Vacation Photos - Part 4

We had planned to leave Crescent City Thursday morning and spend the afternoon, evening with family, have all day Friday with family and fly out Saturday. That was not to be. By the time we arrived back in Eugene on Thursday night we only had time to check in, find dinner and let everyone know we were in town. 

Friday morning Michael and I shared in a Senior Class at New Hope Christian College. The class is "Ministry Integration" and we were to share how all we learned in college integrates with our current ministry. Michael had the bulk of that - my job was comic relief. "I'm a 1986 graduate," says Mike.....to which I added,"...and I'm a 1986 drop out." We shared the classes and such that we found most beneficial. I shared about the passion of Professors and how THAT impacts my current ministry. They asked questions and it was a fun time in all. 

Krista had a two hour window without classes. Michael left for lunch with his endorser (and I hated to miss that visit but Krista tops John on my list ::blush::) and to run a variety of errands he had in mind. The younger set and I hung out with Krista. Then Arielle and Jared spent the afternoon in classes  Krista (Biblical Foundations) and BreAnne (Drama). 

The littles (who aren't so little any longer.....::sigh::) and I went shopping for some Newman O's, Annie's treats and such to bring back to Japan. Yes, we tried to bring a suitcase of organic food again - praying THIS time it wouldn't be stolen in Seattle. ::snort::  Then we headed over to my Mom and Dad's for a final, afternoon visit. It was a good visit. Eventually, Bre, Jared, Arielle and Michael joined us. Then we had to zip back to campus to pick Krista up when she was off work. 

We went to dinner at Carl's Jr. This was Nolan's dream and one we'd avoided...but what a shock! That chain has changed. There were giant salads, hand breaded chicken, awesome shakes, waffle fries...it sounds like Chick Fil A. They even brought us food and drink refills. Josiah assures me they have not merged the companies. LOL 

We come home and played games, tried to think of what was to come next, circled up and prayed. The girls had a field trip at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. We were leaving to pick up a rental car and head to Seattle to catch the airplane Saturday night. 

Ever played Big Doggies? It's a great game. 

Taboo was fun too - and all kept their competitive sides in check. 

Mom and Dad met Mike Saturday a.m.  at my brother Will's. We stored the van and they drove him over to the hotel to pick me up. Mom stayed with the kids and Dad drove us to pick up our two full sized cars. At the shop the Hertz man told he he was really sure we'd fit in a mini-van he had. Toyota Sienna. I like these things......7 passengers (it can fit 8), 8 suitcases and 7 back packs....fit....

It did take Dad and Mike a bit of work to get the jump seat set up front. 

We all fit.....

When the gray clouds clear the Pacific NW really is breathtaking.

We sat at the airport from 5:30 p.m. to 12:23 a.m. when we were told that you really CAN'T fit 80 people in 20 seats. Not sure why it took this long to figure this out.....and the plane was broken down again any way and wouldn't be flying for 14 - 24 hours - though we didn't have a seat. 

We networked with the W family, who shared our plight. We all ended up at the Clarion Inn - $65 a night.... around 1:30 a.m. We then had to book flights - chose the same flights through Vancouver and on to Tokyo and Misawa. I recommend One Travel for your quick, online, travel needs.  We hit bed around 3:00 a.m. The boys slept in Sunday - until around noon.  The girls and I were ready to go find a Denny's but had no car etc. When we opened the curtains at noon we discovered a Denny's across the parking lot. ::snort::

We jumped on the free shuttle and went to South Center Mall for a couple of hours, ordered pizza in and then played games. Michael and I both bought travel games at the mall.

Outta Gas - like Rush Hour

Monday a.m. we headed for the airport again. They weren't so sure that they'd let Mike travel. They did. Then at the gate the boarding agents weren't so sure Mike should fly - we educated - he did. In Canada the flight attendants sent us all to the wrong immigration - continuing flights do NOT have to go through the one spot. This lady  informed us they should have given us JAL boarding passes in SEA (but we were on AK Airlines).....we talked our way through....went to the counter and got boarding passes. Mike had to talk his way on to the plane again without a passport. Military men on orders fly on ID.....as we went to board the plane they stopped us. This time they were concerned that the kids and I didn't have visas to stay longer than 3 months in Japan. We explained, again, about SOFA....we don't need visas - showed them the stamps from Japan....showed them my nifty multiple re-entry stamp.....they still made us wait to get final approval...now I wondered if Mike would make it and we'd stay in Canada.  We all got on. In Tokyo we had NO TROUBLE AT ALL with Mike's lack of passport or our lack of VISAS - they UNDERSTAND SOFA (status of forces agreement). LOL 

We left at 9 a.m. on Monday and arrived in Misawa at 7 p.m. Tuesday night. Shew.....Was space A worth it? Yes!!! Even with the added night in the hotel and paying one way home...it saved us $5,000.00. We couldn't afford to go home without it. It hurts to have to pay that $5,600 for tickets....but it sure is better than 10K. LOL 

One mishap on the trip home is my ipad. Stacia was playing games with it, hit turbulence, she dropped it and the power button was sheared off. Apple is sending a new ipad to the girls. I sent my old ipad to them and we'll swap. I'm praying I can get all my kindle ap books to load on the new one.....

