Weekly Running Wrap Up and More

* I haven't typically run much through our little neighborhood because well its pretty small. To get any good distance in with out venturing out on the main road I'd have to do a couple loops around our circle. That gets old real quick. Last week I did finally make my way into the neighborhood that's right across from ours. Just thinking it was a short dead in street I figured I'd at least check it out. Low and behold I ran across this street sign. Made me miss my love so so much!!! I was able to get a good 4 miles combine with my normal route all together. So not to shabby. 

* April 10th made a year that we signed on our house here in TN, I still can't believe sometimes that we own a home. It's been a great year and we've learned a lot about being home owners. Thankfully we haven't had any problems at all. Knock on Wood. We've made a few changes / adjustments around the house but for the most part its been working well just as is for us. I'm looking forward to many many more years of memories made in our first home.  

* Last Sunday I met up with one of our sweet friends from our time at Jackson. Drill SGT Cutter was here at Campbell going through a school for a couple weeks. Her and the Hubbs were Drill SGT's in the same Platoon together and became good friends. I know G was bummed he didn't get to see her but it was great to catch up and have a yummy lunch together. 

* That afternoon I decided I'd better run off that yummy fried chicken I had at lunch and counter balance it with a healthy protein filled dinner. A 4 mile run and a Avocado Boiled Egg Sandwich was the perfect ending to a great weekend!!! 

DS Cutter, the Hubbs, DS Brady 

* The week before last I was pretty stoked with my run and pace. 4 miles in under 40 minutes and my pace was in the high 9's. Not to shabby at all for just getting back into the running season. Little did I know that was only the beginning. 

* This past Wednesday rolled around and I headed out for my run on my lunch break. I never really have a plan going into it during my lunch runs, I just go for it and figure it out along the way. 3.10 miles later - I was over the moon with my pace and time. It may not be much for some but for me it was awesome. 

* April's my Birthday month, I'll be 29 so I set a goal to run (at least) 29 miles during the month. I accomplished and passed that goal on Friday with my 5 mile run during my break. I went down further than I normally do on my route which meant I had some killer hills to come up on my way back. Figuring that would set my pace back a little, I was mentally prepared for it. Nope I crushed it yet again. 

--I've got the distance down, now it's just working on the pace. I'm not trying to get to a certain pace or time. Simply working on pushing myself, maintaining and getting stronger and if my pace continues to gets better that's just a added bonus.--

* A friend of mine from Texas makes these cute adorable signs, pretty much anything you want it to say she can to. I set her this quote I'd see a while back that I though would be fitting for our back patio and she had it whipped up in no time. I'm just getting around to hanging it up but I think it fits perfect on our patio. 

Just a little bit of This and That

Everyone loves a random bullet point, catch up post right. I mean why not throw it all together and call it a day, so here you go. A little of what's been happening, which frankly isn't to much. 

I saw these beautiful Scrap Maps on Instagram a few months back and just new I had to have one. Your able to completely customize it to you color likings and have a heart placed on each city and state were you've lived. I went with a fun color pallet and added hearts on AZ & TX were the hubbs and I are both from. Then on HI, SC and TN where we've lived together!! I can't wait to fill our map with hearts across the US of A. 

 Every morning before work I walk the pups around the neighborhood. I feel so bad that they are home all day while I'm gone its the least I can do. Even when it is freezing cold. I think we've missed collectively only 2 or 3 days walking since the hubbs has been done. That's pretty impressive if you ask me. This particular morning I decided to weight in. I normally only weight in on the first of each month but for some reason I decided to that morning. I was down another 1.2 pounds. Doesn't sound like much to some people but for me, slow and steady progress it what I'm going for!!! It definitely gave me that extra boost and reminder that what I'm doing is working. 

 It was a chilly snowing morning in TN and I had a photo shoot with a sweet friend and my director from work. The morning started off with me slipping and fall on my butt walking out my front door. Classic I know. I've never had much confidence in myself but after that day I felt like I can conquer anything that is put in front of me. All's it takes is a little time, energy and effort. Our move to TN has opened so many doors for me, more than I could have imagined and I'm forever grateful!!! 

 No where near the half way point but we are making progress on this deployment. Some day's it seems like time is quickly passing by and then other day's I'm in such a rut that I feel like we just started this. We've accomplished a good bit as a couple just over the last 3 months. Both physically, financially and with in our relationship. The 'ol sayings so true time and distance makes the heart grow fonder. I miss my husband each and every day more and more and I can't wait till he is home. 

