Branson in pictures

Our trip to Branson to see family and celebrate Dad's life was good and hard, full of joy as well as sadness.  I miss him.  I love dad tons and felt his absence.  Here is our visit in photos.

Gary sprinkles dad's ashes into one of dad's favorite spots: Table Rock  Lake.

Gary and Mama Petty

I can not be more thankful for this man.

Lisa, Lori, and Leslie: Gary's step-sisters

Gary practicing for the family photo shoot

The "nice" photo

The silly photo!  This one will go up on the wall!

Could this be her school picture?

My favorite girls.

The boys check out part of Grandpa Larry's Coca-cola collection

Penny wouldn't leave the jukebox.  This girl loves music.

Hotel entertainment.

Garrison was thrilled to take pictures at the Butterfly Palace.

The butterfly landed on my shoulder and wouldn't leave.

Garrison, Simon, Penny, Noel, Naomi, and Luke

Garrison fed a cricket to the turtle.

Mini-golf indoors!  In 105 degree heat this is the way to go.

Swimming in the hotel pool every day.

That is one Big World Pizza.

The largest pizza we've ever seen.

She kept standing over the vents so her dress would poof up. 

Our family picture after the funeral.

Enjoying "the lunch"

The whole family

Noel and Naomi at a swim park: so fun!

Garrison was tall enough to go on the slide.

A visit to Branson wouldn't be complete without seeing Karen.  Miss and love her tons!

The photos behind the photos

I took many many photos of the kids in my efforts to get one of each that was "wall worthy".  I wasn't planning on this photo shoot when we left home, so I didn't choose their outfits--but hey---these are a great reflection of my kids.  Here are some that didn't make the cut, but I still love them and they show some great personality.

 Gary suggested a picture of the kids hanging.  I wasn't sure that Penny could do it, but she surprised us all.  Garrison had the most trouble. . . as you can see!

Simon getting a good grip.

Noel's turn.

Corralling Penny--and encouraging Garrison to hang on!

Gary spotting Penny--yup she is secure!

Garrison beginning to whine.

Penny begins exploring her new found strength!

Garrison beginning to lose his grip and Penny doing a pull-up!  Crazy girl.

And he's done. . . and we're done.  Penny had to be pried off.

God time

God is an active part of my life.  I have tons more to do in my relationship with Him and I know that He has lots more He has to teach me. . . some days I'm more open than others.

Yesterday afternoon I fully experienced the presence of God in a way I never have before.  I can't really even talk about it, not wholly.  It is a moment between the Lord and I.  I'm still thinking about it and trying to remember how my entire body felt.  Yesterday was the funeral service for my friend Ellen.  I blogged about her in the past.  She won the race set before her and is in the presence of our Lord.  Amen!  The Camp Roger community was asked to sing at the service.  What a service!  It was during our singing that God and I enjoyed our time together.  Amazing.

Do you have Holy Moments?  I hope that I continue to receive them, both those that I can describe and share with others, and those that are for our relationship alone.

Photos

Here are the newest photos to grace the living room wall.  Love these kids!

What do I do?

I've been pondering my future.  I love my job, but I also know that someday I'll have another.  I'm not sure whether that is three years or ten years in the future.  Perhaps I'm thinking about this because I am strongly realizing that I'm entering a new season of my life this fall.  Two of my kids will be going to school all day every day.  My days, which have been much the same for the past seven years, will suddenly be different.  I'm ready, but I'm also. . . hesitant, pondering, excited, sad, and proud.  I am very aware that this time in my life is fleeting and I am working to enjoy it.  I love my four kids and love being with them.  The benefits of my job are awesome and I wouldn't trade it.  It works for me, and  I bless God for it.  I am excited as I enter this new season to be a Bible Study leader at our church for the first time.  The time has come and I'm eager to walk through that door and continue learning and growing in God.

I do know what I'm NOT going to do.  This past week at VBS a very sweet woman sat down next to me and asked if I did a "program".  "What is a program?"  I asked.  She indicated that she is on the planning committee for a fabulous group of seniors (a huge part of my heart by the way) and she wondered if I'd like to come and do a program "you know, because you are so funny".  I said that "no, I don't have a program that I do, but she could ask me again in the future."  I thought about it more this past week-end and came to the conclusion that I am not a program girl.  I'm not a comedian or fashionista.  I don't have "bits" nor do I have the desire to do this.  It does make me laugh and feel great that she thought to ask of me.  I think God knew I needed a little kick last week.  :)

Mom in da house!

