While it won't be the last chapter of my crazy adventures this will be a compelling chapter of our story. 17 years ago when I met the Prince I couldn't imagine starting a military life and being away from all my family.
I remember my Mother preparing my last meal like we were at a funeral. I remember driving down the I-10 headed to San Diego hardly able to breath as I said the goodbyes yet happy knowing I was starting a new life with the man I loved. Through those tears he made a promise, "We'll be back…"
I've never doubted his word but the reality of the military life is you NEVER know. You never know what lies ahead of you.
Over Mother's Day Russ announced we're moving… to Pensacola, Florida! My home town. Wait a mintue please…. I need to pinch myself.
Our news was under wraps as we waited to see something in writing. You never know with the military and honestly you never know for sure that it's a done deal until the truck leaves the house. Even then it could possibly change. The first week of August we will start our new journey!
The kids are over the moon with excitement but of course sad to leave freinds. What they see moving forward is having the ability to see family ANY time they want. Going to sleep over's with their cousins. Slumber party's with Nene & Paw Paw. Things they watch their friends do but they cannot. I'm looking forward to saying, "Mom, can we come over for dinner?" I need to pinch myself again!
The sad parts….
There is ONLY one phrase for saying goodbye to friends… IT SUCKS! It's the hardest part of moving for me. I've done it so many times and lost contact with so many along the way. I've met some awesome people along the way. I just wish I could bring all of these awesome people together. It would be a party every single day!
Moving my business is NEVER an easy task either. In fact moving here to Northern Virgina was by far my hardest move to get my business up and running. This is the busiest place I've ever lived and the hardest to get to know others. I can't say it's their fault. I get it… we became those busy people. When you factor long commutes, work and family time it leaves for little "play" time. I changed my entire business to more of online presence because of the depth of "busy" that is here.
The good parts….
Starting over… I don't think I've EVER been more excited about starting over in a "NEW" place. I'm going somewhere that I know LOTS of people.
The coolest thing EVER….
On December 5th, 2006 I started my blog. When I was trying to think of a title for my blog I instantly came up with Stampin' by the Sea. Needless the say the Prince changed things up a bit. The coolest thing ever is that I'll be stamping by the sea again. I'm a beach girl. Always have been, always will be. I'm going to back to the BEACH! To the most beautiful beaches… Pensacola Beach!
What's going to happen during the transition?
After 5 moves in 10 years being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have to keep telling myself… "You've got this!" If you have followed my story for any length of time you know that the show must go on. I continue to work as I feasibly can. My goal is ALWAYS to share and inspire you. That is what I *LOVE* doing. I'm not always perfect at it, but I try with all of my heart and soul to bring a creative spirit to you and my team.
I'm sure you will hear of the trials and tribulations of our move. I love sharing because 9/10 it's quite the comedy of errors. If you have not joined my Facebook Fan Page, I encourage you too. When times do get crazy my Facebook Fan Page is the fastest way I connect with YOU.
If you are new to my blog… hang on. It's always a fun ride and adventure. Did you know that you can go back and read our story? If you find yourself bored one day and want to catch up… check out the button on the right sidebar that says "Archives." You will find creativity, laughter, see my children grow, tears… Seriously… I have a story!
Lastly, there is one GENIUS thing about this move. I have Stampin' Up! to thank for this. At the top left of my blog is a SHOP NOW button. It NEVER moves. Thank God! 24/7 it's there for you and ME to enjoy.
Off to start the organization process. This could be intersting…
XOXOXO
Shop and enjoy the REWARDS with ME!
Connect with ME!
Facebook– I share, uplift, inspire, and create… It's ALL fun!
Instagram– Let's connect! My FAV Social Network!!
Pinterest– inspiration pinner-load! I'm a late night pinner…
Twitter– You never know what I'm going to say!
XOXOXO
40 thoughts on “Our Story Continues… A New Chapter!”
