Its been 4 1/2 almost 5....

...years, since I've been back to AZ for a visit. We were actually still living in Hawaii the last time I went back. The hubbs went when we were in the middle of moving from HI to SC but I wasn't able to go. The In-Loves have come to visit us several times but we haven't been back to the Valley. 

So to say I was so excited and looking forward to going "home" to AZ for Christmas would be a understatement. I absolutely love love the Hubbs' parents and his whole family. Going home with out the hubbs was super hard. His mom came to spend Christmas with me in HI one year when he was deployed and it was so hard. I was worried how I would handle it this year. Much to my surprise it went over very well!!! Silly me I don't even know why I was worried about it. The G and J family are so sweet and welcoming. The G's own their own Business, its a Appliance Repair Shop and their hope is that one day after the Army we will move to AZ to take it on as well. Since I was still living in HI last time I went to AZ, my feelings about moving to the Valley were not great. I was pretty much 100% against it. The dessert, PHX to be exact did not appeal to me at all. It was not my cup of Tea at all. Over the past year and a half I've become more open to the idea of living outside TX after the Army. And after this trip to the Valley I'm 100% on board with moving to AZ after we get out. If that's what we decide to do. The In-Loves have moved out of PHX and to Buckeye which is about 45 mins. out of the city. Its a nice open area, best way to describe it would be the AZ Country. Its right up our alley. Away from the city but some small local stores are still close by. Mountains and Dessert for miles and miles. It was simply perfect!!! There were even a few homes in the area that were for sale and the idea of wanting to purchase one now and rent out till we could move there might have crossed my mind but it of course that would be just crazy. And not something we can do right now or for that matter would even consider. 

I so enjoyed being able to go up to "The Store" (were the in-loves worked) and hang out for a bit during the day. Get to know the business more and they even put me to work while I was there. I mentioned to the FIL to just add me on to the Pay Role a time of two and we just laughed. I could really see us living there in the years to come. I've mentioned it before but I truly have been blessed with two of the most amazing In-Loves ever!!! I hear stories after stories of people who absolutely can not even be in the same room as their spouses parents. But I'll jump at the chance to spend time with them. We had an amazing week together. I was even able to spend some long over due time with our fabulous friends P & N and meet there two new beautiful daughters they recently adopted. I was heart broken having to leave and go back to TN. If I could I would have stayed through New Years week but work and life must go on and I had to get back. Let's be honest getting back to our big queen size bed, the puppies and my on going Netflix / Hulu Marathon was very welcomed. 

Christmas Day the whole family came over for a yummy lunch that the MIL and I worked so carefully to prepare. We played a crossword puzzle game that one of his aunts put together, we had dessert and chatted catching up from the past years. G has two cousins and one of them got married last spring, we had briefly met his girlfriend a while back but it was in passing. The two of us girls really got a chance to sit down and chat and get to know one another a bit more over Christmas lunch.  We exchanged FB and have chatted since then. Its crazy because both of us have been in the family for the past 8 years. Her as his Girlfriend and me as G's wife. It's so nice to have another girl in the family!!!! I can't wait to go back to the Valley so soon, it most defiantly will be much soon than 4+ years. Its so comforting seeing how well his whole family gets along and how much they love each other. They may not all agree with what each other does but they are able to all come together for each other and have a wonderful Holiday Celebration and Life. That's a bit more than I can say for some of my family. I'm so proud and blessed beyond belief to be apart of this family and wouldn't at all wish to have it any other way.






Just a Few Pictures from my trip!!!
Aren't these girl's just adorable!! Love Getting to catch up with P & N its been far to long!!






 Matching Christmas Eve Jammies for My MIL.

I didn't take many pictures from Christmas Lunch but I though I'd share these two yummy dishes. 

The Nephews! They've gotten so big. 

Family Lunch!! 

After a long day, me and this guy curled up on the couch together. 

I saw this the first day I was in AZ on Pinterest and it couldn't ring more true. After almost 5 years away from AZ, I most defiantly saw it differently and for that I am so grateful.

Meet Rosie!!

Being my first year as a preschool teacher I've had my challenges for sure but I've had some great times as well. Its still a work in progress every day but I'm managing. I'm always open and looking for new and fun ideas and suggestions to keep the kids engaged and interested. 

I decided to jump on the Elf on the Shelf band wagon. 

We read the book Monday morning and then....

Our Elf was "delivered" to class on Monday, December 1st from Santa. Included was a letter explaining who she was and what she was sent to do. I decided to include the other preschool class in on it since we some what share a room. (our room's are divided by a half wall) I knew they would have a blast with it. We got all the kiddos together and after much deliberation they decided on a name. 

Monday, Dec 1st - So please meet Rosie our Elf. 

Tuesday, Dec 2nd - Rosie swinging between our rooms. 

Wednesday, Dec 3rd - She got into the paint. 

Thursday, Dec 4th - Rosie left a note on the chalk board. 

Friday, Dec 5th - Feeding the baby 

Monday, Dec 8th - Just doing a little finishing. 

