2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 4)

Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily

The next leg of our journey took us to Ohio to visit some friends who use to live in MN. It had been a few years since our last chance to see each other and it was great being able to spend some time catching up and enjoying each other's company.

The kids got along great. They had so much fun together.

My godson, Adam. What a pleasure to see him growing into such a fine young man!

Thank you, Steve and Emily and family, for making us feel so welcome!!

We had the opportunity to visit their store. Steve and Emily, we wish you all the best in your new adventure!

Want a great deal? You can get all this for just $99.99. Any Takers?

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 3)

Wednesday. Destination = Tennessee. Family = Mark's family

We arrived in TN late Wednesday night (actually, early Thursday morning). After sleeping in

Thursday, we rode up the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain; a mile high trolley ride ending with a 72.7% grade incline.

We then crossed the boarder into Georgia to drive through the Chickamauga Battlefield. This was the sight of the second bloodiest battle (second to Gettysburg) of the Civil War. It encompasses over 5300 acres and includes 705 monuments and historical markers.

Friday we drove up into the Smoky Mountains. We went to Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Friday evening were treated to a southern meal for dinner at Mark's parents... fried taters, fried okra, cucumber salad, beans, and corn bread. YUM! Thanks, Audrey. It was delicious.

Saturday we were invited to Mark's sister's home for swimming and a cook out. Unfortunately, Mark's older sister and her family and Mark's dad left before we thought to get a group photo. Thank-you, Maria and Scotty, we had a great time.

After Mass on Sunday, we spent the afternoon driving around Chattanooga and visiting some local attractions.

Mark's home is a short drive from the McKee Foods Corp. McKee is the company that makes Little Debbie products. It was fun to drive by the plant and visit the bakery store. Every time we restocked snacks for driving, Little Debbies were included, so it was great to get them at a discount! Each one of us was able to find our favorite.

Of course, no trip to Chattanooga would be complete without a stop to see the Chattanooga Choo-Choo!! It is, after all, the "World's Most Famous Railroad Station!"

To finish off our visit in town we took a ride on the indoor carousel.

Next post... Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 2)

Wednesday... Destination = Kentucky. Friends = Jennifer and boys.

What a treat Wednesday provided. We chose to go add a couple hours drive time to our Wednesday travels so I would have the opportunity to meet an online friend. I have known Jennifer online for 5 (or more) years and she is the wonderful woman who blessed me with a beautiful handmade rosary shortly after my husband passed away a few years ago. I was glad to finally be able to meet her IRL (in real life). And she is just as sweet and fun in person!!!

What a fun break from the long day in the suburban. We so enjoyed meeting you and your family, Jennifer.

Our youngest boys.

Jennifer, I am so blessed to count you among my friends. I was so glad you were able to take a couple hours out of your busy day to meet us. What a pleasure!!! Oh! and thank you so much for the sub sandwiches and water.

Next post... Wednesday. Destination = Tennessee. Family = Mark's family

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD AND HOME AGAIN!!

This summer we spent a great couple weeks on the road, traveling from state to state, visiting family and friends. In two weeks time we traveled through MN, IA, IL, IN, KY, TN, KY, OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, and finally returned to MN.

Bright and early on a Monday morning, we packed up 7 duffle bags, 5/6 sleeping bags, 7 pillows, a basket full of snack foods, a cooler, 6 personal "to-do" bags, travel games, trivia cards, 3 laptops, 5 mp3/ipods, 2 kindles, 2 Nintendo DS, 1 iPad, 2 cameras, 1 video camera, 2 adults, 2 wanna-be adults, 3 kids, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree!!

Monday... Destination = Iowa. Family = Gary and Colleen and kids.

While there we were treated to Colleen's AWESOME pancakes!!!

We spent a great day at the beach swimming, kayaking, grilling, and playing cards.

THANK YOU, Gary, Colleen, Katie, Caleb, Luke, and Elizabeth.

We had so much fun!

Next post...

Wednesday... Destination = Kentucky. Friends = Jennifer and boys.

Feast of the Assumption.

Today we celebrate the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary into Heaven.

From the Gospel for Mass today... Luke 1:46-55

Mary's Magnificat

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever."

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Wow! Time sure does fly!

On July 16th, my little girl turned 18. 18 years gone by already... really??? How is it possibly that I now have an adult daughter?! I think I blinked one time too often!

Myriah spent the week prior to her birthday helping to coordinate a mission thru our church, ending on Friday (the evening prior to her b-day). The morning of her birthday had her leaving again for Missouri on yet another mission, for yet another week. Since they were heading out bright and early on Sat., Myriah stayed Friday night at a friend's who lives much closer to church than we do. Deciding to surprise her, we all woke up at 3:30am to be at the church in time to sing her "Happy Birthday", eat donuts with her mission team, have a pillow fight (yes, we all brought our pillows with us just for such a purpose) and give her a birthday gift. She was surprised and we all had a great time celebrating her birthday and seeing her off!

Myriah, I have so enjoyed watching you grow-up!

I am so grateful to be your mother and am so glad that you are my daughter!

We all love you, so very much!

Feast of St. Lawrence

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of catholic deacon and martyr, St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence died on the gridiron. Maintaining his trust in Christ and his sense of joy, even while suffering through such an agonizing death, he told his tormentors "Turn me over! I'm done on this side." So, in his honor we grilled hotdogs and enjoyed a "grill cake."

You can read about this wonderful saint and see the inspiration for our dessert at the Catholic Cuisine blog. So many great ideas for celebrating the faith can be found on the website.

Prayer to Saint Lawrence

O glorious Saint Lawrence, Martyr and Deacon, who, being subjected to the most bitter torments, didst not lose thy faith nor thy constancy in confessing Jesus Christ, obtain in like manner for us such an active and solid faith, that we shall never be ashamed to be true followers of Jesus Christ, and fervent Christians in word and in deed.

• Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

V. Pray for us, O holy Lawrence,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, the grace to quench the flames of our vices, Thou who didst enable blessed Lawrence to overcome his fiery torments. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.