Congratulations!!!

A lot has happened since my last post. My little sister got married on Feb. 20th, my best friend got engaged, more friends of ours found out they are going to be parents for the first time, and Ben turned 22!! Where to start... lol

Robin, my little sister, married Josh Elliott on Feb 20th. It was a very beautiful wedding and Ben and I couldn't be happier for them. The day started off great. Ben and I met up with my step mom and my aunt and uncle for breakfast that morning before my hair appointment. Hardees have some of the best hash-rounds. hehe. 10am was my hair appointment and I went in there having no idea what I wanted to do. I told Lesha that I wanted it simple, half up and elegant and she took it from there! She did a wonderful job! Next we got in the car and drove to the other side of Jefferson City to go and have my make-up done by the best make-up artist I know... Barb Perkins! Ben hung out in the "man cave" with Barb's husband (our friend Philip's dad) while Barb worked her magic! If you ever need anyone to do your makeup, I HIGHLY recommend Barb! Finally, after I was all prettied up, we headed to the church to get ready. My sister was already there chillin and after a half an hour we were all dressed and ready to go. We took the pictures first that didn't require Josh and Robin to be together and then the ceremony was about ready to go. Everything was going good at first until I found out how the seating arrangement was supposed to be in the front row. I'm not going to get into all the details and what not but when I discussed this with my mother and how I wanted Ben to sit between my dad and Cheryl (his ex-wife, my step mom) she jumped my case about it and wouldn't quit. You know they say that you are supposed to treat people the way you want to be treated, well, my mother should really listen to that. So I walked out of the church and thank goodness some of my family was out there to give me a beer! Thanks uncle Glen! :) All in all the ceremony went well and turned out very beautiful! As did the rest of the day, except for a few minor things that didn't go according to planned, but hey, that's life! I must say though that, that night (after Robin left) was a life changing night for me! I feel like a giant brick has been lifted off my shoulders and I couldn't be happier!

{The wedding party}

{Sisters}

Sunday morning Ben and I got up early, went to Mel's (the best restaurant btw) with my dad and his girlfriend and then headed on our long journey home! While we were driving I found out that one of my best friends got engaged over the weekend!!! Of course I had to find out over freaking facebook, and believe me she got an earful for that (hahah jk Kristi). I had known that her (Kristi) and Lance had been talking about marriage for awhile now but I had thought that Lance was going to wait for a little while until he proposed. He fooled me and her I think! lol haha! So of course the wedding planning has begun, and on Thursday, Feb 25 she officially asked Ashely, Michelle and I to be her bridesmaids!!! I'm not going to speak for them but I couldn't be more honored! I believe she is looking at a fall wedding so that Ben can be in the wedding (an usher) and actually be there (hopefully he isn't training). Lance, I do want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Kristi so happy and for being such a great 'step-dad' to Brett! Both of them are so lucky to have you, as you are lucky to have them! I believe that you guys will make a great couple and and ever greater family! Congrats to the three of you!!

I now have an 'old timer' on my hands. lol Ben turned 22 on Thursday the 25th! It was such a blessing to have him state side and home this year for his birthday! Of course he had to fly that day so he didn't get home until I was already in bed so we celebrated Friday! We had some friends over for some goo lash and cookie cake! Happy Birthday babe!

{We are going to make cute kids some day! lol}

Today, the 27th we found out that our friends, Joline and Philip Perkins are going to be parents for the first time! We couldn't be happier for them!

Wheww... that was a lot! jk. Ben and I are good. I am about to finish up with my second class and Ben has finished his first class! It's hard to believe that we are both in school! And let me tell ya, it can be really stressful at times! If only people could be as smart as me! HAHAH JUST KIDDING! The class that I am about to finish up is Technique Math. I know I know, you are probably getting sick to your stomach as you read over the word math but for me, it comes easy. Call me a nerd but I actually like it! I have even proven the teacher wrong a couple of times. lol Ben is about to start his College Math class. I'm excited for him because I know that he will need my help and I love math so I'm going to love helping him!

