He's Home!!!!!!!!

The morning was going to start EARLY. I set like 5 alarms on my phone so I wouldn't miss it and over sleep. My hair was already done, since Barbie my co-worker did it the day before at work. It was in a beautiful side swiped french braid with a twist across the top. I made sure every last detail of my house cleaning / getting ready preparations where done the night before. I wanted to go to bed stress, care free and not have to rush around in the morning to do last minute things. I seriously contemplated even going to sleep the night before since 1) I had to be up so early and 2) I didn't wanna mess her hair. But around 10pm I had everything done and was just randomly surfing the web. I knew at that point that if I didn't go to bed I'd be exhausted the next day, not to mention it would make time go by even slower. So off to bed I went. 

I fell asleep, and woke up. It was only 12am. Back to sleep I went, waking up checking my phone and the flight schedule online and it was only 1:45am. Back to sleep, waking up again shortly later and it was only 2:30. Aaaahhhhh time was creeping, I knew it would but seriously. Finally 2:45am rolled around and my alarm went off. I laid there scrolling through FB and checking the flight schedule again. No changes, yay!!! I slowly got up, made the bed, had a little something to eat, surfed the web a bit before finally going up stairs to get ready. 3:45 dress on, make-up done, made a breakfast banana wrap and headed out the door. I was meeting Brittany my director / boss at 4am right down the street from my house so she could follow me on post. She so kindly offered / agreed to take pictures for us. She has an amazing talent / eye for photography which she does on the side. 

We arrived on post at the Hanger right around 4:30am, it's recommended you get there 2 hours early. I didn't wanna take any chances so 2 hrs early we where. Thankfully since their arrival was so early and it was a smaller group (150-ish) we where able to park there at the Hanger vs. at their Company area and having to be bused over. 

Walking in there wasn't to many people there yet, a good amount but not over whelming. We found great seats in the bleachers,  floor level front and center for our up coming 2 hour wait. I have to say it went by pretty quickly. We went out to the air field a time of two, to check it out and get some air. Finally at 5:50am we decided we'd go wait outside till the plane came in. This way we would be able to secure a spot in the front. Not to mention it was so much nicer outside temperature wise then it was inside. 

(quick back story, at Ft. C. Homecomings you are able to see the plane come in and land right there at the airfield and watch the Soldiers walk off the plane into formation to enter the hanger.) 

Their flight was suppose to come in at 6:35am, well 6:35 came and went....6:50, 6:55, 7:00 came and went. Finally around 7:05 their flight was spotted coming in and the excitement grew from the crowd. It landed just behind another hanger where we couldn't see it and a few moments after it came pulling through following behind a truck. That's when it finally really hit me hard and it really clicked that "HEY MY HUSBAND IS ON THAT PLANE" and I'm going to have my arms around him in the next few minutes. It did a little zig zag coming closer and closer before finally stopping, the door opening as the Color Guard approached the plane. That's when Soldiers started coming off and the crowd went crazy. I was eye balling each one of them looking for mine, one after another they walked by and no husband. After a while you saw the last of the line come off the plane. They where still a little way's out (walking distance) so I couldn't see the last set of them clearly and just as my heart started to race with worry, THERE HE WAS!!!!! A sign of relief settled in me as I was able to breath again. Brittany snapped a couple pictures and then we booked it back inside to get our seats before the ceremony started. (They assured us they would allow everyone time to get in and seated before starting the ceremony.) 

The hanger doors opened and the crowd went crazy as the Soldiers marched in. My eyes searching like crazy to find him again. Back left side I pointed out to Brittany, I couldn't take my eyes off him the whole time. The ceremony was short, brief and to the point before they where released. He was looking the opposite direction as I came running up behind him. Wrapping my arms around him and seeing his face was the best!!! It was over, finally he was home and out of harms way. In that moment every thing and everyone slipped away. It was as if we where the only ones there in the hanger. Soaking it all up!!!! We had about 15-20 minutes together lots of hugs, kisses, laughs and small talk was exchanged. 

After that short time had passed the guys had to form back up in formation to go check in their weapons, get their bags and have a short safety brief before being released for the day. Brittany stuck around to take some more pictures afterwards of just the two of us outside the Hanger. She was / is seriously such a doll and I am so grateful she agreed to come be apart of this moment in our life. Their briefing seemed to take forever, really it actually did take forever. Thankfully he knew I wanted to get a few more pictures before we left and he was totally ok with it that once he was released he came out and we where able to get right to it. After snapping a few pictures, he grabbed his bag and we where on our way to the car. He was all mine for the rest of the day. (unlike in Hawaii, he had to report to work the next day and the following 7-10 days straight for re-intergration SRP) A quick stop at the company area so he could say hello to a couple of the guys he works with that came home 4 months earlier then him. 

