Friday

Today we were planning to go to the mountains, but decided to stay around town instead. We are going to Colorado tomorrow morning. It will be a long day and we wanted to go to bed early tonight. Instead we went to "Old Town." This is a block in Albuquerque right off Route 66. It was the old downtown. Then we drove down Route 66.

We plan on attending Mars Hill Albuquerque on Sunday. This is the church where Mark Driscoll preaches out of Seattle, Washington. The church here is one of their satellite churches. We drove by the theater where they meet. I am excited about worshiping with my family Sunday.

We came home and ate Spaghetti, salad, and bread. Gave all the children baths and put them to bed. As I type this everyone is asleep except Martie, Taylor, and I. I just finished some laundry and packed our lunch for tomorrow.

Tomorrow we have to leave here by 4:00 am. We are going on a scenic train ride in Colorado. It is about a 4 hour drive to get there. I am excited about this. I will have lots more to blog about tomorrow.

Thursday...

Yesterday was a relaxing day, I would call it our "adjusting" day. After a 28 hour car ride we needed a down day. Dad and I put together a meal list for the week. Then Melanie, Dad, and I went to the grocery store and Walmart. (where I showed them my mad couponing skills) hahaha Just kidding, I actually didn't have that many coupons for the things we needed.

I was happy to get out (even to the grocery store). It was late when we got here the night before, so I couldn't see anything. It is so beautiful here. Very different. I love the huge rocky mountains. We plan to go see them today. We stopped by Micheal's school to drop something off. It's really great to see where my brother and his family are living. I am so excited to be here.

Later that afternoon I needed to go back to Walmart for some foil trays. So I asked my brother to take me. It's only a couple of blocks away. I asked him jokingly at first to ride me on his motorcycle. Minutes later I was talked into hopping on. Thankfully he went very slow to keep me comfortable. It was fun spending that special time with him. I miss him.Did I mention my brother has 2 dogs. One is actually a horse. He comes up to my waist. I was nervous about this at first, but I have to say these are the most well behaved dogs I've EVER met. Very sweet. We have laughed at "Blue" the big dog so much. He is huge!!!That evening I made enchilada casserole and rice for dinner. I also made a banana pudding for dessert. Micheal fell asleep before dinner and Andrew fell asleep at the dinner table. They were wiped out. We had a great day just hanging out together, I am looking forward to the rest of the week. I need to read up on this new camera so I can get some great pictures.

The one who sits at my feet....

I'm interrupting our series of posts of the vacation. This is a blog that has been on my mind. I just haven't had the time to sit and type. Vacation is that perfect time.

Carissa is officially 10 months. She has been my rather, ummm 'needy' child. She has had several sicknesses, she took forever to sleep through the night, I really had to train her on her nap schedule...So when I say needy, I really mean just different from the other children. However, they're all very different. She has required a little more of me.

She has always been a "mommy's girl." She loves her daddy, brothers, and sisters. But if mommy is in the room, she wants me. I have to confess there have been times of frustration with this. I have at times walked out of the room so that she doesn't see me, I have tiptoed by a room that she was in, I have shut doors so she can't see me... She is very content unless she see's me.

One of Carissa's favorite places is in my arms. She's also very content sitting on my lap or at my feet. She has sat at my feet while I washed dishes, got ready for church, read to the boys... It doesn't bother me now. I see it as a blessing.

God has shown me something amazing. Carissa knows who provides for her, she feels safe with me, she trusts me. Sure she can be 'content' with others or in other rooms of the house. But she is most content just sitting at my feet.

The Lord reminded me of the time that He was visiting His good friends Mary and Martha. (John 12:1-11; Luke 10:38-42) Martha was busy serving. She built up resentment to Mary, her sister, because she was sitting at Jesus' feet. Jesus quickly corrected Martha and said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

See the connection I made was this. Carissa really wants and needs me. She knows that I feed her and that makes her very content. She knows that I protect her, and that makes her very comfortable. God is my Abba (Father), I need Him. He is my source of nutrition, both physically and spiritually. I get all I need from Him. So only one thing is "necessary," sitting at His feet.

What does that look like? Remember when I walk out of the room, Carissa cries. She wants to see me. I should desire to be that close to Christ my Savior. I should cry out to Him, when I don't feel His nearness or when I've turned my own way. Carissa crawls beside me, looks for me, and is completely content with just me! Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing if we desired our Abba in that way.

However we don't always see our 'need' for God. We think that we actually can do things on our own. Our attitude at times can almost be so prideful that we think God needs us! Think about it. He needs me to raise these children to follow Him, He needs me to help my friends, He needs me to serve, to tell people about Him... Truth is He doesn't! I love Numbers 22:23-30. In these verses God uses a DONKEY to get the attention of Balaam. I am quickly reminded that the God that created everything and who can destroy everything my His very words, doesn't need me.

God loves me and He desires all of me. That's why He tells Martha, only one thing is necessary and that is "sitting" at His feet. Like Carissa with me, I need to look for Him, desire to be with Him, cry out when I don't 'see' Him. It's so easy to get distracted with other things, like Carissa is when she doesn't see me, or like Martha was with serving Him. I pray that the Lord will help me today to be more like Mary or like Carissa is with me, because only one thing is necessary.

almost there!

Well it's 8:30 North Carolina time. We just crossed the Texas border. (so it's 7:30 here) It's been a long but great day! The kids have been amazing. They have colored some, played some, played eye spy, and watched one movie. (they didn't even finish that movie) I am so surprised they haven't used any of the other electronics that I came prepared with. I packed plenty of movies and the Nin. DS w/ games. They have been completely content just sitting, talking, and playing quietly. AMAZING!

