Our First Full Day

Enjoying our first full day together. Thankfully the hubbs got in so early that we pretty much had an entire day just the two of us. After leaving the Hanger he wanted to stop off at the Company area and see some of his guys and say hello. After a quick visit we headed home and got settled. The pups where beyond thrilled to see their "daddy". 

 I had breakfast planned for us, knowing he was going to be getting in early enough to eat but since he'd eaten a bit at his last layover he wasn't really hungry. Myself on the other hand, hadn't eaten since 3am that morning. Almost 11am and I was starving. We called his mom and dad to tell them the good news of his return and they where behind thrilled. His mom asked him if I knew he was coming home when he did because I hadn't mentioned anything to them the weekend prior when we where together. He told her yes I did, and that he knew better then to surprise me with a Homecoming because he knows how I like to have everything planned out and just perfect. Yes Yes I do. I would have been devastated if he'd ever pulled something like that. 

We decided to venture out and grab some lunch at Noodles and Company, followed by a trip to Verizon to upgrade my phone. Lucky for him he was able to upgrade his as well. That then led to a stop at Best Buy since it was right there, followed by a trip to a couple gun stores and then the local hardware store. Not exactly how we had talked about spending our day but that's ok, he was / is home and we are together so that's really all that matters. After the last store even though it was only 2pm:ish I was exhausted and ready to get home. The lack of sleep from the night before, the early morning and running around for 2-3 hours had finally caught up with me. We headed home to relax for the evening. 

 Since I'd made dinner ahead of time the day before I simply just had to put it in the oven to cook. Talk about a easy peasy first night at home. We spent the rest of the evening lounging and cuddling on the couch watching a bit of TV before calling it a night at 7:20pm. Yup, you read that right we where in bed well before the sun went down. Over the past week between the both of us we hadn't got much sleep. From his traveling back to the States to my house cleaning and excitement, sleep was not something that came easy. 

We are both beyond thrilled and excited that he is home and I couldn't be more blessed that God has safely gotten us through another deployment. 

I can't wait to see where life takes us and what our future holds. 

As hard as deployments are there is one good thing that comes out of them, they most definitely bring us closer together. I love this man more than words can say and I'm truly grateful to have him as my husband. 

He's Home!!!!!!!!

The morning was going to start EARLY. I set like 5 alarms on my phone so I wouldn't miss it and over sleep. My hair was already done, since Barbie my co-worker did it the day before at work. It was in a beautiful side swiped french braid with a twist across the top. I made sure every last detail of my house cleaning / getting ready preparations where done the night before. I wanted to go to bed stress, care free and not have to rush around in the morning to do last minute things. I seriously contemplated even going to sleep the night before since 1) I had to be up so early and 2) I didn't wanna mess her hair. But around 10pm I had everything done and was just randomly surfing the web. I knew at that point that if I didn't go to bed I'd be exhausted the next day, not to mention it would make time go by even slower. So off to bed I went. 

I fell asleep, and woke up. It was only 12am. Back to sleep I went, waking up checking my phone and the flight schedule online and it was only 1:45am. Back to sleep, waking up again shortly later and it was only 2:30. Aaaahhhhh time was creeping, I knew it would but seriously. Finally 2:45am rolled around and my alarm went off. I laid there scrolling through FB and checking the flight schedule again. No changes, yay!!! I slowly got up, made the bed, had a little something to eat, surfed the web a bit before finally going up stairs to get ready. 3:45 dress on, make-up done, made a breakfast banana wrap and headed out the door. I was meeting Brittany my director / boss at 4am right down the street from my house so she could follow me on post. She so kindly offered / agreed to take pictures for us. She has an amazing talent / eye for photography which she does on the side. 

We arrived on post at the Hanger right around 4:30am, it's recommended you get there 2 hours early. I didn't wanna take any chances so 2 hrs early we where. Thankfully since their arrival was so early and it was a smaller group (150-ish) we where able to park there at the Hanger vs. at their Company area and having to be bused over. 

Walking in there wasn't to many people there yet, a good amount but not over whelming. We found great seats in the bleachers,  floor level front and center for our up coming 2 hour wait. I have to say it went by pretty quickly. We went out to the air field a time of two, to check it out and get some air. Finally at 5:50am we decided we'd go wait outside till the plane came in. This way we would be able to secure a spot in the front. Not to mention it was so much nicer outside temperature wise then it was inside. 

