Day 3

Day 3 Thurs. Jan. 6 2011

Well I already shared the beginning of our morning. I forgot about our stop at the Big Paul Bunion Museum. Got some sweet bed head pics of the fam. It was actually really cool. We wanted to stay the night in there parking lot the night before but they had a sign that said no way! Instead we stayed in the protected parking lot of the Methodist church. We did get the showers in, the computer up and running and some more organizing after I shed some tears of fatigue and frustration. Can you believe how many times I have to organize. If you think it's important in a home it's even more important in a R.V. I suppose I have been a little naive after all. I thought that because we have such a small space to care for we would have very few cleaning up. Well not completely true. I now know that we will always be cleaning up messes because that is apart of what we signed up for when we signed on for 5 amazing, patient producing and self improving coach's in our lives. I still have high hopes for simplicity but am not convinced yet. We can always fill our lives with many things when were raising a family. The only comfort I have is at least I am seeing the sights along the way. Today was another great memory maker and learning day. I can not believe how beautiful the Lord made this world. We finally got on a hike after a slow going morning(which was a must have for me). Wow was it beautiful all I wanted to do was video and take pictures because I wanted to remember everything about the beauty. Caleb said it reminded him of Narnia and I said" ya it fills like were in the movies". I felt like Edward or Jacob would come flying by at anytime. We got down to the ocean and it was breath taking. The boys absolutely loved it. I took pictures and realized how in shock my body was from the hike. I stayed back and fooled with the camera while the rest of them went exploring. Codey came back and handed me a rock heart and said" I give you my heart mom". It was a perfect shaped rock heart. Corey said" he would be the one to find it because of his great big heart". Caleb came back on Coltons back because his feet were cold and sore from climbing all the logs and rocks. He had taken his shoes off because they had gotten wet. Carston found some clams and said" mom if there are pearls in here I am going to be so rich". He told Corey if there are pearls in the clams we are splitting it. And Corey said" what are you talking about were going to pay for our trip'. We had some good laughs, some great exercise and some possible pearls to pay for our trip. We got back and while the boys warmed up with some hot showers I made leftovers for dinner. Carston to his disappointment found out there were no pearls after all. Corey boiled them up and ate them(YUCK) I hope he is still alive in the morning. If it's not the methodist or the buses it's the clams. We finally got to eat Paula's yummy hot fudge and ice cream. Each boy had a job helping after dinner and then we all watched a fuzzy t.v of sports channel. Big difference coming from the luxury of tivo and a big clear picture. It was still fun to be in for the night. Addy is not feeling well. She is feeling out of sorts and off her schedule. It doesn't help that she had her flu shot before we left and now she is sick. I think out of every one it is the biggest adjustment for her, because she is not on a schedule and in her familiar surroundings. She has been a trooper though. Everyone is tucked in bed while I write about our day. I am hoping to gain some more perspective on this trip and a better relationship with each family member. While organizing an R.V over and over again!

