How we travel.
We have just returned form our month long trip to Texas. Went not bad after-all. All my worries and concerns for nothing!! lol!! We had a great visit with family and friends, and great traveling as well!!
Praise the Lord!!
Not sure how many trips it is now that we have made back and forth from Alberta to Texas, but I know it is several. And by now we actually kind of got a routine going that is most likely the reason things are going more smoothly on the road. And of course with God's great protection over us and His helping me to have a better attitude. Probably that right there is what makes all the difference!
Here I will share how we roll on the road, in case you’re planning a trip and would enjoy hearing how our troop of nine manages a 4 day road trip, keeping our sanity intact!! If we can do it you can too!!
Packing suit cases:
My rule is no over packing, just a 4 or 5 out-fits; if we need more we will shop second-hand while we are there. Also we told the kids this time that they had to pack in way so that we would only carry in 2 suitcases plus our bathroom bag in to the motels, not the usual 5 or 6. So the big boys packed their travel clothes in one bag, and I packed for the rest of us in one suite-case. Then anything extra we needed went in a big tote container.
The older ones (ages 14 and 12) can now do their own packing, YAY!! Plus my oldest also supervised the packing of our 9 year old too (he just had a Birthday, he is 10 now)!! I was left to help the younger 4 from our 7 yr. old down to our 10 month old Daniel. Oh, our 7, 5, and 3 yr. old packed though!! You should of seen all the things they packed, lots and lots of clothes, play shoes, good shoes, play sandals, dress sandals; lots of little books, and little trinkets and goodies that you just can't possible live 30 days without; and lots of blankets ( it was hard to convince them that we had several already down here). The little ones really over whelmed me this time on packing, I went over their stuff and took out some I clearly knew they would not need, but they still had too many goodies. So my sweet 14 year old decided to help me out, and went in the room with each sister and lovingly dumped out their back-packs and traveling bags, and helped them slim down a bit. He was good!! I finished helping our 3 yr. old son pack, boys are easier!! :)
Loading the van:
Now that all the suite cases, and totes are packed, snack box full and ready, a box full of diapers and baby wipes ( to go conveniently under a van seat ), it is time to load the 15 passenger van with Dad supervising. (That’s his role) We have the last seat in the back taken out for more space for our luggage.
Oh and don't forget his tools, and the last item to be loaded is the ice chest with makings for sandwiches.
And we're off!
Our departure date and time was preset, and now the long anticipated day is here. The van was loaded the night before along with car seats and booster seat buckled in place, and double checked. The kids are up early, fed, and dressed, and the older ones take the younger ones out and buckle them. Mom and dad walk around the ones for one more quick check to see if we missed something important; mom grabs a few more items; Dad shuts off water, sets the heat to right temp, locks the doors, and out the we go.
Hey, forgot the most important thing we always do before the kids go out to the van (as well as each morning when we leave the motel rooms). We all gather in a circle, kneel down, hold hands and pray together. Each one says a prayer (some short some longer, but all heart felt) for protection and wellbeing on the trip. (My favorite one that one of our dear ones pray is, " help us get to the motel fast and that there is a pool, don't let us get sick, and make sure mom doesn't get mad at me.") Children and prayers, you got to love it!! :) And you know God does too!!! They touch the heart of God like no one else!
For motion sickness:
The first few trips we made, some of the children got sick a lot along the way. Was not fun! We soon realized that we need to carry ice-cream pails with lids, lots of paper towels, and free breeze! Then someone told us of gravol for motion sickness! YAY for that! This is now our second trip using that, and no one sick at all!!!!
So we give a gravel tablet to each child a half hour if possible before heading out each morning. (Expect our oldest that doesn’t seem to need it)
Traveling with GPS and Getting a motel room:
We have used GPS now in our traveling several times. Very handy. Hubby sets our trip head of time, he programs where we will stop for each of the 3 nights on the road, and usually has the first night's room already booked. Then for the following nights just after lunch I start looking on the GPS for motels in the town where we will be stopping for that night.
