Seven on Sunday!

Working late nights and blogging just don't mix.  That's why I've been making weekly posts these days.  I can never seem to find the time (or the energy) during the week to do it.  Anyway, I figured that I'd just quickly list a few things to sum up this past week.

One.  It was busy.  My boss was actually back in Stuttgart for the week (after being gone for about two weeks for TDY), which means complete and utter chaos and, again, just late nights for all.  It's really not that bad though.  I never leave the place every night feeling stressed (because everyone's cool and the job really is, to me, pretty enjoyable)--just super tired.  I'm there at 6:45 a.m. and then leave twelve or so (or more) hours later.   So when I get home, I'm just completely drained--physically and mentally.  I mean, my mind runs a million mph all day long.  That's a lot of energy burned!  Then, when I get home, it's just about time to get Sina bathed and into bed--not nearly as much time as I would like to spend with her. Sometimes it makes me sad.

Two.  My daddy turned 59 on March 1st!  Love you dad :)

Three.  It's Mardi Gras season in many parts of Europe.  In Germany, they call it Carnival or Fasching.  A few weeks, my NCO told me that she thought we should have a Mardi Gras luncheon, so I told her to put one together.  I mean, what a great idea, right?  So we had one on Thursday and we had such a good turnout, great dishes, and even decorations!  I took a stab at making king cake.  I knew nothing about king cake before making it and I usually shy away from recipes that require me to make my own dough.  Surprisingly, and even though I'd overdone the bottom of each cake a little, people loved it.  It even looks cool, what, with all that colored sugar on it (which I made by myself, by the way!).

Oh, and am I the only person that didn't know that purple, green and gold are signature Mardi Gras colors?  When I first saw the recipe (my NCO found it for me), I told my office I wanted to choose nicer colors for it (like red) and I was told that I couldn't.  Also, it's tradition for a small baby figurine or a little trinket to be placed inside.  Whomever finds it is usually "crowned" king for the day or is blessed.  I stuck an angel ornament in mine.  I'll be posting a recipe on my cooking blog soon.

Three.  A few weeks ago, I won a giveaway (which never happens!) on Jamie's blog, Stuck in a World of Blue & Camo.  Jamie and her family are currently stationed in Japan and she sent me a Japanese tea (or maybe saki) set, a fan, chopsticks, and a pretty set of hair clips.  I love it!  Thanks Jamie! 

Four.  I wanted to go to a fasching parade in Weil der Stadt, which is about a 38-mile drive from our place.  It was a good thing I checked the town's website online before we left on Saturday morning.  It said the parade was on Sunday.  I was bummed, because it was such a beautiful day yesterday--sunshine!  The first day like it in a while!  Instead, we decided to venture out the Patch Barracks gate into town.  We had no idea that there is a nice mall about 1.25 miles from our house!  When we got there, we ran into a friend of ours who told us that she and her husband usually walk there every Saturday morning for breakfast with their dogs (because you can bring your dogs in), do some shopping, and walk back home.  And, in the spring there's a farmer's market in that plaza.  So cool!  Looks like that will become a weekend thing for us too!

Malu always asks me why I get so excited in these German malls; because it's not like we don't have malls in America.  Yes, we do have malls, but these are slightly different and it's always fun to compare (I think it's a girl thing, really).  The mall we went to has two grocery stores in it. They have these cool escalators that allow you to go on with your shopping cart.  Tell me these aren't differences that can't be embraced?  And...this particular mall has a cafe/gelato place that sells cones for 1 euro. Yum!

When we got home, we took a long nap.  I mean, walking can be exhausting!  We spent the evening catching up on The Tudors.

Five.  We were going to attempt to go to the fasching parade today, but it was a little cold out today and Sina's got the sniffles again.  We didn't want to take her out and we always have next year--or the year after that.  So we pretty much stayed in all day, watching movies and binging on Ben & Jerry's Phish Food.  My idea of a great rest day :)

Six.  We're dog-sitting again for our friends' two Shelties.  Two boys--Griffey and McCoy.  They're the cutest!  I'll try to get some pics of them later.

Seven.  Sina is officially 7 months old today! 

I know...I can't believe it either.  I'll be making her 7 month update soon.  This is a picture of her helping her daddy unpack earlier this week.  And no....we're still not done unpacking!  One of these days I'm going to show you guys what our place looks like, completely furnished.  But at this rate, it won't be for another month!

Anyway, I'm signing off for now.  It took forever to make this post--our internet connection has been horrible tonight!  Have a great week everyone!

