"Where's the (root) beer?"

We left for church this morning and ended up in Cedar Rapids instead of Allison. And no, the GPS was not malfunctioning. We thought it would be nice to visit Ardith's church, and maybe even her, since we would be in the vicinity :-)

Of course, one does not just swoop down on an unsuspecting church with eight children in tow. The logistics had to be CAREFULLY planned:

-spill proof fireman sipper cup, filled with water.....check
-zip-lock baggy filled with 7 grain wheat crackers.....check
-diaper bag filled with pencils, small spiral notebooks, lift the flap books, and...well....DIAPERS......check
-Dove's Dark Chocolates in purse......check
-diet Cherry Coke in cooler, for wife to drink so she can keep hubby awake on return trip.....check
-someone's laptop to play "Finding Nemo" on the return trip, to entertain children who had been sitting for about 5 hours.....check

And so, with the essentials safely loaded in the van we herded the children into the vehicle and proceeded down the road. It was not five minutes into the 2 hour trip but that Trevor had asked several times, "Are we awmoss der-wuh?"

*sigh*

As we approached our target destination, it was time to review the last minute strategy for "blending in." We instructed the children to advance to the church door in groups of twos and threes, at 5 minute intervals. The purpose of this plan: to not attract undue attention. Of course, when Trevor, Nolan and Ethan sat down by themselves in a pew, the game was pretty much up....

And, such nice, long and cushioned pews! Enough for our whole family to sit together. And, Ardith even agreed to sit WITH us. (these are the moments, that make a parent's heart swell with pride) Being the outgoing, glad handing folks that we are, we chatted with someone afterwards, (a father of 7) who had also worked at Rockwell Collins, and also was a software engineer. Yes, ol' Ma was yucking it up with people she didn't even know, and now, poor Ardith will probably be forced to find another church....(if you do, dear, just let us know when we can come visit, again :-)

Really, there is nothing more thrilling than being a help to one's offspring.

And, speaking of ungrateful children, I noticed IBC root beer sitting in her fridge, IN PLAIN SIGHT, and despite carefully planted hints throughout this past week, NOT ONE SAMPLE TASTE was offered to cool a parched and chocolate singed tongue.

But it's OK, Ardith. Really. I forgive you.....*choke....sob*

(do not let this little oversight, in any way, prevent you from having a good week, ma chère :D

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