Day 2

Weds. Jan 5 2011

What a long travel day. We woke up in the parking lot in Burns. Me and Corey looked at each other and said" Well we made it". We didn't freeze to death and we weren't killed. First night we all slept pretty good. We got on the road A.S.A.P.We had some Candy Bars for breakfast(thanks Grandma and Grandpa Fisher) while we cleaned up the mother ship. Still not settled as far as the motor home goes. At the last stretch of getting out of town we just started throwing stuff in the motor home. It looked like a hoarders place. I got Addy and myself ready while we drove and I did some organizing. We stopped in Bend at a Costco(Hallelujah) we still needed a computer and printer. We got some supplies, not a lot because bulk isn't my friend right now. We didn't have water for two days so we have been using water bottles to wash up and cook with. Another WalMart stop for a few more supplies. Then destination Redwoods. We drove and drove and drove and drove. Did I mention we drove? We stopped in Klammath Falls to go to the Wal Mart for a TomTom. While the family went in I made our first dinner. I have to say it turned out a little frustrating because I'm not organized yet. It was a lot of Juggling. I even tried to keep it simple, pre made tomato soup from Costco with ham and grilled cheese sandwiches with a veggie tray. The place had become a mess while we had been driving. So it made me feel very -unsettled while cooking. We ate, cleaned up, everybody ready for bed and got back on the road to burn the midnight oil, while we make it to our starting point THE REDWOODS! I got Addy to sleep than did some more cleaning up and organizing. Corey drove and drove and drove with most of the boys at his side. Colton was the Co-pilot and he did an awesome job. Eventually everyone fell to sleep while Corey and Colton kept the dream alive. I woke up to some confusion of where are we, are we going the right way? Tiffany our navigation system was confusing us. Well we struggled in the dark for a while. After much doubting and discussion we were reassured that we were in deed on the right path. As soon as we made it to California Codey and Colton got there picture taken under the California sign in the late of the night. Codey came in really excited saying "mom I was in Oregon and California at the same time." We got back on the road. We wanted to stop at the Wal Mart in Crescent City but they wouldn't let us because it wasn't a 24 hour store. I felt so betrayed. So we headed back onto the dark windy road. Eventually we had to stop it was 2 in the morning. No location to stay was in sight. So we had to stay in a Methodist church parking lot(thank you, thank you, to the Methodist church). We parked there and hoped we would be alright. We finally got into bed at 2:30. I slept pretty light. Next thing I know Corey lunges over me . Pushing on my full morning bladder flipping the blinds up to see if we were being taken away. I said "what's wrong? He said" I thought we were being towed away". Lucky for us it was only the morning buses flashing there red lights. He said "I thought the Methodists were after us". When we checked in to our campground today, Tom the head honcho of the Mystic Forest campground said" your the family who slept in the Methodist church." Corey said" how did you know?" He said I drive bus. So he was the one who was after us this morning. Well that brings us to a new day. Day 3 of our adventure. We have finally stopped and plan to be here for at least the day to shower, hike, get the computer up and running and get more organized. The boys were just dying to ride bikes so there out there now cruisin around feels good to be put, even is it is for a quick minute.

Day 1

I am typing this 2 days later because I didn't have a computer.
I wrote this on a piece of paper because I knew I would forget some of the details if I didn't.


Day one Tues. Jan. 4 2011

First day of our trip. I am writing on paper because I don't have a computer yet. The morning started off @ 6:30 after a bad night of sleep. I was so wound up, all I could do was go in and out of a light sleep. The news channel 7 was coming at 10 this morning to interview us about our trip. While selling our stuff on craigslist I met Dee Sarton . She asked about our trip and then said she thought it would be a good story to follow. It was fun to be apart of. But I worked myself up about them coming because I wanted it to go well. It didn't help that I was running on low sleep for weeks. I had spent time ironing shirts which I never do. I was yelling at the boys to please wear there nice clothes and Corey was telling me to let them wear what they want. I had bought some interesting wrap sweater that you could wear 6 different ways and I couldn't get at least one way to work. When I walked out, cute Dee Sarton was her down to earth self and said" don't you look nice for a road trip." At that point I knew I had over done it. So I ran out to the motor home, shuffled through all the clothes that had been shoved into the closet. I had to find my go to outfit that I wear all the time. After the change of clothes I felt a lot better. The boys had there ties on and we were ready to roll literally. The interview was a lot of fun. After the interview we got on the road and headed out to Corey's Grandmas place to say good bye. While we were out there Corey had me shoot the gun that were bringing, so that when we drive around the ghettos were safe.
Instead of a sign that says beware of dog. Were going to put this picture up with a sign that says beware of wife traveling with 5 kids.












