ANY news?

Friends... hello! It's been a while.

I can't even begin to count how many texts, messages, and face to face questions we have had about what is going on in our life right now. I love you all and your kindness and concern for us . I'm here to publicly answer a bit

" WHAT is that Baby in your belly?" ... we are hoping a human but who knows? It is 2016 maybe it's a tiny ewok in there. But really, no, we don't know the gender yet.  Boy or Girl it's going to be a lot of fun and we are super excited just haven't found out yet. 

" WHEN are you moving"

This one is a little more personal. For everyone not in our day to day lives here is a little summary of our year...

For over 6 years, really since forever, we have known that the ultimate goal for my husband's career is to step out from the Arizona National Guard and onto the active duty side of the Army. He has put in a solid 10 years in the guard. Not one weekend a month type National Guard but almost entirely working full time for the Army on top of his part time commitment ( besides the two years of flight school and a short semester of ROTC , ya know when he came back to Flagstaff to win me over. That story is for another post ) Last year we both agreed that summer it was going to happen. Summer of 2015 he would begin working on his packet to transfer to full time Army. For all my civilian friends that basically means we move and will continue moving and being a part of wherever the Army needs him, not staying stabilized here in Arizona working for the state. We want our kids to live in different cultures and cities, experience this beautiful country we reside in, and ultimately give ourselves over to something we both fully support and believe in . We know all that comes with it. There may or may not be more training, quicker deployments, and maybe even PT < if you know my husband you know waking up at 5 to run is probably his biggest fear of this whole adventure, which is completely ironic since 5 am running is my hobby of choice . I so love that man our complete opposite brain function >  but the pros outweigh the cons for us and the adventure ahead has been calling us for far too long.

Late October we finally are notified that his packet has been submitted and that our first choice of Ft. Carson Colorado is a possibility but it will require an immediate deployment. Done. Leaving the country is inevitable in the foreseeable future and if a quick 9 months means spending years at our dream duty station... not a question. We are told to be ready to PCS early December. PERFECT. 

November comes around. We had been open to the idea of a third kiddo for a while, but I had completely left it in God's hands. His will be done in all things truthfully. Once we realized all that was ahead we decided OK not now. Let's wait until after this next deployment... anyone that knows the glory and grace of the almighty father would KNOW what would happen next. SURPRISE! THE ONE TIME WE SAID NO he of course told us YES. The week of Thanksgiving we were surprised but also excited for the new little one that was going to bless our family, whether it was 'perfect' timing or not it was now perfect. STILL no word from the Army but expecting a December move. 

December . I debate decorating for Christmas but decided it was best, worse case we throw the tree in the uhaul and set it up in colorado pre decorated . About 1/4 of the house is packed at this point ... because any sane person in this situation plans a DITY move ( Do It Yourself Move , for civilian friends, is when you opt out of the military moving you. This is our preference as it is often worth the extra money you earn  and can hire people to load up the truck easily and inexpensively. For a control freak like myself that wants her stuff in one piece and on time, it's the only way) I have officially closed my happy little photography business that just started up in the summer, because at this point it's impossible to commit to anything. The holidays begin and we realize this is not going to happen, as the last step was for congress approval and congress is NOT in session. So we hold off  hope for January. 

January. No word. No word. We get back into our normal routine but slightly on edge not knowing if we will be leaving in a week or a month or ever really. Mid January we officially got word that he was recognized federally onto ACTIVE DUTY!  Hallelujah! From what we understood the last step was simply having orders cut and off we go. Panic sets in. This is happening. The weekend is spent basically taking everything off the walls, packing every closet, purging the unnecessary, getting things really underway here. Monday comes and no word on orders. We wait a few days and still hear nothing. Of course, in typical fashion, the person in charge of submitting those orders is out of the country at the time. So we wait two more weeks. Go to school, work, celebrate birthdays, try to enjoy this time we are given here while we have it. And suddenly here we are...

FEBRUARY. WHAT?! How is this happening. Today we find out that the entire branch is working on something that keeps them away from paperwork such as our orders. It will be a few more weeks. few.. more.. weeks. If you know the Army you know that is not civilian language 'few more weeks' it's Army language few more weeks. We have no idea at all when this is going to happen. 

