tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37879391731358762202024-03-21T03:19:22.479-07:00Maranathaone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-68441811015156755522009-03-21T08:28:00.000-07:002009-03-21T08:45:22.353-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaac159DFyeOTig21rDn9cqsTmuSJX9OF03S25tcFtGMBIJzN0c3AeEvfwZwhGqTd1kxeB9mizrpdu5wPSCORHQwZkubzfpfSxJHvc0TdrO59cDVRiVAINoVQ69_XGP3kNe3ZXdm6mH4s/s1600-h/Vacation+889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaac159DFyeOTig21rDn9cqsTmuSJX9OF03S25tcFtGMBIJzN0c3AeEvfwZwhGqTd1kxeB9mizrpdu5wPSCORHQwZkubzfpfSxJHvc0TdrO59cDVRiVAINoVQ69_XGP3kNe3ZXdm6mH4s/s320/Vacation+889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315666355213400466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjqNLihA5fnFj7uP43wZQ8LZlS02DhJQcyvkCy5rj22eFQViBGEkFLKCpQoGMRHST6LyezX5UVGBN-Y71AD5fsOmuNbHqEWmyBW-EZ3Wnos9EuxvFUALDyqI8wNwQ5T5wUe5D7mSrl60/s1600-h/Vacation+888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjqNLihA5fnFj7uP43wZQ8LZlS02DhJQcyvkCy5rj22eFQViBGEkFLKCpQoGMRHST6LyezX5UVGBN-Y71AD5fsOmuNbHqEWmyBW-EZ3Wnos9EuxvFUALDyqI8wNwQ5T5wUe5D7mSrl60/s320/Vacation+888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315666349602749138" /></a><br />A stop in Bloomington, Ill didn't prove to be too enjoyable. Our second tow of the trip! This time it was a U-joint on the drive shaft that corroded out allowing the drive shaft to drop to the ground while pulling into a Farm and Fleet driveway. There we sat until the tow came. It wasn't very amusing, however our RV was able to "spread the word" while we sat waiting to be towed from partially blocking traffic both on the road and in the drive. While in San Antonio we added verbage to our RV to add to our evangelizing efforts. Here is what our RV reads on it's sides...<br />God Answers Knee Mail Matt 6:24<br />Jesus is Cool, Hell is Not John 3:16<br />Get a Life John 3:16<br />Elect Jesus<br />The New Age is an Old Lie- Matt 24<br />Evolution is Science Fiction<br />Fight TRUTH Decay<br /><br />All for His glory! The RV was fixed in under two hours and we were back on the road again. We stayed the night south of Milwaulkee and the next day we were home.<br />Home Again, Home Again..Jiggity Jig Jig...as my mother would often say as we'd pull into our driveway at Monroe St. <br /><br />The adjustment has been just as much as it was going into the RV. We miss the road already, but have had a wonderful time sharing our trip and reconnecting with family and friends.<br /><br />We are, for the first time EVER, looking forward to next winter, when..God willing...we will hit the road once again!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-3919997024348958232009-03-21T08:08:00.000-07:002009-03-21T08:28:06.390-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs-XN1ZwXpFZKEG8IOwLvzX9cU8T46LRucOtUNt2k0Fz-ufsHbcSsWYH5XLB4HJ60MZzbOhv-hRfMAvcIiG-n5TAjVatfWajFQNc489CH705g6fetYcHSxjTpRKVPkFfV3858BYRUvro/s1600-h/Vacation+880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs-XN1ZwXpFZKEG8IOwLvzX9cU8T46LRucOtUNt2k0Fz-ufsHbcSsWYH5XLB4HJ60MZzbOhv-hRfMAvcIiG-n5TAjVatfWajFQNc489CH705g6fetYcHSxjTpRKVPkFfV3858BYRUvro/s320/Vacation+880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315663143159741010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m96Ln7TvqP7dV36zvYK-rRmXnbvRikxkZBiJmQWcHsVqzIj2qg-j9AmKBHfCwzNrNC9zb79oKJantzQppqAEcvM0AevsGj7O6NU4Is8cE9FwF0Q6m_TSqJZ25hz6BsesrvjtHrFpsvo/s1600-h/Vacation+885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m96Ln7TvqP7dV36zvYK-rRmXnbvRikxkZBiJmQWcHsVqzIj2qg-j9AmKBHfCwzNrNC9zb79oKJantzQppqAEcvM0AevsGj7O6NU4Is8cE9FwF0Q6m_TSqJZ25hz6BsesrvjtHrFpsvo/s320/Vacation+885.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315663141395157330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdcjCKy0FO4MbSgVypUZv1Y7GomE5MTq5nQP7smEDOtx2KSO2Jo6BlSyPxXE15B3nSp_N_x2__UHFvbxLeaY9Z1xmqSQjt_DXzZBw4Kl9mWIFaIFEG5VW5mUCEorPaEJUZJOTEzZOQlY/s1600-h/Vacation+880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdcjCKy0FO4MbSgVypUZv1Y7GomE5MTq5nQP7smEDOtx2KSO2Jo6BlSyPxXE15B3nSp_N_x2__UHFvbxLeaY9Z1xmqSQjt_DXzZBw4Kl9mWIFaIFEG5VW5mUCEorPaEJUZJOTEzZOQlY/s320/Vacation+880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315663136696879890" /></a><br />We stopped in Hope, AR, home town of Bill Clinton, on Friday night. It was the third evening of rain--just pouring. We stayed at the Hope Fair Ground RV Park and found out after checking in there was going to be a rodeo that evening. With very few options for entertainment, and no possibilty of an evening walk on a clear AR night--we bought tickets to the rodeo. It was hosted by the FFA and the participants were all kids. I was just amazed that 9-15 year old kids were riding a bucking bronco. Michaela leaned into me shortly after the third kid got whipped off a bull and whispered, "Would you ever let your kid do that?" I said, "NO WAY!". This was taking country to the next level--not Wisconsin style, that's for sure! <br />Nick stayed back at the RV with Zeke, as it was too chilly and damp for him to be out and he already seemed to be congested (later found out it was teething). I ran back to the RV to switch places with Nick as I really felt he'd enjoy the show. He stayed till the end. At a break time in the rodeo competition, the announcer called all kids down into the ring for a competition. Not even knowing what they were running to, Grace decided she was in. Turns out it was a pig scramble. They let a bunch of little piglets out to be caught and even though Grace didn't have a shot, it was quite a scene. Kids dove at these piglets like it was the pigskin of a football-literally covering them in a full tackle and then bringing it up by the hindlegs to show off the catch. It was very entertaining!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-46397333133693664462009-03-21T08:01:00.000-07:002009-03-21T08:07:50.559-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVwmUk3CO9lR1Tu1ZlBLFxION8APX2Dem4GQ4FvEtDGn4l7wbQI1VOWIAt23qGF497LNBI2bJ9a4ZwNAxmRT4YNOm4nSW_JroSsA7Gt1MH_Hs5nw9fJ5QGbGEHkK3yWGIfBuibQ2udcQ/s1600-h/Vacation+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVwmUk3CO9lR1Tu1ZlBLFxION8APX2Dem4GQ4FvEtDGn4l7wbQI1VOWIAt23qGF497LNBI2bJ9a4ZwNAxmRT4YNOm4nSW_JroSsA7Gt1MH_Hs5nw9fJ5QGbGEHkK3yWGIfBuibQ2udcQ/s320/Vacation+035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315657852045095538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbqxqJHKXGvkAEMC87YI5_jfXKZW8J8OIOHI9-vqAoEoIpEcS75Tk-3pVIu8m07IS1ogRfUxu0j2_et7dT3bTAum8ZjFcpJBhw3-RlomoapT9lXHXrJjv6OYDamXgVzFTbnySvhnPcYE/s1600-h/Vacation+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbqxqJHKXGvkAEMC87YI5_jfXKZW8J8OIOHI9-vqAoEoIpEcS75Tk-3pVIu8m07IS1ogRfUxu0j2_et7dT3bTAum8ZjFcpJBhw3-RlomoapT9lXHXrJjv6OYDamXgVzFTbnySvhnPcYE/s320/Vacation+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315657854957989906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC6NW8NYixpaZTUifu1-jdIvvICFE85CD6gH2esE4vP2Lcd2aebIik1UIokkrScroQCnPPPLeLpL-Wo5uFxN44Uo7Mzvc0tpYZsrShxpye_mEig3i_960oLYlX7oiQFozhv5t78osOaA/s1600-h/Vacation+857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC6NW8NYixpaZTUifu1-jdIvvICFE85CD6gH2esE4vP2Lcd2aebIik1UIokkrScroQCnPPPLeLpL-Wo5uFxN44Uo7Mzvc0tpYZsrShxpye_mEig3i_960oLYlX7oiQFozhv5t78osOaA/s320/Vacation+857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315657846184814322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz-yMSdAzYzTkAq-KJ8mChyphenhyphenyofZ6yIgjRbphhiPLttrlwfkSTBHFYfjT_6RXmf3vc5ihwSPrCQscJYA3mjl1gFIPeADeJj9rKsU5SpfjuSQyctx61S7uMhyphenhyphen9tGmlwRnpqBXqzCK2KBLM/s1600-h/Vacation+854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz-yMSdAzYzTkAq-KJ8mChyphenhyphenyofZ6yIgjRbphhiPLttrlwfkSTBHFYfjT_6RXmf3vc5ihwSPrCQscJYA3mjl1gFIPeADeJj9rKsU5SpfjuSQyctx61S7uMhyphenhyphen9tGmlwRnpqBXqzCK2KBLM/s320/Vacation+854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315657839026669778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiHsYR-TNwQhqu-UquwSM9cQBErFw49Gx1kD7dh0M99olJ7YO_Gzqq58GOmh6U4X0I-wH6Zh7zbqWPeMMK8NFqWTdkA-w4L0EPSqwvTHfuDNkSvtfKgiu2mhVxRum4qbVfpCrh9Vbnt8/s1600-h/Vacation+855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiHsYR-TNwQhqu-UquwSM9cQBErFw49Gx1kD7dh0M99olJ7YO_Gzqq58GOmh6U4X0I-wH6Zh7zbqWPeMMK8NFqWTdkA-w4L0EPSqwvTHfuDNkSvtfKgiu2mhVxRum4qbVfpCrh9Vbnt8/s320/Vacation+855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315657839075380322" /></a><br />Our night out and our new addition.one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-39067398521220424572009-03-21T07:19:00.001-07:002009-03-21T08:00:03.429-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLu9RBh4qI5MvfzchfsRSJfHvBjuBOudbzyeowJu-a8L0vrDoAnF5QSFvCWoWmr5w9kfhSna-0K6uL6BcWEGbIwZKWBpZH90Hqgrd7Dz3TicejzfAi8SEf-XH6ja4_K5tb5ZLIxQtYa4/s1600-h/Vacation+874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLu9RBh4qI5MvfzchfsRSJfHvBjuBOudbzyeowJu-a8L0vrDoAnF5QSFvCWoWmr5w9kfhSna-0K6uL6BcWEGbIwZKWBpZH90Hqgrd7Dz3TicejzfAi8SEf-XH6ja4_K5tb5ZLIxQtYa4/s320/Vacation+874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655880033674242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP0mlR5-LnTnLlVOFQSfagJWks-GCjibNox_BBSDGnNckMFFKmWEiRDhYheepqpl_3Q8BYaGZ_K0GfdqWSLgMgxrsei2oKQZCeMQhMX1mxM7hVW20uwouEKbu5D5JW3DojB3aBUk3l2o/s1600-h/Vacation+872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP0mlR5-LnTnLlVOFQSfagJWks-GCjibNox_BBSDGnNckMFFKmWEiRDhYheepqpl_3Q8BYaGZ_K0GfdqWSLgMgxrsei2oKQZCeMQhMX1mxM7hVW20uwouEKbu5D5JW3DojB3aBUk3l2o/s320/Vacation+872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655873390068850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjPdG-9DbGsTTTtb7vo3sRjL1k6evLpwsIqe4WpxPpXerdkO6XQ8tX0zyda6ezSCe06eWtUzrKs51eO2HHoRcJaQrJPTaGKiGhJLvu7JeBaYUVM55dE7Q7S8Qy8AYeBi-nytuP6rteIw/s1600-h/Vacation+864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjPdG-9DbGsTTTtb7vo3sRjL1k6evLpwsIqe4WpxPpXerdkO6XQ8tX0zyda6ezSCe06eWtUzrKs51eO2HHoRcJaQrJPTaGKiGhJLvu7JeBaYUVM55dE7Q7S8Qy8AYeBi-nytuP6rteIw/s320/Vacation+864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655870152216514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWcF9PtwewLJPpVUJ6btoZxyupnMKUph73T5TegyYWiAuXvjsXoQ4-tmJcYlwP_A4cYXOLxTBVJotg82xQ80n9TpqK1Pk_38O04Zd_Snf4sWZYFwXRnVRWZ80vmb6-3oGI-ixlpE9OQA/s1600-h/Vacation+848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWcF9PtwewLJPpVUJ6btoZxyupnMKUph73T5TegyYWiAuXvjsXoQ4-tmJcYlwP_A4cYXOLxTBVJotg82xQ80n9TpqK1Pk_38O04Zd_Snf4sWZYFwXRnVRWZ80vmb6-3oGI-ixlpE9OQA/s320/Vacation+848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655868946024322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtav3L6CKVtXheywW1cs9kGAg8mdivgp_pN6S-0OF7dGxrFuJnVQ5j2o6nO0cWKhRTGCxcoYngtl-6H4x_9lZG6vQuqBrBdRT8nbHiK9UGMZJQbLnTdF4Uo6w1Zgd_rjIpio0O6jG6ag/s1600-h/Vacation+867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtav3L6CKVtXheywW1cs9kGAg8mdivgp_pN6S-0OF7dGxrFuJnVQ5j2o6nO0cWKhRTGCxcoYngtl-6H4x_9lZG6vQuqBrBdRT8nbHiK9UGMZJQbLnTdF4Uo6w1Zgd_rjIpio0O6jG6ag/s320/Vacation+867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655855530294098" /></a><br />The pics posted on the blog last is just the funniest story of a man we met at the park who could just not get that silly duck to stop following him. It was absolutely hilarious. <br />San Antonio was just gorgeous. We stayed there for a week enjoying the 85 degree weather and pool. We had a wonderful evening down at the river walk downtown when we took the kids to Rainforest Cafe to celebrate our trip coming to an end. The rest of our travels was going to be a very quick shoot up the highway back north to WI. <br />The first day of the week we spent in San Antonio we were relaxing by the pool when a visitor showed up. A gentleman who had been at the park longer than us excused himself from our conversation to get her a drink. We were immediately taken by her gentle attractivenss, but tried not to stare.<br />Later on that evening she decided to give us a visit at our RV site and from that time on, she never left. All that evening she remained guest outside our RV, quietly sitting outside our door, "protecting us". Nick and I were amazed at her loyalty after such a short friendship and especially since we hadn't taken our relationship to the next level as she had us. <br />The park referred to her as Freckles and Pebbles. We called her Dot, and after the third day of Dot's unrelenting friendship, crying and pleading children trying to keep her from the pound, and endless recommendations for her to become family, Dot was adopted into our family.