Getting Creative & Family

Balloon Birthday Wreath.

Isn't this the neatest thing ever ?!??! It's so much cuter in person. The same girl that made our Infantry wreath made this for a girl I work with. She's going to use it for her son's 2nd birthday coming up next month. I picked it up for her today since she lives on post near me. I kinda wanted to keep it for myself it was so cute. lol. Can't wait to go to little Coleman's birthday here in a few weeks. 

In other news my Father in Love & his dad (the hubbs grandpa) arrived this afternoon. They are only here for a couple days but just in time to see Graduation. This is kinda neat for both Jeff (FIL) and the hubbs because his dad to was a Drill SGT during his time in the army. So listening to them compare their stories and how things have change is interesting. The two of them are both really close and I know he is excited to have his dad here with him. I always enjoy having the In Loves visit us were ever we are. They are the sweetest people in the world, I really lucked out in that department and couldn't have asked for better. I only wish that his mom was able to come as well, but she had to work. 

Today was also my Friday at work so that's exciting, looking forward to a long 5 days off with my love!!!! 

~DAY 292~

Shapin' Up

We did our last bulletin board for the summer semester and I think this is one of my favorites. Just because its so darn cute with their art work. I've only had five kiddos through out the summer so its been a lot of fun. They have all definetily gotten their fair share of one on one attention. I'm going to miss these little guys when they move up to the Toddler 2 class but as the story goes all great things must come to a end. 

~DAY 291~

Instagram Weekend Review!!

I received our ACU / Infantry Wreath on Friday that I had made from a girl here on post. I absolutely LOVE it!!!! (I might change the name tape out to black letters, thoughts???)

Came home from work to the hubby curled up on the couch. I pushed aside the urge to join him, so the pups & I could get our run in.

It's a Zumba kinda morning here in the South, before & after totally pooped but feeling GREAT!!

Somebody had a long day at work, & I'm not talking about the hubbs lol, just kidding.
My lazy Loves!!!

I babysat Saturday night for one of my families in my class & this was her nursery. It was absolutely adorable, connected to the parents bedroom. (giant over sized closed turned nursery)

I made a trip to Sam's on Sunday to pick up a few things & they happen to have Watermelons on sale.
             YES PLEASE!!! (this is only 1/3 of it)

A few weeks ago at work a co-worker made this FANTASTIC Pasta Salad. She so kindly shared her recipe & voila lunch for the hubby & I this afternoon. I was never a fan of PS till I tried hers, it was to die for. I hope the hubby likes this one because he's always asking me to make it.

Every so often I enjoy a yummy pop-tart on my way to work in the mornings. While at the PX Sunday afternoon hubby spotted this cute little holder & picked it up for me. :) A trip to the Commissary later & we scored this giant box on sale. I wont go hungry that's for sure!!! 

While at the Commissary we were looking down the protein / health food aisle when the hubby started picking up a few of these Larabar's to try. I'd looked for them a time of two before when I went shopping but never had any luck finding them. A fellow blogger raved about them and so I'm interested to try one and see how they are!!!

We spend the rest of Sunday evening lounging around, getting things ready for the Father in Love to get here in a few days. I made a fabulous dinner that we both couldn't stop talking about and then called it a early night seeings we are both going to have a long Monday!!!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend & a great week to come!!!

