Day Two of "The Long Drive"!

Twelve hours of riding today and 653 miles!--on through Texas to Tulsa, OK! It was a much more relaxing day, though. We had a good night’s rest and got up ready to go again! I had decided this morning not to think about how many miles we had to drive or how many hours it would take. I decided to think about it one “stop” at a time. With all the water (and some Diet Dr. Pepper, too) I drink, I have to “go” quite often. We usually stop about every hour and a half just to get out of the van and walk around a bit. Well, Paul walks around a bit. I walk to and from the bathroom. (lol) The drive was beautiful, and the weather was gorgeous. We did have about 10 traffic construction sights, however. We moved through them rather quickly considering the reduction in the speed limit. One highlight of the day came when we hit Amarillo just about 1:00. In case you don’t know, Amarillo is home of the famous restaurant “The Big Texan” and the “72 oz. steak. You may have seen it on the Travel Channel. If you can eat their 72 oz. steak, they’ll give it to you free. We didn’t even think about it! We just ordered our usual. The restaurant was a pleasure to look at. I told Paul it looked like something out of an old western. As we were leaving, someone took the challenge to eat the “big steak”. We didn’t stick around to find out if he could do it, though. We had “miles to go before we sleep”.

Another highlight for me was when I saw a sign that said, "the tallest cross in the western hemisphere). I jerked myself up and began to look. It didn't take long to see it. You can't tell exactly how big it is unless you look a the building close to it. It was amazing!

We finally arrived in Tulsa with Paul being the one to say, “Are we there, yet?” I hadn’t even used up one of my three “Are we there, yet?” questions! Paul only allows me three of those a day! When Charity was on the trip with us we had a total of 6 times a day we could ask that! (lol) That’s the only one Paul has used the whole trip, so I think he’s doing very well! And, of course, he’s doing all the driving! Whenever I ask him if he wants me to drive, he always says, “I’m fine.” No, my driving isn’t that bad, he just likes to drive.

Tomorrow we will tour Oral Roberts University and go to Wal-Mart! (How could I put both of those in the same sentence? They certainly don’t compare!) Then on to Branson!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

What supposed to have been about a 6 hour trip to Albuquerque took us 11 hours instead! This was the worst day of the whole trip as far as driving is concerned. We left Sedona early and drove to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. Both were absolutely beautiful. The old trees and blocks of wood were lying on the ground, some partially covered with rock or dirt. One of the pictures shows a petrified log sticking out of a rock. It was amazing! As we were driving out of the Painted Desert, we crossed a bridge over
I-40. We could see the traffic backed up on the east bound lane for miles. Up the road a ways we could see big, black smoke circling in the air. We knew something bad had happened, but we didn’t know what or how it would affect us. When we got through the Painted Desert we found out that there had indeed been a bad accident early that morning involving a Penske truck. No one knew the details, however. Traffic had been backed up for hours, at least 20 miles down the east bound lane. The report we got was that it might take as much as 4 more hours to let traffic through. We decided not to take a chance on how long it would take, so we went back west on I-40 and took another way around, a much longer route than I-40. Since we had dinner reservations at the High Finance Restaurant on the top of Sandia Peak, we needed to get to Albuquerque! But that wasn’t our only traffic problem! We hit at least 5 construction sections of the interstate where we were required to go 45 mph! THEN, on top of all that, we got into a TERRIBLE storm! The rain was coming down so fast we could hardly see, and the wind was blowing so hard that Paul was gripping the steering wheel with both hands trying to hold the van on the road. Needless to say, it was a long, stressful day of riding. Believe it or not, though, Paul and I still enjoyed each other and did not get upset with one another. (I even confirmed this with Paul to see if he was of the same opinion and he was.)

We finally arrived in Albuquerque in time to freshen up a bit, change our clothes, and head to the tram that would take us 2 ½ miles up on top of the mountain where we had our dinner reservations. We got there just in time to buy our tickets for the tram and board flight # 26 to the top! We arrived right on time for our dinner reservations! Isn’t God absolutely amazing! On top of that, it had been cloudy and rainy while we were in the tram, but as we sat and ordered our dinner and began to eat the sun began to come out. Little by little we could see streaks of sunlight filtering through the clouds. At that altitude, we were actually in the clouds! After we finished our dinner we went outside on the balcony overlooking the valley below and had someone take our picture up in the clouds. As we headed back down, the sun was beginning its descent over the valley below. The pictures I took of the sunset were beautiful, but not as much as the actual view we saw as we came down and headed back to our hotel for the night.
I was too exhausted when we got back to the hotel to blog. I got my bath and got right into bed. The next day would be another long day of riding!

