Virginia Thanksgiving

Jill and I couldn't make it out of town for Thanksgiving due to my work schedule, so we did our best to put on our own little feast. The menu featured steamed carrots, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, roast turkey, apple pie, and chocolate ice box cake. We did as much of it homemade as possible, including the ice cream, pie crust, rolls, and even the fried onions in the casserole. I don't think either of us realized how much time would be spent not only cooking, but also doing dishes constantly, Quite an experience!

Then today we got our Christmas decorations in line, though I feel a little bit like a sell-out since we got an artificial tree. It's not my best move ever, but it's more practical for us these next couple years.

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great!!

Now there are a couple of November birthday girls!!

Happy Birthday, ladies!

You heard right!

Well I know Mom beat me to the punch on this one, but I'll go ahead and throw in my two cents anyways. But, just so you know, all that was said is pretty accurate, so I'll try not to repeat too much.

As she said, I'll be heading to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, CA. Most often you'll find it written "3/5" (which is said as "three five"). So if you ever hear anyone talking about Marines and they say two numbers like that (e.g. "one two", "three nine", "one six", etc) they're talking about the battalion and regiment they're from. Currently there are 27 battalions of infantry Marines on active duty, but plans are already in effect for downsizing over the next couple years.

Their nickname Darkhorse comes from a former call sign for the unit. It used to be Consummate Professionals, but that changed in 2005 when a Marine who commanded the unit while that was their call sign passed away, so the name was changed to honor him. Their motto Get Some was coined during Vietnam. The insignia has three fleurs-de-lis in the top right to represent fighting in Belleau Wood in WWI, and five bamboo canes to represent fighting in Vietnam.

Jill, Ledger and I will be back in Indiana and Illinois over Christmas/New Year's, and will also be around for some time in January, too. We're looking into taking a house-hunting trip to CA for a few days in January so we can find a solid place to spend the next 2+ years.

Anyways, I don't want to keep rehashing all that was said, so let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to fill you in! We can't wait to see everyone next month!!!

Happy Birthday Jenna Lee

Happy 17th to Jenna Lee

Head West, Young Man

Eric has finally found out his future plans (sort of) with the USMC.
He should finish his current class just before Christmas, so he plans to spend 5 days in IN and then 5 days in Chicago!! Then,he has to report to his new duty station at Camp Pendleton, California by Feb 1, 2012.
That's right, Eric and Jill are moving to sunny southern California! He will be assigned to the Dark Horse Battalion or the 3/5. This group is an infantry battalion that lost the most members in Afghanistan of any other group in the last 10 years. Luckily, when Eric joins, their assignment will be a little different. In August 2012, he will be deployed (for the last time, hopefully) as part of a Marine Expeditonary Unit (MEU) in the western Pacific. Their main job is to be available if needed in that part of the world. Pray that it will be only humanitarian, not war.
We are hopeful that since this group suffered such losses, they will be kept from more fighting unless absolutely necessary. There are several videos, stories, etc about this group on the internet if anyone wants to read about their past.
Eric and Jill plan to DRIVE all their possessions cross country. The marines will pay for the move and Eric and Jill will be reimbursed. They expect 5 days on the road. Personally, I can't imagine this, but I know it's probably been done many times. I guess I'm getting too old to see the adventure in it. But, maybe with a motor home.............
Anyway, Eric will be gone 8-9 months, then he will only have 1 year left!!!!!
I want to rent a house out there next summer and am interested in who all would like to come. I want to get an idea of how big a house we will need.. I was thinking maybe June or July since Eric will be leaving in August. Let me know ASAP so I can find a house.