Puppy Park on Mother's Day

I may not be a momma to any two legged babies but I a momma to two four legged fur babies. They warm my heart and always seem to make me smile. Sure they annoy the nonsense out of my sometimes but I wouldn't change them for the world. We've been through so much together in the past 4 years. It's just been the 3 of us over the last month and we've had some extra bonding time. We've gone on lots of walks and runs together like we always do when daddy's home. We've spend a lot of time at the Dog Park (I wont take them in the wooded trail area by myself like we do when the hubbs is home) letting them run some of their energy out. I love that we have a dog park on post and its only half a mile from our house. Not only do they get a good walk in up there but then they can run around free and play. We've been pretty lucky here lately and there really hasn't been anyone there. I say luck because Bailey is kinda crazy with dogs she doesn't know when in a confined area. 

I couldn't think of a better way to take advantage of this beautiful day then a trip to the puppy park. 

Sweet Bailey Girl taking a break in the shade, its only 9am and its already pretty warm out. 

They love playing on the ramp, its so fun to watch them run up and down because they get so excited.

(the below left pic. shows B's double ridgeback hair line so well, I love it) 

Bailey hasn't quite figured out the tunnel yet but Dingo just jumps right in. 

They love the dog park and we had so much fun running around playing this morning. We spent over a hour there. Now I have two pooped puppies and this momma is relaxing for a bit before I go get some fresh local Strawberries. Yum :) We're officially on count down mode till daddy / hubbs comes home and I can't wait. 

Happy Mother's Day to all you Momma's & Momma's to be out there!!!!! 

Get In The Pink 10K

Getting up at 5:00 - 5:30am on a Saturday is not how I enjoy starting my weekends. Heck I don't even get up that early for work. But when it's race day I seem to be able to pull myself together a little better. Thankfully. 

This morning I met up with Kell at her house and we headed down for the 5th annual "Get In The Pink" 10K race. The is a race in memory of her dear friend S that passed of cancer a few years back. I love running races but running a race with a cause is so just that much more enjoyable. Running a race for someone that Kell actually knew was so touching, knowing I was doing something to help warmed my heart. 

It was a pretty good course, parts of it were the same that we run on a weekly basics. Some areas were what we ran during our half marathon back in March. Knowing the streets and neighborhoods has its advantages and disadvantages. It was a HOT morning, probably one of the hottest we've had this spring so far. Of course I had to wear my Hot Pink pants but boy was I regretting that a couple miles in. I was definitely hot and feeling it. I think I could have done a bit better had I had shorts on. Oh well live and learn right. Still had a great time and I got 6 miles in before 9am. 

With Kell being from the South she knows tons of people when ever we go to races. Me on the other hand I never see anyone I know. I recognize people from previous races but that's about it. Today was different I saw someone I knew before she did. As we were walking up to the start area I saw one of the Hubbs good friends (they call themselves manpanions) that he works with. I just so happen to know him as well along his beautiful wife & daughter (who sadly weren't there). We've all gone to dinner quite a few times and he's over often doing gun stuff. We chatted for a bit and wish each other best of luck before we went on to get started. I didn't expect to see G at the finish line knowing he was going to be finishing quite a bit earlier than me. As soon as I crossed the FINISH LINE I though I was going to be sick. I've never had that feeling before, I don't know if it was because I was so hot, maybe. I looked up and didn't see K right away or the water table. But there was G I asked him were the water was and told him I needed some. He pointed in the direction of were it was a ran ahead of me to get some. I'm so glad we've been able to meet some great people here in the South. 

I had a great run, do I wish I did better of course I always do but I'm not going to beat myself up about it. There's always next time. I have a goal I'm trying to reach (well a couple) by the end of the year and I was hoping to come a little closer during this race but not quite. Although I didn't go over my last 10k time I finished right at the exact same time as my last one. I suppose that's better than coming in slower, I really would beat myself up if that was the case. 

Next set race isn't till the end of June and its a 5k, so I've really got to work hard over the next month because I want to get my 10k down. 

Life Lately via the Gram....Instagram.....