<br />San Antonio has over 1,000 stray dogs roaming the city of which many become abused while others simply perish in the heat of unrelenting Texan sun and no water. One man in the RV park, of whom we did not know gave us $200 for taking her in--thrilled the pound would be able to be called back and told not to come. After that offering people, whom we did not know, began stopping by our site and giving us dog leashes, soap, treats, money and even human food. We were just stunned. I guess everyone at the park took a liking to her and was just thrilled someone had adopted her. (Turns out most of the longer term residnets have adopted 1,2, or 3 dogs themselves.) Dot, was special though--everyone really loved her and by the time we had left, we had received over $500 in donations to care for Dot. The amazing part of the story is that is the exact amount it cost us to be in San Antonio that week--starting from our drive from Lubbock, to the RV park cost, gas, grocery, and dog care! The Lord is amazing. What tickles our hearts was knowing that while we were praying for Dot to find a home (other than ours) so that our girls hearts would not be broken upon our departure, they (Particuarily Grace) was praying for their parents hearts to be softened,"turned to mush", as Grace later confessed to us. The prayer of a child is powerful indeed. <br />Dot has turned out to be a lovely new addition and has been great at potty training and has already learned the commands of sit and lie down. <br />Another sweet thing was that just a week prior while Grace was co-piloting she asked Nick how it is that one can cry tears of happiness. Nick tried to explain it was simply the overwhelming emotion of joy that makes it happen. Grace still a bit confused, accepted that response for the time being. At the moment Grace found out we were going to allow Dot a place in our family, she began to cry tears of happiness. Nick tipped up her chin and said, "Hey, what's all this about?" She responded, "I am crying cause I am so happy." It was a tummy tickling, heart warming moment I will never forget. God is good.one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-45637789979300775762009-03-09T18:49:00.000-07:002009-03-09T19:26:38.304-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIkm2HXFMHY8smig4LaOYZExQCpOkgwQeDM7ZFQhcLWVg86Vi33i66CrBQLGfBghW_1x48XJWe_twalOKZZL9u180CZF3asi2qy3sitssVSUjWZrc9krCvoXCjAT9gUn3t0Tgp_9uuI/s1600-h/DSCF1564.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIkm2HXFMHY8smig4LaOYZExQCpOkgwQeDM7ZFQhcLWVg86Vi33i66CrBQLGfBghW_1x48XJWe_twalOKZZL9u180CZF3asi2qy3sitssVSUjWZrc9krCvoXCjAT9gUn3t0Tgp_9uuI/s320/DSCF1564.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311374989414304098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMozYfAwYvSDwIHTw2PKjE4n4KbYqfbe2gmQ_EcQhjUHanoN1GYmpW7vX-L4RugDLYHopy2HyXNRYjWS3f1SISDGXmkCIAsKWy7tdNBF8hR0D8OOnuaw4iIDBdANmu4eoSxc42u3Q6ezo/s1600-h/DSCF1561.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMozYfAwYvSDwIHTw2PKjE4n4KbYqfbe2gmQ_EcQhjUHanoN1GYmpW7vX-L4RugDLYHopy2HyXNRYjWS3f1SISDGXmkCIAsKWy7tdNBF8hR0D8OOnuaw4iIDBdANmu4eoSxc42u3Q6ezo/s320/DSCF1561.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311374986746527874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXUuL2LStH7amMEFLD0WUeEETjaDEKwJ2m2jPjKKe2w0euI_es5HmTCGiy0djWIu7i5tEW5AvPnoLgjlLachZlrmL2SLfO90crqopG_qVFmA1yNbNorQ13wIcBJBT59GfaBvf1nFTvU/s1600-h/DSCF1566.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXUuL2LStH7amMEFLD0WUeEETjaDEKwJ2m2jPjKKe2w0euI_es5HmTCGiy0djWIu7i5tEW5AvPnoLgjlLachZlrmL2SLfO90crqopG_qVFmA1yNbNorQ13wIcBJBT59GfaBvf1nFTvU/s320/DSCF1566.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311374982583258210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWgcZ7EC1tdjns8p2LJ8HhYHbommr-ovBHmVaYdW1zQdsxLAlsKOx5K51YheHvnlLscF2ozA7quN7Vgzo2wNW9-L7nGWabU2m0PajB3w3JP9yfCE_2ZqkLUeqbsrcTF3cYj53KcGD3g8/s1600-h/DSCF1558.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWgcZ7EC1tdjns8p2LJ8HhYHbommr-ovBHmVaYdW1zQdsxLAlsKOx5K51YheHvnlLscF2ozA7quN7Vgzo2wNW9-L7nGWabU2m0PajB3w3JP9yfCE_2ZqkLUeqbsrcTF3cYj53KcGD3g8/s320/DSCF1558.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311374978184890818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGgQDhudzCl3WJ7fm9a24neh95hhLv4XnEsueJjMXct7v9AVgEIKYFb3GvQVyMQSncx3E8t-xkTo9H4mAxzyN0_qB-7iKHXSi4qSmSCHQN5516Ccaq1jHT11g9Pd9WYMIKjBLcLgGfcs/s1600-h/DSCF1551.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGgQDhudzCl3WJ7fm9a24neh95hhLv4XnEsueJjMXct7v9AVgEIKYFb3GvQVyMQSncx3E8t-xkTo9H4mAxzyN0_qB-7iKHXSi4qSmSCHQN5516Ccaq1jHT11g9Pd9WYMIKjBLcLgGfcs/s320/DSCF1551.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311374968211484434" /></a><br />After spending a night in Lubbock, TX we are now headed to San Antonio for our last most southern stop and then it is time to begin to head it home. We decided we wanted to sing today and we found a nursing home and rehabilitation center to entertain. This time is was a large facility, though we still had a small crowd (between 7-12 people). It was a nice praise session—probably one of the better times we’ve had, but I think that was because we added more of our testimony, scripture and prayer. There was applause after each song, but what really made this experience a blessing for us was a young lady named Theresa. Theresa had introduced herself to me before we began our singing and then at the end-she called us over. She said she felt she needed to tell us something and what came next was both a blessing, yet saddening. Theresa was at the facility for rehab, although I don’t know how much she will ever be able to do. She explained to us that she had made some terrible decisions and as a result had ended up paralyzed from the ribs down, yet was grateful at the second chance at life that God had given her. High on drugs and alcohol, Theresa took over the wheel and proceeded to drive at speeds near 100 miles per hour. The tilt on the steering wheel came unsecured and caused Theresa to loose complete control of the wheel. After dodging an oncoming car and a sign, Theresa rolled the car and remembers little from that point on. With near tears in their eyes, the kids listened to her sad story as Theresa begged the girls never to use drugs or drink. She went on to explain how she had also lost her 10 year old daughter who she looks forward to seeing again. After sharing her story she said she’d pray for us and then asked me to lead in a prayer once again. And, once again, despite the situation, we can look at our life and everything we’ve been through and been saved from and thank the Lord with all our heart. I think about all those who struggle with drugs and alcohol and pray for an awakening….a miracle for God to save them in a way less tragic than Theresa. I know her story has touched my family and hopefully many more, but I pray that more people can come to know Jesus with less tragedy and more self sacrifice. <br />A time is upon us where the enemy waits to take homes, lives and souls. As people lose jobs, allow marriages to fail, and drift into darkness, there he awaits his prey—an easy catch. We see crime increasing, along with the rate of suicides, substance abuse as well and abortion. I know not to look to look to the media for answers, or place my hope in politicians, whose hands are stained in blood money, rather know that my help comes from the Lord. He is the only one who can make situations whole and until He comes to reclaim us, it is a war…daily. And a war not of principalities, or kingdoms, but of spirituality. We must take every thought captive and if necessary analyze it to see who we are for. <br />I am happy to pronounce that my life belongs to Jesus. He is my Lord…the Lord of my life. I put my worries on him and know that He looks out for my best interest. How can my Father’s love be anything less than perfect? I have praised Him in high times and praised Him in the storm. I will continue to put my trust in Him and work for His glory. <br />I know my treasure is not here. My mansion is being built in heaven. No one can keep me from the kingdom, except for myself. There is no being who can cast me to one place or another. No lack of confession, no scare of not partaking in weekly Eucharist, no condemnation from worldly people-NO! For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of a sound mind, power and of love. I fear no evil for God is with me. Those who walk in darkness fear him they walk with and give in to the pressure of the unknown. Each day has enough worry of it own to worry on the future, yet money gets lost on gambling, drugs and alcohol burying the regrets of the past and the fears of tomorrow. Anger and hostility rot the body and corrupt the soul. I have been, in the past way to worried about things I could never possibly control. I have been, in the past, way to angry and hostile about situations that did and may not ever be what I desire them to be. I have been, in the past, way to concerned about the happenings of others, despite the fact it was nothing for me to have input on nor repeat to others. <br />What fun is it being a Christian? Isn’t so much work the things you have to give up? That is what I have been asked and have heard being questioned. <br />It is a blast being Christian. Letting others touch and bless your life, sowing and not always wanting to reap and giving—so much that it tickles your heart. What have I given up? The worries of yesterday, today and tomorrow as well as EVERYTHING I mentioned above. I don’t miss it one bit. I don’t miss fake friends, lies and gossip, conceited individuals, self fish and greedy people always looking to get a step ahead not caring who they step on. I call is drama…90210 Drama. <br />Today I had the joy of life made simple with Christ--enjoying a blessing by blessing others, a beautiful day at the park with my family and the beautiful day in the 80’s in Texas. Oh, and a funny story of a man who befriended a duck at the park and could not get the duck to leave him be. He literally had this duck following him—quaking the whole way. It was the cutest, funniest thing ever. (Pics attached.) I love being able to enjoy every aspect of life in a whole new manner.<br />Thank you Lord for saving my life! My reward is to come and has been given here as well. Thank you for the blessing of Theresa and the many others who you have sent on our path. Thank you for this trip and my family. You are a mighty and loving God. <br />Please continue to reach those who inquire about you and who don’t know you at all. They come in many packages. Help us to help and love others the way you have loved us.<br />Through Jesus Name...<br />Amen!<br />Maranathaone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-53202319839172131112009-03-03T11:51:00.001-08:002009-03-04T09:09:38.487-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBQqtNaJHWWIIjiPAl-ZnOvXde5w08a-i1hivh3uPN8pN-VgelgSj3AmpePZ1crwVDSn59f79CC7j8eclwxMJG4EHzEGLn8e1hNhmh7l0vzzWf298iv6z9Y507B9C3RGPhTioygP6dyk/s1600-h/DSCF1445.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBQqtNaJHWWIIjiPAl-ZnOvXde5w08a-i1hivh3uPN8pN-VgelgSj3AmpePZ1crwVDSn59f79CC7j8eclwxMJG4EHzEGLn8e1hNhmh7l0vzzWf298iv6z9Y507B9C3RGPhTioygP6dyk/s320/DSCF1445.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309054785064675730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupjxB5JcVjCjtp5i3ulExcLDt-puGWOGKgW8a_L8mFBBKZNJyhr5lBfpGfmGSZi-DfLi4XwUKUvw4saA3ANTL9LsBMSKQGXz5896Bsc9a8_ySjLSfgm0GKd5r0wUekzBUHQ58RSX6cZI/s1600-h/DSCF1414.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupjxB5JcVjCjtp5i3ulExcLDt-puGWOGKgW8a_L8mFBBKZNJyhr5lBfpGfmGSZi-DfLi4XwUKUvw4saA3ANTL9LsBMSKQGXz5896Bsc9a8_ySjLSfgm0GKd5r0wUekzBUHQ58RSX6cZI/s320/DSCF1414.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309054773212281298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImz_egazsno_t8MgPgz__5bNGZIfnC-zdEeLB73Z-MvI2Cp_ofXUTQPiBkFQna6Tb7KiRsDvFP_0KDz-ZepHqSBnI6Hzg670eQtVLMu8jK9INOqv4mcVK2VrGs_cajCSlkOQ34L9Bqqg/s1600-h/DSCF1434.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImz_egazsno_t8MgPgz__5bNGZIfnC-zdEeLB73Z-MvI2Cp_ofXUTQPiBkFQna6Tb7KiRsDvFP_0KDz-ZepHqSBnI6Hzg670eQtVLMu8jK9INOqv4mcVK2VrGs_cajCSlkOQ34L9Bqqg/s320/DSCF1434.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309054774540457602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMtCjmacyDB27uOXdGlQ8SRWyH2vtMRndexVmbVseZlKyvtQu_GjOYHiQY4Q9W_-Zj_mMzM9XQGaa5gqsDcQF3O4b1odpXhL7w4JqwOIpLRgpK9hEyNRMPtCp7fGJh55tdGg2dJjH2YU/s1600-h/DSCF1424.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMtCjmacyDB27uOXdGlQ8SRWyH2vtMRndexVmbVseZlKyvtQu_GjOYHiQY4Q9W_-Zj_mMzM9XQGaa5gqsDcQF3O4b1odpXhL7w4JqwOIpLRgpK9hEyNRMPtCp7fGJh55tdGg2dJjH2YU/s320/DSCF1424.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309054769832254290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCttcJ5Agq7MbHo6-jeHLA0ZwkMu0FsB9bkDMIz23H4suyBiouk2MrJkT4RhTCqTE7YmuqYiAOwJ67GOojHOr5FMFvhZgQpZOBZJjaCwXn-IXFS4P9RjDVDLtKgb0VeMPWKFkIAh6EPyY/s1600-h/DSCF1411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCttcJ5Agq7MbHo6-jeHLA0ZwkMu0FsB9bkDMIz23H4suyBiouk2MrJkT4RhTCqTE7YmuqYiAOwJ67GOojHOr5FMFvhZgQpZOBZJjaCwXn-IXFS4P9RjDVDLtKgb0VeMPWKFkIAh6EPyY/s320/DSCF1411.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309054766919906562" /></a><br />And this is White Sands National Park! It was cool...literally and poor Hanny got a bit of a burn on her cheeks! If you can see sight, it is a recommend! Also, one of the pics is the girls rendition of the Sand Canyons--cute huh? Hannah thought of that! I guess she gets humorous when she begins on delirious--setting in from the heat! My girls are so darn cute! We told Hannah she is quite the comedian and she shrugged her shoulders and said in a very matter-of-fact way, "I know, it's what I do!" That's my girl!