My New Do

I've been itching for a change for a while now and finally broke down and got my hair cut. 

My ends were looking really bad. Splitting at the bottoms and broken. 

I absolutely LOVE my long hair and didn't want to cut to much off but I was wanting a noticeable change. 

Options, Decisions, Choices what to do??

Before...

(the lighting in the lower, right picture is horrible, my hair is NOT red)

After.....

Before and After front view. 

I ended up getting 2 1/2 inches cut off the length, I had some more longer layers added in and long side bangs. All in all I'm really happy and pleased with it. 

I knew if I went much shorter or different than I'm used to I'd hate it after a couple days. My hair grows so slow and I'm way to impatient to wait for it to grow back out. I used to cut my hair really short years ago and wasn't a fan of longer hair but now I love it. 

It definitely looks much healthier, feels lighter and I'm really happy with it. 

Time for a change maybe ????

As sad as it is to say its been over a year since I've had my hair cut, or even trimmed. For whatever reason I simple just put it off and tend to forget about it. I'm determined to make a change to that and get it trimmed up more often to maintain my beautiful long hair.
The last time I cut my hair I went in to get highlights put in which I did and just a inch cut off and walked out 10.....YES TEN inches shorter. I liked it for about 1/2 a day and then wanted my long hair back. Sadly my hair grows so slow and I knew that it was going to take a long time to grow back out. At that point after the cut it was right at my shoulders. I wanted to cry, people said that it was long but to me it wasn't. 

After cutting 10 inches off. 

 Earlier in the week a co-worker was telling me about Salon 2000 were she goes & how she really likes the girl that cuts her hair. So I made a appointment with her for today during my lunch to get my hair cut. I was nervous because the though of doing something completely different went through my head but I wasn't sure. I knew in the back of my mind that if I did it again I would so made at myself. 

But I tried telling myself sometimes change isn't always bad. 

This is my hair this morning before I went to get it cut, its grown out a good bit in the last 13 1/2 months but not a lot at all. I'm sure it would have grown out more if I would have trimmed the ends more often, but again that's were I failed. I do plan to be better at this from here on out. Its still shorter then it was before I cut the 10 inches off. It's easy for me to tell because of the highlights, were they stop to my scalp is the amount its grown out. Right here its right above my elbow so not quiet to the middle of my back. I don't think you can tell really from this picture but the ends are just awful and really need something done with them.

I went with my hair on this one and stayed true to myself keeping my long hair. I only cut a ONE inch off to kept my length. It was just enough to clean up the ends and make it look beautiful and pretty again. I can tell a world of a difference just by running my hands through it. I absolutely LOVE it, the best part is the hubbs commented on it before I even brought it to his attention. He knew I was going to get it cut, but to have him tell me that even he was able to tell a difference made me feel really good. I'm so happy I didn't change it, maybe one day but not right now.

~DAY 141~
Just for fun I decided to show you all a picture of when I did have really short hair. This was back in 2003-2004 some time around then when I graduated high school. I like the one on the left best, but I'll admit I don't always want to spend the time to straighten my hair so a pony tale is a quick solution.

(I scanned these to my computer so the quality isn't the greatest sorry.)

It's still ME!!!!

DAY 95

I'm sure many of you have noticed a complete change on my blog over the last day, even a name change. I had been contemplating changing the name up for a little while now and it just seemed fitting to go ahead with it since I was changing the look.
I'd like to take a minute to give a fabulous shout out to the wonderful lady over at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot for helping me and completely making over my bloggie!!! It all started after I won her custom blog header give away she was doing. (you can read about it here & here.) From here we spent the better half of today emailing back and forth going over details and what I wanted out of my blog. I am so happy with the way it turned out and I love the new look & name. Its so me / us the quote "all because two people fell in love" is carried out all through our home.
It was a much over due & very much needed. I even have a "button" now so if you'd like to swap buttons please let me know I'd gladly love to share your blog on mine!!!!!

If your looking for some help with your blog or needing a make over don't wait, head over to WTF and she will take care of you!!!!!!
I've also finished recapping our wedding today, it brought back so many memories going through the pictures and writing about what went on that day. I'm glad I was able to share our special day with all of you & I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I did writing about it.

Can You Hear me now???

DAY 18

Parting ways some times is the only way to go.

Ever since we got to SC we have had issues with our phone service both on and off post. We would be out driving around and have no bars what so ever. We went down to the Class Six and nothing, off post to Target & the SPRINT store nothing. Even in the PX & right outside it was horrible. It was so frustrating even in our own home calls were getting dropped & conversations were cutting out. It got to were Gabe & I would ask each other how many "bars" we had on our phones when we were out in different areas. I have been with Sprint forever and never had a issue at all until now. We've called them several times to talk with them and see if there was anything they could do to adjust the service signal. They sent us a Air Raid which is a device that is suppose to act as a antenna in the house. It did help a little which was nice but that's all fine and dandy WHEN WE ARE HOME. What about when we aren't at home and our service still sucks and I can't even make calls out or log on to the net. BLAH!!!!!

We went back and forth for the last week debating on switching over to Verizon or not. Gabe would ask the wait staff or checkers when we would go out what provider they used and get there feed back. We had already gone into the V store to check on prices & it was going to be the same as we were paying with Sprint so at least that was good.

Finally today while we were waiting for the Mall to open we went over to the V store and a hour later I am proud to say we are now members of the Verizon family. I stuck with my Droid getting the Incredible 2 and Gabe went Apple getting the new Iphone. Thankfully we were able to keep our same phone numbers because that would have been a big deal breaker for me.

