Kristi, Andy and a cat named Oscar

I'm still alive--I promise!

2008-09-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that it has been quite some time, ahem um 3 months? Really? Did summer blow past us that fast?

We are now living in Cali, still looking for a home, the market is just crazy, we don't want to rent and it is difficult finding a house that suits us, that doesnt need a ton of work, doesnt have mold, termites, or ghosts (I'll save that story for this weekend) that we can actually afford. I am seriously thinking about buying an RV and living at Pismo Beach... Andy however is not buying it. So the search continues. We look at houses every week, probably 10 or so, and haven't been having alot of luck.

I am working out quite a bit to get my body whipped back into shape. I will post some pics in a few weeks to see if anyone can tell results! I sure hope so!!!

Need to study a little bit tonight, so gonna go. I promise I promise I will not neglect my blog this badly and I will get some pics on this darn thing! Love to all!!!

WELCOME BACK!

2008-06-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I had originally decided that I would make this a private blog. But I decided that it was too much of a hassle, and if someone really wants to read all about what I post and have no clue who I am, then have at it. I figured, I really don't post anything that is earth-shattering so if someone leaves random comments I can just delete them off, if I don't know them.

SO ANYWAYS...we have been extraordinarily busy!!! We are moving at the end of this month as most of you know, to sunny Santa Maria CA! We have an offer on a house, but it is a foreclosure, so the process can take a while. Our house here is for sale, so far no bids. We have looked into property management for the house here, and if when we leave, it is still sitting with no offers, we can rent it out. So that is an option for us.

The movers are coming on Monday to start packing, so this weekend we will be flying around like madmen, and separating what we are personally going to take with us. We are also hosting a going-away party at our house tomorrow night, making Mexican food, and Andy has started the prep work on that now. I am calling everybody and their mother to get our address changed. I will be sending out our new address personally, so please expect that. No posting that here, for the lookie-loo's.

Just wanted to post a quick update and let everyone know we are still alive and kicking. Doing much better now getting ready for a new chapter in Cali. It will be a much needed change of pace and scenery.

We love y'all, and write again soon!

CALIFORNIA

2008-05-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, yes I know I am making this blog private, but I haven't done so yet b/c I've been lazy. I wanted to ask everyone a favor if you are reading this. Please pray for our safety as we travel to California this week to look for a new home. Also since you are already praying--please pray that our home here in Cheyenne will sell quickly too.

We are doing good, and are very much looking forward to getting away from Wyoming for a little bit! It will be a nice break then we can come back and get everything ready for the move.

Thanks y'all for your kind thoughts & prayers--will update again soon!

THIS BLOG GOING PRIVATE!!!!!

2008-04-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Evening all! Due to some strange activity on my blog, and people leaving remarks whom I do not know, I am regrettably setting this blog to private. This will be effective 15 May. Please send me a reminder email, if you wish to be added to view my blog, and I did not get your email address added.

Until then, I will just email for updates and not post anything else on here. Thanks y'all for understanding!

Have a great night all!

Short hair!

2008-04-07T17:40:00.001-07:00

Version 1
And Version 2

Sorry it took so long to get these up, but I had to get a new USB cable! Argh! But let me know what ya think!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T09:59:00.001-07:00

May your Easter be filled with excitement, anticipation and hope for the year to come. Our love to all today!!!

The Mist

2008-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, back around Thanksgiving does anyone remember seeing previews for the Stephen King movie, The Mist? Oh, I guess everyone skipped that one. Well we should have too, but a group of us went to see it and it was really just awful. But today outside in Cheyenne it looks like a scene from the movie! It is not foggy it is a mist. You can't see more than 4 feet in front of you. It's really strange b/c its never foggy like this here. Creepy....

On another note, Dad I know I promised you a picture of my new short hair, but I cannot find my USB cable to download the pictures from my digital camera. So as soon as I do, it'll be up! Or I may just have to bit the bullet and go get another cable, as it's not looking too promising here.

We're not up to much, we are still moving at the end of June and it's strange but it really doesn't feel like it yet. I don't have "the panic" as so many people seem to get here before they move. Pack up your entire house, move & cancel all your utilities, get meds to sedate Oscar on the car drive, how bad can it be? I'll let you know the answer to those questions in the upcoming weeks!

Why I love Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T16:28:00.001-08:00

Because it's 100% acceptable to let my inner fat kid come squealing out!!!!

Happy Groundhog's Day....I think?

2008-02-02T17:02:00.001-08:00

Ok, so according to legend if it's cloudy that means that Senor Groundhog says Winter will be over sooner right? So what if it's snowed 2'' and buried the Groundhog in his hole? Like oh say if the Groundhog in question lived in Wyoming---hypothetically speaking?

Birthday notes!

2008-01-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

I thought this picture was absolutely hilarious.

So my older cousin Jason is now 29 too and yes I love to remind him that he will always be older than me, and be 30 HOURS before I will :-)

You may be asking, so what I am doing this year for my birthday tomorrow? Actually with my foot in a cast walking around isn't really an option so I decided to start early and celebrate for 2 days. Andy is making dinner for me tonight while I am reading a new book, drinking champagne w/a box of chocolates. He is an amazing chef as most of you know so it really is a treat to have the best seat in the best restaurant in the world---and I don't even have to put shoes on! Tomorrow will be Olive Garden because that really is my favorite restaurant outside of Chef Andy. :-) Once I get my cast off I am treating myself to all new makeup!!!! I've been wanting to make the switch to mineral makeup for awhile now so that's what I am going to use all my birthday cash towards. And go back to my BLONDE hair!

On an interesting side note, I am getting all my hair chopped off SOON! I am growing it out just a little more so that it reaches 10 inches and I am donating it all to Locks of Love. Locks of Love provides wigs to underprivileged kids who've lost all their hair due to cancer or other disease. I can always grow more, the little girl who is battling leukemia can't. I am excited to give to such a worthy organization & get a fun new look in the process.

And for some more A.D.D. thoughts before I go. My cake this year is chocolates! I've never been much of a cake kind of gal so I thought well it's my birthday why can't I have chocolate for my "cake"? As those who know me best, you may also remember some of my previous "cakes"

Pumpkin pie
Snickerdoodles
Cookies
Blondies (my Daddy always made these for me instead of brownies)
Cookie cake
Or just plain as much as I can eat at Olive Garden, haha!

My love to all and thank you for my beautiful cards & gifts! They are on the mantle!!!!!

California, here we come!!!

2008-01-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! It's official, our next assignment is Vandenberg AFB, CA!!!! Our report date is no later than 31 July, so we will be moving this summer, after the middle of June. We are super excited as this was our first choice and can't wait to see the beach again. The picture here is from one of our favorite places, the Pismo Beach Pier.

It's funny because the song that popped into my head as soon as we heard was "California Love" by Dr. Dre hahaha! (Keri I knew you'd love that!)

Our love to all & update again soon!

Merry Christmas y'all!

2007-12-24T14:32:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Kristi & Andy

Update on my feet!

