Keepin' Up With The Trimble's

Life in Virginia....

2009-10-26T20:57:00.002-04:00

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

We have finally gone LIVE!!!!

2009-10-18T21:24:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-08-09T21:52:00.003-04:00

"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}

2009-07-03T22:02:00.008-04:00

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!

2009-06-12T18:03:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-06-09T17:09:00.002-04:00

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!!

2009-06-07T19:43:00.002-04:00

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!!

2009-06-03T20:29:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-02T23:09:00.005-04:00

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.....

2009-06-02T22:18:00.006-04:00

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....

2009-06-01T15:32:00.002-04:00

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........

2009-05-27T17:29:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2009-05-18T14:50:00.000-04:00

How 'Bout Them Texas Rangers!!!!!

Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!

2009-05-11T19:54:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-07T14:09:00.004-04:00

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!!

Cute Things....

2009-05-07T13:34:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was our Spouse's Club Spring Bazaar. One of the vendors there was selling a product called Thirty-One. They were these CUTE bags of all different sizes and uses. The lady who was selling is a Navy Wife too. Here is the link to her page. Check out her catalog and if you find something you like contact her!! https://www.mythirtyone.com/bogy

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-23T15:13:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I know that I am late with this posting but things have been a little crazy around The Trimble household lately! Both Matthew and I have been sick with Sinus Infections and it pretty much layed me out for 3 days.. getting better though : )

Ok, so here are some pics that we took on Easter. It was a great day. I did miss the girls and egg hunting but there is always next year!! : - ) Enjoy!

My stud in his pink : )

This is the water by our house : )

Here we are : )

Trimble Family Pic: Easter 2009

Mommy's Boy : )

A Birthday; A Baseball Game; Cookies & More!

2009-04-11T20:01:00.006-04:00

Well it’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog so I figured while Matthew is playing with Guitar Hero I’d get everyone up to date on what’s been going on at the Trimble household! WARNING: It’s a long one!

The Chief’s 116th Birthday:
April 1st marked the 116th Birthday of the Chief Petty Officer Rank in the Navy. To celebrate this occasion the Navy has a Chief’s Birthday Ball every year. This year the ship decided to have their own. I was excited because this meant two things; 1) My husband got to wear the uniform we got married in (Totally HOT), and 2) I got to wear my ball gown dress I bought in January!! It was beautiful weather until the day of the ball and of course it had to rain. Traffic was HORRIBLE going to the other side of the water but we made it. It was interesting. Not as fun as we both thought it would be but we did have a few good laughs at our table AND we won a door prize so that was exciting. Here are a few pics from the night. Happy Birthday to the Chief’s!

Baseball is here!:
Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE baseball!! We don’t have any Major League teams here, the closest is the Washington Nationals in DC, but we do have Minor League. One of the affiliates for the Baltimore Orioles is based out of Norfolk. They are called the Norfolk Tides. The Orioles and The Nationals played their exhibition game at the Tide’s park; Harbor Park. The ship bought a section and sold tickets so of course we went. It was a beautiful day for baseball AND the park was actually really nice for Minor League. We are hoping to go to a few games there this season. Hey, if you can’t hang with the Big Leagues you might as well support the little guys right?!?!? : ) Here are some pics from that day:

The luxuries of having a house:
The good thing about living on base is that they come and mow and edge your yard for you and keep it maintained, etc EXCEPT if you have a fence. So, in our case they only mow the front yard and we are responsible for the back. It’s weird to see how different all of our backyards are here. We have a pretty good size one, our neighbor's is a little smaller, and then their neighbor's is like ¾ of the size of ours..weird. It’s nice to have a big one though because we have plans for many BBQ’s this summer and we can fit more people outside : ) The one thing we did not have was a lawn mower. It hasn’t been that much of a problem except it’s been raining like crazy here and so the grass is growing pretty fast. Well, we got a warning about our yard not being cut so we figured we better take care of it. So off to the exchange we went to buy a lawn mower and luckily for us we had some nice weather this past weekend so we were able to mow it. Our neighbors were out of town and they had gotten a notice to so Matthew went over and mowed theirs for them. That’s what neighbors do he says : ) Here are some pics of Matthew mowing our lawn (and our neighbors) for the first time!

