Stamps in the Mail-Vintage style.

I have a really quick update! Registration is open for Stamps in the Mail- Vintage Style.  I am using the amazing stamp set Rue Des Fleurs shown below:

Should be a great round.  If you would like more information on Stamps in the Mail, check out my SPECIALS page with ALL the details.  Email me at mkkimber@yahoo.com if you still have questions or would like to register. Registration ends on January 15th. 

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

XOXOXO

Subscribe to the comments for this post

Transition

When your spouse has been away for awhile there is a little bit of a transition that occurs when he comes home.  This is something that Russ and I have been through before but it's been awhile.  The last time he was deployed was in 2006.  That was quite awhile back.  We are starting to get back into our normal family routines again but somethings are hard to let go.  For instance, I'm the one in charge and Brandon being the Man of the House.  Ut Oh! I guess I'm having a hard time giving up my role.  I kinda liked being in charge.  Evidently so does Brandon.  Last night after dinner we sat down to have a little family meeting. Basically we need to get back to our personal family values and live as four not three. We also realize this takes time.  It's not an overnight success. I started out the conversation with the kids and asked a simple question. "Who is the man of the house?"  Brandon piped up pretty quick and said, "ME!" He looked at Russ as if he was letting him know this is the way it was going to be.  I could tell this tugs at Russ because he wants to slide back into Daddy mode like he never left.  However, this deployment rocked our kids boat and we need to take it slow.  Russ explained to Brandon that he did such a fantastic job taking care of me and Alexis.  He was super proud.  BUT… he's back and now he's the man of the house.  It was time to give Brandon a break and let him (Russ) take care of the three of us.  I could tell by the facial expressions that Brandon was not taking this lightly but he took it all in. I also love how Russ is being very gentle with the kids emotions. It just takes time.

Homecoming's are always amazing but they are bittersweet.  When you've lived apart for so long it does take awhile to get back to your normal family dynamics.  One thing NEVER changes and that is the love that you have for each other.  In fact, I believe in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder!"  I love him more today and I can tell the kids do too.  

This past weekend we were part of something pretty spectacular.  Operation Welcome Home Maryland is an organization that is welcoming home all the Troops from Iraq as they come home through BWI airport. They were also a big part of the Arlington National Cemetery Wreath laying event this past weekend.  90,000 wreaths were placed on the headstones at the cemetery.  It was an amazing event and the kids really enjoyed being a part of something so big.  They walked their little legs off but we were grateful to be with Russ on this day. 

Can I tell you one complaint? My car has been pushed to the side.  Russ bought a new car and he's taken over the garage.  Now my pretty car sits outside and gets CHILLY every night. Not only that, it has a big bird POOP on it.  Grr. It's my only complaint. 

Lastly, the card.  It's been awhile since I've had anything creative on here.  Here it goes: This is for my Prince.

XOXOXO

Today's goal… Find the stamps, blow the cob webs off and make something pretty.  I'm going to pray this really DOES happen.

Subscribe to the comments for this post

One Month Later…

I know! How can it be a month since I last spoke to you? A lots happened and I'm happy to report it's all good news.  It's just been a crazy 30 days.  Crazier than I thought it would be.  I'm going to catch you up to speed as fast as I can and also post a pretty I made long ago. 

Here is a quick overview of what we've done and the ending is pretty spectacular!

*I turned 41.  No biggie. Only change I feel is the need for new glasses.  I really cannot see unless you put it way far in front of me. 

*I had a HUGE Bunco party with 21 new friends.  It was a big hit and we had a grand time. 

*I had a Water Main break that cost me $4000! That's a lot of pretty shoes that I will not be buying. Good news- it's fixed and my yard didn't suffer too much damage. 

*My kids have me running at 100mph every single day with new activities that we brought on board. The latest is their love for swimming.  We are at the pool pretty frequently but they love it and they are getting to be really good.  This makes my cheeks hurt from smiling. However, being the one man show with driving them is exhausting.

*I became a full on Girl Scout Leader.  Before I was mainly the helper.  Now I'm the go to person with two amazing Co-Leaders who rock my world. 

*Working on new badges with Brandon as he works towards his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts.  Not much longer and my little boy will be a big Boy Scout.  Where did the time go

*Alexis asked if I had RETIRED from Stampin' Up!  Oh jeez.  "No sweetheart, I'm just taking care of you my love."