 A week or so back a fellow local instagramer posted this beautiful rocking chair up for sale. There was something about it that caught my eye. It's simply beautiful and I knew I wanted it. I debated and slept on it for a night or two and then finally bit the bullet. And I'm so happy I did. My next dilemma was finding the perfect pillow to go with it. My Sweet friend R (who we were stationed with in HI) got my this prudy Hawaii Postcard pillow from a local store Miss. Lucille's. It's just prefect and my newest favorite spot to sit and read and watch out the back windows. I'm currently working on a afghan to go over the back and can't wait till its done. 

 My sweet blogger - turned real life friend Sarah and I went to a Pinterest craft night at church last weekend. It was so fun, I seriously had the best time. Chatting with some of the other ladies, listening to their stories and getting to know Sarah more was just a little bit of our night. Not to mention the yummy food the ladies brought. We got started on our frame and I'm pretty sure Sarah and myself both sat there for a good 10 minutes placing branches on our frame, taking them off, putting them back on, taking them off. This went on for a while before we realized we weren't making any progress and we'd better just bite the bullet and start gluing them on. And so we did. The Moss placement was a completely different story. How much, were do I put it, how does this look, how many eggs should I use, what color blue or white. You would have though it was rocket science but I think that made it half the fun. I can't wait to have another girls night out with this lovely lady!!! 

 I've heard of Advocare and sampled a few of their products back when we lived in the South but if I'm being honest I did don't remember how if affected me. A parent who's child attends my school sells it and asked if some of us would be willy to sample the products. Sure what the heck why not, who turns down free stuff. The only flavor of spark she left was Fruit Punch, I hate hate anything fruit punch. Wednesday morning I added my Spark into my 32oz water bottle before heading to work and by 10:30 that morning all 32oz's was gone. I typically try and drink two of my 32oz bottles a day. However I don't have to refill till lunch time. Not this day, I apparently chugged this stuff down. And I was on a roll, it really boosted my energy level and I felt so good through out the day. The fruit punch flavor wasn't to bad at all. It was rather tasty!!! That evening she did a Mixer Dimistratione at work on the products and gave us a little more of a insight on how it works and how it can help and benefit your body. So a couple of us girls at work are going to do the Advocare 24 day challenge in March. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing how it will help with my current weight-loss / bettering myself journey I'm working on. I'm not really one to try new things or weight loss programs so I'm doing this strictly for the energy level and to help clear out all the icky crap out of my body. 

In the mean time I did order some Spark from my friend R who sells it and decided to try the Pink Lemonade flavor. I haven't tried it yet but I love pink lemonade so I'm hoping it's good. 

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!!!!!! 

Sweet 16!!!

