September
Original source: September.htmJanuary to July July August September October November December 2003 JANUARY FEBRUARY March APRIL MAY September 1 We are now in Fall City Washington. We arrived Friday. The campground is very well kept with lots of activities. We are very pleased so far. We are having so much fun here in Washington. The beach was really cool and the mountains are incredible. We can see Mt. Rainier from many different cities and towns. It's a really huge mountain. There is snow at the top. We have had some really good weather too for Washington. We have had sun since the day we went horse back riding. It is warmer up here than it was on the beach. The kids are getting excited to start school. I'm looking forward to starting too. I just hope they put effort into it and it doesn't become a battle every day. I know Nikole will enjoy most of it, but Zak is another story all together. Today Ron and Nikole went to the club house to learn how to carve wood. Ron has picked up walking stick carving. He just started so this face carving class came at a really good time. Ron had a blast. Nikole would have liked to carve. Ron did hers and she got to draw the eyes and her name. It was nice to have them go together. Zak and I were supposed to go shopping. We watched Christian television for kids and played Monopoly Jr. I won so it was worth it. When we finally got to the club house to pick up the jeep (the clubhouse is at the top of a really large hill and we have to walk our bikes up to get there so Ron drove to the class) the class was just ending. I had time to see some carving done and listen to the instructor. When the class was over they had a barbecue. We ate cheeseburgers, salad, chips, soda (it's called pop everywhere but MA it seems) and two chocolate chip cookies. All for 3 dollars! The best part is we met a really nice couple while we were eating. Come to find out they are parked right across the street from us. They have this really fluffy dog too. She's nice and the kids love her. We headed into Seattle earlier (Saturday, it's early a.m. on Sunday) today. It is big city. The hill reminded me of San Fran Cisco. The driving was like Boston. There are some neat things we can go do like the Aquarium, a bay tour on a boat, the children's science museum, and the Space Needle. There are others too. There is a big carnival or something going on down there too. There was no parking. The lots charge about 10 dollars for events. You know big city is big city. We plan to go back Sunday or Tuesday God and weather permitting. Tonight Ron found out that Wild Waves the Six Flags park closes after Monday for a while so we will be going on Monday again God and weather permitting. We have TV reception here so we should be able to catch the news at some point today. On our way home tonight (Saturday) Nikole asked me what my favorite campground has been so far. It was a really hard question to answer. I'm still thinking about it. I told her it was the one in Mukwonago. I really liked the location and amenities. The people were friendly and they had enough for us to do to keep us busy. And we had campfires and exciting weather too. The most friendly campground so far has been Fort Running Bear. The location was really the only draw back. (23 miles from town and a 3 mile dirt road adventure was a bit too much) We had fun and the amenities were excellent, very clean and that is important to us. I even like Ocean Shores because it was so close to the beach and the camp site was so secluded. But it was not clean or up kept and the people were the least friendly yet. Rushmore Shadows was nice too but all the bikers were a bit much after a while. Over all I've been pleased with all our campgrounds. The one in Ohio was nice too. I guess I don't have a favorite yet. This place is definitely a candidate for first place. (Late on Sunday) We visited a huge church today in Issaquah, named Eastridge Christian Assembly. We talked with some members and they were guessing total people attending the church on a regular basis is about one thousand. It was a really different experience. They sold lattes and Italian sodas before and after each of the three services. The building looked brand new but they are trying to build another because this one is too small now. It seemed to be about the same size as Leominster maybe even a little bigger. They use a portable for children's church. The kids love all the space and they enjoyed the service. They have asked to go again next week. We went to the last service at 11:15. Most of the congregation was less than 35 years old. It was refreshing to see the youth rise up to the call of God. The pastor of this church is going to New York for 9/11. They are having a huge remembrance at Madison Square Garden and He has been invited along with members of the congregation. They are an on fire church. Today's message was on John 3:16 and how God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son so that whoever shall believe in Him, he will have eternal life. Pastor Steve spoke of how ground zero has been cleaned up and all that remains is a metal cross and how they have made a permanent base for the cross. He spoke of how no matter what happens in the end the one thing we can always count on is the cross and the blood of Jesus. That because of Jesus we can go before God with our sins washed clean. He spoke of the grace we received from God when He sent Jesus. He spoke of the grace we received in the days and weeks after 9/11. Pastor Steven spoke of how this cross with be a symbol to the world when they watch the anniversary event. He challenged us to be in the gap and let God use us to reach the empty people of the world. The people without Jesus. He challenged us to be bold in our witness to others and He asked for prayer. After lunch and some reflection we headed over to