What we've been up to

I am so behind on blogging!  I still want to post about Callie visiting in August and our trip to visit The Johns' with her before I forget plus our anniversary weekend getaway and our fun anniversary photo session that Karl & I had a couple of weeks ago.  For now I'll have to settle for some random tidbits that I have time for at the moment...

-I'm having another esophageal endoscopy on Friday to stretch out my throat again.  Not exactly looking forward to it but glad to have all this behind me.

-Last week +this week + next week are just chock full of organizing/purging/cleaning/wanting to pack but not being able to- the Air Force is moving us so I can't pack any boxes myself which {in theory} is awesome, however, to know that we are rolling out of here next Saturday and to not see a single box packed is kind of freaking me out.  It's taking everything I have to not start packing things just to settle my Type A self down.  I have, however, been going room-by-room, closet-by-closet, leaving no drawer or cabinet unturned and organizing, packing, sorting, making a million lists, cleaning, and purging like there's no tomorrow.  No shelf is safe here.

-We designated the floor of one of the guest rooms for Korea and the bed of that room for Arlington so everything on the floor is going to Korea while everything on the bed in there is going with me to Arlington {stay with me here}- it's helping me stay organized AND have countless emotional breakdowns- the perfect storm.  Ya know, it's just good to be able to walk in a room and see all of your husband's favorite clothes, things, and items all sitting in luggage and know that you personally won't be seeing those things for a year- a real picker-upper that room is.

-There is nothing, nothing more startling than turning on an iPhone camera expecting to see the image of what you are about to take a picture of only to see your dumbfounded, open-mouthed, disheveled self.

-Just sent in our last rent check.  For the next year.

-Callie & Jeremy have graciously offered one of their guest bedrooms to Karl & I for the time that we'll be in Arlington before he leaves for Korea (a little over 3 weeks).  The rest of my family is still living at Gammy's house while my parent's future home is still being closed on.  Karl & I are a) really, really, really grateful for their offer & hospitality b) super excited to get to spend this time with them and basically party 24/7 c) have Jersey Shore DVR'd and introduce Callie & Jeremy to Jersday {we have to make sure that the first thing that Callie's unborn baby hears is something inappropriate out of an incoherent, fake Italian's mouth}

-Lately I've had some conflicting thoughts plaguing me on age.  Karl turned 24 yesterday, which sounds SO OLD to me, 23, however, still sounds like a little baby.  Then you have the strangers here in Sumter that see me at the grocery store on a Tuesday at 11:00 AM and think I'm ditching high school... to grocery shop. I get excited when there's rain because our grass is dry and I'm about to have professional movers come move my home.  I also eat Honey Buns for breakfast.  Working on my feelings toward age and numbers.

-I intentionally scheduled our first day of packing on a workday for Karl.  I am 100% sure that I will be embarrassed for anyone {including Karl} to see me interact with the packers.  As in, they will be packing our things exactly how I want them packed.  And Karl will be so embarrassed of me so he should probably just be at work.
"Excuse me, that fl;kajsdlfj is so special to me.  I think you should wrap it in bubble wrap, put it in this box, wrap the box in bubble wrap, and then but that box in another box.  And right FRAGILE alllll over it.  Here, let me do it...."


-My parents are coming in next Thursday or Friday to help us for a night or two and I can't wait.  I know I will need the help and I can't wait to see them.

-I received my much anticipated Erin Condren planner about 2 weeks ago and it has been a life-saver in staying organized as our lives have really picked up pace as of late.  I love it.  I will probably reorder this planner every single year for the rest of my life.  In the interest of full disclosure, I should add that the ordering/shipping process was unimpressive and left a lot to be desired- it took 15 days from the day that I ordered the planner to the day that it was at my front door.  People like rave about their customer service and such- I don't get that.  I mean, there was nothing horrible but it was just basic and average- I mean, y'all know my standards on customer service.  I won't get on that soap box.  The product, however, is top notch!

Wow, clearly I had a lot to get off my chest.  Maybe I need to do 'life updates' {aka what is Hannah thinking/feeling} more often.  You're welcome.

Hannah K.C. Burton

Happy Birthday, Karl!

