Ramblings....

1.) Happy 1/2 way through deployment day!! I'm very excited by this. It makes me very happy. Some days it seems like it has gone by very quickly, other days..not so much. But yay for being half over!!!

2.) Holidays suck. Though I'm trying to stay positive through them all. It just seems soo unfair to have Joe on the other side of the world and not being able to celebrate with us.. ugg. But, it will make next year's events all the better. After Christmas and New Years, my birthday is the only other "major" celebration left before he gets home. And thankfully my bday is a week after New Years.

2.) Working in a resturant never ceases to amaze me. Now I get that people are tight on money. And I get that it is the holiday season, but good grief! Now I can take this in many ways, but I will leave it at this..anything is something. K I'm done with that subject. I'm just happy I have a job.

3.) I'm currently watching Sister Wives. Yet another show that I think is rediculously stupid, but yet, I'm hooked..and feel the need to watch it every Sunday. I think its my recent obsession with how others live their lives and culture. Example: one of my first posts about the Amish. So, here is my soap  box. I think the dude is a (sorry) ass for thinking he needs that many wives. To me, selfish. But good for them for going with what they believe. I myself would be one JEALOUS person if I know that "tonight wasnt my night" and that my HUSBAND was with another woman...let alone 3 other women. I know I would have a hard time with the jealousy thing. Thats my man!
Now even worse, tonight on this show, the latest wife was in labor, now she has become close with one of the other wives and this other wife came over to bring something. When she was ready to leave, the husband follows her out to give her some smootches etc...I would be extremely, extremely angry! I'm in flippin labor get your butt in here! Ugg...
And now the show has me crying!! ugg. I'm a sucker for babies. ugg.. And hours after one wife has a baby, she offers to be a surrogote (sp?) for another wife...K so now that is sweet and nice. Helping another friend out. BUT, still doesn't make me wanna tell Joe that we need more wives!!

3.) While watching Sister Wives, a commercial comes out on a new show about older virgins and how they are keeping it that way until marriage. Now, awesome for them, I will never critisize anyone for that. Cause good for them! But, what got me, and me wanna vomit, was the couple that were saving their first kiss for their wedding day. I have heard of this before (insert my obsession with the Duggars here) when Josh and Anna did that, BUT the difference is when Josh and Anna kissed it was sweet and not stupid looking, but when this couple kissed...oh my word!! I really have no words to describe it. It was purely awkward and dumb looking. You do not need to open your mouth wide like when you are eating or yawning..good grief! Watch it, you will know what I mean. I kinda giggled..then gaged.

4.) the Duggars are expecting their 20th child. I could NOT imagine giving birth 20 times...I haven't even given birth once...this woman has to be crazy. Again good for them for sticking with their beliefs.

I think that is it. Thanks for 'listening' to my random thoughts. Have a great week!

27ish weeks.....

a little over 6 months......

just get through the Winter...

school will be almost done......

I can't for my hubby to be home!!!!!!!!

P.s. Everyone keep May 26th Open. That is when Joe's Coming Home Party is tentitively scheduled for in Litchfield. And yes, we are having CHOPPER!!!

Bucket List

Here is a list of things I wanna do before I die in no particular order: (and will add when I think of them)

1. go on a honeymoon
2. become a mom
3. have my own classroom
4. go to Paris
5. go to Australlia
6. go to NYC over Christmas time
7. buy/build a house
8. Go to a Rascal Flatts concert
9. Get my Masters Degree
10. Finish Start my wedding scrapbook

Happy Halloween!

Friday night Abs and I went to a little Halloween party. She was a fairy. Before we left she stepped over the vent by the fridge and had a little skirt raising experience!!

She asked again today if I could turn the heat up just so she could do this! Made me laugh! How innocent.

Then we carved our pumpkin. Great bonding time. She loved it!! I of course didn't go all out and get those kits etc. She picked the shapes, I cut them out.

The before!!

Eating the "guts"!

Before I cut the mouth. Mr. Pumpkin HAD to have teeth, not just 1 tooth, but many!!!

The Heart on the back for Daddy

This picture makes it look creepy, but this is the final product all lit up outside!