Finally we where headed home, life was back to normal again. Well with a few changes from each of us but normal. We completed our 3rd deployment, in just shy of 8 years of marriage. We've been through more than most normal civilian couples will ever go through in a life time. Each time its only made us stronger and brought us closer together as a couple. 

I'll leave you with this picture I posted on FB and Instagram announcing to everyone that he was home. We didn't tell anyone ahead of time, there was literally 4 people that knew when he was coming home. Keeping it a surprise and my lips sealed made it that much more special for me and was totally worth it. Once I have all the pictures back from Brittany I will be sure to flood this here Blog, FB and Instagram. So be on the look out for those!!!! 

Blog Post Coming Soon: Match Making Husband. 

Cooking For One

I've been missing this handsome fella something fierce here lately. Time is creeping by and its got me going stir crazy. I feel like there's still so much time to go and so much happening before he gets home. I'm swamped with work and school, on top of trying to maintain a healthy well balanced diet and work out plan. I'm managing I am, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my bad days. 

Hurry home baby I miss you, to pieces and your dogs are driving me crazy!!!! 

This is one of the pictures from the night he left, which I never posted because they break my heart every time I look at them. 

While G's been away I've completely changed my eating habits.... for the better. I'm by no means converting to going 100% clean but I am happy to say that I am now eating 75-80 % clean meals which is a huge change for me. I did a straight 15 days clean eating the last part of March and well I only caved twice during those 15 days. Progress and Practice People. 

I've enjoyed making some yummy new meals and even revamping some of our favorite meals into a healthy cleaner version. 

Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Chicken and Spinach for breakfast. 

Baked Apple Slices for a afternoon snack. 

Turkey Taco Salad w/ Fresh Canned Salsa for dinner.

 Are just a few of the yummy dishes I've been cooking up here these past few weeks. 

Speaking of being swamped with School, My friend / Co-worker / Classmate and I met up at Starbucks last weekend for a study date and spent a good 3+ hours working on one paper, ONE!!!! Only to find out a few days later we still needed to add to it. Not much but still, the fact that I had it or though I had it done and now its not is so aggravating. This whole back to school thing is still new to me, but I'm making it work. I'm so blessed and glad to be back in the classroom, but ready for summer break. (did I mention I might be taking a summer class aahhhhh)

Oh and I'm officially back on the streets!!! I took the winter off from running, why well because it was freaking cold out and I'm a wimp. I feel like a new person out there running. I was worried I'd struggle a bit at first to get my grove back but that hasn't been the case and it just makes me want to push and strive that much more. It just goes to show that this new life style I've created for myself has really benefited me in more way's then one.

 It's My Birthday Month!!! Holla!!!! 

And I've set a goal to run 29 miles in the month of April to celebrate my (soon to be) 29 years of life!!! 9 miles down and only 20 to go, I'm off to a great start!! 

And just for fun.....we got new jump ropes at school this past week and I had so much fun getting out there and breaking them in with the kids. I seriously felt like I was back in middle school gym class. Anyone looking to get me a birthday gift, here's a idea!!!! lol. No but for reals!!! 

My Saturday

With only two local Craft shows left of the season, (that I knew of at least) I was looking forward to a day of shopping and holiday fun. After a early morning chat with the hubbs I tried to go back to sleep but the pups had other plans. Dingo needed to go outside but I was so comfy in bed. Finally 8-ish rolled around and I figured I'd just give in. I let them outside and started making some breakfast. Half way though Dingo was having a fit to come in, go figure right. Then Bailey started at the door as well. When I let her in she didn't smell so great but I couldn't figure it out. Next thing I know I looked over at Dingo and noticed he was covered in mud and poop. (its been raining all week, so our backyard is super muddy) It had to of been on Bailey I just couldn't tell because of her coloring. I quickly kicked them outside while I figured out a plan. It was freezing cold out, they needed a bath and I was hoping to head out the door with in the next 30 minutes or so. I put on my shoes, grabbed some towels, shampoo and went for it. The stupid water hose had so many kinks in it, 50 feet of mess. I stretched it all the way out in the yard through the mud and finally got it working. Needless to say the puppies were not so happy with me after I was finished washing them. But hey the feeling was mutual. My hands were freezing, my shoes and pants were soaked from the knees down. Not the way I wanted to start the day. Thanks to them trampling through the house the floors now needed a quick mop over. 

