Night Fire BCT style

Tonight I had a chance to go out to the range were the hubbs was working. Myself and S (a fellow Delta wife) made the 25 minute drive out to the range were the SIT (soldiers in training) were going to be doing the Night Infiltration Course. (yes 25 mins. to get to ranges ON post, some take 30-40 minutes to get to.) When we arrived the SIT were still being briefed on what they were going to be doing and going through drills. I was able to catch the hubbs front in center hard at work, with his privates. I really enjoy getting to watch him work / train with the new soldiers. This is something us as spouses did get to do in Hawaii, so its kinda neat that they allow us to be apart of the trainings.

Night Fire~ the soldiers will have to low crawl with their weapon in hand in a giant sand pit, with live fires being shot from two towers 36 feet above their head. We were told when down on the ground the shots seem much lower to the soldier then they really are. 

Just before night fall we headed up in the tower to get settled and ready to watch the "show". The hubbs was able to come up for a minute to say hello, which was lovely getting to see him. Once he left we were chit chatting with the other people in the tower not paying attention when the first set of shots went off. It definitely caught our attention. At first glance you can't see the SIT coming down the lanes but once they all get out there its like a see of bodies crawling through the sand. Weapon in hand they aren't allowed to get up at all till they pass their DS. The DS have Kem lights attached to there helmets so the soldiers can identify who is who. The Soldier on range cadre for the night who was running the grenades shots & the range had a pair of MPGs, night vision goggles that we were able to use. It helped being able to see the SIT better. It was a really neat experience to watch & be apart of. As the Soldiers made their way across they filled in formation and encouraged their fellow battle buddies along in cadence. They did a great job, a lot better than I could have done for as long of a stretch as they had to crawl. 

Here the DS & 1st SGT are preparing for what's about to go down. 

Looking through the Night Vision Googles as the soldiers are coming down the range. 

After all the shot are fire, (they can only shoot 400 rounds) the are still tons of soldiers on the range. They give them about 10 more minutes then they turn on the lights allowing them to see better were they need to go. As you can see in the photo above to the right these two soldiers are headed right to the center tower. WRONG WAY!!!! 

Below are the soldiers who are finished and waiting for the others to make it through. 

They had to ice sheet one girl because she was so hot. 

Ice Sheet~ they strip you down to nothing and wrap you in insulated sheets that have been soaking in ice cold water, in coolers. You don't want to be ice sheeted, and have everything God gave you out there for everyone to see but hey sometimes it happens. 

It was a lot of fun watching and being apart of tonight, even though I didn't get to spend much time at all with the hubbs it was great to be there seeing what he does. 

~DAY 260

triple digits

The heat is here and I don't think it's going any were any time soon. They kept predicting we were going to be in the triple digits come the weekend. Whelp, let me tell you that happen a few days early. Yesterday on my way home I looked down at my dash, my temperature gage said 100. YIKES!!!!! Today folks we've moved up in the triple digits and I'm not diggin it at all. Even worse the hubbs has FTX (Field Training Exercise) this weekend and wont be home much. I've been drinking lots of water, always making sure I have a extra bottle with me. I think I'll be spending a good part of the weekend in doors if the heat keeps up. We just have to make it through the horrible summer heat, oh what like 4 maybe 5 months, then cooler tempts to come. 

~DAY 259~

Its almost here.....

Look what we've been working on at school this week. With Independence day less than a week away, we had to get crackin. I've had in my head all along that I wanted to make our whole bulletin board into a American Flag. Lets just say it was a bit more challenging then I had expected but I'm please with the way it turned out. We've also spent the last few days making 4th of July themed art and we've got lots more to keep us busy over the next two weeks. 

Any big plans for you and the family over the 4th ???? 

The hubbs and I plan on spending it here on post. They have a huge event at the graduation field and everyone goes, I've been told its pretty spectacular. (we'll see)

~DAY 258~

Lunch Break

I was invited out to lunch today by a co-worker and I passed......thank goodness I did because I came home to this!!!!!! 

After a long 30 something hours at work (he had CQ the day before, 4am Monday - 9am Tuesday) he only managed to sleep two hours when he got home this morning. When I walked in from work he had lunch made and we spent the next hour & half cuddling on the couch together. :) I love this man so so much, I just wish we had more time together. Right now he's so busy with work and frankly it SUCKS :(. I'll take what I can get though because I know it could be MUCH worse. 

