visiting

After months of anticipation we made it over the pond to see Lucas!!  Here's a rundown of our days:

England trip to see Lucas, 2023

Lucas met us when we landed, and navigated our public transport for the entire trip. He was a great host 🙂 I am SO proud of Lucas for making a home for himself, and being so comfortable, in a foreign land. My heart was so happy to see him.

Tuesday, July 25: Arrived at LHR 10am-ish.  Hotel, McDs for lunch, nap, Camden Market, Japanese-from the market for dinner, gelato

Wednesday, July 26: Rada for breakfast, London Bridge, Borough Market (Humble Crumble), Kensington Palace, Soho, Chinatown, BBQ dinner at Bodeans, Les Miserables. (Seeing my all-time favorite musical in London was surreal. I loved every moment!) side note: upon leaving the play was the only rain we had during the trip. So thankful God blessed us with lovely weather!

 

Thursday, July 27: Coffee shop, lunch at Five Guys, train to Lucas’ house, Lucas and Jill to base for groceries, Japanese for dinner in Lakenheath, watched Fight Club

Friday, July 28: Slept in, train to Cambridge, walked around, lunch at Subway, circled Jesus College, Cambridge Botanical Gardens (beautiful place!!), Pizza Hut on base for dinner, watched Moon Knight on Disney+

Saturday, July 29: Slept in, went to Lakenheath base, did laundry, went to Mildenhall base, early dinner at Amigos in Bury St. Edmunds, watched Moon Knight. (Amigos is "voted best Mexican food in the UK".... and it was fantastic.)

Sunday, July 30:  Slept in, watched Moon Knight and Young Sheldon, went by base, dinner at the Bull Inn in Mildenhall (fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding)  Watched The Terminal.  Watched WandaVision

Monday, July 31: Train to Norwich (we really liked Norwich), chicken lunch at Nandos, walked around Norwich castle (it was closed for construction),  Played mini golf at Putt Putt Noodle, Icees and bubble tea at mall,  Pizza at Zizzi for dinner, train back to Lucas’, packed and watched Young Sheldon

Tuesday August 1:

Up at 4:15am, Left Lucas’ house at 5am, Breakfast at McDs,  Train to London, Underground to LHR, Flight out at 12:15pm,  Arrived in Charlotte 4ish EST.  Arrived in Lynchburg@ 9:45pm Total travel time from door to door= 23 hours.

Greg survived his first overseas adventure!  :)

Additional thoughts about the UK: -London was almost identical to New York City. I'm NOT a big city person, so I wouldn't need to go there again.

-A very diverse population. It was neat to see, and hear, so many cultures being represented.

-The food was underwhelming. Greg missed sugary drinks (there is apparently a sugar tax in England so things tasted "off".) We were surprised to see Five Guys, McDs, KFC, Pizza Hut and Subway were on every block.

BUT.... -There were very few obese people. (due to the fact that things seem "healthier" AND the fact that people WALK everywhere. The obese people, myself included, were clearly from America.

-Paper straws. everywhere. Can you feel the cringe? Aspects of society were very "environmentally friendly".

- America could do some catching up.... but not with the straws, please.

godspeed

Lucas recently came home on leave for three weeks.    Having him home for a brief stay was such a treat.  He basically took up residence in his room, just as before.   He visited family and friends, he hiked, went fishing, went Frisbee golfing; and still managed to spend crazy amounts of time playing video games into the wee hours of the night.   I think he had a nice vacation from the military grind.

Earlier this week Greg and I drove him to Baltimore to catch a flight to England.    We stopped for lunch on the way, and our destination came up in conversation with our server.  She took the time to say a lovely, long, prayer for Lucas and for our family.   
I have heard about people just stopping everything to pray for strangers, but I have never been on the receiving end.  It was a lovely gift to my mama-heart to be reminded that God is covering us even in the midst of big life changes.   

I should have remembered the impactful message of her prayer over the next few days BUT

We were quickly dismissed at the airport as Lucas found his people- and it felt like leaving him for Basic Training, all over again.      That small sinking realization about how far away he'll actually be.
Not only the distance.... but more so all of the unanswered questions and concerns that I have as a parent:

Communication questions, transportation questions, housing questions.    One thought would snowball into another.      

Would I dare say that I was worrying?!  I am NOT a worrier!

Greg, who is a worrier by trade, has had to talk me down a few times.     I know everything will work out fine.  I know that God has big plans for Lucas.  I know that Lucas is a problem solver.  I know that he'll take it one day at a time and be a total rock star.