5 Months down.

Not going to lie, seems weird to think that it has been 5 months already since Joe has left. And I'm VERY VERY happy about that. Because next month, it will be HALF over!!! I cannot WAIT!!

I have an awesome picture to show you all.


Taking after her father for sure!!!
We are carving a pumpkin tonight. I'll post pics of that here soon too!

Its been a while!

I know it has been a while since I have posted a blog. I have thought about it many times, but didn't know just what to write. I still don't, so I may ramble on a little bit.

I'm having one of those "I told ya so moments" lately. I know my mom reads this so I will be nice. She has had her surgery and it went very well, and then came the time to figure out where to go for rehab. I suggested, along with others, to go to rehab in the cites at a specialized rehab place. Insurance paid for it no matter where she went. I know that there are rehab places back home and surrounding area, but to me, they are more well..old people homes. Not a rehab center for someone who is in their 50s.
My point: Mom was telling me that the rehab person was treating her like she was 90 and had the ability of a 90 year old. I feel she is not getting the rehab she deserves and the rehab that is needed for her situation.
But, she made her choice and I have to respect that. Though a little part of me..k a big part of me...is saying "I told you so." I'm more frustrated that she didn't chose what is best for her. I understand that she has a ton of visitors, but, which is more important, visitors, or getting the best possible care. I know people would have visited you anyway.

Joe is doing well. Today he asked for me to send him his vikings sweatpants.I questioned him, just like I did when he wanted a fleece blanket. He said that it was cold last night, like he had to run to the bathroom and run back just to hop into the bed and cover up! I asked him how 'cold' it was. He told me 70....
I am in for it good when he comes back. I again will be sweating my butt off and he will be cold. I told him maybe its a good thing cause then we can cuddle more!!! Not sure he went for that one. But I can hope right!!?!?!?

Abby will be turning 5 in a couple of weeks. Soo hard to believe!! Crazy to think that when I met her she was about 15 months old. Wow how time flies! The picture above is of one of the first times I met this bubbly toddler. I was instantly in love!

She is in preschool again this year and is LOVING it. She is doing quite well with Daddy being gone. I think it helps that she still gets to come to our house and that we see Daddy on the computer every time she is here.

Other than that, nothing new here. I'll try and post more often with pictures etc.  Hope all is well with everyone!

So Proud!

See this handsome Army man:

You can call him Sergeant now!!!!!! Congrats to my hubby for receiving his E-5 rank this past weekend! He had NO idea it was coming! I'm so proud of him! He has been working his tail end off for this, and deserves it!!
So, three cheers to my hubby, SGT Koopman!!!
Love you babe!

very disapointed....very

I am very angry and frustrated with one particular person. I met you, and was instantly proud to have met you and greatful for your service for our country. (I kinda have a sweet spot for those people). I enjoyed having conversations and BSing at work. But...that has now changed.

I'm angry at what you did. Though I'm not sure it is the truth so therefore I will not say exactly what that was. I'm angry at the acts you did. THose acts I would be angry with in anyone. But what PISSES me off the most, is you are a Soldier. Someone who a TON of people respect and appreciate and then you go do this. How stinking RUDE. And very un-American like. I'm soooo disappointed. I wanna puke.

I regret giving you the time of day.
I hope you have fun in jail. And not good fun.
I hope you realize that you disappointed a lot of people.
I hope I never see you again.


I want Minnesota to know, that not all of our National Guardsmen and women are like this.

I know some of this may be harsh. But its how I feel.

I'm angry.

Ok on a funny note though. I went to a local petting zoo and pumpkin patch place with the after school program. Quote of the day from one of the kids (I honestly do not know what one): "Look at the penis on that thing!!" Mind you, I was in a group of Kindgergarteners and 1st graders. I laughed a LOT.
     

1 year ago today!

Holy moly! Two posts in one day!
Holy moly! It has been a year already!!

I figured I would share with all my readers, not sure how many of you that is, some pictures from our wedding day. We tried to make it as unique and traditional as we could. A day that was totally us. And it sure was! Enjoy!

Abby peeking at me walking down the hill. Seeing eachother for the first time!

A favorite of mine!

Beautiful little girl. Great bonus in my package deal!

My handsome man!

The wedding party

Oh Neil...