I talked with my mom today.  I know, no big deal right.  Except that YES, it is a big deal.  My mom left last week Wednesday (right mom?  All I know is that it was a long time ago!) for a little vacation.  I'm thankful that she could go.  I'm thankful that she has a best friend.  I'm thankful that planes can take us so many places in this world.  You get it--I'm thankful.  Good.

But I don't like it when my mom goes away.  I don't usually talk with her every day.  We may even go a week without talking or seeing each other.  BUT, I know that she is there if I need her.  I found myself over the past week and a half wanting to quick talk with her about something or share something funny with her or ask her a question.  I can't do that now because I have forgotten everything.  Sheesh.  I couldn't contact her via e-mail either.  No texting.  No cans with a string in between.  There is a huge distance between Michigan and Washington.

So welcome back mom.  I went to her house today for just a moment (who wants visitors the day after vacation?!?) and hugged her.  I'm sure she wanted to see her grandkids so I brought them along.  She gave them cookies.  She always has cookies in the freezer.  We love them. . . except Penny who just licks the frosting off of the top.  Always.  Always cookies.  Always licking.  Always.  I'm glad she is back because I like her. . . Always.

Thanks un-known lady

I posted a few months ago that I had only three pair of shorts.  This has become a bit of a problem because it is a HOT summer.  Hot.  I can't be wearing my only pair of jeans rolled up.

So, on Tuesday I lunched with ladies.  It was lovely.  When you lunch with ladies you can use the word lovely.  And delicious.  You can also eat slowly, not wash others faces when you are done, listen to a whole conversation without hearing the words poop or underwear, and sit down the entire time.   I really enjoyed being with the Bible Study leaders from our church.  We prayed and brainstormed about next year.  It is all just so exciting!

Since I had a babysitter I thought I'd do a few errands BY MYSELF.  What a treat.  One stop I made was at Ditto--a local thrift store.  It was there that I found them.

Dear un-known lady,
Thanks so much for donating your jeans.  They are in great shape.  I don't know if you grew too large (boo) or too small (good job!) for them.  I know you didn't get sick of them.  How could you?  They are in very great shape, and they fit me perfectly.  I wish I could meet you because I think we look the same.  See I noticed right away that these are tailored.  They aren't just tailored like I tailor my jeans with some safety pins and an occasional piece of duct tape.  No--these have been taken in at the waist.  I'm so sorry that you struggle with the same problem that I have.  We can say it--claim it--own it.  We have big asses you and I, and not in the good Beyonce kind of way.  It's o.k.  I've come to terms with it and am working to get rid of some of it.  I have a bit of a dilemma though because I've never heard of this brand before and I can't even pronounce it.  I wish I knew where to get another pair.  I have a confession to make though--I cut them off.  I don't have many shorts and am now wearing these new-to-me shorts.  Thanks for making my day.  Shanda

Just fall asleep already

10:00 p.m. on a Wednesday night.  Three of the ducks are still quacking.  Gary has been gone for three days and won't be returning until late on Friday.

Just go to sleep little ones.

I'm doing well, holding up quite well as a matter of fact.  I think God is giving me extra.  Thanks.  There are times though when I just am done.  Tonight.  Right now.  I'm done.  It is probably more mental than anything.  I know as night comes that I just need to have a little more patience, do a few more jobs, brush a few more teeth and read a few more books and then. . . I won't be an active mom.  So when things get pushed back, it is hard to make the mental change.  I have that when Gary works as well.  I glance at the clock more and more as his work day ends.  I know that when he comes in the door it isn't all me anymore.

Yup, friday night is a-comin'.  Then I won't stir at every sound in the night.  Then I won't double check every door before I go to sleep.  Then I won't call someone to say good-night over the phone.  Then I'll start cooking again.  :)

Here we go camping!

Now let's see, where were we?  :)

Yup, we are back from our whirlwind tour of all things summer.  It has been wonderful and frustrating all in the same breath.  Thankfully we are catching our breath, although I'm still a bit winded.  Gary is out of town for the week.  Once again I tip my hat to all the amazing single mamas and papas who are doing this day in and day out.  I know that my honey will return to me.  I can also call him in the middle of the day to just chat.  So many don't have that luxury.

So, this past week-end we went camping.  We actually went real camping.  Tent camping.  With no electricity.  I'll admit that there were toilets (a great luxury in my opinion!).  We set up on a group site with four other families.  In all there were ten adults and eighteen kids that invaded Platte River National Park Campground. 

