Blue Cord Ceremony and IBOLC Graduation

Shane recently got his Infantry Blue Cords and completed his Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course.  These were two important occasions and some of our main reasons for being at Ft. Benning, in Georgia.  Charlie company had their Blue Cord Ceremony, where everyone was in ASU's (the Army's dress uniform), and I was able to present him his cords during the ceremony.  The graduation was a separate ceremony the next morning.  I am proud to say that my hard working husband graduated in the top third of his class of 170 other elite men.  After 11/17 weeks separated in the field, running over a 100 miles, many celebratory welcome home pans of nachos, too many 4 am mornings to count, a all-to-well-known 60lb ruck, more push-ups than you can imagine, over 50 loads of dirty Army laundry, and 5 bucket fulls of tears later we are done with IBOLC!  Praise God, who gave us unimaginable strength to make it through this very difficult entrance into married Army life.  Now onto our next adventure together, Shane starts Ranger School Jan 1st.

Home Sweet Texas Home

While Shane was in the field for his final ftx, I was able to go home for a week.  I was so excited to be with my family again.  I have to say the week flew by, much faster than I anticipated.  We had a lot of fun times together, but definitely missed Uncle big (Emma's name for Shane) [to say she adores him would be quite the understatement].  Several trips to the farm, a lot of shopping with the girls, and some great family memories.  Shane and I can't wait to be back in Texas again next week!

My sweet brother convinced me to hold one of his roosters.  I was thrilled [okay terrified].

Emma the fairy and Aunt Whitney

My amazing sister and I roasting marshmallows

Uncle Joe and his sidekick.  He tells her to hold onto the "handles".

Emma spent the night with us one night and we stayed up late baking. [She loved helping]

Eating homemade cookies on the kitchen floor with Grammy and PawPaw.

Poor girl acting pitiful, icing her wounds from falling off the toilet. [the ice is on the wrong cheek]

I realized when I got home I had no pictures of little miss Cate and I.  See my my sisters blog for more of those sweet pictures.

A day of Christmas

 The Saturday after Thanksgiving Shane and I planned a Christmas day.  After breakfast he lit a fire in our fireplace for the first time.  We turned on the Christmas music, and started setting up the tree.  It was a fun day together decorating our home for the first time.  Here is a sneak peak into our newly transformed Christmas home.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given...

and the government shall be upon his shoulder...

and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor...

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Our first Thanksgiving

This was our first Thanksgiving as a married couple (and hosting family).  Although we wished we could have made the trip to Texas it just didn't seem practical with only 4 days, and Shane leaving the next day for 10 days in the field.  We stayed in Georgia, and Shane's mom, Bonnie visited, and brother, Ross came for the day.  All in all we had a great time, and it truly felt like the holidays having family around, and a big meal.  We have so much to be thankful for this year.  Shane and I went for a walk/run Thanksgiving morning together and were talking about even in the ups and downs we have so much to be thankful for.  Yes, it has been a challenging first six months of marriage, but also the best six months I could ask for.  God has provided above and beyond what we need and even want.  From our couches to our marriage we are beyond grateful to the Lord for his provision and protection this year. 

Shane and Bonnie in the kitchen discussing how to cook the Ham.

Ross and Shane Thanksgiving day!

Bonnie and her boys while we played scrabble and listened to the Texas A&M football game.