Twenty Plus Years

Overwhelmed with school loans and living pay check to pay check seemed like an unfair way to start adulthood after four plus year of college and two degrees. So twenty years ago, Wes joined the Army and we began a way of life so foreign to me, I wondered if the learning curve would ever end. We got stationed in Germany, though, and we were traveling the world. Life was great; the nations were at peace. At that time it seemed three more years with the Military wasn't so bad. We got to the ten year mark while living in DC and I thought, we are half way to retirement. Why get out now? Only one hundred twenty months later, and we have finally reached the magical twenty year mark, and yet, we said what's three more years?

Today this happened; Wes was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4.

 

We celebrated with the men and women who have made this possible.

 

Here's to our "three year" stint in the military!

Tell Me a Story

Today we attended an event on post for military children that highlighted Operation Vittles and the true story of a pilot that dropped candy and bubble gum to German children living in Berlin during WWII. Maybe if I had mentioned bubble gum and chocolate before the event, the boys would have been more eager to attend. Instead, they were infuriated that I pulled them away from their Sunday afternoon rest and i-Carly. Nevermind the fact that they had seen this exact episode no fewer than a dozen times. After a slight struggle and maybe a threat or two, we made it to the event with both boys still living.

The story was read by guest reader Tanya Biank, the author of the book Army Wives; it was a wonderful story about the friendship between a German girl and an American pilot created through Operation Vittles. We sat down to hear the story and the boys immediately spotted baskets of candy. This lifted their spirits. When sticks of bubble gum were handed out, the boys were convinced this was the best place to spend a Sunday afternoon. They were over-the-top excited when they heard the craft activity included gliders modeled after World War II planes.

It was a great event that was, unfortunately, not attended by many, but we are already looking forward to the next Tell Me a Story Event.

Change in Command

Today Wes took command of the CID office, and we attended the afternoon Change of Command ceremony. The biggest day in his career and this is the only picture that I have to document the event.

Even though I am not a fan of a yellow rose, it is a tradition that the incoming commander's wife receive yellow roses, the symbol for hope.

My only hope was that the boys would be able to spend an entire day at school without marking on their clothing with blue marker or spilling ketchup down their shirts. My hope was expressed on several occassions, and I was relieved to pick them up from school today with only a smidgen of dirt on their faces. Unfortunately, I was the one who was unable to heed my own advice, and I arrived with a big blob of chicken and rice on the front of my new dress.

Speaking of the new dress....I splurged and bought something new to wear. I ordered it on-line and then prayed it would fit. I was giddy when I pulled it on and it fit perfectly. I mean it was just perfect! I walked through the house and off handly remarked, "Don't I look like a million dollars?" Evan replied, "Maybe not a million, Mom, but definately a thousand."

No lie.

With the exception of all of our clothing problems, I can't wait to see where this journey takes us next! 

My New Love

I knew that if I gave myself some time, in this case a lot of time, I would find something to love about Hinesville, GA. This week I think I found it. Let me be honest and tell you my new found love has nothing to do at all with the guys who choose to spend the weekends mudding in the "protected" wetlands located behind my house. If the loud motors and tires were not bad enough, I must also endure the endless hoots and hollars of rednecks pushing stuck trucks.

No, my love includes warm temperatures, shorts, and a sunburn. In February. I have spent every waking moment this weekend in the sun, and for the first time ever, I have my first tan lines in February. I. LOVE. It. I cannot even begin to imagine the poor soul who must endure another month before spring arrives. I have shared the sun this weekend with my new BFF, The Kindle. I read the most amazing book this weekend by Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle. It's a must read for the summer if you haven't already read it. Because it has been out for three years and lauded by the masses, my latest book love is not earth shattering for most, but for those of us who live in the sticks with neighbors who like to go muddin' on the weekends, I guess it could be earth shattering.

I am not the only one that loves this warm weather. Evan told Wes this morning that he felt like Hawaii should be our next PCS move.