I find myself really glad to be home. I feel like I lost October and November - not really lost them - just lost my normal routine and connections. Hard to explain...but I'm looking forward to being home, reconnecting with friends, school and decorating for Advent/Christmas. 

Yesterday, we picked up mail, groceries and Michael and I went on a date. Today, I was supposed to be at MOPS - but we can't find my car keys. We're stranded...so we're doing laundry, catching up on some regional PWOC stuff I need to do, playing games and relaxing another day. Actually, I've been up since 1 a.m. and I'm going to go to take nap. It's good to be home. 

I loved Kristine's comment when this posted on FB and thought I'd add it here, "Whirlwind trip, whirlwind travel, your life is a whirlwind of blessings!" 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Vacation Photos - Part 3

Did we say Nolan was taller than the girls?

Check out the heels on those shoes. 

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, we picked up our trailer and headed to CA to visit with Michael's folks. 

We had a trailer tire problem on the way and arrived to late to find a restaurant....we made do with popcorn we found in the trailer. 

We spent our time in CA visiting and doing odd jobs that the folks needed done. The first job was one the kids relished. They build a wagon for Grandma and Grandpa to haul wood. 

Early risers...watching Sean the Sheep on the laptop. 

Rained a lot while we were in CA. 

Rain didn't stop these two and Michael from exploring the CA coast. They even found a piece of sea glass. In 28 years of beach-combing at this spot,  I've never seen a piece. 

This dog loved to play with the kids.....

Trip home...not feeling well....really should remember to pack appropriate barf bags. 

The Check Engine light came on, the trailer tire needed fixed and so spent a few hours in Grants Pass, OR. The youngers ones and I window shopped in the rain, Jared guarded the trailer and Michael dealt with repair shops. 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Vacation Photos - Part 2

Saturday evening we celebrated Michael's 50th birthday. 

Sisters

Um...yeah...Jared's new look.  (Glasses from watching Tangles). 

Dad loaned Michael the cowboy hat as our birthday pig hat didn't make the flight. 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Vacation Photos Part 1

Here are some photos of our recent time in the states. I didn't realize how much of our vacation centered around food....no wonder I gained weight. ::snort:: 

Heading for the airport....van wouldn't start....

We spent 7 hours at the SEATAC airport....here Jared checks in at the USO, while the girls sleep under the table....

and Nolan tries to read.

Our first "Blizzard" run

Stacia and Grandpa, Krista in the background

Mom and I (not a great photo of either of us)

We were able to help Krista and Bre decorate their apartment....

Bre

Arielle and Nolan

Stacia and Mike top the tree

Thanksgiving Day I got to meet the newest member to our family - Harmony.

Krista, Arielle, Me, Sherri holding Harmony, Amy, Bre and Stacia in front

Amy and Harmony

Harmony and Grandpa Will (my brother)

Ah, sharing decadent chocolate desserts with my peeps has become a trademark....

My very first friend in the world....we've been friends 44 years...that's a long time. We're antiques. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!

©2010 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~

Living all of life before the face of God...

Stranded in Seattle Take Two

As soon as we began planning this trip, a couple of our older offspring (still at home - wink) began to speculate how Mom and the kids would probably get stranded in Seattle again.  I insisted, if nothing else, the oldest one or two would get on Space A with Michael and the littles and I would have an adventure on our way home.

I've been chuckling all day at the irony of us being stranded in Seattle again. It seems to only happen when we are flying to Japan. ::snort::

We were told to arrive at 9 p.m. for roll call. We arrived at 5:30 p.m. They told us roll call was moved to 11:40 p.m. We played cards, explored, found what food one can find without going through security (hot dog bun and cheerios at USO or ham sandwich (ain't happening) at little shop), and waited. At 11:40 p.m.  they told us the airplane needed some repairs and they'd let us know at midnight who would get on the flight. WHY they couldn't have determined this at 11:40 is beyond me - but I don't have a military mind. ::snort::

At 12:23 a.m. they told us that only 22 of the 80 waiting would get on (people moving have first priority). We were also told the plane would be "delayed" 14 - 24 hours as they repaired it. (A fellow passenger told me that this is what they did last week and then cancelled the flight - which would explain so many trying to get on last night). I honestly think they should have known that at 9:40 p.m.,  when Space Required reported that they didn't have 80 seats left. We could have begun booking flights (for Sunday as it was still Saturday), found a hotel and settled down. As it was we landed at the hotel at about 2 a.m.  Got to bed at 3 a.m. - after booking 7 International flights. The other two Space A flights to Asia this week are already full with Space Required travelers (moving)...we could wait a WEEK to try for this flight again - but many of those who didn't make it this week will be waiting...and there are no guarantees. Mike would fly back with Jared ASAP.

