Our Week in the Valley.

*Thursday Finally settled in the Valley.
 With our luggage accounted for, we where off to do a little venturing around. My Brother - In - Law brought our two Nephews over to visit us and hang out for a bit. The In-Loves own a Appliance repair business and so we all headed up to the store to visit for a bit. Their employee's bought lunch for C for her birthday, which was so thoughtful. While there our youngest Nephew came up to me and asked "Do you like dead animals?" Umm excuse me, while I bust out laughing. We had been talking BassPro and Cabela's. Apparently the boys like to go there for a little afternoon outing. Hey whatever works for them right, cheap entertainment. So we took a trip up to Cabela's with the BIL and the boys. They had so much fun showing us around, as if we'd never been there before. We did a little random shopping after leaving before heading home. That evening we went with the In- Loves to dinner to Celebrate Cathy's birthday. We went to a local brewery pub and enjoyed a night out just the four of us. 

One of the nice things about coming to the Valley is that the hubbs family is pretty small, so there's not a ton of running around to see family, unlike when we go to Texas. We where able to just do our own thing knowing we would see his family on Sunday. We have a few friends in the Valley that we where getting together with on Sunday afternoon as well, so the rest of the time we where there was completely open. 

*Friday we did a little venturing I around town. 

I found a local Tamale shop online so we decided to go check it out and ended up getting a dozen tamale's to take home. 

There was a couple different gun stores in the area that the hubbs had found so of course we had to make a stop in each one. Thankfully we left with out the purchase of a new gun. We did stop off and pick up new tires and tubes for the bikes the 'Rents had so we could use them while we where home.

One of my must haves while we where home was Whataburger. Its simply delicious but clearly so unhealthy. But "When on Vacay"....I called the MIL to see if we could bring her lunch, and eat there at the store with her. I absolutely love spending time with my In-Loves. 

After lunch we headed out to check out another gun store, go figure. If there's one around he's bound and determined to find it. This one happened to be located just a couple blocks away from the family store. Conveniently located a couple doors down from not one but two bakery's. Kreative Kupcakes which was featured on Cupcake Wars and a Local Mexican Bakery. Neither of which we'd ever been to before. So of course that meant we had to store in at both on the same day. Why both on the same day you ask I mean we where going to be here for a whole week. Like I said "When on Vacay, right."

We did a little antique and car shopping to finish up our afternoon before heading home to relax and have dinner.

*Saturday The Guys did Guy things and The Girls did Girl Things.
The hubbs and his dad went to a shooting match in Prescott, AZ for the day while his mom and I went and had breakfast with Aunt Lisa at her school. She was wanting us to see her new classroom (she's a 5th grade language teacher) so it worked out perfect. Followed by a trip to the local Farmers Market and then way way across town to pick up a little something special we had ordered for her birthday celebration on Sunday. (who has their mother-in-law drive you to pick up her own b-day cake, yup this girl. to and I didn't let her see it till the next day either.)
Even though we didn't do much that day between the driving and being out in the heat we where exhausted. We picked up lunch at Schlotzsky's and took it back to the house to eat while we waited on our men to get home. It wasn't long after finishing our sandwiches that we where both sound asleep in the recliners. It's a ruff life living in the Valley I tell you.
That evening when the hubbs got home we took a little bike ride to the mountain behind his parents house and hiked up. It was such a beautiful view. I swear I could live here forever and never get tired of how pretty it is.

We finished off the evening with dinner and drinks before calling it a night.
*Sunday up and at it early that morning.
We where celebrating the MIL's birthday at Aunt Debbie's home that morning at 9am. Breakfast anyone?!?!? C is 1 of 5 and they all are very close, which I think is great. Everyone met up at Aunt D. house for a tasty breakfast casserole / burrito dish that Aunt Lisa made, followed by the fabulously delicious German Chocolate Cake that we picked up yesterday. Her Favorite.
After a little bit of catching up, lots of laughs, stories and hugs everyone parted way's to head on about their day.

We made our way across to the East Valley doing some random window shopping along the way before finding our way to the C's household. We had plans to hang out by the pool, grill and catch up with some of our great friends for the afternoon into the evening. Of course no gathering is complete with out dessert, we stumbled across another CupCake Bakery: which as well had been on CupCake Wars.

