LOve

I dont have much to say tonight, except for I love time off with my honey. The last week has been awesome just being able to lay around together and snuggle, watch tv, play video games, and just laugh together. I love our life! I'm excited for our lobster dinner coming on Friday, then we're having a few friends over Friday night for New Years, and thennnnn its a whole new year! I'll be posting some of mine and Gregs goals for the new year along with photos of our lobster night as soon as I get them uploaded! Love to all the family back home! We missed you for the holidays, but rest assured, we weren't too down in the dumps. We found ways to keep our chin up. One of those was playing Mario Kart Wii with all my family across the country. You all keep us sane. Hugs and kisses from Texas!

Christmas In Texas

I'm going to start by saying, " I AM NOT OK WITH A HIGH OF 82 TODAY." I keep crossing my fingers for even just the slightest sign of a snowflake, and as the days go by, it gets warmer, and I get more and more sad. It will be okay, I'm just a whiny baby who misses Wisconsin and the beautiful snowbanks.

Greg made it home a week ago, and I've been selfish demanding all his time and attention. But we've managed to complete a lot this week. Christmas cards are done and ready to go out today (I know I'm a little late, but its my first time sending them out so forgive me.) We've been studying, we got all of Jessi's things out of our apartment, and turned her room into a kitty playroom and a wii room. Put one of the couches in there and its good to go. I'm excited about it, because our livingroom doesn't feel so overstuffed anymore. And I even made a nice little corner for the christmas tree instead of shoving it on top of our coffee table.

I think today I might make paper snowflakes, and plaster my window with them so when I look outside, I can pretend its snowy.

Life has been really good to us lately. It scares me a little, because I'm afraid that the next big thing is going to come toppling down on top of us and screw up all our plans, but I'm fairly certain that wont happen.

I'm not sure I have much else to say for today, but I will say, be looking for a post after New Years, we should have photos up of our lobster dinner :D Thank you Marla!

LOVE TO ALL~

Ever thine. Ever Mine. Ever Ours.

So Greg left a few days ago for another trip round the world, and I am left at home. The first day is always the hardest. This time seemed extra hard, being completely alone for the first time since the last deployment, but tonight I had a realization. I am here thinking of him, and he is over there doing the exact same thing. It brought a smile to my face, and for once, relaxation. Life is good. I have the love of my life, and he's working hard so we can start a family and a life of our own and make our dreams come true. He is wonderful. I don't need to stress. I have plans, and back up plans, and if they don't work out, we'll find a way to make things work. We always do. We may not always have the most money to work with, but it all works out in the end. I am so grateful for the life I have been given with him.

I'm looking forward to Christmas. Cooking a nice ham, plenty of wonderful sides, and sharing them with anyone who wants a second home for the holidays. I think thats my role I want to have here. I want to have a home that is always open to someone who needs family, because we all need a support group. Christmas morning I will make Mama Marquardts wonderful cherry crepes, so Greg hopefully wont be too homesick, and someday shortly after christmas I'll do Grandma Arlene's caramel rolls. I miss her a lot around the holidays. How her house was always open, stocked with yummy treats and tampico "orange juice". I hope to have a house like hers someday. Where family or not, you are always welcome. So I am starting early. If anyone needs a place to go, and wants food, please feel free to walk on in.

I'm excited for New Years and Staci visiting. Soo many wonderful things to look forward to in life. We've decided to change our Bahamas vacation to Crete. I want to see more of Europe, and Greg really loves it there. So we'll keep everyone posted!

Lots of love to all those struggling <3

I am Thankful

I am thankful that I got to share this thanksgiving with my husband, even if we are away from home, I am so thankful we could at least be together this holiday season. We even got to share a delicious meal with two friends and our kitties even got a taste of some turkey.. that and Josh gave them a heaping bowl of food afterwards so they were in heaven. It was cute. Now they're all passed out together with their food babies sleeping it off. It was a nice quiet day of talking, video games, and football. The food this year was spectacular! I am so proud of myself :). Bragging rights forever!

I am thankful that our ticket got cut in half, and we only had to pay a $250 fine instead of a $550. That was a lot of stress off my shoulders.

