Lesson #7 ~ Trust the Locals

I spoke too soon.  In my last entry I mentioned how grateful we were for a warm place to sleep amidst the freezing Amarillo air.  Well, by 5am we were all fighting for blankets.  I left my bed, grabbed more blankets and came out to check on the kids.  I covered Taite and Calla and hopped in bed with Parker and Lincoln (my little brickettes).  By 7am the refrigerator’s built-in alarm was screaming at us that it wasn’t getting energy.  The 21-gallon propane tank was empty.  Trav checked our high-tech built-in level reader.  It showed we still had propane.  Looks like we have some maintenance to do on the built-in level reader.  While the kids and I swam at the nice, warm indoor pool at the Amarillo Ranch RV Park Travis worked on filling or emptying all of our tanks.  (Can you see Lincoln sailing into the pool?  They loved it!)

Twice during our stay in Amarillo locals told us to visit Palo Duro Canyon.  “It’s the only thing worth seeing around here,” they said.  So, on this lovely Christmas Eve morning, after swimming and filling tanks we picked up Papa Jim and Nana from their hotel and drove 17 miles southeast of Amarillo to the canyon.  It’s the second largest canyon in the U.S. - second only to the Grand.  It was a gorgeous place, certainly worth the stop.  Some friends of ours, the Sime’s, suggested to ask about the Junior Ranger Program at the parks we visit.  What a great program!  Each of the participating parks have prepared a booklet that kids can take as you enter the park.  It has questions to answer and things to look for within each park. 

When I was a kid we drove through the Black Hills - one of the most beautiful places in America.  My sister and I were soooo bored!  We thought, “if you saw one hill, you saw them all!”  Our poor parents.  They were trying to bring us on a fabulous family vacation and introduce us to beautiful America.  I remember Mindy and I listening to our headphones (with cassette players ;-)) and only paid attention when my dad said, “Girls!  Look out your window!”  Often we couldn’t wait to get to our next destination because the journey was mildly torturous for us. 

I was a little bit in fear of that attitude on this trip, but this Junior Ranger program has really helped make our journey more fun.  We have some of these programs in Minnesota.  Before we left we went to one located within the Minnesota Science Museum - this program being about the Mississippi River.  It kept Calla’s attention for awhile.  Taite, determined to get the badge that one receives after completing the booklet, diligently sought out the answers.  He learned tons about the River.  Yesterday Taite (and all of us) learned tons about the Palo Duro Canyon and Amarillo thanks to the program, the park, and Wikipedia ;-).  (Here we are enjoying the journey. ;-))

One of the questions in the Junior Ranger booklet was “Name four interesting things you saw on a nature hike.”  We came up with more than four.  Within the canyon we saw four geologic layers, mule deer, deer tracks, yucca plants, prickly pear cacti, prickly pear cacti that had been eaten (ouch!!) by javelinas and other animals, hickory trees, mesquite trees, sage brush, and along our way out of the canyon we saw tumbleweed rolling across the street.  As we drove back toward Amarillo to continue west we drove past the JA Ranch - a ranch of over 1 million acres within 6 counties, with over 100,000 cattle.  They used old tractor tires for feeders.  So interesting.  Talk about different than Minnesota!  We are grateful the locals encouraged us to drive there...it wasn’t even a thought for the original itinerary.  (See the eaten cacti and tumbleweed below.)

Back in Amarillo we stopped at Cavender’s Boot City.  Merry Christmas to Travis, Calla, and Taite - they all got some new cowboy boots (or cowgirl boots in Calla’s case).  I guess they were jealous of my and Parker’s boots.  Parker put on her fancy black cowboy boots and said, “I’m ready to cowboy!”  And now we all can participate in Southwest Day when we visit Old Tucson with Trav’s company later this week!  Great day! (Here's Parker ready to Cowboy.)

After the boot purchase we stopped at Cadillac Ranch.  Travis brought the kids out to vandalize the half-Cadillac graveyard.  It’s interesting to see the art that turns into attractions or even destinations.  Those Cadillacs have been positioned in the ground since 1974.  Papa Jim remembers when he first saw them.  So does Travis.  I’m sure our kids will too. 

