COUNTDOWN....1 DAY until all the pieces of my heart unite in CO.....

What can I say? I found this photo when I was taking the 1980's out of magnetic albums. This is the very first time that BreAnne saw Krista.

Mike didn't grow up with a brother. I had no sisters. When we met Krista (6-3-1987) we had such hopes and dreams of the relationship these two "sisters" would develop. That relationship has developed.

Honestly, Bre has embraced her role as big sister from this very moment.....and Krista has followed suite. They've been amazing big sisters for all the children.

I love the excitement on Bre's face. We've seen the same excitement in recent years when we drove up in Spokane,WA.....when she and Krista RAN across the flightline in San Angelo to get to their siblings....and in one more day we'll see that excitement in the mountains of CO.

If you think of it pray for the girls and for Mike, I and the younger 5 as we travel today. We'll be traveling again tomorrow...as will the older two boys.

Stephanie...we'll post that new circle of faces as soon as we find a connection after taking it. ::snort::

©2008 D.R.G.

Too Screaming BUSY to take even ONE photos Today!!!

How's that for a title?

I cannot begin to remember all that we did today; but it all focused on getting us out of here.

Josiah called and volunteered to take the younger 3 to his apartment for a couple of hours. What a huge HELP. They LOVED having time with him at his "partment". It worked out well for all.

Josiah WILL be meeting us in CO. Another manager volunteered to work extra hours so he doesn't have to close Tuesday. He and Jamin will drive the whole shot in one day.

Arielle and I ran to Walmart for the annual "socks and underwear spree" that mortifies certain male members of this family. We had time for a nice little discussion about growing up et al....and um to those who were asking - I figured out that it worked best without a book. ::snort::

Jamin and Jared worked all day hauling things to the trailer.

The pool is drained, the water heater and a LOT of other stuff now reside at the dump, the clothes are packed.....lists are made...shepherd's pie and garlic mashed potatoes are in the freezer....it's coming together and we'll be leaving EARLY tomorrow. (Actually in a few short hours).

Yes, of course, I'll blog from the road every chance I get. I know how much my faithful readers look forward to the annual gas pump photos. ::snort:: Shoot - the Grand Canyon, London Bridge, Disney World...NOTHING holds a candle to the gas pumps of America. ::snort::

©2008 D.R.G.

Healing Choice "Give Away"

Ladies, both copies of Healing Choice will be mailed out as soon as I find addresses.

I do have a personal copy that I've loaned out. When I return from vacation if any other local women would like to borrow that copy, please let me know.

©2008 D.R.G.

COUNTDOWN ~ 2 DAYS!!!

Simply typing that makes my heart race, my ears start to tear...and I'm still really 6 days out. Yes, these are being blogged ahead of time and scheduled to post....you don't REALLY think I'm so obsessive that I'd be blogging on the day set aside for LOADING AND PACKING? ::snort::

It's hard to resent the absence of the girls when it is such a JOY to watch them follow God's heart for their generation. We raise them to grow up and be warriors (prince and princess warriors) in the battle of our King....and we've been blessed that three are doing that.....but I've got to admit that it will be nice to have everyone in one spot for a few glorious days this year.

No, she didn't get married without me fully covering it on the blog. Krista in a human video.

Bre is 3rd from the right (on her knees)



©2008 D.R.G.

STUPEFYING SUNDAY/Camping Food/Pre-departure List

The day was filled with our normal Sunday routine. We went to the Traditional Service. We went to Burger King ::blech::. Mike stayed at the office. The kids and I came home.

We continued to work various lists....

The boys loaded The Caboose with kayak, tents, water, camp chairs...

They were pulling my chain - they didn't REALLY load the kayak into the trailer....they put it under the trailer in the storage unit.

We turned 9 lbs of ground beef/turkey into pans and pans of cooked meatballs. "Someone" mistakenly mixed the BBQ sauce that I usually pour over meatballs with the meat mixture...but yum they're tasty. We may do it like this in the future.


Arielle made 4 batches of "Shake N Bake" mix.


I made 3 batches of "Instant Oatmeal".

I think we need to go buy a case of apples...THIS is not going to be enough for the trip.

If you've ever wondered what the inside of a grain mill looks like....

No, we aren't worried about the warranty. I bought it used for $50 ten years ago. We've been grinding a lot yesterday and today. It started slowing down again, backed up with flour, started smelling and quit. One of these times Mike will not be able to get it started again.

We went to the Contemporary service.

We came home and continued working the pre-departure list.

I updated the local PWOC blog. I've felt chained to the computer lately. This mess will need cleaned up before I leave.... note the multi-colored spreadsheet - my TOG planning sheet. ::snort::

©2008 D.R.G.

COUNTDOWN....ONLY 3 MORE DAYS!!!

Krista truly can sleep ANYWHERE....but this time she will not be flying and will be sleeping in a hotel in MT rather than skylinks and walking whatevers in DFW airport.

Krista, keep Bre off the caffeine for your own travel comfort. ::snort:: (Though a 5 lb bag of m/ms are essential travel food).

©2008 D.R.G.

The Power of 15 Minutes

I'm often asked how I "get it all done". Just as often as I'm asked, I respond, "I DON'T do it all!"

Catch that key before we proceed. None of us can possibly participate in EVERY opportunity that presents itself. I have made deliberate choices about how to invest my time. You have too.

There is, however, one little secret that does help me corral the chores, school, children, play time et al. The Power of 15 minutes! I believe this trick will work for you if you are single as well as if you are the Mom of a Super Sized family.

I first learned this concept YEARS ago when I began to read work by Charlotte Mason. Charlotte believed that young children learn best with short lessons. She recommended 15 minutes. At the end of that time you do something different...not necessarily recess...doing anything different for 15 minutes let's your brain "rest". This worked well in our school.....

The Power of 15 Minutes began to spread into other areas of our home life. I experimented. Several times during the day we have "15 minute pick ups". I pop in to blog for 15 minutes. I check email in 15 minutes. I go play for 15 minutes. I can begin a devotional in 15 minutes. I can clean a bathroom in 15 minutes. Most parts of a house can be cleaned in 15 minutes come to think of it. I can make a salad in 15 minutes, grind the wheat for using during the next break..... Our phonics, math, writing lessons are kept to 15 minutes.

Charlotte explains better than I that if you train yourself and your children to give something full attention you can accomplish more in a shorter period of time. You train yourself to be diligent and not to dwaddle.

Try it - it's worked well for us. (One more thing off my to do list - done in 15 minutes).

*Disclaimer - I've not read Emilie Barnes' 15 minute books (though I have one I'm currently planning to read) but I bet she mirrors Charlotte's thoughts.

*There are many wonderful Charlotte Mason sites out there...google it.

*The series I first read about the Charlotte Mason method is by Charlotte, herself. The Original Homeschooling Series. I've since read many wonderful books about the method. I should corral a list of sites and books....but not until after vacation. ::snort::

More Super Size Saturday entries!

©2008 D.R.G.