Happy John Giles Day!!

My big brother cleans up nice!

Ok so I am actually a day late on this one but I didn't get a chance to do this yesterday and really wanted to. Yesterday my big brother turned 35! He is such an amazing brother and person in general! So not only was yesterday "Take Your Pants for a Walk Day" but it was also John Giles' Day. My big brother has been such an inspiration to me in so many ways. I am so proud to be his baby sis!

Jack and John last year on his birthday.

John Giles...
...you are someone I admire.
...you are the best big brother a girl could ask for.
...you are the reason I think every girl should have a big brother, blood or not.
...you always make me feel safe (and small) when I am in your arms.
...you put up with Laura and me tag teaming you on several occasions.
...you taught me how to do so many things, some mom and dad probably did not like.
...you worked with me on my goalie skills in the yard when I was in high school, I ate grass numerous times!
...you are the true example of a southern gentleman.
...you were the peacemaker to many a fight between Laura and me.
...you were my protective second father when I started dating, more protective than dad actually.
...you are an opinion that I always value.
...you are a heart who has always shown me how important I am and I just want you to know I love you and truly wish I could be home to celebrate with you.

Oh yea, he is a great uncle too! :)

I love you big bro! I hope your birthday was one of the best, and that you got to take your pants out for a walk? ;)

Hot Dog!

Yippee! It is is hot dog day! I know I will be having hot dogs sometime today. We might even grill up some hamburgers for those who prefer cow to well uhh...nevermind. One thing I have discovered about being in the army overseas is that it is a little more difficult to get out and do things on the economy which is why we barbecue around here like nobody's business. In the past month alone I think we have had or been to at least three cookouts! It is what we do around here to keep ourselves entertained!

Around here we have been "patiently" anticipating the arrival of a package from my mom of things we left behind and some things we had ordered online. One of the most annoying things about living overseas is that when we order things online, sometimes the company does not ship to APO addresses so we have to send it home to my parents and then have them send it on to us. We are very fortunate to have such willing parents to do this for us every now and then. This particular package held a new bed for little Cash and new TOMS for Jonathan and I.

Look, I can burrow in my own bed now!

Our shoe shelf is being overtaken by TOMS!

Junk in the trunk?

Junk in the trunk...no I do not mean what you think I mean. It is international junk food day!! So how much junk food do you find in your house? If your household is anything like mine, the amount of junk food seems to grow when my husband makes the trip to the grocery store with me. :) I wish I could say the healthy stuff outweighs the junky stuff but I fear I cannot lie. I think my favorite junk food would have to be chips- they are my junky weakness!!

Jonathan is out playing soccer as I am here at the house. I am glad that he has soccer to go to with friends because I know how much he loves it. I do miss him when he is gone but I love that he has a passion and is able to still enjoy that passion.

We are dog-sitting for a couple that will be gone for a little while so we are a two dog household for a little while. I have determined we are not destined to have two dogs for a while because it tends to bring out the worst in Cash. lol. He tends to be very selfish with his belongings and his mommy and daddy. Haha. He has gotten a little better since Lola's first night with us. Hopefully they will continue to get along so that we can have hope for getting Cash a playmate in the future.

Raspberry Cake...mmmm

I know I have been a little out of touch with the blog world lately and I greatly apologize! I have no valid excuses other than my own pure laziness. I appear to have chosen a delightful day to make my appearance as it is National Raspberry Cake Day. I, personally have never had raspberry cake but I am sure it is delightful and I might just make a point to try it soon and get back to you.

On the Rupard front, we have been doing very well. I have been working out and trying to manage the spoiled little daschund. He keeps me on my toes some days and just plain makes me laugh all the other days. Cash has been in my life for about a year and a half now and I am still so glad that I chose to be his mommy.

Jonathan has been studying for a promotion board he has coming at the end of the month. He is hoping to be deemed promotable so that he can make his Sgt soon and be a NCO, non commissioned officer. I may be biased but my baby deserves it!! I know he would make a wonderful NCO.

We have kept busy with BBQs and having friends over whenever we can. A few days ago we bid goodbye to one of Jonathan's NCOs. His wife and he will be moving on to a different location. This particular outgoing NCO decided he wanted to have a water fight at his outgoing BBQ, because you know all men in the military are really just little kids. Needless to say, the kids (old and young) really enjoyed this BBQ. Here are some pictures from that fun day.

Landon says, "Freeze or I'll shoot!"

Frisbee time!

Yummy food!!

Surprise attack on Sgt Bebe

Time for smores!

While I have been away from blog world we celebrated the 4th of July in Heidelberg so I will include some pictures from there before I leave for the day.

Human fusbol!! The coolest inflatable ever!

Lots of great music!

Relaxing at our picnic spot in the shade.

Andrew and Isaiah waiting to hop in a bumper car.