(quick back story, at Ft. C. Homecomings you are able to see the plane come in and land right there at the airfield and watch the Soldiers walk off the plane into formation to enter the hanger.) 

Their flight was suppose to come in at 6:35am, well 6:35 came and went....6:50, 6:55, 7:00 came and went. Finally around 7:05 their flight was spotted coming in and the excitement grew from the crowd. It landed just behind another hanger where we couldn't see it and a few moments after it came pulling through following behind a truck. That's when it finally really hit me hard and it really clicked that "HEY MY HUSBAND IS ON THAT PLANE" and I'm going to have my arms around him in the next few minutes. It did a little zig zag coming closer and closer before finally stopping, the door opening as the Color Guard approached the plane. That's when Soldiers started coming off and the crowd went crazy. I was eye balling each one of them looking for mine, one after another they walked by and no husband. After a while you saw the last of the line come off the plane. They where still a little way's out (walking distance) so I couldn't see the last set of them clearly and just as my heart started to race with worry, THERE HE WAS!!!!! A sign of relief settled in me as I was able to breath again. Brittany snapped a couple pictures and then we booked it back inside to get our seats before the ceremony started. (They assured us they would allow everyone time to get in and seated before starting the ceremony.) 

The hanger doors opened and the crowd went crazy as the Soldiers marched in. My eyes searching like crazy to find him again. Back left side I pointed out to Brittany, I couldn't take my eyes off him the whole time. The ceremony was short, brief and to the point before they where released. He was looking the opposite direction as I came running up behind him. Wrapping my arms around him and seeing his face was the best!!! It was over, finally he was home and out of harms way. In that moment every thing and everyone slipped away. It was as if we where the only ones there in the hanger. Soaking it all up!!!! We had about 15-20 minutes together lots of hugs, kisses, laughs and small talk was exchanged. 

After that short time had passed the guys had to form back up in formation to go check in their weapons, get their bags and have a short safety brief before being released for the day. Brittany stuck around to take some more pictures afterwards of just the two of us outside the Hanger. She was / is seriously such a doll and I am so grateful she agreed to come be apart of this moment in our life. Their briefing seemed to take forever, really it actually did take forever. Thankfully he knew I wanted to get a few more pictures before we left and he was totally ok with it that once he was released he came out and we where able to get right to it. After snapping a few pictures, he grabbed his bag and we where on our way to the car. He was all mine for the rest of the day. (unlike in Hawaii, he had to report to work the next day and the following 7-10 days straight for re-intergration SRP) A quick stop at the company area so he could say hello to a couple of the guys he works with that came home 4 months earlier then him. 

Finally we where headed home, life was back to normal again. Well with a few changes from each of us but normal. We completed our 3rd deployment, in just shy of 8 years of marriage. We've been through more than most normal civilian couples will ever go through in a life time. Each time its only made us stronger and brought us closer together as a couple. 

I'll leave you with this picture I posted on FB and Instagram announcing to everyone that he was home. We didn't tell anyone ahead of time, there was literally 4 people that knew when he was coming home. Keeping it a surprise and my lips sealed made it that much more special for me and was totally worth it. Once I have all the pictures back from Brittany I will be sure to flood this here Blog, FB and Instagram. So be on the look out for those!!!! 

Blog Post Coming Soon: Match Making Husband. 

July 4th Weekend Getaway!!!

Over the 4th of July weekend I headed up to Ohio to meet up with my In-Loves. My Father in Law has family there and apparently they do a annual 4th of July shindig and go all out. Not having any plans of my own I was excited about the opportunity when my MIL mentioned it to me a few months back. I was a bit nervous though as I'd never met any of this side of the family and neither had the hubbs. Talk about a funny story, me meeting some of his family before he ever had. So Thursday morning I dropped the pups off at the Kennel facility, first time for them. I was a bit of an emotional wreck but we all survived. lol. Headed to work for a few short hours before they let me go early knowing I had a drive ahead of me. I had my lunch and snacks packed for my road trip so I wouldn't have to stop other than to use the restroom, thankfully my car get awesome gas mileage and I knew I'd make it with out having to stop and fill up. I arrived in Delaware, OH right after 9pm and was warmly greeted by my sweet In-Loves. Aunt Janet who will be 80 years young soon, (who we where staying with) had already gone to bed. We chatted up the evening a bit before calling it a night, knowing the next few days where going to be busy busy.