Getting to Know You Sunday

I finally have a free moment to participate in Keely's Getting to Know You Sunday!  Let me tell you, taking care of Baby V the last three days has been no joke.  I've been struggling, but slowly getting the hang of everything with Malu being gone.  It's crazy...I'm counting down the days over the next three weeks until he gets back.  I'd always do that when he was deployed and you'd think 3 weeks is a piece of cake, but not with a newborn!  Heck no!  And we're at 20 days and a wake up.

This is my first time doing GTKY Sunday in weeks!  You all know what to do!  Copy, paste and answer these questions in your own blog post and then head on over to Keely's blog to get linked!

Here we go!

 1. If you could host a Reality TV show, which one would it be?

The only reality show I watch on a semi-regular basis is The Real Housewives of New Jersey and you can't really host that show. But if I could, I'd host or be a judge on American Idol.

2. Do you put your seatbelt on before or after you start the car?

Always before!

3. Shave or hair removal cream?

Shave. I only use hair removal cream on my face.

4. What's your favorite feature in a house?

Spacious kitchen is a must.

5. What is your favorite "Fall" scent?

Anything vanilla, cinnamon, or apple.

6. What tv show are you looking forward to seeing the most this Fall??

Again, I don't watch TV regularly, so I don't have one. This, however, may change with me being home with the baby for the next two months.

7. Personal Shopper or Personal Chef?

Chef!

8. What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of "Fall"?

Leaves!  Too bad there aren't any trees here in El Paso.

Well, the baby calls now. I knew it wouldn't be quiet for long!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Before I get to my Getting to Know You Sunday questions, let me just tell you guys that Malu and I went to our friends house--Leah & Jay's--last night.  We had Italian night and check out the great dishes we had.  It was all so delicious!

I made a Tiramisu Bowl to kinda fit in with the theme.  I posted the recipe to my cooking blog before I actually tasted what I'd made.  Here is a picture of it...isn't it so pretty?

Oh my goodness...it's so wonderful and wonderfully easy to make.  So check out the recipe if you're interested!

Anyway, it's time for another edition of Getting to Know You Sunday!  Head on over to Keely's at http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked up!

Here are the questions:

1. Thong or Granny Panties?

Honestly...I've tried thongs and just don't like them.  They're totally uncomfortable.  Although I own a good share of granny panties, I like the boy shorts style of underwear.  They're the most comfy.

2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?

Only if it's a guy I know.

3. Spanx or no Spanx?

I have never worn Spanx, but hey, why not.  I'll probably be wanting some later down the road.

4. Do you sleep in your sheets?

Yes.  It gets nippy in the early mornings here.

5. What is your favorite Disney character?

I'd have to say...Cinderella.

6. Dream vacation spot?

I want to go to Greece so badly!

7. What is your dream job?

I would just like to work a Department of the Army Civilian (GS) job after I retire from the military. 

8. Who is your hero and why?

Oh, that's easy...our men and women serving in the Armed Forces both here and abroad--for all of the sacrifices they make every day to ensure the freedom of our Country.

Not sure what we're going to do today...it's one of those lazy Sundays!  Hope you're all enjoying what's left of the weekend! 

Date Night & Getting to Know You Sunday

Last night, the hubby and I went out for dinner.  After all, he had slaved away in the backyard all day pulling weeds and such.  He was out there so long, he was sunburnt really badly.  I suppose that's what he gets for being out there with his shirt off! Before we set out on our date, we had to take our picture!  Don't we clean up nicely!

In any case, we went to Geske's Bar & Grill--my first time.  I'd been wanting to go there forever!  They have fabulous burgers and Malu got the Pico de Gallo burger with grilled vegetables.  I was eyeing his plate more than my own.

I got the Animal Burger, which had grilled sweet onions and a house thousand island dressing.  I loved my sweet potato fries more than I did my burger!

Then...we finished off our night at Cold Stone for dessert.  Yum!

