Soulful Living in New England

"Connecticut spans just 110 miles from east to west. And 70 miles from north to south. But across our diverse yet compact regions, you'll find everything you need to both unplug - and recharge!"

http://www.ctvisit.com/


Connecticut has offered us a collection of cherished experiences. I took a walk with the girls around the campground, and they rattled off memory after memory of our weeks here. Scott is continually working long hours, and we are living in stressful, tense moments. There is an indescribable exhaustion that comes from the life of a hard working dad and a homeschooling mama.

But....Sunday is always coming. And we have taken full advantage of the gift of our surroundings on our family day together. Initially, we traveled outside of the state...New York City, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine. We have appreciated the rich history surrounding us. It is difficult to comprehend town established signs with years predating 1700. If the land could talk...I would listen for days.

Connecticut itself gives us a gorgeous campground located on a farm, orchards for picking fresh fruit and vegetable stands along the road, goat milk from the neighbor down the street, date nights and daughter dates for crabbing expeditions, the best ice cream, pizza, and seafood, and of course the beach 5 minutes away. A playland full of possibility for a family in need of refreshment and restoration on the weekend.

The girls and I relish in the opportunity for exploration. It is currently the middle of September, and we are still enjoying our beach time. The few people that are on the beach are very admiring of our four mermaids...the only ones in the water! While speaking with an older couple, I was telling them what a joy to stumble on Hammonasset Beach. They teased that I needed to keep their secret, so the locals can still have reign over their piece of the shore. We just recently discovered a lovely shoreline walk/hike that is a perfect distance. We try to visit a library a few times a week for homeschooling. The kid sections in these town libraries are more delightful to my girls than most playgrounds! They ask to go to the "train or castle or dollhouse" library.

Just in case I have not put enough emphasis on the beach...

I have been land locked for most of my life between my many years in Tennessee and Utah. I had no idea how refreshed by soul could be by the tossing of waves and the attraction my eye would have to water meeting sky! What an amazing and unexpected blessing to put our home on wheels and be near the ocean multiple times. The last two years have been a roller coaster ride of uncertainty, unknown, utter bliss, and lack of understanding. God has taken us on the ride of our life. And when I can come to the sea, all is well for that moment. It truly is a soulful experience for me. True rest...even when I take my four littles.

The community and culture has left an impression on us. We had a fantastic visit with another full time family that came to visit, but so far no bonds with anyone else in the area. However, we cannot get over the people here. The genuineness embedded in the culture...I have not encountered before. People talk to me all the time. And tell me exactly what they think, the good the bad and the ugly. If someone is having a bad day they do not mask it, and if they feel happy, it is expressed. Right now, I am sitting near two guys enjoying coffee after a run, and their conversation is the best. Just the expressiveness of it all. Not dramatic, just real feelings. I love it!

A lot of my experiences are seen through the lense of a mom with a tornado of children around me. I have a heightened awareness of my kids' behavior and whether they are disturbing others. I will not get into the commentary we have experienced in the South. But here, my children are embraced. People come up to us all the time and exclaim what a blessing 4 girls are and what a treat to have so many helpers. I hear many stories about their four or more siblings that they grew up with and the closeness and the importance of family. Even in restaurants we are spoken to with the connotation of our family being a gift.

There are many people that are interested in our travel story, we get less eyebrows raised and people that just want to know more. I was even introduced by a grandmother to her granddaughters that I was like "one of those cool HGTV people." Homeschooling, travel, marriage, family, life...it all gets discussed in our day to day stops by people who are more than willing to tell me everything and in turn ask about everything. It has been refreshing to be in community among the community.

Our family has all the strains of any other family, sometimes more with the extra hours that a traveling welder works and the intensity of six large personalities in a small space. I wouldn't call it an easy path or even simplified. There are still bills to be paid, chores to be done, RV and truck maintenance, lesson plans and meal plans, and tantrums to calm. This road that lead us to Connecticut is the same road that will lead us to places yet to be seen and touched. It gives life a little more flavor and excitement. And for this stay at home mom, it breaks me out of the mundane and offers newness and adventure.