Up bright and early Friday to get my work out in followed my a trip down to Columbus, OH to check out the North Market. A local indoor market with tons of vendors offering any where from yummy eats, desserts, breakfast, full meals for lunch or dinner and an assortment of household goods and trinkets. It was such a neat little place, not to big not to small. I really wish we had some thing like this in Clarksville. We have a outdoor market but its only open on Saturday early Spring - late Fall, where as The North Market is open year around. There was a Bakery / Pastry shop that sold Macaroon's. I'd never tried one but I've always wanted to so  picked up to. A Lemon flavored and then Strawberry. I ate them and gave it a fair shot but lets just say I wasn't a fan. Not something I'll be jumping up and down again to get or go out of my way for. A little way's down however was the neatest Donut shop / booth called Delicious Donuts. Let me tell you they did not disappoint at all, they where marvelous and HUGE. I decided on a plain glazed, I mean you can't go wrong with simple and sweet right?!?!? That was until they brought out a tray of Cinnamon rolls that where literally bigger then my face. Ok so I caved and bought both. Let me tell you it was totally with it to!!! After walking around once more making sure we'd seen everything, the large display of Fiestaware as well, (to bad I had all the piece there already, I was really hoping to add to my collection.) we called it a trip and headed back to Delaware. Some of us girls where meeting up for Pedi's (Thursday night when I got in-town my MIL asked if I'd want to go, UMMMM YES PLEASE). It was so nice to have a little girls time out while the guys where prepping for Saturday's big festivities. I was able to have the chance to get to know my FIL cousin and her daughter while being pampered a little, something I never do for myself. I had planned on paying for mine but before I had the chance Lori was kind enough to pick up the bill for all of us. Yall everyone was so incredibly nice and caring the entire time we where there. This was just one of the many things they did for us. We went back to Lori's house for a glass of wine and did a little getting to know each other / catching up on the patio with some yummy snacks.

 A few hours went by and we headed home to get freshened up for dinner. In Delaware they have a thing called First Friday, they shut down the street that runs through downtown (Delaware, OH is really small) and local businesses come out, set up tables to promote their business and bring the community together. We had dinner at a new little Pub / Bar and then walked the street a bit seeing what all was there. I really didn't take to many pictures at all and sadly none this evening. After seeing everything there was we headed back to Pam's house for yet another round of drinks (who am I to complain, keep the wine coming) by the fire. Not realizing what time it was when we decided to go because it was still so day light out but it was already well past 9pm. That was the thing that baffled me the most, it didn't get dark till close to 10pm each evening and both morning and night it was quite chilly. Not something we have right now in TN.

Saturday morning the FIL headed back to Rick and Lori's house to help set up for the BBQ while my MIL and I stayed back finished up some dishes we where taking and helping Aunt Janet with some last minute things she had been working on as well. Shortly after arriving back to where the BBQ was at every one else started slowly coming in. That's when it hit me that I was there with out the hubbs and with so much of his family. Even through he'd never met a soul of them it was still a bit sad and overwhelming not having him there. I did have a great time though and everyone again was so sweet and caring. Asking a million questions, simply trying to get to know Me, Us and Our Story. I didn't mind at all though I love love sharing our story, talking about our life together. Plus it totally gives me a reason / the chance to brag on my amazing husband :). Several hours went bye and many plates of yummy food later and we finally found ourselves cleaning up and preparing for a evening of Fireworks later. When Cathy (my MIL) first told me how the families 4th of July Holiday tradition went I couldn't help but chuckle. All of the left over food is packaged up and put in coolers. Everyone heads home for a nap meets back up at a local field at 7pm. I figured a few people would show back up, after all it had already been a really long day. Nope just about everyone came. We gather around in our chairs and socialize for the next several hours waiting until the firework show started. That umm didn't start till it got dark at 10pm "TEN-pm" people. Crazy. The left over food is brought to munch on through the evening and works out really well because no one has to worry about going hungry or bringing food with them. This people are pro's at it to. They foil wrap the burgers and dogs in the buns ahead of time so they are easily dispersed. You can tell they've done this a time of two.
The fire work show was simply amazing. One of the best Ive been to for sure and it lasted for a good 45 minutes, it might have even been longer. The fun part came when it was time to leave. Walking to our car was no problem but getting out of the parking lot was another story. YIKES.

