ROL- Days 21-25: We are on a roll!!!

Day 21: Olympic National Forest – Port Angeles
Smiles and Trials:
• Woke and played
• Russell made us a Chocolate chip pancake breakfast
• Russell turned his attitude from grumpy bear to happy bear- yeah Russell!
• These crazy birds swarmed our site- and had the audacity to take food off out plates! Crazy birds and they come in numbers. We heard this type and the Stellar J’s are killing off an exotic native bird because they eat scraps and populate and feed on the exotic birds eggs. Horrible.
• Went on a log hike – just a fun walk around our campsite where we made up a game that you could not touch the ground but only travel log to log – there were a lot! Rohan did so good.
• Went to Hurricane Ridge - one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done!
• Too short -but incredible views of pristine glacier, mountains, trees and ocean.
• Rohan hiked the whole thing, unbeknown st to us, while grasping a little helpless grass hopper in each hand. “One died and one is alive.”
• Met a Christian family excited about our work- we talked with for a while and of course they played with Rohan. They were on a trip to celebrate their grandma who is turning 80. She raised I think it was 8 kids as a single mom...single but a strong believer.
• Busted it down the 7% grade mountain (where in 2007 an RV crashed and the driver died) in time for me to lead Web Camp.
• Laundry mat- Seems like I am always working when it is laundry time. oppps! But it is better Russell does it with some of the "interesting" people that hang in and around the laundry mat. He actually talked with a guy, Mike who is about celebrate 10 years sober! Russell asked him if he could pray for him and they did in the parking lot. We are pray for new and greater love to come into his life. (He divorced years back during the tough times). He said one of the best things that happened in his sobriety was that he found God and his mom recieved the son she new was in him before she died a couple years ago. That still brings tears of joy to Russell to recall that time spent with him. If you recall we did laundry 2 days ago. In my mind, I accounted for laundry once a week. Figuring we would re-wear stuff if we needed. Um, Mrs. Ill-prepared, try 2 days, 2 loads: pee 3x, 1x juice spilled in bed (an entire sippy cup), maple syrup and spit up!
• After fighting with Rohan to go to bed, while we were down below hanging out – Russell took Royce and I went up and read and scratched Rohan’s back and he was asleep in 10min! Duh, that works!
• We hung in Port Angeles and drove to Peabody RV park – super sketch! There are some RV parks that are like parking lots that people park their trailers they live in. Can you say drugs?
• We weren’t sure where to go. We went to the local Red Lion hotel, well I went, with Russell’s idea of a baby on my hip, pleading that the RV park was unsafe for my family- I asked Mario if we could park our RV in the lot. He obliged and kindly wrote a pass valid until the next day. Miracle #? Lost count. We can now park our RV in this lot and WALK to the ferry in the am! I took a business card and will write his manager that he went above and beyond for us and we were impressed with Red Lion Hotels.
Day 22: Victoria- Suquamish
• Jumped out of bed at 7:25am for an 8:20 ferry! – we, of course, were the last ones on board and 4 minutes later they raised the dock.
• Took ferry to Victoria, B.C. – a bit cold and misty
• Rohan befriended 2 girls on the ferry- at this point he “don’t got game” his way of flirting (to which neither Russell nor I claim came from us) is banging his head into chairs or falling on the floor. Of course they still play with him, but yikes.
• Went to Empress Hotel – stunning.
• Visited Swan brew pub – unique espresso porter and seafood chowder
• Russell met a traveling writer- with some mental issues he prayed for.
• Walked around quaint street and shops (china town, narrowest street, lululemon, tourists shops)Which at Lululemon, Russell had an in depth conversation with Martin, who was helping us.She was bright a cheery even after having lost her loving husband of 3 2 years ago in an accident. We are praying for her continued strength to raise her kids (which she is doing awesome) and for God to bring in closer to him.
• Took Rohan to Victoria Bug Zoo! Oh the drama – Royce fell asleep and you couldn’t bring in strollers – so I stayed back with him. Some unhappy customers came in. Owner broke down and cried. Owner made a bad business decision while I sat in waiting area. Owner blamed everyone else. Owner consoled herself with her 4 doggies at her ankles and former employee. Rohan and Russell saw some amazing, spiders, stick bugs, and praying mantis’. I planned on tag teaming with Russell when he came out- even for a peek. Owner denied me.
• We walked around a path along the harbor
• We ran out of time to have a meal
• Met Vicki-elderly lady who was thrilled about our journey and clapped her silk gloved hands on many occasions, exclaiming “oh goody!”
• Caught ferry back to US at 4pm – there with time to spare.
• Drove to Kathryn and John’s in Suquamish, WA.
• Talked and took hot baths!
• After putting boys to sleep I took a hot soak myself (always feels good after a cold damp day). In fact it felt so good; the warm water was nestled under my chin like a cozy blanket, I fell asleep!
Day 22: Suquamish- Bainbridge Island
• We all walked to Bella Luna’s for a yummy breakfast! (we were here in 2009, so we looked forward to eating there). We stopped and enjoyed the walk home.
• John showed us his art and Kathryn her son’s business for student-athlete travel abroad program (Beyond).