 Tuesday, Dec 9th Rosie decided to have a little fun with the toilet paper. 

(the 4 year old class, oops)

 Wednesday, Dec 10th - Rosie's just hanging around. 

Thursday, Dec 11th - Rosie went on Strike for the day, we had a ruff day yesterday. 

Friday, Dec 12th - Rosie came back and decked the bathroom. 

Monday, Dec 15th - Rosie brought magic seeds back from the North Pole for the kiddos to plant and watch grow. 

 Tuesday, Dec 16th - Trying to build a Snowman with Marshmallow's. 

 Wednesday, Dec 17th - Climbing the walls, I feel you Rosie. Sometime they make me wanna climb the walls and get out to. 

Thursday, Dec 18th -  Rosie made a snow angel with flour & glitter (not my doings) and as I was cleaning up before nap time, some how a flour fight started and it was every were including all over me. The kids had a blast and really enjoy it, we got lots of laughs out of it. 

Friday, Dec 19th - Rosie copied herself and them plastered the pictures all over the classroom and then hung herself from the ceiling!!! 

Monday, Dec 22nd - Rosie had a little fun with the stickers over the weekend. 

Tuesday, Dec 23rd - Rosie brings a note to the kiddo's letting them know she's heading back to the North Pole and she wont be here when they return from Christmas break but not to worry she'll be back next year. 

Thankfully since I'm doing this at school we don't have to worry about the weekends and it makes my life so much easier. Because lets face it sometimes I'm having to wait till after 6pm for all the kids to leave before I can move the stupid thing. They enjoy it and so that makes it all worth it right. I don't know that its something I'd do if we ever had a kid though. 

Still fun and another way to get into the Holiday spirit.

Until Next Year!!!! 

Getting to the Valley......

......was no easy task. 

I've been looking forward to today for the last 2-3 weeks, since I decided I was going to AZ for Christmas. I haven't been back to the valley in almost 5 years. We were in fact still living in Hawaii the last time I went. It's going to be a much needed break from life and my busy hectic schedule because lets face it, starting school in January its just gonna keep going. And as much as I want time to speed right on by I need things to slow down just a bit. 

I didn't wanna bother any one with driving me to the airport or picking me up since my flight left so early so I packed the and headed to the airport. Not before a minor heart attack though. Friday night I dropped the pups off at a friends who was so kind enough to watch them. So Saturday morning when I woke up at 3:30am to make the almost hour drive to the airport I didn't think to unset the alarm because I didn't have to let outside. After a couple last minute things around the house I was headed out the door just after 4am. When the alarm went off with what seemed like the loudest possible noise ever. I'm sure if my neighbors would have been at home they would have heard it. My heart was racing, I couldn't figure out how to turn it off and I just knew the police were gonna be showing up any minute. Finally I figured it out although it seemed like the longest couple of seconds ever. Loading the car and heading out my heart was still racing, still waiting for that phone call from the alarm company or the police department. Which thankfully never came. I was able to chat with the hubbs all the way to the airport, I found parking and told him to make sure he remembered were I parked lol. A lot of help he's gonna be in a week right. Lets hope I remember. This is the first time flying out of Nashville, its the busiest time of year and I was on my own so I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to catch my 7:45 flight. All was going well until I went to check in when the self service machine told me I had to see the gate agent for my seat assignment because I didn't have a seat. Ummm, excuse me. I'm not on a stand by ticket, the seat has already been bought and paid for. I stood there for a couple minutes but everyone was so busy I just continued on with checking it. Completely forgetting to check my bag in or even see if I could change my seat. Panic set in again, what in the crap was I going to do. I had a plane to catch and a layover with another plane to catch. Finally I was heading through security when of course my bag had to be searched, oh dear lord what else on earth could happen this morning. I made it to my gate and asked about my "not having a seat" the kind gentleman explained to me that my connecting flight in ALT hadn't opened up yet so the system was unable to allow me to select a seat or sign me one. Ok so that made so much more sense and I able to stop panicking. Wow it'd been a morning and it was just barley 6am. The sun was coming out though and Starbucks was calling my name. Not before a quick Airport Bathroom Selfie of course.

Finally back at my gate I enjoyed my cheese danish while waiting to board my flight. I was exhausted and could wait to catch a couple hours of sleep until I realized it was only a 35 minute flight. We arrived in ALT with just over a hour to spare before my next flight took off. Landing at terminal E having to ride the Sky Train to terminal A which was mmmm only 5 terminals away. Not to mention the long walk to get to the Sky Train. I was hungry, tired, my bags were heavy, I was hot and I needed to get my seat assigned first. Goodness grasiou what a morning it had been. Finally getting to my gate and getting a seat I didn't even think twice about it when the kind man gave me my ticket. I grabbed something to eat from a non-fast food place (seeing's I've completely given up FF with the hubbs is gone) and sat down to eat. This creepy man came over asking about my boots and was trying to feel the thickness of them. Seriously dude, you want to ask before you go touching something that someone is wearing. It made me so uncomfortable, and then he just stood there for what seemed like 10 minutes, awkward moment of the day for sure. 

