Wheeler AAF 10 Mile Race

Another Saturday morning I was up bright & early at 5am. Hitting the pavement again ready to rock & roll pushing my way through the next 10 miles. Gabe was not to thrilled to be up at 5am on one of his many days off. But He so kindly came along and showed his support as I ran my way not once but TWICE around Wheeler Army Airfield. "totaling up to 10 miles" I have come to love running & its a great accomplishment to finish a race. Sure I may not get anything out of it at the end but a t~shirt. Still the satisfaction of completing it and saying I did it is all I need.



I ran this race with two lovely ladies I have grown close to over the years here in Hawaii. Vic. herself super rock star mom is a former Army Reserves Soldier. Christel is still rocking her way through the Army while raising her son & being a duel Mili. spouse as well. Both great friends with amazing goals in life that just encourage me want to push myself that much more.



Making our first lap around the airfield I had no clue my husband was on watch at different areas taking pictures. This was right after some rude jerk honked his horn at us to move out of the MARKED RACE LANE so he could get around us. "hello mister do you not see the 50 + people running in front of us & behind." Ugh, people like that make me so mad.



HALF WAY HALF WAY!!!!!!!! We just passed the half way mark, feeling good refreshed & hydrated only 5 miles to go. We got this in the bag I told Vic as we waved to Gabe as we passed him again. (this time we saw him lol)



Oh Goodness how I longed for this sight, crossing the finish line. The last 1/2 mile I pushed myself faster than ever because I was ready to be done. I was ready for a bottle of water, I was ready to just fall into my husbands arms and have him hold me up because I was exhausted and beat by the sun. I didn't have a goal time to finish in at all, my goal was to simply FINISH. Around miler maker 8 Vic mentioned we were at 1hr & 40 something minutes. I told her I wanted to finish in under two hours, at that point I had a GOAL and had to make it happen. I stepped up my pace and pushed myself I could see the line of cars in the distance near the finish line. Soon the little red tent were the time clock was that we ran past came really close in sight. I knew I could do it. I just pushed and pushed not thinking about how bad it hurt or how much I just wanted to give it. I kept on running and crossed the finished like at 1hr & 56minutes. I was so happy I did it my longest race ever, I will be ready for the marathon come hell or high water.



After the race taking a break resting our legs and taking in lots of liquids. This was Vic & Is first race together but Christel & Is 2nd. I enjoying having someone to run with, it's not to bad by myself during the week when I'm doing my weekly after works runs but having a friend there to encourage you along makes it that much better.



Us girls with Christel's lil man Cole :) Poor girl hurt her knee pretty bad on the run and had to have it wrapped and iced. But she was a trooper & crossed the finish line with a great big smile she didn't give in and quit I was so happy for her. :)

Fun w/ Dolphins

While my MIL was here we took a day to go swimming with the dolphins. (Gabe & his dad went swimming w/ the shark while we did this) My friend Sarah's sister & mom happen to be in town as well and the three of them joined in on the fun. This was the first time I had ever done anything like this so to say I was alittle nervous would be a understatement. However after getting adjusted to my 2nd mask & snorkel (the first set I accidentally knocked it in the ocean. oops.) It was time to get in, now any other time I get into the water from a boat I climb down the back latter near the motor. NOPE NOT this time, we just jumped right in from the side were we were sitting. EEKS, not my cup of tea but by the 2nd time getting in I was totally fine. However the water was a wee bit nippy at first. Once we got in and got use to it we were good but it was that first shock that was the kicker.



There was a photographer on board & at one of the many stops she went down to the bottom of the ocean & came up with this creature. A Star Fish, the only other star fish I have ever held was the ones my mom had in her bathroom as decor. This thing was creepy, prickly & it smelled funky. I can say I held one but you can bet I wont be jumping up & down to do it again.



This is the boat we went out on, now I was a bit lost at first. I guess in my head I figured "ok we are going out in the middle of the ocean we should be in a larger deep sea type boat made of fiber glass." NOPE, wrong again we were going out on a boat that was filled with air to hold it up. Boy did we get the ride of our life heading out to sea, to our first swim area. Our Capt. didn't slow down one bit when she went over the waves, we were literally holding on for our life. It was so much fun, Sarah & I just kept looking at each other laughing.



