Terrarium

Yes, it really is that cute. And I'm so excited about it.

Water Aerobics

Okay, so maybe not quite like that. But that is what I think of when I think of water aerobics. I started water aerobics three times a week with a friend almost a month ago. It is a really inexpensive fitness program offered at Ft. Sam Houston for military families. I was excited to try something new, meet some new people, and work out in an exciting way. And, boy, has it been a work out! Though my friend and I are the only two under the age of sixty, we find it hard to keep up with our little lady friends as you control the intensity of the workout with your speed (you have to work 12 times harder in water than on land...true story). Exhausting and exhilarating!

Involved

Ronnie and I have had so much fun the last couple weeks getting involved in numerous activities here in San Antonio.

We have started helping out with the youth of a church that has impacted our lives in many ways. We have also started going to a 20's and 30's group for our home church First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. Both are keeping us busy with bible studies and get-togethers and also providing us with a wealth of new friends. We feel so blessed to be involved in two wonderful churches.

In our "free time" we also have had fun getting to know some of the other soldiers and families at BAMC. We love having people over for dinner, movies, and games. Ronnie has taken a bunch of the guys shooting and hunting with some of our close friends. I try to stay clear of those outings and instead focus on girl time with my friends, usually during water aerobics class. I also love to bake goodies for friends that are in the hospital or need a "just because" treat. :)

It sure is shaping up to be a fun and event filled life here in the city!

Couponing!

I started couponing a couple months ago. I don't do it a lot or even spend a lot of time on it, but if I see a coupon for something I usually buy, I clip it. I recently started printing coupons from sites too in an effort to save a few. On average, I save about $20 a week on groceries. After my couponing class at the spouse conference, I up-ed my game a little. I started sorting and filing my coupons and got a few more clipped out. I put it all to the test last night at H-E-B, our Texas grocery.

I am happy to report that I saved $68.92 and almost $48 of it was from coupons I had clipped! The rest was from H-E-B's in store coupons and sales (also, they couldnt get three of my coupons to scan. boo.). That is a new record for me!

It's Not Easy Being Green

I decided to be big and bold and go by myself to a military spouse conference this week. It took place at a chapel on Fort Sam and lasted all day Thursday and Friday. Though I went into the conference worried about not knowing anyone, my fears were soon put to ease when I noticed that all the women where in the same boat. The conference was a lot of fun! There were several staff members from the WFSC there helping people to bond. Ms. Judith was the best. She is a sassy, sarcastic little woman who runs the WFSC. Her witty humor kept everyone on their toes.

After a large breakfast spread on Thursday morning, we listen to keynote speaker Cathy Haffner, author of "Better Because of You." She encouraged us all to dream big and think positive. Loved it.

Next, we split into our classes. I took Green Cleaning, Self-defense, and Salsa Dancing! Talk about out of my comfort zone! I enjoyed all the classes. I was excited to go home and try some of my home made cleaning supplies and to show Ronnie my new moves. ;)

Friday was another speaker, Leslie Mouton, a news anchor for San Antonio's ABC News. She shared her awe inspiring story of her battle with breast cancer that she bravely allowed to be a public part of her anchoring career. She was amazing.

My Friday classes included Couponing and Zumba. What fun! The couponing class inspired me to take my couponing up a notch (not not to extreme/hoarding mode) which will be my next blog. And Zumba... what an amazing workout!

Most of all, I loved the conference because I was able to meet so many other women who, like me, are military "dependents." But like Ms. Judith said, we may be "dependents" but military spouses are strong and don't depend on anyone!

I am so glad I broke out of my comfort zone and went to the 2011 "It's Not Easy Being Green" conference. I learned SO much.

I love baking, especially when I can take the treats up to the patients and staff at the Burn Gym. :)

Visitors!

Ronnie's Nana and Grandpa Willson came for a long weekend visit a couple weeks ago. We had a great time showing them around out San Antonio home including our apartment, BAMC, and Fort Sam. We also did lots of new and interesting touristy things like the River Walk and some museums.

Ronnie and Grandpa have always bonded over a love of flying. Now that Ronnie is pursuing a pilot's license, we decided to take Nana and Grandpa to Stinson Air Field, the oldest air field in the united states. They had so much fun looking at all the models and real working planes.

We also went to the San Antonio Transportation Museum. The old cars and model trains were really neat. We especially loved riding the old train and a 1920's firetruck!

We were so glad Nana and Grandpa could come for a visit. We loved showing them our world and spending time with them. We had so many laughs and memories that I know we will cherish forever.

Blueberry Pie Bars

I have had so much fun looking up new recipes the past few weeks. This is my newest one, Blueberry Pie Bars. It turned out SO good and with four cups of fresh blueberries, I felt a little like I was cooking from scratch. hahaha. If you want the recipe, check out this pillsbury link.