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