2015

Dear 2015,

Looking back you were a year of decisions and blessings all the while revolving around family.

You started off with so much snow. Snow. Snow. Snow.

I wasn't sure why so much snow. And then one day it became clear. I always knew what my priorities were. I knew what was most important. Yet, for some stupid reason it took all that snow for me to do something about it.

It was that melting snow that busted the damn and words spewed from my mouth I may have never had the courage to say. Yes, the words came with anger. But the words were true. I stood up for myself along with 20 of my co-workers / friends. I turned in my resignation and when begged to stay I didn't back down.

I held my head high, I worked a notice... a longer notice than most would have. I know they hoped I would change my mind. But I didn't.

And thank goodness I didn't. As of April I was officially a stay at home mom. I was and am still thankful for my wonderful husband. He continues to work to make my dreams come true.

In March Maddie turned 3. Wow how the time has flown, dear friend. I am so thankful to you for each day.

You are also the year that has taught me that no matter the age Divorce is never pretty. Who would have thought my remarried Granddaddy would be getting a divorce in his 80s. But when money and health are involved no one seems to think soundly. I love them both and refuse to be in the middle. I only hope 2016 will continue to assist me in this as you have dear 2015.

2015, looking back I had my doubts on more than one occasion. But you were also a year of faith. Faith that each decision we made would be the right one.

And oh so many decisions that were made! Becoming a one income family being the first of the road of decisions...

The decision to buy a camper, the decision to run an Etsy Store, the decision to forgive a family member, the decision to add more animals to our small farm, the decision to take a leap and purchase property with family, the decision to sell the family business.

Yes, 2015 you were a year of decisions, changes and most importantly faith.

The camper.... oh when Marine suggested a pop up camper I had my doubts. But oh the fun we had in it this year! The memories made will never be forgotten.

I, independent and, like having my own money. I have had the Etsy store since 2014 but with quitting my job it was like it was confirmation I had done the right thing. In April my sales tripled to my amazement. It gave me the courage to do what I love. Design. Plus it works perfect with the stay at home mom of a demanding 3 year old schedule. Thank you again 2015 for allowing me to follow my dreams!

Possible the biggest decision of 2015 came as a family meeting. We were going to sell the restaurant that Marine and his Step Dad opened in 2011. With Brother In Law getting out of the Army and joining as a partner it was to much family stress. And we always said that family would come first. It was such a hard, bittersweet decision that required much prayer and faith. It was not my place to select the buyer. But from day 1 in my gut I knew from the prospective buyers who I wanted to run the restaurant. And thankfully it worked out. I hope they will love and cherish it as much as we have! I also hope that it will continue to be successful and will continue to be a staple in our community!

2015 I owe you so many thank yous. You were also the year that Marine admitted he has PTSD and made the decision to seek help. I have known Marine has PTSD. Heck the award he received that I have hanging on the wall clearly supports what I have known. Yet he has always been strong saying others saw more action than he did. He is fine. After awhile I let it go and learned ways to deal and cope with it and to notice the signs and trigger points. It has been 5 long years and I would never have guessed that a movie would have had such an impact on our lives. Yet it did. American Sniper. Several scenes hit close to home. The birthday party scene with the dog, the driving down the road while always scanning for IEDS. And the words that she said that I, like probably many other military wives, have said "You're here but your not here."

After getting home from that movie we stayed up for hours. Marine talked about Afghanistan more than he ever has. He talked of the day he saved a fellow Marine's life. Of another day lying in a ditch hearing bullets whizzing overhead as he and two others rock-paper-scissored over the order they were going to get out of the ditch to run back to the safety of the building behind them. He laughed at some of the funny memories and shed a few tears at some of the harder ones. And for the first time he apologized and said I was right he had PTSD and had been to proud to see it.

He made the first effort to get help. We have always known we have one of the worst VA's in the country but this year also proved it. But with determination and my continued support Marine was finally able to get the help he needed and our marriage is better than it has ever been. He is getting back to the care free Marine I feel in love with all those years ago.

I thank you so much for that 2015.

