Marine Corps Ball 2011

AJ's 89 year old grandfather joined us again for the Marine Corps ball. He is super proud of AJ and loves to show of his own uniform!

Ball Weekend

We just returned from our deployment brief/ ball weekend. It was nice to be with others going through the same emotions, but it certainly made it real. I was doing completely fine until I sat in the room and saw those faces and was reminded of all my feelings from other deployments. I met some amazing women and was able to share my story in order to help new girlfriends, wives, etc. It felt good to have the courage to tell them after 6 deployments, I am still anxious and overwhelmed.

My deployment diet has started. My stomach has been in knots all weekend. Food sounds good, but quickly makes me nauseous. I think that once I get AJ out the door, and get into a routine I will feel less anxious.

In less then 12 hours our journey begins. AJ is in the garage packing and cleaning. I know that leaving us, even for the couple initial weeks, is going to be hard on him. I packed a card in his hygiene bag from Gracyen. I know he is going to miss us all, but especially his little monkey.

I hope to post ball picture soon!

Marine Corps Ball

The Marine Corps Ball is a month early this year, due to the deployment. I ordered a dress, but decided on a dress from my closet. Good thing the other dress was a steal, and I can sell it on on E-bay. I am having a really hard time getting excited about the ball this year. I was suppose to be going to FL with my sisters and Mom to plan my sisters wedding. I had a ticket purchased and all. If the ball wasn't this weekend, I would have skipped out. Instead, I will be here sitting through briefs, I have heard a million times and doing our wills and family plan. Yes.. you can sense my excitement. I am excited for my first 2 full nights of sleep in the last 6 months! Sorry and thank you Michelle! I owe you!

I forced AJ away from his phone and computer today to join me on a walk. On our walk, we walked through a beautiful cemetery in town. We had our little burial conversation "just in case" very casually and went on. I know his wishes and we can cross that one off the list.

He has the week off, but he is so in Marine mode. I spent most of the day by myself with the baby. I will be getting out tomorrow to go do an interview at the local radio station for Walk to Afghanistan. I am so thankful I have my little projects to keep me busy. The start of the craziness is quickly approaching. I am filling up my calendar the first week with little friend get togethers. The only way I will stay sane.

G popped his first tooth today. I actually felt the 2nd before bed. We are trying something new by putting him down on his tummy. He took a 2.5 hour nap in his own BED on his TUMMY. So... we will give it a shot.