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-90727057372066061652009-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:002009-03-03T11:48:55.044-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QF40G4131PEyOKtDfzOuJJqX-DOqNz6Ml_7Wqc-g8QrZTzqPsDMXL9j6xa5Cf8m86NP0-RlVXlr5krAkXdDtxBNYklU-wP4acsHE3mFJPmhskmMw8s3-eMbkqMsxZRX2l0ZRRv1wr24/s1600-h/DSCF1374.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QF40G4131PEyOKtDfzOuJJqX-DOqNz6Ml_7Wqc-g8QrZTzqPsDMXL9j6xa5Cf8m86NP0-RlVXlr5krAkXdDtxBNYklU-wP4acsHE3mFJPmhskmMw8s3-eMbkqMsxZRX2l0ZRRv1wr24/s320/DSCF1374.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309049942501677666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nh722YZpXomnuOT1qAysFbgezuMvcm_wb2HoGTjffyr0kgHf7Muog3QuIUew_1lvi0c1vKnRw4vToRJ-82-u56wQrEyvq1-JfseuDQybWeHOZUio2xqfgBKVjhSU_cuQciePCSRWH4/s1600-h/DSCF1389.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0nh722YZpXomnuOT1qAysFbgezuMvcm_wb2HoGTjffyr0kgHf7Muog3QuIUew_1lvi0c1vKnRw4vToRJ-82-u56wQrEyvq1-JfseuDQybWeHOZUio2xqfgBKVjhSU_cuQciePCSRWH4/s320/DSCF1389.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309049932984531890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFdp5vgmgmvXnG7sWEoHMRUB6rNsaauab4fa_0KyOCsX2gSUEV7bR_EdJQ-6e65aIjKeyxztnpF_XjJ27ZrB6iKEZBYS0lsRlMMtZW9FNSAaxxbtprZkOaVr9U0-PtlVMDLpbXIo9bc/s1600-h/DSCF1390.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFdp5vgmgmvXnG7sWEoHMRUB6rNsaauab4fa_0KyOCsX2gSUEV7bR_EdJQ-6e65aIjKeyxztnpF_XjJ27ZrB6iKEZBYS0lsRlMMtZW9FNSAaxxbtprZkOaVr9U0-PtlVMDLpbXIo9bc/s320/DSCF1390.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309049922033126386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sbWBrLTIS6xyzqkEAskKdTJjr0rSvfxeei0vEYCraN2w1VPHsCfBpnqpq_As61TeVBEn8kTFO3quw7I4pnkar3h1OUXasNdqjdYNjLTiJCLGnFFyCEZXs9qf_2rRN272o5EXA4UkaRc/s1600-h/DSCF1377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sbWBrLTIS6xyzqkEAskKdTJjr0rSvfxeei0vEYCraN2w1VPHsCfBpnqpq_As61TeVBEn8kTFO3quw7I4pnkar3h1OUXasNdqjdYNjLTiJCLGnFFyCEZXs9qf_2rRN272o5EXA4UkaRc/s320/DSCF1377.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309049913211255170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVTqQYjeTI86RY8HaaxbWwyf_lUdEru-tucVDUZllHNMuhZv5e66YAdb_O7jNKoK0FhhxSXFedwLTdQrSnxdI6sc_81HCb9JTgw7VQbFS_O18Z_L4BXPMEDAXQzgWjB-fL0DqT_IudMw/s1600-h/DSCF1376.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVTqQYjeTI86RY8HaaxbWwyf_lUdEru-tucVDUZllHNMuhZv5e66YAdb_O7jNKoK0FhhxSXFedwLTdQrSnxdI6sc_81HCb9JTgw7VQbFS_O18Z_L4BXPMEDAXQzgWjB-fL0DqT_IudMw/s320/DSCF1376.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309049904731855042" /></a><br />Hey All!<br />This is the Hot Springs Pool...and Zeke upset he can't go in! HEE HEE!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-81734329390528601472009-03-03T10:49:00.001-08:002009-03-04T08:57:40.876-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-tLp-OqzgzwerE1ACHOgp9RfsrCZ9jYnawfhOuCGCPMFWuPPct6F7IpcbDxDZ-uJYWyCeh2R8ap-T_BeFiLbc2VKbYxMr1TOwpLx-qWEAgU0ibjOY1YQRLOIgTXhPTtCGEF0dgZrzmc/s1600-h/DSCF1301.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-tLp-OqzgzwerE1ACHOgp9RfsrCZ9jYnawfhOuCGCPMFWuPPct6F7IpcbDxDZ-uJYWyCeh2R8ap-T_BeFiLbc2VKbYxMr1TOwpLx-qWEAgU0ibjOY1YQRLOIgTXhPTtCGEF0dgZrzmc/s320/DSCF1301.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309039636823418786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj345EHGjVxK1aRcB7l5msE_PtrlG5iFCfqVUeDGbKHAEtfiNaGem9BrhsqrZXv5-C-wZINSplzWFzKVhVsTXUqAQDi14EiOt6anz1oQL49JIIXDN4RXFdvbSwhq47gBUNmEtIWfAJbx48/s1600-h/DSCF1310.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj345EHGjVxK1aRcB7l5msE_PtrlG5iFCfqVUeDGbKHAEtfiNaGem9BrhsqrZXv5-C-wZINSplzWFzKVhVsTXUqAQDi14EiOt6anz1oQL49JIIXDN4RXFdvbSwhq47gBUNmEtIWfAJbx48/s320/DSCF1310.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309039632592100898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApXXnYwzObJuR3OgyoBtuMegIwHxXFCvcH7Bf0GCpBst_56dDYWk-umWrzq3ZtEJS5ERp4uo2pWJQJYsYlWHbKxUqYkXo6z_JHkhyphenhyphenx7zsLV96ORv0iaVamQ4gIJ8lSnqKHxtDV5BgiS4/s1600-h/DSCF1351.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApXXnYwzObJuR3OgyoBtuMegIwHxXFCvcH7Bf0GCpBst_56dDYWk-umWrzq3ZtEJS5ERp4uo2pWJQJYsYlWHbKxUqYkXo6z_JHkhyphenhyphenx7zsLV96ORv0iaVamQ4gIJ8lSnqKHxtDV5BgiS4/s320/DSCF1351.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309039627973723106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdPn4B596Eafi4dVpK5TzBqTSiXgpfXylDF9dMzts_ebkuQe6eL4TvwZgFMdYI1ZQhixi73sei4SHFWJK2SlAmERQ_lNgvMkvW1gxP5mtI_pTluNEiEv1yC-R3HmiLz-lc8U2jPiB4PE/s1600-h/DSCF1347.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdPn4B596Eafi4dVpK5TzBqTSiXgpfXylDF9dMzts_ebkuQe6eL4TvwZgFMdYI1ZQhixi73sei4SHFWJK2SlAmERQ_lNgvMkvW1gxP5mtI_pTluNEiEv1yC-R3HmiLz-lc8U2jPiB4PE/s320/DSCF1347.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309039621178499826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8ci6KU6VCC3eJEuSJ7xPjWX4Y7UxJ06fMbkS-D2V6beazrO8TQGDS14JOZKB7KPw_1GfAJwLHJTVWZCs-KhgcIU5z1iErTfbbNIXpUuAVhZ97r25_dx-GdThyphenhyphenldWYaizFQx0DDAX4yo/s1600-h/DSCF1335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8ci6KU6VCC3eJEuSJ7xPjWX4Y7UxJ06fMbkS-D2V6beazrO8TQGDS14JOZKB7KPw_1GfAJwLHJTVWZCs-KhgcIU5z1iErTfbbNIXpUuAVhZ97r25_dx-GdThyphenhyphenldWYaizFQx0DDAX4yo/s320/DSCF1335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309039619430351666" /></a><br />In the morning we tested out the brakes and they were indeed fine. We didn’t feel completely at ease with the answer the park manager had given us, but more at ease that our God was going to keep us from harm, just as he has, had and will. <br />We made our way to the cliff dwellings, which were more spectacular than the ones in northern NM. We all agreed that the Mesa Verde dwellings are now on our list to see which are the largest in the US and in CO.<br />Pics posted. There is little I can say about this except go and see them. It is a history lesson in itself. Just amazing, simply amazing.<br />We then ventured onto a town called Truth or Consequences. It used to be called Hot Springs, but as the story goes, the TV show challenged any town to change the name of the town if they came and did a show there. The town accepted and ever since the annual Truth or Consequences Reunion is held there. The town is known for its fabulous medicinal hot springs. Of course we had to check it out. When Nick and I traveled to Hot Springs, AR we wanted to take a bath, but it was quite pricey (about the same for a massage). In T or C, you can get a spring bath for $6.00. The whole family went and we had our own private pool. It was sooo neat. The water comes up out of the rocks and depending on how warm your preference can you can choose a bath from 99-110 degrees. We had a bath at 99 degrees so the kids could bath. It was great. Our skin was sooo soft after we came out. There are over 36 minerals found in the water of the spring baths making it a phenomenon of medicinal healing. <br />That night we spent the night in Las Cruces, NM. <br />The next morning we went to service in Las Cruces (meaning the city of crosses). It was a great service and the church was so welcoming. We got invited to and enjoyed a tasty potluck and then warmly invited to a home to continue fellowship. It was a great hug from God extended through wonderfully kind and generous people.<br />That night we spent the night in Alamogordo, NM (which means the fat cotton wood) and headed to White Sands National Monument. It was out of this world. I have never seen sand so white and the kids were in heaven…running, playing, rolling, skipping, digging, spinning through the dunes and all there splendor. It was remarkably cool in the dunes so we forgot about sunscreen. Everyone is a bit pink except Hannah who is crispy. I feel awful. I should have known better. It felt like air conditioning in the dunes and we were all wearing sweatshirts. It totally slipped my mind and poor Hanny’s cheeks are just red apple red. <br />Tonight we are in a State Park just outside of Carlsbad and will go see the Carlsbad Caverns tomorrow. We’re all pumped! I will try to get on as many pics as I can.<br />Miss you all, just not Wisconsin winter! Please keep us in your prayers!<br />Maranatha.one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-37268549005807827222009-03-03T10:35:00.001-08:002009-03-03T10:49:08.253-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4rQSvIcDMmKzHQtdZSi71A4sbh02Ci55J2aSAInTZVrY9qlXN0RAC4URxWXoVduV6XtFPrVVBv9xUUyx6bE2CnDZAxe_0xMEs59iCwG-TrP1wxR6_ooRrOwgTzNOYLNny2RS1PRCIhg/s1600-h/DSCF1296.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4rQSvIcDMmKzHQtdZSi71A4sbh02Ci55J2aSAInTZVrY9qlXN0RAC4URxWXoVduV6XtFPrVVBv9xUUyx6bE2CnDZAxe_0xMEs59iCwG-TrP1wxR6_ooRrOwgTzNOYLNny2RS1PRCIhg/s320/DSCF1296.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309034868440935234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSb9819kLl2-C0Q0h6DwZm7V6Fazu9pIbLe8jDwDvqHier9sAgowKsZKlKR6HdiXEjY5g_5d-Rnl9NSyahtZ-8BGc3o2b3ndkjdPBl9MMeDAKL_xfWWUlzxz0_UpGvHaZ76xYGDDKGHo/s1600-h/DSCF1298.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSb9819kLl2-C0Q0h6DwZm7V6Fazu9pIbLe8jDwDvqHier9sAgowKsZKlKR6HdiXEjY5g_5d-Rnl9NSyahtZ-8BGc3o2b3ndkjdPBl9MMeDAKL_xfWWUlzxz0_UpGvHaZ76xYGDDKGHo/s320/DSCF1298.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309034862429518722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0AqKjTZRuLe7Hnd4b-JPkWoz_oZL7uZ0AQrmpzmR67CpCyUl_WFJ1Yps4blOBZqcusN-WjRA2Swx11CbYq61_0soDWTMO2FVy5xqxblvw8_BdRLzQLqhzoR4_Q6LSlaqkv-S0kyAbOQ/s1600-h/DSCF1295.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0AqKjTZRuLe7Hnd4b-JPkWoz_oZL7uZ0AQrmpzmR67CpCyUl_WFJ1Yps4blOBZqcusN-WjRA2Swx11CbYq61_0soDWTMO2FVy5xqxblvw8_BdRLzQLqhzoR4_Q6LSlaqkv-S0kyAbOQ/s320/DSCF1295.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309034853694453154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gOjShRAQcWh4nHf1soK2s24kBXXGHXS09zBcmlTBe4QiL2CvWV8_CRNjP0OacHNT6_-rGVSz_zljVqvs5tgU7NwsrtHjYY3J85L32Ht4-dMUt54WWsp9qCXqjt75eRcib_jv7B8rWe0/s1600-h/DSCF1297.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gOjShRAQcWh4nHf1soK2s24kBXXGHXS09zBcmlTBe4QiL2CvWV8_CRNjP0OacHNT6_-rGVSz_zljVqvs5tgU7NwsrtHjYY3J85L32Ht4-dMUt54WWsp9qCXqjt75eRcib_jv7B8rWe0/s320/DSCF1297.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309034850032860818" /></a><br />The next morning, after doing some research on-line, we figured out the problem with the bathroom. To tell you in short, there was access blocking the hole closure in the toilet not allowing it to shut all the way. I forgot to mention that at the same time the water pump went out at the same time. We decided the pump could wait. We decided we would head to the nearest town to an assisted living facility to sing for the residents. We arrived prepared to sing and were awaiting for the rest of the troops to arrive while the residents that were gathered looked at us like, “Watcha waiting fer?” We asked the resident assistant how many more we coming and were informed that those gathered WAS all the residents. There were seven of them and they enjoyed our singing. One cute lady was trying to keep up with the gestures the kids were doing along to one of the songs. It was again a blessing, I believe more to us than to them. So now the real test came…would something crazy follow?