The Pilot's Wife

Leavin'... on a Prop Plane

2010-03-10T06:25:00.001-06:00

Friday morning, Patrick, Miles and I are leaving on a (small, prop) plane to meet his family in the Bahamas. We all went in 2006, and this time Miles gets to come!

Tomorrow I'm going to being posting some of my best packing tips, since I'll be right in the middle of packing. While I'm not an expert, we do travel a lot. In fact, Patrick spent 200 nights in a hotel in 2007, and between the two of us we've hit most of the continental US plus 7 foreign countries.

If you have any pearls of wisdom in that category, get ready to share them tomorrow in the comments!

Project Life {February 28- March 6}

2010-03-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

Yay for March coming in like a lion! The weather is beginning to feel like Spring and we have fun things happening this month. Here's a look at the first week:

{Sunday: On my way home from Fayetteville, I stopped at Babies R Us and found these sandals for Miles. They will be so perfect for the Bahamas in a few weeks and they were only $5. Whoohoo.}

{Monday: I got this little cutie in the mail today. I'm trying to branch out and wear more accessories.}

{Tuesday: Miles wants to do everything himself lately. I like this little cup with a lid so he can carry around his snack, but he does still manage to get crackers out and drop them everywhere!}

{Wednesday: Holy Moley, what a mess. The contents of my purse: my wallet, Halls Breezers package, CPR mouth shield, mints, stale cheerios, a Christmas ornament and it's batteries, two lip glosses, two bottles of Ibuprofen, hand cream, keys, several pens, the book Wicked, two playbills from the musical Wicked (that we saw in November), Baby Tylenol, one glove, hand sanitizer, many receipts, and a pacifier. Oh my.}

{Thursday: It was such a nice afternoon that we took a little walk down to our neighbor's house to visit the goats. As you can see from his face, Miles is still not so sure about them. Lee and Jayne were trying to talk him into petting it, but he wasn't having any of it.}

{Friday: Patrick came home with a gift for me today! He read this recently and told me it MUST go on my list. Smart boy knows I love presents and books.}

{Saturday: Our friends, Jon and Jamie Grief, came to see us this afternoon and deliver some Girl Scout cookies. We went and ate at Pizza Hut and the two littlest boys had fun playing while we ate.}

Oh, and if you're wondering how I put the days of the week on my pictures watch this quick video.

February Books: The Pillars of the Earth

2010-03-08T11:30:00.001-06:00

So the title of this post should probably be "February Book" instead of "Books" since I only finished one! And actually I've been reading it since early January. So kudos to me. Ahem.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

I read this book based on my brother's recommendation, and I really enjoyed it. To be honest with you, it took me awhile to really get into Pillars and I'm not sure why. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, but it just took me awhile to really settle into it.

This is an epic tale of the building of a cathedral set in England during the Middle Ages. It is a long book, and like I said, it took a bit for me to become invested in the characters, but once I did I was desperate to know how it would end.

There are several parallel stories unfolding over many years. There is a little bit of everything weaved in: love, betrayal, war, politics, and religion. I think it's a book that both men and women would enjoy.

One thing that bugged me throughout the book was the author's use of very modern language through characters living in the Middle Ages. It seemed odd to me to use so much modern slang, but perhaps there is a deep purpose for it that I'm just not seeing? It wasn't a deal breaker for me, but it was distracting.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical tale.

I'm hoping to read a few more from my list in March. Do you have any in your queue?

*Just to be clear, the book link above is to my Amazon store. I will probably make half a cent if you decide to purchase it there. :)

March Goals

2010-03-03T05:02:00.000-06:00

Before I share my March goals, let me update you on how I did with my goals for February: terrible.

I did keep up with my picture taking for my Project Life and we did really well with our budget, but everything else? I pretty much forgot about it. So now you know I'm not Super Woman. ('Cause I know you really thought that before. ahem.)

But that's the beautiful thing about setting goals each month. I get to start over! So here goes:

March Goals:

1) Organize paperwork in the office. Really, this time.

