homeward bound.

in approximately FIVE days, we'll be on the other side of the country, leaving the hubby behind for 3 1/2 weeks. i've been a little skeptical about how the airport will pan out with my two babushkas and me. alone. an almost three hour layover does not sound like fun with children...i could be totally wrong. airports are full of adventure, people watching, and gift shops, right? but who wants to spend their time doing that when papa and grammy are waiting only two more hours of sky time away? not me, that's who.

i'm trying not to focus on the fact that the first half of our homeward bound visit will indeed fly by, but i am definitely anticipating when the hubby joins us mid-december. you see, we'll be away for 7 weeks. seven weeks of glorious family hugs, warm fires, cozy mornings spent reading the newspaper, cousins reuniting, much needed catch up time with friends, black friday shopping with my dad, more shopping with my mom, thanksgiving eating, christmas partying and new years celebrating. seven weeks of soaking in home. and all the people that come with it.

here's a little eye candy i'll leave you with...family resemblance, much? just kills me.

family blogcast.

i'm never one that's comfortable when things fall behind, like my blog. it causes brain cramps for an extended amount of time, therefore, putting it off even more. and just because it hasn't been posted most definitely doesn't mean it hasn't been happening. with one blink, as usual, our summer was here and now it's drifted away like the dried up dandelions. school has started {and for more than just one of us!}, schedules are still finding their place amidst unexpected sickness and unplanned happenings that life always has to offer, and new opportunities have presented themselves through growth and experience. life has taken on a new journey this fall and with it, i'm bringing what i've learned over the summer...

the more sporadically i do things, usually the more fun they are. why add complication to kid's crafts and activities when the main thing they want is to spend time with you? i learned that joy is spent in a few moments of crazy, messy fun with a side of sporadic sprinkled for good measure.
our sweet friends came over one morning to make waffles via 'kids culinary institute'...learning how to measure, crack eggs, stir properly, and create fluffy masterpieces oozing with butter.

how cute in all their aprons, yes?!
i'm learning more and more to just kinda let miley do her thing. here she is, no harm or mess being done, simply talking to grammy on the phone. grammy had mentioned coming to see her on an airplane, so miley jumped up on the ottoman to peek out the window in hopes of seeing that special airplane. on most days, miley girl is spinning around like a tornado, using her imagination with whatever she can get her hands on. this is where i'm easing up a bit and just letting her make her tremendous messes and working even harder with her on learning how to pick them up.
over the summer, miley bug has also found a new fascination with poofy "'rora-belle" dresses, as she calls them. she wants to wear anything that spins every.single.day. this is her ladybug outfit that was gifted from a friend. she simply adores it! she prances around the house on her tippy toes and lightly flips the petal bottom with her hands as she dances. you should have seen her the other day at walmart...lady bug dress and all.
and here's our little scholar - daddy's not the only one with the studies now. after the first couple of weeks of kindergarten, both mommy and pupil have learned so much! i, personally, have grown already as her teacher and mommy, learning some hard lessons about myself in patience and gratitude for the opportunity to watch jess blossom every day. she is such an eager learner and wants to do things on her own timetable. she loves saying, "i know" to pretty much every new concept we do, giving me the 'graceful' opportunity to politely teach her that she doesn't {*wink}. she's excelling at math, loves it{!}, and her handwriting improves everyday she practices. she's reading more and more words all on her own as we go through the '100 easy lessons' curriculum. she's a fast learner and i'm learning to stay caught up with her!

i can't really put into words how busy i've 'felt'. wondering if i've really been that busy is up for debate, i suppose. true, i've added lots to my agenda and my health has continually gotten worse, but God's faithfulness keeps me going and His grace steadies my steps. i have so many stories to tell and thoughts to convey, but never seem to have the right words to tell them the way they should be told. the Lord's goodness is such a beautiful thing...i don't want to mess it up with my inaccurate and incapable descriptions.

my prayer is that i have the continued strength to keep going, but more, that i have the strength to leave the story behind. i don't want my girls to miss out on what the Lord is doing in my life because of my lack of confidence or ability to do it. He is so very good and His truth is what i have left to dwell on at the end of every day. they need to know. and i need to remember.

small, happy moments.

moments like these make my heart and soul happy on so many levels.

moments like these seem to strip my pride away. the ugly parts of my being that like to complain inwardly that my hubby is too busy. they rear their ugly head when they say, "yeah, yeah...we expected this, but...". inward struggles that crave more quality time. more family time. more of him with them. with me.

but then i get these moments that spill sweetness all over the dinner table like a glass of milk. they whisper to me through the silly giggles that we are right where we're supposed to be. we're doing fine and we're hanging on. we've been called and we will be sustained.

journey anniversary: one.