The splash of the salt water on my littles' feet as they giggle and then plunge into those chilly waters without a care, as though they have to feel the beauty of the scene that they are in. Those same waters offering solace after a difficult day or harsh words as the waves lap the shore. And then, walking out in the salty air, in the dark, with the sand in my toes taking it all in with my love and a glass of wine. The drives lined with towering trees, now turning golden and ruby, proposing that we really could be characters in a painting. History coming to life in the aged architecture and historic villages replicas. The aliveness of the nearby cities and the delicious scent of local food. The grass stains on pants, and the apple juicy smiles of girls prancing through rows and rows of fruit trees. The laughter and "hey mom, look at me" as the imagination is sparked by creative library puppets and displays.

From our limited time on the road, New England is my absolute favorite. If there is such thing as a soul place...this is mine.

Blessed and Burdened

We just passed our 2 year "nomadiversary." We have ventured to the Northeast for a few months. Scott has started on another new job. And we are in uncharted territory (for us.) I like to think that we are inspiring others to go the road less traveled or take more risks, live outside the norm etc. I also have to be honest and say that our callings and dreams come with unexpected twists and turns and unforeseen outcomes. The effort to fulfill that calling and make that dream come true does not decrease when it finally happens.

 A blessing is defined as God's favor and protection, and a burden is defined as a heavy load.
That leads me to the question....Can God's favor come in the form of a heavy load?

As we continue to live "out of bounds" it seems more so than not, blessing comes in the form of a heavy load. On a particularly exhausting day in the RV with my 4 blessings and an equally exhausted husband, I took a drive and thought "what is the cure for being in a place that I have received all that I have prayed for, dreamed of, and waited patiently (okay, somewhat patiently) for? How can I be so blessed and yet so downtrodden?

Scott and I on the good days are looking at each other saying "this is difficult" "Or "this is challenging." On the bad days we are saying things a little louder and less kind. I remember when Shiloh was born, there was an adjustment period that I just did not understand. I was exhausted at a level that I could not comprehend. I feel like I am there again. It's not the sleep deprivation exhausted. It is the mind and body running at record speeds. I know Scott feels the same way.  He is coming through the door at the same time that I am holding up the white flag of surrender. And some days we handle it with grace and teamwork. And some days we compete selfishly for who is worthier of a break.

This is such a fantastic time in our lives. I know that we will look back on this with pleasure and adoration... "remember when?" "where were we when...?" "Can you believe that happened?" and all the weariness will be long forgotten. But at the same time we chose a difficult road (or it chose us).Scott's job gets us to all the new and exciting places, but then he has to go to work (usually long hours). So he misses out on a lot of what I get to experience with the girls. Also, one parent leading 4 children into unfamiliar territory is not quite the experience that it looks like in pictures.  But those travel days, even in separate vehicles have an air of anticipation like no other, and the time in between jobs is a reprieve that we were not getting with one steady job and living in one location. Hopefully the time in between jobs will get longer and longer as we figure out our finances.

Shortly before we left Utah, we heard a sermon about blessings. And it gave me a totally different perspective.  When praying for a blessing...the job promotion, the dream home, the baby, the acceptance into a certain college, or the ability to make a career change... it all comes with more responsibility, more work. We did get married, and we did have a baby (and then baby, baby, baby), and we did jump into RV life. And each addition or change has required more purposeful living and effort and increased our pursuit for a successful outcome.

There are people in the world that think running a marathon or some other big athletic endeavor is a goal worthy of pursuing. That is not my calling. You will not see me pursuing anything that requires running. But there is so much work and training that takes place for that accomplishment. And it hurts, and it requires time, and exhausting effort, setbacks and training and new habits. Our goal to experience life together outside of the status quo, to raise four kids to be adaptable and thrive in new and unfamiliar environments, to follow God's leading, and ultimately to bend our hearts towards our personal calling and refinement is worthy of pursuing. The difficulty is just a part of the process, not a burden that cancels out the blessing.

Afterthought:
I was struggling through the cohesiveness of my thoughts while writing this. I kept asking, "am I saying what I really want to say?" I was also surprised to see a draft saved about this very subject from six months ago. This has apparently been on my heart for some time and I really needed to hash it out. But it wasn't coming together the way I wanted it to, because my focus was on hard parts of the last week. Today, Scott and I were able to experience a wonderful day with the girls together, and I went back and edited quite a bit of my original post.