2007-12-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm in and out of being coherent, so I thought I'd get this up. I had foot surgery on Thursday and am home recovering. I will be home until Jan 4th. The surgery overall went well, but instead of correcting my arch by placing permanent pins in my feet as they did with my last surgery, the dr's had to use temporary ones, b/c the pins wouldn't hold. So, seriously it looks like 2 big corsage pins on the xrays and the tops are sticking out of my skin covered by little balls about the size of M&M's. They will stay in for 6 weeks. I thought about posting a picture, but decided it would scare the kids, so you'll have to take my word for it. :-)

But I am doing ok, am taking Vicodin to keep pain manageable. Have had first post-op appt and so far so good. If Idon't post again before Christmas, hope everyone has a great holiday! Love, Kristi, Andy & Mr. Oscar

Pancakes and Snow

2007-12-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Our Back yard
The neighbor's frozen trampoline!
View from our front porch
Look! It's true! Rain, snow, sleet or hail nothing will stop the US Mail!!!!
Well it started snowing yesterday and by today this is what it looked like. We slept in late, got up & had a leisurely breakfast of pumpkin spiced pancakes & relished the fact that we both lucked out and have the weekend off together, a rarity in our house. The cat slept on the couch stretched out between us and we just enjoyed the morning of not doing anything. We'll venture out later in the hoopty (my car, haha) for Meg's birthday party at Primo's (like Cici's). Meg is Bill & Jaime Hassey's little girl--she's 5 this year. Maybe take in a few Christmas lights on the way home, and then finish up our final for class.

Enjoy the pics!!!!!

Aren't cats supposed to hate water?

2007-11-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

And here all this time, we thought cats hated water. Thank goodness the toilet had just been cleaned, sheesh!

Miles Away from Ordinary, A Tribute to Mary

2007-11-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

The blog was begging for an update and taking a cue from our niece, Hannah, I knew exactly what I wanted to post.
I found this picture today, and thought it was very fitting for Andrew's mother Mary as she was MILES away from ordinary in such a fabulous way. I was so very blessed and fortunate to have known Mary if only for a few short years. It's very funny how we met, because it almost didn't happen. Andy and I had been dating for awhile in California, and he said "My parents are coming into town this weekend, let's get together for dinner one night" I said sure, but as Saturday got closer I became more terrified. What if they don't like me, what if this, what if that? I talked to Andy the night before and he was telling me what a good time he'd had with his Mom and her friend Sharon last night. They'd bought purple feather boas, and Mardi Gras necklaces and just had a GREAT time with their Coronas last night. I thought, Well I definitely can't go now, this woman sounds too crazy for me!!! SO I cancelled on Andy, let me re-phrase that. I tried to. I told him I had a headache, my stomach hurt, blah blah blah and he said Oh, ok---well get dressed b/c I'm gonna be there in 5 minutes then hung up on me! DAMNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now flying around my 700sq/ft apartment and clothes are flying everywhere as I am trying to figure out WTF am I going to wear!?! Finally settled on something just as the doorbell rang.

We went to Hamasota's our favorite Japanese place. And I'm so glad Andy didn't let me cancel. We had such a great time, laughing and by the end of the night, I truly felt as if I'd known Mary for years! When they dropped me off, she asked what I was doing tomorrow night. I joked and said, Well you kinda have my date, so probably nothing. She said "GOOD---then come to dinner with us tomorrow. Andy turned around from the front seat and just raised his eyebrows at her and smiled. She laughed and said "Oh I forgot---that's fine with you right Andrew?" Hahaha, how can you say no to that!

I moved to WY in Dec '03, by myself b/c Andy was a class behind mine and didn't move until March. Mary sent me a book, and I mailed back a thank-you card. We'd written letters ever since. The first few I got I laughed so hard at the randomness. One said, "So tell me more! Do you like coffee? If so what do you like in it? What about tea? Iced or hot? Sweet? Lemon? Do you like Coke, or DrPepper?" I thought "What is this the Spanish Inquisition, haha!" I remember that St Patty's Day opening a letter and green shamrock confetti flying out of it when I opened it. After that, when holidays came around, I very cautiously began opening the letters over the trashcan, haha! But it was through letters like this, that we became very close friends and laid the beginnings to a wonderful friendship.

I met the rest of the Adams family in Sept 05 during The Great Road Trip of '05. We'd barely missed Katrina in New Orleans, as that had been one of our planned stops. The city was evacuated and we instead drove north to Memphis. Mary had a bottle of wine waiting and we stayed up late that night just a talking. Chris was there too, and told Andy--so she's actually real, then handed me a wineglass. HAHA! I liked her immediately!!!!

And just a little over a year later, we got together again, but this time for OUR wedding! She looked radiant that day, and so happy. I made photo albums for the parents and Grandma & Granni, and lo and behold if Mary didn't take that photo album EVERYWHERE with her and show it off, haha! When Andy and I were back in TN last week, we went to go see a family friend, and they said, Oh we recognize you from the pictures! Puzzled? What pictures? Oh, Mary brought in the WHOLE album and showed us, haha! She loved her family and her friends dearly.

So it is with great honor and privilege that I am able to call Mary more than just family---but a very dear friend. It is very fitting that she loved her some Corona as she truly was and forever will be 'Miles Away from Ordinary'

Off to Tejas

2007-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm headed for Texas, or as my Dad likes to call it "Northern Mexico"this week. I'll be back hopefully with some good pics next week. Hope everyone's well, will post again soon!

Welcome Baby BAM-BAM!

2007-09-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Baby BAM-BAM! Sept 19th, Andy's niece Abby & her husband Sabata welcomed their baby, Baine Alexander at 7lbs & some change. Since his initials spell out "BAM", that's what we're gonna nickname him. So welcome Baby BAM-BAM from Aunt Kristi & Uncle Andrew!

The Sun Dial with Fur

2007-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we know that its Fall and turning just a little cooler, there's a crisp in the air.....and........
Oscar has started his Fall Equinox Rotations.

Once its cooler, its been 65 during the day I guess, 40's at night, Oscar turns into the Sundial. As the sun comes through the windows, that's where he lays, and as it moves throughout the day, he does too. It's cute. This was about 3:30 upstairs while I was working on homework. Crazy cat!

Holy Crap!

2007-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so Andy my man and I were watching Biggest Loser tonight. And they flash up these questions in between scenes like "How many jumping jacks does it take ot burn off blah blah blah" But then, HOLY CRAP! MOTHER OF ZEUS!!!! SWEET ODEN'S RAVEN!!!! They put up 4 things and say which has the most calories.....

Bacon Cheeseburger - my vote

Fries

Chocolate milkshake - Sweet beard of Zeus, surely not?

And something else I don't remember what

BUT THE DOG-GONE MILKSHAKE WON!

Not by a little. By a lot. Try 22oz at 627 calories alot.

And guess what yours truly gets usually every other week. Yup a big honking 22oz Dairy Queen shake.

PERO NO MAS!!!!!! (Hey Christine--that's Mexican for 'but no more!)

A Birthday in the House!

2007-09-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Birthday 'cake' with his birthday cards

Oh, I'm in heaven!!!!!

Ladies & gents, Andy is celebrating his 28th birthday today! I guess September is the month when geniuses are born b/c Keri & Andy are seriously the smartest 2 people I know!!!!

I was asking Andy what kind of cake he'd like me to make for him, and he just grinned and said I don't know about cake--but I'd like Rice Krispy Treats! HAHA! So, that was his cake and I put candles in it and everything! I make them a little differenct than the recipe calls for & add 2 Tablespoons of vanilla in with the marshmallows when you melt 'em, and that makes such a difference, these things are just phenomenal!

We went to breakfast this morning for pancakes & french toast, and are going to have sushi tonight at JeJu's in Ft. Collins. Tomorrow we're off to Denver for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary which I can't believe that's it been a year! Will put up pics when we return! Thank y'all so much for the lovely cards, they're all on our mantle!