I am thankful the government gives me money to go to school.

I am thankful for my family. You may not know it, and I do not say thank you enough, but you keep me going strong when all I wanna do is quit and come home. You guys are half my strength. The other half is here with me right now.. even if he is playing call of duty...

I am thankful for my husband. The man who makes me laugh, makes me cry, dries my tears, kisses me goodmorning, always tells me I'm beautiful and loved. He keeps me sane. When I get stressed out, he tells me to forget everything and take a day off. I love him soo very much.

I am thankful for my friends. You guys are the greatest, near and far. Keeping a lonely lady laughing and with things to look forward to. <3

Life Is Good

So I would like to say I haven't written because I'm soooo busy. But basically that is a big fat lie. I just dont have much to write about so I wait a few weeks until I feel like I have enough to say. Now just because I'm not busy doesn't mean I am not stressed ridiculously. I've been working on Christmas presents,and I am soo happy to say I only have 2 left to make, and 2 left to buy:). That is such a relief! Makes me excited because I think this year I am spot on with my presents! Yay! Lately I've had a hard time sleeping, but painting has been helping.

We're moving out of our apartment at the end of Dec, and as of yet we dont have a certain place to go... but hopefully by this weekend we shall have that worked out. I'll let you know as soon as I do. I'm still stressed about my court date next week for that stupid parking ticket. A ticket I've had to sit and stress about for the past 2 1/2 months, but next wednesday, whether good or bad it will be over. Then its Thanksgiving!!!

I am so excited this year to redeem my frozen turkey fiasco of last year. I have been planning this turkey all week and lemme tell ya, its going to be great. I'm going to stuff the turkey with an onion, 2 lemons, and rosemary, rub down the outside with butter, salt, and pepper. I know how often to baste it, how to make the perfect gravy.. mmmm. Its going to be epic. I'm making stuffing, corn, biscuits, pumpkin pies, apple pie, brownies, and cookies. Veggie platter, cheese and crackers, seriously I am so incredibly excited! Though it will probably be smaller than last year, it will still be great.

I've also been worrying about my classes, but this week I've really been pushing myself to get this next class done, since now I only have 3 months left. Which is fine, I only have one class left, but at this rate I wont finish so I'm really trying to get that done.

I think thats all for now! Lots of love to everyone far away! I miss you!

Happy Anniversary To Us!

Well its officially been a year, and a week now, but a year, and we did get to go on our retreat to San Antonio, and it was a blast. Greg managed to get a day pass for Friday, so we got up early, went to the gym, and left shortly after that. Got into San Antonio around 2:30 and spend the afternoon wandering around the Riverwalk. We ate the most delicious sushi I have ever had at this place called Zushi Sushi, then we wandering around the riverwalk until late just enjoying the lights and the people, and the atmosphere.

Saturday we got to go to Sea World. Watch the shows, see the animals, goof off like two young people in love. :-) If you want a good birth control option though, go to Sea World, and then the next morning go to the zoo. Let me tell you, it makes you question ever wanting to be a parent. Little angry screaming children, still not my thing. So kids will still be quite a ways off.

They've been sending Greg TDY lots lately, which is fine, just gets a bit lonely in Texas. Hopefully soon they'll let him stay home for two weeks at a time before sending him out to the desert. Lots of love to all my family and friends too far away to chill with. I miss all of you!

Carrots and Peas

So last weekend we got to go to Dallas. Heather managed to get everyone to miss their flight, so me and Greg got to spend Thursday night and most of Friday alone wandering the city just waiting for them to arrive. We finally made it to our hotel Thursday night pretty late, and all we did was go downstairs to the restaurant to eat, and then head to bed. We decided we were gonna get up early, go downtown and check out the farmers market before their flight got in. Well, we ended up coming back with 2 mangos, a pineapple, some apple plums, 10 limes, 4 prickly pears (which I haven't attempted to eat or juice yet but google says they are yummy), 7 zucchinis, and about 20 cucumbers. The cucumber lady misunderstood us, we said one basket and she gave us 2 anyway. Which is fine, we made the Marquardt creamy cucumbers and Zach was in heaven. It was so cool though, all the places were giving out free samples of their products, and everything was so cheap and just so delicous. I wish there was a good farmers market a bit closer to Abilene, but I guess I'll just enjoy the trips to Dallas a little more. OOh!! We also bought a jar of the most delicious cherry jam I have ever had! Sorry Grandpa Ed, it even beats yours.

