I live on the road in an RV with my family... any questions (1 Viewer)

[lombardi]

link

My wife and I danced to this at our wedding.

 

[lombardi]

Do the kids (or your wife) ever ride in the trailer while you're driving, or does everyone always stay in the truck?

Also, have you ever spent the night in a Wal-Mart parking lot?

Some states allow people to be in teh trailer, others do not. We NEVER ride back there. If anything happened there would be no way for me to know. It's also very rough ride (we've done it to see what it was like in campgrounds). Plus with the slides slid in there isn't really enough room.

I did sleep in a Walmart twice. Our rid isn't great for that because we have to slide out to get to our living area and bedroom. Much easier in an RV where you don't have to slide out. But in an emergency or a pinch it's nice to know they're there.

 

[lombardi]

does your wife ever prepare dinner in the back while you drive?

No, everyone rides in the truck. This is one of the trade offs. After doing this for a few years I would love to have a diesel pusher where everyone could sit in teh back, make dinner, play games, etc.., while i'm driving. For us, now, it's a lot of books on tape (Huck Finn right now), XM radio, kindles and homework.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I guess two years ain't so bad then.

Do you worry about your kids falling behind in school? How do you know what to teach them and how to home school them? Did you get some kind of curriculum and materials etc. to keep them "on track"?

Don't wnat to turn this into an education thread but my kids were actually ahead in school and it was a bit of a problem. Primary school is focused on "the test". School admins get a lot more bang for their buck getting the kids who scores a 50 on the test up to a 70 than he does getting the kids scoring a 95 up to 98. So much is focused on this test that there is nothing left for the bright student. We lost our principal a few years ago because she was caught fudging students test scores.

My son was reading a book every two days in school because he had so much time sitting and waiting for the slower kids in his 25+ kid class to finish. I'm not saying my kids are gifted, but they have a stable home, engaged parents, and they are definitely bright. Not everyone has those advantages but they are in the same class. So when my kids finish they sit and wait and waste time.

All of our schooling is done using curriculum. They're reading ahead of their grade levels, they're doing match 1 and 2 years above their grade levels, they're taking a high school biology course this year, my 6th grader is even hanging in and scoring 80's and 90's on the test. So my biggest worry academically was them being too far ahead. At least in high school classes are tracked. They can take a honors classes, ap classes, etc. They'll be just fine.

I'll back him up on this. I've volunteered over the last 4 years(preschool-2+) nearly every day in my daughters class for at least 2-3 hours. I live in a nationally recognized top 5 school district. The teacher /student ratio is at 35/1. This is not feasible. Teacher is totally overwhelmed. But test scores and attendance are all that matter to keep the funds coming. We are looking to slide into a charter school next year. If that fails, we are starting to consider home schooling. . suck it scout leaders!!

 

[lombardi]

A two year haitus is fine, hippies. Relax. It initially seemed he'd been doing this for years already and intended to do it a whole lot longer. I would think it would be a pretty sucky way for a kid to grow up through the entirety of their teens, sorry. Sucky and weird. They wouldn't know how to socialize with kids their own age and develop friendships, and I imagine it would be damn lonely. It can be traumatic enough on a teenager to make a single move -- to move constantly through those years? Just can't be good. Yeah, I get it, it's "square" thinking, all that conventional stuff. But I suspect there's truth to it.

I also think the fact that you all believe that kids can only play Xbox, and that's why you don't see them outside. Around here, kids do lots of things -- they're in school all day, play one or more sports, take music lessons, and when you pack in time for homework and family time, well, I suppose there's not a whole lot of time left in the day. Just because a kid has a "traditional" upbringing, it doesn't mean they're being screwed up. This isn't a multiple choice test with your two options being Xbox or RV Gypsy Life.

In any event, I do think it sounds pretty damn cool given that it's just for a couple years, and presumably the kids had normal schooling before and will have that after, and will have friends their own ages, so they'll have an education and social skills. That would be my concern anyway. My guess is that the vast majority of parents on this board wouldn't do it while they have school age kids (already there's repeated talk about people wanting to do this after the kids are out of the house, or during a summer, etc.). Have to wonder why that is.