Swimming with the dolphins was one of the neatest things I have ever done. I'm glad I was able to take my MIL to do this she had a great time. Even better Sarah & her fam getting to join as well. At some points we could have reached out and touched them if we wanted to. HOWEVER you are NOT allowed to. Seeing so many in one area together at a time was amazing, out in the open ocean at that. They ranged from all different sizes from small to large, mommies & babies. These type of dolphins are called spinner dolphins. As we just kinda floated there in the water looking down they were swimming right under us, at one point they swam right past us & we swam as fast as we could to get closer.

This was the background view we had all afternoon while we were out in the deep blue sea. It just doesn't get any better than that, simply beautiful.

Many faces of the Spouse & I. Above & Below the water having the time of our life, laughing & giggling at each other. We would take turns diving down to see how far we could go, at one point I had my life jacket on (which was required while swimming near the dolphins) and when I came up I pretty much ran right into the boat. Sarah got a good laugh. I'm still getting use to the whole mask / snorkel thing, I hate the salt water in my eyes or if I get it in my mouth. But I'm getting better and quite proud of myself.

We have so much fun together & its always an adventure when we go out. Never know what we are gonna find or what we are gonna get ourselves into. I can't say enough about how much I love this girl.

The 5 of us had a fantastic day together, I got a new camera just in time for our outing which worked out perfect. Another thing marked off my "Hawaii Bucket List". I absolutely love our life that we have built here in Hawaii. As much as the Army may frustrate me at times if it wasn't for the army we wouldn't have some of the opportunities that we do.

Redeployment Ceremony

The last of the "deployment" has finally come & gone. Today was the Redeployment Ceremony for the soldiers of 2nd Brigade who just return from a year long deployment to Iraq. My spouse was so kind enough to attend with me as she has been there by my side for every other part of the deployment. With the sun beaming down on us as we sat patiently and waited, I could only imagine how hot the guys were on the field in their ACU's. Finally we could put this whole thing behind us and get block leave rolling along.



With the band playing in place, the soldiers marched forward & the colors were uncased. Speeches were spoken, the wounded & lost were recognized. Many wives who went above & beyond within the FRG were recognized on the field as well. (my mistress to be included)
I remember one year ago as I sat on this very field during the deployment ceremony thinking I cant believe we are really here again. Now I sit and Thank God that we are here were we are now......DONE. We have completed deployment # 2. I couldn't have done it alone that's for sure, we had a awesome support system which we are so grateful for. I am so happy knowing we wont be going through another deployment for at least the next two possible three years. Many changes come within the life of a army wife, some are good, some are bad, some are hard, some are sad, some are easy and even fun. The next year will be full of changes in my life, I'm looking forward to it but I know by no means will it be easy.


~Uncasing the Colors~

~1-27 Wolfhounds~

~2nd Brigade Soldiers~

~My Hero & I~

~The Linsky's & Gabriel's back together @ last~ just missing our Martin's.

~one for the BLOOPERS~

We were wearing matching sandles & didn't plan it either.

Welcome Home Ball

What better way to welcome our soldiers home and to honor the ones we have lost over the deployment than a Welcome Home Ball. After lots of planning, shopping and searching for that perfect dress we were finally ready for the evening. With my hair done and the hubbs Dress Blues steamed and pressed we were looking pretty fly. After lots of talking we opted not to stay downtown over night after the ball and I'm happy we decided not to. I mean after all we would only be in the room to sleep and then have to get up early to check out and come home so really it just made more sense to come home were we could sleep in and sleep in our own bed. Not to mention I couldn't bring myself to pay $200 or $300 for one night in a hotel when we could put that towards our block leave adventures.

The first few pictures are of us before we left the house to head downtown. We took this opportunity to get some good photos to send to family back home. Nothing brightens a grandparent or parents face more than a picture of their child lol. Thanks to my spouse Sarah for being there for us through this process & capturing those moments. I don't think everything would have came together like it did if it wasn't for her. (she was the one who picked the dress up and said "oh just try it on, it always looks different on vs. on the hanger") Let me tell you I'm so glad she pushed me to try it on also because I LOVED it to pieces.