So on our way back to the hotel from the market, we find out they missed their flight, and wouldn't be in until 10pm that evening, so we decided to go to the hotel, drop the food off, and then head over to the Galleria Mall. This mall is 4 stories, with a 5 GUYS and an indoor skating rink, so we got some burgers, and watched the future figure skaters of America. Then naptime, picked them up, and went into town to have some fun and experience some Dallas clubs.

Saturday we spent wandering downtown, and then Heather, Zach and Lyndsey got to come back to Abilene and experience some good ol Texas two step. It was lots of fun. Sunday was a chill day, we all just hung out and didn't do a whole lot, though we did take them to see the Prairie Dogs at Red Bud Park. ITs pretty neat. Someone at one point in time decided in the middle of a city park to just put this prairie dog exhibit thing. Just random in the center of the park. Its amazing to me that they stay there, the fence is only about 2 feet high. Monday we played pool, there happened to be a 9 ball tournament going on that was free to join, so all the guys decided to do it, and of course Zach took home the first placed trophy. Tuesday we took them back to Dallas, and away they went until their next adventure down to Texas.

Great weekend :)

What to do?

My days seem to keep getting longer and longer. With no job, finishing up a class and waiting for the next one to come in.. I dont have much to fill my time. So I've been scrapbooking, applied for 2 jobs on base, and cleaning. I got Jess's things all packed, and her room is clean and ready to go. So one less thing in December to stress over.

Been looking at houses, and hoping that in December the perfect one will be available, because right now, there isn't much and it makes me super sad we had to pass up on the house of our dreams last month.

So I applied at the Commissary and at Bank of America, and I'm really hoping that one of these two jobs comes through. If not I wont be heartbroken, but both have great pay, are on base already, and would make life sooo much easier. Pray for me? Thanks!

So we have never gotten our honeymoon, so we recently looked into trips just as a wild hair and found out that a trip to the Bahamas next year for our anniversary is totally doable! So we'll be saving every extra penny we can find in order to get there next October! I really really cannot wait!

Also we're on the waiting list this year for a retreat in San Antonio. I didn't find out about it until yesterday, so I called this morning, and they happen to be full, but the airforce being what it is, they say they have tons of cancellations and we should still be able to go. Its the weekend after our anniversary so I'm crossing my fingers. What it is, is a free hotel stay all weekend in San Antonio. No catch. They offer one small marriage seminar, and its not even mandatory. But you can stay in this hotel, take a trolley to the boardwalk, go to sea world for free, six flags, everything. It would be sooo amazing and I'm really hoping some people cancel so we can have a nice anniversary for FREEEEE in San Antonio :) Woot! So the airforce isn't all bad..

Lots of love to everyone!~

Weddings weddings weddings

This last week I got to get married again, I know what?! 2 wasn't enough? This time it wasn't for me. I got to be the proxy in a by proxy marriage and get married to one of my best friends, Nikki. Her fiance is deployed, and they decided now was the time, so me and her went to the courthouse, got the marriage license and sat down with the judge to say I do. Well I got to say "for Jeffrey yes". But it was a lot of fun and I got to relive the first wedding we had.

Still working on school, keeping the house clean, coming up with great recipes :) I'm turning out to be a pretty good cook. And the skillet I got for the wedding, amazing. You can cook anything on it. Between that and my crock pots, I'm all set!

One of Greg's buddies brought his fiance down this week! She is awesome! I'm super excited for the end of March when they get to move down here together! Another girl!! Everybody get excited! :)

Life has been treating us well lately! Love to all!

The Military Spouse

She is a woman who never plans anything, rolls with punches well, smiles excessively, has a rough exterior and a loving center. Someone who can take an idea and run with it, and also be ok when it falls apart due to a midnight phone call. Someone who loves people, but is perfectly fine on their own. Usually managing life together from multiple countries, and likes a pet to keep them company, this is of course before being a single mother half the year (if she has kids). Its a tough job, and they do not get nearly enough thanks, so this is my thanks to all the other military spouses who hopefully keep their sanity much better than I.

