Happy 15th Anniversary!!

Our story is crazy. Fifteen years ago, I was huge and pregnant and about to pop. I hate that saying- about to pop. It's gross. It's vulgar. Nothing pops. EW. Anyways, back to our story. 

We didn't want to get married just because I was pregnant. Then he came down on orders. We were both in the Army, so the only way we could both be stationed together was if we were married. So that's why we did it. So our family could be together. Ironic? 

So, for our tenth anniversary, I got a baby. Vivian the Great was born. What else is there to say? For you mofos that know her, you know that she truly is great. Her personality is gigantic. She is the most outgoing person I know. She is best friends to every single person she meets. She loves animals, singing, the color pink, candy, her bicycle, her silly bands, her friends. She loves life and is a crazy monkey. My nickname for her is stinkleberry. She giggles every time I call her by that silly name. 

As luck would so have it, Mel had to take a trip to Hawaii for work. He was able to work things out juuuuust right so we could go for our anniversary. I'm happy about this. Don't get me wrong. It's great. But you know what's funny? It's kind of a cheap present. Lemme break it down.

1. Frequent flyer miles = $200 for my ticket. 
2. Army is paying for the hotel.
3. Army is paying for food.
4. Army is paying for rental car.

But, I'm happy. I'm looking forward to it. I'll get 8 days without my kids. I'll be able to sunbathe, knit, read, plan, knit, sunbathe, chill, eat, drink, surf, snorkel, have quiet time.Yeah, it's ok, I guess. Don't be mad Brandi. Don't be jealous. Stop calling me a bitch. It's not MY FAULT, ok?! I can't help it. My husband is better. He's only spending $200 on me. It's not that big of a deal. 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!!!

Do you scream for Ice Cream?

Have you created your own Ice Cream diet?

How are things going?

Have you discovered new flavors?

When I was in Hawaii, I had this pineapple flavored Ice Cream. I have never had it before. It was so yummy!! I can't wait to go back to have more! Harmony, you are in for a treat!!

Have a great Saturday ladies.

The North Shore and South Pacific

Thursday we went to the famous Matsumoto's for shave ice. It was good, but I couldn't finish it because it was way to sweet.
Then Mel decided that after a week practicing his surfing skills on Waikiki beach, it was time to take it to the next level. So, while we were at the North Shore, he rented a surf board and took to the ocean. Hang ten!
Dum Dum Want Gum Gum

We call these the rump shakas. The day finished at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Wow! What an amazing educational experience that was. These dancers were from Tahiti. They had by far the most popular performances out of all the islands. Those girls could move.

Now, we're off to do one last thing before we head back home. We're going snorkeling. Don't be jealous this time-the water's freezing. I am not looking forward to it. I'm only doing it because I don't want Mel to go alone. I'm such a good wife!

(DISCLAIMER: No actual Minnicks caught waves during this vacation.)

AHHHHHHH this is the life

Yeah, this is what I did for a while yesterday and what I'm about to go do today. It's great. I have a couple of books I'm reading too. I could get used to this.
I usually frown upon this sort of behavior, but I can't help it! I can't very well come back home from a trip to Hawaii and not be tanned.

Oh, and I still haven't taken pictures of my, um, butt in those jeans. Stay tuned!!

I got LUCKY!!!

Ok. I know that I am in Hawaii and that's great and all, but I really got Lucky today. I didn't really go anywhere except for to the beach and shopping. Mel had to work today, so while he was at work, I decided to go shopping. I was just wandering in and out of stores, when I got pulled into the Lucky Brand jeans store. I was curious about these jeans they call Lucky. So, I figured what the heck? It wouldn't hurt anyone if I tried on a pair. So I did. And I fell in love. I mean head over heels in love. I have never had such an emotional reaction to an article of clothing before in my life. Until today. I can't explain it. I swear, these jeans were meant just for me. It was like a reunion.

• 
  
  Jeans: Hello butt.
  
  

• 
  
  Butt: Hello Jeans.
  

• 
  
  Jeans: Where have you been? I've been waiting for you?
  

• 
  
  Butt: I've been wandering around looking for you. I am so glad we finally found each other. (Jeans and Butt walk off into the sunset)
  

I know, they aren't cheap. But they are an investment (that's what the salesgirl told me). And since I am such a frugal shopper anyway, I consider it like a reward for all of the money I save by buying clothes on SUPER clearance all the time.

So there you go. That was my highlight for today. Oh! And we went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner. Yummy PRIME beef. I enjoyed it. Mel loved it more. We love good food. I love my new jeans. I am going to wear them like everyday for the next two weeks. They deserve to be happy.

The USS Arizona

Today, we went to Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona memorial. We really enjoyed being able to experience such an important part of U.S. history.