Snoqualmie Falls. It is one hundred feet higher than Niagara. It is one of Washington's biggest tourist attraction. It was nice. We let the kids climb on the rocks at the base of the falls. The hill to go down was very steep. On the return trip we tried to avoid the steep hike back by following the paved road. Well a half mile walk took three. The kids walked the whole way too. We got to pick black berries on the way so that helped. Washington is covered in black berries. They are everywhere. On the walk there were too many to pick. Some are impossible to get too. The kids love picking them, especially Nikole. When we got back to the campground the kids and I went to the hot tub and pool while Ron chopped wood for the fire. The pool was great. Nice and warm. The hot tub was really nice too. Both are very big and deep. The pool looks to be about 3 normal size pools. The hot tub seats 12. It was fun to spend time in the water. The weather is still on the cool side. Only about 70 during the day. It was the long hike that made us hot. I got the kids in bed early tonight. We hope to be at Wild Waves for 10 am. They were tired from all the activity too. It was a very nice day in the Lord. We have so much to be thankful for. All thanks and praise to our heavenly Father. September 2 We did get to Wild Waves today but not for 10 am. We got lost thanks to me. I misread the map. Luckily for me the park was really small. It was a lot like Whalom Park. The rides were small compared to what we are used to. The lines were very long too, not worth it to us to ride slow rides. We did go on three we haven't been on before. They had a huge slide like Whalom. I won the race down. The kids wanted to play in the water park. We let them but did not participate. It was only 71 degrees and overcast. Everyone had goose bumps. Only in Washington will you find hundreds of people having a blast in a water park on a cool overcast day. The park was packed. Today was the last day it was open for the season and it was a holiday but really it was cold in the water! The rain started on our way home. It's been raining on and off ever since and the forecast for the next five days is rain. It's not too cold though. They said the temps will be in the low 70's. It's different being in the motor home in the rain. It's a lot louder. And the drops are distractive. It will be hard to fall asleep tonight. Luckily the kids section is covered. In the front it's quieter. Our bedroom must be out in the open. Tonight Ron is reading Genesis 19 to the kids. It's his first night reading to them. He also gets to read Matthew 11. It is good for him to read to the kids too. We also started reviewing for school tonight. He was very patient with Zak. I think he's looking forward to teaching them more than I am. He really rose to the challenge tonight. Tomorrow begins the first day of school for us. We're praying for God wisdom. September 9 We have been very busy as of late. We are now in Seaside Oregon. Our resort is beautiful. Very clean and it's only 8 blocks to the beach. The first day we visited the beach it was sunny but very windy and cold. That was on Friday. On Saturday we visited with my cousins Dave, Diane, and Nicholas Forrest. They live about two hours from here in Washington. We are closer to them here than we were when we were at Ocean Shores. It was a very nice day. We ate lunch at Ron's favorite restaurant the Country Buffet. The kids loved playing on their trampoline and playing with their dogs. We got home really late though. Sunday it rained here. Dave and Diane came out here. They were our first guests. Nikole helped me make stew while Ron went to the hot rod show up the street. It was a tight fit but we made it work. Ron and I ate on the couches and the kids ate with Dave and Diane at the table. They were such good sports. They let Ron show them all of our vacation photos so far. It was a 2 hour slide show. Unfortunately they didn't get to walk on the beach. It seemed as if every time we thought to go out it started to rain again. The weather for the next few days is supposed to be nice inland and cool on the cost. Figures. We hear that in MA they are having another heat wave. The temp. here in only in the high 60's. I have found the weather too cool for me since we left Cresant Bar about three weeks ago. Today the sun came out. We had a wonderful morning having school. Both Nikole and Zak got perfect scores on their spelling tests. They have been doing better every day. Zakary is almost enjoying it now. Today was Nikole's first frustrating day. She had to think about subtraction then was out of her league in her cursive writing. She loves doing things she has mastered. She didn't like not being able to write right. She even crumpled up her paper and tossed her books aside. She was out of sorts until Ron got back from doing all our laundry. They ate a quick lunch of cucumbers and peppers and then we headed to the beach. Fully expecting it to be cold we wore shorts and sweatshirts. We were very surprised that it was warmer at the beach than it was at the campground. We ended up in the surf soaking wet. The kids has a blast as did Ron and I. Zak enjoyed it until we all jumped and he ended up under a wave. He didn't really fall, we all sort of fell forward. I almost ended up face in the water too. It was fun but that was enough for him. So we headed home and showered off. It was the most fun we've had at the pacific ocean yet. The waves here are different from home. There are about 5 of them breaking at the same time. Then they sneak up on you and come in from side angles. The undertow is really strong too. We had to move around because we were sinking into the sand. We didn't see any shells at all, only crabs and lots of crab parts. Even the sea gulls were missing today. Over all it was just a beautiful day. God has heard my prayers. As a