Sea time:
This past week Matthew had to go out to sea for 3 days. He was gone starting Monday night until Thursday night. It wasn’t too bad to be myself except Tex was driving me crazy. He was in protection mode I guess, because all he did was bark and bark and bark at the smallest of things. Needless to say I was glad when Matthew came home because I could have some “ME” time and Tex could hang out with his Daddy. I seriously think this dog thinks he’s a human but in a dog’s body, but I still love the little guy. Anyways, so on Monday I made Matthew homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies for him to take on his little trip out to sea. It is so much easier to bake using my mixer, I love that thing. Here are some pics of my cookies : )

Adult interaction:
I joined the Spouse’s Club on base this past week and I was so glad to finally have some adult interaction. Being at home all day with a dog you tend to start to lose your mind. That is one thing I miss about working is the people. I’m hoping that soon I’ll have that interaction again!! I am excited about the club and getting to know the other spouse’s. I think it will be so much fun. I also found out that the ship has their own Family Readiness Group so I’ll be joining that as well and can meet some people whose spouse’s are on board the ship so that will be fun. They are working on a cookbook of recipes complied from the ship’s crew and even some of the Bush Family recipes. Sales will start in July so if you want one let me know!!!

The sweet moments in life...

2009-03-26T12:31:00.003-04:00

The past few days I've been feeling pretty rotten. I've haven't slept well, been fighting off a sinus infection, and feeling major sinus pressure everywhere. I'm trying to fight it off myself because we have the Chief's Birthday Ball tomorrow and I really want to go AND feel good, so I'm just trying to rest a lot and not overdo anything.

Last night was badge awards for Mpact. I really miss those girls and this was the first one I have had to miss. After it was over, I got a phone call from 4 sweet little girls, 2 of them my nieces, and the other 2 their best friends. They called me on speaker phone to tell me about their rewards. MacKenzie got 2 Honor Steps AND 4th Grade STAR of the Quarter and Rachel got Daisy of the Quarter! I am so proud of them. If you have ever gone through the Missionettes program, you know it's not easy to get those badges and honor steps. They also wanted to pray for me and that I feel better. It was so sweet. Listening to each of them one by one pray over the phone with me was a sweet moment. The cutest part; Rachel said in her prayer that she wants God to help me feel better and not have a fever because she's had 2 fevers and she does not like them! Precious!!!

I miss them more and more every day. It moments like these that make it hard to be away but it's also moments like these that make me so proud that I was able to build a great bond between the two of them. That they want to call and tell me all about their accomplishments and that they are growing more and more everyday in their faith.

MacKenzie and Rachel, we are SO proud of you and we MISS you so much!!

Oh to turn 29; Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-03-24T12:35:00.004-04:00

Ah, to be 29. When it’s your birthday people always ask you if you feel older, right now, I don’t, but as my sister said, wait a few months!! I can’t believe that I am one year away from being in my Thirties!!! It seems like just yesterday I had my 20th birthday and entering my Twenties and now I’m in the last year of my Twenties!!

My birthday weekend started off great. On Friday, Matthew sent me flowers, tulips, and took me out to dinner at Lonestar Steakhouse. We had to go somewhere where I’d feel close to home : ) On Saturday we spent the day at the Williamsburg Outlets. We ended up walking the whole mall. It was nice in the sun, but a little chilly in the shade. I got to get a few more Pink Kitchen Aid items to try and complete all my accessories. I’m lacking a few big items, like the Chopper and Food Processor, which can wait, and some of the utensils, mixing bowls, tongs, and the cutting board. We had registered for the cutting board on our wedding registry but could never find it. My Mom looked everywhere. I found one on the Kitchen Aid website which is where I found the tongs and the mixing bowls. There is also a utensil holder that has 5 or 6 utensils in it that I have seen during October at BB&B but they aren’t out right now. I guess I’ll have to wait until then to get that. Most all stores will have the Pink items in then; October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I think I might order the tongs, bowls, and cutting board now so I can get those items, but we’ll see. I was able to get the pizza cutter, whisks, and measuring spoons at one of the outlet places. Matthew is so good about finding me all my pieces : )

