Merry Christmas 2013 (our card & letter)

This past year seems to have gone by in such a flash. The time seem’s to just be flying by which we certainly aren’t complaining about as we have big changes coming in 2014. 

With Gabe’s busy never ending work schedule we spent a lot of time doing things here around Columbia this year. If I wasn’t working I was running and if he wasn’t working he was at the range shooting. I participated in serval race’s through out the spring preparing for my first half marathon which I finished in March. Gabe participated in serval shooting competition’s which he continues to enjoy. Winter seemed to be a bit brutally cold but of course anything after Hawaii is going to be cold. The pups are doing well, we’re always trying to find different things to take them to do in the area.  We are lucky enough to have a dog park less than half a mile from our house so we spend a lot of time with them there. I made a trip back to Texas early April to see my brother and visit with family for a week. We spent a few days at the river and Easter at my Mamaw’s house. April and May Gabe was away for ALC at Ft. Benning which left me home alone during both of our birthday’s. I continued to fill my free time with running to prepare for my first Full Marathon. Gabe picked up his 5th Cycle in May summer months are always even busier for basic training. We were able to participate in a cooking class that was held downtown thanks to our Battalion. It was true southern style cooking. Mid June I made my way up to WV to spend a long weekend with the Spouse and Mistress (Sarah & Nancy) at The Adventures on the Gorge. We definitely had a adventurous weekend making lots of memories. July 4th we spend with some close friends on post, and of course I baked my little heart out with red, white and blue goodies. I had the chance to go to the Miss. South Carolina Competition with a dear friend another first for me. We went to a few local festivals and markets during our free time and tried out a few new to us restaurants. The end of July I made my way back to Texas to say my final goodbyes to my Papa James. Gabe having to stay behind due to work, he accepted a award on my behalf from our Battalion which I was truly honored to receive, while I was away. My mom was nice enough to make the long drive back to the South with me and spend a few days here with us. It was fun getting to show her around were we live. We made a couple day trips to Charlotte and Charleston they always seem to be our go to places to get away for a bit. After two years of living in the South I finally went to the SC state fair which I have to say has nothing on the Texas state fair. In November we celebrated our 6 year Wedding Anniversary in Savannah, GA were I ran my very first Full Marathon. Less than a week later I made another unplanned trip back to Texas to say goodbye to an amazing woman, My Mamaw. Gabe and I spend a few days in Texas together before he headed back to the South for work. It was such a bittersweet trip home, good to see all my family but wishing it was under different circumstances. Thanksgiving was very low key for us this year. A simple yet extravagant meal prepared by yours truly. There was of course a little black Friday shopping in there as well with my dear friend Becky. We plan to enjoy the Christmas Holiday’s with some friends here on post and Christmas at home together before making our way to the Big Apple for a week, to watch the Ball Drop in Time Square. It’s most certainly been a year to remember for so many different reason’s. And one I’m happy to see go. We are looking forward to making more memories and all the adventures ahead of us in 2014. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to You and Your’s from Gabe,Tiffany and the Pups. 

I was having issues scanning our card to the computer to upload it to blogger so please excuse the poor quality, at least I got the post done before we leave for our trip. :) 

More on that to come after the New Year!!

Holiday Sweet's & Treat's

Christmas vacay has finally graced its presents here in the South!! This past Wednesday was my last day of work till after the new year. What dose that mean you ask?!?!?! Lots of time just the hubby and I because he's off for the same time frame as I am. Shopping for the holidays and ourselves of course, lots of dates, in-loves coming to town, and lots more fun stuff. Which includes finally catching up on this here ol blog of mine that I've neglected over the past couple weeks. I've got plenty to share so I'll start with the loads of sweet treats I've made and also received at work over the last two weeks. I love to bake and cook but the holidays seem to always bring it out in me that much more!!!!

~Cinnamon Sugar Pecans~

(made by yours truly!)

~Thick & Chewy M&M Cookie Bar~

(made by yours truly!)

Christmas Cards ~ Sealed, Stamped & Ready for Delivery.

 One of my favorite parts about the Holidays is sending out Christmas Cards!!!!

Next up are the slew of gifts I received from parents & co-workers from school. 

Chick-Fil-A Gift Card & Calendar, Personalized Notepad & a Bracelet. 

Monogrammed Lunch Pail, Bath set with Lotions, Body Wash and a luffa, Christmas Koozie!! 

