tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45490951362886971752024-03-12T20:41:38.262-07:00Narrow road SchoolersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-57597687750399556592016-10-25T12:54:00.001-07:002016-10-25T12:54:27.243-07:00Waking up <p dir="ltr">We have had a year of almost silence here on the blog. I had hoped the kids would take over but ...yeah... clearly, this is my blog... about our journey. So rather than bring you up to speed .... I am here to just tell you that I am going to be investing time making our blog more active again .</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tell me in the comments some things you might want to know!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Don't forget to like us on Facebook and instagram <u>@narrowroadschoolers</u> </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-47790741392831239932016-05-22T21:14:00.001-07:002016-05-22T21:14:41.397-07:00Rockin' some new digs<p dir="ltr">So if you have been around for a while ...you probably know that we travel with 6 out of 7 of our kids in a 27 foot toy hauler with no slides...I might add here that it is the longest we have ever lived in the same house...</p>
<p dir="ltr"> but as of May 19th we have MOVED! We realize we love living on the road so we finally bought a new to us 5th wheel. It's 38 feet and has 3 slides. It's  an enormous change.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It has a fantastic kitchen, a king sized bed in the master bedroom, an enormous pantry, lots of storage and a bunk room in back for the boys. We will be putting a loft in the living room for our daughter so it needs a few mods to make it work for us but it's pretty much perfect for our nomadic family! </p>
<p dir="ltr"> Strangely enough,  I am having a challenging time making everything fit so we are purging as we unpack. Crazy how much stuff we had in the smaller rig. Lots of custom built areas that made it work for us. But let me show ya some photos of our new space! </p>
<p dir="ltr">And if you are thinking...how are you going to haul a 5th wheel. We did it all backwards  ( as usual) but we have a truck <u>too</u> as soon as we figure out how to get it to us ;)  </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8-TdnRMLiM/V0KDnQATTQI/AAAAAAAAEA4/ouNqzMgeoiQ/s1600/20160510_162159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8-TdnRMLiM/V0KDnQATTQI/AAAAAAAAEA4/ouNqzMgeoiQ/s640/20160510_162159.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6oHcZQ2N3dA/V0KDo6mcp3I/AAAAAAAAEA8/8UjHnc15m5k/s1600/20160513_152246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6oHcZQ2N3dA/V0KDo6mcp3I/AAAAAAAAEA8/8UjHnc15m5k/s640/20160513_152246.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSro7qqAWMA/V0KDp6QRMBI/AAAAAAAAEBA/1n2NUZOjeSA/s1600/20160510_162129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSro7qqAWMA/V0KDp6QRMBI/AAAAAAAAEBA/1n2NUZOjeSA/s640/20160510_162129.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAkH5YCXXpk/V0KDrCSBDHI/AAAAAAAAEBE/IViILgMjvBQ/s1600/20160510_162043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAkH5YCXXpk/V0KDrCSBDHI/AAAAAAAAEBE/IViILgMjvBQ/s640/20160510_162043.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYwdSxb1awc/V0KDsG6xWII/AAAAAAAAEBI/i07McHLc1og/s1600/20160513_153830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYwdSxb1awc/V0KDsG6xWII/AAAAAAAAEBI/i07McHLc1og/s640/20160513_153830.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-40049943827969246022016-05-16T22:50:00.001-07:002016-05-16T22:50:57.019-07:00Pinch me!<p dir="ltr">Some days I can't believe we are staying so close to Yosemite. Other days I feel like time has slipped through our fingers the few weeks we have been here. We have gone into the park at least one day a week since our arrival. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Fresno is pretty close and we have found a church service on Sunday nights at 5. Mostly a college crowd but it has the feels of 7/24 at Newsong so I think it will be a good fit while we are here. In addition it will feel good to plug in with real live people for a few months (as opposed to online church). </p>
<p dir="ltr">Going into the park still brings tears to my eyes every single time we drive into the valley. It's a view that is constantly taking my breath away. I don't think that I could ever get tired of the majesty of Yosemite.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are so many places to go in Yosemite. ... we really need to create a bucket list for this entire area. Here are just a few pictures from a few trips into the park. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Justyn and I are work camping at a campground just south of the park for the summer. <br>