• Went to Battle view park – walked around trail, picked blackberries (they are everywhere in the NW!), fed ducks, chased bunnies, rolled down hills, played at best play structure I have ever seen! All wood- had instruments (that Russell got caught playing), cha cha dance steps, cool rooms, etc.
• Kids napped for 40min while Russell and I frantically got ready for workshop. Why is it necessary to have at least a 10 min freak out period before these? We were unorganized and ran out of time. We ransacked the RV looking for our outline. Had to whisk boys from a dear slumber, both crying, trying to attach car seats and dress them.
• We made it in time. Luckily the Pastor's timing was just behind ours.
• We had a great meeting with Pastor Emily
• John and Kathryn took us to Docs for dinner. Nice restaurant on water. Delicious crab bisque (I have been craving this- being on the coast the whole time) and salmon with cheese tortellini. Great pre-game meal. A bit rich, but hey, “we’re on vaca.” Ugh.
• Workshop – went great! Refreshments were provided in this very intimate and successful workshop. There were 2 pastors in the audience. We again felt, used (in a good way), fulfilled, on purpose, helpful, blessed and alive when complete. Russell loved seeing them work together and share from their relationships. Fellowship ! Amen.
• K & J gave us a date night and we went to Harbor Public House Pub after to see John’s art and get a beer. And why not we are on vaca, Papas Fritas Latinas (sweet potato fries, with mango, red pepper, green onion and sour cream). I find myself saying this a lot on this trip which is a good thing I guess, but best fries!
• Talked with Kelly the bartender- she was a uniquely honest and good bar tender
• Pray for Matt who we talked with about actively pursuing a relationship
• Pray for Hawkins family- triplets, one was 33 and drowned today in the Sound
• Neat connection – the Harbor Public House Pub was once a gentleman’s house that was the charter member of Eagle Harbor United Church of Christ (where we just did our workshop). Neat.
• Sat in driveway and listened to Q-tip and Beastie Boys
• Walked in to find Royce sitting in bed with K & J – had been up for an hour!
• What a gift their hospitality was!
Day 23
• Good night sleep! Ahh a bed and constant heat. Although have to admit for a “road trip” we have had lots of spoiled nights in homes.
• Did laundry, bathed and headed out. (may not think of laundry and baths as big events to note- but when you are in an RV – they are sheer novelties.
• Stopped at Gig Harbor- Historical town
• Met Erin, Ken, Brent, Conner Knowles (friend from 4th grade) at Pumpkin Patch in Kent, Wa! Russell led the way through the Castle and Vampire corn maze. A bit rainy and we cut through cornstalks (“cheaters”). Huh, I thought I was something knowing that ‘staulks’ has a ‘u’ in it, spell check told me otherwise.
• Boys played on hay barrels
• Family Ali back on the road. But wait – not until the Knowles jump our RV! Yup lights left on = dead battery. Easy fix, and the worse car trouble we have had yet so we are doing alright! Russell is doing alright, I have driving this thing for all of 10min.
• Went to Hunts (Jim, Michelle, Zach, Katarina and Spencer) for dinner. Super dad cooked dinner and desert extraordinaire Katarina prepared pudding and brownie parfaits. What a treat! We also love to talk with Jim and Michele, couple to couple.
• Kids played and adults enjoyed fellowship…until 11pm! Thanks for the encouragement and insight – Michelle and Jim!
• Russell drove like a trucker in the rain to Kenso, WA and we camped at La Park de Wal-Mart.
Day 25: Kenso- Wilsonville- Sisters-Bend
• “Waking at Wal-Mart”
• Had cereal, played and debated next move. There is a storm on the coast. We choose to cut out Manzanita, Tillamook, and Newport!- Great Organ coastal towns you hear so much about. We decided we would go inward and escape the storm. Bend and Crater Lake National Park it is!
• We drove back through Wilsonville since Tal took off work to see us, so sweet. We got a bite and went back to her house. Mike is going to make a red neck out of my son yet. He sits down with him and tunes him into PBR. That is Professional Bull Riding for the non red neck readers And then jumps up with excitement asking Rohan if he wants to do something really fun. He took him outside (with my permission) to shoot a paintballs. It is quite a big contraption so it was cute seeing Mike help him as he pulled the trigger and giant pink and green splotches painted a wheel barrow, and occasional, house, roof or neighboring yard. Rohan had a ball. Mike and Tal are so good to the kids…and us! Mike also, again helped us fix the RV. This time a generator/battery issue...thanks Mike!
• We were off to Bend, OR.
• Funny thing is (or not so funny in the moment) is that we were taking pictures of the beautiful snow capped mountains way off in the distance. It was beautiful with the fall foliage lining the river along side. Then randomly we saw a car with snow on the roof and chalked it up to the car traveling all the way down the mountain…until another snowy car and another until suddenly we found ourselves smack dab on top of that beautiful snow capped mountain pass. It was snowing/raining, we are in a Recreational Vehicle with our family, on a mountain pass during dusk. Prayers were flying upward. So much for fleeing that storm.
• Russell got us to Tumalo State Park and found a nice spot with full hookup. Why is this our first time taking advantage of this? The “arv” suddenly became a tiny condo – with all the amenities. Unlimited water, power, heat! Sweet.