SO ALL THAT READING AND THERE IS STILL NO NEWS! RIGHT?! I know I feel you. It's painful. God is playing tricks on us and laughing the entire time I know it. He has plans for us as always but it's just not our plans, as ALWAYS. 

How can you help? Prayer. It is all I can ask for at the moment. The hardest thing the past few months has been living in a very civilian world to be completely honest. Our military family just laughs and can say "YEP sounds right. " However going to the store, to school, to church has almost caused anxiety knowing the questions that are going to be asked immediately in conversation . When you ask me how I don't know yet or why I am not attending some social event... my brain immediately goes to all the stresses ahead- housing wait list, renting our home here, school disenrollment/enrollement, medical records, movers, cleaners, mail forwarding... just to name a few ;)  Y'all have my WORD that as soon as we know anything I will mass text, FB post, email, call everybody in my contacts. We love you all too much to keep you out of the loop. 

Today I ask for prayer. I know this is all in his hands and our path ahead is laid out, but please pray for peace in this chaotic time. Please pray for movement when movement is necessary. Please pray that we can enjoy this time together before we are separated again. AND please pray for all the other much more important things going on in this world right now than when the Trumbull Family leaves Arizona.. joking.. but not really. 

You all are the best,  thank you for your concerns and love !  

You're so big.

It sure has been a summer to remember.

The summer you became SO big.

At sports camp you had a ball. You ran bases, kicked goals, and shot hoops ... the bases won your heart though.

You took swim lessons while laughing with your instructors. You became brave enough to swim mostly on your own and fearless to jump from great heights.

Dad came home from training and you couldn't have been happier. You missed him deeply. But like always, after running into his arms your world was set right again. Peace filled your heart.

You rode your first water slide! The Arizona sun was hot , burning our feet as we waited in line, but you were fearless. I held my breath as you laughed and cheered riding that inner tube through the darkness. But you did it! Then we did it again, again , and again....

We took an epic road trip. For the first time we traveled with ease, free of baby schedules/diapers/and major meltdowns. A carefree trip to visit family and friends, and spend time just the four of us ( your favorite as you tell me .) You lit up in the Ocean. You probably forget but we spent a lot of time at the beach your first two years, but this time was different. Your eyes sparkled as you sprinted across the sand and your laughter playing with Dad was something I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. You and brother loved the hotel bunk beds, you two played so hard you even SLEPT hard on them.
We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Las vegas. We stayed in the old downtown area where the lights mesmerized you. You and brother swam on the rooftop pool, played in a giant treehouse at the container park, and loved seeing your uncles. Our favorite last stop was Flagstaff. As I stopped to photograph the mornig  mountains, you asked me so sweetly if I could take a picture of you in tree pose ( it's your favorite.) We ran through buffalo park and walked around downtown where you ate sorbet and ran barefoot through heritage square.. this reminded me that you ARE my child.

Back in Tucson we spent nearly every morning at the YMCA. I ran and swam while you and brother played, we always went swimming after. Most afternoons were spent with your best neighborhood buddies. On Tuesday evenings us moms would set up a giant slip n slide and let you kids have " water day" until you were too tired to function. You LOVED it.  Right now your belly even has tiny scars to prove the fun you had. We started going on family bike rides in the mornings with Dad, you and brother enjoyed the free ride in the bike trailer. You went to Vacation Bible school with your friends,  the music you learned there is still in the Van's CD player. You boys stayed up super late for fireworks, but seeing you OO and AHH over the colors was well worth the missed sleep. July was so hot and stormy that you suggested we put our bounce house in the playroom instead of backyard, I thought you were crazy but tried it anyway. It fit like a glove and is still in the playroom, you were right.

You brought incredible joy to your Grandparents. You played ball with Grandpa Trumbull in his backyard, laughing uncontrollably. Grandma Fran came to visit and babysat you boys , I'm sure you read stories and had too many tickles before bed. We spent a few days visiting Grandma Mush at her cabin. You rode a horse, rode your first go-cart with your lead foot Grandma, swam below the pine trees, and I watched you cross the monkey bars without help for the FIRST time.

Your Big brother ( by Army not blood ) Coey visited with us on their summer cross country trip. It was surreal seeing you two play so well together,  he's known you since you were 3 weeks old in Alabama. You two had a joint birthday party when you turned 1 and he 3... we were there for his surprise 7th party last week before they left town . You bowled like the big boys and didn't need any help, I realized you ARE one of the big boys.

