Idaho, it's not just potatoes anymore

Back in Limbo

2011-02-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

Aaron has been back in South Korea since August of last year, although I've been checking in periodically with several of my favorite blogs, I haven't been doing much writing. It had been such a long time since I had done any actual book reading that I was feeling far from inspired. As of late however I have been reading books with more interesting topics and it has spurred my own creativity back into exisitance. I leave to spend a month and a half in South Korea in less than two weeks. I plan on doing some re-vamping and updating in the near future and will share my upcoming trip with anyone who is still interested in listening.

Chelsie

You've been gone too long....and all that jazz!

2010-05-29T00:26:00.000-04:00

I should issue some nonsense about never staying away this long again and updating more regularly and other lies, but I won't. I will say that the past few months have been filled with some of the happiest moments of my life.

I was able to go home for almost a week and a half and witness the birth of my nephew Jacob. I was able to visit my wonderful family and friends. I have also been working 34 or so hours a week and spending as much time as possible with my husband before he leaves for another year in Korea in September.

On to fluffy things. Today I got an oil warmer for the very first time...not a wax melter, or a candle. An oil warmer! It's like the newest most awesome thing ever! In less than ten minutes my entire house smells like delicious and yummyness. I got three oils from the body shop to go with my warmer and my favorite scent is Exotic...it smells like kool-aid and happiness.

I will try to update with some regularity from now on but seriously when you get 2 inches of snow on may 22nd....and have still been living with weather more suited to winter, you really don't feel like doing too much of anything.

A Lesson in Thankfulness

2010-02-12T13:22:00.000-05:00

About 6 months ago, I had a moment of panic. Not just a passing moment, but a few months where everyday I felt pangs of guilt, anger and sadness. I was so jealous of all my brothers' and sisters' having children that I couldn't see straight.

When Aaron and I got married we decided well before hand that we would wait 7 to 10 years before having children. We were only 19 and 20 respectively and no where near ready to bring a child into the world. That's not to say that we thought it would be the end of the world if it happened sooner, we just planned to wait.

6 months ago, I found out my younger sister was pregnant and I'm ashamed to say that the first thing I thought was 'I should be first.' I tried to rationalize my anger and jealousy. I tried to factor in that I had been married nearly 3 years at the time, and still hadn't gotten pregnant because we weren't financially ready and that my husband and I were 'doing it the right way.' I was mad at her for taking something from me. What, I wasn't exactly sure. I just knew that it was my right and she had stolen it.

My husband and I lay in the bed that night and I sobbed while he held me. I cried deep, wracking tears. I let every insecurity and dream fall into his arms that night and I told him I wanted a child. He looked me in the eyes and said. "Then go off birth control and we will start trying before we turn the spare room into a guest room." He was being so logical that I took a step back and decided that this baby fever would pass and we would just wait it out.

For months everytime I saw a baby I felt a clench in my stomach and hormones nearly took over. However I stuck by our original decision, and endured through my jealousy and anger. For almost 3 months I was sad and angry because I have always wanted children but I knew it wasn't the right time. I have prayed and prayed and God has continued to tell me to ''Wait'

I thought I might never get over my anger and feelings of loss, but I have. It's taken a while and everyday I have to pray and remind myself that God has a plan, and that thought I don't understand it, I need to trust in him. I also look at the lives we lead, and realize how fortunate we are to be able to do all of the things we do. With a child there is no way we could pick up and drive the 7 hours to Portland to see a concert. We need to remember the blessing we are given in this time alone together and use it to strengthen our relationship before there is a child in the equation.

Today I am thankful, I know it is hard to be thankful in everything, but I am trying.

2010-01-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

We checked into the Jupiter Hotel and put our stuff into our room. It was small but very cute and the bed was super comfortable. I think part of Aaron’s biggest excitement was that we would be able to eat at Chipotle while we were in town and so we got the GPS out of the car (which was in an underground garage) and typed in Chipotle. We walked the near mile in cold and somewhat dreary conditions, however we made it there and enjoyed a head sized burrito each. We began the walk home and wouldn’t luck have it that it began drizzling when we got about 3 blocks away.

As we made our way into the garage to get some things from the car I spotted the van with the trailer attached and I noticed Marty standing there with his back to me talking on his phone. I was a little wet, and looking somewhat bedraggled from driving 7 hours so I made my way to the car to get the plates of cookies and brownies I had made for the guys. Jared had specifically asked for brownies at one concert and so I was bringing some to give them at the show.

As I am pulling them out of the car Uncle Larry and Jared walked out of the lounges back entrance to help with the unloading. I about died. Jared was looking far too adorable in his suit and tie with his Mohawk looking perfect. Uncle was looking very uncle like in a purple suit and shades. I walked over to them and looked at Uncle. He looked at me and said. “Can I help you?” I am sure I was standing there with my mouth hanging open or something.

“Um….actually these are for you.” I handed him the plates with cookies and brownies and his face lit up. He smiled at me and said “aww, well thanks for that,” and he reached over to hug me. I leaned in but realized that I was wet a little too late and ended up giving him a sort of half hug. As I pulled back Jared looked over at me and said. “Thanks.” I was so shocked that I kind of mumbled and walked away.

We made our way back upstairs where I proceeded to text all of the girls that I was going to be meeting at the concert. We chatted back and forth and I started to get ready. Long story short a couple of hours later I was dressed and ready and we were hanging out at the bar until we were ready to stand in line outside. We got outside and we had a blast while waiting in line. I met some wonderful ladies who I had chatted with online, but never met in person and we laughed and joked about different things.

As we made our way down into the area where the concert was going to be, we were excited to get spots right in front of the stage. I was standing right against the stage and had an amazing view. After the starting band (the patterns) played a few songs the guys came out to set up their gear. Jackson began setting up the keyboard and I said to him. “I’m the one who brought the brownies.”

He leaned forward and looked me in the eye and said, “Well thanks darlin.” Then he reached over and shook my hand. I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited the whole concert. They were about 1000 percent better in concert than their CD. I have loved their music since I first heard it and in concert they are that much better!

As the concert progressed between songs Jared was standing in front of me and I jokingly asked. “How were the brownies?” I honestly wasn’t expecting an answer so I was surprised to have him lean down and respond.
“They were awesome! I ate way too many.” Color me floored! I was just so happy to be there listening to some of my favorite band that I couldn’t believe I was able to actually talk to these guys. I got to shake Jared’s hand at the end of the concert and also got his autograph on the back of my ticket. It was truly a night to remember.
That is how the concert went. Totally amazing. Way better than I ever could have expected and definitely worth the drive.

Thinking thoughts too big for me.

2010-01-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

The concert was amazing, but I will write more on that later. I promise.

Last night as I lay in bed trying to sleep I began to think. I imagine this is the hardest part of the day for some people. Where you are so tired that your body just wants to pass out but your mind is turning over a thousand tiny things, like rocks in a tumbler. My brain is always trying to polish new ideas or reuse some old ones.

Lately I have been evaluating life. I think it may be the new year, or possibly the fact that I turn contemplative every so often. Something I read yesterday has been pinging around inside my head since we left portland yesterday. This is paraphrased from the book "Whiter than snow" it is a devotional by Dr. Paul David Tripp. My mom got it for me for Christmas, and I was finally able to sit down and read the first few pages.

"Our lives are not one big decision after another. We don't swing from life changing event to life changing event. Our live is the sum of the thousands of small decisions we make each day."

Profound, right? It got me thinking about my priorities in life. What did I want my life to have been about once it was over? Do I want people to remember me? Am I okay with just being a decent person, and leading an average life? Do I want to aim higher and have a larger margain for error?

These were the thoughts swimming through my head last night which had me wondering why I blog at all? Am I really doing that great a job at chronicling our lives here in the northwest? No, I suppose I'm not. I think I do it as a way to make sense of the thoughts I have. I do it to help keep sane. I do it to try to fulfill my want to be famous...I know you aren't supposed to admit those things, but there you have it.

I wanted to be an actress in High school. I didn't persue that career, and the more I see people my age doing things I wish I could have done the more introspective I become. I love my life. I am content each day with what I have and who I am with. My husband is the most amazing husband out there. He sometimes drives me batty, but he is the love of my life. Does that mean I can't have dreams and desires to do more? No, I don't think it does. I've been thinking more and more about what I will do when he leaves in September for another year unaccompanied. Last time I moved back home and lived with my family. That isn't really an option this time for a multitude of reasons.

I'll write more later.

One more day!

2010-01-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

In less than 24 hours I will be on the road to portland. To say that I'm excited would be the understatement of the year. I would say that for at least four months I have wanted to see the monkeys in concert. I waited patiently for them to announce when they would be coming to Boise. However after announcing Salt Lake City, Utah; Somewhere in Canada, Seattle, Washington and Portland Oregon...I have to ask; did they forget Idaho? We are right there in the middle of all of those places so I can only guess that they forgot about us or possibly will be coming back through later this year.

For that reason I am super excited about the oppourtunity to drive to Portland and see the monkey in concert. I must admit however that reading about the venue I am slightly scared that the guys have picked a place that feels it is too good to serve people who care less about appearance and more about awesome music. The doug fir lounge has some reviews which make me think that it is trying too hard to be "cool" and "hip" and that is something I don't get down with. When I get back from Portland I will do a total review and post my personal experience and opinion.

PS: The guys over at the doug fir lounge are not paying me to do this. I simply want to tell you about my experience in Portland.

Should I feel bad?

2010-01-11T17:18:00.000-05:00

I am slightly obsessed with my newest favorite band. I have both of their albumns and various singles downloaded on my Ipod, and I have a hard copy of the most recent albumn. When they announced a 100 city tour this year I danced around the living room for 30 minutes before realizing they hadn't announced which cities they would be touring....

Then two weeks later I find that they are indeed coming to Boise, ID a mere hour from our little town, and I about died right then and there. However they release dates only a few weeks in advance (If we're lucky) and they are only doing one date in idaho, if I have to work tough luck I won't be able to go. Well a couple of weeks ago they announced a date in Portland oregon... for january 19th. I jokingly told my husband, if I end up having the 19th and 20th off together I'm going to portland.

Yesterday I found out That next week I am working every day except the 19th and 20th....I called the husband in aa frenzy...."Can I go? I can't believe I got those two days off, it can't be a coincidence...it just can't be! I was meant to go see them next week"

I called while at the commisary and he was like "Yeah you can go, we'll talk when you get home...Don't have a heartattack"

I got home and he was like "Buy the ticket. You should go, You've been dying to go for months now, it's only a 7 and a half hour drive. I won't be able to get off work though, not this close out."

I was crestfallen, I had wanted to see them in concert for months, he was right about that. I didn't really want to go without him, but I knew he was right about not being able to get the time off so soon. "You won't have the car, how will you get to work."

"I'll get a ride, buy the ticket."

"But, but, Are you sure?" I pleaded not wanting him to be mad.

I am going to see 100 monkeys in Concert in less than a week and a half and I am so excited about it I might pop! I still cannot believe that I'm going on my first mini-road trip to see a band, and yet, I'll be doing it by myself. I think I'm okay with that. I'm 23, I can take a 2 day trip and not die just because I'm by myself. Any kind words? Any stories of trips you've made to see a band you love?

