TTGNAJ

I'm almost certain I'll get 3 sentences into this post and will have to pick Elia up, seeing as she's been sitting by herself for almost 2 and a half minutes now. Such is life, it seems, as of late. In her defense, she cut her second tooth sometime this afternoon and has been looking pitiful with a runny nose and red cheeks. We are also dealing with Mommy separation. I walk out of her eyesight and she melts to pieces. It's good to feel loved, but really.

This past weekend, our family had the privilege to attend the annual Tell The Good News About Jesus Convocation in Casper, Wyoming, about a 4 hour drive from here. It's put on by the Wyoming District LC-MS and has been well worth the trip every year. This year seemed to hit me more relevant that I would have though, and I'm not sure why. I just wish I could retain it all!

On Thursday, we picked Eden up from school at noon and headed out. The drive up was nice and all the kids were happy. Eden asked several times if we were in Wyoming yet. When we finally passed the 'welcome' sign, she missed it. Naturally.

We stopped in Guernsey at the park and I fed Elia while the other two played tag with daddy. It was so fun to watch from the warm vehicle. The blue sky over the open Wyoming landscape is hard to describe. Laramie Peak looks so close, yet is still so far away when we turn to go north. It's routine now for me to see herds of Antelope along side the road, munching on the sage brush.

We arrived in Casper around 5:30, checked into the hotel, unloaded the car and I fed Elia while we waited for Douthits to arrive. It was then that I realized, after months of actively working on it, Elia finally had her first tooth! We spent Thursday night stuffing ourselves at my favorite Mexican restaurant, On The Border. A pitcher of margaritas, lots of shared entrees, and several baskets of chips & hot salsa later, we retired to the hotel to hit the pool. I was the one adult who braved taking all the kids to the water. Not sure how that happened, exactly.... The hot tub was calling my name, however, and the kiddos were on their own!

Friday we hit the shopping pretty hard, spending half a paycheck in a matter of hours, and then trying to fit it all in the Ford. Back at the hotel for a relaxing lunch, naps and another swim (how did I get to do this again by myself??) before the afternoon sessions began.

This year's topic was on how to share the Gospel to Atheists and Muslims. Step #1, know your ancient history. Step #2, know it very well. God's Word works and the examples that the presenters shared were touching and unbelievably true. We Americans don't realize how good we have it, to be able to be Christian and share the One True Faith without the fear of death at every turn. Be bold. Be a Witness.

Saturday the convocation finished around 4:30 and we ran to Hobby Lobby to pick up some much needed 5 year old art supplies before stopping at Johnny J's diner that served the best Mint Chocolate Chip milkshake I've ever had. Afterward, with clean diapers and pajamas on, we hit the road for home. Al and I had a nice chat all the way back, which has got to be a record for the longest conversation we've had in about a year!

If anybody is interested in the convocation presentations, my technologically genius husband was the official audio recorder, and they will be on the District website in a week or so.

Now it's back to Nebraska, I have a touch of the crud, but the mother must go on. The weather is no warmer here than anywhere else in the country, but unfortunately, not much snow. Eden had no school today b/c of the bitter temps, and I pulled out long johns and a turtle neck to wear in case we got called out in the night. We didn't and I was thanking God for that. Wind chills of -40 don't sound glorious in the least.

Eden and Lars are playing "Larry and Harry" on the floor and Elia is on my lap, seriously unhappy. More teeth? I wonder who Larry and Harry are?

It is now tomorrow and after another sleepless night, we got out of bed just as the power went out. I still have a baby still on my lap, but I must move on with the day...

Until next time,