Mrs. Baker...South Carolina's newest biology teacher!

What a week! After enjoying a few days of down time (or should I say days of running around like crazy trying to get things ready for the graduation weekend) with Blaine, we kicked off the weekend's festivities when my family arrived at the airport Friday (May 8th) afternoon for my graduation. Everyone was anxious to get to the beach house we rented on Isle of Palms to kick back, relax, and let the partying begin. The house was beautiful and just a short walk from the beach, which made for an awesome stay.

Friday night, we were lucky enough to have Cross Canadian Ragweed play just down the street from us at The Windjammer! The concert was great, and we were surrounded by family and lots of friends from our squadron. CCR is one of our favorite bands from the good 'ole Texas Country days...it's like they came here just for us!

Saturday was a day of relaxation, family, and friends...with a heart-felt toast led by Blaine, followed by an awesome pool/beach party! We are so blessed to have great family and friends..and even more grateful that many of them were able to join us on Saturday in celebration of my graduation. We enjoyed the pool and the beach...and later, the hot tub when Elijah figured out how to turn it on. :)

Sunday, the big day, was rainy and not so great for taking outdoor pictures. We managed to get a few indoors, though. The actual graduation ceremony was nice, and, although I won't admit it in person, I felt a great sense of pride as I walked across the stage. Another goal achieved! I was so thankful to have my family there with me on this important day. Thank you guys for being so supportive and loving!! I would not be where I am today without your influence on my life.

Degree in hand, and lots of goodbye hugs later, Blaine and I found ourselves enjoying the beach house...and the beach...and lots of mimosas with Jordan and Christina! Our "staycation" was great! We really felt like we had vacationed somewhere far away, while only being 30 minutes from home. I could get used to beach living...

Welcome Home Blaine!!

He's home!! Blaine came home today from his deployment to Southwest Asia. The past few days have been filled with excitement, nervousness, and just being anxious for today to come. I spent most of last night calling other spouses, updating them with the many time changes regarding today's homecoming. Not to mention the calls I made early this morning while getting ready, too. :) After all of the details were squared away, we all arrived at the passenger terminal on base about an hour before the plane's arrival. Some of the spouses brought food, but most of us were too anxious to eat, although the food was very yummy after the plane arrived and the butterflies were contained. I brought the makings for mimosas, which we discreetly poured so that the base personnel wouldn't spoil our fun! They were just what we needed while waiting!

It was so good to see Blaine walking toward me...one of my friends said she saw Blaine and turned around to look for me. She said I was jumping up and down and doing a little "dance"..,just full of excitement. It was fun to hear her account of our reunion. Maybe just as exciting as seeing your own husband, is seeing all of the other reunions. I really enjoy seeing those first hugs, especially from the children who haven't seen their parents in months.

It didn't take too long to get Blaine's bags before heading home. Blaze and Holly were SO excited to see him...they were jumping all over the place and couldn't get enough of him! It was so sweet. As predicted, I knew Blaine would want Wild Wings soon after coming home, so that's where we went for lunch. We are so happy to be back together...and we're looking forward to a couple of weeks of down time. Oh, what an awesome day!!

By the way, Blaine is sleeping right now. Otherwise, writing in our blog today would not be my first priority!