Just a Little About Our Everyday Life....

10 Years Ago Today

2011-09-11T12:11:00.000-04:00

If you asked me what I was doing last Tuesday or the Tuesday before that, I wouldn't be able to tell you. But if you asked me what I was doing on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing.

I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with Grace and was at work at Wallace, Morris and Barwick in Kinston, NC. Dave was deployed and was in Kosovo at the time. I had gotten to work and was sitting at my desk, turning on my computer and about to get my day started when my good friend and co-worker, Sonya, walked by and said a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. All the paralegals in our little group of offices immediately got up and went to the lounge where we had a tiny TV and there were already a few attorneys sitting around watching the news coverage. We sat there all day...glued to the TV...not able to believe what was unfolding before our eyes. One of my first reactions was of course Dave and the fact that he was deployed and was supposed to be home in time for the birth of our daughter. I thought with this happening and the fact that America had just been attacked, there was no way that he would be coming home from deployment.

Throughout the day, I talked to family and loved ones and friends who lived on the military base where we lived. Security was immediately heightened and I was warned to be prepared for a very long wait to get back on base because of the security and ID checks. I'm trying to remember if I heard from Dave that day and I'm almost positive I did not. In fact, I believe they shut down all communication where he was and it was several days before I heard from him. But amazingly enough he was only delayed coming home by about 10 days and did get home in time for the movers to come and pack us up, move to FL and welcome the birth of our daughter, Grace.

September 11, 2001 changed the lives of so many. Even though we did not lose a loved one or a friend and actually knew no one that was directly involved in any of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or on the flight that went down in PA, our lives were also changed. As of September 2001, Dave had been in the military for almost 9 years and we had already decided that he was going to get out. He's a pilot and thought that he might fly for the airlines upon getting out of the military. Because of what happened on that fateful day back in 2001 and the events that followed, Dave decided to stay in the military and here we are 10 years later. We've gone through several more deployments and nights apart, missed holidays and birthdays and are on our last tour as he will retire from the United States Marine Corps in May 2013.

But as I write this today and am saddened by the tragedy of the events and all the lives lost on September 11, 2001, there have been many more lives lost since that fateful day. According to Faces of the Fallen in The Washington Post, 6,026 US Service Members have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (as of June 5, 2011). These are husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, friends, wives, mothers, daughters and sisters but rarely do the deaths of these service members get the media attention that they deserve. So, on this day I will pray and remember those that died on September 11, 2001 but I will also pray for all the families who have lost loved ones who were serving our Country since that terrible day in 2011 and I ask you to do the same.

And for all my military friends and spouses, I leave you with this.

Letter to a military spouse

While I have never had the pleasure of meeting you or your husband, I felt the need to write you and express a very deep feeling that I have in my heart.

I, as a person, am not brave. I do not tackle things head on, as I hate confrontation. I will travel 100 miles out of my way just to avoid a conflict. I am an American woman that has no idea what is going on in the military other than what I hear on the news.

I have never had to let go of someone so that they could go fight for people that they didn't know, people that sometimes do not appreciate or understand what they are fighting for.

I have never had a sleepless night of worry because of a report that another bomb has exploded and I still haven't heard from my husband.

I have never had to wait for months on end to hold the one that I loved so.

I have never had to tell my children that daddy wasn't coming home tonight because he was so far away fighting for something that they aren't yet old enough to understand.

I have never had to hold my head high and suppress the tears as I hear that it will be at least another six months of separation before my loved one gets to come home.

I have never had to deal with a holiday away from the one that I thought I would share every day of my life with.

And I have never had to feel the panic rising in my heart at the sound of a ringing phone or knock at the door for fear that it is the news that everyone is terrified of getting.

For the reasons listed above, I can not tell you that I understand how you feel. I can not tell you that you must be strong. I can not say that you shouldn't be angry, because you "knew what you were getting into when you married a military man". I can not say these things because I have never had to walk in your shoes.

What I can say for certain is that because of your unselfish acts of bravery and your husbands willingness to stand up for those who see him as "just another soldier" - - I will never have to walk in your shoes.

I do understand that as a military wife you are expected to uphold a certain amount of control, but I never understood how you could do it, until now. I have figured out that you are not like other women. You are of a special breed. You have a strength within you that holds life together in the darkest of hours, a strength of which I will never possess. The faith you have is what makes you stand out in a crowd; it makes you glow with emotion and swell with pride at the mention of The United States of America.

You are a special lady, a wonderful partner and a glorious American.

I have more respect for your husband than I could ever tell you, but until recently I never thought much about those that the soldier leaves at home during deployment.

Until this moment I could never put into words exactly what America meant to me.

Until this moment, I had no real reason to.... Until I heard of you.

Your husband and his military family hold this nation close, safe from those who wish to hurt us...but you and those like you are the backbone of the American family. You keep the wheels in motion and the hearts alive while most would just break completely down. Military families make this nation what it is today.

You give us all hope and you emit a warming light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

Because of you and your family...I am able to be me. I am able to have my family. I am able to walk free in this great land. Because of you and your family, I can look ahead to the future with the knowledge that life is going to be okay. Because of you and your family, I can awake to a new day, everyday.

I realize that you are a stronger person than I will ever be because of these things and I just wanted to take the time today to say thank you to you and your family for allowing me that freedom.

I will never be able to repay this debt to you, as it is unmatchable. However, I hope that you know that no matter where you are...what you are doing...what has happened today...or what will happen tomorrow...Your husband will NEVER be "just another soldier" to me.... And you, dear sweet lady, will never be forgotten.

You are all in my prayer's everyday and I pray that God will bring you back together with your loved one safely.

May God Bless You!

(Author Unknown)

Zach's Field Trip to Onslow Beach

2011-05-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

Zach's class and the rest of the Dolphin Team went on a field trip today to Onslow Beach. We divided up into groups and did a scavenger hunt and of course we kept our eyes out for cool shells or sharks teeth. I actually found several small shark teeth for Zach so in his opinion, the day was a complete success and that's all that matters! They also built sand castles. None of the other little boys were really interested in building sand castles, they just wanted to dig so Zach found a group of girls who were working on one and he joined in with them and he and I ended up finishing it.

