Around New Years I was going to share a few of my New Year Resolutions with you. I got to thinking about that and really I didn't want to call them resolutions because I never COMPLETE those. They come and go! So I thought I would come up with a list of 10 things I wanted to accomplish during the year. The word "Resolution" wasn't tagged onto it and it just sounded better. Then Russ came home from work one day…. the Navy has added another chapter in our life! It's a pretty big book right now.
If you've followed this blog for awhile you know there is some type of excitement going on at all times. Leave it to the Prince to bring home the FOUR letter word! It's not what you are expecting, and I can think of better! IRAQ! <BIG LONG SIGH>
In a sense we knew it was coming. We've heard the word 4x since the move. It kept going away and I was happy. Two days prior to Christmas Russ came home to tell me the news that he was the nominee to go. It wasn't official yet so we kept it under wraps. Meanwhile I prayed hard every night it would just go away. Watching Russ take care of things on his to do LIST made me think differently… like he knew this time it was for real. He was right. It's official. He is going… soon!
I went ahead and had my BIG cry today. It felt oh-so-good. Hormones helped a little too. Nothing like a good cry. I feel better and I put my Big Girl Panties back on. It's the military wife thing to do. We are not telling the kids yet. I couldn't today if I had to. We will wait until it gets a little closer. I know we will all be okay. I know this 100%. We are strong. Will I have a pity party or two? Uh-YEA! Never been away from my Prince for the time frame they are taking him. It's awhile. A long while. <Big big sigh!>
So- back to my list. It completely changed. I will share soon. It needs some tweaking…
Now to bring this post from a BIG fat downer to something pretty to look at…
I want to share a swap card I made for two groups. Did I tell you how much I love Valentines Day? The Prince will be home for that! I'm grateful!
Lots and Lots of elements on this card. I call it Punch Galore. I used the Valentine Defined (#123057) stamp set. It's such a great set. I actually bought this set because of the flamingo's that are in it. I haven't inked the flamingo's yet. It's a challenge for next week after leadership. 🙂 I love how punches can add so much to a card. I love how so many our images fit inside our punches. Makes my stamping life wonderful.
Time to pack for Leadership. I really don't want to move from my seat. I'm toasty warm with two heaters by my feet. Did I tell you I melted my Fluffy Croc's the other day? They are rubber just in case you didn't know. I was able to shrink them down a size. <giggle> Time for new ones.
XOXOXO
P.S.- Thank you to all the ladies that have given me the Stylish Blog Award. You make me smile. I will share my fact-o's after Leadership.
37 thoughts on “Time to put the Big Girl Panties on!”
Hi Kimberly,
this is a pretty card and a great example how well all the products of Stampin' Up! match each other. I love it.
And those 4 letters are NO fun. I just wanted to let you know that I know how you feel. It's been almost years since my hubby came home from his deployment. And he came home the other day telling me there might be a new one around the corner.
But we will survive. We're big. We're strong. We're army wives.
two years…
Many, many prayers sent your way — and I know your positive attitude once you get those panties on will carry you through. You always manage to make us smile even when you're sharing something not so happy. See you at Leadership — and travel safe. Us Florida girls will be freezing and need some wool big girl panties for sure!
Oh Kim, my heart goes out to you but with faith and prayers you will make it through. Your prince will be home in no time. Your daughters BD party must have been so special for her. She is blessed to have parents like you two! Thanks for sharing and have fun at Leadership! Lovely valentine!
I will say lots of prayers for your family. We are not military anymore, but were for many years. I so appreciate all the military men/women and their families. I know the sacrifices you all make for us, our country and our freedom. Thank you.
I feel your pain about the deployment. My daughter …. and my best girlfriend …. was deployed to Mosul in September for a year. We will be meeting her in Ireland in March on her leave. Looking forward to that.
My prayers are with you, Kimberly. My daughter's boyfriend returned safely after his second 6-month tour, and we all rejoiced. I know you'll all miss him desperately, but I also know you'll get through this. You've got friends you don't even know you have (me?); I so enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing your creations. Stay busy, girl; time passes quickly when you're having fun!
Best wishes to you all…
Oh sweets, I am sorry to hear this!! I had a feeling this was coming when it was being talked about so much!!! I know this won't help alot, but since I have been there (literally) I am always here if you need to chat, cry, or both!!! And, I am thankful it is NOT AFGHANISTAN…….although neither is a wonderful place to go. I will hug your neck when I see you on Wednesday! Much love to you!!!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Hi Kimberly….sending you a big virtual hug your way…when you are having those low moments, just think of the people in your life all giving you a big warm squeeze. Will be praying for your family in keeping your spirits high!!!
Sending hugs and lifting prayers for all of you.
I love your new card. I'm sorry to hear about the four letter word. I'll add your family to my prayer list.
Sending many hugs & prayers your way. Having been a Navy wife I remember how tough it can be & even though we sign up for the hard road it doesn't make it any easier. I used to say "Navy Wife is the toughest job in the Navy." I will keep your family in my prayers. Thanks for the beautiful Valentine's card. I hope to get a chance to meet you at Leadership (my 1st). Now if I could just get packed. : )
Sending many hugs & prayers your way!
The big "wow" in a not exciting way – some 4 letter words have more impact than we expect! I love your attitude and fortitude and belief system, which we all need to keep going for you and your family! I absolutely love your card…lucky swap ladies! Have a fabulous time at Leadership
I am sending you hugs. I know that a tough time is coming for you but you are strong and you will get through it. My hubby is retired now so he doesn't go any where. But one son has done a tour in Iraq and the other one (and my brother) are heading there in May. Chin-up and know that we are all here for you.
