Birthday Ball #5

Happy Birthday Marines!!!

Last night we celebrated, along with many wonderful men and women, the Marine Corps 233rd birthday! It was a little belated but the marines still celebrated in true marine fashion!

The night began the best way possible...with cheers of praise and gratitude for the marines of 2nd Battalion 7th Marines. Just as we approached the ballroom there was a line of random people waiting to tell our husbands/fiancees/boyfriends, "Thank You" and "Welcome Home". It was like a red carpet event! We walked hand in hand with people cheering and the flash of cameras blinding us as we walked!! I felt extremely proud to be on the arm of one of the elite few.

We came into the ballroom and saw all the Marines in their blues with their beautiful dates by their sides. Seeing all these men back and enjoying themselves together after all they have been thru was a moment to remember. Drinking together and toasting those who are no longer with us. Remembering the good times they had. That is what made this ball so bittersweet. Those who paid the ultimate sacrafice may not have been there physically but there is no doubt that they were in the hearts of everyone in that room. To me, it was like one big family reunion.

We had the honor of having Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North as our guest speaker. He was with our marines over in Afghanistan. Traveling from one spot to another to talk with our men. He gave one of the most incredible speeches I have ever heard. I usually tend to drown out speeches but he drew me in right away. The things he said about our marines was very touching. He was presented with a plaque and a 2/7 Battalion t-shirt!

After the ceremony (which Jay was in by the way) we enjoyed a very yummy buffet style dinner, mingled, took photos, danced and laughed till our stomachs hurt! We then decided it was time to go to our room and change out of our ball clothes and get comfy. We headed down to the casino with Jenny and Brian and gambled for a few hours, only winning back what we put in. Throwing money into a machine makes you pretty hungry afterwhile it seems! So we went and had a dinner/breakfast snack at 1:30 in the morning!! I was amazed that I was still up at that point. After we ate, I was done for. We headed to our room and called it a night!

Jason and I actually had a 2 day mini-retreat! It was kind of like the honeymoon we never got to have, haha! We had to head up the day before the ball because Jason was in the ceremony and had rehearsal that night. We left Cory and Caitlyn with Jenny and then Jenny left them with our other friend, Jenn. Jay and I watched a movie in bed and had room service delivered. Not having to go anywhere or doing anything was wonderful!! We got up the next morning, Jay had practice again and I had a hair appointment. Jay and I decided to take a stroll along the riverside behind the hotel. It was beautiful back there even though we almost got blown over!! It was ridiculously windy!!! We played a little Keno then went and got lunch. Having a day for just us was just what we needed. Sometimes we get so busy and caught up with other thing that we forget to tell eachother and show eachother just how much we mean to one another. We are grateful to our wonderful friends who watched our children for us so we could enjoy these nights together. You all are amazing!!!

Here are some pictures from our very fun and memorable night...

Jay helping Brian out

Cindy and Jenny as the night began

Jeannie and Cindy

Jackie, Cindy and Jenny

The ceremony beginning...

Jay is walking in right here

This is Jay on Sword Detail.

He looked amazing and did a great job!!

Bringing in the cake

GySgt Bell (Jeannies husband) reading a birthday note.

This man has an amazing set of lungs!!

Oliver North speaking

Zach and Jason

This was Jay's right hand man

the entire deployment.
Cindy and Krystle (Zach's wife)

GySgt Evans and Lt. Col North

Evans and Chavez

Golf Co. boys

Brian and Jason

Us with the other couple that looked

just as amazing as we did! =)

2nd deployment and 2nd ball with these ladies!

Carolyn, Cindy and Jenny

Here we are on the dance floor

We absolutely love these two...

Me and the girl who will forever

have a place in my heart!

They are so silly together!

Jackie and Jenny breakin' it down!!

Jay and Brian down in the casino

Jay with his two wives, haha!!

Making memories that will last forever!

This was our last ball with 2/7. Although many of us are moving on to our next destination with the Marine Corps those we have met along the way will never leave our hearts. Thru the years we have lost friends and gained friends. Said hello and said goodbye. Met people who we've never spoke to again and been blessed with those we now call family.

"God may put someone in your life for five seconds, five years, five decades.
God doesn't promise us any certain time with someone and it's what we make of that time that is our gift from God. "