Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Thoughts......of a mom stuck in an rv

with frozen pipes (we have no water) and it's 18 degrees outside with a wind chill of 3!
But we are thankful. The heater is working!.....we saw many homeless people out on the streets of NYC. Praying for them tonight.


*warning this might not make any sense...it's late and I'm just rambling:)

When Landen tells people we live in the Walmart parking lot When we explain to people what we are doing (living on the road) we either get a "are you out of your mind" look or a huge high five!
Same goes for the number of kids we have.


We have seen the true side of friends and family during this adventure (good and bad.)


God has different callings for all of us.

It's as if it's not normal, it's wrong.

Everyone has different dreams. Not that this is my ultimate dream. If I really told you what my hopes and dreams were you would really think I was crazy.


Who said we had to live in stick houses,send our kids to public school, have 2.5 kids, and work 9-5?

I don't understand if it's not for you, why can't you just be happy for us?

I have a friend who doesn't want kids. I don't judge her, it's her life and she doesn't judge me for wanting 10:)ha!

I'm just saying, if we all did the same thing and thought the same way how boring would that be?


Why is it that people have to have such a jealous look on life.

Why is it that people like to see others fail?

I say be yourself and follow your own dreams!

All things are possible with God....that means ALL!

When I had 2 children 21 months apart, I use to look at other Moms with 3 or more and wonder how they did it. I could barley handle my 2.

Never say Never!

You don't have to do what everyone else is doing.

Stand up for what you believe in, even if you're standing alone.

There are MANY seasons in life.

Never explain: your friends don't require it, and your enemies won't believe you anyway.


Those who gossip to you gossip about you.


This trip took a lot of planning, sacrifice and a double triple dose of faith.
I'm thankful for those who support us by prayers and words of encouragement.


I hope and pray all your dreams come true too.

We all know life is too short, what is your purpose in life?

I'm not sure what my calling is yet, I desire to do more???? I am open and willing to do whatever God has called me to do.
Are you?

What makes you tick?

36 comments:

Valerie said...

Oh Bridge, (is that weird that I am a blogger whom you don't know and I just gave you a nick name???) you spoke truth, even if it was your late night rambling. The more I walk with God the more I learn, you just can't peg Him down, at the same rate you can just never predict what He will do in someones life. Who would have though me and my hubby would want 10 kids too!? two years ago we were singing the praises of our vasectomy.....now......praying everyday that the reversal was successful and God would bless us with more. Same thing happens with our jobs, our goal, our mission field, our friendships. He just steps in and changes everything! I love that about Him, and unfortunately people who watch it happen end up judging us, but God fills us with His peace because he FOREKNEW that would happen. He knew we would not be accepted. Just pray for to meet like minded people and God will provide. Take care. I will pray right now for you and your beautiful, God loving, family. May He bless you and keep you.

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

WOW! That IS quite deep for late at night. :) No water? Yikes! How long are you guys staying in NY? I am praying for traveling mercies for you guys. If, for some crazy reason, you end up in MI, I'd love to meet you. :)

Cynthia said...

What a great post! I have followed your journey for a while now & I just wanted to say how brave I think you are. Your kids & husband are so lucky to have you as their mommy & wife ;) I really enjoy reading about your adventures and you & your family are in my prayers ;)

Heather said...

Love this! It's hard to get caught up sometimes in what other people think, or what other people are doing and base our lives around that. We should only live our lives for God. He doesn't judge us.

I love what you and your family are doing and support you all the way. You are always in my thoughts and prayers!

Jessica said...

Well said! You have actually made me excited about our road trip to Missouri in 2 weeks :) God bless your family.

Kallie said...

Preach it sista!

I loved the "there are many seasons in life"...I have to remind myself that I will not always be a sleep deprived mommy of a 21 month old BOY (and I mean all boy!) and a newborn baby. And I'm the momma of two who wonders how YOU do it! :) Love your blog!

Too Many Kids In The Bathtub said...

Bridget! You are so right! And funnily enough, sometimes the Lord shows us these things when we are "stuck in RV's". The best pace to be is the place where God tells you to be. No amount of outer praise from family and friends can match that. Eagles fly the highest, but they also fly alone! Keep flying!

PS. You are touching more people by the reactions to the negative!

PPS. I do not think you are crazy! But if you are crazy, I must be too! We can be crazy together and move our husbands and 10 children into the "Biltmore Mansion" I am sure there will be room for both of our families! :)

My 4 flowers said...

Amen to everything you said. You say it well, but with a sense of humor. I love it. I am enjoying reading your posts and learning from it also. I usually read to my kids the educational posts (we are homeschool also) they love them. Plus you send beautiful pics along with your information. Keep it up we need your input. Great job. Keeping you on my mind. God bless.

Janene said...

