Thriller

I am in the peach cardigan behind the pole.

Cruising

For our 5 year Anniversary we sailed into the Western Caribbean on Carnival Conquest. It was the first for both of us and it was awesome.

We enjoyed yummy food all week long: lobster, shrimp, red snapper, steaks, lamb, salmon, mahi mahi, tilapia, es cargo, oysters, sushi, chocolate melting cake, bread pudding, and apple pie... just to name a few. Neither of us gained the ten pounds from cruising luckily (we did workout every morning).

We enjoyed beautiful views of Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel sunsets. The weather was a little chilly leaving Galveston, but each day got warmer and warmer. Mexico was the hottest.

We learned to dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller. We also attended salsa and country line dancing classes. We enjoyed the singing/dancing shows the cruise puts on, as well as the magic show. The comedy shows were mostly crude. Bryan videoed me dancing to thriller...I will post that one on a different blog:)

In Jamaica, we hiked the famous Dunn's River Falls...
went on the tranopy to Mystic Mountain,...

and free glided down the Jamaica bobsled.
Jamaica wasn't our favorite place. Very commercialized. Plus, everybody asked Bryan if he wanted some pipes or special "Bob Marley" smokes. It must of been because of his long hair.

In the Cayman Islands, we went scuba diving for the first time since we got out scuba certification in 2007. The water was a bit cold after an hour underwater. We saw lobster, a sea turtle, barracuda, rainbow fish (tons more, I just don't know their names). The Grand Caymans have awesome coral. We will definitely go back there again. Loved it!

Cozumel Mexico was warm. We went snorkeling on our own here without a tour. The reef was close to the port of call. The water was pretty warm as well. We saw sting ray and lots of fish. We also found some shells with hermit crabs inside that we brought back to clean (accidentally killed) and they stunk up our room. Does anyone know how to get a dead crab out of the shell without breaking it?

We had loads of fun. Lots of great pictures and lots of great memories. 7 days was definitely enough. We don't think we would ever do more than that. Happy Anniversary to us!

In one week

from today, Bryan and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on this.
Can't wait!

Faith

Bryan and I spoke in church today on faith from Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk "Because of Your Faith." Both of us told stories about Bryan's little sister Amy. I felt like posting my story, because it perfectly explains Amy.

"My sister-in-law Amy has incredible faith. She completely relies on the Savior Jesus Christ in all she does. Amy is a cheerful, bubbly person who never has anything mean to say towards anybody. Her biggest flaw, however, is her ability to lose everything. BYU's lost and found knows her by name. She typically loses her biochemistry books, cell phone, keys to her car/apartment, credit cards, wallet... basically all the important stuff. Somehow, her lost items end up back in her possession. Last summer 2009, the Ahlborn family took an adult vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a week and on the very first day, Amy left her running shoes in the taxi cab that drove us to our resort. Of course she didn't realize this until the next morning when we all decided to go out for a run. So Amy did all the things she knew she needed to do. She called the taxi company, alerted to resort, and then she prayed. The whole family knew she would never get those shoes back, but Amy kept praying. Secretly we wanted the shoes to be lost so she'd learn her lesson and become more responsible. However, she would say, "I know the shoes will find me, I just know it." Well, you bet she was right! One hour before we left the resort to return back home to the United States, the taxi company called Amy to let her know that our taxi driver from the beginning was out sick for the day and would not be able to deliver her shoes on time. Amy continued to believe that everything would turn out in the end. Miraculously, as we were putting our bags in the taxi cabs, some random taxi cab driver pulls up with Amy's running shoes. Amy looks to the Lord in every thought, and doubts not. She has incredible faith. "

Love you Amy!

Sailing

Bryan can be romantic with a little push. He surprised me with our first sailing trip on a pirate ship on the Galveston gulf. It was very exciting, especially when you discover the boat naturally tips to the side. Didn't know that. I still haven't figured out the how the boat doesn't tip all the way over though.

It was a pretty windy day. I am just glad I didn't get sea sick because it was pretty bumpy. I have a tendency to get motion sick when watching 3D movies, reading in the car, and riding helicopters.
We saw a bunch of dolphins, which was a great surprise, but were never able to capture a picture.

