Having A Ball

Army ROTC

Military Ball

I was thrilled to spend Valentine's Day with My Guy! I was a little off my game though; I've got a bit of a sinus cold. Even though I was not at my best, I felt great in my new ball gown.

I very much enjoyed being around all the young college students and talking with them about what they are doing and their future plans. The ROTC program at our university has quality cadets. They are an impressive bunch. In this photo, the Seniors are being recognized.

Ron's Battalion hosted the event this year. Ron introduced the head table. He introduced me last, as his Valentine. Ahhhhh. After that, he introduced the guest speaker and Brigade Commander--Colonel Sharon L. Wisniewski. I loved what she had to say. She talked about the question, "Why we serve?" She told our young people that they should ponder this question. People will ask and their answer should be from the heart. "Some may ask with a negative tone.--be prepared" She gave her reasons why she serves. Her speech was heartfelt. I really respect Col. Wisniewski, she is an amazing, accomplished woman. We enjoyed her company and her husband Kris very much.

Sharon's husband surprised her with roses after her speech....so beautiful and so sweet!

Our guests for the evening, Grace and Paul. They have a very important roll at the University. I'll leave it at that since I did not ask for permission to share more information about them. They are a FUN couple! We picked them up at 4:00 and had great conversation with them on the long drive to Base and back as well as at dinner.

At the end of the evening I was serenaded by the MS-4's...They are a cute bunch. I think their goal was to embarrass me. It didn't work. They did a Top Gun routine; all taking turns singing "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." I loved it! These guys are getting ready to be commissioned and I know they will graduate and go on to do great things as officer's in the US Army. Way to go boys!

Ron and I have had such a great time at this assignment. It will be hard to say good-bye (I think I keep saying this). Ron will miss his time here and his time with the young people. To think, Ron and I met in college when Ron was a cadet....almost 22 years ago. Time has flown. I know we will run into these future officers somewhere down the road at some post somewhere in time. I look forward to that.

Happy Valentine's Day

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

With Love,

Beth

Happy Birthday Lincoln

Lincoln's Bicentennial Birthday

Katie and Jim arrived at our house this morning at 9:00 a.m. to take the boys on a special outing. I have been so preoccupied with Lucey and making travel arrangements that I forgot it was Lincoln's Birthday. We live very close to Springfield, IL so when Katie and Jim suggested they take the boys to celebrate Lincoln's Birthday by traveling to Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Library and Museum, I couldn't have been more grateful. Katie is a homeschool Mom and has such a zest for teaching. She is so loving and kind with the boys. They feel very close to her. You too Jim! This is a busy time for us and we have quite a few big events over the next several days. I have been feeling overwhelmed with all that needs to happen. I spent the day catching up and running errands and finalizing travel plans. It was a gift to have this day to myself. Thank You, Katie and Jim, You are a blessing. The boys had a great time! What a fun learning experience.

Along with Lincoln's Birthday, we will be celebrating Andrew and Christian's Birthday too--Andrew and Christian will be 11 on Sunday. :-) They received these shirts as part of the Lincoln Celebration. How neat!

Standing with the Lincoln family. Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, his wife and three sons who died before manhood, a family scarred by personal tragedy, yet marked by public triumph.

Did you know that experts think that President Lincoln has Marfan's Syndrome?

I have read that Lincoln loved to read and day dream. We can relate to him in our family.

The boys watched a neat film called 'Ghosts of the Library' . Here they are standing outside the theater.

Jim, Andrew and Christian. I can see Katie's reflection in the window. How great is that!

What a fun day and the weather was perfect!

Andrew and Christian brought home a collection of things. To remember their day, Katie and Jim purchased some gifts for the boys, a post card, a great book that we have already started reading, a wonderful wooden flute that they will play on Saturday with her during piano lessons and a wooden ball and cup game (this game originated in France in the 16th century) that we have all been challenging each other with. We are all getting pretty good with it. Thank you again Jim and Katie! What a fantastic day!

This Is It...

TA-da!

The hard copy of the TA....it's pretty, just like Lucey Lu! Don't you think?

It's Here! It's Here!

We just got the phone call we've been waiting for -- The Travel Approval arrived! Can you hear me? I just let out a huge sigh of relief. Our agency is working on a consulate appointment right now. I should be able to book the flights soon. It is looking good for leaving next week....maybe the 19th? That is our hope. I'll explain more about the travel in my next post. Until then...I'm re-posting pictures of our sweet girl. Please keep her in your prayers. She looks so happy. We are getting ready to turn her world upside down. I get teary thinking about it. It's the one part of the trip that Ron worries about....taking Lucey away from all she knows. We hope she feels our love right away.

Lucey Lu's referral picture: 9 months

Lucey at 11 months

The last photo we received. Lucey at 15 months.
"Happy girl!"

