Home Again

Someone mentioned to me this week that it takes half as much time as a person is gone from home to get back into the routine. What a true statement. We've been home from our vacation a week now and I'm still trying to put life back into the order. We got an unusually amount of rain while we were away and the yard, tree and beds resembled something from the amazon.

Vacation was in one word, WONDERFUL. It was worth every effort and sacrifice to get there, that's for sure. My favorite part by far was just being together. No outside obligations. No deadlines. No interruptions. No schedules to juggle. Just being us.

This trip was particularly meaningful to me as it is the last summer before our oldest goes to High School. Our family's schedule is about to go to places never before seen. Four more years and our first child will possibly be leaving home. Time is more precious now than ever.

It filled my heart to see all of the kids playing together and relating to each other in their own different ways. A walk on the beach. Digging together in the sand. Playing pool games. Riding bikes. Reading books aloud at night. Talking for hours in the back of the van. Laughing. I am sure that our youngest will remember this vacation as a special time with their older siblings.

Another highlight for me was when my parents visited for a few days. One of my favorite childhood memories was when my dad took in me in the ocean for the first time and we played for hours. He was like a kid out there, as side of him I hadn't seen and yet endeared me to him even more. Twenty five years later it was just as much a thrill for me.

My mom and I had time just to talk and talk and talk. I always learn so much from her about what it means to love my children, so I am always so inspired after I've had some time with her. It was a special treat to do our talking with the waves lapping at our toes and drinking iced tea while watching the kids play.

On the way home we enjoy the hospitality of Sean's long time friends and fellow math teachers, Jim and Jane. They live in Georgia on a beautiful lake, which the children enjoyed after 10 hours in the van.

Here's the last set of pictures from our trip.

How we got here

We just arrived in Cape Canaveral, Florida, to enjoy a three week vacation. We left as close to the end of school as possible and drove through the night to get here. I've been reluctant in many cases to tell people about our time away. Saying it seems a bit excessive. Three weeks? A family of nine? In a beach house?

Three years ago we were blessed with a similar opportunity through the Lily Teacher Fellowship. We never even conceived of such an idea on our own. As a long shot, Sean applied for this grant which would enable our family to live in Florida for a month, enjoy the local library and rec center, attend family Space Camp, explore Kennedy Space Center in detail and take in all the nature to our heart's content.

I think it is fair to say that experience redefined what vacation would mean to our family. Being able to stay in one location for an extended period of time allowed us all to step away from the pressures, busyness and dailiness of life to connect and grow closer together. At home our lives are very busy and if any of you know Sean and myself personally you know that the work never seems to stop. While we certainly did not lay on the beach everyday, but we did play together, explore and make memories. It was incredible.

Two things have happened since our last trip here, Sean has begun working for Texas Instruments traveling around the country providing instruction for other teachers. This means that much of the summer he is coming or going. No more lazy days of summer for this teacher. Secondly, we became serious about budgeting/saving with the intent that we could repeat our last trip on our own dollar. In fact, it was in the Cape Canaveral Library that I read Total Money Makeover for the first time and we laid out a plan to get out of debt. Please note that we aren't in a perfect place financially. It's a journey with many detours. But we were convinced with some ingenuity we could provide this vacation without incurring debt.

Knowing that this is the last summer for our family to be without a high school student (practices, jobs, camps, obligations,earning money for college...) and realizing that the youngest ones had no recollection of our last vacation together, we decided last August to start working and saving for a three week get away. Everyone was excited at the thought of returning to the same place. I thought that it would be a little easier to set aside the money, but found out otherwise in December when my hours at work began to be cut. Sean's extra work has become a necessity so we had to get a little creative.

Here's how we did it. I hope it will encourage you to dream big for your family and consider how you might work together to meet a goal.

1. We cut back on weekend trips and field trips this school year. No overnights in hotels- we just drive through the night.

2. We sold baked goods whenever we had a chance- garage sales, events at Sean's school, other people's garage sales.... (Actually, I think that my own kids probably raised half of the money themselves when I told them they had to pay $.50 like everyone else.) We used coupons and sales to buy premade cookie dough when possible to cut down on the cost.

3. We had a fall and spring garage sale. We earned several hundred dollars through these sales just from stuff we had around the house and really didn't use. We also sold our no longer used books/CDs/DVDs to Half Priced Books. A little bit here and there adds up over time.