I have been annoyed by the range of emotions and heightened anxiety I feel with each arrival to a new destination. We have been trained by years of experience that you stick with one company and wake up to the same job every day. Our security has rested in that. Leaving a temporary job and wondering where we are going next still creates a churn in the belly(and a test of our faith). Getting to a job on time creates some hectic travel days (and we ask a lot of our kids on those days).  Then, Scott has to pass the welding test and getting set up on payroll takes some time. I immediately start to calculate what we have already spent from what we saved from the previous job, and when the next check is coming in. We have a pediatrician, a dentist, and mechanic to find. And we are in a very strange RV Park that is run very differently from any place we have been. Unlike some full-time RVers, we are not visitors to a new place for a week or two, we become part of the community for a time. Today, was the first day that we were able to take a breath and enjoy our new surroundings in a brief sabbatical.

It was the perfect opportunity to live out what increased blessing looks like in this season of life. I told Scott at the beginning that we needed to lower our expectation for the day (something to consider for every day), because we had two children that were already whining and complaining about various things. It took quite a bit of strategy parenting to get us to New York City on a long train ride with antsy children. We had to discipline, correct, raise our voices from time to time, but we were able to establish parameters and boundaries that lead to us all having a good time. Was there some whining, some pouting, and some disappointments? Yes. Is going to a packed, touristy location with 4 children very different from going together on a romantic vacation...YES! But what an incredible blessing to be enjoying a huge city and experiencing something new and exciting waiting around each corner. And there truly is nothing like seeing something through a child's eyes!

The Short Version...

We are currently vacationing while we are in between jobs. Fifth disease is working it's way through the kiddos. So I thought I would update the blog. To prepare for a summary, I looked back through photos, and I was shocked by all that has happened in a short amount of time. I have found myself a little unsettled with this lifestyle choice. We seem to have been moving at a snail's pace and Scott has been working difficult jobs with long hours. I have been envious of the families on the road showing their pathways through state after state and all the adventures they get to enjoy as a family. But on days like today, when we are slowing down because of unexpected illnesses and doing a whole lot of nothing, I have a wonderful opportunity to look back and reflect on it all.

We had our 4th baby and we live in an RV! If it seemed like a strange choice to move into an RV. Getting pregnant and having a baby while on the road makes it all the crazier. But in a great way! This was one of the more memorable deliveries. All the babies before were born in Utah, and things just did not go the same way in Tennessee.  This was my first elective induction because Daddy had a limited amount of time off. We were separated for over a month while the girls and I lived with my parents and Scott was in Georgia. Then when he arrived, no baby, no baby, and no baby. I wanted him to spend time with Johanna and I wanted us to return to Georgia as a family. Also, this was the first time the epidural was too late! We returned to Georgia with Johanna at two weeks of age...making a 7 hour trip, 12 hours with all the stops.

Beaver Run RV Park was the best place to be for such a time! I can honestly say that those first 3 months are a blur. Scott was working 12 hour days with a 3 hour commute. I do know we were well cared for by our friends and the kids were happily occupied every day. We had a fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas amongst are small, closeknit community. I remember thinking this little RV is overrun with baby stuff although it was mimimal compared to my past babies. However, just a quickly as she arrived, she has grown, and baby stuff is beginning to be donated. It was a difficult day in March 2017 when we said good-bye to some lifelong friends that made a huge impact on us and our journey.

Before we left Georgia, we spent a few days in Tallahassee, Florida attending our first ever Full-Time Rally! Now, I am following so many like minded people on Facebook after meeting them at the rally. It hardly feels like a radical choice anymore. We also had the pleasure of meeting up with a family we met at Mountain Valley RV Park in Heber. We continue to stay in touch and hope to see them again very soon. After this rally, Full-Time Families has become the go to source of information for me. We have discovered RV life hacks, enjoyed the inside jokes, grown our community, and learned so much from others when it comes to caring for a family of 6 (especially a baby) on the road. One of the best things that was ever recommended was the Graco Travel Lite pack n play. It has been a life saver, or more like a space saver for JoJo's sleeping.

