We aren't really the Johnson’s

Anytime we decide to go out of town, we are reminded of our true identity, there is no way around it…we are the Griswolds.

In the summer of 2004 we were scheduled to go California to finalize Amelia’s adoption. The weekend before we were scheduled to leave was my 10 Year High School Reunion. Not only did I plan to attend all three events for FRI/SAT/SUN I also planned the entire reunion. Not a minor task I might add. I had 3 three-year olds and an infant. One of whom had severe attachment issues. A day before the reunion, Amelia and Izabella broke out in chicken pox. We were stranded in the house, but I had to get to the bank to deposit a check so we head out to the van. I open the van door and a bird flies out. How the bird got in there in the first place is a mystery. Do you have any idea what a bird trapped all night long in a van would do? Well let me tell you……he used my entire van as a potty! The entire van was covered in bird doo doo. All four carseats! This was one of those days where you cry tears of frustration and every time you tell someone what happened they cry tears of pure laughter. Nice huh!

So tonight at 9pm Shane, Amelia, Izabella and some of my friends from 5th grade will begin the 10 hour drive to Florida. In true Griswold fashion……

Savannah-Hope was up all night long last night coughing, wheezing and choking. The only trouble she has had with the adoption transition has been adjusting to the climate and temperature in TN. I have been giving her breathing treatments, but today they didn’t seem to be giving her any relief. She stopped eating and just looked miserable. I make an appointment to be seen first thing this morning. I get into the van and the tire pressure light comes on (thank God I have a tire pressure light). So I do the carseat shuffle (not as fun as it sounds) and load the three girls into Shane’s car. I arrange to have the tire examined at WalMart and then arrange for a ride to speech for Shane and the boys. Did I mention it is POURING down rain. I must mail a package of pictures/cds to Mrs. Miller’s husband for Clifford and Thandie. He is leaving for Malawi in 4 days. Of course I leave the house without the package. I drive all the way to the doctors office just to find out that everything I am doing for Savannah-Hope is right-on and it just needs to run its course. But what are a few gallons of gas and a co-pay in comparison to peace of mind that my little girl is going to be okay.

Nana is still in the hospital. Her pace-maker is fine but she has still been dizzy and having seizures. The doctor thinks she is having “middle ear trouble”. I am uneasy about going all the way to Florida when Nana is still in the hospital. Not to mention that my mom will have my three bigger kids for part of the time which will make her less accessible to Nana. I also have a cousin and a couple of nieces that have been weighing heavy on my heart the last few days. Did I mention that I am not packed yet? Arg! The packing list in my mind is forever growing. I am now adding Savannah-Hope’s breathing treatment supplies to the stack. We need special supplies for Izabella to be exposed the sun due to her burn. Not to mention my bag of tricks for a 10 hour car ride with two little ones twice in 4 days. My heart is so torn about having to leave the three big kids again so soon after such a long separation. I refer to them as the “big kids” so often…but they are still little.

Well, we may be the Griswolds….but no matter the trials…we are pressing forward and looking for the blessings along the way.