Noah

I think I am beginning to find out how Noah felt. It has rained almost ALL DAY. Switching from light gentle rains to terrific downpours. At times my street has looked like a river and there are now more puddles than yard out there.

Edited to add: We have had 8 inches of rain this month -- 4 of which have come in the last 24 hours.

Lazy Saturday

The kids and I are having a lazy Saturday. Daddy left for some early runs before his class in the middle of the day. I was joined in bed around 7 by Eli, who slept soundly by my side until around 9. Alli got up shortly after, while I caught up on the computer they watched TV. I decided to cook a big breadfast/lunch, I guess that'd be brunch. So around 11 we ate pancakes, bacon, and eggs. The kids then decided to watch Apollo 13, why is it that I ALWAYS cry at the end of that movie? I worked on a Prayer Shawl and helped Alli with her very first cross stitch project. Now the boys are watching PBSKids and Alli is playing in her room. Nobody is dressed, yet and I want a nap, even though I haven't done anything of much effort. A typical lazy Saturday.

LBY - week 5

How can it be we are already half way through this study?

This week we studied peace. I have to admit I was luke warm on the studies of love and joy. I don't know why. There were very good points made by Beth and the others, some of which hit home home with me. But nothing has stuck me has hard as the study on Peace.

We, as a couple, have made and been forced to make some pretty radical decisions in the last 18, or so, months for our family. Some have been filled with peace, some have not. We have gone from two, full time working adults to no working adults, to one full time working adult, with a couple of stints of with part-time working in there. Some by choice, some by force, some by necessity. Through it all, when I concentrate on God, as Peter focused on Jesus, I have had peace. When I looked around at my circumstances, as when Peter looked at the wind and waves, I began to worry, panic, fear, and cry out. Last week I cried out to God and He answered in a very real way. I was really worrying about our bills etc, I was praying. As I was praying my eyes fell on an open notebook laying by my bed, This was a total God thing, because unless I am writing, my eyes are usually closed. Anyway, I felt God telling me to list my bills. I didn't write them down, but listed them out loud, well wispering because Steven was sleeping beside me, I felt Him say "I have it covered" after I listed each one. Then later at the end of the week, circumstances looked as bad as they have ever looked. I sent out pleas for prayer to three groups of people very dear to me. Each group pledged to pray for me, my family, and the situations. Through all of those prayers, mine and those of the others, I have seen the hand of God move this week. First of all, during the day, when I'd get to thinking about this bill or that one, a song would come to my heart and I'd start singing out loud.

My God is so BIG, so Strong and so Mighty, there is nothing my God can not do!
My God is so BIG, so Strong and so Mighty, there is nothing my God can not do!
The moutains are His,
The rivers are His,
The stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so BIG, so Strong and so Mighty, there is nothing my God can not do!

Sometimes my kids and I would sing this several times until I was filled with that peace once more. Then Thursday morning I was awakened by a phone call with great news from my husband. Imeediately I had another song on my heart. This one I only recall a couple of lines of but they are the most important "My God is so Good, (sing with me now) My God is so Good" Things are starting to look up and we are trusting God to bring us up once again.

Addie	Heather*	Carol
M	Rach	Jeana
Jenn	Amanda	MamaB
GiBee	Boomama	Maria
Blair	Heather	Nancy
Janna	Flipflop	Robin
Sherry	Patricia	Tara
Lauren	HolyMama!	Faith
Christy	Eph2810	Karin
Leann	Rachel	Janice
This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm - Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His word.

This is worth your time

I got this from Lissa at the Bonny Glenn

no comprehension of Japanese required.

How to put on a Band Aid so it stay on all day

It almost 10 PM and I still have 3 children that are awake. Ugh Tomorrow is not going to be pretty.

What can I take to work that will keep 3 children ages 7, 4 and 2 entertained for 3 hours so I can actually get some work done? We were going to let them watch a video but the TV/VCR that once was up there is not there any more, and I can't beg borrow or steal another one, and at the moment paying for one is out of the question. I am so thankful that Cathey and Michelle are allowing me to bring my children in a few hours a week so I can do paperwork and help out around there. But if I can't control them any better, they won't let me keep doing this. UGH......