Wow, I never thought I would be able to do that.

2010-01-05T23:50:00.000-05:00

I had over 60 blogs on my feed. That meant a lot of posts to wade through each day. I was reading every single post from every single blog, but it always left me drained and without anytime for anything else to get done.

I am proud to say that I went through and pared that list. I am sorry that I had to cut that list in half. However I feel so much lighter, and more relaxed than I have in months. I am no longer reading blogs that don't inspire me. I am not reading blogs that are just daily whinings. I am not going to have picture a day posts clogging up my reader.

That's another thing...You can only take so many pictures of yourself before it starts to get old... am I right? I mean I get it if your husband is deployed and you want to take a picture of your child everyday so that he can see how much they have grown. I even get it if you want to just take a random picture everyday, surroundings, children, you on occasion, but taking a oicture of yourself and posting it everyday, what's the point of that?

My pictures would all be similar. I look the same almost everyday. I go to work or I stay around the house cleaning and stuff, not too much fun there. Okay enough endless chatter. This was just to let everyone know that I will now be leaving comments instead of rushing through your blog going "okay okay, get to the point"

On waking up late, and staying in all day.

2010-01-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

Today was a lazy day. I woke up late. The house was warm, if a bit messy. The cat has been stretched out in one position or another all day long, and I've spent most of the day reading some of my favorite blogs, and checking emails.

I am making a wonderful dinner tonight, prepackaged pasta, and some veggies. It doesn't sound like much, but it will taste awesome. I love me some bertoli.

I love watching food shows. I don't think I have the time or patience to make some of those fantastic creations that I see, but I sure love watching and salivating over them.

I need to do laundry, but that can wait. Sometimes having a day to do nothing is exactly what you need. If Aaron gets home at some point we might make it to the gym today. Believe it or not he is on day shift, even though it's 5 o clock and he still isn't home.

Forgive me...I haven't forgotten about you.

2009-12-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

It's not that I haven't been writing per say. It's just that right now I'm in the middle of writing a story so with work, house work, bills and everything else, something had to slide to the back burner for a bit. Did I mention that it is very cold here in Idaho? We get about an inch of snow every single week. I'm being serious. When you get an inch every week it starts to get old, I'd like to get eight inches all at once, because then we could make a snowman, and do all of those other cool snow things.

As it is, tough luck trying to make frosty out of an inch of yucky mush.

The holidays came and went around here, we had a fantastic Christmas, and my Husband got me some awesome gifts.

I got some Dansko clogs for work.
paraffin hand bath
lots of puzzles
jeans
pajamas
a sweat suit
julie and julia
harry potter and the half blood prince
and some other treats and things.

Here is a photo of us at the wing Christmas party all dolled up.

A meme...but a good one.

2009-12-22T10:08:00.001-05:00

This is a lazy snow day post. I am stealing this music based meme from Avitable. The rules are really simple: turn on your Ipod or other music player, put it on shufle and then fill out the stages of your life press next and fill out the next stage. Name the song, the artist and the album name if you have it.

Waking Up: Drunken Waltz, 100 monkeys, Monster De Lux

First Day at School: No Air, Jordin Sparks FT. Chris Brown

Falling In Love: Under Pressure, David Bowie/Queen, Best of Bowie

Fight Song: Hot as Ice, Britney Spears, Blackout

Breaking Up: Walk It Out Remix, Dj Unk/Andre 3000

Prom: If you could only see, Tonic

Life: Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benetar, Best Shots

Mental Breakdown: Bodybag, Hit the Lights, This is a stick up...Don't move

Driving: Galang, M.I.A., Arular

Flashback: Fly, Sugar Ray, The best of Sugar Ray

Wedding: May it be, Enya, Fellowship of the Ring OST

Birth of Child: Let it Rock, Kevin Rudolf/Lil Wayne

Final Battle: It's still rock and roll to me, Billy Joel, The essential Billy Joel

Death Scene: Chariot, Gavin Degraw, Chariot

Funeral Song: Gunpowder and Lead, Miranda Lambert, Crazy ex Girlfriend

End Credit: Oh!, Eric Hutchinson, Sounds like this
I couldn't have made these up if I tried, and I think it shows how diverese my Ipod happens to be.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-20T12:14:00.000-05:00

So it took me almost an hour to get all these pictures loaded. By that time I needed to leave for work, and well time seems to be going missing. I swear it was just last week we were eating turkey and now we are only days away from Christmas. That being said our house has been decorated for weeks, but we had a week of snow that kept me from taking pictures and posting...snow makes me very lazy for some reason. I mean you just want to wrap up in your favorite blanket and lay on the couch watching cheesy Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies.

Speaking of cheesy Christmas movies...tell me I'm not alone in that. I think that one of my absolute favorite guilty pleasures is: filling up the DVR with Lifetime movies and then spending a day watching and fast-forwarding while reading blogs and cathing up. I know most of them are totally predictible and nothing but cliches...but I don't care. No one can tell me that it isn't a blast to watch the shenanigans that ensue when a child missing a parent decides it't time to find a new mom...okay enoughabout that rant. It's time for me to get dressed and ready for work.

Dear so- and so

2009-12-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

Dear USAF,
Thank you for all of the things you have given us as a young married couple, Like 3 moves in 3 years. Healthcare that we wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. A place to live, and electricity. Friends from all over the world, and all the other wonderful things. On the other side of that; Why? Why are you sending Aaron to Korea Again? Why are you giving us a year together a year apart a year together and another year apart? I feel like I'm being punished for being so darn happy these past few months. Secondly, this time moving back home isn't really an option since there will be so many new little babies around. That means we won't be able to save a bunch of money this time and will probably actually lose money. Thanks...Thanks a lot.
Hating you, Chelsie

Dear Mom,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent fall and the stitches you had to recieve, I'm praying for a quick and easy recovery. I love you!
Love, Your favorite Daughter

Dear Work,
Thanks for providing a nice distraction, I really enjoy working and staying out of the house, you could not have come at a better time. I am also happy for the little bit of extra money, although right now it is going to a few small debts, I'll take any hours you have for me.
Content with my job, Chelsie

Dear Non-existent friends,
Hi there, In case you had forgotten I'm still around, just not as much as I used to be. I know that you have other things going on and I understand that sometimes the holidays make it hard to be around, but I wish you would call or text me just to let me know you still care. I know most of you are just happy that it isn't your husband going to Korea, and I get that, I just wish you would be a bit more there for me.
A little lonely, Me

Work Christmas Party Tonight

2009-12-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the AAFES Christmas party, and I'm pretty excited. I really like the people I work with and I'm looking forward to talking to them outside of work. I was really worried when I first started working that I wouldn't "fit in" since it had been so long sine I had been around other adults all day (I spent the last two and a half years working with children). I've been really surprised by how nice everyone is, and how well we get along. I am someone who comes to work to work, so I do my best to stay out of any kind of drama, although here it seems like everyone has a similar mentality. I haven't witnessed any tantrums, or trying to get out of doing your own work.

I am hoping tonight is as much fun as I expect it will be. I will be posting pictures later.

Thanksgiving really did happen...

2009-12-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

Here is the photographic proof that Thanksgiving really happened and it was awesome! The turkey turned out amazing, it was super tender and moist, and everyone was raving about it. I also made deviled eggs, green bean casserole, and two different sweet potatoe casseroles, one with a pecan crunch topping and one with the traditional mini-marshmallows. Dinner was served at 6:00 on the dot as evidenced by the photo below. It was epic to be together with friends.

Now that temperatures are starting to drop, the static in my hair is getting worse and I'm realizing that we aren't in North Carolina anymore. I never thought I would seriously miss humidity, however the crazy static is starting to drive me crazy...This southern girl is used to frizz and curls but constantly looking like a science experiment gone wrong is starting to get nerve wracking.

Anyone got any tips?

My very first turkey, ever...It was quite yummy if I do say so myself.

Sweet potato crunch...basically a desert in and of itself.

The classic green bean casserole, yummy!

Oh, life isn't all work?

2009-11-28T18:53:00.003-05:00

Wow! I had forgotten exactly how hard it is to be on your feet all day...I don't know how nurses and doctors do it. At the end of an eight and a half hour shift I just want to cut my legs off. Seriously though, the house is a wreck; I'm way behind in reading much less commenting on my favorite blogs, and writing hasn't been in the cards for too many reasons to count.

I don't want this blog to become nothing but a whine fest so I'm going to list some of the awesome things that have happened in past week or so.

I got all 9 of the books that I purchased with my Amazon gift card :)
The bad news is that haven't been able to even begin to read them :(

I also recieved my new foot soaking/massage bath :)
I haven't had the energy to heat the water up to actually use it yet :(

My husband and I got the house cleaned up in time for thanksgiving :)
The people and food left the house looking worse than before :(

All of the laundry is washed and dried :)
It is sitting in a mountain of unfolded crap on the bedroom floor :(

I have the cutest cat in the whole world :)
He sheds like nobody's business :(

All in all This week has had it's share of ups and downs, But I am thankful to have a wonderful husband, a wonderful house, plenty to eat, and a job. There are so many out there that wish their problems were as miniscule as mine, and I am looking ahead to having a better attitude ad thankful heart.

...Oh thanks Aaron, Appreciate it!

2009-11-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

So as I mentioned I started work on thursday...I've had four 8 and a half hour shifts since then...Yeah it's been great to get out of the house, but since we are a one car family that means I make the twenty minute walk to and from work adding close to an hour onto my day. Aarons work is closer to a 45 minute walk and putting me on a bike is seriously just asking for a broken ankle/knee/or whatever else. I love working, honestly I do. It gets me out of the house, gives us some extra cash, and in general helps keep me from being a bum. All that considered, my husband is kind of a slob. He isn't terrible of anything, I swear!

I am just the one who has always taken care of laundry, cooking, cleaning. Everything around the house has always been done by me, because I haven't had a job in two and a half years. I have arthritis in my knees and hips, and have a bad back which means that I am in pain at the end of my shift. After my walk home I am ready to fall into bed and pass out. The house has fallen by the wayside and my husband keeps telling me just to write down what needs to be done each day and we will split is up...are you joking? You don't even put your dishes in the sink, trash in the can and I can't remember the last time you took care of the cats liter without me begging you for 10 minutes.

Now, that's not saying my husband is gross or anything, and our bathrooms stay clean. No junk on the counters, no hair in the sink, he really is pretty good. I just don't understand someone who needs to be told how to "straighten up" It's not rocket science. If you use something put it back when your done. If you put a tea packet in your water...walk the 5 steps to the trash can instead of leaving it on the counter. Sometimes I wonder about that boy. Today I only have a 6 hour shift so I guess when I get home I will put the rock on as loud as I can and do a top to bottom clean before starting my cooking for tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-11-18T09:41:00.000-05:00

23 never looked so goood!

So....I hurt the car today...

