Meeting with the Morales Family

Christy and me with adorable Matthew

We were thrilled when we found out some great friends were in town, visiting from their current home of London, England. Rich and Christy have been friends of ours since 2005, a friendship solidified during our shared 2006 deployment. Nate and Rich worked together on the 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division staff while Christy and I got to know each other back at home.

They recently adopted a beautiful little boy, Matthew. They are wonderful friends and amazing parents and we were thrilled to be able to catch up with them -- and meet their precious son -- on their Christmas trip-across-Texas.

Nate and Rich enjoy catching up.

Matthew enjoys lunch with Mom.

Matthew meets Leo, who is not concerned at all about his face being baby-smashed.

Trey enjoys reading with a new friend!

Matthew wrestles his dad for the camera.

Comments

TORCH and ADVON

Photo: ADVON returning from a year-long deployment. Okay, I have to admit that after 15+ years as an Army wife, I don’t know what ‘TORCH’ and ‘ADVON’ stand for. Something about advanced party … but there’s no ‘p’ for ‘party’ … so I just don’t know. I do, however, know what it means. It means your Soldier comes home FIRST!! We’ve never had the honor of either of those designations. My husband somehow manages to get himself into the ‘stay-behind-and-make-sure-all is-well-out-here’ job and comes home late or last. Not that I’m complaining, though, as I am happy these TORCH and ADVON folks get here and get the place ready for everyone else to come home. In a way, it’s reassuring to me. The wheels are turning, the process has begun … our unit actually is coming home and coming home soon! Homecoming becomes reality, not just a long-sought-after dream. It’s good to see our unit patch and our unit Soldiers back at home, on U.S. soil and on our Army installation. It’s heartening to w...

Keto Ham Soup

Using my Virginia country ham, I made a Keto Ham soup that I've been enjoying all week. Ingredients 2 x Kettle and Fire - Bone Broth Chicken - 16.2 fl. oz. each 2 cups Broccoli, raw, chopped 2 cups Cauliflower, raw, chopped 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup diced country ham 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. black pepper Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced green onion, chopped bacon, hot sauce, pico de gallo, etc, Instructions In large stock pot, boil both containers of bone broth. Add chopped, raw broccoli and cauliflower. Cover pot and steam for 5 - 7 minutes until soft. Use hand-held blender to mix vegetables. Add cream and spices. Slowly add in shredded cheese, stirring to help melt evenly. Once soup is blended and smooth, add diced ham. Serve with desired toppings.

The Change of Command Ceremony

Last Friday, my Family and I participated in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division change of command on Fort Hood, Texas. Hubby became the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and joined a wonderful group of "Red Dragon" Soldiers and Families. It's a dream come true for us ... one of those things you hope in the back of your mind you'll get to do one day, but know realistically that the chances are slim you'll get to do it. When I first saw his name on 'the list' that the Army publishes, I was elated for him. No one knows more than I do his passion for the Army and for the Soldiers in it. He is a wonderful leader and cares so much. We both knew that this would be the adventure of a lifetime. We explained this new job to our two boys (ages ten and six) as best we could and they kept saying, "We'll have 500 new friends on Friday!" as their summary of the discussion. =) The ceremony was amazing,...

Fabulous Army Life

Search This Blog