LBY - week 4

Joy -- Joy we have because our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Joy in the middle of the Grace we have recieved. In fact in the Greek Joy = chara and Grace = charis. Or as Beth "Joy is literally written into grace!" This joy is the bedrock of our faith.

Through it we can and do experince other aspects of joy. One is the joy of discovery, most impoertantly the discovery of the perfect treasure - Christ Jesus. It is this joy that caused Paul and Silas, bound in chains to rejoice. It is also this joy that allows me to rejoice in the small wonders of life, even in the midst of dismal circumstances. And even at times rejoice in those circumestances. Corrie ten Boom, praised God for the fleas in the concentration camp and it turns out it was those very fleas that kept the gurads at bay and allowed them to share their faith.

Another aspect is the joy of restoration. God can and will take miseries He allows and turn them into ministries, if we allow God to restore us. How many times have I heard, "I have been there." and then the speaker has offered support, a listening ear, a word of correction, or wisdom from heart felt love.

These qualities of joy are the ones that resonated in my soul. In these times in my life here are times that I struggle hard to find things in which to rejoice . I just want to be on the other side of all this mess. But in my head I know that there is a Will behind it and more and more my heart knows it too.

Addie	Heather*	Carol
M	Rach	Jeana
Jenn	Amanda	MamaB
GiBee	Boomama	Maria
Blair	Heather	Nancy
Janna	Flipflop	Robin
Sherry	Patricia	Tara
Lauren	HolyMama!	Faith
Christy	Eph2810	Karin
Leann	Rachel	Janice
This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm - Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His word.

quiz time

You Are Dr. Bunsen Honeydew

You take the title "mad scientist" to the extreme -with very scary things coming out of your lab. And you've invented some pretty cool things, from a banana sharpener to a robot politician. But while you're busy turning gold into cottage cheese, you need to watch out for poor little Beaker! "Oh, that's very naughty, Beaker! Now you eat these paper clips this minute."

The Muppet Personality Test

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Jason Bateman

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

Your Gemstone is Topaz

Comforting, considerate, and stable. You are down to earth and grounded.

What Gemstone Are You?

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

Still no LBY post

I know, I know, I KNOW. I haven't posted a LBY post in over a week. But just as joy, The post cometh, but later. I will do my best to get one up in the next day or so. But right now it is after 10pm and I STILL have kids awake! So it will have to wait.

Off the cuff and probably will be revised later but.......

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

These verses spoke to me today after a hard few days and a lot of worry on my part, I sat down to read my bible today. I didn't have any direction to turn, because I had finished up my LBY homework yesterday and will watch the nect video tomorrow. So I just opened my Bible. I am not normally one to do this. Open at random and expect God to speak. But today, I just read where it opened. It was in Matthew chaper six. The middle of the sermon on the mount. As I read I came across, the passages of the lilies in the field. I started calming down. God used those scriptures to speak to me, as I was nearing the end of the school year last year and wondering if I had made the right decision to stay home. I knew then that He would provide. But I wasn't calm enough yet. I had just typed the words "I don't want great riches, just enough to pay my bills and eat" Then I came to verse 31 and 32. Wowzers. He was speaking directly to me! He knows what we need. I don't mean that ingerenal terms. I mean that spicifically. He knows I need to buy butter. He knows hubby needs a fire extinquisher and first aid kit for his cab. He knows. He knows.

why is it that I never see sunrise then??? and I WAS a history magor at one time

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking

You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language

What Should You Major In?

The interview is today

Hubby's job interview is today at 1:30 CST! Please Pray!

Edit --

We won't know anything until Friday. In the meantime we are making some other changes in our life. Will keep you up dated.

I have been tagged

Well I have been tagged by Janice. I now have to do the 5 wierd things about me post.