Everyone's favorite atty is 29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-08T17:50:00.001-07:00

Well ladies and gents, today our beloved attorney celebrates her 29th birthday!

Wishing you a VERY happy birthday Keri, and I hope you did something fun to celebrate today----or make Ben take you out tonight and pamper you!

LOVE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah another day in WY

2007-09-07T17:02:00.001-07:00

Hmmm......I wonder if Oscar would let us do this to him?

Not too much going on other thant getting another class started and in the middle of the big inpsection. Got a few days of leave coming up and really can't wait! I can't believe its been a year since Andy and I were married it has gone by so fast! We are going to go down to Denver for our anniversary go see a comedy show and just enjoy the city.

I just had another appointment for my foot and as of right now, I will not need a second surgery on my left foot! It wasn't looking too promising 2 weeks ago but I have been doing physical therapy everyday and it is paying off--but very painful and I hate doing it. But it is worth it in the long run.

Hope y'all are well and will update again soon!

Now that's a uniform!

2007-09-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Go to this link and click on: Optical Brighteners & ABUs

http://chairforce.com/index.htm

The Army & Air Force are coming up with "new & improved" uniforms that well, are comical at best. We now have BDUs (Camo) that glows in the dark when you wash it. Its designed to be a wash & wear uniform instead of having to get it pressed and what-not. So people have been washing it, and some detergents contain optical brighteners to make clothes look more vibrant. Makes sense right? But that doesn't necessarily mean that the detergent has to advertise that it has brighteners in its formula. Click on the link and you'll see the result. I'm sorry but I howled in laughter when I saw this....didn't someone think of this when they were designing this?

Got the big inspection coming to the base on Tuesday and will last for 2 weeks. Kinda like Cousin Eddie showing up and won't leave. And you've got to get everything right or Cousin Eddie will come back. And no one wants to see Cousin Eddie more than they have to......

First Place Apple Pies!

2007-08-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

OK y'all get ready to laugh because this is kinda a funny story.
Every year on the base we have an event called Frontiercade. Remember back in grade school when you had a field day, and did things like a 3 legged race, stuff like that? That's pretty much what this is. And there's also a chili cookoff and an apple pie baking contest.

Well, there's this woman we have dubbed the "Chili Nazi". She's usualyy a judge and us just so stinking mean! Last year, everyone lined up their chili & the apple pies were right across the tent. So everyone goes and samples the chili, but when we go to the otherside of the tent to taste the pies, this behemoth yellsat the whole tent---THE PIES ARE NOT FOR TASTING!!! Meanwhile her lard ass goes down the table and gets a piece of all 20 pies.

I decided NO MORE! I will enter the pie contest and beat Lucifer at her own game. I entered the pie contest and made fried apple pies. AND I WON FIRST PLACE!!!!!! About 150 people judged this year, there was a judging panel and a people's choice, and I won! I'd been talking all week about how angry this woman makes me, she is evil and must be crushed.

HAHA TAKE THAT CHILI NAZI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prayer for Keri

2007-08-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I want to ask all of you who are reading this post right now to do something for me. I need you to pray for one of my very best friends in the world, Keri. Many of you met Keri at our wedding, fot those of you that have not, we've been friends for over 20 years now and I consider her more like a sister to me than a friend.

Keri and her family are going through an extremely difficult point in their lives, and I ask each of you to pray for strength, perseverance, hope and closure for Keri and her family. They need that now more than ever. Thank y'all so much! Tell everyone you love HOW much you love them today, and give them a hug!!!!

Rainy Day

2007-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Just a rainy day and got some cool pics of a a rainbow that was right over our home. And this is one of Oscar's favorite places to sleep. Curled up on the backpack that he pulls under the coffeetable. For some reason he loves sleeping on bags. Workout bags, in our suitcases when we are getting ready to pack, laptop bags, you name it.

Using today to clean the house really well, we've both been working alot and I haven't been able to stand for a long period of time to help much. SO we both had the day off together which is a luxury, and we slept in, I made pancakes & bacon for breakfast and we cleaned. We're gonna go see SuperBad tonight, I hope it s good!

Fat cats make great pillows!

2007-08-12T09:54:00.001-07:00

Relaxin at home with Senor Oscar Cat

A weekend in Vegas--a true story of dancing, a hotel shooting, wildfires, burning cars, and the infamous NippleMan

2007-08-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well for 4th of July weekend Hannah flew out and then we went out to Vegas to celebrate. It was going to be one last hurrah for summer and before I had my first foot surgery. We had such a blast. We stayed at the New York New York. Our first night we went to a Cirque du Soleil show, 'Ka' and it was fantastic. The sets constantly changed and it was really amazing. On our way back to the room however, the hotel was blocked by police and crime scene tape!? I thought someone had made off with some loot, but come to find out some dude went crazy and started shooting from a balcony AT PEOPLE in the lobby playing slots!!!! I'm glad we were at the show!

The next day we walked around town and had sushi at Todai's which is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. YUM!!!!! On our way back we see choppers circling the strip and we're like what's going on???? A car had burnt to the ground in the middle of the strip! It caught on fire with a family inside, they made it out safely and then it was Disco Inferno! A tourist we talked to said people started running like Godzilla was coming, b/c explosions were coming from the car!

Went to MGM grand later that night and danced the night away. The next night we went to a piano bar in our hotel and it was so much fun. But at one point Andy and Sam had gone to the bathroom, so Hannah and I were dancing, when this guy comes up beside us. He then proceeds to give us the worst pick up line I've ever heard...
He lifts up his shirt, shows us 1 of his nipples and says "look what I've got" haha! and we looked at him and said wow that's great. Then he lifts up the other side and says 'there's plenty more where that came from' HAHAHA!!!!! It was so funny, Hannah and I just laughed and laughed and dubbed him "The Nippleman"

Our last night we went to the Palms Hotel where we went to 4 clubs inside the hotel. By far Rain was the coolest club I have ever been to. There was this flamethrower that would come down over the dancers and just go to town shooting fire from the sides, it was so friggin cool!

On our way back home, we were detoured in Utah for 4 hours! Lighning had started a massive wildfire, and it ended up burning over 150 miles! So it was quite a long car ride back, but Andy kept us laughing pretty much the whole way. He comes up with the most random funniest stuff I have ever heard, I'm so glad I married a guy with a crazy sense of humor!

Sorry it took so long to get the post up, but enjoy the pics!!!!!

2007-08-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

At Rain in the Palms

Lucky Sam
Andy on our way into the Ghost Bar
The flamethrower in the rain. This thing came down over the crowd right above the dance floor and shot flames out the sides--very cool, but made it VERY hot.

2007-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

View of the Strip from the Palms Hotel

2007-08-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

This was on the 53rd floor in the Palms Hotel. We got tickets early and were able to see the entire strip!!!

2007-08-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

This was a real sign, I kid you not!!!
It was really hot this weekend, so hot in fact that a car caught fire and burnt to the ground. Part of the car melted on the ground!
Front of MGM Grand
A night at the Piano Bar in the NYNY. This is my favorite pic of the weekend!!!!!

2007-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Andy and Sam
Front view of our hotel, The New York New York
Night at Cirque du Soleil show "Ka"
Water show at the Bellagio

Inside MGM Grand

Oscar and the Thunderbirds

2007-07-23T21:52:00.001-07:00

Well, something very funny has been happening the last couple of days at our house. The Air Force Thunderbirds are in town for Cheyenne Frontier Days and have been doing flybys and practices over our house. They come swooping in, 4 of 'em and zip overhead go way up in the air and swoop by again. When Andy and I first heard it we were really excited and went to the windows so we could see.