{picture taken in nov.09 - half way through our first year}

1-2 by entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with Him, make us fit for Him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. and that's not all: we throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. we find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

3-5 there's more to come: we continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. in alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! -romans 5.1-3 {the message}

i can't believe this is it...the first anniversary of driving into the big city, setting our eyes on the sky scrapers that outlined our new destination. we'll never forget bumping down I30 in our moving truck, the hubby and i, as the girls stayed behind with grammy and papa. we were making the first arrival to sit down and have our renter's meeting, to sign the papers, write the first check, and pick up our keys. once our meeting was over, we had some time to grab lunch. i'll never forget how hot it was that day as we walked to mcd's a block away. me, in my polka dot heels {hey, i wanted to make a cute first impression} sweating like a true beginner texan. i clenched my hubby's arm, pretending to be confident as i limped with blisters along new sidewalks, new territory. it was all so surreal. we had made it...and it was all just beginning.

with one year under our belt, i'd like to say we're veterans to this all; but in reality, we continue to learn on a daily basis what it means to live the 'seminary life'. as i boiled ramen noodles this afternoon, i thought about college life and how it's not much different. hubby works for insurance, we buy books in the fall, we scrounge the fridge for something to eat...but yet, we continually see, hear, feel, and taste the goodness of what God has brought us here to do. only by His grace can ramen noodles taste so darn good and only by His grace does He bring us through each month with more than we could imagine.

life, everyday {week thirty nine}.

i'm so out of it, i had to double-double check the month, after attempting to write "02" instead of "03". sheesh.

{03.12.10} friday: my little homie looks so grown up in this picture...she just 'looks' two to me {in only 12 days!! eek!}...from her cute painted sparkly toes to her sideways, cool-cat-hat, she's stylin', baby! look at her stand so straight and tall!
{03.13.10} saturday: three things: organization. miley-proof. pure happiness. {and i only need one more on the bottom to bring completeness to my indulgence *wink}
{03.14.10} sunday: daddy needed a little power nap the minute we walked in from an all morning and afternoon at church. miley gave daddy puppy while he was resting and then jessa exclaimed, "aww...daddy looks so cute sleeping!" he was pleasantly surprised to wake up to find puppy {and miley} in his face.
{03.15.10} monday: we spent as much time outside this week as possible. miley enjoyed...err, was obsessed with the pile of dirt that used to be a big tree on the campus lawn. i was happy to see this little print she left behind. "behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands - Isaiah 49:16 nasb
{03.16.10} tuesday: ...and hill rolling in the sunshine.
{03.17.10} wednesday: yes, i was wearing green too on this st. patty's day celebration...but only for the fact that i DIS-PISE being pinched. it makes me nauseous. seriously. and the fam just looked all cute huddled around the laptop trying to get ice age to work {miley's absolutely favorite movie of. all. time.}
{03.18.10} thursday: my beautiful girl being entranced with the magic of a castle, the anticipation of seeing a real live princess, and the pure joy found in our favorite day spring break had to offer. this was a perfect ending to an all day spent at the zoo with new friends.

zoo.

almost six months later, here's some of my favorites from our local zoo. we went with grammy, great gran'ma and g'pa roy back in september. we had no idea that we would be receiving a zoo membership from some family members for christmas later that year. what a blessing to just escape on a zoo safari adventure whenever we want! we will be sure to get the most out of it, as the girls had SO much fun when we went back in the fall. thankfully, the weather is warming up just right to start taking some of those adventures.



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life, everyday {week twenty three}.