I absolutely LOVED my hair!!! Thanks Rock Hair Roll

My Handsome Stud Muffin & I :) dressed & ready for the Ball.

I simply can't get enough of this man.

Besos for My Love

We arrived at the location were the ball was being held with plenty of time to enjoy the cocktail hour before we had to make our way to our seats. Visiting with friends, meeting some more of the guys that Gabe works with and of course hearing all the "remember when" stories. It's so neat to see how he is with his men and the way they talk about what a outstanding soldier he is and how they were so pleased to have worked with him during the deployment. I can't tell you how many times during the evening someone came up to me and told me what an amazing husbands I have. "Why thank you, I happen to agree with you"

And let me tell you it was not just guys that were under him but higher ranking men as well. It's awesome to be married to such a amazing person that puts so much into what he does and the people he works with. I'm blessed that he puts even more into our relationship as well.

During the ball speeches were given, toast were made to honor the present and past, memories were shared, stories were told and new beginning were started. It was a night full of love and laughter through out the entire room. I have to admit I was super nervous about going partly because it was our first ball together and I wasn't sure what to except & partly because I don't talk to many of the wives in our company. (long story short, they all kids & have their little mommy groups or they are the ones that try to wear their husbands rank along with them and well that's just not me)

The Toast's ~ drinking from the Grog.

Beautiful Katie & I~ Love this girl!!!

The evening ended up being better than expected and we completely enjoyed ourselves. I was the DD for the evening meaning the hubbs could live it up and have all the fun he wanted. Let me tell you the guys did just that. At one point I looked at Katie & said "I feel like I'm sitting at the little kid table." You know how kids get when they are in a candy store or they are on a sugar high, yea well that is just how most of the guys were that we were sitting with. It just wasn't sugar or candy they were "high" on it was alcohol of all different sorts. Nothing ever got out of hand, no one got into any fights and there was no blood. So all in all a good evening. It was a well deserved night for the guys to just let loose and have a good time.

Enjoying our First Ball together. (his 2nd)

"Roommates for a year long deployment" ~ this is what I heard all evening from Fin

I have to say one of the high lights of the night was once we walked down stairs and were talking about were we were going to go afterwards. Fin (pictured above w/ Gabe) was having himself a fabulous time; no date no one to go home to and just totally living it up if you know what I mean. Some how we all happen to turn our heads at the same time and well...........he ended up in the coy pond right near were we were standing. It was priceless to say the least, and gave everyone a good laugh. The guys so kindly helped him out and of course made fun of him in the process. Definitely a moment I'll always remember.

After the ball we, along with about 6-8 other people made our way down to a local bar to continue the evening of celebrating. Of course more drinks, loaded Oreo ice cream cake and french fries were spread about the table for everyone to share. Slowly but surly our 6-8 people grew to about 15-17 people. We kinda took over one half of the outside area, honestly I felt bad for the wait staff that got stuck with us. I'm sure waiting on a bunch of drunken soldiers was not on the top of their to do list for the evening.

Just shortly before midnight we decided to head out and make our way back to home. We had, had all the fun we could handle for one evening. I'm so glad that we were able to enjoy this night together, I couldn't think of anyone else I would have rather been with. Our first ball was a success if I do say so. I can only hope that the next one is able to top this one, that will be a hard one though, so we shall see.

WELCOME HOME TO ALL THE WOLFHOUNDS IN 1-27 JOB WELL DONE & WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE HERO'S THAT MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Fried Strawberry Pies

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 15 oz packages refrigerated piecrusts
vegetable oil
powdered sugar
flour

Directions

1) bring first 3 ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly till thickened. cook completely (about 20 minutes)
2) unroll piecrusts on a lightly floured surface. cut into circles about 3 1/2 inches wide. moisten edges with water. place 2 teaspoons of cooled strawberry mixture into the center of each circle; fold piecrust over filling & press edges with a fork to seal.
repeat procedure with remaining piecrusts and strawberry mixture.
3) place pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 8 hours.
4) pour oil to depth of 1 inch into a large heavy skillet; heat oil on medium heat. fry pies in batches, 1 minute on each side or unitl golden. drain on a paper towel; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Quick Chicken Tortilla Bake