Little Oscar on the other hand has a very different view about this whole thing. The first time they flew by, you could steadily hear a roaring, then SWOOSH!!!!! Oscar's eyes got as big as dinner plates and he ran, yes i kid you not, RAN under the coffee table and crouched down as low as he could, ears laid back and all. Then, SWOOSH! again and he started yowling. SWOOSH! Off he runs to the basement! I'd like to think if he could talk he'd be yelling, "IT'S AN AIR RAID! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE MOMMA!!!!!!"

Hobbit Feet

2007-07-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, while my feet aren't quite this bad, I have had problems with my feet pretty much all my life. Andy affectionately calls them hobbit feet, and has banned me from putting my hobbit feet on his dashboard in his car. So what if it's a BMW right? :-) Well, I had surgery on July 11th, to remove a bunion or 6th knuckle as Andy likes to call it, and re-align my bones to actually give me an arch. So I'll be out of commission for awhile, I'm coherent enough right now to post. The pain meds I'm on, hit me like a truck and I'm usually out for 2 hours or so after I take one and I can't drive. I've pretty much just been laying in bed or for a change of scenery I scoot down the stairs and lay on the couch. The pain meds make me dizzy and its kinda gnarly trying to go down the stairs on crutches so I have opted to just scoot on my butt down, and up. I've got a walking cast I'll be wearing for about 8 weeks, until my left foot can stabilize enough for me to have my right one done too. Right now everything is healing well, no infection so as long as I can mange the pain I'll be good to go. Oscar hates the walking cast, he growled and yowled at it the first time he saw it, that was pretty funny.

I'll update more soon....

Some days are harder than others

2007-06-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is what my desk will look like by the end of the week. Just thinking about how much I can't wait to leave and how every day that goes by is one day closer to that time. I can't wait to not have to come home and still have another 3 hours of work to do. I am just having a tired day and wanted to post since I haven't put one up in a while. But we did do well on the midterms today, so that's a bit of good news. Hannah I really can't wait to see you and get away and have some fun!!!!!

More Mexico

2007-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

On one side of us we had the ocean, and on the other was the jungle. It rained almost every afternoon maybe a couple of hours, cleared up and was gorgeous the rest of the day.

And of course no trip to Mexico would be complete without tequila shots! Our waiters insisted we at least take one, they poured it into our mouths, and yelled ARRRIBA!!!! after we took them. Lots of fun!
And they even made us our own special dessert plate after I told them (en Espanol) that we were on our honeymoon! This dinner we actually ordered and did everything in Spanish which was pretty cool to me. I'd been brushing up on my Spanish for about 6 months before we went and let me tell you, a tall rubia Americana gringa speakin' Spanish is enough to stop the whole room. Andy and I were treated very well, better than other patrons of the resort just because we spoke some Spanish. If we couldn't finish the entire conversation, at least we'd start and end it in Spanish. It shows respect and you're treated better for it.

Just thinkin about Mexico today

2007-06-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

This one was funny. We got on the plane to come back home and the plane was filled with fog. The inside was alot colder than the outside and it created the fog in the plane that you see here.
Andy at Mundo de Azulejo (World of Tile)

Just thinking about how much fun we had back en Septiembre en Puerto Vallarta. Here's some pics from our trip. Enjoy!

Remember those who fight

2007-05-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Remember those who have fought for the freedom of this country, and those who are fighting still:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/

It is Memorial Day and there are fellow men and women who are fighting on this very day. There is a wife holding a photograph and showing it her daughter who will never meet her father. There is a parent remembering graduation and knowing a wedding will never come. There is a friend longing to hear a joke again. There are brothers and sisters who will remember the Christmas 'when'.

Remember.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!

2007-05-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank all of the women I have been privileged to have in my life as mothers and examples of beauty, power, grace, understanding, wisdom, humor and love.

My mother Malinda, I am thankful for the life you gave me, the memories I still have, and I know I got your sense of stubborness-or so I've been told. I'm grateful for the time that we did have and will cherish that always.

My mother Phyllis. I have been fortunate in this lifetime to have two mothers. When you met me, I was a complete tomboy and my idea of dressing up was a "clean" t-shirt and running shorts. Thank goodness you met me before I went into junior high like that! Thank you for everything you've done for me, and taught me, and your never-ending support. It means the world to be able to share my plans for the future with you, and know that you are there behind me. You taught me how to push in life, and how to accomplish my goals, and that if you truly want something, then it can be yours if you work for it.

My Grandmothers, Naomi (Grandma), Nancy (Granni) and Estelle (Meme). I have learned so much from all of you, and have been so blessed to have all of you to guide me through wonderful times and trying ones too. Grandma, you've taught me the power of prayer and believing, Granni you've taught me that a woman can do anything she wants and look good doing it, and been an example of strength in my life, and Meme you've shown me how to have grace, style, and compassion through your life. When you have women in your life that have lived 90 years, that is a source of wisdom that no book can ever capture.

And one of my newest family members, my mother in law Mary. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and trusting me to take care of your baby! You've opened your arms and your home to me as if I were your own daughter, and I look forward to many more memories!

So here's a blessing to all the influential women in my life, "May the roads rise to meet you, May the winds always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

I love y'all!!!!!!!!!!

Almost free.......

2007-05-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

Cinco de Mayo is coming!!!! And so is our Acct final!

2007-04-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Puerto Vallarta 2006
Sombrero Gato
Puerto Vallarta

Well, hey everyone! This is gonna be a short post, because we are 2 ears deep in our Accounting Final and the Final Project. All is due on May 9th, so we will be kinda scarce between now and then. But as any good Texan knows, this weekend mi amigos es la fiesta Cinco de Mayo! Its a big event in Texas b/c of the large Mexican population and this is the day that Mexico won its independence from France. So if you have a minute or two to spare, make yourself a margarita and yell ARRRIBBBBBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tennessee, good eatin' and dogwoods

2007-04-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I suppose it's far past time for a good update! As Dr. Keri has pointed out several times, if you are to have a blog---it needs to be updated! Point taken.
As everyone knows, I got pretty sick and was out for 2 weeks. We had a job interview with one of the Colonels a few weeks back--the day I went home from work actually b/c I felt so bad. I couldn't go home until I had done the interview, so I tried my best to get through it. At one point I had water just streaming down my face from my eyes and the Colonel asked if I was ok. I tried to ham it up and told him I was just so excited and flooded with emotion at the prospect of getting to go to Cali and teach the new students, that I just couldn't help myself. He laughed, so I thought, well at least that is a good sign.
We think Cali might be the next assignment for us, we're not sure and won't know 100% until next May or so. If we get Cali, we will be teaching the new officers that come in how to be missileers and how to do the job. The hours are good as in not 70 a week, and we'll have weekends together which we have not had in 3 years. So it wouldn't be a bad job at all. But we'll have to wait and see.
School is rolling along, so far have a B in Accounting. 1 project and a final left, to finish that class. Then onto class #9 of 12, Planning and Scheduling.

