Charlie Will Have Some Strong Women In Her Life

About a month ago my parents came to visit us and rub the baby belly. It was AWESOME to have them for a day of fun, but my mom totally tried to guilt me into coming to her retirement ceremony. Normally a jaunt down to Pensacola is no big thing, but the ceremony was after the cutoff for when I was supposed to travel and especially since I'd have to go alone.

However, it's not everyday you get to witness your mom retire from teaching after THIRTY-FIVE years, so I went and surprised her anyways. Apparently my oldest sister thought the same thing, because she surprised us all when she showed up all the way from North Carolina too! There were 50+ retirees, but our mom had the loudest cheering section. I can honestly say, she earned every bit of recognition she got and then some.

She was the one in the red for reference.  I dropped the ball on getting a closeup in all the excitement, but here's a closeup for ya...

That would be my incredible Mother-In-LOVE that retired from the Air Force after twenty-two years, BEAT Breast Cancer, and has re-entered the workforce running the show of her own department in an Aviation manufacturing company.

You don't have to be as badass as these two to be a strong woman, but I'm most certainly happy that they will be in Charlie's life. Heck, I'm happy they are an inspiration in my life too. Congrats to both of our momma's making big impacts and kicking butt in their careers. This one's for you ;)

Our Christmas Angel

When I started this post, I planned on just recapping some of our Pensacola Christmas, but once I had the pictures uploaded I realized there seemed to be one star in all the photos. Not surprisingly, my favorite little princess {my niece for anyone new around here} stole the show, and as usual, stole my blog for the day. It's not her fault she's so darn cute.

The whole trip home was spent with all of our wonderful family, but Christmas evening we started a new tradition. Now that my brother has started his own family, they wanted to host dinner and considering how good he and his wife can cook- NO one was complaining! They made a FIFTEEN pound Ribeye cooked to perfection and Paula's Red Velvet Cake was out of this world. I would kill for more of that cake...

Maddie doesn't really get the whole unwrapping process yet, but somehow having a kid around makes Christmas that much more special. I already love every single thing about Christmas, and we truly embrace the years that we aren't stationed thousands of miles away. Next year we could be as far as Korea, so every memory is absolutely priceless. We are blessed to have such wonderful families, and we hope to never undervalue how precious the time together is.

The Year That Was 2014

You just can't finish out a year without a good round up, am I right or am I right? Usually it takes me all of fifteen minutes to pick my favorite shenanigans to share and call it a day, however, this past year turned out to be a doozy. It just goes to show, you never know where life is going to take you if you are open to experience it.

January || Had us packing up all of our household goods, saying goodbye to breathtaking Colorado, and retiring my orange shorts. All in all, it was a pretty big month for us full of many changes that were exciting and scary at the same time.

February || Moved to Enterprise, Alabama! Actually more exciting than it sounded, and now we never want to leave. We want to find out what Will is going to fly and chill here.

March || We ran the McGuire's 5K {mostly for the free booze}, and I was able to spend two glorious weeks at home with family and witness my niece's baptism.

April || Was my proudest month as Will graduated from WOCS and became a Warrant Officer, the first step on the journey to becoming an Army helicopter pilot. Mmmm mmmm....I love my man in uniform!

May || With warm weather came lots of outdoor activities, and our new favorite was by far tubing. The beach was fun, but you really can't beat hopping in a river on a whim and heading down your own Redneck Riviera.

June || I got to see my baby brother graduate from High School. Ten years my junior, I begged my mom to let me do anything and everything for that sweet baby, so it seems so surreal that he's an 'adult'. Eh...he's still a baby to me!

July || Will was safe in my arms after three weeks of zero communication while he was in Survival School, and I got turned away from a bar for my 'fake id' in Destin, Fl. Oh, and I shotgunned a beer like I was 21 again.

August || I painted a lot of owls.

September || We soaked up the last bit of summer in Panama City for Labor Day.