Guess what? My husband just got laid off (construction is slow--he's an apprentice and should be picked back up in a few weeks), and I am on maternity leave. . .and we just got an RV--So we're going on a road trip!!! The time is now. Why not? God is good and we have faith in the plans he sets before us. I'm excited for the opportunity (even if it's only for a week or two)! Praying for you on your adventure and appreciated today's post--too true!!

Shannon said...

It's amazing how life changes us and it seems the more we have to the more we rise to the challenge. I can remember having one child and thinking this is super hard work!! Now I have four and it is still super hard work... and now we homeschool and that is harder work. ;) And now is that season in life for me that I feel the judgement of others so much. I feel like everyone is just watching and waiting for me to fail and secretly wanting me to just so they can be "right" about the opposite choices they are making with their families. I wish it was not that way.... but we just have to wade through these waters and time will show that the choice we have made is the right one for our families. I have to say that I think you all are very brave and very blessed to take this crazy journey you have just embarked on. Yeah, it's kinda crazy and over-the-top, but WOW!! It's kinda crazy and over-the-top!!! I want to do it, too. Really, I want to jump up and do the same thing and you have really got me thinking that we could do a mini version of it this summer (teacher husband has the summer off)... REALLY!! We could just lock up the house and give someone the key for two months and hit the road!!! Of course, it would be different for us because we would know we were coming back to our home, so it is less risky in that sense... Sometimes though, I just want to pack it all up and move.. or travel... or whatever... why not, if you can do it?! Seriously, if I had gone thorugh your house dilemnas I would see it as a great chance... and you all are so brave to have taken it... and I know that "bravery" is driven by faith!! That is sooooooo cool! You are following GOD's PLAN and that is the only explanation you need!!

Braley Mama said...

My 2 are 21 months apart, and people always say, did you plan that?....how rude.
I totally hear you on this one sister.
My hubs and I are raising support to be missionaries, not "normal" missionaries, but ones that raise support to work for a missions org in TX. So people are usually thinking we are crazy to be missionaries, or they think we are not going out enough. Let people be.
God has a unique story for us all:)
I am praying for u!

Sara said...

Bridget,
I have to tell you that I found your blog just a few weeks ago and think that your trip is just the absolute coolest. My hubby and I and then 4 kids took a 5 week camping vacation 2 years ago and still recall all of it with such joy... we want to do it again. I can't wait to keep following your fabulous... and I am sure crazy:) at times adventure. Blessings Bridget:)
Sara

shalay said...

I'm a big believer that there's not one right way to live your life. People tend to get way too caught up in what society trains us to want, or believe we "need". Sure, a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids is ideal to some people, but definitely not all! And that's the beauty of life. We get to choose our path and journey. I say, go for your dreams and follow your heart. Life's too short to worry about what any naysayers may think. Thanks for going against the grain and sharing your adventures with us!

debbie said...

Another late night thinker. I would say that Jesus said it best when He said that without Him we could do NOTHING! I am pleased on the other hand to say that with Him all things are possible. He will be with you every day and in every season of your life. We are here for only a short time and we are here for one purpose. He says that is to bring Him pleasure and for His glory. If we do that we will hear Him say "Enter in thou good and faithful servant servant.." We should be living in such a way that will ensure that we hear those words coming from the mouth of our Lord. Enjoy each moment He gives you. Love you lots. Mom

Laurel said...

You Go Girl!!! Preach It!!!

I am sooo... right there with you. I have NEVER fit into any type of box that people wanted to put me in. I've always been the "crazy one" ... since I decided at age 10 that I wanted a dozen or so children. Seriously. And ... before having any children ... and before it was even legal in WA State ... I knew that I would be homeschooling my dozen children. Yes I did.

When people say "how do you do it?" I just tell them that "God gives us all that we need to do what He calls us to. And, aren't you glad that God doesn't call us all to the same thing." Yes ... the world would be a boring place if God called us all to be clones of each other.

God called us to have a dozen children. I certainly don't believe He wants everyone to have a dozen children.

God called us to teach our children at home (or, on the road as the case may be). God does NOT call everyone to homeschool, and he does NOT give everyone the opportunity to "road school" (as I did just this fall, as well).

God called my husband to leave his teaching career and move into full time ministry this fall. God doesn't call everyone to teaching or to full-time ministry.

We are doing what God has called US to. You are doing what God has called YOU to. Why can't people just leave us alone and let us walk out our individual journeys with God??? How can they possibly think that THEY have the blueprint for OUR lives??? Okay ... you've got me going now ...

Love you LOTS! Hope to meet you SOON! Praying that God calls you to move to a little island, to minister alongside us "crazies". :) Seriously ... this island ACCEPTS PEOPLE FOR WHO THEY ARE like nowhere I've ever been. There is no one here like us ... but we are completely accepted and respected for our crazy life. Yippee! Thank you Jesus!