As most of you know by now, Andy and I have been in Tennessee for the past few days. We found out Tuesday night that Andy's father, Monroe was diagnosed with cancer. He had a lump removed in his neck, and tests came back showing that it was malignant. He is scheduled to have his thyroid gland removed on April 17th, and also to run some more tests to see if it has spread. If it has not spread, it is pretty treatable and recovery will be very good. If it has spread then there are still several treatment options. So please, as y'all are reading this please keep us and Andy's family in your prayers.
So after we found out the news, we were able to get off work thankfully, to get to TN to spend some time with the family. I made Monroe's favorite cake for him, which was a coconut cake. Then for Sunday, Andy and I did the honors of making the majority of Easter dinner. I loved it, had the apron on and everything! Everyone helped out too and brought sides, Christine's Mac 'n Cheese was soooo good, and Fred & Denise's Deviled eggs and Pasta Salad were just phenomenal! I am gonna have to get Fred to share his secret recipe, b/c I just love deviled eggs. Amy brought some fantastic chocolate pies, and we had delicious rolls w/honey butter (courtesy of Mrs Paula Deen) from Lucy. I tell ya we just had a feast by the time we got everything on the table. It was a really good menu, and just great to get so much of the family together for support and just catching up. I am so glad we were able to make it.
Andy and I realized how much we've missed the South. Even though it was chilly, the smell and feel of humidity was great. Not to mention the wind did not howl at gale force and there were trees! And the Dogwood trees were just gorgeous! They are or maybe were? in bloom now? It got real cold and by Sunday some of the blossoms had started to wilt, so I hope they made it. But Christine drove us around Knoxville, and there are Dogwood trails that you can drive and just see tons of trees in bloom. They are white and pink, and some are hybrids and have white petals with pink centers. But they were just so pretty. I realized how much I cannot wait to not have to move every few years and struggle day in and day out trying to do a job that I'm not real thrilled with just to get a paycheck. So every night, we continue to make plans for world domination, haha! We'll let y'all know when that's successful. It will be so wonderful to move, and just be able to set the trash can out for pick up, and not watch it levitate 3 feet off the ground then fly like the Wizard of Oz on its way to Kansas.
So everyone please, keep us all in your prayers. Work is getting harder by the minute, and most of y'all whom I've confided in know exactly what I am referring to. Dr. Keri, I owe you an email to explain the rest of that story. Hope everyone is well, and had a good Easter, and I will post again soon! Love y'all!

I feel loved!

2007-04-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dr Keri! I feel so loved that you have decided to put 15 posts on my blog. I am in Tennessee right now, at my in-laws, more in a bit. Just wanted to thank you for keeping my blog updated. haha....!
Well I was sick for 2 weeks finally got rid of that, then got too busy with work & school and did not update. So I will put up some more shortly, but just wanted to get a post up here! Are you a millionaire yet?

Under the weather............

2007-03-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, just wanted to let y'all know that I am still alive! I am currently feeling very under the weather, going to the doc tomorrow. I will post soon......

Things I love.......

2007-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well, since it's almost Valetine's Day and I actually have a minute to sit and smell the roses, I decided to update me blog.

I know some of you may think the Valentine's Day is a Hallmark Holiday, and some of the retailers have certainly stepped up to the plate to portray it that way. You're bombarded with things that you must buy to show your love, roses, candy, chocolate, jewelry, you name it. That's great, but this year take the time to remember WHY you are giving a gift of love to someone.

We do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

There are many opinons as to who was the original Valentine, with the most popular theory that it was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome. In any event, in 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages and St. Valentine became a patron saint of lovers.

Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February -- Valentine's Day -- should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

SO this Valentine's Day, remember someone you love and why it has become a tradition....

Some snow pics

2007-01-19T20:33:00.000-08:00

As much requested, here are some snow pictures... Enjoy!!!

It's Baaaaaack.........

2006-12-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

Blizzard Number 2 is upon us. We are at the bottom southeast corner where it turns orange inside the purple. Its snowed 3 inches in and hour and a half. And guess what..... Andy and I are stuck at home together again! Hmmmm, this snow thing is working out in our favor this time. We are warm and safe and glad we are not traveling but thinking of those that are. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and looking forward to a wonderful New Year!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T18:31:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope y'all are having a great Christmas so far, we have been very blessed this Christmas. Andy and I got snowed in together and the biggest present for us was getting to spend so much time together without having to take leave, it has been truly great. Both of us do go on alert tomorrow on Christmas Day, I'll be in Southern Wyoming, Andy will be in Northern Colorado, and we'll both be about 60 feet underground watching Christmas movies tomorrow. We made alot of food today to take out to the younger enlisted troops that are serving away from their families, many for their very first time. It makes my day to bring alot of treats on site and have their eyes just light up, that someone in charge of them, thought of them and took the time to do something nice. It doesn't happen very often here, and it's nice to make someone smile.

We are having our Christmas dinner tonight, Andy is finishing it up. We roasted a chicken, have green beans, corn, garlic mashed potatoes, with cranberries. We are going over to a friend's later tonight for some cocktails and a White Elephant party.

Also, the COOLEST gift I got was getting to tour the Hammond's Candy Factory in Denver yesterday! Thanks Andy again, that was AWESOME! I love candy, I really am a fat kid at heart, and we got to see how they make it all. And at the end of course, the tour dumps right out into the candy store. I think I may have gotten some of the best chocolate of my life, YUM!!!! Thanks babe!

Well, I hope everyone is having a great time and I will update again soon! God bless!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope everyone is having a great time and I will update again soon! God bless!!!!!!!!!!!

The Great Blizzard!

2006-12-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we are on the good end of the blizzard meaning Andy and I BOTH are stuck at home! I love it , neither one of us can go to work, so we HAVE to stay home TOGETHER! We left at lunch today, the base closed. Usually, we are on the opposite end, and one or both of us are stuck in the field, so that usually sucks. But not this time, yippee! I do however, feel bad for the crews that are stuck in the field, I'm sorry guys!
So as y'all can see, that big purple front is right on top of us, and it has dumped a foot of snow and still going strong. Winds are high, 35+ so snow is swirling and blowing all over the place, and there are huge snowbanks in some areas, such as fences or against homes and bridges. Very dangerous out there, Colorado has been declared a state of emergency. We heard it forecasted yesterday, so we stocked up on warm foods, have stuff to make chili, enchiladas, spicy shrimp, BBQ sandwiches, we got alot of food. I think I am going to make Andy and Applesauce Spice cake tonight, since we don't have to worry about getting up early or anything.
On another note, we are both done with the inspection, we both did good, and we done with our class. Made an A- so we are very happy with that. Taking 2 next semester, b/c there are no inspections in the Spring, so that will be the best time to do it.
Christmas cards are in the mail, so be looking! Also, when weather permits and we can get out, we are going to get wedding pictures together and on the way. So be expecting those soon for your holiday gifts! They look great, and I know y'all are gonna love them! Mom & Dad, Mary & Monroe, Grandma & Granni we are making photo albums for you, and will send those as soon as they are ready!
Other than that, we are both good. Both healthy, neither one of us got really sick from all the stress. Andy did get a cold, but was able to shake it. We both started taking Air Borne, it really really works. I strongly recommend that to anyone, especially around the holidays when you'll be meeting w/everyone and someone will probably be sick. Awesome stuff!
Our love to all and I will update again soon!!!!!!!!!!

And I thought I've been having it rough

2006-11-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Next time you're feelin' low and a little depressed, always remember there is someone or something rather that is having it far worse than you.....