This morning I was set out to run my longest run to date ever. I've mentioned before how I've started running with a running group on Saturday mornings. This has got to have been the best decision ever, running with them that is. I've gotten in some extra long runs that I may not have been able to other wise. Its helped me do a good amount of the training on my own because K isn't able to train with me as much because of her job change. I've also found a few new area's to run in with longer straight stretches and that's so much nicer than the constant turn here, turn here then turn here. Its worked out great and because we were scheduled to run 8 miles today and I needed to run a total of 16 miles. YIKES!!!! K suggested that I park at her house and run the 3.5 almost 4 miles from her house to the school were we meet up and then the 8 miles with them and then 4 miles back to make a total of 16 miles. Ok doesn't sound to bad right.....except for the fact that it means I had to get up a hour earlier than I normally do because I had to meet the group at 7:30. I figure if I started at 6:30 I could get more than the 4 miles in and have less to do on the back end on my way home. It still sounded way to freaking early but you know what I sucked it up and did it. I was a little ok ALOT nervous about running so early in the morning before the sun came up by myself. I tend to freak myself out way to much but you can't help it with all the crazy people in the world now days. I got out of the neighborhood as quickly as I could and on to the main streets (which aren't super busy that early in the morning so that's a bonus) just rounding the 2nd to last long stretch before the school the sun started to come out a little and it was getting brighter out. I started seeing more people out running and it made me feel at ease a little more. I met up with the running group and we headed out right then on our route. I was able to stay up to pace with two other runners and we chatted the whole time at a good pace which helped the time and mileage go by pretty quickly. Once we finally made it back to the school I simply looped around and knew I was on the home stretch back to my car only 4 miles to go and I was good. I ended up having to take a gu pack at mile 12 and a quick sip of water from a water station another running group had set up. (I don't run with water) I was golden for my trip back. I made it all the way with only having two short red light stops. The last mile I was struggling a bit as it was up hill a good amount of the way, my knees were hurting and I wanted to trough in the towel but I sucked it up and did it. I avoided going by my car till I was right at 16.00 miles because I didn't want to be tempted to stop. Although I'm a very determined and strong willed person I wouldn't have given in early still it was tempting. I was so proud of myself and relived that it was over and I had just run my longest run ever, but the disappointing part about it was there was no one to celebrate it with. See the hubbs was home asleep at CQ (24 hour duty) so I dare not call him, K was gone and wasn't getting back to me, I called my brother but he was asleep. My excitement was short lived as I headed home to get cleaned up and then out to the commissary for my month grocery shopping trip. But I'm proud to say I ran 16 that's SIXTEEN miles straight for the very first time ever and I felt great 85% of the time. That's something to be proud about and talk about right!?!?!?!? This next Saturday coming up is my 18 mile run, just adding on those miles, 2 at a time from here on out. I've got exactly 5 weeks to go and that means CRUNCH time. My goal is to get to at least 23-24 miles before my marathon, I'm not going to try and make it all the way to 26, as I want my marathon to be my first 26.2 miles. After Saturday's run I feel as though I CAN run the entire race. Prior over the last 3 weeks or so I've had a game plan to run 6 miles walk .5 miles, run 6 miles walk .5 miles etc, that sounds do able right?!?! But I "think" I can possibly run the whole 26.2, I've said all along I just want to finish strong and proudly but I would be lying if I said I didn't have a goal time to complete the race in because I do. We will see, I still have just over a month of training left and I'm talking full advantage of it!!!

I know you are all probably so board and over my running post, and I'm sorry. I've always wanted to keep track and be able to look back on my life (our life as a couple) and this has been a huge part of my life over the last few years and it will continue to do so as long as I can run. I promise though we have some exciting things coming up our way over the next couple months and I plan to fill you in on all of that as well. I'm still contemplating taking the rest of November off from running after my race but I probably won't. I don't know we will see how I feel. Thank you to each and everyone of you for sticking around and supporting me and following along as I train through the pain, the good and the bad..... for my first half marathon (which was this past March) and now for my first full marathon. 

Your support and encouraging words mean more to me than you will ever know. 

Get In The Pink 10K

Getting up at 5:00 - 5:30am on a Saturday is not how I enjoy starting my weekends. Heck I don't even get up that early for work. But when it's race day I seem to be able to pull myself together a little better. Thankfully. 

This morning I met up with Kell at her house and we headed down for the 5th annual "Get In The Pink" 10K race. The is a race in memory of her dear friend S that passed of cancer a few years back. I love running races but running a race with a cause is so just that much more enjoyable. Running a race for someone that Kell actually knew was so touching, knowing I was doing something to help warmed my heart. 

It was a pretty good course, parts of it were the same that we run on a weekly basics. Some areas were what we ran during our half marathon back in March. Knowing the streets and neighborhoods has its advantages and disadvantages. It was a HOT morning, probably one of the hottest we've had this spring so far. Of course I had to wear my Hot Pink pants but boy was I regretting that a couple miles in. I was definitely hot and feeling it. I think I could have done a bit better had I had shorts on. Oh well live and learn right. Still had a great time and I got 6 miles in before 9am. 

With Kell being from the South she knows tons of people when ever we go to races. Me on the other hand I never see anyone I know. I recognize people from previous races but that's about it. Today was different I saw someone I knew before she did. As we were walking up to the start area I saw one of the Hubbs good friends (they call themselves manpanions) that he works with. I just so happen to know him as well along his beautiful wife & daughter (who sadly weren't there). We've all gone to dinner quite a few times and he's over often doing gun stuff. We chatted for a bit and wish each other best of luck before we went on to get started. I didn't expect to see G at the finish line knowing he was going to be finishing quite a bit earlier than me. As soon as I crossed the FINISH LINE I though I was going to be sick. I've never had that feeling before, I don't know if it was because I was so hot, maybe. I looked up and didn't see K right away or the water table. But there was G I asked him were the water was and told him I needed some. He pointed in the direction of were it was a ran ahead of me to get some. I'm so glad we've been able to meet some great people here in the South. 

