In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Sunday, July 12, 2009

Road Trip

Here I am writing in the wee hours of the morning when really I should be doing other things like sleeping, but I can't because of pain. I could also be packing but it is too early to start such a task without waking the house. You see, today I am leaving on a 10-11 day trip to go visit my daughter in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. My oldest daughter and her 10 year old daughter and my youngest son, are taking this road trip with me.

If you have read my recent posts, then you know that the 3 of them just flew here to Minnesota last Wednesday. My days and nights have been filled with such crazy fun(and work :) since then. My oldest son, who is the only one that doesn't live out of state, has spent much time here with us also, which is a delight because he is usually so darn busy. I have been soaking in their smiles, their laughter, their fun and the wonderful conversations...it's amazing to watch your children grow into these wonderful grown adults...to hear their idea's...to see how they've changed and are blossoming into their own.

I love our open carefree relationships. I love that they too love my husband and that he loves them...that he thinks they are great. I see them standing in front of me and my heart bursts with such joy at being able to hug them and just be with them. Wow. They never cease to amaze me.

When my children come home, the atmosphere in our home changes. They fill our home with such laughter and joy...they add to what is already here but with each of their own special twists. The little people completely adore, love and basically worship each one of them. They have stayed up way past their bedtimes for the past 4 nights. They have played their hearts out together...the sounds of the giggling and playing together is like music to my ears. To say that my children have stepped up to the plate as aunts, uncles or big sisters or brothers, whatever you would like to call them, is an understatement. They are amazing with them. And to watch this, bring such joy to my husband and I, that it brings tears to my eyes, even now, as I write this.

They, more then anyone else know first hand the value of what we are doing, because they know what would be for these little people, if we weren't doing this. They support 100% what we are doing in raising the little people. In doing so, they have shared me and given up time with me. I know it's been hard. I know it's been hard for them not to get angry at their step sister. I know that they have worried about us and been concerned about how doing this could affect my marriage. I know that for my youngest children, who were most affected by this choice, it was not easy in those early months. They seen first hand the struggles that we endured...they seen the tears and the task at hand for what it was.

Taking on raising the little people changed things. It costs money, energy and time to raise them. It's meant that I have not been able to fly out for visits. It's meant that they share me and if you know little people at all, you know they are selfish creatures, that take up a lot of time and energy. It has meant that whenever we are together, the little people are too. Yet, they have done it with such grace and love for me and them. Can you see the beauty in this?

My oldest granddaughter and I have always been close. I used to fly to Florida every year and be with her for her birthday. I used to have lots and lots of one on one time with her. The little people changed all that. While she adores and love the two of them in a very big way and they her...actually I think they worship her...I know it's been hard on her. I know she misses what used to be. And yes, there are times I do too...yet she never ever complains.

Many months ago, when the time frame for summer visits was set up, my husband and I talked about the idea of me doing something, like this road trip, with my children and oldest granddaughter, separate from the little people, to give us time alone. He seen the importance of this and while I have not complained(out loud anyways :)he knows that I have missed time with just my children. See, what an amazing man I'm married to? Only 2 of my children were able to take this much time off of work to take this trip to see their sister, so the only thing better would be that the other 2 and my 2 year old grandson, could have made this trip. On a side note, my youngest daughter and 2 year old grandson will be flying in 2 days after we get back for a whole flippin week!!! Which in the long run works best because he(and his mom) are best buddy's to the little people. In fact if you ask little lady who her best friends are she names both of them. Precious.

Many pieces had to come together in order to do this...finding people to care for the little people while we are gone because my husband works too long of days...taking time off of work, which means lack of income while I am gone...saving up money to actually go...getting myself strong enough to take a trip because of my physical pain...I think you get the picture.

Hence, the pieces have all come together. We worked hard putting them all together and now the day has come...our time has come...and while I am apprehensive about leaving my precious little people for so long, I know my sisters and their husbands will take wonderful care of them and they will have a blast. Both of these couples are like the grandparents, that we don't get to be so I know I have nothing to worry about. The only piece that hasn't come together is my pain levels but I will not let this stop me. What will be, will be, no matter where I am, so I will take each day as it comes.

While I have my little people packed up to go later today, I still have not packed.I do not like packing and it seems like I am always the last one. Our home has been filled with lots of company coming to visit my visitors, so you know what that means...I have been running around with my head cut off, cooking, cleaning and having a good time. We will leave sometime this morning, after I have packed and filled up my little people with too many hugs and kissed.

We will drive the 20 hours, straight through, so if all goes well, I will be hugging my middle daughter tomorrow afternoon. I can hardly wait. I love road trips. Yes, even in pain, I am looking forward to the drive...to just having the time to just sit and talk and listen. I am so looking forward to this time with them in this beautiful place for entire week. I know the time will pass all too quickly. I know that I will soak up every single moment and cherish the beauty of this gift of time with just them.

I am not sure if I will get online or not. It all depends on how busy they keep me and how much "down" time we have. Don't be surprised if I stop by your place a time or two...most likely when I can't sleep at night. As I set out on this journey, I just want to say thank you for stopping by my place so loyally and faithfully...for the love and support you show me in your words, hugs and smiles.

Now that the troops are awake and my home is filled with the craziness that exists when all are awake, it's time for me to pack and love on some little people and a most wonderful man that has given me such a wonderful gift. Have a great week...I know I will be. Hugs and all the love of the universe to each of you!

25 comments:

Laura said...

Have a wonderful roadtrip and visit. What a wonderful opportunity to get back to this aspect of your life. Savor the sounds and words of this trip.