Zach with his partner and buddy, Gavin

Zach and Elaina working together on their sand castle

The finished product!

Career Day at School

2011-05-11T16:54:00.000-04:00

Today was career day at Bitz Intermediate School. In the past Grace has been an artist and a vet and this year she decided she wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic or some magazine like that. We let her use our old Sony digital camera to help her look the part.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:30:00.000-04:00

Dave and the kids took me to the Icehouse for Mother' Day brunch. It's hit or miss there with the food; sometimes it's delicious and sometimes it's just so-so. We had never been before for their Sunday brunch and it was okay, not great but not bad. But it was a gorgeous day and I had a wonderful time anyway spending the day with the loves of my life!

The she-crab soup, however, was delicious as you can tell by my very empty bowl!

Celebrating our 15th Anniversary

2011-04-30T20:48:00.147-04:00

Wednesday, April 27th, was mine and Dave's 15th wedding anniversary. Wow! I can't believe we have been married for 15 years. When I look back at pictures from 15 years ago, we look so young compared to how we look now. We've both gained a few pounds, I'm finding more and more gray hair every day, not to mention the wrinkles and lines on our faces (more me than Dave). But would I go back to that young couple in those pictures? No, I would not. Life was great then, and we loved each other! But 15 years later, we have come so far. We've had good times and bad times, fun and easy times and some of the hardest of times, but it has made us who we are today (wrinkles and all) and because of all of that, our love for each other is stronger than ever before. We have two gorgeous children that we didn't have 15 years ago and now we also have a love and friendship built on strength, adversity and faith. I love you David Williams! I love you more today than I did 15 years ago and here's to celebrating 30 years of marriage in 15 more years, then 45 and even 60!

How did we celebrate? Well, first of all I have been saying for awhile now that I wanted a new wedding band or a wrap or something to go with my diamond ring. Afterall, 15 years is a pretty big anniversary! We stopped in Bradleys Jewelers one day and had a look and found the perfect setting for my diamond. It's a beautiful milgrain edged bridal set. The wedding band consists of twelve round cut diamonds, and the engagement ring has ten round diamonds, 5 on each side of my original diamond. I tried on several different sets, narrowing it down to three and then choosing this one which Grace had originally picked out. She's got good taste. We figured that it would take some time to have mine reset but it would actually be ready in 3 days! Dave didn't want to pick it up that soon because our anniversary wasn't for another month. Then one day he decided for us to go ahead and pick it up, but unbeknownst to me at the time, he wasn't going to give it to me then. He was still going to make me wait for our anniversary! So for about three weeks I had this small, beautifully wrapped black and silver box sitting on top of my jewelry box just waiting for me to open it and slip on my finger.

And now, finally the time had arrived. He actually gave it to me two days early, when we got back from our trip to VA. My parents were arriving late that night for Spring break and he wanted me to be able to show it to my mom. Isn't it gorgeous? I absolutely adore it!!!!!

Since my parents were here aand it was our 15th Anniverary, we had to take advantage so I booked a room at a Bed and Breakfast in Wilmington and made reservations at the Riverboat Landing Restaurant. We were hoping to leave early yesterday afternoon but Dave wasn't able to get off work as early as he wanted. We drove down to Wilmington late yesterday afternoon and went directly to the C.W. Worth House which was gorgeous! I had booked us in the Azalea Suite which was a room on the 2nd floor in the turet! We had a gorgeous room with a private sitting room and private bath with claw foot tub!

After freshening up and relaxing for a few minutes, we walked down to the riverfront where we had dinner reservations at the Riverboat Landing Restaurant.

A taste for every palate can be found on a menu that can best be described as Southern regional with French, Mediterranean and Asian influences. Add to this professional service from a friendly and knowledgeable staff, a comfortable and intimate dining atmosphere and a comprehensive, international wine list, and you have the recipe for the complete dining experience.

The neat thing about this restaruant are the 8 private balconies they have and of course, we wanted one of those! We had to wait for a few minutes before our balcony was ready so we enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar along with some fabulous crab dip. For dinner, we had an awesome waiter that had just recently moved up from the kitchen. He was funny, honest and he aimed to please! Dave had Cioppino, San Francisco style, a tomato based stew with white wine, garlic,herbs & a medley of fresh seafood - mussels, clams, shrimp & salmon –served over linguine pasta. I had the Arroz con Mariscos “Portuguese paella” - seafood & rice with aromatic vegetables, fresh tomato,roasted corn, shrimp, clams, salmon, scallops & flounder. Both were absolutely delicious!!! For desert we enjoyed an Espresso Creme Brulee on the house because it was our anniversary. What a great night! After dinner we walked around downtown a little and enjoyed the sites on our walk back to our B & B.

This morning we woke up to a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins, strawberry juice, coffee, baked strawberry french toast and bacon. Mmmmmm......

Here are some shots of the downstairs of the Worth House. Love all these old cameras on display!

The backyard was filled with beautiful lush green gardens with a foutain, chairs and hammock. Too bad we didn't have time to enjoy it!

Once we checked out, we decided to just walk around and enjoy the day together, afterall there was no rush to get home. The kids were in good hands with their Nana and Paw! We loved looking at all the historic homes.

This was one of the most beautiful homes that I've ever seen, the Captain John Harper House!

Where we ate dinner last night.

We took this picture for Zachary becuase of his love for cars!

While walking around, we came across a print of the Riverboat Landing Restaurant and we thought what a great keepsake it would be. When we purchased it, we were told the artist was down the street at the Farmer's Market and he would sign it for us. We made our way to where he was just closing up shop and we chatted with him for a few minutes and he signed and dated the print for us. After walking and shopping a little more, we stopped in at The George and had another delicious relaxing meal of crabcake sandwiches out back on their veranda. We had some great food this weekend! By this time we were tired and full and decided it was time to head back to the car for the drive back to Jacksonville and reality. What a wonderful night/day it was though. Thank you Dave for a very special anniversary. Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping the kids for us so we could go and enjoy ourselves for a night away!