But THIS week, this last week of summer has sent all confirmation. On Sunday you moved upstairs to the Kinder room at church.  We walked up the stairs holding my hand and you said, " Mom this is the best day EVER" I cried. You started planning your birthday party and have decided on a star wars theme, you don't remember but you were Darth Vader for your first halloween... so it's fitting. You persistently begged Dad to help you ride your bike without training wheels on Wednesday, he worked hard with you all afternoon. By Thursday you did it, you started and rode your bike completely by yourself. Your best buddy brought his bike and you two rode around the park together like the big boys you have quickly grown into . The face you make when you ride your bike shows such confidence and pride, I know that this is just the beginning. That face will be showing up more and more as you learn and become capable of so many great things.

Friday we met your Kindergarten teacher. She is kind and patient, everything we could hope for. You even have friends there already so I know you will feel comfortable. You walked in and found your new seat with your name on it and your new hook for your new star wars backpack. We spent our last night of summer at our brand new neighborhood splash pad with your friends,  followed by a late night at our park. Below the monsoon clouds you kids played rough in the mud and you rode rode rode that training wheel-less bike of yours until the park lights came on.  This morning you woke me up like always, at 6 snuggled into bed in Dad's spot since this morning it was empty. Your big handsome brown doe eyes staring at me  and I could do nothing but squeeze tight to my little boy that becomes my big boy tomorrow.

I think back over the past 5 years and I am overwhelmed with it's beauty. The different states and cities we've crossed, the challenges we have faced, the times that I wanted to give up . We have been fortunate and blessed beyond measure . Dad has worked diligently toward his dream career that provides enough for our family, so that I could spend every single day raising you boys. You have grown into the most beautiful little soul because of those sacrifices... and Dad and I could not possibly be more proud of you.

You're going to grow wings and take flight from here, I know that you are ready for this next step and not just because you tell me everyday. Tonight we will say goodnight to our little boy because tomorrow you go to Kindergarten.

Forever this summer will remain in my heart as the summer you became SO big.

it's time.

It's no surprise to say that a huge hobby of mine is photography. Growing up I went through endless amounts of disposable cameras, developing them as quick as I could drag my Mom to the drugstore. During my summers at Dad's I would take stacks of photos to share with my Florida family, sharing a little insight to my life back in Ohio. You could say that taking and keeping photographs was always one of my "obsessions" as many know is typical for me. One year on a family vacation to Hawaii I remember my siblings spending their saved cash on a kayaking trip, and being teased for purchasing an underwater disposable camera instead. But of course no one complained when we had amazing memories in and out of water captured because of that. Things never really changed besides my standards of REAL images. Disposables stopped cutting it , and I never left home without my point and shoot cameras throughout college. Yes CAMERA'S' because I don't think anyone could keep track of how many I lost, broke, or had "stolen" aka lost without admit.  The moment we had our first mister,  pixilated blury image quality was just not acceptable. Sweet southern santa blessed me with my first real camera in 2010... life changing. < by Santa I mean my amazing husband who has always supported my hobbies, both emotionally and financially> I finally was able to capture the beauty in everyday life as my eyes saw and felt it.

In those 4 years I have slowly moved from basic Nikon on "green Auto" with trendy over-processing to an upgraded Canon body, 5 lenses, speed light, lightroom editing, manual shooting, and ( thanks to a hugely inspirational and talented friend) even shooting off camera flash now. The correct way would have been taking classes, but instead I read books/magazines/online articles and simply practiced with whoever was around to let me.

Something is very cliche about being an Army wife , Mom, and Photographer. Many do it and I know of only a handful that do it really well. My fear has always been falling into the category of the others. It's like buying a guitar without learning to play, and expecting to sell a record. It's embarrassing for everyone involved and leaves clients with poor quality work.

A year ago in a church service in Enterprise Alabama,  God totally began to speak to me about a business name. At the time I wasn't sure what to do with it but I wanted the name Believe Studio with scripture tied in somehow. Our pastor was speaking on making christ evident in all that you do, and it just came to me. I want the part of the B that looks like a 3 to stand out, and the L to look like a number 1. In the midst of the word BELIEVE ( a word that I find to be the most powerful to the human mind, that I had tattooed on me at 18, and continues to change my life today ) I wanted the number 31 to stand out in reference to proverbs 31.  The name studio instead of photography leaves possibilities open to sell other handmade items, or even someday be partially fitness related as well.

