I'm Still Alive

Hello my dears! Hope everyone is having the best holidays EVER and getting some much deserved relaxation. We haven't had any relaxation yet, nevertheless we are having a great time so far. It's funny, most people say they get annoyed with their spouses after too much time together, but we have spent every moment together, and I swear it makes me love him more. He really is my {sexiest} bestest friend.

I didn't plan on taking a blogging break last week, but it was pretty nice to just be in the moment and enjoy the family time and excitement. If you follow via Insta, then you know that we basically bought a house this week {more on that later} and the rest was filled with holiday parties and playing with our Christmas toys. Oh, and every yummy holiday food one could hope for, plus Red Robin because we love RR and don't have one near us.

Tonight, my in-laws showed up to hang with us for a day or two, so that will be awesome as always, and we will try to make the most of the week we have left. I see naps on the couch, cuddling while watching movies, lots of pillow talk, and hopefully time at the gym to work off the holiday poundage. We ate pretty good, but considering mom sent cakes and sweets home with us...who knows how we will feel when that's all gone.

In case we don't chat before the New Year, I hope you all have a wonderful and SAFE NYE celebration! Don't drink and drive, don't ride with someone who drinks and drives, and beware of other vehicles on the road. You know nights like NYE are amateur nights, so please take care of yourselves and your family. I care about every one of you!

I Got A Boob Job

J/k, but seriously...the new birth control has filled me out in a few of the wrong places, but ALL of the right places. I don't know how long it will last, but I will enjoy Will's new interest in his old toys while keepin' the love alive. Plus I had to find some way to distract him and get his mind off the thirty maps he had to trace to get ready for his next leg of flight training. I have to say, these maps are the devil, and if I never see a lightboard again, I will be happy.

+ At the end of today, I will have Will all to myself for the next FIFTEEN days. Well, technically I have to share him with the fam for Christmas, but at least there will be no work or stress for fifteen whole days. The Army most certainly takes him away more than I like, but I sure am grateful when he gets two weeks off for the holidays.

+ I have been trying to be 'good' this holiday season, but momma makes cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, and lezbihonest...no one turns down egg nog, Christmas Eve dinner, or Christmas morning cinnamon rolls. This is totally going to be my face when the food comes out:

+ It's funny, all I'm really craving is ham. I think we might have to make one for our mini Christmas we will have when we get back from the 'rentals. Will makes some honey mustard glaze that is BOMB.COM, and I can't live without it in the near future. Honey...take note.

+ Last but not least, we have a date with our real estate agent to look at houses Monday! We've actually gotten pre-approved by two financial institutions, so now we just have to figure out which to go with. Have any of you gone through USAA for a Traditional Mortgage? I've heard they take a long time, which isn't ideal, but they are giving us a better APR and what appears to be lower fees. Any experience good or bad would be great!

Now That...Was A Holiday Party!

So hi...I think I'm finally over my hangover. Damn Apple Pie Moonshine, and the usual "I'm to old for this ish." However, it was worth every bit of it! We started the shenanigans Friday night taking Dani to Frogz, and enjoyed a nice family dinner. Trying to keep it 'low key'.

Although I had been prepping and cooking for three days, after everyone went to bed, I was still sewing our skirts for the party and slaving away in the kitchen. I think that's pretty typical when it comes to Holiday feasts, but I still thought I was crazy to be standing in the kitchen in my stockings until midnight. The good news, is that it was aaaall worth it. Turkey stock from scratch, brining a turkey for two days, homemade gravy, cranberry salsa, meatballs, and cowboy caviar were my additions to the meal, and I am happy to pat myself on the back. The turkey was moist and no one got food poisoning, so I call it a win.

I know, I know, it doesn't look all bloggerific. I would have 'staged' it better, but we were at Joel's house. It was an act of Congress to get all the food and necessities there, so how it looked was the last thing on my mind. As a matter of fact, we were still sewing my skirt while I was cooking gravy in the middle of the party. Multi-tasking at it's finest.

The only thing better than the food were the party games. We played Gift Wrap With Mittens On, Stack The Nuts, and a Marshmallow Stocking Toss, which quickly led to a marshmallow fight. I think there was also a ping pong ball fight, but I have no clue what inspired that.

And since you should always share costumes with the world, we moved our soiree to the local bar. Here is the only picture I thought to take of our matching outfits. 

Mine = 'First Things First, I'm The Realest', Will = 'Santa's Favorite Ho', and Dani = 'Don't Be A Cotton Headed Ninny Muggin'". The best part is that Will picked out his green striped pants and he can't wait to wear them  golfing. I just like the way they accent his bootay ;)

Cheers to a successful Holiday party, a hangover that wasn't as bad as I anticipated, and the fact that it's all over. I made Will promise that he wouldn't let me take on anything like this for awhile, but I don't think he believes I meant it. I wonder why?

I'm On Pins And Needles!!

For two reasons, actually.

#1 On this day, the twelfth of December, 2014, we will be receiving our letter of Pre-approval to start the home buying process! They've told us we have awesome credit, zero debt, and great assets, so we are golden, but it's still crazy to me that they will just hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars! EEK! I still can't believe I'm allowed to drink alcohol or stay out past curfew, so this just seems crazy to me. Yes, I know I'm 29, but I don't feel 29, and my husband sure as heck doesn't seem mature enough... Joke's on them, I guess.