This was the first time the hubbs was able to meet their almost 2 year old twin girls that they adopted almost 2 years ago now. They are absolutely adorable and getting so big. We had the best time just hanging out and catching up. I saw P&N just this past December at Christmas but, It had been almost 4 years since the hubbs had seen them so it was a long much needed visit. Being a Sunday night (them having wrk the next day) I honestly didn't think we'd have a late night. Boy was I wrong, we didn't leave till almost midnight. I was exhausted and since the hubbs had quite a few Cold One's I was stuck driving the hour back across the valley to the 'Rent's house.
*Monday was a bit of a wash / randomness day.
The 'Rents had workers coming to the house that morning to do some work around the yard and so they asked us to stick around while they where there. Ok, no big deal we didn't have any big plans. Well other than the fact that it seriously took them forever to do the work. When I went out to ask the guy how much longer they where going to be, I got a blank stare because he spoke no English and didn't know a word of what I was saying. Finally after canceling our breakfast date we headed out across the Valley to the cemetery where Grandpa G is buried. Sunday was his birthday and since the hubbs wasn't able to come home for the funeral we wanted to make sure we made our way out for a visit.

We grabbed lunch at a place called Pita Monkey, OMG it was fabulously tasty. I so wish we had one in TN. A little random window shopping and a stop for YES MORE Cupcakes at Kreatives Kupcakes before heading home for the evening. We had a little Mexican themed dinner planned and cooked up the rest of the Tamales we had bought. Served nicely with a cold beverage.

 *Tuesday was go to work with your parent day.
We had been into the store off and on through out the week but just for short visit's here and there. Tuesday the hubbs was up well before the sun and out the door with his dad for the day. They had a packed schedule of service calls all across the Valley. While I slept in a bit and still managed to get my work out in I headed to the store shortly later but not before stopping at Whataburger for breakfast. I can't say that I did much work but I enjoyed getting to spend the day with my Mother - In - Love. The guys came back to check in and pick up parts a couple times and I managed to snag this picture of the two of us. He was less than thrilled that I was making him take a picture. (but hey, in my defense I didn't take many at all during our trip)

The four of us went to Arizona Fry Bread for lunch before splitting way's so the guys could finish out their work day. When your the Owner / Boss you can make you own schedule to a point, which means that the MIL and I had a early day and where off by 2pm. We picked up Papa Murphy's for dinner and headed home. (the hubbs favorite, really anything pizza related and surprisingly he hadn't had any since being home.)
A nice relaxing evening at home and a early trip to bed to get ready for our flight home the next day.
*Wednesday came all to quickly.
Before we knew it our time in the Valley had come to a end and we found ourselves at the airport saying our "See You Soon's" to the In Loves. I absolutely hate hate having to leave them. I wish we lived closer, even a few hours drive I wouldn't mind. Maybe one day we say.
Checking-In at PHX heading to DFW went much smoother than coming. They didn't weigh our bag, we didn't have to pay anything and the screening went smooth. We even had time to sit down for a nice little breakfast. A short hour delay after we got to our gate due to AC problems on the plane and we where quickly on our way. Only to wait at the baggage claim for half a hour for our bag. Seriously, what is it with DFW airport here lately. We really should have drove. Next time I can guarantee we will, I'm so over flying here lately. Thankfully the next few trips we have planned are all drivable.

We had a absolute wonderful time being back home in the Valley, it was much needed get away for the both of us. I can't wait to go back, I just hope its not as long of a time between this next go around. I'm really thinking we need to make it a yearly summer trip!! 

Let's Drive? Let's Fly? Disaster!!!

When planning our post block leave trip we where just going to do something simple, the two of us. Then the hubbs had the great idea to go back home to Texas and Arizona. I was 100% on board, going to see both of our families, ummm yes please. So the hubbs had the bright idea to drive from Tennessee to Texas and then from Texas to Arizona. Sounded like a great idea right. Then I started google mapping the route and the time it would take to drive. YIKES!!! 10 Hours from TN to TX and then 15 Hours from TX to AZ. Talk about crazy. I asked the hubbs why he wanted to drive, if there was a specific reason. He said "he figured it would just be cheaper". Makes sense. I was totally for driving from TN to TX but then to add another 15 hours to AZ after that, we'd loose 2 days just in traveling. I did a online search for plane tickets and found two round trip tickets for a week under $400.00. DONE!! I'm normally the one who is always trying to save money and take the easy way out but I was more than willing to cough up the extra dough for the tickets to allow us to have more time in each place. 