I have a tendancy to lose it. Sometimes I cry randomly, yell over nothing, or sleep all day lacking the motivation to get out of bed. But you should thank Greggles, for he puts up with all of it with minimal complaining and usually a smile on his face. Oh I love my wonderful husband for loving me and being so understanding. Its not the easiest thing in the world moving 1300 miles away from Mommy and Daddy. I would say friends, but there are very few left there that I even care to keep in touch with, so mostly its the family aspect. But you know what, it makes us a stronger couple. When I have a problem, I talk to Greg. He cheers me up, buys me a bigmac, and life goes on. It truly can be a perfectly wonderful life.

Lately I've been focusing on school and keeping the house clean. You'd think it'd be easy only being the two of us. I blame the cats. They must tear through here every night because for some reason it never stays picked up. I quit my job. Yup. I haven't told anyone but the people that I work with, but it was making me unbelievably miserable and I could not stand it. Right now I'm going to finish my semester and start another one. If I get this one done by Nov 1st, I will possibly try and find another job. It depends though. I only have so many hours a day with Greg so many days out of the year, and I hate not being able to spend that time together when he is actually here in Abilene. I know people will say "wow must be nice to be able to stay home." All it is, is budgeting. And I am a master budgeter. Even without my pathetic income, we should have 3 credit cards paid off by January. BEFORE he even deploys again. Which means for the next deployment there will be lots of money going into savings, and money going towards our car. Once the car is paid off... well then we'll basically owe nothing aside from student loans. And lets face it, student loans will always be there. Hopefully not but I think we're a few more deployments away from paying those off.

So thanks for everyone who taught me about the "Snowball effect" of paying off debt. You have helped us trememdously. We also just got a gym membership. One nice and close to home, where its mostly women, not meatheads. A place I actually like going, and I may even start to enjoy working out. Who knows. This is in an effort to carry out the goals we've set for ourselves recently. Mine is to read at least one chapter a day, drink 6 glasses of water a day, and do yoga 6 days a week. Gregs are to study for a half hour every day (either loadmaster stuff or for staff sergeant) to go to the gym 6 days a week, and to eat breakfast every morning. For everyday I complete my goals, I get a star, he gets a stick giraffe. 10 *s = A big mac! Talk about motivation. I cant have any until I get 10 stars, so you can garuntee that every 10 days I want my big mac. :)

Thats about all thats going on right now. Lots of love to all the family we're missing!

Like Someone Took a Brush and Painted Their Hearts

The wedding was more beautiful than I could have ever hoped it could be. The ceremony was simple and heartfelt, and everyone did a wonderful job. The reception was fun, easy, and dancing together for the first real time was a feeling I cant even begin to describe. I loved every minute of that day.

Being home was nice, but its nice to get back to Texas as well. Time to look for a new place to live, finish up some schoolwork and get ready for the next deployment. I know there will be lots of challanges in life, but I also know we'll be just fine. I'm super excited for all thats to come~

Selfish

So I haven't written since Greg finally got home because I feel like being selfish and spending all of my time demanding attention from him. Those of you who have ever seen him play call of duty know that I will talk non stop the entire time he's playing. I dont know why I do it, its just like this switch that goes on. I think its more of a game for me to see if he can pay attention to me and the game at the same time.

Anyways, last weekend we went to Dallas for 5 days. On Friday we drove to Dallas only to discover Greg left his wallet at home, and we had to drive all the way back to Abilene, and then back to Dallas. This was in hurricane rain, with multiple accidents along the way. We spent 10 hours in the car. We met up with one of his old Buddies, Dmitri Sokgobezon, and spent the evening eating pizza and listening to them all tell their war stories.

