Our Disney Trip

Well, we visited Mickey, Minnie and the gang this week. Believe it or not, the trip to the Magic Kingdom wasn't an unbearable line all day. It was hot but not humid and we didn't stand in a line longer than 20-30 minutes. The fireworks display was incredible (probably one of the best we all have ever seen). We left on Monday and traveled to Orlando amidst rain and traffic. The hotel wasn't even on the map and never mind Map Quest. It took us over 30 minutes once we got off the exit to find the hotel that was only 1/2 mile down the road. Those who know me, know I was not a happy camper. Tuesday we spent time going shopping and doing some other activities. We went (for the second time) to a place called WonderWorks, which is like an interactive science museum. It has things like earthquake simulation, hurricane simulation, giant piano, land a space shuttle, fly a jet, etc. etc. It is a great attraction for a fairly reasonable price. Tuesday evening we went to Carraba's for dinner which was fantastic and took Brandon & Katie to the heated swimming pool for a late night swim. Wednesday was Disney day. B & K had a great time and so did we. Probably the highlight of the day was getting to see the updated Pirates of the Carribean ride. Even though it is an expensive place to visit, Disney is worth every dollar you have to spend! Thursday after checking out of our hotel, before heading home, we went to one of my favorite places for a meal...IHOP (International House of Pancakes!) Great pancakes just not as good as Memaw's. Afterwards, we went to Downtown Disney which is basically an outdoor mall and attractions and only cost something if you participate or buy something. We finally got home about 8:00pm Thursday. We spent Friday and Saturday resting and unpacking. It was a short vacation but a lot of fun. Can't wait until the next time. I have to go to camp this week and I don't beleive Jessica is as nervous about the week as I was. Later!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 6

Hallelujah! It has come and gone! The week is over and we have survived. We did not have any major incursions and we all came out loving each other perhaps even more than when the week started. I realize my literary reflections as the week have gone on have gotten lesser and lesser (mainly because I have to find time write). But the day started with Jessica taking Katie from the hotel to camp with her to pick up the kids. Which meant Brandon and I got to ride all the way home together. It was a great trip, except for stopping an overly crowded exit with every Boy Scout from Venice, FL in McDonald's. So, we decided to go futher and find another McDonald's which had every Boy Scout from somewhere else in FL. After 45 minutes of waiting we got back on the rode. We got home about 4:00 and tried to relax for a while. We had a time getting ready for Grandma and Grandpa to get here. We had to pick up a few things and had dinner at one of B's favorite places (Chinese!) Grandma and Grandpa arrived about 8:15 and B & K were excited to be with them for a few days. So, after a long week (a good week), we are off to Orlando, Fl and The Magic Kingdom. We should have a good time and we'll see what adventures wait us in the days and weeks ahead!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 5

Well, it is almost over. In fact, this time on Saturday, Mom would be back in the picture. But, imagine this...6:50am! That's what time Brandon decided to get up after going to sleep at 11:30pm last night. I had to get up early to go to a meeting in Atlanta and was hoping they woudl both sleep. David and Jessica said they would watch them and bring them to Atlanta for me before going to camp for the DC Installation. By the time I left at 7:30am both B & K were wide awake which caused me to fear for everyone else's sleep. I left and met up with everyone later in the afternoon for lunch. I was fearful for David and Jessica's sanity with 5 kids in the house but they survived. We headed to our hotel for the night planning to swim but much to my disadvantage, it stormed and I thought the war would soon take place. B was not happy he could not go swimming before going to camp and let me know about it for about 45 minutes (very tired little Bug!) We went to camp, B & K got to stay with Mom while I was at the installation. After everything was over we headed back to the hotel and the end of the day. They played with Jacob and Taylor until about 11:00pm and finally crashed around! Another day over and Saturday is all driving!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 4

Well expecting the worse especially today condsidering we were going on a trip, we tried to get the day off to good start. Wanting desperately to not the frustrations of the previous day be a distraction. We got off to school and to work at a fairly decent time. My main task before our trip was to do some cleaning up at home and to pack enough things to last for a couple of days. I pick Brandon & Katie up around 2:30 and we headed off to see their friends Jacob, Taylor & little Evan Swyers. We drove from Waycross to Columbus. This was the part I was most worried about because of traveling by myself with B & K. However, despite a few small incursions, the trip was uneventful and peaceful. We arrived in Columbus and the chaos was on. We went to dinner then back to the house where they played and played (and played and played and played and played and played and played and played and played and played...you get the idea!). My good friend Jessica volunteered to bath B & K for me so David and I could hang out. Finally about 11:30 I had to force B & K to go to bed which resulted in a minor disagreement. But overall, a better day than Wednesday and an early morning on Friday should prove interesting!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 3