Happy HAPPY birthday to Karl Wayne!  I am beyond thankful for him and overjoyed to get to spend his 24th birthday alongside him!  He is just the absolute BEST- best husband, best friend, best worker, best cook, best improviser, best fixer, I could go on for days- I mean, there is basically nothing this guy can't or won't do and do well for me and for others.  He is literally like gold at everything he tries and does, I know I'm biased and sound ridiculous here but I'm not lying- like I have never seen him fail at anything- he's basically Edward Cullen AND Jacob Black.  So, yeah.  I can't wait to see what Karl's 24th year brings- I'm imagining a year of challenges and trials with our oceanic separation but lot of rewards as well as we learn a new way to do marriage cross-earth, ha.  I am excited to spend this year with him and am already anticipating his 25th birthday- this time next year we'll be about one month shy of his homecoming and I'm looking forward to that already!
It has been so fun to start birthday traditions within our little family of 2 over the past year and because birthdays have always been a huge deal in my family I love making our traditions over the top and as fun for Karl as possible!  Karl had Tuesday off so after a day of him requesting special things for his "pre-birthday," ha, we went out to eat at the restaurant of his request... drum-roll please, Buffalo Wild Wings.  Yes, he could've chosen anywhere.  Then after about an hour of him begging (and even offering to be my slave for a day as a trade) to open his gifts early, he went to bed while I decorated our house with birthday paraphernalia.  Because I wouldn't agree to him opening his gifts early, he got to open them before he left for work this morning... at 6:30.   Kid on Christmas morning I tell ya.  I took lunch up to his work along with some cupcakes and then we had his favorite home cooked dinner- fried catfish and birthday buttermilk pie!  This weekend (after my second esophagus stretching appointment, awesome) we are going camping for more birthday celebrating and fishing for Karl!  So excited to a) get away with him and b) him to get to camp and fish!  I'll add pictures after this weekend!

Happy birthday to my awesome, sweet husband!
Hannah K.C. Burton

Truck for Sale

We are selling Karl's truck, or trying to, before we leave South Carolina...err in the next 3 weeks. Selling it because it's a standard, which I have somehow gotten away without learning to drive for the past 5 years, plus it would be costly to get it to Texas, insure and maintain it for the year it will just be sitting, and then hope it still runs when Karl gets back- all for probably more than it's worth.  Still, this is the only car Karl has had since I've known him so it makes me so sad to get rid of it.  It's like one more piece to the sad Korea puzzle that is being put into place.  I will undoubtedly cry when that truck is gone.  Anyways... back to the point of this, a friend of Karl's had asked to buy it but has recently backed out so we have resorted to {drumroll, please} Craigslist.  Obviously the classiest, safest option where we are least likely to get scammed.  Please enjoy the following two REAL emails we received inquiring about the truck- WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE and how do they get by in real life???

If you know Karl or I you can imagine how hard it was for us to not respond with the world's most sarcastic email.  However, we didn't and I just replied that we did not, in fact, need a Martin D-35 guitar or anything for streetfighting.  And we do, actually, need all the money at the time of the sale.  Remember this post about Precious Moore?  Mhmmm.

Hannah K.C. Burton, car saleswoman

and the anniversary celebration continues... with pictures

Karl & I had a photo sesh with a local photographer a few weekends ago.  I decided that I want to prioritize pictures every single year, money-wise, and I'm so glad I did this year!  I treasure good photos!  Yesterday our online gallery became available and I'll order the CD of images this week and then have the photos in hand soon after that.  Right now, I just pulled one off her website that has her watermark on it.  I had a vision for these pictures, just wanted her to capture our life as newlyweds... getting to live life together is still so fresh and exciting for us!  There were lots that I didn't like because of how I looked, not because the actual image itself isn't great, so I did learn two big lessons: 1) ask to see images as you go on the camera screen.  If not, you could go the whole time with horrible hair or spend 15 minutes taking pictures with a pose you will hate and a double chin {cough cough} 2) make a list- and now you can all call me foolish because I said this after my wedding photos went slightly awry when I was list-less that day and now here I am, kicking myself for a few images I wanted but forgot about the day of but wouldn't have had I had a list.  Despite my two lessons learned, I LOVED the photographer we worked with, would use her again in a heartbeat, and cannot wait to get some of these images printed, framed, stretched across a canvas, and hung!!  Above is one of my favorites, forgive the watermark and check out our photographer HERE!

Hannah K.C. Burton
and how 'bout the fact that after YEARS I finally got the banner centered on the good ol blog??  aa I can breathe.

the happiest aunt on the block, y'all!!

You read that right, Baby Bailey will be here in early April!!!  I have been dreaming of the day that I would get to post news like this for years, YEARS y'all!  I think being an aunt is going to be one of the greatest treasures!  There is just so much for me to share- my mind is exploding with excitement!  Since Callie doesn't have a blog (I'm working on her, don't worry), I consider it my personal mission to document every tidbit of this pregnancy/baby that most of you won't care about, you're welcome.  This is basically my baby.  It's name is Hannah and they don't even know the gender yet.  I have a pregnancy app on my phone so I can track Hannah's development.  Feel free to do the same.  If you know my mom, it won't surprise you to hear that she had purchased pacis and diapers within about 48 hours of Callie making the big announcement.  She now has (for her own home): diapers, pacis, a glider, a bouncy seat, clothing, and 4 security blankets; Hannah is the size of a fig/my pinky.  ANNND the best part?  Two of my cousins are expecting too- so 3 babies within 6 months.  Baby heaven.  Callie & Jeremy told us when Karl & I were home for my birthday and I was shocked but thrilled, we were all and are all THRILLED!!  Here are some pictures that I've been keeping from you since Callie & Jeremy have kept me quiet until now...

