We had a Ball at the Air Froce Ball

I promised pictures so here you go...

Princess Di and her Prince Charming

This Cinderella had a Ball. My only goal was to dazzle my Prince and that I did... thanks to a little help from my fairy god mothers. I was totally pampered and loved every minute of it. Kent came home early to watch the kids and I left for Amy's house, she did my hair and Aleesha did my make-up. (Thanks Ladies - it was fun) When I returned home McKenna and Maggie were in awe. They said that I looked like a real princess and the only thing that could make the night better would be if Daddy picked me up in a coach.

Of course it was fun to get all dressed up and spend a wonderful evening with Kent but the events of the Air Force Ball were so much more than the dress, shoes, hair& jewelry (thanks mom and Joni:). I was honored to attend, help celebrate the 61st Birthday of the AF and pay tribute to the amazing men and women who protect and fight for our freedom. It was good to be reminded of their sacrifices, despite all the negativism on the news -there are thousands of families who have loved ones away at war and that I am thankful for. I loved feeling the patriotism burning in my heart as I stood for the for the National Anthem. The most memorable event of the evening was standing for a moment of silence and a toast in honor of the Fallen Soldiers, POW, MIA and those who were not in attendance with us. In the middle of the room stood this table - the ceremony of the "Missing Man" was remarkable. Each setting on the table was symbolic : The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers. The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, symbol of our continued anticipation of their return. A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's toast. The chairs are empty -- they are missing. Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America's POW/MIA and to the success of our efforts to account for them. http://www.aiipowmia.com/histories/histcere1.html

My heart went out to the table right beside us. There sat 7 single ladies, their husband's away at war deployed since April. One lady's comments were: "Many people ask if I have lost my mind - how and why do you do all the moving, packing and unpacking, deployments, being separated as a family - is it worth it? have you lost your mind?" Her reply: "No, I haven't lost my mind, I've lost my heart to a military man and I support him and love him for what he does for me and for all of us." Throughout the evening my thoughts kept turning to my incredible sister Jennifer. She is married to a Marine and together they have made many sacrifices, especially being separated as a family when duty calls, but never have I heard her complain. I am thankful for her example. She is my hero. I love you Jenn! Military runs deep on both sides of our family and we are proud to say we support the war fighter. My Dad is retired ARMY and all of Kent's family - Mom, Dad, brother and sister work up at H.A.F.B. It was fun to double with them.

Right before the stroke of midnight... and still having a ball. I didn't want the night to end. Although the magic never wears off the make-up does and the dress just is not condusive to live as a busy mother of four. S0 this Cinderella is back in rags but her head is still in the clouds.