4 Suitcases

The mess is enormous. Between the clean laundry on the table and the 4 open suitcases at my feet, not to mention scattered Legos and a few pieces from a newly acquired western town set on the floor, life is a little messy.

Bruce and the kids are headed to camp Monday morning, but before they leave, I leave for Georgia to be with my stepdad who has just had hip replacement surgery. I'm driving with a friend who will keep me company and awake as we drive into ATL around 1am Monday morning.

So, that being said, I'm trying to get everyone packed up so that Bruce, bless his heart, won't be responsible for any of the wardrobe choices. He has good intentions...truly he does. But somewhere between orange and fuchsia, the lines of color get blurred and some of his color combinations resemble more cartoonish flavorings than what I like my kids to be wearing. Besides, he has enough responsibilities to take care of today.....getting the car ready for me, buying snacks for the trip, getting the ice chest ready, loading the cars up....

Does anybody else feel like they're moving everytime they go out of town????

Spring Break Lessons

There were a few lessons that I learned on my first long trip with the kids by myself:

1. How much longer? and are we there yet? sound much better if you (the mom) have earplugs in your ears. This lesson was learned on this trip and will be experienced on the next one.

2. There comes an age when little boys don't want to go into the girls bathroom anymore. I'm guessing the age to be 6. Since that is the age of Tucker and he reminded me very loudly that HE was not a GIRL every time we stopped!

3. All Christian radio stations in the deep south do their Share-a-thons during spring break. Louisiana and Mississippi really need your help to keep Christian radio going....I had listened for so long I almost called in and committed money myself!

4. When the gauges on your car look a little wonky...it's nice to have a phone so you can send your husband a picture and he can forward it to the man who really knows how to fix your car.

notice left gauge....something ain't quite right...even I know that!

5. Sometimes mechanics are nice....especially the one in Brandon, Mississippi at the Buick/GMC dealership.

6. When a car catches on fire five cars ahead of you, it's going to be a hot, smelly, long delay....especially when the last exit was 14 miles back.

7. Douglasville, GA needs better traffic flow. I do not recommend stopping in their city to use the restroom (super gross) or get a drink. It took us 40 minutes to get back on the road because of crazy traffic.

8. I do not know how to use my defrost properly and should learn to do this before my next long trip. However, I knew there was a reason I had the kids pack their blankets. Sure came in handy when trying to wipe off the inside of the windows.

9. There are some times when jumping on the bed should be mandatory...like after 7 hours in the car.

10. Did you know that if your hotel key card and your cell phone are too close together in your purse that the security strip on the back can deactivate? I didn't know that either. Until I tried to reenter my room and had some...technical difficulties.

Good luck on your next trip!

This Time...

This time next week I will have driven halfway to GA and back to meet my mom and step dad and handed over my kids to be spoiled rotten for 13 days while Bruce and I are in Peru. This will be their first trip to ATL without us and pretty much their first time away from us for any extended period of time. I'm pretty sure they are way more excited about this than I am.

This time next week I will have cleaned my house so that I will not be totally embarrassed when aforementioned grandparents bring my children back from GA and arrive back at my house 2 days before I actually do. While I am super excited that I do not have to drive the 12 hours to ATL to get them, I am not as excited about cleaning my house.

This time next week I will have packed my clothes, flip flops, converse, flashlight, meds, sunglasses, Bible, passport, camera, and the various other 200 items that cannot weight over 50 pounds in my suitcase...and chances are I will have done 100% of Bruce's packing too....cause I'm a good wife like that ;)....and I want to be sure that his clothes match.

This time next week I will have made a lengthy list of contact numbers, social security numbers, life insurance policy numbers, dr. office numbers and every other number that might in some way make my mother feel more comfortable as she cares for my kids.

This time next week I will be almost ready to turn my iphone off because as "smart" as it is, it hasn't found a way to allow me to use it without costing me as arm and a leg while I am in Peru.

This time next week I will be eating my last of American food.....maybe.....I hear there's a Pizza Hut in Lima....and we all know how I love me some Pizza Hut.

This time next week I will be ready to see my friends. To hug the neck of a sister in ministry. To hear of the ups and downs and the ins and outs of their new ministry. To hear vision and dreams for a city. To experience traffic like I've never seen. To ride in a double decker bus. To visit places I've only thought of and prayed for. To love on some people, to encourage, to spend time with my church family. To eat food that I can't pronounce. To get motion sick, to drive through the Andes Mountains, to see the jungle, to take a cold shower, to have no airconditioning.

....and I can't wait!