I don't agree with all of this but I certainly would be very reluctant to make this my lifestyle for my kids entire childhood. I agree that they would miss out on a lot, especially with family, if we were gone all the time. As awesome as this time is and as great as I think it will be for them in the long run, 10 years of living like this would have definite drawbacks and I don't know if it would be the best way for kids to grow up. I don't think it would be horrible but I wouldn't pretend to think that just because it sounds fun that it would be the best thing for htem.

 

[lombardi]

2 years sounds like a perfect amount of time. In this situation where the home schooling is temporary, I see that as different than the home schooled fringe of society types that pull their kids out entirely until high school or beyond.

Some guys have alluded to one major sacrifice, and that's the issue with railing the wife on a regular basis or with any kind of thoroughness.

I'm also not sure my wife would be able to handle a shower/grooming situation like that for more than a night or two.

Holy crap that's a good point. Does the whole family sleep in the same room together every night? For TWO YEARS?

Already talked about this. 32" trailer, Our bedroom is on one end, theirs is on teh other. Two wooden doors and an accordian door between us.

 

[lombardi]

lombardi could you ask your wife if she would buy make-up from someone in the RV park

There are ladies out there that do this, sell avon/scentsy or whatever else kind of MLM merchandise they can carry. I don't know how much they make.

We're pretty easy going, i think if my wife met someone and needed some makeup she would. Just not sure how it all works. She is asleep now, can't ask.

 

[lombardi]

My wife's hangup would be the shower for sure. GB your wife and her non high maintenance-ness.

Two things make this possible. First, my job. Not everyone can be completely remote like I am. Second, my wife. She loves this life style and is super low maintenance, loves travel and the outdoors. We're very compatible.

 

[lombardi]

A two year haitus is fine, hippies. Relax. It initially seemed he'd been doing this for years already and intended to do it a whole lot longer.

Well, right. Because it was all the way in post #12 before he mentioned "I don't know how this would affect them long term if we lived like this forever. But for two years I actually things it's been a benefit and taught them a lot about making friends, talking to adults, meeting people, and even how to entertain themselves and use their imaginations."

And to this point, while we're wasting our innernets dissecting text, I still don't know if he's told us how long he's planned on doing this. Two years doesn't seem like a long time I suppose, but he hasn't ended the trip. They're still out doing it and I didn't see any suggestion they are stopping soon.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned it but just to be sure, we're putting our oldest in high school next September. We'll be in the South next spring looking for a new "home". So we have until September.

 

[lombardi]

We're about 3 years from Otis starting a thread titled "Thinking of buying an RV and hitting the road for 2 years".

Ha. He's already scouting out models.

Seriously though I could totally get down with doing a few weeks here and there. Lots of places out west I'd love to drive though and check out.

The West is where it's at. It's amazing. Utah, CA, WA, OR, AZ, CO. We've been travelling for almost 2 years and we still feel like we missed so much, there is SO much to see out here.

 

[lombardi]

Bagger - It's 2 years, calm down Francis

 

[lombardi]

Did you or your wife have any formal teaching training. Degree?

No and you don't need it. We're not exactly teaching quantum physics.

If I had to teach 30 kids in a room form all different backgrounds and learning abilities, deal with emotional and traumatic family issues, identify learning disabilities, etc.., then I agree it would probably be better if I had a degree training me to do this.

Walking my own children through middle school math, science, U.S. history, vocabulary, writing, logic, etc.., with a trunk load of curriculum doesn't take a degree. If anything they get so much more time for in depth discussion, working through difficult problems when they pop-up, and actual debate and thoughtful conversation. There just isn't enough time for this kind of individual attention in school, it doesnt' even compare.

We're not teaching them AP Physics.

 

[lombardi]

Do you feel bad youre ruining your children's lives?

this.no chance for the kids to go to a top college. will have issues not having long term friends they developed a deep bond with, as they now have tons of rv park acquaintances and facebook friends.

the upsides are what i experienced in a normal summer vacation, so i really dont get how this is getting the kids some crazy exposure to something that others dont.

hey at least you have those soundproof accordion doors to stop the kids from hearing you have sex.

