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

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

Weekend Project - Kitchen & Bathroom Detail

Last Sunday was way to pretty to be inside (which was where I needed to be). So I gathered up a few of my projects and headed out into the warm sunshine.


Project Remodel is almost done!!!

Being a Virgo I am a detail person (I'll blame it on that at least). When I look at a big picture sometimes I don't see the big picture so much as the little details within. Other times I only see the big picture.....

Anyway.

So Sunday I spent a few minutes taking off all of the kitchen cabinet knobs and handles.

They were in desperate need of a face lift!

Having one time been a brassy color, they were now a dark mess. First I soaked them in hot water and scrubbed them slightly before drying them and heading outside.

Marine and I had already come to terms with the fact we would probably be buying new ones, but I thought why not first try to salvage what we have.

At Lowe's I purchased a can of brown (hammered) spray paint; all the new fixtures are this browny-brass color so figured this would match. I wasn't sure how great it would work but figured it was worth a shot.

I laid out my paper on the grass and placed the handles and knobs down, then realized this was a mistake cause the grass was tipping them over so I relocated to the driveway.

Setting Up

Kitchen Drawer Knob --- Before

Handles Before

Can we say YUCK!

All laid out

{ I couldn't find any newspaper so this was a perfect project to recycle tissue paper from the gifts at the couples  shower the weekend before! }

Of course I had a few curious helpers......

What is this?

Is this all we're doing?!

Guess we can keep you company.........

Yes we all need good helpers like these three!!

There in the driveway I shook it like a salt shaker listening to the little ball in the can clank around. After about a minute I figured that was good enough and began to spray.

I let them dry about an hour while I painted the bathroom vanity and then put a second coat on them.

The finished project turned out great, if I do say so myself!!!

After

After

None of them had the "hammered appearance the can advertised. But that may have been a user error on my part....... 

One lone handle came out of this with the hammered look. 

The hammered affect

Once I put them all back on though you couldn't even tell! They all match and look great!! Definitely adds a little something to the cabinets now. Next project for when I have free time is take off the hinges and paint them to match..... BUT that's a project for another day!

I also removed the bathroom cabinet knobs and painted them the same.

Main Piece

The back side --- guessing this was the original
color back in their glory day

Top Piece

The 2 then fit together like so........... FUGLY, I know.....

Much better after a little paint!!

Vast improvement!!

Also amidst all of this madness I was also painting a few more Chalk Boards. I purchased a few frames at the Dollar Tree so for a dollar I figured I would just paint the glass instead of cutting out a piece of wood......

This is where I would like to add a tip to last weeks instructions! IF PAINTING GLASS A ROLLER BRUSH WILL NOT WORK!!!!

Seriously it just rolls the mess around! lol Instead use a foam brush...... luckily I had one of these lying around!

Glass Frame

Foam Brush

Painting

Finished Project

And while doing this I also managed to paint a bathroom vanity, unpack shower gifts and put them away, Murphy's oil what will soon be the TV armoire and several other dozen home projects. 

What little projects have you done lately that have saved you money?

Whispered Secrets

Everyone has secrets. 

Some of the secrets are small....... 

Some secrets are a little bigger.......

Some we share with others. Some we vow to take to the grave.

Today I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. 

You ready for it????....... Hope your sitting down............

January 1st of 2010 started out as a cloudy day.

If you recall Marine had asked me the night before to marry him. So the cloudy day was fine by me because I was on cloud 9.

As I dressed for the day I carefully removed the white sweater dress I had brought for just this occasion. That matched with black tights was a little more causal that I had planned on but that wasn't important.

I had forgotten my black ballet flats so I reluctantly I stepped into my black Steve Madden hooker heels.

I spent a little extra time fixing my hair unbeknown-est at the time that as soon as I stepped outside the gusty wind would ruin my extra effort.

I rummaged in my sparse makeup bag till I found the eyeliner pencil that only gets used for special occasions and carefully outlined my eyes. Still no pro but better than I had been months before.

Once I felt that my makeup was done I emerged from the bathroom to find Marine already dressed.

He looked so handsome in his khaki's and button up shirt.

"Is this ok?" He asked smoothing down his shirt.

"Perfect..... and me?" I did a small twirl tripping a little in my heels causing us both to laugh.

He catches me before I fall. "Beautiful as always."He says giving me light kiss.

I take my Grandma's diamond watch from my suitcase and carefully place it around my small wrist as the final touch.

Shortly after Marine, myself and Marine Friend leave the apartment and head to Wal-Mart to grab a few necessities.

Then I pull out the directions to where we are headed.

We all talk and laugh as pull up to a house that is nothing of what we expected.

"This is it?" Marine asks.

Hahahahaha "How did you find this place?" Marine friend laughs from the backseat.

"Wow." I say speechless looking around.... "Not quite what it looked like online."