I start making the calls, looking for motels with either a large family suite, or two adjoining rooms, or if we have no other choice 2 rooms right next to each other. This trip down we did well, the first night while still in Alberta we had to get 2 separate rooms, but next night we got 2 adjoining rooms, and the last night a large family suite complete with a king size bed and whirl-pool! We are finding it harder to find motels with large family suites.
The kids love the GPS so that they can count down the time till the time we arrive at the motel, and they get really excited when they see the flag!! And it is handy for when we get off the road at a gas station, so easy to follow that purple line and annoying voice back on our route again! OH ,if only my mom and dad had that in their travels years ago!!
Breakfast:
The motels we stay in have continental breakfast, which is usually open at 6:00 a.m. So at 6 me and the older ones are ready to go eat, then when one of the older ones finish they go back to the room and see if one of the younger ones are now up and ready to eat, or takes Daddy's place in the room with little ones, and he comes and eats. Some motels have really good breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. So we eat well. And have everyone fed and ready to hit the road by 7 or 7:30 a.m.
For lunch on the road:
We mostly just do sandwiches which I make up as we travel. I call for one of the boys to grab our lunch stuff out of the ice-chest in the back of the van. Then I start making up the sandwiches, and pass them back to the children. Then for myself and hubby. Once we are all done back to the ice-chest got the meat and cheese, ect..
Plus we have loaded snack box between the front seats so I can easily get out and pass snacks. Also plenty of water bottles. Having a bunch of snacks already bought and ready, makes for no need for begging for goodies at gas stations cause we already got everything, and cheaper too.
Gas and bathroom stops:
The only stops we make during the day are for gas and bathrooms. Usually just the times we stop for gas is all we need for bathroom stops too, but occasional we make quick stops at rest areas as well for bathrooms.
Here I should note that our 4 youngest ones (yes even our 7 year old) wear diapers on the road. So at bathroom stops I take the girls and baby with me to ladies bathroom, our oldest is in charge of our 3 year old son and they head off to the men's bathroom, while Daddy gets gas. Everyone goes potty and diapers changed if needed. (The diapers are a major time saver I tell you, if it wasn't for the diapers we would have to stop much more often for potty breaks)
Supper:
For our evening meal we either eat in a restraint after we have got our room for the night. Or call in pizza delivery to our room. Either way is very wonderful after a long day on the road!! Since we make our day time stops to a minimum, we make good time and can stop fairly early in the evenings, anywhere from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. That way no one is too worn out, although even by then little ones are going a bit crazy!
Some trips we have planned certain sightseeing stops (like Yellow Stone National Park, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments, The Red Woods in California) and so then our traveling was different those times, but we haven't done that in a while.
~ Here I should share a thing we have just started for our restaurant outings which has helped a lot. We have choice each of our older sons to be in charge of one of the younger ones to help them get seated and get their food if it's buffet style. They know who they are in charge of, and works pretty smooth. For example Clayton is in charge of Anna, so he holds her hand going in to the restaurant, helps her dish her food, and get seated, then he gets his food. They all do that. Going out each boy again holds younger siblings hand, helps them in the van, and buckles them up. (Same procedure goes for getting them out too) Together daddy and I are both in charge of baby and over-all overseeing everything
Pools:
We always try to make sure we get a motel with a pool, and if it has a slide even better! It gives the children something to look forward too during the day while on the road, and gives them a way to burn energy off before bed time. And a way for mom and dad to relax, especially in the hot tub!
We don't do the typical swim wear stuff, so if you’re like me you may cringe at the mere mention of public pools and hot-tubs because most people's swim attire unfortunately isn't exactly family friendly (sad but true bathing suites are very skimpy anymore, or maybe they always have been and I am just more aware of it with a hubby and growing sons). But we have done very well, there hardly ever has been anyone else swimming. And very often we have the whole pool room to ourselves!! For this I praise the Lord! I have made it matter of earnest prayer before we start our travels that if we do get a motel with a pool that it be family friendly. I normally would not have my family in public swim area at all, but when traveling getting to play in a pool at the end of the days makes our days more doable, and it means so much to the kids. God cares about these little things!! I am a firm believer that nothing is to big that God cannot handle nor to small that he does not care!!
