We came home from Greece to a garage full of USMC gear from IRAQ. Unpacking from a seven month deployment is no small task, but I must say it was really special for Jon to show me so many different things he'd brought back...each with a story. Those Saturday mornings spent in the garage really helped me more fully understand his experience.
On March 31, 2009- Jon hit his 2 year mark. This was significant for two reasons 1) there is a pretty significant pay raise after Marines have served for two years 2) officers receive their first promotion! Jon traded in his gold bars for silver, took his oath & was officially made a 1st Lt!
In April we made our way to the wonderful world of Disney, both of us having great childhood memories of Disney World in Orlando. We figured we needed to see what the West Coast had to offer in Disney Land. I must say we were both pleasantly surprised...it really is the "Happiest Place on Earth".
With Jon's promotion to 1st Lt. came a new job, no longer a platoon commander, Jon was given the role of XO (executive officer) of 3/7 India Company. However, no new CO (commanding officer) was slated to take Captain Welch's position therefore Jon is responsible for filling that billet until a new Captain can be assigned. I must say Jon has risen to this new duel position with great confidence; it is a huge challenge one that will reflect positively for his career, but one that poses daily struggles as he seeks to meet the needs of 250 Marines. (picture of Jon taking over company command from Captain Welch)
As is sad but true of all Marine Corps Friendships as some point you have to say good-bye, this was a reality for us in June when we said farewell to our sweet friends & fellow Lab loves the Schroders. Carolyn & Brandon have been amazingly faithful friends to us here in 29 Palms. With countless BBQ's and evenings spent at their home while Jon was deployed. We were sad to see them go but are hopeful Jon & Brandon's USMC career's will cross again! (Carolyn pictured at her baby shower before heading to Bridgeport, CA)
We've lived in California for 18 months now and I just hit my 1 year mark with MCCS and my job here on base with the LINKS program. I must say in today's economy I am ever thankful for employment & the blessing of doing something I love! I continue to feel used by the Lord in my effort to reach out to new Marine Corps spouses with love & encouragement.
It became clear to us soon after Jon's return that it was time for us to buy a new car! This being our first new car purchase we approached the situation with much caution. In preparation for a second vehicle we decided the garage needed to be reorganized. In our mere 2 years of marriage Jon & I have discovered that we really love doing "HOME" projects together. Here's Jon installing new shelving in our Garage!
Plenty of room for a new Glacier Blue CR-V! (Pictures of new car to come later :)
Believe it or not, 29 Palms is not the most desirable of places to visit on a vacation. Until recently our list of guests included parents, grandparents, siblings and other friends who happened to also live in California. Jason & Amelia were friends from our church in Virginia and it just so happened that Jason had a conference for work in San Diego. Being the true friends they are, they decided to venture into the unknown & spend the weekend with us in the desert. In Amelia's words "this is like living on Mars". We love your honesty...thanks for a GREAT visit!
Most recently I enjoyed a quick but refreshing visit to the east coast where I had the opportunity to road trip up to New Hampshire with my mom & sister. We passed through Connecticut where I was a nanny and then on to beautiful lake Winnapasawkie where Rex is a camper at Camp Brookwoods & Barrie is working as the "Camp Store Queen" for the remainder of the summer. It was a wonderful time with my girls & a much needed break from the CA heat.
On our way back down to North Carolina we stopped in Richmond to see my grandparents (above) and a sweet USMC friend from 29 Palms & her new addition (below). It was sweet to visit with friends and family, sit in my parents house, eat NC barbecue, drink cheerwine, see it rain & of course be reminded of all the many things I love about North Carolina :)
We continue to be thankful for the Marine Corps, job security & the opportunity for Jon to do what he loves, a great place to live, a wonderful church & body of believers, sweet friends & neighbors, our big chocolate lab and above all precious time together before Jon deploys again!
5 comments:
Loved this post, Mar! So great to see what yall are up to! Miss you!
what a great post! thanks for all the updates... i love when you and jon are back together doing life again :) i have a crv too! its black. great car
I'm so happy for you guys! It sounds like thinks are going great!! Thanks for the updates...
thanks for the update!!! miss ya a ton :)
This was an awesome post! You always do a such a great job of telling your story! Your pictures are amazing and I'm jealous of all the shelves in your garage (but you already knew that)!
Post a Comment