You have brought so much joy 2015! Each day with Maddie has been an adventure! I wish that time would slow down. Each day she is a little smarter, a little taller, a little more independent, and little less my little baby and a little more my little girl. In August when she started "school" (aka mothers morning out) she was such the big girl. Never shedding a tear.

Then yesterday we closed on our small piece of heaven. Mountain property with a view and a creek. It was a joint purchase with family with the intention of it being a family getaway and for the guys a hunting land.. Being located in the neighboring county it is close enough we can for the day or for a couple of hours. We are so excited for what 2016 holds and this new adventure.

What a year around the sun it has been 2015!

Tonight we will ring in the new year with a new family being forged as we attend the wedding of Red. What better way to end the year of family and love.

Cheers to you 2015! Thank you for the memories!

Love Always!
E.


Past Letters: 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The Day The Christmas Tree Farm Died

Bye, bye Miss Christmas Tree

Drove my Ford to the tree farm but the tree farm was empty

Them good ole boys were drinking hot chocolate and crying

Singin' this'll be the day that I go to Lowe's 

This'll be the day that I go to Lowe's

What a rainy year it has been in the south!! That is how we found ourselves half way to Christmas and still no Christmas tree. 

Every year my family has made a trip to the Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas Tree. Mom, Dad, and I would always make a day of it and it was one of my favorite parts about Christmas. Debating which tree was the "perfect" one. 

Operation Christmas Tree 2012

So Sunday the clouds loomed but the rain held as we got in the truck and headed to the Christmas Tree Farm. Over the years the farms have dwindled... I guess as more people switch to artificial trees. This will be the 3rd tree farm I have visited in my life span..... which over 30 years is a relatively low number. 

Marine is driving the farm truck, I ride shotgun and Maddie is snuggled in the backseat with my mom. Maddie is getting excited as we tell her about going to get the Christmas tree. 

I of course have my camera ready to capture Maddie's 2nd year going to the tree farm.


As we near the farm I say, "I don't see any signs for the tree farm. I hope they aren't sold out."

"Surely there will at least be a Charlie Brown tree left," replies Mom.

"I'm sure there's plenty," Marine agrees as he turns the truck down the road. 

As we near the farm I have yet to see a sign........ the farm comes into sight..... no Christmas trees.

"Um..... looks like he went to cattle." Marine slows down taking in the once Christmas tree field now fenced in with cows. 


It was 11 days till Christmas what were we to do?

Note to self: Everywhere is sold out of Christmas trees 11 days till Christmas, but Lowes.

So we went through the remaining trees looking for just the right one. 

Needless to say this may be the smallest tree we have ever had. But it is beautiful none the less. And I'm sure one day we will look back on the concrete Tree Farm of Lowes and laugh. 

Either way I have told Marine that his new goal is plant a few Christmas trees on the back of our property so that maybe in a few years we can just walk back there and chop down our perfect tree.

Merry Christmas!

2012

Dear 2012,

Wow. I'm not sure where to start.

So much has taken place this year and my only regret is that I haven't had the time to write it all down.

In a few hours it will be time to tell you goodbye, but before I do I would like to take a moment to reflect on our time together. During our time together I have learned so much!

I have learned that nothing can prepare you for that moment when you first hear your baby cry out.

I have learned all those stupid stories about "oh labor really isn't that bad" really are true. After time you forget the pain and any and everything associated with it. Because it was all worth it. I admit I never thought I would actually say that.

I have learned that sleep is a friend I may never have a close relationship with again. Oh Mr. Sandman please visit my house one night soon. All three of us.... especially the little one..... and if you can sprinkle a little extra over my bladder area that would be much appreciated also. Yes, friends, pregnancy may end but you will never stop having to pee 24/7.

I have learned that sometimes one small child can bring an adult to near tears. Teething has to be one of the 7 layers of hell.

I have learned that even though life may change there are some things in life that never do and that is my group of girls. No matter what happens I know we will all still gather every couple of months for dinner, drinks and great conversation.... oh and of course Christmas parties with tacky shirts!

I have learned - well perhaps not learned but reaffirmed - that Marine is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Not only is he a wonderful husband but an even more wonderful Dad. Anyone can be labeled a father but only a truly special men can labeled a Dad. Seeing Marine crawl around on the floor with our little girl and making her laugh and coo and ahh is one of the greatest things to see.

