Traveling Mama

The last four days I have been on my own because Carl is away. He's taking a cross cultural course in Los Angeles and left on Saturday. The days have been filled with much activity, and not much of a break for me. Whew! It's tiring being a single parent. Bath night is crazy if you've had to prepare the meal beforehand, calm a fussy baby while doing it, and then have to tackle the dishes afterwards. It's hard emotionally to be there all the time, 100% for all three of your children. Logically it doesn't add up, but somehow as a parent you do it. I have missed having snipits of time with each of the kids one on one. Over the last few days I have been reminded that I'm a very blessed woman to have a husband who enjoys parenting his children and partnering with his wife.

But thankfully I don't have to do it on my own for much longer. The kids and I are flying to Calgary tomorrow to spend time with my parents and brothers and grandma. We'll first drive to Sacramento, then get on a plane tomorrow afternoon and then get to Calgary at 9 p.m. It'll be a long day, but in the end the hugs and kisses waiting for us will make up for it. I am looking forward to eating my Mom's cooking and being able to load dishes into a dishwasher. I'm excited about having adult conversation. I'm so thrilled that the kids will have three uncles to play with and entertain. I'm anticipating connecting with some old friends from high school. And I'm looking forward to a little bit of snow and just a teeny bit of cooler weather. No crazy blizzard or cold snap or anything, but just a little taste of Canada.

Joel and Kezia have been looking forward to this trip since I came back from Winnipeg. "When is it our turn to go on the airplane?". I've packed snacks, books, activity pads, cars, Barbies, new water bottles, toys for the baby, snacks for me, lip balm, passports, visas, diapers, a sleeper, crayons, pencils and a sharpener....have I forgotten anything? And that's all in our carry-on bag!

I may be crazy to travel with three small children, but I'm always up for a challenge. And Joel is a huge helper, so I know that he'll get to exercise his gift of service on this trip. Kezia is also very helpful and knows to stay close and not to talk to strangers. Asha is a veteran with this whole flying thing. She'll be no problem.

So depending on my internet connection (which at my parents' place is always hit and miss) I may be absent for a while. I think I should encourage the other Heppner here in Fresno to do a bit of blogging. His course in L.A. will have been quite intense and full of unique experiences. Anyways, toodle loo and ta-ta for now! I have a bit of last minute packing before I tuck myself into bed.