Off Like A Herd of Turtles

Two boys, an infant, an Oma and a minivan. It's like packing clowns in a Volkswagen, I tell you. Oh, the luggage. The Queen of England probably travels with less. I tried extremely hard to be a minimalist.

I failed.

The problem is, I will be eight days into this trip before I have access to a washing machine. I have basic needs; like food, water, shelter, and a means to spot treat. Because babies? They leak. I have packed every burp rag, receiving blanket and bib I own in an effort to eek out an eight day existence sans spin cycle. It will all be just fine, Hubby tells me. Hubby, the one who will be staying here, with no baby and a washing machine at his disposal. Not that doing laundry will be high on his priority list during his bachelorhood stint. Speaking of that, the Man of the Manor has agreed to post here on my blog while I am away. I felt the preemptive need for a little explanation. Who knows what may appear here the next few days. I for one can't wait to see.

Meanwhile, I am occupied with a few last minute details, not the least of which is my dilemma regarding car food. Last summer our family got a new van. There were many sad things about saying goodbye to the old van, like the fact that after ten years and three children it was practically impervious to any further interior damage. On any given day you could gather a small meal's worth of crumbs from the backseat. It had its fair share of spills, stains, rips and tears. Although I really despised rolling around town in a vehicle that looked like it was home to a team of gypsies, it was very freeing to not have to worry about things like car food. The new van is a dream and I am very grateful to Hubby for hooking me up with such a sweet ride. :) Isn't that fancy lingo for a Mom?? I want to make up for the last decade by cruising around town in a clean, fresh, NEW van for as long as possible. So, the hard and fast rule is...no car food. Ever. You're thirsty because it is one hundred degrees outside? Well then, when we get home you can have a nice long drink of water. You're hungry because it is 3:00 and I'm still running errands and I have not stopped to feed you lunch yet? Well then, we'll have a nice early supper. Sorry guys, no car food.

.........HOWEVER, lest you lose complete faith in me, let me just confess that my resolve is weakening. After all, what is a two day car trip with two little boys and no car food? A disaster? A chorus of whining and begging? A marathon tour of every single rest stop, snack shop, and gas station between my house and Atlanta?? If only my boys knew how to eat a Cheez-It without biting it into seven pieces. If only animal crackers were consumed in their entirety rather than losing appendages that got ground into floor mats and lodged into seat cushions. If only fruit snacks didn't melt into goo when coming into contact with direct sunlight for 6.2 seconds. If only.

We had a wonderful diversion from trip preparations for a short while today. Look at this gorgeous little girl who came to swim in my pool with her sisters.

We have been friends with this family for many years. In September, this precious one will have brain surgery in an attempt to manage a severe form of epilepsy. I sat and visited with her Daddy today as she splashed and smiled and enjoyed a too limited respite from the violent seizures and sleepless fits that mark her days and nights. I am so humbled by certain friendships that we are privileged to enjoy, and this is certainly one of them. The strength and optimism that God has given these parents is quite sobering. To see their tired faces, to witness the constant sacrifices they make, and to watch their family work together to love and encourage and equip this little girl, it brings me to tears. They left just moments ago, and I just need to be still a few moments before going about my day. I need time to thank God for this beautiful child, her adoring folks, and the bright spots when we can see her smile and laugh. I also need to ask God to continue pouring out a supernatural ability to care for her and to provide discernment in making impossibly huge decisions about her health. God is good, every single day. I'm so glad to be reminded.


You know what? I'm totally going to let my boys eat car food. The whole entire time.


Soooo....three days, many suitcases and one glorious swim date later, we're off. Off like a herd of turtles...