What's Cook Lately

*Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito's with a side of Mexican Rice- Stuffed inside was a Mexican Chicken that had been cooked in the crock pot all day. Topped with a Homemade Cheesy Green Chili  Sour Cream Sauce. Let me tell you these where fabulous. Stuff a large whole wheat tortilla with the meat mixture a little cheese bake it in the oven for 20 minutes to get nice and crispy, add toppings and there you have it. Mouth watering. 

*Whole Wheat Waffles drizzled with a little Syrup- Theses have defiantly been my go to waffles here lately. They are absolutely fabulous and so quick and easy to put together. Best part is I can freeze the  left over, and pop them in the toaster in the morning for a quick healthy breakfast. 

*PIZZA- Who doesn't love pizza. I took a whole wheat tortilla spread some sauce on top, added the fixings: Cheese, Black Olives, Green Bell Peppers, Mini Pepperoni and Turkey Sausage. I tossed it in the oven and baked it for about 8-10 minutes @350. It was so tasty and filling. I've never made pizza this way before, it def. won't be the last. It was great.  

 *Cornbread Waffles and Chili- I've been wanting to put these two together ever since the hubbs got me a waffle maker for Christmas. Box cornbread (nothing fancy there) and my homemade delicious chili on top. It was quite tasty and fun if I do say so. 

 *Pizza Calzones- A new one for us to try. Why we wanted so long I have no clue. I stuffed it with everything we would top a pizza with, cheese, pepperonis and all the yummy goodness. Topped with Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and baked for 15-18 minutes at 375. Slice it up and it's ready to serve. 

 Buffalo (Bison) Burgers on a Pretzel Bun with the fixin's and a side of Sweet Potato Fries- We purchased the burger patties pre-made from the commissary and the buns. Its not often we do burgers so I let the hubbs pick, knowing he'd choose Bison. Sweet Potato fries was a much healthier option over regular fries but I knew I wasn't going to want to make my own this evening so pre-made it was. This meal did not disappoint at all. 

2nd Half 1st Trail.....Race

After a week of nagging and sweet talking me in to doing this race with her I finally caved and said yes. I was hesitant at first because I haven't ran long distance since my first half last month. I've only ran 3-5 miles at a time to keep up my speed and endurance. But with a little twist and pull and convincing I said YES. Just two days before the race I signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon, My 1st Trail Half Marathon. My only dilemma was that the race was in Charlotte, NC which was about a hour & half drive away. I had the option of going up with Kelly Friday night and staying with her at her families farm in Rock Hill. I didn't mind the drive but with the hubs being away I would be left having to find someone to look after the pups over night if I decided to go up that night. Just getting back from Vacay a couple weeks ago and having to ask some one to watch the puppies I didn't really want to have to do that again. So I decided to stay home and just wake up early Saturday morning and drive up. Thankfully the race started at 9am so I didn't have to get up crazy early. 

Registration was $35 so really what did I have to loose. It was the day before my birthday and I would be able to have another Half under my belt. Great way to kick off my b-day weekend, sure thing!!!! 

The Trail Half Marathon - Tuck Fest was located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I've never been here before but have heard great things about it. And I'm looking forward to going back with the hubs to take advantage of some of the awesome activities they offer. 

Before I left my house I had to snap a pic for the hubs of course!!! Kelly's so sweet with her birthday treats, love her!!!! 

At the start line waiting for the "Ready set GO"!!!!!!!! 

This was by far one of the most challenging runs / races I've ever done to say the least. The scenery was great and the weather was perfect but the terrain was crazy. I've never enjoyed running on dirt or a soft ground and this definitely just proved once again that I wasn't a fan. I absolutely LOVE hiking though the mountains and wooded area however running a race through it is totally different. 

