Joining Forces... for Kae, S, T Hamm, Kim and Katelyn!

I've got a core group of girl crushes (not the least of which is my sist) in my life who are married to the military. With the bro-in-law departing again soon, I have been thinking a lot about the toll deployments, and the military lifestyle in general, take on military spouses. And it seems my thought process coincided well with Michelle Obama's this week via the launching of the Joining Forces campaign.

Katie and Justin in Guam

Justin is stationed in Guam now... GUAM, people! That means my sister is in Guam as well. Do you even know where Guam is? No, you probably don't, because it's a dot in the Pacific Ocean. It takes her at least 24 hours of travel to get to me. Katie is, of course, there by choice. She married the military- this is the life they lead. And yet, we take for granted the things these military wives have to give up. For Katie it meant putting her career on hold, leaving friends and family and her horse, and trying to build a life in a location that is completely military focused. It has meant spending his deployments alone on Guam, an island 7 miles wide. For my friend Kim, it has meant a lot of months of pregnancy and raising two small boys (1 and 3) with their daddy away.It was up to her to raise the boys with no breaks and keep the home in order. In a few months her family is relocating to Puerto Rico (I am blocking this out) and she is about to make the ultimate mom sacrifice for that move- buying a minivan. Katelyn moved to Germany at 7 months pregnant and had her first baby in Germany. She and her husband are raising Sophia with no family around to help. T Hamm spent the first 9 months of her marriage away from her new hubbie then left her life-long home for the other side of the country. S has at least a week a month where she is alone with a 4 month old and a 2 year old, both of which are often sick. Her back went out during her pregnancy and she had to deal with that solo as well. And she has also put on hold her own (much loved) career and dreams.

None of these women are complaining. All went into this life with their eyes open. And it's a beautiful, rewarding life is so many ways. But I think it's important to take the time to remember the additional daily struggles these women take on while their husbands protect all of us. We could all take the time to give a little and lighten their load now and then in thanks for their sacrifices, as well as their husbands'.

Aury, Shannon, Escher and Chip in Boston

Katelyn, Dan and Sophia in Germany (As an aside- Katelyn and I were separated at birth and the universe is petrified to but us back together.)

Grant, Trey, Grayson and Kim at Grayson's first b-day

John and T Hamm at their wedding

The next time you see a man or woman in uniform, think about stopping to thank their spouse! The better halves of military service members deserve a lot of credit as well.

What Brings Me Peace

I was listening to a sermon on my way to work this morning and the pastor (Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands) was explaining that the song Silent Night and the phrase "Peace on Earth" were both rather misleading, although they are some of our favorite holiday phrases.

At first I was thinking, now wait- don't be trying to debunk Christmas!But I listened, and he was correct. Think about it harder, Mary was between the ages of 13 and 17, pregnant out of wedlock, and in an arranged marriage to a man 30 or older that she didn't know. The story placed into the historical context it requires revealed that she had most likely been disowned by her family. She was nine months pregnant riding on a donkey for miles and miles to pay taxes. When she got there she gave birth in a barn. Now I like barns- but it wasn't the picturesque scene we create it to be. She was alone with a man who knew nothing about women or birth, probably bearing it all to him and in an extremely dirty place. And she had to put her baby into a feed trough- I promise you, they are not tidy locations!

All of this was explained to remind us that while we love to make Christmas picturesque, the first Christmas really was not. He went on to explain that the phrase "Peace on Earth" appears in the Bible only once, when Jesus was stating that he did not come to bring Peace on Earth. The verse in Luke says that the angels claimed God would bring peace to those, "On whom his favor rests," meaning those who believe in him. We shouldn't expect peace to come in this word. What we should expect is that God sends us peace when we believe and trust in him, despite a tumultuous world. So I began thinking of the things that truly bring me peace and here is what I came up with:

Family & Friends
    

It seems like regardless of the day's events and emotions I always have someone near to give me a hug, say something sweet, give me the right Bible verse, talk me through something. I will never be able to understand the amazing gift of my family and friends and how much peace and joy they bring to me.

Animals 

I'm sure you all know by now that my Van Geaux is one of the major loves of my life! She is so comforting for me to have around. And I just worshiped my horse when I had him. The same goes for most animals with me. I just love to hug and cuddle them like a big nerd! There is something about that unfaltering love they give. 

Nature

I just love to be outside (when the weather is cooperating). I always have my breath taken away by the majesty of this world.

Books

I'm like Rory in The Gilmore Girls, I feel insecure if I don't always have a book with me. I pack one every morning even though I rarely read it until I get home at night.

Food & Drink

This is probably my most frivolous peace-bringer! But it's so true. I even love cooking and mixing my food and drinks. There's just something about that great flavor that brings comfort.

What brings you peace? Let's learn to focus on our peace-bringers. Because we live in a crazy world!

Goodbye, T Hamm!