Keep rambling ...

Laurel & her crazy gang :)

Damaris said...

Well said! One of my dreams would be to visit New York during Christmas time... So awesome your family has gotten to experience that! Stay warm! =]

Kelly said...

Wonderful post and so true in my life as well. My husband and I have 5 birth children and 3 foster children that we are in the process of adopting. We get mixed reactions all the time... we're nuts, why would you want to do that, what about your birth children, jealousy or admiration. There are days that it bothers me more than others. I just have to remind myself, just as you are doing, that we are in God's will and that's all that matters.

I admire you for stepping out in faith and doing this with your family. You are creating memories that your kids will never forget and will treasure all their lives. Oh and the education you are giving them is priceless. I wish your family the best as you travel.

Anonymous said...

Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest… The difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skillful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by -- who sings from the heart… Lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God's high praises, unless He Himself give me the song? No, it is not in man's power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip… Then, since our Maker gives 'songs in the night' (Job 35:10), let us wait upon Him for the music."

Check out more inspiration:
http://www.spurgeon.org/fcb/fcb.cgi

West Hill Heritage said...

I love your posts - Wow! What a great way to build your faith & family time with your kids. Good for you!!!!! THanks for sharing

Kate said...

There are also many beliefs. I don't understand why someone thinks it's okay to judge another based on decisions THEY are making for THEIR life.

If you're reading this blog and getting nothing from it but a judgmental attitude, perhaps it's time to find a new hobby? Read a different blog?

Again (I've said this before), I don't believe in God, I'm not married (lol... living in sin with my long-term relationship boyfriend, in fact), and don't really desire kids.

But I read your blog because it's a life I'll never lead, and I find it interesting.

Best of luck to you and chin up. Don't take what people say personally. You are CLEARLY doing what is best for your family. :)

(Hey, and if you ever need help or tricks teaching your kiddos math, reach out to me. I taught HS math for awhile and have some GREAT tips! Plus, I can do it remotely, if you need!) :)

xoxo
-katelynn (from Chino HS)

SoCalLynn said...

Hi Bridget! It's Lynn, Gillian's mom. I've been thinking about you and your family, praying for your safety on the road and for blessings on this special time for your family. We had a Christmas party for the homeschool kids at my house, and we all missed you, Austin, Faith, Landon, Farrah and Finley!

I for one LOVE reading about your experiences. I guess I'm living vicariously. If you can, you guys should drive the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Shenandoah mountains. It's gorgeous!

Love Lynn

Anonymous said...

hmmm what makes me tick???? Having the people around me...happy,

Love you Bridget....do what is in your heart!

GiGi said...

Good for you! Who cares what anyone else thinks. At the end of our life we stand before God and give an account for our life. No one elses. Keep up the journey and have fun doing it!!!
XoxoGapGirl

:corinne: said...

Makes great sense girlie. So funny you post this cuz I was thinking the same thing in regards to people having a jealous look on life. Yes why can't people just be happy for others and stop graveling at others failures and shortcomings. I think what you're doing is fabulous...would we do it NO...well that's because you can't coach football on the road...LOL! Perhaps if our circumstances were different then "maybe". Having said all that, I did question for sometime what my purpose is. If you read my blog today, I share in my post how I questioned God. But His answer has been loud and clear now. hee hee
Hope you're having a wonderful time. And when you get back if you'd like to hold a baby (re: to a comment you posted on my blog a while back) then feel free to feel free. Huggs

kristina16marie said...

we're standing with you bridge! it's easy for me to say don't listen to the haters when the hatemail isn't coming into MY inbox, but remember Christ told us that if people hate us, they hated Him first!

you rock and we are praying for you all the time! keep your head up. ((hugs))

The Beaver Bunch said...

And all God's people said, "Aaaaamen!"

Dionna said...

I love your post and you have some very good thoughts. I wonder the same thing at times - about human nature and its desire to put us in boxes or preconceived images.

You just live your life for God. That's all that matters.

Angela said...

I SO admire your family, I WISH I had the guts to do what you are doing. Maybe some day, what a journey you are on. Don't let anyone spoil one minute of it for you! Soak it all up and enjoy it! Very few people on the earth live out their dreams-Have a blast and a great New Year wherever you will be!

Angela

Celee said...

They aren't happy for you because misery loves company. My husband always says not to let other people's judgment bother you, because while you're all eaten up about it, they're out water skiing. Don't ask. It makes sense to him. Anyway, don't let them spoil your bliss!

Anonymous said...

Hi Bridget! I agree with everything Nina said! Miss you! Ice Queen (aka Leslie) by the way, it looks like I'm not your only "crazy" friend! Muah!

Serena Musick said...