~DAY 288, 289, 290~

Early Riser & Vic Forge Week

I am not a morning person at all, I sleep in till the very last minute during the week. I'm really trying to get better at getting up earlier and getting things done around the house & getting ready for work. I'm making progress slowly, which is better than not at all. I'm really wanting to get up early enough before work to get my run in for the day. This way when I get home from work if I don't feel up to it, then its fine. Right now because its so stinkin hot out I have to wait till 7-730pm to go for my run. I like getting home changing and going right then and there but with this heat I can't. Even more so since I take the pups with me there's no way that they can be out running in such hot weather. Last night I went to bed by 10:30pm and woke up when my alarm went off at 6am. Instead of turning it off like I normally do I got my booty out of bed and dressed for my run. I surprisingly once I got up and dressed I was wide awake, that always happens. Its just the "getting up" and out of bed part that sucks. I leashed up the pups, we headed out for our run. I was back in plenty of time to shower, eat some breakfast and get ready for my day. I was in such a good mood, I was so proud of myself for finally following through with my morning run and not caving in to my comfy pillow. My goal is to get up early at least 2 morning through out the week to get my run in before work. This way I can still sleep in if I want and then I don't have to worry with it when I get off. Since I run 5 days a week sometimes 6 days this will break the time up a bit. I will be able to plan around evening activities with the hubbs and not feel bad for not getting my run in. Day one DONE, I did it and now I know I can do it again!!!!  

My day was going great, it started off on the right foot LITERALLY lol and then when I came home for lunch it just got even better. I pulled into our drive way to see the hubby's car sitting there. Something I was not expecting to see at all. This week is Victory Forge week, this is were they take the SIT out to the field for the entire week Mon-Fri and they are able to put everything they have learned through out the past 9 weeks to the test. The Drill SGTs have to stay out their with them as well because there is so much to do and train on still. It sucks because they don't get much sleep at all and with the 100+ temperatures we've been having I don't know how they are even able to function. The last day for Vic Forge is tomorrow but I guess there was some clothing used that needed to be cleaned before it could be turned in so he came home to wash it and clean everything up. It was such a nice surprise seeing him and being able to spend my lunch together. Normally he will text me when he is home but not today, it was nice though I liked the surprise. I was bummed when I had to leave because I know he was headed back out to the field shortly after me. It's ok though because he'll be home tomorrow evening. 

We're ALMOST done with our first cycle, it really hasn't been as bad for me as I though it would be. Still not a walk in the park and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone but its been doable.
"Welcome to Ft. Jackson - Victory Starts Here"
(That's what the gate guards say every time we come through the gate)

~DAY 287~

CONGRATS TO MY LOVE!!!

I am so unbelievably happy for my love and all that he does. Its been ruff adjusting from a line unit to a tradoc post. Having to work with people that simply don't care what they are doing, because its not them that have to pass BCT and Graduate just drives him to crazy. Some of the people he works with really just don't care about their job and slack off a lot. Leaving the hubbs to pick up were needed so everything gets done and taken care of on time. He complains about it some times and other times he just says its apart of his job. Either way he's made it through each day and I know he will come out of this assignment a completely different soldier, a even better, stronger soldier. His first full cycle is almost under his belt. Graduation is next Thursday, followed by a week off going to school for combatives training level 2. Then they pick up a new cycle that Friday and the process starts all over again. They say the average Drill SGT goes through about 10 cycles during his time on the trail. I know its not what he truly wants to be doing right now but I can tell you one thing he is doing it good and making a impact on these (SIT) soon to be Soldiers. As well as his command and the people he works with. It's not often you are awarded with Drill SGT of the Cycle on your first cycle through but I'm proud to say MY HUBBY GOT IT!!!!! I couldn't be more happy for him. No, he doesn't really get much for it, they recognize him on Graduation Day, he'll get a plaque and it will go on his record. That tells you something right there, he's really putting his heart into what he does and all his might. Because if he didn't there would have been no way he would have been awarded with it on his first cycle.

My Drill SGT hard at work training the future American Soldiers!!
Congratulations baby, I'm so proud of you!!! You are truly my hero!!!!!!!
~DAY 286~

I feel life slipping away...

