Good Eats

Courtesy of the Food Network

Tonight Tyler and I were watching Good Eats on the Food Network. Good Eats is a thirty-minute show that revolves around one recipe each segment. This was our first time with this show, but it was entertaining and educational all at once. Tonight we learned about the chemical changes and composition of a pound cake ... quite interesting.

Anywho ... while we were watching there was a commercial about an upcoming show about the "Best Thing You've Ever Eaten." The cooks from various shows on the Food Network are going to describe the ONE, best thing they've ever eaten. Tyler and I began discussing, and we are just baffled because there are just too many choices. So I thought I'd throw it out to you, don't be shy(!!), what is the ONE best thing you've ever eaten?!

WELCOME HOME!!

This afternoon/tonight, Tyler and I attended our first Redeployment (aka Welcome Home) ceremony for troops returning from Afghanistan. Our dear friend Molly's husband returned home tonight, so we went to sit with her and wait, but also to take pictures of their family as they reunited.

In true Army style it was "Hurry up and wait." The ceremony was supposed to be last night at 2000, but weather delayed the plane so the ceremony was delayed until 1340 today. This morning, the flight was delayed again and the ceremony was pushed back to 1830 tonight. Families began arriving at the gym at 1630 to find the perfect seat. As time marched on, we were told troops would be arriving closer to 1700. The last few hours and days have been the hardest for these families ... months and weeks go by fast, but when you are hours away from greeting your loved one, times goes along so, so slowly. Fortunately for some, the wait is over.

I am just so overwhelmed with respect for the soldiers and wives who've been holding down the homefront, happiness, joy, excitement and tons of other emotions because soldiers are making it home safely and reuniting with their families. I have several friends who's husbands are returning in the coming weeks .. I could not be more excited for them. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these ceremonies, please do -- it will be one of the sweetest experiences of your life.

The sign that students from my school signed. Many of their Moms and Dads will return in the coming weeks, too.

The troops are here. That is Molly in the flowered cardigan, and me in the red vest, holding Molly's son.

Here they are!!

The Dudleys looking at their Dad!

Family's reuniting.

More reunions.

Much Happier!

This semester I decided that I will not bring school work home unless it is absolutely necessary. I am much, much happier now that I have made this decision. I come home nightly to be a wife, friend and playmate for Bella. I love being able to fold laundry, clean the bathtub, watch movies, walk Bella, walk with friends, amongest other things that I felt guilty for doing when I brought school work home.

Woo hoo for feeling free. Now off to Wii Fit! :)

My Ghetto Computer

My computer has a cracked/broken screen. In order to see what is happening on my computer, I have to connect it to a TV. This is the most ghetto, but economically sound way for me to blog, use my pictures and completing homework. Fortunately, my school gave me a Mac that I use for everyday tasks, but to use my computer, downloads and pictures ... I must hook up.

I sincerely apologize for delayed posts, but now do you somewhat understand?!

PS -- Martha & Sam: Congratulations on JAG! We have had the most fun adventure thus far in the Army, and we know you'll think it's a blast, too. Please keep us updated on where your first duty station will be, and when you're moving. Take care and let us know if you need any help/pointers/advice for your first move!

Happy New Year!

We went downtown with friends to celebrate New Year's Eve. There was a Fire & Ice festival celebrating Hawaii's 50th anniversary as a state. We're not exactly why we were celebrating here, but it was fun. There were ice carvings, ice skating, Hawaiian bands, flame dancers and hula dancers. It was great fun.

After we went to our new, favorite restaurant. A pub downtown. We had some interesting people sit with us at our table. They were kind, but it was a bit different than how we intended to have dinner with our friends.

Happy New Year everyone!

Bundled up with hot drinks; anything to keep warm!

Fireworks!

Bella's Cheesy Smile

Bella has developed this cheesy grin. Sometimes just randomly she will whip into this super relaxed/cheesy grin feeling. We think it is pretty funny, and had to share with all of you!

One of our many movie nights over Christmas break!

Lake Tahoe.

Tyler and I were fortunate enough to travel to Lake Tahoe, NV/CA just before Christmas with my, Ginna's, family. We have all wanted to visit Lake Tahoe, and this year it worked out best for our families. Thanks Mom and Dad for the trip -- we loved Tahoe and visiting with ya'll. Love you!

Standing in front of a mining cart in Virginia City, Nevada. We took this picture because the mining level was always my favorite on Donkey Kong (for Super Nintendo).

Dinner the first night just before picking Jim up from the airport. Tyler and I had the most wonderful filets ever!

A view of the lake with the mountains surrounding it. One of the most beautiful places we've ever seen.

Tyler and I on a rock above the lake. This was taken on a break while snowmachining. Are you familiar with Debra on "Everybody Loves Raymond?" She and her family were in Tahoe, staying in at our resort while we were there. They snowmachined with us, too. We didn't hound her, but she seemed very kind!

Cold.

I hear it is pretty cold down south right now, and I'm terribly sorry! This picture is from our winter wonderland to yours ... bundle up and enjoy a change of pace down there!

Swimming.

I have started swimming in an effort to get in shape. At the pool on post, there are certain hours that are lap swim and open swim times. Unfortunately, last night when I went to the pool I did not realize this. I went around 8:00 thinking that most children would be home, and I was terribly bummed and a bit disgusted when I arrived and it was teenage lovefest 2010 in the pool. Teenage girls were wearing terribly small bikinis and all the teenagers were flirting and trying to impress one another so much. #1 -- why weren't they home (?!) it was a school night. #2 -- put some clothes on!

I know this isn't the post you expected, but when I woke up this morning and my muscles could tell I had swam a little, I had to post. I love waking up the morning after a work out and just having a tingly good feeling all over. Tonight at 5 I will spin.