Catching Up!!!

I can't even use the excuse that I've been overly busy here lately because truth be told I really haven't. Pictures to prove it, we haven't had much going on here the last couple weeks. I've simply been slacking in the blog world and need to get my booty in gear. Our time here in the South is quickly coming to a close and we've been slowly getting things ready for our move. HHG purging, working on some DIY projects and eating everything in the frig and freeze. Not to mention the deep cleaning. We're trying to save every penny we can with this move so I've been doing little by little each weekend. It hasn't been all house work and packing through I've managed to have a few outings with the girls. 

*Up bright and early for our last Graduation "Rights of Passage" Ceremony. This is were the SIT aka PVT's officially become Soldiers and place their Beret on for the first time. Becky, Julie and I got up around 5am and made our way out to the range for the ceremony. It was so cold!!! Thankfully each Company had fire pit they were all huddled around. 

My handsome Drill SGT and I at the "Rights of Passage" Ceremony. 

*Becky and I had a girls night out at a Victory Spouse's event. Denim and Diamonds Auction at Weston Lake. We got all dolled up, Becky even purchased some fun Diamonds for us to wear. Sadly enough though it was nothing like either of us expected. The auction items were less than impressive and dinner well it wasn't to bad. The best part about the evening was getting to hang out with this fabulous girl. 

*BCT Victory Concert, day before Family day. At the end of each Cycle the day before Family day the SIT attend a concert put on by Eric Horner and his wife Debbie. The SIT are able to order pizza, soda and candy. All of which they haven't had in the past 10 weeks. Eric puts on a concert with patriotic songs and a slide show of pictures plays from the last 10 weeks of training. Rebecca and I along with a few other FB Volunteers from our Battalion attended and took loads of pictures to put on FB for the families. It's a chance for the SIT to kinda of let loose for a bit and have some fun. A fun part about it is, most of them take their pizza boxes once they are empty and will write messages on them to their families. 

Up close and personal with some of our Delta SIT. Supporting out Drill SGT's with their PVT's. 

*Taking full advantage of the chilly weather you would have though I would have made this fabulous chili before now. NOPE, just now getting around to it on a perfectly warm Southern evening. That didn't matter though it was still fabulous. As was the corn bread to go along with it. Sidenote: I'm LOVING my new cast-iron skillet the hubbs got me for Christmas. I use it for everything. 

Since we are on the subject of food, I'll go ahead and share with you this super yummy dish. 

Potato, Corn and Ham Chowder, of course it wouldn't be complete with out some tasty Peach Tea to go along with. Using left over ham from Thanksgiving that I had frozen was the best part of this. Operation clean out the freezer is in full effect. 

 *This past Thursday night was my School's Spring Art Auction at Leaside. Every year in the past we have had it at the school and its been a family event. This year they change things up a bit and made it a adult only event. Catered in food and served alcohol. I wasn't planning on going, in the past we've been required to go because it was at the school. Since things had change we as staff were not required to go. I took a babysitting job for the night (a month in advance) with one of my favorite families here. That was until my classroom mom informed me that she had purchased my ticket to go to the event. As a "Thank You" for everything I've done this year. (tickets were $40 each, not cheap for the evening) A couple of our other parents got together and bought tickets for the hubbs and the other teachers in my class. Although only one of them came (Ms. Elaine, bottom left) I convinced Jamie (bottom right) to come along with us and gave her our extra ticket. It ended up being a great evening. The EDSPO really out did themselves on the event. I foresee many more of our Spring Art Auctions in the years to come here. I was so happy that many of my parents current and past were finally able to meet the hubbs. They hear so much about him so finally being able to put a face with a name and story was nice. 

(I'm going to miss the school so much when I leave, I absolutely love my job. More on this in a later post)

*On another note: This kid below Graduated from College this past Tuesday. I couldn't be more proud of my little bubby. He's completely turned his life around in the past year and I can't wait to see what is in store for his future. We were at each other's throats growing up, many times we hated each other but now I'd do just about anything for him. He's my best friend and I'm so glad I'm able to call him my Bubby!!! His beautiful Girlfriend Becca treated him to a Dallas Star's hockey game the night before Graduations as his gift from her. He loved loved (still does) the Dallas Stars growing up so this was right up his alley. I only wish I could have gone home for his big day but soon enough I'm hoping to make a trip home. 

That's just a bit of life lately and what's been going on with us. I feel like we have a lot more going on with the move but its just not all blog worthy exciting so I'll spare you the details on that. I do plan on posting about our DIY projects and other happenings in the coming weeks. Thanks for sticking it and out hanging in with me!!! 