First, we watched a movie about the attack. Then we were shuttled across the harbor to the memorial. The feeing of reverence we felt was amazing as we stepped off the boat and walked into the memorial.

As I looked down and saw the remains of the ship underwater, I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward those men who were there that morning who died while serving our country.



I love my country.

We're Here!!

We got off to an icy start this morning and got to the airport in the nick of time. I think we were one of the last people to board the plane. We got up at about 4am Eastern time, and I am still up at 9pm Hawaii time. That's 22 hours! I am bonkers.

Our hotel is beautiful! I can't believe that the government is paying for us to stay here. Mel said something really cool tonight as we were sitting at the pool eating dinner listening to three Hawaiian dudes sing. He said, "This is one of those times when things turn out better than you thought it would, and it's wonderful." It really is! I can't wait to see this place during the daytime.

We are right in the middle of all the action. In the back of the hotel is the beach, and in front of the hotel we have all the shopping we could possibly want. I think over the weekend we are going to travel around the island and soak up the culture. On Monday when Mel goes to work, I am going to go shopping. I will probably just window shop. Maybe I'll go to the Chanel store and try something on there.

The pillow is calling my name. I can't ignore it anymore. I am going to go for now. I'll be in touch soon!!

The Countdown

Everyone in my house is counting down the days until our Hawaii trip. The kids are all so excited about getting to spend a week with their friends. SLEEPING OVER!!!

Mimi and her 'sister', Isabel are the most excited. If we didn't have a general rule against sleepovers in my family, I know without a doubt that those two would have sleepovers every week. That's why I am so glad that Suzan agreed to let her stay while we are on vacation. But, she didn't only agree to take Mimi, she also is keeping Vivian. Isn't she great??

Trystan is spending the week with his other 'brother', Chase. I know they have already planned to stay up way too late playing video games. I am so thankful that Misty is letting Trystan stay with them. She is a great next door neighbor and friend.

And Patricia gets to go to Kylee's house! They have been friends since they were 2 years old. The cool thing about her going to Kylee's house is that she is missing a week from school to stay with Kylee. Well, I guess she's not really missing school since she's homeschooled. Brie has agreed to boss her around and make her do all her work just like I would. Truth be told, she'll probably do a better job than I normally do. She's so organized.

You know what's the weirdest thing about all of it? Each one of my friends who have taken on this task are doing it without husbands. All of their husbands are going to be out of town the whole time my kids are at their houses. Do I have great friends or what?

Oh yeah, and I'm counting down too. I think I've been mostly packed since Saturday night. I'm just a little excited. YA THINK?

Girlfriends are Great

I love being a girl. I love that I have so many choices when it comes to clothing. I love all the fun things that I get to do, like get manicures and put on makeup. I love that it's perfectly acceptable for me to announce, "I need a hot bubble bath tonight after my kids go to sleep to help me unwind." (In 12 years, I have never heard my husband say that.) I love that I was able to give my kids something that no one else can give - life. What I don't like is what they gave me in return: STRETCH MARKS!!!

Most of you know that I have lost a lot of weight over the past 6 months. You probably also know that I workout 5 days a week. You might also know that I am going to Hawaii next week. Because those three events came together at precisely the right time, I decided that I needed to buy a bikini. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even think about wearing a bikini, but how many times in my life will I go on vacation in Hawaii? And like all women I know, I have some body image issues. So, that's why I decided to bring a second (honest) opinion with me on my hunt for a bikini. Are you wondering what my issues are? Cellulite? No. Tummy rolls? No. It's that gift my 4 kids gave me. STRETCH MARKS. But it's not only stretch marks, it's a saggy, baggy belly button too. (TMI? Maybe. But you chose to read it.) So, we went. I tried. I failed. I guess it's comforting to know that it's not all in my head (though I was hoping I was just crazy). My best girlfriend thinks my saggy, baggy skin is gross too. She didn't tell me that. What she said was,"Maybe a bikini isn't the best choice for you. A really sexy one-piece is definitely the way to go." Isn't she great?

And that's why I think girlfriends are great. I am blessed to have some of the greatest friends in the world. Each one of them is unique and, for lack of a better explanation, serve a unique purpose in my life. I have the girlfriend that I call when I am having a crappy day and need a good laugh and a little perspective. I have the girlfriend I call when I am in a spiritual slump and need someone to gently remind me to pray for help. I have the girlfriend that I go to when I am frustrated about something and need someone to listen to me rant (cuss). But last night, I needed the girlfriend that I know would give me her honest to goodness opinion. She did and I am thankful I won't be sitting on the beach in Hawaii thinking I look good in my bikini and really looking EEEEEW.

You girls know who you are. I love you.