So after my sojourn in 7th grade, I brought the germs home to prove it and I've been sick for days. Crummy way to start my "I can't believe I've got so much to do Thanksgiving/Christmas/South Africa trip panic" So the kids, wonderful children that they are agreed to help me get the house cleaned for company. I think they were just feeling sorry for me because I look really bad and sound worse. That's okay, I'll take what I can get:)

My brother and his family are coming in town today! I haven't seen him in a year, and his family in two. I can't wait! Another reason the kids are so willing to help me out, I think they plan on disappearing with the cousins for the next four days and hope my good feelings about them helping lasts long enough that I won't notice they are gone.