October || Man, oh man...if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be October. We spent the month planning our big Halloween/Haunted House party {that I still haven't blogged about}, attended the good ol' Ten Year Reunion, got new ink done, had a blast with all of our besties in Jacksonville, actually had my husband WITH me for my big day, and possibly had the best Birthday month of my life. I never wanted it to end.

November || Celebrated Veterans and raised $1,000's for Charity {$23,000 to be exact}, which still makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

December || We took a leap and started the home buying process. We area learning the ups and downs and waiting to see if our house goes through {inspections on top of inspections}, and trying to remember to enjoy the process. We are learning, we are growing, and embracing this adventure...at least we are in it together!

If we didn't have all this fun stuff to look back on, I wouldn't believe 2014 even happened. It went by WAY too fast, which I say every year, but that doesn't make it any less true. I don't know what 2015 is going to bring us or if it can hold a candle to 2014, but I am most definitely looking forward to enjoying the South while we are here, Will graduating, and BOTH of us turning 30 this year. I guess that means I'll be leaving the 'Twenty-Something' blogger club soon. Oh well, I ain't scurred. Age before beauty ;)

Peace Out 2014...It's been real!

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 ;)

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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!

Sorry I'm Late, Boss!

Technically I don't have a boss, though Will likes to think he is. I passed out at 8PM last night, but woke up knowing I didn't have a blog post ready, to which he replied: "I'll allow you to post late tomorrow." Whether I wanted to listen to him or not, I was back to sleep not long after that. I guess I really have been busy lately, and I wasn't looking forward to waking up early for lab tests AGAIN. Yep, I had to fast twice this week, had to wake up early twice this week, and had to have blood taken TWICE THIS WEEK.

Confession || I use the fasting as an excuse to eat like crap, which makes me feel like crap :(

Confession || Things are really good these days, but I still feel like something is missing.

Confession || I wish I were home with my Dad for his birthday.

I will always be a Daddy's girl, and couldn't be anymore proud of my wonderful, loving father. At least I got to see him last week, and I'm already counting down the days until I see him next. He showers me with hugs, love, and has always makes me feel like a princess. He most definitely taught me to set the bar high, and I'm thankful for that. To the best daddy in my world, Happy Birthday and I LOVE you!

Proud To Be Booker T. Alum

I am happy to say that I am back in Will's arms where I'm meant to be, and I came home to a {mostly} clean house, which is always a nice surprise. I wish I could say I was rested, but last weekend was go, go, go with all the graduation festivities. Whodathunk that after ten years, I would barely remember how stressful that process was? As a matter of fact, this whole thing was a trip down memory lane, and quite fitting that my baby brother's graduation coincides with my ten year reunion from the very same school. Go Wildcats!

As per usual, I turned to Pinterest to create the BEST grad gift, and even got video proof of it's awesomeness. You know how videos don't always get much love on Facebook? This one got a share, comments, and 50 likes! Just watch...

**Tear **Obviously, we gave him lots of advice to go along with the mucho dinero this weekend, but the fact that the following bit allowed me to share a picture of my uncle's cop car made it perfect. In the words of my Prius driving- Chief of police- Uncle...If you drink, you better not drive, Marc. We are all pretty proud of you {4.26 GPA}, so make sure you don't forget to use that brain. We hope that all the graduating seniors have a SAFE and happy summer! Safety first, my friends...safety first.

Uncle Robert says that it goes fast, but since he's the Chief of Police, I doubt he's been in 'hot pursuit' anytime recently. If you ever get a ticket by a cop in a Prius, I will totally laugh at you.
You have been forewarned.

Other than leaving my hanging bag with all my dressy clothes at home, the weekend went off without a hitch. I got creative with accessories and put my energy into supporting my brother instead of worrying about what I was wearing. Plus, now I am packed for our next trip to Pensacola. It looks like we will be going back sooner than I thought because we may or may not be buying a house. Have any of you bought a house as an investment to rent out and/or have any of you used a VA loan? I want all the pros and cons I can get!

