Merry Christmas Eve

The day before Christmas Eve the hubbs and Chris took their 3 boys and went shooting. Leaving Becky and I home to bake till our hearts were content. We had a Christmas Eve dinner planned and decided to do our dessert baking the day before. 

Christmas Eve morning I helped out at the PX with Becky and our Battalion Commander and his wife with the Christmas wrapping. We didn't think it would be that busy but boy were we wrong there was so many people that came in to get their last minute Christmas gifts wrapped. By 1pm when our time was up we were both warn out. Thankfully I didn't have much to do to prepare the rest of my side dishes to take over to Becky's. I was able to relax and enjoy the day a bit with the hubbs. That evening we loaded up the car and headed around the corner. Thank goodness we both live on post. No drinking and driving people. Be the passenger and enjoy it. Totally kidding!!!! 

Absolutely love this girl, we had so much fun getting everything ready for our dinner. She way out did herself on the appetizers and yummy treats to enjoy while we waited on the turkey and ham to cook. The boys B'Sed and well were boys telling army stories and drinking beer. It was such a low key laid back evening. 

So blessed for another Christmas home together. Love this man to pieces. He's all I need wrapped under my tree. 

Finally dinner was done and ready to be served!!! Now that's a spread if I do say so myself. 

Of course I had to try a little bit of everything, Holiday meals are my favorite :) 

After dinner we decided to play a little domino's or as we call it Mexican train. We used to play all the time when I lived at home and haven't played since Hawaii. It was so much fun and a great way to let our food settle before diving right into the wonderful assortment of desserts we made. 

Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Peppermint Cheese Cake and Reese Fudge Brownies. If that doesn't make your mouth melt I'm really not sure what would. 

It was a great evening, I'm so blessed we've made such great friends here in the South. 

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!!!!!

Summer Lovin!!!

This morning while I was cleaning the house I got a call from a co-worker (who is currently off for the summer) she wanted to go to the water park on post. BACK UP~ her two granddaughters (she was one of the older ladies I worked with) are in town visiting 11 yrs old & 3 years old. She was wanting to catch up but always needed a extra hand at the water park for the little one. Since the hubbs was working and I didn't have any plans I agreed to go. It was a nice afternoon out and the park wasn't busy at all. Being my first time there I didn't know what to expect but that park was pretty nice and very well kept. Small but big enough to enjoy for everyone. And by everyone I mean EVERYONE and EVERYTHING God gave them. I've always been self conscious about the way I look in a swim suit, just something that comes with life. But I tell you what I didn't feel a lick of sham today. My worship pastor Big E back home (as well as the same man who married us) would always say "just because they made it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it" AMEN!!!! I have to say it made for some good people watching thats for sure. For me, I have to be comfortable in it and love the way I look if I'm going to wear it our in public. We had a great time catching up but I was ready to get back to my hubby. (he finally was home from work) I just don't mesh with my co-workers here like I did in HI. I don't think the hubbs and I would go there just the two of us, its definitely more geared towards families with kids. But it's nice that we have it on post for these hot summer days we are having. 

Before heading home I stopped off for some frozen yogurt. I received a gift card to 32 degrees Yogurt bar a few weeks back from one of my parents and decided to finally use it. I'm not really a fan of different flavored yogurts so I stuck with Vanilla. For my toppings I decided on Sprinkles~ always, Mini Reese Piece's ~ because I'd never seen them before, and I added a few Nerds ~ shouldn't have. This was the first time I'd seen Nerds on a dessert topping bar, lets just say I won't do those again. I like them but it just didn't mix well with the yogurt.

For dinner I tried out a new recipe I got from a fellow blogger friend. I'd been itching to try it here for a while now and finally got around to it. Lets just say we weren't disappointed at all, it was fabulous. We even have enough left over for lunch for the next couple days.
You can find the recipe here ~ Summer Veggie Pasta, thanks so much Kate for sharing one of your families dinner dishes, it will forever be in our recipe book. :)

~DAY 255~

Lets talk dinner & disaster!!!!

