We traveled to a little town outside of Granbury, TX for spring break. We met my Moma, sister, and 2 nephews. The kids and I left here on that Friday around 10:45. The ride there was way smoother than I had imagined. The kids were excited, but they kept entertained with the scenery, movies and books. We only stopped twice. We stopped once to feed Conley and once to eat at Taco Bell. Lakyn kept saying, "We are going to the little red cabin to see Nanny!" Jayce just kept talking about his cousin, River. We arrived at the cabin first. Everyone was so excited to see each other. We all just picked up right where we left off.
Our time there was spent helping Nana make biscuits, playing baseball and soccer, taking nature walks, fishing, hanging out in the hot tub, going on a hayride, watching the animals on the ranch, and just good ole visiting. Some memories that stand out for me include: Conley catching his first fish. Lakyn saying, "stupid cat" when the farm cat would show up since she is scared of cats. Reyd carrying the cat around even though it had scratched him and snapped at him a few times. River and Jayce playing soccer, Frisbee and baseball for hours. Mandy and I hanging out in the hot tub after the kids went to bed. Moma, Mandy and I playing Scattagories while drinking our fake wine (cherry juice in fancy glasses). Watching my Conley snuggle with my Moma. Mandy "Cookie" cooking up most of our meals. My Moma's fried chicken sure was good. I would be lying if I said all was just perfect. Yeah, the kids did fight some. River chased Jayce around with a stick, Jayce bit River, Reyd sat on Conley, Lakyn locked Reyd out and tried to boss him, Reyd pushed Lakyn, and all the kids tried many other things. Yeah, it was stressful at times. Overall, it was a great time with folks who dearly love and enjoy one another. I'm looking forward to getting together again soon.
Now, the way home was just another story! We all said our tearful goodbyes there outside the cabin. Moma, Mandy and her boys loaded up in the car and the kids and I loaded up in the Tahoe. A few minutes before, I noticed Lakyn's door was a wee bit opened. I feared the battery would be dead. Yep, I tried to start the engine...nothing. Mandy and I drove down to the office in her car to check out while Moma stayed behind with my kids. I called Brad, and he reminded me about the jumper cables under the seat. So, my plan was to follow the directions on the jumper cables and get a jump from Mandy's car. Mandy drove her car though the trees and bushes to get in front of my truck. We both just cringed as the branches scratched her car. A ranch worker showed up to help. He was nice enough, but hooked the cables up wrong. Yep, it was a wonder we didn't blow up or something. I knew he was doing it wrong and tried to tell him. Well, he melted my cables but insisted on trying his cables. After a few minutes, the truck started and we were ready to try to leave again. So, we all said our second goodbyes. Well, it wouldn't be the last time.
As we left the ranch, Mandy and Moma went one direction and I went another. I would be going up to catch the highway in Stephensville and they would go the opposite directions towards Granbury. I probably had been driving the dirt roads with houses spread out miles apart for about 10 minutes when I ran out of gas. We had just crossed a good sized creek. I had wondered why there wasn't a bridge over this creek. Anyway, here we were on the other side of it. I had to put on my emergency break to keep from rolling back into the creek. I dug out my cell phone....no service. Go figure!! I walked around a little bit, but after a few minutes I realized the phone would be of no use. I got the kids out of the Tahoe. Yeah, I was scared and freakin out a little. What was I going to do? It was quite chilly, I couldn't remember seeing a house, and I didn't know which way to start walking. I decided we would wade the creek and just go back the way we came. I have to admit that I was pretty scared. Here I was with a 7 year old, 3 year old, and a 8 month old on this dirt, farm road in what felt like the middle of nowhere. According to the GPS, the highway was at least 8 miles away. As we were walking, I wondered what or who might be lurking the woods. I wondered how far we would walk. I wondered just who we might find to help. After less than a mile, I spotted an RV. It looked like someone might be living there. It wasn't too far off the road, hooked up to electricity, and there was farm equipment sitting around. Immediately, a dog spotted us and seemed to come for blood. I knew he was just trying to protect his master, so I chose to stay across the road and not enter the driveway. The dog was barking and getting closer. I just stayed calm. Lakyn started to cry, but she didn't scream. The dog sniffed at her and barked. About that time, a woman opens the door to the RV. The dog backed off and ran back home. I guess the woman had heard my cries for help. I asked if she could help us and asked if we could use her phone. She went back inside to get the phone and then invited us in. I did get in touch with Mandy...thank the Lord!!! She brought us a gas can full of gas. Now, would the truck even start especially since I needed a jump that morning?
Moma stayed behind with our new friend, Mrs Donna and the kids while Mandy and I drove down the road to my truck. I knew that if the truck wouldn't start, we would be in trouble because there was no way to get Mandy's car across the creek. Even if she somehow got across, she wouldn't be able to get around me. Since I was already wet, I just waded through the creek. Mandy stopped to roll up her jeans and take off her shoes. She was talking smack saying she would kill me if she fell in the cold creek. I was trying to figure out how to work the gas can. Mandy decided she would help me out. I looked at her, she looked at me, we both looked at the cigarette hanging out of her mouth, and we just lost it. We were laughing so hard at it ALL! I was just about to pee in my pants, so I just squatted there and took care of my business. See, we really were out in the middle of nowhere! We finally got the gas in the truck....and....wait for it.......yep....it started right up. We went back for Moma, we all loaded up again, and headed for town together. We ate there at the McDonalds in Granbury to just regroup. We said our goodbyes after our 2:30 lunch! I made it home that night but not without praying ALL the way! I prayed for our safety, I prayed for Moma and Mandy to get home safely, I praised the Lord for being a wonderful father, I thanked him for looking out for me, I thanked him for Mrs Donna, I thanked him for trusting me with his precious children, and I totally leaned on Him to get us through all the storms we faced all the way home.
I was so proud of Jayce because he was a little, brave man when he needed to be. He tried to help Lakyn get across the creek. He held her hand while we were walking. All he said was, "Moma, this has happened before." Yep, you can look back on my post from last spring break. We ran out of gas in the middle of San Antonio. Well, I learned that I can never trust my gas gauge because it is wacky and floats. If I ever go on a long trip again, I will stop and get gas every 200 miles or so.
Let me tell you, Jayce and Lakyn were both excited about their spring break. They rattled off all the above to their daddy (who didn't have a clue about any of this until we got home) as soon as they got home. Jayce brags that his Moma was about to cry but he was brave. Lakyn tells me everytime we get in the truck about crossing the creek. Jayce still says his favorite part of the trip was playing with his cousins. I am happy Mandy met Conley. I'm glad River and Reyd have asked to talk to me the past couple of times I've called Mandy. Lakyn keeps pretending to talk to Aunt Mandy and Nana on the phone. A family reunited and many new fond memories. Mission Accomplished!!
