The Family and all that

We made it back. Took a long time, it feels like, but we did.

Our visit to Edge I was a good one. There's always so much to do and so many people to see when we're there, that I feel like I'm caught in a whirlwind most of the visit.

Big shout out to Miss Anne and Christie (along with Tom and boys). I got to speak with them briefly at church Sunday morning and it was so good to see them both. Christie and I were gypped because it was a quick hurried conversation, but we still understand we love each other and that raising boys can be a tough deal at times. Plus, I got to hug Tom. The man has always been a good hugger and I appreciate one of those!

Easter was great although I can't, for the life of me, believe I forgot to take pictures! That's not like me at all. Kind of bites because we were all lookin' good. Nothing better than being all dressed up for church on a Sunday morning. Especially for Easter.

Now I get to tell you what MY Easter Bunny...named David....got for me. For a while now, we've been in need of a new vehicle. Our van was/is great...but her time was drawing short and we needed something bigger and more dependable to make our long trips home safe in. So, around four months ago, Fred called our friend David back home who deals with the used vehicles to see what he could do for us. Most people say not to trust a used car salesman. I'd normally agree with this. But, I got Davie. I've known him my entire life because his sister and I were great friends growing up (still are!). His wife and I are good friends. Remember my post about Stacey getting married? The one that I held the entire day when she came home from the hospital? David and Michelle's daughter. See? We got history.

Anyway, we got a call last week telling us that he had found the vehicle for us. After months of going to sales and turning away vehicle after vehicle....this was the one. He felt so sure of it..he bought it and brought it back to the shop. I was sold. Michelle started sending text pictures through the phone and I was ready to go get it.

This is what was waiting on Miss Hope when she got home this past Saturday....

Yep. That's an SUV. A gas guzzling, road hogging, big as all get out SUV.

I know there are those of you out there who believe in the hybrid. Goody for you.

All I know is I have three kids in various stages of growth that have the potential to hurt each other if kept close for long periods of time. I know I have a teenager who can pack four bags for a 2 day trip. I know I am claustrophobic and small cars make me sweat. And sweating is unattractive. I don't do sweat. If I can help it.

Just so you know, I do try to counteract my vehicle gluttony in a productive and meaningful way. I recycle. A lot. I have bins lined up with my soda cans, food cans, plastics, paper, cardboard, etc etc. See? I'm not all evil and gas guzzling. I know I have five consumers living under this roof and must do at least a little something to justify my decision to give birth three times. Because they're mine and I love them so that makes it too late to get rid of them. Downsizing is not an option, I'm afraid.

So, our trip home was filled with paperwork, visiting, and running around. Worth all the hassle, of course. Bad thing about it is now I have a temporary base pass until the tags go through and theres a big shindig happening on our base this week. I have a feeling I'll be encountering a few vehicle searches. Let 'em. That sucker is clean and they better take advantage of it before the kids put their mark on the inside. Crap. I forgot to ask how to open the hood. Might encounter a problem or two with that one.

I did get to see my Grandma twice while there. It just breaks my heart to see her suffering. I wish there was something I could do to ease it some how. In turn, I see my Daddy suffering because this is his Mama. Talk about heart breaking. Those of you who believe in the power of prayer? I would appreciate some prayers sent up for my Grandma. Do I want you to ask for healing? I don't know. I'd like for you to ask that God grant her mercy and comfort. He knows what He has planned for her and she's a fine Christian woman. Her mouth constantly moves in prayer and that in itself comforts me.

I'm off to cover my class on base. I'm sure alot of people won't be there because of the whole spring break issue...but I'm committed to it, so I shall be there to see it through!

Next post? Text messages I've received from Paige.