Sisterhood and Service

No matter how many times I get frustrated with the Army, I have to remind myself that it has been a blessing in my life.  Being separated from a husband is not something most women would ask for, but it has helped me gain a self-reliance and situational awareness that I didn't think possible.

In the absence of our soldiers, time after time, I see Army Wives band together in joy, frustration, service, and sometimes sorrow.  This sisterhood lasts long beyond the end of deployments and carries with them as they PCS to the next duty station.

It can be witnessed on a large scale in fundraisers, support groups, or on TV.  That being said, it is the small acts of service that mean the most and set an example to those around you.

Someone showing up unannounced with dinner.

Late night phone calls to vent, cry, or talk about your day.

A smile from a stranger when it's your first FRG meeting.

Mowing a lawn.

Going shopping for a new Ball gown or homecoming outfit.

Giving a ride to a doctors appointment.

Sending a card just because.

Watching a sick child because they can't miss one more day of work.

Volunteering a spouse as a shuttle to/from the airport.

Sharing the number of your favorite babysitter.

I am EXTREMELY lucky that I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing women that I never feel lost, and know I can pick up the phone and talk to someone that knows exactly what I'm going through.  No matter how many months have passed since the last conversation, it's easy to pick up right where you left off.  They never turn down a plea for help and always look for ways to aid those in need.

I love my fellow Army Wives & all the women I've met in my travels.  These ladies never cease to inspire me and give me hope even in the darkest of hours.

This all was inspired due to some nagging thoughts of failure about how many Army Wife friends I've made since moving here.  I quickly realized that a number is just a number, but the quality of friends is what has helped me survive!

I have also felt immense support and teamwork in the Nursing field, and specifically where I'm currently employed.  We sink or swim together, and if one person is swamped it is because we all are. People care if someone has a sick child/spouse, or having trouble outside of work.  They are willing to switch shifts or cover for another for doctor appointments, school functions, or special occasions.

I am doing my best to recognize how rich my life is and enjoy the blessings I have!

Just another Girls Night Out

One of the most important things every military wife has is friends.  They are there to share moments of sadness, frustration, but also joy.  Spending numerous months away from your spouse just plain sucks sometimes, especially for holidays and birthdays.  Lora and I took a weekend getaway back in June to Charleston, SC where we both decided to force our husbands to retire there and share a row house together in downtown.  So, when it came time for her birthday, I knew it needed to be fun.  Since the hubby and I had so much fun at Zip Quest, I figured it would be the perfect thing for Lora and I to do!

Since I didn't have pictures of me & the hubby , here are some great ones of me & Lora!

It was 2.5 hrs in the treetops with amazing zips and great conversation.  We actually had one of the same guides, Amanda, both times and so far everyone has a great sense of humor and making sure you have a great time is their job.

So, if you want to come visit Fayetteville, NC be sure to check them out AND hit up Pierro's on Hay Street, you won't be disappointed!

Come join the fun!

The AMAZING Jessica G. is hosting a True Colors Swap on her blog & I'm so excited to finally participate!

I've been super busy lately, and subsequently, super unhappy. I realized I wasn't taking the time to do the things that I love! I haven't been blogging or reading as much, so that is why I was so excited that Jessica put together this swap! I wanted to participate last year, but LIFE happened...so come join us & maybe you'll get a kick-A package from me...so you KNOW it will be good :o)

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Don't forget to enter my Giveaway!!! It ends midnight, May 30th!!

A crap ton of fun

Sorry for the weird title, but I'm in a weird mood...and it made me laugh!

My wonderful little sister was in town the past two weeks, and it has been such a blast!! She was such a huge help with the boys, and it was nice to talk to an adult all day without having my phone permanently attached to my ear.

We didn't do anything big, but had many laughing fits reminiscing about our childhood and being stupid just for the sake of being stupid. It was great!

We also had the opportunity to help out with a retirement party for a friend of Eric's that has completed 20 yrs of service in the Army. Carolyn, his wife, and I decided about six weeks ago that the traditional phallic shaped cake had been done enough...it was time for *cough* bigger and better things. So after much deliberation, here is the end result:
I was so happy with the end result, and I wouldn't have gotten this far without the help of The Cake Cow, aka Jessica G. (not sure if she wants to take credit for helping me or not). I practiced making different elements of the cake twice, and made changes as I went along. I used white cake with chocolate butter cream for the base of the cake, and red velvet cake with vanilla butter cream for the top.