One of my friends told me that she thinks this is going to be our last weekend together as a couple.  Everyone seems to think Baby V is coming any day now!  And it's not like her coming is going to spoil anything...Malu and I have just been two peas in a pod for a while now.  It's going to be quite an adjustment for the both of us.  In any case, it was just a wonderful night out with my honey.

~~~~~~~~

And now for Getting to Know You Sunday!  Here are the questions...and head over to Keely's at http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked!

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?

I'd have to say Germany...and it's soon going to happen!  There's just so much to do.  And the rest of Europe is so accessible from there.  We can't wait!

2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?

Wearing gloves in the summer. I don't really like the heat and gloves would just aggravate me even more!

3. Fried or Bake and why?

OMG...I grew up mostly on Filipino food--a majority of which is fried.  So sadly, I have a preference for fried food.  Malu, however, eats very healthy, so I'm eating baked or grilled foods a lot more.

4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?

I'd like to interview Rob Pattinson.  I'm a Twilight fanatic, so need I say more?

5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?

I adored the Babysitter's Club series.  They even had movies...it was great.

6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.

I don't really watch too much TV...and I can only think of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and shows on the Food Network.  Sorry!

7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?

I honestly haven't paid any attention to bumper stickers around here.  And when I do, most of them are politics-related.  Or maybe the...."Proud Army Wife" sticker most describes me.  I see those around everywhere!

8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?

I'd love to be the lion tamer!

Happy Sunday you guys! 

~Getting to Know You Sunday~

Happy 4th of July!!!

My husband and I are hitting up two different parties today, so I'm really excited.  And I'm sure you know why....FOOD!!  Okay, and the company of great friends ties with food :)

I figured that since I have some time before church this morning that I'd do Keely's Getting to Know You!  Head on over to her blog, http://www.mannland5.com/, to participate and get linked!

Here are the questions:

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July?

I'd have to say the barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family.  Oh, and ya can't forget the fireworks.  Not sure we'll get to see them tonight though.  Fort Bliss doesn't hold a fireworks show like every other installation--not sure why.  If you wanna see fireworks, you can always see them on the west side of El Paso, but we'll be at a party on the east side at dark.  Hmm...maybe we'll still get to see them.

2. Are you a hugger?

I tend to be.  My hubby definitely is.

3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food?

I'd have to say ribs and chicken.  But honestly, I like the trimmings that go with BBQ'd food a lot more--potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, etc. Yum!

4. Do you like to watch parades?

The one I watch consistently is the Macy's parade at Thanksgiving.

5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls? 

Boys!!! What an odd question.

6. Vampires or Werewolves?

I'm sorry...I'm a Team Edward fan all the way.  Saw Eclipse the other night...LOVED it! 

7. Do you read your horoscope?

Sometimes.

8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I love Rocky Road.  But I also love to have sweet cream mixed with coconut, pineapple and banana at Cold Stone.  And don't forget...pregnant ladies get 50% discount at Cold Stone!  Trust me, I've been taking advantage of it!

Happy Sunday everyone...and enjoy your 4th!

Getting to Know You Sunday

Happy Father's Day to all the great daddies out there!

Because I just got home from dropping Malu off from the airport (no worries, he'll be back later this week!), I'm going to do Keely's Getting to Know You Sunday and will wake up later to post some more.

But here are the questions!  Head on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked!

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?

I'm definitely a cover-em-up kinda girl!

2. Road trips or Plane trips?

I grew up going on road trips with my familia.  And these days, all the turbulence on the plane freaks me out--so, road trips!

3. I can't stand it when...?

People have more than the 10 items they're supposed to have in the express lane at Walmart...or any store for that matter.  Cheaters!

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?

Never, ever, ever!  And don't plan on it either.

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?

I'd say four.  And two of them are with Keely at http://www.mannland5.com/!

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?

Napping at will!  And I am really taking advantage of it before the baby gets here!

7. Pancakes or waffles?

Pancakes!!!

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?

I like the combination of both--being able to (especially in the summer) cool off in the water after waiting in all the roller coaster rides in the heat!

Enjoy your Sunday morning everyone!

Happy Fathers' Day again!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Well, Lucy and I are back at our house now.  We sure do miss Bucky Boy over at Auntie Daisy's house though, but are happy to be back in the comfort of our own home. 

This morning, Lucy and I woke up early to go for her walk.  We almost have to these days because it hits over 90 degrees by 0900.  Ridiculous and unbearable!  This morning, we stumbled upon a coyote and her baby at the field that we usually walk around, but they scurried off as soon as they saw us.  It was a pretty sight though.  And that little baby coyote was soooo cute!