Eventually I was dressed and headed out the door to check out the holiday craft shows. I didn't even get all the way out of the neighborhood when I realized I left my wedding ring on the kitchen counter.   As crappy as it sounds I didn't want to turn around and go in to disturb the pups. Stop one, after I finally found it was a complete let down. $1. admission should have been a given. I literally walked in walked around and left. I headed over to the High School were the other one was being held, I figured it had to be better. I mean HS's generally do a pretty good job at putting them on. I should have known again with $1 admission that it was going to be a disaster. I didn't even walk around the whole thing, it just wasn't worth it. So much for my day of shopping. Nothing like a little trip to Target to turn my day around. I never leave there empty handed and always come out with more then I went in with. I had to run in Kohl's for a gift for my Father In Love and the guy at the register must have been having a really good day because he was just beside himself that I had to wait in line to simply purchase one item. I wasn't complaining though, even better after he decided to given me a discount on top of the sales item I was already purchasing. Score!!! A local Thrift / Antique store here  had posted pictures up on FB a few days back of some Fiesta Ware one of the booths had in. With my love of all things Fiesta I really wanted to go check it out to see if there were any pieces I didn't have. But I was just there last Saturday, and it wasn't exactly on my way home either. Decisions Decisions!!! I figured what the heck not like I have any thing to loose, I'll go in just check out that booth and head out. Thankfully I did, there was a beautiful orange over sized large serving bowl that was perfect. I didn't have a piece like that and for $40 it was a complete steal so I had to get it. My day of shopping was turning around. I headed home to check on the pups knowing I'd be heading out later that afternoon for a little girl time with my new friend Sarah. We met up a few hours later at a local Pottery Painting Room to try our hand at painting. I kinda had a idea of what we were going to be doing we had a very similar place in Cola. I went in not knowing at all what I wanted to paint when Sarah mentioned doing something for her sister as a gift. Hello light bulb, I still needed a gift for the In-Loves and what better thing then a hand painted platter. It would be great because then we can use it for Christmas dinner. I can't pick it up till next Saturday once its been fired and finished but I'll be sure to share a picture when I do get it. I had such a great time chatting with Sarah and getting to know her more. I've been attending church with her and her little family over the last couple weeks and its been a great addition to my weekends. I can't thank Kate (at Kate Tell's Stories) for connecting the two of us!!! Moving's a struggle but I'm finding my grove and getting out there when I can. 

On the way home I made one last stop at BB&B for a little gift looking. Having a brother who lives in the same state as your family makes shopping so much easier. Another gift purchased and checked off the list. Best part is I had two coupons expecting to only be able to use one, I was waiting to see which one would give me a better deal when the cashier said she would run them both SCORE!!!! My day was complete and it was still early, only 5:30. I had though about going to the local Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony but it was so chilly out and still a bit ugly from all the rain we've been having so I decided to call it a night and headed home. I made a yummy quick dinner and enjoyed a glass of wine while watching some Netflix. This Apple TV over Cable has really grown on my over the last 6 months, were has it been all my life!!! My Saturday in a not so little nut shell, I guess that's what happens when you haven't blogged in what seems like ages.

Of course a post wouldn't be complete complete with out a few random pictures!!!  

I did drive pass Public Square and snapped a picture of the downtown Christmas Tree. Such a beauty!

I picked up this fun mug at Target, I got myself one during black Friday shopping with a T on it and loved it so much I had to get the hubbs one. The Orange FiestaWare bowl I got. I took a picture next to our bread bowl to send the hubbs for a size comparison. 

And just a little Sunday Morning Selfie before heading out to Church this morning!!! 

Here's to hopping back on the blogging bandwagon and getting back into the swing of things!! 

Merry Christmas 2014 (our card & letter)

