Time for a Get-Away

There is always a time when one needs to get-away. With the adoption journey we have been on, and the emotions of letting go, and the strong desire to reclaim our lives we took some time-out to do just that:   reclaim our family life. And what a better place to do it in, then Disneyland!

Puerto Rico Trip

An Unsuspecting Gift!

It was just about two weeks ago we found out Duane has been asked to travel to Puerto Rico for business.  This is actually a huge honor for him. He, along with about a dozen others (worldwide), have been asked to come and take this calss.  He was the only one asked from Colorado.  He is honored and excited to take the class, but he never enjoys the time away from his family.

I wasn't excited about the timing of this trip, as he left today.  However, I am excited for him.

My cup seems so dry these days.  There seems to be a huge burden on me, one I can't seem to escape from.  I feel all used up with nothing left to give.  It seems I have someone constantly next to me, all the time.  I even experience guilt (which is not of God) as I long for just one moment of peace and quiet.  My quiet times have been removed from my schedule and replaced with more things to do.  My plate is full ... and I feel so empty.

Duane saw the place I have been in.  He wanted to give to me, nurture me and replenish everything that has been taken from me. 

He booked me a ticket and I leave on Friday to join him in Puerto Rico!  I get to have a full weekend with my husband, of uninterupted time with just him!  And then five full week days of solitude with only my Father to reconnect and draw close.

Duane and I are very excited!

California Fun

Thank You Mom and Dad for a wonderful time in California.  There is NEVER enough time.  We can't wait to come back for another visit.

Things That I Learn On Spring Break

I didn't know how important it was to have a few days of relaxation. I confess I have felt we shouldn't do such frivolous things until our children are home, especially when I think of their hungry bellies and circumstances they live in. So we have continued to put off our needs of relaxation. But we finally did it. We addressed our needs, and took care of ourselves. We were hoping for a frivolous vacation...one in Hawaii or in California, but soon realized God was addressing our needs of having time with one another and getting some much needed rest away from the everyday life. We didn't go far - Denver, to be precise. But it was perfect, and just what we needed. I was able to do my Bible study, cry as I read a good book, laugh with the family, and see my husband relax as work was set aside. I remember seeing lists of "Things You Learn in Kindergarten" or "Things You Learn in School", I have come up with my own: Things You Learn on Spring Break":

1. Rest is a need. It is something we shouldn't put off. God even rested on the seventh day. Shame shouldn't be connected with rest, I should be obedient and do it. Rest prepares me for the events of the week, and takes away the stress from the previous. Rest is a need.


2. I am able to get closer to my family and also to God because distractions are less.


3. My husband is fun! When he is away from the pressures of work, and others telling him what to do and when...he is the man I haven't seen for a long time.


4. My girls make me laugh. The things they think about and do make me giggle.


5. Lindsay is overwhelmed by the demands she has and have put on herself. Getting time away she was able to put them aside and talk them out.


6. Katie was feeling isolated. She was getting shuffled in between Lindsay's firsts and Courtney's health needs.


7. Courtney's medical issues weren't as tolling on her during the time away as they are in her everyday life.


8. Courtney LOVES family time. Nothing can be any better for her, if we are all together, no matter what we are doing.


9. It doesn't take much to have relaxation: a hotel, being away from responsibilites of homelife, and each other is all that is needed. We bought a couple of games and played them over the days either spread out in the living space or on our bed. (We are all obsessive about winning).


10. TV is a treat for us (since we don't have cable), and it only takes one channel to entertain the GIRLS of the family...TLC (What Not to Wear, Four Weddings, Say Yes to the Dress, etc.).


11. Duane is still outvoted when it comes to the TV. Luckily he loves to read, and enjoyed doing so.


12. We discovered that if you keep walking on the 16th Street Mall, there is a park at the way end. We saw loose rope walkers ... something new to watch.


13. Saint Patrick's Day isn't the best time to hang out in Denver. My girls were able to learn a lot that day.


14. 14. Pedicures are still welcomed to all of us girls.



15. 15. Having a mall across from the hotel is all the entertainment you need when you have a house full of teenage girls.

16. Having a pool, hot tub and pennies are an added bonus to any vacation.

17. We finally found a great Mexican restaurant since our move here: El Senor Sol. YUM! Lindsay was able to practice her Spanish, and learn some more.

18. When rested, we are able to truly get to know others. We are friendly and welcoming.

19. We didn't miss our dog and to much of Courtney's dismay we will not be replacing our dog when the time comes.

20. The passion and love I have for my husband is great. I enjoy the man he is and hearing about his dreams and passions. He is tender and caring, and makes me smile. I can still get lost in his dark brown eyes and am able to stay there forever.

So, if you are looking at getting away ... do. But know, it doesn't take much. The girls all in all were looking for the time together over elaborate places to go. I felt foolish to spend money on something that was so close, but in the end ... it was all worth it!

You may have heard that one of the places we were hoping to go to was Disneyland. The added bonus, and the conclusion to our vacation was that Disneyland was brought to us ... Disney On Ice, to be exact.

We can't wait until our next Spring Break!