Thanksgiving Day 2011

Ian and I knew our Thanksgiving holiday was going to be a little different this year!  My kind of Thanksgiving does not involve palm trees or temperatures in the 70's.  We decided that it would be nice to invite some of Ian's friends from his Squadron to join us since they weren't going home for the holiday.  Let's just say these fine Airmen jumped at the chance to spend the day off base and to eat a home cooked meal!

Now, you have to understand how crazy our living situation is here in good old Biloxi MS.  Ian lives in a dorm room on base and I live in a studio condo about a mile down the road.  When I say studio condo I mean that it feels like a hotel room!  So naturally the thought of trying to entertain and cook for guests in such a small space and not having a full kitchen was shall we say, terrifying.  My "good hostess" alarms were going off like fireworks on the fourth of July.

I'm guessing that Ian saw the look of panic on my face as we were trying to plan this out because he quickly said "This is where we live, it will be great.  Everything will be fine and think about what a great story this will make.  Our first Thanksgiving together in crazy-town!"  Clearly he didn't see the fireworks.  But as always he knows how to keep me calm!

Once I started to think things through I remembered what Thanksgiving Day is all about.  I scolded myself for worrying about petty things instead of jumping at the chance to give.

After rearranging the furniture (as much as we could) and shopping for our Thanksgiving meal I started to feel better.  It was nice to have Ian home and helping in the kitchen.  It was a lazy day full of friends, family stories, xbox, and lots of good food.  There was a moment where I was so full of gratitude for every single blessing I had received, especially for my husband.  I'm grateful for his love and that he still leaves me room to learn and to grow.  Grateful for the best friend I've found in him!  Looking forward to the many Thanksgiving holiday's we will spend together.

"Hey good lookin' whatcha got cookin!"

Ian has mad turkey skills.

They guys hanging out watching YouTube videos.

Our friends John Ferencek and Andy Kahl.

Ian's turkey was delicious!

Dig in!

Thank You, Captain America!

A few weekends ago Ian & I watched the new Captain America movie.  It was pretty good, lost my attention at a few parts but sure, it was entertaining!

The real magic happened after the movie was over.  Ian said "I should start working out more."  Funny, because through the entire movie I was thinking the same thing about myself!

So the next day Ian spoiled me with a new pair of Nike shoes, and a new pair of work out pants.  I think I can really take working out seriously if it involves shopping!  Think about it.  New gym clothes when you start, then once you start to lose weight you will need an ENTIRE NEW CLOSET!  Deal struck.

But in all seriousness we just decided we wanted to look better and feel better about ourselves.  We have been going to the gym on base for 2 weeks now, and I'm pretty darn proud.  Not only do I have new found motivation to exercise but I get to spend more time with my husband during the week!

SO, THANK YOU, CAPTAIN AMERICA!

Beachin' Weekend

Four day weekend!

Ian and I had a great time yesterday while out with some friends.  We went to Applebee's for lunch where he and the other two Airmen received a free meal in honor of Veterans Day, then went to Krispy Kreme where they all got a free doughnut.  It was a riot.

Today we went to the LARGEST souvenir shop we had ever seen.  I wanted to buy a hermit crab but Ian wouldn't let me.  I'll get one someday!  This shop had everything you could possibly imagine.  Shot glasses to fudge, and sea shells to Justin Beiber (see below.)

Afterwards we drove to a local book store where we tried to find some of our favorite storybooks from childhood.  Ian read me "Strega Nona."  I loved it!  Due to the fact that my favorite storybook was first published in 1899, they are hard to come by.  We couldn't find it.  It's a story my Grandmother read to my siblings and I called "The story of little Black Sambo."  I hope to find a copy someday!

On the way home we stopped by the beach and took a walk on the pier.  Other than the fish guts, raw shrimp and bird smurd it was quite relaxing!  I think I'm going to miss the ocean.

For the love of all that is Xbox.

Before I met Ian I didn't know very much about video games.

Growing up my siblings and I weren't allowed to own a a game system of any kind, except for the occasional hand-me-downs from family or Gameboy's.  You know the ones that look like bricks?  I loved watching my brother's play the old games like Mario Brothers, Kirby, Duck Hunt etc but never payed a lot of attention.  Like I said, that was before Ian!  Today I'm much more educated on the latest in the gaming world.  

