When It Rains .... It Continues to Rain

Will the rain ever stop?!

This seems to be a question every Georgia resident, or long term visitor, keeps asking themselves lately.  As we approach mid-August the children are heading back to school, college will start again soon, and many folks are ending their long planned summer vacations.  However, as they come back home it seems the rain is still pouring down.  Never-the-less I will not let a little rain stand in my way .... because apparently I love to stand IN the rain.

I spent what felt like hours (even though it was only an hour tops) at the DMV last Wednesday to renew my license.  For those of  you who have not experienced renewing/receiving your license in Georgia since the new rules have gone into effect, thank your lucky stars - or wait until it is your turn, but be prepared.  I am very thankful I did not pack away important documents that were needed to update my license.  I took a total of 11 documents with me, and graciously only had to use 6 of them in order to get a new Georgia license: this is ABSURD.  However, it only took me 20 minutes tops, once in the building, to transfer/renew.  Here is your warning: BE PREPARED!

As the weekend approached we experience tax free weekend here in Georgia and I would say it was mediocre.  I suppose shopping the weekend before and cheaper prices was really well worth the experience.  I also REALLY miss tax free week in Maryland.  'Those were the days'!  But I did get a new pair of tennis shoes to wear during Zumba that are not as clunky as my running shoes, and thank goodness for a military discount on top of the tax free.

On Sunday we celebrated the family 'August' birthdays! Big shout out to Haley and Leigh for another year added and another year wiser!

Haley and Leigh celebrate with 1 candle in the cake! Meme and Todd watch with excitement.

 We attended the Braves game on Monday night as they played the Phillies.  We waited almost 3 hours for the game to begin, due to ..... RAIN!  Guess you are not surprised.  When the first pitch was finally thrown it continued to rain for at least 30 more minutes and then the skies finally closed and we could watch without mounds of gear and water weighing us down.  While walking around the stadium we discovered the new Waffle House.  Haley couldn't resist a photo op.

Left: Storms were brewing
Right: Haley find Waffle House

One final shout out:
Everyone knows I love Arbonne!!  I tried their Vanilla Protein Shakes for the first time and absolutely loved it!  Jennifer Reitz hooked me up with some amazing recipes to use with my powders and I cannot wait to try them all.  Thanks Jen!

Almond Crunch recipe with vanilla protein powder

God Bless RachJ

20 Years Later Led to this Journey

As promised following my last post ..... Haley's birthday has come and gone.  Who knew you could have so much fun in one weekend?!  We traveled to Charleston for a blast from the past, for some, and a new adventure for others.  Haley had no idea we were going to Charleston AND staying overnight.  We slyly tricked her by going to Rebecca's on Friday evening and spending her birthday there.  Be on the lookout for several links included in this post - I couldn't resist sharing the goodness!

Before we made it to Rebecca's we made a pit stop in Anderson South Carolina.  Haley and I often shop on the Blake&Brady website, a passionate little desire!  We thought we would drop on, on tax free weekend, and see what the little boutique had to offer in person.  We were pleasantly thrilled at how friendly the staff was and how easy and convenient it was to shop!  Needless to say we both found several pieces that had to be added to our expanding wardrobes.

After making our selections we posed in front of the shop! Check out the super cute shopper bags!

 After shopping we headed to Rebecca's for Haley's birthday celebration.  Twenty years folks!! No longer a teen!  I cooked stuffed shells for Haley, one of her favorite meals that I cook.  Rebecca made the cake!  She made a watermelon cake covered in Cool Whip, kiwis, strawberries, and slice almonds.  HOLY MOLY! Can we all say delicious?!  Afterward, Haley opened her gifts and I think she was pleasantly surprised to see she got pretty much everything she asked for!  Later on we headed to grab some homemade milkshakes and ice cream.  Then it was time to snooze because we had a busy Saturday ahead of us.