Here are the rules of this tag:

1. Go write weird facts/things/etc. about yourself in my comment box and on your blog, then tag six more people!
2. Then leave a comment that says “You are tagged” in their comments telling them to read your blog. ENJOY!



~~~~~~~~~~~

I will play along

1.) I have to have a glass of milk with my ice cream- It just doesn't taste good any other way.
2.) I can't stand to have my face wet -- I keep a towel handy over the shower door just to wipe my face off every other minute or so
3.) I am right handed but it is almost impossible for me to drink with my right hand - I will always grab the glass, cup, can whatever with my left hand - 9 times out of 10 grabbing with my right hand will cause me to spill it.
4.) I also carry most things, books, bags, kids, etc with my left hand/arm/shoulder or on my left hip.
5.) I am the only female in my family (that is my side of the family) that has never colored her hair in any fashion. With females on both sides of my family ( my mom and both grandmothers) going grey pre-maturally this says a lot. I don't have any grey yet.......and don't know what highlights I'd do if I wanted to.

oh yeah -- I am going to tag anyone who wants to do this! It has been around for awhile and I don't remember who has and who hasn't done it. So if you haven't and want to consider yourself tagged.

Oh I forgot the real news of the day...

This weekend I discovered my old first year cornet/trumpet book. It has been 20 years since my first year in band. My first band concert was May 15, 1986 (relax I only remember the date because it was my birthday) Ironically my last band concert was also on a birthday, my hubby's though I didn't know him at the time. May 13th, this time in 1992. Anyway I digress.

When I discovered that book and realized how long it has been since those first days in band, I began to recall my directors. I wondered what they were doing now. I wondered if my Jr. High director was still there or not. He had been there for several years before I started band and was there the last time I knew anything about it. I had a so/so relationship with the high school director. He and I never got along real well, I only tolerated him because I was fiercely loyal to the band, and my friends there. He only tolerated me because my parents did so much work for the band boosters. He has since gone on to other things. But I loved my Jr High director. He actually shared the duties of beginning and intermediate band with the high school director but basically he did most of the work for all three of those bands. He could work wonders with anything he touched, both literally and fugitively. He fixed my horn more times that I care to remember, never complaining or even asking me "just how did you flatten the bell of the cornet?" (another story for another time) He made the skirt for our drum majorette my first year in marching band. He repaired many uniforms over the years. And most of all he was the quiet support for many of us frustrated by actions of the Sri High director. I believe that our band program would not have been as strong as it was without the support of J. Ron Pratt.

I received a forwarded email today from a fellow alumni and fellow graduate of the class of '92, who by the way is NOW a Junior High band director at the same school, that stated that Mr. Pratt is retiring at the end of this year. This fellow alumni is trying to get in touch with as many band alumni that he can to let them know the news. He is also collecting cards to present to Mr. Pratt at the spring concert, (which is incidentally NOT on mine or my hubby's birthdays ;-) ) and inviting all those that can to come to the concert to share in the special tribute and reception afterwards.

I will be sending my card with a heartfelt letter of appreciation, and if it is at all possible I will be going to that concert!

Daily bits. . . . . . . .

I need to post - I know - Life has caught up with me once again.

Last Friday I met my sister halfway and she picked up my kids, taking them away for the weekend. Hubby and I had the house to ourselves. Well actually the dog had the house to herself, we were both working. Saturday afternoon, we joined the rest of my family at my parents house and spent the night and Easter morning with them. It was great and we actually made it out of the house in time for Sunday School.

Upon returning home yesterday, I spent the time cleaning my kitchen agian..... do they ever stay clean??? And starting laundry.

Today I have spent the day schooling, cleaning the kitchen, picking up the living room, and doing - that is washing, drying, folding and putting away -- four, yes FOUR loads of laundry. In addition I worked for 3 hours.

Pray for us - Tomorrow is Hubby's job interview. We really need to see clearly here.

This about sums it up!

You Are a Learning Cook