National Museum of the Marine Corps

2011-04-24T22:34:00.256-04:00

After Easter baskets and our egg hunt, we drove just a couple of miles down the road to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. We've passed by it and have seen it from the road on all or trips to DC but have never taken the time to stop. I'm so glad that Dave planned for us to go here today. It was fabulous! It is one of the most well done museums that I've ever bee to. If you have never been, you definitely need to whether you are affiliated with the Marine Corps or not. But if you are affiliated to the Marine Corps, this is a MUST SEE!

Dedicated on 10 November 2006, on the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps, the National Museum of the Marine Corps invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of Marines: from the sands of Iwo Jima, through the snow of Chosin Reservoir, and on Hill 881 South. The Museum is not about heroes and giants. It's about every single Marine doing his or her job as part of a larger unit. They are all heroes in my eyes.

When you walk up you see the building and the top of the structure that you can see from the interstate. The Museum's design is evocative of the World War II flag-raising scene on Iwo Jima.

When you enter the Museum, you enter a central gallery called the Leatherneck Gallery. "Leatherneck" is a nickname give to Marines during the 19th century when they wore leather stocks on their necks. While the constrictive neckwear is gone, the image of bearing and resolve remains. This central gallery evokes bearing and resolve, but also permanence and innovation. The artifacts, vignettes, testimonials and images in this space honor the contributions of every Marine and highlight core messages of the museum, to include innovation and advances in technology. Suspended overhead are famous aircraft flown b Marines: a "Jenny" biplane, two Corsairs, and a Harrier "jump jet." On the ground, a Sikorsky helicopter disembarks Marines onto a Korean War position, and an amphibious tractor abuts a log wall at Tarawa. On the travertine marble walls, 8 large portraits of Marines and 10 famous quotes beckon the visitor to contemplate and explore.

Next we were able to follow recruits through boot camp, from the recruiting station and bus ride, from the first buzz cut to graduation in the Making Marines Gallery. Visitors are able to listen to the thoughts of wary recruits during that first bus ride to the training depot, stand on the famous yellow footprints and visit the barbershop where "it all gets taken away." You can get up and close and personal with your very own "DI", lift a pack, do pull-ups and qualify on the M-16 laser rifle range. We let Grace and Zachary test their skills with the M-16 and they both did great! Grace scored a 92% and got her name written on the board where it stayed all day long as the high scorer! Check out their targets in the picture below.

Along "Legacy Walk" visitors get a quick introduction to Marine Corps history. Colonial Marines are perched high atop a ship on the "fighting tops," ready to defend and protect.

"Every Marine a Rifleman" is the theme captured for the period 914-1918, but a U.S. Marine locked in hand-to-hand combat with a German soldier reminds visitors that war can be intensely personal.

Marines in World War I

1917-1918

World War I dwarfed in size and horror any previous overseas war fought by the United States. By the time the first American forces - including a brigade of Marines - arrived in France, their British and French allies were exhausted from three years of grinding warfare against the Germans. The Marine brigade-two infantry regiments and a machine gun battalion- served alongside an Army brigade in the 2d Division, which entered action on June 1918 to stop a major German breakthrough aiming for Paris. The Marines fought the Germans at Belleau Wood, a three-week battle that eclipsed in its first bloody day all the casualties the Marines had sustained in their first 143 years of existence. Hearing rumors after the battle that German soldiers referred to them as "teufelhunden" because of their battlefield prowess, Marines adopted "Devil Dogs" as a proud nickname.

I was not able to get very many good pictures in this exhibit but it was truly amazing. The technology used allowed you to see the battle happening right before your very eyes and then you were sitting right in the middle of it.

Uncommon Valor: Marines in World War II

"Uncommon Valor" recalls hard-fought battles against a formidable opponent in the Pacific. The Marines entered World War II as a small expeditionary force with an unproven new mission - amphibious assault - and old equipment more suited for the jungles of the earlier "Banana Wars". But the Marines' early losses turn into later victories. These gripping stories are told with the help of tanks, artillery pieces, fighter aircraft, small arms and the everyday "junk on a bunk" that belonged to the individual Marine. Receive your briefing before boarding a Higgins Boat to land on the beach at Iwo Jima. The Corps' most important icon is in this gallery: the flag raised on Mt. Suribachi.

6,000 small eagle, globe, and anchor insignias and U.S. Navy insignias represent the cost in human lives to take that one island. This gallery honors the sacrifices and accomplishments of America's "Greatest Generation".

Normal Rockwell (1894-1978)

The War Hero (Homecoming Marine)

Saturday Evening Post Cover

October 13, 1945

At this point the kids were tired and hungry so we made our way upstairs to the 2nd deck where we could eat in the Mess Hall or Tun Tavern. We chose Tun Tavern, a small replica of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia where it all began. "The Legend" is that on 10 November 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of Marines be raised. The Continental Marines were born that day. According to legend, Captain Samuel Nicholas set up shop in Philadelphia's Tun Tavern and began recruiting. The rest is history. On 11 July 1798, an act of Congress created The United States Marine Corps. Great atmosphere and great food!

Send in the Marines: The Korean War

The "forgotten war, " fought by thousands of Americans over 50 years ago against a determined enemy, is recalled in this gallery. The innovative use of helicopters to supports the war is demonstrated by the presence of a looming Sikorsky aircraft, but it is General MacArthur's strategic end run to attach the enemy rear at Inchon that is the first major scene. The floor shakes as you ride up to the sea wall with the Marines. A Pershing tank is discovered fighting in war-torn streets of Seoul. On Toktong Pass in the Chosin Reservoir, you encounter Marines who are cold, tired and short of ammunition and you experience the frigid coldness of the Chosin Reservoir.

And last but not least is In the Air, on Lane and Sea: The War in Vietnam. It was a long conflict, fought in hamlets, cities, jungles and rice paddies. To the sounds of a pilot talking to a marine on the ground, visitors embark on a trip by CH-46 helicopter to Hill 881 South at Khe Sanh - a hot landing zone. Small arms fire hits the helicopter and the crew chief instructs everyone to get out quickly. Rotor wash blows on the passengers' necks as you enter the hot landing zone. The space is warm; the sounds of war are all around. A wounded Marine makes his way toward the helicopter; another Marine lies dead in the austere and dangerous scene.

