August Goal Recap

As you may remember I set a few goals for myself over the month of August with the hubbs being gone. Over all I didn't do to bad, however there were a few area's I didn't do great in at all. Dear running injury you really cramped my running this month. More on that in a bit. I'm a little late at getting my recap posted for August, so September's goals will be up with in the next day or two.
To jog your memory here are my August Goals.

*Running- Well I most certainly didn't meet my 75 mile goal. But for good reason, well not by my choice that is. I sadly ended up straining my hip flexor and that kinda cramped my running. I made it through about half the month and totaled 29 miles. Not were I wanted to be at all, but it happens. I've never had this problem before and let me tell you it absolutely sucked. It hurts, so bad to even walk sometimes. So the rest of the month consisted of lots of stretching and icing my leg / hip. I added in a couple different work out routines at home though to kinda of make up for not being able to run and I've got my plank time up to 2 minutes and 31 seconds. I'm quite proud of myself. :)

*Saving- I actually didn't do to bad on this goal at all. I kept track of everything I spent and made sure I didn't make any unnecessary purchases. As funny or silly as it might sound it felt so good coming home at the end of the day and marking $0 on my calendar for that day on not spending anything. I was able to put a little extra aside into our savings accounts like we had planned and make a few purchases for the hubbs Welcome home gift. Not to mention I put some fun money aside for when the In-Loves come in town next weekend.

*Classroom--Success!!! I completed my classroom updates and set up. Shelves & Cubbies are labeled, Pictures are put up on wall and my centers are relabeled and they look so much better. There are a few small things that I still need to do to get ready for our be yearly evaluation coming up in November. Classroom art project, a on going art project with the kiddos, print and hang pictures from last weeks events. I completed all of their evaluations to see were they stand and have started working with them one on one in the area's they are struggling in. Over all I'm pretty happy with were I stand in my classroom.

*Eating Out- This one was a complete SUCCESS, I am happy to say I didn't eat out not one time. I did stop and get a tea from Sonic a time or two which was much needed dealing with my kiddos sometimes. But aside from that I either ate at home or at work. (lunch is provided to teachers when the kids eat) I did have a girls night out for dinner one night but that fell through. Another night I went out with a group of people from our neighborhood to a local bar. A few people ordered food and offered me some and I so kindly declined. This past weekend T from the neighborhood invited me to meet up with her and her friend J at Dunkin Donuts for girl time and "coffee". I don't drink Coffee and wasn't going to eat so I took my lemonade in with me. That same evening T invited J and I to grab dinner and then over to her house to work on a little project. I went with them to dinner at Zaxby's but ate before hand so I wasn't tempted to eat while I was there. After about a month of no eating out it really wasn't as hard as I though it would be to. Will power I tell you, it WORKS!!!! 

*Sweet's & Baking- Another SUCCESSful goal in the books. This one was hard let me tell you!!! We / I don't eat a lot of sweets but goodness every now and then everyone needs a piece of chocolate or some Froyo. The weekends were harder than the weekdays. Being home working around the house or veggie out on the couch every so often I would get a sweet tooth itch. I pushed through and didn't give in. There was no baking done in that oven of ours either. Boy that was a hard one, with the Pinterest randomness searching I found a few…ok many new yummy sweet treats that were so tempting to try but I didn't.

*Puppies- I actually did even better than I had planned out for myself on this goal. I walked the pups every day through out the month of August with the exception of only 3 days. Another one I kept track of on my calendar and made me fill good about myself by marking it down each time I'd come home from our walk. Our 3 days we didn't walk were because 1) it was raining one evening, 2) my horrible hip injury, 3) a late night errand run. We ended out the month with a 5.2 mile walk this evening at a local park / walking trail here called the Greenway. It was our (the pups and I) first time there, it wasn't to bad at all. It was really pretty and the whole trail area that we took was shaded. Next time we'll have to check out the other side of the trail. There were a couple of days I took them on two walks which I know they loved. It def. made me feel a bit better considering I couldn't run.