Some more interesting news is that my sister and new brother-in-law are being transferred to Fort Campbell so you all know what that means... we are getting new neighbors! lol Well not technically but I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more of them now that they are going to be living down here. To say the least, it should be interesting, fun but interesting. I'm actually excited to see what all of this will bring!

Other than all of that, nothing else is going on with us. Just living our daily lives and falling more and more in love with each other every day! I truly am blessed to have him in my life and thank God everyday for leading us to one another.

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." Ralph Waldo Emerson

{Ben and I with our new bro-in-law}

{My all time favorite pic of Ben and Brayden. Too cute}

{Aren't they adorable? I just love these two to peices!!!}

Life's A Dance...

I finished up my first class of my nine month program today with a 93.8!!!! As much as I am excited that I got this grade and it being my first class I was really shooting for a 94.5 or better so that I could have gotten an Academic Excellence pin. Oh well. There are six more opportunities to get that pin and I know I can do it!
It is amazing how much I have learned, and retained in just a four week period. When I started the class on Jan 11 I had no idea what the bones were in the lower extremity or all the things on them, ex: trochanters, condyles, tibial spin, tibial tuberosity, etc. And to top that off I have also learned how to position those bones and all the medical terminology to go with it! The next class, that starts on Monday, is Technique Math! I'm excited about it. I love math! It comes easily to me.

While we are on the subject of school, Ben has started his schooling as well. His first day was this past Monday. He is attending Everglades University Online to receive his Bachelors in Aviation Technology with the hopes of being an air traffic controller once he is finished. It is one class a month for the next three years and they will work with him while he is deployed. Right now he is taking Aviation History and loves it! Last night while he was reading his book he would look up at me and say "Did you know..?" This happened about four or five times. It was so cute and I'm so happy that he is enjoying this class. I have learned alot about aviation already too! lol

Other than school, nothing too exciting is going on. My sister is getting married in a couple of weeks so that will be fun! She may even be moving down here so you can only imagine all the fun we are going to have. lol haha. jk Robin. Love ya. lol We have also heard rumors that Ben will be deploying again around Feb of next year. We knew this was going to happen but it sucks that they have already started talking about it and they haven't even been home three months. Even though I've already started the pre-deployment crying (I know, I'm a big baby) I am going to enjoy the time I have with Ben this year and not take one single moment for granted cuz I know Feb 2011 will be here before I know it.

Well I hope everyone has had an amazing year so far and that it only keeps getting better for you.

"Life's a dance, you learn as you go." John Michael Montgomery

Too much thinking...

Good things never come when I start thinking too much into things. That could be what is happening here or, I could be looking at the situation the way that it should be looked at. There are certain friends of mine that I love as if they were blood related. Don't get me wrong, I love all my friends as if they were family but these friends, idk... there is just something, or I thought there was something that made us even closer than friends, more like sisters. However, here recently I have been getting the feeling that that 'closeness' is fading away and soon there won't be any. This upsets me but I know that if that is what they want and will make things easier for them then that is what must be done. There are things that have happened in the past few years that have put a strain on our friendship. At first I thought I could handle it but I don't think I can anymore. I don't like putting my friends in the middle of things and then me getting hurt as well. As with every story there is more to this but I don't want to plaster it all over the Internet. Like I said, I could be looking way too much into this but then again.. I may not be. Only time will tell I guess.

Dominican Republic

Only one word describes this vacation.... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! We both had so much fun and we learned a lot more about one another as well. It's weird, but good, but ever since we got home it seems like our marriage is even better now than it was before we left. I'm not sure why I am surprised or making a big deal about it cuz it's not like our marriage was bad but I think it's the way we look at each other now seeing that we were down in this foreign country with nothing to do but keep each other company. No phones, No relatives or friends, and only a small amount of tv at night.

So Saturday the 2nd we drove up to St. Louis to meet my stepmom so she could take Rascal and watch him for us while we were away. After meeting up with her we headed over to my aunt Margie's house to hang out with them for awhile. We always have a lot of fun when we go over there, just wish we could do it more often. We ended up going out to dinner at the best restaurant ever, Tony's, and then went back to their house to do Christmas with my grandpa and Mary. Around eight we headed back to our hotel since we had to get up at five to head to the airport for our seven am flight.