On the subject of Stress

2006-11-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows this famous canvas done by Edward Munch. I think it describes pretty well what Andy and I are both feeling right now. *And FYI for everyone, we have the wedding pic proofs, but we seriously have no time at this moment to decide and order them. After 11 December, we will. But the few we've looked at are terrific, Beth did an outstanding job!* If we can just hang on until 11 December we will be doing great. In that time, a horribly hard midterm with math and just way too many calculations, 40 pages worth of writing for a group project and an individual project, 80+ hour work weeks for ever increasing work for the inspection that is 4-10 December will have come and gone. And if we are standing and alive at the end of all of that, we have finished a success. So needing some uplifting, I found the following quotes on strength and perseverance.

* If there is any responsibility in the cycle of life it must be that one generation owes to the next that strength by which it can come to face ultimate concerns in its own way. -Erik Erikson
* When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
* Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. -Dwight D. Eisenhower
* I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him. -Eleanor Roosevelt
* Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do no pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks. -Phillips Brooks
* Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
* Fortunately for themselves and the world, nearly all men are cowards and dare not act on what they believe. Nearly all our disasters come of a few fools having the "courage of their convictions. -Coventry Patmore
* Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi
* Never, never, never give up. -Winston Churchill
* You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt
* And each man stand with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can. -Elizabeth Barrett Browning
* It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide on what to do. -Elbert Hubbard
* Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. -Theodore Roosevelt
* Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of. -Jonathan Swift
* I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward. Thomas A. Edison

And one of my favorite and motivating stories, is when Thomas Edison was asked what kept him motivated one failed attempt after another at trying to make the world's first lightbulb and how he dealt with so much failure. He replied with, "I found 10,000 ways NOT to make a lightbulb. But I only needed to find 1 way to make it work."

A few more pics

2006-11-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Jake better known as Indiana Jones

Sam Spears as "The Peep Show"

This was hilarious!!!!!

Rach and Eric (my old commander)

Maria

& Keira

These are just a few more pics from Halloween that I wanted to share w/everyone. Maria and Jake's party was a blast! I think Sam's and Andrew Martin's costumes were just crazy and so funny, but Andy's costume was right up there with them. And I must say Andy makes the ugliest woman I've ever seen!

More Halloween pics

2006-11-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Sean

Andrew Martin as a 300lb ballerina

Andy, the hooker and Jake S.

Andrewlina and "Tha Pimp"

Another Addams family pic

Yea Keri!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, ladies and gents it is official.....Keri has passed that Texas BAR exam, and is now a bonafide lawyer! Check out this link:
http://www.celebration-bar-exam-review.com/Index.htm?http&&&www.celebration-bar-exam-review.com/news.htm
Go to the B's and there she will be! Ok, and for the record Keri, I have no idea how this thing is scored, but yours is in the 4000's and I saw very very very few that were comparable or close. People were scoring in the 1000's so it looks like you just blew everyone away, like there was any doubt lady! CONGRATS on a job well done, and I hope you are enjoying Baker & Botts!!!!

Night 1

2006-10-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

LtCol Pappas (Zeus) and his wife
Gomez and Morticia
Caught in the middle of eating
Lt Col Stanley
Halloween jack o' lanterns

Here are a few pics of night one of the Halloween parties. LtCol Stanley hosted this one, and it was a good time. Andy and I went as Morticia and Gomez Addams, but we had to explain it, since people kept calling us Sonny and Cher. C'mon? LtCol Pappas had everyone rolling, he's Greek and confirmed that 85% of what you saw in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was true, even down to the Windex cures everything! Apparently, it is the ammonia in the WIndex that is the miracle cure, haha! Great time, and got us ready for Halloween party Number 2.....

Pumpkin carvin' time

2006-10-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year where your doorbell rings and on the other side, there we are hoping that you'll give us some candy even though we are 27. Haha, all jokes aside, Halloween is such a fun time of the year. We are starting off by carving some pumpkins tonight with friends. Friday we have a Halloween party at LtCol Stanley's house, then Saturday is perhaps THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR at Jake and Maria Pairsh's home. They have completely decked out the basement, covered all of the walls with black trash bags, have rented a fog machine, and a speaker system, so it is going to be one awesome "Monster Mash!" I will definitely post pics from that! Last year was lots of fun!!! Hope everyone has some fun plans, if not, well it is not too late, Make some! Love to all!!!

One month and counting...

2006-10-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it is hard to believe that it has really been a month since we said I DO!, and then gave each other a high-five on the altar when Fr. Gary pronounced as husband and wife, but it has!

Andy has done the math, and for each month that goes by, that means that 2% more of our time here at FE Warren is done. Whoop!

For our month anniversary, we didn't do anything that special, I made dinner, chicken enchiladas. As far as the cooking schedule goes, since we both work full-time, whoever worked the least amount of hours cooks that night. But sometimes that just doesn't work either and we'll go out instead. It works great for us. Hope everyone is doing well, love ya'll!

Halloween!!!!

2006-10-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well, since Halloween is just around the corner, naturally Andy and I have been trying to figure out what we are going to be. We both love Halloween, so this is really a big decision for us. So we've got it! (If the pictures have not tipped you off already). PAPA SMURF & SMURFETTE! Since those of you checking this are out of town and cannot steal the idea, I thought I'd share it with you. So stay tuned for these pics when they go up in about 3 weeks........!

A recipe for the grill

2006-10-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hay Dad this one is for you! I know last night you were saying how you wanted to find something new to throw on the grill. Well, here it is. You know when you go to a restaurant and how their chicken fajitas always taste so good, and no matter how much you try you just can't seem to duplicate the taste? Yes you can! Their secret ingredient is very simple: Italian dressing! And you can easily fit this into your healthy life-style like we do by getting fat-free or light Italian dressing.

Lime Chicken Kabobs (serves 6, perfect for leftovers & lunches)
Italian dressing
6 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
wooden swekers (you could buy steel ones, we just use wood)
1 red bell pepper
1 red onion cut into chunks
1 (16oz) can pineapple rings, drained and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 limes

In a large plastic Ziploc bag, put chicken and squeeze enough Italian dressing in to cover the chicken completely. Marinate in the fridge about 2-4 hours, the longer will add more flavor. About 20 minutes before you start cooking, soak your kabobs in water. (If you don't there is a really good chance they will burn up)
-Preheat your grill. Be sure to spray it down first w/Pam b/c you don't want your stuff to stick. You want medium-high heat about 350-400F.
-Prep your veggies.
-Take out chicken, and start making your kabobs. Alternate chix, pineapple, red pepper, onion then start over.
- Grill your kabobs covered, for about 15-20 minutes, turning occassionally.

While your kabobs are cooking prepare white rice, we use the quick rice, and just adjust how many servings we want.
-Once your kabobs are done, bring them in and serve them on top of your rice. Squirt half a lime over each serving and enjoy!

HUMMUS!

2006-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

WOW, thank you Keri! Naturally the first thing we were going to make with the new food processor was hummus, and it was fantastic! This worked out so much better than the blender fiasco we had when we last tried to make it haha! THANK YOU!!!!!

Just a hello

2006-10-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

I know you all are waiting on more pics, so are we, they are coming I promise. Just wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know that we are getting busy again with work, and with our grad school class, so I will call as I get time. I am starting a big project with school, so it is taking up quite a bit of time. Andy and I are both taking Risk Management this is class 7 of 12. Our Master's program is through George Washington Univ., in Project Management. It is similar to an MBA, not as math intensive though. Should be useful when we start our business empire!
Right now I just don't have the extra time that I know will be spent on the phone, so I am just putting some updates here. Please be patient with us! Our love to all!