I've been playing on my phone all afternoon and its loads of fun learning all the new features it has.

ps: the picture above was taken with my new phone's high speed camera.

On other news ~ we bought two chairs over the weekend for our living room and they were delivered today, I'll post pictures soon of our house so stay tune for that!!!!!!!

Chapter TWO!!! :(

We have officially began the next chapter in our Army Life. Dingo & I have made it to Texas and have been here for a few days now. He did great on the flight & is just missing his daddy & sister Bailey right now. He has been stuck to my side like glue ever since we got here. He hasn’t been eating the greatest but he chows down on his treats & lil bones. I’ve been mixing wet food in with his dry food which seems to be helping a little but still he seems to be kinda mopey. I am hoping that when Bailey gets here in a few weeks that he will perk up and bounce back to his annoying little self. After talking to Gabe we are thinking he is just a little depressed & lost. The two of them have NEVER been apart for a single night since we have had them. The two of us have become quite the pair since we got here, we go just about every were together. My friends & family have been very welcoming to him which has been great. On the other hand when I leave the house to go some were and he isn’t going with me he wines like crazy and paces the floor it makes me so sad. I can’t figure out of it’s because he has gotten use to going in the car more often or if its because he doesn’t want me to leave.



The first day I got to Texas was a pretty lazy day, I hung out with my momma for a good bit, she was so nice to pick me up bright & early at the airport, then we went and got Chick-fil-a for breakfast. My little cousin Shae who I’d been dying to see ended up not going to school the day I came in bc she was sick (she had NO idea I was coming in so it wasn’t bc of that, but the minute she found out I was in TX she was feeling 100% better.) Needless to say we spent the rest of the day together. I’m staying with my Mamaw who didn’t know I was coming either so that was a nice surprise. My Uncle Richard came over to see me before he left for work which was great I’ve him missed so much. I have always been closest to him out of everyone in my extended family. I would hang out with him & his family a lot on the weekends.




I’m missing my Hawaii family so much, leaving Hawaii was so much harder then when I left Texas to move out there. I grew a lot in Hawaii, becoming even more independent than I already was. I made some of the most amazing friends that I simply didn’t have in Texas. Nothing will ever compare to the last three years, & no one could ever come close to the friendships I’ve made. Gabe & I were really able to build our marriage, & grow closer together as a couple. Don’t get me wrong I did missed my family in Texas but I am so happy that we were able to have the last three years just the two of us in Hawaii. I think we really needed that time away to just grow together, seeings the first year we were married he was deployed.



I’m headed to Oklahoma City over the weekend coming up with a high school friend. We are driving up to visit another girlfriend we went to school with. Myself & M were in school from 5th grade all the way through our Sophomore year and were the best of friends. A came in, in the middle of our Middle School year & the three of us became inseparable. Till the ending of our Sophomore year that is when we all went different ways to finish school. We are all three married now & M has 3 kids, A & myself were the smart ones who haven’t jumped that fence yet. lol Any way more on that trip once I get back. I’ll leave you with a few pictures I’ve snapped since I’ve been back in the Yee Haw state. Hope you enjoy & have a fabulous weekend, I’m gonna try not to bake in this 96 degree weather.

