Wild Adventures--Parts 1, 2, and 3

I love 3 part stories, 3 books in a series, etc. So, here' my 3 parter....

We have season passes to Wild Adventures. (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa.)

Wild Adventures: Part 1

Now, with multiple furlough days for Stan and me, the family is on a tighter budget. This year for our spring break, we headed to Wild Adventures twice, since the passes were already paid for. (You'll have to keep reading to see why this story has 3 parts.)

We first headed to Wild Adventures on Tuesday with 2 other moms and their precious children, all adopted from China. We were quite the sight, I'm certain, a blonde, a read-head, and a use-to-be-blonde traveling with seven dark haired, dark eyed children.

We had tons of fun and wild adventures with our friends. The petting zoo was a big hit with the kids, especially since it's spring, and there were lots of baby animals.




One Ellie-ism of the day, after being asked to smile for a photo, "I'm driving here....."



We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed sharing food with one another. Thanks for the snow peas, Vicki! After WA, I bought the kids ice cream. So, for that trip, I spent a whopping $5.00!!

Wild Adventures: Part 2

Since Stan works some weekends at the prison, he has some weekdays off. He didn't have to work today, so we headed back to Wild Adventures. (I suggested the beach, but the girls wanted Wild Adventures. And, since I had to give up my Mother of Year crown last week after making Ellie walk to the bus and later learning she had a fever, I decided I had better do something to earn it back.)

We had a beautiful day---much cooler than Tuesday when the highs were in the 80's. While we had tons of fun with our friends, it was another nice day. Today, Stan and I could take turns riding with the girls. I don't do spins, but Daddy will spin. ( I could spin, but the remainder of the day would be spent trying to stop spinning.)


Josie-Tatum has become quite the thrill seeker, so Stan and I could trade-off kids. He'd seek thrills with JT, while I laid back with Ellie on the mild rides, and then we'd swap girls.




Wild Adventure: Part 3

It was one of those moments when each parent was in a different place that our 3rd wild adventure began. Josie-Tatum and I had already ridden Swamp Thing. She wanted to ride again, so her daddy was taking his turn thrill-seeking.

Ellie and I had ridden the mild Ant Farm Express and were getting ready to exit the carousel when I heard my phone ring. Interestingly, I heard it ringing above the sounds and music on the ride. I took the phone from my pocket, didn't recognize the number, had multiple split-second thoughts, and finally just answered it.

One, "Hey," was all it took. It was CALEB!!!!!

Good News: He is no longer a seaman recruit. He is a seaman!!!! He completed Battle Stations and received his cap this morning. He'd been up over 48 hours, but he sounded so strong. We are so proud.

The ADVENTURE begins....

When Caleb called last, Stan was at work, and they were not able to talk to each other. I didn't want that to happen again, so I told Caleb, "I think I can find your daddy."

While talking to Caleb all the way, I somehow managed to get Ellie off her horse and put her in her stroller. I strolled with one hand on the handles and one hand on the phone. I pushed past people without pushing them over.

We approached Swamp Thing.

I slowed down.

I pushed along peering under the shelter over the queues, hoping the see Stan and Josie-Tatum.

I spotted them at the front of the line.

I left Ellie at the bottom of the ramp. (Oops, there goes that crown, again.)

I pushed past people in line, all the while saying, "I'm not trying to break in line really."

"Stan!!"

"Excuse me, I'm really not trying to break in line."

"Stan! Stan, it's Caleb!"

"I'm sorry."

"Stan!!!!!!!!!!!!! Caleb is on the phone!!!!!!!!"

Finally, he heard me.

I passed the phone to Stan, and then decided I better go back and get Ellie. As I passed those same people, I said, "Our son just finished Basic Training." I heard one lady repeat what I said to her husband.

I found Ellie. She was waiting for me. ;) Those of you who don't know her would say, "Of course, she can't walk." And, those of you who know here would say, "You mean she stayed in that stroller at the bottom of the ramp and waited on you?" I fully expected to see her out of the stroller, pushing it up the ramp herself.

Then, still feeling adventurous, I decided I needed to go back after my phone. Once again, I headed back through the line, this time pushing past very patient people, with a stroller. Stan handed me back the phone, since it was time for him and JT to get on the roller coaster. And, back down the ramp Ellie and I went, past these same people for the fourth time.

One kind man asked if I would like help turning Ellie's stroller around.

