Snoopy & Lucy go to the SC Fair

 Today was the final day of the SC state fair and we decided to make a girls date out of it. The hubbs was suppose to go as well but with a busy up coming week in the field I have him a pass. lol We had so much fun, road lots of rids, had loads of laughs and enjoyed a yummy corn dog. The fair any were makes for some great people watching and the SC did not disappoint there. Kelly and I hadn't had a girls trip out in a few weeks aside from our runs and so it was great to get out and have some fun. It was much needed after a long weekend. As we were headed to get our yummy corn dog we ran in to one of my other favorite families in the South. I was so excited to see this little Red Head and Lucy was to. They are the best of buds!!! Today was my first full experience of the SC state fair since we've been here over the past two years. I've always loved going, of course the food is my favorite part. We'll def. be going back again next year if we are still here in the south.

12th Annual SparkleBerry Swamp Poker Run

When Kelly first mentioned something to me about doing the Swamp Poker Run with her & the fam, my first though was "its a run / race"?? What is it, I don't understand..... she told me to google it and look up pictures. After doing so I was in and knew it would be a blast. I've never been on a fishing boat before so it was going to be a new experience for me. A day out on the water with some great friends I couldn't wait. 

I'm sure your still wondering what the Sparkleberry Poker Run is......let me explain. Everyone gathers at Lake Marion and puts there boats in the water. There's any were from 2-10+ people in each boat and there was about 350 boats. It's along the same lines as playing poker. You can purchase as many poker cards as you'd like. We got two for the seven people that were in our boat (they are $25.00 a piece). There are 5 stops along the lake were you pull off to and pick a card from the dealers at the boat stations. You give them your poker card (a piece of paper) and they mark what card you got in the box that goes along with their station. As you go along the lake there tons of boats playing music, jammin out, enjoy lots of adult beverages and good food. It's great because you can get out and swim and hang out as long as you want. There's no time line to it, your not trying to see who get's to the end first. Your really just out there to cruise along the lake and have a good time. We spent 6 hours out on the boat and I had a nice little sun burn going on, thankfully my face didn't get burned at all thanks to my hat Kelly had got me for my birthday. Working on my summer tan!!! At the end of the day once we got back to the dock everyone met up and they were through all the poker cards and who ever had the best hands were able to pick a prize from the tables they had set up. They had prizes for just about any and every hand you could of had. Of course they started with the highest and best first. We ended up getting Harry, Kelly's husband two duck calls. He liked them so that's all that matters, they definietly got their money's worth back. 

I had such a great time, it was honestly by far one of my favorite day's here in the South so far. The only thing that could have made it even better would have been if the hubbs could have can. But I guess someone's got to train America's future Soldiers. 

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!!!!

Let The Good Times Roll

This evening we got a little creative, add in there a mason jar of wine and it was a pretty fabulous evening. See we were getting ready for out trip to Chicago on Saturday. Its National pillow fight day. Apparently its a pretty popular event that happens once a year all around the world. Prior to me heading out to Illinois Crystal had asked if it was something I'd want to do. Of course I mean how many people can say they partook in a pillow fight in the middle of a public street. Plus it also gave me the chance to go to Chicago, seeings I've never been there. So yesterday we went to Walmart to pick up our pillows and while we were there I mentioned to her the idea of decorating them. After all if we are going to make the 2 & 1/2 hr drive we might as well make the most of it. We had paint left over from when we painted our pots so we just decided to use that.

 Neither of us really had a plan on what we were going to do but once we started the ideas just kept coming for Crystal. In the middle of everything I had colored her hair so that's why she looks a bit funny in some pictures. (Side note: her hair turned out fabulous) I'm not creative at all when it comes to stuff like this. It sounded like a fantastic idea but when it came time to putting it all together I was stumped. I decided to go with a heart on the first side with our initials and the year we got married. Typical lovey dovey stuff right lol. On the back I wanted to go with a Army Wife theme but couldn't think of anything, that's when I decided on the Proud Drill Wifey quote. Crystal had some stencils so it worked out perfect, just very time consuming. It was so worth it though I'm so proud of my pillow. I really hope it doesn't get torn to shreds on Saturday because id love to take it home and keep it.

Crystal went with a day and night theme, I think it turned out super cute. One side had a moon on it with stars and the other had a sun with some clouds. She was going to write on it and give it to Chy after Saturday but we got busy and never got around to it. She was always the creative talented one when we worked together out in Hawaii. I just seem to be lacking a bit when it comes to the creative side lol. I try I do and I'm getting better, in due time right :) 

I think they turned out so cute!!! Adam was suppose to decorate his pillow but he got lazy and went to bed. His brother started decorating his pillow (he was going with us as well) but I forgot to get a picture of it. It was the "POW" theme, he didn't finish his because he to was lazy and went to bed. Guess the guys can't hang with us girls. So far we haven't been to bed before midnight since I've been here and we are always up by 8am. So much for relaxing and sleeping in over spring break. But hey that's totally fine by me because I'm LOVING my time here!!!!!!

