I felt a little funny after posting the photos from the first couple of days from our Spring Break trip because as I've discussed here before, we've all got 'Highlight Reels' and this trip was probably the most 'highlighty' of any of our family's reels.
The fact of the matter is that my family life is not filled with non-stop highlights.
It wasn't even a few weeks back that Cole and I were in the car cracking-up about how one of these days, I'm going to be hollering at one of my kids and mid-sentence, my head is just going to pop-off because I'm so mad.
Like I'll be yelling, "How in world can there be 17 towels to wash when there are only three of you kids?!?" (This was a real situation that happened recently, where I grabbed the upstairs hamper to find 17...yes 17...dirty towels over the course of a week, which doesn't even seem mathematically possible since there are only three kids living in this house and I'm lucky if I can get each of them to bath two or three times a week.)
And then we laughed about how my obituary will read, "40 year-old mother died last week when her head popped-off in anger after discovering that her kids had thrown 17 dirty towels in the hamper for her to wash."
And this Spring Break trip was no exception.
My kids fought.
My kids complained.
My kids argued.
And my kids acted ungrateful.
Truth be told, I probably fought, complained, argued and acted a little ungrateful a few times myself.
I even spent two (painfully long) hours of our trip sitting in the truck next to my husband on a sightseeing expedition, while completely (and temporarily) convinced that my husband was the biggest jerk I had ever had the misfortune of marrying.
Ironically, we were driving through Hell's Canyon at the time.
And multiple times during the trip, I went for a walk by myself, or took an extra-long bath, or chose to wait in the car while my family went inside somewhere - just so I could clear my head of noise for a few minutes.
Because I'm one of those mom's that has to refuel herself (with silence) in order to be a good mom.
And it was just this last Sunday at church that I was sitting in my chair, filled with self-loathing (which I'm assuming was not the point of Easter Service) while watching the Highlight Reel of the mom sitting in front of me with the cute, polka-dot dress (I don't wear dresses because I have cow-calves.) and the soft, sweet demeanor (My demeanor has never once been described as 'soft' and/or 'sweet.') and her perfectly-behaved kids. (The last time all three of my kids sat with me through the adult service, I wanted wanted to line them all up and kick them in the shins, but decided against it since we were in The Lord's House and all.)
So even though I know all about the deceptive nature of the Highlight Reel, I still find myself regularly sliding on its slippery slopes.
And I don't ever want this blog to be that slope for you, so if things ever start feeling slippery around here, just remember all the fighting, complaining and arguing that you'd hear if I could somehow turn on the volume of my photos.
And with that, I give you Day Three of The Unplanned-Plan...
We woke up on morning three in Sumpter, Oregon (population, 200) fed the kids oranges, string cheese and granola bars from the ice chest and then walked down to a local cafe for hot chocolate.
And these next three photos of Cole and Courtney might be my favorite photos I've ever taken of them together. (They go through long periods of time when they can't stand the sight of each other followed short periods of time when they really enjoy each others company and I can't even begin to explain how much I relish those times, however brief.)
And then we went for a walk around Sumpter.
Where Annie found a gold rock; worth 1 point on the Scavenger Hunt list. (Josh was the Scavenger Hunt Judge and decided that a barrel-full of gold spray-painted rocks, did indeed count as 1 point.)
And then we headed back to the hotel to pack up the truck.
And the kids.
And we were on the road once again.
With a quick Oregon-Trail pit-stop outside of Baker City. (We walked along the actual Oregon Trail.)
And a longer pit-stop to go to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
I swear, Cole spends half of his life running from his dad. (Cole was mad about something and Josh kept chasing him every few minutes, which was making him even madder.)
And then it was lunch time.
Still mad.
And then Josh Downs offered to pay all of the kids $5.00 each to eat an oversized dab of horseradish.
Courtney Lee is highly motivated by money, so she's always up for challenges like that.
And though Coley isn't all that motivated by money, he is motivated by not looking wimpier than Courtney.
And Annie isn't motivated by much of anything, so she rarely falls for any of Josh's challenges.
And then we got back on the road yet again.
I should mention that both of the girls learned how to blow bubbles on this trip.
And a few hours later, we found ourselves in Halfway, Oregon (population, 300.)
And then we got settled in our cabin.
And then we took off to explore Halfway.