Ingredients

2 10.75 oz cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
12 6-7 inch corn tortillas cut into bit size strips
3 cups cooked cubed chicken
1 cup shredded mexican-blend cheese

Directions
1) preheat oven to 350 F. in a medium bowl combine cream of chicken soup and undrained tomatoes; set aside.
2) sprinkle 1/3 of the tortilla strips on a lightly grease 9*13 inch baking dish. layer half of the chicken over tortilla strips; spoon half of the soup mixture on top. repeat layers. sprinkle with remaining tortilla strips.
3) cover w/ foil and bake for about 40 minutes or until bubbly around edges and hot in the center. sprinkle with cheese, bake uncovered for 5 minutes, then serve.

Happy Independence day

We started the morning off with a hardy breakfast.......homemade french toast that is. Shortly after we headed out to start our day. Out for our first adventure, we were set to take on another hike. I just can't seem to get enough of the view and spectacularness that mother nature has to offer here in paradise. It drizzled on us a little through out the hike but nothing at all to bad. It was actually quite nice and kept us cool. As we tromped through the muddy paths, around the bends and up the hills we were able to take in some of the most breath taking sights, it was beautiful. Once we got back to the start of the trail our shoes were completely covered in mud. It was horrible, I could feel it between my toes and not to mention the backs of my legs. All I kept thinking about was OMG I have to get in MY car like this. Thank goodness for public restrooms at the parking area, I was able to wash my legs off and my shoes for the most part as well.
We made our way back home a few hours later and so I could get things going for the evening while my love went to the gym.





We had dinner plans with a few friends out on the North Shore and of course I had to make some goodies to take with as well. On the list to make was Two Cheese Rosemary Mash Potato's, 2 Steaks & Cupcakes. I was baking away in the kitchen getting every thing prepped and ready. It was going to be a fabulous night.


Gigi & I ~ I love this kiddo!!!!!!!


Finally dinner was ready and it was time to eat, it was like Thanksgiving again with all the different food options that was there. And there was only 5 couples but let me tell you by time the night was over there wasn't hardly anything left at all. Not to mention the cupcakes went like hot cakes. DELICIOUS if I do say so myself!!!!!!!!



After dinner we walked down to the beach to set off a few of our own fire works. (ok, sparklers maybe. seeings fire works are illegal here in Hawaii for whatever reason.)
It was so nice to be able to spend the holiday with my husband here with me. I have missed celebrating holidays with him. The past year has been great celebrating with my army family, its just the icing on the cupcake when he is here to join in. We have some amazing friends here on island and are so blessed to be able to enjoy days / evenings like tonight with them. I couldn't ask for a more perfect life, everything is blissfully in the Gabriel's world.

HAPPY 4th Of July!!!!!!!!!

From JD, Me, Gabe, Izzy (the pup) & The Wisemans as well as we can't for get Tara ~ she was taking the picture!!!!!

Paradise liven :)

What better way to spend a Sunday when you live in Hawaii then at the beach. Its one of my all time favorite things to do :) This Sunday was no different, we had plans to meet up with N & her fam. North Shore bound it was, I spent alot of time through out the deployment down on the North Shore. It was my safe place in a way. My little spot to get away from the rest of the world just to soak up the sun.

I am absolutely loving getting to do all of these things with Gabe home now. Sure it was nice & enjoyable to a point by myself but it's simply amazing having him there with me.

Soaking up the sun, playing with the kiddos, watching the sea turtles, chatting away, sitting out in the ocean together........just like old times before he left. Making new memories to add to our story book I call LIFE.


Simple days like today are the moments that I long for the most. I can't imagine life with out Gabe at all, he is my whole world and so much more. I'm head over heels in love with him and falling more and more each passing day. :)

"Falling in love is a magical time... where the world seems even more beautiful, colours more vibrant, foods more delectable, sounds more enchanting and time less important."

Little pieces of Hawaii that I enjoy!!!!!!!!