You've got the makings of an excellent cook, and the desire to be one. But right now, you're just lacking the experience. You couldn't be a top chef yet, but you could be an apprentice.

Are You A Good Cook?

Job Interview

I can't post the news at W@H right now but I will here!

Steven has a job interview Tuesday, now it is only part-time but it will be better than what he is doing now. And who knows maybe it could turn into something better. We will know more next week, for now please pray for peace and clarity.

LBY extra

I had several comments that liked my glass of water analogy, in relation to pouring out so that the Holy Spirit could pour in. Yesterday in chuch, He seemed to be working overtime and extended the analogy for me. I wanted to share it with you.

I stated "No matter how hard I try I can not put any milk into a glass that is already full of water." I got to thinking that statement is more correct if I add the phrase "without making a big mess." Have you ever tried to pour something out of a glass or cup and have the liquid go everywhere but where you are trying to pour it? Big mess right? Quite often it is the same with me when I start to pour out my confessions and concerns, espeically my confessions. A big mess. It usually isn't pretty, especially when I have held onto them for a while. But as the glass or cup must be emptied of its contents for what ever reason, I too must be emptied of myself, so that the Holy Spirit can fill me up.

I also got to thinking of the "experiements" both of my sons have done at one time or another. They each have tried to pour one liquid into a container already full or almost full with another liquid. Another big mess even bigger this time, however. However you will notice, or at least I did, that some of the liquid being poured will end up in the almost full glass. Keep pouring and eventually more of the liquid from the cup will be displaced allowing more of the liquid being poured to take up residence. The original liquid will probably never be completly replaced. I believe that the concept works the same way with the Holy Spirit. I am not saying He forces his way in but, the more that I pour out the more He will pour in. Again usually a big mess occurs, this time bigger than if I had 'done it right in the first place'. At the very least it is a longer process. The part of me that remains is working against the Holy Spirit causing war and fatique in my soul, ususally manifesting itself in stress, short temperedness, and even physical ailments, headaches and the like.

Addie	Heather*	Carol
M	Rach	Jeana
Jenn	Amanda	MamaB
GiBee	Boomama	Maria
Blair	Heather	Nancy
Janna	Flipflop	Robin
Sherry	Patricia	Tara
Lauren	HolyMama!	Faith
Christy	Eph2810	Karin
Leann	Rachel	Janice
This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm - Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His word.

Books To Read Before I Die

Okay I have seen several of these lists, made up by different people, in the last few months. There are always some books that I say WHY?? and others that I wonder WHERE ARE THEY?

So I am asking you,

What books would you put on the list? and WHY?

The obvious first one would be the Bible, but what is next.

Again!

I did it again. I am feeling the need to defend myself and I haven't been accused. So instead of that I will be doing a study on a certian passage of scripture, to discover what it really says and means and asking God to speak to me through it. Please bear with me.

Silly quiz time

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

And Ann I did this without pencil and paper

More Prayers

The van will probably need a new Transmission ~ that is what the guy said over the phone. He will look at it on Monday. Still praying for a miracle that it is less than that though.

Praise the Lord we seem to have found a very reputable place to do the work and each one we have talked to said he is the most reasonable on prices as well.

Keep praying for the financing - we will have to borrow money to have it done - but as it is the only vehicle large enough for the family it is a necessity.

And on top of all of this my middle child has gotten sick. He is running a fever and has a bad cough and sore throat. He is the one who had croup so bad when he was 19 mos. so I don't want a repeat of that.

LBY - week 2

This week the studies centered on who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. We established that the Holy Spirit is definitely God, a member of the Trinity. As God, He exisited before time and had a hand in creation. We established that He is working now through seven different tasks or ministries that He performs. He convicts, regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, fills us as believers and restrains evil. Of these, the first five occur at the moment we recieve Christ as Savior. The sixth, filling, requires us to allow ourselves to be filled, relinquishing control over to Him. And I am so thankful for the last, the restraining of evil. Yes there is evil in the world, a lot of it. I don't deny that but I am so thankful that there is a limit set by God as to what Satan is allowed. Of course if it were up to me I'd set the limits a lot stricter, but God didnt' ask me.

