Picking Up The Pieces

Just a little bit of life lately and a Instagram dump. Because every blog needs a catch all here and there right, to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest of what's going on in our life. hee hee. 

Dinner in Nashville a few weeks back at Hattie B's. It was quite tasty, we must have gone at the right time because we got right in. Typically this place is packed with a line out the door and down the side of the building. I went with the chicken tenders, coleslaw pimento cheese mac n cheese. I was semi disappointed to find out that they only serve their Chicken and Waffles on Sundays. :( 

Finding ourselves in Nashville once again we went to Blaze Pizza for lunch. You can choose from one of their pizza's on the menu or you can "customize your own" and its made right there in front of you. This place reminded me so much of Chipotle and let me tell you it was so so good!!! We'll def. be going back here. I got the BBQ Chicken and the hubbs got the Green Stripe. Both where delis!!!

Our most resent Nashville outting was complete by gathering some goodies from some of my favorite stores that we don't have in Clarksville, such as Trader Joes, REI and Fresh Market. I'll say we cleaned up pretty well and are going to be eating some tasty snacks. I finally got my hands on Cookie Butter which I'd been looking EVERY where for, for months. Its soon good!!! 

 What better way to enjoy your 3 day weekend, Thank You Labor Day. Then go for a nice long run on post. I typically don't run on post. In fact this was the first time I ran on Ft. Campbell. I wanted to change things up, you know put a little spice in my life. I didn't have a set milage I wanted to run when I headed out but knew I wanted to make it a long one. And that I did, 15 miles just shy of 2.5 hrs and I was sweating my booty off. But it felt great. I'm officially training for my 2nd Full Marathon, which I plan to complete next April for my 30th birthday. Yikes we aren't talking about that though. 

 This past weekend the hubbs and I headed out early EARLY Saturday morning for a quick two day trip to Louisiana for a wedding. One of the Soldiers in his platoon was getting married to the Post's Deputy General's Daughter and had plans to attend. Driving through the city of Monroe we where talking and the hubbs made a big deal about it. I wasn't sure why he was making such a deal for then he reminded me about the Duck Commander store / filming location. Well of course we had to stop then. We / I are big fan and I had to get the obligatory picture in front of the sign. The "shop" turned store was packed with loads of goodies and souvenirs to take home. We took a quick look around before heading back on the road. 

 Only 3 hours away from home, if only we come make a quick stop. But only having two day's we just couldn't swing it. 

 We stopped for lunch once in Shreveport at a local restaurant and the hubbs orders Fire Gator bites even after I told him I would NOT be trying them. Something about it just completely weirds me out and I just can't do it. The idea of eating Alligator, NO thank you. However he pretty much twisted my arm and I tried the tiniest bite. No it wasn't horrible but just the idea of it I couldn't get behind. Mixed in was fried Jalapeño slices so I chowed down on those since the hubbs doesn't care for Jalapeños by themselves. 

Busy enjoying ourselves and the beautiful wedding I failed on getting any pictures of us at all. EPIC FAIL. I was so bummed, but there's always another time. I did get a picture with my fabulous boots on. I mean you can't go to a country themed wedding and not wear your boots!!! It was a absolutely beautiful wedding and I couldn't be more happy for the newly weds. I'm so glad we where able to make the trip out to be apart of their celebration. 

The next morning we slept a little bit, if you call 5am sleeping in. We decided to take advantage of the hotel's complementary breakfast they have. I mean after all I'm pretty sure we paid for it in our rate some how or another. Waffles, Yogurt, Banana's and a Muffin just to name a few things that may have crossed my plate. On the road by 6:30am headed home. 

Our GPS took us out of Louisiana through some back country roads and blessed us with this beautiful sunrise. It doesn't get more relaxing or better than looking over a fog covered pasture with cows out grazing around. 

On our drive home we finally had a chance to stop at the largest Bass Pro Shop ever. The outside looks way neat, and on the inside you'll have just about everything your normal BPS has. I think it get's the title being the largest one simple from the building size. There is a restaurant inside, a body of water aka mini pond that has boats for display and I believe its the worlds tallest free standing glass elevator in the middle. It's one of those places where we can save we've been and check it off the list of must see's. 

Back at it first thing Monday morning. My BB group is hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge this week and its just what I need after a weekend of splurging. I'm going all out and doing 10 days. We have another little trip planed next weekend and I / we plan to fully indulge in lots of yummy goodness. 