After four hours later we were finally landing in the warm and sunny Dominican Republic! We headed into their airport, which has no windows!, to go through customs and then were on our way to the hotel. Our resort was about an hour away and with our driver's crazy driving and all the pot holes in the road, I'm surprised I made it off of there alive. I was so nauseous. Ben said I had absolutely no color to my face. lol Thank goodness though that once we reached our destination they handed us cold towels so I could put them around my neck to keep me from getting sick. lol For the remainder of the afternoon we walked around the resort and down along the beach.

Monday morning we got up once again headed for the beach. We only had a few hours there until we had to be up at the lobby to catch our bus to go on our first excursion, Snorkeling! We drove for about an hour before we reach a place in the southern Dominican where we were in the Caribbean Sea, since where we were was the Atlantic still. After everyone had their pictures taken we all loaded onto the boat and set sail until we got to a place where there were alot of coral reefs for us to snorkel around. I must say... that was the most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in my life. I didn't want to get out of the water! It was truly amazing! While snorkeling we saw fish, of course, sharks, (the vegetarian ones) and stingray (we also got to hold one). After snorkeling was over we headed over to a natural swimming pool where we all jumped in and had a few drinks from the floating bar. Around Five pm or so, after we had a chance to purchase the dvd from the trip and our stingray picture we headed back to the hotel to grab a bite to eat, watch the Magic Show and head off to bed.

Tuesday we did nothing but spend all day relaxing at our resort. We walked the beach for about an hour, swam, ate lunch then went out kayaking! Besides snorkeling, that is my new favorite thing to do! The first big wave I made it over but Ben didn't. lol The second big wave we had I wasn't turned around all the way, and this wave just picks me up on the top of it to where I'm surfing on it in my kayak for about an eighth of a mile! I really thought I was done for. I was so happy that I didn't get pulled under though! I looked back at Ben and was like " that was awesome", he was a little jealous! lol hehe. Once we were coming in though one of the resort photographers was waiting for us to take our picture, so of course we let him! lol hehe

Wednesday morning we got up and headed back to the lobby to go on yet another excursion we planned. This one was an all day thing where we went to Saona Island. We took an hour long bus ride to where the Catamaran (sp?) picked us up and took us for an hour and a half long boat ride before we finally reached the island where they had lunch, and drinks of course, waiting for us! The Caribbean Sea, where we were, was absolutely amazing! Saona Island was beautiful as well. I loved the white sand and the crystal blue water! And not to mention the hammocks!

Once we left the island we all loaded into speed boats to head over to yet another natural swimming pool. This pool was the best. At times the water was up to your knees, and there were points where it was just chest high. While in this 'pool' we also found two starfish! Those things are really neat, and big! They can only be out of the water for no more than two seconds before they start to die. I really wanted to take one home with me but I didn't want to kill the little fella so I put him back where he belonged.

Once we made it back to the hotel we put on our best outfits and went out to dinner for the last time :( After dinner we watched the 'All Stars' show for a little bit after losing $30 in the casino. lol

Thursday morning came, a little too fast if you ask us, and we had to pack our bags and leave, but not before one more walk on the beach. It was such a beautiful morning. Well before the rain moved in. lol Our plane took off at 2pm that afternoon and we finally landed in St Louis about 5:30 central time to gusting winds and about four inches of snow. lol Once we made it back to our car I called Tony's to place a carry out order, hehe, and then we were on our way to Jeff City to spend the rest of the weekend.

While in Jeff we went out to lunch with my sister, stepmom, and aunt. Had dinner over at Ben's grandparents house, went to El Jim's for Katy's bday party, went bowling with some awesome and hilarious friends of ours and then had breakfast Sunday morning with my 'lil pimp' at Mel's. In case you are wondering, my 'lil pimp's' name is Brett! He loves me (more than his momma sometimes) and someday I'm gonna adopt him. lol hehe

We are finally home now and couldn't be happier! I missed home... ALOT! lol

I started my first day of my nine month x-ray tech program today. It went really well and I think I'm really going to enjoy doing this. The only downfall... getting up at 5am every morning and driving an hour to Nashville for class. lol Oh well... I will manage. lol just gotta go to bed earlier. lol hehe.