I had a great run, do I wish I did better of course I always do but I'm not going to beat myself up about it. There's always next time. I have a goal I'm trying to reach (well a couple) by the end of the year and I was hoping to come a little closer during this race but not quite. Although I didn't go over my last 10k time I finished right at the exact same time as my last one. I suppose that's better than coming in slower, I really would beat myself up if that was the case. 

Next set race isn't till the end of June and its a 5k, so I've really got to work hard over the next month because I want to get my 10k down. 

Running into 2013

I'm jumping back on the 500 Mile train for 2013. I did pretty well in 2012 but I didn't quite reach goal. No worries there's always plenty of time this year and thankfully its starting off pretty well. I'm already about 20 miles in and its only the 21st of January. I have a race this coming up weekend (10k) and then 2 in March (a 5k &) which includes my very first Half Marathon. So there's another 22 miles right there, plus all the training I'll be doing leading up to those races. Yesterday was our long run day, we only planned on running about 6 miles and ended up finishing it off at 9.52 (yes the .02 count). It's so hard to get a long run in during the week just because it gets dark so early. I don't mind going on the weekends though, because I am fully committed, refreshed from the work week and ready to go. If you want you can read my 500 Miles in 2012 post HERE. I also have links to my first two races there and what jumped started my journey on running. Over the last year I've become more and more committed and in love with running. Its by far the best stress reliever ever and I feel so good about myself after I finish a run no matter how long or short it is. I'm by no means a great all-star runner, I don't have a super fast mile minute pace like my husband but I believe for me and myself alone I'm doing great. I've come a long way from when I first started back when we lived in Hawaii. I never in my life would have though I would enjoy it as much as I do. If you would have asked me about 2 years ago if I'd be were I am today I'd probably laugh at you. One step at a time, one run at a time & I'm getting better than the day before. I've found that having a running partner has helped tremendously, it helps keep me accountable and the other person as well. I've ran with a few different people on random occasions here in the South & I never felt that connection or drive to keep pushing myself until I started running with Kelly. It's like a whole new world opened up and I've been going strong ever since. I do have those days were I don't wanna go, I just wanna go home from work and call it a day. However I know she's waiting on me, and I don't want to let her down so I suck it up and go. Afterwards I feel so much better and I'm always so glad I went. I'm focusing 100% on my running this year and building my miles. I'm building a better lifestyle for myself, getting my body in the BEST SHAPE ever (on my 30 b4 30 list) and loosing weight in the process. I have hopes / dreams / plans......HECK I'm going to do it....of running a Marathon before I'm 30. It's also on my 30 b4 30 list. (If you haven't checked it out just go HERE) I am not going to put the pressure on myself of trying to do it in 2013, but 2014 you better believe it. Baby steps, one thing at a time. I love running with my Nike+ watch that the hubbs got me the year before last for Christmas. It helps me track my pace, miles, calories & time. I try not to look at it while I'm running but when I get home and plug it in to my computer I'm able to see how I did. I can compare my runs, see were I need to improve and what I might need to do differently next time. I recently went and was fitted for proper running shoes for my feet and two weeks later I can already tell a big difference. Even with the change in the type of socks I was wearing. You really can't skimp on running and getting your body fit. Every little detail makes the biggest difference now and in the long run. I'm still learning as I go and making adjustments as needed. Since I've started running with Kelly I've learned that I need to walk it off after I finish running. My heart rate is up so high that I can't just stop moving. I need to slowly let it drop back down to a normal pace. Before I would never do this now I know better & really it makes so much more sense. It's one of those things you don't know or think about until someone tells you and explains why. Also stretching I'm horrible about it but I've gotten better, I don't want to fall behind or slack off because of my lack to stretch my body out before and after I run. It takes 10-15 minutes & it makes the world of a difference. I've got a long way to go but at the same time I've come a long way!!! I couldn't be more happier with myself right now.

2013 = a new year and a new me!!!!

500 miles in 2013 I will make it!!!! 

Check back in the months to come for a Mile count up!!!

January -

February-   

March- 

April-

May- 

June-

July-

August-

September-

October-

November-

December-

Any tips, suggestions from my fellow runners out there ?!?!?!? 

You can track my progress and Milage HERE the link is on my tool bar at the top of my blog as well!!!!! 

I PASSED !!!!!!!!!!!

