BIG Update

Well, it has been a while since I posted anything. I guess I will go back to Austin's family'ssurprise visit.

At one in the morning on November 11, Austin's parents, sister and best friend Robert showed up at our house to surprise Austin. His mom went in and woke him up and she scared him so bad that he almost pubched her!! We had a great week with them here. We went to the zoo, and the circus. We went to base so they could buy some souveniers and they also got three puppies!! While they were here we had an early birthday dinner for Austin and an early Thanksgiving. We got Austin an ice cream pie, instead of cake, but we forgot the candles... We had a lot of fun and I am soo glad that they were able to come visit. It was so nice to have some famiy around!!

For Austin's birthday we ordered some pizza and got a couple movies and just hung out together. It was nice to just spend time together.

For Thanksgiving, Austin had a four day weekend. Thanksgiving morning we went to a football game. Austin and Sam played in it and Kayla, Chomper and I watched and talked. It was super windy so we went home with dirt everywhere!!! Austin had a lot of fun and got beat up. They played on turf so he got a horrible scrape on his knee and he was sore the whole weekend afterwards. On Saturday, we went to the mall with Sam and Kayla and it was CRAZY!!! We thought that only Black Friday would be ridiculous but Saturday was just as bad. We had a good weekend.

We have been doing very well and we are hoping to come for Christmas and we should know soon.
I have pictures posted on Facebook from our Thanksgiving.

Two Recipes and an Update

     Not much has been going on here in El Paso. Austin still has his class and I'm still just chillin in the apartment. I did however get ahold of the education department on base. This is the last week that Austin has his class and then he will start car pooling again so next week I'm going to talk to a counselor at El Paso Commmunity College and then go to the ed department on base and get everything figured out. I also have to work on FASFA... Not too excited about that. Haha. I'm not too excited about this weekend... Austin has to work from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. I was really mad when he told me. Then Kayla texted me and said she needed me to take pictures for her becasue she wants to make Thanksgiving cards so now I have someone to hang out with. Yay!! I'm not looking forward to Saturday night by myself though... I always hear noises when I'm here by myself. So we will see how it works out.
      I tried out two new recipes; Easy Crescent Taco Bake from Pillsbury.com and All American Meat Loaf from Crock-Pot. They were both really tastey!!

Easy Crescent Taco Bake
1 can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 lb. (at least 80%) ground beef
3/4 cup salsa
2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz. package)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
   Shredded lettuce, as desired
   Diced tomato, as desired
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll dough; seperate into 8 triangles. Place in ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate; press over bottom and up sides to form crust.
In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until throughly cooked; drain. Stir in salsa and taco seasoning mix; simmer 5 minutes. Spoon meat mixture in crust-lined pan; sprinkle with cheese.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese in melted. Served with lettuce and tomato.
*We put refried beans on the bottom before put the meat in the pan. We also added some sour cream. Yum!

All American Meat Loaf
3 lbs. lean ground beef
4 cups bread crumbs
2 cups ketchup
1 cup onion, chopped
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
4 tbs. tomato paste
16 slices cheddar or American cheese, cut into strips

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except for the cheese and tomato paste. Shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf. Arrange 8 cheese strips on the meat, and top with remaining meat, pressing the edges together to seal. Plase in Crock-Pot. Top with tomato paste and remainging cheese slices. Cover; cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High forr 3 to 4 hours.
* I just made the meat loaf the way I usually would then added the cheese and tomato paste. Austin's suggestion is to add the top layer of cheese until its almost ready. It was super tastey!!!

I hope that you enjoy these recipes as much as we did!! If you have any recipes that you would like to share just email them to me. My email is springbabybug@hotmail.com. I love trying new recipes.

Pumpkins Puppies and Recipes OH MY!

This last weekend Austin and I went to New Mexico with Sam and Kayla and we went to a family farm that had a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, all kinds of games and booths, a giant slide, a tire graveyard and all kinds of fun things to do. We got a pumpkin and carved Jack from the Nightmare before Christmas. I have pictures from it and of our pumpkin on my Facebook. It turned out really cute!! Sam and Kayla carved Hello Kitty into their pumpkin and they also got a pumpkin for their puppy Chomper, I'm not sure if they carved that one or not. Kayla and I made pumpkin seeds that turned out really tastey.
Sunday we went to a mall on the other side of town and then went and looked at a puppy. He was super adorable!!! Then we went gracery shopping at the Commisary. We had the hardest time trying to find the pumpkin so that I can make a Pumpkin Roll for Halloween at Sam and Kaylas. We stopped by Entertainmart on our way home and got the movies KickAss and Why Did I Get Married Too? Both were very good movies. Tyler Perry never fails to make a good movie.
Last night I made Caribbean Pork Chops which were very yummy. I've decided to start posting the recipes that I find that are really good. This one is a Crock Pot recipe.