2009-11-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

The day before my birthday and I went to do something nice for the hubby. (I was going to vacuum it out and clean the trash out) I went to the place on base and emptied all of the trash out of it, and it was pretty windy so I was only opening one door at a time. Then It was time to start vacuuming it out, so I get in the drivers side door to back up to be closer to the hose...and you guessed it left the door open. It ended up being bent back pretty far, so now we have $2,100 worth of damage to the car... Great! So I have to file a claim and pay a $500 deductible.

Saturday in Color

2009-11-16T03:09:00.003-05:00

My Saturday went something like this:

2:47 Get woken up by Aaron who is coming home from work

2:52 Try to go back to sleep

3:11 Give up on falling back to sleep and hang out with Aaron until his 6:00 AM bed time

5:38 Aaron declares he is going to bed

5:46 The cat starts crying at the bedroom door This continues off and on for about 30 minutes

6:27 Put the cat into the laundry room/Watch recorded shows on the DVR

9:02 Take a shower/Get dressed/Brush hair and teeth

9:24 Start a batch of Gluten free Muddie Buddies for the ESC craft Bazaar

9:56 Arrive at craft Bazaar and spend two hours selling cookbooks and treats

12:00 Come home and lay down for a nap

3:37 Aaron comes in and asks "Are you going to get up" I reply with a five minute request.

3:38 I Throw myself out of bed after hearing the time...I have to get ready for my Birthday celebration!

3:50 I Text roxy to let her know I am awake and getting ready

4:17 I call tucanos to secure a reservation and it's 5:30 or 8:00 5:30 it is...

5:22 We arrive at Tucano's safely.

5:48 We are already eating the delicious offerings

6:53 We leave to go to Kohls where Aaron buys me 2 pairs of nice pants and 3 nice top sets

8:03 We decide to come back to Mountain Home to hit up some clubs

9:00 Go to Kurly's for the first round...Get bored

9:38 Walk to Mark Anthony's to smoke a hookah...awesome!

10:02 Go to Pick up Wendi and Mark

10:47 Arrive at Rodeo, the pool playing/dancing/drinking commences!

It was a fantastic birthday celebration and on Thursday I am going with Mirinda to The midnight release of New Moon! Pinch me because I am pretty sure I must be dreaming. This has been the best birthday since I got married 3 years ago. I think the hubby is finally getting the hang of it.

What I saw Saturday morning outside in the backyard.

At Tucanos' where we ate dinner. It was amazing and so yummy!

Before Leaving I asked one of the guys smoking outside to snap a picture of the four of us.

At Rodeo's Before I had a few drinks, Aaron gracioulsy offered to DD for me.

Mike wanted a picture with him being the "creepy" guy in the background throwing up the "shocker"

Me, Wendi and Roxy

Mike doing his best Michael Jackson in front of a fan

This is how the night ended with me and Wendi dancing on stage to "I'm on a Boat" with two random chicks... I plead the Fifth.

Thanks everyone for an awesome Birthday Celebration. Roxy and Mike we are going to miss you when you leave for Virginia in a few months.

Did I mention???

2009-11-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

That Wednesday the 18th is my birthday? That's right I will be 23 years old. It seems so weird, I was telling Aaron the other day how sometimes it feels like I'm still only 19 and newly married. As a sort of birthday thing we are going to Tucanos tonight for dinner. I am very excited about this because it's supposed to be a real treat. They carry around meat on huge platters/spits and carve it right there at the table. We have never been to one, but we are really excited about the experience. I will post pictures and tell all about it later.

Dear so and so, about the holidays

2009-11-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Holidays,

This year I am back with my husband but I'm far far away from my family. Please stop trying to rush us. I love you and it's okay to take plenty of time. I am super excited about making a whole thanksgiving this year including a turkey. And then there will be a whole month devoted to Christmas, don't go rushing Christmas I love the baking of thanksgiving.
Love me

Dear Husband,

I am sorry that we are on opposite schedules right now, but I am very excited about getting a job. Please be supportive and help out around the house. I won't be here 24 hours a day now, and you will have to learn to put clothes in the bin, and put dishes in the washer, and trash in the can. This isn't rocket science I know your mom didn't follow you around throwing everything away for you and I won't be doing it anymore either.
Love your wonderful wife

Dear Creative Juices,

Thank you for flowing again, I am so excited to be writing again, I love feeling like I am finally doing what I was meant to do. Please don't stop. I will feed you chocolate, and give you a massage if you want me to, just don't desert me for so long again. It was hard feeling like I couldn't get past the road block in my mind.
Love the writer in me

Dear Back,

I hate you! That's right, if I never had to use you again it would be too soon. I am tired of the muscle spasms, the crunching and popping, and feeling in general like you are going to give out at any time. I am only 22 and this is completel unaccaptable. Do you understand me? Get into shape or I will be having them fuse you...I know you don't want that so please give me a break.
Love your owner

Dear Family,

I know you don't want to feel like you are crowding me, but you have my number. Please feel free to call me. Even if it is just to talk...I miss you guys.
Love your Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Grand daughter

New hair and a new job, it's my week!

2009-11-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

     I filled out an application for a part time job on Saturday or Sunday and on Monday I had gotten a call back. I went in on Monday and had an impromtu interview. On Tuesday I got offered the position. I am amazed at how quickly things come toogether when it's right. They are filling my background check and when that comes back I will start training. I am going to be working at the customer service desk at the BX. It is litterally a 5 minute walk from my house, and I am so excited to be working part time again. I Haven't worked for a company in two and ahalf years and I hope I pick it up quickly and things go well, but I am very glad to get out of the house and bring in a little extra cash. I will be getting about 20 hours a week during the holidays and between 3-19 once the holidays are over but I will be eligible for regular part time if a position opens up, and to be honest it will be nice to start out slow.

     I have been fortunate enough that I haven't had to work and have a husband that is completely supportive of whatever I want to do. That being said, I haven't been able to find a family to babysit for (which is what I really love) and I am starting to go stir-crazy now that the house is basically set up how I want it. This will be a nice way to pay down on the very little we owe here and there, and give us some extra spending money for the upcoming Comic con we are going to.

     I got a hair cut! I got quite a few inches taken off all around and I changed the color. Let me know what you think? This is the first time I have ever had red/auburn hair. I think it works but Let me know.

Another fantastic recipe!

2009-11-11T06:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am not going to lie this stuff looks seriously gross while you are making it, and it looks pretty gross once it's finished (Aaron looked at me like I was nuts the first time I made it) However, it is seriously deliscious. No Joke this is yummy and quick and super easy. We call it Beef nacho Casserole and it is a very different recipe than when I first started making it.

1 pound lean beef (or Turkey if you'd like)

1 packet taco seasoning

Half a cup of water

1 can drained corn

Half a can of salsa (whichever kind you like) I use Mild Pace

About half a cup of sour cream (although it is usually more)

Some tortilla chips

Shredded Extra sharp cheddar

Brown Beef in a skillet, add taco seasoning and water, mix in corn, salsa, and sour cream until well blended. Pour half of mixture in a baking dish (see picture below) layer on crushed chips and cheese, pour remaining mixture, layer crushed chips and cheese. Bake at 350' for 30 minutes.

I love this stuff because it is a little spicy and a little sweet because of the corn. It is great for when you are tired and just want something quick.

Veteren's Day Parade

2009-11-10T03:42:00.000-05:00

Wednesday is Veteran's day and to honor all those who have served before and all of those still serving Boise, Id had a parade on Saturday. Aaron was asked to don his Service Blues and ride a bus out at 7:00 AM to march in this parade. Despite being on swing shift and not normally getting off work until 4:00 AM he agreed. They let him off at 8:30 the night before, however it is impossible to just force yourself to fall asleep because you need to wake up early the next morning. Aaron got an hour and a half nap, and I stayed up to make sure he woke up when his alarm went off. I tell my husband most days how proud I am of him, However he isn't in the military to hear people say thanks, most days he works a 12 hour shift, makes very little money and lives across the country from his family. He spent 13 months in Korea with no family and he rarely complained. My husband does this because he believes, despite the faults our country has, that this country is worth defending.

If you know someone who is currently in, or has served in the past, please go out of your way just to tell them that you are thinking about them. I cannot tell you how much strangers kindness has meant to my husband. On his way to Korea (wearing ABU'S on a 14 hour flight) he had several people come up and tell him thanks, and that they were praying for our men. There are still so many people however that don't know that Iraq and Afghanistan aren't the only places our boys deploy to. There is still Kuait, South Korea, Turkey, and plenty of other places that they are sent without their families. My husband returned home at the beginning of June and may be leaving again sometime during January or Feburary. Most military families have been through at least one and some have bee through 4 or 5. Keep all of those serving in your prayers.

A tank. There were two there and it was awesome to see them get moving.

The Scottish band. It was awesome to see people preserving this traditon.

The warrior riders.

Can't hide that AirForce pride!

Homemade Vegtable Beef Soup

2009-11-09T02:02:00.000-05:00

My Mom has some awesom recipes, but this is one of my favorites. I love how hearty, homey, and deliscious this soup is. Everytime I make it I remeber some event that we had it at. On the first snow day of the year, or any other number of times we had this. It's perfect if your family is all over the place, we called it a "grazing" food. My mom would put it on at lunch time and whenever we had time for dinner 6:00 before practice or 8:00 after practice, this is a great way to eat home cooked, without having to compromise on time. If you are weary of leaving the stove on low while you aren't there or right in the kitchen, you can use a crock pot once the beef is browned. I browned the beef in this pot and added the ingredients from there.

I have made a few tweeks because I can't seem to help myself...

1 1/2 pounds 93/7 ground beef. (You can use turkey if you want something healthier)

1 14oz. can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 package Liptons Beefy onion soup mix (this can be found in the soup aisle, in a blue box)

2 cups water

3 cans swansons beef broth

1 Medium onion

3 large Potatoes (I used baking potatoes and skinned them)

2 carrots (or a handful of little ones)

1/2 cup frozen corn

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup frozen green beans

1/2 cup frozen lima beans

Brown Hamburger. Drain excess grease off.

Mix Hamburger, Tomatoes, Water, Beefy Onion Soup Mix, Beef Broth together.

Dice Onion, Potatoes and Carrots. Add to mix

Bring to a boil over medium heat

Turn heat to medium low,for four hours

Add frozen vegtables, cook for another 2 hours

Add salt and pepper as desired.

Korea Part Deux

2009-11-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

There will be another part or two to my Korea adventure, I still haven't covered Lottemart, The Juicy bars, or bulgogi. Since Aaron was in Korea During Chirstmas and I came on january 2nd. We celebrated Christmas in His doorm room once we had made our journey through Seoul, Osan, and lotteworld. Aaron was stationed at Kunsan AirBase about 20 minutes from Kunsan city, and about 10 minutes from A-town which is short for America Town.

This was our "christmas" I brought the "Tree" which I got at Barnes and Noble. All the wrapped presents are ones I brought in my second suitcase.

Lots of snow while we were there.

Ahh this is a picture of some of his friends at Dasarongs which was in Kunsan city. There is a button you have to press to get people to wait on you.

Gluttonous Chicken with some cabbage covered in some weird sauce.

Jicima and Chicken fingers. This is their idea of "American" food

Sayings my Step Dad always says...

