GPP: What has the move to Pensacola been like for your family?
Kayla: Honestly, it’s been more peaceful than most of our moves. My husband is able to be so much more present, which has been huge for our family. Our oldest doesn’t even remember the years he was gone so much, which feels like a hidden blessing.
GPP: How did you navigate life during his time as a drill sergeant?
Kayla: It was bittersweet. For a while, I was essentially solo parenting. The kids and I created our own routine, and when he did have time off, we made it count. There was a lot of sacrifice on both sides—he gave up rest to be with us, and I rarely had time away. Some seasons felt isolating, but others brought incredible friendships. It taught us resilience and made our marriage stronger.
GPP: How has his new role changed your daily life?
Kayla: We love it. He’s home early most days, and we actually get to do life together—errands, beach trips, church, all of it. We can give each other breaks now, which is something we didn’t have before. Seeing the kids run to him at the door and knowing he has the energy to play with them is the best part.
GPP: What does a typical day look like in your home right now?
Kayla: With three kids, under the age of four… very messy! My son has no OCD tendencies whatsoever—I joke that he sees a clean house and turns into Godzilla. Most days are spent cleaning, playing, and just being together. We’re outside a lot, usually in the backyard hunting for lizards and frogs. Since we moved at the end of the school year, we haven’t built many connections yet, but I’m hoping to find some mom friends soon so we can enjoy all the fun summer activities together.
GPP: What are you loving most about motherhood right now?
Kayla: They’re all developing such different personalities. My oldest is very much a little princess, my middle is fearless and strong-willed, and my youngest just happily follows along. It’s chaotic with the sibling rivalry, but it’s also really special. One of my favorite moments is seeing them all lined up—it reminds me how little they still are and how much they still need me. Even on hard days, they love me big.
GPP: What has surprised you most about this season at home?
Kayla: How fast time moves. Everyone tells you, but you don’t really understand it until you’re in it. I spend a lot of time in survival mode—meals, appointments, cleaning, routines—and it’s easy to miss the little moments. Being a stay-at-home mom is nonstop. It’s exhausting, but it’s also a role I’m grateful for. I’ve learned to give myself more grace on the hard days.
GPP: How do you recharge?
Kayla: My husband is amazing about making sure I get time to myself. I’ll escape and wander Barnes and Noble, for hours, taking my time picking out books and reading them in the coffee area. On harder days, it’s the little things—like dancing in the living room to our wedding song—that help reset everything. It’s the small things he does that reminds me that life can still be enjoyable, even in the midst of the storm. I really lean on him when I’m falling apart emotionally, but when he can’t be there, I have my sister and mom on speed dial to be a helpful hand or a listening ear.
GPP: What keeps your marriage strong in this busy season?
Kayla: Continuing to date each other. We make time every night after the kids go to bed, even if it’s just cuddling and watching a show together. We stay playful—flirting, laughing, dancing in the kitchen. We’re intentional about growing through each season together.
GPP: What advice would you give a mom new to the area?
Kayla: Put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. Join the group, start the conversation, ask for the number. We’re not meant to do this alone. And if life feels chaotic, lean into it. Dance with your kids, laugh through the mess, and give yourself grace. You’re doing better than you think!
Rapid Fire Questions
- Coffee or energy drink? Cold coffee
- Beach day or park day? Beach day
- Good book or movie? Always a good book
- Target run or Amazon order? I’m going to take my time wandering the aisles at Target.
- Messy bun or ball cap? Messy bun is my staple almost every day.
Kayla Morici and her husband, Dominick, have been married nearly five years and are raising three little ones—Kalani (4), Davina (3) and Enzo (2). Their home may be messy, but it’s filled with love, laughter, and lots of energy.
The Morici family moved to Pensacola in February after being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Dominick served as a Drill Sergeant. He now works as an ROTC Instructor at the University of West Florida. Kayla, a proud military spouse, is home full-time with their children. They have plugged into attending Transformation Church, which has helped them feel a sense of community in their short time here.