Well I believe that pretty much is our traveling how-tos is a nut shell.
Hope this you find this helpful in your traveling or ate last an entertaining read at the least!! :)
Here is one final tip, if you travel don't stress, just take it all to the Lord in prayer! He is with you where ever you go!! Our ever present Helper, Protector, and Guide!
In Him,
Mae
Friday, April 10, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
packing/road-trip/seven kids/schooling
Packing for 4 day road trip.
That is what I am suppose to be doing right now anyway.
Fun huh!? I wish!
Packing for 2 adults and 7 children ( of course they do most of their own packing, but still I over-see it all, and make sure all is in order)
And knowing that in just few short days, we will be all stuck in van ( all nine of us) for 4 VERY LONG days. ( seems long anyway with all the noise, little ones, fussing, big ones sometimes arguing, some sometimes sick)
Then at the end of the 4 loooooong days on the road, a month at a home away form home, schooling ( though we are trying very hard to get as much as possible done now, so we will have less to do then), and all my other mommy duties! Oh fun!! not!
Not the best attitude going into a trip like this which is always excited for the rest of my crew.
So I am working on changing that.
I am taking it to the Lord in prayer. ( Isn't that so awesome how we can take EVERYTHING to Him, and he understands, cares, and provides all the help you need)
Praying that He will give me the endurance I need for this trip, patience when the little ones are fussing and going crazy, and a good dose of humour to handle it all!
Also praying for joy as well. JOY in stead of DREAD ( yes, I have been dreading this trip ever since our last one)
And praying that some ones life will be touched by our presence, either on the trip or at our destination. That God will bring great things out of what normally would be a long, hard, weary trip. ( unless that is you love traveling with a van load of young-ones that get tried of being on the road after just one hour!)
Praying that we can be a blessing to others, and that others will be a blessing and encouragement to us as well. And that we will be witness for Him everywhere we go. so that others can see Him in us.
Praying for His protection over us as we travel, and with those sharing the road with us.
So in just few days this big ol' 15 passenger van will hit the road, ready or not!
To traveling across many a miles, and different states, stopping at gas stations, rest-stops, restaurants, and at the end of the weary, long days and biggest highlight of the day, a motel with a swimming pool!! ( if we are lucky)
There is few bright spots in road trips: for the kids it is restaurants and swimming pools.
For me it is having sit-down time for reading my Bible, taking notes and letter writing, and reading good books! ( busy moms now what that's like) I try to make the most of all that sitting time.
If you have a road trip coming up soon too, I hope and pray you too can find joy and peace of mind in it all. I wish you all the best in your travels! And I know God will be with you where ever you go!
And don't forget, nothing is to great that our God can not handle or two small that He does not care, so carry all your troubles and concerns to Him! ( the One who holds the world in His hands!)
In Him, Mae
That is what I am suppose to be doing right now anyway.
Fun huh!? I wish!
Packing for 2 adults and 7 children ( of course they do most of their own packing, but still I over-see it all, and make sure all is in order)
And knowing that in just few short days, we will be all stuck in van ( all nine of us) for 4 VERY LONG days. ( seems long anyway with all the noise, little ones, fussing, big ones sometimes arguing, some sometimes sick)
Then at the end of the 4 loooooong days on the road, a month at a home away form home, schooling ( though we are trying very hard to get as much as possible done now, so we will have less to do then), and all my other mommy duties! Oh fun!! not!
Not the best attitude going into a trip like this which is always excited for the rest of my crew.
So I am working on changing that.
I am taking it to the Lord in prayer. ( Isn't that so awesome how we can take EVERYTHING to Him, and he understands, cares, and provides all the help you need)
Praying that He will give me the endurance I need for this trip, patience when the little ones are fussing and going crazy, and a good dose of humour to handle it all!
Also praying for joy as well. JOY in stead of DREAD ( yes, I have been dreading this trip ever since our last one)
And praying that some ones life will be touched by our presence, either on the trip or at our destination. That God will bring great things out of what normally would be a long, hard, weary trip. ( unless that is you love traveling with a van load of young-ones that get tried of being on the road after just one hour!)