This was by far one of the best museums that I've ever been to and it was so moving! From the very beginning when you watch a short film of veterans of all ages talking about what it is like to be a Marine and "Once a Maine...Always a Marine" through all the galleries, there were several times that I was moved to tears.

Of course, what is a visit to a museum without a visit to the gift shop and this one had a little bit of everything...related to the Marine Corps that is. In the center of the gift shop is this AWESOME figure made out of Legos of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Wow!

We stayed right up until it closed and when we left we walked around to the side where there was a path that led to the chapel and a couple of monuments.

Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune

The Osprey Memorial - were were living here at Lejeune when this happened in 2000.

Iron Mike

Easter Morning!

2011-04-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

It seems the last couple of years we have gone somewhere over Easter weekend and the kids end up getting their Easter baskets and doing an egg hunt in a hotel room. This morning was no different. After we got showered and ready we gave the kids their Easter baskets filled with candy, new swimsuits, Pokemon cards, movies, a Nomades necklace for Grace and a Star Wars Transformer for Zach. After they checked out everything in their baskets, I made them sit right outside our door while I hid eggs. It's amazing all the great places there are to hide eggs in a hotel room! It took them forever to find them all and we had to end up helping them a little bit. Dave usually thinks it is silly when I'm packing up all this stuff to bring with me. But when he saw the joy on their faces and how much fun they were having hunting for eggs, he leaned over and told me, "You are such a good mom. You make everything so special for them." I knew then that it was worth all the trouble!

Easter Weekend - Busch Gardens

2011-04-23T23:14:00.000-04:00

We've been talking for weeks about what we were going to do, if anything, over Easter weekend. We toyed with the idea of going down to Hilton Head to stay at the Disney resort there but when we finally decided to do it, they were all booked. We talked about Myrtle Beach, Asheville, the Outer Banks, you name it. We ended up driving up to Williamsburg, VA and going to Busch Gardens today. When we lived in Hampton we went to Busch Gardens all of the time. I knew Zachary wouldn't remember it but I thought that Grace would. I was completely surprised when she didn't remember a thing. Nothing at all about it looked familiar to her. That just blew my mind!

We had a fun day though and the weather was perfect. We thought it was going to be much warmer than it was and thankfully I brought hoodies for the kids because it was a little chilly!

Busch Gardens was beautiful as always and very little had changed since we had been there last. The kids loved seeing the sheep, horses and other animals. We watched the wolf show in Wolf Valley and More...Pet Shenanigans which they loved! They got their picture made with a beautiful Clydesdale horse, a barn owl and the biggest bunny rabbit I've ever seen!

The first ride we rode was the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster. They said Zach wasn't tall enough although we thought he was so we had to split up. Dave and Grace rode it first while I waited with Zach and then Grace rode again with me even though she didn't want to. She was scared to death. We rode a few more rides although the rides are definitely not my favorite part of the park anymore now that I've gotten old. They just do something to me that they didn't use to do.

As the day was winding down, we stopped and let Grace get a caricature drawing done. She had talked about it all day and that was what she wanted as her souvenir. Zachary wanted nothing to do with it and wanted a stuffed owl instead.

We didn't stay too late at Busch Gardens as we were driving to Quantico tonight so we can go to the Marine Corps Museum tomorrow!

Gourmet Club Goodies

2011-04-19T15:51:00.001-04:00

Today was the last Gourmet Club luncheon of the year and I was not able to attend because I was at the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at MCAS New River. Remember earlier, when I said that I was involved in so much this year that I didn't think I did any of it well? This is just another example of being stretched too thin and having too many things going on. I went to the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch even though I didn't feel I was deserving of it only to come home and find these gifts left at my door. I participated in Gourmet Club this year even though I missed two luncheons (one because I was sick and the other when we were at Disney) and I was the Co-Treasurer. Every member of Gourmet Club received a gift. The first year members received the much coveted Gourmet Club apron and the 2+ year members received this beautiful wood cutting board with "OWC Gourmet Club Camp Lejeune, NC" etched into it. And because I was Co-Treasurer, Madeline, the most Awesome Gourmet Club President, gave each of us a baking stone, cookbook and bottle of homemade vanilla! I was so excited and happy to get all of this! I hate that I was not able to attend all of the luncheons including today's since it was supposedly so fabulous and I'm still debating on whether or not to be in Gourmet Club next year. I'm so torn! But I would like to give a huge thanks to Madeline who has run this club for a few years now and sadly will be leaving us this summer. She has done an AMAZING job and it is definitely not one that I would want to undertake but my very good friend, Stacy, has decided to take on the reins and fill Madeline's shoes and she too will be an AMAZING Gourmet Club President. Cheers to you both!

Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

2011-04-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

I was invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at the New River Officers' Club today for my "volunteer" work with H&HS. I honestly do not feel as if I deserved an invitation much less that I should attend because I have not done very much for H&HS. I've attended events and planning meetings and helped out when asked but that's about it. But I truly appreciated the invitation and felt honored to be included. Dave was also invited as the XO of the squadron so it was nice to be able to meet him there. There was a very short speech by the guest speaker, Mrs. Vicki Thacker, who is the spouse of an active duty marine, mom, dental tech and volunteer with thousands of hours of volunteer work. What an inspiration she is! Following Mrs. Thacker's speech was the presentation of awards to volunteers who went above and beyond and then of course, good food!

The First Lady and Dr. Biden Make Camp Lejeune Their First Stop in the Joining Forces Initiative

2011-04-13T16:24:00.005-04:00

The First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden have started an initiative called Joining Forces. According to www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces, "Joining Forces is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of our society to give service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned." "1% of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100% of Americans to be supporting our troops and their families. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can."