2) Read 3 books from my list. I need to make up for only reading 1/2 a book in February.

3) Decrease my soda intake, increase water.

4) Finish decorating the kitchen.

What about you? Any goals for this month?

*You'll notice I don't have any exercise/weight goals for this month. We're going on vacation in a week and it's a little late to get skinny for that so I'll just get back on that in April. :)

Project Life {February 21-27} AND a Photoshop Tutorial

2010-03-01T11:45:00.010-06:00

This was a fun week for us! Patrick had some more training in Wichita so he was in and out, and Miles and I went to Arkansas for the weekend. We like being on the go.

Also, I've had a few questions about how I added the day of the week stamps to my pictures, so at the bottom of this post is a video tutorial showing exactly how to do it.

{Sunday: We cut up our credit cards tonight ala Dave Ramsey. Feels good to have those suckers paid off!}

{Monday: If you look closely at his top lip, it's swollen in the middle. Poor Bubba tripped at school today and busted his lip. It didn't seem to phase him much.}

{Tuesday: I'd been getting grief about Miles' long hair again so we went for a haircut today. It's a little uneven because he would NOT sit still! I think he looks like such a big boy now.}

{Wednesday: I foolishly tried to get a shot of Patrick, Miles and Macey today. Getting a toddler and a dog to look at the camera at the same time just wasn't going to happen! This is the best of all the shots.}

{Thursday: I spent the afternoon packing for my trip to Fayetteville, AR. Miles and I met three of my best college friends for the weekend!}

*So, I totally spaced and only took ONE picture from the entire weekend, and that was on Saturday. We spent Friday evening eating brownies and chatting until 1:3o in the morning! I'll just add a bigger journal card instead of a picture. *

{Saturday: Lunchtime at the mall! This is Miles and my friend, Lesley's little girl, Hannah. So sweet to see them together.}

About the Brushes:

First, I have to thank Jessica for the idea! You can purchase and download these brushes HERE.

How To Load and Use Days of the Week Brushes:

I decided to make the following video because:

1) I discovered a new program at a workshop on Friday that I was dying to try.

2) It's really easy, but it's not self-explanatory. So I wanted to save you some time!

Please keep in mind that I am NOT a photoshop expert, but this works for me. If you want to give me some tips then go right ahead! :)

*Also, please note that at one point in the video I say something like "On the left is your tools." And as much as that pains me, I'm not re-doing the video. I'm tired. ha!

One Thousand Gifts: 84- 100

2010-03-01T11:30:00.000-06:00

84. A hint of Spring in the air.

85. Soft fur on a freshly groomed dog.

86. Miles saying "Chheeesseee" whenever I get the camera out nowadays.

87. Staying up into the wee hours of the morning chatting with old friends.

88. Watching our babies play together.

89. Orbit gum.

90. A working car so we can travel.

91. Sunshine.

92. Funny movies.

93. Coming home to the bed made and clothes folded, just to make me happy.

94. Compliments from strangers.

95. A haircut that makes him look so much more like his Daddy, and like a big boy.

96. A CD of music that always soothes my son to sleep. Even while we're traveling.

97. A husband who wakes up early on his day off so he can see us before we leave in the morning.

98. Frosty patterns on my windows and windshield that melt away swiftly when the sun shines on them.

99. The word "Mommy" coming for my almost-16-month-old.

100. The smell of a good book.

*affiliate link used

Swag Bucks

2010-02-25T11:30:00.000-06:00

Have you all heard of Swag Bucks? Around Christmas time this year I kept seeing this everywhere and decided to check it out.

Basically it's a search engine that rewards you with "swag bucks" for searching for things. It's powered by google so you get good results, and you can cash in the points for gift cards and other prizes.

There are some folks out there that have earned enough points to buy major prizes, but I just like to consider it my little amazon book fund. I use it a few times a day and earn a little here and there.