Praying that we can be a blessing to others, and that others will be a blessing and encouragement to us as well. And that we will be witness for Him everywhere we go. so that others can see Him in us.
Praying for His protection over us as we travel, and with those sharing the road with us.
So in just few days this big ol' 15 passenger van will hit the road, ready or not!
To traveling across many a miles, and different states, stopping at gas stations, rest-stops, restaurants, and at the end of the weary, long days and biggest highlight of the day, a motel with a swimming pool!! ( if we are lucky)
There is few bright spots in road trips: for the kids it is restaurants and swimming pools.
For me it is having sit-down time for reading my Bible, taking notes and letter writing, and reading good books! ( busy moms now what that's like) I try to make the most of all that sitting time.
If you have a road trip coming up soon too, I hope and pray you too can find joy and peace of mind in it all. I wish you all the best in your travels! And I know God will be with you where ever you go!
And don't forget, nothing is to great that our God can not handle or two small that He does not care, so carry all your troubles and concerns to Him! ( the One who holds the world in His hands!)
In Him, Mae
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
It's all about Him
I just love thinking about God, and reading and meditaing on His Word.
I love thinking about how our lives belong completely to Him
How He wants us to live our lives.
And how everything we do should be about Him and for Him.
It is not about us at all.
It is all about Him.
It is about how He wants us to live our lives.
What He wants us to do and not to do.
Where He wants us to go, or not go.
The thoughts He wants us to have.
Yep, it's all about Him.
It's not about us, our wants, our plans, or what we think is right.
It is about what plans He has for us.
What He says is right.
What kind of friends He wants us to keep.
How He wants us to raise out families.
It is about Him.
It is not about me and you.
It is all about God.
The One who created, and breathed life in to us!
He is the reason we are here.
It is only because of Him that we live, breath, and move.
All about Him, nothing more and nothing less!
Our life belongs to completely Him.
We are here to serve, honor, adore, and worship Him.
How He wants, and the way He wants us to worship Him.
Not our way, not the way we think we should, but His way.
And His way leads to life everlasting.
I am so glad it is not about me.
It is my honor and joy to love, obey, serve, and worship Him in all I do!
To put him first in everything.
To seek him diligently each and everyday.
Putting all my trust in Him.
Knowing He holds me safe and secure in His hands.
Giving my life completely to God.
For Him to use as He desires and pleases.
Because I know it's all about Him, and not me.
And that one very glorious day I join Him in heaven.
Yes, what a glorious day that will be when we see Jesus coming in the clouds to take us home to ever be with Him in Paradise!
So live your life too for God, and God alone.
In Him,
Mae
I love thinking about how our lives belong completely to Him
How He wants us to live our lives.
And how everything we do should be about Him and for Him.
It is not about us at all.
It is all about Him.
It is about how He wants us to live our lives.
What He wants us to do and not to do.
Where He wants us to go, or not go.
The thoughts He wants us to have.
Yep, it's all about Him.
It's not about us, our wants, our plans, or what we think is right.
It is about what plans He has for us.
What He says is right.
What kind of friends He wants us to keep.
How He wants us to raise out families.
It is about Him.
It is not about me and you.
It is all about God.
The One who created, and breathed life in to us!
He is the reason we are here.
It is only because of Him that we live, breath, and move.
All about Him, nothing more and nothing less!
Our life belongs to completely Him.
We are here to serve, honor, adore, and worship Him.
How He wants, and the way He wants us to worship Him.
Not our way, not the way we think we should, but His way.
And His way leads to life everlasting.
I am so glad it is not about me.
It is my honor and joy to love, obey, serve, and worship Him in all I do!
To put him first in everything.
To seek him diligently each and everyday.
Putting all my trust in Him.
Knowing He holds me safe and secure in His hands.
Giving my life completely to God.
For Him to use as He desires and pleases.
Because I know it's all about Him, and not me.
And that one very glorious day I join Him in heaven.
Yes, what a glorious day that will be when we see Jesus coming in the clouds to take us home to ever be with Him in Paradise!