I have learned that a baby will teach you new things almost on a daily basis. I have enjoyed watching Maddie grow daily and growing with her in my learning and understanding.

I am so thankful for my many blessings that you 2012 have brought me. It has not been all fun and games but looking back its always easier to remember the good moments. But honestly 2012 I can't really remember any really bad moments. Yes, the roller coaster of life hit a few bumps but nothing we weren't able to get thru as a family. I am so thankful for Marine and how hard he works so that I can raise our daughter. I am thankful for the roof over our heads and the dog curled up on her bed at my feet. I am thankful for my wonderful mother who I seem to grow closer to each year. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I am thankful for wonderful friends. I am thankful for my ever patient Horse. I am thankful for so many other things...... 2012 I am thankful for you and all the precious memories you are leaving me with.

2012, I have had a wonderful time with you and to be honest I will almost be sad to tell you goodbye. You have given me so many things to be thankful for. As the years pass I know that some will blur together, hard to distinguish from the others. But that will never happen with you my dear 2012 because you gave Marine and I the best gift we could ever have asked for.

Yes, this letter is a lot more sappy then I intended..... But hey I guess that's what happens when Aunt Flow decides to visit on New Year's Eve ;) Cheers to you 2012!! Thanks for a year I'll never forget!

Love,
E.

Past Letters: 2010, 2009 and 2008

Merry Christmas To All!

Christmas morning I awoke bright and early so excited I had hardly slept a wink.

I couldn't wait to see Maddie's reaction when she saw the presents under the tree. The house was quite. I was the only one awake. The sun was just coming up. 'Of course the one morning she decides to sleep', I think.

Marine and I get out of bed and I go in the living room to get the camera and everything set up. At 8 o'clock I couldn't take it anymore. It was time to wake the beast.

"Maddie.... time to get up and see what Santa I brought..." I said in a sing song voice peering into her crib. She peaks an eye open and grins before sitting up.

Needless to say I change her diaper quickly and hurry into the leaving room. She crawls in probably not sure why the paparazzi are ready to snap her picture.

I mean doesn't this face just scream, "Mom are serious?"

Needless to say when she realized she could rip into the pretty packages under the tree that she had been told for weeks to "Look not touch" - she was thrilled!

You mean I get to rip this stuff to shreds?

Challenge accepted.

Then it was time for her to open her main present. Her new walk behind activity center ma-bob (technical term).  She figured out quickly how to use it! And she loved it. 

Now it may look like we went overboard. But I promise I didn't. It being her first Christmas I knew this would be the easy year in which she would be more enthralled with the wrapping paper and the boxes then the toys themselves and I used this much to my advantage. 

Christmas morning was so much watching the surprise and joy in her eyes. When opening presents she would rip a piece of wrapping paper, hand it to Marine, rip another piece off, hand it to Marine and so on and thus forth.

After our house we had to go to my mom's and then to Marine's parents. Needless to say by the end of the day she was a pro at unwrapping gifts!

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Let's Play Catch Up!

Things have been so hectic I've left out a lot of things lately.

Like the fact that my friend from across the pond was home a few weeks ago.

Yes, I have a friend that lives in England.

Makes me sound a little more classy doesn't it?

Ok, maybe not..... anyway.

My friend Jewels lives the life that I have envied more than once and has traveled to more places in our 28 years than I will be able to in a lifetime. Other than that slight jealousy, I love her to death!

We all went to high school together and then parted ways for college. After college Jewels got this really important job with the government (that I can't tell you what it is), doing something really important (that I didn't quite understand).

Then in Afghanistan she met this charming British Solider and it was love at first sight  (maybe not first sight but that makes for a better story doesn't it?).

Fast-forward a year and now she lives across the pond with him going back to school for her masters degree.

He is again deployed to Afghanistan so she came home to visit for a few weeks.

While she was home Giggles, Giggles Hubby, Babbles, Jewels, myself and her family went to a Major League Baseball game on April 16th.

It had been awhile since I had been to a game but it was so much fun!!! Poor Marine had school so he couldn't come and Babbles husband was working so it ended up more or less a girls trip with Giggles Hubby playing D.D.