Since deciding on a name I have taken VERY slow but semi-steady steps . Last spring I obtained an official business trade name through the city, secured a Facebook page, upgraded my camera, and simply started practicing more. The nerves that I get before a shoot, and the pure joy after a successful one tells me that it is exactly what I need to keep doing.

I am in no way ready to start a full time business or even try too compete with the phenomenal local photographers in Tucson . But it's time to finally let extended friends and family know -HEY! Next time you need a photographer for something small, keep me in mind! - if my schedule is free and I have someone to watch my kids, I would be honored to work with you.

Feel free to check out or LIKE my FB page at

https://www.facebook.com/believe31studio?ref=hl

Or just search Believe studio.

Some pictures I have on there are from older sessions , so if you have been behind my lens and would rather it not be public just let me know! Privacy is important to a lot of people and I totally understand that. Feel free to tag yourself in any shots as well :) spread the love.

Hands mouth and feet OH MY !!!

Hi, I'm Brittany. It's been about a year since my last blog post ( that was an AA reference incase you missed it..)

But seriously. Sometimes there is just a little more to say than social media allows. Sometimes the regular audience of close friends is just not big enough... and SOMETIMES you need more prayers than your capable of alone . SO let me try to make this quick ... I'm aways good at that ;) 

Two weekends ago I decided last minute to take the boys out to California to visit Daddy while he had some work out there.  Normally it's not a big deal when he is gone but because he will be spending the rest of September away , and the drive is easy/ hotel was free we decided to go for it. Very thankful we did because it was an awesome weekend full of fun together and also visiting friends. The hotel near Anaheim was awesome, so was the pool. My little fish children didn't last 5 minutes out of the car before swim suits were on ready to go. The pool was heated ( super necessary for those cold California summers) and the hot tub was a decent temperature well below 100 degrees. The night before we left I made the decision of letting the kids hop in the hot tub for a minute before heading up to the room, only because the water was the same temperature of the bath. Totally disregarding my known knowledge of what a BAD idea it was. But what harm could a luke warm mini pool for a minute really do ?

Fast forward the this past weekend. Saturday Mr. Kaners wasn't feeling too well before bed with a  temperature and what looked like a bad eczema flair up. One of my best friends whom we see once MAYBE twice a year was coming to visit the next day with her one year old, so I was definitely praying and hoping that it would be fine in the morning. It seemed like he was, temperature was gone mood normal . The eczema was still pretty bad but nothing shocking , so we continued on with the plans of the day including church in the morning and picking up our visitors in the afternoon. That night we could tell something was wrong again. It looked like he had been bitten by about 50 ants or spiders, blisters just covered his feet/legs/hands/arms. Luckily, looking back, we gave him an oatmeal bath in a separate tub from the other kids to try and ease whatever was going on. 

We excluded him from all the plans Monday realizing he shouldn't be around other kids and could just stay home and rest with Dad , thankful it was a holiday Dad actually WAS home. His mood was back to normal but the blisters were now spreading to his mouth area, really not improving at all. Tuesday morning he saw his doctor immediately after I called and said it looked like his eczema was infected . The first thing she asked was " Has he been in any public pools, or hot tubs recently? " Ohhh man. Trying to not embarrass myself and poor judgement I informed her that he had been in a heated hotel pool the weekend before. After an initial shock at the condition of his whole body and a couple swabs and throat check , she confirmed he had contracted coxsackievirus most likely from that pool- it has up to 7 day incubation period. That virus lead to hand,foot,mouth disease which was then infected somehow in the process. Because it is a virus there is nothing we can do beside keep him away from others for a week and go on a strong antibiotic to at least kill the infection... the sores will go away on their own in time. Luckily his brother didn't contract it, most likely because he didn't have any open wounds in the pool where Kane did have a small patch on his foot of exposed eczema.

So now we have a very energetic and HAPPY fever-less 2.5 year old that is completely covered in red blisters like nothing I have seen before. We are basically quarantined for a week- no playdates, no ymca, no church, no grocery shopping ,etc. RIGHT in time for Daddy to be leaving for the month of course.