Saturday we went to the Warped Tour. We got to listen to a lot of new bands, a few of which we decided we were going to go home and look up some more (they dont get to play very long). We also got to see some big ones, Motion City Soundtrack, Andrew W.K., etc. It was a very fun but very tiring day. We ended Saturday at the melting pot eating the most amazing dinner I've had in quite awhile. We decided to spoil ourselves and go all out and get their ultimate romance package. It included a dozen roses and the vase, two champagne glasses, a bottle of champagne, a 4 course fondue dinner, and they scattered rose petals all over our table complete with candles, a private booth, and they even took our picture at the end of the night. It was probably one of the best days we had in a long time.

Sunday we went to the Dallas Zoo. Idk why but the zoo is our thing. Something about the animals and seeing little kids so excited lets us relax, goof off and just have a good time. Sunday night we went to the Galleria mall. It has an indoor ice rink, 4 floors, and I discovered a 5 guys. My favorite burger place in the entire world! I was soooo excited!!!! Then we spent the evening in the hotel just relaxing.

Monday was intense. We decided to trade in my little beat up cavalier and get a new 2008 Chevy Equinox. We got a great deal on it, its name is Lexie, and its the best car in the entire world and I am way excited to drive it to Wisconsin on Tuesday! :) Monday night we stayed at a 5 star hotel in Downtown Dallas called Hotel Za Za. We had a lovely picnic on our balcony complete with wine Greg brought home from Greece, cheese, crackers, meat, some veggies. We played some jazz music and danced a bit, and had a really wonderful time not even going anywhere. I wish we could have more nights like that together.

Tuesday was the best though, we got to go to 6 flags. Rollercoasters, got a charicature done of the two of us, which will most likely be displayed at the wedding reception. And we got to drive home in our new car! It was the most amazing weekend ever!

Since then Greg is back to work, stressed as usual. But last Monday he got a promotion! We found out on Thursday that he got BTZ (below the zone - its was happens when an airman does really well and gets to pin on Senior Airman 6 months early!) and he was pinning it on Monday, July 12th. My baby is no longer an A1C. A little sad cuz now our cake topper is wrong, but thats ok, he's really happy about it. Who doesn't love a raise?

I think thats all for now, now its just packing and making sure we have everything we need for the wedding. Lots of love to all! I cant wait to see you soon!

Accomplishments

It has been 1608 hours since Gregory left and my list of accomplishments is piling up. I can figure out what is wrong with my car and either fix it or find someone who can. I have built a desk and a dresser. Kept track of all our finances, with both of us spending money thousands of miles apart, that is a real feat. I've finished the wedding plans, ordered almost everything we need, made programs, all the wedding flowers are put together thanks to me! No help at all! Ribbons and everything! I've made numerous decorations for the house, had surgery, kept my job, and managed to stay sane. I gotta say, who ever said a woman needed a man by her side? I'm just happy to have a man in my life who loves me as much as I love him. We adore each other and its wonderful. Even if we are thousands of miles apart, and return dates get pushed back a week and a half, we're both strong enough to handle it. I love my hubbins. :)

I cant wait to come home!!

Home Stretch

As I get ready for a hectic week ahead of semi annual and all its intensity, I'm taking a minute to pause, smile, breathe, and really be happy. Greg will be leaving Afganistan in the next few days, and I must say I am so relieved. The attacks on the base have been heating up, and with that every day I worry a little more. Its hard being apart. Very hard, but it will all be over soon.

Next Saturday I pick up one of Greg's co workers girlfriends, and also a good friend of mine at the airport and then its just a matter of hours and days until they return home to both of us. Until then however, I have roughly 40 hours to put in. I know all you people with real jobs, 40 hours is nothing, but this little girl usually works between 8 and 12. So yes, a big week for me.

We have some exciting trips coming up! No specific dates set yet since they're based on when Greg makes it back, but i'm excited. I'm hoping to go to Dallas for a 2 day trip, see the zoo, go to 6 flags, and stay in a nice hotel. Maybe even see the aquarium too. Then a few days later we're heading to San Antonio and going to stay at Lackland, AFB. 6 Flags again (we got season passes for Greg deploying for free, might as well take advantage!) Then Sea World we also get in free for being Military, The riverwalk, and hopefully the Warped Tour since neither me or Greg has ever gone to one.

