Countdown to Conway

While visiting my dad’s wife’s brother’s wife’s family cottages on picturesque Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, John Freeman asked how many houses they had.  Aunt Carol politely replied in her Chicago accent that they owned eight houses, most of which are rental properties.  To this, John Freeman replied “We don’t even have one house!”

A couple of hours of peace and quiet minus motherly responsibilities was given to me as a gift by the previously mentioned Aunt Carol and her trusty sidekick Uncle Rex.  A massage, time to tinker in a couple of stores, and a leisurely lakeshore walk was just what the doctor ordered. 

Kayaking, tubing, swimming, cookie making, brownie baking, plus a trip to the theater made the to-do list at our lake retreat.  Oh, the beauty of the water this morning as the sun was rising! Thank you, God, for reminding us of your creativity each time we see, smell, or hear the wonders of your world.    

As we top 5,000 miles on our summer tour of adventures, we see the finish line in the near distance.  We’ll spend a couple of days on the farm here in Indiana before making a final pit stop in Memphis to visit my childhood friend and her family.  From there, it’s a straight shot to Arkansas where Jack and I will reunite.  We’ll then cross the border and search for a home in Oxford, Mississippi.  Go Rebels!

Learning the differences between moths and butterflies made for an educational outing at a Madison, Wisconsin conservatory filled with the flying flutterers.  Truth be told, the kids and their cousins just wanted the winged beauties to land on their shoulders, arms, legs, toes, any appendage, as long as it landed on them!  No such luck.  For lunch, we dined at a deli decorated with carnival and fair paraphernalia.  Dessert was a carousel ride on the century old amusement machine with all cousins aboard. 

The countdown to Conway begins.

Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, to be blessed with honest friends … before leaving Louisville, I was informed by a self-appointed editor that my usage of exclamation points is excessive!!!!!!  While our kiddos played at the park, I was educated on appropriate times and places to use the exclamatory mark.  This fabulous friend provided examples for me as far as when the exclamation point was necessary.  (“Mommy, watch me slide.” versus “Mommy, watch me slide!”)

Across the Ohio River we traveled from Kentucky to Indiana.  We were reminded that it’s the simple things in life that mean the most to kids … a trip to Wal-Mart with Papaw, riding his lawnmower around the yard again and again, watering Mamaw’s  flowers, and assisting in the creation of dessert.  Perhaps the highlight of hanging in Waynetown, Indiana, was the rooster that crossed Main Street.  Seriously, it just waddled from one side to the other.  Papaw asked his grandchildren if they knew why the rooster had crossed the road.  “To get to the other side, of course,” they replied.  (We may be from Arkansas/Mississippi but we know a few jokes!)

Lunchtime, naptime, and playtime with cousins Clyde and Patrick in Madison, Wisconsin made for a wonderful Wednesday.  More to come tomorrow.

Touring, Driving, and Resting

“It’s the only day we can go into the city!” I exclaimed, to my dear college friend, warning me of Wednesday’s heat advisories!  Armed with water bottles and snacks, Jill and I left her house herding four kids toward our nation’s capitol.  Fifteen hours later, sweaty and sleepy, we staggered through the door after experiencing more of our nation’s capitol in one day than some people do in a lifetime!  A duck tour on land and the Potomac River, an air-conditioned view inside the Capitol, plus museums and monuments made for a marvelous excursion!

What does it say about me that the highlight of Thursday was being in a convenience store restroom alone as we endured the 10 hour trip from Maryland to Kentucky?!  It wasn’t the décor, just the desolation.  Thank you, God, for that private moment without a request for a snack, movie, drink, book, piece of gum, toy, game, sunglasses, or any other item that makes our adventure complete!

Standing next to a 120 feet tall baseball bat was a thrill for Team O’Keefe.  The Louisville Slugger is the official bat of Major League Baseball and it’s manufactured right here in the birthplace of Lucy and John Freeman!  It’s been a day for recovery and recuperation as our generous hosts open their home to us as family.  I worked for Fred and Gale as a nanny during my college years at UofL.  Here we are two decades later, and they’re still providing me with room and board!!! 