Yeah, because everyone knows there's only one successful method of raising children, and if you don't follow it to the letter, they're destined to become meth addicted gay prostitutes or work at Walmart for the rest of their lives.

does this put his kids in a better or worse position to succeed in life?

You don't know the answer to that definitively any more than anyone else here. WTF, you don't even know this guy or his kids and you're qualified to say a couple years on the road equals an automatic disadvantage in life? How amazingly ignorant.

its not ignorant, its life.you dont get a do over. you get to prepare your kids for college and to succeed in life once. thats it.

thats not to say his kids wont be successful, but this is wilfully stacking the decks against his children by eliminating options, both academically and socially, both of which are incredibly important to long term success in everything in life.

i still have not seen any upsides that could not be gained through family vacations over a 2-4 week period in a summer. its not like this is an opportunity to work in africa and live in the savannah for 2 years becoming immersed in a different culture and living among elephants, hippos, and zebras. that is still a difficult decision but an experience that is transferable to colleges, interviews, and broadening ones outlook on life.

this is going to rv parks which are trailer parks on wheels. not exactly a diverse and rich cultural experience.

to me this is a high risk decision with minimal upside for his kids.

but best of luck to him.

My kids are going to high school. What college is examining my kids 8th grade transript? If anything, they're going to be able to write a kick ### application essay. You obviously feel very strongly about your snap judgements but I can tell you that the experiences over these couple years can't be replicated with a few family vacations. I've also talked about all the fun, adventurous stuff. There is a ton of spiritual and ministry experiences and opportunities my kids have enjoyed on this trip. They're had some cool life experience with a lot of people in a lot of places, things we could never replicate at home. Doesn't make it the perfect way to live but I think your view of it is very narrow and uninformed.

Your idea of what rv parks are like also isn't exactly enlightened or informed.

I don't think this is the best way to live for everyone and I don't know if this is the best way to live long term, but the experience we've had is pretty contrary to just about everything you've said.

 

[lombardi]

Good job ####### up another thread Otis. You're getting into the Tim/MOP realm.

I was considering going to the OP's current location and just screaming "LOMBARDI. !!!!!". Until the poor guy came out to keep me

Quiet.

I'm in the 4300 block, look for the wildcat. No need to scream, just knock up.

 

[lombardi]

Lots of folks in here getting angry because not everyone agrees with them. Sorry if a few of us raised questions that some of you are uncomfortable with.

To the OP, much respect for going off the beaten path and doing something unique. Sounds awesome, sounds like the kids will have some interesting and unique experiences that 99% of other American kids won't have had, and I can imagine you've made memories your family will cherish forever. Very cool stuff, I'm envious of you for it and suspect many folks in here wish we could pick up and do something interesting like that. May you and your family enjoy the rest of your travels.

Thanks Otis. Certainly wans't offended by any of your questions. Didn't agree with many but much of it was probably because you thought we were living this way forever. I started this thread to answer questions and I didn't expect all of them to be positive.

 

[lombardi]

I'd be all over this if I had the kind of job that would allow. However, realistically speaking, I'm pretty sure either my wife or I would be certifiably insane if we were both around our kids 24/7. Of course, our kids are quite a bit younger.

As far as missing out on middle-school experiences - I wish I missed out on mine. Middle-school sucked. I didn't remain close with hardly any of those guys, all my home-town friends are from highschool.

I couldn't have done this when my kids were really young. They're pretty self reliant and do a lot on their own, pitch in with chores, set up and break down, etc. . If I had toddlers this would be WAY more difficult. We did it for weeks at time when they were younger, even 2 months in the summer, but not this.

 

[lombardi]

when I was a kid, both of my parents were school teachers so they had all summers off. We went on 2-month road trips, which were pretty awesome. Of course, because they were teachers, all we could afford was a tent - no fancy RV for us. There were four major trips that I can recall - Maine, Florida, and California and Alaska, and all points between. We saw lots of awesome stuff and had some great experiences, and spent some time with all sorts of friends and relatives along the way.

I didn't know many people that have camped at the base of Mt McKinley, gone whale watching in Maine, gone deep-sea fishing in Florida, been to the top of Sears tower or Empire States Building, visited Washington DC, toured the boats in Mystic Sea Port, walked the fields in Gettysburg, hiked along the Appalachian trail, rode the SF trolley, saw the Redwoods, etc., all by the age of 14.