{11.20.09} friday: this is still the smaller apartment, tools and gadgets eagerly waiting to be used. once in the bigger place, our furniture quite literally took a deep breath. finally, room. room to move. room to play. room room room {pics to come}.
{11.21.09} saturday: i was determined to succeed my high expectations the day after the big transfer. i'm not sure who would ever enjoy living in boxes, but i don't and i was convinced i'd have it all put back together by today. i woke up. i put my slippers on. i laid on the couch. i didn't move. i didn't touch one box. and i was okay with that.
{11.22.09} sunday: this was an "out-take" from family picture day that i just loved. is there really such a thing as out-takes? i think not. it was really fun...we took three, maybe four families across campus and took turns snapping each other's pics. i may have just found one for our christmas cards in the bunch we came home with. *smile
{11.23.09} monday: so, apparently it's a sin if you haven't tried chick-fil-a. but to all of you northwestern folk, it's not your fault {they don't exist in wa., or., & ca. & a few more unfortunate states}. this paradise of a place in the fast food world is pretty much A-mazing. i finally went there with the girls, after coaxing and demanding from fellow fans. we shared a chicken nugget and waffle fry {which are heavenly to the mouth}. their nuggets aren't like rubber molds you get anywhere else, they are actual chunks of real chicken in a very light breaded seasoning. umm...yum!
{11.24.09} tuesday: i've always had a little dream of getting the girls their own little christmas tree for their room. well, i wasn't about to spend twenty dollars just for a tree and then who-knows-how-much for the decorations. hello, i would like you to meet their new $6 tree, ornaments and all. that's what you get when you team the target dollar section with hobby lobby's super inexpensive-on sale mini ornaments. ta-da. and they love it!
{11.25.09} wednesday: she's just a beauty. inside and out.
{11.26.09} thursday: the hubby had to work on thanksgiving morning, so the girls and i had a quiet time together. as miley girl was sleeping, jess creatively mastered her "snow scene" as she called it. isn't it lovely?

life, everyday {week twenty two}.

{11.13.09} friday: sweet sisterly moment brought to you by warm blankies, fluffy pillows, and loving cuddles.
{11.14.09} saturday: here's a peek at what was to be created at our christmas card party. i went right to work, ignoring what else needed to be done around the house. where's the fun in chores when the preparation of seasonal celebrations was at hand?
{11.15.09} sunday: i love the joy that's exuding from this fall picture, full of wonder and movement...tossing damp leaves into the warm autumn air.
{11.16.09} monday: let me set the scene of this food-filled ball: miley, per usual, had a few lunch remnants left on her elmo plate, waiting to be digested in order to finally exclaim, "ah done!" with mommy by her side, encouraging her to finish her cheese stick and turkey. a few very short moments later, she held her plate high declaring her victory. i have to say, i was a little shocked myself. she usually doesn't display so much enthusiasm so quickly. i shot words of praise her way, still a little perplexed by the situation until my eyes met this round ball of fun sitting in her chair. ah-ha. the culprit.
{11.17.09} tuesday: jessa's been eagerly displaying a notion to help around the house beyond her toddler-age chores. her favorite? helping wash the dishes. my inner child so badly wants to scream at her, "don't do it! you'll despise it in a few years!" i had similar incidents when i was little that involved the vacuum cleaner and the silverware section of the dishwasher. chills still slime their way down my back just thinking about it. *wink. in the meantime, i'll enjoy the eagerness while it lasts.
{11.18.09} wednesday: let the re-packing begin. puppy was determined not to be forgotten. being well out of miley girl's reach, i'm not to sure who shoved him into this pile of empty boxes. whoever it was had good intentions to not leave him behind.
{11.19.09} thursday: finding out we were moving on monday, i was 'seemingly forced' to be packed up in a day or two. besides being convinced that i lost my mind for a few hours, i think i did okay. who doesn't like living under the pressure now and again? it sharpens the faith, yes?

a lesson for me.

today was the first official day of our preschool playdates! and i have to tell you...i had SO much fun! really, i did.