Just when I was having a down and ruff day, there was a knock at my door. It was the UPS man dropping off a package. I completely forgot I was even expecting anything till I looked closer at the label. I (with some help from my mom) put together this photo collage book for my Spouse aka Best Friend for her birthday. Its a collection of pictures we took together while in Hawaii through out all of our adventures. I had it sent straight to her in Hawaii last October and never ordered myself one till just a few weeks ago. I got it in the mail today and have looked through it about 5 times already. Its hard to look through the pictures sometimes and then other times its so exciting to see all the wonderful things I was able to experience with her. We've been through so much together and have so much ahead of us, I just can't wait to see what life has in store for the two of us. Its been ruff lately not having her around having to adjust to life on the mainland. Watching / reading through FB how different things are now that I have moved away some times just brings tears to my eyes. Its hard to see someone you care about and love so much simply go on with out you. Building relationships with new people, having other people call your best friend there best friend. Seeing them enjoying things together that you use to enjoy doing. Its hard, it sucks, its not easy and I don't know how to make these feelings go away. I try not to say I'm jealous of the situation but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. What we had and still have is something special, it wasn't built over night and I know it will never go away but that doesn't mean its easy living thousands of miles away from each other. The time difference doesn't help either and some times it only makes things worse. I don't want to be that needy friend but I don't know how to make the situation better. I've tried making friends here but it just never seems to work out and it doesn't help that everyone that lives on our street is either retired or much older or frankly never comes out of their home. I go to our FRG meetings and Functions and I talk with the wives there but the relationship never seems to go further than that no matter how hard I try. I work with ladies much older than myself, we are talking in their 60's, which don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with that. Its just that I'd like to have someone I can relate to and talk to that is close to my own age. Go to the movies with so I don't have to go alone, go shopping with or grab a late night drink with when the hubby has to work. We do have a big trip planned in October for a week and I am super excited about it. However I just can't help but think that once its over things will just go back to the way they are now. I'll be back in the South they will be back in Hawaii and life will go on. As it should I just wish things were different. I can't go back I can't change things I just have to move on and continue to work with what I have and maintain our relationship that we have build on it. Its just hard, I've been through so much in my life since becoming a Army wife and just when I think I've got "this" down I find myself fighting for something else. I don't want to loose what we have, I don't want someone else to step in and take my place but how do I do that when I'm not there every day any more like I use to be??? 

I know this is the army life and am not complaining about the army, because if it wasn't for the army I wouldn't have the people in my life that I do. 

 I think I've cried enough tears for the night, I'm gonna hit the pavement to burn off some heart ache.

~DAY 285~

Our Not so Exciting Sunday

We didn't do anything to overly exciting today, a little shopping & baby visiting but that was about it. Our friends D & A had their 1st baby Friday night and we went and saw the sweet little girl Sunday afternoon when they got home from the hospital. Of course we had to get them a special little something so that required us to make a trip to Target. :) They live right near Old Navy as well so before we headed over to visit we stopped off to see what good sales they had going on. 

I scored a few new items for my work out wardrobe, you simply can never have to much!

After chatting with the G family for a while we headed home for dinner and the season finale of the Bachelorette, The Next FoodNetwork Star and Army Wives which completed our evening. Very exciting and eventful don't ya say. LOL We have a busy week ahead of us so we took today to relax!!!! 

~DAY 283~

Movie Night @ the Drive In.

Making the most of the hubby's 4 day weekend we decided to finally make our way to the drive in. Lucky for us there are two in the south and one is just a hour away. We decided a few weeks back that we would go this weekend as long as something decent was playing. We both wanted to see TED but that was about the only thing on this weeks listings that interested us. What the heck we though you can't beat two movies for $7 bucks and besides it will be fun.
We headed out just after 5pm to get there in plenty of time before the movies started. Gates opened at 6:30pm but the movies didn't start till 9pm. We wanted to get there early to 1- ensure we got in and 2- make sure we got good parking with a easy get away at the end so we wouldn't be stuck in traffic for a hour. This was only my 2nd time to the drive in and I can't wait to go back. We will definitely go back in the fall / winter time, that's when it gets dark earlier and the movies start before 9pm. 

