Yes!

I can't believe we did it! The house is clean and empty, the garage is almost empty😜, and although we only traveled 6 miles to the opposite side of Bozeman the new adventure has already begun. 

I have no idea where life will lead, I certainly never expected to be where we are now, but my heart is open and ready to accept whatever comes our way. 

P.S. A simple way to get rid of old ceramic plates so you can get new unbreakable metal plates is to load them into a shelf that tends to open up on corners. Guess who is buying new plates this week? 

The good news is we used those plates for 7 years and I never really liked them. So Mavel tov, this new adventure has been christened. 

Hopefully the HOA doesn't kick us out of this neighborhood this week. 

98 days on the Road

98 days on the road

When we started I had no idea what this trip would turn into. 50-90% of me figured we would make it a few weeks and say forget it, we are going to bear lake until our renters leave, or we would have massive mechanical issues and be unable to financially have this trip make sense. I certainly didn't think that I would gain as much perspective on life and grow as a human. 

Life is hard, and change is really hard. Sometimes though when the secret sauce is just right, life is just hard enough it starts to bend and change you. I feel that way about this trip. In no way was this an easy trip. It's complicated to travel for long periods of time and it takes a ridiculous amount of work to keep all of our life spheres revolving. I have to work, the kids need to be kids, Sarah needs to breath in nature and sometimes it felt like all of these were competing with one another. Eventually though all of our needs were meet. Maybe not everyday. Somedays work didn't get done, turns out maybe I was just doing busy work to be busy sometimes and I don't need to stress about work as much as I thought. Somedays the kids were basket cases because we didn't just let them explore and be kids. And Somedays we were cramped and camped out next to 50 year old rv's that hadn't moved in 20 years and Sarah could feel the walls closing in. The good thing was that usually all those terrible feelings happened on separate days and we made it through them separately. 

Some days everything was golden a and we were able to bask in the magnificence of seeing the world and meeting new friends. Just like life, Somedays were mundane, but the sweet ones were oh so sweet because of the struggle it took to achieve them. 

We are on our second to last night and are camped in a rV park in Yellowstone. And no, it is not as glamorous as it sounds. We are surrounded by 350 other campers and I can hear a police siren off in the distance, but we are doing it man. We saw the geyser, we went to the old faithful inn and it was hard and overcrowded but we did it and life is good. 

Not having internet is more of a drag then it really should be. Honestly that was one of the parts we struggled with the most. Having internet access keeps me connected to work, but it also distracts me from life happening around me. I struggle with that. I want and need to be connected, but life can continue whether there is internet access or not. Tonight there is no internet, so there will be no work emails and internet browsing, but I might finish reading my book and watching 3 men and a baby on VHS. ($0.50 in Joshua Tree). 

Kamloops BC

Right from the get go I knew it was going to be a hard day. Emory Creek was a bit short lived but we feel pressure to be somewhere that Ty can work. Provincial parks in Canada, although the most desirable to us, simply don't work. Ty needs his phone and computer to work so he can make his phone calls and respond to emails. Monday morning came around and we needed to get to a camp spot that offered Internet. Next on the map.... Kamloops BC. The drive there was long and we were all grumpy and tired. It was one of those days that we were all just happy to have survived. 

The plan was for Ty to take it easy with us on Tuesday, leave to work the norther portion of his BC territory on Wednesday, return to us on Friday and then as a family make our way towards Banff. The RV park was a bit run down but on the river, met all our needs and we were able to ride our bikes across a bridge and be downtown within 5 minutes. Not bad! Something bad was in the air though. We were all in such terrible moods and little things seemed to keep going wrong. After the kids and I returned home from riding the bucket bike to the farmers market and story hour at the library I saw a note on the table from Ty saying his phone basically started sparking and hissing and wouldn't turn back on. He was out on a bike ride to try and figure things out in his head. Oh no! 

So then the stupid cell phone fiasco began. Things went from bad to worse. Ty started by taking both our phones to a cell phone repair shop. The man thought it was possibly Tys battery so he disassembled both our phones to try my battery in his phone. Didn't work. His phone is fried. Second step, find an unlocked phone on Craigslist. Great! I find one and call to see if it is available only to find that the disassemblement of my phone caused it so I can't hear anything. But! The new phone ends up being available so Ty shows up at 7'11 with $200 and buys the iPhone 4. He tried to put his SIM card in it to make sure it was unlocked but his iPhone 6 SIM card was to big so he took a leap of faith and believed the seller when she promised it was unlocked. Turns out the damn thing isn't unlocked. So here we are! 3 phones that don't work, $200 pretty much thrown away, hundreds of miles from the US and Ty is supposed to work. He couldn't leave us to work without either of us having a working phone. Apparently it wasn't meant to be. All of this crap took a few days and before we knew it it was Thursday, we were still in Kamloops and not really liking the town at all. We needed to get the hell out of there with a quick change of plans. 