Anyway, it's Getting to Know You Sunday at Keely's, so head on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked up.  All you do is answer the questions below:

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them?  If it's a family member or close friend, I do.

2. What are you passionate about?  I'm extremely passionate about my work and my family.

3. How long have you been blogging?  I started blogging in mid-2008.  Wow...two years!  I can't believe it's been that long already!  Thanks to my friend, Melissa, for getting me started.

4. What is your favorite "summer" drink?  OMG...I find myself going to Sonic for a Route 44-sized Cherry Limeade almost every other day because it's so freakin' hot around here.  And gotta have the H20 handy--lots of it!

5. What is your favorite type of music?  I like all kinds...hip hop, R&B, country, even some rock.

6. Something I do before I go to bed is......?  Think about and pray for my hubby, go through my to-do list for the next day, and these days...take a cold shower just to get comfy.

7. My Summer vacation plans are...?  Just to have this baby and to (hopefully) share the experience with my husband.

8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is?  Quite honestly, I'm not big on make up or any other beauty products.  As long as I've got some smell-nice kinda lotion, I'm good.

Well, it's time for me to get ready for church!  Have a great one guys!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Happy Sunday you guys! You know what that means, right? You have to answer these questions, post them to your own blog and then go to Keely's at www.mannland5.com to get linked up!

It's a gorgeous day out here in El Paso. Of course, it looks like it promises to be another HOT day, so I guess I'm going to break out an airy summer dress and my flip flops and then head on over to church.

And the questions...

1. Do you have a fetish? Hmmm....not really. But if I had to pick one thing, I'd probably say shoes. I have so many pairs of shoes--some that have yet to be worn and were purchased years ago--and I keep building the collection!

2. Do you sing in the shower? Yes! I've always sung in the shower. My hubby does too. I miss hearing it.

3. Who was your first crush? First celebrity crush...can't remember. If I had to pick one, I'd say Jordan Knight of the New Kids on the Block...and maybe even Zac Morris off of the Saved By the Bell show. Real-life crush...a guy named William from 6th grade in Hawaii.

4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have? Along with a great personality, the ability to fix things, cook (although he doesn't have to be a great cook), and clean.

5. Do you sleep naked? No. I mean, I have before...I just don't like it. I really prefer to sleep with my clothes on.

6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Ummmm......not a lot because I operate under the assumption that someone is always out there watching what a doofus I can be sometimes. Okay, but once in a blue moon, if there isn't anyone around, I don't always pick up Lucy's poop at the park. I do 99% of the time, but sometimes (like now, since I can't bend over too much) I just don't feel like it.

7. What's the first thing you do when you go online? It's a tie between checking my blog and my Facebook page.

8. Summer is.....? The best!

Enjoy the day folks and come back later on...I'll be wrapping up my delightful weekend for you all!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Another reason I know I'm "nesting"...I woke up at 0630 this morning and started doing cleaning and doing laundry.....on a Sunday! I have to admit that I like it. I've hated how tired and lazy I've been the last few months. Anyway, it's Sunday and that means I'm doing Keely's Getting to Know You Sunday.

You guys know how it's done! Copy, paste, and answer these questions into your own blog and then head over to http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked!

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....? Probably the two Dooney & Burke purses I have and then all the Vera Bradley bags I have as well. I don't really buy any expensive clothes.

2. Have you ever played a team sport? I did softball in middle school and then volleyball and some track in high school. LOVE volleyball.

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? OMG...I'd totally be a lady bug. Ever since I've been pregnant with Vaiosina, I've been obsessed with them.

4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? My shoulders. I toss and turn while I sleep and when I do that with sunburnt shoulders, they constantly get rubbed. Ouch!

5. Are you happy? Absolutely! I mean, I have those hormonal, emotional type days, but I'm generally very happy.

6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them? Nah. I'm in the military. We abbreviate or use acronyms for everything.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I don't mind where I live, although I can't wait to go to a place that doesn't have sand and wind/sandstorms. But I honestly make the best of any place I go to. Can't wait to make the best of Germany, although I'm sure that won't be hard!

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? No extreme measures. I just stop eating!

Happy Sunday to you all! I'll be spreading the blog award love sometime this afternoon/evening!

Getting to Know You...on Saturday!

Well, Keely at http://www.mannland.com/ pushed GTKY to today so that we could have a break on Mother's Day. What a great idea. Most people will be busy anyway. And you guys know what to do if you want to participate!

Copy, paste and answer these questions into your own blog post and go to Keely's to get linked!