  </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oc26zfYvHLk/VzqxB2f9oII/AAAAAAAAEAU/N37e8uHeL8M/s1600/20160512_171514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oc26zfYvHLk/VzqxB2f9oII/AAAAAAAAEAU/N37e8uHeL8M/s640/20160512_171514.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QIqAb7ST0Sw/VzqxFEZfEII/AAAAAAAAEAY/pKSTY-n4jYM/s1600/20160512_150459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QIqAb7ST0Sw/VzqxFEZfEII/AAAAAAAAEAY/pKSTY-n4jYM/s640/20160512_150459.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWfTT4uNg1A/VzqxLy15lcI/AAAAAAAAEAc/XeO9-tvocW0/s1600/IMG_20160504_203313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWfTT4uNg1A/VzqxLy15lcI/AAAAAAAAEAc/XeO9-tvocW0/s640/IMG_20160504_203313.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6EIQSGOPfPY/VzqxM47DTWI/AAAAAAAAEAg/6mUo7W2O2o4/s1600/FB_IMG_1461638086968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6EIQSGOPfPY/VzqxM47DTWI/AAAAAAAAEAg/6mUo7W2O2o4/s640/FB_IMG_1461638086968.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W_KI_Enx0-A/VzqxP-DlD-I/AAAAAAAAEAk/kScM86_eXXQ/s1600/20160424_130507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W_KI_Enx0-A/VzqxP-DlD-I/AAAAAAAAEAk/kScM86_eXXQ/s640/20160424_130507.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-81393628876806892542016-04-06T13:08:00.001-07:002016-04-06T13:17:05.215-07:00Healthy changes<p dir="ltr">About 3 weeks or so ago I tried a nutrition program that I had a pretty wicked allergic reaction to.</p><p dir="ltr"> But rather than give up ...because, truthfully, I have needed to lose weight for a VERY long time I chose to dig in my heels and we are making some pretty serious lifestyle changes.</p><p dir="ltr"> Things I never thought I would eat I am making and we have pretty much given up carbs (not everyone but so far the adults and the kids have definitely cut way back). So this week we gave a go at no carb meals and snacks and even took on paleo granola (which, by the way is amazing!!!!) You can find the recipe at Primal Palette http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/crunchy-apple-spice-granola/</p><p dir="ltr">Also I made a enchilada bake with no grains. Zucchini and peppers and hamburger meat with a mild Verde sauce topped with 1 cup of cheese. Hoping these changes help me lose weight this year! It's already working for Frank, he is melting away. </p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXCAbRIeQCw/VwVsloLgHEI/AAAAAAAAD_4/0t973N9L21A/s1600/20160406_111147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXCAbRIeQCw/VwVsloLgHEI/AAAAAAAAD_4/0t973N9L21A/s640/20160406_111147.jpg"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KpHRok-R8mk/VwVsnTSW8zI/AAAAAAAAD_8/DTR2xLoWgNc/s1600/20160405_183209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KpHRok-R8mk/VwVsnTSW8zI/AAAAAAAAD_8/DTR2xLoWgNc/s640/20160405_183209.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0iYYUi54X9M/VwVssheo_NI/AAAAAAAAEAA/3DiWMZ0y5Ak/s1600/IMG_20160405_155407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0iYYUi54X9M/VwVssheo_NI/AAAAAAAAEAA/3DiWMZ0y5Ak/s640/IMG_20160405_155407.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RliB7jpw2yk/VwVsv-jcQdI/AAAAAAAAEAE/GUR3f_7YFcs/s1600/IMG_20160403_192623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RliB7jpw2yk/VwVsv-jcQdI/AAAAAAAAEAE/GUR3f_7YFcs/s640/IMG_20160403_192623.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-44563693402290474082016-03-13T11:24:00.001-07:002016-03-13T11:24:41.459-07:003 days in the desert<p dir="ltr">Well hey there...bet you thought we were long gone by now. Two months from our last post. To follow us closer you could pop over to Facebook and like our page since that is more frequently updated. <br>
Www.facebook.com/narrowroadschoolers </p>
<p dir="ltr">But we are spending a few days out in the desert before we head to Phoenix where Frank will be doing some work.. and of course off road in a bit. Well, the perils of that is a slit tire. So the boys got another go at changing tires.... before we went on our afternoon hike. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The down side is that by the time we had arrived back at the camper we realized the passenger rear tire was also losing air. Apparently the roads here are pretty sharp (who knew?). We are about 4 miles from town out on BLM land *free camping no hookups * and it was after 5 pm in a teenie tiny town.... so of course nothing is open until Monday. When our roadside assistance will get the van towed. So today is a day to rest and relax and enjoy our family. The van is on a jack so we don't cause any wheel damage. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The challenges of full time travel I suppose can also be blessings in disguise.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5pvUGLJrx6c/VuWwRLIVHhI/AAAAAAAAD_k/X49EJyMJu8U/s1600/IMG_20160312_170805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5pvUGLJrx6c/VuWwRLIVHhI/AAAAAAAAD_k/X49EJyMJu8U/s640/IMG_20160312_170805.