Wireless high-speed is My Friend!

Here I am sitting in my cozy Pacific NW apartment, enjoying blogging for the first time in almost 2 months!

I have MANY trip stories to share. And MANY new digs stories to share. I'll do one at a time, and keep to blog edicate by not having LONG BORING posts.

Trip tale for the day: On the high plateau of Wyoming, mere hours from being with John, Thaddeus got a piece of chewing gun stuck up a nostril. After several minutes of Mary Catherine trying to get him to BLOW his nose (he still sucks in!) I pulled over. I hate that earthquake feeling the van gets when HUGE TRUCKS pass at a million miles an hour! The gum disappeared within a few minutes. Probably began it's 7 year trip through Tadeu's intestines!

Oregon trivia of the day: How do you think one would pronounce this name: Champoeg ?

Here We Are!!

We made it! John and Paul met us last night, and we got into Portland this morning. I'm at Paul's house typing this--it will be a few days before the computer is up and running at home.
There are quite a few stories to share of our drive across. . .stay tuned!

The best news is--THE PORK IS FROZEN SOLID!! YEAH!
We are off to Christ the King Mass!

Beloit Wisconsin

They've spent much of the day in bumpadabumpa traffic. AEB lost the Bakers and hadn't gotten their phone #. They've since reunited.

Tonight they are in Beloit Wisconsin.

South Bend

AEB and company spent the night somewhere around South Bend Indiana. They played at a water park with Amish folk.

Leg two: Lee MA. to Erie PA

I'm not really sure that they are in Erie although I did talk to AEB this evening. It slipped my mind . . . so sue me! Thaddeus wants to stop over at Sam's house. Who's going to break it to him? I spent almost 5 minutes on the phone with him tonight and got in at least 5 or 6 words trying to explain that I've got a fire engine bed for him when he gets here. His screams drown me out so I think he'll have the surprise of finding a fire engine in his new room.

The flat tire replaced yesterday went bad again today. This helps to show that the invention of the wheel really set civilization back instead of advancing it as is commonly thought in this frenetic modern age. (That one was for you Chip)

I just read on one of my yahoo groups that the 5 year old son of a group member died in his sleep last night. Please keep his family in your prayers.

First leg: Bristol to Lee MA.

The crew didn't make it to Rochester on the first night as they had hoped because of a late start and fatigue. The late start was in part because of a flat tire on the Baker's trailer. Allison sounded tired when I talked to her but in good spirits.

We have lift-off!

Allison and the kids are on the way! They've called me from the Topsham Mall where they are waiting to meet up with the Bakers.

Allison was heard saying to Thaddeus this morning, "Eat! We're going to Oregon!" As if the food runs out at the Rockies. And speaking of food, thank you to everyone for your gifts of food as they headed out. A says that she probably won't have to buy snack food for the whole trip.

I'll keep posting throughout the trip if the Bakers don't have their laptop running.

Packing Help

A who's who of generous hearts. Not pictured are the on call car guy (thanks David), the merciful Mom who took all 5 (gasp!) of my children and left a teenage boy to haul things, and all the generous hearts who will help tomorrow, and come to wave us goodbye Saturday. It's such a joy to have friends---and so hard to say goodbye. That bottle and a half of wine (shared)last night helped though! "The girls" and I had a delightful early thanksgiving together--and hey! It's Thankful Thursday again. . .I'm SOOOO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU!

Slow Painful Godbye

Living in a partially packed house can be painful. For instance--I'm typing this standing up since the printer is on the floor where the chair should be. Also, seeing the usually cozy space barren, with boxes where toys and books used to be. All the sentimental photos and knick-knacks packed away. The familiar backdrop to our family life gradually disappearing.

I was thinking that maybe this is a glimpse of what it's like to get old. All the abilities of your life slowly being put away--running, hiking, walking etc. A slow goodbye to the physical life you've been used to in preparation for the home in heaven you are moving towards.

I don't know if Oregon will be heaven--but being an intact family again will be a small reflection of the beatific vision! For now I just need to keep plodding away because I have faith in the beauty that waits for me out west--despite the pain of leaving what I have known.

Travel Music

I love a good travel mix-tape. But seeing as I have a million small and large details to cover before leaving in 6 days I'll content myself with a case full of our favorite Cd's. I have resisted the call to buy a portable DVD player--so singing will be an important time-passer.

Marie Bellet is one of my favorite musician. In an interview I just read, when asked how she can be so willing to open up in her songs she says "Phony is boring and I don't have the energy to pull it off anyway." Oh Yeah! My kinda woman.
The interview is at http://www.OMSoul.com/MarieBellet. She has videos on Utube--but I hear they are lame and ruin the great music--so close your eyes if you go there!