The ministry of filling the believer is the one that requires continual action on our part. In order to fill something, that something must be emptied. No matter how hard I try I can not put any milk into a glass that is already full of water. It is the same with the Spirit. If we are to be filled with Him, we must first be emptied. We must pour out our confessions and concerns, be broken and humble before our God before He can pour Himself into us through the Holy Spirit.

The natrual man, the sinful man will get in the way of this work every time. Paul calls these men spiritual babies. They have the first five ministires of the Holy Spirit, but have not grown past that. It takes a person walking with the Spirit to understand spiritual things.

In looking back at all of this, while doing the homework for the last day, I realized something. We are looking for many ways, any way to seek out and save those that are lost. We are dispairing at a sin sick world wondering why God doesn't move to change things? Why can't we change the minds of these people?

We can't expect a fallen world to be moral, to be spiritual. It should not surprise us that it is out there. Sin sick souls do not understand, they can't. It is the Spirit who teaches and insturcts us, makes it so we understand. If one has not the Spirit, there is no understanding of things Spiritual. If revival is to happen, it must come from those who do understand. It must come from US. In order for revival to happen within us we must be filled with the Spirit. We must humble ourselves, pour out ourselves and let the Spirit fill us. We must seek it or it will not happen. If we, as believers, are yielded to the Spirit others will know and seek out what we have. We will know the actions to take, what sin sick soul needs our touch. Only those filled with the Spirit, or Spiritually mature, can love the sinner and hate the sin. Only Spiritually mature person can minister without condemning a person. Only a Spiritually mature person can put what they want, even if it is good, just and holy, aside to help a person or to pray for a person for what God wants. How can we become Spiritually mature, by pouring out ourselves and allowing the Spirit to pour in. Then we can pour forth in work and service.

Addie	Heather*	Carol
M	Rach	Jeana
Jenn	Amanda	MamaB
GiBee	Boomama	Maria
Blair	Heather	Nancy
Janna	Flipflop	Robin
Sherry	Patricia	Tara
Lauren	HolyMama!	Faith
Christy	Eph2810	Karin
Leann	Rachel	Janice
This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm - Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His word.

Prayers please

My van won't go, at least in drive. It will go in reverse but not drive. I was starting to pull out in traffic on a trip to the store and something went clunk and now it won't go......

Prayers for a quick and inexpensive recovery.

Oh and a praise. Our state has a health insurance program for kids in low income families. I FINALLY sent the paperwork off last week to enroll our kids..... I know, I know, it only took me 3 months since losing our coverage to do it, but any way. Well I got a call from DHS today saying my oldest two were already enrolled (from the last time hubby was without ins). It was never deactivated when we enrolled on hubby's new ins. So all I had to do was add the youngest and have new cards sent out for the oldest two.

Media At It Again

Those of you how know me well, know I am a big NASCAR fan. Maybe sometime I will get my blinkies over here. . . . . Any way I was at NASCAR.com looking for news on this weekend's race and came across these:

NASCAR Fans Didn't Take the Bait and this NASCAR Rebukes NBC for Dateline Tactics.

Apparently NBC tried to incite Anti-Muslim sentiment by planting two Arab looking men, complete with beards and head gear at the track. However, they were duped by the NASCAR fans who didn't react at all. I personally think the whole stunt was outrageous and am proud of the fans that didn't take the bait.

The real reason he doesn't fly. . . . ....

Eli is into and I mean INTO super heros right now. Tonight as we were walking into the resturant he goes.

"I can fly, I am just not because if I do, then everyone will know I am a super hero and my secert identity will be lost"

Daily bits. . . . . . . .

Okay so my list didn't get done today. I started out well, folded two loads of laundry, washed one and dried another one - these two loads, however, are still sitting in their respective machines . . . . . . . . . not good must get the wet one dry before bedtime. I also got a load of dishes washed. And even made a trip to the store for a few necessities, and to the bank to deposit the money to pay for said necessities.