 Sunday morning the In-Loves and I got up bright and early and had breakfast on the Patio at a local Diner called Hamburger Inn, in downtown Delaware. It was most definitely a bittersweet breakfast, I love any and every minute I get to spend with them but this breakfast was followed with a tearful "Goodbye" as they headed on the road to make their 30 hour drive back to AZ, while I stayed back in OH for another day and a half visiting and catching up with a few friends.
I headed back to Aunt Janet's house and decided to clear my head by going on a run. What was suppose to only have been a 3-5 mile run turned into a 10 mile run with a "Oh Crap" moment in the middle because I had to go to the bathroom somethings fierce (because of the huge breakfast I'd just eaten) and there was no bathrooms around to be found. I was turned around in the middle of a residential area and only knew how to get back which was back tracking my route. I paused my run, taking a moment to gather myself on the side of the road. I was determined to make it back and finish out my at that point planned 10 miles. I did it, it might not have been pretty but I finished and had a pretty stellar time and pace. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the house just relaxing and hanging out. That evening I headed back out to Columbus, OH for dinner with one of our sweet friends from Hawaii. Tara and I met through a mutual friend shortly after I started working at the CDC on post and clicked right away. We've stayed in touch over the years as she moved back from HI to TX and now recently back home to OH. We where able to pick right up, it was so great catching up with her in person and just to hear how great she has been doing.

I ended my evening with a little Custard in downtown Delaware. It was pretty tasty!!! 

Monday morning was another early morning for me, up to get my workout it and pack up the car. I had plans to meet up with some of our best friends from our Hawaii days back in Columbus. Jamie and Anthony where the first people I met when I went to Hawaii. I stayed with them when I went out before the hubbs and I where even married. He was in a sense their (at the time) 2nd child. The 3 of them, including their daughter Jessica did everything together. After the guys first deployment Anthony made the decision to get out of the Army and move home. It was heart breaking because I we did everything together. We where always at their house and they where always at ours. Beach and dinner trips, random shopping adventures and outings. We've kept in good touch through FB, phone and texting over the past 6 years but haven't had the chance to meet up and get together. So when I found out I was going to be in OH and so close to them I just knew we had to meet up. We met for breakfast at Bob Evan's. It was my first time there and let me tell you it didn't disappoint, it was pretty fabulous. A little back story, Jamie and Anthony left Hawaii with two girls. Jamie had their 2nd daughter right before the guys deployed. Now fast forward 6 years and they've added TWO more kids to the mix making it a grand total of 4 kiddos. CRAZY!!!!! 3 girls and the youngest a boy. They are all so cute and Jessica the oldest is almost 16 which is crazy for me to even think she can be that old. After breakfast we went down to the Ohio State Campus and walked around a bit checking it out, taking a few pictures. We ventured over to a local park and hung out there for a while. The weather was perfect and Jessica had brought her Violin and serenaded us while we continued to visit and catch up. Before to long our parking meters where up and I needed to get on the road to head back to TN. Another heart breaking "Goodbye" not knowing when we'd see each other again. Soon I hope, the plan is to, plan a trip once the hubbs gets home from deployment for us all to meet up for a weekend of camping.

A quick stop back at North Market for a treat and lunch before getting on the road to head home. A 6 and a half hour drive ahead of me I needed something to get me through. I had the best time, it was a nice relaxing weekend filled with family, friends and delicious foods. I can't wait to do it again next year for the 4th.

New York City Day 4

This morning was def, our earliest morning of them all. We actually set a alarm for today. Something your not suppose to do on Vacation right. We had a full day ahead of us and so we wanted to make sure we got a early start. Being at the Empire state building when they opened at 8:00AM to beat some of the crowds and long lines. There was already people in line and making their way inside when we arrived at 8am sharp. Thankfully there really wasn't any waiting of lang time. We headed straight in and up the stairs through security and up the elevator to the 86th floor. We opted not to go to the 102nd floor. I went to the very top last November when I was there and well honestly its really not much of a difference in the view if you ask me. So we decided we'd say the extra $$$$ and stay down low. 