Thankful Thursday

I came upon this tradition from the blog-o-sphere, and I like it.

1. I am thankful for Jettie and Lauren, my own personal space/time worm hole makers, who came over today with both food, and packing skills. The upstairs is well on the way to packed-up.

2. For dinner already made, and dishes already washed.

3. For a husband who is working hard both to earn $ and to find us a place to live within 20 days! (St. Joseph, pray for us!).

4. For the family we will be driving with, and their generosity in including us on their journey so we can be reunited a whole month earlier.

5. For daughters who are thrilled to buy some fleece and sew mittens and a scarf for their friend.

6. For the nice people at the body shop who attached the trailer hitch for no extra charge.

7. For a freezer full of yummy pork.

8. For a warm house. Plenty of wood. A clean chimney.

9. For 5 children now immune to chicken pox.

10. For night prayers and snuggles with all my sweet babies.

The Beginning

Today I started packing.

But first I had to wash the dinner dishes and make breakfast.

Then I had to visit with a friend who stopped in.

Then it was time for lunch--but while the eggs were boiling I started in.

After lunch the baby needed a nap--and while I was nursing him down I thought it a good idea to watch the first two episodes of THE OFFICE season one. I really couldn't leave the baby till it was over!

Then I fell down the stairs--just bruised--thanks for asking.

The noise woke the baby.

Girls play with baby while I start sorting if it kills me.

I gone something done anyway. At this rate I'll be all packed in only 3 months.

We leave in 10 days.

I'm sure to hit a space/time wormhole soon right?

Pink=Oregon Green = Maine

City life

I did a little search and found this. Can't wait!

Lowered Satndards

" No, you can't have any candy till you eat some real food! Do you want pizza or cupcake?"

New Schedule. . .

Week 1:Nurse three children through Chicken Pox. Stay up late. Care for the needs of one, rest for a moment, move quickly to care for another. Repeat ad infinitum. Care for fussy baby all day. Nap with him. Have insomnia from all the napping. Live on Halloween party leftovers and meals made by an 11 year old (pb&J and oatmeal). Ask for help from friends.
Week 2:Pack.
Week 3:Leave.

News Falsh

Our friend Mike and Shelby got a job in Alaska!! They are leaving on Nov 17 to drive to Washington, put their suburban on a boat, and fly up. They have invited yours truly to caravan with them. This is UBER-WWHO! 3 Adults. 12 Children. One of the adults is 32 weeks pregnant (not me!). This will be fun!

My timetable as of right now is one more week of homeschooling--2 weeks of packing. Anyone

want a couple of good old Volvo's?

Mistress EB

Chicago was great. Baby slept on plane both ways. It was great to be in a city again. True to fashion John spent Friday looking around the "magnificent Mile" buildings, and the rest of the weekend giving guided tours of the area. "Notice the flying buttresses on the tribune building and how they are echoed in the blah blah blah." But I really do appreciate his keen eye and love of beauty--especially when he has a keen eye for me!

I went shopping here--

To which Thalia responded "GASP! YOU ARE THE BEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD! SIGH!"

To which John replied "And that's why they keep making money." Yup. Sign me up.

Besides I can spend hours doing this--

When all's said and done it was strange to be in between. In between coasts, homes, and true family life. I felt more like a clandestine relationship that a wife (which admittedly has its perks!). SO--fun, but can't wait for the real deal!!

Overheard

3 year old: WHAAA! I LOST MY MARBLES!
35 year old: Me too honey. Me too.

Off we go!

I'm almost ready. Bathroom floor is clean. (don't ask--I always mop the bathroom floor in the wee hours before a trip). Child bags packed. Laundry folded (but not put away). MC getting chicken pox--yup I'm all set. Chicago and John HERE I COME! (with baby of course)

Motivation

John getting home from a day of work had been a big motivator in my daily schedule in the past. That is not working so well right now. I try being motivated out of pure charity--but I'm not so refined in my spiritual growth to manage that consistently. Tonight I was feeling a definite lack of motivation. A quick talk with a dear friend helped me gain perspective. "Good Allison. Don't be motivated tonight. Put on some comfy clothes and rest. You have been doing so much for so long. It's OK to take a break." OH YEAH! I do a lot. I feed and educate and comfort, and do a minimal amount of cleaning at least. . .I volunteer, help friends, feed pigs, and blog. . .I lactate, pray, read, and make music. . . yes, I think tonight I'll rest (except for this post of course!)

The Clouds Part. . .

. . .and the Nelsons arrive!

I had been having a hard day. O.K. A hard couple of days. The house was a shambles, my spirits were low, and my children were--well--children. Why they can't hold it together and be rational at least when I'm stressed I DON"T know!

