Cookie Party

I was invited by our newest neighbors across the way (the only other Navy couple in our neighborhood!--the rest are pretty much army!) to a cookie party. I wanted to go, but I was kind of hesitant because I didn't know any good cookie recipes. BUT I tried this new ranger cookie recipe I found online and made a few changes and I actually really like them!


They are pretty fluffy--they have coconut, rice crispies, chopped peanuts, and chocolate chips. Everybody's cookies were tasty, but to be honest, we all mostly had 'girl talk', and a more specific kind, which is "military wife talk." We have all had pretty much similar experiences, but I think the main difference is this: specifically with the husbands that are lifers in the military (i.e. will retire after 20 yrs), they have had deployments far away from their family quite a bit, but when they are not on deployment, they have very few hours and get to be home a lot. With John, I have been fortunate not to be separated from him for more than a few weeks so far, but he works long hours, and has duty (24+ hr shifts) and is under a lot of stress as a nuke. I wouldn't say it's an even trade--all I can truly say, is that we are both anxious for the next 483 days to be over with and to be truly free from all that worry!


We also got to share each of our miraculous birthing stories, every one different and fun to hear. Stephanie, the host, has had 4 kids, all within 2 years of each other and says she's had the most easy and quick births. I guess you could say mine went well because it was QUICK, but not having had an epidural still traumatizes me...Anyway, it was nice to bond with the nice women in my neighborhood and they all are anxious to see Olivia and help with the new baby on the block!

Lucas was all of a sudden shy and scared of everyone, and only wanted to be held by me. Honestly, it was a little comforting because he seems so independent. It makes me feel like a true mommy to be needed or preferred by my little boy. But he enjoyed watching Stephanie's kids and smiling at the women and seeing their big Christmas Tree. He was a good boy. Here are the few pictures I caught:







I said I may venture out and host a 'poker night' at my house one of these nights before Olivia's arrival. Looking forward to making some money! j/k :)