Another Lotion and Body Spray with a Bracelet. A Super Cute Apron from one of my sweetest parents now friend / running partner. I walked out to my car one day after work and there was this package sitting next to my car. I new it was from her, even though it was marked "From Secret Santa".  I texted her and told her I was going to wait and open it on Christmas day and she said I had to open it before so I could use it on Christmas Eve & Day. I absolutely love it, its my first Apron!! Shocker right!! 

A little Sweet treat stop for myself and the hubbs while I was out picking up a gift card for a friend and spending one on myself as well. We aren't crazy about "Sweet" Cupcakes but they have some pretty yummy Hot Cocoa. 

Of course My Holiday Shopping and Gift giving adventures aren't complete with out some yummy Starbucks. Since I don't drink coffee my choice of drink in the winter time is Hot Chocolate. I recently discovered a love for Peppermint Hot Chocolate, I love anything and everything that involved peppermint. 

Don't you just love the Holidays &

everything that comes along with it?!?!?!? 

WE DO!!!!!

Our 2012 Christmas Card & Letter

Another year has come & gone. A year of wonderful memories made together. To say things have been a walk in central park would be just laughable. They’ve been even better, simply because we’ve spent a full year home together deployment-less. Of course we’ve had our fare share of time apart but it hasn’t been near as ruff as years past. 

Highlights from 2012

With our continuing daily adventures of exploring our new city we ventured out a little to surrounding area’s. In March we took a day trip to Greenville, SC, a quaint little city full of shopping and some great BBQ. Later that month Gabe Graduated from Drill Sergeant School. Talk about a proud wifey moment there!!! I was not a fan of the “brown round” hat at first but its grown on me for sure. In April I headed Midwest to visit my best friend Crystal & her family. We hadn’t seen each other since July 2010, so it was a much needed over due visit. We spent the week together traveling to Chicago for a pillow fight, St. Louis to see the Arch & Easter at her Granny’s house before I headed back to the South. April rolled around & I was able to participate in our Battalions Jane Wayne Day. We celebrated my 26th birthday in April. We also enjoyed our first camping experience together, with the pups. In May we celebrated Gabe’s 29th birthday. He picked up his first full Cycle of BCT (basic training) later that month & that’s when things really started to get busy. The end of May I went to West Virginia to visit My Spouse (Sarah) & her hubby. From there we loaded up the car & made the drive to Washington DC for a little exploring, a first to the city for me. There’s just so much to see & do there. In June we took a all expense paid trip to Myrtle beach compliments of the Army. Gabe graduated his first cycle which of he also made Drill SGT of the Cycle. Talk about a big deal!!! His dad & Grandpa were in town to see him presented with his award. The rest of the summer we spent around Columbia working & exploring when we had a free moment. Saturday mornings were spent at the range on post, so Gabe could practice his shooting. He competed in his first Glock Shoot. Mid August he picked up a new Cycle & the whole BCT started over again. I made a trip back to Texas in October for a friends wedding & some much needed visiting with family and friends. I had such a great time, it reminded me that much more why I love home so much. While in Texas I had a little Hawaii reunion with our friend Vic. & her to beautiful daughters. We participated in our first Mud Run together, which just so happened to be the first cold day in Texas. Talk about brutal. The end of October I met up with The Spouse & Mistress (Sarah & Nancy) in Miami. We set sail on the Blake Shelton 7 day Cruise aboard NCL Pearl. We had the time of our life dancing our boots off & listening to some of the greatest Country Artist around. Gabe graduated his second full Cycle & enjoyed a much needed break from the trail while awaiting my return to the South. We celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary on the 9th of November. I can’t believe its been 5 years already. To celebrate we took a ride in a hot air balloon & went to Atlanta, GA to see the Worlds Largest Aquarium. I spent Thanksgiving with my mom in one of my most favorite places ever, the Big Apple “NEW YORK CITY”. We spent five days exploring the city and of course watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live. The In-Loves (in-laws) are coming out for Christmas which we couldn’t be more excited about. 

It’s definitely been a great year, we’ve been blessed beyond belief & are looking forward to all the fun & excitement that 2013 has in store. We hope you have a wonderful Holiday season & a fabulous New Year to come!!! 

