I can't believe Thursday is already here. Whenever I want time to slow down it ends up speeding up 5 times faster. Do you ever feel this way? With the impending "vacation" creeping up on our family we have been busy trying to finish up things around our house and spend every second starring at each other. You laugh, I'm serious. The Prince has been home all week working around the house getting everything in tip top shape for me. Not sure why because as soon as he leaves something will break. I'm not even worried about. It ALWAYS happens. In the end I will appreciate all he is doing for me. I get a little bitter because it has to be done. Then there is the other side of him being home… we are totally under each others feet. We laugh about it because you really want to spend as much time together as possible but there are times I think I feel my head spinning around twice like that movie the Exorcist because he is driving me CRAZY! The weeks gearing up for a long separation are the hardest of it all. It's even harder than the actual separation, in my opinion. You are counting down, on edge and anxious about what's coming- being apart. We received a little news on Monday that really knocked the wind out of my sails. With the training involved for his vacation we thought he would be coming home in between his final departure. NOPE! Once he leaves, he is gone. There are two ways I can look at this. The first one being it really sucks. The second being I think there is something positive about it. It means one goodbye for me and the kids. I think this is easier on all of us. I wasn't thinking this way on Monday. I had a toddler meltdown and hated the Navy. That's not really the case today. The Navy has been good to us and I am so proud of my guy. We'll get through it, we always do.
We've also been busy spending LOTS and LOTS of time with the kids. The past two weeks Alexis has been out of sorts. Crying over Fun Dip, a missing shoe… you name it and it makes her cry. At first it never even hit me this could be because of her Daddy going. DUH? What is wrong with me? Meanwhile I've been keeping an eye on her and she seems better this week. Of course Brandon learned another life lesson this week. He learned what the word Procrastination means. Good grief! I normally do not stress over my kids projects due at school but this year it's been tough. Who knew 4th grade would be so hard? Big projects! Homework that makes me feel like a complete dumb dumb. <sigh> Anyways, we finally got all the projects done. I told him last week that his week would be hard but the reward for hard work would be awesome. He finally "gets" it. He came home last night and was beaming over the bridge that Russ and him made for Boy Scouts. His bridge got First Place! He came running in and his exact words, "Mama, MY hard work DID pay off!" Melted my heart. That was last night. Today he's back to making me crazy again.
I don't have a project tonight. I'm so bummed! I have lots coming. They are sitting in a big massive pile to be photographed. Speaking of photography, I have to share. First, the camera is now my friend again! Second, I am shooting TOTALLY in manual. This is so cool and I have completely impressed myself. Now if I can get the pictures in focus I am going to be in business!
I want to share a picture I took today of Mr. Squirrel. He visits my yard daily and I can see him out my office window. He loves to eat the leftover seed from my bird feeder. So stinkin' cute. My Prince put out bread crumbs for him. He is chompin' on it here.
So there you have it! I've turned to taking pictures of squirrels. I'll be alright. 
Have a GREAT Thursday. I have ladies coming to stamp with me today! Whoo Hoo!!
24 thoughts on “Our Days Blend Together”
Hey there, don't you worry about sharing projects with us…I think your squirrel is adorable…and I love that you share what is happening in your family's life. I appreciate your husband's service for our country so much and that you share your story. We all have so many parallels in our lives and it certainly helps us to know we're not alone! Take care!
Hi Kimberly!
Oh my I was in tears reading your post. I can't imagine what your family must be going through and what so many other families in our nation go through everyday. I truly respect and appreciate beyond words what our service men and women (AND FAMILIES) do everyday for us. Your family is amazing and don't worry about not showing a project tonight, we're just happy to be your ear to vent and your shoulder to cry on. Take care!!!
Nice pics, Kimberly! You are getting better and better! Impressive!
Sending hugs! I want to thank your family for the sacrifice they are giving are country. It means a lot to me. Hang in there and take one day at a time. Your squirrel pics are so cute.
The photos are great! Love the 2nd one of him nibbling! Very cute! Sorry for your frustrations…. your moment about the bridge made me a little weepy too! It's amazing how we can share such frustrations in some moments and then be totally bursting with pride and the total opposite frustration in others. …all with love of course! All part and parcel of being human (a parent, a spouse) I guess! Hope your coming weeks treat you well!
Once again, I just want to hop on a plane and get to YOU! But unfortunatley, I won't be doing that today..BUT my BIGGEST HUGS are being sent your way! You know that I have said it before that I do understand in a different way what you are going through..I live it in a different way, but it isn't easy either way. You are amazing and you know that Russ is only going away for a little while…I have faith it will fly by! Sweetness, I know its not the same and not even comparable, but you have all of us to support and help you along.
Love and prayers,
Jamie
Kimberly~ I just wanted to tell you that I feel like I know you, so well !! I am one of Cheryl Flynn's downlines. I check in w/ you – every day- to see what's new in your life. I love how you share with us. Hopefully it helps, too. Please know that you & your family are in my prayers as Russ gets ready to go on vacation. I am an Air Force Brat- so I had to deal with my dad's vacations alot- but the service is such an awesome life to live. Many thanks to Russ for his service. I'm quite certain that everything will be just fine ! Keep keeping us posted !! & nice pix, btw ! Fondly~ Teresa
Hey – I was thinking of you and the upcoming "vacation." Please let me know if you need anything since we are so close by and, of course, used to all this "Navy-ness." Speaking of which, sorry I can't come to your demo swap on Saturday, but I have Reserves. Hang in there, and once it's started, it will go quickly. Hugs!