So I implemented "Bad Day Plan A"--which involves packing up the school books and heading to a library where little ones can play and older ones can be educated in a comfortable place that is not my home. Add some cheeze-its, grapes, and water and you have an easy day. Lisa came over in the afternoon and proceeded to guide me through decluttering, cleaning, folding, putting away fun. We talked about schedules, and realistic expectations. She got me excited about FlyLady again. She did my dishes. She is a friend in the deepest sense of the word.

The kids watched a movie. And another. And part of another.

We ate beef stew and bread.

I have a clean spot for "Control Central" and I can face the next 2 months with a bit more gusto.

Sometimes God's Grace comes in the form of a giving friend!

Pumkins

Kids and pumpkins. Ultimate cuteness. My friend Lisa has a beautiful collection of fat babies and pumpkins. I think I have one photo of Thalia and a pumpkin--fitting since she was the most pumpkin-y baby. This weekend we had our local pumpkin fest and regatta. Lots of fun!

Day off! Kind of . . .

Tomorrow I have the day off. I still need to go to the farm to dig holes and set posts in the ground for our greenhouse but the students will not be there. If I take this opportunity to really get ahead of my work life will take on a more relaxed flavor.

. . . This just in! JG, the dean, just called me to say that, in fact, the students will be there tomorrow because JO said that taking a farm day off was a bad idea. However, in the middle of that call he took another call from JO and when he got back on with me he said that JO's wife overruled him. The wisdom of a wife! Alleluia!

Honework, Quizes, Rosary Bowl, and missing the family

Thank you for reminding me to post. I've been so busy with things that I haven't been taking the time to communicate with the right side of the country.

A mentioned that I have tons of work and she is right. However, when I really get going I find it very enjoyable and don't know when to stop. I spent a whole night grading papers and decided to make some changes in my classes to get some help from the students in grading the papers. After those changes things went more smoothly and we (the students and I) had a very good day in class.

Today I met a fellow teacher from school to drive down to Keiser OR where a Rosary Bowl was happening. Now I wasn't sure what a rosary bowl would be like, but, since many of my students and half the teachers were attending, I decided to see what it was. So now I know what a rosary bowl is and will pass this knowledge on to you.

A rosary bowl is:
1. Windy. The wind just about carried off the booths set up by vendors and other groups.
2. Cold. For mortification I'm sure.
3. A long rosary. For each mystery there was a full homily or talk. All of these were good but
see #s 1 and 2 above.
4. A shorter musical devine mercy chaplet.
5. A very good chance to talk with like minded people.
6. Overall, worthwhile.

Quick update from John

John is buried. Lots of quizes to write, and papers to correct. He plans farm day (Mondays) and has 2 sciences, geometry, and Latin also. Seeing some of "The War" on PBS helps him keep some perspective when he gets anxious. "No body's brains will blow-up if I don't get the papers corrected by tomorrow."
No, they won't.
But keep your priorities in place and do some blogging soon eh?!

Feast of the Guardian Angels

I get the feeling we are asking 7 angels to work really hard during these months of separation. They sure are doing their job!

Angel sent by God to guide me,

Be my light and walk beside me.

Be my guardian and protect me.

On the paths of life direct me.

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Guess what we had?

Cold cereal. No. Not homemade Granola. Store brand cornflakes. But there were local blueberries too. . .and we got to church on time and fed!

I'm also simplifying in other areas:

• Pig killing will be ASAP.


• Paper plates are SO in style.


• Child labor laws don't apply to chores--despite what the girls say.


• Excessive volunteer work is not on the to do list.


• I'm begging Mom to come down in November to help.

Despite the challenges, and missing John, I can see the blessings emerging. Mostly I see myself learning to be with the children in a new, more relaxed, more playful way. When "fun Dada" isn't around it falls to me to play the games, go on walks, maybe even wrestle with this lovely brood of babies.

Pros and Cons

Husband gone Pros:
Search all his pocket and find $40 extra cash.
More room in the bed.
Fewer parenting conflicts.
Time alone to pursue personal interests after kids are asleep.
Less cooking.
Less Laundry.

Husband gone Cons:
More room in the bed.
Can't delegate difficult parenting situations.
Too much time alone gets lonely after 2 weeks.
Dishes and laundry are more fun with a friend to help.

Lessons Learned #1

When you have to get 6 people dressed appropriately for church by 8 am don't expect to cook breakfast also. Be very thankful for the local fast food drive through! In future, cook/plan something the night before.

But they sure do clean-up nice!

Hello from the left coast! I'm still surviving in school and doing very little else. My classes include biology, general science, geometry, and Latin and I'm responsible for organizing the Monday farm day. This Saturday I'll try to get out to the farm to have some time to myself there to get work done that won't happen when the students are there.

