What's Going On- April 2014

This week has been hot. Its a different kind of hot though. My body isn't handling it well, at all. I'm thinking the pregnancy has a lot to do with it but my goodness. I thought if you lived in San Diego, you didn't need an air conditioner? WRONG! Very wrong. Our unit doesn't have one because we live one block from the beach. I am getting more ready everyday to move into military housing…but until then, Thank you, Lord, for a roof over my head! Please send a cool breeze or 1,0000.

This is gonna be a "what pictures are on my Mac and my phone" type post. The fun kind you just can't wait to read, right? 

Anyways, let's see whats been going on besides bump dates!

I should have gotten a better picture of just the Mommy and Daddy, but we had a surprise diaper shower for our friends Donnie and Jenny! Chloe will be here in the middle of May and we can't wait to spoil her!

My sweet husband battling till the end of the Dirty Diaper game! I'll spare you the pictures of the guys eating the chocolate out of the diapers. Ladies, if you have a couple's baby shower, make the men play this. Its the absolute funniest thing ever! They get into it and aren't scared to shout out hilarious answers.

Rosie has been just as cute as ever. She's still my favorite girl! She is thrilled that Carter is a boy ;)

I know I shouldn't be buying too many clothes for C, but when I think of little boys.. I think blue and white Osh Kosh overalls. Had to have them!

We celebrated our last "just us' Easter! We spent the morning at a Sunrise Service on the beach and then our normal service at church. My friend and I got a menu together a couple weeks ago for a Easter "team lunch" so we headed over there for a late lunch. Of course we had extra guys there which is always ok with us! We ate some yummy food and headed home for most likely a nap. Hey, Im pregnant. Mostly lazy, but pregnant is my excuse for now.

I haven't figured out my pregnant picture stance. I mostly feel awkward unless Im in my Baby Bumpdate Stance. Hopefully Ill figure it out before any baby showers!

Look at that belly! It looks so big from the top! And Rosie was cuddling with Carter. I bet she heard him…he was movin' and groovin' here!

That's been my life the past month! Ill be doing my 6 month bump date next week! This belly has popped in the last week! And we might finally go register this weekend! 

Here is a look at Easter last year. I got way more into the decorations for sure! And Rosie was just a babe! I miss that round puppy face! Gotta stop looking so I don't go buy another Cocker Spaniel this week!

Victoria

Moving Day Approaching

As we get closer and closer to the moving day, I can't help but feel a little sad. This was the best year of my life. Marriage wasn't as hard and scary as everyone said it would be (Note to self- Don't try to scare a bride to be! They will be getting married whether or not you tell them how much they will hate picking up dirty underwear). I got to wake up and not have to wait on a Good Morning message from Nick. We were able to do church together. Be lazy on Saturday afternoons. Plan for a date night then decide we didn't want to move off the couch. We bought our first puppy together. We fought about whether to put her in the kennel at night (They are a dream to deal with later on if they sleep in their own beds at night time! Nick finally agreed). We persevered through tough moments. Moments that made us so much stronger. We prayed together. We laughed and laughed and laughed together.

I know in the tough days ahead, I will look back and feel comfort knowing I was able to do real life with my husband. I had 11 months with him before training took him away for the first time. I love looking through pictures over the past year and already thinking, "We were so young!". Marriage makes you grow up fast. My thought process works completely different. I check in with Nick before decisions are made. Sometimes he even says, "You know my answer will be yes so why do you ask?" It's my way of being submissive. It's a habit being formed. It gets us using our little unseasoned brains together. That way when he is gone, I will feel confident in the decisions that I have to make.

Life is changing. Big things and small things. If I could break it down for you I would. It's just a big whirlwind right now though. It literally looks like a tornado has come through my house. I feel so sad seeing empty walls. When I hand over that key, I will see this page turn and end this chapter of our story. There is something exciting and exhausting seeing the new chapter coming our way.

This has definitely not been my most encouraging post. But it's the real chain of thoughts coming through my brain and straight onto this screen.

Any PCS tips are welcomed today. I just learned that if I don't take the lightbulbs out of my lamps, they won't pack them until I do. Geez Louise. Give me a break. I'm planning on having food for the packers and movers. We will see if that smooths the process!

Happy Wednesday!