A Hot Day in Arizona!

Well, we finally had a hot day in Arizona! 109 degrees! I’m glad we didn’t have a lot on our agenda today. We left early to go to Tuzigoot National Park to see the ruins of an ancient Indian tribe. I know it sounds uninteresting, but it really was very nice. Then we hit a couple of yard sales (found some great things) and stopped at a quilt store on our way to Montezuma’s Castle. This is also ancient ruins of an Indian tribe. These were really neat because they were hewn out of the rocks high up in the mountains. It isn’t really a castle, of course. It was named that because it was earlier believed that Montezuma stayed here, but he didn’t.

We spent a lot of time at the quilt store looking for just the right fabrics to make a southwestern themed quilt. Paul was so patient and helpful. He went to the van and dug out my pottery I had bought from a local Navajo girl so that I could match fabrics with the pottery. The pattern I (we) chose was called The Tree of Life. It will be a small wall-hanging quilt, but that’s what I wanted.

By the time we got back to the resort we were very hot and very tired. We both took a nap! Now we are trying to organize all our belongings and getting ready to hit the road once again early tomorrow morning for Albuquerque, New Mexico. We’re heading out in just a few minutes to get our final wash out of the dryer and to post this blog and pictures. Then we intend to take this one final road called Red Rock Loop Road. It is supposed to be very beautiful. Of course, we’ve seen much beauty here. I’m ready to head on out, though, for more adventures in New Mexico!

A Storm and Verde Valley Train Ride!

What a beautiful day and an awesome adventure! We slept in just a little this morning and then had a leisurely breakfast out on the patio. And then, wonder of wonders for Arizona, a storm came up! The sky turned dark, and it began to rain. Then we heard the thunder, not too close but not far away either. The rain cooled everything off. I actually had to come inside and put on long sweat pants and socks. We finished our breakfast about the same time the storm finished its work. The rain left everything sweet-smelling and fresh. The sun and the birds resumed their places. The birds’ songs seemed to be saying, “Thank you, thank you, for the rain.” They were especially happy! And so was I. I so love a storm!

We soon left for our excursion into the Arizona wilderness around Clarksdale, about 30 minutes from Sedona. We arrived early and had lunch at the train depot. We had a little bit of a wait because we were told to arrive early for the train. I think they did this so people would have to eat lunch there. A chicken sandwich or cheeseburger, a bag of chips, and a drink were $8.50. (rip-off!) The food was good, though. We also had refreshments on the train because we had a first class ticket. Because of our ticket, we also got to go out into the open-air car. People who had a coach ticket couldn’t. I was so glad I had a first class ticket. It was entirely different outside. I told Paul that inside we could “see” the mountains and wilderness, but in the open-air car we could experience it. (It actually rained on us twice, but we didn’t care.) It was almost like being on the river in the pontoon book except the train rocked back and forth more. I was glad I had taken two Dramamine this morning! Of course, we couldn’t get as close to the walls of the mountains as we could in the canyon either. For that reason, I liked the rafting trip better. I’m glad I got an opportunity to do both, though.

We met a sweet girl named Brandi who was our guide in the open-air car. She found out we were from North Carolina and that started our conversations. She wants to go back to NC and study with the pottery artists up in the mountains. She has also been to the Outer Banks and loves it there as well. We told her if she ever made it back to NC and needed a place to stay to look us up since we have plenty of room.

On the way back we rode up (and I do mean UP!) into a little town called Jerome that Brandi had told us about. The town looked a lot like Port Deposit, Maryland, where we used to live when Paul was in the Navy. There were lots of little artists’ shops up there. (Up there means an elevation of 6,000 feet.) She had wanted us to see this one artist’s quilts up there after she found out I was a quilter. Her quilts were pretty, but I’ve seen prettier. One of her wall hangings was about 25” by 30” and sold for $1200.00. (That is NOT a typo.) Twelve hundred dollars is right. I’m going to go home and start quilting again! (Ok, I was going to do that anyway.) I have some quilts in mind for Christmas presents, and I want to make a southwestern quilt made from fabrics I intend to buy tomorrow from a local quilt shop. I haven’t made up my mind yet what I want to buy, however. We stopped in there briefly on our way to the train, but I didn’t have time to do any serious shopping. That’s good, though, because I can think about it until tomorrow.