The hubbs mom had absolutely no idea we where coming, she didn't even know we where in Texas. His dad knew though and he was in on the plan the whole time. Her birthday was the day after we where going to arrive and that was a big reason for going to AZ when we did. I couldn't wait to surprise her. We'd been sitting on the secret for MONTHS. Finally with in a few short hours she would have the best birthday ever!!! 

After our dinner at OTB my NeNe drove us to the airport and dropped us off at the terminal I told her we where flying out of. We where already going to be about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs early but that was ok by us. We didn't want NeNe to be out driving late. That's when all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks broke out. 

We started to check in at the kiosk and our reservation was not able to be located. The sweet gate agent informed us we where at the wrong terminal. (If you know DFW airport, you know you can't just walk to the other terminals) So back outside we went to catch the shuttle to the correct terminal. Along the way my phone rings, it was our airline calling to tell us that our 9:20pm flight out had been delayed till 11:30pm. Oh My Gosh, talk about frustration. (I missed a call at dinner from a 1-800 # but there was no message, so I didn't think anything of it (it was the airline) and silly me I never check our flights before we leave, lesson learned for sure.) The hubbs was already in a funk because we went to the wrong terminal, now we where delayed and going to be at the airport for almost 3 1/2-4 hrs waiting. Finally at our correct terminal and checking in at the ticket counter. The problems just keep coming. The hubbs was checking a firearm so we had to go through that process, the gate agent had clearly never dealt with doing this before. Then he so kindly reminded her that she needed to weigh our bag. (we packed ONE GIANT roller duffle bag and I had a small roller board carry on) I knew it was going to be over but I didn't expect it to be 29 lbs over. Yes our bag weighted in at 79lbs. I had two 5lbs weights in there that I was able to take out and put in my carry on but the bottle of wine, my blender (yes I packed my own blender) and all my Shakeology fixings had to stay in there. It brought our bag down to 69lbs, which over course was still 19lbs over weight, there was nothing we could do. I hadn't my CC over and paid the $100.00 fee, complaining would do no good we knew it was our own fault. 

After the whole bag or-deal we head down to the TSA Over Baggage Office (which we had the hardest time finding) to have our bag and the Firearm searched and Declared (airline / airport policy). The guy sitting at the desk in the room was on his head phones in his own little world. "Excuse Me, we need to have our bag checked bc we have a Firearm" I said. He slams his phone down and throws his head phones off, as if we where interrupting his precious time. Excuse me, but isn't this your job. "Where's the gate agent that checked you in" he asked. "She didn't come down with us, she just told us where to come" I responded. Oh heavens that opened up another can of worms. "She's suppose to come with you, ugh." He takes our bag with this disgusted look on his face. Pardon me sire, we are just doing what she told us to do, I though. He tosses our bag on the table and opens it up, and again has this awful face when he opens it up as though our belongings smelled or was a complete disaster when he opened it. But it was anything but that. He did the search and went to put the test paper in the machine and as he did it the machine went down. Oh gosh this guys day was just getting worse and worse. So we waited while  the machine rebooted. OMG, what else could go wrong. Finally that was done, I waited to make sure our bag was all closed up before walking away since we had to leave it with him. Off through security and to our gate to get settled in for our long awaited delay. 

At this point we where both frustrated and annoyed with everything and where just exhausted from the back and forth. 

Since we had a good bit of time to waste and had to get ahold of the FIL who was picking us up to let him know what was going on, We went back and forth on what we wanted to do. Do we rent a car and drive the hour out to the house at midnight when we land? Do we get a hotel and stay the night in PHX? Do we contact his cousin and stay there with them for the night? Do we still have his dad come pick us up? Do we tell his mom, and give into the surprise? We where finally able to get in contact with his dad to let him know what was going on. Even though we where getting in so late he still didn't mind picking us up. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my In-Loves, they are amazing. 

While the hubbs was on the phone with his dad I heard something about a standby earlier flight. I jumped up and ran to the ticket counter. Only two wait in line forever to be told we couldn't get on because we had checked baggage. UGH!!!!

I was so mad. When I sat back down I said to the hubbs "I really wished I had that bottle of wine that is in the checked bag right now because I NEED A DRINK!!!!" He didn't realize I had pack it, because before we left I told him I wasn't going to take it to try and save on weight. Yay, when I knew we where going to be over I said what the heck and packed it any how. 

