Sometimes I Make Stuff....

I am not very creative. Oh how I wish I were. I love to look at the craft and food blogs for great ideas. And even when I follow their instructions or stumble across a good idea, I often bumble it. But every once in awhile, I do create something pretty cute. Here are a few crafts I have made in the last month.

"To Do List" Board

Bows for Brynnlee

Cards for family

Little bag for Brynnlee

Our Thanksgiving

It's hard being away from family on holidays....especially when it's your favorite. I love Thanksgiving, and this was our second we celebrated without our families. But it turned out to be a really nice day anyway.

First, Kevin and Brynnlee went on a daddy/daughter outing to an aquarium. It is one of the biggest in the world. They touched starfish and sea cucumbers, saw turtles and whale sharks, caught a dolphin show, and had ice cream for lunch. They had a fabulous time together.

Second, I was at home ALONE for many hours. It was so nice to be able to relax and get the things I wanted to done. I don't think I had ever been alone in our home before that day.

Third, we spent Thanksgiving dinner with some really fun people from our branch. The Thomson family was very generous to invite us over. We had some good laughs and a lot of great food.

I Think I'm in Love

I think I am in love.....with a machine. That's right, I am in love with my new computer. It's silly to love something that won't love me back, but it can do such wonderful things! So far, I have been able to easily finish my school-work, complete our family newsletter, print labels for mailing, watch television shows in my bedroom, and have video chats with the people I love. (That's my second new love...Skype.) And if I knew what the heck I was doing, I know I could do so much more.

Turkey Pumpkin

Brynnlee and I did a craft project today. This is what we created.

I cut out the features, and Brynnlee glued them on the pumpkin! Pretty good teamwork!

Happy Halloween

We went to our branch's trunk or treat activity where we were treated to delicious homemade chili, cornbread, and yummy desserts. I took Brynnlee around to the trunks to grab her loot while Kevin manned the car and treats. I decorated our trunk with little paper dolls dressed in Halloween costumes. I thought it turned out very cute. Brynnlee was a pumpkin this year thanks to my mom. She gave us the adorable costume last year.

Brynnlee was excited to get started!

This is our trunk decorated for visitors.










I guess she couldn't get enough!










We also went trick or treating on Kadena Air Force Base. Brynnlee was super cute when she asked for candy. And of course she said thank you!

Brynnlee saying, "Trick or treat!" with Kevin's help.










Waiting patiently for her turn....










Taking a much-needed break!










What a cute pumpkin!

Thank Heavens

Kevin, Brynnlee, and I packed all of our belongings on June 20 and said goodbye to them on June 22. We traveled to Utah and lived in a hotel for awhile before flying off the Okinawa. We landed in Japan, lived in a hotel again, and found a great place to live. Kevin was great and made arrangements to get us some borrowed furniture and kitchen necessities. We were told that August 25 was our date--the date our belonging would show up on the island. August 25 came and went without what we wanted. Kevin called the people he needed to on Kadena, and no one was able to locate our stuff. Finally, they gave him the name of the shipping company, and we learned that our belongings were sitting in California. I was furious. I didn't want to sleep on the uncomfortable, borrowed bed any longer. I wanted to be surrounded by my own things. I wanted Brynnlee to be able to watch Cars on a tv rather than the laptop.

Well, finally on October 14, we received all of our belongings. I didn't think I would be so happy. The first thing I wanted to do was get on my bed and sleep. But there was too much to do. At first our place was a disaster. We were climbing over and around things to get from room to room. I've never been so happy to have such a mess at home! Finally, I was able to lie down on my bed. I almost cried--it was so comfortable, and I loved it.

I did learn an important lesson while waiting for our shipment. I learned that there is a lot that I can live without. It makes me remember that I shouldn't use credit cards to buy things. I can definitely wait to save money. But I have to admit, I love looking around here and seeing everything I own!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Are you afraid of spiders? I've always said that I'm not. I feel like if my foot is bigger than the spider, I don't have a problem. Just smash it with my shoe, and it's over. I've always been proud to say that I'm not afraid of them. Well, I think I have changed my mind after seeing this! This is commonly called a banana spider. Crazy big right?! And this isn't even the biggest they get. Kevin has seen one bigger. Ick!

Breakfast Time

Breakfast has long been considered the most important meal of the day, and according to my poll many of you agree. I can't believe some of you still don't eat breakfast. You really should!

My favorite type of breakfast is pancakes, but I will be satisfied with a waffle or french toast. I guess if I can pour syrup over it, I am happy. I can't eat cold cereal for breakfast. Well at least not early in the morning. I think it's because my mom took such good care of us when we were younger. We only had cold cereal on Saturdays and Sundays and not even all of them (sometimes Dad fixed breakfast!). My mom would fix us pancakes or eggs or hot cereal for breakfast before school. I still remember when she went through this creative phase and made some really interesting meals including the camel's eye which I still sometimes enjoy today. What is a camel's eye? Well it has several different names, I've heard, but you simply take a piece of bread, punch a hole in it, and cook and egg on a pan. We loved it when we were younger. Thank you Mom for all of the great breakfasts!

Thanks for all of you who participated in this week's poll. Keep telling me what you think!

Go Braves

I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan. I have loved them for years. And the last five have been pretty rough. After 15 straight Divisional titles and trips to the playoffs, the Braves had along drought. I expected so much each year and was disappointed each time. The Braves have finally made it back to the playoffs. Yes it's true, they barely made it with the wild card, but the playoffs are the playoffs. I am excited. Go Braves!

Bath Time with Brynnlee

Brynnlee is learning to have a lot of fun at bath time. She floats around in the water swishing her hair around and has been making the bath tub into a water slide. The tub isn't quite big enough to be a slide, but she can make a big splash. Brynnlee has a lot of fun with her tub toys. It is fun to listen at the door to the little "conversations" they are having. Just the other day I heard kissy noises while I was eavesdropping. I walked into the bathroom and was amazed with what I saw. Take a look at what Brynnlee has been doing lately!