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-21229303529691063002016-01-19T15:08:00.001-08:002016-01-19T15:08:50.002-08:00Hello from the middle of the desert<p dir="ltr">It's actually been over 2 years since I can say we have boondocked... but here we are. Frank is working a job with rv armor out here in Quartzsite AZ and we are out here on the BLM land for the week with friends. It's been really fun hanging out with treasured friends and meeting new people again! Tonight we are going to bake bread on the campfire to go with our pasta and make some campfire popcorn. It's reminded us of so many of the reasons we fell in love with doing this. That may sound crazy since we are boondocked. And no. We have no hookups BUT our camper holds plenty of water and a generator so we are not without amenities but have to use them in careful reserves. The boys have pulled out their chessboard and are entertaining themselves. And yes. We are actually having an amazing week despite the lack of hook ups! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0EMdN-_ts90/Vp7B_sYvp-I/AAAAAAAAD_U/cMEpMIcuYqg/s1600/IMG_20160119_155007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0EMdN-_ts90/Vp7B_sYvp-I/AAAAAAAAD_U/cMEpMIcuYqg/s640/IMG_20160119_155007.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-9725554961107071112016-01-07T23:16:00.001-08:002016-01-07T23:16:03.369-08:00Snow!<p dir="ltr">So yesterday had wicked wind and rain.... and out here in the Mojave desert that means Key's point in Joshua Tree National Park may have gotten some snow! </p>
<p dir="ltr">And yes. It did. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So this is the 1st time the three year old has ever really seen REAL snow. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We did a little hiking and a little climbing today and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine even though the clouds in the distance threatened us a few times. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtLs43ankQc/Vo9iLwdH68I/AAAAAAAAD_E/NvvNMJ1oc-M/s1600/IMG_20160107_231155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtLs43ankQc/Vo9iLwdH68I/AAAAAAAAD_E/NvvNMJ1oc-M/s640/IMG_20160107_231155.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-42838852481098944612016-01-06T20:13:00.001-08:002016-01-06T20:13:00.907-08:00Me vs the Instant Pot<p dir="ltr">Like a bunch of other hopeful cooks we ordered the Instant Pot over black friday.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> Unlike many of my friends it was not love at first sight. In fact, My first few meals kind of flopped. And flopped meals for a family of 8 seemed like a HUGE waste.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> A friend online suggested that we stop trying to do more advanced recipes so I figured before I threw it in the dumpster we would give it a shot. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So... we cooked a few chickens and made some hard boiled eggs and well.... I didn't hate it as much. My husband even made perfect rice. Perfect. Absolutely perfect cilantro lime rice. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And then we discovered how to make IP cheesecake. OK so now it was worth keeping. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I think I was a pretty good cook before the IP but you have to start over. Pressure cooking is an entirely new way to cook. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Potatoes (both sweet and idaho) come out pretty fantastic! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Cooked meat comes out tender although you have to rethink seasoning and you have to braise the outside or the color is a bit off on the outside. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So far we have done a few soups and they have also turned out well. The color and the consistency of the veggies as well as the flavor is better than any stove top or cockpot method I have used.. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But am I sold that this thing can revolutionize my kitchen? How important is it really to cook frozen meat in 30 minutes? </p>
<p dir="ltr">What I have learned is it takes planning. With only 1 IP, and , really where would I store 2 anyway, and a limited power supply living in an rv without blowing a breaker it still takes planning for a family our size . Once you figure out what works and what doesn't then you have a starting point. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But honestly, my family loves the cheesecake the best.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cb6PuC6W58E/Vo3lxoGPggI/AAAAAAAAD-s/7WvFPv6jJ4o/s1600/20151203_172953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cb6PuC6W58E/Vo3lxoGPggI/AAAAAAAAD-s/7WvFPv6jJ4o/s640/20151203_172953.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPc-_2hxFNY/Vo3lycnK7kI/AAAAAAAAD-0/tu9XrhE9MKo/s1600/20160106_182217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPc-_2hxFNY/Vo3lycnK7kI/AAAAAAAAD-0/tu9XrhE9MKo/s640/20160106_182217.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-72422934686984042862015-12-31T18:36:00.001-08:002015-12-31T18:36:43.047-08:00What a year! <p dir="ltr">With over 4000 photos I narrowed down our year in review to just 87 photos! We traveled in Florida, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California and those are just the highlights! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Happy New Year to your family from ours and thanks for following our journey! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csjtoGpA0Bc/VoXmMgECzAI/AAAAAAAAD-c/1ZCxPOOIhBI/s1600/IMG_20151231_170827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csjtoGpA0Bc/VoXmMgECzAI/AAAAAAAAD-c/1ZCxPOOIhBI/s640/IMG_20151231_170827.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-18985604780517062722015-12-14T01:07:00.001-08:002015-12-14T01:07:44.985-08:00Gifts<p dir="ltr">I still have not bought a single Christmas gift for anyone in my family this year. We are still scraping things together for the blessing bags we feel God is leading us to hand out during our time here in Las Vegas. Tonight I got a glimpse into why.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I stopped at McD's on the way home from Walmart. The boys asked for sweet tea and I love listening to them talk. As I walked into this McDonald's however it was obvious that this was a different place. </p>
<p dir="ltr">One girl, who couldn't have been more than 16 sat quietly slowly eating a hamburger and sipping a drink. She had pants that were cut off, a Hoodie  and no socks on with her tattered tennis shoes. I asked her if she had a place to stay and needed gloves. She looked away and whispered "yes... I need gloves and my lips are chapped".  I ran out to the car and grabbed a premade blessing bag filled with a hat, gloves, hand warmers, long socks, chapstick  and other goodies and threw in $5 so she could buy something from them so they wouldn't toss her back out into the 52 degree gusty winds with a hint of drizzle in the air.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The boys and I talked a bit and another kid came in. Probably not more than 19. <br>
He sat down and almost immediately the manager came over. I asked him if he had $ for food. He said no. I quickly grabbed the keys and got another blessing bag for him and again threw in $5 for a bite to eat. He stared in disbelief.  And he said... "oh my God. This is awesome. Thanks" </p>
<p dir="ltr">Vegas is a city that can make you hard. People are looking for handouts on almost every corner. But look past the hardness and see a need. Look at the eyes of the person and be genuine. </p>
<p dir="ltr">God will take care of us as we reach out to people. Besides, limited space in an rv ...right? </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSqsi6fOX_w/Vm6G36Nf7MI/AAAAAAAAD-M/kXRaQYO643c/s1600/20151201_182624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSqsi6fOX_w/Vm6G36Nf7MI/AAAAAAAAD-M/kXRaQYO643c/s640/20151201_182624.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-57757285359393863272015-11-30T12:44:00.001-08:002015-11-30T12:44:28.071-08:00Best Friends are Hard to Find<p dir="ltr">I really miss my best friend Mary and our awesome friend Miss Carrie who is a very special activities coordinator at Thousand Trails Peace River. Miss Carrie finds awesome crafts and activities each winter for kids and grown ups. Mary and I are special friends too. We love to play together and laugh and swim. I miss them both very much. They are great friends that come from the love. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Written by our 9 yr old daughter :) </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0F09oihrva4/Vly1Gn8cWZI/AAAAAAAAD98/IQH5rbKb3V4/s1600/20151130_123703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0F09oihrva4/Vly1Gn8cWZI/AAAAAAAAD98/IQH5rbKb3V4/s640/20151130_123703.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-69173717259075897112015-11-17T22:37:00.001-08:002015-11-23T21:15:55.922-08:00Lonely seasons. <p dir="ltr">Since we have been on the road we have been blessed to meet new friends wherever we are. This year however, since arriving in California it has been a dry season. Emotionally the kids and I are all struggling with the fact that despite the fact that the campgrounds that are in are FULL of people. ... we are having a hard time connecting with anyone. </p>
<p dir="ltr">California seems to have a different crowd of wanderers. People who are full time travel workers. I suppose we have become accustomed to traveling with a friendlier crowd. People who wave and greet each other when you take a walk. And I simply can't figure out how to break the code. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Other things are different too. While Frank is gainfully employed with <a href="http://rv-armor.com ">RV Armor</a> he is away from us more and more. We can't seem to catch up with vehicle repairs and kids growth spurts. Sometimes it feels the reason we hit the road in the 1st place are so very far away from what life seems to be turning into just to make ends meet.</p>
<p dir="ltr">God is providing. Even though sometimes it's hard to see. I am trying to find the best in things. Last week we made it to a camp potluck. It was a nice evening. Thankful we have <u>enjoyed</u> the blessing of an evening of shared food with new faces. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b5vkzl-71CU/VlPyijeFWMI/AAAAAAAAD9s/NuXm1YdAGHU/s1600/20151118_161313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b5vkzl-71CU/VlPyijeFWMI/AAAAAAAAD9s/NuXm1YdAGHU/s640/20151118_161313.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-50602040161270849312015-11-12T18:21:00.001-08:002015-11-12T18:21:18.174-08:00A day at the nut farm<p dir="ltr">Bates nut Farm is a great fall family day. There are lots of things you can do there. <br>