Enjoying a bit of tasty wine while we painted our pillows :) This picture was actually taken and sent to My Spouse as a "Toast with her"........

....and this was her "Toasting with us". I miss her loads and loads!!!!! 

We had a fun night together painting our pillow and jamming out to Pandora!!! I'm looking forward to Saturday!!!! 

Gone Fishin!!!!

After we all decided to wake up this morning and get moving we headed down to the lake for a picnic and some fishing. I am a city girl all the way around when it comes to fishing. I can't even tell you the last time I went fishing let alone held a pole in my hand. I don't even eat any type of sea food why would I wanna go fishing. But strangely enough I was looking forward to our outing. Maybe because of the company, the beautiful day out or just the simple fact that it was something different for me. After enjoying some nice yummy sandwiches we headed down to the water. The older two girls were saying how they were going to put their own worm on the hook and Adam didn't believe they would. So what do I do.....I told them I'd give them $5 bucks if they did it. Well yall let me tell you I'm $10 in debt to a 7 & 8 year old.  

Although none of us caught any fish it was still nice and relaxing to sit out in the sun and enjoy the day.   The current was pretty strong which kept bringing our lines back in, so I don't think that helped much. I  think I would have had a slight panic attack if I would have caught a fish so its probably a good thing.

Alisha was trying to cast her pole out into the lake and well she kinda missed hooking Crystal in the back. It wasn't hard enough were the hook went through her shirt or anything but there was a wormy on the end of it. EWH EWH!!!! 

Anna & Chy bug enjoying some fishin on this beautiful day!!!

Chy & I were fishing together for a bit and she was giving me some pointers on what to do.Seriously this kid is gonna be a pro when she gets older. Just like her daddy, loves getting out and getting dirty. Nothings gonna stop her. I've seriously missed spending time with her and watching her grow up. 

I hooked some moss in the water and Alisha was so kind to help me get it off. When it comes to fishing I'm a girly girl 100% and I think my fingers should not touch any of that gooey nasty stuff. You can say I'm a bit over the top and that's just fine by me. Don't worry Adam gave me plenty of crap for it. 

After us girls did our fair share of fishing we headed up to the park area. Crystal & I had loads of fun spinning the girls on the marry go round. I even had a little "swing out" with Alisha to see who could go the highest. Chy bug had so much fun on the swing and kept telling her momma to push her more it was to cute.  

I'm loving getting to know the older two and hanging out with them they are so stinkin cute. Full of spunk & bubbly personalities that put a smile on any ones face. I'm gonna be pretty bummed come Wednesday because that's when they go back to their mommas. 

Later this evening we grill some burgers and dogs while the kiddos jumped on the trampoline. Crystal & I stayed up well past midnight again talking. I hate that we live so far away now, sure we have the Internet and phone chats to keep in touch but its just not the same. I am definitely soaking up every ounce of time I have here. 

~DAY 171~

Girls just wanna have fun....

After a LONG work week a night out with the girls was just what I needed. A few of my favorite chickadee's, a cute black top, a fresh shower and my hair did and I was ready to go!!! The four of us girls loaded up in the truck (I love driving Gabe's truck) and off to Waikiki we went. Chatting the whole way down and making plans for another night out this coming week, we were already having a good time and we hadn't even gotten to were we where going yet.
The Yard House it was......Julie and I had both been there before a time or two but it was a first for Sandy and Nancy which made for a even better time. We managed to get 3 seats right at the bar with in 5 minutes of being there and that's were we ended up parking our behinds for the night. Chatting the night away enjoying a drink or ............ 5 or 6 depending on who you asked lol. For a moment we were able to put the worries and stress of the deployment and all four of our husbands being gone aside and enjoy the evening. This deployment has been a ruff one for sure and having nights like tonight is just what we needed.
I have been so blessed with such amazing friends who I call family here in Hawaii and wouldn't have asked for a better support team to help me through this journey.





We had a great night with LOTS and LOTS of LAUGHS and stories that we will share forever!!!!!! I can't wait to do it all over again!!!!!

Telephone

My cousin found this music video remake and told me to watch it. I watched it twice right in a row and could stop laughing, I though it was SO freaking funny. So here it is for you to enjoy as well and pass along. Hope it gives you a good laugh like it did me. lol

"This is a couple guys located in Afghanistan, that re-made the music video by Lady Gaga....Telephone."