Caribbean Pork Chops
2 tsp. ground allspice
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
4 tsp. dried thyme
1 cup scallions, finely chopped
6 tbs. soy sauce
4 tbs. fresh ginger, grated
2 Habanero chilli peppers, seeded and minced
4 tbs. garlic, minced
4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
8 lean pork shops, 1 -inch thick

In a food processor, combine all herbs and spices with the scallions. soy sauce, fresh ginger, chilli pepper, garlic, sugar and salt, and process into a coarse paste. Coat the pork chops with this paste and place in Crock Pot. Cover; cook on Low for 7 to 9 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours.
*I don't like spicy food so I didn't add the peppers and it still tasted really good. Since it was only the two of us we only had four pork chops so halfing the recipe works good.

Let me know how you like this recipe! I'll post more as I find more. =)
Enjoy. =)

Airshow and New Car

A few new things have happened... I think the biggest new thing is that we got a new car. A 2008 Toyota Corolla. Its pretty nice. We traded in our truck for a down payment. Last weekend we also went to the Amigo Airshow. It was really big and there were way to many people there. I don't like big crowds so I got frustrated really fast. It was cool to see the different planes and vehicles. They also had a Jet powered school bus. It raced one of the planes and it clocked in at over 300 mph!! It was crazy!! We also hung out with Sam and Kayla this weekend. We hung out with them Saturday and played card games and we also went to the Airshow with them.
 Austin has been in classes this week and he has them until November 4th. He isn't too happy about it because they are the same classes that he had to take when he in-processed. He is bored so he tries to text me during the day but he isn't always able to.
We are hoping to come home for Christmas. We are really missing our families and friends. Next month we should be able to know whether or not we are actually gonna be able to come home.
This weekend we are going to a pumpkin patch and corn maze with Sam and Kayla. Its  about a half hour drive away. For some reason El Paso doesn't have any farms around so we have to drive a ways to find one. Oh well, it will be fun anyways. =)
I've added some pics of the Air Show and a pic of our new car below.

Teeny Little Update

This last weekend Austin and I hung out with Sam and Kayla again. We went to their house Friday night and had pizza. Kayla and I got to bond while the guys played Halo on Sam's x-box. They are really nice people and I like them a lot! Saturday we met up with them again and went to Bob-o's and play mini golf and some arcade games. Then we raced go carts and then went on bumper boats. We had an absoute blast. We went to another little store then went to a Halloween store and looked at all the crazy costumes and weird Halloween stuff. We then went across the street to the mall and got some ice cream. We found a table and just sat and chit-chatted while we ate our ice cream. Then we went to a store called FYE, For Your Entertainment, and checked out some movies and looked at some posters. Then we came home and relaxed together. I'm really happy that we have met another couple who are at the same point in their lives so we have someone to relate to!! This week Austin and I have been just hanging out together and enjoying life. We are looking forward to Austin's four day weekend this weekend!! I finally get to have some time with my hubbie other than just the weekends... We get four whole days!!! Yay!!! Well this was my little update and I'll post again soon!!

Our Awesome Weekend Together

Austin and I had a great weekend!! Friday night we went out with Sam and Kayla Solmonson. We had a great night! First we met them at their house and played with their little teacup chihuahua, Chomper. Then we headed to dinner. We went to Leo's Mexican restaurant and their food was really yummy!! We had fun joking around and just having fun. After dinner we went to an outlet mall and just walked around. Austin and I had never been there so it was cool to be able to find another thing for us to do. Then after that we were supposed to go to the movie but it didn't start for another hour so we went back to their house and hung out for a little bit. Kayla looked for Halloween costumes for Chomper and we just hung out and laughed. We left for the movie and got there right on time. We saw You Again. It was hilarious!!! We laughed through the whole thing!! We headed home afterwards and fell asleep. The next morning we made waffles and then got ready and went back to the mall so we could do some clothes shopping. We spent around four hours there and then headed to the mall by our house to look for some shorts for me and I also got a new belly button ring and Austin got some nice sunglasses. We came home and hung out for a little while and then headed to the UTEP football game. After a lot of confusion as to where to park and where our seats were, we watched the game. It was a lot of fun!! Last week was military appreciation week so we got two free tickets to the game. At the game they also had the military band perform the national anthem and when they got a touchdown, a bunch of military men went out and did push ups on the field. We ended up leaving early becasue there was gonna be a lot of traffic. When we got home we watched a movie and made milkshakes. On Sunday we were gonna go to church but we woke up late and didn't know where any were so we hung out together all day and watched movies. We also got car insurance set up. So it was a semi-productive day. ;p Then we made homeade pizza for dinner. I had a little trouble with the dough but it ended up tasting delicious!! We had a really nice weekend together and are hoping for many more!!

