If you do not want to hear me babble, scroll all the way down for something pretty to look at. 
Otherwise, it's time for an update of what's really going on.
The fact is my time get's away from me in so many ways each day. Sometimes it could be me sitting on the couch just thinking I need to get up to do something but the lack of energy or skip in my walk just lets me *think* about going down to stamp and it never happens. Then there are days when I am the taxi cab driving my kids to and from different activities that keeps me from doing things. Taxi days usually occur when I have a deadline to meet or SERIOUSLY need to work and everything and their mother get in my way and NOTHING gets done. I'm sure you can relate. These are what I call big obstacles and normally I can plow through them. Not lately…
Lately it hasn't been just about lack of time. It's about dealing with a child who worries so much that it causes health issues. Yes, this would be my little girl. The last couple of months I have struggled with my princess to stop worrying about her Daddy. That is so easy for all of us to say. In her eyes, she doesn't understand. I can tell her until I am blue in the face her daddy will come home safe but I get no where. This last week I had to dig a little deeper into my resources. I guess I should be "thankful" that as a military wife I have the resources available to me for issues like these that arise. You may remember me saying a few weeks ago when we were on the cruise Alexis hardly ate anything and complained of her stomach hurting the entire time. This has continued since we've been back. When she complained of "spicy" in her throat the nurse in me knew right away the problem at hand. Reflux. Exacerbated ( I know… big word for this girl) by STRESS and WORRY! *Big Sigh* My heart sinks when I hear this from her and I almost feel reflux forming myself. I called the Dr. right away. Lately I feel we are a permanent fixture in the clinic. The Dr. knows my name. I tell myself, "No please don't know my name!" We've been seen more in the last two months than in 4 years. Part of me wants to fade into the walls because I am so angry this has happened. That she is so stressed and I can't take it away. I can't fix it! Sad that she is 8 years old and even has this worry. She is not alone. I know there are many children in this exact same ordeal because of this crazy military lifestyle. Yes, I did choose it. She was just born into it.
We send cards to my Prince almost everyday. Alexis always puts a note in with the card. Every card resembles this…
The short story of the entire saga is this… She has a new medicine she will be taking everyday to help with the reflux. Lots and LOTS of hugs, kisses, story time, talking and loving are going on at this house of mine EVERYDAY! Thanks to technology (and I'm not kidding… I am SO grateful) she can text or see her Daddy on Skype. We will also be going on a little vacation to see my parents and this will be a great distraction.
Alexis has also developed a little separation anxiety since the Prince left. I told her tonight I had convention coming up and her eyes got really big. I felt my heart sink. I reassured her that Nene (my Mama!) will keep her so busy. I'll be on the reflux meds next from worry over her. Oh jeez. My daily soap opera continues. It really is a story. Every day with a new drama unfolding. While I am quite the drama queen as some have pointed out on Facebook, I must say that I could live without it for awhile. I need a break. I need…. sigh… so many things is what I need.
My sweet boy had to deal with a life lesson the other day. My kids have always been the ones saying goodbye to friends and moving onto the next state. Last week Brandon was faced with saying goodbye to his best friend who was moving away. It was Brandon's first true friend here in this "place!" He came home from school the week prior with tears rolling down his face. Could barely mutter out he had to say goodbye to his friend. I just held him tight all along thinking, this sucks! He was able to spend one more day with his friend and I was able to take some photos of him and his buddy. The irony of his friends move is that it's where we just came from. If only they knew how badly I wanted to pack myself in that van and head back to what I loved, Colorado.
Brandon has perked up and again, we are keeping busy. Once the gems are in bed I plop on my couch and just sit. Quietly.
There is an occasion or two that I stamp. Understand it's typically not for a lack of trying or wanting. It's a matter of my legs getting up and moving down those long stairs to get to the stamps. Last week one of Lexi's friends had a birthday and Lexi chose all the stamps and accessories that she wanted on the card. Oh boy! Here is what "we" came up with!
Alexis wanted her friend to feel extra special. We decided to dazzle up the envelope BIG time!
I think it all came out very girlie and we hoped she liked it. Alexis also had to say goodbye to her friend that day.
Until the next drama unfolds…
XOXOXO
28 thoughts on “This, That and Creative!”
Oh my goodness my heart is just breaking for your little girl right now!!! I just want to give her a hug and send her a card!!!! I have no idea what you and your family must be going through. Though I'm grateful beyond words for what our service men and women do for us here and overseas I can't image what it must be like for families at home. Your family, your entire family, are in my thoughts and prayers. Please thank your husband for all he does, my family and I are eternally grateful!!!!
