last weekend....

I decided to head down to the Soda City Market this morning to get my mind off some horrible news I found out this morning. (more on that to come) I walked around a bit treating myself to some freshly squeezed lemonade. It was so refreshing and hit the spot on this hot summer day!!!! 

While living in Hawaii My "Spouse" introduced us to Frosty Paw's puppy ice cream. We get it all the time for the pups and they just love it. There is a local vendor that makes and sells homemade Popsicles and Pupsicles. I decided to pick up two on my way out to take home for our fur babies to try. They were a little confused at first but quickly finished them off. 

Later that evening after the hubbs made it home from work I decided to do a little baking. It was a first for these Chocolate Chewy Reese's Cookies, and although they were good I don't know that I'll be making them again. They just didn't hold there shape well. When you would go to pick one up to eat it, it would just fall apart. 

Sweet Sweet Kelly!!!! She's converting my over more and more to a true Southern Girl. I love everything Monogrammed. "If its not moving Monogram it right"!!!! She got me this cute tank and had my initials monogrammed on the back of it. This was my end of the year gift from her and Lucy. I just got it a little early :) Isn't it so cute, and its super comfy as well. 

She had herself one made as well, and then had a bright idea to start selling them through the summer. She's always on the go and looking for fun idea's to keep her busy. She asked if I would help promote them on my facebook page and it just took off from there. 

Sunday morning we went for a long run and half a mile in to our 8 miles she needed a potty break. Taking a random turn on to a street we never go on led us to this not so lovely porto-john. ewh ewh ewh, but I guess when you gotta go you gotta go. It was a great morning run, I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day. I can't wait for the Marathon to get here, well I kinda can because I still have lots of training to do. But you get what I mean right. 

It was a good morning in the South to get a run in!! Headed home to spend the rest of the day lounging around with my love!!! Happy Weekend everyone!!!!

Life Get's in the Way

Sometimes life gets busy and we I forget to stop and smell the roses or flowers in my case. It seems like I've always got something going on, some were to be or something to do. But it never seems overly exciting or fancy. Non the less, I've got a busy life and I suppose that's a good thing right. So here's a little tidbit of what I've been up to over the last two weeks. 

If you follow me on Instagram you've seen most of these before I'm sure. I'm going away for the weekend and my goal before I leave was to get caught up with everything, which includes this here blog of mine. Let's just say that didn't happen. I still have a weekend adventure to recap from two weeks ago. Hello what has gotten in to me. I guess you could say that every free minute I have is spent with the hubbs when he is home from work. Remember we picked up a new cycle about 2 1/2 weeks ago so things have been a little crazy. 

I made a killer Pasta Salad a couple weeks ago for dinner. We ended up eating on it for 3 days before it was all gone. Def. a favorite meal for us. 

Everyone loves Chocolate Chip Cookies. I made about 5 dozen last Sunday night. We each took some to work to let everyone enjoy. :) Because we all know we don't need to keep them all in our house. 

Running, Running, Running and more Running. I tell you It's such a stress reliever. I feel like a totally different person after my runs. No matter how good or bad of a day I've had, It's def. the best way to clear my head. 

Did you know that June 5th was National Running day......me either till I saw it posted all over FB. 

With it being National Running day on the 5th, that mint the registration fee for the Full Marathon I was wanting to do was discounted by $20. Not knowing if there would be a chance of it getting any lower than that I went ahead and bit the bullet as they call it and signed up. So it's official, I'll be running my first Full Marathon in Savannah, GA on my 6th Wedding Anniversary. No fingers crossed everything goes good and the hubbs will be off work and there to support me along the way. (even if he can't I know he'll be supporting me from home)

I'm not very good when it comes to planting, growing flowers and keeping them alive. Give me a Ivy and that's a different story. However we've had some really pretty flowers bloom from our seeds we planted a few weeks back.

I finally tested out my new pot that I got with my amazon gift card my brother got me for my birthday almost two months ago now. I say on the giftcard forever because I wasn't sure what I wanted to get and then when I decided and finally made the purchase, it took me a good couple weeks to finally use it. I made Hamburger Stew in it for the first time, it was actually really really good and super easy to make. Will def. be a keeper recipe, it would be great for during the cold winter months. I love the pot it makes a great addition to our cookware collection. 

