Once in a while and every so often you may hear a mysterious whisper. A whisper that speaks more to your heart than to your mind. A whisper so soft yet so loud. The other night in the wee morning hours as I held your little body close to mine, I heard such a whisper and this is what it said.

“He is the answer to prayers you didn’t know you had.”

Then I squeezed you gently, gave you a little kiss on the head, and said a prayer of thanks for your life to the One who whispers.

Romans 8:26-28

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Midnight Whispers, Thing 3 Week 7 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

We stayed right on the beach and I would get rocked to the sound of the Gulf of Mexico.

We went to the beach in Key West too.

I went to the Southernmost Point and waited in a long line in the hot sun to get my picture taken next to a big hunk of painted cement. I can tell life on earth is going to be weird.

I saw my first ocean sunset. That was cool!

I went on lots of walks.

I also lay around a lot too.

I even cuddled with Meow Cow. I think he is getting used to me.

I hung out with my big big brother on his bed. I accidentally peed on him again. Oooops!

My big brother likes to show me the world.

I’m not sure how I feel about all this “selfies”.

 I guess they are okay.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Thing 3 in the Keys – Week 6 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

Buying a new RV was a big decision for us. A really big decision. Our old RV was already paid for and it had become our home so we were reluctant to part with it. However, our family was in the midst of some changes. Last summer, we found out we were expecting another child. Around the same time we decided to stay on the road indefinately but felt like our preteen and teen needed more personal space so we began our search for a new RV.

After looking at more models of RVs than we could count we found one with a floor plan we loved, the Heartland Gateway 3650BH. Our only hesitation was that it was a brand new model and we had planned to buy used. It would be another year or so before used RVs of this model would start to hit the market. Back and forth we went on whether to buy new or used.

After looking at nearly every bunkhouse fifth wheel on the market, we felt like if we were going to buy used we would basically be getting the same floor plan we already had. The Heartland Gateway was the only RV that had nearly every feature we wanted. Finally, we decided the new RV would give us the extra comfort and space we craved. (You can read more about the features, why we decided to finance it, and watch a video here.)

So our search for an RV took a new direction as we started shopping for the Heartland Gateway 3650BH with the features we wanted at a price we could afford. Our search led us to Dixie RV Superstore. One early morning, I couldn’t sleep so I got out of bed and went online again to search for more dealerships carrying the Heartland Gateway line. I came across Dixie RV and they had a lot of Gateway bunkhouses in stock. They also had quite a few with the optional features we wanted. So I sent them an email with an offer. Later that day, we received a phone call from Dixie RV and began the purchasing process.

It was January and Indiana, where we were staying, was being hit by heavy winter storms. We weren’t able to get down to Dixie RV which has locations in Florida and Louisiana for a few weeks so we took care of the paper work to get financing over the phone and by E-mail. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I was particularly nervous that’s my role in the marriage) because we had never purchased a large item brand new. Dixie was able to get us a great rate and our payments ended up being lower than we had budgeted for! I was shocked by how smoothly everything went.

The Gateway with the features we wanted was located in Louisiana so we made plans to go there to pick up our new RV. A few days before we were scheduled to pick it up, Dixie contacted me and said they had found a crack in the bathtub and wanted to make sure it was okay if they switched us to another stock number with the same features. Brent and I were  grateful that they had found the crack in the tub before we got there to pick it up. While the crack would have been covered under warranty, it would have been a hassle to get it fixed. Their thorough inspection saved us time I’m sure.

The day we picked up our RV was exciting. We got there early so we would have plenty of time for the remaining paperwork and to take pictures and video for our blog.

First, we met with the finance department to sign our final loan documents. Regina in finance offered us a few different extended warranty packages but there was never any pressure to buy. We decided to pass and stick with the factory warranty and the Lifetime Warranty that covers a few other major components as long as you keep up on the yearly maintenance.  It is my understanding that the maintenence can be done at different participating dealerships throughout the country. We haven’t used the Lifetime Warranty so we can’t speak of its service but it’s nice knowing we have it.

There was a bit of an unexpected wait to pick up our RV because Dixie had noticed a small chip in the front cap paint and wanted to fix it. A rock had probably hit it while it was being transported from the Heartland factory in Indiana to Louisiana. It didn’t really matter much to us but Dixie wanted to make sure everything was perfect. While we waited we explored the facilities.

