He is risen, indeed!

Easter is my favorite holiday. I love the newness and the tradition of it. I love the food. I love the Easter dresses prancing around after church, the Easter lilies, the pastel colors. It is just so good. As I've grown in my walk with Christ, each year Easter means a little more to me. The sacrifice. The unbearable pain our Savior went through. All for us. 

I saw so many verses put on social media. As lost as this world is, its so refreshing to see so many of my friends acknowledge Easter as Resurrection Sunday. Coronado churches come together each Easter to put out crosses in The Village yards. One side is blank. That stays up for about 2-4 weeks. On Easter morning, we go out as families to turn our crosses around to the other side. The side that says "He is Risen!...And It Is Finished". It really does give you chills when you turn that plastic sign around and dig that stake into the ground. What a statement it was to see those crosses all over our island! I plan to keep mine up on the "He Is Risen!" side until next year when those blank crosses go up again. I can't wait to explain to Carter why we practice this tradition. I'm praying continuously that he will come to know His Lord early on in life and that he joyously will serve Him all the days of his life. 

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 24:2-3

He is risen, indeed!

And what would Easter be without some cute bunny pictures

Nurse Pinning

Last Wednesday, I boarded my plane to Mississippi to see my little brother's Nurse Pinning Ceremony! I was so excited that I was able to be apart of it. I surprised Trenton by yelling at him to get up that next morning. It was so funny to see his face because he was NOT expecting me at all! I am so proud of him. He has accomplished so much. It's been a long road but we have gotten through some pretty tough times together. I can't believe that chubby baby is now 6'4 and an nursing school graduate! He takes his boards in June so keep him in your prayers!

Trenton and his high school basketball coaches. They are family to us. So thankful for their influence on Trenton's life!

Two nurses and a pharmacist! Smart group of friends here!

This is Trenton's girlfriend, Tori! I finally got to meet her this past week and I just love her already! She has such a kind spirit and Trenton is crazy about her.

Also, my good friend, Devin, was at the pinning supporting his mom. We graduated from high school together and have stayed good friends. He ALWAYS makes fun of my blog so of course I had to snag a picture of him (even though its blurry). He was secretly excited to be featured on a post.  

I didn't get any pictures from the party after, but we had a small get together for Trenton at the neatest place called Spit Fire Acres! It would be the perfect place for a high school reunion or wedding shower. We ate yummy bbq and had my moms chocolate cake. I was so happy to have REAL BBQ. Bless its heart, but California just doesn't know how to do it.

I am so proud of you Trenton! Let God be your guiding Light and you will go so far! I can't wait to watch this journey!

Mississippi Trip

So last week I told you I was so excited about something. I surprised my brother and hopped on a plane to see his Nurse Pinning Ceremony! It was sooooooo good to be back in Mississippi. I had a list of restaurants that I wanted to go to and I definitely made a dent in it. Thank goodness my glucose test is next week ;). Anyways, it was a short trip but so worth it. 

I'll be honest. I was a little nervous because I am over 6 months pregnant and this was the first time I saw ANYONE back home. Everyone made me feel so good, though! It was so encouraging!

I was able to make this trip pretty productive without wearing myself out. Thursday I headed to Hernando to see my friend Kayla and her new house and puppy. Like I always say, it was exactly what I needed! We made a quick trip to Walmart and then had lunch at one of my faves, Windy City Grill. I was so happy to get my favorite salad and get to laugh with Kayla. 

After that, I headed back to Senatobia and picked up a couple of things again at Walmart for my mom. It wouldn't be home if I didn't go to Walmart twice a day! I stopped by my old work and ended up staying for over an hour talking to those funny girls. I miss them so much!!! We used to have so much fun in between cutting hair. Heather is about a month ahead of me so we had to take a preggo picture! She has the pose down perfectly! I need to work on it! I know Carter and Raylan will have so much fun together. We laughed that we stood under and EXIT sign. Not yet, boys!! Stay in there!

Friday, my mom and and I headed into Memphis to test out gliders. I have mine narrowed down and can't wait to get it ordered here in California! I know many sweet hours will be spent in that chair over the next few years. The store we went to had a second location called Spoiled Sweet in Germantown and they told us that they had more clothes. They gave us a coupon and we headed that way. OH MY GOODNESS. One of the best smocked outfit stores I have ever been to! These are 2 of the 3 outfits we picked out. The one on the right is being monogrammed and I will pick it up in June! I could have bought out the store. And the prices were very reasonable! If it looks like Prince George, I'm buying it!