T Hamm has been in my life for about 12 years now. We are long-time pals, and over the last 6 years we have become each other's side kicks and partners in crime. She has landed herself squarely into my "random friend" role because she is willing to do pretty much anything with me. We've been known to attempt to steal road signs (until we found out it was a felony), get lost hiking in the woods, listen to 80s music on road trips, stop at coffee shops we find in banks, dress as 65 year old women to go to the airport, pose for "we can do this better than Madonna" photos, trick or treat on horseback, horseback ride at midnight, etc, etc... We're weird.

Yesterday I was at T's going away party from work (which her coworkers threw her in a bar and she doesn't drink... total other conversation). She leaves in a week for Washington State where she'll meet up with her new hubby for a lifetime of bliss! (I have goosebumps right now) I am going to miss the crap out of her- but this girl has earned her right to some happiness and a great life and I'm so excited for her!

A few pics from last night's extreeeemely random event:

And a few reasons I am going to miss T so much:

(Please click to enlarge- many images are hilarious!!)

T was with me when I bought my house, broke up with a boyfriend, got cheated on, found out I couldn't have children, lost my horse, almost lost Van twice and about a million other things. And I have been with her through stalkers, a dog, a niece, jerky boyfriends, her MARRIAGE and her husband's deployment. We're life partners.

And as much as I am going to miss her, THIS is why I am so happy she's going:

John has absolutely proven himself worthy of my T. He adores her, wants to take care of her and plans to give her the love, happiness and life she deserves!

I love you T Hamm!!!

Halloween & Puppies

Wow, I am way behind on Blogging! It's been a very busy few weeks.

My Halloween weekend began with the Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Friday evening. We had over 1,000 kids downtown, but I found it easy to pick my favorite costumes.

I ran into this family of gnomes outside of The Leisure Club, my new favorite spot. I was obsessed and paparazzied them! They even turned the stroller into a field of flowers for the baby. And the little boy had a beard and hat to match his dad, but was having a moment in this picture. ;) Please tell me they are the cutest thing you've ever seen. And please, see the LSU cheerleader!

I arrived home to a crazy pregnant dog. This wasn't a huge surprise since she's been crazy for a few weeks now. But it turns out that she was a bit over-the-top crazy due to labor pains. She finally delivered 24 hours later, on Saturday evening. We have two puppies, both adorable! Alpo is the boy (names after the 6 - 10 cans of Alpo Tommie CHEWED THROUGH while preggers) and Charlene in the girl. They made for a happy Sunday of cuddling. 

To end the weekend, T Hamm and I planned to go trick-or-treating through our neighborhood on horseback, passing out candy. She dressed as a cowgirl, I dressed as a farm girl. We did it five years ago and has a blast! this year was a total bust. We were completely disappointed and took ourselves out for ice cream. But we were really cute, so here's some pics anyway.

And one final photo to end the post. This is my Roommate (BFF) and family dressed as Super Mario. Roommate is Luigie, Jade is Big Mario, Nathan is Little Mario, and Lorelei is, of course, the princess!

Busy Weekend

My weekend is PACKED! I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Or maybe I'm just exhausted from the week I've had. Either way...

I am FULLY looking forward to these things:

Tonight

Dinner at the Global Grill (where they serve my absolute fave dish: Lamb Lollipops!) with my LOVE, AC, and my crazy Mama and Aunt Karen with whom nothing is ever dull! Then we will stroll around Gallery Night.

Saturday

LSU and Auburn are the only two undefeated teams left in the SEC (and, arguably, the only two undefeated teams that matter since the others have crap schedules). T Hamm (sadly) in an Auburn fan. I'm not sure why we're friends at times like these, but we are and so we are trekking out to Daddy's for a tailgate party on the sofa, cookout, and the big game between LSU and Auburn at 2:30. There is just no better way to spend Saturday afternoons that watching football!

Sunday

I will be taking miss Van swimming and sleeping it up!

Our Relationship is not up for Negotiation

Our relationship is not up for negotiation... 

I read this quote last night in a book I was reading and fell in love. The chapter was talking about the importance of friendship and looking out for one another, and also about the need to have people in life you know you can fall back on no matter what you have done or what has happened.

I think about my friends constantly, rely on them always, and am thankful for them daily. I pray for them, and am grateful for the prayers I receive in return.

I also happen to love quotes, saying, snippets...here are a few more faves.

A friend stops you to ask if you're OK. A best friend yells, "MOVE! She's PISSED!"

Tell me who you're with, and I'll tell you who you are -Spanish Proverb

A good friend is cheaper than therapy. 

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  ~Amy Li

Greatest Muffins!

So, my weekend went pretty much nothing like planned! Because, really, when do I follow the rules- apparently even my own...

All things considered, though, it turned out fine seeing as T Hamm and I made these AMAZING muffins on Sunday. These are definitely some of the greatest muffins I have ever had. You must try immediately.