On our screen The Amazing Spider-Man was playing first then TED. Not being a huge SM fan myself I wasn't jumping out of my seat about seeing it but it ended up not being that bad. The husband hated it and as soon as it was over said, "That was the worst movie I've ever seen." Opps good thing we had a good one to follow up. 

We took full advantage of the snack bar, best part about that was the prices were dirt cheap. A thing of nachos, couple orders of fires a burger or two and we were set for the night. We were gonna go back for a funnel cake at some point but decided not to. (i'm sure that was for the best lol)

We bummed around on our phones, did lots of people watching and chatting while we waiting for the movie to start. Once we got there I kinda felt bad that we were there SOOO early but hey we had fun and got to spend loads of quality time together and for me that's all I wanted. The hubbs has been so busy since this cycle started we haven't had much time to just go out and relax and not have to worry about staying out late because we have work the next day. 

We had a great view of the screen since we got there so early and there was only a few cars before us. Next time we go we probably wont go quite as early because we now know what to expect. The weather was in the low 80's the entire night, even at 1am when we were still there watching TED, we looked at each other and pointed out the temperature gage on the dash. Kinda crazy right, we went back and forth having the windows down and the AC on. 

Just hanging out with my love before the movie started. 

It was definitely a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back and do it again. We are trying to see more of the city / state when he's on pass or cycle break and I have to say this weekend was so much fun. As much as I say I wont miss it here when we leave, I know I'll be bummed if we don't get a chance to do certain things. I'm glad I was finally able to mark this one off the list. Good news is though we will be going back!!!!

~DAY 282~

LET'S GET MARRIED!!!!

OK OK not me (I already am HELLO), BUT my sweetest Kari is finally gettin HITCHED. She asked me to be a bridesmaid and I just couldn't say no. So what does that mean.....I'm going to TEXAS!!!!! Woohoo, I hadn't planned on going back to Lone Star State till the wedding and whelp its finally in the works. (ticket is booked people) Sadly it will be a semi short trip home because I have a BIG trip planned that I leave for two days after the wedding.
This evening when I got home from work I called and my bridesmaid dress had finally came in. I was so excited that the hubby took me all the way across town to go pick it up. It fits perfect I just have to get the length taken up a little. Here's a little sneak peak but you'll have to stick around for a full picture till after the wedding. 

The Bride to be & I waiting to go to the state fair when I was visiting last October. 

~DAY 281~

"Let's Cook"

Tonight we went to our first cooking class together. I was super excited about it, because this was something completely new for the hubby & I. I've never taken a cooking class but so badly want to. Now after taking this one I want to start taking more.
The class took place down in the Vista at "Lets Cook". Including us two there was a total of 8 people in the class. It made things nice because we got more one on one time and didn't feel as if we were rushed.  Your able to bring in wine or beer of your choice if you'd like so that's kinda nice, although we didn't and just stuck with water.

On the menu for the evening was:

*Pizza

*Fettuccine Pasta
*Stuffed Ravioli
*Broiled Peach w/ Mascarpone Cheese

We got started making our pasta dough first. Which turned out to be much easier than I had though. Using a Kitchen Aide we stretched out the pasta, cutting half of it into fettuccine. We used the other half to make the ravioli shells, which we stuffed with pork & ricotta cheese. The hubbs was such a sport and really in to everything. It made my heart warm to see him enjoy the class as much as me.

On to the pizza's, the chefs had already prepped our dough. We had to roll it out into a pizza pie shape and load it up with our choice of toppings. There was everything from pepperoni, black olives, fresh basil, chopped onion, sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, egg plant, bell pepper, different cheese's & seasonings. Every body raved about how good my pizza look. Hey what can I say, I love a good pizza.