Lucas has been on base a few days, and he's figuring it out.   He will need to buy a car, rent a house, start a new job, and adjust to a new culture this month.  So much adulting!!   

And I'm over here with my hands tied.  Thank God that they are tied together in prayer.  That's really all I can do.

Please join me in praying for Lucas as he continues on this adventure.  

I'm one proud Mom.

I love you, Lucas!  Enjoy every minute! :)

November 3, 2022

Lucas, 20    Daniel, 22

My babies :)

on the road

I love a good road trip.  So when Greg suggests mini vacations, I am always on board.   Last month we headed to Kentucky to visit the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.     

Upon booking the hotel in Florence, Kentucky we realized that we were just moments away from Cincinnati- which encouraged Greg to snag some tickets to a Cincinnati Reds game.     

We spent two full days reading about creation, the history of the Bible, the significance of Jesus, all about animal adaptation and seeing possible ways the ark could have sustained Noah and the crew.   We watched a speaker talk about aliens (or lack thereof), and watched presentations about various topics.   All in all, a fun, educational outing.  

After that we headed over the the ball park to watch a baseball game.   Well.... Greg watched a baseball game.   I basically people-watched and bided my time until I got a hotdog and popcorn.   Greg is slowly learning that concession food is really all that can keep me happy in a stadium.    

 This past weekend we went to a For King and Country concert. And next week we are heading to a John Crist Show!   

 I LOVE our outings.  Most of all... I love spending time with my guy.  :)

quick trip

We recently had a quick visit with Lucas in New Mexico.    
(I just concluded that we hadn't seen him since August!)
My sister, Sherry, accompanied us and I'm glad she endured the travels with Greg and myself.    The flights all went super smoothly which seemed like a first for us.   But it turns out that we couldn't rent a car on a whim in Albuquerque as we had planned to do.    Thankfully, Lucas agreed to be our chauffer for the weekend.   
That in itself was an experience.

We had two full days with my boy.     
The first day we traveled to Santa Fe to go to Meow Wolf.  Meow Wolf is an "explorable art experience" that's hard to explain... but pretty interesting!
We enjoyed our time "exploring the experience"!  ;)

The following day, our adventure was to view the area from the top of the Sandia Crest.  Lucas drove us up 10,679 feet above sea level to a snow covered ridge where we saw amazing views of New Mexico below.   

Lucas taunted me by standing too close to the edge, which reminded me of our trip to the Grand Canyon when he was 5 years old..... me begging him to get away from the edge.   
It's true that mothers never stop worrying about their babies!   And it's true boys' brains don't fully develop.... probably ever.

And just like that, it was time for a breakfast at Denny's followed by our flights home.   We had been anticipating this trip for months and it flew by so quickly!    I'm glad we finally got to see Lucas in his new environment.   
I'm always so proud of my boys.  :)  

trippin'

Well.  So much for me documenting our 'everyday' occurrences.

 I suppose we've just been too busy. hah.

Last week we snuck away for a few days to go camper-ing with Jamie and T.   Overall a great time and we enjoyed staying in a fancy pants camper!   Way cool.

I could have stayed at the lake for weeks and weeks and weeks but, by the third day, the boys were wiped out and ready to get home.

I really don't enjoy coming back to reality.    I've been super excited that I've been able to escape this summer.     My desire to travel has been slightly nurtured by the mini vacations we have taken this year.  But I'm kinda aching to do a larger trip.  Maybe fly somewhere.

We're "technically" not supposed to have a 'big' trip for another few years.... but we'll see.

away from home

I love traveling.  Not so much for the sight seeing.. but more about being away from home.  
There is something freeing about traveling with clothes, toiletries, and minor road trip gear.   I can totally understand the enticement to hit the road when someone retires.    It's what Thayer and I used to dream about. 
No house stuff or responsibilities, no time line, no pets.

We are slowing falling back to reality after a ten day trip to Colorado.  The boys and I traveled out to see Thayer's family.   We met up, and traveled through the state of Colorado, with Thayer's brother and my niece and nephews.  
My boys were thrilled to have time with their cousins.   It had been too long.

The highlights of our trip included:

-grueling airport delays on three out of four flights.

-Visiting with the boys' Great-Grandparents and Grandfather.

-Making a fort in the woods.

-Picnicking on the Colorado National Monument.

-Swimming in hotel pools and hot tubs.

-Exploring SEVEN skate parks in six different Colorado cities.

-Riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

*Swimming in the Arkansas River and diving into the rapids.

-Visiting the Gold Mine Rock Shop.

-white knuckle driving on Skyline drive.

*Going to Casa Bonita.

Huge trip. 
Many memories made.