The pictures of the rainbows were taken on our drive back into Sedona. What a beautiful reminder that our days do indeed belong to God, and that He is the One responsible for all the wonder around us. His covenant with us is for here and now on Earth and will last into eternity. I’m so thankful I’m His child and He’s my daddy!

Slow Day--Thankfully!

Today was a laid-back, slow day, and we are thankful for it. We did some things here in Sedona, hit a few thrift stores and an outlet store, etc. Sedona is a very beautiful place. I saw a tree in the parking lot and had to take a second look. It was a Catawba tree, but this one already had its pods. Sedona is about an hour and a half south of the Grand Canyon, so this tree had already produced pods from its flowers. Later on these pods will dry out and turn brown. I thought you'd like to see the difference.

We are going on a four hour train ride tomorrow through the Senora wilderness. We are looking forward to it. Right now, though, I'm looking forward to getting to bed early.

Until tomorrow....

The Grand Canyon is indeed "grand"!--The Sequel

Our night spent at the El Tovar was very restful. It is the oldest lodge on the rim of the canyon. I’m not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but all the old logs are original to the building. The floors creaked as we climbed our way to the third floor. I was so glad we had compacted our luggage for this little mini trip. We slept in just a little because we were very tired from all the walking yesterday. We ate breakfast in the dining room of the El Tovar (very fancy), and we had a great view of the canyon from where we were sitting.

In the pictures you’ll also see a tree in bloom, then a closer shot of the bloom, and then an even closer shot of the bloom. The reason I had Paul take so many of this tree is because this is a Catawba tree. There were two of these trees at Mama and Daddy’s house when I was growing up. We called them cigar trees because long, skinny pods that looked like cigars would grow from those blossoms. I remember them so well because caterpillars LOVED these trees, and it was my job to mow the grass. Patsy always claimed she was allergic to grass cutting. Ummmm? Well, anyway, I refused to mow under those trees! I would cut a wide circle around them. Daddy would have to come out and finish the grass because of the WORMS! If you know me at all you know that I DETEST worms! But the trees are very pretty and these didn’t have worms, just lots of bees.

Some of you have asked about the squirrel in the pictures. This squirrel was so unafraid of people it would come right to you if it thought you had some food. I was sitting on the rock wall eating a bowl of ice cream and that squirrel wanted it! Well, he wasn’t getting any of MY ice cream! Besides, it was actually illegal to feed the “wild” animals. They let Paul and me have ice cream anyway, though! (lol) You also wanted to know what’s up with the “feet”. Paul says to keep you guessing, so I’ll not tell!

Our day today has not been as tiring. We continued our journey through the canyon to the southeast point, stopping at lookouts along the way. One stop we made was the Tusayan Pueblo Ruin. This is the ancient ruins of an Indian village. Every stop we made the view seemed to be more incredible than the one before. The last stop was at Desert View which had the Watchtower. The view from the top (yes, we climbed all the way to the top!) was breath-taking! Again I noticed the silence. Every stop we made was the same. People could not stand at the top of the lookouts and be loud and boisterous, not even the children. There was a sense of almost being in a church. It seemed to take your breath away! I could have stood there a long, long time and just “be”. By that, I mean just be with God. There is such a feeling of total surrender to the One who created this vast expanse of beauty.

We arrived back at Los Abrigados is time to do laundry. Yes, back from such lofty heights to the mundane things that must be done. But I don’t mind the mundane things. I’m thankful for these things because it means we are alive and together. I feel so blessed to be able to be on this trip with Paul. He is the love of my life no matter where we are!

The Grand Canyon is indeed "grand"!

There is one phrase that I think will describe how I feel about the Grand Canyon: reverent awe! When I first looked at it, I thought it looked like pictures I had seen, and, of course, it was. Everything was so still. Nothing seemed to move. I could look for miles and miles and total stillness. The more I looked at it, the more still I became, inside and outside. We walked around the lookouts here at the village first where we are spending the night. There were lots of people here milling about and a little shop that sold ice cream, so it seemed much commercialized. After we got checked in at the El Tovar, we caught the shuttle bus that would take us around a portion of the south rim. It would let us off at each lookout point, and we could walk around the lookout as much as we wanted to and catch another bus when we were ready to move on to the next lookout. We stopped at Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, and Hermit’s Rest. We got to the last stop just at sunset. The view at sunset was magnificent! Paul says it is so hard to describe and he is absolutely right. Everywhere we looked we would say, “Look at that!”
If I were a poet I might try to describe it in verse. Maybe one day I’ll try to do just that.

