Did I mention we adopted a dog?

As you can see my blogging has been pretty lax lately. I guess I just haven't been inspired to compose blog posts lately. Plus I have been busy working in our yard making it match my visions and plans. Gardening can take up a lot of time!

But that is beside the point. Part of this blog is to share what has been going on in our lives and a big event was adopting a dog! Charles has been wanting a dog, specifically a retired greyhound, for years now. We almost adopted one when we were stationed in Ohio. But since we had just adopted the kitties and because they were so small, it was not the best time to bring a greyhound into our household. Racing greyhounds are used to chasing small prey during the course, so the greyhound adoption group thought it could be a dangerous combination with small cats and a retired racer.

When we moved here and purchased a home, I figured it was time for Charles' wish to come true. We worked with a group based out of Columbia, SC. They pick up dogs from race tracks in Orlando, FL and bring them back for a bit of fostering while they adjust to the post-racing lifestyle.

My ideal greyhound was 1) female 2) smaller in size and 3) Brindle coloring. Luckily, the greyhound rescue group had that exact dog for us! It worked out perfectly.

Meet Suzie Q! If you're a fan of the Calvin & Hobbes comic strip, you will remember that there is a character named Susie. But Charles is also a big fan of Creedence Clearwater Revivial, so we combined the names from the comic strip and the song.

The morning after we brought her home, we all participated in a 5k on base. We intended just to walk the course, but once she saw everyone running she had to jog, also. She became tired about half way through and we walked the rest of the way.

Greyhounds have very low body fat compared to other dog breeds so jammies and jackets are necessary in cold weather or in air conditioned places. We bought these cupcake jammies on Etsy. Aren't they adorable?

Suzie has taken over the loveseat and claimed it as her own.

Congratulations Captain!

I have been so bad about blogging since the move. Trust me... I have a lot of things I could be sharing with you and my lack of writing is not because I do not care.

One big thing that has happened lately is that Charles promoted to Captain! He asked me to create an invitation for the promotion ceremony and luncheon to send to the folks in his squadron. Because he is working with a Recruiting squadron, his co-workers are spread out between South Carolina and North Carolina. We figured the majority would not be able to come in from out of town, but we wanted them to feel like they could if they wanted to. It was mostly people from the headquarters, where Charles works.

For the ceremony, we visited a local park called Swan Lake. There is a building called the Iris Market that you can rent out. It worked out perfectly because they provide the food and decorations so we did not have to worry about anything. The actual ceremony took place outside since it was such a nice day. We watched the weather all weekend because it called for a high chance of rain the day of the ceremony. Luckily, it only rained right after the ceremony ended and stopped after everyone was finished eating. We hired a photographer (pictures coming soon) and were so glad the rain did not stick around so we could get some good group shots with Charles' family after lunch.

I am so proud of my husband and his Air Force career! Captain is a nice honor and achievement. It will be fun seeing what the next several years hold for us.

Fonts Used:
Janda Elegant Handwriting
Felix Titling
 

Design: Alpha Omega Alumni Brunch

I can't believe we are already a week into February! My birthday was last week. It was a weird birthday. Part of the reason was because so much has been going on lately that I did not have time to really think about it. Plus, I started a new job the day before and I hate working on my birthday. It's such a grown-up, responsible, boring thing to do on a day that should be filled with fun. But they did know it was my birthday and wished me a happy one. And the lady I've been working with from the temp agency called to wish me a happy birthday which I thought was extremely thoughtful and kind.

Now that is is February it also means I am closer to one of my favorite annual events, the Alpha Omega Alumni Weekend! We always have a brunch with the active sisters. It's a nice time to meet them and remember our college days.

The flier is pretty much comparable to the Alumni Dinner flier. I wanted to make it a similar style since the events are for the same weekend. But I did use a different background. It reminds me of Chinese lanterns. 

Fonts Used
Cursif
KG Hard Candy Solid
Vingy

Design: Alpha Omega Alumni Dinner 2017

My life is slowly returning to normal. We closed on our house this past week and have been unpacking boxes and putting things away. It is HARD work! Most everything is put away and unpacked. I am loving my new house and the huge kitchen island I have now. Yesterday our fridge was finally delivered and we could buy groceries. That first grocery trip after you move is always massive (and expensive). The first thing I made in my new kitchen? Brownies, of course!

Part of getting back to normal is my upcoming Alpha Omega Alumni Weekend! Usually this is at the very top of my priority list this time of year, but I haven't been thinking so much about it yet. I did make time to create a flier for our Alumni dinner which is always the first event of the weekend.

Fonts used:
Cursif
KG Hard Candy Solid
Vingy

Design: Columbia Dinner

It has been awhile! We made it to the East coast and are awaiting the closing of our house. I am so ready to be out of the hotel room.

Being back in South Carolina has given me a chance to plan some events for my college sorority's alumni chapter of which I am president. The first event was a dinner in Columbia. And naturally, I had to make a flier to promote it. I miss being the Publicity chair for the Officer Spouse Club in California. It gave me a lot of opportunities to create fliers. Now I am going to have to make up my own excuses.

Fonts used:
Cursif
KG Hard Candy Solid
Bell MT

Goodbye California

Lately I have been reflecting on our time in California since it is coming to an end. It is important to reflect on the events and people in our lives from time to time. It is a good way to appreciate all the amazing things that happen in our time on Earth and help us to move forward to be the best person we can be.

Prior to finding out our assignment to California, I never thought I would live in the state. To be honest, I was most afraid of experiencing an earthquake. Luckily, we have not had one near us.

My favorite part of our time on the West Coast was all the friendships I made. At our last base, I felt alone many times because I had a hard time making friends. I was determined not to repeat that this time. I joined a book club (and eventually ran it), I joined the Officers' Spouses' Club, and was heavily involved in our squadron spouse group. I put myself out there more than I usually do and it ended up being a big blessing. I am thankful for the ladies I have come to know and I hope our paths cross again (many times).

I have also valued our travels while living here. We have visited the Bay area several times, Lake Tahoe, Eureka, the Avenue of the Giants, L.A., Anaheim, Monterey, Yosemite, Ventura, Apple Hill, Reno, Stockton, Oregon and Hawaii. Hawaii is one of my favorite places we have ever visited.

I am so thankful for our time on the West coast, but excited to be home during our next assignment. I hope to take the things I have experienced and learned here and use that knowledge throughout the rest of Charles' Air Force career.

Design: Scholarship

My final creation for the Officers' Spouses' Club was for the annual scholarship. I do not think this one will end up being used because I did not have enough time before the move to get it approved and such. But I liked the design, so I thought I would share with you anyway. The club has a pear theme which is why I used the cute pear graphic at the top. Last year the scholarship winners were each given a pear figure to commemorate their winning.

Fonts Used
Quicksand
Sunshine In My Soul