it reminded me just how cool the Lord is to create such beautiful, creative, captivating, and curious little people. preschoolers are completely awesome and adorable and here's just one reason; two of the little girls were asked separately what they had learned today in class, both answering, "i learned about cookies!" umm...ok. i don't remember teaching them about cookies, but if that's what they learned, then so be it! *smile

i figured we'd spend our first time together learning about each other, our names, our families, and do a little song and devotion. we focused on the letters of their names, had sharing time with their 'family drawings', and made beaded name necklace/bracelets for craft time. and one of the most important things we did today was all contributed to the "playdate rules" board, each giving one good example that should be included. my all-time favorite, 'no whining - be joyful'. *wink

and then something happened...

after everyone had gone home with their respective mommies, i asked jess if she had fun at her first day of school. she timidly replied with a nod and then said, "...but i'm a little bit upset." my mind triggered, thinking, perfect! a prime opportunity to jump into her little head and heart to see what's going on. i asked her to come sit on my lap so that i could listen to why she was a little bit upset.

and this is what she said...

"well, i went first after my friend, when my other friend was supposed to go next {here, she's talking about when she took cuts at the sink to wash hands. she had already apologized to her little friend, but obviously still felt bad. and then she continued...}. and you're the teacher."

i gulped. is she saying what i think? "yes, hunny, i AM your teacher! cool, huh?!"

again, she sheepishly nodded, but this time it was an obvious 'no'.

she. doesn't. like. me. as. her. teacher? my heart hurt just a little bit.

"i don't want you to be my teacher", she responded with her nod. "you're lizzy's teacher and i want lizzy's mommy to be my teacher."

ok, i kind of see where this is going - so i continue to encourage her with my best, explaining what a true blessing it is to get to stay home and teach her. for her to be taught wonderful things by her own mommy. i forced my most uplifting voice out of my mouth, full of hope and promise...every bit of it true. i squeezed a small smile from her lips when i was finished, with her saying, "can i go back and color now?" with a big hug and loves, i let her go.

i was left thinking to myself, am i truly prepared for this? did i do my best to prepare her? concerning the latter, obviously not. she taught me a lesson with her toddler concerns and even though they hurt for a minute, i understood that she is learning right along with me. i understand that she is in a unique position for mommy to be the teacher for not only her, but other wee ones. she's learning. but most importantly, i'm learning the biggest lesson of all.

ultimately, the Lord holds her precious heart in His hands. but He has obliged me to take care of her here and now. so as i teach her her abc's, i pray the lessons go so much deeper...leaving a lasting impression of good memories and happy thoughts of her and mommy. at home. learning together.

here's the word.

i've been more or less sporadic in my posting lately and i'll tell you why...

for the last month, my friend {rachel} and i have been correlating and planning to launch a preschool in my home for preschool age kids in our housing complex. unfortunately, due to insurance liabilities and regulations, "joyfuLiving preschool" could not be formerly instituted. basically, we were trying to be a 'licensed business' when we are obviously not. my love of organization and presentable forms were a bit much and it looked too much like a formal preschool. like i've said to many already, rachel and i completely understand the issues before us and comply fully with the given information. it also leaves a big bummer behind but, what can you do?

we were happy to hear that they do not want to discourage us to have kids over to play with activities and crafts still provided. in other words {cause it's all about 'wording'}, we have invited the interested parties for a joyfuLearning playdate. we're excited to meet new children and their families as we minister through, what i like to think of, a small group for kids. *smile

i'm also looking forward to posting the fun activities and crafts that the kids do together to share with you! to me, the most impacting activity we're doing with them are bible portfolios {a wonderful idea i got from my friend, jaci [an awesome homeschoolin' mama], over at "consider it all joy"}. each week, we'll focus on a specific bible story or bible hero, read about it, sing a song, and then the kids will create a piece of artwork that emphasizes what they learned from the story. each child will have a binder with plastic sleeves holding their treasured work. these will also include bible verses i write out for them on large ledger paper, with them choosing to color or trace over the given verse. by may, they'll have a 'scrapbook' of the bible in their own 'words' {ie. 'art'}. i can't tell you how excited i am for this part of our playdates!

so this is what's been going on for the last several weeks. waiting for words. waiting for okay's. waiting. waiting. patiently waiting. a few disappointments later, i am seeing how the Lord is working through His plan for His ministry with these children.

i still plan on focusing on one-on-one preschool time with jess to teach her how to read using "teaching your child to read in 100 easy lessons". i love to see the eagerness and glow in her face when we talk about learning and school. she is so ready and i love it.

