July 4th Weekend Getaway!!!

Over the 4th of July weekend I headed up to Ohio to meet up with my In-Loves. My Father in Law has family there and apparently they do a annual 4th of July shindig and go all out. Not having any plans of my own I was excited about the opportunity when my MIL mentioned it to me a few months back. I was a bit nervous though as I'd never met any of this side of the family and neither had the hubbs. Talk about a funny story, me meeting some of his family before he ever had. So Thursday morning I dropped the pups off at the Kennel facility, first time for them. I was a bit of an emotional wreck but we all survived. lol. Headed to work for a few short hours before they let me go early knowing I had a drive ahead of me. I had my lunch and snacks packed for my road trip so I wouldn't have to stop other than to use the restroom, thankfully my car get awesome gas mileage and I knew I'd make it with out having to stop and fill up. I arrived in Delaware, OH right after 9pm and was warmly greeted by my sweet In-Loves. Aunt Janet who will be 80 years young soon, (who we where staying with) had already gone to bed. We chatted up the evening a bit before calling it a night, knowing the next few days where going to be busy busy.

Up bright and early Friday to get my work out in followed my a trip down to Columbus, OH to check out the North Market. A local indoor market with tons of vendors offering any where from yummy eats, desserts, breakfast, full meals for lunch or dinner and an assortment of household goods and trinkets. It was such a neat little place, not to big not to small. I really wish we had some thing like this in Clarksville. We have a outdoor market but its only open on Saturday early Spring - late Fall, where as The North Market is open year around. There was a Bakery / Pastry shop that sold Macaroon's. I'd never tried one but I've always wanted to so  picked up to. A Lemon flavored and then Strawberry. I ate them and gave it a fair shot but lets just say I wasn't a fan. Not something I'll be jumping up and down again to get or go out of my way for. A little way's down however was the neatest Donut shop / booth called Delicious Donuts. Let me tell you they did not disappoint at all, they where marvelous and HUGE. I decided on a plain glazed, I mean you can't go wrong with simple and sweet right?!?!? That was until they brought out a tray of Cinnamon rolls that where literally bigger then my face. Ok so I caved and bought both. Let me tell you it was totally with it to!!! After walking around once more making sure we'd seen everything, the large display of Fiestaware as well, (to bad I had all the piece there already, I was really hoping to add to my collection.) we called it a trip and headed back to Delaware. Some of us girls where meeting up for Pedi's (Thursday night when I got in-town my MIL asked if I'd want to go, UMMMM YES PLEASE). It was so nice to have a little girls time out while the guys where prepping for Saturday's big festivities. I was able to have the chance to get to know my FIL cousin and her daughter while being pampered a little, something I never do for myself. I had planned on paying for mine but before I had the chance Lori was kind enough to pick up the bill for all of us. Yall everyone was so incredibly nice and caring the entire time we where there. This was just one of the many things they did for us. We went back to Lori's house for a glass of wine and did a little getting to know each other / catching up on the patio with some yummy snacks.

 A few hours went by and we headed home to get freshened up for dinner. In Delaware they have a thing called First Friday, they shut down the street that runs through downtown (Delaware, OH is really small) and local businesses come out, set up tables to promote their business and bring the community together. We had dinner at a new little Pub / Bar and then walked the street a bit seeing what all was there. I really didn't take to many pictures at all and sadly none this evening. After seeing everything there was we headed back to Pam's house for yet another round of drinks (who am I to complain, keep the wine coming) by the fire. Not realizing what time it was when we decided to go because it was still so day light out but it was already well past 9pm. That was the thing that baffled me the most, it didn't get dark till close to 10pm each evening and both morning and night it was quite chilly. Not something we have right now in TN.

