Military Spouse Bloghop

Sometimes I sit back and remember the days when I lived at home. Down an old dirt road, back in the woods. Our house sat beside a little creek where we fished and went swimming during the summer.

My Daddy always had a garden that he started in the Spring; where we'd pick fresh veggies and spend countless hours together.

I used to tell him that I would build a house along side the creek and we would open up a shop where we would sell the rockers that he built.(They're amazing by the way!!!)  I used to promise him that I'd never leave our little "Emory Cove."

But...

Then I grew up.

I went and joined the Air Force and for 2 years worked for the government.

Eventually I met Mike and now I couldn't be anymore happier. I ended up getting out of the Air Force because I was pregnant. I couldn't bear the thought of deploying and leaving my babies at home. Even though I had a blast when I was in Kuwait...

 I remember the faces of the parents when I was in Kuwait. They were always so heart broken.

So when Mike and I found out we were pregnant, we both agreed that I would separate.

So...now I am a

 "Military Spouse" and a "Stay at Home Moma" to two beautiful twin girls.

I wake up everyday knowing that my husband will always have a job. I now have the fear that he will be sent away for 3-6 months at a time and I will be here alone with my girls.

But...it comes with the job.

All I can say is..at least I've been on both sides of the fence.

So..now that you know a little about me (which there is more that I could share);

Welcome to HOPE ABOUND

This is my place where I share stories about my family life, recipes that we enjoying cooking, adventures that we endure, hard times, and the blessings of our life.

My name is Kristen.

You can join me on the weekends for my Reflection Sunday Meme. This where I look over the past week's happenings. So grab my button and join in.

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Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Please come back and visit me. I love meeting new friends. It's always a blessing. I hope you have a wonderful Friday!!!! God bless!!!

For more, head over to Riding the Rollercoaster

3 Months

 

It is so hard to believe that it's been 3 months since my you were born. So much has happened since the new year...this time has just flown by. I look at you everyday and try to take in one thing that I'll remember before I close my eyes at night. A certain smile, a pucker of the lips, an Elvis curl, something. The time I have with you now is so short and special, I want to take it all in.

I know that this is a little late, because you turned 3 months on the 18th, but you all know we've been busy with the new house and all.

Every now and then, I stop and rub my belly. When I feel a little bubble it reminds me of all the times that I would sit and just enjoy you. I miss those days. Not necessarily the size of my belly but knowing I was the one that was holding you. You know.

It's so crazy how you've grown in the last 3 months. From this...

to this...

You have grown so much and have started doing so many new things.

**You smile and laugh

**You play with the toys on your tummy mat

**You've started scooting around

**You're teething already

**You love eating bananas!!!

**You're sleeping longer through the night

**You holding your heads up more and more

**You respond to Moma and Daddy when we talk to you

**You grab for the dogs tails when they walk by you

**You turn your heads when you hear our voices

**You look when we look at something

Moma has a busy road ahead of her. It's time to start looking for highchairs, security gates, outlet plug covers...all the things that I'm gonna need to take care of you once you start boogying around the house. 'Cause we all know it's gonna be soon.

Moma and Daddy love you sooooo much.

We can't get enough of your sugar. You are so precious and sweet. I'm truly cherishing every moment I have with my sweet girls. I hope you're enjoying all of the silly things Moma does to entertain you...like singing and dancing around to make you laugh.

I'm having a blast even though the neighbors probably think I'm a crazy lady. They don't have your pretty smiles to look at all day.

God is truly a gracious god. I can't thank him enough for giving me the most amazing gifts a lady could have. I love you two so very much.

Happy 3 months!!!

Head over to Just for the Joy of It to see what other people find joy in.

Wordless Wednesday

Ok so I had to say a little something...Daddy had to show Savannah how to put her litght switch cover on. She was wide-eyed and attentive. Couldn't pass this photo opp up.

Head over here for more cute-able moments at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Busy Week #1

I was fully aware that when my husband told me we were moving to South Carolina that I was going to be a busy busy bee. I was pregnant at the time and could only imagine how and what was in store for me.

This past week has been so extremely busy, it's hard to imagine if it could be any busier. My house is a wreck. We're in a la-la stage. You know...the in between cycle of organazation. We decided right away that since we were unpacking our whole life to put into a new house, why not weed of the old.

Yeah you guessed it!!!

Garage Sale!!!!

The process of pulling old weeds has been very...let's just say...

AAAAHHHH!!!!

Why "AHHHH!!!"? you ask... well because look at my house! It's crazy! I can't tell you when the last time I let my house get so...I can't even think of a word that does this mess justice. It's just bonkers around here.

You will notice my dining table that I'm just SO in love with. Awh...my first real table. *sigh*

Now...you would think that this would be the only room that would be a wreck. Well, you're wrong. Take a look at my living room (and since the dining and living area are all open to each other, it looks like one big glop of a mess)

What makes matters worse is that we can't decide on how we want to arrange our furniture, so we've kind've put that matter on the back burner. It's just there for now.

The girls have all of their do-dads out and about because we're playing all the time with them.