After exploring the city, driving by the White House & spending hours in the National Museum of American History we decided to call it a day in DC.
Heading back to Georgetown for dinner at Serendipity. Well known for their foot long hot dogs & frozen hot chocolate. I of course loved all of the Tiffany Lamps they had displayed around the restaurant. I just think they are so beautiful, one day I will have one or two in my house. The staff was so friendly, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. Definitely some were I'd come and eat at again. The Frozen Hot Chocolate was good but I didn't really get it, It tasted like a milk shake almost, not really sure. Never the less we were all pleased!

When we were driving back through Georgetown to park for dinner the Spouse and I both pretty much at the same time looked to our right and saw there was a Sprinkles Cupcakes right there in town. Are you kidding me, I think we both squealed alittle. Not only had we planned to stop back in at Georgetown Cupcakes but now we had to stop at Sprinkles as well. If you've ever seen Cupcake Wars on the Foodnetwork channel then you know who the owner and founder is, Candace Nelson. She was the founder of the first Cupcake bakery store front in 2005. The cupcakes were fabulous and the staff was so friendly, the only down fall I saw was that once they run out of a flavor for the day they don't remake any more. So if your going you better go early to get the one you want. I tried the Cinnamon Sugar & Key Lime Pie which were both pretty tasty. A must stop in if you ever are in the area of one of their locations for sure.























Making our way back to WV to stay the night in a hotel closer to were our next adventure was going to be on Thursday morning, we ran into a little set back. NO literally we / I ran in to it. Driving down the high way with S & B asleep in the back and her mom as co-pilot for me. Going along minding our own business & the speed limit, all of a sudden K & I spotted a LARGE semi tire in the middle of the high way. As soon as my light saw it I hit it. There weren't any high way lights to light the road or it probably could have been avoided. Everything happened so quickly, I honestly don't remember if there was some one to my left were I could have gotten over but I'm pretty sure there was. It was like a flash of light you see it then its gone, we saw the tire and I hit it all in the blink of a eye. Let me tell you going 65 MPH down the high way and hitting that will surly wake you up. Everything went sliding around even the car, it took me a minute to get control of the wheel and pull off to the side without sliding into the ditch. Thanks goodness B & S have Triple A, they came out and changed our tired and sent us on our way telling us everything was ok and we just needed a new tire. Bummed because we were only a hour our of the city headed back to WV and we had to turn around and get a hotel. No way we could make it the next 4 hrs on a donut. I felt awful because that mint our plans for the next day weren't going to happen. My first though was in the morning we will just take it to a local tire shop, have them change the tire and we will be on our way. After driving the car more that evening to the hotel, clearly we could tell there was more wrong than just needing a new tire.

Skip to Thursday morning~ we took it to a local Subaru deal to have it checked out. I mean that's what the hubbs would have wanted me to do any how. And thank goodness we did. I went in and explained what happen, they took the car back to check it out. We waited and waited and waited some more, a hour and a half went by before they finally came out to give me the news.

 "YOUR CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE"

Que in the water works right now, see one I felt awful about today (Thursday) getting canceled. Two this is the hubbs car (the Outback) and I just knew he was going to go nuts. (even though he understood it was a accident) Three, if its not drivable how are we going to get back to WV, how and I going to get home, how much is this going to cost me. A million things were going through my head and it was just way to much for me to handle. I called the hubbs and had B explain everything that was going on because quite frankly I just couldn't bare to tell him. 

The estimated cost to fix the car was $1600.00 and at least 2-3 days. The dealer & insurance company worked with me so well and took in that I / We were in from out of town and that this needed to get fixed ASAP. We were set up in a rental shortly after a little bit of paper work, transferred over our ungodly amount of bags, the parts had been ordered and overnighted to the dealer. We finally were headed back to WV but in a teeny tiny car that was so not comfy at all. Hey I guess it could have been much worse, there was NO body or frame damage done to the car, it was simply everything that made the tire its self work and turn, oh and a fog light was missing. No one was hurt and its fixable so all in all we were blessed. I still just hated that it all happened and we were now thrown off schedule, not to mention I was going to have to come back here to pick it up in a couple days, which is a 5 hour drive from were we where headed. I guess this is just another story to look back on for the spouse and I "hey remember our first mainland road trip together when you hit that tire in the road."