The cost to me, as a kid, is I never went to "summer camp", I couldn't play baseball, and I couldn't be on the traveling soccer team.

I imagine that this two year tour would be like my summer vacations on steriods.

:thumbsup:

Interesting to hear from someone who had a somewhat similar experience.

I don't think my kids appreciate how different/special it is right now. They're having a great time and enjoying it but I wonder sometimes if they really "get it". How did your travelling, if it did, affect you later in life?

 

[lombardi]

I wouldn't confuse seeing more than half the national parks and visiting countless museums and seeing natural wonders all over this country with bubbas RV park either.

But you knew that

still waiting on an answer to the question why you need to give up everything to do that?I am sure Lombardi is giving his kids a great and loving environment and I wish his family the best.

Just not my thing I guess.

Please see mine.

Can you point to where they gave everything up to do this? They still own their house. He still has his same job. They could end this trip whenever they want and return to the exact same life they had before.

First post - they sold all their belongings except what fit in their RV or a small shed. House is being rented so not sure what rental agreement is but doubt month to month so probably couldn't move back into house right away.

I was a year lease but we're month to month now. if we wanted to move back in we could.

We're hoping to move to the South, keep the house as a rental and eventually buy a new one.

 

[lombardi]

Giving everything up would mean quittig his job, selling their house, and not storing any #### in a shed.

Not sure why this is so confusing.

Sure, they downsized, but they hardly gave it all up for this trip.

Selling all of our crap was actually liberating. It forced us to only keep what we really cared about. We live in an RV now so we can only buy what fits. It's been a very cool non-consumer year. I think it's actually been a benefit for my wife and I to really see what we value, what we miss, what we don't care about. Pretty awesome feeling to not have to worry about "stuff".

Now when I get back I wnat my big tv back and an awesome surround sound.... nobody is perfect.

 

[lombardi]

Why the 5th wheel and not a class A with a smaller pull behind car?

Not to derail the judgement and tangents going on in the thread, but I do have the same question for the OP. I'm planning on buying something in the next couple of years, and am having a hard time deciding whether to go with a trailer/5th wheel vs. an RV/towing a car. Curious as to your thoughts on the subject as someone living this lifestyle.

Did you have the truck already? That would obviously make the decision easier.

TIA

I bought the truck and RV within the same couple weeks. Bought a new RV, used diesel truck (got a great deal).

I only wanted 1 engine to maintain and I also didn't want the possibility of my house to have to go into the shop for a week.

Saying that, if I could afford it, which I can't, I think I might prefer a big diesel pusher instead of a fifth wheel. Truck can be a pain driving around the city and parking. I would love for kids and wife to be able to play games, sleep, cook dinner, watch tv, while I'm driving. Set up is SO much easier in a nice Diesel pusher. I have to go out (in the rain sometimes or at night) to unhitch, put landing gear down, chock wheels, etc.. Some dudes pull in, click the button and it self levels, I get very jealous when I see that. But towing a car can be a bit of a pain also.

It's actually a difficult decision. It mostly comes down to what's more important for you and what you can afford. YOu can get a lot more bang for the buck in a fifth wheel. Plus if your engine or tranny goes, you don't have to trade in your house, just your truck.

Also, I feel a lot safer with my wife and kids buckled into a truck surrounded by air bags than driving in an RV. If you have a family and want to have nightmares, google RV crash images.

 

[lombardi]

Life isn't all about building the biggest house, making as much money as possible, or even building that 2nd driveway. It's about spending time with your family and making memories. It sounds like the OP is doing just fine.

:thumbsup:

That's how we see it

 

[lombardi]

Life isn't all about building the biggest house, making as much money as possible, or even building that 2nd driveway. It's about spending time with your family and making memories. It sounds like the OP is doing just fine.

But if you can spend time with family and have two driveways? Ultimate success.

I had about 50 different drive-ways last year. Pretty cool.

 

[lombardi]

I also don't have to worry about counteracting an ever increasing liberal viewpoint in my children's everyday education. Not just from a religious viewpoint but also from a secular one when it comes to U.S. history and civics. It's no secret that I live in a dyed in blue state that has a strong, liberal teachers union that advocates curriculum and social engineering that doesn't agree with both my spiritual and my civic beliefs.