Of course, the boys wanted to look inside some more RVs. It was nice that we felt welcomed to explore the RVs at leisure inside the large indoor showroom.

The outdoor lot is GIGANTIC. If you can’t find an RV to meet your needs here you won’t find one anywhere. It’s always interesting to see the different floor plans and features even if they aren’t what you are looking for.

We spent some time hanging out in the customer lounge.

The customer lounge is attached to a Camping World. Dixie is really a one stop shop for all your RV needs! We made a few purchases for the new rig.

Outside there are many service bays and RV pads with electricity for customers to take possession and stay in their new RVs. Dixie even let us stay an extra night so we could drive into New Orleans for a day!

Dixie asked us if we would mind giving a customer testimonial for their YouTube channel while we waited. Dixie has their own video team who produce videos of their inventory and customer testimonials. It was fun way to pass some time by reenacting the buying experience and sharing our story of full time RVing with a family with them.

Finally that afternoon, we took possession of our new RV, our dream “home”.  Anthony from service led us on walk-through inside and out and taught us Brent how everything worked. After weeks of discussions and searching for a new RV, it was surreal to finally be in it. That night as we went to bed I knew that we had made the right decision and I was thankful that Dixie had helped make the process so smooth.

Special thanks to our little photographer who helped take pictures!

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Buying our New Fifth Wheel at Dixie RV appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

My parents were looking for a particular restaurant but didn’t  realize it was in the mall. Everyone was too tired and cranky to find something else so we went in. The funny thing was the restaurant had closed. Guess that’s what happens when you trust those little rectangle boxes that my parents seem to think contain the voice of God or something. Ridiculous.

Anyway I wasn’t fond the shopping mall. I couldn’t sleep.

I already have a hard time settling down in the evening and this place just made it worse.

It’s nothing like the peace and quiet of mommy’s arms.

I also had a doctor’s appointment. Not crazy about those either but I’m growing a lot.

I also got my passport card although I don’t remember it at all.

Every morning my big brother comes out to cuddle me. We all lay around with mommy for about 30 minutes. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day.

Last but not least, I began my road-warrior training. I have some pretty cool mentors. Our first trip went really well. I’ll have to tell you about it next week.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Thing 3, Road-Warrior Training Begins – Week 5 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

Almost every reply involved food!

So we headed to downtown in search of the food trucks.

But first we had to stop at Powell’s. Priorities!

After grabbing lunch at a food truck we headed to Voodoo Doughnuts but none of us were willing to wait in that line.

That’s okay because after dinner we went to Salt and Straw to get our sugar fix with some handmade ice cream.

We would have loved to eat our way through Portland but we live on a budget so a trip to a farmers market was in order.

And a night eating in really isn’t so bad when you are with the one you love.

There is more to Portland than food. There is science!

The boys had a fun afternoon exploring the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, OMSI.

While the boys went to OMSI, I caught up with my friend Rola. Rola and I used to hang out with our babies almost 12 years ago. It had been that long since we had seen each other.
Fortunately, it hadn’t been quite that  long since we hung out with some special friends, Greg and Michelle, and their kids.

It is such a joy to hang out with old friends when it feel like it was just yesterday you hung out even though it has been a few years.

It’s also fun to finally get to try Voodoo Doughnuts in the company of good friends without having to wait in line all day.

While we were out and about why not go  to Por Qué No?

Portlandia loves its bikes.
And we love our Mexican food. Por Qué No did not disappoint.

We finished the night laughing and goofy off with Greg and Michelle at their house.

Fun times playing in Portland.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Playing in Portland appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

Napping is still one of the best things ever.

My Papaw gave me the nickname Nobi-Wan Kenobi. My baby wrap is really a Jedi robe in disguise.

My neck muscles are getting stronger and I’m holding my head up more.

It finally happened. I peed on my big big brother. Oooops!!!! He has been worried about this but he was pretty cool about it.

Mommy has been making my brothers “workout” lately. She says things like, “If you can sit around and play video games then you can workout.” She’s funny. It’s fun to watch my brother  do jumping jacks and even more fun when he lunges with me!

Look at that silly face!

