Getting to the Half Way Mark

As some of you may know my little family is trying to get through our 3rd deployment. I always feel like I go through the same stages. At first I'm pumped up that I can do it. Then after 2 weeks we feel the emptiness. Then comes the busy busy busy activities to distract us, but there is always that space that just cannot be filled. After a few more weeks it feels exhausting to just get over that hump to the half way mark. As if time is just dragging until our reunion and it feels like it is just not getting any closer.

 

But time is passing! We've made it over the hill! We've made it through 3 major holidays just us 3 and I thought it would be nice to start a countdown for my dolls to understand. I've seen this before, it's nothing fancy. Just a simple paper chain with the remaining days of this deployment. The girls just take turns tearing a chain as each day ends. Pretty easy right?

 

 

 

It all started with some pretty scrapbook paper I picked up in the dollar section at Target.

 

A rotary cutter and self healing mat really made this fast and easy.

 

 

I just took few sheets at a time and tried to get 10 strips out of each print.

 

Then used a a glue stick to lightly glue the ends together. This is the part that took the longest due to the fact that there are still quite a few days left in our countdown, but the girls helped out with this:)

 

And done!

 

 

 

I think it helps us all understand the concept of time and it is in fact passing and that we are all so strong getting though this. The girls love it!

So there you have it! We're starting to really countdown.

We can do this!

We miss you.

 

-Georgette

 

 



Merry & Bright

Christmas is something I look forward to all year. Covering the house in garlands and lights just automatically cheers everyone up. Living in such a cold climate we have to stay indoors about 90% of the time during winter so I try to surround us in fun, colorful things!

This is our first Christmas in our NEW house and couldn't wait to see how our little cottage looks in the wintertime.

However my husband is also deployed this Christmas which is huge bummer. I have to do the shoveling and cookie baking. De-icing of the car and hot chocolate brewing. You get the picture;) Not having my best friend here during the holidays just makes it incomplete. It pretty much stinks without him here, but I have to make the best of things in situations like this.

I thought I should take photos of our house decorated for the holidays so my husband can see bits and pieces and pretend he is here with us.

Most of our decorations were thrifted, from the dollar store, or from the Target dollar section.

Come on in and enjoy a little peek into our house!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I so didn't pose him there..he is just that stinkin cute!

 

Oh just vintage christmasy goodness everywhere, we are just missin' you know who!

I hope you liked a little peek into our home for the holidays.

 

-Georgette



A Constant Battle

I've been dealing with the fact that we are not through with military life. 
I've been preparing my mind and spirit that we were moving onto a new chapter in our lives. That we were going to move back home with family. Where my husband grew up and where we met. Finally buy a home, have bbqs on the weekend, listen to Tejano in the mornings making breakfast, have the hot, sticky sun on our faces, and have our daughters be surrounded by our very, large extended family. But plans have changed like everything in life and I'm constantly struggling with myself to accept this new road.

It's been a long, tough, but rewarding experience these past 6 years. Going into it I thought it was nothing and could handle it all since I was a military daughter growing up, boy was I wrong! Being a wife and mother in this lifestyle is a whole new ballgame. The first 2 years being away caused me to have a lot of anxiety. I couldn't sleep and always felt restless throughout the day. In a way I couldn't program my mind to understand.."This is your life now not a vacation from home." Not to mention since I was 13 have been dealing with depression that unfortunately is extremely hereditary in my family. (ugh I'll save that story for another day.) Meeting other wives, making friends and saying goodbye to them. Changing homes, changing schools..or worse deployments ugh. It wasn't all bad though, but when I look at the bad times it does try to overpower me.

It seems when life gets to heavy like this I go through the same pattern. I try to distract my mind with more projects, more recipes, more thrifting trips, more crafts with my girls, more reading. So that throughout the day I don't have time to think and dwell on things that are no longer in my control. So that I don't disappear on the sofa in my pajamas watching movies that depress me even more. I look at my daughters and appreciate the fact that they are healthy, taken care of, and happy.  They ultimately are my peace. But once night hits and everyone is sound asleep is when my mind starts to run. And all the "what ifs" start taking over.

I know its going to be another long and bumpy road adjusting. I'm not very religious, at times I wish I was, but I do have alot of faith. I have faith that whatever we are given on our plate god makes sure  we can handle it and get through it. It won't be easy, but that is all part of living and experiencing  life I suppose.
You know I feel good already letting it all out to you whoever may be reading this and thank you for that. One thing I always tell myself is...

 

 

Thanks for listening to my ramblings and current worries. It helps.