It was glorious.

It was awful.

Glorious--I can't begin to fill the pages of the great things.  We saw baby raccoons in the trash bin.  We played for hours in the river.  We played for hours on the beach.  My kids got to know other kids and learned how to be better friends.  We love our new tent.  We made up games.  We cooked for others and others cooked for us.  We sat around the campfire laughing and sharing memories.  Our entire family slept in a tent together.  The post-camping shower was one of my best ever--thus cementing the fun had during the hot and dusty week-end.  Our kids slept in!  I discovered a new packing system that worked for us.  I didn't run out of Diet Mountain Dew.  We prayed together.  We listened to a story called "Poopy in the desert."  I watched my children's faces every time my friend Dave said the word "poopy".  I had some great meaningful conversations.  My children didn't get hurt.  We tubed down the river.  We saw a snake.  Noel caught a crayfish.  Simon realized that he can in fact ride a bike. Glorious things.  Love it.

Awful:  Picture it.  Night 3.  1:30ish a.m. Penny wakes up screaming and can not be consoled.  Nothing is working.  Gary and I are frantic. . . o.k. I am frantic.  Gary is rather calm.  I'm beside myself because WE ARE IN A TENT and every one of our friends can hear us.  Everyone.  We are waking up 22 people.  I finally grab Penny and the car keys, fumble with the zipper (the only bad thing on a tent in my opinion!) and hurriedly march down the path.  No glasses.  No shoes (ouch).  No plan.  As soon as we are outside Penny smiles (this does not help) and says, "Simon sleeping.  Garrison sleeping.  Noel sleeping."  Yup, not right now.  I make it to the car, get her buckled in, and hop in the front seat.  Then I cry.  This is not the little cry, but the sobbing with your head hanging down cry.  I calm down and we wait together in silence.  I'm weighing my options: do I drive around sans shoes and glasses?  Do we go back to the tent?  Do we sleep in here?  I asked her.  "Penny, do you want to sleep in the car or in the tent?"  "Car."  Oops, I forgot the rule in giving choices.  I need to be o.k. with both options.  I do not want to sleep in the car.  I wait a few minutes and then ask this question "Penny, do you want to go to the tent to sleep now or in two minutes."  "Now."  I get her out and we return.  My sweet hubby has left the lantern on so I can easily find my way back.  I set her in the tent and she crawls to her bed and falls asleep immediately.  IMMEDIATELY.  I shake my head and cry a little with Gary.
BUT
All is not awful.  The next morning, what had seemed awful to me in the middle of the night, was not.  My friends were very gracious.  They were very understanding.  They totally got it.  Most of them were awakened, listened to the events, felt bad for the Spricks, and went back to sleep.  We hadn't ruined their nights.  We were o.k.  There were even a few who hadn't heard a thing.  I learned again that things always seem worse in the middle of the night.
So there was one truly awful thing.  After living in the heat wave for four days, after not taking any showers, after packing up our belongings in some humidity. . . my hubby was. . . ahem. . . stinky.  I made him keep his arms down the whole way home.  Do not wave.  Do not lift anything.  I of course smelled like flowers.

So we made it.  We showered and scrubbed sand out of our hair.  I gave Gary a much deserved hug.  We watched a lot of videos.  We did lots of smelly laundry and we put away the tent.  It was great.

Is this girl mine? :)

Noel celebrated her birthday while we were camping.  We made cupcakes and brought them with us.  It was wonderful.

She received a gift card from Grandma Karen to Target.  $25.00  I love going with my kids to Target when they get a gift card.  It can be exasperating, but it is really interesting to see what they are interested in, to teach them about money, and just to see the wheels turn in their heads.  Noel carefully made her choices.  I tried to steer her in the direction of a sleeping bag, but no. . . twas not to be.  She made her picks and boy are we different.  :)

Lip Gloss--don't like it.  Sticky and shiny.  Looks great on others, but I'm uncomfortable.

Gum--not a fan.  I snap it all the time and after about 10 minutes, I'm done.

Smelly Lotion--I love love love lotion, but not smelly stuff.  It gives me a headache.

Lip Gloss--there were three total.  THREE!

Barbie Movie--I don't even need to comment here about how much I will be avoiding watching the Barbie movie.

Purple Pouch--Do women even say the would pouch?

