We said goodbye to our house; the only home my kids have ever known. It was strange leaving. I wasn't overwhelmed with sadness like I thought I would be, especially after lying awake last night with a churning stomach full of nerves. I almost felt like we were just leaving for vacation. I think I shoved the knowledge that we wouldn't be returning to the back of my head so I wouldn't have to think about it. There were a few tears when we prayed, thanking God for this new opportunity, asking Him to help ease the sadness for us and our loved ones, and asking Him to watch over us on our journey. Then we pulled out of the driveway for the last time.
We left about 9:15 this morning. I ran a couple errands first, but we got on the road toward Florida by 10:00. We drove to Lebanon, IN where we stopped for a potty/stretch break. The winner of a signed book from that stop is -
C Barnes
Then we drove on to Louisvile, KY, where we stopped for gas/potty break. The winner of a signed book for that stop is -
Simple Country Girl
We continued on and didn't stop again until we got to Franklin, KY where we had some dinner. The winner for that stop is -
Blended
Clay refused to eat and I couldn't figure out why. When he started crying, I felt his head and sure enough he had a fever. I knew this because I had a thermometer in my purse because Brooklyn's been running a fever since Sunday night. I gave both Clay and Brooklyn a dose of Motrin and got back on the road. I could've driven a few more hours, but the kids had been really good all day and I didn't want to push it, so we stopped somewhere in TN (I think Murfreesboro). The winner of the signed book for that stop is -
5ennie
It was a long day, but on the bright side, there haven't been too many tears, the boys haven't turned my van into a gas chamber of death (yet), and we survived all the idiot tail-gating, crazy drivers in TN. Oh yeah, and thanks to my family for pitching in and buying me a great GPS, we didn't get lost! At all! Not even once! I know!!!
It's not too late to get in on the fun! You can still win a signed copy of my new book, Because I Said So (and other lies from a less-than-perfect parent)! Just watch my video here! Then leave me a comment on my blog. I'll be giving away more signed copies every time I stop during my travels tomorrow! For extra chances to win, share the video on your Facebook page and leave me another comment here letting me know. And please leave contact information in your comment! Thanks! :)
Winners from today's giveaways, please contact me within 48 to claim your signed books.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
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49 comments:
Good Luck on your move! Having taken long car trips as a kid with my parents and four brothers, I know how dangerous it can be to trap boys in a small confined space. We had a large house and even THAT wasn't big enough to escape being a "gas chamber of death."
Haha that video was hilarious!
Good luck!
I just found your blog. What timing. What a video. What a family. I'll follow to see just how crazy your life gets. God bless your travel.
Ann
sewraggeddyann@gmail.com
Dawn: I am in dire need of an UPDATE:
Did you SELL the Chicago homestead?
Or... are you going to have to deal with TWO mortgages?
My other question is about what you described as your NEW BOOK...I have bought the only TWO titles I was aware of..is there a THIRD?
Obviously, I realize you are quite BUSY these days..nonetheless, should you find a spare moment...
hint hint!
Mark in MASS
We're just about to embark on our "first move". Admittedly there's just the two of us and we're not moving quite as far as you are but sheesh the idea of packing up our entire home is daunting!
I have watched your video and it was sooooooooooo hillarious! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....what an awesome ideas! it really reminded me of both my kids, two boys both below three years old and everyday is rock and roll for me too..I really love your video Dawn! and your blog is super-awesome like always.
Love,
Rina
PS: I have shared you video on my facebook too..you can check in my profile Rina Shelomita...
I really hope (crossing my finger) to get one of the signed copy of your book (plizz..plizzz..plizzz...I promise I will read it..pliizzzzzzzz!!)
My contact is shelomita.rina@gmail.com
Glad day 1 went well. Hope the sick kiddos will feel better soon and that the others (and you!) won't get sick.
Good luck on the rest of your trip. It's a real adventure for your family. Sounds like it's going really well so far. By the way, I didn't enter the contest because I already own both of your books! Stay safe!
Sounds like you are making great progress! Way to go for taking on all the driving by yourself. I hope Wednesday's drive is just as smooth!
Loving your blog! Y'all were close to me at one point in KY haha. I'm in Lexington. :)
i would love to win a copy of your book, and i would love to be able to be the one to throw the fit in the grocery store while my daughter looks on and feels the frustration and embarassment that i usually feel. good luck with the move!
The grocery store scene made me think of my kids. I laughed at how the people looked at you! Hope you continue to have a safe trip!
I forgot to leave contact info!
Shannon@thenickens.com
Hope Brooklyn and Clay feel better!
I shared your hilarious video on my FB wall. :)
I am still shocked stores didn't kick you out for thinking you were crazy.
brandi.coleman@gmail.com
I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Have a safe journey.
peg
I love reading your blog.. there is never a dull moment; and while I do not have 6 kids I can fully understand it with the 3 I have (1 boy (20) and twin girls(15). Good luck on your new adventure. :)
This trip and move will surely be material for your new book... :)
I remember doing some of those same things when my kids were little. Stay safe on your way to the new house!
Gotta love the GPS!! I hope Clay and Brooklyn feel better! Safe Travels!