~I <3 me some Sonic~

~Enjoying the afternoon @ the puppy park~

~Meeting baby Aiden~

Crunch Time

~FYI its a LONNNNNGGGG one~

I'm pretty sure the title is self explanatory as to what this post may be about. About the last month of deployment the "PCS" talk came around our conversations more and more. We came down on orders for a duty station that I was not overly thrilled about at all nor was the hubbs but for the job reason not so much the location. Now of course we would have been a simple three hour drive from my family & living 30 minutes away from one of my high school best friends. However even with that in mind I still wasn't sold. Thankfully the hubbs was able to make some calls & pull some strings to quickly get us out of that. Now we were back to waiting to see what our future held. A few weeks later & a couple emails back & forth the orders were changed & we knew were we would be going. Now with the new location set we had to try & get our report date pushed back due to schooling that both of us were doing here on island. We would both be completely done by the end of the year & it would just make things easier if we were able to stay here & finish it out. Long story short we weren't able to get the date change not even by 30 days which was really frustrating and annoying at the same time because there was no real good reason as to why they couldn't do it. It pretty much came down to the LC of the Unit not wanting to sign any paper work because he himself was PCSing & whelp didn't really care to do the work.
I quickly came to grips with the fact that it wasn't changing & this was life as we know it. The Army life that is and the ever so changing theme of it along with the unknown. Here we are a couple months out from our PCS / REPORT date to our next duty station & we nave NO orders in hand. A simple piece or paper is all we are waiting on to get the ball rolling with this move, we can't do ANYTHING until we have that paper. I can't tell you how many times a day I would ask Gabe if he has got his orders yet or heard anything about them. The answer was always the same "No, nothing, I checked again or I talked with so & so". I seriously was to the point were I just wanted to go down to brigade & get them myself & give them a piece of my mind. I know things don't work that way & that it would be completely impossible nor wouldn't help a bit but I would be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind a time or two.
Gabe was beginning to become as frustrated & annoyed as I was with the whole ordeal. Some nights I was to the point were I was just ready to move and be settled in our next home because I hate living in such limbo. The one thing that I have a hard time dealing with in the army life is NOT ALWAYS HAVING CONTROL. I huge planner & do not do well with short notice or quick decisions I simply just don't work that way.
On my afternoon break from work one day I was checking my phone & had a text from G that said "I got my orders". Thank freaking goodness its about time. I mean don't get me wrong I am not at all a fan of leaving the life we have built here in the Land of Aloha but when the Army calls you really do not have a choice in the matter. We knew this day would come sooner or later it was only a matter of time. After work I quickly rushed home with a over loaded brain full of questions to started the "move".
As I was looking over the orders I noticed one semi important detail that was VERY different then what we had been talking about / though. Our report day was 10 days earlier than we had been originally told. The printed date on the orders from when they were cut was 6 days earlier then when we got them. To say I was a bit frustrated would be a giant understatement, words couldn't even describe what was going through my head. We had everything planned out during our PCS leave as to were we would be going, when & for how long. All of that had to change quickly with plan B put in place.
Now that we have our orders we still have to WAIT to talk with transportation about shipping our POV, packing HHG's & Flights to the ML. Unit will get that scheduled we can't really do anything as far as setting dates to clear housing yet. The only way to do that is to have a appointment or go butt early in the morning & wait in line & do a walk in. I knew in order to get anything done the next day I was going to have to take the day off work. So me being the loyal employee that I am and not wanting to call out I went up to work at 5:30 in the morning to talk to my Director about getting the day off. Luckily she was completely ok with it and there was no issue.
From there I made my way over the transportation office right across the street & was the first in line to get it when they opened at 7:30. This only mint I had to wait a measly hour & 45 minutes, no biggie at all right......hahahahaha thank goodness for my Ipad & 3G Internet. After PT Gabe met up with me & we were the first ones in the office & given a 8:30 appointment. I was starting to feel a sign of relief since we got it, just a small one though. After running home doing a few things at the house (refinancing G's car) w/n 30 minutes so we had no issues shipping it & didn't have to wait for a letter of release from a local bank, we were back at the TO (transportation office) planning our move. POV paper work done just needs to be drop it off, HHG's scheduled thankfully they were able to squeeze us in a week earlier then their "next open date". We waited on G's ticket because he was gonna give it one more try at getting the date pushed back at least to the original day that we though we had to be at our next duty station.
Once we left the TO we parted ways I went home to work on some things & he had to go back to work to finish up a few things. I wrote up my notice letter to work, gathered everything I needed to go talk to housing about clearing & was out the door again. I made a quick stop by work to turn my papers in & then to housing were I was hoping it wouldn't take to long ended up taking a hour. After going over everything with the housing lady she them proceeds to tell me once we have a 28 day out date that we want to move out we can let her know. I went from "ok we are getting some were to almost in tears", "see mama we DO NOT have 28 days." We would be off island in less than that & need to clear housing like last week but with no orders we couldn't do that. She quickly realized that the dates & times I was giving her wasn't a example like she was thinking I was for real on what I was saying. She told me that if we got a Memorandum from G's CO that we needed our move our date waved we would be fine.
This was seriously beginning to be more of a head ache then it should be & I was so over it. We also needed a Amendment saying that I was traveling with Gabe during this PCS because I am not on his orders which is a completely different story that I wont even get in to.
We finally got all the paper work issues worked out and everything had started coming together slowly but it was coming together. We shipped G's car 2 days after we got our orders to make sure it made it to the port were we needed it to be on time. We were down to one car which was hard but we made it work. ( I have to say I don't know how people do it that only have one car, I don't think we could ever do it long term.) A week after we shipped the car the movers came to pack up our house, that was a bitter sweet moment. Having to watch our entire life wrapped & boxed up was quite depressing but once again it's all apart of the Army life. I am super nervous about the shipping of our HHG's, if you remember when I moved out here one of our crates was switched by mistake & sent to Germany. It took 4 long months to get it back once we realized what happened. I also am worried to death about stuff breaking, Gabe mentions to me that if it does break the Army will pay to replace it, sure I know that BUT I would rather NOT even have to deal with that & have everything in one piece.
Nothing I can do about either issue but sit back & wait it out till we get our things on the other end. Same with the cars, when I picked up my car on Sand Island the bumpers were in pieces & the hood was bent. We both have BRAND new cars that are worth a freaking heck of alot more then the ones we came out here with so I am really worried about that. Any one that knows me know that my Chally is my baby & we are super anal about our cars.
After our HHG's were packed and taken away we moved in with my dear friend S. She was so kind to take us in and open her home to not only us but our two four legged fur babies to. I am so grateful to her during this time as well as each & every day. She has made things a million times easier on us just not having the stress of hotel living & what not during this time. I know we would make it work if we ended up going that way, this way we get to spend alittle extra time together before the big move. (so do the pouches)
My last day at work has come and gone, that as well was a bitter sweet day. I am happy to have the time off from work to be able to enjoy my time here in Hawaii. At the same time I have grown to really love & cherish some of the friendships I made at work as well as the relationships I made with some of the children & their parents. I took over the classroom with my friend C back in November of '09 & we completely turned it around & really got it up & running great so to have someone else come in & take my place is hard. Sure not like it matters what happens after I leave because I can't do anything about it, still I know it will not be the same for many of the parents due to certain staff in the room and that makes me sad.

Here I am days before I leave enjoying the time I have left with my love & friends. This is were everything started for Gabe & I. We met here in Hawaii & have had soooooo MANY firsts here including our first home & bringing home our first babies (our pups). This is our life, Hawaii is home to us and we have made a million fabulous memories here that we will never forget. I know we have both grown stronger individually as people & grown strong as a couple & in our marriage. I thank God every day for the oppurttunities he has put in our life & the people he has allowed us to meet. I know this is only the beginning of our life together & in the Army as well. As sad as I am and as hard as it is going to be to leave what we have here, I know there are GREAT things awaiting us ahead.