Day 1 workout complete, and lunch curtesy of Hops Java and Juice in downtown Clarksville. This little joint has only been only about 2 maybe 3 months and let me tell you they are fabulous. All clean, organic, natural ingredients. Plus selection of baked goodies, a ice cream bar and pup cups (puppy ice cream). Its just what we needed here in town. My new Monday lunch spot, Military Monday Discount day. 

Tuesday I headed out for a 6 mile ride after my morning work out and it was so chilly. I'm not at all ready for the cold weather, I mean really who is. I'm really enjoying my bike and even more so that we both where able to purchased one when we where home in Texas. I try to make a point to go riding at least twice a week in the mornings before work and then the two of us go together on a longer ride on Sunday's. We've been going on post and riding around a couple different area's which has been really nice. I foresee lots of fun times ahead of us. :) 

"We've got Spirit, Yes we do. We've got Spirit, How about You?"  It's Spirit week at school and today was Story Book Day. Dress up as a Story book character. Barbie and I decided that we'd go together as a team, seeing's after all we are always working together and getting into one thing or another. I'm not one for dressing up all the time and to be honest this was the first time this week I remembered or even put effort into what I was going to wear. I have to say our outfits / costumes turned out pretty darn cute and we had so many complements on them.  

I suppose that catches things up for a bit. Until next time folks. 

Wrapping up Texas

*Wednesday After finally getting back to the Lone Star State we grabbed lunch with NeNe at David's BBQ. Its only the best BBQ place around the area and since I sadly don't get it that often since the hubbs isn't a huge fan of red meat I make sure to indulge in my fair share of it when I go home. You just can't go wrong with David's. That afternoon we went to visit my mom and see her new house. The people she rents from have horse stables behind her so we where able to go out and feed the horses. We relaxed and hung out at NeNe's for the afternoon and enjoyed a tasty dinner that she made. 

*Thursday we woke up early and went back to Dallas for a ride around White Rock Lake. We saw it the first time we went over there when we went to get Donuts at Hypnotic Donuts. The hubbs though it would make for a great ride being a almost 10 mile loop. We started just as the sun started to peek out which made for a beautiful sunrise.

Of course we couldn't be that close to Hypnotic Donuts and not stop in for one more visit before closing out our trip. I when plan and simple on the donut this time and got a Glazed. It was pretty tasty. I also decided to try there Maribeth breakfast sandwich - Chicken in a biscuit with house made peppered gravy and tater tops. It was so good, I've never had anything like it before. Well worth the splurge even though it was crazy messy to eat. 

That afternoon we went to visit with my Aunt Vonda for a bit followed by a stop at my Mamaw's house. Gosh I miss my family so so much, living so far away has its up's and down's for sure. My Uncle Richard and Aunt Holly live in Mamaw's house now, we went by to visit them and it was the first time I'd seen the house since Mamaw passed away. Just pulling up to the house it looked the same yet SO SO different. Standing there at the door my heart sank and tears started to fill my eyes. My heart was beating so fast and all the pain and heart ache of her passing came rushing back. Never in a million dreams did I think she would have been gone so soon. 

Still today I have a hard time dealing with the loss of my most cherished family member. She was my best friend my rock. No one was home so we didn't go inside. Apart of my was a bit relieved because I wasn't sure I could handle any more. I knew the entire inside would be different and I wasn't sure I would be able to handle it. 

We decided to get lunch at a new place called Super Chix, it wasn't to bad. I still prefer Chicken Express but I was pleased with one of their side choice's Fresh Fruit. We ran a few earns before heading back to the house to relax for a bit. The hubbs originally had a shooting match scheduled for that evening but he decided to cancel so we could spend our last evening in town with NeNe. Dinner at Babe's, one last must have before leaving the great state of Texas. If you've never been to Babe's Chicken, your seriously missing out. The food, The Atmosphere, The Staff, The Music, did I mention THE FOOD its all perfect. Endless Mash Potatoes, Cream Corn, Smoked Green Beans, Buttermilk Biscuits and Salad all served family style. With your choice of meat from Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Fried Catfish, Chicken Fried Steak, Hickory Smoked Chicken. Its all so good, one of my favorite places to eat when I go home. 

