We went up to the property yesterday for the first time since our escrow closed. We thought we would do a dedication ceremony to dedicate the land to God and ask that we are guided by Him for everything thing that we do with this precious gift. We were blessed that my dad and a close friend of ours were also coming along to participate in this event for our family and our future.
We got off to a bit of a rocky start as we do any day we plan something. No matter how much I plan with laying out clothes, having drinks and bottles ready the night before, no matter what I cannot plan for poopie diapers, upset stomachs, teenage attitudes, toddler attitudes, clumsy kids needing ice packs, or vehicle issues. Most likely whenever we have a specific time to leave by ALL of those things will happen. So, getting 14 kids out the door is always a challenge. We finally got on the road about an hour and a half later than we wanted to but that was pretty good compared to trips in the past.
With our crew we know that we are going to make about 3-4 pit stops on our way there. Yesterday I noticed for the first time that my children are much more aware than I thought. As we pulled up to our first pit stop which was a McDonald's a few of them say, "This is a two person one." They all agree with one another and I have no idea what they are talking about, but I'm busy ushering my cherubs across the parking lot watching for cars and holding chubby little hands so I just keep talking and walking knowing I will figure it out soon. We walk into the bathrooms and my girls say, "See only two people at a time!" I guess with 11 girls they notice the number of stalls because they knew every bathroom we went to and they do not want to use Sonic as a pit stop because they only have one stall and it takes too long (plus the spring on the door is broke and it slams on them when they open and shut it). One place had a sign that said, "LARGE bathrooms inside!" We found out this meant they had extra wide, large stalls but they only had three of them. :)
Our close friend was up touring the property before we got there. He loved it! I am so happy that he thought it was a beautiful as we do. Unfortunately, he had to leave before we got there. So he told us that he had left something for us to see to show us that we had been there. I was very interested to see what he had left. When we got there we found a Toyota hubcap hanging from a tree on a strap down strap. He gave a tree a necklace! We are leaving it there! :)
We pulled up to the property and took off in the jeep. The kids happily stayed in the van and watched Megamind (one of their favorites). Off we went. Kevin drove and he went over four foot trees that he called shrubs, huge boulders that he referred to as annoying obstacles, and I learned to "duck" inside the vehicle as large branches were hurled into the window and missed me by mere inches. We found the spot where we might plant my dad's house, and the views are gorgeous!
We got back to the van and tied a ribbon between two trees. We got all the cameras ready and the video camera. Our daughter Vivianna (11) was so excited to be in charge of the video camera. All the kids were great while Kevin prayed a prayer and we got ready to cut the ribbon. We cut the ribbon and everyone cheered and clapped. Then we got out the shovel and everyone took a turn shoveling some dirt. Then Vivi brought the camera to dad to view some of the video she shot, so excited. That was when we discovered... she never pressed 'record'! Oops! Well, there that went, but we plan to do a full reenactment the next time we go up.
Kevin marked some trees to cut down with orange duct tape while I gave the kids jeep rides, acting like we were going to crash into trees going a whole 5 mph. They loved the excitement.We then loaded up and got ready to go. We had a great time! The land is dedicated to God to use it and us according to His will for His glory.
What a day! I feel less nervous each time that we go up to the property and make some more plans. I am excited for the day that I actually feel confident about this whole new unfamiliar life. I think about all of the things that have been unfamiliar and what successes they have turned into. Just a few more chapters in my book...or I mean LIFE. ;-)
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Country Momma
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