Well we hope everyone had a great New Years and that the start to 2010 is bringing you lots of happiness. As for some friends of ours, please know we love you and are praying for your soldier's safe return home! God Bless all of our soldiers!

Christmas 2009

I must say... this was one awesome Christmas!!!! I do miss Christmas last year when I went to Disney World but I am so very happy that Ben is home this year!!! I never realized just how much I loved him until he was overseas and I couldn't see him for awhile. That was def the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thank you to everyone who was there for Ben and I during this difficult time. You guys are truly amazing and we love each and every one of you!!

Our first Christmas together as husband and wife!

Alright... on to Christmas details. Ben found out he had to work on Monday after Christmas so we decided that we would drive home on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. So we packed our bags the night before and loaded the car. Christmas Eve morning Ben and I had breakfast and opened our gifts from one another. I got new boots and the GPS I have been wanting! He got three movies and then got sent on a scavenger hunt for his big gift... the grill! He really really loved it!! Now he can cook me some food every once in awhile instead of me always cooking. lol hehe just kidding. I like cooking so I don't mind.

Berkley and the Pink Panthers

We finally reached Jeff City around 5pm xmas eve night so we headed over to Ben's uncles house to have xmas with them! We had a lot of fun over there, we always do! lol We played with the little ones, played some poker and then talked the rest of the night. We finally got to my stepmoms at midnight. lol. Christmas morning we got up, went to Jack's house to have xmas with him and Cheryl, which btw, she made an awesome breakfast!!! Then we headed over to my mom's house to have xmas with her and my sister and finally we headed up to Columbia to have xmas with the McHugh's, or the one's that were there anyways. We had sooo much fun up there! The most fun I have had with them in.... well... four years! lol We played poker, laughed at poppy and his dealing of five card stud, and just BSed the whole night! We decided that if we are in town we are def going up there every year!

Ben and his cousin Cole

Saturday we headed over to Ben's grandparents house to spend a little one on one time with them. It really amazes us how different they are when it is just us compared to when everyone is there. They make fun of each other, pick on one another, and really are a lot of fun to be around. After spending about an hour or so with them we headed over to my aunt's house for the Eiken's Christmas. There was lots of good food there and plenty of yummy drinks, I believe I had seven! lol The four great grand kids were there and were a lot of fun to play with. Berkley cracks me up the most. She saw plenty of ghosts that we had to go hide from and loved playing with the pink panthers that were bigger than her. She is such a hoot! lol My sister and her fiance showed up a little later and we all played Like Minds. That was a fun game. And Josh, her fiance, finally opened up and was more sociable than I have ever seen him! Ben and I really like him so they now have our blessing, like they needed it anyways. lol hahahaha jk Robin. lol

Silly Faces!

Sunday we slept in and then headed to Ben's dad's house to go and pick up his 66 El Camino that his dad rebuilt for him while he was gone. He LOVED it! Wally made a custom design that he put on the dash and had a license plate made with the design as well! I must say, I like that car now. After we left there we headed over to Chrissy's for xmas with Sophie and Brayden. Watching Sophie get mad at Brayden for taking her toys was priceless, and then watching Brayden not share his toy from us with Sophie made it even better. Those two... you would think they were brother and sister. lol

The design on the dash of the El Camino (also on the license plate)

Finally at around 3pm we were on the road headed back for home. The whole way we had to go 60 since that was the sweet spot for the El Camino. A 6 hour trip soon turned into an 8 hour trip. Thank goodness we only had to do that once. lol

Now that we are back home we decided to get us something good with our xmas money so we headed out to the PX and got us a PS3, two more controllers for the Wii and a game for the PS3! We really love it! And they even have Bad Company for the PS3!!! I was super excited about that one since I loved that game when we used to play it on our xbox. Ben's favorite game on the PS is Call of Duty the new one and on the Wii our favorite game is Super Mario Bros!!! If you ever get a chance to play that we suggest doing it! It's alot of fun and just like the older game only better and up to four people can play at a time! :) Thanks Dad for that awesome gift!!

