Tales and Pix from the trip...

Good morning friends! Well, we are moved in, and slowly getting settled and making our way through all the boxes. It's a lot of work, and keeping us busy, but I LOVE moving into a new place and getting things all set up the way I want them. Plus I get to RE-organize everything and decorate, which I love. So I am having a good time.

The trip went really well. The packers came last Monday and packed us up, then the driver came and loaded the truck with his crew Tuesday and we were out of St. Marys by late Tuesday afternoon. That night we made it to Macon. The next day we drove ALL day and got to Illinois. We put my GPS to good use and made some nice stops. For lunch we picked up subs, found a park, and had a picnic. The big kid got to run around, little one got some sun, and the pups got to hang out in the fresh air as well. That night we got to use the pool at the hotel which the big kid got a big kick out of, and it was the little one's first dip! It helped get out some of those cooped up car crazies and by the time we went to bed they were pooped.

My little travelers ready for the road

Enjoying a post-drive dip in the pool

The Munchkin and I hanging out pool-side

Crashed out after a long day

Thursday we drove from IL to KS. This was my favorite night of the trip. We stayed in OP which is where I grew up. I haven't been back to visit for years, and even though it was only for one night it was good for my heart. I love that place. We got in around 3, checked into our room, and went for another dip in the pool. We went to dinner after that, then I showed the hubby and the boys around. He now has had the chance to see where I lived, went to school, played, etc. And the best part was our stop over to see my old neighbors (the S crew), which was pretty much my second family growing up. My sister and I stayed there in the summer so we would have something to do while my parents were at work. Anyway, it was SO good to see them, and we had a nice patio sit, it was the hubs first. In case you are wondering a patio sit, is when you sit on the patio and talk. Growing up this was a weekly event when the weather was nice for the parents in my neighborhood. They would all get together, sit on the patio, and just hang out while all of the kids ran around playing flashlight tag and ghost in the graveyard. It's one of my fondest summer memories. The S crew just got a new patio, which is beautiful, I wish I would have taken a picture, but I was too happy to think about such things. So we stayed for an hour or so chatting and catching up, and then it was time to go to get some sleep.

One of the landmarks we passed along the way

Friday was our final drive. We woke up SUPER early to get to NE by 8 to sign the lease so we could meet the movers at 9:30 at the house. But it all worked out. The kids did GREAT on the drive. We took it slow, made lots of stops, and tried to make it as stress free as possible. Our Hot Shot was happy just sitting in the back, playing games, watching movies, or sleeping, and the munchkin slept a lot, and then played with his toys or just watched big brother to see what he was up to. I couldn't have asked for better travelers. The hubby drove the other car with the pups who also did well, but I think they are wondering what the heck is going on. Sammy is not a fan of all the boxes, I think she thinks we are going to leave again. Wait until she finds out she is being boarded this weekend because we have to go to FL for my cousins wedding. Poor girls.

Napping with boxes...working with what we had while they were unloading (it was about 40 for the high the day we moved in...burrr)

Starting to look like home...

Things here have been great so far. We love the area, love the base, and love the house. The gym here is incredible, its got a .4 mile track, 4 lane lap pool, racquetball, basketball, tennis, and and indoor soccer field, cardio and weight machines galore, and even has an area for kids so I can bring the little guys along with me when I go work out...which is good because (drum roll please) today I registered to run a MARATHON in October. Yup, yours truly is going to attempt to run 26.2 miles in this years MCM (Marine Corp Marathon). So wish me luck, and pray I don't keel over and die! Okay, I know that won't happen, but it should be interesting. I am running with (well maybe I should say behind) Sam and am looking forward to sharing the experience with her!

Today we also had our new washer and dryer delivered. And for someone that HATES to do laundry (well not so much the doing...just the putting away), I have to say they are pretty damn cool and they actually make it fun for now. I also went to check out one of the local preschools in the area. It was nice, and it will work if I don't find something else, but I just didn't "love" it. But I was impressed with the curriculum they were doing, the class sizes, all that stuff. I was just spoiled with Happy Apple and it will be hard to measure up to. Tomorrow hot shot and I are visiting another school down the road to see what it's all about. Maybe this will be "the one".

Okay, well I have been working on this post all day, and while there is still more I need to update on, I also need to get some sleep, so I am going to sign off for tonight, and will try to be back tomorrow! Love you all!

WE MADE IT!!

Well we are in our new place! The driver showed up about 1/2 hour after we signed the lease on the new place (can't get much better timing than that) and by about 4 all of our stuff was in and we were starting to unpack.