After we had our main dishes prepared and ready to go in the oven we started on dessert. Peaches must be in season all over the South because they are serving them up every were. Neither of us are huge peach fan and weren't overly excited about dessert but we gave it our best shot. We covered the sliced peaches with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. They were then cooked in the oven and topped with mascarpone cheese. I was nervous about trying it with the cheese on top because I've never had it before. But I guess you don't know if you like it till you try it right.  





















While waiting on our pizzas to cook we enjoyed a fresh salad that was prepared before we got to class. A mixture of several greens, a homemade dressing topped with some black olives, a dash of salt and pepper. It was pretty tasty, I'm picky when it comes to salad dressings but this one passed my test. lol.
Our pizzas turned out so good, I kept wanting to eat more and more. But reminded myself we still had our pasta / ravioli dish to try. We decided to only cook a little of ours and bring the rest home to freeze for later. Everything turned out so good, the food was fabulous. The other couples in the class were really nice, offered suggestion on other outings around the area. We will definitely be going back again for another class in the near future. I think I might look more into regular cooking classes, after all it is on my 30 before 30  list.

PS: the dessert tuned out ok, the cheese on top was better than I though it would be. I still don't care much for peaches, lol. But at least I stepped out of my box and tried something new.   

~DAY 280~

Headed to Work

Since the hubby was just getting off work this morning as I was heading out the door I didn't get a chance to see him. Instead I snapped this quick pic. to send him. I love being able to dress up for work / school. At the CDC I worked at in Hawaii it was blue jeans or shorts and a provided blue work t-shirt. It was less than attractive but not much I could do about that. Here I can dress up as much as I want or keep it simple and casual. Which in most cases I go casual because lets face it, I'm working with kids all day. But every so often I change things up a bit. It works great since its so hot here and we go out side quite a bit. Not to mention I have a slew of beautiful sun dresses!!!!!

~DAY 279~

Breaking in my kicks!!!!

Normally I have to wait till later in the evening before I go on my run since its so hot here. This afternoon when I got off work it was only 80 something degrees out so I decided to go ahead and hit the road. I took the pups with me of course, a two for one they get their walk in and I get my run in. Then I don't feel guilty by being lazy with them the rest of the night. I always feel so bad when we aren't able to get them out for their walk. Of course I wore my new shoes that I got yesterday and absolutely loved them. (I wore them to work to kinda break them in) They are so light and made the impact when running so smooth. I don't think I will ever go back to my old ones again. I'm definitely sold, no wonder the hubby has like 3 pairs of these. 

Beatin the SC Heat!!!!

 I had a dinner date with the hubbs later tonight, HELLO CQ AGAIN. But I'm not complaining he has five days off starting tomorrow!!!!!  When I came home I didn't have anything to do. I was in bed by 9:30pm catching up on some cyber life!!! 

text to the hubbs: sleeping with out you is like tea with out sugar, it just sucks. I hate going to bed with out him. :(
But I think my lucky stars he's not deployed right now. 

I'm thinking and praying for all you lovely Milispouses out there with deployed loved ones. Praying for a quick and safe return!!!!  

~DAY 278~

Monday Blues

Today started off awful. With in the first few minutes of getting into my classroom I was in tears. I was ready to walk out, I was done. I knew I had to stick it out though, for my kiddos and co-worker. I some how managed through the day and even got off half a hour early.

Thank Goodness. 

We had dinner plans with the Company (hubby's company from work) at Miyo's, which is a Japanese restaurant. They get together at the end of each "phase change" to celebrate one step closer to Graduation. I stuck with my sweet tea but of course hubby had to try out their Mojito. He's obsessed with them now, I think its his new favorite drink. 

After dinner we went over to Academy Sport, hubbs needed a new pair of shoes for PT. After almost a hour of looking and trying on way to many to count he finally found a pair he liked. I wasn't really looking myself but found this pair of super cute running shoes. A girl can never have to many shoes, and I was in need of a new pair for running. It was just a matter of breaking down and getting them. These were on sale so double score!!!! 

~DAY 277~