Just some wedding thoughts

2006-09-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I am taking a break from the mountain of laundry that I am doing after unpacking my suitcase from the honeymoon. I am really irritated that when I got my luggage back, one suitcase had a cut in it on the back, and the other little one was missing a wheel! So it has been dubbed the wheel-less wonder.
But I was thinking back on everything and thought I would share my thoughts while all of you are waiting on more pictures....
A couple of days before the wedding: A huge pile of clothes on the bed while I am trying to figure out what I really want to take for the honeymoon. Wow! Is it really here? Has the year really gone by this fast and I am about to marry my best friend in just a couple of days? I am so glad that all of the planning has made this year go by quickly, and jeez I can't wait to move away from Cheyenne! I think of all my friends that have supported me while I have been doing all of my planning, and remember the jerk-offs at work that have criticized me for taking some personal time for myself. But then I also remember and smile that they are not coming to the wedding and they aren't going to Mexico either. I feel better now.
Trying on the wedding dress again before the big day: Man I am so glad that I have been working out! The dress looks fabulous and I really can't wait to wear it! (This is before it has been fully laced up!) I am very happy with my body and the way I look, I am so glad that I have stayed on top of everything and continued my workouts even though I really didn't want to. And I did tan a month before, even though I knew Keri wouldn't like it. I have gotten pretty light here, there really is no ambient sunlight here and I MISS my TEXAS tan so much! I look so pasty and white for most of the year, that when we do plan a vacation anywhere we usually tan for a month so we won't roast on the trip.
More thoughts....I am really starting to wonder if I am going to have time to visit with everyone! I still haven't managed to finish packing b/c I have been cleaning house! Andy and I have both been so busy that it is really a task to keep our house picked up. I start to develop a basic itinerary to fit everything in, to visit with everyone as much as possible between finishing the last minute details. Oh I just hope everything turns out ok!
Family is here! Everyone started rolling in, and I was really glad that everyone made it in safe. Was a little scared that Andy's family wasn't gonna make it, their flight was delayed and I was wondering if it was going to be too late for the dinner. But they did make it! Got to visit with everyone here at our house for a little bit and show them everything. I hope the massive amount of winemaking junk and the still in the basement doesn't offend anyone! But I can't hide it so it stays. Jeez, Grandma I promise I am not really an alcoholic, I know this doesn't help my case at all! So glad that the families are getting along great! The Dads like each other and the Moms too, oh this is great! You know that;s one thing you always wonder about, I hope the like each other, what if they don't.... but it worked out great!
Night before...Well the girls stayed at Melissa's place and it was nice to be alone and just be quiet and rest for a little bit. I didn't have to think about anything just rest. But I did reflect back on everything that had brought me to this point. I am so happy and still just wondering is this real, is it a dream am I about to wake up? I met Andy when I thought I could never love again and my heart had been crushed. I had started completely over in a new state, and I had no furniture, not even a bed! I went to Walmart when I got to California and bought a $50 hammock and slept in that for 3 months b/c I had no money, and I was too proud to ask my family for help. I needed to recover and do it all on my own. It made me stronger than I ever thought possible. And in the midst of everything I met the most wonderful person in my life. Someone to make me laugh and we make each other laugh so much! I am so happy we have the exact same sense of humor. It is so wonderful to have someone there beside me no matter what, to push me and help me when I think there is no way out and everything is too dark and I cannot see any light. Someone to just hold me and let me cry if I need to. Andy is the love of my life!!!! And tomorrow we are about to be married, I am going to be his wife! I feel honored to have such an awesome husband!
Wedding day!!!! I finally managed to get some sleep but I still feel pretty tired when I wake up. The alarm went off, but I turned it off, so thank goodness Keri came to see if I was up and let me snooze while she was in the shower. Got my makeup all done, it is perfect, and got out hair fixed and we all just look fabulous! Off to the church, now and time to put on my dress! But oh my gosh! I had no idea it was going to be quite that tight all laced up, I really felt like Rose from Titanic! Lace it up! Ok so it is on and we are ready! I can't wait for everyone to see it! Walk down the aisle with Daddy, oh my gosh he just looks so handsome, I am so happy he is here to walk me! Everyone looks fantastic and I can't stop smiling! The ceremony is going by so fast. At one point I almost missed the chair when I sat back down, did anyone see that???! Then the dress is really getting tight, I can't exhale enough to get more air and I really think I am going to pass out in the chair. I was so dizzy, and started seeing sparkles. I keep taking shorted breaths and the feeling finally passes! After pictures, we are off to the reception, and I really can't wait to chat with everyone. All the girls are just in awe of the dress, yes it really was a corset top! Several felt the boning in the sides. I gulp down some water, and am disappointed when I can't eat very much. But that's ok, it is one day, I can eat later. And I am so happy that my tummy can't pooch out in any picture hahaha!!!! So I am pretty happy and smiling to myself that I will probably like all the pictures. We had such a wonderful time at the reception it seemed so classic really like all of us were in a early 1900 movie set. It was such an awesome feeling! I have had such a wonderful time celebrating with everyone, my favorite part was the champagne! I loved that! I hope everyone has enjoyed everything as much as we did, everyone certainly seemed too. And more than a few guests came up to me and commented on how cool the venue was and that they really felt like they were in Titanic! That was a huge compliment to me! After everyone left, it was just me Andy and Eric. Eric played the piano for me, for a bit, gosh he is so good and played my favorite song, Clocks by Coldplay. It reminds me of Andy and when we first started dating and just really gives me chills every time because we have so many memories attached to that song. It was the last song I heard before coming to the church too, in the salon. I just sat there in the chair, and smiled. It was really cool to hear it.
So I have rambled on quite a bit and the clothes are still waiting so I will break. Keep checking back as I will continue to post more updates!

A few wedding pics

2006-09-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Toasting flutes from Amy & Richard

Ceremony w/Fr. Gary

Maid of honor/best man
Keri Brown, Eric Baird

Ok, I know its just a few pics, but this is all I have right now and these are from Eric Chin. I will publish more as I get them, have not gotten any pics from the photographer yet. Had a wonderful time, will update more soon!

A few wedding pics

2006-09-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

Toasting flutes from Amy & Richard

Maid of honor/best man Keri, us, Eric

Ceremony with Fr. Gary

OK, so we just got back, and we are trying to get everything back to normal, so here a just a few pics, i will post more as I get them. These are from our friend Eric Chin. Have not gotten any pics back from photographer.
We had a great time, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, it was really just fabulous!

Snakes on a Plane!

2006-08-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

WE LOVED IT!!!!! If you want a really good "bad"movie to see this summer, this is the one my friends! Some great one-liners in it! Spend the muthaf$ckin' dough and watch Samuel L. Jackson in one of the funniest performances of his life.

Arriba! Yo quiero un mas margarita por favor, un grande!

2006-08-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

We are going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the honeymoon, and we are so excited! I think just about every other night at least we are looking up reviews and more pictures on www.tripadvisor.com. This is an awesome website by the way if you are planning a vacation anywhere. You have some losers that are gonna complain about everything, for example there was a post on our resort, Dreams that a coffee table in their hotel room had a chipped corner. C'mon if you are that bored that you notice the coffee table, you've got some serious thrill issues. The table could be broken in half when I checked in, or spontaneously catch on fire and I could care less, YOU'RE in MX on vacation! But you better believe I'd get a picture of it burning!
We are really looking forward to a nice vacation though. We've had to save up leave all year and we are using just about everything on the wedding and then the honeymoon. We'll be in Mexico for a week, and I tell you what, we won't wanna come back. Yo practico mi espanol y esta bien. (Been practicing my spanish, I am pretty good). One of my crew partners is Puerto Rican, and he has been working with me for awhile on my Spanish so I am pretty decent now. I had a good base, I am from TX after all, so I knew some basics, but needed some refreshing. As long as we do not end up in a Mexican prison with the federales we'll be ok!