Of course I've been staying up with my running, with my fabulous girls K and her sweet little one. With the thought / idea of running my first Full Marathon in late fall I've got to keep those miles adding up. I feel so much better about myself after each run and I seem to impress myself more and more every day. Is so hard to explain the feeling sometimes but I LOVE IT!!!!! I have two set races coming up and then I don't think I'll do any through the hot summer months but hey who knows. Trying to do 13 races in 2013 and of course my 500 miles in 2013 so gotta keep hitting the streets. I have a race this Saturday and I'm hoping the rain holds out till after. 

The pups and I have been spending a lot of time at the dog park here lately. I feel guilty when I come home in the evenings from work and they've been stuck inside all day. So up to the park we go, 9 times out of 10 we are able to stay and play for a good bit but when other dogs come we have to bounce out because Bailey isn't so social in a confined area. she's kinda crazy They go nuts on our walk, you'd think it was the first time they have even been out. And it happens like that every single time. It's one of those things, you'd better be ready to step out the door the minute you pull the leashes out of the coat closet because they are going to go NUTS!!! 

Friday night I was babysitting K's sweet little one while they went on a date. It was about 8pmish and the hubbs texted me saying he was thinking he was going to come home for the weekend. SAY WHAT.... I know its only been a couple week's since he's been gone but this is the longest we've been apart in almost 2 years since he came home from his last deployment. So to say I was having hubby withdrawals would be a understatement. I had a commitment Saturday night that I could not get out of and I reminded him of that and he didn't mind. When I asked what made him think about coming home he said there really wasn't anything there for him to do over the weekend. Talk about a heart breaking moment. So we agreed that even though we'd only get a day together and a little bit of Sunday morning it was totally worth it. I some how managed to stay away once I got home till  2am when he got home. Saturday we met up with one of my families from school at the bowling alley on post to say a quick Hello and so they could me the hubbs. I love their little guy, he's so stinkin cute and his parents are the best. Little E to right to the hubbs and they were the best of pals, he took E and showed him the "trucks" outside and even offered to share his banana with him. Later that morning we did a little window shopping around town and then headed to Olive Garden for dinner. The weather out was super ugly and a bit chilly even so taking the pups out was a no go. We enjoyed the day together and I was so glad he came home. It was a short visit but nice having him around the house again. lol (you'd think he's been gone for months on end.) Sunday morning before he headed out we went for breakfast (Sunday morning tradition when he's home from work is homemade breakfast ), at least this time with him leaving I wasn't overly sick. GoodByes never get easy no matter how many we go through, no matter were they are going or what they are doing, they just SUCK plain and simple. I can't wait to have my love home again!!!! 

This week at work is Teacher Appreciation Day. Our Parents have spoiled us the last two days and its been super nice. They are so sweet and care so much about us. They always do their best to show us how much they care. Yesterday we received flowers, a Target gift card along with homemade blueberry muffins which were fabulous. Today we were given a jar of M&M's with the cutest poem on it about how much we love our kiddo's it was adorable. Our PTO (parent teacher organization) set up a wonderful buffet of snacks for all of the teachers today. There was everything from fresh fruit, muffins, candies and much more. It was a nice treat and we all enjoyed it VERY much. lol. After work I normally go straight home and I've been trying my best not to eat out since the hubbs is gone (gotta save that money) but today I treated myself, its teacher appreciation day after all, right!!!! 

With the hubbs gone I haven't really done to much, just hanging out with the pups and being a bit of a home body for the most part. I did have a little get together here at our house last night. I invited a few friends over for dinner and dessert and everyone seemed to have a great time. It was nice and I'm glad we did it, I miss having our weekly dinners like we did in Hawaii when the guys were deployed. I def. think I'm going to try and start doing this most often. Who know's maybe I'll actually meet some more wives in the process. 

Happy Birthday My Love

Missing my love like crazy here lately (he's away at school) and even more today than ever. It's his 30th Birthday and I can't believe he's so far away. (really he's only a few states away) But still you get my drift, birthdays alone are NEVER fun. When we got together he was only 23 years old and I was 21 kinda crazy when you put it like that. I'm so glad that we met when we were just we little young adults. I wouldn't change it for the world, its allowed us to really grow and become who we are together. I wish more than anything we could spend today together. I know when he gets home we will go out and celebrate both of our birthdays but its not the same as the day of. I'm BIG on celebrating birthdays that day, even if its just doing a dinner. 