#2 My BFF is on her way here!!

We have family dinner tonight at one of our favorite places and an Ugly Holiday Sweater party tomorrow, so the shenanigans will be over flowing this weekend! Hey, if the mortgage company gives us a bunch of money, we will add celebrating that to the list too. It's on like Donkey Kong, and I couldn't be more excited!! Now to tackle my to-do list...oy vey.

Don't forget to order your Datevitation Coupon book by Saturday (the 13th) to get it on time for Christmas! Use code 'PERCEPTION' to get $10 off your order!

Will, You Are NOT Allowed To Read This Post

Will and I watch shows where people hate their in-laws, and we just can't fathom it because our families are pretty amazing. We jump at the chance to hang out with all of them, and they love us so much that they get tattoos in our honor. Well, technically it's only his mom that got tattoos in our honor, but I'll take it. See the pretty butterfly?
She says that's me.

And if that wasn't proof enough that she loves me, she found a fabulous antique steam trunk for me! We looked at some last time they were in town, and a birthday later, it's aaaall mine. It's just so awesome, that I still get giddy when I see it. I tell you this, because I'm pretty sure it's going to show up in a lot of blog pictures in the near future. Like today. Helloooo perfect photo prop.

Have you seen these awesome little Love Coupon books? They are so darn cute, and you better bet I had to make one for Will. I've even created a little basket of x-rated fun to go with it, but it's not exactly, um...acceptable for the blog, teehee. Anywho, just see how cute it is!

How freakin' cute are the face cutouts?? I didn't even know they had that option until I was in there editing, and it just took it to a whole 'notha level. Well, that and I decided to get a little sassy with it. Sorry, grandma!! I'm joking...kind of.

Books normally start at just $25 for a completely customized book, so it makes for a cheap super thoughtful gift.  But as a special treat for you guys, you can use the code  ‘PERCEPTION’  for $10 off your purchase plus free shipping (total value of $13.50)   That means you can get your loved one a one-of-a-kind gift for Christmas starting at just $15!  The order cut-off date for guaranteed delivery by Christmas is December 13 so order it now!! Hmm...I bet my MIL would love one of these...minus the censorhip, of course ;)

Now, enter this contest real quick so you have time to order if you win!

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Why Dogs Have Heart Problems.

We all know dogs love us unconditionally and it's the most selfless love there is. I think that must be why dogs end up with heart problems later in life. They have so much love their little hearts can't take it. I know my heart feels like it's going to burst with love at times, so I can only imagine how often dogs go through that...like every time their owner comes home.

Our poor pup is now feeling the effects of his love filled heart at the ripe age of seven. I could throw a lot of fancy words at you like Congestive Heart Failure and Pericardial Effusion, but all you need to know is our little man can't exercise, coughs through the night, is losing weight, and even faints if he gets too excited. We have him on more meds than I knew I would ever give a dog, and we just hope to keep him comfortable for as long as we can.

When it comes to fur children, you find yourself feeding them fancier food, nicer beds, and providing more medications than you would even provide for yourself at times. With all the love they give us, it's the least we can do. We love you We-Man!!

My Pet Goats

It was wishful thinking when I mentioned we were going to the beach for Thanksgiving. Yes, we were technically in a beach community, but it was Novemburr and cold which kept us hanging with the livestock on the in-laws farm. I use that term loosely because it's mostly goats, chickens, turkeys, and some exotic birds, however we were tromping around the mud and hay in our wellies, which totally counts as farm life to me.

What I didn't know was all their goats were preggers, and two were born Thanksgiving morning! Baby anything is cute, but baby goats are a whole 'notha level. I was NOT joking when I said if they stayed these little, I'd want one. Matter of fact, I think I want to keep goats when we eventually settle down. Maybe I'll start making Goat Milk products or something.

Other than that, we went to the Orlando Auto Show, , took Momma for her first Sweet Tomatoes experience, dined on Venison, and sang by the bonfire. Actually, the dude singing was from season two of The Voice, but I didn't catch his name or picture. #bloggerfail.

On the way home, we stopped at one of my favorite places in the whole wide world! We passed through St. Augustine, so I begged Will to take me to The Conch House. They are off the beaten path, have amazing food, and you just can't beat the view. You can sit in private elevated gazebos, and it's like eating in a tree house. so fun!

All in all, it was an amazing Thanksgiving, and made me realize how much I have to be thankful for. It sounds cheesy, but it's true...every day is a blessing. Even the bad ones make the good seem that much richer. I don't want to hear that on a bad day, but it doesn't make it less true. Seasons Greetings!

Is Your Life As Good As This Kid?

I'm super 'hip' these days with my DVR, and as I was catching up on Rachael Ray last night, I was blown away by a boy up against all the odds. Little Ben is losing his eyesight, and instead of letting it get them down, they have created a bucket list for him of all the things he wants to 'see' before he loses his sight. Most people never finish their bucket list, and this kid will have done everything before he even reaches adulthood. We should all be so lucky, and kudos to his parents. They are raising a truly happy, sweet, humble kid.

