7 States Down.....

Day 4 of our epic roadtrip /moving trip. We had a great time in Chicago visited great friends.  Bob was the best tour guide.
Even found Wrigley's stadium trying to  dodge the crazy Chicago traffic.  After 2 days in Chicago we said goodbye at night time to Chicago and promised to go visit again.
Then we had the a 17 hour drive ahead of us to be in Fort Worth Texas.  I was informed there is a difference between Fort Worth and Dallas.

We did little stopping through the night to get to St. Louis we did pull over for photo open.  The Archway is cool. After many hours of driving er took a small detour into Kansas yo get another state.
Well Kansas sucks from Emily which I  agree with that statement. We wanted to try a little diner which was only 5 miles out of way.  The Diner  was showcased on diners. Dives, and drive-ins from the Food Network.  No menu food just buffet so we left and got Sonic. 
Back on the road got lost trying to get back to Interstate 44.  Oklahoma was a long drive. Girls got a little restless in the car All day.  Then just wanted to get to Texas so they said no big stops lets go.  It took us about 20 hours from Chicago to Fort Worth Texas... not bad for four girls.

In Texas we have had the best with our old neighbors  and dear friends. Swimming and laundry was my plan. Even got a run in.  My body was nit used to running in 90 degree heat.  Only did 2.6 miles
Run is a run so I am proud I made time for run. 

More on the road later as I snuggle into my hotel bed.

As the box add up

My big yard 

On this quiet morning I hear the birds chirp and the quietness of the sleeping house still sleeps I reflect on my past 4 years in this home. It has been a wonderful home for my children to be grow in. As we close the chapter of our lives in Minnesota.
I am truly blessed to have felt welcomed and loved while my stay here was shorter than I would have first thought when we moved here. On May 1st 2008 at a rainy 40 degrees. That was quite a shock. Even survived 4 winters here too.
As I pack and move to the Pod today. I will fell sadden by the closing of this chapter but also excited to open the next Chapter.
The ultimate road trip. Taking 10 days to get from Minnesota to California. Hoping to get a few cool spots in on the way plus visit with dear friends.

riding bike when the snow melted in March 

In that I say let the moving begin.

Finally.....

The past 9 months have been long. The day has come were my family is whole again. Chris (my other half) has been in California for work while I have been in Minnesota with our 4 daughters. I was pushed into the single parenting for a time. I will honestly say it was a huge challenge for me. I was humbled in realizing it does not make you weak to ask for help. I did have a huge support team with my Church Family. Sometimes all I needed was a hug and a comforting "You are doing great"


The girls and I did have adventures and made due with only having Mom. Good thing for Video Chat so the girls could see their Dad. Love all the technology which can help bridge the gap of the miles apart.

Now our new adventure starts. This time next week we start our drive to California! Yes I said a drive with a family of 6. Going to make it has fun as I can. Hope my camera can keep up. Yes I love to photograph all our moments. This one is an epic one so many pictures will be taken. Thinking need one for every state we enter. I am excited to show my girls our great nation, with how vast and different each region can be. Starting out in Minnesota and passing through Texas then going on to California.

The Girls with their Dad 

We will visit and see some friends and family on our way. Maybe they will even feed us too : ).   Still need to look into towns and different places we should stop and see. I am wanting to make this a little educational. My fourth grader has been doing the States this year for Social Studies so this drive is very interesting to her.

On that note I will leave this with my favorite Bible verse  Romans 5:1-5  http://bible.us/rom5.1-5.niv
 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wet have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And wet boast in the hope of the glory of God.3 Not only so, but wet also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

My Mothers Day with my Girls

After over sleeping. Thank you to a little girl who jumped on my head and woke me up.  As a dash around at 6:30 in the morning to get out the door for Minnesota's Race for the Cure (5k). Which I run for many I love who have had to fight that ugly disease  I love you Mom Toni. Was out the door in 10 minutes. 

At the start line

I had been sick for the past few days so I was debating even running. I had a bad cough and tired a lot. But I woke up in m;y hurry feeling rested and ready to go. As the start of the race got underway I took it easy and I could tell I was running a little fast then normal which I wasn't it was just that I felt that way. Fist mile was a little over 10 minutes. Go me. Next mile I felt really comfortable and went with the pace around me. 2nd mile was around 10 minutes again. Start to get a little tired after that. I finished the race at 32:06.  Glad I did not quit and pushed through. Now my early morning run is done now rush of to home and get ready for Church.

Finished in 32:06

Stopped by and got some Coffee ran into one of my favorites Ladies Sherry from Church Nursery. I was going to get her coffee for Mothers Day but she beat me to the punch and got mine instead. I get home and have breakfast waiting for me. My oldest daughter made me a fried eggs(a little over cooked) wheat toast and strawberries. Since Chris has been gone for work for this year the girls try so hard to keep up with the things they did with their Dad. Chris every year would make a deal for Mother's Day.

My Mommy's Breakfast and all my cards. 

Hannah being baptized 

Hannah right after she was baptized. My happy Girl . 

Then its off to Church. The kiddos I teach on Wednesday night were singing for the Moms. They did a great job. 4 and 5 year old are so cute when they sing. I finally got to sit during service and hear a wonderful story about women in  the Bible. Mary,  Abigail and Ester. After that I got a my proudest moment on my Mother's Day. My second daughter was baptized. She was just bubbling with happiness.

The bought Cake 

The rest of the day I relaxed even bought a cake from the bakery, which is kinda weird for me since I like to bake and do that stuff myself. I ended my great day with a dinner prepared my my oldest daughter. She made chicken Alfredo with shells pasta and veggies. It was a lovely meal.

That is why I loved my Mother's Day. My girls make me so happy.

The card I loved the most. Made me have a giggle. Best or Beast it works for me.