Oooh I would love a signed copy of your book. That video rocked, btw. It was hilarious!! Loved the bloopers at the end. Your kids are so adorable. Easy for me to say, right? :) You can email me at oceanlover821@gmail.com if I win. (hope hope!) G/l on your journey! Your new house is amazing!!! ~ Karen from Menopause Dairies
Ooo, which post do we comment on? I watched the video already but somehow missed the book giveaway.
Worms in the sink? Parts of this video should come with a warning! haha I hope you have safe travels today!
and, b/c I forgot to leave my contact info - I'll share your video on my facebook too! my email is vthawk01 at gmail.com :)
Just watched the video for a second time, and laughed just as hard this time as I did the first. I hope your travels are safe and that your children are feeling better!
I loved your video! I watched it the first time you posted it. You are very talented and your family is wonderful. Have a great trip and look forward to being in your new house.
brumbaughdonna@gmail.com
I hate to even ask this but what did Joe say about you guys moving? Did he at least say goodbye to his kids?
I posted your video to my facebook wall!!!
Thanks
Love you and your kids! And your blog! And your stories!
Jelaine14344@aol.com
Love the video! I have 5 kids & am prego with the 6th. I couldn't agree with you more about the crazy behavior of kids...for some reason I keep having more thinking something will change. ;)
I loved the video! Would love to win a copy of your book! mhbush28@gmail.com
The video was hilarious and your kids remind me of my own kids. I cannot fathom driving that distance with three kids, let alone my four, and I've never driven more than five hours with them. I SO prefer to be the passenger so I can sleep. Kudos to you for being so strong. I wish you all the best in FL. I, too, am an assistant teacher, and it's a great and rewarding job. Plus, works great with the kids' schedule. I wish you all the best!
Ok I posted your video on Facebook too. :) Thank you for the opportunity for a second entry. Karen @ Menopause Diaries (oceanlover821@gmail.com) Yay!
I moved from my home when I was almost 15 so I feel for all of you. Funny I moved to Fla too. Don't forget to stop at the Welcome Center when you cross into Florida.. Get orange juice... Hope the kids are okay and be safe...
Nancy
Hey Dawn,
Long time stalker first time commenter! : ) You are so awesome! I admire you greatly. Raising kids is a tough job and doing it alone is even tougher.
I LIVE in Murfreesboro!! Too bad I wasn't in town when you stopped by. ; ) Yes we are crazy drivers. Sorry! Good luck in Florida. We will be following your adventures.
Well you ARE awesome and funny, but you are dogggone BRAVE too. I remember my family vacations in the back of the station wagon with my 4 sibs and my dad threatening to stop and spank us every 100 miles or so...I don't think he ever did but he did slo-o-o-w down a few times and aim for the shoulder. Seriously beyond being brave for the drive in an enclosed space for several days, you are an inspiration for starting over at an, ummmm, "certain age " I had to start over with a 7 month old ( now 9 years) with Down syndrome when I was 42. I certainly did not have your awesome sense of humor but I did have a great support system. For the record, I'm pretty sure that my ONE "Hurricane Ella" equals your six-pack at least in the confines of a mini van LOL
GPS! A great thing! So happy that you have one and did you know that you can choose from a bunch of different voices to tell you which way to go? I think that you could even have somebody with an English accent! How fun would that be?
Be safe!
So glad it's going well (despite you not picking my name, lol). In case I haven't said it lately... I'm proud of you! It takes courage, strength and a whole lot of heart to do what you're doing. You're amazing! Remember that! *hugs*
Great Video!!! Safe Travels! :)
Great Video!! Safe Travels! :)
Love the video! Praying for your journey, we have moved across the country a few times with 5 kiddos! Good luck!! When you get into Florida Honk going through LAKE CITY FL...it'll be the first city you come to off I-75...that's where we call home now! Safe travels!!
I think my favorite part is the tantrum about wanting to press the elevator button. So true to life!
Stephritter5@yahoo.com
Great Video! My Friends considered me a handyman. I have built 2 houses and I fix my on cars. Wife and I are moving to Florida also, to be with my 80+ y/o parents. When we get settled I will let you know, If you need something fixed I will help you out, One Yankee to another. Luckily Florida is a northern state!
love your blog, love the video, wish i could act like my 4 year old sometimes just to see what she would do. would love to win your book. good luck with the move.
Thanks for checking in. Sorry Clay and Brooklyn are sick. :( Glad GPS is working and trip going well so far.
God bless you all.
Heather (in Scotland)
Yay! I won :) Thanks Dawn!! Not sure I left contact info so... Cherylbarnes2009@Gmail.com
Sounds like things are going well so far. (Well, all things considered, anyway.)
I shared on twitter!
http://twitter.com/springraine/status/86873511699816448
my goodness, you came so close to me! Grew up near Franklin, and live near Nashville! You could have stayed over! (we have six kids, too)
bless bless.
Hey Dawn, I hope you all made it to your new home safely. I thought you might be interested in knowing that the Sonic drive-in in Homestead, Florida is going to begin serving wine and beer. A Fort Lauderdale location will start serving wine and beer in August. Hopefully, your new home is close to one of these locations.
Lynn
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