if you have any other fun ideas/activities you'd like to share...please do! comments are always open! and so are the minds of eager children...*wink.

from a late night desk.

so, it's past 11:00pm. the hubs and i just got back from a pretty amazing date. when described to others, they considered it a little 'different', but for us, it was perfect. the mere fact we went on a date and trusted our wee ones to someone we've known for only two months is a blessing in itself. we didn't expect to go on dates for another six solid months {or more}. pretty much, this place rocks. surrounded by amazing friends with really big hearts.

we spent the first part of the evening at the gym. it consisted mostly of hubby showing amateur wife around, ending in wobbling limbs of said wife and the close possibility of tumbling down gym stairs. i'm just sayin'. it was brutal. but oh my goodness, so fun. i could get used to this {and hoping the feeling of excitement sticks around}. my goal is three times a week. not dates {though that would be lovely}, but me, going to the gym. we'll see what the future holds.

and what better after a twenty minute workout {judge if you will - i'm a newbie}? starbucks of course {though completely erasing hard work done ten minutes prior - we won't talk about that}. it's pretty much awesome having an "in". we took our free drinks and headed back to the complex to shoot some pool. six rounds later, i was wishing i was back at the gym.

we took a stroll around the courtyard and started chatting with fellow neighbors. the breeze at our backs was a relaxing reassurance of the Lord's goodness in our lives. sometimes life can take us to uncomfortable places. it surprises us in the middle of a comfortable story. it wakes us up. it shuffles us around. it has a way of challenging our values and constructing our habits. and for us, life here, has probably done a little of each. as week two is in full swing of classes for the hubs, i've been busy with a few things myself. i've been challenged with some new passions that have been placed in my heart. i'm finding out more about myself as i work through what the Lord has laid in my lap. most importantly, i'm developing some amazing friendships in the process. at this point, nothing could be more valuable to me. the Lord has been good. His faithfulness continues.

and what better then a date? i mean, really.

a purely awesome day.

this past week/weekend has been full of preparations {photo id's, mmpi tests, biblical assessment tests, orientation, prof introductions, leadership meetings, syllabus overviews, [more] book buying...and lots of praying *wink} before starting school next week.

this coming tuesday is the big day.

thursday was a monumental day in the journey of our seminary training. it was the new student orientation and it solidified a very important point for us. as we sat there, surrounded by an environment of prestigious faculty with a solid biblical heritage that is the foundation of this 'harvard of evangelical schools', we were reminded of one of the many great truths of the God we serve. that is, He is in control. He had put us in those chapel seats for that moment. a moment of realization - that the next few years are going to change our life. we will change the way we love God, wholly, and the way we love others.

we have a plan built for us that is intentional. soaked in integrity and integrated with His truth. we are humbled that we have been called here.

the hubby specified it perfectly saying, "i feel spoiled. it's a privilege to have been accepted. it feels like i get to enjoy a four year bible camp." i quickly added "bible boot camp" at the end of his quotation. the work is going to be hard for him, but i have no doubt he is fully capable to achieve beyond what he's called to do. that's just the way he is and what makes me proud to stand next to him.

it's so easy to get trapped in the temptations of doubt. one of the things i appreciated the most were the key note speakers, including the president, dr. bailey, who focused on the daily challenges the students {and their families} may possibly face. things like balancing our time between studies, work, family and required ministry hours. things like not giving up {a favorite quote: "it's always too soon to quit."}. things like intentionally developing a relationship with someone that is different than you. things that challenge us to think and act for the better. the best theology that was stated yesterday was this: "you have been ordained to be here...God is in control." things don't have to be complicated to be profound. amen? amen.

as we find ourselves quickly {and what seems like suddenly} delving into the aspect of studying on this journey, we want to function with perspective. a perspective that is rooted in focusing on the word of a true and living God.

and to take heed of my favorite quote from our day at orientation by dr. donald campbell:

"don't doubt in the dark what God told you in the light."