~DAY 257~

Breeze Creations Grand Opening

Hello there everyone, a sweet blogger friend is following her dreams and I want to help her make that dream come true and blossom!!!!! She has opened up her very own online shop / boutique. Included you will find fabulous hair accessories, jewelery and much more to come. I hope you'll take a minute to check out her shop, and give her some love!!! 

Help pass the world around about the Grand Opening of

 Breeze Creations. 

So a bit of information about the shop- straight from Ms. B herself!!!!!

*Shipping for now will only be to the United States and Canada. 

*Headbands from now on (after the ones in the shop sale) are going to be made to order. 

*The hair combs can be made to order on your request. Custom order to colors you love!!!! 

This process is still in develop so check back often!!!

http://breezecreation.storenvy.com/

~DAY 256~

Summer Lovin!!!

This morning while I was cleaning the house I got a call from a co-worker (who is currently off for the summer) she wanted to go to the water park on post. BACK UP~ her two granddaughters (she was one of the older ladies I worked with) are in town visiting 11 yrs old & 3 years old. She was wanting to catch up but always needed a extra hand at the water park for the little one. Since the hubbs was working and I didn't have any plans I agreed to go. It was a nice afternoon out and the park wasn't busy at all. Being my first time there I didn't know what to expect but that park was pretty nice and very well kept. Small but big enough to enjoy for everyone. And by everyone I mean EVERYONE and EVERYTHING God gave them. I've always been self conscious about the way I look in a swim suit, just something that comes with life. But I tell you what I didn't feel a lick of sham today. My worship pastor Big E back home (as well as the same man who married us) would always say "just because they made it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it" AMEN!!!! I have to say it made for some good people watching thats for sure. For me, I have to be comfortable in it and love the way I look if I'm going to wear it our in public. We had a great time catching up but I was ready to get back to my hubby. (he finally was home from work) I just don't mesh with my co-workers here like I did in HI. I don't think the hubbs and I would go there just the two of us, its definitely more geared towards families with kids. But it's nice that we have it on post for these hot summer days we are having. 

Before heading home I stopped off for some frozen yogurt. I received a gift card to 32 degrees Yogurt bar a few weeks back from one of my parents and decided to finally use it. I'm not really a fan of different flavored yogurts so I stuck with Vanilla. For my toppings I decided on Sprinkles~ always, Mini Reese Piece's ~ because I'd never seen them before, and I added a few Nerds ~ shouldn't have. This was the first time I'd seen Nerds on a dessert topping bar, lets just say I won't do those again. I like them but it just didn't mix well with the yogurt.

For dinner I tried out a new recipe I got from a fellow blogger friend. I'd been itching to try it here for a while now and finally got around to it. Lets just say we weren't disappointed at all, it was fabulous. We even have enough left over for lunch for the next couple days.
You can find the recipe here ~ Summer Veggie Pasta, thanks so much Kate for sharing one of your families dinner dishes, it will forever be in our recipe book. :)

~DAY 255~

Our week on Instagram

Here's a glimpse back at our week Instagram style. It was a pretty good week all around, a few unexpected turn of events, two dinner outings and a bit of shopping. 

Our last and final sunflower bloomed. 

This was a baby one but still pretty. Did you know that sunflowers only have one life. Yup, once they bloom and die they are done for. If you want them to grow back next year you can either collect & harvest the seeds or simple buy more and replant. They are really easy to grow, you just have to make sure they have plenty of water. I was disappointed when I found out they wouldn't come back on their own. 

Wednesday ~Day 251~ 

This week the SIT are spending some time at the range getting ready for BRM Qualifications. This is very important and plays a big role in weather or not a Soldier graduates. Friday is the last day for Qualifications & also makes 4 weeks down, only 5 weeks to go.

(hubby standing on the left) 

Later that evening we went to dinner with another couple from the company. The guys had been wanting to try out this German restaurant called Hullers. It was ok, they liked it of course. Me not so much but the dessert selection was to die for!!!! I couldn't pick just one, our waiter was kind enough to bring me two slices of cake. German Chocolate & Carrot Cake, I decided against the Cheese Cake as I figured that would make me look like a complete fatty lol. Its not often at all that we order dessert when we go out to eat but when its included in your meal you simply can't say no. 