And ended up inside the Halfway, Presbyterian Church where Courtney (who loves singing) was invited to attend choir practice later that night.
And then we got back to sightseeing.
And then Josh and Coley stayed at the cabin to get dinner going, while I took the girls back down to the church for choir practice. (They had saved a seat for Courtney Lee.)
And Courtney earned 1 point (Only 1 point?) for singing in public, which was #22 on the Scavenger Hunt list.
And then we rushed back so she could tell her Dad all about it.
And then we had dinner.
And played a few rounds of spoons before calling it a night.
And that concludes Day Three of The Unplanned Plan.
sheesh lady, these are awesome! As unawesome as an unplanned plan in population 200 road trip sounds, the genuine smiles caught between moments of bickering just show how what we all need is a little time together. Adventure awaits.
I especially love the one of Annie in window sill...
And from day 2 ( I think) there is 1, perfect one of all 3, all looking, not "cheesing" greatness.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Ada | April 04, 2013 at 08:04 AM
I love how the kids are meeting all kinds of wonderful strangers!
And I see your blog as perfect. You show both sides, I love that. I am only jealous of the fact you have 3 kids at home still that don't seem to mind getting their pictures taken.
Posted by: Kelli | April 04, 2013 at 08:19 AM
I am pretty sure on the internet we all only show the highlight reels :) I love this idea of the unplanned vacation. When I was growing up we only did an unplanned vacation once. We now refer to it as the vacation from "He**!" Wasn't a good one!! Your family does know how to live it up and I love that you share the highlights with us.
Posted by: jeny | April 04, 2013 at 08:35 AM
Thank for being so honest about needing your own time. I am a mom that needs to cool down or just relax for a bit or I will lose it, and sometimes I do and I feel so bad. I got away from your blog b/c my computer crashed about a year ago. I just thought about the blog the other day and when I came back your kids are so grown! I can't believe how time flies.
Posted by: Danett | April 04, 2013 at 08:43 AM
We remember moments...not days! The less than stellar moments don't really matter... six months from now they will be lost in the haze...but, the moments will be remembered.
Posted by: Linda | April 04, 2013 at 09:05 AM
From a mom who's own head nearly popped off this morning when the kid who has had so many absences this year we've gotten truancy letters called home sick...thank you. I love your honesty and transparency, and it's why I've been reading your blog forever and will continue to read it for as long as you keep it.
Posted by: Samantha | April 04, 2013 at 09:06 AM
As someone who isn't a mom (or even anywhere close) but who wishes/hopes/dreams of being a photographer- you're one of my biggest inspirations how how to balance god and life and family and photography. Thanks for being a a great model, even to people you don't know. :)
Posted by: Lindsay | April 04, 2013 at 09:18 AM
Long time reader,first time commenter!
I just love your blog because you are so honest and show us how real your family is. Despite all the "real ness" of it (like thinking you had married the biggest jerk ever- and anyone who doesn't think that at some point is probably a robot) the crazy amount of love and fun you all have shines through! I love that you are creating such wonderful memories for your kids to share when they are grown and have families of their own. My brother, cousins and I talk incessantly about all the fun things we did with our grandparents (who lived in Dunsmuir) and parents when we were little. Ringing the church bell at my Grandpas church, digging in the snow with kitchen utensils, making ice cream, going to the big city of Yreka! You and Josh are raising some great people, and I love that you share them with us! I also love that you and your children can laugh at yourselves and the ridiculous things that you say or do. If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
I also love your tips that work too, and reading about the towels made me think of one that worked for me when my youngest son was going through 4 costume changes a day! He was 8 years old and elementary school didn't start until 9:30, he would get up around 6:30 and immediately get dressed. He would then eat breakfast and fool around in the house until it was about 10 minutes before we left for school at which point he would decide that what ever outfit he had on already was not suitable for what pressing engagement was happening in second grease and run and change into a completely different outfit. Of course, the first outfit went straight into the hamper. A the end of the day he would come home and out on another outfit more suitable for homework and chores, apparently. Then of course he had to have pajamas on for bed. As you can imagine it made for quite a bit of laundry in a week! So, on Saturday said child learned how to work the mysterious washing machine and dryer. After two weeks of doing his own laundry he was down to a more manageable 2 costume changes per day. All the hollering and beseeching on my part did no good and just made us both angry with each other, but him doing his own laundry took the novelty of changing clothes 4 items a day off really quick!