Victoria

Oceans

Happy Friday ladies! It's such a beautiful day here in Florida. The skies are blue (so far), and it looks like I might have to take a trip to the beach today or tomorrow. Last night I had a sweet couple come over for dinner and it was just what I needed while Nick started training. 

I want to share this song with you. As my life is totally changing right before my eyes, this song always brings reassurance, encouragement and a sense of peace. "When oceans rise, my soul will rest in your embrace". With the life Nick and I lead, this song holds a special place in our hearts. I need to stop holding my breath and waiting for the bad to pass. I need to breathe and hold tight to God during this set of tiny storms. I need to embrace and be alive in all of these situations that come our way. 

I hope you have a great Friday..who knows, I might be talking to you this weekend!

Oceans- Hillsong United

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine 

busy bee takes a trip to the beach house

This is what is going on that this very minute. Just wanted to drop in since I have been a busy bee the past week. Family visiting, Nick graduating from training, and now lots of together time before his next training phase. It's been crazy.

We are staying at a beach house that Nick's family rented for the week. What a great way to sit back and take in all the moments of this week. Emotional is too small of a word. Next week, we start being a real military family. No more of the amazing schedule we had of routine dinners every night at 6. His training has definitely spoiled me. But I will live. And I will keep on breathing. There are worse situations than a little time apart. Just for safety and the fact that my husband wants me to be careful of what goes on the world wide web, I'll be very vague about Nick's coming and going. But don't worry, I will still have pictures of Rosie on the blog the next few weeks. You can breathe again ;).

Here are just a few pictures that I captured with my phone from this past week.

 

 

Happy Friday, Loves!

New things ahead

Has it really been ANOTHER week? Shame on me for slacking. A million things have fallen into my lap and I have just been trying to keep up.

Etsy has been super busy, compared the past year, and you have to work pretty hard at it to make it work for you. I would love for you to visit and look around my shop, click this link right HERE! When Nick graduates and goes to training for 2-3 months, I'll be able to spend hours on Etsy without thinking of making dinner or making sure our millions of clothes are washed before he gets home. I guess that's a plus to being a military wife? Sure I'll eat and have clean clothes, but on a very different time schedule.

We have EXACTLY 2 weeks until Nick's graduation. Be sure to follow my Instagram to see all the fun we are sure to have. Lots of family in town, lots of food to be eaten, graduation party decorations, and a cute sailor uniform. I just can not wait! His white uniform brings me back to when he proposed (read about that here). Love my Popeye!

Oh, did I mention that the Navy will be sending movers to pack my life away in a truck in about a month? How did this go by so fast?? I love Destin. I love the people. I love Nick's classmates. I don't want this to end. Honestly, I'm having a hard time with the fact that after the 29th, my life as I know it will change completely. My husband will be gone more than he is here. I will move my pup and I across the country to California. I will again know not one soul. And we will start the search for a home church.

I have my deepest thoughts during my workouts. Am I the only one? The teacher is prancing around showing the next insane way she wants us to do a burpee (yes, we have done them backwards...down an incline....outside) and all I can think about is how God has put me in this place at this time. He reminded me that because I have Him, I can do whatever the task is at hand. I can move across the country and make friends. I can figure out where the best grocery store and where the heck I can find sweet tea. He will not put me in a place and not equip me with what I need. I need Him. I have Him. He will never let go. God gives me courage when I meet a new lady. He gives me discernment when I'm not sure where to join a church when my husband is in training. He has supplied all my needs. I would need 2 blogs to describe all that he has blessed us with since our engagement. I have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Though I hate hate hate not knowing the exact day I'll be moving to California or where I'll be living (closetothebeach..closetothebeach..), I love knowing God is going to show up and deliver. I would be a complete nutcase if I didn't have a real God to depend on. He wants me to lean on Him. He wants me to be ok with the amount of light He has given me at this time.

I love this life and the people God has allowed us to be around. I have no doubts these friendships will last a lifetime and that there will be many more added in the next 6 months. I can't wait to start this next chapter in our story. I am so glad you are here for the ride as well!

Have a great evening!

Victoria

our first little reunion!

Hey y'all!