I think Bailey was in need of some major cuddle time because when we went to bed this is were she laid for the first half hour. 

Thursday ~Day 252~ 

I had been dreading today all week and quite frankly contemplated canceling my appointment a few times. In hopes to brighten the day I decided to do a little retail therapy shopping before going to the dreaded dentist. :( I haven't shopped much for myself here lately, we are trying to save more were we can and cut out unnecessary costs. I did buy myself a cute new dress & a pair of earrings. It helped a little but once I sat in that chair in the dental office it all changed. A few tears started streaming down my face as the nurse asked how I was doing. After explaining to the Dr. I needed to have a tooth pulled (which is what I was told from another dentist, I came for a 2nd opinion), he could tell how upset and nervous I was. He started making conversation over my tattoos on my feet to change the subject, it help and worked (I knew those things would come in handy one day lol). Thank goodness for 2nd opinions, because he said he could fix it and I wouldn't need to have it pulled. Thank you lord, I was scared sh*tl*ss. See I spent a lot of time during middle school at the Orthodontist because I had braces, enough to last a lifetime. So I cringe at the though of going now, yes at the age of 26 I cried at the dentist. A hour & a half later I walked out feeling a bit funny because the whole left side of my mouth was numb. I still have to go back two more times to finish things up. I have hopes that after this ordeal dental visits wont be as bad. We shall see. 

While I was over coming my fears of the dentist this was going on in the bay were the hubbs works. Lets just say you really shouldn't cross a DS wrong, lie, cover up for someone, hide things, keep secrets, speak when not spoken to, better yet you better NOT move unless told to. 

Friday ~Day 253~ 

Nothing more attractive then seeing my Soldier in his uniform. I love coming home and he's already home from work. Being a DS that doesn't happen very often, he's normally home HOURS after me and I get off at 5:30pm. We had a little date night tonight, dinner at Carrabba's. It was the first time we've gotten all dolled up and go out just the two of us since Cycle started. He finally got his Mojiti he'd been wanting. I'm not a fan at all, never have been so I stuck with my sweet tea. :) 

Saturday ~Day 254~

I needed to run to the PX this morning to grab a few things to finish cleaning the house. I decided to treat myself to breakfast, after all I am spending the weekend home alone. I did text the hubbs to see if they wanted any but he declined. I'm sure I'll get a call for lunch here after while so that's fine. 

And there's that lunch call I mentioned above. They are out all day at the confidence course unable to leave. The SIT get to feast on MRE's but really who wants that. At the hubbs request it was pizza, I was gonna get the good stuff but he said go cheap so I did. With a bit of a variety from Cheese, Pepperoni, Taco, Zesty, Mac n Cheese the Drill SGT's of D-Co were quite please. I enjoy getting to go out and take them lunch when I can and get a glimpse at what they are doing. 

I didn't stay to long because it was crazy hot out and well lets face it the air conditioner was calling me. 

Give me a break....

DONE!!!!!!

 Keeping watch on the neighbors dogs. 

Our pups have it so hard, a ruff life I tell you. I came home for a brief moment today on my lunch and they both went straight outside. When I went to look for them this is what I found. Gosh I wish I had a dogs life, they have it so easy. You would have though they ran a marathon or worked all day by the way they were passed out in the backyard. Must be nice because I sure don't get as much rest as they do. No wonder they have SOOOO much energy when I take them walking in the evenings. 

~DAY 250~

Look alike or not ????

So I guess there is a little debate going around the bay were hubby works. He texted me today asking if he looked like Nicolas Cage, SAY WHAT?!?!?! Ummm NO, I replied. I have a slight crush on NC, two of my favorite movies he played in were Gone in 60 Seconds & Con Air. I don't think him & the hubbs look similar at all. His Battle put together this picture today & she sent it to me to see the comparison.....What do you think?!?!?! 

Look alike or Not????