I don't have much time to update, or be online for that matter because our internet still isn't set up at our house. But they are coming out monday to hook us up, so I'll be back then with tales from our trip out west, pictures, and lots of other fun tidbits!

Hope you all are having wonderful weekends!

love kp

A quick check in

Hey all!

I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to post real quick and let you all know,things are going well, and we are making our way out west. Tonight we are at a lovely Holiday Inn in Illinois and will be heading out in the AM to tackle the great state of Missouri.

love to you all!!!

A bonus post!

Just a warning, this one is going to be a LONG one. I have lots to talk about, and I have to get it all in now because tonight we pull the plug on the computer, meaning that I won't be blogging again until we get settled in Nebraska. I may hop on Matt's laptop for a quick update along the way, but I can make no promises. We leave Wednesday and hope to arrive Saturday in NE. Hopefully that plan works with the truck driver as well, but we won't know that until he comes to pick up. But if not, we are pretty flexible, and will do what it takes to get our stuff and NOT have it go into storage!

So, to begin awhile back I promised to post some of the pictures from the hubby's farewell gifts. Here they are. Well the cookbook was for me, along with my pitcher that has to be shipped to me upon arrival, but the rest are things for my sweet husband. I was hoping to take a picture of the framed picture of the Rhode Island signed by the wardroom, but it's all packaged up to be moved with us, and my cameras are also packed up to go in the car. So I'll try to take one when we have all the stuff hanging up in NE. Anyway...here are the pics.

The first two are of a plaque that he was given by the command, then the little black thing was one of the funnier gag gifts, its a buoy. The hubby "lost" one a few patrols ago and it became a big joke. Then there is my cookbook full of yummy stuff, and the last is a picture of a sub with all the hatches open.

He officially checks out of the command tomorrow. I went up to the office on Friday to watch them pin on his end of tour award which was pretty darn cool! I never went to anything like that for any of his other little ceremonies, so I am glad I was able to go.

There was a lot that went on this weekend! Friday was also hot shot's last day at good old Happy Apple. Hubs and I both went up for a little class party. I am so blessed that our little guy was able to attend there, even if just for a year. It was a great place and Mrs. K was a fantastic teacher. I couldn't have picked a better one for him myself. Here are a few pictures of the treats I took (applesauce cupcakes), Mrs. K's gift from us, and then some fun in the classroom.

Mrs K giving the big kid his graduation medal and scrapbook and bubble time!

Rowing down the stream and the hubby hanging with the wee ones!

The Happy Apple

We also attended the 108th Submarine Birthday Ball on Friday. My parents came in town to stay with the boys and we went and had a GREAT time. Last year was okay fun, but we really didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest with the hubby having duty the next day and me being somewhere in the neighborhood of 7 months preggers with the little guy. So, we got a room down at the hotel and had a good time. It was nice to be able to have one last hurrah with some of our USS RI family.

Getting ready for our night at the ball :)

All dressed up and ready to go!

So, that was Friday in a nutshell. Saturday was spent doing laundry and enjoying time with my parents. Mom took us to dinner last night, and then she left this morning to head back to ATL. I have been doing MORE laundry today, cleaning, and setting things aside in the DO NOT PACK piles so that when the packers arrive tomorrow they don't pack things that we need to have with us.

Earlier in the week I had some goodbye breakfasts and lunches with friends, and have a few more set for early this week. It's going to be hard to leave, but I am very excited about our new adventure. Okay, well it's late, I still have a few loads of laundry to get done before I can go to bed, as well as more packing. So, with that I am going to say good night, I hope you all have a great week and I'll check back in as soon as I can!! Wish us luck... :)

lunch bunch

Well last weeks lunch with you all was so nice that i decided to do it again! I'm currently enjoying some popcorn and a random vegetable soup I threw together. I was going to have just tomato but there were some cooked veggies in the fridge that needed to go as well, so those got thrown into the pot. Add a bit of salt/pepper and some seasoning and I was good to go. A bit random yes, but I am trying to use up everything I can! I hate the idea of throwing food away, so we are slowly making our way through the fridge and freezer! Let me just say our menu for the rest of the week is...well...creative...yes we will go with that.

It's chilly here today! I know, you probably think I'm being spoiled, but it's only in the mid 50's which for April in south GA is pretty unusual. But it worked out well for our park play date this morning. There were NO GNATS and as long as the sun was out it was pleasant. I wasn't going to go because we have so much to do, but the boys needed to get some fresh air, and it was nice to see my friends that I probably won't have a chance to see again before we leave. And speaking of friends, check out hot shot with his friend Mr. B. These two have been buddies since before they were even born! B's mom and I were preggers at the same time with these two and they are just a few months apart, so they have been buddies before they even knew what buddies were all about. We are sure going to miss all of them! Hopefully we will stay in touch!