THREE reasons I felt like you needed to hear this:

1- Remember to always trust your better judgement

2- Know the signs and symptoms of this awful nasty disease that can be very contagious through bodily fluids. Wash your hands!

3- Asking for prayers to get through this week. Kane is feeling fine but these blisters are not making progress. I will spare you your lunch by not sharing pictures, but it's so bad that his one foot has hardly any visible un-blistered skin. And it has now nearly everywhere . My hope now is as little long term scaring as possible.

The Bible tells us in Matthew chapter 8 about Jesus healing Lepers. No , Mr. Kaner's may not have Leprosy, but who better to ask for help and healing than Jesus who healed LEPERS ? God is all healing and merciful, which gives me hope for this coming week.

Thank you friends for your thoughts and prayers of healing for our sweet little guy <3

Unexpected journey

I've been attempting to write this out but I can never seem to find the right words , or even worse I DO write something straight from the heart and my iPad magically erases the whole thing , seriously ?! I guess it was just God's way of saying ' not yet' 

So here goes. A little story only a few people in my life are aware of . One of the few things I actually keep quiet about but possibly the one thing I should be screaming from the rooftops ...

Last summer as Steve began training before the deployment and I began loooong and lonely Weeks by myself with two kiddos under 2 , I knew something had to give . I was struggling and with him about to be GONE gone for a year  , I needed to dig deep in my faith for strength that I simply didn't have alone. I grew up in a catholic home. Attended church most Sundays, received the sacraments from communion to confirmation, attended CCD on Monday nights , memorized the words to all the rehearsed prayers and hymns , and most importantly believed in the Father Son and Holy Spirit. At least I THOUGHT I believed . I knew there was something bigger than us in control of our existence . Honestly I never really cared about a concrete belief system. Reading my fair share of new age  enlightenment theories and taking your basic religion 101 course at my far from conservative university  lead to a contentment or satisfaction with ... Well...being.  I didn't need a book telling me how to live or prayers for anything because I lived peaceful enough, and after all I can sin all I want for it will all be forgiven regardless ! 

So there I am, 26 years old with two beautiful boys and a husband that are my world and we're supposed to send him off to war and be faithful that he will just come back ? Alive? What if he doesn't ? <insert catholic mass  > The church my parents attend is a very highly populated Catholic church in a super family friendly Arizona  community - and no there is not ANY childcare. Not even a cry room ( which at this point would be for me, not the boys .) Of course I'm in and out every few minutes either shushing a crying 4 month old or bribing a toddler to sit still for maybe 5 straight minutes, meanwhile being glared at by half of the congregation for having " those kids " and I just want to scream on the top of my lungs THEIR DAD IS GONE fighting for YOUR damn freedom cut us a freaking BREAK!! - my thoughts were much less PG at that point .

We go home and I'm just floored by the experience . Here I am trying to build a relationship with God , find strength , and I felt more drained than the end of a marathon. After searching for another Catholic Church in town that would actually welcome my children, and failing miserably, I realize that maybe I need to try something new. My Grandparents rave about their church , that their pastor is wonderful, and that they have DING DING DING children's programs !!! As uncomfortable and foreign as a  Christian church seemed , I trust my Grandparents more than anyone so that Sunday I let go of all anxieties and just went . 

The moment I carried my babies into this place of worship I just felt at ease. The pastor had open arms ready to meet and welcome us , the childcare was phenomenal , and as I sat down next to my Grandparents I was able to have the first calm I had felt in quite some time- and this was all before the service even started ! The music was modern with powerful messages , the people were beyond friendly , and the pastor spoke from the  bible in a way I had never heard before . My eyes and heart were finally open and my journey had just begun.

Since that first day at Arizona Hills in Anthem , I've slowly taken a spiritual journey completely unexpected . Pastor Bob changed all my beliefs of Christianity , bringing me closer to God and accepting Jesus in a way I never had before. All this simply through his sermons and the actions of others in the community that constantly reached out to my family. I began actually reading the bible for the first time in my life and understanding it. I found a love for worship music, I began praying constantly , became much less anxious , life slowly became much more beautiful . In a time of struggle I found complete peace and happiness . 