20 never looked so good! (Stuffed shells and a watermelon cake)

As we hit the road rolling on Saturday morning for Charleston we had one more surprise for Haley.  We were stopping to pick up Destin!  Since he joined the Navy he's been away from home and everyone is missing him so much, especially Haley!  What a birthday surprise!  Check out how great he looks!

Top: Rebecca, Destin, Haley, and myself = just picked him up!
Bottom: Rebecca, myself, Haley, and Destin = Marion Square in Charleston

We headed into Downtown Charleston and arrived at the hotel.  Haley was super confused .... we let her know we were checking in and she said 'wait, what?! we're staying?!!'  Hilarious moment!  We unloaded the car and headed for the Trolley stop (FREE, yes please!)  We took the trolley to Marion Square, hopped off and headed toward the Market Hall and Sheds.  After sweating to death and aching feet we took a break and enjoyed a nice lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  After we finally made it back to the hotel we headed for the Tanger Outlets in Charleston, just to shop a little more.  Come on folks, it was tax free weekend, plus these outlets had an American Eagle!  We took Destin to Zaxby's and then dropped him back at his barracks.  It was so much fun to be able to see him after such a long time!

Rebecca and I 'trolley riding'

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Charleston

As Sunday rolled around we knew our journey may soon be coming to an end, but not before we shopped a little more.  We hit the shopping strip in downtown.  We visited several little stores including The OOPS and Warren on King.  After walking around and getting slightly warm on a sunny Sunday afternoon we stopped in at Nick's Bar-B-Q for a little lunch.  Holy cow, the BEST bar-b-q I have had in quite some time, and the mac-n-cheese wasn't too bad either!  I would definitely recommend trying this restaurant if you visit!

Shopping at Warren on King

Eating a delicious lunch at Nick's Bar-B-Q

Table 28 LOVED the BBQ!

Well folks .... the Charleston journey ended there but there will be other birthdays .... Haley turns 21 next year!  Who knows where we will go then?!

God Bless RachJ

Staying Busy

It has been about two and a half weeks since my last post so I am going to start with a jazzy request!  My aunt is reformatting her jewelry business, after officially choosing a name: Connie's Classy Jewels.  Check out one little goody she sells:

Mum earrings in several different colors!

Click on the link provided and check out her goodies: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladyblueeyes Also, drop by her new Facebook page and like! She has a giveaway coming up: https://www.facebook.com/conniesclassyjewels

Now .... what have I been doing to stay busy?! Lots of stuff has happened in the past few weeks.  I have spent lots of time with my family and have watched Ronnie receive so much love!  I have also been able to reconnect with some friends I have not seen in a while!  I was very happy to meet up with Danielle for lunch and surprise her dad, whom I have not seen in many, many years!  We had a great time catching up since we have last talked with each other - never a dull day!

Danielle, Dan, and myself at El Sombrero in Gainesville

Mom and I also headed up to South Carolina to see Rebecca and Marion again.  We spent Saturday afternoon at Columbia mall, shopping our little hearts out!  Such a busy area, reminds me of Augusta, but the mall is not as big as I am used to!  We decided to head to Rock Hill for dinner and dessert that evening!  What a gorgeous area!

I got to visit Haley last week at work.  She works at Lake Lanier Islands, for those curious who signs her paychecks.  In stead of working at Windows, the restaurant where she is a hostess, she was tediously attending to the everyday needs of customers in the Butler Pantry!  Her first time working in there and I must say she was doing a FAB job!

Mom, Haley, and myself traveled back to the theaters to check out The To Do List.  Haley was thrilled to see Aubrey Plaza in the film and I was equally excited to see Young Neil (played by Johnny Simmons).  I have established a first name basis with him since seeing Scott Pilgrim!  This film had all the crudeness any movie junk of tasteless enjoyment would like!  If you're looking for a good laugh and want to reminisce of what 1993 meant to you .... go watch! This is NOT a film to watch with your kids or parents! That's your courtesy heads up!

