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

MEET SHAE!!!!

I absolutely love my little cousin Shae, she's 13 years old going on about 21 or 22.

 With out further ado.....The many faces of Shae!!!

She's always the life of the party and say's the CRAZIEST things!!

She's always got to make a crazy face. 

 Photo Bomb!!!!

One day her face is gonna get stuck like this and I'm gonna laugh!!!

Jr. High......drop off, kid has a ruff life....if she only knew. 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love going home and getting to hang out with her. We've always been super close from the day she was born. Her daddy is my Uncle Richard who I'm really close with. I always joke that we are his favorite girls!!!!

Back on the Water......

(picture over load but worth it!!!!)
Sunday night I met up with my brother, a few of his friends and we all drove down to our river house. Its about a hour away from were we live, we grew up going down there every weekend and water skiing. It's absolutely so much fun, If I could pick any sport that I LOVE it would be water skiing for sure!!!! Sadly since I've gotten married and moved away I haven't been able to do much skiing which sucks. So to say I was looking forward to the next couple days on the water would be a understatement.   After we got up to the house and everyone got settled in we all set out on the patio, had a couple drinks and had a good time hanging out listening to music way to loud. Next thing we knew it was almost 2am and we were suppose to be getting up in a few hours to go get our boat.

 Here are a few pictures from our river house that I snapped while we were there. 

That morning my brother and I went for a run down to the boat ramp while the others decided to sleep off their hang overs from the night before. Its about 3 miles from the house down to the bottom of the hill to the boat ramp and back to our house. The water was smooth as glass and surprisingly pretty warm.

After we got back showered and ready we headed up the storage to get the boat. The rest of the day was spent on the water, listening to music, water skiing, having a few drinks and a all around FABULOUS TIME!!!!

 Working up the nerve to put my ski on and get behind the boat. YIKES!!!! 

 Rebecca and Myself soaking up a little sunshine. ----------Supporting the good old USA---------

My little brother and me cruising down the river. 

I finally worked up the nerve to get in the water. It was a wee bit chilly at first and I was a bit nervous about the fact if I was even going to be able to get up on my ski or not. It had been a good 4-5 years since I've Slalomed. 

You can see me skiing & my brother driving in the above pic. :)

  But guess what!!!!!!! I DID IT!!!!! I got up on my first try and didn't even struggle one bit, its like riding a bike right?!?!?!? Well not exactly, I'd like to believe its quite a bit harder. I was so excited and couldn't stop smiling. I almost started crying I was so stoked and proud of myself. The only thing that would have made it any better was if my hubbs would have been there to see me. My dad used to give me a hard time because I'd never get my hair went when I skied and well guess what.....My hair was completely dry when I finished!!! That's called not crashing yall!!!! 

 Let me go ahead and brag a little bit on my little bubbly. He's a freaking pro when it comes to Barefooting, the kid used to compete in competitions all the time and plans on getting back into them. Kids got skills and I've got the proof to show you!!!! JT getting ready to go Footin. 

 JT from start to up on his feet going at a speed of 45mph in a matter of seconds. It still amazes me that he can do this. He did learn from the best though, our dad. 

He moved up top the boom (I can barefoot but only off the boom) to show off a bit more. 

 Toe-hole up, this is were he rest's his foot (one) in a loop on the handle and the boat pulls him up. This is seriously hard and takes skills but of course he's got them!!!! I even got the crash in action lol. 

I have a couple short videos' from JT Footin & Wakeboarding I'll try to upload them soon. 

Just a few bloopers from our day. :) 

JT on the Wake Board, I've gotten up a time or two on the Wake Board before but its just not my thing. Justin's pretty good at it though!!!! 

This was a new one for me, it's called a Wake Skate. I've never heard of such a thing but the guys seem to enjoy it  quite a bit. 

 Just a few more shots from one of my many runs of the day!! Perfect start each time and never crashed or fell!!!! 

 My true passion is water skiing and I couldn't imagine not being able to do it. 

 Our boat is almost 20 years old but she's still running just like new. She's a 1996 Outboard Master Craft. It's not often at all that Master Craft makes a Outboard. I grew up learning how to ski behind this boat. We did have a Barefoot Sanger before this one but when my dad had the opportunity to get this one he jumped on it. Miss. Hawaiian Tropic of 1996 won the boat, some how my dad found out about it. She didn't want the boat she wanted the money. So she sold it to my dad, before it was built. He got to go through and customize every little detail about it. Down to the colors, seat placement and every little thing. She's been through alot and I'm glad we've been able to keep her in the family. I can't wait to go home with hubbs and take him out on our boat. 

!!!!!!!!!!!!Isn't she a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rest of the evening once we got back to the house was spent hanging out, listening to music once again probably way to loud but when your in the country were our house is that's OK. We all pitched in a made a fabulous dinner of course with a few drinks to go along with it. It felt so great to be back down at our RiverHouse and I can't wait to go back. I loved being able to hang out with my brother and get to know his Girlfriend as well. 

Day-5