Yeah...

My only issue with the whole thing but I do have feeling that the plan backfires on him.

I'm surprised more people aren't commenting on this. This feels like an enormous bright red flag to me.

This actually has nothing to do with our travel. I would feel this way at home or on the road.

 

[lombardi]

Also, lombardi is raising the hippie kids his own parents always dreamed of, so it'll all sort work out.

Dude, my big fear. The wheel just keeps turning. :shivers:

 

[lombardi]

"Not all those who wander are lost"

We have this quote in our RV

 

[lombardi]

Props to lombardi for being willing to re-enter this train wreck of a thread

I was out all weekend, couldn't believe it was still going when I got back.

I said I would answer questions, so I will.

 

[lombardi]

Do you drink booze?

I don't drink anymore. My wife will have a couple glasses of wine.

 

[lombardi]

Don't get mad at me if you hear some guy screaming FBG, LOMBARDI.......SHOW YOURSELF!!! I'm thinking tomorrow night around 5-6??? Whatcha think??

I may be out around 5-6 but I'll be working all day until about 3.

I'm near the back.

 

[lombardi]

Alright fellas, I think I made it through the whole thread. I'm heading to bed.

Will check back in the morning.

g'night.

 

[Otis]

Lots of folks in here getting angry because not everyone agrees with them. Sorry if a few of us raised questions that some of you are uncomfortable with.

To the OP, much respect for going off the beaten path and doing something unique. Sounds awesome, sounds like the kids will have some interesting and unique experiences that 99% of other American kids won't have had, and I can imagine you've made memories your family will cherish forever. Very cool stuff, I'm envious of you for it and suspect many folks in here wish we could pick up and do something interesting like that. May you and your family enjoy the rest of your travels.

Thanks Otis. Certainly wans't offended by any of your questions. Didn't agree with many but much of it was probably because you thought we were living this way forever. I started this thread to answer questions and I didn't expect all of them to be positive.

You're a class act lombardi. Appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You're right we won't entirely agree on some things (probably because of some more fundamental differing views we have), but it sounds like you're pretty damn well on top of it all. Gluck the rest of the way through.

 

[Otis]

By the way, does anyone else here have a feeling that this is a Joe Bryant alias? For giggles:

-resources to do something like this, and doesn't have to worry about the hiatus affecting his career going forward

-strong Christian right leaning

-can do his job from anywhere

-family man

-handles challenging questions from other posters with grace and that signature JB touch

-JB has been missing in action here on the boards for some time now, and Dodds has even been sending out some of the daily updates

The NJ thing could be for cover. The only hitch in the story is that I thought Joe had older kids. Still.

 

[Das Boot]

By the way, does anyone else here have a feeling that this is a Joe Bryant alias? For giggles:

-resources to do something like this, and doesn't have to worry about the hiatus affecting his career going forward

-strong Christian right leaning

-can do his job from anywhere

-family man

-handles challenging questions from other posters with grace and that signature JB touch

-JB has been missing in action here on the boards for some time now, and Dodds has even been sending out some of the daily updates

The NJ thing could be for cover. The only hitch in the story is that I thought Joe had older kids. Still.

:mindblown:

 

[McGarnicle]

do you teach your kids the theory of evolution?

We teach them both what we believe, what their heritage and their parents faith teaches them. We also teach them what they would learn in school. Most importantly we teach them to think critically and to not just take for granted arguments because they're made by someone "on our side", whatever that means. That even though we believe God created the heavens and the Earth and made us in his image it doesn't mean we that every creationist or design argument is accurate or even intellectually honest. We examine evidence, we read and believe in teh Bible, and honestly it's not really important to know 100% how it all happened. We can discuss it intelligently without having to KNOW the answer. Sin and redemption and the love of God and neighbor are more important than winning evolution debates. I'm not even 100% sure which theory I believe, 7 day creation, 1000 day creation, gap theory, etc.. Doesn't matter. I know grace and so do my kids.