August shaped up to be a pretty good month even with the hubbs gone. I am looking forward to September and what it has in store for us both. I've defiantly been focusing more on my health and fitness here lately and its been going great. Makes me feel so much better about myself.
Here's to SEPTEMBER, its my brothers birthday month so its bound to be a good one, oh and the IN-LOVES are coming in a week YAY!!!!!! 

August Goals

The hubbs is going away for a month (august) bummers (darn you army and your training schedule)!!! So I'm taking full advantage of it, well the best I can and setting some personal goals for myself. I came across the idea from one of my fabulous fellow bloggers Tamara who wrote a set of goals for herself for the month of August. I might start a monthly goal post's here, simply to help keep myself accountable. We'll see. I really can't believe this starts the 3rd month (4th month for the hubbs) that we've been living in Tennessee. Were has the time gone, we've settled in quite well and are enjoying our life here but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss living in the South!!! There's not a moment that goes by that I don't wish we were there still.

*Running- I've been doing really good with my running, adding miles and dropping my pace. It's still a work in progress and that's ok with me. It'll always be a work in progress. I took some time off so right now I'm just working on getting back to were I was. Over July I ran a total of 60 miles, for August my goal is to run 75 miles. I've calculated it out and its completely doable, staying with the same routine I've been doing. I also have a time goal set for for my 5k time. I'd like to get it down below my fastest 5k time which is 31 minutes. I'm not a fast runner by any means but Its something I love to do and gives me a since of accomplishment and pride. I've got 3 minutes to drop and I'll be at my first goal time. I'm determined to get there by the end of the month.

*Saving- I'm (we're) always about saving, this is a on going goal. We have 4 different savings accounts set up. I'm kinda OCD about our finances (as I'm sure a lot of people are). #1- savings account that we put money in each month from BAH to pay our Mortgage. #2- savings account for our home, the long term goal with purchasing a home is/was to build a nest egg for our future. We pull money from BAH to go into this account as well. #3- savings account for the hubbs, we call it the Gun Fund. Each pay period we put a certain amount in it and he uses that for what ever wants for his gun / reloading hobby. #4- our main savings account that we put the majority of our funds into. The one we don't touch, we've worked so hard to build it up. So while the hubbs is gone, we will be spending less on gas, food, going out, and shopping etc. So my plan is to divide that up evenly into our savings and buckle down even more on what we put aside. In hopes to help us reach our end of the year savings goals even sooner.

*Classroom- Its going on the 3rd month at my new job, in my new classroom and it still seems to be a work in progress. When I started I took a week and worked with it the way it was. This way it allowed me to see what worked and what didn't and what I wanted to change. Once I figured it out I made the changes and adjustments needed. It worked well but there was always something that I still needed to finish up, last minute touches on this or that. Last week was our transition week, with school starting up this week. Meaning I have 15 NEW kids in my class. Just as I was getting settled, a routine, a groove, art work up, window theme's done…..I have to take it all DOWN. AAAAHHHH, of course I knew this was coming but seriously come on. I've gotten a lot done but of course there are still a few things that have been put on the back burner, for one reason or another. I'm determined to get my classroom completely set up and finished by the end of August. Sure there's always going to be art work to put on our art boards, monthly window themes to do. However the basics cubbie labels, birthday boards, napping charts, child portfolios' etc are done. One big project I keep putting on the back burner is relabeling all the shelves / toys / centers with pictures and labels. Its a big job and its going to be time consuming but I want / need to get it done. It will free up so much more time for me with the kids.

*Eating Out- Simple as that, I'm NOT doing it!!!! The only exception to this one will be if I'm invited out on the weekends to dinner with friends. Although the chances of that happening are slim to none. (more on that later) I went to the commissary this past weekend and picked up plenty to hold me over and cook through out the next few weeks. There really shouldn't be any reason to eat out. This one will be a struggle at times I'm sure. Cooking for one isn't always easy but by not eating out it will help with my Savings goal!!!

*Sweet's & Baking- NOT happening!!!! I think that's pretty self explanatory. I love love love baking but I'm not going to while the hubbs is gone. No particular reason here, just a goal for myself. Will Power People! On top of that…...NO sweets eating at all. Cookies, Cake, Cupcakes, Candy, Ice Cream, anything that could be consider a "dessert". We don't eat a whole lot of sweets to begin with but I'd be lying if I said we didn't at all. Really anyone that says they don't eat sweets is crazy. So cutting it all out for this month (on top of no eating out) while he's gone will help with keeping off a few extra pounds.

