FRIDAY - 11 AUGUST - DAY NINE

Oh goodness! This is going to begin with a major whine. I think I've been plunked back in red neck land....or worse. I won't type the word I was thinking. Our Quality Inn looks to be a very old, old Holiday Inn with a peeling layer of pink and purple paint. Our hotel room has a moth-eaten curtain - it glows PINK! Hot PINK! Somehow our hotel reservation got mixed up; and here we are. I'm praying that our hotel in Santa Fe is NOT like this. The same chain had a fabulous hotel in both Glenwood Springs, CO and Spokane, WA. You don't believe me about red-neck heaven? Well.....o.k. The hotel is hosting a huge pool tournament....I thought it was a punker convention - but maybe not. The music that BLARES through all the hallways is honky tonk country. To my right I can hear rowdy music and I'm right outside of the two giant pool lounges - as in pool tables.... Groups (more like mobs) of punkers loiter in the parking lot.....and it all reeks of smoke...... Our rooms are second floor and right above the pool - which means we get to hear all sorts of shenanigans and I decided there was no sleeping so I may as well update. Oh yes...there are little plastic - woodburned looking "welcome" signs on each door....and some doors are graced with actual wood burnings that fill you in on who occupied the room before you "Patty Duke, John Wayne, James Arness, Slim Pickens, Goldie Hawn, Charles Bronson, Tom Selleck".....I can assure you it was not any time lately that the likes of these slept anywhere near here. LOL

OK vent over. We'll be here two nights...then on to Santa Fe where we booked another Quality Inn.....a tip for military travelers they give wonderful military discounts at all the Choice Inn hotels....and this is the only bad one we've run into. :::snort:::

Now t0 back up...we ended the night last night by watching *Fat Albert* in our spacious, clean, modern, smoke free room. Jared DID cut himself on the glass on the pool deck. They gave us $40 off our bill - not sure why but they did. {G}

We left this a.m. and began to wander through the off roads of Colorado. I think I mentioned that we are deliberately avoiding the Interstate on our way home. We are making progress each day but are loving all the new scenery. Today was a combo over very lush, gorgeous scenery and some stark but still awe-inspiring scenery.

We stopped at Leadville and ST Elmo. Saint Elmo is a ghost town but it seems that many are buying the property up and moving in. We ran into a lot of ATV's today. . . and jeeps. We hiked to a mine...then sent Josiah and Krista back to get the van because it looked like the van could handle the terrain. Anything an ATV can do our 15 passanger can do better. :::snort::: We found the exact mine where Mike had camped with his family over 35 years ago. THEN we got in the van and continued up the path - to land that even the jeeps turned back from. We continued....laughing all the time at the obvoius choice Mike was having to make...adventure or well....anyway he chose adventure. We finally reached a spot where even Mike thought it wouldn't be wise to push the van any further. He set the brake and we hiked to another mine. We heard a loud sliding sound and Josiah dead panned, "I coulda sworn I'd set the brake!"

We left St Elmo and headed on to Canon City (where we currently reside in smoke filled hot pink surroundings). We decided on a lark to drive over the Royal Gorge bridge. The signs pointed the way. We figured it may cost as much as Yellowstone. ...$25 a car...and I was proud of Mike for being willing to put out $50 for this. We got to the pay station and found that they wanted $29 per person and a bit of a break for younger kids. It was going to be $250 for us to drive across the bridge. They have an "amusement park" here and so your fee buys you "all this"....but Sea World is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park is cheaper....we headed back to the hwy.

We are in Canon City because we could find NOTHING in Westcliffe or Saldia. Mike and the older ones are going to go on a giant hike tomorrow.....it will be cool. I did 3/4 of it with Mike over 20 years ago. He told the kids today that I did great but that I've always lived at sea level so hiking 2 miles past timberline....to see a cave....well I did the 4 mile hike to the bottom of the Mountain and then I hiked a good mike straight up to timberline...and then I sat down and quit. I thought I'd just quit and was thinking I'd try again...with Zander and Stacia in tow. Mike remidnded me that last time I quit because I couldn't feel my legs.....and I found lots of bear prints. I'm going to keep the younger ones down HERE in Canon City.....I thought we'd swim and such at the hotel but after seeing the hotel...I think we'll explore the town. One can only take so much raucos pool tournament fun.