1. What has been your most memorable Mother's Day? (with your mom, as a mom, or with your wife)? I'm sad to admit that I don't remember any specific Mother's Day with my mommy, although I do remember a time or two when my brother, sister and I made her breakfast on our own when we were old enough to do it. I've been away from home for so long, that I only remember sending cards and flowers. I bet next Mother's Day will be memorable though, seeing how it'll be my first. Oh, and thanks to my friend Laura at work...she left a gift of Burt's Bees lotions, lip gloss, and an amazing leg and foot creme that makes you tingle all over. She gave me a card that said, "Happy Mother's Day! It's your first and only one where you get to sleep in! Enjoy!" She's so awesome!

2. Have you ever been pulled over for speeding and were you able to talk your way out of it? Yes and I can't talk my way out of a ticket to save my life. My husband, on the other hand, has gotten out of every ticket he has been pulled over for. I don't know how he does it.

3. What's the oldest thing you have hanging in your closet? Not sure, but I know that I have a few shirts that date way back to college.

4. Do you whiten your teeth? No, although I've been told I have the whitest teeth ever. But I do use a toothpaste that happens to have a whitening agent.

5. Underwear or Panties..What do you call your "unmentionables"? I say "underwear".

6. If you could go on vacation right now..today..where would you go? Disney World or any place with a beach!

7. Do you get offended when people cuss on their blogs? Not really. Don't see any blogs with much cussing.

8. If you had to give up one luxury item, it would be....? OMG...I'd never give up my cell phone or this computer. So I'll go with the flat screen TV in my livingroom!

I had planned to do some cleaning but I. just. don't. feel. like. it. Oh, I'm so bad. Happy Saturday everyone!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Man, totally have a love-hate relationship with Sundays and only because it means I have to start another work week. I can't wait until I go on maternity leave. I am beyond tired--these allergies have compounded the fatigue I'm feeling from being preggo. It's awful.

But the good thing is that I get to get my "Getting to Know You Sunday" on! You guys know the deal.

Cut, paste, answer and post these questions on your blog and head over to www.mannland5.com to get linked!

Oh...and I finally have 75 followers! That means I get to do a giveaway. Since I haven't done one before, I'm going to have to give it some thought, so be patient with me please! Thanks so much to all my new followers. It's been so fun getting to know all of you!

On to the questions:

1. Are you superstitious? Although Filipinos and Samoans typically are, I am not.

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be? I'd love to be a dog (a cute one...like a Benji dog) just so I could talk to my own dog. Since Lucy is so loveable and sweet, I've always pictured her "voice" to be that of Mrs. Teapot in Beauty and the Beast. I'd like to confirm that. And, I could also talk to Chester at work.

3. You would never catch me wearing.........? A bikini. And even if I did, I'd have a t-shirt over it. I'm just that self-conscious. Always been.

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it? Sure. As a matter of fact, I'd do my own VLOGs if I had a video camera.

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body? Yes. I had a brazilian wax for the first time after I redeployed from Iraq in 2005. Trust me....once you have it done, you'll never want to have it any other way. Yes, it hurts like hell. But you get used to it after a while.

6. Are you a spender or a saver? I've become so frugal in the past 5 years, so I'm more of a saver than I am a spender. But I do splurge every once in a while.

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman? I think I've had this question in another survey before...but I wouldn't mind playing lead with Rob Pattinson, Patrick Dempsey or Bradley Cooper. Hotties!

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day? Never smoked. Yuck!

Have a great Sunday and an even greater week everyone!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Argh...it's Sunday, which means I have to be back at work tomorrow. Getting to Know You Sunday, however, is one of the best things about my Sundays. Hosted by Keely over at http://www.mannland5.com/, she came up with the cutest, funniest questions for today. If you want to participate, head on over to her blog to get linked!

It looks like it's going to be a gorgeous day out. I don't hear any winds blowing like crazy from inside our house, so that is a good sign. All of my friends are going to the Blues and Jazz Wine Festival in town today and I'm thinking about going. It just sucks that I can't drink any wine...but on the upside, the food they serve is the bomb! They even have funnel cakes. Need I say more? But Lucy and I are going to make a final decision about going to the wine festival while we go on a walk and to a bagel shop that a friend told me about this week. Oh yeah, and let's not forget about my usual cup of coffee (decaf)!

So on to the questions:

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action? I'd love to be in a chick flick---romance movie. Better yet, make it romantic comedy. Those are my favorite kinds of movies. And I'd demand that my co-stars would be either Mr. McDreamy or Rob Pattinson or Bradley Cooper.

2. Do you recycle? I have recycling bins, but I don't recycle as much as I should.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club? I'm ashamed to admit this, but yes. I went out of curiosity and I don't ever want to go back. Ever.

4. Do you have a nickname? I have a few. My dad has called me Ella since I was little. Malu has called me Chellebelle from the start.

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called? It's funny, Keely said that she hates being called Ma'am. I also can't stand being called that, but I've been called that ever since I got commissioned into the Army. All the enlisted folks have to call me that and to date, it still makes me feel like an old lady. But it is a respect thing. I respect it.

