We Made It To Redmond, OR!

Oregon, so far has been a favorite for our family. Despite the troubles we will encounter that you will read about in a few more days, it has been, by far, the most beautiful and kindly state we’ve visited. I could do without the unnecessary gas attendants that pump your gas since it is unlawful to do so on your own, though.

Carefully edging our way into our new camping spot for the night, we took in our surprisingly busy surroundings. Apparently, there must have been some sort of travelling youth baseball team. There were lots of little boys running around playing baseball, beating their little boy chests in a show of testosterone laden awesomeness. My kids and nephew felt a bit shy, but warmed up to the idea of flying kites and riding bikes. There is a certain freedom in riding one’s bike on a long stretch of open road, free from traffic, knowing you’re safe. Living in Alaska, we could not ride our bikes much due to the weather and the location of our home. We lived directly on a highway with travelers speeding down the road at a decent clip. It just wasn’t safe. This always saddened me because I love to ride my bike and stay active.

My nephew and father in law took the Frisbee out and tossed it for a while. I enjoyed watching them both leap enthusiastically, occasionally falling to the poo-speckled field of green under their feet. They would laugh out loud, heartily glad when they missed a dog nugget! The girls and I and their father tried our best to fly kites. We have three, one is a trick kite, one a ladybug with a long tail and one a standard easy to fly kite. The lady bug refused to take wing. Although, I got tickled watching my highly determined father-in-law attempt to get that bug in the air, with no such luck. If you do not know it already, the Harkins are an extremely determined lot, some would even utter the word “stubborn” or “strong-willed” to describe them.

I decided to get some laundry done that evening. And God has a way of bringing just the right people your way when you need it. There was a woman sitting in there, on her phone doodling, waiting for her laundry. I have no troubles striking up a conversation, but she looked as if she would rather keep to herself, so I gingerly smiled, but stayed quiet. Much to my surprise though, she immediately started talking to me. We discussed what brought us to that camping spot, where we were headed, kids and all those typical things. I found out we shared the same faith in Christ, and even had a child each with the same sorts of challenges. She was able to give me some wisdom, from a mom mentor perspective, a woman who has travelled my walk and without judgment, gave good advice on how to handle the struggles we were encountering. Thank you woman, I wish we would have traded contact information. But, I understand that some friendships are fleeting, and meant to speak life into our situations, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I carried my burden of laundry, piled high and folded, back to the camper, and watched some TV with the family. Not a bad day of travels! We are headed for Vale, OR tomorrow. Don’t forget to look for tales of Esteban. He’s been up to some mischief. And truth, be told, I think he has a crush on me. That’s kind of weird. Well, really weird honestly.

Hitting The Road

It’s been much longer than I planned, but finally, I am here to finish the posting of our journey! I hope you enjoy the rest of the updates and information about living in our camper! Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Within fifty miles we realized there was a problem. That’s right, hardly out the door, and we had our panties in a rightful bunch. My husband’s truck, the one pulling our 44 foot trailer, was running hot and overheating every time we went uphill. This was concerning considering we still had 4100 miles to go, and no clear idea what the issue could be.

Part of me found this ironic and chuckled inwardly, remembering our last fiasco/adventure of transferring across country from Charleston, SC to Juneau, AK. We lost nine tires(Let me clarify: nine tires in which the bolts were sheared off and had a miraculous way of not killing us instantly because they always rolled away from the moving trailer.) on our trailer then(not the same trailer we have now, it was more of a cargo trailer.). One of those said tires sped aimlessly into the desert, unrepentant of the fact that my poor husband ran, Forrest Gump style, into the thorns and tumbleweed determined to catch it. Nearly a mile later, he caught up to the beast and slowly made his way back to where we were pulled over beside the highway.

So, here we were on another huge trip, and another huge God-sized challenge in our midst. My husband’s brows furrowed in concern as he battled trusting God and remembering the trauma of the previous transfer season’s excursion.

It was interesting that God also seemed to give me some great scriptures to encourage him. Though, I think he was doing his best to cling to his sanity, while simultaneously doing his level best to create a steel ball of tension between his shoulder blades. I simply cannot fathom the level of stress he was put under, knowing he had to safely get nine people across our great nation, all while ensuring we had fun, knowing we could have a problem that could cost us up to $8000 to remedy.