There was a restaurant / bar right down from our terminal so we headed down for drinks and a slice of cheese cake. He finally convinced me that we needed to tell his mom because we where getting in so late and he felt bad having to have his dad come get us. I really didn't want to I wanted to surprise her. But I guess it was still a great surprise because her reaction when I told her was priceless. 

Skip ahead a few hours, we finally boarded, gate checked my carry on roller (which had ALL my clothes in it just not shoes), landed in AZ, met up with the in-loves (best welcoming reaction from his mom ever!!!), got the carry on roller off the luggage conveyer-belt but no duffel. You know the one with the Firearm in it. We waited and waited and waited and nothing. We though maybe we have to get it at the luggage service counter for the airline because it has a firearm, or maybe they took it there because it was so big it couldn't go on the conveyer-belt. The line was insanely long with people trying to locate their bag or file a claim. I sat down the the folks while the hubbs waited in line. After what seemed like forever he was finally able to speak to a agent at the counter. I see her walk back to the back to check for our bag and shortly later she comes back empty handed. The hubbs head drops and I threw my jacket down and ran over there. You've got to be kidding me. Its not here. Hello freakout moment. Not only did we had the Firearm in there but collectively with both our new shoes, my BB stuff, clothes and birthday gifts there was over $3000 worth of stuff in that bag. The airline had no recored of the bag even being checked in and leave DFW. All that time we where waiting where the heck was our bag? The hubbs had nothing, no clothes, no shoes, no toiletries, No GUN. You could see the frustration coming, I was furious and stressed to the max, tired from such a long day and hungry. All they where able to do was file a claim for a missing / lost bag. 

On the drive home I was googling and trying to call any one I could to figure out what we needed to do. Apart of me wanted to turn around and go back to DFW to get the bag. Simply because his gun was in there. Its one out of 100 (I believe) made, so replacing it would be quite hard. 

I spent the next morning calling again and again trying to locate the bag. Finally mid-morning a recording update, our bag had landed in AZ. I checked the online website status and it to said it had arrived in AZ. It NEVER got on a plane last night. Seriously so where was the bag the entire time we where sitting on the DFW airport. I fully blame it on the TSA baggage office guy. He was such a jerk and probably left the bag sitting on the table after we walked away. 

We got a call about a hour later saying our bag was going to be out for delivery and should arrive by 1pm. It was about 9:30am at this point, so that meant we had to hang out at the house till it got there.  Sucks for them, because his parents live about a hour from the airport. Ya, sucks for us because the bag didn't end up getting delivered till 15 min after 1pm. 

Everything was there and accounted for though. Thank freaking goodness. 

We should have drove, but we flew. It will be quicker and less stressful I though, but it wasn't. 

It was nothing but a HOT MESS.

Happy Birthday To US!!!!!

This year our birthday celebration's where a bit low key and well, I was totally ok with that. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my birthday being in the middle of the week but I knew I wanted to do something. But taking the whole day off work seemed silly because in reality what was I going to go do all day. That's when a co-worker / friend suggested taking the afternoon off. That was the best idea ever!!! I was able to go into work, celebrate my birthday with my kiddos and then have the afternoon to myself, or to do whatever it was I wanted.

So that morning I treated myself to Panera Bread for breakfast, Berry Smoothie and a Cinnamon Swirl bagel. So tasty!! 

I absolutely love Strawberry Cake and had been itching to make a Sprinkled covered one, it seemed fitting for a birthday celebration at school and the kiddos loved it!!! 

I've been extremely faithful with my NO-FAST FOOD since the hubbs has left but a birthday calls for a SPLURGE and that I did. After I got off for the afternoon, my friend / co-worker Barbie and I headed to Chick-fil-a for a little celebratory lunch. OMG, it was fabulous and I absolutely loved every bit. Totally worth it! 

After lunch I enjoyed a little bit of me time which included a much needed Pedi and then to the movies to finally see Furious 7. I'd been holding out to go see it on my B-day to give me something to do and it was so nice not to have to deal with the crowds. 

I ended the evening with a quick 3 mile run around my neighborhood followed by dinner that consisted of a Apple. Which I was totally fine with,  After Splurging through the day I was stuffed and really not all that hungry. It made up for everything I'd eaten that day.