Update from the Woods

Austin and I have really been enjoying just being together. The days sitting at home are boring but then as soon as he walks through the door I get really excited and it just feels right to be his wife. I can't say that I have much to share today... This last weekend we went to the mall and just walked around and relaxed. Then we went to a store called Entertainmart. It's a buliding full of movies, video games and posters. I've never seen that many movies/video games in my life! Not even in a movie store. We bought some more movies and spent Sunday just relaxing and wathcing movies. All of our belongings are FINALLY supposed to get here tomorrow and it will be so nice to be able to put our home together! We found out today that Austin doesn't have to go to work because our stuff is getting here and that was a huge relief for me. I wasn't looking forward to doing that all by myself!!
 Today I have again just hung out at the apartment, watched a movie, and texted people. But I was also able to talk to my Grammy. It was nice to catch up with her. She is keeping busy as usual and still ever-strong in her faith. I love calling her because she always reminds me to give time to the Lord. Today when we talked we talked about how we should really count our blessings! She told me that my stepmom is going in today to get some lumps checked out in one of her breasts, this is the second time. The first ones that they found were benign so it was ok, we are hoping the same for these ones. Grammy told me about how she had just had a Bible study about Job and all the things he went through. It really made her realize that God allows things to happen so that we grow closer to the Him. When all of those things happened to Job, instead of blaming God, he turned to Him in thanksgiving for the things he still had. Grammy and I both agreed that if all of that were to happen to us, we don't know if we would have still been able to rejoice. We are praying that this bout with what may be cancer, will bring my stepmom to the Lord. I hope that she seeks refuge in the Lord and doesn't turn her back on Him.
Austin and I are going to start church searching this next Sunday. Please pray that the Lord brings us to a Bible teaching church. I don't want to go somewhere religious, I want to go somewhere that I can learn what the Lord wants me to.
We visited with a couple last Friday. One of the guys that Austin works with invited us over to dinner with him and his wife. It was nice to be able to hang out with someone!! We went over and had pizza and watched an Army movie, of course. ;p They were really nice and I'm glad we have someone to hang out with and I hope that we are able to befriend many more people.
I guess I was able to share more than I thought I was! Please keep us in your prayers for safety and well being. Lots of Love!

Time to relax... For now

We were able to get the keys for our apartment yesterday so while Austin was at work I hauled all of our stuff down stairs from our second floor hotel room, went and checked out, drove to the apartment, then hauled everything upstairs to our second story apartment. Oh boy was I worn out!! I called the moving company only to find out that they can't deliver all of our stuff until next Tuesday... Again Austin saved the day. He hooked us up with the Army Community Service Center where they are prepared for just these things. Around three I headed off to pick Austin up at the Center. We headed inside were they supplied us with pots and pans, silverware, dishes, tupperware, and two air mattresses. So instead of eating out of our hands and sleeping on the floor for the next week we are good to go!! After we got all of our borrowed supplies, we headed over to the Commissary where we went grocery shopping together for the first time!! I was really excited until we both started stressing out because of all the people!! I promised him I would go while he was at work next time. ;-p I was gonna cook dinner for him then after all of that we just picked up a couple sandwiches. When we got home we double teamed putting the groceries away and then went to watch a movie... But I was too antsy to sit still so we went back into the kitchen to take care of all of our borrowed goods. We then headed back into our room and stated the movie again. After a little bit Austin got up and disappeared... Only to bring back cookies and milk. What a great way to end the day. Of course I had to refill the cup a couple times cuz Austin kept downing the milk, but it was great to spend that time together. I'm so excited for this beginning with him. I've discovered that I love being his wife and am looking forward to doing it for the rest of my life!! I thank the Lord for creating such a perfect match!!

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Hurry up and wait

It's been a few days since I last posted but we are in El Paso safe and sound!! It took us all of Sunday and part of Monday to get here. We are staying on base in a hotel until we can get into an apartment. And of course we only have a certain amount of time to do it but we have to wait for the paper work to go through. It seems that the Army is a big fan of the phrase "Hurry up and wait." They want you to hurry and then make you wait!! This week Austin has been in-processing where they get all of his paper work figured out and get him all set up and ready to start work. While he's doing this I make phone calls to different apartments trying to find us a place. You would think that a city this big would have plenty of places to rent out but they have nothing!! Good thing we did find one though. While driving around on Tuesday we were on one of their many, twisting, winding freeways and Austin points out a flag. Can you guess what it was?? The mexican flag in Juarez, Mexico!! On the freeway I could look to one side and see El Paso, and look to the other and see Mexico!! I knew we were close but I didn't know we were THAT close!! It will be a new experience for sure!! We are looking forward to our new beginnings in El Paso, close to the border, in our own apartment, starting our lives together!! Keep us in your prayers!!

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Getting Ready to Start....

Austin and I are getting ready to head out on a big adventure: the beginning of our Army life in Texas. Tonight we are getting everything packed and ready to go for our trip tomorrow. We head out first thing in the morning and are hoping to make it to Pheonix by tomorrow night. Our goal is to make it to Fort Bliss sometime Monday, if there are no road bumps along the way. We said good bye to my family on Wednesday and are gonna have to say good bye to Austin's tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers for a safe trip and easy landing in our new home. I'll keep posting updates from our trip as we go. Wish us Luck!!