We shortened that first day and ended up staying in Gig Harbor, WA to regroup and brainstorm over the potential engine issue. What I really mean is that we stopped so he could head-butt the kitchen table, frantically search online, and consult knowledgeable friends, determined he would noodle it out! Have I mentioned I have a wickedly intelligent husband who will always find a way where there seems to be no way?

The next day, we took it very easy and had to make several stops in order to allow the engine to cool down. I prayed, a lot. We spoke with some good friends and ultimately decided to stop in Warrenton for a few days in order to get new tires and find a good mechanic(pray they wouldn’t be crooks and that my husband’s hunch was right about our specific trouble). We stayed at the absolute best KOA I think I have ever seen! It was full of great things for the kids, close to the beach, and the kindest staff I’ve ever encountered. They invited us to jump on the ‘jump pillow’ pretty much whenever we wanted rather than on the strict schedule it normally operates under. They let my kids and my nephew ride on these nifty bike/four wheelers for free all over the park(a $50 gift!). They offered us the leftovers of bacon and sausage after breakfast one morning(normally $1.50 each side item). Can I say that I felt the love of God through strangers so much through that, despite the frustrations we were encountering?

Two days later, in the afternoon, my husband went to pick up the truck. We planned to get on the road the next morning. A nearly tearful goodbye 18 hours later, we were packed and headed out of Warrenton, OR. The next few hours were tense as my husband watched his truck tuner for any signs of overheating. And, boy, it was no long before his vehicle was put under the ultimate test. We were really booking it when a school bus stopped short in front of us at the base of a huge mountain with a steady but long climb. This meant we had to start from nearly stopped, and increase speed up the hill. At the moment our vehicle started to get warmer, corresponding to my husband’s sweat that was beginning to dot his forehead, his truck’s fan and coolant system began showing that it was capable of doing its job! It was still a while before Chris could be calm about things, but I knew in my heart we were good to go!

We made it all the way to Lincoln City, OR, flew kites on the beach, got lost getting back to our RV park, laughed like crazy, and slept like crap(being next to a major town highway will do that). We are on our way out, and everything is running smoothly! Prayers for us as we continue our trip!

Across The Nation, Part One: Day Three

It’s our last day on this ferry. For heaven’s sakes, I think it’s time we exited. I think it’s also safe to say that the ferry workers were glad to see us leave. Do any of you have any idea how difficult it is to keep five children occupied on a ship without much to do upon it? Never fear though! This Mommy/Auntie is amazing and came up with a scavenger hunt to amuse the littles. While all of the other adults were busy building a massive puzzle, I created a scavenger hunt that would be challenging and fun!

The scavenger hunt required all five kids to work together, to gather pictures and/or complete challenges at each stop, and to do so getting along famously. That, in and of itself was a feat of great worth! Here are our scavenger hunt clues, and their corresponding pictures. I have a few favorites!

 

  

One of the most memorable moments from the scavenger hunt involved my nephew fearlessly approaching three random strangers to get a picture and a handshake. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hardly as I watched them try to accomplish those tasks. My poor son, however, was horrified, and could not even be present during these shenanigans. He’s simply too serious for that. I’m sure he did not take after me on that front. I was born silly, deranged really, and I am ok with that.

 

Entering the galley to pick out some free items for their loot was hilarious too. Nothing like straws up your nose, coffee creamers, and a few sugars to make you happy when you are under 12!

   

I suppose the best challenge was when we knocked on some poor lady’s door to snap a picture with her. She turned out to be very attractive, which meant that my nephew’s eyes were a bit big as he stood shoulder to shoulder, ready for a photo. Now, THAT, my friends was really funny.

My daughters were not phased, and seemed to enjoy the torment their poor brother was enduring. Though, despite all of his protestations, he seemed to be hiding a smile or two, completing each task, and finishing up with a big grin, proud of his photos, laughing with his cousin and sisters. I feel it was generally a win/win for everyone!