Hi Kimberly, I feel your pain, My hubby just left 3 weeks ago, and I miss him every single day. Just wanted to send you some support and let you know that we can stay in contact if you every need someone to talk to. My prayers are with you and you children, my God keep you and give you all the strength that you need. May God keep your husband safe wherever he may go. Take good care of yourself , try to stay busy and time will fly by
Yours truly
Kimberly, I can totally relate! My husband was in the Army National Guard and served two tours in Iraq. First one being 18 months, second tour was 13 months. I don't blame you for not wanting to post a project (I wouldn't blame you if you didn't post on for a while after your hubby left). I'm sure for you, like me, papercrafting will be your ' therapy' while your husband is away. I hope his "vacation" goes by super fast and he comes home safe!! God Bless you and your family!!!
P.S. I've just recently discovered your blog and I think your work is AMAZING!!! Thanks for your wonderful inspiration!!!
Kimberly, you are an inspiration to all who read your blog whether or not you have a project to share. I truly appreciate your honesty in your posts. I weep right along with you. You and your children wear a badge of courage right along with your warrior. I thank you and your husband and your children for that courage. Please know we as readers support you 100%. Please ask your husband to pass a genuine thank you from us civilians to all our nation's warriors. And HUGS to you, Kimberly, for your positive aura.
Kim Smith
Kimberly: I so enjoy reading your blog. so many of your entries are so heartfelt. thank goodness for brave men like your husband. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Your funny entries make me laugh. As a fellow SU Demo, I love reading your blog, seeing your ideas, and I just so enjoy the stories of your family. "the prince". I love it! so sweet.
hugs,
Maryellen
I used to BEG my husband's commander to send him TDY, but he never would. LOL Of course, that was when we were not fighting a war. I'm sure it would have been a different scenerio if we had been. Keep your beautiful, positive attitude and don't be afraid to cry on our shoulders while the Prince is on vacation.
Big Hug!
I'm **impressed with your photography**; you're a-rockin' with it! Hope all goes better; with your little ones; do tell…is that you doing the wave, on the back of the latest Stamping Success mag.? Great stuff…..continue to share anything, as I think you need this, more & more as time goes on.
Kimberly- What an wonderful, strong and inspirational woman you are. My thoughts are with your family during this time- from the looks of it, you have loads of support from friends near and far. I hope his vacation goes super fast and has him home with you and the kids in no time. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Kim I have never had the awesome opportunity to be a service brat of any kind. Watching Army wives I am amazed how the wives do bond together. I wanted to join the service when I graduated high school many many many years ago and my father wouldn't hear of it. I wanted to either be a nurse or work in the offices. I couldn't even go away at school. My father was in the Army and didn't have very good experiences so he didn't want that for me.
I envy you though….you are handling it awesome and love reading your stories. You have a loving family and a prince that puts you first after the navy that is….Please tell him thank you for all he does!!!!! My favorite cousin was in the Navy and when I was younger I told everyone I was going to marry him! I love a man in a uniform LOL
I will pray for a safe vacation and vent all you want on your blog!!! I know it helps sometimes…Your children sound like dolls….Good luck with your camera took you take awesome pictures!!!!
Inky Hugs, Terry~~
Love your blog and your stories. I also like the new look, what is the name of the font you are using?
Thanks,
Jackie
Sending you a big hug, and as for the squirrel pictures, that first one needs to be framed, it looks like a piece of art.
Hugs,
Di – who is too scared to take her camera off of auto
Kimberly, I truly love reading your blog! It gives me a glimse of you and your family and what you are up to and of course there are your amazing projects (love your style) but you know I receive pure joy from your humour. You have a great sense of humour and it sure brightens my day.
I remember meeting you in Cambridge Ontraio at Anfrea Walford's big event and I was drawn to your positive attitude. So when I read your blog, in my mind I can hear your voice and imagine your facial expressions (crazy I know).
You are an amazing lady with so much strength and determination and a good outlook on situations. I know that our great big God will meet you and your families every need especially during the time your Prince is away.
Thank You for your time, effort and creative ways your make my day.
My heart goes out to you and your family…I can only imagine what you must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ((Hugs)).
Kimberly, just wanted to say, I totally agree about the pre-deployment being the hardest part! I hate it that we, as military families (I'm an Air Force wife), spend our last few weeks before time apart being uptight and stressed out! Take deep breaths, be patient with each other and try to have some fun together before he goes! Stay strong lady, you are an inspiration to me in more ways that you could count! I LOVE YOU!
Hi Kimberly,
Praying for you and your precious family. Sending hugs across the miles from a sister demo in Texas.
Lisa
You've been in my thoughts a lot lately since meeting you at Leadership. I am a fellow Demo from Jacksonville, Fl and just wanted to pop in and say hello and that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang int here kiddo!!! See you on the ship.
Hey Kimberly! Squirrels Rock! Don't be ashamed of taking pictures of squirrels! Those are mighty awesome looking squirrel pics. Puts my camera skills to shame. I'm thinking of you today!
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