OMG Kim I bet your heart is breaking. That has to be so hard for your children to endure! Fear of the unknown is scary! I pray for all of our service men and thank them for their service when I see them in public places. I can't wait to see you at convention! Hugs, Bev Gomez. Can you stop sending updates to my email bjupn218@gvtel.com. I changed my email to stampgirl54@yahoo.com and subscribed to your updates with that. I know as if you don't have enough to do.
Oh Kimberly,
As a ex-military wife I totally understand, it is hard on us as adults but it is so hard for the kids and it breaks our hearts seeing them go through this. You are lucky with Skype we never had that in the early stages of the Gulf war 1991-92 but I am not sure if it makes it harder or easier. We should start a card campaign for your kids, thanking for letting their dad help keep out country safe.
I don't know you and you don't know me but I feel for you, your kids, and your husband. Speaking for everyone we appreciate your husbands dedication to our freedom and my heart goes out to all of you for what you all sacrifice. Is there any counseling available to you or your children? It would help a lot. In the meantime I know you are doing all you can for them while taking care of yourself. I'm so glad you can text and skype. Years ago that wasn't available and had to be that much harder. Hang in there and know we are all behind you.
You are a good Mom for caring about your kids like that. I was exactly like your daughter when I was her age and my parents decided that the best tactic was to ignore me. I understand their reasoning, but it didn't help, it actually hurt.
I agree with Karen about the counseling. They should offer something for families of deployed service members (ask the FRG, maybe?). I saw a social worker when my husband left for the first time and it helped a lot.
Oh Kimberly, your beautiful little girl. Know that we are sending lots of hugs and prayers to her and your entire family. My heart goes out to all of you.
So sorry to hear of your struggles, please know that I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Oh Kimberly, I feel for you and your family so much. In some ways I can relate (one son already did a tour in Iraq and the other son and brother just left the first of June) but in others I can only imagine. My kids are grown, with kids of there own. I am trying to help my daughter-in-law deal but it is so hard. My granddaughters are only 2 and 4. They really don't understand why daddy can't come home. The 2 year old is beginning to believe daddy lives in the computer (thank you Skype!).
Hang in there girl and know you are not alone. We love you and are praying for you and your family.
BIG HUGS
Michele
Oh Kimberly, thank you so much for sharing your life with us un-military types. No one 8 years old should have to go through that! And I can't believe both your kids had to say goodbye to friends, and you haven't even lived there that long!
Hugs and prayers for everyone in your family.
Thinking of you and Alexis and Brandon. Sending lots of hugs your way!! See you in 2 weeks in Salt Lake 🙂
Amy Fink
Kimberly, my heart breaks for you and your kids. Just give them all the love you can. Have Alexis start a journal/scrapbook for her dad to see when he gets home. Maybe she will write down some of her feelings and that will help. And he will love it when he gets back. Prayers for you and your kids during this separation. Have fun at convention, I am not going this year (sad face) so post the details.
Kimberly,
I am very sorry to hear that your daughter is struggling right now, I have been a military wife for 16 years now and have two children (14 and 10 years old) myself. My husband just came back from a 6 month deployment in March. Each deployment that my family and I have been through brings its own unique challenges for sure. Now that my children are older I thought that it might be a little easier to get through because they can communicate with him and understand when he will be home. This has not been the case. One deployment stands out in my mind when my daughter was in second grade. We had lived at that duty station for 2yrs already and adjusted well to the area. She had a lot of friends and did well in school. One day all of that changed. She started dreading school and cried everyday and didn’t want to be dropped off. Things went downhill from that day and and she just had an overall sadness about her that started affecting her physically as well. I was at my wits end when someone suggested I take her to a professional to talk to. I honestly didn’t think it would help. I knew what was wrong, her daddy was gone and I talked to her about it wrote letters everything I could think of. What was this professional going to do? Taking her to talk to someone was the best thing I did for her. He gave her exercises to do and things to tell herself when that feeling of dread came over her. She started to bounce back. I know that this might not be the answer for your daughter but I just wanted to share my experience with you.
I enjoy reading your blog and feel for your family during this difficult time. You are not alone in this and just know that you are doing an amazing job raising your children. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, Amy
I am so sorry you, and your children, are hurting…..as a mom, there is really no worse pain than when your child hurts and it's hard (or not even possible) for you to fix it. I wish I could give you words to solve this, and I can't…no one can. But PLEASE let me tell you how many people care about you and your family…and the thing of it is, some of us don't know you that well……but we feel like we do because your personality and all of the things that are special about you and your children just jump off the screen…and so we consider you a friend. So, friend….you are cared for, you are appreciated, and you are valued. I'll keep praying for you, your husband, and your children…..see you at convention! I may even stamp something for you…but, knowing me…it's doubtful. 😉
Kim, your posts so move me! I am going to pray daily for your sweet family. I have never been in your situation but I did raise my children while their dad worked 2 jobs & one of them was a fireman. So, I remember the times I had to face children's issues & heartbreaks alone, as he worked 7 days a week. You have a wonderful outlet through your blog, business, & your exceptional creativeness. I admire all that u do & how u share w/ all of us. As I said, I will pray for you & may God bless all of you!