2009-11-07T05:38:00.001-05:00

As I've said before I was born and raised in Durham, NC my parents divorced when I was three and My Mom remarried My step-Dad by the time I was 6. I had every other weekend at my Dad's house, and I love him dearly. He did what he felt was best leaving me to live with my mom during the school week so that I wasn't shuffled from one house to another during school. However, this means that I am very close to my Step-Dad, I even call him Dad but that is confusing to people and actually upsets my Dad. I am such a lucky woman to have not one, but two loving and caring fathers.

My step-dad is a twin, and they are the youngest of 7. His father left shortly after he was born and he was raised by a single mother, that being said they were very poor, although he swears up and down that he didn't realize they were poor until he was grown. His mom instilled in him a work ethic and every one of his brothers and sisters is doing well and a hard worker. His Mother died of cancer when he was 16 and his older sister took him in until he graduated. My aunt and uncle are amazing people. This back story is just so that you understand how well he has done for himself.

My step-dad owns a resteraunt. He started as a busboy/dishwasher, then moved onto cook, then waiter, then host and eventually co-manager with his brother. Now he owns it all by himself, there is no parent company, it isn't a franchise, it is a 24 hour diner. That just wasn't enough for him though, He went on to get his broker's liscense and started a Real estate agency with his sister, they began by renting an office in a building, they now own a house and have 3 other people working under them. Then he went on to buy rental properties, first one house then another, he now co-owns 5 houses with a man from our church, and has another 3 that he has seperately.

He gets maybe 6 hours of sleep a night although usually he is lucky if he gets 5 and he still wakes up with the biggest smile and a loud booming voice. You can almost feel his joy at just being alive and able to work another day. When I was younger I couldn't understand how he could be so happy to go to work all day only to get up and do it all over again the next day. Now I do. He is so full of Christ's love that it just pours out of him. He is so proud to be able to work and provide for his family that he can't help but smile. He always used to say all of these silly things and now I'm going to share them.

I'm so tired and I'm so sore,
I'll never do it for a nickel no more,
15 cents is my new price,
Give me a quarter and I'll do it twice.

I'm the boss applesauce,
Understand rubber band?
Don't get wise bubble eyes
Do, I'll knock you down to peanut size

He woke us up every single morning with some song or other,

Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory

Wakey wakey eggs and bakey

Or some other made up total nonsense...I miss being able to hug him everyday, He is truly a man among men. He believes that if you want emplys to respect you, you have to respect them. He leaves work at work almost all of the time, and he still pinches my mom on the butt and kisses her like they just started dating. He taught me how to treat people right. He makes me smile. I love him just like a father.

South Korea!

2009-11-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned that Aaron spent 13 months in south Korea with the Air Force. I think I might have also mentioned that I was lucky enough to spend a month there with him. Here are a few pictures of my trip to Korea I will explain where each picture was taken and what exactly is in it.

This was taken Literally 10 hours after I landed in Seoul. We went to bed, and went into town to eat. This was near Youngsan/Garrison which is located just outside of Seoul, it is an Army base. We had to spend a few days there waiting on a piece of luggage. This was my first taste of soju, and trying beef on a leaf.

This is what I saw when we first sat down to eat. The thing in the far left top corner is the raw beef, that they cook on a grill at the table. On the left in the front is Kimchi, there are many different varieties and some of it is quite good. The middle top is some pickled bean sprouts. The top Right is some dried seaweed. The bottom right is some noodles in a maynaisse sauce. The bottom middle is fresh seaweed. Not pictured are the leaves you put this all on and the rice also.

This is a picture of Aaron and I at Lotte World. Lotte is like walmart or Disney, they have their hand in everything. This is an amusement park that is open 365 days a year...On this particular day it was 18 degrees and we rode the Steepest woode rollar coaster in the world. The T express. It was a total blast even though it was freezing.

This is a picture of another beef on a leaf resteraunt and the ever present Soju, this is common fare in Korea although it's not very filling. Later I will post some pictures of Bulgougi which is extra tasty and very filling.

Fort Hood Shooting

2009-11-05T18:45:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post quickly and let everyone know that I am praying for all involved in this horrible shooting. I am praying for all stationed at fort hood as this must be a terrible shock to you. I am also praying for all military families out there. If there is anything going on please seek the help that you need. I am praying for you and will be lifting all of those serving our country up tonight and in the future.

Seriously though, here are some of my favorite blogs!

2009-11-05T17:06:00.001-05:00

I figured that I would do a best of, blog roll and give a list of the blogs I read that I always look forward to when they post.

In the category of Most personality, and quirkiest situations is: The Peach Tart

In the category of most outrageous by a Female: Yellow Trash Diaries

In the category of best mom blog: The Rocking Pony

In the category of best social worker blog: Trench Warfare

In the category of best Australian blog: Sleepless Nights

In the category of best working mom blog: Libby Logic

In the category of best food blog :Give Peas A Chance

In the category of best geeky mom blog: Confessions of a coal minors daughter

In the category of best funny blog: Cake wrecks

In the category of best random blog: Bacon is my lover

But in all seriousness, if you are on my follow list, I love your blog. I Read every single post you make, and even if I'm not leaving a comment I am enjoying it. If you haven't checked out these blogs though I suggest you give them a shot.

Halloween how quickly you come and go.

2009-11-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

Halloween is gone, but here are our costumes.

I never realize how dark my hair is until it's up against black

Aaron was a bleeding chest grim reaper

I was a witch.

Roxy was a pregnant witch

Micheal was a teddy bear (made out of an actual teddy bear)

Random Tuesday

2009-11-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

So in an effort to keep myself on track with This 30 day shred I am also going to do NaBloPoMo. I am going to post everyday this month in an attempt to continue telling witty and true stories about my life here in Idaho. Today I am taking down my halloween decorations and making my first batch of chili for the season.

Have I mentioned I love fall? This is my favorite season of the year and it's my favorite month of the year. I am turning 23 in 2 weeks and I feel content with where my life is right now. I am happily married and living with him again this birthday (he was in korea last year). I am working on getting back into shape and I got the best ever Christmas present from Aaron last night....

I'm sure you are thinking A Christmas present in Novemember? We bought our 4 day passes to Comicon!!! We will be in San diego next july for 4 whole days of geekyiness and dressing up! I am so excited and this is the driving force in me wanting to lose weight. I want to look good when I get dressed up as whatever character I decide to be.

This Post has been brought to you by Random tuesday's over here at The Un Mom

I'm sorry I think I left...

2009-11-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

I think I left my muscles back a few years ago and I can't seem to find them. I used to be very active when I was younger, soccer, softball, dancing, acro. I did lots of things to stay active. Then in high school I joined theater arts and quit doing anything physical. I was always in shape and it didn't become a problem until I started Birth control.

I am one of those women who has awful awful cramps around the week of my period. I also have a history of ovarian cysts caused by my ovulation. Birth control prevents ovulation and therefore prevents the type of Cysts I develop. It also helps with my acne. Of course it also serves its intended purpose of preventing pregnancy...thank goodness.

However When I experimented with which type of BC would work best for me I began my journey by getting the Depo shot. for three months I was an emotional wreck. I gained 20 lbs in 3 months. Then I went off to college and switched to Yazmin (which I loved) I gained another 15 lbs. When I got married and ended up in the hospital with 3 cysts in 4 months my gynecologist and I decided it was time to try something else. When you are told you might loose an ovary at 20 you decide skipping a pill every now and then really does make it much less effective.

I switched to the Nuva Ring!!! It was finally a great fit! I love not having to remember a pill every day, I love that my periods are light and easy to deal with. I love that I can keep it in for three weeks and then take it out for a week and put a new one in.

I am still overweight. I had to have knee surgery last year because of some bone spurs, and a thick synovial lining. I have to lose the weight. I am about 25 lbs away from where I want to be. I started day one of jillian micheals 30 day shred and it kicked my Ass. I am not even joking, I felt like I was going to pass out 3 minutes in. I don't know how I am going to make it through 30 days of this. So here is to hoping that the next 30 days do not end in me collapsed in the hospital for whatever.

How was my Halloween you ask?

2009-11-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

It was Frakking fantastic...we passed out candy. To close to 100 trick or treaters, the best costume of the night was flava flave, complete with a giant clock necklace and gold fronts. Aaron scared the kiddies in a bleeding chest grim reaper costume. I passed out candy and he stood at the screen door just standing and bleeding.

Our friends Roxy and Mike came by to show us their costumes and to invite us out later. We haven't been out since we got here so we went. It was nice to go out and meet some new people and hang out with roxy and mike before they leave at the end of next month.

I will post pictures later.

Music I know and Love...for your listening pleasure.

2009-10-31T01:48:00.000-04:00

I am in love with music...some people say they like a little bit of everything, but I really Love a little bit of everything, from eighties rock legends to contemporary, Rap , Rock, Alternative, Folk, Country, You name it and I am willing to give it a shot. Here are some of my recommendations if you are looking for a few new tunes for your Ipod.

I really like the new Miley Cyrus song "Party In The USA" I even paid $1.29 on Itunes to buy the damn thing so I wouldn't keep looking it up on youtube, also so I could play it through the stereo instead of my crappy laptop speakers... Does that make me less of an adult? Does it make me less of person? If so, then I'm okay with that.

I also freaking love "All I believe In" By The Magic Numbers and Amadou and Mariam. It was a bonus track on Itunes with The New Moon Sountrack. I don't really even like that many of the other songs but no matter how much I googled I couldn't find an Illegal download. So I paid $14.99 for one song...it's okay I listen to it at least 3 times a day. It will pay itself off soon enough.

On the New Moon Soundtrack the few other songs I like, in no particular order. Satellite Heart by Anya Marina. Solar Midnight by Lupe Fiasco (also a bonus track) Hearing Damage By Thom Yorke. A feew others are bearable, but to be Honest I'm disappointed. Twilight's soundtrack is good from start to finish and really captured the mood of the movie. I wish they hadn't axed Catherine Hardwicke.

Wintersong by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michealson is one of my all time favorites and it is always on my ipod no matter what time of year. On that note I adore The Gift by Aselin Debison, it's technically a Christmas, but I think it is worth listening to anytime.

Fireflies by Owl City is a new one that I really like. Along with One Time by Justin Bieber. I like Good Day by Nappy Roots, and If you aren't down with them you should really listen I love how earthy and true their songs are.

It's almost Halloween Witches!!!

2009-10-28T21:14:00.001-04:00

That's right. Halloween is 3 short days away, and if you are already eating candy that's meant for trick-or-treaters...well I won't tell if you don't. Halloween is a time for costumes, candy and carved pumpkins. For a holiday that starts with an H it sure revolves around the letter C. I have already shared with you our carved pumpkins but what I didn't tell you is that those were our starter pumpkins. Those were the ones to test on to hone our skills. I purchased a Twilight pumpkin stencil and spent a considerable amount of time working on it to make sure it looked good. I hope you all will like my pumpkin and if you would like to tell me about your favorite pumpkin leave a comment.

This picture shows that it is indeed on a pumpkin.

A close up...What do you think?

Aaron did this one in rememberence for those POWS and all those who have given their life in service of this country.