Unfortunately, shortly after we returned from the rally, Scott got very sick and was diagnosed with bronchitis. This lead to an ER visit and several urgent care visits across a few states. We went to visit with friends in beautiful Asheville, NC. We were surrounded by beauty, and Scott was wanting to sing and play guitar, but the lung issues showed up again in full force. We were again told it was bronchitis and Scott was given more meds. We made the most of the trip and then headed into Kentucky for a job. The kids and I were able to drive to see my sister and her family. That was a wonderful gift. Living in Utah did not allow for many visits for the kids with their aunt. However, Scott was just getting sicker. Based on our visit with a General Practitioner, it was decided that a lung specialist was needed to get a correct diagnosis.

Scott had been telling me about a job that was available in Memphis that would allow him to get training on a new welding process. I have to say I was completely 150% against spending a large amount of time in Memphis. I had lived in Memphis most of my life, we were just in Memphis to have a baby and spent 2 months there, I had spent a few days in Memphis already while the RV  parked in Kentucky, I had already experienced a hot, Southern Summer in Georgia, we were getting no where in our travels, and the list could go on and on. But after my little temper tantrum with the idea, I had to admit there would be wisdom in being close to family while working through health issues and it would be nice to be amongst the familiar for a bit.

We had the opportunity to put our 3 year old Selah in a preschool with her cousin for April and May. That ended up being a wonderful experience for Selah and her development. Jocelyn was able to attend ballet camp and loved it. Shiloh got to test out basketball and soccer to see which she preferred to play later on. We had a fantastic time with family and friends. Even more surprising was our experience at Jellystone RV Resort. The kids had such a fun time at all the events. Our neighbors were some of the best.I truly did not believe our family could encounter good people like we met in Georgia. I am now looking forward to the new experiences ahead with a greater enthusiasm for the people we have yet to meet. Although the good-byes were difficult at Jellystone.

On a less positive note, medical issues seemed to multiply. Scott received the proper diagnosis from the pulmonologist and is now following a protocol for asthma and allergies. Shortly after his last appointment, a bad infection developed in his arms from burns he received while welding. Selah was treated in the ER and then Urgent Care. I was sent for a breast ultrasound while breastfeeding which was inconclusive. So a follow up ultrasound and mammogram were done. The doctor concluded there was not an issue. A lot of our time seemed scheduled and exhausting.

Now, we are concluding our time in the South with my brother's wedding. A wonderful bow to tie up this visit. It is interesting that 2 years ago at this time we were packing the remainder of our stuff after a huge purging to move into our RV. Then this same time a year ago heading to Georgia and the unknown. We are deciding on the next move, and most of the anxiousness and anticipation of what's next is gone. This is our life now. The jobs are out there. The time to make money will get here. For now, we get to spend some much needed family time relaxing while we wait expectantly to hear what jobs are available and where. The down time is good. RV Life is good. The ups and downs of it all have taught us so much.

Most of all...We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

Pictures available Living Out of Bounds FB Group

Georgia, Tennessee, Community, and Baby #4 on my mind...

I have discussed community before, but as we continue in this nomadic lifestyle I am continually blown away by how that need is met over and over. God truly did make us for relationship. I just did not expect relationships to be developed so quickly and the need for relationship to be satisfied so abundantly on the road. This lifestyle continues to amaze me. The travels are exciting, the environments are new and awesome to research and explore, the campgrounds are all different and fun to experience, but the people....the people are what make it.

I never know how people really feel about their pictures, especially of their kiddos being put on the social media, so I try to not to post too many photos of others on here. However, the South has been no let down in Southern Hospitality, social gatherings, and genuine kindness and helpfulness. We have been so very blessed, and by blessed I do not just mean that God has been good to us. I mean he has been good to us in a way that also puts a tremendous weight on our human shoulders as well as quite a bit of responsibility.  This dream of living nomadically, traveling to different jobs and unknown environments, having a large family (by today's standards) in a small space, and raising our kids differently,(as well as having a marriage built on miracles and obvious touches of God's hand)...has all been a blessing, but with much faith, strength, and responsibility required. I am so grateful that God, through relying on Him, has trusted us with all of this.

We have also been given people along the way that have been a huge part of blessing us as well as lightening the load. We are sharing stories, breaking bread, working alongside, praying with and for, truly loving and being loved in ways I never thought possible, and the fun so much fun with others, not to mention the social life of our kids is off the charts! I don't think I know kids with more friends, and they remember everyone's name that they have met and encountered over the last year or so. I am always hearing "remember when, insert name, did"....with such a fondness in their voice.