But in all the planning and preparing it's all for nothing if my heart goes unprepared. I've really been thinking about what God wants me to "get" from this trip. What does He want me to see, to hear, to experience that will change me. I don't believe He gives opportunity without giving us the chance to be changed. This is true everyday....not just on a mission trip or at youth camp, but everyday is an amazing opportunity for Him to do His glorious work in our lives.

So maybe, just maybe, this trip should be like every other day...only in a different country, with people who don't speak the same language as me, where things are different and strange and beautiful. What if I lived every day like something glorious would change me? Because it can. The place you are in ....your location... doesn't dictate how God can use you. He's capable of using a jailer, a murderer, a thief, a tax collector. Certainly if He wants to use a willing subject in Texas He can. But am I surrendered to that opportunity to be gloriously changed while I am caring for my family, taking kids to tennis and piano, buying groceries, attending my local church? Am I willing? Somehow we've adopted some stinkin' thinkin' that says, "God doesn't work out His glorious plan in my little ol' insignificant town in small town USA." But that's exactly what He does when we are willing. Just think if we all asked Him to.....what would happen? How would we be changed? How would things be different? What kind of impact would that make in our world?

If you're still reading after all that...please know that I realize that I got off on a rabbit trail there....but these are just the thoughts that are floating around in my head. I've thought about erasing them and just decided that maybe some mom, wife, teacher, secretary or who knows who else reads this blog, might need to know that whether or not they ever go to a foreign country or not, whether they feel like they are making a difference where they are that HE can and wants to do something beautiful right where you are!

Turned Around

I love how men (in general) characterize getting lost....they're turned around....took a wrong turn...getting their bearings (not even sure what a bearing is...) but they are NEVER lost. 

Such was the case around 8:30pm, March 11, 2011, as the family made the trip thru Memphis, TN. Now there is just about nothing in TN that I don't like....good BBQ, great tourism, the Smokey Mtns, the weather, I was born there...and so much more. BUT if I had to say one thing I hate about TN it would be the Memphis traffic and lack of signs for the interstate that we always seem to need. Soooo...once again, we found ourselves lost and in the middle of the part of town where they film COPS (only kidding...sort of). Pretty scary. 

So after wandering the streets for about 15 minutes we stopped and thought we'd ask some locals how to get to our sought after road. The looks on their faces were blank...like we spoke a different language...like they had never heard of anyone wanting directions OUT of Memphis before. 

Thank the Lord for the iphone that got us the heck out of Memphis.

Note to self....find an alternate route next time!

But like many things on this trip. God used our little Memphis excursion to remind me that when I follow the GPS of HIS WORD I will never find myself in a town I don't know or a place I need to be afraid of. He's driving this life and as long as I don't become the backseat driver, then I'm in the best hands ever. No worries about misunderstanding directions or not seeing road signs. He's got it covered. That's good news!!!

First things First

God blessed my heart so much on our trip to GA. I took some time away from the blog to really soak in all the different experiences that we had and now, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the next 10 years...ok...maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean.

The next few days will be spent recapping some of the things that happened on the trip...and how God used each one to speak to me. It's funny, I guess I just take for granted that He speaks to me through life...does anybody else feel like you can hear so much from God through everyday, ordinary events? That's how I feel. His Word become more alive to me when I am thinking about it as I do dishes or laundry. His wisdom becomes real to me when I think about it as I contemplate things as simple as grocery shopping or as complex of purchasing a major appliance. During my trip I took so many pictures of things that God used to speak to me....so I am warning you...there will be lots of pictures in the coming days!

The first thing that God used to speak to me during this trip happened before I even left. I tend to get a little stressed out when packing and preparing for trips...not because that part is particularly stressful...but because in my house the packing and preparing are usually left up to me. That means that not only the packing....but the doing the LAUNDRY is completely my responsibility. Now...please don't get me wrong...this is MY choice. Bruce would willingly help, except that after a few loads of pink laundry and shrunken (is that a word?) clothing, he's been dismissed from laundry duty. Ok..back to the point. Usually by the time we leave I am completely wiped out, grumpy. But, this time was different....

My kids have been incredibly sick this winter with upper respiratory stuff. Most of the time the in laws have watched them when they've missed school, but last week I was feeling the nudge from God to stay home with Savannah instead of calling in back-up. So, I took a day off and spent time helping her feel better...and doing laundry and packing. See...God gave me some extra hours that are normally spent at school and for once...I managed to see the opportunity placed before me. In just a matter of a few hours we were all packed and suitcases were stacked at the door. This enabled my last night at home to actually be spent fellowshipping with the gals from church at our scrapbook/craft night....which was way more relaxing and enjoyable than packing and preparing for our trip. God has a way of taking something bad and working it into something beautiful.