I don't mean to keep posting so late in the day....but that's just what happens sometimes! Do you remember when I talked about my first military wife goodbye? (You can read it here)...Well, last night we had our first reunion! Haha! Ok, that sounds silly, but when you immediately click with girlfriends, there is nothing sweeter! I am so happy that Lauren didn't move away or I might have gone crazy! She has been SUCH a blessing to me this whole time in Destin! When ya click, ya click!

The Hulls were back in Destin for a mini family vaca...might I add, they were just blessed with a new baby girl! So I got to see little Camylle and baby Molly! That couple makes some pretty babies! Anyways, we met up for dinner at the Back Porch in Destin and went outside to the beach afterwards for some pictures. It was so good to get us 3 girls back together! I wish we could end up together again, but at least we have cameras and facebook!

I so wish I could upload the video of Camylle that I took! But sometimes the computer and me just don't work well together. Learning here..

I had the best time with my friends! I can't wait to see them again!

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

God is Big

Happy Wednesday, ladies! This week is flying by and after yesterday, I'm thankful for that! Just a flat tire in town. But when your husband is in training, that's not really reason enough to get a hold of him. Roadside and a new tire made it an all day event, but thankfully I have a friend here who could take me home while I waited on the old tire to be replaced. And might I say.....it's really, really hot in Florida.

Today, I wanted to tell you a little bit about my struggle when I first moved to Destin, and how God has completely blessed me. Like I have said before, I really knew no one. I joined a fb group that included wives of husbands that are in the naval school here at Eglin AFB. I have figured out tons because of this group. It is such a blessing for wives who move here from all over the country. The information ranges from "Where do I take my child to the ER?" to "What's the best place to get ice cream?". Ice cream is an important thing in Florida.......IT'S HOT.

So there I was, newly married and alone all day with only my GPS to guide me through the town. From October- January, I didn't make a friend. Not one. I was lonely and thinking, "There has to be a system to this military wife thing. This can't be normal". Most of my days were spent on the phone with my best friend talking about the situation. Funny thing with this friend, we always seem to be in the same situation. It always seems like common ground to encourage each other through. Something about someone knowing where you are coming from just helps the heart. We cried together, brainstormed on ways to meet other wives, and called each other excitedly every time we met a potential friend.

Those few months, we dug into the Word together and each on our own. I see now how God used the time I had no friends and no family around to draw me to Him. Socially, it was the quiestest time in my life. Spiritually, I heard God loud and clear. He wanted me to depend on Him completely. What better time to learn that He never leaves me than when I have nothing else to distract me. Babies haven't come. Husband is in training 12 hours a day. I am a housewife with hours to fill with dishes to clean, toilets to scrub, and food to cook (bad order, I know).

So January came. The end of Christmas break. I cried on the way back to Florida. Crocodile tears. But that first week back in Florida I decided I was going to be intentional. It wasn't very long before I learned about the new FRG that was starting. It was new leaders and looked like something I could really get involved in. One day, as I checked my email, I saw a newsletter from the FRG. They were planning their first meeting. Something about a new group doesn't seem as intimidating as a group that's been going for years. That decision led me to meeting a very sweet friend and my involvement in the FRG now. What a blessing it has been. I have gotten to know the leaders and really enjoy helping them out with all the events. They are so welcoming and ready to help with any questions they have. I now believe I know more about what's going on in the EOD school community than my husband does. Ok, that might be stretching it, but I know more about the cook-outs than he does!! :) This group is so important for new comers. It's such an easy way to meet friends who are going through exactly what you are going through!

The other blessing that has multiplied over the last 6 months was the bible study I joined in January. I literally looked up "bible studies in Niceville, FL" on google and went to the first one I found. It was being held at First Baptist and they were going to start "Discerning The Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. I highly reccomend that study by the way. I met Lauren and Krista that first meeting and we three hit it off instantly. Weekly beach trips and coffee talk were musts after that. I said my first "military wife goodbye" to Krista as her and her blooming family moved to Ft. Polk. It's been so fun to look back on how God placed us together for support and just good, healthy friendships.