If your wondering, Bryan didn't sail the boat. We went with 2 other couples and had a Capt. Kidd on board. He told me not to worry about the sail boat tipping over unless I saw him putting on a life jacket. Very reassuring:)

Nice picture of Bryan while the sun is setting. He really enjoyed the trip. He especially enjoyed going down below to the cabin. Apparently it was much bumpier? I knew I'd lose my stomach if I went. 2 hours was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Galveston Bay. Highly recommended if your visiting the Houston area.

Here is a classic picture of the pirate sail boat. Loved it!

Beautiful sunset.

Fabric Headboard

This is my first (that I can remember) Do-It-Yourself project. I've seen a bunch of great results from others' blogs and DIY websites and really wanted to do my very own home decorating project. The website I copied was herecomesgina.com

I had a hard time picking out a fabric I really wanted. I wanted something feminine, but not too feminine. Mostly floral. I also wanted something to match the comforter we already owned... it's some kind of purple. Then I wanted to incorporate some greens because I love greens. Well, I thought the fabric I bought had a olive green (it does look like it), but it is really tan. The fabric is beige with dark brown, tan, and some kind of fuchsia. Bryan wanted me to paint the headboard because we bought really cheap plywood and it definitely had the potential for slivers. Plus, it makes the back look a little less "home-made"?
This picture makes the headboard look extra big. I am not sure yet on the height I want. You can either secure it to the wall like a picture frame, make legs with 2x4's, or use 2x4's to screw into a bed frame.

Now all I need is to find fabric for pillows. My sister offered to help me with this project. I have left over fabric (1 yard) for some fun pillows or art on the wall, but not sure what to do style wise. I was thinking big fuchsia pillows with some olive greens or dark brown pillows with small accents from the headboard fabric? Somebody help me! Kim?

Fort Lewis

Long story short: I am going to be in Washington State from January 2011- April 2011 to get my nursing identifier for Intensive Care. I was actually suppose to be moving there for the remainder of my Army contract because they didn't realize Bryan was in Houston TX going to school. This happened because the Army doesn't recognize Bryan and I as dual military right now because he is in the reserves or school. Therefore, they were going to move me far, far away. I cried a lot when I first found out. I talked with a bunch of people about what to do. My family and I fasted and prayed a bunch. Things finally turned for the best. I am coming back to Fort Hood after the course. I have learned patience and trusting in the Lord through this trial. I just wonder what more the Lord has in store for me in Central Texas?

Boycotting Firestone

I will never go to Firestone again. I had my car inspected at the Firestone in Houston, TX 23 August 2010. They failed me because my check engine light was on. I went to the local Subaru dealership and they fixed my computer and told me to drive 60+ miles before I went back to Firestone. The light was only on because I didn't screw on my gas can top tight enough. I only drove around 20 miles, but really wanted to get my car states inspection done. I figured no one would really know. Well,... I still failed. The next week, I knew I'd driven 400+ miles because I drove to Killeen and back. Unfortunately Firestone's inspection machine was broken and they weren't sure when it would be repaired. I called every week for a month and their machine had not been repaired yet. I was worried for a whole month I would get pulled over by the cops and get a $200+ ticket for not having my state inspection sticker. Finally, October 2, 2010 I got my car inspected. Almost 45 days! They knew my name and face. They probably screened my phone calls too. I don't care. I payed for my inspections sticker ($40) and I wanted my inspection sticker! They shouldn't have failed me in the first place for a check engine light. At least that is what the other inspection places told me. So from now on... I am boycotting Firestone. Suckers!

Birthdays

Bryan and my birthdays are a little less than 2 weeks apart. For those who know us well, we do (mostly I) like to celebrate our birthdays year around being a "DINK" couple, but like to make the real thing a little more special. I had my favorte dessert, angelfood cake with strawberries, whipped cream, and Blue Bell's mint chocolate chip ice cream. My mom used to make this dessert for Kristi and my birthday every year, but with some type of marshmellow frosting. Yummy! As you can tell, I am enjoying my birthday cake. Unfortunately, Bryan had class all day (he now has school on some Saturdays and one Sunday this semester), so I spent the day relaxing and shopping. The weekend before my birthday, we went to a cute burger joint and outdoor shopping mall in Rice Village. We found this half price book store and bought a few books hard back books to add to my book shelf. I love adding good books to my book shelf.

