perspective check
This week I’ve been trying not to hyperventilate about an upcoming trip that we planned. You see… we were the only sibling, of 11 living, who wasn’t going to be at the Smith wedding in Maryland. We nearly choked to death on the price of 6 round-trip plane tickets totally $3700. Choke! Good thing we love FAMILY! (well… and good thing Jimmy did an extra side job that provided some funds).
Just the thought of packing makes me sweat. How do I pack 7 people in an orderly fashion … and have it stay orderly once we get there? I honestly have a hard time just throwing stuff in because I fear we’ll forget something. Simplify Heather. That is my goal for packing. Plan … organize … simplify … and then go with the flow once we get there. Is that possible for me to go with the flow? Breathe & smile. I hope.
We have oodles of fun things planned. Washington D.C. one day, 4th of July in Frederick, wedding at D.C. temple, Ocean City, Crabbing, Hiking, Swimming. Pray for zu-zu and tru-tru (oh, and me) to survive the whirlwind of activities. This is not a vacation for mama … it is a trip. An adventure … but not a vaca.
But then … you see … I start feeling a bit silly that a flight across the country becomes a stress for me. What about pioneer mamas? They did have to pack … but they didn’t have suitcases with wheels. They were packing for ‘life’. We are packing for ‘play.’ They walked over 1,000 miles … we fly for 4 hours. They would think me a wimp. But reality is that it will be tricky for us to keep everyone safe, happy, clean, well-fed & well-slept. But this perspective check is good. It might help me simmer down when I get stressed about packing, traveling, adventuring, and unpacking and doing all that laundry.
I absolutely love this quote by a pioneer Susannah Stone Lloyd. Kim Kincaid gave me permission to use this little handcart sketch on my quote card. Doesn’t it tell quite a story on its own.
I discovered the rest of Susannah’s story on LDS.org. I love the gratitude she expresses for her blessings – despite all hardship. What faith & courage!
Amazing people!!!
Ever Onward by Joseph Brickey
Oh Heather how fun! I’m so glad you get to come back east! I wish I might be able to see you. It sounds like you have a full agenda planned. I will send a few prayers your way that you can make it on your flight! and through all the activities with your tots. We will be doing the same thing in a month flying across the OTHER way! :) If you survive then it will give me hope that I can too! I will love to see your pictures when you get back.
This is my great great great grandmother!