Chapter Twenty - Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

September 25th

I know that it has been over a week since our last Blog, things have been a "little busy", to say the least...The following will be my attempt to bring everyone up to speed.  The date of our last Blog was September 13th.  It is hard to believe that we have already been home for close to two weeks. It is amazing how fast time flies when you are home.  Especially when you get back to the normality of work, running errands, going here & there, etc.

Rachelle and I decided to keep Andrew home with us on the 14th.  We hung out around the house for the most part, except for taking Andrew to see Finding Nemo 3D and meeting my parents in Guthrie that evening to get Andrew's glasses that we forgot to get when Dad dropped us off on Thursday.  We had a really nice visit as we were able to bring both Mom and Dad updated with stories and pictures from our trip.  The initial plan was for Andrew to go to the OSU Football Game with them, however we were looking at the possibility of going to the State Fair on Saturday instead.

Being selfish with our time that we had remaining with each other and Andrew prior to getting back into the swing of things, it was very hard not to tell everyone that we had made it back.  We did let some people know, especially those who had messaged or emailed us while we were gone.

Like I stated above, the initial plan was to go to the State Fair on Saturday, but due to the drizzle and rain almost all day we decided to postpone until Sunday after church.  Our extended family from Elk City came to Yukon on Saturday night to celebrate their sons birthday.  They were so kind to let us crash their party at the Restaurant.  We were able to meet a very fun couple and their daughter who made the trip with them.  The highlight of the evening was when the loudest waitress they had came over with the entire staff and sang "Happy Birthday" to Robbie.

On Sunday morning, we got up and ready as a family and headed to Victory Edmond.  We usually go seperately as I am there for the 9:00 and the 11:00 Experiences, and Rachelle and Andrew come for the 11:00.  We went between Experiences so that we would have time to visit with many of our friends prior to the 11:00.  Pulling into the driveway at Victory was some what different, since we hadn't been there in close to a month.  We barely had Andrew out of the truck, when Troy showed up to meet us.  Then as we got close to the doors here came Pastor Wade, Charlie, Jeff and Pastor Jon came running out jumping and wanting me to catch him I guess.  Darren and Ben followed shortly after. By this time Andrew had already ran inside and Rachelle was following him as I was talking about the high points from our trip.  It was AWEOME to be welcomed and greeted this way, as well as find out that most of them had been following along with this Blog.  As 11:00 approached closer, many of those  previously listed went back to their volunteering positions.  It was weird that I was there in a non-volunteering role.  It was GREAT to see those in the congregation that we had gotten to know over the past 11 months!!!  The Prayers and Support that we have received thus far in our process has truly been a Blessing!!!

After Church, Rachelle and I decided that we were going to the State Fair.  Our friends Vernon and DeeAnn, along with their son Joshua decided to go along and join us.  Vernon called to inform me that the traffic was backed up.  He actually let me "Cut-In Line" in front of him just before the 10th Street exit.  After we finally found a parking spot, the two boys sat in Mickey powered Radio Flyer wagon.  We ate Corn, Corn Dogs and Funnel Cakes.  In the first building we went in, both Vernon and I took advantage of the State Fair pricing on storm shelters.  We ended up going through all of the buildings, Andrew actually fell asleep  laying down in the wagon in the last building.  We were probably there for about 3 to 4  hours and decided to make the Trek back to  the vehicles.  We all left and went to dinner prior to going on to the house to get ready for Monday, Monday, Monday....

Just like pulling into the Church parking lot the day before, driving to Stillwater and walking into the office was the same way, just different after being gone for 3 weeks.  Trying to get caught up on where things are and where I need to help.  Every Tuesday is the Construction Progress Meeting and I was able to talk to those at OSU that have also been following along with the Blog.  A couple of them were actually getting worried because we hadn't posted in a few days, prior to Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen.  

