Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Jackson's Favorite Day

Tomorrow is a very big day for Jackson and Mommy. We are flying on an airplane. Alone. Without Daddy, Bibby, Nana, or anyone else. Jesus will be our only travel companion, but I think He'll be a good one. Jackson loves, loves, loves to see airplanes in the sky, so I'm optimistic that tomorrow could be his favorite day. Please, God!

We are making our annual summer trip to visit Curt's family in Missouri. Now that we live in Houston, the drive is about twelve hours. Hmmmm, do you think Pregnant Girl would do very well after 12 hours in the car? Probably not. And what about The Tod? I don't even want to know.

So here's the plan we came up with. Curtis took some Tylenol PM and went to bed at 7:00. He will wake up at midnight and drive up to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jackson and I will get picked up at 7:45 a.m. to head to Hobby airport (which I haven't stepped foot in in years). Our Southwest flight will take us to Tulsa where we will meet up with Curtis. Then I'm sure I'll get in the driver's seat and take us the rest of the way to Springfield. I think it's 2.5 hours from there. So is this the lesser of two evils? We will see. I'm sure you're wondering why we didn't fly to Springfield and that is simply because IT IS SO STINKING EXPENSIVE AND RIDICULOUS. But I'm not bitter. Plus, who wants to have a layover at DFW with a toddler? Not Amanda Jones.

Y'all, I am absolutely exhausted and tomorrow could be the longest day of my life (until the day we travel back home). I'm begging for your prayers that everything will go smoothly, that Pregnant Girl will not have to reach for a barf bag, and that Jackson will be entertained by the bag of tricks I've assembled for him. Most of all, pray that my hubby is safe while he drives through the night. I'm trying to take my thoughts captive!

We are super pumped about spending time with Curt's family. I can't wait to see Lindsay's little baby bump. She will be the cutest! Alrighty, I'm off to pack. Yessssssss! See y'all next week.

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

girl, i know the pain of the springfield/branson regional airport. only the wealthiest of people can afford it.

hopefully we'll see you at springhill sunday! have good travels.

Ashley said...

Have a safe and fun trip! Praying for you!

Tiffani said...

Wow...that IS a big day for all of you!! and believe me...whatever it takes to make it easier/convenient/happier/cheaper for everyone do THAT :) I will pray for safety, mindfulness (don't want you to forget anything), joy, and rest for your sweet family. I know my kids would LOVE an airplane ride...so yay for Jackson!!! Many blessings!!

Tiffani

debra parker said...

So it feels like we just got back from Springfield. I miss that place. There is something about all the homes there that I simply love. And let's not even mention Nakato's. Make a stop there for me. Eat the amazing noodles. OMW they are so good. I didn't make it to Nakato's last time.

Praying for Curt and the two of you traveling tomorrow.

Kelli said...

Mucho prayers that Jackson is so full of excitement about the plane that he is just on his most perfect behavior! OH and how I pray that you are not in need of the barf bag... may that Zofran work wonders!

Have a blast!

Erin Ward said...

Can't wait to see you guys this weekend!!

Caroline said...

Be safe and have a great time!!!!!!!!

Elizabeth said...

Tulsa to Springfield is a super easy drive that we do all the time. You're right, it is about 2 1/2 hours. It's not terribly scenic, but there's no way you can get lost if your hubby is snoring away. Enjoy the in-laws!

Jessi said...

Just found your sweet blog! Hope you don't mind strangers! I also just flew with my 18 mo. old son AND 4 month old daughter from the west to east coast (and back) just last week. A few months ago I did the trip with just the 18 month old, myself, and 8 months pregnant. A VERY important thing to remember is it DOES eventually end. And also - bring LOTS of snacks. If worse comes to worse, just let him go nuts with some goldfish the whole flight:).

Holly said...

Praying for Curtis right this moment. He should be near Huntsville right now. Praying for clear eyes and a clear mind...and safety on all sides. And joy in the journey!

Praying for you and Jackson and baby within--that all will go so very well. I pray that you will distinctly feel His Presence with you as you travel both ways, Amanda.

Love,
Holly

Michele said...

Girl I am NOT pregnant and when we drove from around the Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX with 3 children, 2 grandparents, and me and hubby it was exhausting (total of 15 hours with all the bathroom and eating stops), so I definitely wouldn't want to do it pregnant. Bless your heart. I have prayed for smooth and safe travelng for everyone. I pray it will be Jackson's best day ever! Have a great time.

