A Ranger School Valentine's Day

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day festivities. In the Army, this day sometimes lacks romance. Last year we just went to a nice dinner in Columbus, GA. I can't really remember the year before that...probably just another dinner. But our first Valentine's as a married couple I won't forget. I learned to shoot a 9mm that day. Oh yes, that's right. Our first Valentine's was spent with the ROTC at a firing range, and the Colonel taught me to shoot and take apart and clean my weapon. So romantic...(I was better than all those cadets too...Mike included.)

Yesterday, I received the best present. I finally got letters from Mike! He's doing good. He's cold and hungry, but he says so far it is easier than pre-ranger school. He has enjoyed the chaplain services. He says they are "a great break and time to refocus." He says he is waking up around 0430 and going to sleep at about 0230 with a night guard shift in the middle of sleeping. (That sounds really rough to me. I savor my eight hours a night.) He also spoke of an older gentleman (I'll leave age and rank to your imagination) that is in his squad. He is very impressed and encouraged with the gentleman's ability and strength. And then he went on some more about being cold and hungry and cold (poor guy.)

This morning I overnighted 3/4 a pound of chocolate, peanut butter fudge I found at a local candy store last night. He should get to have it on Friday, and I'm sure I'll win the best wife award. I did put a special note that he had to share. I know he could and would eat the entire thing himself. I can't wait to hear from him on Friday!!

Please continue to pray for his health and warmth and perseverance. As soon as I hear whether or not he passed this phase I will post mailing instructions and the current address.

Oddities of the Army

Thought I would share some weird happenings that unfortunately just aren't that odd when you're in the Army...

1. Unmarked government cars creepin' your neighborhood. Not a normal occurrence, but definitely one that is known for those of us tide to the military. Not a pleasant sight.

2. Gunfire. Yeah I didn't grow up in the hood so this sound doesn't make me hit the deck. Actually, quite the opposite. When I first told Mike that I found the pattern of gunfire comforting, he looked at me....well like I was crazy. I guess because I know its only the sound of our men training to protect us, I like it.

3. Your backyard being lit up by helicopters when you walk the dogs. Yeah, this one would freak me out a little if it didn't happen on a regular basis..like every week it seems.

If I wasn't in this Army life, I think I'd be a little paranoid. But all is normal in Proulxville.

**An update: Mike sent me a Valentine's gift while he was on pass this weekend. A Willow Tree figurine entitled "Angel of Prayer." He included a sweet note that said prayer is the answer to our infertility. Made me cry. This was a first for Mike. He has never been that sweet before. I love him. And thank you God for giving him a romantic heart for a brief moment.

Projects #1, 2 & 3

Well, at Christmas I promised I would share my new sewing machine with you.

Here it is and I LOVE IT! 

The Brother SE-400!!! (and Yes that's Ellie sleeping on the couch)

So this sewing machine is the best of both worlds. It has a ton of high end features and a nice price tag. The best part is the built in embroidery. I can plug in to my computer and download any design I find online...and yes I'm making great use of this wonderful machine.

Project #1:

The first thing I did with my new sewing machine was Greek Letter Shirts (for my sister, the ADPi.) I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't really know what I was doing, but I jumped in...like big cannon ball jumped in. I made 6 shirts in a couple of weekends! Here they are pictured below.

Project #2:

I made drapes for our huge kitchen window. We really needed them because it gets so hot with the sun shining in. Below is what I have done so far. I'm in the process of searching for some pretty sheers to go with. I'd love a splash of color, but I haven't found it yet. This was not easy. It took a lot of trial and error, but the final product looks great. Thanks to high quality lining from Textile Fabrics in Nashville, it looks great from outside too.

And last, but not least Project #3:

I made these this morning for a friend stationed at Ft. Bragg for Valentine's Day. Little Hallie Grace is going to love them!

As you can see I'm really enjoying my new hobby. I'm learning a lot very quickly. Mike is pretty impressed with me too. Applique is definitely my favorite by far. Thanks Aunt Paula for telling me I needed embroidery in my life. I have also been able to make some money from my new talent. All my sister's greek friends are now placing orders. Who new?!