Fourteen

I can't believe Trent is already 14.  The kids and I spent the long weekend celebrating his Birthday.  We ate lots of junk, wached movies, went to a pumpkin Patch with a haunted corn maze, watched Football and played Video games! 

I think Trent's favorite birthday present was his Kindle from his Dad!  What do you think???

The kids had fun at the Pumpkin Patch just having free roam to do whatever they wanted!  We all stunk when we got home!  The weather was absolutely perfect, and We can't wait to go again next year!!

We have a busy next few months, with halloween,  more birthday's and Thanksgiving.   Only 60 more days until Kyle is home for his R&R,  WE CAN'T WAIT!!!

Hope everyone had as fun of a weekend as we did,  even if the Sooner's lost-  you can't win them all.  BOOMER SOONER!!!

Cookies for the Troops!

This past weekend I got together with one of my good friends Cara and we made and decorated Halloween cookies!  It was such a fun girls weekend just hanging out and doing things we both love!  Cara has always been a fantastic baker and started a little baking business.  You should definitely check her out on her page on Facebook  under ~ Sugar Shack ~  here

So the cookies we made were Halloween theme, and we shipped them off to Kyle and his team in Afghanistan!  Who knows if they will still be good when he gets them and not all smashed, considering it takes 3-4 weeks for him to receive packages.  But fingers crossed we packed them good enough so they all can enjoy them!

Here are a few pictures, Hope you enjoy!

Cara really can do anything you want, she's amazing!  I'm so impressed with her Talent,  hopefully I picked up some good tips from her, and I can't wait to do it again sometime!!

We also watched the OU game,  BOOMER!!!!!!

Lotsa Boxes!!!

I've been Sending boxes like crazy to Kyle.  I know it makes him feel like he's not completely missing out on everything here.  His biggest request has been food, mostly chili and fritos, BREAD and candy!  It takes about 3 weeks for him to get anything so I try to send 2 boxes a week.  They started out big boxes full of everything I could think of, but that got really expensive.  Not that money is any object in providing some part of home for him, but they would also get pretty beat up and sometimes some of the stuff was smashed so bad chips became dust.  So I went down to the "if it fits it ships" boxes!  These are awesome- I ordered 10 to begin with and they are delivered right to my house for no charge!  I get the large ones so I try to cram as much into them as I can!  The kids send him funny stuff, draw pictures and write him notes!  I send real picures as well so he can see how much they've grown!  I've found some great websites that will ship directly to APO addresses that are fantastic.  Just a few are Military food  and Hickory Farms 

As Much as Kyle loves getting these boxes from friends and family, he also says that some of the guys there get nothing.  That breaks my heart,  these Men are serving our country to protect our freedom and I think deserve to get something special no matter who its from or what it is,  just the smallest thing will brighten their day! 

This is what My kitchen looks like on a daily basis!!!

okay so I don't send the Women's Day magazines but I do send some magazines and newspapers!

I love sending these boxes because I know it puts a smile on my loved ones face, as well as his fellow men,  It really helps boost morale with all of them I'm so thankful that I'm able to do this as often as I do,  I hope you all will think to send a box or 2 as well! 





Pinning!

My new favorite thing is Pinterest!!  It is such a fun website where you can find all sorts of crafts, recipes, and just things that you like.  You can also create a virtual board or boards of things you like, recipes, DIY, or just wishful thinking pictures!    I've had so much fun trying out new things I wanted to share just a few!

I really wanted to make a new wreath for my front door, so I was looking around for cute ideas but nothing too over the top, just something plain and simple.  While my sister was intown we ventured to Hobby Lobby to get all the supplies needed.  And TADA,  check out my new wreath!

I also made chicken Taquitos!  I LOVE Mexican food, these were AMAZING and super easy.  I will definitely make them again!  You can get the Recipe here 

I also had to make some kind of Dessert!  Since I'm more than ready for Fall weather, what gets you in the mood better than evening fires and S'mores

Don't those look amazing!!!  Now I'm ready for some Football!!

Hope you enjoyed my newest obsession and might become addicted as well!!