 

The hubbs birthday is 9 days after mine but generally we make a point to celebrate them both. I'm all about celebrating on my day for me and his day for him. This year with him being deployed there wasn't mach celebrating done on his part, so I of course had to make up for him and that I did. 

I had these fabulous cookies made for our birthday and kept half of them for myself and sent him the other half. They where seriously so tasty and I could have eaten them all up in one or two sittings but I didn't. (that would have been bad.) I absolutely loved the post M wrote with her Insta picture so much I had to share it. 

 I sent these along with some other goodies to the hubbs and he definitely enjoyed them. 

We didn't really do gifts this year, my gift is a new pair of running shoes. However I have to wait till I get my custom braces back from being made before going and getting them. (that's a whole other story.) The hubbs is always ordering gun stuff and so of course that is what his gift consisted of this year. 

It's just not a birthday celebration without yummy food and CUPCAKES!!!! 

Oh a whim Barbie and I decided to order Chinese for lunch and have a little lunch date in our classroom. It was so good, I love me some sweet 'n sour chicken and fried rice!!! I had already decided that I was going to get cupcakes for us to have that afternoon, of course in the hubbs honor. It's what he would have wanted, I am sure of it!!! 

We have a local cupcake shop here and their cupcakes and huge, I got two and we split them so we each had a half of each one. I'm pretty sure I could have popped after, between lunch and the cupcakes. But my cheat day's have come far and far and few here lately so it was a nice little treat. 

That evening I headed to the ball field to watch two of my little kiddo's play T-Ball and had my dinner on the way. A Apple of course, I was still pretty full from the day and not to hungry but knew I needed something in my system. I was craving something fresh and healthy so a sliced Apple on the go it was. I've seriously become addicted to them here over the last few months, not a day goes by I don't have one. 

All in all it was a good two day's of celebrating our birthday's considering our current situation and being thousands of miles away from each other. 

I'm looking forward to being able to do celebrating and making up for all the missed Holiday's when he does finally make it back home.

Happy Birthday My Love

Missing my love like crazy here lately (he's away at school) and even more today than ever. It's his 30th Birthday and I can't believe he's so far away. (really he's only a few states away) But still you get my drift, birthdays alone are NEVER fun. When we got together he was only 23 years old and I was 21 kinda crazy when you put it like that. I'm so glad that we met when we were just we little young adults. I wouldn't change it for the world, its allowed us to really grow and become who we are together. I wish more than anything we could spend today together. I know when he gets home we will go out and celebrate both of our birthdays but its not the same as the day of. I'm BIG on celebrating birthdays that day, even if its just doing a dinner. 

So in keeping with my tradition I had to celebrate and the puppies to. The pups and I took a walk up to the dog park on post and had a great time running off all their energy. :) I'll be so glad when he's home and we can take our evening strolls together again. 

After work I went down to the Visita and picked up two cupcakes. You can't celebrate a birthday with out cupcakes. Hey even if he's not here, I have to eat one in his honor. RIGHT???!!!! Of Course. 

Thankfully the hubbs got out of class early and him and some of the guys he's met there went to dinner. We love LOVE mexican food so that's of course were they went. They sang Happy Birthday to him in Spanish (he sent me a video of it, to funny) and he had fried ice cream for dessert. One of his favorites. After dinner they went back to a bar on post for many drinks. The hubbs texted me at one point saying "I'm to old for this, everyone just ordered another round and I'm ready to go." lol I couldn't help but laugh, I don't blame him either it was a work / school night. I'm so glad that he was able to go out and enjoy the day and have a good time with his newly found friends. Even though he says 30's not a big deal, I mean come on it really is. At least its him and not me, at least not yet. 

I love this man so much and I'm so blessed to have spend the last almost 7 years with him. We celebrated more birthday's apart than we have together and you'd think by now we'd be used to it but not so much. I can't wait till he's back home were he belongs. :) 

because the yard needs mowing of course. 

Happy 30th Birthday Love!!!!!!! 

and many more to come.

Happy 27th Birthday to ME!!!!

Today is my 27th Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

The hubbs is away at school so that means I was celebrating all on my own. Well with the pups of course. I'd asked a couple different people if they wanted to get together for dinner or something but for one reason or another they couldn't

I got this fabulous card in the mail from my hubbs which was so sweet, I love when he makes his cards. He's so creative and such a goof ball. Not to mention he melts my heart with his words.

