Pictures from Ft. Leonard Wood

Having officially settled in, I thought it was time to go take some pictures of the many military vehicles on display on post. I should have taken notes about what these vehicles do and how they have been used in the past. I think it's pretty obvious, put I've enjoyed taking pictures of the military vehicles because of the interesting geometric lines and depth of field. It's crazy to me how big the vehicles are and how clean they look on display - I think it would be interesting and provoking to see these vehicles in action.

The Bike

After getting settled into our new place in Missouri, we went riding one day - exploring the cities within a 30 mile radius of our little town. Somewhere along the way, we made a pit stop at the Harley dealership in Lebanon to schedule a maintenance appointment for his bike. I rummaged through the sales rack of Harley clothes and as I looked up, I noticed Michael standing by what I would soon learn was a close version of his dream bike.

Long story short, we ended up trading in his previous bike for this beauty at a later date. He has done some minor customization - new pipes for these pictures. And I must admit, this bike is a joy to ride. I always enjoyed riding with him on his Night Train but this Road King is so incredibly smooth (and comfortable). We're both getting spoiled...

My New Tattoo

10 hours later (8 of which with the needles in my arm)... I have a beautiful new tattoo. I am fully aware that not all people understand my love and desire for the art on my skin but I do believe that everyone can understand the need or desire to commemorate significant events or stages of one's life. For me, all of my tattoo's remind me of certain times in my life and strong feelings or decisions I made during those times. They not only are beautiful to me but are also reminders of where I came from and where I am trying to go...

This one is significant to me for several reasons. I wanted a piece of art with feminine qualities and floral elements without being a cooking-cutter tattoo that others could have. I also wanted something with elements of strength and depth. In the end, the tattoo was to be unique and specially drawn for me.

The tattoo studio here in Waynesville was absolutely amazing. The gentleman (and owner) who drew and tattooed the piece was great - and I feel that he delivered on everything that we talked about. Isn't it beautiful?

My Sweet, Sweet Kitty

I called and set an appointment for Simon the other day for his yearly shots... and when I told the nurse that Simon is about 8 1/2 years old, she said "ahhh... he's almost a senior". I've noticed some grey hairs recently and the hair in his ears is turning white. I know he still has a few more years left on him but I still loved on him a little extra that night (and the following evenings).

Like most pets, he loves sleeping in the sun. It makes me giggle how he will "poof" up his hair on his body to let the absolute most amount of sun hit his skin - he loves it! This is a morning ritual for Simon and I. He wakes me up by purring in my ear and kneading my shoulder - I get up and walk out into the kitchen and pull back the blinds - he stretches and collapses on to the floor to spend the next few hours. Such a cutie...

And here he is in all of his glory :)

Michael's Turn

I thought I would post some pictures Michael took at a rock crawling event a little while back. I did not attend this event (I think I decided to relax and read a book instead) but I enjoyed some of the pictures he took. For some, this might seem a little back-woods but for others, it really is a good time. I'll probably try to make it out next time - I've always enjoyed my time on ATVs so we'll see if I enjoy this outdoors-y sort of thing also. Either way, he got some good shots. Enjoy!

Yum Yum!

Jambalaya... yum yum


We recently had a party - a jambalaya party. We invited all of Michael's co-workers and their families to enjoy a fun evening of meeting new friends, playing games outside, and eating yummy jambalaya... in our brand new cast iron pot (which, by the way, is big enough to cook enough food for 100 people). Leave it to me to decide to cook something I've never done before for a party of people I don't really know. Why don't I choose the easy way out and make something I know will deliver? I guess that's just not who I am :)

In the end, dinner was super yummy. I was quite nervous about the whole put-the-rice-in-then-cover-and-don't-touch-it-for-30-minutes thing. It just seemed a little ridiculous to me but it all worked! Everyone enjoyed it and I think this is one of the few times I'll catch Michael stirring dinner :)
(just kidding, babe)

Mom's Day

I was so lucky to spend Mom’s Day in St. Louis with my own mother and both grandmothers. We truly had a very special time with each other. All of us girls (on the Hoener side, at least) spent a beautiful afternoon going from nursery to nursery picking flowers and plants to plant in Grandmother Hoener’s (Coppee) and Aunt Hoener’s (Carolyn) gardens. I enjoyed not only taking pictures of some of the gorgeous flowers but also was able to capture of few fun photos of the family. Here are some of both – there is a fabulous picture at the end of 3 generations of the women on my Mom’s side and a cute picture me, my Mom and Dad. I was really lucky this year to have this time with my family. We had a blast!