New Beginnings: embracing change

I have always been one to embrace change, I even enjoyed it... until I had children. I quickly learned that children thrive on routine, and knowing what to expect, and equally as quick became a home bodied creature of habit. However, being a military family makes for lots of quick, not planned life changes. You don't get to pick where you live, or when you will live there or make the military life fit in your family's daily routine.

So, when I found out we were moving to Ft. Lewis, WA I was both relieved (since it is still on the West Coast and close to some family) and anxious. I was anxious because my kids had the blessing of being able to be close to and get to know each and every one of their grandparents for the past 4 years. Definitely a blessing, but how would they fare moving away from the protection of all of them? Would there be fits of tears and tantrums for not getting to see them? These were the beginnings of my worries.
I also began to wonder how the whole moving process would go? Would Tre and Frankie cry the entire 26 hour drive? Would we get lost? What would our housing be like? Will the neighbors be nice? Well, there were only moments of crying, no more than any day. We didn't get lost. And we still have no idea about housing and neighbors as we are staying in an Extended Stay Hotel until housing on base is available.

Gearing up for our long drive, 2:30a.m.

the Lord took us from the desert to this... thank you Jesus!!!

In these very fast moving past couple of months of learning where and when we would be moving, I have learned I truly have to lean on the verse that teaches us not to worry, does the Lord not feed even the birds of the air, and clothe the flowers? We can never predict what will happen, so I am taking it a day at a time. Trusting that God will work it all out like He always does, and embracing this beautiful change He has brought us to. 

Change is a'comin

and it's coming way too fast.Yesterday my awesomely gorgeous, amazing husband came home after a long seven months of training with the U.S. Army. My greatest fear that Tre would react negatively to this due to his being so young (the ripe old age of exactly ONE) when Andre left, was dispelled as soon as Tre jumped in Andre's arms at the airport. The kids have been on cloud nine since last night which could bring me no greater joy. However, I am finding it hard to stay "cheerful" as the looming date of our move to Washington is fast approaching.

Las Vegas is my home. It has been for practically my entire life. It's not my home because of it's location, but because of the family I have that live here. If they were in a different city, that would be home. I have been a "daddy's girl" since, well, forever. My daddy is here, he has been for practically HIS whole life. My kids adore my daddy, just as much as I do, and as much as they adore Andre. I know it's going to be quite an adjustment for them to not see their Nana and Papa every Sunday for family dinner.... or get to see every single one of their other grandparents that all live here at least once a week.

Within the next few weeks we will have to say goodbye to our home, made up of many wonderful friends, almost all of our family, and the church that brought Andre and I together. While I know that this is the beginning of a new chapter, where we will make many more wonderful friends, get to know even more family, and find a new church family as well, I am having a hard time swallowing this giant pill that has the emblem CHANGE emblazoned on it. I will go into this new chapter with an open heart and mind, embracing what God has in His plan for us. But in these last few weeks, I know there will be many tears shed for the goodbyes to come, and the excitement/fear of building our new "home."

Enjoy the Journey card

Hi everyone!!!! It has been a really long time since I posted anything! Things have been interesting around here with the finalization of Mason and Kira's adoption (YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and planning our move to Ft. Lewis. Along with all of that, May itself has been a quite eventful month. My sister Nicole starred in her high schools rendition of South Pacific (which may I say she was amazing!!!), we had Mother's Day, Sandy's birthday, and still to come is my dad and Sandy's anniversary. AND I get to go visit my husband for Memorial Day weekend!!!

Anyways, the reason for this post is to share the birthday card I created for Sandy :)

I have been dying to break into the paper collection by Fancy Pants Designs "It's the Little Things" which I got from Flamingo Scraps. The background paper is "Four Birds" and the red cardstock is from the Paper Company. I originally was going to emboss the stamped sentiment but thought that the words would become muddled, so instead I did it in Black Soot Distress ink, then misted it with Maya Mist in Iridescent Pearl. I cut it out and pop dotted it for dimension. I then added the swirls for some extra bling, because you know everyone needs a little bling on their birthday!!!

Other items used: ribbon from Oriental Trading

Have a blessed day!!

Prima Wreath

I know, it's been forever since I posted a crafty project!!! I thought I would have MORE time to craft with Andre being away, as I would need something to keep me busy while after the kids went to bed. I have gotten a few projects done, but they are things I can't share juuust yet ;)
Anyways, my neighbors across the street have this gorgeous red berry wreath on their front door, which inspired me to create my own wreath for our door! All of the flowers are Prima flowers from my favorite Ebay store Flamingo Scraps with the exception of the pink Webster's Bloomers. I added a layer of Glossy Accents to the thinner paper flowers for some added protection and preservation. The butterflies were a gift from a lady at church, and the lace is from Hancock's Fabric's.
I really like the soft, vintage-y feel of this wreath. Thanks for looking, have a blessed day!! ♥

Rollercoaster Ride

Enter 2011.... on a rollercoaster. Obviously not literally, however so far 2011 has brought many frustrating moments, days, even a week of straight frustration. It has also brought tears (of pain and joy) laughter, a renewed love and sweetness I didn't know was possible. How could all of these things happen in only a short 10 days? It baffles me as well.
Allow me to be purely candid here, I can pretend that everything is ok while my husband is away training for the Army. But it's quite the opposite. I have days that I wish I could just run away and not deal with any of this. Days where I probably yell at my kids too much, while they are just being kids. Then there are the days where I just want to laugh and play with them, and they bring me pure joy. There have been many sleepless nights, some self induced, some because my babies are having a hard time with this as well. Moments have passed where I think to myself, nope, no more kids for me, I am done. Where deep in my heart, well maybe not that deep haha! The desire (and it's a strong one!!!) for more kids overwhelms me.
It's excruciatingly hard not knowing when I will hear from Andre, if there will be letters, or possibly a phone call. And those surprise, sometimes only 2 minute calls and paragraph letters bring a joy indescribable.
The best thing that has come out of these 10 days in 2011 is my relationship with Jesus has deepened and that fire has quickened and engulfed my heart. I am learning to not let things overwhelm me, rather to let the love of my God to overwhelm me and be my strength when I feel I am going to lose my mind if I hear one more "mooommmmyyyyy" or one more cry. God is good, and His love never fails. And that, makes my roller coaster turn into a smooth ride.
Blessings ♥