A Year of many changes good and not so. We rang in the New Year in the middle of Time Square watching the ball drop. Bucket list: check. Followed by an unexpected snow storm, causing us to drive back to South Carolina. Mid January the girls and I met up in Miami for our 2nd annual Country Music Cruise. Early February we took a trip to Tennessee to do a little house hunting and enjoyed catching up with some of our Hawaii Army family. Gabe Graduated his final group of PTV’s going through BCT, his time on the Trail was quickly coming to a close. April was a big month for several reasons Gabe received his EIB (Expert Infantry Badge). We bought and closed on our very first home in Clarksville, TN. We celebrated my 27th birthday with some great friends. Gabe and the pup’s bid far-well to Ft. Jackson and Aloha to Ft. Campbell. While I stayed back to finish out the school year at EDS. The first weekend of May I drove up to TN to celebrate Gabe’s 31st birthday. Our house hold good’s were also being delivered the same day so we were able to get our new home unpacked and set up. Later that month I had a unfortunate accident and wrecked my car, just a week before I was suppose to move to TN. We can’t say Thank You enough to the Meyer’s family for everything they did to help. Finally making my way to TN, I started working shortly after I arrived. I excepted a position at a local Preschool in there Pre-K program. It’s been an adjustment but I’m enjoying it. Gabe spent his first couple of months at Ft. Campbell as a Platoon SGT before he was moved to his current position as a Squad Leader which he seems to be enjoying. The summer months came and went far to quickly. Gabe was away for the month of August at JRTC training at Ft. Polk. While I took a course at the local College in preparation to start school in the spring. We were lucky enough to have The Gabriel’s come out for a visit early September. We took full advantage of having guest’s and played tourist the whole week. We also took a few fall road trips that included South Carolina, West Virginia, and a Anniversary get away to Chattanooga. November by far was the hardest month as we embarked on our 3rd deployment. We said our “See You Soon’s” as Gabe headed off to Afghanistan just day’s before our 7 Year Wedding Anniversary. I’ve managed to stay busy since he’s left to help pass the time. He has settled in as best he can and has been quite busy since then. If you think about it please keep him and his Unit in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and quick return. I spent Thanksgiving with some of our fabulous Army Family, The Brooks. Followed by some traditional Black Friday Shopping with a Friend. I’m excited to said I’ll be spending Christmas in Arizona, thanks to the Gabriel’s. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been back so it will be great to catch up with family and friends. 

With that being said we do have a spare bedroom and I’m open for visitors starting now, through next fall. Or any time for that matter, your always welcome!! :) We hope that 2014 has been a great for you and your family. 

We can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store for us. 

Happy Holiday’s 

( Now that our big not so great news is out, I'll be blogging more about our journey through deployment number 3. )

This is the 8th Year we've ordered our Christmas Cards from ShutterFly and we will continue to do so in the future. I absolutely love the options, amazing deals and sales they offer. Not to mention the quick turn around time on shipping. Be sure and check them out for all of your photo gift giving needs. 

We Can't Say Goodbye to you at a Park….

Being of April I was babysitting for one of my favorite families and had a conversation about something on my Southern Bucket List. I knew with Football season over it probably wasn't going to happen. Little did I know that one conversation led to the best surprise a group of parents and co-workers could put together. 

6 of my sweet co-workers put together a little lunch-eon in our classroom. I was so surprised and shocked. I had no clue at all, they completely caught me off guard and it was the sweetest little going away party. (although I'm so excited yet sad about the party coming up this week that some of my parents are throwing for me.)

Everyone made a dish to share, there was so much food & sweet tea. They know the way to my heart!!

About 12:45 Kristen made the comment "I know something you don't know", she just couldn't hold out any longer. She went next door to the other room and next thing I know is they are bringing food over to my room. Jamie said "You didn't think we were going to say goodbye to you at a park did you". 

(the party this coming week is at a park)

We had enough food to probably feed about 10-15 of us. It was so fun to have our own little party in my room. As if food and drinks wasn't enough they out did themselves with gifts to. 

A beautiful necklace and earrings set, Palmetto Tree and Crescent Moon Charm and a Monogrammed Cutting Board. Seriously have I mentioned how well they know and love me.

Because food, sweet tea and a few little gifts was not enough they had one more surprise. Remember that conversation I mentioned about my South Carolina Bucket List?! Well M totally out did herself, she told another one of our parents who happens to work at USC about our conversation. 

I wanted to have my picture taken with Cocky before I moved. USC's Mascot!!! Why? I haven't the clue, but living in Columbia you can't help but become a Gamecock fan. It becomes in your blood as much as it's in the locals. They live, breath and sleep Gamecock Country. 

You can imagine my shock and surprise when Cocky came walking into my classroom. It took all we had to keep our voice's down not to wake up the little ones. I had tears streaming down my face, with excitement. To some it may not be that big of a deal, but for me it was. This move from the South to TN has taken a toll on me. I am having the hardest time excepting it. I've built a life here, made friends that have made a lasting impression on me, I have a job at a school that I absolutely love. As much as I'm ready to go and be settled with my husband, I'm going to miss my life here so much. 

Our Director told us we had Cocky for 15 minutes all to ourselves. What were we to do, it was kinda funny at first we all just stood around laughing like a bunch of little school girls. 