It was a fun day and our team won so that made it even better!!

Beer, baseball, and ball park hotdogs.... yum!!

Now I got to share something that amazed me (and I admit I took pictures just for you!):

See the Budweiser button at the bottom..... yeah it's magical!!!

The guy sat it on a surface and this little button pops up and the beer fills in from the bottom. No foam!!! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now moving on.....


Blondie's wedding was beautiful!!

She arrived with her Step-dad and Dad in an old '69 Mustang. Even if it were in a movie her wedding could have not been more beautiful!

Vixen and I stayed the night with Blondie the night before the wedding and stayed up till nearly 2 a.m. trying to finish last minute things.

We were then back up at 6 to shower and start the day.

I stress more over others than myself. Blondie kept telling me to calm down, but I'll be honest I stressed cause I wanted everything to be perfect for her. She is one of my best friends and she was marrying the love of her life, what could be more perfect than that?

The wedding party left to "Bust a Move" and we all had to dance back up the aisle. Something that without alcohol was a little nerve racking. But all went well despite my escort that refused to dance. So what did I do? Danced by myself down the aisle like any good maid of honor would do.

After pictures we were off the the reception which was kind of short and sweet.

Blondie had only hired the photographer for the wedding so I spent the reception snapping away trying to make sure that no memories in the making were missed.

The cake was cut, the bouquet and garter were tossed and they were on their way.

I think we were out of there by 6 p.m. --- told you it was short.

Afterward Giggles, Giggles hubby, Vivi, Vixen, Vixen hubby, Marine and myself went out for drinks. It was great catching up and enjoying a beer together.

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Easter morning I awoke to find the Easter Bunny had paid me a visit while I slept. 

Instead of an Easter Basket though he had left a picnic basket.

And it was filled with my favorite things! Cookies and chocolate covered pretzels!

Oh Marine, you know the way to this girls heart!!

And I thought I was being sly by making him an Easter basket!

Since for lent he gave up sugar I made sure to put lots of sweet treats in his basket knowing that his sweet tooth would be in need of what it had missed for the past 46 days.

There was also beef jerky and some kind of drill bits that Marine had pointed out at Lowe's saying he needed to get sometime.

Now I can't wait to use my picnic basket! I see a fishing trip and picnic in our future!

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Wedding Update:

It is crunch time people!!!

I met with the DJ yesterday to give him the CD of the music I wanted for the ceremony and to go over the other details. 

We were done in less than 15 minutes and he told me I may be the easiest bride he has ever worked with.

Who knew?!

Still frantically working on favors, programs and centerpieces. But it will all come together!

Luck of The Irish and Spring Fever

I love spring.

I love everything about it.

I love the blue sky, the green grass, the light breeze, the warm sun.

I love the earth coming alive again after a winter of hibernation.

I don't even mind the allergies that come along with all this blooming because in reality it's small price to pay for the beauty that we are surrounded with.

Just outside my office

Now if the work clock would just pass a little more quickly so that I could get out and enjoy it!

Also.... HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Do you have your green on?

I sure do. And if I recall I may or may not have told Ford-Wife the other night after drinks that we had to celebrate tonight because I'm a leprechaun......................

See what happens when I drink?

Hey I'm short and I'm Irish so it's not totally unbelievable. 

I would love to go out tonight for green beer, but unfortunately (or thankfully) I have to much work to do. 

Remember that website job I told you about awhile back? Yeah I'm still not done with it. I decided to step away from the project a few days so I could then re-approach it with a clear mind. 

Does that ever work for you?

Well it didn't for me.

Last night I opened it up and spent about an hour going in circles and getting nothing done.

I'm normally a creative person. I think best in the morning. By the end of the day all my creative energy is zapped. 

Maybe that's it.

I'm also the type that gets bored easily. And I'm bored with this project. Maybe that's it. I'm bored with the dull pictures, etc.

Either way one thing I am not is a quitter.

So it will get done. Hopefully by this weekend. That's my new deadline to myself.

Wish me luck...... or maybe a miracle. 

Or maybe both. Yeah both would be good.