*Puppies- Oh those sweet, furry, four legged no good for nothing, hair shedding, barking dogs are our babies even when they do annoy the living crap out of me sometimes. I'll always love them. Truth be told we slack in the "dog walking" department a good bit. Partly because we both get home from work after 5pm, I do dinner, dishes, get ready for the next day, watch a bit of tv, sometimes end up falling asleep on the couch and then the next thing you know its 8pm or later and to dark outside to take them on a walk. So while the hubbs is gone my goal / plan is to walk the pups every evening after I get home from work. I'll give myself the weekends off, if I choose to. ;) Our neighborhood is a small circle, similar to a "U". The total distance starting from the entrance and back around is a mile. Of course I'll have to wait till closer to 7:30-45pm-ish when the sun starts to set and its not blazing hot outside. It will help me from being completely lazy and seeings they'll be home all day by themselves it will get them outta the house. They still have so much energy, it never seems to end. A mile power walk around the neighborhood every evening will be a good addition to staying in shape and building my strength.

Here's to a new month, goals, and finishing what I've starting and sticking with what I've got planned. I I (you) can do anything I put my mind to, and I plan on working hard to stick with and maintain the personal goals I've set for myself. I know its only going to better help me, my husband, and our future.
PS: Did I mention I start taking classes at Austin Peay State University at the end of the month, talk about a full plate. Again more on that to come later.

And just because everyone loves a good selfie!!

Best of 2011

I am keeping this simple with one major highlight from 2011 ~

MY SOLDIER CAME HOME FROM IRAQ, we finished out our 2nd deployment and I couldn't be happier to have him home safe in my arms again. If nothing else this was the one and only thing I wanted for 2011 and I got it.

Welcome Home Baby!!!

I am truly blessed with everything I was able to accomplish in the past year. I am so excited to see what 2012 has in store for us. I have always looked forward to a New Year but for some reason I'm even more excited about 2012. Not sure if its all the travel plans we have or the fact that I just am feeling better about myself than I have in a long time or that I know I will have my man home with me. (even if he will be gone almost 6-7 days a week working 50-60 + hrs a day) Either way I am determined to make the very most of 2012 and not let anything get in my way.

2011 had its ups and downs for sure it wasn't all sugary, I have to say two of the hardest, worst things for me was the hubbs going back to the "sand box" after R&R and moving from Hawaii leaving our Army Family.

before we headed to the airport :(

the day I left Hawaii :(

Over all 2011 was a great year for the both of us and I am happy with the way its ending!!!!!!! Here's to a fabulous year through 2012, I hope you'll stick around with me along our journey.

(ps: stay tune for my New Years Resolution post still to come!!!)

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

No big extraordinary plans to ring in the New Year just a simple gathering with 3 friends at their house. We all baked a few dishes to share, mine was Queso & chips, a Tex~Mex dip and No Bake Hay Stack cookies. The 2nd of the three were new recipes that I had not tried before. I wanted to do something new and different as well as exciting. I mean we are celebrating the end of 2010 and the start of 2011 aren't we.

We loaded up our plates and chowed down, munching on all the different treats. Chatting away we were having a grand old time. The Martins love to play games so what better way to spend the evening. First is was Mad Gab which I'd never played before and let me tell you I SUCK. Well ok I managed to answer just a couple of them right but man that is really hard. Here are a few examples that I found on line.

I'm On Stairs Sink ==== Monsters Inc
Wide Own Shoe Seamy Hen Amour ==== Why Don't You See Me Anymore?
Trill My Coy ==== The Real McCoy

See its not so easy now is it. Although very comical we had some great laughs that literally brought tears to our eyes through out the night. Changing it up a bit we went on to play Taboo, now this one I had played before but it had been forever ago. You are trying to get your partner to guess a world and you have to describe to them what it is with out using a selected few worlds. Sounds easy but really makes you think and you better watch what you say because you might just get beeped out of the game.