Here's to NEW ADVENTURES & many more memories in our future. :)

ALOHA & HUI HOU HAWAII ~ Goodbye & until we meet again!!!!!!!!!!

Change: GOOD or BAD

Every now and then we all need a little change in our lives weather that be a good or bad change. I started the year off with a life style change on the way I eat, or eat out rather. I gave up fast food starting January 1st, no particular reason just a goal I set for myself. And today I am happy to say a little over a month later and I haven't had any FF. I started off by saying that I would give it up till Gabe came home for R&R and it would be ok to eat while he was home and then once he left back to NO fast food. The more I got to thinking about it why give in just for the time he is home. So I'm not I talked to Gabe and he supports my decision on not eating it. So here we go continuing on the no FF band wagon.
February rolled around and it brought another change to the table. I opted to give up soda, not that I drink it a lot at all here in Hawaii (back on the mainland were there is a Sonic now that was a totally different story.) but its the fact that I do. Every now and then I will grab one when I'm at work from the machine in our break room. When I go out to dinner some times I'll order a soda vs. water or tea. Not any more though soda has been nixed from the menu of drink options.
I've though ahead to March as well and I have decided to give up all & any types of Candy come the 1st. Not sweets all together because I LOVE LOVE to bake sweet goodies and you can't bake and not indulge that would just be crazy, So candy it is.

One other big change that I have made this month has been my beautiful long dark hair. I wanted to do something different color wise and well I did. (its not at all what I though it was gonna be like) It is still taking so time to adjust and get use to. I have never had my hair this light before even if it is just highlights, so its a bit more than different for me. I am giving it till after R&R and then if I am still not loving it I might go back dark. We will see, everyone else seems to love it and says it looks great and brings out my tan. But I can't help but wonder if they are just saying that to be nice and not hurt my feelings. I went in with the idea of only getting TWO inches cut off and came out having gotten 10 inches cut off. I MISS my long hair SOOOOO much but I do love the new cut that I have its fun and definitely different. I plan on growing it back out though and keeping it long, I like it better than way but for now I'll have to wait it out.

24 days to go

Chocolate Chip Cookies for breakfast baking away in the oven, its Tuesday and I'm that much closer to having him home. :)

I wanted something alittle different for breakfast this morning and so when I opened the frig. the tub of cookie dough caught my eye. Looking at the clock I had just enough time to bake a batch. I probably should go to the commissary and pick up a couple things but I'm trying to wait till later in the week. Just to avoid the crazy madness seeing's we did just pass payday & it will be packed.

The sun was bright as ever on my way to work which made for a great morning seeings its been raining alot. I'm tired of the rainy ugly clouds that sit over our house although I do love the rainbows after.

The morning went AWESOME, we only had 2 chittlens till 10:15AM. On any other given day management would have pulled one of us to go help in a different room but not today. Over half the children we were suppose to have canceled. Allowing us to get alot of work done on the classroom.
Once done with what we were working on for the day (we only had 3 kids at this point & it was 11:00AM) I was walking the hot glue gun up to the front desk when my Director called me over. My heart sunk OH NO what could she want. "You need to call Peterson & ask to speak to the MOD". She said, (Manager on duty ~ Peterson is were I work but right now I'm doing a 6 month transition at HMR). So I called Peterson, asked to speak to the MOD and this was our conversation.

S ='s My Ass. Director @ Peterson
M ='s ME.

S- Are you PSCing soon?
M- No that's Crystal.
S- We wanted to know if you were interested in taking a Regular Part Time position?
M- When? I don't want to leave the classroom I'm working with till the 6 months is up.
S- It wouldn't be till you came back to Peterson, so some time in June.
M- I was really wanting Full Time bc I want the hours (8 hrs a day), what classroom would it be.
S- It would be Hourly Infant (this is the class I'm in @ HMR that will be going back to Peterson come June) You would stay with the program once it came back to Peterson.
M- Well are there any Full time positions open bc I REALLY need 8 hours a day. (which is what I'm working now).
S- There is in Full day Todd.
M- OH NO, I don't want that.
S- (after she talked with the Director @ P. said) you could have the 7:45AM - 4:15PM shift that you are working now, that way you would get the full time hours but you would be a RPT~ Regular Part Time.
M- If I can have those hours for sure then ya Ill take it!!! I love the program I'm with now and the hours and really want to stay with it when we move back to Peterson.
S- When can you come in for a interview??? (even though I wrk there taking a permanent position requires a interview)
M- I can come when ever you want, whats best for you?
S- As soon as possible we are trying to get people hired NOW and fill the spots.
M- (remembering we only have THREE kids in our class right now) I asked my Director @ HMR if I could go over there NOW, for the interview. (we checked out list of children to come in and I was good to go.)
OK, I CAN COME NOW!!!!
S- Great we will see you in a little bit.

Needless to say I quickly went in to explain to Crystal what was going on and off to Peterson I was. EXCITED as ever but a bit nervous because it was like I was going to a whole new place to interview with people I had never met.
The interview went well, and although J. the Director couldn't "TELL ME" if everything was a go. She did say that I would be getting a call from NAF in the next week, which is the hiring department and the ones who handle all of the behind the sense process of finalizing new hires and changes in positions.