Love your blog, can't wait to see the rest of the photos of your trip and where you went next!
Posted by: My | April 04, 2013 at 09:24 AM
Oh my lord, I laughed so hard at your obit....My obit will probably read..."46 year old mom dies after flying off her handle bars because she was sick and tired of wiping up crumbs on the floor for the 100th time that day". Thanks for always including the "not-so-fun" parts of your life. Thanks for keeping it real!!!
Posted by: Carol Fleming | April 04, 2013 at 09:25 AM
I'm loving these trip posts! I want to go to the Painted Hills, never been there! Love yout obit too!:)
Posted by: Addie | April 04, 2013 at 09:40 AM
It is SO refreshing to know that your family is totally normal.....the BEST part is just like Mr. Roger's says...".I like you just the way you are!!!" Our expectations can often set us up for disappointment and the comparison game is definitely a slippery slope.....you are so real, and I love you just the way you are!!
Today we are celebrating my in-laws 70 years of marriage....it certainly has not been perfect, our family is far from perfect, but accepting that it has been love and perseverance that has taken them/us through it all.....makes it an incredible journey. Your journey is incredible....and I thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: janel | April 04, 2013 at 10:02 AM
I cannot believe you were in sumpter, oregon and didnt ride the train while there. Its a wonderful, fun train! Glad to hear your vacations arent all peaches and roses either. Grin
Posted by: jadell | April 04, 2013 at 10:57 AM
I love your disclaimer! It's so easier to look at the pictures, but everyone knows that life DOES have volume. Thank you for calling it out and reminding me that, even if everything isn't perfect, you should still take pictures to help capture all the memories (AND it helps makes the good feelings/memories sharper!). Looks like a great trip...can't wait to see the next leg of the journey!
Posted by: Carrie | April 04, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Those kids are so lucky to have you and Jos for parents!!
Posted by: Judy | April 04, 2013 at 01:24 PM
Yet another amazing referral by Erin Cobb. I love this trip....love your stories...love the pictures. I'm so envious you are doing this. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Michelle | April 04, 2013 at 01:35 PM
Still loving your holiday pics and I too cherish times when siblings are being nice to one another. This week after what seems like months James (9) has been fantastic playing board games with his (7) year old sister Sienna. It does have something to do with the fact that I bought a new board game but seriously I was overjoyed. Check out the pictures of him playing drafts and he taught her how to play chess and he wasn't getting cranky with her. Let me tell you I cannot play chess myself so I'm very proud of both of them. www.oureverydaylifeinpictures.blogspot.com 2nd post down (as of today) dated 04/04/2013. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | April 04, 2013 at 01:59 PM
Hi there,
Love, love, love your posts. They always inspire me to do better, to give, to be abnormal, and think outside the box. I love hearing your family stories and see how your family functions. My kids are grown (24 and 26) but I value your opinions and guidance.
Thanks for always being honest and sharing your stories.
Happy trails,
Veronique
Posted by: Veronique | April 04, 2013 at 02:56 PM
Karen,
This post makes me feel "normal"! My kids are just as you mentioned! These thoughts/ feelings could have duplicated my spring break, only we didn't leave town and boy did we have the bickering and loathing! ;)
I have come to the conclusion that life is not a Hallmark movie and we are lucky to have the commercials.
Posted by: Jessica | April 04, 2013 at 03:39 PM
Karen...I love your posts! Thank you for sharing your "real" life stories. The pic of you guys playing spoons reminded me to tell you about a card game my cousin found at the beach and now our whole family is hooked...young and old! It's called Five Crowns..it's hard to find but there's a speciality toy store not far from us who carries it and they sell it online. Google The Toy Box Ligonier PA...go under family or group games and you'll find it. So much fun!
Posted by: Tracy | April 04, 2013 at 06:03 PM
Do all of your kids get the same items on their scavenger hunt, or is easy one tailored to their age, interests, etc?
Posted by: Nicole | April 04, 2013 at 06:06 PM
This is why I love your blog! You keep it real, you give us real photos, you show that you can love your hubby and kids but sometimes wish you could levave them all!!