Today was a difficult day. Not because of Brandon & Katie or Jessica being gone but b/c of some other issues I faced in the day. I always look forward to the day after and even further from days like today so I can forget about them and move on. The day started out okay. Brandon & Katie were up picking on each other at 7:00 in the morning. So, we got up, got ready and went to McDonald's for breakfast before off to school. I picked them up later in the afternoon and took them home. Trying not to allow some of the distractions of the day come out on B & K, we decided to go swimming early. Once at the pool, we had a great time. B & K both were jumping off the diving board (with arm floaties on of course). They both are really close to learning how to swim! We got home, got cleaned up and had dinner. Funny thing is, we had two pancakes and eggs left over from breakfast and B insisted that I save them so he could have them from breakfast. He had everything and some applesauce. They watched TV for a while and off to bed. So, it was a good day. I was glad the day ended. I have some what of a difficult time wondering if I did my best yesterday. In persponally dealing with some things and how I handled some things. But, all the matters is that when I look at B & K, they remind me why I am who I am and they make the next day bearable. They make me want to work harder on who I am and what I do. Even though Brandon is almost 6, I am learning everyday how to be a better parent and a better person. So, this week probably came at a good time!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 2

You know how you've heard the phrase the quiet before the storm? Well, it seems we are there. Day 2 began with Brandon & Katie being quite cooperative in getting up, getting dressed, making their beds, brushing their teeth and hair. I got them off to school and in to the office at a reasonable time and thought this was a good start. One of the sanities I have this week is daycare. Being able to have those hours in the day for them to play and me to stay sane. So, I picked them up in the afternoon and it seemed like the war would soon be started. B immediately got mad at me and pitched a fit because he wanted to wear his costume but I said no because we were going to church shortly. He calmed down and we went to dinner which was quite civil. At church they had a little trouble with hitting each other and picking at each other during Bible Study. During Men's Club B went with me and K went back with the ladies to play Bingo. She came running out later to tell me she had won a game! B wanted so desperately to help the men clean some things up. Instead he and eventually K played in the front with a giant inflatable bowling ball. After the men finished our project, I played with them for a while and we had a great time. We went home and in the back of my mind, I still was apprehensive about the peace...We got home and went straight to bath time. Now K had cut her foot at church and was miserable. Once she got in the bathtum and the water hit it, she was off to the races crying. I put Peroxide on the cut and kept washing it but she kept crying. Finally I got her out, got her dressed, doctored her wound and settled her down to watch cartoons. B finished his bath got dressed and teeth brushed. I gave them both applesauce for snack and right after that, they were ready for bed. So, the inevidable is still there. Where do I turn, what do I do?! It was a good day. They both are excited for Day 3 I'm gonna take them swimming!

The Chronicles of Mr. Mom - Day 1

As I watched Jessica drive off to camp, I couldn't help but think of the Armaggedon which would soon take place in my home over the next few days. I would stand on one hill and Brandon and Katie would stand on the other (and at other times, B & K would stand on opposite hills). So, I quickly had to figure out my battle plan. What could I do to prevent this impending encounter. I picked B & K up in the afternoon and took them home. Right away their friends came over and I knew then, it was on! The house was attacked and looked an explosion had taken place in K's bedroom. Eventually B took off down the road with his friends without permission which meant he was sent to his barracks and his allies sent packing. K kept reminding me how good she was being... After this, we had dinner and played t-ball in the front yard for a little while and went for a walk. I realized we didn't have any milk so I called a Soldier at the Corps and asked her if I could bring B & K over while I went to the store (it would be a lot faster that way). S0, she took them to a little park not far from our house and to DQ for ice cream. We all got home, they got baths really good, brushed their teeth, and laid down in their beds very good. They both were asleep by 9:30. So the battle still looms... All kidding aside, B & K were great last night and I hope having church tonight will help prevent any lines being drawn in the sand! But to borrow a tag line from a good friend of mine...I survived...today!

Reflections!

As many people did yesterday, we went and watched fireworks! Brandon and Katie kept trying to convince us all day that "the sunset was coming." Of course when we finally went to watch fireworks and by the time they started at 9:30pm, Brandon & Katie were ready to go to sleep. But as we sat there, Jessica and I talked about the fact that this was the fourth time we had sat in the same parking lot to watch the fire works in Waycross. We found it hard to believe that it had been a full three years since we've moved here. Which causes me to stop and reflect on our ministry here in Waycross. This has been a good three years to us. Much more than we expected and at the same time what we had prepared for. The Lord has blessed our family. Brandon & Katie have made good friends, which we take as a good sign for future appointments. Jessica and I have made good friends. Our Corps has seen growth and we have seen growth. We are extremely happy that Brandon & Katie have learned some much about God here and have had a crucial role in our ministry. They have learned how to tell others about God and they have learned to invite others to church. They have learned many things about life here and for that Waycross will always have a special place in our hearts. So, do we know if we will get to see the fireworks for a fifth time here in Waycross, we don't know what God has in store for us. But, we are happy to be serving Him here in Waycross and are thankful for the challenges and joys He puts in our paths to help us to grow along the way. Thanks to all our family, friends and soldiers here and abroad who have prayed for us and loved us during these times. Here's to a good year!