WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TOO....

Thanks to a generous Christmas gift, we were able to get away for a couple days to Portland.  What a wonderful time we had!  Of course, I like to overlook the bad stuff (ie- "head in the clouds") - like 2 of our children throwing up, a very long drive home due to a snow storm, 3 HUGE poopy messes, and waking up about 15 times a night (which happens when you have 7 people in a room).  But even with that... it was still SOO enjoyable and I just love when our family is confined to small spaces (motel room and van) because it forces us to be together and usually ends up with much laughter and an even better understanding of each other.

We stayed at the Oxford Suites, which has been our favorite hotel for a couple years now.  It comes with a fully cooked to order  breakfast and a light dinner complete with fancy soda drinks for the kids.  It has an indoor heated pool and spacious rooms. It is such a great place for large families that I recommend it to everyone.  The rooms each night can be a little costly ($80 +) BUT when you include breakfast, dinner, and swimming galore, it ends up being a fantastic deal. 

We took a trip to ChuckECheese, our new favorite one in Vancouver.  Again, another great deal for us because it ends up being about 3 hours of FUUUUN and a big lunch for under $45. 

And theeeeeen....  my most favorite find of all... was the $3 movie theatre right near the ChuckECheese.  We went to the movies for $15!!!!  Two year olds and under are free.  We paid another $15 for snacks.  We rarely go to the movies, maybe like twice a year as a family and maybe two more times a year for "date-night".  We saw "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" which was quite enjoyable!  A very cute movie, (even if you are juggling an 8 month old on your lap!)

And... while driving around, we found a KMart that was going out of business and like I say... "their loss, our gain" (hee!hee!).  We went in and I found a few clothing items for the children very cheap and Paul found some liquid plumber or something like that.

We did lots of swimming, playing, visiting, and just plain relaxing after such a busy Christmas season for us. 

I feel refreshed.   I'm the type of person that has to flat out leave town in order to feel re-charged and rested.  Otherwise household chores call me and work at the Corps calls me and I don't truly feel like I have "permission" to relax.  When we get away... aaaaaahhhh... it just gives me an extra spring in my step.

As soon as we hit the door, I spent half an hour getting the kids all suited up for snow play.  Now they are out sledding and playing while Mary and I get some of this laundry done, much of which has puke and poop. Paul went to go check the Corps.  After 2 whole days away, I'm sure it burnt down (jk!).  I will head in with the boys Saturday to set-up for Church and Sunday School since I didn't get to it this week.

It is good to be home on this last day of 2009.  I have been doing a lot of reflecting about what I want for my new year.   I am really seeking the Lord about some of the things on my heart;  mainly about simple living and intentionally doing the things that are most important in my life of child-rearing, keeping the home and salvation army ministry.  I hope to post about it soon.  

Until then, I wish all my dear family and dear friends a very fabulous New Years Eve.  Perhaps you may be able to spend it with your loved ones and have some time to share about some of the most significant things in your life that has happened in 2009.  Whether  they were good times or bad times, or some of both, perhaps you can thank the Lord for constantly drawing you to Himself and refining you to be entirely His.

PS... Just when I was just about to post this, a friend came by and dropped off some Butterhorns!  I am excited to try them!  Thank you so much *D*!  You made my day.   The kids will be enjoying them with some hot cocoa when they come in from the snow.  I think I'll go sneak one for myself first...