Saturday morning the FIL headed back to Rick and Lori's house to help set up for the BBQ while my MIL and I stayed back finished up some dishes we where taking and helping Aunt Janet with some last minute things she had been working on as well. Shortly after arriving back to where the BBQ was at every one else started slowly coming in. That's when it hit me that I was there with out the hubbs and with so much of his family. Even through he'd never met a soul of them it was still a bit sad and overwhelming not having him there. I did have a great time though and everyone again was so sweet and caring. Asking a million questions, simply trying to get to know Me, Us and Our Story. I didn't mind at all though I love love sharing our story, talking about our life together. Plus it totally gives me a reason / the chance to brag on my amazing husband :). Several hours went bye and many plates of yummy food later and we finally found ourselves cleaning up and preparing for a evening of Fireworks later. When Cathy (my MIL) first told me how the families 4th of July Holiday tradition went I couldn't help but chuckle. All of the left over food is packaged up and put in coolers. Everyone heads home for a nap meets back up at a local field at 7pm. I figured a few people would show back up, after all it had already been a really long day. Nope just about everyone came. We gather around in our chairs and socialize for the next several hours waiting until the firework show started. That umm didn't start till it got dark at 10pm "TEN-pm" people. Crazy. The left over food is brought to munch on through the evening and works out really well because no one has to worry about going hungry or bringing food with them. This people are pro's at it to. They foil wrap the burgers and dogs in the buns ahead of time so they are easily dispersed. You can tell they've done this a time of two.
The fire work show was simply amazing. One of the best Ive been to for sure and it lasted for a good 45 minutes, it might have even been longer. The fun part came when it was time to leave. Walking to our car was no problem but getting out of the parking lot was another story. YIKES.

 Sunday morning the In-Loves and I got up bright and early and had breakfast on the Patio at a local Diner called Hamburger Inn, in downtown Delaware. It was most definitely a bittersweet breakfast, I love any and every minute I get to spend with them but this breakfast was followed with a tearful "Goodbye" as they headed on the road to make their 30 hour drive back to AZ, while I stayed back in OH for another day and a half visiting and catching up with a few friends.
I headed back to Aunt Janet's house and decided to clear my head by going on a run. What was suppose to only have been a 3-5 mile run turned into a 10 mile run with a "Oh Crap" moment in the middle because I had to go to the bathroom somethings fierce (because of the huge breakfast I'd just eaten) and there was no bathrooms around to be found. I was turned around in the middle of a residential area and only knew how to get back which was back tracking my route. I paused my run, taking a moment to gather myself on the side of the road. I was determined to make it back and finish out my at that point planned 10 miles. I did it, it might not have been pretty but I finished and had a pretty stellar time and pace. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the house just relaxing and hanging out. That evening I headed back out to Columbus, OH for dinner with one of our sweet friends from Hawaii. Tara and I met through a mutual friend shortly after I started working at the CDC on post and clicked right away. We've stayed in touch over the years as she moved back from HI to TX and now recently back home to OH. We where able to pick right up, it was so great catching up with her in person and just to hear how great she has been doing.

I ended my evening with a little Custard in downtown Delaware. It was pretty tasty!!! 

Monday morning was another early morning for me, up to get my workout it and pack up the car. I had plans to meet up with some of our best friends from our Hawaii days back in Columbus. Jamie and Anthony where the first people I met when I went to Hawaii. I stayed with them when I went out before the hubbs and I where even married. He was in a sense their (at the time) 2nd child. The 3 of them, including their daughter Jessica did everything together. After the guys first deployment Anthony made the decision to get out of the Army and move home. It was heart breaking because I we did everything together. We where always at their house and they where always at ours. Beach and dinner trips, random shopping adventures and outings. We've kept in good touch through FB, phone and texting over the past 6 years but haven't had the chance to meet up and get together. So when I found out I was going to be in OH and so close to them I just knew we had to meet up. We met for breakfast at Bob Evan's. It was my first time there and let me tell you it didn't disappoint, it was pretty fabulous. A little back story, Jamie and Anthony left Hawaii with two girls. Jamie had their 2nd daughter right before the guys deployed. Now fast forward 6 years and they've added TWO more kids to the mix making it a grand total of 4 kiddos. CRAZY!!!!! 3 girls and the youngest a boy. They are all so cute and Jessica the oldest is almost 16 which is crazy for me to even think she can be that old. After breakfast we went down to the Ohio State Campus and walked around a bit checking it out, taking a few pictures. We ventured over to a local park and hung out there for a while. The weather was perfect and Jessica had brought her Violin and serenaded us while we continued to visit and catch up. Before to long our parking meters where up and I needed to get on the road to head back to TN. Another heart breaking "Goodbye" not knowing when we'd see each other again. Soon I hope, the plan is to, plan a trip once the hubbs gets home from deployment for us all to meet up for a weekend of camping.

A quick stop back at North Market for a treat and lunch before getting on the road to head home. A 6 and a half hour drive ahead of me I needed something to get me through. I had the best time, it was a nice relaxing weekend filled with family, friends and delicious foods. I can't wait to do it again next year for the 4th.