We are closing out our trip here on the Malespina in the morning when we debark on the next portion of our trip. I know the sights will be lovely! And, I am excited to see the look on my kids’ and nephew’s faces as they see what this great world has to offer. Thank you Alaska, you’ve been grand. I will forever miss you, for all of my days, I will miss you. I pray the Lord brings us back to you one day. You will hold a piece of my heart always!

Across The Nation, Part One: Day Two; Malespina

The sun was not shining on Petersburg this morning when we pulled into the port. Instead, the sky was filled with the remnants of fog from the previous night, a light rain drizzling on the earth. I slept on, through the morning, having gone to bed early to commune with God over some struggles I was having. I woke early still, due to a little girl repeatedly asking for “mil-mil”. After nursing Havilah and attempting to keep her abed for another hour, I gave up the futile effort, dressed us both and waited impatiently for Chris to pull his clothes on, as pokily as possible (that’s my estimation at least!).

I took our hot cereal down to the cafeteria to get hot water, and bowls. Sitting down, we enjoyed some good conversation and a few laughs. Of course, Havilah refused to eat her breakfast. It was a lesson in futility, for that I am certain. On a side note, I hate it when I spend really good money on expensive healthful food and my kids, for some inane reason, decide to not eat it! But, I digress, concluding breakfast, we took a few rounds around the ship. Havilah has to have a chance to either go around the ship outside, or locate every single staircase and climb and/or descend it. My big kids and nephews prefer to use the walkie talkies and play hide and seek with them.

I played with the big kids during Havilah’s nap, and that was a blast (minus my son’s tantrum over not getting to make the rules of the game his own way)! We played “Cops and Robbers”, and my nephew schooled me in the ways of the game! It was surely a bigger hit than my idea of using the play room’s stuffed play area stackable toys to have a boxing match, which was a bit more violent, and did nothing to curb the restless boy energy and mounting frustration between the two testosterone laden fellows.

Stopping in Ketchikan just after lunch was a nice break from trip. Even though we did not get off of the ship, it gave my oldest daughter and me a chance to check on our seafaring cats again! Ginger is a lively one and she has done quite well with traveling. I cannot say the same for her partner in crime however. Danny, a tender soul, spent the time sulking in the back of the extra-large crate we fashioned for them with a sitting area, litter box and food station. We still pried him from the crate in order to share some love and snuggles with him. It didn’t seem to help with his mood, but at the very least, improves our own!

The next part, is entirely too funny at my expense. You see, my husband had the cats placed in the bed of his truck. His truck is the size of an elephant on steroids. It’s a Dually, and climbing into the back was a feat in itself. A feat I had not figured would put me in considerable peril if I tried to descend! Let me paint a mental picture for you: Me and my large-bottomed self, my daughter cackling like a fool, as I tried to throw one of my ridiculously long legs over the edge, only to discover that it was in no way near the ground. After ten minutes, breathing a large amount of exhaust from the eighteen wheeler that just had to start then and warm up its engine, I managed to open a back door, climb down and jump. I really should have planned my descent beforehand. I really should have. At least the workers and my daughter had a good laugh.

We made our way upstairs and continued working on a puzzle that we had been plugging away at, a 750 piece masterpiece of hot air balloons. Truth be told, I sat on my butt separating children form their squabbling and making jokes with my nephew and in-laws. That kid is a hoot! To be 11 and that funny is just too much!

Havilah was just too tired to not need a second nap, so she and I cuddled up on a chair, nursed and fell asleep. We woke to a completed puzzle (go me!), and time for dinner! The kids are now sitting in our room, watching Madagascar 2, and I get time to write. So far, so good! There has been a lot of fun, a lot of laughs and a lot of children fighting (Hello five kids, four of which are dealing with a separation from the home they have known for four years.)

This brings me to the end of day two on the Malespina! I hope you are enjoying the updates!

Esteban and the Malespina

I am astounded! I can’t believe I am here! I have never been on a ship before. It’s nearly as fascinating as my personality, but not nearly as attractive as my green leaves. Those are definitely more attractive.

