I was going to post more about our trip down to Corpus, but before I knew it, I was off again on another adventure. And let me tell you, this adventure has not turned out like I expected it to so far!
First of all, I officially graduated from 20s to 30s this week. My actual birthday was spent driving through the desert with my three kids. Crazy? Maybe. But that's how it turned out. At least I could get text messages on my brand-new cell phone (my b-day gift from hubby before I left him back home) and I got some great b-day greetings, which made the empty desert seem less lonely, at least! And my new cell phone is blue-tooth enabled, so I was able to talk hands free.
But my plans changed, everything sorta went - POOF! - up in the air... here's how:
My sister-in-law and nephew were supposed to drive all the way to Cali with me, with a short pit-stop and energy fuel-up at my Mother-in-law's house in Arizona - which is also SIL and nephew's house... Well, after being gone for the summer visiting us, SIL decided to end the journey early at home in lieu of traveling out to Cali and staying for a few weeks. So be it! There I was, in Arizona, faced with two choices: head home alone with three kids, or continue on with three kids. The distance was just about equal either way, so I decided to forage ahead! I wanted to take this trip so badly - had planned it since we moved away last year - and nothing was gonna deter me! Not even miles and miles of lonely desert highway on my birthday.
Now this is where the new DVD player in my new car came in handy. I kept remembering our trip out to TX in the BEAST and thanked my lucky stars I got my new car in time. The DVD player saved my sanity, let me tell you! Despite hours and hours of Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, I was in a much happier state as long as my kiddos were content in the backseat. Plus, the comfort factor of this car made mommy very happy, also! And I didn't have to worry about breaking down on the side of the highway somewhere...
We stopped in a small lake community outside of Bakersfield to visit my husband's grandparents for the night and, although I am very glad we made the extra detour, it was exhausting after a long day's trip - 6:30am to 7:00pm with three bathroom stops and four feedings for Cohen. And then, wouldn't ya just know it? Cohen had a rough night, screaming off and on into the wee hours of the morning. I felt very bad for him, but at the same time I was sure I would keel over any minute!!! Exhaustion vs empathy vs exhaustion vs empathy... The next morning, I was a walking zombie with fatigue-induced nausea, but I managed to bathe the kiddos and we were off once again to complete the final six hours of our incredibly long journey!
But I am here at last, at my parent's house, safe and sound. I am missing hubs, but glad to be here. Tomorrow we are heading up to my Grandma's house for a visit and I am excited to see some of my family again, including my brother and his wife and son. This will make everything worth the hassle - seeing the people I love after being away for so long!
2 comments:
First let me say I am sorry that I didn't send you a text on your birthday. I was reminded that it was your birthday and the idea of texting you completely slipped my mind when I got off the phone. I have like no short term memory. So Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Sherry, Happy birthday to you!! I hope you do something during your visit to celebrate and the lonely desert car ride isn't the only memory of your special day.
Also, you rock for finishing out your trip. If you can do it with three kids {one with feeding tube issues} I know I can make the trip with my two. I'm glad you all made it out safely. Enjoy the visit!
I think you are such a brave, strong woman. Nothing gives you more courage and confidence than completing a road trip alone with kids. I wish you all the best each day, to the future!!
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