On the eve of Aug. 20, 2009, the first day of school, we had a small fire in our basement.  It appeared as not much at the time, considering nothing was structurally damaged, but in fact, Bryan's entire studio is ruined and the rest of the house has a thin layer of sticky soot on it.  While the insurance companies battle out the bids with the cleaning companies, our belongings are being boxed up and taken to an off-site cleaning location.  We now have no furniture in our main living space.  Beds, yes; couches, etc., no. 
My classes began on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, and everything was going on at our house.  Bryan had things mostly under control, what control he was able to use.  I figured I could handle five classes, 13 semester hours; no big deal.
Roman began school on Monday, Aug. 31, 2009.  He loves it, though a couple of mornings were rough.  Yesterday was really good; he opened up to his teacher and showed his bubbly personality while they discussed chalkboards and chalk.
This morning, Bryan stated his midsection was not feeling the best, but he did not feel nauseated.  I insisted he phone the on-call nurse and have her help him diagnose the problem.  We could not afford to have him out sick while trying to juggle three kids and my classwork.  She said his symptoms sounded a bit serious; we must go tot he emergency room.  I quickly called our neighbor whose son is in Avery's class; Avery went there before school.  we took Roman to school, and then headed to the ER. 
Bryan was exhibiting classical appendicitis symptoms, so they wanted to do a CT scan and have the surgeon take a look at him.  He had to drink this purple goo (yuck!) and wait for the scan.  As soon as he drank the goo, though, the surgeon said there was no need to do the scan; he definitely needed surgery.  Poor, Bryan!
while this was happening, I was on the phone trying to reach someone to come get Mazie so I could hang out with Bryan in peace.  I was going to move my car so i would not have to pay all day rates.  When I got to my car, I realized I had $1 and a flat tire.  Thankfully, my dear friend Brenda answered her phone and said she would be right over.  One message I left for Jenny was returned; she was actually at the hospitals anyway.  She came right over too.  The three of us tried our best to change the tire, but we needed the help of Strong Chris.  The ladies sent me back inside while they took care of the car and Mazie. 
Now it has been four hours and we are still waiting for the surgery.  A trauma came in just as Bryan was going downstairs, so we are not sure what time the surgery will happen.  It doesn't look like he will be released tomorrow as expected.  I am doing my best to not worry, but I'm not sure what I will do about classes while Bryan is in recovery.  We will be staying at someone else's house because all of our belongings are now in boxes so the floors and walls can be cleaned.  Anyone want to nanny while I'm in class?

Sometimes, video and pictures just do not capture the moments of childhood joys.  This morning I realized that every 6 year old is a director at heart, especially when there are younger siblings available.  Avery and Roman are playing "Superman Saves the Princess."  Avery, wearing her princess dress, directs Roman to perform the prince duties in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.  Roman, wearing his Superman costume, tries his best to be Prince Charming. 

Roman: (running through the house) "Sweeping Booty, Sweeping Booty; I'll save you, Sweeping Booty."
Avery: (sitting on the couch with one slipper on) "Pretend you dropped the slipper.  Roman, drop it!  Good. Now, pretend you said, 'Oh no!'  Roman.  Roman! Say, 'Oh no!'  Ok. Now pretend you put the slipper on my foot.  Not that foot! The one that is in the air!  Nevermind.  Just stand there. (She takes the slipper and puts it on herself.) It fits!" (stands.  sounds of clomping slippers as she leaves the room.)
Roman: (chasing her) "Hooray!"

I think we have a Best Screenplay in the making. :o)