It was to beautiful out not to take the pups for a walk up to the dog park. I love that its less than half a mile from our house. I get a good walk in and they have so much fun playing. We spent about a half hour there before heading back home. 

After I got home I got ready and headed out for the day. I decided to stop by Starbucks and treat myself to breakfast before doing a little shopping at Target. After leaving Target I stopped by our local Strawberry stand and picked up some of these fresh berries. They by far have the best Strawberries ever!!! So sweet and juicy. 

 I headed over to my 12:30 appointment at Urban Nirvana Salon. I was treating myself to a hour long massage. I hardly ever do anything for myself. I get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of life that I forget to take time out for ME. So today was all about me, even if I did have to spend it alone. It was so nice and relaxing, my first time at the salon. I'll definitely be going back the staff was so nice, super clean facility and they made you feel so comfortable and best part is they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!! HollA!!!! The hour actually went by relatively slow which was nice and enjoyable. 

After I left the salon I headed downtown to Cupcake a local cupcake bakery in the Vista area. Everyone needs cupcakes on their birthday and today was no exception. Normally the hubbs and I go together on the weekends when he is home but today I had to go solo. I left with a Cinnamon / Sugar and Turtle flavored Cupcake. They are so yummy :) 

Later that evening I ended up going to dinner with Kelly and her famdamly. I met them over at her house and we hung out for a bit then headed to Sato's Japanese Steak House. I absolutely LOVE this place. Mainly for the food of course but the fun atmosphere and the table cook top, were they cook right in front of you adds to the enjoyment of your time there. I alway's have plenty of left overs for lunch or dinner the next day and of course a added bonus they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!!!

 We had a great dinner with lots of laughs, I don't think our waiter notices the lovely ring on my left hand because he was trying really hard and working his charm lol. Kelly, her Sis-in-law and I headed out for dessert after dinner at 32 Degrees. A local Frozen Yogurt bar. Which of course also gave a MILITARY DISCOUNT. I'm all about that discount yall!!!!  

My husband works darn hard for it so we use it when we can!!!

I went in to the day pretty bummed that I was going to be spending it alone and that the hubbs was away but it ended up being a pretty fabulous day. 27 is already starting off great and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me. 

When I got home I popped open a bottle of bubbly and sat down with the pups to enjoy a relaxing evening. It was a great day, pretty mellow and the weather was beautiful out. Only thing missing is my love. But we will be celebrating when he gets home for sure. We'll be making up for lots of lost time and both of our birthday's. His is coming up really soon!!!! 

Little did I know my night / birthday celebrations for the day weren't over yet. I had a Skype date with these lovely ladies :) My Spouse, Mistress and Mini Nanc. :) They called on skype and told me to go get one of my cupcakes I'd gotten today. (thank goodness I hadn't eatin either of them) Then they pulled out cupcakes with candles and sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!!! How freaking sweet are they!!! I was almost in tears. They said even though we're a ocean apart we can still celebrate together and that we did. I miss them more than ever but soon they will both be back on the mainland and much much closer so I can't wait. We mapped out our summer vacay trip together and Im excited for our upcoming adventure. :) 

It was a great way to end a wonderful day!!!! 

I can't wait to have my love back home with me, this is going on the longest we've been apart since he's been home from his last deployment and I'm not enjoying it at all. BLAH. 

Getting Creative & Family

Balloon Birthday Wreath.

Isn't this the neatest thing ever ?!??! It's so much cuter in person. The same girl that made our Infantry wreath made this for a girl I work with. She's going to use it for her son's 2nd birthday coming up next month. I picked it up for her today since she lives on post near me. I kinda wanted to keep it for myself it was so cute. lol. Can't wait to go to little Coleman's birthday here in a few weeks. 

In other news my Father in Love & his dad (the hubbs grandpa) arrived this afternoon. They are only here for a couple days but just in time to see Graduation. This is kinda neat for both Jeff (FIL) and the hubbs because his dad to was a Drill SGT during his time in the army. So listening to them compare their stories and how things have change is interesting. The two of them are both really close and I know he is excited to have his dad here with him. I always enjoy having the In Loves visit us were ever we are. They are the sweetest people in the world, I really lucked out in that department and couldn't have asked for better. I only wish that his mom was able to come as well, but she had to work. 

