a precious read

Hey there! Im posting an actual non bump date, surprise! But it is all about pregnancy.

I feel like in the military its either really easy or really hard to make friends. And it really does depend on how involved you get in your community AND military community.

 I met Lauren (yep she blogs!) back in Florida and I really can't explain this friendship. Recently, a lady at church used the term "soul friend" and it clicked. Thats how to describe Lauren! Im not gonna get all pregnant hormonal crying behind this screen on you so I'll leave it at that.

I got two packages from Lauren last week. One was some adorable clothes that Eli, her new sweet precious perfect baby boy, has already grown out of. I almost cried just thinking of that. He is a little over 2 months and the cutest chunk you've ever seen. Anyways, the second package was a new mommy survival box. It had things you really don't ever dream your friends will send you one day…things that will help ease some pain following delivery if you get my drift (I am going to be so thankful for that box). 

But the best part of this box was 3 sheets of paper. These 3 fully typed sheets had 25 tips for Before Hospital/ After Hospital/ After the First 2-3 Weeks. I laughed and cried and became so excited about what is to come. It has literally been the best thing I have read in years. I felt like we were sitting at my house having a one on one conversation back in Destin, FL. After I read it, I immediately texted her and told her all this and that she HAD to post it to her blog. HAD TO. 

Well, she did!!! I wanted to share these sweet tips that is perfect for a mommy to be or a mom who has 3 kids and needs a little heartwarming read. Please go read these and follow her on bloglovin! You will not be disappointed!

Here are the links!

Twenty-Five Tips for New Moms/ Things I've Learned in Two Months: Part 1

Twenty-Five Tips For New Moms/ Things I've Learned in Two Months: Part 2

25 Things- Birthday Post

Since it is my birthday, I guess I am allowed to post twice in a day right?

25 years..Is it sad that I can already feel it? I see the lines that will turn to wrinkles in a few years. It takes me a lot longer to get off the floor. Thank goodness I have made it a commitment to live a healthy lifestyle and workout the way that I do. I would hate to see me at 30 if I didn't.

Age talk aside, I started really thinking about what I have experienced and learned in 25 years. We all have trials and situations that seem unfair. Things we wish we hadn't done. Things we are turning around and doing differently "from this moment on".

We will have regrets. There is no way around it. We are humans. We sin. But God is love. That means He forgives. He knows we will mess up. I want to look back on my life and know I did whatever I could to glorify His name, though. I want to hear, "Well done" on that day. There are so many things I need to improve on...kindness, my critical mouth, forgiving heart...the list never ends. But my heart is His, He has it for the taking.  I want Him to mold me this year more than ever. I want to be teachable and able to submit to God completely. I want Him to hold the reigns.

I want to celebrate my life with Jesus by writing out 25 things I have learned in my life. Most I need to work on tremendously, but I'm praying that I have a good 60+ years to improve.

So here it is.

25 Things Im Thankful that I've Learned:

1. God is my strength, my light, and my rock.

2. Worry does nothing but cause trouble.

3. Be honest when speaking. Don't sugar coat but also make sure to be tactful.

4. Friendships need effort. And we need friendships. Don't wait for them to come to you.

5. Take in your surroundings. Enjoy where you live.

6. Trial builds character.

7. Deep breaths ease whatever end of the world situations you are in.

8. Texting is not a way to deal with confrontation. Call them. Go see them.

9. Tones make or break a conversation...or a relationship.

10. Though I lack a relationship with my earthly father, my Heavenly Father fills that void. He never forsakes me. He is always there with me.

11. It's ok to rely on my husband.

12. Being vulnerable builds intimacy.

13. The Love and Respect cycle goes past marraige. It's about loving the unlovable.

14. No family is normal. But we all have "our normal".

15. Sometimes to make a friend, you just have to ask. Remember kindergarten?

16. Being away from your spouse will hurt, but you keep living. You live out God's will no matter if you are together or apart. They don't want you to be miserable without them.

17. Marriage makes it hard to stay skinny.

18. There is a bigger world than you see in your hometown.

19. Don't do something that you don't want people to find out about. Whoo, it makes life way less stressful.

20. Selfies are weird.

21. Find a way to love the differences in other people. People think you are weird ,too.

22. Stand for what you believe. Don't be mean and overbearing. But stand for it.

23. Complaining causes a bitter heart.

24. Spending time with God in the morning humbles and prepares me for what life is about to throw at me.

25. Treat the people that love YOU the most with kind words and actions.

I can think of 10 billion other things that God has taught me. He is still teaching me everyday. I hope you will sit today and make a list in your head of all you are thankful for..family, friends, trials, and blessings. I am so thankful for another year. My first married birthday....it's just the beginning, isn't it?

