Me, Myself, and I

I realize that title sounds rather humanistic, or at the very least, selfish. But it fits!

Like Faith said, this year, I went alone with Dave to Chicago. It was.... great! I must admit.

I haven't been to his conference with him alone since 2003- we figured it out one of the nights. I had been looking forward to it for several years. And while it wasn't nearly as exciting as this or this,  it was pretty nice.

Just to convince you, I even took a true selfie, which I will very humbly post just to amuse and amaze my kids, even though it decidedly goes against my nature.

But first of all, I will share a glimpse of something that must be only called the humor of God. Yes, it is true, the hotel was undergoing major renovations, which began THE week we arrived, starting with demolition. (to help you draw up a mental image, Rick prepared us by welcoming us to "downtown Baghdad" when we arrived! Yes, it looked like it had been bombed or at least hit by a tornado.) Demolition is LOUD for those of you who don't know that. I am used to a certain measure of volume on a daily basis, but a steady roar for 8 hours heard from inside the four walls of a hotel room was... ironic, to say the least. (I'm sure Grant could describe the situation in a much more descriptive way. :) )

It was so unbelievably loud, I had to take a video. Turn your volume up as high as possible so you get the idea....

Oh well! It didn't stop me from getting done all that I wanted to! 

I made a nice little office for myself, set up my computer, pulled out all my papers and notes and books, oh and v8 juice of course and.... the rest is history. The day flew by- but not so unrelentingly fast as days at home- just perfect fast, which was actually an answer to prayer. 

I was surprised to find out that my very own sister wondered what all I was doing all by myself in a hotel room for two days! Really! :) 

 I didn't spend it all on myself- trust me. I spent the majority of it trying to quick learn how to homeschool high school. Ha! :)

 I just have to share one or two pictures of the signature Embassy Suite breakfast that would make any mouth water (not just a Blunier's).

He was not impressed with my desire to take a picture of his breakfast, but this was the first time I shared the great meal with him out of all the past trips, so it was worthy of one, definitely! (because of the conference he has to eat too early  for me and the kids.) So, you see, I didn't even sleep in! (but that doesn't mean I went to bed early..)

I tried to make it as small as it can get- Im not really one for selfies I decided, but just as I thought, each one of my kids found it on my phone and made some interesting comment!

I did take some time out just for me- and read a book all in one night. I love doing that. 

(can't you tell?  :) )    (Gone in a Heartbeat by David and Marie Works) 

One afternoon, I went out shopping with Mary, which was very nice, too. The final morning, I did accomplish one scrapbook page, too. :)

The conference was at a different location this year, making it a completely different experience than it was with the kids- so I am SO thankful for the wonderful memories made in the past. Plus the weather was bad and the scenery not nearly as exciting. But it didn't matter since it was just me! God blessed me with a wonderful refreshing get-away. Thanks to our wonderful family who made this all possible for me and for giving me the peace of mind that the kids were also having a super time. It was great to be away, but it was even greater to come home and be back together again! - Kara