Spring Break in Texas (part-2)

Saturday Morning (day 3 in TX) I did some things around the house for my Mamaw such as dying Easter Eggs. They would have looked cuter but I was on a time crunch because I was meeting my brother and one of our friends for lunch. But for a quick job, I suppose they turned out kinda cute. 

 I met Justin back up in the Highlands for lunch (side note- the Highlands is a fairly new shopping center to Arlington) They have EVERYTHING there, I mean everything. Lots of shopping, eating and even a movie theater. So as you can see its our typical go to place!! We had lunch with our friend Jan at Pluckers Wing Bar, she's Justin's best friends mom and he just so happens to stay with her when he's not out at our river house. I ordered Sweet Tea of course and it came in this GIANT Mason Jar. Justin ordered a beer and it came in a GIANT beer mug that was even bigger than my tea glass. We ended up both purchasing the glasses. I've officially got a new drinking glass for when I go home :) 

After lunch I headed back home to meet up with my Uncle Richard, we went out to Traders Village for a little while. Now if you've ever been to the DFW area you've heard of Traders Village. I haven't been in YEARS and I was looking forward to spending some time with my uncle. Traders Village is a GIANT I'm talking LARGE out door flea market. It's not really the nicest place in the area, I'd never go there alone. I don't know exactly how big it is but it's got to be a good 10+ acres. Neither of us were really looking for anything inparticular (other than some hats, which we found). We pretty much stood out like a sore thumb while we were there if you know what I mean. It does make for some great people watching though. Oh and the kids, everyone has 3-9 kid with them and they have no problem running out in front of you or simply not paying attention to were they are going. None the less we had a good time together. (I failed and didn't take any pictures while we were there.) After that we drove out to Mansfield to check on his truck and then back to the house. It was a fairly relaxing day with family!!!! I did pick up this oh so yummy watermelon while at Traders Village to have for Easter and take to the River with us. I'm a suck for fresh fruit. 

I'm Back!!!!

So I know I've been a little MIA here the last week or so but its all for a good reason!!! I was out having a fabulous time with my Spouse & Mistress. A little Hawaii reunion out in the open sea!!!! 

We sat sail Sunday morning of last week and had the time of our life!!! This wasn't just your typical cruise either. There's way more to it!!! Stay tuned for a full recap of our wonderful 7 days cruising the Caribbean. (plus I still have to finish telling you about my time in Texas!!!) Lots of catching up to do. 

My day with the "W" girls!!!

The morning started off with this QT pie and breakfast!!!! 

Followed by this sweet one, doing my hair. She said she was going to make me look like Rapunzel because I had long hair. She's so cute and has such a imagination. 

We had a adventure ahead of us today for sure, visiting some very old creatures!!! To the HEARD Museum we went, located in downtown McKinney. It was a perfect day to be outside, not to hot and not to cold at all. It was a outside nature park, were they several different dinosaurs on display. Life size and animated as well, listed on a plaque was the details telling us about them. (size, weight, what they ate) It's crazy to think how long ago, dinosaurs walked the earth. It was set up very similar to a scene taken out of Jurassic Park.  Little Gigi had so much fun, she was a little hesitant about going near the dinosaurs at first. But she eventually warmed up a bit and started asking questions and pointing out different things on the Dino's. 

Also included in the museum they had a very mini zoo with a few animals. Mostly rodents that you don't see often, you know the ones that live in creeks and under the ground. 

There was a butterfly house but it wasn't as pretty as we were hoping. There were more butterflies outside the house then there were inside. (when I went to DC a few months back, the butterfly house we saw there was so neat) There really wasn't more than 2 or 3 different colors ones here either. It was pretty though and the kiddo had fun running through the flower garden. 

This is one that I saw inside, more of them looked like this. 

After we finished up at the museum we headed down further into McKinney for lunch at a place called Spoons Cafe. It was pretty yummy, I finally had some good Texas Brisket. Its just not the same in the South, must be a Texas thing. lol. From there we walked around the downtown square checking out some of the local shops, one including a candy store. 

Little Gigi, went to Preschool later that afternoon and I got to meet her teachers and see her class. She's grown up so quickly in the last year since we've left Hawaii. It really is true when they say time flies. In what seems like a blink of a eye she will be another year older. 

I had such a great time hanging out with the W girls and catching up, meeting baby A and exploring the city. Nothing better than being reunited with such awesome people. One thing I love about the Army, I've made some amazing friendships. Can't wait for our adventures together next week!!! 