The "more" yard sale stuff sit's patiently in my corner.

(I just recieved my Mimi's flowers in the mail yesterday. You should definitely visit her site...you'll fall in love!!!)

I can't wait until I get a handle on things around here. I'm trying to take one area at a time, but until we have our yard sale this weekend it's going to be messy and I'm just going to have to deal.

The girls' room is coming along. It's almost finished. The shelves and the little butterflies for their wall are the last touches. Oh...and Nana and Pa are bringing the second crib set up when they visit in 2 weeks. YAY!!! Other than that...it's done.

Speaking of the girls...this is what they usually do while Moma is attempting to unpack.

I ordered the comforter for my guest bedroom. It should be here soon. I can't wait until that's finished. This will be the first time I've had a "guest" bedroom. I know it sounds corny, but it's exciting!!!! *giggle*

 Our neighbor in Louisiana gave us this really neat iron headboard because he was turning his guest room into an office. How cool is that?!?

I'll share more later. The girls just went to sleep and the "in-between" feeding time is precious so I must get going.

Things to do, things to do.

Have a blessed day!!!

Reflection Sunday

There has been so much that has been going on this week. We've been so busy that I can't keep my days straight. I'm thankful to have even remembered that tomorrow is Sunday. That's a serious matter. I've taken so many pictures of all that we've done and experienced since our arrival in Charleston. I definitely have a lot to share with everyone..but one post at a time.

The girls have been playing on their tummy mat a lot this week because Moma and Daddy have been extremely busy unpacking. They've been so good for us...

I've almost got their room finished. A few lose ends to tie up and it'll be finished. I've got some other ideas for it too that I'll be sharing later down the road.

I am so greatful for the blessings that I've recieved this year so far. God has been so good to my family.

"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing."  Ezekiel 34:26 (KJV)

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Do you have things to reflect on that happened to you this past week? Blessings that you recieved, troubles that you endured, successful times? Anything you just want to share? Link it here.

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Going "Home"

Forced Told by the military. Desired by two new parents and adorable daughters.

South Carolina has become our new home of residence. After a trip that was supposed to be only 14-15 hours...we finally made it home after 20 long, drawn out hours.
That's approximately 973 miles, $315.34 in gas and diesel, and 7 feedings.
Yes I kept track of everything because that's me.
*smile*

Me and my girls ready and waiting to start our long trip to the Low Country. I decided to sit in the back with them so feedings would be easier. We had so much fun!!!

Sorry for the up close and personal picture. I do apologize.

Mr. Hank and Miss Bella were very curious as to what we are going to do with them...hmmm??? Hank thought we were going to leave him at every gas station. It was a hilarious adventure with him.

My father-in-law came down from Maryland to help us move, so he ended up driving the big rental truck with the car pulling behind it. He said it was like driving a train...bouncing all over the place. Mike drove our truck with the four-wheeler behind. I can't remember how many times I'd turn around and think, "Man that person is really close to us." Pretty silly I know.

Well...slowly but surely, we made it to Summerville around 6:30 in the morning. This is what we saw...

OUR HOUSE!!!!

We unloaded the things that we would need for the morning and went to sleep. Then we woke up 3 hours later. Our classy room..all decked out with the queen sized air mattress.

Oh yeah!!

Classic, huh?

(can't believe that I'm sharing this picture, but we're friends..right?!? no giggles)

Since this is our first house, we were SO SO silly about everything. I would walk through the house and think "I can't believe this is ours!"

We're not renting, borrowing, or staying with friends...we are at our house and I am so thankful.

God is full of blessings!

There will be more to share over the next couple of weeks. We have a lot of unpacking to do, decorating to get done, and of course, landscaping. I can't leave that out of the package. I can't wait to share all of this with you...it's a new chapter in our storybook: South Carolina.

I will be writing for suggestions and asking advice on how to do things. So, I hope you stay tuned. This is going to be an adventure...but definitely a fun one!!!

Take care for now!!

My "Not so Nice" Neighbor

The doorbell rang.

Ding-Dong.

I was holding Miss Hope when I answered the door to find a middle-aged man standing there.

His hands were folded together in front of him.

 Face taught and serious looking.

 I could immediately tell why he was standing there.

You see...earlier today, Mike and his Dad fixed the fence in our back yard. Well, they attached it to the neighbors fence.

Mr. Harry that is.

Well, Mr. Harry approached my house to make a scene and in his surprise, he didn't get one. I sincerely apologized for the inconvenience and told him that it would be fixed.
His serious and taught face quickly relaxed.

It's amazing how things can ease out so quickly.

In the past, I would have been quick to come back at him with a negative approach.

However, these days I'm a little more humble.

 

Thank you Lord for holding my tongue and keeping my cool.

 

"Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred."

Job 6:24

Reflection Sunday

I've lived in Louisiana since February of 2007. I moved here because of the Air Force...why? It's a long story that maybe one day I'll end up sharing. Anyhoo...

I would have never thought that I would be married with twin girls and on my way to Charleston, South Carolina

I've grown up so much since I've lived here and now to leave...in a way it's a little sad.