<br />We headed to Silver City which is the last stop before the 2 ½ hour hike up and around a mountain to see the Gila Cliff Dwellings. We stopped at a grocery store to pick a couple things up and noticed a homeless person lingering around. We offered him, Steve, some oranges and some money. It has been our experience so far with the homeless, that they are amazingly humble and often times refusing our giving. Steve, said he only needed one orange, but did accept when Nick insisted he take them all. What a blessing for us. The kids have been the look-out squad and whenever there is someone to be helped you can garutnee one of the kids has spotted them. <br />We continued on our route into the mountains. There is only one way in and one way out. The sights were absolutely amazing. It was a 10-15 accent which took us an hour and a desent down in 3 miles that took 20 mins! There were warning signs along all the turns (which are also called switch backs) to stay in low gear (using brakes as little as possible). It was near the end of our descent when Nick started hollering, “Brakes, Brakes, Brakes!” I had no idea what was going on. I thought he was screaming at someone outside the vehicle, until I saw him pumping on the RV brakes and all I could hear was the hissing sound of air. We had NO brakes and Nick was trying the best he could to keep us on the road and not in an accident. We finally scaled to a stop and just stayed a minute in the middle of the road with dropped jaws and blank stares. What had happened was nothing short of a miracle. If we would have lost our brakes even one turn sooner we would have shot of a cliff side at 7,500 ft above ground. We had no idea how to proceed as we had no idea what was around the next corner. How could we proceed with no brakes? Nick accelerated to only a couple miles per hour and was able to basically coast into the RV park that we had scoped out before hand. It was just 1/5 of a mile up the road. God is good. Another attack and our lives had been spared. But why? Why such the dramatic attempts by the enemy? After singing at the old age home and helping the homeless…two hours later...BAM..once again! We were told by the park manager that overheated brakes is VERY common coming down that mountain side and on several occasions he had literally witnessed people rolling into their park with smoking breaks. That night we made dinner and praised God for life. Again, fustrated…I had to wonder was it God telling us to go home…shutting the doors….or Satan rearing his ugly mug because he’s been disturbed at our love for the Lord and others? My mind was put to rest when I came along this passage:<br />Psalm 121-<br />I lift up my eyes to the hills—<br /> where does my help come from? <br /> My help comes from the LORD, <br /> the Maker of heaven and earth. <br /> He will not let your foot slip— <br /> he who watches over you will not slumber; <br /> indeed, he who watches over Israel <br /> will neither slumber nor sleep. <br /> The LORD watches over you— <br /> the LORD is your shade at your right hand; <br /> the sun will not harm you by day, <br /> nor the moon by night. <br /> The LORD will keep you from all harm— <br /> he will watch over your life; <br /> the LORD will watch over your coming and going <br /> both now and forevermore.<br />AMEN!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-49112083147224229772009-03-03T10:30:00.001-08:002009-03-03T10:30:41.628-08:00Well, there certainly has been quite a series of events since I last wrote. Hang in there...here we go…<br />We stayed in Benson, AZ for another night at the RV Park, which is 30 mins south of Tucson. The kids loved hanging out in the pool. We got to tour a HUGE RV…the diesel pushers that look pretty much like those HUGE tour buses you see on the highway. It was a presentation at the RV Park and so we thought...free doughnuts, why not? I absolutely can not believe how much room is in those beasts. It was absolutely incredible as well as absolutely expensive! The salesman said they usually go for a quarter mill but because of the market they are being given away at slightly over cost…$90,000-100,000. Go ahead, you can choke, I did. So we measled our way back to our small class C, feeling VERY cramped, BUT very fortunate we picked this thing up for a small, small, small fraction compared to that price. Before we left the park, we asked if we could perform in their banquet hall that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. We had a whopping crowd of seven; however there was one couple that wouldn’t stop complementing us on the music and our wonderful family. Big blessing come in small packages and it was a blessing to sing for those that came to listen.<br />We had to make one stop before leaving town and we began to smell a REALLY foul scent. We immediately started searching out the window at where on earth it could be coming from…cows? Nope. Some sort of factory? Nope. Nick thought perhaps it was the number of RV campgrounds and all the waste from sewer stations. Anyhow, the girls and I were like…”Wow, that is awful!” Nick added, “Yeah, let’s get out of this stinky town!” We saw some trains on a nearby track and Nick said, “Maybe it’s those trains.” We got on the highway and were once again in the desert. We had been traveling for only about 5 miles and now there was absolutely nothing around, and the stench was still present. I said to Nick, “Honey, I think you better pull over as soon as you can…something is NOT right.” <br />Not knowing exactly why we were smelling the foul stench, we definitely knew it was coming from our bathroom area and there was going to be no way to keep driving. The air blowing through that area fumigated the RV and we all felt like vomiting. It was like riding in a big terd.<br />We pulled off at the next exit and found an RV park and that night Nick and I sat in dismay wondering WHY all these things were happening. Was God purposely shutting doors, in effort to get us to go home or was it just the devil trying once again to discourage us. It seemed as if we had a pattern…every time we sang somewhere…BAM...attacks from the enemy. We were not going to give in and both agreed that as soon as we figured out the dilemma we would find some where to sing praises to God (even in this storm).<br />That night I had the biggest headache ever! Nick and I decided to play cards to get our minds off of it all and while playing I just began to laugh out loud. Nick looked at me and said, “What?” I could barely speak and I said, “Let’s get out of this stinky town,” remembering how we were trying to blame the foul scent on anything but us. We both busted out in laughter, barely being able to breathe. It was great. God is awesome…He even provided us with comic relief. <br />I will post pics and write more on our following days in another entry so it isn’t too long…To be continued….one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-63563653284579630642009-02-26T09:13:00.000-08:002009-02-26T09:20:57.658-08:00Hi Willie and Warren,<br />We miss you guys.<br />We wanted to give you a little bit of research to do...kinda like when you do your science projects Willie.<br />Your answers will be coming in the mail.<br />Ready...<br />Willie.... <br />This animal lives in burrows. Its bite is painful, but not deadly Males often bite another and they are way more gross and scary than they are dangerous.<br />Warren...<br />This is one of the few poisonous snakes in the southwest. They range in size from 2-8 feet and when you hear them make a noise you better watch out! When you disturb this creature you better keep a distance.<br />Watch for your answers in the mail.<br />Love you,<br />Aunt Shell <br /><br />(For the rest of you..ONLY my nieces and knefews call me Shell!)one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-25501358713537257452009-02-26T07:02:00.000-08:002009-02-26T07:14:40.743-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZOqS7V6s3xBNFbL-W8hkgLJWlqmycinyyLDGwbkGnbxK8rmeeXskalnQfja_fgsG3GIGqSZLy1yQDAdbCOEUx0aqOEyDwg0zgAA_XK-FVtwGMotvIBdYn3KxjC59FVKBP3k2KeFiu9A/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZOqS7V6s3xBNFbL-W8hkgLJWlqmycinyyLDGwbkGnbxK8rmeeXskalnQfja_fgsG3GIGqSZLy1yQDAdbCOEUx0aqOEyDwg0zgAA_XK-FVtwGMotvIBdYn3KxjC59FVKBP3k2KeFiu9A/s320/Vacation+Pics+354.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123264812988530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC83nYn-_pR8knqxB6KeAehWdbeHoElwU9b8DqjiuWPRsoN26pbj8D8uyiQ11dLw6fMLQlrKi2obkM5a7_tKGAoRsM2yte1T2nBIuNink1RwVvQutNgdPmDwNaJkZZEENjMKnZSZIhG-g/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+357.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SCqMCuFu-ZNpabkNQmA-OAv0F68g77qHBynF0H3uzAG9TxbhAlv2xgpv5RxxARkyuW3l05FAUipXgK9iPzv5j-1su8HhJTZ574tCchKRAxiZ2wQU8Jokog-qtos2zJFDjyafKEdkoFo/s320/Vacation+Pics+365.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123253108942370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tXNy5353h8SMl7aFgqdYSHbLPVi0CIvXIjdfOBvyEojHkz6dTohLk1y7CPyqnqJcK74pdUMHIopMZyHgnb1k2d5QdQ14r03NtSQQmpUCwkjU9kebRWHQeLooHFUisgJyQxhHU0RvTFs/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+374.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tXNy5353h8SMl7aFgqdYSHbLPVi0CIvXIjdfOBvyEojHkz6dTohLk1y7CPyqnqJcK74pdUMHIopMZyHgnb1k2d5QdQ14r03NtSQQmpUCwkjU9kebRWHQeLooHFUisgJyQxhHU0RvTFs/s320/Vacation+Pics+374.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123248446912594" /></a><br />Moreone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-86014676050968572062009-02-26T06:37:00.000-08:002009-02-26T06:43:07.057-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b_DLGXgp8V7P1YsEdz7ZEGgt80UQyN9FK5F4IJHATEiG9WSqMxG4ygYc0AbfOKgvaUc-NvwznjeqD4BXsyfOJJzHat4HKjFg-_0nFqUuAxpuHRmMzqQffMmVeop7uP9uEQBw61ZN_iU/s1600-h/DSCF1218.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b_DLGXgp8V7P1YsEdz7ZEGgt80UQyN9FK5F4IJHATEiG9WSqMxG4ygYc0AbfOKgvaUc-NvwznjeqD4BXsyfOJJzHat4HKjFg-_0nFqUuAxpuHRmMzqQffMmVeop7uP9uEQBw61ZN_iU/s320/DSCF1218.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307116514007988226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8HjmVTjjML7wLJEj5db2RuPkU3yIhXh1ylQpeXMYx75iXaTvoBMPx9pmoWR21MLfEcV-HyMgJLBGDenaEexT0Gz50DHrRwnSXpx9kNtd80IzfPFgZ9TIcsSEfcVFrN9K_fPSN9XOKEU/s1600-h/DSCF1257.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8HjmVTjjML7wLJEj5db2RuPkU3yIhXh1ylQpeXMYx75iXaTvoBMPx9pmoWR21MLfEcV-HyMgJLBGDenaEexT0Gz50DHrRwnSXpx9kNtd80IzfPFgZ9TIcsSEfcVFrN9K_fPSN9XOKEU/s320/DSCF1257.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307116506278879810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSIrgu37rAZv4xhUGDCu-PJ6wRWLr1Y5iAGQFyGOHrQ93RNUdHBxFBCx5NyvhdCdbbYHosaUryfnmuWkOX6iPWdRsnv3Xq6tjm6_Hx8AerFOGWXUdSSwWy4V_fQTxCyj7gC0mTeo-K2I/s1600-h/DSCF1224.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSIrgu37rAZv4xhUGDCu-PJ6wRWLr1Y5iAGQFyGOHrQ93RNUdHBxFBCx5NyvhdCdbbYHosaUryfnmuWkOX6iPWdRsnv3Xq6tjm6_Hx8AerFOGWXUdSSwWy4V_fQTxCyj7gC0mTeo-K2I/s320/DSCF1224.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307116500387309346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLjkhX3E5w5d61p7nI0jqcHdACYdzbwLjBi7G0c2Uj5-rSbYNquvg6uPoOTh1mYDCEUdO4SHs_UyonavQ2gAQyCv7blLBGn7Gfp39ifZBvCXoAbifttve28HoJs3DYtUsw_ysJgNEHsM/s1600-h/DSCF1228.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLjkhX3E5w5d61p7nI0jqcHdACYdzbwLjBi7G0c2Uj5-rSbYNquvg6uPoOTh1mYDCEUdO4SHs_UyonavQ2gAQyCv7blLBGn7Gfp39ifZBvCXoAbifttve28HoJs3DYtUsw_ysJgNEHsM/s320/DSCF1228.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307116495747869858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzxq0u1mWDcgH60SNmldXaZasbpdMGeWuqM3PoU67ulwcb6d9vmjMwaxOzuDmpQH5zYNp9eeLdYga9EsUVSaBhpHl7oYEP9fEDcoPQcf8HFDnaAnsdrBIn1CgxguAH4gxn2mlKyQOwZI/s1600-h/DSCF1216.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzxq0u1mWDcgH60SNmldXaZasbpdMGeWuqM3PoU67ulwcb6d9vmjMwaxOzuDmpQH5zYNp9eeLdYga9EsUVSaBhpHl7oYEP9fEDcoPQcf8HFDnaAnsdrBIn1CgxguAH4gxn2mlKyQOwZI/s320/DSCF1216.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307116489051860802" /></a><br />Moreone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-53770577269467566722009-02-26T06:30:00.000-08:002009-02-26T06:36:36.304-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0SrDhJLsUY0JJWvRZLg8qKBxidwSOl2ie3PIajSNKkYAGT67QUAsuARAL3-QsnAew8bbTUkoUfHv054cUu8D_2jvn605Vs0d-KqRP3fcohcjK1XffrbN1fnB4BI1X82Na98TeQAGvsU/s1600-h/DSCF1261.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0SrDhJLsUY0JJWvRZLg8qKBxidwSOl2ie3PIajSNKkYAGT67QUAsuARAL3-QsnAew8bbTUkoUfHv054cUu8D_2jvn605Vs0d-KqRP3fcohcjK1XffrbN1fnB4BI1X82Na98TeQAGvsU/s320/DSCF1261.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307114677519543202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHesXo64FKvgFj6bd2_evIyP2ElDXo9nOTXPmz_AGwrBvD8tSkPbdQCOii4f_y_AhB1Gj0fNuZSvTlJZbytljdtjXyEnp_5l3tA8eus-Bj6wCykpMuzbbNP8ApYIWbJVJQA_dPfKuOFpQ/s1600-h/DSCF1283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHesXo64FKvgFj6bd2_evIyP2ElDXo9nOTXPmz_AGwrBvD8tSkPbdQCOii4f_y_AhB1Gj0fNuZSvTlJZbytljdtjXyEnp_5l3tA8eus-Bj6wCykpMuzbbNP8ApYIWbJVJQA_dPfKuOFpQ/s320/DSCF1283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307114672151718850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ovxq9cBPqFG9UuG4_LPezIVfXYonMAhWemC-b0DmDkH9bZzj2iAXI4A29ev1sLg_gsz0ryxh4ikFAP-U-mQ402iS6DJRHF8_DzVnd_Rc1W8_p_svsaHHy2VEMxHCwKCmwMcK2AcHbDc/s1600-h/DSCF1193.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ovxq9cBPqFG9UuG4_LPezIVfXYonMAhWemC-b0DmDkH9bZzj2iAXI4A29ev1sLg_gsz0ryxh4ikFAP-U-mQ402iS6DJRHF8_DzVnd_Rc1W8_p_svsaHHy2VEMxHCwKCmwMcK2AcHbDc/s320/DSCF1193.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307114667992501538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeZZshBSFEjCl9ID3b-T3eUw5WzP1rAVny7bKaLNAOBWRGBkGfD20c3lg5LDhnHmVInxknZDu17Kr0bmWd5bTjU34KiTzJUbogOyS9kLh1VrnUDOVSe3araJSjOuiuofqTHmbZQs4FGY/s1600-h/DSCF1287.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeZZshBSFEjCl9ID3b-T3eUw5WzP1rAVny7bKaLNAOBWRGBkGfD20c3lg5LDhnHmVInxknZDu17Kr0bmWd5bTjU34KiTzJUbogOyS9kLh1VrnUDOVSe3araJSjOuiuofqTHmbZQs4FGY/s320/DSCF1287.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307114667850283522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_orWJqfO2qLcG5Kf1HqAR2RoZwCGfwLktsLMkQKcQHyMI9ZsnYolB8xl7TidMIelumltC8ODAs65GiXZrND-yF7OlQ9Vw3IrJ7WmZ3xZAS5SQdG36_Xyj7p6DBkcI0kuWXjqoSCRwrQ/s1600-h/DSCF1285.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_orWJqfO2qLcG5Kf1HqAR2RoZwCGfwLktsLMkQKcQHyMI9ZsnYolB8xl7TidMIelumltC8ODAs65GiXZrND-yF7OlQ9Vw3IrJ7WmZ3xZAS5SQdG36_Xyj7p6DBkcI0kuWXjqoSCRwrQ/s320/DSCF1285.