family we are coming together. The children are starting to help our more and they are not as combative all the time. We are more relaxed about bed time and meal time and that has seemed to help take some pressure off of us. It's nice not to have to beat the clock all the time. This is a good life. I'm really enjoying each moment. Ron just turned on Monday night football. It's only 6:15. That's a really weird thing too. Prime time is at 6 pm. The Pats are on they just intercepted the football. I like the Pats now that Drew is gone. Go Brady!!! I guess you can take the girl out of New England but you can't take the New England out of the girl. My favorite team is still the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a true fan even if they stink I still love them. September 11 What a lovely day we had today at Cannon beach. It is a little south of where we are staying. They had many large rocks in the surf. It was the most unique beach we've been to yet. It was very clean too. The weather here has been really good. It's in the 70's during the day. The nights aren't all that cool either but we're still using the heater. We were able to get a temporary library card here. Nikole has been a reading machine. We've had to go back two days in a row to keep her in new books. It's been wonderful having the use of a library. Today is our 9th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been 14 years that we've been together. The last eight years have flown by. Everyone said they would. It's amazing how children can make time go by so fast. They are just amazing. The kids are doing great in school. We are getting into a routine. They actually look forward to tests. It's astounding how much they can learn so quickly. Both of them are asking for more challenging material. Nikole is doing subtraction. She finds that and cursive writing challenging. Zakary is still working on reading. He has read two book by himself. It's wonderful to see him so excited. He knows so much too. Math is really a breeze for him. He's learning second grade history and science. We just ask easier questions. They are learning bible verses too. Overall it's a wonderful experience for all of us. Ron loves working with them. We learn from each other. God is doing a work with all of us. We are so thankful. I am learning to appreciate the moments. The hardest part about all of this is the not knowing what is going to happen at the end of the year. I guess no one really knows that though. We all know (especially today) that life can change drastically in a blink of an eye. I am learning to trust in the provision of the Lord. He is an awesome God. No matter what I will always trust in Him. Amen. September 14 Today we are in South Beach Oregon. I am currently in the laundry room attempting to do some Saturday chores. This campground is another Leisure Time Resort. They all have been very clean and well maintained. They offer pools and hot tubs and plenty of activities to keep you busy here at the campground. This place is no exception. They have a really nice store here too and the prices are very reasonable. We look forward to going to a Leisure Time Resort. Life has been good lately. The children are now in a school routine. Zakary doesn't give me a hard time any more about doing the work. He is actually beginning to read on his own. We were in Wal Mart last night and he was reading the signs in the shoe department. I am so proud of him. It will be so nice when he's mastered reading. Nikole is also doing very well. She is so creative. For her sticker chart reward she choose a craft magazine. We had to go and buy model clay so she can make beads. She is amazing with craft stuff. Much more talented than I am. September 15 I started talking with other women who were doing laundry yesterday so I didn't get much said. They were both from California. We have learned of a nice place to visit in CA that might be for us. According to the woman the cloudy wet day yesterday was their winter. They live just outside of Marysville CA. She said they are an agriculture area growing apricots, plums, tomatoes, almonds, and other fruits. The lows in the winter are only 30 at night. During the day it's in the 50's. They only have 3 to 4 days of cloudy gloom and then the sun will come out again. The summers do get warm in the 90's which is just what I want. It sounds really nice. It's just above Sacramento. I wanted to go to Sacramento the last time we traveled. They are only 2 hours from the ocean too. That is a plus. I went to a really nice chapel service here at the campground. It was very nice to have a service here. The message was about the command to go and make disciples. The chaplains view was that the command to go was in the middle voice which equals when we are going we should make disciples of the people we come in contact with. He even showed how we can baptize new believers like Ananias. Since most campgrounds have pools we should use them as a baptismal. It was a call to get to know the people around us and to lead the lost to peace in Jesus. The kids are having fun playing in the rec. room. It's amazing how they have no concept of money. If they have it they have to spend it. It doesn't matter if it's junk or not they need to spend that money! Ron and I don't waste money on foolish things. I can't understand why they have the need to. Mostly they want to play games and buy candy. So now that I've written that I guess I do understand. We don't allow them to have those things very often. They are getting older and they are making decisions for their own entertainment. Our roles as parents are changing. It's more of a lead by example and give guidance. Not as much personal hygiene care and daily protection. They know what is acceptable. They don't always obey and we still have to correct some behavior but for the most part it's time to