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