"Sure you want to do this?" Marine asks.

I smile, "Of course! You?"

"Yes." He smiles back then adds, "yeah I really know you love you."

We had an appointment so as we walked through the door the man inside was expecting us.

Marine Friend starts snorting as he holds in laughter behind me.

My jaw drops and my eyes meet Marine.

This may be the tackiest thing I've ever seen.

We can't do this in here.

Marine and I are holding hands and I lean closer and whisper in his ear as the man turns his back to us. "Ask if we can do it outside.... please." I plead with my eyes.

"So could we use the gazebo outside?" Marine asks.

"Outside?" The man looks puzzled. "Sure I guess so. Whatever you want. I wasn't prepared for that though so it's not decorated......... I can't do music out there."

"Thats ok," I smile sweetly.

We head outside into the cool air.

The man leads us to the gazebo and Marine Friend starts snapping pictures as Marine and I join hands and the man begins to speak.

"We are gathered here today........."

On January 1st, 2010 at approximately 3p.m. I married the love of my life in a small gazebo off a back road in North Carolina.

That is my secret. 

***Shhh...... don't tell!***

[Scene: A Little White Chapel, Chandler and Monica are entering.]

Chandler: Hello! One marriage please!

Monica: Yep, we wanna get married!

The Attendant: Well, there's a service in progress. Have a seat.

Chandler and Monica: All right.

(They both sit down.)

Chandler: (singing) Dum! Dum-dum-dum! Dum! Dum! Dum! Dum-dum-dum!

Monica: What are you doing?

Chandler: Oh, that's The Wedding March. Does, does that freak you out?

Monica: No, only because that's the graduation song.

~ Friends ~

Elizabeth Taylors Impact On Myself & Little Red

As a kid I can remember watching National Velvet for the first time. 

I can remember falling in love with The Pie along with Velvet.

As a young girl who loved horses this was THE perfect movie. Hands down.

I remember after watching this movie changing my pony's name to Pie. Hey I was like 6. As a kid I had my show horse which I had to be all prim and proper with but my pony (who in actuality was a small horse), the pony was mine to do as I wish.

Needless to say Little Red a.k.a The Pie did not share my love. In fact I think he pretty much hated me.

Not that I can really blame him.

After watching National Velvet I decided that in order to be The Pie he must learn to jump.

I was 6 (maybe 7) and had no clue how to go about training a horse to jump.

That did not stop me from dragging out the two cinder blocks and a pvc pipe I found in the barn. I carefully set them up out in the field. I can remember the satisfaction I felt as I stood back and admired my newly made knee high jump.

The newly named Pie was out in the other field and he let me catch him easily........ the last time in which he would do so.

Of course I was 6 so I'm sure one of the guys that worked with my parents helped me saddle him up. I remember though taking my little English stirrups up when no one was in sight. I mean if we were going to do this we were going to do it right and I knew my knees needed to bent a little more for me to be like Velvet.

My mom would die at how I'm making it sound like I was unsupervised. They were at the barn, they checked on me often ---- probably even stood inside and watched out the window the entire time........ but I do know I was smart enough to wait till they were out of sight to aim Pie at the jump for the first  time. Otherwise I would remember this story with my mothers panic scream in the background.


I circled like I had seen Velvet do. Increasing my speed slightly as I came out of the circle and headed for the jump.

I was leaned forward.

This was it.

I was ready.

In my mind we were racing across the English Countryside jumping hedges.

In reality Little Red grabbed the bit and dodged my home-made jump.

Clearly having not seen the movie he did not realize he was to play the role of The Pie. 

I got him back under control and tried again. This time I rode in hands tight on the reins driving him straight.

I raised up ready for lift off and ****SCREECH*****.

Little Red slammed on the breaks and it took all I had to not go flying off.

With gritted teeth I turn him away from the jump.

I was never one to give up though and when it came to stubborn it was now a battle between me and Little Red.

I rode him around the field a minute as I tried to come up with a plan B.

Plan B turned out to be a riding crop.

I pushed Little Red into a canter and headed for the jump again.

This time I was ready. We were going to jump the hedge.

We approached the jump. I held him on course. When we were almost on it I dug my heals in and smacked him on the butt with the crop.

Weather he was admitting defeat or jumping from the crop Little Red at least made an attempt to jump.

He knocked the pvc pipe off. But that didn't keep me from smiling.

Now we were on the right track.

I dismounted and set the jump back up.

I spent probably the next hour transforming Little Red into The Pie.

I like to say I taught him to jump. Mom likes to say I ran poor Little Reds knees into that pipe so many times he learned to jump.

Needless to say after that day the newly named Pie never would let me catch him in less time than an hour and it would take three people to catch him.

Can't say I blame him though.

-----------------------------------------------------

Rest in peace Elizabeth Taylor. Thank you for teaching a young girl to dream big.