(that thing was giant, I'm not talking just the rubber / tread of a semi tire, no it was the WHOLE THING)

Georgetown Cupcake

After our travels in the city we ventured over to Georgetown for some dinner, but most important to try some cupcakes!!!!! The Spouse did a bit of research and found out that the TLC show DC Cupcakes had their location right in the heart of Georgetown. Of course we had to make a visit it was on the top must see / do of the day. 

There seemed to be a ton of different flavors to pick from, from your typical every day flavors to the not so typical. I'm not one to try funky flavored cupcakes or cakes, so I played it safe. I picked the German Chocolate Fudge Cupcake and the Chocolate / Vanilla Cupcake. Out of those two I like the German Chocolate one, I wasn't a fan of the Choc. Van. at all, which is strange because its so simple. There was just something about that did set well with me. 

Look at that doesn't it look so tasty!!!! The staff was super friendly and welcoming!!! It was the perfect way to end our dinner adventure. We'll definitely be making another stop here before we leave town!!!

(this seriously makes me wanna go make some cupcakes right now)

~Sweet Treat~

Remember all those tasty Strawberries we picked over the weekend?!?!? 

Well today at work I had a bright idea to use some of them to make Strawberry Short Cake. 

After it crossed my mind I couldn't stop thinking about it. I haven't had it in FOREVER. 

I'm not a fan of whip cream AT ALL!!!! I've never really liked it but I LOVE it with SSC.  So on my way home from work I stopped by the store and picked up some Angel Food Cake and Whip Cream. The hubbs was blowing up my phone worried about were I was because I had told him I'd be right there home, forgetting I still had to make a stop. 

Thankfully when I walked through the door with sweet goodies he completely understand and all was well. We normally don't have dessert on the week nights. Mainly because be time we both get home from work, make dinner, do dishes, pick up the house we are to tired & ready for bed shortly after.

This evening was different and we completely dug in and enjoyed a tasty bowl of Strawberry Short Cake. It was so good, I'm hoping we are able to make a trip out to Cottle Strawberry Farm again before they close for the season. 

Do you have a favorite simple "go to" dessert for long work nights?!?!?! 

I think this might just be our latest right now. 

~DAY 208~

Enjoying His 4 Day

The morning started off pretty much like our typical Saturday when the hubbs has off. A couple hours at the shooting range together. I'm still not 100% comfortable with shooting but I really enjoy going and watching the hubbs. 

It was his first time shooting the scar since he got it last weekend and he was like a kid in a candy store. Super super excited, up at 6:30am and ready to go, however the range didn't open till 8am. 

Every time he would turn around and look at me in between rounds he had the biggest smile on his face. As if he doesn't get enough of this during work when they are in the field. I know its different when he can shoot his own weapon and what not, I still just think its so cute. I'm really glad that we were able to go out today. There had been talk of major thunderstorms and when that happens they shut down the ranges. That would have been awful seeings this is his last weekend off till mid April. 

His little set up, he got the view finder for Christmas. 

I always think its funny when the guys out at the range lay down and shoot. Its like really you have to get "that" into it just to shoot, but to each there own right. The hubbs offered to show me how to use the Scar, so taking him up on that he tells me to lay down on the ground. Really are you kidding me I don't want to lay on the dirty ground. After getting the "look" from him & a "oh its ok" I gave in. I will admit it was much easier to shoot this way, being able to rest the barrel of the gun on the sand bags and not having to worry about the weight. Shhhh don't tell the hubbs I said that. 

I did some practicing with the pistols we have. I'm still learning because they make me super nervous so I only end up shooting off a couple rounds of each before I'm done.

We normally only stay out there about a hour or so but today we were there for a good 2 & 1/2 hours. Its definitely a nice stress reliever that's for sure. 

After our time at the range we headed up to Charlotte, NC for the evening. We had dinner reservations at Buca Di Peppo wish is a family style Italian resturaunte that we grew to love in Hawaii. When I found out about there being one in Charlotte we decided it would be a great way to celebrate the hubbs graduating. A few weeks prior he through the idea out there for us to stay the night. Why the heck not!! We had a fabulous time doing a bit of shopping at Ikea and the local mall before hand. It was so nice to get away and relax for a bit and not have to worry about everything else going on back home such as work, life, or even the pups. Speaking of the pups we had someone come look after them while we were gone. There was a bad thunderstorm back home while we were away and the hubbs was quite sad that we weren't home to comfort them and make sure they were ok. Myself on the other hand was enjoying the bed just the hubbs & I. The pups think they need to sleep right smack in the middle. 