 

*hugs*

Georgette

Around These Parts

It's been an emotional rollercoaster here lately. I've been really happy with how my daughter is rolling along in homeschool. Yet the winter blues have been trying to pull me down. I feel like bits and pieces of home are coming together. But I just found out we are not moving back to Texas and staying in Utah.

 

I've been anticipating this move for over a year now and so has our family back home. It's been extremely hard accepting our new path, but I constantly try to remind myself it's for a reason.  The military has blessed us in many ways and I'm very grateful. I suppose it was the whole idea of finally planting some roots somewhere, but over the years I've learned that home is wherever you make home.  Things could be a whole lot worse for us and when I'm struggling accepting where we are it reminds me to keep counting my blessings.

 

Here's a few pics from my instagram feed around these parts.

 

 

 

 

 

1. my dollies heading out to play//2. new embroidery I made for my love for pyrex// 3. family time// 4.thrifting treasures// 5.dress refashion// 6.handmade dollies for my dollies// 7. "Home is Where the Heart Is"

 

 

 

*hugs*

Georgette



taking on new adventures.

wow. it's been a good few weeks of silence around these parts.

I did a lot of reflecting and appreciating this holiday season. I was remember back to the first xmas with my little family and I was so high strung! I wanted everything perfect and was missing my extended family back in Texas.  I've grown so much these past few years in living in the moment and not taking for granted the small things that make up "the stuff" of life.
Last Christmas season was definitely hard having my husband deployed and I never want to relive that again, but man did it make me soak in every second he was here with us this year. Not only that, but I was blessed with a surprise visit from my sister and I met my nephew for the first time!

My resolutions for this year is to not be afraid to try new things and not to get stuck in too much of a routine of things. Don't get me wrong I still have a few things that we NEED to stay in routine for my girls sake , but I just want to continue to grow as a person and not just as a momma:)

That being said, one big change I've decided to throw myself into is homeschooling. Yep you heard me right. I know this is such a controversial topic and another day I will write why I chose to finally do this. Along with this scary and exciting adventure we will also be moving in 4 months! I can't really say where yet, but I'm so happy for a new chapter.

Just wanted to peek in and say thank you again for reading and I'm still keeping my hands crafty and heart open.

*hugs*

Georgette

 

 

 

 

Holiday Family Photos

My little family and I have never had photos done outside of the studio. I attempted once during the summer by doing it myself, but sadly it was unsuccessful. I'm just not that skilled:(
I love drooling over the natural, candid photos online. I just think they are so much more personal that posing and staring at a camera. I even researched some photographers, but another disappointment was that they were not in my budget. One sleepless night I was browsing the facebook handmade and businesses group page for my military base. And guess what? There were about 10 pro photographers who are military spouses. Not only were they amazing, but they were affordable and local! I fell in love with Lauren Gibbs Photography. She had some skills and she is the most adorable girl ever. She was very professional and made my family feel so comfortable. I HIGHLY recommend her if you are in the northern Salt Lake area. Here are a few photos of my little family:)

daddy wearing estate sale vintage flannel&levis/mommy wearing thrifted mexican dress&target cardigan/big dolly wearing thrifted vintage poncho&old navy jeans/little dolly wearing thrifted peacoat&target jeggings

I just couldn't be happier! These are just a pinch of all the photos she gave me and I just can't decide which to use for our Christmas Cards! Well stayed tuned because I think I may have found a winner:)

Thank you so much Lauren for capturing my family. These pictures will be cherished forever.
I really love supporting local businesses and military wives when I can.

Thanks for stopping by!

*hugs*

Georgette

goodbyes suck.

This past week I had to say goodbye to a very dear friend of mine.

She was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Utah. She's the only friend I've made who is serving in the military. Her being a single active duty airman I knew it was inevitable she was goin to get a duty station change.

Well that time came.

From the moment I met her I just knew we would connect and she just meshed so well with my personality as if I knew her through high school or if she was family! My girls knew her as "auntie". Even my friends and family fell in love with her kindness and down to earthness? I knew going into this military life I would have to say goodbye to friends we made, but she was like family. I don't know why I took it so hard, it was the same sadness I got when my sister moved away to college.

 

See my sister and I are 10 yrs apart so when she left I somehow in a way felt abandoned not having that sisterly bond anymore and being left behind with my boring parents lol.

I mean it is different that I'm married with kids and plenty busy, but that sisterly bond I felt with her is gone and I really do hope she visits us when she can!

 

source

I'm sad and it's going to take awhile to get over. I just learned that I really need to embrace the moments I get with loved ones and friends when I have them.

*hugs*
Georgette

 

 



Happy Veterans Day!