Today is another busy one. After the boys get up from their naps we are heading out to pick up medical records from various locations and then its off to the store to buy a few necessities (milk, diapers, etc.). Then it's home for dinner. Oh, and a stop at Sally's to look for a small barrel curling iron to use on my hair for the ball. I toyed with the idea of having someone do it, but really, it's such a waste of money. For less than 1/2 of what I would pay I can get a new curling iron (that I can and will use again) and do it myself. Sure, it won't be anything great or spectacular, but it will be good enough for me. Last year I just wore it down, and most of the people there did the same. There were only a few people who actually looked like they had theirs "done". Sorry...sort of started rambling there.

Well kids. I am now done with my lunch, and as much as I would love to hang out here the rest of the afternoon, I must get back to making some calls and continue with the preparations for the move! Hope you all are having a splendid day and I'll be back tomorrow! XOXO - kp

flippin out!

I'm starting to get a bit anxious about all the moving stuff. I hate that I can't pack up our stuff that we need to take with us because we still have a week of "regular" life. Meaning hubby still has to work, Hot Shot is still in school, etc. I'm doing all the "little" things I can, but I really just hate it looming in the distance. I want it to be Saturday already so I can start really working on stuff. Oh well...can't change that, so I need to be happy and just enjoy my last week here. Which I do plan on doing!!

I've got lots of lunches and fun stuff going on for both me and the boys to see people before we head out. And then Friday night we are going to the ball! YEA! I can't wait. My parents will be here, and we are going all out. Should be a good time. I don't have any pictures for today (as you can see) but I will have lots from next weekend I am sure!!

This weekend was nice, we didn't do anything really picture-worthy but we had a nice laid back family weekend. Saturday we shopped for various things that we needed, and took the boys to play at the mall while I shopped for more stuff there. Sunday was a nice slow day, I had two picture shoots, and then just hung around the house with the little one while the hubs took hot shot to the park for some play time. The munchkin has been running a fever. Hopefully nothing serious. We go to the doctor this afternoon, so I'll keep you posted.

I have to run. It's time to go get my little apple from school and then back home for lunches and then off to the doctor. It's one of those days when we are just go go go! I hope you all had a great weekend!!

love kp

help me!!

Okay, well I did have a survey up for a very short time today, but I took it down because I feel the need to post again, and I don't want to waste a survey, so I am saving it for next week...sorry but it just has to be done. And this is a survey in a way, but you will be answering the questions. I did two yesterday, which I felt was deserved because I missed Wednesday, but more than 5 in a week is just more than I am willing to give...hehe not really. I could care less, but I like the idea of having one "in the wings". Okay...sorry rambling.

So, I have maybe (or maybe not) mentioned two events coming up in the near future. One is the Submarine Birthday Ball which is next weekend and the other is my cousin's wedding (Black Tie) the first weekend in May. So, I need some dress help. I have two that could work for both and I am trying to decide which to wear. I think I am leaning toward one for the ball and the other for the wedding, but I want to hear your thoughts. And, I am not above wearing the same one to both events. The only person that will be the same is the hubs and he's not picky.

Things to keep in mind. Try not to be too disturbed by my appearance. I am tired, and didn't feel like doing anything other than slipping into the dresses, so don't mind my crazy hair. Also, the pictures in the black dress are overexposed so that you can see the dress against the dark background of the fireplace. I realized after i took the pictures that you couldn't see very well but didn't want to do it again. And for the blue dress I would not wear those shoes, i would wear silver ones...i think. So, without any more delay...here are the choices.

Dress #1 - the sparkly one

Dress #2 - the black and white one

So, there you have it. The two dresses I have to choose from. Looking at these reminds me once again, I really need to go get some tanning lotion! EEK! So let me know what you think okay!! And if you don't usually post, post anyway so that i have more opinions. Oh and Nat...those are the floors in case you didn't notice. Nice huh?

Hope you all have a great weekend! love kel

Fair winds and following seas...

Tonight we said our goodbyes to our friends and Navy Family of the USS Rhode Island. Always a bittersweet moment, but one that I will always remember as an amazing night.

I am not in the Navy...I know, no big surprise there. But the hubby is...again nothing new to that statement. He goes to work everyday, and I work at home, both by being a full time mom, and my photography biz. Those two paths (his day to day at work, and my day to day at home) don't cross often. Of course we talk and share stories about what went on during our respective days at work/home but I'm never THERE, I don't hang around at the office and listen to conversations, or know what people do or say. Where as Matt has a pretty good idea of my life here without him, because he does come home (thank goodness) at the end of the day, and on the weekends, etc. (I DO have a point, and I am trying to get there, just hang with me).