First things first, desensitize Billi to a baby's cry and make her not lick the baby's face

When Callie visited, we spent a lot of time talking baby.  And a little time buying a dress for girl and a bathing suit for boy!

When Emma was here, we had a baby photo shoot and I hid these {weird} pics all over the house for Callie to stumble upon when she came two weeks later.  Don't let my marital status or age fool you.

Callie told Shane & Allison and their kids when we went to visit them during her visit here.  Here's the video of it- they actually have it on video of them telling my family and Jeremy's family too {I have to get the video of Jeremy's parents on here- the most sweet/fun thing EVER} but I don't have those.  Some conversation you can't hear... little Kallie tells Shane, Allison, & the boys, "one of the Callie/Kallie's in this room is going to have a baby!" It took a minute for what she said to register with Shane & Allison but everyone was so excited once it clicked!

One of the most exciting things about this baby & Baby Harris & Baby Batangan is that I'll be in Arlington to enjoy showers, excitement, and newborns!!  Obviously, I would trade close proximity for Karl to be with me in America, however, I don't get to make that choice and considering the situation, I'd say I have it pretty good!  I cannot wait for Karl to come home for his mid-tour leave and meet his 2ish-month-old niece or nephew, 3ish-month-old cousin, and 6ish-month-old Baby boy L!  Karl & babies... melt my heart.  He LOVES, LOVES babies and kids.  Like, loves.

I just know I'll think of more to share or get my hands on pictures or video to add!  Maybe I'll start some weekly series featuring my ever-growing niece or nephew.  You're welcome.
Hannah K.C. Burton, aunt

a procedure and a recipe

Remember when I ended up in the ER because {like a gross man child} I had steak stuck in my esophagus?  Well that was like the 5th time that has happened, although the first to send me to the ER.  Obvi it's about time I figure out what the dealio is so yesterday I had an esophageal endoscopy so that the doctor could scope out the situation and biopsy my throat.  Delightful.  While he was at it he decided he would go ahead and stretch it out, ya know, just because.  All of this to make it easier for me to swallow.  Which is ironic because here I am the day after and swallowing is mis.er.able.  I feel like there is a giant rock in my upper chest/lower throat.  Maybe I'll lose a few pounds as a result.  I mean, when life gives you lemons, ya know.  Anyways, after my procedure I went home and slept and then Karl & I ran errands because I felt up to it, however, we did end up at the DMV- the best combination of events that could possibly be packed into one day- anesthesia+throat stretching & biopsy + a trip to the DMV.  Just being positive here.  We did wrap the day up with a delicious dinner, which I will share, you're welcome.
I pinned this recipe on pinterest and made a few adjustments so that Karl would enjoy it also...

Stuffed Zucchini
2 zucchini
1 sweet onion, diced
1/2 cup sweet Italian sausage, cooked & crumbled {or whatever meat sounds good to you- ground turkey, bacon, etc. Or no meat!)
1 small tomato {or whatever veggies you like}
1 tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp dried thyme {more if your meat isn't as highly seasoned, like the italian sausage is}
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp curry powder
pepper, to taste
cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cook meat and set aside in medium sized bowl.  Sauté diced onion in a splash of olive oil or butter until nice and caramelized.  Right before they're done, add the curry powder and cook for only 30 seconds more.  Add the onions to the bowl with the meat.  If you can multi-task (which I cannot) you can chop the veggies while the meat/onions are cooking- chop tomato and add to bowl with sausage & onion.  Give the zucchini a good scrub and halve lengthwise.  Core out the zucchini, leaving about a 1/2 inch boat.  Chop the pulp that you removed from the zucchini, add to the bowl of sausage/onion/tomato.  In no particular order, add the sour cream, salt, pepper, and thyme to the bowl.  Mix the contents of the bowl until combined.  Grease a cookie sheet or baking dish and lay the zucchini boats down.  Fill with the veggie/meat mixture.  Top with the shredded cheese of your choice.  Bake for about 20 minutes, then turn on the broiler and let the cheese get nice and toasty.  Top with some curly leaf parsley and eat up!

Enjoy!
Hannah K.C. Burton

Weekend Tidbits

warning: this post is lame but I just needed to write about some mundane activity for my own memory... and because I'm feeling super nostalgic these days and don't want to miss a thing.