Well... we leave for our honeymoon in 5 days!!!! Can't wait!!!! We've waited a year and a half for this! :) I promise to take lots and lots of pics and post them for everyone to see!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a great New Year!!!

Love,

The McHughs

The Holidays

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here! It's crazy! I love this time of year though! I love all the family time and good food! lol It's all about the food. lol well not really but its a big part! :) This is mine and Ben's first xmas together as a married couple in the same country! We have the tree up and the Christmas lights on the house!

This time of year also always reminds me of the past holidays and the great times had by all. I was going through all my old sent emails tonight, had to look for an email address and started reading, and ran across some between me and an old friend. Made me realize that when we were friends we had alot of fun times together. There are days that I miss her as a friend but other days it doesn't bother me. Everything happens for a reason and we, I guess, were not meant to be life long friends. I just wish things didn't end as bad as they did. So if you are reading this, for what it is worth, I'm sorry for how things ended between us. I wish you a life full of happiness and joy.

Anyways, I feel better now that I got that off of my chest. I believe that as one of my new year resolutions I'm going to try not to judge people as much and forgive more easily. Also, Ben and I are going to start going to church next year. There is a First Assembly of God right by our house that we have been talking about joining. He grew up in a church as a child and really liked it. I, however, didn't get to. I went to church at St. Martins with my grandparents and aunt when I was younger but not on a regular basis. Also, when Ben and I have kids, we want them to grow up in a church as well.

Well, I better end this and head off to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow! We are having our friends twin 5 year olds over to spend the night while their parents have a much needed night out to themselves. We are going to make a pizza from scratch, eat the ginger bread house, play the wii, and play with the dogs! They are bringing their nine week beagle mix puppy over for Rascal to have someone to play with! I'm sure we will also make some home made popcorn and watch some Christmas movies, that is if we can get them off the Wii! lol They love that thing! lol We are sooo excited though!!! We have been asking to watch them for awhile now! :)

Alright... off to bed I go! We hope everyone has a wonderful time with friends and family this Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!!

Love,

The McHugh's!!

School Starts Next Month!!

Well... I did it. I enrolled for school today! My first class in Jan 11th and I should graduate Sept 24th... yes... just nine months after I start. It is a fast paced program and going to be a lot of hard work but I think, with the help of my wonderful husband, I can do it! I just have to be determined and really focused. I'm not going to lie, I am scared, but I'm ready. I want to have a career that I love doing. I don't want to be one of those people that hates getting up every morning to go to work. So now... while I'm in school... I'm going to try to get a PT job to help pay for the gas to and from Nashville. I just hope I can find a bank job or better yet, a job in a hospital or doctor's office. We shall see. God knows what is best for me, I just have to believe in him and trust him that he will lead me down the right path.

Our First Thanksgiving 2009

This year was our first Thanksgiving in our new house! It was a success!!! Amanda and her two kids came over as well as Ben's dad. I made the turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn. Amanda made fruit salad, the gravy, stuffing, rolls, and a sweet potato thing. It was all very yummy! I was very happy that the turkey turned out. It was the first time I have ever made one... and celebrated a holiday away from family!

While Amanda and I slaved away in the kitchen, Ben and Wally entertained Austin and Lilie with the Wii. They were skiing, hola hooping, bowling, playing baseball, boxing, playing tennis and much much more. They were def worn out by the time that they left.

All in all it was a good Thanksgiving. I think the only thing that could have made it a PERFECT Thanksgiving is Amanda's husband, Rich, being home to celebrate with us. Only a few more weeks and he should be here. We are all still praying for you Rich and can't wait for you to get home to your kiddos and wife!!!!



This morning, Black Friday, Ben and I got up at three thirty and headed to Amanda's house on base. Ben stayed and took a nap on the couch until he had to go to work while Amanda and I went shopping. We got everything we wanted plus more! Amanda's car was def loaded down by the time we were done!