Summer!

Our summer has officially arrived.   No school, no work.  All fun.

Last weekend, before school was out... Daniel competed in his first ever skateboarding competition.   We're totally new to that scene and it was interesting.   I was SO proud that he got out there and did his thing in front of spectators.   He ranked second place in the Beginner category.   I hope this will give him the confidence to get out there in the future.    He's pretty awesome.

This past Thursday was the last day of school!!   And the last day of elementary school for our family.   Kind of sad to say farewell to the people who have played such an important role in my kids' lives.  Those teachers and staff have been such an encouragement to me, as a single mom.   They have done their part as 'the village' for my kids..... It really DOES take a village ;)

So-- as of last Friday... S U M M E R freedom!!!    yay!

The boys jumped in feet first with an awesome hiking/camping trip with dudes from church.   I am so thankful that especially one guy from church has involved my boys with serious 'man' stuff.    This hiking trip seemed huge to me.... and yet they went... and LOVED every minute!   Both boys were excited to share the details and the happenings from the weekend.     They were quick to inform me that it was all stuff that I would have freaked out about.   I suppose that's why it was so fun.  The 'shock your mom' factor plays a huge role in male development, I'm sure.
I'm so happy for them and I hope that it can be a recurring thing.

On a side  note: I completed a daunting task today.   I have finalized all the trip planning for our trip to Colorado this summer.    Plane tickets in hand, car rental reserved, and several hotels reserved!   I Also have an entire page of addresses to several skate parks along our route!  (score cool points for Mom!)
This is the first ever "big" trip that I've had to plan entirely on my own.  I think that Thayer would be proud.   We will be going to visit with his family.   I'm looking forward to seeing my brother-in-law, nephews and niece... as well as catching up with extended family.    I'm so excited!   Now that the planning is set, I can sit back and enjoy my free days.

Second side note:  Tomorrow we are babysitting my sister and niece.  My sister is doing fabulous following her surgery.  I am thrilled that God has worked wonders during her recovery!

Good news all around this week :-)



blah

I've had almost a month of almost type-able moments.     Evenings when I wanted to debrief....  But I chose to watch Netflix and turn off my brain.  
I have slowly gone MIA.   This past Sunday I finally shut down.   Rain had canceled skateboarding plans....so I laid in bed from 2-5pm with little care of what was going on around me.

This past month has been uneventful, as I remember.   I know that we were busy most of the month and then things came to a halt.   I look forward to free time yet I don't quite know what to do with it.  I am thrilled when the kids request to visit the skate park.   I am able to escape the house for a few precious hours.   It's been confirmed that I am not a homebody.

I've struggled with Lucas this month.   We are currently on an up-swing.  I think I finally have a hold on consequences and limits that are helpful in controlling his outbursts.     But as you know, it's a bumpy ride with this kid.   
He and I played a Harry Potter board game tonight.   It was such a pleasure to spend some one-on-one time with him.   He thrives in those moments.

The anticipation of summer break brings a small breath of excitement to each day.   This school year has been the fastest yet.
We are looking forward to a vacation out west this summer.   We plan to visit with Thayer's family.    If only I could convince myself to book the tickets.  Maybe tomorrow.

Netflix is calling.

exciting-do-nothing-day

I technically should be doing something today. But I'm choosing not to.

I've already had the 'run-around-and-buy-stuff-for-the-trip-days', and the 'clean-up-your-bedroom-or-else-day', and the 'I-should-probably-pay-the-bills-night'.
So today, I think I'm gonna shoot for a nap.
Interesting enough... here I sit with computer in lap. not napping.

I leave in less then two weeks and I'm totally chill about it. I am certain that my relaxed state of thinking is directly related to the fact that I've been prayed over these last few weeks. I have this great sense that my preparations will fall into place and I certainly don't need to sweat the small stuff.

Sure, I've got plans to have the house in tip-top condition before I leave. And I've even joked about cleaning out my drawers, just in case I don't make it back. (I'd hate to think about my poor family having to sift through all of the junk.)
But honestly, I doubt I'll get to the drawers.
Ideally I'd like the floors to be visible before I leave the country. :)

I think I'll start tomorrow.

provisions

I'm getting stoked about my trip.
I have procrastinated long enough with the clothes and supply shopping. I'll be jumping into that over the next two weeks.

We had a meeting on thursday night. The subject of journaling came up again. The leader mentioned that it's important to journal about how God has been providing for the trip....by providing the funds and supplies.

I was reminded that most of the team members have been doing serious fundraising over the last few months. And it would probably be neat to hear about how God has provided the funds.