That's wonderful Kimberly. I had a feeling you were moving to Florida. Now, is this finally permanent? I hope so for you all. It must feel good to be able to be close to your whole family again, that usually is the hardest part, being away from family. I wish you the best of luck in your move. 🙂
It’s the best move yet! Thank you, Lisa! 🙂
Congrats! Hopefully this is your twilight tour – and P-cola isn't a bad place to twilight! I'm sure you will enjoy the slightly different pace of life!! God bless and thank you and your family for standing by your Sailor while he serves to protect the GREAT USA! Our service members are so much more valuable and useful than our politicians and yet they don't get the pay, benefits or praise!
Congratulations Kimberley!! I know you are super excited about this great news. I just returned from a week on Amelia Island in Florida and loved every minute just relaxing on the beach. I am also a beach gal although my hubbie is not, but since we were celebrating our 40th anniversary, he was a good sport about it. Hope to see you at convention.
So pumped for you and your family! As a former military wife, I know that moving is never easy and I too, wish I would have kept in contact with ALL of the wonderful people I met along the way!
I can't wait to read about your move (and the hilarity you always put into it – good and bad). I can see chaos already…Convention the end of July, Moving the first week of August. Let the fun begin!!! Best wishes!
Kimberly! I am so excited for you! Your's was one of the first blogs I ever found… before I ever became a demonstrator. I have followed your moves.. and admired your spirit! I am so glad you are GOING HOME!!!
See you in July!
You are amazing, Kimberly! I'm so excited you get to go back home. I love coming to your blog and reading about your life and seeing your wonderful projects. I married my military man 5 years ago and we were very blessed we could stay in Hawaii all those years. I've never lived anywhere else.
Well, the time has come! We move in less than a month to New England. I'm going to be a mainlander for the first time in my life and I was worried that I was going to have a hard time starting my business up there. Thank you for writing this… if you could do it during 5 military moves, I know that its possible.
Keep up the great work, my friend!!!
Just wanted to tell you I am SOOO happy for you! Congrats!!!
SO HAPPY for you! Enjoy those good byes.
SO HAPPY for you and your family!! I think you are awesome!! My e-cutter came yesterday ~ how about a class to help us use it with MDS???? Since you don't have anything else to do!! Congrats on the move!!! Girls need their Mothers!!!
I've enjoyed reading about your military trials and tribulations. Moving back home must be special. Frankly, I don't know where home is any more. I spent 25 years on Active Duty in the Army, and both my children are on AD. My son is going to Hawaii where he will be a Squadron Deputy Cmdr (submarine) and he is soooo happy. I can tell he feels it is like going home. We were stationed there for 4 years…my longest tour. My daughter took her commission in the Army and is an Apache pilot at Ft. Lewis. She has done 2 tours in Afghanistan and is now pregnant with my second grandbaby. I was stationed at Ft. Lewis when I was pregnant with her brother. Oh, my. Such fond memories. I know you will do fine with your business and hope you will enjoy the homecoming (for as long as it will last). I am thinking of moving again myself. Retirement does not feel right in the wilds of New Hampshire! Take care!
Patricia Huber, COL (Ret), USA
SU! Demonstrator/Supervisor
Hanover, NH
What fabulous news – you will be back at home and with your family! I started following your blog literally as you were leaving (Colorado?) and heading to VA…I was captivated by just that part of your 'story' and have continued to enjoy all of the bits and pieces of your lives and your fabulous creations! So excited and happy for you! Best wishes to all and can't wait for more details as you progress through this new adventure!
Patricia, I loved reading your story. They are trials and tribulations. LOL, but it’s a good life. I wouldn’t change it for the world and I believe my kids will be stronger human beings from the moves too. I do hope this is the last but I can’t imagine living in a house longer than 3 years. We collect too much. XO
WOW Carol! I didn’t realize you have been reading my crazy for that long. That move was CRAZY! I can only imagine how this one will be. LOL. We are SO SO excited. For the first time EVER I am really excited about moving and want the truck to come NOW! XOXO
Allison I am SO excited that you got your e-cutter. Did you go with the Silhouette? I am *trying* to figure out the classes. You can do some AMAZING things. I just need to cram 48 hours in my 24 hour day. LOL. XO
Thank you Barb. The best news ever, really!!