This Guy...

I popped into Pensacola for my BABY BROTHER'S graduation, and I miss this guy so much it hurts. I know I sound like a co-dependent twit, but I can't stop-won't stop. When he texts me things like "PAY ATTENTION TO ME", "I don't know what to do with myself when you're not here", and "I just got into bed alone, and I don't like it", I just completely melt.

I'm used to him going to training, schools, and even deployments, but I don't know if I'll ever get used to leaving him. I hate losing time with him outside of the time we already lose, so anytime that I am away from him...I feel like it's wrong. If you've ever heard the phrase, "Live like their deploying", then maybe you understand, but either way, I hope you all appreciate the time you have with your special someone.

My great uncle Tom passed away yesterday, and I know aunt Consuela loved him to the fullest. I'm positive that it is giving her solace, because it gives us peace knowing that she was by his side until the end. There is no such thing as too much love, so 'overuse I love you', hold hands, and squeeze as tight as you can with every hug. The only regret you can have with love, is not loving enough, and I hope you never have that regret.

Pomp And Circumstance: WOCS Graduation!

I almost forgot that it was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, but I just have to send out a big hug to all my fellow Military Spouses! Each and every one of you has helped me or given me inspiration at some point whether you know it or not, and I'm forever grateful ;)

Now that I've been a Warrant Officer's wife for two weeks winkwink, it's time for the WOCS Graduation recap! This is going to be one of the biggest events of our history as 'The Bogerts' and our military career, and as if I haven't already been proud of my soldier, I'll just brag a little bit more share what continues to makes me so proud.

Perhaps I would have been nervous on the day of graduation, but eShakti was nice enough to save me the trouble of finding the PERFECT dress for the occasion, I was surrounded by family, and I knew that this was the only thing standing between me and my soldier coming home. Will was impatiently waiting for us at the museum too, and it was seriously adorable.

Sidenote: This might be my favorite picture of all time because these are the only three people in the entire world that love every fiber of me and have been there no matter what. They are also the three people I feel most blessed to know and to look up to.

With a few minutes to spare at the museum, we walked through the history of the new world we are entering into, and I felt my heart float in my chest with anticipation. The families were abuzz, the Army band was filling the whole place with good vibes, and the graduates were grinning from ear to ear. The day was here.

This ceremony was similar to other graduations and promotions we have attended, only this time, they brought in a General as the speaker, the prestige was evident, and Will was the superstar. Honestly, every time they said his name throughout the ceremony, it gave me chills. I don't even think he knew how important the Distinguished Leader Award was, but it was most certainly evident during the ceremony.

The general events of the ceremony were the speaker, awards, 'Pinning' the new rank on the soldier, and the installation of the new Warrant Officers. My MIL and I each got to pin on one side of his shoulder boards, and the good news is that I didn't trip! I pinned my sexy man in uniform, and then I was the one grinning from ear to ear.

I think the most significant thing for him, was receiving his first real salute from his Mother, the Senior Master Sergeant. My MIL has served twenty-two years in the armed services, and it might have been the epitome of her career, as well. I can only imagine the significance of saluting your own son. She created him having hope that he would grow up healthy and happy, and he's overcome every obstacle, thrived during any struggle, and surpassed all of her dreams. She might be the only person in the world that's more proud of him than me.

For those of you interested, I created a video with footage of all the graduation events to share with our family that couldn't be there. I get chills when I watch it, because I still can't believe that we went through all of this just a short time ago, and we have even more to look forward to. If you watch it, pay attention to my mad editing skills. I had to get pretty creative to squeeze hours worth of footage into fifteen minutes. You're welcome.

I would like to thank eShakti for introducing me to their amazing dresses, my friend Serge from Nuyoka & Co for helping me fine tune the video, thankful our family that traveled to be with us, and most of all...I'm grateful for my amazing hubby and real life Prince Charming.

