so far...

Since Thursday, we have spent 1 night in Vicksburg, Mississippi, 2 nights in Louisiana, 1 night in Houston Texas, 1 night in Mobile Alabama, last night plus the next 3 in Orlando Florida. Today, we are in Busch Gardens and for the most part have had a good trip so far... Minus the over 2000 miles we have been in the car. Anyway, I guess that's the update since I am sitting right outside a very loud rollercoaster waiting for Craig & Emma to get off..

road trip day #1

Well, we left yesterday afternoon about 3, and we arrived in Vickburg, Mississippi about 10:00 last night. With only 2 stops we did really well.. We checked in and slept 7 in 2 double beds. Not a lot of shut eye I must say. As I layed there listening to everyone breathe and snore I just couldn't believe they were all mine... Then, after much more breathing and snoring I was wishing we had gotten 2 rooms. Anyway, this night is over now and we are off to Shrevport Louisiana in a little while. We really are having a good time so far, especially since Dad and Joyce are with us until Sunday. It just makes it feel so doable! Funny thing Tessa said this morning, "this is almost our home". Well, kind of it is since we are all together..

2 nights before Christmas

We have had a really fun holiday so far! Friday we went Christmas caroling with our Small group, and even though it was pouring down rain... We had a blast. The kids loved it and the people we sang to, well, most of them loved it!! Then Saturday, we had my side of the Family Christmas party and it was so good seeing everyone, we had a really good time. Last night, we went with Shannon and Matt and participated in the live nativity at Trinity. Shannon and Matt were Mary & Joseph and me and the girls were angels and Isaiah was a sheperd. Craig was the photographer. We really did enjoy it, especially the waving and laughing from good friends! So tomorrow is Christmas Eve with Craig's family, and Christmas night we are all headed out to Louisiana, I can't wait to see family! Then on Sunday, we are taking off to our next destination until the next Saturday... right now we are in between going to Colorado or Florida... Guess it depends on how I pack. Merry Christmas to all!!

Hope?

A sweet friend gave me a cross with the words Hope across it. It is so beautiful, what made it even more special is that she chose it because she felt I needed some hope! Thanks Susan. Honestly, things are so crazy with the kids here lately and other family issues, a little hope was great to receive.
It seems Emma is embarking on her teens and is not very fond of any of us right now.... I guess that too shall pass though. Gracie... well if you've met her I need not say more. And, well everything just seems to be upside down and all turned around. Most days quite humorous I have to admit. We did finally get to see Santa yesterday, and they completely changed their Christmas list all around. Luckily, Santa just said We'll have to see.. which left it wide open for choices. Ella requested a real digital camera & a bible. Isaiah, threw it all off asking for a cell phone... yeah, we'll see about that one. Emma just stood as far away as she could, afraid her friends might spot her. Tessa named off all kinds of random things, and Gracie asked for a nintendo game and doesn't even have a nintendo... Who knows? Then, we proceeded to get 1 haircut and ended up with 4... It was bedtime before we made it out of the mall. Fun times are here, and once school lets out on Friday it should even be more fun!

I can't imagine...

I can't imagine what my kids have been thinking lately. It's been like Dennis the Menis X's 4 here lately...
Anyway, we have been to the mall a few times lately and every time we go they want to get on that new bunji trampoline thing they have in the food court, since it's $6 a piece i always say no. Well, they were apparently inspired.. The night before last they spent a lot of time outside, I was loving it! Craig and I got some cleaning done with no disturbance. Later, we found out why... They were building a concoction... try to imagine this... They tied a very long dog leash around the poles of the trampoline and got bunji cords and bunjied a lawn chair to the leash, from there they took turns in the lawn chair bunji jumping in the lawn chair. They were so proud of themselves, we however were not! The same day they were trying to get the dogs on leashes to tie them up to the wagon and make them be the reindeer and they were taking turns being Santa... Wow, what imaginations! Good thing the dogs ran from them.... Don't worry about letting your kids come over, there will be no more bunji jumping...EVER!

It's beginning...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Santa is everywhere, Christmas songs are playing endlessly on the radio and We have a Christmas program at or for School at least once per week. Fun times are here again! Today, Isaiah's chorus group went around to the different nursing homes singing Christmas Carols. That is my favorite thing to do every year. They are so glad to see the children and the children love to love on them. It really was a great day for all. So, I'll leave you with some Christmas pictures of the kids this year so far!