In Recognition of your Services~

Being a military wife sure has it challenges, but it has it rewards as well. I have been involved with my husbands unit for about a year now, and within this time I have been asked to serve as our HHD FRG Leader (Family Readiness Group). With this comes more than the responsibility of making sure that information that is carried down the line is given to our families in regards to events, jobs, blood drives, etc...
It also holds the very deep responsibility of being there if one of our soldiers down range should be injured, or killed in the line of duty. It is our responsibility to be there when the families are notified. To be there to comfort, console, and hold their hands while they put their lives back together. It is a position I take very seriously, as it is a very serious position to be in.

The other night, along with numerous other men and women of our unit, I was recognized for my service to our families. I am honored. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than right here, serving alongside my husband in my own little way.

Thank you Mrs. Katie P., Cpt. Dan D, and Col. Jordan for this award. And, for the awards to our other recipients. We are humbled to be a part of our glorious 212th CSH~

A Childs Baptism~

The skies cleared, as the children walked to the alter. The sun shined through the stained glass windows of the church as the congregation stood in prayer. 4 beautiful children came for Baptism this morning, and I was blessed to be a part of this wonderful moment.
Golden light fell on the Baptismal as the water flowed from a silver pitcher... it was breathtaking!
Wide eyes watched as their father, the Chaplain, blessed them one by one. Each having their own, priceless reaction to the event. Grandma, Grandpa and mother watched on as the water washed their foreheads and cleansed their soles.
I thank you once again Yates family, for bringing Eric and I into your lives and your blessings. I am forever grateful for moments such as these, and friends such as the two of you.
This is the day the Lord made... Rejoice!

DUSTOFF 30th Reunion~

The 30th Reunion of the DUSTOFF Association kicked off with their golf classic on Friday morning, with crystal blue skies, light winds and plenty of golfers to make for a real race for the prize. Saturday the festivities continued with morning meet & greets, meetings, a wives luncheon, a hospitality hour and the banquet dinner. Today was the final event, a memorial service for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice... themselves.
Whew! These folks must be worn out from all the events, I know we sure are!
Many friends met up again to share all of life's happenings over this past year. I met up at the wives luncheon, a wonderful group of women who were gracious enough to invite me to sit a moment and share a meal... which was AMAZING! Hotel Valencia, you have fabulous crab cakes!!! Many important people were in attendance at the banquet, including Generals and Colonels. It was rather intimidating to say the least. My husband showed me just how to hang with the big boys. I was even presented with my first coin from the Colonel himself! Pretty cool eh?
I pulled out some shots from a bit of everything to sum up the activities... enjoy!

Army DUSTOFF Golf Classic~

I write about it almost monthly... how passionate I am about the charities that I am involved with. It just makes me feel alive and all tingly inside! Especially anything that is military related. And, although this was not for charity, this did come from a referal off a military charity event that I covered... so you see, good things happen when you give of yourself folks!
This Friday kicked off the 30 year reunion of the "DUSTOFF ASSOCIATION". The DUSTOFF Association are Army Air Evacuation units, you know those chopper/ Medvac guys. Men from as far back as the Vietnam War attended, wives too! :) We are still covering the event this afternoon and evening, but I had a break and wanted to post a few from the golf classic which took place yesterday morning. A big THANK YOU to my hubby for capturing some awesome shots today! I guess a golfer knows what shots to take?
The weather was beautiful, and everyone had a great time! Check it out...

Husband to Deploy...

A change of Presidency, a change of our military direction, a change in our plans to leave to Europe and explore the world together. Things in this life are never certain, and Eric and I could write a book about all the crazy things we have been through in just 3 years. But the one certain thing is that as a military wife, you live by... "it's never certain until you receive your final papers from Uncle Sam himself".

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For months, my husband and I have been gearing up for our move to Heidelberg, Germany on a 3 year stay. Instead, my courageous and committed husband comes to me on Monday to tell me my worse fear... "Baby, I'm being deployed". So, how hard am I allowed to cry at this news? None... I am an Army wife, who supports the life she chose to share with a husband that raised his right hand almost 20 years ago to defend his country and the requests of the leader of the free world. Don't kid yourself, I cry... just not while he is around.
I should be grateful becuase he has been home for 3 years since Iraq. And, in the military it is never a question of "IF", it's always a question of "WHEN". So he is leaving me for a year come about this September. And the only good thing I can say is that it is Korea, and not Iraq this time.
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So, I am loosing my best friend, my love, my passion, my inspiration, and my second shooter. What the heck am I to do next? I was told by a very wise woman, you will carry on, for "you are
a STRONG-PROUD ARMY WIFE!!!!!!"
So here's to the men and women who sacrifice everyday to keep us all safe and free in this wonderful country. And whether you believe in our governmental system, you are on the fence, or a complete radical... the next time you see a man (or woman) in uniform, stop... and thank him for all they do. Then thank the family sticking by their side no matter what.

A war brought us together... NEVER will it break us apart!!!

I am so very proud of you my love. For the man you are, the character you show me everyday, for your strength when I am weak, your promises always kept, and your dependability which is unmatched. I promise to stay strong... to work hard on my business, to keep this house running like a top, and to give you nothing to worry about except coming, safe and sound, to me.

I love you Eric... with all my heart, I love you!

Another Soldier comes home!!!

I receive a panic phone call about 7pm last evening... "My husband is coming home from Iraq, can you meet us at the airport at 9:30am for pictures of the arrival?"
I thought about it for all of a 1/2 second and assured her "Yes, Yes indeed I will be there on this HUGE day!"
I am a proud volunteer for OpLove ReUnite... an organization where photographers donate their time and talents to take images of our troops prior to, and upon arrival home from deployment.

I have been there, waiting for the man you love to come back from war. You see, for those who do not know already, my husband Eric and I met on Match.com while he was serving our country in Iraq. We were pen pals for 8 months prior to his arrival back in the states. I have to admit, I am one of those people I used to laugh at when others would say they met online and fell in love. Is it true? YES!!! I am proof positive that it is not only successful, but extremely so!

Back to my story... :)
Mrs. Baker phones me, so I meet her for the first time this morning just before her husband is ready to land. She is beautiful! With two beautiful girls to boot!!! All were just glowing, bouncing off the walls in anticipation, and it was thrilling to be a part of. Us military wives just have this bond we will never be able to explain to others, unless you have been there then you have NO clue! LOL!
Down the terminal walks one soldier, then another, then one of the little ones cries out "There's daddy!!!" They ran so fast to him I could catch anything but the hug at the end of the ramp. Smiles, some tears, and a whole lot of laughter filled the air!!!
Congrats to Major Baker on your safe return home to America, and most importantly, your family!

Have a GREAT Christmas everyone! What a gift from God!



The first hug for daddy...



Mommy waits for her man...



The family together again!





So much to show daddy...





Is this happiness or what!?!?





Look at those faces!



Best Christmas EVER!





"Come on daddy, we want you home!"



ARMY WIVES ROCK!!!!!



Welcome home!