We had a BBQ at the beach the day before the big party, and the boys had their first encounter with the ocean.

Cooper is now a huge fan of water, and even had a blast on Monday at the pool at the Ranger Camp with Eric.

I have a lot of catching up to do with blog posts, so please be patient with my comments...they're coming, slowly but surely!

Visiting friends

For the 4th of July we headed over to Kelly & Carolyn's house to celebrate mine, Eric's and Carolyn's birthdays (they all happen within a week of each other).

Carolyn did some awesome Army decorations for Eric, and I brought Hannah Montana themed everything for Carolyn. We all had a great time, had amazing food...and I'm not just saying that b/c I made awesome baked beans, layered jello, and the best pineapple upside down cake known to man :o) We watched a horrible movie, and talked and talked and talked.

Carter LOVED the fireworks, he squealed and smiled the entire time, but the noise kind of freaked Cooper out.


The next day we invited ourselves over accepted the invitation to visit my buddy from work, Molly. She lives out in the country and I don't ever get to work with her enough, so we did a lot of catching up. I was greeted at the door of my car by her "smiling" dog Zoe, who freaked me out at first, but she was wagging her tail and wasn't growling, so I figured I'd be safe.

I don't know about most of you, but I'm quite scared of most farm animals...especially the one's that are bigger than me. I've been bitten and chased by them throughout my childhood years, so you can imagine how surprised I was that all her animals were nice! Her mule, Rusty, literally followed us the entire time and nudged and bumped until he got the attention he deserved.

I got to hold some brand new baby chickens, play with her kitties, see the snake and tarantula (I get goose bumps just typing that word!), and her dogs. She remembered a conversation we had many moons ago at work, and made me a chocolate haupia pie garnished with homemade whipped cream! I was in heaven, and the boys took a great nap while I was there and were all around on their best behavior.

It was so nice to get out of the house and interact with adults!!

Happy Birthday to my homegirl V!!!

Most of you remember my buddy Vanessa, the one that helped throw me the baby shower and did a blog post about it, well today is her 25th birthday (I'm not saying how many times she's turned 25, but she still looks it!)

Last year I schemed while she was at clinicals and helped her kids make a giant birthday card for her out of poster board folded in half, and she loved it. So, I knew I had to step up my game this year, and I think I accomplished that.

I picked up her two youngest on Monday after school and we ran to Walmart to get cake supplies and each one got to pick out a card. They picked a strawberry mix & a devil's food mix, and each one picked out candies & sprinkles. Then Wednesday I picked up the oldest from soccer practice and we headed out for his turn to get supplies.

With much discussion from the kids, they wanted a star & heart shaped cake that was stacked like a wedding cake. And, I have to say how impressed I was with how well the 5 & 7 yr old kept the secret from Vanessa.

Thursday I started on the cakes, and it took all day because I had to take frequent breaks. I decided to do a square cake on the bottom that was a mixture of the strawberry & chocolate, and I was very pleased with the outcome, before the kids decoratedSo Friday, Vanessa had to work 6a-6p, so I got the kids off the bus, went over homework, and then started decorating.





Vanessa called to say she was getting off early so we rushed to finish and clean up before she got in the door. And here is how it turned out!
And here is Vanessa opening up her cards. The youngest picked a singing Hannah Montana card, "because Mom likes Hannah Montana," the next oldest picked a Little Mermaid card "because Mom knows that song," and the oldest picked a hilarious card with those green and pink bunnies on it that are crazy.
She knew I was up to something but I'm pretty sure she was surprised, and appreciative that I had a pizza in the oven and she didn't have to cook after a long day of work.

What can I say Vanessa, I love ya girl!! I wouldn't have made it through Nursing School without you, and I'm a better person having you in my life!

If at first you don't succeed...

I have been VERY fortunate in the fact that every place we have moved, there have been loving people to adopt me into their family here in Florida. I still have many Ohana in Hawaii, and have grown very close to my friend Amber & her parents. They have always treated me like one of the family and I love spending time with them!

Every Christmas they have "Girls Bake Day" which I have been able to be a part of the past two years. The girls start baking early in the morning, but by about 2pm someone is normally drunk or passed out on the couch/some one's room.

This year we are starting early, and no boys are allowed until 4pm, so we can finish all our projects and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Everyone brings a fun treat to make, and we all have tins to take a little bit of each thing home. The only real holiday 'treat' that I do is a black bottom banana cream pie, but you can't really take that home in a tin. So, I'm on the lookout!