I have found a new obsession for Birchbox!  I love getting the monthly subscription boxes.  It is neat to test items that fit the profile I set for myself.  I was so impressed with a certain brand of hair gel and a particular brand of sunscreen that I decided to buy the full product.  Here's the cool thing: The hair gel was free!!!  I love earning points that help me get products for free!! If you're interested in the $10 monthly box click this link: http://birch.ly/17oMEjZ 

Not much more has happened except: Blake returned from Africa! Can I get an Amen?!  He's back in Germany and we are just waiting to see what October will bring in relation to our military future!

Check back next week to see how we spend Haley's 20th birthday!!!!

God Bless RachJ

Memory Lane

How can I possibly wrap up the past two weeks in just one post?

On Saturday I participated in a softball tournament with some old friends and along the way made some new!  It has been well over ten years since I played the beautiful game and it felt great to get back behind the glove.  What a great day to get out and make a difference.  We played ball in order to help raise funds for baby Josiah!  Follow his story and participate if you can! A Heart For Josiah

A little third base action

Sunday brought a different adventure.  We headed back to the movies to see Grown Ups 2.  It was much different from the first Grown Ups in which there were way more characters introduced.  I will admit my guilty pleasure of this movie is the fact that the Grown Ups decide to throw an 80's party.  Yeah, we all know how obsessed I am!

Tuesday brought a new and exciting journey.  I traveled with Cassie, Missy, and Santiago down to Columbus to see our sweet Katee!  It was so great to surprise her and check up on baby Bryan and of course big Bryan!  Such a sweet bond we all share and great laughs we can share together.  Katee and Bryan introduced us to a little restaurant called The Black Cow and we all had a delicious lunch.  I recommend the fried green beans!  I was so sad to say 'see you again' since it has been several months since I have last seen them, but we will all see each other again VERY soon .... baby Bryan will be here before we know it!

Missy, Santi, Katee with baby Bryan, Cassie and myself

One last happy note: Blake is back in Germany!! More to follow.


God Bless RachJ

There's Something About the Fourth

July, Sweet July.

Another week has come and gone!  What a great holiday week we celebrated!  Mom and I finally found a nail salon worthy of our experience.  It has been many, many years since I have visited Nail Studio &Spa in Gainesville and it was worth every penny!

The week was rather rainy but that didn't keep us down! Haley and I traveled to the Gainesville Square on Wednesday to visit Nichole at Riley Clay Designs.  I was able to purchase some of my favorite earrings that she creates!  Afterward we headed down the street and ate at The Collegiate Grill.  It was a treat because it has also been many moons since I have eaten there!

My beautiful earrings! @Rileyclaydesign

Our family tradition on July 4th is to go to the movies and this year everyone else decided to do the same!  We watched Despicable Me 2 and it was really hilarious!  So glad we decided to brave the terrible weather!  We even had a mini photo shoot following the movie!

Haley takes on the sweet minions!

Mom and I pose gleefully after an awesome viewing!

We finished up the weekend by celebrating my sweet little cousins 14th birthday!  I cannot believe how much Breeze is growing!  Before I know it she will be graduating high school and then college! Oh my!

Happy 14th Birthday Breeze!

God Bless RachJ

What a weekend!  I am so thankful for the sunshine God bestowed upon us this past weekend!  

Friday was a beautiful day full of 'shoe organization'.  Sure, some of you are thinking 'is she serious?'.  Yes, I am absolutely am!  For the past two weeks I have lived in my brown and black flip flops - enough is enough! It was time to break out my summer sandals, wedges, and heels!  Mom and I headed off to the movies to see The Heat.  It was more hilarious than the previews let on.  Great comedic comedy team between the two lead actresses!

Saturday we attended the Braves game at Turner Field!  We left around noon to head down early and catch the Alumni game of Team Smoltz v. Team Bream!  Naturally mom was on cloud nine as she got to see MANY great names she remembers from years past.  I was very excited to watch some returning champs of the 95 World Series!  Team Smoltz won!  Following the alumni's = the 2013 Braves!  They played the Diamondbacks!  What an amazing game!!! There were too many clenched fists for 7 innings straight but the 8th inning proved to be the BEST!  The Braves took the game with 11 runs to the Diamondbacks 5!