We decided at the beginning of the race we weren't going for time. This was a first for both of us, (a trail run) so we were just taking it as it came and having fun with it. We wanted to get another long run in before it got to hot out. South Summers are KILLER. We took advantage and had some fun with it snapping a few photos along the way. At about mile 9 we were completely DONE. We had agreed that trail running was NOT for us and we'd be happy just getting this race over with. There were only 3..THREE..3 water stations through out the whole 13.1 miles and they were very pouring placed. The route was poorly marked, I think if I was doing it by myself I would have been so lost. We had fun and there were lots of laughs through out the morning along with a few frustrating moments. We each took a fall during the race and we most def. did not run the entire thing, it just wasn't possible. We went in to it blind not knowing what to expect. We had a great time but both agreed NEVER AGAIN. At least we can say we did it, got another long run in and marked off the miles. Even if it did take us 3.08 hours to complete it.

 Unfortunately I had to be back in the South by 1:30 that afternoon (totally didn't happen) so we weren't able to get any after pictures. I was kind of bummed but didn't realize it till after I was on the road headed back home. I crossed the finish line running and just kept running to my car. It was definitely a race I wont forget, and what better way to start off celebrating my 27th Birthday. 

The last two......

These last two weekends were pretty mellow for us, we enjoyed lots of time relaxing and hanging out at home. I really can't complain one bit, because its been so nice not having anything to do or any where to go. The hubbs has had a lot of time off as well "HELLO CYCLE BREAK", which is always nice and welcome. 

Last Saturday morning I woke up early and headed out to meet up with Kelly for our run. While the hubbs when to the range to go shooting. We were both hoping to beat the horrible weather coming our way. Thankfully we both succeeded, because just as predicted the rain and sleep swept through about 9:30am. 

We finished the day off with a ever so lovely trip to the commissary and later that evening I babysat for one of the families from school. 

Sunday we did absolutely nothing, after sleeping in till about 9am we got up and I cooked us a yummy breakfast. After that I clean the house and got things ready for our house guest that was coming. I stayed in my PJ's till 6pm, we lounged around on the couch all afternoon. I think we even skipped lunch. It was perfect I don't remember the last time I was that lazy, carefree and didn't feel like going any where. Along with the laziness mint I didn't want to cook dinner. 

.........back up for a minute.......

A few months back I met a new friend via FB though my sweet friend Becca. (A & her family are stationed with B right now) A & her husband are going to be PCSing to Ft. J soon, her husband is currently going though Drill SGT School right now.  She and her girls came down to spend the weekend with her husband / daddy and we made plans to meet up for dinner Sunday night. I was excited to meet them and get to know A more. We've been going back and forth on FB for 2-3 months now, so to finally met was great. Since we made plans for dinner, that mint I had to finally get myself together.

 Dinner date with the hubbs, and new friends, I'll get ready for that. 

 Monday was Presidents day and we were extra lazy again. I'm telling you we're really uneventful people here y'all!!!! We did take the pups for a walk at a local park that morning, because it was such a beautiful day out. They had a blast and were completely exhausted be time we got home. I guess a two mile loop along a beautiful wooded trail will do that to you. They think they have such a ruff life, please they really have no clue how good they have it. 

 Later that evening I headed over to  Kelly's for our run. I didn't have much motivation after laying around on the couch all afternoon. I knew though I'd feel good after as I always do and what do you know, I felt great!!!! It was the first time trying out my new shoes and I just loved them. They were so soft and were super cushiony. Not to mention they look great on. 

Tuesday the pups got mail, seriously I told you they are spoiled. 

They're bestest puppy friend Ella sent them Valentines Day treats in the mail all the way from Hawaii. 

 Are these not the neatest things you've ever seen. I couldn't get over how cute they were. When we first gave them their treats they were a little hesitant as they didn't really know what it was. Bailey dropped her's in the kitchen and kinda just looked at it. Dingo was off and enjoying his. It finally clicked in Bailey's head that this was something you eat. 

They were preoccupied for the next 20 minutes or so. 

They def. enjoyed it and send a BIG BIG Thank You to Ella!!!!! 

If you haven't read about my day yesterday (Saturday) you should totally check it out HERE.

Rocking & Tooting my own horn, YES!!!! 

When I got home about 12:00pm I crawled into bed with the hubbs. Since he had CQ the day before (Friday) he was still fast asleep. Don't mind at all if I join you. We slept until almost 2pm, we really didn't do anything productive after that. We just moved out lazy sleepy selves down to the couch. 

