Vacation Day Two: At Ease, Marine

So day two of the trip, we drove from Wilmington to Jacksonville where my brother is stationed. But not without our morning coffee…



Ben has been deployed for the last year and I have missed him so, so much. So nice to see him back on U.S. soil.



The day was particularly special because it was Mom’s birthday. Look how pretty she is…



After a few excruciating hours at the DMV switching titles and registration for Benjamin’s car, we took a local recommendation for a little Caribbean restaurant called Elsa’s.



The food was saltier than I’m used to but I loved all the fresh vegetables and rice!



Ben escorted us on base and we got a peek inside his barracks. I realize Marines are pretty much required to be neat and orderly but it was still a shock to see his room so clean. He played and sang a few songs for us, too, and it made me pretty nostalgic for our childhood. Sometimes I just stare at him and can’t believe how grown up he is.



But then I see his dirty combat boots and I remember that not only is he an adult now but he’s in a dangerous and demanding line of work. Not going to lie…I got a little choked up when I saw these.



And his dress cover which I think is just so pretty. He rolled his eyes at me but I got him to put it on for about thirty seconds that afternoon.



It was about a four hour drive to Cape Hatteras that night but soooo worth it. Can’t wait to show you THOSE pictures on Monday!

If you have siblings, are you ever just blown away by their talents and abilities? Ben never ceases to amaze me.

love, elizabeth

Happy Birthday, Marine

My baby brother turns 21 today. He’s not home from his deployment yet so say a prayer for his safe return!

 

Here’s a song for you, Ben. I love you and I can’t wait until you’re home!

Have a good Wednesday everybody!

love, elizabeth

Prayers for a Marine

Today, like everyday, I’m thinking about my little brother, Ben. And missing him. And wishing him home safe. Here’s a recent picture of him aboard ship.

I love you, Benjamin. If you read this, know that I pray for you whenever I drive your car or see your picture or hear your favorite songs or sit in the pew at church. Can’t wait until you can come home.

love,

elizabeth

Inspiration of the Month: Kate

Well, now that October is almost over, it’s high time for another inspiration of the month! Meet Kate.

Kate and I have been friends for eleven very full, very exciting years. We’ve seen each other through some of the worst and best moments of our lives (Kate was my maid of honor five and a half years ago!).

There are so many inspiring things about Kate but here’s a biggie on my list…

Not only is she an amazing career woman and amazing friend, she’s also an amazing wife to a United States Marine. If you’re in the military or married to it, you know what this means.

Long separations, weird hours, lots of moves, some extra worry, and a great deal of sacrifice. I’ve been so thankful to get to keep up Kate and Garrett’s love story over the past few years. As Garrett prepares to deploy, I know they are spending as much time as they can together and preparing for this new part of their love story. Kate and Garrett have a saying that’s been with them since their wedding ceremony…“Stuck together until the end of forever.” It’s become a playful reminder of a very serious commitment. “You married me,” Kate tells him. “That’s it. It’s in the fine print. There are no loopholes. You’re stuck with me!”

Five Fast Kate Facts

- Kate loves dogs but she became a cat person in college. Her cat, Boo, is the second love of her life.

- Her first kiss was in the choir room in 8th grade while practicing a song for the talent show. Uh-huh. Practicing.

- She prefers popcorn to chocolate.

- Kate went skydiving a few years ago. When they threw her out of the plane at 17,500 feet, she cried. She totally wants to go again.

- Halloween has special significance in her love story so she and Garrett went to three haunted houses on their wedding night. Sexy.

You should definitely go follow Kate’s sweet blog, Love Not Distance where she shares her triumphs and struggles as a young military wife. She makes me laugh and I love her honesty and practical applications of love.

Who’s inspiring YOU lately?

love, elizabeth

Independence Day: Still Fighting

Today I just wanted to take a minute to honor some of the veterans and service members in my life.

There are quite a few that aren’t pictured here, only because I didn’t want to include their photos without permission. Those include: my grandfather John F., Garrett, Kate W., Andy, Paco, Elizabeth R., Jimmy D., Ben C., Uncle Caleb, and Uncle Jonathan. 

Henry Alexander

United States Army, Company Clerk & Sniper

Elizabeth’s grandfather

Earl

United States Army, Field Medic

Kyle’s grandfather

 

Eric Henry (pictured right)

United States Navy, Second Class Petty Officer, Cryptologic Technician

Elizabeth’s father

Janet Elaine

United States Navy, First Class Petty Officer, Company Commander, Sailor of the Year

Elizabeth’s mother

Benjamin Eric

United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal, Cannoneer

Elizabeth’s brother (currently deployed)

 

Happy 4th of July to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their brave families! We love you! Come home safe.

Stay tuned for Kyle’s post tomorrow! Happy 4th!

For My Brother

I don’t have the emotional wherewithal to say what I really am feeling right now. Instead, I thought I’d post a few pictures of my brother and ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he deploys to places unknown (to us, anyway). My heart is with him and with the loved ones of all marines, soldiers, sailors, and pilots.

		Ben VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

May God send His angels to watch over them and keep them safely in His arms. Amen.