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.

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!

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!

Old decor...new house

So like most folks, we have decor that moves with us from house to house. You know that makes it feel like home! This is one of those pieces. And of course we add to it with each new duty station too! I love to support other WAHM businesses so I just wanted to give a shout out to Perfectly Distressed. I have had many compliments over the years on this particular decor piece. I ordered the new board before we left California and it was waiting for us at the new house! 

If you want to check our her pieces, you can do so at.....

www.perfectlydistressed.com

The Beach fashion blog

Since my kids are so cute.....

I mean since my Grammy wants to see the kids....

Ahem ok maybe since the kids have so many clothes, I decided to do a different approach to fashion. I am hoping that this will be a daily picture that the kids will look back and laugh at.....and maybe I will be able to get them to wear all their clothes! 

Merry Christmas from the Beach house!

 Maverick 8 to 11 months-ish

Kendall 9.5

Kenzie 22 months

Kymber 3 about to be 4

Isaac 7.5

                                                                                                 

Nutcracker memories

Besides the fact that Christmas is my favorite holiday, I look forward to December because Kendall and I have a long standing Nutcracker date. We started going when she was 3 and have been blessed to see many different dance companies perform. This year was in San Diego. Next year, who knows where we will watch it! 

Baby snuggles

She doesn't want to nap so we are making some memories.....

End of kindergarten!

So we started the year thinking Isaac was in transitional kindergarten. I am thrilled to say even though it was a regular kindergarten class, Isaac seemed to hold his own. He has grown and learned so much this year. I also discovered he has Ben's penmanship. We are working on that!

End of year root beer float social. Isaac really enjoyed Mrs. Warman and Mrs. Casey!

This makes me teary eyed! He's not allowed to be this grown up already!

My little boy

I received a project from Isaac yesterday. Sweet flowers for his mama. I love their gifts like this. I noticed that his hands are almost as big as mine. When did that happen? How did my chubby baby boy end up a stout and solid almost 6 year old?!? I'm thankful for our little space here online where I can journal our everyday moments for the kids to look back and see/remember all the little moments that made up our life as a family!

His very first book report & oral presentation. I hope he doesn't suffer his mamas fear of public speaking!

My Mother's Day in pictures

My gentle giant

He is such a little love to his sisters. I pray that he uses all this gentleness someday on his wife.