I don't have anymore pictures, but on Saturday I met Kayla and Chad at the A Fair back in Hernando. We didn't buy anything but it was fun to see familiar faces and see all the southern charm. I met up with Kelsey, Jake and Everit (remember the baby shower we had for them?), we had sweet tea and giggled at Everit in his stroller. I also FINALLY got to see my sweet friend Amber and her new baby girl Anniston! Oh my goodness, what a doll!  After that I found my good highshcool friends, Daniel, Lindsay and Cole and stayed under their tent for a while. They were selling the neatest driftwood candle holders. I will have to find out if they have a Facebook page to spread around. I definitely should have taken pictures. I plan on buying a couple of birthday gifts from them in June when I am back home. 

Sunday was church and then a cookout for my new cousin (my uncle just got married last year :) ) to celebrate her graduating high school. After that I headed to stay with Nick's family for the night. We had fun looking at Nick's baby pictures and Mrs. Jan gave me 4 or 5 of Nick's CUTE baby outfits!! I am soo excited! I can't wait for Carter to wear his daddy's john johns!!

Monday, I headed back into town and we went to the beauty supply house so I could stock up on some goods. I am a hairdresser and can't help but be a hair product snob. We ate at my favorite mexican restaurant and went home for a nap. Well, I napped. They cleaned the house. We didn't do much the rest of the night but that was just fine with me. 

I had an early flight back home and made it back by 10:15 AM so I had the whole day to rest after my flights. It was so good to see my husband and Rosie. Ill be honest, I was a little sad to head back to California. If it just wasn't so far away……but God is using this for something. No matter how much it hurts to be away from family, I have to remember that. And its not a forever thing. Plus, Ill be back in less than a MONTH for baby showers!!!! 

So that was my trip to Mississippi! Short but sweet. I was so glad to see so many familiar faces. Cant wait for the 11th!

Victoria

Christmas Dinner Planning!

 Christmas is two days away and I'm still wrapping gifts. Stay at home wife fail. The rest of my day will be dedicated to finishing gifts, grocery shopping, and prepping for Christmas Day meal. I'm promising myself.

We plan on having just a few of our friends over (you never know what the actual number will be when you are planning with guys). I have decided on a simple dinner..ok compared to what I normally try to plan for Christmas Day. How did anyone plan Christmas before Pinterest? Ok, most of my dishes are what my family has cooked for years so, I don't feel like I'm fakin it till I make it too much. Here are a few very traditional…very boring…but makesmefeellikeimhome dishes that will be on the Bobo's serving platters this year!

Turkey

Last year, even though I had my mom and my mother in law at our house last year, I somehow missed the idea of thawing your turkey a few days before. Don't worry. I was on top of it this year. Plus this is exactly how my grandmother does her turkey, so now I can just have my handy dandy Mac by my side in the kitchen. 

Green Bean Casserole

I always, always use Campbell's recipe. It's just the best to me. The only thing different is I load up on the French Fried Onions on top. Like, who wants to see green beans when you take your first peak at at the green bean casserole?

Creamed Corn

Honestly, I don't use this recipe only because I don't follow any recipe (I just needed a picture). Canned sweet corned, canned or frozen creamed corn, butter and sugar……I think thats it. But its yummy and my husband loves my corn and requests this a lot.

Dressing

This is actually my before picture from Thanksgiving. Failed at the after, but you get the point. DRESSING IS MY FAVORITE THING EVER. And it better have lots of sage, like the first time I watched my mom make it, I thought she messed up big time. But its good and I love it and I only make it once a year. I should change that.

Pepper Jelly and Mini Toast

I so wish I had remembered to pick up some pepper jelly from a Mississippi boutique while I was home. Hopefully I can scrounge up something decent at the commissary today. I saw a bag of mini toast and knew I had to add some pepper jelly to this Christmas.

And finally…….

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler

I really am following the recipe on this one. Back home when we went to Lifegroups, one of my friends made THE BEST chocolate cobbler. I'm hoping this is just as good. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream will help out the final outcome either way!

Hope you have a special, special Christmas. I have been so reminded what this Christmas is about this year. We have seen a new way of life here in San Diego and some things absolutely break my heart. I pray we open our eyes and our hearts to those in need this season and let it be a habit that doesn't go away after December 25th. Hold those you love as close to you as you can! May the next two days  (and many more after that) be filled with blessings and peace! 

Victoria

Update: It's been a while!

Oh hey there.

I am honestly embarrassed about the length of time I have not blogged. It's just been BUSY. So since my last post, we have moved and settled into our condo by the beach! Yes, I can see sand from the front door! I can hear the waves and smell the salty air of the Pacifica Ocean. Rosie has a park across the street which I visit every morning with her in my pajamas. It's California. I can do that.

I've had some fun exploring the area the past few weeks. I've gotten to spend tons of time with Nick and we have finally found our routine. He is just the best. I'm glad I married him.