Anyway, tonight was our farewell from the Rhode Island. These boat get togethers are one of the only times that I get to experience just a small slice of the hubbies life at work. As tradition goes, everyone gets their turn to "roast" the outgoing officer, complete with some sort of "gag" gift, and in return he gets his shot to pass out gifts along with some funny stories. It's always in good fun, and to be honest it's one of my favorite parts about hail and farewells because it gives us wives just a little "insight" into what it's like for them at work and when they are on the boat. And there are always some really good stories.

I am always proud of my husband, always have been. To me, it doesn't matter WHAT job he does, or what anyone says, or doesn't say, I think he is amazing. I am proud of what he does, and how hard he works, he's a WONDERFUL dad and an amazing husband. I didn't think it was possible to be any more proud of him, until tonight. Sitting there, and listening to the guys talk about him, I was just blown away. To hear the younger guys talk about "looking up to him" and the older ones say that they know he will go far in the Navy was just incredible. I always think he does a good job, but I am his wife and supporting him in what he does is what I do, so to hear others speak what I think was pretty darn cool. It's also nice to know that all the extra effort he does put in along with the long hours didn't go unnoticed. Also, the some of the parting gifts he was given are amazing as well.

We were so lucky to be a part of this boat. And I am sad to say goodbye but looking forward to our next step in this Navy adventure! Our three years on this boat have been great, and I have made some of my best friends while being here in good old KB. Most who have moved on already, and a few who I will be saying my goodbyes to in the next week or so, but amazing friends none the less. I didn't take any pictures because I was just trying to savor every last moment, but I do have a few of some of the cool presents that were given to us so set us on our way.

So with that I am going to say goodnight, and thank you USS Rhode Island (past and present) it's been a wonderful three years and when I think back on our JO tour I will have nothing but smiles and good thoughts fill my mind.

*check back later for pics of some of our gifts...I am too tired to upload them tonight*

Join Me!

For lunch that is...I'm writing and eating at the same time. The boys are both down for early naps, which is good because when they wake up we are off to the store. But it also means that I am eating lunch in peace this fine day which doesn't happen often i can assure you. So I figured I could "chat" with you all in blogland while I enjoy my yummy salad.

Today has been nice. I was motivated and went out and ran 3 miles before the hubs took off for work. I needed to get a good run in. When i started out running I didn't mind the treadmill, I actually enjoyed it because I always had water, could zone out staring at one of 6 big tvs, there are fans blowing on me, and I could control my speed better. But now, not so much. So now that the pollen is dying down, but it still hasn't gotten too humid here, I am enjoying running outdoors again.

Anyway, after that i was lazy with the boys, which was nice as well, then we started baking...yes again. Which is always fun to do, but my waistline may disagree! That's okay, I'm really not too worried about all that. Life's too short not to let yourself indulge in a bit of cookie dough! Mmmmm. It could be the perfect food I think...although I did just eat a baked one right out of the oven, and well that was DAMN good! Anyway, so yes, I am baking for tonight's shin-dig over at our friends house. Really, its just a hale & farewell to welcome the newbies to the boat and say goodbye to...US!!! I can't believe its our turn, it really is surreal. But it should be a good time, and lots of yummy food. We even have a sitter for the boys so we will get some "no kiddo" time in as well. I love my boys to death, but at the end of the day, its nice to have grown up time sometimes.

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, it was a busy day and by the time I was on the computer I didn't want to blog. But you will all get over it. Oh I just realized that today is Thursday, which is supposed to be survey day...hmmm. Well hang tight, I'll find one and post it tomorrow instead. Tomorrow morning I am meeting my breakfast club gals for a BBC (bonus breakfast club). We usually meet on Wednesday mornings after we drop our little ones off at school, but we had our OWC meeting yesterday so we couldn't do it then...but decided we would get a little crazy and do a bonus round tomorrow! That's just how I roll...all sorts of wild things going on here.

Okay, well I am rambling...BADLY which is what I do, but I won't bore you any longer. I need to go fix my hair while the boys are still sleeping and before my cookies need to come out of the oven. Hope you enjoy the rest of your Thursday and I'll be back tomorrow! Maybe I'll even have more pictures...

treats for tuesday!

I spent the majority of the day cleaning the house and baking. I am happy because other than the master bathroom (which I did a few days ago so its "ok") the house is finally CLEAN!!


