UPDATE!

As most of you know, Doug & I are newlyweds that have been living thousands of miles apart. Not fun at all! I will be moving to Hawaii to be with my husband THIS WEEK! This past month has been very stressful for both of us. Not only because we've been apart, but because all of the things we've had to take care of...

Getting our place in Hawaii was our first challenge. When the Marine Corps is paying for your housing, they must look over the agreement before they give you any allowance. Doug has taken care of all of that & we can move into our place now! It is a small place, perfect for the two of us. Our home is right behind a beautiful canal that leads right to Kailua beach! Our landlord has several kayaks that we can use to go down the canal... it's only a 15 minute trip to the beach. I can't wait to start picking out things for our place together. We've already been shopping for a couch, tables, dinnerware etc.

The most complicated part of this entire move has been getting my car shipped! We had to get his orders, letters of permission, and other documentation. We are still waiting on one more letter then I can take it to the Dallas shipping company. I'm praying that I can do this by Wednesday so I can be with my husband on Thanksgiving.

Another complication was getting my dog, P.nut, to Hawaii. Nutty would have to be quarantined for at least 5 days. If I didn't have every single medical document they needed or for some reason they couldn't scan his microchip, he would have to stay in a cage for 120 days! Nutty gets very depressed when he is alone, so I decided it was best to leave him on the mainland with my family. My mom & brother met me in Arkansas over the weekend to get him. Thank you guys so much! Although I knew it was the best thing for my dog, it was very sad & depressing. I finally smiled & told my mom that I was leaving my "small bald head to be with my big bald head" =). I kissed my Chihuahua's head and cried most of the way back to Texas. I'm embarrassed to say that it was a 7 hour drive! Anyone that has met P.Nut knows that we are very attached! I never go anywhere without him. But... it was something that had to be done to be with my husband.

Yesterday, I quit my job... I have been working there for over 2 years. It wasn't too difficult because I have wanted to get out of the oil & gas industry for awhile now. The pay was excellent... it helped me live on my own & pay for school... so I'm thankful for having that job, but I wasn't really happy sitting behind a desk every day. I'm simply not meant for a desk job! When I went to Hawaii for our wedding, I also had a job interview. I am now the gym manager, tumbling & cheerleading coach on base. I'm so excited to be doing what I love again! Doug is really happy about me coaching... I think mostly because he can play on the equipment LOL!

Before the wedding, I completed my massage therapy internship. But the hour requirements in Hawaii almost double the requirements in Texas. I may come back to the mainland at some point to get licensed and that will allow me to work on cruises. It's really not a priority right now... Doug & I just want to be together!

The day I married Doug, I realized that my entire life was about to change. Some things have to be put on hold or even left behind. Regardless of the changes and sacrifices, I'm so excited about this move! I can finally be a real wife! I will let you all know how the move goes & we will keep you updated after we are finally together as husband and wife!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hall

Wedding Photos by Barry Maier

Happy Veterans Day!!!

They Did Their Share

On Veteran's Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it's been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn't.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don't let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can't repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let's say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs

I would like to thank my HUSBAND, GRANDFATHER, UNCLE, SISTER-IN-LAW, COUSINS & MANY FRIENDS that have served our country. I appreciate all that you have done & all that you continue to do to protect our country & loved ones... THANK YOU!!!

God bless you & enjoy your VETERANS DAY!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hall

Marine Corps Ball 2008

The Marine Corps Ball was our very first event as husband & wife. It was an amazing evening. All of the Marine Corps spouses were asked to stand up at the ceremony... and I, for the first time, got to stand up as Doug's wife. It was a very special moment that I will never forget. We had our first dance as husband and wife & the song we danced to was "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. After the ball, we walked around town... the tourist seemed so amazed by my husband in his dress blues. Of course, I was just as impressed. I am so proud of my husband and everything he does for our country & for our family. Here are some photos from the Marine Corps Ball 2008...

Newlyweds ♥

We are married!!! Our wedding day was amazing! Our ceremony was at Sandy Beach in Hawaii at sunrise. Before it all began, it was raining! Both of us were starting to worry that the rain would never end, but it finally calmed down. It was only sprinkling when we saw each other for the first time that morning. After the rain, a beautiful rainbow appeared! It was so amazing to have it in the background of our wedding pictures, along with the white sandy beach & the ocean. It was all worth the rain! My husband, Doug, looked so gorgeous! I was completely mesmerized. We both couldn't stop smiling! Our vows were so meaningful to the both of us & our minister couldn't have chosen better words for our ceremony. There were lots of smiles & tears of happiness from the both of us. Our photographer took pictures for almost 7 hours! He did a wonderful job capturing our special day. We are still waiting on our professional photos, but they are coming soon! I am currently back in Texas, missing Doug like crazy! He has been training in Hawaii since the day I left (Wednesday) & won't be back until Saturday. I haven't gotten to talk to him since we had to seperate at the airport. I would like to take this time to thank everyone for all of their kind prayers. We feel truly blessed to have such amazing family & friends. We don't have the easiest marriage due to distance, and we really appreciate all of your support! I would also like to thank my husband for putting so much time & effort into planning our wedding. I know it was difficult doing everything on his own. I must say that I am beyond blessed to have such an incredible man as my husband. I am so excited to share life & eternity with him. Our journey is just beginning, yet we already have so many wonderful memories together. I love Douglas Allen Hall with everything that I am. With all of that said, here are a few snapshots from the big day...