Look Dad, We Have Plates!

10 posted on June 10, 2008

POSTED IN: Authenticity, Family

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.

Sunday 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.

TWEET THIS

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 8:32 am and is filed under Authenticity, Family. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

14 Comments

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June 10, 2008

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1 Adam Garland said:

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!
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June 10, 2008

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2 Brad Ruggles said:

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!
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June 10, 2008

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3 Jad said:

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
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June 10, 2008

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4 Abbey said:

I’m still praying. I love you guys!!
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June 10, 2008

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5 Pete Wilson said:

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
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June 10, 2008

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6 Brad Ruggles said:

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
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June 10, 2008

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7 inWorship said:

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?)
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June 10, 2008

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8 Brad Ruggles said:

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.
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9 Adam Garland said:

Here’s a photo for inspiration.

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

Adam Garlands last blog post..Adventures in Cycling
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June 10, 2008

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10 lynse leanne said:

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
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June 11, 2008

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11 seven said:

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.

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June 11, 2008

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12 Brad Ruggles said:

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?
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June 14, 2008

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13 This Week’s Link Love « Without Wax said:

[...] Brad mentioned our conversation HERE. [...]
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June 14, 2008

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14 Kristi Ottmar said:

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