Life as a Yowler

Brandon had three store trainings this weekend, two on Saturday and one on Sunday. This morning(Sunday morning) he took Brielle with him. One on one, our kids usually behave really well. I sent along a sticker book and Brandon said she behaved like an angel. She was quiet the whole time Brandon did the training. She talked only when she was spoken to and everyone enjoyed seeing her and hearing from her. Tomorrow is Joah’s turn so you can all be praying and interceding that that goes as well. They each get a chance and if they blow it and misbehave, they don’t get to go with dad again.

I had the kids cut out words yesterday while we drove to help pass time and to help with reading. Here are Joah’s two piles. Pile one(the big pile) has the words he was able to read. Pile two(the small pile) has the words he needed help to read. He is really coming along.

We were so excited when we got to San Angelo because the pool was open. It was 90degress outside. It sounded amazing. Well as it turns out the pool wasn’t heated. It’s been getting cold and windy  at night, so the water was only 55 degrees. What awesome news after I had just dressed everyone in swimsuits. Brandon made the kids all dip their feet in. Poor Isla screamed. It was like ice water. Brandon also offered the oldest two kids $1 to jump in. Brielle took him up on the offer. She regretted it immediately. Joah was too smart. He knew better. Believe it or not, I got in the water. It was actually the best swim of my life since kids. There were no kids with me. I got a power workout as I had to constantly move so I wouldn’t freeze to death. The kids were all content to watch me on the sidelines. The freezing water was worth it to get some alone time. I’ve been in an RV with 4 kids for 16 days now.

Before we came on this trip, I was doing really well exercising and losing weight. I was trying to run on the elliptical every day. Obviously we don’t have room in the RV for the elliptical, but I’ve been trying to take every opportunity I have to exercise. We’ve been going for lots of walks and bike rides. I’ve been trying to swim while brandon holds the baby(or the kids sit on the sidelines and watch). It’s a lot more fun to stay active outdoors. I’m extremely thankful and blessed to be in warm weather and not in Michigan right now with all the  snow.

Dinner last night was stir fry with the leftover steak from The Big Texan. It was really good. Caed ate thirds and the others ate their whole helping.

Brandon and I were talking on our drive today about how blessed we are. We recognize that. Our kids have a lot of opportunities. We are trying to cultivate an environment of education and experiences,  but also gratitude and appreciation. We want them to know how blessed they are to be able to travel and see the world. We don’t tolerate poor attitude and behavior. We’ve had some of that on this trip due to being sleep deprived and out of routine. We try to address the behavior and correct it. Our kids are far from perfect, but we are trying to teach them how to manage their emotions. We are teaching them they are still responsible for their actions no matter how tired or hungry they are. Joah has really come a long ways on this trip. We are seeing major improvement in his attitude, and he has become very thankful. He is learning how to be a good leader and example to his siblings. We have been giving the kids responsibilities and chores. We want them to know we expect work and help out of them. Travel is a big part of our life, but it isn’t all a big vacation. We need to work hard, because that’s the reason we are here in the first place.