So by the time we left for our trip...I wasn't in my usually state of lunacy and my family was super grateful! See...God's concerned about the little things as well as the big. He wants to equip us to handle things with more grace...but sometimes we don't look at all our options. I'm thankful for once that I listened to His nudge...His way of escape....and acted in obedience. I can't always say that I do that so I'm rejoicing...that for once....I took care of first things first.

5 Simple Rules

Dear Children,

On Friday we will be leaving to go see Jojo and Pops. It's going to be a long trip - nearly 800 miles. So here are a few things that might help the trip go smoothly. Feel free to use them.

1. Go to the bathroom at every stop your father makes. Goodness knows he won't be stopping any extra so save yourself and your bladder the pain of needing to "go" and take advantage of every.single.stop.

2. Stay on your side of the car. I know at the beginning you will think you want to sit right next to each other...but before long someone will start complaining about the other one breathing his/her air, or touching them, or looking at them...do us all a favor and stay on your side.

3. It will take us 14 hours to get there. So until we are at hour 13 please do not ask, "Are we there yet?", "How much further?" or any alteration of these phrases. Thank you.

4. You can help pass the time by reading, watching videos, listening to music, playing the license plate game, the count the road kill game...but please....do not read the billboards in Louisiana. There are things that happen there that only they should know about.

5. Remember just because you play your music loud in your headphones, doesn't mean you have to sing loud too. Dad and I have heard just about all we can stand of the Jonas Brothers, PureNRG, Imagination Movers and Handy Manny. We're good just to ride in the complete silence the car affords us.

And remember....we're just as anxious as you to get there!!!

You Can Always Go Home

I'm headed to Georgia for a week with my mom, bro, sil, sis and about 20 or so extended family members, who will be stopping by on Saturday on their way back to....TEXAS! I know...weird that I have to travel 700 miles east to see my aunt and her family who only live 2 hours from me....but that's how we roll.

I am looking forward to this trip home. I will miss Bruce, who will be roughing it at junior/junior high camp, but he will be so busy he will barely notice that we aren't there:)

Here's a list of my favorite things about going home:

1. Mom

2. The rest of the family...who I dearly love...but they aren't...MOM!

3. The awesome mattress on the bed in the guest room...heavenly.

4. My sister's cooking

5. My sil's homemade pimento cheese...totally the best in the world

6. My brother who chauffeurs us to Krispy Kreme donuts (I am seeing a food pattern here!)

7. The garden at mom's house



8. Early morning chats with mom and late night stories with my brother

9. Going to Discover Mills Mall with Amy

10. Noah's Ark Animal Refuge

Like 1995?

This weekend we are in Houston, Texas. A quick trip to Cypress Creek Baptist Church where Bruce will be preaching tomorrow for our dear friend "Grandpa Bill". There aren't too many men in the world that I would allow my kids to call "grandpa" since that title always seemed like it was ripped from my dad (he passed away when I was 18) so, when I had kids and they met Bill it just seemed right that they call him that. He's got that personality of a grandpa. Silly, a little goofy, kind, thoughtful, generous. He's done quite a few really special things for me through the years. He was the one who introduced me to The Message...long before others were using it and inscribe something very beautiful on the inside cover. He also gifted Savannah with her first calculator at the age of 2. I guess he has high hopes that she will become a CPA...much like himself before he entered the ministry. So, when we had the chance to come help out this weekend...we took it...after all...he and Joyce are like family.

Anyway, we are snuggled in at the hotel...but not without a few really funny incidents to share from our trip.

1. As we passed through Huntsville today we wanted Savannah to see the Sam Houston statue that towers the trees on Interstate 45. She was thoroughly impressed. We told her a little about Sam Houston and I concluded that he had lived a LONG time ago....her response "Like 1995?"....yeah...something like that!

2. Tucker is potty trained...mostly...but he doesn't really care for big boy underwear which is causing some problems. Also, when he needs to go to the bathroom, he completely undresses himself. I'm wondering how the nursery workers will handle this tomorrow. When I talked to him a little bit about this tonight...explaining that he might not want to take all his clothes off in front of strangers his response "I not mind...it's ok."

Happily living in the moment! Hope you are too.

Hungry...for Gray's Papaya...NYC

A friend of ours has been in NYC this week on business. When I heard he was going I told him he HAD to eat at Gray's Papaya Hotdog Stand.

Gray's has been in the background of more than a few movies. Seems you can't see a movie about NYC streets and not see the Gray's sign.

