We Be Jammin'

We spent several days this summer "reaping the harvest" of blackberries that grow wild behind our house on Whidbey Island...

I just can't pass up on something "free" that can be turned into something yummy! We enjoy an occasional cobbler thanks to all the berries I have frozen, but I also attempted making jam for the second year in a row! I would love to share photos of the "jam making process" but I actually find it a little tricky and didn't have a spare hand to snap a photo. I made things harder on myself this year because I started with a pot that was not nearly large enough and had to switch things around mid-jamming, and this is not something I would recommend! So, the best I could do was a photo of my little babies cooling on the counter...sweet success!

I then shipped them to Texas and created these cute little labels for them (2 Chicks Jam because I had some help from my partner in crime Carter)...

I added a decorative touch to the lid, tied on the label, and they are now the perfect pint sized (and might I add very affordable) gift to give away to friends and family...

Happy Birthday Nonna!

HApPy bIrTHdAy NOnNA!

Your smile is like Sunshine! We are so thankful for all you bring to our lives! We hope your day is sweet...just like you! We love you!

Monday Carter Edition #6

Darn, late again! I actually lose track of the days at times, I'm guessing this is normal, if not, don't tell me! Monday Carter was busy recovering from a VERY busy weekend. She accompanied her mom and Roxi and we headed South to see both sets of her other grandparents! Our first stop was the charming little town of Fredericksburg to see Nonna and Poppa. We ate a yummy lunch at the Rather Sweet Bakery. And then had a great time shopping (minus my run in with the cops) and seeing the local parade. It was a great little visit.


The next day we were off to San Antonio where we met Grandad and Grammy for lunch at La Cantera. We also had the happy accident of running into Cayce and her sweet boys Jaden and Hudson (who we hope we'll be seeing a lot more of in the future!) And, guess who else just happened to be there? Santa himself! Carter was a little hesitant as we waited in line, but as her turn arrived she jumped into his lap and posed like a champ! What a kid! We enjoyed a lovely lunch at PF Changs, and although our visit was short it was also very sweet!



Lunch at the Bakery...


Pink pig sugar cookie (which Carter narrated while she ate saying things like, "Little piggy I just ate your head"....

Enjoying time with Nonna...

Darn jacket, the one that sent the cops after me...



The easiest way to not spend money? Window Shop!




Fun at the parade...



First time with Grandad and Grammy in quite some time. The whole way there Carter talked about how much she had missed them...





Looking at the fish with Grandad...



Sweet friends...





Hanging out with Roxi and Grammy...





So good to see you...





A sweet visit with Santa...





This chick can pose with the best of em'...



Thanks so much for all the effort from our family to see us and spend time with us! We love you!

Dear Daddy~Guess What!? I got to meet Santa! He was so nice, and he even gave me a jingle bell from one of the reindeer harness'. I had so much fun talking with him, he really is Jolly! I wish you could have been there, but I'm sending you a picture of he and I for your room! I know you're far away, but I checked, Santa visits where you are too! I love you Daddy! XOXO Carter

COPS--Fredericksburg Edition

Bad boy's, bad boy's watcha' gonna' do, watcha' gonna' do when they come for you?!

We spent today in Fredericksburg visiting with Nonna and Poppa. We enjoyed a delicious lunch (I'll post more about the sites later) and then Carter spent the afternoon with Nonna at a Christmas party. This left my mom and I free to shop the streets and we were having a simply delightful time. In fact my mom had just found a must have top that we were discussing her special ordering when two very stern looking cops rapidly approached us. As they got closer and closer I realized they weren't just approaching us they were coming straight for me. It was evident by the look in their eye that I had done something wrong, I just couldn't figure out what! I quickly began looking around and at myself all the while thinking what in the heck?!

Rewind 5 minutes...

I am happily shopping along enjoying the freedom of browsing minus my feisty little three year old. I find a cute little (very light weight I might add) jacket and am trying it on. It was too large and the sweet little sales girl offers to grab the smaller one, which just happened to be on the manikin in the window. I contemplate it's purchase for a few minutes and decide against it. I consciencely tuck it over my arm and think to myself, "I'm going to go and hand this to that thoughtful young lady so she can hang it back on the manikin." My mom and I get to talking, browsing, etc. We move on to the next store and then the next...

Fast Forward 5 minutes...