 Love Gabe & Tiffany 

AS PROMISED

DAY 59

Our 2011 Christmas Card

~The front~

~The back~

The bottom says ~ From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another, The warmth and Joy of Christmas, brings us close to each other.

(I scanned these in on our computer so the quality my not be perfect)

As promised I would like to share with you our 2011 Christmas card. I have to say I think out of the 5 years we have sent out cards this one has got to be my favorite. I'm not sure if it the fact that I'm in love with the pictures or that I went with a double side card or that my hubbs helped and had a input with EVERY part of that card. YUP that's right, I picked out 5 or 6 templates that I liked & told him to pick his favorite and he did. Then it was his idea to do the pictures in black and white. I wasn't over the moon about the idea at first but I wanted this to be something we did together & once we got them in the mail I loved it.

The pictures on the front of us are the ones we had taken the first part on November for our 4 year wedding anniversary. The picture on the back is one from the 1-27 Welcome Home Ball in July after the guys got back from Deployment.

I try really hard to keep up with every ones address when they move from one place to another. Sending out Christmas Cards is a fantastic way to keep in touch with the ones you love and hold near and dear to your heart. So with that being said you must be special if you received one from us. With the card we also put together a letter highlighting the past 12 months and all the exciting journeys we went on through out the year. I hope you enjoy reading our letter!!!

What is your Christmas card family tradition???

Merry Christmas Family & Friends

Here we are another year later, were has the time gone again. The past 12 months have been a busy one with a gazillion different things going on. As always its been a fabulous year, one of the more challenging ones but that’s life for you.

January ~ Gabe & I rang in the New Year together via web chat, which had to be the best way to end 2010. The girls & I had loads of fun from Ice Skating, a over night stay down in Waikiki and the ProBowl. We spent a ton of time together as always.

February ~ After 7 almost 8 long months Gabe came home for R&R. We enjoyed our time together staying in Hawaii doing what we love. Hiking, Kayaking, Bowling, Horse back riding, cooking, beaching it up, shopping & just being lazing together.

March ~ R&R rolled over into March were we took a Sea Plane tour around the Island. On which I almost got completely sick & gave my husband a good laugh. We went to Sea Life Park with The Martins were we took a Sea Trek Adventure allowing us to go under water with various sea creatures were we fed a Sting Ray from our hand & other creepy fish. Gabe made the journey back to Iraq to finish up the last few months of deployment #2.

April ~ I CELEBRATED the big 25, another birthday. Seriously were has the time gone I should not be 25 yet. The girls & I went to Ruth Chris to celebrate were we had the most amazing meal ever. Gabe was working hard in Iraq keeping busy working out & going on patrols. The weather was heating up so he was ready to get out of there.

May ~ Another busy month, We celebrated a birthday on the 1st Gabe turned 28. I ran my first 5k & 10k with the girls. I had a blast and found a new hobby in the process. I’ve tried talking Gabe into running a race with me but he say’s he’s not much up to running for fun.

June ~ The month we both waited for all year long. I attended the 236th Army Birthday Ball, which just so happened to be my first Military Ball. On the 17th Gabe along with 138 other Soldiers returned after a long 12 month deployment in Iraq, it was the best day of the whole year.

July ~ Were do I even start, the In Loves came down for a visit. Gabe & his dad went on the North Shore Shark Tour while his mom & I (along w/ my spouse) went on a Dolphin Adventure. I ran my longest race yet participating in the Wheeler 10 Miler on post. Having Gabe & his parents there to support me was the best part.

We took a trip to Maui spending a couple days there to explore and play tourist. Gabe treated himself to a new toy he traded in his truck for a 2011 Subaru Outback.

August ~ We really ventured out taking in the beauty that Oahu has to offer we went on many new hikes spending time exploring. In the midst of that we also traded my ’09 Challenger in for a ’11 Challenger.

September ~ Was the hardest month of all because it came with so many changes. Gabe’s official orders sending us to our new duty station. I quit my job, our HHG’s were packed up & we were down to one car, out of our house living with the spouse. Dingo & I left Hawaii for a trip back to Texas that included a reunion trip to Oklahoma with two high school friends.

October ~ Gabe & Bailey were in Hawaii for a couple ore weeks but once they arrived in TX things got busy visiting everyone, the state fair & revisiting our wedding venue. Mid month we made the long 16hr drive to Ft. Jackson, SC our new home. We quickly settled in getting our house fully set up in two days.