We met another roadschooling family that day because it's always more fun to share your adventures with  friends. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There is a huge pumpkin patch. You can pick a pumpkin from the piles of pumpkins they have gathered or go out into the fields and find your own perfect pumpkin. There is also a scarecrow contest. Someone made a spider. I think that was my favorite one! </p>
<p dir="ltr">There were all sorts of farm animal from geese , pigs, goats, llamas, turtles and more! You could feed and pet them. <br>
There were lots of shady picnic spot to eat our lunch. It was also my grandma's birthday so we took a tray of cookies. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The live music that weekend was fun too. It was country toe tapping music. My little brother danced to it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There is a country store filled with all kinds of goodies. There was tea, fudge, ornamemts , nuts, candy, hot sauce, jams and so much more. My favorite part of the store was the souvenir area. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We didn't have time to take the hayride but maybe you can. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Www.facebook.com/batesnutfarm</p>
<p dir="ltr">The author of the post is our 11 yr old son. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuwSMwAiAl8/VkVI1MXwK8I/AAAAAAAAD9c/U_Uym6bbHpU/s1600/IMG_20151110_102302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuwSMwAiAl8/VkVI1MXwK8I/AAAAAAAAD9c/U_Uym6bbHpU/s640/IMG_20151110_102302.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-77476542093069915012015-11-12T18:20:00.001-08:002015-11-12T18:20:57.371-08:00A day at the nut farm<p dir="ltr">Bates nut Farm is a great fall family day. There are lots of things you can do there. <br>
We met another roadschooling family that day because it's always more fun to share your adventures with  friends. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There is a huge pumpkin patch. You can pick a pumpkin from the piles of pumpkins they have gathered or go out into the fields and find your own perfect pumpkin. There is also a scarecrow contest. Someone made a spider. I think that was my favorite one! </p>
<p dir="ltr">There were all sorts of farm animal from geese , pigs, goats, llamas, turtles and more! You could feed and pet them. <br>
There were lots of shady picnic spot to eat our lunch. It was also my grandma's birthday so we took a tray of cookies. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The live music that weekend was fun too. It was country toe tapping music. My little brother danced to it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There is a country store filled with all kinds of goodies. There was tea, fudge, ornamemts , nuts, candy, hot sauce, jams and so much more. My favorite part of the store was the souvenir area. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We didn't have time to take the hayride but maybe you can. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Www.facebook.com/batesnutfarm</p>
<p dir="ltr">The author of the post is our 11 yr old son. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuwSMwAiAl8/VkVI1MXwK8I/AAAAAAAAD9c/U_Uym6bbHpU/s1600/IMG_20151110_102302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuwSMwAiAl8/VkVI1MXwK8I/AAAAAAAAD9c/U_Uym6bbHpU/s640/IMG_20151110_102302.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-5264117748263121952015-10-31T01:54:00.001-07:002015-10-31T01:54:19.582-07:00October nights & Perris County Fair<p dir="ltr">Last month we had an opportunity to see Phil Wickham in concert at the Perris County Fair! It was awesome. The fair was overpriced and busy but as we arrived it was military appreciation day so Frank got in for free. Another family handed us another free ticket as well. The lights and sounds of the fair were a fun experience for our kids. </p>
<p dir="ltr">If you have never been to a Phil Wickham concert it is fantastic. That friday night under the desert sky did not disappoint! <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-BxMpJfALA/VjSBuMCv2WI/AAAAAAAAD9M/3SZNC0clNOU/s1600/IMG_20151010_002703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-BxMpJfALA/VjSBuMCv2WI/AAAAAAAAD9M/3SZNC0clNOU/s640/IMG_20151010_002703.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-51247653169346501072015-10-30T04:14:00.001-07:002015-10-30T04:14:24.155-07:00Busy days <p dir="ltr">I have a years worth of traveling posts in my head and the ability to create has been challenging this year. Perhaps it's one too many sleepless nights. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The next few days will become a flurry of packing up again and laundry... dropping packages in the mail and camp activities . Heading south for a few weeks. Frank has more jobs already lined up through the rv roofing company he installs for. I am making a to do list in my head .... </p>