Jack from A Nightmare Before Christmas. This one is on a white pumpkin

Aww wait. No way. She didn't just say what I think she did. Did she?

2009-10-23T04:44:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it. I am a total geek. Completely and unrepentently nerdy. I cannot help it. My cat is named after a character on Battlestar Galactica... That's right go look that up real quick. I'll wait.

You see? A total geek right? I've never been ashamed of that fact, I read Fanfiction. I tell totally corny jokes. I laugh outloud at thoughts in my head. It doesn't bother me, in fact I rarely even explain to people anymore, often times they don't get what's so funny.

I was raised in such a large and loving family that I'm socially akward. It's okay. I've accepted it. I have on multiple occasions (okay like 100 times at least) laughed so hard I cried with any given family member. My younger brother J and I were once coming home from getting some icecream for the family and we got to laughing about selling Pots at the Stop sign and we were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe...it seemed perfectly logical to roll down the windows...to get air? That's right we are driving into the neighborhood with the windows down fanning air into our faces trying to breathe. We are weird like that.

My Mom and I have both laughed so hard we have peed on ourself...Sorry Mom I'll tell my story if you don't mind me telling yours.

My parents run a firework tent each year, and one year we had one in a walmart parking lot, only it wasn't open 24 hours. It closed at 12 and opened at 6 so if you had to pee during those hours...tough luck. Well one night me, N and J were staying there with my Step Dad BU. We really needed to go to the bathroom and had been waiting for at least 2 hours for the walmart to open and when it opened we headed to the store just the three of us kids. We were at the very back of this huge parking lot, a war could have happened in this lot, it was huge. We start walking and my sister N sees a cart tipped over on it''s side, so she walks over and tries to pick it back up to take down with us. Tries being the operative word, she was in 6th grade and about the size of a toothpick. So here she is struggling to pick this thing up and I start laughing, and soon I'm crying because I start peeing and can't stop...I peed so much I soaked my shorts, undies, and socks and shoes...gross. I laughed the whole way into walmart where BU had given me some money to pick out a change of clothes. The point is family will put up with weird crap. My family will probably put up with about 10 times more weird crap then a normal family, and because of that I don't have a filter.

If I think something is stupid I usually say as much. If I have an opinion I will share it without being asked. It isn't that I mean to pry and be "rude" according to social norms. It's just that I was raised by a big southern baptist family in the south...we overshare. We say "bless her heart" and gossip to our hearts content. I know this means that many people are "put off" by me at some point in knowing me. I guess this is just to say that I have come to terms with me. No matter how many times we move, how many friendships I gain and lose over time, my family will always accept me, because they know I do it because I care. I am fiercely loyal and I would do anything to help a friend.

I just need people to put up with my quirks, and know that if I say something that's over a comfort line, just tell me. I will always apologize if you let me know it was too far, and I will try to better about keeping my opinion to myself next time. Thanks for putting up with me guys.

More good recipes...please don't drool on your key board.

2009-10-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

This is why I love fall

When the air starts to get cold and crisp, and the days get shorter I become a champion at making comfort food. You know, the extra fattening, super delicious junk to add on extra puonds before it gets really cold. Trust me when I say that a few extra pounds will make you warmer in the coming winter, and even if not. This stuff is just too good to pass up. We always called it People Puppy Chow, and made it with crispex, but chex calls it Muddie Buddies and it tastes the same.The recipe is as follows.

Ingredients:

5 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.

Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Put it into a gallon sized bag and store on counter.
(I do all of this in a pot over the stove top, stirring extra gently to not break the cereal.)

Apple Crunch Cobbler

2009-10-21T17:01:00.000-04:00

Apple Crunch Cobbler

4 to 6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped

1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, cut in small pieces

Topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg

Preparation:

Mix apples, 1 cup of sugar and cinnamon; place in a greased 8-inch baking dish. Dot with the 1 tablespoon of butter.

Combine topping ingredients; stir until blended then pour (Spread as well as you can, it is really thick) over apples. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

Before Adding the topping

After it was done baking

My Mom's Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

2009-10-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe makes two 9 inch deep dish pies. If you do not need 2 pies cut this recipe in half.

4 Cups chopped cooked chicken (I boil Boneless skinless chicken breast)

1 Cup Chopped Onion

1 Cup Chopped Celery (I don't include celery, because I don't like it)

6 Tb. Butter

6 Tb. Flour

2 Tb. Parsley Flakes

3 ts. Instant Chicken Bouillon Granules

1 ts. Poultry Season

1/2 ts. Garlic Salt

1/2 ts. Pepper

1 ts. Salt

1 and 1/2 Cup Milk

1 Cup Swanson's Chicken Broth (more if needed)

1 Cup Thinly Sliced Carrot

2 Cups Diced Peeled Potato

1 Cup Frozen Peas

1 Cup Frozen Corn

2 9 Inch Deep Dish Pie Crusts

2 Pillsbury Topper Crusts

In pot on medium high saute onion and celery in butter until tender. Stir in Flour (do not stop stirring while slowly adding flour, you are making a roue) Stir in Parsley, Chicken Granules, Poultry Season, Garlic Salt, Pepper and Salt. Blend in milk and chicken broth Stirring constantly until thickened. Add chicken, carrot, potatoes, peas and corn. Pour into pie shells. Place pie crust over top (roll it out a little) Seal edges (I use a fork) Cut slits into top.

You can throw one of these into the freezer if you want to, Just put it in before cooking. Thaw before cooking

Bake at 375 for 1 hour.

This is your roue you want it to be thick before adding the vegtables

Just before I put the tops on

After it was half eaten, It is always eaten before I get a picture.

Dear So and So

2009-10-20T02:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Back,

I know I didn't take my muscle relaxer at all yesterday because I was feeling so good, and I continued to feel good all day so I didn't take it again, but I really don't think its fair for you to totally lock up on me like I'm Emily Rose before her exorcism. I am trying to make it through the day without a nap, but you have made it PAINFULLY clear that I'm not allowed to skip doses...I get it

Love Your owner

Dear Ovaries,

I know that four of my sisters are pregnant and...I get it. Yes DH and I have been married for 3 wonderful years. However we have decided to wait until things are more financially stable, and we are closer to family to start trying to have children. Please stop trying to strangle me every time I see a baby...I know they are cute, I know I love children of all ages and have wanted kids my whole life, but I am still young and can afford to wait a few years...or five. Please stop sending out enough hormones to make me think drinking the water might get me pregnant okay?

Love me who is only 22 still

Dear Mom,

I love you. You are amazing and because of you I am the envy of all the guys DH works with. Your homemade chicken pot pie recipe is so good that DH practically kissed my feet when I made it tonight, I am so glad you let me hang around in the kitchen all the time when I was young. Your patience is amazing, and I am grateful now that I'm older

Love your very happy Daughter

Dear DH,

Thank you for all of the ego boosting tonight after dinner, after such a crappy day having you raving about dinner really did make my night. I love you.

Love your tired wife

I love the fall!

2009-10-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

No seriously, I love fall. I had mums at my wedding. Halloween and Thanksgiving are my two favorite holidays. I love the way the air smells crisp and clean (when we can't smell the dairy cows down the way) I love getting to trade tank tops and shorts, for jeans and sweaters. I love getting to wear my cowgirl boots, and fuzzy crocs.and making all my moms best recipes. This weekend I made my moms homemade vegtable soup and I ate it all before I even thought of taking a picture. Today I'm making homemade chicken pot pie, and I promise to post the recipe and pictures. But here are some pictures of Aaron and I at a corn maze, and some pumpkins we carved.

Us on a hay ride, it was below freezing and we didn't bring gloves...silly us.

The farmstead corn maze. It was awesome

That is one big rocking chair, and that is kettle btw, delicious!

"Our" pumpkins, the mummy is one our friend Mike and Roxy did. The one on the right is mine.

Aaron's is a freehand Deathstar, which he didn't carve he shaved the skin off.

OMG What's the BFD?

2009-10-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the title but it's been stuck in my head ever since the fateful Warehouse 13 episode. I don't know if I've mentioned (about a million times) That I have 4 neices and nephews, with another 4 on the way. In case you hadn't heard though I have 3 sisters and a sister in law that as expecting. One is due at the end of January, one is due at the beginning of Feburary, one is due in March and I don't know when S is due because we just found out she is pregnant a few weeks ago.

The important thing here is that for everyone but N this is their second child or more. That being the case I have decided that I am going to try to be there when my little sisters has her baby. She found out today that she is having a boy!

I know lots of women get overjoyed about girls, and I totally get it, they are cute and adorable and get to wear pink. I am biased because I grew up with 5 sisters and two brothers and let me tell you this, boys might be more difficult in the toddler years however girls way out do them in the teenage years.

I am very happy for my sister, but...and it's a big but, I can't wait until Aaron and I are ready to have kids of our own.

To a good man.

2009-10-12T16:22:00.000-04:00

My uncle passed away yesterday from a massive heart attack. I won't sugercoat things, he was only 55 but overweight. He had struggled with his weight for years, but he was my uncle and one of the best men I know. He was an elder at my home church in North Carolina, and while Aaron was in Korea he was especially kind to me. It is so hard to believe that when I go home in March that he won't be there. This will be the first year he won't be at the family Christmas party to recite the "Night Before Christmas" from memory. He was always ready with a hug and a bible verse when you were hurting, and he went out of his way to help family out in any way he could. We may have a large family with our share of drama, but we are always there for each other no matter what. Uncle Phil You will be missed by all of us. You hold a place in my heart and I hope you are having a fantastic time in heaven praising God.

Oh thanks movers for feeding us some bull this morning...

2009-10-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks for feeding us bull with a side of crap. That is exactly what this is, bullcrap. As I've mentioned before the husband came home from 13 months in Korea about 4 months ago. Two and a half months ago we got most of the stuff back from Korea, however since Aaron wasn't there when the movers packed everything (he had to get out of Korea before the end of May or else they would have to extend his tour by 6 months) some things were missing and a few things were broken. (Only half of my kitchen items came back) His less than a year old, custom built gaming computer came back with stuff rattling around in the tower...uh oh. When he first went to hook it up, no dice. The lights would come on, the fan would turn on, but nothing else would come on. So we took it to a local computer place, and got an estimate for the moving company so they could fix it.

That was more than a month ago. We paid $25 to have it diagnosed and have the moving companys paperwork filled out. We sent it in and have been waiting (the place said $366 to replace the parts, $590 in total). Today Aaron called and asked them about the status of his claim. They told him to go to the website to see there offer...of $215....WHAT? Are you FREAKING kidding me? That doesn't even cover parts if Aaron installs them himself! He was still on the phone with the woman and asked her why the lowball offer. She explains that if they ship a vase with something inside of it and the vase and the other thing breaks they are only responsible for the vase, because it is the "outer cover". She basically said that because the case was cracked they would cover a new case, but not the broken video card, and mother board...are you effing joking?

Now tell me this, does that seem legal in any way shape or form? We shipped the entire tower, broke the case, and some insides got shaken loose, but we only cover the case? I think it's a bunch of crap, and so does Aaron. He is refusing the offer with an explanation of why he is refusing the offer, and we are hoping they will come back with something better, but we will see. Any comments? Any suggestions? Has this kind of thing ever happened to you?