-dr. donald campbell, 3rd president of dallas theological seminary

sometimes, at any cost. i need to work on that.

yesterday was...uh, interesting. we took a family adventure {we were due for one} and drove ourselves to carrolton, texas {not sure i'm spelling that right}. the adventure had a purpose, besides spending time together in the car exploring our outer surroundings. i had been scoping craigslist recently with a friend, which i haven't done in a very long time {for very, very good reason} and came across an adorable ballerina doll. i fell in love with her, as only a mother can with a toy for their daughter. i was determined to make her a christmas present for jess this year. at a whopping $3, she was brand new and still lovingly in her package. for this christmas, that was my kind of deal!

after i spotted her on my computer screen, i spent the next week corresponding with her owner about how i could get my fingers on this steal. shipping her was not an option for the seller {i understood}. and driving was not an option for me {so i thought}. i googled mapquest and found out this little three dollar doll lived about 40 minutes away. i didn't think that was too terribly out of the question, but i'm still not up for exploring on my own. i casually mentioned to the hubby if he was up for a family adventure on friday and he questioned oh-so-gently my motive. he kindly and willingly agreed. yippee!

okay, back to what felt like a choose-your-own-adventure. i'm usually pretty direction savvy, but moving here has tested my skills a little too closely for my comfort. confidence is a good thing to have when it comes to knowing your way around. yesterday, i just shot myself in the foot. we even had "tom" to direct our path with his kind voice radiating from the helpful mini-computer screen on our dash. i wanted to overpower his sense of direction and take over. i almost got us on the wrong highway. headed in the wrong direction. now i know why he kept saying over and over and over again "turn right up ahead". "he" knew where we wanted to go and how to get us there. "he" knew what road to take. what highways would merge us in the right direction. "he" had to correct our route and regroup on several occasions. "he" had to recompute.

we eventually made it. three different highways later and a few missed turns, we safely arrived at the mcd's that was our chosen meet-up place. i discreetly retrieved the gift and put it in the car without jess even knowing. we were headed home. at least, that was the plan.

with a screaming baby in the backseat, it was a little difficult to hear tom's melodious voice guiding our way. we almost ended up in fort worth, a good 45 minutes in the opposite direction. thankfully, we jumped off the highway, turned around and found our way back on the correct northeast, south bound, heading west highw...gosh, i don't know. either way, we found home thanks to tom {and a somewhat patient husband}. *wink

my poor hubby. on his one day off, i took him on a whirlwind adventure to get a three dollar doll. gas probably ended up costing more, but it's the experience that counts, right?

and here she is, so sweet and totally worth it.*no peeking jess*

we made it.

night two in our new place and we couldn't be more happy. we have been absolutely spoiled by the outgoing, friendly people. the accommodations and "luxuries" of living in a high rise. the beautiful views. the comfortable arrangement of our quaint new home. this place is truly a gift.

our desk looks out over the city and as i type this, i can peacefully watch the lights glimmer in the distance. the hum of traffic as they make their way home. the sound of summer as it makes its way to my window. i take it all in with one deep breath after another. we made it. we're here.

jessa's already made a friend and accepted an invitation to a birthday party. we've been invited to dinner and me, to an informational meeting on home schooling. we've made friends down at the pool. met several families on our floor. and familiarized ourselves with our neighborhood {which includes a starbucks one block away and a target 1.4 miles away - eek!}. we've managed to unpack and get things hung in a matter of two days, eager to turn this into our "nest" of comfort {pixely goodness coming soon}.

thank you all for your warm thoughts and well wishes...but down here, can you please send "cold" thoughts, if you get my drift? *wink

starting our new adventure.

i really wanted to "steal" an idea that a friend is doing on her blog called project365, {thanks j' for the idea! she's over at [pieces] & uber talented} taking a picture a day for a year. i really should come up with a title of my own, but i wanted to start my year the day we started our new adventure. it will be inspiring to look back over this course of time and see how the Lord has worked, challenged and moved us for His glory. how about "life, everyday."? or...(as wheels turn ever so slowly in my brain)? i think that's all i've got for now. so, here it begins. life, everyday {week one}.

{6.20.09} saturday: my professional chauffeur taking another peek at our road atlas. lead me home, babe!

{6.21.09} sunday: our sunbathing beauties at the pool's edge. very excited about the pink chairs.