So in keeping with my tradition I had to celebrate and the puppies to. The pups and I took a walk up to the dog park on post and had a great time running off all their energy. :) I'll be so glad when he's home and we can take our evening strolls together again. 

After work I went down to the Visita and picked up two cupcakes. You can't celebrate a birthday with out cupcakes. Hey even if he's not here, I have to eat one in his honor. RIGHT???!!!! Of Course. 

Thankfully the hubbs got out of class early and him and some of the guys he's met there went to dinner. We love LOVE mexican food so that's of course were they went. They sang Happy Birthday to him in Spanish (he sent me a video of it, to funny) and he had fried ice cream for dessert. One of his favorites. After dinner they went back to a bar on post for many drinks. The hubbs texted me at one point saying "I'm to old for this, everyone just ordered another round and I'm ready to go." lol I couldn't help but laugh, I don't blame him either it was a work / school night. I'm so glad that he was able to go out and enjoy the day and have a good time with his newly found friends. Even though he says 30's not a big deal, I mean come on it really is. At least its him and not me, at least not yet. 

I love this man so much and I'm so blessed to have spend the last almost 7 years with him. We celebrated more birthday's apart than we have together and you'd think by now we'd be used to it but not so much. I can't wait till he's back home were he belongs. :) 

because the yard needs mowing of course. 

Happy 30th Birthday Love!!!!!!! 

and many more to come.

Happy 27th Birthday to ME!!!!

Today is my 27th Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

The hubbs is away at school so that means I was celebrating all on my own. Well with the pups of course. I'd asked a couple different people if they wanted to get together for dinner or something but for one reason or another they couldn't

I got this fabulous card in the mail from my hubbs which was so sweet, I love when he makes his cards. He's so creative and such a goof ball. Not to mention he melts my heart with his words.

It was to beautiful out not to take the pups for a walk up to the dog park. I love that its less than half a mile from our house. I get a good walk in and they have so much fun playing. We spent about a half hour there before heading back home. 

After I got home I got ready and headed out for the day. I decided to stop by Starbucks and treat myself to breakfast before doing a little shopping at Target. After leaving Target I stopped by our local Strawberry stand and picked up some of these fresh berries. They by far have the best Strawberries ever!!! So sweet and juicy. 

 I headed over to my 12:30 appointment at Urban Nirvana Salon. I was treating myself to a hour long massage. I hardly ever do anything for myself. I get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of life that I forget to take time out for ME. So today was all about me, even if I did have to spend it alone. It was so nice and relaxing, my first time at the salon. I'll definitely be going back the staff was so nice, super clean facility and they made you feel so comfortable and best part is they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!! HollA!!!! The hour actually went by relatively slow which was nice and enjoyable. 

After I left the salon I headed downtown to Cupcake a local cupcake bakery in the Vista area. Everyone needs cupcakes on their birthday and today was no exception. Normally the hubbs and I go together on the weekends when he is home but today I had to go solo. I left with a Cinnamon / Sugar and Turtle flavored Cupcake. They are so yummy :) 

Later that evening I ended up going to dinner with Kelly and her famdamly. I met them over at her house and we hung out for a bit then headed to Sato's Japanese Steak House. I absolutely LOVE this place. Mainly for the food of course but the fun atmosphere and the table cook top, were they cook right in front of you adds to the enjoyment of your time there. I alway's have plenty of left overs for lunch or dinner the next day and of course a added bonus they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!!!

 We had a great dinner with lots of laughs, I don't think our waiter notices the lovely ring on my left hand because he was trying really hard and working his charm lol. Kelly, her Sis-in-law and I headed out for dessert after dinner at 32 Degrees. A local Frozen Yogurt bar. Which of course also gave a MILITARY DISCOUNT. I'm all about that discount yall!!!!  

My husband works darn hard for it so we use it when we can!!!

I went in to the day pretty bummed that I was going to be spending it alone and that the hubbs was away but it ended up being a pretty fabulous day. 27 is already starting off great and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me. 