However, it went down hill from there. Another headache crept up on me and to add insult to injury cramps came in fast and hard. I was religated to the couch for the duration, after downing the obligatory Tylenol and iced tea. I let the kids watch a movie again. This time it was The Easter Carol. You know we've owned this movie since it came out and I have never watched it. It is a good little movie.

Back to the headache. Several people have mentioned migranes. I have never considered what I have a migrane. From what I have heard other people describe, my pain isn't anywhere as intense. It is usually around my eyes and/or around the back of my head in that same general area. Other times it is up my neck. I have always considered these sinuses related and/or tension/stress headaches. Usually one, sometimes two rounds of Tylenol take care of them, especially if I take it at the onset, like I did today, and not wait 3 or 4 hours, like I did last night. If I wait, then sometimes, I get sick feeling, like last night. I also have discovered than they are worse around the time my period hits. Worse as in more frequent, not more painful. They are just as painful each time. So I figure hormones are playing a role here as well. May be when I get health insurance again I will have all of this checked out.

In other news, God has been talking to me lately, about my desires and His desires. I haven't got it completly thought through but there is something going on here. Prehaps I need to be working on my LBY post early again. . . . . . . . .

I have been nursing a headache all afternoon and evening. Finally after Tylenol, popcorn and 2 large glasses of tea, it is almost gone. I am going to try to lay low tonight though and then get up early in the morning and hit everything hard and fast tommorrow. I have laundry piling up, dishes piling up and a boxes to find to pack up things I cleaned out of my pantry today.

I didn't get the whole thing done but I did get the four shelves (two on each side) that hold the majority of the food cleaned off and rearranged. Now what's left are the top two shelves - the ones that hold the junk - and the floor. Hopefully I can get those and the lower cabinets in the kitchen done. Those actually shouldn't be that bad.

• One set holds my PC stuff, it basically just needs organizing.
  
• Another set holds my plastic ware and my daily use PC, agian it mostly need is organization and some minor purging from the back.
  
• The single cabinet next to the diswasher holds my electric appliances, waffel iron, sandwhich maker, Foreman grill etc. - just organizing there too.
  
• The set by the stove holds cookware and bakeware, again more orgaizine than anything else.
  
• It is the set under the sink that will take the most work.
  

Of course if I am concentrating on the area under the cabinet I guess I must think about the drawers too. Now that is scarey. But at least I can take them out and sit down to do those. Tomorrow expect a report on what I did. Not because you are intrested but because I need you to hold me accountable.

Spring Fling

The W@H girls are doing a Spring Fling this month, purging out the old, getting rid of winter's clutter and getting ready for spring. They did this last year but I didn't participate. This year I am going to. It fits in wonderfully. My mom, sister and I are planning a garage sale for the first weekend in May, so this works perfectly for me. With others to motivate and keep me on topic I should have no problem, right??? Well, we will see.

Anyway, my major goals are broken down into the four weeks.

1. Kitchen
2. Living Room (this includes the 'office' area)
3. Kids' rooms (the BIG thing here is clothes, toys and books - but then again there isn't much else in thier rooms)
4. MY room (That is the biggest challenge!)

And for the Kitchen this week I have the following goals

• Pantry - Tuesday
• Freezer and Fridge - Wedensday - not that I will put any of this in the sale
• Lower cabinets - Thursday
• Upper cabinets - Friday
• Box and label everything - Saturday

Home Again

Well my talented husband made what is normally a two hour trip int a four hour trip. What talent does that take? A lot since he wasn't even on the trip at all. But we made it up to mom and dad's and back, the trip home only taking two hours ;) The kids came home with 3 pair of new shoes, 1 new dress, 2 new haircuts, and as the owners of new toys (the said toys stay at grandmommie's and granddaddy's). I came home with more gas than I got there with (thanks to the extra 2 hours on the roads) and a new garden hose, but without the books I went up there for. And so thankful for parents who really love and care for me and my family. We are planning a trip for Easter, this time with the hubby so that we all can see Poppy (aka my grandfather) who will be making the trip down for the Holiday.