ROL Days 16-20: And more adventure awaits!!!

Day 16- Wilsonville
• At Natalia and Mike’s
• Went to lunch at Natalia’s restaurant
• Mike and Tal took us Thai dinner(honestly, best Thai I have had – I judge Thai by their Tom Kha Soup and it was amazing, and forget about their Duck Curry!)
• We took the Armada – popped in a Shark Tales movie for Rohan, Royce slept and the 4 of us tag teamed the haunted house! Best haunted house I have ever been to! Haunted house, forest and the dark. The scariest was Tal and I alone going through the forest! The creativity and acting is unparalleled. Or I just haven’t been to enough haunted houses. However a creepy girl rocking against a wall eerily singing, “…because the Bible tells me so.” And then a loud crack and some really scary thing in my face. AHHHHH! And we run and turn back and he’s still there- more loud pitched girly screams!
• We left at 11pm – Rohan still awake! At times we feel like it is child abuse, then remind selves we do not have to prescribe to society’s sleeping hours. He gets plenty of rest!
Day 17 – Wilsonville
• We went to the park across the street – played Rohan’s new Bocce set, Mike and Russell played baseball w/Ro, and on the playground
• Kids napped – we hung at house
• Went to Lee’s farm Pumpkin Patch – the real deal! Ok- not joking with the bests – but best Pumpkin Patch I have been to! It was the real deal. Hay rides, farm animals (not just a few chickens and goats brought in and fed $0.25 pellets until their stomachs explode) It had of course a jumpy house and a few rides, but a giant jump hump. It was like a 40’ long hump buried into the ground without walls that was the same material as a jumpy. It looked as if you would jump to outer space or slide down it – but it was rather controlled. Yet very fun for kids! We got a free hay ride because Mike helped fix the tractor. Rohan had a blast and we got some cute pics.
• We went to great BBQ joint – Dave’s BBQ. I went shopping at Old Navy catching big sales – and Tal had to come get me, but within 3 minutes she too was buying things
• Rohan and I carved his first pumpkin! He was so excited to pull out seeds. Which of course we roasted and ate. I carved Rohan in fun letters (per his request), he wrote in permanent marker all over it and we lit the candle – a sheer masterpiece.
Day 18 – Wilsonville
• Guys woke at 5am to go fishing – I kept getting txts that Russell was so cold – “brrrr. Wish I was home snuggling with u n the boys.” I would reply, “when u catch a fish it will warm ur soul.”An hour later, “still nothing, still cold.” Then at noonish – We get the big warming txt! They fished for salmon for 4 hours in the 40 degree windy weather. Nothing. They moved on to Sturgeon and when the captain asked if they want to set up for 1 or 2 they both sneeringly replied, “2!” Russell hooked one at 11:30 and with his bad back, couldn’t keep reeling, he passed the giant bent in half pole to Mike – who has lumbar disc problems. They passed the pole every 5 minutes. And every time Russell had a rest he peeled off his layers of clothing. By the time they reeled this river monster up (50 minutes) – he was in a T-shirt! Not so cold anymore, and this thing did warm his soul. Guys just listen to your wives It was a, ready for this? Are you sure?...450lb 8 ft long Sturgeon! They caught a 450lb fish!!! Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) you cannot pull them up on the boat on Sundays and she was only about 25 yrs old – they live to 100! They are prehistoric creatures. Why have I never heard of them? I guess Beluga Caviar comes from Sturgeon in the Caspian Sea. Anyway – that catch of a lifetime was worth 4 hrs of freezing his tutkis off! Then they went and caught 16 Walleye in an hour and a half.
• Meanwhile – Tal the kids and I went back to The Lee’s Farm Pumpkin patch. I had tickets to use up and we met Kelly (Sheehan) Wehrung and her kids – I have not seen or heard from her since I was 18! It was sooo good to catch up.
• Rohan and Eli played and played and played – we then all ate pumpkin donughts, corn dogs, kettle corn and cider. Can you say Fall and Pumpkin Patch?
• The kids napped and Tal and I hung – waiting for the men to bring home their daily catch!
• Tal cooked us a great dinner
• Russell, Tal and I thoroughly enjoyed some fresh pumpkin farm fudge and donughts! It was pretty comical to hear the amount of groaning and savoring of these treats.
• They were sooo spent. I have never seen such a thing. Mike laid around and slept. Russell lounged – yet of course stayed up til 1 or 2 am.
Day 19- Wilsonville, Portland, Astoria, Aberdeen
• Pack, laundry
• Russell took Rohan to Mike’s shop to fix odds and ends on RV
• Left at 2:30
• Drove “The Arv” through Portland – yup cruising the city streets. We stopped and got a slice and brought it to a park across a charter school and ate and watched kids play. While dealing with Rohan having dumped his juice on the tempurpedic mattress pad and Russell being a hungry- grumpy bear- and trying to talk to Janel about her new baby and life
• We drove past Pioneer park – where our team visited in college and a giant flock of birds flew overhead- Hoyt ran and screamed like her life was about to end. We laughed. It was good to see that park again.
• We went to Astoria – a little coastal town – neat but eerie to us.
• Saw house ‘Goonies’ was filmed in. Very cool. It is inhabited.
• Went to the Astoria Column – a 164 step column to a 360 view of Astoria…at sunset. Pretty cool. Great pics.
• Went to Port George Brewery for a sampler and amazing cup of Tomato, bacon and blue cheese soup. Incredible brews! Rohan had a plethora of cool toys to play with there and we shared a table with some fellow upstate New Yorkers!
• Went to Astoria Brewery for another sampler and dinner. Gross brews.
• It was late and we didn’t have anywhere to stay in town and wanted to get up north so we drove to Aberdeen.
• Russell said he saw an elk (though he also at one point saw a large deer run into the forest and exclaimed, “what was that, a horse?” – funny. First of all – we were deep in the forest and the beast was on the side of the road, secondly, it has a white puff for a tail…no long 6’ whisking black tail
• I said, “I better see an elk on this trip”(meaning before our return home). Just then I looked up and what to my wonderful eyes should appear but a big giant field and 15 large grazing elk! Russell at midnight slams on the breaks as much as possible without sending our sleeping babies flying across the RV. We backed up, they were gone. Fast fellas.
• We listened to Joyce Meyer’s Overcoming Fear with Faith series.
• We had a giant plug in spotlight out looking for more elk to photo
• Nothing too impressive to park at, scary rather…so we camped at our first Wal-Mart. Apparently they advertise that they are free RV parking.
• We settled in just in time for the Wal-Mart parking lot cleaning machine. Lovely.
Day 20: Aberdeen – Cresent Lake – Olympic National Park- Heart O’ Hills Campground
Smiles and Trials:
• Woke at Wal-Mart to a very loud, big and long train.
• Royce woke every 1-2 hrs (though is back to going to sleep awake at times)- having a fit because his clothes were too bulky and constricting. That was fun, let alone him moving to horizontal positions. How on earth do people co-sleep? They love it! We’ve tried! We cannot.
• 1st shopping at Wal-Mart in over a year! – we got Rohan a sleeping bag and costume- he was super excited.
• Sat in front of Starbucks and Russell did some urgent work for 1.5 hours.
• Drove to Olympic National Park!
• Stopped at Cresent Lake
• Hiked Marymere Falls – great little hike. Cool bridges, rivers, trees, moss, and neat landscape, tunnel and of course the epic waterfall.
• Camped at Heart O’Hills – pretty primitive. But did have fire pit. We cooked dinner - some yummy meat but I screwed up the mac n cheese. How do you do that?
• Kids wouldn’t go to bed. Very frustrating. Found myself asking “What are you supposed to do when you are frustrated? I know our white trash way of dealing isn’t exactly “What Jesus would do”, “The Rhythm of Love” or what we want.
• Royce kept waking up…because he started a runny/stuffy nose NO wonder he can’t sleep! It’s always sad when a baby is sick. They don’t know what is going on, they only know they don’t feel well. We were all excited to get a good nights sleep with the first time we set up the pack n play. He lasted 1 hour. I figured if he is going to be up every hour needing a cuddle, butt pat or a nurse, it behooves me to just roll over rather than get my booty up outta bed and lean over to pat or nurse him (well, lean over to bring him into bed to nurse – I cannot just lean over a pack n play and nurse – my breasts aren’t that saggy.
• I have been slaving over spicy Maya Hot Cocoa from Chuao Chocolatier so I went out to enjoy some while Russell bolted in to get Royce (he thought he heard snapping in the woods).
• No sooner I spilled on myself and went inside too.
• When babies were settled – we broke out the telescope and looked at the moon. Romantic.