Getting Married

In a little less than a year I will be Mrs. Joseph Kyle Stoy, I can NOT WAIT!!!!    Gosh a year sounds so far away.  So far it has been Fun but a little difficult at times, mainly since Kyle isn't here to be a part of the planning.  We did however go pick out our venue before he deployed!  I'm not going to say where its going to be yet, but it is the perfect place for us!  We fell in love with it the minute we walked in!!!  My parents came up a few months later and we we able to get it Booked!!  Now all the smaller things will just fall into place, Right???   I'm determined not to be a Bridezilla, or just get too wrapped up in it that that's all I talk about.  Just taking it one day at a time!  The only thing I've bought are my shoes!!!  I know that's very random- but I fell in love with them and had to have them, I held out for a couple months but I just couldn't wait any longer!  They are absolutely PERFECT!!

I created a theknot.com wedding website shortly after we got engaged- It's nothing special but tells a little bit about each of us and again how Kyle Proposed!
You can check it out here

Remembering 9/11

Today I remember the horrible terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in NYC 10 years ago.  I remember exactly where I was, in my sorority house bedroom when my rommate came in and woke me up.  She turned the TV on and just sat on the floor staring at the screen, I got up and joined her and just sat there in complete shock. It was the most surreal feeling I have ever felt, chills covered my entire body as we sat there.  Everthing else that day was a complete blurr, I can't remember if I actually went to class or just stayed and watched because that is the only thing I could think of-  Watching those planes crash into the towers. 

Today I am incredibly grateful for everyone who put their own lives in danger on that day and every day since, to allow myself and all Americans to celebrate our freedom everyday.  I pray for the continued healing of all families who lost loved ones.  I also pray for the safety for all the soldiers fighing over seas and their safe return home to their families. 

Hurry home 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Stoy,  we love and miss you very much!  Keep those thumbs up!!!

Visitors

I LOVE Having Visitors and company for the weekend!! Especially my Family!!

First My mom and Dad came to visit!  We had a lot of fun! Did some shopping, lots of Eating and some Wedding planning! 

With Mom and Dad!!!

Next my Sister and My Niece Merritt came to visit.  I love getting to see them and seeing how much Merritt is growing, she's learning so much everyday!  I can't believe she's almost 6 months old.

So Serious

  

WAA LAA, Here I am! Check out the rolls, I love them!

Play time!

A little tummy time and smiles!

So sweet!



Babies Babies Everywhere!

A few weekends ago I helped host a Baby Shower for my Good friend Megan!  We all had a wonderful time and a lot of fun preparing for this shower!  We are all so excited for Miss Ella's arrival in November!!
We did a pickles and Ice Cream theme had a lot of fun making our ice cream Sundae's!  Just wanted to share a few pictures!

Mom to be with the hostesses(minus Iz)

Goodies!

Watermelon Baby Carriage

Parent's to-be

Me and the Mommy To Be, I think she looks great!

Just for smiles, Miss Kenna isn't she a Doll!!!



HOT HOT HOT!

I know its been soo hot here lately, But I just had to post a picture of my silly dogs.  This was a couple weeks ago when it was 112 degrees outside.  All they wanted to do was lay outside in the SUN...  what weirdos!  But so cute!!

2 Months down and 9 more to go....

As of Today Kyle has officially been in Afghanistan for 2 months.  It's about 125 degrees there right now and with all the gear they have to wear I'm sure it feels like 150, so While we all have been complaining of our unusually high temps that we are getting I say we are Lucky.  We could be in basically a 3rd world country and being shot at all day long.  Yes I'm aware that it was his choice to be there and I have joked with him about that when he gives me a hard time about complaining about how HOT its been!!  I have been extremely lucky and have been able to talk to him at least 3 times a week if not more, mainly due to the EXPENSIVE pay-as- you-go Afghany cell phone he purchased when he arrived there.  But it's so worth it to be able to hear his voice and know that he is okay.  Our conversations are mostly light hearted and I tell him what all is going on here, he can't really tell me anything because it could be picked up by the Taliban. 

Here are a couple Pre-Deployment pictures:

For anyone reading that doesn't know- Kyle is part of the D.Co 1/179th IN.  Just recently they have lost a handfull of guys in combat, the most recent are due to IED explosions.  This hits very close to home, having friends that are close to these families of the fallen soldiers, and knowing that Kyle is right there in the middle of everything. I'm praying for all of the families out there.   All the thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. 

