Monthly Archives: January 2006

We made it home with out any car problems. The children were great travelers, as usual. We are all tired and glad to have a bit more space and our own beds again. The next few days will consist of laundry, unpacking, and making an inventory list of supplies we need to restock in the RV for the next trip. (I am trying to become more organized with each trip and I almost have my system worked out!)

To break up our trip, we made a stop in Mobile, Alabama to check out the USS Alabama (battleship), the USS Drum (submarine), and a handful of aircraft from various wars. (Several had been damaged by hurricane Katrina.) The children were able to sit in the gunner seats, test the bunks, and navigate the tiny passageways and hatches which were traversed by the men who fought for our country. After climbing ladders and scouring every inch of the ship and sub for 2 hours, we headed on our way. Our oldest son, was inspired by the men’s service and sacrifice. The younger two enjoyed seeing a piece of history first hand. We could have stayed longer, but the road to home was calling.

Hubby announced that we will be heading back early tomorrow. We spent the afternoon at the beach and then went back and cleaned and stowed everything for travel. I made up 3 different meals so we can just reheat them instead of having to cook on the road. This saves time and keeps Hubby less stressed. I dread the drive home and I will definitely miss the beach. The children keep asking if we can’t just have our stuff shipped here. They really enjoyed our time here.

A realtor and his clients went through our house again today. We keep praying that we will have a buyer before we have to move again. I know God chose to have us leave on purpose. (Hubby applied at lots of places that were close to home but we are here by God’s design.) We are trying not to get discouraged, but the market just tanked further with more lay offs in our area. We have prayed about it, and have two back up plans in case we are faced with double mortgages for an extended period of time. Neither option is ideal, but God will see us through and at least we can keep the family together. On the up side, one of the realtors that was going through homes for an out of state couple, thought ours was the best kept one she had seen in that price range. It is a good little home, full of memories, I hope someone else enjoys it as much as we did.

Today was family day. We hung out, cuddled, and played together all day. Hubby started playing Frisbee with the children with one Frisbee. Before too long, the kids had 3 Frisbees and they were winging them at him as quick as he could catch them and return them. Everyone was laughing so hard that they could barely throw straight. Hubby got quite the work out! Times like these are priceless, we are very fortunate that Hubby makes a point to be available to the children for these kind of times to happen. The boys will be talking about this for a while.

Hubby was off today, but needed to get some work done. We got out of his way and went to the beach. we met a little girl and her nanna. Her nanna asked if we could stop to come play in the sand with the little girl. We visited while the children built sand castles and dug holes. Our two girls dug a hole big enough to crawl into. The boys found sea shells and built moats. The nanna told me about some of the hard times her family had/was going through and how her faith had helped her greatly. We talked and encouraged each other. It never ceases to amaze me how total strangers can become friends due to the common bond of faith in Jesus Christ. When we left for home, the children were happy, sun-kissed, and looking like sugar donuts because of the sand! Hubby had finished up what was needed, and we spent a relaxed evening together as a family.

Today we had company! We had walked over to the local shops for souvenirs and t-shirts for the children and upon returning, we had visitors. My mom’s cousin is staying in Florida till March. We had talked earlier, but they were a ways away and hubby had the car, so I figured we would have to catch up via phone. It was so much fun to meet with them. We had never met before, but we were able to talk about family and familiar places. The children adored them. It was wonderful to see more of “our people” (that’s what my daughter calls anyone that is related to us). We were sad to see them leave. Maybe we can get together again before we head back.

Tonight we went out with another family from Hubby’s work. This made for a very fun evening. They have a daughter the same age as our oldest son. She was very sweet and patient with our daughter (who desperately wants a big sister). We were able to get a lot of information on the area, activities, shopping, and other things that would help us decide where we would want to look for housing when we head there for good. If everyone is as warm and friendly as this family, we shouldn’t have any problems settling in down here.