But when I think about all of the new adventures that I'm going to share with my family in Carolina, I get so so excited!!

Even though the packing was COMPLETELY overwhelming...

I'm so happy to be moving!!!

I'll be away for a couple of days until we get our internet up and running. But I'll be back with lot's to share.

Have a great weekend!!!

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Reflection Sunday

It's been a long week of packing and preparing for our move to Charleston. My energy level is running very close to empty and the chances of it making near full is not in my near future.

Welcome to Reflection Sunday...where I take a seat with my cup of coffee in hand and look back on my week. The craziness, fun, and stressful moments that made my week so special.

What a week.

The girls are in a stage right now where I'm not sure what's wrong with them when they cry cry cry. The only thing that pops in my mind is, "Maybe they're teething?" But, I think it's too early...they're only almost 3 months old. They really have me stumped. What's a Moma to do?

Pick her up and hold her tight..that's what. I LOVE snuggling my girls close to me. There's nothing better than those little moments. When their heavy, stressed out breathing patterns slow down because they know that they're secure in my arms. So, so sweet.

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This weekend was our last weekend here in Louisiana, so we just had to enjoy the yumminess of good ole' cajun crawfish. YUMMY!!! This is one thing that I am definitely going to miss when we move.

There's something about corn, potatoes, onions and sausage all boiled together in a crawfish boil.

 It's just pure goodness.

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This week was the beginning of a wonderful celebration over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

The 2010 Ultimate Blog Party of course.

This is my first year participating in it so I'm am just so excited!! This is my opportunity to meet new bloggerville friends and find new blogs to read. How ex-ci-ting!!!!

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I've been reading through the of gospel of John with my mother-in-law every morning. We timed it just right too...we were reading through the resurrection right after Easter Sunday. How amazing is that?! I'm excited to see where we're going to go next. We haven't decided yet. I love reading with her because having someone to share the Word with opens my eyes to new things.

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This next week I might be a little absent on days. We're going to be busy with the last little moving details. I'm not even sure when our internet is going to be turned off. But, be reassured that I.will.be.back.

I hope yall have a good week and take the time to soak up all of the special moments that might otherwise pass you by. I've got to go feed my girls...God bless!

I would love to hear about your Sunday Reflection. Please share your link so that I, and others, can reflect with you. Please follow the guidelines. It makes it more fun.

God bless and happy reflections!

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WW:Precious Moments

Moma and her girls.

Happy Wednesday!!


This post is linked to Extraordinary Mothers and 5 Minutes for Mom.

Take Cover

The weather here in Louisiana has been so crazy lately. Rainy one day, warm the next, then windy and freezing cold the next. Mother nature just can't make up her mind this year. Even the crawfish think it's crazy and have decided to hide.

Even though the weather is bad, I still have to go and run errands. These days, that means taking the little chick-a-dees with me. Their carseats have a partial cover on them, but it doesn't protect them from the wind and huge rain drops...oh and can't forget the bright sun glaring in their eyes.

Do you know how expensive the weather covers are for carseats? Crazy huh? I just have a hard time paying almost $40 for a cover. And don't forget that it's x2 for me. So I decided to make my own covers for them and it turned out a lot cuter than what I expected.
I was really happy with them. Now I can take the girls out all the time and not worry about the forces of nature attacking their little faces.  (Oh...I hear my little Savannah wiggling about...my favorite part of the day)
I spent not even half of what I would have spent on just one pre-made cover by buying my own fabric and sewing my own cover. Here's how I did it:

I picked out my fabrics...coordinating of course. I've always been a huge fan of paisley and thought this would look so cute for the covers. It's a flanel material that just happened to be on sale for 2.99/yard.

I measured the girls car seats and found the 21"x19" worked the best. Oh...I ended up buying 2 yards of the fabric because I figured I could make other stuff with leftovers.  Hello pillows!!!

Anyhoo...

When I'm sewing, I think it's easier to iron down the edges that you're going to hem under. It's so much easier when you're actually sewing...you don't have to worry about messing with the fabric and holding it down. It's ironed flat.

After I ironed all 4 peices (I'm making two covers so that's four pieces), I sewed the edges under for a finished hem.

Next, I took some ribbon that I had in my bow box and measured out 10.5" pieces. This was what seemed to work the best when I wrapped it around the carseat handle. I also accounted for the finishing edge.

I took a little bit of this...

and did this with it...

This velcro had a sticky back. So, I stuck it to the ribbon and then sewed a short stitch for extra security. After I was finished, I cut the ribbon in half so I ended up with 2 pieces.

I put the 2 pieces together (ugly sides touching) and pinned them in between the two pieces of coordinating fabric.

Then I sewed the two pieces of fabric together along the top, sewing right over the ribbon to lock it in. This is how it turned out.

Pretty cute huh? I think so. If you try to make this and you need more help, let me know. I might have skipped some steps...not sure. I did this without any patterns so it's not specific. It's more fun that way.

Hope yall have a blessed day.

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