I am reminded that there are many good people in the world. We see so much of the bad on the news, but there is much goodness to be found. Not one person spoke an unkind word as I bullied my way through the crowd. One man even asked questions about Caleb as I made my way back to the end of the line.

It has been a blessed week...and in 7 days, I get to see my baby boy!!!!!

Easter Weekend

Easter

I wonder when the custom began...having new clothes for Easter. Maybe some of you know. I suppose I could try to be super-spiritual and say, "The new clothes represent a new beginning, or new life, or new life in Christ." All of that is true, but it's doubtful that's what is on our minds when we're shopping for the perfect dress.

But,
I love, love, love finding the perfect dress for my girls, dressing them up, and taking their pictures. (The boys were never quite so fond of this custom.)

And, I remember years when my mama made Bobbie and me matching dresses. Sometimes her dress matched ours, too. I remember taking photos at my Grandma Tatum's house. I wonder, though, how strong those memories would be if we didn't have the photos themselves. So, here are some memories I was making with my kids!




Here's four kids...with one missing. It will only be 9 days though, and I will be with him in Chicago. And, I promise to post TONS of pictures.


Easter Eggs...
Do you remember dying Easter eggs with your mama? Brandon says he doesn't really remember. I've tried to think back. I have some fading memories of dying eggs with my mom. I suppose it's memories of the memories....or just a collective file of memories, to know that you were loved and there were special times with your family.



Please note the swinging hair in each of these photos. These girls were moving, fast, and I had to snap photos fast. At church, Ellie was given a head start before the others were "let loose."





On Sunday night, our pastor preached a beautiful sermon about Mary Magdalene. I've spent some time the last couple of days studying her. I pray that I can serve our LORD with such devotion that my children will see, that others will see, and KNOW our Savior lives.

I hope your Easter was blessed!

Memorial Box Monday--Unexpected Friend

I am so grateful to Linny for encouraging us to make memorial boxes. I loved sharing this story with our little girls last night.


This is another story from my college days. Stan and I were married when I was a freshman in college. I completed my Associate's Degree at a community college, and then transferred to Valdosta State University. Valdosta is about 1 1/2 hours from our home, and I commuted. I wasn't going to leave my husband. ;)



I had to be in class at 8:00 each day the first quarter I attended. While later, I connected with others to carpool with, that quarter I drove every day...ALONE. I had to get up early in order to leave at 6:30 a.m., driving the 2-lane road behind lots of log trucks, in the dark, before sunrise.

One late afternoon I returned to my little red Escort.




I got inside and tried to start it...the motor didn't make a sound. It was then I realized I had left the lights on. (In 1984, remember, we had to turn our car lights on and off with our hand.) My battery was dead.

Those were the days before cell phones, too. I couldn't just call somebody. I didn't know what to do. It was early in the quarter, and I really hadn't made friends, yet, especially since I didn't live on campus. A stranger came by and suggested I talk with someone at campus security.

So, I headed out across the parking lot....the long walk from one side to the other. When I arrived, the security guard was somewhat less than sympathetic. He shared something about having only one car they used to give people "jumps," and it was out of service. He offered no other help, no offer to call someone, nothing.

I walked out of the office, and started walking back across the parking lot. I didn't yet have another plan. I just didn't know what I was going to do.....

Then, I heard by name.....

"Robbie!"

I looked up and saw a familiar face. It was Marsha. We had graduated from high school togther, and while I had not seen her in two years, she "just happened" to be driving past me when I was walking back to my car not knowing what do do.

She was just saying, "Hello," but finally I found someone who was concerned about my situtation, and she said, "My daddy showed me how to jump start a car when I left for college. I have jumper cables in the back."

Now, is that NOT just like JESUS. He is never late. He is always on time. When I had no other options, he sent a friend...not just any friend, but a friend whose earthly father had given her just what I needed.

When we made our way back to my car, we had a gentleman see our predicament, and he even came over to help.

I never left my lights on at VSU again!



So, the next object in our memorial box will be a dead battery!

And, I pray that my children will learn and remember, that Jesus will send just what we need, just when we need it. He is our Wonder-Working, Awe-Inspiring, Jehovah-Jireh. And, He wants you to trust Him today.

Check back tomorrow, and I'll have Easter photos!!!

Reminiscing

Do you remember when I called myself a sentimental old fool? And, I talked about the many years I had walked the dirt road to see my grandmother. This is what I remember, and this is what it all looked like just a year ago.




I still walk the dirt road, but it has changed. The girls and I went for a walk this evening. This is what it looks like now.