I was lucky enough to chat with my love the entire night, it was as if he was there with us joining in and having a wonderful time. Just not helping win the game because he would have sucked just as much as I did. But if he was then that would have just been perfect. Never the less I'm happy with the time that we did have together even if it was over the Internet. Each second I have with him I will take and cherish forever in my heart. While the others stood on the back patio and watched the explosion of fire works going off we spent the evening together chatting away.


When it came time for the ball to drop we quickly turned the TV on and counted down the last few minutes of 2010 together. It was all ready the New Year in Iraq but I was quickly typing away counting down with Gabe so he was right with us the whole time. And right at Midnight we had our New Years Kiss, yea sure it may have been through webcam but you know what we were together and thats all that matters. I had a wonderful evening and couldn't think of a better way to spend it.
Here's to a wonderful NEW YEAR to you and your family!!!!!!!!

?????Resolutions?????

Every year millions of people make a New Years Resolution. Now weather that be to get healthy, go to the gym, save money, pay off bills, get a new job, clean out their house. The list goes on and on, I am one to say I have made New Years Resolutions before. This year is no different for that. However mine is alittle different, my New Years Resolutions is to spend every minute I can with my husband. Not that I don't do that now, but being in the Army makes it more difficult than a normal family. I cherish every moment we have together and don't take a second of it for granite.
With the possibility of Jared deploying this summer / fall makes it even more hard. I can't imagine spending another year away from him. That's why we are making it a point this year to do more together just the two of us. We love getting together with friends but when the time we have is limited I don't want to miss out on something we could of had.

If Jared dose get deployed this year the big step that we plan to make in our marriage is to buy a house back in Texas :). (I will move back to TX during the deployment)
So for the other part of my New Years Resolution is, I plan on getting our finance's ready. We are set now but there are a few things that still need to be taken care of in order for us to do that. I am super excited about owning our own home, (not so much abt the deployment part) it will be great for our future together.

Many people toss there New Years Resolutions out the window after the first couple months of the year but we have talked about this for the last month and this is something that we are sticking with and are both on the same page.
It makes things so much more easier when you agree and work together and communicate with each other. I think that is one of the big things that makes a marriage work & I am blessed that Jared & I have the relationship and communication that we do.


We are so excited about the New Year and what it has in store for us both together as a couple and then as a individual. Here is to 2010!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU ~ Happy New Year :)

HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU

HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU ~ Happy New Year :)

Goodbye 2009 & HELLO 2010.....great things are in store for the Gabriel Ohana can't wait it's gonna be a AWESOME Year :) LOVE YOU BABY!!!!!!!

We spent the day lounging around the house just hanging out. Around 4:30pm I finally brought myself to get my butt up off the couch and clean. We were having friends over to ring in the New Year with us so I needed to get moving. Finally the floors were done (thanks to my hubby & him using my new steam mop he got me for Christmas) and everything was put away. On to the food prep ....White Choc. Covered Pretzels, Cheese & Meat tray, Cheese Cake Ball dip, Queso & Chips ummmmm good.

We didn't want to have a big party at our house or a bunch of people over seeings everyone we know has kids & they would have to tag along as well. I wanted to be able to enjoy the evening with my love. We invited our friends Rae & Jason over to spend the evening together. Rae brought a few yummy treats, so we were set with plenty of food to keep us going.


We have gotten hooked on the Wii since Christmas so that was the plan for the night. With four controllers in hand we went at it, playing some of the different games we have. Finally it was time for Super Mario Brothers and MAN was it a trip. It was so crazy playing with 4 people. Everyone was running every were and jumping on each other and making each other die (all on the game) it was the funniest thing ever. I can't remember the last time I have had this much fun playing a video game.




11:57pm came across the clock and we quickly turned the TV on to watch the "ball drop". This year was the very first year that I have ever had a New Years Kiss :) & for it to be from the Love of My Life was the best ever. I am so blessed to have been able to bring in the New Year with him this year.
We have been through so much in 2009 & Blessed beyond words, I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store.

It has been a awesome year & it ended with a KISS!!!!! The BEST KISS from My One & Only!!!!


(first family picture of 2010)


HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU ~ Happy New Year :)