We had so much fun joking around, laughing, dancing and offering Cocky Chicken. He didn't take so lightly to the offer. I tell you he plays a great mascot, not once broke character or talked. Even when little Mac woke up he went over and "patted" him back to sleep. I'll remember this day forever!!!! 

And this amazing lady here, Jamie. My YaYa Sister! I can't begin to say how much I love her friendship.

After Cocky hung out with us a bit, he went upstairs were all the Older Hall kiddo's were waiting. They had NO clue why they were up there or who was coming. They were so excited, Clemson vs. Gamecocks rivalry starts at a early age down in the South. I remember my 2nd week at the school I was subbing in the Kindergarten room and one of the little girls asked me if I went for Clemson or Gamecocks. I didn't even really know who was who at that point but if someone was to ask me today, hands down I'd say I'm a Gamecock fan for sure. 

When me and two of the other girls walked in the kids were CHANTING as loud as they could……..

USC GO COCKS, USC GO COCKS. 

They were loving it, and I couldn't help but think "he's here just for me, all of this was for me". It was such a special day!! A couple of the older hall teachers asked me if I wanted to come work on the Older Hall that afternoon, since after all I was the reason for them being all riled up. lol NOPE, thanks for the offer though. They were so load, our heads were pounding betimes we left. I did have to get a picture with my favorite little man and Cocky though. Future Gamecock right here people. 

I'm really going to miss this place, I've made so many great memories here.

It's not goodbye but rather SEE YOU SOONLY!!! 

talk about horrible timing…..

There's never a good time to have a wreck, no one ever says "oh this couldn't of happened at a better time." But there couldn't of been a worse time for this to have happen. 

Heading to lunch last week on my break from work I was going to meet my friend Jenna. We'd been trying to meet up for a week or so now and we finally found a date that fit us both. 

Sadly enough I didn't make that lunch date and now I have a week (God willing) to reschedule. 

Sitting at a red light waiting to turn left and the cars in the first lane coming my direction weren't going. I waited and waited and waited, finally I went…..I had a green light, they had a green light but no body was moving. Not thinking at all that a car could come from the other lane around the corner. It was a compete blind spot because the cars in the lane that weren't moving were large SUV's. It didn't even register to me that I couldn't see around them. I knew the cars in front of me weren't moving and I must have been clear to go. Boy was I wrong, WAY WRONG. I saw it all happen, as it was happening I was thinking there is nothing I can do, little did I realize it had already happened. I head it, it was so load. All the air bag deployed on the passenger side, my drive door one deployed and the one on the steering wheel deployed. There was dust / smoke from the inside of the airbags that filled my car. I could barley breath the smell was so bad. 

I was in complete shock, this did not just happen. She just hit me, yes it was my fault because I turned but really WHY….WHY ME!!!!!!! I sat there in my car for a minute to gather my thoughts before getting out. I walked around to make sure the other driver was ok and she was. Thank You Jesus! 

Walked back to my driver door and I heard someone yell my name, I look behind me and it was one of my co-workers Kristen. She's actually my assistant in my class.

She asked me if I was ok and I shook my head no, I was in complete shock. My wrist had swelled up like the size of a golf ball and I was worried sick that something was seriously wrong with it. She pulled her car to the side and got out. I had her call Jenna to let her know I wasn't going to be able to make it. I called the hubbs to let him know what happen and to tell him I was ok. (other than my wrist) I literally spoke to him for about 2 minutes and then had to let him go. 

I just kept telling Kristen "I NEVER GO THIS WAY", all because its easier to get to were I was going did I go that way. NEVER AGAIN, NEVER AGAIN. 

I've been in a fender bender before, been rear ended but nothing this major or serious. I was at a loss, even more so that my husband was FIVE HUNDRED + miles away. Kristen called the police and emergency responders to come. She then called work to let them know what was going on. Clearly I wasn't going to be able to make it back to work. BLAH, not what I need right now. I called Sarah, my friend that I'm staying with here in Cola. When she answered I asked her were she was, because I wanted / needed her. Her response was "on a school bus headed back from Z's field trip." My heart broke, I just wanted some one there. She immediately asked me if I was ok. Jenna had already called her and told her what happen, which she interned called Cory her husband and told him what happen. As soon as he heard he was on his way to the accident. I called Cory to find out where he was, and told him I needed him. I was hot mess, Kristen who was on her lunch break as well waited till Cory and Jenna showed up and then she left. While we were waiting for them to get there though I kept telling her that I didn't want to go in the ambulance by myself. I was seriously freaking out about the thought of having to go in the ambulance by myself but I knew I needed to get my wrist looked at. 