let them make some decisions. I feel so unqualified for this position. It seems as if this is what parenting is all about. You get the job then you have to train yourself to get the job done right. Once you feel comfortable in your position you get a promotion with a complete change in duties and you have to retrain yourself all over again. It's a growth process for all of us. The sun has come out over the past hour. I think we will take a trip to the beach. It's nice to see the sun as the weather report said we wouldn't see sun until after Monday. So I guess the weathermen are as accurate here as they are at home. The patriots are on too and they are beating the jets at the half by 10. Tonight there is a marshmallow roast and bon fire. It takes place right behind our site too. We are leaving early in the morning as our next destination is almost 300 miles away. We'll be traveling down 101 which is a scenic byway. That means slow going on windy roads. The view is worth it if the time allows. We have to be at the new site by 6 p.m. or we can't use our coast to coast discount. So it will be an early night and an earlier morning. I'm looking forward to getting to CA. It is our destination so to speak. After the red woods we start to seriously look for a place to settle for a while. Ron is considering looking to work camp in CA. We'll see what God has planned for us. September 16 I had my first day of fasting yesterday. I felt lead to spend the day with the Lord. I really miss the quiet times we had together in the morning after my work out. It seems as if I really have no time to myself until the end of the day when I'm ready to drop. I do get my prayer in but it's not the same as starting the day off. I haven't been working out at all. I didn't run on one of the beaches. I don't feel terribly out of shape. We walk a lot and ride bikes but it's not a routine. I miss the daily routine of working out. I suppose I have to be the one to get up and do it. We have late nights now. The kids don't go to bed until 10 most nights. That means we're asleep by midnight normally 2 am if it's a late night. We are up by 9 am in the morning. We are all getting enough sleep it's just at a different time. Today Ron and I got up real early to drive a couple hours while the kids slept. It worked out pretty good. We had plans to go to the wild animal park in Brandon Oregon. We got there before it opened which gave us time to catch a nap. Unfortunately the kids were awake so it wasn't good sleep. I could hear the lion roaring over the wall too. It made for some interesting dreams. The park itself was just like I remembered. We got to play with baby Bengal tigers. They were just like house cats. Only 6 weeks old. They were larger of coarse but they played the same. There were other wild babies to pet too. A lynx and a snow leopard. The kids loved the baby goats. I even had a favorite. There were deer, rams, llamas, peacocks, and goats all over the park. They had many wild cats too. The bear was sleeping and the chimps didn't look happy at all. In fact they threw their poop. I think they are board. They seemed it but I don't spend a lot of time with chimps so what do I know. I drove after we left the park. It gave Ron the opportunity to take many coastal pictures. The ride seemed to go fast. The kids didn't complain at all. They did nap part of the way. But mostly Nikole read a book to Zak and we played travel bingo. No one won. I guess I made the boards too hard. Ron and the kids had fun any way. The campground is ok. We have very small site in an open field. The kids aren't allowed on the walking trail alone because of the black bears. It's strange to think we could be hurt but it's true. If we hike the trail we need to be careful. Two people from the campground have seen bears. I hope we get a safe opportunity to view them. The dumpsters are electrified at night so they must roam the area. We are in a heavily wooded area along the Klamath River. We tried to go to the beach tonight but we couldn't find a trail down. Come to find out it is an Indian reservation beach and we aren't allowed. It's beautiful to see though. There are huge rocks in the water here too. Overall this is a very nice place if you like woods, rivers, wild animals, and no civilization so to speak. Not for me! I'm looking forward to Marysville CA. Just north of Sacramento. I do appreciate the beauty God has laid out before me and the time I have to enjoy it though. The kids had to do school work late today. They did it with no complaints too. In fact Nikole asked for extra. Tomorrow the spelling test. I hope Zakary does well. It will be nice to reward him for all his hard work. Tonight he was helping Nikole. What a switch. They are a blessing from my Heavenly Father. Tonight I said to Ron how it is amazing that we can be here in the woods with bears around us (and who knows what else) yet, when we are in the motor home, we are home and everything is comfortable. It is the peace we have in being together under God's protective care. He does give the peace that passes all understanding. September 18 Yesterday was a rainy day. The first one we spent in the trailer. The kids got a lot of school work done. That was good because today the sun returned so we went in search of tall trees. We went to the trees of mystery. It was a nice trail with a gondola ride which took us above the canopy. It gave us an ocean view too. As we were entering the trail there was a really bad accident at the entrance of the driveway. We ran to the site and thank God no one was seriously injured. All parties were walking although both women complained of neck pain. Both vehicles were totaled. It was scary for the kids. We prayed for the victims and went back to the trail. It took a bathroom break before we really got over it. In fact tonight Ron mentioned how he never really thought