Here I am viewing the Ketchikan docks! The Harkins’ family refused to carry me down. I considered jumping, but figured with no arms I would be unable to get onto the dock, and without legs, I would be at a loss as to exploring my surroundings. Being a plant, while preferable to being a person, still has its limitations.

I found the air dampness a bit overmuch for my liking. I tend to prefer drier climates. But, the mountains could not be compared to any I have ever seen, except for all of them in Juneau I could see from my window. You like my sarcasm sauciness, no? I asked them to set me places of great dignity for photos. Instead, I was placed in a stinky shoe. I suppose I must take the good with the bad. Tomorrow I plan on finding a way to walk the decks here and peruse the place a bit before the big trip across country.

Adios mi amigos!

Across The Nation, Part One: Day One; The Malespina

As a bit of a preamble, allow me to explain how this is going to go. I will be updating a few days behind. Since traveling on the ocean means that I will not have internet access very often, I will have to write on a separate program and then copy and paste. You will be reading the events approximately 2-3 days after they have actually happened. I’m sorry about the lag, but there isn’t much I can doi about this. Also, I will be posting some updates about Esteban, our little air plant who will be having some adventures too! You can read more about him here.  Have fun reading our story! And feel free to share the blog with your friends.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!

Snuggled up to my sleeping girls in our camper, I marveled at those last few hours in Juneau. Some dear friends opened their home to us and fed us a delicious dinner, providing not only nourishment to our bodies, but to our ‘goodbye’ weary hearts. I chuckled inwardly remembering their little one as he flopped haplessly to the floor in his valiant efforts to toddle those first tenuous steps. My children and my nephew laughed uproariously at each other, the little baby, and just generally had some good laughs as they played, frolicking around outside in the spruce pollen-rich air. My friend and I spoke about being mothers, being gentle in our words and deeds, but also acknowledging the importance of being “real and authentic” in our faith, not being afraid to be ourselves, loving others and speaking truth, and laughing at that off color joke or two.

After a few precious hours in their home, we packed up and headed to the ferry terminal. A “Mother Mentor” and close friend came and sat with me for a time, while we waited until it was time to leave. We laughed about marriage, told some of our best embarrassing moments, had a few chuckles with hands clasped over our mouths, as if someone might hear us. We prayed and hugged. I thanked her for being my friend. I am blessed to know her, and a better woman because of it.

Shortly after, the revelation that our decision to put our children and my nephew to bed for a few hours prior to departure was wise, because it helped them go back to sleep better once we boarded that ship in the dark of night. And dark, it truly was; looking at the clock and reading roughly 2am as I carried a drowsy 2.5 year old, with a train of little ducklings behind me, I was thankful for the ferry terminal lights to guide the way. With photo ID and ticket in hand, we made our way down the cement pathway onto the boat. We greeted the smiling deckhands, and easily found our way to the elevator that would take us to the purser’s desk. No more time for tearful goodbyes, or thinking about what I would leave behind. It’s amazing how as parents, we are able to focus on the task at hand and set aside our feelings, no matter how deeply we may be hurting. Truth be told though, there was a parting in my heart from this beautiful city that was seamless. I felt that as I breathed out my weary breath, watching the fog escape my lips, I let go of every fear of the unknown and every painful so-long. Each moment thereafter was the beginning of our new chapter.

We are slowly pulling into Sitka as we speak. It’s time I head out to the pier! I have a friend to hug, and another Alaskan good-bye to make. More to read in Day Two of this journey next time!

Esteban, Suave And Debonair, Air Plant And His Unforgettable Transplanted Journey

Hola! Me llamo Esteban! Or for my non-Spanish speaking friends, my name is Esteban (Please do not call me Steven, this is not my name. It’s ‘Es-Teh-Bahn’). I am full of manly plantly vigor, and excited to tell you of my travels. The Harkins’ were kind enough(read bribed) to allow me safe passage along with them, agreeing to occasionally spritz myself in order to keep me pleasing to the lady plants.

I was living with the Whitcomb family with my other air plant relatives when it occurred to me that I needed a change. I longed to taste the salty sea air (not too much though, I might die you know), to see the deserts from whence I came, and marvel at the sights of this great country.  I would be a liar if I said I wasn’t hoping to meet a svelte lady plant.