 

I was born into  a military life.

My dad is a retired marine.

My brother is an air force vet.

And well we all know my hubby is currently serving the USAF as well:)

 

our first family pic together in uniform 5 yrs ago!

 

 

It's been a wonderful life. Traveling, being exposed to different cultures, leaving friends, making new friends, but oh those times apart can be rough. I know at times I can get to a point where I think I can't do it anymore, but when I look back I'm so proud that my husband and my little family were able to get through it all. 

Trust me our first year here was tough. I missed home, my family, our routine of things.

But it made me into such a self reliant woman. It made our children more open minded to everything around us.

It DEFINITELY made our marriage stronger.

I believe it tests all aspects of one's self and abilities and WE MADE IT!

Its been a long and crazy ride, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

I feel blessed to be married to such a chivalrous and kindhearted man:)

 

So happy Veterans Day to all the men and women out there that make and keep our country strong.

 

*hugs*

Georgette

Appreciation

 

I've been ultra bummed out lately. I won't make this a complainy post, but just simply saying that my husband's schedule lately hasn't been my favorite. He was gone for half a year deployed and as soon as he got back has been put on the worst schedules ever.  We pretty much never see him. So I suppose I've been feeling like that single parent again and its been a little bit tougher now that the holidays are beginning.

With all the news watching lately my heart has been heavy for the east coast, but so glad it is over and they are on the road to recovery. Being at home in my own little bubble here in the mountains  surrounded by beauty and peace I seem to forget the little things I need to be appreciative for and not dwell on things that are not in my control.

Yes my husband is not here to see my daughter come home from school, have dinner with us,  or to kiss them goodnite, but he still manages to keep a smile on his face, staying positive,  and gives me pep talks that this is temporary and will in fact get better.

My children are healthy, we have electricity, a roof over our head, and my husband is on the same side of planet that we are. I'm not going to let my mind run on how I wish things can be better. I'm just going to accept what is at the moment and to continue to be there for my daughters and appreciate the "little things" all around us.

 

We took an extra long walk today to play with leaves and soak in some sunshine.

 

 

Life is beautiful around me and I'm trying so very hard not to forget to keep me going:)

 

xo

Georgette



How was your weekend?

This weekend was quite fulfilled.

I haven't seen my husband in about two months. I few quick "goodmornings" or "see you laters".

That's military life.

I hate complaining its just he was gone for half a year for deployment then due to some military cuts and downsizing my husband hasn't really had a break since he's been back. This is our last year in the military and it sure has been the hardest.

 

As soon as he was granted his 3 day weekend he made sure to soak up as much of us as he could. This included pumpkin picking, hayrides, farmers market shopping, and some thrifting.

 

 

 

Found some pyrex mugs to add to my collection.

 

 

I've been saving my pennies for a gorgeous Kitchen Aid mixer, but when I saw this my heart nearly melt.

 

 

I had a wonderful weekend and appreciated every second with my little family. All those crappy months I had being alone practically floated away when I soak in moments like these.

 

dress: vintage thrifted, belt: vintage thrifted, bag: vintage thrifted, sunnies: target

 

How was your weekend?

 

xo

Georgette

 

 

 

 



Mini Home Tour { Part 1}

Please excuse the bad lighting and amateur photos you are about to see. Just to let you know it seems as if 70% of this house lacks any sort of natural light. Yes it's depressing, but it's a house so I'm just trying to be grateful we have a roof over our head until my husband is out of the military. Which will be soon!
Since this is where I spend most of my days I've been adding bits of treasure and personal touches to make our temporary stay here more enjoyable:)

So lets start with our entry way. A wall compiled of a walmart mirror, thrifted serving tray, thrifted gold mirrors (painted black), thrifted round silver platter (painted with chalkboard paint), and a simple silver wire rack that I picked up the the base exchange dollar spot.

Next is my little curbside cube organizer from here. Along with some DIY art, pictures, thrifted art, Ikea wall clock found in the AS-IS section, and an artprint from The Wheatfield etsy shop.

Next is our sad, dark kitchen. Tried to brighten it up with a fun pallet of light blue and red. Yarn wall letter art, more vintage trays, light blue wall organizers from Martha Stewarts line at Staples, cupcake liner wreath (tutorial found here), a thrifted "R" (spray painted blue), inexpensive hook from Ikea with holds this apron, and canvas fabric wall art I did:)

Thats it for now. Need to take pics of the dining room, girls room, craft/guest room, and bedroom, but things are not in order for those yet. Hope you enjoyed a small peek at our military home:)

xo

Georgette