If you'd like to try it (oh, and it's free, by the way) you can use my referral code HERE. This week they are giving extra points in their "Birthday Celebration" so now is a good time to join.

And I promise it'll be back to your regularly scheduled programing tomorrow, but I couldn't resist sharing!

Clean Up

2010-02-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

You may (or may not) have noticed that I did a little clean up around the blog, specifically on my sidebars. If you're reading this in a reader you'll have to click through to see what I'm talking about.

I'd been wanting to update my "blogroll" for awhile, but when I started into it, I realized I was in over my head. I subscribe to so many blogs and had such a hard time deciding who to add and who not to. Also, my list is ever-revolving and sometimes changes daily.

If I come up with a more concise way to share my favorites I'll add that feature back. Please don't take it personally if your not on my sidebar.... I just got too overwhelmed!

Also, I added a new About Me section up at the top. Check it out!

Knock on Wood

2010-02-24T11:30:00.000-06:00

I know, deep down, that sharing the following story is just begging for a big, fat ticket the next time I get in my car. But I'm gonna tell it anyway...

photo by davidsonscott15

The thing is, I may look like I just got my driver's permit, but in reality I've been driving for well over a decade. And in that time, I've been stopped by police officers 8 times.

I mean, I think that's not too bad. That's less than once a year, right?! And here's the part that I shouldn't brag about: I've never received a ticket. It's wonderfully baffling. Because Lord knows I've deserved a few.

And I don't even cry!

Well, alright. Number 7 was when I was about 8 months pregnant and driving near Tulsa. And I really didn't see the sign! That poor man. I sobbed from the minute I rolled down the window until about 30 minutes later. Even after he gave me a warning. He was probably afraid I'd go into labor and he'd have to deliver the baby if he actually wrote me a ticket! Sheesh, pregnancy hormones are a doozy.

I've always assumed that they just think I'm 16 and just got my license or something, but last week I was pulled over with Miles in the backseat and my friend, Caragh riding along.

I may or may not have "run" a stop sign.

Of course, Miles was pointing and chanting, "Pup-Pee" while Mr. Policeman was standing outside my window. As he walked away, I corrected him. "No Baby, that's Po-Po".

Ticket? Nope.

Maybe he thought I was an unwed teenage mother? I mean my birth date is on my driver's license, but maybe he thought it was a fake i.d.?

Have you been pulled over by the Po-Po recently?

Do you think I'm going to get a ticket immediately upon hitting publish on this post?

Are you afraid to ride in a car with me now?

(You should probably answer yes to that last one. But if it's between me or Patrick, always choose me. Pilots are terrible drivers I'm hear to tell ya!)

Project Life {February 14-20}

2010-02-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

{Sunday: This little stinker has learned how to climb! He was at the top of a step ladder when I turned around.}

{Monday: It's was just Miles and me for most of this week (Patrick was out of town for training) so we took a self-portrait.}

{Tuesday: Since Patrick was out of town, I spent my night vegging out, watching Friends in my fuzzy socks.}

{Wednesday: Does this picture even need a caption? Girl. Scout. Cookies. Mmmm.}

{Thursday: The weather was in the 50s today so we stopped by the park on our way home. He found one of the bigger kid's football and was so excited!}

{Friday: On Friday's we have a Bible Study and right now we're reading this.}

{Saturday: Patrick came home today with a surprise for Miles: a bubble machine! He LOVES it.}

One Thousand Gifts: 71-83

2010-02-22T11:30:00.001-06:00

71. Finding pacifiers everywhere. In my pockets, my purse, my car. Sweet little reminders of my sweet little boy.

72. Sunnier skies and a chance to go the park.

73. Cutting up our credit cards!

74. Tissues with lotion. (The only "gift" I can find in this nasty cold.)

75. Workshops for work that are actually fun.

76. Sonic Diet Vanilla Dr. Pepper.

77. Girl Scout Cookies.

78. Plants blooming on my desk.

79. Patrick excitedly bringing home a gift for his boy: a bubble machine!

80. Chatting on the phone when he's out of town.

81. Winning a prize!

82. A three hour nap. For Miles and me.

83. Sweet friends, online and off.

2010-02-18T19:18:00.003-06:00

So....