So true! I, as you know, am also a mom stuck in an RV! We are still in Utah with our four and we got almost a foot of snow in the last two days. It's too cold outside for the baby, but I usually send the other three out to play. Just when I think I'll get a few minutes of quiet, our three year old comes crying back to the door because she's too cold and wakes up the baby with her crying! It's all okay though!

Our families (and some others) don't get it either. We try hard not to think about what other people think, but it's hard. The truth is that most people are (somewhere inside of themselves) jealous! It's so amazing to have this time with your family to enjoy them (even in the crazy loud, crying, screaming, frustrated times). They do seem louder in a small space, don't they?

I don't know many people, that if faced with the opportunity, wouldn't do this too. Most poeple, in their lifetime, will NEVER see half of what you've seen in just the last month! What you are teaching your children, is priceless and with any luck, they'll have this same chance later with their own kids. Even our three year old remembers the places we've been since she was 2 1/2 (Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, Yosimite, Crater Lake, Cherry Festival in Michigan, Lake Superior, Redwood National Forest....) She remembers all of it!!!!!

I hope you have a blast and enjoy every minute of it!

Adrienne said...

Keep doing what you are doing! You and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy this time you have been given and keep posting all the fun stuff you do. I might not be able to travel the US, but that doesn't mean I can't pretend! Have fun and be safe.

Jannette Thrasher said...

Dear Bridget,

I enjoy reading your blog from time to time. I would love to take our little homeschool traveling, but God has called our family to grow right where we are planted (for this time in our life anyway), which is hard for me considering I have moved 26 times..

I'm praying for your family out on the roads, and think it is SO cool that you guys are logging all of this, and sharing it with everyone so that we can pray and share in the heritage of America. The kids are cute, and it's neat to see them learning so much. Plus you all are building fantastic memories.

I truly understand the attitued that some have about lots of kids. I have a condition where most women cannot have children at all. I am blessed to have kids.I have six all together. Four here with me and two in heaven that I never got to meet.

There is a neat book that I've been reading called The Mission Of Motherhood By: Sally Clarkson

I totaly understand my calling and purpose no matter where God leads our family. And I believe you are already fullfilling your calling as you serve and bless your hubby and children.

Here is a simple quote from her book;

It's Important to realize that spending time with the kids means so much more than just getting the parenting job done. sometimes it's easy for busy parents to forget this.We become so focused on training our children, correcting them, teaching them responsibility, and providing them with enriching activities that we forget how important it is to just be around them.


- The Mission Of Motherhood, Touching Your Child's Heart For Eternity, By: Sally Clarkson -

Trust me; The time spent with the kids in that RV will be everlasting treasures stored up in heaven.

Can't wait to pop in next time to see how God is blessing your family.

LUV,
Nettie

Unknown said...

What a wonderful life you are having and what a wonderful education your children are getting. They get to see in person and actually touch what most kids only see in pictures.

Ever since my husband retired he wanted us to sell the house and live in our motor home. We have spent lots of time in it, served a mission for our church and we
have been in every state of the lower 48 in our big Blue Turtle.

Now that I am ready, I am not able to do it. I am facing a bit of a rough spot in my travel here on this beautiful earth. I have ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease. A neuromuscular disease that causes the nerves to die which in turn causes the muscles to shrivel up and become useless. This is not what I thought the end of my life would be like. But that is okay.

I have had a lot of fun, raised 8 children and we have 47 Grand Angels THey range from adults with children of their own to a darling 7 month old grand angel.

Never give up what you are doing because of what people think is a different way of living. It is a wonderful way to live. It is your life and your decision. Enjoy!!

As you said, There are many seasons in life and each one is made to enjoy. Right now my husband is learning to be a wife and caretaker of me. He is such a good sport and a wonderful patient person. He does all the things around here I use to do. He also helps me with whatever I can no longer do.

Anonymous said...

Well, Im not as well spoken..err, written as most of your comments, but I think that this journey you and your family are on is amazing and beyond courageous. Ive told my husband about it in envy. Im all about making memories for my children and ourselves, we go on crazy weird adventures looking for the next funny memory and you are making tons. People can not pay for the memories you are making for your family.

Those who judge, well, we will just have to pray for them because when they look back on their life I hope their memories arent clouded with the anger and jealousy they have bestowed on those they judge.

Stay safe and Im sorry for when you get to Nevada, we live in Las Vegas and its not a very kid friends town! We would love to have you!!! The more the merrier!! You can email me if you would like trish143216@yahoo.com

Barbara said...

Best of luck to you Bridget! I read your blog all the time and I am completely in awe of what you and Justin are doing! This trip is such a blessing and a season that your children will NEVER forget. In these times when children and parents exist in different rooms of the same home, it is truly refreshing to see your family so close. I pray that your pipes thaw soon!! =) In the mean time, enjoy this season of life, it's so very short! May God Bless you and your family!!