After leaving Phoenix the boys and I have had equally wonderful  experiences at both Casas in Tucson, and this hidden gem here  in Enterprise called Crossroads. I feel so blessed to have found both places of worship so quickly , and knew that God absolutely sent me to both knowing how much my faith could grow in different ways . 

The hardest part of this journey has been that very few people in my life are Christians. In fact I've learned to bite my tongue when I talk about prayer or church because in our society it's frowned upon. People automatically think if you're a Christian you are anti abortions, against homosexuality , don't drink alcohol, must be a republican , etc.  But what I find to be the most impacting words of scripture ,  bottom line is that Jesus. loves. EVERYONE . It is not the place of ANY human to judge others , that is God's job. It is our job to live a Christ like existence LOVING others, GIVING to others , sharing this beautiful life with others . 

I'm not writing this to say HeY I'm such a good person! Or I'm so holy  ! In fact just the opposite . I'm writing this because I've had some dark challenging days, days that I see many loved ones going through as well . I HATE watching my loved ones suffer knowing that they don't have to. The quote below replays in my mind often, probably because society leads us to believe the opposite . No matter where you are in your life, what you believe or don't believe, God is there and is so so good. He's ready to heal you and change your life for the better - you just have to let him. 

 

We meet again Ft. Rucker

Here we are ! Back home , or what seems like home for our family at least. Back to the place we really became a family , had both of our boys , made some lifelong friends, etc. etc. I've had a lot of homes in my 27 years but honestly pulling up to these gates last week was like a getting a big warm comfy hug from home. Well until we got to the hotel at least ... 

I'm going to try and update everyone  our adventures on This trip as much as possible - so here goes the first week.

Flight out was pretty hectic . After waking the boys up at a lovely 3:45 AM we got to the airport smoothly thanks to my awesome Mom for helping out tremendously. Long story short we sat on the runway for 4 hours on the airplane before we could even take off for the 3+hour flight to ATL. Considering the circumstances the boys were awesome , and the entire plane thanked us repeatedly for how well behaved they were, shocking I know ! 

We get to Atlanta, grabbed the rental car which magically fit all our stuff , and set out on our 4 hour drive to Rucker . Get to our new " home " the hotel on post at about 10 pm , the lovely lady at the front desk tells us they have saved us a family room at the guest house but the crib they gave to someone else - awesome . Let's increase the stress a little more please . So we get to the room and it is a normal size hotel room, no extra bedroom, and two full size beds . For our whole family . And Steve's supposed to start class at 7 am. PERFECT! So we called the front desk begging for a suite of some kind , and they found a room in the old BOQ that would work, but we couldn't move in until the next day. So at 11 pm Steve and I move this tiny room around in a way so that the boys can get some rest and Steve can study/ sleep a few hours before class starts . Meanwhile I'm panicking of course - thinking this was a huge mistake trying to make this whole thing work. They say that families aren't authorized for this course for a reason .At this point I was ready to get the boys back on the plane to Tucson.

The next day We were stuck in the room until Steve got out of class - luckily it's beautiful outside so the boys were thrilled to just play ...

That afternoon we rushed to move into our new room , had dinner , and squeezed in some trick or treating .

Over the weekend we started to get settled picking up  some groceries , kitchen supplies , and a temporary double jogging stroller ( which is my vehicle since we just have one car here .)

I really had no idea how this would all play out but honestly I think it's going to work well. Going from a 4 bedroom 2,000 sq foot house with two cars , to a teeny hotel room with a mini kitchen and one car is an adjustment for sure ... But we can make anything work if it means being together . And we are ! We are SO very much together :)  

This week the boys and I have just been cruising around post in the stroller , park hopping , and basically doing anything we can to stay busy and active . Steven started preschool at the CDC today which he loved ! 

Steve's course is going well. He has been studying like crazy, which is a weird concept for anyone that knows Steve at all ! Getting to the instructor pilot course this early in his career is a huge accomplishment , and having his family here with him just makes it that much more challenging . Today he had his first round of tests and scored a 98 on both ! He had been warned that most everyone fails the first 5&9 test but this afternoon he passed ! Woo hoo! So proud of him.

