Our new home!!

We are officially a base family!!! Here is a pic of our cute new house!

Its two bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. Its a little small but it fits up perfectly. Plus we have a generous size garage and storage area, plus a fenced in yard for Remi and Parker to play in!!! God always knows what we need and we are very thankful and blessed!

KODIAK!!!!

Well we finally made it here!!!! We have been here for a little over a month now and we are starting to settle in. It has been a crazy ride to get here. We spent 6 days on the road and had some major trailer issues along the way. 6 days on a ferry where Parker got sick and I felt sick for most of the trip. We arrived on a Friday and Matt left the very next day! I got to spend 12 days on the second story of the hotel  without a working elevator so I got to drag the kids, all the stuff and the dog up and down the stairs!! Did I mention Matts truck got damaged along its trip and I got to handle that too! LOL&CRYING TOO!!

I can not tell you God kept me sane and I will never forget how wonderful it was when housing called and said "we have your house ready"!! I actually cried I was so happy!!! So we camped out in our cute little house till we got our furniture a week later. I spent the next 3 weeks unpacking EVRy single box myself and unpacking EVERY single item too!!! I was so glad to have things in their place and it is starting to feel like home! I feel bak to life having internet again and so now I can update my blog and let everyone in on how life up here in "Mylaska"is going for us!

We thank you all for all the prayers we received along the way. We know all your support and prayers got us here safely! Love to you all!

7 Months!

Ok So I know she was 7 months... a month ago in July, but I've been a little busy! We arrived in Kodiak a month ago, finally got a house and I have been making my way thru the mountain of endless boxes! Oh yeah and all while my hubby is at sea! So I am very proud of this one, not only for finally getting it done but for its patriotic theme! Isn't she just so adorable? God Bless the USA!!!

Moving Day

Well it's officially moving Day!!!

Shelbie loved all the paper and tried to eat it. 

I did well and only got emotional once yesterday. Our great friends 

"Pa Charlie & Nana C" came over and hugged us goodbye. Then I 

had a chance to see all the boxes in the house for the first time... that was it! 

I lost it. I love this house, our friends, our memories made here. I am going to miss it all!

I stand strong in God's promise of great things to come but I wish I was more ready! 

RIP sweet pets

Purdys ashes forming a heart shape over Max's ashes.

Our little headstone.

On our trip to Florida we brought the ashes of my two

childhood pets, "Max" and "Purdy". I wanted to bury their remains 

together at my parents house near the water. Max was my 22 year old cat who loved me and 

tolerated everyone else! My sweet 14 year old Purdy girl was the sweetest dog with 

the best personality! I grew up with both of them totally devoted to me. I cant wait

to see them in Heaven!

Sisters!!!

My Florida sisters in Christ: Jen & Heather.

Even though we are far apart we are always together in heart!

6 Months!!

Our Shelbie is 6 months old!! She has such a sweet 

personality and she has found her voice!! She 

is always happy and she loves her daddy!!!

"Just Fishing"

Fishing buddies

Memorial Day

A cross remembering my father who
served in the US Navy

Thank you "Pa Charlie" for this very moving memorial in front of our church! Simply beautiful!

Two More!!

"Snowy Tree"

"Sweet Dreams"

After winning ribbons for 4 of my photos at our Heritage Festival, I was able to enter my first state competition. My girlfriend Kara and I entered and had a great time at the competition. I won two more ribbons!!! They were both honorable mentions and for my first go round at the state level, I am super proud of myself!!! Maybe I can tackle some Alaska competitions and see what happens next!

Cover Man!

Ok I know another post about Grandpa, but this is so cool! He made the cover of "Florida Sportsman".

You know Parker is super proud! Just wanted to share!

Grandpa's Buddy

It is no secret that my son ADORES his Grandpa and I am sure the feeling is mutual for Grandpa. Parker constantly asks us if we can got to grandpa's house to go fishing on the dock. We only live 13 hours away with an 800 mile drive! Of course he doesn't understand that concept and usually says, "lets go fast to Grandpa's". Hard to say no to that logic! Any chance we get to spend with family we do and this weekend was no exception. Of course Parker got to fish with his buddy and he was satisfied... until the long trip back home!

5 months Old!

Our little miss is 5 Months old! She is growing so fast and such a sweetie. 

She has started trying baby cereal and is trying to sit up on her own.

The time flies by so fast so I have to try to catch every moment 

in pictures and capture her ever changing face and expressions.

Beautiful girl!!!

Selbie's 5 Month Portrait

"A walk with Grandpa"

I like to walk with Grandpa

He takes his time you see

His steps are little just like mine

He stops and waits for me.

He lets me ask him questions

He lets me hold his hand

He makes me feel ten feet tall

And I think that he is grand.

He says there is no one like me

And gold is what o]I'm worth

When I get to walk with Grandpa

I'm the luckiest kid in the world.

~Patsy Gaut

Best Buddies!

My son absolutely ADORES his Grandpa and I am certain that the feeling is more than mutual. Parker constantly asks us if we can go fishing with Grandpa on his dock. We have to remind him that grandpa lives too far away... 800 miles and a 13 hour drive to be exact. Of course he doesn't care or understand this concept and always says... "We can go fast to Grandpa's". How can you argue with that logic? Well we got to spend a few days at our favorite cabin and Parker once again got to go fishing with his best buddy! So he was satisfied... until we got in the car to go home~

Finally!!!

My Big, Little brother Jeff finally finished Nursing School!

I hope he knows how very proud I am of him.

It took several years of hard work and dedication

and he totally deserves it!

He is going to be an excellent nurse!