We all boarded the plane, and I quickly figured out how many people work the checked baggage system and get out of paying for their bags. Pack a carry on roller back as though your going to carry it on and then at the gate take them up on the gate check to "help" save over head space. Seriously about 20+ bags were dropped and tagged at the gate with no service fee charge. You can't tell me at least half if not more of those people didn't have a plan. 

Walking down the aisle to my seat I knew I was in the back by the seat number but I didn't think I'd be the very last freaking row. I should have known that was going to happen. At least the seat still reclined a good bit. Again expecting to now get some good sleep the fight attendant announced they were going to be showing a movie I had been wanting to see. Dolphin Tales 2, call me a kid but I saw the first one and just though it was to cute. Only down fall was I forgot my head phones in my car. I even reminded myself to get them when I parked and still forgot. So I splurged and paid the $2. that Delta was charging for them. Seriously I remember when they were free, well that and when you didn't have to pay for checked bags. My how times have changed. I did manage to get a hour or so of sleep after the movie. 

We arrived in PHX about 25 minutes early, so I was able to get my bags and head outside before my Mother-in-Love arrived. In tow with her was one of the hubbs Aunt and our two nephews who I hadn't seen in forever. Finally after a crazy morning I had made it and felt like I could really start to relax and enjoy the Holiday. 

5 day's of Christmas...

This past week at work we've had a Secret project going on and its been kinda fun. I always enjoy doing these kinda things during the Holiday's. The suspense of not knowing who has you, or who everyone else has is fun. Thankfully it was only a week long. Each day was a theme we were given a sheet to feel out sharing what our favorite was.

Day 1- Drink / Soda
Day 2- Candy
Day 3-Candle Scent
Day 4- Snack / Chip
Day 5- Final Gift

*One the 1st Day of Christmas my secret santa gave to me:

(I don't drink soda so my secret santa got me a sweet tea. )

*On the 2nd Day of Christmas my secret santa gave to me:

 (I don't eat candy, I gave it up for the deployment. Little Debbie snack cakes)

*On the 3rd Day of Christmas my secret santa gave to me:

 (A beautifully smelling Cinnamon Apple Candle)

*On the 4th Day of Christmas my secret santa gave to me:

(A box of yummy Wheat Thins & not pictured because I already ate them, a bag of Baked Lay's)

*On the 5th Day of Christmas my secret santa gave to me:

(The finale day, two infinity scarves, two pairs of fuzzy socks and a pink throw) 

I love this time of year and all the fun and love it brings!!! I had a idea of who had me by Wednesday evening and I was spot on. Why it was non other than the other Tiffany who works at our school. Which I though was to funny. 

Epic Fail :(

Last weekend I went with Sarah to the Pottery Room to do a little painting. I wasn't sure what I wanted to paint and quickly remembered, I was in need of a gift for the In-Loves. This seemed perfect since lets face it we really don't need any more platters ourselves. We are having Christmas lunch / dinner at their house so we'd be able to use it then. I went back Yesterday to pick it up (turn around time is abt a week) on my way to a friends house. I was so excited about it and couldn't wait to show it off. It wasn't until I was literally walking out of the store that I realized I totally messed up. 

I spelled MY OWN LAST NAME WRONG!!!!!

How in the world did this happen, I stenciled the letters out ahead of time. Looked over it several times to make sure spacing and spelling was perfect. Clearly I didn't look good enough. I probably write make last name at least once if not more a day. We've been together 8 years, I have it tattooed on my ankle, I have it Monogrammed around my house. How in the world. Maybe it was my nerve's that got to me. Being in a new place, a new friend, not wanting to make a fool of myself. I don't know. 

I laugh about it now, but am still so annoyed with myself. 

I still plan on giving it to them as a gift and seeing how long it takes them to notice it. I sent a picture to the hubbs last night and he didn't notice it till I asked him if he saw anything wrong. 

Heck I'm sure it will make for a great conversation piece for the years to come. 

Daughter-in-Law of the year award right here people. 

"Christmas 2014"

7 Year Anniversary Pictures!!!

 I'm absolutely head over heels in love with our 7 Year Anniversary pictures. I was introduced to an amazing local photographer. By far hands down one of the best photographers I've ever worked with. I can't wait to use her again when the hubbs comes home next year. I am so in love with this man and its crazy to look back and think that we were married just over 7 years ago and that we've been together for 8 years. We're more in love today then we were back then and I can't wait to see were the next 7+ years takes us. Not to mention the fact that he's relaxed so much with having to put up with my yearly photo request. We've come a long way in that department lol. He hates more than anything having his picture taken, but he know's it's important to me. He's my world and I'm completely smitten with this life we're going through together. I narrowed it down the best I could, but I simply couldn't help myself. The cow's photo bombing are one of my favorite parts, they were every were on the pasture. J's family owns the land and she does an incredible job. Walking out of the house the morning of our photoshoot, I quickly snagged our Monogram canvas off the wall that my wonderful friend made for us, I knew I had to incorporate it in. I think it worked out perfect!!! 

Hope you enjoy them almost as much as I do!!