The kitty cats are doing alright. Still bratty as always! I dont know what else to write about for now so Love to all~

Memorial Day

Memorial Day has never meant more than it did this year, knowing that there are days set apart out of the year especially for military members, a day to sit back and appreciate years of sacrifice that they have gone through, and their families, and I feel lucky. Lucky that I can count on a phone call at least every week, instead of waiting for letters, lucky that there is such thing as the internet, and though he doesn't have constant access, I can look forward to hearing from him now and again that way as well. People talk about the sacrifice that families make, and a few have even said thank you to me, and I feel I dont deserve it. Im just a spoiled girl who's husband has only been gone 5 weeks, not near as long as army families or even the other guys from our own squadron that are deployed, so I appreciate the thanks, but really I haven't learned the definition of sacrifice quite yet. I know it'll come, but for now, thank the service members.

I had a wonderful weekend, even without Greg. That actually took me by surprise a bit. Yesterday I called up the few people I know from here and had them all meet me down at our apartment complex pool and we spent the day getting burned and talking and laughing and swimming. Saturday night I spent with good friends out at Chilli's, and today, I worked this morning and spent the whole evening with some more people from around the town. It truly was a relaxing weekend and made me wish I had started calling people sooner when I felt lonely. Friends really can make all the difference.

My goals for this week are to try and get my next test done in my class (Contemporary Business) clean the apartment (haven't done that in quite awhile..) and finish the few loose ends I have left for wedding stuff. Mostly just labeling what is what and packing things up, shipping my dress to my mom, etc..

I am so excited to be home again! Swim and fish in the pond with the family for the first time. Camping with Greg's family, the wedding, seeing friends I haven't seen in ages, enjoying the "cool" Wisconsin weather. Anything is colder than TX.

I am at a point in life where I am really really happy. I have a wonderful husband, we have goals as a couple, I have my own things to work on, I have a decent job, we have health insurance, and we dont have to struggle very often. Even though I still find things to stress out about, they are usually able to be fixed with minimal effort and time. I wouldn't trade my life for anything in the whole world.

Sucess!

My to do list is dwindling by mass amounts everyday! It feels so wonderful to actually get things done. I'm over halfway done with my first semester in the accounting program. Mostly thanks go Gregory keeping me up waiting all night, I spend my time waiting working on classwork. Its actually a great system. I managed to finish another class last night!

As far as the wedding goes, I only have 3 things left! Well to order anyway. Just need to get Greg's outfit, groomsmen gifts (already have them picked out!) And I need to find the perfect toasting glasses for me and him. I've got the schedule drawn up and printed out, emailed, etc. Found the Limo today, got the hotel rooms booked a few days ago. It just feels so refreshing to actually get things done.

I've also been working on making some concrete goals lately. Short term and long term goals. I want to have an emergency savings fund set up by July 2011, and also all of our credit cards paid off by then as well, which actually we're halfway done already, but we'll see where we stand after the wedding. I'd also like to start a CD (certificate of deposit) as a future kid fund in the next 6 months.

Long term goals are more fun. I'd like to have my associates in Accounting by December of 2012. I'd like to have my Bachelors in Business Administration by December of 2014. Around the same time, I'd like to have my first child, and have a second and last one by 27. I want to own a cafe someday before 45. I'd also really like to try and run a marathon in my life, and hopefully Greg would take on that goal with me. I know running is hard on me, but thats kinda why I really want to do it. I want to prove that just because I have scoliosis doesn't mean I can't run. Running will make my body stronger and hopefully make the simple things not as frustrating. If it doesn't happen though, I wouldn't be incredibly heart broken over that one.

I'd really like to find more opportunities to volunteer in my spare time. It always feels good to give back, and give someone else help when they really need it. There have been plenty of people in my life who have helped me out when i've needed it the most.

I'd like to thank all the support I have in Texas and back home. Without all of you I would be a complete wreck all the time. Thank you for helping keep my mind off Greg being gone and helping me focus on the upsides of life. <3

Another Day, Another Dollar

Not much has happened lately, I haven't heard from Greg since he made it to his destination. Its hard, very taxing on a relationship not knowing if he's doing alright, if he needs anything, just hoping that he's hanging in there. But I know he'll call as soon as he gets the chance to. Its funny when you're completely alone, you find out who really cares about you. There are those friends who only call when they need you, and are nowhere to be found when you need them. And then there is friends and family who calls and checks in whether you need it or not. It is nice to know people back home are thinking about me. Keep me and my husband in your prayers, we could use the extra help staying strong lately.

