The Road to the Middle of Nowhere

Some of my blog posts may interest other people and some posts may leave people wondering why I felt I needed to share.  I write my blog to record our family memories.  If someone happens to enjoying it along the way, that is great!!  I had an experience yesterday and when I mentioned that I was going to write a blog post Rachel said, "This is really one of those You-Had-to-be-There-Moments."  I told her that was fine.  When I look back a few years from now and read this post, I will remember how funny it was for me and the kids.

Our friends Becky, Matt and their two girls are visiting for Spring Break.  One of the things on Becky's list of "Things to Do" was to visit the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain.  The kids and I love going there so we tagged along.

We had planned to be on the road around 8:45 a.m. in order to make it to the park around opening time.  Becky sent me a text about 6:45 a.m. (Yes, she texted me when we were both in the same house.  It was really a great idea.  As we have people scattered in different sleeping arrangements throughout the house, I didn't want to get up and wander around the house and needlessly wake someone up.  She sent me a text when she got up to see if I was awake and we had some quiet coffee time before anyone else was up...I digress.)  About 7:30 we discussed waking everyone up to get ready to go, but we were enjoying our quiet so much, we decided to wait. 

By the time everyone was up, had eaten breakfast and got ready to go, it was 10:30.  That meant we would get there about lunch time.  Our big decision...did we want to pack sandwiches or just grab something when we got close?  Feeling lazy, we decided we would just grab something when we got close. 

We were in two separate vehicles.  Rachel texted Becky (Relax...Matt was driving...no texting and driving here) and we decided we would stop just before getting off the interstate.  Who would have known it was going to be a scenic highway with nothing in sight?  We both checked out the GPS and found a Subway about 5 miles away.  It was past the animal park, so really only about 2-3 miles out of our way.  Here are the text messages that followed.

Rachel: Cool. We found one and it's our new destination.

Becky:  Shake Rag Rd?  We will follow you.

(Oh, yes.  It was really on Shake Rag Rd.)

After driving, and driving and driving...

Becky: Is this Subway in AL?

Rachel:  Ha, ha.

We finally turn onto Shake Rag Road.  As we were turning, I was quite certain there would not be a Subway this far in the middle of nowhere.  When the GPS said we were arriving at our destination on the left, all I saw was a cow pasture.

Becky:  Is the Subway in some Hillbilly's garage?

Then we passed this large pink stucco shack.

The next thing that looked remotely interesting and/or close by (according to the GPS) was the Purple Cow Cafe.  This took us on some more middle of nowhere roads.  When we passed the sign that read, "Prison Detail" I locked the doors.  We didn't see any prisoners.  Matt told Becky they must have escaped.  By this time we were already slap happy. 

Rachel:  The whatever colored cow thing better be open and have a bathroom because my mom needs to go potty.

We came to a four way stop with signs directing us to the highways.  I made the decision to follow the GPS toward the Purple Cow. 

Rachel:  That stop sign was probably our only road to civilization.

Becky calls and says, "Why didn't you turn toward the highway."
The road that the GPS told me to turn on did not exist where it said to turn.  At this point we were back to the highway.  I pulled over and called Becky.  She said, "Well, why don't we just take the highway until we find something."  I asked her if she wanted to try north or south.  She suggested south.  Worse case scenario, we will hit Columbus.

Rachel: How could driving this far out of the middle of nowhere still leave us in the middle of nowhere.

Becky:  Matt's doing an I told you so.  He voted to go north.

Rachel: Mom says she didn't vote.  She just followed your advice.

Becky:  Yeah, I know.  But seriously, this has got to be the only stretch of interstate in America without some sort of fast food every 5 miles.

Rachel:  Hannah says, "If we would've gone to the animal safari we would have been done by now and could be getting something on our way home.

We passed a couple exits that had only gas stations.  We finally saw a blue sign that had three hotels listed on it.  I thought for sure with three hotels, there would be at least one restaurant.  We had been thinking fast food, but after searching for an hour backwoods of Georgia, Cracker Barrel or something similar would have been fine. 

The next sign had a title for gas stations and listed two or three.  Underneath the gas stations was a title for food and then it was blank.  Again, tears from too much laughing.
We were on the outskirts of the Columbus before we found a Burger King.  I'm thinking taking the two minutes before we left to grab the cooler and throw in some turkey and chips would have lost us a lot of laughs!!

Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Our church youth group is holding its annual chili cook-off today.  I am contributing a pot of chili, but it isn't an award winning recipe.  My friend is in charge of the cook-off and needed some more chili so there is plenty to feed everyone.  I said I would make a pot.

However, there is also a dessert competition.  I made a...

Pumpkin Pound Cake and...

Apple Bars.