ROL - Day 11-15: Some great adventure - read below!

Day 11: Harris Beach
• Laundry, laundry, laundry
• Got fish n chips at wharf
• Raining – we stayed in and had microwave dinners- sorry vascular system
• Rohan watched a movie in his bed and Russell and I watched Pride and Prejudice (well tried, Rohan kept trying to watch it and wouldn’t sleep so we had to pause it and turn out the lights – it has been hard to get him to sleep while we are still in the RV, which I understand).
• Russell and I played Rummy! Fun. Russell is so cute at cards - we laughed a lot.

10.10.10: 5:40pm
This is a miraculous day for Janel and the Divona’s…Giuseppe Divona was born! Not so miraculous for Family Ali. As a matter of fact it was complete mayhem. As I was writing this, Royce just stood up balancing on a drum, I said uh-oh and bam he fell and hit his head on another drum. As I ran to get him I stepped on the walker and practically twisted my ankle. Now, picture this in an RV. Normally I impress myself with my cat like reflexes and grace as I switch leap half turn land in an arabesque and stick one hand out and catch heads 2” before they hit the floor. Ok, so maybe I am not that good, but today is one of those days where I twist ankles and crash. Everything is falling, dropping, hurting, crashing and not going as planned.
However just as I teach my athletes in mental training, “There are no bad days, only learning days.” Of course there are bad days, but thinking of them in that manner does not help. And there is always something to learn from our experience. Take today. I had a plan that at 2 pm we would go to the beach for an hour, drive into town, while the kids whisk off to dreamland as soon as they hit their little pillows; Russell and I get fish n chips, go to the laundry mat and work as we throw all of our clothes in one machine and let it work its magic freshening and cleaning our clothes, and our lives.
As you may guess, that is not what transpired. We did go to the beach, that was pretty fun, though it is rainy and cloudy in Oregon. We choose to go at 2pm, mistake #1. Nap time should be about 1-2. We kept Royce up anytime he would drift off with the fresh ocean breeze. Mistake #2. We took an hour from getting back to the beach, cleaning off, packing up, getting fish and chips and finding the laundry mat. In which time Royce was fast asleep and as we pulled into the laundry mat – wide awake ready to play. Meanwhile Rohan still bouncing around in his “bedroom.” The fun begins.
The next hour was just like a lesson we teach to our athletes called – The water and the willow. I learned that I was being willow – and rigid strength leads to cracking and breaking. I broke. He broke. I was trying to force an overtired Rohan to go to sleep in his cab over with curtains leading to the world that are too tempting not to open. I hastily took away all of his blankets and toys, tried every threat I knew to do.
I have since put Royce in the car seat hoping he would go back to sleep, which he did, for 5 minutes before being awoken by Rohan. Royce was now loudly protesting, he wants out! Ohh the nerves were on override. I am typically patient and peaceful, but I also usually have somewhat of a schedule and normal sleeping pattern for my family.
Russell has come back in and had more humor than I and laughed with Rohan, at which point suggested a movie. At first, my thought was, “No way would I give this child a treat after what he has put me though.” I soon warmed up to it and put one on. Ahhhhhh. He was happy and we all had peace.
We didn’t however get any work done and the laundry – 3 loads and 2.5 hours!
So earlier when being like water- the most powerful substance that gains momentum by flowing around rocks, aka the movie, it does work. And as the day has progressed I have also learned that there are times you cannot just allow a child to “do what he wants.” Tonight we gave him early dinner, jammies and sent to bed with a movie to begin winding down. That does not work. He watches it and is wound up like a toy soldier ready to throw down. It took 2 hours of bargaining, pleading, praying, threatening, asking, telling and reading to him trying to get him to sleep. Finally after he woke up Royce again, Russell lost it and threw him back onto his pillow – he cried and went right to sleep. Literally in 3 minutes. Now what have I learned? Well, he was not being bad, just super silly and was not listening. But I do not know what else works to get him to sleep. Either we leave the RV and go to the fire, or we battle with him until it results in tears and sleep. I do see how being like willow is nooo fun and does lead to cracking. Now another thing. There are times when kids just need to be disciplined! And you can do so without being the willow that cracks. There are times you will crack – blow up – freak out, etc. But ultimately we should attempt to be like water and on purpose with our anger. Redirect. Redirect. Redirect.
Day 12 (Oct.11): Harris beach- Grants Pass/Rogue River (Pleasant Creek Retreat)
• Still hurt back
• Generator died
• Am hike along ocean: which has become an example in our workshop. Me wanting to go along trail, Russell to ocean and albeit his agreeing – he brought “grumpy bear.” He complained, and huffed, and didn’t want us to pick berries, etc. But once I told him to change his mood he is ruining the hike, he sat down starred at ocean and apologized. He knew he was not in the Rhythm of Love, but hard to change. He is reliable to say sorry. That is a gift!
• Ended at park- Rohan played with Porter
• Rohan had to pee so we raced over to a tree and as soon as his pants were down as fountain of pee flowed and as I went to pull up his pants he said, “I pooped.” And pointed down, I said, “No Rohan that is a pinecone.” He kept saying no poop. And I looked down, saw a piece of human poop on the ground and noticed that I had just used his underpants for toilet paper…Since I did not have any wiping material I left him and thought I would clean him up as soon as Russell came back. 15 minutes later and a few refused trips on his bottom down the slide, I figured we would go walk back to our camp spot. After I refused to let him down a path, in case Russell drove past us en route, he threw a fit! Screaming all the way to our site to look for Russell, to no avail. Where could he be? So we turned around- at which point he refused and wanted to be carried. So with a screaming two year old on the front and a baby on the back, I trotted back to the playground. Every person I passed of course commented, “You have your hands full.” I have had this comment a few times and always at times when I am so overwhelmed that I can hardly respond, but people love to make that comment. Is it to console me or themselves? I calmly asked Rohan what he wanted and he said, “I want to cry.” So I let him cry. We go to the camp bathrooms, I clean him up as he screamed. Then we go back to playground and he found a squirrel to play with while I breastfed. I looked down to notice he peed his pants, in the three minutes we left the bathroom. And then threw another fit because his friend the squirrel left him. I will admit the squirrel did tease him running around the tree with him and then took off. I couldn’t get Royce back on my backpack so I put him on the front and dragged (literally) Rohan and his pee pants in one hand, poopy underwear in the other and Royce in his ergo carrier off to find Russell and the missing RV. Five minutes later he found us. This is a situation, Will Smith, that “parents just DO understand.”
• Sounds like Rohan is tough- but I do understand the environment and between these moments – it is sooo precious to see his excitement, hear his observations and witness his learning! We have joy in sharing such an experience with him because he gets it and loves it!