I am now sitting on pins and needles wondering if this will go through. If I will get the classroom I want and have permanent hours and a set schedule as I do now. If all goes well and it turns out that I do get it I will NOT be going back to Texas during the deployment. I will stay here in Hawaii and work a full time shift at the CDC here on post. I think I was just waiting for a given reason to stay or go and this may be just that. I have been going back and forth on what I wanted to do. Now I may finally know and when people ask I will be able to say one or the other of what I'm doing.

Today I had lil. Miss Grace after work, we came home and had a bite to eat for dinner and then headed down to do my Tuesday night gig. Only 2 more weeks of it after tonight. I don't mind doing it at all, it's been a helpful way as well counting down the weeks till my love is home.

It was a nice relaxing yet adventurous day at work today and I CAN'T TELL GABE ABOUT IT AT ALL. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm just hoping that I hear something from NAF before next Friday so I can tell him when he calls. :)
CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME I REALLY WANT THIS :)

Twenty Seven days down and only 23 more to go.


I love & miss you baby so much & can't wait till this is over and you are back home in my arms. Love your Wifey :)

Sweet, Sweeter & Sweetness

We woke up with a plan, we were going to clean my car up and head to the dealership with our Internet print out of the car $2000.00 cheaper to see what kinda deal we could come up with. We had no intentions of buying a new car before last night, but now that we have found something that we both like and are super excited about we couldn't let this pass us up. It had everything I was looking for in my next car. A sunroof, keyless start (you don't even have to put the key in the ignition to drive), black interior, the sporty look, "speed" and so much more.
When we got there we looked the car over one more time to make sure we were still SURE it was what we wanted to do and it was. Now time to get down to business.
Last night they quoted us $500.00 for a site unseen appraisal for my car. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME I THOUGH??????" I know my car is not worth much but really its worth more than that and I just put bran spankin new tires on it.
So they had a relook today and offered us $2500.00 ok ok we can live with that. Now time for Gabe to do his magic. This man is a wheel and dealer when it comes to buying cars. After their first offer,Gabe pulls out the print out from online and springs a surprise on the salesman. Man you can tell he didn't see that one coming. I almost felt kinda bad as he walked back to his manager to try and come up with a better deal. We had our standards that we were not going to move on and they new that. We were firm and weren't moving!
After going back and forth for about a hour they finally were down on the numbers and payment were we wanted and we HAD A DEAL!!!!!!
Thanks to my amazing husband and the car dealer guys for working with us.
As we waited to go through the financing process we went out so "say our GOODBYES" to the Black & Pink Ride. Gabe was not so sad to see it go, but myself on the other had was alittle butt hurt, but ITS OK I THOUGHT because we are moving on to bigger (size wise its much smaller but you get me) and better things.






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I am so excited about OUR NEW 2007 Mazda RX-8. I couldn't be happier.





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Life with My Love just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.....its super sweetness and we are liven it up to the fullest.

