From Afghanistan

Chris sent some photos of himself with his interpreters to my Mom for her middle school (the kids sent packages for Christmas). Here is what he wrote:

"I got some pics of myself with two interpreters that I work with. The tall guys name is Ajmal, and the 2nd is Haroon. Hope the kids like these, as you can see afghanistan is a pretty awesome lookin country. The mountains in the background aren't that far away, but are obscured becaues of all the dust and smog in the air. It was a good day because we were able to see them well enough that they showed up in the pictures. Tell all the kids thanks again for the packages."

North Carolina

I went to NC for the weekend for my friend Caitlin's Baby Shower and to say goodbye to Alison and Steve and Missy, Brice and baby Britton who are moving away from Fayetteville to other Army bases. It was great to be back and spend time with everyone. Here are a few group shots we took while there (it's virtually impossible to get a photo of everyone because at least one of the guys is deployed/in the field at all times! In these photos we are missing Chris and Lea's BF Mike, who lives in Chicago)

Caitlin and Brian with our gifts, curtains and a baby quilt for the nursery:


Being silly:

Nice photo:

And things just got a little bit crazier

I started school again, this time in a more traditional setting of going to class two nights a week from 6-9pm at Capital University. That's right, on top of learning my new job and Chris being gone I've decided now it's a good time to work on my MBA again. I'm sure I'll be fine and manage it all well with some good organization and planning. That being said, enough time spent here and on to the next item on my never-ending to do list...planning my routing for work tomorrow because I'm going to Lancaster!

Winter Wonderland

Over the past week, our house has been turned into our very own winter wonderland! Mother Nature dumped about 5-6 inches of the white fluffy stuff on us. It has made me think twice about buying a house instead of a condo where someone else is in charge of the snow removal situation. It makes me really miss Chris and having a partner in all things home. Thankfully, Tim came to our rescue and very kindly used his snow blower to clear the driveway, sidewalk and back patio (so Maxi can reach the yard to do his business). A BIG THANKS to Tim for his assistance this week! Hopefully this will melt before the next round hits, whenever that is...

Leave and Christmas

Our December was a whirlwind! Here are a few photos of the time Chris was home and Christmas.

Chris opening the coffee maker from my parents:

Chris bought all the ladies pashminas in Afghanistan:

Golf Clubs were the theme at my parent's house this year:

My gift to Chris, a real grill:

The dogs in their holiday elf outfits:

Chris and I in front of the tree:

Chris working on the list I had for him :)

Chris and I hanging out at Brazenhead:


It was really great to have Chris home for two weeks and I'm very grateful for the time we had together. Only six more months until he's home again! Don't worry, I'll stay busy while he's gone. I start school again in January and have a few trips planned :)

My latest project...

I haven't had much time for projects lately due to the holidays and Chris being home but I have been itching to check out a quilt shop in Clintonville called Sew to Speak that Sandy told me about. I visited them this weekend and LOVED it there and their website is full of great ideas and free (!!!) patterns. The reason I was checking out new quilt shops was to find some fun, modern fabrics to create a blanket for baby Case, who will be joining my friends Caitlin and Brian in February.





Finished Project:




I'm so excited to visit Caitlin and Brian in NC for her baby shower in January!

My next project for Baby Schaffling (yeah, I know, we have A LOT of pregnant friends):