~DAY 356~

coming to you from the lone star state

after a few un-for scene events that started off my stay in Texas I was finally able to meet this guy. one of my very best friends had her baby in August and I've been itching to meet him.

 meet Kinsler. isn't he just a heart breaker, def. going to be a ladies man. 

his momma, big brother Aiden (who's just over a year old) went and did a bit of shopping after grabbing a quick bite to eat. then back home for some much needed catching up and baby playing.

almost 5 years ago now Ang. took in my sweet little puppy chloe. when I moved out to Hawaii I just wasn't to sure that she could make the flight, plus have to stay in corentien for the 120 days. the plan was to get her back when we moved back to the mainland. but after getting our two pups in Hawaii Ang. took over permanent guardianship. it was hard coming home the first time and her not remembering at all who I was but I've moved passed it now and know that everything happens for a reason. at least I still get to see her and spend time with her when I come to visit. 

later that evening I headed over to Plano, which is about 45minutes away from were I'm from. the army works in great ways sometimes. some of our really good friends are staying in Texas while her husband is deployed. we did so much with them when we lived in Hawaii and I missed them so much. there is just something about having a "army family" that will be with you no matter were life takes you. since V moved to the mainland she has had her 2nd baby girl and this was the first time I was getting to meet her. I saw Gigi back in December of last year when we went up to Tennessee to visit with our other friend B (who we were also stationed with in Hawaii). but boy has she grown up in the last 10 months. it really is crazy how fast they grow.

we've got a fun filled day planned for us tomorrow and then its back to Arlington for a yummy dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, BABES Chicken. Its a family style place and you just can't go wrong, the food and service is always fabulous. 

~DAY 355~

Lazy Sunday

It was a beautiful Sunday, the hubbs of course had to work so I was enjoying the day being lazy at home. I cleaned up the house unpacked did all the laundry, dishes and everything else that needed to be done. I told the hubbs I'd pick up the backyard (ie. clean poop) that way he could mow when he got home. Half way through being done I decided my hands weren't broke and I was more that capable of doing it myself. Plus I wanted to give him the night off when he got home. I figure the least I can do is try, I did it a time or two in Hawaii when he was deployed and it turned out ok then. We have a old school push row mower (no gas of anything like that, just the blade) so its super easy to use, there's not even a one or off switch. (its pretty dummy proof) I have to say it turned out pretty good, I even went as far as trimming the edges around the fence line with the weedeater.
After it was all said and done the pups and I sat out back and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine. I caught up on some blog reading while that baked in glory.
Don't you just love my new TOMS, I picked them up in Georgetown on during my WV / DC trip. They are so comfy and cute!!!!!
The rest of the day consisted of doing a whole lot of nothing. I did go have lunch with the hubbs at work, which was a nice break for him during his busy day. I hope the new few months go by fast because I can tell right now I'm not going to love spending every weekend husbandless at home. :(

~DAY 234~

Road Trip!!!

It seems like its been years since I've seen the Spouse (aka Sarah) but really its only been since Christmas. I headed out this morning to make the 5 hour drive to West Virginia to visit her. S & B are home on leave visiting so we planned a little powow get together. This morning I picked up the house and took the pups for a walk after loading up the car. The hubbs was at work of course :( so I decided to stop by his bay for some goodbye smooches before getting on the road. 

My last two road trips I've done really well on so I knew this one wouldn't be a problem. I took my time driving through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky then into West Virginia. There were a few senic look out points along the way that I decided to take advantage of. Some were prettier than others and worth the 100 yard walk unlike the 800 foot jog I took up and then back down a hill to one look out area. 

Well worth the stop though it gave me a chance to stretch my legs and take a quick potty break. The good old station wagon Subaru held up well as always. I made it a hour out from B's house before stopping for gas. Even then I still had 60 miles left on that tank of gas and only 73 miles to go, my light was on and I didn't want to chance being stuck on the side of the road. One things for sure it sure dose save on gas.

I think it was just before 7pm when I finally made it in town. From there we went to dinner at a local joint with B's parents and then to the Spouses house. We did a bit of visiting & catching up with her family, played a few games on the Wii and did a bit more catching and sipping on some wine before finally calling it a night......well after midnight!!!

I'm so excited to spend the next week with S & B, good times to come!!!