The photos from the air show are great! Did you take those MC? Big hugs from Oregon . . .

At the Air Show

This past weekend was the "last" airshow at the soon to close Naval Air Station. We do love the blue Angels. We are Navy people. BUT--I can't give much vital info about the planes. Quote of the day goes to Thalia ; "I wish Dad were here. He'd tell us all about these planes." I tried to fake it with things like "That one is really grey. Look that one says NAVY on it--must be a Navy plane huh?" But they weren't fooled. John is the expert.

The Good the Bad and The Ugly

On the good side of things--I have educated, fed, and clothed several people this week. All dishes are done, and the downstairs is decluttered.

Bad: My neck is hurting like it hasn't hurt in years. I have an appointment with an osteopath in 3 weeks! I may visit my old chiropractor out of desperation.

Ugly: My bedroom. I think there are 5 or 6 loads of laundry (clean) up here, along with some of the remnants of the downstairs declutter job.

but. . . John is getting me a cell phone today!! (visualize clouds parting and a beam of brilliant resting on yours truly!) Alleluia!

Here I am . . .

I made it folks! Because the settling in period has been so hectic, I haven't had time to log on but here I am! Everyday I fight butterflies as I head off to school but everyday I've survived and am even beginning to thrive. The students enjoy the novelty of a new teacher and I suspect that being in my class doesn't hurt too much yet.

Paul and Shelley, my brother and sister-in-law have welcomed me very warmly and generously, and I enjoy the time I spend with them. Tonight I wrestled with Cam and Jack and all of us survived. I miss the time spent wrestling with my kids. Good night and God Bless all of you left back in Maine.

Fun on the Farm

How to get the kids to work really well together and follow directions well? Just have all three well fed pigs escape from their yard at 6:30 pm. The well fed part in important since they were not influenced by the yummy food we were trying to lure them with.

Everyone did a great job herding them--especially MC and JH. A neighbor friend who was over held baby. I have no idea what Tadeu was doing--staying wisely out of the way I guess.

Pig are back home.

When it was all over JH summed it up well,"That was like war Mama!"

Only 2 months till their date with destiny!

Word From John

He called me on his new cell phone. He did not get a two for one deal so I do not have my own cell. . .I controlled my disappointment and covetousness fairly well I think. I'm also thinking of getting my own trakphone as a way of licking my wounds.

As for John--all went well on the planes. He had a 4 hour sunset to gaze at. Was warmly welcomed by P and S. Went to Mass and hobnobbed with teachers and parents today. And was headed off to a meeting when we spoke.

When he asked how things were here I was truthful--great! The house was clean before we left for Mass. The children were well behaved during Mass. We had a great lunch, watched a movie, did chores, have "creative time" during which cars were drawn and guitar was played. Ended with a light dinner, family rosary, boys asleep by 7 ;30, and a chess game with my daughter which I won by accident (we are both beginners). So far so good!

(but I suspect it won't always be this easy. . .and there are those dinner dishes and that laundry.)

John on the Road

We drove John to the airport today. He almost posted last night--but stopped when he realized he was just saying that he's not too good at the blog thing. But I think we'll hear from him more when he's settled into the left coast.

We all prayed over and blessed John this morning. I thought of a really loving, sensitive post about that. . but I'm going to take my sister's advice: "Don't get sentimental. It's all good."

I will not listen to James Taylor or the Indigo Girls. I will laugh every day, play with the kids, and stick to a schedule. I will pray! Pray that I am patient, loving, disciplined, and getting a cell phone soon! Really--holiness and my having a cell phone are directly connected.

Packing and Such

We went to our last Mass as a family (not forever--just 3 months!) this evening. Fr. Fred gave us, and J especially, a special blessing before the closing prayer. Lots of parish members were surprised and moved--I was crying, but that's nothing very unique. The gospel reading was the bit about Jesus asking Peter to "put out into the deep." Even though he worked all night and caught no fish. I wouldn't say that we've "caught no fish" here in Maine. But not having steady work is hard, and we are definitely putting out into the deep with this move.

Dinner with the D's and J's goodbye to his best friend.

It's all good. Good to have such friends to say goodbye to. Good to have so much to loose and so much to look forward to.

The Beginning

It will be a long goodbye. J leaves on Saturday. We've decided on a curbside farewell--since it would be hard to heard 5 crying children out of the airport. . .then I will begin my 3 months of lone parenting and homeschooling. I've always said God gives you the grace you need WHEN you need it. Guess we'll be testing that one out! So for three months I will look at all my friends, and usual errands around town with the eyes of one living on borrowed time. But maybe I'll be too busy to brood too much. That would definitely be a grace!