"GoodByes" r not Forever

Today we had to say "Good Bye" to another friend who has gotten out of the Army. BLAH, I hate goodbyes.
Even though I had only met Joey a few months ago, I sure did hear plenty about him when the guys were deployed. Seems like I have known him forever as well as his whole life story. (well, I do now) He has a wonderful son that we are truly going to miss. (however I'm not so sure about the dog's) he loved them so much.
I wish and hope the best for them and their future together as they take this next step in their life. Being a single parent is not going to be easy but he has an amazing support system back home.
We can't wait to get back to the mainland to see them again.
We will miss you both, and are looking forward to you getting your booty to Texas.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Alittle view of our GOOD Times with GREAT FRIENDS"

~~~~~~~~Gage got in Bailey's kennel so Gabe locked the door :)


Gage LOVED playing @ the playground by our house :)

"The BOYS"

He is gonna be just like his Daddy when he grows up.

Dinner @ Chili's YUMM YUMM

Crazy boys.........
........they never grow up!!!

Gage loved Gabriel & hanging out with or should i say on him....(that's what he called him bc daddy did)

(he is gonna make a great dad one day.......along time from now)

Training Day 5

Ft. Shafter HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!
As if I wasn't looking forward to today's training enough, now I have to drive to Ft. Shafter 20-30 minutes away for the day. BLAH!!!
Thankfully though, Nicole & I decided to car pull down there to make the day a bit more enjoyable. I had Gabe drop me off at her house around 7:30ish since the class started at 8:00am and he didn't have to work today so it gave him something to do.
Today was all about CPR & First Aide Training. To bad I hadn't taken the classes earlier before I came out to Hawaii I would even have to go today but I didn't.
We slowly managed our way through the first half of the class (the CPR part). Practicing on adult dummies, child dummies and even infant ones. Back and forth, up and down we went over step by step. I think I could preform CPR with my eyes closed now if I needed to.
Before lunch (which was only suppose to be 30 minutes turn into 45 minutes so that was nice) we hard a written multiple choice test of 20 questions. It was like cutting a slice of pie it was so easy.
A bunch of us went over to the PX / Commissary in one that they had and got Subway for lunch (boy that place was small) and then headed back to first out the after noon part of First Aide Training.
It was all about watching a movie and then practicing on our partner different ways to bandage them up. It was fun LOL, we were kids again playing doctor. After another 20 question test. The class ended at 2:30pm just enough time for us to leave and miss traffic coming back to Wahiawa. We managed to make our way to Target for a bit of looking around and shopping before we got to my house. I love me some Target and can't pass up a chance to go.
However I was looking forward to getting home to My Love. Tonight was DATE NIGHT for us and we were going shoe shopping and then to eat at one of my favorite places. I love long weekends together they are the best.

Training Day 4

What a day, OMG....today seemed like one of the longest days of training since we started.
Thankfully, However the classes today were on Wheeler and I didn't have to travel far. We even got an hour & half lunch break which was nice. Nicole & I came back to my house and had some Pizza, YUM!! and played with the puppies for a bit.
In training today we went over the Background of The Company, The Company Policies, Employee Benefits, The Dress Code and what all the DMWR included and what was involved with working for the MWR. That was just the morning part of the class and it was a mouth full. At the beginning of the class the trainer told us we would be getting out early.....so i figured about 30 to 45 minutes early.
After lunch we ended up watching a movie about fish (don't ask me how it tied into the training but it did), and we received our fancy dancy name tags. Now I only have to go and get my new ID made and I will be set.
After a bit more nonsense, it was 2:30pm and we were all done for the day. I couldn't believe it. I just new that everyday was going to be like Monday were we where there till 4pm but thankfully not.
I quickly headed home to pick up my love from work so we could spend the evening together.
Only ONE more day to go training and boy can I not wait to get Tomorrow done & over with.

Training Day 3

Well the day didn't start out with training, but it sure ended with some.
I was up bright & early this morning to head down to Tripler Army Medical Hospital because I needed to have a physical done. I got there with plenty of time to spare (I was a bit nervous bc it was my first time there, however no problems finding my way. THANK GOODNESS FOR GPS) The Physical went great & I was out of there with in 20 minutes. So I was on track with time to make it back to training by 10:30am, I was just going to run by the house drop off my paper work so Gabe could turn it in on his way back from lunch. Then it hit me, I called to make sure the Occupational Health Office would be open around noon & sure enough not. So I quickly ran got what I needed from the house & over to the Clinic I went. As the nurse is looking through all my paper work my eye is on the clock. I have 30 minutes to get to Helemano Military Reserve, which with traffic the way it has been on post it can take that long to get there.
The nurse informs me that I need to be updated on a few shots. WHAT!!!! Are you kidding me, I hate shot's so much. Ok Ok whatever so I go over to the Family Practice building were I got my TB Test done & (from what the nurse told me they would do all the shots I needed in one. NOT,) I got 2 shots today one in each arm & have to go back in a month for another & then in 5 months for the last one. So a total of 5. OMG, they hurt so bad I got tears in my eyes and wanted to punch the guy that was doing it but I was nice & didn't.
At this point its 10 till 10:30 & there is no way I'm going to make it to training on time. So I decided to head home and wait it out. I'll return at 12:30 which is when the next class starts.
OMG, what a morning. I guess on the bright side of things at least I am making sure that I am up to date on all of my health records and I am as healthy as a horse. LOL Minus my eye sight which is not the best but not bad either, it will do.

The after noon part of the day went well. I was able to relax & have a bite to eat for lunch with my love.
At training we went over Curriculum CDC & Curriculum SAS/MST which is just basically the teaching materials they use at the different schools with the Preschool children.
Finally only two more days left and then I don't have to worry about any more in class training. (just making up the 2 classes I miss this morning)

Training Day 2

Today's training went better than expected.
The first class was over Back Injury, and was suppose to take a hour but ended early so we got a longer break. That was nice, not that you can really do anything on Helemano because the only thing they have there is a Shoppette. The second class was on Child Abuse & Neglect. It was a 2 hour long class that started at 9:15am & was suppose to go until 11:15am, then we had lunch till noon. However the class ended at 10:20am & the next one didn't start till noon. I was so happy, I came home to grab a bite to eat and relax a bit then Gabe called & asked me to come pick him up to take him to get his truck. (it was in the shop having some stuff added on) After that I headed back to class. The last part of the day was filled with one class over Administration of Medication & Communicable Diseases / Health & Sanitation. It was scheduled for 4 hours long. BLAH!!! Much to our surprise the trainer came is and said she would have us out of here at least a hour early. YEAH!!!!!
