Updates

Lately we have been focused on getting into our new routines. Mike deployed and the kids are back at school. I have started making weekly dinner plans, which I am proud to say, we have followed for the last three weeks. I will start posting some of the yummy recipes that we've had. Our small groups through our church start this week and I am so excited. One of them is a traveling play group. We will go once a week to a different park each time so the kids can play. Small things like this really help the time pass when Mike is gone. That's it for now.

Vacation

I have spent the last 7 days in St Louis with my husband's family. I can't believe how blessed I am to have married into such an amazing group of people. I have been nothing but welcomed and loved by this group of people. Sometimes it's hard to tell if they were mine or my husband's...lol. I can't wait for the day when we can be closer to them, so they do not miss all the in between moments with the kids. For now, I will look at this picture and be grateful for the time we have.

Mexican Pizza...sort of

I found a recipe on allrecipes.com by searching for recipes that included pizza crust and zucchini...end of the week with a lack of groceries...hahaha. I came across Black Bean Pizza. It was amazing!!! I feel the need to share it with al of you...so here it is.

Black Bean Pizza

• 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

Directions

1. Press dough into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees F for 4-6 minutes or until crust just begins to brown.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add zucchini; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the beans and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 2 minutes; drain. Sprinkle 2/3 cup of cheese over crust. Top with bean mixture and remaining cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until crust is browned and cheese is melted.

This past weekend I went to Oregon for my aunt and uncles 50th anniversary! It was amazing to see how much love they have for each other after all these years. The kids set up a surprise party in a Luau theme. The back yard was gorgeous and they even had a pastor there to renew their vows. Brought a tear to my eye. Anyway, here are some pictures from this amazing event.

What have I been up to? I have doing really well with making homemade meals most nights of the week. I have made meatloaf, meatballs, chicken pot pie, BBQ chicken sandwiches, cupcakes...and the list goes on. I've also decided it's about time to pull out my sewing machine again and start on some new projects. I think I've decided on trying to make one of those cute ruffled aprons. It doesn't get any more Suzie homemaker than that. My husband decided he wanted me to play Call of Duty with him. I said, as I was on my computer "I'm learning how to be good housewife," he says "your the best housewife." Needless to say, he won my heart and I played one round with him...lol. I love my life.

Oplove

I have to give props where props are due. We had an amazing photographer donate his services so that my family could have pictures taken together before my husband deploys. This is probably the most special gift I will receive. Thank you Tony!

EISENHOWER PHOTOGRAPHY

www.eisenhowerphotography.com

So today...I finally am down in the 170's!!!! I've been doing my running program for about 3 weeks now and can feel myself getting stronger. It is amazing what a little exercise can do. I also have been cooking more (it's one of my goals) and I have made meatloaf, homemade chicken noodle soup, marinated grilled vegetables, and a mexican chicken pot pie. The way I can tell they were a success is because all of my children ate them...lol.

I started my West Coast Road Runner group last Saturday. I have found that I have quite a ways to go to reach my half marathon status. Today though, I ran 10 minutes without stopping. That was a huge accomplishment for me. I will be able to do this, I will be able to do this...I have to keep repeating that.

Mike left yesterday for more pre deployment training. I forgot how it feels to be alone again with all the boys. Two of them are playing football on two different teams and two different times. We have speech for one, tutoring for the other, and life. Again I find myself chanting, I will be able to do this, I will be able to do this.

Wow...I really need to schedule some time to write on here in my planner. Otherwise, it will never get done. Well...lets see...what has been happening here? I gave birth to two beautiful little girls as a surrogate. They are happy and healthy and on their way to Australia. My oldest son Daniel graduated from 6th grade and my 5 year old starts kindergarten in the fall! Two of my boys are playing flag football and I was bamboozled into being the team mom for one of them. This is a new thing for me, but I must say my banner looks damn good :) We are enjoying as much time with my husband as we can before he leaves for training for the whole month of July and then is off to defend our country in Afghanistan in September. Whew....I'm tired just rereading all of this...lol. Oh right and I also start half marathon training in a week. I will work on updating my post weekly...we'll see.

So...shame on me, I have not been writing for awhile. I am now working on the Marine Corps base as a L.I.N.K.S. trainer. It has and continues to be such a rewarding job. I help Marines and their families become more comfortable with the unique lifestyle that is the Marine Corps. I also have started back up at school to finish my BA in Communication. Needless to say I've been super busy. Mike is due to deploy in September and is busy in the meantime with all the workups that go along with a deployment. What better time to start writing than now...right?