One of the wives' clubs that I am a member of is having a little auction tomorrow, so I am making two goodies baskets to auction off. They each have some chocolate chip cookies, a loaf of orange yogurt bread and a loaf of pumpkin bread. Which i am currently sitting here smelling and it smells delicious. Here are a few pics of my hard work...the baskets are done minus the pumpkin bread that will have to go in tomorrow because it's cooling.

I also am a proud new owner of a cute new bag made for me by one of the new wives on our boat. If you like it check out her other stuff at http://www.meredithferrell.com/.

And then this next picture really has nothing to do with anything, but it was just such a funny picture. The little one is now crawling, which is fun. But the thing around our house is after bath time every night the boys get to "air out" if you know what I mean (run around in the buff). The little guy is a fan as you can see!

Okay, well that's it for me. I am heading to bed. Tomorrow is a busy busy day so I need to get what winks of sleep I can!

the weekend report

Hey everyone (all like 5 of you)!! Hope you all had a great weekend. First I want to start out with a big shout out to my gal sam who raced this weekend and set a PR in her 5K distance!!! Way to go sweetie you rock!!

We had a nice weekend. We were able to just spend a weekend hanging as a family. We both had some work things to do (hubbie is finishing his class and I had photo stuff) but we were able to do that while the boys were napping. Saturday I woke up and went for a run. Did just over 4 miles and felt pretty good. I have more running stuff to talk about, but will leave that until the end. Then we went over to base for "kids fest 2008". They had everything from pony rides to the bouncy slides that you see the big kid sliding down below. And nothing around here would be complete without a "train" made up of 55gallon drums to ride around in! haha. Enjoy the pics...

Don't you just love my reflective arms...yikes. I need to get some self tanning stuff ASAP so I have some color at the ball in two weeks.

Can you believe how big our baby is?? He is nine months now...just three more and I will be on here posting 1st birthday pics! Crazy!! He had his nine month check up today and all is going well. He now has 4 teeth and two more on the brink. The "little" guy is huge at 21 lbs but only 28 inches!! But the doc said he's just fine and that he is a healthy little boy who is developmentally just where he should be. I thank God to be so blessed with these little boys I have. The only "problem" found was he has my eczema so we just have to keep him lathered with special lotion and he will be just fine!

Sunday was lazy, although we didn't intend for it to be. It rained a lot here this weekend keeping us indoors for a good portion of it. I was supposed to a picture session at 12 but we postponed until next week because everything was still really soggy and wet. I did manage to get to the grocery store though and fix us quite a tasty dinner. As well as packed up all the auction stuff in my garage which is now back in storage until someone needs it again. The rest of the day we played with the boys and bummed around the house. It was really nice.

So for the running thing. Am I crazy (yes but that isn't anything new), delusional and living in a place far far from reality?? Again, yes. But also a tad bit excited. Sam is thinking of running the MCM (Marine Corp Marathon) again this October, and she asked me what I thought about doing it with her. Well my first thought was "haha that's funny" but then I thought to myself "why not". I'm healthy and physically I think I can handle it, so sure why not. And really...if Katie Holmes can run a marathon then so can I...'nuff said! So, it's not a sure thing yet, because she hasn't decided 100% if she is doing it or not, and I am not going by myself. But I'll keep you posted. Registration opens the 30th of this month...only time will tell.

Well that's it for me today, I'll try to be back tomorrow. love kp

total nothing...but some cute pics

Well...Tuesday came and went with no post, sorry about that. I thought about one all day, and was really going to try to get one up, but I had an opportunity to go to bed early, and snatched it up! And I am sorry to say this one isn't going to be anything spectacular.

I feel a cold coming on...we had a few days where it got chilly here again (cold enough to make the heat come on) and then it shot right back up and I always get a cold when that happens. Not to mention my allergies are already all out of whack. So I skipped the gym (again) tonight and am just taking it easy. Don't want to be sick for the weekend. I have a photo shoot Sunday, so I want to be alert and ready! Speaking of, if you haven't checked it out recently check out my website portfolio. I have updated it and happen to think it's looking pretty good!

Monday night however I did go for a run. I did 3 miles and was happy that my pace was much steadier than normal (and a little quicker too). Usually pace-wise I am all over the place, but for some reason Monday i was more steady and overall had a really good run! I couldn't take the treadmill again so I took my chances outside.

Okay, well I have work I need to do for a client, but I will leave you with a few pictures because I didn't have any to put up Monday I figured I would add some today. Happy hump day y'all!

Easter 2008

Sleepy Baby

New "friends" in big brother's class at school!!! CHICKS!!!!!