MRI results came back on friday.

2009-10-05T18:47:00.000-04:00

I've been sitting on this information all weekend and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. The good news first; there is no spinal chord damage, and no nerve damage. I have two discs that show serious degeneration. Which leaves me with a diagnosis of Degenerative disc disease, which isn't the end of the world. I know. I just alwasy thought that they would find something and say it's nothing serious just take this pill and you will be fine, but now I know that I'm in for physical therapy, pain management, and possible surgery if things don't get any better in the next six to eight months.

I'm only 23 years old (well almost), I didn't expect them to find permanent damage and tell me that a spinal fusion could be in my future (very unlikely). I mean this is certainly better than it could have been, they could have found nerve damage or spinal chord damage, which would have been ten times worse, but I guess I was hoping it would turn out to be nothing that a chiropracter couldn't fix, I was hoping I just needed to get realligned or something. I guess I should be thankful that it isn't as serious as it could have been and continue to pray for healing.

Babies Babies everywhere and not a single one for me...yet

2009-10-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in a roundabout way in a previous post. I have 3 sisters who are pregnant, and a sister-in-law who is pregnant as well. That means that there are 4 pregnant women in my family, including my younger sister. You might be asking why I'm telling you all of this? Aaron and I have been married for 3 years, when we got married I was only 19, and he was 20. We knew going into this that we wanted to wait before we had kids, but that was 3 whole years ago. I would be lying if I said I haven't thought once about having a baby.

Rationally I know I am still a month and a half away from turning 23, and that I still have plenty of time before a baby will fit in our life. But I worry irationally that if we wait until we are financially ready, that we will never have kids. Almost everyone we know has kids, or is pregnant right now, which makes it hard for me not to want a baby. That is all this post was about. Getting it out, so that I can think about why it doesn't make sense for us right now to start a family. Even though we have been married for 3 years we still have planty of time.

Oh Snap...wait have I used that one before?

2009-09-28T15:32:00.000-04:00

Let me just get this out here to begin with, I have a love affair with vampire novels. No I didn't read twilight and become addicted, no My knowledge doesn't come solely from "Interview with a vampire" I read vampire novels from multiple genres, authors, and reading levels. How did this begin? Well for the first time I'm going to share a secret.

I stole a vampire novel in 9th grade...NO not from a store. From my own house. As I've explained we had a lot of people in my house while growing up, and our parents mentality was that with as many kids as they had: what were a couple more? My brother had a friend who practically lived over at our house part time, and my brother lived with him part time as well. School nights? No problem. The same goes for many of us at some point or another. We all had people in and out of the house all the time, and God love my parents for letting us a have a "normal" life despite the size of our family. Many parents in that situation wouldn't have let us have more people into the house for nights at a time, but they did.

So it wasn't unsual for us to trade clothes, makeup, shoes and many other things with people, however usually someone had an idea where the item came from. Imagine my surprise when I found a copy of Charlaine Harris' "Dead until dark" that no one could identify. I have been an avid reader from the time I learned who to do so. In fourth and fifth grade I got sent home with notes about reading during math and social studies.

When no one claimed the book I read it. So it began. At the tender age of 14 I began reading anything and everything Vampire/ Lycantrhope/Fae I could get my hands on. I still have that first book, and I have gone on to read the entire series up to date. The 9th book is set to release on October 6th and I have already preordered it. I have also become a fan of the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton although I think she needs to bring that series bake to the basics. I've read more than 100 vampire books and I am still hooked.

Why do vampires and other supes hold such a thrill for me? I have no idea, although I know it to be true.

Yellowstone and other ramblings

2009-09-27T14:15:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago my mom and grammie came out to visit and we drove from Mountain Home, Idaho out to West Yellowstone, Montana. We had such an amazing time and I am so unbelievably thankful to have had such an awesome oppourtunity. In the three years Aaron and I have been married we have been to: the grand canyon, las vegas, south korea and yellowstone. The things we have been able to do in all of these places are incredible, including riding the steepest wooden rollar coaster in the world while in South Korea. None of these things would have been possible if Aaron were not in the military, and while sometimes it gets frustrating being so far from family, and having to move every couple of years (3 times since we have been married), we are extremely lucky to have been able to doo all of these things as young newlyweds. So as with most people we got quite a few pictures of their time here in the northwest and I'm going to share some of the best ones.

This has to be one of the goofiest pictures of me ever taken.

My mom and grammie at twin falls.

Steam rising from the vents in yellowstone.

A mud put at yellowstone.

The Grand Prismatic Spring The orange is a bacterial mat.

The water is over 160 degrees.

The water is absolutely beautiful, and no picture can really capture it.

Old faithful.

Another one of the many thermal features.

Three Generations.

A bison, one of the million we saw while there. One was no more than 10 feet from the car.

An elk it crossed the road right behind our car.

Remember when?

2009-09-24T16:23:00.000-04:00

Remember when summer was far too short, the school year far too long, and anyone older than 28 was "old"? This post and any other labeled the same will be based on my life while growing up. I shoud begin with a bit of a back story. I was raised with no fewer than 4 brothers and sisters. I have 3 older sisters who I lived with for a time although the age differnces made it so that many of my stories do not involve them, and I am not as close with them as I would like to be. In total I have 5 sisters and two brothers. Many would seperate them into catagories, such as : half-sister, step-sisters, sister, and step brothers. I however do not. These are my brothers and sisters, because I was thrown together with them at such a young age that I cannot remember my life without them.

In order from oldest to youngest are: S who is married with one child and another on the way. M who is married with 2 children and another on the way. T who has one BS and is in school for culinary arts. B who is married with one child and another on the way. His wife E. (Who I also consider a sister) Me Chelsie married with no children. J who is in school right now to become a lawyer (at the moment, it could change) N who is married and pregnant. Finally there is Car who is a junior in high school and has been on the varsity girls basketball team since she was a freshman.

I am proud of each and everyone of my siblings, they are my connection to a past which is both wild and crazy as many large blended familes tend to be. I grew up in a house where there was never a dull or quite moment. This is my idea of a weekly or bi-weekly glimpse into the life of a middle child, who loved being a memeber of a large family.

About the parents. My Mom had me when she was 21 and I will call her mom on here. My Dad was 21 also and I will call him dad. My step-father came into my life before I turned 4 and he has been fantastic to me he is BU. My step-mother is an amazing woman who married my dad and has always been there for me, she is A.

I'm sure this is alot to keep up with, but I figured it would be harder to come up with fake names for them all and try to keep trake of them that way.

Remember when, mom and BU piled the 5 youngest into the astro van in the middle of the night and we drove from NC all the way to Bar Harbor, Maine? Where we spent 2 days in a motel with the biggest chess set I have ever seen. Where Mom, N, CAR, and I went to the Ross farm museum. CAR was still a toddler and she stole a plastic beaver and some taffy while we were in the gift store. Remember How we got on a ferry to head to Nova Scotia? How BU got so seasick that he spent the entire ride puking over the balcony and saying he was going to fly back if there wasn't a way to drive off the island? When we finally got to nova scotia, and drove to the cabin we would be staying in, and the shower was the size of a postage stamp and the hot water heater only got the water lukewarm for 2 showers at a time. Each room had a sink and we figured quickly that if you filled it all the way up and pulled the stopper out it made the funniest sound, like it was burping. We stole the fireplace matches went outside, lit them and blew them out, pretending we were smoking. There was a lake and while jumping rocks one day we fell in still wearing clothes. We ate whale blubber and eggs for breakfast one day, and BU offered the waitresses a job at his resteraunt in NC if they wanted it. We went driving around the island one day doing maybe 5 MPH and we had the door open and we were all sitting on the edge hanging our feet out. B and J were pushing each other for room and I got pushed out of the car on the side of the road, and it was a mile down the road before anyone told BU that I wasn't in the car anymore...Those were the days.

I promise later ones will be a bit funnier, and I will tell about Aarons first dinner at our house, and the hilarity that insued.

Oh wait...you mean I might actually get some answers???

2009-09-22T22:18:00.000-04:00

So today I got a call from the base hospital telling me that my doctor had ordered an MRI of my lower spine (No, duh I was there...a whole week ago) Ad would I like to come in in the next few days? (No I was thinking I might hang around for the next few months in pain hoping it goes away) Well anyways on thursday I am going in for an MRI of my lower lumbar spine...let's hope this one gives me some answers since apparently my brain is in perfect working order, and can't be causing my symptoms...On another note:

Tomorrow is mine and Aaron's 3 year wedding anniversary, I am shocked. I swear it was Just yesterday we were meeting in high school and deciding to go to junior prom together. Aaron thank you for putting up with me for 3 years, I know that there is no one else on this earth that could ever be as perfect for me as you are.

I will be posting some pictures soon about our trip to yellowstone and some other wonderful places while my mom and grammie were in town. If I can ever figure out how to work the new picture loader in google blogger. Speaking of that, if anyone has any help for me in that area it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for ruining it lady!

2009-09-15T18:49:00.000-04:00

I don't get my hair cut often, in fact right now I am trying to grow it out, so it's been a few months since I had it cut. While living in North Carolina I had my cousin cut and style it every 6 weeks. I am one of those people that love getting her hair shampooed, cut and styled. It's my thing, I love the way it feels, and it relaxes me. Today I decided to get my hair done at the base salon. because it's cheaper and closer.

The woman who cut my hair was awful! First she started out by talking over me to another hair stylist who was on break. Then when I politely asked about her cats (whom she had been talking about) she told me all about the troubles they have been giving her. Then I told her about how we had a male cat and how he sometimes plays with the neighbors kitten (which he acts afraid of) She told me that male cats needed to be kept calm because strees would give them crystals in their urine, and then asked me about what type of food we feed him (natural choice organic cat food: in case you were wondering) she says "Male cats need to eat only wet food, it prevents them from getting those crystals in their urine" and proceeds to tell me repeatedly that my cat could die unless we start feeding him wet food. I told her that I was feeding him what the vet recommended and she proceeded to complain about vets in general.

After the shampoo and lecture were over I tried to get her to talk about how long she had lived here, and she then went on and on about how taking care of her animals has prevented her from building a house...blah blah blah.

So she has cut my hair and asks me "Do you want me to blow dry it? I think you should just do it at home"...I'm PAYING you to style my hair, just do your job lady. I said "well I have errands to run and it will become a mess before I get home could you please do it? She uses a round pick to brush through it while blowdrying it, pulling my hair like crazy. After a few minutes I asked if she had a brush she could use, and she replied "This is the only thing I use because it doesn't pull the hair"...Um Excuse me lady but what would you call what it is doing right now? PULLING MY FREAKING HAIR! That's what. By this time I just wanted to get out of there. So she finished blowwdrying it and told me I should start using some oil to help with the frizzies (I have super thick textured hair) and told me that my "super fine" hair needed something with a boost....give me a break. A chimp could do a better job cutting hair.

So when I went to pay she ran my card and didn't even leave a spot for a tip. When I asked if I could leave a tip, she acted like she just knew I wasn't going to leave one and so she didn't even ask me. I left her 3 dollars in cash which I had in my purse, but I will be going back to complain when she isn't there one day.