Glitter Lotion--Um. . .there will not be glitter on purpose on my skin.  (She put it liberally on her face--beautiful!)

Love her and loved seeing her excitement about her birthday gifts.  Thanks Grandma Karen!  You gave her so much excitement.

I just want to go to the bathroom!

I know, I know--I'm talking about bathroom stuff again.  "sigh"  Well, when you live in my house, with my kids and my fabulous hubby whose initials are GAS, that is something that you talk about--in appropriate ways and at appropriate times (well, we try anyway!)  It doesn't help that Penny often announces that she has a "poo-poo pants".  I think she announces it every time she pees, poops, or toots.  We tend to hear it often.  The boys think the word "underwear" is the most hilarious thing every.  We are working on it.  But I digress.

This is about me.  Me Me Me.  Being a mom is a selfless kind of job--there is very little of you to go around and you don't have much time for yourself.  Sadly, my bathroom time has been infringed upon way to much in the past three days and I just feel the need to share.

I didn't need to blog when two of my children came to find me and ask if they could have a snack.  "Can you wait until I'm done in the bathroom and then I'll come and help you?  Thanks."
I didn't need to blog when one child repeatedly called over and over and louder and louder while I kept shouting at higher and higher decibels in return "I'm in the bathroom!"  The emergency?  "I didn't know where you were."
I didn't need to blog when, while visiting a friend on Sunday, her sweet daughter appeared in the bathroom to chat about how she was going to "share one of her things with Micah because he didn't have any and she had four."
I didn't feel the urge to run to the computer when the phone rang-twice in three days while I've been sitting.
Spilled cereal--nope.  Penny climbing on the counter--nope.  All of these seemed typical, normal, everyday. Marion delivering my eggs this afternoon--nope.

What happened today sent me over the edge.  I've been mentioning to my family that I would really just like to go to the bathroom in peace.  In fact, I tried this morning and was bothered too much so I asked Gary to stay a few minutes before leaving for work so I could "quickly do my business".  Is my language bothering you?  Sorry.  No, this afternoon took the cake.  I quickly went--I announced it to the kids "Hey, I'm going to quick use the bathroom.  I'll be right back."  When I came back, there she was.  Penny.  Bent over the kitchen floor with the syrup bottle in her hand.  She is so quick that stinker.  She had poured most of the bottle out and was eating it.  I grabbed her, took the bottle away, and sent her out of the kitchen so she wouldn't play in it anymore.   This was not the best strategy, although I'm not sure what would be.  I had syrup on my shoes now.  What was worse is that she had syrup everywhere and was walking around the house!

The floor has been mopped four times already (still sticky spots), the rug is in the washing machine, Penny's hair is in tangles, her dress was on the floor and got stuck on a shoe that carried it around a bit, I'm finding random stickiness on Penny and on myself and syrup is on the grocery list.  I'm anticipating finding most exact spots of syrup on the carpet when the ants show up tomorrow.  They have a very keen interest in syrup.  Her hair, dress, hands, legs, feet, chin. . . oh it was one sticky (and adorable of course) event.

I'm laughing now, although I still would just like to be able to go to the bathroom in peace.

Sometimes

Sometimes you just bite your tongue while eating ice cream.  Sometimes you are just really tired so you cry a little easier. Sometimes the ice cream fixes your tongue and it just stops bleeding.  True stories.

Did you miss me?  I've missed blogging.  I've been gone for awhile.  We've been busy camping, traveling, grieving, celebrating, laughing and bonding as a family.  Gary hasn't been to his paid job for two weeks.  He's been working hard though.

I have many adventures to share, perhaps I'll even be able to post them.  While we were camping this past week I'd compose blog entries in my head.  I'm hoping that I can remember some of them because I know they were really good.  I even had someone stop me mid story and say, "Wait. . . I'll just read about it on your blog."  Pressure to remember and record!

I do remember that we had an amazing week and stayed hydrated.  I do remember that my bed is one of the best places on earth and I'm excited to visit again tonight.  I do remember how to drive though I've done so very little of it recently.  I do remember that God blesses in different ways than I might expect.  I remember 20 years ago working at the same place where we just returned from: there were memories on every corner. Mostly, I hope I never forget how much I loved watching my kids, swimming with my kids, laughing with my kids, feeding my kids, and just being present with them for a whole week with little else to distract me.

Oh. . . and one more things.  Ice cream fixes tons of problems (we won't discuss the ones it creates--visiting the scale tomorrow morning!).  Yikes!