As we were finishing the study at First Baptist, God really put it on our hearts to start up a bible study in my home for military wives. Lauren and I posted our idea on the FB page and the feedback we instantly got was amazing! I was so excited to see other military wives want to study God's word together. I have watched friendships bloom over the past six weeks of doing Beth Moore's Esther study. We have found support and life long friendships because of Jesus. This week, we are adding seven NEW members to the group. YES. I said seven!! How faithful is our God? How BIG is our God? He delivers more than I could ever dream up myself. Oh, the joy that I feel when I think of how he is blessing this study. I can't wait to see how God works in the last 4 weeks of Esther. He is showing me things in my life that need HIM. He is showing me how much I need HIM. I am thankful to be passed these first set of growing pains. Yes, they will come again. But I learned so, so much through them. God is patient and consistent. He drew me in and won't let me go.

That was a long one. I just know there are women who feel like I felt when I moved to a new place. Loneliness occurs. Desperation to make a friend happens. I want you to know that it will pass. God is there. Maybe it's just time to be still. To put all your effort into your relationship with God. When my eyes are on Him, nothing seems as terrible as I thought.

Have a wonderful Wednesday...I'm off to the gym for my class!

Victoria

Remember

I'm going to be that wife today. That military wife. I'm watching my husband clean off our back patio. The one that I have just shut the shades on so I don't have to see the thousands of leaves that have piled up (Sorry Nick!!). But I am thankful I get to watch him take care of our home today.

A few weeks back, I volunteered to help with childcare during the EOD Memorial. Just to fill you in on what this organization does, here is their description from their website.

"The EOD Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of our fallen EOD Warriors by providing for maintenance and upkeep of the physical memorial at Eglin, AFB, FL, funding and facilitating the annual EOD Memorial Ceremony & Ball, and providing scholarships to family members of active duty, former, retired, and fallen members of the EOD Community."

 (You can view the Memorial Wall and all about this organization here)

That rainy morning, as I sat inside the room filled with children and wives of fallen EOD techs, it completely rocked my world. I think the world sees the romantic part of military life. They see YouTube videos of homecomings. They hear the music behind the videos. (All well and good, I'm so guilty of watching and boo hooing over the sweet moments of a soldier seeing his baby for the first time). But what the world doesn't see is that mom making the cross country trip to the Memorial with 3 babies in tow. Having to bring a friend to help with the kids while she holds it together as they call out her sweet husbands name during the ceremony. They don't see her having to go back home to a world of melt downs in the kitchen, of getting those children to school on time, of laying down at night just hoping she doesn't fall asleep too quickly, because that means another day of chaos is about to start. 

This morning, during the first moments of church, a Memorial Day video played. Afterwards, the lady with announcements asked all that had lost a loved one in war to stand. I thought I was going to make it through the day holding it together until that moment. Young and old stood. Fathers, mothers, children, sisters, and brothers have been lost. How blessed have I been to never have lost a loved one in war? I sit today and pray for my husband's safety. For protection over his life and his heart now and in the future.

This weekend, I pray you take time out of your day to remember these men and women who have fallen for your freedom. Especially for the families who don't have mommy or daddy coming home. I wanted to squeeze those babies at the Memorial. To take the future pain away from their innocent hearts. One day, the pain will be taken away. Our Savior will take us home. No more tears. As my favorite song says, "O Glorious Day!"

I'm thankful to be around men and women who serve our country this weekend. Tonight, we will be cooking out and have light conversations. But there is respect in all of it. Respect for the fallen ones and their families.

There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends.

 John 15:13 

Victoria

random talk- pictures of the pups

What a week. The big news of Cali has taken over this household. We have had so much fun looking up places to live and...well that's pretty much all we have been doing. We are also praying through buying a new (to us!) car. I love how much my husband knows so much about each car we look at, and if he doesn't, he makes sure he knows it by the next day. He is really doing the research on this. Makes me very comforted to know he is not a spontaneous buyer!

The last few days I have stayed with a friend who had foot surgery. We have pretty much laid on her couches and relaxed all day long. I know she was hurting, but I had so much fun taking it easy and watching Hulu all day with her. We have watched the series The Killing  at least 6 hours straight each day. I don't even know what to compare it to, but it has had us completely hooked. So many twists and turns, it's like a good book that you can't put down. Like a LOONG Criminal Minds episode (it follows one case in all of the episodes).

I snapped a couple of pictures of our growing Rosie Pearl this morning. Good news is that I found out her parents only got about 20 pounds. Oh that would be perfect! 

