Normalcy

This week Josh worked a day-shift schedule so that he could go to some training. It was soooo nice having having him home when I got off work each day! I got a glimpse of what our life would be like if he had a normal 9-5 job. It was so great! We ate dinner together each night and watched some movies. He goes back to his regular schedule tonight and I am NOT looking forward to it. I got used to going to bed with him each night and waking up with him beside me in the mornings.

This week is the last week of his summer semester and then he only has 2 more semesters left before he graduates! I can't wait for that day to come. Maybe then he'll have an opportunity to work better hours. And maybe then we can think about starting a family of our own!

Shred!

I had a major wake-up call last week when it came time to put on my bridesmaid dress for Jennifer and Patrick's wedding. My dress barely fit and I even had to get it altered a little so that it would fit comfortably! So, I've decided I need to TAKE ACTION! I've heard a lot about the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and read some really good reviews on it so I decided to give it a shot. I am REALLY going to give it my all this time! I am at my heaviest weight since Josh and I met and it does not feel good at all! If you've ever read my blog, you know that I love food and I love to cook. I'm hoping that I won't have to give my love for food up completely but I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I went to the grocery store yesterday and tried to get some healthy alternatives and I think between that and some consistent exercise, I should be able to see some results.

I did my first Shred workout last night and whoa, that Jillian Michaels doesn't mess around! It is only a 20 minute workout but it is INTENSE!

So...here's to Jillian Michaels and to me trying my best not to hate the woman! Ha ha, please pray for me!

Independence

This Independence Day weekend, the Vietnam Memorial Wall was in Norman. Josh and I stopped by on our way to dinner Friday night. It was very emotional.....I don't really have a lot of words to describe it so I thought I'd just share some pictures.

Just two years ago Josh was in Iraq. I was reminded on Friday just how lucky I am to have him home safe with me.



Please continue prayers for soldiers over seas, for families who are separated, for generations of families who have loved ones lost to war, and most of all for our COUNTRY.

Shower Time!

I had the pleasure of helping host a shower for my brother-in-law (Patrick) and future sister-in-law/best friend (Jennifer) recently! I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE showers!

I think the food table turned out great!



One of the hostess has recently gone into the cake making business. She did such a great job on the cake.....I mean, how cute is this cake?!



Bride with her hostess.

She got so many great gifts!


Jennifer and I are both lucky to be part of the Phillips family.
They are awesome!


Jennifer and Patrick make such a great couple!
I can't wait to see what God has in store for these two!

Josh's mom (Patti), sister (Lindsey) and niece (Allison) came into town for the shower. It was so great to be able to spend some time with them. We had a cookout at our house and Josh's grandpa (Jim) and his wife Helen joined us! We had such a great time eating some yummy food, visiting and playing with Allison.

Patti Ann


Grandpa Jim

My handsome hubby

Card playin'!

And...we even snuck in some shopping with Allison!
I really hope I have a daughter one day to shop with....so MUCH FUN!

3 Years!

Yesterday marked 3 years since Josh and I got married. I really can't believe it's been that long. Most days I feel like we are still newlyweds. But, we have definitely learned a lot about each other over the past 3 years. People change and I just pray that we continue to grow together and support one another. So far, we have done just that!



Josh,

You are my everything. You are the one to pick me up when I am down, the one to calm me down when I am too excited, the one to hold my hand when I am scared, the one to make me laugh when I am sad. You are there for me in good times, and bad. You are one of the few constant things I can count on in this crazy world we live in and it makes me SO HAPPY to know that I will be able to count on you FOREVER. You are such a genuine person, it shows in everything that you do. Words can't express how much I admire you and how proud I am of you. You have been everything I need in a husband and a friend, but you don't stop there. You always strive for more. I can honestly say that being your wife has made me a better person. You have changed my life in a way that I can not even explain. Thank you for being you and loving me the way only you know how!

Love Always,
Chelsea


On another note.....yesterday also marked the end of an era. We said goodbye to 'ole red. Josh and I have been through a lot with this truck. It was really kind of sad to let it go. It is kind of funny to think about getting attached to a truck, but we had so many great memories in this truck that it is understandable I guess. We did replace it with a beautiful new shiny white truck though, and I look forward to making many new memories in it!

Mmmm Mmmmm Good

I made pork loin for the first time the other night. I don't know why, but I was so nervous about it. We don't eat a lot of pork at our house, so I guess I'm just not familiar enough with it. Anyways, it turned out really great! I paired it with a Panzanella Salad and steamed corn on the cob and Tres Leches cake for desert. I think this is a perfect summer-time meal! Please enjoy, I know I did!

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Panzanella

Tres Leches Cake

Panzanella (bread salad)

I'm not much of a vegetable eater during the winter months. But, when summer comes around, I can't wait to get my hands on some fresh veggies! I like it when food is pretty, and there is nothing prettier than the vibrant colors of summer vegetables!

What You'll Need

3 cups cubed bread (I used sourdough)
2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp minced garlic
salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 medium yellow pepper, cubed
1 large cucumber, cubed
chopped parsley

What You'll Do

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer and bake 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, put tomatoes, onion, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Add peppers, cucumbers and parsley to tomatoes. Let stand at least 15 minutes for flavors to blend. Just before serving, add bread cubes and toss thoroughly.