Pecan Pie recipe

2006-08-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Mom's Pecan Pie

What you'll need:

1- 15oz package refrigerated piecrusts (you'll stack two together)
3- large eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 light corn syrup
2- tablespoons melted butter
2- teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups pecans

Preheat oven to 350F. Toast pecans on a cookie sheet for about 5 minutes or until fragrant, be careful not to leave them in too long. One of the secrets to this recipe is toasting the pecans, if you don't then they are chewy in your pie.
--While pecans are toasting, unfold the 2 piecrusts, and stack them together one on top of the other in a lightly greased 9" pie plate. Push edges down around plate with your fingers.
--Stir together eggs, sugar, syrup, butter, vanilla and COOLED pecans. Put the pecans in hot, and you'll begin to cook the eggs.
--Pour filling into piecrust. Bake at 350F for 50-55 minutes until set. Serve warm, or cool completely on a wire rack. ENJOY!!!!

Homestyle southern cookin'

2006-08-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well, today my friends you are in luck! Being inspired by favorite
chef, Mrs Paula Deen, thanks Mary for the magazine, we are
going to make a very southern style dinner, which is not too common to come by in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I love to cook, (at one time I didn't & I was actually not very good at all) but tonight I am going to make homemade bread, chicken fried steaks & chicken fried chicken for me, hashbrown casserole, bacon green beans, and you guessed it, pecan pie! Mom truly makes one of the best pies in the world, I always remember holidays, that was one of the things everyone looked too the most. So I took her recipe, tweaked it just a little, and think I have made a Pecan pie even Paula would rave over!

The BAR exam

2006-08-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

OK, Dr. Keri, this one is for you! Alas, I don't have a scanner, otherwise I would put your smiling face on here!
For those of you who are checking up on me via this blog, my sweet dear friend Keri has pointed out that I am not putting up enough info on my blog, and well that just needs to change if you are going to have blog. And put something more interesting on it. Ok, point well taken.
With that being said, Keri has just finished taking the BAR exam down in Texas! After 3 grueling days of testing, she will not find out the results until November 3rd, so let's all keep her in our prayers! Keri, you are truly an amazing woman, with an incredible drive to accomplish everything you have. I am truly blessed to have you as my friend and best-lady at our wedding! Love you!!!!

VINO!!!!!!

2006-08-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well, ladies and gents, my wine supplies should be arriving today. I use a couple of different suppliers, it kind of depends on what I am going to
need and order. Got all the bottles and corks coming in, along with the
labels. So you know what I will be doing this weekend!
I am looking forward to getting to share the vino with you all at the
wedding! I am going to the Nagle Warren today(that's where the reception is at) to figure out centerpieces and decide on a lunch menu.

Maybe one day soon, I could do this full time, that would be my dream job!

Argh finally got my password back!

2006-07-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken so long to put something back on here, but I forgot my password and couldn't get it reset for the life of me! But all's well now and it is fixed!

Been busier than a one-legged man in a hop-scotch contest with school. Fininshed up today as a matter of fact, and ANDY and I both got an A!!!!! Yippeee! We are officially half way done w/our master's in project mgmt from George Washington now!

Wedding planning is going very well, ordered the bottles today for the vino, yum.... The Chardonnay is finished as well as the White Merlot, and both are just great. I really wish I could do this full time. So those of you who are coming out will get a sample of each.

Gonna go grab some dinner at Chili's. Neither one of us want to cook tonight. Hope everyone is well, hope to see some of you in a little over a month!

The SCREEN!

2006-07-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we come home the other day and there is a hole ripped in our back patio door screen! We are so mad and we are trying to figure out how it happened. Then we find a piece of the screen inside under the dining room table and realize that it was Oscar!
What had happened was the night before there was a little stray cat that I saw outside. So being the big softie that I am, I filled a little container up with food and took it out to him and set it on the patio. Well the little stray never came back, but I left it for a day to see if he would. Oscar decided he just couldn't take more food sitting in front of him that he couldn't have so he kicked a hole in the screen with his back claws in an attemp to get it! What a fattie!

In the kitchen

2006-06-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

So here is my latest culinary creation. Lemon bundt cake, from scratch. It was so good. I got the recipe from Cook's Illustrated, it is a fabulous magazine. They basically take favorite recipes, and make the best possible creation. They will test things thousands of different ways to come up with the very best version of it. Delicious!!!

Dress arrived!

2006-05-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!!! The dress came today and I am soooooo excited! I tried it on, fits great and it just looks fabulous! So very pretty! I was so bummed yesterday when it didn't show, btu now it is here! Yea!!!!!

Argh, dress didn't come yet!

2006-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

OK, so I waited around yesteday hoping my dress was going to get here, but I checked the shipping info on it, and it made it into Denver last night. So maybe today? I was really looking forward to getting it though. If you wanna see what it looks like, check out this link...
http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/store/caroline.asp It is the top pic.

I tried to post the pic on here, but it is copyrighted, so I will have to wait until I actually get. And then it will just be on the hanger, not on me, no peeking yet!

But here is the cake! Can you say DELICIOUS! It is dark, semi-sweet icing, marzipan fruit, and the cake itself is a dark rich chocolate, with raspberry filling. I tried it downtown at the baker I am using, Ben Appetit, and it was honestly the best cake ever. We are thinking of doing some chocolate covered strawberries alongside it.

Oh honey!

2006-05-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is Oscar, our beloved 15 pound cat. That is not a typo, he really does tip the scales at 15lbs. Our friend Sammy V came over, and when he first saw him, he asked "Oh my gosh, is that a bobcat?!" No Sam, he isn't a bobcat. We tried to dress Oscar up for Halloween, he was going to be a bumblebee, but the little jacket wouldn't button close, so we had to take it back! Poor Oscar...

2006-05-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Favorite pics

2006-05-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Bahamas, Atlantis hotel, October 2005.

Update on us

2006-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, sorry it has taken so long to start posting stuff on here, and it probably won't be too frequent, but alas I shall try!
Work has been really busy, we had our annual code change in the end of April and I had to stay in the field for a week! Arghand I thought going out for 24hours was bad! I shall never complain about going on alert again! But that is done so it is starting to settle down.
Wedding planning is going pretty well. I have my dress, I am waiting on it to get here today, yippee! It is champagne with bronze and gold ribbons on it, just gorgeous. Got the cake done last week, we have our cantor--thanks Hannah! The cake is going to be fabulous it is a CHOCOLATE and I do mean ALL chocolate cake--yum! Since everything is going to be small and very personal we are doing what we really want to do instead of doing things, "because that is what everyone else has done". Honeymoon is going to be in Puerto Vallarta, MX. Pacific side should be safer as far as hurricanes go, which is a concern for us b/c we are going in prime hurricane season.
Still looking at flowers, may do silk bouquets and actual flowers for the centerpieces, not 100% sure yet on that. Check out where the reception is going to be at http://www.naglewarrenmansion.com
When I get more stuff to write, I will!

Cheers and Greetings!

2006-04-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I will be updating this as I have time....come back soon!

Until then, Cheers!