Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Moving On - Day One

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.
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49 comments:

  1. JenniferJune 28, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    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."

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  2. StephanieJune 29, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Haha that video was hilarious!

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  3. StephanieJune 29, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    Good luck!

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  4. SewRaggedyAnnJune 29, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    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

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  5. MarkJune 29, 2011 at 3:35 AM

    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

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  6. UnknownJune 29, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    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!

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  7. ShelomitaJune 29, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    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

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  8. SarahJune 29, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Glad day 1 went well. Hope the sick kiddos will feel better soon and that the others (and you!) won't get sick.

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  9. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    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!

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  10. SharonJune 29, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    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!

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  11. NancyJune 29, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Loving your blog! Y'all were close to me at one point in KY haha. I'm in Lexington. :)

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  12. wendyJune 29, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    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!

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  13. ShannonJune 29, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    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!

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  14. ShannonJune 29, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    I forgot to leave contact info!
    Shannon@thenickens.com

    Hope Brooklyn and Clay feel better!

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  15. FranJune 29, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I shared your hilarious video on my FB wall. :)

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  16. BrandiJune 29, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    I am still shocked stores didn't kick you out for thinking you were crazy.

    brandi.coleman@gmail.com

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  17. pegJune 29, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Have a safe journey.

    peg

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  18. Angie H.June 29, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    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... :)

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  19. KayJune 29, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I remember doing some of those same things when my kids were little. Stay safe on your way to the new house!

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  20. AvasmommyJune 29, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Gotta love the GPS!! I hope Clay and Brooklyn feel better! Safe Travels!

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  21. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    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

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  22. BrassyJune 29, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Ooo, which post do we comment on? I watched the video already but somehow missed the book giveaway.

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  23. KristaJune 29, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Worms in the sink? Parts of this video should come with a warning! haha I hope you have safe travels today!

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  24. KristaJune 29, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    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 :)

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  25. MicheleJune 29, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    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!

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  26. dj.brumbaughJune 29, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    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

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  27. Carrie M.June 29, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I hate to even ask this but what did Joe say about you guys moving? Did he at least say goodbye to his kids?

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  28. JenniferJune 29, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    I posted your video to my facebook wall!!!
    Thanks
    Love you and your kids! And your blog! And your stories!
    Jelaine14344@aol.com

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  29. Mrs. CarneyJune 29, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    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. ;)

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  30. MBJune 29, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I loved the video! Would love to win a copy of your book! mhbush28@gmail.com

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  31. Mary-LeahJune 29, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    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!

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  32. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Ok I posted your video on Facebook too. :) Thank you for the opportunity for a second entry. Karen @ Menopause Diaries (oceanlover821@gmail.com) Yay!

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  33. NotsopcJune 29, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    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

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  34. lisapennJune 29, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    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.

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  35. Rohde101June 29, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    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

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  36. Bailey's LeafJune 29, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    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!

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  37. GilsnerJune 29, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    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*

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  38. alokeyJune 29, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Great Video!!! Safe Travels! :)

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  39. alokeyJune 29, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Great Video!! Safe Travels! :)

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  40. CraigJune 29, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    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!!

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  41. Queenie662June 29, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I think my favorite part is the tantrum about wanting to press the elevator button. So true to life!
    Stephritter5@yahoo.com

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  42. HandymanJune 30, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    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!

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  43. wendyJune 30, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    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.

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  44. HeatherJune 30, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    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)

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  45. C BarnesJune 30, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Yay! I won :) Thanks Dawn!! Not sure I left contact info so... Cherylbarnes2009@Gmail.com

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  46. AngieJune 30, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Sounds like things are going well so far. (Well, all things considered, anyway.)

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  47. BethanyJuly 1, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I shared on twitter!
    http://twitter.com/springraine/status/86873511699816448

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  48. AliceJuly 1, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    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.

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  49. LynnJuly 2, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    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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