Our entry into New Mexico brought a time change and mountains.  We cheered for the Flyer to help encourage it up some of the hills.  We entered a chilly mountainous desert.  Five miles east of Albuquerque we saw snow out our windows.  Perfect - a white Christmas.  I was hoping to see the luminarias display Albuquerque set up in the city, but taking an RV on this 20 mile trip through the windy roads was not recommended.  So we enjoyed the luminarias atop the Best Western and some neighboring adobe-looking buildings. 

Today is Christmas.  Like any normal Christmas, we are enjoying food, card games, our already-opened Christmas gifts, and each other’s company - we just happen to be in an RV and a different state.  Since we don’t have a church here we are singing songs (and watching them on YouTube) and reading the Bible on our own.  I’ve been trying to read Luke’s version of the Christmas story.  We got through chapter one and the kids wanted to change subjects.  They wanted to hear Esther - the Old Testament book.  All 10 chapters.  You can’t go wrong reading from the Bible, but I think it’s funny that the perfect plan I envisioned just hasn’t gone my way.  Instead I’ll embrace our time in conversation about how God works for us and with us always.

Travis is looking forward to writing the next entry.  Until next time, a Very Merry Christmas to all!

Lesson #6 ~ Six days is too long

We headed out of Grove, Oklahoma, today.  After four full days of football playing, rifle shooting, gingerbread train making, gazing at the moon halo, listening to the coyotes howl regularly through the night, walking and noticing the coyote dung across the street from the house (!), eating, laughing, and relaxing at the Ooh La La Spa, it was time to part ways with Derick and Michelle and let the Flyer take us to Amarillo. 

The weather was perfect for the drive.  When we left Grove at 8:30am it was 38 degrees outside.  At 4:30pm we arrived in Amarillo to a lovely 63 degrees.  They warned us that it gets cold when the sun goes down.  They weren't kidding!  We have to shut off the water so the lines won't freeze overnight.  We are glad to have a furnace that works. 

Nana was more than prepared for the trip.  She brought both food and games.  She had found a fabulous website called MomsMinivan.com where there were lots of printable travel games.  We played bingo, battleship, lines and dots, there was even a scavenger hunt.  Nana had also put journals in the kids' stockings so they could take notes, draw, doodle, or organize all the NCAA football teams according to their conference using team logos (guess who!).

Parker was feeling under the weather today so she sprawled out on the couch and napped much of the drive.   Lincoln enjoyed some of the games Nana brought, but Battleship was a little over his head.  Instead he grabbed the Rebreaksast (or Perplexus as the rest of us call it) and sat in the recliner working on moving the little silver marble around the labyrinth-in-a-ball without dropping it.  I often caught him scolding the marble.  I tend to do the same thing when I play. ;-)

For the most part it was smooth sailing.  There was only one small snafu.  With an hour left of the drive we noticed an unmistakable stench.  Even the driver and passenger could smell it.  Travis did a little investigating while Jim drove.  I guess six days of toilet use without dumping is too much.  The blackwater was at max levels according to the RV's built-in level reader.  (That's the technical term for it...built-in level reader. ;-))  We passengers were concerned that we might go over a big bump or turn a corner too sharply and we'd have to pick up our feet. (Gross.  Sorry.)  Obviously the first thing we did when we got to the Amarillo Ranch RV Park was dump the black and graywater tanks.  We aired the place out and filed away that important piece of information - 6 days of use without dumping is too long. 

Our drive to Amarillo was more than just fun and games.  It was a learning experience.  When we drive from Minnesota to Oklahoma we drive through Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.  We see corn fields, dairy cows, heifers, soy bean fields, and lots of pine and oak trees.  Today's drive was totally different.  We saw wheat.  We saw oil drills.  We saw cotton and lots of giant rectangular cotton bales.  We saw cottonwood trees in place of the pine or oak trees we would see in Minnesota.  The soil was red clay - nothing like ours.  Even the cows looked different. 

We made an attempt to be tourists and stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma.  It was closed so we took a picture by the sign.  We drove by a GIANT cross in Groom, Texas.  I thought it was a church at first.  As I now look it up (www.crossministries.net), I see that it is much more than a 19 story cross.  Might have been worth the stop.  Next time...