When I got home I popped open a bottle of bubbly and sat down with the pups to enjoy a relaxing evening. It was a great day, pretty mellow and the weather was beautiful out. Only thing missing is my love. But we will be celebrating when he gets home for sure. We'll be making up for lots of lost time and both of our birthday's. His is coming up really soon!!!! 

Little did I know my night / birthday celebrations for the day weren't over yet. I had a Skype date with these lovely ladies :) My Spouse, Mistress and Mini Nanc. :) They called on skype and told me to go get one of my cupcakes I'd gotten today. (thank goodness I hadn't eatin either of them) Then they pulled out cupcakes with candles and sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!!! How freaking sweet are they!!! I was almost in tears. They said even though we're a ocean apart we can still celebrate together and that we did. I miss them more than ever but soon they will both be back on the mainland and much much closer so I can't wait. We mapped out our summer vacay trip together and Im excited for our upcoming adventure. :) 

It was a great way to end a wonderful day!!!! 

I can't wait to have my love back home with me, this is going on the longest we've been apart since he's been home from his last deployment and I'm not enjoying it at all. BLAH. 

2nd Half 1st Trail.....Race

After a week of nagging and sweet talking me in to doing this race with her I finally caved and said yes. I was hesitant at first because I haven't ran long distance since my first half last month. I've only ran 3-5 miles at a time to keep up my speed and endurance. But with a little twist and pull and convincing I said YES. Just two days before the race I signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon, My 1st Trail Half Marathon. My only dilemma was that the race was in Charlotte, NC which was about a hour & half drive away. I had the option of going up with Kelly Friday night and staying with her at her families farm in Rock Hill. I didn't mind the drive but with the hubs being away I would be left having to find someone to look after the pups over night if I decided to go up that night. Just getting back from Vacay a couple weeks ago and having to ask some one to watch the puppies I didn't really want to have to do that again. So I decided to stay home and just wake up early Saturday morning and drive up. Thankfully the race started at 9am so I didn't have to get up crazy early. 

Registration was $35 so really what did I have to loose. It was the day before my birthday and I would be able to have another Half under my belt. Great way to kick off my b-day weekend, sure thing!!!! 

The Trail Half Marathon - Tuck Fest was located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I've never been here before but have heard great things about it. And I'm looking forward to going back with the hubs to take advantage of some of the awesome activities they offer. 

Before I left my house I had to snap a pic for the hubs of course!!! Kelly's so sweet with her birthday treats, love her!!!! 

At the start line waiting for the "Ready set GO"!!!!!!!! 

This was by far one of the most challenging runs / races I've ever done to say the least. The scenery was great and the weather was perfect but the terrain was crazy. I've never enjoyed running on dirt or a soft ground and this definitely just proved once again that I wasn't a fan. I absolutely LOVE hiking though the mountains and wooded area however running a race through it is totally different. 

We decided at the beginning of the race we weren't going for time. This was a first for both of us, (a trail run) so we were just taking it as it came and having fun with it. We wanted to get another long run in before it got to hot out. South Summers are KILLER. We took advantage and had some fun with it snapping a few photos along the way. At about mile 9 we were completely DONE. We had agreed that trail running was NOT for us and we'd be happy just getting this race over with. There were only 3..THREE..3 water stations through out the whole 13.1 miles and they were very pouring placed. The route was poorly marked, I think if I was doing it by myself I would have been so lost. We had fun and there were lots of laughs through out the morning along with a few frustrating moments. We each took a fall during the race and we most def. did not run the entire thing, it just wasn't possible. We went in to it blind not knowing what to expect. We had a great time but both agreed NEVER AGAIN. At least we can say we did it, got another long run in and marked off the miles. Even if it did take us 3.08 hours to complete it.

 Unfortunately I had to be back in the South by 1:30 that afternoon (totally didn't happen) so we weren't able to get any after pictures. I was kind of bummed but didn't realize it till after I was on the road headed back home. I crossed the finish line running and just kept running to my car. It was definitely a race I wont forget, and what better way to start off celebrating my 27th Birthday. 