So live your life too for God, and God alone.
In Him,
Mae
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
singing His Word
"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.1
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.1
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" Deuteronomy 6:6-7
What a better way to keep God's Word in your mouth and pouring out of it to your children than singing God's Word.
If you are working on memorizing Bible verses a great way to learn them is to sing them I have found, and in doing so your children hear the verses at the same time. They can learn them along with you too. Or even if they don't actually learn the verse so they can say it from memory, they are at least hearing His Word.
I go around the house singing off Bibles verses when ever I think of it. I either sing the verses I am currently learning, or refreshing my memory on the past verse I have learned.
Keeps my memory up on all the verse I have learned, keeps me happy and cheerful, and my children are hearing His Word.
Also I sing out little bits of different hymns, like the chorus of the hymns. I don't carry a tune, and I know it probably don't sound the greatest, but that isn't what matters I know, so I am ok!!!
If I can do it, you can too! :)
So belch out those Bible verses hiding in your memory , and let God's Word come flowing out of your mouth continually!!
In Him,
Mae
Monday, February 2, 2015
winter fun
Here it is 13 degrees F right now where we live. It is still not very cold, but has cooled off from what we had last week. For a couple weeks in January we had plus temperatures. Some days it was even up 50F. One particular day like that, we found out it was 10 degrees warmer than it was where my brother lives in Texas. Pretty neat! It was nice having that warmer weather, giving us break in the winter. Was much easy getting the little ones dressed to go outside. One down fall though was that meeker amount of snow we did have melted mostly gone. So now we are waiting for more snow for the ski hill to open again.
One up note though is that during the warm weather we ended up with running water in an area out in the woods. Then when our temps dropped again, we were left with a frozen skating rink. What great delight for the children! we now have our own ice rink! a nice gift from God. They will just have to keep the snow cleaned, and will have a wonderful rink all winter now!
School is going great with 4 students in grades, 9,6,4, and 2. Oh and pre-k, can't miss dear Anna!!
Benjamin is our lively 3 year old who loves to get into mischief.
Our youngest little "big" guy is growing fast, getting around every where, and super lovable and huggable is now over 8 months. Gotta love Daniel!!
I know haven't been posting as I should, and as I would like too, but with school keeps me busy. Plus I also have the great honor of helping to organize an above Rubies ladies retreat here in my area. I am so excited about being apart of this wonderful event for moms, and wives. It will be a time of encouragement, inspiration, relaxation, and meeting with other like minded mommas. I praise the Lord for this great opportunity! I am so excited about the upcoming retreat and have been having lots of fun planning and organizing. But that has been keeping me a tad bit busier than usual.
Well I will keep posting here as I can.
Take care, and God bless!
In Him,
Mae
One up note though is that during the warm weather we ended up with running water in an area out in the woods. Then when our temps dropped again, we were left with a frozen skating rink. What great delight for the children! we now have our own ice rink! a nice gift from God. They will just have to keep the snow cleaned, and will have a wonderful rink all winter now!
School is going great with 4 students in grades, 9,6,4, and 2. Oh and pre-k, can't miss dear Anna!!
Benjamin is our lively 3 year old who loves to get into mischief.
Our youngest little "big" guy is growing fast, getting around every where, and super lovable and huggable is now over 8 months. Gotta love Daniel!!
I know haven't been posting as I should, and as I would like too, but with school keeps me busy. Plus I also have the great honor of helping to organize an above Rubies ladies retreat here in my area. I am so excited about being apart of this wonderful event for moms, and wives. It will be a time of encouragement, inspiration, relaxation, and meeting with other like minded mommas. I praise the Lord for this great opportunity! I am so excited about the upcoming retreat and have been having lots of fun planning and organizing. But that has been keeping me a tad bit busier than usual.
Well I will keep posting here as I can.
Take care, and God bless!
In Him,
Mae
Friday, January 30, 2015
dissapearing posts
Just a quick post to explain why at one occasion you may visit my blog and read my posts, and then visit back at another time, and see a certain post has disappeared.