• Ahhh kids napped for three hours while driving
• Nick Voichijic “What would have to happen in my life to say that it was worth it?”
• DQ Mud Pie Blizzard – seriously cold heaven –enjoyed every bite!
• Practice ROL clinic
• Driving into the retreat just in time for my client
• The Pleasant Creek Retreat!!! Tell me this isn’t a gift from God. In researching churches I came across a guy doing marriage enrichment at churches and decided to email him for mindshare. We emailed back and forth twice when he offered us to stay at his retreat he built for those in ministry if we are ever in town. As God would have it our first workshop booked is 20min from his retreat! Pastor Nick and Kristin (Jake and Kendra) offered us to stay at their retreat for free while in town - 119 majestic acres of meadows, horses, trails, creeks, a view, and a beautiful 1800 sq’ retreat. I know Rv’s are pimpin, but it is slummin it compared to this place! What a blessing!!!
• Rohan saw his little nook and jumped around saying this is my “special house.” So precious.
• Rohan and Royce played silently for an hour with the toys here
• Royce will not go to sleep without nursing now!
• Royce also is used to sleeping with a warm body and wouldn’t go to sleep- great! He was so well trained going to sleep awake in his bassinette.
• Had a breakdown! The littlest thing- wanted to give Rohan a bath and we lit candles and then I was going to put him to bed and take a nice hot candle lit bath in this huge tub and slip on a big cotton white robe and melt into my writing.
• The hot water wouldn’t work. I ran it for 20 minutes – from the bath, faucet, shower. It got less cold, but not warm. I kept trying. The boiling water tap was working so I figured hot water was on…and kept at it. At 10:20 resigned to putting Rohan down without a bath. I was still very determined to enjoy one myself, somehow. I had my heart set on it. By 11pm still no bath – so I decided to old fashioned style heat boiling water and dump it in. Problem was the water was too cold and by the time I would boil and dump the water cooled off too much. It was one of those situations that you know should not upset you, but there is a buildup of unreleased emotion. I thought the water was messing with me. It was mildly warm and when I turned on the hot again it was warm then went colder, not warmer. We are surrounded by so many amazing books that I kept picking up one and reading a few pages of wisdom. At one point, while waiting for water to boil, I sat in a guest room oversized chair with my white robe on and opened a book to a random page that was talking about white robes! I knew the whole time how silly this was, but I was mentally exhausted. I did bathe (a bit cold) but washed and felt refreshed and prayed with Russell before bed.
• Royce woke every 2-3 hours…I saw many phases of a Rogue River night – at one point woke to see the amazing stars then in my next 2 hour sleep stint- dreamt about stars.
Day 13: Grants Pass- Rogue River
• Had a relaxing morning of bagels and cream cheese and kids playing in the sun lit living room and Russell at work on the kitchen table with a view.
• Went into Church of the Nazarene to meet staff! That went great.
• The Sorani’s let us borrow their minivan to drive into Grants Pass to not have to take RV!
• Great lunch joint – Casablanca – drive thru organic fresh cooked food!
• We all went for our first family of four bike ride! There is a walk/bike trail around property – we went over the river (2 in fact) and through the woods – we had many adventures along the way. Cali the dog was our trail guide – she decided to show us the way. We stopped to see some pigs, then had to cross a creek with our bikes and Rohan in a baby seat and Royce in his back carrier (shhh – don’t tell Johnna). We laid big rocks of logs to step on while walking our bikes, being very careful not to slip. We stopped to see the horses (Shine and Pepper), and lastly the tree house to play. Jake came to meet us and Rohan was in his glory! Russell beat Royce and I in a game of tetherball.
• We were sure to tuck in our pants and check for ticks
• Back to our beautiful home for dinner and family play
• Jake kept knocking to play with Rohan and he would come in and find Rohan naked and bolt! Meanwhile Rohan would run after him (naked) saying “where’d Jake go?” Funny stuff.
• Having Sorani’s over for fellowship in the master bedroom – to not wake Rohan. 3 hours of great conversation! What a neat family.
• We walk up to go to bed and Rohan is face down on the floor right in front of his bed, fast asleep. (His nook has a bed on the floor so he didn’t fall, he just moved). But he was positioned as if he stood in the doorway and just fell flat on his face and fell asleep. Oh did we laugh.
Day 14: Rogue River – Grants Pass – Workshop!
• Rohan, Royce and I went on and adventure around the property. To the horses, hammock, and tree house.
• Rohan playing with a caterpillar and grass hopper
• This is a first!!! Pepper the horse took a liking to me. I was petting him through a gate for a while and he leaned his head out and set it on my head, then proceeded to drool in my ear! Not on…in, right in the canal! I then looked down to notice he was “hung like a horse!” Yikes. We were saying good-bye and as we walked away… his member retracted. I mean, I know I’m cute- but dang!
• Russell and I spent the last hours practicing the workshop- we need to work on our “rhythm of love” while planning the “Rhythm of Love” workshop! Us rams butt heads at times But we know it and do get back to love, and laughter.
• Practicing with a majestic view, a family of deer crossing, a grass hopper hopping and a tree frog croaking.
• We headed to the church for a Spaghetti dinner and our gig!
• Of course it wasn’t without a hitch – but it was AMAZING! The pastor was moved to tears, which moved me to tears, the 25+ in attendance were excited to create their new rhythm, and happy to share with their pastors what they wrote down, people wanted prayer with Russell, Rohan didn’t want to leave, (Royce ended up in our laps ¾ of the way through), and the church surprised us with an envelope with an offering and a gas card! I was so touched I cried again. It was a very moving experience, to feel used by God in such a special way. My heart was touched by the pastors and their commitment and excitement for their church. And when we left after knowing them for two days, the associate pastor said she loved us. God.
• Russell got Rohan a surprise for being so cooperative – bocce ball set!
• Rohan walking right up to bed excited to go in his special house and read with his bocce ball.
• A candlelit bath in a beautiful big bath – shades open to the stars because no one can see me!
• Russell got a back massage – he gets 3 min for every hour he drives! I have a lot of catching up to do.
• Writing a note of thanks entitled ‘Blessing Beyond Words’ to the guest book.
Day 15- Rogue River – Eugene- Wilsonville!
• Woke early- got goin on packing and cleaning
• Left by 11am – both kids napped on the way- as always. So nice.
• Got to Cheri’s and she hopped in the RV with us to meet the pastor at Eugene Faith Center (re-planted seed of working with premarital and pre-parental). Great conversation. Great church.
• Went back to Cheri and Mark’s for a Steak and Rib BBQ!
• Rohan played with Alexa and Colin – outside forever, in Alexa’s room with a pink blanket, a rat, goldfish crackers, Toy story and a Ken doll.
• Teri and Tania came to visit
• Hung out with the fam and laughed, talked and caught up!
• Had a great time with the Longstreet’s- way too short of a visit.
• Left at 11pm.
• Got to Natalia’s late – set up beds and slept

