It’s that time of year. When Marine wives ’round the globe don their gowns, fix their hair, and slip into their heels while their guys button their dress blue uniforms and polish their medals.
And those of us who are too cheap frugal to go have our hair and nails done by Those Who Know What They’re Doing… simply do our own hair and nails:
Notice, of course, that I’m only showing my left hand. I didn’t figure you’d want to see the large SMUDGE residing on my right thumb. Classy, that smudge.
Also, I don’t offer any close-ups of the hair. I don’t know that it’s necessary to tell the story behind the hair. The freaking out once I realized I had to leave my house in thirty minutes, the fact that the sparkly clips I’d bought weren’t working, the kids waking up cranky and one of them screaming inconsolably while I tried to finish my hair with one hand while holding said little one, the fact that John was already IN San Diego for a class and I had to get ready alone… it might all be a bit much for you to handle. It was a bit more than much for ME to handle.
How ’bout I just sum it up by saying this: Next time you’re going to your big formal event of the year, don’t attempt to get yourself, a two year old and a one year old ready on your own. The stress just might make you want to rip your hair OUT rather than position each curl.
But once we got to the fancy Hyatt in the downtown San Diego Gas Lamp district, it was worth it. Before we were even in the door, the proper valets parking our vehicle, the ladies in formal gowns walking below sparkling chandeliers, Marines standing tall in white gloves and hats.
The ceremony itself was the best we’ve ever been to. The color guard marching in behind two trumpets, a snare drum and an old bass drum (look closely in the center of the above picture and you can see them), the Marine Corps band playing–no canned music–the tribute to our fallen service members. All of it. Awesome.
Goose bumps, I’m telling you.
I love a formal place setting. It makes me want to talk softly, smile sweetly and take tiny, delicate bites.
That last bit? Not hard to do when the dinner salad is the largest course and the formality of the evening dictates the main course be about the size of a pea.
A very delicious pea, though, I must say.
We don’t usually stay too late at the Ball, as the later the hour, the more rowdy the crowd becomes. But it’s always great for me to meet and get to know the Marines John works with, especially the people deployed with him.
Although, I’d have to say the my favorite part is watching all John’s Marines when they talk to him.
“Happy Birthday, Gunny. Nice to meet you, Ma’am. Yessir, I’m doing well. Enjoying yourself, Gunny? Have a good evening, Gunny.”
I love the terror respect.
And then I think, “What on earth? I’m married to a Gunnery Sergeant? Seriously??”
Oh, and the other fun thing was meeting the husband of a blog reader. It’s always a wee bit shocking to have someone walk up to you as you meander through the large hall and say, “Oh, hello, my wife reads your blog.” But, hey, lots of fun. (Hi, Celeste!)
For whatever reason, we didn’t take a full-length picture of the two of us other than the professional shot we’ll have back in a few weeks. Which is a big ol’ bummer.
But here’s the report, according to Troy, just before we left he and Merritt with our good friends Nicole and Jason: “Mommy? You a princess? You go to the ball class like Cinderella? You go with Daddy? He be like Prince Charming?”
So there ya have it. Cinderella and Prince Charming. Minus the wicked stepmother and glass slippers.
But the very best part of it all was hanging on the arm of my very own Prince Charming. He was dashing in those Blues.
Goodness I love that guy.
Kelli says:
You two look stunning! And yes, you got the glass slipper. In fact, I think you have two, both inconsolable cause the most important womam ni their little lives went to the ball :)
Glad to see you smiling.
It’s a beautiful smile.
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November 9th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Erin says:
Did you do your own toe nails? They look so gorgeous!
(lol, did I just write about someone eles’ toe nails?)
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November 9th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Sarge Charlie says:
Happy birthday Gunny, you have a beautiful lady, you should be proud.
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November 9th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Anonymous says:
Beautiful pictures! No need to pay someone when you can doll up those toes yourself!
Wasn’t the live band great! We had them at ours as well; much better than canned!
Glad you guys had a great time.