But seriously...isn't this dress so cute? The print was totally out of my comfort zone, but now I wouldn't change a thing about the dress. As with all of their clothes, it's feminine, classy, well-made, and beyond reasonable priced. Did you notice the pockets? I flippin' love pockets.
Can't wait to order more for dress season!

Super heroes don't wear capes, they wear combat boots.

**Merchandise was provided by eShakti, but opinions are my own. No other compensation was rendered.**

My Family Says The Darndest Things

I'm in Pensacola again, SURPRISE! I'm getting in one last visit before I get my sexy soldier back, and soaking up every minute home. Today, I want to share some great memories that have been  made in the form of hilarious statements by my wonderfully-zany family. Not only am I cracking up over them, I'm happy I'll have these memories forever. Daddy and I even built a table, but that'll have to wait until another day.

Throwback from 2010 or '11? Ignore Paula's panty shot.

Don't they look fun? Oh just wait...

I had a breakfast date with my baby brother (Marc) and his BFF (Adam) at Golden Corral. Obviously, it was the perfect setting for the following convo...
Adam: Do you like, burp or fart?
Me: Heck yeah, I get giddy when I can fart on Will, and get him back for doing it to me.
Marc: I have the best sister ever.

Grandma's neighbor: Who was over at your house?
Grandma: My gran'baby.
Neighbor: But I saw a truck...
Grandma: Isn't that something? She's a girl and drives a truck!

Great Aunt Margaret: So dahlin', where are you working at now?
Me: I'm not.
Great Aunt Margaret: That's wonderful! You got you a good man {winkwink}.

Mama: Look! There's a Kitchenaid on QVC!
Me: This one from Brad's Deals is less than $200.
Mama: I need this one because it has higher wattage.
Me: Okay, then how about this one, still under $200 and has an even higher wattage.
Mama: I need the extra attachments too.
Me: Yep, we've got those too.
Mama: Brad's Deals isn't QVC and doesn't have an app.
Me: Is this even about the mixer or because you want to use your new app?
Mama: Now just you hush, {insert extra Southern drawl} I need to figure this app out.

Me: Marc and his friends are surprised that hanging with me is like hanging with any of their friends, and not someone ten years older. I said proudly.
Dad: So basically he's calling you old....
Me: Well, I hadn't thought of it that way. Hangs head in shame.

Grandma on being old and having a daughter 'take care of her': I done got'a new momma. My momma died, and now I gotta new momma and this'uns worse. So bossy.

Here is just a proud moment of mine...and yes, I have an Aunt Boots.
Grandma on the phone with Aunt Boots: Well, I've lost two pounds in three days! You see, I have a grand daughter that is hypoglycemic so she has to eat healthy. I've been eating the way she eats, and I'm feeling better than I have since Weight Watchers!

But the best, was when I was talking to my Aunt and Uncle about Will and I eloping and how the whole family reacted upon receiving the news.
Me: Grandma, do you remember what you said?
Grandma: No m'am.
Me: You said, and I quote, "I'm just glad you aren't livin' in sin anymore."
Cue laughing from everyone, including Grandma.

Anyone who doesn't live near family knows that when you go home to visit you are more of a guest to entertain, than just a regular member of the family like you used to be. However, when you spend almost a month reacquainting yourself, it ends up feeling like you never left. Only now, everyone gets along, we are all grown, and we actually cherish the time together. Like the whole family going for Marc's Senior pictures...

Don't ask me how I ended up in the pictures especially since I had nappy hair that day, but for what my parents paid for these pictures, we should have had the entire family in them. I'm talking extended family. Like seriously, since when did getting senior pictures start costing more than wedding photography? Sheesh. He's lucky he's worth it, and I'm lucky he wasn't 'too cool' to take pictures with his big sis.

All the precious moments add up to a lifetime of happiness.