Labor Day Weekend: fun.  I don't think Karl & I have had a 4-day weekend, just the two of us, at home, ever.  Normally we take advantage of these long weeekends time off to fly home or go visit family or friends in the area (and by area, I mean 3-4 hour radius) but this weekend has been so nice and long and wonderful!  I feel like the funk of being bored in Sumter wore of a few months ago and we have just been determined to stay busy and find something, anything, to do to fill our time and this weekend has been no exception!  Friday was spent preparing for what has been a continuation of the longest anniversary celebration ever- we had anniversary pictures taken at our home on Saturday so obviously I have been cleaning and 'styling' our house all week and tied up loose ends Friday... and baked these little mason jar cake gems after seeing them on my cousin Lincoln's blog and being challenged by her to try them myself.  So I did.

I'll be posting on those little bad boys later this week because a) it was really fun to make them b) they are delicious and c) I learned a darn good many things in the process because the blog where the recipe originated  was ridiculously vague and for an amateur baker like myself (and unlike Lincoln), I need like detailed step by step with absolutely nothing left out.  

Anyways... the pictures on Saturday went swimmingly and Karl & I had a really awesome time with the photographer, however, we are both SO SUPER awkward in front of the camera that I basically put no stock in how the pictures will turn out.  I will certainly blog more on that when I get the photos back but it's pretty much a crapshoot.  I chose a stranger to shoot them in hopes that we would feel less awkward being all lovey in front of someone we know but whatever, we are just really uncomfortable in that situation no matter what.  I do love the photographer and I prayed that I will love the pics so that's what I'm banking on at this point.  After the pictures on Saturday we went on a date... to Red Lobster.  Yes.  Red Lobster, the nicest restaurant that I'm aware of in Sumter.  And thanks to Shane & Allison, it was freeeeeee for us because we had an awesome gift card from them!  YESSSSS.  It was so nice to eat out with Karl after our long hard day of being models.

Sunday we skipped church.  Heathens.  Well, we mostly skipped church because we knew that the sermon would be on Jonah.  For the 8th week in a row.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  We are struggling with church here.  Rather should I say, The Lord is wrestling with us and church here.  And we are either fighting Him or patiently waiting... not sure but if I know myself, it's the former.  We drove to Columbia and enjoyed walking thru a few stores and then enjoyed the absolutely gorgeous fall-ish weather while we sat outside of Starbucks and indulged in a latte... and maybe a pizza and hotdog at Target.  Then to top it all off we came home and played a rousing game of Phase 10 outside while Karl grilled one of my favorite meals that totally reminds me of home (thanks, Mom!)- Turkey Caribe

4-6 Turkey cutlets

  same number of American cheese slices as turkey cutlets

  same number of bacon slices as turkey cutlets... or double, if you love bacon as much as I do.

  1/2 tsp. garlic powder

  1/2 tsp. onion powder

  1/2 tsp. oregano

       mix the spices together in a bowl.  lay a cutlet out on a cutting board.  top with a cheese slice and sprinkle the spice mixture on top of the cheese.  roll up the turkey and cheese, wrap with bacon, and secure with toothpicks.  Grill or broil until bacon is crisp and internal temperature of turkey reaches 170 degrees.

Just an overall great day in general... except at the end of dinner when Karl & I were talking about this little procedure I'm having on Wednesday (related to the little steak stuck in the esophagus + ER visit = esophageal endoscopy on Wednesday) and the hypothetical situation of my dying came up (thanks, Karl) and I asked what he would do and he said he would probably move to Colorado to be by himself to heal and I burst into tears at the idea of him being alone and I couldn't stop crying.  So yeah, it was a super romantic dinner filled with lots of peace and comfort.

Today Karl plans to smoke ribs all day for our big Labor Day dinner tonight and work on a little woodworking project we've been talking about.  Can't wait to see how i turns out!  ANNND I ordered a planner.  That my mom bought me, even better.  I am obsessed with planners, like, every year LIVE to buy my planner for the next year!  Get this, I haven't even had a planner this year.  Ridiculous for me but I haven't needed one.  We have had such a low-key (read: mundane and sometimes boring) daily schedule that I have had no need for one.  BUT here we are facing a very busy year and hopefully a year with a job so I definitely am ready to have a planner again.  I love expensive, beautiful, efficient planners (as seen by the fact that I blogged about my last favorite one here) and cannot wait for my new planner to get here!  I ordered an Erin Condren planner and am going to be obsessed with it.

Back soon with the cake jar recipe ANNND I never wrote about Callie's visit but I want to include pictures so I will as soon as I have them!  I know all my millions of readers are just beating down my virtual door for the post.
Hannah K.C. Burton