We ended our evening with a late night trip to Barnes and Nobles followed up with one last visit to Braums and of course I splurged on a double scoop - a scoop of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream topped with a scoop of Peppermint Ice Cream. I'd lost count at this point on how many double scoops I enjoyed while being home, but that's ok right. That's what vacation is for. 

*Friday morning we had plans to go for a bike ride but the hubbs wasn't feeling it. Instead we decided to ride up to a little local place for breakfast. It wasn't the sweaty ride I was expecting to have that morning, but we did enjoy it. Being able to ride our bikes to various places and not have to drive has been really nice. 

We took the morning to be lazy, relax and pack up all our crap from NeNe's house (literally, we brought so much with us, you would have though we where moving in.) and decided to be lazy for a bit before going to meet up with my brother for lunch at his work. I've heard so much about what he does and where he works but I've never been out there so it was nice to finally see where he spends his days. 

After lunch we headed home to load the car and go pick up my little not so little cousin Shae before heading to the river for the weekend. We where also able to visit with my Cousin Ant, my Aunt Holly and her parents a bit while we where there. Its always nice to see her parents, I've always considered them family. A quick stop at Mamaw's house so Shae could grab something forced me to go inside since my Uncle Richard was home. Walking through the door my heart was pounding, it took all I had to hold back the tears and try not to look around to much to noticed how everything was so different. Yet it was staring me in the face. The house I once spent so much time in and that held so many memories was so different and would never be the same. 

Before heading to the river we had one last stop, we where meeting up with two of my high school beat friends and their husbands for dinner. Sadly shortly after arriving at the restaurant they both had to cancel. I was so disappointed and hurt. I had been looking forward to seeing them both and catching up since we had planned our trip home. We didn't let it keep us from enjoying our dinner though, you can never go wrong with Mexican Food and even better when there's Sopaipilla's involved. 

We had a great time in Texas and I can't wait to go back. I miss home like crazy and being back just reminded me that a piece of me will always want to move back here some day. I'm already looking forward to and planning our next trip home. 

Our Week in the Valley.

*Thursday Finally settled in the Valley.
 With our luggage accounted for, we where off to do a little venturing around. My Brother - In - Law brought our two Nephews over to visit us and hang out for a bit. The In-Loves own a Appliance repair business and so we all headed up to the store to visit for a bit. Their employee's bought lunch for C for her birthday, which was so thoughtful. While there our youngest Nephew came up to me and asked "Do you like dead animals?" Umm excuse me, while I bust out laughing. We had been talking BassPro and Cabela's. Apparently the boys like to go there for a little afternoon outing. Hey whatever works for them right, cheap entertainment. So we took a trip up to Cabela's with the BIL and the boys. They had so much fun showing us around, as if we'd never been there before. We did a little random shopping after leaving before heading home. That evening we went with the In- Loves to dinner to Celebrate Cathy's birthday. We went to a local brewery pub and enjoyed a night out just the four of us. 

One of the nice things about coming to the Valley is that the hubbs family is pretty small, so there's not a ton of running around to see family, unlike when we go to Texas. We where able to just do our own thing knowing we would see his family on Sunday. We have a few friends in the Valley that we where getting together with on Sunday afternoon as well, so the rest of the time we where there was completely open. 

*Friday we did a little venturing I around town. 

I found a local Tamale shop online so we decided to go check it out and ended up getting a dozen tamale's to take home. 

There was a couple different gun stores in the area that the hubbs had found so of course we had to make a stop in each one. Thankfully we left with out the purchase of a new gun. We did stop off and pick up new tires and tubes for the bikes the 'Rents had so we could use them while we where home.

One of my must haves while we where home was Whataburger. Its simply delicious but clearly so unhealthy. But "When on Vacay"....I called the MIL to see if we could bring her lunch, and eat there at the store with her. I absolutely love spending time with my In-Loves. 

After lunch we headed out to check out another gun store, go figure. If there's one around he's bound and determined to find it. This one happened to be located just a couple blocks away from the family store. Conveniently located a couple doors down from not one but two bakery's. Kreative Kupcakes which was featured on Cupcake Wars and a Local Mexican Bakery. Neither of which we'd ever been to before. So of course that meant we had to store in at both on the same day. Why both on the same day you ask I mean we where going to be here for a whole week. Like I said "When on Vacay, right."

We did a little antique and car shopping to finish up our afternoon before heading home to relax and have dinner.