See I'm telling you the views are fantastic, its such a beautiful place. A city of buildings that never sleeps. 

No place I'd rather be. I had this magical moment planned out in my head for while we were on top of the Empire State building with my hubbs. However with the FREEZING temperatures all of those thoughts and ideas completely slipped my mind. We took in the view, tried not to get wind blown around. I swear once we went back inside I looked like Rudolph my nose was so red. I couldn't feel my fingers. And you know what at the end of our trip there none of that matter. The only thing that did was  that we were able to experience it together for the first time. Magical view curled up in his arms no place I'd rather be, freezing and all. 

One of my favorite cities in the world. 

We walked back down a couple blocks passing the New York City Library…..

….to Grand Central Station. Another city inside its self. One of the most beautifully built buildings in the city. 

Every time I'm here I feel like I'm in a movie myself. There's 100's if not 1000's of people going every direction. Both local and tourist. 

Its like your ticket to any were you want to go…..your way out….your escape from the world. 

Back out on the streets we headed up a few blocks to Bryant Park. I love the red, white & blue Christmas tree. So pretty. The different shops and cafe's to check out make this little walk through area / park a must go to during the winter months. Last minute gift shopping…..they've got it. And when your done doing your shopping take a spin around the Citibank Ice Rink. Christmas music playing, gets you in the spirit even being after Christmas. 

From there we headed to Time Square. They were already setting up for tomorrow evenings grand events. The ever so amazing Ball Drop at Midnight. We stopped in the Visitors center (which mind you I didn't know they had prior to a little research before our trip.) We both wrote on a piece of the official Time Square confetti paper our wishes for 2014. They were then placed in a bucket and dumped on the city of New York as the clock struck Midnight Ring in the New Year. We saw all the different characters dressed up and the little kids going crazy wanting to have their pictures with them and wanting to meet them. I love Mickey and Minnie Mouse, I've always been a fan ever since I was a little tiny person. 

Hopes and Dreams wall in the Visitors Center. 

From there we went to Bond 45 to have a late lunch before getting on the longest subway ride of our trip. We were headed to the city of Queens to meet up with A again. This time he was going to show us around the area he lived and more than just the tourist parts of NYC. We got of the subway and walked  up and I completely felt so out of place. I couldn't read any of the street signs let alone understand what anyone was saying. I made sure to stay close to the hubbs. Once we met up with A we headed down the highway. 

Our first stop was the World Largest Globe and the sight were the space shuttle took off from in the movie Men In Black. This was also the observation tower for the World Fair that was held in NYC in 1964. Both located in Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Queens NY. Kinda cool, got a little history lesson while we were out. 

From there we drove around some more and A showed us around. It was really neat to see such a different part of the city that I'd never seen before. The best part was hearing the hubbs and A talk and go back and forth on their stories and do the whole Remember When…. Thing. I sat in the back seat minding my own but it was one of the best days we had while we were there. It's so fun meeting up with friends when your on vacation. It made it feel more like we were home hanging out vs. on a vacation. We headed to lunch shortly after, being in Queens your options are well slim kinda. I knew we'd eat something that was well OUT of the BOX if you'll say. I'm can be a picky eater so I tried to keep a open mind. We went to this Vietnamese place A just raved and raved about I was so nervous I'd never had Vietnamese food before. We each got these sandwiches and fries with this sauce on top and let me tell you it was to die for. I couldn't get enough and was so stuffed be time we left. The hubbs and I may have been the only white people in the place and the hubbs may have made a huge scene hitting his head on the light fixture because he's so tall. Still it did not disappoint. I wish we had a place like that here in the South. 