Instead of Ty working norther BC right now and him taking a week off work so we could meander our way down through Banff we just need to get to the US as quickly as possible. It's unfortunate that we are so dependent on the Internet and phones. But Tys job is what allows us to travel. Without a phone and Internet his job isn't possible. We will figure all this out for the next time we come spend a long period of time in Canada but for now we just have to leave. I set the map to Kalispell Montana. It should take us 4 days. We will arrive back in the US on Memorial Day. Ty can go to an AT&T store on Tuesday, spend the rest of the week trying to get caught up and then work Montana the following week. We finally have a plan again! Phew! That alone changes our spirits and we are back in this! We plan to stay in Revelstoke tomorrow. 

Revelstoke BC a day to remember

After a long week we needed a day like today. We woke up with a whole new sense of direction and felt ready for whatever was in store for us. We loaded up right after breakfast with the plan of picking up our laundry (it got locked in the laundry room last night- whoops!), dumping real quick and hitting the road. On the walk to the laundry I spotted a sandy hill that lead straight down to the river. I couldn't stop myself. I had to run and jump in right then and there. Clothes and all. It was amazing. Ty went next and then both kids. Lu took her first two footed jump (ever) off the sandy bank into the water. She couldn't believe it. That she had actually jumped off something like that (she is little miss cautious. It was maybe a 1 foot jump. But huge for her! So exciting to see her grow!) and how much fun it was. She spent the next ten minutes running up and down the hill and jumping into the water. Aki is the complete opposite. He has no fear. He also enjoyed jumping in and splashing around. After trying to catch salmon fry we trudged up the hill, grabbed our laundry, dumped and hit the road. 

Up until today I have laid down with Aki on the bed while he sleeps when we are driving. I feel nervous leaving him back on the bed all by himself while we travel full speed down the highway. I had a feeling that the drive was going to beautiful today though and I didn't want to miss it so I tried something new and laid him down. I checked on him ever 15 minutes or so. Well, two and a half hours later he just walked up front like it was no big whoop. The look on his face was so cute. I was startled to see him. Not only is the bed really high, it takes a tremendous amount of balance to walk in the motorhome when we are moving. But there he was with his twinkling eyes, happy has an old man that just got himself up from a nap. 

I am so glad I didn't miss the drive. It was breath taking. The mountains were giant and rugged. The rivers were fierce. And the lakes in between were absolutely pristine. 

We arrived at the campground and just couldn't believe it. We are tucked right underneath the biggest and snowiest mountains I have ever seen. Oh and it's 85'! The sprinklers were on next to our campsite. You know, the big kind that tick tick tick around in a circle. Again, I couldn't help myself. Before I knew what I was doing I was out the door running through them. Lu and Aki followed me. Another first for both of them. Aki didn't like it to much but Lu! The little Lu that would rather detour around the block than risk being sprayed by a tiny little sprinkler came walking into the motorhome 30 minutes later dripping wet with a huge smile on her face. We had a quick lunch and headed back into Revelstoke. It is a ski town and reminded us much of Bozeman. There were lots of young families and people on bikes. We felt right at home. After walking around on Main Street, getting a few groceries and eating dinner from a Taco Truck we headed back to the motorhome so we could go for a quick swim in the mineral pool. After a full day, Ty and I hesitated going but boy! Are we glad we went! 

The mineral pool itself wasn't anything spectacular. A semi warm pool that felt, well, just like a regular old swimming pool. But with the mountains and trees towering over us, it felt like the most romantic pool you could ever dream of. 

There was something magic in the air today. Our kids came to life. Aki has always loved the water but today it was almost like he was part of the water. He has always loved to blow bubbles but has never really gone under. We couldn't keep the boy up. He was jumping in and going under the water for several seconds at a time. Every time he came up he asked to go under again. By the time we were done swimming he was a wobbly baby full of burps. Akis fearlessness really helps balance Lunas cautiousness. Seeing him go under encouraged her to try it. I showed her how to plug her nose and go under. AND SHE DID IT!!! After 4.5 years of her being absolutely terrified of going under the water she freaking did it all by herself! And then she couldn't stop. She kept practicing and practicing. By the time we were done swimming she was putting her face under the water without plugging her nose. She was so proud of herself. She kept hugging us and squeezing us really tight with the biggest smile on her face. I am telling you! This adventure is changing our family. Each of us as individuals and together as a whole. I am so extremely grateful we have the opportunity to do this. 