Wow, good for you man. Such a smart way of handling it. I would love to hear those conversations with your kids.I no longer hold any creationist beliefs but it strikes me as a really rational and level-headed approach for teaching kids that stuff. Don't sit there and say you know all the answers because no one does. I'm sure the kids are more receptive when you don't insult their intelligence. Let them draw their own conclusions; that's the definition of learning after all.

 

[James Daulton]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

 

[McGarnicle]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Hell yes. I would've told the haters to go #### themselves, then asked the mods to Eminence the thread. I'm not at all reasonable or well thought out.

 

[gianmarco]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Couldn't agree more. Big fan.

 

[igbomb]

I'm pretty sure that Lombardi and I would have a tough time finding things to agree on politically, and most home-schooled kids that I have met are certifiable weirdos, but having said that, Lombardi comes across as someone who really took the time to consider all the angles on this one before setting out. Sounds like you're doing right by your kids and giving them one hell of an experience that a lot of us probably wish we had as a kid. I don't think they are missing out at all.

 

[pollardsvision]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Couldn't agree more. Big fan.

Agreed. lombardi knocking it out of the RV park here.

Although, I must say I'm a bit disappointed that lombardi didn't out to be the crazy nut-job Otis thought he was. That would've been pretty interesting.

 

[[icon]]

A two year haitus is fine, hippies. Relax. It initially seemed he'd been doing this for years already and intended to do it a whole lot longer.

Well, right. Because it was all the way in post #12 before he mentioned "I don't know how this would affect them long term if we lived like this forever. But for two years I actually things it's been a benefit and taught them a lot about making friends, talking to adults, meeting people, and even how to entertain themselves and use their imaginations."

And to this point, while we're wasting our innernets dissecting text, I still don't know if he's told us how long he's planned on doing this. Two years doesn't seem like a long time I suppose, but he hasn't ended the trip. They're still out doing it and I didn't see any suggestion they are stopping soon.

Not entirely sure otis has actually read this thread

Most of the issues he raises are covered in here.

 

[Otis]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Couldn't agree more. Big fan.

Agreed. lombardi knocking it out of the RV park here.

Although, I must say I'm a bit disappointed that lombardi didn't out to be the crazy nut-job Otis thought he was. That would've been pretty interesting.

I'm not sure I ever said he was a crazy nut job. But I admit, I generally do get a little when folks start talking about creationism, home schooling, and the like.

 

[[icon]]

Homeschooling DEFINITELY is not healthy long term unless major efforts are made to give the kids a chance to socialize on a normal level (ie TONS of after school activities and such). However 2 years like this is NOT a big deal IMO. As lombardi said, they're getting a ton of time with kids their age at each stop. Tougher to form long term relationships but candidly I have zero friends remaining (outside family) that I had when I was in grade school.

I think Highschool, College, and beyond is where you form your lasting friendships. Hell, I'd say the vast majority of my friends now are from after college even.

 

[spOOfy]

2 years sounds like a perfect amount of time. In this situation where the home schooling is temporary, I see that as different than the home schooled fringe of society types that pull their kids out entirely until high school or beyond.

Some guys have alluded to one major sacrifice, and that's the issue with railing the wife on a regular basis or with any kind of thoroughness.

I'm also not sure my wife would be able to handle a shower/grooming situation like that for more than a night or two.

Holy crap that's a good point. Does the whole family sleep in the same room together every night? For TWO YEARS?

oh for christ's sake, read the thread, would you?

 

[cstu]

Staying for a month at a time you would be amazed how cheaply you can live. OUr rent in Portland for a month was $450 plus electric. In Ferndale, Wa (Near Bellingham) it was $400 including electricity. It's $1200 + electrin in Newport Beach but that's an exception and also less than half of the cheapest house you could rent here for a month.

That's actually a great deal for NB.

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Did not read the entire thread so I apologize if you already answered this question. 1) Are you keeping some kind of journal or diary that could possibly go to book form someday? 2) How many state magnets do you have on your fridge door?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

By the way, does anyone else here have a feeling that this is a Joe Bryant alias? For giggles:

-resources to do something like this, and doesn't have to worry about the hiatus affecting his career going forward

-strong Christian right leaning

-can do his job from anywhere

-family man

-handles challenging questions from other posters with grace and that signature JB touch

-JB has been missing in action here on the boards for some time now, and Dodds has even been sending out some of the daily updates

The NJ thing could be for cover. The only hitch in the story is that I thought Joe had older kids. Still.