Robin
had to post anonymous-forgot to login
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November 9th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Shari says:
A beautiful couple indeed!
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November 9th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Lara says:
Your love just shines!
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November 9th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
erica m says:
Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to see the full length ones!
As a mommy I know we don’t get all dolled up and out to fancy places much, but I think it makes us appreciate it that much more! I love walking into a place, leaning on hubby’s arm, feeling beautiful, and showing off my handsome fella. ;-)
The story about your little ones was too precious!!! Yes, mommy is a princess!!!
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November 9th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Chelsea says:
I’m jealous! I miss my man in those blues! They all look so good in them.
Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
You look gorgeous! And it sounds like you had a great time!
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November 9th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
Oh, how fun! I think you do look like Cinderella… the night looks like it was simply lovely.
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November 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Beth says:
You brought back a lot of memories. Of course, when my hubby and I went to the MC Ball, we didn’t have any kids…so we didn’t need to get home early…so we were part of that rowdy crowd…
Good times, though!
Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
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November 9th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Becky K. says:
You two look great!!!
I am so happy that things are back to some kind of “normal” for you.
I love reading your blog but don’t comment very often. Keep up the great work. You are a very good example of a Godly Wife and mother.
Becky K.
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November 10th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Lydia Grace says:
Aww, you look gorgious!
btw, I LOVE reading your blog! It’s prolly my fav. :) Your write well, and it always makes me laugh. :)
God bless
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November 10th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Mishel says:
Well, you did always want to be Cinderalla when you were little…and God gave you the perfect Prince Charming to make your dreams come true! Yeah, we love that guy too! : )
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November 10th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Kate says:
That last pic is absolutely priceless! :)
Too sweet!
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November 10th, 2008 at 8:41 am
bessie.viola says:
So much fun! Looks like you really don’t have to pay someone for the mani-pedi! You did a great job yourself.
Can’t wait for more pictures!
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November 10th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Steve n Vickie says:
Wonderful job on the nails. I remember when you did mine for James and Steph’s wedding. I tried it a couple of times, and let me tell you . . . you’re the true artist :D
Sounds like you had a fabulous evening. A couple steps up from your walmart date!!!
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November 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Anonymous says:
You two make a very beautiful couple! :) What an elegant evening ~ thanks for posting the pictures!
Brandi in WA.
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November 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
April says:
You are one hot mama, Ash. (Did I just say that?) You had better post that professional picture…I want to see the rest of your dress!
I never got to go to a ball…::sigh:: They had three every year in Iwakuni (Marine Corps, Navy, and Seabee), but I only got invited once, and it didn’t work out. :-(
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November 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
beautiful pictures… so thankful your guy is home so that you were able to enjoy the evening together. :):)
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November 10th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Tiffany says:
You two love birds are soooooooooo cute!!!!
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November 10th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
lady jane says:
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Happy Birthday to the Marine Corp!!! I’m so thankful for their service and dedication. :o)
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November 11th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Laural Out Loud says:
You looked beautiful! And way to go on the self given mani/pedi. I would’ve smudged more than just one finger.
Can’t wait to see your dress! Because you’re going to post the professional pic, right?
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November 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Bethanne says:
Please, I have to see the rest of your dress. I dream of being Cinderella and going to a ball. Maybe you could find me a Marine-:)
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November 11th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Rebekah says:
I absolutely LOVE ball season! I can’t wait for ours! His unit is on block leave until the end of next week, so I have to wait until the Monday before Thanksgiving … but at least we have one and I don’t have to go alone.
You guys look great!
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November 12th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Kimi says:
The ball always helps make the hard times worth it. It reminds me of what my husband stands for (and works those very long hours for) and how proud I am to be his wife (not that I need help remembering that). I started crying during the ‘fallen heroes’ portion of our ball (as did the other wives at our table). It had a more pronounced meaning to us this year, losing 3 of our own during this last, otherwise uneventful, deployment.
I’m glad you had a wonderful time, you guys look great.
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November 19th, 2008 at 12:20 pm