 

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.
Elizabeth Taylor

Ash Wednesday

This year I have decided to participate in lent with today, Ash Wednesday, being the first day. I consider my self a spiritual person but not really a religious person. Maybe thats because I was raised exposed to different beliefs. My mom was Catholic and my dad was baptist. I grew up attending both churches never being told which religion I had to be but aloud to choose for myself. As an adult I attend a nondenominational church and I don't attend as often as I should...... But that doesn't mean I don't pray on a daily basis.

Ok so thats enough religion talk. For lent I am giving up Dr. Pepper. I drink a Dr. Pepper daily and if I was stranded on a desert island that is the thing I would want with me. An unlimited supply of Dr. Pepper.... aaaahhhhh...

I'm weird I know.

So no Dr. Pepper. It's water, juice, tea, milk, or Sprite Zero for this girl. I'm saying Sprite Zero because its no caffeine and no sugar. Is that cheating? I don't think so.

Anybody else giving up anything?

Big: What religion are you?

Carrie: I'm open to all

Big: Like a Seven-Eleven!

~ Sex and the City ~

Red Stained Nails

Marine and I spent this entire past weekend painting what will be our new home. Ever tried to paint over dark wood paneling? Not so easy. Well just takes several coats.

We painted the bedrooms, hallway and living room a creamish tan color and we are going to paint the trim and doors white (haven't gotten to that part yet). For the kitchen I gotta a little brave. I decided I wanted a red kitchen. I am so plain jane this was a BIG variance from the norm. I almost chickened out. But then I figured, what the heck we are going to be here for a year or two so then after that it doesn't matter!

This weekend I painted on about 3 coats. And I have to say..... I'm LOVIN' it!

Here is the before picture..... ignore my poor Blackberry Torch quality here. Also ignore Marine in his sexy painting clothes.

Before

Oh and the floors are going to be replaced to! 

After

Much better right? I really like it! I wasn't going to paint the cabinets but I'm starting to think I might paint them white. That's not a right away must but a project I can tackle once everything else is done and we are officially moved in. 

Needless to say by the end of the my nails were stained red! We have also been talking about doing a back splash maybe. Our light fixtures our bronze so I was looking at something like this maybe:

I'm not sure though. I'm wanting kind of a country theme kitchen I think. We'll see. We all know I change my mind often.

We are going to put in the flooring from Home Depot called barnwood.

Picture Taken from homedepot.com

I'm excited and ready to have it all done! 

Whirlwind Weekend

Whew what a whirlwind of a weekend!

Friday night I went to diner with Red, Hollywood and Hollywood's BF. I hadn't gotten to hang out with Hollywood much lately so it was great to see her! And her new Beau is great! {well maybe not new they've been together nearing a year now I think}.

Red cracks me up. I keep telling her she needs to write a book, even if its only one liners. We have another friend that works with Red who is mid-30's and has a daughter who is about 10. After receiving a text from mutual friend Friday night Red says, "You know your social life has hit an all time low when your sitting in a church parking lot with two ten year olds cause the coupon meeting was to full for you to get in."

I start laughing historically.

Red, "I'm sorry if thats cruel but it's the truth!"

***************

Saturday morning I awoke early to head to the gym.

Yes you read that right. I got up at 8 a.m. to go to the gym!

Giggles has been bugging me encouraging me all week to go to Zubma with her. It was a new class the gym was starting and Giggles was convinced we needed to be a part of it.

I myself wasn't as convinced. I mean I workout everyday at the barn. Kinda, sorta. I mean carrying hay bales and cleaning stalls is really a good upper body workout.

But cardio?? My normal thought would be "oh I'm in good shape I mean I ran Cross Country and Track in high school...." But reality hit a few weeks ago and I now realize that with high school being ten years ago I may not be in as good of shade as my mind would think me to be.

Zumba kicked my booty. BIG time.

Somewhere during the dance to My Elevator I look at Giggles and gasp, "I love you!"

She starts laughing as we sway side to side swinging our arms, "What?"

"Just thought I should tell you in case I die in here!!!"

Lesson learned: Just cause your skinny does not mean your in shape.

***************

Sunday I worked on several projects I have going on (projects meaning website jobs). And then I headed to the basement to start cleaning. It's crunch time people! Marine will be home Sunday and I need to have everything out so that he can start painting and laying down the new flooring. 

I stumble upon a box of pictures that I need to transfer from the old box they are in into a new plastic storage container. 

I get distracted easily......

Very easily.......

Which means I had to sit down and look thru all pictures as I transfered them.

Think of it as self-discovery.

Did you buy that? Yeah Marine didn't either....

Let me introduce you to little E.....

I was stylish even at an early age. Knowing the importance of sunglasses and taking your best friend with you EVERYWHERE. I mean the one accessory that never goes out of style is friends. Except maybe in this case....