about crashing and now driving is a bit frightening. I have to admit I felt the same way. But we know that we fall under the protection of God and we need to keep the peace in knowing that God is our provider and He is smoothing our path before us. I tried to mention to the victims that they needed to thank God for walking around after such a crash but neither of them could grasp what I was saying. They were in shock. It really was amazing that the woman got out of the ranger. The passenger side had been pushed in to the driver side. We came back to the campground and the kids attempted to do some school work. Because Ron washed the trailer (a nice perk here at the campground) we went outside to do our work as it was 92 degrees inside. It took a little longer to get everything done with all the distractions. Zakary is challenging. Lynn taught Nikole how to read. Teaching Zak is hard. I don't have the patience or the system to teach him. I expect him to remember the letter sounds. He knows them and will say them when he want to but if he doesn't then he just frustrates the heck out of me. I need to be more patient with him. Ron thinks we should make it a game. He's right of coarse. I just haven't figured out a game yet. Yet while I type this something comes to mind. This journaling helps me think. We found the coastline here. It was north of the Trees of Mystery. The waves were massive. The biggest I've seen yet. There were rocks in the water and tide pools to search. We found whole mollusk shells. This is the first place we've found a whole shell. (sand dollars excluded they are skeletons) I found a hermit crab. While I called the kids over to look at it Ron found a star fish right behind Nikole. We left the crab and took the starfish. It was dying anyway. It's red. The ones we found 8 years ago in South Carolina were white. This one is as big as your hand too. The kids played in the water. It was a little scary when Nikole went out a far distance. If you check the pictures you'll see why we were nervous. The waves were taller than her and they were 4 deep. If they would have got her we would have had to go in for sure. She wanted to body surf. The one wave she did get put her under. She decided she had enough after that. It was scary for her to be under for a couple of seconds. They looked very powerful. If the water was warmer and I was in a suit I might have tried it, but...... I'm not scared! lol. They were really big! It was a nice night. We went to McDonalds for supper. In the dinning area they were playing Christian music. It was so nice to hear. We were treated to a beautiful sunset on the drive home. The kids got some school work done before bed too. Tomorrow we're up early. We are leaving as soon as the gate opens at 7 am. The next campground is about 240 miles away. If we go through the Avenue of Giants, a redwood tree trail, it can take us up to 6 hours to get there. We hope the kids will sleep a couple of hours. It makes for a nicer drive in the morning if they do. September 21 We've had a lovely day at Sonoma County Beach. It was foggy at the beach but the air was warm. We were treated with seals in the surf. They swam up close to shore too. Nikole was in the water and she came running out saying mom I think there are seals in the water. Something with whiskers came swimming at me! The waves here on the west coast are massive. There were many warnings about sneaker waves, rip tides and undercurrents. It is intimidating to say the least. The kids love the water but the waves are just too powerful for them to really get into. Today we kept them on the outskirts. We had a wonderful time discovering little agates. At least we think they are agates. They are brightly colored blue and green stones. We found other colorful rocks too. Most of them are really small but they were neat to collect. We also got a good supply of fire wood for tonight's campfire. As usual we are burning drift wood and left over firewood from someone else's abandoned fire. It all burns. Ron has also discovered burning pine cones. They are really large and heavy here. They provide good fuel for the fire. They are nice to watch burn as the air flows through the layers. Last night we had a small fire. Ron purchased fire wood. Zakary couldn't take part though. He was learning a lesson about telling the truth. He lied to his father so I told him he could not participate in roasting marshmallows. It was an opportunity to sink in how important the truth is. He responded well. He really understood and caught himself the next few sentences. He wanted to say he forgot when he really new he didn't want to so he said " I forgot well no really I didn't want to that's the truth." It's nice that he's realizing that the truth is not the story he'd like us to believe. A lot of the time he's telling a story. I've noticed he likes to be the hero so to speak. He thinks of the best outcome and then he tells us that's what happened. For a while I didn't know even if he knew the difference between the truth and a story. Now I know he does. He is growing up. He's been eating more too. We don't have to push food into him. In fact it seems as if he's hungry all the time. California hasn't been as exciting as I thought it would be. The beach today was the highlight so far. Yesterday was a disaster. We had a mountain of laundry so we tried to find a laundry mat as this campground didn't have one. The closest was a 15 minute ride to the next town Guerneville. Well Guerneville is a really laid back town. (I didn't know the exact meaning of laid back when the waitress said it the previous night at the pizza place. The meaning is, it's full of gay people, cross dressers, and drag queens.) There were a lot of street people here too. Needless to say we don't fit in and it's a really weird atmosphere. When we got to the one little laundry mat it was