Two best uncles a girl can have. Lucky to have them both give me away. Miss you Uncle Jeff!

 The above photos are courtesy of Renee Massingham Photography. Look her up on Facebook!

Our friend Melissa got this great shot! Look her up too. Melissa Lee Photography on Facebook!

Best year of my life. Can't wait for more to come!

9/11

September 11th, 2001, a day that no one will forget. Sometimes I can't tell you what I did two days ago or last weekend, but I can forsurely tell you what I was doing on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 around 9 a.m.
I was a freshman in High School, sitting in Mrs. Piepenburg's 9th grade science class, when she must have recieved an email or something and she immediately stopped class and turned on the tv. The whole rest of the day was spent with a school full of kids, confused, concerned, scared etc. I'm pretty sure we watched the news in every single one of our classes, and the horror when the second plane hit. Juat a werid emotion was in the school, from students to staff.

I have had the opprotunity to visit Ground Zero in NYC twice since then. The first time I believe was the summer after it happened. I was on a missions trip through chuch and we went there as one of out site seeing outings. Words can not explain the feeling and the air right when you came close and could see the devistation. You instantly cried. Didn't matter if you knew anyone that was injured or killed, you just cried. We stood there for a long time, just looking, praying, and crying. I look back at my pictures now and wow, we have come a long way.

I then traveled to NYC in 2008 I believe. And what a difference. I still got the overwhelming feeling to cry, (but I hid it cause I was in college ya know and no one else was crying). At this time they had started building some things, and huge posters were hung with what the new memorial was going to look like and what the new twin towers were going to look like. They were then working on a new subway system underground. A lot of progress in just a few short years.

I wish I had my pictures of this, or at least in digital form. Its amazing to see how things have changed. I can not wait for the day I get back to NYC, because I AM going back sometime. My dream, Christmas in NYC.

So here is to all those that lost their lives on that unforgettable day, To all the firefighters, policemen/women, rescue workers, and today for all the troops that have and are fighting for our country. May you know how appreciative we are of your sacrafices each day. That goes to the families also!

Really????/ Really...

Thought of the day : Some people don't, and will not change. So do something.

And if you so choose to stay with that person that will not change. THEN DEAL WITH IT. because you are the one that made the choice to stay. Not me. So therefore, even though I have open ears, I do NOT want to hear about how that certain someone has now treated you like crap and angered you. And if you do so mention it to me, in no way will I repeat the thought of the day to you. This person is a person of a vicious cycle, his nice "spirt" is gone, which I knew it would, and was replaced with his a$$wholeish self again. I knew it would be a matter of time. And I knew it would be a time when the beverages were involved again. So again, I am done. I have no care anymore. I have no remorse. And I expect someone to do the same if I were in that situation. You can do it on your own. It will be hard. But your life is hard now. Why not get rid of one hard. He isnt worth it.

Thanks for letting me be on my soapbox. And frankly don't care if this gets people mad at me. I'm over it.

Good choice

Today, affirmed the fact that I want to be a teacher.

While at Bennigans today a little boy that I had in my class when I student taught came in with his family. He was sooo excited to see me. The look on his face was priceless. Oh how I missed this little guy and his smile and "Hi Mrs. Koopman!" What an adorable child.

His first question: "Are you going to come back and teach us?"

How sad to tell him no! This little guy had his troubles in school and an interesting family background, but to know that I connected with him in a way where he wanted me back just melted my heart!

After talking to his mother for a while, who also remembered me, I found out that he became a little sad when he got back to school from Christmas break and I wasn't there. He came home many times saying he wished I was back and he wanted to see me again. He continued to talk about me the whole rest of the year and this summer.

This is what teaching is all about. Making an impact on a childs life in anyway possible. I somehow did this with this kid. I'm glad I was the one that could great him with a hug, smile, and the security that he needed. Teaching is about learning, but it is also about making a child's life the best it can be.

Now that they know I work there, they said they were going to come in more just so he could see me. :)

He was almost out the door to leave when he turned around, came to me, and gave me a big hug. This made my day.

I'm happy to be starting school again Tuesday. Time to make another child's life happy and safe, even if it is only when I am with him.

Random things I think about....