Posted by: Jacqui | April 05, 2013 at 06:08 AM
Love seeing this trip. GENIUS with the scavenger hunt. Seriously how did you happen to find things like "gold" from your list? Did you plan these things in advance then stumble across them or did you look around for items once there and then add them to the list? My kids would love this, but I fear I would totally screw it up somehow! Such a wonderful, memory filled trip. I doubt they will ever forget this.
Posted by: Melinda~ | April 05, 2013 at 07:10 AM
I know you say this is your highlight reel but it is amazing! Whenever I think of family trips and what we might do, it seems so overwhelming. All the planning, money etc. But I love the scavenger hunt and hitting up all these small towns and the service. You need to have Josh do a write up of the trip plans so we can all copy the idea in our own area :) I am sure there was fighting and all that goes into family trips, but what amazing memories you are making for your kids.
Posted by: Mandy Kirk | April 05, 2013 at 07:52 AM
OK, first off - I'm LOVING this vacation!!! I wish I wasn't a planner now! And I totally don't feel it is too Highlight reel. Really. I have to tell you - you in the pioneer dress? Total Annie face! Wish I thought of the scavenger hunt idea when mine were smaller too. Sigh ... but the history geek in me is FLIPPING out that you actually walked on the Oregon Trail. I may be a little bit older than you, but really? I want to be you when I grow up.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | April 05, 2013 at 08:06 AM
We play spoons but stick our tongues out instead of grabbing spoons, makes for a much funnier game!! Thanks for showing that life's highlights aren't the only ones you're willing to share with us!
Posted by: charlie@therunnerbeans | April 05, 2013 at 09:30 AM
Your vacation sounds like mine except I have 4 boys and we drive in an extra long excursion. And sometime in the trip my husband will complain that my hearing is going (we drive 33 hours one way to WI in the summer) when in actuality I'm just purposefully not listening to anyone unless they are screaming and there is blood.
Sounds like you'll have a very memorable trip that your kids will talk about for years to come!
Posted by: Jenny | April 05, 2013 at 02:16 PM
i just cuaght up on the last few posts and have to say i'm crazy jealous! i was seriously JUST saying to my hubby a few days ago that i wish we could just take a week and drive to all the small towns in the eastern part i haven't seen and saty at random! there's one called Union that looks adorable if you are anywhere near, i've stalked their website:) enjoy!
Posted by: mandy friend | April 05, 2013 at 08:38 PM
Dang it. You DID end up in Baker and I DIDN'T get to meet you! BTW, even though your kids are real and have fights, I think they are going to forget all of that someday but remember the awesome vacations their family took.
Posted by: Laura | April 05, 2013 at 10:29 PM
Still loving these trip pics...you're nearly to the border! Haven't been back there in a couple of years, so these make me smile, too!
Posted by: Becky | April 06, 2013 at 02:05 AM
Wow, someone feels just like me.... I think that the most important thing is the example of a loving, supportive mother, who shows life that is real. When my son Garrett was little, pre teen, I was so stressed, my husband yelled at him all the time (about baseball, he was good), I was the primary bread winner of the family and my husband took our children to their activities. One weekend, my husband was gone on a hunting trip and I was so excited, my son would not be yelled out during the game. As I sat and watched him, he kept look ing over his shoulder when he was up to bat. I thought why is he doing that. Later that night I asked him. He said "I was looking for dad". I said weren't you happy he wasnt there yelling at you. He said NO. I need him, he tells me what I am doing right or wrong. He's always got my back. 10 years later my husbands sister made a comment about the type of "yelling father" my son had. Wow, my son got so angry and told her " he shows his love by yelling", he has prepared me for the real world and there is not another person in the world that loves me more. He is a great father! A better father than his father was to him (true). So i guess what I am saying, is in the end they will remember good with the bad and be better for it. We are human and its ok to have me time, be mad and yell. its because we are passionate !!!
Posted by: Cindy Welch | April 06, 2013 at 05:36 PM
I don't believe that as Godly women we are called to be always quiet, nodding in constant agreement, highlight reel women. You can have a submissive spirit and an outgoing personality! ;) And we're even allowed to get angry. You're a great Godly woman. Anyone who has followed you knows that you are growing, and we're honored that you allow us to share in your journey!
Posted by: Yvonne | April 10, 2013 at 12:41 PM