<p dir="ltr">We have spent 7 weeks at this campground.  The van had some repairs that stopped us for being more mobile these last few weeks. It looks like SoCal is our stop for this fall with even more roofing jobs coming in. We are praying that we can save enough by spring for a bigger camper. <br></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-7383259064878808402015-10-27T03:08:00.001-07:002015-10-27T03:08:17.535-07:00Little Blessings<p dir="ltr">6 years ago I couldn't sleep either so it only seems fitting that I should share this story now. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Aaron was on his way. At 40 weeks I was induced by my OB and attempting a vbac after not 1 but 2 c-section births. I was a good candidate for success...they said. </p>
<p dir="ltr">By morning we knew I was not progressing. A decision had to be made. A 3rd cesarean. The risks were higher. They had me on a pitocin drip for 8 hours prior to surgery. My 6th full term baby was about to be here.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the OR I knew something went wrong. I met aaron and they whisked Frank and him away so quickly. Then I heard my Doctor say *Oh my ......* <br><br></p>
<p dir="ltr">Everything went dark. I remember thinking I never got to really meet Aaron. <br>
All I wanted was to hold my new baby.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The 1st thing the nurse told me was they had saved my life and then I could still have more children.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I would meet Aaron nearly EIGHT hours later after the hemorrhage. My doctor saved my life. If you have ever wondered why I hold Aaron a little tighter sometimes...well now you know. And on October 27th at 10:27 am that little ginger that stole my heart arrived and I have never been the same.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cherish every single day. Every moment. Your life is but a vapor. Here for such a short time on this earth. I am so thankful that God kept me here to raise this daring adventurous sweet boy. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Happy 6th birthday little man </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fiRXZlLFqs/Vi9NDX4fxOI/AAAAAAAAD88/IHbZow9HKPU/s1600/IMG_20151027_025150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fiRXZlLFqs/Vi9NDX4fxOI/AAAAAAAAD88/IHbZow9HKPU/s640/IMG_20151027_025150.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-48329220208330799172015-09-06T20:32:00.001-07:002015-09-06T20:32:02.939-07:00Westward Ho. Again.<p dir="ltr">It's hard to believe that 2 whole months have gone by since I last posted. Crazy! Back then we were in Illinois. And since we have traveled through Michigan, Indiana,  kentucky,  ohio, arkansas (again) and landed for 6 weeks in Texas. In the summer. Crazy right?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Frank has really been blessed with work through the rv roofing company he has been working for. Thankfully it pays the bills and gives us far more freedom to explore and bless more people along the way.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We had anticipated the fall in Texas. But the rv roofing jobs are taking us westward yet again. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm mixed. Another 1400 miles westward and then floating around california this fall was not what we were expecting.  And truthfully we don't plan a route. We know God will direct that path. So we just pray about each decision and stay obedient. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am nervous. We know a lot of people in CA and while I want to drop in and see old friends I also know after many years as a USMC wife that rarely do you ever find life the same as you left it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But many of you know there is a lure and a few pieces of my heart in California,  and in that aspect,  there is no better place to spend the fall. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Please pray for us this week as we travel. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And if you don't already follow is on facebook,  which I admit , is updated far more often than the blog here is the link: <br>
Www.facebook.com/narrowroadschoolers </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-11033100465490421352015-07-05T22:05:00.001-07:002015-07-05T22:05:56.703-07:002 years on the road<p dir="ltr">This week we celebrated 2 years on the road. It's quite the journey, this nomadic life, and it's not for everyone but we love it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I wish I could tell you it's always like the picture portrays, but this week really was as good as it looked on facebook! </p>
<p dir="ltr">www.facebook.com/narrowroadschoolers </p>
<p dir="ltr">We found a great little state park this week in New Salem Illinois. Walking where a young Abe Lincoln walked. Stopping by capital buildings and seeing the Lincoln 's massive gravesite & the home the he lived before he became President. Walking through history. Learning and pondering what it was like here in the 1830's. </p>
