Moving 2012..

Well it's now February 2012 and our current Casa De Everly is now officially on the market. Thus begins the seemingly never ending constant of military life ... the move.

Moving is a bittersweet process, exciting, wrenching, stress filled and pleasant all in one cyclone of activity.

Currently we are in what I call "stage one". The house is on the market, which means constant cleaning and freaking out about a glass in the sink or some toothpaste stuck to the faucet. Don't get me wrong, I love a clean house, but I despise house cleaning. I never understood those ladies (you know who you are) who find cleaning 'relaxing' or 'theraputic'. To that I say~ gag me! I would much rather curl up with a great craft project, read a book or take a nap than scrub a tub or god forbid, mop a floor. The only 2 house cleaning tasks I don't mind are vacuuming & laundry, although more often than not clothes get a few "extra tumbles" to get the wrinkles out before folding.

We have a few more challenges this time too. Pat & the kids are all in school till June, and we have to make arrangements for Pat's dad who currently lives with us to move to a senior community. Our time back in NoVa/DC has been good, but I am SO ready to be back near the ocean, why else would I marry a Navy man?

I'm off now to scrub something....

Christmas Newsletter 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Casa de Everly!It’s been a busy year. Punctuated with two awesome family reunion vacations to Mexico & Tybee Island, many get-togethers with friends, Pat’s 20^th USNA reunion in Annapolis,  & a VA Earthquake to name a few.
  In July Pat said goodbye to the Pentagon, took some much deserved leave, and in August checked into the National War College in D.C.  Adjusting to student life has been good and we have all appreciated the change of pace this tour offers. We already know our next PCS will be in June 2012, once school is finished.  Pat was chosen for a bonus helicopter command with HSC-2 in Norfolk, VA.  We are thrilled and honored. Not only to be part of a squadron again, but also looking forward to being in the Tidewater area for another tour.
Pat remains a dedicated runner, participating in several races and training and completing the Marine Corps Marathon in October.  He finished with a time of 4:05.
  JP is a Junior this year & still growing. He is currently 6’4.5! Driving permit in hand he practices every chance he gets. This year he got his first real job working at Cox Farm. He parked cars by day and scared people in the corn maze at night. He continues to pursue Tae-kwon-do and enjoys the challenges it offers.  He is an avid ‘Magic’ player and has branched into ‘Warhammer’ territory.
  Rachel is in 8^th grade this year.  Drama productions, honor roll, Confirmation II, and playing in several different volleyball leagues keeps her busy.  Her big news is that the braces finally came off! Popcorn & Starbursts are back on the menu.
  Tammie is still the chief cook, dog walker and taxi driver of this crew, but managed to find time to start a little side business~ crafting jewelry and house wares under the “TTE Designs” banner.  Selling via, Facebook, Etsy and several craft shows has kept the ball rolling.  Additionally, teaching Rachel’s Confirmation II and being responsible for taking Pat’s dad to numerous doctor appointments fills the calendar.
We wish you all many blessings in the coming year.  Thank you for being part of our lives.  The good memories of family and friends are what
makes life rich for us.  If you are in the DC (till June) or Norfolk (after June) area please look us up, we’d love to see you.Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 From Pat, Tammie, JP, Rachel ~ &Dixie

TTE Designs

TTE Designs started with the encouragement of family & friends. I have always been crafty, growing up with talented parents who always made all sorts of things. I didn't realize that not everyone did that till I was in high school.  I had some great art teachers along the way too and have always had my hand in something of interest.  Personally I'd rather make it than buy it. 
In the past couple of years while on Guam I started making Guam-centric greeting cards that sold at the AAFB gift shop. I also made jewelry for myself and to give away.  After we moved back to Virginia at the urging of my friend Lora & my husband Pat. I signed up for my 1st craft show in March and the rest of this year has been a growing snowball of learning and growing.  I focus mostly on jewelry and polymer clay items, but I am always interested in all sorts of things. Now it's December, I've done 8 shows , some with friends and some alone. I find great satisfaction in making something that someone says "Wow I really like that" & " Can I buy that?" WHO KNEW?? Plus once they buy it I can buy more goodies to make something else!  So once the holidays are done I'm certain that I will get back in the craft room regularly and create.  I guess I need to start thinking seriously about making this thing "real" but for now, it's just for fun.

Sodalite & silver

polymer clay pendant & earrings

Polymer clay ornament

multi semi precious gemstones

It's Been Awhile...

It's been awhile since I last posted. I guess living in Guam seemed more exciting than being back in the states these last 20 months.

I suppose that's not really fair is it? Life is good no matter where you are living.

A lot has happened in these 20 months. We moved back to Northern VA, bought a house, had Pat's dad move in with us, JP sprouted to 6'4", Pat worked at the Pentagon in N88, the kids started and finished 6 & 7th and 9th and 10th grades, Jeb passed away, Dixie Dog came to live with us, I started my own little craft business, JP started Tae Kwon Do, Rachel was in the school play, Pat is training for a marathon, JP is learning to drive, Rachel is playing volleyball, I am teaching Religious ED, Pat is now at the National War College and we will be moving next summer, back to the Norfolk area. WHEW!

OK, now that we are mostly up to date. Here are a few pictures to finish out this post. I'll try to be a more faithful correspondent. :-)

White Sands Drive

LOVE my "birth-a-versary" gift

Thanks honey for a great camera, it's one of the best gifts ever!

Happy Birth-A-Versary...to me.

For the last couple of years I have been wanting a new Digital SLR camera. Yesterday Pat treated me to my wish. I am now the proud owner of an Canon Rebel EOS XSi~ SWEET!

It's a pretty expensive gift so I decided it should be for my birthday and Anniversary combined. A gal we know said it was my "Birth-A-Versary" gift and it stuck. I have been studying the manual and taking pictures of salt and pepper shakers and other random things as I figure it all out. The pictures are truly amazing. I have to say I am impressed. Here are a few from outside around the Casa. :-)