There were many people of many nationalities here today. We met one couple from Germany that was on the same “stop” schedule that we were. We exchanged cameras with them so we could get pictures with both of us, and we did the same for them. They were so nice! They were leaving tomorrow for Los Angeles for a square dancing convention! Yep! You read that right! There were people at every lookout, and I noticed something at each place. Everyone was very quiet. Some even talked in whispers. The Grand Canyon had the same effect on everyone: a sense of awe and wonder and a reverent silence that should not be disturbed. We would just sit or stand and look out over the massive beauty and listen to the silence. What an absolute feeling of the presence of God all over this place! How anyone could not believe in God and His love for us after seeing this, I’ll never understand! I’m so thankful He created this beautiful place for us to enjoy.

Rafting the Colorado!

Okay. The two questions I know you want answered: No, I did not get sick (two Dramamine morning), and, No, I did not fall out of the boat since it was a smooth water rafting trip. We arrived in Page about two hours ahead of time and had time to visit a couple of thrift shops before our “cruise”. Paul bought a couple of hedge trimmers (He had me try one out to make sure it fit my hands! lol), and I found some really neat books for my classroom. You might think, “Why is she thinking about school while on vacation?” I love my job and my kids, so it isn’t a chore to look for things for my classroom, it’s a pleasure!

We were bussed down to Powell Dam on Lake Powell in Page, Arizona. We got to wear pretty blue hard hats down the catwalk down to the boats since we were under a bridge and beside the canyon walls where big rocks could fall on our heads. Paul commented, “What good would hard hats do if one of THOSE rocks fell on us”. Our boat guide told us later that a while back rocks had fallen and taken out a huge section of the catwalk we were on. Ummmm…I noticed he waited until we were off the catwalk to tell us that!

Powell Dam is not as big as Hoover Dam, but it was still very impressive since we were at the bottom of it looking up. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the Colorado Rive and Glen Canyon where we were rafting. He pointed out many points of interest, the rock formations and what they were named, wildlife and plant life, We started off at 700 feet below the rim and gradually ascended to 1300 feet by the end of the 15 mile trip. We saw a bald eagle’s nest way up on one of the walls that looked like the size of a peanut, but it was actually the size of our pontoon boat. We saw baby Blue Herons big enough to begin their “flight training” but had not ventured out of the nest yet. About half way through we got to stop and get out of the boat to go look at some petroglyphs left by the Native American Indians and go to the “solar bathroom”.

Have you have ever seen pictures of Horseshoe Bend where the Colorado makes a complete u-turn? Well, that’s where we were. But pictures only let you know what it looks like. It’s entirely different when you get to experience it for yourself. It’s so amazing to look at, but even more humbling and inspiring to think we serve a God Who created all this.

We had 18 other passengers with us. It always amazes us when we’re in a group that there is at least one person that knows more than the guide. Yea, we had one of those. He was a “little” annoying, but maybe I needed to practice my patience. There were several kids along, some younger ones that were excited to be there and some that looked like they wished they were somewhere else. Of course, these later ones were teenagers whose parents treated them like preschoolers. I don’t know who I felt sorrier for, the parents or the teenagers.

We arrived at the end of our 15 mile trek at Lee’s Ferry. Real bathrooms! Yea! We boarded our buses for the 45 minutes ride back to page. Paul was able to get a short nap. I was too busy looking out the window.

We got back to Page about 6:30 and had a great supper at one of the local restaurants. Then we began our long three hour trip back to Sedona. The sun setting on the red mountains gave them an entirely different look. We saw a coyote in the sagebrush before the sun went completely down. I “rested my eyes” for a little while, but I was brought back to full attention when Paul breathed a big sigh of relief. We missed hitting a deer bounding across the road by mere inches.

I don’t know if Paul or I was more relieved to see Los Abrigados. I would think it would be Paul since he did all the driving.

Next stop: the Grand Canyon! Stay tuned for exciting updates!

Catching Up!

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!

We’ve been on the road for several days now! There hasn’t been much time to get on here, so I’ll try to catch up for the past few days.

