I feel like it has been awhile since I gave a little life update on what has been going on behind the blog. I think the last update I gave was after we found out John’s class had been canceled and rescheduled, turning our whole world (mostly mine) upside down. But things have gotten better, finally. John was promoted to Sergeant, congrats babe you have definitely earned it! His class has been rescheduled to January 5th, so we are planning the next phase of our lives now after so much chaos.
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top[express]//leggings[express]//sunglasses[ray-ban]//earrings[FrantasticSparkle]//watch[target]//bracelet[express]//necklace[express]//shoes[shoedazzle]//bag[express]// lipstick color media [mac]//photo credit [captures by cali]
The next chapter for our little family is finally beginning. After a little over two years of living in the South, we are making our way back to the Midwest. The thought of leaving is so bittersweet. Ever since we have been here, all I have wanted to do is move back home to the St. Louis area. I can still remember pulling up to our house for the first time (six months pregnant) and looking over at my mom and saying “well I guess this is it”. It was the first time I had ever lived so far from “home”. I know that we will never really live in St. Louis again unless John leaves the Army, so just hoping for bases near home is the best thing I can do. However, we have settled in and made a life here. The house that we have lived in for almost three years finally feels like home to us. I no longer hate the fruit wallpaper in the kitchen or the way the sun heats the back of the house like crazy during the day. This is the house we brought Charlotte home to as well . The house she crawled, walked and ran in for the first time. This is the home where my dogs are used to living since we rescued them. This home is the place where I have fallen so much more in love with my husband than I ever thought I could be. We have had so many fights and makeups. Nights spent sleeping on the couch, and nights spent staying up late sharing drinks, laughing and watching movies. There is so much love in this house and I wish we could just pick it up and take it with us.
Besides the home we have created here, there are people that it breaks my heart to move away from. I have written before about making friends as an Army wife, or simply as an adult, and it isn’t always the easiest. Sometimes, there are people that you think are you friends, but find over time that it was never really anything special and that is ok. But then you have those others that make such an impact on your life. People that you know will always be in your life one way or another. I think true friendships are like marriages in a way. There are times you are super close and times were you are both growing apart and then grow back together again. I have already had to say goodbye to one amazing friend since I have been here, and soon I will have to say goodbye to another. I think her and I are both in denial about how soon the moving day is upon us. Samantha and I have created such a bond with each other. We love, laugh, and fight like sisters. I know saying goodbye to her is going to devastate me. Even more than her are the kids, when I watch Charlotte and her children play it almost brings me to tears because I know we are separating them. They won’t get to play together, go to school together, have sleep overs together or just grow up together. Especially Charlotte and Paisley, who are so close in age. Everyone always thinks they are twins. They have a blast together and I am pretty sure they have formed their own language. I can’t even think about it without crying. I was lucky enough to live in the same area my whole life and still have some of the same friends from when I was young. I wish that Army life was easy and you could always choose where you are going, or stay in one place forever. But that isn’t the way it works. All you can hope for is that you will get lucky enough to be with them again at the next place.
I am so sad to leave our life here but the other side of the coin is how excited I am to spend the next four months with my family and friends from back home. I have missed so many special moments over the past two years. I’ve missed Birthdays, the birth of my friend’s baby, and not being there when my friends or family really need me. All I have been able to do is give my love and support via the phone. But now, I will be there to love on everyone, and spend as much time together as we can. I am so excited for Charlotte to get to know her family better. I think my sisters have seen her maybe a handful of times and that kills me. This will also be the first time we go home that I am completely comfortable leaving Charlotte over night with family. I spend far too much time with her and it is time for me to stop being scared for her to be without me. She is a big girl now and doesn’t need me standing over her all the time. She needs more interaction with others to help her learn and communicate.
I honestly can’t believe it is all really happening, we have been through so much to finally get to this point. So many ups and downs. Are we getting out of the Army or are we staying in? Finally, the choice has been made and I think John made the right one for what he and our family needed. I am so proud of my husband for never giving up on his goals. He went through so much to get to the point he is at now. He has found a new job in the Army that will make him happy, and I will be there behind him, supporting him always. Fort Knox is going to be a trip, but I am so blessed to get a little break at home before we make that move.
This post is coming a little early since we aren’t moving until the 19th, but I will have limited computer access until we make it to STL. So, if you noticed me being a little absent in the blog department, you know why. I really need to invest in a macbook…hint, hint anyone? (christmas present). To my fellow bloggers out there, I am looking for a few more people to guest post in the coming weeks since I will be all over the place and crazy busy. If you are interested, shoot me an email to chat. —> whitneystoryblog@gmail.com.
This outfit shoot was pretty bittersweet as well, it may be the last one I ever do here in Georgia. I wanted to shoot a few outfits that were totally me. The first outfit I ever posted as a blogger is very similar to this one. I live for camel – black and gold together. Oh, and speaking of black and gold… those fabulous beaded tassel earrings? They are handmade and from Frantastic Sparkle on Etsy. The owner creates so many gorgeous pieces, I want all of them! You can check out all of her stunning work here —> https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrantasticSparkle
So, am I ready for the next chapter? Yes, but not without mixed emotions.
Jennifer Kolb says
Good luck on your new adventure!! I can’t imagine how difficult the change, yet exciting opportunities! I’m from Kentucky (don’t live there currently), but we consider it both the Midwest & the South-best of both worlds!!
Katherine says
Sending good vibes your way Whitney! You are such an inspiration for all wives everywhere and I hope that when the time comes for us to move that I have half of your strength! I wish ya’ll the best in this new adventure and hope it’s a blast for you!
Georgie says
Love your blog post. What a great experience for you and your family. Look forward to seeing you when you are back in St. Louis.
Katy says
Excited for you and your new adventure! It’ll be a wonderful journey. I know you’ll make the best of it. So happy for you and your little fam, and so happy you’ll be closer. Love yah Whit 🙂
Amy B says
Moving is exciting – a chance for a new start and new friends. Best of luck!
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