DAY 60

My CDA Test

After a long day at work I was at home finishing up a few things around the house when I realized I hadn't checked the mail yet. Any other day I would have just waited till tomorrow because it was so cold outside but I needed to pull the trash out seeings tomorrow is trash day. So while I was out there I walked across the street to check the mail. Were I found 3 small envelopes (2 Christmas cards & a letter from by bubby) & a large flat cardboard envelope. There was just enough light from the street lights for me to see that the large envelope was from the CDA Council in Washington DC. I seriously RAN back home with the biggest smile on my face I KNEW (hoped it was what I was thinking) what it was. I tossed everything else on the counter and quickly tore into the envelope. For a brief moment I "though" about waiting till Gabe came home in a few days to open it but I just couldn't hold out I wanted / needed to know the results like NOW. I worked so hard on completing my resource binder and studying for the final test yet I was still nervous about the out come. Gabe kept me focused and positive by being so encouraging and supportive through out the whole process.

I pulled out the papers inside and right on top was my official certification on completion of my Child Development Associate. I actually squealed for a moment with excitement I just couldn't contain myself. This is something that I started back in March while in Hawaii and honestly though I'd never see the end of it. But here I am 3 months shy of a year with the whole process complete and behind me. The certification is good for three years and then I have to renew it, no problem there though I did it once I CAN and WILL do it again.

Completing this and seeing it through to the end gives me that extra boost of confidence that I needed to really push myself to go back to school. In the beginning of this process I wasn't sure if I could do it but now that I have nothing can stop me.

Great things await me, I know its never to late to follow my dreams no matter what they may be or how long they make take to accomplish!!!

I am determined to see my next goal through to the end!!!

Testing Day

DAY 39

CDA Test Day is here.

Finally after what seemed like forever the day had come for me to take my CDA test. I though with the move to SC from HI it would have through a kink in the plan but thankfully everything was right on track. I arrived right on time @ 9:45am to the Education Center here on post to meet my advisor & get things rolling. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it, I mean I had been out of the system now for about 2 months. But at the same time I have been doing this for years so I know my "Childcare stuff." The hubbs has been so supportive through out the whole process, even on my drive up to the Ed Center he texted me again wishing me good luck!!! I don't think I would have stuck with it this far if it wasn't for his support and encouragement through out this ordeal, it has been a tuff road getting here through this CDA process.

Things started out with a 60 multiple choice question test that I managed to slowly take my time on. I am about 85-90 % confident on my results on this part, I don't want to say I'm overly confident on it so I'd rather underestimate myself alittle. While I worked my way through the test booklet, Son my advisor looked through my CDA binder. She seemed quite impressed saying she had never seem one this organized before. It definitely gave me the confident boost I needed. After I was finished with the written part now was on to the oral part / the final part of the test. I was given 10 different pictures with a written scenario at the bottom which Son would read to me as well. After each page there was a question at the bottom & I had to answer it giving my opinion or thoughts. It was fairly easy to me, as there really was no right or wrong answer just thoughts and opinions.

The entire process was a lot less stressful then I had worked myself up for thinking it would be. My paper work and booklets have all been submitted to the Council in DC for review and I will know the results in 6-9 weeks on weather or not I have passed. I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that all goes well and there will be no issues. I think I will faithfully be checking the mail every day for my certification to come in.

HE'S HOME!!!!!!!!!!

YES YOU ARE READING THAT RIGHT...........after almost 12 long (11 & half) grueling months I FINALLY have my Solider back in my arms were he belongs. We have officially completed deployment number TWO. Sure some people have been through many more but out of the 43 months we have been married he has been in Iraq 27 of those months. Meaning over half our marriage, wow typing that out really puts it in the perspective for me. I couldn't be happier the stress of the "what ifs" is gone, the worry is over and I can sleep peacefully for the first time in a LONG time knowing he isn't going back to that damn sand box anytime soon. Not having that one you love and adore home with you & knowing they are off fighting this war has got to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. The sleepless nights & stressful days didn't make it easy by any means, but I did have an amazing support group here to help me make it through each day.
The two of us changed so much over the past year for the better and I'm loving were we are in life now and the couple we have grown to be. The army changes you that's for sure, sometimes we don't like the change & other times we welcome it with open arms. I look forward to starting the next chapter in our life and seeing were things take us.



The moment they were dismissed every thing was a blur, I had longed for that moment since the morning standing in the rain that I had to watch him walk away on to the bus. When we reached each other he wrapped his arms around me and a giant weight was lifted off & a sign of relief, I could breath again with out feeling guilty. I could laugh & not feel bad for having a good time & I could tell him how I felt face to face rather then through the computer. It was the best feeling in the world and I will remember it for the rest of my life.




