I even have five minutes to write this update. I have a short amount of time before Squirt needs to be nursed and go to bed.
On a side note, he's slept straight through for the past three nights. Let's have some prayers here that he continues the trend.
I have pretty much copped out, and my update is photos.
As in, this is what happens when you try to get things done in between driving your oldest to and from school, and trying to manage your youngest. Fortunately, I had a girlfriend on Squirt duty today, and I got a ton of stuff done, including laundry (regular and for the trip) and some organization.
I present to you a little bit of chaos...
And a little bit of progress...
This is our first packed bag! It's got Nemo's booster seat and blow up toddler bed in it. Can I get a WOO HOO???


Hey, however small, progress is progress.
I'm listening to Live365 right now and it's the Tapestry of Nations. Gives me chills. Every. Time. I remember watching this so many times with Mom and Nana. I was sad when they let this parade go, I thought it was beautiful.
I've been thinking about Mom a lot, of course. Today, as I was finally able to take some photos, after dumping my memory card, I remember how she always used to hand me the camera and say, "pretend that I was here." My mother was really the photo taker in our family, and although I love photography as well, I haven't had my heart in it since she died. I'm hoping to reclaim some of her spirit on this trip, and hopefully, we can even still, pretend that she is there.
Now, I do have something that you've all been waiting for.
It's been a long time coming.
Before -
After -
My husband has done so much work. Here's a little bit of it.

And that's not even a third of the work he's done on the house, although it was very labor intensive. He needs this vacation. We all do.
Excitement is running really high in my house, and I love it. I can't wait. Just can't wait.