Life as a Yowler

Last night after we got our kids to bed, I was totally exhausted. I had just finally sat down to relax. Our conversation went something like this.

Brandon : You know I leave for a work trip tomorrow and will be gone all week right?

Me: Yes. You can stop bragging. I remember, and I’m full of jealousy.

Brandon: You could come with me you know?

Me: Funny!(taking a look around at my tornado of a home after being in and out and gone most of the weekend)

Brandon: no I’m serious, let me research some things.

Brandon takes some time and researches plane tickets and even train tickets. It’s too late for train tickets(I mean come on, it’s the night before). Plane tickets were very expensive. An hour later, Brandon comes back with “let’s just drive.” Now keep in mind we are without our RV right now. Because of all the issues we were having with it, it’s in Indiana being looked at by every level of management from the original manufacturer. So anyways, we would be driving our van.

Nothing about picking up and taking the entire family made any sense. I was very behind on housework. It was 10:30 pm. I obviously hadn’t packed a thing. Plus I hadn’t had time to prepare mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

So here’s the debate going on the rest of the night…..until midnight when we went to bed. I could stay home in the cold of Michigan. We could do normal routiney things. I could single parent it for a week. I do it all the time, so that wasn’t much of a concern. I could get up early morning and pack everything……clothes, lots and lots of snacks, school work, Odyssey CD’s, movies, blankets and pillows, winter gear, coloring books, diapers, swim suits, and  dress clothes for Brandon. We were debating sending one kid with just Brandon and they would fly. It was Brielle’s turn. I had concerns about sending her. During Brandon’s long days of working, she would get bored. She is a little too young yet to behave and sit through long meetings. I was also worried about her keeping up with Brandon. All I could picture was Brandon getting a phone call and Brielle wandering away(like she did in downtown New Orleans). Plus we had the issue of hair. Brandon would bring her in to his important meetings looking like a homeless child. His comment was “well I will just slap a headband on her head and she will be fine.”

I did not sleep great last night, let me tell you. But here’s my conclusion….just go for it. Make those memories. Support your husband. Invest into the family God has given you. We are truly blessed to have this opportunity. It’s going to be hard, but so is staying at home. There will be brutal moments no matter where you are.  My lack of time to prepare for this trip can also be looked at this way….I had no time to stress. My kids are going to remember these family adventures. I spent some time praying that God would keep my attitude and perspective in check. This truly is a blessing and great opportunity. We have some fun things planned along with Brandon’s work. First stop Salt Lake City! One of my very favorite places in the world.

I cant even tell you how excited I am to see the mountains. Utah and California are some of the most incredibly beautiful places I’ve ever been. The mountains literally take my breath away. They completely take any trace of bad mood out of me. I’m so excited!Here is our little educational box. Joah and Brielle’s school books are in here along with some extra things.

And here is the clothes situation. It sure does make a difference having to pack suitcases. We keep clothes in the RV permanently so I don’t have to pack and unpack them.

Wouldn’t you know, even our elf is along for the ride.