ROL Tour- Days 5-10 (Sebastapol- Harris Beach)

Day 5: Santa Cruz- Golden Gate Bridge- Half Moon Bay – Sebastapol
• Lounging in RV
• Russell biking into town with 3 loads of laundry in reusable bags strapped to the baby seat with his computer backpack and coffee to go cup in the water bottle holder, just like a local Santa Cruzian!
• Mauricio videoing and photographing the boys
• Sarah took us to Kelly’s French Bistro – cool vibe!
• Being able to exit the RV and use Meg and Chris’ old house to go potty, hot bath, have a picnic dinner on the floor, and bake fresh scones!
• Buying some new pottery
• Finding notebooks for Rohan and I for 75%off!
• Seeing cool roadside pumpkin farms
• Driving through Half Moon Bay
• Getting skunked out of Petaluma (we found out they just laid cow maneur)
• Rohan getting to drive in his ‘special drive’ spot looking out the window and pointing everything out in sight – the look of joy on his little face.
• Last minute visit to Sebastapol- where we parked in Patty and Tom’s driveway and played in their living room until 11pm!
Day 6: Sebastapol- Santa Rosa- Healdsburg- Trinidad- Prairie Creek Campground
• Hot shower
• Tom gave us a tour of the homing pigeon operation (bathing, breeding, staging, and flying!)
• Rohan loved “Tom and Patty” and left with movies, stickers, stamps, and a wooden pigeon egg!
• We got to ride in our special drive spots – Rohan up in his bedroom (cab over) peering outside on his belly, Royce and I in the back bed to nurse. We all fell asleep – Rohan with his egg in hand and Royce snuggling in my arms, so special!
• Drove through Santa Rosa
• Healdsburg – Bear Republic Pub, good brews, food and quaint town.
• Drove through Trinidad late – population is 311! What?
• Too cheap to pay $35 camp fee at 11pm to park at Patrick’s Point and leave in am – so we kept driving N on the 101 – trying to find a safe place to park for free until we ran into Prairie Creek Campground amongst the Redwood forest which was out ultimate destination for the next day! Because we got in after midnight paid 1 night fee.
• Challenge – making time when we are not doing pastor visits or workshops part of our PEACE trip, We are not praying or planning.
Day 7: Prairie Creek – Redwood Forest
• Wake to a chilly morning
• Busted a move to town (Orick) to get cell service for a client session
• Waited for deer to cross
• Worked for 2.5 hours while parked on the side of the road in town
• Russell came back to RV to announce Grants Pass was confirmed! Amen!
• I was just praying – again getting discouraged and God threw a big nugget! Thank you! I needed that.
• State Park beach – Beautiful!!!- Royce crawled around and played until his feet were cold, mouth full of sand and heart content and made his way right into my arms and fell asleep in the sun. Rohan and Papa combed the beach for stones, drift wood, and crab shells. We ate lunch.
• Saw deer in meadow – which there is Elk viewing but we didn’t see any
• Back at camp – Papa made a fire and I took Rohan on his trike by the creek
• Cooked dinner on fire
• Rohan missed his nap and was uncontrollable – ugh. More our fault but hard to handle.
• Put kids to bed and enjoyed our special Hot Cocoa (from Chocolatier), talked, prayed, planned and got back on PEACE track!
Day 8: Prairie Creek – Kalamath River – Cresent City – Jedediah Smith State Park
• Snuggling with Royce in am
• Interpretive hike through the Redwoods…ahhh nature
• Finding a Monarch caterpillar – haven’t seen one since childhood.
• Ro’s quotes, “I want to see Meg, Chris, Lily at Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jacks. Chris has to do workshops. Lily is talking to Shasta. I am a good reader (reading signs on hike). My legs hurt (biking up hill), work- hops, work- hops – I am not saying it. Work-shops, yes, that’s right. He knows when he is not pronouncing something correctly. Look at her long legs (it was a girl in a book on her hands and knees nose to nose with a dog and the page cut off at her chest. He saw her arms were her legs, because the rest of her body was not pictured. He is a leg man – I couldn’t stop cracking up trying to get him to see her position and they were her arms. He even pointed out her “hammy’s” (which of course were her triceps) and her feet (hands) in the grass. Oh he and I laughed.
• Drive through Redwood forest
• Kalamath River Scenic Overlook – where the river meets the ocean, Breathtaking view. There is an area where whales stay and do not migrate, we saw some blows. Stayed for 2 hours, ate lunch while boys napped and met people from all over the world. Namely a German couple married 40 years who when asked gave us the relationship advice to “stick it out, stay committed. Young people give up on everything to easy. When you are angry or things aren’t working out – it is like a wound that HEALS!”
• Cresent City – fishing beach town. Very small. Visited light house.
• I drove RV for first time – not too shabby!
• Got a river spot at Jedediah Smith campground! When pulling u at 6pm, “Bones” told us you need to be here by 3 to get those!
• Praying together, connecting with nature/God in hike, realized being in RV with family has been more peaceful than anticipated
• Got ahold of Nick – we are all good to stay at their Retreat next week!
• Went on a river walk – beautiful sunny day.
• Peanut butter M&M’s by campfire with Kate Minor singing “Better is One Day”
• Challenges- have not blogged, sent updates, Russell having BPO’s and no internet service, Rohan and Royce a but frustrating at the 8pm hour – we are trying to get dinner cooked when they should’ve eaten at the 6 o’clock hour – but we wanted to take advantage of sunlight.
• Russell doing work every day, taking on so many new BPO’s, not trusting God, not taking time to write Children’s book.
Day 9: Jedediah Smith – Cresent City (October 7, 2010)
• Woke and drove into Cresent City to get internet access for Russell