Tons of prayers heading you way. That is one of the ugliest 4-letter words to hear. If you ever need anything, you know between me and the rest of the Vazquez clan, we are not far away and always happy to help…just let us know!
So bummed to hear your Prince has to go away!! Hopefully it will go by fast and it will be over soon! Hang in there!! We're here for support whenever you need us!
Ashlee
Kimberly, you'll have all your SU! family here to support you. My thoughts and and prayers will be with you and your family.
Give your prince a great big hug and kiss from all of us who appreciate what he (and you!) sacrifice for our country. Many prayers will be lifted up for your family. So glad you had that great big ol' cry. They feel so good, don't they?! Enjoy your trip to Nashiville!! Thanks for your constant inspiration.
Kimberly – With family members in the service, I can imagine how difficult this is and will be. I thank you for your service and his service to our country. I will be praying for him, for you and for your children as you go through this.
I love your blog, and I totally agree with the Stylish Blog award – you rock!
Sending hugs and prayers from near Houston, Texas.
You don't know me but I stalk your blog on a daily basis, I LOVE your work
and enjoy you sharing your family with us. I am so sorry your Prince has
to go but please know he will be in my prayers! Keep the faith and know
you are loved by so many people!
oh My! I cant even begin to know how you must feel., but I want you to know and I want you to tell Russ that because of men like him and wonderful families like yours, our families are safe from the terrorists of the world. Tell him THANK YOU from an WW2 vet's daughter- thank you for keeping our country safe, thank you for your sacrifices, thank you thank you thank you from every member of my family. And Hugs to you for your personal sacrifice. Will keep your hubby in our prayers
Love your card.
Hang in there. Deployments are hard, especially when kids are involved. I know we are on our 4th Deployment, currently DH is serving with the 101st out of Fort Campbell. We just hit our half way mark. Some days are better than others, all I can say is take it one day at a time. AND STAY BUSY! 🙂
Kimberly- Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all your creativity. I love your cards! I also want you to know that I will keep you all in my prayers and I am very appreciative of what your husband and you do for our country! THANK YOU!
Kimberly,
You are and will continue to be in my prayers as well as your Prince and your children!. Please tell Russ how much we all respect and appreciate him for his service on our behalf!
Just wanted to send a big hug your way! I'm so sorry you had to hear that 4 letter word. =/ Hopefully your craft will continue to bring you comfort, support, and let you escape. Best wishes to you and your family.
I'm so sorry to hear your news. It's hard, I know…..It's never easy to let your prince go away for awhile. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers often! Stay strong, as I know that you can be. Have a good, relaxing trip to leadership! Thanks for sharing, our life and your talents. Great Card, totally love it! Many Many Blessings-Tana http://tanaconley.blogspot.com
Hi Kimberly
Sending many hugs & prayers your way.
I love you card…
I know it's hard but God Is going to be with you and your familily, Please if I can help you in anyway just let me know. you are going to be in my prayers.
I love your work and you know that I'm your #1 fan.
Hi Kimberly –
I'm so sorry. I can say I know how you feel. My hubby is a NAVY NFO on the P3 – he was gone for a year last year. It sucks – there's no other words to describe it. I think it's strange when people say "I couldn't do that – or – I don't know how you do that" Well – you just do! Just think about how GREAT that homecoming is 🙂 🙂 That's the best part and makes those dets almost seem worth it…almost. Thanks for posting such beautiful cards and projects on your website – I look forward to seeing them! It helps me get through my hard days when I can look at something pretty you have done!
My thoughts and prayers are with you – your post makes me think back to our Navy days – I met my husband in the Navy – we were married in May and he deployed the following Feb – only a normal cruise – but with all the work ups we were apart a little over 9 months – your past makes me think back to broken toilets, dead rat stuck in the dryer vent, neighbor’s dog killing my cat…. and the list of mayhem when on and on until he finally returned!! I was active duty and knew the requirements – lived the life – but there is nothing harder than being a Navy (military) wife. This was before e-mail and Wi-Fi – we used satellite phones at a $1 a minute and could have bought a small car by the time he came home!! 🙂 but you do what you have to do. God Bless you and your family. I hope you have a wonderful time at leadership! love the card! Love the Blog – keep it coming!
Kimberly, You are so inspiring to me. You demonstrate so much courage, faith, wisdom and strength (oh and don't forget humour) everyday and especially now knowing Russ is heading to Iraq. Your positive attitude, trust, faith and support in Russ along with his wisdom and training and the many prayers will find Your Prince back home safely.
I trust and pray God will put a hedge of protection around him, his fellow officers and You and the children.
I thank God for you because you inspire me with your strenght, courage and creative flair every time I read your blog.
Will keep your husband, you, and your family in my prayers.
Kimberly,
Sending prayers and love your way!! I know this is not going to be easy with your prince gone!! Your family is strong and you will get through it. You have all your blog friends to help!
Anytime you need to talk, my ears are ready!
Hugs,
Oh Kimberly, I couldn't even imagine. I'll pray for you and for your family.
Hugs from your canadian friend!!!!
Josee
Kimberley,
I have to admit, I didn't read your blog before I left for leadership (I know, big surprise), but wanted to let you know that I will pray as much as I can for you and for your Prince. I can't imagine the seperation of this kind and I know that it's going to be one of the hardest things you will experience, but so many are praying for you. Hang in there friend!
Missed this post before I left for Leadership…….
not sure what to say Kimberly….I am sure that if anyone can put on the big girl panties it's you….sorry you have to wear them, but I know you can DO IT! Thinking of you, and your family!
Sending special virtual hugs your way. Please pass the extra special ones to your husband. May God bless our troops and keep them safe. And may God bless our troops' families. You are all warriors in my book!
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