<p dir="ltr">At New Salem State park they have recreated the village Lincoln lived in. A modest settlement with some great hands on learning. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It's been quite the fascinating week! <br>
And everything we got to do ( other than the campsite) was FREE! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J_EsIukHapc/VZoMsNpcJZI/AAAAAAAAD78/7V5rfH1HEA4/s1600/20150703_151043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J_EsIukHapc/VZoMsNpcJZI/AAAAAAAAD78/7V5rfH1HEA4/s640/20150703_151043.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-14013352523797274532015-06-21T20:21:00.001-07:002015-06-21T20:21:17.879-07:00Gators aren't just for Florida's travels<p dir="ltr">What a crazy day! </p>
<p dir="ltr">We wrapped up a week in arkansas with my driving into a parked piece of wood that not only bent the wheel frame it seriously messed up my mom's camper steps. In addition we had to put on the spare only to have the spare have issues a few hundred miles into our travels. I heard a wicked *whoosh* about an hour or so into driving. I pulled over and checked the tires. Everything seemed ok. I got back in the truck and caught back up with Frank. We stopped for gas. I gave him a brief rundown. Everything still seemed ok. Fast forward an hour and bladders full with a rest stop ahead with only about 80 miles left for the night...we checked tires again and discovered that the spare had lost an alligator. </p>
<p dir="ltr">For those of you that don't full time travel a road alligator is when the the outer tread of the tire comes off. Generally that is followed by a *boom* which would indicate a blow out. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Well. At this point we re-routed found a closer campsite for the night and gingerly rolled another 23 (or so) minutes up the road. Incredible as it may be that tire held air the entire way there. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Tomorrow Frank will go get the tire fixed and hopefully we can can continue our journey northward.... I suppose it will all depend on how long it takes to fix it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We are blessed beyond measure that there wasn't a blow out or a tow involved and that it seems to be repairable <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZtk5Y6bg5w/VYd_K4ZBznI/AAAAAAAAD7k/pniH4DA0QnU/s1600/IMG_20150621_220300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZtk5Y6bg5w/VYd_K4ZBznI/AAAAAAAAD7k/pniH4DA0QnU/s640/IMG_20150621_220300.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-4864205022834814622015-06-14T22:01:00.001-07:002015-06-14T22:07:49.681-07:00Road days<p dir="ltr">Things can get challenging on travel days. As it is we have our very own caravan that consists of our camper and my moms. Frank drives one vehicle and I drive the other. Throw in gas stops and a half dozen kids and then fill propane tanks and you have a recipe for an hour and 20 minute gas stop. Only 10 minutes after we left the campground. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The 2nd gas/ rest / lunch break stop was just about as long. We drained the battery sitting there with lights on in the rain. Thank goodness we bought fuel for the generator at that 1st stop though or we would not have had a simple way to charge the battery. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Thankful that we have made it to our destination though! Things on the road have challenges but I am so grateful when I can see how one thing that seemed to go wrong, in the end had a purpose </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_i0IjdVikfM/VX5doDdV9DI/AAAAAAAAD7A/bxF18kdfb5g/s1600/20150614_124953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_i0IjdVikfM/VX5doDdV9DI/AAAAAAAAD7A/bxF18kdfb5g/s640/20150614_124953.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtHj2tEKrYE/VX5do1kEERI/AAAAAAAAD7I/8ZZvt8jgqQY/s1600/20150614_113834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtHj2tEKrYE/VX5do1kEERI/AAAAAAAAD7I/8ZZvt8jgqQY/s640/20150614_113834.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-69893905685398817782015-06-01T19:05:00.001-07:002015-06-01T19:05:58.470-07:00Kids on the road<p dir="ltr">I was supposed to be part of a group of bloggers today posting about kids on the road.... tips and tricks to successfully travelling with teens to toddlers and thanks to my horrific wifi situation I never got the links on how to participate.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">So. Yeah. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So I will leave you with this adorable cutie pie that has so much curiosity he melts my heart daily. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Also, pray for us. Jamberry is changing for us again. Maybe God is taking it away ... we really are not sure. Frank has been finding work with a fantastic company called rv-armor.com and it sure helps. When he can score jobs through them he can work 2 days to help supplement our income. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Work camping at this resort campground has its challenges. My mom helps in the welcome center a few days a week... Monday-Wednesday, Frank works at camp Thursday - Saturday, and the boys and I run the camp kitchen Friday- Sunday unless it's a holiday weekend ...then it's Monday too. Add to that jamberry and the roof armor and we barely have enough time for our own family much less ministry to anyone else. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And that is most certainly not the heart of why we are on the road. Not. At. All. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pray that God provides a solution. And that we are listening to His voice in this. Not one driven out of fear or the unknown. <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JkarGFpLsgw/VW0PgiX9GpI/AAAAAAAAD6c/rKrhqhGFVfM/s1600/20150504_201434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JkarGFpLsgw/VW0PgiX9GpI/AAAAAAAAD6c/rKrhqhGFVfM/s640/20150504_201434.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-17856658509098584492015-05-17T20:39:00.001-07:002015-05-17T20:45:00.610-07:00Kids fishing day<p dir="ltr">So..you are probably wondering what do you DO in your spare time since...well... I may have mentioned that the area we are workcamping is slightly...ahem.... less than a booming metropolitan area. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This cute little state park has loads of hiking and fishing to include a fish hatchery and several different playgrounds. It truly is a fisherman's paradise! Too bad we don't consider ourselves avid fishermen. ..huh? </p>
<p dir="ltr">So this past Saturday was a free kids fishing day here at the state park so.... after we finished up at the cafe we headed across the street poles in tow and hung out to see if we could score some rainbow trout. Unfortunately, ad novice trout fishermen not one kid caught a single fish but it sure was pretty. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am certain our ocean lures and bass fishing lures were not in our favor either. But it's so pretty by the river it was just good to kick back and relax for a few hours after work and enjoy our time with the kidlets. 3 out of 4 of the younger kids won brand new fishing poles from the folks who sponsored the kids fishing day. <br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gXvJhw7pg9g/VVle9omtMwI/AAAAAAAAD5U/uhJFnFVsD4w/s1600/received_10205473834278334.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gXvJhw7pg9g/VVle9omtMwI/AAAAAAAAD5U/uhJFnFVsD4w/s640/received_10205473834278334.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To follow us on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/narrowroadschoolers </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-10046610120340822022015-05-11T18:31:00.001-07:002015-05-11T18:31:57.994-07:00Paradise <p dir="ltr">We are in the middle of nowhere. ..but it's a resort area and everyone seems to want to be here. It is absolutely beautiful here. The trout fishing is amazing and the scenery is just breathtaking. We are in the Ozarks. .. and at the end of our 3rd week here my heels are itching to move. But we are workcamping. So that's a hiccup to moving around since we are running the cafe here at this little resort campground. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9HNi5DtNig/VVFX-w5DrHI/AAAAAAAAD3U/AG9HatHEIi0/s1600/20150504_194239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9HNi5DtNig/VVFX-w5DrHI/AAAAAAAAD3U/AG9HatHEIi0/s640/20150504_194239.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3Ks6NBZuAc/VVFYCym2hOI/AAAAAAAAD3c/s1600/20150504_190934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3Ks6NBZuAc/VVFYCym2hOI/AAAAAAAAD3c/s640/20150504_190934.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549095136288697175.post-14369194796319919172015-04-28T17:43:00.001-07:002015-04-28T17:43:27.592-07:00The baby snapper <p dir="ltr">Today as we were doing laundry we found an Itty bitty hatchling snapping turtle. <br>
We took him back to the creek and are hoping he stands a chance. I suspect that he had been whisked off by a bird and landed in the field he was in. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daI_RrsC3fs/VUApHvG4RJI/AAAAAAAAD2g/jH0p9VD6-XM/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daI_RrsC3fs/VUApHvG4RJI/AAAAAAAAD2g/jH0p9VD6-XM/s640/IMG_0137.JPG"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czXCYaxZZP0/VUApJIdvE0I/AAAAAAAAD2o/nP4Yd_iuwz0/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czXCYaxZZP0/VUApJIdvE0I/AAAAAAAAD2o/nP4Yd_iuwz0/s640/IMG_0133.JPG"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EML0u2W6t_o/VUApKAh3tMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/Oj1IHP_pq4s/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EML0u2W6t_o/VUApKAh3tMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/Oj1IHP_pq4s/s640/IMG_0134.JPG"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7zLw-k1Q9A/VUApLSVdMbI/AAAAAAAAD24/EUZyXBm57tw/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7zLw-k1Q9A/VUApLSVdMbI/AAAAAAAAD24/EUZyXBm57tw/s640/IMG_0136.JPG"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1