Life in Virginia....

One of the things on my short list of what I like about Virginia...... The Fall!!!!

We have finally gone LIVE!!!!

After months of hard work and countless hours of editing and photo shoots, we have finally finished our website!!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help us build up our portfolio and get our business started!! We are forever grateful!!!

Check us out: www.simply-serendipity.com

Click on Pricing for our Holiday Specials!!!!

~Jess & Matthew

Wise Words...

"You never really leave a place you love,

Part of it you take with you,

Leaving a part of yourself behind..."

Janelle & Devon- {Engagement Session}

We had a blast with these two!! They were so much fun and so photogenic!! These are just a few of the pics I took. Thanks for a wonderful day Janelle & Devon! It was HOT, but you guys stuck with us! Hope you enjoy!

Yes, I know it's crazy!

Yes, I am that kind of mommy who dresses up her dog. Tex usually doesn't mind. He likes to wear his shirts around the house and he has even been in the spotlight in one of Uncle Drew's sermon's. So here he is in his 4th of July shirt I bought him today. It's actually a baby t-shirt! It's a little snug, but oh well!

A purpose...

Warning!! A serious post!

I've struggled for the past few months to really find my purpose here and have questioned many times if I made the right decision to move and not take Matthew up on his offer to stay in Texas. I've been here 3 months now, still haven't found a job, still looking for a church, still doing this, still doing that and it's really been weighing me down. I question and I ask Why. Why haven't I found a job, why do I feel the way I do when I should just be thankful I'm finally with my husband. Lots of questions and very little answers.

I have started to get involved in different areas around here. I joined the Spouse's Club on Langley and I've been attending the meetings of the ships FRG (Family Readiness Group). In the past few weeks I have been totally surrounded with people who just want to offer friendships, love, and support. I have had opportunities present themselves that I never thought I would be up to doing and yet, I WANT to do them. I want to be a stepping stone for other spouses and be able to offer encouragement and support like so many have offered me.

It really hit me today that maybe my purpose isn't to engage myself in a job that is going to run me ragged and make me miserable, but maybe it's to pour into others that need someone who understands where they are coming from. Who's been there and knows how hard it is. Maybe my purpose is to find a simple rewarding job but then to become involved in organizations that provide those things to those who need it. I don't know. I still don't have all the answers, but I'm starting to see things in a different light and I like it. I've been so down about not finding a job that I have forgotten the real reason why I'm here.

• To support my husband who sacrifices everything for his job and country.
• To have pride for him and for his command.
• To grow with him and strengthen our marriage and
• to let everything else fall into place.

I have been surrounded by some of the most supporting and compassionate people I have ever known. Those who have been in this a lot longer than I have and who are truly holding my hand and bringing me into the "Military Family". Who are helping build those friendships that I am going to cherish for many, many years. Who welcome you with open arms no matter who you are. Who support the deployed sailors and their families and truly care about their needs. Who want to make our men and women feel appreciated for their sacrifices. It's a whole new world that I'm experiencing here and although this ride is far from over, I'm glad I got on. I'm glad I took that step to move and grab a seat on this crazy ride we call Military Life and I wouldn't get off for anything.

Yes, I still need to find a job, I still need to get things together, I still need to learn a lot, and I still need to keep my eyes open to new challenges, but if there is one thing I have learned the past few weeks, it's I don't have to stop living until all those things happen. There is a plan and a purpose for my life and I just need to enjoy the ride. : )

Cookbook Orders!!

Alright folks..it's that time! If you want to order one of the USS George H.W. Bush Cookbooks I need your order and payment by June 26th! The cost is $20.00 per book and $25.00 if you would like yours shipped directly to you from the FRG.

These are going to be NICE books. Hardcover, 3 ring binder, and lots of pictures from the ships beginning until now. It also includes many Bush family recipes along with recipes from the family of the ship's crew. You won't want to miss out on this great piece of history!

Cookbooks are being ordered on a Pre-Order basis. There will be a small supply for purchase around Christmas time, but will go fast, so if you want one, buy one now! They also make awesome gifts, so keep that in mind!!!

If you need my address, please e-mail me and I'll send you all the information you need in order for you to mail me your payment.

*Remember, if you live in the DFW or Wichita Falls area, I will be there in September and will deliver your cookbooks to you. If for some reason, they do not come in before I leave, I promise I will get yours to you by mail or by another person*

Thank you for your support!!!

Flip Flops!!

Our Spouse's Club here on base is having our New Membership Social tomorrow and the theme is Flip Flops. I volunteered to take a pair of flip flops and decorate them in any way we chose. I chose to make mine a centerpiece that you could use on a table or even possible wear the flip flops if you wanted to. Here is my finished product!! I am so excited about it. They turned out much better than I thought they would. Hope you enjoy! : )

A few with the Seebaran's

Berenice and Richard let me tag-a-long with them to Williamsburg since Matthew was out to sea. They are due to have their first baby in July. I totally can't wait to meet this little guy and take some pics of him!!! I have SO many ideas for a newborn!!! Anyhow, here are a few I snapped of Berenice and Richard for practice.

Thanks for letting me crowd you with my camera!!!

A new hobby.....

I've been wanting to get into photography for awhile now and so I've been practicing every chance I get. Hopefully as I meet more people here I can actually start practicing on humans! Ha!! Anyhow, here are a few pics I took at Colonial Williamsburg Memorial Day Weekend.... Okay, well maybe I posted more than a few : )

A request....

Please pray for Sasha Denman. Sasha is the Sister-in-Law of a girl I went to High School with. She was badly injured in an accident this past weekend. They have created a blog to keep people up to date on her condition. Click the link below and scroll down to see the Fire Centerpiece that caused this awful accident.

If you believe in the power of prayer, this family needs your prayers....

Thank you

http://www.supportsasha.blogspot.com/

And Now Arriving........

Former President George H.W. Bush visited the ship while it was out to sea this week for Flight Deck Certifications. Here is a link to the article published by the Navy.

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45678

What a great day for the CVN 77 Family!!!

HELLO WIN COLUMN!!!

How 'Bout Them Texas Rangers!!!!!

Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!

Matthew sends me a text everyday when he is on his way home. As soon as I tell Tex that his Daddy is on his way, he runs to the back door and whines for him. Today this is where we hung out until "Daddy" came home.....

Where is he?

Is he home yet???

Air Show

A few weeks ago we had an Air Show here at Langley. Matthew and I didn't go over to the main area but we had a pretty good view of the show from our backyard. Here are a few pics of the Thunderbirds. It was a fun weekend, but I'm glad they don't do that every weekend! I'd have to invest in some really good ear plugs!!