We were hoping to have dinner at the Big Texan restaurant.  We were trying to figure out how that would work.  We wanted to set up camp then go to the restaurant.  But we are not towing a spare vehicle.  As Travis reviewed their website he noticed they will pick you up!  In a classic Cadillac limo - with longhorns on the front and a fancy moo-ing horn to honk.  Oh yeah!  Problem solved.  Ha!  Crack me up!  I made sure to put on my cowboy boots.  Calla says she wants a pair of boots, too.  Only she wants cowgirl boots.  She's even more convinced she wants them now that she has the hat!  The meal was fabulous and the experience was even better.

Is it me, or does Taite look a little like Andy from Toy Story?  So cute.  Tomorrow we plan to get up and swim in the indoor pool at the RV park.  Then we'll do some sight seeing and head to Albuquerque.

Hasta Luego!  (Gotta start practicing Spanish now. ;-))

Lesson #5 ~ Lights And Spa Can Really Make A Fun Time

"OOOOOOklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the lane..."  We're here!  We got all set up and have enjoyed almost two full days now with the fam.  Right away Jim wanted to help get us into the Christmas spirit so he offered to help put some lights on the RV.  We fit right in now.

Everyone in the neighborhood has been enamored with the rig and stopped to behold the sight.  We all have enjoyed it so much we wanted to take a family picture in front of it.

Besides decorating the Flyer, we spent time yesterday playing baseball and football in the yard, playing house, drawing, reading, and using our imaginations.  Calla's imagination won the trophy as she set up her very own 'Ooh La La Spa.'  She made tickets and invited everyone to patronize her spa.  She offered services for hair, nails, ear candling, and massage.  Uncle Derick was the first customer.  Calla first worked on his crazy hair.  Then she gave him one of her famous massages, getting his neck, shoulders, and arms massaged.  Calla hired Aunt Michelle and myself as her free "workers."  We helped with massage since that seemed to be the service of choice from most of the patrons.  To sum it up Lincoln's comment was best, "Oh...this is great!"  He came back twice for massages.  Uncle Derick spent time in the post-treatment chair.  Taite enjoyed his detoxifying lemon water after his massage.  At the end of it all Michelle did Calla and Parker's nails.  "You pick color?" Michelle said in her best Asian accent then added a cute little flower on one of their nails.  Talk about a fun day!

While most of the country is dealing with snow and rain, we have the wind we sing about in Oklahoma.  Tornado and strong wind advisories fell upon Oklahoma.  At 1:30 this morning I awoke to the RV swaying and shaking back and forth.  I began to wonder if the RV would tip over or be picked up and moved across the neighborhood.  I woke up everyone sleeping in the RV and moved us inside.  The RV is still in one piece today, but the 50-mile/hour winds did a number on the lovely red Christmas lights. 

Tousled lights certainly won't ruin our Christmas.  We exchanged gifts today since Derick and Michelle head back to Iowa Sunday and the rest of us start driving west.  Most importantly, we know that Christmas is not about presents or lights.  It's about Jesus.  We are all thankful for the gift of God's grace.  We're all praying for a Christ-filled Christmas for each of our family and friends.

Lesson #4 ~ Family is Forever

“And they’re off,” as our friend Laura said.  Our trip began yesterday...a day earlier than expected.  Not for any specific reason, except that we wanted to ensure we’d have time to say Merry Christmas to Travis’ grandmothers.  So yesterday we drove to the south side of Kansas City and parked ourselves at Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Charlie Dunlop’s place.  They were kind enough to let us “plug in.”  How handy to bring all of our own food, beds, heat, and more...and get to visit with two of our favorite family members along the way. ;-)

As we prepared to leave, things didn’t start very smoothly.  Both Travis and I were asking each other to help with our To Do’s so we could get on the road, but we each had many of our own To Do’s to accomplish as well.  We got huffy with each other.  Finally we were all in the Flyer, ready to leave for 6 weeks.  I asked Travis to lay the ground rules of the Nautica Flyer.  We talked about the rules of sitting, eating, noise levels and bathroom use.  Then, thankfully, Travis prayed for safe travels (as so many of our family and friends are doing - thank you!), he prayed for restored patience (much needed), for love amongst ourselves and everyone we visit, and for God’s direction.  I let out a deep sigh and we all gave a huge, “AAAAAMEN!” 