*Saturday The Guys did Guy things and The Girls did Girl Things.
The hubbs and his dad went to a shooting match in Prescott, AZ for the day while his mom and I went and had breakfast with Aunt Lisa at her school. She was wanting us to see her new classroom (she's a 5th grade language teacher) so it worked out perfect. Followed by a trip to the local Farmers Market and then way way across town to pick up a little something special we had ordered for her birthday celebration on Sunday. (who has their mother-in-law drive you to pick up her own b-day cake, yup this girl. to and I didn't let her see it till the next day either.)
Even though we didn't do much that day between the driving and being out in the heat we where exhausted. We picked up lunch at Schlotzsky's and took it back to the house to eat while we waited on our men to get home. It wasn't long after finishing our sandwiches that we where both sound asleep in the recliners. It's a ruff life living in the Valley I tell you.
That evening when the hubbs got home we took a little bike ride to the mountain behind his parents house and hiked up. It was such a beautiful view. I swear I could live here forever and never get tired of how pretty it is.

We finished off the evening with dinner and drinks before calling it a night.
*Sunday up and at it early that morning.
We where celebrating the MIL's birthday at Aunt Debbie's home that morning at 9am. Breakfast anyone?!?!? C is 1 of 5 and they all are very close, which I think is great. Everyone met up at Aunt D. house for a tasty breakfast casserole / burrito dish that Aunt Lisa made, followed by the fabulously delicious German Chocolate Cake that we picked up yesterday. Her Favorite.
After a little bit of catching up, lots of laughs, stories and hugs everyone parted way's to head on about their day.

We made our way across to the East Valley doing some random window shopping along the way before finding our way to the C's household. We had plans to hang out by the pool, grill and catch up with some of our great friends for the afternoon into the evening. Of course no gathering is complete with out dessert, we stumbled across another CupCake Bakery: which as well had been on CupCake Wars.

This was the first time the hubbs was able to meet their almost 2 year old twin girls that they adopted almost 2 years ago now. They are absolutely adorable and getting so big. We had the best time just hanging out and catching up. I saw P&N just this past December at Christmas but, It had been almost 4 years since the hubbs had seen them so it was a long much needed visit. Being a Sunday night (them having wrk the next day) I honestly didn't think we'd have a late night. Boy was I wrong, we didn't leave till almost midnight. I was exhausted and since the hubbs had quite a few Cold One's I was stuck driving the hour back across the valley to the 'Rent's house.
*Monday was a bit of a wash / randomness day.
The 'Rents had workers coming to the house that morning to do some work around the yard and so they asked us to stick around while they where there. Ok, no big deal we didn't have any big plans. Well other than the fact that it seriously took them forever to do the work. When I went out to ask the guy how much longer they where going to be, I got a blank stare because he spoke no English and didn't know a word of what I was saying. Finally after canceling our breakfast date we headed out across the Valley to the cemetery where Grandpa G is buried. Sunday was his birthday and since the hubbs wasn't able to come home for the funeral we wanted to make sure we made our way out for a visit.

We grabbed lunch at a place called Pita Monkey, OMG it was fabulously tasty. I so wish we had one in TN. A little random window shopping and a stop for YES MORE Cupcakes at Kreatives Kupcakes before heading home for the evening. We had a little Mexican themed dinner planned and cooked up the rest of the Tamales we had bought. Served nicely with a cold beverage.

 *Tuesday was go to work with your parent day.
We had been into the store off and on through out the week but just for short visit's here and there. Tuesday the hubbs was up well before the sun and out the door with his dad for the day. They had a packed schedule of service calls all across the Valley. While I slept in a bit and still managed to get my work out in I headed to the store shortly later but not before stopping at Whataburger for breakfast. I can't say that I did much work but I enjoyed getting to spend the day with my Mother - In - Love. The guys came back to check in and pick up parts a couple times and I managed to snag this picture of the two of us. He was less than thrilled that I was making him take a picture. (but hey, in my defense I didn't take many at all during our trip)