• Boys and I played at park and took a walk. Royce loved swinging. Rohan picked me a flower and learned what a light house was.
• Rohan fell getting up into cab over while driving – I walked away thinking he is fine, he does it all the time, not realizing we are driving and of course it was right at the time Russell pushed the gas to go and he fell and slammed his head on the floor! Scary! But he was fine. We made sure to wake him that night of sleep.
• Enjoyed camp spot with a river view
• We played at the river beach as a family
• Russell caught 2 little baby frogs for Rohan in his bucket
• I read and wrote at the river’s edge – when the kids napped.
What a beautiful day. I am sitting shoes off in a comfy camp chair enjoying one of those, “I could be behind a cubicle with fluorescent lighting getting mad at customers, but I am here” moments. Not that if I weren’t here that is where I would be, but some people are, ormuch worse! I am grateful to be here. I have all of my senses engaged and in tune with nature. The river is flowing over rocks, what a soothing sound to me. Stellar Jay Birds are chirping, a muffled cell phone talker can be heard off in the distance (oh, wait that is my husband), the partly cloudy-partly sunny sky shimmering on the water, ½ grasshopper, ½ butterflies are launching themselves and flying a few feet (have you seen these creatures? I know there is a scientific name for them but they look like ordinary grasshoppers until they jump and spread their butterfly like wings and fly. Neat.)There are oversized bright yellow buttercups. I am surrounded by Redwood trees – oh the things they have seen/heard over the centuries. Plants and grasses blow in the soft and pretty warm wind. The air smells crisp and fresh. Much like a Southern Cali smog. (side note to explain my facetiousness: One time while driving to LA, Russell noticed a wildfire off in the distance and he began to check his cell phone for a news update. Nothing. That’s because it was smog!). That is what we choose to breath. My car just failed the smog test. I don’t even know what that means. It was my first test. I am guessing it was putting out too many pollutants.
The warm sun is hugging my face(not necessarily kissing my face, just a gentle hug).
It is a beautiful day. And no I didn’t forget the dear taste buds in explaining all of my senses. I just licked some con queso dip from my lip and found a surprise piece of chewed carrot from my inner cheek crevasse. As I said, I am engaged
The kids are napping.
So far, the trip is going great. Both Russell and I had expectations that weren’t met the first week. I envisioned lots of family hikes in highly traveled National Parks; Just us four, meeting friendly strangers who are so eager to hear about our journey. We have been on a few secluded short hikes. Strangers we meet give us a cordial, “Oh.” When sharing our ‘inspirational’ trip.
I pictured Russell and I playing cards, working on kids books, reading and laughing together at night in the RV after the kids go to sleep.
We have kept the kids up so late they don’t know which end is up – they are not peaceful. But we finally are enjoying some QT when they go down. But if there is internet access it is work.
I figured I would be blogging at least every other day- building interest and inspiration. I haven’t updated the blog at all or the facebook fan page since we left.
We are at day 9 and haven’t even touched a church sidewalk. However we did confirm 4 meetings. The ministry does not equal time giving workshops or that would be 6 hours for the month long trip! The ministry equals Rhythm of Love as a family: meeting goals, vision, praying, reading, sharing and connecting with strangers, family and friends, sitting with pastors, praying for churches, conducting the workshops and planting seeds. Sometimes I feel guilty for so much family time and sometimes I wish we didn’t have any work to do and could just hang. And most of the time I am asking God to use us to fulfill His purpose and be helpful in this journey.
Since everything is scheduled in the last half of the trip – it will fly by. I hope to take the time out each day at naps or night to reflect. It doesn’t really feel shocking that we are really on this trip. It doesn’t feel like ahhh, this is the feeling of joy, family adventure and purpose I have been dreaming of – it feels like we are grateful to be doing this but we are supposed to be doing this!
Day 10: Jedediah Smith – Gold Beach – Harris Beach
Smiles and Trials:
• Royce peeing on the bed – having to take everything off – sheets, bed cover, etc
• Playing at river with Russell and Rohan - catching lil baby frogs and bringing them to the corral that they built. Rohan then let them go back into the river one by one.
• Rohan getting muddy – biking and helping Papa pack up in his Dragon rain coat and boots.
• Russell talking out loud to himself through emptying the black and grey water! Job well done Papa! I wasn’t nice in offering a chocolate brownie cliff bar in the process
• Me falling on my butt while riding and Rohan saying “be careful” from then on
• Um…Russell stopping at the bank coincidentally right next to a Dairy Queen! I got me a large mud pie blizzard! It did last 3 days
• Randomly running into Tu Tu Tun (www.tututun.com) Resort. I just read about this place in Sunset magazine! I marched right in and asked the reservationist if I could ask an outrageous question. “Could we park our RV in the parking lot for a small fee and use their restaurant and grounds?” “No, I am sorry.” Jocelyn was very nice and we talked a while but they don’t even allow kids under 10! It was that nice!
• Russell talking to Gary Tobin about fishing
• Russell praying for Dave – the gas station attendant – his grandpa just died.
• Doing a 20 mi loop around Gold beach and heading right back down to Harris beach to camp.
• Harris beach was very pretty on the ocean.
• Took a hike around grounds

ROL Tour - Days 1-5 (San Diego -Sebastapol)