As the girls and I gear up for travel to Tennessee, I have to reflect on the community that has been quickly established in Georgia and the anticipation of a reentering community that I grew up with in Tennessee.  People continue to be the heartbeat of our experience in the midst of this most interesting of situations...having a baby on the road. The best solution for us has been for me to finish out my pregnancy at my parents house. I am at a point in my pregnancy that extra rest and help with the kids will be a huge weight lifted. Scott could also use some rest from his very long work days without having to be "on" as soon as he walks in the door. I am praying that we are restored and renewed during this time away. Then, when baby girl arrives we will be able to greet her and adjust to our expanded family life together in a good place surrounded by family, and a few weeks away from the RV and the job.

We have remained in our current campground (approximately 1hr 15 min) from Scott's job site. And it's the people that have kept us here. The community here has been so welcoming and they are aware of all the craziness that is our life right now. Shiloh and Jocelyn have friends their same age, that are being homeschooled basically on our same schedule, and they spend much of their free time with them. It has been such a joy to watch them run around bare foot, climbing trees, gathering eggs, getting drenched and covered in mud in a downpour, exploring, imagining, making a game or a toy out of the most random things, and just experiencing life differently. No play dates or activities scheduled, just spontaneous fun. The campground makes a point to try to bring everyone together through group activities, potlucks, and a bible study. We have met a wide range of people in different stages of life, and we regularly have someone stop by just to say hello or chat. I have to admit the first few weeks here, anytime someone stopped by on a golf cart, I thought I was about to be asked to pick up some of the kids' toys or told one of us is breaking some rule that I wasn't aware of. 

Everyone is aware of our family's temporary separation, and they have been very sympathetic and thoughtful these last few days. Everyone is prepared to keep Scott fed and included in all social aspects of the campground. We really could not be placed in a better area during this travel season of our lives. There is much anxiety as we separate for a time period, try to get Scott to Tennessee at the right timing, and pray for a safe arrival of a healthy baby girl. But we are surrounded in both places in so many ways, and it will be such a joy to have our baby arrive in our hometown as well as return to a place that feels so much like home already. The other campers, the church we have been attending, and encounters with other patrons of our favorite beach spot has also added to our Southern experience. We know we will be moving on from Georgia eventually, but we have been so touched at such a special time in our lives, that I know we will have some lasting friendships come from our little spot in  the sticks of Georgia.

Side Note: The bugs are still completely out of control and driving us to insanity on a daily basis, and the humidity has its unrelenting moments. But we have been assured that upon our return near the end of September that we will be much more comfortable. And the mild Winter will be well worth the Summer intensities.

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Georgia: The Empire State of the South

boiled peanuts, southern food buffets, churches, history, heat index, pregnancy, welding, bugs, potty training regression, beaches, sand, poison ivy, splash pads, lush state parks, gators, hospitality, serenades of nature at night...

 

For every life change that has upset the rhythm of life as we have known it, there has been a perk that I am not sure how we ever lived without.

While Scott was finishing up the last job in Salt Lake City, we began investigating the options for travel based -jobs available across the country. Michigan popped up, Minnesota, Wisconsin...North for the Summer sounded ideal. However, as we looked at the best timeline and prospect based on our needs, Georgia was the logical choice. Oh, how I did not want to go to Georgia with a heat index of 109! I was already frying in the dry heat of Utah.

 

However, the lifestyle that we have chosen, does not leave much room or time for contemplation of the next stop. It was time to go and everything seemed to be falling into place. The travel began the evening of the 29th, and the first stop in Wyoming had us parking at WalMart at 3:30am.  The next day was the longest, hardest day of travel. Three girls and a pregnant mom results in a lot of stops, we were lucky if we were able to get 2 hours straight of drive time in. Once we woke up in Nebraska and headed to St. Louis the girls were already in a rhythm of get up and drive to the next destination. It was a grueling schedule, but the anticipation and adrenaline seemed to keep us going. It's a little weird to be staying still right now. We were able to visit with my sister and my brother without veering off course. One of the highlights for Shiloh, Jocelyn, and Selah was enjoying a bubble bath at Aunt Jacki's. Once we hit Tennessee we were able to slow down a bit with 4 and 6 hours drive days versus 10 hours. I think my favorite spot was Chattanooga. Although, the Southern heat was nearly unbearable at that point. It is amazing the stamina and pace that I have been able to keep while traveling pregnant. I have never pushed myself so much during a pregnancy. I am grateful for all the answered prayers.