I am frantically trying to explain to the overly hyped up Sidewalk Cops that I simply COMPLETELY forgot to hand the jacket back to the sales clerk. I didn't even realize it was still on my arm until I saw them coming for me like a couple of gang busters. It took them a couple of minutes, but by the end of the ordeal we all had a really good laugh! They said the sales clerks who gave them my description also added that, "I didn't look like a shop lifter", so at least I have that going for me. They were probably slightly disappointed, I could tell they thought they were about to have some major action! They had fun giving me a hard time about how bad this was going to look considering my husband was in the military and all that jazz...ha ha real funny. My stomach churned for about 30 minutes. It was funny, but it was also a little frightening...I've never had cops after me before! What can I say, never a dull moment.

Deck the Halls

We've been spending this week getting in the Christmas spirit! Of course a big part of that is putting up the tree, hanging our stockings and wrapping gifts. While we aren't at home we are in the next best place...if any place feels almost like home it's being here at my parents house. So, in case you are lacking for your own Christmas cheer here is a little bit of ours, and we're happy to share!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Jingle had the best seat in the house...

He has a twinkle in his eye for sure...

And the reason we have to have this sweet little elf around is because some of my mom's shabby chic holiday decor, while festive, can also be a little on the creepy side...

Round #1 of gifts...

Wishing you lot's of...

And in case you're still not feeling it...head on down to your nearest Chik-Fil-A and pick you up one of these puppies...

They don't call it the "Ice-Dream Cone" for nothing!

Letting my mind go...

I think one thing I am finding as I travel this road of a military spouse is there is no formula for success. The first time Nathan left me I searched high and low, I read books, asked questions, sought advice, looked for answers. And while there are plenty of people out there who will tell you just how to handle having your husband away I have come back to the very basic realization that we are all unique. No one person is like the other and that means we all have our own ways of dealing with these moments in our life. Each time I have spent apart from the man I love with my whole heart has been unique. Different circumstances, different emotions, different life lessons. I've learned things about myself. Learned how to cope, how to deal, how to hold my breath and hope he returns before I run out of air. I am realizing that, be it good or bad, I "handle" my situation by choosing to not think about it or dwell on it at all. Healthy or not, the jury's still out. On the one hand it allows me to operate and maintain a fairly normal existence; on the other I'm a little out of touch with exactly where I'm at emotionally. So, I give myself these little moments to feel. And, as I sit here letting myself do just that I wonder if that is entirely healthy either. Too bad they haven't been able to bust out with a Military Separation for Dummies yet, I could really put that one to good use.

I love being in love. I'm a romantic deep down to my core. I adore the leading man in my life and his endless optimism and his calming presence. How I miss the way our days spent at home seem to hit their high note the minute he walks through the door with his contagious grin. I think what my heart can't seem to overlook during these seasons of separation is the absence of his presence in our lives. The computer screen just can't do my guy justice. I have long ago lost count of the times Nate has said to me, "I would do anything to make you happy." I feel that from him. Every decision he makes, the words that he speaks, the things that he does...they all shout one thing loud and clear...HE LOVES ME. He loves me so well. And just in case it isn't overwhelmingly obvious my heart is his and his alone...he is my dream come true. So this, I'm sure, will hopefully just be one of the many chapters in our love story of life. One of those things we look back on, like the paper route we did when we first got married, and say, "We made it through that, we can make it through anything." This love we share will outlast the moments that challenge us along the way. I'm so glad we're in it til' death do us part...those wedding vows we made can be pretty comforting.

Thanks for choosing me babe to walk beside you and to share the journey. This is the good part.

Monday Carter Edition #5 Meet Jingle

Carter got to open her first Christmas present a little early this year! Happy Monday to you little lady! We decided to add a little Christmas cheer by introducing The Elf on the Shelf which is a fun book and game. We don't want to make too big of a deal out of the whole Santa thing, but it seems fun to incorporate it along with the other things we are hopeful Carter will learn through the Christmas season. She was all smiles while opening her gift. This probably stems from the fact that when we asked her at Thanksgiving what she was thankful for she said, "I'm thankful for presents!" Maybe her love language is going to be gift giving?!

Meet our new little elf, Jingle...

He'll be reporting Carter's good or bad behavior to Santa every night. When he returns for the next day he'll be hiding in a new spot. Sounds like fun to me!

Dear Daddy, I can't wait for you to meet Jingle, he is the cutest little elf! I love Christmas and am so excited that it is finally here. The only thing missing is you! I loved my package that you sent and just ate a piece of gum from it. I love you daddy! XOXO Carter