Pampered Chef Can Be Dangerous to Your Pocketbook

It's pretty funny that a girl with no kitchen has this many new kitchen gadgets! Man, I can't wait to break out all my pretty red kitchen stuff again. I miss my stuff:( But, not as much as I miss my husband!

Silly Pup

Kojak loves his brush time. Especially when we get to the belly:)

Kisses for Mommy. He's such a loverboy.

Camera Love

I've been learning the in's and out's of my new Nikon D90. I am so spoiled to this camera now. The quality of the pictures is amazing! It doesn't hurt when you have such a purdy subject either:)

Our Handome Fella

I can't believe my little puppy is 30 pounds now! He had his first professional grooming Wednesday. He came out smelling so good, and his fur is so much thinner and softer. They said he was wonderful for his grooming. He is such a tolerant dog, it didn't surprise me. I've never met a dog so patient. Teeth cleaning, baths, brushing. I really got lucky with him. Now if I could just get him to stop jumping on anyone and everyone! Little Kojak also got to reunite with his brother, T-Beau on Friday night. My great aunt and uncle are his owners, and they are up visiting. The two brothers haven't seen each other since we got them. I was anxious to see how they would be, but after a few sniffs, it was as if it had only been a day since their last meeting. They were so excited. It was good fun.

To My Darling Sister

Ashwee, today you are 24. I can't believe we've grown up so fast. We've been through alot together, and I've always taken comfort in the fact that I've had you right by my side through thick and thin, highs and lows, to call me out when I needed it, encourage me when I was down, hold me up when I couldn't stand, and celebrate life's joys. I am so blessed to have my best friends as my family. Family is so important, and we have the best. I am a pretty lucky big sister to have you and Alaina as my little sissies.

You have become a beautiful young woman, and a wonderful Mommy and wife. I am so proud of you. You have taken me in at one of the hardest times of my life without a second thought. You have such a big heart, and you have never, ever hesitated to help your loved ones whenever we've needed it. I love you so much, and I wish you a very Happy Birthday.

Happy Easter! I hope everyone has a blessed day, and yummy food, and time spent with loved ones. I know that's what we will be doing!

A Look Into The Life Part 1

Jason driving a Humvee on a convoy:

Some of the guys in Baghdad, Jason is in the middle:

My handsome man, I am so proud of you!



Living Quarters:

The bunks...yes, the messy one is my Jason's.


Their "wall lockers":

They doubled their beds up so they could have a "living room".

I figured y'all might like a preview of what Jason is living right now. Yes, it's true that things have gotten much better over the years over there, but it's still nothing like home. J and his roomate (his name is Vince) have tried to set their room up to be a little more comfy. As you can see with the rugs, tv, and such. They went in together to buy some extras from the group leaving when they arrived. The guys leaving "recycle" their stuff which is how they get things like tv's for dirt cheap. Jason also took a PS2 and his roomate brought his XBox, so they can still game it up. The Baghdad pictures are from when he and the other guys went over to fix some equipment. That is not where he is stationed. I will be posting more of his surroundings next time.

End Of The Week Recap

1. Alaina and I took Kojak to the vet for his post-op check Wednesday. He hadn't been feeling well and he had been kinda pukey, so they also took his temperature. He isn't sick, and he is healing well. He remembered the vet from the last visit and since the last visit hurt, he was super anxious. When the picked him up and put him on the table, he peed a little, lol. Poor baby was so nervous. He also got started on heart worm prevention and flea prevention. Fun, fun. Better to prevent now than to treat later. I'm quoting the vet.

2. Our Pampered Chef party went very well Tuesday. We had the California Club Pizza, it has a guacamole type topping. It was a big hit, even with Laura's 6 year old daughter. I will have to post the recipe if anyone is interested! My hostess benefits earned me about 180 dollars worth of stuff for about 90. That made me happy!

3. I got my hair done last week. I went lighter. She did a root lifter and then major high lighting. It's very blonde, and I like it:)

4. Jason sent me recent pictures. Finally! He also sent me some work out pictures. He's getting big. Really big. I'm going to have to step it up. I've lost 22 lbs. as of this morning, but I still have a ways to go.

5. Laura brought Allyson to the Pampered Chef party Wednesday. She was a big help with the preparation, and she kept Alaina occupied too;o)

6. I am such a sucker for dog toys. We went for a check up and he came home with 3 new toys. I guess I need to get him a basket and teach him to pick up after himself. His brother, T-beau (my aunt's dog) has learned how to, so it is possible!

7. I'm proud of Kojak, he now knows sit, lay down, stand, drop it, leave it, wait, and is getting better and better at heel, no jumping, and come. Shake just isn't in his vocabulary for some reason. We'll get it sometime.

8. We have just discovered that the YMCA offers free membership for "relocated spouses" of deployed military members. I'm excited!

9. I have pink eye. Joy. I am so tired of wearing glasses and no eye make up. If you know me, you know that for me not to wear eye make up is killing me. Even when I go to the gym, I at least have to have mascara on.

10. My grandmother's birthday dinner is tonight. She isn't very keen on driving after dark, so I am going to get her and drop her off. It is her birthday after all.

11. What do you get a woman who has everything for her birthday. And what she doesn't have, she goes and gets herself. Ashley and I decided that we will just take her out for lunch this week.

12. I am loving the sunshine, but the wind the past two days is killing it for me. Then there is talk of a high of only 49 on Tuesday. Poo. That's NC for ya! I'm ready for sunshine, tan lines, flip flops, and days by the pool! Not to mention fresh fruit and veggies. That totally makes staying on a diet easier. Does anyone else notice how much easier diets are in the summer time?

13. Alaina had her homeschool group talent show on Thursday. She sang twice, and I was so proud of her, I could burst. She is growing into a beautiful young lady right before our eyes.

14. Mom is done with jury duty, and we are all so glad to have her back home. You sometimes don't realize how much someone does until they aren't present for a few days! She is exhausted from iron deficient anemia again, and had another transfusion on top of jury duty this week. If you don't mind saying a prayer for her quick recovery, we would all really appreciate it!

15. Dad and Austin came down with nasty colds/flus this week. Ashley had/has a little touch of it. While the guys are on the mend, Ashley is still fighting it. Mainly with an icky cough. We're hoping it clears out for good after this round.

16. Well, that is a wrap up of our week. Next week is looking to be a little slower. And I'm welcoming that with open arms!