MW3 came out yesterday.  For those of you (like me) that aren't up to date with gaming lingo, MW3 is "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3."  I remember months and months ago sitting on the couch before Ian and I were married watching a preview for this game.  It's been a long time coming!

  So over the weekend we made sure to get the Mountain Dew and the Doritos so Ian could get double XP points. But you know what?  I don't mind the whole Xbox thing.  Ian has been working so hard in school and provided me with a "safety word" in case he's playing too much.  Hey, the man deserves it!  I think I can handle the "Mmmhmm sure honey"  and the "Yeah whatever you want" comments for a while.  Even though I know after he's done playing he won't remember our conversation.  Good thing I love him too much to take advantage of that!

Airman Lefler's Graduation/Our trip to Texas!

I'm a tad behind posting this...but better late than never!  Right?

Ian left for Air Force Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base on June 21st 2011, and graduated August 17th, 2011.  My sister and I flew to San Antonio Texas to attend graduation.  It was a long 8 1/2 weeks apart, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.  

We attended all the graduation events including the Airman's Run, the Coin Ceremony and the Graduation Parade.  Pictures below!  I must say my favorite part of our trip was the last evening we spent together.  Ian was allowed to leave on "Town Pass" to a local baseball game in San Antonio.  During the game the announcer asked all of the Airmen to stand.  As the entire stadium started to applaud the brave new Airmen so ready and willing to defend our country, I couldn't help but wipe a tear or two from my eyes.  I've never felt such pride and love.  I am so proud of my Airman!

Please forgive the video quality/shaking...our "real" camera died so I had to use my phone!

This was taken right before the Airman's Run, our first chance to see Ian!  We lined the streets to cheer for each squadron as they ran by in flight formation singing 'jodies.'  

Sahmi was a trooper, she was up really early everyday to support us!!!! That's hard for a 17 year old ;)

This is Ian's squadron, 324th, wearing their maroon T-shirts.

I actually got a picture of Ian by accident!  They all looked the exact same and it's hard to spot out your husband when they are running!  He is 2nd row from the right, 2nd in.

The Coin Ceremony, followed by Retreat-where we pay tribute to the flag.  The Coin Ceremony is where each Trainee is named Airman, and they receive their coins.

After the coin ceremony was over, we got our first opportunity to see each other.  I like to call this "The Hug."  An indescribable moment.

The Graduation Parade took place the next day where the Airmen "Pass in Review" and reaffirm their "Oath of Enlistment."  Ian's flight was carrying the flags.  Here, they are officially graduated.

The Airman's Creed

I am an American Airman.  I am a warrior.  I have answered my nations call.  I am an American Airman.  My mission is to fly, fight and win.  I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor.  I am an American Airman.  Guardian of freedom and justice, my nations sword and shield, its sentry and avenger.  I defend my country with my life.  I am an American Airman, wingman, leader, warrior.  I will never leave a wingman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail.  

Isn't he handsome in his Blues?

My Airman.

My Husband.

My hero.

...Newcomer..

I'm a newcomer.  I thought I had life figured out, thought I was somehow ahead of the game.  I was going through my life with this made up insight I thought I had, and then I hit a brick wall.   That brick wall's name is Ian Lefler.


Ian and I met at the end of Jan. 2011.  You know those cliche sayings like "When you know you know" and "I think I love you but I hardly know you" and yadda yadda?  This was nothing like that. 


It was worse!


I went home the night we met and argued with myself.  How could I possibly be feeling like this after just a few hours?  Do we really have that much in common or is he just trying to impress me? He couldn't possibly be that perfect for me.  And how could I even tell he was perfect for me after just a few days of talking and a few hours in person?!  It was insanity.  And I loved every second of it.


Needless to say I let my heart take over.  Ian let his heart take over.  


It kept getting better and better, things kept working out for us.  We felt like we had known each other for years after a couple short months.  He asked me to be his wife, and I said yes.  We were married on May 30th 2011.  


If you had asked me 6 months ago where my life would be today, it would have been 300 miles in a different direction.  It wasn't until I fell in love with Ian that I truly came to realize what life had in store for me.  


This is the start of our life together.  New tricks, new trials, and new things to overcome.  But with the tricks and the trials comes joy, enduring love, and a sense of who we really are.  And I wouldn't miss it for the world!