What's up around here? Well, I'm glad you asked.

-Miles has figured out how to climb. Oh boy.

-We've actually had some sunshine around here this week. It's been a lovely change!

-My friend delivered our Girl Scout cookies. And now I'm glad I didn't give up chocolate for Lent. Is that shallow?

-Miles also likes to swipe stuff out of the pantry. It's one of his favorite pastimes:

-It's my Mama's birthday tomorrow! Happy Birthday, Mom!

-And it turns out that 30 minutes is a very short amount of time. Goodnight!

(Please forgive blurry phone pictures!)

Lent

2010-02-16T18:50:00.005-06:00

Growing up Southern Baptist, I never observed Lent. In fact, I probably didn't even know what it was until I was an adult.

Over the past few days, I've been reading about it's traditions and reading opinions and ideas from some of my online pals. To make a long story short, I've decided to participate.

I tossed around the idea of giving up chocolate or soda (my scale would find that sacrifice acceptable), but I wanted something that would change how I spend my time.

So, starting tomorrow, I'm going to be limiting my online time at home to 30 minutes a night. That might not sound like a big deal, but that will be cutting it back by a few hours.

I hope to fill that time with loving on my family in a more focused way, reading good books, and getting things done around the house.

Are you observing lent? If so, what are you doing?

{Thanks, Edie and Meredith and Sarah! Oh, and Sara for pointing me to The Modern Sacred Family.}

Project Life {February 7-13}

2010-02-16T05:02:00.000-06:00

Another week of pictures! Enjoy:

{Sunday: The wing recover project is going well. Right now they are sanding, sanding, sanding. *cough, cough*}

{Monday: I know this isn't a beautiful "after" shot, and I certainly won't be featured anywhere for my organizational skills, but IT IS FINISHED. So I love it.}

{Tuesday: I sent out a few Valentine's cards this year. I think they turned out super cute!}

{Wednesday: This is what happens when you leave a 15 month old alone with a box of cheese crackers for a few minutes. I pulled no fewer than 12 crackers out of his overstuffed mouth.}

{Thursday: You can find Macey curled up on our rug any chance she gets. Since our floors are heated, she LOVES laying on it.}

{Friday: This picture is really poor quality, but Patrick snapped it in a dark restaurant with my iPhone. Miles was so sweet eating out tonight. He kept waving at everyone walking by and even blew kisses to our waiter as we left.}

{Saturday: This is our friend Caragh, she was busy gluing the fabric to the wings. They have to iron over it to set the glue.}

Reasons We Miss California: The Beach

2010-02-15T16:05:00.000-06:00

This picture pretty much sums it up. Wearing a bathing suit. Eating gelato. In February.

*This was originally published in February of 2008 while we were still in San Luis Obispo. This picture is my happy place when I get hit by a wind chill of 10 degrees. Sigh.

Carter's Jewel Chest Giveaway WINNER

2010-02-14T22:12:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to announce that the winner of the ELLE necklace giveaway is.....

Jill Wait !!

Jill is also an Arkansas girl and was the lucky #1. Seriously, random.org never pops up number one so it must be fated. Congrats, girl!

Thanks so much to everyone for entering!

Weekend Video

2010-02-13T16:17:00.001-06:00

Miles is obviously going to be a genius:

Carter's Jewel Chest Giveaway

2010-02-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

Two years ago today I started this little blog as a way to keep up with friends and family while we were living in California. I could not have imagined the journeys I would take and all the friends (that's you!) that I would meet along the way.

So, in honor of that and because of my sweet in-laws, I'm giving away something pretty today!

T.C. and Beth have owned Carter's Jewel Chest for over 30 years, but have just recently started a website.

They are generously giving away a sterling silver ELLE necklace.