Ok - I'm feeling better. It really is quite funny. It always feels safe to pick a reputable chain but you never know until you open that door what you'll find. Mike began seriously talking about selling our pop-up camper and buying a trailer. He checked us in and realized that what we pay EACH night for two rooms is about the same as a month's payment. If we had a trailer we'd know where we were sleeping and we could eat what we wanted to eat too........that's a whole different story. Thank God we had a few home cooked meals along the way ...but restaurant food is getting old. LOL

THURSDAY - 10 AUGUST - DAY EIGHT

Here we are in Glenwood Springs, CO.

We resumed the tradation 0430 wakeup today and again - it works. {sigh} Staica slept better last night. I bought some Tylenol cold and drugged her - she was so stuffed up on Tuesday night. I it scaredher to be stuffy.

The drive today was gorgeous. It got me to thinking and planning again for our "retreat center" when we retire. The time is now for us to begin saving big time if we want to make this happen. We assume we'll need to save Mike's pay raise for a few months after getting home to replenish our depleted savings after this trip.....and then we hope to be able to put the entire raise into savings each month. We'll see.

Our hotel tonight is REALLY nice. Lots of space for all of us to spread out in. The kids were swimming....Mike and Jamin working out and I am doing laundry - 30 minutes left on the dryer.....unfortunately (or most likely fortunately) Mike broken glass and such on the pool deck and so we all had to get out while they figure out what to do about it. I suspect they are simply going to sweep up what they see and not drain the pool.

The front desk assured me that no one will be able to hear Staica if she wakes up tonight. I doubt THAT....I can hear her NOW. BUT they told me to relax and not worry about it - so I will. She can't be more obnoxious than the poodles and dogs next door last night. {G}

WEDNESDAY - 9 AUGUST - DAY SEVEN

I began the day exhausted. Staica was up all night. In fact I ended up sleeping in the van with her so that eveyrone in the hotel would be complaining. Stacia is slowly - oh so slowly- warming up to the girls.

We drove through Yellowstone National Park today. We only had one day but got to quickly see everything that was on our list of "must sees". We arrived later than we had planned and so didn't see as much wildlife as we'd have liked to see....but really we've seen most of it in our yard in Alaska. {G} I couldn't help thinking of Grams and Bill often during the day. They loved the park. We had never stopped there for as long as I could remember - either as a child or an adult...so I greatly enjoyed the chance to check it all out in person. Old Faithful erupted right as we walked up. We got some pictures that I'll share when I have a way to upload the photos. I kept hearing grams voice saying "It's a big country, kiddo" - right she was.

I'm feeling overwhelmed today - tired and thinking of what the next months will hold as I try to keep everything running smoothly without Mike. I'm also realizing that Josiah may only be home 10 more months and Mike will be gone 6 - 8 of them. It makes me sad. When he was talking about bieng a fishing guide I thought we'd have another year or two with him.....because he was thinking of taking some business and marketing classes at ASU. NOW he's talking an internship this summer with a youth organization and then either Master's or college next fall...WAAAA....they are leaving home to FAST....and it's ruining my vacation....I must quit thinking about it for the next few weeks.


Wow - we've seen the most beautiful spot! I can say with 100% confidence that it is the prettiest I've seen in the lower 48 and certainlyo ne of the prettiest if I factor in AK. The Grant National Teton Forest. It was a gorgeous drive out of the Park. I had no idea that WY had such beautfiul spots. We are spending the night in Dubois, WY. That is pronounced "DEW boyz" and never Dew BWAH.... ::::snort:::

TUESDAY - 8 AUGUST - DAY SIX

Mike had pity on the girls this a.m. and we didn't get our customary 0430 wake up call. {G} We slept in and left the hotel after taking advantage of the free breakfast. Yeah - "free".

