Originally we had planned on making into a little bit of a trip away for our family by leaving mid-morning driving to Saint George, getting a hotel, doing some shopping, and coming back the next day. However, Roger had a flight at 7:30 a.m. And then another flight tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. It just didn't make any sense to get a hotel this time. However, we did need some grocery staples, and the word around town is that groceries are often cheaper in the "big cities". To some, however, these cities would not be considered big by any means. Flagstaff is about 60,000 and Saint George is about 76,000 people. But after coming from Page, the city seemed very large! The boys were in awe of all the different stores, the eating establishments, and even a mail! :)
We left this morning as soon as Roger came home from the flight which was around nine. We were in Saint George by noon because we did need to take a bathroom and stretch break. We first went to the discount grocery store in which I was a little disappointed. Online it seemed like they had a large selection and also carried produce and dairy items but that was not the case. They did have a large selection of canned items, juices, and paper products. I try to steer clear of too much canned items though as fresh is always better. However, we did end up getting some paper products that we need and a few other items. Since the store didn't have any dairy, meat, or produce we needed to find a grocery store in this town.
But on the way to find the grocery store, we found Target! I can often find fabulous deals at Target, and the kids needed some school supplies so we made a quick stop. I did find a few items of summer clothing that the boys needed, and it was all on the clearance rack. :)
By the time we finished at Target, everyone was starting to get a little grouchy from being hungry. But where to eat? There were just so many choices! Since we haven't been out to eat in a while, and we had all these options around us, it was hard to make a decision! However, I spotted a sign for In-and-Out Burger. Roger and I had eaten at one during our trip to California many years ago. We really enjoyed it, so we decided to eat there. The kids loved it or they were hungry becuase every bite was eaten! :)
After filling everyone's bellies, we needed to find a grocery store. I had been praying that we would find one with some good sales, and I had asked several of my friends to pray also. Across the street from the restaurant, we spotted a grocery store named "Albertson's". It seemed like a good place to start. :)
Before we headed into the store, Garett prayed and asked God to help us find some good deals. Know what? God certainly does care about the little details! The store was running a special deal on much of their beef and pork items. The sale was buy one package, get two free! Yes, please! It's been a while since we've had red meat as chicken is generally what's on sale and cheaper. But God, in His kindness allowed us to get beef roasts on sale! I'm already looking forward to supper tomorrow night! :) We also found cheese, yogurt, and sour cream on sale using the coupons in the sale paper. I'm still in awe of how God heard our seemingly insignificant request! We were able to save over $100.00 with the meat and other items being on sale. God is so very good!
The boys didn't find grocery shopping a particularly thrilling experience, but since they like to eat, they put up with the shopping. :) The boys wanted to do something fun in the city, but our time and budget just didn't allow for that. We headed home around five, and decided to take a different route home.
On the way home, we traveled through Zion National Park. What a beautiful place! We were able to stop and go on a short hike. It's definitely on our list of places to go back to in the near future! God's creation is so amazing and fascinating!
Thursday, July 17
Today was a re-coup day from yesterday's adventure. I was originally planning on having school today since we missed it yesterday. However, I knew at 7:00 am. that it would be a bad idea! Everyone was tired, a little grouchy, and needed their own space. So, instead we walked to the park for a bit, walked to the airport to check for mail (nothing!) and spent some time outside before it was too hot. Roger had an afternoon flight and because Wyatt and Garett had gone to the airport with him, they got to go on the flight. Chandler was very disappointed as it was his turn, but Roger said it was a last minute decision by two of the passengers not to go. So, Chandler is praying specifically for his turn to come soon!
I did laundry this morning, and Chandler was able to go along. The older boys are beginning to be quite helpful in helping with laundry or at least at putting the quarters in the machines! No, they are really working at it. It just about kills me to spend $15.00 a week doing laundry, but we all do need clean clothes. However, I noticed that in a weeks worth of clothes one boy only brought four pairs of underwear, three shorts, and three t-shirts to be washed! Yuck! (We will have a discussion on proper hygiene...again!)
