Boots and Booties at the Venetian

When Jaren was pregnant with Elsie, she told me about a military baby shower through the community. When I knew this little bean was going to turn into an actual baby, I searched around, and found that it was happening in October. Boots and Booties was happening at the Venetian, and I was officially invited! I wanted to make sure that Charlie's rank as an officer would not be an issue, but I was told with enthusiasm that there were more than enough donations for us, and to please come.

A few of my pregnant friends went as well - Leah Churchill due about 10 weeks ahead of me with a baby girl, and Ariana Wethington, who is due about 3 weeks before me with twin girls! Ariana and her husband moved into the house 3 doors down from my parents! It's been so fun having a pregnant military spouse so near.

We drove together and I got a text from a really good family friend that they were volunteering and saw my name. Her daughter, Kyra, is the sweetest thing, and I was so happy to see her!


The Venetian donated the space, staff, AND food. And one more big thing I'll write at the end.

THey had a really cute cake on display:


Volunteers throughout the community donated items for over 200 expectant mothers, and rolled I don't even know how many diapers for each mom to get a diaper cake!




Very excited to see Ariana's gifts:


And then of course we had to go find mine!




Me and Ariana:


There was food for all, and an MC for all the speakers. Lots of state representatives came and spoke, as well as people involved with military non profits.

I was kind of obsessed with these:


There were raffles for some big items including 11 cribs and 5 new car seats! Since we have a crib and carseat I put my ticket into a photography package and didn't win. But that is fine by me, this event was SO ridiculously generous, from the community and the venetian.

I didn't open the gifts there because I wanted to do it at home where I could really dig in.





As if this wasn't enough, they made an announcement that the Venetian had donated a gift card to every single mother for $150 for babies r us. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Sheldon Adelson owns the Venetian and the school my mom teaches at, so I have seen his generosity with the Jewish community. He has donated millions to amazing organizations such as birthright and Yad VaShem. His and his hotel's generosity hit a personal level with this though. Mr Adelson and the powers at be at the Venetian, the thank you note that I sent is not enough. What you did for these military moms is absolutely amazing and life changing for so many of them/us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Bourbon chicken, some catch ups, and another deployment

Hey blog world! Remember me? No, you don't? Please forgive me for abandoning you. I just felt like I had nothing interesting to write about. But I do miss it and I love accounting for my boring lil life, so I guess I'll continue. Plus Charlie left this morning on a deployment so I want to account for what is happening since I delusionally think he'll care :-) Love you sweety!

 I made some yummy crockpot chicken the other day but didn't snap any pictures (whoops). It looked like crockpot chicken, haha! My dad randomly said he liked Bourbon chicken, and that he decided he likes "alcohol in meals" even though he doesn't drink a drop (and never has!). I knew Charlie would love it so I looked up a few reference points and came up with my own formula:

Pam spray (for the sides of the crockpot)

1/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 tbs apple cider vinegar

1 tsp ginger

1 tbs garlic

1/2 cup whiskey

2 chicken breasts (for charlie)

4 chicken thighs (for dad)

*I would have done 4 breasts for Charlie but he was leaving on his deployment the next day*

I cooked it on high for 4 hours. It was yummy! Sorry for the lack of pictures.

Okay so more catch up will come soon but for now I'll just share some fun pics.

Here is Maya burying her little head in me at a sweet moment at Starbucks right after we got back from italy (yes I realize that was at the beginning of May).

I love when she does that! And sheesh, I look old. Can we speak about the fact that I recently had a birthday, but as you all know, I turned 24 yet again.

Charlie got me this for my birthday:

Amazing! Now I just need to find embroidery software compatible with Mac. I'm surprised by the lack of options. He also got me some boxing stuff which we'll now have to wait to use until he gets back in September.

My favorite part was probably this card from my parents:

Seriously - most fitting card! Almost made me less jealous of the European cruise my parents were on, lol!

I got a visit from this little one later in my birthday week: 

My how she has grown! I can't believe it's been a year since you stayed with us little "mazy" I miss you and your momma, but am so glad you're not too far in AZ.

Look how cute she is:

And guess what? This 1.5 year old is potty training! Birdie, whatever's in your water, we all need it!

"Peepee peepee!!!" She knew when to tell use and went in the potty. Amazing!

I actually got Charlie to take some pictures with me before he left, which is a huge accomplishment since he hates when I take pictures of him or us.

Haha this one is funny:

Check out his multi cam two piece flight suit!!! Too bad he can't wear it here when it's this hot.

I'll miss you my love, and can't wait to be with you in December. I love you!

Alabama Randoms...and a Goat! (long post warning)

Backtrack beyond those two weeks in Atlanta.

Currently craving: A time machine, to remind me of all the events I didn't blog about!

This is going to be quite random.

Since arriving in Alabama, I have found this picture of Charlie's parents:


Who do you think he looks like?


We grilled out with Charlie's flight and some spouses:






Which ended in a very college esque night of beer pong and flip cup...but with all captains in the AF and their spouses:







I met lots of family! Charlie's step mom Pat has two daughters and 7 grandkids and it has been a joy spending time with them all. Charlie's Uncle Eddy and his wife Susan came and visited as well.

Charlie with his Uncle Eddy


Some of the grandkids playing. The fenced in part is because the ducks get to play there during the day!


5 of 7 of Pat's grandkids

Here is Haley-Jo, the baby of the family:



Trying to skip rocks on the pond in Pat and Dale's backyard.


Saying hi to the duckies.

Yes, they eat live crickets. Ew.



Mary Beth, Haley-Jo, and Hannah, playing by the pond.


Thomas being caught off guard for a picture.


We picked pears for Lilly the goat (more on her later).


I mailed my dad a father's day card from Jack, Alabama. We took photo evidence that it was being sent in case the post office was no longer running, which it appeared to not be! Haha.


Dad did get the card, relief.


Me, Charlie, Uncle Eddy, and Aunt Susan, by the pond in the neighborhood before they left.

I got a manicure:


And gave one:



Haley-Jo picked the color!

We swam in the pool (no pcitures, whoops), and jumped on the trampoline: 

And celebrated a couple birthdays:

(I can't wait to celebrate my birthday next Monday since I'll be 24 yet again!)




With Hannah and Haley-Jo


Opening presents.


Giving cousins hugs.

I invented a recipe for citrus jam cookies, which I'll post soon.



But most importantly, I met:


Lilly goat!

Pat's daughter and son in law rescued a goat and managed to keep her in their backyard. They even fought the city on it (and won!). Lilly usually lives in the backyard but comes inside when Tammy lets her!



Sometimes Lilly gets taken for walks and Tammy even said that people have approached her and asked her "what kind of dog is that" to which she replies:
"Um, it's a goat!"

Coming up next: Citrus jam cookies!