Friday we all went on an adventure! By all I mean even the little ones, Ethan, Natalie, Kate, and Carter. We went to Kartchner Caverns and Old Tombstone. The caverns were so beautiful! There are no pictures of the caverns because they didn’t allow photography in there. Pictures wouldn’t have been able to capture the massiveness of the caverns nor the total feeling of reverence for God to have created such beauty and wonder. On the way back to Tucson, Paul, Charity, Carter, and me drove through the Sonora Desert and the Saguaro National Park. Paul pulled over and let me wander through the desert and take pictures of the cacti in bloom. Yes, I picked up rocks from the desert (not from the park, it wasn’t allowed) to bring home to my classroom. I was enjoying myself just picking my way through the cacti here and there! Then, Paul decided to take a “short cut” through the park on a dirt road. Yes, I said a dirt road. I told Paul and Charity I felt like a kid again riding on the back of Daddy’s pickup truck going, Uhhhhhhhhh. WASHBOARD! But we saw some wonderful wildlife down that dirt road, if you call a rattlesnake wonderful! He was just lying there in the path. Charity almost made the fatal error of scaring me! Ask her about it when you see her!

Then I realized I had been wandering around the desert taking pictures and picking up rocks, and I could have picked up a rattlesnake! I suddenly felt very foolish indeed! I also felt thankful that God’s hand was on me protecting me. We also saw jackrabbits and chipmunks. Carter enjoyed the dirt road too. He was going, “Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh”, too!

We left Tim’s house Saturday morning early and drove to Henderson, Nevada, by way of California—the Mohave Desert to be exact. It was an absolutely beautiful drive if you don’t mind miles and miles of desert. The mountains off in the distance were majestic to say the least. Paul stopped along one of the turnouts so I could collect some California rocks for school. I would have loved to have brought home some of the bigger ones for my pond area, but Paul wouldn’t have entertained even the thought of that!

We arrived in Henderson with enough time to rest a little while, shower, and change for our excursion to downtown Las Vegas. We went to the Bellagio for dinner and the theater. We saw Cirque du Solei’s “O”. It was an absolutely stunning performance! The acrobats were so graceful in the air and in the water. Afterward, we went out front and watched the water show. We got some good pictures, but they don’t do the Bellagio justice. We didn’t stay too long; I can’t handle large crowds, and there was definitely a large crowd there! I thank the Lord I live a much simpler life. I watch people hurrying here and there and wonder if they know the Lord. I even wondered at one point what would happen if I suddenly yelled out, “Do you know Jesus?” I didn’t. Maybe I should have?

Today we began our trek across Nevada to the Hoover Dam. The Dam was tremendous! We got the tour that took us deep into the dam. We peeped out the air vents about middle way down! What an awesome place! The amount of concrete and the number of workers it took to build it were astounding. What was even more astounding was that the work was done during the Great Depression, and the workers only received about $4 a day for wages. The dam was originally named Boulder Dam and was later renamed Hoover Dam in honor of President Herbert Hoover. I learned a lot of cool facts to bring back to my students, but I won’t give you a long history lesson here. I’ll just say one more thing, “Wow!”

The drive back through Arizona to get to Sedona was LONG! It wasn’t literally longer than yesterday’s drive, but it seemed much longer, probably because I was out so late last night! Ahh, city life! It’s not for me. As the saying goes, “It’s okay to visit, but I certainly wouldn’t live there.” The only reason I’d like to return to Vegas would be to see the show again. Yea, it was that good!

The drive down to Sedona was gorgeous. At some point I suddenly realized we were seeing trees! Real trees! Not the small ones we had been seeing in Arizona. Tall pine trees! We were up so high the air was actually nippy, a welcomed relief from the heart of the previous days. Red Rock is certainly a fitting name because that’s what you see as you descend the mountains—huge red rock mountains everywhere, with TREES on them. We are here in Los Abrigados Resort. It is a very beautiful resort tucked in among the mountains and the trees. I’m looking forward to a relaxing few days.
But first thing tomorrow morning will be our rafting trip down the Colorado River!I hope that is relaxing. We have to get up early tomorrow morning and DRIVE again to get to where the rafting trip begins. We’ll be on the Colorado all afternoon. I’m looking forward to it! (I think! I’ll let you know later how it turns out.)

Sunny Arizona!