 

What the hell have we done? The momentum of go, go, go came to a screeching halt when we arrived in our little campground out in the sticks of Georgia. We loved that we were finally out of a city rv park and resort living was not really our style, but we were not prepared for our new environment. The first adjustment was the steam bath that we were constantly walking around in. I literally braced myself for opening the door each time to the heat wave outside. Not to mention the swarm of flies that would enter our home upon each door opening...and the aggravating, agitating, annoying, pesky, pesky gnats. Then, when Scott went to find his job site, he was not prepared for the amount of country road driving and the length of time that would be spent on the commute. Selah surprised us with her forehead covered in poison ivy within hours of arrival and total potty training regression. The first 3 days, especially with the pressure of the welding tests and uncertainty about a start date, were a difficult adjustment. However, whenever we have questioned our decision to embrace this lifestyle or started to feel like we are out of our minds, God usually sends a stranger to talk us of the ledge. And we found that in a neighbor who is traveling for pipeline work.

We are now past the welding tests, we have a start date for work, we are reviewing options for a closer campground, the humidity while still not fun can be bearable, we have been told about a few tricks to relieve ourselves of the constant bug attack, and in the event we really find ourselves in the midst of self pity...Southern Food.  Scott has been asked to share his testimony with a new friend's struggling family member, we are attending a local church tomorrow...Southern Church y'all, and God is using all these development opportunities to grow our family spiritually, and mentally, and physically.

I am not sure what is in store for our future as we embark on our journey. But I do believe our family needed this.  It was hugely necessary to work our way into this lifestyle a little at a time while being surrounded my our supportive fRamily for a year. The rug being pulled out from under us as we found out about our first out of state job location and having to get there quickly was probably the only way to get a good dose of courage and just go for it. And we needed to be in a place that brought us so far out of our element to see what our marriage and family were made of, where we as individuals could expand and grow outside of our comfort zone, and to test our faith just enough to know that we truly are held.

I must also point out that our kids have been amazing! They have taught us so much about perseverance, having a positive attitude in the midst of change, and being content regardless of circumstances. Although, if they let one more fly inside, they may be getting a one way ticket back to Utah. :)

 

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1200 Miles and Counting

Scott and I joke all the time that we moved into our fifth wheel to travel the country and we have gone 44 miles. Our one year anniversary of becoming a full-time RV family is coming up in June. It has been a long year of learning and waiting for the best timing for our Big Bon Voyage. We believe it will be a bright, sunny day in July after a final project at the University for Scott.

This last weekend we took a little test run. Well, it was a little trip as far as the amount of time we were away, but we traveled over 1200 miles. And, I can assure you, if we were ever doubtful about our decision to travel, that no longer exists. We have the travel bug! I was almost disappointed to come to a "home" location. I wanted to go to the next adventure. When I explained to our 4 year old that we were headed back home from Lake Tahoe, she was very confused. She pointed to the truck with our house on wheels attached to it, and said our home is with us.

Top 12 Things We Learned as We Traveled Across Nevada.

1. There is a huge adrenaline rush the night before departure for the whole family.
2. Although sitting is the main activity when traveling a long distance, it is also quite exhausting.
3. Not only do we have the awesome experience of meeting a lot of new people along the way, we also get the opportunity to travel to see friends we have not seen in years.
4. Enjoying the sights and adventures is so much more fun with others, especially other kids.
5. Pregnancy is causing a bit more of a set back than I expected while traveling.
6. My husband actually trusts me to drive!
7. Spending a lot of quality time together, although exhaustion can lead to some short tempers, really does wonders for a relationship.
8. Carrying our whole home with everything we need is incredible! And the kids sleep better being in their familiar surroundings and in a familiar bed.
9. I feel so much safer in a lake environment with my kids than going to a swimming pool.
10. My husband rocks! He killed it on the road, during set up, and tear down. I will miss traveling beside him when I have to go behind in the minivan.
11. Although there is a lot of fuel involved, it is still so much better and cheaper to be on the road than flying.
12. When we travel a long distance, we should stay at least a week or so to recover from the drive and explore slowly and thoroughly.