Unfortunately, we have decided that my big pup won't be able to come with us to California. I got Captain from the pound and he has been absolutely the sweetest dog ever. I know he will be happy being able to run around chasing squirrels and not being on a leash. It's going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I know he will be so happy at Mom's house. I really can't talk about it.. This is one of those military things that just stinks.

(Such a ladies man)

(He was a bull on our first Halloween)

(My sweet boy)

Hope your weekend is relaxing and fun!

Victoria

Forget the last post- RESULTS ARE IN!!

Does God deliver or what? I hit publish on Monday and by 4 o' clock, my husband called me with the news. He had that twinkle in his voice. The "guess what" tone that I love so much. Of course, he wanted me to understand that we are in the military. Things change. That's what we want everyone to understand. 

That being said....the orders are in! We are "penciled in so we CAN be erased", as my sweet husband says. But he still gave me the go-ahead since the other guys might put it out there anyways. 

California, here we come!

PRAISE THE LORD. We are going to be in the U.S. for another few years. And in Southern California at that. I can say it now...It's exactly what we wanted. Every detail of what we wanted. The way God has blessed us is beyond words. I can't describe how we have felt His love in the past 6 months. You know me, I've already been hunting down houses.. I don't know many more details except that I will be moving (maybe by myself) between August and October. We will hammer those out once we get those papers in our hand. It really won't feel real until those papers are in our hands.

I had so much fun calling my family and friends with the news. My mom was delighted of course since there was a chance of over seas. I don't blame her at all. I loved squealing with my close girlfriends over the news. I am so happy to have friends who are so thrilled for us even though it's going to mean being 2,000 miles away. 

So, that's what has been the topic of discussion in the Bobo home for the past 3 days. I did start to have some feelings of being overwhelmed yesterday. When will I move? Will we find a house before we move there? Will we ship this car or that one? What moving service do we use? Should I stay in Florida until Nick makes it to San Diego? 

But Nick is a pro at giving me the look and telling me to stop worrying. It will work out. Everything will work out. It always does. God ALWAYS provides.  For now, I will take advantage of the most beautiful beaches in America and spend time with friends that I've made. 

WE"RE GOING TO CALIFORNIA!!!!(Unless God orders otherwise...;))

Victoria

dirty socks

I like picking up his dirty socks. I like finding sand on my clean bathroom floors. Cereal bowls in the sink just sit well with me.

It means he is here.

I know I have a long time before any deployments happen. But they will happen. I will say my tear filled goodbyes and pray for his safety day and night. He will tell me how proud that he is of me and that he will "see me soon". I can't keep denying it in my head. I have to start now on asking God to prepare my heart. It's the only way I got through those 2 months of boot camp a year and a half ago. I've just about completely blocked out that rainy December morning when I hugged my soon-to-be sailor goodbye and watched him drive away on the bus.

 (Leaving for boot camp)

The most hated question is, "How do you do it?". My blunt, almost sarcastic answer is always, "You just do". I'm not living this life for Nick. Yes, I said it. I have to love Jesus more than I love Nick. I have to remember daily what my priorities are in life. What good am I if I sit at home alone waiting until he comes home to be happy? Nick doesn't want me to do that. We are to be joyful in all circumstances. Nick has taught me to thank God for the hard times. They make me lean on Him. It hurts to think about the days ahead. Tears are already flowing as I type. But the dread is much worse than the actual event. I have so much support. It is growing everyday. I am making friends who are in the same situation as I am. I want to be effective at whatever season I am in life. When you stop focusing on your troubles and get out there to invest in other people's lives, that pain lessens. 

I am living on easy street right now. My husband is home for dinner every night. We giggle, we snuggle, we soak in every moment. I thank the military life for that. It gives you a different perspective. At times that I think, "Man, some alone time would be nice tonight" (don't lie, you know you say it), I remember what short time I have with him. I don't take it for granted. 

I hope you snuggle up to your significant other just a little closer tonight. What a blessing it is to be able to see him face to face. And say a prayer for those families who have husbands and wives over seas. I can't imagine the feeling yet. If God puts it on your heart, please pray that I would prepare MY heart for things to come. I'm so thankful that tonight, I get to cook breakfast for supper and kiss my husband goodnight.

(The first time I had seen him in 2 months)

If you feel like you need some support, please email me. I would love to talk to you and pray for you.

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