Here are some very random things, well two, I have thought about today.

1.) The Metrodome recently got a new dome cause the other one caved in. The Vikings play their first game under this new done this Saturday. While watching the news and other promos for this game, they are refering to it as the "new" dome. "the Vikings will return to their new home at the dome this Saturday". Ok, Its not "new" it just has a new roof. When I think of new, I think of something brand spankin, not used, totally new building. Not just a new roof. If I were to re-shingle my house, I would not say to everyone, "hey I got a new house!" See my point. Stop fooling us, I still say we should have knocked the thing down and build new, but, I'm sure there is a very good reason behind fixing it.

2.) This one is kinda gross, but it made me think. I was watching a show on TLC about the human body. It talked about the lagistics of conception etc. (yes I'm weird and enjoy these shows, get over it) and it had on there these conjoined twins (the segment was on things going wrong when the egg divides into twins but doesnt fully divide, hence the conjoined part) who were conjoined from the abdomen down. The share their man parts, rectum etc. They each have their own heart, lungs, liver, stomach, etc. Its amazing that they are alive now at the age of 50 something. Now, here is the though I ponder. What is say, Lonnie had a heart attack and died, what would happen to Donnie? He has his own heart so it's not like his would stop. Or would the fact that his bro just died do something to his body and he would pass also? Not going to lie, that would be slightly disgusting. Yes I know, I'm werid and think about werid things. But, I bet I have you thinking now!!! hehe.

3.) To go to the State Fair or not?. I would have to go this weekend. I'm just not sure I wanna venture there or not this year....

Thats all for now. If someone has an answer to number 2 let me know. I'm curious. Too bad I didnt see this before I went to see Dr. Hottie with my mom. He already thinks I'm crazy, I'm sure this would just add to it!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Countdowns

9 months

39 weeks

20 weekends with Abby

We are 1/4th of the way done!!!!

wow its been awhile!

My apologies for not posting as often. This was one of my fears when I started this, that I would soon just post less and less often. Well that is not going to happen!! Haha. I guess nothing interesting has been happening lately. I have been super busy, with work and other things. Volleyball is over :(, school is almost starting. I am looking forward to that new adventure though! Should be great! I can't wait to drive less!

AMK is going well. She is still as smiley as ever and always keeps me entertained. Her latest "pizza" conversation is still vivid in my memory. If you didn't read it on my facebook, well here it is.
Me: Do you want pizza for lunch?
AMK: Sure! We can order it!
me: but I have a frozen one right here
AMK: No, lets order one.
Me: How are you going to pay for that?
AMK: Well, you give me the dollar, and I'll give it to the guy when he comes with the pizza!
hahahaha. All i could do was laugh. If only you could hear the seriousness in her voice! What a smartie!

I'm going with my mom tomorrow to an appointment in the cities with her doctor/surgeon. It shall be interesting. Not sure if they will schedule surgery or not yet. I will defintely keep y'all updated.

Joe is doing well and working hard. I was happy to learn that his tent is airconditioned. I should have known though. Makes more sense to me now why he wanted me to make a huge fleece blanket...haha. My MIL sent some kit kats over in her package so I'll find out how they made it, if they were totally melted or not.

Well, Thats about all for now. I'm off to an alergy appointment..hopefully I'll find something more out. I'm going to have them test me for food allergies.

Take care all.
Chels

Things I don't understand and make me go hummmm.....

2 things I saw today, that makes me go hummmm

1.) While down at Abbott Hospital for my mom's surgery that never happened, I learned of the one possible resturant to eat at down there. Now many of you know what resturant this is, but it just made me think...why in the heck did you choose that one there hospital?

It was...McDonalds...now the funniest part is that is its right by the "heart hospital" part...funny to me! Why on Earth would you put a McDonalds in a hospital, knowing all well, when most go to McD's they get the greasiest burger and artery clogging fries possible (sorry to people that work/own one, I hope I'm not offending you)...It just seems plain weird to me. I get convienence, but put in a Subway then, at least there ya might have a chance at eating a little healthier.

Still can't get over it...