I got one of those Kitchen Aid hand held beaters. Sometimes its nice to have the smaller gadgets. I have the bosche mixer, but do you really need to get it out to whip 2 eggs? I also got a package for laser hair removal. I received the present in early July because it takes 6-8 weeks between each treatment. So excited for the final product!

Bryan had a special birthday this year:) We went shooting at an indoor schooting range. That was my first indoor range. It is really loud. Even with 2 earplugs in. We opened presents. He got a cooling rack for all the cookies he loves to bake and eat, 2 plain dress shirts for school, an Oral-B electric toothbrush, and something from Lowes...he doesn't know this yet... still pending.

We then ventured over to Kemah Boardwalk, in Kemah, Texas. The weather was fabulous. No humidity and no mosquitoes! We parked in the free parking and had to take a 30 second boat ride to the boardwalk. Kind of funny. They should have just made a bridge that can go up and down?

We didn't do any of the rides, just walked around and enjoyed a fresh meal on the boardwalk. I have never had crawfish, so I wanted to try that out, since it's so famous here in the southern states. We shared a platter with a mixed fish, crab cakes, crab, shrimp, scallops, rice and vegetables, and a side of crawfish etouffee. In my opinion, crawfish tastes like dirty shrimp. Won't do that again.

I am pretty sure it would be awesome to do a cannonball in this school of catfish! These fish just wait to be feed by the 25 cent "candy" machine on to dock. It is absolutely crazy to see so many fish in one area.

I haven't been to an amusement park in a while, but they had those claw machines with Ipods and gameboy systems, instead of stuffed bears and other toys. Crazy how times change things.

I like this picture. Its funny. Happy birthday to the both of us!

August Happenings

I spent 13 days in the field- August 1 to 13. It was triple digit weather all 13 days. The 1st Cavalry made us wear all our equipment in Heat Cap 5. They are dumb. Only 18 out of 260 some odd got the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB). I didn't. I was pretty close though. I made it all the way to the 12 mile ruck march. I only made it to the 11 miles mark at the 3 hour time limit. It was hot. I was tired. And my feet got the worst blisters ever. No pictures included, but trust me, they were bad. I could barely walk for 3 days. There were also 7 heat strokes during the ruck march. I can't believe I made it as far as I did. That is an accomplishment in itself. I think about 70 or so made it to the ruck march. Bryan was really supportive the whole time. We could barely communicate because Sprint didn't service very well out in the field. He came all the way from Houston to do my laundry at day 7. He also drove up at day 12 to feed me Olive Garden before the big ruck march. He then came early the next morning (3:30) to run/walk/coach me through the ruck march. Thanks babe;)

Our treat for this "accomplishment" was one trip to Utah via my mom's persuasion. Bryan spent most of his time tiling my parents condo in Orem. I spent most of the time pampering my poor feet. All the other times...

...we hung out with family at home and picnicked in American Fork Canyon...

...watched family play virtual Risk (the board game) in the park...

...had the most awesome seats at the REAL Salt Lake game...
ate awesome Cotton Candy that colored our mouths pink and blue...
watched the Panama team get squashed too!...

(Thanks Kim and Jared!)

...hiked Cecret Lake in Salt Lake City...

and pretty much had a blast the whole time!

Thank you mom and dad for taking care of me, my feet, and Bryan. We love you!

Looking Good

Bryan finished a good portion of the master bathroom project yesterday. He had lots of tiles that needed to be cut, so it took a lot longer than expected. He has yet to complete the grouting, and the ceiling needs to be repaired, but it is looking pretty good.