This deployment was so much different for us then the first one, it had its ups and downs just as the first one did. Some say it gets easier the more you have to go through but I think it gets hard the more deployments you are going through. No one knows what the future holds right now & only time will tell but one thing I know for a fact is that we will make it through anything that life puts in front of us.

I TRULY AM THE HAPPIEST I HAVE BEEN IN A LONG TIME, MY LIFE IS COMPLETE AND MY HEART IS WHOLE AGAIN. What more could I ask for.............. can't think of anything at the moment.

Thank You to everyone for all your love, prayers and support over the past year. We could not have made it through like we did if it wasn't for our supportive family & friends.




There was only 138 guys that came home on chalk 11 on Friday morning June 17th @ 4:30 in the morning and mainly 1-27 guys :) It was the smallest ceremony I have been to so far. It was nice not to have a hundred other families there in the hanger screaming and yelling with their kids running around every were. I think it made for a much more special moment, I am so blessed to have such an fabulous loving husband!!!

2009 In A Nut Shell

January ~ I said my last "Goodbyes" to Friends and Family in Texas & My puppy Chloe. Moved out of my parents house for the first time ever & to HAWAII. Picked up my car at the port in Hawaii in pieces & was so frustrated. Got my 2ND tattoo, Our last name on my right ankle.

February ~ Moved into our very first house, unpacked & put together all our furniture. Found out half our HHG's were shipped to Germany in the shipping process. GABE CAME HOME FROM A 15 Month Deployment in Iraq. :) BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!

March ~ Gabe had his scuba accident which messed his eyes up for almost a month. It was a really scary time. Celebrated one month of being home from Iraq by going out on a dinner cruise together. Toured the USS Missouri, Hiked up Koko Crater which is prominent 1,205 foot high. Our Newest addition: Dingo, a Australian Shepherd Mix w/ Terrier, lil. boy 6 weeks old.

April ~ Made our way to the Big Island of Hawaii for a day trip to remember. We were able to see many volcano's and other beautiful sites. Gabe had his last eye oppt. and everything went GREAT & he still has 20/20 vision. Took Dingo on his first walk up Kole Kole, he loved it. Celebrated our first Easter together by going golfing that morning & then dinner w/ some awesome friends :)Toured the Worlds Largest Maze @ the Dole Pineapple Plantation, Hiked Diamond Head. Gabe was in his first wedding here in Hawaii since we have been married. (he had to walk down the aisle w/ someone else. ugh lol) Celebrated my 23rd Birthday at Outback Steak House. The rest of our HHG's were delivered & I got a call for a Job interview which I got and accepted @ the CDC here on post.

May ~ Celebrated Gabe's 26th Birthday w/ dinner at Red Lobster & Cosmic Bowling with our friends Jamie & Anthony. Ended up trading in the Landrover for a 2009 Ford Ranger. It was a great add to Gabe's Birthday lol. Add to our family again Bailey our 8 week old Akita / Ridge back / Terrier Mix just fits right in :) Our friends J & A from above renewed the wedding vowels and Gabe did the ceremony. It really was a special day for everyone. I started work with the chitin's again.
Had to say "Goodbye" to a really close family here in Hawaii, it was heart breaking.

June ~ My FAVORITE cousin Shae Celebrated her 10Th birthday & I wasn't there to celebrate with her which really sucked. The 3rd season of Army wives came back on YAY!!!! Had a visit from someone friends back in TX, Sherie, Mark & Courtney. Said "Goodbye" to another friend & his son who we became close to since the guys had been back. Goy my 3rd tattoo and I just LOVE IT!!!! Took a surprise trip to the Valley to visit the In Loves and our Besties Nichole & Pace.

July ~ Surprised our Friend Nichole for her Birthday, it was the best trip ever to the Valley. I fell in love with Arizona so much more. (at the time I was ok with moving there) Once again, said "Goodbye" to yet another friend. UGH, gotta love the Army. Traded in the CHEVY AVEO for a SWEET RIDE. I got a '07 Mazda RX-8. Jared was WLC bound for two weeks. I received a Legendary Service Award at work.

