It's taken me all weekend to get up the gumption to post these pictures. I really have gotten to where I don't like to have my picture taken. I figured out part of the problem. Now that I take A LOT of pictures I've learned that when I'm taking pictures of other people or inanimate objects, pretty much what I see is what shows up on the camera. When a picture is taken of me? Different story. What I see in the mirror is not what I see reflected in the photograph. I always look fatter (or more pregnant, whatever!), shiny, smiling too big, and like I am a deer caught in the headlights, just to name a few. Oh, and if the camera adds 10 pounds, the camera plus pregnancy adds 30!!! Add in my husband who has the I-can't-keep-my-eyes-open-for-the-flash disorder, and we have a hard time getting any pictures taken together.
Sooooo with that disclaimer, I present you with first, my unedited deer in the headlights look: (he's pretty cute though!)
I figure after that, the rest of these will look good (and I did edit the rest of them a bit, I hate glare-y indoor flash pictures.)
I was feeling pretty clever showing up with a dress I had made myself. When we sat down at our table the wife of one of hubby's colleagues commented on the fact that my dress was the same color as something her daughter wanted for a skirt. I told her she could get it at Joann's and she said, "Oh! You made your dress? So did I!" I commented that we were probably the only two people there who had made their dresses and we were sitting next to each other! What are the chances? Her's was cute, and now I wish I had a picture of it. It was black and red with some awesome black lace trim around the hem.
I thought it would be fun to give you a sneak peek at Marine Corps life. I know this is mostly a crafty, cooking, sewing blog - but this is a big part of my life and I thought those of you who aren't military might be interested to know what goes on at things like the ball, or
a deployment, and other things we end up doing.
This is the before we leave for the prom pose:
Notice the lightening bolt shaped glare running from my shoulder around my 'baby bump' - I thought that was hilarious!
And here are some things your princess-loving daughter might say before you leave:
"Mommy! You're wearing your princess things! Your dress, your earrings, your tights, your shoes."
"I like your earrings, they're sparkly."
"Daddy, are you wearing your prince clothes?"
"Are you going to dance with Daddy at the ball?"
This is part of the program from the ball with the schedule of events:
Here's a short little video of the March on the Colors (They avoided the chandeliers coming out, but weren't so lucky during the retiring of the Colors!).
The guest of honor was the father of the CEO of my husband's division. He was born in 1919 (that's right! 90 years ago!), fought in WWII and Korea. He was a cute little southern gentleman. It was amazing to think of all the stuff he'd done in his 90 years.
The next video is the cake detail bringing in the birthday cake. It was one of the prettiest cakes I've seen at a ball. My husband, much to his chagrin, was part of the cake detail. Which meant he had to stand at parade rest or attention during most of the program (~45 min). He's the one in the front on your right. I have to say, the Marine Corps must really love cake, these cakes get pretty special treatment, their own detail, song and cutting with a ceremonial sword. Unfortunately, I wasn't sitting in a very good spot for video or picture taking.
They have a tradition honoring the Guest of Honor, oldest Marine and youngest Marine in attendance. The Guest of Honor gets the first piece of cake then passes it to the oldest Marine who then passes it to the youngest Marine - signifying the traditions passed on from generations past. This year the Guest of Honor and oldest Marine were the same.
It's true the Marine's are the best dressed! Here is an up close of the company grade (2nd and 1st Lt. and Capt.) dress uniforms.
And here is a detail of the field grade officer (Major, Lt. Col. and Col.) uniform. I love the embroidery on the cuffs and the red cummerbund. I guess those cuffs are super expensive - it's rumored there is actual gold in the thread, but they might just say that to make them feel better about the price!
They always give the guests a birthday present - usually a mug or a glass or something.
Here we are after our delicious dinner.
A fun night for sure! Really, it's nice to just get dressed up and go out without the kids! Hope this was interesting and not a total bore. If you made it this far, thanks!
Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps!