Have a sweet day!

Victoria

What is our FRG about, you ask?

Hello Ladies! I have been so excited to finally get some pictures to start on this series of posts. The FRG is such a misunderstood group in the military community. Before I go any further, FRG stands for "Family Readiness Group". I have been listening to military wives and it is evident that it is different for each branch. For each branch, it holds a different meaning and actually has a different name. I honestly don't know enough to name each branch's FRG, so for now, I'll stick to what I know.....NAVSCOLEODFRG.
 
For this series of posts, I really want to get the true meaning of our FRG out there for wives in the EOD school community. This FRG is for EVERY branch, as long as her spouse is in the NAVSCOLEOD. I want to let you see what we do at play dates, that ladies WITHOUT children are very welcomed to attend. I want you to take a peek at what kind of things we go over in our meetings and what all you can get involved in and volunteer for. Mostly, I want you to know that the most important goal of our FRG is to connect wives who are new to the area and the mysterious world of EOD. The FRG is here to support you, to answer your questions. I know I had/have a LOT of questions. As a group, we can let you know where the hospital on base is, what the best Chinese restaurant is, or where the next play date will be held.

I know when I hear about something new and unfamiliar, pictures always help. They put a face on the situation. They help my anxious heart prepare for what I am about to walk into. This group is so important for military wives. Anyone else feel lonely being stuck at home all day long without knowing a soul? Most of us have moved here from hundreds, maybe thousands, of miles away from family and friends. Thank goodness for social media, but I know that I felt a little sad every time I logged on FB to see my friends just going on with their comfortable lives while I was just trying to make conversation with the check out lady at the grocery store. She has to talk to me!

The thing is, at least here at Eglin AFB, there is a community of wives waiting for you! There are ladies who need friendships just has much as you do! All you have to do is go. Go to the FRG meeting. Go to the playdate at the Destin Commons. The leaders are so great and so approachable! I have loved getting involved and making new friendships with different ladies! You will make a friend! I promise! And then you get to run home to your cute husband and say, "I made a friend today!!!" And he will think you are very cute yourself.

So, after giving you my spill on the importance of getting involved (Annoying? Maybe a little, but I really do believe it!), here are just a few pictures from our last "Play Date at the Destin Commons"!

We met up at 9:30 for coffee and convo! Starbucks and a splash pad are always a hit! We had a lot of fun and I saw a few new faces that I hope return!

 

 

The ladies below are our FRG leaders! They put so much thought into our activities. I hope the next set of leaders at our next duty station are as thoughtful as these ladies! They have "been there, done that" so please contact them for any questions!

 

This Friday, we are having a recipe swap! I am so excited about this. I hope we have a lot of ladies attend because I am hungry already just thinking about it! We are all bringing a dish and a few copies of the recipe. Should be so much fun!

Please email me at victoriabobo1012@gmail.com if you have any questions, or just need a friend around the area! I also have a bible study that meets once a week at my house and we always love meeting new ladies. There is lots to get involved in, just have to get out there and find it.  So scary, but so worth it!

There will be a section at the top of my blog called "FRG Events" for this series so wives can see what kinds of things we do as a group. I will only post about play dates and events we go to, no names or anything personal like that!

Have a great day!

Victoria

Home Is Where The Navy Sends Us

"Home is where the Navy sends us."

 

 Such a true quote and it is one of the many reasons we chose "Home" by Phillip Phillips to exit our wedding ceremony. It just fits us. No matter where the God chooses to send us, we are home because we are together. 

**Sidenote- This will be a page at the top of my blog but I wanted to get this post out there in cyber world for ladies like me who was looking for any and everything I could find out about where I was moving. I will update it through the tab named "Home is where the Navy sends us."

I hope you can use this as a little fun, informational guide if you are stationed (or vacationing!!) in the places we have been stationed! I want you to know my favorite things to do, places to eat, and places to maybe make a lifelong friend or two! Please email me if you have any questions about the areas I talk about, or Navy/Military in general. If I can't answer a question, you can be sure I will point you in the right direction to find out the best solution! I will continue to add to this page through out the year so it can be as updated and accurate as possible! Work in progress here, ladies!

1. Fort Walton, FL- Eglin AFB. ( We live in Niceville, FL)

-Surrounding areas you will hear about because this is SUCH a big base:

Destin, Niceville, Blue Water Bay, Valparaiso, Shalimar, Crestview.