When we lived in Great Lakes, Rachel and her friend, Anna, had many playdates.  One day Rachel came home and said, "Ms. Jen is always baking."  Jen loves to bake and that was and is a very true statement.  If you ever find yourself in northern Illinois, stop by her house and see what is waiting.  You won't be disappointed.

Forget Betty Crocker, I was Jen last night.  Flour was flying, every measuring cup was dirty and my house smelled yummy!

Jen Locklear, when you read this, know that I thought of you as I rolled out the homemade crust and let Hannah help me cut up the apples for those apple bars.  I know that you put love into everything you make for your family and friends and as I type this and think about your sweet spirit and the blessing of your friendship, I have tears in my eyes.  Miss you like crazy my dear friend!!

My Watchdog Hedgehog

Living in base housing afforded me a sense of what I called false security. Who would possibly try to get by armed marines at the gate just to break into my house or steal my kids?

When we moved back to the "real world" PK was geobaching and spending his weeks at the base. The kids and I were alone during the week. I really wanted to get a watchdog, but we were renting and weren't allowed to have pets. My sweet friend, Becky, decided if I couldn't have a watchdog, she would give me a hedgehog.


That was about five years ago and this little guy has had a place on my counter ever since. He isn't going to do much protecting, but he symbolizes a friend who is praying for me. He makes me smile.

PK is leaving for two months this Friday for Bahrain. He will be ministering to sailors on board ship. Yesterday Rachel went to check the mail. When she came in she said, "I think you have something from Mrs. Becky." Becky makes homemade cards and my kids are thrilled when they get their birthday cards from her. She really tries to top herself each year and make the card something the kids are "in to."

I tried to remember if Becky had told me she was sending something. It isn't my birthday or anniversary. I opened the package and read the card. Of course, it is a Becizzle original.

On the inside she had written that she thought my Hedgehog Watchdog could use reinforcements, since PK is going to be gone. I was almost in tears before I even opened the bundle of tissue paper inside the box. Becky gets it. I don't need sympathy or anyone to try to point out how sad it is that PK is going to be gone. When I say we will be fine and I am looking forward to hearing the stories of how he is able to minister to the guys, I don't want someone to come back and try to convince me how bad it will be. Becky has been there, done that.

This little guy was wrapped up in the tissue paper.

After a photo shoot with his friend, they both returned to their spot on my counter. When I see them, I will remember that I have a friend who prays for me when I come to mind. I will remember that friends are a blessing. I will remember that God is good.

More Old Friends

I have known Laurie for about 10 years. It is easy to figure that out because she remembers meeeting us when Rachel was about 5 weeks old and RACHEL WILL BE 10 TOMORROW. Excuse me for yelling, but how in the world is that possible? That is another post...watch for it.

Laurie's husband was a Marine and stationed in 29 Palms when we were there. If I remember correctly, I think I met Laurie at an evening service at the chapel. If I didn't meet her there, then it had to be the first time I attended CWF. She'll have to let me know if that is correct.

Laurie and her family hosted an exchange student for part of the summer. Laurie had to bring her to the airport here. Laurie was also visiting some family, but she was willing to make time to see us. We talked non-stop and got in as many words as two women possibly could in an hour and a half with five kids. When I don't see a friend for a long time, I love it when we pick up as though we have spoken every day. We met for dinner at Cracker Barrell.

This is Laurie and me. This is not the best picture of me, but I am trying to work on my pride issues. Laurie is always happy and has the best sense of humor.

This is Rachel and Grace. They were buddies when they were babies. I think they hit it off nicely. I wish they had more time to get to know each other again.

This is all five of the kids. Marcus, Grace, Hannah, Rachel and Aaron. Marcus and Aaron were pretty little when Laurie left California. Laurie helped with Rachel when I was in the hospital having Aaron.

It was such a great visit. I can hardly wait to get together with them again.

Those Bonds Run Deep

When P.K. decided to go active duty about 10 years ago and we got our orders to 29 Palms, I started to ask God to bless me with close friends in our new home. He granted me that request in abundance during our time there.

Christine is one of the those friends God sent my way. Her husband and P.K. were in the same unit and we lived on the same street in 29 Palms. She had one little girl when we first met and had her second daughter while we were stationed there. I remember them stopping by our house on their way home from the hospital. We loved to scrapbook together and go play Bingo at a church out in town. I couldn't begin to count the hours we spent at the park or walking through the neighborhood. When I took Rachel shopping for school clothes to start kindergarten, Christine was along. I remember buying a lot of pink on that trip.

The kids and I had the opportunity to go visit Christine and her girls this past weekend.

