Tender Mercies

Sometimes it's hilarious how old I feel when I go to any ROTC function, especially a formal ball. Having a rounded belly doesn't help this fact either! Despite being older than most every other cadet and their date, I sure had an enjoyable evening stealing glances from my favorite boy, eating chocolate cake, and dancing.  This was my 4th military ball with my husband, first one with baby girl in tow. Next year we'll have to get a babysitter.  I bought my dress from Zulily.com , hoping that it would arrive in time and fit well. Buying online has never been my favorite, but going to every single store in the KC metropolis to try and find a dress that was comfortable and fit my belly didn't sound like much fun. My $35 dress (after shipping was calculated) fit nearly perfect. And thanks to my hair-stylist friend, Julie, I didn't have to worry about doing my hair. Me and the curler are not friends.  Being my husband's date was a honor and privi...

I really wanted to take a good picture with a good background. But the indoor lighting wasn't the best, and there wasn't a great place outside. It was 10:30 by the time this picture was taken, so I was really tired! At least we have something! I went to my second military ball on Friday the 28th with Mr. Handsome, and this time, I did things a little different.  The past month or so has been busy with lots of coaching and getting my skaters ready for the summer & fall competitive season.  By the time Fridays roll around, I am always exhausted! This Friday I was in no frame of mind to take hours to get all dolled up, nor did I want to do the work.  But I wanted to look good .  I knew all the other wives would have their hair and make up done and all look fantastic, and I wanted to fit in too, but I really did not have the energy to spend a couple of hours getting ready.  Sometimes I have a tendency to compare myself with others. It is not so...

I love reasons to dress up and look like a princess!  Yesterday I went to our Battalion's Holiday Formal and  had a really handsome date. Me and my handsome date! We decided to take our pictures in front of the Christmas tree, instead of paying for professional ones :) It was fun getting ready for the ball because I have AMAZING friends who were willing to do my hair and my makeup.  I think there were five of us ladies who all got together at Janye's house to get all prettied up.  We couldn't have done it without the expertise of Audra with hair and Lizzie with makeup.  They were seriously amazing!  Here are pictures of my up-do for all you ladies out there :-). I had to get to the Westmark Hotel at 5 o'clock so that Marshall could rehearse for color guard.  Social/cocktail hour began at 1830, and then Marshall led the color guard...