We also went into the Harry & David store there. I love their Truffles, but they are so outrageous in price, I don’t get them that often. While I was reading some stuff the other day I came across an excerpt about how Harry & David had partnered with the USO to deliver snacks to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can go into any store, buy a selected item and they will package it up and deliver it for you. Since that is something that I know is needed first hand, I told Matthew I wanted to send something. The food over there is not always the best and some days it’s completely awful. I know there were many, many, many days and nights where Matthew’s meal was some type of snack that I had sent in his care packages. The drive ended on Sunday so it’s too late for any of you to go send something from Harry & David, BUT if you hear of an organization that accepts donations to send overseas, buy an extra box of crackers or something at the store the next time you go and donate it. The $4.00 you spend is pennies compared to what our troops do for us overseas. God Bless them!!

So Sunday was my birthday and it also so happened to be Matthew’s 24 hour duty day. He tried to switch with a few other guys but he couldn’t find anyone, so he talked to his section leader and they gave him approval to leave for a few hours so we could go to dinner! He left at 6am Sunday morning for work, then came home around 2pm, then went back at 9pm, and got home Monday at 5pm. A LONG 2 days for him. We went to The Melting Pot. If you have never been there, you should totally go. It is so good. It’s a little weird the first time cooking your own food, but it taste SO good AND the best part is dessert!! Despite Matthew having to go back to work afterwards, all in all, I had a perfect day! : )

Here are some pics from the weekend:

My flowers!

Aren't they pretty : )

On our way to my Birthday dinner!

Yum!

The "before" picture :)

Course 1: Cheese Fondue

Course 2: Dinner Salads

Course 3: The meat & veggies

Our "pot"!

All done!!

Course 4: The dessert!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

All done! : )

The "after" picture! We were FULL!

The Fighter Jets and a Walk

2009-03-19T20:14:00.007-04:00

Yesterday Matthew and I took Tex to the Vet to get his nails clipped and a few other things done to him. Every morning I wake up to the loud noise of our lovely Air Force Jets. The airstrip is right next to our housing area. I've seen them take off from a distance but haven't really seen any come in for landing up close and personal. Well, that changed yesterday. While we were driving off base, a few F-22's were coming in for landing. I snapped a quick picture and caught one coming in. Here it is...

As we drove around the other side, there were 3 F-15's lining up to take off. Matthew pulled in so I could get a closer look and I quickly snapped a few pics.

Today I went for a walk/run along the track that is by the bay. It was gorgeous outside and so refreshing. Here are a few pics of my 3.06 miles!! Hopefully the weather stays nice so I can do this everyday outside instead of indoors in the Base Gym.

On my way back to the house, a few jets were coming in for landing. They were so close I could actually see the pilot! It was like they were almost directly in front of me. I tried to get a picture but this base really frowns upon Photography, and there were a ton of cars around so I couldn't get one in front of me, but I got one that came in behind me. Here it is...

Well that was my excitement for the day! Hopefully this weekend we do something fantastic and I can post something more interesting! : )

Randomness..

2009-03-17T16:14:00.002-04:00

I wish I could say that we've done some interesting things lately, but we really haven't! I think we both have been so tired from the past few weeks that we haven't ventured out to see anything but the grocery store. Hopefully in the next few weeks we'll have some nicer weather and we can at least go out to the pier or the bay and check things out.

We finally finished one room, our bedroom. We painted the walls because they were an awful patchy white color. The downside about living in base housing is the walls. They aren't the most perfect in texture or color, but nothing a little paint won't cure!! We also found our bedding, which I LOVED the minute I saw it. We aren't totally finished with putting things on the walls so I want to wait to post pictures, but I promise I'll get some up soon.

My days have pretty much consisted of cleaning, cooking, job hunting, and holding Tex. Seriously, that dog is like a little kid, always wants to be held, but I will have to admit I do like having him here with me to snuggle up to. He's so warm that he keeps me warm!