It sounds weird , and doesn't make sense I'm sure , but I feel Happier and more peaceful in this unconventional living situation than I have probably in a year and a half. We are together , the boys are happy , Steve is progressing in his flight career, and I just get to do my job as Mom and keep the whole family running ( no pun intended !!!)   I'm very thankful for the life we have , thankful for the journey and plans that God has laid out for us regardless of how crazy it all may seem sometimes.

Here are a few more pictures from our first week back ...

Steve's first day of class

Here is our little room 

Our front view ;)

my mom and stepdad had a dozen cupcakes delivered to our hotel! So awesome

I found some helpers to join me in a ballon release for my friend Krista's baby Kamry that passed away at 9 days old last week. They released 100 balloons for her at her celebration of life ceremony in Missouri so we released 9 for her on post 

Boys and I spent time Saturday at our favorite park in enterprise 

Sunday we walked beaver lake . Steven loved it and told me We should bring Dad here . He was shocked when I told him I used to walk him around this lake when he was in my belly , and when he was little I would jog him around here allll the time . It was awesome how much they loved it !

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers as we start another crazy adventure <3

Beagles for sale!

Ok not really. We aren't selling anything, or anyone for that matter. Steven did recently tell me his little brother was too expensive... but I think we'll keep him anyways ;)

HOWEVER, we do have a new adventure coming up in the next month. Maybe an adventure that will allow some personal time to sit and write, doubtful but maybe. YEP we are going back to the ALA- BAMA! My husband has been given a wonderful opportunity to attend a 12 week school to become an instructor pilot. As exciting as it is that we are able to tag along, it means living in a two bedroom hotel suite for 3.5 months WITH two toddlers AND a husband that needs us to stay out of his hair so he can study his butt off. I'm super excited for the adventure and taking the boys back to the town they were born in, exploring nature with them, taking them to the peanut festival, doing all the fun things that we miss dearly- by that I mostly mean eating at cupcakes y'all as often as possible and maybe a few trips to the beautiful white sand beaches ;)

We are now at a fork in the road with our dogs. Anyone somewhat close to us knows all about our beagles. They were our kids before we even wanted kids. Jack was our baby before we even were engaged! But with the chaos of traveling, being busy with the boys, and everything in between.. we definitely put them on the back burner. They hardly ever get out for walks anymore, never take trips to the dog park, and generally just aren't played with and loved on as much as before. On top of that we  can not take them with us to Alabama. SO here we are. Do we find them a new home permanently? or Just somewhere to stay for 4 months?  We really can't decide so I am hoping the decision just falls into my lap in the next couple weeks. In the mean time I need to get the word out as much as possible- hence the blog post and social media share. SO please friends, if you are anywhere in Arizona and know of anyone that may be interested- we'd really appreciate sharing this with them.
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We are looking for either a temporary long term home for our two beagles from November until February in either the Tucson/Marana or Phoenix area. We are a military family and travel very often- will be across the country for 4 months and unfortunately can not take them with. Due to our frequent traveling and busy lifestyle we are open to a permanent rehoming if we can find the right family or household to love them as much as we do. 

Both dogs have been a part of our family since they were 6 weeks old. They were both house trained very early, can stay in their crate throughout a typical work day, up to date on vaccines, healthy, wonderful with all young children, and generally just really great family dogs. They do not get along with cats but are very friendly and love other dogs. They enjoy walks but are not required as long as they have a decent backyard to play in. They do howl like typical beagles, and are very food driven animals- any food in their reach will become theirs. 

  If temporary home is found we are willing to provide food for the 4 months, their crate,  as well as any other necessities requested.

  Lola is a pure bred beagle. She will be 4 years young on October 1 of this year. Lola is a typical energetic, overly friendly, sassy,  girl beagle that at the end of the day just wants to love on everyone. She loves to run around outside, wrestle with her brother or other dogs, but then crash out and get as much beauty rest on the couch as possible. 

                                                  
                            

Jack is a pure bred beagle. In contrast to his elderly appearance, he will be turning a whopping 5 years old on October 4. Jack is a very mellow guy. His very favorite hobbies include sleeping on the couch all day, and eating anything and everything he can get his nose into.  You'd never believe it today but as a puppy he was an avid runner that even trained up to 12 miles for a half marathon! He is a very loving and friendly guy to Everyone. 

For  more information about Jack and Lola email me at brittany.trumbull@gmail.com !