After a few slide shows and taking notes the training was done. It was 2:30pm, not a hour early but a hour & half early. I was so happy. In the back of my mind I really didn't think that we would finish even a hour ahead of schedule but we did better than that.
Out the door I went, off to Tan & then to pick up some dog food for our little pups. Gabe even got off work a bit early today which was a nice surprise. We took the pups on the usual walk around the track & then headed back home to start on dinner.
Chicken & Rice ummmm, two of my favorite food & even better when you put them together.
We ended the night with a Yellow Cake & Chocolate frosting made by My Love. It was so good. I'm looking forward to hopefully another short day of training tomorrow. Only 3 days left.

Training Day 1

Today was my first day of training for my new job, I was nervous about going but once I got there and the class got started all of that went away.
It was a bunch of information that I already new and allot of common sense stuff that you needed to know to work with children.
The class only has 14 people in it but out of that only one other person is going to be working at the same center that I am.
I am so relieved that i finally am starting and going to be bringing in a paycheck now. The training is for a whole week, so Friday I will get my certificate of completion and be on my way to starting.
I love children and am excited about going back in to child care. It wasn't my top idea when I came out here but with the background that I have from working at the different schools back home I new it would be a easy catch.
I look forward to the rest of the training week and the new things that I will learn.
Hip Hip Hooray for being back in the work field!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a Day

It started off early with Gabe @ 4:30am up and about to feed the puppies before he headed off to PT. Then back to the kennels they went and in to bed for me.
After a couple more hours of sleep the pup's were awake again, so time to get up for me. I did a bit of house work, managed to make Gabe breakfast when he came home and spent the morning with him.
Just as I was getting ready to head out the door for a bit, I got a phone call from the in-processing department for the Peterson Child Care Center were I am going to be working. Alma (the lady on the phone) was calling to see if I had finish my medical stuff and physical. Well sadly I have not, seems the Occupational clinic has been pretty busy these past couple weeks and I'm not able to get in till the 15th and then still after that I have to go to Tripler & have the physical done. BLAH!!!!! I knew that the next training @ Peterson was going to be starting on May 18th and well since that's next Monday I wasn't crossing my fingers that I would get to attend it. However after talking to Alma this morning she wants me to go ahead & attend the classes starting on the 18th. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so stinkin stoked. She said since all my paper work was complete and I just had to do those last two things it wouldn't be a problem. What a relief, this whole time I had in the back of my mind that I was not going to be able to start work till mid June some time.
As soon as I hung up the phone I called Gabe to tell him the goodness. He was so happy. This will really take the stress of a car payment off me now, knowing we will have two incomes coming in. Then remembered that Dingo had his last puppy shot scheduled for next Monday. I called the vet & they were able to get me in today.
I quickly rushed him down there, did that & back home to drop him off get a bite to eat for lunch with Gabe and then back to a different vet with Bailey for her first free puppy check up that we got when we bought her.
OMG, I really didn't have much planned today to do other than going tanning & cooking dinner tonight with My Love. Boy did that all change. I was running around all morning, but it was all worth it. As crazy as it sounds I'm excited about starting new job, 5 months now with out working that's so not me at all. It will be nice to get out of the house but I will be sad to leave the puppies in their kennels for so long. :( I just love our babies so so much they truly do complete out life.

He Has RISEN....

and the Church said "HE HAS RISEN IN DEED".

This past week I have been reminded in so many way's that it was going to be my first Easter Sunday that I would not be attending the Sunday service at the Church I grew up in. (the best church might I add, The Church On Rush Creek) For the last 20 year I was always there and went to the Church wide picnic after. I always loved going to church but on the holidays CRC always went over board and it was the best. The message is always the best part of course. Sitting there listen to Pastor Russ speak, it was a church tradition that when he said "He Has Risen" the church would reply "HE HAS RISEN IN DEED" it was just so touching and then you have Eric P. over to the left in the front always saying "MY MY MY" in his deep voice. (He added some color and spice to the service). I ALWAYS loved the worship part of the service, listen to the choir sing and joining in. It is always a day to remember when you attended a Sunday morning at the Church On Rush Creek (CRC).

So Sunday morning came bright and early for us this year, but I didn't mind that at all. This was our 3rd Easter together but our First that were we together in the same place for once, (my oh my the holidays are so much better with my boo home with me). We started the morning off with a game of Golf with a friend of Gabe's, Jason & his wife Ray. Boy was this right up his alley. Gabe loves to play Golf and was so excited. Me on the other hand I have never played before and really had no desire to play at all, but I was going to suck it up and show him I could do this. So off we went. We got to the course a bit early to practice at the driving range, a bit nervous I didn't do to bad once I got the hang of things.





We had 18 holes ahead of us and I didn't know how I was going to manage, there were so many different clubs to choose from. Depending on were your ball was depended on the one you use. (I was always asking Gabe which one to use each time hee hee). After the first 2 or 3 holes I was starting to warm up to it and of course having a blast. Gabe & I were team playing were we would switch of who it the ball each time. A good ways through the first half I was up, Getting set in place I took a swing but the ball was still there. My Love was standing there beside me and said "OMG you just hit a frog" I was like "were, no I didn't" and sure enough he point's it out to me. I did not even see it because it blended in with the leaves on the ground. WOW, that thing is huge I kinda freaked out for a bit and did a little dance and went back for a 2nd try. Mind you the stupid frog was still there right in front of my ball, I couldn't do it, it was creeping me out way to much so I handed off to Gabe.








Driving around the course on the carts we had so much fun and the company of the Steckman's was great. They are pretty good at the game, as well as Gabe. He sure dose have a good arm on him to get the ball down the course. Once again I was up getting ready to hit the ball on to the green and "WACK" (ok, I caught on really quick not to stand behind some on when they are up to Tee, so I figure Gabe having played Golf before was smart like that as well), Ha Ha, I guessed wrong.....I hit the ball and when I followed through with my swing I managed to hit Gabe right in the forehead. He was standing right behind me and I didn't realize it at all. I felt so bad because I know it had to hurt. Poor guy just turns around and says "I'm gonna go have a seat you can finish this whole :( ".

We finished out our 18 holes in about 4 hours and we did pretty well. I have to say I wouldn't mind going again. It was a great morning and minus the few minor mishaps.