Roger took the four boys and the truck to get it washed and vacuumed out this afternoon. Each of the boys came back with two roses for mom and a special hug for me. I love how Roger took the time to take them to the grocery store to pick out roses for mom. Roger even gave one rose to Emma, which she was delighted!
The boys have been begging to go fishing, and since Roger now has his fishing license, all we needed was bait. So, after Roger's flight, we headed to Walmart to getting fishing bait. Neither Roger nor I know a whole lot about fishing, but the boys were ecstatic to be going fishing! It was hot, but the fishermen were not deterred. I spent my time watching Emma like a hawk since we hadn't brought her life jacket. Never again! Next time, I'm going home to get the life jacket! Roger was kept busy keeping lines untangled and baiting Travis' hook. I had thought that we would be out at the lake for several hours because of all the bait we had, but I was wrong! The boys were working hard at fishing, but the bait was slick and kept coming off the lines. To be honest, I was not disappointed! We didn't catch anything, but that part of the lake has plenty of bait to feed the fish tonight!
After fishing, we headed home to grill out. Since we had gotten some good deals on meat, I was excited about grilling out red meat and not hotdogs! (Not that I'm complaining...no one is hungry!) Roger invited his pilot friend, Jon, over for supper. We had a good time visiting, and the kids have come to enjoy Jon's friendship. We generally eat supper late on the days when it is very hot, so by the time supper was done and cleaned up it was after 8:30 pm. The kids were definitely ready for bed, so after Bible time, it was a quick trip to bed.
Sometimes the heat takes a lot out of a person no matter how much water you drink! Usually Roger and I try to have a few minutes of conversation after the kids are in bed, but sometimes we just are ready to crash also! It's a struggle that's for sure to find the time for our friendship and marriage to grow while meeting and solving the problems of young children. God is always faithful though, and we are praying and believing that one day we will be a stronger couple in the Lord and in our marriage because of these challenging days.
Friday, July 17
Roger had two flights today, so we are very thankful for this! The flights seem to be picking up slowly, and every hour of flying is one more hour for Roger's log book. Chandler's prayer request was answered today also as he was able to get on a flight with Roger.
Everyone slept in until after seven, which is unusually in this family! Chandler came in our room shortly after seven complaining that his eye hurt. His right eye is very red and irritated looking. I went to the grocery store to get him some eye drops, and although he's been consistent at putting them in, his eye is still very red. Please pray that he will get some relief soon.
After breakfast we all walked down to the airport to "help" Roger get his plane ready for his morning flight. The secretary mentioned that there would be an extra seat in the plane this morning, and Chandler beamed with delight! He not into aviation as much as Wyatt and Garett, but he does love his daddy! He was delighted to spend the morning with Roger, and we could tell change in his countenance after his turn with Roger.
Saturday, July 18
Roger has four flights today provided that the weather holds out. A storm is predicted to come through later this afternoon so that may affect the number of flights.
We took the kids down to the school park today which is about a mile away. Emma rides in the bike trailer, the other four ride bikes, and I usually walk or run. We are still one bike short for our family, but the steps are adding up quickly! :)
At the park we played tag with the boys for a while, and then we had the Robertson family field day games. We made an obstacle course out of the little climbing wall, and the playground equipment. Then we had timed events for the boys to run through the course. They, of course, thought it was great fun, and everyone had several opportunities to participate in either the obstacle course, the climbing wall, or running races. I can still beat all the kids at running, but Chandler is a natural at running. It won't be too long before he passes me up...I'm getting older! :) After the field day events, everyone was hot and tired. It was a slower ride home as the park is slightly down hill and our trailer is slightly uphill. :)
However, after lunch is rest time! Yay! Even those who insisted that they didn't need a rest had to lay down, and everyone will usually wake up much happier.