Oh hon! I'm so sorry that someone would be so cruel as to tell you that you're a drama queen. They probably have never had anyone in the military and just don't have a clue as to how hard it is. You're doing just the right thing with your little ones – lots of hugs, holding and talks…everything else can wait. You take good care of YOU so you'll be able to take care of your babies. We all love you tons and tons. Our whole prayer group is praying for your family. Hugs and blessings dear friend.
I too am feeling so sorry that you and your gorgeous family are hurting in this way – and there is no way to make it better – except prayers and hope (and I am sure even they aren't easy for you all the time). Just know that we too are praying for you all, until (and after) your Prince comes home.
I am so glad too, that you share on your blog both your struggles and your fantastic crafty creations – in all your pain, you still give this to us, to lift us. I hope these simple words can lift you at this time.
I pray some Florida sun and fun at the beach provides the distraction they need right now as you said. Please tell them how much all of us appreciate what their daddy is doing. My nephew will graduate from Marine boot camp during convention and I know my sister will soon be going through the anguish — but also the pride — that you share with us on your blog. I LOVE the card your daughter helped you design. Hang in there and know many prayers are sent your family's way.
Wow! You have been under a lot of stress. You deserve down time even if it is just vegging on the couch. Sending big hugs! I am praying for your family.
Kimberly I am so sorry you are going through this but one day you will sit back and say this was worth it! Maybe your prince will be the one coming home early – that the president iis going to send home!!! I will pray for you. You are doing a great job and I envy you to be going through this and be as successful as you are at SU. I have been a demo for 8 years and my business is in the dumper. My area is saturated. You are an amazing woman, wife and mother and I envy you EVERYDAY!!!
Inky Hugs,
Terry~~
No babbling going on here – you are sharing a very sad result of being a military wife/family and I think most of us are interested in how this craziness of the ongoing wars affect you. Personally I don't know anyone in the service any longer and never really knew any families affected – other than years and years ago when my brothers served time overseas (one in Vietnam and the older one in Germany). I so sympathize with what you are going through and am sending big virtual hugs to both of your kids – and of course to you! I also think that your sharing helps you release a lot of the extra stress you are all going through so please don't stop letting us know what is going on. The card that you and Alexis designed is adorable and I'm sure her friend loves it. Continuing to send best thoughts and prayers to you ALL!
I read this and I got teary eyed. My daughter is in the military and she is away from her little ones right now too. They are younger but still had issues. I don't know if you believe in God, but maybe you could talk to her about your husband being in God's care. Maybe it will help her??? Maybe you already tried that. It sounds like you are kinda depressed in your note. I don't blame you. What a lot for you to deal with. I don't think people understand the sacrifices the wives of our military men (or vice versa) give right along with them. This really does open the eyes a bit. My heart goes out to you and your kids. I'll be praying for you, Alexis and Brandon. <3 to you all!
Sharon
This post sure has tugged at my heart! My husband is active duty Air Force and has been gone the last 10 weeks, so I empathize with the daily struggles you are going through. I will be keeping your dear little Alexis & Brandon in my prayers. I'm sure they know that they have one amazing Mom! Thank you for your sacrifice!
God bless Lexi! I am tearing up with that one! I am praying all of you and all of our troops. Your cards a great, as usual! See at convention!!
Hi girl friend, I'm so sorry you are going through this 🙁 . We need to do a couple of cards so your stress go away. 🙂
I love the card, I love the colors.
May God Bless you and the kids.
The card is fabulous! And I so remember being the kid when my dad had to leave to Korea for a year (I'm an Army brat). I think I was about Lexi's age. I appreciate all you're dealing with and sacrifices y'all are making. Praying for you guys.
Nothing can replace the hugs of Daddy…Skype just doesn't measure up even though it can help. My heart goes out to you as a Mom and to little Alexis and Brandon who miss their dad…broke my heart reading your post. I am praying God will encourage your hearts, strenthen your spirits and bring that special man in your lives home soon.
Long Distance Hugs ( )
Kim,
I don't know you personally, but feel like I do, as one of your avid blog followers! My prayers are with you and your family. I can't imagine what you are going thru. I hope your prince will return home soon, so your family can return to "normal". Try to enjoy convention. Thank you for creating such wonderful works of art amidst all your family struggles. You're amazing!
Next time don't worry about a "babble" warning but give us the kleenex box warning.
Definately made me cry. All kidding aside, I'm so sorry that you are all having a rough road right now. It must be so hard to not have your husband/Daddy at home.
Great big hugs to all of you!
Comments are closed.