{6.22.09} monday: the glorious grand canyon with the colorado river cutting right through its center. this is only a sliver of what this place of overwhelming beauty has to offer. as the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see, it looks as if the rock formations in the distance are all but a pastel painting photoshopped into existence. the mere size of it all is extraordinary. there were kayakers braving the size 8 white waters on the colorado while we were there. umm...no thanks.

{6.23.09} tuesday: jessa sporting her, "we're in new mexico! we're in new mexico!" happy dance.

{6.24.09} wednesday: we made it! now, if only we can find our way through this BIG state.

{6.25.09} thursday: the hubby loading our stuff for the sixty-third time into the fifty-second vehicle in the last 5 months. this time, it's in 109 degree texas heat. uck!

welcome home! well...almost.

i am blogging from the front seat of the car as we cruise down 87. we successfully crossed the texas state line this morning, after spending almost twelve hours in the car yesterday. the campground we stayed in last night had a spa next to the swimming pool that jessa and the hubby took advantage of after a long day in the car. not forgetting to mention that our koa was right off the infamous route 66. besides sleeping on it, we spent a whole quarter mile driving it until we had to detour back onto the interstate. it's the experience that counts, no?

we've had quite the adventurous journey: sightseeing at the grand canyon {which was most breathtaking and spectacular!}, giant beetles (because they do make them bigger in texas) chasing us down the sidewalk, a cockroach joining us for lunch, a possible antelope sighting, rainy nights to blistering hot days, new scenery to take in around every turned corner, small villages lined with indian markets selling pottery, jewelry & antiques and picture taking of the most intriguing rock formations. we’ve seen signs of the hurting economy halfway across this great nation as there are several gas stations abandoned off the highway with “sorry, no gas” notes taped to their pumps. it was kind of sad to watch the thin papers flap in the breeze, with their signs reading on the way out, "thank you for your patronage!"

i'm loving all of the gorgeous brick houses speckled throughout the farm lands. i've never seen so many houses made out of brick, but look completely different from each other. i wasn't as impressed when we stopped for lunch this afternoon; even though the rest area was very lovely, it had a large sign out front reading, "tornado shelter inside". awesome. i'm so looking forward to living here, she says smothered in sarcasm.

we should arrive at camp earlier this evening and we only have 140 ish miles to drive tomorrow until we land right outside of dallas. we're getting so close! every time i close my eyes, i can't help but decorate our new apartment in my head. it's kind of funny really because i try to picture it from every angle. i've literally memorized the layout by studying the pictures online so many times. it's a sickness, i tell you. my decorating fetish is what makes the nester in me cozy and happy in my home. it's what i do.

some campgrounds have wifi, some don't. i'm very surprised that i have full coverage on the road right now and will hopefully get some pics uploaded to edit as we cruise along. hope you are all doing well and i look forward to talking with you soon!

p.s. jessa is not a fan of texas "skibos", what she unhappily calls mosquitoes.

"well, day two of our big adventure." - papa

my dad couldn't have started our morning with a more chipper tone in his voice...we got the call to rise at 6:30am {really 5:30am to our tired bodies}, had our breakfast, tore down camp inside and were on the road again by 8:15am.

with the girls riding in papa and grammy's truck today, i decided to take the hubby on a drive through utah for father's day. yeah, i've been planning it for awhile now. thought it would be something that he would thoroughly enjoy. a romantic cruise sightseeing the red rock, the historic mormon temple, drive for hours on end until his butt turned numb. very thoughtful, eh?! in reality, it was nice to spend the day with my dad as well...certainly a father's day we won't forget. and if you ever wondered how long it would take to drive the state of utah...you guessed it, a whole day. yay for road trips and pretty scenery!

utah's dust blows white across the plains, making it look like plumes of smoke filling the valleys. their skunks reak just like ours dead on the side of the interstate. however, they do have one thing that i am absolutely jealous about:cause seriously? i want to live there.

we were a little excited to see the mormon temple, mostly just to be impressed with its monstrosity, but it is now nestled in the heart of downtown, barely visible from the highway. we enjoyed a very nice pit stop at cracker barrel and if you haven't been there, you must. its old fashioned home cookin' style leaves you ready for a nap. which probably isn't the best idea for being on the road. hmm...

here we are in all our glory:
i hope you all had a great and adventurous father's day!