6. What are your Summer staples? If we're talking foods--fruits, salads and Cherry Limeades from Sonic. If we're talking clothes.....dresses and flip flops!

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself? maternity capris and a wallet from Target.

8. Are you happy with your boob size? Yes. Not too big or small. And Malu, he's funny, always says that a handful is enough ;)

Happy Sunday you guys! And have a great week!

Getting to Know You Sunday & More

And what a great Sunday this has been . Heck, the whole weekend has been wonderful! Chrissy and I have been joking around about how she's been earning her keep since she arrived on Friday. Not only did she help me unpack the rest of the boxes I had left to go through...the nursery is ready for me to work on. And of course she got me about halfway through that by putting together the crib and diaper table and organizing all of the baby shower gifts. To say that I am thankful is an understatement. I honestly don't want her to go home. But my friend, Joy, showed up last night to help Chrissy unload a lot of the boxes--so she gets a lot of credit too. What did I do? Hmmm...I like to say that I directed the entire process. Yeah, I did, while most of the time, nibbling on a variety of yummy snacks--like the pan of rice crispies treats I made last night.

Before I roll into this Sunday's questions...I'd like to share some photos of how the house has progressed to today. Because I couldn't unpack all of the house by myself (most of the boxes were too heavy for me to move), I had to wait on people to come to visit from out-of-state to help me out. Like my parents....and now Chrissy, with help from Joy. Here is what the baby's room looked like before:

complete chaos

Chrissy and Joy unloading the crib from the car

Now the room is clean enough to fit the new crib!

I am so happy! And that's not all that's been great about this Sunday! Remember my IHOP story from last weekend? Well, my friends Melissa and Maddie called last night to invite Chrissy, Joy and I to breakfast at IHOP for this morning. Of course, I quickly agreed. At the time, we had 12 people going, and she said, "see? now you have 1 + 11 people to go with you!" I love her. We had 10 people...and it was fabulous. Sooooooo thankful for great friends!

Finally....on to the questions:

1. Mens chests..hairy or hairless? I like a little hair and Malu has just that.

2. How often do you run red lights? Not too often, to be honest. If I do, it's only because I hesitated to stop at a yellow light only too make a last minute decision to keep going.

3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet..whose would you raid? I'm watching a movie with Hillary Duff in it right now and I love everything she's wearing. Would love to raid hers. I also wouldn't mind raiding Jennifer Aniston's closet either.

4. Would you rather have more followers/friends on Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog? I would love to have as many followers/friends on my blog as I have on Facebook. I've promised to do a giveaway when I hit 75!

5. What makes you feel sexy? When my hubby tells me that I am that, or beautiful, which he does often. I do feel sexy after a good day at the spa!

6. I get excited when...........? My hubby calls; when I get home to my Lucy girl; I leave work, especially after a long day; these days, when my baby kicks me and I can see my tummy move; I think about my move to Germany (I also get nervous about it); when I shop at World Market or Target. There are tons more, but this is what comes to mind at the moment.

7. Are you the "outdoorsy" type or more "indoorsy"? I am a little bit of both. While I spend a majority of my time indoors, I love getting outside and getting my hands dirty during a fun camping trip or going fishing, especially when it's with Malu. Gosh, can you guys tell I'm missing Malu a lot right now?

8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars? I'll take the cash any day! I could find my dream home for a lot less than a million dollars and do something great with the rest of the money after buying it.

Well, happy Sunday everyone! Thanks for sticking with me through this long post and have a fantastic week!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Woo hoo! It is a beautiful, sunny Sunday here in El Paso. I decided to come in and take a break to do this post after getting the car washed and a little something to eat. I had a mishap with the car, but I don't want to talk about that right now. As I mentioned in my "catch up" post last night...it's so nice to be blogging again. I was having computer problems last week and couldn't get a picture on my monitor. Then on Friday night, the monitor just happened to magically start working again. I'm sure that's a sign to start looking for a new computer. After all, this computer is almost four years old and in computer years...this laptop is ancient. Anyway, here are the questions. Go on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ to get linked!

1. What color do you wear the most? Oh gosh, when I'm not in my Army uniform...that nasty, drab, digital green...I'm usually in brown because it goes with just about anything.

2. Would you rather have $10,000 dollars or a dream vacation? I'll take the cash. I could do so much more with it and perhaps invest it and make a return on it.

3. Do you have a weird, quirky or unusual habit? I don't think this is weird...but I do grind my teeth. I have to wear a mouth guard at night. My hubby grinds his teeth too. Sometimes, so loudly it wakes me up at night. I ask him if it hurts and he asks, "I grind my teeth?" Yes, honey. You do.

4. I really need to start..........? Holy cow! I need to start working on the nursery! My friend Chrissy is coming to help me next weekend!