2.) Now this was pure....dumbness...As I'm driving away from the hospital you notice all the "smoking" places...yeah doc and nurses smoke big deal I could care less, its their choice..but this one killed me..(not literally) I see a lady, who is OBVIOUSLY preggo, standing outside, talking on her phone, with two hospital gowns on so her butt doesn't show, smoking a cigarette...

Now. for starters there is probably a good reason why you are at the hospital.. and I'm sure smoking that thing isnt helping your issue. Did ya like sneek out of your room??? Again, I could care less if you smoke...whatever, but it just seemed a little weird.. I guess I'm kinda surprised the doc let you out there...I don't know...


So there are my two stories for the day. They kinda make me laugh and think "what the heck!!"

P.s. My mom did not have surgery today, she has a Hematoma (Sp?) thing on her leg that delayed her surgery, Dr. Hottie is hoping that it will just "go away" on its own within the next couple weeks and then we will start attempting to schedule surgery again. We shall see!!

Crazy weeks

Wow what crazy week it has been. Always on the go and busy. But I like it that way!

I have a new job now for the fall. I will be a para at Minnewaska Elementary in Glenwood! I'm very excited to not have to drive as far! And excited for my future there! I"m sure I will have some awesome from the mouths of babes stories to come!

A good friend of mine had a baby this last week also. What an adorable little girl! Can't help but have baby fever after you see this beauty! Meet Ensley!

The is such a cutie. Cant wait to see her again soon! She has the best momma in the world. Congrats Alissa!

This past weekend the family got together and cleaned out my Grandma's attic and basement at the farm. Amazing how much junk and stuff a person can accumulate after 37 years!! Very fun though. We found clothes that my mom and aunt wore when they were teenagers, and wow, what style they had back then...not. Though for the times they were great I'm sure, but definitely not now. I tried some on for entertainment, didn't take pictures though...darn it! We also found my grandpa's navy uniforms and pictures from back then. Those were pretty cool .Here is one picture that I took on my phone, my cousins and I used to play with this all the time:

Attractive huh? Lol, good times.

At the end of the day all of the "keep" stuff was went through and everyone got things they wanted. I came home with an angel food cake pan (the thing I really really wanted), a cookie cooling rack (another thing I needed), a pair of warm mittens for playgroud duty, and a couple interesting things for gag gifts in the future...hehe.

This week will be a busy one also, Well not so much today and tomorrow. My mom has complete knee and hinge replacement surgery on Thursday, so I'll be in the cities with her that day and for probably a few times that weekend. I get Abby on Friday so I'll be home for a couple of days to spend quality time with my girl! I'm excited. Then its back to the cities on Sunday, and cleaning my mom's house on Monday or so, She doesn't know it yet, and wont know till she gets home. I'm going to find the cupboards lol. Its not that bad, just needs a little organization.

So thats my weekend and week to come...oh, a depressing thing, my ring lost a diamond again....Not happy about this at all. Very frustrated. At least I made it like almost 3 weeks this time...ugg.

Hope all is well with everyone else! take care.

Grandma Camp

This last weekend, Abby and I went down south for Grandma Camp! Brenda and two of her girlfriends host this every year. Talk about kids everywhere. It was a lot of fun. I picked up my neice on the way down so I inhearited a child. She is such a sweetie though and is now my buddy! Here are some pictures! Enjoy!

 All the grandbabies in the Camper

LtoR: Taton, Abby holding Jaelyn, Chase and Jerika

 Abby painting her rock

 Taton painting his rock

 Grandpa and Jerika

 full of paint!!

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandchildren!

Abby and I had a great weekend. Can't wait for the next one! This kid is what is keeping going during the deployment. She reminds me of her father sooo much! Can't wait for her smile and awesome hugs!

Request from Joe

When I was talking to Joe on the phone, he said he could use some music. So, all of you creative people like that out there that would like to make some CD's for him have some fun! He said music from the 70's on to todays music. He likes country, but put whatever you want and he will listen to what he likes.

Our friend Jess also reminded me that a while back Joe said he would want "Chicken in a biscut" crackers. Also twizzlers, puzzle books, cards, maybe newspapers, magazines (sports of course) Just things that will keep him busy or entertained lol.

And good ol snail mail letters are awesome too.