The job hunt is not going so well. I'm keeping my hopes up but nothing yet. I went to the mall today and while I was walking around looking at all the other people, I thought, man I wish I was working. It's funny because 2 months ago, I would be at work and be saying, man I wish I was off today! It's funny how when you work, you want to be home, but when your home, you want to be at work. I know that's not the way for everyone, but unfortunately it's in my blood. I've worked since I was 16 and yeah, some would say, it's time for a break girl!, and I would agree, I've had my 4 weeks of break time and though I worked so hard at times that I wore myself out, I really do miss my job. I miss the highs and the lows, the adrenaline that runs through you sometimes, and the feeling you get inside when you accomplish something so great. I know I'll have those feelings again someday, I just have to be patient, which if you know me; that's not one of my many qualities : )

I have been doing a lot of cooking though, something I didn't do much in Texas. Maybe it's because I always had my Mom to cook, but I really do enjoy it. Surprisingly to some, I haven't baked but one thing since I've been here! Shocker I know!! My stress outlet is baking, so you would think I'd be little Miss Betty Crocker in the kitchen, but I haven't, which is a good thing, there are only 2 of us to eat all those sweets now, so I have to watch it!!

I guess I've rambled on enough..hopefully I'll have some new pictures to post soon. Until then...Adios!

Firsts!

2009-03-07T19:18:00.005-05:00

Okay, so for most of you, you won't understand why I am posting this but since I have finally had to chance to use the many wedding gifts we were blessed with I get really excited about the little things!!!

So I made brownies last night and finally got to use my new Pink Kitchenaid Mixer we got for the wedding. Matthew felt the need to document it so I thought I would share it with you. Here's a pic and a small video clip:

This was our first Saturday in the house and it was absolutely gorgeous!! The temp hit 77degrees on base and the sun was shining. We decided to spend some time outside so we put together our new swing! Tex hung around the backyard while we were working on it. He loves having his own place to run around in and loves the outdoors! Here's a little family pic our neighbor took of us :)

Snow Video

2009-03-05T20:32:00.003-05:00

I didn't get this posted yesterday but I was trying to get Tex to go potty before we got on the road and instead he galloped through the snow! Check it out:

It's finally happened!!!

2009-03-04T21:41:00.006-05:00

We are FINALLY together!! After 26 LONG months, we are finally together and in our own home. Words cannot describe how excited we are to finally be at this point. We are both sad that we are no longer in Texas and miss our family so much, but are so excited about our new journey. I can't wait to see how our life changes and how much fun we are going to have in the process!

The drive to Virginia was certainly exciting to say the least. After leaving Dallas on Saturday, February 28th at 1:25pm, we began the journey to our new life. About 8 hours in we hit the snow in Arkansas and it go so dangerous on the highway we had to pull off and find a place to crash that night. It was a little challenging because we had Tex but luckily we found an Econo Lodge that took pets and had a warm room available. The best part; there was a Waffle House out front so I was excited because I was HUNGRY!! After staying the night we started out early Sunday morning, hoping we could make it to Virginia by the time the snow hit there. It took us 3 hours just to get out of Memphis and halfway to Nashville. The DOT in AR and TN did not do a good job of clearing anything on the roads. It was a little scary at times, a big truck, packed full, towing a car, packed full, icy roads..you get my drift right... : ) We drove as long as we could and finally crossed the Virginia border..Yay!! We were trying to make it to Roanoke, but the snow hit us again and the roads started to ice so we had to stop again for the night. This time we found the first hotel off the road and prayed they took pets. They did, and so we camped there for the night. The snow was so beautiful but it was soooo cold. We started out Monday morning and actually had smooth sailing. The Virginia DOT did an AMAZING job clearing the roads, it was like there was nothing on the road at all. We ended up pulling up to the house at 2:45pm on Monday, March 2nd. We were so glad to be home, a 20 hour trip that took 48 hours was exhausting. So what do you do after you've driven across half of the country; unpack the car, take the trailer back, grab some Chick-Fil-A and enjoy your new home : )

Here's some pics from our trip across half of America...

Tex enjoying the ride..

You would have thought we were in Colorado or something!

Day 3

Day 2

Day 1

The beginning of something new...

2008-10-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I decided to take the plunge and create a "blog spot". Many of my friends have them so I thought what the heck, I can do this too!! It will take some learning, but I'm excited to be able to keep everyone more up to date on our stats and our family! Look for many blogs and pictures to come!