I've lost Oct and Nov and really want to be IN MY OWN BED....I didn't voice this to Michael, but he knew and booked us all going home.

Because it was now early Sunday a.m.  (remember they told us at 12:TWENTY THREE a.m.) we were not able to buy an International ticket online. We've been told this is a homeland security measure. We booked for Monday a.m.

Everyone slept hard and well - poor babies.  We finally got moving by 12:30 p.m. today and walked to Denny's. The waitress fell in love with our family and Stacia specifically. She showered us with blessings....we ordered 3 all you can eat pancakes and she brought extra plates for the littles, she brought them refills of milk, she loved Stacia and Zander's comparisons of pancake meals in Misawa with Denny's.

From previous Seattle Adventures, I remembered  there are many free or reasonable transportation options in Seattle. I asked. Sure enough - we could take the air tram all the way to Pikes....or we could take a free shuttle to the mall. We went mall hopping. We split up and laughed when we were getting back on the bus. Mike and I had both bought games....different ones even....for a game night tonight and for fun on the plane.

We've ordered pizza in from Round Table, Michael and Jared are working out, the littles are playing "Monopoly Deal".  I'd love to post the photos....but my SD card has split in half....and my computer won't read it. I'll baby it until I hit Misawa and can read the photos with the cord....and buy a new SD card...could try duct tape. LOL

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT.  We don't feel like it's begun yet. LOL But we have been having a blast with family....so really....it's all good.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Waiting....Margin...

We like to travel with margin. We were told to arrive to check in at 9 p.m. tonight and got here hours early...seems they changed the time to 11:40 p.m. So....we've explored the airport, ate some free food at the USO (stale doughnuts and a hot dog bun - no hot dogs and cheerios)..... and I've updated the blog.

I'm starting to come up with a Plan B in case we can't all make it on the rotator tonight. We'll send Mike and as many of the older ones who can make it to Japan.....I'll stay here a week if need be with the little ones...and we'll go watch Voyage of the Dawn Treader.....sounds like a good plan, doesn't it? We loved the first movie, were disappointed with the second....

I'd love to hear any thoughts or info any of you have on routes to train for being a midwife or doula....I know the midwife would require more math and science...or I suspect it would.

I must remember to buy some more travel card games for Space A travel. ::snort:: Hope to be home tomorrow a.m.  The 6th in Japan.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

So Proud - So Hard

I won't say much as typing a post on the i pad is considerably slower typing for me!

We are so proud of our adult children! Any time we have to spend with them is a precious gift.They are all doing well, which certainly gives me hope for our homeschooling lifestyle. Yes, over 20 yeats of schooling and there are still many who think they need to tell how to do it better. I think I was blessed to begin when there weren't so many "camps" of homeschoolers. Snort! When we began, no one got huffy about educational methods, publishers, religious differences...if you found another homeschooler you recognised an indpendant, kindred spirit...and were thrilled, without a thought of critiquing their style. People still went to jail for homeschooling, we had big things to worry about.

Yes, visiting with our four college students, all on dean's lists, hearing comments from new adults in their lives, rave comments from professors - both at secular universities and Christian colleges, gives me the courage to say.....

We didn't finish all our work, we are more laid bqck than many, we did have gaps, we are busy and receive criticism for our schedule and lifestyle.....but look at them fly! They know how to learn, they love the Lord, their characters are firm, they own their education....some didn't read until 10, but shoot a 4 point in college puts things into perspective...I'm blessed in this season to have a track record which helps me resist peer pressure. Snort

Guess I can make long posts from ipad. My heart is full. Spending time with the boys a few weeks ago, hearing the girls' post graduation plans....great times! Saying goodbe - HARD...but they all 4 are chasing after God and their God-given dreams....they are safer in his care than in the care of this mama bear....time to get the younger ones up, call this vacation over and start the long trip back to Japan. Traveling prayers are welcome - I still seem a bit confused about finding the turn signal on a Ford. Snort.

Ear plugs work....vacation photos and thoughts to follow next week.

Yes, still choosing joy....thrilled at where God is moving...wondering what it would be like to live in one location with roots....but trusting God with the details...loving the results and the on- going adventures.

Choosing Joy!

©2010 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~

Living all of life before the face of God...