The sobering thought hit me that God provided for my trip through Thayer's death.
I've known this all along, but when it comes down to it... and when we are supposed to thank God for his provisions... how can I be thankful that God has provided for my trip through the death of my husband?

That's alot to chew on.

I am taking this trip as a result, and because, of Thayer's death.
That can put quite a damper on pre-trip excitement and thankful thoughts.

I have decided not to dwell too much on the unusual manner of God's provisions. I think I would go crazy. For now, I will accept that 'it is what it is' and be thankful for the opportunity.

I'm praying that something good will come from this...

journal it...

I'm supposed to be keeping a journal of my thoughts and prayers leading up to my Uganda trip.
My plan all along has been to blog along the way... since that's the way that I usually journal my "deep" thoughts.

Truth be told, I'm not sure what I need to write about yet. I haven't had any thoughts other than getting my vaccinations and shopping in order.
The vaccinations have taken up more time and effort than I thought. But I am one shot away from being immunized against just about every major illness known to man :)

I have been oddly calm about this whole adventure. I know that things will fall into place over the next few weeks.
I will be attending a meeting on Thursday, in which I hope they will address packing requirements, etc.

I have had one consistent prayer about the trip. My prayer is that God will work things out for His Glory. And that His Hand will clearly guide all of the activities.
And that the outcome will be good :-)

I am very excited to be able to walk alongside the Ugandan widows, hear their stories, and be a part of an organization that wants to meet their practical needs, as well as their spiritual needs.

I have no idea what to expect. But I know that it'll be life changing.

got man?

I've got a friend at church who always says "Jill, we need to find you a man!"
What a marvelous idea!
But seriously, I've decided that a man is not what I need right now.

Right after Thayer died, I kept saying "surely God doesn't want me to be alone for the next 60 years...."
I was hopeful that He would send someone our way when the time was right.
(That may still be the case! And I certainly wouldn't turn down the opportunity!)
But I don't dwell on that hope too much these days.

For the most part, I am content being single. That contentment usually ebbs and flows. Because, like I've said.. it's lonely.
But overall I think I'm becoming more stable with being on my own.

The suckiest part has always been the fact that the boys don't have a dad around. I mourn the fact that they may have to grow up without a man in the house. That has been the hardest thing to accept since Thayer's death. I don't see the fairness in it... and I question how THAT could be part of God's plan.


I've had some 'learning experiences' over the past two years. Both of which I tried too hard to make things work.
I know that things will work without effort when the time is right.
I look back on each 'relationship' and can recall how silly I was. Just downright weird.
But I am quick to admit that each 'relationship' was helpful in it's own way.
I know just enough what NOT to do if the opportunity to date arises again.

Several people have suggested that I try online dating. My answer is consistently "NO". I know, without a doubt, that it would suck time and energy away from my kids and myself. Can you imagine the time wasted looking through profiles and whatever else is involved? I think it would be emotionally draining and a drastic mix-up of priorities.

More recently, I have wondered if there is a window of opportunity for widows to remarry before it is a lost cause. so... if I'm not remarried in ____ years I should reserve a room at the convent?

One widow blogger just announced her engagement. (and I'm happy for her!)
Another widow in town was married after 5 years.

One dude at church was remarried 4 months after his wife died. Another guy I knew was remarried within the first year.
(I have a verbal soapbox about these guys... you'll have to ask me about it sometime.) (hint... the guys tick me off... alot)

I guess that there is no way of knowing when, or if, remarriage is in the picture. Sure... it would be nice to know if I'll be traveling the world with a hubby when my kids are grown... or if I should start researching cat adoption.

anywho. I'm not losing any sleep over it.
As of today, I am perfectly content with sleeping smack dab in the middle of my bed.

loner

Yesterday was my last free day of summer. I start work on monday. The kids were in school and I didn't have anything on the calendar. My first thought was that I should clean the house. But who wants to stay home and clean when the kids are gone and you're a free woman?!
I decided to hit a noon movie.



I am really drawn to this type of move... It was similar to my favorite, Under the Tuscan Sun.
I get so inspired by these stories.
I would LOVE to be brave enough to pack my bags and hit the road. I would love to travel and see the world. I would love to have a new start at things because I know that the sky is the limit. I want to really LIVE!

And yet I know that my kids are a priority right now. Taking off for an overseas adventure for a year looks like it won't fit in with their school schedule. And since I don't want to miss their childhood, I think I'll stay put for now.
But be aware that while I'm driving the kids to school and making my Walmart run, I'm most likely daydreaming about what the future may hold.

I have a near future plan about visiting Uganda. So we'll see what happens from there....