And I may or may not have had an attitude:

And I was a book nerd even at an early age.... Proof I've always enjoyed a good read. 

Despite my little trip down memory lane I did get a bunch done.

*************

That was the high point of the weekend. The low point came when Marine called Saturday while I was at lunch with Giggles (yes after Zumba a grilled chick-fil-a sandwich seemed perfectly necessary). He called to say his unit was being recalled. Recalled. I froze.

"What?"

"The unit is getting recalled."

That's right the guys have been home just a little over 90 days and they're already being recalled. Marine explains that he's safe. He's already turned in his gear thank goodness and the majority of his papers have been signed. I could tell he was a little torn between wanting to come home and wanting to go with his guys. 

I understood. 

 (I know I'm vague and that doesn't explain much but can't say more at this time). 

I feel so sorry for the guys and their families. I mean I know thats what they signed up for but still. One wife commented, 'Three and a half years and three deployments. I spend more time missing you than seeing you."

Reading that broke my heart. You just never realize how lucky you are. So many things we take for granted and times spent with loved ones. Think of those that make sacrifices. Not just military families, but police families, firefighter families, etc. All these people make sacrifices for the rest of us. And what do they ask of us in return? Nothing. 

I know I ramble, but this is just something near and dear to my heart. 

Semper Fi

2010

Dear 2010,

Well 2010 what can I say? You sure had a way of starting the year out right!! You had barely begun when Marine got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Yep you sure knew how to start the year off with a smile.

All our times together though weren't quite as wonderful as that first moment. It was you that introduced me to the world of Deployment. Those 7 months sucked. Plain and simple. During that time though I learned a lot about myself and that perhaps I'm a stronger person than I've ever given myself credit for. Those months were hard on Marine and have left a scar on his heart that will perhaps never completely heal. But together we made it thru it and are convinced we can make it thru anything else life throws our way as long as we have each other.

The second best day of the year I would say had to be Homecoming day. I finally was able to let out that breath I'd been holding as I saw Marine step foot in that gym. My heartbroke though as I thought of some that did not return on that bus. You don't understand the affects of war sometimes till you see it with your own eyes.

2010 you were also the year of weddings and babies! I stood by as maid of honor as two of my best friends got married and prepared to start on the next journey of life. And I visited the hospital when another dear friend welcomed a bundle of joy to her family.

Many fond memories with friends from the year: concerts, girls nights, diner, bachelorette parties, trips --- the list is endless.

Wow what a year its been.  10's always been my lucky number and I think you may have reinforced that theory.Thanks 2010 for the knowledge, the memories, the tears, and the smiles. I hope next year will be as good to me as you have been! Put in a good word for me if you can.

Cheers to you 2010! This toast is for you and what is yet to come.

With Love,
E.


Past Letters: 2009 and 2008

What's On E's Phone?

Surprise, Surprise! Two posts in one day, wow I'm on a roll! (Don't Miss Post It Note Tuesday).

So Jessica over at The Lowe Family News does this really cute thing every week where she posts random pictures she's taken through out the week. 

Now I don't have cute kids to take pics of like she does, but if you've read my blog for any amount of time I'm sure you already know I take LOADS of random pictures! So this week I'm participating in "What's On My Phone?!"  Enjoy. 

Humane Society's that host adoption days outside of PetSmart are sneaky smart. They know I'm vulnerable. This little girl would have came home with me if I hadn't been in future Mother-In-Law's car.

Marine and I were hiking in the woods and I stop to take pictures of things growing on trees. I thought they were pretty. He couldn't understand why he kept waiting on me...... (I have about 10 of this same photo just different trees on my phone). 

Christmas is officially here when I start baking! 

Saw these towels at Wal-Mart and really liked them. I like blue and brown mixed together.Also love, love, LOVE all the Better Homes & Gardens line that Wal-Mart is now carrying.

Went to the local Christmas tree farm in search of a tree. These were all way to big unfortunately. 

While eating lunch with Red at Chick-Fil-A we look out the window to see this. Did you do a double take? We did!

I have reached a new low. The Kleenex box I normally keep in the 4runner ran out. For a week now I have been riding around with a roll of toilet paper in my car. Don't judge - Cottonelle with aloe is softer than Kleenex with lotion.

On cold days this is where you can find my dog. Man does she have it made or what?!

With Marine being stationed 500 miles away I tend to take lots of pictures to send to him --- these next pics were pics on my computer I took with my phone to send to him, please ignore the fuzziness. And in working on my 30 Before 30 list I have been taking a Photoshop class. This week the lesson was to learn to paint. Since I can't paint in real life I had a lot of fun with this project!

This was my original photo:

This is the photo after painting... Cool huh?!

Here is another painted picture I sent to Marine. I love this one, because I love old barns!

What's on your phone?