I made my case to the Harkins’ family, and they were more than happy to have me accompany them on their journey. Their only request was that I allow their cats to sniff and occasionally lick me. This was no small favor for me to indulge them for their cats.  But alas, I set aside my pride, realizing that it was worth the trouble if I wanted a free ride across the country!

I shall post photos of my travels, feel free to comment and ask me about myself. I am rather fascinating. After all, I am a plant that requires no dirt, rarely water, only a place to rest my bottom.

My first photo, me and their detestable fluffy feline, Ginger.  See my shame, but yet, I smile.  My machismo and manly fortitude should be praised. Thankfully, their black cat, Danny, could not be bothered to meet me.

Getting To Know My Nephew; AKA Mini-Me

For those that do not know, this is not our family’s first trip across country.  This is our fourth cross country trek to be exact.  We have also had the pleasure of having my in-laws for the ride two of those times.  This trip, however, is unique.  This trip, not only do I get to have my amazing in-laws with us, but, I also get my oldest nephew!  This has made for some very interesting times!  It boggles my mind how a child could remind me so much of myself.  Or should I say, he is just like his daddy!  And that is a compliment, because my brother-in-law is quite possibly the funniest man alive!

I think the moment I saw this 11 year old dancing around like a lunatic around a hapless and completely unaware Maritime Festival fully costumed worker, I knew we might be kindred spirits!  Who else would think to walk like a chicken, complete with convincing squawks for a quarter of a mile back to the parking deck and our vehicles?  And of course, going to a new church, knowing no one, why wouldn’t you put on the cheeky sunglasses they offer you and pretend to be a spy for the show they were putting on for the main sanctuary?  It’s a kid after my own heart!

This morning was exceptionally special.  I had to go to church early in order to practice for my last  worship set with our church team.  I asked who wanted to go early to get breakfast at the church, and he and my 6 year old daughter replied quickly(food is generally a very convincing).  After a quick breakfast, I headed over to the sanctuary to practice, telling my daughter to bring the both of them over when they were done.

As I was singing, they walked in and sat on the front row.  My nephew sat right there, listening and loving it.  I signaled to him to see if he would like to come up and sing with the band too.  He was feeling shy, so I did not ask again.  But, those little eyes and ears were attentively listening and watching.  When practice was over, I had a few minutes before service began, so I sat down next to him to talk to him.  You see, I noticed this young man has a love for music, singing and worship.  As someone who is called to worship, I can see that desire from a mile away!  I asked him if he played any instruments, and began conversing about his love of music.  We talked about his desire to learn drums.  I encouraged him to learn an instrument that would eventually be able to accompany him, such as piano or guitar, in addition to drums.  Knowing more than one instrument is key to understanding how a band works as a unit.  It teaches you to really listen to what is going on around you, learn how one’s voice blends with different instruments, among a myriad of other things.  Above all though, I encouraged him to pray and ask God for wisdom about how to pursue the gift that the Lord has put in him.

As he discussed his shyness, I shared my own reticence with singing publicly.  For those that know me, you may well be shocked.  I did not sing openly until I was 14, and then not on a regular basis where people could hear me well, until I was about 18.  It just took me a while to open up.  So, I know that fear of being heard.   But, I know the joy of being heard too.  When God has placed a desire to to be heard in your soul, there is no way to describe what it’s like when you step out in that gift for the first time.

What beautiful, God-fearing parents my nephew is blessed to have.  Thank you God for parents that love you, lead their children in your ways and trust the aunt and uncle to drive all over America with him in tow!

Life of a Sardine: Living in An Adjoined Hotel Room With A Bunch of Mammyhackers

It would seem that hotel living, particularly with an adjoined room, would be preferable than squishing ourselves into our infinitesimally small fifth wheel camper.  Allow me to expound on a few reasons why my camper currently is my favorite.  I think you’ll see why:

Exhibit A:

 

Notice the three lumps of flesh that are immobile on the beds.  They are disheveled creatures who are slowly liquefying their brains via cable television.  I know, I know; I should have wonderfully educational, hands-on activities like underwater basket-weaving for them to be doing whilst we wait for the day the ferry would allow us passage.  The reality is that I clearly have done nothing other than eat, see friends, and walk around at parks. Then, only to find ourselves vegging out on these comfy beds at the end of each day, dying slowly due to our brain juices evaporating and seeping from our eye holes, nostrils and ear canals.  Strangely i do not have any guilt over this.  Must be evaporating brains.