He is keeping busy with weird sleeping hours and crazy things like that. I asked him today if it is weird being over there. He says a little but he is just trying to stay busy so he doesnt think of home. He is trying to get internet figured out yet and I forgot to send him his camera. Crud, next mailing!!

Hope all is well with everyone.

A friend of mine, whos husband is in the Army and is currently overseas, had this as her status yesterday. I loved it, so I'm sharing it with you (I hope she doesn't mind!)

"feels like throwing a tantrum. It's like I've been put on time out. I just want my hubby to be home...NOW! [dramatic crying, screaming, and rolling on the floor]"

I totally understand how she feels. Cause it is sooooo true. I feel like doing that somedays, and more frequently this week. Ugg. Imagine how our 4 year old feels if I feel like this. Poor child. She is doing great though! I can not WAIT to see her this weekend. I'm so thankful for the extra time I get to have with her also. I'm so happy since it has been since the 4th of July weekend since I have seen her. I miss that kid! Can't wait for the many laughs this weekend, and the excitement as we finally will have all 5 grandkids together! Many pictures to come!

Update on the the little one!

Hello all.
Welcome to the world miss Kaylene Ebigal.

Its upside down. But here is the little peanut. All 1 lb 13 1/2 oz of her.
I have yet to go see her and mommy. Too busy today for them with tests etc. The latest I know is that she is breathing on her own. More hurdles to come but she is one tough cookie. Just like her momma. Oh, and her head is the size of a Tennis ball. Momma is doing good also.

Keep on prayin for her!

babies

This is one of the many reasons why Joe and I chose not to have a baby while he is gone.

I have a huge prayer request for all who read. A good friend of mine here in Alex just had a baby today. Exciting times none the less, but she was only 27 weeks along. The baby weighed a whopping 1 lb 13 oz. and was 13 inches long. Such a little thing.  She had been in the hospital for other reasons, and this was the lastest diagnosis. Oh, and ITS A GIRL!!! I have no name yet though, I will tomorrow!

This got me thinking, what if Joe and I would have gotten preggo before he had left. I'm not sure I could have gone through something like this with him half way across the world. Quite frankly, he would have probably been worse that I would have been. Ugg, You never know. So many emotions.

I have a butt load of guilt today. I missed two phone calls from Joe. One of them I got to the phone just as it went to voicemail. all because I was stinking taking a nap. I hate not being able to call him right back. I feel selfish. Then I missed another one cause I went to work early....ugg. I so wanna hear his voice right now.

oh and P.S. Cuddyer pitched for the Twins tonight. hahah This makes me laugh. Way to go twins!!! lol good grief. Its hard to watch them.

So, Prayers to Angela and baby girl.
Hug your children and loved ones and thell them you love them.

Safe

Got a phone call from Joe Saturday afternoon. They made it to Kuwait safe and sound. He is doing well, just really tired. I can totally tell by his voice. I don't blame him. 16 hours on a plane, not much sleep, and an eight hour time difference, I'd be tired also.
So he is getting settled and getting used to his routine and such.
I'll be posting on here updates on how he is doing. Just know that my details will be very vague. Only for his and the rest of the soldier's safety. I will post if he thinks of anything that he may need or ideas of things that could be sent over.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support. It is a challenging time, but again one that makes me so proud to call Joe my husband!

Chelsey

the dells

So Joe and I spent some time at the dells. Only a day, but it was fun to drive around and see everything. We did a couple different things, no water parks though..it really looked like rain, and it did. So next summer we are going back! At least that is the plan!

One thing we did was go to "Top Secret". A white house themed haunted house type thing. It was interesting, but not really scary, you could totally tell when something was going to happen..nothing like good ol hydrolic sounds....cheezy.

It was cool though. what made it better was the Asian family infront of us. They were scared out of their minds!! It was crazy funny. The 12ish year old was trying to run backward and yelling for a way to get out. The dad was even scared. It was great.

Another thing we did was go on a duck boat ride. I highly recommend this. It was a great time. Well worth the 50 bucks for the two of us. Here are some pictures.

 Do you see the Piano in the above photo? Cool how these rocks fall and look like things.

 Can you see the head of an eagle or hawk? at a certain angle you can see wings also.