The cats have begun to start behaving again. Not tearing into every little thing they can. They're so cute, and pretty good snugglers on all those lonely nights lately. But as I said not much has gone on here, so here I end. Love you all!

Lets add fritos and tortillas to the list of the things the cats have gotten into while I am sleeping. Lemme tell ya, I'm one step closer to not owning cats. There is I reason I do not have a baby, and they're getting awfully close. Whining all the time, getting into things they shouldn't, keeping me up at night. I mean its ridic.

Greg has still not made it to his destination, he's off playing around Europe having fun and sight seeing. Which is nice, I know he's having fun and doing things he's never done before so I am happy for him. Would be nice if I heard from him a little more since I know he's not busy.. but who wants to call their wife when there are plenty of things around they've never seen before? I'm trying to not be worried or annoyed.

The airshow is this morning, and hopefully I'll make it out. In a little more pain this morning than normal, but that could be due to the fact that I am out of pain killers at least until Monday. So if I dont make it out there, I wont be totally crushed, since I should probably still be resting anyway. Well thats about all thats gone on soooooo. Love you all!

Just Call me Kitty Kat

You know awhile ago my sister was having issues with her pup eating anything and everything. At the time I laughed, because, lets face it, I didn't think cats did that sort of thing. Well the last week has turned that whole belief upside down. It started with little things. Trying to get into the pizza box, nothing new. But then one night while we were sleeping, I had left chicken on the counter to thaw. 4 breasts in a package, and one lone one left in a bag. They took that bag, and devoured the chicken breast and all juices. The bag was sucked dry and not a drop of juice anywhere. No evidence that a piece of chicken ever existed in that bag. So we threw the empty bag away, took away their food for the morning (not that they cared- they were incredibly full and not even whining for food..) and we went out that afternoon on a trip to Hobby Lobby. While we were out, they got into the saltine crackers, the vanilla wafers, and anything else by those two that was in a plastic package on the pantry shelf. Slightly ridiculous. Now today. Lee woke up this morning to find half eaten tortillas all over the kitchen. Tortillas? Really? Of all the weird things for a cat to take... Tortillas?! I will never understand our crazy kitties, and I try to love them anyway.

Abbi has discovered a new game. She wants attention, constantly. Not just for ten minutes like usual. She wont leave the room I'm in, and usually lays next to me. She also has started biting me. I'll pet her, she bites me after awhile, i smack her head, she snuggles closer. I dont get the game, but its a game all the same.

And thats all I have to say about my babies. Love you all!

After the Page Turn In Our Book of Life

So Friday was a huge day for us. Greg finally shipped off, in the middle of me being knocked out for surgery. The good part about it was, being at the hospital I refused to cry because I was afraid the doctors would think I was freaking out about the surgery, not that my husband just got shipped off to Afganistan. So there were no tears, even though I still feel like crying, I'm able to keep myself together pretty well by trying to focus on other things. The wedding, not sitting on my tailbone, scrapbooking, and trying to not kill my cats for the various silly things they have started doing.

For anyone that didn't know, I had a pilonidial cyst on my tailbone (usually where they are found) that had to be lanced about a month ago, and they told me it would be better to remove it then end up in the hospital emergency room over and over again when it flares up. So on Friday morning, I had it removed. I'm not alone, my mom came down and is here until Wednesday to help out, which is incredibly nice. I'm doing alright. Sometimes I feel like the Rascal Flatts song, Stand. "I feel like a candle in a hurricane, just like a picture with a broken frame... Alone and helpless like you've lost you're fight, but you'll be alright I'LL be alright." Just kinda how things are in my head right now.

And yes Greg is on his way to Afganistan, its not a very long trip, He shall be back before the wedding, so dont anyone freak out! Its our first time being away from each other for more than 3 weeks since we got married, but I expect it to be a fast trip. I'm off of work for the next month, so I plan on sending him letters and packages and lots of love from home. Just message me if you need his address!

