Making it home: cooking lessons

Now that we have a bigger kitchen to spread out in, I like having little helpers in there with me. 

There Apron Christmas gifts must have inspired them because they have been in the kitchen with me several times for "lessons. "

Although it sometimes not super optimal timing,  I am trying to embrace these opportunities and make some memories.

Graffiti

I love having these little notes every day from Kymber. I have saved a few to show her when she's older. 

I also love that we have Ben's old desk from childhood.

So I guess that I love Kymber's graffiti on the desk......

Something about a truck.......

Especially when it is old Bessie and us saying farewell to her. Ben had that truck before we met. 

We moved across country 4 times (twice pulling my Mustang) and made more trips north and south than I could count. 

We had many serious conversations about life, lots of laughs, and even some fights in her. 

The Littles cried when we told them that this morning was the last time that they would see "truckie."

So old Bessie,  thank-you for 17 awesome years!

Making it home: one find at a time (volume 1)

No big secret, we have moved a lot in our 14 years of marriage. I have a few pieces of decor that I always want to keep and then it's also fun to add new pieces! 

Ben and the kids gave me this rustic shelf and window frame for Christmas that they found out antiquing. 

I had Ben change out the decor on one wall in our dining room so that I could combine them together. 

I am still looking for shutters to go on either side of the window and decor to compliment the combination for the shelf. I will probably get it perfect then it will be time to leave again. 

Here is the first project of the year!

Goals for 2018

As 2018 rolls in, I have set a few education goals for myself as I  might be jumping back into the work force.
I am trying to prepare to go back to my nursing career in an entirely different field than what I was used to.
I have about 65 continuing education credits lined up that center around school nursing.  It feels daunting but I am diving in head first to prepare myself as best as I can.
What are your education goals for 2018? What motivates you to complete them?
Best wishes for attaining your education goals this upcoming year!

The down side of military life

I will be the first to say that there are decisions made for my husband and my family based on the needs of the Marine Corps that I don’t agree with on a daily basis. I try to focus on all the blessings that we have because of the military. New places that I would have never seen, friends that become framily, traveling, an appreciation for selfless service, blooming where you are planted even if it is out of your comfort zone. (Just to name a few )

One thing that I cannot write off is missing family. My children miss their cousins that we may get to see once a year, we miss meeting new family members, mostly just miss what most families consider "normal" family experiences.

I am clinging to our recent family get together where we got to meet our 5 month old nephew and rekindle cousin relationships. We are not sure when we will all be in one place again since Hawaii, Texas, Missouri,  and North Carolina are not geographically close to one another but we are thankful for the memories made and strengthened relationships. 

Isn't he just the sweetest thing?

The sweet sounds of giggles, play screams, hugs, and sweet conversations are still ringing in my head!

Brought to you by the letter "T"

Trouble

I firmly believe I am getting my paybacks for the first two children being such good 2 year olds. Kymber....oh little girl I love you so but you are a Troublemaker!! It's a good thing you are so cute!

This is an entire bottle of baby powder that she dumped an HOUR after my deployment cleaning fairy had left!

Spring break movie 2014

We went to see Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Kenzie was awesome as she slept the whole movie. Kendall and Isaac were also pretty good minus a little spilled coke. Kymber a.k.a. Wild child was a bit more taxing! There were jelly beans flying, running down the aisle, and a few other crazy incidents.

D for Diva

A picture a day....

How did Kendall get so grown up so fast?

My only little man

The wild card!!!

So awake and alert

Mommy isn't good at mowhawks

Snuggles

Waiting on our daddy!

They make me smile

Pure sweetness