4. We kept a jar and saved every bit of change we could. Last week we rolled almost $300 in coins.

5. We held "Babysitting Saturdays" at our home. This was a family effort in which we opened our home to kids from 4-7:30 on selected Saturdays, had a structured play time, craft and a light dinner. My younger children thought this was the best thing ever to have so many playmates over at once. I'm hoping the older girls continue this business on their own. It was a hit!

6. Sean had two regular tutoring jobs throughout the school year. We held back the checks and cashed them all right before the trip just to make sure the money didn't slip through the cracks.

7. We bought our gas on a gas card that gave a 5% rebate. I'm not a fan of credit, but I am a fan of rewards. As you can imagine, gas for a 15 passenger van is a huge expense.

8. We bought and cooked most of our meals in Indiana, froze them and hauled them in coolers. Prices are much higher here and it's a relief to know dinner is already made (from meat that I bought on sale.)

9. We cleaned houses. The older girls and myself put ourselves out for hire to do any job or project inside or outside. Usually the people had a list and we worked our way through it. We charged $30/ hour and stopped when we were told.

10. God provided- a generous thank you gift from a student's family, a bucket of change from a family member, gift cards, an unexpected refund check.

Was it worth it? I think the picture says it all.

It's so much fun to see the boys explore Kennedy Space Center. John really thinks that he is going to go up in a rocket.

Medicine Bow Lodge

Disclaimer: This is going to sound like a paid advertisement, but it's not. It's just the testimony of a family that had an incredible vacation.


We had the most amazing time in Wyoming at Medicine Bow Lodge. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. If you are considering a unique and unforgettable vacation, I cannot recommend Medicine Bow Lodge enough. Here's why:


1. Horses: We rode both morning and afternoon for upwards of two hours at at time. The horses are well maintained and each ride was an exploration of it's own- rushing mountain streams, aspen forests, pine forests, rocky byways and gorgeous scenes. We each had the same horse throughout the week and were well instructed on how to handle it. We also enjoyed a sunset ride and a day long pack trip.

2. Hospitality: We stayed in a cabin with adjoining rooms which provided us with both space and privacy. Each room had its own bathroom with a shower. The lodge, which is the perfect combination of rustic and cozy, is open to guests 24 hours a day along with access to hot and cold drinks. It didn't take long before we were on a first name basis with everyone and felt right at home. It even came with a dog, Katie, to pet.


3. Staff: The Bishop family owns and lives at the ranch along with their staff. These young people went out of their way to know our children's names and engage our family. I really can't say enough about their willingness to serve, work hard and make our vacation extra special. I think my kids learned a lot from watching these young adults working well together and having fun at the same time.

4. Food: I wish that I would have taken more pictures, but honestly I couldn't help but start eating each meal before I would remember to snap a shot. Each meal at the ranch is included in the price. The day always started with hot cinnamon rolls on the table to enjoy while breakfast was being cooked. Breakfast was made to order: pancakes, toast, eggs, omelets, hashbrowns, fruit, cereal.... Whatever we could dream up, they could make. Lunch and Dinner were always well prepared and well balanced meals. Coming straight from the kitchen and made from scratch, it really seemed like home (except I didn't have to make it and clean it up:) Two of our girls are gluten free, but this did not stop them from enjoying the food. The kitchen staff went out of their way to ensure that they could eat what they wanted. They even went as far as cleaning and cooking the fish that we caught.

5. Activities: There's more than just horses to Medicine Bow Lodge. We enjoyed the rope swing, playing pool, fishing, country dancing, a concert by the fireplace and pottery. These activities were just like icing on the cake.

6. Family: Unlike other dude ranches where riders are separated by experience or age groups, Medicine Bow Lodge allows for families to stay together. Their Lodge is based not on programs or schedules, but people, which is truly what sets them apart.

7. Faith: It is clear that the Bishops love the Lord and are devoted to serving Him. It was such an encouragement to see various family and staff members with their Bibles open over breakfast. Chapel services are offered on Sunday mornings as well. There is a genuine atmosphere of respect and peace that clearly stems from their faith.

8. Beauty: Traveling up the mountain pass to the lodge will no doubt take your breath away. But once at the ranch there is an incredible amount of beauty to explore and discover. The Lodge sits in the middle of Medicine Bow National Forest which covers miles of protected land. I personally enjoyed the rushing mountain stream behind the lodge and the very comfortable hammock.



9. Price: Okay, this is probably going to be the kicker for most people. We were blessed beyond measure to have received this vacation through the Kids Talk About God International Art Contest. However, considering that this vacation is all-inclusive the price bears itself out. Consider this: a week at Disney costs and average of $1000/person, an all inclusive family resort averages about $1200/person. Other ranches in Wyoming offer similar accommodations, but at a much higher rate. Medicine Bow Lodge is well worth the investment for an experience of a lifetime.