Profbaugh said...

I'll be praying for you! And I'd love it if you'd add a little detour to your Springfield trip and head up to St. Louis!! Say "hi" to Erin for me. Oh, and watch out for her cakes. They look so-o-o-o good!! If you aren't craving cake now, my guess is you will be the time you leave Springfield.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Heather said...

Have a great week! Prayers coming your way!

Anonymous said...

From a pilot's wife- keep your eyes on the horizon...just wish I would've known that when he took me up to propose (and he forgot the bag).

Father, bless the travels of this sweet family. Keep Curtis safe on the roads. Go before this plane and smooth out the air pockets. Give this toddler an amazing interest and focus on his flight and goodie bag. Settle Amanda's body so nausea is not a factor. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Christi said...

I pray all goes well. I'm sure he will do great and entertain everyone on the plane! I went to TX while I was 7.5 months prego with my Tod and no help...and with the help of the best companion - Jesus - I made it. I have faith you will too. :) Have a great time with the fam.

Susan B. said...

Have a WONDERFUL trip. Prayers abound for safe and "no drama" travel!

Audrey and Company said...

Praying right now.

Momma 2...5 said...

Have a great time!!! Look forward to hearing all about the trip!
Love Ya!
Amanda in SC

Serah said...

Good luck! We're taking our first flight with Brady (age 3) on Saturday to Boston. I'm so nervous, but I also have a bag of tricks and the trusty portable dvd player. I'll be praying for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Jackson will do fine, especially because it is not a really long flight. He won't have time to get "irritable" like he would in a car for twelve hours. Good plan. Have a great trip and we will hear from you when you get back.

connorcolesmom said...

I am praying right now for you since I am guessing you will be at the airport soon

I am praying for God to cover you with protection and peace
May the fight go well and be uneventful
I pray that Jackson will be fascinated with the airplane and not be the least bit antsy
I pray for a covering for Amanda and Curtis Father give them all they need to survive this trip with peace and joy in their hearts
Bless them LORD!
In JEsus name AMEN!!
HAve a great time
Kim

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Oooh, have fun!

We're headed to MO tomorrow--we'll be a bit away in Lake Ozark. But we usually head down to Springfield for a day at the Bass Pro Shops, wandering through their home decorating section (!!) and the all you can eat buffet.

We'll keep an eye out for you!

Joanne

Anonymous said...

Will be praying for you and Curtis as you travel. I've had to travel long distances while pregnant (and with a tod) and you're right it is not fun! Whenever we could, we always left early enough travel over 2 days. I like your solution better!

Tara said...

Oh, have a wonderful time! Praying for safe travel on all ends!

For Over 29 Years... said...

amanda, I am reading this at 9:00 AM, I'm betting you are getting on the plane about now. I pray that it's a safe trip and that J is just so enthralled about being in a plane that he will be an angel boy the entire time. OH and that PL won't have to reach for a barf bag. I pray that C is able to be safely through Texas and heading to tulsa right now. Have a great trip!!

Kelly said...

Bless your heart - I hope the trip goes well. That wears me out just thinking about it but I'm sure it will be worth it to see family! So fun that you and your SIL are having babies at the same time!

Michelle V said...

I'm praying for a great trip! I have family in Springfield and I went to college there.

Amy Sullins said...

I have had a layover in DFW with a 2 year old and I totally understand why you are not doing that! Have a great trip and congratulations on the pregnancy!

Bobbie said...

You've asked for the right company to travel with you! I just opened your blog and it's almost 10 am your time so am praying now. Hobby's usually pretty easy to get through, so praying that's the case for you today! Have a great visit, they'll all love seeing your little family!

See you in SA!

Lindsee said...

I hope y'all have an absolute blast!! But, I will be praying for your travels today. Although at this point, you are probably already at your destination. So, I'll just pray that the vacation is one of rest for the whole family, especially the pregnant girl. :)

And really, Hobby has taken a step up, hasn't it!

Lindsee

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

I believe that I have previously made it VERY clear about how much I love to fly.

What am I saying? I love to just SIT in airports... I don't even have to be going anywhere!

All I ask is that you take a moment to find out if you had a cute pilot. For me, not you, obvs.

And if you did have a cute one? Please send his badge number my way. Stat.