We left there and headed over to Brooklyn. I was talking to A about how I'd never been and he was telling us about how different it was and offered to drive over and show us around. You can go from being in a really nice area to in a completely crappy area in less than a full block. Def. not some were I'd go and venture out on my own since I don't really know the area or culture. We made our way to Ft. Hamilton Military Base, its seriously the smallest Army post I've ever been on. Its small than the size of a postage stamp but still offered everything a normal post does. We stopped by and checked out the Officers Club which had amazing views of the Bay. It actually worked out because A was able to get some wedding information for his upcoming Ceremony in September. Wedding planning on vacay, don't mind if we do. This bridge that connected two of the burrows was located right next to Ft. Hamilton. A told me the name of it but I completely forgot. 

After playing tourist a little more and listening to the never ending stories which I loved it was time to say our "see you soons". I wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge while we were in NYC and well it seemed perfect to do it this evening since we were right there in Brooklyn. This was another thing I'd never done before. After a little convincing on my end, (it was pretty cold outside) A dropped us off just right out side the entrance of the walk way to the bridge. We made our way across the one mile bridge through the crowds and bikers. It had some beautiful views, I only wish we would have waited and done it during the day. We got there right at dusk. Pictures and the views were great but would have been so much better. I was adamant about doing it though because I just knew we wouldn't be back down in that area. You can't win them all though right. Still we had a great time and I can say I've walked across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. How many people can say they've done that.?!?!?

Kisses on the Brooklyn Bridge. 

I really can't get enough of him. He's not a big city kinda guy so him coming to the big city with me is such a big deal. He's given up so much for me and done so much for me in the last 7 years we've been together I couldn't imagine sharing these moments with any once else. We had such a great day today, like I said probably one of the best days while we were in the city. 

Since we got back to Manhattan so late we were wiped out. Went back to the B&B after stopping by Dunkin Donuts for Coffee and Hot Chocolate. We need up not going back out for dinner and just munching on some left overs we had from a couple nights before. Curled up in bed watching a little TV was the best way to end out evening. 

6 Year’s of PURE JOY!!!!

6 year’s ago we said our I Do’s. I can’t believe its already been 6 years. Sometimes it seems longer and then other times it seem’s shorter. We’ve defiantly made the most of the last 6 years for sure. We’ve had good times and bad times, hard times and easy times. All of which have gotten us through the past 6 years as a married couple and were we are today. I can’t say I would change any of it, even the deployments were hard but we made it through more in love and stronger than when we went in. I’m looking forward to the next 6 plus years and everything that they hold. I know greater things are in store for us in our future. 

To celebrate we were in Savannah for my big race, my 1st Full Marathon. (read about it here) As you may remember I ran it on our Anniversary. I was hesitant to sign up for it in the beginning with it being on our Anniversary but it was a great day. Having the hubbs there for it mint everything in the world. Of course the day holds a special meaning for many reason’s now. We had planned to stay a second night in Savannah until we found out about a month ago our dear friends the L family were coming down for the weekend. They were staying at our house so we decided we’d go back to Cola after the race. Of course I wanted to spend every minute we could with them event if that mint on our Anniversary night. We all went to dinner together, all 7 of us (they have 3 kiddos). I wanted to go to dinner some were different, some were we don’t go often. However we settled on Olive Garden and you know what it was pretty perfect. We had a fabulous time, we were able to catch up, there were tons of laughs and jokes and of course lots of celebrating. 

We even attempted to have a slumber party in the floor of our room. Now that’s love if you ask me. The hubbs in the bed and me and sweet Madi on the floor. She’s 4 almost 5 and wanted to sleep with us. However she some how had the hardest time turning her little chatting mouth off and well mom interfered and she went to sleep with them. Of course I managed to make my way back into my comfy bed. It may not have been everything I ever dreamed of for our 6 year celebration but for us it was absolutely perfect. I’m really big on celebrating our Anniversary’s and it will be one I always remember. 

I simply can not ever imagine my life with out this man in it and I’m so grateful I never will. He’s my world, my rock, my everything. He hold’s me together when I’m at my worst and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have an entire life time with him ahead of me. Let the good times roll!!!! 

I love you baby Always & Forever and Thensome 11-09-07

These cutie pies almost make me want to have one of my own. But in the mean time I'll just enjoy everyone else's kiddos. 

Enjoying a great dinner with fabulous friends. 

My Mistress, I've missed her to pieces. 

Happy Anniversary Love!!!!! 

 A sneak peak of our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary shoot we had taken Yesterday.