Mommy’s “21 Day Rest Rule” is over. Now we can go on walks!

Daddy organized the “garage” of our RV because we are getting ready to leave soon. I can’t wait!

Last but not least I got my first bath. My mommy and daddy put me in a robe afterwards and went crazy taking pictures. I feel like a superstar!

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Little Big Guy, Thing 3 – Week 4 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

I was only three years old when Mount St Helens erupted killing 57 people. It was a few years after the fact, that my child’s mind could process deadliest eruption in the United States.

Natural disasters are strange mixture of terror and fascination. It was one of the first times I remember learning that nature can be volatile. That there was more to it than baby bunnies and daisies. Not only could the earth open up and swallow or whirring funnels reach down from the sky but the earth could explode and pour hot lava for miles. Mount St Helens was a landmark of my childhood.

Thirty four years later, Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument still bears scars of her volatile and harsh past.

But there are also wildflowers and animals reminding us that following devastation there is rebuilding and rebirth.

It’s a place of education and beauty.

After a few hours of learning and contemplating, we walked back to the car and I couldn’t help but notice the daisies.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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That’s okay. I like to lie around with my mom. She talks and sings to me. Sometimes I coo and even “smile” but it’s just gas. Don’t tell my mom though, she’s convinced  the “smiles” are real.

Saturday my brothers returned home from the cruise. Thing 2 rushed in to see me. Later that night, we celebrated Thing 1’s birthday a few days late. Weewah made his a cake but I only got to eat milk.

On Monday Weewah and Papaw left Florida and to go back to Indiana. We were all sad to say goodbye but mommy and daddy said  we’ll see them again soon.

Meow Cow still doesn’t seem that crazy about me. Should I be afraid?

I’m spent a lot more time awake this week. Mommy and daddy think it’s so funny when I make my “potty face”. That seems like a weird thing that only parents think is funny.

I went to the mall because my brother needed new jeans. It was really bright and kinda noisy so I decided to go to sleep.

Speaking of sleep I did a lot of that this week too!

This is one of mommy’s favorite pictures of me.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post The Many Faces of Thing 3 – Week 3 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

After leaving Oceana, we make a quick stop at the Long Beach Thousand Trails to meet up with friends, Nikki and Jason from Gone with the Wynns. Like I said, I wasn’t much for documenting pictures but if you are wondering what there is do see and do in Long Beach check out Jason and Nikki’s post and video on the area.

Nearby the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park commemorates the journey of William Clark and Merriwether Lewis and their team of explorers known as the Corps of Discovery. In November of 1805, over a year and a half after leaving Missouri, Lewis and Clark spotted the Pacific Ocean. Early winter they set up a camp, Fort Clatsop, that would be their home for the next three months.

Had my mind not been so preoccupied I would have spent more time researching the area and taken the boys to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center as well as some of the nearby state parks. As it was a visit to the Fort Clatsop replica and a short hike along the river was all we managed to do.

As food truck fans we couldn’t pass up a”food boat”. It was a perfect ending to our day in the funky town of Astoria.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post A Blur of Bits and Pieces appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

My big big brother wore this same suit at my mommy’s college graduation.

I don’t think it will still fit him.

While my big brothers colored eggs I also got to wear a bib my Great Aunt Christine sent me.

My big brothers went on a cruise with my Weewa and Papaw. Luckies! My big brother was really sad to leave me.

Meow Cow, our cat, wanted to go on the cruise too. I think he wanted to get away from me. Most of the time he won’t even look at me and has only sniffed my head a few times before sulking away. I don’t think he likes me very much. Mommy says he hasn’t come to her once since I’ve been born. If you ask me he seems like a grumpy old cat but my mommy and daddy say he’s the best cat ever. I’m sure he’ll come around.

My big big brother turned 14 this week. Wow!!!! FOURTEEN!!!!! Mommy says it just feels like yesterday that he was my size.

I had my first doctors appointment and I had gained all my birthweight back plus 2 oz, weighing in at 8 lbs and 14 oz!

My mommy rested with me all week because her midwife told he she has a “21 day rest rule”. Daddy is taking good care of her. I’m glad because cuddling with mommy is my favorite thing in the world.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

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The post Thing 3 – Week 2 appeared first on Newschool Nomads.