We finally got on the road after months of preparation and lots of help from friends and loved ones! THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND THANK YOU! We never would have got on the road in time without you. We headed to Burns Oregon. I was exhausted so I was in and out of sleep listening to Corey about the roads. They were straight ice. We got into Burns around 5:30 and decided to stay the night there. It had become dark and so, so cold. So we hunkered down and went over to McDonald's to let the kids play and run around in the empty play place. It was kind of sad when it dawned on me that I don't really have little ones who do the McDonald play place anymore. They helped Addy up and down the dirty slide. She helps keep them young for me. Colton threw a mini football around and Corey ran back and forth to the store to get water and some supplies. I refused to eat disgusting M.D. food, instead I opted for super dry chicken from the store deli. Not the best first meal but it filled our tummies. It is definitely a small space for a lot of people and so far I have spent a lot of time juggling stuff back and forth. We had our first tiny crisis. Corey was driving to find a K.O.A and he had put the heavy water jugs on the counter. I didn't even think to hold on to them. We hit a bump and both jugs came crashing down and broke pouring out water all over the floor. I yelled STOP! We got them back on the counter and Caleb started grabbing towels. My clean cherished towels that I don't know when I'll be able to clean. We started up again and Codey shouted out" hold onto those jugs". We had to use the water to wash up with but we had to use it from the side instead of the spout because of it being broken. Colton and I took turns with pouring the water for each other. I heated up some water for Addy on the stove and put her in a small little basin/bin to wash her up in. She absolutely loved it and would stand up and splash her feet while doing a little dance and squealing with delight for us. Corey bought some ice cream that we were going to eat with Paula's hot yummy fudge but I couldn't bring myself to do it without water. It seemed like to much work and mess. So that is my diet plan. Don't make eating food so easy. We are all tucked in our beds now nice and tight. Comfy and Cozy and yes all very close. It has already been a great day of memories. Tomorrow we will get on the road and hope so badly to make it to the Redwoods. Hopefully it will be a little warmer than this icebox of a town. NO TV I love it! Were parked under a big light at a gas station. I can't wait to get out of this cold weather!

People we have met along the way

There is the guy out in Nampa who is selling a bus that he doesn't have the key too. Because he needs to make money for Christmas.

The Nice guy who bought our jeep. we went out to look at his motor home and found the coolest shop that he works in. Restoring old cars with his son that he is trying to keep out of trouble. It is his hobby and his passion.

The nice guy who found Jesus later on in his life after years of his sweet mother praying for him. Who took us too his ranch in Marsing. He had a really cool business and it was fun to get to talk to him on the drive to Marsing to see his motor home for sale. He just hopped in our car and talked to us like he had known us for years.

The sweet family who bought are tent trailer. It makes me so happy that it's going to a family who is going to love it as we did.

The so so sweet older man who takes bikes from thrift stores, fixes them up and sells them. And tells us how much he loves making people happy with bikes.

And the great family that sold us our new home on wheels! They have taken such good care of this motor home and have had so many wonderful memories in it. We are so glad to continue the tradition.

The Road schooling Ryans: A family that did this very thing and was a great source of strength and encouragement through some of our rough spots. Because of sharing there blog.

I love seeing the way the human race lives it is so humbling and inspiring.

Are you going to be a challenge or a blessing?

Keep it coming! Keep the judgement and the negativity coming! Well not really I don't want negativity and judgement to keep coming. But if it does we can handle it. It actually only makes our resolve that much stronger. I am pretty irritated tonight which is an improvement from earlier today. Let me explain why. Through this experience we have been faced with many different blessings and many different challenges. Today was one of those challenges. We have been accused of being selfish. And I quote" now are you doing this for yourselves? Because it's not fair to the kids." We have been accused of being naive. Quote" It's not what you think it's going to be. I saw this very thing on Oprah and it was a nightmare for them." We have been accused of being Quitters! quote " What is your intention? Are you trying to run away from your responsibilities?" Because you don't want to teach your kids to be Quitters. Quote" It's going to be really hard are your sure you can handle it." Quote" what are you going to do about the boys school are you going to teach them? I hate to say it but your not the most studious of people.