Exhibit B:

 

My youngest child has spent her time doing her level best to destroy any sense of inner peace I have.  She delights in terrifying me by going up and down the elevator without my knowledge as she sneaks out with her oldest brother.  Those buttons are so tantalizing.

I have used every trick in the book, and have manged to keep her in the hotel room unable to exit, finally!  Never mind the death trap windows they have here, that when opened, the screens only require a gentle nudge to fall to the ground 30 feet below.  Those things, really, those stupid windows.  They are killing me!

All joking aside, it’s really not that bad.  As long as we keep busy, everyone has been able to enjoy themselves.  It helps that I have the best friends in known universe making things so much better on us.  Many of them have made meals, opened their homes to us to visit, have a few more play-dates and loved on our family in this season of goodbye.  Just a few more days before we actually leave Juneau.  Continue to pray for us as we wade through these troubled waters, saying farewell, and moving forward!

The Journey Has Begun

My last post was 5 months ago.  That’s a long time.  A very long time.  Forgive me for my absence.  But, I’ve been one heck of a busy bee.  So much has gone on since my last update to our family’s adventure.  We finished up another year of homeschooling, for better or worse.  We got our camper, and were able to load it up with the things we felt were important. The house was all cleaned, things packed and movers have things being shipped.  My last voice recital with my students is tomorrow.  I will drop off my key to the birth center, and say farewell to all of my friends at our going away party tomorrow.  But, nothing prepares you for the emptiness.  That is an ache that simply never gets easy.

Walking through our empty home, I wiped tears away, and swiped at my offending drippy nose as I rehashed the momentous happenings of the last four years.  I ran my hand over the kitchen counter that my children sat at for so many breakfasts.  I walked through the school room, remembering the joy and the tears as we worked through lessons, or poured over experiments.  I gazed into our bathroom and office and remembered beautiful times, sneaking away with my husband for a few precious minutes of quiet and kisses.  I paced the living room thinking about all of the games, sleepovers, gatherings, and playing on the floor with a messy little baby.  I made my way downstairs, and my breath caught in my chest looking at where I squatted down, and with all of the energy within my body and soul, pushed that beautiful little marshmallow out, over eleven pounds of sweet fluffy darlingness, on my floor, with tiny eyes, and back rolls.  Standing up, I looked into each of the other bedrooms, seeing in my mind’s eyes the countless giggle fests, tickle fights, wrestling matches over barbie dolls, Legos or robot pieces.  I even glanced in our laundry room, thinking of all the time I spent just pondering my navel instead of actually doing laundry.  And let’s not forget that downstairs’s bathroom, telling my son to brush his teeth, and not get distracted by the air around him.

Oh, the pain is so real and so deep.  But, God is faithful.  And He has shown me something in my life.  Before you can begin any good journey, you have to be willing to let things go in order to make room for new things.  Perhaps in your life, that is a particular mindset.  Or, maybe it’s tangible, like purging unnecessary housing items.  Whatever you need to purge, whether it be mental, or material, be not afraid friends.  God will never let you down.  He will never take something away from you, unless He has even better plans for you.  He loves you enough, to say ‘no’ or ‘wait’ even though we’d rather Him indulge us.

After exiting through our garage, I would not allow myself any more re-entries into our home.  My oldest daughter went in to say her goodbyes though, as did my son, in his own way.  We loaded the rest of our outdoor things, and away we went.  It was a strange mix of loss and excitement.  It will never cease to amaze me how God created us to be able to feel different emotions at the same time.

Pray for us, friends!  Its going to be a wonderful adventure.  I just know it!  Our ferry leaves May 13, at 2am.  I am more than willing to make time for you!  And remember, don’t be afraid to let it go(cue ‘Frozen’ soundtrack now).