November ~ I started a part time job at a Day School right near post, which I will start full time beginning of 2012. We celebrated our four year Wedding Anniversary. Gosh the time has gone by so quickly it seems like just a couple months ago we were planning the wedding. Making a great first impression with his new unit Gabe busted his chin during PT one morning causing him to get 4 stitches. We spent Thanksgiving with a new friend & her husband.

December ~ Will be filled enjoying the Holiday, looking at Christmas lights, baking cookies & Christmas gift shopping. I took a short trip to Kentucky to visit two fellow Hawaii Army Wives while Gabe stayed home & enjoyed a weekend out with some of the guys he has met. We’ve settled in to our new Neighborhood quite well & are enjoying it very much. Speaking of our neighborhood our neighbors have been fabulous, I don’t think we could have picked a better house, they have all been so great & welcoming. My Spouse aka Sarah will be coming for a visit right before Christmas, I seriously can’t wait to have here her. I miss her so much and I know Gabe secretly misses talking guns with her.

We have so much to be Thankful for this year simply being back together is the best of them all. Hoping you enjoy your Holiday Season with your family, we can’t wait to see what opportunities 2012 has in store for us.

Merry Christmas Southern Style

With Love The Gabriel’s

Gabe, Tiffany, Bailey & Dingo

Christmas Cards Galore

DAY 54

What do you do with yours???

I always remember my momma keeping all of our Christmas cards from every year and storing them with the Holiday decorations. I myself started doing the same since we've been married & have quite the collection now. I would display them through the Holidays season and then pack them away in a gift bag with the last years. This is how it was each year, I never wanted to throw them out but wasn't really sure what to do with them. That's when I stumbled upon a brilliant idea on Pinterest that I knew was a "Must Do." A great way to display your cards (for any occasion, I'm going to do our Wedding ones next) for others to see, also makes for a fun conversation piece when you look back through them. A plus is you are able to keep them all in one contained area with out a mess or being disorganized.

Its as easy a scooping ice cream into a bowl, simply punch a hole in the top corner of your choosing on each card and then string a piece of ribbon through each one and tie it together making a bow. The demonstration on Pinterest used a metal ring which you can use as well but I like the idea of the ribbon so you are able to add more as years go by & its much more festive don't ya think.

I have tons of ideas for the Holidays on decorating, organizing and baking thank goodness for winter break from work soon. It will give me plenty of time to put some of my DIY projects & recipes to the test.

** another pinterest idea put to the test & passed :)

Holiday Photo's

DAY 38

To share or not to share (yet???)

I was over the hills excited to get our Holiday pictures back this morning :) I was able to get a sneak peek preview a few days prior & just loved them. Besides my love the only other person to see them was my spouse. I couldn't keep them all to myself I was so excited about them. The plan was to use these for our Christmas cards this year. I went back and forth on weather or not I wanted to post them on my Blog & FB prior to sending out our Christmas cards or if I should wait. I've decided to wait, I want to leave everyone hanging if you will :) Should we say a bit of a Christmas surprise for my fellow recipients. (don't worry I'll be sure to share them soon enough)

~Mele Kalikimaka~

Mele Kalikimaka from Gabe & I to you & your Ohana!!! I hope this Holiday season brings you JOY and LOVE were ever you may be. I'm truly blessed to have the best gift of all and that's my most amazing HUSBAND!!! Love you BABE!!!!