This is the first time we all are in the rig together.  So far either the kids were not along or I was in the van driving behind so we could have a travel vehicle during the days.  What an experience!  First the kids wanted to rest and read books...so we all went to the back room where there is a queen size bed, and we laid on the bed as I read books to the kids.  Then someone had to go to the bathroom.  We didn’t have to stop!  They could just go in the bathroom on board.  Then someone was hungry.  No problem!  We have a pantry, shelves, and a refrigerator full of food!  I’ll make you a snack!  Then someone else had to go to the bathroom.  So glad we didn’t have to stop again.  We played games, listened to Christmas music, and fully enjoyed the seven and a half hour drive to the Dunlop’s.  There was even a fight or two along the way...so we put someone at the table and someone on the couch - completely separated.  They couldn’t even pretend to touch each other! 

We got to Des Moines and I said, “This is the way to travel!”  Seriously!  If you have a willing driver (thank you, Travis!) and can afford the gas, it’s the way to go!

This morning we woke up and did our morning routine.  We got to visit with Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Charlie a little more, then we went into Osawatomie to visit Grandma Wilson at Vintage Park assisted living.  She was in the lobby with 10 of her senior friends finishing an exercise class they all did sitting in chairs.  (Sign me up for senior living!  Seriously!)  The kids found Grandma and went right over to shower her with hugs.  I was so glad that God’s love was shining through them.  I remember when I was 8...90-year-old people made me nervous.  And a room full of them caused me to pin myself to my mom’s side and shyly say hello to whoever was there.  And I would have been the one whispering to my mom the entire time we were there, “when are we going to leave?”  Today, from my children I saw manners, smiles, hugs, and conversation - all without me encouraging it at all.  And today, from the residents at Vintage Park I saw smiles, hugs, and my children being showered with presents and treats from people we had never even met.  Feeling the love!

We spent just a half our with Grandma Wilson so we could also visit with Grandma Boots in Ottawa.  It’s always fun for everyone to have the opportunity to converse with Grandma Boots.  The woman - in her upper 80’s - is as sharp as a tack!  Nothing gets by her.  And boy, the history stories she can tell!  Taite, Calla, Travis, and myself are always asking her to share something about her past with us.  We call them history stories, but they could have happened as recently as two years ago. ;-)  During our short visit today we learned about the ice box Grandma used in her house.  Last time we were enthralled for about an hour hearing all about the arrowheads she has collected from her farmland.  When it was time to leave my kids let out a big, “Awwwww!”  (They would have stayed all day!)

Priceless.

I asked Lincoln and Parker what their favorite parts were about our trip yesterday or this morning.  I thought for sure they’d say it was driving in the RV.  The concensus among everyone was visiting Charlie, Carolyn, Grandma Wilson, and Grandma Boots.  What a blessing to have such amazing family all over to visit, learn from, and share hugs.

We are about to arrive in Grove, Oklahoma, where we will spend the rest of the week with Travis’ parents - Jim and Linda - and his brother, Derick, and brother’s wife, Michelle.  We are all looking forward to it!  Until next time...‘Bye y’all!  (Practicing my Oklahomish.)

Lesson #3 ~ Dogs Are People Too!

As we contemplate the idea of leaving tomorrow instead of Tuesday, we frantically work to pack the RV and accomplish all of the "To Do's" throughout the weekend.  One of the "To Do's" was to take KC over to my sister's house.  (Thank you again, Mindy, for taking KC for 6 weeks!)

I brought him to Mindy's house around 7:30 tonight.  He had known something was going on all day.  He was not interested in napping (all day) like usual.  He followed me around or watched out the window every moment.  When I finally told him to come with me he had these big, sad eyes.  But he hopped in the van.  Mindy only lives 5 minutes from us so we arrived quickly.  Grace, Mindy's cat, is not used to other people being in the house - especially not a dog.  Her welcome for KC was less than cordial.  KC paced Mindy's house, staying close to me at all times. 

Mindy and I chatted for a few minutes.  I started to walk toward the doorway and KC came with me.  Mindy encouraged KC to come back up the stairs.  He did because he's a good listener, but as I took another step, he came right back down to my side.  I couldn't give him enough hugs. :-(  My baby. 