:mindblown:

And of course to really cover that it is Joe, he went with RV instead of living on a houseboat.

 

[lombardi]

Lots of folks in here getting angry because not everyone agrees with them. Sorry if a few of us raised questions that some of you are uncomfortable with.

To the OP, much respect for going off the beaten path and doing something unique. Sounds awesome, sounds like the kids will have some interesting and unique experiences that 99% of other American kids won't have had, and I can imagine you've made memories your family will cherish forever. Very cool stuff, I'm envious of you for it and suspect many folks in here wish we could pick up and do something interesting like that. May you and your family enjoy the rest of your travels.

Thanks Otis. Certainly wans't offended by any of your questions. Didn't agree with many but much of it was probably because you thought we were living this way forever. I started this thread to answer questions and I didn't expect all of them to be positive.

You're a class act lombardi. Appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You're right we won't entirely agree on some things (probably because of some more fundamental differing views we have), but it sounds like you're pretty damn well on top of it all. Gluck the rest of the way through.

Thanks for the well wishes. So far so good.

 

[lombardi]

By the way, does anyone else here have a feeling that this is a Joe Bryant alias? For giggles:

-resources to do something like this, and doesn't have to worry about the hiatus affecting his career going forward

-strong Christian right leaning

-can do his job from anywhere

-family man

-handles challenging questions from other posters with grace and that signature JB touch

-JB has been missing in action here on the boards for some time now, and Dodds has even been sending out some of the daily updates

The NJ thing could be for cover. The only hitch in the story is that I thought Joe had older kids. Still.

That would have to be a pretty long set up considering I've been around since the 'ol Yellow days

 

[lombardi]

do you teach your kids the theory of evolution?

We teach them both what we believe, what their heritage and their parents faith teaches them. We also teach them what they would learn in school. Most importantly we teach them to think critically and to not just take for granted arguments because they're made by someone "on our side", whatever that means. That even though we believe God created the heavens and the Earth and made us in his image it doesn't mean we that every creationist or design argument is accurate or even intellectually honest. We examine evidence, we read and believe in teh Bible, and honestly it's not really important to know 100% how it all happened. We can discuss it intelligently without having to KNOW the answer. Sin and redemption and the love of God and neighbor are more important than winning evolution debates. I'm not even 100% sure which theory I believe, 7 day creation, 1000 day creation, gap theory, etc.. Doesn't matter. I know grace and so do my kids.

Wow, good for you man. Such a smart way of handling it. I would love to hear those conversations with your kids.I no longer hold any creationist beliefs but it strikes me as a really rational and level-headed approach for teaching kids that stuff. Don't sit there and say you know all the answers because no one does. I'm sure the kids are more receptive when you don't insult their intelligence. Let them draw their own conclusions; that's the definition of learning after all.

I really fear some people lose the respect of their children when they get older because of things like this. Maybe respect is too strong of a word, but their influence or trust in the things they were taught. When the see the absurdity of some of the things that come from the speakers in their tribe that that their parents mindlessly nodded along with and taught them, when they get older and realize some of it is nonsense I think it shakes the belief in the things that are real and true.

I am definitely a creationist, don't let me water it down. I just don't know all the answers and I can spot tons equine pucky on both sides of the debate. We need to call it when we see it if we want our kids, when they're older and can make their own decisions, to look back on the things we've taught them and value them as wise and true. If I'm trying to balance my kids belief in a creator on moon dust arguments I'm going to be in trouble when he is 18.

 

[lombardi]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

 

[lombardi]

lombardi may well be the most reasonable and well thought out FBG I've read. Enjoy the rest of your RV experiences and please pass on these traits to your kids, we need a lot more people in this country who think like you do.

Couldn't agree more. Big fan.

Agreed. lombardi knocking it out of the RV park here.

Although, I must say I'm a bit disappointed that lombardi didn't out to be the crazy nut-job Otis thought he was. That would've been pretty interesting.

Threads not over yet, still plenty of time for me to say something crazy or pull off my alias mask