Bakerella has the patience of a saint!

2009-09-10T04:52:00.000-04:00

So I recently made some cake pops, which were absolutely delicious. But let me just say this, they are so time comsuming, and tedious to make. I think Bakerella must either be a saint, or a total glutton for punishment. This is hard work.

First bake a cake (Any box mix will do, I used Red Velvet)
The wait for cake to cool (This is a test in will power, because the cake will smell delicious)
Crumble the cake into a bowl
Mix in an entire can of icing (I used cream cheese icing)
Stir until completely mixed
Roll into quarter sized balls (You actually want them to be a bit bigger, more like a half dollar)
Dip a lollipop stick into melted chocolate
Push halfway into ball
Refrigerate for an hour to chill
Dip them into melted chocolate (This was the worst part, I'm terrible at coating them completely)
Stick them into some Styrofaom so they look good when they dry.

Eat this diabetes on a stick and make up some good reason to do so... (it's a tuesday will work)

Dear God

2009-09-07T02:50:00.003-04:00

Dear God,

We talk pretty regularly, But I figured I would do this anyway, My Mom is having Gallbladder surgery on Tuesday, and I am asking that you would guide the doctors and nurses who will be working on her. I ask that you would help her heal quickly and easily, especially since she is supposed to be flying out in less than 2 weeks. I pray that her and my grammie will have a safe trip out here, and enjoy there time out here, as we plan to go to yellowstone national park.

Chelsie

PS The original post can be found here at Mom on a spin http://www.amomonspin.com/

I love blogs!

2009-09-04T23:13:00.002-04:00

I'm guessing this seems a little redundant, writing a blog about how much I love blogs, however I mean it. I don't just skim the blogs I read, or read a few updates everyday. If I follow you I read every single post you write. I might not always leave a comment, in fact I rarely comment. So I'm writing this post to thank you, every single one of you for letting me get a glimpse into your funny, charming, honest, and sometimes sad everyday lives. I will try to get better about leaving a reply every now and then, however with some 15-20 posts to read everyday I sometimes feel like I don't have anything useful to add.

Thank You for your witty responses to situations that we all go through. Thank you for your commitment to updating your blog.

Dear New Boss

2009-09-04T06:57:00.002-04:00

Dear Aarons new boss, I know that Aaron isn't a part of your AMU, because his got deployed less than a month after he got here and those that were left behind got "integrated" into yours, and because of that all of them have been given crap jobs or shifts because you feel like they "deserve" it for not being deployed to Korea. Aaron just got back from 13 months in Korea, he did nothing to deserve having his shifts changed not once but twice in two weeks, from the fantastic day shift to the less than fantastic swing shift, and then now to the dreadful midshift. I understand you feel the need to "squeeze" these guys into the shifts that "need" people, but what about putting the single guys that would love to be able to stay up all night on the weekends into these shifts, instead of the guys who have wives????

Making the switch

2009-08-30T03:18:00.002-04:00

Making the switch to Mid-Shift is pretty much miserable. Aaron was on Day shift the first month and a half we were here. Then when most of his AMU got deployed they moved the guys from the 89th over to the 91st. Once there they switched him to Swing shift where he was going in at 3 in the afternoon and getting off at about midnight. Not my favorite shift, but not awful either. Then only 2 weeks later they told him he was going to Mid-Shift (they told him wednesday) so he worked friday from 11 to 7 and on Sunday he has to go in at midnight, that gives us roughly 40 hours to switch from sleeping from from midnight to 9 to being awake all night and sleeping during the day. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??? Yes this is what we give up as military families. Normally when you have a shift change IRL they give you a week's notice or more so that you can start making changes...oh no, not the military...lol. Oh well, Aaron is taking a short nap because we woke up at 10 today and it is already 1:30 AM. Ugghh. Shoot me now.

Dear Tricare

2009-08-28T13:33:00.002-04:00

Dear Tricare,

Thanks for the run around, when someone is experiencing, numbness, tingling, fatigue, dizziness and any other number of symptoms, I'm sure protocol is to give them more red tape than they thought imaginable. I really appreciate not being able to see someone until november, and not being able to get the tests that I need without having everyone and their mom approve it. What's better, is that I live an hour from every single doctor you have referred me to, and gas is getting pretty expensive, wouldn't it be cheaper for you to approve a one day free for all, so I can get some answers and you can quit having to file all that paperwork? I'm just guessing here, but I'm sure the thinking behind all this is that it will weed out the people who don't really need treatment, But once a person proves that they are willing to go through all this, can't you offer some way to make it easier on the sick person? No? Okay then, I guess we will keep dancing this tango until I get some answers.

Still No Answers

2009-08-26T16:01:00.002-04:00

I went to the doctor today, who told me I needed to be seen by a neurologist...well duh! I told him I had an appointment in november, and he couldn't believe they couldn't see me sooner. He decided to start ordering tests to see if we could discover something sooner, and be seen earlier. He ordered an MRI of my lower spine, and some bloodwork, So we are still waiting.

Still biding our time until we find out what's wrong, and how we can treat it.

Do you ever wish...

2009-08-25T16:42:00.002-04:00

for a new body? I'm not talking about upgrades, bigger boobs, thinner thighs, or blonde hair. I mean the same body, just better. I tell Aaron all the time that I wish I could trade my legs in for new ones. My back is always aching, i don't want a better looking body, I just want one that works without hurting, or going numb. I Wish I could trade this one in for one with out flaws, one who's synapsis' work the way they are supposed to work.

These are the things that run through my mind at midnight when I'm trying to go to sleep. This is my biggest wish. To have a body that works the way I'd like it to. Or to have a body that moves without pain. I imagine sometimes when the medicines are working how it would feel to live that way all day everyday, instead of only the 30 minutes of freedom I get at night before I fall asleep. The other problem is that the medicine makes me so tired, and when fatigue is one of your big problems, medicine that makes you sleepy is another big no no, during the day.

I am hoping the doctor tomorrow will have something for me, that will help me be able to get through the day in a way that I can get stuff done. Here is to tomorrow! Here is hoping that he has some answers, and a treatment plan.

Have I told you my husband is going deaf?

2009-08-23T20:47:00.002-04:00

Well at the risk of sounding repetitive. Aaron is going deaf. His job in the air froce requires him to have almost perfect hearing. Every two years they require he take and pass a hearing test. This year he failed it...horribly. He failed it so bad that he isn't qualified to do the majority of the jobs in the air force. In fact there is a list of 5 jobs he is eligible to do, flight attendant being one of them. Well so much for being a crew chief for another few years before cross-training. It's lookinglike we are going to be doing that sooner rather than later. At least he is willing to do this. I love my husband more than anything, because he is dedicated to us, and doing what he can to keep us in a house and with health care. I love my husband, even if the cat crying for hours in the middle of the night doesn't even rouse him from his slumber. Even if I have to repeat myself 8 times before he hears me...I love my husband.

Neuro-Surgeon

2009-08-21T00:16:00.002-04:00

My doctor also referred me to a neuro-surgeon in the quest for some answers about my current health concerns, and while I can't see my neurologist until November 12th. I have an appointment next Wednesday with a doctor who will hopefully ba able to provide either some answers or at least some options for the treatment of my major symptoms. In this journey I have realized more than a few things, but one of the most important things is this: Trust your own body! If something doesn't seem right, get answers. If you feel your doctor isn't taking you seriously, find someone who listens to you and is willing to search for answers.

November 12th!!!

2009-08-18T16:33:00.003-04:00

The first appointment the neurologist had availble was november 12th! That's almost a full 3 months away, and is only 6 short days before my birthday. I'm not sure if there is something wrong I would want to find out on my birthday. I guess sometimes we don't really get a choice on when to be seen, or when to get sick. Here's hoping that if there is something on my MRI that they will squeeze me in sooner.

What do you mean you've never had an MRI?

2009-08-18T00:11:00.003-04:00

Well lately I've been having some slight (ok pretty serious) health concerns and today I had my very first test on the road to finding out what is wrong with me. I had an MRI with and without contrast and will hopefully be having an appointment with a neurologist shortly. Apparently Neurologists are so busy that they won't even schedule a patient without an MRI to make sure there is a problem....here's a shocker! There is a problem, even if it doesn't show up, something is causing my falling, tripping, spinning, numbness, and headaches. If it's not my brain I'm not sure what else it could be. Here's hoping that at some point soon I will have an answer and a treatment.

It's that time again...

2009-08-10T23:50:00.002-04:00

Time when it's the beginning of the week, and it's a whole nother 4 days till the weekend. Luckily for me, I don't actually have a job, or anything else that requires my personal, special attention. I have the greatest husband in the world and he is letting me stay at home until I have been seen, and figure out what's going on with my legs. They have been acting wonky, and that's not the only problem, however for me it's the most concerning. So right now I'm playing the waiting game, waiting on an MRI, waiting to be seen by the neurologists. I will keep you guys posted as updates become available.

Wait...what do you mean this isn't normal?

2009-08-02T12:33:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning feeling like someone had vacuumed out all my energy. I knew it was going to be a glorious day. So today I'm just going to say this. We are staying at home most of the day. We will go to the grocery store, because we have absolutely no food, except some frozen meat. Here is a picture of my husband standing on the front porch.

Pizza!

2009-07-29T14:25:00.003-04:00

Mmmm who doesn't love Pizza? I sure do. I'm not talking about that greasy gross stuff you buy from the pizza place. I'm talking about homeade pizza. This pizza was made using a store bought refrigerated crust from pillsbury. We sometimes make homemade crust but this stuff is great, and is super quick. Make some pizza sauce using tomato sauce and your choice of spices. I often use an italian grinder, some garlic salt, and some other odds and ends. Use as much sauce as you want, and top with whatever you have around, we used pepperoni, red pepper, and mushrooms (only on my side), and of course mozerella cheese.

My two guys

2009-07-28T09:39:00.007-04:00

I never thought I would share my home with not one man but two, and I especially didn't think the second guy would be of the feline variety. I never thought I was cat person. In fact I swore up and down that we would own a dog, and then we went to the local animal shelter. This guy had been there for almost a month and as soon as I picked him up he started licking my neck and kneading me. I was smitten, Aaron fell in love and we put him back to discuss what we were going to do. The first major obstacle we had to over come was the fact that both of us were now covered in a sheen of white fur. I had some misgivings, in fact I had a lot of misgivings, however we decided to give this guy a chance, since he was such a sweetheart. We brought him home and proceeded to give him a bath and a major brush down. The next day I was in tears beause my brand new couch was covered in little white hairs. Aaron and I had a serious talk in which we decided that we would wait out the shedding and see how it went. Three weeks later and I don't even notice it anymore...unless I'm wearing a black shirt. Thank goodness for our handy dandy lint roller, and our fantastic vacuum cleaner. Here are my two guys doing what they love best, lounging on the couch.

This is Apollo (named after a character on Battlestar galatica)

My poor feet!