*enlarged to show detail

It's called the "Networks Pendant" and hangs on a 16 inch chain with a 2 inch extender. All ELLE pieces have a small ruby included in the design which represents a woman's inner strength and beauty. On this particular necklace, the ruby is placed near the clasp in the back. You can learn more about the line here.

I have a similar piece from the same line and wear it all the time. It really does go with everything!

So how do you win?

To Enter:

*Leave a comment on this post! Any comment will do.

For Extra Entries (You may do any or all of the following):

1) Become a follower of this blog, or subscribe in a reader.

2)Become a fan of Carter's Jewel Chest on facebook.

3)Follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway linking to this post.

That's 4 chances to win, if you choose. Just be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing.

This contest is open to residents of the continental US only and will end on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 10 pm CST.

Good Luck!

A Few Things

2010-02-09T18:47:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to share a few things with you:

1) Thursday marks two years of blogging for me here at The Pilot's Wife. Also, my husband's parents just launched a new website for their store, Carter's Jewel Chest.

So to celebrate those two things, I'll be hosting a little jewelry giveaway here Thursday. Now, don't be expecting an 18 carat diamond, but it'll be good. Come back and check it out.

2) Did you see the launch of Simple Living Media? I had the honor of being asked to be a contributor at Simple Kids (you'll see my new button over in the right sidebar). I'll still be writing book reviews there a few times a month. I'd be thrilled if you'd follow me over there, too!

Project Life {January 31- February 6}

2010-02-09T05:02:00.000-06:00

First week of February:

{Sunday: This is the helmet/headset Patrick uses during airshows. It's a wee bit big for Miles, yet.}

{Monday: Miles loves these shoes. He'll bring them to us to put on or just carry them around the house. Such sweet little things.}

{Tuesday: I spend an hour or two a day working on my Spanish Rosetta Stone course online. Hola. Me llamo Emily.}

{Wednesday: Patrick's brother flew over with his flight instructor Tuesday night and due to weather had to stay the night with us. Miles was so excited to find his uncle Wednesday morning!}

{Thursday: Look what came in the mail! I'm posting some pictures at the end of it put together.}

{Friday: It feels so much homier around here now that we've got more decorations up. These are hanging in our hallway. We had our guests sign these photo mats instead of a guestbook at our wedding.}

{Saturday: I love going to get my baby out of his crib after a nap. Sleep tousled and warm, it's such a sweet moment.}

And here are some shots of my album. They're not so great because the page protectors were creating a glare, but you can get the general idea.

This is the first page. I didn't do anything fancy. Just used the cards in the kit. I'm thinking I may replace some of the cards with favorite pictures from the year. But for now, it works.

Again, not a good shot, but you can see how it lays out. The only thing I didn't realize was that the 4 x 6 slots are only meant for horizontal pictures. I guess I could print a photo smaller to go where the journal cards are, but for now I'll just leave them turned sideways.

One Thousand Gifts: 62-70

2010-02-08T11:25:00.000-06:00

62. The way Miles just melts into me when he's sleepy or hurt. And the memory of being comforted by my own mama as a little girl. There's just nothing like Mama, is there?

63. Southern comfort food on a cold night.

64. Hallmark movies.

65. Pandora radio.

66. Anticipating a weekend with girlfriends soon.

67. Cards in the mail from my Mama.

68. Baby sign language.

69. Warm cookies fresh from the oven.

70. Dreams of Spring and Summer to come.

Miles and His Puppy

2010-02-07T21:41:00.003-06:00

Just a quick little video. Miles has started saying "puppy" which actually sounds more like "bup-pee" but we still count it as a word. (Plus, he calls a lot of things "puppy" not just Macey. Including deer on the side of the road. )

I couldn't get him to say it on the video, but you can see how much he loves her. And how indifferent she is towards him! ha!

Because...

2010-02-05T11:30:00.000-06:00

it's Friday.

it's cold, rainy, and gray here.

Because it's my blog and I feel like posting it.