By the afternoon we remembered WHY we like to get an early start even if we don't have far to drive.....Stacia and Zander travel much easier this way.

We arrived in Livingston in time to enjoy an afternoon rain and thunder storm. This hotel had a POOL that worked. We enjoyed that while I washed a few loads of laundry.

THEN we headed over to Marlin and Sharon's house for dinner. My kids were a bit unsure of meeting one of Mom's online friends...but we had a blast! I'm still amazed that anyone in America has a garage empty enough to move picnic tables into for an impromtu meal - we got rained off the deck. Sharon had fixed a wonderful meal - complete with cherry pies made for HER cherry trees. We took great care in showing Zander and Nolan the fruist trees...they were improessed. They enjoyed the trampoline, 4-wheelers, and room to run. I enjoyed meeting Sharon in person and seeing photos of their soon to be new home. Marlin started a great fire - I loved it - felt like camping and we had fun telling stories around the fire. I'm only sorry that we didn't arrive earlier so we could have met Rebecca and Melissa as well. That luandry was crucial - Zander had thrown up in the car on the drive through the mountains from Spokane to Livingston.

The girls are exhauseted and slept a lot today.

MONDAY - 7 AUGUST - DAY FIVE

I'm not sure why this feels like such a LONG day - but it does.

The day began early with Stacia and I up here in the business center. {g} Then we headed for the guest laundry room and the breakfast bar.

I had a great talk with the parents of Nick, a MC student. They had riden a train out from Iowa and said it was cheaper than driving. Jamin thinks we need to check into this for the girls - but Mike is fairly set with the plan for the girls to drive home and then back at this point.

We had planned to swim all day. The children decided this would be better than touring the museum. Everyone wanted a DOWN day! However...the pool is STILL not fixed. Now at 9:30 p.m. I see they have begun to fill it again. We did spend some time in the spa. We were given PERMISSION to do this but still a grumpy old man complained to the manager about us being in the spa. PEOPLE!

We went to a park and played. At one point Stacia was in a kiddy swing, Jared and Jamin were pushing her from front and back and Josiah was standing to the side. Mike and I laughed at the way Stacia was smiling at them and keeping their full attention on HER....and then a little boy from the playground came over and tried to push her....and Jamin told her "I've got this". We joked about big brothers chasing the boys off and she is only 1. She'll be one on the day we get back to TX if all goes according to plan.

We talked with both my parents today. Dad is still in rehab and a bit discouraged with how much time it is taking him to recover. He's in a wheelchair and not allowed to put more than 30 lbs of weight on his leg...they are saying this will be for months this time. Please continue to pray for him - I think for quick healing from this surgery but also for a zeal and zest in his spirit.

We picked Krista up after lunch. She said goodbye to her host parents. We went to Barnes and Noble. Jamin had gift cards and we don't have a B/N in town. He picked up a Tolkein series....something about middle earth... I think. I picked up a CD radio show series - mysteries....we are armed for the trip.

We had dinner at Bre's host home. Both girls were blessed with wonderful folks to spend the year with. It was very hard for Bre to say goodbye. We enjoyed sitting around and talking about the year and such. Dan even asked Josiah enough questions for us to hear some of the new directions HE is considering for next year. Hmmm....never know how deep those still waters are running. LOL

Stacia fell asleep on the way home. Since the girls were both out until 4 a.m. last night....and since they are so tired....we've decided not to leave until 6 a.m. tomorrow. We don't have a terribly long drive....that should give us time to stop for breakfast somewhere and to stop at Wheat Montana.

Time for bed....

SUNDAY - AUGUST 6TH - DAY FOUR CONT.

We have been enjoying meeting the girls' friends. To continue with Sunday....