Bogey said...

In all seriousness, I had to step away after reading your post to collect myself. Back in May, when I wrote my 'Heroes' pieces, you were the type of woman I had in mind when I was thinking about not having my mother in my life. What I mean to say is, I would have slept on the floor of a one room shack, doing whatever was necessary to be able to have lived with my mother. The trials and tribulations would have long been a thing of the past if I could have had only a small portion of what you presented here today. I cannot even begin to express my admiration to you for all that you have done to keep your family intact. To allow them to see the sometimes necessary struggle to keep families together. You are beginning to live the end results of all of your hard work, commitment and unconditional love you have for your children. This is something the children of celebrities will never, ever understand. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes today. They are tears of gratitude to know that there are women out there willing to makes such grand sacrifices. To not abandon the chilren they bore regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

With all of my heart, I pray that God slows down the hands of time so you can enjoy every blessed morment with your children. You have left them with a legacy they will be proud to hand off to their own children. Love and Hugs to you Lori....and God Bless you!

Bookworm said...

How wonderful you have all this family. They are the patchwork that makes up the fabric of your life. The roadtrip sounds awesome. Good for you to spend some time with those and give your husband some time with the little ones. Grandparents raising grandchildren is an entirely different challenge. Good for you and enjoy your trip!! :)

Nancy said...

You are a very special person to take on the care and raising of your small grandchildren. You have set the standard for your family, as all mother's do. Your legacy of how to keep a family intact will go far beyond you.

I hope you have a lovely, very well deserved holiday. Couer d Alene is beautiful!

bernthis said...

Hope you have a wonderful trip. 20 hours? that includes bathroom breaks right?

Busy Bee Suz said...

You, of all people deserve a wonderful 'pain free' visit with your family. I hope it is just perfect for all of you...enjoy all your babies and get lots of hugs and kisses!!!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Sending you love and strength and all good things for your well deserved vacation. I hope it's grand!

You are an amazing mom and grandama!!!! Keep up the good work (but rest when you can)!

Safe travels, feel good and PLEASE take lots of pictures to share. xo

Jan said...

Oh, Lori - I'm so sorry you're in pain, but I'm so happy you've had this time with your children and grandchildren and are getting to go on your road trip (I love road trips too!).

I know what you mean about having them all together - at Thanksgiving, we will have ALL of our children together for the first time in a couple of years, and as an added bonus - the first grandson! I'm sooo looking forward to it.

Have a safe trip, my friend, and have a lovely time.

Anonymous said...

Lori, my grandma lives in Coeur d'Alene. We love it there and know you are going to have such a good time. Enjoy!!!! Enjoy!!!! Enjoy!!!! Safe travels.

Krystal said...

You are going to have a great time because you will be doing something you love. I am wishing you nothing but the best on your road trip and hope it is a safe one.

XOXO

rachaelgking said...

Your story and your family are beautiful, my dear. You truly are the epitome of "Rich in love"! :-)

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Have a wonderful trip, my friend. Soak up every drop. :-)

ssg said...

i hope you have a great road trip and an even better time when you get there. I like road trips too, and reading this post, well family can be great. I wish I wasnt so far from mine and hope i get to see them before Christmas. Missed reading you Lori, I hope to be online more!

Debbie said...

It's great that so many things came together for you to take this trip. I hope it is a great one.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Lori!! Hope you have a great day!

Jacquelyn Stager said...

I pray that you have a safe and refreshing road trip and visit with your loved ones. While I don't know your entire story, what I have read convinces me you are quite an amazing woman. God bless you!

Fragrant Liar said...

My granddaughter, Miss America, and I are best buds too. I don't know what I'd do without her. Seriously. I don't.

Enjoy your fabulous trip. Family is always so worth every bit of the time you can give to them. Always.

MGM said...

Dear God, Coeur d'Alene Idaho! I couldn't BE more green with envy! I moved there right after college in 1994 and worked at the Coeur d'Alene resort that summer. My life was a dream, and I was SURE Coeur d'Alene was Heaven! The most gorgeous place in the country, I believe. I spent my summer hiking and camping in the mountains north of there in the uppermost wilderness areas of the panhandle. I still wish and hope that Heaven looks like North Idaho!

Will you drive across the pass through Kellogg? I think that's the town. There is a mountain pass that crosses the Idaho border on that side that is to DIE FOR! My only regret is that I didn't live there longer than four short years!

PLEASE take lots of scenery pics and post them or send them to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you have a FABULOUS time in a slice of Heaven!

Anonymous said...

Hope you're having a wonderful time!!!!

Unknown said...

I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time! If anyone deserves this, it's you.

You are such a wonderful, loving, unselfish person. I don't many people that would do what you have done and I admire you so much for it. I would do if I had to, but I don't know of others that would. I can't imagine what those children's lives would be like had you not taken over.

Take lots and lots of pictures and HAVE fun!!!!!

David said...

I so admire you on so many levels.
I hope you have a wonderful and memorable road trip, and have long lasting loving memories to share and to hold on to forever.

David

gram said...

i know exactly where you are going, i have been there many times over the past 17 years. we work in lewiston, idaho every year and we have visited that beautiful lake many times. i hope you have the best of times with your children. i can't wait to hear about your trip! drive safe and i hope you are feeling better too! take care lori.
hugs,
cheryl

Unknown said...

I hope your trip is going so well. Your husband is amazing to make sure you are well taken care of and adored : ) I love that Lori!

Kathryn Magendie said...

You are a special person.....:)

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