The Crowe's Come to Clarksville!

This past weekend Steve's parents and brother came to visit me at our home in Clarksville, TN! A couple months ago I was treated to a very nice visit from them both when I went to their home in Frederick, Maryland. It was only proper for me to return the favor. While Steve has been away I jump at the chance to travel and I love when family and friends travel to see me. I love entertaining and it's always nice to have house guests.

I picked them up from the airport in Nashville late Thursday night. Their flight got delayed, so we didn't even make it back to Clarksville till after midnight. Rocky and Bella were very excited to see their grandparents. They love having house guests too. Mike joined us on Friday after work. He lives in Louisville, KY which is only a few hours away. It's been great living that close to each other.

We had a great time! Of course we had to do some tourist stuff. I was actually looking forward to it. I've been to Nashville several times, but never had the time to go to any of the popular landmarks. We went to The Hermitage, former home of President Andrew Jackson and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. While we were at the museum we even got to see Faith Hill. She was there doing a video that will be used for the museum. We could only see her behind the Plexiglas window, but we could tell it was her. People were waiting anxiously for her to come out in hopes of getting a autograph. We didn't wait around for that, but we were able to steal a picture.

Back in May the heart of Nashville was hit pretty hard by some major flooding. Landmarks such as The Grand Old Opry were forced to close temporarily from all the water damaged it received. We drove past The Grand Old Opry, but weren't able to go inside. Unfortunately the attraction is still closed and won't reopen for several more months.

I've mentioned before that our townhouse is located just up the street from a winery called Beachaven Winery. During the summer and into the fall they have what's called Jazz on the Lawn every other weekend. That is where the pictures were taken above. It's pretty cool because people can bring their lawn chairs and picnics and stretch out over the winery and listen to live music. Of course there is plenty of wine tasting and if you like what you taste you can buy a bottle or two. I think our favorites of the night were peach and blackberry wines. The perfect blend for a hot summer night! We were even advised to mix the two together which created a very sweet, almost fruit like punch taste. Very good!

All in all we had a great weekend filled with plenty of good food (thanks guys for grilling), laughter and good company! Thanks for the visit guys! Looking forward to seeing you all in September!

Sisters Getaway

Last Monday Colleen, Shannon and I traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for some rest and relaxation. We've been talking for months how much we wanted to go to the beach, so we finally decided to do it. After all, it's the summer and nothing says summer better than some sand between your toes and a ocean to dive into.

We had three full days on the beach and all three days we had gorgeous weather. I couldn't have asked for anything nicer. It was hot, but there was just enough of a breeze to remind you that you were by the ocean. The water was great too! It felt like bath water because it was so warm.

Highlights of the trip were definitely eating crab legs every night while we were there. While my husband craves nothing more than a big juicy steak, I crave nothing more than some good ol' crab legs. I didn't plan on ordering them that many times, but then I sorta thought if I ordered anything else I would be disappointed.

Another high light was sitting at the tiki bar right on the beach and drinking pina coladas. I know it's kinda cliche, but whenever I'm near a beach I get a huge craving for a pina colada. I don't even like them that much, but it's like once I step foot onto some sand there isn't anything better.

One day while we were in the ocean Shannon found a sand dollar. We thought it was the coolest thing ever until we realized that there were hundreds of them. So, we immediately started loading up. I've bought them before in stores, but how cool would it have been to say that I actually found it! So, as we were walking back to our beach spot, so excited about our new found treasure the life guard came over and informed us that we were not allowed to take sand dollars from the ocean because they were still alive. Apparently it's like a five hundred dollar fine...for a sand dollar? I guess I'll be buying the ones in the store...

We had a great time though. It's been a lot of fun hanging out with Colleen and Shannon this summer. I think we should start making this a yearly tradition, sisters getaway.

Theater-I forgot how much I missed it...

I've never really been much of an athlete or particularly gifted at school, but one thing I've always thought I was pretty good at was acting. Even when I was a little girl I loved being in front of the camera. I loved it when my Dad or Mom broke out the video camera for a family video recording session. I felt like a Star! So, it wasn't much of a shock when I fell in love with acting on stage.

I started my love for acting when I was just a girl, but I didn't start performing in plays until I was in high school. From that point on I couldn't get enough. I did several plays throughout college and took many acting classes. At one point I even contemplated moving to NYC to try and make it. I even had a t-shirt that said, "I'm an actress, can I take your order?" I dreamed of seeing my name in lights. And while none of that ever happened I still sometimes wonder...what if...

After Steve and I got married theater kinda took the back burner. It wasn't that Steve didn't support me, but with the excitement of being newlyweds and starting our life together I just kinda forgot about it. So, when a friend of mine encouraged me to audition for a one-act festival I decided to jump at the chance! To my surprise and excitement I got casted in two one-act plays. Oh I was thrilled, but incredibly nervous at the same time. However, once I got back on that stage it was like riding an old bike. It just felt right, and oh did it feel good. For me when I'm on stage I feel right at home. It's always fit like an old glove or good pair of shoes.

Opening night was last weekend and the plays were a success. I had a blast and I met a lot of cool people too. Although Steve didn't get to see the performances live I did record both shows and they are on there way to Iraq. It would have been nice to see his face in the audience, but he managed to be there in spirit. When I arrived at the theater on opening night there was a huge bouquet of flowers and the most meaningful love letter from Steve waiting in the dressing room. It brought tears to my eyes. Even from thousands and thousands of miles away he is still very much apart of my life. It's a pretty damn good feeling to be that loved!

So, the plays are over and done with, but they have reawaken me to my hobby. While I most likely will never be the next Julia Roberts, I know that I can still make people laugh and maybe even cry with my talent. I don't plan on waiting another couple of years to do another play. I hope to find a local community theater in Clarksville, TN and hopefully during my next performance my biggest fan will be seated in the front row of the audience!

