Chick Fil A on Sunday

If you know me or anyone in my household, you know we LOVE Chick Fil A.  I think we could eat it for every meal, every day! With saying that, it gets expensive, especially with 4 mouths to feed, 2 of which are growing teen/pre-teens.   I came across this recipe on my favorite website- where else but Pinterest and I couldn't wait to try it. 
    With Football season fast approaching I would say these are a MUST make!  There is bound to be a rainy gross Saturday where all you want to do is watch Football all day long and have plenty of finger foods to snack on!  This will definitely be our go to snack!

Chick Fil A on Sunday

2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
peanut oil (is best) or canola oil

In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken(this is important). Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce!

The only thing missing are the Waffle Fries and Sweet Tea-  but I plan on finding a way to re-create those at home as well!!!  If you try them let me know what you think!!!  Enjoy!

Enough about YOU!!

So as you can see the focus since the beginning of the year has been about Kyle’s recovery.  He is just incredible; I’m so inspired daily by him and his Drive to get back to 100%.   He truly is my better half and my best friend!

BUT what about our WEDDING you ask? Why thank you for asking J

It is quickly approaching and we are both so excited!  I have still managed to find time for all the fun planning!  Even squeezed in a couple showers and my super FUN Bachelorette weekend in Austin! 

DALLAS Shower

Some of my mom’s friends hosted a Beautiful Bridal shower for me at the beginning of June.  It was perfect, so nice to see so many friends and family!  We got some very nice things as well!  Thank you ladies for being such wonderful hostesses!! 

One Last Fling before the RING!!

I knew I wanted to have a fun girl’s weekend for my Bachelorette party!  So we headed to Austin for a weekend at the Lake!  My AMAZING sister and Matron of Honor did such a great job organizing everything for the weekend, from reserving the condo to providing food and drinks for everyone, and was a real trooper the whole time being almost 5 months Pregnant.

                       This was at the pool-  Look how low the lake was, we need RAIN so bad.

                                                         on our balcony of our condo

Before Dinner @ Oasis- this atmostphere was fantastic!!!

BIG thank you to all my girls who were able to join me!



MOVING on… and Learning

Shortly after Kyle got back we moved into our new home.  This was an ordeal- With Kyle only able to be on crutches for short amounts of time we had to rely on multiple trips and many willing friends!  It’s amazing how much stuff you have in such a small space.  We quickly learned how little we needed to be happy and how much stuff was only that STUFF.  We learned how important it is to give it all to GOD and thank him every day for his sacrifice for us!  We also learned how important family and Friends are, without the support we would not be where we are today.  We appreciate everything everyone has done for us; there are no words to express how much you all mean to us!  All of the support has truly lifted all of our Spirits over the past months, especially Kyle’s.  He has improved tremendously and in a very short period of time.  They were able to schedule him to go back to BAMC in June to be fitted for the IDEO Brace.   You can watch and read the article about it here…..

Online Article

Kyle is now spending the month of August at BAMC the center for the Intrepid- this place is incredible to train with his NEW IDEO Brace!  The things they allow people do to after accidents such as Kyle’s or the loss of a limb, it truly brings Tears to my eyes seeing all of the men and women who can now live their lives just like everyone else!

Hope you have a Blessed day!!

Welcome HOME!!!

We were so lucky that Kyle was released from the Hospital (BAMC) the Day before Christmas!!  We were able to make the Rough (for Kyle) drive to Dallas to be with my Family and Both Trent and Kiley were able to meet us there as well! 

 It turned out to be a wonderful time and Much needed outing for Kyle, even though he was in a lot of pain, he was a trooper!   All 4 of us loaded up my 4runner after Christmas and headed back to San Antonio for another 2 weeks, we seriously looked like a clown car with all of our luggage and gifts from Christmas.  The Army has an onsite hotel where we were able to stay, and Kyle continued to stay Through April while he was continuing Dr’s appointments and Physical Therapy.  We were fortunate to have one of Kyle’s friend, Richard come stay with him for the month of January to help him get to all of his appointments, since I had to come back to work and handle everything else back home.    The month of February was probably the hardest for both of us,  The fact that we couldn’t be together and when we were there was just so much going on and it was such an adjustment not being able to be at home, and Kyle in a wheelchair.   I definitely think this was a huge test to our relationship and it made us appreciate each other so much more and made us stronger individually as well as a couple.   We were able to do a few fun things, like touring the Alamo and checking out the Riverwalk in San Antonio!

