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 (a special edition of volume 1)

So I could have included this in my original volume 1 post, but I felt that it was special enough to warrant it's own post.

My sweet mom-in-law always finds a special way to repurpose items. This year she out did herself and made all the female grandchildren  (7 of 9) a special apron. The main section of blue fabric is from my brother in law's navy uniforms. Each fabric that is on them has a special memory attached with it too.

So thankful that my girls have these and share this memory with their cousins! 

The letter that accompanied the aprons, explaining them.

All the girls with Uncle Dan

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!

Joy

Recently I was inspired by my friend's daughter who is just starting her journey in life and blogging.
It reminded me of why I started this blog 10 years ago. First and foremost to keep a journal of our life for the kids. Secondly was to spread joy.
It has become increasingly more popular to use social media as a way to tote why your political opinion is better than others, air dirty laundry of a myriad of things, complain, on and on.
2018 I hope to get back to keeping my family's memories on here and spreading joy in a dark world.
I hope that y'all will join me on this ride!
Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

New house ♡ new entryway

I haven't posted in awhile. I have a fantastic excuse! We just has a surprise party for Ben! I continue to try to unpack and set up the house to make it a home. It's hard to keep a time perspective. We've only been in the house for a month now so I am trying to persevere and finish strong. 

The entry way is one of my favorite parts of the house. I'm not 100% done with it but it is close enough to post a few pictures ♡

The main wall has our family picture, rules, names, and of course stars!

The French doors house our office/ the Skidz Wife Creations sewing studio. It is wall to wall boxes in there.

The rug was a purchase from a friend in California. We only paid $10 for a 5x7 rug!

Ben got me this sweet, little table for our anniversary at a local antique shop.

This entry way bench is waiting on Ben and I to refinish, rework the wood, and get rid of the broken mirror. I can't tell you how much I want to post after pictures of this!!

This is part of the shelf about the door. I have an idea in my head of how I want it to look when finished. Now I just have to be patient until I find everything ♡

The other side of the shelf. The wreath was made by friends of ours from their grape vine in the backyard.

Looking into the hallway to the breakfast nook/kitchen area.

Obviously the shelf is so not finished but I am happy with it so far!

            ♡ Home. Family. Life. Love. ♡

Honoring Pappy

Believer. Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Pappy. Great-grandpa. Veteran. And so much more ♡

I will miss your quiet presence, your sense of humor, your love of desserts, even your teasing. 

You were there for most of my important events in school. You helped teach me how to shoot, fish, and play cards.

Most of all you showed me the devotion that a husband should have for his wife. Never once did I hear you and grammy arguing.

You were fair and honest. Oh yeah and a hard worker. 

Thankful for the blessing of being your granddaughter.