We've had perfect weather. Traffic has been pretty good, except the expected times and a little construction. We expect to be at my brothers around 11:00 New Mexico time (1:00 NC time). I imagine the kids will fall asleep shortly since it is their bedtime. It will be interesting to see how they adjust to the time difference, especially Carissa.

I can't wait to update pictures, Martie took lots on the way here. Maybe tomorrow I'll get those uploaded.

... and we're off!

Headed to New Mexico that is!

It has been a rough week. On Saturday night Carissa and Tabitha developed an eye infection. Carissa had been showing signs of sickness and by Saturday she was just not feeling good. Fortunately Sunday morning our doctor fit us in. Carissa had another double ear infection. The good thing is we got the antibiotics and eye drops before we left for our trip.

So Monday and Tuesday were spent washing hands, light switches, door knobs, blankets... and anything else ANYONE touched! Even though I tried very hard to keep the eye infection from the others, Taylor and Ethan caught it. Somehow Andrew, Martie, and I have stayed clear. (thank God) I was not able to get through my lists as quickly or as organized as I would have liked.

We left around 10:45 Tuesday night. I'm realizing all that I forgot. My boys new water bottles that I bought especially for this trip, a cup for Tabitha and Carissa, to leave the key for my Aunt, and most importantly the pack and play for Carissa to sleep in!!!! AAAAGGGGHHH!!! I get so frustrated when I forget things. It usually doesn't happen because I go over my list about 100 times. However this time, I have been dealing with other things and trying get everyone well before we leave.

I did remember to call the doctor and get extra eye drops for anyone else who might get this infection, kids blankets, and their favorite stuffed animal, their school lessons (and some fun stuff), and of course SNACKS! Two baskets of snacks! :)

Well, I will hopefully be updating the blog on our adventure. I'm very excited about our trip and some things we have planned. We are in Tennessee now, it's 8:00 am and the kids are awake. They just finished muffins for breakfast. We should be stopping in a little bit to refuel, get the kids out to go to the bathroom, and stretch. So far all is good. Praise the Lord!

Great date

I arrived home from the gym about 6:30 pm. last night. My hubby was sitting on the couch. I wondered why he didn't race outside to help me get the children out of the van. He's always quick to help. As soon as I walked in the door, I spotted "the" package. My handsome groom had purchased the camera that we've been wanting. I really wanted it soon because we leave for New Mexico next week. I was so excited, and then I noticed something else. "Why are you wearing a tie?" I asked. "You have 30 mins. to get ready, we're going on a date," he replied. REALLY! I went through a river of emotions at this point. Excitement, curiosity, frustration (30 mins), confusion...

I quickly jumped in the shower. He gathered the children back into the van. He took them to get a movie from redbox and to get something to eat. Thirty minutes later I was ready. Earrings and all! It's rare this momma of 5 wears earrings. There's something that feels nice about dressing up.

I had a million questions. I am a detail person. Who's watching the kids, where are we going, but I took chicken out for dinner, do we have reservations... Oh silly me. Lack of faith in my ever so charming husband. (he had already put the chicken up for tonight's dinner.) By 7:15 we were off. Thanks to a special couple at our church we had a nice gift certificate that could be used at several different restaurants. Martie had chosen the nicest. Flemings at Crabree Valley Mall in Raleigh.

I really felt special as they greeted us by name. (which means he did make reservations) I was a bit overwhelmed by the menu. It's not often we get to go on a date, much less to a place like this. The atmosphere was nice, but the company was better. We had a tasty dinner and shared a delicious chocolate mousse desert. It was so nice to sit and eat a meal with no distractions. We were able to share our thoughts so openly. I am so grateful that my husband is my best friend.

We left the restaurant a little after 10. I told him that I wished we could go somewhere and take pictures. I wanted to play with the new camera. As we approached the 54/55 intersection, I was a little bummed that our evening was ending. Then he quickly turned on the side road by the Chick-fil-a. I had two thoughts. 1- he's taking the cut through to 54. 2-he's going to see if Paul is working tonight at Chick-fil-a. Then he made another quick turn in to the Courtyard Marriot. I was quick to say, "What are you doing?" Then I thought, how sweet he's going to pull over so we can talk some more, maybe he wants to pray together, or maybe we're going to play with the camera. Then he parked. Right at the front door. Again I was quick to try and figure him out, "What are you doing, where are we going, do you have a room, seriously..." He just smiled.

Apparently he had a very busy day. He had already worked out every detail of our evening. He had my sister staying with the children. My clothes were packed, along with everything I might need. (he even grabbed my makeup at the last minute) I was totally in shock, and even more so when he opened the door to our room. He had put so much thought and effort into everything. There were my favorite chocolates (Reese peanut butter cups), some bottles of coke, sparkling grape juice, rose petals everywhere, roses strategically placed.. He used the chocolates to make a heart on the bed and to write I love you on the table. Perfect, I'm telling you absolutely perfect.

We had a great breakfast the next morning and headed home. I thank God for my handsome hubby. God gave us the model for relationships, and Martie is living that model out. I am blessed. I pray that I can live up to that example too. One thing for sure, if Christ remains our first love then He will continue to direct us in our marriage, convict us, and conform us into His image.

There is something so therapeutic about painting and listening to classical music. This week the children are studying the most famous impressionist Monet. This means you paint what you see and feel, maybe not so realistic. Short brush strokes and dabbing. Well, the children did there best attempt at painting some Monet pieces. I also put in our cd from the book, The Story of the Orchestra. I love that cd. They also enjoy listening.

It does take some preparation, and that can be the most difficult part. The results are well worth it. Now off to do phonics and math.