Jun

10

Look Dad, We Have Plates!

Post Category: Authenticity, Blog Posts, Family, Moving 

Those of you who follow my blog know that we’ve been living in a hotel since the deal on the house we were going to purchase fell through (read more here and here). Pete jokingly asked me on Sunday what I’m going to blog about once we’re actually living in our own house.

Extended Stay DeluxeSunday evening we got back from our vacation with friends in North Carolina. We checked into the Extended Stay Deluxe (Chloe always reminds me that there is a “Deluxe” at the end). This will be our home for at least the next three or four weeks while we get try to close on another condo we have an agreement on.

Chloe & Emily were so funny when we walked into our room.

“Look Dad, we have our own plates and silverware! We even have a stove!”

They ran into the bedroom and came running back out to drag us in by the hand to show us how HUGE the bedroom and bathroom were. Keep in mind, the whole 1-bedroom suite with pullout couch and kitchenette is probably less than 350 square feet but to them we had just checked into the Presidential Suite at the Hilton.

Normally Lisa and I are the ones trying to teach the kids to be thankful for what they’ve got but for once they were the teachers. I’ll admit it, last night I wasn’t feeling very thankful. In fact, it took everything I had to keep him from coming back.

I’m thankful that each new day gives me a new opportunity to count my blessings. Right now I don’t even want to think about how long it’s been since I’ve slept in my own bed or worn something that hasn’t come out of the same suitcase we left Fort Wayne with. I’m tired of walking into living rooms that require a keycard.

But for now, I’m learning to enjoy the journey. If that means jumping up and down on the bed because we have our own plates and silverware, then I’m going to jump away.

Comments

14 Responses to “Look Dad, We Have Plates!”

  1. Adam Garland on June 10th, 2008 10:33 am

    I love it when you’re trying to teach somebody a lesson (i.e. thankfulness, generosity, being content) you usually learn more yourself.

    The “jump away” link doesn’t quite work. You should put pictures of the famly going crazy on the bed. It would be a nice photograph.

    Adam Garlands last blog post..A Summary of My Weekend. Now with video!

  2. Brad Ruggles on June 10th, 2008 10:36 am

    Adam - Thanks! I fixed the link. And I’ll have to see if I can get some pics of us jumping on the bed. I’m sure the kids will be all to happy to help me out with that one! :-)

  3. Jad on June 10th, 2008 12:10 pm

    Dude, I’m totally praying for you guys right now. I know this has to be tough!!

    Keep the spirits up and know that we’re going to encourage you the whole way.

    Jads last blog post..Distracted

  4. Abbey on June 10th, 2008 12:52 pm

    I’m still praying. I love you guys!!

  5. Pete Wilson on June 10th, 2008 4:14 pm

    For the record I read the ENTIRE post. Praying for you guys during all these transitions. Congrats on the plates!

    Pete Wilsons last blog post..Jett Meets Taylor Swift

  6. Brad Ruggles on June 10th, 2008 4:45 pm

    Jad & Abbey - Thanks! I really appreciate the prayers. Things are coming together, slowly but surely.

    Pete - Glad you read the whole thing! :-) That is still one of the funnier things to happen on my blog so far. I appreciate the prayers.

    - Brad

  7. inWorship on June 10th, 2008 5:24 pm

    It is truly the little things that matter isn’t it.

    Sorry you guys have had to deal with this for so long, but if the kids have this great attitude, I have to think the parents have been great role models in the process.

    inWorships last blog post..Gravatars Revisited (or, what is the weird blue box where my cute little face should be?)

  8. Brad Ruggles on June 10th, 2008 5:32 pm

    inWorship - Thanks, I don’t know how much of their attitudes I can take credit for. Lisa spends most of the day with them and has been parenting over-time. She deserves a medal.

  9. Adam Garland on June 10th, 2008 6:50 pm

    Here’s a photo for inspiration.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/thelongbrake/2262518034/in/set-72157600684575870/

    Adam Garlands last blog post..Adventures in Cycling

  10. lynse leanne on June 10th, 2008 10:25 pm

    Oh i remember those days! When we moved from Canada we spent a while in a hotel before we could find a house. it is hard, but it is memories.

    I am praying for you all.

    Have fun!

    lynse leannes last blog post..learning to be lead

  11. seven on June 11th, 2008 1:18 am

    Your kids sound great… I love how kids just say what they think.
    And hey, thanks for the comment on my blog. You probably found me through InWorship up above me a few. Just a guess? I actually found your blog awhile ago too and checked it out. I love your header.
    Anyway… Yeah, people search for weird, weird things. :)
    sevens last blog post..UR Serches… I Findz Dem.

  12. Brad Ruggles on June 11th, 2008 7:09 am

    Adam - Great picture. Not sure if I could pull the superman look off though. :-)

    Lynse - Thanks for the prayers. I didn’t know you lived up in Canada, eh? I know lots of maple leafs up there.

    Seven - Yeah, probably found it through inWorship or inProgress…so many blogs go back to them, don’t they?

  13. This Week’s Link Love « Without Wax on June 14th, 2008 7:16 am

    [...] Brad mentioned our conversation HERE. [...]

  14. Kristi Ottmar on June 14th, 2008 7:21 pm

    Thanks for visiting my blog today. Our friends are in “temp” housing as they plant a church in Missoula, Montana. Thankfully they were able to find a 3 bedroom for for their family of 7. And yes, they have dishes too! Amazing how the small things make all the difference.

    Kristi Ottmars last blog post..NEW arrivals

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