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307114666577121954" /></a><br />Some additional PICSone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-67525066620927498432009-02-26T06:28:00.000-08:002009-02-26T06:30:21.351-08:00I've only been allowed by this Blog site to add 5 photos at a time...so I now going to attempt to post a whole bunch of travel photos of which when I was having to pick and choose didn't make the cut, but really wanted to share. It takes forever for me to load the pics onto the BLOG, hence I stated attempt!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-80714893572130227222009-02-24T18:13:00.001-08:002009-02-24T18:27:12.773-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBXFxB532aNSN5AHrXurqTkMHMYLingjTJHLzz9h4Ok6GpMo2lfQcmNUzRAgsX2iA4KiSh6tmBMNmKU66ARigE60sdIoZnzZBkQwdbN3guXIGpOQhiXkyIGDmWTwD7zPHvqyAsOOQBRY/s1600-h/DSCF1292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBXFxB532aNSN5AHrXurqTkMHMYLingjTJHLzz9h4Ok6GpMo2lfQcmNUzRAgsX2iA4KiSh6tmBMNmKU66ARigE60sdIoZnzZBkQwdbN3guXIGpOQhiXkyIGDmWTwD7zPHvqyAsOOQBRY/s320/DSCF1292.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306555859797150082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginSHqzZ7U3NWhkRKpGrANPVzqXwfIbDCEzCDHgXKPoAqeYibC_R7E2lIvFCIqZlrZuMAl_zbljxbYhfqFb-P5JbeiWfehr6t7yEMWFjgiiFZjMSAA8D1iGq9sbGeTHAdngoYCb83anfs/s1600-h/DSCF1263.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginSHqzZ7U3NWhkRKpGrANPVzqXwfIbDCEzCDHgXKPoAqeYibC_R7E2lIvFCIqZlrZuMAl_zbljxbYhfqFb-P5JbeiWfehr6t7yEMWFjgiiFZjMSAA8D1iGq9sbGeTHAdngoYCb83anfs/s320/DSCF1263.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306555856924143634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL9OU536koTz37gufgiKHqBYC6l8zjPqPvl2V7MqaKFHRIixEzeMVVxcM_P64szdAAEEJQhWw79Z9T87yYWP7Ns5NNi2aec34QxIFlxR50okSxbYlu8f4eJdXDHV02hji5hDCbDF-Ve8/s1600-h/DSCF1229.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL9OU536koTz37gufgiKHqBYC6l8zjPqPvl2V7MqaKFHRIixEzeMVVxcM_P64szdAAEEJQhWw79Z9T87yYWP7Ns5NNi2aec34QxIFlxR50okSxbYlu8f4eJdXDHV02hji5hDCbDF-Ve8/s320/DSCF1229.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306555849484197410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KU3evJSZb_rTKUiOj5Xe3yxEx92XarEIMduyjwtKO3enNKY5SMvznNJF4pR7Ih700XXPxEM-jhiK5WB28jyrQcufp7324YXSYErXPYEF5MsqApUaMCV5Mx5wA1KqgbGZESYnEVhkxLc/s1600-h/DSCF1199.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KU3evJSZb_rTKUiOj5Xe3yxEx92XarEIMduyjwtKO3enNKY5SMvznNJF4pR7Ih700XXPxEM-jhiK5WB28jyrQcufp7324YXSYErXPYEF5MsqApUaMCV5Mx5wA1KqgbGZESYnEVhkxLc/s320/DSCF1199.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306555847297558258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF1tCeyTuRoRbRnN9MZADl6MGIIip4E2_MnX90qJ_lF2C7esgtZpZOsg8US393NnqFEePnc5AZL_l_t9UOtM7f9wx4iQWfr1ULFUquRO6UBjEnqlmLfV7YTBZxy2X1wVSP1H1nCGsKT8/s1600-h/DSCF1196.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF1tCeyTuRoRbRnN9MZADl6MGIIip4E2_MnX90qJ_lF2C7esgtZpZOsg8US393NnqFEePnc5AZL_l_t9UOtM7f9wx4iQWfr1ULFUquRO6UBjEnqlmLfV7YTBZxy2X1wVSP1H1nCGsKT8/s320/DSCF1196.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306555836960501986" /></a><br />Some picsone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-59532582473406205622009-02-24T14:05:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:01:16.300-08:00On Friday night, we found a nice little RV park in Ventura right out side of Santa Barbara. It had all the amenities that we were needed and Nick did his first dump of all our “dump”. It went smoothly which is a huge relief. Guess our RV wasn’t constipated and everything is working as it should in regards to that. The girls had fun on a little 3 person tricycle, playing in the park and making some friends. I was happy we were to take care of all the things we needed to—especially showering and laundry. We only traveled through LA and that was enough. The traffic was insane (pics posted) and boy, did it stink! Homeless people could be viewed on overpasses, under bridges and on walks in front of some of the most lavish hotels. We really just rode through so I wasn’t even able to capture a photo of the Hollywood sign, though I don’t know why I’d really much care except to say I saw it. <br />Saturday we stayed at Joshua Tree National Forest and took a great hike in morning to see an old gold mine in the desert. It was a really great park with wonderful landscape. When we got out to the peak we could see the oasis in the middle of the desert. We weren’t able to go to that point as it was another 3.4 miles and we already had tuckered out kids. The ranger said the oasis was quite a site as there are literally palms every where—referring to it as a palm tree forest. <br />Last night we stayed at a TA travel center and headed to Colossal Caverns and toured them. It was really neat and I am very relieved that I didn’t start to hyperventilate (I also do not care for tight spaces). This was a dry cave though so it didn’t smell musty/rusty and there was no water dripping and other things that normally creep me out and start to get me petrified that the ceiling will start to fall. It was pretty spacious and VERY well lit, so it really felt welcoming? I even caught myself stating to the kids how cool it would be to spend the night there. Of course they all chimed in and said, Yeahhhhh”!<br />We will be staying in an RV park tonight and let the kids swim and hang out some. It was 85-90 degrees today-- the first really hot day we’ve had on the trip. They loved the warm weather but are really tired and kind of spunky. I love it—not the attitudes from the kids—the weather. There is NO humidity and a nice breeze. I was in Phoenix for business and it was 105 that day and felt like 90. With out the humidity things are so different. The hotel clerk asked me where I was from and when I replied Wisconsin, she asked me if I was handling the heat ok. I thought it was pretty funny. I don’t think this part of the south could handle our summers. Humidity makes everything yucky. <br />We are hoping to be on the Texas coast in two days—then we’ll spend a bit of time on the beach. We are running out of money and have decided the trip will be cute short. (The towing of our RV did NOT help—that was $300). I don’t want to go home yet. I love the trip even with its pit falls, and know the weather that I look forward to is still months away back in Wisconsin. <br />Loving 85 today! <br />Maranatha!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-40336355550963137582009-02-21T11:00:00.000-08:002009-02-21T12:37:37.878-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkSAUABW_p6PRAvDwmGutji5btxw94A9rab0v7foQfBhyphenhyphenSV-W0FP2ahLypCbpcNJ8Bf2v4tGJQ3l9P_bnST5h7DZwtLitKUXnC53VEK1Q9FkHGcljotjLWSJbA_yw6nBnZRy0D5pUwqw/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+385.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkSAUABW_p6PRAvDwmGutji5btxw94A9rab0v7foQfBhyphenhyphenSV-W0FP2ahLypCbpcNJ8Bf2v4tGJQ3l9P_bnST5h7DZwtLitKUXnC53VEK1Q9FkHGcljotjLWSJbA_yw6nBnZRy0D5pUwqw/s320/Vacation+Pics+385.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305351550110595394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sy5ewXzfRLcmzh2XM9SeOA5o2YZ39ErEBS3Qosv-DohgR2cnWNaqz0l7eKcUZhp6madJPR7hHSo29eWmAsZqpOKrwqHPMAcILkC1_Y6Yu_qWRbVw2Y4Yl5wySUARk8XkZpR_l3JQsrY/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+392.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sy5ewXzfRLcmzh2XM9SeOA5o2YZ39ErEBS3Qosv-DohgR2cnWNaqz0l7eKcUZhp6madJPR7hHSo29eWmAsZqpOKrwqHPMAcILkC1_Y6Yu_qWRbVw2Y4Yl5wySUARk8XkZpR_l3JQsrY/s320/Vacation+Pics+392.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305351509838764082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgVTI6umKR2kpXXgTPLPM_Y0jeB1Glt8sMsjC6_vrJMYqPnl6gX8GjjeEarFFNBBnfKufXh6kNJU_JU8afJ6Vsx7T_Lg1Ls8VFIs4f1iyEvnqSrzqr4vSqG0A2_Wzi2JsPyNFLDh9g1g/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgVTI6umKR2kpXXgTPLPM_Y0jeB1Glt8sMsjC6_vrJMYqPnl6gX8GjjeEarFFNBBnfKufXh6kNJU_JU8afJ6Vsx7T_Lg1Ls8VFIs4f1iyEvnqSrzqr4vSqG0A2_Wzi2JsPyNFLDh9g1g/s320/Vacation+Pics+400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305351502347998706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NE0CTiGSNaCY0reOgElqoDk7CKbWBsvmfUfoYeMegDch0FJGSc95zmEQBJJoI49qtlj3CHYLCls6Mq39DubJ7ij0h7iTKEidRXWqXWWsUtg60z0672Izb5Q7wzq11zdhjHazMRab6yQ/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NE0CTiGSNaCY0reOgElqoDk7CKbWBsvmfUfoYeMegDch0FJGSc95zmEQBJJoI49qtlj3CHYLCls6Mq39DubJ7ij0h7iTKEidRXWqXWWsUtg60z0672Izb5Q7wzq11zdhjHazMRab6yQ/s320/Vacation+Pics+403.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305351498650031778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBn4n285gPPJ_o55q7RXGsjjK1o_vgyxiKOSwU8r4m9mTuIcKvuMbV7aSqDp-aDENheDP1cAwZS5Eud7u3cq4AoarWApHpnOxB7vcOcnbKhCIOqwM-No6a98clDdKnwvMiOFI7Z41CDw/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBn4n285gPPJ_o55q7RXGsjjK1o_vgyxiKOSwU8r4m9mTuIcKvuMbV7aSqDp-aDENheDP1cAwZS5Eud7u3cq4AoarWApHpnOxB7vcOcnbKhCIOqwM-No6a98clDdKnwvMiOFI7Z41CDw/s320/Vacation+Pics+397.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305351493674245042" /></a><br />Happy Sabbath! <br />Check out our funny pics! The RV came with everything and what was in the kitchen sink. Also included a pic of the sign we put out as we sung at the pier. Enjoying 65 degrees today and not missing the storm that I hear is going on back home.<br />Rest and love the lord with all your heart today and everyday.<br />God Blessone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-42458882730720860782009-02-20T21:48:00.000-08:002009-02-20T22:32:09.252-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAimGzMAKDKcCU_lcepotTX7GD5A6vrdjNWN6pbthRUgJXhMHS1ABu5nAv4aPMaOyUUykNEKGd613bd7MyWCuFOtTmTOBHaBTicBVh5wktbhRVhuhZ5iNvGFR_9bui9pvRjJz8lvKCd0/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+432.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAimGzMAKDKcCU_lcepotTX7GD5A6vrdjNWN6pbthRUgJXhMHS1ABu5nAv4aPMaOyUUykNEKGd613bd7MyWCuFOtTmTOBHaBTicBVh5wktbhRVhuhZ5iNvGFR_9bui9pvRjJz8lvKCd0/s320/Vacation+Pics+432.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305134653055924018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1lBpCx-EXJZpT_GUIEGajAUXu6-jyuDMdJI8QCkQ3w9I6Ox378Ddg8cPndW3S18seBCxZShBvwrhghz6jzEn5csYYtREnYZIBnezKprgBjk-F_zHDnUavRQ085FE7ruQkj8hyacI45c/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+441.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1lBpCx-EXJZpT_GUIEGajAUXu6-jyuDMdJI8QCkQ3w9I6Ox378Ddg8cPndW3S18seBCxZShBvwrhghz6jzEn5csYYtREnYZIBnezKprgBjk-F_zHDnUavRQ085FE7ruQkj8hyacI45c/s320/Vacation+Pics+441.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305134646812693106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD2Pacrnfjmb49tMeK1zeLJhn_nGsEJfgrV_2kVUIqydJqiT461_HV_Tz-YtfhaC9NW0YBhmHltzq55fq3GR7NlSLYufy3FqQv5kgGUhfi2dA2dHCaPTZGW__4QK3ZF4aJdIlmi3_rl4/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+444.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD2Pacrnfjmb49tMeK1zeLJhn_nGsEJfgrV_2kVUIqydJqiT461_HV_Tz-YtfhaC9NW0YBhmHltzq55fq3GR7NlSLYufy3FqQv5kgGUhfi2dA2dHCaPTZGW__4QK3ZF4aJdIlmi3_rl4/s320/Vacation+Pics+444.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305134646598553266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYnKLh4ORy9vpYyQ6vVSaBQT_9oyesJ9f0F26LB-dhjClqRNRnRux4dDKQRaKglpsyQPGE0b92HTSZuvXoxNZfVa275uSsMZMxQk4pdV0ITYpqlwvIawJyw14A8cK78IF1GRU0SYITJs/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+436.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYnKLh4ORy9vpYyQ6vVSaBQT_9oyesJ9f0F26LB-dhjClqRNRnRux4dDKQRaKglpsyQPGE0b92HTSZuvXoxNZfVa275uSsMZMxQk4pdV0ITYpqlwvIawJyw14A8cK78IF1GRU0SYITJs/s320/Vacation+Pics+436.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305134644071075410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsBs4ZpBmZyw-gjmaDRUZoFTCWOCO6YbAoZNlD0j2ftjf41w2Gu-jXiMIAQ1PluRCYY_jKhUZ4oSouEwBZU3TymsYYNVhsZCAJ1kfzayYqEADlWVIfA1H6lnIKo1JoqZf1MuFlDS3wNs/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+439.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsBs4ZpBmZyw-gjmaDRUZoFTCWOCO6YbAoZNlD0j2ftjf41w2Gu-jXiMIAQ1PluRCYY_jKhUZ4oSouEwBZU3TymsYYNVhsZCAJ1kfzayYqEADlWVIfA1H6lnIKo1JoqZf1MuFlDS3wNs/s320/Vacation+Pics+439.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305134640126706754" /></a><br />Today we are headed back through lower CA and the southern states we came through to get here which WAS NOT our original plan. We intended to go home via CO and see the Rockies, but due to a HUGE snow storm that even hit CA mountain chains pretty rough, we have voted that it was unsafe. Some of the parks are completely closed with snow accumulations up to 96”. Over half of the parks that are open require that you carry or use snow chains, of which we do not have and other parks received the storm in the form of rain and have shut through roads due to rock slides and ice. None of these sound to pleasing ESPECIALLY in an RV. <br />I decided in this post I would tell you a little about RV life and how it is adjusting.