While we were visiting we had a conversation about how quickly military spouses get to know one another. Christine used the example that in a military community when a new neighbor moves in and you see carseats in the new neighbor's car you walk up and say, "Hi. I live across the street. I see you have carseats. I have kids in carseats. Let's meet at the park." Or, "I saw you running/walking with your jogging stroller. I run/walk too. I'll meet you tomorrow." You are automatically new best friends. Before you know the new neighbor for more than five minutes you will know the following information (at least): Where the new neighbor just moved from. How many moves this makes. Which unit her husband is with and his MOS. How many children they have and where they were stationed when the kids were born. Where she is originally from and if her husband will be deploying in the near future. If she has children old enough to babysit. If she is a stay-at-home mom or will be working. If you are planning to move in the next six months you will also let the new neighbor know that you are available should she need anything but she may not want to bother getting to know you.

On one of our outings (which I will discuss in just a moment) this weekend, we met another military family. The wife asked how we knew each other and we told her we had been stationed together in California. She said, "Those bonds run deep." That summed it up. Christine is my friend which is a simple word we use loosely, but when I call her "friend" I mean "That bond runs deep."

She showed the kids and me a great time. We had pizza for dinner on Friday night. She timed the delivery so we could eat right away. The kids started playing together as soon as we arrived and played nicely all weekend. Jill and Ally graciously shared all their toys.

This was their favorite. Using playdough, plastic molds and a liquid, the kids were able to make rubber aliens.

One of Hannah's aliens.

One of Jill's aliens.

Rachel and Hannah taught Jill how to play the DS.

Saturday morning Christine made waffles for breakfast

and then got a phone call from her husband, John, who is currently serving in Iraq. I am proud to know John and others like him who have dedicated their lives to protect the rest of us and I am so proud of my friends like Christine who live the life of a single parent at home.

After much debate over whether or not we should brave the weather we went to the beach. The kids played in the waves, dug in the sand and collected shells.

Aaron buried Ally's feet in the sand.

Ally and Jill playing in the sand.

Rachel, Jill and Hannah playing in the waves.

It is the first time Aaron and Hannah had played in the ocean. We had a picnic lunch and then went back to Christine's house to rest up for the rest of the day.

Later that afternoon, we took a horse and carriage tour through a town called New Bern. It was originally a Swiss settlement and named after Bern, a country in Switzerland. The word Bern means bear and pictures and statues of bears can be found throughout the town. It is the birthplace of Pepsi.

The horse's name was Cody which Hannah would think is very important information to include.

This is Cody.

This church was destroyed by a fire earlier in the town's history. The building in the background is the new building. The benches just on the inside of the fence sit on the original foundation. George Washington once worshiped here.

The oldest Catholic church in North Carolina is located in New Bern.

New Bern is also home to the third oldest Jewish synagogue in the country.

After the tour, we ate at a restaurant called Cow Cafe.

There is an area for the kids in the back of the restaurant decorated as a miniature barn.

The Cow Cafe serves deli style sandwiches and very good ice cream.

We passed Cow Cafe on our carriage tour.

Sunday we went to the aquarium.

Hannah, Jill, Aaron, Ally and Rachel in front of the aquarium. Disclaimer: Rachel fixed her own hair and Ally dressed herself.

Hannah and Ally

Rachel

The kids got to watch divers in the large tank with the sharks and Hannah even got to ask a question. After the diver gave his presentation he swam by the glass and gave the kids a high five from the other side. The kids especially loved the touch pools. We also saw baby sea turtles. The aquarium releases young sea turtles back into the wild every year.

The aquarium had a snake display. Of course, that made Aaron's day.

That's a rubber sea snake he got from the gift shop hanging around his neck.

This is Christine and me at a marsh behind the aquarium. I was talking to Rachel while she took the picture which is why I have that funny look on my face.

After the aquarium we decided to have lunch at a seafood restaurant called Sanitary in the town of Beaufort, pronounced Bo (long o) ford. We were laughing because we were eating at a place specializing in seafood and Christine, Aaron, Jill and I had burgers and Ally had chicken tenders.

Rachel and Hannah did have shrimp though. Once we ordered, the waiter brought us baskets of hushpuppies. Yummy!

We decided to walk along the waterfront. Christine remembered she had a voucher for a harbor tour/dolphin watching boat.

While we were waiting to board the boat Aaron saw some other kids looking at a snake under the dock. That was probably even more fun than seeing the snakes in the cages at the aquarium.

I was a bit nervous about the boat ride at first because I was sure one of the kids would fall overboard, but once we were underway I was able to relax and had a great time.

Rachel and Ally on the tour boat.

I had been on a short dinner cruise while in college, but this was a first for both me and the kids.

Our tour boat.

The kids even got a chance to drive the boat.

Hannah at the helm.

Aaron at the helm.

Rachel at the helm.

Jill at the helm.

We cruised by Carrot Island which is home to wild horses.

The horses were brought to the barrier islands by the Spanish in the 1500s. The horses survive by eating wild grasses on the island and drinking rain water. When water is hard to find above ground the horses will sniff out rainwater under the soil and dig with their hooves.

This is Aaron and Hannah with one of the horses in the background.