At this point I had kinda of gathered myself but then Cory showed up and I lost it again, falling on his shoulder. What am I going to do, my wrist, what about work I said to him. The police officer looked at C and asked if he was my husband, again hello water works. I looked at C, he looked at the Officer and explained that I was living with them and the hubbs was in TN. They agreed I needed to get my wrist checked out but EMS said they would not be able to take x-rays at the hospital because it was so swollen. They told me it was the blood vessels in my wrist that had busted. They said I could go to the hospital on post and C could take me. That seemed much more doable, no ambulance ride for me. The tow truck drivers arrived and pulled the cars apart. Hers looked a lot worse then mine once they were apart but still neither were drivable. Freaking out because I'm suppose to leave at the end of May to head to TN for good and now I don't know if that'll happen. WHY? WHY ME? WHY NOW?

Sarah and I had just talked over the weekend about how I had never had to go to Moncrief Hospital for a emergency or to the UCC. Well I guess God felt I needed to make a visit there before I left. After collectively about two hours, x-rays, and 3 different pain meds, my hand wrapped in a brace I was headed home. Nothing was broken which I was pretty sure of already. The swelling had gone down, but I needed to wear the brace to keep my hand and wrist from moving and control the bleeding inside my wrist. It hurt like crazy, the picture blow (is the next evening after it happened) does it no justice at all. As crazy as it sounds this looks good compared to the 3rd and 4th day. It was so purple and back and brown. I had fears of going to sleep because I wasn't sure what would happen. It was totally messing with my head. I took the next day, Wednesday off work to relax and recover a bit. Gave me a chance to get things figured out with my car as well. 

The following Monday I went over to the body shop were my car was to get a few things out of it and to sign the papers so they could start the repairs. When I walked in something to the left caught my eye through the window, I looked away and then back at the window. That looked like my car, so I walked over to the window and sure enough it was and I lost it. The tears started flowing, the gentleman behind the counter said you must be the owner of the Pathfinder. Yes, I am…..was it that obvious. 

He walked me out to the car and went over what needed to be done. He said that its a lot of little things that simply need to be screwed and bolted back on. A little body work but not a lot of major work. $11,300.00 worth of work, YIKES. He assured me that he is going to do whatever it is he can to get the car done by the 30th of this month. I've got my fingers crossed. I'm hoping and praying I have TWO interviews lined up for the following week in TN and I really don't want to have to reschedule. I've already notified them about what is going on and they were very understanding, which was a sign of relief. 

I keep reminding myself things could have been A LOT worse, we both walked away from the accident. My car is repairable and I've got some amazing friends here in the South that jumped and helped me with out any hesitation at all. 

As heart broken as I am to leave the South, I am so ready to get home to my husband. I talked to his mom the day after it happened and she said he told her he felt so helpless not being here to help me with everything. Breaks my heart!!! I miss my love more than anything. 

Our House Tour!!

I'm absolutely in love with our house, is it my dream house no but its defiantly home sweet home for now. Our dream house will come later once we settle down, get out of the army and start a family. (of course not in that order) Knowing we can do absolutely what ever we want to the house with out having to ask some one first is so nice. Being able to change things if we want is just peachy. I'm so glad we decided to live off post and purchase instead of rent. I have a feeling we are going to be so happy, I mean we already are. I can't wait to have holiday parties, friends over for dinner and get together. Oh the memories we are going to make. Now if only I could get my booty to TN for good we could start on all those fun memories. I went up for a long weekend the first of May when our HHG's were getting delivered and we got the house completely unpacked, set up and everything in place. In just TWO days, you would have though we'd been living the

re for months now but nope. I don't waste any time. Its a cute little 3 bedroom house, (only two bedrooms pictured below, hubbs man room didn't make the photo cut, even though it was unpacked and very well put together.) it looks big from the outside but it truly isn't that monstrous huge. Its just the perfect size for us. I'm loving the back deck area and can't wait to get our table and chair for it. We'll def. be enjoying some lovely summer evenings out there.

Hawaiian Themed Front Entry Way 

Downstairs Half Bath 

Favorite part of my Kitchen,  My Mamaw's Framed Recipes & her Picture. 

Fiestaware Themed Kitchen 

Fiestaware Themed Kitchen

Living Room 

Upstairs Full Guest Bath 

Texas Themed Guest Bedroom 

Master Bedroom 

Master Bathroom and Walk in Closet 

Back Covered Patio Deck and Yard 

Our last day's

The last few day's in our Cola house looked like this…..filled with boxes upon boxes. 