HOUSING:

We like living off base, but I have friends who are die hard on-base housing fans! It's all about your personal preferences! We love Niceville. It's safe. Its close to his schoolhouse and its close to the gym I love. It take me 15-20 to get on base ( I go through the East Gate in Valparaiso). I know this makes zero sense if you have not lived here, but once you see it, it clicks! 

E.O.D. school house wives- Blue Water Bay/Niceville is the closest you will be to your hubby's school house. This is what I suggest if you want to be within 15 minutes of the schoolhouse.. Note that the schoolhouse is at a different location than the main base. Confusing, I know. My list from closest to furthest away from the EOD school house is Blue Water Bay, Niceville, Valparaiso, Shalimar, Crestview, and Fort Walton. Destin is the odd ball. It is SUPER close but you will pay a toll to and from school and the traffic in the spring/summer is not fun when your husband is ready to be home from school in the afternoons! Please email me and I can find out different places for you to call about houses for rent. We used Craigslist.com and it worked out GREAT for us. Others use ahrn.com. Unfortunately, we dont have a military email until he graduates training, so I can't wait to get on that website! There are tons more housing topics I can talk about so contact me if you need any help, seriously!

If your husband works on base, most all the towns are close to base because of all the different entrance gates. There are SO many options of places to live. I wish I was more familiar with on-base housing. You would never have to leave the base with the commissary, BX, beach, camping site and much, much more!

THINGS TO DO:

The beach...hellloooo?? Who moves to Destin, FL and doesn't go to the beach? Take advantage of this weather! Mild winters and hot summers. Take a towel and a book..you will be set!

Seaside, FL- Our favorite day trip town! 35 minutes down HWY 98! Our wedding photographer found this little nugget when we came to Destin for our engagements last summer! Amphitheater, cute shops, beautiful beach, seaside restaurants, and a farmer's market in the summer! I'm holding back from jumping in my car right now!

AMC Theater- Destin Commons Mall

Harborwalk Village (Destin)- Concerts and fireworks in the summer and a festival for almost every holiday. Very Family Friendly! Like them on FB for updates on activites!

Baytowne (San Destin)- One of the neatest places we have explored so far. Shops, a pond, ice skating in the winter, restaurants, and yes...a zipline.

Turkey Creek(Val-P)- A nature walk that runs about 3/4 of a mile. You can jump in the little creek and go swimming in the summer time!

Niceville Dog Park- Literally the only place where dogs are allowed. They can run free (bring a clean up bag!) and play with their furry friends. It is a huge fenced in area so you don't even have to watch them!!....just kidding. Watch your dogs.

Boggy Bayou Mullet Fest- I haven't been yet, but I have heard it's the bomb. No it's not to honor the coolest haircut ever worn. Mullet is a fish that is apparently cool enough to have a festival about. Just your not so average concert festival with tons of people! Hope I'm here for the next one!

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS (so far):

Pepito's Restaurant (BWB)

The Crab Trap (Destin)

The Back Porch (Destin)

Marina Cafe (Destin)

Tucker Duke's(VAL-P) Get the maple syrup and bacon popcorn. Don't ask, just thank me later.

Hog Heaven(Niceville)

Dockside Grille (Niceville)

Red Ginger (Niceville)

CHURCHES:

This is an area we struggled with at first. We absolutely love our church back home in Mississippi. There are some great churches here who have people who love Jesus. That is what matters, not if they take offering before or after the service, or even if they raise their hands to worship!  Get somewhere. Get involved. Serve. Don't judge it by the first service. We have visited Cinco Baptist in Shalimar, First Baptist in Nicevillle, and Village Baptist in Destin. All great churches and there are tons more! Go check some out online and then go visit! We have less than 6 months left. I know that can be an excuse to just "wait for where we will be stationed", but it's not a very good excuse. Bloom where you are planted!

My biggest piece of advice has to be get involved in something. I have made some amazing friends in the short time I have lived here by getting involved in the FRG and joining bible studies in town. I joined a bible study at FBC in Niceville and have been so blessed by it. They have classes going on all of the time for ladies. The one I have done so far was on Monday mornings, but they have studies during Wednesay night schedule also! There are free classes on base that can help with money, relationships, career paths and more. Let people help you! The staff in the Family Readiness building wants to help you. They want you to make friends. They want you to love where you live! 

Hope this is helpful! Seriously, contact me about anything or if you just want someone praying for you as you move away from family and friends into the unknown. It's scary but I promise you will have fun!

Victoria