Well if you have ever noticed that and wondered why. Well here is the explanation for that.
Sometimes I have written something in haste, and later when I have had more time to think, I realize maybe I should not have wrote that. Maybe it was not very edifying or encouraging, or something. So then I take that post off.
If I would spend more time in prayer and thought before posting, the chance of that happening would be less I know. Think and pray!
Well there you have it. You now know the mystery for disappearing posts.
In Him,
Mae
Well if you have ever noticed that and wondered why. Well here is the explanation for that.
Sometimes I have written something in haste, and later when I have had more time to think, I realize maybe I should not have wrote that. Maybe it was not very edifying or encouraging, or something. So then I take that post off.
If I would spend more time in prayer and thought before posting, the chance of that happening would be less I know. Think and pray!
Well there you have it. You now know the mystery for disappearing posts.
In Him,
Mae
Thursday, January 15, 2015
True beauty
I try my hardest not to go to the yahoo's home or main page, but when I switch from my one e-mail account to the next it brings me to the yahoo's main page against my will anyway.
And there I ended up having to see all the news clips of the celebrities , movie stars and such.
The head lines that go with their pictures almost always go something like this.
~ She awed the audience with this dress (which is very low cut, tight, and most likely a slit all the way up the side)
~ got the looks in this short skirt
~ she still looks great in this bikini at 60!
~ caught every one's attention at the award night with this out-fit ( which is tight and short)
~ stunned the audience in this daring out-fit! ( very low-cut bodice, with cut-outs here and there)
~ she turns heads in this hot new dress
You get the picture.
Skimpy, sexy, and fashionable. It is all about the outward appearance. That is the world's beauty it seems. And this is short-lived, and does not bring true joy or lasting happiness at all.
That is certainly not what I want for my girls. I want my girls to have God's beauty. I want them to know what true beauty is all about.
True beauty comes from the inside out.
It comes from knowing, loving, and obeying God.
It comes form a life completely consumed with God.
And from a changed life in Christ.
A life filled with joy, peace, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment that only comes from serving and walking with God.
True beauty comes from humbleness, modesty, politeness, kindness, patience, godliness, honesty, being sincere, ect.. ect...
You get the picture. True and lasting beauty comes only from God, and living a Christ like life.
And this is what I want for my girls. I want them to know they do not need the latest fashions, or dress skimpy to be beautiful. And they do not need to catch all the guys attention. Only one good Christian guy that will fall head over heals in love with them, and be their loving husband till death do part them is all they need.
May your life be filled to the brim with God's beauty too!
In Him,
Mae
And there I ended up having to see all the news clips of the celebrities , movie stars and such.
The head lines that go with their pictures almost always go something like this.
~ She awed the audience with this dress (which is very low cut, tight, and most likely a slit all the way up the side)
~ got the looks in this short skirt
~ she still looks great in this bikini at 60!
~ caught every one's attention at the award night with this out-fit ( which is tight and short)
~ stunned the audience in this daring out-fit! ( very low-cut bodice, with cut-outs here and there)
~ she turns heads in this hot new dress
You get the picture.
Skimpy, sexy, and fashionable. It is all about the outward appearance. That is the world's beauty it seems. And this is short-lived, and does not bring true joy or lasting happiness at all.
That is certainly not what I want for my girls. I want my girls to have God's beauty. I want them to know what true beauty is all about.
True beauty comes from the inside out.
It comes from knowing, loving, and obeying God.
It comes form a life completely consumed with God.
And from a changed life in Christ.
A life filled with joy, peace, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment that only comes from serving and walking with God.
True beauty comes from humbleness, modesty, politeness, kindness, patience, godliness, honesty, being sincere, ect.. ect...
You get the picture. True and lasting beauty comes only from God, and living a Christ like life.
And this is what I want for my girls. I want them to know they do not need the latest fashions, or dress skimpy to be beautiful. And they do not need to catch all the guys attention. Only one good Christian guy that will fall head over heals in love with them, and be their loving husband till death do part them is all they need.
May your life be filled to the brim with God's beauty too!
In Him,
Mae
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