Kyle is Back!

The First 48 Hours

Kyle arrived early morning on the 18th. You can see a video of the unexpectedly short ceremony here if you like! We went to IHOP (as we do), and then back to the hotel where we decided not to sleep and just get on with the days activities. We visited our house, went fridge shopping, got a Christmas tree, sorted through Kyle's Army things, became super tired at various points of the day, got a few things for the house, got Kyle a beer with lunch, went to a different hotel in Killeen, and went to sleep around 7 or 8. Today we woke early and then took a nap. Once we were finally caught up on sleep, we went to have breakfast and headed to the base as Kyle had some Army things to do. This afternoon we drove to Austin to check out Kyle's motorcycle, only to find the shop was closed on Mondays. We did get to a motorcycle accessory shop, where Kyle found a helmet and leather jacket. He will be a super stylin' biker dude soon enough. Tomorrow Kyle has Army duties all day, and we've decided to leave the hotel and stay at our house, even though our things aren't due to arrive until Thursday, and our refrigerator next Monday (cable/internet this Friday, luckily). Looks like we'll be camping out on an air mattress for a couple days, and having Chinese on Christmas day! I couldn't be happier about it (well, only if the kittens were here too). 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Kyle Returns: the Redeployment Ceremony video

I don't know why they call it redeployment, because to me that means shipping them out again, but that's actually what they call our soldiers coming home from deployment. Kyle's ceremony was at 3 am on December 18th. I took a video to share!



- From the desk of Mrs. M

Going to get Husband!

They're already on the way, and the information has been online accessible for a while, so I think it is safe to say that Kyle is getting back at 3am tonight. I'll head to the base in the middle of the night for the ceremony and to pick him up! My stomach is in knots (I am really nervous). Merry Christmas! :)


- Mrs. M

A Little bit of Christmas

Getting a little bit of holiday cheer into the house before husband arrives! I apologize for all the glitter on the floor, Kyle.  Apparently Christmas brings out the Ke$ha in me. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

More House Photos

It's rainy here in Texas (apparently welcome, due to droughts people tell me), and our things haven't arrived yet (not until the 20th or 22nd, unfortunately), but I've been excited to start a little work and preparation on the house! You know, sitting on the floor in an empty house calling to sort out utilities, putting up a shower curtain, cleaning, envisioning. Here are some more pictures I took earlier today. 

living room and front door

living room, into kitchen

kitchen. not much, but it's big!

kitchen, into living room

room #1- office/spare room

room #1

hallway from room 1

bathroom

bathroom storage

bedroom

big backyard (to the line of trees)

back of the house

- From the desk of Mrs. M

The McPherson Abode: a first look

Yes, we found a place! Our own little rented house. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, garage, big back yard, big tree in front. I think it will be a great first house for us, and I can't wait for our things to arrive, and Kyle to arrive, so we can start to make the house a home, just in time for the holidays.

And then to bring the kittens down!

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Wedding Update!

With the big move and everything else going on, wedding planning has been put on the back burner, but it is still on! I met with Woodrings Floral actually the week before I left, and got flowers sorted out a bit. I am glad all my vendors know what they're doing and are so nice, it will make planning the rest of this thing from Texas much easier! I have most of the big things figured out: date, venue, dress, invites, colors, flowers, cake, catering, photographer, and a reception surprise booked. Now it will be the special, personal touches, fun activities, and other projects. And figuring out the guys attire. Oh, and figuring out how/what the vow renewal ceremony will be. We've got ideas, and it won't be your typical wedding, but there are logistics to work out with our idea. Luckily, though, Kyle will be back to help with the rest of the wedding! Here are some collages of my inspiration.

- From the desk of Mrs. M

A Long Drive

A few snapshots from the two day trip.* I passed through nine states. It was a smooth and clear drive; there was really only a some traffic at Birmingham and around Dallas. This was the second time I've made the trip myself, I'm getting to know the route pretty well. It really starts to look like the dry south as soon as you go over the Mississippi River and pass into Louisiana. Everything gets flat and sparse. Several questions did pop into my head during the drive, like why are there memorial highways, and how are they decided? For example, why was 59 through Alabama the Korean War Memorial Highway? I also think I should consider getting prescription sunglasses for driving; the double glasses alternative doesn't work super well. Mostly I would like to drive around at some point and get to make stops along the way; I passed Moundville, AL, and it was so tempting going off course, anthropology dork that I am. Kyle and I will be driving back up (and down) later in January; I'm not sure what route we will take, but here's the one I took (and quite like). 

*Also don't worry, I just held up the camera and pressed the button without looking, no planning or framing or attention away from the road. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

My first day in Texas

It went quite well actually! I managed to find the house I was checking out, and the Honda service center in Killeen! I did get a little bit lost once trying to find some food, but the streets and city layouts here are very different, at least to a new resident/Texas beginner like me. Everything seems to be off the highways, and there are one way roads running parallel to the highway, so you have to loop around and plan ahead and know where you're going more so than usual. People have been friendly so far. I think we will be taking up residence in Temple, which is about half an hour from Fort Hood. It is right on the highway between Waco and Austin, so easier access should I get into grad school. It was also highly recommended not to live in Killeen, the town right outside Hood, so this gives us some distance from all-military all-the-time.

Now that house hunting has started, I am hopeful we will be in a place in time to decorate a bit for Christmas! The sun has set so I'm enjoying the safe comforts of my hotel room, and gathering some holiday inspiration from where else, Pinterest. I am very much looking forward to a day of baking, decorating the tree, watching a Christmas movie, wrapping gifts, and enjoying a tasty beverage with my husband. Time to start our own traditions! Soon!

- From the desk of Mrs. M