 I really need to learn how to take pictures like this..I always look hidious.

Cool waterfall/dam thing.

I could have spent a few days at the dells. Hense why we are going back! And first stop is Noah's Ark? Anyone wanna come with?

LaCrosse

I have been asked..why did you stay in LaCrosse?
The answer: well just because. And it was the closest "big" town to where Joe had to be. We wanted to spend the least amount in the car if we could. So. What is in LaCrosse?

Well, we did spend most of our time walking down town hitting up different establishments etc. First stop, Hooters! Lol haha (only cause our hotel card said we could get a free appitizer!) hehe.

OVer the course of the four days we hit up a handful of different bars. I'll share our favorites!

Cheap Shots. Yes a shot bar. Every shot was 2 bucks. (I"m sounding like an alchy here but I'm not) I throughly enjoyed this place and the bartender Jamie was EXCELLENT. We had a great time talking to her and sitting in the AC (it was darn hot outside). I was also introduced to my new favorite after meal drink. I'll explain in a different post.

Also that day we walked to the Dublin Square Irish Pub bar. We were hungry. And let me tell you, this place had the BEST burger that I have had in a long time. I could have ate like three of them. I highly recommend it and it was only 7 bucks. Not bad!! And the side salad I got was pretty big also. I didn't get a picture, cause I was too busy drooling over my burger!

Another bar they had there, but we didn't go in was called the Library.

This part made me laugh. Look at the saying under the bar''s name: "If mom calls, tell her I'm at the Library!" Hehe..made my day.

And the last establishment I would highly recommend was the Steak House Buffet. I don't typically like going to buffets cause I eat way to much and end up getting sick..but we wanted a real meal and not just pizza or crap. For 10 bucks each, we could have all the 5 oz steaks we wanted...HEAVEN! So, we both ate 2, along with all the mashed taters and hashbrows, tacos, etc. Oh man it was great..but of course we regretted it cause we were sooo uncomfortable. I didn't even get ice cream cause I was too full!

Just a couple spots we enjoyed. oh and look at this:

A walk up Subway. Hehe..

Next Blog: Our adventures at the dells!

So much to say.

Wow. What an AMAZING last five days I have had. I have so much to blog about and if I did it all at once you would be here FOREVER reading. So, I'll try to break it down.

The best part of this trip was spending quality time with my husband. It was amazing. I really didn't realize how much I missed him! I was nothing but smiles the whole time.

Kind of a fake smile on Joe's part lol. Just kidding! The sun was bright!

It was hard saying good bye again and yes of course I cried. After spending 4 full days with him doing what ever we (well mostly I cause he said so) wanted to do it was hard to think that I wouldn't see him again for probably 6+ months. I was spoiled with hugs, kisses, cuddles, dates, etc and everything else that I wont have for a while. But, nothing makes me more proud than knowing my soldier is doing what he loves over there, protecting his country and family that he loves.

So, Like my facebook status said this morning, I have never been so proud or so in love with my hero than I am today.
I love you baby! See you soon!
Stay tuned for more about the vacay soon!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In less than 24 hours...I will be with this man:

I'm slightly excited. And how handsome does he look in that uniform!!!!! (aka monkey suit)
YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

The "family friendly" lake experience

Some may find this outrageous, some may find it completely disgusting, some may find it highly inappropriate, but I find it absolutely HILARIOUS!

My cousin, aunt and I decided to beat the heat on Saturday evening and headed out to the lake to float on our floaties. When we got there we noticed the group of "young men" haha and their abundance of coolers and beverages of choice. Immediately, I knew we had pure entertainment for our floating experience.

It started off with watching the "boys" attempt to go tubing. The funny part there was watching them all get ON the tube. Now I really shouldn't say anything cause I'm sure I wouldn't be any better. I know I wouldn't but, it was entertaining. And foresurely we were laughing WITH them, not AT them. So they would get on, take off and sooner or later would flip off etc. oh and the occational waves that were created were enjoyable also.

While some were tubing and some were throwing a football around, we notice one boy and his girlyfriend in the water getting kinda close. Didn't think anything of it. Young love....but then...they started getting VERY close. Little red flags going off..and the three of us looking at eachother with the.."do ya see that over there" look. Well after further obervation (not staring by the way. Because that would be rude,) we came to the conclusion that they were doing the dirty deed. At this point we are laughing out butts off. Not knowing what to do or say...we slighlty may have made fun of them.