Sunday we woke up a little late and headed to the one o'clock service at 12 Stone.  The sermon was led by a young gentleman who is involved in the student ministry.  He preached on the book of Daniel and the boundaries we should live within created by God: Financial, relationship, and parenting.  "Faith is God.  Favor is Faith."  Daniel chapter 1.

Top left final Braves score, bottom left Haley and I at the game, top right corner alumni players before the softball game started, center right McCann's shirt worn by a fan, bottom right corner an amazing view of Atlanta from Turner Field.

God Bless RachJ

A Whirlwind of a Week

This past week has proved to be challenging, daring, exciting, angering, longing, loving and the list of 'ings' could go on and on .....

Two weeks ago I was gearing up for my last meeting with some of the most A-mazing ladies I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with while at Fort Meade!  The Enlisted Spouses' Club hosted the first business meeting of the new Club year and kicked it off with the annual Luau.  Unfortunately, I lost ALL of the words I wanted to say as my final goodbye, but I think and hope everyone knows how much they really mean to me and what the Club has meant to me over the past few years.

ESC Luau - Last Business Meeting at Meade

Tuesday was a VERY busy day for Papa and me.  While he was in town we traveled to D.C. and took a private tour of the Capitol (a good 3 hour tour - don't tell Gilligan he might get jealous)!  I really think he enjoyed his time while in Maryland.  Later that evening we attended a 'farewell' dinner for Tracy and myself at Long Horn Steakhouse (our fave restaurant) - it was wonderful to see all of our ESC friends and a few friends we have made during our time here!  Truly a wonderful last outing together.  Wednesday mom joined us and we feverishly continued to pack up the house!  As dinner time arrived mom and I left for Owings Mills for my last event with my Cedarmere family.  I will cherish every memory I have made with my wonderful fourth graders this year, the experience Joe and Jess gave and the amazing friendship I formed with Megan.

Papa and I at the Capitol in The Old Supreme Court Chamber

Farewell Dinner with ESC Ladies

Cedarmere End-of-Year Cookout

We left Maryland after packing my life away, at least for a few months, headed for Georgia (after only enduring about 3 hours of zzz's)!  Since Ronnie and I have arrived it's been non-stop since.  We had a few days of re-acclimating ourselves with the city we used to know but we packed up again on Friday and headed to Winnsboro South Carolina to spend some time with Rebecca, Marion, and Rupert!  What a weekend .... full of fun and family!

Meme, Connie, Ronnie, and Myself (while mom grabbed Arby's)

God Bless RachJ

The Time Has Come:

Let's see here - it has been roughly 2 years and almost 9 months since our last post.  A lot has happened in that (what seems brief, but not entirely) time.   About half a year following the last post Blake received orders to Germany.  Yes folks, you guessed right, we were not even living here a year and then BAM!  We had some tough decisions to make because I was in the tail end of school and we knew that if I moved I may never get my degree.  So as many military couples debate, I know we are not alone, we made the choice to have me remain in Maryland while Blake moved to Germany.  I can say after one year, a brief few weeks of Blake being home, and now 4 months later - I'm OVER this separation.  I know that many other couples face these same trials and tribulations, and if I had to do it all over again I am sure that I would.  Neither one of us regret this decision, but I'm sure as you can imagine, it is very difficult to spend such a lengthy amount of time away from your significant other.

Now that June is a week away I am in the process of packing up our house and getting ready to head to Georgia for a few months.  Blake is currently living life deployed and I must await his return to Germany.  I am very eager to head home for a bit as there are new adventures coming our way, as well as new adventures for friends!  I very much look forward to seeing family and friends and cannot wait to share our Maryland endeavors with all!

Leaving you with this note: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VZmYvldCyM

God Bless RachJ