Showing off my 2nd new dress that I got before dinner. I got this one as a option to wear for graduation but decided to go with the other one. I love this dress, its a wrap around and ties on the side. Its really different then anything I've worn before and the hubbs said the colors made it look hippie~ish. Oh how I love that man. :) 

We ended our evening by picking up dessert from the Cheesecake factory (another one that we don't have were we live) and taking it back to our hotel to enjoy along side a glass of wine. It was the perfect date day and night. We've decided that we are going to do this more often through out our time here. Visiting a different city each time, during cycle breaks, it will insure that we take full advantage of our time together when he is off. 

~DAY 163~

half & half

~half my day was spent running errands & the other half was spent with my love~

Some how after I got in bed well after midnight last night I was still up bright & early this morning. The hubbs was already gone he had to be at work at 6am for uniform issue. I had a list of things to get done before 1pm when he would be getting off work so we could enjoy the second half of the day together. 

First on the list ~ was pick up the downstairs and put all his gear away that blew up all over the living room. There was also a good amount of trash that needed to be taken out from the day before. I hate stuffing boxes in the inside trash can but the hubbs has no problem doing this, which is fine only problem is he forgets to break them down. 

After the house was picked up I headed out to get the oil changed in my car. I absolutely hate having to go and wait for them to do it. The place on post isn't open on the weekends, can we say RETARDED!!!!!! So I had to take it off post. 

Thankfully it didn't take long at all only about 15 minutes. 

Off to the Post Office & then the PX to pick up a few things & I was back home by 10:30am. 

I decided to go ahead & clean the inside of my car because it was looking pretty bad. 

In the process I got my house key stuck in the storage door out front, I finally had to break down and go ask the neighbor for help because... I HAD A LUNCH DATE YALL!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember L from yesterday she invited me to lunch along with her friend B whom I happen to work with as well. We met up at noon at a local joint called "The Other Store". 

Its a fabulous Deli tucked away in a neighborhood in the back of a old gas station. 

Text from L "It looks a little sketchy but its really great." 

She wasn't lying either, it was a bit of a odd location but not as "sketchy" as I had in mind. 

I never would have found this place if it wasn't for her, it literally sits right in the middle of a neighborhood on the corner street. The food was fabulous, I can't think of one negative thing to say other than if your in a rush well its not the place for you. Although the food is great the service is a little on the slow side. Reason being TOS is a very small joint with only one cook & one person taking orders. L filled me in on this when we got there but thankfully I was in no rush, I was happy to enjoy the outing & company. 

Another friend of L & B's joined us for lunch and she was so sweet. They all went to HS together and still live here locally. I am finally SLOWLY getting out and meeting people more my age and loving it. Although I still have yet to meet a single decent army wife here that's ok because L & B just warm my heart with their kindness. I'm looking forward to many more lunch dates & get togethers with these two lovely ladies and their little ones.

After lunch I made my way back home to find the hubbs awaiting me :) I can't think of a better sight to come home to. We ventured out to Clothing & Sales & back to the PX to do a little shopping. 

It was a beautiful day out, a bit chilly but the sun was shining bright as ever. Which was a warm welcome after yesterdays torrential down pour. 

We really didn't do much other than some TV watching in between LOADS of laundry. DS uniform issue means twice the amount of laundry for me this weekend. 

A Pinterest find let us back out, to the Commissary this time.

Our first time at making Fried Ice Cream. I was so nervous that it would be a complete disaster and the whole thing would just melt away right there in front of my eyes.
BUT IT WORKED, 
it is a bit time consuming to make.
You have to make the ice cream balls, freeze them for a hour, add the outer coating, freeze for another hour. So two hours later frying time it was. I had the hubbs help so in the event that there was a major epic fail I had someone else to blame it on. lol

I'm happy to announce they turned out perfect!!!! Best part is this is something we can make in single servings and enjoy. We topped them with a bit of honey, but the options are endless from whip cream, chocolate sauce, carmel sauce, cocoa powder, strawberries. 

It was the perfect dessert to end our Saturday evening together. 

~DAY 135~