* Went to a Kansas Concert with my BFF Denise.  We didn't know all the music but we sure did have fun.  It was the first time I had been "out" in a long time.  I was excited because my neighbor was keeping my kids overnight.  At 1030pm I received a call from the kids. Both were crying and wanted to come home.  REALLY? I picked them up, pj's on and they crawled in my bed.  I went to bed early that night, too.  I kept thinking how lucky I was. While I didn't get that night alone that I had really longed for I was grateful my kids needed me.  When you are a single parent you tend to think of yourself as the bad guy all the time.  Glad to know they still loved me.

*Thanksgiving was a HUGE success. I had a pity party the night before.  Then on the morning of Thanksgiving myself and the kids went to a homeless shelter to help them serve food.  It was such a fantastic morning.  I'm  not sure if Brandon really understood.  About an hour into serving I was on the food line when he came up to tell me he was hungry.  I tried to keep my eyeballs from falling out but he kept insisting he needed to eat too.  I gently explained to him that he didn't understand what hungry really meant and the people here receiving the food were much more hungry than he was. About 10 minutes later he was sitting comfortably with a homeless man eating breakfast.  No comment, but Lord give me strength. We finished our day with military friends who invited us to dinner.  We came home and I crashed on the couch.  Very disappointing as I really wanted to go Black Friday shopping. 

*Brandon went camping in 19 degree weather.  I spent a lot of money getting this boy ready for the camping trip.  There was nothing left out, or so I thought.  He called me about 930pm from someones cell phone.  "Mama, I can only talk for a minute. I'm in the No Electronic Zone."  You can hear his teeth chattering! He says,  "Did you pack chapstick?"  No, Brandon.  Why? "My lips are really chapped."  Are you kidding me? I worried all night long knowing he was cold. He came home and his lips were AWFUL.  Next time I know what to pack first. 

*The kids had their first school dance.  The week prior was dramatic as to who they were "taking" to the dance.  I was a bit surprised at how big of a deal this was considering their ages.  Not to mention the prep involved for getting ready for the dance. I kept telling the kids I was just as excited about the dance.  They couldn't understand why.  I finally told them I would be doing the "worm" and "moon walk" across the cafeteria floor and I couldn't wait to show them other dance moves that I know.  I thought Brandon was going to pass out.  He begged me not to.  I told him he better behave at home.  Worked like a charm.   Nevertheless, they enjoyed the dance and they were BEAT when we got home.  They really danced the night away. I did shake my bootie for a few songs and laughed watching other mom's wiggle it too.  They can't keep a good dancer down.  

*I took the kids Ice Skating.  It was their first time.  I have never laughed so hard in my life.  It was hysterical. They came out without broken bones and wanting to do it again.  

*The countdown to the Prince coming home was making us giddy.  Russ left Baghdad on November 30th and arrived in Kuwait.  He stayed there for 4 days to chill out and refocus.  It was killing us knowing he was almost here.  December 5th he arrived in the United States.  Only to fly out again 3 hours later to Norfolk, VA for another Out Processing routine.  Knowing he was 3 1/2 hours from home was painful.  This process was supposed to be 4 days long.  Russ called the morning of the 6th to let me know he would be on a plane that evening and was coming home.  I couldn't believe it.  The next 6 hours was spent running around in circles.  I hurried to pick up balloons and a banner for the kids to hold when he got off the plane.  We hurried to the airport and worked a little magic to get directly to the gate so we could see him right away.  I had everything ready, even the Big Camera.  As he was coming up the escalator I was ready to shoot the pics of the kids all excited and nothing was happening.  My CARD was FULL.  I wanted to cry.  Instead I whipped out my iPhone and started shooting.  Not the pictures I wanted, but it's okay.  What's important is HE is HOME! We can't get enough of him and I am truly in a zone I haven't been in awhile.  It feels exciting to know he is not going anywhere for awhile.  The kids are completely distracted this week at school.  They just want to be near him.  The night he came home Brandon tried to catch him to speed on everything that he's done in the last 7 months.  Quite exhausting for Russ but he just smiled and let the boy do his thing.  The kids slept in our bed the first night with us.  We call that a Family Night for them and a "WE don't get SLEEP" night for us.  All in all it was exactly what they wanted and needed.  It feels so good.  LIFE IS GOOD!

Now, over the last 7 months I've learned a lot.  I've learned that FAMILY will always come before anything else.  I've learned that although my husband is home I will continue to support military families with deployed spouses and pray for their safe return home.  Another very important thing I've learned is the support I've had (and my family) from the stamping community and Stampin' Up! friends.  It's quite overwhelming.  Your cards, thoughtfulness and caring emails will always be cherished forever.  I cannot thank you enough for the things you not only did for me, but for my children and Prince.  They know they are loved by my stamping friends.  They talk about you all the time. 