Sweet Memories

My father passed away 6 years ago and whenever we get the chance to go to Mississippi, we try to visit his grave. I often think of him and I especially do on special occasions. When I got married, when my children were born, when they were dedicated, Christmas and other holidays are always bittersweet because I wish he were alive to witness theses special times. I know he watches over me and is proud of me and my family. I will always teach my children about their "Papaw in Heaven".

This was Shelbie's first visit to his grave. We will always 

cherish the sweet memories of our papaw!

Getting ready...

Well its less than 2 months away.... our impending move to Alaska. I have been checking out the sale racks to trying to get a jump on our soon to be year-round winter attire! I wen to Gymboree and found an awesome sale going on with winter closeouts. Not too many people need winter clothes in Texas! Parker and Shelbie are liking some of the new diggs!

Snow Bunny Shelbie

Mountain Parker

Texas Grandparents

The past 4 years in Texas have been wonderful. Despite leaving family and friends behind in Florida we have managed to be blessed with new friendships. Those that have come into our lives have become more than friends, they are like family! God always manages to put amazing people in our paths that touch our lives more than they will ever know. The hugs and moments together with them will always be special. Thank you will never be enough to show these special people how wonderful they have been to us!

Charlie + Carolyn, AKA: "Pa Charlie + Nana C", We love you guys so much and you mean the world to us. Thank you for accepting us into your world and being the Texas Grandparents that our kids needed, and honestly, who we needed!

Happy Easter!!

Wishing you a happy and merry Easter.

He is ALIVE!!!

On the hunt

EASTER EGG HUNT!!

This series of pics has a funny story! Parker was on the hunt for the bunny eggs and was doing a great job. He was so into it and having a great time. I told him there was a few left and at this point he was getting tired. While he was standing right beside an egg, he dropped his head and then said... "I can NOT find any more eggs". Of course we were cracking up and he was getting more frustrated. The expression on his face  was priceless!

In memory of

As you may remember I posted last month about the passing of my Great Uncle Tommy. He was a dedicated Marine who served this country with pride. He received a "Purple Heart" medal and was extremely proud of his accomplishments. He had a beautiful military service complete with a gun salute and honors. We all loved and adored him very much. I felt that this collage needed special attention and I am finally finished. I think that Uncle Tom would have loved it. I hope that you love it too!

bye bye Marilyn Monroe!

I have been a blonde for like 15 years and I was WAY overdue for a change. I had been trying to grow it out but I got impatient! My hubby finally convinced me to spend some money on myself and go to the salon... Here is the result! No more Marilyn Monroe platinum blonde!! Matt says that his wife is going to be jealous of his new girlfriend! hehe

whoop dee doo!

I love this picture of Parker and Shelbie that Matt took! Parker has the typical big brother look on his face... I know that look well! He's thinking, "what's the big deal, she aint all that special". She can smile, whoop dee doo! LOVE IT!

She's on a ROLL!!

OMG!! She is rolling over~! Shelbie surprised Parker and myself this morning by rolling over. We knew she was close and this morning she was laying on her back playing on the floor when she started going for it. I told Parker to "watch, she might roll over"... and of course his response was... "mommy I can roll over!". Sister beat him to it and rolled over first. Parker then joined her and they both did it. Now she has to figure out how to get back to her back!

(Doesn't she look so proud~Go Shelbie!)

Nana + Papa visit

Nana + Papa got to come for  a visit last month. This was the first time they got to meet they're FIRST granddaughter! We were thrilled to have them in Texas with us and I am pretty sure they were totally excited to be with the grandkids and well... hopefully us too! Nah we know our visits together are precious! Alaska is going to be too far! We already miss them so much!

Matt's New toy?

We got this new toy for our Alaska move and adventure. I think I like it better than Matt does...

Whoo hoo! My girlfriends like it too!

She's 4 Months old!!

Time is flying by way way to fast! She is trying to roll over and she is starting to cut teeth... oh joy! She is such a sweet and happy baby, until she gets tired... like her mommy! She totally loves her big brother and he adores her too. We have such a blessed life!

Parker turned 3!!

March 31st marked Parkers 3rd birthday. We celebrated with our closest Texas friends and kids. My mom and dad also were able to join us for the fishing themed celebration. The kids played in the "fishing
pond" and played in the sand box too. The cake was too cute and everyone had a great time. I can not believe my little "fisherboy" is 3!

SE Texas state fair

I love Spring and all the fun that comes along with it! Our fair used to be in the Fall, but after several hurricanes, they started doing them in the Spring. This year my parents came for a visit and we all went to the fair and had a great time! Parker got to ride his first pony and LOVED it! The Shelbs had fun too looking at everything. Spring has so much fun to offer!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Tom!

Just this past week we lost my favorite Marine. He was my great Uncle Thomas Salina. He received a purple heart while serving at Iwo Jima & then Saipan. He and my aunt Ginny (my namesake) never had any children, so the nieces & nephews became the "kids" to them. Uncle Tommy would have been 87 today. He gets to celebrate his birthday in Heaven with Jesus today!! We love you and we will miss you!

HOORAH!!

Princess piercing!

 Little Miss Shelbie got her
ears pierced!!! We went to our former pediatrician
and they numbed her ears before the piercing. She
did great but she did NOT like them holding her
head still. We think she looks too cute in her baby
pearls~ our princess in training!

Valentines Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Ok so I think that my kiddos are the cutest,

but you have to admit that this is ultra cute + super sweet.

What a loving big brother! 

They sure do melt my heart!

MONSTER MAN!!!

Parker loves the monster trucks! 

we had some visit our area for

a local show they did, so we 

went + got to check one out that was on display.

Parker is still young enough that he doesn't 

yet know the difference in going to see the real thing! 

So we saved $75 this year, but I think he might be on to us soon!