5. What was the first blog you ever read? Melissa's blog, Together We Have It All. She's an old friend from high school and has an awesome blog. She also has a cooking blog that is fabulous.

6. Do you collect anything? I collect the city mugs from Starbucks. Some that I have are from: Seattle, Beijing, Kuwait (the hubby sent me that one from his last deployment), Hawaii, San Antonio, Philadelphia, etc. They are extra large mugs and are perfect for when we have company, especially in the winter when everyone wants a good cup of hot cocoa. Would you believe that I've gone to almost every Starbucks in El Paso to find a mug only to discover just last week from one of the store managers that El Paso is not a big enough city to have its own mug. That's ludicrous! Obviously the Starbucks execs haven't visited this city at all. This place is crowded as hell!

7. How old were you when you had your first kiss? It was in 9th grade, so I was 13. I hope my mom is not reading this. After all, I was her perfect little angel back then...ha ha.

8. Do you text/twitter while driving? I'm guilty of texting while driving. I'm trying to stop now that El Paso has a new city ordinance that prohibits talking or texting on the phone while driving. Big time ticket if you're caught!

Wow! That was fun! Happy Sunday all! If you haven't seen my baby shower video, I posted it to this blog last night, so check it out! As for me, I'm going to head on over to Ross to look for some shorts and capris. I'd been walking around the town for the first part of the morning in unbuttoned shorts because it's hot and the ones I have don't fit me anymore. Funny!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Happy Easter to all! I hope that you're all enjoying this day with your families. I know that I am. This day is always so special to me and allows me to reflect on all the blessings that God has bestowed upon my family and I. I am so thankful for the love of family and friends, that He has allowed Malu and I to take the next "big step" on our journey through marriage with the coming of our first child, and for blessing us with wonderful careers and a home. And the only reason we are allowed this is through the salvation that we were granted through the death of our Lord and Savior whose resurrection we remember today. Thank you Lord for soooooo much!

Anyway, it's another edition of Getting to Know You Sunday. You guys should know the deal by now. Cut, paste, and answer these questions on your blog and head on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ to link up!

1. Showers or baths? I like showers. Fast and easy!
2. Do you have any crazy urges? Just eating a lot more this week than in previous weeks. Bring on MORE sweets!
3. What is one thing we don't know about you? Not everyone knows that I was a valedictorian in high school.
4. Exercise..love it or hate it? I wouldn't say I love it, but I don't hate it either. I do it because the Army makes me do it.
5. Do you think you have a good body image? I think so. I wouldn't mind changing a few things, but I think I'm satisfied overall with my bod.
6. Flour or corn tortillas? I prefer flour tortillas. My friend, Jennifer, makes them at home. Yum-O!
7. How do you celebrate Easter? I'm almost always with family. We always go to church and usually either go to someone else's house to eat, or have a party at my mom's. We're actually heading out to a party right now.
8. Hard boiled Easter eggs or plastic eggs? I honestly grew up hunting for the hard boiled eggs. Plus, all the Easter excitement comes from dyeing your own eggs! It's more fun.

Auntie Daisy and I head back to El Paso tomorrow and I'm NOT looking forward to the drive. You should see the car. We could barely fit the baby shower gifts into it and tomorrow morning, we'll have to figure out how to get Lucy and our luggage in there. I'll post about the baby shower soon.

Getting to Know You Sunday!

It is a gorgeous Sunday morning here in El Paso! It's sunny and....there's no wind! We had a huge sand storm the other day, yesterday was nice but and still kind of windy. Today? Nothing, just warmth and clear skies. Lucy and I just came back from an invigorating walk around the neighborhood. Now, it's time for you to get to know more about me. If you want to participate, head on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ and get linked!

1. Why did you start blogging? My friend, Melissa, introduced me to blogging about two years ago. I was in grad school at the time, and loved her blog so much that I thought I'd start one. After all, I do have lots of stories to tell from time to time. I started out with just a cooking/baking blog, but then decided to do another one. Speaking of the cooking/baking blog...I need to get back into it. I've been slacking!

2. Who's the one blog friend that you want to meet in "real" life? Oh, I would LOVE to meet Sabrina at Superfluous and Tori at Tori and Chad. They've become really cool bloggy friends. I am happy to say that I will be meeting Jessica of Learning As We Go. Her husband will be stationed here in May. She's also expecting her first child, so it'll be fun to share my preggo adventures with her.

3. Why are you always concerned with losing those "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you you're fine the way you are? I've never really been that concerned about my weight. I'll make comments about losing weight, but it's not high on my priority list. Malu tells me I'm fine the way I am; he just wants me to stay in shape by working out and by eating well--and just be healthy. I guess if I was really concerned about losing weight so much, I'd do it for me and not anyone else.

4. What's the one thing you wish guys would understand about you? Not really concerned about other guys, but Malu...he understands me pretty well.

5. Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes? I have one tattoo of a plumeria (Hawaiian flower) on my leg (more like my quad) and it's visible when I wear shorts (which I don't do often. I prefer capris.).