Virginia and Maryland Welcome Team O'Keefe

Before saying good-bye to Cousins Palermo in Charlottesville, the big two kiddos and I paid a visit to the home of our nation’s third President.  Thomas Jefferson had a “huge house” according to John Freeman.  The 11,000 square foot mansion plus 500 acres of gardens, sheds, cottages and quarters, offered an educational peek into our past.  Just hours earlier, we relaxed on the lawn at the University of Virginia, founded by Jefferson, munching on lunch and basking in the warmth of the beautiful campus.

Driving through mountains of Virginia as the sun was setting offered another scenic sight.  The kids were showered and in pjs.  It was smooth sailing until “Mommy, I need to potty!” from the kid in the far back passenger side.  (Deep sigh) We stopped.  We took care of business.  We were back on the road in a matter of minutes.  Again, the scene was breathtaking until … “Mommy, I need to potty!”  (Another deep sigh)  Again, we stopped but this time on the side of the road … (not such a breathtaking scene) … Eventually, our nation’s capitol came into view and we arrived at my college friend’s house.  Jill and Tom live in a picturesque country estate in North Potomac, Maryland. 

A backyard water slide and nearby pool made for Monday fun.  Tuesday touring found us at a playground and on a train ride.  Tomorrow, our nation’s capitol will host Team O’Keefe, minus little two, who will be in the capable care of Martina, Jill’s fabulous au pair from Austria!  Lucy asked if we would get to meet the President?!  Hmmmm …. on this adventure, you never know!!!

Good night John Boy!

As we near the halfway point of our road trip, we continue to wonder where God will have us land in August.  It’s exciting. It’s enticing.  It’s exhausting.  In 24 hours, Jack and I drove from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Winston-Salem where we dropped off H and H in the care of our trusty teenaged nephew and niece.  We then headed south to Charlotte where we left the big two with my college roommate.  A few hours later, we were in Augusta, Georgia, having dinner with friendly folks from Augusta State University.  The next day, I backtracked and picked up kids!  Jack left for Washington to recruit on the west coast.  We already miss him.

This morning, I overheard Henry talking to my sister-in-law’s brother (I know it’s confusing … just stay with me … ).  Over breakfast cereal, Hen asks “Did you know my sister picks at her scabs?”  Take a breath.  “ Have you seen God?  I have!”  Take a breath.  “My Mamaw and Papaw’s cat named Patches, died.”  Take a breath.  We really should listen to children more often.  There are words of wisdom in their innocent speech.

My Virginia cousin entertained us this evening with a scrumptious dinner.  Her daughters entertained the children with games and books.  We have an early morning bike outing planned (adults only!) and then a visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, before trekking to Maryland.  All is quiet now in the mountains near Charlottesville … “Good night John Boy!”   We’re close to Walton’s Mountain!!!

Beach Break

For the last six months, we’ve encouraged, prodded, even bribed Hogan to potty in the toilet.  That’s where the potty goes … in the toilet, not in a diaper, not in underwear but in the toilet.  Today, we totally confused him by giving him permission to potty in the ocean.  His face contorted into a confused grimace.  What?  Potty there?  Do I pull down my pants? 

Lu and Johnny Free continue to practice their swimming in preparation for the Conway Kids’ Triathlon in August.  Henny’s always trying to keep up with big brother and sister so he continues to improve his “three style” swimming.  He’s so proud!

We enjoyed a delicious celebratory dinner tonight at an upscale, white tablecloth bistro.  The children devoured she crab soup while I coerced them into sea scallops plus grilled veggies!  According to the kiddos, we were celebrating opportunity, the beach, birthdays, and family time!!! 

We have more cable channels here than should even be legal and still“The Waltons” takes priority!

We’re on the road again tomorrow evening.  It’s been a beautiful  beach break!

Serenity at Sunrise to Jellyfish Jungle

It was a first for our family this morning as we worshiped seaside!  Shorts, bare feet, and sand between our toes were the norm at the service held on the beach.  Thank you, Lord, that you are more concerned that we DO worship as opposed to when, where, or how we are dressed.  Give us genuine motives, God, to come before you in pure, simple worship sitting alongside the sea, staring in amazement at one of your most magnificent creations.