On Black Friday, we ventured into the mountains and visited a little town called Julian. Julian is known for their apple orchards (and apple pie, of course). It is absolutely the quaintest little town. We visited all the store in the downtown area. We left with Christmas potpouri and a whole apple pie.

I have never had a real tree for Christmas and this year I knew that was a tradition I wanted to start. Julian had a cute family owned Christmas tree farm that was perfect! It took us about 2 minutes to find our tree! It look perfect with my DIY tree skirt.

It took us a couple of days to get all set up for Christmas but we finally got there and I'm happy with it!

During my engagement, some precious ladies hosted a holiday shower for me. I got so many sweet things to decorate my house with for each season. One of the most special gifts that I received was BOXES of ornaments from Nick's sweet Mammie. These aren't just any ornaments. She has been collecting these Hallmark ornaments since Nick was born that she planned on giving him once he got married. Makes your heart melt. I have dozens and dozens. Sentimental things like this just fill my heart with joy. And this sweet woman didn't even tell Nick about them all these years. We will cherish these for years and years, and I know our future babies will enjoy them so much. The one pictured above is my favorite for obvious reasons. 

I realized I was just taking pictures of myself in most of these, so here ya go!

You can purchase this cute Advent Calendar here. I'll be using these every year! I just love them!

I didn't get to use my Christmas dishes last year, so these babies were out on the table on Thanksgiving! Now for napkins and a table runner! 

It's different here. Really different. And I get asked all the time where I am from. I sound like a little country bumpkin apparently. Did I tell you the movers called me Ellie May?

Well, there is my little update! God is blessing us so much and we are enjoying this new season with each other. I'll be back soon, I promise! ;)

Oh yes, and before I left MS, I was able to go to dinner with my family and get some good pictures! Now that I am 2,000 miles away, moments like this mean so much to me!

Happy Wednesday!

Victoria

i went to mississippi?

That's right! So it's obviously been a good week since my last post. Rosie and I covered a lot of miles since then. I decided to make a quick trip home to do a couple things that needed to be finished so that we can sell my house back home. Just moving things out and making sure it's ready to go. Hopefully more on that in the next few weeks!

So that meant Tuesday night, I planned to leave Wednesday morning after spin class. I was so excited to get back home for a couple of days. Nick didn't get to make the trip with training and all, but Rosie was at my side the whole time. Now, that we are married and moved away, visits home are JAM PACKED. We get pulled in 10,000 different directions, which totally makes us feel loved, but once we get home, I need a day to recover.

I was able to go eat at a couple of my favorite places and spend time with my family. I was so excited to spend the day with my friend, Kayla, on Thursday. Sometimes, just sitting in the same room is what the heart needs! We decided to try out a new class at the gym where she is a member that evening. It brought me back to our cosmetology school days when we would take Tae Bo after we got out of school. So funny!

I was needing some country scenery in my life so when I went to visit with Nick's mom, Mrs. Jan, I took a short run on their land. It's beautiful and it always brings me back taking walks with Nick during the first days of our dating relationship. Those memories are so precious. Rosie felt like a wild animal as she rolled in mud, sniffed everything in sight, and barked at the miniature horses and cows.  A dog's life! (Hey Jon Sharman- I'm thinking One Year pictures here!! ;) )

Since I am always on the go when I am in Senatobia, I decided to let my grandparents babysit Rosie. I didn't know how attached that pup is to me. A little part of me thinks it is cute, but I do want a well adjusted dog. Howling while I am gone is not well adjusted. I think she finally gave up after 30 minutes. I hope so at least. We also found out that she is very protective, also. Lucy, Trenton's Boston Terrier, has seriously turned into a mean dog. It probably doesn't help that we pester her non stop. She gets REALLY mad when we play with her and jumps at us while growling ferociously. Rosie wouldn't have it when Lucy was around me. Let's just say I ended up with a guard dog.

 This is what I saw when I came to pick Rosie up from my grandparents.

 Sweet Captain and Rosie during quiet time one morning.

Saturday, I went to dinner with Mom, Trenton, and Jessica (Trenton's girlfriend). We had a yummy dinner at Kubla Khan and had fun looking around for shoes in Southaven. We were all so tired that we went home early. It was so good to spend time with them. I am excited to spend a few weeks home while Nick is in training. 

Sunday, I decided to get on the road earlier than planned, so I ended up missing out on going to Lifepoint. We went for breakfast to Crackerbarrel with my grandparents. Always an adventure with that crew! I love them for it! :)

We were sad to leave but I was really ready to see my husband. We have less than a month before the training and separation starts. We are going to make this last month very special. I am so excited to have 9 days with him after graduation without school or training. I am hoping we are going on a little getaway during that time, but we shall see!

Sorry so long, but it has been a whirlwind this past week! Hope your Wednesday goes by quick so you can get closer to the weekend! Have a good one!

Victoria