Wednesday was here before we knew it and Rachelle wanted some "Her Time" so Andrew and I went to Church.  The format has changed from a Round Table Teaching scenario to an opportunity that promotes Small Groups.  The Campus Pastor asked that I attend the New Members Small Group.  It was a lot of fun.  Meeting the Newer Members of the Church, and their commitment to come in on a Wednesday night is HUGE!!!  I look forward to getting to know many of them as well as serving alongside them as well.

Thursday after work, I met Rachelle and Andrew at the Church.  She is participating  in the Beth Moore Bible Study there every Thursday evening.  Andrew and I went home, played for while, microwaved some popcorn and watched Thursday night football.  As soon as Momma walks in the door, off he goes!  He really loves his Momma! (Can't blame him a bit, she is Pretty Awesome!)

Friday roles around and knowing that Dylan has an event that he wants to attend after school; I drove home picking up Rachelle and Andrew prior to driving to Stroud to pick him up.  The drive was going along just fine until we were about 3 miles west of the Construction Zone.  The Turnpike turned into a two lane parking lot moving along at a snails pace.  After what seemed like hours, was probably closer to 30 minutes we were thru and back up to normal speed.  We arrived at the McDonald's early enough to have a quick dinner prior to Dylan showing up.  Once he got there, Andrew was SO EXCITED to see his older brother!!!  We went home a different way to avoid the Construction Zone.  Once we got home, we let the boys stay up later than normal so they could watch The Lorax, Andrew's new favorite movie.  He refers to it as "Trees".

Saturday morning came around and the boys and I hung out eating breakfast and wrestling while we let Rachelle sleep in.  Not very often does she get the opportunity NOT to have to get Andrew ready, since Monday thru Friday I am already out of the house when they wake up.  Shortly before 11:00, I started up the motorcycle and rode to the Church for the Guns and Self Defense Small Group.  We grilled burgers, and while we were eating them, we enjoyed listening to the adventures that one of the very active members had experienced during his African Safari that he had just returned from.  Rachelle loaded up the boys and they went to her Brother and Sister-in-Law's house so the kiddos could play.  After we each got done, we met back at the house for a few minutes then off to town we were again.  Rachelle really wanted Dylan to be with us when we bought Vanya's bed.  Needless to say, our sales lady, well she just needed some Grace and we will be looking for another next time we go!  After picking up the bed, we stopped at one of Dylan's favorite places to eat, Hideaway Pizza for dinner.  They brought out some dough for the boys to play with while we were waiting on the Pizza.  After dinner is was time for some "Down Time" at home and then off to bed.

I got Dylan up early like I usually do on Sunday morning, as he goes with me to Church prior to the 9:00 Experience.  However, Andrew decided to get up early this Sunday and I took both the boys with me.  Again, letting Rachelle sleep in a little and not have to worry about getting Andrew ready.  It was gratifying to take both the boys early.  Andrew really likes to hear the Worship Team sing, as he will most of the time sit on the front row while I was able to take care of my Usher duties.  Just like most Sunday mornings, once things start happening the 11:00 Experience is over before you know it.  We met Vernon, DeeAnn and Joshua @ Louie's for lunch and then off we were to take Dylan back to meet his mom in Stroud.  All in All , it was a Good Weekend Visit!!!

When we got back into town, Rachelle wanted to go get bedding for Andrew and Vanya.  While we were there, I received a text message that one of the guys who attended Victory Edmond when it first started, was actually back.  So after we were done shopping, we stopped by the Church as the 5:00 had just let out.  It was AWESOME seeing him and we hope to see him more and more in the coming weeks, months, etc.  We stayed and visited with many of our Church family and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere!!!  Time to go home and get ready for Monday once again!  

Sasha made it to Luts'k on Monday to pick up the Decree.  I sent him an email requesting a confirmation and he told me that everything has gone as planned.  He is going to pick up the document Tuesday morning and will start the process of getting the Birth Certificate changed per our Request and the Direction of the Court Decree.  I am still on schedule to go back in a week or so to finalize any of the remaining documents that he couldn't get completed, as well as FINALLY return with Vanya and bring him to his New Home!!!