I'm only a couple of months behind...right?

Oh, yes, it's only ben SEVEN months since my last post. I guess I  have a lot of updating to do...here it goes...

As you all may know Justin is now in Afghanistan. He's been gone for some time now, and it hasn't gotten any easier. At least, with this being his 2nd deployment, we kind of know what to expect this time. I try so hard not to be a "Debbie-Downer" but I just miss him so much...especially the little things; like waking up to the smell of him cooking one of his famous breakfasts and hearing the TV low in the background while he listened to hunting shows- trying not to wake me up before it was ready, the way we played with the pups when we both got home from work, movie nights, and so many other things. I know that if we were together right now, there's a good chance we would be cooling off in this summer heat by sitting on the front porch, listening to the Cicadas and frogs, counting lightning bugs, while talking about our day and just letting all of our troubles sort of "melt-away" in that moment. Oh, gosh, how I miss that...

Ok, no more sad stuff. One thing I've learned about kicking this deployment's butt is that I know how important it is to keep myself busy, to stay positive, and again, KEEP MYSELF BUSY. So, how have I been keeping myself busy? Well, by crafting of course! Laura and I started our small business, Country Sugar Boutique, we make & sell hair accessories, home decor and other goodies. My favorite thing to make are definitely the signs.

I spend a lot of time with Laura & her husband, Mike. They are my lifesavers. I honestly, don't know what I would do with out them. I am so unbelievably blessed by the awesome people supporting Justin & I during this time in our lives. We are overwhelmed by our blessings :) Between work, crafting, maintaining our home & trying to keep a healthy social life, keeping busy hasn't been too difficult :)

Justin got to come home on a 3-day pass in June and it was so nice to spend some time with him. We relaxed & didn't do too much of anything. We visited our family in Tahlequah & Inola and stayed at The Rusty Gables Ranch & Bed and Breakfast, and it was spectacular!! We were the only ones there so we had the place to ourselves. It was such a beautiful place & so peaceful. We will definitely be going back someday :)

Paisley wouldn't stop staring at or, or leave his side :)

Oh, this is our new entertainment center that I put together all by myself :) So proud.

Justin saying goodbye to the kids before I took him to the airport...so sweet :(

Right before he left. Trying not to look sad...

For my 22nd birthday, I got my 1st tattoo, a tribute to my favorite singer, Mr. Johnny Cash. Please ignore the bug bites :)

Well, that's all for this update. Next time, it won't take so long ;)

My goodness! Where has the time went? I cannot believe Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and that it is already December! Phew! Well, between work life, Army life, and personal life, things are craaaazzy (not like that's anything new). These next couple of months are going to be bittersweet. These are the last few months I get to spend with my Justin before he leaves again :( We have just recently planned a trip back to my home of California in February to see my family and celebrate our third wedding anniversary. My brother, Kyle, is also making a move out here to Oklahoma, which I could not be happier about. I'm currently trying to get our guest bedroom fixed up for him. He's going to keep me company while Justin is away. How awesome is that? Now for what we have been up to...

We spent Thanksgiving in the country. Justin spent most of the time hunting and watching football (of course)...while I played with my sweet nephews. Here we are making Christmas cookies...

We put up our Christmas tree and started to decorate too ;)

Laura and I have started CRAFTING, and our husbands are beyond thrilled (not). We started crafting on monday & we made Christmas wreaths! I was originally going for a Red/Green theme but somehow ended up with a Red/Silver theme. I found a cute wooden "F" that I painted and added rhinestones to (because everything is better with a little bling, right?), and Laura helped me with my bow...I think they turned out pretty well :)

Oh, and it's not a big deal or anything but we saw DANE COOK IN CONCERT! 

Cupcakes!

As many of you know, I've been on a journey to find some new hobbies. Well, I have a new-found love for cupcakes. This past month, two of my friends have had babies, and I have attended a few "get-togethers" and parties, and I have made cupcakes for each event. Here are some of the cupcakes I have recently made...

Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting for Katie, and sweet baby Ava.

Vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting for Allison's baby shower for Baby Michael.

Chocolate and Pumpkin Spice cupcakes that I made for Mike & Laura's Halloween party! 

Marriage Retreats, Football, & October festivities!

Wow, I didn't even realize how long it's been since my last post. There's a good explanation for that. We've been super busy! Here's a little update of the past couple of months...

In September, Justin & I attended our Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat that his Army unit gave. It was held at The Sooner Legends hotel in Norman, OK and it was awesome! It was filled with useful tips & info on managing a strong and healthy (military) marriage. On the last day, we attended church and renewed our vows. It was so special...We even got to stay in the Barry Switzer room, that (as you can tell) Justin was VERY excited about.

We also took time to visit our family in an overdue trip to Tahlequah. We (along with our four-legged, furry children) left on a Saturday evening after Justin got off work and stayed until Sunday afternoon.  It was a quick trip but it was well worth it & much needed. While Justin was busy bow-hunting, I enjoyed some quality time with our precious nephews, Cy & Lane.

We enjoyed one of the days we look forward to all year long, OU v. TX. We watched the game & ate some AMAZING food with The Kamermayers at their home. They were such gracious hosts :) After the game, we played Rock Band (duh!) & made Peanut Butter & Banana s'mores, how could it get any better, right? Thanks again Ryan & Amanda! We had so much fun :) BOOMER SOONER!

Last weekend, we went to Frontier City's Fright Fest with The Kamermayers... It was a blast! Being in the spirit, I got busy decorating our home for my favorite holiday...HALLOWEEN! We went to The Hill's Halloween costume party last night and it was so much fun! Spooky foods, games, drinks, and great people made for an awesome evening. Justin got really creative with his costume. He was Randy "Macho Man" Savage and made his costume, complete with paint, tights, combat boots, wig, baby-leg warmers (that acted as his sleeves), and streamers, while I was nice and boring as a witch :( My original plan of dressing up as Miss Piggy was short-lived when I realized that no costume stores had pig ears or pig noses (LAME). Justin was awarded the "Best Costume" award this wear that was given to him by Mike, his P.I.C. (partner in crime) for the evening who was dressed up as Hulk Hogan.

My coworkers and I :)

Laura (Cowgirl), Me (Cat), Katie (Princess Peach), Dawnyale (Bumble Bee), Leann (Punk Fairy), Dr. C (as an Oklahoma Redneck)

As many of you know, Justin is a HUGE hockey fan & his favorite team is The Buffalo Sabres. Well, when I found out that they were coming to Dallas, TX and playing the Stars at the end of the month- I HAD to find tickets for him. I got a great deal on them, and I surprised him with the tickets :) He has never been to one of their games, and we are so excited to go!