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I can only hope to live life half as full as that little guy. So let's talk about what's really been going on these days...you know, the stuff that probably isn't blog worthy, but I feel the need to gab about it anyways.

+ Will and I were on a billboard! Well, technically it was just the back of his head and the top half of mine, but I'm pretty stoked about it. The best part is that we are in the running to win $1,000 smackers. I don't know exactly how we win, but it probably wouldn't hurt if people 'liked' our photo here on the Durden FB site. Only if you have a spare minute.

+ Anyone remember when my wrist was hurt? Well, three months and a Cortisone shot later...I'm HEALED!! I'm now a dork with doctor ordered wrist guards when I lift, but I'll take it. I love running, but I've actually missed burpees and pushups.
Remind me I said that when I'm cursing them next month.

+ Am I the only person that has my life flash before my eyes every time I go through the iPhone update process? I was actually two updates behind, and I blame Will. He asked how he was supposed to know I was behind, and I told him it's because he didn't update it for me or have me whining to him that I didn't know what to do, which usually always indicates that I haven't done it. I'm pretty predictable when it comes to this stuff, dude.

+ But the most frustrating thing...The newest meds my doctor is 'trying' on me have some crappy side effects. First side effect was just loss of appetite, which wasn't so bad, but then I would make terrible food choices because the only foods that I could make myself eat were not so good for me. On top of that, I started getting nauseous {cue a fear of being pregnant}, which just led to eating more crap if I could even get it down. Luckily, it didn't take me too long to figure out what was causing it, so byebye third round of meds that didn't do crap for me. Plus I refuse to take antibiotics. I would rather still have 'spots' on my face than mess with my immune and microbiome system. I think I've gotten better, but it could just be that I'm used to it. My face doesn't look shiny and clear like it used to, but it could always be worse.

Okay, now I feel better. You just can't go wrong chatting while eating homemade Blackened Shrimp Tacos. They were yummy for dinner, and even more yummy as my late night snack. Oh, and I will be eating them for breakfast too. I know it sounds weird, but I love leftovers for breakfast, and I'd rather have breakfast for dinner. I'm weird, get over it ;)

Bazaar Fun

A few months ago, I didn't even know what a Hollyday Bazaar was. I also didn't know how to publicize an event on such a grand scale, but I guess you learn something new everyday. I'm still in awe that we spent a few months with our nose to the grindstone, and transformed a plain ol' Army hanger into a bazaar wonderland.

The morning of, I was blown away at the line of HUNDREDS clamoring to get in. We were offering free 'swag bags' full of goodies to the first 350, and we ran out in FIFTEEN minutes. We were up against four other big local events, and if I had any doubt about how our turnout would be, my mind was eased that morning.

I mostly ran around as a floater/photographer, but our FRG {Family Readiness Group} had a taco stand fundraiser, so I wrangled up some friends and we volunteered for that too. Even Will came to help, which definitely made my day.

But Will wasn't the only one that had me smitten. I have been volunteering with a lot of 'important' spouses that I'm already pretty stoked about rubbing elbows with, but when the Command Team spouses know you by name...it's pretty unreal. I liken it to being a fangirl to celebrities in the civilian world. To me, these people are celebrities as cheesy as that sounds.

Wanna know the best part? We raised $23,000, yes THOUSAND, dollars this year! I still can't believe that a small force of volunteers can pull something like this off, but I guess our small force is a force to be reckoned with, and I'm just honored to be a part of it. That's why this is the hardest I've ever worked for free, and possibly harder than even when I was getting paid. Meaningful trumps a paycheck these days, I guess.

Now, I'm just ready to take a break and enjoy the holidays. Time is flying by, and I'm not ready for what comes next. The next move could come with a lot of factors to consider, so I'll just be living in the moment for now. Happy December 1st!!

Happy Turkey Day!

I know we are all thinking turkey, but really, let's take time this weekend to be thankful. Not for the settlers stealing the land from the Indians, but for the fact that if you are reading this...we make up 8% of the world. Let this soak in:

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I really am thankful for a lot of things {Mapquest, coffee, my hunky hubby, family, friends that become family, all of YOU} but mostly because I will be spending Thanksgiving in paradise with the in-loves...Hello, white sandy beaches. I need you in my life.

But in all seriousness...I hope you all REALLY enjoy that turkey! I'll have mine in sandwich form smothered with stuffing and gravy laden potatoes, all followed by pumpkin pie. YUM.

It's Christmas Card Time!

As per usual, I need help deciding which picture(s) for the Christmas card this year. I thought about taking some holiday themed too, but life has been too busy and these will have to do. What'cha think? I need at least one 'winner', maybe two.

~1~

~2~

~3~

~4~

~5~

PS. We made it through the Bazaar, and exceeded our fundraising goal {thank you sweet baby Jeesus}, but that update will have to wait. I spent aaaall day Sunday recovering from the insanity, and I'm just oh so glad it's over. Maybe...just maybe, life will get back to normal.

Happy Thanksgiving week!