Everything seems to be holding itself together just fine right now, but check back in on me in a few weeks. I'm doing ok now, just a little scared that this will get harder. Love to all our friends and family!

Ketchup

Its been awhile, I know I'm really horrible at writing in this thing, but I'm gonna start working on that. The past month has been pretty fun and crazy all at the same time. I managed to sneak home for a week and see the family, the inlaws, and even made a pitstop in Madison so see old friends. I'm still selling panties at VS.. No news there, but the color pink is starting to grow on me.

Greg's been doing really well at work. Been on a few trips lately. Once to Washington, North Carolina, Colorado Springs, and Utah. He'll be deploying soon, but only for 8 weeks so we're busy getting everything taken care of that we need to. Making budgets, savings plans, goals for big purchases we want to make in the coming year. The wedding, and another vehicle mostly. Its a big debate on what vehicle we'll end up getting. Our family is a Chevy family, and if I had my way we would end up with the new Chevy Equinox. He really wants a truck, a Ford Ranger or some other you know manly thing. I think our compromise might end up being a Jeep of some sorts since he loves his moms Jeep, and I think its an economically smarter choice than a gas guzzling truck. We'll see how that all works out.

The wedding plans are coming together very nicely. We have almost everything picked out, now we just have to take care of reserving things, down payments, or buying the last little bits that we need to. I'm so excited to be able to share that very special day with family. I'm sorry we didn't do it the first time around, but this way we've been able to save up for the day we really wanted to have, and we knew we were gonna be together, so we just went ahead and made that commitment. It just felt like the right decision.

We finally got a bed! We've been sleeping on an air mattress, even though it was one of those double thick ones, its way more comfortable having a real bed to sleep on. Its made of memory foam, and we cant get over that we can get out of bed without waking the other one up. Such a great feeling. Last night had to be the best sleep I have ever gotten. :) The kitties even love it! Leo of course takes over while we're gone, napping on our pillows, but Abbi has her own world underneath. She likes to hide behind the bed skirt watching and waiting for you to walk past, and then she pounces at your toes! I dont know whats with her and toes but she loves them!

I'm planning another trip home, though exactly when this will be is still up in the air. I was hoping for the last couple days in April, stopping in Madison for the weekend, and then heading home. I'll keep everyone up to date as to whether or not that really happens. And lastly, for anyone that heard, yes I was in the hospital last weekend. A week ago today actually. I had a pilonidial cyst. Its a cyst located between your tail bone and the surface of the skin, its incredibly painful, but easy to fix. They just drain it and send you on your way. They recommended that I have the pocket surgically removed, and I have an appointment on Monday with my regular doctor to find out if thats the right option for me or not. All in all, I'm all fixed up and feeling 100% again.

Lots of love to everyone! We miss you!

Gwennels and Greggles

Catch Up

So it has been over a month since I wrote last, and I apologize. In that time we've gone home for a week, moved, added 2 additions to our household, yay Lee and Jessi, and I just have not found enough time in my days or interesting things to write about as I am not as crafty as the sister.

The kitties are doing well, still as cute as ever, cuddly as ever, and just as frustrating early in the morning when they wake you up just so you can feed them.

The new apartment is amazing however. Its a 3 bedroom apartment, brand new. The stove works wonders, the dishwasher is brand spanking new, and our neighbors even pounded on the wall for us to be quiet on new years eve. Haha. Its a nice place though, and I enjoy living here.

Work for me is good, hours are getting hard to come by and I may start looking for a new job if i ever feel that motivated. I keep thinking of trying to find something on base but there is a lot of paperwork involved with that process.

Gregory enjoys what he does. He flies quite a bit, but he's been getting sick less lately so I know he's excited about that at least. Still have no word on whether or not he'll be leaving but they said it looks like it will hopefully be a No. I am relieved. He did have an opprotunity to go to Haiti, but then they took it away and gave it to someone else because he has too much going on this week to leave now. He was incredibly disappointed. He really wanted to feel like he was doing something worthwhile.

Well I think thats all for now!