Mission Control, we’ve completed the first leg!

Our departure from Teen Challenge was accomplished with lots of hugs and not a few tears as we said good-bye to the friends we had made over the winter. It was especially hard saying good-bye to the boys since we know they won’t be there the next time we return. We expect that our trek west (and possibly very far north) will take over two years so we don’t expect to be back in the Florida panhandle for quite some time. But we knew it was time for us to go – and off we went!

Our drive to Nashville was uneventful. I was happy that Gary remembered how to drive our little house and I was pleased that I didn’t do too much gasping as I got used to be a passenger once again! We did a couple of geocache stops along the way, and just generally enjoyed our time on the road. (Stopping for diesel wasn’t so much fun, but that’s the price of being on the move!) We’re hanging around with friends John and Rosie here in Nashville and are enjoying reconnecting with them. Plus, we got the tires rotated today! Gotta keep up with the chores even when you’re on “vacation”!

So it’s off to bed – just wanted to let those of you keeping track of the countdown with me know that the mission was accomplished!

ONE is the number of daughters I have been blessed with. She’s never quite forgiven me for not supplying her with a sister, but I think she’s gotten over it! She’s been waiting patiently in California for us to arrive and thank goodness for airplanes, ‘cause this RV hasn’t made it that far yet! We love her to pieces!

ONE is the number of how many new foals are in the “nursery”. Have you noticed that our horse guy (how’s that for a technical term) loves “Paints”. He’s been delighted with this batch of babies!

ONE is the number “camp” dogs here at Teen Challenge. This is Baby, and she has been part of the family for about four years, having arrived as a stray. We often find her snoozing under the RV or running after us as we head to the kitchen.

ONE is the number of ripe blueberries on this little potted plant, and ONE is the number of blueberries I resisted the temptation to pick! Might be awhile before there’s enough for a pie, though!

And hot off the press, ONE is the number of brand new great nieces that was born today! Congrats to Tim and Rachel Ilsley on the safe arrival of little Michele Rose.
Isn’t she beautiful?

And of course, ONE is the number of nights we have left here at Teen Challenge. Just a wake up to go!

Two is the number of sons we have been blessed with. So often while working here at Teen Challenge I see boys who come from broken and messed up families. Absentee dads, addicted moms, boys placed by the state. But some of these boys are from middle America Christian homes. Christian school, good churches, caring families. My family. My boys. I don’t know why God spared us the heartache of that type of rebellion, but in His infinite mercy, He did. And for that I am eternally grateful!

Two is also the number of daughters-in-law we have been blessed with. Beautiful girls, inside and out.

Two is the number of brand new windshield wipers we have.
And two is the number of trys it took before we got the right ones.

Two is also the number of granddaughters who did NOT get their pictures posted yesterday – So…. here are Hayley and Maddie

Two is the number of pictures I have picked out from my Teen Challenge 08 collection to share with you. It’s been fun to look back over our seven months here (in pictures) and pick a couple of favs to share (again!).

And two is the number of days left to wrap up the loose ends, do all the rest of the laundry, stow away all the last minute stuff (like putting the toaster oven in the microwave!), and say our farewells.

Really, I think it’s one day and a wake-up at this point!

Three is the number of digits on the themometer today outside our door. (OK, it was in the sun, but 112!!! Yikes!)

Three is the number of beautiful foals in the front pasture (though a new one will be joining them in the morning!)

Three is the number of beautiful granddaughters that I have (and will be hugging in just a month!). Ellie, the oldest, just graduated from pre-school:

How cute is that!

And three is the number of days I have left to figure out how to pack for being away from home for a month.

Four is the number of chores we (well, Gary really) got done today (I was busy cooking lunch and dinner for the boys. Of course, Gary helped with that too. Let’s face it, he’s amazing):
Washed the outside windows
Packed up window covers
Packed up the outside rug
Got down the suitcase from the rooftop carrier

Four is the number of chicken quarters that were left over from dinner. Period.

Four is the number of pictures that I’m sharing from my walk on Saturday around the front pond-

Four – oh the number of days…….