Banana Peanut Butter Muffins (Bread)

• BREAD:
• 1 1/2  cups  mashed ripe banana
• 1/3  cup  plain fat-free yogurt
• 1/3  cup  creamy peanut butter
• 3  tablespoons  butter, melted
• 2  large eggs
• 1/2  cup  granulated sugar
• 1/2  cup  packed brown sugar
• 6.75  ounces  all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4  cup  ground flaxseed
• 3/4  teaspoon  baking soda
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 1/8  teaspoon  ground allspice
• 2  tablespoons  chopped dry-roasted peanuts
• Cooking spray
• 
  GLAZE:
• 1/3  cup  powdered sugar
• 1  tablespoon  1% low-fat milk
• 1  tablespoon  creamy peanut butter

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. To prepare bread, combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed. Add granulated and brown sugars; beat until blended.

3. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through allspice) in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to banana mixture; beat just until blended. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Remove bread from pan; cool.

4. To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle glaze over bread.

I made muffins, not bread, and baked them for 30 mins. Also, my "glaze" came out more like "icing" but it was amazing anyhow! Oh- and just go ahead and double the glaze recipe. trust me...

Weekend Bliss

Things I will be doing this weekend:

Tonight!

T Hamm and I are taking the pups up to Blackwater for a swim then hitting out fave Mexican joint . YUM!!

Saturday

Hit the beach at about 4:30 for my co-worker (or former co worker) Richard's going away fish fry (YUM!), then off to the Seafood Festival with T and AC for the Sister Hazel concert!! PUMPED!!

Sunday

Sleeep, Coffee, Barn, Nap, Football, Football, Barn, Football, Sleeeeeeeep!!

(I have need a lot of rest for the coming week- marathon Board Meeting, Aunt and Uncle in town, first week at work without Richard and Sal's gone to the farm is mine to care for!)

Party City & Pirates!

You may be asking yourself, in this massive heat wave, what in the world to do with yourself on a hot Saturday afternoon when the very last thing you want to do is be outside.

T and I just happen to have the answer for you, and it's:

That's right, folks, Party City has the most ridiculous and random assortment of items in a volume that will entertain you for a good hour, two if you happen to be ridiculous.

We managed to locate, and try on, all of these things. T is my friend because she is game for these adventures. Here you will find a few of our fave Party City items: a Cleopatra hat, crazy glasses, an orange ant you can wear on your finger (???) and a pirate hat. Fun personified!

The also have a rather lovely assortment of Piñatas. Among my loves was a rainbow pony, a huge ice cream cone (which I almost bought and mailed to S for Christmas) and a Pirate- which, if it hadn't been $40, I would have purchased for our planned extravaganza on the 24th.

But this was really the purpose of our visit:

That's right, pirate party supplies!!! And if you find yourself near Pensacola Beach on the 24th, be sure to come by the Paradise Grill (dressed as a pirate or we'll kick you out) to celebrate the birth of the remarkable AC!!! Consider yourself invited.

Instructional Post: How to Bathe a Horse

It just so happens that T and I are excellent horse bathers. We have spent years honing our skills (me: 20, T: about 13), and we simply can not be beat. So, in the case that you ever find yourself desperately in need of horse bathing skills, we are here to help.

First, start with dirty horses. T and I had no problem finding these as it was 100 degrees out and has been for weeks. Case in point, Baby and Smoky:

Be sure you have plenty of time- there is no rushing here! T and I were at the barn for at least an hour and a half.

Tie your horse somewhere secure and near a hose and arm yourself with shampoo (a lot), conditioner (a lot), a brush, curry combs or plastic scrubbers (your preference), and a sponge.

Wet and shampoo the tail first- and I mean REALLY clean it. Scrub the tail bone, everything. Then rinse and pile in the conditioner so it can soak in while you bath the rest of the horse.

Hose the horse completely, I had to do Baby twice as he was seriously disgusting. Then squirt on the shampoo and lather up. Scrub, scrub, scrub- then rinse and repeat! I do my second go-round with a brush and scrub, T sticks with the plastic scrubber. This takes major elbow grease and no skimping!

Rinse well.

Next, add even more conditioner to the tail and coat the horse's entire body with conditioner. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, 20 is better. At this point, your horse will likely look as if it has been swimming in the oil spill; it's OK, this is a good thing.

Things to to while waiting:

Tell horseback riding instructor not to let any kids ride bareback for a few days because they will slide right off.

Play ball with the dog

Was your horse's face

Rub the conditioner in like a massage

Relax in the shade

Catch up with your buddy!

*Note, it is normal for the horse to fall asleep at this point (see Smoky)

Completely rinse the horse- head to toe. If it's 100 degrees out, move your horse to a shady spot. Brush the horse with a clean brush so that the hair is laying down flat. Comb main and tail until you can run a comb through with no snags. Spray the horse with conditioner if you like, especially the mane and tail. I'm a Vetrolin Shine girl, T goes for Cowboy Magic. Braid the tail if you like so it stays cleaner longer. Clip the whiskers and bridle path for a really nice touch.

When you're finished, the horses should look something like this:

(Pardon Smoky, he was still kind of napping...)

You, on the other hand, should look like this:

General rule of thumb: if you don't look completely disgusting when you are finished, your horse is probably not clean enough.

And... to end the process perfectly, if you're me you drink this, a blackberry margarita! YUM!