Now after reading the above statements can you tell me any good that comes from thinking negative?

It's natural to believe that everyone in your circle will wish you well in your new endeavor. Be prepared: Not all of them will. The best way to handle the situation is to let your success speak for itself. Proving the skeptics wrong can be a compelling motivation to continue on.

I thought I would respond to each response, but then I thought No! We know who we are, we know why we are doing this and we know how we are doing this. And the reality is there will always be people who will be skeptical, judgemental and critical of everything we do. For whatever there reasons are. Two of those comments come from loving parents who are afraid. One is afraid for our safety. The other is afraid to be away from the boys for along time because their his life. And one in my opinion comes from jealousy. It's all the more reason to continue on. Don't allow others to paint you in a box and put limits on you. Regardless of why they want to put limits on you.

Now I know I have been one of these skeptics in the past as well. We all have had are bad moments. I don't want to dwell on negativity. I am learning, and this is one of the many strong lessons to come from this experience. I feel I am by nature a positive person but I know that we can easily get dragged down by others. If were not careful we can fall into the trap of being judgemental, gossipy, critical and skeptical. I choose to not be that way! I choose to teach my children to not be that way. And I avoid certain people who are that way.

Now on a more positive note. The majority of the responses have been very supportive and positive. One comment to me was," your doing what most of us dream of doing but never dare to do." Lots have said I am so excited for all of you. Many have given us ideas of where to go on our trip. And many have said you will never regret it!

Well I suppose I can get off my soap box now. Our family is so very blessed and know matter what others wonder or think, it does not matter because we are a family and we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants only the best for us.

Much Love the Christensen's who are daring enough to do!

Renting our home

We had a neat experience with renting our home. In one of our other posts I talked about finding a renter. Well that renter fell through. When it did I was so sad. The day after I found out I felt so discouraged then after that day was done. I realized that we still needed to have faith. So I snapped out of it and believed that Heavenly Father would provide and He did. Of course we had to put faith into action. We put it on Craigslist, Corey talked to the Bishop, and I sent out an anonymous email. I got some ?s about the email which I was afraid of. But it turned out o.k. We needed to keep it on the down low to make sure that it was going to really happen before we started blabbing it to everyone. Well this is one of the times I was glad that there was rumor(truth) going around about us. I was late to church as which has been my record for the year of 8:30 church.! I walked into church with Addy made eye contact with a couple of friends from a different ward. My one friend said I hear you and your family are heading on a trip I was kind of shocked that she knew but started to tell her and my other friend more about it. They were both very supportive and excited for us. Then one of the gals said I know who you can call for a renter. She told me a little bit about them then gave me there number. I was so excited but tried to remain calm because of our earlier renting experience. Went in to Sacrament and told Corey. Then later that day The gal called me about renting our home. I told her what was going on with us and she shared her situation with me. I told her wow this seems like a perfect fit I hope it works out.

The fit is even a better fit then the renters before for both families. There doing there residency here until July and plan to move back to where there from when there done. The house they were renting was sold and they only needed a home for 6 months the exact timing of our home. The price was the same as they were already paying. I can see now why the other situation did not work out. I am so grateful for all of these different experiences we are already going through.

Really coming together

Well everything is really coming together. We have found a family to rent our home. And on Saturday we finally found our home on wheels. We are leaving January first and will be in the redwoods by Monday the 3 to begin our journey. We are so excited! Lots to do, I had a friend say to me when I was explaining of all the things we needed to get in order for this to happen. He said it makes me tired listening to all you have to do. And usually in other circumstances he would be right. It's so funny how when you are excited about something it doesn't seem like work at all. Another thing that is a reminder to me. When we let go and turn it over to Heavenly Father it makes the work load so much lighter. Well there you have it this is really happening. We are really going to do this. Ready or not here we come.