That night I was in the mood for mexican food, some comfort food at that. We decided to go to our favorite little mexican joint across town. We don't go there that often so its always a special treat when we do. We splurged a little and even got dessert. 

Fried Ice Cream drizzled in honey. 

Does that look so good or what?!?!?!?

Sunday's dinner & dessert:

Fried Chicken, Cheddar Mash Potatoes and Asparagus. 

and for dessert:

Banana Bread.

Asparagus recipe found HERE from the fabulous soon to be momma at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!

Banana Bread recipe found HERE from the new momma of beautiful baby bear. 

I hope you've enjoyed catching up on what we've been up to these last two weeks. Aside from the ever so lovely work week, you can see not much going on here. Some times though its nice that way and I'm def. not complaining.

Loven Life Lately!

Seriously is she not the cutest puppy you've ever seen. She's such a lazy over sized lap dog, or at least she thinks she is. I love her though and would be lost with out her. 

Last Friday the hubbs got off work before me and headed down town to pick up a late night dessert. Seriously love this man he's perfect!!!! 

There's no sleeping in on Saturday mornings when the hubbs is off work. Up and at it bright and early at the range for some shooting. It was 37 degree's out and we were freezing our booties off but he was enjoying every minute of it. 

Later that afternoon we went to Whole Foods to pick up a few things to make dinner. The hubbs is on a huge Bison kick and frankly I'm not a fan. However I sucked it up and went along with it, happy husband = a happy wife right. He helped me fix everything up and then ditched me to do the dirty work when his buddy came over. That's ok I don't mind. 

Bison Enchiladas with a side of Mexican Rice. They weren't to bad, I just can't get past the chewiness of the meat. He says its because its more Gamy then other meats. 

Everyone loves a FABULOUS Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Including a bunch of Drill SGT's when they are stuck out in the field for a week. Any reason to see my hubbs while he's away working. :) 

Wednesday night Strength Class at Jamie Scott Fitness, with my fabulous running partner as the teacher. She really knows how to push you and give you a good work out. Can't wait till next week to go again. Building my lower body and cross training, doing what's best!!!!

Thursday one of my kiddos got sent home from school because she was sick. No Bueno. Her daddy was out of town and her momma had a big work meeting to attend. The hubbs was off work and so kindly agreed to sit with her while her mom went to her meeting. I went over to her house on my lunch and took him lunch and checked up on them. He is so good with Luc. and is going to make a great dad it we ever decide to go down that road. While I was there I asked him "are you going to be good changing her if you need to" he replied with "well it cant be that hard to figure out" Ok, so you've got this handled it looks like and I headed back to work. 

Did I happen to mention I'm going home soon :) Well if not I AM!!! TEXAS HERE I COME!!!!! 

And I can't wait. I'll be spending my Spring Break HERE (below) at our River house and on our Boat. I can't wait to go skiing, lay out on the beach and just be back on the water again. Its been to long since I've been down to our house and I am so looking forward to going again. Not much longer now and I'll be on a jet plane headed home. Best part is I get to spend the whole time with my little not so little brother!!!! 

Saturday run day!!!

 Pushing out a fabulous 6.2 miles today back in my minimalist shoes. I think I finally figured out what was causing my leg pain. :( To bad I didn't figure it out sooner, but as they say better late than never right. Come to find out I was fitted wrong with the shoes I was wearing. I went from minimalist shoes to fully supported, motion control shoes. With my bad ankles that have no arch at all (I'm 100% flat footed) and no support this put a lot of strain on my legs. Mainly my left one, shin splints turned in to stress fractures and mega horrible blisters which were no fun. I decided to change things up today and try out my old shoes and HELLO WORLD I'M BACK. 

100% difference and I felt even better after. Long story short I took my Asics back to Fleet Feet that I bought about a month ago and was refitted in a pair of Brooks PureFlow. They are minimalist shoes and feel great, I'm so happy I made the switch. I am however going to finish my training for my half marathon (and run my half) in my original minimalist shoes because I'm use to them. With a month left I don't want to cause any problems or stress on my legs and not be able to give 100% come race day. After that I'll go for the switch. 