full, and Ron thought it was dirty, so we drove another 30 minutes back to the highway to find another. There was one in Santa Rosa. It was a clean place but not friendly. There is much too much traffic here for me. And there are people all over the place. Homeless or just hanging out I'm not sure. It was unnerving. Ron and I got into a tiff while folding the laundry and we've been in a mood ever since. Part of it is my fault for dredging up the past. Part of it is his fault for not realizing exactly how badly his mistake will affect the rest of our lives. He teases me in a way that I find insulting. Then he gets upset when I get mad at his insulting joke. Oh men and women are so different. I don't want to be a prude but some things are just not funny to me at all and I don't want to pretend they are. I suppose part of the problem is my insecurity. Instead of being teased about it I would prefer reassuring. Ron isn't that type of guy. He never was. So I'm expecting him to change and he's wanting me to be as accepting of his ways as I always was. I realize that I'm the one who's done a lot of changing. I am not the same person he married. My relationship with the Lord has taken precedence over my life. I want more to please God than Ron and that is hard for him. It's hard for me too. There are times when I think it would have been easier to not work this out and start over with just me and the kids. There would be one less person demanding of me and I would be free to do more of the things I think God would have me do. And then Ron would take the kids and I would have time away from them too. As I say that I know that God does want us to work it out so in order to do what He wants I must work this out. Thus pick up my cross daily so to speak. It's amazing how on certain days everything is great and we are together looking forward to the future. Then a few statements set me off and I'm thinking it's just too much to ask of me and I have no faith in a future with Ron. I think that the next time the opportunity presents itself he will take it and I'll be hurt all over again. All this happens when I start remembering the past. I must press forward like Paul said. Forgetting the past and the people we were. I need to concentrate on who we are now. I need to open up communication with him. When I get upset with him I tend to stop talking and let my anger simmer. It would be better for me to confront him with my needs. Bare my heart so to speak. That is a difficult thing to do. I'm afraid of getting a negative response and then my need for reassurance will only be greater than it is now. I know no matter what I have God. He is enough. I must bring my need to Him and I do. I think He's sick of hearing me pray for the same thing over and over. Jesus told us to continue to pray though. Then like the judge God will grant me my wish because of my persistence. To get rid of me so to speak. I pray that Nancy will come to Christ too. That is a desire of my heart. Why? I don't know, but I will not give up on her. I believe that God puts people in our lives and that we have a duty to pray and lead them to the Lord. I can't be the one to lead her there but I will certainly keep praying. Yesterday for the first time I really got a case of homesickness. I began to think about what I would be doing back home. How I was comfortable there and how I know a lot of people. I always miss my church family but this was different. I missed Fitchburg. I know that's hard to believe but it's true. I miss the "everyone know your name" feeling. I miss knowing how to get somewhere. I missed the people I would see at work. I missed the Mart buses. Yup I had it real bad. Who could ever miss Mart buses? I was really feeling out of place. California, or at least the parts we've been too could never be home. I am looking forward to Arizona and New Mexico. I'm getting tired of the constant move. The not working, the insecurity. I'm ready to start our new lives. I am so impatient. I need to enjoy the journey. I can see all the positive that is happening and I know God has a plan. I chafe so for no good reason. This journal is a wonderful way to wine about all my supposed problems then kick myself in the can and realize how good I have it. I am blessed abundantly exceedingly beyond all I can think to ask yet I complain like a fool. Thank God I have this opportunity to reflect and see that my unhappiness begins in me and that I can change all of that myself. God has given me so much. How dare I be unhappy. I have everyday with my husband and children. We are blessed with new adventures each day. I get to see all the wonder and beauty God has given us in this nation. I am learning new things every day. What an awesome opportunity I have. Praise God! September 22 We drove into San Francisco today. It was about an hours drive from here. We ran into a little traffic jam along the way but made up for the time with a call home. It was nice to be in touch. We haven't had any e-mail access in a long time it seems. Our cell phone didn't even have a tower to update in San Fran. So the next update won't be until we can get access. The libraries allow us to use their computers for mail but not to use the line to update. The city was great. We got in around 1:30. The bridge itself was fogged in but the land on either side was sunny. We drove down Lombard St. It was a very steep, curvy, cobblestone road. Ron said it's famous. I can believe it. I have never seen another road like it that's for sure. It's not something you travel when your in a hurry. There are houses all along it too. I couldn't imagine living there. The kids really enjoyed the view this time. They wanted to ride a trolley car. Rice a Roni so to speak. We did. It cost $16.00 to get to the business district and back. It was worth the experience. It was sort of crowded and scary too. We had to