6. What was the best year of your life and why? I'd have to say 2007-2008 was the best. The Army sent me to grad school in Colorado, where Malu and I were able to spend our first full year of marriage together. We lived just down the street from my parents in our first new home. Even though Malu is gone right now, I must say that 2010 is a pretty cool year. We're expecting our first baby and I made the list to get promoted to Major sometime this year.

July 2008--Our First Home

7. Name three things you would do if you were a man for the day. Hmm...I'd burp aloud in public and not think anything of it? I'd put up all the curtains and hang up all the heavy picture frames in this house (I usually am self-sufficient, but Malu usually does these things for me) and I'd take the trash out (Malu usually does this when he's here, but it's all me these days!).

8. What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows? I'd have to say Long Island Ice Teas. I love them.

Happy Sunday everyone! Now it's your turn...give it a try!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Hey all! I'm sorry I'm posting a little later than usual this Sunday, but for good reason. My parents and sister are here in El Paso! We've had a great time just hanging out and shopping (my mom's fave). I love having company here. Not to mention home-cooked meals. My mom is cooking as we speak. Anyway, I will blog more about their visit later this week.

If you want to participate in Mannland 5's Getting to Know You Sunday, copy, paste and answer these questions on your on blog and get linked at www.mannland5.com. And here are the questions:

1. What year did you graduate high school? Wow....that was a long time ago. I graduated from Fountain Fort Carson High School in Colorado Springs in 1997. I went to my 10 year reunion three years ago.

2. What part of your body do you neglect the most? I think I neglect my feet and toes a lot. I hate to polish my own toenails and scrub my own feet, so I usually get pedicures and have someone else take care of the mess. My heels get nasty too. It's actually really gross. As far as physically neglecting my body? Oh, I'd say my upper body. I hate lifting weights, but love to run.

3. Beach house or Lake house? Definitely beach house. I'm an island girl at heart!

4. Mac or PC? I have a PC, but badly want a Mac when this computer gives out.

5. Did you wear braces? No. But I got my front teeth bonded when I was a junior in high school. When I was two, I'd fallen down the stairs and ended up with a gap between my front two teeth. I hated it, especially in my teens, but my mom found a way to get my teeth fixed without having to get braces. Looking at me, you wouldn't know that my front teeth are bonded, or completely real. Everyone says I look like I had braces.

6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be? I'd honestly love to be Kristen Stewart right now. I'd love to be all cozied up with Rob Pattinson!

7. How many times have you moved in your life? Too many! I'm an Army brat and now in the military. It's my life. So let me count.......I counted 12.

8. Would you rather cook or clean? In our house, whoever cooks, doesn't have to do the cleaning. So I usually do a lot of the cooking and Malu does a lot of the cleaning. I'm just talking dishes in that case though. I do most of the cleaning and like to do it. I'd still rather cook and bake though.

All righty...gots to go! My dad and I are going to walk the dogs. I just wished that I had thought to take some leave this week while my family is here. Except now I have to go back to work tomorrow. The good thing about tomorrow is that my mom will be accompanying me to my OB follow up! Yes!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

I'm getting this knocked out early today, peeps! And I must because I have tons to do today--number one is trying to get my bedroom unpacked. Yes, I'm still trying to do it after living in this place for almost two months now. The reason for the hurry? The parentals and my sister are coming this weekend! I'm so excited.

Anyway, if you want, answer these questions yourself and get linked at http://www.mannland5.com/!

1. What's your favorite Easter candy? Gotta be the Cadbury cream-filled eggs. Yum! And any chocolate bunny with marshmallow filling.

2. Who do you think is cleaner..men or women? I have both gal and guy friends who are super clean, but in my household, I think it's clear that I am cleaner!

3. Which do you prefer..wordy blog posts or ones with pictures? It's funny, I prefer ones with pictures, yet my blog posts are wordy as hell!

4. Were you popular in highschool? I wouldn't say that I was extremely popular, but I think everyone knew who I was because of academics and sports and my unsusual last name.

5. What's your bra size? 36B...but I'm in a C now that I'm preggo. My hubby likes it :)

6. How many states have you lived in? In my Army brat years: Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Colorado. In my Army career years (including schools): Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, and Texas.

7. What's one blog you read every day? Melissa's Together We Have It All....and tons others.

8. Peanut butter or Nutella? I have both in my house, but oh my goodness--Nutella. Nutella completes my life.

Happy Sunday Everyone! OMG, I forgot to mention that I got to talk to Malu yesterday afternoon. I hadn't heard from him for four days, so naturally, I was an emotional wreck all week long. Turns out, he had gone on a four-day mission to northern Iraq. It's probably a good thing he didn't tell me that because I would have spent the entire week being an emotional wreck and worrying about his safety. But he is alive and well. I'm wondering if he got his Easter package yet. I sent him a lot of goodies including an "I Love You Daddy" picture frame with Baby Sala's 4D Ultrasound photo in it!