Remember How I Used to Put Sand in Erin's Hair So I Could Pick It Out?

That practice has come in handy this week. I know people don't usually brag about this kind of stuff. In fact, I'm pretty sure they try to be somewhat discreet. But I've never been very good at hiding things so I'll just come right out and say that I am getting to be a darn good little nit picker. Literally. Yes, I've finally had my first exposure to head lice! (Not on me - I would probably be more discreet about that!).

Lyndsi came home Saturday evening scratching, scratching, scratching. You might recall that she was spending Friday night at her preschool. Anyway, she went home with Reily and Reily's dad on Saturday and spent the day at the lake fishing. When I saw her scratching, I assumed she'd been in the tall weeds and probably got some little things in her hair. I looked and found what I thought was an innocent creature of nature. Not noticing anything peculiar (like dozens of tiny spots in her hair!) or any more friendly critters, I put her to bed.

We spent much of Sunday outside again and yes, I noticed more scratching but, knowing I'd plop Lyndsi in the tub that evening, I ignored it. Now, being a teacher, the thought of head lice is always in the back of my mind, especially when I see my children scratching their heads. This time, however, I didn't feel the need to search too thoroughly (don't ask me why).

Sooo, Monday morning rolls around and when I went in to wake Lyndsi, the first thing she did was roll over and tell me her head was "really itchy". For some reason that got my attention! I did a quick little check and found what I thought could have been an egg. As I was inspecting that, I noticed another one of those "innocent creatures of nature". I caught him and yelled for Steve, who calmly said, "I'll go make sub plans."

I know this sounds crazy but I was feeling like I might actually WANT to stay home and find all those nasty little critters! I did, however, come to my senses and, while I was jealous of Steve being able to be the nit picker of the day, I was relieved to not have to do the cleaning that comes with having a case of lice in the home.

Steve has truly been the hero in all this. He took Lyndsi to Wal-Mart where they purchased lice shampoo, bedding spray and combs, brought her home, spent several hours going through her hair (pulling out quite a collection of bugs!), and then took her to lunch at McDonalds! He also washed all the bedding and remade the beds. He's the greatest dad!

When Dylan and I got home that afternoon, we had our turns with Lyndsi's head. Steve gave us both lessons in the easiest way to capture those elusive insects. Dylan loved using the tweezers to catch them and then freezing the lice in a cup of water. Hmm..not sure that I like a cup full of bugs in my freezer. I was, however, very proud of his "picking" ability. I think I may have passed that gene on to him - hee, hee!

While it sounds a bit like I'm bragging about Lyndsi's critter encounters, I am also happy to report that the rest of us are bug free! Trust me, I've checked!

THE SLEEPOVER WAS A SUCCESS!

Lyndsi had a great time at her preschool sleepover on Friday night. (Yes, I did call the teachers to let them know about our bugs!) Apparently, Lyndsi fell asleep quite easily but was then woken up by another child's snoring. She immediately wanted to go home but was comforted by Teacher Julie who read books to her for over an hour! Lyndsi and Reily woke up before 6 the next morning so those poor teachers got ver little sleep! Lyndsi tells me they got dressed and then went outside to play. She came home with lots of smiles and a bug hotel (kind of fitting, don't you think?) they had made out of an oatmeal container.

I am still in awe that the 3 ladies would donate their Friday nights for the benefit of 18 preschoolers! Gotta love them!

BLOOMSDAY!

Lyndsi and I are off to Spokane tomorrow after the soccer games. Lyndsi is staying with Grandma Linda while my friend Julia and I hit the streets for Bloomsday. I'd add the link here, but remember, I don't know how! I've done this race for over 20 years, most of them with my friend Denise, who I'm hoping to meet up with again this year. Julia joined me about 4 years ago and now she's hooked, too! The weather is supposed to be good so the walk will be fun. I'll let you know on Sunday night!