Day 1! September 30, 2010!!! We are off! San Diego -Long Beach - Ojai
Smiles and Trials:
• After picking up the RV in Orange County yesterday and taking it home to pack up, having the Divona’s, Sonja, Stevo, and Janet all stopping by to say good-bye and send us off!
• Our RV trip began in pouring rain! I can’t remember the last time rain fell in San Diego. Russell was yelling and frustrated, Rohan was throwing banana and honey nut cherrios, Royce was hysterically crying trying to sleep (which he does once a month!), and me having banged my head, my face, dropped multiple items, doors swinging open left and right like a haunted house (I swear I hear muahhaha) coming out of them. Oh the irony!
• Turning ourselves back to love and getting into the love of the trip.
• Grandma Simi really enjoyed playing with Rohan and Royce and giving us treats of course
• We made it in time for a delicious meal at Nick and Fanny’s. Kids slept the whole way!
• We weren’t too critical of ourselves starting our inspiring journey shamefully!
Day 2: Ojai-Big Sir
• Slept in underwear it was so hot!
• Went to swim hole and played in water
• Went into town, played at park, walk with Fanny
• Drove to Pfiffer State Park (kids slept again)
• Were notified of our ¼ mi. hike into group camp
• Took 2 umbrella strollers packed with gear through a beach 1/4mi. trail and a board bridge over the low river (this was over the river and then through the woods to group camp we go – Cali style) – pitch black out- we laughed at the absurdity
• Had a bonfire with Meg, Chris, Lily, Dio, Jessie, Matt, Heather and Mallen – ate dinner, roasted s’mores and laughs.
• Finding humor in our haul
• Trying not to get frustrated with a 2 yr olds defiance and non-stop energy

Day 3 : Big Sir – Federal Beach

Smiles and Trials:
• Having some chill family time in RV in am
• Hanging at camp with crew
• Rohan and Lily playing soccer – laughing
• Our Beach Visit!!! So amazing – like another country. We hung out ate lunch. Then Rohan, Russell and I went up a giant sand dune and rolled down like kids! We went on a family walk along the beach. And watched Matt and Dio play Frisbee and Matt “Catch Frisbee and fall off the cliff into the water.” Says Rohan
• We didn’t give up on going to the beach after an hour of debating if or how to go and then all piling in the RV only to get there and see a “No RV or Trailers” sign! We went all the way back and piled in separate cars.
• When we drove all around trying to get to beach and right back to where we started when we got out Rohan says, “Are we at the beach?”
• Thinking, “There’s no place I would rather be”
• Matt hearing a ‘troll’ behind him (Royce asleep in the stroller behind him, waking up)
• Matt dropping 4 roasted starbursts in a row into the fire
• Everyone turning everything that was said into a sexual innuendo
• Rohan falling asleep in Auntie Booty’s arms
Day 4: Big Sir- Santa Cruz
• Haircuts by Meg Pie for Rohan and I!! Yipee.
• Having lots of loving time with Royce – nose nuzzling and breathing his sweet baby breath while in the ergo
• Hike to private beautiful swim hole with Matt and Heather
• Taking off shoes to cross river 2x
• The joy of Russell seeing the incredible coastline of the Northern coast
• Taking our 1st ‘special drive’ where Rohan could ride up in the cab over while we drive – The joy on Rohan’s face! Precious.
Day 5: Santa Cruz- Golden Gate Bridge- Half Moon Bay – Sebastapol
• Lounging in RV
• Russell biking into town with 3 loads of laundry in reusable bags strapped to the baby seat with his computer backpack and coffee to go cup in the water bottle holder, just like a local Santa Cruzian!
• Mauricio videoing and photographing the boys
• Sarah took us to Kelly’s French Bistro – cool vibe!
• Being able to exit the RV and use Meg and Chris’ old house to go potty, hot bath, have a picnic dinner on the floor, and bake fresh scones!
• Buying some new pottery
• Finding notebooks for Rohan and I for 75%off!
• Seeing cool roadside pumpkin farms
• Driving through Half Moon Bay
• Getting skunked out of Petaluma (we found out they just laid cow maneur)
• Rohan getting to drive in his ‘special drive’ spot looking out the window and pointing everything out in sight – the look of joy on his little face.
• Last minute visit to Sebastapol- where we parked in Patty and Tom’s driveway and played in their living room until 11pm!

ROL tour - Mission, Goals, and Rules...

Family Ali Rhythm of Love RV Tour – 2010
Mission, goals and rules for Family Harmony
Mission
To make ourselves available to God for service, encouragement, hope, renewed love and redemption for those He puts in our path (physically at churches, in our family adventures and electronically).
Goals
1. Present to 4 churches
2. Maintain love and harmony as a family
3. Write a Children’s book
4. Introduce at least 1 new person the love of Christ
5. Restore Faith in relationship of others
6. Experience miracles like never before
7. Play flute at least 1m daily
8. Return home safe and accident free
Rules
This is a “Love Lair”
1. If you are coming from fear for longer than 5 m you must go to the calming cave (back room) until ready to be a happy camper
2. Respect husband, love wife
3. When driving – Russell gets meals, music of choice, temp of choice and a 3 minute massage per hour of driving
4. Pick up nightly
5. Set work hours to avoid frustration
6. Pray daily
7. Debrief nightly – go over gratitude- what worked, what didn’t in the day together, renew commitment for next day

Finally an uodate!

Hello friends! We are alive and well...the simple excuse for not updating all of you is that getting online with the comupter has been more challenging that anticipated. I have been keeping a paper journal (what's that?...I know)and will post it soon with all of our day to day adventures.
As for a quickie...we are in a heavenly place! Check out www.pleasantcreekretreat.com! A great story - but a pastor gifted us this retreat while in Grants Pass Oregaon to do a workshop! Seriously look at this place. Yes RVs are nice - but its slummin it compared to this place. It is 119 magestic acres, we just had to wait for Mom and Bambi to pass as we drove out.
It is gifts/miracles like this that let us know we are on the right path.
Our workshop is tomorrow night...pray for our words to be exactly what they need to hear. Pray that they are lifted up.
Russell has been an amazing driver, we have seen some beautiful nature, Rohan is loving the RV trip and turning on the "generator," Royce is happy as a traveling clam. J