Today the First Lady and Dr. Biden kicked off their Joining Forces Initiative at Camp Lejeune. As soon as I heard that they were coming, I inquired about attending and found out I would be able to. I met a couple of other people from H and HS at Goettge Field House and was met by Secret Service who informed me that all the floor seats were filled and I would have to go upstairs. I was disappointed that I didn't have a better seat but was still excited that I was there! I was disappointed that every seat in the field house was not filled. I had heard many people make comments that they were invited to attend but were not interested. I just don't understand that. This was The First Lady of the United States coming to Camp Lejeune to speak to us. I considered it an honor to be able to see her and hear her speak and I would have felt that way even if I had not been a supporter of President Obama. I was never a fan of George W. Bush but had Laura Bush been coming to Camp Lejeune, I would have loved to have seen her and heard her speak. I would have considered it an honor to do so as she was the First Lady at that time. Anyway, I just don't understand that closed minded way of thinking.

But getting back to the topic, we had to get there early and get our seats and just sit there for about 2 hours. It got boring but was fun to people watch. When it finally did start, General Jensen introduced North Carolina's first First Gentleman, Robert "Bob" Eaves and then Senator Kay Hagan who both spoke. Then General Jensen introduced Dr. Biden who began her appearance with a hearty "Oooh Rah"! And of course, last but not least was the First Lady, Michelle Obama.

I think because of the recent budget problems and the possibility that the military might not have gotten paid, was foremost in every one's thoughts but that is not why she was here to speak. She was here to kick off her Joining Forces initiative and this trip was scheduled well in advance of the budget problems taking place. You can read all about Joining Forces here. So many people complain that the President and First Lady aren't doing anything for our military but she is definitely trying to do something good here. So no matter your political ideologies, Joining Forces is a non-partisan issue. Through Joining Forces, she is encouraging communities everywhere to step up and take care of our military families. And that my friends, is a good thing.

This is in front of the field house showing the barrier that was set up for this event.

General Jensen

General Jensen introducing Dr. Biden

Cameramen were everywhere!

After she spoke, those people on the floor had the opportunity to move forward to try and see and speak with the First Lady.

Some parents and their children were chosen to sit on the stage behind the speakers. Afterwards both Dr. Biden and Michelle Obama spoke to each one of the children. This is a friend of mine who is on the school board which was how she got asked to sit on the stage. Maybe I should serve on the school board next year!

Here are two newspaper articles that were in The Globe and the Rotovue:

Joining Forces campaign first stop: Camp Lejeune

by Lance Cpl. Damany S. Coleman

The first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, visited the service members and their families Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, to kick-off their Joining Forces campaign, at the Goettge Memorial Field House, aboard the base, April 13.

The Joining Forces campaign is a national initiative that gets all sectors of society involved in providing service members and their families the opportunities they deserve.

According to the campaign's website, Obama and Biden's drive comes from the simple fact that service members represent only one percent of the nation's population. However, service members take on the responsibility to protect and serve the entire nation under any circumstances, such as missing birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and so many of the daily moments they enjoy with their loved ones.

"You go about your business every day, lifting up your communities, volunteering at your schools, lending a hand to your neighbors," said Biden. "You do it all while carrying a heavier burden than most folks can imagine. You are truly remarkable."

Biden, whose son is a soldier in the Delaware National Guard, added that she and the first lady were impressed at the cohesion between the base and the community, which is one of the reasons why Camp Lejeune was their first stop on the Joining Forces campaign.

"The people in the surrounding Camp Lejeune community who are supporting our troops and their families are showing all Americans there are countless ways to help, some large and many small, but all are important," said Biden. "I can tell you, from personal experience, they all appreciate it. That's why the first lady and I are here today, because we need all Americans to support our military families the way you do it here."

Obama opened her speech by highlighting some of the sacrifices that military families go through. All the while, these families keep an unbroken level of support and love for their troops.

"While all of this is enough to fill any family's plate, yours is also full of so much more," said Obama. "It includes everything that comes with having a family member in the military and America needs to know."

Obama added that most Americans are unaware that with each move to a new base or station, it means yet another school for the military family's kids and a new job for the spouse.

"With each deployment, you run your household by yourself and you watch as your kids grow up just a little bit faster because mom or dad is away," said Obama. "And night after night, you pray that the next newscast or the next knock on the door will bring only good news. You do it all with such dignity, with such grace, that most Americans don't even realize what you're going through."

Obama said that military families are so good at functioning under these unique circumstances that it's almost like they're ‘wearing camouflage,' even though they aren't the ones on the battlefield.

"People can't always see your special brand of service because you don't wear it on your sleeve," said Obama.

Senator Kay Hagan, D. NC, and also the Armed Service Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities chairwoman, said that she, like Biden and Obama, honor the sacrifices that these military men and women do every day. One of the reasons the troops are able to sacrifice so readily is because of their families enduring support.

"Behind each and every (service member) is a family," said Hagan. "Whether it's a husband or wife, son or daughter, those are the ones that make it easy for these service members to do their jobs in our military. I think being here in North Carolina, where we are such a military friendly state, we need to have the rest of the nation look at us for the good job we're doing for our troops and increase it even more."

The senator added that her plan of action to aid in the campaign is to create a bill called the Hire a Hero Act, which provides more job opportunities for spouses and service members transitioning out of the military.

"We need to do anything that we can do to encourage business," said Hagan. "That's why I'm working on the bill, which will give small businesses up to a $4,000 in credit if they hire a veteran, (member of the) National Guard or a reservist. The other big factor is the education benefit. The spouses are very appreciative of that and using it to further their educations."

Capt. James Smolucha, Company H executive officer with the School of Infantry - East, said he had high hopes for Hagan's Hiring for Heroes program.

"I think it's going to be a great program," said Smolucha. "It gives (service members who get out) something to start with. When they do get out, they're going to need to continue to support their family, especially in today's economy."

Smolucha added that the importance he was privileged that the first lady, Biden and Senator Hagan took the time to come out and speak to Camp Lejeune's service members.

"I know they have a very busy schedule, so I think it shows a big commitment on their part to come down and actually talk to us," said Smolucha. "This is a very tight community, between the civilians and the military personnel. It's always great to hear praises, but for us, we're just doing our jobs."

Col. Grover Lewis, MCB Camp Lejeune director of public safety, enjoyed the visit as well and believes the Joining Forces campaign will provide a much brighter future for the area's military community.

"The visit was great," said Lewis. "It was a good experience for the Marines, sailors and their families. The initiatives that Mrs. Obama, Senator Hagan and Dr. Biden brought out will do volumes for this military community of ours."