<br />The camper sleeps 6, but it is tight. There are two twin beds in the back, the table and seats which fold down into a full and a queen above the driver area in an overhead sleeping compartment. Nick constructed a make shift conjoining bed to connect the twins. We store the plywood under each twin and pull it out for sleeping and Hannah gets that bed. I found a neat little Pilates mate that rolls up and stores nicely for the mattress. It works. The fold down kitchen unit is what Zeke and I sleep on mostly. Once and awhile I hop up on the queen to snuggle with Nick, but I want him to have as much room to spread out as possible since he drives sooo many hours at a time. Also, by the time we have called it a day, he is quite tired and his snoring gets a bit bothersome. I have self nominated to get up with Zeke in the middle of the night and take care of most the “house” duties. Nick can tell when I am just spent and will help out or lend a hand. <br />I have packed way too many things that I do not need nor use, but I rather have than have not and now I know. I found two great RV packing lists from on-line that I used as a guide, narrowing my list from the two. I thought I was being conservative, but now see that I could unload plenty more. I believe that Nick and I agree that we will turn the shower into closet and storage space, as most of the parks have showers and we also have a YMCA membership as a back up. It is hard not to envy campers with slide outs and other handy dandy options, until we remind ourselves that is exactly how we got into all the trouble with the house. <br />Nick and I want to do some slight remodeling to the RV this summer which includes mainly things to ensure health precautions such as ripping out the carpet which is smelling of a mild dewy/sour scent because of all the leaks—past and present—and putting in some laminate. None of the remodeling is pleasure/decorating remodeling—we’ve been there, done that and learned! <br />I will post pics of our “RIG” as I know when I was investigating RVing I really appreciated the people who had blogs and kindly let the world view how they managed to get it all in and live in such a space. I think the next trip will be even more relaxing with having our things even more simplified and in order. I am big on order. I am also wondering what it will be like to go home to our huge house and realize the things I never use. I thought I was really honing in on this and simplifying, but I have a feeling I am going to be shocked at how much more I need to do and how far from the goal I am. <br />It certainly will be an adjustment back into our home. As much of one as it was into the RV. What will the kids do if they aren’t right on top of one another? I saw one blog of an on the road family who had the opportunity to use someone’s guest house and each kid had their own room. They thought it was going to be great and quickly scurried to claim their own. By the end of the evening, all the kids had managed to find each other again, wanting to be together. <br />We are currently looking for a place to stay. We need all the amenities tonight as we have stayed in parking lots and such the last couple and need to shower, unload the load (eewww) and do some laundry. We are stuck in traffic right outside of Santa Barbara and have decided to use our time wisely and pull off, do dinner and catch a wave to do some researching, blogging and such. <br />Hope you are enjoying the blog and pics thus far…oh by the way,I am on this trip…I’m the one behind the camera all the time...as you will see.one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-49565933200895862232009-02-20T21:27:00.001-08:002009-02-20T21:44:20.586-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLz3zrO9FkVPUxLIMnT7liMZYEsMD4DE5OOsZXq3eut4Hbshh89UDVBi5tiiOeHsY5CZ0jcZ8B4EspJw_l41n5xZpSL4LL47uzxg15vroXa0Ll46DylOO7YFMkY6rdPadyOrzcC358RA/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+417.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLz3zrO9FkVPUxLIMnT7liMZYEsMD4DE5OOsZXq3eut4Hbshh89UDVBi5tiiOeHsY5CZ0jcZ8B4EspJw_l41n5xZpSL4LL47uzxg15vroXa0Ll46DylOO7YFMkY6rdPadyOrzcC358RA/s320/Vacation+Pics+417.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305121856755902706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4iPvB8oY9AsQZdsaSXmO-cqOMA6QI_wjXscnwY4xrABwjXCYQPyMdw34JIp47PadTYfNCttwa6YaaY0KzMujcy8FYpbneA6q9MLYn4WUJFOchAfbsd1U5ItBGEpDGjV8vEUuMQFxLP0/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+415.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4iPvB8oY9AsQZdsaSXmO-cqOMA6QI_wjXscnwY4xrABwjXCYQPyMdw34JIp47PadTYfNCttwa6YaaY0KzMujcy8FYpbneA6q9MLYn4WUJFOchAfbsd1U5ItBGEpDGjV8vEUuMQFxLP0/s320/Vacation+Pics+415.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305121850592941058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdUMiy8N9qwJRHEsFQUVD3pAUaRRBouuVzsY2kAhUwUMV6ygWrLvCYo3WrxWZAOyzTrOrY-1S8J4iA9_1LdOC4eySI5F6vvEoG2X7DWZHvPyk5KJGaT41lu3Af9PGR9OX3ux8Ji5KkLk/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+429.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdUMiy8N9qwJRHEsFQUVD3pAUaRRBouuVzsY2kAhUwUMV6ygWrLvCYo3WrxWZAOyzTrOrY-1S8J4iA9_1LdOC4eySI5F6vvEoG2X7DWZHvPyk5KJGaT41lu3Af9PGR9OX3ux8Ji5KkLk/s320/Vacation+Pics+429.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305121845884698626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD13UwkO5xnR87cgJdUhaiVQ5R62DlOfem7EuDd3uTrp1bB4Idvvr2mRLKR1FXRC928U1VJI2cL9IJEU0dfyWUqeBZHvo4sx0zcSYB7d7V42dm4VKFMRig0W74gM6wfHmviRbOoYaHjo0/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+414.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD13UwkO5xnR87cgJdUhaiVQ5R62DlOfem7EuDd3uTrp1bB4Idvvr2mRLKR1FXRC928U1VJI2cL9IJEU0dfyWUqeBZHvo4sx0zcSYB7d7V42dm4VKFMRig0W74gM6wfHmviRbOoYaHjo0/s320/Vacation+Pics+414.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305121844364392098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOB-nfF9IF5WXAXIUOexy5A-AV6fjKnSSeoD4y3qmkRpbUs7mf3Un7uyEtamSPhYT3WdqY4P2fHRWS05id3ly5m_4zFkJyMzOrNDVpm3CiD9RUNng7zsx5S_9kZn94likDp_PkAMQghU/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+407.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOB-nfF9IF5WXAXIUOexy5A-AV6fjKnSSeoD4y3qmkRpbUs7mf3Un7uyEtamSPhYT3WdqY4P2fHRWS05id3ly5m_4zFkJyMzOrNDVpm3CiD9RUNng7zsx5S_9kZn94likDp_PkAMQghU/s320/Vacation+Pics+407.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305121840161511890" /></a><br />Well, yesterday was a very interesting day and on a whole, and I can not say it was my favorite, rather one of my least favorites, although there were certain points in the day that were neat.<br />We began our day looking for some parking (which in Frisco is crazy not to mention if you have an RV almost near impossible!) We just about had it when we saw a spot open up that was NOT metered, yet quite a hike to the wharf area. We were happy to have found it with out having to completely leave town and prepared ourselves for the hike with some tuna melt sandwiches for lunch. Nick got the stroller down from on top of the RV (we had no idea how handy that would come later on) and we headed for the wharf. <br />It was our plan to begin our day by blessing others so we practiced for our serenade that we were going to give the public down at the pier in hopes to earn some cash for the homeless. We have been giving them money and feeding them as we see them, but this was something the girls were really pumped about and so it was. <br />We were a bit scared at first, Nick and I both knowing we couldn’t back down, this was a valuable lesson to teach our kids—stand up for what you believe in. See, there were magicians, and performers of the world, but no one singing Christian music, and especially not a family with kids. We made a sign that stated our intentions and began to set up “camp”. We got a lot of blank stares and a few “are you kidding me” looks and then our first donation-$5.00 right of the bat! God Bless that woman. And then a young girl who gave and then came back and gave again. We were able to raise $8.75 in 20 minutes and then we got shut down. IN a very nice manner, a security guard for the Pier 39 informed us that we were not allowed to play on the Pier 39 premise. We could go across the street, but we couldn’t play there. He was very nice about it and even said, “I feel like doo doo for having to ask us to leave” and so we decided to ask him to take a picture with him for our blog. <br />The kids loved the sea lions. This morning one of the first things Hannah said was, “Mommy I liked those sea lions yesterday. That was so fun.” I am glad she remembers the fun of the day because it got a lot crazier and I am certain that it is Satan’s attempts to disturb our trip and discourage us because the singing at the wharf was very uplifting. Which, by the way, the money we raised I gave to the kids to give to any poor or homeless person throughout the day. What a great feeling for them. <br />Next we decided to head to China town and that was a good mile or so hike. I kept asking the kids if they were sure if they wanted to do the haul and they said yes. We attempted to catch a bus a couple times, but they never stopped for us (and it wasn’t just us who were waiting either). China town was neat and the girls really loved looking in all the little shops. I was in heaven with the amount of fresh fish and produce there was. All the shoppers at the markets was almost like the stock exchange on Wall street—people yelling there orders and waving and the mere volume of the markets was incredible—both in people and in sound. We ate at a quiet little spot despite the several flyers we received with bribes of free pot stickers and other such things to get us into their establishments. I fell for that the last time I was in Frisco—a lot of bait and switch. The food was wonderful and we began to relax a bit even after a short lived scare of a lost cell phone (boy that wouldda been preferred compared to what happens next). We were nourished and ready to begin our hike back to our RV. The Frisco hills did a number on the kids’ stamina and our meal was quickly burned off within the first half mile. I loved the hike—what a great work out—but the kids were quickly fading as well as the sun and we still hadn’t made it back to our RV. For an instance we began to fret that we were lost, but then reality hit that we weren’t. We were standing at one particular corner, looking lost and searching our map for where we were supposed to be and a nice man stopped and reassured us that we were headed in the right spot. But where was that RV? We couldn’t see it down the streets that we peered down…our RV was gone. After pacing the same block three or so times….it was evident that we all knew we couldn’t all possibly be insane and our RV had vanished. How does an RV vanish? Well first thing we thought was it got towed and I’m not so sure that was even preferable. I think I almost rather it got stolen because after a $20 taxi fare back to right back from where we had just hiked (over 20 blocks) and $300 dollars later we were able to take possession of our home. I never felt so angry, defeated and beat up in my life. I wanted to hit someone, scream, yell and cry all at once. <br />Why?<br />Next we needed to get to a store for some formula for Zeke who was now in his seat and throwing a fit. We stopped at Costco and I knew it was not going to be a good stop as it looked so much like a Sam’s Club and I was sure I would need a membership. I approached the entrance and asked the greeter if this was the case and she affirmed my suspicions. I asked her if she could point me in the direction of another store and barely speaking English…she said no. Tears began to well up in my eyes and it must have been pretty apparent at how I was feeling because another store associate saw me and motioned for me to come to her. She said, “I overheard you honey and you say you just need some formula for your baby.” I gulped through the lump in my throat, nodded and said yes. She walked me over to a help desk and leaned into a manger and got a code and led me to the formula and got me to the check out. This may seem small, but this gesture felt like the biggest hug at a moment I needed it most! I gave the lady a hug and thanked her from the bottom of my heart. <br />I know God isn’t to blame for the events of yesterday. We could have read the fine print on the sign closer that stated from 4-6 PM cars parked in that area would be towed. (How silly anyhow…two measly hours!) And they wait for it. Our vehicle got towed just minutes after 4PM. I will not be defeated by Satan and his evil devices. The RV has constantly been under repair and we have not yet been able to use all the facilities of this vehicle at one time (also creating a bit of frustration). Nick has been constantly repairing this house…today it was a leak under the bathroom sink and a leak on the outside of the RV having to do with the water intake. He handled it well and was repaired in no time. I wish he would have no where else to go at home sometimes when I need him to do repairs. All of this junk… it’s just Satan….he wants me to be angry and to let that anger spread viscously to my family and to anyone else I can infect. He wants us to head home and worry about things that wouldn’t matter if we worried about at home or in our RV. He wants us to stop helping others and start feeling helpless and if it’s a war he wants it’s a war he gets and the funny thing is he knows he can’t win…God promises us that. So doo doo on you buddy! Chris is my Rock and if I am for Christ than no one…no one can be against me and whom do I have to fear????