The four of us went to Arizona Fry Bread for lunch before splitting way's so the guys could finish out their work day. When your the Owner / Boss you can make you own schedule to a point, which means that the MIL and I had a early day and where off by 2pm. We picked up Papa Murphy's for dinner and headed home. (the hubbs favorite, really anything pizza related and surprisingly he hadn't had any since being home.)
A nice relaxing evening at home and a early trip to bed to get ready for our flight home the next day.
*Wednesday came all to quickly.
Before we knew it our time in the Valley had come to a end and we found ourselves at the airport saying our "See You Soon's" to the In Loves. I absolutely hate hate having to leave them. I wish we lived closer, even a few hours drive I wouldn't mind. Maybe one day we say.
Checking-In at PHX heading to DFW went much smoother than coming. They didn't weigh our bag, we didn't have to pay anything and the screening went smooth. We even had time to sit down for a nice little breakfast. A short hour delay after we got to our gate due to AC problems on the plane and we where quickly on our way. Only to wait at the baggage claim for half a hour for our bag. Seriously, what is it with DFW airport here lately. We really should have drove. Next time I can guarantee we will, I'm so over flying here lately. Thankfully the next few trips we have planned are all drivable.

We had a absolute wonderful time being back home in the Valley, it was much needed get away for the both of us. I can't wait to go back, I just hope its not as long of a time between this next go around. I'm really thinking we need to make it a yearly summer trip!! 

Just another Day

Early Tuesday morning we got up and took our bikes to Veteran's park which is just up the road from where my NeNe lives. The park is great for just about any outdoor activity running, biking, football, frisbee golf, feeding the ducks or just taking a stroll around along the beautiful trail's. I love this park because not only does it have so much history but it is family friendly and huge. The full trail around the park is about a mile and a half. The first time around the 5am sprinklers where on and we got sprayed. That wasn't very welcoming so early in the morning. We continued on and went around about 3-4 times at a good pace before heading home. NeNe had a eye doctor's appointment that morning so we decided we would take her and spend some more time with her as well. It was a good thing because they ended up dilating both eye's when they where only suppose to do one. I felt awful for her, but we where so grateful that we had drove. I was also able to visit and catch up with NeNe's good friend Memory. I honestly don't remember her to much but I she is just the sweetest lady ever. 

Lola finally warmed up to the hubbs and wouldn't leave his side.

Later that morning NeNe fixed a fully breakfast casserole for brunch while the hubbs and I went and gathered a few things for dinner. Dad and my brother where coming over and we where cooking a tasty meal for everyone. After brunch we went and did a little random window shopping at a few stores before heading over to visit with my friend Angela. I always love coming home and really getting to catch up with good friends. Sure there's Facebook, Instagram, Texting and Calling but there's just something about being about to really spent time with someone you care about and love so much. Each and every time Ang and I get together its as if no time has ever passed. We pick right up where we left off. Not a second has been missed and that's what I love so much about her. It's so easy. We can go weeks or months at a time with out talking and you'd never know. Although one afternoon was not nearly enough time. I wish we had so much more time in Texas but there's just always so much to do and so many people to see. It makes it hard to get around and please everyone. 

We had a great dinner and visit with my dad and brother at the house. We made Croissant Sammies with a Cucumber / Tomato Salad and Baked Sweet Potato Bites. Everyone really seemed to enjoy dinner. I absolutely love that I've been about to spend so much time with my dad this trip. Normal I don't get to see him all that much so this time around has really been a treat.
Speaking of treats, after dinner we went up to the mall to take a stroll around and see if we could find any good cycling books at Barnes and Nobles. No such luck there but I did score a couple of new Fiestaware pieces. A few weeks back I dropped one of my plates and it shattered. I had been looking for a replacement with out buying the whole set and hadn't had much luck. That was till we went to Macy's.
We'd talked about going to The Cheese Cake Factory for dessert afterwards but decided to make a little bit of a better choice. Frozen Yogurt. I think we chose just right.


I'd never been to Pinkberry before and let me tell you it was sooooo good. Different from the normal Frozen Yogurt places we had been to. They only had a couple different yogurt flavors to pick from, a small but tasty selection of toppings. The girls working made up your bowl for you. You told them which size cup, which yogurt flavor and which toppings up to 3 that you wanted. It was one set price and didn't go by weight like most other places I'd been to. Now if you wanted additional toppings you could have those added on as well. I went with Chocolate Yogurt, Strawberries, Granola and Cookie Dough bites. It was so good. Just thinking about it now makes me wish we had one back in Clarksville. I remember living in Hawaii and not being a huge fan of FroYo. My love for it started when we moved to Cola. Seriously the best afternoon or late night dessert. Really its good anytime of the day if you ask me.