stand, the kids wanted to, and the car went down these huge hills and stopped at street crossings. I'm amazed that there aren't accidents all the time. When you get on and off cars go by on both sides. They even have these "tourist smackers". They are yellow poles that separate traffic. If your hanging out too far they will get you. I would imagine that it would hurt a lot. But it was fun too. The view was awesome. In the city we bought the kids jackets. Nikole forgot hers and they had waterproof fleece jackets. They were just what I was looking for at home. We got them for $19 a piece after the 8% sales tax. The kids loved them. They say San Francisco on them and they are reversible. We are all very pleased with the purchase. The city was a lot like Boston with the poor and the street performers. But it was clean. The shops reminded me more of New York. You know the same camera shop on every block. We were down by pier 39. We could see lots of sail boats and ships in the harbor. The weather was warm away from the water until 4 o'clock or so. We were standing in line for the trolley and the wind picked up. It got uncomfortably cold after that. Our trolley line was supposed to be an hour. It was more like an hour and one half. A trolley got stuck and we had to wait for them to clear it. Luckily we had those nice new jackets. Once we got to the business district the weather was warmer. No wind between the buildings. Ron surprised me with roses. Zakary said he bought them for me. It was nice to be treated special by my gentlemen. The business district had a different atmosphere than at the water. It seemed rougher in a way. Maybe it was because the sun had set behind the buildings and we were tired. On our way back we stopped in a Barnes and Nobles. We went to get the not so new Magic Tree House. The kids got to choose a paperback too. Nikole got the Boxcar Children number 2 and Zakary got a beginning reader about a space dog. While we were getting ready to go the fire alarm went off. At first we all just looked then I said "that's a fire alarm we need to go" then the announcement was made that we had to leave now. It was a very orderly evacuation. We didn't see fire but there was smoke and a smell. We managed to get them to let us pay for our books and then we left for home. The ride home was pretty easy. The traffic was lighter than going in. Over all it was a wonderful day. Ron and I got to talk last night at the campfire and things are have gotten resolved. It's amazing how God is quick to work when I focus on being thankful for what I have instead of complaining about what I don't have. Again I am so thankful for the lessons I am learning. Today my mom asked if I was getting tired of traveling. Yesterday I would have said yes but today I feel rejuvenated. As long as things are right between Ron and I then the traveling isn't as much of a stress and bother. I'm looking forward to Sacramento and then lake Tahoe. I am looking forward to getting to Arizona and settling down too. Either way I need to be patient and accepting of the work God is doing in me. I need to remember we are works in progress. September 28 What a wonderful three days we have had. Each day we met wonderful women who gave us lots of information on the Sacramento area. On Wednesday we went into Old Sacramento. We found it on Monday when we drove in to find a Wal Mart. We got lost on Monday and ended up in Old Sacramento. There is a historic train museum down town but it was closed. We were able to see a few outside engines. It was a thrill for Zak. We found it easily on Wednesday when we went in to the free jazz concert. While we were listening we saw a woman with a small brown lab. Well you know us dog lovers. It wasn't long and we had made fast friends with Jessica, the dog, and her owner Dr. Christianson, I believe it her first name was Jo-Ellen. Originally she was from New Jersey. She has been in the Sacramento area for a while and she helped me think about my career options. Here in California they are hurting for teachers. I had thought about library school but I can get a teachers certificate in less time and then I can have the same hours and days off as the kids, which is just what I want. She was so much fun to talk to. She even invited us girls over to a tea party. She had a plan for the boys too. Unfortunately we had to leave the next day. It was a blessing to have such a nice person tell us about the Sacramento and surrounding area. We topped the night off to a visit to the sweet shop were we paid $10.00 for free samples and $5.00 worth of candy. Oh well, it was the atmosphere and the kids will remember the night. We stayed in the Canyon Creek Resort. It was very hot when we arrived. The high in Sacramento that day was 104 degrees. The sun was strong and we didn't see a cloud the three days we were there. We spent two days in the pool. The water seemed very cold. It was probably around 70 or so. A 30 degree difference made a difference I think. Although the days were very hot the evenings cooled of nicely. We opened the windows and slept comfortably. In fact early mornings were cool. Also there was a great dog behind us. His name was Max. He became my friend very quickly. We left Sacramento early and made our way to Ghost Mountain Campground about an hour away from Lake Tahoe. We ran into our first major problem with the motor home. The leveling jacks wouldn't go down. Ron tried to fix it while we went to the pool. Again we were blessed with new friends. While at the pool we made friends with Raeann and her daughter Mackenzie. They showed us around the ghost town at the ranch and the horses. The girls shared candy from the sweet shop. I think Ron and Zak got one piece. It was getting late in the afternoon so Ron invited them over to eat a steak dinner. They accepted and 'Ron prepared a delicious dinner. It was fun to