I got a recipe from a girl at work that looked VERY promising. And, seeing as the first time I do a recipe it takes me forever, I gave it a trial run last night. They are called Choco-Caramel Delights. It is a baked chocolate cookie rolled in pecans, with caramel in the center & chocolate drizzled on top. Here is how they turned out:.
They look awesome!! But, they don't taste so awesome. With all the potential I was hoping for something really sweet, but they were kind of bitter. And, I triple checked the ingredients before I added them, so I didn't add salt by mistake or forget the sugar. Also, I'm not a fan of pecans to begin with...I prefer peanuts. And, Eric wasn't a huge fan but said they were 'edible,' which by his standard is not saying much at all (this is the man that ate a worm to gross out boy scouts at a survival demonstration, and also ate a moth on a dare).

So, I'm debating on giving up on the recipe completely or trying to tweak it. I think there is potential there. I also thought of substituting the pecans for coconut, and trying to find a better chocolate cookie recipe. Any ideas??

Or, do you have a fun cookie/treat recipe that you do every Christmas that an amateur baker could handle?? If so, please email me at: way2cool2bcocky (at) gmail (dot) com

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Even though turning 27 isn't a commemorative age, I'm still celebrating! We have plans for breakfast at Waffle House (I just love cheap, ghetto food), painting pottery, & then a BBQ at a friend's house. When Eric came back from Seattle he brought my MIL's gift for me, 2 scrub tops which are adorable & she sent the sweetest card...I actually teared up when I read it, and it was just what I needed to hear. Thanks Annette, Thora, Nicole & Peter for the birthday cards because even though I'm an adult, I still get giddy when I see card shaped envelopes addressed to me :o)

I finally got my letters in order and am officially a Graduate Nurse. I am scheduled to take the state licensing exam (NCLEX) on July 10th, so keep me in your prayers that day!!!

And for your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of me @ the shooting range last weekend with an AR-15 (civilian version of the military's M-4) sporting my new favorite TAMN t-shirt that reads "My life is a kick-a fairy tale."

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

2009 Annual Ranger Open House & 5/10K Trail Run

Every year we gear up for Open House which is the communities opportunity to come out and see what our tiny Army Battalion is doing on an Air Force Base. For the past 3 years Eric has been in charge of the weapons station which entail him loading ammo for people to shoot and signing weapons in and out...and is very very very boring. So, this year he was excited to get to participate in the spot jump. He really loves jumping out of airplanes, but he like helicopters even more.

Before Open House starts, they have a 5/10K trail run through the woods out at camp as a fundraiser for the Fisher House that is being built locally near Eglin AFB, and I have had the opportunity to participate every year since it began in 2007! This year I didn't train at all, but was able to find some of my nursing buddies to come and walk/run it with me. We had a great time & didn't see any copperheads like we did last year :o)

Here are some pix, enjoy!

I was teasing Eric by wearing a pair of his famous Ranger Panties one night & told him that he needed to get a pair in my size...well he did, and Kelsey said I should wear them to the 5K, so I got them embroidered to show my Army wife pride, and chose to wear some capris underneath b/c no one really needs to be exposed to that much cellulite!

Eric & I before the 5K

Nikki, Kelsey, Jake, Me, V, & Joey after the race. Jake came in 18th overall & Kelsey took 3rd place in her age group. Me, V, & Joey finished...which is all that really matters :o)

Eric checking his gear

Eric is getting checked out before the jump

I'm not quite sure what he's doing...I think he's helping...?

Eric was the 3rd jumper

another view

Bobbi & Josh came down from Ft. Rucker for the weekend before the move to their next duty station. It was a great excuse to go to Old Bay Steamer for their amazing seafood.

I had to show McKenna (Bobbi's daughter) my mad Ranger Wife skills on the Zodiac :o)

Pinning Ceremony

Here's some pix of my Pinning Ceremony. I didn't take a lot b/c my sister's did...then they accidentally lost their camera somewhere on the beach in Destin, so these will have to do!

Me & Amber (she graduates next year)

Me, Kelly & her girls Kaitlyn & Samantha

Michelle, Me, & Kayleigh

Me & the Hamm girls (Audrey, Alyssa, & Ashley) from my Sunday School class

Who's Who Among American College Students

V & Me getting pinned

They recognized me for organizing extra volunteers to do more tobacco education to local middle schools

Leaving the stage & blowing kisses :o)

Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Higgins, Kelsey, Me, V, & Kim

A Classic Mary pose!!

I have more pix on Facebook, so come find me!!