I have people calling me left and right for little design jobs; flyers, t-shirts. It's great! I enjoy doing these jobs even though I know I don't charge enough. I can't say no either. It's like something in my body is coded so that I cannot say no.

But that has to stop. I still have to many wedding projects to finish! EEEK!!!

So last night was a first. I had someone ask me about a website job and I said no. 

Ok thats I lie. I said not at the moment. I told them I would love to do it for them but that right now now my plates just to full and that I'm booked till May. 

I'm such a kiss-@ss people pleaser I hated even saying that when in fact it was the truth. 

Just so you can get an idea my plans for the weekend are:

Friday Night: 

• Painting the house so we can get it done hopefully soon 
• Designing a flyer and a t-shirt logo.

Saturday: 

• Saddle club event from 8 am till 11 am 
• Blondie's couple shower that I have to get to and start setting up by 12.
• Stay for shower and clean up should be out of there by 5.
• Taking Marine-Sis and Vixen to look for Bridesmaids dresses
• Depending on time home more work on the house

Sunday:

• Meeting wedding coordinator to get the flowers for the wedding
• Working on Wedding programs
• Working on and completing above mentioned website
• Laying carpet in house if painting is done
• Trip to Home Depot to order new flooring for Kitchen and Bathroom

Of course mixed with these things are the basics such as eating, sleeping, and taking of the horses.

Yeah to sum it up I'm really a Jack of All Trades a master of none!!

Maybe one day I'll get my act completely together. 

"My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot"

Ashleigh Brilliant

                 

Also prayers to all those in Japan. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Oh Cupid!

Love is in the air!

At least at my house it is.....

Marine received his golden ticket yesterday releasing him from the Marine Corps. He arrived home a little after 6 and let me tell you his cute smile was a site for sore eyes.

It still doesn't feel real that he doesn't have to go back.

The older I get the less important Valentine's Day is to me...... why is that?

Remember in high school when you could order carnations that would be delivered during class? They did that at my school anyway. I remember anxiously awaiting just hoping that my 'at the moment' crush would send me a flower.

Thinking back I don't really ever remember receiving one of those coveted flowers from a boy. I do remember receiving them (and sending them) from best friends.

I remember my first Valentine's with a boyfriend. Oh the excitement that it would be. And then the disappointment that followed upon realizing he was far from the prince charming I wanted him to be.

Some of my best Valentine's memories are not of boys, but of memories with my friends; Giggles, Blondie, Vivi, and Vixen.

Funny to reminisce.

Cupid knew what he was doing though when he shot Marine with that arrow. Not sure what today will hold for us, but I'm hoping its a night at home making diner together!!

Followed by the German Chocolate 'surprise' cake I made for him yesterday before he got home!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The End of 2010 The Start of 2011

The Tuesday morning after Christmas I found myself hiking up an iced over hill at 5:30 am by the light of a flashlight. Oh and did I mention it was about 20 degrees out?

This my friends is love. 

We had finally been able to get out of the house Monday after all the snow but had postponed our trip back to base to Tuesday in hopes the roads would be better. And Tuesday before leaving Marine pulled the ol "this will be my last chance to go hunting" pouty face. 

Like the sucker that I am, I fell for it. 

So we rolled out of bed early and headed over to Marine's mom's house for him to go hunting before we started our road trip.

While he hunted I curled up in the big comfy chair by the fireplace and went back to sleep listening to the crackling of the wood in the fire. 

I figured out why Marine likes to hunt over at his parents versus hunting at my house. At my house he returns from hunting to a bowl of cereal. There he returns to pancakes and French Toast. Yeah hunting may not be so bad. lol ;)

By 10 we were on the road. 

The rest of the week passed way to fast! 

We had diner with one of our Marine Couple friends one night at their house. Another night we had a date night and went to the on base theater and watched Mega-Mind. We also went to diner another night with Roommate and Roommate Wife who had flown in from California to celebrate the New Year. 

During the mix we also registered! Another wedding thing that can be checked off the list. 

Registering was interesting. Why is it as soon as you give a grown man a scanner gun his eyes instantly light up like a kid at Christmas?

