Hippies and Gypsies: Oh what a simple life...

Playmobil Camper Van

My Husband and I have talked about packing up the kids and head out into the beautiful world of travel and basically living by working at state parks and such instead of always having bills and problems. We have talked very briefly on the subject, partly because I can't stand the idea of my kids growing up without their grandparents, aunts and uncles around all the time. Being a military brat, that was the life we had, it was an awesome experience but I missed getting to grow up with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins close by.
 Hubby found a video on Facebook that was stating that we shouldn't work just to make the dollar but to work and do what makes us happy. The question purposed was "if money didn't matter...". I know we are constantly stressed out with making it paycheck to paycheck. Every week..month..never seeming to get better. Always saying, "if we could just afford this or that , or wouldn't it be nice to just do this or that." I'm so tired of just dreaming up these ideas and making plans but always held back by the price of things. Wouldn't it be nice to just up and leave? Live like gypsies. Seeing historic places and objects, teaching our children the true meaning of happiness. Helping them to understand that money does not bring happiness, only hardship and complex adult decisions. Teaching them the meaning of true pleasure and happiness. I feel as though my generation was always taught the meaning to happiness was the kind of success we may have with the future careers we choose to embark upon and our so-called success was based upon how much money we could make.
I'm so tired of hating payday and knowing that no matter how much my hardworking husband earns, it will never be "enough". I don't want our lives to always be determined by how much money we may or may not have, but to be determined on how loving and supportive we are with our little family and the amazing experiences and memories we make and provide for them to carry on to their own families someday.

My Forever Valentine...

 As long as I can remember my dad has always been my Valentine. He is always there with a loving hug, kind words, or even much needed advice. He has always been there for anything I have ever needed, even if it was to borrow him as my Valentine. He would also surprise me with chocolates from time to time.

 I love him so very much, and there is no other man like him. He is a true model of what a father should be.

 Even when my own child faces life without his own father, mine has stepped in and assumed the role that could never be filled by any other man. My LO even calls him dad occasionally. He looks up to and admires him. From the day he was born until now, just days before his 8th birthday, one of his favorite people is my dad.

 Two years ago, I found a man who would love me for me and accepted all that I brought to the table, and even though its not been an easy two years, he is now my valentine. There could never be anyone to replace my dad, no matter how hard they try, there is only one man that can make me feel like I do about Valentine's Day. My dad showed me the meaning of love, and what it means to cherish someone and make that someone feel special every day of the week but just showing love, courage, and strength in his own marriage to my beautiful and talented mom. Through their hardships, excitements, sorrows, and joyful times, I learned endurance and patience in my own marriage. I'm sure these qualities will prove more and more helpful as the years, struggles, and joys come and go. I will always know where they started though, where they all began and that is with my Daddy.

I love you my forever Valentine! No matter who is in my life, or what may be thrown my way, I know where the love all started from and came from. Thank you Dad for being a wonderful, Godly man. Thank you for showing me how to love and what it means to be loved. You and mom are the reason I know how to love so deeply and unconditionally. If it wasn't for your influence, guidance, and example, I may never have known this kind of LOVE <3<3<3

Beginning the Farm Life

When I first thought about where I would want to be when I was 29 years old, I never thought I would be where I actually am. Here I sit just a month and a half from my birthday and find myself married to a wonderful, hardworking man, a momma to two beautiful boys and a lil girl who is due to be here in March, just days before my 29th birthday and a step momma to a growing, loving, complicated teenager.  Living the farm life dream. We have embarked on the journey of farm life with just a few animals at the moment, 2 goats, 3 ducks, 7 chickens, 2 rabbits, 2 dogs, and a beta fish. This has been, so far, one of the best and most rewarding journey's we have been on. Raising children, and animals, and finding out who we are as a family has been so joyful, stressful, and enlightening. I am very excited to see what spring has in store for us, as we are adding a new little girl to the family as well as more animals to grow our farm and become more self-sustaining. Hoping to be able to live off our land and truly be proud that we are working for everything we have. I am so excited to have you on this journey with us and look forward to spilling my guts about the ups and downs that we may experience here on our lil farm.