2009-07-27T15:31:00.005-04:00

Warning:::: Pictures of feet ahead! There you have been warned. I blogged a few weeks ago that I had broken a toe. The littlest one on my left foot to be exact. Well it turned all kinds of awesome colors during the healing process, but it has finally started to feel better and guess what I did? 3 days ago I stumped the big toe on my left foot, and 2 days ago I scraped a giant chunk out of my big toe on my right foot. I've heard of being clumsy, but seriously? This has got to stop I don't have that many toes left to damage. I have never been "Graceful" but I have never had this much of a problem with slamming my poor feet into anything and everything foot level. I have done this more times in the past three weeks than I can count. I am starting to seriously wonder if I should start wearing steel toed boots around the house. Theses three incidents have been the only ones to leave evidence so I decided to post some pictures. Anyone else having clumsy weeks?

Welcome to Mountain Home Idaho!

2009-07-27T10:19:00.026-04:00

So here are some of the pictures from our trip cross country. I have to say that we didn't do anything to denote N.C. which is where we started or Virginia which was the second state we passed through. We started taking pictures in West Virginia. and got some really good ones later on. Wyoming was the most photogenic, however there was nothing out there in the way of food or gas...not so good on the bladder.

West Virginia tourist stop

La Carreta the best Mexican restaraunt in West Virginia
It was delicious.

Us at the beginning of 4 long days of driving.

Kentucky!

A good shot of a bridge at night in Kentucky.

Indiana.

A broken bridge in Indiana.

Missouri!

The St. Louis Arch.

In Kansas there was rain...and lots of it.

Iowa was some more rain and a few things of interest.

Like the Sapp bros water towers, which are actually for gas stations...who Knew?

Nebraska!

Wyoming? Oh yeah this is one of those western states right?

Man I look like a rockstar. Even after 2 and a half days of driving.

Some pretty Rocks piled up randomly.

A refinery, on of the two that we saw.

Some windmills.

Utah. The last state before the promise land.

Idaho!!! We finally made it!

A funnel cloud? Is the first sign of something ominious?

It's Broken alright.

2009-07-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

My toe that is, the little toe on my left foot got broken last night when I walked into a wall corner. Immediately I yelled "It's Broken" and then fell into sobs because it hurt so bad. Poor Aaron came over as soon as I started crying and carried me to the couch. Then he got an ice pack and helped me ice it, however the pain was pretty intense the first hour afterwards. We went to base urgent care just to insure that it wasn't dislocated or anything and didn't need to be set. He buddy wrapped it to my other toe and scheduled an x-ray. This morning I had my x-ray and it is broken. On Saturday Aaron and I are going White-Water rafting I just hope my poor toe doesn't get too seriously injured.

In the house, will post more later.

2009-06-24T12:06:00.001-04:00

Aaron has had all this time off, so I will update and post again once he starts going to work again.

Idaho!!!

2009-06-13T16:04:00.002-04:00

I am currently in Idaho, at Mountain home AFB, however the new TLF buildings do not have internet and so I can't upload pictures and all sorts of other things. We have a house! Brand new housing with a beautiful yard and kitchen and a front porch and a covered patio. It is everything and more than I could have hoped for, and it is ours as soon as some maintenence gets done on it. Which will be by the end of the week. We have already picked out and bought furniture, there will be picutres, as soon as possible.

Indiana

2009-06-09T09:36:00.001-04:00

In indiana, leaving this morning for 12 hours of driving, woo hoo! I have pictures and will post them once we are in idaho.

Leaving today...

2009-06-08T09:36:00.002-04:00

Well Aaron and I are leaving to go to Idaho today, we have a 36 hour trip ahead of us, and it's going to be a test to both of our nerves I'm sure. We went out and got a handy dandy GPS device! I am super excited. Well we are out of here!

Hello again...

2009-06-04T17:17:00.002-04:00

I'm still alive, Aaron is home and that has been great. We are getting ready for moving on Monday and all of that jazz. Nora came by today to get some other stuff she left here and to pick up her birth certificate, and her social security card...she's getting married...great :( I'm not sure it could be any worse. I keep hoping she'll figure it out sooner rather than later, but right now I just hope she will learn her freaking lesson. That is all for today.

He's here...

2009-06-03T10:51:00.002-04:00

Aaron has been home since sunday afternoon, and we have had a wonderful time with him being here. I guess the hardest part is that after more than a year a way, we are both different. We both had to develop ways to cope to being seperated, and it makes it hard to be back together. Aaron has already spent one night on the couch because I absolutely could not sleep, what a sweetheart. We have also bickered back and forth about quite stupid stuff, someone tell me it gets better.

28 hours away from seeing Aaron!

2009-05-30T11:20:00.002-04:00

I am 28 hours away from seeing my husband, I am so excited but also a little worried, we haven't lived together in the past 13 months, what if we don't know how to act around each other? What if things are weird? I don't kn ow I guess I shouldn't worry about things that haven't happened yet. I have only a few things left to do before Aaron gets home, I need to get the tires rotated and balanced, and get the car cleaned and I think that is it. Of course it couldn't be at a worse time for him to come home, I mean aunt flow is here with her leave date being sometime next week...uggh. I also have to work on monday from 6am to 6pm...Yay that should be a barrel of fun, although DH is going to come with me.

Packing, Laundry and cleaning my room...

2009-05-25T10:43:00.004-04:00

I hate moving. I guess that's not an accurate description. I love to move, I just hate all of the packing and junk that goes along with it. I wish I could blink my eyes and the 8 or so loads of laundry sitting around would just wash, dry, and fold themselves. Packing isn't completely terrible, I just hate having to tape the boxes up and figure out how things will fit into them...it's going to be a long day around here. I am only two weeks away from driving across country to start setting up a place for me and Aaron in Idaho. I have only 8% left in this deployment. I am so glad to be in the single digits.

At the beach

2009-05-21T21:33:00.003-04:00

and man is this place nice! We went to dinner tonight at some second rate seafood place, which was a total disappointment, however it was made up for by the awesome Homemade Ice cream we ate afterward, mine was white chocolate cream with chocolate cake bits...amazing. Tomorrow we are going deep sea fishing...exciting! It's like an hour out, two hours of fishing goodness, and an hour back. Sweet! Lol I'm sure it will be a blast and if not I'm bringing the Ipod and a book. Have a good night guys!

I'm going to the beach today!

2009-05-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

I'm going to the beach today...I should be staying home this weekend and cleaning my room, and packing, but I have all of next week off to do that. I am leaving NC June 8th to drive across country with my sister Nora and to be put on the housing list at Mountain Home Idaho. Yay! Things are finally coming together!

I'm going to the beach tomorrow!

2009-05-20T20:36:00.002-04:00

Yay, I am so excited to be headed to oak island beach tomorrow! I am going with some young adults from my church who I have been blessed to get to know in my year back here in NC. Just thought I'd give a little update about what's going on while we wait for the military to sort things out.

This is a frivolous whine...be warned!

2009-05-19T23:47:00.002-04:00

I miss my husband so much it hurts. There I have said it. I want him back in the country, back in my arms and back where he belongs. That man is so funny and sweet and he is just incredible...That being said sometimes he gets me so mad my head boils. I guess once he gets orders me and Nora (one of my sisters) will be driving across country to get put on the housing list and then I will wait for him to have TMO pick up his stuff and come on over. I will see him by june 30th when he has to report at Mountain Home AFB but I wish it was sooner, that is a full 41 days from now! I feel upset that the military is being so unaccomadating when it comes scheduling his TMO date, but I will get over it. Thanks for listening.

Oh oh...I really wanted that thing, I just want to sing.

2009-05-16T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well no news here today just a short blurb to let you guys know, I'm still not sure when exactly we're leaving. Aaron hasn't been able to call, I think it's because his computer has been crashing Lately...stupid virus. I got fake nails today. Woot!!! I love having longer nails again, my nails normally grow just fine, however lately they have been breaking and chipping and I was so tired of looking at them that I got acrylic, it looks fantastic if I do say so myself.

Speaking of which the title is the first line from Mirah's Song "The Garden"

I think it's starting to sink in...what are we getting ourselves into?

2009-05-16T00:11:00.004-04:00

So the last time I up and moved across the country to be with Aaron we had been married for less than a week and I was so excited I didn't know what to do with myself. Living in the base hotel for close to three weeks was an adventure! Even when in those first three weeks Aaron slept on the couch several times, nothing could deter our "Love". Boy were those the days...alas the days when buying less than $3.00 worth of Beef tips and putting them over ramen noodles and calling it a feast may have passed, however the love I feel for my husband has just grown and grown. I will say this though, I am not a naive 19 year old anymore. Well at least I'm not as naive as I was back then. In a little over two and a half years of marriage (one of which we spent apart/ him in Korea/ me back here at home) I've learned a few Key points. The military lies... let me just repeat that for those of you who didn't catch it the first time around...The military lies. Now I'm sure this seems cynical and mean, and the truth is I am a bit cynical when it comes to the military. Sometimes, and by that I mean most of the time the military is only going to give you a half truth...UNLESS you are willing to ask a million questions and risk making yourself a nuisence. It's okay to ask questions. I have learned that lesson more times than I care to say, however one prime example is that for the first 10 months Aaron and I were married he was not being paid BAS which most of you will know means he wasn't getting food money. Aaron was sure that the military would never ever make the mistake of messing up his pay, well it wasn't until I nagged and nagged that he started checking his LES to see if he was being paid correctly. Finally we got it fixed and recieved a back pay of $3000, however it would have been better to have it all those months that we didn't. My point is this; people assured him he was being paid correctly, however Aaron didn't know how to make sure it was correct. Only after asking questions did we find out how to check it ourselves. The second thing I've learned is that the military is like a family. The biggest and most diverse family you could ever ask for or hope for. People will go out of their way to see if they can help you. While Aaron was stationed in AZ I had to have my appendix removed, Aaron was not allowed to stay in the hospital with me overnight and so a good friend of ours stayed with me and spent all night helping me get up and down to the bathroom. I had been in AZ less than 6 months. Where else will you find people willing to help you move that 300 pound sofa bed up a flight of stairs into a second story apartment? And then help you move it back down less than three months later when you find out your going to Korea? If I can say one thing about the military it's this...you never know what tomorrow is going to bring, however you always know that someone will be there to help you get through it.

All of that being said...Idaho??? Really? I mean don't get me wrong at this point I would take the moon if it means getting to see my husband again, but what are we getting ourselves into here? Boise is almost an hour drive according to the base website, and despite being named Mountain Home AFB I have been told that there aren't actually any mountains in sight! How's that for misleading information? I'll tell you what, I'm going to stay positive and give this place a shot, just like I did for Arizona, which I grew to love.

Hello Idaho Here we come!!!

2009-05-15T12:51:00.003-04:00

It's been a long year away from my husband however we are both ready for the challange of the next base and finally having the money saved up to pick out and buy furniture instead of scouring craigslist for deals. We will be driving the 35 hours from Durham N.C. to Mountain Home, Idaho as soon as he gets done outprocessing Kunsan AB, Korea. I'm sure there will be lots of laughs, crying, and hard work trying to get settled into our new place. This blog is so that family and friends can follow us on our journey. I will post pictures, recipes, and anything else I want to share.