Sleeping on a air mattress in our living room floor, living out of our upstairs bathroom because that's were all our stuff was we didn't want the movers to pack.

Eating off of paper plates because our dishes were packed away. Shredding cheese with a potato peeler because I forgot to leave out our cheese grater. 

Watching movies or TV shows on our laptops because we had no TV. 

Using Commissary bags as trash bag's because we threw out our trash can so the movers wouldn't pack it. 

Life in the mist of PCSing oh the joys!!! I can't wait to get settled at our new place and have everything back to normal again. 

 Wednesday morning I woke up early went and picked up donuts for our movers and came back to finish up a few things before they arrived. Their ETA was between 8:00am and 8:30am I figure closer to 8:30 so I had a little time to spare. NOPE, they arrived promptly at 8:10am just shortly after I got home. The moment I saw the moving truck pull up in front of my drive way my heart sank. Not that everything leading up to today wasn't a sign of hello we're moving but I guess it really hadn't hit me yet. Well it did today. I kept reminding myself of all that we have ahead of us and this is not the end of my time in the South but only the beginning. We will be back! (just not to be stationed at Ft. J)

It only took them a matter of 3.5 hours to wrap up all the furniture and load everything up. They left our couch and hutch for last because they are two of the biggest and heaviest pieces of furniture we have. Cleaning up the upstairs while they finished packing the down stairs reminded me of the way the house looked when we moved in. EMPTY! Life as a Milispouse and the joys' of PCSing. 

Wednesday night was last time I cooked dinner in our Cola house. I made Chicken Fried Rice, one of our favorites. It was easy, quick and we had everything there to make it.  We sat there on our air mattress eating off paper plates enjoy our last moments in our 2nd home together. 

Thursday night our last night in the house we decided to go out to eat. I didn't want to make a mess in the kitchen. The stove, oven, counters, and everything else was already clean and I'd like to keep it that way. We decided to ask our neighbors Mr. Larry and Nita to go with us. And thankfully they took us up on our offer. I was a bit nervous about how the dinner would go but it was great, there was never a dull moment and I'm so glad we asked them to go with us. They are the sweetest elderly couple in the world. Mr. Larry retired from the Army in 1985, he and his wife live on post one door down from us. Mr. Larry pulls the trash can's and recycling bins out to the curb for the entire neighborhood every morning and takes then back up after trash runs. They hand write Christmas cards for everyone in the neighborhood and always have a little something to go with it. A couple days before the movers came they brought over this beautiful cross-stitch that she had done. This way we would always remember them and have a piece of the beach every were we went. 

I'll truly miss them and their sweet hearts. I'm sure the pups will to because they always came over to say hi and give them loves. 

 Friday morning at 10am we finaled out of our house and officially were done with cleaning, packing and stressing over this house. We've heard mixed reviews on how the housing clearing process goes. I've heard that it's similar to a white glove test and then I've heard its really not that bad. I didn't want to chance anything so we made sure that everything was spic and span clean. I'm happy to say we didn't have to pay for anything extra other than the carpet cleaning which we new we were going to have to pay for. We opted to have them do it vs. us paying for someone to come in and do it and it still not be up to their standards. 

When one door closes there's another waiting to be opened, when one chapter ends there's another one to start. 

Goodbye Cola house! 

It's Pack Day….

When I moved from Texas to Hawaii and then again from Hawaii to South Carolina everything was done on one day. Not this time, we have a pack day and a moving day. Kinda random but I suppose every company has there own way of doing things right?.?.?. 

Over the last couple week's I've slowly began getting our house ready for the movers to come. Taking everything off the walls. A deep deep clean on all of our belongings and not to mention the endless dusting. I wanted everything to be nice and clean before it was boxes up, this way it helps for when I have to unpack everything at the new house. One of the ONLY plus sides to moving is going through the house and getting rid of stuff and junk we DON'T need any more!!!! I HATE HATE clutter with a passion. My motto is if we don't use it or we have to put it in storage (other than holiday decor and some childhood things) its gotta GO!!!! My husband is the worlds worst at holding on to EVERYTHING. His favorite saying is well what if I need it later?!?!? Well I guess we'll find out then won't we. 