First lady speaks to troops, families

by Cpl. Meredith Brown ROTOVUE Staff

First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden landed at New River Air Station, April 13, to kick off a two-day national tour. The initiative, "Joining Forces," aims at providing assistance to military families.

Service members and spouses rode buses from New River to Camp Lejeune’s Goettge Field House where they joined other members of the local military community to hear the visitors speak.

The first lady acknowledged the challenges military families face, from deployments and constant relocations to finding jobs.

"Military families are so good at keeping everything together that it is almost like you wear a camouflage, even though you’re not the ones on the battlefield," Obama said. "People can’t always see your special brand of service because you don’t wear it on your sleeve."

The campaign’s slogan calls for everyone to do something. Earlier this year, the White House recommended the implementation of more than 50 new programs to support troops and their families.

The efforts focus mainly on employment, education and mental health of those in the military community.

"Companies like Sears, K-Mart and Sam’s Club have promised us that if a military family member works in their store and has to move duty station they will do their best to have a job waiting for those spouses (at the new location)," Obama said.

Obama and Biden called Jacksonville a community to be modeled by the rest of the country.

"Our goal is for every community in America to feel the way that this one does," said Obama. "This is the model for every school to understand the challenges of being a military child. We want businesses to do something, to do anything to show their support."

Biden echoed the first lady as she fondly recalled her previous visit.

"When I visited two years ago, I was struck by what an amazing community you have here," said Biden. "That’s why the first lady and I are here today. We need all American families to support our troops the way that you are here today."

Multiple examples were given of the community’s commitment to the troops and their families.

Local student, Margaret Rochon, a recent recipient of the military child of the year award, volunteered more than 500 hours to get six national experts to come and talk to Onslow County teachers about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on military children.

"It shows the rest of the nation you don’t have to be the first lady of the United States; you don’t have to be a CEO; you don’t have to be a general to get involved in this effort," Obama said. "Because the truth is, showing gratitude to those who serve this nation, whether they are on the battlefield or right here, is something that every single one of us as an American can and should get behind."

One New River spouse is excited about what lies ahead for military families.

"I have a family of six so it’s always nice to know there are more programs being dedicated to military families," said Kurmaria Green, a spouse with VMX-22.

The family readiness officer for VMX-22, Anna-Marie Daley emphasized the importance of the day’s events.

"I think it’s important for our spouses to feel recognized and have their sacrifices acknowledged at all levels, all they way up to the White House," said Daley. "Having Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden here is a big part of that recognition."

Obama and Biden took time to meet with troops and their families before departing from New River. The tour continued with stops in Texas, Colorado and Ohio before they returned to the White House.

My Day in a Nutshell

2011-04-12T11:47:00.001-04:00

This will be a short post as I have a busy day with lots going on. Just to give you a quick update on how I'm doing with C25k, I've been sticking with it and today completed Week 2 Day 1 and I feel so good about it!

This weekend I am going in with several other (15 to be exact) consultants from home based businesses for the 2nd Semi-Annual Camp Lejeune Vendor Blender. If you are in this area, please join us anytime between 12 - 5 pm on Saturday, April 16th, at the Russell Marine & Family Service Center on Camp Lejeune. Each vendor is offering special discounts and savings at this event. I've got several great deals I'm offering with Thirty-One Gifts and I would like to pass those savings on to anyone who is local but can't attend the event or if you are out of town. So just leave me a comment and I'll get back with you and let you know what kind of discounts I'm offering. Speaking of the Vendor Blender, that's another reason why today is busy, I'm prepping for it trying to get all my stuff ready and will be passing out fliers all over base housing.

The kids have dentist appointments this afternoon - no big deal for Zachary. He's just getting sealants but Grace, bless her heart, is having an extra tooth extracted. Hopefully it won't hurt her too bad. I've got to think of something easy for her to eat to prep for dinner tonight because I'm sure her mouth will be sore.

I've also got an exciting day planned for tomorrow. I don't know if you have heard or not but the First Lady (FLOTUS) and Dr. Biden will be coming to Camp Lejeune tomorrow where they will launch "Joining Forces", a national initiative to support and honor America's service members and their families. And I'm going! In my opinion, regardless of your party affiliation, it is an honor to see and hear the First Lady speak and I'm honored to be able to attend. And yes, I will be blogging and posting my pictures from this.

And last but not least, stay tuned because in the next few days I will posting about a give away from a FABULOUS company (and no, it's not Thirty-One even though they are fabulous). I'm so excited to be doing this give away because I LOVE the company that is allowing me to do this and very excited to be sharing it with one of you!

Oh! Don't forget...today is the last day to enter the $25 gift certificate give away to Thirty-One Gifts at Goodnight Moon. Go enter! You just might win!

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway at Goodnight Moon

2011-04-11T09:16:00.000-04:00

My friend Amber, over at Goodnight Moon, spotlighted my Thirty-One Gifts business and me one day last week and is having a give away for a $25 gift certificate for Thirty-One Gifts. There is only one day left to enter so hurry on over to Goodnight Moon and enter this great give away and you might just be the lucky winner!

H&HS Spring Festival

2011-04-09T16:58:00.018-04:00

Today we spent the day at the MCAS New River Marina for the H&HS Spring Festival. Yesterday the weather was gorgeous and so warm and today was cloudy and so cool! But that didn't put a damper on anyone's spirits or stop the kids from hunting Easter eggs. Lisa, our FRO, and the marines did a great job organizing and setting everything up. There was a schedule of events and first things first - the Easter egg hunts! The kids were divided into age groups and there were different egg hunts for the different age groups. Zachary went first and found his allotted amount of eggs super fast! He was a pro at this! Then it was time for the older kids and we hid their eggs a little harder to make it more difficult for them. Get on your mark, get set, Go! And off they went running and scurrying around that playground as fast as they could go looking for those pretty colored eggs. I was impressed with Grace's egg hunting skills as well and she ended up with about 18 eggs in her basket which wasn't too shabby I thought.

