Long Lost Blogger Returns

We are back home, settled in again, and Jason has gone back to full days at work. I am back to my job as his wife and homemaker, and I think we are finally used to "normal" life again. We had a wonderful 2 week leave. We spent 7 days in Gatlinburg, TN and a week at home spending time with family. Now we are gearing up for the ball (that is in 18 days!), Thanksgiving back home with our families, and my sister-in-law's (Jason's step-sister) wedding on December 2nd.

As you can probably see, our vacation was WONDERFUL, a much needed getaway, we enjoyed cool weather all week. We went to Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, several Ripley's attractions, walked downtown Gatlinburg almost every night, enjoyed the beautiful rivers, mountains, and forests, did some outlet shopping (I found my ball jewelry and Jason got me a Carolina Panthers jersey...Steve Smith, number 89 baby, lol), went to the Nascar Speedpark, horseback riding through the mountains, and enjoyed some absolutely delicious food. We also enjoyed rest and relaxation time in our cabin. We had a fireplace that we used every night, and a hot tub on the deck that was perfect for the chilly evenings. Since we had a full service kitchen, I made a romantic dinner for our second night, chicken fettucine alfredo with sparkling cider...yum.

Nearing the end of our vacation, my sweetie accidentally dropped my camera and it shattered the insides. Now as a scrapbooker and a blogger, I got a little teary...Jason was determined to get me a new one right then and there. I wanted to wait until we got home and just get by with disposables. But Jason is a bit hard headed and he got me a new one that day. He got me the upgraded version of my old one and to top it off, they now have it in pink! I love it, and it takes the same battery and memory card as my old one.

Well, just a little update on what we've been doing and where I've been. I need to go get ready for this evening and find some old clothes that I don't mind being "slimed" in. We are going to a haunted trail on base tonight with some friends, and the flyer said that "humans WILL be slimed", lol. I will be by to visit everyone over the next couple of days. Have a blessed week!

Oh...I just have to share one more picture...this is one I took of Jason and Austin the first day Austin saw Jason, it was like he never left. He missed his uncle, and held his hand and was grinning from ear to ear the whole car ride...PRECIOUS!

Happenings, and My Current Leave of Absence

I am alive...in case you were wondering;o) Ever since Jason's been home, the computer has been at the bottom of my list. His unit has been wonderful about keeping them out of the shop and at home as much as possible. He goes in at 7:30 am and is home by 9:30 am...leaving us plenty of "us" time, and not much computer time. We have enjoyed the beach, the local islands, new restaurants, quiet evenings watching movies and cooking dinner, and on and on! I am sorry I haven't come by to visit...I will be back though! Next Friday we are heading back home, and from there, on Monday, we are headed to our week long vacation in Gatlinburg, TN!!!!! I made reservations at an adorable little cabin for a whole 7 days, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!! Then it's back to Dad and Mom's for 4 days before he has to check back in. I know, I know, I am a slacker about getting around to your blogs, but I hope y'all understand:oD BUT, I did want to share what my sweetie surprised me with last week:Yep, a new car! Man, do I have a keeper or what?!? A new 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo:) The red color has an orange tint to it, and I've actually never seen this red on any other Jeep. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was fine with my old Jeep, it was my old trusty, but he said he wanted something brand new and ultra reliable since we want to start a family soon, something we could keep for a long time, and of course he knows his wife is a Jeep gal.

To give you a little background: most people know that military members do not make a ton of money, but we only have 1 car payment...mine. To be able to keep me home, like we always talked about, Jason drives a '98 Prelude that is completely paid for, and actually loves it. What a wonderful, selfless man I married. I am blessed.