Kyle and the rest of his Platoon also love recieving packages full of goodies!  I have been sending 1-2 boxes a week, if anyone wants to send their own or contribute to mine just let me know, He would love it!!  And thank you to everyone who has checked on me as well, It definitely hasn't been easy and we still have a long ways to go but I know We will get through this and be back together!

Busy Bee!

So, after all the Traveling and events that have taken place over the past few months, you would think I would have slowed down and relaxed for a bit.  Well that is not the case at all, I have been a crazy busy Bee!  So what have I been doing....  I've been PAINTING!!!
Yep that's right, I've painted my entire Condo!  I couldn't stand it- the bathrooms went first- they had hidious floral wallpaper.  I wish I had taken a before picture of them but I just jumped right in not even thinking that I might want to look back at what it used to look like.  But it was horrible-  I'm not sure who thougth wallpaper was a good idea.  Besides how ugly this stuff was, it is a Pain to take down.  So what did I do- Painted over it! Yep!  I'm sure in a few years it will start to peel away but for the time being it looks great!
I've also painted the bedrooms, hallway, living room, and Kitchen!!!  With the help of a co-worker who came to texture the walls in the Kitchen after I got the wallpaper off and My friend Christy I did the painting!  I can not be happier with the turn out and pretty proud of myself!  It used to look like this: 

Can you say Hideous!
All white and plain, along with the Pears on the wallpaper in the kitchen. YUCK


And now it looks like this:

The wall straight ahead with the cut out is a Chocolate Accent wall, I love it, really adds something to the room!(please excue the mess)

My parents came in town for my Birthday and My mom helped me hang stuff on the walls, I still have a few bare walls but I say less is more!!  Especially in such a small space.  It's been a few weeks since I finished painting but my hands still hurt and I have blisters all over them, I guess that's what I get for not hiring anyone and thinking it would be Easy.  It really wasn't too bad, but I don't think I'll be doing it again.

Catching up

So here's a little over view of this year to catch everyone up to today! (sorry this is a long post)

On February 19, 2011 we got engaged, it was a fun weekend trip to Las Vegas to visit some friends and enjoy time together before Kyle deployed.  It was the most memorable weekend so far, but bitter sweet as we had to head separate directions at the Airport, Kyle went back to Georgia to finish training and I headed home to Oklahoma. 

On March 15, 2011 my niece Merritt Alexandra Miller made her debut into this world! It was so special being there for her arrival, she is absolutely perfect!

The last weekend in March I went to see Kyle in Georgia for his Turning Blue Ceremony and so we could pack up all this stuff and drive back so he could prepare for the final Training in Mississippi. 

That was an interesting and loud trip back, being in a soft top(and doors) jeep driving on the highway.  I don't think we will be taking anymore road trips in that car but it sure is fun to drive!
Since this was the last time Kyle would be home for a year we squeezed in Engagement pictures.  It was the windiest day of the year but turned out really fun!  Thanks to Summer for the great pictures! Here are just a few!

In May I was able to take a week of vacation and babysit my niece since my sister had to start back at work.  That was so much fun, I love this little girl!!!

Yep she loves me!

This is her favorite way to sleep!

In June I was able to go to Mississippi to see Kyle off before they officially Deployed.  We had a really fun time, made it to the Beach in Gulf Port which was beautiful, the Sand was so white! But it was definitely hard to leave.

July came and went quickly I felt, has anyone felt like this summer has flown by eventhough the temps have been outrageous?  Well I celebrated my 30th Birthday with some of my best friends!  We went to Dinner at Stella in Midtown.  It was a super cute place and I really enjoyed my dinner and drinks!  We hit up a few other places but it's amazing how tired you get when your 30 haha!!!

So that pretty much catches us up to today!, with a few things here and there but I'll save those for another post!

Hello Blog World!

I thought it would be fun to create a blog to keep everyone up to speed with what's going on in our world!  I have had lots of people asking about Kyle and his Deployment so I thought this would be a good way to share all the updates, as well as include things that I'm doing to keep myself busy,  along with Wedding planning and new things that are going on with the Kids! Hope you all enjoy!