After the egg hunt, the kids had a great time playing on the play ground and then watching some marines beat up on some adorable Spring pinatas! All the while we were waiting for Dave to join us. He is taking some master's classes and had a final exam this morning. He got there just in time to eat!

The marines worked hard for the families grilling out hot dogs and flipping burgers as fast as they could to feed all the hungry folks. Thank you H&HS Marines! You were all awesome!

After lunch the kids played some more on the playground, jumped in the jumpy houses, Dave climbed the rock wall and then was the best part of the entire day! The Blue Ridge Chapter of the ACBS (The Antique and Classic Boat Society Inc.) just happened to be having an Antique Boat Show at the marina this weekend and they very kindly offered to give the H&HS families free boat rides around the New River. We donned our life jackets, signed our waivers and climbed aboard the most beautiful antique boat that I had ever seen, not that I have seen very many! It was a 1948 Shepard 22' long, built up in Canada. It has it's original engine, a Chrysler Crown 6 cyl. 135 hp which was rebuilt last winter. The boat has the original wood bottom deck and sides except for a few boards on the rear deck. It's name is Chat Noir which is French for Black Cat. Al Olsen, who is the President of the ACBS Blue Ridge Chapter, is the owner of the Chat Noir and he gave us a treat today! He told us all about his boat as he was driving around and he let the kids each take turns driving the boat. They were a little nervous at first but then loved it as you can see from their smiles in these pictures. After our boat ride we walked around and looked at all the other beautiful boats on display and there were some gorgeous ones!

Thank you Mr. Olsen and the rest of the Blue Ridge Chapter for supporting our military by coming to MCAS New River and putting on the boat show and treating families to free boat rides. I know we had a great time and I am sure that everyone there did. Our kids want to know now if we can buy a boat like the one we rode in that day. Wouldn't that be nice?

The following pictures are just some of my favorites of the boats that we saw on display.

The Vintage Pearl Is At It Again!

2011-04-08T11:18:00.000-04:00

The Vintage Pearl is at it again with another great give away. Erin, the creator and owner of The Vintage Pearl, is so generous with all of her give aways. Who knows? Maybe I will win another one. Visit her blog here so you can enter too! If I win, I'm going to get either this

or this

What would you get?

National Military Family Association: Government Shutdown – What Military Families Need to Know

2011-04-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

This is a great article with lots of information in case of a government shutdown. If you could be affected by the government shutdown, take a few minutes to read this article and please share with your military friends.

National Military Family Association: Government Shutdown – What Military Families Need to Know

Budget Showdown

2011-04-07T17:42:00.000-04:00

Have you been following the news regarding the budget showdown? I know my military friends are as I'm seeing everyone post on facebook different news articles and their opinions. I wonder if people in the civilian world (not military) realize the impact that not passing a budget has on our military. If a budget is not passed by midnight April 8th, the military will only get 1/2 of their normal paycheck on April 15th. They will still have to go to work, they will still have to fight the war in Afghanistan and technically they will still be "earning" pay. They just won't receive it until congress can get their heads out of their a** and come to a resolution and pass a budget. And come the end of the month if a budget has still not been passed, we won't get a paycheck at all.

If this happens, our family will be okay (for the time being). It will be hard and it will suck but we will be able to get by (that is assuming that the private housing company that owns government housing doesn't take our "rent"). But for many young military families, it will not be okay. They won't be able to make their house payment or their car payment or even buy groceries. Many live paycheck to paycheck and they rely on that deposit being made on the 1st and 15th of every month.

I understand that our country is in debt and we need to make some major budget cuts but to be battling over policy measures or "riders"? Come on! According to an article published today by Rachel Rose Hartman, part of what is holding everything up are these policy measures or "riders". "House Republicans have attached a number of "riders" to their proposal to fund the government. Neither party has been willing to say just how many of the 40 or 50 total measures (by Boehner's estimate) are holding up negotiations. But Democrats have identified several provisions they strongly oppose--including one to cut funding for Planned Parenthood and another to cut funding initiatives in the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases. Democrats say these riders have no place in a budget bill; Republicans counter that such items shouldn't be dealbreakers." I have to agree - these riders have no place in the budget and definitely should not be one of the causes of why our military might not get paid! Our men and women in uniform give their lives and sacrifice so much and to deny them their pay absolutely sickens me and it should sicken you. Maybe if President Obama and all (both republicans and democrats) members of congress and the senate had to go and stand on the front lines in Afghanistan for 6 months or even 6 days for that matter and are lucky enough to come back home to their families, they might gain a little perspective. I can only hope that they gain a little perspective before midnight tomorrow night.

Hold Me Accountable

2011-04-06T12:13:00.001-04:00

This was my latest status post on facebook, "Jill Williams just completed Week 1 - Day 2 of C25k once again.....". Why did I end it with 'once again'? Well, if you've known me for awhile now, you know that back in April 2009, I started an exercise program called C25k. You might have actually even read about the post I did about it here titled "I'm Gonna Do It!". Well, I did it, for awhile that is. Actually, I was doing really well and being very faithful about doing it. And I could tell a difference! I started losing weight and I had more energy. I was feeling good about myself. Then, the craziest thing happened. It was in May 2009 and I was on Week 4 of C25k and I fractured my ankle. I didn't even realize that I had done it. My ankle just started hurting when I was on the cool down of the workout one day. You can read about that here. Needless to say, I had to stop C25k for the time being. Ever since then, I will start it and get 2 or 3 or even 4 weeks into it and then stop for various and sundry reasons and excuses! I've gained back the weight that I had once lost and have just gotten out of shape once again.

Do you know what the number one leading cause of death in women is? Heart Disease. I'm now 40 and I don't want to be another statistic. I want to live a long and healthy life and grow old with Dave and see my children grow up, get married and have children. So, I am going to do something about it. I'm putting it in writing and telling the whole world (or anyone who reads my blog), that as of today, I have started C25k again. And this time, I will complete it. In 9 weeks I will be able to run a 5k.

But I need your help. Dave is very supportive and always encouraging me to get out and exercise but I need to hear it from more than just him. I'm asking you to help me. Whether you know me or not, I would like for you to encourage me and hold me accountable by asking me on a regular basis, "Have you done your C25k today?" or "Did you walk/run today?" or something like that. You can comment on my blog, email me, ask me on facebook, text me or ask me at the bus stop of a morning. Anything. I don't care. Just ask me. Hold me accountable so that I will continue what I've started. I'm counting on you.