August ~ Took a trip around the Island all on my own in my new car :) Went & had lunch w/ My Love while he was at WLC. TRYED (hints the word tryed) to clean up the back yard and fancy it up a bit as a suprise welcome back gift to Gabe. Hosted a few dinners at our house and discovered we really want a Great Dane when we get back to the mainland. Took both the pups. to the beach for the first time.

September ~ I had the chance to go to the 2009 Thunderbird Air Show with my sweet friend Crystal & Meko. It was their 56Th season to preform and by far the most amazing thing I have seen. Had a "Girl's" night out (along w/my hubbs) with the the Girls I work with. My little brother turned 21 :) not so little anymore.

October ~ Was all about TEXAS, I made my way back home mid. month. Spent tons of time with my Friends and Family. Went to the TEXAS STATE FAIR w/ one of My Newest Favorite people Kari and just had a BLAST stuffing our face's with loads of food. Had lunch dates with my lil. cousins at school, had a super awesome Halloween Party with My Bestie and her Hubb. Spent lots of time with my cousins who I have missed so much. It was a AWESOME trip and confirmed that I DO want to MOVE BACK TO TEXAS, after Gabe gets outta the Army. :) CANT WAIT.

November ~ While in Texas I ate at all my favorite places which was one of the best parts about the trip. Went to the horse races with Shae. Celebrated my Mamaw & Papa's birthday while I was home. Traded in the '09 Ford Ranger for a '10 Dodge Ram 4x4, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. Celebrated Our 2 Year Wedding Anniversary with dinner and a day at Kualoa Ranch. Really a neat place to go and learn allot of history about Hawaii. The In Loves came and celebrated Thanksgiving with us along with our friends Crystal and Adam who we have come to love so much. We hosted or first Thanksgiving together in our first home. As well made our 3 year mark on being together :) It was a great month with lots of memories made that we will never forget.

December ~ Made the decision to make a move at work for 6 months starting the first of the year. Got two new Sony camera's from My Gabers :) My Love went to the Solider of the Quarter board and although he didn't make it his SGM told him he did a awesome job and wanted him to come back to the next one (in Feb. 2010). Went to the Honolulu City Lights together along with our friends Crystal & Adam. Finished all my training materials for work to make my next pay raise to a CC3 & finished everything to get my CC4 as well. BIG BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT for me!!! Started a few NEW Christmas Traditions with my love such as making a Ginger Bread House and Baking Cookies. Made a 4 day weekend trip back to TEXAS to celebrate with My Bestie's Birthday with her in San Antonio, GOOD TIMES. MY MOMMA TURNED A YEAR OLDER AS WELL. Celebrated our first Christmas Eve & Christmas together, together since we have been married. One of the best memories of the year. Also got to see "STOMP" live in person Christmas Night, one of my favorite Broadway shows.
Now we are getting ready to RING IN 2010 Wii style. We are going to spend the evening at home together with a couple friends eating our self crazy and playing Wii. My new favorite toy. Hee Hee

There are so many more great things about 2009, these are just a few of the memories that made the year so amazing. There was also hard times were we struggled & I though I was just going to fall apart but it has only made us stronger as a couple now. I can NOT wait to see what 2010 brings for us in our life & marriage together.
HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU ~ Happy New Year :)

warm & gooey inside

Walking through Target on our day off from work, I was just over joyed with all the Christmas decor. Trying to decided just what we want to set up in our house this year. I know we want to get a tree & a few other things but I still am not ready to go all out and buy a mass amount of stuff, so we will be keeping it quiet simple if I do say so.
As we were heading to check out I had the urge for some Hot Cocoa, it goes great with the Holiday season. Its not nearly cold enough here in Hawaii for it to warm you up but I still love it. We managed to find several different kinds but I just want the plain and simple coco with the mini marshmallows inside. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I got to thinking AGAIN and wanted to find two GIANT mugs. You know the ones that you could even eat soup out of, I just thought it would make for a great coco mug when I wanted to make some. UMMMMM, maybe sit back have some coco and watch a movie with my love. Target had none :( bummer. We were to tired to and hungry to go look any were else that afternoon so we made our way home.
Last night after we both got home from work we made our way down to Pier 1 Imports and low and behold as soon as we walked in the door there they were just staring at me. The perfect mugs I had been looking for, the ones I had in mind. They had them in red and white. I went with white because all of our other dishes are white so they will match perfect.

I was so excited, mission accomplished. I cant wait to try them out and have me a cup of "JO" lol.
It's the simple things like Hot Chocolate and Giant Cocoa mugs in life that make it so great.