<br />Please pray for continued strength for our family. We sure have had our unfortunates and would love for God’s blessings for less of them. I know that when you’re feeling down one of the best things you can do is praise God and help others. Self pity is a work of the enemy and I refuse. It’s a beautiful day.one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-69390525902372163972009-02-20T08:33:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:01:50.359-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5KW1w3z3Oo2f2uZRTY1paXR6UNqdmUbO7QWybY6aRZl4-Rf4XOwEps1LER6G8OEjhnANu2kDxG6E9QZVxvNG6diEKfm18LrJKXyoXHSLQFwcSMZr-b1nEggLgoaQBmRIWhthlUyOWXo/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5KW1w3z3Oo2f2uZRTY1paXR6UNqdmUbO7QWybY6aRZl4-Rf4XOwEps1LER6G8OEjhnANu2kDxG6E9QZVxvNG6diEKfm18LrJKXyoXHSLQFwcSMZr-b1nEggLgoaQBmRIWhthlUyOWXo/s320/Vacation+Pics+354.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929242261537858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrpGq2RBdIfTfCExHFY4_PchDrLkS6P3EOO56YSejynZwZd7k8ywPC6HbUtPes-Wh9bZrQB5QkeQvymUGYltxsBjbFwzHWvv8ClMce-UKfHJ02lKSkcSbI0N7WnFWQqYpNVCEtnh7Q_s/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrpGq2RBdIfTfCExHFY4_PchDrLkS6P3EOO56YSejynZwZd7k8ywPC6HbUtPes-Wh9bZrQB5QkeQvymUGYltxsBjbFwzHWvv8ClMce-UKfHJ02lKSkcSbI0N7WnFWQqYpNVCEtnh7Q_s/s320/Vacation+Pics+377.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929240009254722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucKqNhTrgsMY8fp6iLA3z91UHHu2RT46fu6eiZZmWRpGw6mE7P40ZopKDOENaYOqxujMKPgoSARWCSmKCXTGtudEyEv7KV3LRLY41_dlpul5XQkzDBHY-7Ch-UVODbqcqNGMwpkDKs0/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucKqNhTrgsMY8fp6iLA3z91UHHu2RT46fu6eiZZmWRpGw6mE7P40ZopKDOENaYOqxujMKPgoSARWCSmKCXTGtudEyEv7KV3LRLY41_dlpul5XQkzDBHY-7Ch-UVODbqcqNGMwpkDKs0/s320/Vacation+Pics+381.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929233643218082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsqzeUQjWwf-FdlHrAgPcQYIfdilFqMrwl3xYHzljEVSkYSw4VU1C9ns1k6kASNJ_NWJFSa5cZ8BU2E38roa3pvl624E0fqElBYbrhm8xxIR93EV_j4HnZgn566pBdIC3EkQzslx7nw4/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsqzeUQjWwf-FdlHrAgPcQYIfdilFqMrwl3xYHzljEVSkYSw4VU1C9ns1k6kASNJ_NWJFSa5cZ8BU2E38roa3pvl624E0fqElBYbrhm8xxIR93EV_j4HnZgn566pBdIC3EkQzslx7nw4/s320/Vacation+Pics+397.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929230169902722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduc3usJ4cOBLuefZIM7KIWsSl4lK6UnmMIqX9HyUe53vAvibTvcmbQbjMxigmhTd83wVGh0GzLyb1c6NwKgE1WY7GsdfjtvvQeTen7QRmCwzrwnH04bInxMTMpx3xsP9ZSN0xDXz8K4c/s1600-h/Vacation+Pics+382.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduc3usJ4cOBLuefZIM7KIWsSl4lK6UnmMIqX9HyUe53vAvibTvcmbQbjMxigmhTd83wVGh0GzLyb1c6NwKgE1WY7GsdfjtvvQeTen7QRmCwzrwnH04bInxMTMpx3xsP9ZSN0xDXz8K4c/s320/Vacation+Pics+382.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929233511229970" /></a><br />The Redwoods were brilliant. It is hard to picture trees from home right now after spending a day with “the giants”. We made it up to the National Redwood Forrest in Northern CA and it was definitely worth the trip. Although most parks were still closed for the season, we were able to take a great hike through the forest and lose ourselves in the midst of the serenity. It was hard to believe predators lurked within the forests confines and that any minute we could be face to face with a mountain lion, a bear, or an elk (of which we saw dozens of), because it just seemed so peaceful…as if I could lie down in the moss and sleep for the night and listen to the babbling brook and old reds whisper ancient stories to one another. Moss covered trees looked like icing dripped cake and huge spider webs covered cubby holes in the little hotels established inside the trunks of many reds. Some reds ached as they struggled to keep rank and others lay at rest in a peaceful eminence as to have said….I did my part. <br />I felt at times as if the dinosaurs were lurking next to me yet out of sight because the elder trees in their ash cloak dated them to a time I have only seen illustrated in books and the human- size, tropic-like fern next to the abundant pines and redwoods that were towering stories above us, put us somewhere back in time I have only journeyed to in movies and imagination. There was a time in our hike that I wanted to get lost until there was a time in our hike where we almost were and then reality set in along with a bit of panic. How long had we been hiking, how many turns and jogs had we taken and now…where were we? When we finally found a path taking us back to the road, it was at a point that we did not remember seeing before our embarking and as we began our three quarter hike up the road and still didn’t spot our RV, we began to wonder if we didn’t get so twisted up on the trails that we should have been going the opposite direction. Sunset was fast approaching and everywhere I looked I felt eyes upon me. The warnings of rutting elk, famished bears and dangerous mountain lions began a constant replay in my head. Stay calm, look them in the eye and back away slowly…don’t run! There I was running. I ran…and I ran and I ran as fast as I could, jingling the keys the whole way. The girls were fatigued and we needed to find our home before “they” all found the uninvited guests in theirs. I kept saying in my mind….it’s just around the corner…just around the corner…and Lord protect me and my family and guide us to the RV safe and sound. I gazed to the next corner and no RV and I turned back to see my family watching my run in anticipation of a successful happy motion to them that I found the RV….I had nothing. I ran a bit further and finally, just as I was about to yell that we needed to head the other way, there was our RV. The old beat up “Betty” never looked so inviting. I fiddled with the keys and hopped in and drove to rescue my family. That’s right…I drove. And since that didn’t seem nearly as intimidating as that last half hour, I gave driving this old beast a try. I think I handled it quite well and Nick said it was a bit of a relief knowing that I could drive if he needed me too. I felt like I was 16 all over again. I looked at Nick in the rear view in his new surroundings (in back with the kids) and said, “Hey, I’m driving!” He said, “Do you feel like a trucker?” and my response was yes…even though I know that is another whole deal in itself…right James?<br />We headed back to San Fran and are parked near a Burger King near some neighboring RVs and truckers sharing the same free space. Somehow Burger King doesn’t even seem as if it should be in the same story as the forest that I earlier described….but here it is and here we are and I am going to go to bed. Tomorrow is another exciting day and I can’t wait to share with you our plans. Hopefully God brings it all to fruition. God Bless You All.<br />Maranathaone of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-82900646651760664412009-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:002009-02-18T13:10:08.131-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8oQn1GqQtj7jZtkErLbWxoT9rLwDHma7ql9W_wn91kOCeZqgU2Z8NMT2_VlWD7W-d146ReJCbI22K1Ro6IUYBEdSDBLmrpXuhmifvxlzG1H4QVvshmDIuHxy08BMRTIPEkl-3nZr6cY/s1600-h/DSCF1059%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8oQn1GqQtj7jZtkErLbWxoT9rLwDHma7ql9W_wn91kOCeZqgU2Z8NMT2_VlWD7W-d146ReJCbI22K1Ro6IUYBEdSDBLmrpXuhmifvxlzG1H4QVvshmDIuHxy08BMRTIPEkl-3nZr6cY/s320/DSCF1059%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247637448402594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp7jQXWlDOh9vOmxb4RX_ZKjhyphenhyphenNwtxTetM9o9jtBkHswy8qmx_1ptgCrjhOix4qFARMSN5vrWQ6rXi1-ae4Ig-9d9W5C6YAVJELobqQ7FBuqmoN8hEWkrOD9gL6CExTgP1fmWiyezl-o/s1600-h/DSCF1080%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp7jQXWlDOh9vOmxb4RX_ZKjhyphenhyphenNwtxTetM9o9jtBkHswy8qmx_1ptgCrjhOix4qFARMSN5vrWQ6rXi1-ae4Ig-9d9W5C6YAVJELobqQ7FBuqmoN8hEWkrOD9gL6CExTgP1fmWiyezl-o/s320/DSCF1080%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247634534924514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjipNJZJSbsqZFeP_3-LDKXA-XZIye0ygCD-hlBdX4S_m0IMz8xDAmA1gcmq8kRFdpQtxr0YjCx-VrYC6SntCyOIoga7Dqz0zowAZVbOwzze5xp3aLBUqKspeXlfY0GtEKYggLL73sq0w/s1600-h/DSCF1061%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjipNJZJSbsqZFeP_3-LDKXA-XZIye0ygCD-hlBdX4S_m0IMz8xDAmA1gcmq8kRFdpQtxr0YjCx-VrYC6SntCyOIoga7Dqz0zowAZVbOwzze5xp3aLBUqKspeXlfY0GtEKYggLL73sq0w/s320/DSCF1061%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247626185035538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34NAkOhGViRqCxoo0CAUf3wWy5hkQn-yjDfdI04w1OX7V6UMRZyXA5rJLe7CwqLGPZ0SQC6VrE83ZRXi-6Luvb2jZmtai2UrpY4V9CKRqEWZP3ebfzIptH0zp306Wu8EHxff4su-ecLE/s1600-h/DSCF1075%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34NAkOhGViRqCxoo0CAUf3wWy5hkQn-yjDfdI04w1OX7V6UMRZyXA5rJLe7CwqLGPZ0SQC6VrE83ZRXi-6Luvb2jZmtai2UrpY4V9CKRqEWZP3ebfzIptH0zp306Wu8EHxff4su-ecLE/s320/DSCF1075%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247619737949746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_U7d6hSRDz3FNglvuwi5gpr3HyPM18xXjenIn2uo7TkIXutCoHbWFsw3vXKIcdGyOPkasr-CQUuE_ptr_XNTozoNkL1eZah4OsJsqNmRxcvejSbymZGLFB1KGd9NPu7RXj9wIEiHgCQ/s1600-h/DSCF1081%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_U7d6hSRDz3FNglvuwi5gpr3HyPM18xXjenIn2uo7TkIXutCoHbWFsw3vXKIcdGyOPkasr-CQUuE_ptr_XNTozoNkL1eZah4OsJsqNmRxcvejSbymZGLFB1KGd9NPu7RXj9wIEiHgCQ/s320/DSCF1081%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247601700112818" /></a><br />All I can say is amazing amazing amazing......I'll write more later. Enjoy!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-61920405509684348412009-02-17T20:47:00.000-08:002009-02-17T21:00:47.918-08:00SOME ADDITIONAL PHOTOS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr6Iqz0C5RecEF1MIMwmECdvVV0TTKFbWoR_A9gaXKmGztyX7oxbI64Yatlj8MW8L_8B_PwJIpMoNY6VPnB7NDnr40L9h9M5dRQdqlC2wy7t71S6CuIW4QYEgnkK80g_uo2kpsuzenVw/s1600-h/DSCF1010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr6Iqz0C5RecEF1MIMwmECdvVV0TTKFbWoR_A9gaXKmGztyX7oxbI64Yatlj8MW8L_8B_PwJIpMoNY6VPnB7NDnr40L9h9M5dRQdqlC2wy7t71S6CuIW4QYEgnkK80g_uo2kpsuzenVw/s320/DSCF1010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303997660429689426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM2UfLTeJidF5m7gCb2aF-5AENucZCP5cSPNkfnujYystoMAiupAQzWUHr1sK95O4ouriezAOsQO1uwroCOK-lV08387E6YJi87Gy1WBbnIPr5Td4IodX246R4nGeqvTj_EyYIuuJkpI/s1600-h/DSCF0983.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM2UfLTeJidF5m7gCb2aF-5AENucZCP5cSPNkfnujYystoMAiupAQzWUHr1sK95O4ouriezAOsQO1uwroCOK-lV08387E6YJi87Gy1WBbnIPr5Td4IodX246R4nGeqvTj_EyYIuuJkpI/s320/DSCF0983.