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.