~DAY 249~

Ohana means Family

I'd been looking forward to this weekend since I found out about it. A Hawaii reunion with the B family in the South. The B family has in-laws in Greenville, South which is only two hours away from us!!!! They were coming down for a visit for a few days and invited us up for a cook out / gathering. I saw them back in December when I went to TN for a visit but the hubbs hadn't seen them since he was on R&R, March 2011. Let me just tell you if there was any other girl he had wrapped around his finger it would have to be their now 4 year old. He LOVES/D S so so much, that was his little squirt. I asked him almost EVERYday to see if he could get the day off to go up with me and finally at the last minute we found out he was going to have off. THANK GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!
We met the B family in Hawaii, I worked at the CDC on post and S was in my class. R asked me to watch her a time or two and then from there we were always hanging out and spending holidays together. When her hubbs was deployed I helped her out a lot with S. They are family to us and I absolutely LOVE them. Baby O is now 8 months old and as cute as a button, back in December when I first met him he was only 2 months old. He definitely has more of a personality now and starting to become quite the charmer. The hubbs had loads of fun with him, he is so good with kids. For someone that doesn't want kids anytime soon, he really is good with them. It makes me smile and warms my heart, because I know he is going to be a great dad one day. 

While we were hanging out before we left we took some "family pictures".
I love these two kids they are so cute and fun to hang out with.

family pic. take ~ 1

 family pic. take ~ 2

 family pic. take ~ 3

 Oh goodness I wonder how will we will be able to manage family photos when we have our own kiddos. It was so funny trying to get both kids & us to look at the camera at the same time.

Two of my favorite girls!!!!
We've celebrated many birthdays, homecomings, deployments, tears, dinners, shopping trips, Hawaiian adventures, late night dates (together & separate) and so much more.
I broke S of her passy, I was the first one to keep her over night,
(& up until tomorrow night I was still the only one to ever keep her over night)
I let her walk around my house while eating right out of a tub of icing,
(hey she was going home shortly after lol)
I would & still would do anything for her & her brother. I hate HATE that we live so far apart now. Although now that we are on the Mainland we are closer than when we were in Hawaii after they left. Still there's that distance thing, darn you Army.

She could totally pass as our kid right :)
(shhhh, you can keep a secret right....... I hope when we do have A (yes single) child that its a girl bc I know she will be a daddy's girl.)

We had such a blast catching up with the B family and meeting some of their extended family. Lunch was beyond fabulous, everyone was so welcoming and you would never of though that the Hubbs, C & R hadn't been around each other in over a year. That's what I love so much about our Hawaii Army Ohana, we are able to pick up right were we left off no matter the time apart. 

~DAY 248~

ONE YEAR AGO!!!!!

One Year ago TODAY I wrote THIS POST Welcoming my Soldier home from his 2nd deployment to Iraq. I can't believe its been a year already boy does time fly. Some times it seems like its been longer than a year that he has been back and then other times it seems as if he just got home a few weeks ago. Either way I'm so blessed beyond belief that he is home and that we survived another long deployment coming out strong than when he left. I'm thankful that we get to spend today together, not just because he has the day OFF (Hallelujah) but to celebrate such a accomplishment. Deployments are NEVER easy and I don't wish it upon anyone, but they are what you make of them. 

Having My Love home with me safe in my arms is the best feeling in the world. At that very moment everyone & everything in the world disappered and I was in heaven. 

So much has change / happened in the last year,
*we toured the island doing everything possible we could before leaving
*went to our first Army Ball together
*said our see you laters to our first home, friends & our life we made in Hawaii

*went home to TX to visit my family & friends

*we PCSed to a new duty station in the South 

*celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary 

* I started a new job which I wasn't crazy about at the time & now I love it

*the hubbs went to & graduated Drill SGT school

*I was reunited with a few Hawaii friends more than once since being back on the mainland

*we've settled into our new home & are slowly growing to enjoy the area around us

*we've started our first full cycle on the trail & so far its going good. (6 weeks till graduation)

I know there are tons of other little things that have happen over the last year but these are just a few bigger things that stick out in my head right now. Beside a few field exersices & far to many CQ shifts pulled I have to say this is the first year since we have been married that he hasn't been away for school or trainings for a long period of time, which is really nice. 

I can't wait to see what this next year hold, I know new and exciting things are ahead of us and I'm glad we get to experience and enjoy life together. I wouldn't want to have it any other way. 

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BEING HOME BABY!!!!!!

This is us today :) One Year later!!!