Packing

Its time to get my OCD engines running. In 3 days, four of us are going to the Dominican Republic, two are going to one friend's house and two are going to another. Which means 8 distinct packing lists. And I'm the kind of scatter-brain that would forget something like... underwear.


So, besides Jakes-- because he did his own-- I've been building these lists for about two weeks now. Don't laugh. Its the only way I can handle my family dividing and knowing everyone will have everything they need.

I'm already finished with the gargantuan (I didn't think that was really a word, but spell check fixed it. Huh.) task of typing up instruction lists for the four littles. And I made (and notarized) medical release forms. I've notified ADT to put anyone in jail who even steps on our property. (I'm actually really serious, I did.) And I notified our pediatrician's office. Oh and the bank.

I have washed, and am continuing to wash, mountains of laundry so everything is clean.


And now its time *cue dramatic music* to pack.

First it looked like this.

This is in my big family organization binder. Aka. the external hard drive of Amy Spencer's brain.

And if I had time I would totally type them up in an Excel file and print it out. But I don't. So these are my master lists. I would flip my book open and jot things down as they would randomly come into my brain. Stars note items I needed to purchase.

And now my bedroom has become Packing Ground Zero. Good thing we haven't had the money time to get furniture. (Except for my amazing bed, but ...that's another post.) So I took each of my lists and taped them up around the room. I have sections for Jake, myself, the 2 big kids, the 2 middle kids and the two babies. (Since that's how they are divided for the trip.) Then each kid section is divided into a sub section for that child.

So as you can tell, I've just started with some small items. I've still got a lot to do. These piles are about to explode. And it all needs to be done by Tuesday night before our Bible study because Wednesday is run-around-dropping-everyone-off-day. And Thursday morning we have to be at the airport at... well, lets just say it could also be considered late Wednesday night. I don't like to speak of such hours. Anyway, I have 2 days to finish packing, finish laundry, spend time with all my babies and store up kisses and squishes for over a week, clean my entire house so its not a crazy disaster when I get home, oh and still perform the daily functions of feeding 6 kids 3 meals a day, changing the two in diapers, running a 2 year old to the potty every stinking five minutes now and then, keeping up with dishes, facilitating kids chores, breaking up fights, entertaining them so they don't sit in front of the TV all day and making sure little thieves don't pull stuff out of the packing room as I'm putting stuff in. That's doable right? Right?!?!

Oy. Ok, anyway.

In case I don't get a chance to post again until we get home, I have some prayer requests. Just a few. ;)

~Pray for safe travels for our trip.
~Pray that the 4 littles aren't too homesick
~Pray that Ashley and Emily can properly process the unique situation of going to grandma and grandpa's hosue, which is also a mission field.
~You could also actually pray for Jake and I-- before we leave-- as we continue to prepare the girls for all that they are going to see down there.
~Pray that Abby's sensory overload moments are at a minimum and that she's happy and content.
~Pray that Micah would behave and stay with our friends. :)
~This sounds funny, but I really need prayers that the tent-bed we ordered for Micah comes in!! Like, today!!! Please, Jesus, we need it!!!!
~Pray that the babies wouldn't have too hard of a time being away from home, mommy and daddy, and the rest of their siblings.
~Strength for friends watching our kids. (thank you amazing friends!!!!!)
~Protection over our house (thank you awesome neighbors for keeping an eye out for us!)
~Pray for Jake, Ian and the other leaders going down.
~Pray for the families of the leaders who are staying here. I know that feeling of sending your spouse off on a mission trip and the spiritual warfare that happens at home while they're gone!
~Last but not least, pray for the 40 youth kids. That hearts and lives would be changed- the youth and those to whom they are bringing the gospel of Jesus!!!

Ok, one more cup of coffee and here I go!!!