My new KICKS - I've joined the Brooks fan club. They didn't have anything with pink so I jazzed them up with my pink Lock Laces. Loving them already and can't wait to switch over after the Half in March. :) Any other Brooks fan out there????

Today Sunday, was a hill training day. Now that we are nearing the end of our training we have to start stepping it up. This afternoon K and I met up and tackled two hills multiple times. We started off with a quick run over to were we were going to be training. We then took it full speed ahead up 3 times, bringing it to a slow walk at the top and then back down the hill to do it again. We did this same hill 3 times before running around the block to bring it up a total killer hill. (I'll have to take my phone with me next time to get a picture) We pushed it out and ran the whole way up and back to her house with out stopping. It was a great 3 mile recovery run after our run yesterday. 

How was your week, what about the week before last?? We haven't really had anything to exciting going on. The hubbs unit Graduated this past Thursday so we are officially on cycle break till March 1st. Hello!!!!!!!! We don't have anything big planned but some much needed down time for the hubbs which is well deserved. Lots of training and running here for this girl, I know it will all pay off in the end. 

New Year New Me!!!!!

Summer in January

It's a beautiful day to be outside enjoying the warm weather. To bad I wasn't off work, only on my lunch. Hey I'll take 70 degrees any day during the winter months though. Jealous much?!?! You shouldn't be. Lol, why, because I'll just enjoy it for you. Five day forecast shows the temps in the mid 70's for the remaining week leading into the weekend. I'm sure once we start to hit triple digits again I won't be loving the warmer weather so much. For now though I'll enjoy it.

Most days I go home on my lunch to let the pups out. Today was no different, only thing was they were going for a little ride. Poor pooches had a vet check up today. While we waited out turn to be called we hung out in the back of dads (the hubbs) truck. It was to nice to be stuck in side a waiting room with a bunch of other crazy four legged furry friends. They though they ruled the way then. I just love these two, to pieces!!!

Later that evening after work I took my first Strength class at a local gym here in the South. My running partner K teaches the class and asked me to come check it out. Of course I couldn't turn her down. Let me tell you I could barley move after it. 45 minutes of weights with squats, lunges, push up & sit ups and add in 10 minutes to Tabatas at the end. I'll be lucky if I can run tomorrow let alone walk. I felt so good about myself afterwards, trying something new and pushing through. I'm looking forward to taking it again and trying out some of the other classes they have to offer at Jamie Scott Fitness. 

You know just adding in some cross training with the running, got to build up my strength and tone my body. 

Blake Shelton & Friends Cruise Day 7

Our last day at port / sea we had breakfast while waiting for the rain to pass before we got off the ship. Just as we were finishing up Neal and his family came and sat down for breakfast at the table right beside us. 

We posed for a picture and he did a little photobombing. 

Funny story before we took the picture we were talking about asking him to photobomb our picture. Once we finally braved up the guts to ask him, he had no clue what it mint. Neither did his son-in-law that was sitting with him. So we explained what it was and he was happy to play along. It was pretty funny, we all got a good laugh out of it. He's a really nice guy, and from Texas you can't go wrong there . 

Looking out over the Bahamas from the ship, the rain had finally cleared up so we headed in to town. 

After the rain let up we ventured off the ship and into the city. No real game plan, other than a stop by Senor Frogs because the Spouse had never been before. As we walk through the side walk we over hear a local guy talking about city bus tours. He called himself "Show Time" or "The King" we stopped to hear him out and see what he had to offer. He was wearing this crazy hat and seemed really energetic. After much discussion and going back and forth on what we were going to do we decided to take him up on it. After all it was only $25 and we'd probably see more this way vs. just walking around. He told us to hang tight while he went and got his van. Shortly after he returned with music blaring, out he came blowing through a sea shell calling for "THE ROYAL FAMILY". We all looked at each other and laughed, what the heck have we got ourselves into. We loaded up along with another family (who had taken his tour in the years past) and were on our way. He drove us all through the town and showed us the most happening spots. It was crazy how many people were fishing and had set up stands to sell their daily catch. The economy was very sad, beautiful in places but very poor in others. We stopped off at a local beach to take a few pictures and look around. Not some were I'd be rushing to go back to, but at least I can say I've been there. 