Running

Being married to an Army guy means they're always in great shape, and their bodies always look like a chiseled piece of art. I think my husband works out twice a day while he has been deployed...twice a day?!?! I considered myself a healthy person and in fairly good shape, but that was all before I met my work out psycho husband four years ago. Steve is a very active person and loves doing anything sports related, so I decided while he was deployed I was going to get my butt into gear and get in great shape, or at least somewhat comparable to Steve. I knew it would be a good stress reliever and I'm already starting to love the effects it has on my body. I have more energy and my muscles in my legs and arms are already starting to feel more toned. I can't wait for Steve to see my accomplishments when he gets home. I've started doing a lot of long distance running which I thought I would absolutely hate, but turns out I love it. I love pushing my body and it really does help clear my mind! I'm a worrier by nature, just ask my husband, so when I'm in my groove and running on the treadmill or track it helps wash away all those worries! It's about an hour or so out of my day that I'm not worrying about Steve, my family, Rocky and less trivial things like my hair, what I'm gonna cook for dinner or what laundry detergent I should buy...yes, I said I was a worrier. This past weekend was the Blue Plum Festival. It's a local festival that is held every year where I grew up. One of the events was a 5k race that ran through the heart of downtown Johnson City. I thought what the hell and decided to pay my $20.00 and enter the race. Oh, I had a blast. It was soooooo much fun!!! My Dad and sister, Colleen came out to cheer me on, along with all the other spectators. I've already decided that I'm going to do another one in July that is an 8k. I can't wait!!!

Flowers from Steve

I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers the other day from my wonderful husband, and I just had to share. They were a happy surprise and they sure did brighten my day. You can never go wrong with sending your wife flowers. Thanks, honey!



Since I haven't had many pictures of Bella and Rocky up, here are a few! Bella has gotten so big and Rocky just turned 3 years old last Wednesday. I guess that makes him legal now...in dog years. I'm sure if Steve were he would have made Rocky have a beer with him...even though Rocky is more of a wine and liquor kinda dog, just like his Mom. ;)


Tomatoes for sale!


You can always find a tennis ball within close proximity of Rocky

My Sisters are Graduates!!!

Last weekend I got to see my little sisters walk across the stage and receive their college diplomas. Wow, it sure did make me feel old. I still remember when they were little and copied everything I did. Now, they're college grads and will be entering the work force soon. Where did the time go?

Seeing my sisters accept their diplomas made me feel so proud. Those are MY sisters I wanted to shout. I can't imagine what that must have felt like for my parents, seeing their blonde baby girls cross the stage and accept their diploma. I looked at both of them during those moments and I could feel the pride and joy they felt. It was electrifying. I will never forget that moment.

Colleen and Shannon have worked so hard these past four years. They both graduated Suma-Cum Lata, which is one of the highest awards that graduating students receive. Shannon was also asked to stand during her graduation, as she was one of three graduates that received a GPA of 4.0. Did I mention I was proud?

Shannon will be a teacher soon. I still remember when she was little and used to "play" school. Back then she had an "imaginary" class, but soon she will have a real class of boys and girls ready and eager to learn. From the time she was little, she knew what she wanted to do and soon she will be doing it. For those students, who are lucky enough to have Ms. Barnett as their teacher, you are in for a real treat. I know she is going to touch so many hearts with her warm personality and willingness to be the best teacher she can be.

It takes a special person to be a nurse. One of those special people is my sister, Colleen. Colleen, is such a caring person, and she will make a great nurse! Seeing the love she has for her family, friends, and now her patients is undeniable. She is a hard worker and is dedicated to being a great nurse, and I know she will be. I believe nurses are angels without wings.

My sisters are graduates!!! I can't wait to see where their lives lead them next. I do know that the path they are on will lead to great success. I am so honored to call you both my sisters. Congratulations!

It's Derby Time!!!

Well, last weekend was Derby time in Louisville, KY! My good friend Cara, who has a beautiful condo in Louisville invited me to join in on the festivities! Of course I couldn't say no, as Derby weekend is a wonderful experience that one should have in their lifetime. For those of you who have not been, you are missing out! Make sure you mark this down as one of those things you do before you die. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. And while you're there, make sure you have a Mint Julep...or two.

I call Cara my "first" friend because we've known each other since we were in diapers. Her mom, Jeanette, which is like a second mom used to babysit for me when I was little girl. For those of you who don't know, Louisville is my birthplace, and I still like to think of it as home. While Cara and I are no longer little tots running around in diapers, we are still great friends!



We decided to go to the Oaks this year instead of the Derby, which is the day before the Derby. The Oaks is basically the "female" version of the Derby. All the horses that race on Oaks Day are, you guessed it...female. Today, the Oaks has become almost as big as the actual Derby. It supports breast cancer awareness. Churchill Downs is decorated in all shades of pink, and spectators are encouraged to show off their support by wearing pink as well. You will even see the race horses sporting little bits of pinks on their uniforms.





Even though the drink of the Oaks isn't a Mint Julep, it's called a Lily and guess what, it's pink, Cara and I still managed to taste a few.



You haven't had a "real" Mint Julep until you've had one at the track. It just tastes so much better when you're surrounded by the track, the horses, and the spectators!

While, Cara and I didn't win any money that day we still had an amazing time! I won't forget it.

The weekend went by too fast. Cara, I had a great time seeing you! You're a wonderful hostess too. I hope you will make it to Clarksville, so I can return the favor!

You can look for me in Louisville next year for the Derby too! This time though I will be sporting some delicious eye candy...my husband :)