Scott learned a lot about the truck and traveling through a variety of terrain as well as pulling into tight spaces. And I could tell he was right in his element, taking his family and home on a long journey. We are a lucky group of gals to have a husband and daddy willing to take us out of our comfort zone, away from the security of a stable location, and on a grand adventure. I feel like I need to pinch myself every now and then to believe after so much talking, dreaming, and researching, we are finally inches away from this being our reality.

Winter Wonderland

Month Seven of our RV adventure and the seasonal change has had a huge impact. Summer and Fall are a blur as we tackle the realities of RV life inside the RV more than ever. It is a drastic change in living. I would say more so than the actual change from house to house on wheels.

However, the beauty of the snow and the new outdoor activities offered to us is amazing. Our owner's manual does not tell us how to troubleshoot through issues caused from below freezing temps (although it boasts of its polar package!). It only tells us how to winterize the RV assuming it will be stored when we go below 50 degrees. Ha! The trial and error is invaluable, though, should we not be able to chase the seasons in our future travel. Winter in the mountains has been a love/hate relationship with the Lunsfords. We are learning lessons and creating lasting memories as a family. That was the main goal of this lifestyle choice, so I wouldn't change our decision.

One thing that has come to my attention is that our family of 5 is under-utilizing the clubhouse at our RV resort. We can come over and spread out whenever we need to. I am typing this post from the comfort of a large leather couch next to a roaring fire. We can use the oven when our dinner is too big for the RV stove, and the dishwasher when our pipes freeze in the kitchen sink. Sometimes the girls just need to get their wiggles out in a larger space. I also need to take advantage of the gym equipment, now that we are spending more time indoors.

The RV itself seemed to hold up pretty well when we are hovering between 20 and 30 degrees. We took all the necessary steps that we were told about to prevent any problems with our underbelly, pipes, hoses, and tanks. Then, we started dipping into single digits, and one problem after another began to occur. Condensation has become the enemy. We have to wipe down the windows each morning, and open the vents in the bathroom and bedroom after a steaming shower. Cooking, breathing, showering, etc result in the pouring out of water. Scott discovered the clothes in our closet were beginning to freeze. We had to pull out the clothes, then warm up the space, and dry out the wet spots.The kitchen pipes began to freeze, and as the temps went into the negative, it became harder and harder to unfreeze. We put a small space heater on the lowest setting underneath, and rarely have an issue now. Propane is going quicker and quicker. We are now filling it up once a week. We stayed away one night, and the propane ran out. We came home to any liquid in our home being frozen solid, including an icicle coming from our kitchen faucet.  Not too long after that, a strange smell, like hot plastic filled up our living area. Googling lead us to believe there was a problem with our hot water heater. Scott spent some time investigating, and came across wires that were basically charred. A fire would have been very likely had we waited to dig into the issue.

Our family is having to get creative with the use of our space. Our wall space is covered in hooks for snow suits, jackets, coats, hats, etc. Our winter gear is spread from one end to the other. Getting ready for an outdoor activity is already exhausting when layering three children with their winter gear. However, coming in afterwards and having wet boots, and clothing thrown everywhere has been a much bigger challenge. My wheels have been turning to figure out a makeshift mudroom.

Just spending many more hours tucked into 400 square feet has us truly in each others' faces. It makes for a lot of conversations and problem solving as we try to navigate through this new way of living, and issues truly have to get resolved right away. There is no room for festering and pouting. No time like the present for real life learning for our kiddos. Resolution to those marital squabbles that could go on for hours, when hiding in the corners of a home, come much quicker. Our children literally wore themselves out making a game of chasing each other around the island in our kitchen/living area last night. I have discovered that their imaginations are not limited by space. They will take up the whole space in a large environment, and they will use the parameters of their small environment as well. There are no complaints from them.

We were not prepared for what Winter in Heber Valley would hold for us. But the beauty of the mountains, the community activities, the snow sports, and conflicts that force resoultion have created experiences that we would not have encountered any other way. We may begin the day cursing the issue at hand and wondering what on Earth have we done, but the end of the day leaves us breathing in the mountain air and sighing with satisfaction at what the day offered us. We are not sure what the Spring will hold for us. It is going to be tough to move on from this captivating area, but we are also chomping at the bit to begin our exploration of this great country.