We could have used a bit of the morning serenity during our evening walk on the beach.  For reasons unbeknownst to us, jellyfish flooded the shoreline.  Supposedly the transparent ones without any red interior are the non-stinging kind.  Tell that to our shrieking and screaming toddlers!  I think they secretly plotted that when one took a breath the other would screech louder!  And then, (pregnant pause) ... the miracle … John Freeman picked up a dead jellyfish, introduced his brothers, and suddenly it was hip to skip jellyfish across the ocean waters!  We expect jellyfish skipping to one day become an Olympic sport!

Quotes of the day … I ask “Did you brush your teeth?”  Son answers “Yes.  I couldn’t find my toothbrush so I just used one of the others.  But I did brush!” 

And if you need an inspirational read, pick up “The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers” by Amy Hollingsworth.  It’s been a soothing beach read full of spiritual insights from the man many say was the world’s most beloved neighbor.

Beach Bums

A ferocious summer storm welcomed us to the beach!  Right on time, the winds blew, the skies opened, and we laughed at the irony … stuck inside on vacation!  Soon after, however, not one, but two miraculous rainbows graced the sky, reminding us of all that is good and true.

Cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk for breakfast (not on the same day of course) top our vacation menu planned by the children!  Sandcastle building, body boarding, and digging a hole as deep as any 8-year old can muster made for a super Saturday in the sand.

Questions of the day: “How does the ocean float?” from Hen. And “Do LEGO guys burp?” from Hogie! 

Let us hear from you!  If absence really does make the heart grow fonder, then know that our fondness for you increases daily! 

Eager to attend worship on the beach tomorrow … God is good and worthy of our praise.

Back Online!

Sporadic internet service at my brother and sister in law’s house resulted in a sabbatical from our blog.  But now we’re back! 

My teenaged nephew and niece are to be commended for answering a thousand questions from curious cousins.   “How many teeth have you lost?  Can I sleep in your room?  Do you have a band?  Want to play catch?  Will you watch me jump off the diving board?”  And that was within the first few minutes of our arrival! 

Although the July 4th rain was much appreciated, the exact time of its arrival canceled our fireworks plans.  That’s when the Fruits family creativity kicked it up a notch!  There were card games, board games, animated animal noise demonstrations, singing, and my personal favorite, sitting on the porch watching it rain!  (And I’m being serious!)

Highlights from our visit included movie time with cousins (Soul Surfer), girls’ day pedicures (missed you Aunt Dana L) , baseball practices, covering the driveway in chalk, Uncle Kevin’s delicious bloomer jacks for breakfast, popsicles, musical concerts by Kendrick and Allie, swimming, cookie baking,  book store browsing, and most of all … being TOGEHER!

As the deli meat dwindled and the snack supply became scarce, I knew our departure time was close!  Food speaks volumes!  We packed and prepared to hit the road again.  We picked up Jack along the way after he recruited at a nearby golf tournament.  En route to our Outer Banks condo, Henry asked what we would do if someone wanted to buy the place?  Would we have to move?  Out of the mouths of babes …

Thank you, God, for safe travels.  Thank you for brothers, sisters-in-law, and cousins.  Thank you for love and laughter.  Thank you for wanting to share everything everyday with us.  Thank you for loving us even when we are bossy, smarty pants, grumpy, or whiney.  Go before us, Lord.  We eagerly await to experience the next adventure ...

Professional Kayakers Club

After 3 kayak outings, may I label myself a kayaker?  For those of you who know my proficiency on the water, you will appreciate my skills handling a paddle in a moving watercraft!  We've been on Lake Wylie in Charlotte for a couple of days now.  Lucy and John Freeman are requesting that wherever we buy a house, could it please be on a lake?!  A small request, right?!

Teresa and I laughed ourselves silly this morning reminiscing about college days while enjoying the serenity of the sun rising over the lake.  Did I really wear that?  Why didn't you tell me sparkly blue eye shadow and big hair made me look like a backup singer for the Bee Gees? And sorry I ate your food all the time!