Shelly said...

Hehe! Prayers indeed for no barfing and Jackson's entertainment. Y'all have fun!

Amy T said...

Hopefully, you're all landed and safe together. Praying it's a great, safe, fun, and "sickless" trip. :)

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I still remember the first time I flew with Natalie BY MYSELF. I was nervous, obviously, but it went surprisingly well. And I felt invincible afterwards. It was a huge confidence builder for me.

Incidentally, I love flying alone with my kids now. (Well .... sortof.) I think other people cut me more slack when I'm by myself than when I'm with my husband.

Patty said...

Praying sister!!!!
Love,
Patty

Toknowhim said...

Hoping you will be sick-free and have the best time with your family... Blessings until you check in again :)

twinkle said...

Imagine God's Hand under your plane.
Think about how He wants you to need Him daily, like manna. So when you get frantic, tell Him you need Him like manna. And He is enough.
The only thing I can think of about the other thing is just to ask Him to put a guard over your mouth so you won't need a barf bag. May God provide you all with traveling mercies and may He bless you all with one blessing after another!

Anonymous said...

Have a safe trip!

su said...

I just read from your mom on the LPM blog that you arrived safely. I am so thankful. Have a wonderful time.

"Little Fig" - great name.

Anonymous said...

Welcome to Springfield! I'm attending Living Proof Live tonight at a church in town - can't wait. There's a fun pool/waterpark and great playground in Nixa (just south of Springfield) in case you need additional toddler entertainment...though you may not see your comments until you're back home. It's the Nixa Community Center or The Center in Nixa or something like that. Have a great trip :0) Thanks for your blog, I enjoy reading!

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Have fun.

Even our worst travling child is a dream on the plane. Hope it turns out the same way for you.

Chelle' said...

Amanda- by now you are well on your way.

I choose to look at my newfound knowledge as though God KNEW I would find out and pray now so clearly my prayers count. :-)

Praying the planes, trains and automobiles you encounter throughout your journey are surrounded and protected by the hand of God.

Be well and enjoy yourself dear.

Chelle'

Anonymous said...

The first time I flew with my son he was 7 months old. Old enough to figure out how to take the seat belt off, not old enough to understand why he needed it on!

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

Hope the trip goes well for you!
Had to come by to say the simulcast was like rain falling on dry thirsty hearts Deut 32:2. It was such a word from God and you so live out what your mom said about Phil 2:17 being "poured out as a drink offering" for many. You have such a huge heart fanning the young flames of faith! Can't wait to worship with all the bloggers in just a few weeks. Travis's Psalm 145 song was indescribable and I had to open my eyes to see if we were all still there...till SF...

Lisa said...

I am behing in checking your blog and you are probably enjoying lots of family time right now! I really had a visual though, because we fly into Tulsa to drive into Missouri for visits with my husband's extended family! They live in Monett...ever heard of it? Have a wonderful time

Mary said...

Hoping your trip went well! The only thing scarier than boarding a plane by yourself with a newborn is boarding a plane with a toddler. Prayed for your flight!

Katie said...

Have a great trip, Amanda! I pray all goes smoothly for you- I bet Jackson will have a ball- my oldest boy did at that very age!!

Okay, I took a brief hiatus and now I am all WHAT, SHE'S PREGNANT?? I am skimming over the posts I missed and trying to find the announcement? Where is it? Someone?

CONGRATS to you all!!!!

katiegfromtennessee said...

Hey Amanda-little momma! Heard that you and Jackson and the fig:) made it okay! Praise the Lord! That's good! Hope you have the best time with your fam and go shopping with Lindsay! Whohoo! Cute baby clothes-love it!:)

katiegfromtennessee

Michelle said...

Hi Amanda, I've been enjoying your blog for months now and I just wanted to say "hi!" I think you're funny, and you seem like a terrific mommy! Congratulations on the new baby! I look forward to reading about the experience here. Feel free to check out my blog, too! :-)

Marla Taviano said...

Can't wait to hear about all your adventures!!

Alana said...

Congrats Amanda! I am pregnant too (due Feb 23). I am trying to start a blog and cannot figure this thing out! Where do you get the template for yours?

Jessie Weaver said...

this pregnant lady made a 10-hour drive to and from Pittsburgh last weekend...it is NOT a good plan! Good for you for flying.