Clearly I'm a dog person and someone who is not a dog person would think I'm crazy.  He is the first being I ever had to care for.  He's like my oldest child.  He's turning 13 next week...and we won't be here for it.  Guilt.  I mean look at this face...

Mindy has already texted me, assuring me all is well at her house.  I'm sure this will be a big step in Grace and KC's friendship. 

Big hugs to my KC.  I'll miss you buddy!  Have fun with Mimi and Grammy!  Thank you Min!

Lesson #2 ~ Kids Get As Excited As Parents For An RV Trip

I'm doing the dishes with Taite, Calla, and Lincoln last night. 

Calla singing: One, Two...Kalamazoo
Three, Four...Jersey Shore
Five, Six...West Phoenix

Me:  Calla!  Those are all real places!  How do you know about them?!

Calla:  They are?!

Taite:  Oh, it's a T-Mobile commercial.

(Ha!  Thank you football commercials.)

Taite:  We made up our own song for the trip.  Do you want to hear it?

Me:  Of course!

Taite and Calla:  One, two, three...We're taking the RV
Four, five, six...On Route 66
Seven, eight, nine...It's gonna be a good time!!!

Love it.  They've decided that we'll be singing this as we pull out of the driveway in the Nautica Flyer.

Four days and counting.

Lesson #1 ~ God's plans are better than ours

Lesson #1 ~ God's plan is always better than ours.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you fill find me.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT)

If you would have asked me ten years ago what I wanted my life to be like today, I would have said, "I would like to be in management at my pharmaceutical company, make good money, and have children."  I'm sure written somewhere are 5-year and 10-year sales, business, and life plans.
I’m also sure that God saw me writing these goals on a piece of paper and chuckled, saying to Himself, “Oh, if she only knew the plans I have for them!”

When Travis was changing jobs in 2004, I was mortified when he told me he wanted to begin another business that was a 100% commission independent distributorship with Family Heritage.  NOT AGAIN!  I had a pharmaceutical job with GREAT health benefits, a car and everything that goes along with it, flexibility on hours, and a solid base salary with healthy bonuses.  I strongly encouraged him to look into pharmaceuticals or medical device sales.  He did, and came back feeling very convicted to begin an insurance business selling Family Heritage products.  God had a plan.

Lincoln was on his way in 2008 - 4 months en utero or so.  I was overwhelmed with wanting to be a stay-at-home mom.  At the time, Travis’ business wasn’t where we needed it to be to make it work financially.  We could either sell our recently-purchased, larger home and move into a mobile home in Oklahoma or I could find another way to earn an income.  A home-based independent distributor business came along (MonaVie).  My pharmaceutical income was quickly replaced - and I became a stay-at-home mom.

The years went on, now having 4 kiddos.  We've gained some and lost some - like my dad and a few grandparents.  Trav's business has grown exponentially.  MonaVie is impacting us in incredible ways.  Through it all we've grown closer to God.  At one point I was ready to really listen to God and a dear friend of mine taught me how to hear.  Since then I’ve heard God tell me things to do and things not to do.  Each time I hear, I try my hardest to obey.  Easier said than done.

It was last year November (2011) when I heard God say, “Begin homeschooling...in January.”  I didn’t tell Travis right away - probably because I didn’t want to.  Once I told him, he had every excuse of why we should not homeschool.  “We want our kids to be around other kids - they need the social time; you don’t have a teaching background; maybe when we get to the tougher years like middle school.”  He had all the same excuses I had - we liked being normal (whatever that means!).  I told God I just wanted to obey Him and if it was His will that we homeschool, He was going to have to convince Travis.  It took 3 weeks and a comical series of events for Travis to say, “Ok.  I guess we are supposed to homeschool in January.” Again, God has a plan.

So here we are.  A homeschooling, home-based business family taking our lives on the road in an RV for the next 6 weeks.  Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California...along Route 66.  Ha!  Who would have ever guessed this would be our lives?!  Not me.  But we are finding that it's way better than we could have ever planned or imagined!  We are all so excited to see what God has in store for us over these next weeks!

We look forward to having you join us for the adventure!