have another mom to talk to. Her daughter Mackenzie was 7 as well so she and Nikole had a lot in common. They played Cat's Cradle and watched a little TV. At this campground we had reception it had been a while. Raeann had lots of information for me as well. She agreed that California is hurting for teachers. It seems as if the Lord is giving me lots of hints. We picked up a job finder back in Winters. There was an ad for a management team to manage apartment buildings. I thought what a wonderful mission field. Ron didn't agree. He felt we would be in very dangerous places. I though free rent and a paying job, sounds good. There was also ads for surrogate mothers. I qualify in the age categories. They pay $20,000 a baby. I would love to be pregnant! Ron was against that too. His quote was "what if you die in child birth?" So that is out too. That was the message I received from the women we met the next night at the campground. Her name is Christine and she is Samuel's mom. Samuel is Zakary's newest best buddy. They had so much fun playing together. They were inseparable from the first moment that they met. Sam came over after our disappointing trip to Lake Tahoe. The boys played with trains and men. Zakary ate his dinner over Sam's trailer. Then they finished the evening at our trailer while I got to speak with Christine and her mom. It was so much fun. She is a sister in Christ. We have the same biblical view on raising our children. It was refreshing to be uplifted and reminded what is really important to teach the kids. I was telling her about the management job and she said as long as your under the authority of your husband all will be well. She also explained that there are many very dangerous places that we don't want to live in. They do have drive bys and child abductions on a fairly regular basis. She suggested before we think of settling in any area we should research the area. I got a lot of information about the surrounding areas. As we heard before Marysville and Yuba city are reasonable still but to find work it will be a commute. Teaching will allow me to find work just about anywhere. Christine knows a woman who got a job teaching 5th grade while she was going to school to get her accreditation. So when she graduated she had a year of actual teaching experience. So the need is real. The big downside of California is the very high tax rate, 8% on everything. Utilities are really high too. Water is outrageous. Raeann pays $100.00 a month! Her house is no bigger than the one we had at home and she doesn't water a lawn! It seems as if the water from the north is being sold to the people in the south so the water prices went up out here. The housing market has skyrocketed too. Ron and I would like to stay debt free so that really limits our ability to purchase. The foreclosures are up and the interest rates are down that may work in our favor. That is of coarse if we decide to live in CA. I also me a nice couple that were behind us. They gave us some English walnuts. They have 35 trees and they supply their neighbors with walnuts. The trees were on the land when they bought it. She and I talked while she waited for her sons to show up. It was fun. She reminded me of my mother. We shared craft ideas. I know Nikole would have loved to visit her craft room. She shared her secrets of the area with me as well. Over all I did a lot of socializing over the past three days. It was fun. Today we arrived at Bass Lake Campground. While I was in the bathroom with Nikole Ron missed the turn for Rt. 49. We stayed on 120 which took us into a small town called Groveland. Because of that wrong turn we got to be in the big parade. It was embarrassing and funny all at the same time. The towns folks all waved and smiled. It was the big 49er appreciation day. Unfortunately we also miss the next turn off. There was no sign that said J20 so we ended up going through Yosemite with the R.V towing a jeep. Not the best way to go through. The hills were steep. In fact we smelled the brakes at one point. We were also having other problems too. The wipers weren't working, the jacks were still not working, and Ron discovered that the battery cable connecting the two house batteries had been eaten by acid and they were no longer connected. It was a misty day but thank God we didn't need them. There was a little stress going through those narrow roads. We finally made it after 5 and one half hours. It was supposed to be 4 hours. We got up early so the kids would have a shorter ride. That backfired. Oh well it's the journey right? We did get the map to the park so now we have a plan. We plan on going back on Monday. It's supposed to be sunny and 70. Today is cool and cloudy. We have the heat on. When we arrived we asked about getting the R.V looked at. Thank God again there was a R.V doctor who was in the campground fixing someone else's trailer. We happened to park two sites away. Scott the R.V doctor came over and explained that the cable was probably the culprit as to why the jacks didn't work. He gave us directions into town to the auto parts store. Ron was able to fix the problem himself for under $10.00. If Scott would have worked on it today it would have been at least $105.00 in labor. If we wanted to wait until Monday it would have been $75.00. Thanks to his suggestions Ron got it done. I knew Ron could do it he just needed reassurance. We also has two burnt fuses. That was the problem with the wipers. Again we thank God that Ron had a fuse kit with a tool to check the fuses. He pulled each one and two of them were bad. The one to the jacks and the one to the wipers. So tonight we have are problem free and the stress is reduces. We also have cable TV which means Christian television! Yeah!!!! God is so good to us. January to July August September October November December 2003 JANUARY FEBRUARY March APRIL MAY |