And because it's time you knew the truth about me.

I like old, cheesy musicals. There, I said it.

Just try to watch this clip without smiling (or okay, rolling your eyes):

Please tell me I'm not the only Seven Brides for Seven Brothers fan out there? It's at the top of my Favorite Cheesy Musical list. Followed closely by Singin' in the Rain and Oklahoma.

Even if you can't stand musicals, I bet you all have a movie you're ashamed to admit you love.

C'mon. Spill it. What's your favorite cheese-ball movie?

Book List: January Picks

2010-02-04T11:30:00.001-06:00

I'm chugging along through my 2010 Book List and I wanted to share just a bit about the ones I've read so far.

Counting Christmas Break, I've read four books from my list:

Not Quite What I Was Planning (Larry Smith)

This was so fascinating. The idea is this: write your life's memoir in exactly six words. The book is a compilation of hundreds of six-word memoirs.

It's a quick read, and easy to pick up and just read a few when you get a minute as there are no chapters, just pages filled with six word sentences. Some are hilarious, others mundane, or terribly sad.

I really enjoyed this. I now try to think of a six word memoir for my life while driving or waiting at the doctor's office. It's harder than you think!

Same Kind of Different As Me (Ron Hall and Denver Moore)

Why didn't I read this sooner? Oh, how I loved this book. The story of a wealthy art dealer and a sharecropper turned homeless black man, and how they changed each others lives. It will change you.

I'm taking part in the Bloom Book Club discussion of this one.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows)

Again, such a lovely book. I'm setting the bar high for the rest of the year because everything I've read has been fabulous!

Basically, this is the story of the German occupation of the English Channel Islands during WWII. It's written in letter format, which I thought at first might be annoying, but it wasn't distracting at all.

It was a quick read for me; I consumed every page and wished for more at the end. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. I'm sorry that one is over!

The Help (Katheryn Stockett)

I loved this book. A lot.

My Southern roots made this book come alive easily for me. My parents are both from Memphis and I spent a few years living in Mississippi as a child. I thought the author did a fabulous job with the vernacular and accents without it sounding affected.

Again, it will make you laugh. It will make you cry, and I'm sorry it had to end!

I would be interested in hearing some one's opinion who wasn't raised in the South. Wondering if many things would be shocking?

For February I'll be reading The Pillars of the Earth and a little more of Crazy Love

(we're reading it for our Life Group).What are you reading now?

{affiliate links used for my amazon store} {photo credit: amazon}

Project Life {January 24-30}

2010-02-02T05:45:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that we're on the last week of January! I also can't believe I've stuck with this a whole month. I think I just may be able to keep it up all year. I ordered the Project Life kit this week, and I'm anxious to get it and start printing out all these pictures.

{Sunday: My mother-in-law, Beth, helped me wash and arrange all my wedding china in my new cabinet. We got married almost 6 years ago and this is the first time it's made it out of the boxes! We did a bunch of other decorating too, if you want to see that!}

{Monday: This boy has been eating us out of house and home lately. He must be getting ready for a growth spurt because his favorite word is more! He does a little happy dance when he sees us getting his food ready. Hilarious!}

{Tuesday: Miles LOVES his monkey, George. He was a Christmas gift from his aunt and uncle. He gives him "hugs" like this all the time.}

{Wednesday: Macey is a Great Dane. She weighs 130 pounds, and yet she thinks if she's curls up small enough that I won't notice that she's on the couch. Um.. YEAH RIGHT dog.}

{Thursday: Miles has made it a habit to beg for bites of his Daddy's breakfast every morning. After I get him up, he runs to find Patrick and ask for more.}

{Friday: I was home with Miles on Thursday and Friday this week due to teething and Roseola. He's looking a little out of it here. Even playing games on my phone didn't cheer him up.}

{Saturday: We were snowed in again, so I organized some boxes and packed up Miles' newborn clothes to send to my sis-in-law who is expecting a boy in May. Can't believe how tiny he was!}