I'm a very OCD person when it comes to our home. I like to have everything just a certain way and everything has to be nicely organized as well. That's been no different this time around either. All the wall decor has been placed in one area. All the "new" spare-bedroom stuff has been collected in one area, cookbooks together, surround system together and wrapped up. You get the idea right. The hubbs has reminded me multiple times that it is the job of the packers to wrap, box and take care of everything but I can't help myself. Since I won't be there when all of our stuff is delivered (I'll save that for another post) I want to make it as easy as possible when I do get there and organizing the house. Hubbs has been put on strict orders not to unpack or set anything up unless its his gun room stuff. I know I'm going to want things in a certain spot and it will just save us both the hassle of doing it twice if he waits till I get there. Besides to him it really doesn't make a difference one way or the other. Men I tell you, sometimes they just don't understand lol. 

Well the day has finally came and our house is getting packed up, TODAY. The packers are here, as I'm typing this, my kitchen is slowly becoming empty. My precious collection of dishes now sits in a giant box in the corner of our dinning room. There's one guy up stairs and one guy down stairs and their hard at work. I haven't even been up stairs since they started. I'm kinda nervous to go up there and see everything packed away. I know its only temporary but this has been our home for the past 2.5 years and its hard to go through another move. No matter how much I HATE Ft. Jackson or how much my husband hated his job at times, it doesn't make it any easier to move. We've built a life here, we've made friends, I've got a job that I enjoy and I have to leave it all behind and start over. Don't get me wrong I'm extremely excited about our future and what's to come at our new duty station. (I can't wait to fill you in on all of that, another post, another day maybe) But it's still going to be hard to see this chapter come to a close. Life of a Army Wife though right!!!! I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Side Note: I for got how much of a pain going through box after box is until I just looked over at a empty kitchen. You mean they will take it all out of the cabinets and drawers but they wont put it all back in?!?!? Kidding Kidding I know, I'd want to do it myself any how but still holy cow its a lot of work!!! Good thing I'll have plenty to keep me busy when we move for the first weekend. Not to worry I'll have it all unpacked and set up in no time. I HATE living out of boxes and in a disorganized mess!!!!! The OCD will kick in, in extreme over drive and take over!!! 

This is just a glimpse at what our house looked like last night when we went to bed. :( 

This morning it was even worse as I finished up last minute organizing and cleaning waiting for the packers to get here. 

3rd Times a Charm, Right?!?!?

In this case yes it is. 2 weeks ago the hubbs started the train-up for EIB (Expert Infantry Badge) The 3rd week was testing week. See he'd gone and tried out twice before, once when we lived in Hawaii and once since we'd been here. Sadly enough though for one reason or another he didn't pass and we re-cycled. This week was a big week, he HAD to get it. I mean it was his time for sure!!! Monday was the PT Test and all went well. The rest of the week was spent at the range. He texted me when he had completed each day to let me know he was still good to go. Tuesday he passed the lane day, Wednesday he passed the lane day with one "no go", Thursday he passed the lane day. I prayed and prayed ALL day every day. It was his time, It just had to be. He wanted this so bad. Friday was the last event. A 12 mile road march in full gear, with a 8lb rifle and a 35lb ruck sack along with 100oz of water in his camelback. This had to be completed in 3 hours, which as a 15 min mile pace. I honestly wasn't to worried about today but deep down I was hoping with every ounce that he would make it through. Friday morning he left the house around 3:30am to meet up at the starting point by 4:00am. The road march started at 4:30am and they had to be complete by 7:30am. I took the morning off work to attend the Graduation. I wanted to make sure I was there, to show my support and let him know how proud I am of him. I was up getting ready and it was about 7:15am, and I still hadn't heard from him. I was planning on making my way to Post Headquarters were Graduation was being held regardless if I'd heard from him or not. He had 15 minutes to make it through the road march, He couldn't come this far and not make it. I was a nervous wreck all week as well as was he but this morning I was sitting on pins and needles waiting. Finally about 7:20am I got a text from the hubbs saying HE MADE IT. I was so happy he was finally getting his EIB pined on. It was over and he'd never had to go through the course again. I was and am one proud wife, he's such a strong Soldier and never gives up!!! 

Out of 72 Infantrymen that started the course only 24 of them ended up completing it. That's about average, its apparently a pretty hard core course to go through. He was so sore and tired after he was done. He said every part of his body was hurting, poor guy couldn't even walk normal. I mean I'm sure I wouldn't be able to either if I'd done something like that. 

During the Ceremony…front row right side, 2nd from the end. 

All that hard work for this blue rife EIB pin!!! It really is a big deal!!!! 

His CO, CPT Campbell and 1st SGT Jones came out to show there support and congratulate him!!! 

So glad I got to be there and pin him!!! Love this man with all my heart and so proud of everything he's accomplished during his army career up to this point!!!! 

ummmm, That face!!! What a handsome fellow!!!! So Proud!!!!!!