Luckily I was able to visit him almost every other weekend until he finally was released to come home in the Middle of March!!  This was the day we had been anticipating for weeks and it was AH-Mazing!!  He actually ended up coming home on the exact same day the rest of his platoon came home from their Deployment in Afghanistan, he just arrived later in the evening than they did.   It was one of the most memorable welcome Home celebrations I think we could have imagined!  Thanks to the work of some incredible friends, the Edmond Police Department went out of their way to give Kyle the welcome home he deserved!  They organized a caravan of cars to the airport to greet him and pick him up!  The men in uniform lined the hallway as Kyle came around the corner to head to Baggage Claim; he was greeted by his Brothers in Blue, about 30 other friends and family members, and multiple news reporters and camera crews.  It was incredibly overwhelming for him but he handled it all like a Pro!  We even made all the local news channels that night- unfortunately the clips are no longer online for me to share.   I know it is something neither of us will ever forget! We had a huge entourage heading back home from the Airport, when we got to the Edmond City limits all the lights and sirens went off, the main roads were blocked so we could be taken through town and right to our house with no stops!  It was truly a special homecoming!   It was also quite funny since it was the same day President Obama was visiting Oklahoma, we had some onlookers taking pictures and we are positive they thought we were the president!   

I’m BAAACK!!!

I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long, Like I said a lot of things have happened that took over the majority of my time. 

Let me see how much I can fill you in on be prepared for Information overload….

For those of you who have followed my blog you know that Kyle was deployed in Afghanistan in June of 2011.  On November 30^th I got news that would forever change our Lives.  Kyle was on a mission with his men and they hit an IED (improvised Explosive Device) while Driving in their Mrap vehicle.  I woke up the morning of November 30^th took my shower and at 5 AM my doorbell rang multiple times, my dogs were going crazy and I was a little freaked out.  Then my phone rang, it was Officer Derrick Pickard and he said he was at my door if I would come let him in, I knew at that moment something was horribly wrong.  Kyle and I had talked before he left if anything were to happen to him and he couldn’t get a hold of me himself he would send one of the Edmond PD guys over.     Officer Pickard and Officer Barbour came in and told me they got a Call from Kyle, there had been an accident but he was going to be okay.   They told me his Truck had hit and IED and he had injured his foot but that was basically all the information they knew.  They gave me a phone number that I could call later and hopefully get to talk to Kyle and get more information.   After they left I called that number, Kyle answered and sounded totally out of it.  He said he was fine, but broke his foot/heel and would be back home in just a couple days.  Well back home meant Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.   I found out that he would be there by that Friday, I booked my flight and got there as soon as I could, actually beating him there by an entire day!   All I cared about was seeing him and knowing that he really was going to be okay.  He actually did not get to the hospital until around 2 am that Saturday morning, but I was there waiting for him.   It was amazing how much better I felt just being able to see him and really know that he was okay, Even with his elephant foot and all!   I was finally able to get some sleep that night, but was back at the hospital within a couple hours. 

The IED explosion was the largest they had seen so far since the beginning of the Deployment, thankfully the injuries were minimal considering.  Kyle and his Driver John both had Calcaneous Fractures to their heels, Kyle’s right foot and John’s left.  Kyle also had a jaw fracture and had to have his mouth wired shut for 3 weeks- that was HORRIBLE for everyone around!   John had a slight fracture to his right leg but healed quickly. 

I was truly blessed by all of our friends, family and co-workers that I was able to spend the entire month of December in San Antonio with Kyle while he was in the hospital and into January.

Well that was just the start of everything; I will have another post of how we spent the holidays and Kyle’s progress.

Thanks for all the continued Thoughts and Prayers!!

Gone too long....

Sorry There haven't been any posts in a while- There have been so many things happening Blogging just didn't seem so important.  I promise I'll catch everyone up on the past few months. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy New year!

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.