The Army Ball was last night. I was able to pull together this great outfit with a little help from my friends (and some strangers too!) Thanks to
Lisa for the necklace that looked so great with my dress. Thanks to Joanna for the shoes and earrings. I wore the same shoes in her wedding a few years ago and they were too comfortable and matched too well for me not to ask to borrow them again! Thanks to Jo's sister Debbie who sent me the earrings that she had at her house because she had borrowed them from Jo for her college graduation. Thanks to Tisha @ the salon who put my hair up so nicely. Thanks to the nice lady in town who put this gorgeous dress in the consignment shop for only $32. And last, but not least, thanks to
Crest White Strips and
Spanx. Where would I be without my Spanx?!? ;)

We had a pretty good time and I am relieved to say that my social duties as a 1SG's wife are done until the Christmas party. (The boys and I are conveniently going to be in Missouri during the company picnic)

From left to right: CPT Will Jumper and Precious Jumper (B Co Commander), CPT Scott Starr and Jennifer Starr (A Co Commander), 1SG Eric Ludwigsen and Kelly Ludwigsen (B Co 1SG), Brian and me (A Co 1SG)

This is Scott, Brian and their senior drill sergeant, Drill Sergeant Furman. She is tiny, but tough! And smart. And nice. And very, very organized (which Brian loves!)

Here is a student taking pictures with Brian and Scott. They were like celebrities all night. Jennifer and I started teasing them about their paparazzi following.

Here are some classy examples of good Army soldiers!

Now we can focus on getting ready for our big trip. We're heading to Austin tomorrow and flying to New York from the Austin airport on Tuesday morning. We're really looking forward to a nice, long visit with my parents, my brother & his girlfriend. It's always great to be
home -- especially during the summer when the weather is pleasant (70's) and the snow is all gone!