With all the rain we've been having here lately the pups have been stuck in side a good bit. I feel bad for them to because they have so much energy to run out. I try to take them to the dog park as much as possible or at least for a walk when I get home from work. With our busy lives here lately they've been super lazy. Silly puppies and their tongues. :) 

 Now that It's official and I've signed up for my first Full Marathon I've been stepping up my gym classes / workouts. I'm really trying to work on my Strength and build up my Cardio as well. I'm still working at it and I think with anything it will take time to fully be able to do all of the exercises properly. Still I feel great afterwards so that's a good thing right. 

I hope you are all having a fabulous week and that you've got wonderful weekend plans. Thanks for hanging around and sticking with me. You ladies (and gents) are absolutely awesome!!!!! 

Loven Life Lately!

Seriously is she not the cutest puppy you've ever seen. She's such a lazy over sized lap dog, or at least she thinks she is. I love her though and would be lost with out her. 

Last Friday the hubbs got off work before me and headed down town to pick up a late night dessert. Seriously love this man he's perfect!!!! 

There's no sleeping in on Saturday mornings when the hubbs is off work. Up and at it bright and early at the range for some shooting. It was 37 degree's out and we were freezing our booties off but he was enjoying every minute of it. 

Later that afternoon we went to Whole Foods to pick up a few things to make dinner. The hubbs is on a huge Bison kick and frankly I'm not a fan. However I sucked it up and went along with it, happy husband = a happy wife right. He helped me fix everything up and then ditched me to do the dirty work when his buddy came over. That's ok I don't mind. 

Bison Enchiladas with a side of Mexican Rice. They weren't to bad, I just can't get past the chewiness of the meat. He says its because its more Gamy then other meats. 

Everyone loves a FABULOUS Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Including a bunch of Drill SGT's when they are stuck out in the field for a week. Any reason to see my hubbs while he's away working. :) 

Wednesday night Strength Class at Jamie Scott Fitness, with my fabulous running partner as the teacher. She really knows how to push you and give you a good work out. Can't wait till next week to go again. Building my lower body and cross training, doing what's best!!!!

Thursday one of my kiddos got sent home from school because she was sick. No Bueno. Her daddy was out of town and her momma had a big work meeting to attend. The hubbs was off work and so kindly agreed to sit with her while her mom went to her meeting. I went over to her house on my lunch and took him lunch and checked up on them. He is so good with Luc. and is going to make a great dad it we ever decide to go down that road. While I was there I asked him "are you going to be good changing her if you need to" he replied with "well it cant be that hard to figure out" Ok, so you've got this handled it looks like and I headed back to work. 

Did I happen to mention I'm going home soon :) Well if not I AM!!! TEXAS HERE I COME!!!!! 

And I can't wait. I'll be spending my Spring Break HERE (below) at our River house and on our Boat. I can't wait to go skiing, lay out on the beach and just be back on the water again. Its been to long since I've been down to our house and I am so looking forward to going again. Not much longer now and I'll be on a jet plane headed home. Best part is I get to spend the whole time with my little not so little brother!!!! 

Saturday run day!!!

 Pushing out a fabulous 6.2 miles today back in my minimalist shoes. I think I finally figured out what was causing my leg pain. :( To bad I didn't figure it out sooner, but as they say better late than never right. Come to find out I was fitted wrong with the shoes I was wearing. I went from minimalist shoes to fully supported, motion control shoes. With my bad ankles that have no arch at all (I'm 100% flat footed) and no support this put a lot of strain on my legs. Mainly my left one, shin splints turned in to stress fractures and mega horrible blisters which were no fun. I decided to change things up today and try out my old shoes and HELLO WORLD I'M BACK. 

100% difference and I felt even better after. Long story short I took my Asics back to Fleet Feet that I bought about a month ago and was refitted in a pair of Brooks PureFlow. They are minimalist shoes and feel great, I'm so happy I made the switch. I am however going to finish my training for my half marathon (and run my half) in my original minimalist shoes because I'm use to them. With a month left I don't want to cause any problems or stress on my legs and not be able to give 100% come race day. After that I'll go for the switch. 

