That Time of Year....

Today was another busy day. With my parents over last weekend, there were some jobs that were left unfinished in the kitchen that we wanted to get taken care of. So while dad was finishing those, mom helped me do my Christmas decorating.

Dad putting the finishing touches on our new drop light

Dad working away!

The finished project, a new light for over the sink and new blinds!!

Me fighting with the garland for the tree!

Finished project-far end of living room

Middle of the living room

Sometimes I hate the mess projects make, but I always love the end result. Check back soon for more of the kitchen remodel. Tomorrow my mom & I will be painting the ceiling! We also bought new flooring today that will be getting laid once Chris is home! Thanks mom & dad again for another accomplished day...I couldn't do it without you!

Just Because I Love You....

Today I was at home getting ready to do some things around the house and all of the sudden Zoe started barking at the door (which is out of the ordinary because Zoe doesn't bark at just anything). I go to the window and I see a lady holding something, I go to the door and she hands me....



Yes, Chris sent me a dozen red roses all the way from New Jersey just because he loves me. I've been bummed the last few days, especially with spending Thanksgiving without Chris, this defiantly put a smile on my face!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, love, and laughter! I will be going to my parents later this afternoon for dinner with them, Jennifer, Kevin and Isabella.
Please keep Chris in your thoughts and prayers as he's still in training and not being able to spend this holiday with his family.

D.I.Y. Weekend!

This weekend was a busy one! Since Chris is gone that doesn't mean the home projects stop. Since we had moved in we really didn't do anything to our kitchen except install a new dishwasher and stove/oven. Not that we haven't wanted to, but it takes a lot of time...which these days we've been pretty short of!
Yesterday my girlfriend Cassi came over and pitched in. We finished taking down the Patriotic border that went around the kitchen, along with patched all the holes around the walls.
Today, my parents came over and we did a few more projects. My dad finally got some shelves hung up for me in our laundry room (they had to be put into cement block) and with that cleaned up and more organized it sure makes a difference! Then onto the kitchen... With a trip to Home Depot, we picked up some new lighting and blinds. The new lights got installed today, but due to a fan that did not want to corporate, the blinds and another light will have wait till another day.
Cassi and I also organized and cleaned up our computer room (which one day SOON will be painted and re-arranged).
So with a busy couple of days behind me...I'm pooped! Keep an eye out in the next month or so, I will be painting the kitchen and let me tell you...that will a project ALL in it's own!

Border half off over the sink

Border behind the refrigerator and microwave (UGH, we HATE wallpaper)

Time to get to work!

Break Time!

This is what I get for having my friends help me do home projects! Just kidding Cas!

Dad starting to install the fan/light

New light fixture in the far end of the kitchen (I LOVE this light)

New fan in the front part of the kitchen

Great job Dad...thanks for all your hard work! I know that fan took a lot out of you, but it looks great. Thanks to mom to for all that she did. I really appreciate the help! :-)

Laying Low....

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile...don't worry, I'm still here and doing okay. With Chris being gone, I'm taking one day at a time and staying busy. Between work, running errands and getting things taken care of for the next year, Christmas shopping, and hanging out with my friends...the days go by pretty fast. We've got about 5 weeks to go till Chris comes home, but who's counting?! I've also been without Internet at my house now for about 2 weeks. I have an appointment tomorrow morning for them to come out and hopefully fix the problem.
Stayed tuned for home project pictures...myself, my girlfriend Cassi, and my parents will be doing some things this weekend in our kitchen!

I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm in this lovely Ohio weather we're having.

Farewell Ceremony! :-(

Yesterday afternoon marked a very emotional day for me and my family. We all attended Chris's Farewell Ceremony for the 135th MP Company. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. All the soldiers marched in and showed their pride, not only for themselves, but for their families as well. The ceremony consisted of many speakers from all over the state of Ohio, along with his Commander.
As tears ran down my face and my heart and mind full of so many different emotions, I try to stay strong for Chris. In fact, that's one thing I've learned from the Family Readiness Group and his Command is that our soldiers need their families to be stronger then ever right now. I for one know that's defiantly easier said then done!
I'm so proud of Chris and all of his accomplishments and I know he's going to go to Iraq and serve his country proud. My heart fills with such pride when I hear him talk about how he needs to be there for his soldiers, lead them and bring them all home to safety. I've asked him, who's bringing you home safely? His response to me was, having you to come home to and knowing that you're here praying for me!

This morning, I had to yet say good bye to my best friend and be strong for another 6 weeks. But as the tears once again rolled down my face, Chris said to me, Bay...I'll be home for Christmas and don't forget that I love you.

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Chris's newest Tattoo!

With Chris getting ready to deploy after the New Year, there was really only one thing he wanted for Christmas...another tattoo. Since Chris will only be here for about a week at Christmas, we thought it would be best to get his tattoo now so it would have plenty of time to heal before heading to Iraq. So mom & dad, Jennifer & Kevin, and myself pulled together to get Chris his newest piece of artwork. Merry 'early' Christmas Bay...don't worry, he'll get more presents!

Just starting the outline & the words

As you can tell, Chris was in some pain. The ribs is probably one of the most painful places you can get a tattoo.

The finished product! The top says: I will be Strong and Courageous.

The bottom says: My God is with me wherever I go.

Since the War started Chris and I unfortunately have known a few people that weren't as lucky as us to return to their friends and families. In fact, just a few months ago, Chris and I lost a very good friend of ours. Chris felt this tattoo signified all of that and needed to have a piece of that with him when he went.

Just the two of us!

I'm happy to report that Chris made it home this week for another short visit. He returned home late Monday night and we had all week together. I took Thursday and Friday off of work and we went to the Mountaineer Casino & Resort for a 2 day mini getaway. What was nice about this trip was that it was only a short 1 1/2 hours away in nearby West Virgina, but we were still able to go do something fun and exciting. We left for our trip Wednesday afternoon and returned Friday early afternoon. I'm sad to report that we only won about $150, but we sure had a great time. It was really nice to be able to spend 'alone' time with Chris.

Outside of our Hotel (it was very nice)

In the lobby, they had old cars parked everywhere. Chris was checking them out!

Outside of the racetrack

Outside the River Poker Room

The Race Track!

Entrance to one of the Casinos

In front of the hotel lobby fountain

Rock sign of our Hotel

Chris and I being goofy!

Horsey on the Track!!

Race Track from a distance

Going through the town, we saw some interesting things....

I thought this was the coolest sign! :-)

And this....this was just in the middle of a courtyard, I thought it was so random and odd!

Election 2008!

Voting time is among us yet again!! Are you a Republican or a Democrat?
I for one am ready for a change, I know I'll be at the busy polls tomorrow. Make sure your voice is heard and let your opinion be known....VOTE!