Runners will Run

My heart simply aches for those affected by the horrible tragedy that happened yesterday in Boston. We will never comprehend why people do the things they do. What they intend to get out of it and how it makes them feel any better. Yet we are left with broken hearts, incomplete families and a shaken community. As a avid runner myself I know the feeling you get from running competitively, running races and running just to run. It's my time to get out clear my head, reminisce on my day and life in general, its my ME TIME, its my Therapy. To have that completely taken away would be just devastating. I wont let this affect me were I live in fear and shelter myself from the world. However I only plan on embracing life even more. You NEVER know what is going to happen next, what's around the corner or just up the street from you. Whom ever did this trying to break us down was sadly mistaken........This is not only going to bring the running community together more but the entire United States. I'm deeply saddened for the ones who lost loved ones and were injured during what is suppose to be one of the greatest moments of their life. Running the Boston Marathon is such a honor and gift to those who do so, it will have even more meaning in the years to come. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to each and every person involved and effected by yesterday's events. If your a runner I encourage you to get out there and run for those who can't. Run for those who weren't able to finish the Boston Marathon. And if your not a runner well there's always a time to start!!! No time like the present right :)

PRAY FOR BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got my run in for the evening did you??? I'll be running my race this weekend in memory of Boston!!!!

Home is were the Heart is.....

......Mines in Texas!

Friday involved more eating of course, what ever else do we do in Texas. Lots of Mexican food was consumed during this trip home, which is fine by me because I love it. 

JT and I went to lunch with a couple of our friends, Mexican of course. After lunch I had to say a few goodbyes even though I wasn't leaving for another day & a half. Then I went and met up with one of my High School Best Friends who recently had a baby. It was so great to see her. She ended up marrying someone we went to school with who I happened to date my freshman year. Kinda crazy. (of course I've known this well before their wedding.)

 That evening I headed back to were my brother stays for a little cook out. We spent the evening and late into the night chatting and simply having a good time. The food was so yummy and of course I got more puppy love in. This was also one of the hardest nights since being home. I had to say my goodbyes to JT. It sucked, there's no other way to put it. I've missed him so much and finally getting to hang out and spend time together has been great. I can't wait for him to come out to the South to spend some time with us. Like most siblings we fought like crazy growing up but now we are the best of friends and I'd do anything for him. 

This picture cracks me up!!!! 

I've loved being home as I always do and Its so hard to leave and say goodbye, I can't wait to go back again soon. Hopefully the hubbs and I will be able to make a trip together here sooner than later. 

day-9

Family Day - Texas Style

Wednesday was family day and it involved lots of eating of course. What else do you do on vacay?!?!? Everyone wanted to get together for lunch or dinner. I was so tired of eating out after a while. 

JT & I had plans that morning to go visit someone and then after that we met up with our Nene and Dad for lunch at Cheddars. He doesn't think he looks like dad but I really think he does. It was a bit chilly and rainy today but we still had a good visit and I'm glad we were able to get together. 

Us with Dad!

Our Beautiful Nene!!!! 

That evening we had family dinner at our Mamaw's house. Generally everyone gets together at her house once a week for dinner. Since I was in town I was nominated the one to cook dinner. I didn't mind though, I enjoy cooking and it mint a home cooked meal over eating out. :) JT came over early to help me with everything. I decided to make homemade chicken pot pie, from scratch it takes a bit more work and is kinda time consuming so having two of us working on it helped out a lot. 

He's a great cook and we made a good team working together. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it because there wasn't a drop left in the pan. 

 For dessert I made one of my favorite campfire desserts, S'Mores. I love love S'Mores they are so yummy. I was curious how they'd turn out doing it in the oven but let me tell you they were fabulous!!! Nice, Hot and Gooey just how they're suppose to be. 

Meet some of our family!!!!

Little Robert, also know as Jr. 

 Uncle Richard!! 

 Papa James!!!

 Mom!!!! 

 JT also brought Callie to dinner with him, so of course I had to take full advantage of her being here and get lots of cuddles and kisses. 

She's just so sweet you can't help but love her!!!

Makes me miss my puppies when I'm away. 

 day-7