Well... I think that is all I have to talk about. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! :)

Going Back To School

I have made the decision to go back to school. I want to be an x-ray tech and eventually get into ultrasound. The problem I am having, however, is what school I want to go to. There is this school in Nashville, The High Tech Institute, that offers a diploma in X-ray tech along with some training as a medical assistant and the program is a little over a year. The problem with that school is that it is a diploma, not a degree. The difference in those two is with a degree you have to take your history, English, etc whereas a diploma you only take the course that are necessary for the degree, which is what I believe in but if I'm going to go to school then I want at least a degree. Another perk to this school is that I can start in January, which is what I want to do.
West KY Tech College is another college I have been looking at along with Bowling Green Tech College in KY. Both of these schools are an hour drive away (about the same as Nashville) and according to their website take new students for their radiology programs in the Fall. I don't want to wait that long to start school. Plus, since they are in KY and I live in TN the cost for tuition is much much higher. Also, these schools offer degree's but in order to get your associates in Radiology you have to go for five semesters, one of those being a summer semester. IDK... I'm just lost and I don't have much more time to figure it all out.

I had to go to the hospital yesterday to get an ultrasound done on my throat for a possible enlarged thyroid. I was talking to the lady that was doing the ultrasound and she told me that she lives here in Clarksville but drove up to Paducah, KY to go to the West KY Tech College to go to school. She had just graduated in August. She really enjoyed the school. She said that she looked into High Tech in Nashville but didn't choose them (obviously). The way she talked about them she wasn't to pleased with them. She did say, and so does the website, that with these two tech colleges in KY you take courses and then you have to do clinicals. I think those would be fun... but at the same time the one big thing holding me back on these two schools is starting in the fall.

Alright... I'm done blabbering for now. I have asked God for his assistance with helping point me in the right direction of what I need to do. I know he will come through for me... I just have to really listen to what he is telling me. I have also called both schools to get more information on their programs. They should get back to me on Monday so hopefully by the end of next week I can make my decision.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!

Welcome Home

Ben is FINALLY home!!!

His plane landed at 6:20pm last night (Friday, November 20th). What a wonderful feeling. There is no greater feeling in the world than being away from your loved one for so long and then them finally come back home to you. I am grateful for this, this Thanksgiving. I know that being overseas is hard on our soldiers, but at home it's no piece of cake either. I am grateful for all the military wife's, mother's, father's, brother's, sister's, etc. who are at home making things run smoothly, giving their soldier all the support they can while they are fighting for our freedom. Not everyone can be a military wife. I believe it takes a special person to put up with all we have to put up with.

On a happier note... like I said.. BEN IS HOME!!! My wonderful friend, Amanda, went to pick up Ben with me to take pics (even though her hubby doesn't come home for another three weeks). At about 15 min before the plane landed we all went outside. Once the plane touched down the speaker came over the intercom and announced "The Eagles Have Landed!!!" It was too dark, and we were too far away for us to see Ben get off the plane so we waited until the first group got off and was walking up to the hanger, and then we went inside and got our seats for when he came in. The soldiers, dropped off their belongings outside, got into formation, they opened the doors, and in all 278 soldiers returning home marched in. We all went wild!!! The Chaplin talked for about two min and then released them to us. Ben finally found me and I ran up to him! Then made fun of him because I told him we would be on the right hand side at the top and what does he do... looks to the left. lol haha. That's my husband! lol hehe

After 15 min of time with him they had to get into formation again, and then out they walked. They bussed us back to the hanger we parked at and bussed the soldiers back to the hanger where they checked in their weapons. Finally they all walked over to the hanger we were in, got their stuff and we left. We took Amanda back home, saw her kids, and then we headed home to the house Ben had yet to seen.

We get home and as I open the door and turn on the light, Ben picks me up and carries me into our house! What a sweetheart! He was very proud of me. Said that it already felt like home!

Onto another news. I am thinking about going back to school to become an xray tech! I think I will like it and be good at it. It sounds interesting and would be fun to learn. I have talked to a school in Nashville already. They want me to start in Jan. so we shall see. I do want to go back to school to become an xray tech so I will probably start then. The sooner I start.. the sooner I will get to have a career I love.

Well, I believe that is all for now! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!