Rachel with one of the horses in the background.

We saw the restaurant where we had lunch.

We went under a drawbridge.

There was not a dolphin to be seen, but I still thought it was lots of fun. The tour lasted about an hour and a half and then it was time to go home for dinner.

It is very important to note that Christine had planned to actually cook, but I talked her out of it and convinced her we should just finish off the leftover pizza.

Ally, Aaron and Jill having dinner in the clubhouse.

Jill and Ally have an awesome play structure in their backyard. I loved sitting on the patio and enjoying the backyard.

We left early on Monday morning and I cried. I knew I would be sad to leave, but the tears caught me off guard just a bit. Those bonds do run deep...

For Jen

***If you came here via Laurie's blog looking for the funny story, scroll down to the next post.***

I met my friend Jen when P.K. was stationed at Great Lakes. Jen lived behind us and about two houses down. The schools in the area surrounding base housing were less than desirable so we homeschooled while we were there. Jen was also a homeschooler. Her daughter and Rachel were best friends. I couldn't begin to count the number of hours they spent at each others house.

Jen is also the reason I started drinking coffee. No, she didn't drive me to drink. When I would walk Rachel to her house, she would always have a pot of coffee on and invite me for a cup. We had just moved from 29 Palms and I really wanted a friend. If it took drinking a cup of coffee to win this lady over, then I was going to suck it up. Eventually I started making coffee if Jen was dropping her daughter by our house. I knew I could easily talk her into sitting and chatting a while if there was coffee to be had. How I miss those chats over a hot mug.

Jen had some hand-me-downs from her daughter to pass on and she had one special Christmas dress. I know there are certain items of clothing that have sweet memories attached and are harder to let go of than others. It is always easier to part with them if I know the child I am giving them to. That was the case with the Christmas dress. Hannah just turned three before we left Great Lakes. Jen dubbed her "Miss Three." The dress has been tucked in the back of her closet waiting for the Christmas that it would fit.

Hannah had her preschool Christmas program this past Tuesday night. Guess what, Jen. The dress fit. I thought you would like to see it on Miss Three.

Bloggy Welcome

I was able to reconnect with two of my friends this past week and they each have a blog.

Pam and I met in college. I think she was a freshman when I was a sophomore. That would mean we have known each other for 17 years. Wow! Pam and her family made a recent move. Now we are located in between her and her extended family. I love it. When I spoke to her the other day she asked if they could stop over on their way to and from visiting their family. Yeah!! I can't wait. Pam, welcome to my blog.

Laurie and I met when we were stationed in 29 Palms. I think we probably first met when I started attending CWF (Christian Womens Fellowship) so we have known each other over 8 years. Where does the time go? Laurie has done a better job keeping up via email over the years than I have. I had managed to lose her contact information and thought I would never be able to find her. I have a couple friends who are very much into Facebook, so I set up a page. I don't use it very often at all. But the other day, I decided to type in Laurie's name and see what happened. I was thrilled to find her and she had her blog address listed. Laurie, welcome to my blog! It is so nice to be back in touch.

One is Silver and the Other Gold

Rachel's Girl Scout troop had an Investiture and Rededication Ceremony last night. Rachel was rededicating to Girl Scouts as she is in her fifth year as a Girl Scout. It is nice to see her excited about something she has been involved in over half of her life. We love her new troop. Her leader, Maria, is a very nice lady. The first thing Rachel was able to do with the new troop was take a 3.5 mile hike through the mountains. Her leader's daughter, Paola, and one of the other girls, Brook, have been best friends since kindergarten. Those two girls took Rachel in on day one. It is so sweet to see. We sat with Rachel's leader and her husband during the dinner that followed the ceremony. Brook's mom also joined us. The three of them are the friendliest people I have met since we have moved. It is easy to see why their daughters are so kind and accepting.

This is Rachel's troop.

The girls from Daisies through Seniors learned how to sign (yes, that is sign although they did learn to sing it as well) the song "Make New Friends."

If you were ever a Girl Scout you probably sang it, but here are the lyrics for those who don't know it.

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver and the other gold.

A circle is round, it has no end.
That's how long I want to be your friend.

There are actually several more versus, but these are the two the girls sang. I love this song because the lyrics are simple but they say a lot of how I feel about my friends.

Aaron also started with a new Cub Scout den last night. He had started several weeks ago with a different pack but they meet on Monday nights. P.K. has to work on Monday nights and he really wants to be involved in scouts with Aaron. P.K. was a scout and really enjoyed it. I love that it is something they can do together. Aaron loved the new den.

Another school year down

Here's a picture of Rachel and Aaron on their last day of school.




Kari and I surprised Rachel, Aaron, Cassidy, Hannah and Mackenzie with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery to celebrate.

Don't they look so grown up?

We are looking forward to having many adventures with Thing One and Thing Two this summer.