Busy, Busy

I've been able to communicate frequently with Stuart via email and phone. As you can see from his pictures, he is very busy. My favorite picture is the one above where the young Marine is looking up to his CO. Stuart continues to assure me him and the Marines of 3/5 are successful in their missions. The deployment continues to move forward with good news of a tentative homecoming of late April/early May. I continue to support his efforts here at home. I've been quite busy myself with work, the Key Volunteer Network and the upcoming Holidays. I'm set to run my next half-marathon on January 20, 2008. I've been trying to fill up as much of my free time as possible and I think I may need to slow down just a bit. Stuart and I are very excited about 2008 and most of all, we look forward to spending time at home together.

Someone Got a Haircut...

When Stuart went to Iraq in July, he came home with an Iraqi haircut (mohawk style). This time, Stuart decided to shave his head! Oh well, I told him he has time to grow it out before he comes home ;o) I'm sure it's a lot easier not having a head of hair to worry about.

Happy Halloween

I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween, but so far I've received two treats for Halloween:

1) A Starbucks gift card from Mariglyn

2) FLOWERS!!! From my thoughtful husband. The best part was the card ;o)

Another Day

1Sgt Russi and Capt. Glenn pause to snap some photos. Stuart said he and the other Marines of 3/5 India Company have been working long days, sleeping few hours but seem to be in good spirits.

3/5 Families

Where does he sleep?

This is Stuart's room in Iraq. I wonder if it looked much different from his college days?

India Company

This picture was sent to me by Stuart just yesterday.

Pictured are 1Sgt Russi, Capt. Glenn, 1stLt Miller & Gy Hernandez

Reach for the Stars Gala

Went to visit the family in Texas for a short weekend. We attended the "CCISD Reach for the Stars" gala. Stephen gave a wonderful speech and had people laughing and crying (it wasn't that bad ;o) and at the end, a standing ovation.

We also tried to attend the Clear Creek/Clear Lake football game, but the rain prevented this San Diegan from staying until the end.

Looking forward to my next visit in November for Thanksgiving.

Deployment

Stuart and the rest of the Marines of 3/5 deployed on September 29, 2007. They successfully arrived in their area of operation in early October. Here is the address for Stuart during the deployment:

Capt. Glenn, Stuart W.

3/5 I CO

UIC 40385

FPO AP 96426-0385

Stuart has been very busy, working hard and adjusting to the deployment. He is doing well and appreciates all the support and prayers. I too have been adjusting to the deployment and keeping myself busy. I have been involved with the Key Volunteer Network for Stuart's battalion and the wives of 3/5 amaze me everyday. The wives and families have really come together during the separation and shown support for our Marines and each other.

Hodad's, Ocean Beach, CA

Best burgers in town! The Glenn Brothers posing in front of the Hodad's Burgers van(?).

Catch!

Frisbee on the beach! Ron and Stuart having some fun before Ron hops on a plane back to Texas. Stuart wasn't the least bit intimidated by the chilly water temperature.

Ron in San Diego

Before Stuart's deployment, Ron took a couple days off to visit his old stomping grounds, San Diego. The weather was great! We had a blast from riding bikes around the beach community, Pechanga Casino & Improv Comedy Club, great dinners, runs on the beach and quality time with family.

Stuart and I had such a wonderful time. I think we kept busy with all the activities we did from the Summer Pops Concert, Extraordinary Desserts, Camp Pendleton, the Wild Animal Park, Stu and Stephen ran on the beach and we watched "The Simpsons Movie." We are so glad that we had time with Stephen and Mariglyn before the deployment. The time went by so fast, but we loved every second of it.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

The weather had been hot and humid. Did Stephen and Mariglyn bring the Houston weather to San Diego? A lot of the animals were hiding including the Gorillas, which we really wanted to see. This is as close to the Gorillas as we got!

It is so great to have Stuart home. He lost 10 pounds while training in 29 Palms, CA, I'm sure he'll put on some weight with my home cooking! We are more in love than the day we said, "I Do!"

Iraq

Ian & Stuart in Iraq during the PDSS (pre-deployment site survey) in July. Ian is a friend from EWS.

Ian & Stuart:

*Went to EWS together-same conference group

*Both are stationed at Camp Pendleton

*Ian lives a hop, skip and a jump away from us (just across "Cat Alley")

*These two just happened to see each other in Iraq!

Off to Training

Stuart will be training in 29 Palms, CA until August 31, 2007. It is an intense training period for the Marines, but will be extremely beneficial during their deployment. The separation during the month brings a little bit of loneliness and tears, but knowing he's safe in the States brings comfort. I will have phone and email contact with Stuart during the training. Stuart always tells me how loved he feels and how great it is to know people pray and think of him.

A Day at the Tracks...Del Mar

Stuart decided it was time for me to have a horse race experience. Off to the Del Mar races we went! It was the perfect day by the coast. Since I had never bet on a horse before, I didn't know there were so many ways of placing bets. I really didn't have a strategy, so I just picked them by the names! Well, I must have had beginners luck, because each race I bet on, at least one of my horses won! Some of the names I picked were: Bro Lo, Spenditallbaby and Humbly Bumbly.

The Poblete's Visit San Diego

During Stuart's deployment, Dad and Gloria stayed with me for a few days. Having them around really helped pass the time until Stuart came home. We had so much fun and as Stuart noticed, we did a lot of shopping! The condo is finally coming together and with the help of Dad and Gloria, it is very clean!

He's Back!

Stuart arrived home safely on Tuesday July 24, 2007 after 2 1/2 weeks in Iraq. Now he will be training in 29 Palms, CA for a month, he is set to leave Monday July 30, 2007.

Just the Beginning

As Stuart tells me, "Our whole life together is a honeymoon!" And I couldn't agree more.

Last, but not least...

Cakebread Chardonnay! Thanks to Susann, Stuart and I were introduced to this Winery. This was our last stop on our Honeymoon Wine Tasting Adventure. We definitely saved the best for last. At least we came home fully stocked with Cakebread.

More Wine, Please

I just can't make up my mind. So many choices, so little time.

Stuart being silly as ever!

Bruno Benziger,USMC

Bruno Benziger, the founder of Benziger Wine, was also a Marine. The winery has two select labels vinted and bottled by the Benziger Family in honor of their Father, Bruno Benziger, USMC. Both bottles are marked with a photo of Bruno and headed as the "Marines' Memorial Club." We were fortunate enough to purchase two bottles.