The second half of our trek home to Minnesota wasn't all that wonderful. The snow started falling and we drove into a snowing/blowing whiteout turning our total drive time into just over 13 hours. Thirteen hours is about all we could handle scrunched in our vehicle with (as Chip calls it...) "white knuckle driving". The kids were amazing throughout the entire trip. They never sleep on these drives, except for Crew who kept taking nice snoozes all day long. So as the snow and winds picked up and the stress levels grew, we were surprised that the kids kept their cool. I think they knew the situation was dangerous and stressful, so they all somehow managed to keep relatively quiet and calm in their carseats.
We saw so many cars in the ditches and stuck in snow along the way that we were grateful to arrive at our destination- even though it was a few hours later than we had hoped for. To top off the final hour and a half of my birthday, Crew got sick, threw up all over me and then spent almost the whole night tossing and turning with a low-grade fever and stuffy nose. Poor guy. We're watching him closely and hoping he gets better rather than worse in the next day or two. I am crossing my fingers he will be happy and healthy as he celebrates his first Christmas.
Tomorrow we head to northern MN to be with Chip's side of the family for a few days. That 4-5 hour drive will hopefully be a bit easier on us, and I am starting to think that this will be the last time we do this winter driving thing. Christmas is supposed to be joyful and merry. Those two adjectives aren't exactly the two I'd pick for the 30+ hours of driving we'll put in when this trip is over. My body is telling me otherwise too. Or maybe it's the fact I only got two 40 minute "naps" last night. So as pretty as it is here and as wonderful as our families may be, it's going to be a VERY MERRY Christmas if we ever want to think about doing this trip again!
Now...I'm off to hopefully catch a Minnesota winter nap. =)
Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes you left for me yesterday. I think we needed them!
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15 comments:
Glad to hear you are safe.
Carriex3
So glad you are there, prayed for you with the weather so crazy all over!
Have a wonderful Christmas, and safe travels home.
Oh goodness ~ I am so glad that you got there safely ~ what a trip!
We did a 5 hour trip from our home to my Mums yesterday and I thought that was bad ~ but is nothing compared to your trip!!
Stay safe
love and hugs Tabitha XX
PS ~ I read your blog all the time, but don't always comment ~ must make sure I comment more in 2009 xxxxxx
Jody, bless your heart. Next year tell the families that if they want to see you they can pile in their vans and come to you! Honestly! You can have Christmas in your own home where it is safe and warm.
SOOOOO glad you made it home safely!!! I agree on all counts that driving in that kind of weather can be very stressful! Last year we came home from the Twin Cities in a "white-knuckle" snow-storm/white-out kind of thing. It took us longer to get home as well. I don't remember the driving-time amount but I wanted to kiss the ground once we got to our house!!
This year we have plans to come up to the Twin Cities for the weekend and freezing rain with snow is in the forcast! I'm hoping we're stocked up here at home "just in case" we decide that it isn't worth it (my husband will be the deciding factor as he's fear-less generally)
Years ago though...we opted to stay home with our kidlets (now grown) and begin our own memories for the holidays and it was worth it. Life is full of changes and this is just another of them.
Hope your time with family and friends will be a blessing AND that Crew feels better soon!
WSL
i missed your birthday???? **pouts**
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you , Happy Birthday dear Jody, Happy Birthday to you!!! sry it's late :( sry the little guy isn't feeling well, i'll be praying for him and you guys, too. that the rest of your trip will be blessed!!!
I too read your blog often, just no comments. My hubby and I moved to Ohio from MN a year and a half ago and we are missing home this time of year! Merry Christmas, enjoy a lil MN love for me!!
I too am guilty of reading your blog (over the past few months)but don't think I've ever left a comment before. But I wanted you to know that I think your family is so precious and I love reading your posts and outlook on life's adventures and experiences. I hope that you find some peace in your holiday travels this trip and have a blessed Christmas and new year.
God Bless,
Lynn
www.enjoyingevanandemmaeveryday.blogspot.com
Jody, just wanted to pop in and say how much I love reading your blog. Your family is precious! Hope you and yours have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Be blessed and enjoy your time with family and friends. Glad you made it safely through your travels!!
Love,
Lauren
A belated Happy Birthday. I hope Crew is feeling better today and the drive home is WAY better :)
I LOVE love love Minnesota naps! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family :-)
I'm another one who rarely comments but I wanted to wish you and your beautiful family a Merry Christmas and safe trip home!
Very Best Wishes
Liz
What a trip! Thank goodness the visits with family will bring some needed sanity and joy. Hope that Crew enjoys his first Christmas -- healthy! -- and same prayers for the rest of you! Take care, and hope that the rest of the trip is much more merry!
Jody,
I found this poem on someone's blogspot who lost a little boy this past summer. I thought it might touch you where you have lost a little girl. Merry Christmas!
My First Christmas With Jesus
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the
Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside
your heart.But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love
is a gift more precious than pure gold.It was always most
important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep
each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year
There's nothing like Minnesota Christmas'! I'm from Alexandria. Where do you go?
God Bless you and your family on this season!
from "Iowa" (not much different than MN ;}
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