10. A true vacation experience: I can testify firsthand that vacation isn't always the most relaxing experience, especially for mom. Oftentimes a lot of energy is spent on planning, managing the budget, waiting in long lines and trying to get everything in during a week of vacation only to come home a bit haggard. This vacation experience was completely the opposite. It gave us an opportunity to experience the beauty of God's creation, a time to bond as a family while trying new things, and a chance to leave responsibility behind for a while. We left Medicine Bow Lodge truly refreshed and rejuvenated.

Horses

Being that we are from the suburbs, none of us have had much exposure to horses. Sure, there's been the occasional birthday party or walk around the loop at Brown County State Park, but nothing like a few hours a day riding. These horses are taking us places that we couldn't get to by foot and that are rarely seen. We've each had our exciting moments which we've now lived to tell, but overall it's been incredible.

Tim, the ranch owner, has been our teacher and guide. He has the quiet strength that gives him command over these animals. He really knows them each not only by name, but by personality. We are all learning a lot about trusting the horse and taking charge without being afraid. I think that I'm really going to miss riding when we get home.

Miriam on Dollar

Hannah taking a wade with Murray

My jeans


Betsy and Stretch



Trying to line up for a photo. Check out that view!

Lydia and Geranimo




Me and Popcorn

On the Road

We've had an adventurous two day drive to Wyoming. Although I do miss our little ones, I must say that traveling with big girls has been a treat. We brought the big 15 passenger van so each person has their own row. There was definitely some lounging, reading and DVD watching going on.

We are always suckers for that roadside sign that says, "Turn Here." In the middle of Iowa we couldn't resist the American Gothic Museum.


We reached our friends, the Baumgartners, in Clarinda, Iowa just in time for a late dinner and a walk around their cute, little town. It was such a treat to see their new home and the church where Jack is pastor. Spending time with them is always an encouragement. Miss them.



We enjoyed driving across Nebraska knowing that Medicine Bow Lodge was on the other side. Hannah sat in the front and quizzed me for my exam for several hours. That was so helpful, and now I feel a little less pressure to study on vacation.


Coming into Wyoming there was a sudden change in the topography. As we climbed into the mountains the views were breathtaking.






We're settled in now at the lodge. Today we've taken two long rides up mountains, in aspen forests and through a few rushing river streams. Amazing.

Getting there and getting home again

I heard some words of wisdom from my brother-in-law that has really affected the way we traveled last summer. Basically, his mentality when hitting the road with the family is this: "Vacation starts when you leave the driveway and doesn't end until you park your car back in the garage."

There's just no reason to hurry up, stress out and make everyone's travels unenjoyable along the way waiting for the vacation to begin. Of course there are sometimes time restraints, but if these are expected the journey can still be enjoyable.

So here's some ways we've made traveling part of vacation this summer:

1) Listened to ALOT of Adventures in Odyssey together which we checked out from the library.

2) Enjoyed special-to-us snacks like stringed cheese and yogurt in a tube. Seriously, it's the little things. It doesn't take much.

3) Followed a billboard for a dairy farm in hopes of just stretching our legs and getting some good ice cream. Instead, we had a few hours of serious fun, a 4 D movie and a farm tour. Then we ate the ice cream. Go ahead- ask us anything about dairy production.




4) Stopped at a rest stop and ran off some energy on a playground.

5) With a little research on the internet, decided to stop by and visit an amazing kid's zoo for the afternoon.



6) Said yes, more than no.

7) Took a potty break at a restaurant with a play land and let the little ones race and slide for a few minutes.

8) Picked up some free maps at a rest stop. The kids colored and traced their way home.

9) Stayed in the last day to let the kids swim and play to their heart's content while I did laundry. Going to home with luggage full of clean clothes is a relaxing thought in itself! We also took a much needed nap to recoup from a week of non stop fun.

10) Grabbed bagels for breakfast on the way out town and left a meal ready in the freezer for when we got home again.

I know that our vacation time has been enriched with just a simple shift of thinking. Sometimes in the packing, planning and effort to get out the door, I've left something very important behind- the realization that I'm not blessing my family by stressing and rushing.

Life is not just the destination, it's the journey.

(Just so you know- we consider any time that we spend a night at a hotel 'vacation'. We usually take several short road trips around the Midwest tagging along as my husband works.)

This and other ideas can be found on WFMW at We are THAT Family!