Hogan marveled at Teresa's spacious walk-in closet and politely asked if he could sleep there!  He's the fourth child.  He can bed down anywhere.  He has excellent taste.  If he asks to sleep in your closet, take it as a compliment!

Destination #4 awaits.  Soon we're off to brother Kevin's, his wife, Dana, and kiddos Kendrick and Allie near Winston-Salem.  We'll rendezous with Jack and celebrate the Fourth.  Eight days on the road and no major mishaps or horrendous hiccups! 

Thank you, God, for water sports, water crafts, water fun, the beauty and peacefulness the water provides.  Thank you for endless opportunities you bring our way.  May angels continue to guard our paths as we travel.  Bless these homes we've visited. 

Hello Mr. State Trooper

So we topped 1,000 miles of road traveled today!  We left Columbia, SC (home of the Gamecocks, this year's College World Series champs) and made our way north to Charlotte to visit a sorority sister and college friend from UofL.  On the way, we were treated to a face-to-face visit with Mr. South Carolina State Trooper.  I knew my temporary tags taped to the tinted back window were hard to see!  And the trooper agreed!  No ticket just a one-sided conversation about how long he and his wife had lived in South Carolina, raised five kids, blah blah blah!!! Finally, Hogan asked "Are you a stranger?!"  I think that was our ticket to freedom.  He said "Y'all be safe" and we were on our way!

A dip in the lake and feeding ducks from the dock made for evening entertainment at the Fano's house.  Their three boys and our three boys plus Lu struck up a fast friendship.  All is quiet now with Fano boys graciously giving up beds and O'Keefe kids sprawled hither and yon!  Lord, we need rest.  And rest on the road is hard to come by as strange as that sounds.  Give us rest, Lord. 

Underwear Monster

There must be an underwear monster stowing away on our trip!  How do we start out with plenty of undies and then all of a sudden ... POOF ... "I don't have any underwear!" 

This morning we bid adieu to Pelton Place.  A morning run, coffee on the porch, and kids scurrying through the house, wrapped up our visit.  Less than a hundred miles away is South Carolina's capitol city.  We'll bed down here for a couple of nights and connect with a friend who was a youth leader of mine in Russellville, Kentucky, almost three decades ago!!!  Oh, the walk down memory lane ...

Our Circus at the Zoo

To some it may seem we have a circus in the car!  Today, however, we were a circus at the zoo!  Six kids, two adults and so many places to go and people to see!

After our nearly 500 mile trek from Mississippi to South Carolina, we bedded down with our Hot Springs friends, the Peltons.  Coffee on the back porch, play time for kiddos, and lots of catching up made for a perfect morning.  Greenville bursts at the seams with beautiful playgrounds and parks.  Our mid-morning excursion included monkey bars, slides, and a visit to lions, tigers, and giraffes (no bears!).  Life is good.

Thank you, God, for old friends, who open their homes and hearts to our traveling circus!  Help us cherish and nourish relationships as they encourage and empower us to be better servants of yours.

A quick stop at Bob Jones University to view our host's artwork helped me put a place with a name.  As a homeschool parent, I was familiar with BJU Press.  Now I have a visual!  

On the Road

One more set of squats!  Two more sit ups!  The morning started beautifully as the brilliant sun shone through the windows at our Hendrix group exercise class.  Special guests attended.  Sweaty hugs were extended.  Breakfast with friends, gas in our new rig, a final stop at our favorite arts studio where we were showered with snacks and goodies, and finally, we are on the road!

Covering three states, we logged 240 miles today and crossed the mighty Mississippi River.  Perhaps the best part of the trip was the peace and quiet in my vehicle as I was totally alone for nearly four hours!  I'm not sure if that's happened in the last decade!  I followed Jack and the kids to Oxford, Mississippi.  Henry recognizes the Ole Miss logo everywhere.  He sees it scarecly in Conway so for it to be attached to nearly everything here is a big deal!