Mele Kalikimaka & Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I have never been more happy for a year to end than I am 2010. It really has been an amazing year, although we’ve had some really great times there has been a few tough times as well. The newest addition to our family is my 2009 Dodge Challenger, which just so happens to be my pride & joy. I am still working at the Child Development center. Gabe has attended many different field trainings & schools over the last year. We managed to squeeze in a lot of exploring all over the island through out the weekends. Hiking many trails & seeing some beautiful sites. Exploring some new beaches & parts of the island we had not yet seen. We have even discovered a dog beach on Hickam Air Force Base that we have started taking the pups to, which they love. Speaking of them they are doing well, getting big. They bark a lot & are totally spoiled but we wouldn’t trade them for anything. While Gabe was away in February - April at NTC (National Training Center in Cali.) he went in front of the Promotion board & passed. Meaning he was up for his next Rank. I had the chance to see the USMC Silent Drill Platoon preform. I have to say it was pretty amazing. My mom came out for a visit in March & I got to play tourist & take her around to all my favorite spots. We celebrated Easter with the Woodside’s at their house with lots of food. For our birthdays this year we celebrated BIG in our own little way. The end of April we had a Mexican themed dinner party @ our home & invited all of our closest friends. In May we made a trip to Kauai, it was definitely different from Oahu. Our big stop was the Waimea Canyon, which was absolutely beautiful. Much smaller than the Grand Canyon big still huge. June brought us back to the Valley of desert, Arizona it was. It was a wonderful trip but a sad one as well. As we enjoyed lots of time with family & the Clingers. We also said our goodbyes to Grandma Gabriel whom we love & miss dearly. Finally this trip back home we were making our way to the Grand Canyon for two days. Neither of us had ever been there, crazy I know seeing’s Gabe has lived there for quiet some time now. It was amazing to see how big it really was & then to be able to compare it to the Waimea Canyon was even better. We spent the entire day walking the side of the rim taking in the view. The next morning we woke up bright & early to watch the sunrise & I though I was going to freeze my booty off. I definelty have been spoiled by the Hawaiian weather. July was the hardest month of them all. D day rolled around & my world just fell apart. Gabe deployed to Iraq for his 2nd tour supporting OIF & OND. This go around is 12 months vs. 15 like the first time, still didn’t make things any better for me. Not only did I have to send my husband off again but I had to say “goodbye” to my dearest closest friends on Island. I love the army but I hate it as well. Having to send the Woodside’s off just 8 days after Gabe left was the worst feeling ever. We have grown so close to them over the last year, they are family to us & we can’t wait to get back on the mainland to see yall again. We love & miss you dearly. I got a awesome replacement staff in my classroom at work. Her name is Sarah a new army wife herself & we have become fabulous friends. Its awesome how quickly your friendship grows & how strong they become when its a “army family”. Im so grateful to have both her & her husband in our life. Late July Gabe was finally promoted to Staff Sergeant, I am so proud of him & all he has accomplished in the last 5 years in the army. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the two of us. He has been keeping busy downrange, with going to the gym a lot & working out. He say’s going to the gym helps pass the time & keep him busy. Last he said he has lost almost 15 lbs. They go out on patrols often, he attend’s more meeting than I can count. All in all he is doing well & staying safe, just waiting for R&R to come around which should be some time next spring. Since Gabe has been gone I have been a busy bee, trying to help the time pass quickly. I’ve been Skydiving 3 time’s & absolutely love it. It’s a must if you come to Hawaii, truly a adrenaline rush. Late September the Blue Angels came to Hawaii & I had the chance to see them preform. Through out October a group of us managed to make our way to the different Haunted Houses on island. In November we celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary, sadly apart this year. The 9th not only is our wedding anniversary but its also the anniversary of Gabe joining the Army. This makes 5 years with only 15 more to go to retirement. I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at the house with a few of our close friends, I love the army family we have made here. We will be thinking of all of you this Christmas & pray that you have a Blessed day with your family. I will be spending it with Gabe’s mom who is coming out for a visit. We wish you all well in whatever it is that 2011 may bring you & your family. We miss each & every one of you & hope to see our family on the mainland soon. (as of now we should be moving back to the mainland (were we don’t know) sometime late 2011, so we will keep yall posted.)
Lots of Love from Iraq & Hawaii
The Gabriel Ohana!!!!! 2010

Its not JUST A CAR........

......ITS A DODGE CHALLENGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was pondering over pictures one evening trying to figure out this years Christmas card. I knew I wanted a picture of Gabe in Iraq on it and one of us together as well as the dogs. So there is three pictures. Good enough right. Well I got to thinking I could use one of the ones that I had taken a couple weekends ago of me on it and then that's when I came up with a bright idea. I'm so crazy about my car its my pride & joy so why not see if Brittney from Lowder Photography can take my picture on the beach and incorporate my car. So I asked her and she was ALL over it. This to is a surprise to Gabe, he has NO idea I did this and I can't wait for him to see. I think after we were done I was more stoked about this photo shoot than I was for the first one. I am thinking I am just going to send him the Christmas card early and surprise him that way with the "car pictures". Well that is if I can hold out that long and not tell him.







The pictures were taken down on a beach at Dillingham, the weather was perfect and I couldn't be more happy with the way things turned out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures, I though I loved my car before now I just LOVE IT EVEN MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!






ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!