Cely, You will love New England. It’s so beautiful up there and when Fall comes you will think you are living in an ART book. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I will miss the Fall here in VA. Once you get all setteld, just pick up that business and get excited about meeting new people. XOXO
Kim, Thank you SO SO much. We are SO excited. Seriously, my cheeks hurt from smiling. 🙂
Thank you Sharon. Moving always brings the good, bad and ugly sides of me. LOL. Russ can’t wait. 🙂 Yes, July should be interesting with convention in the middle too. Oye!! I couldn’t miss that. 🙂
Ruth Bingle… I didn’t know that. It’s been a crazy ride hasn’t it?? LOL. 🙂 I’ll see you in July. If my hair looks gray you will understand. LOL.
Carri, thank you so much. I am hoping this is the twilight as well. 🙂 XOXO
So happy to hear about your move. I suspected, because you alluded to it in one of your posts. Very glad to hear that you will be with your mom and dad again. Lots of parts of it will not be easy but I'm sure you leave friends wherever you go. Lots if positives to concentrate on!!
Kimberly, if you have to move again, you should just let him go and you stay there! We did that for two different tours because of the kids. Especially now that they will be getting to high schoool age. You definitely do NOT want to move high schoolers! We made a promise to them that they would at least do the final two years of high school at the same school. (That's why we did two tours apart.) Congrats on moving back home and to the warm weather. Now if only Pensacola wasn't so far from central FL!
Congrats on moving back to a familiar place and close to family. I too was a military wife and know what all that moving is all about!! Have enjoyed your posts, and hope to see some new things once you get moved!!
Thank you Connie. We are so excited. Hopefully things won’t be too crazy and I can get my stampin’ in. This move is going to come around the time of the Holiday Mini which is going to make me CRAZY. LOL.
Ha ha. Debra, you caught on… It was hard to contain my excitement.
Gale, I agree 100% and that is our goal with the kids. I really want them to enjoy the HS days. 🙂 This should be his last tour unless he’s still having fun… Time will tell.
Congratulations! I'm happy for you! And SO JEALOUS! I followed your blog through your last move and was totally amazed at how you keep your business going through all the preparations and settling that a move takes – not to mention deployment! And, I SO enjoy your shabby chic style, your projects, and your positive attitude in everything that comes your way. Thanks so much for sharing! Best wishes for a smooth transition and I will look forward to reading all about it! Wow – what a great time for a Smash Book!
Thank you Susan! We are so excited about this one. :). This could be an Epic smash book!!
So exciting!!!! So happy for you and your family! Good luck with the transition! I hope everything goes smoothly!
You are so amazing for commenting on each of our posts! Thank you for being you, being real!
Kimberly, I doubt you remember me but I was the crazy person that came up to you (feeling slightly like a stalker) at convention-before-last and introduced myself. I started following your blog because I absolutely love your style. I kept following because I love your stories. Although not military, I know what it's like to want to go home (I'm ten hours from family). I wish you safe travels and lots of fun!
Congratulations, Kimberly! I'm so happy for you and your family. Thank YOU ALL for the sacrifices you have made to keep our country safe and free. Welcome back to Florida.
Mary in Palm Coast
Thank you Mary!! I can’t wait to get back to the land of palm trees and salty air!! XO
Kristy, you brought a smile to my face!! No stalkers, silly. Just friends meeting up!. I’m sure the stories will get crazy this move. We are pack rats. Typically when the movers see my craft room they want to faint!!
Thank you Julie. I sure hope for smooth sailing too. Lord knows you would think we would know how to do this but something crazy always happens. Oye!! XO
Kimberly – so happy for you and your family!
I didn't know you'd been stationed in San Diego! Wish I'd known you then – maybe we could have stamped together! OR, if I'd been REALLY lucky, I could have signed you up! LOL…. Where in S.D. did you live?
Sam Slimak
Thanks Sam! We were in San Diego back in 1996! We were young and very broke back then. LOL!
I just think you are extraordinary and amazing!! To have moved 5 times in 10 years and still have a successful business and profile is a credit to you and your hard work. I am in awe!!
All the best!! Xx
Thank you, Alison. Persistence and a lot of it. :). XO
Comments are closed.