Swimming and ice cream to top off the night and now, once again, it's quiet.  A cool hotel room with kids sleeping all around is a little piece of heaven.  Earlier when we walked into the room, Hogan scoured the room and peered up at his Daddy to inquire, "Where are the bunk beds?"  It still hasn't sunk in that "home" is on the road, wherever our family is, wherever we travel!

Tomorrow, we tackle eastern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and our final destination, South Carolina!  Ready or not, Pelton family ... here we come!  

Empty House

Our house echoes as the kids play baseball in the den!  There’s no furniture to damage or lamps to break.  It’s a fitting field for my four children and their friends.  Just a few miles away, all of our worldly possessions are piled, stacked, and pieced together in perfect harmony in a storage unit.  What a sobering thought!  Everything I’ve ever bought, received as a gift, maybe even borrowed is crammed (I mean neatly tucked away) into a few hundred square feet of space.  Oh, Lord, how miniscule we are compared to your infinite creations.  What a speck of dust we are on the timeline of history … and yet You care about our every tear and triumph, care and concern, hurt and hurdle.  Deep breaths.  Preparing to say farewell …

Trailer Treasures

I borrowed a friend's trailer today and I must say, I feel as if I've joined a new fraternity!  Empowerment swept through me as I navigated to and from the storage unit with my trailer in tow!  I think I'll put "trailer" on my Christmas wish list!  I would prefer a few diamonds decorating the edges to give it a feminine look!

Two friends showed up shortly after the sunrise and within minutes, had loaded the trailer, their van, and my truck.  We persuaded Henry and Hogan to buckle up and the first delivery was made.  "Welcome boxes, to your home away from home.  We call it a storage unit. You will call it home!"  My friend's husband is a master maneuverer of boxes, a parcel perfectionist, and  cubby-hole-shover!  Our system was flawless.  She unloaded the trailer and made a pass to me.  I handed off to him and he worked his magic.  Smooth as silk!  Thank you God, for friends who give up their day to help me.  Thank you for giving spirits, for giving of time, and energy.  Thank you for friends who let friends drive trailers without any prior experience or knowledge!

As the farewell meetings and meals continue, I feel an anxiousness mixed with eagerness and anticipation.  Inhale.  Exhale.  You still with me, Lord?  You have my back, right?  Yes, I recall in Isaiah that you go before me and you are my rear guard.  Breath deeply.  I stopped by to pray with a friend preparing to head overseas in 48 hours.  She'll deliver flip flops and the love to Jesus to people who will never see Conway, Arkansas, in person and maybe not even on a map!  Tears rolled down my cheeks as we said farewell.  But it's an exciting farewell to see what God will do. 

Another farewell as I had dinner with the kind of friend that is different from me in her talents and experiences, and yet she possesses quirky qualities that if I were to reinent myself, I'd like to be more like her!  Everyone should have at least one friend like that.  She popped out of her car carrying a gift bag larger than life.  It was filled with a picnic basket type carrier loaded with road trip necessities:  coloring books, crayons, suckers, stickers, snacks, wipes, tissues, books, flashlights, and more!  And the carrier collapses! She knows I'm a space saver!  As I am reminded Lord of my blessings, I see how you brought my family to this place and allowed our paths to cross with these particular people.  How grateful I am to be right here right now.    A traveling mom of three recently reminded me to be in the moment.  Be present where you are.  As our countdown continues, I will make a concious effort to be fully present wherever I am. 

Oh, the treausres we all have in our lives ... and sometimes they fit snuggly in a trailer!

Counting Down

We have a chalkboard in our kitchen and our 4 year old son daily changes the number as the countdown to moving date is quickly catching up to us!  He's so proud of his morning chore!My emotions are all over the place ... excited to travel, visit friends and family, yet profoundly sad that we will not return home to a place that has been home for four and a half years.  Deep breaths.  Inhale.  Exhale.  I know God is in control.  I fight the desire to crawl under my covers as my little boys nap and sleep away a bit of anxiety.  But who can sleep?  There are still boxes to pack, movers to contact, meals to plan, and a blog post to write!