All of a sudden, one of the other boys on shore definitely noticed the same thing we did, and decided to throw the football at them. The lucky lady saw it coming and ducked and therefore made the football smack the guy in the head...again, HILARIOUS. Everyone at the lake was laughing at this point. But what does they guy do...

He lifts is pants out of the water...(confirms our suspicions) and says thanks for helping him find his pants!! BBABHAHAHAHAHHA
So I start to wonder...what the heck was he going to do? Stay in the lake til everyone got out? Have his lady get him a towel? lol, or just walk up stark naked? hahahah Oh the funny things that could have happened.

Anywho, it may of been a "ya had to be there" story but it was funny!!

Oh, and we now refer to this moment as the "Porno at the Lake".

hehe. Anyone wanna go to the lake?

8 days

I'm getting very excited for next week. I know its only for 4 days, but, it will be a very good 4 days. We have a hotel  booked and will be going to the dells for 1 of the days. I'm just glad we get to go on a vacation. Though it will be bittersweet.

Today was a lazy day. Not going to lie, I'm still in my jammies. I spend my day filling out job apps, cross-stitching, doing dishes, cleaning and just being plum lazy. Gotta have those days every once in a while.

Not much is new here. I hope everyone had an excellet 4th of July. I ended my weekend with a long shift at work (which was surprising) and got off just in time to run over to Arrowwood and catch the fireworks and brave the traffic on the way home...glad I have patience!

Oh. On a funny note. Since I couldn't sleep well last night and was up at 4:30 cause of the rain pelting our air-conditioner I decided to watch  the news. They were interviewing the new president at the U of M and I couldn't help but laugh at Goldie behind him while he was talking. He was scratching his nose, mocking the President while he was talking, gave the drum major who was standing next to him a wet willie. The camera man even panned in on the president so it cut goldie out of the picture. It was darn funny though. I give credit to the Drum major, he never cracked a smile. Oh well, maybe it was cause I was so tired! Who knows. Also brings back memories of the last day of school when I put on the tiger mascot outfit for the elementary. Talk about sweating! But the children LOVED it. Well the younger ones, the 4th graders tried to take my  head off...hahaha.

Happy Tuesday!

Beautiful day with a beautiful girl!

Abby and I had a great weekend. It was nice to finally just stay home for a chance.
We went on a walk today to the duck pond/park today. Known to some as "Goose "poop" Park" (I'll keep it G rated today! Finally a day thats not ungodly hot. At least I have my air conditioner now when those days happen!
Here are some pics:

Have a great rest of the 4th of July weekend everyone!

3 Years Today.

June 29th, 2008, the day my life changed forever. The day I met and started dating Joe.

And yes, I was nervous as nervous can get. As I remember, I was pacing back in forth in the apartment with my roommate Beth, freaking out. Little did I know that I would end up marrying this guy and having a little family.
The date was great. We went to eat at Applebee's (the only good place in Hutch at the time) and had constant conversation, smiles and laughs. I was greatly relieved that this wasn't "another ding dong" that I was set up with. I admired his love for his daughter and the twinkle she put in his eye when he was talking about her, and of course, he was a man in uniform! Kids and man in uniform! I was excited! After supper we went back to the apartment and then went on a walk along the river with Beth. This is where this picture was taken!. I defintiely went to be happy that night.

Not only did I start dating a wonderful man, I also got to start "dating" a wonderful little girl.

Who couldn't LOVE this smile! Abby was a great addition! I loved my package deal! But she doesn't look like that anymore, she is growing up way to fast!

Again, who couldn't love her!

Joe and I did many things while we were dating. I loved EVERY weekend would could spend together. Never a dull moment, and never a moment where I wasn't laughing or smiling.

A year and a half later Joe popped the question with the help of Abby (she asked me first if I would marry her Daddy).

Then came the wedding. September 11th, 2010.

Still laughing and smiling!!

So, I have been very blessed in the last three years. And I wouldn't trade ANYTHING for it! I love my family!