My new KICKS - I've joined the Brooks fan club. They didn't have anything with pink so I jazzed them up with my pink Lock Laces. Loving them already and can't wait to switch over after the Half in March. :) Any other Brooks fan out there????

Today Sunday, was a hill training day. Now that we are nearing the end of our training we have to start stepping it up. This afternoon K and I met up and tackled two hills multiple times. We started off with a quick run over to were we were going to be training. We then took it full speed ahead up 3 times, bringing it to a slow walk at the top and then back down the hill to do it again. We did this same hill 3 times before running around the block to bring it up a total killer hill. (I'll have to take my phone with me next time to get a picture) We pushed it out and ran the whole way up and back to her house with out stopping. It was a great 3 mile recovery run after our run yesterday. 

How was your week, what about the week before last?? We haven't really had anything to exciting going on. The hubbs unit Graduated this past Thursday so we are officially on cycle break till March 1st. Hello!!!!!!!! We don't have anything big planned but some much needed down time for the hubbs which is well deserved. Lots of training and running here for this girl, I know it will all pay off in the end. 

New Year New Me!!!!!

Christmas Day!!

It's so hard to believe that its already Christmas Day, seems like just a few weeks ago it was summer. The morning started off with breakfast in the oven. I love meals that you prep the night before only to pop in the oven the next morning. Then of course the traditional picture in front of our Christmas tree. I love that the In-Loves were able to be here for Christmas to celebrate with us. We always have so much fun when we are all together.  

One last picture of our beautiful tree Christmas morning!!! We've added the gate around the bottom, it has been in the hubbs family for over 30 years. The hubby's parents mailed it to us last week. They have another one that has been in the family for 75 years. We are going to switch this one out for the older one because the hubbs likes that one more. I was kinda hesitant about it at first but I really really like it. It completes the tree and makes it look really neat. 

Hubby played Santa and passed every ones gifts out to them before we opened them. They we went in a circle and opened one at a time, one after another. I like doing it this way, this allows everyone to see and enjoy in the excitement of what you are opening. (plus it last's longer)

Just a few of the goodies the hubs got for Christmas this year. 

Checking out his Stocking Stuffers, Shooting Shock Timer, Handle Grip for his rifle and Ammo Reloading Dies. 

All on his wish list!!! What a lucky boy!!!

 This girl got her very first KitchenAid for Christmas. I never had any desire to have one until about two weeks or so ago when the hubbs started asking me about one. It was then I started doing a little research on them and COLORS. I was totally sold once I found this fabulous Raspberry Ice color KitchenAid. I HAD to have it. I researched every possible website to find the best deal,  I sent him the link were I found it on aafe's with a coupon discount code. Really what more do you need. :) I love it, its beautiful and I seriously don't know how I went this long with out one. 
fssGgG  The hubbs is wanted to start reloading Ammo for shooting. I was hesitant on him doing it only because its really time consuming but its something he really wants to do. I don't know what I didn't think about it before, but it hit me like 5 days before Christmas. GET HIM A RELOADER for Christmas, hello talk about the perfect gift. I waited till after we had breakfast, cleaned up the living room and set up my KitchenAid before I gave it to him. I had it hid up in my closet, it was a pretty good surprise because he wasn't expecting it at all. Wife of the year award here please :). 

Just a few of the gifts I got from the hubbs and Spouse. I never take my house keys with me when I go some were with the hubbs. Why? Because he always has his so why do I need mine. Well he always gets so annoyed with it, for whatever reason is beyond me. lol So he bought me a key chain so I'll take them with me. Its a really pretty one from Coach, ok so I "might" start taking my keys with me......we will see. lol. My current MacBook Pro is / was on its last leg so he got me a new one. My Spouse also sent me the cutest two picture frames. One with a heart cut out and inside was a map of Dallas, which included the area were we got married. The other one said "Home is Where Your Story begins" with a map of the island of Hawaii. I absolutely LOVED them both. 

Pictures from the Spouse, MAHALO Spouse I love them!!!!!