Taking Giggles advice we used this opportunity to upgrade some of the stuff we already have and to fill in some of the blanks. Realistically we don't really need that much. Maybe towels. And according to Marine we need a good iron. Apparently the one I have is insufficient. I personally wouldn't know. The only time I'd ever touched it was to take it out of the box and put it in the closet before Marine and I started dating. 

Now imagine standing in Bed, Bath and Beyond and you see this guy picking up and inspecting every iron on the shelf........ yes that was my Marine. Bless his heart. Gotta love him. 

Hey I can't complain..... case in point:

On New Years Eve we met up with our friends for diner then went downtown to Rum Runners. This is where we spent New Years last year and I pretty much insisted we go there again. The Dueling Piano players are just to awesome for words to describe!

Before long the round of shots were ordered.....

Marine Couple Hubby, Marine, Two of our Buddies (& groomsman) Roommate, Roomate wife, and me.
Sure the guys would love to know I covered their faces with hearts ;)

And this is one of the reasons we love our friends......

Marine and I so had no clue this was going on in the background......

Midnight came and went and we headed to the pizza place for a midnight slice. So delicious! Pizza and beer after midnight is hard to beat!

Overall it was a pretty calm night. Surprisingly. 

New Years Day we split from the group and headed downtown for lunch. We went to the Brewery where I had some of the best food I think I've EVER eaten! I'm not sure why but it was just so delicious!

While we ate a couple came and sat down at the table next to us. On the table they sat down a large brown box...... obviously a pastry box. Out of the corner of my eye I strained trying to read the label on top. 

Marine and I guessed about what could be in the box. By the time we had paid the tab and rising to leave I just couldn't take it. I had to ask. 

"Excuse me........" 

The couple was super nice and told us about what was supposed to be this fabulous local bakery. They gave us vague directions. Which Marine and I followed to the best of our ability and after some wondering around we found it! 

It was everything I hoped of and more.

I got a chocolate chip cupcake while Marine opted for the basic vanilla with chocolate frosting cupcake. We took our perfectly cute brown box and walked down by the river before heading back to the hotel to enjoy our desert. 

Needless to say I ate mine way to fast...... But I used Marine's for a photo op just so that I could remember how delicious they were....

That night we went out with our group of friends to see a movie. The only movie playing that wasn't sold out was Tangled. It was cute but not near as funny as I expected it to be!! But the lack of comedy was made up by Marine's side comments...... "Please don't sing again. Don't do it!!...... Awe crap she's going to sing again isn't she?" 

Think it's safe to say Marine probably never appreciated the Disney classes that were full of princesses singing... 

But the horse was pretty funny. 

After diner Marine and I called it an early night and headed back to the hotel. Where we watched American Pickers...... yep we are really exciting.

And if you ever get a chance stay at a Comfort Suites.... Do it!! They have the best pillows. Seriously. And I NEVER sleep on hotel pillows. But with these I make an exception. I want these for my house!

Ignore Marine in this picture and just focus on the wonderful pillows. 

Sunday (Jan. 2nd)  was the day I left to come back home. Somehow saying goodbye at the airport is so much more sad than getting in the car and leaving. Not sure why that it is but it is...

(Sorry this post is so late..... )

Twas The Night Before Christmas

The week of Christmas was kind of a blur of baking and wrapping paper. And somewhere in the midst of all 

that  I think... think.... there may have been some snow.

Just kidding. There was A LOT of snow!

The holiday festivities kicked off the morning of Christmas Eve at Marine's Mom and Step-dad's. We arrived early and gathered around the tree to open presents. Marine-Sis passed out the presents and as my stack grew I wondered if I had really been that good this year.

I got an assortment of wonderful gifts including the new Sugarland Cd and a neti pot. Ever heard of a neti pot? 

It's no secret in my family that I have horrible sinus issues and I am told I snore. *SHOCK, GASP* How could lil 'ol me snore? I mean how unladylike is that? 

I think they're lying. Either way this neti-pot has been a topic of conversation lately about how great it supposedly is. Marine-Mom got me one. I'm not sure if I'm thankful yet or not.........  Things going up my nose freak me out! But I'm determined to give this a try and see if it's as good as Giggles and everyone else tells me it is.

Christmas Eve evening we headed to my mom's with plans on staying with her and doing Christmas morning at her house and then going to my Grandparent's house which is about 2 hours away.