Tomorrow we head off to Radium Hot Springs and I can't wait to see these two in the water again. 

Emory Creek BC Canada

We pulled into Emory Creek in the late afternoon. After traveling and feeling exhausted from 10 fun filled days in the city we were ready for some soul cleansing with Mother Nature. We weren't at our spot for long when the thunder began to roll. Sid is terrified of thunder. She completely freaks out and is uncontrollable. She pants and paces and wants someone to hold all 180 pounds of her. As much as we all love a good beautiful thunder storm we were happy when it passed rather quickly so Sid could calm down. We enjoyed a lovely few peaceful minuets and then the fireworks started. Ty and I looked at each other both thinking the same thing. That we needed to get the hell out of this place. Sid started freaking out again. At this point in time we happened to be out on a walk and ran into someone who showed us a little path leading down to the river. Had we been at the motorhome we probably would have packed up right then and there. But we decided to take the path. Through the lush thick forest, over a little hill and down the other side lay one of the most roaring rivers we have ever seen. The Frasier River. It was vast and wide, moving at an astounding speed. Where the trail met the river was a nice little beach. The kids and Sid got straight to business throwing rocks in the water and playing in the sand. Sid went for a swim. Ty and I sat down to let the river help wash away the day. After a few minutes we saw a giant sturgeon. The way it moved the water and the sound it made, had we been near the ocean we would have thought it was a great white shark. It had to have been a thousand pounds. We couldn't believe it. Then we looked up to see two bald eagles fighting for a fish. They soared away as we sat there in awe knowing that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. In the wild. 

Where the name My Wifes Adventure came from ...

Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of going on a real adventure. You know? The kind where you leave everything comfortable behind for an extended period of time and figure out a new way of life. 

When Ty and I met I was quick to let him know that our relationship could not get serious because I was joining the Peace Corps. He was even quicker to assure me that he would just come along with me. Well you see, you have to be married to go as a couple. So that is just what we did. We got married so we could go to the Peace Corps together as a couple. Unfortunately 10,000 other people applied that same year. The Peace Corps only accepted 3000. We were not one of them. My heart broke. But life went on. We fell in love (our love and marriage was in a non traditional order) Ty got a great job, I finished college, we moved a few times and then I surprisingly got pregnant with Luna. I was still holding on to my dream of joining the Peace Corps but that dream quickly died when my motherly instincts took over. 

I dove into motherhood head first and stuffed my dreams way down deep inside until I wasn't happy anymore. Then one day it hit me like a slap in the face. Wait?? That's crazy! My brain started spinning and I was determined to find some sort of "real adventure" that we could do right now, together as a family. The first idea I threw at Ty was that we save for a year, sell everything and then go live in the mountains of Peru. He wasn't having it. After throwing several ideas at him I finally came up with one that he could keep his job, we didn't have to sell anything and it wouldn't cost more than our normal life. Buy a motorhome and travel the west for a year while following his work route! At first he said "are you crazy? I am not going to rent out our house for a year!" He finally came around though and committed to four months. 

Here we are! Nearly two months into our great adventure. Or rather my adventure. The adventure that my heart lives for. The one that my dear husband agreed to do by my side because he loves me. Don't get me wrong, he is throughly enjoying himself but he would rather be at home. Hence the name; My Wife's Adventure. 

The first month was hard. Really hard. We all missed home and were absolutely exhausted. After that adjustment period though it has been better than I dreamed. It has brought clarity to our whole family. Being away from our day to day life has helped us find ourselves and each other in ways we didn't even know were possible. 

I am finally listening to my heart and doing what fulfills my adventurous spirit. It has relit the light in me. I am me again. The me that I haven't really known since our Peace Corps application got denied. All the sudden I see myself so clearly and I want to share myself with the world.  

We came on this adventure with the intent of it being just that. A four month adventure. But it has quickly become much more. So what is next you might ask? In another few months this adventure will end. But both Ty and I know that my heart will still yearn for more. More adventure to feed my soul. And that is where our commitment to one another shines clear. We are both wiling to compromise to find a balance. We aren't exactly sure what that looks like yet but we do know that it includes having a home and leaving that home for extended periods of time to find "real adventure". 

Natural remedies...