TA~ Is On The Way~ So They Say~

Just a quick note--we received an email last week letting us know that our Travel Approval was in the air and on the way. I was really disappointed Friday when we did not hear back from our agency letting us know that it had arrived. We have been waiting for so long. We received Lucey Lu's referral March 26th of last year and here we are--almost one year later. To think, she was months away from her first birthday when we saw her little face for the first time. At 20 months old, she is now closing in on 2. I know we have missed a lot of her mile stones. I wish I could be ecstatic over this TA "news". To top it off, there were quite a few people reporting on Friday that their agencies had TA's in hand. I'm so very happy for them but I can't help but feel a bit down about ours. We hope to get good news tomorrow. I'm ready to make the flight arrangements.

Adam is All Heart

Marfan Syndrome:

For the past three years, Adam gets a yearly check up to make sure his heart continues to be strong and healthy. Initially he was seen at Vanderbilt in their pediatric genetics clinic. The geneticist and her assistant did a very thorough exam on Adam and found that they could not rule out Marfan Syndrome. He has many skeletal markers for this syndrome. He does not have the serious complications of Marfan Syndrome--Most people with Marfans Syndrome have problems associated with the heart and blood vessels-- so he has not been diagnosed with this.

Although the gene for Marfan syndrome has been found (generally--not in Adam), there is no simple blood test or skin biopsy to make the diagnosis. Last year, the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital told me Adam was fine but that it was a good idea to keep an eye on Adam's heart as a precaution.

You can read more about Marfan Syndrome to the right of my blog...there is a link to The National Marfan Foundation. I have a friend from High School who has Marfans. Her daughter has also been diagnosed. My friend was blessed to have been diagnosed before her life was compromised. She had heart surgery and is doing well today.

Adam is getting ready to have his test.

Adam just received an ECHO of his heart. Click on ECHO is you want to learn more about this test. We are positive he is fine. We should get the results some time this week.

To Nana and Papa's House:

After Adam's appointment, we went to my parent's house to have dinner with them and to help my sister, Jennifer, hem a dress she is wearing in a wedding next week. We had a very good time and Mom made a delicious meal. What a treat, I didn't have to cook. Thank you Mom!

Here we are working on the dress. I measured and pinned. Jen pinned and cut the fabric, and Mom ironed and stitched. A real group effort.

Christmas in February. Dad is a craftsman. He made these beautiful boxes for us. Mom's box is oak, Jen's box is ash and mine is cherry. I love and treasure everything my Dad makes. It's so special to have these handcrafted pieces in our home that we will pass on to our children. BTW--there was a little treat in each box. My box had a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream. ;-) Thank you Dad!

America's Finest

Today was a special day. Our long time friends, Rob and Isabelle and their children, celebrated their Change of Command. For you non-military folks...it's an honor to be chosen to lead a Battalion of courageous Soldiers. We have known Rob and Isabelle for over 20 years. Once upon a time we were all young college students together. Time has changed us and I would say for the better. It has been a privilege to keep company with these special people. There is no doubt that they will make a great team as they work together for the good of their unit. Ron was there to see Rob take the guidon. He would not have missed it.

This photo brings back memories for me. This is the hanger Ron's unit marched into when he arrived home from Iraq (almost 3 years ago) after being gone for over a year. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

Passing The Guidon

Passing The Guidon: An Army unit conducts a change-of-command ceremony whenever a new commander takes charge. The central rite of this ceremony is the passing of the unit guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. By taking the guidon, the new commander signals his selfless commitment to the traditions, values, and soldiers that the guidon represents.

A few words from Rob.

The handsome children...boy, all of you have really grown up!

Rob and Ron--Ron is so proud of his friend.

Beautiful Isabelle who has not changed one bit from our days in college. We are so happy for you. I know you will have challenges ahead. It's not an easy job. We will continue to pray for your sweet family as you lead the troops and their families. They are a blessed unit to have you.

Going For A Spin

Last weekend Adam took me out for a drive. He is gaining a lot of confidence behind the wheel and I'm becoming more relaxed as his passenger. You know that is saying a lot. All of you who know me know that I'm not a very good passenger at all. It's still hard to believe that Adam is old enough to be driving. My baby is growing up fast.

You did a great job today Adam...Now, could you please wash the car? ;-)

The Year Of The Ox

Celebrating The Chinese New Year

Jim, Katie and Ben H. were one of the first families we met when we moved from Tennessee to Illinois. They have been such a blessing to us. Their son, Ben, went to school with Adam his freshman year and they became best friends right away. Katie and I have become very close over the past year. Katie is also a talented musician and teaches Andrew and Christian piano lessons every Saturday. Yesterday, Katie invited us over for dinner after piano lessons. She completely surprised us when we walked in their home with festive decorations, wonderful music, and delicious Chinese cuisine in honor of Chinese New Year and especially Lucey Lu.

Katie and Jim toasting with a cup of delicious tea and an egg roll. Jim and I put away a lot of those egg rolls waiting for Ron and Adam to arrive. They were so yummy.

Katie and I

Adam and Ben

Ron and his goofy side

Jim, dressed for the occasion. Katie sews too!

Katie sent us home with these special things--

Thank you Katie, Jim and Ben for such a wonderful time! Next year we will celebrate with Lucey :-)

(Andrew and Christian were there too--I feel bad that I didn't get them in a photo. They were busy playing Guitar Hero 3 of course.)