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303997656690678322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3mN19ZyTRoR9FYKyzx3h8-jQLDMimedFAlGG106a0y445xtKVM8fkdxJXuiPbXVA1JbCKlFsa4TZRLJBrGN4Xw9tjVpVGQK3v4ZBh-6ZxxdZ6vxjcBbPChoWFhsesuHLho2qIjWLCSY/s1600-h/DSCF1052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3mN19ZyTRoR9FYKyzx3h8-jQLDMimedFAlGG106a0y445xtKVM8fkdxJXuiPbXVA1JbCKlFsa4TZRLJBrGN4Xw9tjVpVGQK3v4ZBh-6ZxxdZ6vxjcBbPChoWFhsesuHLho2qIjWLCSY/s320/DSCF1052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303997654349428898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QIt-CU4EtvEBR8lgZzRxwQ_Oqh0eZku3SomcbOKA1rqLR0MIlPoVwlnT-tyJrw2rhmQqw5yTDFVDkLAKkrwgU3BdGlmjQzbrNlIPcEAkZLjtM9AwUhx4E6dNzlD2TruoBadMfUZe6CI/s1600-h/DSCF1057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QIt-CU4EtvEBR8lgZzRxwQ_Oqh0eZku3SomcbOKA1rqLR0MIlPoVwlnT-tyJrw2rhmQqw5yTDFVDkLAKkrwgU3BdGlmjQzbrNlIPcEAkZLjtM9AwUhx4E6dNzlD2TruoBadMfUZe6CI/s320/DSCF1057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303997648698452018" /></a><br />Here are some in addition as well as our current map position...one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-41862753163912656682009-02-17T20:31:00.001-08:002009-02-17T20:35:55.749-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDAKcX3NY_n0kj_fyjNGP4sEvWk9C41k1fJEQ_msdZSUcP8c0u1ouegFkkm-_kbNFMglnofdM_ebDGqBNnOHadOoGE3mPblTjhEmDx8dMoMPUDLp1bfw3kvnIjin_4ZxdfGfjphKses/s1600-h/DSCF1053%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDAKcX3NY_n0kj_fyjNGP4sEvWk9C41k1fJEQ_msdZSUcP8c0u1ouegFkkm-_kbNFMglnofdM_ebDGqBNnOHadOoGE3mPblTjhEmDx8dMoMPUDLp1bfw3kvnIjin_4ZxdfGfjphKses/s320/DSCF1053%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303991436946176546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDkzne2VGvEpZ3-BMElp9_foqwV6zaQEgk9bYQUlIxD1G-8q-qlL7RANoASSVQ94XqL8cq_YeMianI6e7xfLAT5WK1rV4ZOD_1yL2QASV0j4bFDPJdXEFCmMA4rs4LpehxCLbZdyVdQw/s1600-h/DSCF1017%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDkzne2VGvEpZ3-BMElp9_foqwV6zaQEgk9bYQUlIxD1G-8q-qlL7RANoASSVQ94XqL8cq_YeMianI6e7xfLAT5WK1rV4ZOD_1yL2QASV0j4bFDPJdXEFCmMA4rs4LpehxCLbZdyVdQw/s320/DSCF1017%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303991432429057042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAVTo6KgtCgenrLpKXZWa0laOC7pF4cJ0Sy9IR0p468Z08AoqmzHYgHO7kbYzAkN_tRK1wnJMto89hbIGm-Pfj430M01S5fcrLLfU_iT2M7xNToqqLk_3EnStiftFrbrp7kbvLtuyYpE/s1600-h/DSCF1021%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAVTo6KgtCgenrLpKXZWa0laOC7pF4cJ0Sy9IR0p468Z08AoqmzHYgHO7kbYzAkN_tRK1wnJMto89hbIGm-Pfj430M01S5fcrLLfU_iT2M7xNToqqLk_3EnStiftFrbrp7kbvLtuyYpE/s320/DSCF1021%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303991430085877714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIYdjR1KiYFMyQz_EfAWFuY5Rl2NQ847zyVhQ4nhk12DH9yGGWaM5FzQ1ufIaNGK8BT-U2LhSR93D2Wp5febaXstfdqsKw2ncNtH3AbobXZZqZ1gPXrljk_DBrXI6ZNkIIfGGfsMByMA/s1600-h/DSCF1009%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIYdjR1KiYFMyQz_EfAWFuY5Rl2NQ847zyVhQ4nhk12DH9yGGWaM5FzQ1ufIaNGK8BT-U2LhSR93D2Wp5febaXstfdqsKw2ncNtH3AbobXZZqZ1gPXrljk_DBrXI6ZNkIIfGGfsMByMA/s320/DSCF1009%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303991430640141810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_kPueAG8rI6BVtMga5I2aPhtUC2vZodCDO-6SBVSAZB8mTG-5cbUpu56q_p9oeNGJopavea0_9YX3D4VqxghG7xs_rPjLPHXbBd7TERkECNtRTqN75l7RiyOhEuQ-5kFJmKGSMsF6fk/s1600-h/DSCF0993%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_kPueAG8rI6BVtMga5I2aPhtUC2vZodCDO-6SBVSAZB8mTG-5cbUpu56q_p9oeNGJopavea0_9YX3D4VqxghG7xs_rPjLPHXbBd7TERkECNtRTqN75l7RiyOhEuQ-5kFJmKGSMsF6fk/s320/DSCF0993%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303991426067070514" /></a><br />Last night we stayed a t a state park—Sea Cliff in California just about an hour and a half from San Fran. We literally had a spot about 100 feet from the ocean. It was really quaint and I loved it—even though it was a bit pricey. It poured all night and the howl from the wind pierced the RV as the waves crashed onto shore. It was just beautiful. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t listening to my relaxation cd; we lit some candles, had a great dinner and relaxed. I played some Norah Jones and looked around at my family and thought “this is living life”. (I love storms so of course I was a bit partial to the moment.) <br />The next morning we head to Frisco. Did you know, by the way how many artichokes are grown in Cali? A lot apparently, and one town even boasted it was the artichoke center of the world. I never had seen artichoke fields before…it’s quite interesting. Also, for all my health nut friends and family….there are organic farm/ food stands all along the way. Fabulous…just fabulous! <br />Everyone loved Frisco; in fact I believe we will be going back there in a few days when the weather is more suitable for some serious walking/touring. You can’t park an RV anywhere downtown so it looks as if we will be parking quite some distance and then heading in by double decker bus or trolley. The girls are pumped and I am too, however it is a city that I wish Nick and I could have a night or two alone in. Not all the things I experienced when I was in Frisco on business were necessarily kid orientated—jazz clubs, open mic night and coffee shop gigs. Anyhow, I know they will enjoy the pier and the sea lions. The Golden Gate was cool too.<br /> Now we are headed to the National Redwood Forest. I think we still have another 3 hours. I am so pumped. I think this is one of the most exciting things I am looking forward to experiencing. I think we will camp a couple of nights to take it all in. <br />It’s very weird traveling in the dark. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don’t. I do like the kids all mellowed out and time to just chill with Nick, but I don’t like not knowing if we are right on the edge of a cliff or a field and what is out even 100 feet from us as it’s just Pitch Black. There was an accident tonight that looked quite awful and from what I could see it seemed a semi slide off the road. Not knowing these roads I am always in a bit of fear—Lord protect us!<br />The kids are doing real well with the Ron Clark rules. I haven’t gotten used to some of their quick application of them—for example them responding to us with Yes Mame and Yes Sir. I like it though. Some of the other rules have ready benefited us a family. I suggest this book to anyone—anyone with kids or not. <br />We have been passing through really cute little towns—kind of reminding me of Kohler—so I can say cute cause I don’t live there (some refer to it as anal—just quoting people). I am also amazed at how many RV parks there are along just about ANY road we’ve been on thus far. RV parking, RV repair, RV sales…let me tell you…if you are looking for an RV I believe the south is the place to get one rather than a used hunting RV. It is sick what the snow and salt does to vehicles. Nick and I noticed how new everyone’s rides look--even the ones that are over 15 years old. <br />I almost forgot to tell you…we got to see the most fantastic rainbow I ever saw. I have NEVER EVER EVER seen such a simple yet spectacular sight. It was a full rainbow and we could see end to end (even though I couldn’t capture it in full.) It was just the most beautiful thing I have seen so far. Plain as day…right there in the middle of the field. I will post pics! God is amazing! His artistic skills more than I can fathom. <br />Genesis 9:16 <br />16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787939173135876220.post-56144360768661268912009-02-17T20:17:00.001-08:002009-02-17T20:26:05.049-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFEIzvF4mowtpH_EZhyphenhypheneM0Juki3CVdhmtfck7Tim-przVm9m7g4v3rUZjDKPzQcY8RB8oNdkr_-EeDgPEnvLy5fDPLDTRGUzd07hZSwGJ5CjllusdaJDKY8qWP_1T439Jjk-rz1lRu7s/s1600-h/DSCF0971%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFEIzvF4mowtpH_EZhyphenhypheneM0Juki3CVdhmtfck7Tim-przVm9m7g4v3rUZjDKPzQcY8RB8oNdkr_-EeDgPEnvLy5fDPLDTRGUzd07hZSwGJ5CjllusdaJDKY8qWP_1T439Jjk-rz1lRu7s/s320/DSCF0971%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303988577992065938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SkA2_nCcGOsTZp-DzJ8ZEZCcDqf-YzejyCCooCrkHcD11-7KOq8H5mDU3qgAHLcuq3CMBtzCetU-l7wR1NZTStcI9E0AFeBrD_P5d8nG2Da_EyUyCBZZA3spT03XQRT_zd55HaWzHJI/s1600-h/DSCF0959%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SkA2_nCcGOsTZp-DzJ8ZEZCcDqf-YzejyCCooCrkHcD11-7KOq8H5mDU3qgAHLcuq3CMBtzCetU-l7wR1NZTStcI9E0AFeBrD_P5d8nG2Da_EyUyCBZZA3spT03XQRT_zd55HaWzHJI/s320/DSCF0959%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303988567700120642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm1Ltqum1fHM88-U_4MHdyegQgtjjz8FqJ4NQzOPBIGQCEcIfmH2Q28L7vlgrHqY1wqaU2fm_kDkNTIKjrt3kOJBN9HfZ8v9RFcCDdVa5lnvaqzdgapjEfhAuhRxPSSPK3dbN1eTKnK0/s1600-h/DSCF0886%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm1Ltqum1fHM88-U_4MHdyegQgtjjz8FqJ4NQzOPBIGQCEcIfmH2Q28L7vlgrHqY1wqaU2fm_kDkNTIKjrt3kOJBN9HfZ8v9RFcCDdVa5lnvaqzdgapjEfhAuhRxPSSPK3dbN1eTKnK0/s320/DSCF0886%5B2%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303988569224103602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDwFdKScYaz_yF_uqiCkR-9tBXGH9rqGDgOxZr9Seq90ScVvJ6trk9ijlqZuW4aYFBL6oIVR1QQqD_9f10xfZoxwXXf1cuIEhxWsDHk9cpLXMp2LNY3fheYc-q3CbbduuOyghsshhfyk/s1600-h/DSCF0829%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDwFdKScYaz_yF_uqiCkR-9tBXGH9rqGDgOxZr9Seq90ScVvJ6trk9ijlqZuW4aYFBL6oIVR1QQqD_9f10xfZoxwXXf1cuIEhxWsDHk9cpLXMp2LNY3fheYc-q3CbbduuOyghsshhfyk/s320/DSCF0829%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303988564745373810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1-_HapLAnydgjN6trgqUCHti6U1ZDAVRbGsTFUfX0vdLfye4tudvkZo6rfA5ZyHifTWFxofzZyevM5g87k0yiyF_TJdhduf2L5DChBwbjaZekYIE5MXua0PJu3KycoJb_BNIzBPvIyw/s1600-h/DSCF0862%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1-_HapLAnydgjN6trgqUCHti6U1ZDAVRbGsTFUfX0vdLfye4tudvkZo6rfA5ZyHifTWFxofzZyevM5g87k0yiyF_TJdhduf2L5DChBwbjaZekYIE5MXua0PJu3KycoJb_BNIzBPvIyw/s320/DSCF0862%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303988564623711186" /></a><br />The Grand Canyons were beautiful. Anyone one whose been there knows there’s really no words great enough to express this majestic beauty. I can’t believe how the trails follow right next to the edge of the cliffs of the canyons with no rail guard. Nick and I both looked at each other and were like…yea…right! We pretty much stayed near the look outs that had metal rail guards. We viewed the Canyons from the South rim which receives over 90% of the visitors who come to view the Canyons (4,000,000 a year). The RV park was far from decent though—water was froze, showers you had to pay for ($2.00 for 8 mins) and wasn’t kid friendly. The park isn’t government operated, which it says right in their literature, and real hospitality has been compromised for strictly profit. We didn’t stay as long as I thought we would because of this. One really cool thing was a Condor that was boasting his magnificence right over us. He was huge! His wing span must have been over 10 feet (which is common for this bird). The bird itself is endangered—only 300 in the world! I will post pics.<br />Then on to Las Vegas which was only a night drive through just to see the lights. Nick was VERY hesitant about this, but I begged. I knew it was going to be something else. <br />On the way we saw the Hoover Dam which felt like something out of the movie Water world. Unbelievable. I was a little frightened since I was not expecting the vehicle inspection that we were required to have upon entering the vicinity of the Hoover Dam area. It is a little intense having men in plastic coats with flash lights in the middle of the night demanding to come in and look around. <br />After the dam, we went through to Vegas. Grace and Hannah slept through most of it, despite our consistant poking and calling to them to awake. As we began to exit the city, they awoke and were in disbelief about the lights (which were nothing compared to what we saw on Vegas Blvd) however Nick and I both agreed we felt God was protecting them from everything else they would have seen. Michaela was disgusted enough, saying with conviction, “Sin city...that certainly is a good name for it!” <br />As we drove out of the city in attempt to find a place far away from it, the three of us…Nick, Michaela and I were in a bit of a “Vegas Coma” if you will—completely stunned by the amount of filth, and outrageous media promoting drunkenness, sex, adultery, drugs, gambling, materialism and anything else! It made us even more happy for finding a place for God in our life-- not just a place, but above all else. It wasn’t even the busy season for Vegas and on that Friday night there were people already stumbling around the walks carrying their beer with them and shouting obscenities. The billboards should be R rated and yet there were tourists (mostly out-of-country) who had there children in hand, walking to or from their destination. The look on their kid’s faces made me happy only Michaela was awake to see it all. Good riddens Vegas!<br />Next we headed for Death Valley National Park which was just a load of fun—who knew? It seems we are finding more fun in the places not so obvious to it. The best time was the hikes we took—two of them. The Sand Dunes were incredible and Grace was off her rocker just running and “flying” all over—up and down them like a skater in a ramp park. It was really neat. The sand was nothing like beach sand, rather more like powder and when I ran on it, I felt a cushion to it. I wish we would have had more time to hike there but we were on a mission to dodge a storm that the Ranger said was headed in that direction. Not only would it shut several parks, but require all who decided to drive in it, chains on their vehicles. It was terrible news for us—VERY disappointing as our next destination was supposed to be in the Sequoia National Park and then on to Yosemite. But 36 inches of snow DID NOT sound appealing as we are still waiting to experience a 70 degree day (the locals said we just missed 75’s the week before!) Go Figure!<br />We dodged the storm in its winter form and are receiving it in rain today and tomorrow, so we decided for today to be our cleaning, laundry, mega driving and school day. Our next destination is San Fran and then up the coast to see the Red Woods!<br />That’s all for now. This post doesn’t seem as exciting to me, but there was just so much to cover I guess I didn’t know where to begin. If I am not writing at least every other day, I feel overwhelmed with it. I hope you all enjoy the pics! Miss ya!one of ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07373560672373873662noreply@blogger.com0