I have been asked by several people lately about our families natural health. While I am by no means a doctor I stand by myself 100%. If you need a doctor, go the doctor. But if you are looking for advice on how to help your family from home with natural remedies this is for you! Here are a few tips and tricks that have greatly benefited our family. Even Ty, my traditional western medicine believing husband has been amazed with how much his body has changed since incorporating my "crazy" ideas. I have not been paid to advertise these products. I just love them so much I want to share them with the world! Leave a comment and let me know some of your tricks or if you try one of these let me know how it works for you!

Prevention and supplements:

I recently decided to empty out our vitamin cabinet. I don't find any benefit in taking synthetic vitamins. Our bodies don't know how to digest them so I figure they probably do more harm than good. I replaced everything with organic superfood powders. Every morning our whole family takes 

Chlorella, Spiralina, Wheatgrass, Boabob and Acai. All of these together are extremely high in vitamin A, B, C, D, iron and protein. All of which are derived from plants. You see, vitamins are made from the earth. From soil and rocks etc. The plant absorbs all these vitamins and minerals and when we eat that plant our bodies absorb all that is needed. 

My mood and emotions:

Magnesium:

I unfortunately inherited very sensitive emotions. If I don't get enough sleep I am a total basket case. When my hormones shift I go from being perfectly sane to insane and out of control in a matter of minutes. Ever since my pregnancy with Lu I feel like my hormones are similar a roller coaster. I am still trying to figure this all out but one thing I have found that helps me is taking magnesium. It is very common for women to have low magnesium levels. 

Maca:

Maca powder is also very helpful in balancing hormones. Ever since I started I literally haven't felt my hormones swing like I usually do. 

Every night right before bed I drink my magic drink. Maca mixed with magnesium in a little warm water and lemon. I started this a few months ago and I can tell the nights that I accidentally forget. It has totally helped level out my emotions. I am more go with the flow than I have ever been. Even after a restless night! It feels great! Oh and yes, I am still nursing Aki. It is safe to take these supplements while pregnant and nursing. 

Early signs of a cold:

Whenever anyone in our family starts showing signs of a cold I go straight for the chlorella. It goes into your system and grabs onto any toxins and/or heavy metals and helps flush them out of your system through your pee and poop unlike other forms of detox which typically release toxins into your bloodstream. This makes it safe for children and breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. We take it in tablet form. I personally think the green flavor is overpowering so I prefer to swallow mine. Both of my kids chew theirs like candy. Another option would be to get it in powder form, mix it with 1tsp of water and give it to your child with a medicine syringe. We take this everyday as a preventive and I double the dose with and signs of a cold. 

Ear infection and/or earache: 

Garlic ear oil drops:

When Luna was a few months old she got RSV and a double ear infection. I knew I didn't want to put my infant on antibiotics but her doctor made me feel like I had no other options. I was a new mom and felt very conflicting emotions. My heart told me it was wrong but the dr. told me that if I didn't put her on antibiotics her ear infection would worsen and could cause her to need tubes. So I went against my better judgement and gave her antibiotics. After her first dose I noticed blood in her poop. It freaked me out. I threw the antibiotics away and headed straight to Whole Foods. I bought garlic ear oil drops and they worked like magic. I learned a few lessons from this experience. One, always listen to your heart. You know best! Two, these drops are magical! No one in our family has been on antioxidants since. We have all had numerous earaches but have been healed within hours of using the drops. They feel really good! But make sure to follow the instructions and warm them up under hot water. 

Essential oils:

I have an "earache" roller bottle that I made. It consists of 6 drops Melaleuca, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Frankincense mixed with 2 TBS fractionated coconut oil. I apply it at the base of the ear (never in the ear canal) and down the lymphatic line to the collarbone. I massage it in behind the earlobes and all the way down the lymphatic line to help release any pressure. It feels really good! 

Congestion: 

it's scare when your child can't breathe. I have found xylitol nose spray to be extremely helpful. I even used it on Aki when he was only a few months old. It goes into your nose and helps loosen up all the mucus. After I spray it I wait a few minutes and then use a freeta nose suction. I then spray one more spray in each nostril. This helps soooo much! I have also used this when I had a sinus headache. It helped equalize the pressure in my head and my headache went away. 

Athletes foot:

Little lu picked this up at gymnastics! I put coconut oil and melaleuca on her feet right before bed and then put socks on her feet. After a few days it was gone!!  

Upset tummies:

I give my kids Raw probiotics a few times a day when they complain of an upset tummy. 

Vaccines:

If you vaccinate your child I highly recommend giving them raw probiotics twice a day for a week before and a week after they receive their shots. I also recommend giving them chlorella. It will help flush out and heavy metals and toxins from the vaccine. It will also help boost their immune system. 

I hope you find this helpful! 

Coming soon.....

-Hygiene products and sunscreen!