Here's what Wikipedia says about Gray's:

Gray's Papaya is a hot dog restaurant with four locations on the West Side of Manhattan, open 24 hours a day year-round. The four locations of Gray's Papaya in Manhattan are: 539 Eighth Avenue at 37th Street, 402 Sixth Avenue at 8th Street, 2090Broadway at 72nd Street, and their flagship location 116 Waverly Place where founder and owner Damien Reilley started the hot dog empire. Somewhere between a street vendor and a fast food restaurant, Gray's Papaya is famous for its very inexpensive, high-quality hot dogs. The "papaya" in the name refers to the fruit drinks sold at the establishment, which include orange, grape, piña colada, coconut champagne (non-alcoholic), and banana daiquiri (non-alcoholic) in addition to papaya. As of October 2008, the "Recession Special", (2 hot dogs and a drink) is US$4.45 instead of the previous cost of US$3.50 [1] and a single hot dog is US$1.50, with tax included.

Since I mentioned it, I have been craving one of these dogs. I mean seriously craving!!! Sure hope he made it there, then at least he can tell me about it!

Ever in NYC? Eat at Grays!....and then tell me about it!

My Mom- The Motorcycle Hottie

My mom is in Florida visiting her sister and brother in law. This is how she is spending her time. Interesting that I don't really remember her ever being overly fond of motorcycles when I was a kid. She's one hot momma!

Mary Mary

I'm sitting in a hotel room in Iowa this morning, enjoying being snowed in and the warmth of the covers on my skin. Searching for a worship service on television has resulted in nothing but, I did come across this worship video. The words are beautiful and the graphics fully represent the song. I hope you enjoy it too.

Shopping...

Today was an excrutiatingly painful day. Shopping...which is normally a very fun adventure- became a chore. A few questions for the fashion industry;

1. Why do you assume that because someone is a little on the fluffy side that they are also 7 feet tall. I searched 6 hours for a pair of brown pants and still...no brown pants.

2. Why would a girl who is (again) on the fluffy side, want to wear horizonal stripes on any part of her body?

3. Why do stores not sell leggings or footless tights in fluffy sizes if they are going to sell short dresses. I dare say...no one wants to see "that" if I need to bend over.

4. When did fluffy women stop wearing colors other than black and brown?

5. Burmuda, capri, cropped, bootcut, straightleg, flared? Decisions...decisions...decisions.

6. Why do stores not sell fluffy sized work out clothes? After all...isn't that the type person that needs to be exercizing?

7. Do fluffy girls really need padding in any type of undergarment?

8. Why do I want a purse that can hold 2/3 of the food in my refrigerator when I already have a tough time keeping up with my keys and phone?

9. Why were there shoulderpads in the jacket I tried on today? Do the early 90's not bring back horrid fashion memories for anyone but me?

Just overwhelmed by the large task of trying to pack for a 7 day trip out of town...with money to spend on clothing- so that I can look like a professional instead of a sweat pant wearing, slipper donning, koolaid stained SAHM!...oh well I am what I am!

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Well, if anybody from Bible Study is still reading this blog after Tuesday lesson on laziness...it will be a miracle! I know the lesson was hard to swallow....I was preaching to myself...I know! I would have liked to have left out about half of what I shared so I would feel better about my present condition...but that would have been devastatingly wrong. So you got it all...the good, bad and ugly!
The lesson next Tuesday night is going to be about relationships....family, friends and neighbors. So, your first assignment....make a list using 3 columns and list the names of the people who will fall into each of these categories. This way you will know exactly who it is we are relating to. Why not take a few moments to say a prayer for each group. I don't think they would mind. We will be looking at husbands, wives, children, parents, friends, enemies, neighbors....
Have a great 4Th of July. We are heading out of town for Lacey and Philips wedding back in Beaumont. Savannah is the flower girl and Bruce is performing the ceremony. I will be away from the blog until Sunday evening! See you then!

An Economic Quartet

The Rich, The Poor, The Beggar, The Thief....an odd mix....yet over and over in the book of Proverbs they are used as examples. So, we need to have a good idea of what each of them really are. Today, look in your concordance and see if you can find verses that help you understand better what these type of people might be like. If you have trouble, go to the dictionary and see how today's scholars define each one. This will be valuable information for you for next week's discussion. Bring your notes if you do this assignment!

On other news....we have booked our vacation to Tennessee for November. I personally can't wait! We will be taking full advantage of the cool weather...and yes...even Christmas festivities in Dollywood (yes...we are redneckin' it!!!!). It's been years since we've been through Gatlinburg and we loved it then...so we are happy to be able to go back to the Smokies.