Today was also my Friday at work so that's exciting, looking forward to a long 5 days off with my love!!!! 

~DAY 292~

Happy Birthday Boo

It's MAY 1st, I still can't get over how fast this year is going by. I'm loving it so much only because I have so much to look forward to come the fall and then its just that much closer to us PCSing again. But today isn't about the Army or our time here its all about MY LOVE. Today is his 29th birthday, I can't believe we are here again, another birthday. Crazy because when we got together he was only 23 years old. 

My plan / goal was to get up this morning when he did before PT and fix him breakfast. Sadly that didn't happen because I was a bit tired and lazy. Knowing he would be coming home to shower and clean up before heading back to work for the day I had other plans. I quickly got myself ready for work and rushed off to DD. His all time favorite breakfast eatery. Picking up his favorite donuts and a box of KCups for him to enjoy when he got home. We hardly ever leave with out a box of KCups when we go there. I left it all on the kitchen counter so he saw it as soon as he came home. :) 

The joys of working, I hate HATE working on my birthday and feel terrible that the hubbs had to today. He didn't seem to mind but still its never fun. Some time last week I had ordered him his favorite Red Velvet cake from The Local Fresh Market. After work I stopped by to pick it up, since he was still at softball practice I was able to get in the house with out him seeing right away. 

We then headed out to do a bit of window shopping around town. He wanted to stop off at a couple gun stores to see if they had some parts he wanted. I needed to go to Davids Bridal to try on bridesmaid dresses for a wedding I'll be in come October. A stop in the book store then finally we were headed to dinner. Red Lobster was his choice for the evening and I didn't mind one bit. Funny though seeings I absolutely do not eat a single thing that involves sea food. I just don't like it, or the fact that it comes from the dirty water. Never have Never will. Instead I indulged on a fabulous Cajun Chicken Pasta that is simply to die for. Prior to that we had a Cesar Salad and Lobster Pizza, half with and half with out lobster though. Oh and of course you can't go to Red Lobster and not overly stuff your self with those wonderful cheddar biscuits they have. I could eat those things all day long they are so good. The hubbs ordered a assorted ship and taco plate and ate every last bite of it. We hadn't been to RL in over a year so we took full advantage of it tonight. 

It was a simple evening nothing extravagant of crazy over the top since it was a work night. We found a place local here that does cooking classes and we plan on taking some of those together here with in the next few weeks, to help continue the celebration. (this is one of the things he said he wanted to do for his bday.) I love this man to pieces and I'm so glad we were together this year to celebrate his big day!!!!! 

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!!!!!!

~DAY 201~

From the hubbs.

As you may have noticed by now I have a serious obsession with TOMS. When the hubbs asked what I wanted for my birthday I was quick with my reply being a new pair of TOMS. I've got a couple different styles on my "top" to get list. He told me to go check the local surf shop (Salty's) (they sell TOMS) to see if they had any of the ones I've been wanting. You know what as soon as I walked in I was in love. There they were, one of the pairs I had been wanting. I was quick to scoop up a pair with out a second thought.
Aren't they so cute I just LOVE LOVE them!!!!

This was the other part of my gift from the hubbs. A custom bracelet from Uppercase Living. I picked it out and ordered it through our friend Nichole. It just came in the mail today so that's why I'm just posting about it. I wanted to write about both my gifts from him together. 

Our saying / quote is "Always & Forever & Thensome", its something we adapted early on in our relationship. I have it tattooed across my back, along with our Wedding Date. While visiting C in Illinois, we were at a local shop when I notice a bracelet on the store clerk and asked her about it. Come to find out it was also a custom order from UCL. That's when I got the idea to have this one made. I showed the hubbs on line and explained to him what I was wanting and here you go!!!!!!
The finished product!!!!!

I absolutely think its so cute. Its a little big, see I have super tiny wrist and even ordering the smallest size its a tad big but its perfect. One of a kind, I think that's what I like most about it, no one will ever have the same one as me. 

So sure I kinda pretty much picked out both my own gifts for my birthday but hey at least I got what I really wanted. I don't mind that at all, sometimes it works out better that way. This year things were fairly simple birthday wise but in my book simple can be better. It was perfect for me just what I needed. 

One thing he did completely surprise me on was this card. He custom made it from his phone he was so proud of it. I can't get over how funny this picture is and love that he used it. Props to him for a custom made card. 

~DAY 194~