The graduation was moving. Frankly, it gives one great hope for this generation. It began with the MC worship team. Bre sang in that as well. The worship was authentic. Loud - but real. :::snort::: Certainly not louder than our student band at the contemporary service on base. I'm getting such an excitement about this generation - interacting with the students on base and now these MC students. Bre also was one of the "up front" spots in a human video they did.

MC is all about challenging students to go beyond their comfort levels. Krista, due to her dyslexia and speech problems, has always shied away from the spotlight. We were surprised to hear that she'd been told on Saturday that they wanted her to give her testimony about what God had done in her life this year. She was near the end of the program. It was awesome to be able to witness the change in her demeanor. She was poised - her voice was strong and sure....clearly enunciated and no stuttering at all. She got up to speak and kids began yelling, "Krista" and "Go Krista". She read from a "Dear God" letter she had written and from her journal. By this point in the service (which lasted two hours) I was in the back with Stacia. The other young Mom back there with me said, "Wow - she's very authentic and transparent isn't she? She's laying it all out there". She shared how she was lacking joy and drained when she began MC....and how she was having a hard time trusting God for various things due to some incidents the last few years. One of them had to do with family. She shared how impossible it seemed to trust God with us and that she was sure that He was going to allow one of us to die. "Afterall You've allowed loved babies in our family to die". By this time I was tearing up - as were several others. She stopped to control her emotions and several of the students began to shout encouragment to her. It was MOVING to see the support and love they have developed for each other. They certainly weren't a team 10 months ago. LOL She went on that now she has learned that she can trust a loving God with her family and the lives of her family. This is huge for Krista and will be put to the test as Mike deploys in a few weeks. When she was done the place was filled with clapping and THEN Josiah stood up.....and all the other children and Mike stood up. I can't even explain how amazing it was to watch the boys give their sister a Standing Ovation - and it moved quite a few others as well.

Now to brag a bit: Out of the 16 students; 4 graduated with "diplomas of excellence". Bre and Krista both earned one. Krista WOULD have graduated as the valedictorian but she told us she bombed the WRITTEN Scripture test....over 300 verses. She mixed some words up (quite common with dyslexia) and wrote things like "all" instead of "every". They grade hard. {g} Her other grades were so good that she was still able to earn the diploma of excellence and Bre graduated with the top honors.

The girls went out to Lance's home for a final time together. There are only 5 of the students coming back for Second year. We'll meet them tomorrow afternoon. Mike suggested they spend the night at the hotel with us tomorrow so that we can get our 4:30 a.m. start out of here. Poor Bre. She seemed to stagger when hearing this - the poor girl earned THIRTEEN Barbara clubs this year. Simply put this means she's LATE to classes. She stays up until 2 a.m. - always has - and then is dragging in the a.m. If you are late you earn a "Barbara club" and you get to come in early and clean with Barbara, the church janitor. She was tops in earned Barbara clubs as well.

As we were walking back to the hotel, all sorts of cars/trucks with flashing lights and sirens went past. Zander was on Mike's back. His eyes got huge and he said, "Oopsey, We're in VERY BIG TROUBLE, now!" :::snort::::

Back at the hotel we discovered that the pool was being drained. It seems that one of the lights had broken and glass was everywhere. They hoped to have it fixed by midnight. We were glad we were nowhere near the hotel when this happened.

Not sure what we are doing Monday.....

SUNDAY - AUGUST 6th - DAY FOUR

The day began with us attending First Church of the Open Bible in Spokane, WA. This is the church that hosts the Master's Commission program that the girls have been attending. A highlight for us was watching Bre sing with the worship team in the service.

After church we headed over to the home of The Browns - Krista's host parents. They had invited us, Bre's host family and the family of the other girls who had been living with them. It was a fun time of meeting those who have spoke so powerfully into our children's lives.

Graduation was long - but very COOL.

STacia is fussing - I'll have to finish this later.