The forecast called for snow but it was so warm out I really didn't believe the weatherman.

Big mistake on my part.

We awoke Christmas morning to falling snow.

And lots of it.

My Mom, Marine and I gathered around the tree to open presents.

Now if you remember Marine and my Mom had nagged harped on me about making a list. Why I'm not sure since neither one of them chose to get me anything off of it (seriously not even one item)! Instead they did SSSSOOOO MUCH BETTER! I got a new Nikon Coolpix camera which I'm so excited about!!

I carry a small camera in my purse at all times. And my poor old Olympus (may it rest in peace) bit the dust a few months back. I had not put a camera on my list because I didn't want anyone to buy me anything pricey. With that said I'm so glad my mom doesn't listen! lol

I also got a new hackamore for Miss B which I was very excited about because it was much needed! ( a hackamore is used in place of a bit. It goes across her nose and nothing actually goes in her mouth).

Marine and I had decided to do only small gifts this year and even though we both stayed within a budget I have to give it to Marine for thoughtfulness.

My gifts were perfect! He gave me a silver chain to replace one I had broken while he was gone (the camera, the necklace..... I'm seeing a pattern here....). I had kept the broken chain so I could be sure to get one the same length. Unbeknown-est to me Marine stuck it in his wallet one trip home and then went and got me a new one just like I wanted.

He also gave me a USMC sweatshirt I had wanted and a beautiful picture frame. Within the frame he had placed some of his favorite pictures of us. PERFECT GIFT. I would rather receive a thoughtful gift than an expensive gift any day and this gift reflected the thought and time Marine had put into making it just perfect.

What did I give me Marine? Well I didn't do quite as good as him but I think I did pretty good. Marine is hard impossible to surprise! He always guess what I've got him, so this year I decided to think out of the box a little.

His mom got him a Mr. Beer kit awhile back so I got him a refill kit for it called Mr. Beer Cowboy. Sounded interesting.

I also got him a Conair Hot Lather Machine ~ did you just ask what? ~ this was something Marine had mentioned in passing that he would like. One of those....

"Wouldn't it be cool if you could have a hot shave....... oh look at the bird" you know one of those moments. He was SO surprised and so excited. After opening the presents he went into the bathroom where he stole my shaving gel and quickly popped the can in to see how it worked. He seemed happy so I am going to say it worked well.

The snow was still coming down so it looked like a trip to my Grandparents was out of the question. We bundled up and headed down to the barn to feed and take care of the horses.

My mom's a little crazy ----- hey I had to get it from somewhere didn't I? ---- and she pulls out a bag of with a Santa hat and reindeer antlers. You guessed it. She wants a family photo. So we each pull out our respective horse and brush them off and put on their hats. I set up my tripod out in the snowy field and screw my new camera on top. Which resulted in this picture:

My Mom, Me, Marine

The south is not prepared for snow. That puts it kinda mildly. All in all we got about 9 inches at mom's house. Which is a lot for us! Needless to say we ended up being snowed in for a few days so the Christmas hecticness faded away into Christmas rest.

Marine and I lounged around watching movies, reading our new books, and playing in the snow. We attempted to build a snowman. Attempted being the key word..... and his nose was an icicle so you can't really see it.

Christmas night the power went out. I used this time to rummage in the closet for classic board games.

Marine and my mom weren't to thrilled about this as they placed oil lanterns around the room. Me, I loved it!

Marine selected Clue from the assortment I produced. Of course he won. But I think he cheated. lol

It was a wonderful Christmas! We didn't really get the us time we would have to liked to have had but it all worked out well.

Monday after Christmas we were able to get out and go visit Marine's dad and do Christmas with him. We were supposed to head back to base Monday morning but the low temps caused what snow that had melted to freeze so Marine was able to call in and request a leave day so we could head back Tuesday.

I had a wonderful white Christmas! Hope each of you did to!

I know this is a long post.... but there's still more to come bare with me!

Phoebe: You know, Chandler, you being here is the best gift I could ask for Christmas. 

Chandler: Aww. Thanks Pheebs. 

Phoebe: Ok, now where's my real present? 

~ Friends ~