Yesterday morning I met my mom at a local coffee shop to buy her a quick cup of coffee before she went to the airport to fly to British Columbia. A sweet friend of hers had heard how much my mom has always wanted to go to Alaska and they treated her and two friends of her choice to an Alaskan cruise. She had asked me to go but I understood her to say that she would be gone for two weeks. I knew that I could not be gone for two weeks so I declined. She ended up asking my sister-in-law Mary (affectionately called Sister Mary by us) and an old friend, Linda.

Later in the day Dw and the kids and I were heading to Colorado Springs. On the way I mentioned that my mom had left a message saying that Sister Mary might not be able to go because her mom was very, very sick and in the hospital. Without hesitation Dw said, “Linny you should take her place!” I said, “Come on Dw, you know all the responsibilities I have….” He said, “I will take care of it all!” (oh my) I said, “Ummm, no, I don’t think so.” He assured me he would take over my duties in caring for the kids so that I had nothing to worry about. Somewhere around this statement Emma leaned forward and said, “Mom, not to worry, I will be here.” With that word from Emma I smiled. She is more than capable.

Within a few hours the plans were set and I am flying early Sunday morning to British Columbia to board a cruise ship and head to Alaska with my mom and her friend. For the record, I am excited. BUT I am also willing to admit that I am stepping way, way, way, way out of my comfort zone. I have never been on a cruise. I never leave my kids. I like routine. I like to plan way out in advance. Most of all I love being home with my kids. I will miss them incredibly. *waves of panic wisping over me*

I went to Sam’s today and bought a camera since my old one had broke. So tomorrow we head for our class, afterward Dw will drive home with the kids and I will stay with Jo until Sunday AM when I embark on a trip that I had no idea I was going on just 36 hours ago. *yikes*