased our water rates this past month. What with the drought and warm weather, we are having to water the lawn more than we usually do this time of year. Our bill last month was over $96! If I didn't have so much to pray about already, I would add rain to it!

On the knitting front: I am still working on a poncho for Rachael. It is becoming less and less likely it will be done before the spring, so maybe for next fall.

Deren's Aunt Jennifer sent us a nice note, as well as a chicken recipe. Here it is. I'm trying it tomorrow.

Grilled Chicken with Herbs & Garlic

1 clove garlic minced
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp. rosemary
1/4 tsp. oregano
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts (I usually pound them to flatten them
uniformly)

Combine in bowl all ingredients except chicken. Add chicken breasts and mix
with marinade. Grill or broil immediately on lightly greased grill about 7
minutes per side. (Can also cover and let stand at room temperature for half
an hour or refrigerate up to 3 hours.) This also is delicious served cold in
a green salad.