Last Weekend...

was the worst weekend ever to forget my camera! We had so much planned for this 4 day weekend in Houston and I forgot my camera in Killeen. Boo! But, Wicked was spectacular! I'd heard excellent reviews from friends and family who have seen it in the past. Bryan and I wanted to do something fun and different than the normal (ie. movie and dinner) and we've never been to a Broadway Musical. Serious, we haven't. I actually didn't know the story behind Wicked. Anyway, we had fun dressing up all fancy in pearls and a tux. Bryan's roommate was actually going the same night with his wife, so we had a nice dinner together and then carpooled to the Hobby Center. Our seats were actually pretty close together for not having planned this activity together. Here are some pictures of Elphaba and Glinda I stole from their web page:
Defying Gravity was amazing! Everything about it from the lighting to the music to the special effects. Bryan even enjoyed the show. He asked why this musical hasn't become a movie? If you didn't catch the clue, we loved it. Definately recommend it.

We went shooting on Saturday. I got a .22 for my birthday and still hadn't shot it. That was fun. I am way more accurate with that weapon than Bryan's .45 or M9. We also went skeet shooting. I am definately better at skeet shooting in the Provo Canyon than here on the flat terrain in Houston. I shot maybe 2-3 out of every 5. Sucks!

Then we worked on the master bathroom shower. We have been working on this project for a while. It's a good thing we have another shower in the house or Bryan would be pretty stinky in this humidity. It should look great when completed. Here are some pictures from my phone:

Bryan was mad at me because I made him take the tile off the wall and redo it. He didn't think I'd notice the 1" grout behind the toilet. It is definately noticable to me. I would rather have the tiles not match up behind the toilet than 1" grout. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but still, he knows better than that, he just needed me to tell him to fix it:)

This is the shower floor. I couldn't get the picture flipped. We will be putting a frameless shower glass on the long straight side (left side), so you just walk into the shower on diagnal short side (right side). Get it? Pictures to come when project is complete. The shower is one of our last BIG repairs. All the other stuff we want to do are just extras. Hopefully everything will be perfect and ready by next year when we plan on selling it!

Wicked

I have patiently waited for this broadway production to come to Houston...

and I just bought tickets and I am SUPER excited!

Showing at the Hobby Center 6/30 to 7/24

Flood

We had quite the down pour of rain this past week. Bryan and I should have watched the news before we left for the movies because were headed right into the flood zone. Don't worry. We made the most of it. Instead of veering from the water, we decided to take the truck for a ride (we plan on getting rid of it in the near future anyways). This was the worst part of the flood. We actually had to get on the highway because the water was pretty deep at this intersection. The traffic was bad here because everyone wanted to take a picture. Stupid rubber neckers! ... I took my picture in the car.

We ended up going to the later showing of Knight and Day because it took us 2 hours to get to the theatre. We both enjoyed the show.

Remodeling Update

You may have thought we finished the kitchen, but our remodeling project continues on. We had one of those old, out-dated square fluorescent lighting fixture that was in critical need of attention. There was also a 10x2 inch hole in the ceiling when we purchased the house; I assume it was there for some maintenance of the water pipes? Anyways, I knew I wanted the modern look of recessed lighting, but wasn't sure how to put it in our small alley kitchen. Originally I wanted 7 lights, but Bryan could only get 6 due to structural obstacles. I'm actually glad he put in as many as he did because it would have been really bright in there.

We also put in crown molding. We actually argued about this project many times. Bryan wanted to put it up. I didn't. I know. I know. Who doesn't want crown molding in their house? I actually had a pretty valid point, at least I think I did. We have spent way too much time (and money) on the downstairs. I wanted to focus our attention on up dating the upstairs and do those "finishing touches" projects later. Bryan insisted it wouldn't take long and it would keep him busy for a couple of days (he has been extremely bored with only 2.5 hours of classes at night Monday-Wednesday). So I let him do the project. He probably would have put it in without my permission anyways. He was right on this one. I was definately in the wrong. I am so glad he did it! It looks amazing! I am so impressed with Bryan's skills.
Now we just have to do some touch up painting.
I love the edge work he created with the end pieces and the rounded corners.
It definately makes the rooms appear taller and adds a pop to the colored walls. Our little house projects are really coming along quite nicely. What do you think?