A few more of the goodies I got from the hubbs and the In-Loves. More Fiestaware, cooking spices, picture frame, K-cup holder (to replace our current one, in order to set up the kitchenaid) hand help blender mixer thingy and matching pink eye and ear pro for when we go shooting. 

I always have to borrow eye and ear pro from the range when we go because I don't have my own like the hubbs. Since he's been trying to teach me to be a better shooter and have home self defense training when it comes to shooting I was excited about these. The ear pro band has really good cushion so I wont get head aches, like before. I love that he got pink to, he's so good to me. 

Oh yes it didn't take long to break out the KitchenAid and put it to use. Making the filling for Keefel cookies, I'm love my new toy :) Grown up toys are so fun!!!! 

We spent the afternoon making cookies and then preparing for our Christmas dinner we were having. We were also having over two of our friends for dinner (the ones we went to visit last night (Christmas eve)), so there was lots to do. They'd never been to our house before so of course I had to make sure everything was in its place and perfect. I'm kinda OCD when it comes to our home. 

My kitchen was a MESS after making these but I had so much fun!!!!

Raspberry Ice KitchenAid + Keefles = a Happy Couple!!!! added bonus = a perfect Christmas!!!!

Christmas Dinner ready to serve!!!! Honey Baked Ham & Turkey, Stuffing, Rolls, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Bacon Cheesy Mash Potatoes and Gravy. Yummy in my Tummy!!! Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner, the best part is we still have some left overs. 

I just love this time of year, we had a great Christmas celebration. Many Memories Made!!!! 

I really can't believe it's come and gone either though and now its another 365 days till we get to do it all over again. Until them Merry Christmas / Mele Kalikimaka from our Family / Ohana to yours!!!! 

Pre~Vacay insta~pics.

I love little packages :), they make for great gifts. 

Seriously love what's inside. 

(once its gifted, I'll post more about it, but until them I'll leave you wondering :)~)

 Getting in my evening run, why not add a couple extra miles on. The hubbs has CQ so might as well. 

All while sportin my new minnie tank. I love love it!!!! 

~DAY 353~

 Feeling guilty for leaving the hubbs for so long I baked him some yummy M&M cookies to enjoy while I'm away. Plus a 2nd batch for our wonderful friend S who is going to be helping us out with the pups. 

 Sometimes we all need a friendly reminder here and there. The hubbs got a good laugh out of this taped to the kitchen counter. But really I have to or the pups would starve he is awful about checking their food bowl. Even though he passes by it daily for some reason it doesn't click lol. He says its because he knows I always take care of it, which is true and makes sense. However still its not that hard to look over and see the two shiny bowls empty. 

Bailey is seriously the laziest dog ever sometimes. We have to make her get up out of bed in the mornings to go out side to go potty. So when the hubbs gets up at 3am she doesn't even budge. Dingo on the other hand will beat you down the stairs and wait for you at the door. Hints the reason for the reminder to make her go out side before he goes to work. 

~DAY 354~

Do you leave reminders for your spouse when you go out of town?? 

I also pre-made a few meals to have on hand ready for him to pop in the microwave or oven. This just makes things easier for him with the long hours he works and lets face it, its hard enough to cook for one person. Plus who wants to come home at 7-8pm at night and cook dinner. Not him or me lol. I do feel a bit guilty leaving him for so long, so its the least I can do. I truly enjoy doing it, anything I can do to make things easy and simple for him. 

French Christmas Cookies

I made these back in December and they were a big hit, so I decided to make a batch or two again. I figured the hubbs is going to need a special treat to get through this next week. I though I'd share the recipe, its so simple and so yummy. Hope you enjoy!!!!

Ingredients: 

*1/2 cup soften butter

*1 cup packed brown sugar

*1 cup milk

*2-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 

*2 cups chocolate chips

*2 cups finely chopped walnuts 

*miniature muffin cups

Topping:

*1-1/4 cups milk chocolate chips, melted

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in milk. Stir in crumbs, chips and walnuts. Fill miniature foil baking cups three-fourth full. Place 1 in. apart on baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees, for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks. Top each cookies with 1/4 teaspoon melted chocolate. Store in the refrigerator. Yields: 9-1/2 dozen. 

(ps: my batch made 85 cookies)

~DAY 304~