~DAY 227~

Spring Break Road Trip

I'm headed to the midwest as they call it, to Illinois to visit one of my most dearest best friends Crystal and her fam. I'm making the long 12 hour, 915 mile drive through 6 states, all on my own. We met while they were in Hawaii, we both worked at the CDC on post. I had been there about a month before we figured out that we literally lived right behind each other, our fences backed up to each other. From that moment on we were inseparable, always over at each others house. We did everything together dinner, taking walks, shopping, hanging out, exploring the island. She was my go to girl, many holidays and celebrations were shared between our families. Adam (C's hubby) and the hubbs were really close and did a lot together, they were always BSing and cracking jokes over a beer. The were both there the night that the hubbs deployed for the 2nd time. Then 8 days later they PCSed to their new duty station, it was by far one of the hardest weeks ever, I remember it like it was just last week. But some how I managed and pulled through thanks to my FABULOUS SPOUSE. I really don't know were I would be today with out her. Since then so much has changed for Crystal and her fam. They've gotten out of the Army and moved back to their home town. Adam has landed a awesome job a John Deer which is allowing Crystal to be a stay at home mommy to their sweet baby (3 yr old) Chy Bug. They have settled in well and enjoying civilian life again. 

It's been a year and nine months since they left Hawaii and we've seen each other so this is a very long over due trip.  I love that the school I work at follows the public school schedule, we are closed with public school is closed. As soon as I started on full time back in January I decided for spring break I was going to go to Illinois for the week. We didn't have any other big plans, it was the perfect time because the hubbs would be done with school and working, so I'd just be at home by myself. When I passed the idea off to Crystal of course she was totally for it and just so happens that their older two girls would be on spring break as well so I would finally get to meet them. (they have a different momma) 

My plan was to get up bright and early this morning around 7 or 8am and leave but I didn't get home last night from babysitting till after midnight so I slept in a bit. I loaded up the car, cleaned up from the last and took the pups on a walk. As I was loading the car the pups were whining and pacing the floors like crazy. I decided I'd take them on a walk and when I looked outside it had started to rain. I felt bad because I knew it would be another good 10 days before they went on a walk, so I sucked it up and put on the hubbs rain coat and took them for a walk. I enjoy walking them so it was a nice way to start my morning rain and all. 

I got on the road just before 10am and was on my way. To save time and avoid stops I stocked up on snacks for the trip. My goal was to only stop for gas and if there was any MAJOR MUST SEE spots. I just wanted to get there and not waste any time. I figured on my way back I'll be able to stop and sight see a bit more if I want. 

The drive wasn't that bad at all, I was able to chat with some family and friends catching up for lost time. The drive all the way up to Tennessee I did this past December when I went to visit a friend it was nice but from the Nashville / Knoxville spit I hadn't seen before. It was simply beautiful driving through the mountains and tunnels, I made my way though Tennessee then Kentucky in to Indiana finally making my way across the Illinois border. Its definitely something I want to do with the hubbs sometime when we get a chance and stop at some of the popular sights. I was able to snap a few pictures here and there while driving, don't worry I was extra careful and didn't speed the whole way only half the time lol. 

Heading out of South Carolina the rain finally cleared away and the sun was coming out. 

Driving along the I-40 through Clyde, North Carolina I absolutely hate this stretch of the highway. Its so wind and scary. 

The Tennessee mountains in the side mirror was a beautiful view as a drive through. 

More Tennessee mountains, a bit cloudy but thankfully it didn't last long at all. 

Getting semi closer to my final destination, I kept Crystal posted with picture texts through out my drive. 

Crossing the Indiana border, the bridges here were really pretty.  

Enjoying the beautiful sunset as I drive through Indiana shortly before getting to Illinois. 

This trip has made many first for me, first time in Kentucky, Indiana & Illinois and I have to say all three states were beautiful. Well at least the areas I drove through were. 

I got to Crystals right about 10:30pm which was 2 & 1/2 hours earlier then my GPS said. No traffic, No stops and a little over the speed limit here and there lol. I was one happy girl to finally be in the same place with her again. We spent the next 2-3 hours up chatting and catching up. I was half asleep on the couch when a horrible storm came through bring pea size hail. I started to freak out this could not be happening, I made it here in one piece with nothing happened to the car and then hours after I arrive its going to have hail damage. NO!!!!!!! I jumped up off the couch, some how I was wide awake and told Crystal I just had to take the car up to the gas station to protect it from the hail. Even though it was 5 -10 minutes away and could possibly get more damage by doing that then it siting there I just had to. I knew the hubbs would freak and I would never hear the end of it, even though it wasn't my fault. Everyone reassured me that it WOULD be ok and it wasn't coming down big enough or even hard enough to cause any damage. I crossed my fingers in hope they were right and made my way back inside. With in 10 minutes the hail had stopped and it was just a hard rain. Thank goodness, that was seriously the last thing I needed. 

I am so excited to be spending the whole week here with all the girls, we've got lots planned but a lot of down time as well to relax and hang out with the kiddos at home. 

Stay tuned for loads of fun filled adventures!!!!!!!

~DAY 170~