After two days riding across Texas and one day across New Mexico, we finally arrived at Timmy's house in Tucson, Arizona, Monday afternoon about 5:00 p.m. Pacific time. (8:00 Eastern time) We were all "bone" weary, mostly tailbone weary! I have to admit, though, that we saw some interesting scenery and met some very friendly people. Texas is as big as they say it is! We saw some longhorns, lots of oil derricks, and LOTS of windmills. Texas had some very friendly folks too! Two very nice policemen stopped us to say hi and to give us a souvenir. How nice was that!

New Mexico was beautiful as well. You could tell they took pride in their state by how nicely they had landscaped their towns and painted their oil drums. No friendly policemen in New Mexico, thank goodness!

Arizona is as beautiful as I remember it from last October, a little hotter, however. Thankfully, there's a nice breeze blowing most of the time and NO humidity. The saguaro cacti are blooming! I'm just amazed at how God planned things. Even out here in the desert there is so much beauty among the thorns! Most of the different varieties of cacti are in bloom, but you'd better not try to pick any of their flowers! God is so good!

It was so exciting to see Timmy, Maryann, Ethan, Natalie, and Kate since we have not seen them in person since last October. We've seen them on Skype, but it just isn't the same as being able to hug them! The girls have changed the most, of course. They are so cute and precious. Ethan is such a good big brother to them. It is so good just to be here and be a part of their family "goings-on" in person. We went to the pool today, and it was so relaxing. We had the pool all to ourselves. Maryann said it was because they knew the "rowdy kin" were coming. Yea, I admit, I can be rowdy at times! Especially when it's 12:00 at night, and I have just ridden 12 hours in the van! Ask Charity and Paul how silly I can get! No, on second thought, don't ask them. They might tell you the truth!

Well, it's been a busy day. It's only 9:25 here, but my body is still on Eastern time. Tomorrow is already here by my time and new adventures and more hugs from little people await, so I'd better get some sleep. Be sure to stay tuned for the next saga in "The Life and Times of the Mobley Travelers".

Keeping on, Keeping on! June 12

That's what Paul did yesterday!

"Honey, please pull over!" said I.

"It'll be over in a minute, said Paul.

"Honey, I think it would be a good idea to stop!" said I.

"It'll be over in a minute," he replied."

"Honey, please! I want to stop!"

"We're just as safe here. If we pull over we could get hit by the tin on the buildings."

"Honey, I WANT TO STOP! Please take the next exit!"

"I'd rather take my chances on the road! We're just as safe here."

"We'll I'd rather take my chances somewhere else that to be hit by flying cars!"

Silence.

Silence.

More silence.

More silence.

The rain kept pelting the windshield. The wipers tried desperately to keep up. The wind was whipping us back and forth!

Silence. Paul just kept on and on!

A lady that lived in the area at the last place we stopped had warned us that we were going to hit some terrible weather. Tornadoes had been seen, etc. So, yes, we kept watching for funnel clouds. Paul just kept on and on!

We never did see any tornadoes, and I'm glad of that! There was silence a long time in the car, though, as least from my side of the van.

Our drive so far has been beautiful. The mountains at sunset were so beautiful. The clouds were hanging low in between the mountain ranges, and the sun looked like Bethlehem's star as it just struck the rim line. Our first night (Thursday) was spent in Asheville. Yesterday's drive (Friday) was extremely long, especially having to drive part of it through such bad weather. Carter did exceptionally well, though. He is such a happy baby! We are now in Texarkana, Texas. Today's drive (Saturday) will not be as long. The weather forecast calls for more severe weather this afternoon. We'll see what the day brings. Fort Worth, here we come!

D Day!

D as in "departure". Paul and I both have to work in the morning, but hopefully we will be pulling out no later than 2:00. First stop: Asheville, NC. I'm always excited about being in the mountains of North Carolina! "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills... from whence cometh my help." The mountains always bring me peace, and I certainly need some peace after the hectic end-of-school meetings and chores to be done. I will miss my students, but I need the time away.

Paul needs some time off and away, too. He has worked so hard lately. (Or should I say all the time?)

We are so excited about seeing Tim and his family. The babies have grown so much. We've seen them on Skype, but it isn't the same as getting them in our arms! And Ethan is so tall! He will be in kindergarten next year! Tim and Maryann have been married 10 years today! The Lord has blessed them so much!

Charity and Carter are excited, too! His first real "road trip", and he gets to take it with Grandmama and Granddaddy! Oh, his mama, too! We're going to have a great time together!

We still have some packing to do, but it's mostly done.

I'll post again in a few days and add pictures.

Love to you all.

Mama