New York City Day 3

Sunday morning we work up a bit early and headed out to the Museum of Natural History. We were meeting up with one if the Hubbs friends that we were stationed with in Hawaii. He's now a recruiter and lives in Queens, NY. He'd never been to the museum himself so it worked out perfect. 

We were to lucky to have a subway station right out side our B&B it's worked out so well. Especially coming back late at night when we are completely exhausted. 

We arrived right on time but of course the Subway and Traffic stalled A from getting there when we did. It's ok we enjoyed some Starbucks and did a little people watching while we waited.

Dinosaurs remind me of my Spouse, aka Sarah. She loves them, she's a true kid at heart still. 

 Hubbs and A hadn't seen each other since they both left back in 2011 but you never would have known that. They picked up right were they left off as if they had talked every day over the last two year. It was so great to hear them share stories and do the whole "Remember…." We had a great time and the museum it self was huge. Military got in free so that saved us a total of $44 dollars. We seriously could have been in there for days and still not have seen everything there was to see. 

Below is a view from out of one of the window on a upper level. I though it was really neat, it was a gloomy day but so pretty at the same time. When we got to the museum we really didn't have to wait at all to get in, thankfully because the line to simply get into the building was wrapping around the block. Talk about crazy. 

After the museum A had to head back home. So the hubbs and I went to lunch across the street at a place called Cafe Frida. It was a little mexican joint and well we all know you can't go wrong with mexican food. Fabulous!!! Although hubbs made a comment that this was the first mexican restaurant that we'd been into that didn't serve chips and salsa. FAIL!!! 

After lunch we stopped by a few local stores to do a little window shopping and then to a local pharmacy because well I still wasn't feeling myself. I knew I had to break down and finally get some meds. in my system if I was gonna beat this crud. I stocked up on day and nightquil along with some throat lozengers. We headed back to the B&B to relax a bit, it kinda worked out perfect because it was pretty rainy and nasty out so we really didn't want to walk around in that. 

After a much needed nap I woke up feeling so much better. I even had my appetite back, which was great seeings I hadn't eaten a whole lot in the past 2 days. We freshened up and headed out to dinner. 

We went to a little Italian place called Trattoria Pesce Pasta. I went with the Chicken Parm and let me tell you it was the size of my plate. It was HUGE. I didn't get any pictures of it but it was pretty fabulous, I had a side of steamed broccoli which is one of my favorite veggies and it was so good. The hubbs had been talking about Tiramisu all evening and how he wanted some. Me never have had any before didn't really care one way or the other. We caved and gave in and I have to say it was pretty tasty. It was a wonderful evening out. Thankfully it had stopped raining and the sky's had cleared up from earlier in the day. 

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. 

Life Lately via the Gram....Instagram.....

Of course I've been staying up with my running, with my fabulous girls K and her sweet little one. With the thought / idea of running my first Full Marathon in late fall I've got to keep those miles adding up. I feel so much better about myself after each run and I seem to impress myself more and more every day. Is so hard to explain the feeling sometimes but I LOVE IT!!!!! I have two set races coming up and then I don't think I'll do any through the hot summer months but hey who knows. Trying to do 13 races in 2013 and of course my 500 miles in 2013 so gotta keep hitting the streets. I have a race this Saturday and I'm hoping the rain holds out till after. 

The pups and I have been spending a lot of time at the dog park here lately. I feel guilty when I come home in the evenings from work and they've been stuck inside all day. So up to the park we go, 9 times out of 10 we are able to stay and play for a good bit but when other dogs come we have to bounce out because Bailey isn't so social in a confined area. she's kinda crazy They go nuts on our walk, you'd think it was the first time they have even been out. And it happens like that every single time. It's one of those things, you'd better be ready to step out the door the minute you pull the leashes out of the coat closet because they are going to go NUTS!!! 