Our little group with "Mr. Show Time" on our lovely random bus tour around Nassau. 

After the beach stop we made our way through some residential areas. We stopped at a local gas station that sold beers 3 for $5, which apparently is a really good deal for them. Nancy and Steve got something to drink. I myself am not a beer person, a few sips of Nanc's Smirnoff was all I could take. She was going old school. 

We went to a local food truck were Mr. Show Time got out of the van and told us all to hang tight. We were a little nervous about what he was doing. Not sure if he was taking himself a lunch break of what. When all of a sudden he came back with food in hand. I am not one to try new food, I'm not adventurous at all and I don't eat sea food. I couldn't not try it though he was so nice to stop and do that for us and he seemed really excited about it as well. I don't know that we ever got a name out of him on what they were. It seemed like some form of a hush puppies inside was mini shrimp. I picked around the shrimp and ate some of the breading. It was ok, not great but at least I tried it. Back on the road but not for long we stopped off at another place. Once again he told us to wait here and he'd be back. He returned with a tray full of drinks which he passed out along with a bottle of Gold Rum. He poured a decent amount in every ones cup, had to share the goodness. Golly, the mixed frozen like drink tasted good before the alcohol. I wasn't quite ready to start drinking yet, guess I didn't have much of a choice. After mixing it up really well you couldn't taste the alcohol at all, this could either be a good thing or a bad thing if you had a few of them. 

We finally made our way to Senor Frogs. The minute we stepped out of the van we were bombared by locals selling us bracelts for a donation. It was quite the sight, so comical. I think it was Sarah who made the comment on how we got robbed. We really had not choice but to say yes and buy one or two. I mean they had already slipped them on our wrist without us being able to object at all. 

Once inside it was quite the show, with four ships in port it was packed with loads of crazy people. It would have made for some great people watching hands down. Sarah was a super sport and did a jello shot or two. We all enjoyed a drink in their giant "yard" cups before heading back to the ship. Talk about a major brain freeze trying to finish it off before boarding. At least S can finally say she's experienced Senor Frogs. It was more of a mellow one compared to once I've been to in the past. 

There was three other ships along with ours in port. Ours was on the very end, left side of the picture. 

This guitar along with one other one was signed by all of the different artist aboard the ship and auctioned off at the end of the week. All of the money raised went to two different charities. The one that I remember was the "Wounded Warrior" foundation. :) 

Going out with a bang on our last night was Trace Adkins. 

To me he didn't seem very personal, just first impressions though. He does have a really good voice and put on a good show. I knew he was really tall but didn't realize how big his arm muscles were. Not to mention his pants, seriously I don't know that they could have been any tighter. I over heard a few comments about how some people though he might get them custom made. Who knows.....

After dinner we headed to the Spinniker lounge to hear "Her & Kings County" play. We'd met several of the band members through out the week and hadn't had a chance to hear them play yet because we always had something else going on during their show. 

Shot's to top off a fabulous week with two great girls and the new friends we made. It was by far the best cruise I've been on. I don't know that I'll ever be able to go on a regular cruise again. I mean it just wont be the same. 

Group picture with "Her & Kings County" after their show!!! I'd say they were more on the rock / country rock vs. straight country. Still not to bad of a group, they're coming to the South soon so I think I might try and go see them. 

We ended the evening in the atrium listening to some of the different bands and artist. They were having a jam session, were they all got together and snag different songs and sang together.

It was a great week. I couldn't of picked two better people to go on this trip with and all the thanks goes to the Mistress aka Nancy for suggesting it last September. She comes up with the craziest idea and this one by far was a good one. I can't wait to do it again next year. I was so sad to see it come to a end. Having to part from the girls as we went our different ways and say our "see you soon's". I was so excited to get back home though and see my love. Being away from him for so long this time had been tough, it had definelty taken a toll on me. 

Best girls trip for sure!!!! Love you Spouse & Mistress!!!!!!!

Boarding the Ship!!!! 

Getting the party started!!!

Us with Neal 

A little loven with Trace

And some good times with Blake!!!