But, I can still enjoy my time with the girls. I avoided the road for weeks after the trees were cut. I wouldn't even look in that direction when I passed.

But, this evening, after supper, with the weather soooo perfect for the beginning of our spring break, the girls and I took a walk.

And I thought about the day I took this photo.


Then we went to the pond and fed the fish. We haven't done that for months. Ellie was delighted when the fish came to the surface to eat the food we were "flinging" into the pond.



Today, as I was enjoying the spring temperatures, I thought about how I liked the change in the weather. I puzzled myself, knowing that I don't like change....until I realized the change is seasons is predictable. It's the repeating of the familiar, which really isn't change at all. And, while there have been many changes in our lives lately, I'm so glad I can cling to this:

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our Lord stands forever. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He's the never changing Rock of My Salvation. To sit with Him is familiar territory. I'm so glad some things NEVER change.

Beautiful, Peaceful, Blessed

That was our weekend.

It started with my favorite--a phone call from Caleb. I grow to realize all the more how much our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us, how much he misses us when we don't stay in touch. I realize, too, even more this year, what a sacrifice it was to send His Son to earth...for you and ME.

Then, Josie-Tatum spent the night at a Spend the Night Party for the first time...she's growing up.

While she was away, we had to make much of Ellie...it started with pedicures. Casie helped.

On Saturday, we were visited by our dear friends, Vicki and Ava Laurence, once again friends connected through adoption. Vicki blessed us with nearly an entire wardrobe of hand-me-downs...some still with the tags. Thank you, Vicki! Ellie has worn something from you everyday since Saturday.

Her daughter Ava Laurence enjoyed exploring our house.


Early in her visit, Ava Laurence found a bracelet...somewhere in my not-so-clean house. It wasn't until minutes before they left that she realized it was candy. The looks she kept giving her mama to be sure she wasn't going to stop her from eating it were priceless. I never was able to catch those eyes!


Then it was off to another birthday party, where there was a pony to ride. Ellie LOVED it!!! I'm hoping to soon have her take part in Saddle Up, where she can ride ponies every week.


Josie-Tatum enjoyed the ride, too. You may note, however, that she is NOT wearing a cowgirl hat and bandana. She was given one of each. Since when were seven-year-olds too cool for western wear?


And, we spent Saturday night watching one of my ALL time favorite movies. I've already seen it twice. Josie-Tatum saw it for the first time, and she wanted to see it again on Sunday. It really is a MUST SEE!


I dare you to watch Blind Side and NOT be moved....

(If you have young children, there is one scene at the end I'd recommend you skip.)

Then, on Sunday, our children participated in a skit to remember Palm Sunday. I love to see the children involved. I love to remind them what Easter really is. I pray we can keep Jesus at the center.



And, then, when we watched Blind Side the second time on Sunday afternoon, here is how Ellie spent her time.



The weekend was beautiful.

It was peaceful.

I am blessed!

Spring Time---Therapy for the Blues

What a beautiful day the LORD sent yesterday. The wind was blowing just enough for Ellie to fly her kite. (The kite was her reward for completing her good behavior chart and quickly working to complete her catheter at school.) The temperatures were just warm enough to be comfortable in long sleeves.

I think I've found a new physical therapy for Ellie. She was able to keep her balance very well, while holding onto the kite string and using the tension to counter-balance when needed. She even "ran" for a short period. Next time, I hope I can get video of her running.


I was even thinking...since it's always windy at the beach, perhaps I could get the insurance company to agree that kite flying is the best PT, and we could get them to pay for frequent trips to the beach....well, it's a thought.

And, I couldn't have staged this picture if I tried. I clicked the photo at the exact time the kite fell from the sky.


My Daddy broke his wrist yesterday, too. He'll see the orthopedist on Thursday. The good thing is I spent time with my mama and my daddy and my sister and my niece and my grandma and my aunt.




Do all Grandmas have a junk food...I mean snack...drawer? Even Caleb wrote about Grandma's snack drawer in his journal in elementary school. When you go to Grandma's house, you have to open it up.....just to see. They chose marshmellows of all things. Can you tell?

And, last...I just liked this photo...sort of an optical illusion...as if the kite was in the tree...but I loved the beautiful blue sky, the dark green of the pine needles and the colors of the kite. Isn't it amazing how God created all things...even the "little" things like white light that can be separated into a spectrum of colors?



I hope you all find a good reason to enjoy family and God's creation this week!