I know I promised a card, and I have it but I have to edit it. I am heading out to a Brownie event.  I will upload when I get home. 

Forever Grateful,

XOXOXO

Subscribe to the comments for this post

FREE Digital Download

Good morning friends,

Just a quick post to send you to a free My Digital Studio download. Click HERE to view this blog post from the My Digital Studio website.  If you are in LOVE with MDS you will want to be a part of this great website and resource. There are also new downloads today.

Click HERE to see the new downloads.

Lastly, a quick card to share.  I'll be back with more details and maybe even another card. 

Have a fantastic day. 

XOXOXO

Subscribe to the comments for this post

15 Amazing Days!

Where did October go? It seems like the entire month WHOOSHED by my eyeballs.  I have so much to share.  I hope you don't mind that I'm going to share my whereabouts over the last four weeks. 

When I left you around the 6th of October I was expecting my parents for a visit.  Their visit was AMAZING! The weather was beautiful and we accomplished tons in the 12 days they were here. One of the top things my dad wanted to see was the Vietnam Memorial.  He is Vietnam Vet and lost a best friend while they served together.  Since my dad had never been I wanted to make sure this was at the top of our list to see.  When we got there I could see how emotional it was going to be.  The memorial was amazing.  To our surprise a volunteer helped my dad find his friends name.  We were amazed how helpful the volunteer was.  I could tell this was a very special moment for my dad when he touched that wall for the first time. 

This was quite a history lesson for the kids. 

We also visited Arlington National Cemetery.  WOW! Just a beautiful place.  This is one of my favorite pics for this day. The kids loved watching the soldiers guard the unknown soldier. 

Lastly, a quick look at two people I respect greatly and I am so glad we were able to spend 12 AMAZING days together… my parents!  It was great they were able to see the beauty of Virginia in the Fall.  It's beautiful. 

The other BIG, BIG news was our visit from the Prince.  He was home for his R & R. Otherwise known as Rest & Relaxation.  We weren't sure if he was going to make it home or not.  It was a big surprise for the kids in order to save any disappointment if he didn't come home.  I picked him up from the airport and my cheeks hurt from smiling so big when he rounded the corner in his uniform. I almost did a no no and ran past the security people.  I couldn't get to him FAST enough. 

We got home just in enough time to get to the bus stop.  The looks on their faces was priceless. I can only imagine the feelings and emotions that must go through his mind as he see's their reactions. 

While every day was amazing there is a transition phase you go through when they come home. Russ had the 8 hour time change from Iraq back to the states.  It's brutal on the body and the Prince wasn't back to his normal self for about 3 days.  The kids also think they can get away with MURDER during the 15 day R & R.  Easy on Russ, not for me.  LOL! Needless to say any type of normal routine was thrown out the window.  My parents stayed a few extra days to see Russ and then they drove back home.  We had a few days to ourselves and then my in laws came for a visit.  We were able to spend 5 great days with them.

Once all of our relatives left it was time for the four of us to just enjoy the time we had left together.  I felt my shoulders relax for the first time.  It was great to sit on the couch and listen to the kids ONLY interact with him. When the kids went to bed it was great to just sit quietly with him.  It felt normal and I liked it. I didn't want to think about him leaving. 

He does have to go back… BUT…we do have some GOOD news to talk about!!

My Prince is coming home earlier than expected.  YES, YES, YES!!! If you've watched the news you probably heard they are sending the troops home from Iraq by the end of the year.  My sweetheart is one of them.  The kids were elated.  Alexis didn't care that her Daddy would be home for Christmas but that he would be home for her birthday in January.  Silly girl. 

Wednesday we made the trip to the airport once again. You would think the trip to the airport would get easier. It never does but there is LIGHT at the end of our tunnel.  I'm grateful for the AMAZING 15 days we had together and anxious to see the next 6 weeks go by.  We are almost to the finish line.  

Now I'm in the process of getting the kids and myself back into our norm.  While my house is a chaotic mess, and my stamp room has cob webs growing on my stamps… I'm gong to bed tonight with a big smile on my face because I am so proud of what he does and for our country. 

I'll be starting regular postings on Monday.  This will give me time to clean off my stamps and see if my brain still has a creative side.   

Thank you again for all your support and prayers.

XOXOXO

Subscribe to the comments for this post