Beautiful Spring Day

2011-04-05T17:35:00.002-04:00

Dave snapped these pictures this afternoon of the kids up in the tree. I love this tree at this time of year!

It's a Kite Flying Kind of Day!

2011-04-04T20:51:00.000-04:00

It was a gorgeous but windy day here today so it made for perfect kite flying weather! The kids were outside playing and decided themselves to get out their kites so of course I grabbed my camera. We all had so much fun seeing how high we could get them and hearing them flap in the wind. Zach thought his sounded like an actual airplane because of the sounds it made. I love days like this!

It's Monday!

2011-04-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

It's Monday and the kids are out of school for a teacher workday (it seems we have a lot of those) and it's an absolutely gorgeous day here in Eastern NC! The kids are outside enjoying this beautiful weather while I'm stuck in their closets weeding out all the clothes that they've outgrown. But I took a quick break to hop around a few blogs. If you are a new follower, please leave me a comment so I can follow you back!

A Day Spent Canoeing

2011-04-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

We have lived here for almost 4 years now and we did something today that we've never done before! We went over to the marina on base and rented a canoe and went canoeing. The kids were so nervous at first because they were afraid that there would be alligators in the water but we hadn't been out but just a few minutes when Zachary said, "this is fun!". And then Grace chimes in, "this is so relaxing". We rowed and looked out for wildlife and just listened to the sounds of nature. I had packed us lunch so at one point we stopped and just drifted and ate our sandwiches. We saw several HUGE bird nests and even saw a bird fly into one of the nest with a fish in its mouth so we knew there were babies in it. We saw a couple of turtles sunning themselves on a log but I wasn't quick enough with the camera. As soon as I got it out, they went into the water. The fish were very active today; we kept seeing them jump out of the water and some were really big! We rowed all the way down to the sandy area right off of Holcomb Blvd. and turned around there and headed back to the marina. The wind really picked up on our way back and we were going against it so I'm sure my arms are going to be sore tomorrow from rowing. Two of the most exciting things we saw happened on the way back. We saw what we think were two hawks mating, or fighting, but we think mating. They were connected and just spinning in the air around and around! It was so neat to watch. They finally broke apart and flew away but stayed near. You could hear one calling to the other and then they started flying around each other again, circling one another, almost as if they were dancing. None of us had ever seen that before. Then right before we got back to the marina, there was another hawk just hovering in the air. You could tell he was struggling with staying in that one spot because of the wind but he was doing it. Then, all of a sudden, he dove head first straight down to the water as fast as he could and out he came with a fish. It was amazing to actually see it happen right in front of us!

It was definitely a fun day and something I'm sure we will be doing again!

He's such a poser!

The Blog Guidebook

2011-04-03T17:19:00.000-04:00

For all you bloggers out there, have you ever wished there was just one place you could go to to get your blogging questions answered? Well, guess what! There is! I just recently discovered this awesome blog called the blog GUIDEBOOK and it's "for all things bloggy". They have great resources, tips and tutorials, classes, giveaways and linkies. I highly recommend that you go here and check them out and follow their blog. Who knows? It just might come in handy for you one day.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

2011-04-01T15:37:00.000-04:00

It's Friday and that means it's time for the MilSouse Friday Fill-In thanks to Wife of a Sailor!

What romance movie scene reminds you of your s/o or spouse and the LOVE you share? submitted by Simply Sunshine and Daisy’s I have to say Titanic when Rose does everything she can to hang on and stay with Jack. Even though it is such a tragic story, I'll never forget watching it for the first time with Dave and sobbing and him just holding me and us talking about how much we love each other. Then the next Valentine's Day he gave me the soundtrack and I probably cried all over again. It reminds me of how much I love him and reminds me that I don't ever want to be without him.
If you were allowed to deploy with your husband to a war zone would you and why? submitted by I & J Heck no. There is no way that I could do what our military service members do. As much as I would want to be with him, I would rather be here at home, taking care of our kids and waiting his return.
Have you ever done anything (intentionally, or unintentionally) to embarrass your spouse/significant other in front of his military cohorts? submitted by Marrying the Navy I don't think so, definitely not intentionally.
What is your most irrational fear? submitted by Eights on the Move Doesn't every parent fear that something terrible will happen to their children one day? I pray every day for their safety and their health, but I still have that fear......
If you could only live in one kind of climate for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? submitted by Many Waters I want to live in what I call a moderate climate, where there are four distinct changes of seasons. I loved Florida when we lived there but when we moved to Virginia, I realized how much I missed the changes of season. I want to possibly see a little snow in the Winter time but not too much. I want to feel the crisp air of Fall and the warm sunny days, but cool nights of Spring. And of course, I want to enjoy Summer but not in a place where the heat and humidity are so bad that you can't enjoy it.

April Fool's Day

2011-04-01T09:24:00.001-04:00

I knew that today was April 1st but really didn't even think about it being April Fool's Day until I saw a post on facebook this morning from a friend that said "wedded bliss". I thought to myself, wait a minute, A isn't married. Is she getting married? So, I immediately commented on her post and asked her if she was getting married. She wrote back and said that D keeps asking her and she has a hard time saying no. I immediately checked out the profile of they guy that asked her and asked if she was engaged. She hasn't responded yet but someone else commented and said, "come on people, it's April Fools"! It never even crossed my mind that A could be joking and fooling us all because it's April Fools Day. What can I say? I'm gullible. I always have been and probably always will be.

Then another friend posted about sending her prankster kids to school this morning and all the things that they had already done to her this morning....like putting salt, pepper and hot sauce in her coffee, taping the sprayer closed at the kitchen sink and those kinds of things. Her kids are about the same ages as mine, maybe just a little older and Grace and Zach have no idea that today is April 1st, also known as April Fools Day. Are my kids missing out because we don't "celebrate" April Fools Day by playing jokes on people? I just don't think about it. What about you? Are you a big prankster on April Fools Day?