I would love to get mail! If anyone feels inclined to write, I will do my best to write back. It's hard not to feel lonely sometimes as our fellowship is limited. Roger has made friends with some of the pilots, but it's not the same as close friends to have over for dinner. We just try to reach out to those around us with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our address for mail from the United States Post office is as follows:
Robertson
P.O. Box 1943
Page, Arizona, 86040
We are visiting a new church tomorrow. This is the last one of possible "maybe's" that we have picked out, so we will be making a decision for our family soon. We miss our church family, and fellowshipping with other believers. We had a very interesting experience last week at the church we visited, so I'll write that post soon. Again, we are trying not to be overly picky, but we have to make the best choice for us and for our family.
I am very excited that my sisters will be coming out for a short visit in August! Hannah will fly into Las Vegas on Sunday, August 2, and Jenn will fly in on Monday. Hannah is only able to stay until Wednesday, so she purchased a hotel for us all to stay at in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is about 4.5 hours away so we plan on staying there from Sunday thru Wednesday. Then we will bring Aunt Jenn back with us to Page for a few days. We are all very much looking forward to the visit, family, fellowship, and memories!
Sunday, July 19,
We were looking forward to trying out adifferent church this morning as a family. However, Chandler has been struggling with some type of eye infection since Thursday. If it doesn't improve by tomorrow, I will have to take him to a walk-in clinic. Since he hasn't been sleeping well, Emma was up early, one child wet the bed, and the morning was a bit chaotic, we decided that the best thing would probably be for Roger and the three boys to go to church. I kept Emma and Chandler with me, and went to get a load of laundry done. One thing is for sure- in this heat, I'm not going to let urinated clothes and blankets sit very long!
At the laundromat, Emma made a friend. She is not biased at all and loves all the people, the Asians, the French, the Native Americans, the whites, the homeless people, etc. She freely talkes to them all! Today she made a friend with a homeless Veteran who was doing laundry. You'd think she'd be intimidated by his bushy hair, unkempt appearance, and gruff exterior. But Emma was not deterred. She went right up to the man, hugged him around the knees, and said, "hi". I was a little horrified, but I think she made the older mans' day. He engaged in conversation with her, picked her up, and when we left the laundromat, he carried out my clean laundry for me. I was again reminded of how Jesus loved all the people, not just the clean, well-kept appearance people. I'm praying that I'll get to meet that man again and have another opportunity to talk to him.
Monday, July 20
Chandler's eyes have not improved, and in fact, I think they are getting worse. I guess we will be making a visit to the walk in clinic today. I was really hoping to avoid that simply because of the cost, however, it's inevitable. Chandler can't function well, isn't sleeping well, and is turning into a real grouch! Ahhh! Off to the clinic we go!
We found a medical center online that offered same day appointments, so I called to make an appointment for Chandler. His appointment happened to be right in the middle of a crazy rain storm, but we made it. Thankfully, the visit was short and to the point because at this clinic they rate the cost on how long the appointment takes. The doctor seems to think that Chandler has an allergy to all the dust and dryness around here (oh boy!) and the irritation is compounded by pink eye. So, Chandler is supposed to take children's Claritin when the symptoms flare up, and he has an antibiotic for his eyes. The visit itself cost only about $53.00, which I was relieved about. My relief was short lived, however, when we picked up the antibiotic! Oh. My! Well, let's just say I hope it works, and God has never failed us yet! I'm hoping that Chandler will get some relief soon.
In great news:
First, we are praying about a church that God has directed us to for the time we are here! More about that in a bit, but we are rejoicing!
Secondly, the flights have been picking up and Roger is getting more flight time. We are thrilled about this also, as every flight is more time in the log book.
Thirdly, since we've experienced a few rain storms lately, the weather is much cooler. In fact, I found myself looking for a long-sleeved shirt at a temperature of 80 degrees!
Fourth, God is so very, very good to us. We are thankful that no matter how high the mountain, or how deep the valley, He is there to guide us.
Thank you so very much for you prayers. We are blessed to have so many of you love and pray for us!
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