If this is all Gabe and the guys do while they are deployed then more power to them, ugh deployments I hate them. :(

Press ____ for:

OK so today was one of the most annoying, aggravating days at the CDC since I have started a year ago and there has been some pretty bad days but this one tops it off. We have this little girl & her brother (I'll call her C & him S) in our class and with it being hourly they are only there every once in a while, normally 2 or 3 times a week. But that is 2 or 3 times to many for us. So C is 2 1/2 almost 3 years old and not potty trained still in diapers who talks like a baby. Her brother S on the other hand is 13 months and well a whole nother story. C has a VERY hard time listening & doing things the first time told. She is FULL of energy and a ball of it. Picture a child that stuck their hand in a light socket. She is such a doll with long curly hair and has the cuttest personality ever. (when she is not bouncing off every piece of furniture in the classroom.) But sometimes enough is just enough and today did it. The child opens the classroom door and trys to escape. She can reach the crock pot on the counter which is on & hot mind you. Today somehow she managed to reach the fire alarm on the wall and I though I was about to go OFF. Nap time came and any other day they are picked up by 12pm so no nap for them, but today was different they were there till 2pm. OMG, are you freaking kidding me. I just wanted 2 O'clock to hurry up and fast. S went to sleep pretty well after Crystal sat with him for a while. C on the other hand did not, I tryed sitting with her and rubbing her back, patting her back even letting her lay there by herself with me sitting by her. Crystal tryed everything she could and NOTHING. She has this stuffed beanbag animal that she calls "PINKY" (its pink), its like her security thing. We let her have that in hopes that it would calm her down but no. So we took it away and that didn't bother her a bit. She was jumping around throwing her blankets and laughing. She ended up waking up another child as well as her brother.
Crystal and I were just beside ourselves, we called management in for help and got no were. Seeings she isn't potty trained she cant move classes. UGH!!!!! We did what we could to not pay attention to her goofiness and acting up in class during nap time. But it was so hard, we just couldn't take it anymore. It truly was the longest day in history of working at the CDC. We started just joking around and being goofy which then caused us to crack up laughing causing C to bust out laughing which was annoying because she had no clue what we were saying or why we were laughing. Oh children, days like today remind me just why I am not ready for my own. I know people say that its different when its your own and I truly believe that. No, way my child would ever get to that point but one day..... one day we will have a mini Gabe or TT running around.

This was just one of the punch lines Crystal & I came up with. We had a blast and had to do something to keep ourselves sane while the time went by very slowly.

Press for: #1~ a shot gun, #2~ duck tape, #3 ~ a bat, #4~ a bullet, #5~ a drink, #6~ a drink w/ Alcohol #7~ hook #8~ wooden spoon #9~ run me over #0~ ALL THE ABOVE. This is the way Crystal & I felt after dealing with a 3yr old today...OMG longest day in history. I don't have kids but I know that this is not how they are suppose to act.

We had a parent bring in some Chocolate covered Strawberry's for us she had gotten for her birthday the day before and was so kind to share with us. After C & S left I jumped into the bowl of strawberries and was in HEAVEN. It was just what we needed after the day we had just been through. Thanks Mrs. E.

Just thought I'd share about our day at the CDC and some of the joys that come along with it.

Mexican Train

We had our friends & Adam over tonight for a game of Mexican Train Domino's. They had never played before and I introduced Gabe to it back in Texas. We got a set of double 15 domino's for a wedding gift and till tonight I still hadn't opened them. I was so excited when I asked Crystal about them coming over and playing and she said YES.
Every Saturday night back in Texas my parents would get together with a few friends and play. I would play most the time if I was home. It was a blast and always made for a late late night with loads of yummy snacks.
So I made sugar cookies & chocolate chip cookies, with a little help from Ashlyn. She is the little girl that I have started babysitting.

Crystal & Adam came over about 7:30pm and I had everything set up and ready to go, I was so EXCITED. We had such a great time, they caught on really well & Gabe well he remember after the first couple rounds. He had Ashlyn helping him cheat alittle. He's such a dork face. All in all it was a great night and for the first time ever I'm winning. We stopped @ double 12 and I only had 20 points!!!!! WAY TO GO ME!!!!!!! (you want to have the lowest score and I do.)

Merry Christmas Eve

We are enjoying our first Christmas Eve together at home just the two of us.
I put a homemade Beef Stew in the crock pot, made sure all the last minute gifts were wrapped and under the tree and off we went. Petco and Target were on our shopping list. We wanted to get the pups a few chew toys for Christmas morning so they would have something new and exciting to play with. A stop at Target was a must seeings its right next door. We scored a few baking goodies and two new stocking holders for next year. It has been a really nice relaxing day and I am happy to have spent it just the two of us.
Lunch at Taco Del Mar and then home for a nap on the couch was a must. We made Chocolate Chip Cookies, White Chocolate covered Pretzels and Peppermint bark (melted white chocolate with peppermint crushed in it). I love baking away with Gabe, even more during this time of the year.

We had our friends Jason, Rae and their son Christian along with Jason's parents over for dinner tonight and we had so much fun. They are such a sweet couple and we are really going to miss them when they move. We enjoy hosting dinner at our house and having people over it's always so much fun.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I can't wait for tomorrow morning, Christmas Day with My Love Bug :) Just the two of us. Our first one together since we have been together. Making Memories one year at a time.