We quickly rush home to shower, change and grab the dog as well as our yummy cupcakes we made the night before and headed off to Jamie & Anthony's house. We were getting together with them for a Sunday brunch, filled with Turkey, Ham, Beans, Mashed Potato's, Deviled Eggs, Corn Pudding and so much more. As well as a Easter egg hunt for the little kids.

The day was great, and for Gabe & I to be together sharing in the holiday with our friends was just the topping of the day. Even though I missed out on the Sunday service at CRC, I had a great Easter Sunday that I will remember for ever. We still dressed up in our Sunday best (for Hawaii that is). After loads of PS3 and some good laughs we headed home about 6 hours later. I was so beat, I could of passed out on the short 5 minute drive to the house.





What a day to remember. HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!!




"HE HAS RISEN"......and his people said "HE HAS RISEN IN DEED."

What was Empty is now Full

With this being our first home together we didn't have any furniture at all, so when Gabe was home on R&R in November we went MEGA shopping. Thankfully from our wedding shower & the wedding we had all the house hold items we needed and more. Just no furniture, not really knowing how the house we would be getting here in Hawaii would be laid out and the space we were going to have made it alittle hard but we managed. I moved in and got everything put together the pictures hung and the boxes unpacked, and the house was now a HOME!



However there was this huge spot right in our family room that was empty and really didn't make any sense. For weeks & weeks now we have been talking about what to do with the space. Should we put a desk there or a work out unit, a over sized chair or what. We just couldn't figure it out.

So yesterday we went to Pier 1 Imports to see if any thing sparked our eye, & well there was this desk unit that caught Gabe's eye right off the bat that he liked. "I asked him were we would put it" and "he said I don't know I just like it". I wasn't so crazy about it at first because the color was not the same as everything else we had in our family room. (I like for everything to some what flow) We looked around a bit more and headed off to the furniture store down the road, didn't have much luck there. Then it hit me....we got out entertainment unit from Target so why not look there. I found a table / desk that matched but wasn't able to find any bar stool's to go with it and that piece was only sold on line so I wouldn't be able to see it before we bought it. Today we headed down to Target to see what they had (I just love love love having Target in Hawaii now, I don't know what I would have done living here for so long and having to order everything I wanted from them on line) they really didn't have much to choose from so I was a bit bumbed out. We decided to stop off at Pier 1 on our way home again and just look at the table there a bit more, (by this point after looking at it the day before and just getting so many different idea's on what we could use it for in our empty space was kinda growing on me). We stood there and pondered for a while and then decided to go with it. It is a 5 piece table all sold separate (the table / desk and 4 stools), we went with the table and 2 stools (figured if we wanted at a later time to get to other two we could). YEAH!!!! I was so excited, I had so many idea's and best of all our empty space would be empty no more. Thank goodness for my Babe and his good eyes.


As soon as we got home after eating lunch Gabe got everything put together and set up and I started putting everything on the shelves (it worked out perfect for our cook book collection we have started because we have alot now, and my photo albums as well as a few other things), there is open storage on both side for plenty of stuff to go. I am just loving it so much, it is going to work perfect in our family room for so many different things and I am definitely going to get the other 2 stools as well as some type of shag rug to put under it to help make it is own little space.



I never though our house would become a HOME so quickly. Before he came home from Iraq, that was my one goal when I got here to Hawaii. I wanted My Love to be able to come home to everything complete and put together were he didn't have to do anything and I did just that. Now this just top's the cake and really completes this room and our home.

Germany WHAT!!!!

What seemed like forever one December day I sat and watch each and everything we owned packed away in boxes. Upon my arrival to Hawaii, that's all I wanted was our HHG's. I couldn't stand the though of them traveling across the ocean and having to pretty much sit and wait and deal with what I had at the moment. Finally the day came February 9th. I was moving in to our Home & boxes were being delivered, I was so excited. So after doing the walk through inspection w/ the housing lady, I walk out side to see the movers unpacking one of the crates that had my name on it. However as I started looking at everything they were pulling down and unpacking I quickly came to notice that NONE of that was mine. So back in the crate it must go. On to the next one, the minute they opened it I new it was mine and went about my way and let them do their job. As they pulled down the boxes I quickly opened them and took everything out so they could take the boxes. (I didn't want to be left with them) Finally one down and one to go. As I am nearing the end of unpacking all the rest of the boxes, I come to realize I am still missing stuff. This made me think.....ummmmm is it in that first crate and maybe just behind the other stuff. So I asked them to open it back up and we took a look, but nope none of it was ours. Trying to stay calm, but going through my head thinking of everything that was missing like all our wedding stuff, some of my photo albums, all my pictures that hung on the wall in my room, Jared's computer, some kitchen stuff and bedroom stuff, all of our Christmas stuff, OMG the list goes on and on. I was on the phone with in minutes with the moving company explaining to them what was going on. The lady I spoke with said she would find out what happen and give me a call right back. With in 20 minutes she had called back and informed me that some how our missing crate was some how switch at the Dallas ware house with someone Else's. (hints the reason the first crate was not our stuff). The crate we got belonged to a family that PCSed to Germany and they got our other one. Nice, "so what happens now" I ask her? They told me that we had to wait and when they had some one scheduled to move to Hawaii from Germany our crate would be on the shipment. AWH....now I'm frustrated not knowing if we will ever get the rest of our stuff or not or even when. And sadly 85% of the stuff on there can not be replaced. So week after week I would call to check on the status of our shipment and I was always told the same old thing "Its still in Germany". Jared called when he got home and not much had changed "it was still in Germany" aaaaahhhh when will we ever get it. At this point I'm willing to pay to have it sent here & Jared says that when his time comes to a end here in Hawaii he is just gonna request to go to Germany since our stuff is there already. lol BUT, yesterday while I was waiting for him to come home from the gym I decided to call yet again. Finally something different, they told me our stuff is on its way & it has to clear customs (since its coming from another country, no thanks to us) which can take any were from one day to a week. Hey fine by me and then they will give us a call for a delivery date. Thanks freakin goodness.....I just want the rest of our stuff so our home can officially be complete. Yeah we would live with out it but that would majorly blow seeing's that we can't replace hardly any of it. I can only hope that when we leave this rock that things work out alittle bit better.