Friday night I was babysitting K's sweet little one while they went on a date. It was about 8pmish and the hubbs texted me saying he was thinking he was going to come home for the weekend. SAY WHAT.... I know its only been a couple week's since he's been gone but this is the longest we've been apart in almost 2 years since he came home from his last deployment. So to say I was having hubby withdrawals would be a understatement. I had a commitment Saturday night that I could not get out of and I reminded him of that and he didn't mind. When I asked what made him think about coming home he said there really wasn't anything there for him to do over the weekend. Talk about a heart breaking moment. So we agreed that even though we'd only get a day together and a little bit of Sunday morning it was totally worth it. I some how managed to stay away once I got home till  2am when he got home. Saturday we met up with one of my families from school at the bowling alley on post to say a quick Hello and so they could me the hubbs. I love their little guy, he's so stinkin cute and his parents are the best. Little E to right to the hubbs and they were the best of pals, he took E and showed him the "trucks" outside and even offered to share his banana with him. Later that morning we did a little window shopping around town and then headed to Olive Garden for dinner. The weather out was super ugly and a bit chilly even so taking the pups out was a no go. We enjoyed the day together and I was so glad he came home. It was a short visit but nice having him around the house again. lol (you'd think he's been gone for months on end.) Sunday morning before he headed out we went for breakfast (Sunday morning tradition when he's home from work is homemade breakfast ), at least this time with him leaving I wasn't overly sick. GoodByes never get easy no matter how many we go through, no matter were they are going or what they are doing, they just SUCK plain and simple. I can't wait to have my love home again!!!! 

This week at work is Teacher Appreciation Day. Our Parents have spoiled us the last two days and its been super nice. They are so sweet and care so much about us. They always do their best to show us how much they care. Yesterday we received flowers, a Target gift card along with homemade blueberry muffins which were fabulous. Today we were given a jar of M&M's with the cutest poem on it about how much we love our kiddo's it was adorable. Our PTO (parent teacher organization) set up a wonderful buffet of snacks for all of the teachers today. There was everything from fresh fruit, muffins, candies and much more. It was a nice treat and we all enjoyed it VERY much. lol. After work I normally go straight home and I've been trying my best not to eat out since the hubbs is gone (gotta save that money) but today I treated myself, its teacher appreciation day after all, right!!!! 

With the hubbs gone I haven't really done to much, just hanging out with the pups and being a bit of a home body for the most part. I did have a little get together here at our house last night. I invited a few friends over for dinner and dessert and everyone seemed to have a great time. It was nice and I'm glad we did it, I miss having our weekly dinners like we did in Hawaii when the guys were deployed. I def. think I'm going to try and start doing this most often. Who know's maybe I'll actually meet some more wives in the process. 

Easter in Texas

Holidays are always big in our family and Easter was no different this year. Day-4 Although everyone wasn't able to come due to other obligations we had a great time with yummy food and lots of laughs. Between Myself, Mamaw, Aunt Vonda and My Mom we all made a few dishes for everyone to enjoy. We had quite the spread with plenty of left overs. That morning I took my cousin Little Robert (we call him lil Robert bc he is a JR and his dad is Big Robert) to the park to play for a little while. It was a perfect sunny day and I needed to get out to the house for a bit before starting on lunch.

After the park Little Robert and I headed back to Mamaw's house to get started on Lunch. He was going to help me :) such a sweetie. I managed to finish up everything just before everyone got there. 

My Uncle Richard & I 

My not so innocent little cousin Shae and I. Love this girl with all my heart and hate that I live so far from here. :( 

Some of our lunch spread and my momma on the phone of course lol. She was talkin to her daddy!! 

It's so crazy to me that Ant (Anthony- we just call him Ant) is 18 years old now and Shae will be 14 years old in June. I remember when he was just 3 years old when he my aunt and uncle got together and I can remember when Shae was born. Gosh I hate saying that though because I hate when people come to me and say......"I remember when you were......" Still none the less they are getting so big and I love them so much!!!!! 

COUSIN'S!!! 

 After lunch some of us took a road trip out to Mansfield to look at my Uncle's truck again. (It was broken into a few days before & he's waiting to have it towed back to his house) First there was a stop at Sonic for drinks. First time I've been in a long LONG time. Since I don't drink soda I really don't have a reason to go. But this trip home, I've discovered a new tea that I like. All 5 of us managed to squeeze in my little bitty rental car. Talk about a sight to see. It was comical and we had some good laughs. We made it back in time for me to talk to my other Cousin Big Robert when he called before I headed out to our River House for a few days.

All in All it was a nice low key Easter with close family. I'm so glad to be home, I hate more than anything missing out on Holidays and big family events. I'm really close with my family and being away from home isn't the easiest at times. Although I wouldn't change a thing because if it wasn't for the Army I would have never met my hubbs and have some of the friends I do. 

So as they say everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that!!!!